Alberto Cresci - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Alberto Cresci

Research paper thumbnail of Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Hypericum hircinum L. Subsp. majus essential oil

Research paper thumbnail of PROBIOTIC PROPERTIES OF LACTOBACILLI STRAINS ISOLATED FROM RAW COW MILK IN THE WESTERN HIGHLANDS OF CAMEROON

The objective of this study was to characterize probiotic Lactobacillus sp isolated from raw cow ... more The objective of this study was to characterize probiotic Lactobacillus sp isolated from raw cow milk focusing on their safety, antimicrobial, and cholesterol-lowering properties. A total of one hundred and seven colonies of lactobacilli isolated from thirty-two samples of raw cow milk were screened for their probiotic use. 15 isolates of lactobacilli were selected for acid and bile tolerance. Almost all the acid and bile tolerant isolates of lactobacilli were sensitive to eight of the nine antibiotics tested. None of the assayed strains showed hemolytic and gelatinase activity. In addition, isolate 29V showed strong antimicrobial activities against the used indicator pathogens. All isolates expressed bile salt hydrolase activity and had ability to assimilate cholesterol in vitro. The 15 selected isolates were identify to species level as Lactobacillus plantarum using API 50CH Kits. Random amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) was carried out to discriminate...

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of different digestible carbohydrates on bile acid metabolism and SCFA production by human gut micro-flora grown in an in vitro semi-continuous culture

Research paper thumbnail of In vitro modulatory effects of colonic microflora by olive oil iridoids

Microbial Ecology in Health & Disease, 2006

Research paper thumbnail of Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from Ferula glauca L. ( F. communis L. subsp. glauca) growing in Marche (central Italy)

Fitoterapia, 2009

The essential oil obtained from different parts of Ferula glauca L. (formerly considered as a sub... more The essential oil obtained from different parts of Ferula glauca L. (formerly considered as a subspecies of F. communis) growing in Marche (central Italy), was analyzed for the first time by GC-FID and GC-MS. The major volatiles were (E)-caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide in leaves, α-pinene, myrcene and germacrene D in flowers, α- and β-pinene in fruits, (E)-β-farnesene, myristicin and elemicin

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization and potential effects of manipulated intestinal microflora and diet in irritable bowel syndrome patients: Preliminary study

Digestive and Liver Disease, 2006

Research paper thumbnail of Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oils from Several Hypericum Taxa (Guttiferae) Growing in Central Italy (Appennino Umbro-Marchigiano)

Chemistry & Biodiversity, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of Use of Enterococcus faecium to improve common sole ( Solea solea) larviculture

Aquaculture, 2011

The potential of common sole Solea solea (Linnaeus, 1758) for consistent production in recirculat... more The potential of common sole Solea solea (Linnaeus, 1758) for consistent production in recirculating systems is limited by the huge losses usually observed during the early stages of larval development, mainly due to pathogen infections and insufficient nutritional balance. In the hope that use of a suitable probiotic strain may counter these difficulties, in this study we isolated Enterococcus faecium

Research paper thumbnail of Red wine polyphenols influence carcinogenesis, intestinal microflora, oxidative damage and gene expression profiles of colonic mucosa in F344 rats

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of the addition of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. delbrueckii on the gut microbiota composition and contribution to the well-being of European sea bass ( Dicentrarchus labrax , L.)

Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Antimicrobial Activity of Seven Hypericum Entities from Central Italy

Research paper thumbnail of Modulation by lactic-acid bacteria of the intestinal ecosystem and plasma cholesterol in rabbits fed a casein diet

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Fecal Water on an In Vitro Model of Colonic Mucosal Barrier Function

Nutrition and Cancer, 2007

Fecal water (FW) has been shown to exert, in cultured cells, cytotoxic and genotoxic effects that... more Fecal water (FW) has been shown to exert, in cultured cells, cytotoxic and genotoxic effects that have implications for colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. We have investigated a further biological activity of FW, namely, the ability to affect gap junctions in CACO2 cell monolayers as an index of mucosal barrier function, which is known to be disrupted in cancer. FW samples from healthy, free-living, European subjects that were divided into two broad age groups, adult (40+/-9.7 yr; n=53) and elderly (76+/-7.5 yr; n=55) were tested for effects on gap junction using the transepithelial resistance (TER) assay. Overall, treatment of CACO2 cells with FW samples from adults increased TER (+4%), whereas FW from elderly subjects decreased TER (-5%); the difference between the two groups was significant (P<0.05). We also measured several components of FW potentially associated with modulation of TER, namely, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and ammonia. SCFAs (propionic, acetic, and n-butyric) were significantly lower in the elderly population (-30%, -35%, and -21%, respectively, all P A pound 0.01). We consider that FW modulation of in vitro epithelial barrier function is a potentially useful noninvasive biomarker, but it requires further validation to establish its relationship to CRC risk.

