Reduction Of Ferric Ions Research Articles

Antioxidant, membrane stabilizing and thrombolytic potentials of the leaves of erythrina fusca lour

Erythrina fusca (Family: Fabaceae) is famous for many traditional healing. In the present study, the leaves of E. fusca were collected, dried, powdered and then extracted with methanol. It was further partitioned into n-hexane, dichloromethane and aqueous soluble fractions. All the extracts were subjected to antioxidant, membrane stabilizing and thrombolytic assays. In case of free radical scavenging assay, the aqueous soluble fraction showed highest scavenging activity. In ferric reducing anti-oxidant power assay, the dicholoromethane extract showed highest reduction of ferric ion in a dose dependent manner. In total antioxidant assay, the methanol extract and dichloromethane extract showed stronger capacity as antioxidant. During the determination of total phenolic and flavonoid contents, the methanol extract and dichloromethane soluble fraction showed higher contents of phenolics and flavonoids, respectively. The erythrocyte membrane stabilizing assay revealed the capacities of methanol extract and its aqueous fraction to stabilize the RBC membrane in both hypotonic solution- and heat- induced hemolytic conditions. However, the clot lysis ability of the E. fusca leaf extracts was not so prominent. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(3): 439-445, 2024 (September)

Craft Beer Produced by Immobilized Yeast Cells with the Addition of Grape Pomace Seed Powder: Physico-Chemical Characterization and Antioxidant Properties.

The aim of this study was to produce and to characterize craft beer fermented by immobilized yeast cells with the addition of Prokupac grape pomace seed powder (2.5% and 5%), to obtain a beer enriched with phenolic compounds and improved sensory characteristics. The immobilization of the yeast cells was performed by electrostatic extrusion, while the obtained calcium alginate beads were characterized by light and scanning electron microscopy. Phenolic and hop-derived bitter compounds in beer with or without grape pomace seed powder (GS) phenolics were identified using UHPLC Q-ToF MS. The results indicated that GS adjunct significantly shortened the fermentation process of wort and increased the content of phenolic compounds, especially ellagic acid, flavan-3-ols and pro(antho)cyanidins in the final products compared to the control beer. A total of twenty (iso)-α-acids and one prenylflavonoid were identified, although their levels were significantly lower in beers with GS phenolics compared to the control beer. Beers with GS phenolics showed good antioxidant properties as measured by the reduction of ferric ions (FRP) and the scavenging of ABTS•+ and DPPH• radicals. The concentration of immobilized viable yeast cells was higher than 1 × 108 CFU/g wet mass after each fermentation without destroying the beads, indicating that they can be reused for the repeated fermentation of wort. Beers produced with 5% GS added to the wort exhibited the best sensory properties (acidity, astringency, bitterness intensity, mouthfeel, aftertaste and taste), and highest overall acceptability by the panelists. The results showed that grape pomace seed powder present a promising adjunct for the production of innovative craft beer with good sensory properties and improved functionality.

Evaluation of antioxidant activity, nutritional and mineral composition of Moringa (Moringa Oleifera) and Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) leaves, flowers and rhizome

Two tropical and subtropical plants that are highly prized and well-known for their rich nutritional qualities, numerous medical uses, and overall health advantages are Moringa (Moringa Oleifera) and Zinger (Zingiber Officinale). This study investigates the antioxidant activity, nutritional composition, and mineral content of Moringa Oleifera and Zingiber Officinale, focusing on their leaves, flowers, and rhizomes. Utilizing solvent extraction with ethanol and evaluated the antioxidant properties using DPPH radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, alongside phytochemical analyses for total phenol and flavonoid content. Our results indicate that Moringa leaves exhibit superior antioxidant activity and the highest total phenol and flavonoid content, while ginger rhizome demonstrates significant ferric ion reduction capability. Nutritional analysis revealed that Moringa leaves are rich in protein, ash, and minerals, particularly calcium and iron, surpassing other plant parts and ginger samples. Conversely, ginger rhizome has higher moisture content but lower protein and mineral levels. These findings highlight the distinct health benefits and nutritional superiority of Moringa leaves, suggesting their potential as a valuable dietary supplement, particularly in addressing deficiencies in calcium and iron.

