Free Radical Scavenging Research Articles

Epigallocatechin 3-gallate-induced neuroprotection in neurodegenerative diseases: molecular mechanisms and clinical insights.

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are caused by progressive neuronal death and cognitive decline. Epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG) is a polyphenolic molecule in green tea as a neuroprotective agent. This review evaluates the therapeutic effects of EGCG and explores the molecular mechanisms that show its neuroprotective properties. EGCG protects neurons in several ways, such as by lowering oxidative stress, stopping Aβ from aggregation together, changing cell signaling pathways, and decreasing inflammation. Furthermore, it promotes autophagy and improves mitochondrial activity, supporting neuronal survival. Clinical studies have demonstrated that EGCG supplementation can reduce neurodegenerative biomarkers and enhance cognitive function. This review provides insights into the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential of EGCG in treating various NDs. EGCG reduces oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, aiding neuronal defense. It also protects neurons and improves cognitive abilities by inhibiting the toxicity and aggregation of Aβ peptides. It changes important cell signaling pathways like Nrf2, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK, which are necessary for cell survival, cell death, and inflammation. Additionally, it has strong anti-inflammatory properties because it inhibits microglial activation and downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines. It improves mitochondrial function by reducing oxidative stress, increasing ATP synthesis, and promoting mitochondrial biogenesis, which promotes neurons' survival and energy metabolism. In addition, it also triggers autophagy, a cellular process that breaks down and recycles damaged proteins and organelles, eliminating neurotoxic aggregates and maintaining cellular homeostasis. Moreover, it holds significant promise as an ND treatment, but future research should focus on increasing bioavailability and understanding its long-term clinical effects. Future studies should focus on improving EGCG delivery and understanding its long-term effects in therapeutic settings. It can potentially be a therapeutic agent for managing NDs, indicating a need for further research.

Nutritional Evaluation and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Nano-formulated Selenium-Moringa Peregrine Seed Extract as a Promising Suppressor of TGF-β1/P38/NF-kβ Signaling Pathway in HgCl2 Intoxicated-Mice.

Moringa peregrina, renowned for its extensive health benefits, continues to reveal its therapeutic potential through ongoing research. The synthesis of Moringa peregrina extract-selenium nanoparticles (MPE-SeNPs) has emerged as a promising approach in developing versatile therapeutic agents. To evaluate the protective effects of MPE-SeNPs against oxidative damage and inflammation caused by HgCl2 exposure in mice. The study involved extracting and characterizing the dried powdered seeds of Moringa peregrina to determine their nutritional and bioactive contents. MPE-SeNPs were synthesized using plant extracts and characterized through TEM, UV-Vis, and FT-IR techniques to assess their chelating and superoxide radical scavenging activities. The LD50 of MPE-SeNPs was determined, and doses of 1/50 and 1/20 of the LD50 were administered to HgCl₂-exposed mice to evaluate lung protective effects. Biochemical analyses measured plasma lipid profiles and lung antioxidant status, while gene expression of TGF-β1, P38, and NF-kβ in lung tissue was analyzed. Histopathological examinations of lung tissues were conducted to observe structural changes and fibrosis, providing a comprehensive assessment of the protective efficacy of MPE-SeNPs against oxidative damage and inflammation. The raw Moringa peregrine seeds contain approximately 27.81% fat, 32.10% protein, 13.11% fiber, 4.11% ash and 22.93% carbohydrate content. The phenolic and flavonoid content in debittered seeds is approximately 76.42 mg of GAE/g DE), and 15.55 mg of QE/g DE, respectively. However, MPE and MPESeNPs exhibited chelating activity with 54 and 80.64% after 60 min. Additionally, at a concentration of 120 μg/mL, the superoxide radical scavenging activity was 71% for MPE and 93% for MPE-SeNPs after 5 minutes of incubation. The IC50 values recorded for MPE and MPE-SeNPs were 80.38 and 48.01 μg/mL, respectively. MPE-SeNPs had an average size of approximately 130.63 nm. UV-Vis spectrum peaks and FTIR identified functional groups associated with phenolics and flavonoids. LD50 of MPE-SeNPs was estimated to be 773 mg/kg body weight. Oral administration of MPE and MPE-SeNPs led to improvements in plasma lipid profile as well as lung antioxidant status. Moreover, downregulation of lung TGF-β1, P38, and NF-kβ gene expression in HgCl2-intoxicated mice when treated with MPE-SeNPs. In addition, MPE-SeNPs improve lung tissue by enhancing antioxidant enzymes, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and scavenging free radicals. The study reveals that Moringa peregrina extract combined with selenium nanoparticles (MPESeNPs) offers significant protection against oxidative damage induced by HgCl₂ exposure. The enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of MPE-SeNPs, particularly at a dose of 38.65 mg/kg body weight, demonstrate their potential as a powerful natural therapy for pulmonary fibrosis. These findings underscore the promise of MPE-SeNPs in improving lung health by mitigating oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue repair, paving the way for innovative treatments in respiratory medicine.

