Association between the gut microbiota and mineral metabolism

The aim of this review is to present the most recent scientific evidence of interactions between the intestinal microbiota and minerals, and the effect of this interaction on the health of the host. The Web of Science database from the years 2013–2017 on this topic was reviewed. Numerous in vitro studies have shown that iron significantly affects the intestinal microbiota. However, Bifidobacteriaceae are capable of binding iron in the large intestine, thereby limiting the formation of free radicals synthesized in the presence of iron, and thus reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. Animal studies have revealed that supplementation with probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics has a significant effect on bone calcium, phosphate and bone metabolism. The dynamic interaction between microbiota and zinc was shown. Human studies have provided evidence of the influence of probiotic bacteria on parathormone, calcium and phosphate levels and thus on bone resorption. Recent studies have produced new information mainly on the impact of the intestinal bacteria on the metabolism of calcium and iron. From a scientific perspective, the most urgent fields that remain to be investigated are the identification of all human gut microbes and new therapies targeting the interaction between intestinal bacteria and minerals. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry     

Tuning the interphase adhesion in high-density polyethylene–silica nanocomposites with ionic liquids

This work addresses the use of ionic liquids (ILs) as multifunctional additives in the formation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/sol–gel silica nanocomposites via the melt-mixing process. Different approaches for nanocomposite formation were studied and compared, including (1) silica modification with ILs during the sol–gel process and further addition into the polymer matrix, (2) reactive mixing in which silica-IL filler was formed in situ, and (3) direct IL application in the melt-mixing chamber with nonmodified silica xerogel and HDPE. The nanocomposites were characterized by thermogravimetric analyses, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic thermomechanical analyses, transmission electron microscopy, and contact angle analyses. To improve the silica compatibilization with HDPE, we investigated imidazolium ILs that presented at least one nonpolar ionic counterpart. This permitted control of the silica structure, morphology, dispersion, and interfacial interactions, providing enhancements in thermomechanical properties. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47366.     

The Role of Noncoding RNA in the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is defined as a loss of ovarian function before the age of 40 years, with a prevalence rate estimated at approximately 1%. It causes infertility and is related to serious long-term health consequences, including reduced life expectancy, increased cardiovascular risk, decreased bone mineral density and neurological disorders. There is currently no effective therapy for POI that is widely available in clinical practice; therefore, the treatment of patients with POI is based on hormone replacement therapy. One of the recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of POI has been the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) and other noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the disease. Moreover, intensive research on human folliculogenesis and reproductive biology has led to the development of novel promising therapeutic strategies with the use of exosomal miRNAs derived from mesenchymal stem cells to restore ovarian function in POI patients. This narrative review focuses on the new studies concerning the role of ncRNAs in the pathogenesis of POI, together with their potential as biomarkers of the disease and targets for therapy.     

Quest for the Molecular Basis of Improved Selective Toxicity of All-Trans Isomers of Aromatic Heptaene Macrolide Antifungal Antibiotics

Three aromatic heptaene macrolide antifungal antibiotics, Candicidin D, Partricin A (Gedamycin) and Partricin B (Vacidin) were subjected to controlled cis-trans → all trans photochemical isomerization. The obtained all-trans isomers demonstrated substantially improved in vitro selective toxicity in the Candida albicans cells: human erythrocytes model. This effect was mainly due to the diminished hemotoxicity. The molecular modeling studies on interactions between original antibiotics and their photoisomers with ergosterol and cholesterol revealed some difference in free energy profiles of formation of binary antibiotic/sterol complexes in respective membrane environments. Moreover, different geometries of heptaene: sterol complexes and variations in polyene macrolide molecule alignment in cholesterol-and ergosterol-containing membranes were found. None of these effects are of the crucial importance for the observed improvement of selective toxicity of aromatic heptaene antifungals but each seems to provide a partial contribution.     

The application of wheat fibre and soy isolate impregnated with iodine salts to fortify processed meats

The aim was to use wheat dietary fibre and soy protein isolate as carriers of KI and KIO₃ for fortification of processed meat with iodine. Products from minced pork were prepared with addition of iodised wheat fibre and soy isolate, and iodised table salt for comparison and the effects of thermal processing and storage on changes in iodine content were determined. It was shown that both alternative carriers limited the iodine changes in meat products compared with iodised table salt. However, wheat fibre was more effective in limiting iodine losses during thermal processing and soy protein during storage of the products. The greatest effect of the carriers was found in meat products fortified with the less stable KI.