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Brazilian Journal of Biology = Revista... 2024In this study, our objective was to conduct a comprehensive phytochemical analysis, determine toxicity levels, and assess the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of...
In this study, our objective was to conduct a comprehensive phytochemical analysis, determine toxicity levels, and assess the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of extracts derived from the leaves of Dipteryx alata Vogel, a native species of the Brazilian cerrado flora. Three distinct extracts were prepared utilizing assisted ultrasound and the Soxhlet apparatus, namely, Ultrasound Crude Extract (UCE), Soxhlet Crude Extract (SCE), and the Soxhlet Ethanol Extract (SEE). The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, phytosterols, and saponins in all extracts. Additionally, alkaloids were specifically identified in the SCE and SEE extracts. In the analysis using LC-DAD, the compounds gallic acid, rutin, quercetin, luteolin and kampefrol were determined in higher concentrations in the SCE, followed by the SEE and UCE, respectively. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of campesterol, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol in all extracts, with UCE and SCE showing a higher concentration of β-sitosterol. SCE showed the highest concentration of all identified compounds. In the analysis of antioxidant activity by DPPH• and ABTS•+, SEE showed greater efficiency (IC50 = 2.98 ± 2.92 and 6.57 ± 0.89 μg/mL, respectively). In the toxicity test with Allium cepa, all extracts stimulated root growth at 50 g/mL; UCE and SEE stimulated root growth at 250 g/mL; and SEE inhibited root growth at 750 g/mL. In the Artemia salina toxicity, all extracts were non-toxic. Antibacterial activity was identified in the microorganisms S. aureus and S. mutans; however, the extracts did not show antifungal action against the strain of C. albicans. The extracts of D. alata have therapeutic potential for applicability in dentistry.
Topics: Antioxidants; Plant Extracts; Dipteryx; Staphylococcus aureus; Phytochemicals; Anti-Infective Agents; Ethanol
PubMed: 38511776
DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.278004 -
Heliyon Mar 2024Barley scientifically known as is a major grain crop. Over the course of time, great interest has been developed in the usage of barley, because of its various...
Barley scientifically known as is a major grain crop. Over the course of time, great interest has been developed in the usage of barley, because of its various pharmacological activities. Current study is designed to determine the chemical constituents of seed extract by GC-MS technique, and antioxidant assays i.e. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl free radical (DPPH) and 2-azino-bis(3-ethyl benzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) methods. GC-MS identified 16 non-polar compounds in the hexane extract of plant, which includes carboxylic acid (6.25%), fatty acid (37.5%), carboxylic acid amide derivative of fatty acid (6.25%), triterpinoids (18.75%), fat soluble vitamin (6.25%), phytosterol (6.25%), stigmastanes (6.25%), beta diketones (6.25%), and cycloartenol (6.25%) respectively. The major compound includes Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (6.84%), n-Hexadecanoic acid (8.58%), 9,12-Octadecanoic acid (Z,Z)-, Methyl Ester (8.04%), 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z) (57.01%), Lup-20(29)-en-3-one (3.57%), γ-Sitosterol (3.31%). Some constituents such as Lup-20(29)-en-3-one, campesterol and squalene were observed and were not previously reported. Total phenolic and total flavonoid content were determined using spectrophotometric technique and calculated as gallic acid equivalents GAE/g dry weight and rutin equivalent RE/g of dry weight respectively.The highest phenolic content exhibited by the acetone extract of seedsi.e. 0.0597 mg GAE/g while the highest flavonoid content exhibited by dichloromethane extract i.e. 0.09 mg RE/g and 0.25 mg QE/g of dry weight respectively. All the extracts showed significant antioxidant activity in DPPH and ABTS cation decolorization assays. Methanol and dichloromethane extract showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity i.e. 52.41% and 42.07% at the concentration of 100 mg/ml respectively. Moreover, the IC has been determined by the acetone and methanol extract of seeds. The high antioxidant activity of its seed extracts has made this plant pharmacologically important. Conclusively, there is a vast scope to further explore the active principals of barley so that more of its pharmacological properties can be identified.
