Identification, in silico selection, and mechanistic investigation of antioxidant peptides from corn gluten meal hydrolysate

Seven novel antioxidant peptides (AWF, LWQ, WIY, YLW, LAYW, LPWG, and LYFY) exhibiting a superior activity compared to trolox were identified through in silico screening. Among these, the four peptides (WIY, YLW, LAYW, and LYFY) displayed notably enhanced performance, with ABTS activity 2.58-3.26 times and ORAC activity 5.19-8.63 times higher than trolox. Quantum chemical calculations revealed that the phenolic hydroxyl group in tyrosine and the nitrogen-hydrogen bond in the indole ring of tryptophan serve as the critical sites for antioxidant activity. These findings likely account for the potent chemical antioxidant activity. The corn peptides also exerted a protective effect against AAPH-induced cytomorphologic changes in human erythrocytes by modulating the antioxidant system. Notably, LAYW exhibited the most pronounced cytoprotective effects, potentially due to its high content of hydrophobic amino acids.

Maternal nano-titanium dioxide inhalation exposure alters placental cyclooxygenase and oxidant balance in a sexually dimorphic manner

The placenta plays a critical role in nutrient-waste exchange between the maternal and fetal circulation, and thus impacts fetal growth and development. We have previously shown that nano-titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) inhalation exposure during gestation decreased fetal female pup and placenta mass [1], which persists in the following generation [2]. In utero exposed females, once mated, their offspring's placentas had increased capacity for H2O2 production. Generation of oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), have been shown to impact cyclooxygenase activity, specifically metabolites such as prostacyclin (PGI2) or thromboxane (TXA2). Therefore, we hypothesized that maternal nano-TiO2 inhalation exposure during gestation results in alterations in placental production of prostacyclin and thromboxane mediated by enhanced H2O2 production in a sexually dimorphic manner. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to nano-TiO2 aerosols or filtered air (sham--control) from gestational day (GD) 10-19. Dams were euthanized on GD 20, and fetal serum and placental tissue were collected based on fetal sex. Fetal placental zones (junctional zone (JZ) and labyrinth zone (LZ)) were assessed for xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) activity, H2O2, and catalase activity, as well as 6-keto-PGF1α and TXB2 levels. Nano-TiO2 exposed fetal female LZ demonstrated significantly greater XOR activity compared to exposed males. Exposed fetal female LZ also demonstrated significantly diminished catalase activity compared to sham-control females. Exposed fetal female LZ had significantly increased abundance of 6-keto-PGF1α compared to sham-control females and increased TXB2 compared to exposed males. In the aggregate these data indicate that maternal nano-TiO2 inhalation exposure has a greater impact on redox homeostasis and PGI2/TXA2 balance in the fetal female LZ. Future studies need to address if treatment with an XO inhibitor during gestation can prevent diminished fetal female growth during maternal nano-TiO2 inhalation exposure.

Valorization of Nam Wah Banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) Byproducts as a Source of Bioactive Compounds with Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties: In Vitro and In Silico Studies

Nam Wah banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) is the most common banana cultivar in Thailand. Large amounts of its non-consumable byproducts are considered undervalued and thrown as waste. Exploring the potential utilization and application of banana byproducts for human benefit can add to their value and minimize the risk of threats. This study aimed to investigate phytochemicals, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and toxicity of Nam Wah banana byproducts. Five banana plant parts, including the midrib, leaf, peduncle, unripe and ripe peels, were extracted using hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and water. Among the extracts tested, the ethyl acetate leaf extract showed the strongest antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory activity, probably through the inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX). Positive correlations existed between the activities and the total phenolic/flavonoid content of banana byproducts. An in silico docking analysis demonstrated that flavonoid glycosides in banana byproducts, such as kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside and rutin, may bind to inducible iNOS, whereas omega-3-polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid, may bind to 15-LOX and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The extracts showed either low or no toxicity. These findings suggest that banana byproducts are a natural source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. It is recommended that additional investigations be conducted to explore their potential therapeutic applications in treating disorders linked with oxidative stress or inflammation. This research has the potential to enhance the value of banana byproducts.

Optimizing postbiotic production through solid-state fermentation with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens J and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SN4 enhances antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities

Background

Postbiotics are an emerging research interest in recent years and are fairly advanced compared to prebiotics and probiotics. The composition and function of postbiotics are closely related to fermentation conditions.

