Sodium Bisulfite Research Articles

Dietary pro-oxidant therapy by a vitamin K precursor targets PI 3-kinase VPS34 function.

Men taking antioxidant vitamin E supplements have increased prostate cancer (PC) risk. However, whether pro-oxidants protect from PC remained unclear. In this work, we show that a pro-oxidant vitamin K precursor [menadione sodium bisulfite (MSB)] suppresses PC progression in mice, killing cells through an oxidative cell death: MSB antagonizes the essential class III phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase VPS34-the regulator of endosome identity and sorting-through oxidation of key cysteines, pointing to a redox checkpoint in sorting. Testing MSB in a myotubular myopathy model that is driven by loss of MTM1-the phosphatase antagonist of VPS34-we show that dietary MSB improved muscle histology and function and extended life span. These findings enhance our understanding of pro-oxidant selectivity and show how definition of the pathways they impinge on can give rise to unexpected therapeutic opportunities.

Поздняя витамин-K-зависимая коагулопатия у пациента с гемофилией A: описание клинического наблюдения

Late-onset Vitamin K deficiency bleeding is a rare disease that develops as a manifestation of Vitamin K deficiency in children from 8 days to 6 months of age with an incidence of 4.4 to 72 cases per 100,000 newborns in countries where prophylaxis with Vitamin K1 preparations is not carried out and of 0 to 3 cases per 100,000 in countries where prophylaxis is carried out. In Russia the prophylaxis is carried out using menadione sodium bisulfite, a Vitamin K3 preparation, the effectiveness of which is questionable. One of the specific manifestations of the late-onset Vitamin K deficiency bleeding is intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), which occurs in more than half of all cases of the disease. This disease has not been described in patients with hemophilia A until now. Authors represent a clinical case report of the development of the late-onset Vitamin K deficiency bleeding by a massive ICH in a patient with hemophilia A.

Light-driven lytic polysaccharide monooxygenasecatalysis mediated by Type I photosensitizers.

The use of light as abundant, renewable, and clean energy source to boost lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO) reactions represents an exciting and yet under-explored opportunity. Herein we demonstrated that photosensitizers, commonly used in photodynamic therapy, which act through the photocatalytic Type I mechanism can drive the oxidation of PASC by LPMOs, whereas Type II photosensitizers are not capable of promoting the LPMO activity. We analyzed Type I and Type II photosensitizers (methylene blue and tetraiodide salt of meso-tetrakis-(4-N-methylpyridyl) porphyrin, respectively) and demonstrated that, even without an addition of external reductant, Type I was capable of boosting Thermothelomyces thermophila MtLPMO9A activity in the presence of light. We also evaluated the photobiosystem in the presence and/or absence of molecular oxygen (O2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and investigated the role of superoxide radical in the methylene blue fueled reactions. Furthermore, we demonstrated that sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3), a chemical scavenger of H2O2, acts by safeguarding the enzyme from oxidative damage caused by accumulation of H2O2 early in photosensitizer-driven LPMO reactions. Finally, the results of the present work demonstrated that light-driven LPMO reactions mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) Type I photosensitizers, which also includes molecules such as curcumin and riboflavin, is a general phenomenon.

DUF99 family proteins are novel endonucleases that cleave deoxyuridine on DNA substrates.

DNA deamination occurs constantly in a cell and causes DNA damage. As this damage can be deleterious, organisms have evolved many systems to eliminate it, such as endonuclease V (Endo V). DUF99 family protein contains a domain of unknown function similar to Endo V, but had not been experimentally characterized to date. Here, we show that DUF99 family proteins cleave the 3'-side of deoxyuridine (dU) on DNA substrates. Based on phylogenetic analysis, we designated this new protein family as Endonuclease dU (Endo_dU). We also observed that Endo_dU coding gene frequently colocalizes with that for uracil-DNA glycosylase (UDG) in halophilic archaea, and we further performed gene knockout of Endo_dU gene on Haloferax volcanii. The transcription level of UDG gene on Endo_dU knockout strain was increased when induced by sodium bisulfite. Thus, we hypothesize that Endo_dU establishes a new endonuclease family with broad phylogenetic distribution and may participate in DNA repair.

Synthesis of ion exchange film based on chemical grafting of styrene onto polyethylene/EPDM rubber blend for thorium removal.

