The present state and future outlook of pectin-based nanoparticles in the stabilization of Pickering emulsions.

The stabilization of Pickering emulsions using micro/nanoparticles has gained significant attention due to their wide range of potential applications in industries such as cosmetics, food, catalysis, tissue engineering, and drug delivery. There is a growing demand for the development of environmentally friendly micro/nanoparticles to create stable Pickering emulsions. Naturally occurring polysaccharides like pectin offer promising options as they can assemble at oil/water interfaces. This polysaccharide is considered a green candidate because of its biodegradability and renewable nature. The physicochemical properties of micro/nanoparticles, influenced by fabrication methods and post-modification techniques, greatly impact the characteristics and applications of the resulting Pickering emulsions. This review focuses on recent advancements in Pickering emulsions stabilized by pectin-based micro/nanoparticles, as well as the application of functional materials in delivery systems, bio-based films and 3D printing using these emulsions as templates. The effects of micro/nanoparticle properties on the characteristics of Pickering emulsions and their applications are discussed. Additionally, the obstacles that currently hinder the practical implementation of pectin-based micro/nanoparticles and Pickering emulsions, along with future prospects for their development, are addressed.

Multifaceted physiological and therapeutical impact of curcumin on hormone-related endocrine dysfunctions: A comprehensive review.

Over the past five decades, Curcumin (Cur), derived from turmeric (Curcuma longa), has gained considerable attention for its potential therapeutic applications. Synthesizing insights from clinical trials conducted over the last 25 years, this review delves into diseases where Cur has demonstrated promise, offering a nuanced understanding of its pharmacokinetics, safety, and effectiveness. Focusing on specific examples, the impact of Cur on various human diseases is explored. Endocrine glands and associated signaling pathways are highlighted, elucidating how Cur influences cellular signaling. The article underscores molecular mechanisms such as hormone level alteration, receptor interaction, cytokine and adipokine expression inhibition, antioxidant enzyme activity, and modulation of transcription factors. Cur showcases diverse protective mechanisms against inflammation and oxidative damage by suppressing antiapoptotic genes and impeding tumor promotion. This comprehensive overview emphasizes the potential of Cur as a natural agent for countering aging and degenerative diseases, calling for further dedicated research in this realm.

Activating a Two-Dimensional PtSe2 Basal Plane for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction through the Simultaneous Generation of Atomic Vacancies and Pt Clusters.

Two-dimensional (2D) PtSe2 has emerged as a promising ultrathin electrocatalyst due to its excellent catalytic activity and conductivity. However, the PtSe2 basal plane is inert for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), which greatly limits its electrocatalytic performance. Here, in light of theoretical calculations, we designed a facile approach for activating the 2D PtSe2 basal plane for the HER by simultaneously introducing atomic vacancies of Se, Pt, and Pt clusters through a mild Ar plasma treatment. We tracked changes in the structures and catalytic performance of PtSe2 by combining microscopic imaging, spectroscopic mapping, and electrochemical measurements in microcells. The highest performance of the activated PtSe2 basal plane that we obtained was superior to those of other 2D transition metal dichalcogenide-based electrocatalysts measured in microcells in terms of the overpotential, the Tafel slope, and the exchange current density. This study demonstrates the great potential of activated 2D PtSe2 as an ultrathin catalyst for the HER and provides new insights on the rational design of 2D electrocatalysts.

Vanillic Acid Suppresses HIF-1α Expression via Inhibition of mTOR/p70S6K/4E-BP1 and Raf/MEK/ERK Pathways in Human Colon Cancer HCT116 Cells.

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) plays a pivotal role in tumor adaptation to microenvironmental hypoxia, and it also exerts important roles in angiogenesis and tumor development. Vanillic acid is a dietary phenolic compound reported to exhibit anticancer properties. However, the mechanisms by which vanillic acid inhibits tumor growth are not fully understood. Here, we investigated the effect of vanillic acid on HIF-1α activation. Vanillic acid significantly inhibits HIF-1α expression induced by hypoxia in various human cancer cell lines. Further analysis revealed that vanillic acid inhibited HIF-1α protein synthesis. Neither the HIF-1α protein degradation rate nor the steady-state HIF-1α mRNA levels were affected by vanillic acid. Moreover, vanillic acid inhibited HIF-1α expression by suppressing mammalian target of rapamycin/p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase/eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein-1 and Raf/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK)/ERK pathways. We found that vanillic acid dose-dependently inhibited VEGF and EPO protein expressions and disrupted tube formation. The results suggest that vanillic acid effectively inhibits angiogenesis. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that vanillic acid significantly induced G1 phase arrest and inhibited the proliferation of human colon cancer HCT116 cells. In vivo experiments confirmed that vanillic acid treatment caused significant inhibition of tumor growth in a xenografted tumor model. These studies reveal that vanillic acid is an effective inhibitor of HIF-1α and provides new perspectives into the mechanism of its antitumor activity.