Methods

In this study, we developed a solid-state fermentation preparation method for postbiotics with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. The antibacterial activity was improved 3.62 times compared to initial fermentation conditions by using optimization techniques such as single factor experiments, Plackett-Burman design (PBD), steepest ascent method (SAM), and central composite design (CCD) methods. The optimized conditions were carried out with an initial water content of 50% for 8 days at 37°C and fermentation strains of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens J and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SN4 at a ratio of 1:1 with a total inoculum size of 8%. The optimized SSF medium content ratios of peptide powder, wheat bran, corn flour, and soybean meal were 4, 37.4, 30, and 28.6%, respectively.

Results

Under these optimized conditions, postbiotics with a concentration of 25 mg/mL showed significant broad-spectrum antibacterial capabilities against Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus and strong antioxidant activity against ABTS, DPPH, and OH radicals. Moreover, the optimized postbiotics exhibited good anti-inflammatory ability for reducing nitric oxide (NO) secretion in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells in response to LPS-induced inflammation. Furthermore, the postbiotics significantly improved intestinal epithelial wound healing capabilities after mechanical injury, such as cell scratches in IPEC-J2 cells (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

In brief, we developed postbiotics through optimized solid-state fermentation with potential benefits for gut health. Therefore, our findings suggested that the novel postbiotics could be used as potential functional food products for improving body health.

<em>Brassica oleracea</em> var. italica extract reducing free radicals and inflammation initiated by an exposure to cigarette smoke

Introduction: Herbal extracts are often administered to cigarette smokers to prevent excessive free radicals. These include Brassica oleracea var. Italica, known to contain high antioxidant flavonoids and selenium micronutrients. Therefore, this study aims to determine the efficacy of Brassica oleracea var extract. italica in reducing the free radicals and inflammation present in experimental animals exposed to cigarette smoke. Design and Methods: This research was conducted based on an experimental method using a randomized controlled trial (RCT) for 21 days. The animals used were divided into six groups (negative control, positive control, and four treatments). Particularly, the positive control and treatment groups were exposed to cigarette smoke for 2 minutes, twice a day, at 50 PPM CO levels. The treatment groups were administered the extract at different doses (0.5 ml; 0.75 ml; 1 ml; 1.25 ml), before assessing the blood level of malondialdehyde and C-Reactive Protein. Result: The results showed the tendency for exposure to smoke to increase the number of free radicals and stimulate inflammation responses in the body (P<0,05). In addition, a strong correlation between variables was established (p=0.000; r=0.713). Conclusions: Broccoli extracts (Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica) administration has the potential to cause a decline in the two aspects, including free radicals and inflammation responses resulting from exposure to cigarette smoke.  

Therapeutic potential of blocking GAPDH nitrosylation with CGP3466b in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuroinflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Although classically considered a demyelinating disease, neuroaxonal injury occurs in both the acute and chronic phases and represents a pathologic substrate of disability not targeted by current therapies. Nitric oxide (NO) generated by CNS macrophages and microglia contributes to neuroaxonal injury in all phases of MS, but candidate therapies that prevent NO-mediated injury have not been identified. Here, we demonstrate that the multifunctional protein glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is robustly nitrosylated in the CNS in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of MS. GAPDH nitrosylation is blocked in vivo with daily administration of CGP3466b, a CNS-penetrant compound with an established safety profile in humans. Consistent with the known role of nitrosylated GAPDH (SNO-GAPDH) in neuronal cell death, blockade of SNO-GAPDH with CGP3466b attenuates neurologic disability and reduces axonal injury in EAE independent of effects on the immune system. Our findings suggest that SNO-GAPDH contributes to neuroaxonal injury during neuroinflammation and identify CGP3466b as a candidate neuroprotective therapy in MS.

Chemical Composition of Tobacco Seed Oils and Their Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Whitening Activities

Tobacco seeds are a valuable food oil resource, and tobacco seed oil is rich in nutrients, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids. The aim of this work was to perform a comprehensive study on the chemical constituents, and the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and whitening activities of tobacco seed oils (NC89 and BS4). A GC/MS analysis revealed that NC89 and BS4 had 11 and 6 volatile compounds, respectively. The PUFA contents in NC89 and BS4 were 74.98% and 72.84%, respectively. These two tobacco seed oils also presented good radical scavenging capacities with the neutralization of ABTS, OH^-, and superoxide (O₂^-) radicals in a concentration-dependent manner. Meanwhile, NC89 and BS4 inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and cell apoptosis, enhanced SOD and CAT activities, and increased the GSH content in H₂O₂-induced HepG2 cells. In addition, NC89 and BS4 exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activities by inhibiting the expressions of NO, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in LPS-induced RAW.264.7 cells through the regulation of the MAPK signaling pathway. Moreover, NC89 and BS4 expressed whitening activities by inhibiting tyrosinase activity and intracellular melanin production. Therefore, tobacco seed oils could be used as an important oil resource for the development of high value-added products.

