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Probiotics or bacteriotherapy is today's hot issue for public entities (Food and Agriculture Organization, and World Health Organization) as well as health and food industries since Metchnikoff and his colleagues hypothesized the correlation between probiotic consumption and human's health. They contribute to the newest and highly efficient arena of promising biotherapeutics. These are usually attractive in biomedical applications such as gut-related diseases like irritable bowel disease, diarrhea, gastrointestinal disorders, fungal infections, various allergies, parasitic and bacterial infections, viral diseases, and intestinal inflammation, and are also worth immunomodulation. The useful impact of probiotics is not limited to gut-related diseases alone. Still, these have proven benefits in various acute and chronic infectious diseases, like cancer, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diseases, and high serum cholesterol. Recently, different researchers have paid special attention to investigating biomedical applications of probiotics, but consolidated data regarding bacteriotherapy with a detailed mechanistically applied approach is scarce and controversial. The present article reviews the bio-interface of probiotic strains, mainly (i) why the demand for probiotics?, (ii) the current status of probiotics, (iii) an alternative to antibiotics, (iv) the potential applications towards disease management, (v) probiotics and industrialization, and (vi) futuristic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid surge in antibiotic resistance to pathogens has emerged as a grave threat to public health, globally. This multiple drug resistance (MDR) is directly linked to the high rates of morbidity and mortality worldwide due to untreated microbial infections. Therefore, it is inevitable to identify some novel, efficient, and comparatively safer antimicrobial agents to rescue the declining health index. In this regard, nanomaterials with modified structure, size, and infinity have risen as the sole source to tackle the MDR either through ameliorating the efficacy of existing drugs or by triggering entirely new bactericidal mechanisms. Out of all the nanomaterials, metals, and metal oxide nanoparticles with biopolymer-induced reduction have fetched the attention of global researchers due to their significant and promising pathogen-killing ability without any hint of resistance. The current review covers the updated molecular modes of resistance development in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, comprehensively. This review also highlighted the detailed mode of action of various metallic nanoparticles (silver, zinc, copper, titanium, and cobalt) against MDR pathogens. Moreover, this review article thoroughly discussed the correlation between the mechanisms of resistance and alternative NPs bactericidal modes for better understanding for the readers. Last but not least, toxicity analysis is also explained for safe further use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles, a bioactive, cost-effective, and sustainable material such as the chitosan/silk fibroin blend was developed. The current research was aimed to elucidate the antibacterial activity of silk fibroin–chitosan blend ZnO NPs at various pH (4, 8 and 12) and temperatures (4, 37, and 50 °C) against gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Serratia rubidaea, and Proteus mirabilis) and gram-positive bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus thuringensis, Bacillus licheniformis, and Clostridium difficile) at numerous concentrations (2–8 mg/ml). Agar well diffusion method was used to evaluate the antibacterial effect by measuring the zone of inhibition. Silk fibroin–chitosan blend ZnO NPs significantly reserved the growth of gram-negative bacterial strains, e.g., K. pneumoniae (11.3 ± 0.9 mm), E. coli (12.7 ± 0.9 mm), S. rubidaea (16.7 ± 0.9 mm), and P. mirabilis (11.7 ± 1.2 mm) and gram-positive bacterial strains such as B. thuringiensis (12.3 ± 0.3 mm), B. licheniformis (10.0 ± 0.57 mm), S. aureus (17.3 ± 1.2 mm), and C. difficile (11.7 ± 1.2 mm). At various temperatures and various pH values (acidic and basic), the stability of silk fibroin–chitosan blend ZnO NPs was observed. Silk fibroin–chitosan blend ZnO NPs significantly inhibited the growth of all bacterial strains at 37°C, and a maximum zone of inhibition was found at pH 8. The formation of SFCH blend ZnONPs was confirmed via numerous characterization techniques such as ultraviolet visible spectrum, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Transmission electron microscopy revealed that SFCH blend ZnONPs were highly stabilized and homogeneously distributed in the solution, and the average particle size was about 30.06 nm with a spherical shape. We concluded that silk fibroin–chitosan zinc oxide nanocomposite could be a safe and promising antimicrobial agent for wound dressing and various applications in biomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer has become the most prevalent and noxious type of