Polysaccharide BAP1 of Bifidobacterium adolescentis CCDM 368 is a biologically active molecule with immunomodulatory properties

Bifidobacteria are among the most common bacteria used for their probiotic properties and their impact on the maturation and function of the immune system has been well-described. Recently, scientific interest is shifting from live bacteria to defined bacteria-derived biologically active molecules. Their greatest advantage over probiotics is the defined structure and the effect independent of the viability status of the bacteria. Here, we aim to characterize Bifidobacterium adolescentis CCDM 368 surface antigens that include polysaccharides (PSs), lip-oteichoic acids (LTAs), and peptidoglycan (PG). Among them, Bad368.1 PS was observed to modulate OVA-induced cytokine production in cells isolated from OVA-sensitized mice by increasing the production of Th1-related IFN-gamma and inhibition of Th2-related IL-5 and IL-13 cytokines (in vitro). Moreover, Bad368.1 PS (BAP1) is efficiently engulfed and transferred between epithelial and dendritic cells. Therefore, we propose that the Bad368.1 PS (BAP1) can be used for the modulation of allergic diseases in humans. Structural studies revealed that Bad368.1 PS has an average molecular mass of approximately 9,99 x 106 Da and it consists of glucose, galactose, and rhamnose residues that are creating the following repeating unit: [-> 2)-beta-D-Glcp-(1 -> 3)-beta-L-Rhap-(1 -> 4)-beta-D-Glcp-(1 -> 3)-alpha-L-Rhap-(1 -> 4)-beta-D-Glcp-(1 -> 3)-alpha-D-Galp-(1 -> ]

Bioactive Compounds from Plant Origin as Natural Antimicrobial Agents for the Treatment of Wound Infections

The rising prevalence of drug-resistant bacteria underscores the need to search for innovative and nature-based solutions. One of the approaches may be the use of plants that constitute a rich source of miscellaneous compounds with a wide range of biological properties. This review explores the antimicrobial activity of seven bioactives and their possible molecular mechanisms of action. Special attention was focused on the antibacterial properties of berberine, catechin, chelerythrine, cinnamaldehyde, ellagic acid, proanthocyanidin, and sanguinarine against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The growing interest in novel therapeutic strategies based on new plant-derived formulations was confirmed by the growing number of articles. Natural products are one of the most promising and intensively examined agents to combat the consequences of the overuse and misuse of classical antibiotics

The Effect of Plant-Derived Biostimulants on White Head Cabbage Seedlings Grown under Controlled Conditions

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of using natural raw materials that have not been used for the production of biostimulants of plant growth. These products can effectively contribute to overcome the challenge posed by the increasing demand for food. Ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) was chosen to prepare innovative biostimulants. The expected outcome of this research was to generate products that show beneficial effects on white head cabbage growth, development, and nutritional quality. The results proved that higher plants (mugwort, calendula, purple coneflower, chamomile, basil, giant goldenrod, comfrey, dandelion, and valerian) can be successfully used for the production of biostimulants. For example, products based on common dandelion showed the highest biostimulating activity. In a group treated with 2.5% flower extract, cabbage shoots were 37% longer, whereas in a group treated with 0.5% leaves extract, roots were longer by 76% as compared with a control group treated with water. Biostimulants based on common mugwort (at a dose of 0.5%) and common dandelion (root) (at a dose of 1.0%) increased the mass of cabbage shoots and roots by 106% and 246%, respectively. The majority of biostimulants increased the content of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll and carotenoids) and decreased the content of polyphenols. Botanical extracts also showed varied impact on the antioxidant activity of cabbage. Taking into account the benefits for a wide scope of applications, it is expected that the utilization of these types of products should increase in the future. These products can play a key role in sustainable agriculture

Potential of Plant-Based Extracts to Alleviate Sorbitol-Induced Osmotic Stress in Cabbage Seedlings

