Effect of formaldehyde exposure on phytochemical content and functional activity of Agaricus bisporus (Lge.) Sing.

In this study, the effect of formaldehyde on phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of Agaricus bisporus was investigated. Synthetic compost based on wheat straw was prepared by fermentation and disinfection. After steam pasteurization, 5 g of A. bisporus mycelia were inoculated into 1 kg of compost. To determine the effects of formaldehyde, 2, 4, and 6% concentrations were added to the composts, while compost without formaldehyde was used for the control group. The harvesting period was set at 10 weeks. Total phenolic and flavonoid content, macro- and microelement profile, and phenolic content were analyzed in the harvested A. bisporus samples. Macro- and microelement content was determined by ICP-OES, and phenolic compound profile was determined by LC-MS/MS analysis. Formaldehyde levels in A. bisporus samples were determined by the acetylacetone spectrophotometry method. The antioxidant capacity of A. bisporus samples was determined by DPPH scavenging activity; antimutagenic effects of samples were determined by Allium test. Application of 2, 4, and 6% formaldehyde resulted in a 1.12-, 1.19-, and 2.07-fold reduction in total phenolic content, respectively. The total phenolic content was reduced between 34.4% and 71.8%. These changes were confirmed by LC-MS/MS analysis. Compounds such as protocatechuic acid, salicylic acid, ferulic acid, and 4-OH benzoic acid, which were detected in the control group, could not be detected in the samples treated with 6% formaldehyde, and it was found that the application of formaldehyde reduced the phenolic content. Similar changes were also observed in macro- and microelements, and significant changes in elemental contents were observed after formaldehyde application. While the presence of formaldehyde at a low level, which may be due to natural production, was detected in the control group, a residue of 11.41 ± 0.93 mg/kg was determined in the 6% FMD applied group. All these changes resulted in a decrease in the antioxidant activity of A. bisporus. The DPPH scavenging activity, which was determined in the range of 21.6-73.3% in the control samples, decreased to 12.3-56.7% in the samples treated with formaldehyde. These results indicate that the application of formaldehyde at different stages of A. bisporus cultivation leads to significant changes in the nutritional value and biological activity of A. bisporus.

Anti-Photodamage Effect of Agaricus blazei Murill Polysaccharide on UVB-Damaged HaCaT Cells.

UVB radiation is known to induce photodamage to the skin, disrupt the skin barrier, elicit cutaneous inflammation, and accelerate the aging process. Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM) is an edible medicinal and nutritional fungus. One of its constituents, Agaricus blazei Murill polysaccharide (ABP), has been reported to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and immunomodulatory effects, which suggests potential effects that protect against photodamage. In this study, a UVB-induced photodamage HaCaT model was established to investigate the potential reparative effects of ABP and its two constituents (A1 and A2). Firstly, two purified polysaccharides, A1 and A2, were obtained by DEAE-52 cellulose column chromatography, and their physical properties and chemical structures were studied. A1 and A2 exhibited a network-like microstructure, with molecular weights of 1.5 × 104 Da and 6.5 × 104 Da, respectively. The effects of A1 and A2 on cell proliferation, the mitochondrial membrane potential, and inflammatory factors were also explored. The results show that A1 and A2 significantly promoted cell proliferation, enhanced the mitochondrial membrane potential, suppressed the expression of inflammatory factors interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and increased the relative content of filaggrin (FLG) and aquaporin-3 (AQP3). The down-regulated JAK-STAT signaling pathway was found to play a role in the response to photodamage. These findings underscore the potential of ABP to ameliorate UVB-induced skin damage.

ANN-GA optimized composite color protectant combined with magnetic field assisted freezing: Effects on the quality of mushroom (Agaricus bisporus).

Due to their high water content, frozen mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) were greatly affected by ice crystal formation, which can lead to the destruction of tissue structure, serious browning, high juice loss, and difficulty in maintaining good sensory characteristics. In order to improve the quality of frozen Agaricus bisporus, this study employed Artificial neural network and genetic algorithm (ANN-GA) to optimize the amount of composite color protectant, and identified the optimal freezing conditions for freezing Agaricus bisporus by determining the freezing curves under different magnetic field-assisted freezing conditions, the color variance, texture and structure, drip loss, and distribution of moisture. Furthering, using X-ray µCT three dimensional images were taken to characterize the microstructure of the samples. Among them, the 6 mT magnetic field-assisted freezing treatment group was significantly better than the control group, and the results showed that the magnetic field-assisted freezing combined with chemical color protectant as a composite processing technology improved the quality of frozen Agaricus bisporus. This provides a theoretical basis and technical support for enhanced processing of frozen Agaricus bisporus.

