LC-MS Analysis Research Articles

Computational Screening and Biochemical Analysis of Ricinus Communis Linn Root

The goal of the current investigation was to computational screening and biochemical evaluation of Riconus communis Linn's root. The phytochemicals from the root of Ricinus communis were extracted using methanol and water. Via phytochemical screening with LC-MS, it was possible to identify the greater number of phytoconstituents in the ricinus communis linn root extracts. Potential sources of novel drugs and therapeutic leads included the plant's active phytoconstituents. The study's findings indicated that the methanolic extract of Ricinus communis root includes compounds with anticancer properties and some pharmacological active moieties. Esters, bioflavonoids and phenolic compounds have been estimated by chemical analysis and these were further identified with the help of LC-MS analysis. Thus, the raw root extracts of Ricinus communis may serve as fresh sources for the creation of novel plant-based medicines for the treatment of various illnesses. Since the plant already contains phenolic compounds, esters, and flavonoids, and the potential toxicity of a few specific components were investigated. It can be employed for the approaching research because it has been found that it is less dangerous and active.

The antioxidant, anti-obesogenic, and anti-diabetic potential of selected South African marine algal species

South African marine algae are a prevalent traditional medicine utilized by indigenous populations. There has been recent attention on the health advantages of South African marine algae and its bioactive compounds, which have been associated with favourable health outcomes such as diabetes and obesity. This study investigated the antioxidant, anti-obesogenic and anti-diabetic potentials of three South African marine algal species or seaweeds, namely Codium fragile, Radicilingua thysanorhizans and Mazzaella capensis using a variety of in vitro and in silico experiments. The crude extracts, obtained using different solvents (aqueous and ethanol), were examined to assess their total phenolic and total flavonoid content as well as their antioxidant properties by means of 2,2-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), non-site-specific hydroxyl radical (OH•), and nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging assays. Thereafter, the extracts were subjected to carbohydrate digestive enzyme inhibitory assays, including α-glucosidase and α-amylase, and a lipid digestive enzyme inhibitory assay, such as pancreatic lipase. The glucose uptake by yeast cells was also evaluated in vitro. The subjection of the marine algal extracts to LC-MS analysis revealed several beneficial compounds. These compounds were further docked against α-glucosidase and α-amylase, and a lipid digestive enzyme, pancreatic lipase. The results of this study indicate that the selected South African marine algae possess potent antioxidant capacity while also exhibiting anti-obesogenic and anti-diabetic activities by inhibiting carbohydrate and lipid digesting enzyme activity as well as by increasing glucose uptake in yeast cells. Evaluated ADME profiles revealed that the compounds of these plants have excellent bioavailability and are considered safe for consumption. Overall, the results of this study suggest that all studied seaweeds have potential antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesogenic potentials with Codium fragile found to be the most promising among them. The current work serves as a validation of the data currently available regarding the antioxidant, anti-obesogenic and anti-diabetic potential of C. fragile. The study will also serve as a first-report of the aforementioned activities for R. thysanorhizans and M. capensis.

A facile green synthesis of manganese oxide nanoparticles using gum karaya polymer as a bioreductant for efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes and antibacterial activity

The release of organic dyes into water systems, mainly textile industries, poses a significant threat to human and animal health. This approach shows great potential for effectively removing harmful dyes and microorganisms from wastewater treatment for environmental remediation. This study utilized gum karaya polymer bio-reductant to synthesize manganese oxide (MnO2) nanoparticles through a green approach. The synthesized MnO2 nanoparticles were characterized and confirmed by various analytical techniques. These results revealed their nanoscale dimensions, morphology, chemical purity, crystal nature, decolorized intermediate, and band gap. The photocatalytic degradation of hazardous Congo red and methyl orange dyes using KRG-MnO2 nanoparticles under visible light irradiation. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that Congo red dye degradation efficiency of 93.34 % was achieved. The dye concentration (8 to 16 mg/L), pH concentration, and radical trapping were studied. This suggests that holes and hydroxyl radicals play a crucial role in degrading the Congo red dye and demonstrate superior recyclability after three successive cycles and good stability. The possible intermediates from the Congo red dye degradation were identified through LC-MS analysis. The polymer composite MnO2 NPs have displayed notable antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The research indicates that MnO2 nanoparticles functionalized with polymers can efficiently remove pathogens and organic dyes from diverse industrial water treatment processes.

