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Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Lichens are organisms constituted by a symbiotic relationship between a fungus (mycobiont) and a photoautotrophic partner (photobiont). Lichens produce several bioactive...
Lichens are organisms constituted by a symbiotic relationship between a fungus (mycobiont) and a photoautotrophic partner (photobiont). Lichens produce several bioactive compounds; however, the biotechnological exploitation of this organism is hampered by its slow growth. To start studying the possibility of exploiting lichens as alternative sources of bioactive compounds, eighteen lichens were collected in the north of Portugal in order to isolate and study the bioactivity of their photobionts. It was possible to isolate and cultivate only eight photobionts. Three of them, LFR1, LFA2 and LCF3, belong to the genus, the other two (LFA1 and LCF1) belong to the genus and for the remaining three photobionts, LFS1, LCA1 and LCR1, it was impossible to isolate their microalgae. These only grow in consortium with bacteria and/or cyanobacteria. All extracts showed antioxidant activity, mainly at a concentration of 10 mg.mL. LFS1, a consortium extract, showed the highest antioxidant power, as well as the highest concentration of phenolic compounds (5.16 ± 0.53 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE).g). The extracts under study did not show significant antibacterial activity against , or . The sp. and LFA1 extracts showed the highest hyaluronidase inhibition. The LFR1 extract at a concentration of 5 mg.mL showed the highest anti-inflammatory activity (79.77 ± 7.66%). The extracts of sp. and LFA1 also showed greater antidiabetic activity, demonstrating the high inhibitory power of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. LFR1 at a concentration of 5 mg.mL, due to its selective cytotoxicity inhibiting the growth of cancer cells (Caco-2 cells), is a promising anticancer agent.
PubMed: 38890987
DOI: 10.3390/foods13111759 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Wheat ( L.) stands as a significant cereal crop globally, including in Korea, where its consumption reached 35.7 kg per capita in 2023. In the southern regions of Korea,...
Wheat ( L.) stands as a significant cereal crop globally, including in Korea, where its consumption reached 35.7 kg per capita in 2023. In the southern regions of Korea, wheat cultivation follows paddy rice, with harvesting typically occurring during the rainy season in mid-June. This timing, coupled with the high humidity and unpredictable rainfall, often leads to pre-harvest sprouting and subsequent deterioration in flour quality. To assess the impact of rain on flour quality, an artificial rain treatment was administered 45 days after heading in an open field greenhouse, followed by flour quality analysis. The color measurement revealed an increase in the L* parameter, indicative of enhanced kernel vitreousness, attributed to endosperm starch degradation via alpha-amylase activation induced by water absorption. Moreover, significant changes were observed in ash content and the gluten index within the wetted group, resulting in decreased dough strength and stability, ultimately leading to a reduction in loaf volume. Consequently, it is recommended that wheat be harvested 4-7 days after reaching the physiological maturity stage to avoid the rainy season and ensure the production of high-quality wheat.
PubMed: 38890907
DOI: 10.3390/foods13111679 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024The aim of this research is to investigate the quality of different triticale cultivars (Ingen 35, Ingen 33, Ingen 93, Ingen 54, Ingen 40, Fanica and Costel) cultivated...
The aim of this research is to investigate the quality of different triticale cultivars (Ingen 35, Ingen 33, Ingen 93, Ingen 54, Ingen 40, Fanica and Costel) cultivated in the Republic of Moldova from the point of view of the flour, dough, and bread quality characteristics. This research may be of great importance for producers and consumers due to the high production capacity, wide adaptability, economic significance in human foods and nutritional value of triticale cultivars. The triticale flours were analyzed for moisture, ash, protein, wet gluten, fat, carbohydrates, acidity and color parameters (L*, a* and b* values). According to the chemical values, the triticale flours were suitable for breadmaking. The moisture content was less than 14% for all triticale varieties, indicating a long shelf life during its storage and the lowest protein content of 13.1%. The mixing, pasting and fermentation characteristics of triticale dough were analyzed using Mixolab, falling number, dynamic rheometer, alveograph and rheofermentometer devices. All triticale flours presented high levels of α-amylase, with falling number values being less than 70 s. The bread quality characteristics analyzed were the loaf volume, porosity, acidity, and sensory characteristics, and the textural parameters examined were the hardness, gumminess, chewiness, cohesiveness, and resilience. Our data showed large differences in breadmaking quality parameters. However, according to the sensory data, all the bread samples except those obtained from the Costel variety were of a very good quality, being within a total sensory range of 25.26-29.85 points. According to the relationships between flour, dough and bread characteristics obtained through principal component analysis, it may be concluded that the triticale varieties Costel, Ingen 33, Ingen 93 and Fanica, and Ingen 35 were more closely associated with each other. Significant differences were found between the triticale variety samples Ingen 40, Fanica, and Ingen 35 and between Ingen 54, Ingen 33, Costel, and Ingen 93.
