Isothiocyanate Content Research Articles

Effective Removal of Cu(II) Ions from Aqueous Solution by Cross-Linked Chitosan-Based Hydrogels

The elimination of metal ions from industrial waste water is one of the most significant environmental needs. For the first time, two chitosan hydrogels that we had previously synthesized, cross-linked with varying concentrations of trimellitic anhydride isothiocyanate (represented by H1 and H2), were utilized in this investigation to adsorb Cu(II) ions. We found that pH 6, 25 °C, 200 mg L−1 of Cu(II) ions concentration, and 15 mg of hydrogel dosage were the ideal parameters for Cu(II) ion elimination. The kinetics of their adsorption fitted to the pseudo-second-order model with the highest correlation coefficient (R2) values equal to 0.999 and 1.00 for H1 and H2, respectively. The experimental qe values were found when H1 was equal to 97.59 mg g−1 (theoretical value is equal to 98.04 mg g−1) and H2 was equal to 96.20 mg g−1 (theoretical value is equal 99.01 mg g−1). The hydrogels achieved a removal effectiveness of 97.59% and their adsorption isotherms matched the Freundlich model, indicating the multi-layered and homogeneous adsorption nature. The removal of copper ions is significantly driven by the physisorption phenomenon. The hydrogels have a great possibility to be utilized as promising, efficacious, reusable adsorbents for industrial wastewater remediation. Thus, incorporation of a cross-linker, containing binding centers for Cu(II) ions, between chitosan chains is a good way to obtain suitable efficient adsorbents which are good choices for application in the field of metal elimination.

Ammonium sulfate denatures transport medium less dependent on guanidinium isothiocyanate and enables SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antigen detection compatibility.

Rapid identification of infected individuals through viral RNA or antigen detection followed by effective personal isolation is usually the most effective way to prevent the spread of a newly emerging virus. Large-scale detection involves mass specimen collection and transportation. For biosafety reasons, denaturing viral transport medium has been extensively used during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. However, the high concentrations of guanidinium isothiocyanate (GITC) in such media have raised issues around sufficient GITC supply and laboratory safety. Moreover, there is a lack of denaturing transport media compatible with SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antigen detection. Here, we tested whether supplementing media containing low concentrations of GITC with ammonium sulfate (AS) would affect the throat-swab detection of SARS-CoV-2 or a viral inactivation assay targeting coronavirus and other enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. The effect of adding AS to the media on RNA stability and its compatibility with SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection were also tested. We found that adding AS to the denaturing transport media reduced the need for high levels of GITC, improved SARS-COV-2 RNA detection without compromising virus inactivation, and enabled the denaturing transport media compatible with SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection.

Characterization of flavor and taste profile of different radish (Raphanus Sativus L.) varieties by headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC/IMS) and E-nose/tongue

A comprehensive study of the overall flavor and taste profile of different radishes is lacking. This study systematically compared the volatile profile of six radish varieties using HS-GC-IMS and their correlation with the E-nose analysis. Organic acids and amino acids were quantified, and their association with the E-tongues analysis was explored. A total of 73 volatile compounds were identified, with diallyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide being the primary sulfides responsible for the unpleasant flavor in radish. Compared to other varieties, cherry radishes boast a significantly higher concentration of allyl isothiocyanate, which likely contributes to their characteristic radish flavor. Moreover, oxalic acid was identified as the most abundant organic acid in radish, accounting for over 97% of its content, followed by malic acid and succinic acid. In conclusion, the distinct flavor and taste characteristics of different radish varieties partially explain their suitability for diverse culinary preferences.

