Thiol Content Research Articles

Study on desulfurization mechanism of ILs-H2O2 system and its influence on coal structures

Ionic liquids (ILs) were selected and applied to investigate the best coal desulfurization through orthogonal tests. FTIR, XPS, SEM and contact angle tests were used to characterize the effect on the physical and chemical structures in coal for revealing the coal desulfurization mechanism by ILs-H2O2 system. The orthogonal test results showed that reaction temperature and reaction time were the main influencing factors for the desulfurization rates of coal in the ILs-H2O2 system, and the ILs synergy could effectively improve the desulfurization rates of H2O2. The maximum coal desulfurization rates of [BMIM][HSO4], [BMIM][OTF], and [BMIM][BF4] ionic liquids were 30.7%, 30%, and 33.2%, respectively. The results indicated that the alkyl groups in coal were oxidized and the contents of oxygen-containing functional groups such as hydroxyl and carbonyl increased. Coal surface underwent swelling, the internal pores increased and new pores and cracks were generated. The wettability of coal improved substantially. In addition, the physical structures changes in coal facilitated the contact between the extractant and the sulfur-containing structures. The contents of thiols and sulfides in coal significantly decreased and were oxidized to sulfoxides and sulfones, with some further oxidized to soluble sulfites or sulfates. Thus achieving removal from coal.

Essential oil and fenchone extracted from Tetradenia riparia (Hochstetter.) Codd (Lamiaceae) induce oxidative stress in Culex quinquefasciatus larvae (Diptera: Culicidae) without causing lethal effects on non-target animals.

We investigated the larvicidal activity of the essential oil (EO) from Tetradenia riparia and its majority compound fenchone for controlling Culex quinquefasciatus larvae, focusing on reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities, and total thiol content as oxidative stress indicators. Moreover, the lethal effect of EO and fenchone was evaluated against Anisops bouvieri, Diplonychus indicus, Danio rerio, and Paracheirodon axelrodi. The EO and fenchone (5 to 25µg/mL) showed larvicidal activity (LC50 from 16.05 to 18.94µg/mL), followed by an overproduction of RONS, and changes in the activity of CAT, GST, AChE, and total thiol content. The Kaplan-Meier followed by Log-rank (Mantel-Cox) analyses showed a 100% survival rate for A. bouvieri, D. indicus, D. rerio, and P. axelrodi when exposed to EO and fenchone (262.6 and 302.60µg/mL), while α-cypermethrin (0.25µg/mL) was extremely toxic to these non-target animals, causing 100% of death. These findings emphasize that the EO from T. riparia and fenchone serve as suitable larvicides for controlling C. quinquefasciatus larvae, without imposing lethal effects on the non-target animals investigated.

Distinguishable short-term effects of tea and water drinking on human saliva redox

Food consumption can alter the biochemistry and redox status of human saliva, and the serving temperature of food may also play a role. The study aimed to explore the immediate (3 min) and delayed (30 min) effects of hot tea (57 ± 0.5 °C) ingestion and cold tea (8 ± 0.5 °C) ingestion on the salivary flow rate and salivary redox-relevant attributes. The saliva was collected from 20 healthy adults before, 3-min after and 30-min after the tea ingestion. The hot or cold deionised water at the same temperatures were used as control. The salivary flow rate and redox markers in hot tea (HBT), cold tea (CBT), hot water (HW) and cold water (CW) group were analysed and compared. The results demonstrated that neither the black tea nor the water altered the salivary flow rate; the black tea immediately increased the salivary thiol (SH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content while reduced salivary uric acid (UA) significantly. The tea ingestion showed a tendency to elevate the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) in saliva, although not significantly. The water ingestion decreased the MDA content immediately and increased the UA level significantly. Cold water was found to induce a greater delayed increase in total salivary total protein (TPC) than the hot water. In conclusion, the black tea ingestion affects the redox attributes of human saliva acutely and significantly, while the temperature of drink makes the secondary contribution.

