Oxidative Activity Research Articles

Sensor systems of KEAP1 uniquely detecting oxidative and electrophilic stresses separately In vivo

In the KEAP1-NRF2 stress response system, KEAP1 acts as a sensor for oxidative and electrophilic stresses through formation of S–S bond and C–S bond, respectively. Of the many questions left related to the sensor activity, following three appear important; whether these KEAP1 sensor systems are operating in vivo, whether oxidative and electrophilic stresses are sensed by the similar or distinct systems, and how KEAP1 equips highly sensitive mechanisms detecting oxidative and electrophilic stresses in vivo. To address these questions, we conducted a series of analyses utilizing KEAP1-cysteine substitution mutant mice, conditional selenocysteine-tRNA (Trsp) knockout mice, and human cohort whole genome sequence (WGS) data. Firstly, the Trsp-knockout provokes severe deficiency of selenoproteins and compensatory activation of NRF2. However, mice lacking homozygously a pair of critical oxidative stress sensor cysteine residues of KEAP1 fail to activate NRF2 in the Trsp-knockout livers. Secondly, this study provides evidence for the differential utilization of KEAP1 sensors for oxidative and electrophilic stresses in vivo. Thirdly, theoretical calculations show that the KEAP1 dimer equips quite sensitive sensor machinery in which modification of a single molecule of KEAP1 within the dimer is sufficient to affect the activity. WGS examinations of rare variants identified seven non-synonymous variants in the oxidative stress sensors in human KEAP1, while no variant was found in electrophilic sensor cysteine residues, supporting the fail-safe nature of the KEAP1 oxidative stress sensor activity. These results provide valuable information for our understanding how mammals respond to oxidative and electrophilic stresses efficiently.

Evaluation of the phytotoxicity and accumulation potential of nitro-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, 3-nitrofluoranthene, on water status, photosystem II efficiency, antioxidant activity and ROS accumulation in Salvinia natans

Organic pollutants, which have become one of the most striking problems of today, raise concerns about the spread of polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds into ecosystems and their toxic effects on living organisms. The purpose of this study was to determine how harmful 3-nitrofluoranthene (3-NF) exposure was to Salvinia natans, a freshwater macrophyte. Furthermore, it clarifies how this aquatic plant, which is frequently used in phytoremediation of water contaminants and wastewater treatments, interacts with PAHs and contributes to the development of bioremediation methods. In S. natans exposed to stress (10 μM (3-NF10), 25 μM (3-NF25), 50 μM (3-NF50), 100 μM (3-NF100), 250 μM (3-NF250), 500 μM (3-NF500), 1000 μM (3-NF1000) 3-nitrofluoranthene), 3-NF accumulation, oxidative stress indicators, photosynthetic efficiency, and antioxidant system activity alterations were investigated for this objective. The findings demonstrated that S. natans could effectively accumulate 3-NF, and at a concentration of 1000 μM, the 3-NF content in the leaves reached approximately 1112 mg/kg. While its adverse effects on growth (RGR) and photosynthesis (Fv/Fm) remained mild up to a concentration of 250 μM, the severity of the inhibitions increased at higher concentrations. On the other hand, exposure to 3-NF triggered the antioxidant system in S. natans plants and resulted in an increase of 60 %, 80 %, 47 % and 27 % in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in 3-NF10–25–50-100 groups, respectively. Conversely, in comparison to control plants, higher concentrations of 3-NF treatments resulted in insufficient antioxidant activity, increased lipid peroxidation (TBARS concentration), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In conclusion, S. natans plants tolerated 3-NF accumulation up to 250 μM concentration despite limitations in growth suppression and photosynthetic capacity, proving that S. natans has the potential to be used in phytoextraction studies of 3-NF-polluted waters.