Identification of key factors and mechanism determining arsenic mobilization in paddy soil-porewater-rice system

Arsenic (As) mobilization in paddy fields poses significant health risks, necessitating a thorough understanding of the controlling factors and mechanisms to safeguard human health. We conducted a comprehensive investigation of the soil-porewater-rice system throughout the rice life cycle, focusing on monitoring arsenic distribution and porewater characteristics in typical paddy field plots. Soil pH ranged from 4.79 to 7.98, while porewater pH was weakly alkaline, varying from 7.2 to 7.47. Total arsenic content in paddy soils ranged from 6.8 to 17.2 mg/kg, with arsenic concentrations in porewater during rice growth ranging from 2.97 to 14.85 μg/L. Specifically, arsenite concentrations in porewater ranged from 0.48 to 7.91 μg/L, and arsenate concentrations ranged from 0.73 to 5.83 μg/L. Through principal component analysis (PCA) and analysis of redox factors, we identified that arsenic concentration in porewater is predominantly influenced by the interplay of reduction and desorption processes, contributing 43.5 % collectively. Specifically, the reductive dissolution of iron oxides associated with organic carbon accounted for 23.3 % of arsenic concentration dynamics in porewater. Additionally, arsenic release from the soil followed a sequence starting with nitrate reduction, followed by ferric ion reduction, and subsequently sulfate reduction. Our findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms governing arsenic mobilization within the paddy soil-porewater-rice system. These insights could inform strategies for irrigation management aimed at mitigating arsenic toxicity and associated health risks.

Development of non-nixtamalized, gluten-free, antioxidant-rich nachos from pigmented Chakhao poireiton rice

Nachos is a popular snack. Risks associated with the traditional process of corn nixtamalization prompts for an alternative process and antioxidant-rich raw materials for developing novel nacho chips. Chakhao poireiton (CP) is a pigmented black variety of rice (Oryza sativa, L.) with established strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, steaming and roasting pretreated CP rice was used to develop nacho chips focusing on consumer preference of the product type. Initial sensorial rankings were obtained by Fuzzy analysis. Parameter ranking established mouthfeel as the principal quality parameter followed by taste, texture and appearance. Based on this, process optimization was carried out using appropriate design of Response Surface Methodology. The optimized pretreatment conditions were found to be 30 min of steaming at 100 °C and 13.12 min of roasting at 180 °C. The resultant nachos showed optimum hardness (951.77 g) and fracturability (1476.23 g), while retaining maximum bioactive potential in terms of total phenolic content (82.84 μg GAE/g), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl reducing (25.19 %) and ferric ion reducing (2.57 μM/ml) antioxidant potentials. Comparative analysis of the optimized nacho chips with control samples gave better scores of instrumental texture, color, bioactivity retention and overall sensory acceptability.

Evaluation of the antiasthmatic properties of stems and leaves of Waltheria indica L. (Malvaceae): Focus on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, and quantification of phenolic compounds

BackgroundWaltheria indica L. (Malvaceae) has a long history of use in traditional medicine for treating inflammation and asthma. This study aimed to evaluate the antiasthmatic properties of the hydroethanolic extract derived from the stems and leaves of W. indica. MethodPhytochemical analysis was conducted using thin-layer chromatography, and phytoconstituents were quantified using appropriate techniques. The antioxidant activity was determined through DPPH radical scavenging, ABTS+ radical cation decolorization, ferric ion reduction, and lipid peroxidation inhibition. The fractions' acute general toxicity was assessed following the guidelines of OECD 423. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by inhibiting the 15-lipoxygenase and phospholipase A2 (PLA2), while the in vivo evaluation involved carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of body weight (b.w.). ResultsThe study revealed a total phenolic content of 116.03 ± 1.02 mg TAE/g in the residual fraction and 146.62 ± 2.02 mg TAE/g in the hydroethanolic extract. The extract and fractions also exhibited significant flavonoid content. The fractions' lethal dose was estimated to equal 5000 mg/kg b.w. Furthermore, the extract and fractions demonstrated substantial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. ConclusionThe observed pharmacological activities provide scientific evidence for the traditional medicinal use of the leafy stems of W. indica in treating asthma.

