Ameliorative Effect of Banana Lectin in TNBS-Induced Colitis in C57BL/6 Mice Relies on the Promotion of Antioxidative Mechanisms in the Colon

Background: The global burden of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, is constantly rising. As IBDs significantly reduce patients’ quality of life, prevention and efficient treatment of IBDs are of paramount importance. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying IBD pathogenesis are still not completely understood, numerous studies indicate the essential role of oxidative stress in the progression of the diseases. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether prophylactic administration of recombinant banana lectin (rBanLec) could positively affect antioxidative mechanisms in the colon and thus prevent or alleviate the severity of experimental colitis induced in C57BL/6 mice. Methods: The prophylactic potential of rBanLec, a mannose-binding lectin with immunomodulatory properties, was investigated in a model of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in C57BL/6 mice. Mice received rBanLec at various doses (0.1, 1 and 10 μg/mL) before the induction of colitis. The severity of the disease was assessed by weight loss and reduction in colon length, and correlated with histopathological findings, cytokine milieu, and oxidative stress markers in the colon. Results: The obtained results revealed that pretreatment with a low dose of rBanLec (0.1 μg/mL) significantly reduced the severity of TNBS-induced colitis, as indicated by reduced weight loss, less severe histopathological damage, and a favorable anti-inflammatory cytokine milieu (increased IL-10 and TGFβ). In addition, rBanLec pretreatment improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GST) and reduced markers of oxidative stress such as nitric oxide levels at the peak of the disease. In contrast, higher doses of rBanLec exacerbated inflammatory responses. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that at low doses rBanLec can alleviate the severity of colitis by modulating oxidative stress and promoting anti-inflammatory cytokine responses, positioning rBanLec as a potential candidate for treating IBDs

Isolations and Characterization of Novel Bacterial Species from Cyprinus Carpio and Its Use in Biodegradation of Polystyrene with Emphasis on SDG 3 for Ensuring Healthy Lives and Well-Being for All Humans and Animals

Objective: This research aims to investigate the feasibility of employing beneficial bacterial species present in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in order to biodegrade microplastics (MP), which can provide healthy lives for both humans and animals.   Theoretical framework: the main concept in this research is that the bacterial communities found in (GIT) of both people and animals can produce beneficial effects. Microorganisms that are beneficial to the host and are typically found in GIT are generally referred to as probiotics: Method: The 16S rRNA sequencing method was utilized to determine the species present in the bacterial community of Cyprinus carpio. The novel species Hafnia parallel UUNT_MP29 was utilized to conduct the biodegradation investigation. PS was used as the sole source of carbon. Discussion and the Results: During the PS batch experiment, this strain reached its highest point on the fifteenth day, displaying an incubation rate of 1.3x108 CFU/mL. Following that, the microbe entered a stationary phase, which it remained in until the experiment was finished on the 20th. According to the results, this strain appears to be a new indigenous variation capable of biodegrading PS compounds. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by discovering bacterial species from common carp that have the potential to degrade PS. The possible application of Hafnia paralvei UUNT_MP29 in the rehabilitation of wastewater polluted by microplastics demonstrates the significance and utility of this research

Identification and Characterization of New Hafnia Strains from Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio), Potentially Possessing Probiotic Properties and Plastic Biodegradation Capabilities

Finding and characterizing new bacterial strains, including probiotic strains, is a crucial task in today’s world to expand the genetic data pool and identify new genes. In this study, we investigated the gut microbiota of one industrial species, Cyprinus carpio, and identified representatives of various microbial genera, including Citrobacter, Serratia, Bacillus, Enterococcus, and Kocuria. Notably, we discovered two strains of Hafnia with potentially probiotic properties. We conducted next-generation sequencing (NGS) of these strains, described their antibiotic resistance and antibacterial activity, and compared them with other representatives of the Hafnia genus. These strains, characterized by rapid growth, the presence of the ClpB heat shock protein gene, and genes associated with microplastic degradation, provide a promising basis for further research, including studies on their potential application in plastic biodegradation

What story do antibodies tell: Population immunity of Belgrade residents as a guide for future steps

