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Simple Summary: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are often used to improve the probiotic content in aquaculture organisms. Although LAB were fed to aquaculture organisms, these LAB were often not detected when analyzing the gut microbiota. While the intestinal environment was indeed improved, this indicates that the effect of LAB on aquaculture organisms may not occur through the bacteria themselves, but rather through substances such as extracellular vesicles involved in these processes. This study will utilize an in vitro cultured intestinal bacteria system to exclude host interference and investigate the potential of L. reuteri-derived EVs for regulating the intestinal microbiota. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are functional substances secreted by microbes and host cells, and it has been discovered that they participate in the interactions between different microorganisms. Our recent findings indicate that Limosilactobacillus reuteri-derived EVs have the potential to improve the intestinal microbiota of Oplegnathus fasciatus fish and inhibit pathogenic bacteria. Previous research has reported that the host intestinal cells play a regulatory role in the intestinal microbiota. This suggested that to investigate the mechanisms through which L. reuteri-derived EVs regulate the intestinal microbiota, a system that excludes interference from host intestinal cells should be established. In this study, an in vitro cultured intestinal bacteria system, without host factors, was used to simulate the intestinal microbiota of O. fasciatus fish. After adding L. reuteri-derived EVs to the system, the changes in the microbiota were analyzed. The results showed that L. reuteri-derived EVs effectively reduced the abundance of Vibrio spp. In the results of the in vitro experiments, it was also observed that L. reuteri-derived EVs have the ability to inhibit Vibrio alginolyticus. We further sequenced the small RNA contained in L. reuteri-derived EVs and found that these small RNAs can interfere with genes (LysR, pirin, MIpA/OmpV, CatB, and aspartate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase) related to the growth of V. alginolyticus. Taken together, the results indicate that in the absence of host involvement, the small RNAs present in L. reuteri-derived EVs have the function of inhibiting pathogenic bacteria and exhibit the potential to regulate the intestinal microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice straw is not easy to decompose, it takes a long time to compost, and the anaerobic bacteria involved in the decomposition process produce a large amount of carbon dioxide (CO2), indicating that applications for rice straw need to be developed. Recycling rice straw in agricultural crops is an opportunity to increase the sustainability of grain production. Several studies have shown that the probiotic population gradually decreases in the soil, leading to an increased risk of plant diseases and decreased biomass yield. Because the microorganisms in the soil are related to the growth of plants, when the soil microbial community is imbalanced it seriously affects plant growth. We investigated the feasibility of using composted rice stalks to artificially cultivate microorganisms obtained from the Oryza sativa-planted environment for analyzing the mycobiota and evaluating applications for sustainable agriculture. Microbes obtained from the water-submerged part (group-A) and soil part (group-B) of O. sativa were cultured in an artificial medium, and the microbial diversity was analyzed with internal transcribed spacer sequencing. Paddy field soil was mixed with fermented paddy straw compost, and the microbes obtained from the soil used for O. sativa planting were designated as group-C. The paddy fields transplanted with artificially cultured microbes from group-A were designated as group-D and those from group-B were designated as group-E. We found that fungi and yeasts can be cultured in groups-A and -B. These microbes altered the soil mycobiota in the paddy fields after transplantation in groups-D and -E compared to groups-A and -B. Development in O. sativa post treatment with microbial transplantation was observed in the groups-D and -E compared to group-C. These results showed that artificially cultured microorganisms could be efficiently transplanted into the soil and improve the mycobiota. Phytohormones were involved in improving O. sativa growth and rice yield via the submerged part-derived microbial medium (group-D) or the soil part-derived microbial medium (group-E) treatments. Collectively, these fungi and yeasts may be applied in microbial transplantation via rice straw fermentation to repair soil mycobiota imbalances, facilitating plant growth and sustainable agriculture. These fungi and yeasts may be applied in microbial transplantation to repair soil mycobiota