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Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2023Red Sea marine sponges are an important source of biologically active natural products. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the...
Red Sea marine sponges are an important source of biologically active natural products. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the components of -hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate fractions of sp. marine sponge collected from the Red Sea, Egypt using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS (Ultra-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry) analysis. The analysis revealed the tentative identification of 23, 16, and 24 compounds from the -hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate fractions of sp., respectively. In addition, the examination of these fractions resulted in the isolation and identification of three sterols and one amino acid. The identification of the isolated compounds was confirmed by 1D and 2D NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), and MS (Mass spectrometry), and IR (Infrared) spectroscopy. The in vitro cytotoxic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of the total ethanolic extract and its sub-fractions were also evaluated. Interestingly, the ethyl acetate fraction showed potent cytotoxic activity against colon (HCT-116) and human larynx carcinoma (HEP-2) cell lines with IC (Half-maximal Inhibitory Concentration) 6.11 ± 0.2 and 12.6 ± 0.9 µg/mL, respectively. However, the dichloromethane fraction showed strong antioxidant activity, with IC 75.53 ± 3.41 µg/mL. Notably, the total ethanolic extract showed the strongest antibacterial activity against and , with MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) 62.5 ± 0.82 and 125 ± 0.62 µg/mL, respectively, compared to other fractions. In conclusion, this is the first report on the secondary metabolites content and biological activities of sp. from the Red Sea, Egypt. It also highlights the need for further research on the most active fractions against various cancer cell lines and resistant bacterial and fungal strains. sp. extract and its fractions could be a potential source of novel and safe natural drugs with a wide range of medicinal and pharmaceutical applications.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Indian Ocean; Egypt; Methylene Chloride; Porifera; Plant Extracts; Antioxidants; Ethanol
PubMed: 36838631
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041643 -
Scientific Reports Feb 2023The members of the genus Phyllanthus have long been used in the treatment of a broad spectrum of diseases. They exhibited antiproliferative activity against various...
The members of the genus Phyllanthus have long been used in the treatment of a broad spectrum of diseases. They exhibited antiproliferative activity against various human cancer cell lines. Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer and a leading cause of cancer death among women. Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anticancer agent used to treat breast cancer despite its significant cardiotoxicity along with resistance development. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the potential cytotoxicity of P. niruri extracts (and fractions) alone and in combination with DOX against naïve (MCF-7) and doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7). The methylene chloride fraction (CHCl) showed the most cytotoxic activity among all tested fractions. Interestingly, the CHCl-fraction was more cytotoxic against MCF-7 than MCF-7 at 100 µg/mL. At sub-cytotoxic concentrations, this fraction enhanced the cytotoxic effect of DOX against the both cell lines under investigation (IC values of 0.054 µg/mL and 0.14 µg/mL vs. 0.2 µg/mL for DOX alone against MCF-7) and (1.2 µg/mL and 0.23 µg/mL vs. 9.9 µg/mL for DOX alone against MCF-7), respectively. Further, TLC fractionation showed that B2 subfraction in equitoxic combination with DOX exerted a powerful synergism (IC values of 0.03 µg/mL vs. 9.9 µg/mL for DOX alone) within MCF-7. Untargeted metabolite profiling of the crude methanolic extract (MeOH) and CHCl fraction exhibiting potential cytotoxicity was conducted using liquid chromatography diode array detector-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-QTOF). Further studies are needed to separate the active compounds from the CHCl fraction and elucidate their mechanism(s) of action.
Topics: Female; Humans; Breast Neoplasms; MCF-7 Cells; Phyllanthus; Antineoplastic Agents; Doxorubicin; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
PubMed: 36792619
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29566-0 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2023Until recently, chirality has not been a major focus in the study of cannabinoids, as most cannabinoids of interest, such as cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol, exist...
