The use of bacteriocins holds great promise in different areas such as health, food, nutrition, veterinary, nanotechnology, among others. Many research groups worldwide continue to advance the knowledge to unravel a novel range of therapeutic agents and food preservatives. This review addresses the advances of bacteriocins and their producer organisms as biocontrol agents for applications in the medical industry and agriculture. Furthermore, the bacteriocin mechanism of action and structural characteristics will be reviewed. Finally, the potential role of bacteriocins to modulate the signaling in host-associated microbial communities will be discussed.

Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) is a highly distributed molecule in ecosystems and a component of products that are used and consumed regularly. Recent studies have shown this xenobiotic metabolized by organisms forming carcinogenic metabolites, as well as having genotoxic and teratogenic ef fects associated with infertility and endocrine disorders. Similarly, due to its dispersion and bioaccumulation, this molecule can severely damage various ecosystems. Therefore, the objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review to demonstrate the importance of BaP in biological systems and its biodegradation as an alternative to bioremediation.

Background/Objectives: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a gastrointestinal disorder typically treated by changes in diet and lifestyle. However, in the Colombian population, few studies have addressed its etiology and diagnosis. This exploratory study aimed to identify predictive variables associated with the presence of dyspeptic symptoms (DS). Methods: To address this, a self-survey was conducted evaluating sociodemographic characteristics, clinical history, and dietary habits. A DS index was calculated using participant’s clinical history to explore the characteristics of the groups with more and less DS (MDS and LDS groups). Additionally, a regression model was applied to identify the predictors of higher DS scores. Pooled data from the rolling, cross-sectional eating habits and DS survey between May and July of 2024. We enrolled 102 Colombian participants between 18 and 65 years old. Results: Significant differences were identified between MDS and LDS groups in occupation and dietary habits, with students exhibiting a higher DS index. Moreover, MDS exhibited greater consumption of fatty and fried foods than LDS groups. Regression analysis revealed that high intake of fatty foods and sesame were the best predictors of higher DS index. In contrast, the consumption of Saccharomyces boulardii probiotic and white onion was associated with better gastrointestinal health. Conclusions: Changes in dietary habits are associated with lower DS; the effect and its etiology might also depend on the participants’ occupation and nutritional habits.

RESUMEN El síndrome de intestino irritable (SII) es una enfermedad inflamatoria gastrointestinal sistémica que afecta la absorción de macro y micronutrientes, esta enfermedad es encontrada regularmente en personas adultas, rara vez en niños, sin embargo, no se descarta su presencia en este rango de edad. El SII tiene diferentes orígenes donde el equilibrio de la población de los microorganismos intestinales, influye significativamente a la evolución de esta enfermedad. Este equilibrio de la microbiota, dependerá de la presencia de patógenos provenientes de la mala calidad de higiene en los alimentos, malos hábitos; bajo consumo de probióticos y prebióticos en la dieta; incremento en el consumo de antibióticos; consumo desmedido de bebidas alcohólicas, medicamentos; el hábito frecuente de fumar; estrés exacerbado, inactividad física, padecer enfermedades crónicas o genéticas. Cuando no se detecta oportunamente esta enfermedad y no hay un apropiado tratamiento multidisciplinario para el control de la sintomatología, la mayoría de las veces la calidad de vida de los pacientes que la padecen desmejora notablemente, o bien, puede evolucionar negativamente en atrofia intestinal e inclusive cáncer de colon. En la presente revisión se aborda además, la influencia que puede tener la microbiota en la disminución de trastornos secundarios del SII y algunas inclusiones de recomendaciones nutricionales y sus posibles efectos sobre la salud y recuperación del paciente que la padece. ABSTRACT Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a systemic inflammatory gastrointestinal disease that interferes with the absorption of macro and micronutrients from food, this disease is regularly reported in adults, but it is rarely found in children, however, it is not ruled out its presence in this range of age. IBS has different origins where the balance of the intestinal microorganisms population significantly influences the disease evolution. This balance of the microbiota will depend on the presence of pathogens coming from the inadequate and / or poor quality and hygiene of food, low consumption of probiotics and prebiotics, drugs use, smoking habits, antibiotics consumption, alcohol intake, exacerbated stress, physical inactivity and chronic and genetic diseases. When the disease is no detected early and it does not have an appropriate multidisciplinary treatment for symptoms control, this may involve to impairment quality life, even more the patient may progress to intestinal atrophy or colon cancer. The present review addresses the effect of the microbiota on the reduction of adverse effects and, it describes some of the nutritional recommendations and the effects on health and recovery of the patient in a comprehensive manner.

RESUMEN El síndrome de intestino irritable (SII) es una enfermedad inflamatoria gastrointestinal sistémica que afecta la absorción de macro y micronutrientes, esta enfermedad es encontrada regularmente en personas adultas, rara vez en niños, sin embargo, no se descarta su presencia en este rango de edad. El SII tiene diferentes orígenes donde el equilibrio de la población de los microorganismos intestinales, influye significativamente a la evolución de esta enfermedad. Este equilibrio de la microbiota, dependerá de la presencia de patógenos provenientes de la mala calidad de higiene en los alimentos, malos hábitos; bajo consumo de probióticos y prebióticos en la dieta; incremento en el consumo de antibióticos; consumo desmedido de bebidas alcohólicas, medicamentos; el hábito frecuente de fumar; estrés exacerbado, inactividad física, padecer enfermedades crónicas o genéticas. Cuando no se detecta oportunamente esta enfermedad y no hay un apropiado tratamiento multidisciplinario para el control de la sintomatología, la mayoría de las veces la calidad de vida de los pacientes que la padecen desmejora notablemente, o bien, puede evolucionar negativamente en atrofia intestinal e inclusive cáncer de colon. En la presente revisión se aborda además, la influencia que puede tener la microbiota en la disminución de trastornos secundarios del SII y algunas inclusiones de recomendaciones nutricionales y sus posibles efectos sobre la salud y recuperación del paciente que la padece. ABSTRACT Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a systemic inflammatory gastrointestinal disease that interferes with the absorption of macro and micronutrients from food, this disease is regularly reported in adults, but it is rarely found in children, however, it is not ruled out its presence in this range of age. IBS has different origins where the balance of the intestinal microorganisms population significantly influences the disease evolution. This balance of the microbiota will depend on the presence of pathogens coming from the inadequate and / or poor quality and hygiene of food, low consumption of probiotics and prebiotics, drugs use, smoking habits, antibiotics consumption, alcohol intake, exacerbated stress, physical inactivity and chronic and genetic diseases. When the disease is no detected early and it does not have an appropriate multidisciplinary treatment for symptoms control, this may involve to impairment quality life, even more the patient may progress to intestinal atrophy or colon cancer. The present review addresses the effect of the microbiota on the reduction of adverse effects and, it describes some of the nutritional recommendations and the effects on health and recovery of the patient in a comprehensive manner.