Modulation of Reactive Oxygen Species in Cancers: Recent Advances

Oxidation-reduction reactions played a significant role in the chemical evolution of life forms on oxygenated earth. Cellular respiration is dependent on such redox reactions, and any imbalance leads to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in both chronic and acute illnesses. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), by 2040, the global burden of new cancer cases is expected to be around 27.5 million, with 16.3 million cancer deaths due to an increase in risk factors such as unhealthy lifestyle, environmental factors, aberrant gene mutations, and resistance to therapies. ROS play an important role in cellular signalling, but they can cause severe damage to tissues when present at higher levels. Elevated and chronic levels of ROS are pertinent in carcinogenesis, while several therapeutic strategies rely on altering cellular ROS to eliminate tumour cells as they are more susceptible to ROS-induced damage than normal cells. Given this selective targeting potential, therapies that can effectively modulate ROS levels have been the focus of intense research in recent years. The current review describes biologically relevant ROS, its origins in solid and haematological cancers, and the current status of evolving antioxidant and pro-oxidant therapies in cancers.

Metabolites of medicine food homology-derived endophytic fungi and their activities

Medicine food homology (MFH) substances not only provide essential nutrients as food but also have corresponding factors that can prevent and help treat nutritional imbalances, chronic disease, and other related issues. Endophytic fungi associated with plants have potential for use in drug discovery and food therapy. However, the endophytic fungal metabolites from MFH plants and their effects have been overlooked. Therefore, this review focuses on the various biological activities of 108 new metabolites isolated from 53 MFH-derived endophytic fungi. The paper explores the potential nutritional and medicinal value of metabolites of MFH-derived endophytic fungi for food and medical applications. This research is important for the future development of effective, safe, and nontoxic therapeutic nutraceuticals for the prevention and treatment of human diseases.

Unboxing the molecular modalities of mutagens in cancer

The etiology of the majority of human cancers is associated with a myriad of environmental causes, including physical, chemical, and biological factors. DNA damage induced by such mutagens is the initial step in the process of carcinogenesis resulting in the accumulation of mutations. Mutational events are considered the major triggers for introducing genetic and epigenetic insults such as DNA crosslinks, single- and double-strand DNA breaks, formation of DNA adducts, mismatched bases, modification in histones, DNA methylation, and microRNA alterations. However, DNA repair mechanisms are devoted to protect the DNA to ensure genetic stability, any aberrations in these calibrated mechanisms provoke cancer occurrence. Comprehensive knowledge of the type of mutagens and carcinogens and the influence of these agents in DNA damage and cancer induction is crucial to develop rational anticancer strategies. This review delineated the molecular mechanism of DNA damage and the repair pathways to provide a deep understanding of the molecular basis of mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. A relationship between DNA adduct formation and cancer incidence has also been summarized. The mechanistic basis of inflammatory response and oxidative damage triggered by mutagens in tumorigenesis has also been highlighted. We elucidated the interesting interplay between DNA damage response and immune system mechanisms. We addressed the current understanding of DNA repair targeted therapies and DNA damaging chemotherapeutic agents for cancer treatment and discussed how antiviral agents, anti-inflammatory drugs, and immunotherapeutic agents combined with traditional approaches lay the foundations for future cancer therapies.

A Review on the Antidiabetic Properties of Moringa oleifera Extracts: Focusing on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation as Main Therapeutic Targets

Moringa oleifera is one of the popular plants that have shown significant health benefits. Certainly, preclinical evidence (predominantly from animal models) summarized in the current review supports the beneficial effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts in combating the prominent characteristic features of diabetes mellitus. This includes effective control of blood glucose or insulin levels, enhancement of insulin tissue sensitivity, improvement of blood lipid profiles, and protecting against organ damage under sustained conditions of hyperglycemia. Interestingly, as major complications implicated in the progression of diabetes, including organ damage, Moringa oleifera leaf and seed extracts could efficiently block the detrimental effects of oxidative stress and inflammation in these preclinical models. Notably, these extracts (especially leaf extracts) showed enhanced effects in strengthening intracellular antioxidant defences like catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione to lower lipid peroxidation products and reduce prominent pro-inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (1L)-β, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and nitric oxide synthase. From animal models of diabetes, the common and effective dose of leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera was 100-300 mg/kg, within the treatment duration of 2-8 weeks. Whereas supplementation with approximately 20 g leaf powder of Moringa oleifera for at least 2 weeks could improve postprandial blood glucose in subjects with prediabetes or diabetes. Although limited clinical studies have been conducted on the antidiabetic properties of Moringa oleifera, current findings provide an important platform for future research directed at developing this plant as a functional food to manage diabetic complications.

