Suppression of anthracnose disease by orsellinaldehyde isolated from the mushroom Coprinus comatus

AIMS

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum species is one of the most devastating diseases of fruits and crops. We isolated and identified an antifungal compound from the mushroom Coprinus comatus and investigated its inhibitory potential against anthracnose disease-causing fungi with the goal of discovering natural products that can suppress anthracnose-caused plant disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The culture filtrate of C. comatus was subjected to a bioassay-guided isolation of antifungal compounds. The active compound was identified as orsellinaldehyde (2,4-dihydroxy-6-methylbenzaldehyde) based on mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses. Orsellinaldehyde displayed broad-spectrum inhibitory activity against different plant pathogenic fungi. Among the tested Colletotrichum species, it exhibited the lowest IC50 values on conidial germination and germ tube elongation of Colletotrichum orbiculare. The compound also showed remarkable inhibitory activity against Colletotrichum gloeosporiodes. The staining of Colletotrichum conidia with fluorescein diacetate and propidium iodide demonstrated that the compound is fungicidal. The postharvest in-vivo detached fruit assay indicated that orsellinaldehyde suppressed anthracnose lesion symptoms on mango and cucumber fruits caused by C. gloeosporioides and C. orbiculare, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Orsellinaldehyde was identified as a potent antifungal compound from the culture filtrate of C. comatus. The inhibitory and fungicidal activities of orsellinaldehyde against different Colletotrichum species indicate its potential as a fungicide for protecting various fruits against anthracnose disease-causing fungi.

Mushroom-derived bioactive components with definite structures in alleviating the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complicated neurodegenerative condition with two forms: familial and sporadic. The familial presentation is marked by autosomal dominance, typically occurring early in individuals under 65 years of age, while the sporadic presentation is late-onset, occurring in individuals over the age of 65. The majority of AD cases are characterized by late-onset and sporadic. Despite extensive research conducted over several decades, there is a scarcity of effective therapies and strategies. Considering the lack of a cure for AD, it is essential to explore alternative natural substances with higher efficacy and fewer side effects for AD treatment. Bioactive compounds derived from mushrooms have demonstrated significant potential in AD prevention and treatment by different mechanisms such as targeting amyloid formation, tau, cholinesterase dysfunction, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, neurotrophic factors, ER stress, excitotoxicity, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These compounds have garnered considerable interest from the academic community owing to their advantages of multi-channel, multi-target, high safety and low toxicity. This review focuses on the various mechanisms involved in the development and progression of AD, presents the regulatory effects of bioactive components with definite structure from mushroom on AD in recent years, highlights the possible intervention pathways of mushroom bioactive components targeting different mechanisms, and discusses the clinical studies, limitations, and future perspectives of mushroom bioactive components in AD prevention and treatment.

Revisiting the phylogeny and taxonomy of the genus Sidera (Hymenochaetales, Basidiomycota) with particular emphasis on S.vulgaris

The genus Sidera (Hymenochaetales, Basidiomycota) comprises white-rot, mono- or dimitic fungi with poroid or hydnoid hymenophore. It has a worldwide distribution albeit with fewer species present in the Southern Hemisphere. Although recent studies revealed the existence of several new Sidera species, there are still taxonomic inconsistencies and obscure phylogenetic relationships amongst certain taxa of the genus. In this work, a large number of Sidera collections were used to obtain an updated phylogeny, based on ITS and 28S rDNA sequences by including new material from Mediterranean Europe. The monophyly of the genus was strongly supported and all species with poroid hymenophore formed a highly-supported lineage with two major subclades. In total, 23 putative species were recognised. Amongst those, five are considered to possibly represent entities new to science, but further work is required since they are represented by single specimens or environmental sequences. Examined collections originally named S.lenis from southern Europe were grouped within S.vulgaris. Similarly, several collections under various names were hereby identified as S.vulgaris, including those of the recently described species S.tibetica. Furthermore, a critical discussion (based on morphoanatomical findings) is made on the key features that could be used to distinguish S.lenis from S.vulgaris.

