Oxalate Levels Research Articles

Differential AMF-mediated biochemical responses in sorghum and oat plants under environmental impacts of neodymium nanoparticles

This study investigates the impact of neodymium (Nd) nanoparticle (NdNP) toxicity on the physiological and biochemical responses of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and oat (Avena sativa) plants and evaluates the potential mitigating effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Sorghum and oat plants were grown under controlled conditions with and without AMF inoculation, and subjected to NdNPs (500 mg Nd kg−1 soil). Results revealed that Nd nanoparticles significantly reduced biomass in both species, with a 50% decrease in sorghum and a 59% decrease in oats. However, AMF treatment ameliorated these effects, increasing biomass by 69% in oats under Nd nanoparticles toxicity compared to untreated contaminated plants. Soluble sugar metabolism was notably affected; AMF treatment led to significant increases in fructose and sucrose contents in both sorghum (+31% and +23%, respectively) and oat (+25% and +37%, respectively) plants under NdNPs toxicity. Improved sugar metabolism via enhanced activities of sucrose phosphate synthase (+29–54%) and invertase (+39–54%) enzymes resulted in higher proline (+21–81%) and polyamines (+49–52%) levels in AMF-treated plants under NdNPs toxicity, along with alterations in the biosynthesis pathways of amino acids and fatty acids, resulting in better osmoprotection and stress tolerance. Moreover, citrate (+29–55%) and oxalate (+177–312%) levels increased in both plants in response to NdNPs toxicity, which was accompanied by a positive response of isobutyric acid to AMF treatment in stressed plants, which potentially might serve as mechanisms for plants to mitigate NdNPs toxicity. These findings suggest that AMF can significantly mitigate Nd-induced damage and improve plant resilience through enhanced metabolic adjustments, highlighting a potential strategy for managing rare earth element (REE) nanoparticle toxicity in agricultural soils.

Evaluation of The Effects of Thermal Processing Treatments on The Nutrient and Anti-nutrient Composition of Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan) Seed Flours

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of thermal processing techniques on the nutrient and antinutrient contents of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) flours. The pigeon pea seeds were sorted, cleaned and divided into five equal lots of 0.5kg each. Four lots of pigeon pea seeds were processed into blanched, boiled, roasted, and autoclaved pigeon pea flours, while the fifth lot was processed raw and used as control. The raw and thermally processed samples obtained were analysed for nutrient and antinutrient composition using standard methods. The proximate composition of the samples showed that the flours had a range of 8.61 - 11.46 % moisture, 21.13 - 23.94 % crude protein, 1.26 - 1.68 % fat, 5.12 – 6.10 % crude fibre, 1.74 – 2.97 % ash, 55.56 – 60.41 % carbohydrate and 333.45 - 342.75 kJ/100g energy, respectively. The mineral composition showed that the flours contained 86.24 – 144.72 mg/100g calcium, 137.80 – 170.33 mg/100g magnesium, 125.86 - 156.76 mg/100g potassium, 66.66 – 95.62 mg/100g sodium, 4.38 – 6.64 mg/100g iron and 130.27 – 178.29 mg/100g phosphorus, respectively. The vitamin content of the flours were 3.09 - 4.33 mg/100g ascorbic acid, 0.05 - 0.17 mg/100g thiamine, 0.03 - 0.21 mg/100g riboflavin, 0.13 - 0.28 mg/100g niacin, 3.21 - 6.25 mg/100g vitamin A and 1.10 - 2.70 mg/100g vitamin E, respectively. The antinutrient composition of the flours also showed that the levels of trypsin inhibitor, tannin, phytate, oxalate, saponin and haemagglutinin ranged from, 2.30 – 5.61 Tiu/mg, 0.81 – 1.5mg/100g, 1.12 - 4.18mg/100g, 0.48-4.01 mg/100g, 1.28 – 3.66 mg/100g and 1.30 – 7.44 Hiu/g, respectively. Therefore, the study showed that thermally processed pigeon pea flours could be used as nutrient dense ingredients in the preparation of a wide range of foods for children, adolescents and aged adults especially in developing countries where the problems of protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrients deficiencies are prevalent than the raw sample.

