Antioxidant and prooxidant nature of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives ferulic and caffeic acids

Directed evolution of the type C feruloyl esterase from Fusarium oxysporum FoFaeC and molecular docking analysis of its improved variants

The need to develop competitive and eco-friendly processes in the cosmetic industry leads to the search for new enzymes with improved properties for industrial bioconversions in this sector. In the present study, a complete methodology to generate, express and screen diversity for the type C feruloyl esterase from Fusarium oxysporium FoFaeC was set up in a high-throughput fashion. A library of around 30,000 random mutants of FoFaeC was generated by error prone PCR of fofaec cDNA and expressed in Yarrowia lipolytica. Screening for enzymatic activity towards the substrates 5-bromo-4-chloroindol-3-yl and 4-nitrocatechol-1-yl ferulates allowed the selection of 96 enzyme variants endowed with improved enzymatic activity that were then characterized for thermo- and solvent- tolerance. The five best mutants in terms of higher activity, thermo- and solvent- tolerance were selected for analysis of substrate specificity. Variant L432I was shown to be able to hydrolyze all the tested substrates, except methyl sinapate, with higher activity than wild type FoFaeC towards methyl p-coumarate, methyl ferulate and methyl caffeate. Moreover, the E455D variant was found to maintain completely its hydrolytic activity after two hour incubation at 55 °C, whereas the L284Q/V405I variant showed both higher thermo- and solvent- tolerance than wild type FoFaeC. Small molecule docking simulations were applied to the five novel selected variants in order to examine the binding pattern of substrates used for enzyme characterization of wild type FoFaeC and the evolved variants.

Antioxidant Activity of Natural Allylpolyalkoxybenzene Plant Essential Oil Constituents

Free-radical-scavenging capacity antioxidant and membrane-protective properties of natural and related synthetic allylpolyalkoxybenzenes with different numbers of alkoxy/methoxy groups in the aromatic ring were evaluated using several in vitro models. These included the DPPH assay, inhibition of lipid peroxidation products accumulation, inhibition of H₂O₂-induced hemolysis, and oxidation of oxyhemoglobin. A synthetic protocol for the synthesis of natural nothoapiol (9) from a parsley seed metabolite, apiol (7), was developed. A structure-activity relationship study revealed that both the methylenedioxy fragment and methoxy groups in the aromatic ring are favorable for antioxidant activity. Hydroxyapiol (14), containing a hydroxy group in the aromatic core, was identified as the most potent compound. The pentaalkoxy-substituted nothoapiol (9) showed antioxidant activity in mouse brain homogenates, whereas in mouse erythrocytes it exhibited a marked pro-oxidant effect. Despite their low free-radical-scavenging capacity, allylpolyalkoxybenzenes can contribute to the total antioxidant potencies of plant essential oils.

Improving the solubility and in vitro cytotoxicity (anticancer activity) of ferulic acid by loading it into cyclodextrin nanosponges

Purpose: Ferulic acid (FA) is a poorly water-soluble natural antioxidant with anticancer activity. This poor solubility limits the application of FA in the food and pharmaceutical industry. Cyclodextrin nanosponges (CD-NSs) are a novel group of cross-linked CD derivatives which can be used to enhance the solubility of low-soluble bioactive compounds.

Methods: In this study, FA was encapsulated into the NSs in the proportion of 1:4 (FA:NS). Diphenyl carbonate was used as a cross-linker in different proportions with β-CD. Characterization of obtained NSs was performed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis.

Results: Our results revealed that the solubility of encapsulated FA was increased up to fifteenfold compared with pure FA in the proportion of 1:4 (CD:cross-linker). The results of FTIR, XRD, and DSC confirmed the interaction of FA with NSs. The cytotoxicity of encapsulated FA against MCF7 and 4T1 breast cancer cell lines was investigated using different concentrations of FA in 24, 48, and 72 hrs. The cytotoxicity assay indicated that FA treatment reduced viability and enhanced apoptosis of cancer cells. IC50 value of encapsulated FA (250 ppm) was decreased by threefold when compared with pure FA (750 ppm).

Conclusion: In general, CD-NS was found to be a suitable delivery system for poorly soluble bioactives such as FA.