Enzymatic impregnation by high hydrostatic pressure for preparing shape-retaining softened broccoli and carrot

This study examined the feasibility of utilizing high-pressure processing (HPP) with enzymatic impregnation to soften vegetables. Freeze–thaw (FT) processing was used as a positive control to compare the hardness, physicochemical characteristics, and cell microstructure of vegetables. Carrot and broccoli samples were subjected to 200 MPa pressure for 15 min and then impregnated using a Viscozyme L enzyme solution. Compared with the hardness of fresh samples, the hardness of the carrot and broccoli samples that underwent HPP and enzymatic impregnation decreased by 84.6% and 95.5%, respectively, and the hardness of the carrot and broccoli samples that underwent FT processed decreased by 73.6% and 91.3%, respectively. In particular, HPP with enzymatic impregnation reduced the content of insoluble dietary fibers (18%), increased the content of soluble dietary fibers (3%), and considerably increased the concentration of carotene (1.9 times) and isothiocyanate (4.5 times) in carrots and broccoli, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy reveals that HPP physically damaged the intercellular compartments of the vegetables, thereby increasing the impregnation of enzymes. In addition, the level of HPP and the holding time increased, and the amount of vegetable residue and the degree of moisture retention substantially decreased, indicating a negative correlation between damage and hardness. Moreover, HPP pretreatment require a short processing time then FT, which promoted the penetration of enzymes and the internal microstructural biodegradation of vegetables, and it also helped these vegetables release more soluble nutrients. Overall, HPP can be used with enzymatic impregnation to obtain texture-modified vegetables for older consumers with mastication difficulties.

Comparing Fungal Sensitivity to Isothiocyanate Products on Different Botrytis spp.

Glucosinolates, the main secondary metabolites accumulated in cruciferous flora, have a major impact on fortifying plant immunity against diverse pathogens. Although Botrytis cinerea exhibits varying sensitivity to these compounds, current research has yet to fully understand the intricate mechanisms governing its response to glucosinolates. Different species of the genus Botrytis were exposed to glucosinolate-derived isothiocyanates, revealing that B. fabae, B. deweyae, and B. convolute, species with the mfsG transporter gene (Bcin06g00026) not detected with PCR, were more sensitive to isothiocyanates than Botrytis species containing that gene, such as B. cinerea, B. pseudocinerea, and B. byssoidea. This finding was further corroborated by the inability of species with the mfsG gene not detected with PCR to infect plants with a high concentration of glucosinolate-derived isothiocyanates. These results challenge established correlations, revealing varying aggressiveness on different plant substrates. An expression analysis highlighted the gene's induction in the presence of isothiocyanate, and a bioinformatic investigation identified homologous genes in other Botrytis species. Our study underscored the importance of advanced biotechnology to help understand these proteins and thus offer innovative solutions for agriculture.

Optimization of cultivar, germination time and extraction for radish sprout extract with high sulforaphene content.

