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The influence of carbon source on the cell surface properties (CSP) and the in vitro adhesion of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were investigated. Strains fermented glucose, fluctose, sucrose and lactose but not mucin, dextran and guar gum. Pie cell surfaces were hydrophilic, acidic and electron donating based on the microbial adhesion to solvent (MATS) test. In vitro mucin adhesion and Congo red binding (CRB) formation were dependent on the strain, growth media, and carbon source. Glucose at 150.0 g L-1 in the media enhanced the in vitro adhesion to mucin of yogurt starters but not in the "potentialprobiotic". Dextran at 5.0 g L-1 increased the adhesion in Lactobacillus plantarum (LPCH) and Streptococcus thermophilus (ST4), but not in Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (LB1). Hence, the adequate type and concentration of carbon source in the media can modulate the in vitro adhesion to mucin in the LAB strains tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vildagliptin is a potent and selective DPP-4 inhibitor that improves glycemic control in patients with T2DM by increasing both α- and β-cell responsiveness to glucose. In earlier studies enrolling patients with T2DM and baseline A1C of 7.5 to 11%, vildagliptin 100 mg daily was very well-tolerated and decreased mean A1C by 1% or more. However, despite current trends toward earlier and more aggressive intervention, patients with T2DM and only mild hyperglycemia are not well-studied. This 52-week, randomized study examined efficacy and tolerability of vildagliptin 50 mg qd (n = 156) vs placebo (n = 150) in patients with T2DM and mild hyperglycemia (A1C of 6.2 to 7.5%). All patients received lifestyle counseling at every visit. Standard meal tests were performed at baseline and endpoint and insulin secretion relative to glucose (ISR AUC[sub 0-2h]/glucose AUC[sub 0.2h]) was calculated as an index of β-cell function. At baseline mean age = 63.1 y (47% aged ≥65 y), BMI = 30.2 kg/m², FPG = 7.1 mM and A1C = 6.7%. Relative to placebo, vildagliptin significantly increased β-cell function (5.0 ± 1.2 pmol/min/m²/mM, P < 0.001), and decreased 2-h postprandial glucose (-0.9 ± 0.4 mM, P = 0.012) and FPG (-0.4 ± 0.2 mM, P = 0.032). In patients receiving vildagliptin, the placebo-adjusted change in A1C from baseline to endpoint was -0.3 ± 0.1% (P < 0.001). Endpoint A1C ≤6.5% was achieved by 45.1% and 21.6% of patients in the vildagliptin and placebo groups, respectively. Body weight decreased both in patients receiving placebo (-0.2 ± 0.3 kg) and vildagliptin (-0.5 ± 0.3 kg). One or more AE was reported by 73.1% of vildagliptin-treated patients and by 72.7% of those receiving placebo. One hypoglycemic event occurred in 1 patient receiving placebo and in no patient receiving vildagliptin. Conclusion: in drug-naive patients with T2DM and mild hyperglycemia, vildagliptin 50 mg qd is well-tolerated and decreases A1C primarily by improving β-cell function and decreasing postprandial glucose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vildagliptin is a potent and selective DPP-4 inhibitor that improves glycemic control in patients (pts) with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and moderate-to-marked hyperglycemia by increasing α- and β-cell responsiveness to glucose. This randomized, placebo-controlled trial was undertaken to assess the effects of vildagliptin 50 mg qd on model-assessed β-cell function during 52-wk treatment of pts with less advanced T2DM. The study enrolled 306 mildly hyperglycemic (A1C 6.2-7.5%) T2DM pts (baseline: mean age = 63.1 y, BMI = 30.2 kg/m², FPG = 7.1 mM and A1C = 6.7%). Standard meal tests were performed at Wk 0 and Wk 52; insulin secretion rate (ISR) was calculated by C-peptide deconvolution, and β-cell function was evaluated with a model that describes ISR as a function of absolute glucose levels (insulin secretory tone and glucose sensitivity), the glucose rate of change (rate sensitivity), and a potentiation factor. Vildagliptin significantly increased insulin secretory tone (+17%), glucose sensitivity (+40%) and rate sensitivity (+32%) (figure); the potentiation factor excursion during meals was unchanged. These enhancements were accompanied by a decrease in the glucose AUC[sub 0-2h] (between-group difference = - 1.7 ± 0.5 mM⋅h, P=0.002) and in A1C (between-group difference = -0.3±0.1%, P<0.001). Conclusions: in pts with mild hyperglycemia, improved β-cell function is maintained throughout 52-wk treatment and underlies sustained improvement in glycemic control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postprandial hyperglycemia is a hallmark of diabetes, and inhibition of key carbohydrate digestion enzymes such as α-amylase (α-AMY) and α-glucosidase (α-GLU) is an effective therapeutic target. A potential unexplored source of inhibitory compounds of these enzymes is Brassica oleracea var. capitata L (BOCE). This study explored the in vitro inhibition mechanism of BOCE and studied in silico the interaction of its compounds identified and quantified by UPLC-QTOF-MS on α-AMY and α-GLU. BOCE demonstrated IC 50 values of 3.08 mg/mL for α-AMY and 22.63 mg/mL for α-GLU, indicating competitive and mixed-type inhibitions, respectively. Untargeted metabolomics identified 21 compounds, primarily phenolic acids such as t-cinnamic, sinapic, and caffeoylquinic acid. In the targeted analysis, 11 compounds were quantified, mainly phenolic acids. The most impactful biosynthetic pathways identified were phenylpropanoids and brassinosteroids. In silico analysis revealed that for α-AMY and α-GLU, castasterone and 26-hydroxybrassinolide displayed the lowest binding free energies with specific hydrogen bond patterns to catalytic residues in the binding site, respectively. B. oleracea is a promising source of compounds with the ability to modulate key enzymes related to hyperglycemia. Specifically, compounds such as castasterone and 26-hydroxybrassinolide show potential against α-AMY and α-GLU inhibition, offering a novel approach to diabetes., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: α-Amylase (α-AMY) and α-glucosidase (α-GLU) inhibitors are important for controlling postprandial hyperglycemia (PHG). Bixa orellana (annatto) reported inhibitory activity against these enzymes because of its bioactive compound content. However, an understanding of its inhibitory mechanisms and metabolic profile is necessary to establish its therapeutic potential. The present study aimed to elucidate the inhibitory mechanisms of B. orellana extract (BOE) on α-AMY and α-GLU, identify and quantify its bioactive compounds using metabolomics (untargeted and targeted) analyses, and evaluate their interactions through in silico approaches., Results: BOE exhibited IC 50 values of 37.75 and 47.06 mg mL -1 for α-AMY and α-GLU, respectively, indicating mixed and competitive inhibition types. Thirty-six putative compounds were identified by untargeted metabolomics, mainly fatty acids (dethiobiotin, occidentalol, palmitic acid, norbixin, among others). The most significant biosynthetic pathways included secondary metabolites (unclassified), unsaturated fatty acids, phenylpropanoids and flavonoid metabolism. Eighteen compounds were identified and quantified by the targeted analysis, such as l-phenylalanine, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid and naringenin. In silico studies highlighted xanthoangelol, norbixin, myricetin and 26-hydroxybrassinolide as key compounds with the highest binding affinities to enzyme active sites., Conclusion: BOE effectively inhibited α-AMY and α-GLU, with gallic acid, naringenin, xanthoangelol, norbixin and 26-hydroxybrassinolide identified as key bioactive contributors. These findings provide molecular evidence of the inhibitory mechanisms of BOE and support its potential for PHG management and diabetes control. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.)

