Chitosan-silica with hops ß-acids added films as prospective food packaging materials: Preparation, characterization, and properties.

In this study, silica (SiO2) and ß-acids were added to the chitosan films in order to improve the film's properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) were used to explore the structure of film. The results of mechanical test indicated that the film containing SiO2 (0.3%) and ß-acids (0.3%) could obtain a significant tensile strength (10.04 MPa). The complex films possessed a good inhibitory effect on three types of bacteria, and good antioxidant activity (>56%, DPPH). The release mechanism of ß-acids from the films exhibited Fickian diffusion (n < 0.45). During the storage of soybean oil, the films could well control the changes of the peroxide value, acid value and thiobarbituric acid reactant content. Overall, the biofilms not only possess good physical and chemical properties, but also prolongs the time of food storage.

Strategies to Improve the Thermo-Oxidative Stability of Sunflower Oil by Exploiting the Antioxidant Potential of Blueberries Processing Byproducts.

This research was conducted in order to establish the effectiveness of two freeze-dried extracts obtained from blueberry processing byproducts resulting from juice manufacturing compared to butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) in delaying the lipid oxidation of sunflower oil subjected to high-temperature convective heating at 180 °C up to 12 h under simulated frying conditions. The fruits were harvested from spontaneous flora of two regions of Romania, Arieseni (Alba County) and Paltinis (Sibiu County) and the blueberry byproducts extracts (BBE) were noted according to the origin place as ABBE and PBBE. The progress of lipid thermo-oxidation was investigated in terms of peroxide value (PV), p-anisidine value (p-AV), the response of TBA-malondialdehyde interactions assessed by thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method, the total oxidation (TOTOX) value and inhibition of oil oxidation (IO). The recorded data highlighted that BBE exhibit a high inhibitory response on lipid thermo-oxidation. The inhibitory effect was concentration-dependent, thus, the degree of lipid oxidation was in reverse related to the BBE dose. The exposure of the oil samples supplemented with 800 ppm BBE (ABBE, PBBE) to a high-temperature heating for 12 h led to a significant decrease of the assessed indices compared to additives-free sunflower oil sample as follows: PV (46%; 45%), p-AV (21%; 17%), TOTOX (27%; 24%), TBA value (25%; 11%). Regarding the impact of the origin on the potential of BBE to inhibit the lipid oxidative degradation, it was noted that ABBE derived from blueberries grown in a region with a milder climate with moderate precipitations and higher temperatures showed a stronger inhibitory effect on lipid thermo-oxidation than PBBE. A moderate level of 500 ppm BBE inhibited the lipid oxidation similar to 200 ppm BHT. The reported results reveal that BBE represent efficient natural antioxidants that could be successfully applied to improve the thermo-oxidative stability of sunflower oil used in various high-temperature food applications.

Xanthine Oxidase Inhibition and Anti-LDL Oxidation by Prenylated Isoflavones from Flemingia philippinensis Root.

Xanthine oxidase is a frontier enzyme to produce oxidants, which leads to inflammation in the blood. Prenylated isoflavones from Flemingia philippinensis were found to display potent inhibition against xanthine oxidase (XO). All isolates (1-9) inhibited XO enzyme with IC50 ranging 7.8~36.4 µM. The most active isoflavones (2-5, IC50 = 7.8~14.8 µM) have the structural feature of a catechol motif in B-ring. Inhibitory behaviors were disclosed as a mixed type I mode of inhibition with KI < KIS. Binding affinities to XO enzyme were evaluated. Fluorescence quenching effects agreed with inhibitory potencies (IC50s). The compounds (2-5) also showed potent anti-LDL oxidation effects in the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) assay, the lag time of conjugated diene formation, relative electrophoretic mobility (REM), and fragmentation of apoB-100 on copper-mediated LDL oxidation. The compound 4 protected LDL oxidation with 0.7 µM in TBARS assay, which was 40-fold more active than genistein (IC50 = 30.4 µM).

Antioxidant Activity of Pastinaca sativa L. ssp. sylvestris [Mill.] Rouy and Camus Essential Oil.