Reduction of Ferric Ion from Zinc Hydrometallurgy Acid-Leaching Solution Using Zinc Sulfide Concentrate

Reduction of Ferric Ion from Zinc Hydrometallurgy Acid-Leaching Solution Using Zinc Sulfide Concentrate

Chemical, antioxidant, and antifungal analysis of oregano and thyme essential oils from Ecuador: Effect of thyme against Lasiodiplodia theobromae and its application in banana rot

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity by spectrophotometric methods, the in vitro and in vivo antifungal effect against Lasiodiplodia theobromae and the constitution of the essential oils (EO) of oregano and thyme in comparison with their commercial counterparts. The results showed by the EOs of extracted thyme (T-EO), commercial thyme (CT-EO), extracted oregano (O-EO) and commercial oregano (CO-EO), demonstrated antioxidant profiles with a radical neutralizing potential (DPPH•) of IC50: 1.11 ± 0.019; 1.08 ± 0.05; 40.56 ± 0.227 and 0.69 ± 0.004 mg/mL, respectively. They also revealed a ferric ion reducing capacity (FRAP) of 93.05 ± 0.52; 97.72 ± 0.42; 21.85 ± 0.57 and 117.24 ± 0.64 mg Eq Trolox/g. A reduction in β-carotene degradation of 65.71 ± 0.04; 51.97 ± 0.66; 43.58 ± 1.56 and 57.46 ± 1.56 %. A total phenol content (Folin-Ciocalteu) of 132.97 ± 0.77; 141.89 ± 2.56; 152.04 ± 0.10 and 25.66 ± 0.40 mg EGA/g. Chemical characterization performed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) showed that the respective major components of the samples were thymol (T-EO: 45.78 %), thymol (CT-EO: 43.57 %), alloaromadendrene (O-EO: 25.17 %) and carvacrol (CO-EO: 62.06 %). Regarding antifungal activity, it was evident that at the in vitro level, both commercial EOs had a MIC of 250 ppm while the extracted thyme EO had a MIC of 500 ppm; In vivo studies demonstrated that the application of thyme EO had a behavior similar to the synthetic fungicide, slowing down rot in bananas under storage conditions. Finally, partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and heat maps suggest p-cymene, carvacrol, linalool, eucalyptol, 4-terpineol, (z)-β-terpineol, alkanhol, caryophyllene, β-myrcene, d-limonene, α-terpinene, α-terpineol, d-α-pinene, camphene, caryophyllene oxide, δ-cadinene, terpinolene and thymol as relevant biomarkers associated with the assessed bioactive properties demonstrating the potential of extracted essential oils for the development of a botanical biofungicide.

Study on the total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of Morus nigra Linn. from different origins in Xinjiang