Chemical grafting of low-density polyethylene film blended with ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (PE/EPDM) using styrene monomer followed by a sulfonation process was investigated. Different factors affecting the grafting process, such as monomer and initiator concentrations, time of reaction, and grafting temperature, were studied. Sulfonation of the grafted films was carried out using chlorosulfonic acid in dichloromethane. Characterization of the grafted and sulfonated films was performed using ATR-FTIR, SEM, TGA, and XRD instruments. The grafting was successfully performed in aqueous media using sodium bisulfite as initiator, reaching a grafting yield of 130% and an ion exchange capacity of 1.2 meq/g. The removal of thorium ions from aqueous solution was studied using the obtained ion exchange films. The results showed that the maximum adsorption capacity of Th(IV) was 177.5 mg. g-1 (pH = 3, 298 K and 60 min). Removal isotherm and Kinetics were investigated, and the results revealed that the adsorption process was chemisorption homogeneous monolayer adsorption, exothermic, and spontaneous.

Revealing the association between East Asian oral microbiome and colorectal cancer through Mendelian randomization and multi-omics analysis.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a global health threat, with the oral microbiome increasingly implicated in its pathogenesis. This study leverages Mendelian Randomization (MR) to explore causal links between oral microbiota and CRC using data from the China National GeneBank and Biobank Japan. By integrating multi-omics approaches, we aim to uncover mechanisms by which the microbiome influences cellular metabolism and cancer development. We analyzed microbiome profiles from 2017 tongue and 1915 saliva samples, and GWAS data for 6692 CRC cases and 27178 controls. Significant bacterial taxa were identified via MR analysis. Single-cell RNA sequencing and enrichment analyses elucidated underlying pathways, and drug predictions identified potential therapeutics. MR identified 19 bacterial taxa significantly associated with CRC. Protective effects were observed in taxa like RUG343 and Streptococcus_umgs_2425, while HOT-345_umgs_976 and W5053_sp000467935_mgs_712 increased CRC risk. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed key pathways, including JAK-STAT signaling and tyrosine metabolism. Drug prediction highlighted potential therapeutics like Menadione Sodium Bisulfite and Raloxifene. This study establishes the critical role of the oral microbiome in colorectal cancer development, identifying specific microbial taxa linked to CRC risk. Single-cell RNA sequencing and drug prediction analyses further elucidate key pathways and potential therapeutics, providing novel insights and personalized treatment strategies for CRC.

Green formulation of Menadione-loaded niosome as a skin-lightening preparation: In vitro/In vivo safety evaluation on Wistar rat

Purpose: In the present research, a green technique (an ultrasonic method) was used to synthesize menadione sodium bisulfite (MSB) niosome (Menasome) which is used to improve dermal delivery and increase anti-melanogenesis activities. Methods: Various cholesterol: surfactant (Chol: Sur) ratios were investigated to optimize the Menasomes. Photon correlation spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were employed to characterize the solid state of MSB in nanoparticle form. Additionally, the optimized formulation was used to investigate ex-vivo skin absorption, in vivo skin irritation, in vitro cell survival, and anti-melanogenesis activity. Results: The results exhibited that increasing cholesterol (Chol) declined the average size of the Menasomes from 653.766±25.171 nm to 298.133±8.823 nm and increased entrapment efficiency 30.237±3.4204% to 83.616±2.550 %. The rat skin permeation study indicated that Menasome gel administered more MSB in dermal layers (439.000±36.190μg/cm2 or 23.827±1.964%) than MSB plain gel (286.200± 22.6μg/cm2 or 15.53±1.227%). In both the in vivo skin irritation test and the in vitro cytotoxicity experiment, the extended-release behavior of the enhanced Menasome demonstrated a minimal side effect profile. Furthermore, optimum Menasome inhibited melanin formation (37.426± 1.644% at 15μM) greater than free MSB (57.383±1.654%) considerably (p <0.05). Furthermore, Menasome 7 prevented L-dopa auto-oxidation in higher levels (95.140±2.439%) than pure MSB solution (83.953±1.629%). Conclusion: According to the study's findings, the prepared Menasome could be employed as a viable nanovehicle for MSB dermal delivery, a promising solution for the management of human hyperpigmentation disorders.

Personality vulnerability to depression, resilience, and depressive symptoms: epigenetic markers among perinatal women.

