Improved Antioxidant Activity Research Articles

Influence of sonication-assisted fermentation on the physicochemical features and antioxidant activities of yogurts fortified by polyphenol-rich pineapple peel powder with varied chemical profiling

This study investigated the effects of pineapple peel powder with varied chemical profiles and sonication-assisted polyphenol biotransformation during fermentation on the quality characteristics of yogurt products. It aimed at exploring the feasibility of sonication-assisted fermentation to enhance the physicochemical properties, control post-acidification, and improve antioxidant activities in yogurts fortified with polyphenol-rich pineapple peel powder. Targeted analysis showed that polyphenol-rich pineapple dietary fiber obtained by ultrasonication-assisted extraction (NPFU) exhibited the slowest rates of acidification, highest antioxidant capacity, and lowest degree of whey separation at 21.67 %. Sonication pretreatments significantly increased transformation of free phenolic acids derived from pineapple peel fiber during fermentation, particularly increasing the accumulation of ferulic acid, caffeic acid and 5-hydroxyflavone, revealing the positive effects of sonication-mediated fermentation in promoting the hydrolysis of conjugated phenolics into free fractions. Yogurts fortified with pineapple peel fiber displayed significantly higher antioxidant activities (p < 0.05) compared to those with pineapple peel whole powder, corresponding with the increased free phenolics. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis was employed to explore the mechanisms underlying the alleviated post-acidification by sonication-assisted fermentation during storage. Metabolomic profiling revealed that the bioactive components from pineapple peel extract significantly influenced the metabolism pathways of lactic acid bacteria particularly involving galactose metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, closely associated with the acid production of the strains and the regulation of the post-acidification rates of yogurt during storage. These results confirmed the potential of ultrasound-assisted fermentation combined with the addition of pineapple dietary fiber to enhance yogurt quality, providing an innovative tool to develop future yogurt products with high marketability.

Biochar co-compost increases the productivity of Brassica napus by improving antioxidant activities and soil health and reducing lead uptake

Lead (Pb) is a serious toxic metal without any beneficial role in the biological system. Biochar (BC) has emerged as an excellent soil amendment to mitigate Pb toxicity. The impact of BC co-compost (BCC) in mitigating the toxic impacts of Pb has not been studied yet. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the potential of BC and BCC in improving the growth, physiological, and biochemical traits of Brassica napus and soil properties and reducing health risks (HR). The study was comprised of different Pb concentrations (control and 100 mg kg-1) and organic amendments (control, BC, compost, and BCC). The results indicated that Pb stress reduced the growth, photosynthetic pigments, seed yield, and oil contents by increasing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production and Pb uptake and accumulation in plant tissues and decreasing photosynthetic pigment and nutrient availability. The application of BCC alleviated the adverse impacts of Pb and improved seed production (40.24%) and oil yield (11.06%) by increasing chlorophyll a (43.18%) and chlorophyll b (25.58%) synthesis, relative water content (23.89%), total soluble protein (TSP: 23.14%), free amino acids (FAA: 26.47%), proline (30.98%), APX (40.90%), CAT (32.79%), POD (24.93%), and SOD (33.30%) activity. Biochar co-compost-mediated increase in seed and oil yield was also linked with a reduced accumulation of Pb in plant parts and soil Pb availability and improved the soil-available phosphorus, potassium, total nitrogen, soil organic carbon (SOC), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC). Furthermore, BCC also reduced the bioaccumulation concentration, daily metal intake, hazard index, and target hazard quotient. In conclusion, application of BCC can increase the growth, yield, and oil contents of Brassica napus by improving the physiological and biochemical traits and soil properties and reducing the Pb uptake.

Chitosan nanoparticles alleviate chromium toxicity by modulating metabolic homeostasis and promoting chromium sequestration in Zea mays L.

Chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) have been proposed as a potential alternative in alleviating chromium (Cr) toxicity. However, the mechanisms underlying remains poorly understood. This study investigates the effects of CSNPs on carbon/nitrogen metabolism, cell wall Cr binding capacity, and antioxidant activity in Zea mays L. under Cr stress. Cr stress decreased the total dry weight (DW) by 48.5 %. By contrast, the total DW was reduced by only 26.2 % in CSNPs-treated plants. Analysis of transcriptomic, enzyme activity, and metabolite content data, CSNPs-treated plants exhibited a higher level of relatively stable Carbon and Nitrogen metabolism than untreated plants. CSNPs application resulted in a substantial increase in the levels of sucrose and soluble protein by 78.0 % and 19.4 % in the leaves, and 60.0 % and 59.7 % in the roots, respectively. Meanwhile, CSNPs increased the contents of glutathione, phytochelatin, and cell wall polysaccharide. This increase resulted in a higher retention of Cr in vacuole and cell wall. Additionally, CSNPs alleviated the oxidative damage by improving antioxidant activity. Overall, our results suggest that CSNPs alleviates Cr toxicity by modulating metabolic homeostasis and promoting Cr sequestration in maize plants. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying CSNPs-mediated Cr stress response with potential implications for crop production.

Recovery of Selenium-Enriched Polysaccharides from Cardamine violifolia Residues: Comparison on Structure and Antioxidant Activity by Different Extraction Methods.

The residues from selenium-enriched Cardamine violifolia after the extraction of protein were still rich in polysaccharides. Thus, the recovery of selenium polysaccharides (SePSs) was compared using hot water extraction and ultrasonic-assisted extraction techniques. The yield, extraction rate, purity, specific energy consumption, and content of total and organic selenium from different SePS extracts were determined. The results indicated that at conditions of 250 W (ultrasonic power), 30 °C, and a liquid-to-material ratio of 30:1 extracted for 60 min, the yield of SePSs was 3.97 ± 0.07%, the extraction rate was 22.76 ± 0.40%, and the purity was 65.56 ± 0.35%, while the total and organic selenium content was 749.16 ± 6.91 mg/kg and 628.37 ± 5.93 mg/kg, respectively. Compared to traditional hot water extraction, ultrasonic-assisted extraction significantly improves efficiency, reduces energy use, and boosts both total and organic selenium content in the extract. Measurements of particle size, molecular weight, and monosaccharide composition, along with infrared and ultraviolet spectroscopy, revealed that ultrasonic-assisted extraction breaks down long-chain structures, decreases particle size, and changes monosaccharide composition in SePSs, leading to lower molecular weight and reduced dispersity. The unique structure of SePSs, which integrates selenium with polysaccharide groups, results in markedly improved antioxidant activity and reducing power, even at low concentrations, due to the synergistic effects of selenium and polysaccharides. This study establishes a basis for using SePSs in functional foods.

Synergistic Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Germanium on the Growth, Nutritional Quality, and Health-Promoting Activities of Spinacia oleracea L.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and the antioxidant germanium (Ge) are promising tools for boosting bioactive compound synthesis and producing healthier foods. However, their combined effect remains unexplored. This study demonstrates the synergistic impact of AMF and Ge on the growth, metabolite accumulation, biological activities, and nutritional qualities of Spinacia oleracea L. (spinach), a globally significant leafy vegetable. Individually, Ge and AMF increased biomass by 68.1% and 22.7%, respectively, while their combined effect led to an 86.3% increase. AMF and Ge also improved proximate composition, with AMF-Ge interaction enhancing crude fiber and mineral content (p < 0.05). Interestingly, AMF enhanced photosynthesis-related parameters (e.g., total chlorophyll) in Ge treated plants, which in turn increased carbohydrate accumulation. This accumulation could provide a route for the biosynthesis of amino acids, organic acids, and fatty acids, as evidenced by increased essential amino acid and organic acid levels. Consistently, the activity of key enzymes involved in amino acids biosynthesis (e.g., glutamine synthase (GS), methionine biosynthase (MS), lysine biosynthase (LS)) showed significant increments. Furthermore, AMF improved fatty acid levels, particularly unsaturated fatty acids in Ge-treated plants compared to the control. In addition, increased phenylalanine provided a precursor for the production of antioxidants (e.g., phenols and flavonoids), through the action of the enzyme phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), resulting in improved antioxidant activity gains as indicated by FRAP, ABTS, and DPPH assays. This study is the first to show that Ge enhances the beneficial effect of AMF on spinach, improving growth and nutritional quality, with promising implications for agricultural practices.

Tuning Antioxidant Function through Dynamic Design of Chitosan-Based Hydrogels.

Dynamic chitosan-based hydrogels with enhanced antioxidant activity were synthesized through the formation of reversible imine linkages with 5-methoxy-salicylaldehyde. These hydrogels exhibited a porous structure and swelling capacity, influenced by the crosslinking degree, as confirmed by SEM and POM analysis. The dynamic nature of the imine bonds was characterized through NMR, swelling studies in various media, and aldehyde release measurements. The hydrogels demonstrated significantly improved antioxidant activity compared to unmodified chitosan, as evaluated by the DPPH method. This research highlights the potential of developing pH-responsive chitosan-based hydrogels for a wide range of biomedical applications.

