Peroxide Scavenging Research Articles

Ethno‐Botanical Study of Medicinal Plants from Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh: Methanolic Extracts of Four Species and their Antimicrobial, Anti‐Inflammatory and Toxicity Properties

AbstractThe traditional usage of Plumbago zeylanica L, Cassia alata L, Caesalpinia crista L, and Rubia Cordifolia L in the villages of Vidisha district in Madhya Pradesh, India, has sparked research into the plants' phytochemical makeup and a range of possible medicinal benefits. This research is the first to describe the phytochemical makeup, powerful anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of PZ stem. The PZ stem and CA fruit methanolic extracts has the greatest levels of phenolic, flavonoid, and flavonol compounds and has a robust antioxidant capacity for scavenging DPPH and hydrogen peroxide with regard to A. flavus, A. baumannii, A. fumigatus, S. aureus, K. pneumonia, and R. oryzae, the anti‐bacterial and anti‐fungal activity of the chosen plant extracts are strongest for PZ, CA, and CA T. terrestris leaf.

Intricate balance of dually-localized catalase modulates infectivity of Leptomonas seymouri (Kinetoplastea: Trypanosomatidae)

Nearly all aerobic organisms are equipped with catalases, powerful enzymes scavenging hydrogen peroxide and facilitating defense against harmful reactive oxygen species. In trypanosomatids, this enzyme was not present in the common ancestor, yet it had been independently acquired by different lineages of monoxenous trypanosomatids from different bacteria at least three times. This observation posited an obvious question: why was catalase so “sought after” if many trypanosomatid groups do just fine without it? In this work, we analyzed subcellular localization and function of catalase in Leptomonas seymouri. We demonstrated that this enzyme is present in the cytoplasm and a subset of glycosomes, and that its cytoplasmic retention is H2O2-dependent. The ablation of catalase in this parasite is not detrimental in vivo, while its overexpression resulted in a substantially higher parasite load in the experimental infection of Dysdercus peruvianus. We propose that the capacity of studied flagellates to modulate the catalase activity in the midgut of its insect host facilitates their development and protects them from oxidative damage at elevated temperatures.

Characterization and antioxidant activity of peel extracts from three varieties of citrus sinensis

High volume of postharvest materials including peels from citrus fruits is periodically generated, which contributes to environmental pollution. Investigating the chemical composition cum antioxidant property of these ‘wastes’ would be instructive in achieving value addition in the food and pharmaceutical value chain. On this premise, this study carried out phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of three (3) commonly cultivated citrus varieties namely Citrus sinensis ‘valencia’, Citrus sinensis ‘washinton’ and Citrus sinensis ‘thompson navel’. The peels were extracted using ethanol and hexane in a Soxhlet extractor and thereafter subjected to phytochemical and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) analyses, ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), hydrogen peroxide scavenging and cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assays to evaluate their antioxidant potentials. Results show that Citrus sinensis peel extracts contain alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, phytosterols, diterpenes, tannins and glycosides. GC/MS analysis identified about 48 compounds in each extract; with the predominant bioactive compounds being limonene (16.5%), ascorbic acid (17.7%), stearic acid (26.3%), linalool (4.7%), linoleic acid (16.18%), palmitic acid (15.23%), pentadecyclic acid (1.1%). Ethanol and hexane extracts of Valencia exhibited higher FRAP (9.09 ± 0.13) and CUPRAC (2.04 ± 0.06) values while the ethanol extract of Ibadan sweet demonstrated greater hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity (1.39 ± 0.00). Citrus peels are rich in bioactive compounds with excellent antioxidant activity and may serve as potential sources of natural antioxidants for food products or pharmaceutical formulations.

Biosynthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles from red seaweed Hypnea valentiae and evaluation of their antioxidant and antitumor potential via the AKT/PI3K pathway