In vitro anti-trypanosomal effects of selected phenolic acids on Trypanosoma brucei

African trypanosomiasis remains a lethal disease to both humans and livestock. The disease persists due to limited drug availability, toxicity and drug resistance, hence the need for a better understanding of the parasite's biology and provision of alternative forms of therapy. In this study, the in vitro effects of phenolic acids were assessed for their trypanocidal activities against Trypanosoma brucei brucei. The effect of the phenolic acids on Trypanosoma brucei brucei was determined by the alamarBlue assay. The cell cycle effects were determined by flow cytometry and parasite morphological analysis was done by microscopy. Effect on cell proliferation was determined by growth kinetic analysis. Reverse Transcriptase quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction was used to determine expression of iron dependent enzymes and iron distribution determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Gallic acid gave an IC50 of 14.2±1.5 μM. Deferoxamine, gallic acid and diminazene aceturate showed a dose dependent effect on the cell viability and the mitochondrion membrane integrity. Gallic acid, deferoxamine and diminazene aceturate caused loss of kinetoplast in 22%, 26% and 82% of trypanosomes respectively and less than 10% increase in the number of trypanosomes in S phase was observed. Gallic acid caused a 0.6 fold decrease, 50 fold increase and 7 fold increase in the expression levels of the transferrin receptor, ribonucleotide reductase and cyclin 2 genes respectively while treatment with deferoxamine and diminazene aceturate also showed differential expressions of the transferrin receptor, ribonucleotide reductase and cyclin 2 genes. The data suggests that gallic acid possibly exerts its effect on T. brucei via iron chelation leading to structural and morphological changes and arrest of the cell cycle. These together provide information on the cell biology of the parasite under iron starved conditions and provide leads into alternative therapeutic approaches in the treatment of African trypanosomiasis.

The effect of using different types and rates of onion-water extract in meatball production on the formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines

BACKGROUND

The effect of using different types (yellow, white and purple) and rates (0.25%, 0.50% and 0.75%) of onion-water extract in meatball production on the various quality criteria of meatballs and the formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HCAs) was investigated.

RESULTS

It was determined that cooking process caused a reduction in the water content of meatballs as well as an increase in pH values. MeIQx, 7,8-DiMeIQx, 4,8-DiMeIQx, PhIP, AαC and MeAαC could not be detected in any of the analyzed meatballs, while IQx, IQ and MeIQ were determined in some of the samples.

CONCLUSION

The use of 0.25% and 0.50% white onion-water extract in meatball preparation inhibited the formation of IQx and IQ that were identified in the control group, but their quantities could not be determined. However, the use of water extract of varying types of onions in meatball preparation increased the total HCA content due to the increase of the MeIQ formation. In addition, it was determined that as the rate of onion-water extract for varying types of onions increased, the total HCA amount also increased. The total HCA amount of the meatballs varied between 0.05 and 0.1 ng g^-1 . © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Maximizing Polyphenol Content to Uncork the Relationship Between Wine and Cancer

Studies have revealed conflicting results regarding the risk of cancer from alcohol consumption. Furthermore, some studies have suggested that wine may have benefits that separate it from other alcoholic beverages. As wine contains a significant amount of chemicals, specifically polyphenols like anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins (PA), that can affect cellular function and promote health, this hypothesis is reasonably supported by recent research. Polyphenols promote several anticancer cellular pathways, including xenobiotic metabolism, support of innate antioxidant production, and stimulation of phase I and II detoxification of carcinogens. However, the multitude of growing and production conditions of grapes, including temperature, water availability, soil type, maceration, and aging can result in a remarkably varying final product based on the available literature. Thus, we hypothesize that wines produced from grapes cultivated between steady daily temperatures at 15–25°C with moderate sun exposure from flowering to harvest, lower vine-water status, resulting either from lower precipitation, and irrigation practices or more permeable soil types, limitation of fertilizers, extended maceration, and aging in oak will impact the concentration of anthocyanins and PA in the finished wine and may have a differential impact on cancer. This higher concentration of polyphenols would, in theory, create a healthier wine, thus explaining the conflicting reports on the benefits or harms of wine.

Ferulic acid ameliorates doxorubicin-induced cardiac toxicity in rats

Ferulic acid (FA) is a phenolic compound with potent antioxidant activity. The objective of the study was to study the protective effects of FA on doxorubicin (Dox)-induced myocardial toxicity in rats. Wistar rats received vehicle (control) or Dox (20 mg/kg, i.p.) or telmisartan (Tel; 10 mg/kg, p.o.) or ferulic acid (20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg, p.o.) for 7 days followed by treatment with Dox (20) on the fifth day of treatment, except the control group. On day 8, electrocardiographic parameters were recorded followed by blood withdrawal and then the animals were sacrificed for histopathology. Administration of Dox showed prolonged RR, QTc interval, and QRS complex. The levels of serum CK-MB, LDH, IL-1β, and IL-6 were significantly increased (p < 0.01). Similarly, levels of Ca⁺², Mg⁺² ATPase, and Ca⁺² ATPase and expression of ANP and BNP were significantly higher as compared to the control. In the FA-treated group, ECG was normal. The serum levels of CK-MB, LDH, IL-1β, and IL-6 were not elevated. Heart tissue Ca⁺², Mg⁺² ATPase, and Ca⁺² ATPase did not show a statistical difference compared to the control group. The FA treatment attenuated the expression of ANP and BNP. FA (20 and 40) augmented myocardial GSH and Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase. Histopathology of the heart confirmed the cardioprotective effect of FA.

