Selective Removal of Chlorophyll and Isolation of Lutein from Plant Extracts Using Magnetic Solid Phase Extraction with Iron Oxide Nanoparticles.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in plant pigments as readily available nutraceuticals. Photosynthetic pigments, specifically chlorophylls and carotenoids, renowned for their non-toxic antioxidant properties, are increasingly finding applications beyond their health-promoting attributes. Consequently, there is an ongoing need for cost-effective methods of isolation. This study employs a co-precipitation method to synthesize magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) confirms that an aqueous environment and oxidizing conditions yield nanosized iron oxide with particle sizes ranging from 80 to 140 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra indicate the presence of hydrous iron oxide FeO(OH) on the surface of the nanosized iron oxide. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of obtained nanomaterial was 151.4 m2 g-1, with total pore volumes of pores 0.25 cm3 g-1 STP. The material, designated as iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), serves as an adsorbent for magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) and isolation of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, lutein) from extracts of higher green plants (Mentha piperita L., Urtica dioica L.). Sorption of chlorophyll a onto the nanoparticles is confirmed using UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy (FT-IR/PAS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Selective sorption of chlorophyll a requires a minimum of 3 g of IONPs per 12 mg of chlorophyll a, with acetone as the solvent, and is dependent on a storage time of 48 h. Extended contact time of IONPs with the acetone extract, i.e., 72 h, ensures the elimination of remaining components except lutein, with a spectral purity of 98%, recovered with over 90% efficiency. The mechanism of chlorophyll removal using IONPs relies on the interaction of the pigment's carbonyl (C=O) groups with the adsorbent surface hydroxyl (-OH) groups. Based on molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, it has been proven that the selective adsorption of pigments is also influenced by more favorable dispersion interactions between acetone and chlorophyll in comparison with other solutes. An aqueous environment significantly promotes the removal of pigments; however, it results in a complete loss of selectivity.

Optimization of Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) Sorption onto Mesoporous Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles.

The techniques used to detect and quantify cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) vary considerably in terms of detection sensitivity, from the most sensitive, based on radioisotopes and mass spectrometry (MS) with limits of detection (LOD) in fg mL-1, to fluorescence (FL) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors with LOD values in the range of a few µg mL-1. For accurate quantification of an analyte present at trace levels in complex biological matrices, a selective separation and enrichment step is required to overcome matrix interferences and ensure sufficient detection sensitivity. In this study, iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (IONPs) were used for the extraction and initial preconcentration of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12). In the dependence of the magnetization on the H-field (hysteresis loop), no coercivity and remanence values were found at 300 K, indicating the superparamagnetic properties of the tested IONPs. Perfluorinated acids were used as amphiphilic agents to allow the sorption of cyanocobalamin onto the IONPs. FT-IR/ATR spectroscopy was used to confirm the sorption of cyanocobalamin on the IONPs. The influence of the addition of a homologous series of perfluorinated acids such as trifluoroacetic acid (TFAA), heptafluorobutyric acid (HFBA), and trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) to the extraction mixture was tested considering their type, mass, and time required for effective sorption. The adsorption kinetics and isotherm, described by the Freundlich and Langmuir equations, were analyzed. The maximum adsorption capacity (qm) exceeded 6 mg g-1 and was 8.9 mg g-1 and 7.7 mg g-1 for HFBA and TCAA, respectively, as the most efficient additives. After the desorption process using aqueous KH2PO4 solution, the sample was finally analyzed spectrophotometrically and chromatographically. The IONP-based method was successfully applied for the isolation of cyanocobalamin from human urine samples. The results showed that the developed approach is simple, cheap, accurate, and efficient for the determination of traces of cyanocobalamin in biological matrices.

Antimicrobial and Apoptotic Efficacy of Plant-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles.

Phytogenically synthesised nanoparticle (NP)-based drug delivery systems have promising potential in the field of biopharmaceuticals. From the point of view of biomedical applications, such systems offer the small size, high surface area, and possible synergistic effects of NPs with embedded biomolecules. This article describes the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) using extracts from the flowers and leaves of tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.), which is known as a remedy for many health problems, including cancer. The reducing power of the extracts was confirmed by total phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant tests. The Ag-NPs were characterised by various analytical techniques including UV-vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and a dynamic light scattering (DLS) system. The obtained Ag-NPs showed higher cytotoxic activity than the initial extracts against both human cervical cancer cell lines HeLa (ATCC CCL-2) and human melanoma cell lines A375 and SK-MEL-3 by MTT assay. However, the high toxicity to Vero cell culture (ATCC CCL-81) and human fibroblast cell line WS-1 rules out the possibility of their use as anticancer agents. The plant-mediated Ag-NPs were mostly bactericidal against tested strains with MBC/MIC index ≤4. Antifungal bioactivity (C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. parapsilosis) was not observed for aqueous extracts (MIC > 8000 mg L-1), but Ag-NPs synthesised using both the flowers and leaves of tansy were very potent against Candida spp., with MIC 15.6 and 7.8 µg mL-1, respectively.

