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Combining metabolomics and transcriptomics to reveal the potential medicinal value of rare species .Heliyon May 2024Licorice is a well-known Chinese medicinal plant that is widely used to treat multiple diseases and process food; however, wild licorice is now facing depletion....
Licorice is a well-known Chinese medicinal plant that is widely used to treat multiple diseases and process food; however, wild licorice is now facing depletion. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify and protect licorice germplasm diversity. In this study, metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses were conducted to investigate the biodiversity and potential medicinal value of the rare wild . A total of 182 differentially accumulated metabolites and 395 differentially expressed genes were identified by comparing and . The molecular weights of the chemical component of were comparable with those of , suggesting that may have medicinal value. Differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs), mainly flavonoids such as kaempferol-3--galactoside, kaempferol-3--(6"malonyl) glucoside, and hispidulin-7--glucoside, showed potential vitality in . Comparative transcriptomics with showed that among the 395 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 69 were enriched in the isoflavonoid biosynthesis pathway. Multiomics analysis showed that the distinction in flavonoid biosynthesis between and was strongly associated with the expression levels of IF7GT and CYP93C. In addition to identifying similarities and differences between and , this study provides a theoretical basis to protect and investigate rare species such as .
PubMed: 38803917
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30868 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024The present study aimed to investigate the chemical content of Romanian juneberries (), their effect on antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities, and their...
The present study aimed to investigate the chemical content of Romanian juneberries (), their effect on antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities, and their bioaccessibility after simulated in-vitro digestion. In extract (AME), 16 polyphenolic compounds were identified by LC-ESI+-MS analysis. The most representative compounds found in the extract were cyanidin-galactoside, 3,4-dihydroxy-5-methoxybenzoic acid, feruloylquinic acid, and kaempferol, all belonging to the anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and flavonols subclasses. The polyphenols of AME exert quenching abilities of harmful reactive oxygen species, as the CUPRAC antioxidant assay value was 323.99 µmol Trolox/g fruit (FW), whereas the FRAP antioxidant value was 4.10 μmol Fe/g fruit (FW). Enzyme inhibition assays targeting tyrosinase (IC50 = 8.843 mg/mL), α-glucosidase (IC50 = 14.03 mg/mL), and acetylcholinesterase (IC50 = 49.55 mg/mL) were used for a screening of AME's inhibitory potential against these key enzymes as a common approach for the discovery of potential antidiabetic, skin pigmentation, and neurodegenerative effects. The screening for the potential antidiabetic effects due to the α-glucosidase inhibition was performed in glucose-induced disease conditions in a human retinal pigmented epithelial cell experimental model, proving that AME could have protective potential. In conclusion, AME is a valuable source of phenolic compounds with promising antioxidant potential and metabolic disease-protective effects, warranting further investigation for its use in the nutraceutical and health industries.
PubMed: 38794418
DOI: 10.3390/plants13101347 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024As a development of our research on biocompatible glycoconjugate probes and specifically multi-chromophoric systems, herein, we report the synthesis and early...
As a development of our research on biocompatible glycoconjugate probes and specifically multi-chromophoric systems, herein, we report the synthesis and early bactericidal tests of two luminescent glycoconjugates whose basic structure is characterized by two boron dipyrromethene difluoride (BODIPY) moieties and three galactoside rings mounted on an oligophenylene ethynylene (OPE) skeleton. BODIPY fluorophores have found widespread application in many branches of biology in the last few decades. In particular, molecular platforms showing two different BODIPY groups have unique photophysical behavior useful in fluorescence imaging. Construction of the complex architecture of the new probes is accomplished through a convergent route that exploits a series of copper-free Heck-Cassar-Sonogashira cross-couplings. The great emergency due to the proliferation of bacterial infections, in conjunction with growing antibiotic resistance, requires the production of new multifunctional drugs and efficient methods for their targeted delivery to control bacteria-associated diseases. Preliminary studies of the glycoconjugate properties as antibacterial agents against representatives of Gram-negative () and Gram-positive () pathogens, which are associated with chronic infections, indicated significant bactericidal activity ascribable to their structural features.