In-situ synthesis of bimetallic Co/Zn-ZIF on the graphite-felt for electrocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants

In the electro-Fenton process, one of the important challenges is to adjust the pH of the environment in the acidic region so that the system's performance is not affected by side reactions. In this case, it will be necessary to neutralize the solution after the process. One of the solutions is to use a heterogeneous catalyst to widen the pH range. However, recovering the used catalyst itself can be another challenge. Modifying the electrode using electroactive materials can answer both of these challenges. This work modified the bare graphite-felt (GF) electrode using zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF)-derived carbon material doped with Co and Zn through a rapid, room-temperature, and water-based synthesis method. Various analyses, including XRD, SEM, XPS, and LSV, confirmed the proper modification of bare GF carbon fibers. The modified Co/Zn-N-C@GF electrode showed good performance in removing rifampicin (RFP) during the electro-Fenton process, so about 90 % of the pollutant was removed within 30 min without adding a homo-/heterogeneous catalyst. Optimum conditions for this process were 1.0 V for applied voltage, 40 mg/L for initial concentration of RFP, and 5.6 for pH. Also, LC-MS analysis was performed to confirm the degradation of RFP and investigate its degradation pathway.

Anti-Melanogenic Activity of Ethanolic Extract from Garcinia atroviridis Fruits Using In Vitro Experiments, Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation.

Melanin, the pigment responsible for human skin color, increases susceptibility to UV radiation, leading to excessive melanin production and hyperpigmentation disorders. This study investigated the ethanolic extract of Garcinia atroviridis fruits for its phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity, and impact on melanogenesis pathways using qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Utilizing network pharmacology, molecular docking, and dynamics simulations, researchers explored G. atroviridis fruit extract's active compounds, targets, and pharmacological effects on hyperpigmentation. G. atroviridis fruit extract exhibited antioxidant properties, scavenging DPPH• and ABTS•+ radicals radicals and chelating copper. It inhibited cellular tyrosinase activity and melanin content in stimulated B16F10 cells, downregulating TYR, TRP-1, phosphorylated CREB, CREB, and MITF proteins along with transcription levels of MITF, TYR, and TRP-2. LC-MS analysis identified thirty-three metabolites, with seventeen compounds selected for further investigation. Network pharmacology revealed 41 hyperpigmentation-associated genes and identified significant GO terms and KEGG pathways, including cancer-related pathways. Kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnoside exhibited high binding affinity against MAPK3/ERK1, potentially regulating melanogenesis by inhibiting tyrosinase activity. Stable ligand-protein interactions in molecular dynamics simulations supported these findings. Overall, this study suggests that the ethanolic extract of G. atroviridis fruits possesses significant antioxidant, tyrosinase inhibitory, and anti-melanogenic properties mediated through key molecular targets and pathways.

Highly efficient electrocatalytic degradation of methylparaben using BiOx-doped Ti/β-PbO2 anode: Comprehensive electrochemical study and degradation mechanism

Electrochemical degradation of methylparaben (MPB) was successfully performed using Ti/β-PbO2-BiOx anode. The structure of the fabricated electrode was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and mapping techniques. The results confirmed the successful preparation of the electrode with favorable morphological and structural properties. This research includes optimization of operating parameters such as solution pH, applied current density, initial MPB concentration and electrolysis time. The results indicate that the prepared electrode has high electrochemical performance and thermal stability. Under optimal conditions, current density of 4.8 mA/cm2, pH = 5 and initial concentration of 0.5 mM, the maximum degradation efficiency of 98.9 % was obtained. In this work, also, based on the data obtained from LC-MS analysis, a detailed mechanism for the degradation of MPB was proposed. In another section of this research, the electrochemical behavior of MPB on glassy carbon electrode was comprehensively studied using cyclic voltammetry at different pH values. The data obtained from this study provide significant insight into the electrochemical behavior of MPB, its pH-dependent properties and adsorption activities. The results of this section can also be used to better optimize the conditions of MPB degradation.

