Active Fraction Research Articles

Phytochemical Profiling by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS and InVitro Investigation of the Antidiabetic Activity of Cassia bakeriana Bark Extract and Fractions.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a global health problem, placing patients at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and cancer. This study investigates the antidiabetic potential of Cassia bakeriana bark extracts and fractions. We evaluate their ability to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). The antioxidant potential was also examined. Extracts were prepared through maceration with hexane (HE) and ethanol (EE), and the fractions were obtained via liquid-liquid extraction from EE. Anti-enzymatic, anti-glycation, antioxidant, and cytotoxic assays were conducted in 96-well plates using different concentrations of samples to determine the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). Active samples were further analyzed using HPLC-(-)-ESI-MS/MS. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) demonstrated a high percentage of α-amylase inhibition (94.0%) with a promising IC50 value of 1.05 μg mL-1. Additionally, EAF displayed 61.5% inhibition of α-glucosidase, with an IC50 value of 537 μg mL-1. The EE, EAF, and n-butanol fraction (BF) exhibited strong anti-glycation capacities. Furthermore, the EE, EAF, BF, and dichloromethane fractions showed promising antioxidant activity using the DPPH and ORAC methodologies. Cytotoxic activity was also evaluated with Vero cells, revealing no adverse effects on cell viability (CC50 > 512.0 μg mL-1). Active samples predominantly comprised proanthocyanidins, flavonoids, and anthraquinone, representing the main constituents of C. bakeriana bark. This study provides the first assessment of the antidiabetic potential of C. bakeriana bark and a comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition of its active extracts and fractions, offering hope for future treatments.

Antibacterial Activity, GC MS Analysis and In Silico Validation of Bioactive Compound from Endophytic Fungus Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae EF-9.

Secondary metabolites synthesized by endophytic fungi have garnered significant interest for their broad applications in treating various ailments. In this study involving 20 plant samples, 11 endophytic fungi were isolated and cultured, and Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae EF-9, derived from Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, demonstrated greater antibacterial efficacy than the other isolated endophytes. Phylogenetic analyses using 18S rRNA gene confirmed the EF-9 identity as L. pseudotheobromae. Following mass production, the active compound was partially purified using column chromatography. The fraction collected at the 60th min exhibited good antibacterial activity against Bacillus coagulans (MTCC 6735) and Shigella flexneri (ATCC 12022), with an inhibition zone of approximately 20 mm in diameter. UV spectral studies revealed a wide absorption band at 430 nm. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) of the active fraction showed a distinct peak with a retention time of 4.216 min at 430 nm absorbance. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) identified the active compound in the L. pseudotheobromae EF-9 culture broth extract as Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, which displayed a peak at 16.856 min and covered 66.69% of the area in the spectral analysis.

Evaluation of the potential anti-arthritic effects and evaluation of acute oral toxicity of the active fraction of Eclipta prostrata leaves in rat model

The primary goal of this research was to isolate and assess the bioactive compounds within Eclipta prostrata Linn’s chloroform extract, with a focus on their potential to combat arthritis, validating its traditional use. Initially, antioxidant characteristics were evaluated, followed by fractionation through column chromatography. The in-vivo safety assessment, following OECD TG 425 Guidelines, showed no mortality at doses up to 2000 mg/kg, confirming the fraction’s safety. Subsequently, the active fraction was assessed in a complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis model. It demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on inflammation and improved various parameters, including thermal latency time, dorsal flexion, motility, and motor coordination. Active bio constituents like rutin, stigmasterol, quercetin, and beta-sitosterol were estimated in the active fraction. The findings provide validation for the traditional use of E. prostrata as a potential plant with anti-arthritic properties, suggesting its potential suitability for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

Sulfated galactofucan from Sargassum fusiforme protects against postmenopausal osteoporosis by regulating bone remodeling

