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Annual Review of Vision Science Jul 2024Carotenoids, yellow and red pigments found abundantly in nature, play essential roles in various aspects of human physiology. They serve as critical molecules in vision... (Review)
Review
Carotenoids, yellow and red pigments found abundantly in nature, play essential roles in various aspects of human physiology. They serve as critical molecules in vision by functioning as antioxidants and as filters for blue light within the retina. Furthermore, carotenoids are the natural precursors of vitamin A, which is indispensable for the synthesis of retinaldehyde, the visual chromophore, and retinoic acid, a small molecule that regulates gene expression. Insufficient levels of carotenoids and retinoids have been linked to age-related macular degeneration and xerophthalmia, respectively. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which the eye maintains carotenoid and retinoid homeostasis have remained a mystery. Recent breakthroughs identified the molecular players involved in this process and provided valuable biochemical insights into their functioning. Mutations in the corresponding genes disrupt the homeostasis of carotenoids and retinoids, leading to visual system pathologies. This review aims to consolidate our current understanding of these pathways, including their regulatory principles.
PubMed: 38954771
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-vision-102122-101846 -
Chemistry & Biodiversity Jul 2024α-Amylase inhibition is vital in controlling diabetic complications. Herein, we have synthesized a hybrid scaffold based on thiazole-chalcone to access α-amylase...
α-Amylase inhibition is vital in controlling diabetic complications. Herein, we have synthesized a hybrid scaffold based on thiazole-chalcone to access α-amylase inhbition. The proposed structures were verified with spectroscopic techniques (UV-vis, FT-IR, 1H-, 13C-NMR, and elemental analysis). The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their α-amylase and antioxidant potential. In vitro hemolytic assay was performed to test biocompatibility of all compounds. Among tested compounds, 4c (IC50= 3.8 µM), 4g (IC50= 14.5 µM), and 4f (IC50= 17.1 µM) were found excellent α-amylase inhibitors. However, none of the tested compounds exhibited significant antioxidant activity. All compounds showed less lysis than Triton X-100, but compounds 4f and 4h had the least lysis at all tested concentrations and were found to be safe for human erythrocytes. Molecular docking study was performed to evaluate the binding interactions of ligands with human pancreatic α-amylase (HPA). The binding score -8.09 to -8.507 kcal/mol revealed strong binding interactions in the ligand-protein complex. The docking results supplemented the observed α-amylase inhibition and hence augment the scaffold to serve as leads for the antidiabetic drug development.
PubMed: 38954767
DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202401021 -
PloS One 2024As most teleosts are unable to synthesize vitamin C, supplemental diets containing vitamin C diets play a crucial role in fish health. The aim of this study was to...
As most teleosts are unable to synthesize vitamin C, supplemental diets containing vitamin C diets play a crucial role in fish health. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary vitamin C on the intestinal enzyme activity and intestinal microbiota of silver pomfre (Pampus argenteus). Four experimental diets were supplemented with basic diets containing 300 mg of vitamin C/kg (group tjl3), 600 mg of vitamin C/kg (group tjl6), and 1200 mg of vitamin C/kg (group tjl12), as well as vitamin C-free supplemental basic diet (group tjl0), respectively. The four diets were fed to juvenile P. argenteus (average initial weight: 4.68 ± 0.93 g) for 6 weeks. The results showed that the activity of SOD (superoxide dismutase) and CAT (catalase) increased significantly while that of MDA (malondialdehyde) decreased significantly in group tjl3 compared to vitamin group tjl0. At the genus level, groups tjl0, tjl6, and tjl12 contained the same dominant microbial community, Stenotrophomonas, Photobacterium, and Vibrio, whereas group tjl3 was dominated by Stenotrophomonas, Delftia, and Bacteroides. Among the fish fed with a basic diet containing 300 mg of vitamin C/kg, the intestines exhibited a notable abundance of probiotic bacteria, including lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus) and Bacillus. The abundance of Aeromonas in groups tjl3 and tjl6 was lower than that of the vitamin C-free supplemental basic diet group, whereas Aeromonas was not detected in group tjl12. In addition, a causative agent of the disease outbreak in cultured P. argenteus, Photobacterium damselae subsp. Damselae (PDD) was the dominant microbiota community in groups tjl0, tjl6 and tjl12, whereas the abundance of PDD in group tjl3 was the lowest among the diets. Taken together, the diets supplied with vitamin C could influence the composition microbial community of P. argenteus. The low level of vitamin C (300 mg of vitamin C/kg per basic diet) supplementation could not only improve the antioxidant capacity but also resist the invasion of pathogenic bacteria.
Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Antioxidants; Dietary Supplements; Perciformes; Animal Feed; Superoxide Dismutase; Bacteria; Diet; Catalase
PubMed: 38954725
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300643 -
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology : JDD Jul 2024We present a case of a patient with a 10-year history of blue-black macules and patches on the face and an associated history of skin-lightening cream usage. The skin...
We present a case of a patient with a 10-year history of blue-black macules and patches on the face and an associated history of skin-lightening cream usage. The skin lightening cream contained hydroquinone, which is often associated with exogenous ochronosis (EO). Interestingly, the biopsy did not show characteristic findings of ochronosis, confusing the final diagnosis, however discontinuing the skin-lightening creams halted the progression of the patient's skin lesions supporting a diagnosis of EO. EO presents as asymptomatic hyperpigmentation after using products containing hydroquinone. This condition is most common in Black populations, likely due to the increased use of skin care products and bleaching cream containing hydroquinone in these populations. Topical hydroquinone is FDA-approved to treat melasma, chloasma, freckles, senile lentigines, and hyperpigmentation and is available by prescription only in the US and Canada. However, with the increased use of skin-lightening creams in certain populations, it is important for dermatologists to accurately recognize the clinical features of exogenous ochronosis to differentiate it from similar dermatoses. An earlier diagnosis can prevent the progression to severe presentations with papules and nodules. We summarize the clinical presentations diagnostic features, and treatment pearls, concluding with a discussion of the differential diagnoses. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(7):567-568. doi:10.36849/JDD.8248.
Topics: Humans; Ochronosis; Hyperpigmentation; Hydroquinones; Diagnosis, Differential; Lichen Planus; Female; Skin Lightening Preparations; Facial Dermatoses; Middle Aged; Skin Cream
PubMed: 38954615
DOI: 10.36849/JDD.8248 -
Journal of Animal Science Jul 2024The transition period is a critical metabolic phase for dairy ruminants, especially those with high production levels. In spite of this, little is still known about...
The transition period is a critical metabolic phase for dairy ruminants, especially those with high production levels. In spite of this, little is still known about dairy water buffalo. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a commercial feed additive based on diatomaceous earth and hydrolyzed yeasts on health status, milk quality and immune response of buffalo cows during the transition period. Eighty healthy Water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) of Italian Mediterranean breed were included in the trial. They were subdivided in two groups: one group received the additive (n = 40) while the control group (n=40) received a placebo. The trial lasted 120 days, from 60 days before calving to 60 days in milk. Blood samples were collected from each buffalo at -60d (60 days from the expected calving), -30 d, 0 d (calving), +15 d, +30 d, and +60 d (respectively, i.e., 15, 30 and 60 days in milking). The biochemical as well as the oxidative profile, and the antioxidant power and enzymatic activity were evaluated in the samples obtained. Moreover, acute phase proteins, reactive proteins and Interleukine plasma levels were determined. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and monocytes were isolated and viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) were measured on PMBC and monocytes. The introduction of additives enhanced the total antioxidant capacity and enzyme activity, while no differences were observed in oxidation products throughout the trial. Additionally, it significantly reduced the synthesis of ROS in polymorphonuclear cells, supporting a potential positive response in animals experiencing inflammation. The impact of oxidation on the products was not evident. Despite higher enzyme levels in plasma, this did not necessarily correspond to significantly increased enzymatic activity, but rather indicated a higher potential. From these results, it was evident that the transition period in buffaloes differs notably from what reported in literature for cows, probably due to the absence of common postpartum production diseases in dairy cows and lower metabolic challenges linked to lower milk production in buffaloes. Few parameters exhibited notable changes during the transition period in buffaloes, notably certain antioxidant enzymes, PBMC viability, PBMC ROS production, and Hp levels.