Peracetic acid activation by natural magnetite for bisphenol A degradation: Performance and degradation mechanism

Advanced oxidation processes based on activated peracetic acid (PAA) have been widely used in water treatment. In this study, magnetite was first employed in PAA activation for Bisphenol A (BPA) degradation. The results showed that the magnetic/PAA system degraded 94.6 % BPA in 60 min at neutral pH (pH = 6.7), exhibiting a higher rate constant (kobs = 0.051 min−1) than PAA or magnetite alone. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results proved that ≡Fe(II) and surface hydroxyl group (OOH) were the dominant active sites, which promoted the electron transfer between magnetite, PAA, and BPA. According to the scavenging experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum, the main reactive oxygen species responsible for BPA degradation include organic radicals (CH3COOO), Hydroxyl radical (OH) and singlet oxygen (1O2). The BPA degradation pathway was determined by LC-MS analysis, and the toxicity of the intermediates was evaluated by ECOSAR and wheat seed growth inhibition experiment. In addition, the magnetite/PAA system presented a good adaptability under a wide initial pH range, demonstrating efficient degradation even in the presence of complex matrices such as Cl−, NO3− or humic acid in water bodies while HCO3− and H2PO4− inhibited BPA degradation. This study not only reveals the mechanism of magnetite activating PAA but also provides a new idea for applying magnetite in PAA-based AOPs to remove micropollutants in wastewater.

Degradation of tetracycline wastewater by Fe-TiO2/Bi2MoO6/PTFE photocatalytic composite membrane

A Fe-TiO2/Bi2MoO6/PTFE photocatalytic composite membrane was innovatively fabricated for TCH wastewater treatment. It was characterized by XRD, SEM-EDS, FT-IR, BET, XPS, UV–vis, water contact angle, membrane flux, and BSA adsorption. The Fe-TiO2/Bi2MoO6 particles were securely adhered to the PTFE membrane, confirmed by repeated tests, exhibiting remarkable stability. The addition of Fe3+ and the incorporation of TiO2 increased the surface area, while the formation of the Fe-TiO2/Bi2MoO6 heterojunction facilitated the efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Furthermore, the doping of Fe3+ simultaneously disperses TiO2 and Bi2MoO6, enhancing their interactions. This leads to a close bonding between TiO2, Bi2MoO6, and Fe3+, further enhancing the hydrophilicity of the composite membrane. Treating TCH wastewater for 2 h with Fe-TiO2/Bi2MoO6/PTFE composite membrane under UV light achieved 87.4 % TCH removal and up to 76.1 % TOC reduction. The presence of inorganic anions (Cl−, CO32−, and NO3−) and humic acid (HA) have an inhibitory effect on the removal of TCH. The free radical trapping experiment identifies ·O2− as the primary reactive species. The E. coli colony assay shows no notable antibacterial activity in the treated effluent. LC-MS analysis reveals possible TCH degradation pathways in wastewater at different times.

