With the global population projected to reach nine billion by 2050, the search for alternative protein sources has become critical. This study evaluated the digestibility of cricket protein powder compared with that of whey protein powder. Cricket protein powder had a slightly lower protein content but higher fat content than whey protein powder. Although both contained all essential amino acids, their quantities varied. The most abundant essential amino acid was leucine in both samples. The essential amino acid index (EAAI) for cricket protein powder reached 79% when utilising crude protein for calculation. When using the amino acid sum calculation method, it increased by nearly 13%. The EAAI for whey protein was then 94% when calculated based on crude protein, with a slight increase observed when using the amino acid sum calculation method. Cricket protein exhibited a gradual increase in digestibility during intestinal digestion, reaching nearly 80%, whereas whey protein digestibility surpassed 97%. Despite the lower digestibility of cricket protein compared with whey protein, it remains sufficiently high for consideration as a valuable protein source. This study highlights the potential of cricket proteins and underscores the importance of assessing their protein content and digestibility in evaluating their nutritional value.

• Klíčová slova
• enthomophagy, insect protein, protein digestibility, suitability, whey protein,
• MeSH
• aminokyseliny metabolismus   chemie   MeSH
• esenciální aminokyseliny metabolismus   MeSH
• Gryllidae metabolismus   chemie   MeSH
• nutriční hodnota MeSH
• prášky, zásypy, pudry * MeSH
• syrovátkové proteiny * chemie   metabolismus   MeSH
• trávení * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH
• Názvy látek
• aminokyseliny MeSH
• esenciální aminokyseliny MeSH
• prášky, zásypy, pudry * MeSH
• syrovátkové proteiny * MeSH

Sialic acids are negatively charged carbohydrates that are components of saccharide chains covalently linked to macromolecules. Sialylated glycoproteins are important for most biological processes, including reproduction, where they are associated with spermatogenesis, sperm motility, immune responses, and fertilization. Changes in the glycoprotein profile or sialylation in glycoproteins are likely to affect the quality of ejaculate. The aim of this study was to determine differences in the degree of sialylation between normozoospermic ejaculates and ejaculates with a pathological spermiogram using two lectins, Sambucus nigra (SNA) and Maackia amurensis (MAL II/MAA) recognizing α-2,6 or α-2,3 linkage of Sia to galactosyl residues. Our results show a close relationship between seminal plasma (SP) sialoproteins and the presence of anti-sperm antibodies in the ejaculate, apoptotic spermatozoa, and ejaculate quality. Using mass spectrometry, we identified SP sialoproteins such as, semenogelins, glycodelin, prolactin-inducible protein, lactotransferrin, and clusterin that are associated with spermatozoa and contribute to the modulation of the immune response and sperm apoptosis. Our findings suggest a correlation between the degree of SP glycoprotein sialylation and the existence of possible pathological states of spermatozoa and reproductive organs. Glycoproteins sialylation represents a potential parameter reflecting the overall quality of ejaculate and could potentially be utilised in diagnostics.

• Klíčová slova
• Anti-sperm antibodies, Apoptosis, Ejaculate quality, Glycoprotein, Human,
• MeSH
• analýza spermatu metody   MeSH
• apoptóza MeSH
• ejakulace MeSH
• glykodelin metabolismus   MeSH
• glykoproteiny metabolismus   MeSH
• klusterin metabolismus   MeSH
• kyseliny sialové metabolismus   MeSH
• laktoferrin metabolismus   MeSH
• lektiny metabolismus   chemie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• motilita spermií MeSH
• proteiny semenné plazmy metabolismus   MeSH
• sekreční proteiny semenných váčků metabolismus   MeSH
• sperma * metabolismus   chemie   MeSH
• spermie * metabolismus   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• glykodelin MeSH
• glykoproteiny MeSH
• klusterin MeSH
• kyseliny sialové MeSH
• laktoferrin MeSH
• lektiny MeSH
• PAEP protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč
• proteiny semenné plazmy MeSH
• sekreční proteiny semenných váčků MeSH
• seminal vesicle-specific antigen MeSH Prohlížeč

