Free Radical Research Articles

Enhanced degradation of sulfamethoxazole in water by biochar loading and multiple free and non-free radicals cooperating in the Fe7S8@BC/PS system.

The excessive consumption of sulfamethoxazole (SMX), a pharmaceutical antibiotic, poses significant environmental hazards. The Fe7S8-persulfate (Fe7S8-PS) system has been employed for SMX remediation because of its excellent performance. However, Fe7S8 tends to agglomerate and become passivated, negatively impacting its activation performance. In this study, the incorporation of Fe7S8 into biochar (BC) effectively reduced agglomeration and enhanced the catalytic performance. The PS activated by Fe7S8@BC loaded at a mass ratio of 1:1 exhibited the highest SMX removal efficiency (92.5%). The free radicals (·OH, SO4·-, and O2·-) and non-free radicals (1O2 and Fe(IV)) were identified during PS activation. The removal of SMX was found to be dependent on the contribution of ·OH, SO4·-, 1O2 and Fe(IV), rather than O2·-. Additionally, the presence of C-O-Fe in Fe7S8@BC, which formed the framework of the primary battery, contributed to the enhanced degradation of SMX. The toxicity prediction results demonstrated a significant reduction in the toxicity of the transformation byproducts. Hence, the mechanism of PS activation was explored through Fe7S8@BC, proposing novel strategies for developing advanced and efficient approaches to SMX removal.

Protective effects of neutrophil serine protease inhibition against ischemia-reperfusion injury in lung or heart transplantation.

Transplanted organs are inevitably exposed to ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury, which is known to cause graft dysfunction. Functional and structural changes that follow IR tissue injury are mediated by neutrophils through the production of oxygen-derived free radicals, as well as from degranulation which entails the release of proteases and other pro-inflammatory mediators. Neutrophil serine proteases (NSPs) are believed to be the principal triggers of post-ischemic reperfusion damage. Extended preservation times for the transplanted donor organ correlate with heightened occurrences of vascular damage and graft dysfunction. Preservation with α1-antitrypsin, an endogenous inhibitor of NSPs, improves primary graft function after lung or heart transplantation. Furthermore, pre-operative pharmacological targeting of NSP activation in the recipient using chemical inhibitors suppresses neutrophilic inflammation in transplanted organs. Hence, effective control of NSPs in the graft and recipient is a promising strategy to prevent IR injury. In this review, we describe the pathological functions of NSPs in IR injury and discuss their pharmacological inhibition to prevent primary graft dysfunction in lung or heart transplantation.

Anti-aging chitosan/gelatin film crosslinked by α-Arbutin for bone regeneration by free radical scavenging to prevent osteoblast senescence.

Osteoblasts play a critical role in maintaining bone homeostasis. Senescence causes by free radical-mediated oxidative stress may affect the viability and osteogenic differentiation potential of osteoblast during bone formation. To eliminate the impacts of senescent cells by free radical scavenging is an optimal option for bone regeneration in age-related bone disease, such as osteoporosis (OP) and periodontitis. In this study, we fabricated an antioxidant film (CG-ARB) by crosslinking chitosan (C) and gelatin (G) using α-Arbutin (ARB) as a crosslinker. The morphological, physicochemical, and radical scavenging characteristics of the films were investigated. Its antioxidative ability to prevent osteoblast senescence for restoration of osteogenic differentiation was analyzed in vitro. A Sprague- Dawley (SD) rat model with critical size calvarial defect was used to evaluate the bone regeneration and biosafety in vivo. The results demonstrated that CG-ARB formed a dense fiber membrane, allowing for the gradual and sustained release of ARB for at least 10 days. ARB exerted antioxidant effect that prevented osteoblast senescence in vitro and promote bone healing in vivo. Furthermore, CG-ARB did not cause hemolysis or organ toxicity, and was therefore, considered biosafe. These results indicated that CG-ARB film could be an ideal drug delivery system (DDS) for sustained released of ARB in bone defect repair.

Optimization of Extraction Process, Structural Characterization, and Antioxidant and Hypoglycemic Activity Evaluation of Polysaccharides From the Medicinal and Edible Plant: Cistanche deserticola Ma.