Discoloration of textile dyes by spent mushroom substrate of Agaricus bisporus.

The textile industry discharges up to 5 % of their dyes in aqueous effluents. Here, use of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) of commercial white button mushroom production and its aqueous extract, SMS tea, was assessed to remove textile dyes from water. A total of 30-90 % and 5-85 % of the dyes was removed after a 24 h incubation in SMS and SMS tea, respectively. Removal of malachite green and remazol brilliant blue R was similar in SMS and its tea. In contrast, removal of crystal violet, orange G, and rose bengal was higher in SMS, explained by sorption to SMS and by the role of non-water-extractable SMS components in discoloration. Heat-treating SMS and its tea, thereby inactivating enzymes, reduced dye removal to 8-58 % and 0-31 %, respectively, indicating that dyes are removed by both enzymatic and non-enzymatic activities. Together, SMS of white button mushroom production has high potential to treat textile-dye-polluted aqueous effluents.

Effects of Outdoor-Grown Royal Sun Medicinal Mushroom Agaricus brasiliensis KA21 (Agaricomycetes) Fruiting Body on Canine Malassezia Dermatitis.

Brazil-grown outdoor-cultivated Agaricus brasiliensis KA21 fruiting body (KA21) significantly increases the production of serum anti-beta-glucan antibody. Therefore, KA21 ingestion may be useful for the prevention and alleviation of fungal infections. This study aimed to determine the effects of KA21 in fungal infections in animals. KA21 was administered to nine dogs infected with Malassezia. Notably, the anti-beta-glucan antibody titer remained unchanged or tended to decrease in the oral steroid arm, whereas in the non-steroid arm, antibody titer increased in almost all animals after KA21 ingestion. Dogs showing improved clinical symptoms exhibited increased anti-beta-glucan antibody titers. The results of this study suggest that KA21 ingestion may alleviate the symptoms of Malassezia and other fungal infections and that continuous ingestion may help prolong recurrence-free intervals. Additionally, the ingestion of KA21 during oral steroid dosage reduction or discontinuation may enable smoother steroid withdrawal.

Chemical Structures, Biological Activities, and Biosynthetic Analysis of Secondary Metabolites from Agaricus Mushrooms: A Review.

Agaricus mushrooms are an important genus in the Agaricaceae family, belonging to the order Agaricales of the class Basidiomycota. Among them, Agaricus bisporus is a common mushroom for mass consumption, which is not only nutritious but also possesses significant medicinal properties such as anticancer, antibacterial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. The rare edible mushroom, Agaricus blazei, contains unique agaricol compounds with significant anticancer activity against liver cancer. Agaricus blazei is believed to expel wind and cold, i.e., the pathogenic factors of wind and cold from the body, and is an important formula in traditional Chinese medicine. Despite its nutritional richness and outstanding medicinal value, Agaricus mushrooms have not been systematically compiled and summarized. Therefore, the present review compiles and classifies 70 natural products extracted from Agaricus mushrooms over the past six decades. These compounds exhibit diverse biological and pharmacological activities, with particular emphasis on antitumor and antioxidant properties. While A. blazei and A. bisporus are the primary producers of these compounds, studies on secondary metabolites from other Agaricus species remain limited. Further research is needed to explore and understand the anticancer and nutritional properties of Agaricus mushrooms. This review contributes to the understanding of the structure, bioactivity, and biosynthetic pathways of Agaricus compounds and provides insights for the development of functional foods using these mushrooms.

Enzymatic and non-enzymatic removal of organic micropollutants with spent mushroom substrate of Agaricus bisporus.

