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Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024An RP-HPLC method with a UV detector was developed for the simultaneous quantification of diclofenac diethylamine, methyl salicylate, and capsaicin in a pharmaceutical...
An RP-HPLC method with a UV detector was developed for the simultaneous quantification of diclofenac diethylamine, methyl salicylate, and capsaicin in a pharmaceutical formulation and rabbit skin samples. The separation was achieved using a Thermo Scientific ACCLAIM 120 C column (Waltham, MA, USA, 4.6 mm × 150 mm, 5 µm). The optimized elution phase consisted of deionized water adjusted to pH = 3 using phosphoric acid mixed with acetonitrile in a 35:65% (/) ratio with isocratic elution. The flow rate was set at 0.7 mL/min, and the detection was performed at 205 nm and 25 °C. The method exhibits good linearity for capsaicin (0.05-70.0 µg/mL), methyl salicylate (0.05-100.0 µg/mL), and diclofenac diethylamine (0.05-100.0 µg/mL), with low LOD values (0.0249, 0.0271, and 0.0038 for capsaicin, methyl salicylate, and diclofenac diethylamine, respectively). The RSD% values were below 3.0%, indicating good precision. The overall greenness score of the method was 0.61, reflecting its environmentally friendly nature. The developed RP-HPLC method was successfully applied to analyze Omni Hot Gel pharmaceutical formulation and rabbit skin permeation samples.
Topics: Capsaicin; Diclofenac; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Salicylates; Skin; Animals; Rabbits; Chromatography, Reverse-Phase; Diethylamines
PubMed: 38930798
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122732 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024In this work, we synthesized and confirmed the structure of several alkaloid N-oxides using mass spectrometry and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. We also...
In this work, we synthesized and confirmed the structure of several alkaloid N-oxides using mass spectrometry and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. We also investigated their reduction mechanisms using voltammetry. For the first time, we obtained alkaloid N-oxides using an oxidation reaction with potassium peroxymonosulfate as an oxidant. The structure was established based on the obtained fragmentation mass spectra recorded by LC-Q-ToF-MS. In the FT-IR spectra of the alkaloid N-oxides, characteristic signals of N-O group vibrations were recorded (bands in the range of 928 cm⁻ to 971 cm⁻), confirming the presence of this functional group. Electrochemical reduction studies demonstrated the reduction of alkaloid N-oxides at mercury-based electrodes back to the original form of the alkaloid. For the first time, the products of the electrochemical reduction of alkaloid N-oxides were detected by mass spectrometry. The findings provide insights into the structural characteristics and reduction behaviors of alkaloid N-oxides, offering implications for pharmacological and biochemical applications. This research contributes to a better understanding of alkaloid metabolism and degradation processes, with potential implications for drug development and environmental science.
Topics: Alkaloids; Oxides; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Oxidation-Reduction; Electrochemical Techniques; Molecular Structure; Mass Spectrometry; Electrodes
PubMed: 38930787
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122721 -
Microorganisms Jun 2024The coastal is the most common tree species in Hainan's coastal protection forests. Sequencing the genomes of its allelopathic endophytes can allow the protective...
The coastal is the most common tree species in Hainan's coastal protection forests. Sequencing the genomes of its allelopathic endophytes can allow the protective effects of these bacteria to be effectively implemented in protected forests. The goal of this study was to sequence the whole genomes of the endophytes and from root tissues. The results showed that the genome sizes of and were 3.854 Mb and 5.508 Mb, respectively. The two strains shared 2514 common gene families while having 1055 and 2406 distinct gene families, respectively. The two strains had 283 and 298 allelochemical synthesis-associated genes, respectively, 255 of which were shared by both strains and 28 and 43 of which were unique to each strain, respectively. The genes were putatively involved in 11 functional pathways, including secondary metabolite biosynthesis, terpene carbon skeleton biosynthesis, biosynthesis of ubiquinone and other terpene quinones, tropane/piperidine and piperidine alkaloids biosynthesis, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. NQO1 and entC are known to be involved in the biosynthesis of ubiquinone and other terpenoid quinones, and rfbC/rmlC, rfbA/rmlA/rffH, and rfbB/rmlB/rffG are involved in the biosynthesis of polyketide glycan units. Among the -specific allelochemical synthesis-related genes, STE24 is involved in terpene carbon skeleton production, atzF and gdhA in arginine biosynthesis, and TYR in isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis. and share the genes aspB, yhdR, trpA, trpB, and GGPS, which are known to be involved in the synthesis of carotenoids, indole, momilactones, and other allelochemicals. Additionally, these bacteria are involved in allelochemical synthesis via routes such as polyketide sugar unit biosynthesis and isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis. This study sheds light on the genetic basis of allelopathy in Bacillus strains associated with C. equisetifolia, highlighting the possible use of these bacteria in sustainable agricultural strategies for weed management and crop protection.
