Free Radical Scavenging Enzymes Research Articles

Investigating the enzymatic response of Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) to Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) Infection: A Comprehensive study

The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella, poses a significant threat to cruciferous crops due to its resistance to conventional insecticides. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), such as Metarhizium anisopliae offer a promising solution for the management of P. xylostella. When exposed to lethal or sub-lethal doses of microbial insecticides especially EPF, insects often mount various immune responses as a survival mechanism, including the activation of detoxification and protective enzymes. In this study, M. anisopliae (Ma1) isolated from soil resulted in 94.00 ± 0.245 percent mortality of DBM at a conidial load of 1 x 109 conidia/ml, with an LC50 value of 2.70 x 106 conidia/ml. The activity of various detoxifying and free radical scavenging enzymes was assessed in whole-body samples of P. xylostella at varying time intervals after inoculation with the entomopathogenic fungi. The results showed that the activity of the enzymes increased after 48 h of inoculation, reaching a maximum at 96 h after inoculation. After 96 h, the activity of these enzymes started to decline significantly. In conclusion, the M. anisopliae isolate Ma1 was found to be highly effective against P. xylostella. Therefore, it could be formulated using appropriate carrier material and used as a component in Integrated pest management programs. Elevated levels of detoxification and free radical scavenging enzyme expression helps in understanding the immune mechanisms in P. xylostella in response to M. anisopliae infection.

Rapid classification of a novel ALS-causing I149S variant in superoxide dismutase-1

Variants of the oxygen free radical scavenging enzyme superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) are associated with the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These variants occur in roughly 20% of familial ALS cases, and 1% of sporadic ALS cases. Here, we identified a novel SOD1 variant in a patient in their 50s who presented with movement deficiencies and neuropsychiatric features. The variant was heterozygous and resulted in the isoleucine at position 149 being substituted with a serine (I149S). In silico analysis predicted the variant to be destabilizing to the SOD1 protein structure. Expression of the SOD1I149S variant with a C-terminal EGFP tag in neuronal-like NSC-34 cells resulted in extensive inclusion formation and reduced cell viability. Immunoblotting revealed that the intramolecular disulphide between Cys57 and Cys146 was fully reduced for SOD1I149S. Furthermore, SOD1I149S was highly susceptible to proteolytic digestion, suggesting a large degree of instability to the protein fold. Finally, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and native-PAGE of cell lysates showed that SOD1I149S was monomeric in solution in comparison to the dimeric SOD1WT. This experimental data was obtained within 3 months and resulted in the rapid re-classification of the variant from a variant of unknown significance (VUS) to a clinically actionable likely pathogenic variant.

Discussion on hepatic damage mechanism of Asari Radix et Rhizoma based on network pharmacology and untargeted metabolomics

Asari Radix et Rhizoma is a common drug for relieving exterior syndrome in clinics, but its toxicity limits its use. In this study, the mechanism of hepatic damage of Asari Radix et Rhizoma was studied by network pharmacology and metabolomics. The hepatic damage-related dataset, namely GSE54257 was downloaded from the GEO database. The Limma package was used to analyze the differentially expressed genes in the dataset GSE54257. Toxic components and target genes of Asari Radix et Rhizoma were screened by TCMSP, ECTM, and TOXNET. The hepatic damage target genes of Asari Radix et Rhizoma were obtained by mapping with the differentially expressed gene of GSE54257, and a PPI network was constructed. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of target genes were performed, and a "miRNA-target gene-signal pathway" network was drawn with upstream miRNA information. Thirty rats were divided into a blank group, a high-dose Asari Radix et Rhizoma group, and a low-dose Asari Radix et Rhizoma group, which were administered once a day. After continuous administration for 28 days, liver function indexes and liver pathological changes were detected. Five liver tissue samples were randomly collected from the blank group and high-dose Asari Radix et Rhizoma group, and small molecule metabolites were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(UHPLC-MS). The orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) method was used to screen differential metabolites, and enrichment analysis, correlation analysis, and cluster analysis were conducted for differential metabolites. Finally, the MetaboAnalyst platform was used to conduct pathway enrichment analysis for differential metabolites. It was found that there were 14 toxic components in Asari Radix et Rhizoma, corresponding to 37 target genes, and 12 genes related to liver toxicity of Asari Radix et Rhizoma were obtained by mapping to differentially expressed genes of GSE54257. The animal test results showed that Asari Radix et Rhizoma could significantly increase the liver function index, reduce the activity of the free radical scavenging enzyme, change the liver oxidative stress level, and induce lipid peroxidation damage in rats. The results of untargeted metabolomics analysis showed that compared with the blank group, nine metabolites were up-regulated, and 16 metabolites were down-regulated in the liver tissue of the Asari Radix et Rhizoma group. These 25 metabolites had strong correlations and good clustering. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that these differential metabolites and the 12 hepatotoxic target genes of Asari Radix et Rhizoma were mainly involved in purine metabolism, as well as the biosynthesis and metabolism of valine, leucine, glycine, serine, and threonine. The study confirmed that the hepatica damage effect of Asari Radix et Rhizoma was the result of multi-component, multi-target, and multi-signaling pathways, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting nucleotide synthesis and affecting protein metabolism.