Water bodies are increasingly contaminated with a diversity of organic micropollutants (OMPs). This impacts the quality of ecosystems due to their recalcitrant nature. In this study, we assessed the removal of OMPs by spent mushroom substrate (SMS) of the white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) and by its aqueous tea extract. Removal of acesulfame K, antipyrine, bentazon, caffeine, carbamazepine, chloridazon, clofibric acid, and N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) by SMS and its tea was between 10 and 90% and 0-26%, respectively, in a 7-day period. Sorption to SMS particles was between 0 and 29%, which can thus not explain the removal difference between SMS and its tea, the latter lacking these particles. Carbamazepine was removed most efficiently by both SMS and its tea. Removal of OMPs (except caffeine) by SMS tea was not affected by heat treatment. By contrast, heat-treatment of SMS reduced OMP removal to < 10% except for carbamazepine with a removal of 90%. These results indicate that OMP removal by SMS and its tea is mediated by both enzymatic and non-enzymatic activities. The presence of copper, manganese, and iron (0.03, 0.88, and 0.33 µg L-1, respectively) as well as H2O2 (1.5 µM) in SMS tea indicated that the Fenton reaction represents (part of) the non-enzymatic activity. Indeed, the in vitro reconstituted Fenton reaction removed OMPs > 50% better than the teas. From these data it is concluded that spent mushroom substrate of the white button mushroom, which is widely available as a waste-stream, can be used to purify water from OMPs.

From 13C-lignin to 13C-mycelium: Agaricus bisporus uses polymeric lignin as a carbon source.

Plant biomass conversion by saprotrophic fungi plays a pivotal role in terrestrial carbon (C) cycling. The general consensus is that fungi metabolize carbohydrates, while lignin is only degraded and mineralized to CO2. Recent research, however, demonstrated fungal conversion of 13C-monoaromatic compounds into proteinogenic amino acids. To unambiguously prove that polymeric lignin is not merely degraded, but also metabolized, carefully isolated 13C-labeled lignin served as substrate for Agaricus bisporus, the world's most consumed mushroom. The fungus formed a dense mycelial network, secreted lignin-active enzymes, depolymerized, and removed lignin. With a lignin carbon use efficiency of 0.14 (g/g) and fungal biomass enrichment in 13C, we demonstrate that A. bisporus assimilated and further metabolized lignin when offered as C-source. Amino acids were high in 13C-enrichment, while fungal-derived carbohydrates, fatty acids, and ergosterol showed traces of 13C. These results hint at lignin conversion via aromatic ring-cleaved intermediates to central metabolites, underlining lignin's metabolic value for fungi.

Polysacharide of Agaricus blazei gel mitigates bone necrosis in model of the jaws related to bisphosphonate via Wnt signaling.

To investigate de effect of PAb gel on the bone tissue of rats submitted to Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ). Initially, 54 animals were submitted to BRONJ model by Zoledronic Acid (ZA) (0.1 mg/kg 3x/wk for 9 wk, ip), followed by the 1st upper left molar extraction at the 8th wk. After tooth removal, the animals were divided into 3 groups, ZA that received placebo gel or PAb gel that received 1% PAb gel, inside the dental alveolus. The control Group (CONTROL) received 0.1 mg/kg of 0.9% saline and then placebo gel. Three weeks after tooth extraction, the animals were euthanized, and maxillae were colleted for macroscopic, radiographic, histological and Raman spectomery assays. Additionally, GSK3b, beta-catenin, and Runx2 mRNA expressions were determined. Blood samples were collected for the analysis of Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) levels. PAb gel improved mucosal healing, increased the number of viable osteocytes, while it reduced the number of empty lacunae, as well as the amount of bone sequestration. Furthermore, PAb gel positively influenced the number and functionality of osteoblasts by stimulating Wnt signaling, thereby inducing bone remodeling. Additionally, PAb gel contributed to improved bone quality, as evidenced by an increase in bone mineral content, a decrease in bone solubility, and an enhancement in the quality of collagen, particularly type I collagen. PAb gel mitigated bone necrosis by stimulating of bone remodeling through Wnt signaling and concurrently improved bone quality. PAb gel emerges as a promising pharmacological tool for aiding in BRONJ therapy or potentially preventing the development of BRONJ.

[Research progress on structures, activities, and biosynthesis of blazeispirol compounds from Agaricus blazei].