PubMed: 38930629
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061247 -
Microorganisms May 2024The extensive harvesting of , as a biomedicinal plant and a wild source of quaternary benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids, has led to a rapid decline in its population. An...
The extensive harvesting of , as a biomedicinal plant and a wild source of quaternary benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids, has led to a rapid decline in its population. An alternative approach to the production of these bioactive compounds, which are known for their diverse pharmacological effects, is needed. Production of these compounds using alkaloid-producing endophytic fungi is a promising potential approach. In this research, we isolated an alkaloid-producing endophytic fungus, strain MC503, from the roots of . Genomic analysis was conducted to elucidate its metabolic pathways and identify the potential genes responsible for alkaloid biosynthesis. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses revealed the presence and quantified the content of sanguinarine (536.87 μg/L) and chelerythrine (393.31 μg/L) in the fungal fermentation extract. Based on our analysis of the morphological and micromorphological characteristics and the ITS region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA of the alkaloid-producing endophyte, it was identified as strain MC503. To the best of our knowledge, there is no existing report on from or other medicinal plants that produce sanguinarine and chelerythrine simultaneously. These findings provide valuable insights into the capability of to carry out isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis and lay the foundation for further exploration of its potential applications in pharmaceuticals.
PubMed: 38930470
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061088 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Jun 2024Colorectal cancer is a major global health concern, with a significant increase in morbidity and mortality rates associated with metastatic stages. This study...
Influence of Biomarkers on Mortality among Patients with Hepatic Metastasis of Colorectal Cancer Treated with FOLFOX/CAPOX and FOLFIRI/CAPIRI, Including Anti-EGFR and Anti-VEGF Therapies.
Colorectal cancer is a major global health concern, with a significant increase in morbidity and mortality rates associated with metastatic stages. This study investigates the prognostic significance of various clinical and laboratory parameters in patients with metastatic CRC. A retrospective cohort of 188 CRC patients with hepatic metastasis from the OncoHelp Association in Timisoara was analyzed from January 2016 to March 2023. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, and biomarkers, such as lymphocyte counts, as well as various inflammation indices, were examined. Statistical analyses included univariate and multivariate logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and ROC curve assessments. Our findings indicate significant associations between survival outcomes and several biomarkers. Higher BMI and lymphocyte counts were linked with better survival rates, while higher values of Neutrophil-Hemoglobin-Lymphocyte (NHL) score, Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), and Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) were predictors of poorer outcomes. Notably, the presence of hepatic metastasis at diagnosis was a critical factor, significantly reducing overall survival. The study has expanded the current understanding of prognostic factors in CRC, advocating for a multi-dimensional approach to prognostic evaluations. This approach should consider not only the traditional metrics such as tumor stage and histological grading but also incorporate a broader spectrum of biomarkers. Future studies should aim to validate these findings and explore the integration of these biomarkers into routine clinical practice, enhancing the precision of prognostic assessments and ultimately guiding more personalized treatment strategies for CRC patients.
Topics: Humans; Colorectal Neoplasms; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Liver Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies; Aged; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Fluorouracil; Leucovorin; Organoplatinum Compounds; Camptothecin; Adult; Biomarkers, Tumor; Prognosis; ErbB Receptors; Kaplan-Meier Estimate
PubMed: 38929620
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60061003 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024The present study was performed to determine the chemical constituents, cytotoxicity, antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities of the aerial parts of Hausskn. and...
Exploring Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, Enzyme Inhibitory and Cytotoxic Properties of Hausskn. & Bornm. from Turkey Flora: A Novel Source of Bioactive Agents to Design Functional Applications.
