Polyphenols Research Articles

Soy protein-polyphenols conjugates interaction mechanism, characterization, techno-functional and biological properties: An updated review

Soy protein is a promising nutritional source with improved functionality and bioactivities due to conjugation with polyphenols (PP)—the conjugates between soy protein and PP held by covalent and noncovalent bonds. Different approaches, including thermodynamics, spectroscopy, and molecular docking simulations, can demonstrate the outcomes and mechanism of these conjugates. The soy protein, PP structure, matrix properties (temperature, pH), and interaction mechanism alter the ζ-potential, secondary structure, thermal stability, and surface hydrophobicity of proteins and also improve the techno-functional properties such as gelling ability, solubility, emulsifying, and foaming properties. Soy protein-PP conjugates also reveal enhanced in vitro digestibility, anti-allergic, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Thus, these conjugates may be employed as edible film additives, antioxidant emulsifiers, hydrogels, and nanoparticles in the food industry. Future research is needed to specify the structure-function associations of soy protein-PP conjugates that may affect their functionality and application in the food industry.

Influence of resveratrol on the sorption of phosphorylated tau protein and MAPT on the PVDF membrane in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a complex neurodegenerative disease based on various processes associated with the accumulation and aggregation of defective proteins. Among them, the particularly important ones are the following: amyloid-β, which is formed by the breakdown of amyloid precursor protein, the accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau proteins inside neurons that form neurofibrillary tangles, and aberrant aggregation and inclusion formation of microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT). APP/PS1 transgenic mice act as a model of Alzheimer’s disease and express mutant human genes that cause the accumulation of amyloid-β peptides in the brain. The goal of this work was a quantitative assessment of the level of p-tau231 in the brain of transgenic mice with a model of AD using the sorption method. The objectives of the study also included testing the ability of the natural polyphenol resveratrol to reduce the concentration of p-tau231 in the brain of transgenic mice and improve their cognitive functions. Western blot is a widely used method for the immunodetection and in vitro quantitative determination of proteins. Western blot allows separating proteins based on their molecular weight with the further transfer to an adsorption membrane. In this case, the proteins are transferred from the gel to the PVDF membrane using electrophoretic elution. This method involves placing a protein-containing polyacrylamide gel in direct contact with a PVDF membrane represented by a linear polymer with repetitive links -(CF2-CH2)-. Proteins transferred to the membrane are well-retained on its surface during the whole immunodetection process due to a combination of dipole and hydrophobic interactions. Western blot showed that mice with impaired protein aggregation accumulated significantly more MAPT and phosphorylated tau protein in the brain as compared to wild mice. In addition, in the course of the Morris water maze test, these mice showed cognitive deficits, which manifested both in the difficulty of finding the platform and more anxious behaviour, which confirmed pronounced thigmotaxis. The natural polyphenol resveratrol partially reversed cognitive deficits, although this effect was not associated with decreased levels of phosphorylated tau and MAPT.

Dietary curcumin supplementation attenuates hepatic damage and function abnormality in a chronic corticosterone-induced stress model in broilers