Homeodomain 1 Genes of the Different HD Subloci of Flammulina velutipes Can Activate the HD Pathway and Are Involved in Mating, Clamp Cell Formation, and Upregulation of FvClp1

Flammulina velutipes has two independent and functional mating type factors, HD and PR. The HD locus contains two separate subloci: HD-a and HD-b. In this study, we investigated the roles of Hd1 genes of the HD-a and HD-b subloci in the process of mating, clamp cell formation, and regulation of FvClp1 (F. velutipes clampless1 gene) gene expression in F. velutipes. To this end, we introduced Hd1 genes from mating compatible strains into F. velutipes monokaryon L11. Overexpression of Hd1 gene FvHd-a1-1 of the HD-a sublocus resulted in the formation of pseudoclamps in L11 monokaryons. L11 mutants overexpressing the Hd1 gene FvHd-b1-2 of the HD-b sublocus also similarly developed pseudoclamps in the L11 monokaryons. Moreover, these mutant L11 monokaryons produced complete clamps when crossed with monokaryotic strains that differed at the PR loci, i.e., when selective activation of the PR pathway was obtained through crossing. Thus, Hd1 genes of the two different HD subloci in F. velutipes can activate the HD mating type pathway and induce clamp cell formation. In addition, activation of the HD pathway resulted in upregulation of the FvClp1 gene. Finally, to complete clamp cell formation, activation of the PR pathway appears to be essential. Overall, these findings were beneficial for deepening our understanding of sexual reproduction and fruiting body development of edible fungi.

Death caps (Amanita phalloides) frequently establish from sexual spores, but individuals can grow large and live for more than a decade in invaded forests

Global change is reshaping Earth's biodiversity, but the changing distributions of nonpathogenic fungi remain largely undocumented, as do mechanisms enabling invasions. The ectomycorrhizal Amanita phalloides is native to Europe and invasive in North America. Using population genetics and genomics, we sought to describe the life history traits of this successfully invading symbiotic fungus. To test whether death caps spread underground using hyphae, or aboveground using sexual spores, we mapped and genotyped mushrooms from European and US sites. Larger genetic individuals (genets) would suggest spread mediated by vegetative growth, while many small genets would suggest dispersal mediated by spores. To test whether genets are ephemeral or persistent, we also sampled from populations over time. At nearly every site and across all time points, mushrooms resolve into small genets. Individuals frequently establish from sexual spores. But at one Californian site, a single individual measuring nearly 10 m across dominated. At two Californian sites, the same genetic individuals were discovered in 2004, 2014, and 2015, suggesting single individuals (both large and small) can reproduce repeatedly over relatively long timescales. A flexible life history strategy combining both mycelial growth and spore dispersal appears to underpin the invasion of this deadly perennial ectomycorrhizal fungus.

Triple quadrupole liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-mediated evaluation of vitamin D2 accumulation potential, antioxidant capacities, and total polyphenol content of white jelly mushroom (Tremella fuciformis Berk.)

Tremella fuciformis Berk. (TF), or the white jelly mushroom, is well known for its myriad of pharmacological properties, such as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antitumor, and antioxidant activities, and hypocholesterolemic and hepatoprotective effects that boost human health. Most of the studies of TF are concentrated on its polysaccharide (glucuronoxylomannan) composition, which is responsible for its pharmacological as well as rheological properties. It is well established that mushrooms are a great source of dietary vitamin D due to the presence of ergosterol in their cell membrane. There is a lack of published data on TF as a source of vitamin D2. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the vitamin D2 composition of the fruiting bodies of TF using triple quadrupole liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/QQQ). The results showed highest vitamin D2 content (292.02 µg/g dry weight) in the sample irradiated with ultraviolet B (UVB; 310 nm) for 180 min as compared with the control group (52.47 µg/g dry weight) (P ≤ 0.001). The results showed higher accumulation potential of vitamin D2 in TF as compared with published data available for other extensively studied culinary mushrooms, such as Agaricus bisporus, Lentinula edodes, Pleurotus ostreatus, Cordiceps militaris, and Calocybe indica. Moreover, the impact of UV treatment on antioxidant capacities and total polyphenol content of TF was also studied. The accumulation potential of vitamin D in TF reveals a novel commercial source for this nutrient.

