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International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Bone health is the result of a tightly regulated balance between bone modeling and bone remodeling, and alterations of these processes have been observed in several... (Review)
Review
Bone health is the result of a tightly regulated balance between bone modeling and bone remodeling, and alterations of these processes have been observed in several diseases both in adult and pediatric populations. The imbalance in bone remodeling can ultimately lead to osteoporosis, which is most often associated with aging, but contributing factors can already act during the developmental age, when over a third of bone mass is accumulated. The maintenance of an adequate bone mass is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, such as physical activity and diet, and particularly by an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D. In addition, it has been claimed that the integration of specific nutraceuticals such as resveratrol, anthocyanins, isoflavones, lycopene, curcumin, lutein, and β-carotene and the intake of bioactive compounds from the diet such as honey, tea, dried plums, blueberry, and olive oil can be efficient strategies for bone loss prevention. Nutraceuticals and functional foods are largely used to provide medical or health benefits, but there is an urge to determine which products have adequate clinical evidence and a strong safety profile. The aim of this review is to explore the scientific and clinical evidence of the positive role of nutraceuticals and functional food in bone health, focusing both on molecular mechanisms and on real-world studies.
Topics: Humans; Dietary Supplements; Functional Food; Bone and Bones; Osteoporosis; Animals; Bone Remodeling; Bone Density
PubMed: 38892062
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115873 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Functional foods enriched with plant polyphenol anthocyanins attract particular attention due to their health-promoting properties, including antitumor activity. We...
Functional foods enriched with plant polyphenol anthocyanins attract particular attention due to their health-promoting properties, including antitumor activity. We evaluated the effects of a grain diet rich in anthocyanins in a mouse model of Lewis lung carcinoma. Mice of the C57BL/6 strain were fed with wheat of near-isogenic lines differing in the anthocyanin content for four months prior to tumor transplantation. Although a significant decrease in the size of the tumor and the number of metastases in the lungs was revealed in the groups with both types of grain diet, the highest percentage of animals without metastases and with attenuated cell proliferation in the primary tumor were observed in the mice with the anthocyanin-rich diet. Both grain diets reduced the body weight gain and spleen weight index. The antitumor effects of the grain diets were associated with the activation of different mechanisms: immune response of the allergic type with augmented interleukin(IL)-9 and eotaxin serum levels in mice fed with control grain vs. inhibition of the IL-6/LIF system accompanied by a decrease in the tumor-associated M2 macrophage marker arginase 1 gene mRNA levels and enhanced autophagy in the tumor evaluated by the mRNA levels of Beclin 1 gene. Thus, anthocyanin-rich wheat is suggested as a promising source of functional nutrition with confirmed in vivo antitumor activity.
Topics: Animals; Anthocyanins; Carcinoma, Lewis Lung; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Disease Models, Animal; Diet; Cell Proliferation; Lung Neoplasms; Edible Grain; Antineoplastic Agents; Triticum
PubMed: 38891915
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115727 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Chalcone synthase (CHS) and chalcone isomerase (CHI) catalyze the first two committed steps of the flavonoid pathway that plays a pivotal role in the growth and...
Chalcone synthase (CHS) and chalcone isomerase (CHI) catalyze the first two committed steps of the flavonoid pathway that plays a pivotal role in the growth and reproduction of land plants, including UV protection, pigmentation, symbiotic nitrogen fixation, and pathogen resistance. Based on the obtained X-ray crystal structures of CHS, CHI, and chalcone isomerase-like protein (CHIL) from the same monocotyledon, , along with the results of the steady-state kinetics, spectroscopic/thermodynamic analyses, intermolecular interactions, and their effect on each catalytic step are proposed. In addition, PvCHI's unique activity for both naringenin chalcone and isoliquiritigenin was analyzed, and the observed hierarchical activity for those type-I and -II substrates was explained with the intrinsic characteristics of the enzyme and two substrates. The structure of PvCHS complexed with naringenin supports uncompetitive inhibition. PvCHS displays intrinsic catalytic promiscuity, evident from the formation of -coumaroyltriacetic acid lactone (CTAL) in addition to naringenin chalcone. In the presence of PvCHIL, conversion of -coumaroyl-CoA to naringenin through PvCHS and PvCHI displayed ~400-fold increased with reduced formation of CTAL by 70%. Supporting this model, molecular docking, ITC (Isothermal Titration Calorimetry), and FRET (Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer) indicated that both PvCHI and PvCHIL interact with PvCHS in a non-competitive manner, indicating the plausible allosteric effect of naringenin on CHS. Significantly, the presence of naringenin increased the affinity between PvCHS and PvCHIL, whereas naringenin chalcone decreased the affinity, indicating a plausible feedback mechanism to minimize spontaneous incorrect stereoisomers. These are the first findings from a three-body system from the same species, indicating the importance of the macromolecular assembly of CHS-CHI-CHIL in determining the amount and type of flavonoids produced in plant cells.
