Increased intestinal absorption of oxalate causes hyperoxaluria, a major risk factor for kidney stone disease. Intestinal colonization of recombinant probiotic bacteria expressing oxalate-degrading gene (OxdC) is an effective therapeutic option for recurrent calcium oxalate (CaOx) stone disease. Therefore, we aimed to develop food-grade probiotic L. plantarum secreting OxdC using lactococcal group II intron, Ll.LtrB and evaluate its oxalate degradation ability in vivo. Male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups. The rats of group I received normal rat chow and drinking water. Groups II, III and IV rats received 5% potassium oxalate containing diet for 28 days. Groups III and IV rats received L. plantarum and food-grade recombinant L. plantarum respectively from 15 to 28 days. Biochemical parameters and crystalluria were analysed in 24 h urine samples. At the end of experimental period, rats were sacrificed; intestine and kidneys were dissected out for colonization studies and histopathological analysis. Herein, we found that the administration of recombinant probiotics significantly reduced the urinary oxalate, calcium, urea, and creatinine levels in rats of group IV compared to group II. Furthermore, colonization studies indicated that recombinant probiotics have gastrointestinal transit and intestinal colonization ability similar to that of wild-type bacteria. In addition, gene expression studies revealed down-regulation of OPN and KIM-1 among group IV rats. Histopathological analysis showed less evidence of nephrocalcinosis in group IV rats. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that food-grade L. plantarum secreting OxdC is capable of degrading intestinal oxalate and thereby prevent CaOx stone formation in experimental rats.

A study was conducted to determine the most suitable lactic culture combinations and the techniques for the preparation of low moisture part skim (LMPS) mozzarella cheese (pizza cheese) with a low level of galactose. The cheesemaking time tested for all 12 culture combinations was less than 3 h and hence was found suitable for pizza cheesemaking. The initial accumulated galactose concentration was lower in unstretched curd followed by no‐brine curd and stretched curd in ascending order. During storage of the cheese for 7 days, the galactose percentage in the cheeses prepared using cultures comprising galactose‐fermenting strains of Lactobacillus helveticus and Streptococcus thermophilus was 0.30 in stretched curd, 0.04 in unstretched curd and 0.03 in no‐brine curd. The degree of reduction in the level of galactose in pizza cheese during storage was maximum with the no‐brine curd technique followed by the unstretched and stretched curd techniques in that order. This study provides information regarding selection of starter culture combinations and techniques for pizza cheesemaking based on consumer preference for low or moderate browning mozzarella cheese as a result of its galactose concentration.

Experimental induction of hyperoxaluria by ethylene glycol (EG) administration is disapproved as it causes metabolic acidosis while the oral administration of chemically synthesized potassium oxalate (KOx) diet does not mimic our natural system. Since existing models comprise limitations, this study is aimed to develop an improved model for the induction of dietary hyperoxaluria, and nephrocalcinosis in experimental rats by administration of naturally available oxalate rich diet. Male albino Wistar rats were divided into five groups. Group I, control; group II rats received 0.75% EG, group III rats fed with 5% KOx diet and group IV and V rats were administered with spinach extract of 250 and 500 mg soluble oxalate/day respectively, for 28 d. Urine and serum biochemistry were analyzed. After the experimental period, rats were sacrificed, liver and kidney tissue homogenates were used for antioxidant and lipid peroxidation assay. Relative change in expression of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and crystal modulators genes in kidney tissues were evaluated. Tissue damage was assessed by histology studies of liver and kidney. Experimental group rats developed hyperoxaluria and crystalluria. Urine parameters, serum biochemistry, antioxidant profile, lipid peroxidation levels and gene expression analysis of experimental group II and III rats reflected acute kidney damage compared to group V rats. Histopathology results showed moderate hyperplasia in liver and severe interstitial inflammation in kidneys of group II and III than group V rats. Ingestion of naturally available oxalate enriched spinach extract successfully induced dietary hyperoxaluria and nephrocalcinosis in rats with minimal kidney damage.

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Though the report of late onset myasthenia gravis is seen frequently in literature, isolated bulbar myasthenia in elderly age group is rarely found. Moreover, dysphonia as an initial manifestation of bulbar myasthenia has not been emphasized in late-onset MG. Here we report an elderly man who presented with bulbar symptoms in whom diagnosis was made with clinical clues as well as serological test like anti acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody. A high index of suspicion is required to exclude other common causes of acute bulbar weakness like stroke, demyelinating neurological diseases, toxicity, infection and other causes. This case illustrates one of the uncommon presentations of late-onset MG.