Recent Patents on Food, Nutrition & Agriculture, 2010
Green tea is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. Presently, Camellia sinensis has be... more Green tea is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. Presently, Camellia sinensis has become a source not only for the development of several food extracts but also nutraceutical, cosmetic and medicinal purposes. The technology developed to produce these extracts aims to improve the organoleptic characteristics of the products as taste and smell, and their shelf life. But it also searches to demonstrate some medicinal attributes like antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-tumor and anti-viral activities in relation to the chemical composition of the green tea catechins, especially (-)epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). The target of this review is to present the various patents related to the extraction methods and their claims, and to discuss the evidence found in the literature about the pharmacological activities of green tea. It summarizes the recent progress in technology to obtain the green tea extract and in clinical studies on its applications. Health-promoting products and disease-preventing applications of green tea extract or compounds isolated from it also take part of this text.
ABSTRACT Biodiesel is a promising alternative energy source to diesel fuel and determining its bi... more ABSTRACT Biodiesel is a promising alternative energy source to diesel fuel and determining its biodegradability is an important aspect of addressing potential environmental spills. The aim of this study was to compare the biodegradability of biodiesel and its effect on soil microbial diversity with that of normal diesel using blends of biodiesel with diesel in microcosm experiments with soil from the Atlantic Rain Forest. Degradation was monitored by respirometry and GC analysis of the substrates. The highest respiration rates were observed in soil contaminated with the B50 (41.47 mg CO2/kg) and B100 (42.35 mg CO2/kg) blends. Soil contaminated with blends B5, B20, B50 and B100 showed higher numbers of culturable heterotrophic microbes than control soil. Chromatographic analyses showed that microcosms contaminated with diesel fuel and the B5 blend had less biodegradation than soil contaminated with the B20, B50 and B100 blends (80%, 62% and 84% of biodegradation, respectively). DGGE analysis showed that samples contaminated with the B5, B20, B50 blends and D100 showed changes in microbial community after the incubation period. Interestingly, soil contaminated with B100 decreased the microbial community compared with the other contaminated samples. While the degradation of pure biodiesel (B100) was efficient, microbial diversity of soil was reduced, which could compromise the overall activity of microorganisms involved in the bioremediation of contaminated soils.
Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is a medicinal plant native to Brazil and also yields a nutritiou... more Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is a medicinal plant native to Brazil and also yields a nutritious fruit juice. Its large pulpy pseudo-fruit, referred to as the cashew apple, contains high concentrations of vitamin C, carotenoids, phenolic compounds and minerals. Natural and processed cashew apple juice (CAJ/cajuina) are amongst the most popular juices in Brazil, especially in the north-east. Both juices have antioxidant potential and suppress mutagenicity of hydrogen peroxide. In the present study we evaluated the inhibitory effects of CAJ/cajuina on Aflatoxin B1(AFB 1)–induced mutation, using the Salmonella/microsome assay with the experimental approaches of pre-, co-and post-treatments. Both CAJ/cajuina suppress AFB 1 -induced mutagenesis in strain TA102 when applied in co-and in post-treatment. Possible mechanisms for anti-mutagenicity in co-treatment are (a) interaction with S9 enzymes, (b) metabolization to non-mutagenic compounds of AFB 1 or (c) inactivation of S9 potential. ...
Fresh and processed cashew (Anacardium occidentale) apple juice (CAJ) are among the most popular ... more Fresh and processed cashew (Anacardium occidentale) apple juice (CAJ) are among the most popular drinks in Brazil. Besides their nutritional benefits, these juices have antibacterial and antitumor potential. The chemical constituents of both the fresh juice and the processed juice (cajuina) were analyzed and characterized as complex mixtures containing high concentrations of vitamin C, various carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and metals. In the present study, these beverages exhibited direct and rat liver S9-mediated mutagenicity in the Salmonella/microsome assay with strains TA97a, TA98, and TA100, which detect frameshifts and base pair substitution. No mutagenicity was observed with strain TA102, which detects oxidative and alkylating mutagens and active forms of oxygen. Both CAJ and cajuina showed antioxidant activity as determined by a total radical-trapping potential assay. To test whether this antioxidant potential might result in antimutagenesis, we used a variation of the Sa...
