Anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity of chemically fingerprinted extract from Cyclamen persicum Mill.

In the last few decades, researchers have thoroughly studied the use of plants in Palestine, one of them is Cyclamen persicum Mill. (C. persicum). Cyclamen persicum has been historically cultivated since the 1700s due to its tuber. The tuber is known to stimulate the nasal receptors, thus triggering the sensory neurons. Cyclamen persicum has anti-inflammatory effects, reduces cholesterol levels, treats diabetes, and inhibits tumor growth. In this respect, in-vitro examination of antibacterial and anticancer activities and antioxidative potency of C. persicum ethanolic extract were evaluated. The antioxidative potency of the extracted plant material was determined spectrophotometrically using the DPPH free radical scavenging method and the HPLC-PDA method to evaluate its total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The experimental results revealed weak antibacterial activity of C. persicum extract against both gram negative (E. coli) and gram positive (Streptococcus aureus and S. aureus) bacterial strains, with the zones of inhibition found to be less than 8 mm. On the other hand, powerful activity against MCF7 breast cancer as well as HT29 colon cancer cell lines was obtained. The findings also revealed potent inhibition of free radicals and the presence of maximal levels of natural products such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which supportits biological activities and powerful ability to scavenge free radicals. HPLC results showed the presence of numerous flavonoid and phenolic compounds such as rutin, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, trans-cinnamic acid, quercetin, sinapic acid, and p-coumaric acid.

Free Radical Lipid Peroxidation Induced by Reactive Halogen Species.

The review is devoted to the mechanisms of free radical lipid peroxidation (LPO) initiated by reactive halogen species (RHS) produced in mammals, including humans, by heme peroxidase enzymes, primarily myeloperoxidase (MPO). It has been shown that RHS can participate in LPO both in the initiation and branching steps of the LPO chain reactions. The initiation step of RHS-induced LPO mainly involves formation of free radicals in the reactions of RHS with nitrite and/or with amino groups of phosphatidylethanolamine or Lys. The branching step of the oxidative chain is the reaction of RHS with lipid hydroperoxides, in which peroxyl and alkoxyl radicals are formed. The role of RHS-induced LPO in the development of human inflammatory diseases (cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis) is discussed in detail.

INDIVIDUAL ARTICLE: Sugar Sag: What Is Skin Glycation and How Do You Combat It?

Skin aging is influenced by various exogenous and endogenous factors, ranging from ultraviolet (UV) light exposure and environmental toxins to biological sources, such as those that arise from normal metabolic processes (eg, free radicals). Glycation is the normal process by which glucose and other reducing sugars react with proteins to form an array of heterogeneous biomolecular structures known as advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) over time. However, AGEs are toxic to human cells and are implicated in the acceleration of inflammatory and oxidative processes, with their accumulation in the skin being associated with increased skin dulling and yellowing, fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity. Clinicians should become cognizant of how AGEs develop, what their biological consequences are, and familiarize themselves with available strategies to mitigate their formation. J Drugs Dermatol.  2024;23:4(Suppl 1):s5-10.

Theoretical insights of the pharmaceutical compound fluoxetine in water: Role in direct photolysis and indirect photolysis by free radicals.

The frequent detection of pharmaceutical compounds in the environment has led to a growing awareness, which may pose a major threat to the aquatic environment. In this study, photodegradation (direct and indirect photolysis) of two different dissociation states of fluoxetine (FLU) was investigated in water, mainly including the determination of photolytic transition states and products, and the mechanisms of indirect photodegradation with ·OH, CO3*- and NO3*. The main direct photolysis pathways are defluorination and C-C bond cleavage. In addition, the indirect photodegradation of FLU in water is mainly through the reactions with ·OH and NO3*, and the photodegradation reaction with CO3*- is relatively difficult to occur in the water environment. Our results provide a theoretical basis for understanding the phototransformation process of FLU in the water environment and assessing its potential risk.

First-principles study on the heterogeneous formation of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) over α-Fe2O3(0001) surface: Effect of oxygen vacancy.