UNLABELLED: Adenovirus (AdV) infection of the respiratory epithelium is common but poorly understood. Human AdV species C types, such as HAdV-C5, utilize the Coxsackie-adenovirus receptor (CAR) for attachment and subsequently integrins for entry. CAR and integrins are however located deep within the tight junctions in the mucosa where they would not be easily accessible. Recently, a model for CAR-independent AdV entry was proposed. In this model, human lactoferrin (hLF), an innate immune protein, aids the viral uptake into epithelial cells by mediating interactions between the major capsid protein, hexon, and yet unknown host cellular receptor(s). However, a detailed understanding of the molecular interactions driving this mechanism is lacking. Here, we present a new cryo-EM structure of HAdV-5C hexon at high resolution alongside a hybrid structure of HAdV-5C hexon complexed with human lactoferrin (hLF). These structures reveal the molecular determinants of the interaction between hLF and HAdV-C5 hexon. hLF engages hexon primarily via its N-terminal lactoferricin (Lfcin) region, interacting with hexon's hypervariable region 1 (HVR-1). Mutational analyses pinpoint critical Lfcin contacts and also identify additional regions within hLF that critically contribute to hexon binding. Our study sheds more light on the intricate mechanism by which HAdV-C5 utilizes soluble hLF/Lfcin for cellular entry. These findings hold promise for advancing gene therapy applications and inform vaccine development. IMPORTANCE: Our study delves into the structural aspects of adenovirus (AdV) infections, specifically HAdV-C5 in the respiratory epithelium. It uncovers the molecular details of a novel pathway where human lactoferrin (hLF) interacts with the major capsid protein, hexon, facilitating viral entry, and bypassing traditional receptors such as CAR and integrins. The study's cryo-EM structures reveal how hLF engages hexon, primarily through its N-terminal lactoferricin (Lfcin) region and hexon's hypervariable region 1 (HVR-1). Mutational analyses identify critical Lfcin contacts and other regions within hLF vital for hexon binding. This structural insight sheds light on HAdV-C5's mechanism of utilizing soluble hLF/Lfcin for cellular entry, holding promise for gene therapy and vaccine development advancements in adenovirus research.

• Klíčová slova
• adenovirus, cryo-EM, immune evasion, lactoferrin, viral entry,
• MeSH
• adenovirové infekce lidí metabolismus   virologie   MeSH
• biologické modely MeSH
• elektronová kryomikroskopie MeSH
• internalizace viru * MeSH
• laktoferrin * chemie   genetika   metabolismus   ultrastruktura   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• lidské adenoviry * chemie   genetika   metabolismus   ultrastruktura   MeSH
• mutace MeSH
• respirační sliznice cytologie   metabolismus   virologie   MeSH
• rozpustnost MeSH
• vazba proteinů MeSH
• vazebná místa genetika   MeSH
• virové plášťové proteiny * chemie   genetika   metabolismus   ultrastruktura   MeSH
• virové receptory * chemie   genetika   metabolismus   ultrastruktura   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• hexon capsid protein, Adenovirus MeSH Prohlížeč
• laktoferrin * MeSH
• virové plášťové proteiny * MeSH
• virové receptory * MeSH

This work describes the preparation of a novel biopolymer hydrogel based on acid whey, cellulose derivatives and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The hydrogel was prepared and characterized with the aim of producing an environmentally-friendly soil amendment to increase water retention capacity of the soil. The findings showed considerable swelling properties of the hydrogels depending on the PVA content and crosslinking density. The samples with PVA in a concentration 2.5 % and 5 % were more rigid, the gel fraction increased with a subsequently decrease in their swelling capacity. The hydrogels crosslinked with 15 % of citric acid demonstrated a constant swelling ratio (SR) of around 500 % within 10 swelling/drying cycles. The hydrogels crosslinked with 10 % citric acid and supplemented with 1 % of PVA showed SR of 1000-1400 % caused by less crosslinked polymer network and increased pore volume for water uptake. It was found that hydrogel with a higher gel fraction had a stable structure. Supplementing PVA at 5 % extended the period of decomposition of the hydrogel material by almost 60 % in the soil environment and soil humidity was maintained for longer. Applying 2 % of the hydrogel 5PVA to soil increased the water retention capacity by 19 %.

• Klíčová slova
• Acid whey, Polyvinyl alcohol, Renewable hydrogel, Sustainability, Water retention,
• MeSH
• hydrogely * chemie   MeSH
• kyselina citronová MeSH
• polysacharidy MeSH
• polyvinylalkohol * chemie   MeSH
• půda MeSH
• syrovátka MeSH
• syrovátkové proteiny MeSH
• voda MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• hydrogely * MeSH
• kyselina citronová MeSH
• polysacharidy MeSH
• polyvinylalkohol * MeSH
• půda MeSH
• syrovátkové proteiny MeSH
• voda MeSH

Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry is widely used in the field of proteomic analysis after off-line protein digestion. On-line digestion with chromatographic column connected in a series with immobilized enzymatic reactor is not often used approach. In this work we investigated the impact of chromatographic conditions on the protein digestion efficiency. The investigation of trypsin reactor activity was performed by on-line digestion of N-α-benzoyl-L-arginine 4-nitroanilide hydrochloride (BAPNA), followed by separation of the digests on the mixed-mode column. Two trypsin column reactors with the different trypsin coverage on the bridged ethylene hybrid particles were evaluated. To ensure optimal trypsin activity, the separation temperature was set at 37.0 °C and the pH of the mobile phase buffer was maintained at 8.5. The on-line digestion itself ongoing during the initial state of gradient was carried out at a low flow rate using a mobile phase that was free of organic modifiers. Proteins such as cytochrome C, enolase, and myoglobin were successfully digested on-line without prior reduction or alkylation, and the resulting peptides were separated using a mixed-mode column. Additionally, proteins that contain multiple cysteines, such as α-lactalbumin, albumin, β-lactoglobulin A, and conalbumin, were also successfully digested on-line (after reduction and alkylation). Moreover, trypsin immobilized enzymatic reactors were utilized for over 300 injections without any noticeable loss of digestion activity.

• Klíčová slova
• Immobilized enzymatic reactor, Mass spectrometry, Mixed-mode column, On-line protein digestion, Trypsin digestion,
• MeSH
• alkylace MeSH
• enzymy imobilizované MeSH
• laktalbumin * MeSH
• proteolýza MeSH
• proteomika * MeSH
• trypsin MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• enzymy imobilizované MeSH
• laktalbumin * MeSH
• trypsin MeSH

The β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) was previously characterized as a mild antioxidant modulating cell viability. However, its biological action regarding endometrial stromal cell cytophysiology and function has never been considered. In this study, we investigated the influence of β-LG on the cellular status of equine endometrial progenitor cells under oxidative stress. The study showed that β-LG decreased the intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species, simultaneously ameliorating cell viability and exerting an anti-apoptotic effect. However, at the transcriptional level, the reduced mRNA expression of pro-apoptotic factors (i.e. BAX and BAD) was accompanied by decreased expression of mRNA for anti-apoptotic BCL-2 and genes coding antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD-1, GPx). Still, we have also noted the positive effect of β-LG on the expression profile of transcripts involved in endometrial viability and receptivity, including ITGB1, ENPP3, TUNAR and miR-19b-3p. Finally, the expression of master factors of endometrial decidualization, namely prolactin and IGFBP1, was increased in response to β-LG, while non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), that is lncRNA MALAT1 and miR-200b-3p, were upregulated. Our findings indicate a novel potential role of β-LG as a molecule regulating endometrial tissue functionality, promoting viability and normalizing the oxidative status of endometrial progenitor cells. The possible mechanism of β-LG action includes the activation of ncRNAs essential for tissue regeneration, such as lncRNA MALAT-1/TUNAR and miR-19b-3p/miR-200b-3p.

• Klíčová slova
• endometrium, non-coding RNA, progenitor cells, β-lactoglobulin,
• MeSH
• antioxidancia MeSH
• kmenové buňky metabolismus   MeSH
• koně genetika   MeSH
• laktoglobuliny MeSH
• messenger RNA genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• mikro RNA * genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• RNA dlouhá nekódující * genetika   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antioxidancia MeSH
• laktoglobuliny MeSH
• messenger RNA MeSH
• mikro RNA * MeSH
• RNA dlouhá nekódující * MeSH

Whey protein isolate (WPI), employed as a carrier for a wide range of bioactive substances, suffers from a lack of colloidal stability in physiological conditions. Herein, we developed innovative stabilized PolyElectrolyte Nanoparticles (PENs) obtained by two techniques: polyelectrolyte complexation of negatively charged WPI and positively charged chitosan (CS), and ionic gelation in the presence of polyanion tripolyphosphate (TPP). Therefore, the WPI-based core was coated with a CS-based shell and then stabilized by TPP at pH 8. The nanostructures were characterized by physiochemical methods, and their encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release were evaluated. The spherical NPs with an average size of 248.57 ± 5.00 nm and surface charge of +10.80 ± 0.43 mV demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency (92.79 ± 0.69) and sustained release of a positively charged chemotherapeutic agent such as doxorubicin (DOX). Z-average size and size distribution also presented negligible increases in size and aggregates during the three weeks. The results obtained confirm the effectiveness of the simultaneous application of these methods to improve the colloidal stability of PEN.