Optimization of the extraction process of total flavonoids from Morus nigra Linn. based on response surface design, to compare the differences in total flavonoid content of Morus nigra Linn. from different origins in Xinjiang and its relationship with antioxidant activity. A one-way test was used to investigate the effects of ethanol volume fraction, material-liquid ratio, ultrasonic power and ultrasonic time on total flavonoid content analysis of Morus nigra Linn. , Box-Behnken response surface design optimisation was used to derive the optimal extraction process parameters. Meanwhile, the in vitro antioxidant activity of Morus nigra Linn. was evaluated by antioxidant activity indexes such as hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity and ferric ion reducing capacity. The optimal extraction condition was 45% ethanol by volume, 1∶20 g/mL material-liquid ratio, 300W ultrasound power and 60 min ultrasound time. The total flavonoid content of Morus nigra Linn. s from six origins was detected and the result showed that Kuche >Kashgar >Kuche Wuqia Town>Hetian >Ying jisha >Yutian, in which the total flavonoid content of mulberry in Kucha city was(27.159±0.091)mg/g. The difference in the total flavonoid content of Morus nigra Linn. s in different origicns was statistically significant(P<0.05). In vitro antioxidant activity analysis showed that the antioxidant activity of mulberry from Kuche and Hetian was stronger, and the hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity, ferric ion reducing capacity, and total antioxidant capacity of mulberry from various origins were statistically significant(P<0.05). The correlation analysis showed that the total flavonoid content of Morus nigra Linn. was correlated with the antioxidant capacity to improve the scavenging of hydroxyl radicals. The ultrasonic-assisted method of extracting total flavonoids from Morus nigra Linn. is simple, and the model constructed has a high degree of fit, which can better compare the total flavonoids content of Morus nigra Linn. from different origins in Xinjiang.

Oral Supplementation of Ozonated Sunflower Oil Augments Plasma Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Abilities with Enhancement of High-Density Lipoproteins Functionality in Rats.

Research on ozonated sunflower oil (OSO) is mostly restricted to its topical application, whereas the functional and toxicological assessment of oral OSO consumption is yet to be solved. Herein, OSO was orally supplemented in rats to assess the impact on plasma antioxidant status, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Also, the functionality of HDL from the OSO-supplemented rats (OSO-HDL) was tested against carboxymethyllysine (CML)- induced hyperinflammation in embryo and adult zebrafish. The results revealed that four weeks of OSO supplementation (3 g/kg BW/day) had no adverse effect on rats' hematological and blood biochemical profiles. Nonetheless, decreased interleukin (IL)-6, and LDL-C levels, along with enhanced ferric ion reduction ability (FRA) and sulfhydryl content, were observed in the plasma of OSO-supplemented rats compared to the control and sunflower oil (SO) supplemented group. In addition, OSO supplementation stabilized apoA-I/HDL and augmented HDL-allied paraoxonase (PON)-1 activity. The microinjection of OSO-HDL (10 nL, 2 mg/mL) efficiently prevented the CML (500 ng)-induced zebrafish embryo mortality and developmental deformities. Similarly, OSO-HDL thwarted CML-posed neurotoxicity and demonstrated a significant hepatoprotective effect against CML-induced fatty liver changes, hepatic inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, as well as exhibiting a noticeable influence to revert CML-induced dyslipidemia. Conclusively, OSO supplementation demonstrated no toxic effects on rats, ameliorated plasma antioxidant status, and positively influenced HDL stability and functionality, leading to a protective effect against CML-induced toxicity in zebrafish.

Phytochemical diversity of Alpinia mutica Roxb. leaves extracts and their bioactivity correlations elucidated by nmr‐based metabolomics

SummaryAlpinia mutica Roxb. possesses diverse phytochemicals with potential as treatment modalities in managing diabetes and obesity. Employing a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)‐based metabolomics, we conducted discriminative analysis to investigate the metabolite profiles across different extraction solvents (ethanol:water −100:0, 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, 20:80 and 0:100) and correlated these profiles with bioactivities. Metabolites were identified using NMR supplemented with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis. The 40:60 extract showed high phenolic content, strong ferric ion reduction capability and low IC50 value in scavenging free radicals, pancreatic lipase and α‐glucosidase inhibitory assays. Partial Least Square (PLS) biplot indicated that isorhamnetin, catechin, zerumin B, curcumanggoside, curcuzederone, demethoxycurcumin, ascorbic acid, apigenin, and phenylalanine in the 40:60 extract exhibited good correlations with the measured bioactivities. Additionally, LC–MS/MS tentatively identified proanthocyanidins and multiple flavonoid glucuronides in this extract. This study provides preliminary insight into its chemistry and highlight the potential of A. mutica extract as natural antioxidant and antiobesity agent.

