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1.
BMC Health Serv Res ; 15: 307, 2015 Aug 05.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26239115

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: The objective of our study was to conduct a cost-effectiveness (CE) study of combined everolimus (EVE) and exemestane (EXE) versus the common clinical practice in Greece for the treatment of postmenopausal women with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer (BC) progressing on nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors (NSAI). The combinations of bevacizumab (BEV) plus paclitaxel (PACL) and BEV plus capecitabine (CAPE) were selected as comparators. METHOD: A Markov model, consisting of three health states, was used to describe disease progression and evaluate the CE of the comparators from a third-party payer perspective over a lifetime horizon. Efficacy and safety data as well as utility values considered in the model were extracted from the relevant randomized Phase III clinical trials and other published studies. Direct medical costs referring to the year 2014 were incorporated in the model. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis was conducted to account for uncertainty and variation in the parameters of the model. Primary outcomes were patient survival (life-years), quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), total direct costs and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER). RESULTS: The discounted quality-adjusted survival of patients treated with EVE plus EXE was greater by 0.035 and 0.004 QALYs, compared to BEV plus PACL and BEV plus CAPE, respectively. EVE plus EXE was the least costly treatment in terms of drug acquisition, administration, and concomitant medications. The total lifetime cost per patient was estimated at €55,022, €67,980, and €62,822 for EVE plus EXE, BEV plus PACL, and BEV plus CAPE, respectively. The probabilistic analysis confirmed the deterministic results. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that EVE plus EXE may be a dominant alternative relative to BEV plus PACL and BEV plus CAPE for the treatment of HR+/HER2- advanced BC patients failing initial therapy with NSAIs.


Assuntos
Androstadienos/economia , Anticorpos Monoclonais Humanizados/economia , Antineoplásicos/economia , Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/economia , Bevacizumab/economia , Neoplasias da Mama/tratamento farmacológico , Everolimo/economia , Androstadienos/uso terapêutico , Anticorpos Monoclonais Humanizados/uso terapêutico , Antineoplásicos/uso terapêutico , Bevacizumab/uso terapêutico , Análise Custo-Benefício , Everolimo/uso terapêutico , Feminino , Grécia , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Anos de Vida Ajustados por Qualidade de Vida
2.
Microb Ecol Health Dis ; 26: 23289, 2015.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25881620

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Oregano (Origanum vulgare), sage (Salvia officinalis), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) are aromatic plants with ornamental, culinary, and phytotherapeutic use all over the world. In Europe, they are traditionally used in the southern countries, particularly in the Mediterranean region. The antimicrobial activities of the essential oils (EOs) derived from those plants have captured the attention of scientists as they could be used as alternatives to the increasing resistance of traditional antibiotics against pathogen infections. Therefore, significant interest in the cultivation of various aromatic and medicinal plants is recorded during the last years. However, to gain a proper and marketable chemotype various factors during the cultivation should be considered as the geographical morphology, climatic, and farming conditions. In this frame, we have studied the antimicrobial efficiency of the EOs from oregano, sage, and thyme cultivated under different conditions in a region of NE Greece in comparison to the data available in literature. METHODS: Plants were purchased from a certified supplier, planted, and cultivated in an experimental field under different conditions and harvested after 9 months. EOs were extracted by using a Clevenger apparatus and tested for their antibacterial properties (Minimum inhibitory concentration - MIC) against clinical isolates of multidrug resistant Escherichia coli (n=27), Klebsiella oxytoca (n=7), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=16) strains by using the broth microdilution assay. RESULTS: Our results showed that the most sensitive organism was K. oxytoca with a mean value of MIC of 0.9 µg/mL for oregano EOs and 8.1 µg/mL for thyme. The second most sensitive strain was K. pneumoniae with mean MIC values of 9.5 µg/mL for thyme and 73.5 µg/mL for oregano EOs. E. coli strains were among the most resistant to EOs antimicrobial action as the observed MICs were 24.8-28.6 µg/mL for thyme and above 125 µg/mL for thyme and sage. Most efficient were the EOs from thyme followed by those of oregano. CONCLUSIONS: With MIC values above 150 µg/mL, sage EOs did not show any antibacterial efficiency against the majority of the strains. However, no significant differences were observed concerning the antimicrobial action of all EOs originating from irrigated versus non-irrigated cultivated aromatic plants.