[Selected endothelial hemostatic markers in patients with peripheral arterial disease after endovascular revascularization and restenosis formation]. / Wybrane sródblonkowe markery hemostazy u pacjentów z miazdzyca tetnic konczyn dolnych po wewnatrznaczyniowej rewaskularyzacji i po powstaniu restenoz.

Surgical and endovascular revascularization of ischemic legs in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can damage the arterial wall (endothelial and smooth muscle cells). Hemostatic factors released during endothelial dysfunction can lead to restenosis. 1. Determination of selected endothelial hemostatic factors in PAD patients and a reference group. 2. Prospective observation of new restenosis appearance in PAD patients after endovascular revascularization. 3. Comparison of selected endothelial hemostatic factors between non-restenotic and restenotic PAD patients. 150 PAD patients after endovascular revascularization - 90 men and 60 women, aged 44-88 (mean 65.5) years - were examined. During one-year observation after the revascularization procedures in 38 PAD patients restenosis occurred, when blood samples were also collected. The reference group consisted of 53 healthy persons - 44 men and 9 women, aged 20-56 years. Blood was drawn in the morning into 3.2% sodium citrate at a ratio of 9:1. Tissue factor (TF), tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), thrombomodulin (TM), von Willebrand factor (vWF) and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) were measured in plasma with commercial tests using the enzyme immunoassay. In the plasma of PAD patients after revascularization, the concentrations of TF and vWF were significantly higher, TM lower, TFPI and t-PA similar compared to the reference group. Six months after revascularization the level of TF had increased and vWF had significantly decreased. The endothelial hemostatic factors before and after restenosis did not significantly differ except TF, which after restenosis was higher. Increased TF and vWF levels in PAD patients indicate arterial endothelial cell damage, by atherosclerotic and revascularization processes. In PAD patients with restenosis compared to these patients before restenosis the determined endothelial hemostatic factors, except TF level, did not significantly differ. Perhaps TF participates in restenosis formation.

[Biological role of Interleukin 33 and its importance in pathophysiology of cardiovascular system]. / Biologiczna rola interleukiny 33 i znaczenie w patofizjologii ukladu sercowo-naczyniowego.

Interleukin 33 (IL-33) is a member of the IL-1 cytokin family. It is expressed by various cells and tissues, mainly epithelial and endothelial cells. It is a cytokine with dual function. It may act both as a traditional cytokine and as intracellular nuclear factor, functioning as transcription regulator. Its biological effect via interaction with membrane-bound ST2 receptor and IL-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAcP) is associated with the induction of Th2-type immune response and IL-5 and IL-13 synthesis. IL-33 has a strong immunoregulatory properties. Depending on the type of activated cells, microenvironment, and costimulatory factors, IL-33 can act either as a pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokine. Recent studies indicate various protective effect of IL-33/ST2 sygnaling in atherosclerosis, obesity, disorders in glucose homeostasis and in heart diseases. The paper presents current state of knowledge about the structure and biological function of IL-33 and its receptor ST2, with particular emphasis on its role in pathophysiology of cardiovascular system.

Characteristics and Antimicrobial Activities of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Obtained via Mixed-Mode Chemical/Biogenic Synthesis Using Spent Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) Extracts.

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have many practical applications, ranging from environmental protection to biomedicine. IONPs are being investigated due to their high potential for antimicrobial activity and lack of toxicity to humans. However, the biological activity of IONPs is not uniform and depends on the synthesis conditions, which affect the shape, size and surface modification. The aim of this work is to synthesise IONPs using a mixed method, i.e., chemical co-precipitation combined with biogenic surface modification, using extracts from spent hops (Humulus lupulus L.) obtained as waste product from supercritical carbon dioxide hop extraction. Different extracts (water, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), 80% ethanol, acetone, water) were further evaluated for antioxidant activity based on the silver nanoparticle antioxidant capacity (SNPAC), total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The IONPs were characterised via UV-vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Spent hop extracts showed a high number of flavonoid compounds. The efficiency of the solvents used for the extraction can be classified as follows: DMSO > 80% ethanol > acetone > water. FT-IR/ATR spectra revealed the involvement of flavonoids such as xanthohumol and/or isoxanthohumol, bitter acids (i.e., humulones, lupulones) and proteins in the surface modification of the IONPs. SEM images showed a granular, spherical structure of the IONPs with diameters ranging from 81.16 to 142.5 nm. Surface modification with extracts generally weakened the activity of the IONPs against the tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts by half. Only the modification of IONPs with DMSO extract improved their antibacterial properties against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus cereus) from a MIC value of 2.5-10 mg/mL to 0.313-1.25 mg/mL.

