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ELife Jun 2024Metabolic disorders are highly prevalent in modern society. Exercise mimetics are defined as pharmacological compounds that can produce the beneficial effects of...
Metabolic disorders are highly prevalent in modern society. Exercise mimetics are defined as pharmacological compounds that can produce the beneficial effects of fitness. Recently, there has been increased interest in the role of eugenol and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in improving metabolic health. The aim of this study was to investigate whether eugenol acts as an exercise mimetic by activating TRPV1. Here, we showed that eugenol improved endurance capacity, caused the conversion of fast-to-slow muscle fibers, and promoted white fat browning and lipolysis in mice. Mechanistically, eugenol promoted muscle fiber-type transformation by activating TRPV1-mediated CaN signaling pathway. Subsequently, we identified IL-15 as a myokine that is regulated by the CaN/nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) signaling pathway. Moreover, we found that TRPV1-mediated CaN/NFATc1 signaling, activated by eugenol, controlled IL-15 levels in C2C12 myotubes. Our results suggest that eugenol may act as an exercise mimetic to improve metabolic health via activating the TRPV1-mediated CaN signaling pathway.
Topics: TRPV Cation Channels; Animals; Interleukin-15; Eugenol; Mice; Muscle Fibers, Skeletal; NFATC Transcription Factors; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Signal Transduction; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Myokines
PubMed: 38913071
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.90724 -
Unveiling the potential of Pseudococcomyxa simplex: a stepwise extraction for cosmetic applications.Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Jun 2024Microalgae are gaining attention as they are considered green fabrics able to synthesize many bioactive metabolites, with unique biological activities. However, their...
Microalgae are gaining attention as they are considered green fabrics able to synthesize many bioactive metabolites, with unique biological activities. However, their use at an industrial scale is still a challenge because of the high costs related to upstream and downstream processes. Here, a biorefinery approach was proposed, starting from the biomass of the green microalga Pseudococcomyxa simplex for the extraction of two classes of molecules with a potential use in the cosmetic industry. Carotenoids were extracted first by an ultrasound-assisted extraction, and then, from the residual biomass, lipids were obtained by a conventional extraction. The chemical characterization of the ethanol extract indicated lutein, a biosynthetic derivative of α-carotene, as the most abundant carotenoid. The extract was found to be fully biocompatible on a cell-based model, active as antioxidant and with an in vitro anti-aging property. In particular, the lutein-enriched fraction was able to activate Nrf2 pathway, which plays a key role also in aging process. Finally, lipids were isolated from the residual biomass and the isolated fatty acids fraction was composed by palmitic and stearic acids. These molecules, fully biocompatible, can find application as emulsifiers and softener agents in cosmetic formulations. Thus, an untapped microalgal species can represent a sustainable source for cosmeceutical formulations. KEY POINTS: • Pseudococcomyxa simplex has been explored in a cascade approach. • Lutein is the main extracted carotenoid and has antioxidant and anti-aging activity. • Fatty acids are mainly composed of palmitic and stearic acids.
Topics: Microalgae; Cosmetics; Carotenoids; Biomass; Antioxidants; Lutein; Humans; Fatty Acids
PubMed: 38910175
DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13229-9 -
BMC Oral Health Jun 2024Dental pathogens play a crucial role in oral health issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections, and recent research suggests a link between these...
BACKGROUND
Dental pathogens play a crucial role in oral health issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections, and recent research suggests a link between these pathogens and oral cancer initiation and progression. Innovative therapeutic approaches are needed due to antibiotic resistance concerns and treatment limitations.
METHODS
We synthesized and analyzed piperine-coated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-PIP NPs) using UV spectroscopy, SEM, XRD, FTIR, and EDAX. Antioxidant and antimicrobial effectiveness were evaluated through DPPH, ABTS, and MIC assays, while the anticancer properties were assessed on KB oral squamous carcinoma cells.
RESULTS
ZnO-PIP NPs exhibited significant antioxidant activity and a MIC of 50 µg/mL against dental pathogens, indicating strong antimicrobial properties. Interaction analysis revealed high binding affinity with dental pathogens. ZnO-PIP NPs showed dose-dependent anticancer activity on KB cells, upregulating apoptotic genes BCL2, BAX, and P53.