Cruciferous vegetable sprout has been highlighted as a promising functional material rich in bioactive compounds called isothiocyanates (ITCs) and it can be grown in very short periods in controlled indoor farms. However, because ITCs content depends on multiple factors such as cultivar, germination time and myrosinase activity, those variables need to be controlled during germination or extraction to produce functional materials enriched in ITCs. Sulforaphene (SFEN), an ITC found primarily in radishes (Raphanus sativus L.), exerts beneficial effects on obesity. However, the optimal germination and extraction conditions for radish sprout (RSP) to increase SFEN content remain unascertained, and the extract's anti-obesity effect has yet to be evaluated. The present study found that the SFEN content was highest in purple radish sprout (PRSP) among the six cultivars investigated. Optimal SFEN content occurred after 2 days of PRSP germination (2 days PRSP). To maximize the dry matter yield, total ITCs and SFEN contents in RSP extract, we found the optimal conditions for extracting PRSP [27.5 °C, 60 min, 1:75.52 solute/solvent (w/v), no ascorbic acid] using response surface methodology. Consistent with high SFEN content, 2 days PRSP extract significantly outperformed 3 days or 4 days PRSP extract in inhibiting lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. Moreover, 2 days PRSP extract suppressed adipogenesis and lipogenesis-related protein expression. Regarding the cultivar, germination time and extraction conditions, optimally produced PRSP extract contains high SFEN content and exerts anti-obesity effects. Thus, we suggest PRSP extract as a potent functional material for obesity prevention. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Determination of Phenethyl Isothiocyanate, Erucin, Iberverin, and Erucin Nitrile Concentrations in Healthy and Pieris rapae-Infected Broccoli Tissues Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Cruciferous vegetables (Brassicaceae family) are a rich source of phytochemicals, in particular glucosinolates (GLS) and their hydrolysis products, isothiocyanates and nitriles. These phytochemicals may act as chemosensors, attracting insects, such as Pieris rapae, and stimulating oviposition. There is a lack of information on the concentrations of isothiocyanates and nitriles when an insect affects a Brassicaceae plant. In the current study, some GLS hydrolysis products were determined in healthy and Pieris rapae-infected organic cultivated broccoli plants, as well as the infesting insects’ larvae, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). This study investigated the following phytochemicals: phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), erucin (ER), 3-(methylthio)propyl isothiocyanate (3MIC), and 1-cyano-4-(methylthio)butane (5MITN). All these components were quantified in the aerial and underground parts of the plants and were found in high concentrations in the roots. Among the phytochemicals studied, 5MITN presented the highest concentration in all the broccoli samples but was especially high in the stalks of the infected plants. Moreover, the analysis of a sample of Pieris rapae larvae, fed from the hosted broccoli, revealed the presence of PEITC and ER. These findings indicate that the infestation of broccoli with Pieris rapae may affect the distribution of PEITC, ER, 3MIC, and 5MITN throughout the plant. An extension of our study to conventional cultivated broccoli showed that the roots are indeed rich in GLS hydrolysis products.

Comparative Studies of Extracts Obtained from Brassica oleracea L. Plants at Different Stages of Growth by Isolation and Determination of Isothiocyanates: An Assessment of Chemopreventive Properties of Broccoli.

The main goal of this work was to develop analytical procedures for the isolation and determination of selected isothiocyanates. As an example, particularly sulforaphane from plants of the Brassicaceae Burnett or Cruciferae Juss family. The applied methodology was mainly based on classical extraction methods and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Moreover, the effect of temperature on the release of isothiocyanates from plant cells was considered. The cytotoxic activity of the obtained plant extracts against a selected cancer cell line has also been included. The results allow evaluating the usefulness of obtained plant extracts and raw sprouts regarding their content of isothiocyanates-bioactive compounds with chemopreventive properties.

Sensitivity of stubby root nematodes (Trichodorus and Paratrichodorus spp.) to isothiocyanates associated with Brassicaceae in an in vitro assay

Summary Brassicas contain glucosinolates (GSLs), which are converted into different isothiocyanates (ITCs) that possess biocidal activity. These different ITCs result in a range of toxicities to various target species. Laboratory assays were conducted to evaluate the sensitivity of stubby root nematodes (SRN), Trichodorus and Paratrichodorus spp., to three pure, commercially available ITCs, i.e., 2-phenylethyl (PEITC), allyl (AITC) and sulforaphane (SITC) at different concentrations (1.625, 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25 and 50 μg ml−1). The effect on nematode mobility was assessed after 24, 48 and 72 h. Mortality of SRN was assessed after 48 h incubation of the nematodes in distilled water post ITC treatment. Mortality for all ITCs at all tested concentrations was significantly higher than the controls, distilled water and 1% DMSO. Concentration and type of ITC had a significant effect on SRN mobility and mortality, whilst increase in exposure time did not significantly increase the immobility of SRN. The average 24 h ED50 (dose that resulted in 50% immobility) for SRN were 7, 5 and 44 μg ml−1, and the average LD50 (dose that resulted in 50% mortality) after 48 h recovery in distilled water was 7, 11 and 24.3 μg ml−1 for PEITC, AITC and SITC, respectively. SITC was significantly less potent compared to PEITC and AITC, which had LD50 values that were four times and two times lower, respectively. These results indicate the potential use of brassica associated with the tested ITC in the process of biofumigation for SRN suppression.

