Bis-pharmacophore of cinnamaldehyde-clubbed thiosemicarbazones as potent carbonic anhydrase-II inhibitors

Here, we report the synthesis, carbonic anhydrase-II (CA-II) inhibition and structure–activity relationship studies of cinnamaldehyde-clubbed thiosemicarbazones derivatives. The derivatives showed potent activities in the range of 10.3 ± 0.62–46.6 ± 0.62 µM. Among all the synthesized derivatives, compound 3n (IC₅₀ = 10.3 ± 0.62 µM), 3g (IC₅₀ = 12.1 ± 1.01 µM), and 3h (IC₅₀ = 13.4 ± 0.52 µM) showed higher inhibitory activity as compared to the standard inhibitor, acetazolamide. Furthermore, molecular docking of all the active compounds was carried out to predict their behavior of molecular binding. The docking results indicate that the most active hit (3n) specifically mediate ionic interaction with the Zn ion in the active site of CA-II. Furthermore, the The199 and Thr200 support the binding of thiosemicarbazide moiety of 3n, while Gln 92 supports the interactions of all the compounds by hydrogen bonding. In addition to Gln92, few other residues including Asn62, Asn67, The199, and Thr200 play important role in the stabilization of these molecules in the active site by specifically providing H-bonds to the thiosemicarbazide moiety of compounds. The docking score of active hits are found in range of − 6.75 to − 4.42 kcal/mol, which indicates that the computational prediction correlates well with the in vitro results.

Efficient lung-targeted delivery of risedronate sodium/vitamin D3 conjugated PAMAM-G5 dendrimers for managing osteoporosis: Pharmacodynamics, molecular pathways and metabolomics considerations

AIMS

This study aims at formulating combined delivery of Risedronate sodium (RIS) and Vitamin D3 (VITD3) for augmented therapeutic outcome against osteoporosis (OP) using deep lung targeted PAMAM-G5-NH2 dendrimers to minimize RIS gastrointestinal side effects and enhance both drugs bioavailability through absorption from the alveoli directly to the blood.

METHODS

RIS-PAMAM-G5-NH2, VITD3-PAMAM-G5-NH2, and RIS/VITD3-PAMAM-G5-NH2 were prepared and evaluated in vitro for particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), %loading efficiency (%LE), morphology and FTIR. The efficacy of the RIS/VITD3-PAMAM-G5-NH2 compared to oral RIS was evaluated in OP-induced rats by comparing serum calcium, phosphorus, and computed bone mineral density (BMD) pre- and post-treatment. Additionally, a comprehensive metabolomics and molecular pathways approach was applied to find serum potential biomarkers for diagnosis and to evaluate the efficacy of inhaled RIS/VITD3-PAMAM-G5-NH2.

KEY FINDINGS

RIS/VITD3-PAMAM-G5-NH2 was successfully prepared with a %LE of 92.4 ± 6.7 % (RIS) and 83.2 ± 4.4 % (VIT-D3) and a PS of 252.8 ± 34.1 adequate deep lung delivery. RIS/VITD3-PAMAM-G5-NH2 inhalation therapy was able to restore serum calcium, phosphorus, and BMD close to normal levels after 21 days of treatment in OP-induced rats. The WNT-signalling pathway and changes in the metabolite levels recovered to approximately normal levels upon treatment. Moreover, histone acetylation of the WNT-1 gene and miR-148a-3p interference proved to play a role in the regulation of the WNT-signalling pathway during OP progression and treatment.

SIGNIFICANCE

Pulmonary delivery of RIS/VITD3-PAMAM-G5-NH2 offers superior treatment for OP treatment compared to the oral route. Molecular and Metabolic pathways offer a key indicator of OP diagnosis and progression.

A comparative transcriptomics and eQTL approach identifies SlWD40 as a tomato fruit ripening regulator

