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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 -
The ISME Journal Jun 2024The rhizosphere, which serves as the primary interface between plant roots and the soil, constitutes an ecological niche for a huge diversity of microbial communities....
The rhizosphere, which serves as the primary interface between plant roots and the soil, constitutes an ecological niche for a huge diversity of microbial communities. Currently, there is little knowledge on the nature and the function of the different metabolites released by rhizospheric microbes to facilitate colonization of this highly competitive environment. Here, we demonstrate how the production of galbonolides, a group of polyene macrolides that inhibit plant and fungal inositol phosphorylceramide synthase (IPCS), empowers the rhizospheric Streptomyces strain AgN23, to thrive in the rhizosphere by triggering the plant's defence mechanisms. Metabolomic analysis of AgN23-inoculated Arabidopsis roots revealed a strong induction in the production of an indole alkaloid, camalexin, which is a major phytoalexin in Arabidopsis. By using a plant mutant compromized in camalexin synthesis, we show that camalexin production is necessary for the successful colonization of the rhizosphere by AgN23. Conversely, hindering galbonolides biosynthesis in AgN23 knock-out mutant resulted in loss of inhibition of IPCS, a deficiency in plant defence activation, notably the production of camalexin, and a strongly reduced development of the mutant bacteria in the rhizosphere. Together, our results identified galbonolides as important metabolites mediating rhizosphere colonization by Streptomyces.
PubMed: 38896026
DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrae112 -
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) May 2024Yerba Mate drink made from dried and crushed leaves and twigs of Paraguayan holly ( A. St.-Hil.), which is a valuable source of bioactive substances, in particular...
Yerba Mate drink made from dried and crushed leaves and twigs of Paraguayan holly ( A. St.-Hil.), which is a valuable source of bioactive substances, in particular antioxidants. The available literature lacks data on changes in the content and profile of bioactive compounds such as tannins, caffeine, the phenolic acid profile of flavonoids and carotenoids, as well as total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity in Yerba Mate infusions depending on different brewing conditions, and how different brewing conditions affect the physicochemical properties of these infusions. Therefore, this study evaluated the physicochemical properties of dried and Yerba Mate infusions prepared via single and double brewing processes at 70 °C and 100 °C. The organoleptic evaluation, as well as the instrumental color measurement, showed significant changes in the total color difference (Δ) and the *** chromatic coordinates of dried Yerba Mate samples and their infusions. Moreover, the research showed higher contents of tannins (mean 1.36 ± 0.14 g/100 g d.m.), caffeine (mean 17.79 ± 3.49 mg/g d.m.), carotenoids (mean 12.90 ± 0.44 μg/g d.m.), phenolic acids (mean 69.97 ± 7.10 mg/g d.m.), flavonoids (mean 5.47 ± 1.78 mg/g d.m.), total polyphenols (mean 55.26 ± 8.51 mg GAE/g d.m.), and antioxidant activity (mean 2031.98 ± 146.47 μM TEAC/g d.m.) in single-brewed Yerba Mate infusions compared to double-brewed (0.77 ± 0.12 g/100 g d.m., 14.28 ± 5.80 mg/g d.m., 12.67 ± 0.62 μg/g d.m., 57.75 ± 8.73 mg/g d.m., 3.64 ± 0.76 mg/g d.m., 33.44 ± 6.48 mg GAE/g d.m. and 1683.09 ± 155.34 μM TEAC/g d.m., respectively). In addition, infusions prepared at a lower temperature (70 °C) were characterized by a higher content of total polyphenols and higher antioxidant activity, in contrast to the tannin and carotenoid contents, the levels of which were higher at 100 °C than at 70 °C. Considering the high amount of bioactive ingredients, in particular antioxidants, and a wide range of health benefits, it is worth including Yerba Mate in the daily diet.
Topics: Ilex paraguariensis; Antioxidants; Polyphenols; Tannins; Flavonoids; Carotenoids; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Caffeine; Hydroxybenzoates; Beverages
PubMed: 38893465
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112590 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024This study investigates the process of long-term (bio)degradation of polyethylene (PE) in an old municipal waste landfill (MWL) and its implications for environmental...