Films Based on Chitosan/Konjac Glucomannan Blend Containing Resveratrol for Potential Skin Application.

Biopolymers represent a significant class of materials with potential applications in skin care due to their beneficial properties. Resveratrol is a natural substance that exhibits a range of biological activities, including the scavenging of free radicals and anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects. In this study, chitosan/konjac glucomannan resveratrol-enriched thin films were prepared. The enrichment of biomaterials with active ingredients is a common practice, as it allows the desired properties to be obtained in the final product. To characterize the films, several analyses were performed, including infrared spectroscopy, imaging of the samples by SEM and AFM techniques, swelling analysis in pH 5.5 and 7.4, mechanical and antioxidant assays, contact angle measurements, and determination of the resveratrol release profile under the skin mimicking conditions. Resveratrol incorporation into the matrices resulted in modifications to the chemical structure and film morphology. The mechanical characteristics of films with additives were found to undergo deterioration. The sample containing 10% of resveratrol exhibited a higher swelling degree than other films. The resveratrol-modified films demonstrated a notable antioxidant capacity, a reduced contact angle, and enhanced wettability. The resveratrol release occurred rapidly initially, with a maximum of 84% and 56% of the substance released depending on the sample type. Thus, the proposed formulations have promising properties, in particular good swelling capacity, high antioxidant potential, and improved wettability, and may serve as skin dressings after further investigation.

A rapid preparation strategy of konjac glucomannan-based fiber film incorporated with elderberry anthocyanins via microfluidic blow spinning for fresh-cut apple preservation.

It is still a challenge to use a fast and efficient method for preserving fresh-cut fruits from browning. To address this problem, we developed konjac glucomannan (KGM) incorporated with elderberry anthocyanins (EA) to form film-forming solution (KEA) combined with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) solution to produce KEA/PVP fiber films by microfluidic blow spinning (MBS). The introduction of PVP and EA improved the spinnability and function properties of KGM-based fiber film, respectively. The fiber diameter of KEA/PVP films was increased with the addition of KEA. The FT-IR and XRD results verified that hydrogen bonds formed among KGM, EA, and PVP, contributing to the enhanced thermal stability, water barrier (WCA: 65°), and mechanical properties (TS: 2.73 MPa) of KEA/PVP films. The KEA/PVP films exhibited excellent antioxidant properties with DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging rates of 74.69 % and 96.18 %, respectively. Besides, the antibacterial ability of KEA/PVP films against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was also enhanced. The fresh-cut apple was effectively preserved that packaged in the KEA/PVP films and exhibited the best preservation effect compared with other groups. This work expanded the application of MBS and natural active compounds incorporated into KGM-based fiber film for fresh-cut apple preservation.

Mitochondrial Localization of Antioxidant Nanodrug Suppresses Ocular Inflammation by Alleviating Oxidative Stress on Cells.