Chronic stress refers to the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and elevated blood contents of ACTH and corticosterone (CORT), exhibiting significant adverse effects on health outcomes. Currently, natural polyphenol compounds are increasingly being explored as potential therapeutic agents and have been considered as a treatment option for a variety of stress-induced diseases. Curcumin (CUR) is the main substance in Curcuma longa (Zingiberacea) rhizome that has strong health-beneficial properties. The study aimed to assess the potential protective effects of CUR on hepatic oxidative stress damage and abnormal lipid deposition in a chronic CORT-induced stress (CCIS) model in broilers. One hundred and twenty experimental broilers were randomly divided into 1) control group (CON), 2) CUR group (200 mg/kg feed), 3) CORT group (4 mg/kg BW CORT) and 4) CORT+CUR group (200 mg/kg feed plus 4 mg/kg BW CORT). The liver histology, glycolipid metabolism and oxidative stress were determined. In addition, qPCR was performed to identify shifts in genes expression. Compared with CON group, broilers under CCIS showed a decreased body weight, body weight gain and average daily gain, while dietary CUR significantly reversed these adverse effects. Furthermore, the plasma contents of TCH, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, TP, GLB and AST were all significantly increased in CCIS broilers, while dietary CUR obviously alleviated the increase of TCH, HDL-C, LDL-C and AST, and relieved the hepatic lipid deposition disorder and liver injury. Moreover, CCIS significantly increased the contents of MDA in both liver and plasma, and decreased the content of plasma SOD, while CUR obviously reversed these changes, showing reduced oxidative stress damage. Finally, the mRNA expressions of FAS, ACC, SCD and the protein level of PPAR-γ were significantly increased, meanwhile the mRNA expression of lipolytic genes ACOX1, ATGL and CPT as well as two major intracellular antioxidant enzymes SOD1 and GPX1 were obviously decreased, while CUR effectively reversed these effects. These results showed that dietary CUR effectively alleviated CCIS-induced body weight loss, hepatic oxidative damage and lipid deposition disorder, suggesting the possible therapeutic effectiveness of CUR against hepatic damage and function abnormality caused by CCIS.

Green Nanoengineered Fabrics: Waste-Derived Polyphenol-Zinc@ Silica Core-Shell Reactive Janus Nanoparticles for Functional Fabrics.

Fabricating Janus nanoparticle-functionalized fabrics with UV protection, strength enhancement, self-cleaning properties, and wash durability, with a biocompatible nature, is crucial in modern functional fabrics engineering. Particularly, tailoring multifunctional nanoparticles capable of exhibiting several distinct properties, utilizing low-cost raw materials, and adhering to green chemistry principles is pivotal. A fabrication strategy for developing multifunctional reactive Janus nanoparticles, utilizing waste-derived natural polyphenol (quercetin-3-glucuronide, myricetin-3-galactoside, gossypin, phlorizin, kaempferol, myricetin-3-arabinoside)-integrated zinc-silica core-shell Janus nanoparticles with UV protection, strength enhancement, and self-cleaning properties, is proposed. Polyphenols were utilized as sustainable precursors for synthesizing zinc-polyphenol complexes, which were then encapsulated within a silica shell to form a core-shell structure. Furthermore, Janus particles were created by introducing a bifunctional layer with half amine/carboxylic acid and half methyl terminals, imparting reactive hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties. Janus-coated textiles and leather exhibited significant attenuation of harmful UV radiation, with water contact angle measurements confirming improved water repellency. The coexistence of natural phenols and bifunctional groups within a material bolstered textile strength, fostering superior adhesion and markedly enhancing wash durability. This eco-friendly approach, utilizing waste-derived materials, presents a promising solution for sustainable textile engineering with enhanced performance in UV protection and water resistance, thereby contributing to the advancement of green nanotechnology in textile applications.

Freezing-Tolerant Supramolecular Adhesives from Tannic Acid-Based Low-Transition-Temperature Mixtures.

Natural polyphenols like tannic acid (TA) have recently emerged as multifunctional building blocks for designing advanced materials. Herein, we show the benefits of having TA in a dynamic liquid state using low-transition-temperature mixtures (LTTMs) for developing freezing-tolerant glues. TA was combined with betaine or choline chloride to create LTTMs, which direct the self-assembly of guanosine into supramolecular viscoelastic materials with high adhesion. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the structural properties of the material are linked to strong hydrogen bonding in TA-betaine and TA-choline chloride mixtures. Notably, long-term and repeatable adhesion was achieved even at -196 °C due to the binding ability of TA's catechol and gallol units and the mixtures' glass transition temperature. Additionally, the adhesives demonstrated injectability and low toxicity against fibroblasts in vitro. These traits reveal the potential of these systems as bioadhesives for tissue repair, opening new avenues for creating multifunctional soft materials with bioactive properties.

Simultaneous High-Performance Recovery and Extended Acid-Catalyzed Hydrolysis of Oleuropein and Flavonoid Glycosides of Olive (Olea europaea) Leaves: Hydrothermal versus Ethanol Organosolv Treatment.