CONCLUSIONS
This approach offers a multifaceted solution to combatting both oral infections and cancer, showcasing their potential for significant advancement in oral healthcare. It is essential to acknowledge potential limitations and challenges associated with the use of ZnO NPs in clinical applications. These may include concerns regarding nanoparticle toxicity, biocompatibility, and long-term safety. Further research and rigorous testing are warranted to address these issues and ensure the safe and effective translation of ZnO-PIP NPs into clinical practice.
Topics: Zinc Oxide; Humans; Piperidines; Apoptosis; Alkaloids; Benzodioxoles; Mouth Neoplasms; bcl-2-Associated X Protein; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; Biofilms; Polyunsaturated Alkamides; Nanoparticles; Antioxidants; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Metal Nanoparticles; Antineoplastic Agents; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; X-Ray Diffraction; Cell Line, Tumor; KB Cells
PubMed: 38907185
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04399-z -
Indian Journal of Ophthalmology Jul 2024
Topics: Humans; Povidone-Iodine; Ophthalmic Solutions; COVID-19; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; SARS-CoV-2; Conjunctivitis
PubMed: 38905467
DOI: 10.4103/IJO.IJO_2666_23 -
Chemical Science Jun 2024The cost-effective and efficient synthesis of alkenes is highly significant due to their extensive applications in both synthetic and polymer industries. A transition...
The cost-effective and efficient synthesis of alkenes is highly significant due to their extensive applications in both synthetic and polymer industries. A transition metal-free approach has been devised for the chemoselective olefination of carboxylic acid salts. This modular approach provides direct access to valuable electron-deficient styrenes in moderate to good yields. Detailed mechanistic studies suggest anionic decarboxylation is followed by halogen ion transfer. This halogen transfer leads to an umpolung of reactant electronics, allowing for a rate-limiting rebound elimination.
PubMed: 38903232
DOI: 10.1039/d4sc01905a -
Stem Cell Research & Therapy Jun 2024Cardiomyocytes (CMs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) by traditional methods are a mix of atrial and ventricular CMs and many other...
BACKGROUND
Cardiomyocytes (CMs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) by traditional methods are a mix of atrial and ventricular CMs and many other non-cardiomyocyte cells. Retinoic acid (RA) plays an important role in regulation of the spatiotemporal development of the embryonic heart.
METHODS
CMs were derived from hiPSC (hi-PCS-CM) using different concentrations of RA (Control without RA, LRA with 0.05μM and HRA with 0.1 μM) between day 3-6 of the differentiation process. Engineered heart tissues (EHTs) were generated by assembling hiPSC-CM at high cell density in a low collagen hydrogel.
RESULTS
In the HRA group, hiPSC-CMs exhibited highest expression of contractile proteins MYH6, MYH7 and cTnT. The expression of TBX5, NKX2.5 and CORIN, which are marker genes for left ventricular CMs, was also the highest in the HRA group. In terms of EHT, the HRA group displayed the highest contraction force, the lowest beating frequency, and the highest sensitivity to hypoxia and isoprenaline, which means it was functionally more similar to the left ventricle. RNAsequencing revealed that the heightened contractility of EHT within the HRA group can be attributed to the promotion of augmented extracellular matrix strength by RA.
CONCLUSION
By interfering with the differentiation process of hiPSC with a specific concentration of RA at a specific time, we were able to successfully induce CMs and EHTs with a phenotype similar to that of the left ventricle or right ventricle.
Topics: Humans; Tretinoin; Myocytes, Cardiac; Cell Differentiation; Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells; Heart Ventricles; Myosin Heavy Chains; Cardiac Myosins; Tissue Engineering; Homeobox Protein Nkx-2.5; T-Box Domain Proteins
PubMed: 38902843
DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03741-0 -
Acta Dermato-venereologica Jun 2024
Topics: Isotretinoin; Humans; Dermatologic Agents; Treatment Outcome; Male; Female; Adult
PubMed: 38899441
DOI: 10.2340/actadv.v104.40101 -
Chemical & Pharmaceutical Bulletin 2024Dihydrobenzofuran is an important skeleton for bioactive compounds and natural products. Hydroquinones can be easily modified into substituted hydroquinones, which...