Insights into the in vitro biological properties of Australian beach‐cast brown seaweed phenolics

AbstractFive Australian seaweed species, Phyllosphora comosa, Ecklonia radiata, Durvillaea potatorum, Sargassum fallax, and Cystophora siliquosa, thrive along the country's shorelines. Some of these seaweeds have recognized health benefits but have not been fully investigated in terms of their bioactive components and mechanisms of action. We employed ultrasonication with 70% methanol to extract phenolic compounds from these seaweeds and investigated a range of bioactivities for these extracts, including anti‐inflammatory activity exploring urease inhibition, nitric oxide scavenging activity, protein denaturation inhibition, and protease inhibition. Anti‐diabetic activities were investigated using α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibition assays. Anti‐proliferative and anti‐mitotic activities were evaluated using yeast‐cell and green‐gram models, respectively. Our findings showed that C. siliquosa inhibited nitric oxide, urease, and protease activities, with S. fallax, P. comosa, and E. radiata exhibiting substantial inhibition of protein denaturation. E. radiata displayed inhibitory effects on both α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase, whereas P. comosa targeted only the α‐glucosidase enzyme, indicating different mechanisms of anti‐diabetic activity. In these anti‐mitotic assays, C. siliquosa exhibited low cell viability and a significant anti‐proliferative effect, particularly within 24 h, while E. radiata demonstrated notable inhibition at 48 h. LC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS/MS investigation identified 48 phenolic compounds, including 19 phenolic acids, 20 flavonoids, and 9 other polyphenols. The presence of these compounds in extracts correlated with observed biological activities. These results support the potential health benefits of these seaweeds and link this activity to the presence of bioactive phenolics.

Metal alkoxides as models for metal oxides—the concept revisited

Sol-Gel synthesis of metal oxides constitutes a tremendously exciting domain of inorganic chemistry, where molecular and supramolecular science meet the physical chemistry and materials science. Structure and reactivity, especially surface complexation of biologically important molecules on the surface of metal oxide nanoparticles can efficiently be traced through structural studies of metal oxo-paperbags—the product of partial hydrolysis of alkoxide precursors. Paperbag is a recently proposed term to denote oligonuclear complexes not featuring intrinsic metal-metal bonding and thus not qualified to be called “clusters”. Another important insight, provided recently by the studies of heterometallic species, is dealing with visualization of bonding modes of single atom catalysts on metal oxide substrates and reveals possible coordination environments of heteroatoms on doping. The studies of large paperbag aggregates can contribute to understanding of factors influencing the bandgap and photocatalytic activity of related oxides. The use of these species directly as photo or electro catalysts is rather debatable, however, in the view of high reactivity of these alkoxide intermediates, easily transforming them into metal oxide nanoparticles on hydrolysis or thermolysis.Graphical

Antibacterial activity and mechanism of Ag2Cu2O3 mixed-metal oxide

Pure phase Ag2Cu2O3 mixed-metal oxides with homogeneous morphology of short rod-like structure were synthesized through simple co-precipitation methods. The efficacious antibacterial activities of the obtained Ag2Cu2O3 against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria were corroborated by the minimum inhibitory concentration (4.88 mg/L for both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus lentus) and minimum bactericidal concentration (19.53 mg/L for E. coli and 9.76 mg/L for S. lentus). In shake flask inactivation experiments, more than 99 % of bactericidal rate was achieved for both test strains within 30 min using 250 mg/L of the Ag2Cu2O3. From the results of free radical quenching experiments and electron spin resonance spectroscopy, singlet oxygen in suspension played an important role in the sterilization of the Ag2Cu2O3, but some factors other than reactive oxygen species might also make a significant contribution. Through the simulated antibacterial experiments of the leached Cu2+ and Ag+ from Ag2Cu2O3, we found that trace Ag+ exhibits strong bactericidal ability against both strains. While, trace Cu2+ displayed a more pronounced sterilization activity against S. lentus than E. coli, which explains the higher antibacterial activity of Ag2Cu2O3 against Gram positive bacteria compared with Gram negative ones.