Olive leaves (OLLs) are an exceptional bioresource of natural polyphenols with proven antioxidant activity, yet the applicability of OLL extracts is constrained by the relatively high polarity of the major polyphenols, which occur as glycosides. To overcome this limitation, OLLs were subjected to both hydrothermal and ethanol organosolv treatments, fostered by acid catalysis to solicit in parallel increased polyphenol recovery and polyphenol modification into simpler, lower-polarity substances. After an initial screening of natural organic acids, oxalic acid (OxAc) was found to be the highest-performing catalyst. The extraction behavior using OxAc-catalyzed hydrothermal and ethanol organosolv treatments was appraised using kinetics, while treatment optimization was accomplished by deploying response-surface methodology. The comparative assessment of the composition extracts produced under optimal conditions of residence time and temperature was performed with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and revealed that OLLs treated with 50% ethanol/1.5% HCl suffered extensive oleuropein and flavone glycoside hydrolysis, affording almost 23.4 mg hydroxytyrosol and 2 mg luteolin per g dry weight. On the other hand, hydrothermal treatment with 5% OxAc provided 20.2 and 0.12 mg of hydroxytyrosol and luteolin, respectively. Apigenin was in all cases a minor extract constituent. The study presented herein demonstrated for the first time the usefulness of using a natural, food-grade organic acid to perform such a task, yet further investigation is needed to maximize the desired effect.

Evaluation of the stabilizing effect and ageing time indicator properties of poly(flavonoids) in a cyclic olefin copolymer

Few studies are concerned with the stabilization of polymers using natural polymeric polyphenols. There are no literature reports on the use of poly(flavonoids) produced by bio-chemical polymerization as stabilizers. The aim of the research was to analyse the stabilizing potential (anti-ageing UV) of poly(catechin) and poly(naringenin) in polymer compositions based on the thermoplastic elastomer of ethylene-norbornene copolymer (TOPAS Elastomer E-140). Poly(flavonoids) were obtained in a polymerization reaction with a cross-linking compound and then introduced into cyclic olefin copolymer TOPAS. For comparison, materials with monomeric catechin and naringenin were also prepared. The scope of research included the thermal analysis of the polymer compositions (Oxidation induction time OIT, Thermogravimetry TG), determination of carbonyl indices and ageing coefficients K (based on changes in mechanical properties) after UV ageing (400 h). In addition, the colour change after ageing of the samples was investigated. Samples containing polymeric forms of catechin and naringenin were more susceptible to degradation than samples with monomeric flavonoids. Inferior stabilizing properties of poly(flavonoids) were associated with steric hindrances and limited availability of hydroxyl groups to provide the antioxidant activity of the polymeric compounds. The work extends the literature data by providing an analysis of the stabilizing effect of synthetic poly(flavonoids) in polymer compositions.

Chlorogenic acid permeation across intestinal cell monolayers: Influence by circadian rhythms in the presence of other natural polyphenols and by dopaminergic neuronal-like cells

Poor oral bioavailability limits chlorogenic acid (CGA) benefits on the gut-brain axis. In this study we demonstrate the existence of an active circadian-dependent efflux for the CGA intestinal permeation, leading to greater bioavailability in the evening rather than in the morning. As therapeutic/nutraceutical polyphenols can mutually influence their intestinal absorption following circadian rhythms, we also evaluated the effects of other polyphenols on CGA permeation/bioavailability. The results indicate that gallic acid reducedin vitroCGA permeation across IEC-6 cell monolayers, as well as rat oral CGA bioavailability. On the contrary, arbutin, caffeic acid and ferulic acid did not modifyin vitroCGA permeation. Finally, 60 mM KCl-evoked dopamine release from PC12 cells significantly increased intestinal CGA permeation, likely by downregulating the expression/activity of efflux transporters, as confirmed by western blot analysis. Dopamine released from theenteric nervous systemmay therefore increase the dependence of oral bioavailability of CGA on circadian rhythms.

