-
Environmental Research Jun 2024Nano-zero valent iron (nZVI) was anchored and dispersed on the surface of acid-modified blast furnace slag (mBFS) through the liquid phase reduction method. The...
Nano-zero valent iron (nZVI) was anchored and dispersed on the surface of acid-modified blast furnace slag (mBFS) through the liquid phase reduction method. The synthesized nZVI@mBFS composite exhibited remarkable ability to degrade phenol when used in conjunction with persulfate (PDS), 97.8% phenol could be eliminated in 30 min. All the anions like SO, HCO, HPO, and CO were detrimental to the phenol degradation in nZVI@mBFS system. Moreover, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis and radical scavenging tests confirmed that , and were the principal reactive oxygen species (ROSs) generated during the reaction process. The potential degradation pathways were also deduced based on the results obtained from gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis. Collectively, this study holds substantial significance in regards to recycling industrial solid wastes, devising efficient persulfate-activated materials, and treating wastewater.
PubMed: 38945515
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119434 -
Fitoterapia Jun 2024Diabetes is a significant global health challenge, affecting circa 540 million adults worldwide. Dioscorea dumetorum, a Nigerian folkloric antidiabetic plant is severely...
Diabetes is a significant global health challenge, affecting circa 540 million adults worldwide. Dioscorea dumetorum, a Nigerian folkloric antidiabetic plant is severely understudied in terms of its bioactive phytochemical constituents. Antidiabetic guided isolation of the tubers and peels of D. dumetorum afforded three phytoecdysteroids bearing a cis-fused A/B ring junction including two new ones: 24-hydroxymuristerone A (1) and 24-hydroxykaladasterone (2), alongside the known muristerone A (3). Additionally, 2,2',7,7'-tetramethoxy-[1,1'-biphenanthrene]-4,4',6,6'-tetraol (4), batatasin I (5), and dihydroresveratrol (6) were isolated. Structural elucidation relied on spectroscopic, spectrometric methods, and comparison with existing literature. The ethyl acetate extracts of both the tubers and peels of D. dumetorum exhibited the highest phenolic content, correlating with potent antioxidant activity. Compounds 4 (IC = 0.10 mg/mL) and 6 (IC = 0.22 mg/mL) demonstrated superior inhibitory effects against α-glucosidase compared to acarbose (IC = 0.63 mg/mL). In contrast, compounds 3, 4, and 5 showed reduced α-amylase inhibition, with IC values of 2.58, 3.78, and 1.12 mg/mL, respectively, compared to acarbose (IC = 0.42 mg/mL). These observed bioactivities validate the traditional use of D. dumetorum and contribute valuable phytochemical data to the scientific literature of the species.
PubMed: 38945493
DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2024.106103 -
Fitoterapia Jun 2024The Cichorium plants are particularly notable due to their remarkable therapeutic and medicinal properties, besides being used as food and conventional medication....
The Cichorium plants are particularly notable due to their remarkable therapeutic and medicinal properties, besides being used as food and conventional medication. Although Cichorium plants have been studied for their phytoconstituents and biological activities, there is limited knowledge about the constituents of the roots of C. bottae. A phytochemical study of the 90% MeOH extract of C. bottae roots resulted in the isolation of twelve compounds belonging to guaianolide sesquiterpene lactones, sesquiterpene lactone glucosides, and phenolic derivatives, of which two compounds designated as 9α-hydroxycrepediaside B (1) and cichobotinal (2) were previously undescribed. The isolated compounds were assessed for their anti-inflammatory potential through the inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and resultant decrease in nitric oxide generation in LPS-induced macrophages. Among the isolates, compounds 2 and 11 (8-deoxylactucin) inhibited iNOS activity with IC values of 21.0 ± 4 and 6.8 ± 0.1 μM, respectively. The methanolic extract of C. bottae inhibited iNOS with an IC of 10.5 ± 0.5 μg/mL.
PubMed: 38945492
DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2024.106106 -
International Journal of Biological... Jun 2024A facile biphasic system composed of choline chloride (ChCl)-based deep eutectic solvent (DES) and methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) was developed to realize the furfural...
A facile biphasic system composed of choline chloride (ChCl)-based deep eutectic solvent (DES) and methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) was developed to realize the furfural production, lignin separation and preparation of fermentable glucose from Eucalyptus in one-pot. Results showed that the ChCl/1,2-propanediol/MIBK system owned the best property to convert hemicelluloses into furfural. Under the optimal conditions (MR = 1:2, raw materials:DES:MIBK ratio = 1:4:8 g/g/mL, 0.075 mol/L AlCl·6HO, 140 °C, and 90 min), the furfural yield and glucose yield reached 65.0 and 92.2 %, respectively. Meanwhile, the lignin with low molecular weight (1250-1930 g/mol), low polydispersity (D = 1.25-1.53) and high purity (only 0.08-2.59 % carbohydrate content) was regenerated from the biphasic system. With the increase of pretreatment temperature, the β-O-4, β-β and β-5 linkages in the regenerated lignin were gradually broken, and the content of phenolic hydroxyl groups increased, but the content of aliphatic hydroxyl groups decreased. This research provides a new strategy for the comprehensive utilization of lignocellulose in biorefinery process.
