Biological Tests Research Articles

Fibrous‐biocomposites scaffold of natural rubber with bioactive glass–ceramic particles obtained by solution blowing spinning

AbstractBioactive glass‐ceramics (BGs) are widely used in clinical applications due to their excellent biodynamic and biological properties, though their low mechanical strength limits their use in load‐bearing contexts. This study aimed to develop fibrous biocomposite scaffolds based on natural rubber (NR) reinforced with BG particles, such as biosilicato (BioS) and 45S5‐K (BL0), to improve tensile strength, biocompatibility, and bioactivity for biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering. Morphological, tensile, thermal, and biological tests were conducted to evaluate the impact of BG particles on the NR fibrous matrix. TG/DTG analysis revealed similar decomposition profiles for NR/BioS and NR/BL0 biocomposites compared to NR mats, with primary degradation occurring in the 290–450°C range. Tensile tests demonstrated that the addition of 30 mass% BioS or BL0 enhanced the ultimate tensile strength (σbreak) of the NR matrix from 1.44 ± 0.08 to 3.38 ± 1.31 MPa (NR/BioS) and 1.97 ± 0.53 MPa (NR/BL0). The Cole–Cole plot indicated system heterogeneity and strong NR‐BG particle interactions. Cytotoxicity tests revealed over 70% MSC viability for NR, NR/BioS, and NR/BL0 biocomposites, meeting ISO 10993‐5:2009 standards. These findings suggest that incorporating BioS and BL0 enhances the mechanical and biological properties of NR‐based scaffolds, making them suitable for biomedical applications, such as bone regeneration.

Paediatric acute liver failure: early outcome and evaluation of transplantation criteria in a Belgian transplantation centre

BackgroundOne of the challenges when caring for children admitted for acute liver failure (ALF) is to quickly identify those who will improve spontaneously and those for whom liver transplantation (LT) is the only therapeutic option.MethodsRetrospective study to review our experience, identify mortality risk factors and update our LT criteria in case of paediatric ALF.Results111 children were admitted between March 1989 and May 2021 (mean age 59.1 months). 28 children never met our LT criteria; 17 had contraindication to LT; 66 were registered on the LT waitlist. 14 of these 66 were subsequently withdrawn because of spontaneous liver function recovery; 11 died before having received a liver; 41 were transplanted. Hospital survival rate was 63% for the whole series, 98% for the children without LT criteria and 71% for the transplanted children. Univariate analysis identified cardiovascular and respiratory failures on admission, and grade 4–5 hepatic encephalopathy (HE) during stay significantly associated with death. Non-survivors also had, on admission and during their stay, significantly higher levels of lactate, ammonia and bilirubin and, during their stay, significantly more frequent prothrombin time ≤ 25% or international normalized ratio ≥ 4.0 than the survivors. Multivariate analysis identified grade 4–5 HE, lactate level on admission and ammonia peak level as significant mortality risk factors.ConclusionOur criteria identified almost all children who had the capacity to spontaneously recover their liver function and suggest that updated criteria should combine biological tests and signs of multiple organ failure.

Studies on Path Coefficient Analysis and Correlation to Evaluate the Relationships between Yield and Its Components in Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)

The present investigation was carried out for correlation and path coefficient analysis in Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) The correlation of different traits with seed yield was examined both at phenotypic and genotypic levels and the study showed that genotypic correlation coefficient values were higher than the phenotypic values. This indicated that how much of phenotypic correlation coefficient are influenced by environment. The seed yield per plant was positive and significant with biological yield per plant, test weight and number of branches per plant at genotypic and phenotypic levels. The maximum direct positive effect on seed yield per plant was observed in biological yield per plant, harvest index, days to 50 per cent flowering, number of seed per pod, number of branches per plant and number of pods per plant. In the present investigation, genotypes viz., AFG-4 and RMT-303 were superior for seed yield per plant along with other traits like biological yield, test weight and number of pods per plant. These diverse genotypes can be used in future breeding programme of fenugreek.

