The proinflammatory cytokines IL-1α and IL-1β promote tumor angiogenesis that might be counteracted by the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), anakinra, a clinically approved agent. A diet with high amounts of phytoestrogens, such as flaxseed (Flax), genistein (GEN), and the mammalian lignan enterolactone (ENL), may affect breast cancer progression in a similar fashion as the antiestrogen tamoxi...

As flax fibres exhibit good mechanical properties and low cost, they are more and more considered, since the early 2000’s, as efficient reinforcement for polymer based composites in replacement of E-glass fibres in automotive or building areas. The properties of the elementary fibres are now relatively well-known (strength comprised between 600 and 2000 MPa, Young’s modulus around 50 GPa and fa...

The outcome of infection of individual plants by pathogenic organisms is governed by complex interactions between the host and pathogen. These interactions are the result of long-term co-evolutionary processes involving selection and counterselection between plants and their pathogens. These processes are ongoing, and occur at many spatio-temporal scales, including genes and gene products, cell...

In this study, six combinations of flax, hemp, and glass fiber were investigated for a hybrid reinforcement system in a polyurethane (PU) composite. The natural fibers were combined with glass fibers in a PU composite in order to achieve a better mechanical reinforcement in the composite material. The effect of fiber hybridization in PU composites was evaluated through physical and mechanical p...

Germination stimulants for root parasitic plants produced by flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) were purified and characterized. The root exudate of flax contained at least 8 active fractions, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses suggested that there were 6 strigolactones. Two of them were identified as orobanchol and...

The inositol lipids of plant seeds consist of phosphatidyl inositol, the phytoglycolipids, and a previously uncharacterized ceramide-phosphate-polysaccharide. These three species have been separated from each other and from the common glycerophosphatides by a series of simple countercurrent distributions, first as the naturally occurring Ca-Mg salts and subsequently in the Na salt form. The new...