Identification and structural elucidation of an oxidation product generated during stability studies of Cabergoline drug product

Cabergoline is a dopamine agonist with applications as anti-Parkinson drug and prolactin inhibitor. The cabergoline drug product Laktostop® 50 µg/mL is used in veterinary medicine for lactation suppression in cats and dogs e.g. during false pregnancy. Recently, during ongoing HPLC stability testing of Laktostop® 50 µg/mL a new oxidation product of Cabergoline was identified. A synthesis starting from Cabergoline was developed, followed by full characterization of the unknown impurity. Preliminary HPLC and LC-MS analyses indicated the unknown impurity as mono-oxygenated product of Cabergoline (Cabergoline N-oxide) that is presumably formed with oxygen by a radical mechanism. Thus, Cabergoline was treated with oxidizing agents such as m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid to afford the desired Cabergoline-N-oxide as a byproduct. After isolation by column chromatography, NMR and LC-MS-MS studies provided evidence that oxidation occurred at the N-allyl nitrogen of Cabergoline to form Cabergoline-N-oxide. © 1905 Elsevier Science. All rights reserved

Removal of ciprofloxacin by biosulfurized nano zero-valent iron (BP–S-nZVI) activated peroxomonosulfate: Influencing factors and degradation mechanism

Agglomeration and passivation restrict the using zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI). Enhancing the reactivity of nZVI is often accomplished by sulfurization. In this work, nZVI was sulfurized using SRB to produce biosulfurized nano zero-valent iron (BP–S-nZVI), which was then utilized as a catalyst to investigating its performance in an advanced oxidation process based on activated peroxomonosulfate (PMS). When the S/Fe was 0.05, 0.4 g/L of catalyst and 0.5 mM PMS were added to a 20 mg/L ciprofloxacin solution. In 120 min, a 90.4% clearance rate was reached. When the initial pH of the solution was within the range of 3–11, all exhibited acceptable degradation performance and were minimally affected by co-existing anions. In this activation system, hydroxyl, superoxide and sulfate radicals (•OH, O2•− and SO4•−, respectively) have been proven to be the main active species. Seven intermediates in the degradation process of CIP were identified by LC-MS analysis and two possible degradation pathways were proposed. In addition, the degradation rate of CIP was still able to reach 87.0% after five cycles, and the removal rate remained unchanged in the CIP solution with actual water samples as background. This study demonstrated that BP-S-nZVI as a catalyst for the activation of PMS for CIP degradation can still show good reactivity, which provides more possibilities for the practical application of BP-S-nZVI in the degradation of pollutants.

Dietary succinate reduces fat deposition through gut microbiota and lipid metabolism in broilers

Succinate has been shown to be a potentially beneficial nutritional supplement with a diverse range of physiological functions. However, it remains unknown whether succinate supplementation regulates lipid metabolism in chickens. The aim of this study was to explore how succinate affects fat deposition and the underlying mechanism involved in broilers and to determine the most appropriate level of succinate supplementation in the diet. A total of 640 one-day-old male yellow-feathered broilers were randomly divided into 4 groups with 8 replicates and 20 broilers per replicate. A basal diet was provided to the control group (CON). The experimental broilers were fed diets containing 0.2% (L), 0.4% (M), or 0.6% (H) succinate and the study was lasted for 21 d. The linear (l) and quadratic (q) effects of succinate addition were determined. The results indicated that supplementation with 0.4% succinate reduced ADFI, serum triglycerides (l, q; P < 0.05), glucose (q; P < 0.05), and increased high-density lipidprotein cholesterol (l, q; P < 0.05) concentrations in broilers. Moreover, 0.4% succinate affects lipid metabolism by decreasing the abdominal fat percentage and adipocyte surface area, the expression of genes that promote liposynthesis in the abdominal fat and liver, as well as increasing the expression of genes that promote lipolysis in the abdominal fat and liver. In addition, increased cecal propionic acid content (q, P < 0.05) was found in the M group compared to the CON group. The 16S rRNA sequence analysis showed that group M altered cecum microbial composition by increasing the abundance of genera such as Blautia and Sellimonas (P < 0.05). LC-MS metabolomic analysis revealed that the differential metabolites between the M and CON groups were enriched in amino acid-related pathways. In conclusion, the optimum level of succinate added to broiler diets in the present study was 0.4%. Succinate can potentially reduce fat accumulation in broilers by modulating the composition of the gut flora and amino acid metabolism related to lipid metabolism.