Osteoporosis is a degenerative bone disease highly prevalent in older women, causing high morbidity and mortality rates. Fourteen kinds of fucoidan were isolated from Sargassum fusiforme through acid (named as SFS), alkaline (SFJ) and water (SFW). SFW was passed through an anion exchange column to obtain SFW-0, SFW-0.5 and SFW-2. SFW-0.5 and SFW-2 were degraded to obtain different sulfate group contents SFW-x-M/S/O (x for 0.5 or 2). We further confirmed SFW-0.5-O was the most effective fraction of SFW. SFW-0.5-O may have alternating backbones of (Gal)n and (Fuc)n, and the main sulfation may be at C2/C3 of the Fuc/Gal residues. SFW-0.5-O inhibition of OC differentiation was associated with IRF-8 signaling; meanwhile, SFW-0.5-O promoted osteoblast differentiation and bone mineral nodule formation. SFW-0.5-O also effectively ameliorated osteoporosis symptom caused by estrogen deprivation in vivo. We uncovered that the fucoidan active fraction SFW-0.5-O demonstrated effective bone protection, may be exploited for osteoporosis therapy.

Metabolite Profiling and Integrated Network Pharmacology Based Mechanism of Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn. Fruit Against Non-insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus.

Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn. (Cucurbitaceae) is an essential food plant in India possessing antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities. The objective included comparative estimation of α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzyme inhibition potential of B. hispida fractions prepared by microwave-assisted extraction and prediction of metabolite interaction against non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus by metabolite profiling based network pharmacology analysis. A validated microwave-assisted extraction method was employed to obtain different fractions of B. hispida fruits. The invitro enzyme assay was done with p-nitrophenyl-α-D-glucopyranoside and acarbose as standard to evaluate antidiabetic potential. The phytomolecules present in the active fraction wereidentified by UHPLC-QToF-MS/MS analysis. Network pharmacology analysis gave possible gene and disease association, combination synergy network, and predicted probable mechanism of action. The highest enzyme inhibition potential (IC50) was shown by the ethyl acetate fraction (0.546 ± 0.17 mg/mL and 1.134 ± 0.42 mg/mL) compared to acarbose (0.298 ± 0.08 mg/mL and 0.532 ± 0.38 mg/mL), respectively, for α-glucosidase and α-amylase addressing the potential role in ameliorating non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Metabolite profiling resulted in the identification of 17 metabolites, and a synergy between the identified molecules suggested multimolecule action in the amelioration of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus through insulin resistance pathway, AMPK signaling pathway, PPAR signaling pathway, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Combination synergy of identified molecules was observed through a multitarget approach to manage non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Polyphenol-enriched fraction of B. hispida fruits and identified phytocompounds ameliorate non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Thus, enriched extract of B. hispida can be further investigated in order to develop high-quality, safe, and effective products for the management of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Endophytic Bacillus velezensis GsB01 controls Gleditsia sinensis wilt by secreting antifungal metabolites and modulates symbiotic microbiota within trees.

Identifying effective biological control agents against fungal pathogens and determining their mechanisms of action are important in the control of plant diseases. In this study, we isolated an endophytic bacterial strain, GsB01, from the branches of asymptomatic Gleditsia sinensis. Multi-locus sequence analysis identified the strain as Bacillus velezensis. GsB01 exhibited significant antifungal activity against Thyronectria austroamericana, the causative agent of G. sinensis wilt. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry identified four consistently present antimicrobial compounds in GsB01 metabolite fractions with high antifungal activity: macrolactin A, bacillaene A, surfactin, and iturin. GsB01's active metabolite fractions altered the metabolic profiles of T. austroamericana, disrupting seven pathways, including arginine biosynthesis, nucleotide metabolism, purine metabolism, and the pentose phosphate pathway. Furthermore, absolute quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis suggested that GsB01 may increase the abundance of endophytic bacteria in G. sinensis. The 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing revealed changes in the endophytic landscape in stems and roots following GsB01 introduction, particularly with significant variation in the dominant bacterial genera within the stems. The study highlights GsB01's potential against plant wilt and suggests that its antifungal activity is achieved by secreting antifungal metabolites. The study also recorded changes in the symbiotic microbiota within trees that had been infected with a pathogenic fungus and subsequently treated with an endophytic antagonistic bacterial strain. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Composition and Biological Activity of Flavonoid-containing Fractions of an Extract from Gratiola officinalis L.