MULTITUDE ACTIVITY OF MARSILEA MINUTA LINN: A REVIEW

Sunisannaka (Marsilea minuta), also called dwarf water-clover, is an important drug belonging to marsileaceae family. It is widely available all over India and are the species of aquatic fern. It contains several nutritive chemical compositions and posses’ pharmacological activity that are beneficial for several somatic and psychiatric issues of the body. Due to its huge availability, several therapeutic and Indian kitchen recipes are remarkably efficient to cure psycho-somatic diseases. Sleep being a factor of health besides physical activity if poor might decline the health significantly and leads to activation of ROS and produce various systemic diseases such as hypertension due to inflammation. Terpenes, sesquiterpenes, alkaloids etc. present in Sunisannaka (Marsilea minuta) has free radical scavenging enzymes and defense against oxidative stress and help to restore the sleep and maintain normal blood pressure.

Circadian-based approach for improving physiological, phytochemical and chloroplast proteome in Spinacia oleracea under salinity stress and light emitting diodes

Salt stress is a recognized annihilating abiotic stress that has a significant impact on agricultural and horticulture crop productivity. Plant development faces three distinct dangers as a result of salt stress: oxidative stress, osmotic stress, and ionic toxicity. It has been shown that plants can forecast diurnal patterns using the circadian clock; moreover, they can manage their defensive mechanism for the detoxification of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Circadian rhythmicity in gene expression assembles transcription and translation feedback networks to govern plant shape, physiology, cellular and molecular activities. Both external and internal variables influence the systemic rhythm via input routes. The Malav Jyoti (MJ) and Delhi Green (DG) genotypes of spinach (Spinacia oleracea) were grown in the plant growth chamber. The chamber had an optimized temperature of 25 °C and humidity of 65% containing light emitting diode (LED) having Red: Blue: white (one side) and White fluorescent (other side) under salinity stress. The samples were collected on the basis of 4 h intervals of circadian hours (0 h, 4 h, 8 h and 12 h) during Day-10 and Day-20 of salt treatments. Under salt stress, the circadian and light-emitting diode-based strategy had a substantial influence on spinach's anti-oxidative responses, stomatal movement, CO2 assimilation, PS-I and II efficiency, phytochrome pigment efficiency, and photosynthesis. Based on the findings of the free radical scavenging enzyme tests, the photoperiodic hours for the proteome analysis were set to 11 am and 3 pm on Day-20. When compared to white fluorescent, this study found that LED has the capacity to influence the entrainment cues of the circadian clock in the cultivation of salt-sensitive spinach genotypes. According to our findings, changing the cellular scavenging mechanism and chloroplast proteome has increased the survival rate of spinach genotypes under LED when compared to white fluorescent.

Edible Composite Coating of Chitosan and Curdlan Maintains Fruit Quality of Postharvest Cherry Tomatoes

Postharvest cherry tomatoes are prone to senescence, decay and nutrient loss during the storage period owing to microbial invasion and their own metabolism. In this work, postharvest cherry tomatoes were treated with a composite coating of 1% chitosan and 1% curdlan, and the characteristics of postharvest cherry tomatoes during storage were investigated. Compared to control samples, after 21 d of storage under ambient conditions, the cherry tomatoes treated with the chitosan and curdlan coatings showed less rottenness, less weight loss, a lower respiration rate, reduced ethylene production, lower malonaldehyde (MDA) content and reduced membrane permeability. After the samples were treated with the composite coating, the activities of free radical scavenging enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) were maintained at higher levels; the activities of related disease-resistant enzymes such as chitinase (CHI) and glucanase (GLU) were also maintained at higher levels. The soluble solids, titratable acidity, firmness, vitamin C content, lycopene content and antioxidant activities of postharvest cherry tomatoes treated with the composite coating exhibited higher levels as well. The composite coating of chitosan and curdlan might be a potentially promising method for preserving postharvest cherry tomatoes and other fruits.

