Antioxidant Function Research Articles

Dimethyl Fumarate Mediates Sustained Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Remodeling in a Mouse Model of Cerebral Aneurysm.

Cerebral aneurysms (CA) are a type of vascular disease that causes significant morbidity and mortality with rupture. Dysfunction of the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from circle of Willis (CoW) vessels mediates CA formation, as they are the major cell type of the arterial wall and play a role in maintaining vessel integrity. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF), a first-line oral treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, has been shown to inhibit VSMC proliferation and reduce CA formation in a mouse model. Potential unwanted side effects of DMF on VSMC function have not been investigated yet. The present study characterizes the impact of DMF on VSMC using single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) in CoW vessels following CA induction and further explores its role in mitochondrial function using in vitro VSMC cultures. Two weeks of DMF treatment following CA induction impaired the transcription of the glutathione redox system and downregulated mitochondrial respiration genes in VSMCs. In vitro, DMF treatment increased lactate formation and enhanced the mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These effects rendered VSMCs vulnerable to oxidative stress and led to mitochondrial dysfunction and enhancement of apoptosis. Taken together, our data support the concept that the DMF-mediated antiproliferative effect on VSMCs is linked to disturbed antioxidative functions resulting in altered mitochondrial metabolism. This negative impact of DMF treatment on VSMCs may be linked to preexisting alterations of cerebrovascular function due to renal hypertension. Therefore, before severe adverse effects emerge, it would be clinically relevant to develop indices or biomarkers linked to this disturbed antioxidative function to monitor patients undergoing DMF treatment.

Effect of dietary inclusion of 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ and vitamin E on performance, gut health, oxidative status, and immune response in laying hens infected with coccidiosis

Vitamin D3 (25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (VD)) and vitamin E (VE) have proven to have immunomodulatory and antioxidant functions along with capacities to improve the reproductive function in chickens. Coccidiosis in laying hens at different stages of growth has been shown to negatively affect performance, immune response, and oxidative status, thus increasing the cost of production. A study was conducted to evaluate the influence of dietary VD or VE on performance, gut health, immune response, and oxidative status of laying hens at peak production. Laying hens (23 wk-of-age, n = 225) were randomly allocated into 5 treatment groups (n = 9 hens/replicate) with 5 replicate groups each: 1) unchallenged control (UC), 2) pair-fed control (PF), 3) challenged control (CC), 4) challenged control top-dressed with 5,000 IU of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (VD) per kg of diet, and 5) challenged control top-dressed with 100 IU of DL-α-tocopherol (VE). At 25 wk-of-age, hens grouped in CC, VD, and VE were challenged with mixed Eimeria spp. to induce coccidiosis. VD or VE supplemented hens did not impact bird body weight; however, egg production increased by 10.36% and 13.77%, respectively (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, the gut health of the hens was improved with either VD or VE supplementation, as indicated by lowered gut permeability and intestinal lesion scores (P < 0.05). VE significantly reduced the heterophil count (P = 0.0490) alongside numerically increasing the peripheral CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and monocyte counts (P > 0.05). Both VD or VE increased the TAC at 14 DPI compared to UC (P<0.05). Preliminary findings suggest that dietary VD or VE supplementation has the potential to improve gut health, modulate the immune response, and increase egg production in coccidiosis-infected laying hens.