204 Changes in DNA methylation 5 days after exposure to acute heat stress in beef cattle skeletal muscle

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of acute heat stress on the skeletal muscle epigenome using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS). March-born crossbred (5/8 Red Angus, 3/8 Simmental) steers (n = 14; average body weight = 308.7 kg) were exposed to heat stress (HS) conditions of 35°C + 35% relative humidity (Temperature Humidity Index = 81) for 12h/d for 2 d (48 h). Longissimus dorsi samples were collected via biopsy and flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen immediately following the HS period at 48 h and from the contralateral longissimus dorsi 5 d later. DNA was isolated and underwent RRBS using 150 bp paired-end reads at an achieved average depth of 15.3 million reads/sample. Reads were trimmed and mapped to a bisulfite-converted bovine genome (ARSUCD1.2). Methylation calls were extracted and used to identify differentially methylated regions (DMRs) with methylkit in R comparing samples collected 5 d post-HS to those taken immediately post-48 h of HS. Differentially methylated regions (1,000 bp) had q < 0.05 and at least a 15% difference in methylation. There were 1,015 DMRs in genes. Hypomethylated DMRs 5 d post-HS included IGF1R, IGF2, IGF2BP1, IGFBP4, IGF2R, IKBKB, and IL34. Hypermethylated DMRs 5 d post-HS included FGF5, FGFR1, and FGFR3. There were 81 DMRs in putative promoter regions (2000 bp 5’ of a gene). MYLK2, SIGIRR, and 25 other genes had hypomethylated promoter regions. Genes that contained DMRs were used as input for DAVID to explore KEGG pathways. Enriched pathways (P < 0.1) included multiple hormone pathways, MAPK, PI3K-Akt, HIF-1, and VEGF. Hypomethylation of IGF-related genes and hypermethylation of FGF-related genes suggests impaired growth capacity post-HS, as does the enrichment of MAPK and PI3K-Akt pathways. Hypomethylation of SIGIRR’s promoter region, IL34 and IKBKB, indicates enhanced anti-inflammatory activity given their known regulation of inflammatory cytokine production. This, coupled with enrichment of the HIF-1 and VEGF pathways, suggests regulatory dampening of HS-induced oxidative stress. These findings reveal key regulatory changes in muscle growth, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress activity for cattle recovering from acute HS. Previous cattle skeletal muscle RNA studies predicted that HS altered metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress pathways, similar to the methylation results of this study. Overall, evidence suggests growth dysregulation, which may help explain observed HS-induced poor growth due to HS, as well as subsequent anti-inflammatory activity during recovery from HS.

Synergistic photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide and low molecular weight chitosan nanocomposite

Synergistic photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide and low molecular weight chitosan nanocomposite

A Self-Assembling γPFD-SpyCatcher Hydrogel Scaffold for the Coimmobilization of SpyTag-Enzymes to Facilitate the Catalysis of Regulated Enzymes.

In this study, a γPFD-SpyCatcher hydrogel scaffold with the capacity for spontaneous assembly was established. With a maximum loading capacity of a 1:1 molar ratio with SpyTag-enzymes, the immobilized proteins can not only rapidly provide pure enzymes but also exhibit improved thermal and pH stability. The results of the transmission electron microscopic analysis and the traits they present indicated that SpyCatcher promotes the aggregation of γPFD and the formation of hydrogels. In the cell-free pyruvate synthesis system, the γPFD-SpyCatcher coimmobilized SpyTag-hexokinase (HK), SpyTag-phosphofructokinase (PFK) and SpyTag-pyruvate kinase (PK) were employed, and the production of pyruvate increased by 43, 78 and 47% respectively. In in vitro experiments, the oxidative deamination activity of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) coimmobilized with γPFD-SpyCatcher was 38% higher than that of purified enzymes. These findings indicate that the γPFD-SpyCatcher-based hydrogels play an important role in breaking the barrier of regulatory enzymes and will provide more strategies for the development of synthetic biology.

