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Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Propolis is a resinous bee product with a very complex composition, which is dependent upon the plant sources that bees visit. Due to the promising antimicrobial...
Propolis is a resinous bee product with a very complex composition, which is dependent upon the plant sources that bees visit. Due to the promising antimicrobial activities of red Brazilian propolis, it is paramount to identify the compounds responsible for it, which, in most of the cases, are not commercially available. The aim of this study was to develop a quick and clean preparative-scale methodology for preparing fractions of red propolis directly from a complex crude ethanol extract by combining the extractive capacity of counter-current chromatography (CCC) with preparative HPLC. The CCC method development included step gradient elution for the removal of waxes (which can bind to and block HPLC columns), sample injection in a single solvent to improve stationary phase stability, and a change in the mobile phase flow pattern, resulting in the loading of 2.5 g of the Brazilian red propolis crude extract on a 912.5 mL Midi CCC column. Three compounds were subsequently isolated from the concentrated fractions by preparative HPLC and identified by NMR and high-resolution MS: red pigment, retusapurpurin A; the isoflavan 3()-7-O-methylvestitol; and the prenylated benzophenone isomers xanthochymol/isoxanthochymol. These compounds are markers of red propolis that contribute to its therapeutic properties, and the amount isolated allows for further biological activities testing and for their use as chromatographic standards.
Topics: Propolis; Countercurrent Distribution; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Brazil; Animals; Chemical Fractionation; Bees
PubMed: 38930823
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122757 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024With the aim to obtain controlled-release systems and to preserve the antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and prebiotic activity of the bioactive compounds,...
With the aim to obtain controlled-release systems and to preserve the antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and prebiotic activity of the bioactive compounds, microencapsulation of both honeydew honey and royal jelly into biopolymeric microparticles based on rye bran heteropolysaccharides (HPS) was successfully performed. Honeydew honey and royal jelly microcapsules were prepared by spray-drying method and were characterized in terms of morphology and biological properties. Due to the resistance of the obtained encapsulates to the acidic pH in the stomach and digestive enzymes, the microcapsules showed prebiotic properties positively influencing both the growth, retardation of the dying phase, and the pro-adhesive properties of probiotic bacteria, i.e., spp. and lactic acid bacteria. Moreover, as a result of fermentation of the microcapsules of bee products in the lumen of the large intestine, an increased synthesis of short-chain fatty acids, i.e., butyric acid, was found on average by 39.2% in relation to the SCFA concentrations obtained as a result of fermentation of native bee products, thus opening new perspectives for the exploitation of honeydew honey and royal jelly loaded microcapsules for nutraceutical applications.
Topics: Animals; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Honey; Bees; Prebiotics; Capsules; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Bifidobacterium; Fermentation; Probiotics; Fatty Acids
PubMed: 38930817
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122751 -
International Journal of Environmental... May 2024Besides being vectors of the onchocerciasis parasite, blackflies are a source of nuisance in onchocerciasis-endemic communities. We investigated the experience of...
Community Perceptions of Blackfly Nuisance and Acceptability of the "Slash and Clear" Vector Control Approach in the Ntui Health District of Cameroon: A Qualitative Study.
Besides being vectors of the onchocerciasis parasite, blackflies are a source of nuisance in onchocerciasis-endemic communities. We investigated the experience of residents in the Ntui Health District (Cameroon) regarding blackfly nuisance and assessed their perceptions of a novel "Slash and Clear" (S&C) intervention for blackfly control. Focus group discussions were conducted before and after S&C implementation (respectively, in February 2022 and December 2023). Blackflies were known to emerge from the river areas and cause disease. To prevent blackfly bites, the population often covered their body with protective clothing and applied various substances (kerosene, oil, or lemon) to their skin. Post-intervention data showed reduced blackfly nuisance, and the willingness to sustain blackfly control in the long-term was unanimous among community leaders and members, including the village volunteers who implemented the S&C intervention. In conclusion, blackfly nuisance is evident in the Ntui onchocerciasis focus of Cameroon and led to a panoply of coping practices, some of which could be detrimental to their health. Implementing S&C for blackfly control is well accepted and could sustainably alleviate the nuisance caused by blackflies while simultaneously breaking the onchocerciasis transmission cycle.
