High-performance Liquid Chromatography-mass Spectrometry Research Articles

Metabolic profiling of meningioma reveals novel subgroup-specific biologic insights and outcome dependencies.

Our group and others have recently identified four molecular groups of meningioma, with unique underlying biology and outcomes. The relevance of group-specific metabolite profiles (particularly among hypermetabolic tumours), has not been explored. We performed untargeted metabolic profiling of meningiomas representing each molecular group and WHO grade. Prognostic biochemicals were identified using Cox regression and their biological importance was explored using RNA and protein-based pathway analyses. Validation was performed using targeted high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Global metabolic profiling identified 560 unique biochemicals. We identified a 21-metabolite outcome signatures which is strongly predictive of outcome after adjusting for WHO grade, extent of resection, and receipt of adjuvant radiotherapy (HR 326.49, 95%CI 16.72-6375.48, p < 0.0001). The abundance of N6-trimethyllysine was associated with earlier time to recurrence on our whole cohort (log-rank p = 0.009) and within hypermetabolic and WHO grade 2 tumours specifically; this was validated using targeted HPLC-MS/MS on two cohorts. Consensus RNA and protein expression analysis demonstrated as association between N6-trimethyllysine abundance and activation of oxidative phosphorylation pathways, which portended worse outcomes in the hypermetabolic subgroup but, interestingly, better outcomes in the proliferative subgroup. By contrast, upregulated pyruvate and lactate transporters were associated with worse outcomes in proliferative meningiomas specifically. This is the first study to demonstrate a subgroup-specific prognostic role of N6-trimethyllysine in hypermetabolic meningiomas, offering increasingly granular outcome predictions using a widely accessible technique (HPLC-MS/MS). We also suggest fundamental differences in preferred energy utilization between and a potential need for subgroup-specific therapies.

Broad-based targeted lipidomic analysis of dental fluorosis population in an adult population.

Dental fluorosis, as a common chronic fluoride toxicity oral disease, is mainly caused by long-term excessive intake of fluoride, which seriously affects the aesthetics and function of patients' teeth. In recent years, with the rapid development of metabolomics technology, lipidomics, as an important means to study the changes in lipid metabolism in organisms, has shown great potential in revealing the mechanisms of disease development. As a major component of cell membranes and a signaling molecule, metabolic disorders of lipids are closely related to a variety of diseases, but the specific mechanism of action in dental fluorosis is still unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to systematically analyze the differences in lipid profiles between dental fluorosis patients and healthy populations by using broad-based targeted lipidomics technology to provide new perspectives on the pathogenesis of dental fluorosis. To this end, the researchers compared the salivary lipidome of healthy participants with the salivary micro lipidome of dental fluorosis patients. Their saliva samples were collected, and advanced broad-based targeted lipidomics technology, combined with a high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) system, was used to comprehensively detect and quantify the lipids in the samples. The lipid data were processed and analyzed by bioinformatics to identify the unique patterns of changes in the lipid profiles of dental fluorosis patients and to verify the significance of these changes using statistical methods. Several glycerophospholipids, fatty acyls, and sphingolipids exhibited marked alterations in dental Among these, glycocholic acid, LPA (18:4), taurolithocholic acid-3-sulfate, lithocholic acid-3-sulfate, and taurochenodeoxycholic acid-3-sulfate were observed between dental fluorosis patients and healthy controls. taurochenodeoxycholic acid was significantly decreased, while PA (12:0_12:0) levels were significantly elevated. These findings suggest that These findings suggest that disturbances in lipid metabolism play a crucial role in developing dental fluorosis.

