Challenges in anti-aging medicine-trends in biomarker discovery and therapeutic interventions for a healthy lifespan.

We are facing a growing aging population, along with increasing pressure on health systems, caused by the impact of chronic co-morbidities (i.e. cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases) and functional disabilities as people age. Relatively simple preventive lifestyle interventions, such as dietary restriction and physical exercise, are important contributors to active and healthy aging in the general population. However, as shown in model organisms or in 'in vitro' conditions, lifestyle-independent interventions may have additional health benefits and can even be conceived as possible reversers of the aging process. Thus, pharmaceutical laboratories, research institutes, and universities are putting more and more effort into finding new molecular pathways and druggable targets to develop gerotherapeutics. One approach is to target the driving mechanisms of aging, some of which, like cellular senescence and impaired autophagy, we discussed in an update on the biology of aging at AgingFit 2023 in Lille, France. We underline the importance of carefully and extensively testing senotherapeutics, given the pleiotropism and heterogeneity of targeted senescent cells within different organs, at different time frames. Other druggable targets emerging from new putative mechanisms, like those based on transcriptome imbalance, nucleophagy, protein phosphatase depletion, glutamine metabolism, or seno-antigenicity, have been evidenced by recent preclinical studies in classical models of aging but need to be validated in humans. Finally, we highlight several approaches in the discovery of biomarkers of healthy aging, as well as for the prediction of neurodegenerative diseases and the evaluation of rejuvenation strategies.

Enhancing the Antimicrobial Effect of Ozone with Mentha piperita Essential Oil.

This study aimed to obtain and analyse Mentha piperita essential oil (MpEO) for the prospect of being used as an enhancement agent for the antimicrobial potential of ozone against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and fungi. The research was done for different exposure times, and it gained time-dose relationships and time-effect correlations. Mentha piperita (Mp) essential oil (MpEO) was obtained via hydrodistillation and further analysed by using GC-MS. The broth microdilution assay was used to determine the strain inhibition/strain mass growth by using spectrophotometric optical density reading (OD). The bacterial/mycelium growth rates (BGR/MGR) and the bacterial/mycelium inhibition rates (BIR/MIR) after ozone treatment in the presence and absence of MpEO on the ATTC strains were calculated; the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and statistical interpretations of the time-dose relationship and specific t-test correlations were determined. The effect of ozone on the following tested strains at maximum efficiency was observed after 55 s of single ozone exposure, in order of effect strength: S. aureus > P. aeruginosa > E. coli > C. albicans > S. mutans. For ozone with the addition of 2% MpEO (MIC), maximum efficacy was recorded at 5 s for these strains, in order of effect strength: C. albicans > E. coli > P. aeruginosa > S. aureus > S. mutans. The results suggest a new development and affinity regarding the cell membrane of the different microorganisms tested. In conclusion, the use of ozone, combined with MpEO, is sustained as an alternative therapy in plaque biofilm and suggested as helpful in controlling oral disease-causing microorganisms in medicine.

In Vitro Assessment of the Cytotoxic and Antiproliferative Profile of Natural Preparations Containing Bergamot, Orange and Clove Essential Oils.

Medicinal plants and essential oils (EOs), in particular, were intensively studied in recent years as viable alternatives for antiproliferative chemical synthetic agents. In the same lines, the present study focuses on investigating the effects of natural preparations (emulsions) based on EOs obtained from Citrus bergamia Risso (bergamot-BEO), Citrus sinensis Osbeck (orange-OEO), and Syzygium aromaticum Merill et L. M. Perry (clove-CEO) on different healthy (human immortalized keratinocytes-HaCaT and primary human gingival fibroblasts-HGF) and human tumor cell lines (human melanoma-A375 and oral squamous carcinoma-SCC-4) in terms of the cells' viability and cellular morphology. The obtained results indicate that the CEO emulsion (ECEO) induced a dose-dependent cytotoxic in both healthy (HaCaT and HGF) and tumor (A375 and SCC-4) cells. OEO emulsion (EOEO) increased cell viability percentage both for HaCaT and A375 cells and had an antiproliferative effect at the highest concentration in HGF and SCC-4 cells. BEO emulsion (EBEO) decreased the viability percentage of SCC-4 tumor cells. By associating OEO with CEO as a binary mixture in an emulsified formulation, the inhibition of tumor cell viability increases. The E(BEO/OEO) binary emulsion induced an antiproliferative effect on oral health and tumor cells, with a minimal effect on skin cells. The non-invasive tests performed to verify the safety of the test compound's emulsions at skin level indicated that these compounds do not significantly modify the physiological skin parameters and can be considered safe for human skin.