malignancy around the globe (Giaquinto et al., 2022). Multiple clinical strategies including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy have been in practice to manage breast cancer. Besides the protective roles of conventional remedial approaches, and non-reversible and deteriorative impacts like healthy cell damage, organ failure, etc., the world scientific community is in a continuous struggle to find some alternative biocompatible and comparatively safe solutions. Among novel breast cancer management/treatment options, the role of probiotics has become immensely important. The current review encompasses the prevalence statistics of breast cancer across the globe concerning developed and undeveloped counties, intestinal microbiota linkage with breast cancer, and association of breast microbiome with breast carcinoma. Furthermore, this review also narrates the role of probiotics against breast cancer and their mode of action. In Vivo and In Vitro studies under breast cancer research regarding probiotics are mechanistically explained. The current review systematically explains the immunomodulatory role of probiotics to prevent breast cancer. Last, but not the least, current review concludes the use of probiotics in the treatment of breast cancer through various mechanisms and future recommendations for molecular basis studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan is one of the most environmental purification functional natural polysaccharides that can successfully prohibit the reproduction and growth of harmful Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial pathogens and also control the toxic pollutants. Nowadays, pathogenic microorganisms have multidrug resistance to antimicrobial drugs; therefore, successful identification and management of contagious disorders has become a major impediment. For combating the multidrug resistances in microorganisms' the latest innovations in nanotechnology-based medications have released novel prospects. More attention has been paid to the use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as an effective antibacterial agent. Silver nanoparticles have been used to prevent and cure numerous contagions and disorders due to their strong bactericidal effects. Silver nanoparticles have high bactericidal and antimicrobial actions against methicillin-resistant bacterial strains, e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, etc. The formation of nanoparticles from chitosan sources has been paid pronounced consideration due to hydrophilic characteristics, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. The first part of the literature highlights a general mechanism of antibacterial activity of chitosan, whereas the second part focus on the antibacterial activity of chitosan conjugated silver nanoparticles against broad-spectrum Gram-negative and Gram-positive microbial pathogens. Chitosan is selected as a protective mediator in the formation of silver nanoparticles because chitosan act as a stabilizing agent as well as the capability to sorb silver ions via chelation and ion exchange mechanisms. Chitosan conjugated silver-nanocomposites were suggested as coatings for food packaging, biomedical-engineering as well as wound-dressing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging and age-related disorders have become one of the prominent issue of world. Oxidative stress due to overproduction of reactive oxygen species is the most significant cause of aging. The aim of literature compilation was to elucidate the therapeutic effect of vitamin C against oxidative stress. Various mediators with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties might be probable competitors of vitamin C for the improvement of innovative anti-aging treatments. More attention has been paid to vitamin C due to its anti-oxidant property and potentially beneficial biological activities for inhibiting aging.Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant agent and free radical scavenger that can protect the cell from oxidative stress, disorganization of chromatin, telomere attrition, and prolong the lifetime. This review emphasizes mechanism of aging and various biomarkers that are directly related to aging and also focuses on the therapeutic aspect of vitamin C against oxidative stress and age-related disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium is a heavy metal and a non-biodegradable environmental contaminant, and its omnipresence ensures its recurrent exposure to humans and animals. Its intake by chicks leads to fatal implications. Cadmium chloride (CdCl2) because of its bio-accumulative nature is an emerging threat to the poultry industry as well as to the humans which consumes these cadmium-intoxicated chickens. In the current study, the target was to elucidate the toxic effects of CdCl2on body weight, hematological, and biochemical parameters as well as its bioaccumulation in different organs of broiler chicks. Various concentrations of CdCl2 (0, 12, 24, 38, and 48 mg/kg body weight) were administered orally to five groups (A, B, C, D, and E) of broiler