The Intestinal and Biliary Metabolites of Ibuprofen in the Rat with Experimental Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia is reported to be associated with oxidative stress. It can result in changes in the activities of drug-metabolizing enzymes and membrane-integrated transporters, which can modify the fate of drugs and other xenobiotics; furthermore, it can result in the formation of non-enzyme catalyzed oxidative metabolites. The present work aimed to investigate how experimental hyperglycemia affects the intestinal and biliary appearance of the oxidative and Phase II metabolites of ibuprofen in rats. In vivo studies were performed by luminal perfusion of 250 μM racemic ibuprofen solution in control and streptozotocin-treated (hyperglycemic) rats. Analysis of the collected intestinal perfusate and bile samples was performed by HPLC-UV and HPLC-MS. No oxidative metabolites could be detected in the perfusate samples. The biliary appearance of ibuprofen, 2-hydroxyibuprofen, ibuprofen glucuronide, hydroxylated ibuprofen glucuronide, and ibuprofen taurate was depressed in the hyperglycemic animals. However, no specific non-enzymatic (hydroxyl radical initiated) hydroxylation product could be detected. Instead, the depression of biliary excretion of ibuprofen and ibuprofen metabolites turned out to be the indicative marker of hyperglycemia. The observed changes impact the pharmacokinetics of drugs administered in hyperglycemic individuals.

Testicular ultrastructure and hormonal changes following administration of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate-loaded silver nanoparticle in type-2 diabetic rats

Reproductive dysfunctions (RDs) characterized by impairment in testicular parameters, and metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are on the rise among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients under tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). These adverse effects require a nanoparticle delivery system to circumvent biological barriers and ensure adequate ARVDs to viral reservoir sites like testis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of TDF-loaded silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), TDF-AgNPs on sperm quality, hormonal profile, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and testicular ultrastructure in diabetic rats, a result of which could cater for the neglected reproductive and metabolic dysfunctions in HIV therapeutic modality. Thirty-six adult Sprague–Dawley rats were assigned to diabetic and non-diabetic (n = 18). T2DM was induced by fructose-streptozotocin (Frt-STZ) rat model. Subsequently, the rats in both groups were subdivided into three groups each (n = 6) and administered distilled water, TDF, and TDF-AgNP. In this study, administration of TDF-AgNP to diabetic rats significantly reduced (p < 0.05) blood glucose level (268.7 ± 10.8 mg/dL) from 429 ± 16.9 mg/dL in diabetic control and prevented a drastic reduction in sperm count and viability. More so, TDF-AgNP significantly increased (p < 0.05) Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (1114.3 ± 112.6 µg), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (13.2 ± 1.5 IU/L), Luteinizing Hormone (140.7 ± 15.2 IU/L), testosterone (0.2 ± 0.02 ng/L), and IGF-1 (1564.0 ± 81.6 ng/mL) compared to their respective diabetic controls (383.4 ± 63.3, 6.1 ± 1.2, 76.1 ± 9.1, 0.1 ± 0.01, 769.4 ± 83.7). Also, TDF-AgNP treated diabetic rats presented an improved testicular architecture marked with the thickened basement membrane, degenerated Sertoli cells, spermatogenic cells, and axoneme. This study has demonstrated that administration of TDF-AgNPs restored the function of hypothalamic-pituitary–gonadal axis, normalized the hormonal profile, enhanced testicular function and structure to alleviate reproductive dysfunctions in diabetic rats. This is the first study to conjugate TDF with AgNPs and examined its effects on reproductive indices, local gonadal factor and testicular ultrastructure in male diabetic rats with the potential to cater for neglected reproductive dysfunction in HIV therapeutic modality.

