Reducing Antioxidant Capacity Research Articles

Characterization, biological activity, and anticancer effect of green-synthesized gold nanoparticles using Nasturtium officinale L.

BackgroundNanostructured materials used have unique properties and many uses in nanotechnology. The most striking of these is using herbal compounds for the green synthesis of nanoparticles. Among the nanoparticle types used for green synthesis, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are used for cancer therapy due to their stable structure and non-cytotoxic. Lung cancer is the most common and most dangerous cancer worldwide in terms of survival and prognosis. In this study, Nasturtium officinale (L.) extract (NO), which contains biomolecules with antioxidant and anticancer effects, was used to biosynthesize AuNPs, and after their characterization, the effect of the green-synthesized AuNPs against lung cancer was evaluated in vitro.MethodsUltraviolet‒visible (UV‒Vis) spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), multiple analysis platform (MAP), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analyses were performed to characterize the AuNPs prepared from the N. officinale plant extract. Moreover, the antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents and DNA interactions were examined. Additionally, A549 lung cancer cells were treated with 2–48 µg/mL Nasturtium officinale gold nanoparticles (NOAuNPs) for 24 and 48 h to determine the effects on cell viability. The toxicity of the synthesized NOAuNPs to lung cancer cells was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-il)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and the anticancer effect of the NOAuNPs was evaluated by apoptosis and cell cycle analyses using flow cytometry.ResultsThe average size of the NPs was 56.4 nm. The intensities of the Au peaks from EDS analysis indicated that the AuNPs were synthesized successfully. Moreover, the in vitro antioxidant activities of the NO and NOAuNPs were evaluated; these materials gave values of 31.78 ± 1.71% and 31.62 ± 0.46%, respectively, in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay at 200 g/mL and values of 25.89 ± 1.90% and 33.81 ± 0.62%, respectively, in the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assay. The NO and NOAuNPs gave values of 0.389 ± 0.027 and 0.308 ± 0.005, respectively, in the ferrous ion reducing antioxidant capacity (FRAP) assay and values of 0.078 ± 0.009 and 0.172 ± 0.027, respectively, in the copper ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assay. When the DNA cleavage activities of NO and the NOAuNPs were evaluated via hydrolysis, both samples cleaved DNA starting at a concentration of 25 g/mL in the cell culture analysis, while the nanoformulation of the NO components gave greater therapeutic and anticancer effects. We determined that the Au nanoparticles were not toxic to A549 cells. Moreover, after treatment with the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), determined by the MTT assay with A549 cells, we found that at 24 and 48 h, while the necrosis rates were high in cells treated with NO, the rates of apoptosis were greater in cells treated with NOAuNPs. Notably, for anticancer treatment, activating apoptotic pathways that do not cause inflammation is preferred. We believe that these results will pave the way for the use of NOAuNPs in in vitro studies of other types of cancer.ConclusionIn this study, AuNPs were successfully synthesized from N. officinale extract. The biosynthesized AuNPs exhibited toxicity to and apoptotic effects on A549 lung cancer cells. Based on these findings, we suggest that green-synthesized AuNPs are promising new therapeutic agents for lung cancer treatment. However, since this was an in vitro study, further research should be performed in in vivo lung cancer models to support our findings and to explain the mechanism of action at the molecular level.

New on-site color test to discriminate cocaine and cathinone derivatives

Color tests are advantageous for the field detection of illicit drugs because of their simplicity, low cost, and rapidity. The Scott test has been widely used as a color test for cocaine; however, it has the disadvantage of reacting with cathinone derivatives. To develop a more discriminating field-testing procedure, we evaluated the Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC) and bicinchoninic acid (BCA) tests for cathinones, to discriminate between cocaine and cathinones. Although the BCA test has the drawback of recognizing sugars with reducing properties, this can be overcome by adding ethanol and filtering the sample before testing. Both tests successfully distinguished between cocaine and cathinone. The BCA test was superior in terms of the ease of visual discrimination, whereas the CUPRAC test had the disadvantage of a longer reaction time.