External environments (e.g., pollutants, irritants, ultraviolet radiation, etc) probably activate oxidative stress on the ocular surface, further leading to inflammatory responses and cellular apoptosis. For treating ophthalmic diseases, one of the strategies is to regulate oxidative stress through antioxidants. Here we conjugate a polyphenolic antioxidant drug (i.e., caffeic acid) with a small peptide of protein tag to generate a peptide-drug conjugate as a nanodrug. With a self-assembled ability to form nanoparticles, the nanodrug mainly enters human corneal epithelial cells (HCEC) by caveolin-mediated endocytosis, succeeds lysosomal escape, and achieves mitochondrial localization of caffeic acid. Revealed by free radical scavenging experiments, the nanodrug shows considerable antioxidant capacities. In mouse leukemia cells of monocyte macrophage (RAW 264.7) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the nanodrug inhibits various pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., NO, IL-6, and TNF-α) by up-regulating the expression of anti-apoptotic protein (e.g., Bcl-2). As an investigation of alleviating oxidative stress by the mitochondrial localization of antioxidant, this work may establish an experimental foundation for the regulation of cellular redox balance, as well as provide different insights for the clinical development of antioxidant drug delivery systems in the treatment of ocular disease.

Isolation, Purification,andCharacterization of Lentinus edodes Polysaccharides Extracted with Subcritical Water Enhanced with Deep Eutectic Solvent.

TheLentinus edodespolysaccharide (LEP) was extracted witha new subcritical water extraction (SWE) enhanced with deep eutectic solvent (DES) methodand then purified with a DEAE-52 cellulose column and a Sephadex G-100 column. Two purifiedpolysaccharides (LEP1 and LEP2) were obtained and their structure, antioxidant activity,and immunomodulatory activitywere analyzed. LEP1 and LEP2 were composed ofmannose, glucose, and galactose with amolar ratio of 1:12.97:7.84 and 1:51.18:5.29, respectively. The molecular weightswere 9.878×104Da and 1.976×104Da, respectively. Interestingly, both LEP1 and LEP2 were mainly composed of→4)-β-D-Glcp-(1→, →6)-β-D-Glcp-(1→and →6)-α-D-Galp-(1→ withdifferentmolar ratio. Besides, both LEP1 and LEP2 hadstrong DPPH free radical scavenging activity and Fe2+ chelating capacity.Moreover, theycould reduce the level of ROS and regulate the activities of MDA, CAT, and SOD in HepG2 cells, demonstrating strong antioxidant activity. Furthermore, both LEP1 and LEP2 could improve the phagocytic capacity, NO release, and the content of IL-6, IL-1β,and TNF-α in RAW264.7 cells, exhibitedsignificant immunostimulatory activity. It wasworth noting that LEP2 exhibitedstronger biological activities than LEP1. Therefore, the SWE enhanced with DESis an ideal method for extracting polysaccharides, whichcan be further applied toextract otherpolysaccharides.

Bioactive Molecules from the Invasive Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus Exoskeleton: Evaluation of Reducing, Radical Scavenging, and Antitumor Activities.

In recent years, the invasive Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) has increased its spread throughout the Mediterranean Sea, threatening native biodiversity and local economies. This study aimed to valorize C. sapidus sampled in Sicily by utilizing its exoskeleton as a source of chitosan, astaxanthin, and bio-phenolic compounds. These biomolecules were evaluated for their reducing, radical scavenging, and antitumor activity. The ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and the free radical scavenging activity against radical 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) were significantly higher for chitosan (3.16 ± 0.10 mg AAE/g and 8.1 ± 0.10 µmol TE/g). No significant differences were observed among the tested biomolecules in their activity in scavenging the radical 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS). Both bio-phenolic compounds and astaxanthin exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity on CaCo-2 (IC50 = 12.47 and 18 µg/mL) and HepG2 (IC50 = 10.25 and 1.26 µg/mL) cell lines, while only bio-phenols showed no cytotoxic effect on differentiated CaCo-2 cells up to 20 µg/mL. These findings highlight the value of blue crab by-products in supporting a circular economy, offering a sustainable approach to managing this invasive species while providing bioactive compounds with promising medical and nutraceutical applications.

Chemometric tools to comprehend a recovery process for the bioactive ingredients from purple basil (Ocimum basilicum L.): Box-Behnken design-based optimization and principal component analysis.