Development of Tea Seed Oil Nanostructured Lipid Carriers and In Vitro Studies on Their Applications in Inducing Human Hair Growth

Synthetic drugs used to treat hair loss cause many side-effects. Natural tea seed oil possesses many activities that can suppress hair loss. However, it is oily and sticky in direct application. In this study, tea seed oil loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) using Tween 80 (NLC-T), Varisoft 442 (NLC-V), and a combination of both surfactants (NLC-C) was developed. The obtained nanoformulations showed spherical particles in the size range 130–430 nm. Particle size and size distribution of NLC-C and NLC-T after storage at 4, 25, and 40 °C for 90 days were unchanged, indicating their excellent stability. The pH of NLC-T, NLC-V, and NLC-C throughout 90 days remained at 3, 4, and 3.7, respectively. NLC-C showed significantly greater nontoxicity and growth-stimulating effect on human follicle dermal papilla (HFDP) cells than the intact oil. NLC-T and NLC-V could not stimulate cell growth and showed high cytotoxicity. NLC-C showed melting point at 52 ± 0.02 °C and its entrapment efficiency was 96.26 ± 2.26%. The prepared hair serum containing NLC-C showed better spreading throughout the formulation than that containing the intact oil. Using 5% NLC-C showed a 78.8% reduction in firmness of the hair serum while enhancing diffusion efficiency by reducing shear forces up to 81.4%. In conclusion, the developed NLC-C of tea seed oil is an effective alternative in stimulating hair growth. Hair serum containing NLC-C obviously reduces sticky, oily, and greasy feeling after use.

Inflammation and oxidative stress, the links between obesity and COVID-19: a narrative review

COVID-19, an acute respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, has rapidly become a pandemic. On the other hand, obesity is also reaching dramatic dimensions and it is a risk factor for morbidity and premature mortality. Obesity has been linked to a high risk of serious-associated complications to COVID-19, due to the increased risk of concomitant chronic diseases, which highlights the health public relevance of the topic. Obese subjects have a pro-inflammatory environment, which can further exacerbate COVID-19-induced inflammation and oxidative stress, explaining the increased risk of serious complications in these patients. Another factor that favors infection in obese patients is the high expression of ACE2 receptors in the adipose tissue. The negative impact of COVID-19 in obesity is also associated with a decrease in respiratory function, the concurrence of multiple comorbidities, a low-degree chronic inflammatory state, immunocompromised situation, and therefore a higher rate of hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, in-hospital complications such as pneumonia, and death. In this review, the link between obesity and COVID-19 was analyzed, exploring the potential common mechanisms in both diseases, with special attention to oxidative stress and inflammation, due to the crucial role of both pathways in the development of the disease.

Toxicity, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Activities of Cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum) and Its Interaction with Magnetic Field in the Skin Wound Healing

Cubiu, an Amazonian fruit, is widely used as food and popular treatment for pathologies that present an inflammatory pattern, such as skin wound healing. However, there is still no confirmation in the scientific literature about the safety profile, as well as the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and healing actions of cubiu. This study is divided into two experimental protocols using Wistar rats. Thus, the first objective (protocol 1) of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of an oral administration of cubiu extract at different doses for 28 days. The macroscopic and microscopic analyses of the liver and kidney were performed, and the following analysis was determined in plasma: glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, urea, creatinine, and uric acid. After, we conducted the second protocol aimed to establish the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity of cubiu and its interaction with magnetic field in skin wound healing. On days 3, 7, and 14 of treatment, skin and blood samples were collected and analyzed: the oxidative stress biomarkers (reactive substances to thiobarbituric acid, nonprotein thiols, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase), myeloperoxidase enzymatic activity, and cytokines levels (interleukin 1, interleukin 6, interleukin 10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha). The cubiu has shown to be safe and nontoxic. Both cubiu and magnetic field promoted decreased levels of proinflammatory and prooxidant biomarkers (interleukin 1, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and reactive substances to thiobarbituric acid), as well as increased levels of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant biomarkers (interleukin 10, nonprotein thiols, and superoxide dismutase), with greater potential when treatments are used in association. Thus, cubiu promotes antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action in skin wound healing, while also improving results of the conventional treatment for skin healing (magnetic field) when used in association.

Relationship between immunometabolic status and cognitive performance among major depression disorder patients

BACKGROUND

Alterations in cognitive performance have been described in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the specific risk factors of these changes are not yet known. This study aimed to explore whether inmunometabolic parameters are related to cognitive performance in MDD in comparison to healthy controls (HC) METHODS: Sample consisted of 84 MDD patients and 78 HC. Both groups were compared on the results of cognitive performance measured with the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and an inflammatory/oxidative index calculated by a principal component analysis of peripheral biomarkers (tumor necrosis factor, C-reactive protein and 4-hydroxynonenal). A multiple linear regression was carried out, to study the relationship between inmunometabolic variables and the global cognitive performance, being the latter the dependent variable.