Optimization of Plant Oxalate Quantification and Generation of Low-Oxalate Maize (Zea mays L.) through O7 Overexpression.

Oxalate, the simplest dicarboxylic acid, is a prevalent antinutrient that chelates with various metals and can lead to the formation of kidney stones in humans. The accurate detection of the oxalate concentration in food and the cultivation of low-oxalate crops are important for enhancing public health. In this study, we established a high-throughput and highly sensitive technique for oxalate detection using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatographic-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS). Additionally, we overexpressed the gene O7, which encodes oxalyl-CoA synthetase in the maize oxalate degradation pathway, resulting in O7-OE lines. By employing the UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS method to measure oxalate levels in these transgenic lines, we observed that the oxalate content in the kernels of O7-OE lines was reduced by approximately 43%, with a concurrent increase in some micronutrients such as zinc. Importantly, the transgenic maize showed normal seed storage compound accumulation or other agronomic characteristics. In summary, we developed a high-throughput detection method that advances oxalate measurement. Furthermore, by generating new maize germplasm with diminished oxalate, our work offers potential health advantages to consumers.

Lipid nanoparticle-mediated base-editing of the Hao1 gene achieves sustainable primary hyperoxaluria type 1 therapy in rats.

Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is a severe hereditary disease, leading to the accumulation of oxalate in multiple organs, particularly the kidney. Hydroxyacid oxidase 1 (HAO1), a pivotal gene involved in oxalate production, is an approved target for the treatment of PH1. In this study, we demonstrated the discovery of several novel therapeutic sites of the Hao1 gene and the efficient editing of Hao1 c.290-2 A in vivo with lipid nanoparticles (LNP) delivered adenine base editing (ABE) mRNA. A single infusion of LNP-ABE resulted in a near-complete knockout of Hao1 in the liver, leading to the sustainable normalization of urinary oxalate (for at least 6 months) and complete rescue of the patho-physiology in PH1 rats. Additionally, a significant correlation between Hao1 editing efficiency and urinary oxalate levels was observed and over 60% Hao1 editing efficiency was required to achieve the normalization of urinary oxalate in PH1 rats. These findings suggest that the LNP-mediated base-editing of Hao1 c.290-2 A is an efficient and safe approach to PH1 therapy, highlighting its potential utility in clinical settings.

Transformative personalized oxalate biomarker analysis through a wrist-worn microneedle device integrated with duplex nanozyme toolbox

The interstitial fluid (ISF) is valuable for disease diagnosis due to its unique biomarkers. Microneedles (MNs) offer a painless method for ISF sampling, facilitating primary diagnostics. This study introduces a minimally invasive, biocompatible MN patch made from a swellable hydrogel of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), which effectively extracts ISF. The hydrogel selectively permits small molecules like oxalate, a kidney disease biomarker, while blocking large biomolecules. The MN patch is integrated with a multilayer sensor via microfluidic channels, featuring cotton fiber, agarose, and Mn3[Fe(CN)6]2, alongside Fe3[Fe(CN)6]3 (AGH-CP/MnFeCN/FeFeCN). These nanozymes exhibit oxidase-like activity, reacting with 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to indicate oxalate levels through a color change from green (no oxalate) to light or dark blue, based on concentration. The designed sensor demonstrates high performance with a detection limit of 0.897 μM and an RSD of 1.22 %, enabling accurate quantification via smartphone image analysis as readout platforms for more accessibility and user-friendliness which helps to reach personalized healthcare goals. This integration facilitates real-time, remote, precise disease detection, biochemical analysis and forsooth miniaturization, leading to the development of portable, flexible, and wearable sensors. The MN patch and integrated sensor show excellent stability, selectivity, sensitivity, reliability, and long-term durability. This minimally invasive sensing system, designed for wristband integration, opens new avenues for precision point-of-care monitoring, enhancing personal healthcare.