Savitreea siamensis sp. nov., an ascomycetous yeast species in the family Saccharomycetaceae discovered in Thailand

Four yeast strains, representing a novel anamorphic species, were isolated in Thailand. The two strains (ST-3660T and ST-3647) were obtained from two different estuarine water samples in a mangrove forest. Strain DMKU-FW1-37 was derived from a grease sample, and another strain (TSU57) was isolated from a fruiting body of Phallus sp. Pairwise sequence analysis showed that the four strains had identical or differed by only one nucleotide substitution in the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene, and differed by one to three nucleotide substitutions in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. Savitreea pentosicarens is the most closely related species to the four strains, but with 9-10 (1.57-1.72 %) nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene and 29-31 (4.22-4.45 %) nucleotide substitutions in the ITS regions. Phylogenetic analyses based on the concatenated sequences of the ITS regions and the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene showed that the four strains form a well-separated lineage from S. pentosicarens with high bootstrap support, confirming that they represent a distinct species. Therefore, the four strains are assigned as representives of a novel species of the genus Savitreea, for which the name Savitreea siamensis sp. nov. is proposed. The holotype is TBRC 4481T and the ex-type is PYCC 9794T (=ST-3660T). The MycoBank number of the novel species is MB 851951.

Wickerhamomyces corioli f.a., sp. nov., a novel yeast species discovered in two mushroom species

Two yeast strains, designated as 19-39-3 and 19-40-2, obtained from the fruiting bodies of Trametes versicolor and Marasmius siccus collected in Yunwu Mountain Forest Park, PR China, have been identified as representing a novel asexual ascomycetous yeast species. From the results of phylogenetic analyses of the sequences of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA, small subunit (SSU) rRNA and translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1) genes, it was determined that these strains represent a member of the genus Wickerhamomyces, with Wickerhamomyces alni and Candida ulmi as the closest relatives. The novel species exhibited 6.6 and 6.7% differences in the D1/D2 domains compared with W. alni and C. ulmi, respectively. Additionally, distinct biochemical and physiological differences were observed between the novel species and its related counterparts. No sexual reproduction was observed in these strains, leading to the proposal of the name Wickerhamomyces corioli f.a., sp. nov. for this newly discovered species.

Inhibition of melanoma cell proliferation by strobilurins isolated from mushrooms and their synthetic analogues

Strobilurins A and X, isolated from Mucidula venosolamellata culture extracts, demonstrated potent inhibition of human melanoma G-361 cell proliferation. Strobilurin X exhibited milder inhibitory effects on human fibroblast cells (NB1RGB) compared to strobilurin A. Additional strobilurin-related compounds were isolated from the other mushroom species. Oudemansins A and B displayed weaker activities on G-361 cells than strobilurins A and B, respectively, emphasizing the importance of a conjugated double-bond structure. Among isolated compounds, strobilurin G showed the lowest IC50 value for G-361 cells. Additional strobilurins bearing various substituents on the benzene ring were synthesized. Synthetic intermediates lacking the methyl β-methoxyacrylate group and a strobilurin analogue bearing modified β-methoxyacrylate moiety showed almost no inhibitory activity against G-361 cells. The introduction of long or bulky substituents at the 4' position of the benzene ring of strobilurins enhanced the activity and selectivity, suggesting differential recognition of the benzene ring by G-361 and NB1RGB cells.

Garlic Bulb Decay and Soft Rot Caused by the Cross-Kingdom Pathogen Burkholderia gladioli

In 2021, two gram-negative bacterial strains were isolated from garlic (Allium sativum) bulbs showing decay and soft rot symptoms in Central Iran. The bacterial strains were aggressively pathogenic on cactus, garlic, gladiolus, onion, potato, and saffron plants and induced soft rot symptoms on carrot, cucumber, potato, and radish discs. Furthermore, they were pathogenic on sporophores of cultivated and wild mushrooms. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the bacterial strains belong to Burkholderia gladioli. Garlic bulb rot caused by B. gladioli has rarely been reported in the literature. Historically, B. gladioli strains had been assigned to four pathovars, namely, B. gladioli pv. alliicola, B. gladioli pv. gladioli, B. gladioli pv. agaricicola, and B. gladioli pv. cocovenenans, infecting onion, Gladiolus sp., and mushrooms and poisoning foods, respectively. Multilocus (i.e., 16S rRNA, atpD, gyrB, and lepA genes) sequence-based phylogenetic investigations including reference strains of B. gladioli pathovars showed that the two garlic strains belong to phylogenomic clade 2 of the species, which includes the pathotype strain of B. gladioli pv. alliicola. Although the garlic strains were phylogenetically closely related to the B. gladioli pv. alliicola reference strains, they possessed pathogenicity characteristics that overlapped with three of the four historical pathovars, including the ability to rot onion (pv. alliicola), gladiolus (pv. gladioli), and mushrooms (pv. agaricicola). Furthermore, the pathotype of each pathovar could infect the hosts of other pathovars, undermining the utility of the pathovar concept in this species. Overall, using phenotypic pathovar-oriented assays to classify B. gladioli strains should be replaced by phylogenetic or phylogenomic analysis.