Agaricus blazei is a rare medicinal and edible fungus with a crispy taste and delicious flavor. Both fruiting body and mycelium are rich in polysaccharides, sterols, terpenoids, peptides, lipids, polyphenols, and other active ingredients, which have strong pharmacological activities such as anti-tumor, lipid-lowering, glucose-lowering, immunomodulation, optimization of intestinal flora, and anti-oxidation. Therefore, it is a kind of fungal resource with a great prospect of edible and medicinal development. Among the reported chemical components of A. blazei, blazeispirol is a series of sterol compounds unique to A. blazei, which has a spiral structure and is different from classical steroids. It is an important active ingredient found in the mycelium of A. blazei and has significant hepatoprotective activity. It can be used as a phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic marker of A. blazei strains and is considered an excellent lead compound for drug development. According to the skeleton structure characteristics, the 17 discovered blazeispirol compounds can be divided into two types: blazeispirane and problazeispirane. In order to further explore the resource of blazeispirol compounds of A. blazei, the discovery, isolation, structure, biological activity, and biosynthetic pathways of blazeispirol compounds of A. blazei were systematically reviewed. Besides, the metabolic regulation strategies related to the fermentation synthesis of blazeispirol A by A. blazei were discussed. This review could provide a reference for the efficient synthesis and development of blazeispirol compounds, the research and development of related drugs and functional foods, and the quality improvement of A. blazei and other medicinal and edible fungi resources and derivatives.

Physicochemical characterisation of casings in relation to mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) cropping performance.

Peat-based casings have been used for button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) cultivation for decades but there is environmental pressure to find sustainable alternatives. This work aimed to characterise the physicochemical properties of peat and peat-substituted casings and to determine their influence on mushroom cropping to enable alternatives to be identified. British milled peat and German wet-dug peat casings produced smaller mushrooms than Irish wet-dug peat casing although yield was unaffected. Substitution of milled or wet-dug peat casings with 25% v/v bark, green waste compost or spent mushroom casing, except Irish wet-dug peat casing with spent peat mushroom casing, caused reductions in mushroom yield and/or size. These poorer results of casings compared with Irish wet-dug peat casing corresponded with lower water retention volumes at matric potential (Ψm) -15 kPa but not after drainage from saturation or at -1 kPa. Air-filled porosity (17-22% v/v), compacted bulk density after drainage (670-800 g L-1) and electrical conductivity (0.30-0.54 mS cm-1) of casings were unrelated to their mushroom cropping performance. In-situ casing measurements with electronic tensiometers confirmed laboratory casing physical analysis: at the same casing Ψm, Irish wet-dug peat casing had a higher water content than German wet-dug peat casing and produced larger mushrooms for the same yield. Solid-state foam-based tensiometers were more robust than water-filled tensiometers but they did not detect the full decrease in casing Ψm during a flush of mushrooms. The results indicate that if sustainable materials are to replace wet-dug peat casing with the same mushroom yield and size quality performance, they should have equivalent water retention volumes at Ψm -15 kPa. Measurement of casing Ψm with electronic tensiometers to control mushroom crop irrigation should assist in this transition.

Comparative Analysis of Agronomic Traits, Yield, and Effective Components of Main Cultivated Ganoderma Mushrooms (Agaricomycetes) in China.

To assess the strain resources and address production challenges in Ganoderma cultivation. 150 Ganoderma strains were collected from 13 provinces in China. A comparative analysis of agronomic traits and effective components was conducted. Among the 150 strains, key agronomic traits measured were: average stipe diameter (15.92 mm), average stipe length (37.46 mm), average cap horizontal diameter (94.97 mm), average cap vertical diameter (64.21 mm), average cap thickness (15.22 mm), and average fruiting body weight (14.30 g). Based on these agronomic traits, four promising strains, namely, L08, L12, Z21, and Z39, were recommended for further cultivation and breeding. The average crude polysaccharide content ranged from 0.048% to 0.977%, and triterpenoids ranged from 0.804% to 2.010%. In addition, 73 triterpenoid compounds were identified, constituting 47.1% of the total compounds. Using a distance discrimination method, the types, and relative contents of triterpenoid compounds in 150 Ganoderma strains were classified, achieving 98% accuracy in G. lingzhi identification. The 16 triterpenoid components used for G. lingzhi identification included oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, 3ß-acetoxyergosta-7,22-dien-5α-ol, ganoderic acid DM, ganoderiol B, ganorderol A, ganoderic acid GS-1, tsugaric acid A, ganoderic acid GS-2, ganoderenic acid D, ganoderic acid Mf, ganoderic acid A, ganoderic acid K, ganoderic acid V, ganoderic acid G, and leucocontextin J. This study provides valuable insights for exploring and utilizing Ganoderma resources and for the development of new varieties.

