Ten new derivatives of isophorone were obtained through a five-step synthesis. Among the products were several unsaturated, bicyclic lactones with three or four methyl groups. These lactones were used as the substrates for biotransformation mediated by selected fungal strains (Fusarium species, Syncephalastrum racemosum, Cunninghamella japonica, Penicillium species, Absidia species, and Pleurotus ostreatus). Four new hydroxylactones were obtained as a result of biotransformation. Because the unsaturated lactone with four methyl groups was a diastereoisomeric mixture, a structural analysis was conducted. The hydroxylactones were also included in this analysis. Both the unsaturated lactones and hydroxylactones were examined for their antimicrobial activity. It was found that some of these compounds exhibited growth inhibition against pathogenic strains of bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas fluorescens), yeasts (Candida albicans) and filamentous fungi (Alternaria sp., Penicillium sp.). All obtained compounds were also subjected to scent analysis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health concern with increasing incidence, especially in younger adults. This study evaluated the stage-dependent role of serum eicosanoids as biomarkers in CRC patients. A cohort of 122 patients undergoing curative colorectal resection was prospectively recruited. Serum eicosanoid profiles were evaluated using targeted metabolomics and analyzed through regression-based statistical models to identify associations with CRC staging. The more advanced stages of CRC (with N+ and M+) showed significantly increased levels of PGD₂, PGE₂, and TXB₂. The latter proved to be consistently associated with advanced disease. LTB₄ and PGD₂ showed inverse relationships relative to each other with respect to local invasion, showing PGD₂ as a marker of higher T stages. PGE₂ was not recognized as a viable biomarker. The progression of CRC is associated with distinct alterations in eicosanoid profiles. This study showed the potential of TXB₂, LTB₄, and PGD₂ as indicators of CRC advancement.

The aim of this article is influence of the structure of lactones with the methylcyclohexene and dimethylcyclohexene ring on their biotransformation and antimicrobial activity. This work was based on the general remark that even the smallest change in the structure of a compound can affect its biological properties. The results of the biotransformation of four bicyclic unsaturated lactones with one or two methyl groups in the cyclohexene ring was tested using fifteen fungal strains (Fusarium species, Penicillium species, Absidia species, Cunninghamella japonica, and Pleurotus ostreatus) and five yeast strains (Yarrowia lipolytica, Rhodorula marina, Rhodorula rubra, Candida viswanathii, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae). During these transformations, new epoxylactone and hydroxylactone were obtained. The relationship between the substrate structure and the ability of the microorganisms to transform them were analysed. Only compounds with C-O bond of lactone ring in the equatorial position were transformed by fungus. All presented here lactones were examined also for their antimicrobial activity. It turned out that these compounds exhibited growth inhibition of bacteria and fungi, mainly Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium expansum.