Gratiola officinalis L. (hedge hyssop), a medicinal plant of the Scrophulariaceae family, has diuretic, purgative, and vermifuge properties. It is used as a herbal tea to treat chronic gastroenteritis, renal colic, jaundice, and intestinal worms. Previously, we have found that an extract from G. officinalis is nontoxic and has antitumor, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, anticachexic, and other properties. Our aims in this study were to separate the G. officinalis extract into individual fractions, to identify the most biologically active fractions, and to examine the chemical composition of these fractions and their biological activity toward A498 renal carcinoma cells. The G. officinalis extract was fractionated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, and each fraction was tested for antitumor activity. The active fractions were characterized by UV-visible electron spectral analysis, circular dichroism analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Two antitumor-active fractions of a flavonoid nature were isolated and chromatographically purified. On the basis of the nuclear magnetic resonance data, the aglycone fragment of the main component of one fraction was found to be structured as 2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-7-hydroxychroman-4-one, or 3',4'-dimethoxy-7- hydroxyflavanone. The antitumor effect of the most active fraction containing 7-O-glucoside of apigenin, glycoside 7,3'-di-O-luteolin and trace amounts of eupatilin against renal carcinoma A498 cells was manifested in its cytotoxic, cytostatic, apoptotic and autophagosomal activities. In addition, we found 3-(1-2)-glucoside of soyaspogenol B, which is a pentacyclic triterpenoid in the structure.

Combination of macro-TSH and macroprolactinemia phenomena in a patient with autoimmune thyroiditis and vitiligo

Laboratory diagnostic methods are the main tools in the practice of a doctor of any specialty, including an endocrinologist. Factors were identified that could change the concentration of the biologically active fraction of the test substance, subsequently complicating the interpretation of laboratory results and making the right clinical decision. The literature describes a variety of circulating autoantibodies involved in binding to pituitary hormones (prolactin (PRL), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), growth hormone, luteinizing, follicle-stimulating, and adrenocorticotropic hormones), hypothalamus (vasopressin and oxytocin), pancreas (insulin and glucagon) , parathyroid glands (parathyroid hormone), as well as with thyroid hormones. As a rule, the resulting macromolecules lead to an increase in laboratory parameters, in which the prevailing fraction of the hormone does not have biological activity, which determines the main problem of this phenomenon. The most common variants include immune complexes with PRL and TSH, causing the phenomena of macroprolactinemia and macrothyrotropinemia (macro-TSH-emia/macro-TSH), respectively. Most laboratory test systems used in clinical practice are capable of determining only the total amount of PRL and TSH. The presented clinical observation describes a combination of the phenomena of macro-TSH and macroprolactinemia in a patient with autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) and vitiligo.

Phytochemical profiling, spectroscopic identification of active compounds, and mechanism of the anticandidal properties of Datura stramonium L. using SwissADMET prediction and molecular docking analysis