Spatiotemporal tracking of intracellular nanoparticles using complementary imaging systems reveals acute ferroptosis triggered by burst reduction of ferric ions

Uptake and intracellular trafficking of nanoparticles are tightly regulated by their interactions with cellular organelles and physiological microenvironment. Although the dynamic physicochemical reactions at the interface of nanoparticles and cells ultimately determine the intracellular distribution and fate, microscopic tracing and quantitative analysis of the nanoparticles have been hampered by the limited resolution associated with individual nanoparticle trafficking. Herein, we report spatiotemporal investigations on autophagic clearance of biodegradable iron oxide-silica core-shell nanoparticles in terms of intracellular trafficking and ionic dissolution at a single cell level using multimodal imaging systems. By combining transmission electron microscopy and super-resolution confocal laser scanning microscopy with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, the complementary imaging analysis exclusively shows the intracellular uptake, endosomal fusion and biodegradative clearance, leading to identify the step-by-step endocytic transport pathway and autophagic degradation pathways. Tracing the intracellular trafficking of nanoparticles reveals that they are spontaneously transported from endosomes to lysosomes, and transiently stimulate autophagy while maintaining cell viability. While protecting iron oxide core, the silica shell is gradually degraded during endocytosis and autophagic clearance, resulting in ionic dissolution of iron oxide in acidic environment. Moreover, burst reduction of ferric ions by adding ascorbic acid readily triggers acute ferroptosis owing to rapid supplement of ferrous ions and Fenton reaction in cancer cells. The complementary imaging strategy provides insights into the design of biocompatible nanomedicines for cellular delivery and the degradative mechanisms beyond the intracellular fate.

Enzyme-Assisted Ultrasonic Extraction and Antioxidant Activities of Polysaccharides from Schizochytrium limacinum Meal.

Enzyme-assisted ultrasonic extraction (EAUE) was utilized and optimized for extracting polysaccharides from Schizochytrium limacinum meal (SLMPs) via the response surface methodology. The optimal EAUE conditions were determined as follows: enzyme concentration at 5.18%, ultrasonic temperature at 53 °C, ultrasonic duration of 40 min, ultrasonic power at 60 W, and a liquid-to-material ratio of 34 mL/g, achieving a polysaccharide extraction yield of 11.86 ± 0.61%. The purified polysaccharide component, SLMP1-1, isolated using DEAE Sepharose Fast Flow and Sephadex G-100 columns, exhibited potent antioxidant activity. SLMP1-1, with a molecular weight of 25.5 kDa, comprises glucose, mannose, arabinose, and galactose in a molar ratio of 16.39:14.75:1:693.03. 1H NMR analysis revealed the α configuration of SLMP1-1. Antioxidant assessments, including DPPH, ABTS, and ferric ion reduction assays, were detected with inhibitory values at 21.82-82.98%, 38.21-98.46%, and 3.30-20.30% at 0.2-1.0 mg/mL. This confirmed the effective antioxidant capacity of SLMP1-1, which is notably enhanced post oral and gastric digestion. The findings suggest that polysaccharides extracted from Schizochytrium limacinum meal hold significant promise as natural antioxidants.

Essential roles of ferric reductase-like proteins in growth, development, stress response, and virulence of the filamentous entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana

In yeasts, ferric reductase catalyzes reduction of ferric ion to ferrous form, which is essential for the reductive iron assimilation system. However, the physiological roles of ferric reductases remain largely unknown in the filamentous fungi. In this study, genome-wide annotation revealed thirteen ferric reductase-like (Fre) proteins in the filamentous insect pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana, and all their functions were genetically characterized. Ferric reductase family proteins exhibit different sub-cellular distributions (e.g., cell periphery and vacuole), which was due to divergent domain architectures. Fre proteins had a synergistic effect on fungal virulence, which was ascribed to their distinct functions in different physiologies. Ten Fre proteins were not involved in reduction of ferric ion in submerged mycelia, but most proteins contributed to blastospore development. Only two Fre proteins significantly contributed to B. bassiana vegetative growth under the chemical-induced iron starvation, but most Fre proteins were involved in resistance to osmotic and oxidative stresses. Notably, a bZIP-type transcription factor HapX bound to the promoter regions of all FRE genes in B. bassiana, and displayed varying roles in the transcription activation of these genes. This study reveals the important role of BbFre family proteins in development, stress response, and insect pathogenicity, as well as their distinctive role in the absorption of ferric iron from the environment.