Antilithiatic Activity of Arbutus Pavarii (Shemeri) Extract on Ethylene Glycol Induced Lithiasis in Rats

Objectives. The objective of this study was to investigate the antilithiatic activity of shemeri (Arbutus Pavarii) on ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis in male albino rats. Methods. 24 healthy male albino rats were divided into 4 groups. The rats in group A served as the normal control group. Group B (EG-treated group) rats received 0.75% ethylene glycol for three weeks followed by drinking water for the next 3 weeks. Group C (preventive group) rats received 0.75% ethylene glycol along with shemeri for six weeks. Group D (treatment group) rats received 0.75% ethylene glycol for three weeks then supplemented with shemeri aqueous solution. After six weeks, various levels of oxalate, calcium, and phosphate in urine and serum levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid, phosphate, calcium, and sodium were measured. Histopathological examination for kidney samples was also conducted. Results. In comparison to the EG-treated group, oral administration of Arbutus Pavarii (shemeri) significantly lowered elevated levels of creatinine, urea, and uric acid while, significantly increased levels of phosphate, calcium, and sodium in the serum. Shemeri also reduced elevated levels of urinary oxalate, calcium, and phosphate. Histopathological examination showed noticeable kidney lesions in group (B), but these lesions improved in groups (C, and D). Conclusion. This study suggests that shemeri is a promising and effective plant in prevention and treatment of Ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis in male albino rats.

Controlled atmosphere storage enhances Korean melon shelf life and quality: A comparative metabolic analysis with reefer container export

Korean melons are renowned for their taste and nutritional qualities but face challenges such as chilling injury and browning during post-harvest storage, limiting their export potential. To address these issues, we compared melons stored in Controlled Atmosphere (CA) containers to those in Reefer Container (CON) under simulated export conditions. This study examines the effects of CA storage on the quality, metabolite changes, and volatile organic compounds (VOC) of Korean melons (Cucumis melo var. makuwa). CA-stored Korean melons showed increased concentrations of cutin monomers, suggesting reduced browning due to the expression of cutin-related genes. VOCs analysis revealed distinctive patterns in both Korean melon skin and juice, with specific compounds elevated in CA storage. The breakdown of linolenic acid into (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal was reduced by approximately 30 % under CA storage, likely due to reduced oxygen availability. Twister-assisted VOCs analysis highlighted aroma differences, indicating potential effects on sensory perception. Solubility changes showed a 15 % increase in glyceric acid and a 20 % decrease in oxalate levels under CA storage, suggesting improved flavor and reduced harmful compounds. The freshness model based on VOCs indicated that CA-treated melons remained fresh approximately 4 d longer than control melons. In conclusion, CA storage improves the quality, freshness, and nutritional profile of Korean melons and offers valuable insights for refining post-harvest storage practices. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects of CA storage on other fruits and vegetables.