3.
Biomolecules ; 14(6)2024 May 24.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38927023

RESUMO

This study utilized phytochemical screening to conduct the qualitative analysis of plant extracts, aiming to identify various classes of secondary metabolites. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of different types of Oregano vulgare and Salvia triloba extracts was determined. To achieve the aim of this study, aqueous, ethanolic, and enzymatic extracts were prepared and screened for phytochemical capacity and antioxidant activities. The determination of the antibacterial activity included phenotypic screening of antibiotic susceptibility pattern of oral and food pathogenic bacterial strains, determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration-via microdilution broth test and in vitro valuation of antibacterial efficacies-of the anti-biofilm properties of the studied herbal extractions. Results: Our study evaluated the phytochemical composition and the antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-biofilm properties of O. vulgare and S. triloba extracts. The analyzed samples contained bioactive compounds, such as phenolics and flavonoids, contributing to the observed strong antioxidant effect. Furthermore, they exhibited notable activity against oral biofilm formation and demonstrated significant antibacterial efficacy against dental caries' microorganisms as well as food pathogens. Despite methodological variations, all extracts showed significant antioxidant capacity and promising antibacterial activity against various pathogens, including resistant strains, while also inhibiting biofilm formation. Although limited to two plant species and facing methodological constraints, this study lays the groundwork for future research, indicating the therapeutic potential of O. vulgare and S. triloba extracts. Further exploration is needed to report on underlying mechanisms and validate efficacy through clinical trials.


Assuntos
Antibacterianos , Antioxidantes , Biofilmes , Cárie Dentária , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Origanum , Extratos Vegetais , Salvia , Origanum/química , Salvia/química , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/química , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Antibacterianos/química , Biofilmes/efeitos dos fármacos , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Antioxidantes/química , Cárie Dentária/microbiologia , Cárie Dentária/tratamento farmacológico , Compostos Fitoquímicos/farmacologia , Compostos Fitoquímicos/química , Bactérias/efeitos dos fármacos , Humanos , Microbiologia de Alimentos , Flavonoides/farmacologia , Flavonoides/química
4.
Foods ; 13(7)2024 Apr 08.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38611440

RESUMO

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are widely applied for fermentation purposes in dairy and non-dairy food matrices with beneficial technological and health-promoting properties. This study describes the effect of two lactic acid bacteria, namely, Lactiplantibacillus paracasei SP5 and Pediococcus pentosaceus SP2, on the phenolic profiles, antioxidant activities, total phenolic content (TPC), carotenoid content, and sensorial profile of two different mixed fruit juices. After 48 h of fermentation, both LABs retained viability over 9 Log CFU/mL in both juices. The TPC, zeaxanthin + lutein, ß-carotene content, and antioxidant activity (AA) were elevated for both LABs and mixed juices after 48 h of fermentation compared to control samples. Regarding the phenolic profile, both juices exhibited a significant decrease in chlorogenic acid levels, while quinic acid and tyrosol concentrations showed notable increases.

5.
Foods ; 12(17)2023 Aug 26.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37685151

RESUMO

Global food safety and security are key principles to be followed in the context of the implementation of food safety management systems. The objective of this paper is to assess the contemporary developments of Food Safety Management System standards (FSMS) worldwide and to identify the primary constraints and advantages associated with their implementation by small and medium-sized enterprises across different regions. The effectiveness of these systems has also been evaluated. 116 case studies have been employed across developing and developed regions worldwide across 27 primary food sectors. After the implementation of FSMS, there was a significant increase in the percentage of companies that have implemented the international FSMS, both in developed (16.7% to 63.9%) and developing countries (26.6% to 48.1%). Certification has also increased from 34.2% to 59.6% in the total sample, namely from 33.3% to 61.1% in developed countries and from 34.6% to 59.0% in developing countries. There was a significant increase in medium vs. small company size (57.1% to 62.3%, p = 0.046), only in developing countries. Food safety culture and manager leadership implementation were increased to over 80% after FSMS implementation in both developed and developing countries (p < 0.001). Training, resources, and technology adequacy were also increased in all companies (p < 0.001).