The Effects of a Natural Citrus Phenolic Extract on the Quality Attributes and Oxidative Stability of Pariza-Type Meat Emulsion Product

Several synthetic food additives that bear an E-number are used by the meat industry as antioxidants/preservatives of cured meat products, such as pariza-type meat emulsion products. However, these agents have been associated with health problems, namely cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and potential carcinogenic effects. As a result, natural alternatives are constantly under evaluation with the intention of replacing/minimizing their applications in the meat industry. The aim of the present study was therefore to evaluate the effects of a natural citrus phenolic complex extract on the quality characteristics of pariza-type meat emulsion products. The following three batches of pariza were produced based on the same raw material and recipe: a control group without natural antioxidants and two groups with the addition of the polyphenol complex at the levels of 500 and 1000 ppm. The pH, color, tenderness, and oxidative stability of the meat products were assessed immediately after pariza manufacture (day 0), and 30 and 72 days after the start of its refrigerated storage. As indicated, the oxidative stability of pariza was improved as a result of the natural polyphenol complex addition, since the values of malondialdehyde (MDA), an index of lipid peroxidation, were linearly decreased. Parameters such as pH, lightness (L), and yellowness (b*) were linearly increased, while redness (a*) was linearly decreased, and tenderness was not significantly influenced in the treatment groups compared to the control group. It can be concluded that the natural polyphenol complex under examination can be utilized for the improvement of oxidative stability in pariza.

Inhibition mechanism of different structural polyphenols against α-amylase studied by solid-state NMR and molecular docking

Polyphenol has the considerable effects for inhibition of digestive enzymes, however, inhibition mechanism of molecular size-dependent polyphenols on enzyme activity is still lacking. Herein, inhibition effect and binding interactions of three different structural polyphenols (catechol, quercetin and hesperidin) on α-amylase were studied. Inhibition assays proved that polyphenols significantly inhibited α-amylase and their effects were increased with their molecular sizes. Hesperidin showed the highest inhibition ability of α-amylase, which was determined as IC50 = 0.43 mg/mL. Fluorescence and FT-IR spectroscopy proved that inter-molecular interactions between polyphenols and α-amylase occurred through non-covalent bonds. Besides, the secondary structure of α-amylase was obviously changed after binding with polyphenols. Inter-molecular interactions were investigated using solid-state NMR and molecular docking. Findings proved that hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking interactions were the mainly inter-molecular interactions. We hope this contribution could provide a theoretical basis for developing some digestive enzyme inhibitors from natural polyphenols.

Pickering emulsions stabilized by soy protein/proanthocyanidins nanocomplexes: Physicochemical properties and in vitro release properties

As a class of natural antioxidant polyphenols, proanthocyanidins (PANs) offer unique advantages in anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-cancer fields. However, the practical application of PANs is hindered by their low stability and limited bioavailability. Pickering emulsions have shown great potential in addressing the issue of PANs’ susceptibility to degradation, with their stability mainly dependent on stabilizers. In recent years, soy proteins have gained significant attention as stabilizers for Pickering emulsions due to their excellent biocompatibility and amphiphilicity. In this work, we integrated soy protein isolate (SPI) with PANs to create SPI-PANs nanocomplexes serving as stabilizers for Pickering emulsions, aiming to enhance emulsion stability and safeguard PANs from environmental degradation. Our findings indicated that SPI-PANs nanocomplexes with a 50:4 mass ratio of SPI and PANs demonstrated outstanding antioxidant capacity, low hydrophobicity, and relatively small, uniform particle sizes. The non-covalent interactions between SPI and PANs primarily involved hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds. Subsequently, we successfully prepared oil-in-water SPI-PANs Pickering emulsions using homogenization techniques. Our in vitro digestion and release studies revealed that these emulsions exhibited nearly double the PANs retention compared to controls (pure PANs), highlighting their significant sustained-release advantage. Additionally, the emulsions demonstrated significant creaming stability and were non-cytotoxic to HEK 293 T and HeLa cells. Overall, SPI Pickering emulsions remain considerable potential as a carrier system for the intestinal delivery of PANs and other bio-functional compounds in the field of functional food.