Synthesis of a novel p-hydroxycinnamic amide with anticancer capability and its interaction with human serum albumin

In the present study, a novel p-hydroxycinnamic amide (E)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(4-(N-(5-meth oxypyrimidin-2-yl)-sulfamoyl)phenyl)acrylamide (HMSP) was synthesized and confirmed. In vitro cytotoxic assays indicated that HMSP was able to inhibit the proliferation of various cancer cell lines. The interaction between HMSP and human serum albumin (HSA) was examined by fluorescence, UV-Vis and circular dichroism (CD) spectra, in addition to molecular simulation. The fluorescence and UV-Vis spectra data indicated that the binding of HMSP with HSA was a static process. According to the fluorescence quenching calculation, the corresponding thermodynamic parameters, bimolecular quenching rate constant and apparent quenching constants were calculated. Van der Walls forces and hydrogen bonds were vital in the binding of HMSP on HSA. The distances between HSA and its derivatives were obtained. Furthermore, competitive experiments and molecular modeling results suggested that the binding of the compound on HSA mainly occurred in site I (sub-domain IIA). Changes in HSA conformation were observed from synchronous fluorescence and CD spectra, which were further investigated by molecular dynamic simulations.

Simultaneous Determination of Kirenol, Rosmarinic Acid and Caffeic Acid in Rat Plasma and Pharmacokinetic Study After Oral Administration of the Extract of Manxingshizhen Preparation by UPLC-MS/MS

Introduction:

A rapid, sensitive and convenient ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection (UPLC-MS/MS) method has been validated and applied to the simultaneous determination of kirenol, rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid after oral administration of the extract of Manxingshizhen preparation in rat plasma.

Materials and Methods:

Puerarin was selected as the internal standard (IS). The plasma sample preparation was pretreated by liquid-liquid extraction of the mixture with ethyl acetate. All analytes were simultaneously detected in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode via both the positive electrospray ionization (ESI+) and negative electrospray ionization (ESI). In the experiment, all calibration curves revealed good linearity (r > 0.999). The LLOQ were between 0.80-2.00 ng/mL, respectively.

Besides, the intra-day and inter-day precision ranged from 6.4 to 13.8%, respectively. Moreover, the accuracy was within - 11.4% and 12.8% for all the QC levels of all analytes. The extraction recoveries of the analytes and IS in plasma at three concentration levels ranged from 88.5 to 103.2%, moreover, the matrix effects of all the analytes and the IS were found to be satisfied with the acceptable range of 89.8%-101.7%. Meanwhile, the RSD values of stability met the requirement of not more than 15%. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic parameters of three compounds were analyzed using concentrationtime profiles.

Conclusion and Results:

Plasma concentrations of the three compounds were determined up to 24 h after oral administration, and their pharmacokinetic parameters were in agreement with previous studies. The validated method was successfully applied in a pharmacokinetic study in rat plasma after oral administration of Manxingshizhen preparation.

Ferulic acid potentiates the antibacterial activity of quinolone-based antibiotics against Acinetobacter baumannii

Ferulic acid is a cinnamic derivative of phenolic acid and its pharmacophore (catechol) is responsible for antioxidant, prooxidant and antibacterial activities. In this study, we evaluated the influence of ferulic acid on the antibacterial activity of quinolone-based antibiotics against Acinetobacter baumannii. The minimum inhibitory concentration of ferulic acid against Acinetobacter baumannii AB5075 were considerably lowered for ΔsodB and ΔkatG mutants. Checkerboard assay shows synergistic interactions between ferulic acid and quinolones. In a murine sepsis model, ferulic acid potentiated the antibacterial activities of quinolones. Ferulic acid amplified quinolones-induced redox imbalance by increasing superoxide ion generation, NAD+/NADH ratio and ADP/ATP ratio. Conversely, the level of reduced glutathione was significantly lowered. We conclude that ferulic acid potentiates the antibacterial activity of quinolone-based antibiotics against A. baumannii by increasing ROS generation, energy metabolism and electron transport chain activity with a concomitant decrease in glutathione.

Sinapic acid ameliorates bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in rats

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary fibrosis is a multifaceted disease with high mortality and morbidity, and it is commonly nonresponsive to conventional therapy.

PURPOSE

We explore the possible discourse of sinapic acid (SA) against the prevention of bleomycin (BLM)-instigated lung fibrosis in rats through modulation of Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways.

DESIGN/METHODS

Lung fibrosis was persuaded in Sprague-Dawley rats by a single intratracheal BLM (6.5 U/kg) injection. Then, these rats were treated with SA (10 and 20 mg/kg, p.o.) for 28 days. The normal control rats provided saline as a substitute of BLM. The lung function and biochemical, histopathological, and molecular alterations were studied in serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and the lungs tissues.