Impact of an SGLT2-loss of function mutation on renal architecture, histology, and glucose homeostasis.

Inhibitors of sodium/glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) are currently in clinical use for type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatment due to their anti-hyperglycemic effect exerted by the inhibition of glucose reabsorption in the kidney. Inhibition of SGLT2 is associated with improvement of renal outcomes in chronic kidney disease associated with T2D. Our study aimed to describe the renal-specific phenotypic consequences of the SGLT2-loss of function "Jimbee" mutation within the Slc5a2 mouse gene in a non-diabetic/non-obese background. The Jimbee mice displayed reduced body weight, glucosuria, polyuria, polydipsia, and hyperphagia but were normoglycemic, with no signs of baseline insulin resistance or renal dysfunction. Histomorphological analysis of the kidneys revealed a normal architecture and morphology of the renal cortex, but shrinkage of the glomerular and tubular apparatus, including Bowman's space, glomerular tuft, mesangial matrix fraction, and proximal convoluted tubule (PCT). Immunofluorescent analysis of renal sections showed that SGLT2 was absent from the apical membrane of PCT of the Jimbee mice but remnant positive vesicles were detected within the cytosol or at the perinuclear interface. Renal localization and abundance of GLUT1, GLUT2, and SGLT1 were unchanged in the Jimbee genotype. Intriguingly, the mutation did not induce hepatic gluconeogenic gene expression in overnight fasted mice despite a high glucose excretion rate. The Jimbee phenotype is remarkably similar to humans with SLC5A2 mutations and provides a useful model for the study of SGLT2-loss of function effects on renal architecture and physiology, as well as for identifying possible novel roles for the kidneys in glucose homeostasis and metabolic reprogramming.

Assessment of Mint, Basil, and Lavender Essential Oil Vapor-Phase in Antifungal Protection and Lemon Fruit Quality.

There is an increasing interest in developing natural methods to replace the current chemicals used for maintaining postharvest quality of citrus fruits. The essential oil antifungal activity of mint (MEO), basil (BEO), and lavender (LEO) acting as the vapor-phases was tested against Penicillium digitatum. The minimum doses with fungistatic and fungicidal effect, in vitro, acting as the vapor-phases, were set up. The minimum fungicidal dose was 300 µL for BEO and 350 µL LEO, while for MEO only minimal dose with fungistatic effect was reached. The IC50 values were calculated and used (v/v) for testing preservation of lemon fruits, in close space enriched in vapor oil. For this purpose, the following two independent in vivo experiments were carried out: experiment 1, inoculated lemons with P. digitatum stored without chemical treatments 7 days, at 22 ± 2 °C, at two concentrations (C1-IC50 equivalent; C2-half of C1); and experiment 2, the non-inoculated lemons kept under the same conditions and concentrations of EO vapor served to evaluate the lemon quality properties. The results showed that antifungal protective effect was provided in the order of LEO-C1 > BEO-C1 > MEO-C1 > BEO-C2 > MEO-C2 > LEO-C2. The quality indicators like weight loss, pH, and firmness were not negatively influenced.

Quality Characteristics and Volatile Profile of Macarons Modified with Walnut Oilcake By-product.

