Conservation of Endangered Cordyceps sinensis Through Artificial Cultivation Strategies of C. militaris, an Alternate.

Cordyceps, an entomopathogenic fungus belonging to the Ascomycota phylum, is a familiar remedial mushroom that is extensively used in the traditional medicinal system, especially in South Asian nations. The significance of this genus' members in a range of therapeutic and biotechnological applications has long been acknowledged. The exceedingly valuable fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Cordyceps sinensis) is found in the alpine meadows of Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet, and India, where it is severely harvested. Driven by market demand and ecological concerns, the study highlights challenges in natural C. sinensis collection and emphasizes the shift towards sustainable artificial cultivation methods. This in-depth review navigates Cordyceps cultivation strategies, focusing on C. sinensis and the viable alternative, C. militaris. The escalating demand for Cordyceps fruiting bodies and bioactive compounds prompts a shift toward sustainable artificial cultivation. While solid-state fermentation on brown rice remains a traditional method, liquid culture, especially submerged and surface/static techniques, emerges as a key industrial approach, offering shorter cultivation periods and enhanced cordycepin production. The review accentuates the adaptability and scalability of liquid culture, providing valuable insights for large-scale Cordyceps production. The future prospects of Cordyceps cultivation require a holistic approach, combining scientific understanding, technological innovation, and sustainable practices to meet the demand for bioactive metabolites while ensuring the conservation of natural Cordyceps populations.

Ferroptosis in Liver Disease: Natural Active Compounds and Therapeutic Implications.

Ferroptosis is an emerging type of regulated cell death usually accompanied by the accumulation of ferrous ions (Fe2+) and lipid peroxides. As the metabolic hub of the body, the liver is crucial for iron storage and lipid metabolism. The liver seems to be closely related to ferroptosis through iron and lipid metabolism. Liver disease greatly threatens host health, and exploring effective interventions is essential. Mounting studies have demonstrated that ferroptosis is one of the possible pathogenic mechanisms involved in liver disease. Targeting ferroptosis may provide a promising opportunity for treating liver disease. However, drugs targeting ferroptosis are extremely limited. Therefore, it is an urgent need to develop new and safe ferroptosis regulators. Natural active compounds (NAC), especially those derived from traditional Chinese medicine, have recently shown great therapeutic potential in liver disease via modulating ferroptosis-related genes or pathways. Here, we outline the molecular mechanism of ferroptosis and systematically summarize the regulatory function of NAC on ferroptosis in liver disease. Finally, we discuss the application prospects and potential problems concerning NAC as ferroptosis regulators for managing liver disease.

Metabolomic analysis reveals biogenic selenium nanoparticles improve the meat quality of thigh muscle in heat-stressed broilers is related to the regulation of ferroptosis pathway.

Heat stress (HS) causes oxidative damage and abnormal metabolism of muscle, thus impairing the meat quality in broilers. Selenium is an indispensable element for enhancing antioxidant systems. In our previous study, we synthesized a novel type of biogenic selenium nanoparticles synthesized with alginate oligosaccharides (SeNPs-AOS), and found that the particle size of Se is 80 nm and the Se content is 8% in the SeNPs-AOS; and dietary 5 mg/kg SeNPs-AOS has been shown to be effective against HS in broilers. However, whether SeNPs-AOS can mitigate HS-induced the impairment of thigh muscle quality in broilers is still unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of dietary SeNPs-AOS on meat quality, antioxidant capacity, and metabolomics of thigh muscle in broilers under HS. A total of 192 twenty-one-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into 4 groups with 6 replicates per group (8 broilers per replicate) according to a 2 × 2 experimental design: thermoneutral group (TN, broilers raised under 23±1.5°C); TN+SeNPs-AOS group (TN group supplemented 5 mg/kg SeNPS-AOS); HS group (broilers raised under 33 ± 2°C for 10 h/d); and HS + SeNPs-AOS group (HS group supplemented 5 mg/kg SeNPS-AOS). The results showed that HS increased the freezing loss, cooking loss, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content of thigh muscle, whereas decreased the total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) activities, as well as downregulated the mRNA expression of SOD2, CAT, GPX3, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), selenoprotein S (SELENOS), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), GPX4, and ferroportin 1 (Fpn1) of thigh muscle (P < 0.05). Dietary SeNPS-AOS reduced the b* value, elevated the pH0min value and the activities of T-SOD, GSH-Px, glutathione S-transferase (GST) and the mRNA expression levels of GSTT1, GSTA3, GPX1, GPX3, ferritin heavy polypeptide-1 (FTH1), and Fpn1 of thigh muscle in broilers under HS (P < 0.05). Nontargeted metabolomics analysis identified a total of 79 metabolites with significant differences among the four groups, and the differential metabolites were mainly enriched in 8 metabolic pathways including glutathione metabolism and ferroptosis (P < 0.05). In summary, dietary 5 mg/kg SeNPs-AOS (Se content of 8%) could alleviate HS-induced impairment of meat quality by improving the oxidative damage, metabolic disorders and ferroptosis of thigh muscle in broilers challenged with HS. Suggesting that the SeNPs-AOS may be used as a novel nano-modifier for meat quality in broilers raised in thermal environment.