In light of expected climate change, it is important to seek nature-based solutions that can contribute to the protection of our planet as well as to help overcome the emerging adverse changes. In an agricultural context, increasing plant resistance to abiotic stress seems to be crucial. Therefore, the scope of the presented research was focused on the application of botanical extracts that exerted positive effects on model plants growing under controlled laboratory conditions, as well as plants subjected to sorbitol-induced osmotic stress. Foliar spraying increased the length and fresh mass of the shoots (e.g., extracts from Taraxacum officinale, Trifolium pratense, and Pisum sativum) and the roots (e.g., Solidago gigantea, Hypericum perforatum, and Pisum sativum) of cabbage seedlings grown under stressful conditions, as well as their content of photosynthetic pigments (Pisum sativum, Lens culinaris, and Hypericum perforatum) along with total phenolic compounds (Hypericum perforatum, Taraxacum officinale, and Urtica dioica). The antioxidant activity of the shoots measured with the use of DDPH (Pisum sativum, Taraxacum officinale, Urtica dioica, and Hypericum perforatum), ABTS (Trifolium pratense, Symphytum officinale, Valeriana officinalis, Pisum sativum, and Lens culinaris), and FRAP (Symphytum officinale, Valeriana officinalis, Urtica dioica, Hypericum perforatum, and Taraxacum officinale) assays was also enhanced in plants exposed to osmotic stress. Based on these findings, the most promising formulation based on Symphytum officinale was selected and subjected to transcriptomic analysis. The modification of the expression of the following genes was noted: Bol029651 (glutathione S-transferase), Bol027348 (chlorophyll A-B binding protein), Bol015841 (S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferases), Bol009860 (chlorophyll A-B binding protein), Bol022819 (GDSL lipase/esterase), Bol036512 (heat shock protein 70 family), Bol005916 (DnaJ Chaperone), Bol028754 (pre-mRNA splicing Prp18-interacting factor), Bol009568 (heat shock protein Hsp90 family), Bol039362 (gibberellin regulated protein), Bol007693 (B-box-type zinc finger), Bol034610 (RmlC-like cupin domain superfamily), Bol019811 (myb_SHAQKYF: myb-like DNA-binding domain, SHAQKYF class), Bol028965 (DA1-like Protein). Gene Ontology functional analysis indicated that the application of the extract led to a decrease in the expression of many genes related to the response to stress and photosynthetic systems, which may confirm a reduction in the level of oxidative stress in plants treated with biostimulants. The conducted studies showed that the use of innovative plant-based products exerted positive effects on crops and can be used to supplement current cultivation practices

Milk Odd- and Branched-Chain Fatty Acids as Biomarkers of Rumen Fermentation

Cow’s milk and dairy products are the primary sources of OBCFAs, which have beneficial health properties. The goal of this study was to identify the factors that influence the content of OBCFAs in cow’s milk and to indicate which OBCFAs can serve as biomarkers for fermentation processes. The content of OBCFAs in milk depends on the species of ruminants, with studies showing that this varies between 3.33% (in goat’s milk) and 5.02% (in buffalo’s milk). These differences also stem from the animals’ energy balance, lactation phases, forage-to-concentrate ratio, and the presence of bioactive compounds in feeds, as well as management practices and environmental conditions. The OBCFAs in milk fat mainly come from rumen bacteria, but can also be synthesized de novo in the mammary gland, making them potentially useful noninvasive indicators of rumen fermentation. The concentration of BCFA is lower in colostrum and transitional milk than in full lactation milk. The proportions of total OBCFAs are higher in first- and second-parity cows. The most effective predictors of the biohydrogenation of fatty acids in the rumen are likely C18:2 cis-9, trans-11, iso-C16:0, and iso-C13:0. OBCFAs have been identified as potential biomarkers for rumen function, because their synthesis depends on specific bacteria. Strong predictors of subclinical ruminal acidosis include iso-C14:0, iso-C13:0, and C15:0. The concentration of ∑ OBCFA >C16 in milk is associated with fat mobilization and serves as a significant marker of the energy balance in cows

Comparison of Antibiotic Use and the Frequency of Diseases Depending on the Size of Herd and the Type of Cattle Breeding

Diseases are responsible for losses in livestock production by increasing animal mortality and reducing productivity. The administration of antibiotics can help mitigate these negative effects. However, inappropriate use can lead to severe complications, such as raising antibiotic resistance. The purpose of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of antibiotic use and disease frequency over four years, based on the size of dairy farms and the type of farm. The study covered a 4-year period and included medium dairy farms (20–50 cows, n = 13), large dairy farms (>250 cows, n = 8), and large beef farms (n = 8). The collected data involved antimicrobial use but also included farm demographics, animal health, disease frequency, and herd management practices. The criteria used to categorise antibiotics into groups A–D were based on the EMA guidelines. The carried-out study showed that the large dairy cattle farms had the highest antibiotic consumption (18.29 mg·PCU−1), due to the high frequency of diseases, and consequently, the treatment of calf (diarrhoea, lung inflammations) and cow diseases (general treatment and mastitis). Cattle on large beef farms suffer mainly from general diseases caused by maintenance and herd management conditions. The use of restrict antibiotics was, in some cases, unjustified (antibiotics for dry cow therapy). Future studies should consider a larger number of farms, taking into account the given direction of cattle production

Comparison of the Effects of Essential Oils from <i>Cannabis sativa</i> and <i>Cannabis indica</i> on Selected Bacteria, Rumen Fermentation, and Methane Production—In Vitro Study