THE INTERRELATION BETWEEN ESOPHAGITIS AND HYDROGEN SULFIDE: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Esophagitis is characterized by irritation and inflammation of the esophagus, caused by several factors, such as gastroesophageal reflux, radiation, infections, medications and eosinophilic esophagitis. Its symptoms include chest pain, odynophagia, dysphagia, nausea, vomiting, throat clearing, heartburn, dry cough and manifestations related to gastroesophageal reflux. And its pathophysiology involves lesions in the esophageal mucosa due to the abnormal and frequent increase in gastric acid. With regard to hydrogen sulfide (H2S), it is a toxic gaseous compound with an odor similar to rotten eggs, it performs essential physiological functions, stabilizing mucus, preventing injuries and strengthening gastrointestinal defense mechanisms by stimulating the secretion of bicarbonate in the duodenum. . The purpose of this article is to analyze the relationship between hydrogen sulfide and esophagitis. Therefore, this integrative review covered original articles in Portuguese and English, published from 2003 to 2022, in the VHL, SciELO and PUBMED databases. Using descriptors such as “esophagitis,” “gastrointestinal,” and “hydrogen sulfide,” the research followed strict inclusion criteria to provide a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between esophagitis, gastrointestinal health, and hydrogen sulfide. As for the results and discussions, they highlight the relationship between H2S and esophagitis, exploring its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory function by protecting cells from oxidative stress by increasing glutathione (GSH) and contributing to quenching reactive oxygen species and promoting the resolution of inflammation. mainly how it interferes with the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1, IL-2, IL-8 and TNFα, in addition to maintaining or increasing the production of IL-10. Through the results obtained, it can be concluded that esophagitis has an intimate relationship with the modulation of hydrogen sulfide levels in the human body, particularly in the context of the H2S/CSE/HIF-2α axis and that they should be better studied in order to promote the development of H2S-based drugs to treat inflammatory processes, including esophagitis, which have the potential to significantly improve the well-being and quality of life of the population.

The change of albumen quality during the laying cycle and its potential physiological and molecular basis of laying hens

To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms that impact variability in albumen quality of laying hens from the peak of lay to the late production phase. A 60-week study was conducted on a cohort of 20,000 Hy-Line Brown laying hens from 20 to 80 weeks old. Before commencement at 20 weeks, the 10-week-old hens were acclimatized for ten weeks. This study examined changes in albumen quality, serum, and liver antioxidant capacity, magnum morphology, and expression of albumen-protein-related genes in the magnum. To reduce sampling error, we collected eggs (n=90) from pre-determined cages at every sampling point (5-week intervals), and 8 hens were selected at 10-week intervals for blood and tissue collection. Our findings revealed that age significantly affected most evaluated parameters. Albumen gel properties, including hardness, gumminess, and chewiness, increased significantly with age (P < 0.05). With the increasing of hens' age from 20 to 80 weeks, the albumen proportion of eggs was decreased, but eggshell proportion, yolk proportion, thick albumen proportion, thick to thin ratio, thick albumen solid content, albumen height, Haugh units, and yolk color were increased and then decreased (P < 0.05). Compared to hens aged 20-60 weeks, the hens (70-80 weeks) had significantly reduced total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and glutathione levels (GSH) in the liver and lower serum TAC and superoxide dismutase levels (SOD) (P < 0.05). The magnum mucosal folds were highest in 40-60 weeks-old hens, and the luminal diameter increased with age (P < 0.05). In the magnum, the mRNA expression levels for OVA, CPE, and NUP205 increased significantly between 30 and 40 weeks, while FBN1 expression was higher between 30 and 50 weeks (P < 0.05). At 70-80 weeks, the expression of BRCA2 was significantly downregulated (P < 0.05). Albumen height, thick albumen proportion with protein secretion-related genes, enhanced antioxidant function, and luminal diameter correlated positively. However, the thick-to-thin albumen ratio negatively correlated with BRCA2, downregulated in aged laying hens. We used principal component and cluster analysis to deduce albumen quality changes during three phases: 25-35, 40-55, and 60-80 weeks. The decline in albumen quality in aging hens is linked with decreased antioxidant capacity, magnum health, and downregulation of key genes involved in protein synthesis and secretion. These findings emphasize critical albumen quality changes in laying hens and suggest molecular pathways underlying age-related albumen quality alterations.

Comparison of Polygonatum sibiricum Polysaccharides Found in Young and Mature Rhizomes.