Topics: Cameroon; Animals; Simuliidae; Humans; Onchocerciasis; Insect Control; Female; Male; Adult; Insect Vectors; Middle Aged; Focus Groups; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Young Adult; Insect Bites and Stings
PubMed: 38928904
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060658 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024is an essential species for freshwater economic aquaculture in China, but in the larval process, their salinity requirement is high, which leads to salinity stress in...
is an essential species for freshwater economic aquaculture in China, but in the larval process, their salinity requirement is high, which leads to salinity stress in the water. In order to elucidate the mechanisms regulating the response of to acute low-salinity exposure, we conducted a comprehensive study of the response of exposed to different salinities' (0‱, 6‱, and 12‱) data for 120 h. The activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase were found to be significantly inhibited in the hepatopancreas and muscle following low-salinity exposure, resulting in oxidative damage and immune deficits in . Differential gene enrichment in transcriptomics indicated that low-salinity stress induced metabolic differences and immune and inflammatory dysfunction in . The differential expressions of , , and genes indicated the inhibition of growth, development, and molting ability of . At the proteomic level, low salinity induced metabolic differences and affected biological and cellular regulation, as well as the immune response. Tyramine, trans-1,2-Cyclohexanediol, sorbitol, acetylcholine chloride, and chloroquine were screened by metabolomics as differential metabolic markers. In addition, combined multi-omics analysis revealed that metabolite chloroquine was highly correlated with low-salt stress.
Topics: Animals; Palaemonidae; Larva; Salt Stress; Transcriptome; Proteomics; Salinity; Gene Expression Profiling; Metabolomics; Oxidative Stress; Multiomics
PubMed: 38928514
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126809 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024(, ; CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne global health threat. The main urban vector of CHIKV is the mosquito, which is found throughout Brazil. Therefore, it is important to...
(, ; CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne global health threat. The main urban vector of CHIKV is the mosquito, which is found throughout Brazil. Therefore, it is important to carry out laboratory tests to assist in the virus's diagnosis and surveillance. Most molecular biology methodologies use nucleic acid extraction as the first step and require quality RNA for their execution. In this context, four RNA extraction protocols were evaluated in experimentally infected with CHIKV. Six pools were tested in triplicates (n = 18), each containing 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, or 40 mosquitoes per pool (72 tests). Four commercial kits were compared: QIAamp, Maxwell, PureLink, and PureLink with TRIzol. The QIAamp and PureLink with TRIzol kits had greater sensitivity. Two negative correlations were observed: as the number of mosquitoes per pool increases, the Ct value decreases, with a higher viral load. Significant differences were found when comparing the purity and concentration of RNA. The QIAamp protocol performed better when it came to lower Ct values and higher RNA purity and concentration. These results may provide help in CHIKV entomovirological surveillance planning.
Topics: Chikungunya virus; Aedes; Animals; RNA, Viral; Mosquito Vectors; Chikungunya Fever; Viral Load
PubMed: 38928410
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126700 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases () play a variety of physiological roles, including pesticide resistance, plant allelochemical detoxification, and hormone metabolism... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases () play a variety of physiological roles, including pesticide resistance, plant allelochemical detoxification, and hormone metabolism catalysis. However, limited information is available on the classification and expression profiles of the gene family in aphid species. This is the first study to identify the cytochrome P450 gene family in 19 aphid species at the whole genome level. A total of 1100 genes were identified in 19 aphid species. Three hundred genes belonged to six cereal crop aphid species, which were further classified into four subfamilies according to the phylogenetic relationship. The conserved motifs, exon-intron structures, and genomic organization of the same subfamilies were similar. Predictions of subcellular localization revealed that the endoplasmic reticulum harbored the majority of CYP450 proteins. In and , the increase in the gene was primarily caused by segmental duplication events. However, only tandem duplication occurred in the gene family of , , and . Synteny analysis found three continuous colinear gene pairs among six cereal crop aphid species. Furthermore, we obtained the expression profiles of four cereal crop aphids, including , , and . Differential expression analysis provided growth stage specificity genes, tissue specificity genes, organ specificity genes and some detoxification metabolic genes among these four cereal crop aphids. Meanwhile, their expression patterns were showed. The related functions and pathways of were revealed by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. Above all, we picked the differentially expressed genes from all of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). These differentially expressed genes provided some new potential candidates for aphid control and management. This work establishes the foundation for further investigations into the regulatory functions of the gene family in aphid species and beyond.