RESULTS

Significant differences were obtained in the inflammatory/oxidative index between both groups (F₍₁₁₅₇₎= 12.93; p < .001), also in cognitive performance (F₍₁₁₅₇₎= 56.75; p < .001). The inmunometabolic covariate regression model (i.e., condition (HC/MDD), sex, age and medication loading, MetS, inflammatory/oxidative index and the interaction between MetS and inflammatory/oxidative index) was statistically significant (F₍₇₁₅₇₎= 11.24; p < .01) and explained 31% of variance. The condition, being either MDD or HD, (B=-0.97; p < .001), age (B=-0.28; p < .001) and the interaction between inflammatory/oxidative index and MetS (B=-0.38; p = .02) were factors associated to cognitive performance.

LIMITATIONS

Sample size was relatively small. The cross-sectional design of the study limits the possibilities of analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide evidence on the conjoint influence of metabolic and inflammatory dysregulation on cognitive dysfunction in MDD patients. In this way, our study opens a line of research in immunometabolic agents to deal with cognitive decline associated with MDD.

Free Radical Scavenging and Analgesic Activities of 70% Ethanol Extract of Luvunga sarmentosa (BI.) Kurz from Central Kalimantan

Luvunga sarmentosa, commonly known as saluang belum, is widely used in Kalimantan to relieve pains, rheumatism, boost the immune system, and fever. The research on the free radical scavenging and analgesic effect of the L. sarmentosa stem extract has not been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the free radical scavenging and analgesic activity of the ethanol extract of L. sarmentosa. The L. sarmentosa stem was extracted using 70% ethanol and tested for free radical scavenging using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and analgesic activity, acetic acid-induced writhing test, and hot plate test in an animal model. The results showed that the 70% ethanol extract of the L. sarmentosa had an anti-free radical scavenging and analgesic activity. The extract has weak free radical scavenging with an IC50 value of 293.45 µg/mL. Analgesic activity using the writhing test indicated that the extract significantly reduced the writhes count after oral administration in a dose-dependent manner compared to the negative control. Extract at a dose of 550 mg/kg BW can reduce the writhing test by 67.60% compared to others. In contrast, the diclofenac sodium reduced the number of writhes by 74.74%. While in a hot plate, the extract at a dose of 550 mg/kg BW produced a maximum possible analgesia (MPA) of 17.64%, lower than the MPA of diclofenac sodium (51.01%). Analgesic activity of the extract has higher inhibition on the writhing test than on the hot plate. The extract could be responsible for the peripheral mechanism by inhibiting the prostaglandin biosynthesis.

Hempseed (Cannabis sativa) Peptides WVSPLAGRT and IGFLIIWV Exert Anti-inflammatory Activity in the LPS-Stimulated Human Hepatic Cell Line

WVSPLAGRT (H2) and IGFLIIWV (H3) are two transepithelial transported intestinal peptides obtained from the hydrolysis of hempseed protein with pepsin, which exert antioxidant activity in HepG2 cells. Notably, both peptides reduce the H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and nitric oxide (NO) production levels in HepG2 cells via the modulation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) pathways, respectively. Due to the close link between inflammation and oxidative stress and with the objective of fostering the multifunctional behavior of bioactive peptides, in this study, the molecular characterization of the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of H2 and H3 was carried out in HepG2 cells. In fact, both peptides were shown to modulate the production of pro (IFN-γ: -33.0 ± 6.7% H2, p = 0.011; -13.1 ± 2.0% H3, p = <0.0001; TNF: -17.6 ± 1.7% H2, p = 0.0004; -20.3 ± 1.7% H3, p = <0.0001; and IL-6: -15.1 ± 6.5% H3, p = 0.010)- and anti (IL-10: +9.6 ± 3.1% H2, p = 0.010; +26.0 ± 2.3% H3, p = < 0.0001)-inflammatory cytokines and NO (-9.0 ± 0.7% H2, p = <0.0001; -7.2 ± 1.8% H3, p = <0.0001) through regulation of the NF-κB and iNOS pathways, respectively, in HepG2 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharides.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of the hot water-soluble polysaccharides from Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) Lag. roots

ETHNOPHAMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: the roots of Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) Lag. (Family: Asteraceae) are used in Algeria to treat respiratory infections, to cure chronic head and nostrils catarrh, and to clear the brain by stimulating the free flow of nasal mucous. They contain a high quantity of hot water-soluble polysaccharides.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