There is a growing market for craft beverages with unique flavors. This study aimed to obtain a palate-pleasing mead derived from Pichia kudriavzevii 4A as a monoculture. Different culture media were evaluated to compare the fermentation kinetics and final products. The crucial factors in the medium were ~200 mg L -1 of yeast assimilable nitrogen and a pH of 3.5-5.0. A panel of judges favored the mead derived from Pichia kudriavzevii 4A (fermented in a medium with honey initially at 23 °Bx) over a commercial sample produced from Saccharomyces cerevisiae , considering its appearance, fruity and floral flavors (provided by esters, aldehydes, and higher alcohols), and balance between sweetness (given by the 82.91 g L -1 of residual sugars) and alcohol. The present mead had an 8.57% v / v ethanol concentration, was elaborated in 28 days, and reached a maximum biomass growth (2.40 g L -1 ) on the same fermentation day (6) that the minimum level of pH was reached. The biomass growth yield peaked at 24 and 48 h (~0.049 g g -1 ), while the ethanol yield peaked at 24 h (1.525 ± 0.332 g g -1 ), in both cases declining thereafter. The Gompertz model adequately describes the kinetics of sugar consumption and the generation of yeast biomass and ethanol. Pathogenic microorganisms, methanol, lead, and arsenic were absent in the mead. Thus, Pichia kudriavzevii 4A produced a safe and quality mead with probable consumer acceptance.