The present study was performed to determine the chemical constituents, cytotoxicity, antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities of the aerial parts of Hausskn. and Bornm. (family Papaveraceae). Methanolic and aqueous extracts were prepared by maceration, homogenizer-assisted extraction (HAE) and infusion. Results showed that the highest total phenolic and flavonoids contents were obtained from the methanol extracts obtained by HAE (53.22 ± 0.10 mg GAE/g) and maceration (30.28 ± 0.51 mg RE/g), respectively. The aporphine, beznyltetrahydroisoquinoline, and protopine types of alkaloids have been tentatively identified. Among them, glaucine was identified in all extracts. Flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, organic acids and fatty acids were also detected. Methanolic extract obtained using the HAE method displayed the highest anti-DPPH (41.42 ± 0.62 mg TE/g), total antioxidant (1.20 ± 0.17 mmol TE/g), Cu (113.55 ± 6.44 mg TE/g), and Fe (74.52 ± 4.74 mg TE/g) reducing properties. The aqueous extracts obtained by infusion and HAE methods exerted the best anti-ABTS (103.59 ± 1.49 mg TE/g) and chelating (19.81 ± 0.05 mg EDTAE/g) activities, respectively. Methanolic extract from HAE recorded the highest acetylcholinesterase (2.55 ± 0.10 mg GALAE/g) and α-amylase (0.51 ± 0.02 mmol ACAE/g) inhibition activities, while that obtained by maceration showed the best butyrylcholinesterase (3.76 ± 0.31 mg GALAE/g) inhibition activity. Both extracts revealed the best tyrosinase inhibitory activity (25.15 ± 1.00 and 26.79 ± 2.36 mg KAE/g, ≥ 0.05). maceration-derived aqueous extract showed selective anticancer activity against cells originating from human hypopharyngeal carcinoma. In conclusion, these findings indicated that is a promising source of alkaloids and phenolic compounds for variable pharmaceutical formulations.
PubMed: 38929082
DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060643 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jun 2024The emerging concern about chemicals in electronic cigarettes, even those without nicotine, demands the development of advanced criteria for their exposure and risk...
The emerging concern about chemicals in electronic cigarettes, even those without nicotine, demands the development of advanced criteria for their exposure and risk assessment. This study aims to highlight the sensitivity of lung nuclear receptors (NRs) to electronic cigarette e-liquids, independent of nicotine presence, and the influence of the sex variable on these effects. Adult male and female C57BL/6J mice were exposed to electronic cigarettes with 0%, 3%, and 6% nicotine daily (70 mL, 3.3 s, 1 puff per min/30 min) for 14 days, using the inExpose full body chamber (SCIREQ). Following exposure, lung tissues were harvested, and RNA extracted. The expression of 84 NRs was determined using the RT profiler mRNA array (Qiagen). Results exhibit a high sensitivity to e-liquid exposure irrespective of the presence of nicotine, with differential expression of NRs, including one (females) and twenty-four (males) in 0% nicotine groups compared to non-exposed control mice. However, nicotine-dependent results were also significant with seven NRs (females), fifty-three NRs (males) in 3% and twenty-three NRs (female) twenty-nine NRs (male) in 6% nicotine groups, compared to 0% nicotine mice. Sex-specific changes were significant, but sex-related differences were not observed. The study provides a strong rationale for further investigation.
Topics: Animals; Female; Male; Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Pilot Projects; Mice; Lung; Aerosols; Nicotine; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; Sex Factors
PubMed: 38929056
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060810 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024In recent years, there has been an intensification of weather variability worldwide as a result of climate change. Some regions have been affected by drought, while...
In recent years, there has been an intensification of weather variability worldwide as a result of climate change. Some regions have been affected by drought, while others have experienced more intense rainfall. The incidence and severity of moldy grain and mycotoxin contamination during the growing and harvesting seasons have increased as a result of these weather conditions. Additionally, torrential rains and wet conditions may cause delays in grain drying, leading to mold growth in the field. In July 2023, a wheat field in Lecco (Lombardy, Italy) was affected by torrential rains that led to the development of the fungi. In the field, dark sclerotia were identified on some ears. Wheat ears, kernels, and sclerotia were collected and analyzed by LC-MS/MS at IZSLER, Food Chemical Department, in Bologna. The wheat ears, kernels, and sclerotia were analyzed for 12 ergot alkaloids (EAs) according to (EU) Regulation 2023/915 (ergocornine/ergocorninine; ergocristine/ergocristinine; ergocryptine/ergocryptinine; ergometrine/ergometrinine; ergosine/ergosinine; ergotamine/ergotaminine), after QuEChERS (Z-Sep/C18) purification. The analyzed sclerotia showed significant differences in total alkaloid content that vary between 0.01 and 0.5% (/), according to the results of the 2017 EFSA scientific report. EAs detected in sclerotia were up to 4951 mg/kg, in wheat ears up to 33 mg/kg, and in kernels were 1 mg/kg. Additional mycotoxins, including ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisins, T2-HT2 toxins, and aflatoxins, were investigated in wheat kernels after purification with immunoaffinity columns (IAC). The analysis revealed the presence of deoxynivalenol in wheat kernels at a concentration of 2251 µg/kg. It is expected that climate change will increase the frequency of extreme weather events. In order to mitigate the potential risks associated with mycotoxin-producing fungi and to ensure the protection of human health, it is suggested that official controls be implemented in the field.