The main active component of Polygonatum sibiricum (P. sibiricum) rhizome is Polygonatum sibiricum Polysaccharide (PsP) with antioxidant function. At present, only the mature rhizome of P. sibiricum is used to extract PsP, while the young rhizome of by-product is discarded directly as waste, resulting in significant wastage of P. sibiricum resources. We used ultrasound-assisted extraction-deep eutectic solvents (UAE-DESs) method to extract PsP of young and mature rhizomes, respectively. The extraction rate, structure composition and antioxidant ability of PsP between young and mature rhizomes were compared, so as to provide references for comprehensive utilization of P. sibiricum resources. The PsP extraction rate (33.88 ± 1.95%) of young rhizome was close to that (45.08 ± 1.92%) of mature rhizomes. The main component (PsP-2) of the PsP in young rhizome contained six kinds of monosaccharides, which belonged to acidic polysaccharides. The above characteristics of the PsP of young rhizome were similar to those of mature rhizome. The PsP of young rhizome also exhibited similar biological activity to that of the mature rhizome, which indicated even more advantages in DPPH free radical scavenging ability. The results of this study support the utility of the young rhizome, consequently helping to avoid unnecessary waste and provide reference for comprehensive utilization of P. sibiricum.

Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus plantarum Enhance Immune Function and Antioxidant Capacity in Cats through Modulation of the Gut Microbiota.

Gastrointestinal (GI) afflictions are prevalent among the feline population, wherein the intricacies of the gut microbiome exert a profound influence on their overall health. Alterations within this microbial consortium can precipitate a cascade of physiological changes, notably in immune function and antioxidant capacity. This research investigated the impact of Bifidobacterium lactis (B. lactis) and Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) on cats' GI health, exploring the effects of probiotic supplementation on the intestinal ecosystem using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The findings demonstrated a significant improvement in gut barrier function by reducing plasma concentrations of D-lactate (D-LA) by 30.38% and diamine oxidase (DAO) by 22.68%, while increasing the population of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus. There was a notable 25% increase in immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels, evidenced by increases of 19.13% in catalase (CAT), 23.94% in superoxide dismutase (SOD), and 21.81% in glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Further analysis revealed positive correlations between Lactobacillus abundance and IgA, CAT, and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels. These correlations indicate that B. lactis and L. plantarum enhance feline immune and antioxidant functions by increasing the abundance of beneficial Lactobacillus in the GI tract. These findings provide a foundation for probiotic interventions aimed at enhancing health and disease resistance in feline populations.

Light and Nutrient Conditions Influence Fucoxanthin Production of the Microalgae Cyclotella meneghiniana

Fucoxanthin has attracted the attention of scholars because of its health benefits in terms of anticancer, weight loss, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant functions. Researchers have found that the fucoxanthin content of microalgae was higher than that of macroalgae. Therefore, the microalgae Cyclotella meneghiniana was isolated and maintained under varying light and modified nutrient conditions. The results of this study showed that Cyclotella meneghiniana had better photosynthetic activity and higher biomass under low light. Both high trace elements and high nitrogen promoted the accumulation of fucoxanthin in Cyclotella meneghiniana. Low light levels and high trace metal contents enhanced the fucoxanthin production (7.76 ± 0.30 mg g−1 DW). The results of the current study will help to enhance fucoxanthin production for commercialization.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa impairs mitochondrial function and metabolism during infection of corneal epithelial cells.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is a gram-negative opportunistic pathogen that can infect the cornea as a result of trauma or contact lens wear. In addition to their known energy producing role, mitochondria are important mediators of immune signaling and host defense. While certain pathogens have developed strategies to evade host defenses by modulating host mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism, the ability of PA to harness host cell mitochondria during corneal infection is unknown. Using a combination of biochemical and imaging techniques, we show that PA infection of corneal epithelial cells induced mitochondrial fission in a DRP1-dependent manner that preceded PINK1/Parkin and FUNDC1-mediated mitophagy. PA also impaired NADH-linked respiration through a reduction in complex 1. This corresponded to a decrease in metabolic pathways related to glycolysis and the TCA cycle. Metabolomics analysis further demonstrated an upregulation of the pentose phosphate pathway, arginine, purine, and pyrimidine metabolism in PA infected cells. These pathways may provide a key source of nucleotides, amino acids, and nitrogen for both the host cell and PA, in addition to antioxidant functions. Following treatment with gentamicin to kill all extracellular bacteria, metabolic flux analysis showed that corneal epithelial cells were able to restore mitochondrial function despite the continued presence of intracellular PA. Taken together, these data demonstrate that mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic rewiring in host cells is triggered by extracellular PA, but once inside, PA requires healthy mitochondria to ensure host cell survival.