Essential Considerations for Radiologists in Diagnosing Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

Hidradenitis suppurativa, also referred to as inverse acne, manifests as a persistent inflammatory skin disorder characterized by lesions such as deep nodules, abscesses, sinus tracts, and fibrotic scars. These manifestations predominantly occur in skin folds and intertriginous areas, notably in the axillary, inguinal, perianal, perineal, and inframammary regions. Due to similarities with other conditions in its initial stages, accurate diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa is often delayed, sometimes spanning several years. Diagnosis relies on identifying specific morphologic features (such as deep, inflamed, and painful nodules; sinus tracts; and scars), considering the affected sites (skin folds and areas with apocrine glands), and recognizing the chronic nature of the condition (persistent course with periods of exacerbation and remission). There are no definitive biologic or pathologic diagnostic tests, and biopsy of the affected area is not necessary. Treatment varies based on severity and may include topical and systemic antibiotics, hormonal therapy, immunomodulators, and surgery. Due to associated pain, increased site sensitivity, secretion drainage, odor, and scarring, this condition can have a negative psychosocial impact. Imaging studies, including high-frequency US and MRI with subsequent three-dimensional reconstruction, serve as valuable tools for precise staging, monitoring disease activity, and preoperative assessment. Currently, high-frequency US stands as the preferred method, incorporating sonographic classifications, while MRI and thee-dimensional imaging represent an emerging and promising approach. Imaging helps identify the extent of sinus tracts, assess involvement dimensions in advanced disease stages, and monitor proposed treatments. ©RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material and the slide presentation from the RSNA Annual Meeting are available for this article.

Multi-species cryoEM calibration and workflow verification standard.

Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) is a rapidly growing structural biology modality that has been successful in revealing molecular details of biological systems. However, unlike established biophysical and analytical techniques with calibration standards, cryoEM has lacked comprehensive biological test samples. Here, a cryoEM calibration sample consisting of a mixture of compatible macromolecules is introduced that can not only be used for resolution optimization, but also provides multiple reference points for evaluating instrument performance, data quality and image-processing workflows in a single experiment. This combined test specimen provides researchers with a reference point for validating their cryoEM pipeline, benchmarking their methodologies and testing new algorithms.

The effect of PBL integrated RMS on biological literacy and critical thinking ability of high school students

This study aimed to determine the effect of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) integrated Reading, Mind Mapping, and Sharing (RMS) on biological literacy and critical thinking skills in biotechnology material. This type of research is Quasi-Experimental with pre-test-post-test experiments and a control group design. The researcher conducted the research because most of the students who became respondents considered biotechnology material less attractive, so students' understanding and activeness could have been more optimal in the learning process. The research samples were 72 students of class X MIPA at SMA Negeri 2 Kota Serang, Banten. The research sample was divided into two groups: the experimental group that applied the PBL integrated RMS model and the control group that applied the PBL model. The research instruments used were biological literacy ability tests and critical thinking ability tests. Biological literacy skills were measured using biological literacy-based multiple-choice test instruments, while critical thinking skills were measured using essay test instruments. The hypothesis test used was MANOVA statistical analysis. The results of statistical tests showed a significant effect of PBL integrated with RMS on biological literacy and critical thinking skills on biotechnology material with a significance value of 0.000 < α. Students with an integrated RMS learning model are more effective than those with a PBL learning model, which is indicated by the post-test value being higher than the pre-test value. This research contributes to the field of biology education by showing that the PBL learning model integrated with RMS can be an effective alternative learning model to improve students' biological literacy and critical thinking skills. The findings of this study are expected to be useful for biology teachers

Integrating single cell and bulk RNA sequencing data identifies RBM17 as a novel response biomarker for immunotherapy in bladder cancer.

Checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) have been widely applied in the treatment of patients with bladder cancer (BLCA). However, there is still unmet need to dissect response predict biomarkers. To uncover CPI response-related marker genes in cancer cells, we utilized SCISSOR, integrating single-cell RNA and bulk RNA sequencing data. Transcriptomic and clinical data from IMvigor210, UNC-108, and BCAN/HCRN datasets were collected to evaluate and validate the identified biomarkers and signatures. Additionally, we analyzed TCGA-BLCA and local-BLCA RNA-seq data to investigate alternative splicing events (ASEs). Cell viability was assessed in T24 and UMUC3 cells with RBM17 upregulation or downregulation. Through SCISSOR analysis, we discovered that the expression levels of RBM17, TAP1, and PSMB8 were significantly associated with CPI response. Since PSMB8 displayed a highly positive correlation with TAP1, we developed a CPI response score (CRS) signature based on the expression profiles of RBM17 and TAP1. The CRS demonstrated robust predictive capacity in IMvigor210, UNC-108, and BCAN/HCRN datasets and was associated with higher tumor mutational burden (TMB), PD-L1 expression, and unique genomic features. Notably, RBM17 was not linked to the clinical outcomes of BLCA patients but positively correlated with BLCA cell proliferation in vitro. In the meantime, RBM17 was correlated with higher activity in core biological pathways, including antigen processing machinery, CD8 + T effector cells, cell cycle, DNA damage repair, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, histone regulation, and immune checkpoints. Moreover, the high-RBM17 group showed enrichment of LumU/Ba/sq subtypes but fewer FGFR3 alterations. Lastly, RBM17 significantly upregulated ASEs in BLCA samples, leading to higher neoantigen levels, a more inflamed tumor microenvironment, and improved CPI response. RBM17 is associated with higher ASEs and neoantigen levels, thereby potentiating the efficacy of CPI in BLCA. The established predictive signature, utilizing only two genes, has the potential to streamline clinical applications, providing a cost-effective alternative to expensive genomic, transcriptomic, and biological feature tests.