We examined differences in DNA methylation patterns in the NR3C1 and FKBP5 genes in relation to personality vulnerability to depression, resilience, and perinatal depressive symptoms, whilst also considering possible moderating effects of childhood traumatic events. N = 160 perinatal women were assessed at late pregnancy and 1 year postpartum for personality vulnerability to depression, resilience, depressive symptoms, and childhood traumatic events with self-reported questionnaires. NR3C1 and FKBP5 methylation markers were analyzed via sodium bisulfite sequencing. Associations of methylation markers with the above mentioned variables were tested using multivariable regressions. NR3C1 methylation at CpGs 1, 4 and average methylation sites were negatively associated with resilience; NR3C1 methylation at CpG 2 was positively associated with postpartum depressive symptoms; methylation at CpG 4 was positively associated with prenatal depressive symptoms. The interaction between current distress due to interpersonal traumatic events and NR3C1 CpG sites in relation to personality vulnerability was significant on CpG sites 3 and 4, whereas the interaction between current distress due to total traumatic events and NR3C1 in relation to personality vulnerability was significant on CpG site 2. FKBP5 showed no significant associations with the outcomes. This study identified associations between NR3C1 methylation and resilience as well as perinatal depressive symptoms. Interestingly, an interaction between early trauma and personality vulnerability was noted. Our findings on these specific DNA methylation markers may, if replicated and integrated into risk prediction models, contribute to early diagnosis of mothers at risk, targeted health promotion, and early interventions.

Sodium Houttuyfonate Alleviates Monocrotaline-induced Pulmonary Hypertension by Regulating Orai1 and Orai2.

An increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) is a key trigger for pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell (PASMC) proliferation and contributes greatly to pulmonary hypertension (PH). Extracellular Ca2+ influx via a store-operated Ca2+ channel, termed store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), is a crucial mechanism for [Ca2+]i increase in PASMCs. Calcium release-activated calcium modulator (Orai) proteins, consisting of three members (Orai1-3), are the main components of the store-operated Ca2+ channel. Sodium houttuyfonate (SH) is a product of the addition reaction of sodium bisulfite and houttuynin and has antibacterial, antiinflammatory, and other properties. In this study, we assessed the contributions of Orai proteins to monocrotaline (MCT)-enhanced SOCE, [Ca2+]i, and cell proliferation in PASMCs and determined the effect of SH on MCT-PH and the underlying mechanism, focusing on Orai proteins, SOCE, and [Ca2+]i in PASMCs. Our results showed that: 1) Orai1 and Orai2 were selectively upregulated in the distal pulmonary arteries and the PASMCs of MCT-PH rats; 2) knockdown of Orai1 or Orai2 reduced SOCE, [Ca2+]i, and cell proliferation without affecting their expression in PASMCs in MCT-PH rats; 3) SH significantly normalized the characteristic parameters in a dose-dependent manner in the MCT-PH rat model; and 4) SH decreased MCT-enhanced SOCE, [Ca2+]i, and PASMC proliferation via Orai1 or Orai2. These results indicate that SH likely exerts its protective role in MCT-PH by inhibiting the Orai1,2-SOCE-[Ca2+]i signaling pathway.

Efficacy of 2-chloroprocaine for spinal anesthesia compared to 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine: A randomized controlled study

In 1980s, nine cases of neurotoxicity were reported following the use of 2-chloroprocaine (2-CP). But, Taniguchi et al found that it was due to low pH and antioxidant sodium bisulfite. Further studies confirmed that it was safe to use the drug. It provides spinal anesthesia adequately.To study efficacy of 2-chloroprocaine for spinal anesthesia compared to 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaineThis was a randomized controlled study. We used prospective double blind method. The study was done in 100 patients. Random allocation software was used to randomize patients in two groups. Group 1 patients (N=50) received 4 ml 1% 2-chloroprocaine while Group 2 patients (N=50) were given 2.5 ml 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. Baseline parameters were similar in two groups (p>0.05). Parameters like Sensory onset, Height of Sensory blockade, Time for two segment regression, Duration of motor block, Time to void urine were significantly more patients belonging to Group-II (0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine) compared to patients belonging to group-I (2-chloroprocaine) (p<0.05). 4 ml 1% 2-chloroprocaine for intrathecal injection of lower limb and lower abdominal surgeries is more effective than 2.5 ml 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine.