Fabrication of curcumin conjugated self-assembled lysozyme nanoparticle as potential food additive with enhanced antibiofilm and antioxidant activity

Food contamination has recently emerged as a major global challenge. Due to the potential side effects of synthetic preservatives, natural-based alternatives with antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties have been developed to prevent food spoilage. This approach involves utilizing biomolecules like proteins, which can undergo self-assembly to form stable nanostructures with enhanced functionalities. Here, we prepared self-assembled nanostructured lysozyme (SaLyz) using two different crosslinkers: Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) and Glutaraldehyde (GTD). SaLyz1, prepared with a single crosslinker (STPP), had a size of 80 nm, while SaLyz2, prepared with a double crosslinker (GTD + STPP), had a size of 60 nm. SaLyz2, with a zeta potential of −29 mV, showed greater stability at high pH and temperature. To enhance the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of SaLyz, the natural polyphenol curcumin was loaded onto SaLyz1 and SaLyz2. SaLyz2-Cur exhibited the highest antibacterial efficacy, with growth inhibition rates of 91% against E. coli and 93.7% against B. subtilis. Additionally, this formulation demonstrated excellent antibiofilm activity, inhibiting over 86% and 88% of E. coli and B. subtilis biofilm formation, respectively. Furthermore, the particles eradicated preformed mature biofilms of E. coli and B. subtilis at rates of 74% and 80%, respectively. The developed SaLyz possessed significant antioxidant properties, which were further enhanced after curcumin loading. In vitro hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility studies showed that SaLyz and SaLyz-Cur were highly biocompatible, indicating their safety for consumption. Hence, the prepared formulations, with their strong antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antioxidant activities, can be utilized as natural food preservatives to prevent food spoilage.

Inhibition of Cancer Stem-like Cells by Curcumin and Other Polyphenol Derivatives in MDA-MB-231 TNBC Cells.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for 15% of all breast cancers and is highly aggressive. Despite an initial positive response to chemotherapy, most patients experience rapid disease progression leading to relapse and metastasis. This is attributed to the presence of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) within the tumor, which are characterized by self-renewal, pluripotency, and resistance mechanisms. Targeting BCSCs has become critical as conventional therapies fail to eradicate them due to a lack of specific targets. Curcumin, a polyphenol derived from turmeric (Curcuma longa), exhibits anticancer effects against breast cancer cells and BCSCs. The use of curcumin derivatives has been suggested as an approach to overcome the bioavailability and solubility problems of curcumin in humans, thereby increasing its anticancer effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cellular and molecular effects of six synthetic compounds derived from the natural polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) (TL1, TL2) and curcumin derivatives (TL3, TL4, TL5, and TL6) on a TNBC mesenchymal stem-like cell line. The activity of the compounds against BCSCs was also determined by a mammosphere inhibition assay and studying different BCSC markers by Western blotting. Finally, a drug combination assay was performed with the most promising compounds to evaluate their potential synergistic effects with the chemotherapeutic agents doxorubicin, cisplatin, and paclitaxel. The results showed that compounds exhibited specific cytotoxicity against the TNBC cell line and BCSCs. Interestingly, the combination of the curcumin derivative TL3 with doxorubicin and cisplatin displayed a synergistic effect in TNBC cells.

Antitumor Effects of Resveratrol Opposing Mechanisms of Helicobacter pylori in Gastric Cancer.

Gastric cancer is an aggressive and multifactorial disease. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is identified as a significant etiological factor in gastric cancer. Although only a fraction of patients infected with H. pylori progresses to gastric cancer, bacterial infection is critical in the pathology and development of this malignancy. The pathogenic mechanisms of this bacterium involve the disruption of the gastric epithelial barrier and the induction of chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, angiogenesis and metastasis. Adherence molecules, virulence (CagA and VacA) and colonization (urease) factors are important in its pathogenicity. On the other hand, resveratrol is a natural polyphenol with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Resveratrol also inhibits cancer cell proliferation and angiogenesis, suggesting a role as a potential therapeutic agent against cancer. This review explores resveratrol as an alternative cancer treatment, particularly against H. pylori-induced gastric cancer, due to its ability to mitigate the pathogenic effects induced by bacterial infection. Resveratrol has shown efficacy in reducing the proliferation of gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the synergistic effects of resveratrol with chemotherapy and radiotherapy underline its therapeutic potential. However, further research is needed to fully describe its efficacy and safety in treating gastric cancer.