imbalances and sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amyloid beta (Aβ) is a neuropathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Oxidative stress promotes intracellular accumulation of Aβ in patients with AD. The effects of liquid-state fermentation products of Ganoderma lucidum without mycelia on AD improvement or prevention have not been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether the liquid-state fermented products of G. lucidum GANO99 can alter AD pathology in the brains of APPNL-G-F/NL-G-F model mice. Our results suggest that these products promote the expression of superoxide dismutase and inhibit the expression of Aβ and glial fibrillary acidic protein, thereby affecting behavioral, learning, and memory disorders in AD mice. In contrast, G. lucidum GANO99 may regulate the gut microbiota to improve AD pathology. Furthermore, these liquid-state fermented products increased the abundance of intestinal probiotics Bifidobacterium in AD mice. Clinical evidence suggests that these lactic acid bacteria can alleviate AD. Overall, the liquid-state fermented products of G. lucidum GANO99 can act as symbionts by reducing the fermentative role of intestinal microbes and chemo-heterotrophy in AD mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resveratrol (RSV), obtained from dietary sources, has been shown to reduce trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) levels in humans, and much research indicates that TMAO is recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of RSV and RSV-butyrate esters (RBE) on the proliferation of co-cultured bacteria and HepG2 cell lines, respectively, and also investigated the changes in trimethylamine (TMA) and TMOA content in the medium and flavin-containing monooxygenase-3 (FMO3) gene expression. This study revealed that 50 µg/mL of RBE could increase the population percentage of Bifidobacterium longum at a rate of 53%, while the rate was 48% for Clostridium asparagiforme. In contrast, co-cultivation of the two bacterial strains effectively reduced TMA levels from 561 ppm to 449 ppm. In addition, regarding TMA-induced HepG2 cell lines, treatment with 50 μM each of RBE, 3,4′-di-O-butanoylresveratrol (ED2), and 3-O-butanoylresveratrol (ED4) significantly reduced FMO3 gene expression from 2.13 to 0.40–1.40, which would also contribute to the reduction of TMAO content. This study demonstrated the potential of RBE, ED2, and ED4 for regulating TMA metabolism in microbial co-cultures and cell line cultures, which also suggests that the resveratrol derivative might be a daily dietary supplement that will be beneficial for health promotion in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, probiotics have received considerable attention for improving the health of aquaculture organisms, such as fish and shrimp, by stimulating immune activity and increasing growth rates. Oplegnathus fasciatus is a common and economically important cultured fish species in Asia. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB; Limosilactobacillus reuteri)-fermented feed to promote growth and enhance immune function in O. fasciatus. The feed contained the highest proportion of LAB after L. reuteri fermentation for 3 days in anaerobic conditions. Oplegnathus fasciatus was fed LAB-fermented feed for 30 days. The administration of LAB-fermented feed (live bacteria > 109 CFU/g) significantly increased the growth rate (weight gain = 174.8%; FCR = 4.23) and intestinal probiotic levels of O. fasciatus. After LAB-fermented feeding, the immunity index was evaluated by superoxide anion production, the phagocytic activity of leukocytes, and bactericidal and lysozyme activities in the serum of O. fasciatus. We found that LAB-fermented feed treatment potentially elevated the proportions of intestinal Bifidobacterium, Blautia, and Dorea species and reduced pathogenic bacterial growth (Acinetobacter, Escherichia_Shigella, and Megasphaera) in O. fasciatus. This study demonstrated that LAB-fermented feed containing extracellular vesicles improves growth performance and the inhibition of pathogenic Acinetobacter baumannii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Celluloid, the predecessor to plastic, was synthesized in 1869, and due to technological advancements, plastic products appear to be ubiquitous in daily life. The massive production, rampant usage, and inadequate disposal of plastic products have led to severe environmental pollution. Consequently, reducing the employment of plastic has emerged as a pressing concern for governments globally. This review explores microplastics, including their origins, absorption, and harmful effects on the environment and humans. Several methods exist for breaking down plastics, including thermal, mechanical, light, catalytic, and biological processes. Despite these methods, microplastics (MPs, between 1 and 5 mm in size) continue to be produced during degradation. Acknowledging