BackgroundDatura stramonium L., a wild-growing herb, has been traditionally used to treat various ailments, including toothache, asthma, rheumatism, epilepsy, and alopecia. Scientific evidence supports its anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic, anticholinergic, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. AimThis study aimed to isolate, characterize, and identify the most potent anticandidal compounds inhibiting the growth of Candida spp., while also predicting their drug-likeness and toxicity profiles. MethodThe anticandidal activity of D. stramonium leaf extracts was assessed using the Agar well-diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by the broth dilution method. The most active extract was selected for column chromatography. Different fractions were collected and screened against pathogenic Candida spp. The most active fraction was subjected to Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis. Additionally, computational tools such as molecular docking and ADMET prediction provided further insights into the molecular interactions between the target enzymes. ResultsIn vitro anticandidal activity demonstrated that the ethyl acetate extract exhibited significant activity against human pathogenic Candida spp., with the highest zones of inhibition against Candida guilliermondii (20.33±0.56 mm), Candida tropicalis (16.33±0.58 mm), and Candida albicans (14.66±1.05 mm), with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 25 ug/ml. Additionally, the most potent fraction (F8) obtained from the Column revealed significant anticandidal activity. GC-MS analysis of the F8 fraction indicated the presence of 23 compounds, with the major compounds being Phthalic acid, di(2-propylpentyl) ester (Compound 1), Pentadecane (Compound 2), Octadecane (Compound 3), Benzoic acid, 3-Amino-5-Hydroxy-, Methyl ester (Compound 4), and 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis (2-ethylhexyl) ester (Compound 5). This study reports all 23 compounds from D. stramonium for the first time. Furthermore, NMR studies confirmed the presence of Phthalic acid, di(2-propylpentyl) ester as the most abundant compound, designated as compound 1. Finally, docking analysis revealed that compound 1 showed good binding affinities for the tested enzymes, with the highest binding scores of -7.084 Kcal/mol and -7.030 Kcal/mol with Lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase (PDB ID: 5JLC, 5TZ1). The results of the in silico pharmacokinetic and drug-likeness properties indicated that compound 1 is a potential anticandidal drug candidate. ConclusionThis study highlights that 23 compounds were reported from the leaf extract of D. stramonium for the first time. The findings suggest that compound 1 can be considered a new anticandidal drug candidate.

Synthesis and carbon monoxide purification performance of ZSM-5 molecular sieve Co-doped Mn/V catalytic material

Trackless, rubber-tired, diesel-powered vehicles are widely used in the mining industry. In recent years, the use of high-performance catalysts to remove carbon monoxide (CO) from diesel vehicle exhaust has attracted much attention. In this paper, a series of manganese-vanadium doped ZSM-5 molecular sieve catalysts were prepared by an impregnation method. The structures of the catalysts were characterized and experiments were conducted to evaluate their performance. The CO catalytic oxidation performance experiments revealed that Mn0.6-V0.4-ZSM-5 had the best performance, with a conversion rate of 97.5 % at 300 °C. The catalyst was also tested for water resistance and stability. Kinetic measurements were performed and the fitted activation energy was 22.68 kJ/mol. Characterization studies revealed that the surface defects formed by Mn and V doping provided a large number of active sites and oxygen vacancies for CO oxidation, increased the number of adsorbed oxygen species on the surface, and enhanced the redox capacity through the interaction of Mn4+ and V5+ to improve the catalytic oxidation performance of the catalyst. The adsorption configurations, adsorption energy (Ebin), and formation energy of oxygen vacancies of CO at different adsorption sites and different active fractions were calculated with density functional theory. The Ebin of CO on Mn2V2O7, the active fraction of Mn0.6-V0.4-ZSM-5, was −1.29 eV, which was the most stable adsorption configuration. This configuration had good oxygen mobility, and was conducive to CO catalysis, confirming the characterization and performance experiments.

Bioassay-guided isolation and identification of antimutagenic compounds from Morina coulteriana and evaluation of its therapeutic potential.