In order to extend the understanding of the genetical and biochemical basis of photo-activated ps... more In order to extend the understanding of the genetical and biochemical basis of photo-activated psoralen-induced DNA repair in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae we have identiWed and cloned 10 pso mutants. Here, we describe the phenotypic characterization and molecular cloning of the pso10-1 mutant which is highly sensitive to photoactivated psoralens, UV 254 nm radiation and the alkylating agent methylmethane sulphonate. The pso10-1 mutant allele also confers a block in the mutagenic response to photoactivated psoralens and UV 254 nm radiation, and homoallelic diploids do not sporulate. Molecular cloning using a yeast genomic library, sequence analysis and genetic complementation experiments proved pso10-1 to be a mutant allele of gene MMS21 that encodes a SUMO ligase involved in the sumoylation of several DNA repair proteins. The ORF of pso10-1 contains a single nucleotide C!T transition at position 758, which leads to a change in amino acid sequence from serine to phenylalanine [S253F]. Pso10-1p deWnes a leaky mutant phenotype of the essential MMS21 gene, and as member of the Smc5-Smc6 complex, still has some essential functions that allow survival of the mutant. DNA repair via translesion synthesis is severely impaired as the pso10-1 mutant allele confers severely blocked induced forward and reverse mutagenesis and shows epistatic interaction with a rev3 mutant allele. By identifying the allelism of PSO10 and MMS21 we demonstrate the need of a fully functional Smc5-Smc6 complex for a WT-like adequate repair of photoactivated psoraleninduced DNA damage in yeast.
ABSTRACT Biodiesel is a promising alternative energy source to diesel fuel and determining its bi... more ABSTRACT Biodiesel is a promising alternative energy source to diesel fuel and determining its biodegradability is an important aspect of addressing potential environmental spills. The aim of this study was to compare the biodegradability of biodiesel and its effect on soil microbial diversity with that of normal diesel using blends of biodiesel with diesel in microcosm experiments with soil from the Atlantic Rain Forest. Degradation was monitored by respirometry and GC analysis of the substrates. The highest respiration rates were observed in soil contaminated with the B50 (41.47 mg CO2/kg) and B100 (42.35 mg CO2/kg) blends. Soil contaminated with blends B5, B20, B50 and B100 showed higher numbers of culturable heterotrophic microbes than control soil. Chromatographic analyses showed that microcosms contaminated with diesel fuel and the B5 blend had less biodegradation than soil contaminated with the B20, B50 and B100 blends (80%, 62% and 84% of biodegradation, respectively). DGGE analysis showed that samples contaminated with the B5, B20, B50 blends and D100 showed changes in microbial community after the incubation period. Interestingly, soil contaminated with B100 decreased the microbial community compared with the other contaminated samples. While the degradation of pure biodiesel (B100) was efficient, microbial diversity of soil was reduced, which could compromise the overall activity of microorganisms involved in the bioremediation of contaminated soils.
By isolating putative binding partners through the two-hybrid system (THS) we further extended th... more By isolating putative binding partners through the two-hybrid system (THS) we further extended the characterization of the specific interstrand cross-link (ICL) repair gene PSO2 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Nine fusion protein products were isolated for Pso2p using THS, among them the Sak1 kinase, which interacted with the C-terminal β-CASP domain of Pso2p. Comparison of mutagen-sensitivity phenotypes of pso2Δ, sak1Δ and pso2Δsak1Δ disruptants revealed that SAK1 is necessary for complete WT-like repair. The epistatic interaction of both mutant alleles suggests that Sak1p and Pso2p act in the same pathway of controlling sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents. We also observed that Pso2p is phosphorylated by Sak1 kinase in vitro and co-immunoprecipitates with Sak1p after 8-MOP+UVA treatment. Survival data after treatment of pso2Δ, yku70Δ and yku70Δpso2Δ with nitrogen mustard, PSO2 and SAK1 with YKU70 or DNL4 single-, double- and triple mutants with 8-MOP+UVA indicated that ICL repair is independent of YKu70p and DNL4p in S. cerevisiae. Furthermore, a non-epistatic interaction was observed between MRE11, PSO2 and SAK1 genes after ICL induction, indicating that their encoded proteins act on the same substrate, but in distinct repair pathways. In contrast, an epistatic interaction was observed for PSO2 and RAD52, PSO2 and RAD50, PSO2 and XRS2 genes in 8-MOP+UVA treated exponentially growing cells.
We suggest that the carbon source-dependent energy metabolism of M. perniciosa results in physiol... more We suggest that the carbon source-dependent energy metabolism of M. perniciosa results in physiological alterations in protein expression and secretion; these may affect not only M. perniciosa growth, but also its ability to express pathogenicity proteins.
