Effect of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) Used in Diets with Extruded Flaxseed on the Antioxidant and Lipid Profile of the Blood and Tissues of Fattening Pigs.

Thyme has strong antioxidant properties and, therefore, can reduce the intensity of oxidative processes taking place in the body. The study aimed to assess whether the addition of thyme to diets for fattening pigs containing extruded flaxseeds, a source of n-3 PUFAs, which are particularly susceptible to oxidation, would have a positive effect on redox status and lipid metabolism. The experiment was conducted using 120 weaners (WBP × Neckar crosses) of about 30 kg BW, which were kept until the end of fattening (about 110 kg BW) and divided into three groups of 40 pigs. The control group received a diet with 4% extruded flaxseed. In groups T1 and T3, 1% or 3% of thyme was added to the basal diet. The introduction of 3% thyme resulted in a decrease in the total cholesterol level in the blood and the loin muscle. Moreover, an increase in SOD and CAT activity and a decrease in FRAP and LOOH was noted. Following supplementation with 3% thyme, the n-3 PUFA content and n-3/n-6 ratio increased, while the SFA content was significantly reduced. The results of the studies indicate that thyme has a positive effect on the redox status and lipid profile of the blood and muscles.

The Addition of Reishi and Lion's Mane Mushroom Powder to Pasta Influences the Content of Bioactive Compounds and the Antioxidant, Potential Anti-Inflammatory, and Anticancer Properties of Pasta.

The influence of a 2.5% and 5% addition of dried Reishi and Lion's Mane mushrooms on the content of bioactive compounds and some pro-health properties of pasta was studied. In samples subjected to gastrointestinal digestion, the content of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant, potential anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative properties were significantly higher. The qualitative-quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds performed using the LC-MS/MS technique indicated that the Reishi-enriched pasta was characterized by a higher content of syringic (R2.5 sample), while pasta supplemented with Lion' Mane had a higher content of vanillin in relation to the control pasta. In the case of ethanolic extracts, samples supplemented with the Reishi mushrooms (R5 sample) were characterized by higher ABTS antiradical properties and a reducing power while the sample supplemented with Lion's Mane (L5 sample) had a higher ability to inhibit lipoxygenase in relation to the control sample. In conclusion, the results suggest that Reishi and Lion's Mane mushroom powder can be used for the fortification of semolina pasta, conferring slightly healthier characteristics of the product.

The Influence of Hypericum perforatum L. Addition to Wheat Cookies on Their Antioxidant, Anti-Metabolic Syndrome, and Antimicrobial Properties.

The aim of this study was to characterize wheat cookies enriched with 0.5% and 1.0% of Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's wort, SJW) and determine their pro-health properties in vitro after hydrolysis in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The results indicated that 1.0 SJW was characterized by the highest content of polyphenols, flavonoids, and phenolic acids (2.32 mg mL-1, 4.93 µg mL-1, and 12.35 µg mL-1, respectively). The enriching cookies had no effect on water absorption capacity (WAC) and oil absorption capacity (OAC). After in vitro hydrolysis, the highest peptide content was noted in 1.0 SJW (0.52 mg mL-1), and the bioactive compounds were characterized by high potential bioaccessibility (PAC), but poor bioavailability (PAV). The addition of SJW increased the ACE, α-amylase, and LOX inhibitory effect, but reduced the inhibition of pancreatic lipase. The highest antioxidant activity was noted for 1.0 SJW. The results showed that only 0.5 SJW and 1.0 SJW had slight antimicrobial activity against E. coli ATCC 25922 and B. cereus ATCC 14579 with MIC = 12.5 mg mL-1. Fractions with molecular mass <3.0 kDa were characterized with the highest p-coumaric acid content. The results show that SJW cookies had a higher content of bioactive compounds and more potent anti-metabolic syndrome effects.

Effects of Different Chromium Compounds on Hematology and Inflammatory Cytokines in Rats Fed High-Fat Diet.