PubMed: 38890900
DOI: 10.3390/foods13111671 -
RSC Advances Jun 2024This study explored the flavonoid-rich extract of beetroot ( L.) for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) dual therapy by using and molecular...
This study explored the flavonoid-rich extract of beetroot ( L.) for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) dual therapy by using and molecular simulation studies. Flavonoid-rich extracts of fruit were evaluated for their antidiabetic and anti-alzheimic activities. Molecular docking and dynamic simulation were performed to identify potential bioactive flavonoids with dual therapeutic effects on T2D and AD. Flavonoid-rich extracts of fruit (IC = 73.062 ± 0.480 μg mL) had moderate activity against α-amylase compared to the standard acarbose (IC = 27.104 ± 0.270 μg mL). Compared with acarbose, flavonoid-rich extracts of fruit had appreciable activity against α-glucosidase (IC = 17.389 ± 0.436 μg mL) (IC = 37.564 ± 0.620 μg mL). For AChE inhibition, flavonoid-rich extracts of fruit exhibited ( < 0.0001) inhibitory activity (IC = 723.260 ± 5.466 μg mL), albeit weaker than that of the standard control, galantamine (IC = 27.950 ± 0.122 μg mL). Similarly, flavonoid-rich extracts of fruit showed considerable ( < 0.0001) inhibitory effects on BChE (IC = 649.112 ± 0.683 μg mL). In contrast, galantamine (IC = 23.126 ± 0.683 μg mL) is more potent than the extracts of fruit. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity increased in FeSO-induced brain damage. In contrast, flavonoid-rich extracts of fruit protected against Fe-mediated brain damage by suppressing MAO activity in a concentration-dependent manner. HPLC-DAD profiling of the extracts identified quercetrin, apigenin, rutin, myricetin, iso-quercetrin, -coumaric acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and gallic acid. Molecular docking studies revealed quercetrin, apigenin, rutin, iso-queretrin, and myricetin were the top docked bioactive flavonoids against the five top target proteins (α-amylase, α-glucosidase AchE, BchE, and MAO). Molecular dynamic simulations revealed that the complexes formed remained stable over the course of the simulation. Collectively, the findings support the prospect of flavonoid-rich extracts of root functioning as a dual therapy for T2D and AD.
PubMed: 38887650
DOI: 10.1039/d4ra03638g -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024The objective of this study is to review different methods to screen for the optimal model for preventing and treating chicken glandular and muscular gastritis syndrome....
The objective of this study is to review different methods to screen for the optimal model for preventing and treating chicken glandular and muscular gastritis syndrome. Twenty-four 40-day-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens were randomly allocated into four groups ( = 6): polyethylene glycol + ammonium chloride group (M1 group), acetic acid + rhubarb group (M2 group), polyethylene glycol + rhubarb group (M3 group), and control group. The control group had free access to water, while the remaining groups received different doses of molding reagents added to their drinking water. The animal models were assessed based on clinical manifestations, histopathology findings, serological analysis, and composition of intestinal microbiota to establish an optimal approach for constructing an avian model of glandular and muscular gastritis. The SPF chickens in each model group exhibited typical symptoms of glandular and muscular gastritis, poor spirit, yellow loose stools with undigested feed, and enlargement and ulceration of the glandular and muscular stomach. Among these groups, the M3 group had the highest incidence rate of 100%. Compared to the control group, the body weight and body temperature of the chicken in the three model groups were reduced, and the glandular and muscular stomachs and duodenum showed different degrees of bleeding, mucosal abscission, and other pathological injuries. Additionally, the levels of serum IL-2 and α-amylase activity decreased while the content of IL-4 increased. After conducting 16s rDNA sequencing, it was observed that the abundance of , and was significantly increased in the model group compared to the control group. Conversely, there was a notable decrease in the levels of and , which are speculated to be associated with arachidonic acid metabolism, the NF-κB signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathways. The combination of polyethylene glycol and rhubarb emerged as the most effective method for establishing the glandular and muscular gastritis model in SPF chickens. This constructed chicken model displayed distinct signs of damage to the glandular and muscular stomach, inflammatory response, and disturbance in the intestinal flora, thereby providing a foundation for future research on the prevention and treatment of this syndrome.