• Klíčová slova
• TPP, WPI, chitosan, colloidal stability,
• MeSH
• chitosan * chemie   MeSH
• lékové transportní systémy MeSH
• nanočástice * chemie   MeSH
• nosiče léků chemie   MeSH
• polyelektrolyty chemie   MeSH
• syrovátkové proteiny MeSH
• velikost částic MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chitosan * MeSH
• nosiče léků MeSH
• polyelektrolyty MeSH
• syrovátkové proteiny MeSH

Tofu whey is a pale-yellowish liquid with specific aroma/taste which remains as the byproduct/waste after tofu squeezing and represents an environmental problem for direct disposal. Understanding the fresh tofu whey protein composition and the activity of bioactive peptides could be useful for the application of tofu whey as a functional food additive. Tofu whey was obtained during the tofu production from six soybean genotypes by hydrothermal processing in combination with chymosin-pepsin rennet. Basic 7S globulin (14.28-19.13%), γ-conglycinin (7.73-9.31%) and β-conglycinin (10.59-12.90%) were registered of the total extracted proteins. Glycinin was present with a dominant share of acidic (24.64-27.55%) versus basic polypeptides (12.18-14.61%) in the total extracted proteins. High content of total protein (22.67-28.00%), balanced content (9.76-13.33% of the total extracted proteins) and residual activity (1.95-3.76%) of trypsin inhibitors and low lectins content (5.04-5.48% of the total extracted proteins) indicate good nutritional value of the tofu whey samples. Tofu whey can be potentially useful for application as a cheap, nutritional and functional food additive and can enable sustainable production through the recycling of waste.

• Klíčová slova
• Soybean, bioactive peptides, chymosin-pepsin rennet, hydrothermal cooking, waste in food processing,
• MeSH
• Glycine max chemie   MeSH
• sójové potraviny * MeSH
• syrovátka MeSH
• syrovátkové proteiny MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• syrovátkové proteiny MeSH

Even though amyloid aggregates were discovered many years ago the mechanism of their formation is still a mystery. Because of their connection to many of untreatable neurodegenerative diseases the motivation for finding a common aggregation path is high. We report a new high heat induced fibrillization path of a model protein β-lactoglobulin (BLG) when incubated in glycine instead of water at pH 2. By combining atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission emission microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and circular dichroism (CD) we predict that the basic building blocks of fibrils made in glycine are not peptides, but rather spheroid oligomers of different height that form by stacking of ring-like structures. Spheroid oligomers linearly align to form fibrils by opening up and combining. We suspect that glycine acts as an hydrolysation inhibitor which consequently promotes a different fibrillization path. By combining the known data on fibrillization in water with our experimental conclusions we come up with a new fibrillization scheme for BLG. We show that by changing the fibrillization conditions just by small changes in buffer composition can dramatically change the aggregation pathway and the effect of buffer shouldn't be neglected. Fibrils seen in our study are also gaining more and more attention because of their pore-like structure and a possible cytotoxic mechanism by forming pernicious ion-channels. By preparing them in a simple model system as BLG we opened a new way to study their formation.

• Klíčová slova
• Buffer specific effects, Fibrillization mechanism, Spheroid oligomers, β-lactoglobulin,
• MeSH
• amyloid * chemie   MeSH
• glycin farmakologie   MeSH
• laktoglobuliny * chemie   MeSH
• mikroskopie atomárních sil metody   MeSH
• voda MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• amyloid * MeSH
• glycin MeSH
• laktoglobuliny * MeSH
• voda MeSH

A set of renewable and biodegradable hydrogels based on acid whey and cellulose derivatives blended with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) were designed as eco-friendly biopolymeric material for sustainable agricultural applications. The physico-chemical properties of the hydrogel were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and rheological measurements. The effect of the whey/polysaccharide/PLA hydrogel on soil quality improvement (water retention study, biodegradability, loading capacity and release of the fertilizers) and the growth pattern of Raphanus sativus and Phaseolus vulgaris has been also studied. The addition of PLA has been found to improve mechanical properties of the hydrogel. The introduction of 20% wt PLA extended decomposition time of hydrogels by 25% which makes the material more stable in the environment and maintaining the soil humidity for longer. The increasing the amount of PLA led to a rise in hydrogel viscosity brought about better entrapment efficiency of the fertilizers (86-92% for KNO3 and 87-96% for urea, resp.) compared to control (82% for KNO3 and 85% for urea, resp.). The novel hydrogels with swelling ratio of up to 500% showed potential as a sustainable water reservoir for plants improving water retention capacity of the soil by 30%.

• Klíčová slova
• Acid whey, Hydrogel, Poly(lactic acid), Sustainability, Water retention,
• MeSH
• hydrogely * chemie   MeSH
• močovina chemie   MeSH
• polyestery MeSH
• polysacharidy MeSH
• průmyslová hnojiva MeSH
• půda * chemie   MeSH
• syrovátka MeSH
• syrovátkové proteiny MeSH
• voda chemie   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• hydrogely * MeSH
• močovina MeSH
• poly(lactide) MeSH Prohlížeč
• polyestery MeSH
• polysacharidy MeSH
• průmyslová hnojiva MeSH
• půda * MeSH
• syrovátkové proteiny MeSH
• voda MeSH