RESULTS

SA treatment significantly restored BLM-induced alterations in body weight index and serum biomarkers [lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)]. SA (10 and 20 mg/kg) treatment appeared to show a pneumoprotective effect through upregulation of antioxidant status, downregulation of inflammatory cytokines and MMP-7 expression, and reduction of collagen accumulation (hydroxyproline). Nrf2, HO-1, and TGF-β expression was downregulated in BLM-induced fibrosis model, while the reduced expression levels were significantly and dose-dependently upregulated by SA (10 and 20 mg/kg) treatment. We demonstrated that SA ameliorates BLM-induced lung injuries through inhibition of apoptosis and induction of Nrf2/HO-1-mediated antioxidant enzymes via NF-κB inhibition. The histopathological findings also revealed that SA treatment (10 and 20 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated BLM-induced lung injury.

CONCLUSION

The present results showed the ability of SA to restore the antioxidant system and to inhibit oxidative stress, proinflammatory cytokines, extracellular matrix, and TGF-β. This is first report demonstrating that SA amoleriates BLM induced lung injuries through inhibition of apoptosis and induction of Nrf2 and HO-1 mediated antioxidant enzyme via NF-κB inhibition. The histopathological finding reveals that SA treatment (10 and 20 mg/kg) significantly ameliorates BLM induced lung injuries.

Caffeic Acid-layered Double Hydroxide Hybrid: A New Raw Material for Cosmetic Applications

Bioactive ingredients from natural sources possess well-known positive effects in cosmetic applications. Among them, phenolic acids have emerged with very interesting potential. Caffeic acid (CAF) is one of the most promising active compounds because it possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumoral and anti-wrinkle effects. In order to increase its local bioavailability in topical applications, the vehiculation of caffeic acid can lead to a new raw material of cosmetic interest. For this purpose, clay minerals possess excellent properties, such as low or null toxicity and good biocompatibility. Clays are able to host a wide range of active ingredients in the interlayer region, using a green process known as intercalation reaction. The hosting of cosmetic actives into the layered structure of anionic clays allows the preparation of new materials with enhanced stability towards oxidation and photodegradation, better local bioavailability, and easier workability. In this paper, the successful vehiculation of caffeic acid into anionic clay is presented. The obtained hybrid is very promising for the cosmetic market because of its higher bioavailability and prolonged antioxidant activity.

Antihyperlipidemic studies of newly synthesized phenolic derivatives: in silico and in vivo approaches

Background

Hyperlipidemia is a worth-mentioning risk factor in quickly expanding cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction and, furthermore, in stroke.

Methods

The present work describes the synthesis of phenolic derivatives 4a–e and 6a–c with the aim of developing antihyperlipidemic agents. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by spectroscopic data. The in silico docking studies were performed against human 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase enzyme (PDB ID: 1HWK), and it was observed that compounds 4a and 6a exhibited maximum binding affinity with target protein having binding energies −8.3 and −7.9 kcal, respectively.

Results

Compound 4a interacts with amino acids Val805 with distance 1.89 Å and Met656, Thr558, and Glu559 with bonding distances 2.96, 2.70, and 2.20 Å, respectively. The in vivo antihyperlipidemic activity results revealed that compound 4a indicated minimum weight increment, ie, 20% compared with 35% weight increment with standard drug atorvastatin during 6 weeks of treatment. Moreover, increment in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and decrease in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were more prominent in case of 4a compared to atorvastatin with P<0.05. The synthesized compounds were nontoxic and well tolerated because none of the mice were found to suffer from any kind of morbidity and death during 6 weeks of dosing.

Conclusion

Based on our pharmacological evaluation, we may propose that compound 4a may act as a lead structure for the design and development of more potent antihyperlipidemic drugs.

Phytochemical composition and in vitro antioxidant activities of Citrus sinensis peel extracts

BACKGROUND

Citrus sinensis peels are usually discarded as wastes; however, they are rich sources of Vitamin C, fibre, and many nutrients, including phenolics and flavonoids which are also good antioxidant agents. This study aimed to examine phytochemical composition and antioxidant capabilities of C. sinensis peel extracted conventionally with different methanol/water, ethanol/water, and acetone/water solvents.

METHODS

C. sinensis peels were subjected to extraction with 100%, 70% and 50% of methanol, ethanol, and acetone, respectively, as well as hot water extraction. Antioxidant activities of the peel extracts were examined via the 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content of the extracts were measured via the Folin-Ciocalteau method and the aluminium chloride colorimetric method, respectively. Phenolic acid and organic acid composition of the peel extracts were further determined via high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) while flavonoid content was identified via ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC).