[The role of proteomics in prognosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases]. / Rola proteomiki w prognozowaniu i leczeniu chorób ukladu sercowo-naczyniowego.

Despite advances in medicine and biological sciences the cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are still a major cause of morbidity and mortality in societies around the world. It is therefore necessary to improve the treatment methods used so far, to look for new therapeutic targets and specific, clinically useful biomarkers. Classic research related to the circulatory system are primarily concerned with histopathological descriptions of pathophysiological processes, and mapping the structure and expression of genes involved in the development of cardiovascular diseases. This information, however, does not fully explain the molecular basis of the CVD occurrence. That gap between traditional research in the pathophysiology field and the latest knowledge at the DNA level is effectively filled in by proteomics, the science dealing with the structure and function of the human proteome. This article presents main directions of the proteomics development in explaining pathomechanisms of formation and diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis accounting for the latest integrated research methods including techniques for protein and peptide fractionation, mass spectrometry and protein arrays.

[Assessment of osteopontin and osteoprotegerin levels in abdominal aortic aneurysm patients]. / Ocena stezenia osteopontyny i osteoprotegryny u chorych z tetniakiem aorty brzusznej.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is multifactorial disease with unknown ethiology. Among the theories on the pathogenesis of AAA are some ge. netic factors, infections, disorders in connective tissue (collagenosis), arteriosclerosis, inflammation, incorrect immune response (autoimmunity). It was discovered that crucial for AAA development is intense inflammatory reaction combined with high proteolytic activity. Recent evidence confirmed the association between osteopontin (OPN) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels and cardiovascular diseases and arterio. sclerosis. The aim of this work was assessment of plasma levels of OPN and OPG in the group of the patients with AAA and correlation of results with clinical parameters, "classical" risk factors for development of AAA, arteriosclerosis and morbidity. The reference group consist of the patients with Leriche Syndrome (LS). The OPG level was assessed in plasma and OPN levels were assessed in plasma and urine. Plasma OPG levels were higher in AAA group than in LS group (difference not statistically significant, p = 0.0549). It was statistically significant positive correlation between plasma OPN levels and CRP levels in the groups of AAA and LS patients. It was not any association between plasma OPG and OPN levels and abdominal aortic diameter. Plasma OPG levels correlated positively with the existence of coronary artery disease in AAA patients. Insignificant, but higher levels of this protein were found also in a group of AAA patient with myocardial infarction. In LS group we found statistically significant positive association between plasma OPG levels and patient with stroke. However, in AAA patients with incidence of stroke, we found higher plasma levels of OPN. Interestingly, there was not any association between OPN levels in the urine and clinical parameters, risk factors and morbidity, including kidney diseases. inflammatory role of OPN and depicts better reflection of inflammatory reaction of OPN than OPG in both group of patients. Plasma OPG levels in AAA patients are more associated with coronary artery disease than with peripheral artery disease, what is characteristic for LS patients. Lack of association of urine OPN levels with above mentioned parameters suggest minor importance of this urine protein in clinical condition evaluation of patients with AAA and advanced arteriosclerosis.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of the ERAP1 Gene and Risk of NSCLC: A Comparison of Genetically Distant Populations, Chinese and Caucasian.

An effective cytotoxic immune response to neoplastic cells requires efficient presentation of antigenic peptides to T lymphocytes by HLA class I (HLA-I) molecules. The HLA-I-bound peptide repertoire depends on antigen-processing machinery molecules. Aminopeptidase residing in endoplasmic reticulum 1 (ERAP1) trims peptides to the optimal length for HLA-I binding. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ERAP1 gene result in changes in aminopeptidase activity and specificity. This may affect susceptibility to cancer. However, non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) has not been studied in this respect. We compared genotype and haplotype frequencies of four coding, nonsynonymous ERAP1 SNPs, rs26653G > C, rs26618T > C, rs30187C > T, and rs27044C > G, in NSCLC occurring in two genetically distant populations, Chinese and Poles. We found associations of all four SNPs with NSCLC in Chinese but not in Poles. The differences in ERAP1-NSCLC associations might be explained by highly significant differences in SNP genotype frequencies between Chinese and Poles (except for rs26618). In accordance with this, the most frequent ERAP1 haplotypes were distributed differently in cases versus controls in Chinese, but not in Poles. Our findings add to the differences between Orientals and Caucasians in genetics of disease susceptibility.