Ambient ionization mass spectrometry provides screening of selective androgen receptor modulators

Ambient ionization mass spectrometry allows for analysis of samples in their natural state, i.e., with no sample pre-treatment. It can be viewed as a fast, simple, and economical analysis, but its main disadvantages include a lower analytical performance due to the presence of complex sample matrix and the lack of chromatographic separation prior to the introduction of the sample into the mass spectrometer. Here we present an application of two ambient ionization mass spectrometry techniques, i.e., Desorption Atmospheric Pressure Photoionization and Dielectric Barrier Discharge Ionization, for the analysis of known Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators, which represent common compounds of abuse in professional and semiprofessional sport. Eight real samples of illegal food supplements, seized by the local law enforcement, were used to test the performance of the ambient mass spectrometry and the results were validated against a newly developed targeted LC-UV-MS/MS method performed in multiple reaction monitoring mode with an external calibration for each analyte. In order to decide whether or not the compound can be declared as present, we proposed a system of rules for the interpretation of the obtained spectra. The criteria are based on mass spectrum matching (5–10 ppm accuracy from the theoretical exact mass and a correct isotopic pattern), duration of the mass signal (three or five consecutive scans, depending on the instrumentation used), and intensity above the background noise (threefold increase in intensity and absolute intensity above 5E4 or 1E5, depending on the instrumentation). When applying these criteria, good agreement was found between the tested methods. Ambient ionization techniques were effective at detecting SARMs at pharmacologically relevant doses, i.e., approximately above 1 mg per capsule, although they may fail to detect lower levels or isomeric species. It is demonstrated that when adhering to a set of clear and consistent rules, ambient mass spectrometry can be employed as a qualitative technique for the screening of illegal SARMs with sufficient confidence and without the necessity to perform a regular LC-MS analysis.

Competitive oxidation of key pentose phosphate pathway enzymes modulates the fate of intermediates and NAPDH production

The oxidative phase of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) involving the enzymes glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), 6-phosphogluconolactonase (6PGL), and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGDH), is critical to NADPH generation within cells, with these enzymes catalyzing the conversion of glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) into ribulose-5-phosphate (Ribu5-P). We have previously studied peroxyl radical (ROO•) mediated oxidative inactivation of E. coli G6PDH, 6PGL, and 6PGDH. However, these data were obtained from experiments where each enzyme was independently exposed to ROO•, a condition not reflecting biological reality. In this work we investigated how NADPH production is modulated when these enzymes are jointly exposed to ROO•. Enzyme mixtures (1:1:1 ratio) were exposed to ROO• produced from thermolysis of 100 mM 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH). NADPH was quantified at 340 nm, and protein oxidation analyzed by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (LC-MS). The data obtained were rationalized using a mathematical model. The mixture of non-oxidized enzymes, G6P and NADP+ generated ∼175 μM NADPH. Computational simulations showed a constant decrease of G6P associated with NADPH formation, consistent with experimental data. When the enzyme mixture was exposed to AAPH (3 h, 37 °C), lower levels of NADPH were detected (∼100 μM) which also fitted with computational simulations. LC-MS analyses indicated modifications at Tyr, Trp, and Met residues but at lower concentrations than detected for the isolated enzymes. Quantification of NADPH generation showed that the pathway activity was not altered during the initial stages of the oxidations, consistent with a buffering role of G6PDH towards inactivation of the oxidative phase of the pathway.