Medicinal and aromatic plants are alternative products to synthetics because of their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic effects. The objective of this study is to investigate the automated solvent extraction (ASE) process parameters for the extraction of bioactive-rich substances from purple basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). Process optimization in relation to total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total anthocyanin content (TAC) was performed through a chemometric approach. The ASE system was designed, modelled and optimized by 3-factor and 3-level Box-Behnken design of Response Surface method (RSM). Antioxidant activity of the samples were measured by 2 different free radical scavenging activity assays (ABTS and DPPH). By using principal component analysis (PCA) to the dataset, the impact of interactions between the parameters was also evaluated according to their antioxidant activity, TPC, TFC and TAC levels. The optimal ASE conditions (0.3 g of purple basil, 19 min of immersion time and 66 % ethanol solution) provided the highest yields of TPC (98.888 mg-GAE/g-DM), TFC (27.033 mg-CE/g-DM) and TAC (11.556 mg-C3G/g-DM), which were verified by satisfactory validation findings (the error<2 %).

SYNTHESIS OF VANADIUM GRAPHITIC-CARBON NITRIDE(V/g-C₃N₄) COMPOSITE FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATION

The synthesis of vanadium carbon nitride (V/g-C₃N₄) composites has been explored for their potential as antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. These materials were evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using a combination of disc diffusion, well diffusion, and biofilm inhibition assays. Antioxidant properties were assessed through DPPH free radical scavenging analysis. V/g-C₃N₄ composites demonstrated notable antimicrobial activity, exhibiting inhibition zones comparable to ciprofloxacin, the standard antibiotic. In disc and well diffusion assays, the composites significantly inhibited the growth of both bacterial strains, with Staphylococcus aureus exhibiting marginally higher sensitivity. Biofilm inhibition assays revealed effective suppression of bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, achieving biofilm inhibition percentages of approximately 17% for E. coli and 22.6% for S. aureus. These results underscore the potential of V/g-C₃N₄ in curbing biofilm-associated infections. Antioxidant activity was quantitatively measured using the DPPH assay, with radical scavenging efficiency consistently exceeding 52%. This performance highlights the dual functionality of V/g-C₃N₄ composites as both antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. Comparatively, ciprofloxacin demonstrated superior antibacterial activity but lacked antioxidant properties, emphasizing the multifaceted advantage of V/g-C₃N₄ composites in biomedical applications. The shake-flask method further validated the biocompatibility and antimicrobial effectiveness of V/g-C₃N₄. This study indicates that vanadium carbon nitride composites hold promise as versatile agents in combating oxidative stress and bacterial infections, particularly in environments where biofilm formation exacerbates antimicrobial resistance. Future studies will focus on optimizing the composite synthesis and exploring its efficacy against a broader range of pathogens.

Evaluation of the Therapeutic Potential of the Methanolic Extract and Fractions of Datura stramonium in Paracetamol-intoxicated Rabbits.

Datura stramonium (DS) possesses strong medicinal and therapeutic potential but has been rarely evaluated in this context. The present study was intended to evaluate the antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective potential of the crude methanolic leaf extract and ethyl acetate, chloroform, n-hexane, and aqueous fractions of DS in paracetamol-intoxicated rabbits. Paracetamol (2 g/Kg BW) was applied to induce liver and kidney injury in rabbits while the methanolic extract and fractions of DS were applied in the dose range of 150 mg/Kg to 300 mg/Kg body weight for 21 days. Histopathology of the liver, and kidney and analysis of ALT (Alanine Transaminase), ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase), total bilirubin, serum urea, serum creatinine, and serum uric acid were carried out. In-vitro antioxidant potential of the extract and fractions of DS was carried out through DPPH (1,1-diphenyl 2-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging assays. The hepatoprotective and nephroprotective potential of the extract and fractions of DS at the dose level of 300 mg/Kg BW was highly significant (P ˂ 0.01). ALT was found elevated in the paracetamol-treated group (117.3 ± 1.61 U/L) compared to the group treated with methanolic extract of DS, (57.3 ± 0.87 U/L) and normal control group (60.6 ± 1.58 U/L) at 300 mg/kg BW. Elevated levels of ALP (120 ± 1.58 U/L) and Bilirubin (1.6 ± 0.32 mg/dl) were found in the paracetamol-treated group compared with the group treated with methanolic extract of DS (67.5 ± 1.35 U/L; 0.2 ± 1.0 mg/dl) and normal control group (70.1 ± 1.53 U/L; 0.4 ± 0.16 mg/dl) respectively at 300 mg/kg BW. The methanolic extract of DS produced a marked scavenging activity of the DPPH free radicals (88.2 ± 0.006 %) followed by the fractions of DS compared to ascorbic acid (95.5 + 0.003 %) at a concentration of 1000 μg/ml. The effects were comparable to those produced by ascorbic acid. Liver and kidney histology of the rabbits treated with extract, fractions, and ascorbic acid of DS caused reductions in the pathological features compared to the paracetamol-treated animals. The histological observations and chemical pathological alterations demonstrated the significant hepatoprotective and nephroprotective benefits of the DS extract and its fractions. It has been concluded that the methanolic extract and fractions of DS possess antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective properties in paracetamol-intoxicated rabbits.