Optimization and Study of the Enzymatic Aqueous Extraction of Coffee Beans and Its Residual Cake

ABSTRACT Agroindustrial processes have increasingly focused on sustainability and pressing coffee beans generates a waste known as the residual cake. This study evaluated the effects of aqueous enzymatic extraction with carbohydrases applied in coffee bean and its residual cake. Optimized conditions for enzymatic extraction were 75 min, pH 4.5 and 49°C (CB); 51 min, pH 5.0 and 46 °C(RC). The extracts obtained from aqueous enzymatic extraction, when compared to their respective control groups, showed statistically significant increases in the extraction of caffeine (0.32 ± 0.02 and 0.73 ± 0.10 g/100 g for CB RC, respectively) phenolic compounds (3.06 ± 0.30 and 3.85 ± 0.51 g/100 g, for CB and RC, respectively), oil content and improved antioxidant activity by the DPPH and ABTS methods (184.1 ± 2.5 for CB and 153.6 ± 8.4 µmolTrolox/g for RC). These results also showed the potential of the residual cake as a raw material for the production of extracts rich in bioactive compounds and the use of clean technology.

Metabolic and cannflavin profiles of germinated hemp seed (Cannabis sativa L.)

This study aimed to identify the optimal germination period for maximizing cannflavin A (CFL-A) and cannflavin B (CFL-B) production in hemp seeds. Utilizing ultra-high performance liquid chromatograph with orbitrap mass spectrometry (uHPLCOrbitrap-MS/MS), the research measured metabolomic activities, complemented by spectrophotometric analysis of antioxidant activity. The findings indicated that CFL-A and CFL-B concentrations progressively increased, reaching a peak at 72 h. Notably, the polar compounds saw the emergence of 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, a derivative of enzymatic sugar-to-aldehyde conversion. In contrast, the non-polar fraction exhibited a decrease in cannabidiolic acid levels. The study also noted the potential formation of alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acid) through hydrolysis, which serves as an energy source for germination. Metabolomic profiles were categorized by Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), revealing significant changes from Day 0 to Day 1, followed by relative stability until Day 3. A substantial reduction in DPPH IC50 values was observed from 93.00 mg/kg (Day 0) to 43.18 mg/kg (Day 3), indicated stronger radical scavenging capacity. The highest FRAP and TPC value was recorded on Day 3, reflecting the accumulation of bioactive compounds, resulting in improved antioxidant activity.

Effects of heat treatments on the stability, antioxidant activity and volatiles of milk and whey ultrafiltration permeates

Milk (MP) and whey (WP) ultrafiltration permeates were obtained from different dairy processing plants. The effects of pH (4 or 6) and heat treatments (63 °C, 30 min; or 110 °C, 6 min) on permeate stability were measured by the increase of turbidity, and precipitation of nitrogen and calcium. The antioxidant activity and the production of volatiles compounds, as affected by heat treatments, was also evaluated. WP showed a higher sensitivity to heat treatments than MP. Increasing heating temperature reduced the stability of permeates, with an intensified effect at pH 6. Calcium precipitation was the main factor responsible for the increase in turbidity. Lowering the pH to 4 prior to heating strongly limited the development of turbidity. Sterilisation improved antioxidant activity of both permeates, with a greater effect on WP. Sterilisation had no effect on the concentration of volatile aldehydes but promoted the formation of volatile sulfur compounds, and more significantly in WP.

Development of New Variant Beer Using Papaya

Beer becoming one of the ancient and most widely enjoyed beverages globally, is witnessing a growing popularity in the form of functional brews. Nevertheless, there is a constraint on conducting a study on the impact of incorporating functional adjuncts at different stages of the production process and how this affects the final physical, chemical, and sensory properties. The current study examines the ingredients employed and their degree of incorporation to produce a functional beer with bioactive compounds, improved antioxidant activity, and increased flavor qualities. Beer has been a trend with an infusion of fruit in the form of Pieces or extracts. In addition, they were successfully introduced into the various steps like wort boiling, fermentation, maturation, and packaging processes to enhance the consumer perception point of view and the mutual benefits of health such as heart diseases and Stroke as improvement of Bone Density. Beer samples were made with the addition of papaya pulp in different ratios in 17 combinations/replicants.

