Functional biotransformation of phytoestrogens by gut microbiota with impact on cancer treatment

The human gut is a host for trillions of microorganisms, divided into more than 3,000 heterogeneous species that is called the gut microbiota. The gut microbiota composition can be altered by many different endogenous and exogenous factors, especially diet and nutrition. A diet rich in phytoestrogens, a variable group of chemical compounds similar to 17-β-estradiol (E2), the essential female steroid sex hormone is potent to change the composition of gut microbiota. However, the metabolism of phytoestrogens also highly depends on the action of enzymes produced by gut microbiota. Novel studies have shown that phytoestrogens could play an important role in the treatment of different types of cancers, such as breast cancer in women, due to their potential to decrease estrogen levels. This review aims to summarize recent findings about the lively dialogue between phytoestrogens and gut microbiota and to address their possible future application, especially in treating patients with diagnosed breast cancer. A potential therapeutic approach for the prevention and improving outcomes in breast cancer patients could be based on targeted probiotic supplementation with the use of soy phytoestrogens. A positive effect of probiotics on the outcome and survival of patients with breast cancer has been established. However, more in vivo scientific studies are needed to pave the way for the use of probiotics and phytoestrogens in the clinical practice of breast cancer treatment

Infective endocarditis due to Neisseria elongata: A case report and literature review

International audienceIntroductionNeisseria elongata (NE), a Gram-negative, rod-shaped organism, was previously thought to be non-pathogenic. However, in recent years it has become increasingly recognized as a rare cause of infective endocarditis. In this paper, we report a case of NE infective endocarditis and provide a review of the literature.ObjectivesTo describe a case of NE endocarditis, and to review the literature in search of any similar cases of this rare condition.Case reportOur patient is a 77-year-old, otherwise healthy female patient who was found to have mitral valve endocarditis with valve regurgitation.DiscussionNE endocarditis is a rare condition that typically affects the left cardiac chambers and is associated with high risk of embolization. A literature review retrieved 35 other cases.ConclusionsOur report underlines the rarity of NE endocarditis, insofar as relatively few cases have been reported. The bacterium presents similarities with HACEK organisms and can potentially cause infective endocarditis

Brašno - Kruh '13

The "Flour-Bread '13“ Congress topics were the following: breeding and quality of cereal grains, grain storage and milling technology, analytical and rheological methods, baking technology, improvers and additives, starch and modified starch, extrusion and pasta production, biscuit and pastry products, nutritional quality of cereals, cereal food safety and cereal based functional foods