7070 Nephrolithiasis and Hypercalciuria in Adults with Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Abstract Disclosure: V.R. Simões: None. M. Daly: None. M.G. Rocha-Braz: None. R.M. Martin: None. B. Ferraz-de-Souza: None. Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heterogeneous bone fragility disorder. Extra-skeletal manifestations have been well documented in children with OI, including renal complications, but studies in adults lack. Here we investigate the prevalence of nephrolithiasis and hypercalciuria in adults with OI.After informed consent, adult patients with OI attending a tertiary clinic were included in this prospective study. Disease severity score, mobility score, BMD, and molecular diagnosis, if available, were registered. Evaluation of nephrolithiasis comprised history, dietary record, and medication and supplement use. Imaging was performed in all patients with renal US and/or CT, and laboratory investigations encompassed serum (Ca, P, ALP, 25OHD, PTH, CTX, P1NP) and 24-h urine (Ca, P, citrate, oxalate, sodium, uric acid) analyses. IBM SPSS v20 was used for statistical analysis.In total, 94 adults (57 F, 37 M) with OI were evaluated, with ages ranging from 21-76 yr (50% between 20-29). Molecular diagnosis was available for 61 subjects, 79% of whom had collagen defects. Most subjects had moderate to severe OI (70%) and 48% required walking support/aid or did not walk. Excessive total (diet + supplement) daily calcium intake was identified in only 6%. Renal CT and US were available for 50 subjects (53%), CT only for 11 (12%) and US only for 33 (35%). Nephrolithiasis was identified in 26 subjects (28%). Of those, 13 (14%) had symptoms. A trend towards a higher occurrence of nephrolithiasis in subjects with moderate/severe OI was identified (p=0.059), and, reassuringly, no association with calcium intake or use of supplements was seen. ROC curve analysis revealed that 24-h U Ca >144.25 mg and 24-h U citrate <235 mg were significantly associated with nephrolithiasis (p=0.024 & p=0.048). Logistic regression identified a 5.6x increased likelihood of nephrolithiasis for 24-h U oxalate >19 mg (p=0.047). Nephrolithiasis was identified in 28% female and 27% male subjects. Because nephrolithiasis is usually more common in males, analyses were repeated according to sex. In female subjects, nephrolithiasis was significantly associated with OI severity (p=0.01) and with higher mean OI severity scores (p=0.001). Strikingly, hypercalciuria (defined as 24-h U Ca >200 mg) was identified in 36% of the cohort. Significant but weak positive correlations between 24-h U Ca and mobility score (r=0.214, p=0.041) and 24-h U Na (r=0.426, p=0.001) were found, as were negative correlations with CTX (r=-0.257, p=0.015) and P1NP (r=-0.251, p=0.018). In conclusion, high prevalence of nephrolithiasis and hypercalciuria were identified in adults with OI. While Ca supplementation did not seem to be associated with risk for nephrolithiasis in this population with mostly adequate total daily intake levels, OI severity, low U citrate and high U oxalate levels seemed to increase risk, prompting attention in the care of adults with OI. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Phenolic and Anti-Nutrients Compositions of Selected Underutilized Seeds: African Oil Bean Seed (Pentaclethra macrophylla), Cashew Nut Seed (Anacardium occidentale), Cucumeropsis Seed (Cucurbita maxima), Groundnut Seed (Arachis hypogeal) and Soya Bean Seed (Glycine max)

The study aimed to assess the levels of anti- nutrients and phenolic compounds in under-utilized seeds such as African oil bean seed (Pentaclethra macrophylla), cashew nut seed (Anacardium occidentale), cucumeropsis seed (Cucurbita maxima), groundnut seed (Arachis hypogeal), and soya bean seed (Glycine max). The goal was to understand the impact of these compounds on the nutritional value of the seeds and to identify potential preventive measures. Neglected and under-utilized crops are plant species that have historically been used for food, fiber, fodder, oil, or medicinal purposes but have diminished in importance over time due to specific supply and utilization constraints. These constraints may include poor shelf life, unrecognized nutritional value, low consumer awareness, and reputational issues (such as being considered famine food or "poor people’s food," often due to changes in agricultural practices). Anti- nutrients are substances commonly present in food that can be harmful to humans and can limit the availability of nutrients to the body. Sun-dried soya bean and groundnut seeds were ground, while African oil bean, cucumeropsis, and cashew nut seeds were mechanically dehulled and ground without heat. Oxalate and phytate levels were determined through titration, and carotenoid levels were determined spectrophotometrically. Various methods were used to determine the presence of tannins, trypsin inhibitors, cyanogenic glycosides, hemagglutinins, saponins, alkaloids, phenols, steroids, and flavonoids. It was found that African oil bean seed had higher concentrations of the analyzed anti-nutrients and phenolic compounds compared to the other seeds studied.