Oil-extracted from flaxseeds protects against endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress by modulating nitric oxide, thiols contents and improving redox status in ouabain-induced hypertensive rats

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the antihypertensive and antioxidant effects of flaxseed oil in ouabain-induced hypertensive in normal rats Wistar. MethodsExperimental hypertension was induced by a daily subcutaneous (sc) injection of 10μg/kg/day/rat of ouabain diluted in 9g/L of saline solution (NaCl) for 21 days (n=16). Animals were then divided into two groups fed an experimental diet containing 20% casein supplemented (Ouab-Oil-Lu) or not (Ouab) with 1% flaxseed oil whereas control rats (n=8) received only a daily sc injection of NaCl. ResultsThe results showed that supplementing hypertensive rats with 1% flaxseed oil decreased significantly (P<0.05) the systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure, ameliorated plasma and liver lipid profile and reduced glucose levels in plasma. Similarly, flaxseed oil decreased TBARS levels in plasma and tissues, as well as carbonyl levels in the heart. Interestingly, this supplementation increased GSH, thiols and nitric oxide levels and improved AchE and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and GSH-Px) in the tissues. ConclusionsOur findings suggested that flaxseed oil may provide a rationale for antihypertensive use in traditional medicine.

The halotolerant white sea anemone Anthothoe chilensis, highly abundant in brine discharges zones, as a promising biomonitoring species for evaluating the impacts of desalination plants

Seawater desalination raises concerns about its environmental repercussions, particularly the impact of brine discharge on benthic communities. In this study, we evaluated the effects of desalination and artificial brines on the sea anemone Anthothoe chilensis, following its observed proliferation near a brine outfall from a Chilean desalination plant. We measured biomarkers for oxidative stress (ROS content, lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonylation), antioxidant response (thiols), and osmotic stress (free amino acids and proline) in individuals collected from a brine discharge pipe (∼56 psu) and compared them to a population living in natural seawater salinity. Additionally, we conducted controlled laboratory experiments where A. chilensis specimens were exposed to a control salinity of 33 psu and to elevated salinities of 37 and 42 psu for 24 and 48 h. Results revealed a significant decrease in oxidative damage biomarkers, such as protein carbonylation and ROS content, along with an increase in free amino acids, proline, and thiols content at higher salinity levels, particularly under controlled conditions. These findings demonstrate the remarkable efficient cellular stress responses of this highly halotolerant species, which could potentially promote risky A. chilensis blooms in brine discharges areas. Additionally, this study provides valuable biomarker information for assessing the short-term impacts of brine discharges, which can be used in biomonitoring programs within the desalination sector.

Effect of plant polysaccharides on the conformation and gel properties of the Eugenol–Myofibrillar protein complex

This study investigated the effect of plant polysaccharides on the conformation and gel properties of the eugenol (Eu)-myofibrillar protein (MP) complex. Adding 0.5% inulin (I) and konjac glucomannan (K), which are two plant polysaccharides, to the Eu-MP complex lead to the inhibition of the Eu–MP interaction, which significantly increased carbonyl and thiol contents and surface hydrophobicity. Both polysaccharides significantly inhibited the reduction in the α-helix content (Eu-MP: 14.95%; Eu-MP-I: 18.04%; Eu-MP-K: 19.92%), thereby maintaining hydrogen bond stability in the protein. I and K significantly increased the strength of the complex gel and the storage modulus. Additionally, I and K promoted the formation of a denser gel structure of the Eu-MP complex, which significantly decreased moisture migration and the cooking loss of the gel. This study thus provides a theoretical basis for adding polysaccharide to inhibit the polyphenol–protein interaction so as to enhance the functional properties of proteins, as well as the practical application of polyphenols and polysaccharides in meat product processing.