Cistanche deserticola Ma (CD), an edible and medicinal plant native to Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and Gansu in China, is rich in bioactive polysaccharides known for their health-promoting properties. The polysaccharides of C. deserticola (CDPs) have been shown to possess a range of beneficial activities, including immunomodulatory, anti-aging, antioxidant, and anti-osteoporosis effects. This study seeks to identify the optimal conditions for extracting CDPs using hot water. Additionally, it aims to evaluate their chemical properties, antioxidant activity, hypoglycemic effects, and cytotoxicity. The findings will provide a theoretical foundation for the potential use of CDPs in functional foods and pharmaceuticals. The study employed response surface methodology to optimize the hot water extraction conditions for CDPs. The extracted CDPs were characterized using a range of chemical, spectroscopic, and instrumental analyses. Furthermore, their antioxidant activity, hypoglycemic effects, and cytotoxicity were evaluated through relevant assays to assess their potential health benefits. Under optimal conditions, the yield of CDPs was 45.85% ± 1.91%. CDPs were identified as acidic heteropolysaccharides with a wide molecular weight distribution, ranging from 0.3 to 128.2 kDa. They were composed primarily of glucose (51.21%), arabinose (32.86%), galactose (17.88%), and smaller amounts of galacturonic acid (4.66%), rhamnose (1.85%), mannose (1.32%), glucosamine hydrochloride (1.08%), and xylose (0.56%). Antioxidant assays demonstrated that CDPs exhibited significant free radical scavenging activity, metal ion chelation, and reducing power. Additionally, CDPs inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase invitro through a mixed-type mechanism, as well as static fluorescence quenching. Cytotoxicity assays showed that CDPs were nontoxic to L02 and AML12 cells. This study offers a theoretical foundation for the potential use of CDPs in functional foods and pharmaceuticals and provides valuable insights for the development of new antioxidant and hypoglycemic agents from natural sources.

Balancing the Energy and Sensitivity of Primary Explosives: Using Isomers to Prepare Energetic Coordination Compounds.

The performance of energetic coordination compounds (ECCs) is influenced by their components and structure. Modifying the chemical structure of the ligands can balance the detonation performance and sensitivity. This study introduced Cu(3-PZCA)2(ClO4)2 (ECCs-1) and Cu(2-IZCA)2(ClO4)2 (ECCs-2), using 3-PZCA and 2-IZCA as ligands. ECCs-2, with a higher symmetry and fewer nitrogen chains, showed the highest thermal decomposition temperature (225 °C). Both ECCs displayed high mechanical sensitivity, with ECCs-2 being slightly less sensitive (IS = 3 J, FS = 8 N). They shared similar detonation properties and ignition capabilities, with ECCs-1 having the highest detonation velocity (7.1 km·s-1) and pressure (23.5 GPa). Initiation tests confirmed their excellent performance and similar DDT. The theoretical decomposition mechanism suggests a free radical reaction, explaining their consistent mechanical sensitivity, ignition, and initiation capabilities. A "SP-DM-DSC-MS-DA" structure-property relationship was established, providing a theoretical foundation for studying Cu(ClO4)2-ECCs and their isomers.

Fe1-xS@BC prepared from natural pyrite and biomass as peroxydisulfate activator for sulfadiazine degradation.

The efficient degradation of SAs is a significant challenge for the treatment of wastewater. To address this, the Fe1-xS@BC was prepared by calcining a mixture of pyrite and biomass, and used to activate peroxydisulfate (PDS) to degrade sulfadiazine (SDZ). The effect of carbon sources (wheat straw, rice husk, and corn cob) on catalytic activity of Fe1-xS@BC were investigated by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), total Fe dissolution and free radical quantification. The results indicate that Fe1-xS@WBC with carbon defects and oxygenated functional groups facilitate the dissolution of Fe and the generation of ·OH and ·SO4-. Additionally, the electron-rich the thiophene S facilitate the regeneration of Fe(II). In the Fe1-xS@WBC/PDS system, 90.3% of SDZ degradation could be achieved under optimal conditions: Fe1-xS@WBC = 0.5 g∙L-1, SDZ = 10 mg∙L-1, PDS = 2.0 mM, initial solution pH = 7.0. In addition, Fe1-xS@WBC/PDS system exhibits strong resistance to interference from Cl-, and NO3-, while elevated concentrations of HCO3-, HPO42-, and HA hinder SDZ degradation. The Fe1-xS@WBC/PDS system shows excellent selectivity and recoverability. Quenching experiments and electron spin resonance (ESR) reveal the involvement of ·OH, ·SO4-, and 1O2 in the degradation of SDZ within Fe1-xS@WBC/PDS system. Furthermore, four possible degradation pathways for SDZ were proposed based on density functional theory (DFT) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis, while assessing the toxicity of degradation intermediates. This study not only introduces a novel catalytic system for the efficient degradation of antibiotic-contaminated wastewater, but also provides a theoretical foundation for the development and application of iron sulfide-biomass composite catalysts.

