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ABSTRACTA group of 72 dairy lactobacilli were evaluated for their ability to produce fermented milk with Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitory activity (ACEIA). The strains were distributed in four clusters: 42 strains with 0–40% ACEIA; 11 strains with 40–50% ACEIA; 13 strains with 50–60% ACEIA and 6 strains with ACEIA over 60%. Ten cultures with the highest ACEIA were selected and their species identification was confirmed according to their carbohydrate fermentation pattern, total cell protein SDS-PAGE profiles and restriction polymorphism of their 16SrDNA (ARDRA). Six of the selected strains proved to belong to Lactobacillus helveticus, two potent ACEIA producing L. helveticus strains were reassigned as L. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus, and two other strains were reclassified as L. helveticus and L. delbrueckii ssp. lactis.

ABSTRACTBatch-fermentations and pH-controlled experiments were used to compare the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity (ACEIA) of fermented milk products. High values of ACEIA were determined for milks after prolonged batch fermentations (24h, 37°C) of single cultures of three Lactobacillus helveticus and two L. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus strains. Fermentations performed at constant pH did not result in higher ACEIA in the milk medium. L. helveticus strain Hv28 or L. bulgaricus strain 4/149 alone or in combination with S. thermophilus were used to prepare prototype fermented milk products and their ACEIA was evaluated. Fermented products obtained for 24h of incubation possessed the highest ACEIA, but had strong taste and required additives. Yoghurt-like products and products obtained with the slow acidifier L. bulgaricus strain 4/149 had moderate ACEIA, but had much more acceptable sensory qualities.

ABSTRACTWe have followed the anti-oxidant effects of a plant polyphenol-rich extract (PC) in the lungs of albino mice in the experimental influenza A/Aichi/2/68 (H3N2) (A/Aichi) virus infection. The effect of PC on the superoxide (O2−) and peroxide (H2O2) production from alveolar macrophages (aMØ) and on the lung antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) was studied. We also investigated the effect on the lipid peroxidation (LPO) and the total antioxidant activity (TAOA) in the lung tissue. All of the mentioned effects were studied in parallel with the protection on mortality rates and lung virological parameters on days 2, 6 and 9 after the viral challenge. It was shown that the extract significantly restored and stimulated the antioxidant activities in the lungs of influenza virus (IV)-infected mice. The protective effect of PC in the experimental influenza virus infection (EIVI) was related to both the specific antiviral effect of the extract and its antioxidant activity.