Agave Wilt Susceptibility by Reduction of Free Hexoses in Root Tissue of Agave tequilana Weber var. azul Commercial Plants in the Fructan Accumulation Process.

Agave tequilana stems store fructan polymers, the main carbon source for tequila production. This crop takes six or more years for industrial maturity. In conducive conditions, agave wilt disease increases the incidence of dead plants after the fourth year. Plant susceptibility induced for limited photosynthates for defense is recognized in many crops and is known as "sink-induced loss of resistance". To establish whether A. tequilana is more prone to agave wilt as it ages, because the reduction of water-soluble carbohydrates in roots, as a consequence of greater assembly of highly polymerized fructans, were quantified roots sucrose, fructose, and glucose, as well as fructans in stems of agave plants of different ages. The damage induced by inoculation with Fusarium solani or F. oxysporum in the roots or xylem bundles, respectively, was recorded. As the agave plant accumulated fructans in the stem as the main sink, the amount of these hexoses diminished in the roots of older plants, and root rot severity increased when plants were inoculated with F. solani, as evidence of more susceptibility. This knowledge could help to structure disease management that reduces the dispersion of agave wilt, dead plants, and economic losses at the end of agave's long crop cycle.

Effects of dietary supplementation of cobiotic based on Agave fructans on growth performance, blood parameters, oxidative damage and immune status of broiler.

This study evaluated the effect of cobiotic (CO) composed of organic fructans powder of Agave tequilana and turmeric powder of Curcuma longa L. as an alternative of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) on growth performance, blood parameters, intestinal pH, oxidative stress, and cytokines serum levels of broiler chickens. A total of 135 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers distributed to five experimental groups, which included starter or finisher standard diets without AGPs (CON), CON + 0.25 COLI-ZIN g/kg feed (AGP), CON + 0.1 g Agave fructans/kg feed (AF), CON + 0.5 g turmeric powder/kg feed (TP) and CON + 0.1 g AF + 0.5 g TP /kg feed (CO), for 49 days. AF followed by TP, decreased feed intake, obtaining the best FCR. AGP increased the heterophil-lymphocyte ratio compared to other groups. CO significantly decreased the pH of the cecal content. AF increased IL-10 levels, while TP decreased it. AF decreased the IL-1ß levels. The present study showed that including a cobiotic based on AF and TP or components separately in a broilers diet improved growth performance, modified intestinal and cecum pH, and stimulated the immune system, which suggests CO as a safe alternative to AGP.

Effect of Agavins and Agave Syrup Use in the Formulation of a Synbiotic Gelatin Gummy with Microcapsules of Saccharomyces Boulardii.

Agavins are reserve carbohydrates found in agave plants; they present texture-modifying properties and prebiotic capacity by increasing the viability of the intestinal microbiota. Through its hydrolysis, agave syrup (AS) can be obtained and can be used as a sweetener in food matrices. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the variation in the content of agavins and AS on the physical, structural, and viability properties of Saccharomyces boulardii encapsulates incorporated into gelatin gummies. An RSM was used to obtain an optimized formulation of gelatin gummies. The properties of the gel in the gummy were characterized by a texture profile analysis and Aw. The humidity and sugar content were determined. A sucrose gummy was used as a control for the variable ranges. Alginate microcapsules containing S. boulardii were added to the optimized gummy formulation to obtain a synbiotic gummy. The viability of S. boulardii and changes in the structure of the alginate gel of the microcapsules in the synbiotic gummy were evaluated for 24 days by image digital analysis (IDA). The agavins and agave syrup significantly affected the texture properties (<1 N) and the Aw (>0.85). The IDA showed a change in the gel network and an increase in viability by confocal microscopy from day 18. The number of pores in the gel increased, but their size decreased with an increase in the number of S. boulardii cells. Agavins and cells alter the structure of capsules in gummies without affecting their viability.

[Agave fructanos promote in vitro biofilm formation with a probiotic consortium Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. lactis, L. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus]. / Los fructanos de agave promueven la formación de biopelícula in vitro en el consorcio probiótico Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. lactis, L. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus y Streptococcus thermophilus.