the significant threat that MPs pose to the environment and human health is imperative. This form of pollution is pervasive in the air and food and infiltrates our bodies through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. It is essential to assess the potential hazards that MPs can introduce. There is evidence suggesting that MPs may have negative impacts on different areas of human health. These include the respiratory, gastrointestinal, immune, nervous, and reproductive systems, the liver and organs, the skin, and even the placenta and placental barrier. It is encouraging to see that most of the countries have taken steps to regulate plastic particles. These measures aim to reduce plastic usage, which is essential today. At the same time, this review summarizes the degradation mechanism of plastics, their impact on human health, and plastic reduction policies worldwide. It provides valuable information for future research on MPs and regulatory development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coffee flavor considerably depends on the fermentation process, with contributing factors including fermentation temperature, oxygen concentration, and microbial diversity. Efficient controlling of the fermentation can improve the quality of coffee beverages. Therefore, several studies on coffee fermentation processes have been conducted in various regions. The objective of this study was to assess the microbial diversity of coffee beans undergoing anaerobic fermentation at various temperatures (4 °C or 37 °C) and fermentation durations (12 h or 36 h) using full-length 16S rRNA sequencing. This analysis aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effects of the fermented metabolites against ochratoxin-producing Aspergillus niger. From our results, Acetobacter was identified as the dominant microbial community at higher fermentation temperatures, whereas Leuconostoc and Gluconobacter were the dominant genera at lower temperatures. However, at lower temperatures, changes in microbial communities were relatively slow. This study expands our knowledge of the microbial diversity involved in the anaerobic fermentation of coffee beans in Taiwan. The findings of this study can be used in future research to cultivate microorganisms linked to the quality and improve the quality of coffee beverages through fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a highly reactive dicarbonyl aldehyde and a major precursor of advanced glycation end products that result in oxidative stress. Graptopetalum paraguayense E. Walther (WGP) is a herbal medicine of Taiwan with the hepatoprotective property. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of the water extract of WGP on MG-induced liver damage in a rat model. The results showed that WGP lowered the total cholesterol level and the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. WGP could help normalize the MG level. The amelioration of inflammatory factors such as transformation growth factor-β1 was observed in the WGP treatment group. In another animal model, a high-fructose diet (HFD) was used to induce intestinal dysfunction in C57BL/6 mice. The results indicated that the HFD induction resulted in intestinal dysbiosis, including inflammation, microflora imbalances, and reductions in tight-junction proteins. However, both WGP and its active compound gallic acid could improve intestine function. According to the above, WGP can improve hyperlipidemia in the liver, inhibit inflammatory cytokine production, and regulate intestinal flora in mice, as well as enhance the intestinal barrier. These findings provide a basis for the development of health products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In one study, oat silage was inoculated using lactic acid bacteria for fermentation to investigate the changes in chemical composition characteristics caused by an increase in temperature during the fermentation process. Lactic acid bacteria and I Bacillus i species are not only microorganisms that are often used in fermented products and food industries but they are also considered human probiotics because their metabolites are beneficial to organisms. This study reveals that the inoculation of oat silage with lactic acid bacteria can promote the fermentation of silage [[2]]. [Extracted from the article]

In fruit and vegetable processing, fruit and pomegranate juices demand food substrates for microorganisms' survival and fermentation. The acid-tolerant and potentially probiotic I Lactobacillus paracasei i SP3 strain, recently isolated from kefir grains, has potential applications in producing novel functional beverages based on pomegranate juice fermentation. In recent years, lactic acid bacteria, widely used in food fermentation, have been recognized as beneficial components of the human microbiome in which they play an important role. In the trend of using lactic acid bacteria to produce gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the use of I Lactobacillus brevis i CD0817 effectively combines fermentation and self-buffered whole-cell catalysis to produce GABA. [Extracted from the article]