Resveratrol Alleviates Liver Fibrosis Induced by Long-Term Inorganic Mercury Exposure through Activating the Sirt1/PGC-1α Signaling Pathway.

Liver disease has become an important risk factor for global health. Resveratrol (Res) is a natural polyphenol which is widely found in foods and has a variety of biological activities. This study investigated the role of the microbiota-gut-liver axis in the Res relieving the liver fibrosis induced by inorganic mercury exposure. Twenty-eight mice were divided into four groups (n = 7) and treated with mercuric chloride and/or Res for 24 weeks, respectively. The results showed that Res mitigated the ileum injury induced by inorganic mercury and restrained LPS and alcohol entering the body circulation. Network pharmacological and molecular analyses showed that Res alleviated oxidative stress, metabolism disorders, inflammation, and hepatic stellate cell activation in the liver. In conclusion, Res alleviates liver fibrosis induced by inorganic mercury via activating the Sirt1/PGC-1α signaling pathway and regulating the microbial-gut-liver axis, particularly, increasing the relative enrichment of Bifidobacterium in the intestinal tract.

Microbiota and Resveratrol: How Are They Linked to Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis (OP), which is characterized by a decrease in bone density and increased susceptibility to fractures, is closely linked to the gut microbiota (GM). It is increasingly realized that the GM plays a key role in the maintenance of the functioning of multiple organs, including bone, by producing bioactive metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). Consequently, imbalances in the GM, referred to as dysbiosis, have been identified with a significant reduction in beneficial metabolites, such as decreased SCFA associated with increased chronic inflammatory processes, including the activation of NF-κB at the epigenetic level, which is recognized as the main cause of many chronic diseases, including OP. Furthermore, regular or long-term medications such as antibiotics and many non-antibiotics such as proton pump inhibitors, chemotherapy, and NSAIDs, have been found to contribute to the development of dysbiosis, highlighting an urgent need for new treatment approaches. A promising preventive and adjuvant approach is to combat dysbiosis with natural polyphenols such as resveratrol, which have prebiotic functions and ensure an optimal microenvironment for beneficial GM. Resveratrol offers a range of benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, analgesic, and prebiotic effects. In particular, the GM has been shown to convert resveratrol, into highly metabolically active molecules with even more potent beneficial properties, supporting a synergistic polyphenol-GM axis. This review addresses the question of how the GM can enhance the effects of resveratrol and how resveratrol, as an epigenetic modulator, can promote the growth and diversity of beneficial GM, thus providing important insights for the prevention and co-treatment of OP.

Bergenin inhibits growth of human cervical cancer cells by decreasing Galectin-3 and MMP-9 expression

Cervical cancer is still the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide even after introduction of vaccine against Human papillomavirus (HPV), due to low vaccine coverage, especially in the developing world. Cervical cancer is primarily treated by Chemo/Radiotherapy, depending on the disease stage, with Carboplatin/Cisplatin-based drug regime. These drugs being non-specific, target rapidly dividing cells, including normal cells, so safer options are needed for lower off-target toxicity. Natural products offer an attractive option compared to synthetic drugs due to their well-established safety profile and capacity to target multiple oncogenic hallmarks of cancer like inflammation, angiogenesis, etc. In the current study, we investigated the effect of Bergenin (C-glycoside of 4-O-methylgallic acid), a natural polyphenol compound that is isolated from medicinal plants such as Bergenia crassifolia, Caesalpinia digyna, and Flueggea leucopyrus. Bergenin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerogenic, and wound healing properties but its anticancer potential has been realized only recently. We performed a proteomic analysis of cervical carcinoma cells treated with bergenin and found it to influence multiple hallmarks of cancers, including apoptosis, angiogenesis, and tumor suppressor proteins. It was also involved in many different cellular processes unrelated to cancer, as shown by our proteomic analysis. Further analysis showed bergenin to be a potent-angiogenic agent by reducing key angiogenic proteins like Galectin 3 and MMP-9 (Matrix Metalloprotease 9) in cervical carcinoma cells. Further understanding of this interaction was carried out using molecular docking analysis, which indicated MMP-9 has more affinity for bergenin as compared to Galectin-3. Cumulatively, our data provide novel insight into the anti-angiogenic mechanism of bergenin in cervical carcinoma cells by modulation of multiple angiogenic proteins like Galectin-3 and MMP-9 which warrant its further development as an anticancer agent in cervical cancer.