Unravelling the Mechanisms of Heavy Metal Tolerance: Enhancement in Hydrophilic Antioxidants and Major Antioxidant Enzymes Is Not Crucial for Long-Term Adaptation to Copper in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

Understanding of the mechanisms of heavy metal tolerance in algae is important for obtaining strains that can be applied in wastewater treatment. Cu is a redox-active metal directly inducing oxidative stress in exposed cells. The Cu-tolerant Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strain Cu2, obtained via long-term adaptation, displayed increased guaiacol peroxidase activity and contained more lipophilic antioxidants, i.e., α-tocopherol and plastoquinol, than did non-tolerant strain N1. In the present article, we measured oxidative stress markers; the content of ascorbate, soluble thiols, and proline; and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) in N1 and Cu2 strains grown in the absence or presence of excessive Cu. The Cu2 strain displayed less pronounced lipid peroxidation and increased APX activity compared to N1. The amount of antioxidants was similar in both strains, while SOD and CAT activity was lower in the Cu2 strain. Exposure to excessive Cu led to a similar increase in proline content in both strains and a decrease in ascorbate and thiols, which was more pronounced in the N1 strain. The Cu2 strain was less tolerant to another redox-active heavy metal, namely chromium. Apparently other mechanisms, probably connected to Cu transport, partitioning, and chelation, are more important for Cu tolerance in Cu2 strain.

PEGylation of NIR Cd0.3Pb0.7S aqueous quantum dots for stabilization and reduction of nonspecific binding to cells

Cd0.3Pb0.7S (CdPbS) aqueous quantum dots (AQDs) made with 3-mercaptoproprionic acid (MPA) as a ligand have the advantages of emitting near-infrared light, well above 800 nm, that completely circumvents interference from tissue autofluorescence and have significant amounts of ligands for bioconjugation. However, retaining the right amount of MPA became a challenge when using CdPbS AQDs for bioimaging because retaining too much MPA could lead to significant nonspecific staining in cell imaging while insufficient MPA could cause AQDs instability in biological systems. Here we examined PEGylation (i.e. chemically linking amine-functionalized polyethylene glycol (PEG)) to modify MPA on the AQDs surface to improve AQDs stability and reduce nonspecific staining. In addition, for conjugation with antibodies, a bifunctional PEG with a carboxyl functionality was used to permit chemical linkage of a PEG to an antibody on the other end. It was found that performing PEGylation at the thiol concentration where the zeta potential becomes saturated stabilized the CdPbS AQDs suspension and reduced nonspecific binding to cells. Furthermore, with the bifunctional PEG, the CdPbS AQDs were conjugated with antibodies and the AQD-Ab conjugates were shown to stain cancer cells specifically against normal cells with a signal-to-noise ratio of 8.

Exploring the correlation between environmental pesticide exposure and antioxidant level in recently diagnosed cancer patients

Aim: Within biological systems thiol and ascorbic acid are important antioxidant that play roles in the antioxidant defense systems. In this study, we investigated the correlation between environmental pesticide exposure and antioxidant level in recently diagnosed cancer patients. Methodology: Blood samples were collected from 87 participants (48 male and 39 female) including control, gallbladder, blood, and oral cancer patients. Serum total thiol content and antioxidant ascorbic acid levels were measured by biochemical method. We also examined whether there is any correlation between the plasma thiol content and ascorbic acid content in cancer prevention. Results: Analysis indicated that most of the cancer patients belonged to middle age and were mostly non-vegetarian. In the present study, it was found that the total thiol content of cancer pateints was high, while the ascorbic acid content was low in cancer patients as compared to control indicating the role of oxidative stress in cancer development. Interpretation: The present study suggests that pesticide exposure may increase the total thiol content and negatively impact ascorbic acid content in cancer patients. Key words: Antioxidant, Blood cancer, Epidemiology, Gallbladder cancer, Oral cancer, Pesticide

Insights into the trypanothione system in antimony-resistant and sensitive Leishmania tropica clinical isolates