chicks, respectively. The biometric screening of the exposed birds was carried out by hematological parameters such as packed cell volume (PCV), total erythrocyte count (TEC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), total protein, white blood cells (WBC), and hemoglobin (Hb), as well as biochemical parameters superoxide dismutase (SOD), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) with commercially available kits. Metal accumulation in different organs was detected using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The compound exposure produced a varied impact on broiler birds. Hematological parameters showed a significant decrease except for WBC. Biochemical parameters also decreased significantly in a dose-dependent manner. However, it was revealed that the body weight of chickens was not affected considerably after CdCl2 exposure. A direct relationship was detected between the accumulation of metal within tissues (lungs, heart, and flesh) and exposure frequency. It can be deduced that an increase in Cd deposition in tissues may lead to an alteration in hematological-biochemical markers which may significantly contribute to systemic toxicity in broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amylase is amongst the most indispensable enzymes that have a large number of applications in laboratories and industries. Mostly, α-amylase is synthesized from microbes such as bacteria, fungi and yeast. Due to the high demand for α-amylase, its synthesis can be enhanced using recombinant DNA technology, different fermentation methods, less expensive and good carbon and nitrogen sources, and optimizing the various parameters during fermentation, e.g., temperature, pH and fermentation duration. Various methods are used to measure the production and activity of synthesized α-amylase like iodine, DNS, NS and dextrinizing methods. The activity of crude α-amylase can be elevated to the maximum level by optimizing the temperature and pH. Some metals also interact with α-amylase and increase its activity like K+, Na+, Mg2+ and Ca2+. Some industries such as starch conversion, food, detergent, paper, textile industries and fuel alcohol production extensively utilize α-amylase for their various purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury and cadmium are highly dangerous metals that can lead to disastrous effects in animals and humans. The aim of the current research was to elucidate the poisonous effects of mercuric chloride and cadmium chloride individually and in combination on biochemical profiles of plasma and their accumulation in heart. The therapeutic effect of vitamin C against these metals in rabbits was also studied. Mercuric chloride (1.2 μg/g), cadmium chloride (1.5 μg/g), and vitamin C (150 μg/g of body weight) were orally given to treatment groups of the rabbits (1—control; 2—vitamin; 3—CdCl2; 4—HgCl2; 5—vitamin + CdCl2; 6—vitamin + HgCl2; 7—CdCl2 + HgCl2, and 8—vitamin + CdCl2 + HgCl2. After the biometric determination of all intoxicated rabbits, biochemical parameters, viz low-density lipoproteins (LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), cholesterol, creatine kinase, and troponin T (TnT) were analyzed using available kits. Levels of cholesterol (0.7 ± 0.1 mmol/l), creatine kinase (2985.2 ± 11 IU/L), LDL (20.35 ± 1.31 mg/dl), and troponin T (1.22 ± 0.03 μg/l) were significantly (P < 0.05) increased. HDL (84.78 ± 4.30 mg/dl) was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased, while supplementation of vitamin C decreased the adverse effects of CdCl2 and HgCl2 on biochemical parameters in all metal-exposed groups. A similar trend was also seen in rabbits treated with CdCl2 + vitamin and vitamin + CdCl2 + HgCl2. Accumulation of Cd and Hg was higher in heart tissues. This study, therefore, provides awareness on the cardiac toxicity of mercury and cadmium chlorides in the rabbits and the possible protective role of vitamin C against the perturbations induced by metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead is one of the utmost contaminated and dangerous heavy metals. This toxicant ultimately enters into the human body through the food chain and accumulated in the body because the animal/human body has not an appropriate mechanism to excrete it from the body. The main objective of the present research was to assess the toxicological effects of lead on body weights, biochemical, and hematological parameters of chickens and also to measure its bioaccumulation in the brain. Lead acetate was administrated orally at doses of 0, 71, 142, 213, and 284 mg/kg of body weight of chicken for groups A, B, C, D, and E, respectively. Along with determination of biometry of all experimental chicks, hematological [hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), total erythrocyte count (TEC), white blood cells (WBCs), leukocyte differential count (LDC)] and biochemical [low density lipoprotein (LDL), total protein, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)] parameters were measured. The present study showed that the bodyweight of chickens was not affected significantly by