Although multiple vital genes with strong effects on the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) ripening process have been identified via the positional cloning of ripening mutants and cloning of ripening-related transcription factors (TFs), recent studies suggest that it is unlikely that we have fully characterized the gene regulatory networks underpinning this process. Here, combining comparative transcriptomics and expression QTLs, we identified 16 candidate genes involved in tomato fruit ripening and validated them through virus-induced gene silencing analysis. To further confirm the accuracy of the approach, one potential ripening regulator, SlWD40 (WD-40 repeats), was chosen for in-depth analysis. Co-expression network analysis indicated that master regulators such as RIN (ripening inhibitor) and NOR (nonripening) as well as vital TFs including FUL1 (FRUITFUL1), SlNAC4 (NAM, ATAF1,2, and CUC2 4), and AP2a (Activating enhancer binding Protein 2 alpha) strongly co-expressed with SlWD40. Furthermore, SlWD40 overexpression and RNAi lines exhibited substantially accelerated and delayed ripening phenotypes compared with the wild type, respectively. Moreover, transcriptome analysis of these transgenics revealed that expression patterns of ethylene biosynthesis genes, phytoene synthase, pectate lyase, and branched chain amino transferase 2, in SlWD40-RNAi lines were similar to those of rin and nor fruits, which further demonstrated that SlWD40 may act as an important ripening regulator in conjunction with RIN and NOR. These results are discussed in the context of current models of ripening and in terms of the use of comparative genomics and transcriptomics as an effective route for isolating causal genes underlying differences in genotypes.

DTI of the Olfactory Bulb in COVID-19-Related Anosmia: A Pilot Study

This study aimed to assess the utility of DTI in the detection of olfactory bulb dysfunction in COVID-19-related anosmia. It was performed in 62 patients with COVID-19-related anosmia and 23 controls. The mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy were calculated by 2 readers. The difference between the fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity values of anosmic and control olfactory bulbs was statistically significant (P = .001). The threshold of fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity to differentiate a diseased from normal olfactory bulb were 0.22 and 1.5, with sensitivities of 84.4% and 96.8%, respectively, and a specificity of 100%.

Eco-Friendly NiO/Polydopamine Nanocomposite for Efficient Removal of Dyes from Wastewater

The rapid development of industries discharges huge amounts of wastewater that contain surface water. For this reason, we used NiO/polydopamine (NiO/PDA) nanocomposite as an efficient material for the removal of Methyl violet 2B from water. It was synthesized and then characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET). The EDX analysis confirmed the presence of O, Ni, N, and C. The composite has an average particle size of 18 nm. Its surface area is 110.591 m2/g. It was found that the efficiency of dye removal by adsorption on NiO/PDA exceeded that of bare NiO. The adsorption capacity of NiO and NiO/PDA are 126 and 284 mg/g, respectively. The effects of adsorbent dose, dye concentration, and pH on the removal efficiency were examined. The efficiency increased with increasing the adsorbent dose and pH, but dropped from 85 to 73% within 30 min as the initial dye concentration was increased from 0.984 to 4.92 mg/L. Such a drop in the removal efficiency is due to the blocking of the surface-active sites of NiO/PDA, with the high population of dye molecules derived from the continuous increase in dye concentration. The adsorption results of the dye fitted well with the pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm. The reusability data showed that NiO/PDA was stable across three adsorption–regeneration cycles, thus it can be considered a good recyclable and efficient adsorbent. Because of these results, it can be considered that this method can be applied for the treatment of wastewater.

A Comparative Study of the Antihypertensive and Cardioprotective Potentials of Hot and Cold Aqueous Extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in Relation to Their Metabolic Profiles

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Since ancient times, Hibiscus sabdariffa L. calyces have been used as a folk remedy for the treatment of hypertension. However, it is questionable as to whether there is a difference in the antihypertensive activity of the hot or cold aqueous extracts.

Aim of the study: We designed this study to specify the best method for water extraction of the antihypertensive metabolites of H. sabdariffa and to confirm their in vivo antihypertensive capabilities.

Materials and methods: The powdered dried calyces of H. sabdariffa were independently extracted with cold and hot water. A comparative study was performed between the cold and hot aqueous extracts of H. sabdariffa based on evaluation of the in vitro renin and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition activities. Additionally, both extracts were subjected to an in vivo study for the evaluation of their antihypertensive activities in L-N^w-Nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)–induced hypertensive rats. Further, a metabolomics study was also performed for both extracts to identify their chemical constituents.

Results: The cold and hot extracts significantly reduced the angiotensin II, ACE, and aldosterone levels in the plasma. Furthermore, in the myocardium and aorta, decreased iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) levels and elevated eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase), as well as the rise in plasma NO levels, were reported with both extracts, but better results were displayed with the hot extract, leading to a potential antihypertensive effect. Additionally, the cold and hot Hibiscus extracts induced a cardioprotective effect through reducing necrosis, inflammation, and vacuolization that results from the induction of hypertension, an effect that was more prominent with the hot extract. Moreover, a comprehensive metabolomics approach using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) was able to trace the metabolites in each extraction.