Metal oxides with oxygen vacancies have a significant impact on catalytic activity for the transformation of organic pollutants in waste-to-energy (WtE) incineration processes. This study aims to investigate the influence of hematite surface oxygen point defects on the formation of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) from phenolic compounds based on the first-principles calculations. Two oxygen-deficient conditions were considered: oxygen vacancies at the top surface and on the subsurface. Our simulations indicate that the adsorption strength of phenol on the α-Fe2O3(0001) surface is enhanced by the presence of oxygen vacancies. However, the presence of oxygen vacancies has a negative impact on the dissociation of the phenol molecule, particularly for the surface with a defective point at the top layer. Thermo-kinetic parameters were established over a temperature range of 300-1000 K, and lower reaction rate constants were observed for the scission of phenolic O-H bonds over the oxygen-deficient surfaces compared to the pristine surface. The negative effects caused by the oxygen-deficient conditions could be attributed to the local reduction of FeIII to FeII, which lower the oxidizing ability of surface reaction sites. The findings of this study provide us a promising approach to regulate the formation of EPFRs.

Study on the Mechanism of Lipid Peroxidation Induced by Carbonate Radicals.

Based on the reported research, hydroxyl radicals can be rapidly transformed into carbonate radicals in the carbonate-bicarbonate buffering system in vivo. Many of the processes considered to be initiated by hydroxyl radicals may be caused by carbonate radicals, which indicates that lipid peroxidation initiated by hydroxyl radicals can also be caused by carbonate radicals. To date, theoretical research on reactions of hydrogen abstraction from and radical addition to polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) of carbonate radicals has not been carried out systematically. This paper employs (3Z,6Z)-nona-3,6-diene (NDE) as a model for polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Density functional theory (DFT) with the CAM-B3LYP method at the 6-311+g(d,p) level was used to calculate the differences in reactivity of carbonate radicals abstracting hydrogen from different positions of NDE and their addition to the double bonds of NDE under lipid solvent conditions with a dielectric constant of 4.0 (CPCM model). Grimme's empirical dispersion correction was taken into account through the D3 scheme. The energy barrier, reaction rate constants, internal energy, enthalpy and Gibbs free energy changes in these reactions were calculated With zero-point vibrational energy (ZPVE) corrections. The results indicated that carbonate radicals initiate lipid peroxidation primarily through hydrogen abstraction from diallyl carbon atoms. The reaction of hydrogen abstraction from diallyl carbon atoms exhibits the highest reaction rate, with a reaction rate constant approximately 43-fold greater than the second-ranked hydrogen abstraction from allyl carbon atoms. This process has the lowest energy barrier, internal energy, enthalpy, and Gibbs free energy changes, indicating that it is also the most spontaneous process.

Unraveling Eumelanin Radical Formation by Nanodiamond Optical Relaxometry in a Living Cell.

Defect centers in a nanodiamond (ND) allow the detection of tiny magnetic fields in their direct surroundings, rendering them as an emerging tool for nanoscale sensing applications. Eumelanin, an abundant pigment, plays an important role in biology and material science. Here, for the first time, we evaluate the comproportionation reaction in eumelanin by detecting and quantifying semiquinone radicals through the nitrogen-vacancy color center. A thin layer of eumelanin is polymerized on the surface of nanodiamonds (NDs), and depending on the environmental conditions, such as the local pH value, near-infrared, and ultraviolet light irradiation, the radicals form and react in situ. By combining experiments and theoretical simulations, we quantify the local number and kinetics of free radicals in the eumelanin layer. Next, the ND sensor enters the cells via endosomal vesicles. We quantify the number of radicals formed within the eumelanin layer in these acidic compartments by applying optical relaxometry measurements. In the future, we believe that the ND quantum sensor could provide valuable insights into the chemistry of eumelanin, which could contribute to the understanding and treatment of eumelanin- and melanin-related diseases.

Biphasic Fermentation of Trapa bispinosa Shells by Ganoderma sinense and Characterization of Its Polysaccharides and Alcoholic Extract and Analysis of Their Bioactivity.