In the last decade, there has been growing interest in the food industry in replacing synthetic chemicals with natural products with bioactive properties. This study's aims were to determine the chemical composition and the antioxidant properties of the essential oil of Pastianica sylvestris. The essential oil was isolated with a yield of 0.41% (w/v) by steam distillation from the dried seeds and subsequently analysed by GC-MS. Octyl acetate (78.49%) and octyl hexanoate (6.68%) were the main components. The essential oil exhibited an excellent activity for the inhibition of primary and secondary oxidation products for cold-pressed sunflower oil comparable with butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which were evaluated using peroxide and thiobarbituric acid values. The antioxidant activity of the essential oil was additionally validated using DPPH radical scavenging (0.0016 ± 0.0885 mg/mL), and ß-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching assays. Also, the amounts of total phenol components (0.0053 ± 0.0023 mg GAE/g) were determined.

Physical properties and stability of filled hydrogel particles based on biopolymer phase separation: Influence of the ratio of protein to polysaccharide.

Filled hydrogel particles can be fabricated by incorporating an oil-in-water emulsion into portions of separated incompatible lower and upper phases together and remixing with later acidification to pH 5.0. The purpose of present study was to investigate the influence of different heat-denatured whey protein concentrates (HWPC)/high methoxy pectin (HMP) mass ratios (1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, and 5:1) of phase separated systems on the physical characteristics and stabilities of filled hydrogel particles. The results showed that the particle size of filled hydrogel particles significantly decreased with increasing HWPC/HMP mass ratios (P < 0.05), which was verified by reduced interfacial layer thickness. Moreover, decreased particle size also induced consistent reduction of the apparent viscosity and slightly increased the lightness. In particular, when the HWPC/HMP mass ratio was 3:1, the filled hydrogel particles exhibited the lowest amount of conjugated dienes and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances after 10 days of storage (P < 0.05), which was mainly due to the highest amount of biopolymers distributed at the interfacial membrances (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that the phase separation system formed by HWPC/HMP mass ratio of 3:1 could be used to fabricate filled hydrogel particles with amplified stabilities at acidic pH for novel delivery systems.

Investigation of lipid-derived formation of decadien-1-amine, 2-pentylpyridine, and acrylamide in potato chips fried in repeatedly used sunflower oil.

This study aimed to investigate lipid derived formations of decadien-1-amine, 2-pentylpyridine, and acrylamide in potato chips during frying. 2,4-Decadienal, a lipid derived carbonyl, was monitored in repeatedly used sunflower oil at different thermoxidation levels (0, 6, 12, 18, 24 h at 180 °C), and in potato chips prepared in. Formations of decadien-1-amine and 2-pentylpyridine were shown for the first time in potato chips. Frying oil had the highest concentration of 2,4-decadienal after thermal oxidation at 180 °C for 6 h. Expectedly, potato chips fried in this oil contained the highest concentration of 2,4-decadienal (29 mg/kg). There was a positive correlation (r2 = 0.73) between the concentrations of 2,4-decadienal and decadien-1-amine (relative concentration as peak area) formed in potato chips fried in repeatedly used sunflower oil. No 2-pentylpyridine was detected in potato chips fried in unoxidized oil, whereas its concentration ranged between 91 and 154 µg/kg in potato chips fried in oxidized oil. Acrylamide concentration of potato chips ranged between 525 µg/kg (fried in oxidized oil, 12 h) and 722 µg/kg (fried in unoxidized oil). A negative correlation (r2 = 0.70) was observed between the concentrations of 2,4-decadienal and acrylamide in potato chips. The results suggest that reactions of lipid derived carbonyls should be taken into account to understand better the modifcations of amino acids in fried products.

New thiobarbituric acid scaffold-based small molecules: Synthesis, cytotoxicity, 2D-QSAR, pharmacophore modelling and in-silico ADME screening.

A series of twenty five new thiobarbituric acid derivatives, viz. 3a-h, 4-7, 8a-c, 9, 10a-c, 11 and 12a-d, were designed and synthesized as potential cytotoxic agents. In-vitro screening of the new compounds against the three human cancer cell lines Caco-2, HepG-2 and MCF-7 was performed to assess their intrinsic activity. Compound 12d exhibited potent sub-micromolar activity against HepG-2 and MCF-7 (IC50 = 0.07 and 0.08 µM, respectively). In-silico pharmacophore modelling of this chemotype compounds disclosed a five features' pharmacophore model representing essential steric and electronic fingerprints essential for activity. Finally, a 2D-QSAR model was devised to quantitatively correlate the 2D molecular feature descriptors of this series of thiobarbiturates with their cytotoxic activity against MCF-7. Finally, in silico evaluation of the physicochemical and ADME properties of these derivatives was performed.