UHPLC-MS/MS based comprehensive phenolic profiling, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Indian Rhodomyrtus tomentosa fruits

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa fruits, endemic to the Western Ghats were analyzed for its free, bound and esterified phenolics by Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry. Overall, twenty-nine phenolic compounds were identified, amongst them 18 were detected in this fruit for the first time. Gallic acid (80.44 ± 8.74 mg/100 g) and ellagic acid (107.47 ± 7.28 mg/100 g) were the most prominent ones found in the bound phenolic fraction and gallic acid (103.76 ± 6.34 mg/100 g) in the esterified phenolic fraction of the fruit, respectively. Total Phenolic content was found to be highest in bound phenolics (7.09 ± 0.17 mg Gallic acid equivalent/g). The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the three extracts namely free, bound and esterified phenolic fruit fractions have been analyzed. Bound phenolics exhibited the highest antioxidant potential (DPPH-15.63 ± 0.86; ABTS-34.73 ± 0.07; FRAP-17.89 ± 0.27 mg/g Ascorbic acid equivalent). The bound phenolics showed good antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with a MIC of 0.156, 0.625 and 1.25 mg/mL respectively. The exploration of phenolic compounds in Indian variety of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa fruits may provide useful insights on its utilization as a functional food ingredient.

Preconcentration and Purification of Oligonucleotides from Heat-Treated Human Plasma by Anion-Exchange Microextraction Devices Coupled to High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Preconcentration and Purification of Oligonucleotides from Heat-Treated Human Plasma by Anion-Exchange Microextraction Devices Coupled to High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Bi0/I− co-modified BiOIO3/Bi2WO6 Z-scheme heterojunction catalysts for degradation of antibiotics under visible light: Mechanism, optimization and pathway

The BiOIO3/Bi2WO6 binary catalyst was prepared by hydrothermal method, and a Bi0/I−-BiOIO3/Bi2WO6 all-solid-state Z-scheme heterojunction composite catalyst with Bi0 deposition and I-doping was prepared by further reducing it with NaBH4 as reducing agent. When the content of BiOIO3 is 20 wt% and n(NaBH4): n(BiOIO3 + Bi2WO6) = 0.3, Bi0/I−-BiOIO3/Bi2WO6 has the best photocatalytic activity. Under the optimized reaction conditions (catalyst dosage 1.0 g/L, antibiotic initial concentration 20 mg/L), the degradation efficiency of oxytetracycline (OTC) reached 83.56 % after 60 min reaction under visible light, and its pseudo-first-order reaction rate constant was 0.02431 min−1, which was 2.56 times and 3.94 times that of pure Bi2WO6 and pure BiOIO3, respectively. The characterization results show that the main reasons for the improvement of the activity of Bi0/I−-BiOIO3/Bi2WO6 are the formation of heterojunction in the catalyst, the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect generated by Bi0 and the impurity energy level introduced by I-doping, which jointly promote the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs (e−-h+) in the catalyst and enhance the absorption capacity of the catalyst to visible light. The intermediates produced during the reaction were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Two possible pathways for the degradation of OTC by Bi0/I−-BiOIO3/Bi2WO6 were proposed. Finally, the electron transfer mechanism of Bi0/I−-BiOIO3/Bi2WO6 all-solid-state Z-scheme heterojunction was proposed based on the test results of Tauc-plot curve and M–S curve.

Biomass and Yield in Solanum lycopersicum Expressing a Synthetic Photorespiration Pathway