In recent years the relationship between the intestinal microbiota, the host and chronic non-communicable diseases has brought interest into the study of its formation and maintenance in the host. Lactic acid bacteria (BAL) are Gram-positive bacteria with probiotic activity, which have been associated with many health benefits, such as decreased body fat mass and lower risk of type II diabetes mellitus. One of the main colonization mechanisms and bacteria survival strategies is the production of biofilms and the use of prebiotics as substrates to achieve a balance within intestinal microbiota. However, there is not enough evidence to demonstrate the biofilm formation in the presence of agave fructans (AF). This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the biofilm formation in a consortium of lactic acid bacteria: Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. lactis, Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus y Streptococcus thermophilus in the presence of AF at different concentrations: 0%, 0,1%, 4%, 8% y 16%. The addition of 0,1% of AF correlates with the best capacity for biofilm formation. The findings imply the possibility of modulating the biofilm formation of lactic acid bacteria with AF. These results can contribute positively to the host, by generating intestinal homeostasis, colonization resistance, stability to food digestion and chemical modifications of drugs and carry out beneficial functions to the health.

The Effects of Agave Fructans in a Functional Food Consumed by Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Irritable bowel syndrome displays three different subtypes: constipation (IBS-C), diarrhea (IBS-D), and mixed (IBS-M). Treatment with dietary fiber is used, with consideration given both to the chemical composition of the fiber and to the different subtypes of IBS. The IBS-D subtype is usually treated with a low-FODMAPs diet, whereas the IBS-C subtype suggests prebiotics and probiotics to promote microbiota restoration. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of employing agave fructans as the soluble fiber of a jelly (Gelyfun®gastro) containing 8 g per serving in the IBS-C group (n = 50), using a randomized, double-blind, time-limited trial for four weeks. We evaluated changes in the frequency and types of bowel movements through the Bristol scale, and the improvement of the condition was evaluated using quality of life (IBS-QOL) and anxiety-depression (HADS) scales. The main results were that the number of bowel movements increased by more than 80%, with at least one stool per day from fifteen days onwards, without a laxative effect for the group treated. Finally, the quality of life with the prebiotic jelly was significantly improved compared to the placebo in all specific domains, in addition to significantly reducing anxiety and depression.

Effect of coadministration of Lactiplantibacillus fabifermentans and linear/branched fructans mixtures on the intestinal health of Wistar rats.

A completely randomized experimental design was conducted to evaluate the effect of the coadministration of Lactiplantibacillus fabifermentans (Lpb. fabifermentans) and inulin/agave fructans mixtures on gut microbiota of healthy Wistar rats. Inulin, Agave salmiana fructans or fructan mixtures (1:1) at 12.5 % w/w, and Lpb. fabifermentans at 109 CFU/mL/day were used in the rats' diet for 35 days. Biochemical parameters, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), structural changes and the bacterial abundance in rats' cecum were evaluated. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides levels with fructan mixtures combined with Lpb. Fabifermentans was observed. The weight of the small and large intestines, and cecum was higher than the control; no changes were observed in the heart, liver, spleen and kidneys. SCFA concentration mainly, propionate and butyrate was improved (p < 0.05) throughout the gastrointestinal tract in all treatments. Finally, the administration of Lpb. fabifermentans alone or combined with the fructan mixtures promoted an increase in the abundance of cecum intestinal microbiota: Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Prevotella, Blautia, Faecalibacterium, Butyricimonas, Coprococcus, Akkermansia, Methanobrevibacter, Adlercreutzia, Collinsella, Odoribacter, and Roseburia. The inclusion of fructan mixtures in combination with Lpb. fabifermentans could be a good alternative for the development of functional foods that enhance consumer health.

Lauroylated, Acetylated, and Succinylated Agave tequilana Fructans Fractions: Structural Characterization, Prebiotic, Antibacterial Activity and Their Effect on Lactobacillus paracasei under Gastrointestinal Conditions.