Docking- and pharmacophore-based virtual screening for the identification of novel Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein tyrosine phosphatase B (MptpB) inhibitor with a thiobarbiturate scaffold.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) protein tyrosine phosphatase B (MptpB) is an important virulence factor for Mtb that contributes to survival of the bacteria in macrophages. The absence of a human ortholog makes MptpB an attractive target for new therapeutics to treat tuberculosis. MptpB inhibitors could be an effective treatment to overcome emerging TB drug resistance. Adopting a structure-based virtual screening strategy, we successfully identified thiobarbiturate-based drug-like MptpB inhibitor 15 with an IC50 of 22.4 µM, and as a non-competitive inhibitor with a Ki of 24.7 µM. Importantly, not only did it exhibit moderate cell membrane permeability, compound 15 also displayed potent inhibition of intracellular TB growth in the macrophage, making it an excellent lead compound for anti-TB drug discovery. To the best of our knowledge, this novel thiobarbiturate is the first class of MptpB inhibitor reported so far that leveraged docking- and pharmacophore-based virtual screening approaches. The results of preliminary structure-activity relationship demonstrated that compound 15 identified herein was not a singleton and may inspire the design of novel selective and drug-like MptpB inhibitors.

Antioxidant Effect of Far Infrared Radiation Produced by Bioceramics in Individuals with Intermittent Claudication: A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Biomedical research has recently incorporated bioceramics applications into new health care approaches. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effect of far infrared-emitting bioceramics wraps in the treatment of intermittent claudication. METHODS: This is a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study. Thirty-five patients met the criteria and were randomized into either control (placebo wraps) or bioceramics group (far infrared emitting-ceramics wraps) and assessed over a 90-day period for the following outcomes: six-minute walk test (6MWT), ankle-brachial index (ABI), Flow-mediated arterial dilation (FMD), quality of life and claudication. Oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers were measured in plasma of patients. RESULTS: Intervention induced a decrease in oxidative stress, with significant lower levels of reactive substances to thiobarbituric acid (TBARS), as well as increase in superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme activities. There was an increase in the environment subscale of the quality of life questionnaire. No statistically significant differences were found in the inflammatory cytokines, 6MWT, ABI and FMV evaluations. CONCLUSIONS: In Sum, FIR treatment improved oxidative stress profile and quality-of-life of patients with intermittent claudication. The study was registered into the ensaiosclinicos.gov.br (Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos [ReBEC]) (RBR-7nr6sy register number).

Dietary supplementation of vitamin C: an effective measure for protection against UV-B irradiation using fish as a model organism.

The development of UV-B protective mechanisms in aquacultural species is essential for the sustainable production of healthy aqua crop. Freshwater carp Catla catla larvae (13.5 ± 1.12 mg) were fed with a diet containing 0.5% vitamin C (D1) and a control diet (D2) for 40 days. Each group was exposed to two doses of UV-B irradiation: 360 (5 min, D15 min and D25 min) and 720 mJ cm-2 (10 min, D110 min and D210 min) for 15 days. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher survival and average weight were recorded in D1 compared to D2 exposed to the same dose. Also, significantly (p < 0.001) higher nitric oxide synthase and lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and heat shock protein 70 levels were recorded in D15 min compared to the other groups. A direct relationship was found between the dose of UV-B and DNA fragmentation in muscles. DNA damage indices such as tail DNA, tail extent moment and olive tail moment were significantly (p < 0.01) lower in D15 min. Thus, supplementation of vitamin C in the diet provides UV-B protection to larvae.

Antidiabetic, Antihyperlipidemic, and Antioxidant Activities of Mulberry Lees Fermented Products in Diabetic Mice.

Mulberry lees are the sediment in the bottom of the barrel, which can be obtained from the processing of mulberry wine, and they are considered as low-value byproducts. In this study, mulberry lees were extracted with ethanol, and then fermented with Monascus pilosus to obtain fermented products (M × M). Male ICR mice were diabetes induced by STZ, and then oral administration of fermented products. The results showed that fermented products could reduce 31.9% to 47.9% plasma glucose, 25.8% to 48.2% total cholesterol, and 16.7% to 25% triglyceride levels in diabetic mice, and it can greatly lower the malondialdehyde (MDA) content by 26.4% to 59.7% but raise antioxidant enzyme activity in the liver of the mice. Moreover, fermented products not only could reduce AST and ALT activity of the diabetic mice, thereby alleviating liver inflammation, but also lowered the urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, improved glomerulus volume, and reduced swelling and inflammation in the kidneys. It was concluded that mulberry lees fermented products could be served as a value-added resource for human health.