Considerable interest exists in improving the efficiency of photosynthesis and photorespiration to increase crop yields that will address growing world food needs. The current study investigated whether a novel synthetic photorespiratory pathway demonstrated to reduce photorespiratory metabolic energy demands and increase plant vegetative biomass in model species could boost tomato crop yield, notably yield of marketable fruit. The tomato cultivar Moneymaker was transformed with a synthetic photorespiration pathway construct containing a Cucurbita maxima malate synthase (MS) gene and a Chlamydomonas reinhardtii glycolate dehydrogenase (CrGDH) gene targeted to the chloroplast, with a plastid glycolate-glycerate translocator 1 (PLGG1) hairpin interference construct targeting the native photorespiratory pathway. Plants of seven T2 generation lines from independent transformation events expressed the MS and CrGDH transgenes, while having at least 3-fold reduction of native PLGG1 expression relative to non-transformed Moneymaker. Plants from transformed lines were larger and exhibited up to 63% increased biomass in comparison with the Moneymaker control. The number of fruit was similarly greater (1.4- to 4.2-fold) in modified plants; however, average individual fruit weights were significantly less for all but one line. Among transformed lines, larger fruited lines had the lowest biomass, while the smaller fruited lines had the highest biomass. Values for VCmax and Jmax derived from CO2 assimilation curves were statistically similar or lower in transformants relative to the control. Metabolic profiles obtained from high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) analysis revealed increases in forms of inactivated auxin. Principal component analysis of metabolite profiles separated transformants into two groups distinguished by total biomass and fruit size. Observed increases in plant biomass in transformed lines suggests that energy savings were realized from reduced photorespiration but were directed toward vegetative growth. Further studies to balance vegetative vs. reproductive biomass and exploit higher fruit counts observed in transformants may be beneficial for enhanced fruit yield.

Tianxiangdan (TXD) alleviates myocardial ischemia reperfusion-induced ferroptosis through the activation of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα).

Tianxiangdan (TXD), a traditional Chinese herbal remedy, demonstrates efficacy in mitigating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced damage. This study employed network pharmacology to evaluate the therapeutic targets and mechanisms of TXD in treating I/R. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) identified 86 compounds in TXD. Network pharmacological analysis predicted potential target genes and their modes of action. Cardiac function, ischaemic ST changes, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, myocardial fiber, and infarct size were assessed using in vivo and in vitro I/R injury models. Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) protein expression and estradiol (E2) levels were measured to confirm TXD's impact on estrogen levels and ERα expression. To examine if TXD reduces I/R injury through ERα, an AZD group (300 nmol·L-1 AZD9496 and 15% TXD serum) was compared to a TXD group (15% TXD serum). The study hypothesized that TXD upregulates the ERα-mediated iron metamorphosis pathway. I/R injury-induced ferroptosis was identified using a Fer-1 group (1.0 μmol·L-1 Fer-1 and 15% TXD serum) to elucidate the potential association between ferroptosis and ERα proteins. A DCFH-DA probe detected reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Fe2+, while Western blotting assessed target protein expression. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that TXD attenuated I/R injury by reducing elevated ST-segment levels, improving cardiac injury biomarkers (LDH, MDA, and SOD), alleviating pathological features, and preventing I/R-induced loss of cell viability in vitro. The effects and mechanisms of TXD on I/R injury-associated ferroptosis were investigated using I/R-induced H9c2 cells. The TXD group showed significantly decreased ROS and Fe2+ levels, while the AZ group (treated with AZD9496) exhibited increased levels. The TXD group demonstrated enhanced expression of ERα and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), with reduced levels of P53 protein and ferritin-heavy polypeptide 1 (FTH1). The AZ group exhibited contrasting effects on these expression levels. The literature indicated a novel connection between ERα and ferroptosis. TXD activates the ERα signaling pathway, promoting protection against I/R-induced myocardial cell ferroptosis. This study provides evidence supporting TXD use for myocardial ischemia treatment, particularly in older female patients who may benefit from its therapeutic outcomes.

In vitro evaluation of the antiplasmodial activity and phytochemical screening of five plants extracts from the traditional pharmacopoeia in Côte d'Ivoire

The resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to current antimalarial drugs, namely artemisinin derivatives associated with a partner molecule, requires the search for new therapeutic alternatives through traditional pharmacopoeia, rich in medicinal plants. The aim of this study is to assess the in vitro anti-plasmodial activity of leaf extracts from five plants selected for their traditional use against malaria. An ethnopharmacological survey was carried out in Agboville to identify plants traditionally used against malaria in this region. The leaves of these plants were harvested, dried and extracted using aqueous and hydroethanolic solvents. The extracts obtained were then subjected to an in vitro anti-plasmodial test using SYBR GREEN to assess their ability to inhibit the growth of Plasmodium falciparum. Phytochemical screening and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was carried out to identify the chemical compounds present in the extracts. In total, ten extracts from the dried leaves of five plants were tested on clinical isolates of Plasmodium falciparum. Of these, only Momordica charantia extracts showed an IC50 ≤ 5 µg/ml, namely 1.93 µg/ml for the hydroethanolic extract and 4.35 µg/ml for the aqueous extract. The anti-plasmodial activity of these extracts was described as powerful. Extracts from other plants showed IC50 values ranging from 16.19 µg/ml to 31.43 µg/ml, indicating moderate anti-plasmodial activity. Phytochemical analyses mainly revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, polyterpenes and phenolic acids, suggesting that these compounds may be responsible for the anti-plasmodial activity observed. In conclusion, the search for natural products capable of blocking the transmission of malaria must be pursued with determination, and further studies are needed before the formulation of phytomedicines from these plants can be envisaged.

In vitro simulated digestion and Caco-2 cell absorption to explore potential of soy protein isolates as whey protein substitutes in canine and feline food.

Digestive properties and bioavailability of soy protein isolate and whey protein in canine and feline were evaluated using in vitro simulated digestion and cell absorption experiments. The amino acids and peptides in soybean protein isolate and whey protein after digestion were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid mass spectrometry. Gastrointestinal digestion rates of soy protein isolate and whey protein were analyzed by fitting digestive kinetics curves. The degree of absorption and utilization of amino acids and peptides from the digestive products was evaluated by establishing a Caco-2 cell model. The results demonstrated that soy protein isolate, like whey protein, could produce large amounts of free amino acids and peptides distributed 100-1500 Da. The gastrointestinal digestion speed of soy protein isolate was similar with whey protein. It is worth noting from the intestinal absorption of Caco-2 cell that more than 15 amino acids produced by soy protein isolate and whey protein could be absorbed, and a large number of peptides were also utilized by Caco-2 cell. The bioavailability of soy protein isolates and whey protein for dogs respectively reached 6.30% and 9.00%, and it reached 7.40% and 16.40% in cats, respectively. Soy isolate proteins can be digested and absorbed by pets like whey proteins. These findings may provide significant strategies and support for the application of plant-based proteins in pet foods.

A Novel Platform Featuring Nanomagnetic Ligand Fishing Based on Fixed-Orientation Immobilized Magnetic Beads for Screening Potential Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors from Panax notoginseng Leaves.

A novel screening platform based on an Fe3O4@C@PDA-Ni2+@COX-2 ligand fishing combination with high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was first designed, synthesized, and employed to screen and identify COX-2 inhibitors from Panax notoginseng leaves. The obtained magnetic nanoparticles exhibit outstanding preconcentration ability that allows for controlling the enzyme orientation to avoid enzyme active site blocking, conformational changes, or denaturing during immobilization. The as-prepared Fe3O4@C@PDA-Ni2+@COX-2 composite was carefully characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), Xray powder diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and Zeta potential analysis. The analytical parameters influencing the magnetic solid-phase fishing efficiency were optimized by univariate and multivariate methods (Box-Behnken design) by testing a positive control and celecoxib with active and inactive COX-2. Under the optimized ligand fishing conditions, twelve potential COX-2 inhibitors were screened and characterized in Panax notoginseng leaves. The results indicate that the proposed method provides a simple, feasible, selective, and effective platform for the efficient screening and identification of active compounds from Chinese herbal medicine. It has guiding significance for the synthesis and development of novel anti-inflammatory drugs, and provides a reference for the efficient discovery of anti-inflammatory drugs or lead compounds from the complex system of Chinese herbal medicine.

Effects of fermented tea by Aspergillus cristatus on the characteristic aroma and non-volatile components of Jiang-flavor baijiu.