6.
Antioxidants (Basel) ; 12(5)2023 May 18.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37237979

RESUMO

New types of sourdough breads are proposed, made with freeze-dried sourdough adjuncts based on: (i) Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum ATCC 14917, a potential probiotic (LP) alone or (ii) with the addition of unfermented pomegranate juice (LPPO) and (iii) pomegranate juice fermented by the same strain (POLP). Physicochemical, microbiological, and nutritional characteristics (in vitro antioxidant capacity, AC, total phenolics, TPC, and phytate content) of the breads were evaluated and compared with commercial sourdough bread. All adjuncts performed well; the best results being those obtained by POLP. Specifically, the highest acidity (9.95 mL of 0.1 M NaOH) and organic acid content (3.02 and 0.95 g/kg, lactic and acetic acid, respectively) as well as better resistance to mold and rope spoilage (12 and 13 days, respectively) were observed for POLP3 bread (sourdough with 6% POLP). Significant nutritional improvements were observed by all adjuncts, in terms of TPC, AC, and phytate reduction (103 mg gallic acid/100 g, 232 mg Trolox/100 g, and 90.2%, respectively, for POLP3). In all cases, the higher the amount of adjunct, the better the results. Finally, the good sensory properties of the products indicate the suitability of the proposed adjuncts for sourdough breadmaking, while their application in freeze-dried, powdered form can facilitate commercial application.

7.
Int J Food Microbiol ; 386: 110022, 2023 Feb 02.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36436411

RESUMO

In the present study, wine-based marinades containing ethanolic extract from pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), alone or in combination with two Essential Oils (Thyme & Oregano), were used for pork fillets marination and their antimicrobial activity, as well as their sensorial impact were evaluated. Likewise, the marinades exhibited promising results concerning their recorded antimicrobial activity versus Enterobacteriaceae, Total Mesophilic Bacteria, Yeasts/molds, Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp. & Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB). The outcome demonstrated that pork fillets marinated with wine containing ethanolic extract of pomegranate and Oregano Essential Oil were more resistant to spoilage compared to all other samples; thus, their shelf-life was significantly extended (4 days in some cases). Triterpenes (maslinic, oleanolic and betulinic acid), monoterpenes (p-cymene, carvacrol, thymol, limonene), organic acids (citric & malic acid) and phenols, were the main constituents found in the plant extract, the wine and Essential Oils applied, as determined through LC-QTOF/MS and HPLC analysis. Additionally, the sensorial properties (color, tenderness, flavor and juiciness) of the marinated meat samples were not negatively influenced. Consequently, marinades of this type could be used as natural preservatives in meat products, with satisfying antimicrobial and organoleptic results.


Assuntos
Anti-Infecciosos , Óleos Voláteis , Origanum , Punica granatum , Carne de Porco , Carne Vermelha , Thymus (Planta) , Vinho , Animais , Suínos , Óleos Voláteis/farmacologia , Óleos Voláteis/análise , Carne de Porco/análise , Conservação de Alimentos/métodos , Carne/microbiologia , Vinho/análise , Carne Vermelha/análise , Anti-Infecciosos/farmacologia , Anti-Infecciosos/análise , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia
8.
Microorganisms ; 12(1)2023 Dec 28.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38257885

RESUMO

The rising demand for novel antibiotic agents prompts an investigation into natural resources, notably plant-derived compounds. In this study, various extracts (aqueous, ethanolic, aqueous-ethanolic, and enzymatic) of Rosa damascena and Hypericum perforatum were systematically evaluated against bacterial strains isolated from dental lesions (n = 6) and food sources (raw milk and broiler carcass, n = 2). Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), antibiofilm activity, and time-kill kinetics were assessed across a range of extract concentrations, revealing a dose-responsive effect. Notably, some extracts exhibited superior antibacterial efficacy compared to standard clinical antibiotics, and the time-kill kinetics demonstrated a rapid elimination of bacterial loads within 24 h. The susceptibility pattern proved strain-specific, contingent upon the extract type, yet all tested pathogens exhibited sensitivity. The identified extracts, rich in phenolic and polyphenolic compounds, as well as other antioxidant properties, contributed to their remarkable antibiotic effects. This comprehensive investigation not only highlights the potential of Rosa damascena and Hypericum perforatum extracts as potent antibacterial agents against diverse bacterial strains including caries pathogens, but also underscores their rapid action and dose-dependent efficacy. The findings suggest a promising avenue for harnessing plant-derived compounds in the development of novel antimicrobial strategies against dental caries and other oral inflammations, bridging the gap between natural resources and antibiotic discovery.

