Safety and efficacy of monosodium l-glutamate monohydrate produced by Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80188 as a feed additive for all animal species

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of monosodium l-glutamate produced by fermentation with Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80187 for all animal species (CJ Europe GmbH)

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of monosodium l‐glutamate monohydrate produced by fermentation using Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80187 when used as a sensory additive (flavouring compound) in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The production strain is genetically modified and viable cells of the production strain, and its DNA were not detected in the final additive. The additive does not give rise to any safety concern regarding the production strain. Monosodium l‐glutamate monohydrate produced using C. glutamicum KCCM 80187 is considered safe for the target species, for the consumer and for the environment. Moreover, it is considered not toxic by inhalation, not irritant to skin or eyes and not a dermal sensitiser. The FEEDAP Panel expressed reservations on the use of the additive in water for drinking due to concerns on its impact on the hygienic conditions of the water. The Panel concluded that the additive is efficacious to contribute to the flavour of feed.

Bacteriostatic Potential of Melatonin: Therapeutic Standing and Mechanistic Insights

Diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria in animals (e.g., bacterial pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis) and plants (e.g., bacterial wilt, angular spot and canker) lead to high prevalence and mortality, and decomposition of plant leaves, respectively. Melatonin, an endogenous molecule, is highly pleiotropic, and accumulating evidence supports the notion that melatonin's actions in bacterial infection deserve particular attention. Here, we summarize the antibacterial effects of melatonin in vitro, in animals as well as plants, and discuss the potential mechanisms. Melatonin exerts antibacterial activities not only on classic gram-negative and -positive bacteria, but also on members of other bacterial groups, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Protective actions against bacterial infections can occur at different levels. Direct actions of melatonin may occur only at very high concentrations, which is at the borderline of practical applicability. However, various indirect functions comprise activation of hosts' defense mechanisms or, in sepsis, attenuation of bacterially induced inflammation. In plants, its antibacterial functions involve the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway; in animals, protection by melatonin against bacterially induced damage is associated with inhibition or activation of various signaling pathways, including key regulators such as NF-κB, STAT-1, Nrf2, NLRP3 inflammasome, MAPK and TLR-2/4. Moreover, melatonin can reduce formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS, RNS), promote detoxification and protect mitochondrial damage. Altogether, we propose that melatonin could be an effective approach against various pathogenic bacterial infections.