Xanthine Oxidase Inhibition by Monoterpene-Chalcone Conjugates from Kaempferia subglobosa and Molecular Docking Insights.

Kaempferia subglobosa is a perennial medicinal plant in the Zingiberaceae family, identified as a new species in January 2024. To uncover the biological benefits of K. subglobosa and its compounds, investigation of the metabolites of the roots and rhizomes, yielded three new monoterpene-chalcone conjugates, the globosones A-C, representing a rare metabolite group within the Zingiberaceae, along with six known compounds. The biogenetic pathway for the globosones involves an oxidative [3+2] cycloaddition between α-phellandrene and 4'-methoxy-4,2',6'-trihydroxychalcone. Biological testing revealed potent xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibition by globosones A and B, with IC50 values of 7.0±1.0 and 3.0±0.2 μM, respectively, surpassing the positive control drug allopurinol (IC50 7.2±0.1 μM). Globosones A-C also showed good aromatase inhibition (IC50 3.0-3.5 μM). Molecular docking studies indicated that globosones A and B may inhibit xanthine oxidase through binding at the FAD domain site. The physicochemical properties of these isolates suggest that they possess characteristics suitable for additional biological assessment in more advanced test systems. This study enhances an understanding of monoterpene-chalcone conjugate inhibitors of XO, and offers preliminary insights into the metabolites and bioactivities of K. subglobosa, uncovering potent biological activities associated with this newly discovered plant species.

1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition of Nitrile Oxides and Nitrilimines to (−)-β-Caryophyllene: Stereoselective Synthesis of Polycyclic Derivatives and Their Biological Testing

1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition of Nitrile Oxides and Nitrilimines to (−)-β-Caryophyllene: Stereoselective Synthesis of Polycyclic Derivatives and Their Biological Testing

The impact of a metacognition-based course on school students’ metacognitive skills and biology comprehension

The fast-paced and intricate nature of the current society, coupled with the ongoing changes in educational requirements, calls for the cultivation of higher-order thinking skills. To that end, adopting metacognitive strategies could be instrumental. This paper aimed to evaluate the effects of a 10-week-long metacognition-based biology course on school students’ metacognition and biology comprehension. Employing a mixed-methods quasi-experimental design, the study involved 120 eighth-graders from two public schools. One group was exposed to metacognitive questioning, while the other one continued with regular classroom activities. The results showed that participants who received metacognition-guided instruction achieved higher scores on the biology test and reported improved metacognition as compared to those who followed the standard curriculum. These outcomes were consistent across genders and regardless of whether a student reported a deep or surface learning approach. Qualitative analysis extracted themes of collaboration and understanding among the students. They appreciated the specificity of tasks, which deepened their comprehension, and valued collaborative learning facilitated by metacognitive prompts. These prompts not only enhanced their understanding but also contributed to fostering a positive classroom environment. This research underscores the effectiveness of metacognitive support in enhancing biology education. It advocates for the integration of metacognitive strategies into classroom practices, emphasizing the positive impact they can have on students’ learning experiences and outcomes.

Antibacterial Materials: Influence of the Type and Conditions of Biological Tests on the Measured Antibacterial Activity.

In recent years, the growing problem of antibiotic resistance has highlighted the need for antibacterial materials to prevent the development of infections. Different types of tests exist to certify the antibacterial properties of materials. Variations in results can occur due to the unique requirements of each test technique. The antibacterial test result may be influenced, in particular, by the distinct modes of action of leaching and non-leaching compounds. Using antibacterial materials prepared by the dispersion of an amphiphilic cationic synthetic copolymer in a polyurethane matrix, the influence of the reaction medium and the contact time on the results obtained by two well-established tests: ISO 22196 and CERTIKA is investigated. This shows that the kinetics of killing is bacteria dependent and depending on the test conditions (concentration of salt, time of contact, or media), contradictory results could be obtained. Moreover, the influence of the ionic strength (called salt effect) in both free solution and antibacterial surface is highlighted.