PubMed: 38509904
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27297 -
Lipids in Health and Disease Mar 2024To enhance the detection, management and monitoring of Chinese children afflicted with sitosterolemia by examining the physical characteristics and genetic makeup of...
OBJECTIVE
To enhance the detection, management and monitoring of Chinese children afflicted with sitosterolemia by examining the physical characteristics and genetic makeup of pediatric patients.
METHODS
In this group, 26 children were diagnosed with sitosterolemia, 24 of whom underwent genetic analysis. Patient family medical history, physical symptoms, tests for liver function, lipid levels, standard blood tests, phytosterol levels, cardiac/carotid artery ultrasounds, fundus examinations, and treatment were collected.
RESULTS
The majority (19, 73.1%) of the 26 patients exhibited xanthomas as the most prevalent manifestation. The second most common symptoms were joint pain (7, 26.9%) and stunted growth (4, 15.4%). Among the 24 (92.3%) patients whose genetics were analyzed, 16 (66.7%) harbored ABCG5 variants (type 2 sitosterolemia), and nearly one-third (8, 33.3%) harbored ABCG8 variants (type 1 sitosterolemia). Additionally, the most common pathogenic ABCG5 variant was c.1166G > A (p.Arg389His), which was found in 10 patients (66.7%). Further analysis did not indicate any significant differences in pathological traits among those carrying ABCG5 and ABCG8 variations (P > 0.05). Interestingly, there was a greater abundance of nonsense variations in ABCG5 than in ABCG8 (P = 0.09), and a greater frequency of splicing variations in ABCG8 than ABCG5 (P = 0.01). Following a change in diet or a combination of ezetimibe, the levels of cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein were markedly decreased compared to the levels reported before treatment.
CONCLUSION
Sitosterolemia should be considered for individuals presenting with xanthomas and increased cholesterol levels. Phytosterol testing and genetic analysis are important for early detection. Managing one's diet and taking ezetimibe can well control blood lipids.
Topics: Humans; Child; Lipoproteins; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 5; Phytosterols; Cholesterol; Ezetimibe; Xanthomatosis; Hypercholesterolemia; Intestinal Diseases; Lipid Metabolism, Inborn Errors
PubMed: 38509578
DOI: 10.1186/s12944-024-02077-1 -
Current Research in Food Science 2024Phytosterol organic acid esters are important food resources and the components of biomembrane structure. Due to the lack of extraction and synthesis techniques, more...
Phytosterol organic acid esters are important food resources and the components of biomembrane structure. Due to the lack of extraction and synthesis techniques, more research has been focused on phytosterols, and the research on phytosterol acid esters have encountered a bottleneck, but phytosterol acid esters confer substantial benefits to human health. In this study, stigmasteryl vanillate (VAN), stigmasteryl protocatechuate (PRO) and stigmasteryl sinapate (SIN) were prepared through the Steglich reaction. The processes are promotable and the products reach up to 95% purity. In addition, their stability was evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. HPLC analysis revealed an enhancement in water solubility after esterification with phenolic acid. In an digestion model, the bioaccessibility of stigmasteryl phenolates was significantly higher than that of stigmasterols (STIs). Regarding the anti-inflammatory properties, VAN, PRO, and SIN exhibit superior effects against TNF-α induced pro-inflammatory responses compared to STI. All stigmasteryl phenolates supplementation increased the ATP production, the basal, and maximal oxygen consumption rate in mitochondrial stress test. Overall, we present a synthesis method for stigmasteryl phenolates. It will contribute to the development and research of phytosterol acid ester analysis, functions and utilization in food. Moreover, the nutrient-stigmasterol hybrids tactic we have constructed is practical and can become a targeted mitochondrial delivery strategy with enhanced anti-inflammatory effects.
PubMed: 38487178
DOI: 10.1016/j.crfs.2024.100702 -
The Plant Cell May 2024
Topics: Signal Transduction; Brassinosteroids; Phosphates; Arabidopsis; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
PubMed: 38478722
DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koae080 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2024A new glucosyl flavone, 5,7,2',5'-tetrahydroxyflavone 7--β-d-glucopyranoside, named loeflingiin, together with apigenin 6--glucoside (isovitexin), coumarins citropten...