This work specifically examines the eco-friendly production of iron oxide nanoparticles from the red seaweed Hypnea valentiae (Hv-Fe3O4-NPs), with an emphasis on their potential applications in cancer treatment. The synthesised Hv-Fe3O4-NPs were characterised and confirmed through various analytical techniques such as UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), X-Ray Diffraction analysis (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM). Hv-Fe3O4-NPs exhibit notable DPPH and hydrogen peroxide scavenging abilities, suggesting their potential as antioxidants. Moreover, these nanoparticles exhibit effective anticancer efficacy against human MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer) cells (IC50 = 33.89 µg/mL) compared to lung cancer (A549 cells) (IC50 = 66.79 µg/mL). The Hv-Fe3O4-NPs effectively generates the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level to induce apoptotic activity in breast cancer cells. The RT-PCR gene expression analysis showed that Hv-Fe3O4-NPs could downregulate the expression of AKT and PI3K and upregulate the expression of PTEN at 34 µg/mL, showing strong anti-cancer activity. Moreover, the molecular docking examination of compounds from H. valentiae, which targeted the AKT/PI3K pathway proteins in breast carcinoma with aberrant mutations, resulted in advantageous binding scores. This research presents a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach with considerable potential for exhibiting antioxidant and anticancer properties, particularly against breast cancer.

Inflammatory Microenvironment-Responsive Hydrogels Enclosed with Quorum Sensing Inhibitor for Treating Post-Traumatic Osteomyelitis.

Non-antibiotic strategies are desperately needed to treat post-traumatic osteomyelitis (PTO) due to the emergence of superbugs, complex inflammatory microenvironments, and greatly enriched biofilms. Previously, growing evidence indicated that quorum sensing (QS), a chemical communication signal among bacterial cells, can accelerate resistance under evolutionary pressure. This study aims to develop a medical dressing to treat PTO by inhibiting QS and regulating the inflammatory microenvironment, which includes severe oxidative stress and acid abscesses, through a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive bond between N1- (4-borobenzoyl)-N3-(4-borobenzoyl)-the N1, the N1, N3, N3-tetramethylpropane-1,3-diamine (TSPBA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and the amino side chain of hyperbranched polylysine (HBPL). Physically enclosed QS inhibitors subsequently exerted the antibacterial effects. This hydrogel can scavenge hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion free radical (·O2 -), hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and 2,2-di(4-tert-octylphenyl)-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) to reduce oxidative stress and inhibit "bacteria-to-bacteria communication", thus clearing planktonic bacteria and biofilms, accelerating bacterial plasmolysis, reducing bacterial virulence and interfering with membrane transport. After in vivo treatment with hydrogel, nearly all bacteria are eliminated, inflammation is effectively inhibited, and osteogenesis and bone repair are promoted to facilitate recovery from PTO. The work demonstrates the clinical translational potential of the hydrogel in the treatment of drug-resistant bacteria induced PTO.

Unveiling biological activities of biosynthesized starch/silver-selenium nanocomposite using Cladosporium cladosporioides CBS 174.62

Background and objectivesMicrobial cells capability to tolerate the effect of various antimicrobial classes represent a major worldwide health concern. The flexible and multi-components nanocomposites have enhanced physicochemical characters with several improved properties. Thus, different biological activities of biosynthesized starch/silver-selenium nanocomposite (St/Ag-Se NC) were assessed.MethodologyThe St/Ag-Se NC was biosynthesized using Cladosporium cladosporioides CBS 174.62 (C. cladosporioides) strain. The shape and average particle size were investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM), respectively. On the other hand, the St/Ag-Se NC effect on two cancer cell lines and red blood cells (RBCs) was evaluated and its hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging effect was assessed. Moreover, its effects on various microbial species in both planktonic and biofilm growth forms were examined.ResultsThe St/Ag-Se NC was successfully biosynthesized with oval and spherical shape and a mean particle diameter of 67.87 nm as confirmed by the HR-TEM analysis. St/Ag-Se NC showed promising anticancer activity toward human colorectal carcinoma (HCT-116) and human breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines where IC50 were 21.37 and 19.98 µg/ml, respectively. Similarly, little effect on RBCs was observed with low nanocomposite concentration. As well, the highest nanocomposite H2O2 scavenging activity (42.84%) was recorded at a concentration of 2 mg/ml. Additionally, Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) ATCC 12,228 and Candida albicans (C. albicans) ATCC 10,231 were the highly affected bacterial and fungal strains with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 18.75 and 50 µg/ml, respectively. Moreover, the noticeable effect of St/Ag-Se NC on microbial biofilm was concentration dependent. A high biofilm suppression percentage, 87.5% and 68.05%, were recorded with S. epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) when exposed to 1 mg/ml and 0.5 mg/ml, respectively.ConclusionThe biosynthesized St/Ag-Se NC showed excellent antioxidant activity, haemocompatibility, and anti-proliferative effect at low concentrations. Also, it exhibited promising antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities.