BACKGROUND: Trapa bispinosa shells (TBs) and its flesh (TBf) have been recognized for their medicinal properties, including antioxidant, antitumor, and immunomodulatory effects. Despite these benefits, TBs are often discarded as waste material, and their applications remain to be further explored. METHODS: In this study, we optimized the solid-state fermentation process of Ganoderma sinense (GS) with TBs using a response surface experiment methodology to obtain the fermented production with the highest water extract rate and DPPH free radical scavenging activity. We prepared and characterized pre-fermentation purified polysaccharides (P1) and post-fermentation purified polysaccharides (P2). Alcoholic extracts before (AE1) and after (AE2) fermentation were analyzed for active components such as polyphenols and flavonoids using UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS (ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry). Mouse macrophages (RAW 264.7) were employed to compare the immune-stimulating ability of polysaccharides and the antioxidant activity of AE1 and AE2. RESULTS: Optimal fermentation conditions comprised a duration of 2 days, a temperature of 14 °C, and a humidity of 77%. The peak water extract yield and DPPH free radical scavenging rate of the water extract from TBs fermented by GS were observed under these conditions. The enhanced activity may be attributed to changes in the polysaccharide structure and the components of the alcoholic extract. The P2 treatment group indicated more secretion of RAW 264.7 cells of NO, iNOS, IL-2, IL-10, and TNF-α than P1, which shows that the polysaccharides demonstrated increased immune-stimulating ability, with their effect linked to the NF-кB pathway. Moreover, the results of the AE2 treatment group indicated that secretion of RAW 264.7 cells of T-AOC and T-SOD increased and MDA decreased, which shows that the alcoholic extract demonstrated enhanced antioxidant activity, with its effect linked to the Nrf2/Keap1-ARE pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Biphasic fermentation of Trapa bispinosa shells by Ganoderma sinense could change the composition and structure of the polysaccharides and the composition of the alcoholic extract, which could increase the products' immunomodulatory and antioxidant activity.

[Mechanistic Analysis of Oxidative Stress-related Diseases Using Nitroxyl Radicals and Electron Spin Resonance].

Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causes oxidative stress and is involved in the development and progression of a wide variety of diseases. Therefore, techniques for measuring oxidative stress are indispensable for analysis of the mechanisms of various diseases. The method involving ESR and the durable nitroxyl radical (ESR/spin probe method) is useful for this purpose, because the ESR signal intensity of the spin probe changes on reacting with ROS and other unstable radicals. In this review, the author's research applying the ESR/spin probe method to clarify disease mechanisms in vivo and in vitro is presented. The ESR signal of the probe injected into animals may decay through a few mechanisms besides reaction with ROS; thus, interpretation of the results is complicated. As the first approach to solving this problem, a probe resistant to enzymatic reduction by introducing a bulky group adjacent to the nitroxy group was created. The second approach was the use of a hydroxylamine probe which dominantly oxidized to nitroxyl radicals by reacting with superoxide anion radicals and oxidants. Using acyl-protected hydroxyl amine, it was demonstrated that sepsis model mice are under oxidative stress due to ROS production by activated phagocytes. On the other hand, it was shown in vitro that the UV-induced radical reaction of ketoprofen also occurs in lipid membranes, and that the reaction is related to ROS generation and membrane disruption. We believe that use of the ESR/spin probe method with ingenuity will clarify the mechanisms of various diseases.

[Is Biological Aging a Treatable Disease? A Consideration Based on Proposed Mechanisms of Aging].

In view of the current claim by many researchers that biological aging is a treatable disease, the possibility is discussed whether the claim is realistic, based on several proposed mechanisms of aging. The definition of biological aging is stated referring to physiological aging and pathological aging, since biological aging must be defined for the discussion of whether it can be cured. Aging in animal model is compared with that in humans in terms of common age-associated phenotypes. Major proposed mechanisms of aging are next examined including Genome Instability Theory of aging, Free Radical or Oxidative Stress Theory of Aging, Mitochondrial Theory of Aging, Error Catastrophe Theory of Aging/Translational Error Theory of Aging, Altered Protein Theory of Aging/Proteostasis Theory of Aging, and Epigenetic Theory of Aging. Finally, we discuss whether treatment of aging as a disease is realistic in comparison with possible lifespan extension by retardation of biological aging.

