OAR@UM Community: Previously known as Department of Food Studies and Environmental Health

Modulation of gut microbiome in ecstasy/MDMA-induced behavioral and biochemical impairment in rats and potential of post-treatment with Anacyclus pyrethrum L. aqueous extract to mitigate adverse effects

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Modulation of gut microbiome in ecstasy/MDMA-induced behavioral and biochemical impairment in rats and potential of post-treatment with Anacyclus pyrethrum L. aqueous extract to mitigate adverse effects Authors: Baslam, Abdelmounaimh; Aitbaba, Abdelfatah; Lamrani Hanchi, Asmae; Tazart, Zakaria; Aboufatima, Rachida; Soraa, Nabila; Ait-El-Mokhtar, Mohamed; Boussaa, Samia; Baslam, Marouane; Chait, Abderrahman Abstract: The use of illicit substances continues to pose a substantial threat to global health, affecting millions of individuals annually. Evidence suggests the existence of a ‘brain–gut axis’ as the involving connection between the central nervous system and gut microbiome (GM). Dysbiosis of the GM has been associated with the pathogenesis of various chronic diseases, including metabolic, malignant, and inflammatory conditions. However, little is currently known about the involvement of this axis in modulating the GM in response to psychoactive substances. In this study, we investigated the effect of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, “Ecstasy”)-dependence on the behavioral and biochemical responses, and the diversity and abundance of the gut microbiome in rats post-treated (or not) with aqueous extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum (AEAP), which has been reported to exhibit anticonvulsant activity. The dependency was validated using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm, behavioral, and biochemical tests, while the gut microbiota was identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The CPP and behavioral tests confirmed the presence of MDMA withdrawal syndrome. Interestingly, treatment with AEAP led to a compositional shift in the GM compared to the MDMA-treated rats. Specifically, the AEAP group yielded a higher relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacter, while animals receiving MDMA had higher levels of E. coli. These findings suggest that A. pyrethrum therapy may directly modulate the gut microbiome, highlighting a potential target for regulating and treating substance use disorders.

Fungal and toxin contaminants in cereal grains and flours : systematic review and meta-analysis

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Fungal and toxin contaminants in cereal grains and flours : systematic review and meta-analysis Authors: Deligeorgakis, Christodoulos; Magro, Christopher; Skendi, Adriana; Gebrehiwot, Haileeyesus Habtegebriel; Valdramidis, Vasilis; Papageorgiou, Maria Abstract: Cereal grains serve as the cornerstone of global nutrition, providing a significant portion of humanity’s caloric requirements. However, the presence of fungal genera, such Fusarium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria, known for their mycotoxin-producing abilities, presents a significant threat to human health due to the adverse effects of these toxins. The primary objective of this study was to identify the predominant fungal contaminants in cereal grains utilized in breadmaking, as well as in flour and bread. Moreover, a systematic review, including meta-analysis, was conducted on the occurrence and levels of mycotoxins in wheat flour from the years 2013 to 2023. The genera most frequently reported were Fusarium, followed by Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria. Among the published reports, the majority focused on the analysis of Deoxynivalenol (DON), which garnered twice as many reports compared to those focusing on Aflatoxins, Zearalenone, and Ochratoxin A. The concentration of these toxins, in most cases determined by HPLC-MS/MS or HPLC coupled with a fluorescence detector (FLD), was occasionally observed to exceed the maximum limits established by national and/or international authorities. The prevalence of mycotoxins in flour samples from the European Union (EU) and China, as well as in foods intended for infants, exhibited a significant reduction compared to other commercial flours assessed by a meta-analysis investigation.

Co-occurrence of taste and odor compounds and cyanotoxins in cyanobacterial blooms : emerging risks to human health?