Influence of Source Materials, Concentration, Gastric Digestion, and Encapsulation on the Bioactive Response of Brassicaceae-Derived Samples against Helicobacter pylori.

Isothiocyanates may have antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori, but there are different variables related to Brassicaceae-derived samples that could affect their efficacy. This work studied the influence of source variety, concentration, gastric digestion, and encapsulation of samples on their bioactive response against Helicobacter pylori. The antibacterial activity of raw sprouts (red cabbage and red radish) showed the highest antibacterial effect, which was consistent with a higher amount of isothiocyanates. It decreased with gastric digestion, regardless of sample encapsulation. By contrast, adult red radish leaves became antibacterial after gastric digestion. Antioxidant activity on H. pylori-infected gastric cells was similar in all samples and followed an equivalent pattern with the changes in isothiocyanates. Raw samples decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species production, but they lost this capacity after gastric digestion, regardless whether the compounds were free or encapsulated. Red cabbage sprouts, red radish sprouts, and red radish roots produced a decrease in nitric oxide production. It was consistent with a modulation of the inflammatory response and was associated to isothiocyanates concentration. Encapsulated sprout samples retained part of their anti-inflammatory activity after gastric digestion. Adult raw red radish leaves were not active, but after digestion, they became anti-inflammatory. The results obtained in this study have shown that several variables could have a significant impact on the bioactive properties of Brassicaceae-derived samples against H. pylori, providing a starting point for the design and standardization of samples with specific bioactivities (antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory) potentially useful for the treatment of H. pylori infection.

Yield, nutritional and flavor quality of Chinese cabbage under different rates of chicken manure substituted for chemical fertilizer

Combination of livestock manure (LM) with chemical fertilizer (CF) holds promise for obtaining high productivity. However, there is a relative lack of research on the impact of vegetable quality and its associated influences in the pursuit of high yields. The study aimed to investigate the effects of substituting chicken manure (CM) for CF on growth and quality (nutrition and flavor) of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) under the same nitrogen level. In general, CM substitution for CF recorded higher soil nutrients contents, head yield and phosphorus and molybdenum concentrations than sole application of CF. However, the concentrations of zinc, calcium, nickel, and lead decreased with CM application. Additionally, N concentration decreased by 47.1 % with sole CM application. Treatments had no significant effect on the concentrations of potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, boron, sodium, chromium, cobalt, arsenic, selenium, cadmium and on nutritional quality. We identified 454 volatiles, the primary percentages were esters (22.1 %), acids (14.3 %), and ketones (14.3 %). CM application inhibited the contents of total volatile and esters (especially isothiocyanates). When CM replaced CF at a rate of 2/3 and 3/3, the richness of volatiles dramatically increased. Furthermore, the Mantel test confirmed a strong correlation between volatile compound contents (VOCs) and soil C/N ratio, total nitrogen (TN), and available phosphorus (AP). Five volatiles (methanethiol, dimethyl disulphide (DMDS), 2-methyl-5-(1-methylethyl)-phenol, 1-propanethiol and dimethyl trisulfide) were collected as aroma compounds. With the CM application DMDS contents increased by 2.0–4.3-fold. Random forest model revealed a negative correlation between DMDS concentration and Ca level, possibly attributed to the decrease in allyl isothiocyanate content and the inhibition of TRPA1 transient receptor potential ion channel. In conclusion, precise adjustment of CM to CF substitution rates is essential for preserving Chinese cabbage yield and quality. This study could offer valuable insights for both nutraceutical and flavor purposes.