Synthesis and Spectral Studies of New Azomethine Metal Complexes With Biological Activity and Docking Studies Utilizing 3‐Methylpyridin‐2‐Amine as a Complexing Agent

ABSTRACTThe novel Schiff base, (Z)‐2‐(1‐((3‐methylpyridin‐2‐yl)imino)ethyl)phenol (HL), was synthesized by reacting 1‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)ethanone with 3‐methylpyridin‐2‐amine. Metal complexes [M (L)n (H2O)2] (M = Co and Cu, n = 2) were synthesized and characterized utilizing various analytical techniques including UV–visible spectroscopy, FTIR, elemental analysis, molar conductance, 1H NMR, thermal analysis, and magnetic moment measurement. The findings indicated that the Co+2 and Cu+2 complexes exhibited octahedral geometries. In vitro biological activity testing was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of the complexes against Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria strains. Similarly, molecular docking was conducted to elucidate the interactions between the active sites of protein–metal complexes and dihydrofolate reductase as well as ferrochelatase.

Combretum micranthum G. Don (Combretaceae): Its physiological effects on hydro-electrolyte metabolism, renal tubular function and blood pressure

BackgroundHydro-electrolyte balance is necessary to maintain body homeostasis and blood pressure values within narrow limits. This is accomplished, in part, by renal responses. We conducted this study to determine the effects of Combretum micranthum on hydro-electrolyte metabolism, renal function and arterial blood pressure. Subjects and methodsWe conducted a pilot study including 40 subjects: 10 control subjects, 10 subjects under Combretum micranthum G. Don (400 mg/day), 10 subjects under furosemide (120 mg/day), and 10 subjects under spironolactone (50 mg/day).Anthropobiometric, cardiovascular parameters and the body composition were collected from each subject. Blood and 24-hour urine samples were collected for biological tests. ResultsAt baseline, clinical and biological parameters were comparable for all groups. Consumers of combretum micranthum had a significant decrease in global body fat percentage (−1.63 %; p = 0.045). In the group of combretum micranthum consumers, the body water mass (BWM) is significantly evolved in the direction of an increase (4.37; p = 0.023) and similar to what was observed in the group of subjects treated with spironolactone (0.67; p = 0.042). Consumption of combretum micranthum showed a marked reduction in hypertension indices (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate) identical to that induced by consumption of furosemide or spironolactone. The consumption of combretum micranthum resulted in a significant reduction in kaliemia (−1.07; p < 0.0001) and without any notable effect on natremia (p = 0.119) and chloremia (p = 0.708). In contrast, furosemide and spironolactone caused a significant decrease in natremia (respectivly, −0.80; p = 0.022 and −0.50; p = 0.009). In the combretum micrathum group, the kaliuresis and the chloruresis were significantly increased (respectively, 373.9; p = 0.005 and 441.3; p = 0.028), interestingly, we found a remarkable decrease in natriuresis (−193.3; p = 0.074). In the group of furosemide consumers, the kaliuresis and the chloruresis were significantly increased (respectively, 380.24; p = 0.013 and 425.5; p = 0.013), but with a tendency to increase natriuresis. In the group of subjects taking spironolactone, the urinary concentrations of the three electrolytes studied (natriuresis, kaliuresis and chloruresis) was increased significantly (respectively, 357.5; p = 0.037 and 222.5; p = 0.005 and 563.4; p = 0.007). ConclusionCombretum micranthum would have constituents involved in the maintenance of hydro-electrolyte homeostasis and in the regulation of blood pressure through the involvement of several mechanisms, especially at the renal level. These actions would be attributable to its polyphenolic components. A broader study is needed to better understand the physiological mechanisms underlying these effects.