Discovery of selective ROCK2 inhibitors with free radical scavenging ability for the treatment of gouty arthritis.

ROCK inhibitors can inhibit IL-1β and NLRP3, and their therapeutic potential for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis has been confirmed, but their impact on gouty arthritis has not been reported yet. By hybridization the structure of Edaravone, a series of ROCK inhibitors with pyrazolone scaffold were designed and synthesized. RM-04 has acceptable selective ROCK2 inhibitory activity with an IC50 of 4.62 µM, and its IC50 values for scavenging DPPH• and ABTS•+ are 16.72 µM and 23.15 µM, respectively, which is equivalent to that of Edaravone. Furthermore, RM-04 exhibits good pharmacokinetic properties and good safety in vivo. Meanwhile, in sodium urate-induced acute gout model, RM-04 at a dose of 5mg/kg exhibited the alleviating effect approximately equivalent to that of Celecoxib, indicating that ROCKs inhibitors with antioxidation activity could reduce the damage caused by gouty arthritis.

A review on oxidative stress in organophosphate-induced neurotoxicity.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibition, the principal mechanism of acute organophosphorus compound toxicity, cannot explain neuropsychiatric symptoms occurring after exposure to low organophosphate concentrations causing no cholinergic symptoms. Organophosphate-triggered oxidative stress has increasingly come into focus, occurring when the action of reactive oxygen species, generated from free radicals, is not compensated by antioxidant free radical scavengers. Being nucleophilic, organophosphates can easily accept an electron, thereby generating free radicals. Organophosphates inhibit the antioxidant paraoxonase, and reactive oxygen species are produced during organophosphate metabolism. Organophosphates disrupt the function of mitochondria, the principal source of free radicals. Organophosphates also induce neuroinflammation, which generates reactive oxygen species, and reactive oxygen species in turn stimulate neuroinflammation. Markers of reactive oxygen species are elevated in vitro and in vivo after exposure to organophosphates and in individuals professionally exposed to organophosphates. This most probably contributes to the pathogenesis of the intermediate syndrome and chronic organophosphate-induced neuropsychiatric disorders occurring in patients after organophosphate exposure. Evidence for beneficial effects of antioxidants in organophosphate poisoning is discussed.

Enhancing Cordyceps Sinensis shelf life: The role of liquid nitrogen spray freezing in maintaining hypha structure and reducing metabolic degradation.

Cordyceps sinensis (C. sinensis) is a valuable edible fungus, known for its therapeutic benefits, including immune enhancement and anti-inflammatory effects, making it an important component in nutritional applications. However, its delicate nature makes long-term storage challenging, with conventional freezing often leading to the loss of bioactive compounds. This study evaluates liquid nitrogen spray freezing (LNSF) at -80°C and-120°C compared to conventional freezing (CF) at -20°C over 90days of storage. Our findings show that LNSF at -120°C (LNSF-120) preserved superior color quality, sensory attributes, and reduced thawing loss at endpoint, while both LNSF temperatures stabilized total sugars, amino acids, cordycepin, adenosine levels, as well as antioxidant enzyme activities and free radical scavenging capacities. These results suggest that LNSF is a superior method for the long-term preservation of C. sinensis, with diverse advantages and their corresponding shelf lives associated with the two different LNSF temperatures.

The Influence of Triterpenoids in the Composition of Fat-Containing Products on the State of the Liver of Laboratory Animals with Acute Toxic Hepatitis.