Biogenic Selenium Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Alginate Oligosaccharides Attenuate Heat Stress-Induced Impairment of Breast Meat Quality via Regulating Oxidative Stress, Metabolome and Ferroptosis in Broilers.

Selenium (Se) is an indispensable trace element with versatile functions in antioxidant defense in poultry. In our previous study, we synthesized a novel type of biogenic selenium nanoparticle based on alginate oligosaccharides (SeNPs-AOS), and found that the particles are sized around 80 nm with an 8% Se content, and the dietary addition of 5 mg/kg of SeNPs-AOS could effectively alleviate the deleterious effects of heat stress (HS) in broilers, but it is still unclear whether SeNPs-AOS can improve the meat quality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of SeNPs-AOS on breast meat quality in heat-stressed broilers, and explore the relevant mechanisms. Birds at the age of 21 days were randomly divided into four groups with six replicates per group (eight broilers per replicate) according to a 2 × 2 experimental design, using HS (33 ± 2 °C, 10 h/day vs. thermoneutral, TN, under 23 ± 1.5 °C) and SeNPs-AOS (5 mg/kg feed vs. no inclusion) as variables. The results showed that dietary SeNPs-AOS decreased the cooking loss (p < 0.05), freezing loss (p < 0.001), and shear force (p < 0.01) of breast muscle in heat-stressed broilers. The non-targeted metabolomics analysis of the breast muscle identified 78 differential metabolites between the HS and HS + SeNPs-AOS groups, mainly enriched in the arginine and proline metabolism, ß-alanine metabolism, D-arginine and D-ornithine metabolism, pantothenate, and CoA biosynthesis pathways (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, supplementation with SeNPs-AOS increased the levels of the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), the activities of catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and decreased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the breast muscle (p < 0.05) in broilers under HS exposure. Additionally, SeNPs-AOS upregulated the mRNA expression of CAT, GPX1, GPX3, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), masculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma G (MafG), MafK, selenoprotein W (SELENOW), SELENOK, ferritin heavy polypeptide-1 (FTH1), Ferroportin 1 (Fpn1), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) (p < 0.05), while it downregulated Kelch-like ECH-associated pro-36 tein 1 (Keap1) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide Synthase 2 (PTGS2) expression (p < 0.05) in broilers under HS. These findings demonstrated that the dietary addition of SeNPs-AOS mitigated HS-induced oxidative damage and metabolite changes in the breast muscle of broilers, which may be related to the regulation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway and selenoprotein synthesis. In addition, SeNPs-AOS upregulated the breast muscle gene expression of anti-ferroptosis-related molecules in broilers under HS, suggesting that SeNPs-AOS can be used as novel Se supplements against HS in broilers.