RESULTS

DPPH radical scavenging activity of C. sinensis peel extracts varied from 8.35 to 18.20 mg TE/g, FRAP ranged from 95.00 to 296.61 mmol Fe(II)/g, while ORAC value ranged from 0.31 to 0.92 mol TE/g. Significant level of association between the assays was observed especially between TPC and FRAP (R-square = 0.95, P < 0.0001). TPC of various C. sinensis peel extracts ranged from 12.08 to 38.24 mg GAE/g, with 70% acetone/water extract (AEC) showing the highest TPC. TFC ranged from 1.90 to 5.51 mg CE/g. Extraction yield ranged from 0.33 to 0.54 g/g DW and tended to increase with increasing water concentration in the solvent. In the phytochemical investigation, five phenolic acids were identified using HPLC, including gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid and ferulic acid. A total of five organic acids including lactic acid, citric acid, L-mallic acid, kojic acid and ascorbic acid were quantified via HPLC. In addition, concentrations of six flavonoids including catechin, epigallocatechin, vitexin, rutin, luteolin and apigenin were determined via UPLC.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Phytochemicals including phenolics and flavonoids in C. sinensis peel extracts exhibited good antioxidant properties. Among the extracts, 70% AEC with highest TPC and high TFC content showed greatest antioxidant activity in all three assays. Different phenolic acids, organic acids and flavonoids were also identified from the extracts. This study indicated that C. sinensis peels contained potential antioxidant compounds which could be exploited as value added products in the food industry.

Honey protects against wings posture error and molecular changes related to mitochondrial pathways induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation in adult Drosophila melanogaster

We conducted an investigation to evaluate the effects of Brazilian Pampa biome honey and its major phenolic compounds on the development of an erected wings posture phenotype and related mitochondrial aspects induced by Hypoxia/Reoxygenation (H/R) in Drosophila melanogaster. Flies were pre-treated for 3 days with a 10% honey solution and different concentrations of caffeic acid and ρ-coumaric acid and then submitted to hypoxia for 3 h. We observed that after reoxygenation, some flies acquired an erected wings posture and that this feature may be related to mortality. In addition, H/R induced down-regulation of ewg mRNA expression, which could be associated to the observed complex phenotype. H/R also caused a dysregulation in opa1-like, ldh and diap genes expression and reduced O₂ fluxes in flie's mitochondria. Honey mitigated opa1-like mRNA expression changes provoked by H/R. Differently from honey, caffeic and ρ-coumaric acids displayed no protective effects. In conclusion, we report for the first time the protective effects of honey against complex phenotypes and mitochondrial changes induced by H/R in adult flies.

Antifibrotic effects of gallic acid on hepatic stellate cells: In vitro and in vivo mechanistic study

Few studies reported the antifibrotic effects of gallic acid (GA) despite its known hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities. Accordingly, this study investigated the antifibrotic effects of GA through clarifying its mechanisms on hepatic stellate cells' (HSCs) activation, proliferation and/or apoptosis. In vitro effects of GA on HSC-T6 activation/proliferation, morphology and safety on hepatocytes were assessed. In vivo, hepatic fibrosis was induced via chronic thioacetamide (TAA)-intoxication. TAA-intoxicated rats were treated with silyamrin or GA. At end of experiment, liver functions, hepatic MDA, GSH, PDGF-BB, TGF-β1, TIMP-1 and hydroxyproline were determined. Histological analysis and Sirius red staining of hepatic sections, expressions of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), proliferating cellular nuclear antigen (PCNA) and caspase-3 were examined. In vitro, GA resulted in a concentration and time-dependent inhibition in HSCs activation, proliferation (IC₅₀= 45 and 19 μg/mL at 24 and 48 h respectively); restored the quiescent morphology of some activated HSCs plus its safety on hepatocytes. In vivo, GA reduced ALT, AST, MDA, PDGF-BB levels, collagen deposition and fibrosis score (S1 vs S4); increased caspase-3 expression and restored GSH stores, TGF-β1 level, α-SMA and PCNA expressions. In conclusion, GA counteracted the progression of hepatic fibrosis through reduction of HSCs proliferation/activation mutually with their apoptosis induction.

Growth promotion of Euglena gracilis by ferulic acid from rice bran

A significant growth promotion of Euglena gracilis was achieved by simply adding ferulic acid from rice bran without diminishing the accumulation of valuable products like paramylon. E. gracilis is a freshwater microalga that is widely applied in cosmetics, food, medicine, and supplements, and it is considered a potential source of biofuel. It is therefore important to enhance its yield at a lower cost for its commercial viability. Introducing a growth regulator derived from agro waste is considered a cheaper and safer strategy to improve biomass productivity compared with other alternatives such as implementing genetic engineering or adding nutrients and plant hormones as growth stimulator. The effect of ferulic acid derived from rice bran on the growth and metabolism of E. gracilis was investigated in this study. To aid in the dissolution of ferulic acid, 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was added to Cramer–Myers medium. Ferulic acid could alleviate the inhibitory effect of DMSO and significantly promoted the growth of E. gracilis. It was found that cell density was 2.5 times greater than that of the control group and 3.6 times greater than that of the negative control group when 500 mg/L of ferulic acid was added. In addition, the photosynthetic pigment content, especially chlorophyll a, increased with increasing ferulic acid concentrations. The total paramylon production would also be enhanced by ferulic acid since the number of cells increased without reducing the cellular content of paramylon.