Phytochemical analysis, in vitro antioxidant and antifungal activities of extracts and essential oil derived from Artemisia herba-alba Asso

Abstract Artemisia herba-alba Asso is an endemic plant from North-East Morocco offering a diverse range of pharmacological, cosmetic, and agro-ecological uses. However, Artemisia herba-alba has not been well exploited in the field of plant protection (post-harvest diseases). This is why the main objective of the present study is to evaluate the antifungal and antioxidant activities of extracts or the essential oil of this plant. Antifungal activity was assessed against Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium expansum, and Penicillium digitatum using the agar dilution method for the aqueous extracts and fumigation for the essential oil. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH scavenging test and the FRAP ferric ion reduction capacity. The chemical composition of the extracts was determined by HPLC and that of the essential oil by GC-MS/MS. In addition, the polyphenol, flavonoid, and tannin content was determined using colorimetric methods. The results of this study showed that the total content of polyphenols (217.60 mg GAE/g E), flavonoids (43.59 mg QE/g E), and tannins (32.58 mg GAE/g E) was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in the ethanolic extract than in the aqueous and hexanoic extracts. Moreover, the HPLC analysis of the aqueous extract revealed the presence of six compounds, namely, catechin, gallic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, syringic acid, caffeic acid, and rutin. In addition, the ethanolic extract was found to contain seven phenolic compounds. On the one hand, 35 compounds were identified in the essential oil of Artemisia herba-alba, representing 99.7% of the total. According to this study, the dominant compounds in the essential oil of Artemisia herba-alba Asso are camphor (46.57%), endo-borneol (5.65%), eucalyptol (5.64%), and thymol (3.85%). Furthermore, the biological evaluation showed that the extracts and essential oil of Artemisia herba-alba have significant antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The findings show that Artemisia herba-alba is a plant that can be used as a source of antifungal chemicals to prevent putrefaction of foodstuffs and, more specifically, postharvest diseases.

Integrated biorefinery approach for seaweed Sargassum fusiforme: A step towards green circular economy

This study aims to maximize the utilization of Sargassum fusiforme (SF), embedding the concept of a green circular economy. We developed a green extraction process using water and ultrasound assistance to extract high-value SF polysaccharides (SFPS). A 2k factorial design coupled with center points evaluated the curvature effect in the extraction process. Optimal extraction conditions were identified to be a mass-liquid ratio of 1:59 (w/v), an extraction temperature of 70 °C and time of 88 min, yielding 15.30 wt% SFPS, validated through experiments. SFPS demonstrated significant antioxidant capacity, indicated by their ferric ion reduction ability and superoxide anion scavenging ability. Post-extraction, the waste ethanol solution and SF residue were employed as feedstock for hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), aiming to produce biocrude oil. We explored various parameters affecting the yield and quality of the resultant biocrude. The optimal HTL conditions for SF residue included a temperature of 280 °C and a reaction time of 45 min. The biocrude obtained using the waste solution exhibited higher carbon content (69.83%) and higher heating value (33.42 MJ/kg) compared to freshwater, indicating enhanced energy recovery (87.65% vs. 15.39%). Also, the presence of ethanol in waste solution facilitated a decrease in fatty acid content from 48.50% to 24.50%, while simultaneously increasing ester content from 6.37% to 35.54%, presumably due to the trans-esterification of fatty acids into esters. Utilizing the waste ethanol solution as HTL processing medium also led to a much lower greenhouse gas emissions (1714.0 kg CO2-eq) compared to that of freshwater (7735.4 kg CO2-eq) as evidenced by the life cycle assessment. This study's innovative approach not only valorizes the waste streams from SFPS extraction but also adds value by generating high-quality biocrude oil, offering practical solutions for waste reduction and resource recovery, fostering sustainable development and circular economy initiatives.