The Effect of Cumin on the Formation of β-Carboline Heterocyclic Amines in Smoked Meat and Simulated Systems.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of cumin and cumin extracts from different origins (Hami, Turpan, and Hetian) on the formation of β-carboline heterocyclic amines (HCAs) in smoked meat and simulated systems, and to assess their potential as natural inhibitors in the food industry. The novelty of our research lies in the comprehensive comparative analysis of cumin extracts from different origins, which has not been fully explored in previous studies. We first conducted a quantitative analysis of the total phenol and flavonoid content in cumin extracts from the three origins and evaluated their antioxidant capacities. Subsequently, through simulation experiments, we assessed the inhibitory effects of these extracts on the formation of β-carboline heterocyclic amines and determined their free radical scavenging abilities. To further validate the practical application potential of these extracts, we prepared meat patty samples containing different concentrations of cumin powder, simulating actual processing conditions. The experimental results showed that while the total phenol content in cumin extracts from all origins was similar, averaging around 1.56 mg/g, there was a significant difference in the total flavonoid content, with the highest level observed in the Hetian cumin extract at 6.7 mg/g. Additionally, the Hetian cumin extract demonstrated superior antioxidant capacity, with an FRAP antioxidant activity reaching 21.04 μM TE/g dw, the highest among all samples. Our study also found that the inhibitory effect of cumin extracts on HCA formation was closely related to their free radical scavenging ability, with the Hetian cumin extract showing the strongest scavenging capacity. The addition of cumin powder to meat patties significantly reduced the content of β-carboline heterocyclic amines, particularly at lower cumin concentrations. In summary, our research results highlight the potential of cumin, especially from Hetian, as a natural inhibitor of β-carboline heterocyclic amine formation in processed meats. This study not only provides the food industry with a potential natural additive to improve food safety and quality, but also offers new directions for future research, namely by comparing natural plant extracts from different origins to explore their potential applications in food processing.

Exploring the application of dietary antioxidant index for disease risk assessment: a comprehensive review

Oxidative stress contributes to the development of cardiometabolic diseases and cancers. Numerous studies have highlighted the adverse effects of high reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the progression of chronic noncommunicable diseases and also during infections. On the other hand, antioxidants play a crucial role in preventing oxidative stress or postponing cell damage via the direct scavenging of free radicals or indirectly via the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway, among others. Dietary antioxidants can be obtained from various sources, mainly through a plant-based diet, including fruits and vegetables. The dietary antioxidant index (DAI) has been developed to assess total antioxidant intake from diet. This review delineated the performance of DAI in the risk assessment of different diseases. It is suggested that a high DAI score prevents obesity-related diseases, including diabetes mellitus, hyperuricemia, dyslipidemia, and metabolic (dysfunction)-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Additionally, DAI is negatively associated with Helicobacter pylori and Human papillomavirus infection, thus reducing the risk of gastric and cervical cancer. Also, a high intake of antioxidants prevents the development of osteoporosis, miscarriage, infertility, and mental illnesses. However, further prospective observations and clinical trials are warranted to confirm the application of DAI in preventing diseases that have been studied.

Development of a high-barrier, antimicrobial, and pH-sensitive nanocomposite film based on gellan gum/sodium carboxymethylcellulose/sodium alginate with nano-SiO2 for strawberry preservation and monitoring.