Characterization and Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory Melinjo Seed Extract Nanoparticles

Melinjo seed extract is rich in various active compounds, including trans-resveratrol, commonly known as “melinjo resveratrol,” with antioxidant and antimicrobial pharmacological functions. However, a comprehensive exploration of the anti-inflammatory potential of melinjo seed extract has not been conducted. Converting melinjo seed extract into nanoparticles offers distinct advantages, including the ability to permeate intercellular spaces and higher cell walls through diffusion or opsonification. This flexibility allows for synergies with various technologies, presenting extensive potential for diverse applications and targets. Therefore, this experimental research aimed to obtain an extract from melinjo seed through an extraction process and apply it in nanoparticle dosage forms. Characterization was performed by evaluating the particle size, zeta potential, surface morphology, and anti-inflammatory activity. The results showed that the nanoparticles were successfully prepared using the ionic gelation method, yielding a particle size of 267.5 nm, a stable potential zeta, and well-defined spherical morphology. Additionally, the nanoparticles produced the highest anti-inflammatory activity compared to treatments with conventional melinjo seed extract and sodium diclofenac.

The Effects of Dietary Pterostilbene on the Immune Response, Antioxidant Function, and Jejunal Structure of Broilers.

This experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of pterostilbene (PTE) supplementation in feed on Arbor Acres broilers in terms of serum biochemical parameters, immune and inflammatory responses, antioxidant status, and intestinal morphological structure. For a duration of 42 days, a total of 480 1-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into four groups. Each group was assigned to receive either the basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with 200, 400, or 600 mg/kg of PTE. Each treatment consisted of eight replicates, with 15 chicks per replicate. In comparison with the control group, three PTE treatments significantly increased the lymphocyte transformation rate in the spleen of broilers. The automated biochemical analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and RT-qPCR analysis kits found that 400 mg/kg of PTE significantly increased the serum levels of complement C3, IL-4, and iNOS; reduced the serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and mRNA levels of the genes IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, NLRP3, and IFN-γ; significantly improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes including CAT, GSH-Px, and T-SOD in the jejunum; and significantly reduced the MDA contents in the serum and jejunum of broilers. Nikon microscope observations and ImagePro Plus 6.0 measure results found that 400 mg/kg of PTE supplementation significantly reduced the relative length and weight of the jejunum and improved the jejunal villi structure, resulting in increased intestinal villi, deepened crypt, and an enhanced ratio of villi height to crypt depth (VH/CD). RT-qPCR and Western blot found that dietary PTE also resulted in increased mRNA levels of the genes Claudin-2, Occludin, ZO-1, and Sirt1, and decreased NF-κB protein levels in the jejunum. The results of this study demonstrated that dietary PTE improved the immune function and intestinal health of broilers by reducing inflammation and increasing the antioxidant capacity of the animals.

Homoplantaginin alleviates intervertebral disc degeneration by blocking the NF-κB/MAPK pathways via binding to TAK1

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a common degenerative disease which is closely related to low back pain (LBP) and brings huge economic and social burdens. In this study, we explored the therapeutic effects of Homoplantaginin (Hom) for IVDD due to its convincing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions. TNF-α was used to simulate the inflammatory environment for nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in vitro. We verified that Hom could alleviate the TNF-α-induced inflammation and disturbance of ECM homeostasis through blocking the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways. Subsequently, we screened the binding targets of Hom and confirmed that Hom could directly bind to TAK1 and inhibit its phosphorylation to down-regulate the inflammation-related pathways. The therapeutic effects of Hom on IVDD were further validated through a needle puncture rat model in vivo. Overall, Hom was a promising small molecule for IVDD early intervention, possessing huge clinical translational value.

Effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on the growth, hemato-biochemical, inflammation, apoptosis, oxidative stress markers, involved gens and histopathological alterations in growing rabbits challenged with aflatoxin B1

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a significant pollutant found in food and feed, posing a threat to public health. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LACP) against AFB1 in growing rabbits by investigating growth, serum metabolites, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and inflammatory response. A total of 60 growing male rabbits (721.5 ± 2.68g) were allocated to 4 experimental groups. The control group receiving only a basal diet, the AFB1 group (0.3 mg AFB1/kg diet), the LACP group (1 × 109 cfu/g /kg diet), and the combination group (1 × 109 cfu/g + 0.3 mg AFB1/kg diet; AFB1+ LACP) for 8 wk. The administration of AFB1 alone significantly decreased the final body weight, body gain, and feed intake, while significantly increasing the feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). A significant decline in total proteins and globulins, along with elevated levels of hepatic enzymes (AST, ALP, ALT, and GGT) and renal function markers (creatinine and uric acid), were observed in the AFB1-contaminated group (P < 0.05). Immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM) were significantly decreased, alongside a significant elevation of triglycerides, direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin in growing rabbits fed diets with AFB1 (P < 0.05). Supplementing the AFB1 diet with LACP restored the growth reduction, improved liver (AST, ALP, ALT, and GGT) and kidney (creatinine and uric acid) functions, and enhanced immune markers in rabbit serum (P < 0.05). Antioxidant indices (SOD, GSH, and CAT) were significantly decreased in the AFB1 group (P < 0.05). However, the addition of LACP to the AFB1-contaminated diets improved antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonylation (PC) in hepatic tissues of rabbits (P < 0.05). Serum interlukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) levels were significantly increased in the AFB1 group (P < 0.05), but the addition of LACP significantly reversed this elevation. AFB1 downregulated the expression of immune-inflammatory genes such Nrf2, IL-10, and BCL-2 genes, while up-regulating the caspase-3 (CASP3) gene (P < 0.05). Supplementing AFB1 diet with LACP significantly decreased the expression of immune-inflammatory genes (Nrf2, IL-10, and BCL-2) and reduced the expression of the apoptotic-related gene CASP3. This study highlights the potential of L. plantarum (1 × 109 cfu/g /kg diet) as a protective agent against AFB1 in growing rabbits by enhancing antioxidant and immune function and reducing apoptosis and inflammation pathways.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Activity of Essential Oils in the Above-Ground Parts of Sonchus oleraceus L.

Sonchus oleraceus L. is a leafy vegetable that is usually consumed in the area of the Mediterranean and is a frequently used traditional herb to treat a variety of ailments. Previous studies deduced the potent antioxidant and cytotoxic functions of the different extracts and isolated compounds from S. oleraceus. The current study represents the first instance of chemical profiling and bioactivities of the extracted essential oil (EO) of S. oleraceus. The present investigation set out to identify the chemical components of this EO by means of Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (G004-MS) techniques; assess the oil's antioxidant potencies through 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate (ABTS) assays; and evaluate the oil's cytotoxic impact against HepG2 cancer cell lines. The GC-MS chemical profiling revealed the identification of 23 components representing 97.43% of the total oil mass within abundant cyclic ketones (20.15%), nonterpenoidial hydrocarbons (28.77%), and sesquiterpenes (42.19%). The main components were n-nonadecane (28.77%), trans-caryophyllene (23.73%), trans-methyl dihydrojasmonate (19.55%), and cis-cadina-1,4-diene (9.44%). In a dose-dependent manner, this EO demonstrated antioxidant capacities on DPPH and ABTS, with IC50 values of 609.35 and 804.16 µg/mL, respectively, compared to ascorbic acid. Using doxorubicin as a reference therapy, the MTT assay findings revealed that this oil had remarkable inhibitory effects on the proliferation of HepG2 cancer cell lines, with an IC50 of 136.02 µg/mL. More studies were recommended for further investigation of new biological roles for this oil and its main components, along with the construction of action mechanisms based on chemical components.

