Efekti upotrebe probiotika na mikroRNK povezane sa gojaznošću

Obesity is considered to be a chronic complex disease that increases the risk of diabetes, heart diseases and certain cancers. According to the literature, in obese people the gastrointestinal microbiota is disturbed, which could be the cause of the onset of obesity and related diseases. Moreover, there are small non-coding RNAs (microRNAs) that are disturbed in obesity, which are also considered to be a possible mechanism of probiotics’ action. Certain microRNAs are involved in the development and metabolism of adipose tissue cells, as well as the secretion and action of insulin, showing that changed expression of certain miRNAs could have a significant impact on the onset and development of obesity and obesity-related diseases. Thus, miRNAs are considered to be possible markers for the diagnosis and prognosis of various metabolic diseases, and possible therapeutic targets for the treatment of obesity and related diseases. Considering the growing need of the healthcare system for nutraceuticals and dietary supplements that present effective and safe medical nutritive therapy in obese individuals, this work aimed to assess the beneficial effects of probiotics on obesity-related microRNAs. In this review, we described the role of microRNAs and probiotics in obesity and the association between probiotics and obesity- related microRNAs. Circulating miRNAs’ profile in obese individuals significantly differs from that of normal-weight individuals. miRNAs such as miR-155, miR-221, miR-24-3p, and miR- 181a are over-expressed, while miR-26b and 125a are under-expressed in obese patients compared to non-obese individuals. It has been found that supplementation with Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus could downregulate the expression of miR-155 and miR- 221, and upregulate the expression of miR-26b. Supplementation with a probiotic formulation containing S. boulardii, L. plantarum 299v, and octacosanol led to the downregulation of miR- 155 and miR-24-3p expression. miR-125a and miR-181a were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, after the intervention with L. delbrueckii and L. rhamnosus. After reviewing the available literature, we can conclude that probiotics have beneficial effects on microRNAs altered in obesity, which could provide an effective strategy for the management of obesity.Gojaznost se smatra hroničnom, kompleksnom bolešću koja povećava rizik od nastanka drugih oboljenja poput dijabetesa, kardiovaskularnih oboljenja i određenih karcinoma. Prema literaturnim podacima, kod gojaznih osoba dolazi do narušavanja gastrointestinalne mikrobiote, što nadalje može biti uzrok razvoja gojaznosti i bolesti povezanih sa gojaznošću. Dodatno, postoje male nekodirajuće RNK (mikroRNK) čije su koncentracije promenjene kod gojaznih osoba u poređenju sa osobama normalne telesne mase. Takođe, mikroRNK se smatraju mogućim mehanizmom delovanja probiotika. Određene mikroRNK se smatraju ključnim u procesima razvoja i metabolizma masnog tkiva, kao i u procesima sinteze i delovanja hormona insulina, time ukazujući na to da bi promene u ekspresiji određenih miRNK mogle imati značajan uticaj na nastanak i razvoj gojaznosti i bolesti povezanih sa gojaznošću. Zbog navedenog, miRNK se smatraju mogućim markerima za dijagnozu i praćenje metaboličkih bolesti, ali se razmatraju i kao moguća terapija u tretmanu gojaznosti i oboljenja povezanih sa gojaznošću. U svetlu rastućih potreba sistema zdravstvene zaštite u pogledu dodataka ishrani i nutraceutika koji pružaju efikasnu i bezbednu podršku medicinskoj nutritivnoj terapiji kod gojaznosti, cilj ovog rada bio je da se istraže korisni efekti probiotika na mikroRNK povezane sa gojaznošću. U ovom narativnom pregledu opisali smo ulogu probiotika i mikroRNK u gojaznosti, kao i moguću povezanost probiotika sa mikroRNK koje su izmenjene kod gojaznih ljudi. Profil cirkulišućih miRNK se značajno razlikuje kod gojaznih osoba u poređenju sa osobama normalne telesne mase. Ekspresija miRNK poput miR-155, miR-221, miR-24-3p i miR-181a je značajno povišena, dok je ekspresija miR-26b i miR-125a snižena kod gojaznih osoba u poređenju sa osobama normalne telesne mase. Suplementacija sa Bifidobacterium bifidum i Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotskim sojevima snižava ekspresiju miR-155 i miR-221, dok je ekspresija miR-26b povišena nakon suplementacije ovim sojevima. Probiotska formulacija koja sadrži kombinaciju S. boulardii, L. plantarum 299v i oktakozanola dovela je do smanjenja ekspresije miR-155 i miR-24-3p. Ekspresija miR-125a je bila povećana, dok je ekspresija miR-181a bila snižena nakon suplementacije sojevima L. delbrueckii and L. rhamnosus. Nakon pregleda dostupne literature, možemo zaključiti da probiotici imaju pozitivno dejstvo na mikroRNK izmenjene kod gojaznih osoba, te da bi primena probiotika mogla biti efikasna strategija u tretmanu gojaznosti