The aim of the study was to determine how a high-fat diet supplemented with various forms of chromium affects hematological and immune parameters of the blood of rats. The rats received a standard diet or a high-fat diet supplemented with chromium at 0.3 mg/kg body weight (BW) in the form of chromium(III) picolinate, chromium(III)-methionine or nano-sized chromium. Selected hematological parameters were determined in the blood of the rats, including total white blood cell (WBC) count, leukogram, red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin level (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), platelet count (PLT) and platelet percentage (PCT), as well as immune parameters: levels of immunoglobulins A and E (IgA and IgE), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α); activity of ceruloplasmin (Cp); and levels of caspase 3 and 8 (Casp3 and Casp8). Feeding rats a high-fat diet increased blood markers of induction of inflammation, ie pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, and also significantly increased IgE. The diet had no effect on the blood count, except for an increase in the number of neutrophils. The chromium compounds tested, particularly Cr-Met and Cr-NPs, stimulated the immune system of the rats, as indicated by increased concentrations of IgA, IgE, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and Cp. Given the increase in inflammatory mediators induced by chromium, it should not be used to mitigate the effects of a high-fat diet. Moreover, chromium picolinate and chromium nanoparticles were shown to increase the content of caspase 3 and 8 in the blood of rats, which indicates a pro-apoptotic effect. The effects of the use of chromium nanoparticles include reductions in the WBC count and in the thrombocyte count (leuko- and thrombopenia). Taking account these data the use of chromium as dietary supplement should be reconsidered.

Estimated intestinal absorption of phosphorus and its deposition in chosen tissues, bones and feathers of chickens receiving chromium picolinate or chromium nanoparticles in diet.

The aim of the study was to determine whether the level and form of Cr in the diet of chickens influences its accumulation in tissues as well as intestinal absorption of P and its deposition in tissues. The experiment was carried out on 405 one-day-old male Ross 308 chickens that were randomly divided into five treatment groups. Control group was fed the diet without supplemental chromium; experimental groups were fed the diet with 3 or 6 mg/kg chromium picolinate (Cr-Pic) and with 3 or 6 mg/kg chromium nanoparticles (Cr-NP). Chromium was found to accumulate in the tissues of the ileum, liver, breast muscle, bones skin and in feathers of chickens. Chromium deposited in the ileum of chickens does not affect the ex vivo estimated intestinal absorption of P. The use of Cr in the diet of chickens carries the risk of lowering P levels in femur.

The effect of the source and dosage of dietary Cu on redox status in rat tissues.

The aim of this experiment was to investigate whether the amount of Cu added to the diet of rats can be reduced without adversely affecting the antioxidant status of tissues and growth, and whether copper nanoparticles can be used for this purpose. For four weeks, four experimental groups of rats were fed diets with two dosages of added Cu (standard-6.5 or 3.25 mg/kg) in two forms (standard-CuCO3 or copper nanoparticles). Replacing the CuCO3 supplement with CuNPs resulted in a decreased lung weight and an increased Cu content in brain, kidney and lung, intensification of lipid peroxidation processes, and weakened antioxidant defence in the lungs and kidneys. This treatment also reduced the Cu content in heart, level of lipid oxidation in the liver and testes and improved antioxidant defence in the brain. Reducing the addition of Cu to the diet from 6.5 to 3.25 mg/kg reduced lung weight and increased lipid peroxidation in the liver, heart and lungs, and also weakened antioxidant defence in the lungs and testes. This treatment also weakened the lipid peroxidation process in the spleen, small intestine and brain and strengthened the antioxidant defence of the brain and kidneys. In conclusion, replacing CuCO3 with CuNPs and reducing the level of Cu in the diet of rats has a particularly unfavourable effect on the respiratory system, causing adverse changes in the lungs. However, these treatments have a clearly positive effect on the redox status of the liver and brain.

Iodine biofortification through expression of HMT, SAMT and S3H genes in Solanum lycopersicum L.