Topics: Boron Compounds; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Staphylococcus aureus; Glycoconjugates; Molecular Structure; Fluorescent Dyes
PubMed: 38792159
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29102299 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024L. is a rich source of vitamin C and polyphenols. Due to their health-benefit properties, L. extracts have been used in, e.g., dermatology and cosmetology, and as a... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
L. is a rich source of vitamin C and polyphenols. Due to their health-benefit properties, L. extracts have been used in, e.g., dermatology and cosmetology, and as a food supplement. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and its co-activator (PGC-1α) are now suspected to be the main target of active substances from . extracts, especially polyphenols. Moreover, the PPARγ pathway is involved in the development of different diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), cancers, skin irritation, and inflammation. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the PPARγ pathway activation by the most popular water and ethanol extracts from specific L. cultivars in an in vitro model of the human normal fibroblast (BJ) cell line. We analyzed the content of biologically active compounds in the extracts using the UPLC-DAD-MS technique and revealed the presence of many polyphenols, including gallic, quinic, protocatechuic, chlorogenic, and ellagic acids as well as iridoids, with loganic acid being the predominant component. In addition, the extracts contained cyanidin 3--galactoside, pelargonidin 3--glucoside, and quercetin 3-glucuronide. The water-ethanol dark red extract (DRE) showed the strongest antioxidant activity. Cytotoxicity was assessed in a normal skin cell line, and positive effects of all the extracts with concentrations ranging from 10 to 1000 µg/mL on the cells were shown. Our data show that the studied extracts activate the PPARγ/PGC-1α molecular pathway in BJ cells and, through this mechanism, initiate antioxidant response. Moreover, the activation of this molecular pathway may increase insulin sensitivity in DM2 and reduce skin irritation.
Topics: Antioxidants; Plant Extracts; Humans; Cornus; Polyphenols; PPAR gamma; Cell Line; Cytoprotection
PubMed: 38791533
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105495 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Our previous study investigated the major flavonoids and antioxidant potential of Asian water lily ( L., family Nymphaeaceae) stamens and perianth extracts....
Our previous study investigated the major flavonoids and antioxidant potential of Asian water lily ( L., family Nymphaeaceae) stamens and perianth extracts. Quercetin-3--rhamnoside (Que-3-Rha) and kaempferol-3--galactoside (Kae-3-Gal) were reported as the two most prominent flavonoids found in these extracts. Many flavonoids have been reported on the skin anti-aging effect that are useful for cosmeceutical/phytopharmaceutical application. However, Que-3-Rha and Kae-3-Gal occurring in this medicinal plant have not yet been evaluated for their ability to inhibit skin-aging enzymes. Therefore, this study aimed (1) to assess the enzyme inhibitory activity of Que-3-Rha and Kae-3-Gal, and (2) to conduct molecular modeling of these compounds against critical enzymes involved in skin aging such as collagenase, elastase, and tyrosinase. In vitro enzymatic assays demonstrated that both of the two most prominent flavonoids exhibited moderate to good inhibitory activity toward these enzymes. These experimental findings were supported by molecular docking analysis, which indicated that Que-3-Rha and Kae-3-Gal showed superior binding affinity to the target enzymes compared to the positive controls. Additionally, computational predictions suggested favorable skin permeability and no severe toxicity for both compounds. The results from molecular dynamic (MD) simulation revealed that all the complexes remained stable during the 200 ns MD simulation. Structural analyses and binding free energy calculations also supported the inhibitory potential of these two flavonoids against skin-aging enzymes. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the anti-aging potential of the two major flavonoids occurring in this medicinal plant, paving the way for further development of cosmeceutical/phytopharmaceutical products targeting skin aging.
PubMed: 38790706
DOI: 10.3390/antiox13050601 -
Biomolecules May 2024The aim of this study was to identify effective genetic markers for the Antigen Processing Associated Transporter 1 (), α (1,2) Fucosyltransferase 1 (), Natural...