Avocado Seed: A Comparative Study of Antioxidant Content and Capacity in Protecting Oil Models from Oxidation.

Increasingly, consumers want products containing little or no synthetic compounds. Avocado seeds, which are a residue of the food industry, could be used to obtain extracts with high antioxidant power. In the present study, the most popular radical scavenging methods are presented, establishing a comparison between them, besides working with two different extractions: pure methanol and ethanol⁻water (50:50 v/v). The radical scavenging assay methods ORAC and ABTS were performed, as well as a novel method: the reaction to methoxy radical, as determined by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Peroxide value and thiobarbituric acid reactive compounds (TBARs) were used to monitor the oxidation of avocado seed oil, as well as the power of the avocado seed extract (ASE) to delay oil oxidation by oxidation induction time (OIT) and measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Radical scavenging methods have values between 1310⁻263 µmol TE/g of mass dissolved for ORAC and ABTS, respectively. The individual contribution of each of the compounds present in the extract was analyzed. The sum of all of them contributed up to 84% of the total radical scavenging activity. The concentration of 0.75% ASE causes a delay in the oxidation that is close to 80%, as measured by OIT. This implies that avocado seed residue may have a use as a natural antioxidant source, providing added value to organic waste.

Antioxidant capacity of cinnamon extract for palm oil stability.

BACKGROUND: Spices and their bioactive components are more promising attractions for their inclusion in diet-based regimes to improve human health. These are sources of natural antioxidants and play an important role in the chemoprevention of diseases and aging. The aim of the current study was to explore the antioxidant potential of cinnamon; a widely used spice throughout the world. METHODS: The current research was aimed to investigate the antioxidant potential of cinnamon extract. For the purpose, cinnamon sticks were procured from local super market, while palm oil was obtained from local oil industry. The resultant extract was analyzed for its antioxidant activity through total phenolic content (TPC), free radical scavenging activity (DPPH assay), and total antioxidant activity was measured by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) test. The shelf life of palm oil was checked by adding cinnamon extract in oil at different levels i.e., 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25%, to compare the antioxidant potential of the extract whereas, To acted as control and TBHA @ 0.1% was used as synthetic antioxidant in the oil samples. The oil samples were analyzed for rancidity check during storage (after every seven days for a storage period of four weeks). RESULTS: The results indicated that total phenolic contents (TPC); 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) values of cinnamon extract were as 355.01 ± 8.34 gallic acid equivalent per gram (mg GAE/g), 90.18 ± 2.12 (%) and 132.82 ± 3.12 (µmol/g), respectively. The oxidative parameters for treatments i.e., To, TBHA, T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 were recorded as peroxide value (2.61 ± 0.07, 2.42 ± 0.08, 2.57 ± 0.05, 2.56 ± 0.03, 2.54 ± 0.02, 2.54 ± 0.01, 2.46 ± 0.06 meq/kg, respectively), free fatty acids (0.601 ± 0.05, 0.522 ± 0.02, 0.580 ± 0.07, 0.572 ± 0.03, 0.56 ± 00.07, 0.552 ± 0.03, 0.536 ± 0.05%, respectively), TBA value (22.4 ± 1.45, 20.1 ± 0.73, 21.8 ± 0.42, 21.2 ± 1.56, 20.7 ± 0.48, 20.5 ± 0.59, 20.2 ± 0.91 µg/kg, respectively) and iodine value (52.82 ± 2.12, 52.71 ± 2.38, 52.68 ± 2.96, 52.97 ± 2.14, 52.93 ± 2.12, 53.15 ± 2.38, 52.71 ± 2.96, respectively). Overall, the statistical analysis indicated that all parameters regarding oil stability i.e., peroxide value (PV), free fatty acid content, (FFA) thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value and iodine value (IV) were significant with respect to treatments and storage. CONCLUSION: From the present study, it can be concluded that the cinnamon extract proved effective in reducing the lipid oxidation of palm oil and it can be successfully used in place of synthetic antioxidants in food preparations.