Conclusion: The extracts showed different anthocyanin and phenolic compounds, but the hot extract showed higher contents of specific phenolics to which the superior antihypertensive and cardioprotective activities could be related.

Ag NPs supported chitosan-agarose modified Fe3O4 nanocomposite catalyzed synthesis of indazolo[2,1-b]phthalazines and anticancer studies against liver and lung cancer cells

In this article we report a novel Ag NPs fabricated chitosan-agarose composite functionalized core-shell type Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle (Ag/CS-Agar@Fe₃O₄). The biogenic material was analyzed over a number of physicochemical methods like, FT-IR, FE-SEM, TEM, EDX, XRD, VSM and ICP-OES. In catalytic exploration we aimed the synthesis of diverse 2H-indazolo0-b]phthalazine-trione derivatives via one-pot three component coupling of phathalalhydrazide, dimedone and different aldehydes. It afforded good to excellent yields under solvent-less conditions. Robustness of the catalyst was justified by catalyst recyclability for consecutive 10 times, hot filtration and leaching tests. Again, biological activity of the material was evaluated by studying the antioxidant and cytotoxicity properties over lung and liver cancer cell lines. Antioxidant potential of Ag/CS-Agar@Fe₃O₄ was assessed by DPPH radical scavenging studies and the corresponding IC50 was found to be 96.57 μg/mL. Liver and lung cancer studies over Ag/CS-Agar@Fe₃O₄ was carried out by MTT assay against HepG2 and A549 cell lines. The corresponding IC50 values were found as 192.35 and 365.28 μg/mL respectively. % Cell viability of the nanomaterial decreased dose dependently over both the cell lines without any cytotoxicity on normal cell line. The results demonstrates Ag/CS-Agar@Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite to be an efficient chemotherapeutic drug against the lung and hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Potential Valorization of Edible Nuts By-Products: Exploring the Immune-Modulatory and Antioxidants Effects of Selected Nut Shells Extracts in Relation to Their Metabolic Profiles

The immune system is a potent army that defends our body against various infections and diseases through innate and adaptive immunity. Herbal medicine is one of the essential sources for enhancing immunity because of affordability, availability, minor side effects, and consumers’ preferences. Hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, and peanuts are among the most widespread edible nuts that are rich in phenolics, fats, fibers, vitamins, proteins, and minerals. The potential of nut shells in phytoremediation has attracted increasing attention as a sustainable solution for waste recycling. Here, we determined the in vitro immune-modulatory activity as well as the metabolite profile of the four nut shell extracts. The addition of the extracts to LPS-stimulated macrophages, especially peanut and walnut shells, has downregulated the gene expression of AP-1, TNF-α, IL-8, iNOS, and COX-2 expression levels. Significant antioxidant capabilities and immune-modulatory effects have been traced for peanut shells. UPLC-MS metabolic profiling of the four nut shell extracts allowed the detection of a relatively high level of phenolic compounds in peanut shells. Intriguingly, a significant correlation between the antioxidant capacity and the total phenolic content was found, indicating the contribution of the phenolic compounds to the antioxidant properties and hence the immune-modulatory activity. Furthermore, molecular docking and structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies revealed kaempferol rutinoside and proanthocyanidin A5’ as potential iNOS inhibitors.

UPLC-ESI-MS/MS profiling of the underground parts of common Iris species in relation to their anti-virulence activities against Staphylococcusaureus

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The use of plant extracts and their phytochemicals as candidates for targeting the microbial resistance inhibition is increasingly focused in last decades. In Mongolian traditional medicine, Irises were long used for the treatment of bacterial infections. Irises have been used since the Ancient Egyptians.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Chemical composition and virulence inhibition potential of both polar (PF) and non-polar fractions (NPF) of three common Iris species (I. confusa, I. pseudacorus and I. germanica) were explored.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Secondary metabolites profiling was characterized by the UPLC-HRMS/MS technique. Multi-variate data analysis was performed using Metaboanalyst 3.0. Anti-virulence inhibitory activity was evaluated via anti-haemolytic assay and Quantitative biofilm inhibition assay.