The composition of mayonnaise (67% fat) was developed with the addition of 0.2% betulin solution in vegetable oil in an amount of 6%. The hepatoprotective activity of betulin in mayonnaise samples was studied on a model of toxic hepatitis initiated by carbon tetrachloride in male Wistar rats. Disturbance of metabolic and oxidative processes in the liver cells of animals was assessed by biochemical parameters of blood plasma and the enzyme activity of the liver sample. The effect of experimental samples of mayonnaise with betulin on the morphological structure of the liver of rats with toxic hepatitis was evaluated by microscopy of prepared sections of liver tissue. The preventive efficacy of betulin in mayonnaise was confirmed in an in vivo experiment: its administration weakens the hepatotoxic effect of carbon tetrachloride, as indicated by a significant decrease in the activity of ALT, AST, and alkaline phosphatase enzymes in the blood plasma of animals MG-1 compared with the blood of rats CG-2-ALT by 22.1%, AST by 21.9%, and alkaline phosphatase by 42.5%. A 13.9% decrease in GGT activity in MG-1 animals indicates a more intensive nitrogen metabolism with a decrease in the level of hepatocyte cytolysis compared to animals of the experimental MG-2 group. It was shown that the introduction of mayonnaise with betulin in a dose of 1 ml into the diet of animals, which corresponds to 35 mg of betulin, prevented the development of cytolytic syndrome and suppressed peroxidation by direct neutralization of free radicals. The experiment showed a significant decrease in cholesterol, glucose, and enzyme activity of the liver sample and normalization of albumin and triglyceride concentrations in animals of the experimental group in comparison with similar indices in the control group. Betulin in mayonnaise contributed to the antioxidant protection of the body, expressed in the effect on the activity of antioxidant enzymes that are involved in the destruction of organic peroxides, especially lipid peroxides, disturbing the integrity of cell membranes.

Synthesis and characterization of new (Au, Ru, and Rh) ion complexes and evaluating their activity as anticancer and antioxidants.

Azo dye was used to prepare a new series of complexes with chlorides of rhodium (Rh+3), ruthenium (Ru+3), and corona (Au+3). The prepared materials were subjected to infrared, ultraviolet-visible, and mass spectrometry, as well as thermogravimetric analysis, differential calorimetry, and elemental analysis. Conductivity, magnetic susceptibility, metal content, and chlorine content of the complexes were also measured. The complexes prepared from the dye were used to determine their ability to inhibit free radicals by measuring their antioxidant capacity using DPPH as a free radical and ascorbic acid as a standard substance and then determining the IC50 value. The ability to inhibit free radicals of the complexes varied according to the IC50 value and its comparison with ascorbic acid. The gold complex gave the highest ability to inhibit free radicals compared to the rest of the complexes, and this was the case and it was. The results are as follows (ascorbic acid >[Au(L)Cl]>[Rh(L)(H2O)2Cl]>[Ru(L)(H2O)2 Cl]. The effectiveness of corona and rhodium complexes as anticancer agents has been studied for specific types of breast cancer. Five different concentrations at a wavelength of 570nm were used. From this, the average percentage of cell survival was calculated. It has been found that the highest concentration of 600µg/ml increases the inhibition of cancer cells. The gold complex exhibited the highest inhibition, providing the strongest anticancer activity and the most effective inhibition of free radicals.

Characterisation of environmentally persistent free radicals and their contributions to oxidative potential and reactive oxygen species in sea spray and size-resolved ambient particles

Aerosols, derived from natural processes and human activities, present various risks to the environment and human health. In this regard, the role of recent pollutant environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) should not be overlooked. However, the oxidative toxicity and mass transfer processes of EPFRs in liquid-phase environments remain completely understood. In this study, the dispersion characteristics of EPFRs and their contributions to the oxidation potential (OP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in sea spray and size-resolved PM were investigated and compared. The results showed that the sea spray contained fast-decaying C-centred EPFRs with a half-life of 0.32 years. The concentration ranged from 0.3 × 1013 spins/m3 to 7.5 × 1013 spins/m3. It increased as the samples approached the coast. Moreover, the size-resolved PM contained slow-decaying O-centred EPFRs with a half-life of 0.51 years. The concentration ranged from 4.57 × 1013 spins/m3 to 11.46 × 1013 spins/m3, which was higher than that of most sea spray samples. The interaction between sea spray and water mainly generated hydroxyl free radicals (54 ± 3%), whereas the size-resolved PM mainly generated organic free radicals (64 ± 5%). Correlation analysis revealed that EPFRs may be involved in ROS generation. In addition, the mass transfer of EPFRs between the PM and sea spray may have been controlled by both gas and liquid films. The concentration of EPFRs at the phase interface was calculated to be 4.92 × 1013 spins/m3. In summary, EPFRs positively contribute to OP and ROS production.