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of essential oils (EOs) extracted from Cannabis sativa L. and Cannabis indica Lam. on in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics, selected rumen microbial populations, and methane production. GC-MS analyses allowed us to identify 89 compounds in both EOs. It was found that E-β-caryophyllene predominated in C. sativa (18.4%) and C. indica (24.1%). An in vitro (Ankom) test was performed to analyse the control and monensin groups, as well as the 50 µL or 100 µL EOs. The samples for volatile fatty acids (VFAs), lactate, and microbiological analysis were taken before incubation and after 6 and 24 h. The application of EOs of C. indica resulted in an increase in the total VFAs of acetate and propionate after 6 h of incubation. The applied EOs had a greater impact on the reduction in methane production after 6 h, but no apparent effect was noted after 24 h. Lower concentrations of C. sativa and C. indica had a more pronounced effect on Lactobacillus spp. and Buryrivibrio spp. than monensin. The presented findings suggest that C. sativa and C. indica supplementation can modify ruminal fermentation, the concentrations of specific volatile fatty acids, and methane production

Effect of Botanical Extracts on the Growth and Nutritional Quality of Field-Grown White Head Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)

Nutraceuticals and functional foods are gaining more attention amongst consumers interested in nutritious food. The consumption of foodstuffs with a high content of phytochemicals has been proven to provide various health benefits. The application of biostimulants is a potential strategy to fortify cultivated plants with beneficial bioactive compounds. Nevertheless, it has not yet been established whether the proposed higher plants (St. John’s wort, giant goldenrod, common dandelion, red clover, nettle, and valerian) are appropriate for the production of potential bio-products enhancing the nutritional value of white cabbage. Therefore, this research examines the impact of botanical extracts on the growth and nutritional quality of cabbage grown under field conditions. Two extraction methods were used for the production of water-based bio-products, namely: ultrasound-assisted extraction and mechanical homogenisation. Bio-products were applied as foliar sprays to evaluate their impact on total yield, dry weight, photosynthetic pigments, polyphenols, antioxidant activity, vitamin C, nitrates, micro- and macroelements, volatile compounds, fatty acids, sterols, and sugars. Botanical extracts showed different effects on the examined parameters. The best results in terms of physiological and biochemical properties of cabbage were obtained for extracts from common dandelion, valerian, nettle, and giant goldenrod. When enriched with nutrients, vegetables can constitute a valuable component of functional food

Methods for Rapid Screening of Biologically Active Compounds Present in Plant-Based Extracts

In recent years, there has been an increased interest in products of natural origin. The extraction procedure of bioactive compounds from plant matrices is a crucial step in the development of useful new bioproducts for everyday life. The utilisation of analyses enabling the rapid identification of the presence of a given group of compounds can be helpful in the early stages of the development of new products in order to save time and reduce costs. Within this article, we have presented a comparison of different, accessible methods for the identification of various bioactive compounds, e.g., saponins, carboxylic acids, oils and fats, proteins and amino acids, steroids, and alkaloids in plant-based extracts. Additionally, the multielemental composition of extracts was also examined. The applied methods allowed for confirmation of the presence of biologically active compounds in bio-products obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction. At a later stage, these procedures should be supplemented by advanced analytical techniques in order to determine the plant chemicals&rsquo; content qualitatively and quantitatively

A Novel Mechanism of Macrophage Activation by the Natural Yolkin Polypeptide Complex from Egg Yolk

Ageing is accompanied by the inevitable changes in the function of the immune system. It provides increased susceptibility to chronic infections that have a negative impact on the quality of life of older people. Therefore, rejuvenating the aged immunity has become an important research and therapeutic goal. Yolkin, a polypeptide complex isolated from hen egg yolks, possesses immunoregulatory and neuroprotective activity. Considering that macrophages play a key role in pathogen recognition and antigen presentation, we evaluated the impact of yolkin on the phenotype and function of mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages of the BMDM cell line. We determined yolkin bioavailability and the surface co-expression of CD80/CD86 using flow cytometry and IL-6, IL-10, TGF-&beta; and iNOS mRNA expression via real-time PCR. Additionally, the impact of yolkin on the regulation of cytokine expression by MAPK and PI3K/Akt kinases was determined. The stimulation of cells with yolkin induced significant changes in cell morphology and an increase in CD80/CD86 expression. Using pharmaceutical inhibitors of ERK, JNK and PI3K/Akt, we have shown that yolkin is able to activate these kinases to control cytokine mRNA expression. Our results suggest that yolkin is a good regulator of macrophage activity, priming mainly the M1 phenotype. Therefore, it is believed that yolkin possesses significant therapeutic potential and represents a promising possibility for the development of novel immunomodulatory medicine