Pullulan-stabilized Soybean Phospholipids/Cinnamaldehyde emulsion for Flammulina velutipes preservation

Fresh mushrooms (Flammulina velutipes) are very perishable and easily brown; also they undergo postharvest loss of nutritive constituents. In this study, cinnamaldehyde (CA) emulsion was prepared by using soybean phospholipids (SP) as emulsifier and pullulan (Pul) as stabilizer. The effect of emulsion on the quality of mushroom during storage was also studied. The experimental results indicated that the emulsion obtained by adding 6 % pullulan was found to the most uniform and stable, which is beneficial to its application. Emulsion coating maintained the storage quality of Flammulina velutipes. The incorporation of CA emulsion into the coating system showed a positive effect on inhibiting the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, resulting from improving the effectiveness of delaying active free radical scavenging enzymes. The shelf life of mushrooms coated with emulsion was significantly prolonged, which indicates its potential application in food preservation.

복숭아 나뭇가지 분획추출물의 라디칼 소거 및 소화효소 저해활성 평가

We investigated the free radical scavenging and digestive enzyme inhibitory activities of the hot water extract of peach twig (Prunus persica L. Bastch). This extract of the peach twigs was further split up into n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and n-butyl alcohol(n-BuOH), which resulted in three solvent-soluble fractions. Free radical scavenging activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS+) assay systems, while hypoglycemic effect of the peach twig extract and the solvent-soluble fractions were tested using α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition assays. Accordingly, the EtOAc layer showed a greater free radical scavenging activity compared to other solvent-soluble fractions. Furthermore, based on the α-glucosidase and α-amylase assays, the IC50 values were determined to be 38.2±1.6 and 69.6±6.1 μg/mL for the EtOAc-soluble fractions, respectively. Taken together, these results suggest that the fractions obtained from the peach twig extract can be considered as a potential source of natural antioxidant and hypoglycaemic constituents.

Antioxidant activity and microbial safety of fresh-cut red cabbage stored in different packaging films

Packaging affects the physiological processes and maintains the quality and safety of food products, which is a critical element in the storage and sale of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. Thus, the current study sought to establish optimal packaging for fresh-cut cabbage by assessing the physiological and biochemical reactions, nutritional changes, and microbial contamination of samples packaged with five different packaging films. Results demonstrated that polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) was most efficient in maintaining colour, anthocyanin and phenolic content, inhibiting polyphenol oxygenase activity, limiting browning, delaying weight loss, and reducing the respiration rate. Moreover, the PVDC samples exhibited the highest activity of free-radical scavenging enzymes (peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase), providing superior reactive oxygen-species scavenging. Meanwhile, the polyethylene samples had the lowest total plate counts and total coliform counts after 6–12 d of storage. Whereas, the poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/poly lactic acid group exhibited superior inhibition of yeast and mold. After 12 d of storage, the microbial indices of all samples were within 105 CFU g−1, which was within the safety range for fresh-cut vegetables. Therefore, based on the sensory evaluation, physiological quality, antioxidant activity and microbial safety, PVDC film was identified as the best packaging candidate for fresh-cut red cabbage.