Study of the Chemical Composition of Carica papaya L. Seed Oils of Various Geographic Origins

The papaya plant (Carica papaya L.) is tree-like fruit plant cultivated throughout the tropics and subtropics. The aim of this study was to compare the physicochemical properties, fatty acid, sterols, and triterpenic alcohols composition of Carica papaya L. seed oils grown in a typical geographical location and Carica papaya L. seed oils grown in an untypical geographical location in greenhouse conditions (Saratov Region, Russia). The oils were extracted from the seeds of Carica papaya L. fruits collected in Kenya, the Dominican Republic, Angola, Ghana, and Brazil, as well as from the seeds of fruit plants grown in a similar environment (Russian Federation, Saratov). Parameters such as the oil yield, refractive index, peroxide value, iodine value, saponification value, and acid value of the extracted Carica papaya L. seed oils were determined. The qualitative and quantitative chemical compositions of the seed oils were determined by a combination of mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. The profiles as well as the content of fatty acids, sterols, triterpenic alcohols, and benzyl isothiocyanate were established. The saponifiable fraction of the oils is mainly represented by triglycerides (98.7–99.4%), while di-(0.4–1.1%) and monoglycerides (0.1–0.3%) are also present but in smaller amounts. The content of sterols and triterpene alcohols was (537.5–918.2) mg/100 g of oil (0.54–0.92%), and up to 75% of the fraction was represented by β-sitosterol (55.9–66.7%) and its saturated analogue-sitostanol (11.0–15.7%). The physicochemical properties and the fatty acid, sterol, and triterpenic alcohol composition of seed oils from Carica papaya L. fruits, cultivated in Russia, is in the quantitative range of other samples, which suggests that Carica papaya L. can be grown in Russia for obtaining the seed oil.

Proteome reveals the mechanism of selenium-sulfur interaction in regulating isothiocyanate biosynthesis and the physiological metabolism of broccoli sprouts.

Broccoli sprouts have a strong ability to accumulate isothiocyanate and selenium. In this study, the isothiocyanate content increased significantly as a result of ZnSO4 stress. Particularly, based on the isothiocyanate content is not affected, the combined ZnSO4 and Na2SeO3 treatment alleviated the inhibition of ZnSO4 and induced selenium content. Gene transcription and protein expression analyses revealed the changes in isothiocyanate and selenium metabolite levels in broccoli sprouts. ZnSO4 combined with Na2SeO3 was proven to activate a series of isothiocyanate metabolite genes (UGT74B1, OX1, and ST5b) and selenium metabolite genes (BoSultr1;1, BoCOQ5-2, and BoHMT1). The relative abundance of the total 317 and 203 proteins, respectively, in 4-day-old broccoli sprouts varied, and the metabolic and biosynthetic pathways for secondary metabolites were significantly enriched in ZnSO4/control and ZnSO4 combined Na2SeO3/ZnSO4 comparisons. The findings demonstrated how ZnSO4 combined with Na2SeO3 treatment reduced stress inhibition and the accumulation of encouraged selenium and isothiocyanates during the growth of broccoli sprouts.

EFECTO DE TROPAEOLUM TUBEROSUM O "MASHUA" (TROPAEOLACEAE) SOBRE LA EXPRESIÓN GÉNICA RELACIONADA A ESPERMATOGÉNESIS EN RATÓN

Introduction: Tropaeolum tuberosum, known as "mashua" is an Andean tuber that has both economic and nutritional value for low-income populations. It is believed that it affects male fertility because Andean men associate it with impotence and decreased fertilizing capacity. Studies done on rats fed mashua showed that there was a 45% decrease in the testosterone/dihydrotestosterone ratio. The effect of this plant on reproduction is related to its content of isothiocyanates, compounds that bind covalently to proteins, which may be directly or indirectly involved in the spermatogenic process. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of the aqueous extract of "mashua" on spermatogenesis and reproductive physiology of mice. Methodology: tThe in vivo morphofunctional parameters of mouse sperm (spermatogram) were evaluated and the expression of: Cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase, protein that regulates acute steroidogenesis, Cyclin cyclin and Pprotamine, related to spermatogenesis, was quantified. Results: The results indicated that Aat 7, 14 and 21 days of dosing, the sperm count is affected, as well as their progressive motility (PM);, on the other hand, a delay in their maturation was observed. Regarding gene expression, no significant differences were found between the expression of the two genes studied (cCytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase, cCyclin), Conclusion: Tthe effect of "mashua " does not occur at the level of the expression of the genes involved in spermatogenesis, but at the level of its functions as a protein.