Comparative Analysis of Shelf-Life, Antioxidant Activity, and Phytochemical Contents of Australian-Grown and Imported Dragon Fruit under Ambient Conditions

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.), renowned for its aesthetic appeal and rich antioxidant content, has gained global popularity due to its numerous health benefits. In Australia, despite growing commercial interest in cultivating dragon fruit, there is uncertainty for local growers stemming from competition with imported varieties. Notably, there is a lack of comparative research on the shelf-life, antioxidant activity, and phytochemical contents of Australian-grown versus imported dragon fruit, which is crucial for enhancing market competitiveness and consumer perception. This study compares the shelf-life, antioxidant activity, and phytochemical content of Australian-grown and imported dragon fruits under ambient conditions, addressing the competitive challenges faced by local growers. Freshly harvested white-flesh (Hylocereus undatus) and red-flesh (H. polyrhizus) dragon fruit were sourced from Queensland and the Northern Territory and imported fruit were sourced from an importer in Queensland. All fruit were assessed for key quality parameters including peel color, firmness, weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS), pH, titratable acidity (TA), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), total betalain content (TBC), and total anthocyanin content (TAC). The results indicate that Australian-grown white dragon fruits exhibited average one day longer shelf-life with less color degradation, better firmness retention, and less decline in weight loss, TSS, and acidity compared to imported fruits. Australian-grown red dragon fruits showed similar shelf-life compared to fruits from overseas. Antioxidant activities and phytochemicals were consistently higher in Australian-grown fruits throughout their shelf-life. These findings indicate that Australian-grown dragon fruits offer better physical quality and retain more nutritional value, which could enhance their marketability.

Green synthesis of platinum nanoparticles using aqueous bark extract of Quercus sp. for potential antioxidant and antimicrobial applications

Oak bark, which is commonly used in the wood industry, has by-products often repurposed as fuel. Its extracts are rich in compounds with anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study synthesized platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) using aqueous extracts from Quercus dalechampii (QD), Q. frainetto (QF), and Q. petraea (QP). Key factors during nanoparticle formation included reaction time, metal ion concentration, pH, extract-to-metal ion ratio, and temperature. The PtNPs were characterized by dynamic light scattering, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The average diameters were 58.5 ± 7.6 nm for QD-PtNPs, 41.6 ± 5.4 nm for QF-PtNPs, and 41 ± 5.3 nm for QP-PtNPs. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were also analyzed. The QP-PtNPs had the highest DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power), and CUPRAC (Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity) free radical scavenging activities, while QD-PtNPs excelled in ABTS (2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) scavenging. All PtNPs showed strong antimicrobial properties, particularly against Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Candida krusei, and Candida auris. These findings suggest that Quercus-mediated PtNPs have significant potential for developing treatments against bacterial and fungal infections, with promising applications in medicine.

Synthesis, electrochemical properties, and antioxidant activity of sterically hindered catechols with 1,3,4-oxadiazole, 1,2,4-triazole, thiazole or pyridine fragments.

A series of new RS-, RS-CH2- and R2N-CH2-functionalized сatechols with heterocyclic fragments such as 1,3,4-oxadiazole, 1,2,4-triazole, thiazole, or pyridine were synthesized by the reaction of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-o-benzoquinone or 3,5-di-tert-butyl-6-methoxymethylcatechol with different heterocyclic thiols. The S-functionalized catechols were prepared by the Michael reaction from 3,5-di-tert-butyl-o-benzoquinone and the corresponding thiols. The starting reagents such as substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiols and 4H-triazole-3-thiols are characterized by thiol-thione tautomerism, therefore their reactions with 3,5-di-tert-butyl-6-methoxymethylcatechol can proceed at the sulfur or nitrogen atom. In the case of mercapto-derivatives of thiazole or pyridine, this process leads to the formation of the corresponding thioethers with a methylene linker. At the same time, thiolated 1,3,4-oxadiazole or 1,2,4-triazole undergo alkylation at the nitrogen atom in the reaction with 3,5-di-tert-butyl-6-methoxymethylcatechol to form the corresponding thiones. The yield of reaction products ranges from 42 to 80%. The crystal structures of catechols with 3-nitropyridine or 1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-thione moieties were established by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The possibility of forming intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds has been established for these compounds. The electrochemical behavior of the studied compounds is influenced by several factors: the nature of the heterocycle and its substituents, the presence of a sulfur atom in the catechol ring, or a thione group in the heterocyclic core. The radical scavenging activity and antioxidant properties were determined using the reaction with synthetic radicals, the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity assay, the inhibition process of superoxide radical anion formation by xanthine oxidase, and the process of lipid peroxidation of rat liver (Wistar) homogenates in vitro.