The aim of this study was to identify effective genetic markers for the Antigen Processing Associated Transporter 1 (), α (1,2) Fucosyltransferase 1 (), Natural Resistance Associated Macrophage Protein 1 (), Mucin 4 () and Mucin 13 () diarrhea-resistance genes in the local pig breeds, namely Shanghai white pigs, Fengjing pigs, Shawutou pigs, Meishan pigs and Pudong white pigs, to provide a reference for the characterization of local pig breed resources in Shanghai. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLR) and sequence sequencing were applied to analyze the polymorphisms of the above genes and to explore the effects on the immunity of Shanghai local pig breeds in conjunction with some immunity factors. The results showed that both and genes had antidiarrheal genotype GG in the five pig breeds, AG and GG genotypes of the gene were detected in Pudong white pigs, AA antidiarrheal genes of the gene were detected in Meishan pigs, the AB type of the gene was detected in Pudong white pigs, and antidiarrheal genotype GG of the gene was only detected in Shanghai white pigs. The antidiarrhea genotype GG was only detected in Shanghai white pigs. The gene was moderately polymorphic in Shanghai white pigs, Fengjing pigs, Shawutou pigs, Meishan pigs and Pudong white pigs, among which in Shanghai white pigs and Shawutou pigs did not satisfy the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The gene of Pudong white pigs was in a state of low polymorphism. of Meishan pigs and Pudong white pigs was in a state of moderate polymorphism, which did not satisfy the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The genes of Shanghai white pigs and Pudong white pigs were in a state of low polymorphism, and the genes of Fengjing pigs and Shawutou pigs were in a state of moderate polymorphism, and the genes of Fengjing pigs and Pudong white pigs did not satisfy the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The gene of Shanghai white pigs and Pudong white pigs was in a state of moderate polymorphism. Meishan pigs had higher levels of IL-2, IL-10, IgG and TNF-α, and Pudong white pigs had higher levels of IL-12 than the other pigs. The level of interleukin 12 (IL-12) was significantly higher in the AA genotype of the gene of Shanghai white pigs than in the AG genotype. The indicator of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the AA genotype of the gene of Fengjing pigs was significantly higher than that of the GG and AG genotypes. The indicator of IL-12 in the AG genotype of the Shawutou pig gene was significantly higher than that of the GG genotype. The level of TNF-α in the AA genotype of the gene of Meishan pigs was markedly higher than that of the AB genotype. The IL-2 level of the AG type of the gene was obviously higher than that of the GG type of Pudong white pigs, the IL-2 level of the AA type of the gene was dramatically higher than that of the AG type, and the IgG level of the GG type of the gene was apparently higher than that of the AG type. The results of this study are of great significance in guiding the antidiarrhea breeding and molecular selection of Shanghai white pigs, Fengjing pigs, Shawutou pigs, Meishan pigs and Pudong white pigs and laying the foundation for future antidiarrhea breeding of various local pig breeds in Shanghai.
Topics: Animals; Swine; China; Diarrhea; Fucosyltransferases; Cation Transport Proteins; Breeding; Galactoside 2-alpha-L-fucosyltransferase; Mucin-4; Genotype
PubMed: 38786002
DOI: 10.3390/biom14050595 -
Current Issues in Molecular Biology May 2024Galectins are a group of β-galactoside-binding proteins with several roles in immune response, cellular adhesion, and inflammation development. Current evidence suggest... (Review)
Review
Galectins are a group of β-galactoside-binding proteins with several roles in immune response, cellular adhesion, and inflammation development. Current evidence suggest that these proteins could play a crucial role in many respiratory diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, and respiratory infections. From this standpoint, an increasing body of evidence have recognized galectins as potential biomarkers involved in several aspects of asthma pathophysiology. Among them, galectin-3 (Gal-3), galectin-9 (Gal-9), and galectin-10 (Gal-10) are the most extensively studied in human and animal asthma models. These galectins can affect T helper 2 (Th2) and non-Th2 inflammation, mucus production, airway responsiveness, and bronchial remodeling. Nevertheless, while higher Gal-3 and Gal-9 concentrations are associated with a stronger degree of Th-2 phlogosis, Gal-10, which forms Charcot-Leyden Crystals (CLCs), correlates with sputum eosinophilic count, interleukin-5 (IL-5) production, and immunoglobulin E (IgE) secretion. Finally, several galectins have shown potential in clinical response monitoring after inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and biologic therapies, confirming their potential role as reliable biomarkers in patients with asthma.
PubMed: 38785528
DOI: 10.3390/cimb46050260 -
Nutrition & Diabetes May 2024Proglucagon mRNA expression and GLP-1 secretion by cultured human L-cells (NCI-H716) were inhibited following exposure to λ-carrageenan, a commonly used additive in...