Fu Brick tea (FBT) extract has been demonstrated to lower blood lipids, protect liver, and prevent obesity. Despite these benefits, there are no products on the market that combine FBT with other foods or beverages. In this study, we developed a novel product by combining FBT with high-alcohol Jiang-flavor baijiu, resulting in FBT-baijiu. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) analysis revealed that FBT-baijiu contains health-promoting alkaloids, including eurocristatine (13.60 ± 0.13 mg/L), (-)-neoechinulin A (10.26 ± 0.09 mg/L), neoechinulin D (7.89 ± 0.05 mg/L), variecolorin G (6.94 ± 0.05 mg/L), and echinulin (25.46 ± 0.27 mg/L), which are known to be present in FBT. The aroma compounds of the FBT-baijiu and the base baijiu were analyzed using comprehensive gas chromatography-olfactometry-mass spectrometry (GC-O-MS) technology. The major volatile compounds of two baijiu samples were identified using relative odor activity values (r-OAVs) analysis. The FBT-baijiu showed a significant reduction in ester content, but a remarkable enhancement in aromatic properties. The findings show that combining FBT with baijiu not only offers functional components but also enhances the flavor profile. This study highlights the potential of utilizing FBT as a functional food ingredient or additive, paving the way for the development of new health-promoting products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Comprehensive Analysis of Bioactive Compounds, Functional Properties, and Applications of Broccoli By-Products.

Broccoli by-products, traditionally considered inedible, possess a comprehensive nutritional and functional profile. These by-products are abundant in glucosinolates, particularly glucoraphanin, and sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate renowned for its potent antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties. Broccoli leaves are a significant source of phenolic compounds, including kaempferol and quercetin, as well as pigments, vitamins, and essential minerals. Additionally, they contain proteins, essential amino acids, lipids, and carbohydrates, with the leaves exhibiting the highest protein content among the by-products. Processing techniques such as ultrasound-assisted extraction and freeze-drying are crucial for maximizing the concentration and efficacy of these bioactive compounds. Advanced analytical methods, such as high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), have enabled precise characterization of these bioactives. Broccoli by-products have diverse applications in the food industry, enhancing the nutritional quality of food products and serving as natural substitutes for synthetic additives. Their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties not only contribute to health promotion but also support sustainability by reducing agricultural waste and promoting a circular economy, thereby underscoring the value of these often underutilized components.

Bushen Huoxue decoction improves the reproduction of endometriosis-associated infertility by regulating Homeobox A10 and αlpha(v)beta(3) integrin expression.

To investigate the mechanism of Bushen Huoxue decoction (, BSHXD) to treat endometriosis-induced infertility. The main compounds of BSHXD were determined by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The effect of BSHXD on Homeobox A10 (HOXA10) and alpha(v)beta(3) (αvβ3) integrin expression of Ishikawa cells, mouse model, and endometriosis-associated infertility women was evaluated by using Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry and Real-Time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The efficacy of BSHXD on embryo attachment were examined by using the BeWo spheroid and mouse embryo attachment assay. HOXA10 concentration in uterine flushing fluid of endometriosis-associated infertility women treated with BSHXD was measured by Enzyme-Linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). BSHXD improved BeWo spheroid and mice blastocysts attachment to Ishikawa cells and increased embryo implantation rates in mice and pregnancy rates in women with endometriosis-associated infertility. BSHXD enhanced HOXA10 and αvβ3 integrin expression in Ishikawa cell, endometriosis mouse model, and endometriosis-associated infertility women, which potentially improved endometrial receptivity. BSHXD could improve endometrial receptivity of endometriosis-associated infertility in a dose-dependent manner by regulating HOXA10 and αvβ3 integrin expression.

The effects and mechanisms of chai shao jie yu granules on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depressive rats based on network pharmacology.