Garlic (Allium sativum) and mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) powder: Investigation of performance, immune organs and humoural and cellular immune response in broilers

BACKGROUND

Alternatives to antibiotics have been suggested by banning their use in the poultry industry. Garlic and mushroom are two important phytobiotic compounds in poultry nutrition.

OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing diets with garlic and mushroom powder (MP) on growth performance, humoural and cellular immunity, and white blood cell counts of broiler chickens.

METHODS

Five hundred and seventy-six 1-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were assigned to 8 treatments with 6 replications (12 birds per replication) based on a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement of 4 × 2 with 4 levels of garlic powder (GP; 0.00%, 0.50%, 1.00%, and 1.50%) and two levels of MP (0.00% and 1.00%).

RESULTS

No significant effects of GP and MP on the growth performance and cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity were observed (p > 0.05). According to the regression equation, with increasing levels of GP in the diets, the relative weight of the bursa of Fabricius and thymus increased (p < 0.05). The effect of increasing levels of GP on the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) titre was greater in the absence of MP (p < 0.05). With increasing levels of GP in the diets, the percentages of lymphocytes and heterophils to lymphocytes ratio increased and reduced, respectively (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This experiment has revealed that increasing the level of GP improved the immune response of broilers without affecting performance. The effect of increasing the level of GP on the NDV titre was more significant in the absence of MP.

β-glucans from Agaricus bisporus mushroom products drive Trained Immunity

Introduction

Macrofungi, such as edible mushrooms, have been used as a valuable medical resource for millennia as a result of their antibacterial and immuno-modulatory components. Mushrooms contain dietary fibers known as β-glucans, a class of polysaccharides previously linked to the induction of Trained Immunity. However, little is known about the ability of mushroom-derived β-glucans to induce Trained Immunity.

Methods & results

Using various powdered forms of the white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), we found that mouse macrophages pre-treated with whole mushroom powder (WMP) displayed enhanced responses to restimulation with TLR ligands, being particularly sensitive to Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 stimulation using synthetic lipopeptides. This trained response was modest compared to training observed with yeast-derived β-glucans and correlated with the amount of available β-glucans in the WMP. Enriching for β-glucans content using either a simulated in-vitro digestion or chemical fractionation retained and boosted the trained response with WMP, respectively. Importantly, both WMP and digested-WMP preparations retained β-glucans as identified by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis and both displayed the capacity to train human monocytes and enhanced responses to restimulation. To determine if dietary incorporation of mushroom products can lead to Trained Immunity in myeloid cells in vivo, mice were given a regimen of WMP by oral gavage prior to sacrifice. Flow cytometric analysis of bone-marrow progenitors indicated alterations in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells population dynamics, with shift toward myeloid-committed multi-potent progenitor cells. Mature bone marrow-derived macrophages derived from these mice displayed enhanced responses to restimulation, again particularly sensitive to TLR2.

Discussion

Taken together, these data demonstrate that β-glucans from common macrofungi can train innate immune cells and could point to novel ways of delivering bio-available β-glucans for education of the innate immune system.