RESULTS

I. pseudacorus PF exhibited the most potent effect against S. aureus haemolytic activity. All the tested fractions from all species, except I. pseudacorus NPF, have no significant inhibition on the biofilm formation of methicillin resistant and sensitive (MRSA and MSSA) S. aureus. I. pseudacorus NPF showed potent biofilm inhibitory potential of 71.4 and 85.8% against biofilm formation of MRSA and MSSA, respectively. Metabolite profiling of the investigated species revealed ninety and forty-five metabolites detected in the PFs and NPFs, respectively. Nigricin-type, tectorigenin-type isoflavonids and xanthones allowed the discrimination of I. pseudacorus PF from the other species, highlighting the importance of those metabolites in exerting its promising activity. On the other hand, triterpene acids, iridals, triacylglycerols and ceramides represented the metabolites detected in highest abundance in I. pseudacorus NPF.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the sole map represents the secondary metabolites profiling of the PFs and NPFs of common Iris species correlating them with the potent explored Staphylococcus aureus anti-virulence activity.

Artemisia spp.: An Update on Its Chemical Composition, Pharmacological and Toxicological Profiles

Artemisia plants are traditional and ethnopharmacologically used to treat several diseases and in addition in food, spices, and beverages. The genus is widely distributed in all continents except the Antarctica, and traditional medicine has been used as antimalarial, antioxidant, anticancer, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral agents. This review is aimed at systematizing scientific data on the geographical distribution, chemical composition, and pharmacological and toxicological profiles of the Artemisia genus. Data from the literature on Artemisia plants were taken using electronic databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science. Selected papers for this updated study included data about phytochemicals, preclinical pharmacological experimental studies with molecular mechanisms included, clinical studies, and toxicological and safety data. In addition, ancient texts and books were consulted. The essential oils and phytochemicals of the Artemisia genus have reported important biological activities, among them the artemisinin, a sesquiterpene lactone, with antimalarial activity. Artemisia absinthium L. is one of the most famous Artemisia spp. due to its use in the production of the absinthe drink which is restricted in most countries because of neurotoxicity. The analyzed studies confirmed that Artemisia plants have many traditional and pharmacological applications. However, scientific data are limited to clinical and toxicological research. Therefore, further research is needed on these aspects to understand the full therapeutic potential and molecular pharmacological mechanisms of this medicinal species.

Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry-Based Profiling of Plant Hormones

Phytohormones plays crucial physiological functions in plants, where they are involved in plant development, reproduction, defense, and many other functions. Phytohormones production has been found to be regulated in response to abiotic and biotic factors affecting the plant metabolism, and therefore, biosynthesis of primary and secondary metabolites. Thus, the detection and quantification of phytohormones in different plant tissues are essential to be determined unraveling the various plant metabolic pathways and behavior. Yet phytohormones analysis is always problematic, since they are found in extremely low concentrations and have a wide range of chemical and physicochemical properties. As a result, the ideal method should start with an appropriate extraction procedure followed by quantification by highly sensitive instrumental techniques providing precise and robust results. The current chapter presents an improved extraction method based on liquid-liquid extraction from a 50-mg aliquot of plant tissue for analysis of the major classes of phytohormones. Then, mass spectrometry (MS) analysis is conducted using quadrupole/linear ion trap (QLIT) mass analyzer equipped with electrospray ionization (ESI) source after a liquid chromatographic separation step. The developed method demonstrates an appropriate feasibility addressing biological questions related to phytohormones production and regulation.

Development of novel indolin-2-one derivative incorporating thiazole moiety as DHFR and quorum sensing inhibitors: Synthesis, antimicrobial, and antibiofilm activities with molecular modelling study

Nowadays, it's imperative to develop novel antimicrobial agents active against both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant bacterial infections with favorable profiles as high efficacy, low toxicity, and short therapy duration. Accordingly, a series of new thiazolo-indolin-2-one derivatives were synthesized based on acid and base catalyzed condensation or reaction of thiosemicarbazone 8 with different electrophilic reagents. The structure of the new compounds was confirmed based on elemental analysis and spectral data. Based on the MIC results, the most active thiazolo-indoline derivatives 2, 4, 7a, and 12 exhibited promising antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria with weak to moderate antifungal activities. Surprisingly, the N-(thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide derivative 4 was found to be most active on antibiofilm activity against both S. aureus (ATCC 29213) with BIC₅₀ (1.95 ± 0.01 µg/mL), while 5-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-thiazol-4(5H)-one derivative 7a exhibited the strongest antibiofilm activity against P. aeruginosa pathogens with BIC₅₀ (3.9 ± 0.16 µg/mL). Further, the thiazole derivatives 2, 4 and 12 exhibited a significant inhibition activity against the fsr system in a dose-dependent manner without affecting bacterial growth. The target derivatives behaved synergistic and additively effect against MDR p. aeruginosa, and thiazole derivative 12 exhibited a high synergistic effect with most tested antibiotics except Cefepime with FIC value ranging between 0.249 and 1.0, reducing their MICs. Interestingly, the 3-(2-(4-thiazol-2-yl)hydrazono)indolin-2-one derivative 12 displayed the highest selectivity to DHFR inhibitory with IC₅₀ value 40.71 ± 1.86 nM superior to those of the reference Methotrexate. Finally, in silico molecular modeling simulation, some physicochemical properties and toxicity predictions were performed for the most active derivatives.