Antioxidant and antiproliferative effect of a glycosaminoglycan extract from Rapana venosa marine snail.

Marine glycosaminoglycans (GAG) isolated from different invertebrates, such as molluscs, starfish or jellyfish, have been described as unique molecules with important pharmacological applications. Scarce information is available on GAG extract from Rapana venosa marine snail. The aim of this study was to isolate a GAG extract from R. venosa marine snail and to investigate its physicochemical, antioxidant and antiproliferative properties for further biomedical use. The morphology, chemical and elemental composition of the extract were established as well as the sulfate content and N- to O-sulfation ratio. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra indicated that GAG extract presented similar structural characteristics to bovine heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. The pattern of extract migration in agarose gel electrophoresis and specific digestion with chondroitinase ABC and heparinase III indicated the presence of a mixture of chondroitin sulfate-type GAG, as main component, and heparan sulfate-type GAG. Free radical scavenging and ferric ion reducing assays showed that GAG extract had high antioxidant activity, which slightly decreased after enzymatic treatment. In vitro MTT and Live/Dead assays showed that GAG extract had the ability to inhibit cell proliferation in human Hep-2 cell cultures, at cytocompatible concentrations in normal NCTC clone L929 fibroblasts. This capacity decreased after enzymatic digestion, in accordance to the antioxidant activity of the products. Tumoral cell migration was also inhibited by GAG extract and its digestion products. Overall, GAG extract from R. venosa marine snail exhibited antioxidant and antiproliferative activities, suggesting its potential use as novel bioactive compound for biomedical applications.

Combination Therapy of Cuban Policosanol (Raydel®, 20 mg) and Intensive Exercise for 12 Weeks Resulted in Improvements in Obesity, Hypertension, and Dyslipidemia without a Decrease in Serum Coenzyme Q10: Enhancement of Lipoproteins Quality and Antioxidant Functionality in Obese Participants.

Obesity and overweight, frequently caused by a lack of exercise, are associated with many metabolic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Aerobic exercise effectively increases the high-density lipoproteins-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and alleviates the triglyceride (TG) levels. The consumption of Cuban policosanol (Raydel®) is also effective in enhancing the HDL-C quantity and HDL functionality to treat dyslipidemia and hypertension. On the other hand, no study has examined the effects of a combination of high-intensity exercise and policosanol consumption in obese subjects to improve metabolic disorders. In the current study, 17 obese subjects (average BMI 30.1 ± 1.1 kg/m2, eight male and nine female) were recruited to participate in a program combining exercise and policosanol (20 mg) consumption for 12 weeks. After completion, their BMI, waist circumference, total fat mass, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) reduced significantly up to around -15%, -13%, -33%, -11%, and -13%, respectively. In the serum lipid profile, at Week 12, a significant reduction was observed in the total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels, up to -17% and -54% from the baseline, respectively. The serum HDL-C was elevated by approximately +12% from the baseline, as well as the percentage of HDL-C in TC, and HDL-C/TC (%), was enhanced by up to +32% at Week 12. The serum coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) level was increased 1.2-fold from the baseline in all participants at Week 12. In particular, the male participants exhibited a 1.4-fold increase from the baseline. The larger rise in serum CoQ10 was correlated with the larger increase in the serum HDL-C (r = 0.621, p = 0.018). The hepatic function parameters were improved; the serum γ-glutamyl transferase decreased at Week 12 by up to -55% (p < 0.007), while the aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase levels diminished within the normal range. In the lipoprotein level, the extent of oxidation and glycation were reduced significantly with the reduction in TG content. The antioxidant abilities of HDL, such as paraoxonase (PON) and ferric ion reduction ability (FRA), were enhanced significantly by up to 1.8-fold and 1.6-fold at Week 12. The particle size and number of HDL were elevated up to +10% during the 12 weeks, with a remarkable decline in the TG content, glycation extent, and oxidation. The improvements in HDL quality and functionality were linked to the higher survivability of adult zebrafish and their embryos, under the co-presence of carboxymethyllysine (CML), a pro-inflammatory molecule known to cause acute death. In conclusion, 12 weeks of Cuban policosanol (Raydel®, 20 mg) consumption with high-intensity exercise displayed a significant improvement in blood pressure, body fat mass, blood lipid profile without liver damage, CoQ10 metabolism, and renal impairment.