Elucidating the role of monoacetylphlorogulcinol in the pathogenicity of Pseudomonas 'gingeri' against Agaricus bisporus.

BACKGROUND: Agaricus bisporus is a globally important edible fungus. The occurrence of ginger blotch caused by Pseudomonas 'gingeri' during A. bisporus growth and post-harvest stages results in significant economic losses. The biotoxin monoacetylphloroglucinol (MAPG) produced by P. 'gingeri' is responsible for inducing ginger blotch on A. bisporus. However, the understanding of the toxic mechanisms of MAPG on A. bisporus remains limited, which hinders the precise control of ginger blotch disease in A. bisporus and the breeding of disease-resistant varieties. RESULTS: Integrating transcriptomic, metabolomic, and physiological data revealed that MAPG led to an increase in intracellular superoxide anion (O2 -) levels and lipid peroxidation in A. bisporus. MAPG changed the cellular membrane composition of A. bisporus, causing to damage membrane permeability. MAPG inhibited the expression of genes associated with the 19s subunit of the proteasome, thereby impeding cellular waste degradation in A. bisporus. Unlike melanin, MAPG stimulated the synthesis of flavonoids in A. bisporus, which might explain the manifestation of ginger-colored symptoms rather than browning. Meanwhile, the glutathione metabolism pathway in A. bisporus played a pivotal role in counteracting the cytotoxic effects of MAPG. Additionally, enhanced catalase activity and up-regulation of defense-related genes, including cytochrome P450s, Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS), and ABC transporters, were observed. CONCLUSION: This study provides comprehensive insights into MAPG toxicity in A. bisporus and uncovers the detoxification strategies of A. bisporus against MAPG. The findings offer valuable evidence for precise control and breeding of resistant varieties against ginger blotch in A. bisporus. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Epsilon-poly-l-lysine alleviates brown blotch disease of postharvest Agaricus bisporus mushrooms by directly inhibiting Pseudomonas tolaasii and inducing mushroom disease resistance.

The natural antimicrobial peptide, epsilon-poly-l-lysine (ε-PL), is widely acknowledged as a food preservative. However, its potential in managing bacterial brown blotch disease in postharvest edible mushrooms and the associated mechanism remain unexplored. In this study, concentrations of ε-PL ≥ 150 mg L-1 demonstrated significant inhibition effects, restraining over 80% of growth and killed over 99% of Pseudomonas tolaasii (P. tolaasii). This inhibition effect occurred in a concentration-dependent manner. The in vivo findings revealed that treatment with 150 mg L-1 ε-PL effectively inhibited P. tolaasii-caused brown blotch disease in Agaricus bisporus (A. bisporus) mushrooms. Plausible mechanisms underlying ε-PL's action against P. tolaasii in A. bisporus involve: (i) damaging the cell morphology and membrane integrity, and increasing uptake of propidium iodide and leakage of cellular components of P. tolaasii; (ii) interaction with intracellular proteins and DNA of P. tolaasii; (iii) inhibition of P. tolaasii-induced activation of polyphenol oxidase, elevation of antioxidative enzyme activities, stimulation of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic enzyme activities and metabolite production, and augmentation of pathogenesis-related protein contents in A. bisporus mushrooms. These findings suggest promising prospects for the application of ε-PL in controlling bacterial brown blotch disease in A. bisporus.

Chitin and chitosan from mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) using deep eutectic solvents.

In this study, chitin was isolated from a mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) using deep eutectic solvents, choline chloride: acetic acid (CCAA), choline chloride:lactic acid (CCLA) and choline chloride:glycerol (CCG). According to the results, three DES systems were also useful for the isolation of chitin from mushrooms. The deproteinization efficiency was 84.25 %. The degree of deacetylation of chitin isolated by microwave-assisted extraction using CCAA was 69 %. This result was promising to produce chitosan in a one-step, base-free process using deep eutectic solvents. FTIR, XRD, SEM and XPS were used to analyse the physicochemical properties of the chitin.