Walnut oilcake is a low-cost by-product of the edible oil industry but at the same time it is a valuable source of dietary fiber, natural antioxidants, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. In the context of health-friendly confectionary food products and to reduce the production cost, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of walnut oilcake by-product on the quality characteristics and volatile profile of modified macarons. For this purpose, GC-MS and ITEX/GC-MS techniques were used to obtain the fatty acids methyl esters and the volatile profiles; physicochemical analyzes were performed to determine the nutritional characteristics and a nine-point hedonic scale test was performed for the sensory characteristics. The substitution of almond flour with 0%, 10%, 25% and 50% walnut oilcake powder increased the fiber, total phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity. Hedonic scores of the macaron samples made with different percentage of walnut oilcake decreased to additions of over 10%. Moreover, this result is emphasized by Pearson's correlation parameters indicating as optimal addition for modified macarons, percentages up to 10% of walnut oilcake. This approach could reduce the costs related to the acquisition of the ingredients due to the oilcake price which is 3% of the almonds flour price.

Diabetes pharmacotherapy and effects on the musculoskeletal system.

Persons with type 1 or type 2 diabetes have a significantly higher fracture risk than age-matched persons without diabetes, attributed to disease-specific deficits in the microarchitecture and material properties of bone tissue. Therefore, independent effects of diabetes drugs on skeletal integrity are vitally important. Studies of incretin-based therapies have shown divergent effects of different agents on fracture risk, including detrimental, beneficial, and neutral effects. The sulfonylurea class of drugs, owing to its hypoglycemic potential, is thought to amplify the risk of fall-related fractures, particularly in the elderly. Other agents such as the biguanides may, in fact, be osteo-anabolic. In contrast, despite similarly expected anabolic properties of insulin, data suggests that insulin pharmacotherapy itself, particularly in type 2 diabetes, may be a risk factor for fracture, negatively associated with determinants of bone quality and bone strength. Finally, sodium-dependent glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors have been associated with an increased risk of atypical fractures in select populations, and possibly with an increase in lower extremity amputation with specific SGLT2I drugs. The role of skeletal muscle, as a potential mediator and determinant of bone quality, is also a relevant area of exploration. Currently, data regarding the impact of glucose lowering medications on diabetes-related muscle atrophy is more limited, although preclinical studies suggest that various hypoglycemic agents may have either aggravating (sulfonylureas, glinides) or repairing (thiazolidinediones, biguanides, incretins) effects on skeletal muscle atrophy, thereby influencing bone quality. Hence, the therapeutic efficacy of each hypoglycemic agent must also be evaluated in light of its impact, alone or in combination, on musculoskeletal health, when determining an individualized treatment approach. Moreover, the effect of newer medications (potentially seeking expanded clinical indication into the pediatric age range) on the growing skeleton is largely unknown. Herein, we review the available literature regarding effects of diabetes pharmacotherapy, by drug class and/or by clinical indication, on the musculoskeletal health of persons with diabetes.

Exploring Ecological Alternatives for Crop Protection Using Coriandrum sativum Essential Oil.

Essential oils (EOs) are a natural source of active compounds with antifungal, antimycotoxigenic, and herbicidal potential, and have been successfully used in organic agriculture, instead of chemical compounds obtained by synthesis, due to their high bioactivity and the absence of toxicity. The aim of this study was to highlight the importance of Coriandrum sativum essential oil (CEO) as a potential source of bioactive constituents and its applications as an antifungal and bioherbicidal agent. The CEO was obtained by steam distillation of coriander seeds and GC-MS technique was used to determine the chemical composition. Furthermore, in vitro tests were used to determine the antifungal potential of CEO on Fusarium graminearum mycelia growth through poisoned food technique, resulting in the minimum fungistatic (MCFs) and fungicidal concentrations (MCFg). The antifungal and antimycotoxigenic effect of CEO was studied on artificially contaminated wheat seeds with F. graminearum spores. Additionally, the herbicidal potential of CEO was studied by fumigating monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous weed seeds, which are problematic in agricultural field crops in Romania. The in vitro studies showed the antifungal potential of CEO, with a minimum concentration for a fungistatic effect of 0.4% and the minimum fungicidal concentration of 0.6%, respectively. An increase in the antifungal effects was observed in the in vivo experiment with F. graminearum, where a mixture of CEO with Satureja hortensis essential oil (SEO) was used. This increase is attributed to the synergistic effect of both EOs. Moreover, the synthesis of deoxynivalenol (DON)-type mycotoxins was found to be less inhibited. Hence, CEO has shown an herbicidal potential on weed seeds by affecting inhibition of germination.