BackgroundIn the expanding field of cancer research, antimutagenic studies hold a promising ground. In recent times these studies have shown a shift towards the diverse flora of nature and its potential to treat cancer. Genus Morina has been extensively used in Chinese, Tibetan, and Indian traditional medicine to cure numerous diseases. The plant Morina coulteriana has been traditionally used to cure eye diseases. Nevertheless, it has been explored for the first time for its antimutagenic/antigenotoxic potential and phytochemical profile. PurposeThe present study aimed to determine the antimutagenic/antigenotoxic potential of Morina coulteriana and the bioassay-guided identification of its bioactive constituents. MethodsThe methanol crude extract and its subsequent fractions were tested for antimutagenic/antigenotoxic activity in vitro (Ames assay) and in vivo (Chromosomal aberration assay in Balb/c mice). The active (ethyl acetate) fraction was further investigated to isolate and identify its bioactive compounds utilizing chromatographic purification and detailed spectroscopic techniques respectively. ResultsThe results revealed that the plant and its fractions were neither mutagenic nor toxic. The ethyl acetate fraction showed significant antimutagenic/antigenotoxic activity (66.13%) in vitro and (88.15%) in vivo. Further, four identified major compounds which were also tested in vitro. Our results revealed that the plant is a potent antimutagen. It worked in a dose-dependent manner and its administration decreased the mutagenic load on the cells both in vitro and in vivo experiments. The 2 isolated compounds viz.; 4hydroxyacetophenone, a phenol and picein, a phenolic glycoside were reported for the first time from the genus Morina. ConclusionThe findings of the present investigation clearly show that the plant M. coulteriana Royle has a strong antimutagenic potential. Its administration decreased the mutagenic load on the cells both in vitro and in vivo experiments Thus the present study provides a platform for the exploration of new plants with potential antimutagenic properties.

Ecological processes shaping highly connected bacterial communities along strong environmental gradients.

Along the river-sea continuum, microorganisms are directionally dispersed by water flow while being exposed to strong environmental gradients. To compare the two assembly mechanisms that may strongly and differently influence metacommunity dynamics, namely homogenizing dispersal and heterogeneous selection, we characterized the total (16S rRNA gene) and putatively active (16S rRNA transcript) bacterial communities in the Pearl River-South China Sea Continuum, during the wet (summer) and dry (winter) seasons using high-throughput sequencing. Moreover, well-defined sampling was conducted by including freshwater, oligohaline, mesohaline, polyhaline, and marine habitats. We found that heterogeneous selection exceeded homogenizing dispersal in both the total and active fractions of bacterial communities in two seasons. However, homogeneous selection was prevalent (the dominant except in active bacterial communities during summer), which was primarily due to the bacterial communities' tremendous diversity (associated with high rarity) and our specific sampling design. In either summer or winter seasons, homogeneous and heterogeneous selection showed higher relative importance in total and active communities, respectively, implying that the active bacteria were more responsive to environmental gradients than were the total bacteria. In summary, our findings provide insight into the assembly of bacterial communities in natural ecosystems with high spatial connectivity and environmental heterogeneity.

Mitigating aluminum chloride-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster with peptide fractions from Euphorbia species

This study assessed the antioxidative and protective effects of peptide extracts from selected Euphorbia species on Aluminum Chloride (AlCl3)-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. Euphorbia humifusa (EHU), Euphorbia hirta (EHI), and Euphorbia graminae (EHG) were screened for bioactive peptides. The crude peptide extract and partially purified peptide fractions of all the plants were subjected to preliminary antioxidants activities through 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhyhdrazyl (DPPH), and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activities. The most active peptide fraction was subjected to biochemical studies using Drosophila melanogaster. Flies were treated with AlCl3 (100 mg/kg diet), peptide fraction (5 and 10 mg/kg diet), and cotreatment of AlCl3 and the fraction, respectively. After treatment, flies were homogenized for the determination of total thiol and Glutathione (non-protein thiol) content, catalase and Glutathione-S-transferase activities, and nitric oxide (nitrite/nitrate) and hydroperoxide levels. The antioxidant screening revealed that the peptide fraction from Euphorbia humifusa (PEHU) was the most significant compared to the control (ascorbic acid). The PEHU (5 and 10 mg/kg diet) maintained the redox status of the flies in the biochemical study. The PEHU significantly counteracted AlCl3-induced reduction in antioxidants (catalase, GST, GSH and Total thiol), increased nitric oxide levels, and acetylcholinesterase activity and prevented behavioral deficits flies. Hence, the peptide fraction of Euphorbia humifusa may shield against the life-threatening effects of free radicals associated with aluminum chloride toxicity.

