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Obesity is a metabolic disorder that has a multifactorial etiology and affects millions of people worldwide. Ghrelin, a hormone coded by the GHRL gene, plays a role in human body composition and appetite. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the GHRL gene have been associated with obesity and metabolic disorders. To evaluate the association of A-604G SNP of GHRL promoter region with serum ghrelin levels and the risk of obesity in a Mexican population. Two hundred and fifty individuals were enrolled and classified as obese or control subjects (CS) according to BMI. DNA samples, anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters were obtained from all subjects. The A-604G SNP was genotyped using PCR-RFLPs technique. Ghrelin levels were measured using a commercial enzyme immunoassay. The G/G genotype was more frequent among obese individuals (p < 0.0001) when compared to CS. The G/A genotype and A allele were associated with protection against obesity (OR 0.29, p < 0.0001; OR 0.39, p < 0.0001 respectively), the A allele remained significant after adjusting for age and gender (OR: 0.25, p < 0.0001). Serum ghrelin levels were higher in obese patients (p = 0.004) than in CS, however, significance was lost after adjustment for age (p = 0.088). The G/G genotype was associated with higher levels of serum ghrelin (p = 0.02) independently of the effect of age. The G/G genotype of the A-604G SNP in the GHRL gene is associated with altered serum ghrelin levels and obesity. The A allele was also associated with protection against obesity in this study.

Stingless bees are essential to preser tropical ecosystems. They pollinate native flora, producing honey with properties for traditional health uses. Lactic acid bacteria spontaneously ferment honey in stingless bee honey (SBH). This study aims to determine the main physicochemical characteristics of Melipona beecheii, Scraptotrigona pectoralis, Plebeia jatiformis and Plebeia llorentei honey and to isolate and identify FLAB present in SBH samples. The physicochemical properties of SBH, such as color, pH, acidity, sugars, protein, total soluble solids, water activity, total polyphenols, and antioxidant activity, were determined since these parameters can be related to the presence of some bacteria groups, and with health benefits for humans and the hive ecosystems. FLAB harvested from honey, taken directly from storing pots of the hives, were identified by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing and preserved for future biotechnological use due to their resistance to non-ionic osmotic stress. The results showed significant differences in the physicochemical characteristics of SBH samples. Seven FLAB from four stingless bee species were identified as Fructobacillus pseudoficulneus and F. tropaeoli. In addition, three other strains of Fructilactobacillus spp. were identified only at the genus level. All species showed the ability to grow under different carbon sources, resulting in negative hemolysis and sensitivity to cefuroxime, erythromycin, and chloramphenicol. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the physicochemical and FLAB characterization of SBH from P. jatiformis and P. llorentei has been reported. Therefore, the future following research should be focused on the environmental, health and food biotechnological applications implications of FLAB from SBH.

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Stingless bees (family Apidae; tribe Meliponini), native from Mexico, are essential in tropical ecosystems. They are responsible for the pollination of many crops, native flora, and honey production. Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) are a regular host of the bee microbiota. LAB provide beneficial effects such as decreasing bacterial and parasitic pathogens infections and enhancing beehive honey production. Four different stingless bee species were sampled in the southeast of Mexico (Veracruz State) and identified as Melipona beecheii, Scaptotrigona pectoralis, Plebeia llorentei and Plebeia jatiformis. Twelve LAB strains were isolated from the bee gastrointestinal tract and characterised by microbiologic features, carbohydrates fermentation profile, antibiogram and phylogenetic reconstructions through distance and Bayesian inference methods, selecting two genes with hypervariable regions (16S rRNA and pheS). The species were characterised as gram-positive and catalase-negative as rods and cocci. Moreover, most of the species identified were able to use diverse polysaccharides as the only carbon source. Lactobacillaceae resulted in resistance to ciprofloxacin and Leuconstaceae to cotrimoxazole. Finally, ten strains could be identified by both phylogenetic reconstructions as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (2), Weissella paramesenteroides (3), Leuconostoc citreum (2), and Apilactobacillus spp. (3). This is the first report of LAB isolated from Mexican stingless bees to the best of our knowledge.