The uptake process and physiological reaction of plants to aromatic iodine compounds have not yet been documented. The aim of this research was to compare uptake by tomato plants of KI and KIO3, as well as of organic iodine compounds - 5-ISA (5-iodosalicylic acid), 3,5-diISA (3,5-diiodosalicylic acid), 2-IBeA (2-iodobenzoic acid), 4-IBeA (4-iodobenzoic acid) and 2,3,5-triIBeA (2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid). Only 2,3,5-triIBeA had a negative influence on plant development. All organic iodine compounds were taken up by roots and transported to leaves and fruits. Among all the compounds applied, the most efficiently transferred iodine was 2-IBeA - to fruits, and 4-IBeA - to leaves. The order of iodine accumulation in fruit cell compartments was as follows: organelles > cell walls > soluble portions of cells; for leaf and root cells, it was: organelles > cell walls or soluble portions, depending on the compound applied. The compounds studied influence iodine metabolism through expression of the HMT gene which encodes halide ion methyltransferase in leaves and roots. Also, their influence on modification of the activity of the SAMT and S3H genes that encode salicylic acid carboxyl methyltransferase and salicylic acid 3-hydroxylase was established. It was discovered that exogenously applied 5-ISA, 3,5-diISA, 2-IBeA and 4-IBeA are genuinely (endogenously) synthesised in tomato plants; to date, this has not been described for the tomato, nor for any other species of higher plant.

The effect of copper nanoparticles and copper (II) salt on redox reactions and epigenetic changes in a rat model.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a diet containing different levels of Cu in two different chemical forms (carbonate and nanoparticles) on redox reactions and epigenetic changes in a rat model. For 4 weeks, five experimental groups (eight rats in each) were fed diets with two dosages of added Cu (standard-6.5 mg/kg or half of the standard dosage-3.25 mg/kg, and as a negative control no additional Cu in the mineral mixture) in two forms (standard-CuCO3 and copper nanoparticles). Addition of Cu nanoparticles resulted in higher Cp (ceruloplasmin) activity and LOOH (lipid peroxides) and MDA (malondialdehyde) content, as well as decrease the CAT (catalase) activity and level of PC (protein carbonyl), 3-NT (3-nitrotyrosine), 8-OHdG (8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine), GSH + GSSG (total glutathione) and DNA methylation. Reducing the dose of copper resulted in a decrease in the level of LOOH and GSH + GSSG as well as CAT activity, but increased the level of PC and methylated DNA. Based on these evidence, we concluded that addition of copper nanoparticles in the diet reduces protein oxidation and nitration as well as DNA oxidation and methylation. Lowering the level of Cu in the diet increases the oxidation of proteins and DNA methylation.

Amphotericin B-silver hybrid nanoparticles: synthesis, properties and antifungal activity.

High antifungal activity is reported, in comparison with commercially available products, of a novel hybrid system based on silver nanoparticles synthesized using a popular antifungal macrocyclic polyene amphotericin B (AmB) acting both as a reducing and stabilizing/capping agent. The synthesis reaction proceeds in an alkaline environment which prevents aggregation of AmB itself and promotes nanoparticle formation. The innovative approach produces monodisperse (PDI=0.05), AmB-coated silver nanoparticles (AmB-AgNPs) with the diameter ~7nm. The products were characterized using imaging (electron microscopy) and spectroscopic (UV-vis and infrared absorption, dynamic light scattering and Raman scattering) methods. The nanoparticles were tested against Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and Fusarium culmorum species. For cytotoxicity studies CCD-841CoTr and THP-1 cell lines were used. Particularly high antifungal activity of AmB-AgNPs is interpreted as the result of synergy between the antifungal activity of amphotericin B and silver antimicrobial properties (Ag(+) ions release). FROM THE CLINICAL EDITOR: Amphotericin B (AmB) is a common agent used for the treatment against severe fungal infections. In this article, the authors described a new approach in using a combination of AmB and silver nanoparticles, in which the silver nanoparticles were synthesized and stabilized by AmB. Experimental data confirmed synergistic antifungal effects between amphotericin B and silver. This novel synthesis process could potentially be important in future drug development and fabrication.

The orientation of the transition dipole moments of a polyene antibiotic Amphotericin B under UV-VIS studies.

Amphotericin B (AmB) belongs to naturally occurring fluorescent antibiotics, commonly used in the treatment of life-threatening fungal infections. Open question regarding mechanism of action of this molecule calls for its orientation and organization studies in biomembranes. Here, we present studies on linear dichroism and fluorescence polarization of AmB embedded in isotropic and oriented poly(vinyl) alcohol films to characterize their transition dipole moments to low energy excited electronic transitions S1 (2 Ag(-)) and S2 (1 Bu(+)). The dichroic ratio and fluorescence anisotropy data were analyzed for stretched PVA films doped AmB. The results show that the transition moment for absorption makes an angle φ = 27° ± 2° with the molecular axis of AmB defined by the film stretching direction. The angles between the absorption and emission transition moments have been found for both the low excited electronic states, S2 (ß = 4° ± 5°) and S1 (ß = 6° ± 5°). The fluorescence anisotropy analysis from the S2 state reveals additional component assigned to antiparallel AmB dimeric structure.