Fabrication of soy protein-polyphenol covalent complex nanoparticles with improved wettability to stabilize high-oil-phase curcumin emulsions.

Recent studies have shown that the wettability of protein-based emulsifiers is critical for emulsion stability. However, few studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of varying epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) concentrations on the wettability of protein-based emulsifiers. Additionally, limited studies have examined the effectiveness of soy protein-EGCG covalent complex nanoparticles with improved wettability as emulsifiers for stabilizing high-oil-phase (≥ 30%) curcumin emulsions. Soy protein isolate (SPI)-EGCG complex nanoparticles (SPIEn) with improved wettability were fabricated to stabilize high-oil-phase curcumin emulsions. The results showed that EGCG forms covalent bonds with SPI, which changes its secondary structure, enhances its surface charge, and improves its wettability. Moreover, SPIEn with 2.0 g L -1 EGCG (SPIEn-2.0) exhibited a better three-phase contact angle (56.8 ± 0.3o) and zeta potential (-27 mV) than SPI. SPIEn-2.0 also facilitated the development of curcumin emulsion gels at an oil volume fraction of 0.5. Specifically, the enhanced network between droplets as a result of the packing effects and SPIEn-2.0 with inherent antioxidant function was more effective at inhibiting curcumin degradation during long-term storage and ultraviolet light exposure. The results of the present study indicate that SPIEn with 2.0 g L -1 EGCG (SPIEn-2.0) comprises the optimum conditions for fabricating emulsifiers with improved wettability. Additionally, SPIEn-0.2 can improve the physicochemical stability of high-oil-phase curcumin emulsions, suggesting a novel strategy to design and fabricate high-oil-phase emulsion for encapsulating bioactive compounds. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

First Report of Powdery Mildew on Cardamine violifolia in China.

Cardamine violifolia, also called Cardamine hupingshanensis, is an economically important medicinal plant renowned for accumulating selenium (Guo et al., 2022). Selenium is an essential trace element with anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immune regulatory functions. In July 2023, an outbreak of powdery mildew was detected, infecting the leaves of numerous C. violifolia plants in Enshi (30°11'5.27''N; 109°48'48.45''E), Hubei Province, China. This disease caused severe damage to plant leaves and stems, starting as individual spots and merging into a large mold that covers the entire leaf. It affected nearly 25% all C. violifolia plants, resulting in significant yield loss, disruption of normal metabolism, and premature aging. The lower leaf blades and underside of the leaves were particularly vulnerable. The affected leaves were collected and subjected to morphological diagnostic analysis (Mori et al., 2000) (Fig. S1). The powdery mildew species aggressively spread throughout the leaves, pedicels, and pods, persisting until present and often covering the entire surface. The conidiophores were upright, cylindrical, composed of 3 to 4 cells, and measured 92.3 ± 12.9 × 9.2 ± 0.6 μm (n = 30). Conidial pedicels had 21.6 ± 3.4 μm (n = 50) long cylindrical podocytes. The monoconidia were columnar or barrel-columnar, 30.60-55.59 × 9.11-20.00 μm in size. Conidia lacked an obvious cellulose body. The bud tubes formed from the end of conidia, and papillary appressoria developed on the epiphytic mycelia. ITS region sequences were amplified using the specific powdery mildew universal primers ITS1 (5'-TCCGTAGGTGAACCTGCGG-3'), PM6 (5'-GYCRCYCTGTCGCGAG-3') for partial sequences of 18S and 28S ribosomal DNA genes (Takamatsu et al., 2001). The sequence was deposited in the GenBank under the accession number OR506156 and aligned with available sequences on NCBI, which were 99.2%(528/532) identical to the E. cruciferarum (MT309701, MF192845, and KY660929) sequences (Fig. S2). The ITS sequence from GenBank was used to conduct maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis using MEGA 11.0. The analysis results showed both the strain and E. cruciferarum clustered on the same branch. To confirm Koch's postulates, pathogenicity testing was carried out using an illuminating incubator. Infected leaves were attached to healthy leaves of C. violifolia seedlings (n=8). All the plants were incubated under 25℃ and >80% relative humidity. After one month, all inoculated plants presented the same symptoms as those initially observed in the field. Morphological and molecular analysis confirmed the isolated fungi's identity as the same pathogen. Therefore, C. violifolia is a suitable host for E. cruciferarum in China. The growers must be informed of these findings to prevent serious economic losses caused by this pathogenic white powder and to prepare for proper management practices. To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. cruciferarum infecting C. violifolia in China.