Synthetic biology enables mushrooms to meet emerging sustainable challenges

With the increasing sustainability challenges, synthetic biology is offering new possibilities for addressing the emerging problems through the cultivation and fermentation of mushrooms. In this perspective, we aim to provide an overview on the research and applications mushroom synthetic biology, emphasizing the need for increased attention and inclusion of this rapidly advancing field in future mushroom technology over China and other countries. By leveraging synthetic biology, mushrooms are expected to play a more versatile role in various area, including traditional fields like circular economy, human wellness and pharmaceutics, as well as emerging fields like vegan meat, mushroom-based materials and pollution abatement. We are confident that these efforts using synthetic biology strategies have the potential to strengthen our capacity to effectively address sustainable challenges, leading to the development of a more sustainable social economy and ecology.

New species of Tropicoporus (Basidiomycota, Hymenochaetales, Hymenochaetaceae) from India, with a key to Afro-Asian Tropicoporus species

The Inonotuslinteus complex, predominantly reported from East Asia, Mesoamerica and Caribbean countries, was circumscribed into Tropicoporus as one of the new genera, based on morphological and phylogenetic data. The present paper describes four new species of Tropicoporus from India. Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses, based on ITS and nLSU data, delimited the new species, which are named T.cleistanthicola, T.indicus, T.pseudoindicus and T.tamilnaduensis. The pairwise homoplasy index (PHI) test was done to confirm the distinctive nature of the new species. The traits of Indian species remain distinct from one another, except for the pileate basidiome with the mono-dimitic hyphal system, cystidioles and broadly ellipsoid basidiospores. Descriptions, illustrations, PHI test results and a phylogenetic tree to show the position of the new species are provided. In addition, an identification key to Tropicoporus in Asia and an African species is given.

Unexpected Amanita phalloides-Induced Hematotoxicity-Results from a Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION

Amanita phalloides poisoning is a serious health problem with a mortality rate of 10-40%. Poisonings are characterized by severe liver and kidney toxicity. The effect of Amanita phalloides poisonings on hematological parameters has not been systematically evaluated thus far.

METHODS

Patients with suspected Amanita phalloides poisonings were retrospectively selected from the hospital database of the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). Medical data-including demographics; liver, kidney, and blood parameters; treatment; and outcomes-were collected. The severity of the poisoning was scored using the poison severity score.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients were identified who were admitted to the UMCG with suspected Amanita phalloides poisoning between 1994 and 2022. A time-dependent decrease was observed for hemoglobin and hematocrit concentrations, leukocytes, and platelets. Six out of twenty-eight patients developed acute liver failure (ALF). Patients with ALF showed a higher increase in liver enzymes, international normalized ratios, and PSS compared to patients without ALF. Conversely, hemoglobin and platelet numbers were decreased even further in these patients. Three out of six patients with ALF died and one patient received a liver transplant.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that Amanita phalloides poisonings may be associated with hematotoxicity in patients. The quantification of hematological parameters is of relevance in intoxicated patients, especially in those with ALF.

The Mushroom Albatrellus confluens: A Minireview on Phytochemistry, Biosynthesis, Synthesis and Pharmacological Activities

BACKGROUND

Albatrellus confluens is one of the representative species in the Polyporaceae family. Its major mero terpenoid grifolin and related compounds have the potential for drug applications.

OBJECTIVE

The current study aims to briefly provide an insightful view of the phytochemistry, biosynthesis, synthesis, and pharmacology of A. confluens metabolites.

METHODS

Data collection was performed using electronic resources, e.g., Google Scholar, PubMed, and Sci-Finder from the 1990s to the present, while Albatrellus confluens is the most meaningful keyword in the search for publications. The Latin name Albatrellus confluens (Alb. & Schwein.) Kotl. & Pouzar is in accordance with the name listing on www.mycobank.org.

RESULTS

By chromatography column procedures, it indicated that A. confluens species was associated with the presence of 57 secondary metabolites, in which nitrogenous compounds, meroterpenoids, polyene pyrones, and polyesters can be seen as the main phytochemical classes. L-isoleucine was the parent molecule in biosynthetic and synthetic steps of A. confluens nitrogenous compounds. Numerous experiments revealed that A. confluens isolated compounds have a variety of pharmacological activities, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, vasorelaxant, and neuroprotective and skin whitening activities. Some isolates become potential cancer inhibitors. Grifolin induced apoptosis and promoted cell cycle arrest in A2780 ovarian cancer cells via the inactivation of the ERK1/2/Akt signaling pathway. Grifolic acid caused osteosarcoma cancer cell deaths by inhibiting NADH generation and ATP production without obvious toxicity. Neoalbaconol caused apoptosis and necroptosis in mice bearing nasopharyngeal C666-1 cancer cells via PDK1-PI3K/Akt signaling inhibition.

