Efficacy of vitamin C supplementation in preventing and treating complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS-I) in Orthopedic patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: Complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS-I) is a specific type of persistent pain which is often caused by fracture and surgery. There is no effective curative therapy available. However some studies have indicated that Vitamin C (VC) can reduce the incidence of CRPS-I. This study's objective is to investigate the effectiveness VC in preventing and treating CRPS-I. DESIGN: An Systematic review and Meta-analysis was done. DATA SOURCES: Primary research studies from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, Embase database, and Cochran Library, and Google Scholar were reviewed. This search was conducted until March 27, 2024. This study was conducted without any language, place, and time restrictions. Study results were meta-analyzed with using effect sizes. To evaluate heterogeneity, we employed the Cochrane Q test and the I2 index. RESULTS: In our systematic review, 3947 articles were initially identified, with 3939 excluded for not meeting inclusion criteria, resulting in 8 studies being critically evaluated using Cochran's risk of bias checklist. The meta-analysis revealed that VC supplementation have effect on reducing CRPS-I post-limb surgery but this result shows that the pooled effect size is not statistically significant. The heterogeneity of the studies was low (I2 = 26.28%, p = 0.22). Publication bias was detected, indicating asymmetry in the funnel plot. CONCLUSION: The results of our study showed the positive effect of VC supplementation in reducing the prevalence of CRPS-I after limb surgery.

Ascorbic Acid Enhances the Inhibitory Effect of Theasaponins against Candida albicans.

Candida albicans (C. albicans) is a main cause of hospital-acquired fungal infections. Combination therapy is promising as a novel anti-C. albicans strategy because of its better efficacy. Theasaponins are pentacyclic triterpenes in the Camellia genus with multiple biological activities. Our previous studies prove that theasaponins display inhibitory activity against C. albicans. Ascorbic acid (VC) is a vitamin found in many plants that shows potential in combination therapy. However, whether VC enhances the activity of theasaponins remains unclear. In this study, the checkerboard micro-dilution method was used to assess the effect of VC (0-80 mmol/L) on the anti-C. albicans effect of theasaponins (0-1000 µg/mL). Then, the effects of theasaponins (31.25 µg/mL), VC (80 mmol/L), and theasaponins (31.25 µg/mL) + VC (80 mmol/L) on C. albicans planktonic cells and different stages of biofilm formation were assessed. Transcriptomic analysis was conducted to investigate the molecular mechanisms. According to the results, VC enhanced the anti-planktonic and anti-biofilm effect of theasaponins against C. albicans. The minimum inhibitory concentration of theasaponins was significantly decreased and the fungicidal efficiency was increased with the addition of VC. VC remarkably aggravated the suppression of theasaponins with regard to various virulence factors of C. albicans, including adhesion, early biofilm formation, mature biofilm, cell surface hydrophobicity, and phospholipase activity. Compared with the theasaponins or VC groups, the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species was higher, while the levels of mitochondrial membrane potential and adenosine triphosphate were lower in the combination group, suggesting more severe oxidative stress, mitochondrial injury, and energy deficiency. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the combination predominantly suppressed the pathways of glycolysis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and cysteine and methionine metabolism. This implied that energy deficiency and redox imbalance were associated with the anti-C. albicans activity of the combination. These results prove that VC enhances the inhibitory effect of theasaponins against C. albicans and that the combination has the potential to be used as a topical antifungal therapy or disinfectant.

Evaluation the effects of Omega-3 and vitamin C alone or in combination on Methotrexate-Induced hepatotoxicity (in mice).

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of pretreatment with omega-3 alone or in combination with vitamin C on hepatotoxicity raised by methotrexate. Method: The experimental study was conducted at the animal house of the Iraqi Centre of Cancer Research and Medical Genetics and the Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, from November 2020 to July 2021, and comprised Swiss albino mice who were divided into 5 groups. Group A was treated with normal saline, group B was injected with methotrexate 20mg/kg intraperitoneally, group C was pretreated with omega 3 100mg/kg, group D was pretreated with vitamin C 100mg/kg, and group E was pretreated with concomitant vitamin C and omega 3 100mg/kg. The intervention lasted 9 days in each group, and were injected with methotrexate on day 10. The mice were sacrificed under chloroform anaesthesia after 48 hours. Blood sample was taken for biochemical examination. One part of liver was preserved in formalin 10% for histopathological study. Results: Of the 35 mice, there were 7(20%) in each of the 5 groups. There was a significant increase in malondialdehyde and lactate dehydrogenase levels and a decrease in the superoxide dismutase and glutathione (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment with omega-3 and vitamin C ameliorated the hepatotoxicity induced by methotrexate due to strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects.