Until recently, chirality has not been a major focus in the study of cannabinoids, as most cannabinoids of interest, such as cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol, exist as a single isomer from natural sources. However, this is changing as more cannabinoids are identified, and compounds such as cannabichromene and cannabicyclol are emerging as potential investigatory candidates for varying indications. Because these molecules are chiral, the separation and study of the individual enantiomers' biological and physiological effects should therefore be of interest. The purpose of this study was to identify analytical separation conditions and then adapt those conditions to preparative separation. This was accomplished with a column-screening approach on Daicel's immobilized polysaccharide chiral stationary phases using non-traditional mobile phases, which included dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methyl tert-butyl ether under high-performance liquid chromatography conditions. CHIRALPAK IK was found to separate all four compounds well with mobile phases containing hexane-dichloromethane (with or without an acidic additive). From these methods, the separation productivities were calculated to better visualize the separation scalability, which shows that the kilogram-scale separations of each are feasible.
Topics: Methylene Chloride; Polysaccharides; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Stereoisomerism; Dronabinol
PubMed: 36770831
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031164 -
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2023Currently, environmental pollution by various organic pollutants (e.g., organic dyes) is a serious, emerging global issue. The aqueous environment is highly exposed to...
Currently, environmental pollution by various organic pollutants (e.g., organic dyes) is a serious, emerging global issue. The aqueous environment is highly exposed to the harmful effects of these organic compounds. Furthermore, the commonly applied conventional purification techniques are not sufficient enough. Heterogeneous photocatalysis and the photo-Fenton process are effective, low-cost and green alternatives for the removal of organic pollutants. In this study, different iron(III) oxide/titanium(IV) oxide/polyvinyl chloride (FeO/TiO/PVC) nanocomposites in tablet form were investigated in the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) under simulated sunlight, and their possible antibacterial effects were examined. The newly synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The results showed a crystal form in the case of FeO and FeO samples, while the FeO sample showed a combination of and synthetic mineral . The highest photocatalytic efficiency was achieved in the presence of FeO/TiO/PVC, when 70.6% of MB was removed. In addition, the possible photo-cleaning and reuse of the mentioned photocatalyst was also examined. Based on the results, it can be seen that the activity did not decrease after five successive runs. Nanocomposites also exhibited mild antibacterial effects against the two tested Gram-positive bacteria ( and ).
PubMed: 36770421
DOI: 10.3390/nano13030460 -
Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry 2023We have developed a catalytic aza-Nazarov reaction of -acyliminium salts generated in situ from the reaction of a variety of cyclic and acyclic imines with...
We have developed a catalytic aza-Nazarov reaction of -acyliminium salts generated in situ from the reaction of a variety of cyclic and acyclic imines with α,β-unsaturated acyl chlorides to afford substituted α-methylene-γ-lactam heterocycles. The reactions proceed effectively in the presence of catalytic (20 mol %) amounts of AgOTf as an anion exchange agent or hydrogen-bond donors such as squaramides and thioureas as anion-binding organocatalysts. The aza-Nazarov cyclization of 3,4-dihydroisoquinolines with α,β-unsaturated acyl chlorides gives tricyclic lactam products in up to 79% yield with full diastereocontrol (dr = >99:1). The use of acyclic imines in a similar catalytic aza-Nazarov reaction with 20 mol % of AgOTf results in the formation of α-methylene-γ-lactam heterocycles in up to 76% yield and with good to high diastereoselectivities (4.3:1 to 16:1). We have demonstrated the scalability of the reaction with a gram-scale example. The relative stereochemistry of the α-methylene-γ-lactam products has been determined via the single-crystal X-ray analysis of lactam . In order to shed light on the details of the reaction mechanism, we have performed carefully designed mechanistic studies which consist of experiments on the effect of β-silicon stabilization, the alkene geometry of the α,β-unsaturated acyl chloride reactants, and adventitious water on the success of the catalytic aza-Nazarov reaction.
PubMed: 36741815
DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.19.6 -
Poultry Science Apr 2023This study evaluated the effect of probiotics (Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract) and its delivery route (in-feed or in ovo) on hatch and growth performance, blood...
The effect of Bacillus subtilis and its delivery route on hatch and growth performance, blood biochemistry, immune status, gut morphology, and microbiota of broiler chickens.