A new glucosyl flavone, 5,7,2',5'-tetrahydroxyflavone 7--β-d-glucopyranoside, named loeflingiin, together with apigenin 6--glucoside (isovitexin), coumarins citropten and isompinellin, triterpenoids betulin and betulinic acid, and a mixture of phytosterols β-sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol were isolated for the first time from the leaves of wild L. () collected in the Iraqi Kurdistan region. The plant is used by local people to treat wounds and as a vulnerary remedy. The structures of isolated compounds were determined by spectroscopic analysis. The activities of isovitexin and loeflingiinon the viability of breast (MCF7), ovarian (BG-1), endometrial (Ishikawa), and mesothelioma (IST-MES1) human cancer cells and two normal cell lines were determined with an MTT assay. Notably, the new 7--glucosyl flavone showed effects higher than cisplatin against the Ishikawa and IST-MESI cell lines. The significant biological activities exhibited by all the compounds isolated from provided scientific evidence to support the use of the plant in the Kurdish traditional medicine.
Topics: Humans; Plantago; Cell Survival; Plants; Neoplasms; Plant Extracts; Triterpenes
PubMed: 38474591
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29051079 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2024The BRI1 EMS suppressor 1(BES1) transcription factor is a crucial regulator in the signaling pathway of Brassinosteroid (BR) and plays an important role in plant growth...
The BRI1 EMS suppressor 1(BES1) transcription factor is a crucial regulator in the signaling pathway of Brassinosteroid (BR) and plays an important role in plant growth and response to abiotic stress. Although the identification and functional validation of genes have been extensively explored in various plant species, the understanding of their role in woody plants-particularly the endangered species (Hemsl.) Yang-remains limited. In this study, we identified nine members of the gene family in the genome of ; these nine members were unevenly distributed across four chromosomes. In our further evolutionary analysis of , we discovered that can be divided into three subfamilies (Class I, Class II, and Class IV) based on the evolutionary tree constructed with , , and . Each subfamily contains 2-5 genes. There were nine pairs of homologous genes in the synteny analysis of and . Three segmental replication events and one pair of tandem duplication events were present among the family members. Additionally, we conducted promoter -acting element analysis and discovered that contains binding sites for plant growth and development, cell cycle regulation, and response to abiotic stress. is highly expressed in root bark, stem bark, root xylem, and stem xylem. was expressed in five tissues. Moreover, we examined the expression profiles of five representative genes under heat and drought stress. These experiments preliminarily verified their responsiveness and functional roles in mediating responses to abiotic stress. This study provides important clues to elucidate the functional characteristics of the gene family, and at the same time provides new insights and valuable information for the regulation of resistance in .
Topics: Transcription Factors; Arabidopsis; Arabidopsis Proteins; Brassinosteroids; Stress, Physiological; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Phylogeny; Plant Proteins; Multigene Family; DNA-Binding Proteins
PubMed: 38474317
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25053072 -
Alzheimer's Research & Therapy Mar 2024Studies have suggested that blood circulating phytosterols, plant-derived sterols analogous to cholesterol, were associated with blood lipid levels and the risk of...
BACKGROUND
Studies have suggested that blood circulating phytosterols, plant-derived sterols analogous to cholesterol, were associated with blood lipid levels and the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). This Mendelian randomization (MR) study is performed to determine the causal effect of circulating phytosterols on AD and PD and evaluate the mediation effect of blood lipids.
METHODS
Leveraging genome-wide association studies summary-level data for phytosterols, blood lipids, AD, and PD, univariable and multivariable MR (MVMR) analyses were conducted. Four types of phytosterols (brassicasterol, campesterol, sitosterol, and stigmasterol), three blood lipids parameters (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], non-HDL-C, and triglyceride), two datasets for AD and PD were used. Inverse-variance weighted method was applied as the primary analysis, and false discovery rate method was used for adjustment of multiple comparisons.