Influence of exposure in hyperbaric chambers on selected parametersof oxidative stress in professional divers.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the influence of hyperbaric exposure chambers on selected parameters of oxidative stress in divers' blood. METHODS: 25 healthy men (non-smoking experienced divers) ages 18-40 took part in the experiment. Subjects were exposed to hyperbaric conditions similar to those at 30 meters of depth while diving. A control group consisted of 20 healthy men who have never dived or been exposed to hyperbaric conditions. Blood was drawn from the cubital vein after overnight fasting. Superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were marked in red blood cells (RBCs), carbonyl group concentration marked in serum proteins, and nitrate/nitrite concentrations were estimated in plasma. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between the divers and the control group in MDA concentration in erythrocytes and carbonyl group concentration in serum proteins. Nitrite/nitrate concentrations in plasma plus SOD-1 activity in RBCs decreased significantly in the diver group compared with the control group. After hyperbaric exposure MDA concentration in erythrocytes increased considerably in the test group and a significant increase in SOD-1 activity was observed. A significant increase of nitrite/nitrate concentration was noted in plasma as well as an increase in the carbonyl group in serum proteins. CONCLUSION: Considerably weak enzymatic antioxidative defense was observed in the RBCs of individuals exposed to hyperbaric pressures versus those in normobary. This issue indicates that a diver's system has a larger susceptibility for negative effects from oxidative stress. The results also indicate that hyperbaric conditions can intensify reactions via free radicals.

The Effects of different nitrogen doses on antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bert.).

In this study, the efficiency of the different nitrogen doses (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 kg ha-1) on biological activity levels (antioxidant and antimicrobial activity) of Stevia rebaudiana Bert. was investigated. In addition, methanol extracts were obtained by maceration method from different doses of fertilizer applied stevia. The components in methanol extracts of plants were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. Antimicrobial activities of stevia extracts were investigated by microdilution method. The antioxidant activity evaluated by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, ferric thiocyanate (FTC), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), reducing power, total phenol content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) methods. According to the results, the fertilizer doses effects on antimicrobial activity of stevia were not made much difference. But in antioxidant activity, there were some variations in the activity-dependent on fertilizer amount.

Enzymatic System of Antioxidant Protection of Erythrocytes in Diabetic Rats Treated with Medicinal Mushrooms Agaricus brasiliensis and Ganoderma lucidum (Agaricomycetes).

Excessive glucose concentrations in blood and cells promote the intensification of auto-oxidation. This is one of the mechanisms through which free radicals form in hyperglycemia. As a result of hyperglycemia, oxidative stress develops and lipid peroxidation (LPO) is enhanced. Erythrocytes are particularly susceptible to reactive oxygen species and LPO, which can violate cell functions. This article describes the analysis of the influence of mycelia from the medicinal mushrooms Agaricus brasiliensis and Ganoderma lucidum on the enzymatic link of the antioxidant system in rat erythrocytes under streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus. Oxidative stress was strengthened in red blood cells of diabetic rats, as evidenced by decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, and by increased amounts of thiobarbituric acid-positive products, which are markers of LPO. Administration of A. brasiliensis and G. lucidum submerged cultivated mycelial powder to animals with streptozotocin-induced diabetes restored superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity and reduced the amounts of thiobarbituric acid-positive products to control values, but did not affect the activity of glutathione reductase.

Cultivar and Metal-Specific Effects of Endophytic Bacteria in Helianthus tuberosus Exposed to Cd and Zn.

Plant growth promoting endophytic bacteria (PGPB) isolated from Brassica napus were inoculated in two cultivars of Helianthus tuberosus (VR and D19) growing on sand supplemented with 0.1 mM Cd or 1 mM Zn. Plant growth, concentrations of metals and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) reactive compounds were determined. Colonization of roots of H. tuberosus D19 by Pseudomonas sp. 262 was evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Pseudomonas sp. 228, Serratia sp. 246 and Pseudomonas sp. 262 significantly enhanced growth of H. tuberosus D19 exposed to Cd or Zn. Pseudomonas sp. 228 significantly increased Cd concentrations in roots. Serratia sp. 246, and Pseudomonas sp. 256 and 228 resulted in significantly decreased contents of TBA reactive compounds in roots of Zn exposed D19 plants. Growth improvement and decrease of metal-induced stress were more pronounced in D19 than in VR. Pseudomonas sp. 262-green fluorescent protein (GFP) colonized the root epidermis/exodermis and also inside root hairs, indicating that an endophytic interaction was established. H. tuberosus D19 inoculated with Pseudomonas sp. 228, Serratia sp. 246 and Pseudomonas sp. 262 holds promise for sustainable biomass production in combination with phytoremediation on Cd and Zn contaminated soils.