Topics: Intramolecular Lyases; Acyltransferases; Plant Proteins; Flavonoids; Kinetics; Flavanones; Chalcones; Substrate Specificity; Crystallography, X-Ray; Molecular Docking Simulation; Models, Molecular; Protein Binding; Protein Conformation
PubMed: 38891840
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115651 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024This study aimed to investigate the availability of flavonoids, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids in mutant bean seeds, focusing on M mutant lines, and their...
This study aimed to investigate the availability of flavonoids, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids in mutant bean seeds, focusing on M mutant lines, and their corresponding initial and local cultivars. HPLC-DAD-MS/MS and HPLC-MS/MS were used to analyze twenty-eight genotypes of common bean. The obtained results suggest that the mutations resulted in four newly synthesized anthocyanins in the mutant bean seeds, namely, delphinidin 3--glucoside, cyanidin 3--glucoside, pelargonidin 3--glucoside, and petunidin 3--glucoside, in 20 accessions with colored seed shapes out of the total of 28. Importantly, the initial cultivar with white seeds, as well as the mutant white seeds, did not contain anthocyanins. The mutant lines were classified into groups based on their colors as novel qualitative characteristics. Five phenolic acids were further quantified: ferulic, -coumaric, caffeic, sinapic, and traces of chlorogenic acids. Flavonoids were represented by epicatechin, quercetin, and luteolin, and their concentrations in the mutant genotypes were several-fold superior compared to those of the initial cultivar. All mutant lines exhibited higher concentrations of phenolic acids and flavonoids. These findings contribute to the understanding of the genetics and biochemistry of phenolic accumulation and anthocyanin production in common bean seeds, which is relevant to health benefits and might have implications for common bean breeding programs and food security efforts.
Topics: Seeds; Phaseolus; Polyphenols; Mutation; Anthocyanins; Flavonoids; Genotype; Hydroxybenzoates; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Tandem Mass Spectrometry
PubMed: 38891825
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115638 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The MYB transcription factors (TFs) have substantial functions in anthocyanin synthesis as well as being widely associated with plant responses to various adversities....
The MYB transcription factors (TFs) have substantial functions in anthocyanin synthesis as well as being widely associated with plant responses to various adversities. In the present investigation, we found an unreported MYB TF from (a wild relative of eggplant) and named it in reference to its homologous gene. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that the open reading frame of was 825 bp in length, encoding 275 amino acids, with a typical R2R3-MYB gene structure, and predicted subcellular localization in the nucleus. Analysis of the tissue-specific expression pattern through qRT-PCR showed that the was expressed at a high level in young stems as well as leaves of . Transgenic and tobacco plants overexpressing pertinent to the control of the 35S promoter exhibited a distinct purple color trait, suggesting a significant change in their anthocyanin content. Furthermore, we obtained three tobacco transgenic lines with significant differences in anthocyanin accumulation and analyzed the differences in anthocyanin content by LC-MS/MS. The findings demonstrated that overexpression of caused tobacco to have considerably raised levels of several anthocyanin components, with the most significant increases in delphinidin-like anthocyanins and cyanidin-like anthocyanins. The qRT-PCR findings revealed significant differences in the expression levels of structural genes for anthocyanin synthesis among various transgenic lines. In summary, this study demonstrated that the gene has a substantial impact on anthocyanin synthesis, and overexpression of the gene leads to significant modifications to the expression levels of a variety of anthocyanin-synthesizing genes, which leads to complex changes in anthocyanin content and affects plant phenotypes. This present research offers the molecular foundation for the research of the mechanism of anthocyanin formation within plants, as well as providing some reference for the improvement of traits in solanum crops.