Sulfur deficiency-induced genes affect seed protein accumulation and composition under sulfate deprivation

Sulfur deficiency-induced proteins SDI1 and SDI2 play a fundamental role in sulfur homeostasis under sulfate-deprived conditions (-S) by downregulating glucosinolates. Here, we identified that besides glucosinolate regulation under -S, SDI1 downregulates another sulfur pool, the S-rich 2S seed storage proteins in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seeds. We identified that MYB28 directly regulates 2S seed storage proteins by binding to the At2S4 promoter. We also showed that SDI1 downregulates 2S seed storage proteins by forming a ternary protein complex with MYB28 and MYC2, another transcription factor involved in the regulation of seed storage proteins. These findings have significant implications for the understanding of plant responses to sulfur deficiency.

The role of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized by Anabaena variabilis and Spirulina platensis cyanobacteria for malachite green removal from wastewater

In this study, biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using two species of cyanobacteria, Anabaena variabilis (Kütz) and Spirulina platensis (Gomont) was investigated and evaluated for dye removing capacity. The formation of AgNPs was detected by the change in colour using UV-Vis spectroscopy and further characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The obtained AgNPs were spherical to oval with average particle size of 17.9 and 26.4 nm for S. platensis and A. variabilis, respectively. These AgNPs were applied as bio-sorbent for the removal of malachite green (MG) dye released into wastewater. Within the tested initial concentration range of MG, the reaction exhibited first order kinetics model as monitored via UV spectroscopy. As the dye concentration decreased, the removal efficiency increased to reach 93% for S. platensis and 82% for A. variabilis AgNPs. The results also indicated that increased AgNPs concentration enhanced the MG removal with an efficiency up to 88% and 81% for S. platensis and A. variabilis AgNPs, respectively. The smaller particle diameter and larger specific surface area of S. platensis AgNPs enabled boosted catalytic activity for dye removal than those of A. variabilis. After the treatment with AgNPs, the resultant dye- AgNPs-free effluent proved non-toxic to Triticum aestivum L (Giza 171) seedlings, implying their safety for cultivation practices.

Design, synthesis, molecular modeling, and antimicrobial potential of novel 3-[(1H-pyrazol-3-yl)imino]indolin-2-one derivatives as DNA gyrase inhibitors

A series of 3-[(1H-pyrazol-3-yl)imino]indolin-2-one derivatives were designed using the molecular hybridization method, characterized using different spectroscopic techniques, and evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity. Most of the target compounds demonstrated good to moderate antimicrobial activity compared with ciprofloxacin and fluconazole. Four compounds (8b, 9a, 9c, and 10a) showed encouraging results, with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values (53.45-258.32 µM) comparable to those of norfloxacin (100.31-200.63 µM) and ciprofloxacin (48.33-96.68 µM). Noticeably, the four derivatives revealed excellent bactericidal and fungicidal activities, except for the bacteriostatic potential of compounds 8b and 9a against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The time-killing kinetic study against S. aureus confirmed the efficacy of these derivatives. Furthermore, two of the four promising derivatives, 9a and 10a, could prevent the formation of biofilms of S. aureus without affecting the bacterial growth at low concentrations. A combination study with seven commercial antibiotics against the multidrug-resistant bacterium P. aeruginosa showed a notable reduction in the antibiotic MIC values, represented mainly through a synergistic or additive effect. The enzymatic assay implied that the most active derivatives had inhibition potency against DNA gyrase comparable to that of ciprofloxacin. Molecular docking and density functional theory calculations were performed to explore the binding mode and study the reactivity of the promising compounds.