RESULTS
Using the largest AD dataset, genetically proxied higher levels of stigmasterol (OR = 0.593, 95%CI = 0.431-0.817, P = 0.004) and sitosterol (OR = 0.864, 95%CI = 0.791-0.943, P = 0.004) significantly correlated with a lower risk of AD. No significant associations were observed between all four types of phytosterols levels and PD. MVMR estimates showed that the above causal associations were missing after integrating the blood lipids as exposures. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these associations, with no evidence of pleiotropy and heterogeneity.
CONCLUSION
The study supports a potential beneficial role of blood stigmasterol and sitosterol in reducing the risk of AD, but not PD, which is dependent on modulating blood lipids. These insights highlight circulating stigmasterol and sitosterol as possible biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AD.
Topics: Humans; Sitosterols; Stigmasterol; Alzheimer Disease; Genome-Wide Association Study; Parkinson Disease; Phytosterols; Cholesterol; Lipids
PubMed: 38461353
DOI: 10.1186/s13195-024-01424-9 -
Nature Communications Mar 2024Copine proteins are highly conserved and ubiquitously found in eukaryotes, and their indispensable roles in different species were proposed. However, their exact...
Copine proteins are highly conserved and ubiquitously found in eukaryotes, and their indispensable roles in different species were proposed. However, their exact function remains unclear. The phytohormone brassinosteroids (BRs) play vital roles in plant growth, development and environmental responses. A key event in effective BR signaling is the formation of functional BRI1-SERK receptor complex and subsequent transphosphorylation upon ligand binding. Here, we demonstrate that BONZAI (BON) proteins, which are plasma membrane-associated copine proteins, are critical components of BR signaling in both the monocot maize and the dicot Arabidopsis. Biochemical and molecular analyses reveal that BON proteins directly interact with SERK kinases, thereby ensuring effective BRI1-SERK interaction and transphosphorylation. This study advances the knowledge on BR signaling and provides an important target for optimizing valuable agronomic traits, it also opens a way to study steroid hormone signaling and copine proteins of eukaryotes in a broader perspective.
Topics: Arabidopsis; Brassinosteroids; Zea mays; Protein Kinases; Arabidopsis Proteins; Membrane Proteins; Carrier Proteins
PubMed: 38459051
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46289-6 -
Heliyon Mar 2024The extracts of offer promising potential as renewable resources for various chemical derivative products aimed at addressing antibiotic resistance. These extracts...
The extracts of offer promising potential as renewable resources for various chemical derivative products aimed at addressing antibiotic resistance. These extracts exhibited significant activity against methicillin-resistant (MRSA), a strain known for its resistance to multiple antibiotics. The extracts were found to be effective against several common antibiotics, including Imipenem, Ampicillin, Penicillin G, Oxacillin, and Amoxicillin-clavulanate. GC-MS analysis revealed that the phytoconstituents of extracts, obtained using both methanol and ethyl acetate, consist of a diverse range of 83 and 160 phytocompounds, respectively. These organic compounds serve as important biochemical precursors for the synthesis of vitamins E and K1, and exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties in both plants and microorganisms. Notable compounds identified include fatty acids (such as palmitic acid, dodecanoic acid, sebacic acid, pentadecanoic acid, myristic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, and linoelaidic acid), phytosterols (Campesterol, β-sitosterol, Stigmast-5-ene), sugars (D-fructose, Fructofuranans), terpenoids (Phytol, citronellol), and phenolic acids (Protocatechoic acid, shikimic acid). The antimicrobial activity of all extracts was found to be superior to that of mupirocin and ciprofloxacin, as observed in susceptibility testing against MRSA ATCC 43300 and other pathogenic bacteria and fungi. It is likely that the combined action of the antimicrobial components within the extract bypasses the mechanisms employed by MRSA to protect itself from antibiotics. Further experiments are needed to investigate the individual effects of each pure compound and their potential synergistic interactions, which may enhance their overall performance.
PubMed: 38444505
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27051