Improvement of ovarian function in a premature ovarian failure mouse model using Vitex agnus-castus extract.

Premature ovarian failure (POF) leads to infertility. Numerous researchers have endeavored to enhance ovarian function through antioxidant interventions. Extract from Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) has demonstrated a protective effect. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the amelioration of ovarian function following VAC treatment in a POF mouse model. In this investigation, 30 female NMRI mice were categorized into control, POF model (cyclophosphamide 120 mg/kg I.P), and experimental groups (100, 300, and 500 of VAC extract). Parameters such as body weight, vaginal smears, and follicular evaluation were examined. FSH, estradiol levels, free radicals, and the expression of the FMR1 gene were assessed. The microscopic assessment revealed that POF induced morphological alterations in ovarian tissue, whereas VAC treatment significantly ameliorated ovarian tissue conditions. The follicles number exhibited a significant reduction in the POF group; however, VAC led to an increase in follicular count and elevated estradiol levels in the treatment groups. Serum FSH levels displayed an elevation in the POF group, whereas the treatment groups exhibited a substantial reduction in FSH levels compared to the POF group. The expression of the FMR1 gene demonstrated upregulation in the POF group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Moreover, this expression significantly decreased in the 500-dose VAC group compared to the POF group (p<0.001). ROS generation exhibited a significant increase in the POF group, which was conversely mitigated in all experimental groups. Our findings underscore the potential of this extract to ameliorate POF symptoms, however, further investigations are needed.

Effect of H2O2 induced oxidative stress on volatile organic compounds in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells

Oxidative stress (OS) refers to the disruption in the balance between free radical generation and antioxidant defenses, leading to potential tissue damage. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can interact with biological components, triggering processes like protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation, or DNA damage, resulting in the generation of several volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Recently, VOCs provided new insight into cellular metabolism and can serve as potential biomarkers. The objective is to investigate the impact of OS on cell metabolism by analyzing the release or alterations of VOCs in the headspace of differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. An OS model in differentiated 3T3-L1 cell lines was constructed using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment. The effect of OS on cell metabolism was analyzed by detecting VOCs in the headspace of the cells using solid phase micro extraction (SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS). Our findings indicate that H2O2 concentrations exceeding 300 µM induce significant OS, leading to adipocyte apoptosis, as evidenced by various assays. Of the twenty VOCs identified, ten were upregulated in the cells. VOCs such as diphenyl ether, 1,3,5-trioxane, 5-methyl tridecane, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, and 2,4-di-tert-butyl phenol emerged as potential biomarkers for OS. This study demonstrates that elevated OS alters VOC profiles in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes, providing insights into the effects of OS on adipose tissue and identifying potential OS biomarkers.

Optimized Rutin-incorporating PEGylated Nanoliposomes as a Model wit Remarkable Selectivity Against PANK1 and MCF7 Cell Lines.

This study aims to enhance the delivery of polyphenols using nanotechnology. To develop and evaluate liposomal formulations for improved delivery and stability of polyphenols, specifically focusing on Rutin. Liposomal formulations were meticulously prepared via the Thin-Film Hydration method. Comprehensive physical characterization was conducted, including stability assessments using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The free radical scavenging activity was measured using the DPPH• assay, and MTT cell viability assays were performed to assess cytotoxicity. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in nanoparticle size from 123 nm to 116 nm and an increase in charge from -14 to -22 with rising Rutin concentrations. The formulation achieved enhanced homogeneity at a Rutin concentration of 2.0 mg/mL and showed higher stability. Incorporating Rutin improved the formulation's stability over 30 days, as evidenced by a decrease in the Differential Scanning Calorimetry peak temperature from 58.65 °C to 54.42 °C. Rutin-loaded and co-loaded nanoliposomes exhibited remarkable selectivity against PANK1 and MCF7 cell lines, with IC50 values of 2.13±0.35 μg/mL and 4.75±0.19 μg/mL, respectively. PEGylated Rutin-loaded nanoliposomes offer a promising platform for biodegradable and biocompatible drug delivery systems, enhancing the bioavailability, solubility, and stability of the polyphenols.