Recent Patents on Food, Nutrition & Agriculture, 2010
Green tea is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. Presently, Camellia sinensis has be... more Green tea is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. Presently, Camellia sinensis has become a source not only for the development of several food extracts but also nutraceutical, cosmetic and medicinal purposes. The technology developed to produce these extracts aims to improve the organoleptic characteristics of the products as taste and smell, and their shelf life. But it also searches to demonstrate some medicinal attributes like antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-tumor and anti-viral activities in relation to the chemical composition of the green tea catechins, especially (-)epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). The target of this review is to present the various patents related to the extraction methods and their claims, and to discuss the evidence found in the literature about the pharmacological activities of green tea. It summarizes the recent progress in technology to obtain the green tea extract and in clinical studies on its applications. Health-promoting products and disease-preventing applications of green tea extract or compounds isolated from it also take part of this text.
ABSTRACT Biodiesel is a promising alternative energy source to diesel fuel and determining its bi... more ABSTRACT Biodiesel is a promising alternative energy source to diesel fuel and determining its biodegradability is an important aspect of addressing potential environmental spills. The aim of this study was to compare the biodegradability of biodiesel and its effect on soil microbial diversity with that of normal diesel using blends of biodiesel with diesel in microcosm experiments with soil from the Atlantic Rain Forest. Degradation was monitored by respirometry and GC analysis of the substrates. The highest respiration rates were observed in soil contaminated with the B50 (41.47 mg CO2/kg) and B100 (42.35 mg CO2/kg) blends. Soil contaminated with blends B5, B20, B50 and B100 showed higher numbers of culturable heterotrophic microbes than control soil. Chromatographic analyses showed that microcosms contaminated with diesel fuel and the B5 blend had less biodegradation than soil contaminated with the B20, B50 and B100 blends (80%, 62% and 84% of biodegradation, respectively). DGGE analysis showed that samples contaminated with the B5, B20, B50 blends and D100 showed changes in microbial community after the incubation period. Interestingly, soil contaminated with B100 decreased the microbial community compared with the other contaminated samples. While the degradation of pure biodiesel (B100) was efficient, microbial diversity of soil was reduced, which could compromise the overall activity of microorganisms involved in the bioremediation of contaminated soils.
Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is a medicinal plant native to Brazil and also yields a nutritiou... more Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is a medicinal plant native to Brazil and also yields a nutritious fruit juice. Its large pulpy pseudo-fruit, referred to as the cashew apple, contains high concentrations of vitamin C, carotenoids, phenolic compounds and minerals. Natural and processed cashew apple juice (CAJ/cajuina) are amongst the most popular juices in Brazil, especially in the north-east. Both juices have antioxidant potential and suppress mutagenicity of hydrogen peroxide. In the present study we evaluated the inhibitory effects of CAJ/cajuina on Aflatoxin B1(AFB 1)–induced mutation, using the Salmonella/microsome assay with the experimental approaches of pre-, co-and post-treatments. Both CAJ/cajuina suppress AFB 1 -induced mutagenesis in strain TA102 when applied in co-and in post-treatment. Possible mechanisms for anti-mutagenicity in co-treatment are (a) interaction with S9 enzymes, (b) metabolization to non-mutagenic compounds of AFB 1 or (c) inactivation of S9 potential. ...
Fresh and processed cashew (Anacardium occidentale) apple juice (CAJ) are among the most popular ... more Fresh and processed cashew (Anacardium occidentale) apple juice (CAJ) are among the most popular drinks in Brazil. Besides their nutritional benefits, these juices have antibacterial and antitumor potential. The chemical constituents of both the fresh juice and the processed juice (cajuina) were analyzed and characterized as complex mixtures containing high concentrations of vitamin C, various carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and metals. In the present study, these beverages exhibited direct and rat liver S9-mediated mutagenicity in the Salmonella/microsome assay with strains TA97a, TA98, and TA100, which detect frameshifts and base pair substitution. No mutagenicity was observed with strain TA102, which detects oxidative and alkylating mutagens and active forms of oxygen. Both CAJ and cajuina showed antioxidant activity as determined by a total radical-trapping potential assay. To test whether this antioxidant potential might result in antimutagenesis, we used a variation of the Sa...