Encapsulation of quercetin in cellulose porous microspheres: improving antioxidant activity and storage stability

Encapsulation of quercetin in cellulose porous microspheres: improving antioxidant activity and storage stability

Formulation of a Three-Component Essential Oil Mixture from Lavandula dentata, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Myrtus communis for Improved Antioxidant Activity.

The optimization of existing natural antioxidants that are highly effective is crucial for advancements in medicine and the food industry. Due to growing concerns regarding the safety of synthetic antioxidants, researchers are increasingly focusing on natural sources, particularly essential oils (EOs). Combining EOs might enhance antioxidant activity due to increased chemical diversity. This study investigates, for the first time, the antioxidant properties of EOs from Lavandula dentata, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Myrtus communis, both individually and in combination, using the augmented-simplex design methodology. The in vitro evaluation of the antioxidant activity was performed using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. Chromatography gas-mass spectrometry (CG-MS) revealed that 1,8-cineol (37.27%) and pinocarveol (12.67%) are the primary components of L. dentata; verbenone (16.90%), camphor (15.00%), and camphene (11.03%) are predominant in R. officinalis; while cineol (43.32%) is the main component of M. communis. The EOs showed varying scavenging activities against ABTS and DPPH radicals, with DPPH assay values ranging from 194.10 ± 3.01 to 541.19 ± 3.72 µg/mL and ABTS assay values ranging from 134.07 ± 1.70 to 663.42 ± 2.99 µg/mL. These activities were enhanced when the EOs were combined. The optimal antioxidant blend for DPPHIC50 consisted of 20% L. dentata, 50% R. officinalis, and 30% M. communis. For the highest ABTS radical scavenging activity, the best combination was 18% L. dentata, 43% R. officinalis, and 40% M. communis. These results highlight the potential of EO combinations as new natural formulations for use in cosmeceutical, food, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Flavonoid as a Potent Antioxidant: Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship Analysis, Mechanism Study, and Molecular Design by Synergizing Molecular Simulation and Machine Learning.

In this work, a quantitative structure-antioxidant activity relationship of flavonoids was performed using a machine learning (ML) method. To achieve lipid-soluble, highly antioxidant flavonoids, 398 molecular structures with various substitute groups were designed based on the flavonoid skeleton. The hydrogen dissociation energies (ΔG1, ΔG2, and ΔG3) related to multiple hydrogen atom transfer processes and the solubility parameter (δ) of flavonoids were calculated using molecular simulation. The group decomposition results and the calculated antioxidant parameters constituted the ML data set. The artificial neural network and random forest models were constructed to predict and analyze the contribution of the substitute groups and positions to the antioxidant activity. The results showed the hydroxyl group at positions B4', B5', and B6' and the branched alkyl group at position C3 in the flavonoid skeleton were the optimal choice for improving antioxidant activity and compatibility with apolar organic materials. Compared to the pyrogallol group-grafted flavonoid, the designed potent flavonoid decreased ΔG1 and δ by 2.2 and 15.1%, respectively, while ΔG2 and ΔG3 kept the favorable lower values. These findings suggest that an efficient flavonoid prefers multiple ortho-phenolic hydroxyl groups and suitable sites with hydrophobic groups. The combination of molecular simulation and the ML method may offer a new research approach for the molecular design of novel antioxidants.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticle Using Black Mulberry and Characterization, Phytochemical, and Bioactivity.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plant extracts has been proposed as a more advantageous and environmentally friendly alternative compared to existing physical/chemical methods. In this study, AgNPs were synthesized from silver nitrate using black mulberry (BM) extract. The biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized through an UV-visible spectrometer, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. Additionally, BM-AgNPs were subjected to antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. AgNPs biosynthesized from BM extract were dark brown in color and showed a strong peak at 437 nm, confirming that AgNPs were successfully synthesized. The size of AgNPs was 170.17 ± 12.65 nm, the polydispersity index was 0.281 ± 0.07, and the zeta potential value was -56.6 ± 0.56 mV, indicating that the particles were stable. The higher total phenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin content of BM-AgNPs compared to BM extract indicates that the particles contain multiple active substances due to the formation of AgNPs. The DPPH and ABTS assays showed decreased IC50 values compared to BM extract, demonstrating improved antioxidant activity. AgNPs inhibited the growth of S. aureus and E. coli at 600 μg/mL, with minimum bactericidal concentrations determined to be 1000 and 1200 μg/mL, respectively. The anti-inflammatory activity was 64.28% at a BM-AgNPs concentration of 250 μg/mL. As the concentration increased, the difference from the standard decreased, indicating the inhibitory effect of AgNPs on bovine serum albumin denaturation. The viability of MCF-7 cells treated with BM-AgNPs was found to be significantly lower than that of cells treated with BM extract. The IC50 value of BM-AgNPs was determined to be 96.9 μg/mL. This study showed that BM-AgNPs have the potential to be used in the pharmaceutical industry as antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer agents.