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Co-occurrence of taste and odor compounds and cyanotoxins in cyanobacterial blooms : emerging risks to human health? Authors: Manganelli, Maura; Testai, Emanuela; Tazart, Zakaria; Scardala, Simona; Codd, Geoffrey A. Abstract: Cyanobacteria commonly form large blooms in waterbodies; they can produce cyanotoxins, with toxic effects on humans and animals, and volatile compounds, causing bad tastes and odors (T&O) at naturally occurring low concentrations. Notwithstanding the large amount of literature on either cyanotoxins or T&O, no review has focused on them at the same time. The present review critically evaluates the recent literature on cyanotoxins and T&O compounds (geosmin, 2-methylisoborneol, β-ionone and β-cyclocitral) to identify research gaps on harmful exposure of humans and animals to both metabolite classes. T&O and cyanotoxins production can be due to the same or common to different cyanobacterial species/strains, with the additional possibility of T&O production by non-cyanobacterial species. The few environmental studies on the co-occurrence of these two groups of metabolites are not sufficient to understand if and how they can co-vary, or influence each other, perhaps stimulating cyanotoxin production. Therefore, T&Os cannot reliably serve as early warning surrogates for cyanotoxins. The scarce data on T&O toxicity seem to indicate a low health risk (but the inhalation of β-cyclocitral deserves more study). However, no data are available on the effects of combined exposure to mixtures of cyanotoxins and T&O compounds and to combinations of T&O compounds; therefore, whether the co-occurrence of cyanotoxins and T&O compounds is a health issue remains an open question.

A study of factors affecting fruit and vegetable consumption and a retail assessment in selected districts in Malta

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A study of factors affecting fruit and vegetable consumption and a retail assessment in selected districts in Malta Abstract: Background: Fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption is a foundation of a healthy diet, with the World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations jointly recommending at least 400 g (roughly five portions) per day to reduce non-communicable disease risk. In Malta, over one in four adults live with obesity and only ~12 % meet the five-a-day intake. This study aimed to assess FV intakes and drivers, particularly barriers, among adults aged 18-65 years in Malta and explore the local FV retail environment across two selected districts. Methods: The study included two phases. The first phase consisted of a 33-question, cross-sectional, anonymised survey, which was adapted, translated and piloted for Malta, then distributed online via Google Forms using convenience sampling Questions covered FV consumption, local retail environment perceptions and socio-demographic characteristics. The second phase focused on the assessment of FV retail outlets selected in two selected districts, the Northern Harbour and South Eastern districts. This assessment included measuring the number of retail outlets in 4 different localities, mapping their locations using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and collecting data on the quality and cost of selected FV in eleven conveniently selected outlets within 4 different localities. Results: Data from 315 respondents (mean age 44.5 years; 72.4 % female; mean BMI 26.4 kg/m2) were analysed using Chi-square or Fisher-Freeman-Halton exact tests, Spearman’s correlations and cross-tabulations. Mean daily intake was 1.7 fruit and 1.8 vegetable portions. Around 51.0% of participants were classified in the overweight and obese ranges. Fruit intake increased with age (p < .05) and decreased with higher BMI (p < .05). Cost barriers were significant among lower-income households (p = .001), non-EU nationals (44.4 %, p < .001) and younger adults (p < .001). Larger households consumed more vegetables (p=0.003), but no significant associations were found between consumption frequency and gender, education or taste preferences (p >.05). Regarding shopping habits, 64.7 % of respondents travelled to purchase FV by car, while 44.8 % went on foot. Main desired improvements to better FV intake included lower prices (57.5 %), better quality (37.5 %) and more variety (28.4 %). Comparing the two selected districts, tests showed no difference in FV intake (p>.20). Quality and price assessments revealed that visual defects, °Brix and pH influenced retail prices across multiple crops (p<0.05). Spatial analyses confirmed that there was good availability of FV outlets in two most populated towns of selected districts and most participants lived within a 5-minute walk of an FV outlet. Discussion: FV intake in Malta remains relatively low, particularly among younger, lower-income and non-EU groups, similar consumption across districts. Affordability emerged as the primary barrier. Targeted interventions, such as subsidies for vulnerable pockets and community-tailored educational campaigns, are needed to boost FV consumption and reduce chronic disease risk. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.)