Research paper thumbnail of Modification of azoxymethane intestinal carcinogenesis in rats by feeding sucrose boluses, pasta, and glucose

Nutrition and Cancer, 1997

We studied whether repeated boluses of sucrose or diets containing carbohydrates with a variable ... more We studied whether repeated boluses of sucrose or diets containing carbohydrates with a variable glycemic index (GI) affect intestinal carcinogenesis in rats. Male F344 rats were treated twice (1 wk apart) with 15 mg/kg sc azoxymethane (AOM) and then divided into four experimental dietary groups with different carbohydrate composition and administration schedules: the sucrose group was fed 44% (wt/wt) sucrose (GI = 65), the bolus group was fed sucrose as carbohydrate and 43 boluses of sucrose (10-15 g/kg) at various time intervals, the pasta group was fed pasta [77% (wt/wt) cooked pasta, GI = 55], and the glucose group was fed 44% (wt/wt) glucose (GI = 97). All nutrients, including carbohydrates, were provided in similar amount to the different groups. The experiment was terminated between Day 230 and Day 245 after AOM administration. At this time the pasta group had significantly higher cecal short-chain fatty acids than the other groups. Intestinal adenomas and cancers occurred with the same frequency in the bolus, sucrose, and glucose groups. On the contrary, we observed a significant decrease (p = 0.03) in the cumulative incidence of intestinal adenomas, but not adenocarcinomas, in the pasta group compared with the sucrose group (intestinal adenoma incidence in the pasta group was 31% compared with 63% in the sucrose group, 46% in the bolus group, and 37% in the glucose group). In conclusion, these results do not support the hypothesis that sucrose boluses or carbohydrates with a high GI stimulate colon carcinogenesis, but they indicate that foods such as pasta may exert a protective effect.

Research paper thumbnail of Fecal Levels of Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Bile Acids as Determinants of Colonic Mucosal Cell Proliferation in Humans

Nutrition and Cancer, 2002

We studied the correlation between fecal levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), bile acids (BA... more We studied the correlation between fecal levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), bile acids (BA), and colonic mucosal proliferation in humans on a free diet. Subjects [n = 43: 27 men and 16 women; 61 +/- 7 and 59 +/- 6 (SE) yr old, respectively] were outpatients who previously underwent resection of at least two sporadic colon polyps. Mucosal proliferation was determined by [3H]thymidine incorporation in vitro in three colorectal biopsies obtained without cathartics and was expressed as labeling index (LI). BA were analyzed in feces by mass spectrometry and SCFA by gas chromatography. We found that increasing levels of BA in feces did not correlate with higher LI. On the contrary, higher levels of SCFA were significantly associated with lower LI in the colonic mucosa (P for trend = 0.02). In conclusion, in humans on a free diet, intestinal proliferation seems to be regulated by the levels of SCFA in feces and not by BA. Because a lower intestinal proliferation is associated with a decreased colon cancer risk, treatments or diets that increase colonic levels of SCFA might be beneficial for colonic mucosa.

Research paper thumbnail of Pilot-scale Production and Viability Analysis of Freeze-Dried Probiotic Bacteria Using Different Protective Agents

Research paper thumbnail of Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Ferulago campestris (Besser) Grecescu growing in central Italy

Flavour and Fragrance Journal - FLAVOUR FRAG J, 2009

Essential oil from the flowers and leaves of Ferulago campestris (Apiaceae) from two collection s... more Essential oil from the flowers and leaves of Ferulago campestris (Apiaceae) from two collection sites in central Italy was analysed by GC–FID and GC–MS and 134 constituents were identified and quantified by calculating the response factors of FID. Monoterpene hydrocarbons constituted the main fraction of the flower oils, with α-pinene, myrcene and γ-terpinene as the major components. Sesquiterpenes gave the major contribution to the essential oils from the leaves, with the oxygenated components more abundant, α-humulene, spathulenol and caryophyllene oxide being the most representative. The antimicrobial activity (as inhibition zone and MIC) of the essential oils from flowers was evaluated, using a panel of human opportunistic pathogenic bacteria and fungi, by the agar disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods: the Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis (MIC = 155–310 μg/ml) and Enterococcus faecalis (MIC = 310 μg/ml), and the Gram-negative Escherichia coli (MIC = 310–625 μg/ml) were found to be the most susceptible strains. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of sucrose or starch-based diet on short-chain fatty acids and faecal microflora in rats

Journal of Applied Microbiology, 1999

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of antimicrobial treatment on fiberglass-acrylic filters

Journal of Applied Microbiology, 2004

Research paper thumbnail of Resistant starch modifies gut microflora and microbial metabolism in human flora-associated rats inoculated with faeces from Italian and UK donors