Dihydrobenzofuran is an important skeleton for bioactive compounds and natural products. Hydroquinones can be easily modified into substituted hydroquinones, which effectively undergo oxidation to produce the corresponding benzoquinone derivatives. Benzoquinones are reactive electrophiles that are frequently utilized in coupling with olefins to dihydrobenzofurans. Herein, we report the one-pot oxidative coupling of hydroquinones bearing an electron-withdrawing group at the C2 position with olefins to dihydrobenzofurans in the presence of the Lewis acidic FeCl and 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-p-benzoquinone (DDQ) oxidant. Furthermore, this method was applied to the oxidative coupling of N-electron-withdrawing group-substituted 4-aminophenol.
Topics: Hydroquinones; Benzofurans; Alkenes; Molecular Structure; Oxidative Coupling; Ferric Compounds; Oxidation-Reduction; Chlorides; Benzoquinones
PubMed: 38897954
DOI: 10.1248/cpb.c24-00231 -
International Journal of Nanomedicine 2024To improve the bioavailability of resveratrol (-Res), it is commonly co-delivered with antioxidant bioactives using a complex synthetic intestinal targeted carrier,...
INTRODUCTION
To improve the bioavailability of resveratrol (-Res), it is commonly co-delivered with antioxidant bioactives using a complex synthetic intestinal targeted carrier, however, which makes practical application challenging.
METHODS
A nanogel (Ngel), as broad-spectrum autonomous ROS scavenger, was prepared using selenized thiolated sodium alginate (TSA-Se) and crosslinked with calcium lactate (CL) for loading Res to obtain Ngel@Res, which maintained spherical morphology in the upper digestive tract but broke down in the lower digestive tract, resulting in -Res release.
RESULTS
Under protection of Ngel, Res showed enhanced stability and broad-spectrum ROS scavenging activity. The synergistic mucoadhesion of Ngel prolonged the retention time of Res in the intestine. Ngel and Ngel@Res increased the lifespan of to 26.00 ± 2.17 and 26.00 ± 4.27 days by enhancing the activity of antioxidases, upregulating the expression of and , while downregulating the expression of and .
CONCLUSION
This readily available, intestinal targeted selenized alginate-based nanogel effectively improves the bioactivity of Res.
Topics: Animals; Caenorhabditis elegans; Resveratrol; Reactive Oxygen Species; Alginates; Nanogels; Antioxidants; Polyethylene Glycols; Polyethyleneimine; Free Radical Scavengers; Intestinal Mucosa; Drug Carriers
PubMed: 38895150
DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S464849 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024L. possesses abundant germplasm resources and holds significant value in terms of ornamental, edible, and medicinal aspects. However, the quality characteristics vary...
L. possesses abundant germplasm resources and holds significant value in terms of ornamental, edible, and medicinal aspects. However, the quality characteristics vary significantly depending on different varieties. Selection of a high-quality variety with a characteristic aroma can increase the economic value of flowers. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is an effective decision-making method for comparing and evaluating multiple characteristic dimensions. By applying AHP, the aromatic character of 60 varieties of flowers were analyzed and evaluated in the present study. Headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) was employed to identify volatile components in flowers. Thirteen volatile components were found to contribute to the aroma of flowers, which helps in assessing their potential applications in essential oil, aromatherapy, and medical treatment. These components include 2-phenylethanol, geraniol, linalool, nonanal, decanal, (E)--ocimene, α-farnesene, indole, nerolidol, 3-furanmethanol, 3-carene, benzaldehyde and benzenemethanol. The varieties with better aromatic potential can be selected from a large amount of data using an AHP model. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of the aroma components in flowers, offers guidance for breeding, and enhances the economic value of flowers.
Topics: Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Volatile Organic Compounds; Solid Phase Microextraction; Flowers; Odorants; Acyclic Monoterpenes; Oils, Volatile; Sesquiterpenes; Phenylethyl Alcohol; Alkenes; Indoles
PubMed: 38893586
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112712