Anti-inflammatory PEGylated bilirubin microneedle patch for diabetes treatment

The long-term hyperglycemic environment could easily cause chronic metabolic inflammation with physiological disorders, exacerbate inflammatory cytokine storms, increase the risk of patients contracting other complications. Thus, to develop glucose-responsive insulin delivery microneedles with anti-inflammatory is of much importance. Herein, a novel in-situ H2O2-sensitive insulin delivery microneedle array patch was constructed for the intelligent management of blood glucose in diabetics, which was integrated with nanoparticles (NPs) to achieve synergistic enhancement of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions. Specifically, PEGylated bilirubin (BR) nanoparticles were loaded with insulin and glucose-sensing element glucose oxidase (GOD), named as I@PEG-BR/GOD NPs, which could release drugs in response to high concentrations of glucose. Moreover, bilirubin with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions could induce reprogramming macrophages to M2 type polarization, which was much beneficial to inhibit inflammation caused by hyperglycemia. In vivo results demonstrated such in situ H2O2-sensitive insulin delivery microneedle array patch had good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant therapeutic efficacy in a mice model of diabetes. This novel glucose-responsive insulin delivery combined with the anti-inflammatory functions of microneedle patches show great promising for the treatment of diabetes with safe controlled release of insulin.

Exploring Tau Fibril-Disaggregating and Antioxidating Molecules Binding to Membrane-Bound Amyloid Oligomers Using Machine Learning-Enhanced Docking and Molecular Dynamics.

Intracellular tau fibrils are sources of neurotoxicity and oxidative stress in Alzheimer's. Current drug discovery efforts have focused on molecules with tau fibril disaggregation and antioxidation functions. However, recent studies suggest that membrane-bound tau-containing oligomers (mTCOs), smaller and less ordered than tau fibrils, are neurotoxic in the early stage of Alzheimer's. Whether tau fibril-targeting molecules are effective against mTCOs is unknown. The binding of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), CNS-11, and BHT-CNS-11 to in silico mTCOs and experimental tau fibrils was investigated using machine learning-enhanced docking and molecular dynamics simulations. EGCG and CNS-11 have tau fibril disaggregation functions, while the proposed BHT-CNS-11 has potential tau fibril disaggregation and antioxidation functions like EGCG. Our results suggest that the three molecules studied may also bind to mTCOs. The predicted binding probability of EGCG to mTCOs increases with the protein aggregate size. In contrast, the predicted probability of CNS-11 and BHT-CNS-11 binding to the dimeric mTCOs is higher than binding to the tetrameric mTCOs for the homo tau but not for the hetero tau-amylin oligomers. Our results also support the idea that anionic lipids may promote the binding of molecules to mTCOs. We conclude that tau fibril-disaggregating and antioxidating molecules may bind to mTCOs, and that mTCOs may also be useful targets for Alzheimer's drug design.

Insights into the Role of Glutathione Peroxidase 3 in Non-Neoplastic Diseases.