Effects of Different Capsulotomy and Fragmentation Energy Levels on the Generation of Oxidative Stress Following Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different capsulotomy and fragmentation energy levels on the production of oxidative free radicals following femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) with a low-energy platform. METHODS: The experimental study included 60 porcine eyes (12 groups). In each group, capsulotomies with 90% or 150% energy, and fragmentations with 90%, 100%, or 150% energy or 150% with high spot density, respectively, were performed. Control samples were obtained from non-lasered eyes at the beginning (five eyes) and end (five eyes) of the experiment. In the clinical study, 104 eyes were divided into 5 groups, and they received conventional phacoemulsification (20 eyes), FLACS with 90% capsulotomy and 100% fragmentation energy levels without NSAIDs (16 eyes), FLACS with 90% (26 eyes) or 150% (22 eyes) capsulotomy energy levels, respectively, with a 100% fragmentation energy level and NSAIDs, and FLACS with 90% capsulotomy and 150% fragmentation energy levels and NSAIDs (20 eyes). Aqueous samples were analyzed for their malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. RESULTS: In the experimental study, there were no significant differences in the MDA and SOD levels between the groups with different capsulotomy energy levels. An increase in the fragmentation energy from 100% to 150% led to significantly higher MDA levels in the groups with both 90% (p = 0.04) and 150% capsulotomy energy levels (p = 0.03), respectively. However, increased laser spot densities did not result in significant changes in MDA or SOD levels. In the clinical study, all four of the FLACS groups showed higher MDA levels than the conventional group. Similarly, the increase in the fragmentation energy from 100% to 150% resulted in significantly elevated levels of MDA and SOD, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although increasing the FSL capsulotomy energy level may not have increased free radicals, higher fragmentation energy levels increased the generation of aqueous free radicals. However, fragmentation with high spot density did not generate additional oxidative stress. Increased spot density did not generate additional oxidative stress, and this can be helpful for dense cataracts.

Application of Photodynamic Therapy in Cardiology.

The origins of photodynamic therapy (PDT) date back to 1904. Since then, the amount of research proving PDT and, consequently, its applicability to various disease states has steadily increased. Currently, PDT is mainly used in oncology to destroy cancer cells. It is being worked on for possible use in other medical fields as well, including cardiology. It can be used in the prevention of restenosis, often occurring after vascular surgical interventions, for destroying atherosclerotic plaques and as a new ablative method of ectopic centers in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. The purpose of this review is to summarize the knowledge to date regarding the therapeutic potential of using PDT for various pathological conditions in cardiology. The review also focuses on the current limitations associated with the use of PDT and identifies areas where more research is needed to develop better drug regimens. Materials and methods: The study analyzed 189 medical articles. The articles came from PubMed, Frontiers, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Web of Science databases. Through the excitation of light, a photosensitizer (PS) introduced into the body, the destruction of pathological cells occurs. PTD is widely used in oncology of the central nervous system (CNS). This process is made possible by the production of free oxygen radicals (ROS) and singlet oxygen, which generate oxidative stress that destroys sensitive cancer cells. In recent years, photosensitizers have also been discovered to have a strong affinity for macrophages that fill atherosclerotic plaques, making these compounds suitable for treating atherosclerosis. By inducing apoptosis of smooth muscle cells, inactivating basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-ß) and inhibiting endothelial cell hyperplasia, PDT can be used to prevent restenosis after surgical proceduresPDT appears to be a minimally invasive and highly effective therapeutic method, especially when combined with other therapeutic methods. Unfortunately, the small number of animal model studies and human clinical trials greatly limit the applicability of PDT on a wider scale. Current limitations, such as the depth of penetration, delivery of photosensitizer particles to the direct site of the lesion or the appropriate choice of photosensitizer in relation to the nature of the pathology, unfortunately make it impossible to replace current therapeutic approaches.

Oxidative Stress and Bio-Regulation.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals work to maintain homeostasis in the body, but their excessive production causes damage to the organism. The human body is composed of a variety of cells totaling over 60 trillion cells. Each cell performs different functions and has a unique lifespan. The lifespan of cells is preprogrammed in their genes, and the death of cells that have reached the end of their lifespan is called apoptosis. This is contrary to necrosis, which is the premature death of cells brought about by physical or scientific forces. Each species has its own unique lifespan, which in humans is estimated to be up to 120 years. Elucidating the mechanism of the death of a single cell will lead to a better understanding of human death, and, conversely, the death of a single cell will lead to exploring the mechanisms of life. In this sense, research on active oxygen and free radicals, which are implicated in biological disorders and homeostasis, requires an understanding of both the physicochemical as well as the biochemical aspects. Based on the discussion above, it is clear to see that active oxygen and free radicals have dual functions of both injuring and facilitating homeostasis in living organisms.