This study evaluated the effect of probiotics (Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract) and its delivery route (in-feed or in ovo) on hatch and growth performance, blood biochemistry, immune status, gut morphology, and microbiota of broiler chickens. Hatching eggs were incubated for 21 d. On d 12, viable eggs were randomly allotted to 4 groups: the noninjected, in ovo saline (S), in ovo Bacillus subtilis 1 (P1), and in ovo Bacillus subtilis 2 (P2). On d 18, S, P1, and P2 groups received 0.2 mL saline diluent, 10 × 10, and 20 × 10 CFU of the bacterium via the amnion, respectively. At hatch, chicks were re-allotted to 5 new treatment groups: P1, P2, 0.005% in-feed Bacillus subtilis extract (P3), 0.05% in-feed bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD,), and corn-wheat-soybean diet negative control (NC) in 9 replicate pens (22 birds/pen) and raised for 35 d. Hatch parameters were assessed on d 0, and growth performance indices measured weekly. On d 25, 1 bird/cage was euthanized, and samples collected for further analysis. Data were analyzed by generalized linear model. Treatments S and P2 recorded higher (P = 0.01) chick BW/ Egg Weight values compared to the non-injected eggs. P3 and P2 reduced (P = 0.02) FI at week 5 compared to the NC treatment. However, no change in average body weight gain (ABG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were observed during the same period. At d 35, while BMD treatment showed a tendency (P = 0.09) to increase FI compared to the NC treatment, ABG and FCR were similar for all treatments. Blood sodium and chloride levels were increased (P < 0.05) by the BMD treatment compared to the NC treatment. Compared to other treatments, BMD and P3 treatments increased (P < 0.001) jejunal and ileal villus height to crypt depth ratios, respectively. However, P1 and P2 increased (P < 0.001) villus height to crypt depth ratio in the duodenum compared to NC treatment. Treatments did not affect gut microbial diversity; however, BMD treatment increased (P < 0.05) the proportion of bacteria in the genus Enterococcus in the ileum and reduced (P < 0.05) the proportion of bacteria in the genus Streptococcus in the ceca. All probiotics treatments (irrespective of route and dose) reduced (P < 0.001) the levels of serum IgG compared to the NC treatment. However, P1 and P2 had the lowest numerical decrease in serum IgG concentrations, suggesting that Bacillus subtilis (especially in ovo delivered) might provide broiler chickens with better immunological protection by neutralizing pathogenic organisms that could result in the production of natural antibodies.
Topics: Animals; Chickens; Bacillus subtilis; Diet; Probiotics; Microbiota; Immunoglobulin G; Animal Feed
PubMed: 36736137
DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.102473 -
Scientific Reports Feb 2023This study developed a method for the simultaneous determination of volatile phenol, cyanide, anionic surfactant, and ammonia nitrogen in drinking water, using a...
This study developed a method for the simultaneous determination of volatile phenol, cyanide, anionic surfactant, and ammonia nitrogen in drinking water, using a continuous flow analyzer. The samples were first distilled at 145 °C. The phenol in the distillate then subsequently reacted with alkaline ferricyanide and 4-aminoantipyrine to form a red complex that was measured colorimetrically at 505 nm. Cyanide in the distillate subsequently reacted with chloramine T to form cyanogen chloride, which then formed a blue complex with pyridinecarboxylic acid that was measured colorimetrically at 630 nm. The anionic surfactant reacted with basic methylene blue to form a compound that was extracted into chloroform and washed with acidic methylene blue to remove interfering substances. The blue compound in chloroform was determined colorimetrically at 660 nm. Ammonia reacted with salicylate and chlorine from dichloroisocyanuric acid to produce indophenol blue at 37 °C in an alkaline environment that was measured at 660 nm. The relative standard deviations were 0.75-6.10% and 0.36-5.41%, respectively, and the recoveries were 96.2-103.6% and 96.0-102.4% when the mass concentration of volatile phenol and cyanide was in the range of 2-100 μg/L. The linear correlation coefficients were ≥ 0.9999, and the detection limits were1.2 μg/L and 0.9 μg/L, respectively. The relative standard deviations were 0.27-4.86% and 0.33-5.39%, and the recoveries were 93.7-107.0% and 94.4-101.7%. When the mass concentration of anionic surfactant and ammonia nitrogen was 10-1000 μg/L. The linear correlation coefficients were 0.9995 and 0.9999, and the detection limits were 10.7 μg/L and 7.3 μg/L, respectively. When compared to the national standard method, no statistically significant difference was found. This approach saves time and labor, has a lower detection limit, higher precision and accuracy, less contamination, and is more appropriate for the analysis and determination of large-volume samples.