Dietary supplementation with mushroom powder (Agaricus bisporus) on performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and bone biomechanical properties of quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

This study was performed to determine the effect of mushroom powder (MP) (Agaricus bisporus) supplementation on growing Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). A total of 300 unsexed 1-day-old Japanese quails with similar body weights (8.38 ± 0.2 g) were randomly assigned to five treatment groups with six replications. Additions of 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, or 1.00% of MP to the basal diet were used to develop the treatment groups. Quails were fed ad libitum for 42 days. At the end of the experiment, 12 quails from each experimental unit were euthanised to determine performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and bone biochemical properties. Results showed that all dietary MP did not negatively affect any performance parameters (P > 0.05), while by the third week of life, there was an increase (P < 0.05) in body weight and body weight gain in the quails of the 0.75% MP group compared to the control group. Nevertheless, these differences disappeared at the end of the trial (P > 0.05). No differences were observed (P > 0.05) for any of the studied carcass traits, except for the pancreas weight which decreased (P < 0.05) with the addition of high MP (1.00%). Regarding meat quality, all color parameters were affected on the fifth day of sampling (P < 0.05) but not on the first day (P > 0.05). It was detected that the breast of the quails in group 0.75% MP had the highest L* value and the lowest a* value. While the breast of the 1.00% MP group had the highest b value and the lowest pH value. Dietary MP enhanced oxidative stability, reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) value in the breast compared to the control at both sampling points (P < 0.01), being more noted on the fifth day of sampling. Bone biomechanical properties (in terms of shear force or shear stress) were improved (P < 0.01) with the dietary addition of MP at 0.75% compared to the control. It can be suggested that MP is a secure ingredient in animal feed without negatively affecting performance parameters, carcass traits, or meat quality. Therefore, including an interval of 0.50-0.75% of MP in the diet of growing quails could be a suitable strategy to improve certain parameters such as the meat's oxidative stability and the bone's biomechanical parameters. Moreover, the efficacy of MP on performance development would be greater during the first weeks of the quails' life due to their intestinal conditions at this stage.

Exploring novel Kokumi peptides in Agaricus bisporus: selection, identification, and tasting mechanism investigation through sensory evaluation and computer simulation analysis.

Agaricus bisporus contains amino acids associated with thickness and full-mouthfeel, making it a potential candidate for salt substitutes and flavor enhancers in various food applications. Kokumi peptides were isolated from the enzymatic digest of Agaricus bisporus using ultrafiltration nanofiltration, gel chromatographic separation, and RP-HPLC, coupled with sensory evaluation. Subsequently, the peptides, EWVPVTK and EYPPLGR, were selected for solid-phase synthesis based on molecular docking. Sensory analysis, including thresholds, time intensity, and dose-configuration relationships, indicated that EWVPVTK and EYPPLGR exhibited odor thresholds of 0.6021 mmol L-1 and 2.332 mmol L-1 in an aqueous solution. Molecular docking scores correlated with low sensory thresholds, signifying strong taste sensitivities. EWVPVTK, in particular, demonstrated a higher sense of richness at lower concentrations compared to EYPPLGR. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations elucidated that the interactions between Kokumi peptides and the CaSR receptor primarily involved hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and hydrophobic interactions. Both EWVPVTK and EYPPLGR exhibited stable binding to the CaSR receptor. Active binding sites were identified, with EWVPVTK interacting at Arg 66, Asp 216, Gln 245, and Asn 102, while EYPPLGR engaged with Ser 272, Gln 193, Glu 297, Ala-298, Tyr-2, and Agr-66 in hydrophilic interactions through hydrogen bonds. Notably, these two Kokumi peptides were found to be enriched in umami and sweet amino acids, underscoring their pivotal role in umami perception. This study not only identifies novel Kokumi peptides from Agaricus bisporus but also contributes theoretical foundations and insights for future studies in the realm of Kokumi peptides.

Wild mushrooms as potential reservoirs of plant pathogenic bacteria: a case study on Burkholderia gladioli.