Qualitative Traits and Antioxidant Properties of Blood Oranges Are Affected by the Genotype and the Climatic Conditions.

Blood oranges are increasingly cultivated worldwide as consumers become more aware of the health benefits of their nutraceutical properties and natural antioxidants, specifically polyphenols and anthocyanins. The amounts of these compounds in the fruit mostly depend on the cultivar, rootstock, maturity stage, and environmental conditions. This work focused on the study of the qualitative features of numerous blood orange cultivars grown in three different environments in Spain and Italy. The aim of the work was to investigate the accumulation of primary and secondary metabolites, including bioactive compounds, and to characterize fruit qualitative traits at the time of harvest. Simple sugars were identified and quantified by liquid chromatography and organic acids, polyphenols, and flavonoids by spectrophotometric analysis. The antioxidant potential of the juice was assessed by ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. Cultivation area affected juice color, with Moro and T. Ippolito being the varieties with the highest pigmentation. The cultivation area also determined the pattern of primary and secondary metabolite accumulation in the Tarocco lines. Furthermore, the antioxidant potential was influenced by the diverse environments. Principal Component Analysis highlighted three clusters, two overlapping clusters for the varieties grown in the two Spanish plots and a third clearly separated cluster for the genotypes grown in Italy. This study provides novel knowledge on primary and secondary metabolite accumulation in blood oranges, elucidating the role of genotype and environmental conditions on fruit quality.

Feasibility of intravenous vitamin C supplementation in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients.

Introduction: Intravenous vitamin C was administered following hematopoietic stem cell transplant to mitigate nonrelapse mortality (NRM) in a Phase II clinical trial. Methods: Patients with advanced hematologic malignancies received IV vitamin C, 50 mg/kg/day, in three divided doses on days 1-14 after HSCT, followed by 500 mg bid oral until 6 months. Results: All patients enrolled (55) were deficient in vitamin C at day 0 and had restoration to normal levels. Vitamin C recipients had a trend for lower nonrelapse mortality (NRM, 11% vs. 25%, p-value = 0.07) compared with propensity score-matched historical controls. A similar trend toward improved survival was observed (82% vs. 62% p = 0.06), with no attributable grade 3 and 4 toxicities to vitamin C. Conclusion: In patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT, repletion of vitamin C is feasible and may reduce NRM and improve overall survival. Randomized trials in large uniform cohorts of patients are needed to confirm the utility of this easily available and inexpensive therapy.

Ascorbic acid metabolism: New knowledge on mitigation of aluminum stress in plants.

Ascorbic acid (ASC) is an important antioxidant in plant cells, being the main biosynthesis pathway is L-galactose or Smirnoff-Wheeler. ASC is involved in plant growth and development processes, being a cofactor and regulator of multiple signaling pathways in response to abiotic stresses. Aluminum toxicity is an important stressor under acidic conditions, affecting plant root elongation, triggering ROS induction and accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). To mitigate damage from Al-toxicity, plants have evolved mechanisms to resist stress conditions, such as Al-tolerance and Al-exclusion or avoidance, both strategies related to the forming of non-phytotoxic complexes or bind-chelates among Al and organic molecules like oxalate. Dehydroascorbate (DHA) degradation generates oxalate when ASC is recycled, and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) expression is inhibited. An alternative strategy is ASC regeneration, mainly due to a higher level of DHAR gene expression and low monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) gene expression. Therefore, studies performed on Fagopyrum esculentum, Nicotiana tabacum, Poncirus trifoliate, and V. corymbosum suggest that ASC is associated with the Al-resistant mechanism, given the observed enhancements in defense mechanisms, including elevated antioxidant capacity and oxalate production. This review examines the potential involvement of ASC metabolism in Al-resistant mechanisms.