9.
Foods ; 11(6)2022 Mar 18.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35327283

RESUMO

Herbal and plant extracts are being applied for a wide range of foods against different types of food-borne pathogens. In the present study, ethanolic and aqueous extracts (2% w/v) from cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) plants were applied alone or in combination with two essential oils (thyme and oregano in a concentration of 0.150 µg/g) in pork meatballs and their antimicrobial activity was estimated. The extracts exhibited promising results (aqueous and ethanolic extracts of pomegranate and cranberry in a food-compatible concentration of 2% w/v) were applied to raw pork meatball production and their antimicrobial activity was recorded versus Enterobacteriaceae, total mesophilic bacteria, yeasts/molds, Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp. and lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The outcome demonstrated that meatballs containing aqueous extracts of pomegranate were more resistant to spoilage compared to all the other samples since they were preserved for more days. The chemical profiles of plant extracts were determined through LC-QTOF/MS and the chemical composition of the essential oils applied was determined with the use of GC/MS in order to identify the substances involved in the observed antimicrobial activity. Phenolic acids (quinic acid, chlorogenic acid), monoterpenes (p-cymene, carvacrol, thymol, limonene), organic acids (citric acid) and phenols were the main constituents found in the plant extracts and essential oils applied. These extracts of plant origin could be used as natural preservatives in meat products, even in low concentrations.

10.
Front Microbiol ; 13: 922689, 2022.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35783439

RESUMO

The Lacticaseibacillus paracasei species is comprised by nomadic bacteria inhabiting a wide variety of ecological niches, from fermented foodstuffs to host-associated microenvironments. Lc. paracasei SP5 is a novel strain, originally isolated from kefir grains that presents desirable probiotic and biotechnological attributes. In this study, we applied genomic tools to further characterize the probiotic and biotechnological potential of the strain. Firstly, whole genome sequencing and assembly, were performed to construct the chromosome map of the strain and determine its genomic stability. Lc. paracasei SP5 carriers several insertion sequences, however, no plasmids or mobile elements were detected. Furthermore, phylogenomic and comparative genomic analyses were utilized to study the nomadic attributes of the strain, and more specifically, its metabolic capacity and ability to withstand environmental stresses imposed during food processing and passage through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. More specifically, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZymes) analyses provided evidence for the ability of the stain to utilize an array of carbohydrates as growth substrates. Consequently, genes for heat, cold, osmotic shock, acidic pH, and bile salt tolerance were annotated. Importantly bioinformatic analysis showed that the novel strain does not harbor acquired antimicrobial resistance genes nor virulence factors, in agreement with previous experimental data. Putative bacteriocin biosynthesis clusters were identified using BAGEL4, suggesting its potential antimicrobial activity. Concerning microbe-host interactions, adhesins, moonlighting proteins, exopolysaccharide (EPS) biosynthesis genes and pilins mediating the adhesive phenotype were, also, pinpointed in the genome of Lc. paracasei SP5. Validation of this phenotype was performed by employing a microbiological method and confocal microscopy. Conclusively, Lc. paracasei SP5 harbors genes necessary for the manifestation of the probiotic character and application in the food industry. Upcoming studies will focus on the mechanisms of action of the novel strain at multiple levels.

11.
Anticancer Res ; 42(2): 1031-1041, 2022 Feb.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35093904

RESUMO

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to provide real-world safety and effectiveness data of everolimus (EVE) plus exemestane (EXE) in estrogen receptor positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (ER+/HER2-) advanced breast cancer (aBC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted by 19 hospital-based oncologists in Greece. Eligible patients were treated with EVE+EXE in the first-line setting; EVE was initiated according to the approved label. RESULTS: Overall, 75 eligible patients (mean age: 66.9 years; visceral metastases: 49.3%; bone-only metastases: 37.3%) were included in the effectiveness analyses. Over a median (interquartile range) of 12.1 months (range=4.2-20.5 months) of EVE treatment, the median progression-free survival was 18.0 months and the overall response rate was 22.7%. Among patients that received ≥1 EVE dose (n=80), the incidence of EVE-related adverse events was 72.5% (serious: 55.0%); stomatitis (22.5%), fatigue (22.5%), pneumonitis (18.8%); and cough (18.8%) were the most common. CONCLUSION: In the routine care in Greece, EVE demonstrates clinical benefit and a predictable safety profile.