In this study, pH-responsive nanocomposite films with high barrier properties were obtained by the addition of a mixture of methyl red and bromothymol blue to the inner film and Silicon dioxide nanoparticles (nano-SiO2) to the outer film matrix. The incorporation of nano-SiO2 resulted in a notable reduction in the oxygen permeability coefficient and water vapor transmission rate, accompanied by an enhancement in the UV barrier and tensile strength. In comparison with the control sample (0 % nano-SiO2), the film containing 1 % nano-SiO2 exhibited a 57.1 % decline in the oxygen permeability coefficient, a 33.6 % rise in tensile strength, and a reduction in the water vapor permeability coefficient to 2.32 × 10-11 g-1s-1Pa-1. Meanwhile, the film with incorporated nano-SiO2 demonstrated enhanced thermal stability and augmented free radical scavenging capacity. The color of all films exhibited notable alterations in response to fluctuations in pH and CO2 concentrations. The application of a bilayer film to strawberry packaging allowed the freshness of the strawberries to be evaluated based on visible color change to the naked eye. The results of the experiment demonstrated that the addition of the nano-SiO2 film served to maintain the intrinsic physicochemical characteristics of the strawberries, while simultaneously extending their shelf life. In conclusion, the 1 % nano-SiO2 film has the potential for a wide range of applications.

Red Currant (Ribes rubrum L.) Fruit Waste Extract and Juice as Potential Spasmolytic Agents.

Red currant (Ribes rubrum L.) berries are rich in bioactive compounds and exhibit nutritive and protective features. This research examined the content of secondary metabolites of the red currant variety Redpoll lyophilized juice and waste extract and their antioxidative and spasmolytic effects. The flavonol and anthocyanin contents of the samples were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. The antispasmodic effects were assessed in in vitro conditions, and the potential impact of the samples and possible action mechanisms were revealed. The results showed the prevalence of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside as the dominant anthocyanin with higher content in the juice sample. Quercetin content, as the prevalent flavonol, was higher in the waste sample. The berry juice showed a greater ability for scavenging free radicals, whereas the waste better inhibited lipid peroxidation. The juice was a superior antispasmodic agent for spontaneous, KCl-, CaCl2-, BaCl2-, histamine-, and acetylcholine-induced ileal contractions. This first evaluation of the red currant variety Redpoll lyophilized juice and waste extract indicated the beneficial effects of juice as an antioxidant and spasmolytic agent. Therefore, this red currant juice sample could be designated for the prevention or treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

Structure Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of a Novel Polysaccharide from Bacillus natto Fermented Millet Bran.

To improve the high-value application of millet bran, a water-soluble polysaccharide was extracted from fermented millet bran (FMBP) by using Bacillus natto fermentation. A neutral polysaccharide, FMBP-1, was separated and purified from FMBP using an anion exchange column. Its structure and antioxidant activity in vitro were characterized and determined. The molecular weight of FMBP-1 was 1.154 × 104 Da, and its molecular weight distribution was relatively uniform. The monosaccharide composition, FT-IR, methylation, and NMR results indicated that FMBP-1 was only composed of glucose and was an α-(1→4)-D-glucan that branched at O-6 with a terminal 1-linked α-D-Glcp as a side chain. In addition, the antioxidant assays indicated that FMBP-1 possessed certain capacities for scavenging free radicals and reducing power, and this was in a concentration-dependent manner. This research will provide fundamental data regarding the structure-activity relationship of millet bran polysaccharides and provide a theoretical foundation for the high-value utilization of millet bran within the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Nelonemdaz Treatment for Patients With Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objectives: Nelonemdaz is a N-methyl d-aspartate receptor subtype 2B-selective N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist and a potent free-radical scavenger that might ameliorate hypoxic-ischemic brain injury after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). We investigated the efficacy of nelonemdaz for patients with OHCA. Design: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, multicenter phase II trial. Setting: This trial enrolled 105 patients at five sites in South Korea between November 18, 2018, and February 23, 2023. Participants: OHCA patients undergoing targeted temperature management. Interventions: Patients were randomly assigned to high-dose (5250 mg), low-dose (3250 mg), and placebo groups at a 1:1:1 ratio. Measurements and Main Results: Patients with a median age of 61 years (82% male) were assigned to the high-dose (n = 37), low-dose (n = 35), and placebo (n = 33) groups. The primary outcome, the serum level of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) at 48–52 hours, was evaluated in 93 patients. There was no difference in serum NSE between high-dose (median and interquartile range; 23.7, 15.0–69.9) and placebo (17.5, 13.6–113.0) groups, or between low-dose (26.6, 16.2–83.4) and placebo groups (all p &gt; 0.05). Brain MRI fractional anisotropy was significantly higher in the high-dose group compared with the placebo group (0.465, 0.449–0.485 vs. 0.441, 0.431–0.464; p = 0.028), but not between low-dose (0.462, 0.439–0.480) and placebo groups (p &gt; 0.05). At day 90, the common odds ratio (95% CI) indicating a numerically favorable shift in the modified Rankin Scale was 1.25 (0.48–3.24) and 1.22 (0.47–3.20) in the high-dose and low-dose groups, respectively, compared with placebo group (all p &gt; 0.05). No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Nelonemdaz treatment of patients after OHCA did not reduce serum NSE levels compared with controls. Patients treated with high-dose nelonemdaz showed higher brain MRI fractional anisotropy suggesting less cerebral white matter damage.