A randomized trial of pharmacological ascorbate, gemcitabine, and nab-paclitaxel for metastatic pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have poor 5-year survival. Pharmacological ascorbate (P-AscH-, high dose, intravenous, vitamin C) has shown promise as an adjunct to chemotherapy. We hypothesized adding P-AscH- to gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel would increase survival in patients with metastatic PDAC. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer randomized 1:1 to gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel only (SOC, control) or to SOC with concomitant P-AscH-, 75 g three times weekly (ASC, investigational). The primary outcome was overall survival with secondary objectives of determining progression-free survival and adverse event incidence. Quality of life and patient reported outcomes for common oncologic symptoms were captured as an exploratory objective. Thirty-six participants were randomized; of this 34 received their assigned study treatment. All analyses were based on data frozen on December 11, 2023. RESULTS: Intravenous P-AscH- increased serum ascorbate levels from micromolar to millimolar levels. P-AscH- added to the gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel (ASC) increased overall survival to 16 months compared to 8.3 months with gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel (SOC) (HR = 0.46; 90 % CI 0.23, 0.92; p = 0.030). Median progression free survival was 6.2 (ASC) vs. 3.9 months (SOC) (HR = 0.43; 90 % CI 0.20, 0.92; p = 0.029). Adding P-AscH- did not negatively impact quality of life or increase the frequency or severity of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: P-AscH- infusions of 75 g three times weekly in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer prolongs overall and progression free survival without detriment to quality of life or added toxicity (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT02905578).

Case report: The efficacy of adding high doses of intravenous vitamin C to the combination therapy of atezolizumab and bevacizumab in unresectable HCC.

Introduction: Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) plays a vital role in human physiology, serving as both an antioxidant and a cofactor in enzymatic reactions. High-dose intravenous Vitamin C can achieve significantly elevated plasma concentrations, potentially enhancing its anticancer effects. This case study explores the synergistic impact of high-dose intravenous vitamin C in combination with bevacizumab and atezolizumab in the treatment of a patient with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Case presentation: A 68-year-old male was diagnosed with unresectable HCC, presenting with elevated liver enzymes and an alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level of 2018 ng/mL. Initial treatment with atezolizumab and Bevacizumab commenced in February 2022. Although imaging indicated stable disease, AFP levels decreased modestly to 1,526 ng/mL, while liver function tests remained elevated, accompanied by further clinical deterioration and weight loss. Subsequently, intravenous vitamin C (30 grams) was introduced into the treatment regimen. This addition led to a rapid and significant reduction in AFP levels, normalization of liver function tests, and marked improvement in clinical symptoms. The patient continued on this combined regimen of vitamin c, atezolizumab, and bevacizumab. Four months later, CT scans revealed significant tumor shrinkage and necrosis. As of 30 months post-diagnosis, the patient remains on the regimen with normal liver function and an AFP level of 1.8 ng/mL, maintaining normal activities and stable weight. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of combining high-dose intravenous vitamin C with Bevacizumab and atezolizumab, which proved to be safe and resulted in significant clinical and radiological improvements in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Further studies are recommended to explore the potential of this combination therapy.

Antioxidant content following fermentation of lemongrass for herbal beverage development.

Consumers have increasingly favoured fermented drinks due to their high content of probiotic secondary metabolites. These beverages are believed to possess the capacity to safeguard against non-communicable ailments such as coronary heart disease, cancer, diabetes, antimicrobial infections, and other dietary-related disorders. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a commonly used botanical ingredient in therapeutic tea production. It is renowned for its highly valuable essential oil, which has significant commercial demand. This study examines the functional content and antioxidant effects of fermented beverages derived from lemongrass. We employed the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to carry out the fermentation process on the lemongrass compositions, extending the duration from t = 24 to t = 96 h. We used non-fermented samples as control. This investigation identified numerous active biomolecules and polyphenols in the fermented samples, including flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, coumarins, terpenoids, steroids, saponins, and reducing sugars. After t = 24 h fermentation, the radical-scavenging activity reached its maximum level of 89.1%, and the antioxidant content reached 13.06 µg/ml, which is equivalent to the amount of ascorbic acid. After t = 36 h fermentation, the total phenolic content reached a concentration of 237.19 µg/ml, while the flavonoid content reached its peak at 55.21 µg/ml after t = 72 h fermentation. Lemongrass fermentation exhibits a wide range of phytochemicals and bioactive components that effectively eliminate free radicals, despite the antioxidant content fluctuation throughout the fermentation period of t = 24 to t = 96 h.

Cellulose-based yellow-green emitting carbon dots with large Stokes shift as effective "turn off-on" fluorescence platforms for Cr (VI) and AA dual efficacy detection.