Self-association of amphotericin B: spontaneous formation of molecular structures responsible for the toxic side effects of the antibiotic.

Amphotericin B (AmB) is a lifesaving antibiotic used to treat deep-seated mycotic infections. Both the pharmaceutical activity and highly toxic side effects of the drug rely on its interaction with biomembranes, which is governed by the molecular organization of AmB. In the present work, we present a detailed analysis of self-assembly of AmB molecules in different environments, interesting from the physiological standpoint, based on molecular spectroscopy techniques: electronic absorption, circular dichroism, steady state and time-resolved fluorescence and molecular dynamic calculations. The results show that, in the water medium, AmB self-associates to dimeric structures, referred to as "parallel" and "antiparallel". AmB dimers can further assemble into tetramers which can play a role of transmembrane ion channels, affecting electrophysiological homeostasis of a living cell. Understanding structural determinants of self-assembly of AmB opens a way to engineering preparations of the drug which retain pharmaceutical effectiveness under reduced toxicity.

Toward understanding of toxic side effects of a polyene antibiotic amphotericin B: fluorescence spectroscopy reveals widespread formation of the specific supramolecular structures of the drug.

Amphotericin B (AmB) is a lifesaving polyene antibiotic used widely to treat deep-seated mycoses. Both the pharmaceutical effectiveness as well as toxic side effects depend on molecular organization of the drug. In the present study, we analyzed steady-state fluorescence, fluorescence anisotropy spectra, fluorescence lifetimes, and fluorescence anisotropy decays of AmB in the systems believed to ensure monomeric organization of the drug and in model lipid membranes. The results of the analyses show that in all of the systems studied, the drug appears in, at least, two spectral forms, interpreted as monomeric and aggregated. Spectroscopic and fluorescence lifetime characteristics of both forms are provided. Interpretation of the fluorescence anisotropy spectra of AmB incorporated into liposomes formed with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine let us conclude that monomers of the drug are more tightly bound to the lipid membranes as compared to the aggregates and that AmB aggregates destabilize the membrane structure. Structural model analysis, compared to the analysis of spectral shifts, leads to the conclusion that basic constituents of AmB aggregated structure is a tetramer composed of two hydrogen-bond-stabilized dimers, each dimer formed by molecules twisted by ca. 170°. The tetramer itself can span lipid bilayers and can act as a transmembrane ion channel. Specific aggregate formation of AmB has been concluded as a universal and ubiquitous form of molecular organization of the drug. This process is discussed in terms of toxic side effects of AmB.

Low dose of bupropion significantly enhances the anticonvulsant activity of felbamate, lamotrigine and topiramate in mice.

Experimental evidence indicates that bupropion hydrochloride, an antidepressant and a first-line smoking cessation aid, exerts dose-dependently anticonvulsant and convulsant effects. In this study, chronic bupropion pretreatment intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 14 days in a dose of 5 mg/kg reduced the ED(50) (i.e. the dose protecting 50% of mice against electroconvulsions) of lamotrigine, topiramate, and felbamate from 4.58, 60.95, and 48.79 (antiepileptic+vehicle) to 3.01, 41.68, and 37.28 mg/kg (antiepileptic+bupropion), respectively, against maximal electroshock-induced seizures in mice. Bupropion significantly increased the plasma and brain concentrations of lamotrigine. Plasma concentration of topiramate was elevated, however, the brain concentration of the drug was not affected. Neither plasma nor brain concentrations of felbamate were elevated by bupropion administration. Bupropion did not exacerbate motor coordination impairment caused by the antiepileptic drugs in the rotarod test. Chronic administration of bupropion significantly potentiates the protective activity of lamotrigine, topiramate, and felbamate against maximal electroshock-induced seizures. A pharmacokinetic interaction is responsible for the effect of bupropion co-administered with lamotrigine.