Efficient and safe in vivo treatment of primary hyperoxaluria type 1 via LNP-CRISPR-Cas9-mediated glycolate oxidase disruption

Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is a severe genetic metabolic disorder caused by mutations in the AGXT gene, leading to defects in enzymes crucial for glyoxylate metabolism. PH1 is characterized by severe, potentially life-threatening manifestations due to excessive oxalate accumulation, which leads to calcium oxalate crystal deposits in the kidneys and, ultimately, renal failure and systemic oxalosis. Existing substrate reduction therapies, such as inhibition of liver-specific glycolate oxidase (GO) encoded by HAO1 using siRNA or CRISPR/Cas9 delivered by adeno-associated virus (AAV), either require repeated dosing or have raised safety concerns. To address these limitations, our study employed lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for CRISPR/Cas9 delivery to rapidly generate a PH1 mouse model and validate the therapeutic efficacy of LNP-CRISPR/Cas9 targeting the Hao1 gene. The LNP-CRISPR/Cas9 system exhibited efficient editing of the Hao1 gene, significantly reducing GO expression and lowering urinary oxalate levels in treated PH1 mice. Notably, these effects persisted for 12 months with no significant off-target effects, liver-induced toxicity, or substantial immune responses, highlighting the approach's safety and specificity. Furthermore, the developed humanized mouse model validated the efficacy of our therapeutic strategy. These findings support LNP-CRISPR/Cas9 targeting HAO1 as a promising and safer alternative for PH1 treatment with a single administration.

Hydroxyproline increases inflammation and Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) infection in female rats.

Calcium oxalate (CaOx) kidney stones may be associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, the mechanisms for this association are not well-established. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of oxalate on immunity and UTI development in vivo. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a control diet for 3 days before continuing this diet or starting a 5% Hydroxy-L-proline diet (HLP; oxalate precursor) for 7 days. Rats were subsequently infected transurethrally with Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC, a bacterium that causes UTI) and sacrificed 3 days later. Urine, blood, kidney, and bladder samples were collected. Urinary oxalate levels, renal CaOx crystal deposition, inflammatory markers, and the bacterial load were assessed using ion chromatography-mass spectrometry, immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, or colony forming unit assays. Animals fed HLP and infected with UPEC had a significant increase in urinary oxalate levels, renal CaOx deposition, pro-inflammatory macrophages, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and bacterial loads compared to animals fed the control diet with UPEC infection. In addition, HLP-fed animals had significantly reduced anti-inflammatory renal macrophages and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels in their plasma, urine, and kidneys. These findings suggest that oxalate may play a novel role in the propagation of UTI development.

Unraveling the role of gut microbiota by fecal microbiota transplantation in rat model of kidney stone disease

Emerging research on the microbiome highlights the significant role of gut health in the development of kidney stones, indicating that an imbalance in gut bacteria or dysbiosis can influence the formation of stones by altering oxalate metabolism and urinary metabolite profiles. In particular, the overabundance of specific bacteria such as Enterococcus and Oxalobacter spp., which are known to affect oxalate absorption, is observed in patients with urolithiasis. This study investigates the effects of gut dysbiosis on urolithiasis through fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from patients to rats and its impact on urinary mineral excretion and stone formation. Fecal samples from eight patients with calcium oxalate stones and ten healthy volunteers were collected to assess the gut microbiome. These samples were then transplanted to antibiotic-pretreated Wistar rats for a duration of four weeks. After transplantation, we evaluated changes in the fecal gut microbiome profile, urinary mineral excretion rates, and expression levels of intestinal zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1), SLC26A6 and renal NF-κB. In humans, patients with urolithiasis exhibited increased urinary calcium and oxalate levels, along with decreased citrate excretion and increased urinary supersaturation index. The fecal microbiota showed a notable abundance of Bacteroidota. In rodents, urolithiasis-FMT rats showed urinary disturbances similar to patients, including elevated pH, oxalate level, and supersaturation index, despite negative renal pathology. In addition, a slight elevation in the expression of renal NF-κB, a significant intestinal SLC26A6, and a reduction in ZO-1 expression were observed. The gut microbiome of urolithiasis-FMT rats showed an increased abundance of Bacteroidota, particularly Muribaculaceae, compared to their healthy FMT counterparts. In conclusion, the consistent overabundance of Bacteroidota in both urolithiasis patients and urolithiasis-FMT rats is related to altered intestinal barrier function, hyperoxaluria, and renal inflammation. These findings suggest that gut dysbiosis, characterized by an overgrowth of Bacteroidota, plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of calcium oxalate urolithiasis, underscoring the potential of targeting the gut microbiota as a therapeutic strategy.