Synergistic/Antagonistic Potential of Natural Preparations Based on Essential Oils Against Streptococcus mutans from the Oral Cavity.

The present paper addresses a thematic of interest in preventive dental medicine, namely the possibility of using essential oils (EOs) for the inhibition of the development of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) in the oral cavity, as a viable alternative to chemical products with protective role in oral health. For this purpose, four EOs (cinnamon, clove, bergamote, and orange) were chemically characterized by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and in vitro tested against S. mutans (ATCC 25175). The results obtained revealed the antibacterial effect on S. mutans exercised by the essential oils of clove (CLEO), bergamote (BEO), and orange (OEO), which were included in the production of natural emulsion-type preparations with application in dental medicine. In order to highlight the synersistic/antagonistic effects generated by the chemical constituent of essential oils, binary and tertiary emulsions were prepared and used in saliva-enhanced medium against S. mutans. The saliva tests proved the synergistic effect exercised by the active components of EOs tested from tertiary emulsions, which cause an inhibition of the development of S. mutans in oral cavities.

Effects of Type 1 Diabetes on Osteoblasts, Osteocytes, and Osteoclasts.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To describe the effects of type 1 diabetes on bone cells. RECENT FINDINGS: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is associated with low bone mineral density, increased risk of fractures, and poor fracture healing. Its effects on the skeleton were primarily attributed to impaired bone formation, but recent data suggests that bone remodeling and resorption are also compromised. The hyperglycemic and inflammatory environment associated with T1D impacts osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts. The mechanisms involved are complex; insulinopenia, pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and alterations in gene expression are a few of the contributing factors leading to poor osteoblast activity and survival and, therefore, poor bone formation. In addition, the observed sclerostin level increase accompanied by decreased osteocyte number and enhanced osteoclast activity in T1D results in uncoupling of bone remodeling. T1D negatively impacts osteoblasts and osteocytes, whereas its effects on osteoclasts are not well characterized, although the limited studies available indicate increased osteoclast activity, favoring bone resorption.

Expression and localization of glucose transporters in rodent submandibular salivary glands.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The submandibular gland is one of the three major salivary glands, producing a mixed secretion; this saliva is hypotonic compared to plasma. It also secretes glucose, but the mechanisms responsible for this process are poorly understood. Our study addressed the question whether glucose transporters are expressed and how are they localized within specific rodent submandibular cells, in order to estimate a possible implication in salivary glucose disposal. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR and Western blotting were performed to determine the presence/localization of glucose transporters in rodent submandibular glands. RESULTS: GLUT4 was identified in the submandibular salivary gland at both mRNA and protein level. The immunohistochemical analysis revealed its localization preponderantly in the ductal cells of the gland, near to the basolateral. SGLT1 and GLUT1 were highly expressed in submandibular tissues in both acinar and ductal cells, but not GLUT2. These results were confirmed by RT-qPCR. It was also documented that insulin stimulates the net uptake of D-glucose by ductal rings prepared from submandibulary salivary glands, the relative magnitude of such an enhancing action being comparable to that found in hemidiaphragms. CONCLUSION: At least three major glucose transporters are expressed in the rodent submandibular glands, of which GLUT4 is specifically localized near the basolateral side of ductal structures. This points-out its possible role in regulating glucose uptake from the bloodstream, most likely to sustain ductal cellular metabolism.

Potential involvement of the IL-33-ST2 axis in the pathogenesis of primary Sjogren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of the interleukin (IL)-33-ST2 axis in the pathophysiology of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). METHODS: Serum levels of IL-33 and sST2 were determined by ELISA. The expression of IL-33 and ST2 was investigated in salivary glands (SG) by immunohistochemistry. PBMC were isolated and stimulated with IL-33, IL-12 and IL-23 and the cytokine profile response was examined by flow cytometry. Intracellular cytokine detection of IFNγ and IL-17 was performed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Serum IL-33 and sST2 levels were increased in pSS patients compared with controls and patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Expression of IL-33 was upregulated in SG with Chisholm scores of 2 and 3 of pSS patients but comparable with controls for SG with Chisholm score of 4. ST2 expression in SG was downregulated in pSS patients. IL-33 at different concentrations did not increase the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines but acted synergistically with IL-12 and IL-23 to promote IFNγ production. NK and NKT cells were identified as main producers of IFNγ in vitro and were found in SG of pSS patients. CONCLUSIONS: IL-33 is released in pSS, and acts with IL-12 and IL-23 to favour the secretion of IFNγ by NK and NKT cells.