The Ameliorative Effects of Pycnogenol® on Liver Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats

Objectives

Pycnogenol^® (PYC^®), a standardized extract from the bark of Pinus maritima, consists of different phenolic compounds. PYC^® has shown to have protective effects on chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, cancer, and immune disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of PYC^® against the DNA damage and biochemical changes in blood, liver, and lung tissues of ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced Wistar albino rats.

Materials and Methods

A sham group, IR injury-induced group, and IR+PYC^® group were formed. Ischemia was induced and sustained for 45 min, then the ischemic liver was reperfused, which was sustained for a further 120 min at the end of this period. After anesthesia and before the IR inducement, 100 mg/kg PYC^® was given to the IR+PYC^® group through intraperitoneal injections. The total oxidant (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS), total thiol levels (TTL), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and biochemical parameters [myeloperoxidase (MPO), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)] in the rats were analyzed using spectrophotometric methods and DNA damage was assessed using single-cell gel electrophoresis.

Results

The levels of TOS, TTL, MPO, AOPP, ALT, AST, and LDH were significantly decreased in the IR+PYC^® group compared with the IR group (p<0.05). The levels of TAS were significantly increased in the IR+PYC^® group compared with the IR group (p<0.05). PYC^® reduced the DNA damage when compared with the IR group (p<0.05).

Conclusion

The present results suggest that PYC^® treatment might have a role in the prevention of IR-induced oxidative damage by decreasing DNA damage and increasing antioxidant status.

Caffeic Acid Esters Affect Intracellular Oxidation and Vitality of Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cells

The effect of four esters of caffeic acid, caffeic acid methanol ester (CAME), caffeic acid ethanol ester (CAEE), caffeic acid isopropyl ester (CAIPE) and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on intracellular oxidation, vitality and viability of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model eukaryotic organism was investigated. Results showed that each ester showed its own behavior at the concentrations tested. For CAPE, CAIPE and CAEE decreased intracellular oxidation and simultaneously increased cellular vitality with no changes in cellular viability compared to the control were determined. Additionally, a combination of CAIPE or CAPE with ethanolic propolis extract was observed to be more effective in decreasing intracellular oxidation compared to propolis extract alone.

Composition and Nutrient Value Proposition of Brewers Spent Grain

Brewer's spent grain (BSG), a major brewing industry byproduct, is generated in large quantities annually. This review summarizes research into the composition and preservation of BSG, different extraction techniques for BSG proteins and phenolic acids, and the bioactivities of these phenolic components. Moreover, this article also highlights BSG integration into foodstuff for human consumption and animal feed supplements. BSG is considered a rich source of fiber, protein, and phenolic compounds. The phenolic acids present in BSG are hydroxycinnamic acids (ferulic, p-coumaric, and caffeic acids), which have many biofunctions, such as antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antiatherogenic, and antiinflammatory activities. Previously, attempts have been made to integrate BSG into human food, such as ready-to-eat snacks, cookies and bread, to increase fiber and protein contents. The addition of BSG to animal feed leads to increased milk yields, higher fat contents in milk, and is a good source of essential amino acids. Therefore, many studies have concluded that integrating the biofunctional compounds in BSG into human food and animal feed has various health benefits.

YAP1 homologue-mediated redox sensing is crucial for a successful infection by Monilinia fructicola

Monilinia fructicola (G. Winter) Honey is a devastating pathogen on Rosaceae which causes blossom blight and fruit rot. Only a few studies related to the plant-pathogen interaction have been published and there is limited knowledge on the relationship between oxidative stress and successful infection in M. fructicola. In this study, we cloned and characterized a redox-responsive transcription factor MFAP1, a YAP1 homologue. MfAP1-silenced strains were generated by polyethylene glycol-mediated protoplast transformation or Agrobacterium T-DNA-mediated transformation. Pathogenicity assay demonstrated that MfAP1-silenced strains caused smaller lesions on rose and peach petals. Transformants carrying extra copies of MfAP1, driven by the native promoter, were generated for MfAP1 overexpression. Interestingly, MfAP1-overexpressing strains also caused smaller lesions on rose petals. Strains carrying two copies of MfAP1 accumulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) at higher levels and exhibited delayed accumulation of MfAP1 transcripts compared with the wild-type during pathogenesis. By the analysis of ROS production and the expression patterns of redox- and virulence-related genes in the wild-type strain and an MfAP1-overexpressing strain, we found that the M. fructicola wild-type strain responded to oxidative stress at the infection site, activated the expression of MfAP1 and up-regulated the genes required for ROS detoxification and fungal virulence. In contrast, MfAP1 expression in the MfAP1-overexpressing strain was suppressed after the induction of a strong oxidative burst at the infection site, altering the expression of ROS detoxification and virulence-related genes. Our results highlight the importance of MfAP1 and ROS accumulation in the successful infection of M. fructicola.