HOCl forms lipid N-chloramines in cell membranes of bacteria and immune cells

Neutrophils orchestrate a coordinated attack on bacteria, combining phagocytosis with a potent cocktail of oxidants, including the highly toxic hypochlorous acid (HOCl), renowned for its deleterious effects on proteins. Here, we examined the occurrence of lipid N-chloramines in vivo, their biological activity, and their neutralization. Using a chemical probe for N-chloramines, we demonstrate their formation in the membranes of bacteria and monocytic cells exposed to physiologically relevant concentrations of HOCl. N-chlorinated model membranes composed of phosphatidylethanolamine, the major membrane lipid in Escherichia coli and an important component of eukaryotic membranes, exhibited oxidative activity towards the redox-sensitive protein roGFP2, suggesting a role for lipid N-chloramines in protein oxidation. Conversely, glutathione a cellular antioxidant neutralized lipid N-chloramines by removing the chlorine moiety. In line with that, N-chloramine stability was drastically decreased in bacterial cells compared to model membranes. We propose that lipid N-chloramines, like protein N-chloramines, are involved in inflammation and accelerate the host immune response.

Activation of iron oxides through organic matter-induced dissolved oxygen penetration depth dynamics enhances iron-cycling driven ammonium oxidation in microaerobic granular sludge

The iron redox cycle can enhance anammox in treating low-strength ammonia wastewater. However, maintaining an effective iron redox cycle and suppressing nitrite-oxidizing bacteria in a one-stage partial nitritation and anammox (PN/A) process poses challenges during long-term aeration. We proposed a novel and simple strategy to achieve an efficient iron redox cycle in an iron-mediated anoxic-microaerobic (A/O) process by controlling organic matter (OM) at medium-strength levels (30–110 mg COD/L) in microaerobic granular sludge (MGS)-dominated reactor. The developed A/O process consistently achieved >90 % OM removal and >75 % nitrogen removal. Medium-strength OM varied the penetration depths of dissolved oxygen (DO) in MGS, regulating redox conditions and promoting redox reactions across MGS layers, thus activating accumulated inert iron oxides. Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (Nitrosomonas), iron-reducing bacteria (e.g., Ignavibacterium, Geobacter), and anammox bacteria (Ca. Kuenenia) coexisted harmoniously in MGS. This coexistence ensured high anammox and Feammox rates along with a robust iron redox cycle, thereby mitigating the adverse impacts of fluctuating DO and OM on one-stage PN/A process stability. The identification of iron reduction-associated genes within Ca. Kuenenia, Ignavibacterium, and Geobacter suggests their potential roles in supporting Feammox coupled in one-stage PN/A process. This study introduces an iron-cycle-driven A/O process as an energy-efficient alternative for simultaneous carbon and nitrogen removal from low-strength wastewater.

Characterisation and biological activities of synthesised copper oxide nanoparticles from the Pimpinella anisum L. aqueous extract

AbstractNanoparticles can be synthesised by several methods. Due to the long duration, high cost, and toxic by-products of chemical and physical methods, the biological method has become more preferred. Among various sources such as bacteria, fungi, or yeast, the use of plants in biological synthesis has proven to be the most ideal. Many metals can be used in the biological method, including copper oxide (CuO). In this study, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) were synthesised using Pimpinella anisum L. aqueous extract. For characterisation of the CuONPs, UV–Visible Spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersion Spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analyses were performed. The biological activity of the P. anisum extract and CuONPs was determined using DNA cleavage (agarose gel electrophoresis), antioxidant (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity), mutagenic (Ames/Salmonella test), and catalytic (methylene blue degradation) activities. In DNA cleavage activity test, CuONPs completely denatured DNA at high concentrations (100 and 200 μg mL−1) due to their oxidative activity. The results showed that both the extract and CuONPs have antioxidant properties in DPPH and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities. According to the mutagenicity, CuONPs did not have a mutagenic effect. In catalytic activity, CuONPs degraded methylene blue within 240 min by 99.45%.

Plasma-Induced Oxygen Defect Engineering in Perovskite Oxide for Boosting Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

Perovskite oxides are considered highly promising candidates for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts due to their low cost and adaptable electronic structure. However, modulating the electronic structure of catalysts without altering their nanomorphology is crucial for understanding the structure-property relationship. In this study, a simple plasma bombardment strategy is developed to optimize the catalytic activity of perovskite oxides. Experimental characterization of plasma-treated LaCo0.9Fe0.1O3 (P-LCFO) reveals abundant oxygen vacancies, which expose numerous active sites. Additionally, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray absorption fine structure analyses indicate a low Co valence state in P-LCFO, likely due to the presence of these oxygen vacancies, which contributes to an optimized electronic structure that enhances OER performance. Consequently, P-LCFO exhibits significantly improved OER catalytic activity, with a low overpotential of 294mV at a current density of 10mAcm-2, outperforming commercial RuO2. This work underscores the benefits of plasma engineering for studying structure-property relationships and developing highly active perovskite oxide catalysts for water splitting.