Analysing the Antibacterial Synergistic Interactions of Romanian Lavender Essential Oils via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry: In Vitro and In Silico Approaches.

This study investigated the phytochemical characteristics, antibacterial activity, and synergistic potential of essential oils derived from Romanian lavender. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis revealed that linalool is the main compound in all lavender essential oils, with concentrations ranging from 29.410% to 35.769%. Linalyl acetate was found in similar concentrations to linalool. Other significant compounds included 1,8-cineole (8.50%), lavandulyl acetate (5.38%), trans-ß-ocimene (6.90%), and camphor (7.7%). A 1,1-Diphenyl-2-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test was used to assess antioxidant capacity, with substantial free-radical-scavenging activity shown in the IC50 values determined. The antibacterial efficacy of the oils was higher against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative bacteria, with variations in minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), the extent of inhibition, and evolution patterns. The study also explored the oils' ability to enhance the efficacy of ampicillin, revealing synergistic interactions expressed as fractional inhibitory concentration indices. In silico protein-ligand docking studies used twenty-one compounds identified by GC-MS with bacterial protein targets, showing notable binding interactions with SasG (-6.3 kcal/mol to -4.6 kcal/mol) and KAS III (-6.2 kcal/mol to -4.9 kcal/mol). Overall, the results indicate that Romanian lavender essential oils possess potent antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and their synergistic interaction with ampicillin has potential for enhancing antibiotic therapies.

Boswellia Essential Oil: Natural Antioxidant as an Effective Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Agent.

The research aimed to determine the chemical composition, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity as well as the antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative and two fungal Candida ATCC strains of a commercial Boswellia essential oil (BEO) containing Boswellia carteri, Boswellia sacra, Boswellia papryfera, and Boswellia frereana. Additionally, molecular docking was carried out to show the molecular dynamics of the compounds identified from the essential oil against three bacterial protein targets and one fungal protein target. The major components identified by GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) were represented by α-pinene, followed by limonene. Evaluation of antioxidant activity using the DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl) method showed high inhibition comparable to the synthetic antioxidant used as a control. Oxidative stability evaluation showed that BEO has the potential to inhibit primary and secondary oxidation products with almost the same efficacy as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). The use of BEO at a concentration of 500 ppm provided the best protection against secondary oxidation during 30 days of storage at room temperature, which was also evident in the peroxide value. Regarding the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, the membrane lysis assay and the protein denaturation test revealed that even if the value of protection was lower than the value registered in the case of dexamethasone, the recommendation of using BEO as a protective agent stands, considering the lower side effects. Gram-positive bacteria proved more sensitive, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa presented different sensitivity, with higher MICs (minimal inhibitory concentration). Haemophilus influenzae demonstrated a MIC at 2% but with consecutive inhibitory values in a negative correlation with the increase in concentration, in contrast to E. coli, which demonstrated low inhibitory rates at high concentrations of BEO. The computational tools employed revealed interesting binding energies with compounds having low abundance. The interaction of these compounds and the proteins (tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase, DNA gyrase, peptide deformylase, 1,3-ß-glucan synthase) predicts hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues, which are reported in the active sites of the proteins. Even so, compounds with low abundance in BEO could render the desired bioactive properties to the overall function of the oil sustained by physical factors such as storage and temperature. Interestingly, the findings from this study demonstrated the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of Boswellia essential oil against food-related pathogens, thus making the oil a good candidate for usage in food, feed or food-safety-related products.

Heterogeneity and altered ß-cell identity in the TallyHo model of early-onset type 2 diabetes.