The effect of chemical modification of fractions of native agave fructans (NAF), high performance (HPAF), and a high degree of polymerization (HDPAF) by lauroylation, acetylation, and succinylation reactions on their prebiotic activity, antibacterial properties were evaluated and survival of L. paracasei in a simulated gastrointestinal system. The characterization of the reactions was confirmed by NMR and FTIR. The lauroylated and succinylated fructan fractions showed higher antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus than the unmodified ones. Analyses with L. paracasei showed that the acetylated fructan fractions had a greater prebiotic effect, and simulated gastrointestinal tests demonstrated that the acetylated and succinylated fractions favored the survival of L. paracasei during the gastrointestinal phase. The effect of modifying the agave fructans fractions on the evaluated properties depended on the structure, size, and polarity of each incorporated functional group, as well as the degree of polymerization and substitution of each fraction. These results show that the chemical modification of the fructan fractions analyzed improves their functional properties, offering an alternative in the food and pharmaceutical industry.

Complete genome sequence and characterization of a novel Enterococcus faecium with probiotic potential isolated from the gut of Litopenaeus vannamei.

Litopenaeus vannamei, the Pacific whiteleg shrimp, is one of the most marketable species in aquaculture worldwide. However, it is susceptible to different infections causing considerable losses in production each year. Consequently, using prebiotics that promotes the proliferation of beneficial bacteria and strengthen the immune system is a current strategy for disease control. In this study, we isolated two strains of E. faecium from the gut of L. vannamei fed with agavin-supplemented diets. These isolates showed antibacterial activity against Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio harveyi and Vibrio alginolyticus, most likely due to peptidoglycan hydrolase (PGH) activity. Furthermore, we sequenced the genome of one isolate. As a result, we observed three proteins related to the production of bacteriocins, a relevant trait for selecting probiotic strains since they can inhibit the invasion of potential pathogens. Additionally, the genome annotation showed genes related to the production of essential nutrients for the host. It lacked two of the most common factors associated with virulence in Enterococcus pathogenic strains (esp and hyl). Thus, this host-probiotic-derived strain has potential application not only in shrimp health but also in alternative aquatic environments, as it is adapted to coexist within the gut shrimp microbiota, independently of the diet.

Simultaneous enzyme production, Levan-type FOS synthesis and sugar by-products elimination using a recombinant Pichia pastoris strain expressing a levansucrase-endolevanase fusion enzyme.

BACKGROUND: Although Levan-type fructooligosaccharides (L-FOS) have been shown to exhibit prebiotic properties, no efficient methods for their large-scale production have been proposed. One alternative relies on the simultaneous levan synthesis from sucrose, followed by endolevanase hydrolysis. For this purpose, several options have been described, particularly through the synthesis of the corresponding enzymes in recombinant Escherichia coli. Major drawbacks still consist in the requirement of GRAS microorganisms for enzyme production, but mainly, the elimination of glucose and fructose, the reaction by-products. RESULTS: The expression of a fusion enzyme between Bacillus licheniformis endolevanase (LevB1) and B. subtilis levansucrase (SacB) in Pichia pastoris cultures, coupled with the simultaneous synthesis of L-FOS from sucrose and the elimination of the residual monosaccharides, in a single one-pot process was developed. The proof of concept at 250 mL flask-level, resulted in 8.62 g of monosaccharide-free L-FOS and 12.83 gDCW of biomass, after 3 successive sucrose additions (30 g in total), that is a 28.7% yield (w L-FOS/w sucrose) over a period of 288 h. At a 1.5 L bioreactor-level, growth considerably increased and, after 59 h and two sucrose additions, 72.9 g of monosaccharide-free L-FOS and 22.77 gDCW of biomass were obtained from a total of 160 g of sucrose fed, corresponding to a 45.5% yield (w L-FOS/w sucrose), 1.6 higher than the flask system. The L-FOS obtained at flask-level had a DP lower than 20 fructose units, while at bioreactor-level smaller oligosaccharides were obtained, with a DP lower than 10, as a consequence of the lower endolevanase activity in the flask-level. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate here in a novel system, that P. pastoris cultures can simultaneously be used as comprehensive system to produce the enzyme and the enzymatic L-FOS synthesis with growth sustained by sucrose by-products. This system may be now the center of an optimization strategy for an efficient production of glucose and fructose free L-FOS, to make them available for their application as prebiotics. Besides, P. pastoris biomass also constitutes an interesting source of unicellular protein.