CONCLUSION

The continuation of chromatographic separation and biomedical research is expected. Modern biological assays for explaining the pharmacological values of A. confluens constituents are warranted. Toxicological and pharmacokinetic assessments are urgently needed.

Cloning and Expression Analysis of Bioluminescence Genes in Omphalotus guepiniiformis Reveal Stress-Dependent Regulation of Bioluminescence

Bioluminescence is a type of chemiluminescence that arises from a luciferase-catalyzed oxidation reaction of luciferin. Molecular biology and comparative genomics have recently elucidated the genes involved in fungal bioluminescence and the evolutionary history of their clusters. However, most studies on fungal bioluminescence have been limited to observing the changes in light intensity under various conditions. To understand the molecular basis of bioluminescent responses in Omphalotus guepiniiformis under different environmental conditions, we cloned and sequenced the genes of hispidin synthase, hispidin-3-hydroxylase, and luciferase enzymes, which are pivotal in the fungal bioluminescence pathway. Each gene showed high sequence similarity to that of other luminous fungal species. Furthermore, we investigated their transcriptional changes in response to abiotic stresses. Wound stress enhanced the bioluminescence intensity by increasing the expression of bioluminescence pathway genes, while temperature stress suppressed the bioluminescence intensity via the non-transcriptional pathway. Our data suggested that O. guepiniiformis regulates bioluminescence to respond differentially to specific environmental stresses. To our knowledge, this is the first study on fungal bioluminescence at the gene expression level. Further studies are required to address the biological and ecological meaning of different bioluminescence responses in changing environments, and O. quepiniiformis could be a potential model species.

Phylogenomics of the psychoactive mushroom genus Psilocybe and evolution of the psilocybin biosynthetic gene cluster

Psychoactive mushrooms in the genus Psilocybe have immense cultural value and have been used for centuries in Mesoamerica. Despite the recent surge of interest in these mushrooms due to the psychotherapeutic potential of their natural alkaloid psilocybin, their phylogeny and taxonomy remain substantially incomplete. Moreover, the recent elucidation of the psilocybin biosynthetic gene cluster is known for only five of ~165 species of Psilocybe, four of which belong to only one of two major clades. We set out to improve the phylogeny of Psilocybe using shotgun sequencing of fungarium specimens, from which we obtained 71 metagenomes including from 23 types, and conducting phylogenomic analysis of 2,983 single-copy gene families to generate a fully supported phylogeny. Molecular clock analysis suggests the stem lineage of Psilocybe arose ~67 mya and diversified ~56 mya. We also show that psilocybin biosynthesis first arose in Psilocybe, with 4 to 5 possible horizontal transfers to other mushrooms between 40 and 9 mya. Moreover, predicted orthologs of the psilocybin biosynthetic genes revealed two distinct gene orders within the biosynthetic gene cluster that corresponds to a deep split within the genus, possibly a signature of two independent acquisitions of the cluster within Psilocybe.

Elimination of Acrolein by Disodium 5'-Guanylate or Disodium 5'-Inosinate at High Temperature and Its Application in Roasted Pork Patty

Acrolein (ACR) is a highly active, simple unsaturated aldehyde found in various high-temperature processed foods. Its long-term accumulation in the human body increases the risk of chronic diseases. Animal and plant foodstuffs are rich in disodium 5'-guanylate (GMP) and disodium 5'-inosinate (IMP), which are authorized flavor enhancers. Herein, we used liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry to explore the reaction-active kinetics and pathway of the interaction between GMP/IMP and ACR and validated it in roasted pork patties. Our results suggested that GMP and IMP could efficiently eliminate ACR by forming ACR adducts (GMP-ACR, IMP-ACR). In addition, IMP exhibited a higher reaction rate, whereas GMP had a good trapping capacity at a later stage. As carriers of GMP and IMP, dried mushrooms and shrimp exhibited an effective ACR-trapping ability in the ACR model and roasted pork patty individually and in combination. Adding 10% of dried mushroom or shrimp alone or 5% of dried mushroom and shrimp in combination eliminated up to 53.9%, 55.8%, and 55.2% ACR in a roasted pork patty, respectively. This study proposed a novel strategy to eliminate the generation of ACR in roasted pork patties by adding foodstuffs rich in GMP and IMP.