A novel water‐in‐water emulsion drag reducer with instant solubility and viscosity enhancement for slickwater fracturing fluid

AbstractDrag reducers are indispensable components of slickwater fracturing fluids and play a pivotal role in the reconstitution of unconventional oil and gas reservoirs. Water‐in‐water emulsion (W/W) drag reducers have garnered significant attention owing to their rapid dissolution and environmentally benign properties. The solubility and viscosity enhancing ability of W/W drag reducers were further enhanced by synthesizing a novel W/W drag reducer through dispersion polymerization, thereby meeting the requirements of real‐time mixed fracturing construction technology. The solubility, viscosity enhancement, and synthesis state of the synthetic drag reducer were employed as evaluation criteria, whereby the synthetic systems underwent screening and optimization of the synthesis conditions. The final synthetic conditions were determined as follows: the monomer (AM and DMC) had a total mass concentration of 25 wt%, with an AM to DMC molar ratio of 95:5. The dispersion medium (sodium sulfate and sodium chloride) had a total mass concentration of 12 wt%, with a sodium sulfate to sodium chloride mass ratio of 1:2. The dispersion stabilizer PVP K60 had a mass concentration of 7 wt%. The initiator had a total mass concentration of 0.05 wt%, with an ammonium persulfate to sodium bisulfite mass ratio of 1:1. The reaction was conducted at 35°C and a stirring speed of 500 r min−1 for a duration of 8 h. The successful synthesis of the polymer was demonstrated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Environmental scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy have characterized that the drag reducer has good viscosity enhancement potential. The performance evaluation results show that the solid content of drag reducer was 32.68%, and the residue content was 11.70 mg L−1. The viscosity enhancement rate of 1.3 wt% drag reducer was 93.7%. The dissolution time of 0.1 wt% drag reducer was only 25 s. The drag‐reduction rate of drag reducer reached 73.52%. Experimental results have proved that the drag reducer has the advantages of instant solubility, appreciable viscosity enhancement and drag‐reduction efficiency, fully meeting the real‐time mixing fracturing construction conditions, improving construction efficiency, and reducing construction costs. We expect that this study can broaden the application of W/W drag reducers in unconventional reservoir and provide a theoretical basis for field applications.

Implementation of a MSRE ddPCR method for the detection of methylated WIF1 and NPY genes in colorectal cancer patients.

Colorectal cancer is a worldwide leading cause of death accounting for high-rate mortality. Mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor and RAS/MAPK pathways, as well as altered methylation genes profiles, have been described as molecular mechanisms promoting and sustaining tumour development and progression. Aberrant methylation is a well-known epigenetic mechanism involved in gene regulation; particularly several genes were reported as hypermethylated in CRC. Recently, it was shown that epigenetic alterations in genes such as neuropeptide y, proenkephalin and Wnt inhibitory factor 1 can be used as promising disease biomarkers. Almost all methods developed for the DNA methylation analysis combined next generation sequencing, conventional qRT-PCR or ddPCR with the prior DNA modification with sodium bisulfite. We implemented a ddPCR method to assess the methylation status of Wnt inhibitory factor 1 and neuropeptide y using the methylation sensitive restriction enzyme approach that does not impact on DNA quality and guarantees the discrimination of DNA methylation independent of bisulfite conversion. We showed that this method is robust and sensitive also allowing the monitoring of CRC disease progression when applied to circulating free DNA samples from liquid biopsies, proving to be a fast and easy to implement assay to be used for the monitoring of the methylation pattern of clinically relevant target genes.

Innovative process for sulphur recovery from waste incineration flue gases: production of marketable sodium bisulphite solution

ABSTRACT This study presents an innovative process for recovering sulphur from hazardous waste incineration flue gases, designed to produce a marketable sodium bisulphite solution while ensuring complete SO2 removal. This new process is characterized by a double absorption strategy at two different pH levels. The first step, at an acidic pH, generates the desired bisulphite solution, while the second step, at a basic pH, produces the sulphite solution for recycling into the first step and ensures total SO2 removal. The process’s performance and feasibility were evaluated on a laboratory scale using a batch reactor with synthetic gas. The parametric study focused on the initial sulphite concentration in the absorption solution and the reactor temperature. A removal efficiency exceeding 95% was achieved across all initial sulphite concentrations and temperature ranges, when the pH was maintained above 6. At pH 5, where bisulphites are the predominant sulphur species, the removal efficiency remained substantial at approximately 70%. The oxidation of sulphites/bisulphites by oxygen in the flue gases was minimal, with less than 5% conversion to sulphate. Additionally, pH-controlled experiments were conducted to optimize plant start-up procedures. For the basic reactor, starting with water and adjusting the pH to 8 during SO2 absorption effectively minimized sodium hydroxide consumption. In contrast, for the acidic reactor at pH 5, initiating the process with a concentrated sulphite solution resulted in more stable absorption rates. These findings underscore the process's potential for efficient sulphur recovery and highlight the importance of pH management in optimizing operational stability and chemical consumption.