Tangshen Formula Treatment for Diabetic Kidney Disease by Inhibiting Racgap1-stata5-Mediated Cell Proliferation and Restoring miR-669j-Arntl-Related Circadian Rhythm.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying mechanisms of Tangshen formula (TSF) for treatment of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). MATERIAL AND METHODS Microarray dataset GSE90842 was collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, including renal cortical tissues from normal control (NC), DKD, and DKD mice given TSF for 12 weeks (TSF) (n=3). Differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using LIMMA method. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using data from the STRING database followed by module analysis. The Mirwalk2 database was used to predict the underlying miRNAs of DEGs. Function enrichment analysis was performed using the DAVID tool. RESULTS A total of 2277 and 2182 genes were identified as DEGs between DKD and NC or TSF groups, respectively. After overlap, 373 DEGs were considered as common in 2 comparison groups. Function enrichment indicated common DEGs were related to cell proliferation (Asf1b, anti-silencing function 1B histone chaperone; Anln, anillin, actin-binding protein; Racgap1, Rac GTPase activating protein 1; and Stat5, signal transducer and activator of transcription 5) and circadian rhythm (Arntl, aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like). Racgap1 was considered as a hub gene in the PPI network because it could interact with Asf1b, Anln, and Stat5. Arntl was regulated by miR-669j in the miRNA-DEGs network and this miRNA was also a DEG in 2 comparisons. CONCLUSIONS TSF may be effective for DKD by inhibiting Racgap1-stata5-mediated cell proliferation and restoring miR-669j-Arntl-related circadian rhythm.

Synthesis and Ability of New Ligands for G Protein-Coupled Receptors 17 (GPR17).

GPR17 is believed to be a novel target for the development of new therapeutic approaches to human stroke and multiple sclerosis. Hence, the selection of GPR17 ligands may be a potent way to reduce the progression of ischemic damage. New potential ligands for GPR17, mono-, di-, and triphosphate adenosine nucleotides substituted at N6-position with a methyl and a cyclopentyl group were synthesized. The ability of new ligands to bind GPR17 was evaluated using frontal affinity chromatography-mass spectrometry (FAC-MS) method. Cangrelor, MRS2179, and uridine diphosphate were selected as the reference compounds. The new triphosphate derivatives 9 and 10 were considered as the new GPR17 ligands. The compound 10 was eluted with breakthrough time (bt) between cangrelor and MRS 2179 (compound 10, bt=12.25; cangrelor, bt=24.55, and MRS 2179, bt=7.10), while the breakthrough volume of compound 9 was similar to that of MRS 2179 (compound 9, bt=7.53 and MRS 2179, bt=7.10). N6-cyclopentyATP 10 is medium-high affinity ligand of GPR17, while the corresponding N6-methyl derivative 9 is a medium affinity ligand similar to MRS 2179. Hence, the new N6-cyclopentylATP 10 might be a good candidate for the pharmacological characterization of GPR17.

Antimicrobial starch/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) nanocomposite films loaded with a combination of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles for food packaging.

Antimicrobial starch/PBAT films with the combination of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were prepared by extrusion blowing. SEM demonstrated the relatively homogeneous distribution of nanoparticles on the fracture surfaces of the nanocomposite films. The incorporation of nanoparticles improved mechanical and barrier properties of the film. The UV-vis spectroscopy revealed that the SP-ZnO(1) film had the highest UV-absorbance. The inhibition effects of the nanocomposite films against both Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria were observed. The antimicrobial efficiency of SP-Ag(0.8)-ZnO(0.2) and SP-Ag(0.6)-ZnO(0.4) films reached more than 95% within 3 h of contact. The combination of AgNPs and ZnONPs into starch/PBAT blends showed synergistic effects on improving material properties and antimicrobial efficiency of the films. Furthermore, preliminary packaging studies on peaches and nectarines revealed that the antimicrobial films inhibited spoilage of fresh produce and extended their shelf life compared with commercial LDPE packaging films.

High-Throughput Fabrication of Antibacterial Starch/PBAT/AgNPs@SiO2 Films for Food Packaging.