Chemical composition of anti-microbially active fractions derived from extract of filamentous fungus Keratinophyton Lemmensii including three novel bioactive compounds

Screening for new bioactive microbial metabolites, we found a novel okaramine derivative, for which we propose the trivial name lemmokaramine, as well as two already known okaramine congeners – okaramine H and okaramine J - responsible for antimicrobial activity of the recently described microscopic filamentous fungus, Keratinophyton lemmensii BiMM-F76 (= CCF 6359). In addition, two novel substances, a new cyclohexyl denominated lemmensihexol and a new tetrahydroxypyrane denominated lemmensipyrane, were purified and characterized. The compounds were isolated from the culture extract of the fungus grown on modified yeast extract sucrose medium by means of flash chromatography followed by preparative HPLC. The chemical structures were elucidated by NMR and LC-MS. The new okaramine (lemmokaramine) exerted antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts and fungi and anticancer activity against different mammalian cell lines (Caco-2, HCT116, HT29, SW480, MCM G1, and MCM DLN). Furthermore, we found a significant antioxidant effect of lemmokaramine following H2O2 treatment indicated by activation of the Nrf2 pathway. This is the first report describing analysis and structural elucidation of bioactive metabolites for the onygenalean genus Keratinophyton.

Exploring the Antidiabetic and Antihypertensive Potential of Peptides Derived from Bitter Melon Seed Hydrolysate

Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has become a critical global health issue, with an increasing prevalence that contributes to significant morbidity and mortality. Inhibiting dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP4) is a promising strategy for managing T2D. This study aimed to explore the DPP4 inhibitory peptide derived from bitter melon seed protein (BMSP) hydrolysate. Methods: Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was utilized to fractionate the hydrolysate. Peptide in the highest activity fraction was analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Peptide synthetic was used for further characterizations, such as bioactivity exploration, inhibition mechanism, molecular docking, and peptide stability against in vitro simulated gastrointestinal (SGI) digestion. Results: The BMSP hydrolysate was digested with gastrointestinal proteases (GP) and assessed for DPP4 inhibitory activity, yielding an IC50 of 1448 ± 105 μg/mL. Following RP-HPLC fractionation, MPHW (MW4) and VPSGAPF (VF7) were identified from fraction F8 with DPP4 IC50 values of 128.0 ± 1.3 µM and 150.6 ± 3.4 µM, respectively. Additionally, MW4 exhibited potential antihypertensive effects through ACE inhibition with an IC50 of 172.2 ± 10.6 µM. The inhibitory kinetics and molecular docking simulations indicated that both MW4 and VF7 were competitive inhibitors of DPP4, while MW4 was also a competitive inhibitor of ACE. Importantly, both peptides remained stable during simulated gastrointestinal digestion, suggesting their resistance to human digestive processes and their capacity to maintain biological activity. Conclusions: The findings suggest that BMSP-GP hydrolysate may have potential in terms of the development of health foods or therapeutic agents. However, in vivo studies are also essential for further confirmation of efficacy.

Human gut commensal Alistipes timonensis modulates the host lipidome and delivers anti-inflammatory outer membrane vesicles to suppress colitis in an Il10 -deficient mouse model.