Biogenic Selenium Nanoparticles Synthesized with Alginate Oligosaccharides Alleviate Heat Stress-Induced Oxidative Damage to Organs in Broilers through Activating Nrf2-Mediated Anti-Oxidation and Anti-Ferroptosis Pathways.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for maintaining health due to its ideal antioxidant properties. We previously prepared a new type of biogenic selenium nanoparticles based on alginate oligosaccharides (SeNPs-AOS), and this study aimed to investigate the protective effects of SeNPs-AOS (Se particle size = 80 nm, Se content = 8%) on organ health in broilers challenged with HS. A total of 192 21-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into four groups according to a 2 × 2 experimental design, including a thermoneutral zone group (TN, raised under 23 ± 1.5 °C); TN + SeNPs-AOS group (TN group supplemented 5 mg/kg SeNPS-AOS); HS group (HS, raised under 33 ± 2 °C for 10 h/day); and HS + SeNPs-AOS group (HS group supplemented 5 mg/kg SeNPS-AOS). There were six replicates in each group (eight broilers per replicate). The results showed that SeNPs-AOS improved the splenic histomorphology, enhanced the activity of catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) of the spleen, as well as upregulating the splenic mRNA expression of antioxidant-related genes in broilers under HS. In addition, SeNPs-AOS reversed the pathological changes in bursa caused by HS increased the activity of GST, GSH-Px, and CAT and upregulated the mRNA expression of Nrf2 and antioxidant-related genes in the bursa of heat-stressed broilers. In addition, dietary SeNPs-AOS improved the hepatic damage, increased the activity of GSH-Px in the liver, and upregulated the mRNA expression of antioxidant-related genes while downregulating the Keap1 gene expression of the liver in broilers during HS. Moreover, dietary SeNPs-AOS upregulated the anti-ferroptosis-related genes expression of liver in broilers under HS. In conclusion, dietary SeNPs-AOS could relieve HS-induced oxidative damage to the spleen, bursa of Fabricius and liver in broilers by upregulating the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant gene expression and SeNPs-AOS could also upregulate the expression of hepatic Nrf2-related anti-ferroptosis genes in heat-stressed broilers. These findings are beneficial for the development of new nano-antioxidants in broilers.

Green Synthesis of Bioinspired Nanoparticles Mediated from Plant Extracts of Asteraceae Family for Potential Biological Applications.

The Asteraceae family is one of the largest families in the plant kingdom with many of them extensively used for significant traditional and medicinal values. Being a rich source of various phytochemicals, they have found numerous applications in various biological fields and have been extensively used for therapeutic purposes. Owing to its potential phytochemicals present and biological activity, these plants have found their way into pharmaceutical industry as well as in various aspects of nanotechnology such as green synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles. The nanoparticles developed from the plants of Asteraceae family are highly stable, less expensive, non-toxic, and eco-friendly. Synthesized Asteraceae-mediated nanoparticles have extensive applications in antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, and photocatalytic degradation activities. This current review provides an opportunity to understand the recent trend to design and develop strategies for advanced nanoparticles through green synthesis. Here, the review discussed about the plant parts, extraction methods, synthesis, solvents utilized, phytochemicals involved optimization conditions, characterization techniques, and toxicity of nanoparticles using species of Asteraceae and their potential applications for human welfare. Constraints and future prospects for green synthesis of nanoparticles from members of the Asteraceae family are summarized.