Chai Shao Jie Yu Granules (CSJY) is a renowned and time-honored formula employed in clinical practice for the management of various conditions, notably depression. Depression, a prevalent psychiatric disorder, poses challenges with limited effective treatment options. Traditional herbal medicines have garnered increasing attention in the realm of combating depression, being perceived as safer alternatives to pharmacotherapy. To explore the effects and mechanisms of CSJY in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression. Rat models of CUMS-induced depression were established, and the rats were randomly allocated into six groups: Control, CUMS, CUMS+Paroxetine (PX), CUMS+CSJY-L, CUMS+CSJY-M, and CUMS+CSJY-H. Throughout the study, the rats' body weight was monitored. Depression-related behaviors were assessed using the sucrose preference test (SPT) and open field test (OFT). High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) measured monoamine neurotransmitters in the rat cortex and hippocampus. We measured adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone (CORT), and corticotropin-release hormone (CRH) levels in rat serum. Additionally, network pharmacology was employed to predict relevant molecular targets and potential mechanisms, followed by in vivo validation. Western blot analysis was conducted to evaluate the protein levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine/serotonin receptor 1A (5-HT1A) and Glutamate (Glu)-related proteins, such as p-GluA1, GluA1, p-GluN1, GluN1, p-GluN2A and GluN2A in the hippocampus. In behavioral assessments, CUMS rats exhibited depressive behaviors, which were ameliorated by CSJY or PX treatment. Moreover, CSJY or PX treatment increased serotonin (5-HT) levels. It reduced the kynurenine/tryptophan (KYN/TRP) and gamma-aminobutyric acid/glutamate (GABA/Glu) in the hippocampus and cortex, as well as reduced serum levels of ACTH, CORT and CRH. Furthermore, CSJY or PX administration enhanced the decreased expression of p-GluN1/GluN1 while upregulating 5-HT1A and p-GluA1/GluA1 levels in the CUMS group. CSJY demonstrated the ability to alleviate depressive behaviors in CUMS-induced depression rats, potentially through the inhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, modulation of monoamine neurotransmitters, and glutamatergic neurons. These findings suggest that CSJY could serve as a promising treatment option for depression.

Establishment and application of a high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method for analysis of 15 bisphenols and halogenated phenols in tea.

Using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, fifteen bisphenols and halogenated phenols were simultaneously analyzed in tea for the first time in China. Response surface methodology was used to optimize sample preparation conditions based on QuEChERS. Finally, the limits of detection and the limits of quantification were 0.0200-0.173μg/kg and 0.0892-0.770μg/kg, respectively. The recoveries were 70%-120% for most compounds (except for some compounds at low spiked concentrations) with RSDs <20%. Then 135 dried tea samples were analyzed. Bisphenol S, A and F were the predominant bisphenol contaminants with detection rates above 80%, and the median level of bisphenol F (4.90μg/kg) was even higher than that of bisphenol A (2.74μg/kg). Bisphenol A (p<0.001) and bisphenol F (p=0.007) were significantly higher in black tea than in green tea. Hazard index was estimated and bisphenols in tea may pose potential risks to human health.

Almond Hull Extract Valorization: From Waste to Food Recovery to Counteract Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in Formation and Mature Biofilm.

The increase in food waste accumulation needs innovative valorization strategies that not only reduce environmental impacts but also provide functional applications. This study investigates the potential of almond hulls, an abundant agricultural by-product, as a source of bioactive compounds. For the first time, almond hull extract (AHE), was evaluated in terms of anti-adhesive and anti-biofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and Escherichia coli ATCC 9637. The extract was obtained by an optimized eco-friendly green technique using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and it was characterized for its main compounds by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated on planktonic cells by minimum inhibitory/bactericidal concentration (MIC/MBC) and by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. Afterward, AHE activity was evaluated against the bacterial sessile phase, both against in-formation and mature biofilm. Finally, the toxicity of the extract was tested on normal human adult cells (HDFa) by an MTT test. The principal active compounds present in AHE belong to the polyphenol group, in particular, the phenolic acid (Hydroxycinnammic sub-class) and, more significantly, the flavonoid class. The results showed that the extract has a relevant antimicrobial activity against the planktonic cells of both tested strains. Moreover, it significantly inhibited bacterial adhesion and promoted biofilm removal, highlighting its potential as a sustainable antimicrobial agent. The MTT test on human fibroblasts showed that the extract is not toxic for normal human cells. This research highlights how food waste valorization could have a high potential in the antimicrobial field.