Fabrication and in vitro biological properties of hydroxyapatite-sodium potassium niobate-barium titanate piezoelectric bioceramics

The utilization of piezoelectric materials in bone implants is appealing due to the inherent piezoelectric property of natural bone. The intrinsic electrical characteristics of piezoelectric biomaterials enhance antibacterial activities, biocompatibility, and bioactivity properties. This study delves into investigating the antibacterial properties, biocompatibility, and bioactivity of three-component biocomposites: sodium potassium niobate (KNN)-barium titanate (BT)-hydroxyapatite (HA). The combination of sodium potassium niobate and barium titanate, possessing suitable piezoelectric properties, with hydroxyapatite, known for its favorable biological properties, enhances the requisite properties for a bone implant. Among the various compositions studied, the combination comprising 70 wt% of the piezoelectric component (KNN-BT) and 30 wt% hydroxyapatite, labeled as 30HKB, emerged as the most optimal blend in terms of density, morphotropic phase boundary, and other biological tests conducted. Following polarization, the antibacterial efficacy of 30HKB against S. aureus bacteria cells increased by 61 %. Furthermore, the growth and adhesion of MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells suggest enhanced biocompatibility of the 30HKB composite attributed to surface polarization. The surface charges generated by polarization facilitated the absorption of Ca2+ ions, as well as the interaction of HPO4 - and OH- ions with the precipitated Ca2+ ions, leading to the formation of the CaP layer. Hence, polarized piezoelectric ceramics exhibit heightened bioactivity compared to their non-polarized counterparts.

Insecticidal efficacy of local diatomaceous earth compositions with different particle sizes against stored grain pests

In this study, the efficacy of a mixture of local diatomaceous earth (DE) with different diatomite compositions and particle sizes against stored-grain pests, Sitophilus oryzae L., 1763 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Tribolium confusum du Val, 1863 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), and Rhyzopertha dominica (F., 1792) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) adults was investigated in 2023 in the Entomology Laboratory of the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, KSU. In biological tests, 500 and 1000 ppm concentrations (mg DE/kg wheat) of different particle sizes (≤ 20, 20-75, 75-150, and ≥ 150 µm) of DE mixture and original DE (≤ 250 µm) were applied to wheat. The highest mortality rate for all insect species tested at 500 ppm was obtained from DE treatments of ≤20 µm. At 1000 ppm, 100% mortality was observed for T. confusum and S. oryzae in almost all particle size DE-treatments, whereas no local DE treatments resulted in 100% mortality for R. dominica adults. Moreover, the greatest reduction in the number of F1 generation adults for S. oryzae and R. dominica was obtained in the DE treatment of ≤20 µm at 500 and 1000 ppm. In conclusion, local DE mixture treatments with ≤ 20 µm particle size were found to be highly effective in the control of stored-grain pests.

WaSPred: A reliable AI-based water solubility predictor for small molecules

A rapid and reliable evaluation of the aqueous solubility of small molecules is a hot topic for the scientific community and represents a field of particular interest in drug discovery. In fact, aqueous solubility significantly impacts various aspects that collectively influence a drug’s overall pharmacokinetics, including absorption, distribution and metabolism. For this reason, in silico approaches that provide fast and cost-effective solubility predictions, can serve as invaluable tools in the early stages of drug development. Although additional molecular features should be considered, accurate solubility predictions can help medicinal chemists rationally planning the synthesis of compounds more likely to exhibit desirable pharmacokinetic properties and in selecting the most promising candidates for further biological testing (e.g., cellular assays) from an initial pool of hit compounds with detected preliminary bioactivity. In this context, we herein report the development and evaluation of WaSPred, our AI-based water solubility predictor for small molecules. WaSPred not only showed high reliability in water solubility predictions performed on structurally heterogeneous compounds, belonging to multiple external datasets, but also demonstrated superior performance compared to a set of other commonly used water solubility predictors, thus confirming its state-of the-art robustness and its usefulness as an in silico approach for water solubility evaluations..

Evaluation of biocorrosion, biofouling, and health risks in the two study locations in danube alluvium

Within conducted research the results of microbiological investigations on specific metabolic (phenotypic) groups of bacteria that play crucial roles in the biogeochemical cycling of iron, manganese, nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon are presented. These bacteria are also involved in the development of biocorrosion and biofouling processes, with some posing risks to public health. Utilizing results from applied biological activity reaction tests (BART tests), processed using specialized software, potential risks for the development of microbiologically mediated corrosion, biofouling, and health risks were calculated for seven wells within two oxic sites in the Danube alluvium – Vinci and Veliko Gradište, Serbia. Moderate to high corrosion risk was determined for all seven wells at both sites (CR=5.4). Microbiological fouling risk was very high in three out of the seven investigated wells (PR=8.10). Among the seven sites studied, one site stood out based on the calculated high value of health risk coefficient (HR=8.10). The research results provide new insights into the microbiological role in aging wells in oxic groundwater of the Danube alluvium. It is demonstrated that the physicochemical composition and chemical species such as minerals, organic matter, and the specific composition of microbial communities in the studied groundwater have the potential to stimulate biocorrosion and the formation of deposits and biofilms within well structures. In addition to biochemical analyses, hydrogeological characteristics of the analyzed area are presented to define the geological stratigraphy, for which specific microbiological transformations would be expected based on the obtained results.