PubMed: 36725871
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28776-w -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Mar 2023Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) has the potential to degrade a diversity of chlorinated compounds, and it is widely used for remediation of contaminated groundwaters....
Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) has the potential to degrade a diversity of chlorinated compounds, and it is widely used for remediation of contaminated groundwaters. However, some frequently detected contaminants such as dichloromethane (DCM) and 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) have shown nearly no reactivity with nZVI. Here, we tested the feasibility of combining anaerobic dechlorinating bacteria, Dehalobacterium and Dehalogenimonas, and nZVI as a treatment train to detoxify chlorinated methanes (i.e., chloroform-CF- and DCM), and 1,2-DCA. First, we showed that CF (500 μM) was fully degraded by 1 g/L nZVI to DCM as a major by-product, which was susceptible to fermentation by Dehalobacterium to innocuous products. Our results indicate that soluble compounds released by nZVI might cause an inhibitory impact on Dehalobacterium activity, avoiding DCM depletion. The DCM dechlorination activity was recovered when transferred to a fresh medium without nZVI. The increase in H production and pH was discarded as potential inhibitors. Similarly, a Dehalogenimonas-containing culture was unable to dichloroeliminate 1,2-DCA when exposed to 1 g/L nZVI, but dechlorinating activity was also recovered when transferred to nZVI-free media. The recovery of the dechlorinating activity of Dehalobacterium and Dehalogenimonas suggests that combination of nZVI and bioremediation techniques can be feasible under field conditions where dilution processes can alleviate the impact of the potential inhibitory soluble compounds.
Topics: Iron; Methane; Anaerobiosis; Bacteria, Anaerobic; Methylene Chloride; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 36705832
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25376-z -
Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal : SPJ :... Jan 2023Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide; therefore, searching for an effective treatment for this illness is of great...
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide; therefore, searching for an effective treatment for this illness is of great importance. In the present work, cytotoxic activity of the ethanol extract of the aerial parts of L. against human liver carcinoma cells (Hep G2) was tested. Additionally the antitumor activity of the extract was confirmed using chemically induced rat liver carcinogenesis with diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Moreover, bioguided fractionation and column chromatographic separation of the active compounds were carried out. The extract of showed a promising cytotoxic activity according to the protocols of the National Cancer Institute. Bioguided chromatographic separation of the ethanol extract of led to the isolation of seven secondary metabolites including two sesquiterpene lactones as the principal active components of the methylene chloride soluble fraction, grosheimin (IC = 7.49 µg/mL) and cynaropicrin (IC = 13.9 µg/mL). The compounds were characterized by different spectroscopic techniques such as EI-MS, IR and NMR. Additionally, analysis of the two active compounds revealed their ability to bind with caspase-3 via hydrogen bonds interactions to initiate apoptosis of cancer cells. The results shed the light on the significance of as a potential source of antitumor agents.
PubMed: 36685304
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2022.11.011 -
Polymers Jan 2023The developed chemosensitive layers consisted of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and a conductive polymer (polyaniline-PANI) in a...
The developed chemosensitive layers consisted of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and a conductive polymer (polyaniline-PANI) in a polymeric matrix (a polystyrene solution in methylene chloride). The layers were challenged with a test gas to determine the optimum variant in terms of sensitivity to the selected analyte and the repeatability of results. In terms of individual components, the greatest percentage change in resistance (32%) and the best repeatability were found for chemosensitive layers containing a PANI salt in the polymeric matrix. Even greater changes in resistance were exhibited by sensors containing more than one active component in the matrix: 45% for PANI + MWCNTs and 75% for PANI + rGO. The presented method of thin-layer deposition was shown to be suitable for the production of sensitive and functional sensors of ammonia vapors. The developed sensors were characterized by high repeatability and sensitivity to a harmful substance that constitutes an inhalation hazard to workers. The sensors were also analyzed for their durability and recovery as well as the ability to function under varying temperature and humidity conditions.
PubMed: 36679300
DOI: 10.3390/polym15020420