Epigenetic Aspects of a New Probiotic Concept—A Pilot Study

Several studies report the important role of an altered gut microbiota in the development of obesity, highlighting the potential use of probiotics in the treatment of obesity. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a novel probiotic approach on the expression of specific miRNAs and mRNAs associated with obesity in combination with the hypocholesterolemic octacosanol. Twenty overweight/obese women participated in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study and were randomly divided into two groups: the intervention group (daily one capsule containing Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (DSM9843), Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii, and 40 mg octacosanol; N = 12) and the placebo group (N = 8). Changes in lipid parameters and expression of miRNAs and mRNAs were assessed before (T0) and after the 12-week intervention (T1). After the intervention, the expression of miR-155-5p (9.38 ± 0.85 vs. 8.38 ± 1.06, p = 0.05) and miR-24-3p (3.42 ± 0.38 vs. 2.71 ± 0.97, p = 0.031) showed significant decreases in the intervention group when compared to the control group. At T1, the expression of miR-155-5p (8.69 ± 1.31 vs. 9.3 ± 0.85, p = 0.04), miR-125b-5p (5.41 ± 1.18 vs. 5.99 ± 1.36, p = 0.049), and TNF-α (10.24 ± 1.66 vs. 11.36 ± 1.12, p = 0.009) were significantly decreased in the intervention group. No changes in lipids and anthropometric parameters were observed. The novel probiotic approach had a positive effect on regulating the expression of certain miRNAs and mRNAs important for regulating inflammation and adipogenesis, which are essential for obesity onset and control

Pumpkin seed cake antioxidant and nutritional value of selected samples

Pumpkin seed cake, which remains after cold pressing oil extraction, is a nutritionally valuable but inexpensive raw material that is also considered as a potentially rich source of biologically active substances. Thus, the aim of this study was to measure total phenolics content (TPC) of four samples of pumpkin seed cake flour, as well as their antiradical potency by means of DPPH radical scavenging. In order to determine the nutritional value of each sample, moisture, ash, cellulose, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, mineral content and fatty acid composition were also investigated using conventional methods. Concerning food safety issues the amounts of heavy metals and pesticides were also determined. The results obtained, pointed out differences between samples in their TPC, anti-DPPH activity and nutritional characteristics. TPC, determined as gallic acid equivalents (GA) using the spectrophotometric method with FC reagent, ranged from 24.9-194.1 mg GA/100 g. Correlated with TPC, observed anti-DPPH activity was modest with SC50 values ranged from 0.9-18.5 mg/ml, respectively. As for parameters of nutritional value, obtained results were in the line with previous findings, with protein content ca. 50%. Variations, mainly in the mineral (14.61-30.70 mg/100 g) and the carbohydrate content (9.38-21.86%), could be explained by the different geographical origin of the pumpkins. All tested samples complied with the approved health standards related to the content of heavy metals and pesticides. Nevertheless observed differences, it could be concluded that pumpkin seed cake could be considered as a naturally rich source of proteins, cellulose and minerals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mg) with a reduced amount of oil, safe for human consumption. It is also a good source of polyphenols, thus its potential as a functional food ingredient should not be neglected.UNIFood2021 Conference, 24th-25th September 2021 University of Belgrade, 2nd International UNIfood Conferenc

Efekti suplementacije probiotikom na morfologiju krvnih pločica gojaznih žena i žena sa prokomernom težinom

Obesity could be associated with enhanced platelet (PL) function and thrombosis. Also, changes in gut microbiota composition were observed in obese patients, and probiotics supplementation has been shown to improve some of the obesity-associated metabolic parameters. This study aimed to determine the possible effects of probiotic supplementation on platelet morphology in overweight/obese premenopausal women.Twenty overweight (BMI = 25.0-29.9 kg/m2) and obese (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2) women participated in double- blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. They were randomly assigned to receive one capsule daily of probiotics (7x1010 CFU Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (DSM9843), 5x109 CFU Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii and 40mg octacosanol; N=10) or placebo (N=10) for 3 months. To determine changes in the parameters of platelet activation - the platelet count (PC), platelet distribution width (PDW), Feret diameter, and hypogranular appearance, blood samples were obtained for an automated hematology analyser and peripheral smears staining. Although difference in PC was not found between groups, supplementation with probiotics decreased PDW compared to the placebo group (p<0.05). Regarding platelets diameter, there is an decrease in group supplemented with probiotics compared to placebo, however, a statistical difference has not been reached. Further, the proportion of hypogranular PL was increased in a probiotic-supplemented group compared to the placebo group (p<0.01). In conclusion, probiotic supplementation achieved improvements in platelets morphology and hematological indices in overweight/obese premenopausal women.Gojaznost je često povezana sa povećanom funkcijom krvnih pločica i trombozom. Takođe, istraživanja ukazuju na promenjen sastav mikrobioma creva kod gojaznih osoba, kao i da suplementacija određenim probioticima može imati pozitivan uticaj na telesnu masu. Cilj rada je bio da se ispita uticaj suplementacije probiotskog preparata na morfološke karakteristike krvnih pločica u randomizovanoj, dvostruko-slepoj, placebo-kontrolisanoj studiji. U tu svrhu, regrutovano je 20 žena sa prekomernom težinom (BMI ≥ 25,0 kg/m2) koje su podeljene u dve grupe. Prva grupa je pila dnevno jednu kapsulu probiotskog preparata tokom tri meseca (kombinaciju soja Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (DSM9843), Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii i 40 mg oktakozanola; N = 10), dok je druga grupa bila placebo grupa. Određen je broj krvnih pločica, i njihova raspodela po volumenu (eng. platelet distribution width, PDW), a zatim je posmatrana morfologija krvnih pločica i izmeren njihov dijametar iz krvnih razmaza. Analiza je pokazala da su krvne pločice kod gojaznih/žena sa prekomernom težinom uglavnom krupne, što je jedan od pokazatelja njihove aktivnosti. U interventoj grupi nije zapažena promena u broju krvnih pločica, ali je značajno smanjen PDW u poređenju sa placebo grupom (p < 0,05). Dalje, pokazano je da je udeo hipogranularnih krvnih pločica bio povećan u poređenju sa placebo grupom (p < 0,01). Ovi rezultati ukazuju na pozitivan efekat probiotika na morfološke karakteristike krvnih pločica i mogućnost primene probiotika u regulaciji njihove aktivnosti u patološkim stanjima.VIII Kongres farmaceuta Srbije sa međunarodnim učešćem, 12-15.10.2022. Beogra