How Does Radiation Affect Curcumin Raw Material?

Turmeric, known for its curcuminoid-rich rhizome, particularly curcumin, exhibits notable antioxidant and antiviral properties. The likelihood of microbial contamination necessitates finding reliable techniques for subjecting the sample to radiation from this plant-based raw material. One alternative is to expose curcumin to radiation (e-beam), which was carried out as part of this research. Confirmation of the lack of curcumin decomposition was carried out using HPLC-DAD/MS techniques. Additionally, using the EPR technique, the generated free radicals were defined as radiation effects. Using a number of methods to assess the ability to scavenge free radicals (DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP), a slight decrease in the activity of curcumin raw material was determined. The analysis of the characteristic bands in the FT-IR spectra allowed us to indicate changes in the phenolic OH groups as an effect of the presence of radicals formed.

Quercetin, a Flavonoid with Great Pharmacological Capacity.

Quercetin is a flavonoid with a low molecular weight that belongs to the human diet's phenolic phytochemicals and nonenergy constituents. Quercetin has a potent antioxidant capacity, being able to capture reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and reactive chlorine species (ROC), which act as reducing agents by chelating transition-metal ions. Its structure has five functional hydroxyl groups, which work as electron donors and are responsible for capturing free radicals. In addition to its antioxidant capacity, different pharmacological properties of quercetin have been described, such as carcinostatic properties; antiviral, antihypertensive, and anti-inflammatory properties; the ability to protect low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, and the ability to inhibit angiogenesis; these are developed in this review.

The effect of Channa striata, Moringa oleifera, and Curcuma xanthorrhiza extract on accelerating recovery in a ventilated patient with hemorrhagic shock grade 3 due to prolonged retained placenta: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Most of critically ventilated patients with severe hemorrhagic shock experience metabolic acidosis, hypoalbuminemia, electrolyte imbalance, and increased production of free radical. Channa striata has a high content of albumin, an essential binding protein that contributes to homeostasis, and when combined with Moringa oleifera and Curcuma xanthorrhiza, they act as powerful antioxidants. Administration of C. striata, M. oleifera, and C. xanthorrhiza extract orally may benefit patient with hemodynamic issues, including significant blood loss. CASE REPORT: A 40-year-old Indonesian woman came to emergency department with decreased consciousness resulting from hemorrhagic shock grade 3 due to prolonged placenta retention for 10 days after delivery of her third child. She had an emergency hysterectomy and was sent to the intensive care unit with a hemoglobin level of 4.2 gr/dL, despite already receiving two bags of packed red blood cells during operation, and she continued with four more bags within her first day in the intensive care unit. The patient was ventilated, was supported by vasopressors, and had a low albumin level of 2.1 gr/dL. Her hemodynamic profile was difficult to stabilize, with persistent gastric residue and periodic urine output less than 1 cc/kg/hour, thereby slowing the ventilator and vasopressor weaning process. Oral supplementation of C. striata, M. oleifera, and C. xanthorrhiza was given in the second day divided in three doses every 6 hours. After the second dose, gastric residue started to subside and disappeared after the third dose. The patient's condition improved in the next 24 hours; she was extubated and discharged from the hospital in the fourth day. CONCLUSION: This is the first case report describing the effect of C. striata, M. oleifera, and C. xanthorrhiza extract in a patient with severe hemorrhagic shock due to a prolonged placenta. Accelerated recovery showed the possibility benefit of C. striata, M. oleifera, and C. xanthorrhiza extract in stabilizing oncotic pressure, neutralizing free radicals, and preventing further damage in hypoxic cells.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Cyanobacteria Pigment Extracts: Physiological Free Radical Scavenging and Modulation of iNOS and LOX Activity.