PubMed: 38945325
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133522 -
Journal of Advanced Research Jun 2024The postharvest physiological disorder known as 'black spot' in radish roots (Raphanus sativus) poses a significant challenge to quality maintenance during storage,...
INTRODUCTION
The postharvest physiological disorder known as 'black spot' in radish roots (Raphanus sativus) poses a significant challenge to quality maintenance during storage, particularly under summer conditions. The cause of this disorder, however, is poorly understood.
OBJECTIVES
Characterize the underlying causes of 'black spot' disorder in radish roots and identify strategies to delay its onset.
METHODS
Radish roots were placed in either polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or oriented polypropylene (OPP) packaging and stored for 4 days at 30 ℃. Appearance and physiological parameters were assessed and transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were conducted to identify the key molecular and biochemical factors contributing to the disorder and strategies for delaying its onset and development.
RESULTS
OPP packaging effectively delayed the onset of 'black spot' in radishes, potentially due to changes in phenolic and lipid metabolism. Regarding phenolic metabolism, POD and PPO activity decreased, RsCCR and RsPOD expression was downregulated, genes involved in phenols and flavonoids synthesis were upregulated and their content increased, preventing the oxidative browning of phenols and generally enhancing stress tolerance. Regarding lipid metabolism, the level of alpha-linolenic acid increased, and genes regulating cutin and wax synthesis were upregulated. Notably, high flavonoid and low ROS levels collectively inhibited RsPLA2G expression, which reduced the production of arachidonic acid, pro-inflammatory compounds (LTA and PGG), and ROS, alleviating the inflammatory response and oxidative stress in radish epidermal tissues.
CONCLUSION
PVC packaging enhanced the postharvest onset of 'black spot' in radishes, while OPP packaging delayed both its onset and development. Our study provides insights into the response of radishes to different packaging materials during storage, and the causes and host responses that either enhance or delay 'black spot' disorder onset. Further studies will be conducted to confirm the molecular and biochemical processes responsible for the onset and development of 'black spot' in radishes.
PubMed: 38945295
DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.06.026 -
Plant Physiology and Biochemistry : PPB Jun 2024The phytohormones cytokinins are essential mediators of developmental and environmental signaling, primarily during cell division and endophytic interactions, among...
The phytohormones cytokinins are essential mediators of developmental and environmental signaling, primarily during cell division and endophytic interactions, among other processes. Considering the limited understanding of the regulatory mechanisms that affect the growth and bioactivity of the medicinal plant Nepeta nuda (Lamiaceae), our study aimed to explore how cytokinins influence the plant's metabolic status. Exogenous administration of active cytokinin forms on in vitro N. nuda internodes stimulated intensive callus formation and de novo shoot regeneration, leading to a marked increase in biomass. This process involved an accumulation of oxidants, which were scavenged by peroxidases using phenolics as substrates. The callus tissue formed upon the addition of the cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) acted as a sink for sugars and phenolics during the allocation of nutrients between the culture medium and regenerated plants. In accordance, the cytokinin significantly enhanced the content of polar metabolites and their respective in vitro biological activities compared to untreated in vitro and wild-grown plants. The BAP-mediated accumulation of major phenolic metabolites, rosmarinic acid (RA) and caffeic acid (CA), corresponded with variations in the expression levels of genes involved in their biosynthesis. In contrast, the accumulation of iridoids and the expression of corresponding biosynthetic genes were not significantly affected. In conclusion, our study elucidated the mechanism of cytokinin action in N. nuda in vitro culture and demonstrated its potential in stimulating the production of bioactive compounds. This knowledge could serve as a basis for further investigations of the environmental impact on plant productivity.
PubMed: 38945096
DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108884 -
International Immunopharmacology Jun 2024Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a clinically fundamental phenomenon that occurs through liver resection surgery, trauma, shock, and transplantation. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a clinically fundamental phenomenon that occurs through liver resection surgery, trauma, shock, and transplantation.
AIMS OF THE REVIEW
This review article affords an expanded and comprehensive overview of various natural herbal ingredients that have demonstrated hepatoprotective effects against I/R injury through preclinical studies in animal models.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
For the objective of this investigation, an extensive examination was carried out utilizing diverse scientific databases involving PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Egyptian Knowledge Bank (EKB), and Research Gate. The investigation was conducted based on specific identifiable terms, such as hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury, liver resection and transplantation, cytokines, inflammation, NF-kB, interleukins, herbs, plants, natural ingredients, phenolic extract, and aqueous extract.