BACKGROUND: Hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) is highly carcinogenic to humans. Ascorbic acid (AA) deficiency can be hazardous to health. And the dual-effect fluorescence detection of them is an important research topic. Carbon dots (CDs) based on cellulose are excellent candidates for the fluorescence probes due to their low cost and environmental friendliness. But most of them exhibit shortwave emission, small Stokes shift and poor fluorescence performance, all of which limit their use. Therefore, there is an urgent need for cellulose CDs with longer emission wavelengths and larger Stokes shifts in dual-effect fluorescence detection of Cr (VI) and AA. RESULTS: Under optimal conditions (180 °C, 12 h), we prepared cellulose-based nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) by a simple one-step hydrothermal process, which display longer emission wavelengths (ex: 370 nm, em: 510 nm), larger Stokes shifts (140 nm) and high fluorescence quantum yield (QY: 19.27 %). The continuous "turn-off" and "turn-off-on" fluorescence detection platforms were constructed based on the internal filtering effect (IFE) between Cr6+ and N-CDs, and Cr6+ reduced to Cr3+ by AA at pH = 6. The platform has been successfully simultaneous detect Cr (VI) and AA with a wide range of 0.01-40 µM and 0.1-100 µM. And the lowest limits of detection (LOD) are 0.0303 µM and 0.072 µM, respectively. In the presence of some other metals, non-metal ions and water-soluble acids in the fruits, this fluorescent platform can demonstrate a high level of interference immunity. SIGNIFICANCE AND NOVELTY: This represents the first yellow-green cellulose-based N-CDs with large Stokes shift for dual-effect detection of Cr (VI) and AA in real water samples and fresh fruits. The fluorescence detection platform has the advantage of low volume detection. Less than 2 mL of sample is required for testing and results are available in <5 min. This method is rare and supply a novel idea for the quantitative monitoring of Cr (VI) and AA.

Poly(ε-Caprolactone)-Based Composites Modified With Polymer-Grafted Magnetic Nanoparticles and L-Ascorbic Acid for Bone Tissue Engineering.

The aim of this study was to develop multifunctional magnetic poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) mats with antibacterial properties for bone tissue engineering and osteosarcoma prevention. To provide good dispersion of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs), they were first grafted with PCL using a novel three-step approach. Then, a series of PCL-based mats containing a fixed amount of ION@PCL particles and an increasing content of ascorbic acid (AA) was prepared by electrospinning. AA is known for increasing osteoblast activity and suppressing osteosarcoma cells. Composites were characterized in terms of morphology, mechanical properties, hydrolytic stability, antibacterial performance, and biocompatibility. AA affected both the fiber diameter and the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. All produced mats were nontoxic to rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cells; however, a composite with 5 wt.% of AA suppressed the initial proliferation of SAOS-2 osteoblast-like cells. Moreover, AA improved antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli compared to PCL. Overall, these magnetic composites, reported for the very first time, can be used as scaffolds for both tissue regeneration and osteosarcoma prevention.

Prevalence of vitamin C deficiency and its association with stroke risk among U.S. adult population: A cross-sectional analysis spanning 15 years with over 13,000 participants.

Background: Stroke presents a significant global health challenge. Despite its potential for cardiovascular protection, the role of vitamin C (VTMC) in stroke risk remains contentious. Aim: This study aimed to assess VTMC deficiency in stroke patients and its association with stroke risk. Methods: We analyzed data from 13,339 adults aged 20 and above in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2003 and 2018, excluding those with missing serum VTMC and stroke status. We assessed the VTMC deficiency (<11.4 µmol/L) and stroke incidence association using multivariate weighted logistic regression, adjusting for demographics, BMI, medical history, smoking, and dietary VTMC intake. Results: Stroke rates in the NHANES cycles 2003-2006 and 2017-2018 were 2.8% (95% CI [2.3-3.4]) and 3.3% (95% CI [2.7-4.2]), respectively. VTMC deficiency was more common in individuals with a history of stroke, with rates of 3.6% (95% CI [2.2-5.8]) and 5.3% (95% CI [3-9.1]) compared to 2.7% (95% CI [2.3-3.3]) and 3.2% (95% CI [2.5-4.1]) in the nonstroke population. Nevertheless, VTMC deficiency was distinctly prevalent across diverse demographic and health-related subgroups. Multivariate analyses invalidated any statistically significant association between VTMC deficiency and stroke risk across all employed analytical models within both time intervals. Conclusions: Our study does not support a link between VTMC deficiency and increased stroke risk in U.S. adults. Substantial uncertainties persist regarding the use of VTMC for stroke-related oxidative stress, dosage, and delivery methods, requiring further clinical trials. Healthcare providers should carefully consider its prevalence in specific subgroups.