The study aims to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of polysaccharides extracted from Anacyclus pyrethrum roots (APPS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The APPS were extracted using boiling water, separated from proteins by the Sevag method then precipitated with 90% ethanol. The antioxidant effect of crude APPS was evaluated using FRAP assay. To investigate the anti-inflammatory potential, mice were treated with crude polysaccharides (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) for 3 days (14th, 15th, and 16th day of the experimentation). Respiratory inflammation was induced by HDM (House Dust Mite), mice were sensitized intranasally with 25 μg HDM suspended in 10 μl NaCl (5 μl/nostril) on days 0 and 7 then challenged with 5 μg HDM on days 14, 15, and 16. Mice were sacrificed 24 h after the last challenge. The number of immune cells in the blood in NL (Nasal Liquid) and in BAL (Broncho Alveolar Liquid) was enumerated, the spleen was removed to calculate the relative spleen weight and to count splénocytes, lungs histopathological examination was carried out to confirm the protective effect of APPS. Structural characterization of APPS was identified using FTIR (Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy).

RESULTS

The crude APPS possessed reducing power. In vivo assay, treatment with APPS causes a decrease in the number of blood leucocytes at all doses on the one hand, and in the relative spleen weight and splénocytes number on the other hand except at the dose of 50 mg/kg in which an enhancement of the number of splénocytes and immune cells in NL and BAL was significant. The histopathological examination showed clear protection of lung tissue damaged by HDM, after treatment with APPS mainly, at the dose of 50 mg/kg.

CONCLUSION

Our data clearly showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of APPS on HDM-challenged mice induced lungs inflammation by equilibrating the inflammatory reaction mostly, with an optimal dose of 50 mg/kg.

Differences in quinone redox system of humic substances between endemic and disease-free areas in Kashin-Beck disease-affected Changdu Region, Tibet, China

Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is an endemic disease in China with the highest incidence rate in Tibet region. Promoted generation of oxygen free radicals by semiquinone structure of humic substance (HS) in drinking water was considered to be one of its pathogeneses. Therefore, detailed analysis of HS was performed in water and sediment samples collected from three endemic and three disease-free areas in Changdu Region, Tibet, China. After purification of the HS in the samples, the fractions of HS were characterized using electron paramagnetic resonance, ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance, fluorescence spectroscopy with parallel factor analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The organic carbon content of HS did not show a significant difference between endemic and disease-free areas or correlation with KBD-associated morbidity. Except FTIR, all techniques succeeded in characterization of the quinone redox system, indicating their validity and consistency. The quinone redox system in aquatic HS exhibited significantly higher level of the following indexes in endemic areas than disease-free areas: semiquinone radical content of fulvic acid (FA) (p < 0.05), aromaticity of FA (p < 0.05), fluorescence intensity (per gram carbon) of reduced quinone-like component of FA (p < 0.05) and humic acid (HA) (p < 0.1). Semiquinone radical content (r = 0.781, p < 0.1), aromaticity of FA (r = 0.891, p < 0.05), intensity of oxidized quinone-like component (r = 0.875, p < 0.05) and reduced quinone-like component of FA (r = 0.793 p < 0.1) showed medium to strong correlation with KBD-associated morbidity. Generally, the content of reduced quinone and aquatic FA showed stronger differences between endemic and disease-free areas than oxidized quinone and aquatic HA, respectively. The quinone redox system in sediment HS did not show any significant relationship with KBD. The present study is a successful attempt to combine the three indexes, semiquinone radical content, aromaticity and fluorescence intensity, in characterizing quinone redox system in HS, facilitating more comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of HS in KBD-affected regions.

UHPLC-(ESI)-HRMS and NMR-Based Metabolomics Approach to Access the Seasonality of Byrsonima intermedia and Serjania marginata From Brazilian Cerrado Flora Diversity

Seasonality is one of the major environmental factors that exert influence over the synthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants. The application of the metabolomics approach for quality control of plant extracts is essentially important because it helps one to establish a standard metabolite profile and to analyze factors that affect the effectiveness of the medicinal plants. The Brazilian Cerrado flora is characterized by a rich diversity of native plant species, and a number of these plant species have been found to have suitable medicinal properties. Some of these plant species include Byrsonima intermedia and Serjania marginata. To better understand the chemical composition of these plant species, we conducted a study using the state-of-the-art techniques including the HPLC system coupled to an Exactive-Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization interface UHPLC-(ESI)-HRMS and by NMR being performed 2D J-resolved and proton NMR spectroscopy. For the analysis, samples were harvested bimonthly during two consecutive years. UHPLC-(ESI)-HRMS data were preprocessed and the output data uploaded into an in-house Excel macro for peak dereplication. MS and NMR data were concatenated using the data fusion method and submitted to multivariate statistical analysis. The dereplication of LC-HRMS data helped in the annotation of the major compounds present in the extracts of the three plant species investigated allowing the annotation of 68 compounds in the extracts of B. intermedia (cinnamic acids, phenolic acids derived from galloyl quinic and shikimic acid, proanthocyanidins, glycosylated flavonoids, triterpenes and other phenols) and 81 compounds in the extracts of S. marginata (phenolic acids, saponins, proanthocyanidins, glycosylated flavonoids among other compounds). For a better assessment of the great number of responses, the significance of the chemical variables for the differentiation and correlation of the seasons was determined using the variable importance on projection (VIP) technique and through the application of the false discovery rate (FDR) estimation. The statistical data obtained showed that seasonal factors played an important role on the production of metabolites in each plant species. Temperature conditions, drought and solar radiation were found to be the main factors that affected the variability of phenolic compounds in each species.