Assuntos
Neoplasias da Mama/tratamento farmacológico , Everolimo , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/tratamento farmacológico , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/uso terapêutico , Neoplasias da Mama/epidemiologia , Neoplasias da Mama/metabolismo , Neoplasias da Mama/patologia , Quimioterapia Adjuvante , Progressão da Doença , Esquema de Medicação , Efeitos Colaterais e Reações Adversas Relacionados a Medicamentos/epidemiologia , Everolimo/administração & dosagem , Everolimo/efeitos adversos , Feminino , Grécia/epidemiologia , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Metástase Neoplásica , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/epidemiologia , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/metabolismo , Pós-Menopausa , Receptor ErbB-2/metabolismo , Receptores de Estrogênio/metabolismo , Receptores de Progesterona/metabolismo , Análise de Sobrevida , Resultado do Tratamento
12.
Oncol Lett ; 23(1): 23, 2022 Jan.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34868360

RESUMO

Prognostic and predictive biomarkers are being studied for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. The present study retrospectively assessed the mRNA expression of HER family receptor ligands and of other potential prognostic biomarkers and their association with time to progression (TTP), survival and clinicopathological characteristics in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) treated with trastuzumab. A total of 145 tumour tissue samples were analysed. mRNA expression analysis of the transcripts of interest was performed and the association of these markers with selected clinicopathological parameters was examined. HER2 status was centrally re-evaluated. Only 67.6% of patients were truly HER2-positive according to the central HER2 re-evaluation. Heparin binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor, transforming growth factor ß1 (TGFB1) and thyroid hormone receptor α (THRA) mRNA expression was higher in HER2-positive patients (P=0.026, P<0.001 and P<0.001). Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4 was correlated with retinoic acid receptor α, TGFB1 and THRA (rho=0.45, rho=0.60 and rho=0.45). In HER2-positive patients, high neuregulin 1 and high betacellulin were unfavourable factors for TTP [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.78, P=0.040 and HR=2.00, P=0.043, respectively]. In patients with de novo MBC, high EGF expression was associated with a non-significant prolongation of TTP (HR=0.52, P=0.080) and significantly longer survival (HR=0.40, P=0.020). The present study examined clinical and biological implications of specific genes and it was concluded that their expression has an impact on the outcome of trastuzumab-treated patients with MBC.

13.
Foods ; 10(3)2021 Feb 24.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33668353

RESUMO

Herbal and plant extracts are being applied to a wide range of foods against different types of foodborne pathogens. In the present study, ethanolic and aqueous extracts of different concentrations (5% v/v, 10% v/v, and 20% v/v) from cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), and pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) plants were applied in five concentrations (62.5 to 1000 mg/mL) against foodborne strains of Staphylococcus aureus,Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus pyogenes. The results revealed that a low concentration of solvents (5% v/v) did not exhibit decreased antimicrobial activity in comparison with higher solvent concentrations (10% and 20% v/v). Additionally, both aqueous and ethanolic extracts were highly effective against pathogens even in their low concentrations (62.5 mg/mL and 125 mg/mL). Likewise, the extracts exhibited promising results (aqueous extracts of pomegranate, cranberry, and black chokeberry in a food-compatible concentration of 2% w/v) were applied to raw pork meatball production, and their antimicrobial activity was recorded versus Enterobacteriaceae, total mesophilic bacteria (TMB), lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., and yeasts/molds. The outcome demonstrated that meatballs that contained aqueous extracts of pomegranate were more resistant to spoilage compared to all of the other samples, as it was preserved for more days. Likewise, these extracts of a plant origin could be used as natural preservatives in meat products, even in their low concentrations.