PubMed: 38954519
DOI: 10.1093/jas/skae178 -
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Jul 2024In the intricate landscape of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), the management of TBI remains a challenging task due to the extremely complex pathophysiological conditions...
Logic "AND Gate Circuit" Based Mussel Inspired Polydopamine Nanocomposite as Bioactive Antioxidant for Management of Oxidative Stress and Neurogenesis in Traumatic Brain Injury.
In the intricate landscape of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), the management of TBI remains a challenging task due to the extremely complex pathophysiological conditions and excessive release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the injury site and the limited regenerative capacities of the central nervous system (CNS). Existing pharmaceutical interventions are limited in their ability to efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and expeditiously target areas of brain inflammation. In response to these challenges herein, we designed novel mussel inspired polydopamine (PDA)-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (PDA-AMSNs) with excellent antioxidative ability to deliver a new potential therapeutic GSK-3β inhibitor lead small molecule abbreviated as Neuro Chemical Modulator (NCM) at the TBI site using a neuroprotective peptide hydrogel (PANAP). PDA-AMSNs loaded with NCM (i.e., PDA-AMSN-D) into the matrix of PANAP were injected into the damaged area in an cryogenic brain injury model (CBI). This approach is specifically built while keeping the logic AND gate circuit as the primary focus. Where NCM and PDA-AMSNs act as two input signals and neurological functional recovery as a single output. Therapeutically, PDA-AMSN-D significantly decreased infarct volume, enhanced neurogenesis, rejuvenated BBB senescence, and accelerated neurological function recovery in a CBI.
PubMed: 38954488
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c07694 -
Journal of Complementary & Integrative... Jul 2024This study investigated the antidiabetic effects of the methanolic extract of (MEEA) stem bark on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic nephropathy (DN) in Wistar rats.
OBJECTIVES
This study investigated the antidiabetic effects of the methanolic extract of (MEEA) stem bark on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic nephropathy (DN) in Wistar rats.
METHODS
The enzyme (α-amylase) inhibitory activity of MEEA was measured using a standard procedure. Diabetic rats with fasting blood glucose above 250 mg/dL were considered diabetic and were divided into the following groups: control (distilled water-treated), diabetic-control, diabetic metformin (100 mg/kg), diabetes + MEEA (150 mg/kg), and diabetes + MEEA (300 mg/kg) via oral gavage once daily for 14 days. At the end of the experimental period, kidney tissues were collected for biochemical and histological analyses. Kidney apoptosis and marker gene expression were measured by real-time quantitative PCR.
RESULTS
MEEA exhibited α-amylase inhibitory effects. MEEA significantly (p<0.05) reduced the STZ-induced increases in blood glucose, serum urea, serum creatinine, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and malondialdehyde and increased the STZ-induced decreases in superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione. In addition, MEEA protects against DN by significantly downregulating the mRNA expression of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), protein kinase A (PKA), cAMP-response binding protein (CREB), and cFOS and upregulating B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), suggesting that the nephroprotective ability of MEEA is due to the modulation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB/cFOS signaling pathway. Furthermore, MEEA treatment protected against histopathological alterations observed in diabetic rats.
CONCLUSIONS
The data from this study suggest that MEEA modulates glucose homeostasis and inhibits redox imbalance in DN rats.
PubMed: 38954410
DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2024-0090 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Jul 2024Naphthalene (NAP) was frequently detected in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)-contaminated soil, and its residues may pose an eco-toxicological threat to soil...