A multifunctional natural treasure based on a “one stone, many birds” strategy for designing health-promoting applications: Tordyliumapulum

Wild plants provide important bioactive compounds, and their analysis relies heavily on selecting the right extraction techniques and solvents. This study was conducted to determine the phenolic content and biopharmaceutical potential of four different extracts (ethyl acetate, ethanol, 70% ethanol, and water) from the aerial parts of wild plant Tordylium apulum L. The biochemical profile of the extract was screened using high performance liquid chromatography -mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) analysis. The total phenolic and flavonoid content was examined using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay and the aluminium trichloride assay, respectively. The antioxidant activity was evaluated through several tests, including 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), phosphomolybdenum (PBD), and metal chelating activity (MCA). Five types of enzyme inhibition activity were tested against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butrylcholinesterase (BChE), tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. Additionally, For the first time, the inhibitory activity of T. apulum extract against human carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes I and II (hCA-I and hCA-II) was evaluated. Fifty-five compounds for negative ionization mode, and twenty-eight compounds for positive ionization mode were recorded in HPLC-MS analysis and they were polyphenolic, flavonoids, carbohydrates, sugar alcohol and amino acids. These results indicate that different solvents extract varying levels of antioxidants from T. apulum, with ethanol and water extracts generally exhibiting superior antioxidant activities. The ethanol extract of T. apulum exhibited the maximum contents of total phenolics measuring 33.71 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g. The ethanol extract exhibited the highest inhibition of AChE with 2.28 mg galanthamine equivalent (GALAE)/g. The ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts also showed the highest hCA-I and hCA-II inhibition potential, respectively. The ethanol-water and water extracts acted on the biofilm of E. coli (49.93% and 45.22%, respectively), and the biofilm of P. aeruginosa (50.68% and 44.46%, respectively). The extracts were tested on different cell lines for cytotoxic potentials and in particular the water extract induced the apoptotic pathways in cervical cancer (HELA) cell lines. In conclusion, T. apulum exhibit multidirectional biological properties and it could be considered as a versatile agent for the development of health-promoting applications.

Insight into critical water quality factors and gill function of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) during packaging bag transport

To investigate the effects of the interaction between water quality and gill function of large yellow croaker during transportation in packaging bags, a total of 186 large yellow croakers weighing 120.0 ± 28.0 g were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (tanks with a water treatment system to maintain normal water quality) and treatment groups subjected to simulated transport for 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours at a temperature of 20°C. The results revealed that prolonging the transport duration (beyond 6 hours) caused significant changes in dissolved oxygen (DO), total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) and pH levels in the water. Beyond 6 hours of transport, gill tissue damage increased, and the histomorphological characteristics of the gills were altered. Regarding osmoregulation, the activities of Ca2+/Mg2+-ATPase and Na+/K+-ATPase were notably reduced in the treatment groups, indicating compromised osmoregulatory function of the gill tissue during transport. However, changes in lactic acid (LD) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were not statistically significant, and fish did not experience hypoxia during packaging bag transport. In terms of antioxidant activity, the treatment groups exhibited significantly lower activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) after 24 hours, as well as increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content after 18 hours. This reduction in antioxidant capacity led to cellular membrane damage in the gill tissue. Furthermore, acid phosphatase (ACP) activity showed a notable decline from 12 hours onwards in immune indicators, while lysozyme (LZM) activity experienced a substantial decrease at 24 hours. Correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation between the osmoregulation, antioxidant capacity, and immune response of gill tissue with elevated TAN levels and reduced pH. In conclusion, the levels of TAN and pH experience notable alterations after 6 hours of transportation, which may lead to impairment of gill function in large yellow croakers. Hence, we advise limiting the transportation of large yellow croakers to less than 6 hours at 20°C.