Effects of oolonghomobisflavan A on oxidation of low-density lipoprotein.

Oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) has been suggested to be involved in the onset of atherosclerosis. Oolong tea contains unique polyphenols including oolonghomobisflavan A (OFA). In this study, the effects of OFA on LDL oxidation by ROS and RNS were investigated in vitro. OFA suppressed formation of cholesterol ester hydroperoxides in LDL oxidized by peroxyl radical and peroxynitrite, and formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in LDL oxidized by Cu2+. In addition, OFA inhibited fragmentation, carbonylation, and nitration of apolipoprotein B-100 (apo B-100) in the oxidized LDL, in which heparin-binding activity of apo B-100 was protected by OFA. Our results suggest that OFA exhibits antioxidant activity against both lipid peroxidation and oxidative modification of apo B-100 in LDL oxidized by ROS and RNS. Polyphenols in oolong tea may prevent atherosclerosis by reducing oxidative stress.

Chronic mild stress augments MPTP induced neurotoxicity in a murine model of Parkinson's disease.

Depression is frequently encountered during Parkinson's disease (PD) as a non-motor feature, which has been reported to cause and exaggerate motor deficits and neurodegenerative events in experimental PD models. We studied the effect of chronic mild stress (CMS) (pre, post and pre & post) exposure mediated depression on motor and non-motor symptoms, oxidative stress, inflammation and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and its related signalling molecules against the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine/probenecid (MPTP/p) induced neurotoxicity in mice. CMS and MPTP/p-coexposed C57BL/6 mice exhibited low neuromuscular strength and stride length with enhanced oxidative stress and inflammation as compared to CMS or MPTP/p alone exposed mice. Coexposure diminished the levels of BDNF and expressions of p-TrkB, p-ERK/ERK, p-AKT/AKT and p-CREB in nigrostriatal regions as compared to those of the alone exposure. CMS alone exposed mice showed more anxiety related behaviour with diminished expression of serotonin transporter as compared to MPTP/p alone injected group. Post-stress exposure to MPTP/p mice exhibited lowest motor and reflecting higher anxiety state with greatest enhancement in inflammation and reduction in the protein expression of stress and cell signalling markers as compared to pre and pre & post stress exposed PD mice. However, pre- and pre & post CMS exposed PD animals are more vulnerable to oxidative stress as compared with post-stress experienced MPTP/p mice. CMS mediated depression exacerbates motor/non-motor symptoms in MPTP/p-PD animals by modulating oxidative stress and various signalling molecules. Our results suggested that stress induced NMS can accelerate neurodegenerative processes in the PD in a progressive or expedited manner.

Quality Evaluation Focusing on Tissue Fractal Dimension and Chemical Changes for Frozen Tilapia with Treatment by Tangerine Peel Extract.

This work aimed to establish an effective approach to evaluate the quality of frozen fish, focusing on changes in fish tissue structure and chemical composition during storage. Fresh tilapia samples were treated by coating with tangerine peel (TP) extract and then stored at -4, -8 and -18 °C, respectively, for 40 days. The frozen fish tissues were analyzed for structural and chemical changes. Fractal dimension, which quantifies the porous structure formed in the tissue samples, texture properties including hardness and springiness, and moisture content and water activity all decreased during the storage, while the extents of lipid oxidation, measured as peroxide value and thiobarbituric acid concentration, and protein degradation, monitored with total volatile basic nitrogen and trichloroacetic acid soluble peptides, increased. The change rates of these parameters decreased with decreasing the storage temperature and by applying TP extract. A model was developed for predicting fractal dimension, which indicated the quality of preserved tilapia and thus can be used to predict the shelf life under different storage temperatures. The results demonstrated that TP extract could extend the shelf life of frozen tilapia by 35-45% by inhibiting changes in tissue structure, moisture loss, lipid oxidation and protein degradation during frozen storage.