In this current work, antimicrobial films based on starch, poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), and a commercially available AgNPs@SiO2 antibacterial composite particle product were produced by using a melt blending and blowing technique. The effects of AgNPs@SiO2 at various loadings (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 wt%) on the physicochemical properties and antibacterial activities of starch/PBAT composite films were investigated. AgNPs@SiO2 particles were more compatible with starch than PBAT, resulting in preferential distribution of AgNPs@SiO2 in the starch phase. Infusion of starch/PBAT composite films with AgNPs@SiO2 marginally improved mechanical and water vapor barrier properties, while surface hydrophobicity increased as compared with films without AgNPs@SiO2. The composite films displayed superior antibacterial activities against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. The sample loaded with 1 wt% AgNPs@SiO2 (SPA-1) showed nearly 90% inhibition efficiency on the tested microorganisms. Furthermore, a preliminary study on peach and nectarine at 53% RH and 24 °C revealed that SPA-1 film inhibited microbial spoilage and extended the product shelf life as compared with SPA-0 and commercial LDPE packaging materials. The high-throughput production method and strong antibacterial activities of the starch/PBAT/AgNPs@SiO2 composite films make them promising as antimicrobial packaging materials for commercial application.

The therapeutic effects of silymarin for patients with glucose/lipid metabolic dysfunction: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To comprehensively evaluate the treatment efficacy and safety of silymarin for patients with glucose/lipid metabolic dysfunction using a meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic literature search in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases was performed up to October 1, 2019. STATA 13.0 software was used to estimate pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). RESULTS: Sixteen studies involving 1358 patients were identified. Overall meta-analysis showed that compared with control, silymarin significantly reduced levels of fasting blood glucose (SMD: -1.27, 95% CI = [-1.78, -0.76]; P < .001), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (SMD: -0.41, 95% CI = [-0.70, -0.12]; P = .005), hemoglobin A1c (SMD: -1.88, 95% CI = [-2.57, -1.20]; P < .001), total cholesterol (SMD: -1.13, 95% CI = [-1.82, -0.77]; P < .001), triglyceride (SMD: -0.37, 95% CI = [-0.69, -0.05]; P = .025), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (SMD: -1.30, 95% CI = [-1.93, -0.67]; P < .001), C-reactive protein (SMD: -0.63, 95% CI = [-1.01, -0.27]; P = .001), and increased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (SMD: 0.17, 95% CI = [0.05, 0.29]; P = .005), but had no impacts on function indicators of liver and kidney (alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine phosphokinase, creatinine) and the complication rate. Subgroup analyses indicated that insulin (which was negative in overall analysis) was significantly decreased in patients undergoing silymarin monotherapy (SMD: -2.03, 95% CI = [-3.03, -1.04]; P = .044) for more than 3 months (SMD: -0.01, 95% CI = [-0.25, -0.24]; P = .035). CONCLUSION: Supplementation of silymarin may be effective and safe for the management of diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia.

De novo transcriptome analysis of gene responses to pest feeding in leaves of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the transcriptomic differences between Panax ginseng [Renshen (RS)] plants bitten by pests (n=3, test group; samples defined as RS11­13) or not (n=3, control group; samples defined as RS1­3) using de novo RNA sequencing on an Illumina HiSeq™ 2000 platform. A total of 51,097,386 (99.6%), 49,310,564 (99.5%), 59,192,372 (99.6%), 60,338,540 (99.5%), 56,976,410 (99.6%) and 54,226,588 (99.6%) clean reads were obtained for RS11, RS12, RS13, RS1, RS2 and RS3, respectively. De novo assembly generated 370,267 unigenes, 927 of which were differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 782 significantly upregulated and 145 significantly downregulated genes. Function enrichment analysis revealed that these DEGs were located in 28 significantly enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways, including phenylpropanoid biosynthesis (for example, TRINITY_DN30766_c0_g2_i1, encoding peroxidase 20) and mitogen­activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling (TRINITY_DN85589_c0_g1_i1, encoding WRKY transcription factor 75). Weighted gene co­expression network analysis identified modules including TRINITY_DN85589_c0_g1_i1, TRINITY_DN58279_c0_g1_i1 [encoding aspartyl protease (AP)] and TRINITY_DN74866_c0_g2_i1 [encoding 12­oxophytodienoate reductase (OPR)] that may be the most significantly associated with pest responses. In this module, TRINITY_DN85589_c0_g1_i1 may co­express with TRINITY_DN58279_c0_g1_i1 or TRINITY_DN74866_c0_g2_i1. WRYK and AP have been suggested to promote the activity of antioxidant peroxidase. Collectively, the findings from the present study suggested that a MAPK­WRKY­OPR/AP­peroxidase signaling pathway may be a potentially important mechanism underlying defense responses against pests in ginseng plants.