14.
Foods ; 10(7)2021 Jul 06.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34359441

RESUMO

Oregano honey is an exceedingly rare and distinct product, not commercially available, produced by bees bred in oregano fields of alpine altitudes at the mountainous area of Epirus, Greece. In ethnic popular medicine, this product is used as a therapeutic in various gastric diseases. To test this hypothesis, 14 strains of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), 6 isolated from gastric ulcers and 8 from cases of clinical gastritis, were employed in the present study. The above bacterial strains were exposed to various concentrations (75% v/v, 50% v/v, 25% v/v, 12.5% v/v, and 6% v/v) of 50 oregano honey samples by using the agar well method and the inhibition zones observed around each well were recorded. Although the inhibitory zones of the H. pylori isolated from the gastric ulcers were wide enough (0-34 mm), those strains, in general, appeared more resistant than the other eight (0-58 mm). The same result was observed when the same strains were tested against six antibiotics used in clinical practice. Extracts of oregano honey were prepared by extraction with four different organic solvents. N-hexane and chloroform extracts had the most potent antibacterial action. Finally, pure oregano honey and diethyl ether extracts of honey showed significant inhibitory activity against urease secreted by the pathogen. These results strongly indicate the susceptibility of H. pylori strains to the oregano honey by more than one mode of action. Consequently, this variety of honey seems to have potential therapeutic properties against gastric ulcers and gastritis, thus explaining the preference of the locals towards this traditional remedy.

15.
Foods ; 10(4)2021 Apr 03.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33916805

RESUMO

On the frame of this research survey, a novel potentially probiotic strain (Lactobacillus paracasei SP5) recently isolated from kefir grains was evaluated for chokeberry juice fermentation. Chokeberry juice was retrieved from the variety Aronia melanocarpa, a plant known to provide small, dark berries and to be one of the richest sources of antioxidants. The juice was subsequently fermented inoculating L. paracasei SP5 for 48 h at 30 °C. The fermented juices were left at 4 °C and tested regarding microbiological and physicochemical characteristics for 4 weeks. The potentially probiotic strain was proved capable of performing lactic acid fermentation at 30 °C. Cell viability of L. paracasei was detected in high levels during fermentation and the whole storage period, while the fermented juice showed higher levels of viability in juice with 40.3 g/L of initial sugar concentration. No ethanol was detected in the final fermented juice. Fermented chokeberry juice was characterized by aromatic desirable volatiles, which were retained in adequate levels for the whole storage period. Specifically, the occurrence of organic esters detected in fermented juices is considered as positive evidence of the provision of fruity and floral notes to the final product. During storage, total phenolics content and antioxidant activity were observed in higher levels in fermented chokeberry juice compared with non-fermented juice. Subsequently, fermentation of chokeberry juice by potentially probiotic lactic acid bacteria could provide high industrialization potential, providing the market with a nutritional beverage of good volatile quality with an enhanced shelf-life compared with an unfermented fresh juice.

16.
Biomedicines ; 8(12)2020 Dec 11.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33322295

RESUMO

Κefir is a rich source of potentially probiotic bacteria. In the present study, firstly, in vitro screening for probiotic characteristics of ten lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from kefir grains was performed. Strain AGR 4 was selected for further studies. Molecular characterization of strain AGR 4, confirmed that AGR 4 belongs to the Lactobacillus paracasei (reclassified to Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei) species. Further testing revealed that L. paracasei AGR 4 displayed adhesion capacity on human adenocarcinoma cells, HT-29, similar to that of the reference strain, L. casei ATCC 393. In addition, the novel strain exerted significant time- and dose-dependent antiproliferative activity against HT-29 cells and human melanoma cell line, A375, as demonstrated by the sulforhodamine B cytotoxicity assay. Flow cytometry analysis was employed to investigate the mechanism of cellular death; however, it was found that AGR 4 did not act by inducing cell cycle arrest and/or apoptotic cell death. Taken together, these findings promote the probiotic character of the newly isolated strain L. paracasei AGR 4, while further studies are needed for the detailed description of its biological properties.

17.
Microorganisms ; 8(5)2020 May 11.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32403327

RESUMO

Lactobacillus paracasei K5 is a lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strain that has been isolated from dairy products. Previous studies have established its probiotic potential in a series of in vitro tests, including molecular characterization, safety profiling, and tolerability of the gastrointestinal tract conditions. To characterize its beneficial actions on the host, we have shown previously that L. paracasei K5 adheres to Caco-2 cells and exerts anti-proliferative effects through the induction of apoptosis. In the present study, we focused on the immunomodulatory potential of this strain. We employed the dorsal-air-pouch mouse model of inflammation and recorded an eight-fold increase in the recruitment of immune cells in mice treated with the probiotic strain, compared to the control group. Analysis of the exudates revealed significant changes in the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators on site. Treatment of Caco-2 cells with L. paracasei K5 induced significant upregulation of cytokines interleukin-1α (IL-1α), ΙL-1ß, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), the chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 2 (CXCL2), and the inflammation markers soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM) and metallopeptidase inhibitor-1 (TIMP-1). Transient induction of the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 2, 4, 6, and 9 expression levels was recorded by real-time PCR analysis. These results highlight the immunomodulatory potential of this strain and further support its probiotic character.

