Emulsifiers are a large category of compounds considered as surface active agents or surfactants. An emulsifier acts by reducing the speed of chemical reactions, and enhancing its stability. Bioemulsifiers are known as surface active biomolecule materials, due to their unique features over chemical surfactants, such as non-toxicity, biodegradability, foaming, biocompatibility, efficiency at low concentrations, high selectivity in different pH, temperatures and salinities. Emulsifiers are found in various natural resources and are synthesized by Bacteria, Fungi and Yeast. Bioemulsifier’s molecular weight is higher than that of biosurfactants. Emulsion’s function is closely related to their chemical structure. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to study the various bioemulsifiers derived from microorganisms used in the drug and food industry. In this manuscript, we studied organisms with biosurfactant producing abilities. These inexpensive substrates could be used in environmental remediation and in the petroleum industry.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of green coffee extract on anthropometric index and lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, chemerin and malondialdehyde on subjects with metabolic syndrome. Design/methodology/approach A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in Sheikh Al Raise Clinic from September 2016 to March 2017. The participants were randomly divided into green coffee group and placebo group. Green coffee group (n = 24) received green coffee extract (GCE), while placebo group (n = 24) took cellulose as a placebo, two capsules (400 mg) two times each day for eight weeks. The anthropometric index and lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, chemerin and malondialdehyde were measured at the beginning of the study and after eight weeks of treatment with GCE. Blood samples were collected before and after eight weeks of supplementation. Findings Significant weight loss, from 84.80 ± 2.12 kg to 80.94 ± 2.10 kg (ptime = 0.030, pGC = 0.007), as well as decreases in body mass index (ptime = 0.034, pGC = 0.006) were detected in the green coffee group after eight weeks. Also, the green coffee group has significant lower (pgroup = 0.029, ptime = 0.013) malondialdehyde (MDA) compared to the placebo group, and there was a significant difference between two groups at the insulin level and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (ptime = 0.001, pgroup = 0.048), (ptime = 0.012, pgroup = 0.007). However, there was no significant difference in lipid profile, fasting blood sugar and serum chemerin between two groups after eight weeks of supplementation. Originality/value This paper showed the statistical difference in body weight, malondialdehyde, insulin and insulin resistance after eight weeks of treatment. GCE might be associated to reduction in the carbohydrate absorption and the enhancement of lipid metabolism.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation. It mainly affects joints and nearby tissues. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is the main role-player in the pathogenesis of RA. It binds to both TNF receptors namely TNF-RI and TNF-RII. Several studies have indicated a relationship between the TNF-RII 196R/R genotype with increased production of cytokines and susceptibility to inflammatory diseases and autoimmune disorders. Objectives: Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association between TNF-RII polymorphism and RA. It also aimed to study the predictive value of the TNF-RII 196R allele for patients' susceptibility to RA. Methods: A total of 100 patients and 100 controls were enrolled in the study and their peripheral blood DNA was extracted. Allelic discrimination was performed between case and control groups to investigate the association between the functional TNF-RII 196R polymorphism and RA. Screening analysis for genotyping of TNF-RII functional polymorphism was performed by the TaqMan allelic discrimination assay using real-time PCR. Results: There was a significant difference between cases and controls in terms of the distribution of TNF-RII genotypes (TT, TG, GG). Correlation analysis showed an association between the G mutant allele and functional 196R polymorphism (CI = 95%, OR = 2.6, P = 0.035). Conclusions: According to our results, there is a significant correlation between TNF-RII polymorphism and the risk of RA.

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