Effects of Strigolactones on NLRP3 Activation, Nitrosative Stress, and Antioxidant Mox Phenotype: In Vitro and In Silico Evidence.

Phytohormones have significant roles in redox metabolism, inflammatory responses, and cellular survival mechanisms within the microenvironment of the mammalian brain. Herein, we identified the mammalian molecular targets of three representative strigolactone (SL) analogues structurally derived from apocarotenoids and the functional equivalent of plant hormones. All tested SL analogues have an inhibitory effect on NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated IL-1ß release in murine microglial cells. However, IND and EGO10 became prominent among them due to their high potency at low micromolar doses. All SL analogues dose-dependently suppressed the release and expression of proinflammatory factors. For EGO10 and IND, IC50 values for iNOS-associated NO secretion were as low as 1.72 and 1.02 µM, respectively. In silico analyses revealed that (S)-EGO10 interacted with iNOS, NLRP3, and Keap1 ligands with the highest binding affinities among all stereoisomeric SL analogues. Although all compounds were effective in microglial Mox phenotype polarization, 4-Br-debranone exhibited a differential pattern for upregulating Nrf2-driven downstream enzymes.

Optimizing bioreactor conditions for Spirulina fermentation by Lactobacillus helveticus and Kluyveromyces marxianus: Impact on chemical & bioactive properties.

This study focused on optimizing the production of fermented Spirulina (FS) products using a bioactivity-guided strategy with Lactobacillus helveticus B-4526 and Kluyveromyces marxianus Y-329 in a 3-L bioreactor. Various operating conditions, including aeration rates and pH modes, were tested. While both microorganisms thrived under all conditions, the "cascade" mode, controlling dissolved oxygen, enhanced protein hydrolysis and antioxidant activity, as confirmed by SDS-PAGE and DPPH/TEAC assays, respectively. Screening revealed that "cascade" FS significantly decreased viability of colon cancer cells (HT-29) in a dose-dependent manner, with up to a 72 % reduction. Doses ≤ 500 µg mL-1 of "cascade" FS proved safe and effective in suppressing NO release without compromising cellular viability. Additionally, "cascade" FS exhibited diverse volatile organic compounds and reducing the characteristic "seaweed" aroma. These findings highlight "cascade" FS as a promising alternative food source with improved bioactive properties, urging further exploration of its bioactive compounds, particularly bioactive peptides.