Knowledge, attitudes and dietary practices of pharmacy students regarding the importance of nuts consumption

Nuts are nutrient-dense foods with complex matrices rich in unsaturated fatty acids and other bioactive compounds. Numerous reported health benefits of nuts may be attributed to their unique nutrient profiles and synergistic interaction of their constituents, including macronutrients, micronutrients and phytochemicals. The objective of this study was to explore pharmacy students’ nuts consumption practice, as well as their attitudes and knowledge concerning nuts nutritional and health properties. A cross-sectional survey based on the online self-administered questionnaire, was conducted in September 2020. Among respondents (n=136, 90.4% female and 9.6% male, mean age 23.7±2.0 years), more than half agreed or strongly agreed that regular consumption of nuts might have beneficial effects on health, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, the majority of participants perceived nuts as healthy sources of proteins and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. The most common reason cited by respondents for eating nuts were taste (80.2%), followed by health effects (53.1%) and nutrient profiles (45.0%). The most commonly consumed nuts among pharmacy students were almonds (35.2%) and peanuts (28.4%), followed by hazelnuts (19.1%) and walnuts (15.6%). Based on self-reported data, students predominantly consume raw nuts (54.0%) as a snack between meals (78.5%). Nutrition-related courses within the faculty curriculum were the main sources of acquiring information regarding the beneficial effects nuts exert on health outcomes. Although certain gaps in knowledge were determined, in most senior students, the attitudes and dietary practices regarding the consumption of nuts were at an adequate level. Nevertheless, expanded efforts and additional educational programs may be useful in strengthening the capacities of these future health professionals for providing adequate nutrition advice and proactive advocacy of nuts health benefits.UNIFood2021 Conference, 24th-25th September 2021 University of Belgrade, 2nd International UNIfood Conferenc

Knowledge, Attitudes and ditary practices of parents regarding dietary supplementation use among their children

Aim: This study aimed to assess parents’ level of knowledge, to analyze the attitudes and dietary habits of parents regarding use od dietary supplements among their children aged 1 to 12. Methods: Research was conducted in April 2021, and designed as a cross-sectional study. Data was collected via an online self-reported questionnaire, from 209 parents of both sexes, with various educational levels. Results: Among respondents, 44% have declared the use of dietary supplements among their children

Beneficial effects of a new probiotic formulation on adipocytokines, appetite-regulating hormones, and metabolic parameters in obese women

Obesity is often accompanied by low-grade chronic inflammation and metabolic syndrome. It has been established that microbiota influences many physiological processes, including the development of obesity, and dysbiosis has been observed in obese individuals. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of a new probiotic formulation, containing two probiotic strains and the bioactive compound octacosanol, on body weight, metabolic parameters, and concentrations of certain adipocytokines and appetite-regulating hormones in obese women. This double blind placebo-controlled supplementary intervention study included twenty-five women in the intervention group and twenty-three in the placebo group, and it lasted 12 weeks. Daily oral supplementation included 7 × 1010 CFU of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v (DSM9843), 5 × 109 CFU of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii (DBVPG6763), and 40 mg of octacosanol or placebo. Body weight, metabolic parameters, adipocytokines, and appetite-regulating hormones were assessed before (T0) and after the intervention (T1). After the intervention, significantly lower median concentrations of CRP (p = 0.005) and IL-6 (p = 0.012) were measured in the intervention group than the baseline, while the median concentrations of ghrelin (p = 0.026) and HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.03) were significantly increased. The intervention group had lower CRP levels (p = 0.023) and higher ghrelin levels (p = 0.006) than the placebo group. Significant changes in BMI between groups were not observed. In summary, although the new probiotic formulation showed beneficial effects on IL-6, CRP, HDL, and ghrelin levels, its potential effects on regulating triglyceride, insulin, and glucose levels require further studies before the novel dietary intervention could be considered a useful adjuvant therapy and an effective strategy for the management of obesity and obesity-associated comorbidities. © 2024 The Royal Society of Chemistry