PubMed: 38887537
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1343768 -
Bioresources and Bioprocessing Jun 2024Nanoparticles (NPs) formulation in biopolymers is an attractive process for the researcher to decrease the disadvantages of NPs application alone. Bimetallic NPs are a...
Nanoparticles (NPs) formulation in biopolymers is an attractive process for the researcher to decrease the disadvantages of NPs application alone. Bimetallic NPs are a promising formula of two NPs that usually act as synergetic phenomena. Zinc oxide and gold NPs (ZnO@AuNPs) biosynthesis as a bimetallic was prepared via the eco-friendly manner currently. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) was employed for the formulation of ZnO@AuNPs as a nanocomposite via a green method. Physicochemical and topographical characterization was assigned to ZnO@AuNPs and nanocomposite features. The nanostructure of bimetallic NPs and nanocomposite were affirmed with sizes around 15 and 25 nm, respectively. Indeed, the DLS measurements affirmed the more reasonable size and stability of the prepared samples as 27 and 93 nm for bimetallic NPs and nanocomposite, respectively. The inhibitory potential of nanocomposite was more than ZnO@AuNPs against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Enterococcus faecalis, Mucor albicans, Aspergillus flavus, and Mucor circinelloid. ZnO@AuNPs and nanocomposite exhibited antioxidant activity via DPPH with IC of 71.38 and 32.4 µg/mL, correspondingly. Excellent anti-diabetic potential of nanocomposite with IC of 7.4 µg/mL, and ZnO@AuNPs with IC of 9.7 µg/mL was reported compared with the standard acarbose with the IC of 50.93 µg/mL for amylase inhibition (%). Photocatalytic degradation of RR195 and RB dyes was performed by ZnO@AuNPs and nanocomposite, where maximum degradation was 85.7 ± 1.53 and 88.7 ± 0.58%, respectively using ZnO@AuNPs, 90.3 ± 0.28 and 91.8 ± 0.27%, respectively using nanocomposite at 100 min.
PubMed: 38884830
DOI: 10.1186/s40643-024-00759-3 -
Clinical Case Reports Jun 2024A plunging ranula may present initially as an extensive vallecular cyst and correct diagnosis may be reached with the use of ultrasound, fluid aspiration for amylase...
KEY CLINICAL MESSAGE
A plunging ranula may present initially as an extensive vallecular cyst and correct diagnosis may be reached with the use of ultrasound, fluid aspiration for amylase detection, and MRI imaging.
ABSTRACT
The ranula is a pseudocyst of the sublingual salivary gland and can be divided into two known subtypes. The simple ranula and plunging ranula. While the simple type can be found in the floor of the mouth, the plunging ranula usually pervades the mylohoid muscle and presents as a cervical swelling. The presented case should outline the difficulties in diagnostic and treatment of an uncommon expression of a mucocele above the mylohoid muscle without presenting either a cervical or an intraoral swelling, only extending towards the vallecula. We present a previously unreported clinical manifestation of a ranula of an 18-year old male, which extends posteriorly, remaining confined in the supramylohyoid muscle space. The cystic lesion protrudes in the oropharynx, and clinically appears as an extensive vallecular cyst. On magnetic resonance imaging the initial suspected diagnosis of a vallecular cyst was changed to the final diagnosis of a plunging ranula. The marsupialization of the cyst sac was performed. Outpatient follow-up revealed a persisting ostium, indicating a continuous extravasation of the sublingual gland. The present case report describes an unusual clinical presentation of a plunging ranula, remaining above the mylohyoid muscle and protruding into the oropharynx, misdirecting to the first suspected diagnosis of a vallecular cyst. The case highlights the useful contribution of the MRI imaging for differential diagnoses and the need for criteria to indicate further investigations.