Pentavalent antimonials are the mainstay treatment against different clinical forms of leishmaniasis. The emergence of resistant isolates in endemic areas has led to treatment failure. Unraveling the underlying resistance mechanism would assist in improving the treatment strategies against resistant isolates. This study aimed to investigate the RNA expression level of glutathione synthetase (GS), Spermidine synthetase (SpS), trypanothione synthetase (TryS) genes involved in trypanothione synthesis, and thiol-dependent reductase (TDR) implicated in drug reduction, in antimony-sensitive and -resistant Leishmania tropica isolates. We investigated 11 antimony-resistant and 11 antimony-sensitive L. tropica clinical isolates from ACL patients. Drug sensitivity of amastigotes was determined in mouse macrophage cell line J774A.1. The RNA expression level in the promastigote forms was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. The results revealed a significant increase in the average expression of GS, SpS, and TrpS genes by 2.19, 1.56, and 2.33-fold in resistant isolates compared to sensitive ones. The average expression of TDR was 1.24-fold higher in resistant isolates, which was insignificant. The highest correlation coefficient between inhibitory concentration (IC50) values and gene expression belonged to the TryS, GS, SpS, and TDR genes. Moreover, the intracellular thiol content was increased 2.17-fold in resistant isolates compared to sensitive ones and positively correlated with IC50 values. Our findings suggest that overexpression of trypanothione biosynthesis genes and increased thiol content might play a key role in the antimony resistance of L. tropica clinical isolates. In addition, the diversity of gene expression in the trypanothione system and thiol content among L. tropica clinical isolates highlighted the phenotypic heterogeneity of antimony resistance among the parasite population.

Effect of thiol compound on the dentin bond strength when using experimental one-bottle self-etch adhesive system

This study evaluated improvements in the micro-tensile bond strength of a one-bottle adhesive to dentin upon incorporating a thiol compound. Formulations containing 0, 0.1, 0.3 or 0.5% of the thiol were prepared (TH78-0, TH78-0.1, TH78-0.3 and TH78-0.5). Flat dentin surfaces were produced on non-carious extracted human molars using a diamond saw and 600 grit SiC paper. Each surface was subsequently treated with one of the four experimental adhesives or a commercially available adhesive (Scotchbond Universal Adhesive), following the manufacturers’ instructions. A resin composite was then incrementally built on the adhesive-treated surfaces and light-cured, after which the bonded specimens were sectioned and subjected to micro-tensile bond strength tests. Bond strengths ranging from 28.7 MPa (for the TH78-0.5) to 45.9 MPa (for the TH78-0.1) were obtained from the experimental specimens, whereas the commercial adhesive showed a strength of 36.9 MPa. A 0.1% thiol concentration therefore increased the baseline bonding of the adhesive and gave the highest strength, with significantly decreased values in the cases of 0.3% and 0.5% concentrations.

Polymer-dispersed liquid crystal with low driving voltage utilising reaction selectivity of two-stage polymerisation

ABSTRACT An optimised approach is presented in this study for the fabrication of a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) device with a low driving voltage and high contrast ratio (CR). This method involves a two-step process utilising Michael addition and radical polymerisation, employing a reaction-selective orthogonal photoinitiated system. The impact of incorporating low surface energy monomers on PDLC performance is thoroughly investigated, and the driving voltage is further reduced through selective reaction-induced interface modification. The polymer morphology can be finely tuned by adjusting the thiol content, leading to various PDLC properties. This paper introduces a novel surface modification technique within the polymer-liquid crystal system, presenting a fresh perspective on regulating PDLC performance. By choosing monomer structures, the sequence of reactions can be precisely controlled, allowing for the introduction of structural units with distinct functionalities at the polymer interface. This approach facilitates interfacial functionalization and enables the design of multi-layer structures for synthetic polymers, realising innovative functionalities.