The Effect of Eight Weeks of Concurrent Training on Serum Levels of Paraxonase-1, Irisin, Lipid Profile, and Insulin Resistance in Men With Metabolic Syndrome

Background: Irisin is a myokine suggested to exert anti-obesity benefits. On the other hand, paraxonase-1 (PON 1) is one of the most important free radical scavenging enzymes and is among the main protectors of lipoproteins against oxidizing compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 8 weeks of concurrent training on serum levels of irisin, PON 1, lipid profile, and insulin resistance in men with metabolic syndrome. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 30 men with metabolic syndrome (aged 25-35 years and with body mass>25 kg.m-2) were purposefully selected and randomly divided into two groups of concurrent training (n=15) and control (n=15). Three sessions of the training program were held per week over an 8-week interval. Concurrent training included warm-up, resistance (20 minutes of resistance training), and endurance (25 minutes of activity on a stationary bike with an intensity of 50%-80% of maximum heart rate). Blood samples were collected before and 24 hours after exercise to measure serum levels of variables. Data were analyzed using independent and dependent t-tests. Results: At baseline, serum levels of PON 1, irisin, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were higher in the concurrent training group. The results of the study also indicated that 8 weeks of concurrent training significantly reduced the levels of insulin resistance, triglycerides (TG), cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), systolic, and diastolic blood pressure in men with metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: Eight weeks of concurrent training improves the levels of irisin, insulin resistance, PON 1, and lipid profile of men with metabolic syndrome.

Widespread CNS pathology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis homozygous for the D90A SOD1 mutation

Mutations in the gene encoding the ubiquitously expressed free radical scavenging enzyme superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) are found in 2–6% of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. The most frequent SOD1 mutation worldwide is D90A. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis caused by this mutation has some unusual features: the heredity is usually recessive, the phenotype is stereotypic with slowly evolving motor symptoms beginning in the legs and may also include sensory, autonomic, and urinary bladder involvement. Furthermore, the mutant protein resembles the wild type, with normal content and enzymatic activity in the central nervous system. Here, we report neuropathological findings in nine patients homozygous for the D90A mutation. All nine had numerous small granular inclusions immunoreactive for misfolded SOD1 in motor neurons and glial nuclei in the spinal cord and brainstem. In addition to degeneration of the corticospinal tracts, all patients had degeneration of the dorsal columns. We also found intense gliosis in circumscribed cortical areas of the frontal and temporal lobes and in the insula. In these areas and in adjacent white matter, there were SOD1 staining neuropil threads. A few SOD1-immunopositive cytoplasmic neuronal inclusions were observed in cortical areas, as were glial nuclear inclusions. As suggested by the symptoms and signs and earlier neurophysiological and imaging investigations, the histopathology in patients homozygous for the D90A SOD1 extends beyond the motor system to include cognitive and sensory cortical areas. However, even in the patients that had a symptomatic disease duration of more than 2 or 3 decades and lived into their 70s or 80s, there were no SOD1-inclusion pathology and no typical dysfunction (apart from the musculature) in non-nervous organs. Thus, only specific parts of the CNS seem to be vulnerable to toxicity provoked by homozygously expressed mutant SOD1.

Stemphylium lycopersici and Stemphylium solani improved antioxidant system of soybean under chromate stress

Ecologists around the world are giving great attention to the metal pollution of agronomic soil. Recently, several techniques have been employed to remediate heavy metals, but the use of microorganisms is cheap, less time-consuming, and easily available. In the current study, the endophytic strains, Cp1 and Cp2 were isolated from sterilized 1-5 cm long root and leaf segments of Chlorophytum comosum using Hagem media. To get pure colonies, the strains were repeatedly cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) media. The strains Cp1 and CP2 were identified as Stemphylium lycopersici and Stemphylium solani based on ITS sequencing and neighbor joining (NJ) method. Both strains showed a growth-promoting potential in soybean seedlings exposed to chromate (Cr) stress. Moreover, S. lycopersici and S. solani improved the Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), flavonoids, phenolics, protein, and proline contents, whereas, lowered Salicylic acid (SA) production in the seedlings. The selected endophytic fungal strains also promoted the antioxidant system of soybean seedlings through enhanced production of ascorbic acid oxidase (AAO), catalases (CAT), peroxidase, and free radical scavenging enzymes. Both strains bio-transformed the toxic Cr-VI to less toxic Cr-III in the cultural filtrate as well as host plants. In fact, efficient uptake of Cr and its conversion by the isolated endophytic fungal strains could be used as a viable tool to remediate Cr contamination in agricultural soils.