lead acetate exposure. The levels of MCHC, PCV, TEC, Hb, LDL, HDL, and total protein were found to be significantly decreased while WBC, LDC, and ALT profile were enhanced due to administration of lead acetate. Bioaccumulation of lead acetate was found to be higher in the brain. We conclude that the chronic administration of lead acetate affected the blood and biochemical profile of exposed chicken. These effects might be due to the accumulation of the chemical in certain vital organ(s). However, further studies in the future are suggested to refine such findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to industrial and urban sewage, the metal contaminations in aquatic and terrestrial environments are increasing day by day, especially in developing countries. Despite the study of several years, we are inert far away from an actual medication for prolonged toxicity of heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium etc. Lead is one of the most common heavy metals that possess toxicological effects on numerous tissues of animals as well as humans. Several toxic effects of lead on reproductive organs, renal system, central nervous system, liver, lungs, blood parameters, and bones have been reported. On the other hand, several reports depicted that garlic is operative in declining the absorption of lead in bones as well as soft tissues. A combination of vitamin C and vitamin E enhances the biological recovery induced by lead and mobilize the heavy metal such as lead from intra-cellular positions. This review provides therapeutic approaches such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and extract of garlic to treat the detrimental effects caused after the exposure of lead. These therapeutic strategies are beneficial for both the prevention and alleviation of lead noxiousness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium and mercury are non-biodegradable toxic metals that may cause many detrimental effects to the thyroid gland and blood. Vitamin C has been found to be a significant chain-breaking antioxidant and enzyme co-factor against metal toxicity and thus make them less available for animals. The current study was performed to find the effect of individual metals (cadmium and mercury), their co-administration, and the ameliorative effects of vitamin C on some of the parameters that indicate oxidative stress and thyroid dysfunction. Cadmium chloride (1.5 mg/kg), mercuric chloride (1.2 mg/kg), and vitamin C (150 mg/kg of body weight) were orally administered to eight treatment groups of the rabbits (1. control; 2. Vit C; 3. CdCl2; 4. HgCl2; 5. Vit C + CdCl2; 6. Vit C + HgCl2; 7. CdCl2 + HgCl2, and 8. Vit C + CdCl2 + HgCl2). After the biometric measurements of all experimental rabbits, biochemical parameters viz. triidothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and triglycerides were measured using commercially available kits. The results exhibited significant decline (p < 0.05) in mean hemoglobin, corpuscular hemoglobin, packed cell volume, T3 (0.4 ± 0.0 ng/ml), and T4 (26.3 ± 1.6 ng/ml) concentration. While, TSH (0.23 ± 0.01 nmol/l) and triglyceride (4.42 ± 0.18 nmol/l) were significantly (p < 0.05) increased but chemo-treatment with Vit C reduces the effects of Cd, Hg, and their co-administration but not regained the values similar to those of controls. This indicates that Vit C had a shielding effect on the possible metal toxicity. The Cd and Hg also found to accumulate in vital organs when measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The metal concentration trend was observed as follows: kidney > liver > heart > lungs. It was concluded that Cd and Hg are toxic and tended to bioaccumulate in different organs and their toxic action can be subdued by vitamin C in biological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium and mercury are among the most toxic and dangerous environmental pollutants that may cause fatal implications. Vitamin C is an important chain-breaking antioxidant and enzyme co-factor against heavy metals. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the toxicological effects of cadmium chloride, mercuric chloride, and their co-administration on biochemical parameters of blood serum and metal bioaccumulation in kidneys and also to elucidate the protective effect of vitamin C in rabbits against these metals. In the current research, cadmium chloride (1.5 mg/kg), mercuric chloride(1.2 mg/kg), and vitamin C (150 mg/kg of body weight) were orally administered to eight treatment groups of the rabbits (1, control; 2, vitamin; 3, CdCl2; 4, HgCl2; 5, vitamin + CdCl2; 6, vitamin + HgCl2; 7, CdCl2 + HgCl2, and 8, vitamin + CdCl2 + HgCl2). After the biometric measurements of all experimental rabbits, biochemical parameters viz. creatinine, cystatin C, uric acid, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and metal bioaccumulation were determined using commercially available kits and atomic absorption spectrophotometer, respectively. The levels of creatinine (28.3 ± 1.1 μmol/l), cystatin C (1932.5 ± 38.5 ηg/ml), uric acid (4.8 ± 0.1 mg/day), and ALP (51.6 ± 1.1 