Two Novel Viologen/Polyoxometalate‐Based Compounds for the Efficient Photocatalytic Reduction of Cr (VI) Under Visible Light Irradiation

ABSTRACTDesigning efficient photocatalyst has attracted extensive attention for treating polluted wastewater containing Cr (VI). In this work, two viologen/polyoxometalate (POM)‐based compounds were synthesized, [Ni (mimb)2(H2O)4(β‐Mo8O26)]·4H2O (1) and [Zn (mimb)2(H2O)4(β‐Mo8O26)]·4H2O (2) (mimb = 1‐((3,5‐dimethylisoxazol‐4‐yl)methyl)‐[4,4′‐bipyridin]‐1‐ium), through a hydrothermal method and investigated their ability of photocatalytic reduction of Cr (VI). The structures of compounds 1–2 were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, revealing that both possess a zero‐dimensional (0D) structure and can form one‐dimensional (1D) chain structures through hydrogen bondings. Photocatalytic experiments demonstrate that compound 1 has superior photocatalytic performance compared to compound 2. Under optimal conditions (pH = 2, 15 mg catalysts, and 10 mg L−1 Cr (VI) concentration), compound 1 can completely reduce Cr (VI) within 20 min, while compound 2 requires 30 min. Compounds 1–2 also show good stability after photocatalytic reaction, and maintain high photocatalytic activity after five reaction cycles. Additionally, the photocatalytic reaction mechanism of compounds 1–2 was studied, and the free radical scavenging experiments show that its main active species are e−, h+, and ˙O2−. The nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) experiments further confirm the crucial role of ˙O2− in the photocatalytic process. The good photocatalytic activity, stability, and recyclability of the viologen/POM‐based compounds suggest their potential application in the treatment of wastewater containing Cr (VI).

A Comparative Analysis of the Antioxidant Profiles Generated by the RoXstaTM System for Diverse Biological Fluids Highlights the Powerful Protective Role of Human Seminal Plasma.

(1) Background: The RoXstaTM system has been developed as a rapid, effective means of profiling different types of antioxidant activity. The purpose of this study was to examine its performance utilizing a diverse array of biological fluids including semen, blood plasma, serum, urine, saliva, follicular fluid and plant extracts. (2) Methods: The RoXstaTM system was used to assess the ability of different fluids to suppress free radical formation as well as scavenge a variety of toxic oxygen metabolites including free radicals and both hydrogen and organic peroxides. (3) Results: Human semen was shown to have significantly (p < 0.001) more peroxide scavenging power than any other fluid tested (10-14 mM vitamin C equivalent compared with 1-2 mM for blood serum or plasma), while urine was particularly effective in scavenging free radicals and preventing free radical formation (p < 0.001). The powerful antioxidant properties of human semen were shown to reside within the seminal plasma (SP) fraction, rather than the spermatozoa, and to be resistant to snap freezing in liquid nitrogen. Moreover, comparative studies demonstrated that human SP exhibited significantly (p < 0.001) higher levels of antioxidant potential than any other species examined (stallion, bull, dog) and that this intense activity reflected the relative vulnerability of human spermatozoa to peroxide attack. (4) Conclusions: The RoXstaTM system provides valuable information on the antioxidant profile of complex biological fluids, supporting its diagnostic role in conditions associated with oxidative stress. Based on the results secured in this study, human semen is identified as a particularly rich source of antioxidants capable of scavenging both hydrogen and organic peroxides, in keeping with the high susceptibility of human spermatozoa to peroxide-mediated damage.

