Image_1_Isolation and in vitro screening of the probiotic potential of microorganisms from fermented food products.pdf

IntroductionSeveral human health benefits have been ascribed to probiotics, while traditional fermented foods have been acknowledged as rather important sources of these microorganisms. The objective of this study was the isolation of microorganisms from fermented food products of both animal and plant origin and the evaluation of their probiotic potential.MethodsMicrobial isolation was performed from milk kefir and table olives, while an olive mill waste sample also was analyzed given its anticipated association with the autochthonous microbiota of olive drupes. Among the 16 macroscopically distinct recovered microorganisms, 14 microbial isolates were identified as presumptive lactic acid bacteria (LAB), whereas two isolates corresponded to yeasts. The microbial isolates exhibiting a reproducibly robust growth profile in appropriate culture broth media (11 out of the 16 isolates) were assessed for their probiotic potential based on a set of in vitro assays: resistance to low pH; autoaggregation; biofilm formation; antioxidant activity; and safety assessment through evaluation of hemolytic activity.Results and discussionBased on the collective evaluation of the results of the abovementioned assays, five presumptive LAB as well as the two yeast isolates were identified as exhibiting desirable in vitro probiotic traits. Hence, these microbial isolates could be regarded as good candidates for inclusion in further studies aiming, ultimately, at their potential utilization in novel functional food products.</p

Serum PCSK9 levels in infants with deviant birth weight: a biomarker of the lipoprotein metabolism

Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin-Type 9 (PCSK9), a modulator of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol metabolism, has been reported to be a promising biomarker for evaluating lipoprotein metabolism; however, evidence in infants is limited. In the current study, we sought to investigate potential differences in serum PCSK9 levels between infants with deviant birth weight and controls. We enrolled 82 infants, classified into 33 small (SGA), 32 appropriate (AGA), and 17 large for gestation (LGA) infants. Serum PCSK9 was measured on routine blood analysis within the first postnatal 48 h. PCSK9 was significantly higher in SGA as compared to AGA and LGA infants [322 (236–431) as compared to 263 (217–302) and 218 (194–291) ng/ml respectively, p = .011]. In comparison to term AGA infants, PCSK9 was significantly elevated in preterm AGA and SGA infants. We also found a significantly higher level of PCSK9 in term female SGA infants as compared to term male SGA infants [325 (293–377) as compared to 174 (163–216) ng/ml, p = .011]. PCSK9 was significantly correlated with gestational age (R = –0.404, p R = –0.419, p R = 0.248, p = .028) and LDL cholesterol (R = 0.370, p = .001). SGA status (OR 2.56, p = .004, 95% CI 1.83–4.28) and prematurity (OR 3.10, p = .001, 95% CI 1.39–4.82) were strongly related to serum PCSK9 levels. PCSK9 levels were significantly associated with total and LDL cholesterol. Moreover, PCSK9 levels were higher in preterm and SGA infants, suggesting that PCSK9 might be a promising biomarker for evaluating infants with increased later cardiovascular risk.HighlightsWhat’s already known? Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin-Type 9 (PCSK9) is a promising biomarker for evaluating lipoprotein metabolism; however, evidence in infants is limited. Infants that were born with a deviant birth weight have a unique lipoprotein metabolism profile.What this study adds? Serum PCSK9 levels were significantly associated with total and LDL cholesterol. PCSK9 levels were higher in preterm and small for gestation infants, suggesting that PCSK9 might be a promising biomarker for evaluating infants with increased later cardiovascular risk. What’s already known? Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin-Type 9 (PCSK9) is a promising biomarker for evaluating lipoprotein metabolism; however, evidence in infants is limited. Infants that were born with a deviant birth weight have a unique lipoprotein metabolism profile. What this study adds? Serum PCSK9 levels were significantly associated with total and LDL cholesterol. PCSK9 levels were higher in preterm and small for gestation infants, suggesting that PCSK9 might be a promising biomarker for evaluating infants with increased later cardiovascular risk.</p