Senolytics prevent age-associated changes in female mice brain

PurposeConsidering that the combination of dasatinib and quercetin (D + Q) demonstrated a neuroprotective action, as well as that females experience a decline in hormonal levels during aging and this is linked to increased susceptibility to Alzheimer’s disease, in this study we evaluated the effect of D + Q on inflammatory and oxidative stress markers and on acetylcholinesterase and Na+, K+-ATPase activities in brain of female mice. MethodsFemale C57BL/6 mice were divided in Control and D (5 mg/kg) + Q (50 mg/kg) treated. Treatment was administered via gavage for three consecutive days every two weeks starting at 30 days of age. The animals were euthanized at 6 months of age and at 14 months of age. ResultsResults indicate an increase in reactive species (RS), thiol content and lipid peroxidation followed by a reduction in nitrite levels and superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione S-transferase activity in the brain of control animals with age. D+Q protected against age-associated increase in RS and catalase activity reduction. Acetylcholinesterase activity was increased, while Na+, K+-ATPase activity was reduced at 14 months of age and D+Q prevented this reduction. ConclusionThese data demonstrate that D+Q can protect against age-associated neurochemical alterations in the female brain.

Enhancing the functional properties of peanut protein hydrolysates: covalent modification with chlorogenic acid

SummaryThis study aimed to enhance the functional properties of peanut protein hydrolysates (PPHs) by coupling limited enzymatic hydrolysis with chlorogenic acid (CGA) modification, thus offering novel insights into the potential food industry applications of peanut proteins. Initially, peanut protein isolate was hydrolysed using trypsin. Subsequently, covalent conjugation with CGA was achieved via free‐radical grafting. The moderately hydrolysed 4% PPHs had the highest polyphenol‐binding capacity. Measurement of the PPHs‐CGA complex revealed that free amino, thiol, and tryptophan contents were reduced. The amino acid content results also showed that cysteine, lysine, arginine, and methionine (with amino or thiol groups) were the primary binding sites. Spherical or rod‐like structures were observed in the scanning electron microscopy images of PPHs‐CGA, and its particle size was larger than that of the PPHs. After combining PPHs and CGA, the fluorescence intensity decreased, Fourier‐transform infrared spectrum showed a shift in the absorption peak, and electrophoresis band weakened, indicating that covalent binding was successful. PPHs with different degrees of hydrolysis have different levels of exposure to amino acids, and their antioxidant properties differ when combined with CGA. After combining, the surface hydrophobicity was reduced, and the secondary structure was unfolded and extended, thereby improving its emulsifying properties. In summary, PPHs‐CGA may be used in the food industry as a bi‐type food factor and proposes a new application for peanut protein in food.

Antioxidant responses driven by Hesperetin and Hesperidin counteract Parkinson's disease-like phenotypes in Drosophila melanogaster

The study investigated the protective effects of Hesperetin (HSP) and Hesperidin (HSD) on 1 methyl, 4 phenyl, 1,2,3,6 tetrahydropyridine hydrochloride (MPTP)-induced Parkinsonism in Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster). After a lifespan study to select exposure time and concentrations, flies were co-exposed to MPTP (0.4 mg/g diet), Hesperetin (0.2 and 0.4 mg/g diet), and Hesperidin (0.1 and 0.4 mg/g) for 7 days. In addition to in vivo parameters, we assayed some markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant status (lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, thiol content, hydrogen peroxide, and nitrate/nitrite levels, mRNA expression of Keap-1 (Kelch-like ECH associated protein 1), /Nrf2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2), catalase, and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities), and cholinergic (acetyl cholinesterase activity (AChE) and dopaminergic signaling content and the mRNA expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), monoamine oxidase (MAO-like) activity). In addition to increasing the lifespan of flies, we found that both flavonoids counteracted the adverse effects of MPTP on survival, offspring emergence, and climbing ability of flies. Both flavonoids also reduced the oxidative damage on lipids and proteins and reestablished the basal levels of pro-oxidant species and activities of antioxidant enzymes in MPTP-exposed flies. These responses were accompanied by the normalization of the mRNA expression of Keap1/Nrf2 disrupted in flies exposed to MPTP. MPTP exposure also elicited changes in mRNA expression and content of TH as well as in MAO and AChE activity, which were reversed by HST and HSD. By efficiently hindering the oxidative stress in MPTP-exposed flies, our findings support the promising role of Hesperetin and Hesperidin as adjuvant therapy to manage Parkinsonism induced by chemicals such as MPTP.