PubMed: 38928849
DOI: 10.3390/foods13121907 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Pigmented rice grains are important resources for health and nutritional perspectives. Thus, a thorough dissection of the variation of nutrients and bioactive...
Pigmented rice grains are important resources for health and nutritional perspectives. Thus, a thorough dissection of the variation of nutrients and bioactive metabolites in different colored rice is of global interest. This study applied LC-MS-based widely targeted metabolite profiling and unraveled the variability of metabolites and nutraceuticals in long grain/non-glutinous black (BR), red (RR), green (GR), and white rice (WR) grains. We identified and classified 1292 metabolites, including five flavonoid compounds specific to BR. The metabolite profiles of the four rice grains showed significant variation, with 275-543 differentially accumulated metabolites identified. Flavonoid (flavone, flavonol, and anthocyanin) and cofactor biosynthesis were the most differentially regulated pathways among the four rice types. Most bioactive flavonoids, anthocyanidins (glycosylated cyanidins and peonidins), phenolic acids, and lignans had the highest relative content in BR, followed by RR. Most alkaloids, amino acids and derivatives, lipids, and vitamins (B6, B3, B1, nicotinamide, and isonicotinic acid) had higher relative contents in GR than others. Procyanidins (B1, B2, and B3) had the highest relative content in RR. In addition, we identified 25 potential discriminatory biomarkers, including fagomine, which could be used to authenticate GR. Our results show that BR and RR are important materials for medicinal use, while GR is an excellent source of nutrients (amino acids and vitamins) and bioactive alkaloids. Moreover, they provide data resources for the science-based use of different colored rice varieties in diverse industries.
PubMed: 38928840
DOI: 10.3390/foods13121899 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024(syn. ) is often known as mustard and is grown worldwide owing to its health-promoting characteristics associated with the presence of nutrients and phytochemicals....
(syn. ) is often known as mustard and is grown worldwide owing to its health-promoting characteristics associated with the presence of nutrients and phytochemicals. Along with the nutritional components, also contains anti-nutrients (phytates, oxalates, tannins, alkaloids, saponins) that can cause adverse severe health effects to consumers, including rashes, nausea, headaches, bloating and nutritional deficiencies. In the present study, heating (blanching) and fermentation () treatments were applied to reduce the load of the anti-nutrients of leaves harvested at three different growth stages: the first stage (fourth week), the second stage (sixth week) and the third stage (eighth week). Results revealed that fermentation treatment using increases the ash (5.4 to 6%), protein (9 to 10.4%) and fiber (9.6 to 10.7%) contents, whereas moisture (0.91 to 0.82%), fat (9.9 to 9.1%) and carbohydrate (64.5 to 64.2%) contents decreased among samples, and the trend was similar for all three stages. Blanching and fermentation lead to the reduction in phytates (46, 42%), saponins (34, 49%), tannins (1, 10%), oxalates (15, 7%) and alkaloids (10, 6%), separately as compared to raw samples of leaves. In contrast, fermentation had no considerable effect on phytochemical contents (total phenolic and total flavonoids) and antioxidant potential (DPPH and FRAP). The action of blanching followed by fermentation caused more decline in the aforementioned toxicants load as compared to blanching or fermentation alone. Structural modifications in blanching and the biochemical conversions in fermentation lead to enhanced stability of nutrients and antioxidant potential. Taken together, these findings suggest blanching followed by fermentation treatments as a reliable, cost-effective and safer approach to curtail the anti-nutrient load without affecting the proximate composition, phytochemical attributes and antioxidant activity.
PubMed: 38928768
DOI: 10.3390/foods13121826