This study investigates the process of long-term (bio)degradation of polyethylene (PE) in an old municipal waste landfill (MWL) and its implications for environmental and human health. Advanced techniques, such as ICP-ES/MS and IC-LC, were used to analyze heavy metals and anions/cations, demonstrating significant concentration deviations from control samples. The soil's chemical composition revealed numerous hazardous organic compounds, further indicating the migration of additives from PE to the soil. Toxicological assessments, including Phytotoxkit F, Microtox bioassay, and Ostracodtoxkit, demonstrated phytotoxicity, acute toxicity, and high mortality in living organisms (over 85% for ). An unusual concentration of contaminants in the MWL's middle layers, linked to Poland's economic changes during the 1980s and 1990s, suggests increased risks of pollutant migration, posing additional environmental and health threats. Moreover, the infiltration capability of microorganisms, including pathogens, into PE structures raises concerns about potential groundwater contamination through the landfill bottom. This research underscores the need for vigilant management and updated strategies to protect the environment and public health, particularly in older landfill sites.
Topics: Polyethylene; Waste Disposal Facilities; Humans; Soil Pollutants; Environmental Monitoring; Biodegradation, Environmental; Metals, Heavy; Soil
PubMed: 38893375
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112499 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Six ionone glycosides (- and -), including three new ones, named capitsesqsides A-C (-), together with an eudesmane sesquiterpenoid glycoside () and three known...
Six ionone glycosides (- and -), including three new ones, named capitsesqsides A-C (-), together with an eudesmane sesquiterpenoid glycoside () and three known triterpenoid saponins (-) were isolated from . The structures of these compounds were determined by extensive spectroscopic techniques (MS, UV, 1D-NMR, and 2D-NMR) and comparison with data reported in the literature. The absolute configurations were determined by comparison of the experimental and theoretically calculated ECD curves and LC-MS analyses after acid hydrolysis and derivatization. The anti-inflammatory activities of these compounds were evaluated in the LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Molecular docking demonstrated that has a favorable affinity for NLRP3 and iNOS.
Topics: Rhododendron; Mice; Glycosides; RAW 264.7 Cells; Animals; Molecular Docking Simulation; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Norisoprenoids; Molecular Structure; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Lipopolysaccharides; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 38893339
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112462 -
Nutrients Jun 2024: Dietary quality and the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods have been shown to protect against memory decline. Therefore, this double-blind, randomized,... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
An Examination into the Effects of a Nutraceutical Supplement on Cognition, Stress, Eye Health, and Skin Satisfaction in Adults with Self-Reported Cognitive Complaints: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
: Dietary quality and the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods have been shown to protect against memory decline. Therefore, this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study aimed to investigate the effects of a nutritional supplement on changes in cognitive performance. : In adults aged 40 to 70 years with subjective memory complaints, participants were randomly allocated to take a supplement containing vitamin E, astaxanthin, and grape juice extract daily for 12 weeks or a matching placebo. The primary outcomes comprised changes in cognitive tasks assessing episodic memory, working memory, and verbal memory. Secondary and exploratory measures included changes in the speed of information processing, attention, and self-report measures of memory, stress, and eye and skin health. Moreover, changes in plasma concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, malondialdehyde, tumor-necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 were measured, along with changes in skin carotenoid concentrations. : Compared to the placebo, nutritional supplementation was associated with larger improvements in one primary outcome measure comprising episodic memory ( = 0.037), but not for working memory ( = 0.418) or verbal learning ( = 0.841). Findings from secondary and exploratory outcomes demonstrated that the nutraceutical intake was associated with larger improvements in the Everyday Memory Questionnaire ( = 0.022), increased plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor ( = 0.030), decreased plasma malondialdehyde ( = 0.040), and increased skin carotenoid concentrations ( = 0.006). However, there were no group differences in changes in the remaining outcome measures. : Twelve weeks of supplementation with a nutritional supplement was associated with improvements in episodic memory and several biological markers associated with cognitive health. Future research will be essential to extend and validate the current findings.