Antioxidant capacity and phenolic profile of defatted seed powder derived from organically grown vine crops

Grape seeds derived from winemaking pomace represent a significant waste stream with potential for valorization due to their rich phenolic content. The present study aimed to assess the phenolic composition and antioxidant potency of defatted grape seeds powder (DP) resulting after oil extraction through three different methods (i.e., cold stirring (ST), ultrasound-assisted extraction (US), and microwave-assisted extraction (MW)) from two grape varieties (i.e., Fetească Regală and Merlot) grown under organic farming conditions. The phenolic profile was determined using High-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and mass spectrometry operating in electrospray ionization positive mode, while the total phenolic content was determined using an adapted Folin-Ciocalteu technique, The samples' antioxidant properties were determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging ability assessments, as well as Cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity and Ferric reducing antioxidant power assays. The phenolic qualitative profile differed between the two varieties and was unaffected by the defatting method. Instead, at the level of each variety, significant variations (p<0.05) were observed in the quantity of phenolic compounds, depending on the defatting method. Moreover, the total phenolic content was significantly higher in the MW-DP compared to ST-DP and US-DP (p<0.05), particularly from Fetească Regală grape seeds. The DPPH assay demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity in MW-DP from Fetească Regală. The study underscores the importance of the extraction methods and grape variety on the phenolic profile and antioxidant potency of DP. These findings suggest potential applications in pharmaceuticals, functional foods, and cosmetics, offering sustainable solutions for grape pomace utilization.

Impaired Cholesterol Efflux Capacity rather than Low HDL-C Reflects Oxidative Stress under Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) causes irreversible damage to cardiomyocytes due to the discontinuation of oxygen supply and leads to systemic oxidative stress. It has been reported that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles have antioxidant capacity, and reduced antioxidant capacity is associated with decreased cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC). The purpose of this study was to clarify the usefulness of CEC measurement in patients with AMI. We investigated the association between CEC and oxidative stress status in a case-control study. This study included 193 AMI cases and 445 age- and sex-matched controls. We examined the associations of CEC with HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and oxidized human serum albumin (HSA), an index of systemic oxidative stress status, and the effect of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) rs671 polymorphism, which has been reported to affect HDL-C level and risk for MI, on these associations. Both bivariable and multivariable analyses showed that CEC was positively correlated with HDL-C levels in both AMI cases and controls, with a weaker correlation in AMI cases than in controls. In AMI cases, oxidized HSA levels were associated with CEC in both bivariable and multivariable analyses, but not with HDL-C. These associations did not differ among the ALDH2 genotypes. CEC, but not HDL-C level, reflects systemic oxidative stress status in patients with AMI. CEC measurement for patients with AMI may be useful in that it provides information on systemic oxidative stress status as well as atherosclerosis risk.

Antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effect of solvent fractions from Chinese cabbage roots (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis).

In this study, Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis) roots were solvent fractioned, and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects were investigated. The antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS radicals, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity) was the highest in the ethyl acetate fraction (CREE) at 26.74, 69.81, 253.23, and 54.77mg TEAC/g, respectively. The inflammatory responses were evaluated in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (1µg/mL). CREE decreased nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 by 53.37% and 16.30%, respectively. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 were inhibited by 36.85%, 62.99%, and 54.78%, respectively. Furthermore, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and interleukin-6 genes were inhibited by 43.38%, 24.23%, and 80.85%, respectively. The results suggest that CREE is responsible for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Effects of adding antibiotics to an inactivated oil-adjuvant avian influenza vaccine on vaccine characteristics and chick health