PubMed: 38883226
DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8964 -
Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences Apr 2024Diabetes mellitus is a persistent metabolic condition marked by elevated blood glucose levels due to compromised insulin secretion or functionality. The search for...
Diabetes mellitus is a persistent metabolic condition marked by elevated blood glucose levels due to compromised insulin secretion or functionality. The search for natural antidiabetic agents has gained attention due to their potential effectiveness and safety profiles. , a coastal plant, has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes. This study investigates the antidiabetic potential of aqueous extract by analyzing its inhibitory effects on key enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and exploring its molecular interactions with critical target proteins. The aqueous extract of was prepared and used for in vitro analysis. The reduced activity of the extract against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, crucial in glucose absorption and postprandial hyperglycemia, was assessed. Molecular docking techniques were employed to explore the potential interactions between active compounds in the extract and diabetes-related proteins, including BAX, GSK3β, and CADH. The study revealed significant inhibition of both alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes by aqueous extract, indicating its potential to reduce glucose absorption and postprandial hyperglycemia. Moreover, the molecular docking analysis demonstrated strong binding interactions between active compounds in the extract and key proteins involved in diabetes-related pathways, namely apoptotic pathways, glycogen synthesis, and cell adhesion. The findings of this study highlight the promising antidiabetic potential of aqueous extract. Upcoming research should get an attention on isolating and characterizing the active compounds responsible for these effects on antidiabetic therapies from natural sources.
PubMed: 38882866
DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_589_23 -
Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences Apr 2024Nowadays, diabetes mellitus has become common worldwide due to changes in lifestyle, sedentary life, alterations in food habits, and other genetic and environmental...
BACKGROUND
Nowadays, diabetes mellitus has become common worldwide due to changes in lifestyle, sedentary life, alterations in food habits, and other genetic and environmental factors. It is necessary to create awareness about the growing pandemic.
AIM
To evaluate the antidiabetic potential of .
METHODS
α-amylase inhibition and α-glucosidase inhibition activity. Molecular docking analysis.
RESULTS
The plant is rich in naturally occurring phytocompound. The results of the study showed that has the potential to inhibit the activity of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. Moreover, this result was validated using in silico molecular docking studies that showed a good binding affinity of one of the major phytocompound, caffeic acid, with molecules in the insulin signaling cascade.
CONCLUSION
has a potent antidiabetic activity and can be further employed in animal and human studies.
PubMed: 38882856
DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_585_23 -
Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences Apr 2024Nanotechnology is emerging as a promising approach in the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Nanoparticles, due to their unique physicochemical properties and...
Nanotechnology is emerging as a promising approach in the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Nanoparticles, due to their unique physicochemical properties and small size, have the potential to improve the delivery of therapeutic agents, enhance their bioavailability, and increase their efficacy. Among various types of nanoparticles, strontium nanoparticles have gained attention due to their potential antidiabetic activity and cytotoxic effects against cancer cells. , also known as "Sensitive Plant" or "Touch-Me-Not," is a medicinal plant known for its diverse pharmacological activities, including antidiabetic and anticancer properties. Recent research has focused on the synthesis of strontium nanoparticles by using as a green and sustainable approach. These nanoparticles have shown promising results in terms of their antidiabetic activity and cytotoxic effects against cancer cells. Thus, in this study, the antidiabetic effect was studied using the alpha-amylase inhibitor assay, and the cytotoxic effect was studied using the brine shrimp lethality assay. In these assays, increasing concentration of -mediated strontium nanoparticles exhibited increasing antidiabetic and cytotoxic effects, which was similar to the standard used, which is acarbose. Hence, this can be used as a novel antidiabetic and cytotoxic agent in the future.
PubMed: 38882787
DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_583_23