High-Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis of DNA methylation using semiconductor chip-based digital PCR.

Digital PCR (dPCR) technology allows absolute quantification and detection of disease-associated rare variants, and thus the use of dPCR technology has been increasing in clinical research and diagnostics. The high-resolution melting curve analysis (HRM) of qPCR is widely used to distinguish true positives from false positives and detect rare variants. In particular, qPCR-HRM is commonly used for methylation assessment in research and diagnostics due to its simplicity and high reproducibility. Most dPCR instruments have limited fluorescence channels available and separate heating and imaging systems. Therefore, it is difficult to perform HRM analysis using dPCR instruments. A new digital real-time PCR instrument (LOAA) has been recently developed to integrate partitioning, thermocycling, and imaging in a single dPCR instrument. In addition, a new technique to perform HRM analysis is utilized in LOAA. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficiency and accuracy of LOAA dPCR on HRM analysis for the detection of methylation. In this study, comprehensive comparison with Bio-Rad qRT-PCR and droplet-based dPCR equipment was performed to verify the HRM analysis-based methylation detection efficiency of the LOAA digital PCR equipment. Here, sodium bisulfite modification method was applied to detect methylated DNA sequences by each PCR method. Melting curve analysis detected four different Tm values using LOAA and qPCR, and found that LOAA, unlike qPCR, successfully distinguished between different Tm values when the Tm values were very similar. In addition, melting temperatures increased by each methylation were about 0.5℃ for qPCR and about 0.2 ~ 0.6℃ for LOAA. The melting temperature analyses of methylated and unmethylated DNA samples were conducted using LOAA dPCR with TaqMan probes and EvaGreen, and the result found that Tm values of methylated DNA samples are higher than those of unmethylated DNA samples. The present study shows that LOAA dPCR could detect different melting temperatures according to methylation status of target sequences, indicating that LOAA dPCR would be useful for diagnostic applications that require the accurate quantification and assessment of DNA methylation.

Menadione sodium bisulfite as an efficient anti-corrosion additive for mild steel in acid corrosion: Electrochemical, surface morphological and theoretical studies

The corrosion inhibition behavior of Menadione Sodium Bisulfite (MSB) in 1.0 M HCl medium was evaluated using weight loss, electrochemical techniques (Tafel polarisation and Electrochemical impedance spectra), surface analysis (SEM and EDX), Density Functional Theory (DFT), Noncovalent interaction- Reduced Density Gradient (NCI-RDG) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulation techniques. Weight loss measurement showed that as inhibitor concentration increased, the corrosion rate decreased which means that a protective film formed on the metal surface. At 300 ppm, the inhibitor showed a maximum inhibition efficiency of 89.7 %. Tafel polarisation studies indicate that the inhibitor is mixed-type in nature. The inhibitor adsorption on the mild steel is the best fit for the Langmuir isotherm model. As the weak interaction of sodium and oxygen in the inhibitor molecules, the inhibitor exhibits two distinct equilibrium behaviors. (i) inhibitor with sodium (solid-state) and inhibitor without sodium (in liquid-state). These two behaviors were theoretically investigated using DFT and MD simulation studies. The inhibitor and metal interaction is further supported using these theoretical studies. The electron population of the inhibitor was analyzed using molecular electrostatic potential, NCI-RDG, Fukui function, and natural bond orbital analysis. These studies further give an understating of the inhibitor and metal interactions.