Effect of H2O2/ascorbic acid degradation and gradient ethanol precipitation on the physicochemical properties and biological activities of pectin polysaccharides from Satsuma Mandarin.

In this work, three degraded polysaccharides (DMPP-40, DMPP-60, DMPP-80) were successfully obtained by H2O2/ascorbic acid degradation and gradient ethanol precipitation from Satsuma mandarin peel pectin (MPP), and their physicochemical properties, antioxidant and prebiotic activities were investigated. The molecular weight of MPP, DMPP-40, DMPP-60, DMPP-80 were determined to be 336.83 ± 10.57, 18.93 ± 0.54, 26.07 ± 0.83 and 8.71 ± 0.27 kDa, respectively. The ethanol concentration significantly affected the physicochemical properties of DMPPs. DMPP-60 showed the highest yield (69.07 %) and uronic acid content (64.85 %), DMPP-80 showed the lowest molecular weight (8.71 kDa), and the composition and proportion of monosaccharides of DMPPs were significantly different. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR) confirmed that DMPPs exhibited similar functional groups, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated that DMPP-40 possessed some crystallographic sequences. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images directly verified the fragmented structure and reduced surface area of DMPPs. Besides, the H2O2/ascorbic acid treatment could obviously reduce the apparent viscosity and thermal stability of MPP. Meanwhile, the results of bioactivity assay showed that DMPPs possessed better antioxidant activity and probiotics pro-proliferative effects compared with MPP. DMPP-80 could significantly inhibit lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated production of inflammatory factors (including nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1ß) in RAW264.7 cells. Results suggest that the H2O2/ascorbic acid combined with gradient ethanol precipitation has potential applications in degradation and separation of MPP to improve its biological activities.

Bowel preparation with linaclotide and 1 L polyethylene glycol plus ascorbic acid prior to colonoscopy in chronic constipated patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Information on effective bowel preparation (BP) methods for patients with constipation is limited. We recently reported the efficacy of 1 L polyethylene glycol plus ascorbic acid (PEG-Asc) combined with senna for BP; however, this regimen was insufficient in patients with constipation. We hypothesized that the addition of linaclotide, which is approved for the treatment of chronic constipation, to 1 L PEG-Asc would yield results superior to those of senna in patients with constipation. METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-center study that included outpatients with constipation who underwent BP prior to colonoscopy between March and December 2019 (receiving 1 L PEG-Asc with 24 mg senna) and between January and October 2020 (receiving 1 L PEG-Asc with 500 mg linaclotide). RESULTS: A total of 543 patients with constipation were included, of whom 269 received linaclotide and 274 received senna. The rate of inadequate BP was significantly lower (11% vs 20%, p < 0.01) and the adenoma detection rate was significantly higher (54% vs 45%, p = 0.04) in the linaclotide group than in the senna group. Multivariate analysis revealed that the linaclotide regimen significantly reduced the risk of inadequate BP (odds ratio = 0.36, 95% confidence interval = 0.21-0.60, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The linaclotide regimen significantly increased BP efficacy and the adenoma detection rate compared with the senna regimen without reducing tolerability and is therefore a promising new option for BP in patients with constipation.

Role of antioxidants in reducing oxidative stress and seizure frequency in drug-resistant epileptic patients.

Drug-resistant epilepsy presents significant challenges in treating epileptic patients, leading to recurrent seizures and necessitating the use of polypharmacy with anti-epileptic drugs. Both of these conditions contribute to increased oxidative stress, which is detrimental to the brain. The aim of this study was to determine the role of vitamins C and E in reducing oxidative stress and seizure frequency in drug-resistant epileptic patients. This was a double-blinded, randomized clinical trial with a placebo, parallel design, and block randomization. The subjects were drug-resistant epileptic patients aged 1-18 years who received routine treatment. Randomization was performed on 100 patients who were divided into the treatment or placebo groups. The patients received a combination of vitamin C (100 mg/day) and vitamin E (200 IU/day for those <5 years or 400 IU/day for those ≥5 years) or a placebo for eight weeks. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and seizure frequency were measured prior to and after the intervention. A total of 42 and 46 patients were followed till the end of the study in the intervention and placebo groups, respectively. Our data indicated that the MDA levels prior to treatment were not significantly different between the treatment and placebo groups (0.901 vs 0.890 mmol/mL, p=0.920) and were significantly reduced after the treatment in both the treatment group (p<0.001) and placebo group (p=0.028). The changes in MDA levels (between post- and pre-treatment) were also not significantly different between the two groups (p=0.181). Our per-protocol analysis indicated that the reduction in seizure frequency was significantly higher in the treatment group compared to the placebo group (95% vs 35%, p<0.001), with 92% and 60% relative and absolute risk reduction, respectively. The intention-to-treat analysis also indicated that the reduction in seizure frequency was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (80% vs 32%, p<0.001), with relative and absolute risk reduction of 70% and 48%, respectively. There was no significant relationship between changes in MDA levels and seizure frequency in either group. In conclusion, vitamins C and E could reduce seizure frequency and, therefore, could be considered as adjuvant therapy in drug-resistant epileptic patients.

