Evaluation of functional and nutritional potential of a protein concentrate from Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom

Edible mushrooms used as a protein-rich food may be an attractive alternative to conventional protein sources, while promoting its valorization. This work aimed to obtain a protein concentrate from a Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom flour, its characterization, and nutritional and functional properties evaluation. Methodologies applied for extraction and precipitation of protein were optimized - pH 4 and 12, respectively; and flour-solvent ratio of 1:20 w/v. The protein density was increased by 78%. P. ostreatus flour and concentrate were characterized by proximal composition. The content of total phenolic compounds in the protein concentrate decreased, leading to a positive effect on protein digestibility, while the DPPH radical scavenging activity was not significantly affected. Peptides with molecular weights from 12 to 35 kDa, with possible bioactivity, were identified by electrophoresis. Protein digestibility assessed by in vitro gastrointestinal digestion showed a 4.2-fold higher hydrolysis degree in the protein concentrate than the flour.

Edible mushrooms as a novel protein source for functional foods

Fast demographic growth has led to increasing interest in low-cost alternative protein sources to meet population needs.

Notch-1 associates with IKKalpha and regulates IKK activity in cervical cancer cells

Notch-1 inhibits apoptosis in some transformed cells through incompletely understood mechanisms. Notch-1 can increase nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) activity through a variety of mechanisms. Overexpression of cleaved Notch-1 in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells activates NF-kappaB via interaction with the I kappa B kinase (IKK) signalosome. Concomitant activation of the Notch and NF-kappaB pathways has been described in a large series of cervical cancer specimens. Here, we show that wild-type, spontaneously expressed Notch-1 stimulates NF-kappaB activity in CaSki cervical cancer cells by associating with the IKK signalosome through IKKalpha. A significant fraction of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-stimulated IkappaB kinase activity in CaSki cells is Notch-1-dependent. In addition, Notch-1 is found in the nucleus in association with IKKalpha at IKKalpha-stimulated promoters and is required for association of IKKalpha with these promoters under basal and TNF-alpha-stimulated conditions. Notch-1-IKKalpha complexes are found in normal human keratinocytes as well, suggesting that IKK regulation is a physiological function of Notch-1. Both Notch-1 and IKKalpha knockdown sensitize CaSki cells to cisplatin-induced apoptosis to equivalent extents. Our data indicate that Notch-1 regulates NF-kappaB in cervical cancer cells at least in part via cytoplasmic and nuclear IKK-mediated pathways.

[Adoerse effects by the administration of salicylates]

Two cases that illustrate one of the side-effects of salicylates are presented. Both cases manifested as non thrombocytopenic purpura. Indications and contraindications for the use of salicylates are described. Emphasis is made not to use them as analgesics or antipyretics in cases with congential or acquired defects in the coagulation mechanism. Other side-effects of salicylates are described.