Scanning Electron Microscopy and Triple TOF-LC-MS-MS Analysis of Polyphenols from PEF-Treated Edible Mushrooms (L. edodes, A. brunnescens, and P. ostreatus)

Pulsed electric fields (PEF) technology has been used as a sustainable method for extracting antioxidant bioactive compounds from different food matrices. In the present study, the optimal conditions of PEF extraction for mushrooms (2.5 kV/cm, 50 kJ/kg, 6 h) were applied to Lentinula edodes, Agaricus brunnescens, and Pleurotus ostreatus to evaluate the total antioxidant capacity of the extracts, followed by the Triple TOF-LC-MS-MS analysis of the phenolic profile compared to A. bisporus by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrophotometry. In addition, the microporation effect of the technology on the mushroom surface was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. A comparison was made with a maceration extraction (aqueous stirring for 6 h). The results showed that PEF-assisted extraction enhanced the recovery of antioxidant compounds such as 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic and cinnamic acid with contents up to 236.85 µg/100 g dry weight and 2043.26 µg/100 g dry weight from A. bisporus, respectively. However, mixed results were obtained for certain phenolic compounds, including vanillic acid from L. edodes, ellagic acid from P. ostreatus, and thymol from all mushrooms. These results indicate that the application of PEF technology is effective for the extraction of antioxidant compounds in fungal matrices by creating micropores in cell membranes that allow great recovery in matrices with high content of bioactive compounds.

The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Given the bioactive properties and limited work to date, Hericium erinaceus (Lion's mane) shows promise in improving cognitive function and mood. However, much of the human research has concentrated on chronic supplementation in cognitively compromised cohorts.

OBJECTIVE

The current pilot study investigated the acute and chronic (28-day) cognitive and mood-enhancing effects of Hericium erinaceus in a healthy, young adult cohort.

DESIGN

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-groups design investigated the acute (60 min post dose) and chronic (28-day intervention) effects of 1.8 g Hericium erinaceus in 41 healthy adults aged 18-45 years.

RESULTS

Analysis revealed that following a single dose of Hericium erinaceus, participants performed quicker on the Stroop task (p = 0.005) at 60 min post dose. A trend towards reduced subjective stress was observed following 28-day supplementation (p = 0.051).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings tentatively suggest that Hericium erinaceus may improve speed of performance and reduce subjective stress in healthy, young adults. However, null and limited negative findings were also observed. Given the small sample size, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Further investigation in larger sample sizes is crucial, however the findings of this trial offer a promising avenue of interest.

Effects of Tremella fuciformis Mushroom Polysaccharides on Structure, Pasting, and Thermal Properties of Chinese Chestnuts (Castanea henryi) Starch Granules under Different Freeze-Thaw Cycles

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides on the physicochemical properties of freeze-thawed cone chestnut starch. Various aspects, including water content, crystallinity, particle size, gelatinization, retrogradation, thermal properties, rheological properties, and texture, were examined. The results revealed that moderate freezing and thawing processes increased the retrogradation of starch; particle size, viscosity, shear type, hinning degree, and hardness decreased. After adding Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide, the particle size, relative crystallinity, and gelatinization temperature decreased, which showed solid characteristics. Consequently, the inclusion of Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide effectively countered dehydration caused by freezing and thawing, reduced viscosity, and prevented the retrogradation of frozen-thawed chestnut starch. Moreover, Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide played a significant role in enhancing the stability of the frozen-thawed chestnut starch. These findings highlight the potential benefits of incorporating Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides in starch-based products subjected to freeze-thaw cycles.

A ten-year retrospective California Poison Control System experience with possible amatoxin mushroom calls

INTRODUCTION

Mushrooms containing amatoxin are found worldwide and represent a challenging poisoning for the clinician and consulting poison center. This study evaluates the experience of a large poison system with possible amatoxin-containing mushroom ingestion calls.