RESULTS
Bioactive ingredients derived from ginseng, curcumin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, lycopene, punicalagin, crocin, celastrol, andrographolide, silymarin, and others and their effects on hepatic IRI were discussed. The specific mechanisms of action, signaling pathways, and clinical relevance for attenuation of liver enzymes, cytokine production, immune cell infiltration, oxidative damage, and cell death signaling in rodent studies are analyzed in depth. Their complex molecular actions involve modulation of pathways like TLR4, NF-κB, Nrf2, Bcl-2 family proteins, and others.
CONCLUSION
The natural ingredients have promising values in the protection and treatment of various chronic aggressive clinical conditions, and that need to be evaluated on humans by clinical studies.
PubMed: 38944946
DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112445 -
Food Chemistry Jun 2024Rose polyphenols, key functional components in roses, require adequate bioaccessibility for their health benefits, subject to influence by food components and...
Rose polyphenols, key functional components in roses, require adequate bioaccessibility for their health benefits, subject to influence by food components and processing. Investigating the impact of various thermal sterilization methods on the bioaccessibility of rose polyphenols in rose tea with milk and the underlying mechanisms, our findings indicated a significant increase in bioaccessibility following treatment at 85 °C/30 min. Conversely, 121 °C/15 min treatment decreased bioaccessibility. Examining the interaction between β-casein in milk and rose polyphenols under different sterilization conditions, SEM and particle size analysis revealed binding, with fluorescence spectroscopy indicating non-covalent bonds. Binding forces followed the order 121 °C > 85 °C > 25 °C. Notably, at 85 °C, non-covalent binding improved polyphenol bioaccessibility, while the intensified binding at 121 °C decreased it. SDS-PAGE and amino acid analysis confirmed no covalent bond. This study establishes a theoretical basis for selecting thermal sterilization temperatures for milk-flower combinations, considering polyphenol bioaccessibility.
PubMed: 38944930
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.140248 -
Food Chemistry Jun 2024Quercetin and its glycosides (QG), vitally natural flavonoid, have been popular for health benefits. However, the absorption and metabolism affect their bioavailability,...
Quercetin and its glycosides (QG), vitally natural flavonoid, have been popular for health benefits. However, the absorption and metabolism affect their bioavailability, and the metabolic transformation alters their biological activities. This review systematically summarizes the bioavailability and pathways for the absorption and metabolism of quercetin/QG in vivo and in vitro, the biological activities and mechanism of quercetin/QG and their metabolites in treating glucolipid metabolism are discussed. After oral administration, quercetin/QG are mainly absorbed by the intestine, undergo phase II metabolism in the small intestine and liver to form conjugates and are metabolized into small phenolic acids by intestinal microbiota. Quercetin/QG and their metabolites exert beneficial effects on regulating glucolipid metabolism disorders, including improving insulin resistance, inhibiting lipogenesis, enhancing thermogenesis, modulating intestinal microbiota, relieving oxidative stress, and attenuating inflammation. This review enhances understanding of the mechanism of quercetin/QG regulate glucolipid metabolism and provides scientific support for the development of functional foods.
PubMed: 38944925
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.140262 -
Gut Microbes 2024Polyphenols are phytochemicals commonly found in plant-based diets which have demonstrated immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the interplay...
Polyphenols are phytochemicals commonly found in plant-based diets which have demonstrated immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the interplay between polyphenols and pathogens at mucosal barrier surfaces has not yet been elucidated in detail. Here, we show that proanthocyanidin (PAC) polyphenols interact with gut parasites to influence immune function and gut microbial-derived metabolites in mice. PAC intake inhibited mastocytosis during infection with the small intestinal roundworm , and altered the host tissue transcriptome at the site of infection with the large intestinal whipworm , with a notable enhancement of type-1 inflammatory and interferon-driven gene pathways. In the absence of infection, PAC intake promoted the expansion of within the gut microbiota, increased fecal short chain fatty acids, and enriched phenolic metabolites such as phenyl-γ-valerolactones in the cecum. However, these putatively beneficial effects were reduced in PAC-fed mice infected with , suggesting concomitant parasite infection can attenuate gut microbial-mediated PAC catabolism. Collectively, our results suggest an inter-relationship between a phytonutrient and infection, whereby PAC may augment parasite-induced inflammation (most prominently with the cecum dwelling ), and infection may abrogate the beneficial effects of health-promoting phytochemicals.
Topics: Animals; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Mice; Polyphenols; Trichuris; Trichuriasis; Nematospiroides dubius; Proanthocyanidins; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Strongylida Infections; Female; Bacteria; Feces
PubMed: 38944838
DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2370917