Journal of Applied Microbiology, 1999

Research paper thumbnail of Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Hypericum hircinum L. Subsp. majus essential oil

Research paper thumbnail of PROBIOTIC PROPERTIES OF LACTOBACILLI STRAINS ISOLATED FROM RAW COW MILK IN THE WESTERN HIGHLANDS OF CAMEROON

The objective of this study was to characterize probiotic Lactobacillus sp isolated from raw cow ... more The objective of this study was to characterize probiotic Lactobacillus sp isolated from raw cow milk focusing on their safety, antimicrobial, and cholesterol-lowering properties. A total of one hundred and seven colonies of lactobacilli isolated from thirty-two samples of raw cow milk were screened for their probiotic use. 15 isolates of lactobacilli were selected for acid and bile tolerance. Almost all the acid and bile tolerant isolates of lactobacilli were sensitive to eight of the nine antibiotics tested. None of the assayed strains showed hemolytic and gelatinase activity. In addition, isolate 29V showed strong antimicrobial activities against the used indicator pathogens. All isolates expressed bile salt hydrolase activity and had ability to assimilate cholesterol in vitro. The 15 selected isolates were identify to species level as Lactobacillus plantarum using API 50CH Kits. Random amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) was carried out to discriminate...

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of different digestible carbohydrates on bile acid metabolism and SCFA production by human gut micro-flora grown in an in vitro semi-continuous culture

Research paper thumbnail of In vitro modulatory effects of colonic microflora by olive oil iridoids

Microbial Ecology in Health & Disease, 2006

Research paper thumbnail of Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from Ferula glauca L. ( F. communis L. subsp. glauca) growing in Marche (central Italy)

Fitoterapia, 2009

The essential oil obtained from different parts of Ferula glauca L. (formerly considered as a sub... more The essential oil obtained from different parts of Ferula glauca L. (formerly considered as a subspecies of F. communis) growing in Marche (central Italy), was analyzed for the first time by GC-FID and GC-MS. The major volatiles were (E)-caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide in leaves, α-pinene, myrcene and germacrene D in flowers, α- and β-pinene in fruits, (E)-β-farnesene, myristicin and elemicin

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization and potential effects of manipulated intestinal microflora and diet in irritable bowel syndrome patients: Preliminary study

Digestive and Liver Disease, 2006

Research paper thumbnail of Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oils from Several Hypericum Taxa (Guttiferae) Growing in Central Italy (Appennino Umbro-Marchigiano)

Chemistry & Biodiversity, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of Use of Enterococcus faecium to improve common sole ( Solea solea) larviculture

Aquaculture, 2011

The potential of common sole Solea solea (Linnaeus, 1758) for consistent production in recirculat... more The potential of common sole Solea solea (Linnaeus, 1758) for consistent production in recirculating systems is limited by the huge losses usually observed during the early stages of larval development, mainly due to pathogen infections and insufficient nutritional balance. In the hope that use of a suitable probiotic strain may counter these difficulties, in this study we isolated Enterococcus faecium

Research paper thumbnail of Red wine polyphenols influence carcinogenesis, intestinal microflora, oxidative damage and gene expression profiles of colonic mucosa in F344 rats

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of the addition of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. delbrueckii on the gut microbiota composition and contribution to the well-being of European sea bass ( Dicentrarchus labrax , L.)

Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Antimicrobial Activity of Seven Hypericum Entities from Central Italy

Research paper thumbnail of Modulation by lactic-acid bacteria of the intestinal ecosystem and plasma cholesterol in rabbits fed a casein diet

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Fecal Water on an In Vitro Model of Colonic Mucosal Barrier Function

Nutrition and Cancer, 2007

Fecal water (FW) has been shown to exert, in cultured cells, cytotoxic and genotoxic effects that... more Fecal water (FW) has been shown to exert, in cultured cells, cytotoxic and genotoxic effects that have implications for colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. We have investigated a further biological activity of FW, namely, the ability to affect gap junctions in CACO2 cell monolayers as an index of mucosal barrier function, which is known to be disrupted in cancer. FW samples from healthy, free-living, European subjects that were divided into two broad age groups, adult (40+/-9.7 yr; n=53) and elderly (76+/-7.5 yr; n=55) were tested for effects on gap junction using the transepithelial resistance (TER) assay. Overall, treatment of CACO2 cells with FW samples from adults increased TER (+4%), whereas FW from elderly subjects decreased TER (-5%); the difference between the two groups was significant (P<0.05). We also measured several components of FW potentially associated with modulation of TER, namely, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and ammonia. SCFAs (propionic, acetic, and n-butyric) were significantly lower in the elderly population (-30%, -35%, and -21%, respectively, all P A pound 0.01). We consider that FW modulation of in vitro epithelial barrier function is a potentially useful noninvasive biomarker, but it requires further validation to establish its relationship to CRC risk.