U okviru projekta „Procena imuniteta stanovnistva na vakcinama preventabilne i druge infekcije u populaciji stanovnika grada Beograda”, sprovedena je seroepidemiološka studija preseka s ciljem procene seroprevalence IgG antitela na morbili virus, mumps virus i rubela virus. Analizirani su uzorci seruma 2533 dobrovoljaca, raspoređenih u devet starosnih kategorija (1–70+ godina), primenom standardizovanih ELISA metoda. Rezultati su pokazali varijabilne nivoe seropozitivnosti u zavisnosti od vakcinalnog statusa i starosne kohorte. Ukupna seroprevalenca morbila iznosila je 74,7%, s visokim nivoima u dece (90,7%) i starijih osoba (98,4%), dok je najniža detektovana bila u grupi od 30–49 godina. Procenat seropozitivnosti na rubelu bio je 94,8%, sa ujednačenom raspodelom među svim starosnim grupama. Seroprevalenca mumpsa iznosila je 85,1%, s najnižim vrednostima kod dece uzrasta 1–5 godina (76,1%) i najvišim kod starijih ispitanika (92,6%). Rezultati ukazuju na solidan kolektivni imunitet populacije Beograda, ali i na potrebu za revakcinacijom ili dodatnim epidemiološkim merama medju pojedinim grupama, posebno u kontekstu malih boginja kod odraslih srednje dobi i zaušaka kod dece. Neophodna je kontinuirana procena efikasnosti vakcinacije i sprovođenje ciljanih imunizacionih strategija kako bi se očuvao kolektivni imunitet i smanjio rizik od izbijanja epidemija. Zaključci ove studije mogu doprineti optimizaciji nacionalnih programa imunizacije i definisanju adekvatnih javnozdravstvenih preporuka.As part of the project “Assessment of Population Immunity to Vaccine-Preventable and Other Infections in the Population of Belgrade”, a cross-sectional seroepidemiological study was conducted to evaluate the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against measles virus, mumps virus, and rubella virus (MMR). Serum samples from 2533 voluntary participants, distributed across nine age categories (1– 70+ years), were analyzed using standardized ELISA methods. The results revealed variable levels of seropositivity depending on vaccination status and age cohort. The overall seroprevalence of measles was 74.7%, with high levels detected in children (90.7%) and older adults (98.4%), while the lowest seropositivity was observed in the 30–49 age group. The seropositivity rate for rubella was 94.8%, with a uniform distribution across all age groups. The seroprevalence of mumps was 85.1%, with the lowest values recorded in children aged 1–5 years (76.1%) and the highest in older adults (92.6%). The results indicate a solid level of herd immunity in the population of Belgrade but highlight the need for revaccination or additional epidemiological measures among certain groups, particularly regarding measles immunity in middle-aged adults and mumps immunity in children. Continuous assessment of vaccination efficacy and the implementation of targeted immunization strategies are necessary to maintain herd immunity and reduce the risk of epidemic outbreaks. The conclusions of this study may contribute to the optimization of national immunization programs and the development of appropriate public health recommendations

Insights into Isolation and Purification Strategies of Egg Allergens

Eggs are a great source of protein in the human diet. They are consumed in tens of millions of tons globally per year. In addition, egg proteins, which are known food allergens, are included in many food products due to their excellent techno-functional properties. Hen’s eggs are the most consumed, but other edible avian eggs are occasionally used as gourmet ingredients or delicacies. With a high presence in the food market, the risk of accidental exposure to egg allergens is high. Hen egg allergy ranks among the top three food allergens in infants and young children. The complex structure and similar physicochemical properties of egg proteins limit their separation and purification, making further research challenging. Egg composition is influenced by age, disease, medicine, and environmental stress, and the target protein is often present in negligible amounts or polymorphic forms. To investigate the immunoreactivity of proteins from eggs of different bird species, it is necessary to consistently and quantitatively extract and purify proteins while avoiding harsh conditions. The conformational shape of allergens is impacted by denaturation, which can remove or expose IgE-binding epitopes and change the allergenic potential of proteins. This review presents findings from a literature survey on the isolation and purification strategies utilized for egg allergens from culinary-relevant bird eggs