Cyanobacteria are among the oldest organisms colonizing Earth. Their great biodiversity and ability to biosynthesize secondary metabolites through a variety of routes makes them attractive resources for biotechnological applications and drug discovery. In this pioneer study, four filamentous cyanobacteria (Cephalothrix lacustris LEGE 15493, Leptolyngbya boryana LEGE 15486, Nodosilinea nodulosa LEGE 06104 and Leptothoe sp. LEGE 11479) were explored for their anti-inflammatory potential in cell and cell-free in vitro bioassays, involving different inflammatory mediators and enzymes. Extracts of different polarities were sequentially prepared and chemically characterized for their content of phycobiliproteins (PBPs) and carotenoids. HPLC-PDA analysis of the acetone extracts revealed ß-carotene to be the dominant carotenoid (18.4-44.3 mg/g) and zeaxanthin as the dominant xanthophyll (52.7-192.9 mg/g), with Leptothoe sp. LEGE 11479 and Nodosilinea nodulosa LEGE 06104, respectively, being the richest strains. The PBP profile was in accordance with the color presented by the aqueous extracts, with Leptolyngbya boryana LEGE 15486 being the richest in phycocyanin (204.5 µg/mg) and Leptothoe sp. LEGE 11479 the richest in phycoerythrin (78.5 µg/mg). Aqueous extracts were more effective in superoxide anion radical scavenging, while acetone ones were more effective in scavenging nitric oxide radical (●NO) and in inhibiting lipoxygenase. Acetone extracts also reduced ●NO production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, with the mechanistic study suggesting a downregulation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. Nodosilinea nodulosa LEGE 06104 and Leptothoe sp. LEGE 11479 acetone extracts presented the lowest IC50 values for the mentioned assays, pointing them out as promising resources for the development of new multi-target anti-inflammatory therapies.

Design of Bombyx mori (B. mori) Silk Fibroin Microspheres for Developing Biosafe Sunscreen.

Sunscreens play a crucial role in protecting the skin from ultraviolet (UV) damage. However, present commercial sunscreens have a tendency to generate free radicals in the UV window, resulting in serious inflammatory responses and health problems. In this study, we demonstrate that silk fibroin microspheres (SFMPs) assembled from regenerated silk fibroin (SF) could scavenge free radicals while preventing UV irradiation and thus present a promising sunscreen. The SFMP reflected more UV light than SF and presented a higher stability than that of organic commercial sunscreens. In vitro analysis proved that SFMP could more efficiently scavenge the hydroxy radical and reduce the intracellular reactive oxygen than titanium dioxide (TiO2). In vivo experiments exhibited that SFMP provided stronger skin protection against UV irradiation than commercial sunscreens and TiO2. Furthermore, SFMP treatment significantly inhibited the skin inflammatory response. This work suggests that the SFMP has great potential to be developed into a biosafe sunscreen.

Characterization and relationship analysis of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory peptides in pomelo fruitlet albumin.

Several macromolecules from the pomelo fruitlet (PF) have demonstrated functional potential in previous research. In this study, pomelo fruitlet albumin (PFA) was extracted from PF, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and its capacity to clear free radicals was measured. Meanwhile, we hypothesize that the amino acid sequence may affect the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and the two may rely on common significant sites within the amino acid sequence. Therefore, we analyzed the amino acid sequence using a quantitative structure-activity relationship model to explore the connection between the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities of PFA. Both capacities were closely associated with six sites within the amino acid sequence. Collectively, this study illustrates that PFA exhibits both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities, with six specific sites identified as significantly affecting both activities.

Can the concentration of environmentally persistent free radicals describe its toxicity to Caenorhabditis elegans? Evidence provided by neurotoxicity and oxidative stress.

Environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) are emerging pollutants stabilized on or inside particles. Although the toxicity of EPFR-containing particles has been confirmed, the conclusions are always ambiguous because of the presence of various compositions. A clear dose-response relationship was always challenged by the fact that the concentrations of these coexisted components simultaneously changed with EPFR concentrations. Without these solid dose-response pieces of evidence, we could not confidently conclude the toxicity of EPFRs and the description of potential EPFR risks. In this study, we established a particle system with a fixed catechol concentration but different reaction times to obtain particles with different EPFR concentrations. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) in response to different EPFR concentrations was systematically investigated at multiple biological levels, including behavior observations and biochemical and transcriptome analyses. Our results showed that exposure to EPFRs disrupted the development and locomotion of C. elegans. EPFRs cause concentration-dependent neurotoxicity and oxidative damage to C. elegans, which could be attributed to reactive oxygen species (ROS) promoted by EPFRs. Furthermore, the expression of key genes related to neurons was downregulated, whereas antioxidative genes were upregulated. Overall, our results confirmed the toxicity from EPFRs and EPFR concentration as a rational parameter to describe the extent of toxicity.