Ethidium Bromide Degradation by Cold Atmospheric Plasma in Water and the Assessment of Byproduct Toxicity for Environmental Protection.

Ethidium bromide (Et-Br) is a widely used fluorescent dye in molecular biology and biotechnology laboratories for visualizing nucleic acids in agarose gel electrophoresis. However, concerns have been raised about its environmental impact and potential health risks due to its persistence and toxicity. The potential accumulation and long-term effects on the environment necessitate the removal of Et-Br from water. This study investigates the potential of novel cold plasma technology for the degradation of Et-Br. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is an environmentally friendly technology that does not produce secondary pollutants and generates a variety of potent chemical reactive oxidants such as hydroxyl radicals (•OH), H2O2, NO2, and NO3. In this study, Et-Br was treated with CAP for 15 min without the addition of any chemicals, resulting in substantial removal of Et-Br. The degradation kinetics revealed that the CAP-treated Et-Br followed a pseudo-first-order reaction, dependent on the treatment time of CAP. The degradation of Et-Br by CAP is distinctly evident through the results obtained from both high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses, providing clear evidence of the occurrence of degradation. Furthermore, toxicity analyses of the degradation products were conducted by evaluating the Et-Br intercalation ability with DNA before and after treatment of Et-Br with CAP. To supplement the assessment, the binding of Et-Br with BSA has also been studied before and after CAP treatment. The impact of CAP-treated Et-Br on the growth and colony-forming unit (CFU) counts of Escherichia coli was also evaluated. Results indicated an increase in bacterial growth with an increase in CAP treatment time, suggesting that the degradation products of Et-Br using CAP were nontoxic. This study highlights the potential of CAP as a clean and efficient technology for the degradation of Et-Br, presenting a promising solution for mitigating its environmental and health risks.

Transforming growth factor-β3/Smad2/Smad3 signaling pathway inhibition and autophagy by the Yunpi-Xiefei-Huatan decoction ameliorated airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in asthmatic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe Yunpi-Xiefei-Huatan decoction (YXHD) is a traditional Chinese medicine that can improve asthma-related symptoms, including cough, phlegm in the throat, and shortness of breath. However, the YXHD mechanism on asthma has not yet been elucidated. Study aimThe aim of this study is to investigate the effect of YXHD on airway inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, and autophagy modulation in asthma. Materials and methodsThe YXHD chemical constituents were observed and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Ovalbumin sensitization and stimulation were used to establish an asthma rat model. A total of 80 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were segmented into eight groups at random: a Normal (NC) group, a Model (Mod) group, a YXHD low-dose group (10 g/kg/d), a YXHD moderate-dose group (20 g/kg/d), a YXHD high-dose group (40 g/kg/d), a Rapamycin group (4 mg/kg/d), a 3-methyladenine (3-MA) group (15 mg/kg/d), and a Dexamethasone (DEX) group (0.5 mg/kg/d). Whole-body plethysmography (WBP) detection was used to evaluate airway hyperresponsiveness. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect inflammatory factors in the peripheral blood. Inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were also counted. Pathological changes in the lung tissues were marked using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. The localization of MUC5AC and the co-localization of LC3B + MUC5AC were observed using immunofluorescence. The expressions of autophagy and the TGF-β3/Smad2/Smad3 pathway in the lung tissues were detected using a Western blot assay (WB) and qPCR, and the autophagosomes in the lung tissues were detected using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). ResultsTwenty signal peaks were identified using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) technology. The TGF-β3/Smad2/Smad3 signal pathway activation was induced using ovalbumin (OVA) exposure in the rats. The upregulated expression of autophagy, enhanced MUC5AC fluorescence and LC3B fluorescence, and their co-localized expression in the airway epithelium indicated inflammatory cell infiltration and excessive mucus secretion in the lungs. This resulted in airway hyper-responsiveness. The YXHD inhibited the activation of the TGF-β3/Smad2/Smad3 signaling pathway, and autophagy expression reduced inflammatory factors, abnormal mucus secretion, and airway hyperresponsiveness. ConclusionThe YXHD improved lung function, relieved lung inflammation, and inhibited airway mucus secretions in asthmatic rat models. Its mechanism may have been related to the blockage of the TGF-β3/Smad2/Smad3 signaling pathway and autophagy downregulation.