During poultry immunization, antibiotics are typically added to inactivated oil-adjuvant avian influenza (AI) vaccines. Here, we evaluated the effects of adding ceftiofur, a third-generation cephalosporin, to an AI vaccine on vaccine stability and structure and on chick growth, immune efficacy, blood concentrations, biochemical and immunological indices, and gut microbiota. The results demonstrated that neither aqueous ceftiofur sodium nor ceftiofur hydrochloride oil emulsion formed a stable mixture with the vaccine. Adding ceftiofur formulations, particularly ceftiofur hydrochloride, at >4% significantly destabilized the vaccine's water-in-oil structures. Adding ceftiofur also increased vaccine malabsorption at the injection site; specifically, adding ceftiofur hydrochloride reduced H5N8 and H7N9 antibody titers after the first immunization (P < 0.05) and H7N9 antibody titers after the second immunization (P < 0.01). Serum drug concentrations did not differ significantly between the groups with ceftiofur sodium and hydrochloride addition. Ceftiofur addition increased postvaccination chick weight loss; compared with the vaccine alone, ceftiofur sodium-vaccine mixture increased chick weight significantly (P < 0.05). Ceftiofur addition also increased stress indices and reduced antioxidant capacity significantly (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Vaccination-related immune stress reduced gut microbiota diversity in chicks; ceftiofur addition reversed this change. AI vaccine immunization significantly reduced the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Muribaculaceae but significantly increased that of Bacteroides and Eubacterium coprostanoligenes group. Ceftiofur addition restored the gut microbiota structure; in particular, ceftiofur hydrochloride addition significantly increased the abundance of the harmful gut microbes Escherichia-Shigella and Enterococcus, whereas ceftiofur sodium addition significantly reduced it. The changes in gut microbiota led to alterations in metabolic pathways related to membrane transport, amino acids, and carbohydrates. In conclusion, adding ceftiofur to the AI vaccine had positive effects on chick growth and gut microbiota modulation; however, different antibiotic concentrations and formulations may disrupt vaccine structure, possibly affecting vaccine safety and immunization efficacy. Thus, the addition of antibiotics to oil-adjuvant vaccines is associated with a risk of immunization failure and should be applied to poultry with caution.

Exploring the In Vitro and In Vivo Therapeutic Efficacy of Juniperus oxycedrus Cade Oil: Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Anti-asthmatic Effects in an Allergic Asthma Model.

This investigation aimed to explore the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects of Cade oil and its efficacy within a Wistar allergic asthma model. The antioxidant activity was assessed through various in vitro tests using chain-breaking antioxidant effects (radical scavenging and reducing abilities assays). In vivo experiments involved Wistar rats categorized into four groups: negative control group, Ovalbumin-sensitised/challenged group, Cade oil-treated group, and Ovalbumin-sensitised/challenged Cade oil-treated group. These experiments aimed to evaluate oxidative stress parameters in the lungs and erythrocytes. The results indicated that the Cade oil exhibited significant antioxidant capabilities, evidenced by its radical scavenging activity against DPPH, ABTS, and Galvinoxyl radicals, with IC50 values ranging from 21.92 to 24.44 µg/mL. Besides, the reducing abilities methods showed A0,5 value ranging from 11.51 to 30.40 µg/mL for reducing power, Cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity, and O-phenanthroline assays. Additionally, the IC50 value for β-carotene scavenging was found to be (8.2 ± 0.25 µg/ml). Analysis revealed high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids in Cade oil, indicating rich polyphenol (275.21 ± 3.14 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoid (28.23 ± 1.91 µg QE/mg) content. In vivo findings highlighted Cade oil's efficacy in reducing inflammatory cell recruitment, enhancing antioxidant status, reducing lipid peroxidation, and improving histopathological alterations within the allergic asthma model. These results demonstrated that Cade oil has a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-asthmatic properties, suggesting its potential therapeutic application in asthma treatment.

Unveiling the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of roots from six Polygala species