Effect of desiccation damage on the seed viability of Hydnocarpus alpina Wight. of Western Ghats

Hydnocarpus alpina Wight is an evergreen endangered medicinal tree species of Western Ghats. Several local names are available based on the distribution among the state in India that is Torathi (Kannada), Maravetti/Marotti (Malayalam), Attuchankalai (Tamil), Kastel (Hindi). Hydnocarpus alpina has very appreciated value in various medicinal properties like anti-larvicidal, anti-feedant, antimicrobial etc. due to the presence of significant chemical constituents. The seeds of this tree species are characterized with high moisture content and are intolerant to desiccation. They are under recalcitrant type seeds.Fully mature H. alpina seeds have 20% moisture content on harvest and recorded 80% germination. After 2 weeks of desiccation at open laboratory conditions (28±2 °C and 65% RH) their moisture content and percentage of germination decreased to 10.2% and 20 % respectively. Complete loss of viability occurred at 10% moisture level. This clearly indicates the recalcitrant nature of seeds. Different biochemical parameters such as lipid peroxidation, leachate conductivity, assay of free radical scavenging enzymes, analysis of primary metabolites like total soluble sugars, starch, total proteins, amino acids, lipids, phenols etc. were recorded for finding the biochemical basis of desiccation induced damage on seed viability. The results of the study reveals the metabolic disturbances associated with the desiccation of seeds and such parameters can be considered as markers for assessing the seed viability. Hence, safest low moisture content for the long term storage of seeds can be identified for the conservation of this endangered species of Western Ghats.

Improving anti-hypertensive properties of plant-based alternatives to yogurt fortified with rice protein hydrolysate

In recent years, an increasing demand of plant-based yogurt-like products for partially replacing milk products was related to both health and ethical needs. The objective of this study was to improve the functionality of yogurt-like products relevant for hypertension, using fortification with protein hydrolysate and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation of soy and Job’s tears beverages. Broken rice was hydrolysed by protease enzymes. Plant-based beverages and yogurt-like products with and without rice protein hydrolysate were prepared by LAB fermentation and evaluated by in-vitro assays for inhibition of free radical scavenging and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity. Biochemical changes caused by lactic acid bacteria metabolism were characterized using chemical analysis and 1H NMR. The rice protein hydrolysate obtained using Alcalase® at pH 7.0 for 2 h at 60 °C showed the highest antioxidant activity and ACE inhibition. The ACE inhibition increased by 19.52% and 34.13% in Job’s tears and soy yogurt-like products with hydrolysate, respectively. A strongly significant correlation (R2 = 0.84) between o-phthalic dicarboxaldehyde (OPA) peptides and ACE inhibition was observed. These results indicated the promise of hydrolysate and LAB fermentation as a functional ingredient and process, respectively, for the food industry.

Roles of free radicals in reproduction and immune modulations in goats: A review

In the body physiology, gonads (i.e. testes and ovaries) and lymphoid organs are most important tissues in terms of metabolism and dynamicity as functional activities of lymphoid organ and gonad are multistep and energy consuming processes they are always performing a number of biochemical reactions. As a causative effect of the same generation of free radicals are quite obvious. Thus, enormous production of free radicals can limit the proper functional management of lymphoid organ and gonad. We noted significantly high levels of SOD, Catalase, GPx activities and ABTS levels in lymphoid organs and gonads of goats during monsoon and significantly low during winter particularly in lymphoid organs. However, all the parameters were significantly high in gonads during winter only. Malonaldihyde; MDA a marker for lipid peroxidation presented a reverse pattern of activity level than SOD being significantly high during summer but the level was significantly low during monsoon and winter. The glucocorticoid receptor expression was significantly high in spleen and thymus of males during monsoon but the level was significantly high only during monsoon in lymphoid organs of males. All the free radical parameters cumulatively suggest that, monsoon and winter are the seasons of stress for both the sexes of goats as suggested by elevated level of glucocorticoid receptor and thus to counteract the elevated stress level melatonin acted as a “coupler” which not only increased the free radical scavenging enzymes but also scavenged free radicals as an amphipatic free molecules particularly during winter. Winter is the most challenging season for female goats due to “cold stress” as well as “gestational stress” along with energy demanding mega two major events i.e. Maintenance of immunity and gestation is occurring simultaneously.

Quantification of Phenolic and Flavonoid Content, Antioxidant Activity, and Proximate Composition of Some Legume Seeds Grown in Nepal.