Unlocking Nutraceutical Potential: Metabolomic Analysis Reveals Therapeutic Compounds in Rice

Background Rice varieties enriched with potential bioactive compounds are poised to make a significant contribution to global health. It is anticipated that edible medications made from rice seeds will lead to novel therapeutics. Purpose High-yielding popular pigmented and nonpigmented rice varieties were selected for in-depth analysis of bioactive contents. Nutraceutical potential of high-yielding rice varieties often goes underexplored compared to low-yielding specialty rice varieties. This study addresses the gap by metabolomic profiling of popular rice varieties to uncover bioactive compounds with significant pharmaceutical and nutritional benefits. Methods Untargeted metabolomic profiling of the brown rice of pigmented and nonpigmented varieties was conducted by Orbitrap-high-resolution liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, and primary and secondary metabolites were identified and annotated. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging (RS) assay was carried out to identify the variety with superior antioxidant activity. Correlation analysis by using Metaboanalyst software identified major metabolites with RS potential. Over-representation analysis was performed for the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment, and major pathways were identified for metabolites with nutraceutical potential in pigmented rice. Results Major metabolites with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties were identified from rice varieties. Bioactive compounds detected from brown rice included choline, didodecyl-3,3-thiodipropionate, conjugated linoleic acid, oleic acid, 13( S)-HOTrE, monoolein, nicotinic acid, pantothenic acid, isoquinoline, trigonelline, corymboside, ferulic acid, and 2,4-quinolinediol. The DPPH RS assay revealed superior antioxidant activity in the pigmented rice, with differential metabolites from the pathways of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids showing a significant correlation ( p &lt; .01) with RS potential. Conclusion Catechin, (–)-epicatechin, (±)12(13)-DiHOME, 4-guanidinobutyric acid, and 5-methoxysalicylic acid are key metabolites that emphasize the antioxidant potential of red-colored rice as a functional food with significant health benefits. The study highlights the therapeutic promise of pigmented whole-grain rice.

Farnesol Inhibits Cell Viability and Activates Apoptosis in Glioma C6 Cells via Downregulating Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Protein Kinase B (AKT)/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) Pathway

Background Gliomas are the most aggressive and devastating brain tumors, with a poor prognosis due to their complex etiology, diverse clinical manifestations, and the limited efficacy of existing treatment methods. Purpose The present work was conducted to understand the anticancer activities of farnesol against glioma C6 cells. Methods The effects of farnesol on in vitro free radical scavenging were evaluated at various dosages (1–100 µM). A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test was used to assess the influence of farnesol on the growth of glioma C6 cells and nonmalignant Vero cells. The apoptotic levels in the cells were investigated using 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and dual staining assays. The levels of oxidative stress markers, inflammatory biomarkers, apoptotic protein levels, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway proteins were assessed using the respective test kits. Results The results of the free radical scavenging assays proved the antioxidant properties of farnesol. The MTT assay findings demonstrated a significant reduction in C6 cell viability following treatment with farnesol. The findings of the fluorescent assays proved the onset of apoptosis in the farnesol-treated C6 cells. Furthermore, the farnesol treatment effectively increased oxidative stress, increased apoptotic protein levels, and reduced inflammatory marker levels in the C6 glioma cells. The PI3K, AKT, and mTOR protein expression were also successfully downregulated in the C6 glioma cells by farnesol. Conclusion The current results demonstrate that farnesol effectively suppresses viability and triggers apoptosis in C6 cells. Thus, it has the capacity to be an effective anticancer agent to treat glioma. Nonetheless, additional work is still necessary in the future to determine the specific molecular mechanisms involved in farnesol-induced apoptosis in C6 cells.