Topics: Humans; Dietary Supplements; Middle Aged; Double-Blind Method; Male; Female; Cognition; Adult; Aged; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; Vitamin E; Xanthophylls; Skin; Antioxidants; Interleukin-6; Self Report; Carotenoids; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Memory, Short-Term; Memory, Episodic; Fruit and Vegetable Juices; Malondialdehyde; Eye
PubMed: 38892705
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111770 -
Nutrients Jun 2024There is increasing evidence suggesting that serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) levels can be used as biomarkers for axonal injury. Retinol is recognized for its...
BACKGROUND
There is increasing evidence suggesting that serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) levels can be used as biomarkers for axonal injury. Retinol is recognized for its significant involvement in nervous system function, but the precise connection between dietary retinol and sNfL levels remains uncertain.
OBJECTIVE
Our objective was to investigate the relationship between dietary retinol intake and sNfL, and to find an optimal retinol intake level for neurological health.
METHODS
In the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), conducted from 2013 to 2014, a cohort of 1684 participants who met the criteria were selected for the study. sNfL levels were measured from stored serum samples using a novel high-throughput immunoassay platform from Siemens Healthineers. Assessment of dietary retinol intake was performed by a uniformly trained interviewer through a 24 h dietary recall method. A generalized linear model was evaluated to assess the correlation between dietary retinol intake and sNfL concentrations. Furthermore, the nonlinear association between the two is further explored using restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis.
RESULTS
Upon adjusting for potential confounders, a 10% increase in dietary retinol intake was associated with a 3.47% increase in sNfL levels (95% CI: 0.54%, 6.49%) across all participants. This relationship was more pronounced in specific subgroups, including those under 60 years of age, non-obese, impaired estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and non-diabetic. In subgroup analysis, among those younger than 60 years of age (percent change: 3.80%; 95% CI: 0.43%, 7.28%), changes were found in non-obese participants (percent change: 6.28%; 95% CI: 2.66%, 10.02%), those with impaired eGFR (percent change: 6.90%; 95% CI: 1.44%, 12.65%), and non-diabetic patients (percentage change: 4.17%; 95% CI: 1.08%, 7.36%). RCS analysis showed a linear relationship between dietary retinol intake and sNfL levels. Furthermore, the positive correlation between the two was more significant after the inflection point, according to piecewise linear analysis.
CONCLUSION
This current investigation uncovered a J-shaped relationship between dietary retinol and sNfL levels, suggesting that axonal damage can occur when dietary retinol intake increases more than a specific threshold. These findings need to be further confirmed in future prospective studies to determine the precise intake level that may trigger axonal injury.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Nutrition Surveys; Neurofilament Proteins; Vitamin A; Adult; Biomarkers; Diet; Aged; United States; Cross-Sectional Studies
PubMed: 38892696
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111763 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant found in marine organisms such as microalgae and krill, may offer ergogenic benefits to endurance athletes. Originally used in fish... (Review)
Review
Astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant found in marine organisms such as microalgae and krill, may offer ergogenic benefits to endurance athletes. Originally used in fish feed, astaxanthin has shown a greater ability to mitigate various reactive oxygen species and maintain the structural integrity of mitochondria compared to other exogenous antioxidants. More recent work has shown that astaxanthin may improve: (1) cycling time trial performance, (2) cardiorespiratory measures such as submaximal heart rate during running or cycling, (3) recovery from delayed-onset muscle soreness, and (4) endogenous antioxidant capacity such as whole blood glutathione within trained populations. In this review, the history of astaxanthin and its chemical structure are first outlined before briefly describing the various adaptations (e.g., mitochondrial biogenesis, enhanced endogenous antioxidant capacity, etc.) which take place specifically at the mitochondrial level as a result of chronic endurance training. The review then concludes with the potential additive effects that astaxanthin may offer in conjunction with endurance training for the endurance athlete and offers some suggested practical recommendations for athletes and coaches interested in supplementing with astaxanthin.
Topics: Xanthophylls; Humans; Dietary Supplements; Physical Endurance; Adaptation, Physiological; Athletes; Antioxidants; Mitochondria; Endurance Training; Athletic Performance; Animals
PubMed: 38892683
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111750