Research paper thumbnail of Modification of azoxymethane intestinal carcinogenesis in rats by feeding sucrose boluses, pasta, and glucose

Nutrition and Cancer, 1997

We studied whether repeated boluses of sucrose or diets containing carbohydrates with a variable ... more We studied whether repeated boluses of sucrose or diets containing carbohydrates with a variable glycemic index (GI) affect intestinal carcinogenesis in rats. Male F344 rats were treated twice (1 wk apart) with 15 mg/kg sc azoxymethane (AOM) and then divided into four experimental dietary groups with different carbohydrate composition and administration schedules: the sucrose group was fed 44% (wt/wt) sucrose (GI = 65), the bolus group was fed sucrose as carbohydrate and 43 boluses of sucrose (10-15 g/kg) at various time intervals, the pasta group was fed pasta [77% (wt/wt) cooked pasta, GI = 55], and the glucose group was fed 44% (wt/wt) glucose (GI = 97). All nutrients, including carbohydrates, were provided in similar amount to the different groups. The experiment was terminated between Day 230 and Day 245 after AOM administration. At this time the pasta group had significantly higher cecal short-chain fatty acids than the other groups. Intestinal adenomas and cancers occurred with the same frequency in the bolus, sucrose, and glucose groups. On the contrary, we observed a significant decrease (p = 0.03) in the cumulative incidence of intestinal adenomas, but not adenocarcinomas, in the pasta group compared with the sucrose group (intestinal adenoma incidence in the pasta group was 31% compared with 63% in the sucrose group, 46% in the bolus group, and 37% in the glucose group). In conclusion, these results do not support the hypothesis that sucrose boluses or carbohydrates with a high GI stimulate colon carcinogenesis, but they indicate that foods such as pasta may exert a protective effect.

Research paper thumbnail of Fecal Levels of Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Bile Acids as Determinants of Colonic Mucosal Cell Proliferation in Humans

Nutrition and Cancer, 2002

We studied the correlation between fecal levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), bile acids (BA... more We studied the correlation between fecal levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), bile acids (BA), and colonic mucosal proliferation in humans on a free diet. Subjects [n = 43: 27 men and 16 women; 61 +/- 7 and 59 +/- 6 (SE) yr old, respectively] were outpatients who previously underwent resection of at least two sporadic colon polyps. Mucosal proliferation was determined by [3H]thymidine incorporation in vitro in three colorectal biopsies obtained without cathartics and was expressed as labeling index (LI). BA were analyzed in feces by mass spectrometry and SCFA by gas chromatography. We found that increasing levels of BA in feces did not correlate with higher LI. On the contrary, higher levels of SCFA were significantly associated with lower LI in the colonic mucosa (P for trend = 0.02). In conclusion, in humans on a free diet, intestinal proliferation seems to be regulated by the levels of SCFA in feces and not by BA. Because a lower intestinal proliferation is associated with a decreased colon cancer risk, treatments or diets that increase colonic levels of SCFA might be beneficial for colonic mucosa.

Research paper thumbnail of Pilot-scale Production and Viability Analysis of Freeze-Dried Probiotic Bacteria Using Different Protective Agents

Research paper thumbnail of Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Ferulago campestris (Besser) Grecescu growing in central Italy

Flavour and Fragrance Journal - FLAVOUR FRAG J, 2009

Essential oil from the flowers and leaves of Ferulago campestris (Apiaceae) from two collection s... more Essential oil from the flowers and leaves of Ferulago campestris (Apiaceae) from two collection sites in central Italy was analysed by GC–FID and GC–MS and 134 constituents were identified and quantified by calculating the response factors of FID. Monoterpene hydrocarbons constituted the main fraction of the flower oils, with α-pinene, myrcene and γ-terpinene as the major components. Sesquiterpenes gave the major contribution to the essential oils from the leaves, with the oxygenated components more abundant, α-humulene, spathulenol and caryophyllene oxide being the most representative. The antimicrobial activity (as inhibition zone and MIC) of the essential oils from flowers was evaluated, using a panel of human opportunistic pathogenic bacteria and fungi, by the agar disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods: the Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis (MIC = 155–310 μg/ml) and Enterococcus faecalis (MIC = 310 μg/ml), and the Gram-negative Escherichia coli (MIC = 310–625 μg/ml) were found to be the most susceptible strains. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of sucrose or starch-based diet on short-chain fatty acids and faecal microflora in rats

Journal of Applied Microbiology, 1999

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of antimicrobial treatment on fiberglass-acrylic filters

Journal of Applied Microbiology, 2004

Research paper thumbnail of Resistant starch modifies gut microflora and microbial metabolism in human flora-associated rats inoculated with faeces from Italian and UK donors

Journal of Applied Microbiology, 1999