Degradation of atrazine by ionizing radiation coupled with persulfate oxidation: Mechanism, pathway and toxicity assessment

The ubiquitous existence of atrazine (ATZ) in aquatic environments has aroused intense concerns, regarding its potential harmful effects on human health and ecology safety. Ionizing radiation has now drawn increasing attention in wastewater treatment. However, its unsatisfactory mineralization performance has significantly hindered the practical applications. Herein, the gamma radiation combined with persulfate oxidation (gamma/PS) system has been innovatively engineered to facilitate the removal of ATZ. Results showed that ATZ (10 mg/L) can be completely removed by gamma radiation with 1.0 kGy dose, and the pseudo-first-order kinetic model provided an good fit for the degradation. Gamma radiation can effectively remove ATZ with initial concentrations ranging from 5–20 mg/L, over a broad pH range (3.2–10.5), with the co-existence of inorganic anions (including CO32-, NO3-, and SO42-) and humic acid, and in actual waters (tap water and surface water). Degradation pathways of ATZ were proposed according to density functional theory (DFT) calculation and LC-MS analysis, including alkylic-hydroxylation, alkylic-oxidation, and dechlorination-hydroxylation. Moreover, gamma radiation was promising to reduce the toxicity of ATZ. Compared with the gamma radiation alone process, the gamma/PS system exhibited satisfactory ATZ removal performance. The k value rose by 4.78 times when PS (1 mM) was added, and TOC removal efficiency increased from 6.48 % to 34.53 % when PS was 4 mM. •OH and SO4•- participated in ATZ degradation, with •OH dominating. These results demonstrated that gamma/PS is a potential approach to degrade ATZ.

Cu inanchored MnO/carbonaceous frameworks trigger peroxymonosulfate activation for enrofloxacin degradation: ROS generation and pollutant attacking processes

Despite Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (FQs) removal in peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation have been widely researched and the outstanding degradation performance have been gained, the detailed processes by which reactive oxygen species attack pollutants have not been adequately studied. In this study, a Cu/MnO catalyst is anchored onto carbonaceous frameworks using a one-step calcination method for investigation. Benefiting from the sp2 unsaturated carbon as well as the synergistic effect between Cu2+/Cu+/Cu and Mn3+/Mn2+ bimetallic redox electron pairs, the prepared Cu/MnO anchored on carbonaceous frameworks catalyst (4CuMn/C-800) material possesses excellent enrofloxacin (ENR) removal performance, where 85.52 % of ENR is degraded in 80 mins, and maintains relatively high catalysis performance even in the various reaction conditions (reaction pH, reaction temperature, existing anions etc.). The analysis reveals the 1O2 and •O2-, as the dominate ROS, continuously attack the specific active sites of ENR molecules until they are mineralized. In detail, the generated •O2- mainly attacks the piperazine ring, while the formed 1O2 assaults the quinolone group of ENR. By combining density functional theory (DFT) calculations with LC-MS analysis, we propose four distinct pathways for ENR degradation in the 4CuMn/C-800/PMS system. In summary, this study offers a novel and practical approach to design metal/metal oxide/carbon catalysts and enhances our understanding of the mechanisms behind ROS-driven PMS activation.

The enhanced photocatalytic peroxymonosulfate activation for 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid degradation over Z-scheme PTCDA/MIL-88A(Fe) under visible light

To attain significant synergy between adsorption and peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation for the 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D) elimination, 3, 4, 9, 10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA)/MIL-88A(Fe) (PTxMy) composites were constructed by the facile ball-milling. The adsorption capacity of PT25M175 toward 2, 4-D was calculated as 76.0 mg/g at 308 K based on the Langmuir models. The decomposition of 2, 4-D in PT25M175/Vis/PMS system was investigated through a synergic action of adsorption and photocatalytic PMS activation, in which the optimum PT25M175 composite exhibited the 2, 4-D elimination efficiency up to 98.4 % within 10.0 min. The 2, 4-D degradation was mostly contributed by singlet oxygen (1O2) and superoxide radicals (O2•−), in which non-radical 1O2 accounts for a preponderant oxidation contribution (90.6 %). Based on LC-MS analysis, DFT computation, ecotoxicity analysis, and phytotoxicity evaluation, the 2, 4-D breakdown routes and the toxicity assessment of the degradation products were suggested. The elimination efficiency could be maintained at 97.9 % after five rounds of catalytic experiments. This study provided some guidance for compositing semiconductors with MOFs and utilizing a significant synergistic effect between adsorption and photocatalytic PMS activation to degrade organic pollutants.