Development of HEMA-Succinic Acid-PEG Bio-Based Monomers for High-Performance Hydrogels in Regenerative Medicine.

In recent years, hydrogels have found a special place in regenerative medicine for tissue repair, rehabilitation, and drug delivery. To be used in regenerative medicine, hydrogels must have desirable physical, chemical, and biological properties. In this study, a new biomonomer based on hydroxyethyl methacrylate-succinic acid-polyethylene glycol 200 (HEMA-Suc-PEG) was synthesized and characterized. Then, using the synthesized monomers and different ratios of polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) as a crosslinker, biocompatible hydrogels were synthesized through thermal and UV curing methods. The mechanical, physical, chemical, and biological properties of the hydrogels and the behavior of endothelial cells, an essential component of the cardiovascular system, were evaluated. The results showed that the hydrogel synthesized with 0.2 g of PEGDA (UV curing) has desirable mechanical and physical properties. Biological tests showed that these hydrogels are not only nontoxic to cells but also enhance cell adhesion. Therefore, the hydrogel containing the synthesized monomer HEMA-Suc-PEG and 0.2 g of PEGDA has the potential to be used in the cardiovascular system.

Immunosuppressive Breviane Spiroditerpenoids from Penicillium bialowiezense Isolated from a Medicinal Plant.

Breviane spiroditerpenoids are a small group of structurally interesting and complex meroterpenoids. This work focused on an endophytic fungus Penicillium bialowiezense ZBWPQ-27 that was isolated from a medicinal plant Euphorbia neriifolia, leading to the isolation of 15 breviane spiroditerpenoids with four types of polycyclic systems (1-6 and 9-17), and two new carotane sesquiterpenoids (7 and 8). The structures including absolute configurations of the new compounds 1-8 were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. In addition, the misassigned NMR data of several resonances of the 5-methyl-TAL motif (E ring) in those of known brevianes (9-15) were corrected by spectroscopic data analysis. Biological tests revealed that brevianes with the type A ring system (6/6/6/5/6) showed moderate to significant immunosuppressive activities, and compound 11 displayed the most potent inhibitory activities against concanavalin A (ConA)-induced T cell proliferation (IC50 4.1 ± 0.2 μM) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced B cell proliferation (IC50 4.6 ± 0.2 μM), with good SI values of 28 ± 2 and 25 ± 4, respectively.

Lepidium peruvianum as a Source of Compounds with Anticancer and Cosmetic Applications

Lepidium peruvianum—an edible herbaceous biennial plant distributed in the Andes—has been used for centuries as food and as a natural medicine in treating hormonal disorders, as an antidepressant, and as an anti-osteoporotic agent. The presented study aims to prove its beneficial cosmetic and chemopreventive properties by testing the antiradical, whitening, cytotoxic, and anticancer properties of differently colored phenotypes that were extracted using three solvents: methanol, water, and chloroform, with the help of the chemometric approach to provide evidence on the impact of single glucosinolanes (seven identified compounds in the HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS analysis) on the biological activity of the total extracts. The tested extracts exhibited moderate antiradical activity, with the methanolic extract from yellow and grey maca phenotypes scavenging 49.9 ± 8.96% and 48.8% ± 0.44% of DPPH radical solution at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, respectively. Grey maca was the most active tyrosinase inhibitor, with 72.86 ± 3.42% of the enzyme activity calculated for the water extract and 75.66 ± 6.21% for the chloroform extract. The studies in cells showed no cytotoxicity towards the human keratinocyte line HaCaT in all studied extracts and a marked inhibition of cell viability towards the G361 melanoma cell line, which the presence of pent-4-enylglucosinolate, glucotropaeolin, and glucoalyssin in the samples could have caused. Given all biological activity tests combined, the three mentioned compounds were shown to be the most significant positive contributors to the results obtained, and the grey maca water extract was found to be the best source of the former compound among the tested samples.