METHODS

A 10-year retrospective review of the California Poison Control System database was performed for amatoxin mushroom ingestion calls resulting in hospitalization. Cases found were abstracted and data statistically analyzed for association with a composite endpoint of death, liver transplant, and/or the need for dialysis.

RESULTS

Amatoxin-containing mushroom calls are infrequent with the vast majority (98.4 percent) coming from Northern California during the rainier first and fourth quarters (October through March) of the year. Elevated initial aminotransferase activities and international normalized ratios were predictive of the composite negative outcome. The mortality plus liver transplant and hemodialysis composite rate was 8.2 percent, consistent with current literature.

CONCLUSION

The California Poison Control System has relatively few amatoxin-containing mushroom ingestion calls that result in hospitalization but those that are reported mostly occur in Northern California. Treatment bias towards the sickest patients may explain the association of intravenous fluid use or treatment with acetylcysteine or silibinin with meeting the composite outcome. The initial presence of elevated hepatic aminotransferase activity and international normalized ratios are poor prognostic indicators and are likely reflective of late presentation, an advanced toxic phase of amatoxin poisoning, and/or delays in time to obtain poison center consultation.

Yamadazyma sisaketensis f.a., sp. nov. and Yamadazyma koratensis f.a., sp. nov., two novel ascomycetous yeast species from mushrooms and cocoa leaves in Thailand, and reassignment of Candida andamanensis, Candida jaroonii and Candida songkhlaensis to the genus Yamadazyma

Six strains representing two novel ascomycetous yeast species were isolated from mushroom fruiting bodies and cocoa leaves collected in Thailand. Analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene sequences showed that the six strains were divided into two groups. The first group consisted of four strains (DMKU-SSK46, DMKU-SK1, SCCL3-5 and SCCL19-3), that were closely related to the type strains of Candida conglobata, Candida insectorum, Yamadazyma dushanensis, Yamadazyma mexicana and Yamadazyma riverae, but with 12-14 (2.5-2.9 %) and 28-50 (5.4-8.8 %) nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 domains and the ITS regions, respectively. However, two strains (DMKU-KMY40 and DMKU-KO18) of the second group differed from a group of described species, Candida diddensiae, Candida dendronema, Candida germanica, Candida kanchanaburiensis, Candida naeodendra, Candida vaughaniae and Yamadazyma siamensis by 8-15 (1.5-2.8 %) and 45-53 (8.2-9.6 %) nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 domains and the ITS regions, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated sequences of the ITS regions and D1/D2 domains showed that these strains represented two species of the Yamadazyma clade that were distinct from the other related species. Based on the phylogenetic analysis and phenotypic characteristics, these six strains were assigned to two novel species of the genus Yamadazyma, although formation of ascospores was not observed. Yamadazyma sisaketensis f.a., sp. nov., is proposed for the first group (four strains). The holotype is TBRC 17139T (ex-type culture: PYCC 9797). The MycoBank number is MB 849637. Yamadazyma koratensis f.a., sp. nov. is proposed for the second group (two strains). The holotype is TBRC 14868T (ex-type culture: PYCC 8907). The MycoBank number is MB 849638. In addition, it is proposed that Candida andamanensis, Candida jaroonii and Candida songkhlaensis are reassigned to the genus Yamadazyma as Yamadazyma andamanensis comb. nov., Y. jaroonii comb. nov. and Y. songkhlaensis comb. nov., respectively.

Antiproliferative p-terphenyl derivatives isolated from the fungus Sarcodon scabripes

The ethanol extract of the fungus Sarcodon scabripes collected from north-central British Columbia, Canada, showed strong antiproliferative activity. Bioassay-guided purification using liquid-liquid extraction and Sephadex LH-20 size-exclusion chromatography, followed by HPLC-MS and 1D/2D NMR analyses, led to the isolation of five known compounds; four p-terphenyl (1-4) derivatives and one phenolic aldehyde (5). Compounds 1, 4, and 5 were isolated for the first time from the Sarcodon genus. The cytotoxicity MTT assay showed that compounds 1-5 have antiproliferative activity against human cervical cancer cells (HeLa). For compounds 1-4, this is the first report of their antiproliferative activity against cancer cells. For compound 2, this is the first report on its bioactivity. To our knowledge, this is the first description of the isolation of bioactive constituents from S. scabripes.