The genus Polygala (Polygalaceae), comprising about 670 species worldwide, has more than 40 species in China. The roots of Polygala tenuifolia Willd., Polygala sibirica L., and Polygala japonica Houtt. are recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopeia. Other closely related plants of the Polygala genus are also widely used in the folk medicine of southern China, such as Polygala fallax Hemsl., Polygala arvensis Willd., and Polygala glomerata Lour. To systematically compare the chemical compositional and elucidate characteristic compounds among the Polygala genus, six Polygala species, namely P. tenuifolia, P. sibirica, P. japonica, P. fallax, P. arvensis and P. glomerata, underwent comprehensive phytochemical studies using the ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass Spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) technique, resulting in the identification of 154 compounds, consisting of 62 oligosaccharide esters (40.26 %), 58 saponins (37.66 %), 29 xanthones (18.83 %), and 5 other chemicals (3.25 %). Based on the Masslynx computational tool, a comprehensive comparative phytochemical profiling was achieved and revealed differences in composition among the six Polygala species. P. sibirica exhibited higher levels of specific compounds and was more closely related to P. tenuifolia. Meanwhile, P. japonica showed greater similarity to P. fallax, P. arvensis, and P. glomerata. Oligosaccharide esters and triterpene saponins were more abundant in P. sibirica and P. tenuifolia than in other species. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities (1,1-diphenyl-2-acrylohydrazide [DPPH], 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt [ABTS], copper ion reducing antioxidant capacity [CUPRAC], and ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power [FRAP]) of the six species were evaluated. Among them, P. tenuifolia demonstrated superior antioxidant potential, with a lower half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value for scavenging DPPH radicals and excellence in CUPRAC (119.85 ± 16.28 μM/0.01 g) compared to other plants. P. japonica showed higher ABTS (98.94 ± 0.03 μM/0.01 g) and FRAP (42.58 ± 0.08 μM/0.01 g). Total flavonoids showed remarkable antioxidant capabilities among the six medicinal plants. Total saponins and phenolics also contributed to the antioxidant potential of these plants. The systematic data and results obtained may provide methodological support for further evaluating the potential use of folk Polygala plants as new effective materials in various commercial sectors, including food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.

Dihydroquercetin and biochaga reduce H2O2 induced DNA damage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of obese women in vitro-a pilot study.

Systemic oxidative stress stemming from increased free radical production and reduced antioxidant capacity are common characteristics of obese individuals. Using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce DNA damage in vitro, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from obese subjects and controls, the DNA protective ability of dihidroqercetin (DHQ) and biochaga (B) alone or in combination, were evaluated. The effects of DHQ and B were estimated under two experimental conditions: pre-treatment, where cells were pre-incubated with the substances prior to H2O2 exposure; and post-treatment when cells were first exposed to H2 H2O2, and further treated with the compounds. DNA damage was evaluated using the comet assay. The results of pre- and post-treatment showed a significant decrease in DNA damage produced by H2O2 in the obese group. This decrease was not significant in control group probably due to a small number of subjects in this pilot study. More prominent attenuation was noted in the pre-treatment with DHQ (250 μg/mL). Analysis of antioxidant properties revealed that DHQ's remarkable reducing power, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, and potent ∙OH scavenging properties may contribute to strong attenuation of H2O2 induced DNA damage. Also, B showed strong reducing power, DPPH, and ∙OH scavenging ability, while reducing power and DPPH scavenger effects were increased in the presence of DHQ. Conclusively, DHQ and B may reduce H2O2-induced DNA damage in PBMCs from obese subjects when challenged in vitro, and could be valuable tools in future research against oxidative damage-related conditions.

Novel tributyl phosphate-based deep eutectic solvent: Application in microwave assisted extraction of carotenoids

A contribution to the use of deep eutectic solvents (DES) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was made for bioactive compounds recovery, especially those with lipophilic character, from tomato and carrot samples rich in carotenoids. For the first time, a novel deep eutectic solvent was synthesized, comprising tributyl phosphate (TBP) as a hydrogen bond acceptor and acetic acid (AcOH) as a hydrogen bond donor. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of tomato and carrot extracts obtained by MAE, in which optimization of operational parameters and modeling were made with the use of Box-Behnken design of the response surface methodology (RSM), was evaluated using the Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC) method. For the highest TAC, operational parameters that best suit the MAE procedure were set at 80 °C, 35 min, and 25 mL/2.0 g. The TAC values of extracts obtained by MAE using TBP:AcOH, 1:2 (mol/mol) were examined against those of extracts acquired by classical solvent extraction using a mixture of hexane, ethanol and acetone (H:E:A, 2:1:1 (v/v/v)) mixture. TAC of extracts in DES varied between 5.10 and 0.71 lycopene equivalents (mmol LYC kg−1). The highest extraction yield comparable to conventional organic solvents was obtained with TBP:AcOH (1:2). It was observed that, in addition to lipophilic antioxidants, some hydrophilic antioxidant compounds were partially extracted with the proposed DES. Moreover, the extracted antioxidant compounds were identified and quantified by HPLC analysis. The proposed DES and MAE process will find potential application for hydrophobic antioxidant extraction from tomatoes and carrots on an industrial scale after further studies.