A primary underlying defect makes ß-cells "susceptible" to no longer compensate for the peripheral insulin resistance and to trigger the onset of type 2 diabetes (T2D). New evidence suggests that in T2D, ß-cells are not destroyed but experience a loss of identity, reverting to a progenitor-like state and largely losing the ability to sense glucose and produce insulin. We assessed (using fluorescence microscopy and histomorphometry correlated with the glycaemic status) the main ß-cell identity modifications as diabetes progresses in the TallyHo/JngJ (TH) male mice, a polygenic model of spontaneous T2D, akin to the human phenotype. We found that: 1) conversion to overt diabetes is paralleled by a progressive reduction of insulin-expressing cells and expansion of a glucagon-positive population, together with alteration of islet size and shape; 2) the ß-cell population is highly heterogeneous in terms of insulin content and specific transcription factors like PDX1 and NKX6.1, that are gradually lost during diabetes progression; 3) GLUT2 expression is altered early and strongly reduced at late stages of diabetes; 4) an endocrine developmental program dependent on NGN3-expressing progenitors is revived when hyperglycaemia becomes severe; and 5) the re-expression of the EMT-associated factor vimentin occurs as diabetes worsens, representing a possible regenerative response to ß-cell loss. Based on these results, we formulated additional hypotheses for the ß-cell identity alteration in the TH model, together with several limitations of the study, that constitute future research directions.

Novel Chloro-Substituted Salicylanilide Derivatives and Their ß-Cyclodextrin Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Antibacterial Activity.

The goal of this research was to design novel chloro-substituted salicylanilide derivatives and their ß-cyclodextrin complexes in order to obtain efficient antibacterial compounds and to demonstrate the beneficial role of complexation on the efficiency of these compounds. Thus, salicylanilide derivatives, esters, and hydrazides were obtained by microwave-assisted synthesis and their structure proven based on FTIR and NMR spectra. In order to improve water solubility, chemical and physical stability, and drug distribution through biological membranes, the inclusion complexes of the ethyl esters in ß-cyclodextrin were also obtained using kneading. Inclusion-complex characterization was accomplished by modern analytical methods, X-ray diffraction, SEM, TGA, FTIR, and UV-vis spectroscopy. The newly synthesized compounds were tested against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Antimicrobial tests revealed good activity on Gram-positive bacteria and no inhibition against Gram-negative strains. The MIC and MBC values for compounds derived from N-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxybenzamide were 0.125-1.0 mg/mL. N-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxybenzamide derivatives were found to be less active. The inclusion complexes generally behaved similarly to the guest compounds, and antibacterial activity was not been altered by complexation.

Lupin (Lupinus spp.)-Fortified Bread: A Sustainable, Nutritionally, Functionally, and Technologically Valuable Solution for Bakery.

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the nutritional, phytochemical, rheological, technological, and sensory properties of wheat flour dough and bread under a replacement of lupin flour at level 10, 20, and 30%. In this sense, the proximate composition, fatty acids profile, the content in total polyphenols content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA), and flavonoids content (TFC) of lupin; wheat and flour composites; and the bread obtained from them were determined. The rheological properties of the dough using the Mixolab system were also evaluated. The results showed an improvement in the nutritional properties of bread with addition of lupin in the composite flour, especially in terms of proteins, lipids, and mineral substances and a significant increases of functional attributes, such as TPC, TFC, and AA, which recorded the highest values in the bread with 30% lupin flour (76.50 mg GAE/100 g, 8.54 mg QE/100 g, 54.98%). The decrease of lupin bread volume compared to wheat bread ranged between 0.69-7.37%, porosity between 6.92-35.26%, elasticity between 63-70%, and H/D between 3.17-19.05%. The rheological profile of the dough obtained with lupin flours indicates a moderate stability and proper kneading behavior. The sensory analysis was also performed in order to identify the consumer's acceptability regarding this type of bread. According to a 5-point hedonic scale, the most highly appreciated was the bread with 10% lupin flour, which obtained mean scores of 4.73 for general acceptability as compared with control bread (4.43).

The Impact of Insect Flour on Sourdough Fermentation-Fatty Acids, Amino-Acids, Minerals and Volatile Profile.