Anticandidal and Antibiofilm Effect of Synbiotics including Probiotics and Inulin-Type Fructans.

BACKGROUND: There is great interest in the search for new alternatives to antimicrobial drugs, and the use of synbiotics is a promising approach to this problem. This study evaluated the growth inhibition and antibiofilm activity of the short-chain fatty acids produced by Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Pediococcus acidilactici in combination with inulin-type fructans against Candida albicans. METHODS: The growth inhibition of Candida was evaluated using microdilution analysis in 96-well microtiter plates; different concentrations of cell-free supernatants of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Pediococcus acidilactici were exposed to Candida albicans. The antibiofilm assessment was carried out using the crystal violet staining assay. The short-chain fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography. RESULTS: The clinically isolated Candida albicans interacted with supernatants from Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Pediococcus acidilactici and showed significant growth inhibition and antibiofilm formation versus the controls. Lactate and acetic acid were elevated in the supernatants. The results suggest that the supernatants obtained from the synbiotic combinations of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Pediococcus acidilactici with inulin-type fructans can inhibit the growth and biofilm formation against a clinically isolated Candida albicans strain. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that synbiotic formulations could be a promising alternative to antifungal drugs in candidiasis therapy.

Physical Properties and Prebiotic Activities (Lactobacillus spp.) of Gelatine-Based Gels Formulated with Agave Fructans and Agave Syrups as Sucrose and Glucose Substitutes.

This research developed model foods of gelatine-based gels, where carbohydrates from Agave tequilana Weber var. Azul (agave syrups or/and agave fructans) were incorporated into gel formulations as healthy sucrose and glucose substitutes. The sugars (sucrose and glucose) were substituted by agave carbohydrates (agave syrups and agave fructans), obtaining the subsequent gel formulations: 100% agave syrup (F2 gel), 100% agave fructan (F3 gel), and 50% agave syrup−50% agave fructan (F4 gel). The unsubstituted gel formulation was used as a control (F1 gel). The prebiotic activities, physical properties, thermal stability (HP-TLC), and texture of gelatine-based gels were evaluated. The gel formulations showed translucent appearances with approximately 36 g/100 g of water and water activities values between 0.823 and 0.929. The HP-TLC analysis validated that agave fructans did not hydrolyse during the thermal process of gels production. Gels produced with agave syrup and agave fructan (F2-F4 gels) provided higher hardness, gumminess, and springiness values (p < 0.05) than those produced with glucose and sucrose (F1 gel). Gelatine-based gel formulations displayed prebiotic activities correlated to the ability of Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus to use agave carbohydrates as carbon sources. Based on the prebiotic effect and physical and textural properties, the F2 and F4 gel formulations displayed the best techno-functional properties to produce gel soft candies.

Agave Fructans in Oaxaca's Emblematic Specimens: Agave angustifolia Haw. and Agave potatorum Zucc.

Despite the recognition of Agave tequilana Weber var. Azul as raw material for producing tequila and obtaining prebiotics, there are other highly relevant Agave species in Mexico. Oaxaca contains a startlingly diverse range of Agave species; Agave angustifolia Haw. and Agave potatorum Zucc. are two classic specimens with great commercial potential. In this study, we examined the fructan fluctuation in these two species during their lifetime in the field (from 1 to 6 years old). First, we analyzed their morphological diversity based on vegetative characteristics. Subsequently, fructan extracts were analyzed by TLC, FT-IR, and HPAEC-PAD to identify carbohydrates. Multivariate analyses of the morphological parameters indicated a morphological divergence between the two species. Furthermore, we found that the concentration of simple carbohydrates and fructans, as well as the fructan DP, changed during plant development. Glucose, fructose, and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) were more abundant in A. potatorum, while A. angustifolia showed a greater amount of sucrose and fructans with a high DP. Fructan DP heatmaps were constructed using HPAEC-PAD profiles-the heatmaps were very helpful for establishing an easy correlation between age and the carbohydrate types present in the fructan extracts. This study is an important contribution to the agave fructan knowledge of the Mexican agave diversity.

Effect of linear and branched fructans on growth and probiotic characteristics of seven Lactobacillus spp. isolated from an autochthonous beverage from Chiapas, Mexico.