Removal of Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate from groundwater by sodium persulfate activated by hollow micron zero-valent iron: Reaction mechanism and degradation path.

In this study, hollow micron zero-valent iron (H-mZVI) was prepared using the ethylenediamine liquid phase reduction method. The microstructures were characterized by SEM, XRD, BET and FTIR. The results showed that H-mZVI possessed a spherical hollow structure with a particle size of approximately 1 μm. The density of H-mZVI was notably lower compared to solid micron zero-valent iron (S-mZVI). Furthermore, with an increase in ethylenediamine addition, the density initially decreased before stabilizing. Results demonstrated that the degradation efficiency of H-mZVI/PS for DEHP was 2.96 times higher than that of S-mZVI/PS. The charge density of H-mZVI/PS degradation DEHP system was higher than that of S-mZVI/PS system, and H-mZVI exhibited a fast electron migration rate and strong electron transport ability between the solution and the interface material. The degradation of DEHP by H-mZVI/PS system was carried out jointly by the surface reaction on the surface of H-mZVI particles and the homolytic reaction led by Fe2+ ions in the solution. Additionally, the contribution rate of free radicals in the degradation process of DEHP was in the order SO4-· > ·OH > 1O2. There were three degradation pathways of DEHP in H-mZVI/PS system, and the toxicity of DEHP degradation products was significantly lower than that of the parent.

Phytochemical Screening and Pharmacological Evaluation of Bruguiera gymnorhiza Methanolic Leaf Extract

ABSTRACT Bruguiera gymnorhiza (Rhizophoraceae) is an indigenous mangrove plant with a salient history of traditional uses. This study aimed to explore the phytoconstituents and biological responses of its methanolic (95%) leaf extract (ME). The initial phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, saponins, phenols, and flavonoids. Then, the anthelmintic and antioxidant capabilities were evaluated against Pheretima posthuma (earthworms), DPPH (0.004%), and ABTS cation radical solutions, respectively. Afterward, cardioprotective and hepatoprotective responses were studied in cyclophosphamide-induced myocardial damage and paracetamol-intoxicated liver cirrhosis. The anthelmintic study revealed that ME (50 mg mL−1) had a lower potency (7.45 min) than albendazole (3.63 min) in killing parasites. Furthermore, it exhibited a dose-dependent efficacy (IC50 50.297 and 55.126 µg mL−1) against free radicals in both DPPH and ABTS assay, although less effective than the ascorbic acid (IC50 24.177 and 23.61 µg mL−1). The elevated serum levels of cardiotoxicity indicators (aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, troponin-I, and lipid profiles) declined by the extract (300 mg kg−1 body weight). Moreover, at a similar dose, it reduced the high circulatory biomarkers (alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total bilirubin) levels of hepatocyte injury. This study recommends promising pharmacological values of Bruguiera gymnorhiza ME.

Nutritional Evaluation and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Nano-formulated Selenium-Moringa Peregrine Seed Extract as a Promising Suppressor of TGF-β1/P38/NF-kβ Signaling Pathway in HgCl2 Intoxicated-Mice.