A new colorimetric lactate biosensor based on CUPRAC reagent using binary enzyme (lactate-pyruvate oxidases)-immobilized silanized magnetite nanoparticles

A novel optical lactate biosensor is presented that utilizes a colorimetric interaction between H2O2 liberated by a binary enzymatic reaction and bis(neocuproine)copper(II) complex ([Cu(Nc)2]2+) known as CUPRAC (cupric reducing antioxidant capacity) reagent. In the first step, lactate oxidase (LOx) and pyruvate oxidase (POx) were separately immobilized on silanized magnetite nanoparticles (SiO2@Fe3O4 NPs), and thus, 2 mol of H2O2 was released per 1 mol of the substrate due to a sequential enzymatic reaction of the mixture of LOx-SiO2@Fe3O4 and POx-SiO2@Fe3O4 NPs with lactate and pyruvate, respectively. In the second step, the absorbance at 450 nm of the yellow-orange [Cu(Nc)2]+ complex formed through the color reaction of enzymatically produced H2O2 with [Cu(Nc)2]2+ was recorded. The results indicate that the developed colorimetric binary enzymatic biosensor exhibits a broad linear range of response between 0.5 and 50.0 µM for lactate under optimal conditions with a detection limit of 0.17 µM. The fabricated biosensor did not respond to other saccharides, while the positive interferences of certain reducing compounds such as dopamine, ascorbic acid, and uric acid were minimized through their oxidative removal with a pre-oxidant (NaBiO3) before enzymatic and colorimetric reactions. The fabricated optical biosensor was applied to various samples such as artificial blood, artificial/real sweat, and cow milk. The high recovery values (close to 100%) achieved for lactate-spiked samples indicate an acceptable accuracy of this colorimetric biosensor in the determination of lactate in real samples. Due to the increase in H2O2 production with the bienzymatic lactate sensor, the proposed method displays double-fold sensitivity relative to monoenzymatic biosensors and involves a neat color reaction with cupric-neocuproine having a clear stoichiometry as opposed to the rather indefinite stoichiometry of analogous redox dye methods.Graphical

The role of ACE2 in RAS axis on microglia activation in Parkinson’s disease

BackgroundThe classic renin-angiotensin system (RAS) induces organ damage, while the ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/MasR axis opposes it. However, the role of ACE2 in the brain is unclear. We studied ACE2′s role in the brain. MethodWe used male C57BL/6J (WT) mice, ACE2 knockout (KO) mice, and MPTP-induced mice. Behavioral tests confirmed successful modeling. We assessed the impact of ACE2 KO on the RAS axis and PD index, including ACE, ACE2, AT1, AT2, MasR, TH, α-syn, and Iba1. We investigated ACE2 and MasR’s involvement in microglial activation via western blot and immunofluorescence. GSE10867 and GSE26532 datasets were used to analyze the effects of AT1 antagonists and in vitro PD models on microglia. ResultBehavioral tests revealed that MPTP mice displayed motor deficits, depression, anxiety, and increased inflammatory markers in the SN and CPU, with reduced antioxidant capacity. ACE2 KO worsened these symptoms and exacerbated inflammation and oxidative stress. LPS-induced ACE2/MasR activation in BV2 cells demonstrated anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects by modulating microglial polarization. Antagonists inhibited microglial activation via inflammation and ROS processes. ConclusionThe RAS axis regulates inflammation and oxidative stress to maintain CNS function, suggesting potential targets for neurologic disease treatment. Understanding microglial RAS activation can offer new therapeutic strategies.