The effect that the fructans of Cichorium intybus and Agave salmiana have on health, as well as on the growth of some Lactobacillus species, has been demonstrated. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of linear and branched fructans on the growth of seven strains and some probiotic characteristics. The molecular identification of seven strains was performed. Moreover, the growth, resistance to antibiotics and simulated gastrointestinal conditions were also evaluated when these microorganisms were grown in a culture medium containing agave and chicory fructans. The strains were identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactiplantibacillus pentosus, Lactiplantibacillus fabifermentans and Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum. The results suggest that the seven Lactobacillus strains were able to grow using agave (branched) and chicory (linear) fructans. The linear and branched fructans statistically influenced the kinetic parameters. The specific growth rate varied between 0.270 and 0.573 h-1 and the generation time between 1.21 and 2.45 h for all strains and culture media. All strains showed a growth of 9 Log CFU/mL in all the culture media. Production of lactic, acetic, propionic, butyric, formic and succinic acid was influenced by linear and branched fructans (p < 0.05). All the strains survived simulated gastrointestinal conditions greater than 83%. The resistance of Lactobacillus against ciprofloxacin and rifaximin was significantly affected by linear and branched fructans, but survival to gastrointestinal conditions was not affected by the type of substrate. These results highlight the use of the seven strains, which have probiotic potential; therefore, these could be applied in several biotechnological products.

Effect of Operating Conditions and Fructans Size Distribution on Tight Ultrafiltration Process for Agave Fructans Fractionation: Optimization and Modeling.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of operating conditions and fructans size distribution on the tight Ultrafiltration process for agave fructans fractionation. A mathematical model of limiting mass flux transfer was used to represent the profile of concentrations over time at the outlet of a pilot scale ultrafiltration system. First, a Box-Behnken experimental design was performed for the optimization of the parameters that determine the operating conditions in their respective ranges: temperature, 30−60 °C; transmembrane pressure (TMP), 1−5 bar and feed concentration, 50−150 kg∙m−3, on the separation factor (SF) and permeate flux. Then, the validation of the model for different fructans size distribution was carried out. The results showed that for SF, the quadratic terms of temperature, TMP and feed concentration were the most significant factors. Statistical analysis revealed that the temperature-concentration interaction has a significant effect (p < 0.005) and that the optimal conditions were: 46.81 °C, 3.27 bar and 85.70 kg∙m−3. The optimized parameters were used to validate the hydrodynamic model; the adjustments conclude that the model, although simplified, is capable of correctly reproducing the experimental data of agave fructans fractionation by a tight ultrafiltration pilot unit. The fractionation process is favored at higher proportions of FOS:Fc in native agave fructans.

Daily Intake of a Functional Synbiotic Yogurt Increases Calcium Absorption in Young Adult Women.

BACKGROUND: Foods containing both prebiotics and probiotics (synbiotics) might enhance calcium bioavailability. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the acute effect in young adult women on calcium absorption of consuming (185 mL) a synbiotic yogurt (SYN) containing inulin (4 g) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (>1 × 107 CFU/mL) compared with a control yogurt (CON). METHODS: Adult normal-weight women (25.0 ± 3.5 y, n = 30) participated in a 3-wk crossover study testing daily consumption of SYN compared with CON. Habitual dietary intake, bone mineral density (BMD), calcium biomarkers, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D were measured at baseline. Calcium absorption was tested after each phase of the study using a 42Ca oral tracer. Cumulative tracer recovery was measured in 0-4-h,  0-24-h, and 0-36-h urine pools collected postdosing. The SYN/CON tracer ratio from the timed urine pools was the primary outcome. A beneficial response to SYN was defined as 0-36-h SYN/CON tracer ratio >1. RESULTS: Net 42Ca recovered increased over time in each of the SYN and CON urine pools postdosing (Friedman, P < 0.001), with a trend for higher 42Ca recovery in the 0-36-h urine pool postdosing in the SYN (1.14%) compared with the CON (0.90%) study (Wilcoxon, P = 0.07). For CON, the majority of total tracer was recovered in the 0-24-h pool (86%), whereas for SYN only 50% of total tracer was recovered in the 0-24-h pool (Friedman, P = 0.001). The SYN/CON tracer ratio in the 0-36-h pool (1.24) was >1 (Wilcoxon, P = 0.015). About two-thirds (n = 19) of women studied responded to the SYN treatment. Responders had higher vegetable intake (P = 0.03), tended to have higher potassium and calcium intakes (P ≤ 0.08), and had higher total body BMD (P = 0.09), than nonresponders. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term daily consumption of a synbiotic yogurt enhanced calcium absorption relative to a control yogurt in adult women. Given the observed time delays in tracer recovery, enhancement of calcium absorption likely occurred in the large intestine.The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (study registration ID: NCT03420716).

Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Effect of Inulin-Type Fructans, Used in Synbiotic Combination with Lactobacillus spp. Against Candida albicans.

There is great interest in the search for new alternatives to antimicrobial drugs, and the use of prebiotics and probiotics is a promising approach to this problem. This study aimed to assess the effect of inulin-type fructans, used in synbiotic combinations with Lactobacillus paracasei or Lactobacillus plantarum, on the production of short-chain fatty acids and antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans. The inhibition assay using the L. paracasei and L. plantarum supernatants resulting from the metabolization of inulin-type fructans displayed growth inhibition and antibiofilm formation against C. albicans. Inhibition occurred at concentrations of 12.5, 25, and 50% of the L. paracasei supernatant and at a concentration of 50% of the L. plantarum supernatant. The analysis of short-chain fatty acids by gas chromatography showed that lactic acid was the dominating produced metabolite. However, acetic, propionic, and butyric acids were also detected in supernatants from both probiotics. Therefore, the synbiotic formulation of L. paracasei or L. plantarum in the presence of inulin-type fructans constitutes with anticandidal effect is a possible option to produce antifungal drugs or antimicrobial compounds.

Agavins Impact on Gastrointestinal Tolerability-Related Symptoms during a Five-Week Dose-Escalation Intervention in Lean and Obese Mexican Adults: Exploratory Randomized Clinical Trial.

Agavins are prebiotics and functional fiber that modulated the gut microbiota and metabolic status in obese mice. Here, we designed a placebo-controlled, double-blind, exploratory study to assess fluctuations in gastrointestinal (GI) tolerability-related symptoms to increasing doses of agavins in 38 lean and obese Mexican adults for five weeks and their impact on subjective appetite, satiety, metabolic markers, and body composition. All GI symptoms showed higher scores than placebo at almost every dose for both lean and obese groups. Flatulence caused an intense discomfort in the lean-agavins group at 7 g/day, while obese-agavins reported a mild-to-moderate effect for all five symptoms: no significant differences among 7, 10, and 12 g/day for flatulence, bloating, and diarrhea. Ratings for any GI symptom differed between 10 and 12 g/day in neither group. The inter-group comparison demonstrated a steady trend in GI symptoms scores in obese participants not seen for lean volunteers that could improve their adherence to larger trials. Only body weight after 10 g/day reduced from baseline conditions in obese-agavins, with changes in triglycerides and very-low-density lipoproteins compared to placebo at 5 g/day, and in total cholesterol for 10 g/day. Altogether, these results would help design future trials to evaluate agavins impact on obese adults.

Antimutagenic and Antiproliferative Activity of the Coccoloba uvifera L. Extract Loaded in Nanofibers of Gelatin/Agave Fructans Elaborated by Electrospinning.

BACKGROUND: The Coccoloba uvifera L. species is currently considered an important source of compounds of high biological value such as lupeol. This is related to different and important biological activities to human health. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to encapsulate the C. uvifera extract in nanofibers made with the biopolymers gelatin (G)/high-grade polymerization agave fructans (HDPAF) in the proportions 1:0, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 0:1, through the electrospinning process, in addition to evaluating the antimutagenic and antiproliferative properties of the encapsulated extract. METHODS: The physicochemical characteristics of the nanofibers were evaluated, as well as the antiproliferative and antimutagenic activities of the encapsulated and unencapsulated extract. SEM evaluation shows nanofibers of smooth, continuous morphology and nanometric size (50-250 nm). The TGA, FTIR-ATR, HPLC-MS analyses reveal the presence of the extract in the nanofibers. RESULTS: The extract did not show a mutagenic effect during the development of the Ames test, on the other hand, the MTT test showed the antiproliferative effect at the concentrations of 50 and 100 µg/mL of extract. CONCLUSION: The extract of C. uvifera loaded in nanofibers elaborated by electrospinning with the G/HDPAF biopolymers conserves its antimutagenic and antiproliferative properties.