Comparing two strategies of counter-defense against plant toxins: a modeling study on plant–herbivore interactions

IntroductionVarious herbivorous insects prefer toxic plants as their hosts, although this may appear paradoxical. They have evolved specific adaptations (called counter-defenses) against the toxins. For example, the two-component chemical defense system of plants of the Brassicaceae family against herbivores consists of glucosinolates (GLSs) and the activating enzyme myrosinase. GLS hydrolysis by myrosinase leads to isothiocyanates (ITCs), which are toxic and deterrent to many insect herbivores. Two different types of counter-defenses can be distinguished: a preemptive counter-defense that prevents the GLSs from being hydrolyzed to ITCs due to metabolic redirection and direct counter-defense, where the ITCs are formed but then metabolized to non-toxic conjugates. In general, preemptive counter-defense is only a possibility if the plant stores a precursor of the toxin, which is activated upon attack. Preemptive counter-defense is believed to be more efficient due to the lower exposure to ITCs, but this has not been satisfactorily demonstrated experimentally.MethodsHere, we derive on theoretical grounds the conditions under which preemptive counter-defense reduces exposure to ITCs compared to direct counter-defense by studying the dynamics of GLS defense and counter-defense with two separate ordinary differential equation models. We model how herbivory transfers the GLSs to the insect gut with the leaf material. Thereafter, we describe the insects’ exposure to toxins by deriving the dynamics of ITCs in the gut during feeding with the two types of counter-defenses.Results and discussionBy calculating the area under the curve (AUC) of the ITC concentrations, we show, based on empirical data, that herbivores with a preemptive detoxification system are usually less exposed to ITCs. In addition, our models explain how the decline in the level of ITCs is achieved by both counter-defenses, which helps to understand the overall mechanisms and benefits of these techniques. Our results may also apply to plant defenses by inactive toxin precursors other than GLSs as well as to insects that sequester such precursors for their own defense.

GC-FID Studies on the levels of Allyl Isothiocyanate in Mustard oil combined with Menthol/thymol and its Antimicrobial Investigation

Objectives: The excessive use of antimicrobials and rapid resistance to antibiotics is a major concern for health care providers. Hence there is a need to develop effective antimicrobials. Natural sources are considered as the potential source of antimicrobial agents. The study aimed to decrease the pungency or irritancy effects of the allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) contents present in the mustard oil after mixing it with natural phytochemicals such as menthol/thymol and to evaluate its effects as potential antimicrobials. Methods: The mustard oil was mixed with menthol, stirred for 12h and with thymol stirred for 7 days in the presence of triethylamine. The components were analysed for decrease in the allyl isothiocyanate contents by gas chromatography-flame ionisation detector (GC-FID). Results and Conclusions: The results showed 40% and 60% decrease in the allyl isothiocyanate content in mustard oil when mixed with menthol and thymol, respectively. In vitro antimicrobial experiments demonstrated that the tested bacterial species were highly susceptible to the mustard oil mixed with thymol or menthol as compared to the neat mustard oil except Klebsiella aerogenes. Mustard oil mixed with menthol (4.5 mg menthol/ 0.3 mL of mustard oil) exhibited the most potent antimicrobial activity as shown by zone of inhibition (in diameter). The most susceptible species was Bacillus subtilis (2 cm zone of inhibition as compared to neat mustard oil 1.2 cm). The study highlights the potential of mustard oil mixed with thymol or menthol as potential antimicrobials.

