Medicinal – Page 133

Clinical benefits of β-glucan supplementation in children: a review

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This review examines how β-glucan, a natural fiber found in mushrooms, yeast, and grains, can help strengthen children’s immune systems and improve their health. Studies show that β-glucan supplementation may reduce the frequency and severity of colds and respiratory infections, improve digestive health, help control blood sugar levels, and support overall development. The evidence suggests that β-glucan could be a valuable dietary supplement for malnourished or immunocompromised children worldwide.

Herbal Supplement-Induced Liver Injury: A Case Report

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A 45-year-old woman developed severe liver injury after drinking an herbal tea containing multiple ingredients, including reishi mushroom and aloe vera. Her liver function gradually improved after she stopped drinking the tea, with complete recovery within three months. This case demonstrates that herbal supplements, often perceived as safe, can cause serious liver damage and should be investigated when patients develop unexplained liver problems.

Impact of a Formulation Containing Chaga Extract, Coenzyme Q10, and Alpha-Lipoic Acid on Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress: NMR Metabolomic Insights into Cellular Energy

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A new supplement formula combining Chaga mushroom extract, Coenzyme Q10, and alpha-lipoic acid was tested on nerve cells in the laboratory. The formula increased the cells’ energy production and protected them from harmful oxidative stress. This could potentially help people with conditions like fibromyalgia and neurodegenerative diseases that involve mitochondrial dysfunction.

Protein kinase A signaling regulates immune evasion by shaving and concealing fungal β-1,3-glucan

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Candida albicans is a fungus that causes infections in humans. The fungus has developed a clever way to hide from our immune system by covering up a molecule on its surface called β-1,3-glucan that normally triggers immune responses. This study shows that the fungus masks this molecule through a combination of growing and dividing to create new surfaces, and then using enzymes to trim away exposed molecules. The research reveals that a specific cell signaling pathway controlled by lactate (a chemical found in our bodies) activates this masking behavior, helping the fungus evade immune recognition.

PRMT5 promotes cellulase production by regulating the expression of cellulase gene eg2 through histone methylation in Ganoderma lucidum

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Scientists discovered that a protein called PRMT5 in Ganoderma lucidum mushroom plays a key role in producing cellulase enzymes that break down plant cellulose. By controlling a specific gene (eg2) through a process called histone methylation, PRMT5 increases cellulase production. This finding could help develop more efficient ways to convert agricultural waste like corn straw into useful sugars for biofuels and other industrial products.

Prevalence of fungi and their antifungal and disinfectant resistance in hospital environments: insights into combating nosocomial mycoses

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This study examined how fungal infections spread in hospital settings by testing air and surfaces in Iranian hospital intensive care units. Researchers found that dangerous fungi like Aspergillus and Rhizopus were commonly present, especially in air ducts, and many of these fungi could resist common antifungal medications and disinfectants. The findings suggest that hospital environments serve as sources of infection for vulnerable patients and that better cleaning and air filtration systems are needed to protect hospitalized patients.

Corrigendum: Navigating the fungal battlefield: cysteine-rich antifungal proteins and peptides from Eurotiales

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This article provides a correction to previously published research about special proteins and peptides produced by certain fungi that can fight other fungal infections. The corrections involve fixing errors in a table that listed important chemical properties of these antifungal molecules. These molecules come from various Penicillium and Aspergillus fungal species and could potentially be used to develop new antifungal treatments.

A prospective, multicenter study of invasive fungal disease caused by molds in children and adults in Chile

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Researchers in Chile studied serious mold infections in 176 hospitalized patients (adults and children) over two years. They found that aspergillosis (a lung infection caused by Aspergillus mold) was the most common, especially in patients whose immune systems were compromised by cancer, transplants, or medications. Interestingly, nearly 40% of cases also involved COVID-19 infection. Although almost all patients received antifungal medications, survival rates were concerning, with about one-third of patients still alive after six months.

Recent Advances in Biosynthesis Technology and Future Functional Foods

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Scientists are using engineered microorganisms and advanced fermentation techniques to create healthy food ingredients in a sustainable way. This editorial highlights seven studies showing how these biotechnology approaches improve functional foods, from creating probiotic strains and preserving fish to developing nutrient-enriched biscuits and discovering natural compounds with protective health effects. These innovations offer practical solutions for making foods healthier while reducing environmental impact compared to traditional methods.

China’s innovative national plan to combat fungal diseases and antifungal resistance

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China has launched an ambitious national program to combat fungal diseases through a network of 868 hospitals across the country. Studies found that fungal infections are more common than previously thought, with concerning rates of drug resistance. The country is implementing surveillance systems, training healthcare workers, and carefully managing antifungal drug use to prevent further resistance development while improving patient outcomes.

Research Topic: Medicinal