Heterologous Expression of Phycocyanobilin in Escherichia coli and Determination of Its Antioxidant Capacity In Vitro.

Phycocyanobilin (PCB) is a blue pigment with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. It is used in the medical and cosmetic industries. In this study, a high-expression plasmid, pET-30a-PCB, was constructed for expression of PCB in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The PCB was analyzed using UV-visible absorptionspectrum, MALDI-TOF-MS, and fluorescence spectra. The stability and half-life of PCB in different serum were determined. The yield of PCB was optimized through single-factor and orthogonal experiments. The optimal expression conditions were determined as a lactose concentration of 5mmol/L, an induction time of 8h, an induction temperature of 27°C, and an induction duration of 22h. PCB yield of 6.5mg/L was achieved and subsequently purified using nickel-affinity chromatography. The purified PCB was quantified indirectly using Hist-tag ELISA detection, and the concentration was 11.66μg/L. In the range of 0-33μg/mL, the total antioxidant capacity and reducing the capacity of PCB were stronger than Vitamin E (Ve), with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) scavenging reaching up to 87.07%, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) free radical (ABTS) scavenging up to 100%, hydroxyl radicals (·OH) scavenging up to 64.19%, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging up to 78.75%, This study provides theoretical evidence for PCB as a potent antioxidant.

Wound healing potential of an Indian under-utilized fruit Garcinia gummi-gutta: Evidences from in vitro and in vivo experiments

Garcinia gummi-gutta is a native plant of Southeast Asia, commonly known as Malabar tamarind in English and Kudam puli in Tamil. In addition to utilization of dried pulp of this G. gummi-gutta fruit, traditional healers using it for wound healing, but there is no scientific piece of evidence. The main objective of the work is to investigate the wound-healing potential of G. gummi-gutta fruit using in vitro methods and in vivo excision model. Sequential extraction was done in the dried fruit pulp of G. gummi-gutta using different solvents (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol and water). Phytochemical screening and quantitative analysis results revealed the presence of high level of alkaloids (0.16 mg/mL), flavonoids (2.15 mg/mL), terpenoids (0.09 mg/mL), phytosterols (0.46 mg/mL), phenols (9.42 mg/mL) and tannins (1.27 mg/mL) in the methanol extract. Among various solvent extracts, methanol extract exhibited higher level of antioxidant (87.64% 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging, 82.86% superoxide scavenging, 19.03% hydrogen peroxide scavenging and 78.36% hydroxyl radical scavenging) and anti-inflammatory (41.67% inhibition of protein denaturation, 27.17% protease inhibition and 66.22% red blood cells membrane stabilization) properties. Liquid chromatography with mass spectroscopy and gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy analysis of methanolic extract revealed the presence of phytochemicals like Daphnoretin, Flindersine, Taxuspine-D, 3-Butenyl isothiocyanate, Cyclopentanone dimethyl hydrazone and 2-Acetyl indole. It was observed that the wound healing potential of ointment prepared from the methanolic extract of G. gummi-gutta was significantly (p < 0.05) higher (0.5 mm) than betadine treatment (0.9 mm) in Wistar rats on 11th day. Histopathalogical analysis G. gummi-gutta-treated animals exhibited a high amount of granulation tissue, microvascular density, epidermal closure and differentiation, which indicates the good wound healing capacity of the G. gummi-gutta. Thus, the present work recorded the wound healing potential of G. gummi-gutta-ointment through in vivo excision wound model in addition to proven various in vitro wound healing mechanisms.

Synthesis, Characterization and Antioxidant Evaluation of Tranexamic Acid-derived Benzimidazole, Azomethines, and Oxazolidine

This work includes the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds and azomethines starting from tranexamic acid. The benzimidazole C2 was prepared by mixing equal molar amounts of tranexamic acid with 4-methyl-o-phenylenediamine). Compounds C13-C18 were prepared by the reaction of tranexamic acid with the aromatic aldehydes. The oxazolidine (C19) was synthesized from the reaction of the compound C13 with hydroxyacetic acid. The synthesized compounds were identified by physical properties such as melting point, color change, and spectral data (Fourier transform infrared and mass). The effectiveness of the compounds C2, C13, C15, C17, and C19 was estimated as antioxidants outside the body (in vitro) and by three methods, namely, reducing power assay, scavenging of hydrogen peroxide, and phosphomolybdenum method.. KEYWORDS :Antioxidant, Azomethine, Benzimidazole, Oxazolidine, Tranexamic acid.