Probiotic Supplementation Improves Hematological Indices and Morphology of Red Blood Cells and Platelets in Obese Women: A Double-Blind, Controlled Pilot Study

Background/Objectives: The prevalence of obesity worldwide has rapidly increased. Numerous studies showed a beneficial effect of probiotics in obese individuals, and changes in hematological parameters are observed in obesity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a novel probiotic approach on the red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets. Methods: Twenty-five obese women participated in a randomized, placebo-controlled study and were divided into the experimental group (one capsule daily containing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v (DSM9843), Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii, and 40 mg octacosanol; n = 13) and the placebo group (n = 12). Blood samples were collected for light microscopic examination, morphometric analysis, and an automated hematology analyzer. A possible relationship between hematological parameters and body mass index (BMI), a common indicator of obesity, was investigated using Spearman correlation. The plasma concentration of soluble P-selectin and fibrinogen were determined using an ELISA assay. All measurements were performed before (T0) and after 12 weeks of supplementation (T1). Results: The three-month supplementation of probiotics improved hemoglobin levels, chromic status, and red blood cell morphology. The mean platelet volume (MPV), a measure of platelet size, was restored to normal levels, platelet morphology was improved, and the number of activated platelets was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). A strong negative correlation (r = −0.5904, p < 0.05) was found between BMI and platelet distribution width (PDW), a measure of variation in platelet size and shape. Conclusions: The results show that the probiotic approach improves morphology and normalizes the values of disturbed hematological parameters of RBCs and platelets in obese women

Memantine reduces the expression of IFN-gamma and IL-17 by CD4+ t cells in aged EAE rats

The average age of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has risen in recent decades. The incidence of late-onset MS has also increased. More than half of people living with an MS diagnosis are over 55. Ageing affects the composition and function of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), regardless of whether they are expressed on neuronal or immune cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of memantine, a non-competitive NMDAR antagonist, on CD4 + T lymphocytes in young and aged rats immunized for experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Memantine was administered by oral gavage to 3- and 24-month-old female Dark Agouti rats for 7 consecutive days from the first day post-immunization (dpi) or from the 7 th dpi. Mononuclear cells were isolated from the lymph nodes draining the site of immunization or the spinal cord and analysed by flow cytometry. A histopathologic analysis of the spinal cord was performed. Memantine administration more effectively reduced the mean neurological score and histological score in aged rats. Memantine reduced the expression of IFN-gamma and IL-17 by CD4 + T lymphocytes derived from draining lymph nodes or the spinal cord to a greater extent in aged rats. On the other hand, there was no difference in apoptosis of CD4 + T lymphocytes between control and memantine-treated young rats, whereas apoptosis of these cells was significantly reduced in memantine-treated aged rats. NMDARs have a greater effect on IFN-gamma and IL-17 synthesis by CD4 + T cells and apoptosis of these cells in aged than in young EAE rats

Amino Acid Substitutions in Bacteriocin Lactolisterin BU Reveal Functional Domains Involved in Biological Activity Against Staphylococcus aureus

The emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens has driven the development of novel antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as therapeutic alternatives. Lactolisterin LBU (LBU) is a bacteriocin with promising activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus. In this study, we designed and evaluated a panel of amino acid variants of LBU to investigate domain–activity relationships and improve activity. Peptides were commercially synthesized, and their effect was evaluated for minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), hemolytic activity, cytotoxicity, in vivo toxicity, and virulence modulation. AlphaFold3 structural prediction of LBU revealed a four-helix topology with amphipathic and hydrophobic segments. Helical wheel projections identified helices I and IV as amphipathic, suggesting their potential involvement in membrane interaction and activity. Glycine-to-alanine substitutions at helix I markedly increased antimicrobial activity but altered toxicity profiles. In contrast, changes at helix junctions and kinks reduced antimicrobial activity. We also showed differential regulation of virulence genes upon sub-MIC treatment. Overall, rational substitution enabled identification of residues critical for activity and toxicity, providing insights into therapeutic tuning of lactolisterin-based peptides