Maize grains treatments for total aflatoxin reduction for use as human food and livestock feed

Abstract Maize is prone to aflatoxin contamination prevailing in the high-risk regions in Kenya, where maize is rendered unfit for uses as food and feed. The objective of the study was to identify strategies that can be used to decontaminate aflatoxin in contaminated maize. Therefore, an experiment was conducted using maize from Kilifi contaminated with aflatoxin soaked in different solutions, done as single and combined treatments. Maize grains were used in portions of 250 g for the mitigation experiments and placed in conical flasks of 1 litre capacity and treatment application done. All the treatments were compared to the control with no treatment applied and set to 100%. The results revealed that, aflatoxin was reduced by 78.9% by soaking maize kernels in distilled water for 24 h under a single treatment. Soaking in aqueous ammonia for 24 h reduced aflatoxin by 68.1%. Soaking grains in sodium bisulphite for 24 h reduced by 59.3% and citric acid by 38.8%. The combination of sorting and aqueous ammonia was most effective with 90.8% aflatoxin reduction. The combination of sorting and sodium bisulphite lowered the levels to 72.9%, while citric acid and dehulling were 55.3% effective. Aflatoxin reduction methods to levels that are within the allowable limits of 10 μg/kg and 20 μg/kg will enable grains to be used as human food and livestock feed, respectively. Therefore, effective methods should be adopted by farmers to put maize to good use for human food and livestock feed instead of throwing away or using it with the high levels of aflatoxin.

Andrographolide suppresses the malignancy of pancreatic cancer via alleviating DNMT3B-dependent repression of tumor suppressor gene ZNF382

BackgroundPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive cancer type that urgently requires effective therapeutic strategies. Andrographolide, a labdane diterpenoid compound abundant in Andrographis paniculata, has anticancer effects against various cancer types, but its anticancer activity and mechanism against PDAC remain largely uncharacterized. PurposeThis study explores novel drug target(s) and underlying molecular mechanism of andrographolide against PDAC. Study design and methodsThe malignant phenotypes of PDAC cells, PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cells, were measured using MTT, clonogenic assays, and Transwell migration assays. A PDAC xenograft animal model was used to evaluate tumor growth in vivo. Western blot, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were used for measuring protein expression. The TCGA database was analyzed to evaluate promoter methylation status, gene expression, and their relationship with patient survival rates. RT-qPCR was used for detecting mRNA expression. Reporter assays were used for detecting signal transduction pathways. Promoter DNA methylation was determined by sodium bisulfite treatment and methylation-specific PCR (MSP). The biological function and role of specific genes involved in drug effects were measured through gene overexpression. ResultsAndrographolide treatment suppressed the proliferation and migration of PDAC cells and impaired tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, andrographolide induced the mRNA and protein expression of zinc finger protein 382 (ZNF382) in PDAC cells. Overexpression of ZNF382 inhibited malignant phenotypes and cancer-associated signaling pathways (AP-1, NF-κB and β-catenin) and oncogenes (ZEB-1, STAT-3, STAT-5, and HIF-1α). Overexpression of ZNF382 delayed growth of PANC-1 cells in vivo. ZNF382 mRNA and protein expression was lower in tumor tissues than in adjacent normal tissues of pancreatic cancer patients. Analysis of the TCGA database found the ZNF382 promoter is hypermethylated in primary pancreatic tumors which correlates with its low expression. Furthermore, andrographolide inhibited the expression of DNA methyltransferase 3 beta (DNMT3B) and increased the demethylation of the ZNF382 promoter in PDAC cells. Overexpression of DNMT3B attenuated the andrographolide-suppressed proliferation and migration of PDAC cells. ConclusionOur finding revealed that ZNF382 acts as a tumor suppressor gene in pancreatic cancer and andrographolide restores ZNF382 expression to suppress pancreatic cancer, providing a novel molecular target and a promising therapeutic approach for treating pancreatic cancer.

Characterisation of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) starch isolated by conventional and ultrasound‐assisted starch isolation methods