Fruit bodies (sporocarps) of wild mushrooms growing in natural environments play a substantial role in the preservation of microbial communities, for example, clinical and food-poisoning bacteria. However, the role of wild mushrooms as natural reservoirs of plant pathogenic bacteria remains almost entirely unknown. Furthermore, bacterial transmission from a mushroom species to agricultural plants has rarely been recorded in the literature. In September 2021, a creamy-white Gram-negative bacterial strain was isolated from the sporocarp of Suillus luteus (slippery jack) growing in Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) lawn in Southern Iran. A similar strain was isolated from the same fungus in the same area in September 2022. Both strains were identified as Burkholderia gladioli based on phenotypic features as well as phylogeny of 16S rRNA and three housekeeping genes. The strains were not only pathogenic on white button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) but also induced hypersensitive reaction (HR) on tobacco and common bean leaves and caused soft rot on a set of diverse plant species, that is, chili pepper, common bean pod, cucumber, eggplant, garlic, gladiolus, narcissus, onion, potato, spring onion, okra, kohlrabi, mango, and watermelon. Isolation of plant pathogenic B. gladioli strains from sporocarp of S. luteus in two consecutive years in the same area could be indicative of the role of this fungus in the preservation of the bacterium in the natural environment. B. gladioli associated with naturally growing S. luteus could potentially invade neighboring agricultural crops, for example, vegetables and ornamentals. The potential role of wild mushrooms as natural reservoirs of phytopathogenic bacteria is further discussed.IMPORTANCEThe bacterial genus Burkholderia contains biologically heterogeneous strains that can be isolated from diverse habitats, that is, soil, water, diseased plant material, and clinical specimens. In this study, two Gram-negative pectinolytic bacterial strains were isolated from the sporocarps of Suillus luteus in September 2021 and 2022. Molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed that both strains belonged to the complex species Burkholderia gladioli, while the pathovar status of the strains remained undetermined. Biological investigations accomplished with pathogenicity and host range assays showed that B. gladioli strains isolated from S. luteus in two consecutive years were pathogenic on a set of diverse plant species ranging from ornamentals to both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous vegetables. Thus, B. gladioli could be considered an infectious pathogen capable of being transmitted from wild mushrooms to annual crops. Our results raise a hypothesis that wild mushrooms could be considered as potential reservoirs for phytopathogenic B. gladioli.

Garlic (Allium sativum) and mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) powder: Investigation of performance, immune organs and humoural and cellular immune response in broilers.

BACKGROUND: Alternatives to antibiotics have been suggested by banning their use in the poultry industry. Garlic and mushroom are two important phytobiotic compounds in poultry nutrition. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing diets with garlic and mushroom powder (MP) on growth performance, humoural and cellular immunity, and white blood cell counts of broiler chickens. METHODS: Five hundred and seventy-six 1-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were assigned to 8 treatments with 6 replications (12 birds per replication) based on a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement of 4 × 2 with 4 levels of garlic powder (GP; 0.00%, 0.50%, 1.00%, and 1.50%) and two levels of MP (0.00% and 1.00%). RESULTS: No significant effects of GP and MP on the growth performance and cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity were observed (p > 0.05). According to the regression equation, with increasing levels of GP in the diets, the relative weight of the bursa of Fabricius and thymus increased (p < 0.05). The effect of increasing levels of GP on the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) titre was greater in the absence of MP (p < 0.05). With increasing levels of GP in the diets, the percentages of lymphocytes and heterophils to lymphocytes ratio increased and reduced, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This experiment has revealed that increasing the level of GP improved the immune response of broilers without affecting performance. The effect of increasing the level of GP on the NDV titre was more significant in the absence of MP.

Three new species of Agaricus from Baiyun Mountain, Guangzhou, China.

Agaricus is a species-rich genus with more than 600 species around the world. In this work, three new species, Agaricus cacainus, A. baiyunensis, and A. praeclarefibrillosus are described from the specimens collected at Baiyun Mountain, Guangzhou, China, a subtropical area with a monsoon maritime climate, based on phylogenetic analyses and morphological examinations of internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS), D1/D2 domains of the large subunit of ribosomal DNA (28S), and a part of translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1). Agaricus cacainus in A. sect. Amoeni is characterized by a parabolic to applanate, slightly depressed pileus covered with chocolate brown, appressed, triangular squamules against white background, a white, furfuraceous stipe, an unchanging context when cut, a fragile and evanescent annulus, usually 4- or 2-spored basidia, and mostly pyriform cheilocystidia. Agaricus baiyunensis in A. sect. Minores has a pileus with a slightly truncate top covered with light brown, downy-wooly fibrillose scales and a light yellowish stipe with membranous annulus. Agaricus praeclarefibrillosus in A. sect. Brunneopicti is characterized by a pileus surface with brownish, triangular, recurved scales and longitudinally splitting lines toward margin, a cottony stipe with white, tiny, recurved fibrils, a single annulus, and variously shaped cheilocystidia, with sparsely ornamented basidiospores. The detailed comparison of their morphological characteristics with closely related species is provided.