Pickering emulsions of zein nanoparticles co-stabilized by Tween 20: An effective strategy to stabilize citral in low pH environment

The demand for surfactant-free emulsions is growing significantly in food industry. Herein, we report the fabrication of zein nanoparticles, modified their surface hydrophobicity with Tween 20, and used them to stabilize various formulations of Pickering emulsions designated as ZT0 %, ZT5 %, ZT10 %, ZT15 %, ZT20 %, and ZT25 %, for preventing the acid-catalysed degradation of citral at 25 °C. Our results suggest that, as the concentration of Tween 20 increases, the droplet size of the emulsions first increases and then decreases, whereas the mechanical strength continuously increases. Citral encapsulated in ZT25 % shows maximum physicochemical stabilization as determined by visual, olfactory and HPLC analysis, and when released in saline shows maximum antioxidant activity due to the favorable charge characteristics on Pickering emulsifiers, and the existence of hydrophobic ⇋ electrostatic interaction. As compared to prior literature, our work represents a significant advancement in fabrication of zein nanoparticles (ZNPs), their stabilization using Tween 20 and the formation of appropriate Pickering emulsions stabilized by Tween 20 modified ZNPs appropriate for modifying the interfacial characteristics of the emulsion for enhanced physicochemical stability, excellent aroma profile, controlled release rate, and improved antioxidant activity of encapsulated citral under harsh acidic conditions. Moreover, the novel Chemical Kinetic Method has been applied to analyze and interpret the citral stability as a function of interfacial parameters. The study, therefore presents a novel particle-surfactant complex interface, having great potential for the encapsulation, protection, and release of citral from the acidic food/pharmaceutical formulations.

In vitro evaluation of milk incorporated with Eryngium billardieri Delar alcoholic extract for antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials.

The present study evaluates the effect of Eryngium billardieri alcoholic extract (EBAE) at weight/volume levels of 0.5% and 1% on some physicochemical, sensory, and microbial properties of cow milk. Results showed that adding EBAE reduced the samples' pH, lightness index (L*), and whitening index (WI). Besides, it increased the levels of acidity, dry matter, viscosity, color indices a* and b*, total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity (AA), and enzyme inhibitory activity (EIA) of the fortified milk samples than the control sample (p < .05). During the storage period, a decrease in TPC, TFC, AA, and EIA was observed in all samples (p < .05). There was a positive direct relationship between the health activity of EBAE and its concentration. Moreover, EBAE was able to reduce the total microbial count (TMC) in the milk samples (p < .05). The sample containing 1% w/v of EBAE had the highest TPC, TFC, AA, and EIA but the lowest TMC, and it was highly acceptable in terms of sensory evaluation. Therefore, this sample was selected as the best treatment in this study. The results of this study confirm that EBAE may be used to improve antioxidant activity and beneficial effects in milk.

Effect of GABA combined with ultrasound stress germination treatment on phenolic content and antioxidant activity of highland barley.

This study investigated the effects of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) combined with ultrasonic stress germination (AUG) treatment on the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of highland barley (HB). Key variables, including germination times (ranging from 0 to 96 h), ultrasonic power (200-500 W), and GABA concentration (5-20 mmol/L), were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) to enhance the enrichment of phenolic compounds. Furthermore, the study assessed the content, composition, and antioxidant activities of phenolic compounds in HB under various treatment conditions such as germination alone (G), ultrasonic stress germination (UG), and AUG treatment. The study identified optimal conditions for the phenolic enrichment of HB, which included a germination time of 60 h, an ultrasound power of 300 W, and a GABA concentration of 15 mmol L-1. Under these conditions, the total phenolic content (TPC) in HB was measured at 7.73 milligrams of gallic acid equivalents per gram dry weight (mg GAE/g DW), representing a 34.96% enhancement compared to untreated HB. Notably, all treatment modalities - G, UG, and AUG - significantly increased the phenolic content and antioxidant activity in HB, with the AUG treatment proving to be the most effective. These obtained results suggest that AUG treatment is a promising processing method for enriching phenolic compounds and improving antioxidant activity in HB. Subsequently, the AUG-treated HB can be used to develop phenolic-rich germinated functional foods to further broaden the application of HB. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Sustainable composting of vegetable waste, cow dung, grasses, and food wastes into soil amendment using starter culture and growth characteristics in guava plant