Exploration of N6-methyladenosine modification in ascorbic acid 2-glucoside constructed stem cell sheets.

The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) sheets constructed with different doses of Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside (AA-2G) in conjunction with N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-associated epigenetic genes analysing transcriptome sequencing data. Experimental groups of BMSCs induced by different AA-2G concentrations were set up, and the tissue structures were observed by histological staining of cell slices and scanning electron microscopy. Expression patterns of DEGs were analysed using short-time sequence expression mining software, and DEGs associated with m6A were selected for gene ontology analysis and pathway analysis. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs was analysed and gene functions were predicted using the search tool of the Retrieve Interacting Genes database. There were 464 up-regulated DEGs and 303 down-regulated DEGs between the control and high-dose AA-2G treatment groups, and 175 up-regulated DEGs and 37 down-regulated DEGs between the low and high-dose AA-2G treatment groups. The profile 7 exhibited a gradual increase in gene expression levels over AA-2G concentration. In contrast, profile 0 exhibited a gradual decrease in gene expression levels over AA-2G concentration. In the PPI network of m6A-related DEGs in profile 7, the cluster of metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (Timp1), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (Icam1), insulin-like growth factor 1 (Igf1), matrix metallopeptidase 2 (Mmp2), serpin family E member 1 (Serpine1), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (Cxcl2), galectin 3 (Lgals3) and angiopoietin-1 (Angpt1) was the top hub gene cluster. The expression of all hub genes was significantly increased after AA-2G intervention (P < 0.05), and the expression of Igf1 and Timp1 increased with increasing intervention concentration. The m6A epigenetic modifications were involved in the AA-2G-induced formation of BMSCs. Igf1, Serpine1 and Cxcl2 in DEGs were enriched for tissue repair, promotion of endothelial and epithelial proliferation and regulation of apoptosis.

Protective Role of Polyethylene Glycol Towards the Damaging Effects of Cadmium.

This study aimed to evaluate the role of drought-induced changes in the effects of cadmium (Cd) in plants. Cd is the most hazardous and important environmental pollutant. Water deficit is the most common environmental stress encountered by plants and affects most of the plant functions. The present study assessed the effect of Cd and water deficit on Capsicum frutescens seedlings in single and combined treatments. The seedlings of Capsicum were grown in a hydroponic solution and treated with Cd. The seedlings were subjected to water deficit with the help of polyethylene glycol (PEG). The other set of seedlings was treated with combined Cd + PEG. In the absence of PEG, maximum Cd accumulation was observed. The root and shoot growth of the seedlings were affected under all treatments with maximum inhibition in Cd. Pigment, protein and sugar contents and nitrate reductase activity decreased significantly in all treatments, while proline content increased. Induction of oxidative damage occurred through the formation of free radicals which caused alteration in electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation and activities of antioxidant enzymes, viz. superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase and non-enzymatic non-protein thiol content and ascorbic acid in the stressed seedlings. Water deficit buttressed the toxic effect of Cd on chilli seedlings.

Assessment of Selected Chemical and Morphological Properties of Lonicera var. kamtschatica and Lonicera var. emphyllocalyx Treated with Gaseous Ozone.