Lizhong decoction ameliorates pulmonary infection secondary to severe traumatic brain injury in rats by regulating the intestinal physical barrier and immune response.

The pathogenesis of pulmonary infection secondary to severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) is closely related to damage to the intestinal barrier. Lizhong decoction (LZD) is a prominent traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that is widely used in clinical treatment to regulate gastrointestinal movement and enhance resistance. Nevertheless, the role and mechanism of LZD in lung infection secondary to sTBI have yet to be elucidated. Here, we evaluate the therapeutic effect of LZD on pulmonary infection secondary to sTBI in rats and discuss potential regulatory mechanisms. The chemical constituents of LZD were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-Q Exactive-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-QE-MS/MS). The efficacy of LZD on rats with lung infection secondary to sTBI was examined by changes in brain morphology, coma time, brain water content, mNSS score, colony counts, 16S rRNA/RNaseP/MRP30kDa(16S/RPP30), myeloperoxidase (MPO) content and pathology of lung tissue. The concentration of fluorescein isothiocyanate(FITC)-dextran in serum and the contents of secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in colon tissue were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Subsequently, Alcian Blue Periodic acid Schiff (AB-PAS) was used to detect colonic goblet cells. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to detect the expression of tight junction proteins. The proportions of CD3+ cell, CD4+CD8+ T cells, CD45+ cell and CD103+ cells in the colon were analyzed by flow cytometry (FC). In addition, colon transcriptomics were analyzed by Illumina mRNA-Seq sequencing. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT‒PCR) was used to verify the genes associated with LZD alleviation of intestinal barrier function. Twenty-nine chemical constituents of LZD were revealed with UPLC-QE-MS/MS analysis. Administration of LZD significantly reduced colony counts, 16S/RPP30 and MPO content in lung infection secondary to sTBI rats. In addition, LZD also reduced the serum FITC-glucan content and the SIgA content of the colon. Additionally, LZD significantly increased the number of colonic goblet cells and the expression of tight junction proteins. Furthermore, LZD significantly decreased the proportion of CD3+ cell, CD4+CD8+ T cells,CD45+ and CD103+ cells in colon tissue. Transcriptomic analysis identified 22 upregulated genes and 56 downregulated genes in sTBI compared to the sham group. The levels of seven genes were recovered after LZD treatment. qRT‒PCR successfully validated two genes (Jchain and IL-6) at the mRNA level. LZD can improves sTBI secondary lung infection by regulating the intestinal physical barrier and immune response. Thees results suggested that LZD may be a prospective treatment for pulmonary infection secondary to sTBI.

Broccoli, Kale, and Radish Sprouts: Key Phytochemical Constituents and DPPH Free Radical Scavenging Activity.

Our research group previously found that broccoli sprouts possess neuroprotective effects during pregnancy. The active compound has been identified as sulforaphane (SFA), obtained from glucosinolate and glucoraphanin, which are also present in other crucifers, including kale. Sulforaphene (SFE), obtained from glucoraphenin in radish, also has numerous biological benefits, some of which supersede those of sulforaphane. It is likely that other components, such as phenolics, contribute to the biological activity of cruciferous vegetables. Notwithstanding their beneficial phytochemicals, crucifers are known to contain erucic acid, an antinutritional fatty acid. The aim of this research was to phytochemically examine broccoli, kale, and radish sprouts to determine good sources of SFA and SFE to inform future studies of the neuroprotective activity of cruciferous sprouts on the fetal brain, as well as product development. Three broccoli: Johnny's Sprouting Broccoli (JSB), Gypsy F1 (GYP), and Mumm's Sprouting Broccoli (MUM), one kale: Johnny's Toscano Kale (JTK), and three radish cultivars: Black Spanish Round (BSR), Miyashige (MIY), and Nero Tunda (NT), were analyzed. We first quantified the glucosinolate, isothiocyanate, phenolics, and DPPH free radical scavenging activity (AOC) of one-day-old dark- and light-grown sprouts by HPLC. Radish cultivars generally had the highest glucosinolate and isothiocyanate contents, and kale had higher glucoraphanin and significantly higher sulforaphane content than the broccoli cultivars. Lighting conditions did not significantly affect the phytochemistry of the one-day-old sprouts. Based on phytochemistry and economic factors, JSB, JTK, and BSR were chosen for further sprouting for three, five, and seven days and subsequently analyzed. The three-day-old JTK and radish cultivars were identified to be the best sources of SFA and SFE, respectively, both yielding the highest levels of the respective compound while retaining high levels of phenolics and AOC and markedly lower erucic acid levels compared to one-day-old sprouts.