This review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the pharmacological properties of mangiferin, focusing primarily on its bioavailability and mechanisms of action, and its potential therapeutic applications, especially in the context of chronic diseases. We conducted a comprehensive examination of in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as clinical trials involving mangiferin or plant extracts containing mangiferin. The primary source of mangiferin is Mangifera indica, but it's also found in other plant species from the families Anacardiaceae, Gentianaceae, and Iridaceae. Mangiferin has exhibited a myriad of therapeutic properties, presenting itself as a promising candidate for treating various chronic conditions including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, renal and pulmonary diseases, diabetes, and obesity. Despite the promising results showcased in many in vitro studies and certain animal studies, the application of mangiferin has been limited due to its poor solubility, absorption, and overall bioavailability. Mangiferin offers significant therapeutic potential in treating a spectrum of chronic diseases, as evidenced by both in vitro and clinical trials. However, the challenges concerning its bioavailability necessitate further research, particularly in optimizing its delivery and absorption, to harness its full medicinal potential. This review serves as a comprehensive update on the health-promoting and therapeutic activities of mangiferin., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

There is an expanding market for beer of different flavors. This study aimed to prepare a craft Belgian-style pale ale with a non- Saccharomyces yeast. Pichia kudriavzevii 4A was used as a sole starter culture, and malted barley as the only substrate. The ingredients and brewing process were carefully monitored to ensure the quality and innocuousness of the beverage. During fermentation, the yeast consumed 89.7% of total sugars and produced 13.8% v / v of ethanol. The product was fermented and then aged for 8 days, adjusted to 5% v / v alcohol, and analyzed. There were no traces of mycotoxins, lead, arsenic, methanol, or microbiological contamination that would compromise consumer health. According to the physicochemical analysis, the final ethanol concentration (5.2% v / v ) and other characteristics complied with national and international guidelines. The ethyl acetate and isoamyl alcohol present are known to confer sweet and fruity flavors. The sensory test defined the beverage as refreshing and as having an apple and pear flavor, a banana aroma, and a good level of bitterness. The judges preferred it over a commercial reference sample of Belgian-style pale ale made from S. cerevisiae . Hence, P. kudriavzevii 4A has the potential for use in the beer industry.

Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. is a pseudocereal with nutritional properties. Some bioactive peptides have been identified from amaranth protein isolates. The metabolic reactions developed during seed germination have produced different functional foods. The present research aimed to develop a non-dairy germinated amaranth-based functional beverage fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP) strain using Lacticaseibacillus casei Shirota (LCS) as control. The content of betalains (BT), total phenolic compounds (TFC), antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP), color changes, and scavenging bioactive peptides were determined. BT in the original base was significantly increased after fermentation by LP and LCS (from 1.276 ± 0.030 to 2.732 ± 0.196 and 1.904 ± 0.760 mg/100 ml, respectively). TFC increased after fermentation; however, no significant differences were found between the two strains (p > .05). The fermentation did not decrease the antioxidant content of the germinated amaranth base. However, a slight increase in the antioxidant capacity was found by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP in the beverage fermented by LP compared with the LCS one. Moreover, the peptidomic approach suggested 18 peptides with scavenging activity. Thus, a bioactive food product with antioxidant properties was obtained by germination of A. hypochondriacus and its subsequent fermentation by LP. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Non-dairy fermented beverages are novel carriers for probiotics and beneficial metabolites. This research evaluated the antioxidant and hypoglycemic activity of a fermented drink made with amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) and a potential probiotic strain (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum). The results led to conclude that it is possible to develop functional drinks with potential antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities and provide the biochemical basis for further research and development., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Cyperaceae are a plant family of grass-like monocots, comprising 5600 species with a cosmopolitan distribution in temperate and tropical regions. Phytochemically, Cyperus is one of the most promising health supplementing genera of the Cyperaceae family, housing ≈950 species, with Cyperus rotundus L. being the most reported species in pharmacological studies. The traditional uses of Cyperus spp. have been reported against various diseases, viz. , gastrointestinal and respiratory affections, blood disorders, menstrual irregularities, and inflammatory diseases. Cyperus spp. are known to contain a plethora of bioactive compounds such as α -cyperone, α -corymbolol, α -pinene, caryophyllene oxide, cyperotundone, germacrene D, mustakone, and zierone, which impart pharmacological properties to its extract. Therefore, Cyperus sp. extracts were preclinically studied and reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, neuroprotective, antidepressive, antiarthritic, antiobesity, vasodilator, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, and estrogenic biofunctionalities. Nonetheless, conclusive evidence is still sparse regarding its clinical applications on human diseases. Further studies focused on toxicity data and risk assessment are needed to elucidate its safe and effective application. Moreover, detailed structure-activity studies also need time to explore the candidature of Cyperus -derived phytochemicals as upcoming drugs in pharmaceuticals., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interests., (Copyright © 2021 Yasaman Taheri et al.)