Reactive oxygen species (ROSs) are byproducts of normal cellular metabolism and play pivotal roles in various physiological processes. Disruptions in the balance between ROS levels and the body's antioxidant defenses can lead to the development of numerous diseases. Glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3), a key component of the body's antioxidant system, is an oxidoreductase enzyme. GPX3 mitigates oxidative damage by catalyzing the conversion of hydrogen peroxide into water. Beyond its antioxidant function, GPX3 is vital in regulating metabolism, modulating cell growth, inducing apoptosis and facilitating signal transduction. It also serves as a significant tumor suppressor in various cancers. Recent studies have revealed aberrant expression of GPX3 in several non-neoplastic diseases, associating it with multiple pathological processes. This review synthesizes the current understanding of GPX3 expression and regulation, highlighting its extensive roles in noncancerous diseases. Additionally, this paper evaluates the potential of GPX3 as a diagnostic biomarker and explores emerging therapeutic strategies targeting this enzyme, offering potential avenues for future clinical treatment of non-neoplastic conditions.

Effect of Genistein and Glycitein on production performance, egg quality, antioxidant function, reproductive hormones and related-genes in pre-peak laying hens

Genistein (GEN) and Glycitein (GLY), are types of isoflavone extracted mainly from soy plants, although GEN is associated with stronger antioxidant and growth-promoting effects. The impact of dietary GEN and GLY on reproductive performance, egg quality, and bone quality were investigated in the study. Additionally, to explore the underlying mechanism of action, the serum hormone levels and reproductive-related genes were investigated. A total of 378 Hy-Line Brown laying hens (120 days old) were randomly allocated to 3 dietary groups (Control), (GLY, and GEN at 50 mg/kg respectively) for a period of 8 wk. Each treatment has 126 birds (7 replicates of 18 birds each). Results were analyzed in 2 phases: wk 1 to 4, and 5 to 8 of feeding trial. The results indicated that supplemental GEN significantly increased egg number, hen-day production (HDP), and egg mass during wk 1 to 4, whereas, both glycitein and genistein increased egg number, egg weight, egg mass, HDP and improved feed-egg-ratio during wk 5 to 8. Egg quality analysis revealed significant improvements in eggshell quality; gloss, thickness, strength, and albumen quality indices (albumen height, Haugh unit, thick albumen fraction) due to dietary treatments. Also, the tibia strength, Ca content in the tibia ash and bone mineral content, were significantly increased by the dietary treatments. Significant increases in the serum levels of E2, LH, FSH, T3, T4, and GH, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes; SOD, CAT, GSH while reducing the level of MDA, was notable with the treatments. Additionally, reproductive-related genes: ESR1, FSHR, PRLR, GNRH1 were significantly upregulated by the supplementation of GEN and GLY. The efficacy of GEN in relation to the evaluated parameters was superior to that of GLY. Conclusively, we speculate that the improvement on laying performance, egg quality and tibia quality may be related to promoting effect of isoflavones on calcium metabolism, antioxidant function, reproductive hormones and related genes. Therefore, supplemental GEN at a dosage level of 50 mg/kg, can be used to promote laying performance, sustain egg production and maintain the physiological function of young laying hens.

Bioactive nanoparticles derived from marine brown seaweeds and their biological applications: a review.

The biosynthesis of novel nanoparticles with varied morphologies, which has good implications for their biological capabilities, has attracted increasing attention in the field of nanotechnology. Bioactive compounds present in the extract of fungi, bacteria, plants and algae are responsible for nanoparticle synthesis. In comparison to other biological resources, brown seaweeds can also be useful to convert metal ions to metal nanoparticles because of the presence of richer bioactive chemicals. Carbohydrates, proteins, polysaccharides, vitamins, enzymes, pigments, and secondary metabolites in brown seaweeds act as natural reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents in the nanoparticle's synthesis. There are around 2000 species of seaweed that dominate marine resources, but only a few have been reported for nanoparticle synthesis. The presence of bioactive chemicals in the biosynthesized metal nanoparticles confers biological activity. The biosynthesized metal and non-metal nanoparticles from brown seaweeds possess different biological activities because of their different physiochemical properties. Compared with terrestrial resources, marine resources are not much explored for nanoparticle synthesis. To confirm their morphology, characterization methods are used, such as absorption spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscopy. This review attempts to include the vital role of brown seaweed in the synthesis of metal and non-metal nanoparticles, as well as the method of synthesis and biological applications such as anticancer, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and other functions.