Fe3+-induced luminescence quenching in carbon dots - mechanism unveiled.

Carbon dot (CD)-based fluorimetric sensors have attracted immense attention for the detection of metal ions. Among the available works in this direction, more than 70% of the studies reported the detection of Fe3+ through luminescence quenching. Ferric ions are significant species from environmental and biological point of view. Excited-state electron transfer from carbon dots to ferric ions is suggested as the reason for the luminescence quenching. However, to date, no solid proof was provided to demonstrate this electron transfer process. Herein, N-doped blue luminescent carbon dots prepared via hydrothermal carbonization are used to demonstrate the exact mechanism operating in the above-mentioned detection strategy. The carbon dots possessed an average size of 4.9 nm, and exhibited good aqueous solubility as well as an excitation wavelength-dependent emission. Fe3+-mediated luminescence quenching was quantitatively achieved at the micromolar level, with a detection limit of 1.426 μM. The CD-mediated reduction of ferric ions is confirmed by spectral analysis. Fe3+-induced luminescence quenching was partially restored in the presence of ascorbic acid, enabling the sub-micromolar level monitoring of this analyte, with the lowest detection amount of 276 nM. Turnbull's blue method is adopted for confirming the reducing role of ascorbic acid, which eventually increased the luminescence of the system, evoking a turn-on response.

Enhancement of Antioxidant and Anti-Glycation Properties of Beeswax Alcohol in Reconstituted High-Density Lipoprotein: Safeguarding against Carboxymethyllysine Toxicity in Zebrafish.

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities of beeswax alcohol (BWA) are well reported in animal and human clinical studies, with a significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) in the blood, reduced liver steatosis, and decreased insulin. However, there has been insufficient information to explain BWAs in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity owing to its limited solubility in an aqueous buffer system. Herein, three distinct reconstituted high-density lipoproteins (rHDL) were prepared with palmitoyloleoyl phosphatidylcholine (POPC), cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), and BWA at molar ratios of 95:5:1:0 (rHDL-0), 95:5:1:0.5 (rHDL-0.5), and 95:5:1:1 (rHDL-1) and examined for antioxidant and anti-glycation effects. A rHDL containing BWA, precisely rHDL-1, displayed a remarkable anti-glycation effect against fructose (final 250 mM), induced glycation of HDL, and prevented proteolytic degradation of apoA-I. Also, BWA incorporated rHDL-0.5, and rHDL-1 displayed substantial antioxidant activity by inhibiting cupric ion-mediated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. In contrast to rHDL-0, a 20 and 22% enhancement in ferric ion reduction ability (FRA) and paraoxonase (PON) activity was observed in HDL treated with rHDL-1, signifying the effect of BWA on the antioxidant activity enhancement of HDL. rHDL-1 efficiently inhibits Nε-carboxylmethyllysine (CML)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and apoptosis in zebrafish embryos, consequently improving embryo survivability and developmental deformities impaired by the CML. The dermal application of rHDL-1 to the CML-impaired cutaneous wound of the adult zebrafish inhibited ROS production and displayed potent wound-healing activity. Conclusively, incorporating BWA in rHDL significantly enhanced the anti-glycation and antioxidant activities in rHDL via more stabilization of apoA-I with a larger particle size. The rHDL containing BWA facilitated the inherent antioxidant ability of HDL to suppress the CML-induced toxicities in zebrafish embryos and ameliorate CML-aggravated chronic wounds in adult zebrafish.