Proglucagon mRNA expression and GLP-1 secretion by cultured human L-cells (NCI-H716) were inhibited following exposure to λ-carrageenan, a commonly used additive in processed foods. Carrageenan is composed of sulfated or unsulfated galactose residues linked in alternating alpha-1,3 and beta-1,4 bonds and resembles the endogenous sulfated glycosaminoglycans. However, carrageenan has unusual alpha-1,3-galactosidic bonds, which are not innate to human cells and are implicated in immune responses. Exposure to carrageenan predictably causes inflammation, and carrageenan impairs glucose tolerance and contributes to insulin resistance. When cultured human L-cells were deprived overnight of glucose and serum and then exposed to high glucose, 10% FBS, and λ-carrageenan (1 µg/ml) for 10 minutes, 1 h, and 24 h, mRNA expression of proglucagon and secretion of GLP-1 were significantly reduced, compared to control cells not exposed to carrageenan. mRNA expression of proglucagon by mouse L-cells (STC-1) was also significantly reduced and supports the findings in the human cells. Exposure of co-cultured human intestinal epithelial cells (LS174T) to the spent media of the carrageenan-treated L-cells led to a decline in mRNA expression of GLUT-2 at 24 h. These findings suggest that ingestion of carrageenan-containing processed foods may impair the production of GLP-1, counteract the effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists and induce secondary effects on intestinal epithelial cells.
Topics: Carrageenan; Humans; Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; Food Additives; Proglucagon; Enteroendocrine Cells; Mice; Animals; RNA, Messenger; Cell Line; Glucose
PubMed: 38755184
DOI: 10.1038/s41387-024-00284-4 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Although the biochemical composition and biological properties of the volatile fraction of the halophyte sea fennel ( L.) have been largely described, little is known...
Although the biochemical composition and biological properties of the volatile fraction of the halophyte sea fennel ( L.) have been largely described, little is known about its polar constituents and bioactivities. Here, a hydromethanolic extract of (L.) leaves was fractionated, and the fractions were evaluated in vitro for antioxidant (using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP bioassays), anti-inflammatory (inhibition of NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages), antidiabetic (alpha-glucosidase inhibition), neuroprotective (inhibition of acetylcholinesterase), and skin-protective (tyrosinase and melanogenesis inhibitions) activities. Polar fractions of the extract were rich in phenolics and, correlatively, displayed a strong antioxidant power. Moreover, fractions eluted with MeOH and MeOH exhibited a marked inhibition of alpha-glucosidase (IC = 0.02 and 0.04 mg/mL, respectively), MeOH fractions showed a strong capacity to reduce NO production in macrophages (IC = 6.4 μg/mL), and MeOH and MeOH fractions had strong anti-tyrosinase activities (630 mgKAE/gDW). NMR analyses revealed the predominance of chlorogenic acid in MeOH fractions, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid in MeOH fractions, and 3--rutinoside, 3--glucoside, 3--galactoside, and 3--robinobioside derivatives of quercetin in MeOH fractions. These compounds likely account for the strong antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of sea-fennel polar extract, respectively. Overall, our results make sea fennel a valuable source of medicinal or nutraceutical agents to prevent diabetes, inflammation processes, and oxidative damage.
PubMed: 38731664
DOI: 10.3390/foods13091294 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Mar 2024: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by acute exacerbations. Systemic inflammation and oxidative stress play an...
: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by acute exacerbations. Systemic inflammation and oxidative stress play an important role in the pathogenesis of COPD. Exacerbations in COPD reduce the quality of life and are associated with rapid disease progression. Galectin-3 is a beta-galactoside-binding lectin of approximately 30 kDa with pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic properties. This study aims to analyze the efficacy of serum galectin-3 in predicting exacerbations in COPD patients. : Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of all patients were recorded and blood samples were collected. A total of 58 consecutive COPD patients, including 28 patients (19 male and 9 female) with stable COPD and 30 patients (23 male and 7 female) with acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD), were included in the study. : Serum galectin-3 levels were significantly higher in the AECOPD group compared to the stable COPD group. A logistic regression analysis revealed that increased galectin-3 levels and disease duration were independent predictors of COPD exacerbation (OR = 5.322, 95% CI: 1.178-24.052, = 0.03; and OR = 1.297, 95% CI: 1.028-1.635, = 0.028; respectively). : The results of our study demonstrated that Galectin-3 was a strong and independent predictor of exacerbations in COPD patients.
Topics: Humans; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Male; Female; Galectin 3; Aged; Middle Aged; Biomarkers; Disease Progression; Blood Proteins; Galectins; Logistic Models
PubMed: 38674175
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60040529