Topics: Aphids; Animals; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Phylogeny; Multigene Family; Edible Grain; Genome, Insect; Gene Expression Profiling; Synteny; Insect Proteins
PubMed: 38928374
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126668 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Curcumin, a polyphenol derived from , used as a dietary spice, has garnered attention for its therapeutic potential, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and...
Curcumin, a polyphenol derived from , used as a dietary spice, has garnered attention for its therapeutic potential, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Despite its known benefits, the precise mechanisms underlying curcumin's effects on consumers remain unclear. To address this gap, we employed the genetic model and leveraged two omics tools-transcriptomics and metabolomics. Our investigation revealed alterations in 1043 genes and 73 metabolites upon supplementing curcumin into the diet. Notably, we observed genetic modulation in pathways related to antioxidants, carbohydrates, and lipids, as well as genes associated with gustatory perception and reproductive processes. Metabolites implicated in carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, and biomarkers linked to the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, and aging were also identified. The study highlighted a strong correlation between the curcumin diet, antioxidant mechanisms, and amino acid metabolism. Conversely, a lower correlation was observed between carbohydrate metabolism and cholesterol biosynthesis. This research highlights the impact of curcumin on the diet, influencing perception, fertility, and molecular wellness. Furthermore, it directs future studies toward a more focused exploration of the specific effects of curcumin consumption.
Topics: Animals; Drosophila melanogaster; Curcumin; Metabolome; Transcriptome; Antioxidants; Diet; Metabolomics
PubMed: 38928266
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126559 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Pollen from common ragweed is an important allergen source worldwide and especially in western and southern Romania. More than 100 million patients suffer from symptoms...
Pollen from common ragweed is an important allergen source worldwide and especially in western and southern Romania. More than 100 million patients suffer from symptoms of respiratory allergy (e.g., rhinitis, asthma) to ragweed pollen. Among the eleven characterized allergens, Amb a 6 is a non-specific lipid transfer protein (nsLTP). nsLTPs are structurally stable proteins in pollen and food from different unrelated plants capable of inducing severe reactions. The goal of this study was to produce Amb a 6 as a recombinant and structurally folded protein (rAmb a 6) and to characterize its physicochemical and immunological features. rAmb a 6 was expressed in cells as a secreted protein and characterized by mass spectrometry and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy regarding molecular mass and fold, respectively. The IgE-binding frequency towards the purified protein was evaluated using sera from 150 clinically well-characterized ragweed-allergic patients. The allergenic activities of rAmb a 6 and the nsLTP from the weed (Par j 2) were evaluated in basophil activation assays. rAmb a 6-specific IgE reactivity was associated with clinical features. Pure rAmb a 6 was obtained by insect cell expression. Its deduced molecular weight corresponded to that determined by mass spectrometry (i.e., 10,963 Da). rAmb a 6 formed oligomers as determined by SDS-PAGE under non-reducing conditions. According to multiple sequence comparisons, Amb a 6 was a distinct nsLTP with less than 40% sequence identity to currently known plant nsLTP allergens, except for nsLTP from (i.e., 52%). rAmb a 6 is an important ragweed allergen recognized by 30% of ragweed pollen allergic patients. For certain patients, rAmb a 6-specific IgE levels were higher than those specific for the major ragweed allergen Amb a 1 and analysis also showed a higher allergenic activity in the basophil activation test. rAmb a 6-positive patients suffered mainly from respiratory symptoms. The assumption that Amb a 6 is a source-specific ragweed allergen is supported by the finding that none of the patients showing rAmb a 6-induced basophil activation reacted with Par j 2 and only one rAmb a 6-sensitized patient had a history of plant food allergy. Immunization of rabbits with rAmb a 6 induced IgG antibodies which strongly inhibited IgE binding to rAmb a 6. Our results demonstrate that Amb a 6 is an important source-specific ragweed pollen allergen that should be considered for diagnosis and allergen-specific immunotherapy of ragweed pollen allergy.