(1) Background: The microbial phase in the vaginal environment has been found to regulate the physiological activity of host cells. Studies have demonstrated that abnormal microbial growth in the vagina and a significant reduction in the proportion of lactic acid bacteria promote the occurrence of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). However, the contributing mechanism remains unknown. (2) Methods: This study uses extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by the probiotic Lactobacillus crispatus, commonly found in the vagina, to explore their potential to attenuate placental cells caused by oxidative stress induction. (3) Results: We found that L. crispatus-derived EVs improved Akt phosphorylation and attenuated both cell senescence and death in placental cells caused by oxidative stress induction. In addition, L. crispatus-derived EVs enhanced the resistance to H2O2 induction mediated by increasing mitochondrial fusion. (4) Conclusion: This is the first study to demonstrate that L. crispatus in the vagina can not only regulate the physiological functions of placental cells through the delivery of L. crispatus-EVs but also reduce cell senescence. As cell senescence is related to the occurrence of sPTB, these results indicate that maintaining the population of L. crispatus in the vaginal environment should be an adjuvant treatment strategy to avoid sPTB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

G raptopetalum paraguayense was shown to exhibit antioxidant, hepatoprotective and anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activities in a recent study. In this work, fractions of the G . paraguayense aqueous solution were extracted using n-hexane, ethyl acetate ( EF) and n-butanol, and its antioxidative and anti-glycative activities were evaluated. The EF extract exhibited the highest antioxidative activity, potently inhibited the formation of advanced glycation end products ( AGEs) and reduced glycation-induced protein oxidation. Additionally, the EF extract protected Hep G2 cells against AGE-induced DNA damage. Five major components were isolated and identified in the EF fraction by semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance: gallic acid, isoquercitrin-6-(3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarate), astragalin-6-(3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarate), isoquercitrin-2-acetyl-6-(3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarate) and astragalin-2-acetyl-6-(3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarate). G . paraguayense exhibited antioxidant and anti-glycation activities, likely because of the presence of gallic acid. The findings indicate the potential for using G . paraguayense for development of novel treatments for diabetes. Practical Applications Herbal treatments for hyperlipidemia are relatively cheap and locally available. The results indicated that the extracts of G raptopetalum paraguayense may be developed as functional foods for antidiabetic treatment mediated by attenuations of advanced glycation end product oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Ice plant ( Mesembryanthemum crystallinum) has been used as an anti-diabetic agent in Japan because it contains d-pinitol. The efficacy of ice plant in the regulation of blood glucose is unclear at present. Recently, memory impairment and development of Alzheimer's disease found in diabetic patients are thought to be caused by high blood glucose. The mechanism by which ice plant protects against the impairment of memory and learning abilities caused by high blood glucose remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protection of ice plant water extracts ( IPE) and d-pinitol against memory impairments in a Wistar rat model of streptozotocin ( STZ)-induced diabetes. We hypothesised that IPE and d-pinitol could suppress blood glucose and elevate insulin sensitivity in these rats. RESULTS For memory evaluation, IPE and d-pinitol also improved the passive avoidance task and the working memory task. In addition, inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity in hippocampus and cortex was found in this rat model administered IPE or d-pinitol. IPE and d-pinitol also markedly elevated superoxide dismutase activity against oxidative stress and reduced malondialdehyde production in hippocampus and cortex of the rats. CONCLUSION These findings indicated that IPE and d-pinitol possess beneficial effects for neural protection and memory ability in a rat model of diabetes. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Methylglyoxal (MG) is a reactive dicarbonyl compound generated as an intermediate of glycolysis during the physical glycation in the diabetic condition. MG itself has been commonly implicated in the development of diabetic neuropathy. Several active compounds in Actinidia callosa have been found to inhibit glycation and MG-protein reaction. Objective: This study investigated the protective effects of A. callosa (kiwi fruits) peel ethanol extracts (ACE) on MG-induced Neuro-2A cell apoptosis. Materials and methods: The Neuro-2A cells pre-treated by ACE (50-200 μg/mL) or allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC) (50 μM) for 6 h, in turn, the cells were treated with MG (250 μM) for 24 h. Results: ACE or AITC treatment markedly inhibited the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the elevation of caspase-3 and capase-9 levels induced by MG in Neuro-2A cells. ACE and AITC elevated Bcl2 and inhibited Bax expressions in MG-induced Neuro-2A cells. ACE elevated Nrf2 transcriptional activity and nuclear translocation in MG-induced Neuro-2A cells. Nrf2 down-stream molecules including HO-1 and GCL were elevated by ACE or AITC treatment in MG-induced Neuro-2A cells. The protective effects of ACE on MG-induced Neuro-2A apoptosis were attenuated while Nrf2 knockdown. Discussion and conclusion: We established the first evidence that ACE might contribute to the prevention of the development of diabetic neuropathy by blocking the MG-mediated intracellular glycation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) has been reported to play a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system thereby exerting an inhibition in nerve impulse, in turn ameliorating depression; in addition, recent study also reveals the anti-hypertensive effect of GABA in vivo. Edible fungi of the Monascus species have been used as traditional Chinese medicine in eastern Asia for several centuries. Monascus-fermented products possess a number of functional secondary metabolites, including anti-inflammatory pigments (such as monascin and ankaflavin), monacolins, dimerumic acid, and GABA. Several scientific studies have shown that these secondary metabolites have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-tumor activities. Moreover, many published reports have shown the efficacy of Monascus-fermented products in the prevention or amelioration of some diseases, including hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer's disease, and numerous types of cancer in recent studies. The current article discusses and provides evidence to elucidate the anti-hypertensive benefit of Monascus-fermented metabolites, including anti-inflammatory pigments and GABA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Polygonum multiflorum is known as a medicinal plant. It has been used as a folk medicine which showed antioxidative property. Objective: Protective effects of the water extracts (w/v:1/10) from fresh P. multiflorum (WEP) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage in rats were investigated. Materials and methods: CCl4 was used for inducing liver damage of SD rats, and WEP and emodin were fed for eight consecutive weeks. Results: We found that emodin levels in fresh WEP was higher than that in ripening WEP. Rats were administered WEP and emodin, the main active compound, for 56 consecutive days. WEP significantly lowered the serum levels of hepatic enzyme markers, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and reduced the generation of malonaldehyde. Treatment with WEP recovered glutathione S-transferase and catalase activity in rats as compared to treatment with CCl4 alone. In addition, serum tumor necrosis factor-α, an inflammatory marker, was found to decrease in rats treated with WEP. In histopathological evaluation, fatty degeneration and necrosis were found to be significantly decreased in the CCl4 plus WEP treatment group. Discussion and conclusion: WEP may be effective in attenuating liver damage by reducing lipid peroxidation as well as by positively modulating inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) are compounds which can influence hypertension. The goal of this study is to optimize the culture condition for GABA and ACEI production by Lactobacillus plantarum NTU 102 fermented skim milk. In this study, we used 3-factor-3-level Box-Behnken design combining with response surface methodology, where the 3 factors represent the concentration of skim milk, the concentration of monosodium glutamate, and culture temperature. Best conditions for GABA and ACEI production differed. The results indicated that L. plantarum NTU 102 produced the highest combined levels of GABA and ACEI at 37 °C, in milk having 8% to 12% nonfat solids supplemented with 0.6% to 1% MSG. Agitation of the medium during fermentation had no effect on GABA or ACEI production but extended incubation (up to 6 d) increases levels of the bioactive compounds. L. plantarum NTU 102 fermented products may be a potential functional food source for regulating hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]