Plasma and Kidney Proteome Profiling Combined with Laser Capture Microdissection Reveal Large Increases in Immunoglobulins with Age.

One of the main hallmarks of aging is aging-associated inflammation, also known as inflammaging. In this study, by comparing plasma and kidney proteome profiling of young and old mice using LC-MS profiling, we discovered that immunoglobulins are the proteins that exhibit the highest increase with age. This observation seems to have been disregarded because conventional proteome profiling experiments typically overlook the expression of high-abundance proteins or employ depletion methods to remove them before LC-MS analysis. We show that proteome profiling of immunoglobulins will likely be a useful biomarker of aging. Spatial profiling using immunofluorescence staining of kidney sections indicates that the main increases in immunoglobulins with age are localized in the glomeruli of the kidney. Using laser capture microdissection coupled with LC-MS, we show an increase in multiple immune-related proteins in glomeruli from aged mice. Increased deposition of immunoglobulins, immune complexes, and complement proteins in the kidney glomeruli may be a factor leading to reduced filtering capacity of the kidney with age. Therapeutic strategies to reduce the deposition of immunoglobulins in the kidney may be an attractive strategy for healthy aging.

Construction of novel Ce2(WO4)3/rGO nanocomposites for efficient photocatalytic mitigation of antibiotic drug chloramphenicol

In this study, we present the synthesis and characterization of a novel cerium tungstate decorated reduced graphene oxide (Ce2(WO4)3@rGO or CeW@rGO) nanocomposite via a facile hydrothermal method. Comprehensive analyses including XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, and XPS were conducted to elucidate the crystal structure, chemical states, morphology, and optical properties of the synthesized nanocomposite. The CeW@rGO exhibited a reduced band gap of 2.14 eV compared to 2.33 eV for CeW, enhancing visible light absorption. Photocatalytic experiments demonstrated the superior efficiency of CeW@rGO, achieving 98.03 % degradation of the antibiotic chloramphenicol (CIP) within 45 min under visible light irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic performance is attributed to the improved charge separation and extended lifetime of photo-induced charge carriers, facilitated by the rGO. Reactive oxidative species such as O2•− and •OH were identified as key contributors to the degradation process, as confirmed by radical scavenging studies. The plausible degradation mechanism of CIP was proposed based on LC-MS analysis. This work highlights the potential of CeW@rGO as an efficient and sustainable photocatalyst for environmental remediation, offering significant advancements in the field of photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants. The improved efficiency of the photocatalyst was primarily due to the enlarged surface area and the addition of CeW and rGO to the composite sample. These additions enhance the catalyst's ability to adsorb pollutants and increase the separation of electrons and holes at the interface between two semiconductors by creating an internal electric field. The results toprovide the successfully creation ofCeW/rGO nanocomposites that are cost-effective, highly efficient, lightweight, and sustainable for use in environmental applications.

Hippo-YAP/TAZ-ROS signaling axis regulates metaflammation induced by SelenoM deficiency in high-fat diet-derived obesity