Bioinformatic Selection of Mannose-Specific Lectins from Allium genus as SARS-CoV-2 Inhibitors Analysing Protein–Protein Interaction

Mannose-specific lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins known for their antiviral potential. This study uses a bioinformatic approach to investigate the possibility of lectins from Allium sativum (garlic) and Allium ursinum (wild garlic) as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 entry. The information spectrum method (ISM) identified key interaction frequencies between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and these lectins, explicitly targeting the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and glycosylated asparagine residues, including N234. Lectins from Allium species showed a high affinity for oligomannose-type glycans on the spike protein, potentially blocking virus entry by preventing the spike-ACE2 receptor interaction. We propose that Allium lectins are promising candidates for further experimental validation as SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors, offering potential therapeutic applications in managing viral infections

Next-Generation Pertussis Vaccines

Pertusis je respiratorna bolest koja se može sprečiti vakcinacijom, a izaziva je Bordetella pertussis, prisutna u ustima, nosu i grlu zaražene osobe. Kako su ljudi jedini rezervoar ove bakterije, potpuna vakcinacija protiv pertusisa i visoka stopa imunizacije od izuzetnog su značaja, naročito imajući u vidu da su odojčad mlađa od godinu dana najugroženija od teških oblika bolesti i smrtnog ishoda. Vakcinacija celim ćelijama (engl. WCV – whole-cell vaccine) sadrži neaktivne bakterije, dok acelularna vakcina (engl. ACV – acellular pertussis vaccine) sadrži proteinske komponente Bordetella pertussis, kao što su inaktivisani pertusis toksin, filamentni hemaglutinin, pertaktin i fimbrije. Acelularna vakcina razvijena je kao odgovor na izveštaje o neželjenim reakcijama koje su se javljale nakon primene vakcine sa celim ćelijama u određenim zemljama. Uvođenje acelularne vakcine tokom 90-ih godina prošlog veka dovelo je do postepenog porasta broja slučajeva pertusisa. WCV vakcina izaziva snažniji imunološki odgovor, sličniji prirodnoj infekciji, i pruža dugotrajniju zaštitu. U zemljama koje koriste ACV preporučuje se pojačan nadzor, kao i uključivanje dodatnih doza (buster doza). Posebna pažnja se posvećuje vakcinaciji trudnica u cilju zaštite novorođenčadi. Vakcine koje sadrže rekombinantni, genetski detoksifikovani pertusis toksin nedavno su registrovane, a njihova prednost je što omogućavaju manju količinu antigena po dozi za postizanje zaštite. Ipak, postoji potreba za razvojem nove generacije pertusis vakcina koje bi zadržale prednosti vakcina sa celim ćelijama – kao što su indukcija adekvatnijeg imunološkog odgovora i dugotrajna zaštita – o čemu će ovde biti reči.Pertussis is a vaccine-preventable, respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis, present in the mouth, nose, and throat of an infected person. As humans are the sole reservoir, complete vaccination against pertussis and high vaccination coverage is of utmost importance, especially as infants aged <1 year are at greatest risk of serious disease and death. Whole-cell pertussis vaccine (WCV) contains nonviable bacteria and acellular pertussis vaccine (ACV) - contains protein components from B. pertussis such as inactivated pertussis toxin, filamentous hemagglutinin, pertactin, and fimbriae. The acellular vaccine was developed in response to reports of adverse reactions upon administering the whole-cell vaccine in certain countries. The introduction of acellular vaccine in the 90s has led to a lower level gradual increase of the number of pertussis cases. The WCV vaccine stimulates a strong immune response more similar to infection and protection which is more durable. For countries that have adopted ACV increased monitoring is advised as well as the inclusion of booster doses. Special focus is given on the vaccination of pregnant women to protect the newborns. Recombinant, genetically detoxified pertussis toxin containing vaccines have been recently registered the benefit being that this reduces the amount of antigen needed per dose to confer protection. Nevertheless, a need exists for the development of a new generation of pertussis vaccines, which will have the benefits of whole cell vaccine, such as the induction of more adequate immune response and durability of protection, which will be discussed here