Comparative Phytochemical Profiling and Biological Activities in the Flowers and Stalks of Tulbaghia violacea

Tulbaghia violacea is indigenous to Southern Africa and has been used extensively in traditional medicine in this region. Extensive research has been documented on the bioactive compounds found in the leaves and roots but not in the flowers and stalks. Thus, this study assessed the phytochemical profile and biological activities in the flowers and stalks of T. violacea. Methanolic and aqueous extracts of the air and freeze-dried T. violacea were screened for phytochemicals, and then antioxidant and antibacterial assays were performed. Phytochemicals such as phenols, tannins, flavonoids, coumarins, and terpenoids are present in either of the tested plant parts. The flowers contain most of the phytochemicals being tested and a higher total phenolic, tannin, and proanthocyanidin content than the stalks. The flowers exhibit the strongest scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenylpicryhydrazyl radicals and metal oxidants. The hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities show that the aqueous flower extracts have a higher radical scavenging activity than stalks. In contrast, the methanolic stalk extracts have a higher antioxidant activity than the flowers. Antibacterial activity is only exhibited in the flowers, showing resistant and intermediate inhibition zones of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus growth, respectively. This study validates the use of T. violacea in traditional medicine, and these results are significant for conserving the species as specific plant parts can be harvested to treat specific ailments. This study suggests the potential application of T. violacea, particularly the flowers and stalks, in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors.

Olive-tree physiological response to biotic and abiotic stress fruit yield, oil quality and tolerance to Anthracnose: Doctoral thesis abstract

The olive tree is highly tolerant to water deficit and in humid climate regions, such as Uruguay, the need to irrigation is questioned. However, Uruguay's climate is characterized by high interannual variability, resulting in periods of water deficit. In the event of a water deficit, plants trigger a series of defense mechanisms to maintain cellular homeostasis, including increased antioxidant enzyme activity and cuticle thickening to prevent transpiration. These responses are common during abiotic stress and biotic stress caused by pathogen infections. Anthracnose, caused by the Colletotrichum complex, is a major disease in olive trees, leading to reduced fruit yield and oil quality. Mild drought stress has been found to activate the basal defense response, enhancing plant tolerance to pathogen infections. Therefore, the hypothesis was that exposing olive plants to moderate water deficit during the lipogenesis stage would trigger the basal defense response, increasing fruit tolerance to biotic stress caused by Colletotrichum acutatum. The study also examined whether this response was sustained under moderate water deficit. Results showed that water deficit induced anatomical and biochemical changes in olive fruits, promoting anthracnose tolerance with reduced incidence and severity of C. acutatum infection both in vitro and in vivo. Fruit weight and pulp/pit ratio decreased in response to water deficit, while cuticle thickness and fruit polyphenol content increased. An induction of enzymes related to hydrogen peroxide scavenging were observed, in particular PER and CAT. This enzymatic activity was induced by the pathogen inoculation treatment and was higher in the non-irrigated treatment. Severe water deficit resulted in significant reductions in fruit weight and oil content, but the fruits exhibited enhanced tolerance to anthracnose infection.

Platinum-Loaded Cerium Oxide Capable of Repairing Neuronal Homeostasis for Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Therapy.

Effective neuroprotective agents are required to prevent neurological damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) following an acute ischemic stroke. Herein, it is aimed to develop the neuroprotective agents of cerium oxide loaded with platinum clusters engineered modifications (Ptn-CeO2). The density functional theory calculations show that Ptn-CeO2 could effectively scavenge ROS, including hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and superoxide anions (·O2 -). In addition, Ptn-CeO2 exhibits the superoxide dismutase- and catalase-like enzyme activities, which is capable of scavenging hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The in vitro studies show that Ptn-CeO2 could adjust the restoration of the mitochondrial metabolism to ROS homeostasis, rebalance cytokines, and feature high biocompatibility. The studies in mice CIRI demonstrate that Ptn-CeO2 could also restore cytokine levels, reduce cysteine aspartate-specific protease (cleaved Caspase 3) levels, and induce the polarization of microglia to M2-type macrophages, thus inhibiting the inflammatory responses. As a result, Ptn-CeO2 inhibits the reperfusion-induced neuronal apoptosis, relieves the infarct volume, reduces the neurological severity score, and improves cognitive function. Overall, these findings suggest that the prominent neuroprotective effect of the engineered Ptn-CeO2 has a significant neuroprotective effect and provides a potential therapeutic alternative for CIRI.