Optimization Function for Determining Optimal Dose Range for Beef and Seed Potato Irradiation.

The objective of this study is to develop a universally applicable approach for establishing the optimal dose range for the irradiation of plant and animal products. The approach involves the use of the optimization function for establishing the optimal irradiation dose range for each category of plant and animal product to maximize the suppression of targeted pathogens while preserving the surrounding molecules and biological structures. The proposed function implies that pathogens found in the product can be efficiently suppressed provided that irradiation is performed with the following criteria in mind: a high irradiation dose uniformity, a high probability of irradiation hitting pathogens and controlled heterogeneity of radiobiological sensitivity of pathogens. This study compares the optimal dose ranges for animal and plant products using beef tenderloin and seed potato tubers as examples. In a series of experiments, our team traced the dose dependencies of myoglobin oxidation in beef and the amount of potential damage to albumin's native structure. The behavior patterns of myoglobin derivatives and the amount of potential damage to albumin found in this study determined the optimal dose range, which appeared to be wider for beef irradiation compared to that for seed potato tubers, as they do not require uniform irradiation of the entire volume since targeted phytopathogens are predominantly found within the surface layers of the tubers. The use of proprietary methods involving spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry provides a novel perspective on the quantitative assessment of the myoglobin oxidation level and the potential damage to albumin's native structure.

Relationship between metabolomics of T2DM patients and the anti-diabetic effects of Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex-Anemarrhenae Rhizoma herb pair in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) poses significant threats to public health. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex-Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (PCC/AR) herb pair has long been used for T2DM treatment, although its specific anti-diabetic mechanisms remain unclear. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to elucidate the relationship between metabolomics of T2DM patients and the anti-diabetic effects of PCC/AR herb pair in mice through clinical metabolomics and both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Materials and methodsIn this study, a T2DM mouse model was established via high-fat feeding (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ) injection. The effects of PCC/AR on blood glucose, lipid metabolism, and inflammatory markers were evaluated. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) was performed for metabolomics analysis of T2DM patients. ResultsSerum metabolomics analysis identified significant alterations in metabolites linked to the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and purine metabolism in T2DM patients, with elevated 2-hydroxyvaleric acid (2HB) levels. In T2DM mice, PCC/AR intervention normalized FBG, GHbA1c, TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, TNF-α and IL-1β levels, while improving insulin sensitivity and pancreatic β-cell function in T2DM mice. Notably, PCC/AR reduced key enzymes in gluconeogenesis and fatty acid synthesis, PEPCK and ACC1. ConclusionPCC/AR herb pair exerts an anti-diabetes effect in T2DM mice by regulating 2HB through ACC1 inhibition, thereby reducing FFA and TG synthesis. Additionally, PCC/AR may also exert its effects by modulating glucose and lipid metabolism and reducing inflammation. These results support further investigation into the PCC/AR herb pair as a complementary therapy for T2DM.