Associations of dietary isothiocyanate exposure from cruciferous vegetable consumption with recurrence and progression of non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer: findings from the Be-Well Study

BackgroundHigh recurrence and progression rates are major clinical challenges for non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Dietary isothiocyanates (ITCs), phytochemicals primarily from cruciferous vegetables (CV), show strong anticancer activities in preclinical BC models, yet their effect on NMIBC prognosis remains unknown. ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the associations of dietary ITC exposure at diagnosis with NMIBC recurrence and progression. MethodsThe study analyzed 1143 participants from the Be-Well study, a prospective cohort of newly diagnosed NMIBC cases in 2015–2019 with no prior history of BC. Dietary ITC exposure was indicated by self-reported CV intake, estimated ITC intake, urinary metabolites, and plasma ITC–albumin adducts. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for recurrence and progression, and unconditional logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs for delayed and multiple recurrence. ResultsOver a mean follow-up of 25 mo, 347 (30%) developed recurrence and 77 (6.7%) had disease progression. Despite no significant associations with the overall risk of recurrence, urinary ITC metabolites (OR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.01, 4.43) and dietary ITC intake (OR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.03, 4.50) were associated with late recurrence after 12-mo postdiagnosis compared with before 12-mo postdiagnosis. Raw CV intake was associated with reduced odds of having ≥2 recurrences compared with having one (OR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.16, 0.68). Higher plasma concentrations of ITC–albumin adducts were associated with a reduced risk of progression, including progression to muscle-invasive disease (for benzyl ITC, HR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.93; for phenethyl ITC, HR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.19, 0.86). ConclusionsOur findings indicate the possible beneficial role of dietary ITCs in NMIBC prognosis. Given the compelling preclinical evidence, increasing dietary ITC exposure with CV intake could be a promising strategy to attenuate recurrence and progression risks in patients with NMIBC.

Anti-Leukemic Effects on a U937 Cell Line of Fresh and Steamed Chinese Kale Juice and Their Pro-Apoptotic Effects via a Caspase-Dependent Pathway

Chinese kale is a vegetable belonging to the family Brassicaceae in which members of this family produce unique metabolites called glucosinolates and isothiocyanates. These substances have been found to exhibit many benefits to human health. This study aimed to investigate and compare the contents of glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, and the anti-leukemic activity of fresh and steamed Chinese kale juice (CKJ). Cell viability and proliferation activity of U937 cells treated with CKJ were determined. Cell apoptosis and alterations of apoptosis-related protein expression were studied. Results showed that CKJ significantly decreased the viability of leukemic cells and inhibited cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. After treatment with 5% v/v fresh and steamed CKJ for 24 h, the percentage of apoptotic cells increased to 53% and 36%, respectively. Increased amounts of cleaved caspase-3 in U937 cells treated with CKJ were observed, indicating that CKJ can trigger apoptotic cell death through a caspase-dependent pathway. Fresh CKJ was found to be more effective than steamed CKJ in suppressing cell survival and inducing cell apoptosis. The results suggest that Chinese kale possesses an anti-leukemic potential and could be further developed for cancer therapy and prevention. However, thermal cooking could reduce its beneficial function.