Lonicera caerulea L. fruits are a rich source of vitamins, organic acids, and phenolic compounds, which are characterised by their health-promoting properties. The content of bioactive compounds in this fruit may vary depending on the cultivar and the harvest date. This study analysed the effect of applying 5 ppm gaseous ozone for 1, 3, and 5 min on the chemical properties of L. kamtschatica varieties and newly created clones of L. emphyllocalyx for three years of cultivation. The fruits harvested from L. emphyllocalyx, depending on the year of harvest, had significantly larger size and weight compared to L. kamtschatica. On average, the acidity of the L. emphyllocalyx clones was 6% higher than other tested varieties. The average content of ascorbic acid was highest in L. emphyllocalyx clone '21-17'-57.80 mg·100 g-1; the year of harvest will significantly affect the content of vitamin C, reaching the highest level in 2022-53.92 mg·100 g-1. The total content of polyphenols was significantly dependent on the year of cultivation; reaching, on average, 54.8% more in 2022 compared to the rest of the years. The total antioxidant value using the FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS methods varied depending on the variety; exposure to ozone significantly increased the antioxidant value in each case. On the basis of the study, both botanical varieties can be used in food processing. Gaseous ozone exposure can significantly influence chemical composition, increasing the health-promoting value of fruit.

Evaluation of antioxidant activity in saliva among young adults having diverging food habits and its relation to oral health: A pilot study.

Introduction: Saliva enables the maintenance of oral and systemic health. Evaluation of saliva is very valuable for multiple parameters to be evaluated as they are easy to collect, allow easy and safe sample collection, are non-traumatic, can be repeated with ease, and are non-invasive in nature. Salivary enzyme systems have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and similar functions which aid in the maintenance of homeostasis in the oral cavity. Antioxidants scavenge free radicals from cells and prevent or reduce the damage caused by oxidation. Materials and Methods: In the present study, the pH and antioxidant capacity of the saliva were evaluated. Subjects were categorized as GROUP A: Vegetarians: Diets were entirely devoid of eggs or meat of any type (for more than 20 years). GROUP B: Non-vegetarians: Diets included both red and white meat, consumed either daily or frequently. GROUP C: Eggetarians: Otherwise vegetarian diets which includes eggs, consumed frequently. Ten samples of each group were collected. The pH profile and antioxidant activity of the samples were analysed. Each of the individuals was subjected to oral examination for grading of the status of oral hygiene, caries teeth, missing and extracted teeth, and the health of gingiva. For the same Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHIS), Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) and Gingival Status indices were used and the observations were noted. Observations and Results: The average salivary pH for the vegetarians was 7 ± 0.5, that for eggetarians was 7.1 ± 0.5, and in the non-vegetarian group, the average pH was equal to 7.3 ± 0.5. Using the DPPH method, the percentage antioxidant activity of saliva in vegetarians was 20.9 ± 2.1%, while those of eggetarians and non-vegetarians were equal to 5 ± 0.6% and 11.4 ± 2%, respectively. Each individual was subjected to oral examination for grading of the status of oral hygiene (OHIS); decayed, missing, extracted teeth, filled teeth index (DMFT); and the health of gingiva (gingival status index). Overall, eggetarians had a high OHIS index (mean 1.08). The DMFT index was high in non-vegetarians with values ranging from 1 to 8. Statistical analysis using the T-test revealed that the antioxidant potential of the vegetarian group was significantly higher than those of the eggetarian and non-vegetarian dietary groups (P < 0.001). However, the eggetarian and non-vegetarian dietary groups did not significantly differ from each other with respect to this parameter. Conclusion: The antioxidant capacity is markedly high in vegetarians, 20.9+/- 2.1%, as compared to non-vegetarians, 11.4+/- 2.1%, and was the lowest in eggetarians, 5+/- 0.6%.

The effect of plum extracts and antioxidants on reduction of ethyl carbamate in plum liqueur.

Stone-fruit liqueurs contain high contents of the carcinogen ethyl carbamate (EC). In this study, we investigated the effect of plum fruit extract and single antioxidants present in plum fruit extracts on the reduction in the EC content during the macerating process in a plum liqueur model system and authentic plum liqueur. 30% ethanol model plum liqueur treated with 0.2% plum extract showed the lowest EC content with 55% reduction rate after the macerating process compared to the content in the control. Interestingly, neither 0.1% ascorbic acid nor 0.1% p-coumaric acid lowered the EC contents in the model liqueur, while they decreased the EC contents in authentic plum liqueur. This was possibly attributed to the synergistic effect of the plum fruit phenolics with the ascorbic acid and p-coumaric acid antioxidants. Thus, plum extracts can be applied to plum liqueurs to reduce the rate of EC formation. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-024-01585-1.