Tadalafil and bergapten mitigate streptozotocin-induced sporadic Alzheimer's disease in mice via modulating neuroinflammation, PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin, AMPK/mTOR signaling pathways

Sporadic Alzheimer's disease (SAD) is a slowly progressive neurodegenerative disorder. This study aimed to investigate neuroprotective potential of tadalafil (TAD) and bergapten (BG) in SAD-induced cognitive impairment in mice. SAD was induced by single injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 3 mg/kg, ICV). STZ resulted in AD-like pathologies including Aβ deposition, tau aggregation, impaired insulin and Wnt/β-catenin signaling, as well as autophagic dysfunction and neuroinflammation. Administration of TAD or BG at doses of 20 and 25 mg/kg, respectively, for 21 consecutive days attenuated STZ-induced hippocampal insult, preserved neuronal integrity, and improved cognitive function in the Morris water maze and object recognition tests paralleled by reduction in Aβ expression by 79 and 89% and tau hyperphosphorylation by 60 and 61%, respectively. TAD and BG also enhanced protein expression of pAkt, pGSK-3β, beclin-1 and methylated protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and gene expression of cyclin D1, while raised BDNF immunoreactivity. Furthermore, TAD and BG boosted hippocampal levels of cGMP, PKG, Wnt3a, and AMPK and reduced expression of β-catenin and mTOR by 74% and 51%, respectively. TAD and BG also halted neuroinflammation by reducing IL-23 and IL-27 levels, as well as protein expression of NF-κB by 62% & 61%, respectively. In conclusion, this study offers novel insights on the neuroprotective effects of TAD or BG in the management of SAD as evidenced by improved cognitive function and histological architecture. This could be attributed to modulation of the crosstalk among PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β, PP2A, mTOR/autophagy, cGMP/PKG, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascades and mitigation of neuroinflammation.

Phenolics from Physalis peruviana fruits ameliorate streptozotocin-induced diabetes and diabetic nephropathy in rats via induction of autophagy and apoptosis regression

The objective of our study was to evaluate the effect of Physalis peruviana L. fruits in the management of diabetes and diabetic nephropathy in relation to its metabolic profile. In-vitro α-amylase, β-glucosidase, and lipase inhibition activities were assessed for the ethanolic extract (EtOH) and its subfractions. Ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction showed the highest α-amylase, β-glucosidase, and lipase inhibition effect. In vivo antihyperglycemic testing of EtOAc in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats showed that it decreased the blood glucose level, prevented the reduction in body weight, improved serum indicators of kidney injury (urea, uric acid, creatinine), and function (albumin and total protein). EtOAc increased autophagic parameters (LC3B, AMPK) and depressed mTOR contents. Histopathology revealed that EtOAc ameliorated the pathological features and decreased the glycogen content induced by STZ. The immunohistochemical analysis showed that EtOAc reduced P53 expression as compared to the STZ-diabetic group. UPLC-ESI-MS/MS metabolite profiling of EtOAc allowed the identification of several phenolic compounds. Among the isolated compounds, gallic acid, its methylated dimer and the glycosides of quercetin had promising α-amylase and β-glucosidase inhibition activity. The results suggest that the phenolic-rich fraction has a protective effects against diabetic nephropathy presumably via enhancing autophagy (AMPK/mTOR pathway) and prevention of apoptosis (P53 suppression).

The integration of MS-based metabolomics and multivariate data analysis allows for improved quality assessment of Zingiber officinale Roscoe

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is consumed for health-promoting effects and as a food condiment. Comprehensive phytochemical analysis, other than gingerols and shogaols, has not yet been deeply investigated. Hence, the current research aimed to establish a non-targeted metabolomics approach for the discrimination between fresh ginger rhizome samples collected from four different producing countries, i.e., China, India, Pakistan, and Peru. In addition, lab-dried samples were analyzed to trace drying-induced metabolites. A comprehensive extraction procedure was carried out resulting in production of polar and non-polar fractions. The polar fraction was analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Fourier transform tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-C18-FT-MS/MS) and gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS) post derivatization. UPLC-C8-FT-MS/MS was used for analysis of non-polar fraction. Results revealed for identification of a total of 253 metabolites. In addition, multivariate data analysis (MVDA), including principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated clustering of Asian specimens. Several metabolites with a characteristic pattern for the origin revealing the highest contents of bioactive metabolites in the Peruvian product. Moreover, chemical markers identified, including [6]-gingerol and [6]-shogaol discriminating between fresh and dried samples. Furthermore, abundances of some primary metabolites, including amino acids and cinnamic acid, have confirmed the biosynthetic pathway of gingerols and their transformation upon drying to shogaols. The proposed approach can be applied as a potential candidate for quality assessment of ginger and other medicinal plants.