Gut Bacteria: A Possible Source of Novel Metabolites.

Crocodiles are remarkable animals that have the ability to endure extremely harsh conditions and can survive up to a 100 years while being exposed to noxious agents that are detrimental to . Besides their immunity, we postulate that the microbial gut flora of crocodiles may produce substances with protective effects. In this study, we isolated and characterized selected bacteria colonizing the gastrointestinal tract of and demonstrated their inhibitory effects against three different cancerous cell lineages.

Gut Bacteria of (Rat) Produce Broad-Spectrum Antibacterial Lipopeptides.

Among several animals, (rat) lives in polluted environments and feeds on organic waste/small invertebrates, suggesting the presence of inherent mechanisms to thwart infections. In this study, we isolated gut bacteria of rats for their antibacterial activities. Using antibacterial assays, the findings showed that the conditioned media from selected bacteria exhibited bactericidal activities against Gram-negative ( K1, , , , and ) and Gram-positive (, methicillin-resistant , and ) pathogenic bacteria.

Gut Bacteria of Columbia livia Are a Potential Source of Anti-Tumour Molecules.

Objectives: The overall aim was to determine whether gut bacteria of Columbia livia are a potential source of antitumour molecules.

Methods: Faecal and gut microbiota of Columbia livia were isolated, identified and conditioned media were prepared containing metabolites. Growth inhibition, lactate dehydrogenase cytotoxicity and cell survival assays were accomplished against cervical cancer cells.

Antibacterial activity of selected invertebrate species.

The evolution of multiple-drug resistant bacteria is contributing to the global antimicrobial crisis, hence driving us to search for novel antimicrobial(s). Among animals, invertebrates represent up to 80% of all known species suggesting their wide distribution. Despite their ubiquitous and plentiful nature, they have been largely unexplored as potential source of antibacterials.

Scorpion and Frog Organ Lysates are Potential Source of Antitumour Activity.

Objectives: It is noteworthy that several animal species are known to withstand high levels of radiation, and are exposed to heavy metals but rarely been reported to develop cancer. For example, the scorpion has been used as folk medicine in ancient civilizations of Iran and China, while amphibian skin is known to possess medicinal properties. Here, we elucidated the anti-tumour activity of the scorpion (Uropygi) and frog (Lithobates catesbeianus).