Systemic oxidative stress may be associated with reduced IgG antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2 in vaccinated kidney transplant recipients: A post-hoc analysis of the RECOVAC-IR observational study

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses an increased risk for severe illness and suboptimal vaccination responses in patients with kidney disease, in which oxidative stress may be involved. Oxidative stress can be reliably measured by determining circulating free thiols (R–SH, sulfhydryl groups), since R–SH are rapidly oxidized by reactive species. In this study, we aimed to examine the association between serum free thiols and the ability to mount a humoral immune response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in kidney patients. MethodsSerum free thiol concentrations were measured in patients with chronic kidney disease stages 4/5 (CKD G4/5) (n = 46), on dialysis (n = 43), kidney transplant recipients (KTR) (n = 73), and controls (n = 50). Baseline serum free thiol and interferon-γ-induced protein-10 (IP-10) – a biomarker of the interferon response – were analyzed for associations with seroconversion rates and SARS-CoV-2 spike (S1)-specific IgG concentrations after two doses of the mRNA-1273 vaccine. ResultsAlbumin-adjusted serum free thiol concentrations were significantly lower in patients with CKD G4/5 (P < 0.001), on dialysis (P < 0.001), and KTR (P < 0.001), as compared to controls. Seroconversion rates after full vaccination were markedly reduced in KTR (52.1%) and were significantly associated with albumin-adjusted free thiols (OR = 1.76, P = 0.033). After adjustment for MMF use, hemoglobin, and eGFR, this significance was not sustained (OR = 1.49, P = 0.241). ConclusionsKTR show suboptimal serological responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, which is inversely associated with serum R–SH, reflecting systemic oxidative stress. Albeit this association was not robust to relevant confounding factors, it may at least partially be involved in the inability of KTR to generate a positive serological response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.

The Thiol Group Reactivity and the Antioxidant Property of Human Serum Albumin Are Controlled by the Joint Action of Fatty Acids and Glucose Binding.

The binding of ubiquitous serum ligands (free fatty acids) to human serum albumin (HSA) or its glycation can affect thiol group reactivity, thus influencing its antioxidant activity. The effects of stearic acid (SA) and glucose binding on HSA structural changes and thiol group content and reactivity were monitored by fluoroscopy and the Ellman method during a 14-day incubation in molar ratios to HSA that mimic pathophysiological conditions. Upon incubation with 5 mM glucose, HSA glycation was the same as HSA without it, in three different HSA:SA molar ratios (HSA:SA-1:1-2-4). The protective effect of SA on the antioxidant property of HSA under different glucose regimes (5-10-20 mM) was significantly affected by molar ratios of HSA:SA. Thiol reactivity was fully restored with 5-20 mM glucose at a 1:1 HSA:SA ratio, while the highest thiol content recovery was in pathological glucose regimes at a 1:1 HSA:SA ratio. The SA affinity for HSA increased significantly (1.5- and 1.3-fold, p < 0.01) with 5 and 10 mM glucose compared to the control. These results deepen the knowledge about the possible regulation of the antioxidant role of HSA in diabetes and other pathophysiological conditions and enable the design of future HSA-drug studies which, in turn, is important for clinicians when designing information-based treatments.

Effects of Berberis vulgaris fruit extract on oxidative stress status in the kidney and liver of diabetic rats.

Oxidative stress has a key role in the diabetes pathogenesis and complications. Berberis vulgaris is known in folk medicine for curing several diseases. The current research aimed to assess the influences of Berberis vulgaris fruit extract against oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, ip) was injected to male rats. After diabetes confirmation, animals received the Berberis vulgaris fruit extract daily at amounts of 3.5 and 7.5 % of drinking water (v/v) for six weeks. Total thiol and lipid peroxidation levels were assessed in the serum, liver, kidney and spleen at the end of the study. Diabetic rats exhibited hyperglycemia along with enhancement of lipid peroxidation levels in the serum, liver, kidney and spleen, and decrement of total thiol content in the kidney and liver tissues. Chronic administration of Berberis vulgaris fruit extract at amount of 3.5 % of drinking water decreased the lipid peroxidation level in the serum and liver, and enhanced total thiol level in the liver and kidney. Berberis vulgaris fruit extract exerts antioxidant activity in the serum, liver and kidney organs of diabetic rats. Therefore, it might be used in the prevention and control of diabetes complications.