PubMed: 38891379
DOI: 10.3390/plants13111570 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024, a wild blueberry species native to the mountainous regions of southwestern China, is notable for its exceptionally high anthocyanin content, surpassing that of many...
, a wild blueberry species native to the mountainous regions of southwestern China, is notable for its exceptionally high anthocyanin content, surpassing that of many cultivated varieties and offering significant research potential. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are versatile enzymes crucial for anthocyanin transport in plants. Yet, the GST gene family had not been previously identified in . This study utilized a genome-wide approach to identify and characterize the GST gene family in , revealing 88 GST genes grouped into seven distinct subfamilies. This number is significantly higher than that found in closely related species, with these genes distributed across 12 chromosomes and exhibiting gene clustering. A total of 46 members are classified as tandem duplicates. The gene structure of is relatively conserved among related species, showing closer phylogenetic relations to and evidence of purifying selection. Transcriptomic analysis and qRT-PCR indicated that and were highly expressed in flowers, in leaves, and showed significant expression in ripe and fully mature fruits, paralleling trends seen with anthocyanin accumulation. Subcellular localization identified primarily in the plasma membrane, suggesting a potential role in anthocyanin accumulation in fruits. This study provides a foundational basis for further molecular-level functional analysis of the transport and accumulation of anthocyanins in , enhancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying anthocyanin metabolism in this valuable species.
PubMed: 38891305
DOI: 10.3390/plants13111497 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Plant breeding has evolved significantly over time with the development of transformation and genome editing techniques. These new strategies help to improve desirable... (Review)
Review
Plant breeding has evolved significantly over time with the development of transformation and genome editing techniques. These new strategies help to improve desirable traits in plants. Perilla is a native oil crop grown in Korea. The leaves contain many secondary metabolites related to whitening, aging, antioxidants, and immunity, including rosmarinic acid, vitamin E, luteolin, anthocyanins, and beta-carotene. They are used as healthy and functional food ingredients. It is an industrially valuable cosmetics crop. In addition, perilla seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid. They are known to be effective in improving neutral lipids in the blood, improving blood circulation, and preventing dementia and cardiovascular diseases, making them excellent crops whose value can be increased through improved traits. This research will also benefit perilla seeds, which can increase their stock through various methods, such as the increased production of functional substances and improved productivity. Recently, significant attention has been paid to trait improvement research involving gene-editing technology. Among these strategies, CRISPR/Cas9 is highly adaptable, enabling accurate and efficient genome editing, targeted mutagenesis, gene knockouts, and the regulation of gene transcription. CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing has enormous potential for improving perilla; however, the regulation of genome editing is still at an early stage. Therefore, this review summarizes the enhancement of perilla traits using genome editing technology and outlines future directions.