Alignment Layer of Liquid Crystal Using Plant-Based Isoeugenol-Substituted Polystyrene

We synthesized a series of renewable and plant-based isoeugenol-substituted polystyrenes (PIEU#, # = 100, 80, 60, 40, and 20, where # is the molar percent content of isoeugenol moiety), using polymer modification reactions to study their liquid crystal (LC) alignment behavior. In general, the LC cells fabricated using polymer film with a higher molar content of isoeugenol side groups showed vertical LC alignment behavior. This alignment behavior was well related to the surface energy value of the polymer layer. For example, vertical alignments were observed when the polar surface energy value of the polymer was smaller than approximately 3.59 mJ/m2, generated by the nonpolar isoeugenol moiety with long and bulky carbon groups. Good alignment stability at 100 °C and under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of 15 J/cm2 was observed for the LC cells fabricated using PIEU100 as a LC alignment layer. Therefore, renewable isoeugenol-based materials can be used to produce an eco-friendly vertical LC alignment system.

Possible cardioprotective role of NaHS on ECG and oxidative stress markers in an unpredictable chronic mild stress model in rats

The protective effect of H₂S against various body organ injuries has been described. The aim of this work is to investigate the potential role of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) as an H₂S donor in chronic mild stress induced changes in the rat heart. Forty adult male Sprague Dawley rats were assigned to four groups: control, stressed group, stressed rats treated with aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA), and stressed rats treated with NaHS. Arterial blood pressure (ABP) was recorded. Serum adrenaline, MDA, and GSH levels were measured. Chronic stress significantly increased HR and ABP. AOAA produced similar changes, while NaHS mitigated the rise in HR and ABP. Both stressed and AOAA-treated stressed groups showed a significant decrease in QRS amplitude and a shortening of the RR, QT, and QTc intervals with an elevation of the ST segment. NaHS produced a significant improvement in ECG recordings. Chronic stress produced a significant rise of adrenaline and MDA levels with a significant decline in GSH levels. The AOAA-treated stressed group showed similar elevations. NaHS treatment caused significant reduction in adrenaline and MDA levels but significantly improved GSH levels. In conclusion, H₂S donor has a cardioprotective effect against stress-induced cardiovascular diseases through amelioration of the oxidative stress and raised adrenaline levels induced by chronic stress exposure.

In Vitro Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Roasted and Green Coffee Beans Originating from Different Regions of Ethiopia

Coffee is among the most traded commodities and consumed beverages worldwide primarily for its stimulating effects. Moreover, coffee is known to contain various bioactive compounds with significant health benefits including antibacterial and antioxidant activities. However, Ethiopia as the origin of coffee and producer and exporter of varieties of Coffea arabica has made little study on the health aspects of this beverage. The aim of this study was to examine the antibacterial and antioxidant activities and content of coffee samples from different localities of Yorgacheffe and Jimma; and roasted, ground, and packed samples purchased from a coffee shop in Addis Ababa. Medium-roasted-boiled and lyophilized coffee extracts were tested on eight gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial strains. The agar-well diffusion method was used to test the extracts determining the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations. For coffee antioxidant activity and content, light-roasted (both field and shop samples) and green coffee bean extracts were tested using the free radical 2.2-diphenyl-l-pict1hydrazyl (DPPH) IC50 percent inhibition protocol. The samples showed strong antibacterial and antioxidant activity and substantial antioxidant content. Significant variation was noted in the antibacterial activities of the different coffee samples. Moreover, the growth-inhibitory strength of each coffee sample was variable for different test bacteria. A coffee sample with the best antibacterial activity had also the highest antioxidant activity/content. The shop coffee had the lowest bioactivity. The observed variations in the antibacterial and antioxidant activities among the samples probably indicate the diversity of the Ethiopian coffee related, among other factors, to the coffee plant genetics and agroecology.