18.
Food Chem ; 308: 125658, 2020 Mar 05.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31655475

RESUMO

The recently isolated Lactobacillus paracasei K5 (a potential probiotic) was immobilized on delignified wheat bran (DWB) and was used to produce a functional pomegranate beverage. Fermentations were carried out for 24 h at different pH values (3.3, 3.6, and 3.9), and the fermented juices were stored for 4 weeks at 4 °C. In all cases, the immobilized biocatalyst was shown to be efficient for pomegranate juice fermentation, as indicated by analysis of sugars and organic acids, and ethanol production was maintained at low levels (0.5-1% v/v). The sugars consumed during fermentation were used mainly for cell mass production, while DWB exerted a prebiotic effect, protecting and enhancing the viability of L. paracasei. Optimum viability (9.8-11.7 log cfu/mL) was achieved at pH 3.9. The phenolic content and headspace volatiles were increased after fermentation and storage (112 ±â€¯17-213 ±â€¯30 mg GAE/100 mL and 27-46 compounds, respectively), indicating potential to produce good quality, synbiotic pomegranate beverages.


Assuntos
Bebidas/análise , Fermentação , Sucos de Frutas e Vegetais/análise , Punica granatum/metabolismo , Simbióticos , Biocatálise , Fibras na Dieta/metabolismo , Fenóis/análise , Probióticos/análise , Açúcares/metabolismo
19.
Foods ; 8(1)2019 Jan 21.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30669666

RESUMO

In the present study the effect of innovative biocatalysts as starter cultures in sourdough bread making was explored. The biocatalysts consisted of Lactobacillus paracasei K5 and Lactobacillus bulgaricus ATCC 11842 (in single and mixed form), immobilized on delignified wheat bran (DWB), and freeze dried without cryoprotectants. The parameters monitored were physicochemical characteristics, mold and rope spoilage appearance, volatile composition, and organoleptic characteristics. Results obtained showed that both biocatalysts exhibit good fermentative activity. However, the best results were achieved when freeze-dried immobilized L. paracasei K5 was applied as a single culture. In particular, the produced bread had a higher acidity (8.67 mL 0.1 N NaOH) and higher organic load (2.90 g/kg lactic acid and 1.11 g/kg acetic acid). This outcome was the main reason why this bread was preserved more regarding mold spoilage (14 days) and rope spoilage (12 days), respectively. In addition, the employment of freeze-dried immobilized L. paracasei K5 led to bread with better aromatic profile in terms of concentrations and number of volatile compounds produced as gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis proved. Finally, no significant differences were observed through sensorial tests. Last but not least, it should be highlighted that the used microorganisms were cultured in cheese whey, minimizing the cost of the proposed biotechnological procedure.

20.
Food Chem ; 271: 259-265, 2019 Jan 15.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30236675

RESUMO

The novel Lactobacillus paracasei K5 strain, recently isolated from Greek cheese, was evaluated as potential sourdough bread starter. Breads were made using different amounts of L. paracasei sourdoughs as well as traditional sourdough for comparison. Quality characteristics of the breads (acidity and rising) were examined, as well as rope spoilage through macroscopic observations and molecular analysis (PCR-DGGE). The highest acidity levels (3.15 g lactic acid and 1.13 g acetic acid per kg of bread) and better resistance to rope spoilage were observed when bread contained 30% w/w L. paracasei K5 sourdough. Spoilage in the L. paracasei K5 breads was observed at 15-16 days, 5 days later than the control breads. In addition, L. paracasei K5 sourdough improved the bread sensory properties, as reflected by consumer preference and GC/MS analysis of aroma volatiles. Therefore, L. paracasei K5 can be successfully used for sourdough bread making with good quality and extended shelf-life.


Assuntos
Pão/microbiologia , Pão/normas , Lacticaseibacillus paracasei/fisiologia , Ácido Acético , Fermentação , Ácido Láctico
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