Tree species identity affects soil P bioavailability by altering labile organic P after tree mixing in subtropical China

AbstractConverting monocultures to mixed plantations has been emphasized to improve ecosystem productivity and services. However, the impact of tree species identity on phosphorus (P) bioavailability in acidic soils in subtropical China, where P is relatively scarce, is not fully understood. This study explored the changes in soil biologically‐based P fractions and the effect of mineral and microbial properties on P transformation after mixing five broadleaved trees (Bretschneidera sinensis, Manglietia conifera, Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Michelia maudiae and Camellia oleifera) individually with coniferous trees (Pinus massoniana). The results showed that most mixed plantations significantly increased pH and citric acid and decreased exchangeable Fe3+ and Al3+ and the activation of Fe and Al oxides compared with monospecific plantations, which significantly reduced P precipitation and adsorption. Mixed planting significantly increased phosphatase activity and altered the community composition of P‐mobilizing bacteria carrying phoD and pqqC genes, which contributed to organic P mineralization and inorganic P (Pi) desorption. Mixed planting increased microbial biomass and the relative rate of microbial biomass P turnover. Labile organic P (Enzyme‐P) was a potentially significant source of soluble Pi (CaCl2‐P) among the biologically‐based P fractions, plus microbial biomass P. Overall, introducing broadleaved species, especially in species (e.g. Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Michelia maudiae and Camellia oleifera) with relatively high litter quality and belowground secretions (e.g. citric acid, phosphatase), significantly increased the solubilization of recalcitrant Pi (HCl‐P), desorption of chemisorbed Pi (Citrate‐P) and accumulation and mineralization of Enzyme‐P, thereby increasing the available P pools. Redundancy analysis demonstrated that P fractions were mainly driven by phosphatases, exchangeable cations, floor fresh litter lignin/N and citric acid. Altogether, we highlight the importance of choosing tree species mixtures that have synergistic or complementary effects when constructing mixed plantations in order to alleviate soil P limitations.

Achieving High-Capacity Cathode Presodiation Agent Via Triggering Anionic Oxidation Activity in Sodium Oxide.

Compensating for the irreversible loss of limited active sodium (Na) is crucial for enhancing the energy density of practical sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) full-cell, especially when employing hard carbon anode with initially lower coulombic efficiency. Introducing sacrificial cathode presodiation agents, particularly those that own potential anionic oxidation activity with a high theoretical capacity, can provide additional sodium sources for compensating Na loss. Herein, Ni atoms are precisely implanted at the Na sites within Na2O framework, obtaining a (Na0.89Ni0.05□0.06)2O (Ni-Na2O) presodiation agent. The synergistic interaction between Na vacancies and Ni catalyst effectively tunes the band structure, forming moderate Ni-O covalent bonds, activating the oxidation activity of oxygen anion, reducing the decomposition overpotential to 2.8V (vs Na/Na+), and achieving a high presodiation capacity of 710 mAh/g≈Na2O (Na2O decomposition rate >80%). Incorporating currently-modified presodiation agent with Na3V2(PO4)3 and Na2/3Ni2/3Mn1/3O2 cathodes, the energy density of corresponding Na-ion full-cells presents an essential improvement of 23.9% and 19.3%, respectively. Further, not limited to Ni-Na2O, the structure-function relationship between the anionic oxidation mechanism and electrode-electrolyte interface fabrication is revealed as a paradigm for the development of sacrificial cathode presodiation agent.

NAD deficiency contributes to progressive kidney disease in HIV-nephropathy mice.