Naphthalene (NAP) was frequently detected in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)-contaminated soil, and its residues may pose an eco-toxicological threat to soil organisms. The toxic effects of NAP were closely tied to phenolic and quinone metabolites in biological metabolism. However, the present knowledge concerning the eco-toxicological impacts of NAP metabolites at the animal level is scanty. Here, we assessed the differences in the eco-toxicological responses of Eisenia fetida (E. fetida) in NAP, 1-naphthol (1-NAO) or 1,4-naphthoquinone (1,4-NQ) contaminated soils. NAP, 1-NAO, and 1,4-NQ exposure triggered the onset of oxidative stress as evidenced by the destruction of the antioxidant enzyme system. The lipid peroxidation and DNA oxidative damage levels induced by 1-NAO and 1,4-NQ were higher than those of NAP. The elevation of DNA damage varied considerably depending on differences in oxidative stress and the direct mode of action of NAP or its metabolites with DNA. All three toxicants induced different degrees of physiological damage to the body wall, but only 1, 4-NQ caused the shedding of intestinal epithelial cells. The integrated biomarker response for different exposure times illustrated that the comprehensive toxicity at the animal level was 1,4-NQ > 1-NAO > NAP, and the time-dependent trends of oxidative stress responses induced by the three toxicants were similar. At the initial stage, the antioxidant system of E. fetida responded positively to the provocation, but the ability of E. fetida to resist stimulation decreased with the prolongation of time resulting in provocation oxidative damage. This study would provide new insights into the toxicological effects and biohazard of PAHs on soil animals.
PubMed: 38954347
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34149-1 -
Journal of Molecular Neuroscience : MN Jul 2024Lifestyle influences physical and cognitive development during the period of adolescence greatly. The most important of these lifestyle factors are diet and stress....
The Possible Neuroprotective Effect of Caffeic Acid on Cognitive Changes and Anxiety-Like Behavior Occurring in Young Rats Fed on High-Fat Diet and Exposed to Chronic Stress: Role of β-Catenin/GSK-3B Pathway.
Lifestyle influences physical and cognitive development during the period of adolescence greatly. The most important of these lifestyle factors are diet and stress. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of high fat diet (HFD) and chronic mild stress on cognitive function and anxiety-like behaviors in young rats and to study the role of caffeic acid as a potential treatment for anxiety and cognitive dysfunction. Forty rats were assigned into 4 groups: control, HFD, HFD + stress, and caffeic acid-treated group. Rats were sacrificed after neurobehavioral testing. We detected memory impairment and anxiety-like behavior in rats which were more exaggerated in stressed rats. Alongside the behavioral changes, there were biochemical and histological changes. HFD and/or stress decreased hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and induced oxidative and inflammatory changes in the hippocampus. In addition, they suppressed Wnt/β-catenin pathway which was associated with activation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β). HFD and stress increased arginase 1 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) levels as well. These disturbances were found to be aggravated in stressed rats than HFD group. However, caffeic acid was able to reverse these deteriorations leading to memory improvement and ameliorating anxiety-like behavior. So, the current study highlights an important neuroprotective role for caffeic acid that may guard against induction of cognitive dysfunction and anxiety disorders in adolescents who are exposed to HFD and/or stress.
Topics: Animals; Caffeic Acids; Rats; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta; Anxiety; Male; Diet, High-Fat; Hippocampus; Stress, Psychological; Neuroprotective Agents; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; Rats, Wistar; beta Catenin; Wnt Signaling Pathway; Cognition; Cognitive Dysfunction; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II
PubMed: 38954245
DOI: 10.1007/s12031-024-02232-4 -
Brazilian Journal of Microbiology :... Jul 2024Fusarium oxysporum is a cross-kingdom pathogen that infects humans, animals, and plants. The primary concern regarding this genus revolves around its resistance profile...
Fusarium oxysporum is a cross-kingdom pathogen that infects humans, animals, and plants. The primary concern regarding this genus revolves around its resistance profile to multiple classes of antifungals, particularly azoles. However, the resistance mechanism employed by Fusarium spp. is not fully understood, thus necessitating further studies to enhance our understanding and to guide future research towards identifying new drug targets. Here, we employed an untargeted proteomic approach to assess the differentially expressed proteins in a soil isolate of Fusarium oxysporum URM7401 cultivated in the presence of amphotericin B and fluconazole. In response to antifungals, URM7401 activated diverse interconnected pathways, such as proteins involved in oxidative stress response, proteolysis, and lipid metabolism. Efflux proteins, antioxidative enzymes and M35 metallopeptidase were highly expressed under amphotericin B exposure. Antioxidant proteins acting on toxic lipids, along with proteins involved in lipid metabolism, were expressed during fluconazole exposure. In summary, this work describes the protein profile of a resistant Fusarium oxysporum soil isolate exposed to medical antifungals, paving the way for further targeted research and discovering new drug targets.
PubMed: 38954219
DOI: 10.1007/s42770-024-01417-8