Malvaceae family is typical from the Mediterranean region, contains 240 genera and more than 4,200 species. They are most commonly used as ornamental plants, although they can also be conceived as a food resource and remedy for various diseases, such as digestive, respiratory, genitourinary, throat infections, and skeletal and skin disorders, as also injuries where they are profoundly applied for skin care and as antiseptic and demulcent. They also possess diuretic, lenitive, spasmolytic, and laxative effects, besides to be used as antidiarrheal. Thus, the present review provides in-depth data on Malva spp. potential applications and phytochemical composition for food and pharmaceutical industries. Habitat and cultivation conditions and the clinical reports related to its biological effects are also emphasized. Malva spp. possess a wide variety of chemical constituents (such as polysaccharides, coumarins, flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins, terpenes, and tannins) found in different plant organs, especially in leaves and flowers, connected to their biological activity. In general, Malva spp. have rather moderate antimicrobial activity, high antiinflammatory and wound healing activities, strong antioxidant activity, and anticancer properties. Results from in vitro and in vivo experiments encourage more in-depth studies, namely clinical trials, towards to improve knowledge on the use of Malva spp. for the treatment of various health conditions in humans., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Every year, more than 500,000 new cases of cervical cancer are reported, making it the fourth leading cause of cancer globally. Although human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines show promise as a protective measure, HPV-related cancers remain a public health problem since the vaccines, which are only specific to certain viral types, are unavailable for mass distribution. Furthermore, the effects of toxicity following ionizing radiation therapy have reoriented views toward the search for radiosensitizers that can reduce toxicity as a consequence of decreased radiation doses. Here, we isolated ergosterol peroxide (EP) from Pleurotus ostreatus and purified it to test its potential effects in vitro. We thus observed that a gradual increase in EP dose correlates with a loss of viability in HeLa and CaSki cervical cell lines. Dose/response curves were constructed using cervical cancer cell lines, as well as normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The selectivity of EP in human lymphocytes and cervical cancer cell lines was tested, and no toxicity was found in normal cells. A combination of treatments revealed a radiosensitizer effect in HeLa cells, when measuring the exposure to EP followed by irradiation with 137Cs. Our findings suggest that EP may be effective as a radiosensitizer in treating cervical cancer.

Insects are part of the human diet in many parts of the world. Their nutritional value is widely recognized. Currently, most edible insects are harvested from the wild, although semi-domestication and indoor farming have increased insect availability and the sustainability of production. In traditional cultures, insects are processed in a number of ways (steaming, roasting, smoking, frying, stewing, and curing, among others) to improve their sensory and nutritional qualities as well as their shelf-life. In order to increase consumer interest in the West, various technologies have been developed that are aimed primarily at using insects as ingredients in a non-recognizable form, such as powders or flour. These technologies include drying (sun-drying, freeze-drying, oven-drying, fluidized bed drying, and microwave-drying) and new processing methods (ultrasound-assisted extraction, cold atmospheric pressure plasma, and dry fractionation) designed mainly for protein, fat, and/or chitin extraction. Insect-based ingredients are sold for the production of cookies, chocolates, tortilla-style chips, and other snacks. This review focuses on edible insect production, processing technologies, and commercialization using strategies ranging from traditional to novel as a sustainable approach for improving food security worldwide., (© 2019 Institute of Food Technologists®.)