PubMed: 38891275
DOI: 10.3390/plants13111466 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Legume-rhizobia symbiosis is the most important plant-microbe interaction in sustainable agriculture due to its ability to provide much needed N in cropping systems.... (Review)
Review
Legume-rhizobia symbiosis is the most important plant-microbe interaction in sustainable agriculture due to its ability to provide much needed N in cropping systems. This interaction is mediated by the mutual recognition of signaling molecules from the two partners, namely legumes and rhizobia. In legumes, these molecules are in the form of flavonoids and anthocyanins, which are responsible for the pigmentation of plant organs, such as seeds, flowers, fruits, and even leaves. Seed-coat pigmentation in legumes is a dominant factor influencing gene expression relating to N fixation and may be responsible for the different N-fixing abilities observed among legume genotypes under field conditions in African soils. Common bean, cowpea, Kersting's groundnut, and Bambara groundnut landraces with black seed-coat color are reported to release higher concentrations of -gene-inducing flavonoids and anthocyanins compared with the Red and Cream landraces. Black seed-coat pigmentation is considered a biomarker for enhanced nodulation and N fixation in legumes. Cowpea, Bambara groundnut, and Kersting's bean with differing seed-coat colors are known to attract different soil rhizobia based on PCR-RFLP analysis of bacterial DNA. Even when seeds of the same legume with diverse seed-coat colors were planted together in one hole, the nodulating bradyrhizobia clustered differently in the PCR-RFLP dendrogram. Kersting's groundnut, Bambara groundnut, and cowpea with differing seed-coat colors were selectively nodulated by different bradyrhizobial species. The 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing also found significant selective influences of seed-coat pigmentation on microbial community structure in the rhizosphere of five Kersting's groundnut landraces. Seed-coat color therefore plays a dominant role in the selection of the bacterial partner in the legume-rhizobia symbiosis.
PubMed: 38891273
DOI: 10.3390/plants13111464 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024During ripening, 'Hass' avocado skin changes from green to purple/black. Low-temperature storage with a controlled atmosphere (CA) is the most widely used method for...
During ripening, 'Hass' avocado skin changes from green to purple/black. Low-temperature storage with a controlled atmosphere (CA) is the most widely used method for avocado storage; however, few studies have simulated this technology and considered the days of regular air (RA) storage prior to CA storage. Herein, the effect of delaying the storage of 'Hass' avocado (>30% dry matter) in a CA was examined. Long-term storage conditions (5 °C for 50 days) corresponded to (i) regular air storage (RA), (ii) CA (4 kPa O and 6 kPa CO) and (iii) 10 days in RA + 40 days in a CA and (iv) 20 days in RA + 30 days in a CA. Evaluations were performed during storage and at the ready-to-eat (RTE) stage. Skin color remained unchanged during storage, but at the RTE stage, more color development was observed for fruits stored under CA conditions, as these fruits were purple/black (>50%). At the RTE stage, the anthocyanin content increased, and compared to fruit under RA, fruit under a CA contained a five-fold greater content. A 20-day delay between harvest and CA storage increased the fruit softening rate and skin color development after cold storage, reducing the effectiveness of CA as a postharvest technology for extending storage life.
PubMed: 38891264
DOI: 10.3390/plants13111455 -
Cells May 2024The differential effects of cellular and ultrastructural characteristics on the optical properties of adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces in the genus highlight the... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
The differential effects of cellular and ultrastructural characteristics on the optical properties of adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces in the genus highlight the intricate relationships between cellular arrangement and pigment distribution in the plant cells. We examined hyperspectral and chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) kinetics using spectroradiometers and optical and electron microscopy techniques. The leaves were analysed for their spectral properties and cellular makeup. The biochemical compounds were measured and correlated with the biophysical and ultrastructural features. The main findings showed that the top and bottom leaf surfaces had different amounts and patterns of pigments, especially anthocyanins, flavonoids, total phenolics, chlorophyll-carotenoids, and cell and organelle structures, as revealed by the hyperspectral vegetation index (HVI). These differences were further elucidated by the correlation coefficients, which influence the optical signatures of the leaves. Additionally, ChlF kinetics varied between leaf surfaces, correlating with VIS-NIR-SWIR bands through distinct cellular structures and pigment concentrations in the hypodermis cells. We confirmed that the unique optical properties of each leaf surface arise not only from pigmentation but also from complex cellular arrangements and structural adaptations. Some of the factors that affect how leaves reflect light are the arrangement of chloroplasts, thylakoid membranes, vacuoles, and the relative size of the cells themselves. These findings improve our knowledge of the biophysical and biochemical reasons for leaf optical diversity, and indicate possible implications for photosynthetic efficiency and stress adaptation under different environmental conditions in the mesophyll cells of Tradescantia plants.
Topics: Tradescantia; Plant Leaves; Fluorescence; Chlorophyll; Chlorophyll A
PubMed: 38891083
DOI: 10.3390/cells13110952