Comparative antioxidant activity and phytochemical content of five extracts of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom)

Reactive oxygen species reacts with numerous molecules in the body system causing oxidative damage, which requires antioxidants to ameliorate. Pleurotus ostreatus, a highly nutritious edible mushroom, has been reported to be rich in bioactive compounds. This study evaluated the comparative antioxidant activity and phytochemical contents of five extracts of P. ostreatus: aqueous (AE), chloroform (CE), ethanol (EE), methanol (ME) and n-hexane (HE). The phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of the extracts were determined using standard in-vitro antioxidant assay methods. Results showed that the extracts contained alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolics, cardiac glycosides, carbohydrates, anthrocyanins, and betacyanins in varied amounts. CE had the highest flavonoid content (104.83 ± 29.46 mg/100 g); AE gave the highest phenol content of 24.14 ± 0.02 mg/100 g; tannin was highest in EE (25.12 ± 0.06 mg/100 g); HE had highest amounts of alkaloids (187.60 ± 0.28 mg/100 g) and saponins (0.16 ± 0.00 mg/100 g). Antioxidant analyses revealed that CE had the best hydroxyl radical activity of 250% at 100 µg/ml and ferric cyanide reducing power of 8495 µg/ml; ME gave the maximum DPPH activity (87.67%) and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity (65.58%) at 500 µg/ml; EE had the highest nitric oxide radical inhibition of 65.81% at 500 µg/ml and ascorbate peroxidase activity of 1.60 (iU/l). AE had the best total antioxidant capacity (5.27 µg/ml GAE at 500 µg/ml) and ferrous iron chelating activity (99.23% at 100 µg/ml) while HE gave the highest guaiacol peroxidase activity of 0.20(iU/l). The comparative phytochemical and antioxidant characteristics (IC50) of the extracts followed the order: CE > AE > EE > ME > HE. Overall, chloroform was the best extraction solvent for P. ostreatus. The high content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and alkaloids in P. ostreatus makes it a rich source of antioxidants and potential candidate for the development of new therapies for a variety of oxidative stress-related disorders.

Carbon Nanodots Inhibit Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-Induced Endothelial Inflammation through Scavenging Hydrogen Peroxide and Upregulating Antioxidant Gene Expression in EA.hy926 Endothelial Cells.

Carbon nanodots (CNDs) are a new type of nanomaterial with a size of less than 10 nanometers and excellent biocompatibility, widely used in fields such as biological imaging, transmission, diagnosis, and drug delivery. However, its potential and mechanism to mediate endothelial inflammation have yet to be explored. Here, we report that the uptake of CNDs by EA.hy926 endothelial cells is both time and dose dependent. The concentration of CNDs used in this experiment was found to not affect cell viability. TNF-α is a known biomarker of vascular inflammation. Cells treated with CNDs for 24 h significantly inhibited TNF-α (0.5 ng/mL)-induced expression of intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and interleukin 8 (IL-8). ICAM-1 and IL-8 are two key molecules responsible for the activation and the firm adhesion of monocytes to activated endothelial cells for the initiation of atherosclerosis. ROS, such as hydrogen peroxide, play an important role in TNF-α-induced inflammation. Interestingly, we found that CNDs effectively scavenged H2O2 in a dose-dependent manner. CNDs treatment also increased the activity of the antioxidant enzyme NQO1 in EA.hy926 endothelial cells indicating the antioxidant properties of CNDs. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of CNDs may be due to the direct H2O2 scavenging properties of CNDs and the indirect upregulation of antioxidant enzyme NQO1 activity in endothelial cells. In conclusion, CND can inhibit TNF-α-induced endothelial inflammation, possibly due to its direct scavenging of H2O2 and the indirect upregulation of antioxidant enzyme NQO1 activity in endothelial cells.

PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILING, ANTIOXIDANT, ANTIDIABETIC, AND ADMET STUDY OF DIOSPYROS MESPILIFORMIS HOCHST. EX A. DC. (EBENACEAE) LEAF

Objective: This study aimed to carry out phytochemical profiling, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and ADMET study on the crude ethanol extract (CR) of Diospyros mespiliformis (DM) and its ethyl acetate (EEF) and aqueous fractions (AQF). Material and Method: The phytochemicals were identified by GC-MS. The antioxidant activity was determined in vitro and silico while the antidiabetic and ADMET were in silico. Result and Discussion: Exactly 54 and 44 compounds were respectively identified in the EEF and AQF. At 300 µg/ml, the CR demonstrated a significantly (p &amp;lt; 0.05) higher ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE) total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (73.59 ± 0.011 µg/ml) than the EEF (41.28 ± 0.003 µg/ml AAE) and AQF (31.28 ± 0.005 µg/ml AAE). The total reducing power (TRP) of the AQF (106.84 ± 3.46 µg/ml) was significantly (p &amp;lt;0.05) higher than the CR (93.23 ± 5.63 µg/ml AAE) and EEF (92.35 ± 6.96 µg/ml AAE) at 100 µg/ml. A significantly (p &amp;lt; 0.05) higher percentage inhibition (48.38% ± 4.61) was demonstrated by the EEF at 1 mg/ml in the ferric thiocyanate and a lower malonaldehyde concentration (0.75 ± 0.01 nmol/ml) in the thiobarbituric acid methods. The AQF demonstrated a significantly (p &amp;lt; 0.05) higher (82.72% ± 1.88) peroxide scavenging activity at 100 µg/ml than the CR (33.33% ± 2.16) and EEF (63.64% ± 2.66). Compound VII exhibited the lowest binding affinity (BA) and inhibition constant (Ki) of -8.8 kcal/mol and 0.35 µM, respectively with xanthine oxidase and -8.0 kcal/mol and 1.35 µM, respectively with NADH oxidase. X exhibited the lowest BA (-8.5 kcal/mol) and Ki (0.58 µM) interacting with CytP450 21A2. Compound III exhibited the lowest BA (-7.5 kcal/mol) and Ki (3.14 µM) with PTP1B while compound X had BA and Ki values of -8.5 kcal/mol and 0.58 µM, respectively with PPARγ. The result of ADMET showed some of the compounds might be strong candidates for antioxidant and antidiabetic drugs. All the extracts possess significant antioxidant activity and some of the identified compounds might be candidates for novel antioxidants and antidiabetic drugs.

Organic wastes of Citrus sinensis Peels- a source of eco-friendly and sustainable bioactive compounds for promoting health

To determine the phytochemicals, radical scavenging and antioxidant potential of orange peel extract. Citrus sinensis were subjected to extraction with ethanol. Gas chromatography (GC) was utilized to determine the phytochemical composition of orange peel extract. Hydrogen peroxide, superoxide, nitric oxide, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays were conducted to assess radical scavenging potential of the extract. Antioxidant activities of the peel extracts were determined via the 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, ABTS scavenging, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assay. The GC-FID analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, sapogenin, and steroids in the orange peel extract. The results of radical scavenging assays demonstrated the extract’s ability to scavenge hydrogen peroxide, superoxide, nitric oxide and hydroxyl radicals. The scavenging capacity of the extract was observed to be concentration-dependent, with comparisons made to standard antioxidants ascorbic acid and BHT. Peels from citrus sinensis represent a valuable source of phytochemicals, demonstrating significant antioxidant and radical scavenging activities.

Peroxiredoxin 3 regulates breast cancer progression via ERK-mediated MMP-1 expression

Peroxiredoxin 3 (PRDX3), a mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide scavenger, is known to be upregulated during tumorigenesis and cancer progression. In this study, we provide evidence for the first time that PRDX3 could regulate cellular signaling pathways associated with Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression and activity in breast cancer progression. We show that shRNA-mediated gene silencing of PRDX3 inhibits cell migration and invasion in two triple-negative breast cancer cell lines. Reciprocal experiments show that PRDX3 overexpression promotes invasion and migration of the cancer cells, processes which are important in the metastatic cascade. Notably, this phenomenon may be attributed to the activation of MMP-1, which is observed to be upregulated by PRDX3 in the breast cancer cells. Moreover, immunohistochemical staining of breast cancer tissues revealed a positive correlation between PRDX3 and MMP-1 expression in both epithelial and stromal parts of the tissues. Further pathway reporter array and luciferase assay demonstrated that activation of ERK signaling is responsible for the transcriptional activation of MMP-1 in PRDX3-overexpressed cells. These findings suggest that PRDX3 could mediate cancer spread via ERK-mediated activation of MMP-1. Targeted inhibition of ERK signaling may be able to inhibit tumor metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer.