Assessment of the antioxidant activity of an olive oil total polyphenolic fraction and hydroxytyrosol from a Greek Olea europea variety in endothelial cells and myoblasts

Olive oil (OO) constitutes the basis of the Mediterranean diet, and it seems that its biophenols, such as hydroxytyrosol (HT) may scavenge free radicals, attracting distinct attention due to their beneficial effects in many pathological conditions, such as cancer. To the best of our knowedge, this is the first study in which the functional properties of an OO total polyphenolic fraction (TPF) and pure HT were examined in order to determine their antioxidant effects at a cellular level in endothelial cells and myoblasts. The test compounds were isolated using a green gradient-elution centrifugal partition chromatography-based method that allows the isolation of large volumes of OO in a continuous extraction procedure and with extremely low solvent consumption. For the isolation of HT, a combination of two chromatographic techniques was used, which is effective for the recovery of pure compounds from complex natural extracts. Moreover, TPF and HT exhibited potent free radical scavenging activity in vitro. The cells were treated with non-cytotoxic concentrations and their redox status [in terms of glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels] was assessed. TPF extract was less cytotoxic than HT, and the observed differences between the two cell lines used suggest a tissue-specific activity. Finally, flow cytometric analysis revealed that both TPF and HT improved the redox status by increasing the levels of GSH, one of the most important antioxidant molecules, in both endothelial cells and myoblasts, while the ROS levels were not significantly affected.

Ferulic Acid and Naturally Occurring Compounds Bearing a Feruloyl Moiety: A Review on Their Structures, Occurrence, and Potential Health Benefits

The ubiquitous compound 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid, also known as ferulic acid (FA), constitutes a bioactive ingredient of many foods that may offer beneficial effects against disorders related to oxidative stress, including cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. This review discusses the antioxidant properties of FA, establishing relationships to several biological activities already described for this natural product. Next, 387 naturally occurring compounds, all isolated from plants and published between 1990 and 2015, the structures of which bear 1 or more feruloyl moieties, are covered in this review along with their structural formulas, botanical sources, and bioactivities. The compounds' distribution, structural patterns, bioactivities, and perspectives on food research are also succinctly discussed.

Inhibitory mechanism against oxidative stress of caffeic acid

The purpose of this article is to summarize the reported antioxidant activities of a naturally abundant bioactive phenolic acid, caffeic acid (CA, 3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid), so that new avenues for future research involving CA can be explored. CA is abundantly found in coffee, fruits, vegetables, oils, and tea. CA is among the most potential and abundantly found in nature, hydroxycinnamic acids with the potential of antioxidant behavior. Reactive oxygen species produced as a result of endogenous processes can lead to pathophysiological disturbances in the human body. Foods containing phenolic substances are a potential source for free radical scavenging; these chemicals are known as antioxidants. This review is focused on CA's structure, availability, and potential as an antioxidant along with its mode of action. A brief overview of the literature published about the prooxidant potential of caffeic acid as well as the future perspectives of caffeic acid research is described. CA can be effectively employed as a natural antioxidant in various food products such as oils.

Does rosmarinic acid treatment have protective role against sepsis-induced oxidative damage in Wistar Albino rats?

Reactive oxygen species are believed to be involved in the development of sepsis. Plant-derived phenolic compounds are thought to be possible therapeutic agents against sepsis because of their antioxidant properties. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a phenolic compound commonly found in various plants, which has many biological activities including antioxidant activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of RA on sepsis-induced DNA damage in the lymphocytes and liver and kidney cells of Wistar albino rats by alkaline comet assay with and without formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase protein. The oxidative stress parameters such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and total glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the liver and kidney tissues and an inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) level in plasma were also evaluated. It is found that DNA damage in the lymphocytes, livers, and kidneys of the RA-treated rats was significantly lower than that in the sepsis-induced rats. RA treatment also decreased the MDA levels and increased the GSH levels and SOD and GSH-Px activities in the livers and kidneys of the sepsis-induced rats. Plasma TNF-α level was found to be decreased in the RA-treated rats. It seems that RA might have a role in the attenuation of sepsis-induced oxidative damage not only by decreasing the DNA damage but also by increasing the antioxidant status and DNA repair capacity of the animals.