In order to extend the understanding of the genetical and biochemical basis of photo-activated ps... more In order to extend the understanding of the genetical and biochemical basis of photo-activated psoralen-induced DNA repair in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae we have identiWed and cloned 10 pso mutants. Here, we describe the phenotypic characterization and molecular cloning of the pso10-1 mutant which is highly sensitive to photoactivated psoralens, UV 254 nm radiation and the alkylating agent methylmethane sulphonate. The pso10-1 mutant allele also confers a block in the mutagenic response to photoactivated psoralens and UV 254 nm radiation, and homoallelic diploids do not sporulate. Molecular cloning using a yeast genomic library, sequence analysis and genetic complementation experiments proved pso10-1 to be a mutant allele of gene MMS21 that encodes a SUMO ligase involved in the sumoylation of several DNA repair proteins. The ORF of pso10-1 contains a single nucleotide C!T transition at position 758, which leads to a change in amino acid sequence from serine to phenylalanine [S253F]. Pso10-1p deWnes a leaky mutant phenotype of the essential MMS21 gene, and as member of the Smc5-Smc6 complex, still has some essential functions that allow survival of the mutant. DNA repair via translesion synthesis is severely impaired as the pso10-1 mutant allele confers severely blocked induced forward and reverse mutagenesis and shows epistatic interaction with a rev3 mutant allele. By identifying the allelism of PSO10 and MMS21 we demonstrate the need of a fully functional Smc5-Smc6 complex for a WT-like adequate repair of photoactivated psoraleninduced DNA damage in yeast.
ABSTRACT Biodiesel is a promising alternative energy source to diesel fuel and determining its bi... more ABSTRACT Biodiesel is a promising alternative energy source to diesel fuel and determining its biodegradability is an important aspect of addressing potential environmental spills. The aim of this study was to compare the biodegradability of biodiesel and its effect on soil microbial diversity with that of normal diesel using blends of biodiesel with diesel in microcosm experiments with soil from the Atlantic Rain Forest. Degradation was monitored by respirometry and GC analysis of the substrates. The highest respiration rates were observed in soil contaminated with the B50 (41.47 mg CO2/kg) and B100 (42.35 mg CO2/kg) blends. Soil contaminated with blends B5, B20, B50 and B100 showed higher numbers of culturable heterotrophic microbes than control soil. Chromatographic analyses showed that microcosms contaminated with diesel fuel and the B5 blend had less biodegradation than soil contaminated with the B20, B50 and B100 blends (80%, 62% and 84% of biodegradation, respectively). DGGE analysis showed that samples contaminated with the B5, B20, B50 blends and D100 showed changes in microbial community after the incubation period. Interestingly, soil contaminated with B100 decreased the microbial community compared with the other contaminated samples. While the degradation of pure biodiesel (B100) was efficient, microbial diversity of soil was reduced, which could compromise the overall activity of microorganisms involved in the bioremediation of contaminated soils.
By isolating putative binding partners through the two-hybrid system (THS) we further extended th... more By isolating putative binding partners through the two-hybrid system (THS) we further extended the characterization of the specific interstrand cross-link (ICL) repair gene PSO2 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Nine fusion protein products were isolated for Pso2p using THS, among them the Sak1 kinase, which interacted with the C-terminal β-CASP domain of Pso2p. Comparison of mutagen-sensitivity phenotypes of pso2Δ, sak1Δ and pso2Δsak1Δ disruptants revealed that SAK1 is necessary for complete WT-like repair. The epistatic interaction of both mutant alleles suggests that Sak1p and Pso2p act in the same pathway of controlling sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents. We also observed that Pso2p is phosphorylated by Sak1 kinase in vitro and co-immunoprecipitates with Sak1p after 8-MOP+UVA treatment. Survival data after treatment of pso2Δ, yku70Δ and yku70Δpso2Δ with nitrogen mustard, PSO2 and SAK1 with YKU70 or DNL4 single-, double- and triple mutants with 8-MOP+UVA indicated that ICL repair is independent of YKu70p and DNL4p in S. cerevisiae. Furthermore, a non-epistatic interaction was observed between MRE11, PSO2 and SAK1 genes after ICL induction, indicating that their encoded proteins act on the same substrate, but in distinct repair pathways. In contrast, an epistatic interaction was observed for PSO2 and RAD52, PSO2 and RAD50, PSO2 and XRS2 genes in 8-MOP+UVA treated exponentially growing cells.
We suggest that the carbon source-dependent energy metabolism of M. perniciosa results in physiol... more We suggest that the carbon source-dependent energy metabolism of M. perniciosa results in physiological alterations in protein expression and secretion; these may affect not only M. perniciosa growth, but also its ability to express pathogenicity proteins.
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Papers by Martin Brendel