Introduction to the Special Issue: Foods of Plant Origin

The role of polyphenols in modulating mitophagy: Implications for therapeutic interventions

This review rigorously assesses the burgeoning research into the role of polyphenols in modulating mitophagy, an essential cellular mechanism for the targeted removal of impaired mitochondria. These natural compounds, known for their low toxicity, are underscored for their potential in therapeutic strategies against a diverse array of diseases, such as neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal disorders. The analysis penetrates deeply into the molecular mechanisms whereby polyphenols promote mitophagy, particularly by influencing crucial signaling pathways and transcriptional regulators, including the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/parkin and forkhead box O3 (FOXO3a) pathways. Noteworthy discoveries include the neuroprotective properties of resveratrol and curcumin, which affect both autophagic pathways and mitochondrial dynamics, and the pioneering integration of polyphenols with other natural substances to amplify therapeutic effectiveness. Furthermore, the review confronts the issue of polyphenol bioavailability and emphasizes the imperative for clinical trials to corroborate their therapeutic viability. By delivering an exhaustive synthesis of contemporary insights and recent advancements in polyphenol and mitophagy research, this review endeavors to catalyze additional research and foster the creation of innovative therapeutic modalities that exploit the distinctive attributes of polyphenols to manage and prevent disease.

Mass Spectrometry-Based Nontargeted and Targeted Analytical Approaches in Fingerprinting and Metabolomics of Food and Agricultural Research

Mass spectrometry (MS)-based techniques have been extensively applied in food and agricultural research. This review aims to address the advances and applications of MS-based analytical strategies in nontargeted and targeted analysis and summarizes the recent publications of MS-based techniques, including flow injection MS fingerprinting, chromatography-tandem MS metabolomics, direct analysis using ambient mass spectrometry, as well as development in MS data deconvolution software packages and databases for metabolomic studies. Various nontargeted and targeted approaches are employed in marker compounds identification, material adulteration detection, and the analysis of specific classes of secondary metabolites. In the newly emerged applications, the recent advances in computer tools for the fast deconvolution of MS data in targeted secondary metabolite analysis are highlighted.