Correlative studies have linked human gut microbes to specific health conditions. Alistipes is one such microbial genus negatively linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the protective role of Alistipes in IBD has not been studied and the underlying molecular mechanisms also remain unknown. In this study, colonization of Il10 -deficient mice with Alistipes timonensis DSM 27924 delays the development of colitis. Colonization with Alistipes does not significantly alter the gut microbiome composition during colitis development, but instead shifts the host plasma lipidome, increasing phosphatidic acids while decreasing triglycerides. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) derived from Alistipes are also detected in the plasma of colonized mice, which carry metabolites with immunomodulatory potential into the host circulatory system. We further demonstrate that fractions of A. timonensis OMVs suppress LPS-induced Il6 , Il1b , and Tnfa expression in vitro in murine macrophages. We detect immunomodulatory sulfonolipids (SoLs) in the active fraction, which are also increased in the blood of A. timonensis -colonized mice; and we identify other putative bioactive lipids in the A. timonensis OMVs. Thus, A. timonensis OMVs represent a potential mechanism for Alistipes -mediated delay of colitis progression in Il10 -deficient mice through the delivery of immunomodulatory lipids, including SoLs, and modulation of the host plasma lipidome.

Inhibition of Aflatoxin B1 Production by Procyanidins Present in Annona muricata and Uncaria tomentosa Aqueous Extracts

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), primarily produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, is the most dangerous mycotoxin for humans and contaminates a variety of crops. To limit fungal growth and aflatoxin production in food and feed, research has been increasingly focusing on alternatives to pesticides. Studies show that some aqueous plant extracts with strong antioxidant properties could significantly impact AFB1 production, representing an eco-friendly and sustainable method to protect crops. The present study demonstrates that aqueous extracts of Anonna muricata (AM) and Uncaria tomentosa (UT) inhibit AFB1 synthesis in a dose-dependent manner with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 0.25 and 0.28 mg dry matter per milliliter of culture medium, respectively. This effect correlates with the presence of polyphenols and, more precisely, with condensed tannins. It is also related to the subsequent antioxidant activity of both extracts. A bio-guided fractionation followed by high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis of the active fractions identifies procyanidins and, more precisely, catechin (5.3% w/w for AM and 5.4% w/w for UT) and epicatechin (10.6% w/w for AM and 25.7% w/w for UT) as the major components in both extracts. The analysis of how pure standards of these molecules affect AFB1 production demonstrates that catechin plays an essential role in the inhibition observed for both plant extracts, since the pure standard inhibits 45% of AFB1 synthesis at a concentration close to that of the extracts.

Antisalmonella Activities of Essential Oil of Psidium guajava Leaves: An In vitro and In vivo Study

Background: Life-threatening typhoidal salmonella infection is becoming more difficult to treat due to rising resistance to commonly used antibiotics. This resistance is aided by the biofilm-forming ability of the bacteria. This study investigated the in vitro and in vivo antisalmonella activities of essential oil of Psidium guajava leaves. Methods: Essential oil was extracted from the leaves of Psidium guajava with solvents. The sensitivity of Salmonella Typhi to the essential oil of Psidium guajava (EOPG) was assessed via the agar well diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory, bactericidal and biofilm-inhibitory concentrations (MIC, MBC and MBIC respectively) were measured using micro-broth dilution and crystal violet assay respectively. The effect of EOPG on the bacterial cell membrane was evaluated by measuring the efflux of potassium ions, inorganic phosphate and pyruvic acid. Bioautography and GC-MS were employed to identify the constituents of the active fraction of the EOPG. Effects of EOPG on the level of bacteremia and bone marrow infection in male Wistar rats were determined by plating caudal blood on salmonella-shigella agar. Selected serum cytokines were measured using ELISA kits. Effect on hepatic DNA was measured by comet assay while histological evaluation of the liver of infected rats was done by Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. Results: Essential oil of Psidium guajava leaves (EOPG) inhibited the growth of S. Typhi with a zone of inhibition of 13±0.2mm compared to 31±0.3mm recorded by ciprofloxacin. Minimum inhibitory, minimum bactericidal and minimum biofilm inhibitory concentrations were 25, >50 and 12.5 mg/mL respectively. Exposure to EOPG caused efflux of potassium ions, inorganic phosphate and pyruvic acid in S. Typhi. Oral administration of 50 mg/mL of EOPG reduced bacterial load in the blood and bone marrow of S. Typhi-infected rats significantly (P<0.05) when compared to untreated animals. Infection-induced reduction of serum IL-1β and rise in serum IFN-γ were ameliorated considerably in treated animals. The hepatic DNA of infected animals were protected from breakage in the group administered 50 mg/mL/day of EOPG compared with untreated, ciprofloxacin-treated as well as those administered 100 mg/mL/day of EOPG. Conclusion: EOPG has both in vitro and in vivo anti-salmonella activities, this could be exploited in developing new drug leads for treatment of typhoid fever

