Structural characterisation of two medium molecular mass exopolysaccharides produced by the bacterium Lactobacillus fermentum Lf2.

Under optimized conditions, the lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus fermentum Lf2 secretes up to 2 gL of a mixture of polysaccharides into the fermentation medium when grown on sucrose. Earlier studies had shown that the mixture is biologically active and work was undertaken to characterise the polysaccharides. Preparative size exclusion chromatography was used to separate a high molecular mass β-glucan (weight average mass of 1.

Isolation and characterization of a high molecular mass β-glucan from Lactobacillus fermentum Lf2 and evaluation of its immunomodulatory activity.

When grown in a semi-defined medium, L. fermentum Lf2 synthesizes significant quantities (∼2 g/L) of two exopolysaccharides (EPS). The two EPS were separated by preparative size exclusion chromatography to give a high molecular mass β-glucan (1.

Neutrophil function in young and old caregivers.

Objective: The present study examined the effects of caregiving stress and ageing on neutrophil function in young and older individuals.

Design: As a model of caregiving, young parents (aged 38.3 ± 4.

Bereavement reduces neutrophil oxidative burst only in older adults: role of the HPA axis and immunesenescence.

Background: The effect of the chronic stress of bereavement on immunity is poorly understood. Previous studies have demonstrated negative effects on immunity in older adults, and those who report higher depressive symptoms. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of bereavement on neutrophil function in healthy young and old adults, also assessing serum levels of the stress hormones, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS).

Anticytomegalovirus antibody titres are not associated with caregiving burden in younger caregivers.

Objective: This analysis examines whether or not younger caregivers, parents of children with developmental disabilities, differed from controls in terms of cytomegalovirus (CMV) seropositivity and CMV-specific antibody titre. Secondly, it examined whether any particular socio-demographics, health behaviours, or psychological/caregiving variables were associated with a higher CMV antibody titre among caregivers.

Design: Young caregivers and age- and sex-matched controls were compared with respect to their reported health behaviour and psychosocial status as well as latent virus control.

Stress, ageing and their influence on functional, cellular and molecular aspects of the immune system.

The immune response is essential for keeping an organism healthy and for defending it from different types of pathogens. It is a complex system that consists of a large number of components performing different functions. The adequate and controlled interaction between these components is necessary for a robust and strong immune response.