Acheta domesticus (L.1758) has been recently accepted by the European Union as a novel food, being the third insect that has been approved for human consumption. Nowadays, researchers' attention is focused on exploiting new protein sustainable sources, and, therefore, insect flour has gained more and more interest. Organic acids, fatty acids, amino acids, aroma volatile compounds, and minerals were analyzed through HPLC-RID (High-performance liquid chromatography), GC-MS (Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry), LC-MS (Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry), ITEX/GC-MS and AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry), respectively. Fermentation of the insect flour with Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 strain (Lp) leads to an increase in organic acids such as lactic, acetic, and oxalic, whilst citric acid decreases its value. SFA (saturated fatty acids) and MUFA (monosaturated fatty acids) groups were positively influenced by Lp fermentation; meanwhile, PUFA (polysaturated fatty acids) decreased during fermentation. A positive trend was observed for amino acids, aroma volatile content, and minerals enhancement during insect sourdough fermentation, mainly at 24 h of fermentation. Acheta domesticus (A. domesticus) sourdough fermentation represents a new tool that needs to be further exploited aiming to improve the nutritional qualities of the final products.

Oxidative Stability and Protective Effect of the Mixture between Helianthus annuus L. and Oenothera biennis L. Oils on 3D Tissue Models of Skin Irritation and Phototoxicity.

The present study was aimed to evaluate the oxidative stability as well as to assess the protective effect of the mixture of Helianthus annuus L. (HAO) and Oenothera biennis L. (OBO) oils on 3D tissue models of skin irritation and phototoxicity. The following methods were used: GS analysis (fatty acids composition), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances assay (TBA) (lipid oxidation degree of tested samples), 3D EpiDerm models (skin irritation and phototoxicity). For HAO the detected saturated fatty acids (SFA) were palmitic acid (7.179%), stearic acid (3.586%), eicosanoic (0.138%) and docosanoic acid (0.548%) The monounsaturated acids (MUFA) were palmitoleic acid (0.158%) and oleic acid (28.249%) and the polyunsaturated acids (PUFA) were linoleic acid (59.941%) and linolenic acid (0.208%). For OBO the detected SFA were myristic acid (0.325%), pentadecylic acid (0.281%), palmitic (7.2%), stearic (2.88%), and arachidic acid (0.275%). Regarding MUFA, even a lower proportion (8.196%) was observed, predominantly being oleic acid, cis form (7.175%), oleic (n10) (0.558%) and 11-eicosenoic (0.210%) acids. The higher content was found for PUFA (82.247%), the most significant proportions being linoleic acid (72.093%), arachidonic acid (9.812%) and linolenic (0.233%). Obtained data indicate a good oxidative stability and biocompatibility of the mixture on the 3D EpiDerm models with no irritant and no phototoxic effects. Oenothera biennis L. oil may be an excellent natural choice in order to delay or prevent oxidative damage of Helianthus annuus L. oil.

Phytochemical Analysis and In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity against Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells of Hippophae rhamnodies L., Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Stapf, and Ocimum basilicum L. Essential Oils.

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancer types with current deficient and aggressive treatment options, but various studied alternative therapies are able to efficiently contribute to its management. Essential oils (EOs) contain valuable compounds, with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, which might serve as effective solutions in CRC prophylaxis or treatment. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the phytochemical composition and in vitro biological activity of essential oils derived from Hippophae rhamnoides (Hr_EO), Cymbopogon citratus (Cc_EO), and Ocimum basilicum (Ob_EO) species on HT-29 and Caco-2 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines. The main compounds identified by GC-MS analysis were estragole (Hr_EO, Ob_EO), alpha- and beta-citral (Cc_EO). All tested EOs exerted a dose-dependent cytotoxicity on both cell lines by reducing the cell viability, especially in the case of Cc_EO, where at 75 µg/mL the viability percentages reached the values of 62.69% (Caco-2) and 64.09% (HT-29), respectively. The nuclear morphology evaluation highlighted significant dysmorphologies on both lines after their treatment with EOs at 75 µg/mL.