The direct inhibitory effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus, a commensal urinary bacterium, on calcium oxalate stone development

BackgroundLactobacillus acidophilus is a commensal urinary bacterium found more abundantly in healthy individuals than in stone patients. Hence, it has been proposed to play an inhibitory role in kidney stone disease (KSD) but with unclear mechanisms. We therefore investigated the direct effects of L. acidophilus on calcium oxalate (CaOx) stone development compared with Escherichia coli, which is known to promote CaOx stone formation.ResultsL. acidophilus at 1 × 103 CFU/ml significantly reduced the abundance of newly formed crystals, enlargement and aggregation of seeded crystals, and crystal adhesion on renal cell membranes. By contrast, E. coli at 1 × 103 CFU/ml significantly enhanced crystal growth and aggregation but did not affect crystallization and crystal-cell adhesion. Oxalate consumption assay showed that neither L. acidophilus nor E. coli significantly reduced the remaining oxalate level after 1 − 3 h incubation. However, both of them adhered to CaOx crystals. Surface component detection revealed that only L. acidophilus expressed S-layer protein, whereas only E. coli exhibited flagella on their surfaces. Removal of L. acidophilus S-layer protein and E. coli flagella completely abolished the inhibitory and promoting effects of L. acidophilus and E. coli, respectively.ConclusionsL. acidophilus inhibits CaOx stone development by hampering crystallization, growth, aggregation and cell-adhesive ability of CaOx. By contrast, E. coli enhances CaOx stone development by promoting CaOx growth and aggregation. Their contradictory effects are most likely from differential surface components (i.e., S-layer protein on L. acidophilus and flagella on E. coli) not from oxalate-degrading ability.D_jrSVq7xgjsSvuNUfqm6AVideo

A case report on primary hyperoxaluria type 1 in an infant

An alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGT) deficiency causes elevated oxalate levels in primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1), a rare genetic disorder that can cause renal complications. We report the case of a 3-month-old male infant with respiratory distress, decreased urine output, and metabolic acidosis who was born to consanguineous parents. Bilateral nephrocalcinosis and severe metabolic disturbances were found during further examinations. Prompt identification and genetic validation for therapeutic interventions guided by PH1, such as peritoneal dialysis. The severity of PH1 was highlighted by difficulties maintaining renal function even after an initial improvement. To lessen the severe effects of PH1, this case highlights the significance of early diagnosis, genetic evaluation, and multidisciplinary management.