Moringa peregrina, renowned for its extensive health benefits, continues to reveal its therapeutic potential through ongoing research. The synthesis of Moringa peregrina extract-selenium nanoparticles (MPE-SeNPs) has emerged as a promising approach in developing versatile therapeutic agents. To evaluate the protective effects of MPE-SeNPs against oxidative damage and inflammation caused by HgCl2 exposure in mice. The study involved extracting and characterizing the dried powdered seeds of Moringa peregrina to determine their nutritional and bioactive contents. MPE-SeNPs were synthesized using plant extracts and characterized through TEM, UV-Vis, and FT-IR techniques to assess their chelating and superoxide radical scavenging activities. The LD50 of MPE-SeNPs was determined, and doses of 1/50 and 1/20 of the LD50 were administered to HgCl₂-exposed mice to evaluate lung protective effects. Biochemical analyses measured plasma lipid profiles and lung antioxidant status, while gene expression of TGF-β1, P38, and NF-kβ in lung tissue was analyzed. Histopathological examinations of lung tissues were conducted to observe structural changes and fibrosis, providing a comprehensive assessment of the protective efficacy of MPE-SeNPs against oxidative damage and inflammation. The raw Moringa peregrine seeds contain approximately 27.81% fat, 32.10% protein, 13.11% fiber, 4.11% ash and 22.93% carbohydrate content. The phenolic and flavonoid content in debittered seeds is approximately 76.42 mg of GAE/g DE), and 15.55 mg of QE/g DE, respectively. However, MPE and MPESeNPs exhibited chelating activity with 54 and 80.64% after 60 min. Additionally, at a concentration of 120 μg/mL, the superoxide radical scavenging activity was 71% for MPE and 93% for MPE-SeNPs after 5 minutes of incubation. The IC50 values recorded for MPE and MPE-SeNPs were 80.38 and 48.01 μg/mL, respectively. MPE-SeNPs had an average size of approximately 130.63 nm. UV-Vis spectrum peaks and FTIR identified functional groups associated with phenolics and flavonoids. LD50 of MPE-SeNPs was estimated to be 773 mg/kg body weight. Oral administration of MPE and MPE-SeNPs led to improvements in plasma lipid profile as well as lung antioxidant status. Moreover, downregulation of lung TGF-β1, P38, and NF-kβ gene expression in HgCl2-intoxicated mice when treated with MPE-SeNPs. In addition, MPE-SeNPs improve lung tissue by enhancing antioxidant enzymes, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and scavenging free radicals. The study reveals that Moringa peregrina extract combined with selenium nanoparticles (MPESeNPs) offers significant protection against oxidative damage induced by HgCl₂ exposure. The enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of MPE-SeNPs, particularly at a dose of 38.65 mg/kg body weight, demonstrate their potential as a powerful natural therapy for pulmonary fibrosis. These findings underscore the promise of MPE-SeNPs in improving lung health by mitigating oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue repair, paving the way for innovative treatments in respiratory medicine.

NO-mediated DNA damage induced by polystyrene nanoparticles triggers program cell death in mesenchymal stem cells

Daily contact with considerable amounts of polystyrene nanoparticles (PSNPs) may cause harmful effects on the living organisms, through mechanisms that are not fully understood. The study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of PSNPs (size 200 nm and 40 nm) in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In order to estimate cellular uptake and retention of nanoplastics, PSNP-treated cells have been analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. For assessing morphology and viability of MSCs after PSNP treatment at two environmentally relevant doses (0.47 and 4.7 μl/ml) for 24 hours, HE and Giemsa staining were performed. Annexin V‑FITC/PI assay was used to quantify PSNPs-mediated cell death. Genotoxicity of PSNPs was evaluated by Comet test. The capacity of PSNPs to trigger the production of free radicals in MSCs was also evaluated. TEM confirmed endocytosis of PSNPs. Decreased cell volume, nuclear hyperchromatism, edge aggregation, and formation of densely stained apoptotic bodies, indicated that PSNP-treated MSCs undergo apoptosis. The presented data showed that both concentration of PS particles significantly increased early apoptotic cell death in comparison to untreated cells. Moreover, both doses of PSNPs significantly increased the genetic damage index in MSCs in dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, PSNPs penetrate, accumulate and induce cytotoxic and genotoxic damage in MSCs.

A rapid preparation strategy of konjac glucomannan-based fiber film incorporated with elderberry anthocyanins via microfluidic blow spinning for fresh-cut apple preservation.

It is still a challenge to use a fast and efficient method for preserving fresh-cut fruits from browning. To address this problem, we developed konjac glucomannan (KGM) incorporated with elderberry anthocyanins (EA) to form film-forming solution (KEA) combined with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) solution to produce KEA/PVP fiber films by microfluidic blow spinning (MBS). The introduction of PVP and EA improved the spinnability and function properties of KGM-based fiber film, respectively. The fiber diameter of KEA/PVP films was increased with the addition of KEA. The FT-IR and XRD results verified that hydrogen bonds formed among KGM, EA, and PVP, contributing to the enhanced thermal stability, water barrier (WCA: 65°), and mechanical properties (TS: 2.73 MPa) of KEA/PVP films. The KEA/PVP films exhibited excellent antioxidant properties with DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging rates of 74.69 % and 96.18 %, respectively. Besides, the antibacterial ability of KEA/PVP films against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was also enhanced. The fresh-cut apple was effectively preserved that packaged in the KEA/PVP films and exhibited the best preservation effect compared with other groups. This work expanded the application of MBS and natural active compounds incorporated into KGM-based fiber film for fresh-cut apple preservation.