Assessment of left atrial function and left atrioventricular coupling via cardiac magnetic resonance in individuals with prediabetes and diabetes.

Assessment of left atrial (LA) function and the left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI) have recently been increasingly recognized as important indices for cardiovascular diseases associated with the presence of prediabetes and diabetes. We aimed to evaluate LA function and the LACI in patients with prediabetes and diabetes via cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). In this retrospective study, we included 35 patients with prediabetes, 32 patients with diabetes, and 84 healthy control participants. The LACI and LA total, passive, and active emptying fractions (LATEmF, LAPEmF, and LAAEmF, respectively) were calculated. The LA reservoir, conduit, and booster pump strains (εs, εe, and εa), and peak positive, peak early negative, and peak late negative strain rates (SRs, SRe, and SRa) were obtained via CMR-feature tracking (CMR-FT). For the statistical analyses, one-way analysis of variance, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and linear regression were conducted, and Pearson's and interclass correlation coefficients were calculated. Compared with healthy control participants, patients with prediabetes or diabetes presented lower εs and εe values and a relatively preserved LACI. Patients with diabetes presented considerably reduced SRs, SRe, and LAPEmF. Elevated glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were independently associated with decreased magnitudes of εs, SRs, εe, and SRe. No significant associations were found between the LACI and the HbA1c or LA deformation parameters. We observed significant correlations between LATEmF and εs, LAPEmF and εe and between LAAEmF and εa. CMR-FT provides a potential noninvasive approach for the early detection of alterations in the LA reservoir and conduit function in individuals with prediabetes and diabetes.

Elucidating the eco-friendly herbicidal potential of microbial metabolites from Bacillus altitudinis.

Microbial herbicides play a vital role in agricultural preservation, amid growing concerns over the ecological impact from extensive development and use of chemical herbicides. Utilizing beneficial microbial metabolites to combat weeds has become a significant focus of research. This study focused on isolating herbicidal active compounds from Bacillus altitudinis D30202 through activity-guided methods. First, the n-butanol extract (n-BE) of B. altitudinis D30202 underwent fractionation using macroporous adsorption resin D101 and Sephadex LH-20, identifying Fr. F as the most potent segment against wild oats (Avena fatua L.). Ultra-performance liquid chromatography - quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC - QTOF-MS) identified nine compounds in the active fraction Fr. F. Subsequently, three subfractions (Fr.F-1 to Fr.F-3) were derived from Fr.F via semi-preparative liquid chromatography, resulting in methyl indole-3-acetate (MeIAA) purification. MeIAA, functioning as an auxin analog, exhibited effects of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) on wild oats' growth, with a root length median inhibitory concentration of 81.06µg/ml. Furthermore, we assessed MeIAA's herbicidal impact on five weed species across diverse families and genera, providing a first-time analysis of MeIAA's mechanism on wild oats. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed structural damage to leaves and roots post-MeIAA treatment. MeIAA treatment increased superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide levels in wild oat roots, alongside with elevated peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, chlorophyll-degrading enzymes (Chlase, MDACase), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and relative conductivity in leaves. Conversely, it decreased catalase (CAT) activity and chlorophyll content. Therefore, this study provides a new material source and theoretical foundation for ecologically sustainable agricultural weed control.