PROFILE OF ANTINUTRITIONAL FACTORS IN UMBRELLA THORN (VACHELLIA TORTILIS F.) PODS FROM NORTHERN YOBE STATE

Anti-nutritional factors in Umbrella thorn (Vachellia tortilis F.) pods harvested from northern of Yobe State, Nigeria were analysed. Samples of the pods were randomly collected from 18 locations within the study area, using multi-stage sampling procedure. Pods from each sample were processed and levels of saponins, tannins, oxalates and phytates concentration in Umbrella thorn pods were analysed. The results revealed significant (P<0.0001) differences across all the locations. Sample gathered from Afunori shown to have highest 0.93% content for saponins while 0.94% tannins level was found in pods sample from Dogon Jeji village. Oxalates and phytates have highest means values of 1.84% and 32.9% in pods samples from Garin Tsangai and Garanda villages accordingly. The lowest levels 0.54% saponnins, 0.30% tannins, 0.07% oxalates and 15.63% phytates were obtained in pods samples for Dumar, jajeri, kaciya and Goniri kukawa villages correspondingly. Conclusively, Umbrella thorn (Vachellia tortilis) pods are potentially nutritive as forage material for small ruminants’ production and the levels of anti-nutritional factors has no negative effects when consume by small ruminant.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Properties, Anti-nutrient Contents and Antimicrobial Study of Aqueous Extract of Morinda lucinda, Solanum erianthun, and Dryopteris expansa

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms poses a significant challenge in clinical practice by complicating treatment options for infections. Exploring natural products as alternative drugs presents a promising approach to addressing these issues. Medicinal plants, acknowledged by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a preferred and safest source of various medicines, have gained considerable attention. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant properties, anti-nutrient content, and antimicrobial activities of Morinda lucinda, Solanum erianthun, and Dryopteris expansa The phytochemical analysis indicates that while flavonoids, saponins, and reducing sugars are common across the studied plants, Morinda lucida and Dryopteris expansa exhibit higher levels of saponins and the present of alkaloids, suggesting potential unique medicinal properties. The antimicrobial study revealed that the aqueous leaf extract of Morinda lucida made Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus susceptible to its effects, while Dryopteris expansa made only Streptococcus pyogenes susceptible and the aqueous leaf extract of Solanum erianthum made the fungal species Penicillium chrysogenum susceptible to its action. All the studied plants demonstrated very strong antioxidant activity. The anti-nutrient analysis showed that Morinda lucida had the lowest cyanide content at 5.50 mg/100 g, while Solanum erianthum had the highest cyanide content at 6.89 mg/100 g. Dryopteris expansa exhibited the lowest levels of oxalates and phytates, with values of 0.28 mg and 0.20%, respectively. The results of this study demonstrate that each of these plants possesses significant potential as antimicrobial agents and antioxidants, with low toxicity levels. Consequently, they hold promise for medicinal applications and drug development.

Determination of Proximate Content and Phytochemical Analysis of Some Selected Grains, Fruits and Vegetables Commercially Sold in Eke Awka Market, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

Six samples from cucumber (Cucumis sativus), apple (Malus domestica), cabbage (Brassica oleracea), Tigernuts (Cyperus esculentus), Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), Green peas (Pisum sativum) were purchased from Eke Awka market, Awka in Anambra state, and evaluated for their proximate composition and phytochemicals content using the standard procedures as described by Association of Official Analytical Collaboration International, (1995). The study revealed that moisture content of cucumber was significantly high, followed by cabbage, apple and then tiger nuts. The outcome of Phytochemical analysis showed that Alkaloids, Flavonoid Phenol and Oxalate levels were highest in cabbage; Saponin and Tannin were highest in tiger nuts while Steroids and Phytate were highest in cucumber. The fruits and vegetables analyzed contain appreciable amounts of phytochemicals and relatively high food value thus making them valuable nutraceutical sources and very useful for nutritional and medicinal purposes Keywords: Proximate composition, Phytochemical analysis, Grains, Fruits, Vegetables

Genomic insights into oxalate content in spinach: A genome-wide association study and genomic prediction approach