The study aim was to optimise the C/N ratio, improve the compost quality, reduce pathogenic bacteria load in the compost, and improve guava yield. Vegetable wastes were mixed with cow dung, grasses, and food wastes in ratios of 4:3:2:1 (w/w) for achieving a C/N ratio of approximately 37. Co-composting is an important strategy because the mixture of bulking agents can help achieve optimal composting conditions. Experimental results were obtained from a pilot-scale rotary drum reactor with forced aeration. In the reactor, the temperature increased during the thermophilic phase (58±2 °C) and decreased after 10 days (54±2 °C). The pH values moderately increased, then decreased, and were near to neutral after maturation. The results indicated that co-composting of bio-wastes at a C/N ratio of 37.6%±1.02% could be effectively decomposed to reduce the residuals to just 13.6%±1.05% after 28 days. The microbial population increased in both mesophilic and thermophilic stages and decreased at the end of the composting, reflecting stability. The stable compost was applied to the growth of guava plant, and the yield was calculated. The organic compost improved plant growth, fruit yield, and enriched phytochemical compounds in the fruit and peels. The phytochemical compounds improved antioxidant activity in the guava fruits.

Identification of peptides from Corneum Galli Gigeri Endothelium and inhibiting H2O2-induced gastric mucosa associated with the Rho signaling pathway

Corneum Galli Gigeri Endothelium (CGGE) is a traditional food material known for its stomach-strengthening and digestive-enhancing functions. However, the mechanism by which CGGE peptides in repairing gastric mucosal damage is still unclear. In this study, we isolated the B1 component from CGGE peptides and demonstrated its significant activity in repairing gastric mucosal injuries. This component is primarily composed of six peptide segments, namely DYPELS, LPPLEH, SFYYGK, DDDGVGF, VVLPR, and LPYPR. Notably, LPPLEH and LPYPR exhibited effective scratch repair abilities. Furthermore, we elucidated the mechanism underlying the protection of gastric mucosal damage by the B1 component using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced damage in GES-1 cells.The results showed that the B1 component significantly downregulated the secretion of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in GES-1 cells induced by H2O2 injury (P < 0.05), increased the enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and significantly increased the synthesis of glutathione (GSH), epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor (TGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), trefoil factor (TFF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the B1 component significantly upregulated the protein expression of recombinant cell division cycle protein 42 (Cdc42), Rac1, and RhoA in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.01). The findings demonstrate that the B1 component has a significant effect on repairing gastric mucosal damage, possibly by improving antioxidant activity and being associated with the Rho signaling pathway. This study provides experimental data and theoretical support for the clinical challenge of gastric mucosal injury repair.

Improving the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Fermented Milks with Exopolysaccharides-Producing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Strains.

Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) producing lactic acid bacteria have been claimed to confer various health benefits to the host, including the ability to face oxidative and inflammatory-related stress. This study investigated the ability of food-borne Lactiplantibacillus (Lpb.) plantarum to improve the antioxidant activity of fermented milks by producing EPSs. Two Lpb. plantarum strains, selected as lower and higher EPSs producers, have been applied in lab-scale fermented milk production, in combination with conventional starters. Antioxidant activity was investigated in vitro using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays while the ability to modulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was evaluated in an intestinal healthy model, subjected to both oxidative and inflammatory stress. Furthermore, to verify whether digestion affects functionality, fermented milks were evaluated before and after in vitro-simulated INFOGEST digestion. The results showed an improved antioxidant activity of fermented milk enriched with Lpb. plantarum LT100, the highest EPSs producer. Furthermore, the data showed a different ROS modulation with a protective anti-inflammatory effect of samples enriched with Lpb. plantarum strains. Our data suggest the use of selected EPS-producing strains of Lpb. plantarum as a natural strategy to enrich the functionality of fermented milks in terms of ROS modulation and inflammatory-related stress.