[Self-reported prevalence of fructan food hypersensitivity in university students from the State of Mexico]. / Prevalencia de hipersensibilidad alimentaria a fructanos en estudiantes universitarios del Estado de México.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the self-reported prevalence of fructans food hypersensitivity in a sample of Mexican university students and to investigate the most frequent symptoms, the related foods involved, risk factors and gastrointestinal function status. METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in a convenience sample of 412 university students aged from 18 to 35 years. Data were collected about their personal and family history of gastrointestinal diseases, the presence of symptoms after consumption of certain foods, and the severity of their symptoms. RESULTS: The prevalence of fructans food hypersensitivity was 31.1 %; it was higher in women than in men. The most frequent gastrointestinal symptoms were bloating and flatulence. The most frequent extra-intestinal symptoms were fatigue and stress. The food groups related to the occurrence of symptoms were legumes, vegetables, and fruits. Significant association was found between female sex, personal and family history of gastrointestinal diseases and the presence of fructans food hypersensitivity (p < 0.05). Most individuals with fructans food hypersensitivity had mild gastrointestinal dysfunction (67.2 %). CONCLUSIONS: FFH is a common condition, it was found in one third of university students and occurs mainly in women. More research and diffusion about this pathology is required.

OBJECTIVO: Determinar la prevalencia por autorreporte de hipersensibilidad alimentaria a fructanos en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios e investigar los síntomas más frecuentes, los alimentos relacionados, los factores de riesgo y su función gastrointestinal. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal, descriptivo, en una muestra elegida por conveniencia de 412 estudiantes universitarios, de 18 a 35 años. Se recopilaron datos sobre antecedentes personales y familiares de enfermedades gastrointestinales, síntomas secundarios al consumo de ciertos alimentos y severidad de sus síntomas. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de hipersensibilidad alimentaria a fructanos fue de 31.1 %, mayor en mujeres que en hombres. Los síntomas gastrointestinales más frecuentes fueron distensión y flatulencias y los extraintestinales, fatiga y estrés. Los grupos de alimentos relacionados con la aparición de síntomas fueron leguminosas, vegetales y frutas. Se encontró asociación significativa entre el sexo femenino, la historia personal y familiar de enfermedades gastrointestinales y la presencia de hipersensibilidad alimentaria a fructanos (p < 0.05). La mayoría de los individuos con hipersensibilidad alimentaria a fructanos tuvieron una disfunción gastrointestinal leve (67.2 %). CONCLUSIONES: La hipersensibilidad alimentaria a fructanos es común; se encontró en un tercio de los estudiantes universitarios, principalmente en mujeres. Se necesita mayor investigación y difusión sobre esta patología.

Influence of Prebiotic Activity of Agave salmiana Fructans on Mucus Production and Morphology Changes in Colonic Epithelium Cell of Healthy Wistar Rats.

The beneficial health of evaluating prebiotic effect by the consumption of Agave salmiana fructans (A. salmiana fructans) was assessed in the epithelium of the cecum and proximal colon of Wistar rats fed at different doses for 35 days with regards to mucus production, morphological cell changes, and the serum concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Results showed a significant increase in mucus-secreting cells (P < 0.05) and a normal structure with preserved crypts, without morphological damage to colonic cells for a dose of 12.5% (w/w) with respect to the control and the other doses evaluated. The concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α was decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in the groups with doses of 10 and 12.5% (w/w) at 7 and 35 days, respectively. This effect was positively correlated with the reduction of inflammation in epithelial cells. This study provides direct evidence of the effects of the A. salmiana fructans on the colonic epithelium, demonstrating that a diet supplemented with 12.5% of fructans for 35 days exerts health benefits through the strengthening of the mucosa layer, which favors the adherence of the bacterial population and suppresses inflammation.