Tissue factor and other hemostatic parameters in patients with advanced peripheral artery disease after endovascular revascularization - search for hemostatic factors which indicate restenosis.

BACKGROUND: In patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) a hypercoagulable state and thromboembolic complications occur. Revascularization procedures increase this state, sometimes leading to restenosis. Restenosis following balloon angioplasty (PTA)and stent implantation is ≥ 50% of artery stenosis. OBJECTIVES: To determine the concentration of tissue factor (TF), tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complexes, fibrinogen and D-dimers in the blood of patients with PAD after peripheral endovascular revascularization of the lower legs and in PAD patients with restenosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 150 patients with PAD, 90 men and 60 women, aged 44-88 (mean 65.5) years, after successful peripheral angioplasty (PTA) and/or with stenting. During the 6 months after the revascularization procedures, restenosis occurred in 27 patients. The reference group consisted of 53 healthy persons (44 men and 9 women, aged 20-56 years). Blood was drawn in the morning into 3.2% natrium citrate at a ratio of 9 : 1. The concentration of TF, TFPI, TAT complexes and D-dimers were measured in plasma with commercial tests using an enzyme immunoassay. Fibrinogen was determined with coagulometer. RESULTS: In the plasma of patients with PAD after endovascular revascularization, the concentrations of TF, TAT complexes, fibrinogen and D-dimers were significantly higher compared to the reference group. During the six months of observation, 27 patients developed restenosis. The results of hemostatic factors in patients with restenosis were compared with the same patients before restenosis and the group of 123 PAD patients after endovascular revascularization. TF and fibrinogen levels in the 27 patients with restenosis were significantly higher than in the group of PAD patients before restenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significantly higher levels of tissue factor (TF) and fibrinogen in PAD patients with new restenosis, compared to those without restenosis after endovascular revascularization, indicate they can participate in the formation of restenosis.

Activity of thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor in the plasma of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) experience impaired balance between fibrinolysis and coagulation, manifested by increased prothrombotic tendency and intensified inflammatory processes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the TAFI activity level (thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor) in the plasma of AAA patients. Plasma levels of PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1), urokinase-type plasminogen activator and uPAR (urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor) were measured as markers of fibrinolytic activity. The study showed that the activity of the thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor in the plasma of AAA patients was significantly lower than in the plasma of the control individuals (64.6 ±â€Š10.1 vs. 54.2 ±â€Š10.9%, P < 0.0001). TAFI activity positively correlated with the white blood cell count (r = 0.486, P < 0.005). The uPAR concentration in the AAA patients was statistically significantly higher than in the control group and positively correlated with TAFI activity (r = 0.409, P = 0.02). The levels of PAI-1 and D-dimers (fibrin fragments) were significantly higher in patients with AAA than in the control group (44.3 ±â€Š17.5 vs. 21.7 ±â€Š8.7 ng/ml and 1869.6 ±â€Š1490.1 vs. 181.5 ±â€Š188.6 ng/ml, respectively). Lowered activity of the fibrinolysis inhibitor TAFI may heighten the blood fibrinolytic potential in AAA patients and contribute to the development of comorbidities. Therefore, TAFI participation in AAA pathogenesis cannot be excluded.

Two new cases of KIR3DP1, KIR2DL4-negative genotypes, one of which is also lacking KIR3DL2.

The killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genes KIR2DL4, KIR3DL2, and KIR3DP1 are present in virtually all humans. KIR2DL4 encodes a receptor present on uterine and decidual natural killer (NK) cells and some peripheral blood NK cells. Its only known ligand is the human leukocyte antigen-G molecule expressed on extravillous trophoblasts, and on tissues in some diseases. KIR3DL2 binds HLA-A*03 and HLA-A*11 as well as HLA-B*27 dimers, and microbial CpG DNA. KIR3DP1 is a pseudogene. During our immunogenetic studies we found two individuals, one from Lower Silesia district in Poland, and another from Western Ukraine, who were reproducibly negative for KIR2DL4 and KIR3DP1 genes, using three different PCR systems. Both individuals displayed very similar genotypes, possessing only KIR3DL3, KIR2DL3, KIR2DP1, KIR2DS1, and probably a rare variant of KIR2DL1. The Pole had also KIR3DL2, which the Ukrainian was apparently lacking. The Lower Silesia has been populated after the Second World War by a remarkable percentage with displaced people from Western Ukraine, which might contribute to genetic similarity of the two individuals described here.