Emerging contaminants at trace levels of pesticides perturbs biomolecules in different organs in mice: Role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha

Objectives: Information is lacking on the consequences of chronic exposure to emerging contaminants at environmentally relevant (trace concentrations) on biomolecules. Environmental exposure to these chemical mixtures happens at trace concentrations and at multiple molecular interactions. The consequences of trace concentrations of multiple pesticides (MPs) on the regulation of selected biomolecules nitric oxide (NO), thiols, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the tissues from wild type (WT) and genetically deficient- peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα) knockout (Null) mice were investigated. Material and Methods: Mice were exposed to trace concentrations of MPs: Atrazine, dieldrin, endrin, endosulfan, and anthracene (1–100 ng/L) in drinking water for 6 weeks. Organs were collected and homogenized; NO, protein and non-protein thiol levels, as well as SOD and GST activities were determined. Results: Differential and organ selective effects of the treatments were observed in the WT and PPARα knockout. Increased NO levels were observed in the organs from WT with limited increase in the kidney (Null). SOD activity was decreased in the organs from the WT and was increased in the PPARα knockout when compared to the control. Thiol level was significantly increased in the heart and spleen in the WT and in the heart of the PPARα knockout mice when compared to the control. Non-protein thiol concentration was reduced in the heart and kidney (WT) and reduced in the liver of the PPARα knockout when compared to the control. GST activity was significantly decreased in the liver and spleen (WT) and was significantly elevated in all organs in the PPARα knockout mice when compared to the WT. Conclusion: The low concentrations of MPs may have caused selective dysregulation of biomolecules in different organs of the body. These effects observed may be influenced by genetic status such as in PPARα deficiency. These results present a scenario that implicates nanoconcentrations of series of organic contaminants that can cause cellular and molecular dysregulations of biomolecules precipitating toxicity and pathology that can be a threat to human health. Further, investigation into the molecular mechanism(s) and signaling pathway(s) implicated in these dysregulations is warranted.

Assessing the Impact of Pomegranate Peel Extract Active Packaging and High Hydrostatic Pressure Processing on Color and Oxidative Stability in Sliced Nitrate/Nitrite-Reduced Iberian Dry-Cured Loins

Our study aimed to assess the impact of active packaging with pomegranate peel extract (0.06 mg gallic acid eq./cm2) and/or high-pressure treatment (600 MPa, 7 min) on the instrumental color, lipid, and protein oxidation of Iberian dry loins formulated with reduced nitrate/nitrite levels (0, 37.5, and 150 mg/kg) during 100-day refrigerated storage (4 °C). CIE L*a*b* coordinates were measured, and malondialdehyde, carbonyls, and free thiol contents served as markers for lipid and protein oxidation. Active packaging lowered CIE L* (35.4 vs. 34.1) and a* (15.5 vs. 14.5) and increased yellowness (15.6 vs. 16.3) and hue (45.2 vs. 48.4), while pressurization increased CIE L* (33.1 vs. 36.3) and diminished a* values (16.1 vs. 13.9). Ongoing nitrate/nitrite amounts significantly influenced lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl formation, and free thiol loss. Active packaging and high-pressure processing had varying effects on carbonyl and thiol contents. Neither pressurization nor active packaging impacted malondialdehyde formation. Pressurization enhanced the formation of 4-HNE (503 vs. 697 pg/g). Protein oxidation proved more sensitive to changes, with active packaging offering protection against protein carbonylation (15.4 vs. 14.7 nmol carbonyls/mg protein), while pressurization induced thiol loss (34.3 vs. 28.0 nmol Cys eq./mg protein). This comprehensive understanding provides essential insights for the meat industry, emphasizing the necessity for customized processing conditions to enhance color stability, lipid preservation, and protein integrity in dry-cured loin slices.