Oxalate content in spinach is a key trait of interest due to its relevance to human health. Understanding the genetic basis of it can facilitate the development of spinach varieties with reduced oxalate levels. In pursuit of understanding the genetic determinants, a diverse panel comprising 288 spinach accessions underwent thorough phenotyping of oxalate content and were subjected to whole-genome resequencing, resulting in a comprehensive dataset encompassing 14 386 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Leveraging this dataset, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify noteworthy SNPs associated with oxalate content. Furthermore, we employed genomic prediction (GP) via cross-prediction, utilizing five GP models, to assess genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) for oxalate content. The observed normal distribution and the wide range of oxalate content, exceeding 600.0 mg · 100 g−1, underscore the complex and quantitative nature of this trait, likely influenced by multiple genes. Additionally, our analysis revealed distinct stratification, delineating the population into four discernible subpopulations. Furthermore, GWAS analysis employing five models in GAPIT 3 and TASSEL 5 unveiled nine significant SNPs (four SNPs on chromosome 1 and five on chromosome 5) associated with oxalate content. These loci exhibited associations with six candidate genes, which might have potential contribution to oxalate content regulation. Remarkably, our GP models exhibited notable predictive abilities, yielding average accuracies of up to 0.51 for GEBV estimation. The integration of GWAS and GP approaches offers a holistic comprehension of the genetic underpinnings of oxalate content in spinach. These findings offered a promising avenue for the development of spinach cultivars and hybrids optimized for oxalate levels, promoting consumer health.

Synthesis and Characterization of Edible Film Based on Glucomannan from Local Porang Tubers with a Combination of Carrageenan and Sorbitol as Plasticizer

In this study, edible films were made from glucomannan from local porang tubers, carrageenan, and sorbitol as the plasticizer. This research method begins with the making of modified porang flour with three immersion treatments, namely control (A), 10% lime solution (B), and modified lime and mocaf starter fermentation (C) to reduce oxalate levels. Plasticizers were added with variations of carrageenan 2;3;4%, and sorbitol 1;2;3;4; and 5 g. The results showed that the modified lime immersion and fermentation treatment reduced calcium oxalate levels, and the highest yields of glucomannan were 2.58% and 10.07 g. The FTIR analysis results of the isolated glucomannan showed that the spectrum formed by the presence of O-H functional groups, CH2 groups, C-O-C groups, absorption areas of 805 cm-1 and 872 cm-1 indicated the presence of the main constituent of glucomannan, namely β-pyranose. In comparison, the characteristics of the edible film obtained an average thickness between 0.32–1.50 mm. The highest thickness was obtained in the composition of the addition of 3% carrageenan and 4 grams of sorbitol variation C. The percentage of water resistance of edible film variations A and C ranged from 10.04% - 22.02%. Variations A and C with a composition of 2% carrageenan and 1 gram of sorbitol, the edible film is completely degraded. The surface morphology of the edible film obtained from variation A with a concentration of 2% carrageenan and 5 grams of sorbitol showed a slightly porous surface.

MOF-818 Nanozyme Suppresses Calcium Oxalate Kidney Stones by Alleviating Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Injury.

There remains a lack of effective drugs to alleviate the kidney stones caused by oxidative stress and inflammatory damage. The MOF-818 nanozyme is utilized to lessen the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) effectively, restore the membrane potential of mitochondria, regulate the cell cycle, decrease cell death, hinder the recruitment of macrophages, and mitigate the release of inflammatory factors in macrophages. These effects are attributed to the nanozyme's ability to mimic the enzyme properties of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). It is demonstrated that this nanozyme can reduce kidney calcium oxalate crystal deposition by reducing the renal injury caused by high concentration oxalate, upregulate the expression levels of SOD and CAT in tissues, downregulate adhesion proteins and inflammatory factor IL-6 and TNF-α, and promote the polarization of macrophages from M1 to M2 phenotype in the rat model induced by ethylene glycol. Overall, MOF-818 has the potential to effectively suppress oxidative stress and inflammatory harm caused by high levels of oxalate, hence lowering the likelihood of stone formation. MOF-818 nanozyme is also expected to be used as an alternative drug for the treatment of calcium oxalate kidney stones and provide an experimental theoretical basis for the development of new nanomedicines.