SummaryStarch is a versatile biomaterial with a wide range of applications across various industrial sectors. Therefore, starch isolation methods play a crucial role in fulfilling the demand for high‐quality starch required for different applications. Waxy maize starch is the most used starch for different food applications. It is isolated using an alkaline extraction method and available in the market at a high price. The traditional process of starch isolation involves labour‐intensive and costly downstream processing that leads to exploring cost‐effective isolation methods for various food applications. Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) is an underutilised cereal crop composed of 65–70% of starch. In the present study, the starch from finger millet is isolated using conventional and ultrasound‐assisted isolation methods to fulfil the current requirement. The isolated finger millet starch was characterised by morphological structure obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffractogram (XRD), infrared spectrum obtained by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT‐IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, and rheological analysis. The SEM images confirmed the reduced particle size and uniform grain size distribution in the starch isolated using ultrasound‐assisted isolation. The relative crystallinity of starch isolated using ultrasound‐assisted isolation method (69.05 ± 0.57%) was higher compared to other conventional isolation methods (57.18 ± 0.70%, 67.66 ± 1.00%, and 68.34 ± 0.33% for distilled water soaking, alkali soaking, and sodium bisulphite soaking, respectively). The FTIR analysis confirmed no significant changes in the functional group of starch with respect to different isolation methods. Thermal and rheological analysis of isolated starch using ultrasound‐assisted isolation indicated the lowest gelatinisation enthalpy (45.38 ± 1.67 J/g) and showed the lowest loss factor indicating the most elastic behaviour, respectively.

Prenatal Arsenic Exposure on DNA Methylation of C18ORF8 and ADAMTS9 Genes of Newborns from the POSGRAD Birth Cohort Study.

Exposure to arsenic (As) is a public health problem associated with cancer (skin and colon) and it has been reported that epigenetic changes may be a potential mechanism of As carcinogenesis. It is pertinent to evaluate this process in genes that have been associated with cancer, such as ADAMTS9 and C18ORF8. Gestation and delivery data were obtained from the POSGRAD study. Exposure to As was measured in urine during pregnancy. Gene methylation was performed by sodium bisulfite sequencing; 26 CpG sites for the C18ORF8 gene and 21 for ADAMTS9 were analyzed. These sites are located on the CpG islands near the start of transcription. Sociodemographic characteristics were obtained by a questionnaire. The statistical analysis was performed using multiple linear regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Newborns with an As exposure above 49.4 μg g-1 showed a decrease of 0.21% on the methylation rate in the sites CpG15, CpG19, and CpG21 of the C18ORF8 gene (adjusted ß = -0.21, p-value = 0.02). No statistically significant association was found between prenatal exposure to As and methylation of the ADAMTS9 gene. Prenatal exposure to As was associated with decreased DNA methylation at the CpG15, CpG19, and CpG21 sites of the C18ORF8 gene. These sites can provide information to elucidate epigenetic mechanisms associated with prenatal exposure to As and cancer.

Inhibitory effect and the involved mechanism of furaneol on enzymatic browning of potatoes

Enzymatic browning is an important issue impacting the shelf life of fresh-cut potatoes. Using browning inhibitors is an effective method to solve the issue. This research aimed to identify novel and safe inhibitors of enzymatic browning. The research first investigated the inhibitory role of furan compounds in enzymatic browning, then explored the anti-browning effect of furaneol and the involved mechanism. Among the eight tested furan compounds classified as flavorings in food additives, seven showed anti-browning effects, of which three demonstrated superior efficacy in delaying browning compared to the others. Based on the efficacy and odor, furaneol as one natural flavor composition of fresh fruit was selected to be further investigated. At 4 °C, control potatoes browned on day 1. However, furaneol at concentrations of 4 and 8 mM prevented the fresh-cut potatoes from browning for up to 10 d, and their anti-browning efficacies reached that of sodium bisulfite. Sensory evaluation showed the treated fresh-cut potatoes exhibited a slight and acceptable sweet aroma, which quickly disappeared after heat cooking. Further research revealed furaneol reduced the activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), chelated Cu2+, and acted as a mixed-type inhibitor of PPO with competitive inhibition being the dominant. Circular dichroism analysis indicated furaneol decreased α-helix content, increased the β-fold content, and altered the secondary structure of PPO. Fluorescence quenching data showed furaneol can form complexes with PPO, quench the fluorescence produced by PPO and change its tertiary structure. Molecular docking suggested that furaneol could enter the active center region near copper ions and interact with surrounding amino residues through van der Waals force, pi-alkyl interactions and carbon-hydrogen bonds. Furaneol can also cause the brown pigment colorless to a certain extent. Moreover, furaneol addition also improved the antioxidant capacity of enzymatic browning reaction system. Our study first reported the inhibitory effect of furan compounds on enzymatic browning and furaneol has great potential as an anti-browning inhibitor for fresh-cut produce in future.