HIV disease remains prevalent in the United States and is particularly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. Recent investigations revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction in kidney contributes to HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) in Tg26 transgenic mice. We hypothesized that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) deficiency contributes to energetic dysfunction and progressive tubular injury. We investigated metabolomic mechanisms of HIVAN tubulopathy. Tg26 and wild-type (WT) mice were treated with the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist INT-747 or nicotinamide riboside (NR) from 6 to 12 wk of age. Multiomic approaches were used to characterize kidney tissue transcriptomes and metabolomes. Treatment with INT-747 or NR ameliorated kidney tubular injury, as shown by serum creatinine, the tubular injury marker urinary neutrophil-associated lipocalin, and tubular morphometry. Integrated analysis of metabolomic and transcriptomic measurements showed that NAD levels and production were globally downregulated in Tg26 mouse kidneys, especially nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), the rate-limiting enzyme in the NAD salvage pathway. Furthermore, NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin3 activity and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation activity were lower in ex vivo proximal tubules from Tg26 mouse kidneys compared with those of WT mice. Restoration of NAD levels in the kidney improved these abnormalities. These data suggest that NAD deficiency might be a treatable target for HIVAN.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The study describes a novel investigation that identified nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) deficiency in a widely used HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) transgenic mouse model. We show that INT-747, a farnesoid X receptor agonist, and nicotinamide riboside (NR), a precursor of nicotinamide, each ameliorated HIVAN tubulopathy. Multiomic analysis of mouse kidneys revealed that NAD deficiency was an upstream metabolomic mechanism contributing to HIVAN tubulopathy.

Sonoelectrochemical degradation of aspirin in aquatic medium using ozone and peroxymonosulfate activated with FeS2 nanoparticles

The catalytic performance of nano-FeS2 in the sonoelectrochemical activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and ozone to remove aspirin (ASP) was studied for the first time. The crystal structure and Fe bonds in the catalyst were confirmed through XRD and FTIR analysis. Within 30 min, ASP (TOC) was removed by 99.2 % (81.6 %) and 98.6 % (77.4 %) in nano-FeS2/PMS and nano-FeS2/O3 sonoelectrochemical systems, respectively. Water anions, especiallyHCO3− (almost 50 %), had an inhibitory effect on ASP removal. The probes confirmed that SO4•−and HO• were the key to ASP degradation in nano-FeS2/PMS and nano-FeS2/O3 systems, respectively. The effective activation of oxidants due to the ideal distribution of Fe2+ by catalyst was the main mechanism of ASP removal, in which electric current (EC) and ultrasound (US) played a crucial role through the recycling of Fe ions, dissolution and cleaning of the catalyst. LC-MS analysis identified thirteen byproducts in the ASP degradation pathways. The energy consumption of the proposed sonoelectrochemical systems was lower than previous similar systems. This study presented economic and sustainable hybrid systems for pharmaceutical wastewater remediation.

Differential effects of melatonin on adipose tissues under normoestrogenic and estrogen-deficient conditions in rats

In post-menopause, oxidative stress due to the decline of natural antioxidants increases the susceptibility to metabolic syndromes (MetS). Estrogen and melatonin (MEL) share antioxidant properties; however, few studies have reported the impact of estrogen deficiency and MEL treatment on morphology, redox status, and antioxidant defense capacity of diverse adipose tissue (AT) subtypes. To investigate this issue, MEL was administered to ovariectomized (OVX) rats and sham-operated rats for 16 weeks (10 mg/kg). The adipocyte morphology, oxidative stress parameters and antioxidant enzyme activity were evaluated in the visceral retroperitoneal adipose tissue (rVAT), subcutaneous inguinal adipose tissue (iSAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT). In OVX rats, MEL treatment suppressed rVAT hypertrophy and increased the prevalence of small adipocytes in iSAT, suggesting a better lipid distribution among ATs. MEL treatment increased glutathione reductase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in iSAT; therefore, restored the glutathione level. In rVAT, MEL increased glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activity. MEL minimized the risks for the development of metabolic abnormalities due to estrogen deficiency. However, under normoestrogenic condition, MEL decreased plasma estradiol levels and uterine mass, raising the concerning of its effect on reproductive functions.