Topics: Humans; Allergens; Immunoglobulin E; Antigens, Plant; Animals; Carrier Proteins; Plant Proteins; Female; Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal; Male; Adult; Ambrosia; Spodoptera; Recombinant Proteins; Amino Acid Sequence; Sf9 Cells; Middle Aged; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 38928218
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126513 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Cla4, an orthologous p21-activated kinase crucial for non-entomopathogenic fungal lifestyles, has two paralogs (Cla4A/B) functionally unknown in hypocrealean...
Cla4, an orthologous p21-activated kinase crucial for non-entomopathogenic fungal lifestyles, has two paralogs (Cla4A/B) functionally unknown in hypocrealean entomopathogens. Here, we report a regulatory role of Cla4A in gene expression networks of required for asexual and entomopathogenic lifecycles while Cla4B is functionally redundant. The deletion of resulted in severe growth defects, reduced stress tolerance, delayed conidiation, altered conidiation mode, impaired conidial quality, and abolished pathogenicity through cuticular penetration, contrasting with no phenotype affected by deletion. In ∆, 5288 dysregulated genes were associated with phenotypic defects, which were restored by targeted gene complementation. Among those, 3699 genes were downregulated, including more than 1300 abolished at the transcriptomic level. Hundreds of those downregulated genes were involved in the regulation of transcription, translation, and post-translational modifications and the organization and function of the nuclear chromosome, chromatin, and protein-DNA complex. DNA-binding elements in promoter regions of 130 dysregulated genes were predicted to be targeted by Cla4A domains. Samples of purified Cla4A extract were proven to bind promoter DNAs of 12 predicted genes involved in multiple stress-responsive pathways. Therefore, Cla4A acts as a novel regulator of genomic expression and stability and mediates gene expression networks required for insect-pathogenic fungal adaptations to the host and environment.
Topics: Beauveria; Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal; Fungal Proteins; Animals; Gene Regulatory Networks; Insecta; Spores, Fungal; Promoter Regions, Genetic
PubMed: 38928117
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126410 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024is the dominant parasitic natural enemy of aphids. Elucidating the molecular mechanism of host recognition of would improve its biological control effect. Chemosensory...
is the dominant parasitic natural enemy of aphids. Elucidating the molecular mechanism of host recognition of would improve its biological control effect. Chemosensory proteins (CSPs) play a crucial role in insect olfactory systems and are mainly involved in host localization. In this study, a total of nine CSPs of with complete open reading frames were identified based on antennal transcriptome data. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that AgifCSPs were mainly clustered into three subgroups (AgifCSP1/2/7/8, AgifCSP3/9, and AgifCSP4/5/6). showed high expression in the antennae of both sexes. Moreover, was found to be specifically expressed in the antennae. In addition, fluorescent binding assays revealed that AifCSP5 had greater affinities for 7 of 32 volatile odor molecules from various sources. Molecular docking and site-directed mutagenesis results revealed that the residue at which AgifCSP5 binds to these seven plant volatiles is Tyr75. Behavior tests further confirmed that -2-nonenal, one of the seven active volatiles in the ligand binding test, significantly attracted female adults at a relatively low concentration of 10 mg/mL. In conclusion, AgifCSP5 may be involved in locating aphid-infested crops from long distances by detecting and binding -2-nonenal. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for further understanding the olfactory recognition mechanisms and indirect aphid localization behavior of from long distances by first identifying the host plant of aphids.
Topics: Animals; Aphids; Insect Proteins; Phylogeny; Female; Male; Host-Parasite Interactions; Arthropod Antennae; Molecular Docking Simulation; Amino Acid Sequence; Receptors, Odorant; Wasps
PubMed: 38928098
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126392