IntroductionMetabolic inflammation (metaflammation) in obesity is primarily initiated by proinflammatory macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue. SelenoM contributes to the modulation of antioxidative stress and inflammation in multiple pathological processes; however, its roles in metaflammation and the proinflammatory macrophage (M1)-like state in adipose tissue have not been determined. ObjectivesWe hypothesize that SelenoM could effectively regulate metaflammation via the Hippo-YAP/TAZ-ROS signaling axis in obesity derived from a high-fat diet. MethodsMorphological changes in adipose tissue were examined by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and fluorescence microscopy. The glucose tolerance test (GTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were used to evaluate the impact of SelenoM deficiency on blood glucose levels. RNA-Seq analysis, LC-MS analysis, Mass spectrometry analysis and western blotting were performed to detect the levels of genes and proteins related to glycolipid metabolism in adipose tissue. ResultsHerein, we evaluated the inflammatory features and metabolic microenvironment of mice with SelenoM-deficient adipose tissues by multi-omics analyses. The deletion of SelenoM resulted in glycolipid metabolic disturbances and insulin resistance, thereby accelerating weight gain, adiposity, and hyperglycemia. Mice lacking SelenoM in white adipocytes developed severe adipocyte hypertrophy via impaired lipolysis. SelenoM deficiency aggravated the generation of ROS by reducing equivalents (NADPH and glutathione) in adipocytes, thereby promoting inflammatory cytokine production and the M1-proinflammatory reaction, which was related to a change in nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) levels in macrophages. Mechanistically, SelenoM deficiency promoted metaflammation via Hippo-YAP/TAZ-ROS-mediated transcriptional regulation by targeting large tumor suppressor 2 (LATS2). Moreover, supplementation with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) to reduce excessive oxidative stress partially rescued adipocyte inflammatory responses and macrophage M1 activation. ConclusionOur data indicate that SelenoM ameliorates metaflammation mainly via the Hippo-YAP/TAZ-ROS signaling axis in obesity. The identification of SelenoM as a key regulator of metaflammation presents opportunities for the development of novel therapeutic interventions targeting adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity.

In-vitro Antioxidant, In-vitro and In-silico Ovarian Anticancer Activity (Ovarian Cancer Cells-PA1) and Phytochemical Analysis of Cissus quadrangularis L. Ethanolic Extract.

Cissus quadrangularis is a valuable natural source of traditional medicines. An in vitro investigation was performed to determine whether the ethanolic extract from the whole portions of C. quadrangularis had anticancer and free radical scavenging activities against ovarian cancer cells-PA1. C. quadrangularis is a herb collected from rural areas in Andhra Pradesh, India. C. quadrangularis was air-dried and crushed, and the powder and ethanol (0.5 kg) were used in a Soxhlet device for continuous extraction. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts was performed using a standard procedure. The antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extract of C. quadrangularis was evaluated using DPPH. An in vitro anticancer study used an ethanolic extract against the PA1 cell line. Apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells was studied using DAPI and carboxy-H2DCFDA staining. From LC-MS analysis, quercetin-3-O-alpha-Lrhamnopyranoside and erucic acid were docked with the threonine tyrosine kinase (TTK) enzyme using auto docking. The ethanolic extract of C. quadrangularis demonstrated significant dose-dependent antioxidant activity compared to ascorbic acid. The ethanolic extract of C. quadrangularis was found to have high anticancer activity against ovarian cancer cell lines (PA1), with an IC50 value of 482.057 ± 113.857 μg/ml. DAPI and carboxy-H2DCFDA staining confirmed that C. quadrangularis ethanolic extract induced apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells (p < .001). Molecular docking studies helped identify the binding affinities between the protein and ligand complexes, such as Quercetin-3-O-alpha-Lrhamnopyranoside binding sites of target proteins 5N7V (MET602, GLN672) and erucic acid 5N7V (GLY354). Quercetin-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside was reported to bind with 5N7V by hydrogen bonding at MET602 and GLN672 amino acids with 2.02, 2.99 Å bonding length distance and binding affinity of -7.9 kcal/mol. Erucic acid was reported to bind with 5N7V by hydrogen bonding at GLY354 amino acid with 3.18, 2.93 Å bonding length (Å) distance and binding affinity of -4.3 kcal/mol. The current analysis showed that the ethanolic extracts of C. quadrangularis L. exhibited antioxidant and anticancer properties against ovarian PA1 cells. The experimental results confirmed that C. quadrangularis L. is a promising, safe chemotherapeutic plant for ovarian cancer PA1 cells. The docking results demonstrated that Quercetin-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside strongly binds threonine tyrosine kinase at the MET602 and GLN672 positions. This study showed that the C. quadrangularis ethanolic extract has Quercetin-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside, which can be used as an anticancer agent.