HPTLC, Pharmacognostic standardisation and Biological activity of Cannabis sativa

Cannabis sativa belongs to the family Cannabinaceae and has notable medicinal properties as it is used as for psychoactive effects. Cannabis which contains CBD and THC exhibits a range of potential therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic and neuroprotective properties. Methanolic extracts of Cannabis sativa were obtained through reflux extraction to perform further experiments. Various experimental tests were carried out to understand the physicochemical, fluorescence properties of Cannabis sativa. HPTLC and phytochemical profiles were also obtained. Preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, Tannins, Phenols and steroids. Microscopy of the sample powder showed the presence of starch, stigma shaped papillae and Calcium oxalate crystals. HPTLC profiling showed 9 bands of a pattern unique to Cannabis sativa. The Cannabis sativa showed antidiabetic and anti oxidant activity when bioautography was done.

AMMP-8 POCT vs. Other Potential Biomarkers in Chair-Side Diagnostics and Treatment Monitoring of Severe Periodontitis.

This study aimed to compare several potential mouthrinse biomarkers for periodontitis including active matrix-metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8), total MMP-8, and other inflammatory biomarkers in diagnosing and monitoring the effects of nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Thirteen patients with stage III/IV periodontitis were recruited, along with thirteen periodontally and systemically healthy controls. These 13 patients were representative of the number of outpatients visiting any dentist in a single day. Full-mouth clinical periodontal parameters and biomarkers (the aMMP-8 point-of-care-test [POCT], total MMP-8, tissue inhibitor of MMPs (TIMP)-1, the aMMP-8 RFU activity assay, Myeloperoxidase, PMN elastase, calprotectin, and interleukin-6) were recorded at baseline and after nonsurgical therapy at 6 weeks. The aMMP-8 POCT was the most efficient and precise discriminator, with a cut-off of 20 ng/mL found to be optimal. Myeloperoxidase, MMP-8's oxidative activator, was also efficient. Following closely in precision was the aMMP-8 RFU activity assay and PMN elastase. In contrast, the total MMP-8 assay and the other biomarkers were less efficient and precise in distinguishing patients with periodontitis from healthy controls. aMMP-8, MPO, and PMN elastase may form a proteolytic and pro-oxidative tissue destruction cascade in periodontitis, potentially representing a therapeutic target. The aMMP-8 chair-side test with a cut-off of 20 ng/mL was the most efficient and precise discriminator between periodontal health and disease. The aMMP-8 POC test can be effectively used by dental professionals in their dental practices in online and real-time diagnoses as well as in monitoring periodontal disease and educating and encouraging good oral practices among patients.

Influence of surface texture: A comparative study on antibacterial activities of morphologically tailored zinc oxide

The morphology-dependent antibacterial activity of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles with three different morphologies, nanowall (NW), nanosphere (NS), and, nanorod (NR) was rigorously investigated to elucidate the influence of shape and size on their performance. Their morphological, surface, and structural characteristics were meticulously analyzed using SEM, BET, and XRD techniques. The antibacterial activity of synthesized ZnO samples was initially investigated and validated through in silico docking studies against nine bacterial strains, specifically targeting 1GCI, 2DCJ, 6KMM and 3T07, 6KVQ, 1MWT from gram-positive Bacillus sp. and Staphylococcus sp. respectively, 6N38, 6CRT, 6GRH from gram-negative E. coli. The docking simulations were performed using Autodock 4.2 software, yielding promising results characterized by negative binding energies, indicative of favorable interactions. The invitro studies were assessed against three same bacteria mentioned above using the disk diffusion method. The results demonstrated a pronounced dependency of antibacterial activity on the surface area, average crystallite size, and surface roughness of ZnO samples. ZnO (NW) exhibited markedly superior antibacterial properties. This enhanced efficacy is attributed to their higher surface area to volume ratio, smaller average crystallite size and increased surface roughness facilitating more efficient interactions with bacterial cell membranes. ZnO (NR) nanoparticles exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity despite minimal surface area.