Metabolomics-guided discrimination of constituents in five commercial apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) cultivars: Assessment of their antioxidant, neuroprotective, and antidiabetic activities for potential use as functional food

Apples (Malus × domestica Borkh.) are available in different cultivars, we investigated the similarities and differences in the chemical composition and biological activities of the extracted apple oils by hydrodistillation and hexane extraction. The aroma constituents obtained by hydrodistillation and n-hexane extraction of five commercial Egyptian apple cultivars namely Pink Lady (Cripps pink), Red Delicious, Ambrosia, Golden Delicious, and Granny Smith were investigated by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC), in vitro antioxidant analysis, and enzyme inhibition assays were performed. Results showed that TPC and TFC were the highest in the hexane extract of pink ladies with values of 12.42 (mg GAE/g FW) and 1.35 (mg RE/g FW), respectively. Similarly, pink lady hexane extract showed the highest efficacy in antioxidant assays like 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), Cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), metal chelation, and phosphomolybdenum tests with values of 25.21 mg TE/g, 39.82 mg TE/g, 19.27 mg TE/g, 28.16 mg EDTAE/g, and 1.36 mmol TE/g, respectively. Assessments of enzyme inhibition potential of the hexane extracts of the five cultivars on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) showed efficacy for ambrosia only with inhibition value at 2.53 mg GALAE/g. All other cultivars showed comparable efficacies in inhibiting tyrosinase, amylase, and glucosidase enzymes. Significant differences were observed in the chemical composition of the five apple cultivars which were reflected by differences in their antioxidant and enzyme inhibition capacities. Results of biological studies were further confirmed with in silico investigations.

Early Life Stress Influences Oxidative Stress Enzyme Activities in Liver, Heart, Kidney, Suprarenal Glands, and Pancreas in Male and Female Rat Pups.

Early life stress (ELS) is a risk factor for the development of chronic diseases resulting from functional alterations of organs in the cardiorespiratory and renal systems. This work studied the changes in oxidative stress enzyme activities (EAs) of SOD, CAT, GPX, GR, GST, NOS, MDA, and FRAP in different organs (heart, liver, kidney, adrenal glands (AGs), and pancreas) of male and female Sprague-Dawley rat pups on postnatal day (PN) 15, immediately after basal and acute or chronic stress conditions were accomplished, as follows: basal control (BC; undisturbed maternal pups care), stress control (SC; 3 h maternal separation on PN15), basal maternal separation (BMS; daily 3 h maternal separation on PN 1-14), and stress maternal separation (SMS; daily 3 h maternal separation on PN 1-14 and 3 h maternal separation on PN15). Acute or long-term stress resulted in overall oxidative stress, increase in EA, and reduced antioxidant capacity in these organs. Some different response patterns, due to precedent SMS, were observed in specific organs, especially in the AGs. Acute stress exposure increases the EA, but chronic stress generates a response in the antioxidant system in some of the organs studied and is damped in response to a further challenge.

Effect of Drying Methods on the Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Leaf of Agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis Lam.)

This study is a preliminary analysis of the effect of various drying techniques on the phenolic components and antioxidant capability for developing protocols to produce herbal products from Aquilaria malaccensis. Aquilaria leaf samples (ALS) were subjected to different drying methods such as air-dry (AD), oven-dry (OD), sun-dry (SD), drying with food dehydrator (DD), and a combination of air-dry and use of dehydrator (CAD). After drying and grinding, samples were infused with hot water. Different parameters such as water extract, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activities were evaluated. Results revealed that there was no significant difference in the water extract of ALS among different methods. High TPC concentrations were recorded at SD, OD, and DD. The highest TFC concentration was observed in CAD and was significantly different among the drying treatments. Further, using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, the dehydrated-ALS possessed the highest antioxidant capacity of 524.33 ± 0.04 μmol TEAC/g among the treated samples. Meanwhile, based on the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assay, the highest antioxidant activity among the treatments was sundried-ALS with a value of 391.70 ± 0.037 μmol TEAC/g sample. Based on these findings, the drying methods – particularly utilizing a dehydrator, sun- drying, or a combination of air-drying and using a dehydrator – all preserve the phenolics and antioxidant properties of A. malaccensis. Overall, the drying process significantly influenced the chemical characteristics and antioxidant activity of A. malaccensis tea.