IU/l) were significantly (P < 0.05) increased due to administration of mercuric chloride but in the presence of vitamin C, the effects of mercuric chloride on creatinine (21.9 ± 1.4 μmol/l), cystatin C (1676.2 ± 42.2 ηg/ml), uric acid (3.9 ± 0.1 mg/day), and ALP (43.3 ± 0.8 IU/l) were less as compared to metal-exposed specimens. Similar results were found in rabbits treated with cadmium chloride and vitamin C and also with co-administration of both metals and vitamin C. Because of the bio-accumulative nature of cadmium chloride and mercuric chloride, these metals were accumulated in kidneys of rabbits, which might lead to deleterious effects. The results of the present study provide an insight into the toxicity of the cadmium chloride, mercuric chloride, and/or their combination on biochemical parameters as well as kidneys of the rabbits and the ameliorating potential of vitamin C against these metals is also evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, levels of trace metals in two commonly consumed vegetables (Spinacia oleracea and Brassica campestris) were assessed. Both vegetables are cultivated in a semi-arid area which receives effluents from various sources. Leafy parts and tender stems are used for human consumption as well as for farm animals as a source of nourishment. However, the aim of the present study was to appraise the concentrations of trace metals in different tissues of both vegetables at the time of harvesting when they become accessible to the humans. The analysis showed that mean trace metal levels in the stem of S. oleracea showed the highest bioconcentration of Zn (25.43 mg kg−1), while in the stem (28.56 mg kg−1) and roots (22.40 mg kg−1), Fe level was the highest. In case of B. campestris, Fe level was highest (18.45 mg kg−1) in the stems. Copper (Cu) has the highest bioconcentration factor values (BF = 1.030) in the stem of B. campestris, whereas Mn (BF = 0.010) was the least accumulated element in the leaves and roots of B. campestris. Collectively, bioconcentration of trace metals in plant tissues exceeded the standard values set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Environmental Protection Agency. So, the vegetables cultivated in effluent-impacted areas may stance a potential public health risk for end-consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High levels of heavy metals in the vegetables are seriously influencing the ecosystem as well as causing many health glitches. Due to many factors like, discharge of untreated industrial effluent, mine tailing, fertilizer application and irrigation with different water sources, the levels of heavy metals increased in soils which further transferred in biological systems. The present study was designed to access bioconcentration of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Cd, and Pb in soils and vegetables (carrots) irrigated with wastewater in Punjab, Pakistan. Result of the study showed that at both study sites concentrations of As and Cd were above the permissible maximum limits (PML). Similarly, concentrations of Mn, Ni, Mo, Cd, and Pb in the vegetable samples of both study sites were higher than maximum permissible limits. Overall, the accumulation of metals (Mn, Ni, Mo, Cd, and Pb) observed in carrots as well as in the soil was beyond the permissible limit that may cause human health disorders for their consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study was designed to assess the prey preference behaviour of three most dominant hunting spiders [ Lycosa terrestris Butt, Anwar and Tahir 2006 (Araneae: Lycosidae), Pardosa birmanica Siman 1884 (Araneae: Lycosidae) and Oxyopes javanus (Thorell 1887) (Araneae: Oxyopidae)] of rice ecosystems both in the laboratory and in the field. Two types of laboratory experiments, i.e., choice and no choice feeding, were performed using only adult male and female specimens of the spiders. No choice test showed that each of the three hunting spiders readily consumed larvae and nymphs of rice pests offered. Female hunting spiders consumed more prey compared to male hunting spiders. Results of choice feeding test indicated that L. terrestris and P. birmanica preferred nymphs of rice insect pests while O. javanus preferred larvae of rice insect pests. Results of direct observations showed that in August, dipterous insects were the most numerous rice pests consumed by L. terrestris, P. birmanica and O. javanus, comprising over 56.3, 38 and 48% of their respective diets. In contrast, in September, the proportion of dipterous insects decreased dramatically and hoppers become the most numerous pests, comprising over 50, 51 and 41% of all prey and spiders consumed by L. terrestris, P. birmanica and O. javanus, respectively. In October, aquatic Heteroptera were frequently observed in their diets. Predatory potential of these hunting spiders differed statistically in the laboratory as well as in the field. It is concluded from the results of present project that studied species of spiders could successfully be used to control insect pests of rice ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]