Combined dual effect of modulation of human neutrophils' oxidative burst and inhibition of colon cancer cells proliferation by hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives

Colon cancer is one of the most incident cancers in the Western World. While both genetic and epigenetic factors may contribute to the development of colon cancer, it is known that chronic inflammation associated to excessive production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species by phagocytes may ultimately initiate the multistep process of colon cancer development. Phenolic compounds, which reveal antioxidant and antiproliferative activities in colon cancer cells, can be a good approach to surpass this problem. In this work, hydroxycinnamic amides and the respective acid precursors were tested in vitro for their capacity to modulate human neutrophils' oxidative burst and simultaneously to inhibit growth of colon cancer cells. A phenolic amide derivative, caffeic acid hexylamide (CAHA) (4) was found to be the most active compound in both assays, inhibiting human neutrophils' oxidative burst, restraining the inflammatory process, inhibiting growth of colon cancer cells and triggering mitochondrial dysfunction that leads cancer cells to apoptosis. Altogether, these achievements can contribute to the understanding of the relationship between antioxidant and anticancer activities and based on the structure-activity relationships (SAR) established can be the starting point to find more effective phenolic compounds as anticancer agents.

Infrared Spectroscopy as a Tool to Study the Antioxidant Activity of Polyphenolic Compounds in Isolated Rat Enterocytes

The protective effect of different polyphenols, catechin (Cat), quercetin (Qc) (flavonoids), gallic acid (GA), caffeic acid (CfA), chlorogenic acid (ChA) (phenolic acids), and capsaicin (Cap), against H2O2-induced oxidative stress was evaluated in rat enterocytes using Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) Spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Microspectroscopy (FTIRM), and results were compared to standard lipid peroxidation techniques: conjugated dienes (CD) and Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS). Analysis of ATR-FTIR and FTIRM spectral data allowed the simultaneous evaluation of the effects of H2O2 and polyphenols on lipid and protein oxidation. All polyphenols showed a protective effect against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in enterocytes, when administered before or after H2O2. Cat and capsaicin showed the highest protective effect, while phenolic acids had weaker effects and Qc presented a mild prooxidative effect (IR spectral profile of biomolecules between control and H2O2-treated cells) according to FTIR analyses. These results demonstrated the viability to use infrared spectroscopy to evaluate the oxidant and antioxidant effect of molecules in cell systems assays.

Phytochemical Composition and Antibacterial Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Pterospartum tridentatum and Mentha pulegium against Staphylococcus aureus Isolates

Pterospartum tridentatum and Mentha pulegium are largely used in Portuguese folk medicine to treat several human disorders and inflammatory processes but without any consistent evidence for those beneficial pointed properties. Thus, the aim of the current work is to evaluate its benefits and phytochemicals related to those beneficial properties. A distinct polyphenol profile between P. tridentatum and M. pulegium was found. Taxifolin, myricetin, ginestin, ginestein, and ginestein derivatives, biochanin A-glucoside, and biochanin A were identified in P. tridentatum, whilst in M. pulegium the luteolin-7-rutinoside, diosmin, and apigenin and respective derivatives were most representative polyphenols. These variations had implications in the antiradical and antibacterial activity and the P. tridentatum exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus MSSA, which was mainly dose-dependent. This antibacterial activity seems to be related to high content of flavonols, flavones, and isoflavones, which can act synergistically with each other against this type of bacteria. Our results showed consistent evidence that Pterospartum tridentatum and Mentha pulegium are an important reservoir of phytochemicals with antiradical activity and antibacterial capacity and thus they might be used in a preventive way or in a combined pharmaceutical and antibiotic therapy against pathogenic bacteria.

Protective effects of kaempferol against reactive oxygen species-induced hemolysis and its antiproliferative activity on human cancer cells

The protective effects of kaempferol against reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced hemolysis and its antiproliferative activity on human cancer cells were evaluated in this study. Kaempferol exhibited strong cellular antioxidant ability (CAA) with a CAA value of 59.80 ± 0.379 μM of quercetin (QE)/100 μM (EC50 = 7.74 ± 0.049 μM). Pretreatment with kaempferol significantly attenuated the ROS-induced hemolysis of human erythrocyte (87.4% hemolysis suppressed at 100 μg/mL) and reduced the accumulation of toxic lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA). The anti-hemolytic activity of kaempferol was mainly through scavenging excessive ROS and preserving the intrinsic antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT; and glutathione peroxidase, GPx) activities in normal levels. Additionally, kaempferol showed significant antiproliferative activity on a panel of human cancer cell lines including human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) cells, human stomach carcinoma (SGC-7901) cells, human cervical carcinoma (Hela) cells and human lung carcinoma (A549) cells. Kaemperol induced apoptosis of MCF-7 cells accompanied with nuclear condensation and mitochondria dysfunction.