This study was carried out to evaluate some legume seeds growing in Nepal for their proximate composition, quantification of total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents, and in vitro, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. These included legume grains such as chickpeas (Cicer arietinum), pea (Pisum sativum), mung bean (Vigna mungo), lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus), broad bean (Vicia faba), lentil (Lens culinaris), soybean (Glycine max), and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). The legume seeds were ground to make the flour which was extracted with methanol. The phenolic and flavonoid content was estimated by Folin-Ciocalteu's phenol and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods. The in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activity was evaluated by using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging and α-amylase enzyme inhibition assay. The different legumes showed considerable variations in their phenolic contents (30.64 ± 1.50 mg·GAE/g to 46.65 ± 1.25 mg·GAE/g legume seeds). Similarly, the total flavonoid contents showed 135.5 ± 10.88 mg·QE/g to 191.7 ± 8.73 mg·QE/g legume seeds. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated in IC50 which ranged from 31.60 ± 0.06 μg/mL to 69.74 ± 0.89 μg/mL. The α-amylase inhibition was evaluated in IC50 which ranged from 217.38 μg/mL to 425.75 μg/mL as compared to the standard acarbose of 52.76 μg/mL. This study suggested that legumes are good sources of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats mainly for vegetarian people. The selection of the right legume species could be a good source of natural antioxidants and antidiabetics for nutraceutical uses and the beneficial effects of legumes from human health perspectives. Legume seeds growing in Nepal could be used as a sustainable and cheap meat alternative and are considered the most important food source.

Dendrobium nobile Lindl. Polysaccharides protect fibroblasts against UVA-induced photoaging via JNK/c-Jun/MMPs pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevanceDendrobium nobile Lindl. is an orchid species that is found throughout Asia, including Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and China. It has been used to treat tumors, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and neurological disorders caused by aging in recent decades. Aim of the studyTo investigate the antagonistic effect of Dendrobium nobile Lindl. Polysaccharides (DNLP) on UVA-induced photoaging of Human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF-1) and explore its possible anti-aging mechanisms. Materials and methodsAn in vitro photoaging model of dermal fibroblasts was established with multiple UVA irradiations. Fibroblasts were treated with 0.06 mg/ml, 0.18 mg/ml, 0.54 mg/ml of DNLP one day before photodamage induction. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), Malondialdehyde (MDA), cell viability and longevity, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), and Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzymatic activities were determined. We examined how DNLP ameliorates the effects of photoaging, the JNK/c-Fos/c-Jun pathway, senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal), and MMP expression levels were measured. ResultsUVA irradiation reduced the viability, lifespan, and proliferation of HFF-1 cells, increased ROS and lipid peroxidation and decreased the activities of free radical scavenging enzyme systems SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px. DNLP treatment can reverse UVA damage, reduce SA-β-Gal expression, reduce phosphorylation activation of the JNK/c-Fos/c-Jun pathway and inhibit MMP-1, MMP-2 MMP-3, and MMP-9 protein expression. ConclusionsDNLP can effectively inhibit UVA damage to HFF-1 and prevent cell senescence. Its mechanism of action may increase antioxidant enzyme activity while inhibiting JNK pathway activation and MMPs expression.

Effect-Directed Profiling of Monofloral Honeys from Ethiopia by High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry.

Ethiopian honey is used not only as food but also for treatment in traditional medicine. For its valorization, bioactive compounds were analyzed in nine types of monofloral Ethiopian honey. Therefore, a non-target effect-directed profiling was developed via high-performance thin-layer chromatography combined with multi-imaging and planar effect-directed assays. Characteristic bioactivity profiles of the different honeys were determined in terms of antibacterial, free-radical scavenging, and various enzyme inhibitory activities. Honeys from Hypoestes spp. and Leucas abyssinica showed low activity in all assays. In contrast, others from Acacia spp., Becium grandiflorum, Croton macrostachyus, Eucalyptus globulus, Schefflera abyssinica, Vernonia amygdalina, and Coffea arabica showed more intense activity profiles, but these differed depending on the assay. In particular, the radical scavenging activity of Croton macrostachyus and Coffea arabica honeys, the acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting activity of Eucalyptus globulus and Coffea arabica honeys, and the antibacterial activity of Schefflera abyssinica honey are highlighted. Bioactive compounds of interest were further characterized by high-resolution mass spectrometry. Identifying differences in bioactivity between mono-floral honey types affects quality designation and branding. Effect-directed profiling provides new insights that are valuable for food science and nutrition as well as for the market, and contributes to honey differentiation, categorization, and authentication.