Secondary metabolite estimation and antioxidant potential assessment of purple bell Thunbergia erecta (Benth.) T. Anderson

To quantify the aqueous and methanolic extracts for primary and secondary metabolites, and the antioxidant potential of leaf extracts of the Thunbergia erecta plant and to adopt them in Ayurvedic medications for various illnesses. Primary metabolites like carbohydrates, proteins, and secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids, total phenols, and tannins were estimated using standard procedures. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), hydrogen peroxide, and phosphomolybdenum free radical scavenging activities were employed to evaluate the antioxidative potential. The phytochemical examination of T. erecta exhibited the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, alkaloids, total polyphenolics, flavonoids, and tannins in significant quantity. The in vitro antioxidant potential of the species, clearly verifies that methanolic extract shows prominent antioxidant properties followed by the hydroalcoholic extract. From this study, it can be concluded that this species is effective in scavenging free radicals and may be a powerful antioxidant. The T. erecta leaf extract showed the existence of bioactive components which are known to exhibit medicinal activities. The findings of this study suggest that these plant leaves could be a potential source of natural antioxidants that could have great importance as therapeutic agents in preventing various diseases.

Role of hydrogen peroxide receptors in endocarp browning of postharvest longan fruit

AbstractLongan (Dimocarpus longan) is an important subtropical evergreen fruit tree (family Sapindaceae) in southern China and exhibits a high commercial and nutritional value. Endocarp browning of longan fruit once harvested considerably reduces the commercial value. The excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can induce the rapid endocarp browning of longan fruit during storage, but the ROS‐mediated mechanism remains relatively unclear. In this investigation, a hydrogen peroxide scavenger, 1,3‐dimethylthiourea (DMTU), was used to treat longan fruit to elucidate the physiological and molecular bases of the ROS‐mediated endocarp browning of longan fruit. Application of 5 mM DMTU significantly delayed endocarp browning, inhibited respiration rate, suppressed the accumulations of H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA), and activated the antioxidant system of longan fruit during storage, such as 3.8 of the DMTU‐treated fruit versus 1.6 of non‐DMTU‐treated fruit of the browning index, 398 versus 346 μg kg−1 S−2 of the respiration rate, and 47.5 versus 37.8 nmol g−1 of the MDA content after 6 days of storage. Furthermore, the DMTU treatment significantly affected the expression levels of the H2O2 receptors and hydrogen peroxide‐induced Ca2+ increases (HPCA)‐LIKEs (HPCALs). Additionally, the regulatory network comprising transcription factors controlling the HPCAL expression in longan was constructed. The major transcription factors, including GATA1, GATA28, TCP20, and AGL20, may contribute to the ROS‐mediated endocarp browning of longan fruit during storage by regulating the HPCAL expression levels. This study could provide new insights into the involvement of the HPCALs in the ROS‐mediated endocarp browning of longan fruit during storage.

In vitro evaluation of antioxidant properties of Chlorella vulgaris and its derivatives for use as antioxidant supplements in animal production

Bioactive compounds with varied functional properties found in microalgae such as Chlorella vulgaris can serve as antioxidants supplement against free radicals causing oxidative stress in food animals, but there is a need to quantify these antioxidants in the algae for effective applications. Therefore, this study quantified antioxidants in Chlorella vulgaris and derivatives prepared with the microalgae biomass for enhancing its application in animal nutrition. Eight derivatives prepared using the Chlorella vulgaris biomass were subjected to in vitro antioxidant supplements in animals for attenuation of oxidative stress to improve performances and productivity because of their antioxidant potentials. Antioxidant assessments including ferric antioxidant power, hydrogen peroxide scavenging potential, total antioxidant capacity, and total phenolic content. The results showed that the mean total capacities of the preparations were 621.83±36.41 µmol/g ascorbic acid equivalent, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was 1.28±0.09, while the hydrogen peroxide scavenging (HPS) potential was 34.04±3.18%, and the total phenolic content was 30.54 mg/g ellagic acid equivalent. It was concluded from these observations that the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris and its derivatives as prepared in this study could be used as antioxidant supplements in animals for attenuation of oxidative stress to improve performances and productivity because of their antioxidant potentials.