Tannic acid as a biphasic modulator of tau protein liquid–liquid phase separation

Tannic acid (TA) is a natural polyphenol that shows great potential in the field of biomedicine due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-tumor, anti-virus, and neuroprotective activities. Recent studies have revealed that liquid−liquid phase separation (LLPS) is closely associated with protein aggregation. Therefore, modulating LLPS offers new insights into the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we investigated the influence of TA on the LLPS of the Alzheimer's-related protein tau and the underlying mechanism. Our findings indicate that TA affects the LLPS of tau in a biphasic manner, with initial promotion and subsequent suppression as the TA to tau molar ratio increases. TA modulates tau phase separation through a combination of hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds. The balance between TA-tau and tau-tau interactions is found to be relevant to the material properties of TA-induced tau condensates. We further illustrate that the modulatory activity of TA in phase separation is highly dependent on the target proteins. These findings enhance our understanding of the forces driving tau LLPS under different conditions, and may facilitate the identification and optimization of compounds that can rationally modulate protein phase transition in the future.

Anti-gout and Urate-lowering Potentials of Curcumin: A Review from Bench to Beside.

Gouty arthritis is a complex form of inflammatory arthritis, triggered by the sedimentation of monosodium urate crystals in periarticular tissues, synovial joints, and other sites in the body. Curcumin is a natural polyphenol compound, isolated from the rhizome of the plant Curcuma longa, possessing countless physiological features, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-rheumatic qualities. This study aimed to discuss the beneficial impacts of curcumin and its mechanism in treating gout disease. Ten English and Persian databases were used to conduct a thorough literature search. Studies examining the anti-gouty arthritis effects of curcumin and meeting the inclusion criteria were included. According to the studies, curcumin has shown xanthine oxidase and urate transporter- 1 inhibitory properties, uric acid inhibitory characteristics, and antioxidant and anti- inflammatory effects. However, some articles found no prominent reduction in uric acid levels. In this review, we emphasized the potency of curcumin and its compounds against gouty arthritis. Despite the potency, we suggest an additional well-designed evaluation of curcumin, before its therapeutic effectiveness is completely approved as an antigouty arthritis agent.

Investigating the Effect of Resveratrol on The Survival Rate of 4T1 Breast Cancer Cells By MTT Method

Cancer is known as an incurable, deadly and deadly disease with pain and disability. During recent decades, changes in people's lifestyles have increased the incidence and prevalence of breast cancer worldwide. With the wide spread of this disease, research has also increased on this issue. Resveratrol is known as a natural polyphenol found in red grapes and some other foods, and with its important anti-cancer properties, it can be effective in reducing the risk of breast cancer and its treatment. Research has shown that resveratrol can have positive effects on breast cancer by reducing DNA methylation, reducing cell proliferation, and reducing cancer growth factors. In this research, resveratrol has been used against 4T1 cancer cells, which were treated with different concentrations of resveratrol after cultivation in 96-well plates and measured by the MTT method. The obtained results showed that resveratrol in all concentrations and at different times significantly reduces the survival of 4T1 cancer cells. By increasing the concentration and treatment time, the decrease in cell viability increases. This indicates strong, dose- and time-dependent effects of resveratrol on breast cancer cells.