Combined exposure to fine particulate matter and high glucose aggravates endothelial damage by increasing inflammation and mitophagy: the involvement of vitamin D

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are related to particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure. Researchers have not clearly determined whether hyperglycemia, a hallmark of diabetes, exacerbates PM2.5-induced endothelial damage. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the combined effects of PM2.5 and high glucose on endothelial damage.ResultsHere, we treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with 30 mM high glucose and 50 μg/mL PM (HG + PM) to simulate endothelial cells exposed to hyperglycemia and air pollution. First, we showed that HUVECs exposed to PM under high glucose conditions exhibited significant increases in cell damage and apoptosis compared with HUVECs exposed to PM or HG alone. In addition, PM significantly increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HUVECs and mitochondria treated with HG and decreased the expression of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), a free radical scavenging enzyme. The coexposure group exhibited significantly increased ROS production in cells and mitochondria, a lower mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased levels of the autophagy-related proteins p62, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3β (LC3B), and mitophagy-related protein BCL2 interacting protein 3 (Bnip3). Moreover, autophagosome-like structures were observed in the HG + PM group using transmission electron microscopy. The expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) were also increased through the JNK/p38 signaling pathway in the HG + PM group. As a ROS scavenger, vitamin D treatment effectively protected cells under HG and PM conditions by increasing cell viability, reducing mitochondrial ROS production, and suppressing the formation of mitophagy and inflammation. Furthermore, diabetes was induced in mice by administering streptozotocin (STZ). Mice were treated with PM by intratracheal injection. Vitamin D effectively alleviated oxidative stress, mitophagy, and inflammation in the aortas of mice treated with STZ and PM.ConclusionTaken together, simultaneous exposure to PM and high glucose exerts significant harmful effects on endothelial cells by inducing ROS production, mitophagy, and inflammation, while vitamin D reverses these effects.

Essential Oil Content, Antioxidative Characteristics and Enzyme Inhibitory Activity of Sideritis akmanii Aytaç, Ekici & Dönmez

Our research measures the essential oil analysis mineral substance profiles, total phenolic substance content, free radical scavenger properties, antioxidant capacity, and enzyme inhibitory activity of Sideritis akmanii Aytaç, Ekici & Dönmez, 1996. A mixture of S. akmanii plant roots and stems were used. Essential fatty acid components of S. akmanii were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and bioelement concentrations by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The antioxidant activity of extracts was screened by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities, total phenolic content, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) analysis. Cholinesterase (ChE), α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and tyrosinase inhibitory activity was determined. The results demonstrated that the phenolic substance content was higher in methanol extract (144.08±2.01 μg gallic acid equivalent/mg extract). DPPH scavenging effect of S. akmanii methanol extract (73.2%) was higher than acetone extract (60.1%). TAS values of extract methanol and acetone were 2.32±0.4 and 2.38±0.2 μmol trolox Eq /g, TOS values were 4.88±0.6 and 5.04±0.5 μmol H2O2 Eq/g, and oxidative stress index values were 2.1±0.3 and 2.11±0.24 arbitrary units, respectively. Hexadecanoic acid (17.9%) was found as the main component in the plant essential oil. S. akmanii species was prominent with high Mg and Al concentrations. Anti-ChE activity was determined that acetone extract (42.95%±0.90; 217.37±0.81 mg galantamine equivalents [(GALAEs)/g] exhibited higher than methanol (33.33%±1.81; 208.76±1.62 mg GALAE/g). α-Amylase inhibition was high in methanol extract [53.62±1.85 mmol angiotensin converting enzymes (ACEs)/g extract] compared to acetone (47.73±0.92 mmol ACEs/g extract). The tyrosinase inhibitory activity of S. akmanii was determined very low inhibition of the reference compound. It has been determined that S. akmanii Aytaç, Ekici & Dönmez extracts have antioxidant properties and can inhibit acetylcholinesterase, α-glucosidase, α-amylase enzymes. This study is informative on future studies on S. akmanii a highly bioavailable species and very extensive studies should be carried out.