Bovine α-lactalbumin (α-LA) was chemically modified by the covalent attachment of fatty acid residues of different length (lauroyl, palmitoyl, and stearoyl) to modify its functional and antioxidant properties. Structural changes, functional properties, and antioxidant capacity in the pH interval between 3 and 10 were analyzed. Surface properties were improved. The esterification increased the hydrophobic interactions leading to a reduction in the solubility dependent on the incorporation ratio of the fatty acid residues. Improvement in emulsifying, foaming, and antioxidant properties were observed when the length of the fatty acid chains was short and mostly at a basic pH. With these results in mind, experiments could be conducted for the technological applications of these derivatives in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Three halotolerant lactobacilli (Lactobacillus plantarum, L. pentosus, and L. acidipiscis) isolated from a ripened Mexican tropical cheese (double cream Chiapas cheese) were evaluated as potential probiotics and compared with two commercial probiotic strains (L. casei Shirota and L. plantarum 299v) from human origin. All the strains survived the in vitro gastrointestinal simulation from the oral cavity to the ileum. During the stomach simulation, all the strains survived in satiety conditions (60 min, pH 3.0, 3 g/L pepsin, 150 rpm) and only L. pentosus could not survive under fasting conditions (60 min, pH 2.0, 3 g/L pepsin, 150 rpm). All the strains showed a strong hydrophilic character with low n-hexadecane and a variable chloroform affinity. L. plantarum showed a mucin adhesion rate similar to that of L. plantarum 299v and L. casei Shirota, while L. pentosus and L. acidipiscis had a lower mucin adhesion. The isolated halotolerant lactobacilli exhibited similar antimicrobial activity against some gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens in comparison with the two commercial strains. In addition, the proteinaceous character of the antimicrobial agents against the most pathogenic strains was demonstrated. The compounds showed a low molecular weight (less than 10 kDa). Besides, L. plantarum and L. acidipiscis were able to produce the enzyme β-galactosidase. Finally, L. pentosus was able to deconjugate taurocholic, taurodeoxycholic, glycocholic, and glycodeoxycholic acids better than the two commercial strains analyzed. All these results suggest that the halotolerant lactobacilli isolated from this ripened Mexican cheese could be potentially probiotic. This is the first time that halotolerant lactic acid bacteria have been shown to have probiotic properties.

Objective: This study was conducted to characterize the effects of vildagliptin on beta-cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes and mild hyperglycemia., Design: A 52-wk double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study comparing vildagliptin (50 mg every day) and placebo was conducted in 306 patients with mild hyperglycemia (glycosylated hemoglobin of 6.2-7.5%). Plasma glucose and C-peptide levels were measured during standard meal tests performed at baseline, wk 24 and 52, and after 4-wk washout. Insulin secretory rate (ISR) was calculated by C-peptide deconvolution, and beta-cell function was quantified with a mathematical model that describes ISR as a function of absolute glucose levels (insulin secretory tone and glucose sensitivity), the glucose rate of change (rate sensitivity), and a potentiation factor., Results: Vildagliptin significantly increased fasting insulin secretory tone [between-group difference in adjusted mean change from baseline to wk 52 (AM Delta) = +34.1 +/- 9.5 pmol.min(-1).m(-2), P < 0.001] glucose sensitivity (AM Delta = +20.7 +/- 5.2 pmol.min(-1).m(-2).mm(-1), P < 0.001), and rate sensitivity (AM Delta = +163.6 +/- 67.0 pmol.m(-2).mm(-1), P = 0.015), but total insulin secretion (ISR area under the curve at 0-2 h) and the potentiation factor excursion during meals were unchanged. These improvements in beta-cell function were accompanied by a decrease in the glucose area under the curve at 0-2 h (AM Delta = -1.7 +/- 0.5 mm/h, P = 0.002) and in glycosylated hemoglobin (AM Delta = -0.3 +/- 0.1%, P < 0.001). None of the effects of vildagliptin remained after 4-wk washout from study medication., Conclusions: Consistent with previous findings from shorter-term studies in patients with more severe hyperglycemia, in patients with mild hyperglycemia, improved beta-cell function is maintained throughout 52-wk treatment with vildagliptin and underlies a sustained improvement in glycemic control. However, no effects remain after washout.

Twenty-six women (aged 26 to 60) with stress incontinence underwent urodynamic investigation before and after oral administration of 5 mg of midodrine, a new adrenergic agent with alpha-stimulant activity. A significant increase in maximum urethral closing pressure combined with a nonsignificant increase in flow time and maximum flow was observed after treatment.

84 prostatic tissue specimens consisted of 62 benign hyperplasias and 22 carcinomas have been studied regarding Lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes pattern. A consistent and definite shift of the LDH5 : LDH1 ratio has been found in carcinomas respect to benign hyperplasias.