Protective effect of Euphorbia thymifolia and Euphorbia hirta against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to investigate the protective effect of Euphorbia thymifolia and Euphorbia hirta extracts on in vitro antioxidant activity and in vivo analysis on hepatic marker enzyme levels and histopathological changes in the liver of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study includes 42 adult male Albino Wistar rats randomly divided into seven treatment groups, including control (basal diet, G1), CCl4-induced single dose (1.5 ml/kg, i.p.) as the negative control (G2), G1 supplemented with 300 mg/kg of ethanol extract of E. thymifolia (G3) and E. hirta (G4), G2 supplemented with 300 mg/kg of ethanol extract of E. thymifolia (G5), E. hirta (G6), and silymarin (25 mg/kg b.w.) used as a standard drug (G7) for 21-days experimental period. RESULTS: The ethanolic extracts of E. thymifolia and E. hirta exhibited potential in vitro antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner (25 µg/ml, 50 µg/ml, 100 µg/ml, 200 µg/ml and 250 µg/ml). Oxidative stress caused by CCl4-induced the liver damage, including changes in liver marker enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase), enzymatic (superoxide dismutase and catalase), non-enzymatic antioxidants (lipid peroxides and glutathione) and hepatocellular alterations such as hydropic degeneration, irregular hepatocytes, and distention of the vein. Administration of E. thymifolia and E. hirta significantly (p < 0.05) restored the enzyme activity along with the histology of the liver. CONCLUSION: The results from the current study demonstrate that E. thymifolia and E. hirta have the property of restoring hepatic redox capacity and antioxidant activities against CCl4-induced acute liver damage.

Derivation, Functionalization of (S)-Goniothalamin from Goniothalamus wightii and Their Derivative Targets SARS-CoV-2 MPro, SPro, and RdRp: A Pharmacological Perspective.

The tracing of an alternative drug, Phytochemicals is a promising approach to the viral threats that have emerged over the past two years. Across the world, herbal medicine is a better solution against anti-viral diseases during pandemic periods. Goniothalamus wightii is an herbal plant, which has diverse bioactive compounds with anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-viral properties. The aim of the study was to isolate the compound by chromatography studies and functionalization by FT-IR, LC-MS, and NMR (C-NMR, H-NMR). As a result, the current work focuses on whether (S)-Goniathalamin and its analogue could act as natural anti-viral molecules for multiple target proteins viz., MPro, RdRp, and SPro, which are required for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Overall, 954 compounds were examined and the molecular-docking studies were performed on the maestro platform of Schrodinger software. Molecular-dynamics simulation studies were performed on two complex major compounds to confirm their affinity across 150 simulations. This research suggests that plant-based drugs have high levels of antiviral properties against coronavirus. However, more research is needed to verify its antiviral properties.

Sulfated Polysaccharides Derived from Hypnea valentiae and Their Potential of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Anticoagulant Activities with In Silico Docking.

Carrageenan, a sulfated polysaccharide, was produced by certain species of marine red seaweeds, which have been used as a significant source of food, feed, and antibiotic agent throughout history due to their alleged human health benefits. The present study aimed to derive the polysaccharides from Hypnea valentiae and describe the biological applications. Carrageenan was characterized by FT-IR, C-NMR, AFM, and their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticoagulant capabilities; furthermore, the larvicidal effect of methanol extract was generated from the seaweed against Aedes aegypti larvae at various concentrations. The molecular docking experiments were carried out computationally for finding the molecular insight of the macromolecules and small molecules' interaction using GLIDE docking by using Schrodinger software. Antibacterial zones of inhibition in different concentrations are compared with the 40 mg/mL higher activity against bacterial pathogens. Carrageenan is strong in all antioxidant activities, with the overall antioxidant (70.1 ± 0.61%) of radical at 250 µg/mL concentration being exhibited. The DPPH scavenging is effective in the inhibition of (65.74 ± 0.58%) radical at a concentration of 160 µg/mL and the hydroxyl scavenging (65.72 ± 0.60%) of activity at a concentration of 125 µg/mL being exhibited. Anticoagulant activities (APPT and PT) of carrageenan fraction were tested. H. valentiae and heparin sulphate shows higher activity of APTT (106.50 IU at 25 µg/mL) in comparison with the PT test (57.86 IU at 25 µg/mL) and the methanol extraction of higher larvicidal activity on A. aegypti (LC50 = 99.675 µg/mL). In this study, the carrageenan was exploited through in vitro and in silico molecular docking studies against antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticoagulant properties. The results were establishing the potentiality of the carrageenan which is an alternative source to control the mosquitocidal property in the future. Moreover, molecular docking of carrageenan against multiple targets results in -7 to -6 Kcal/mol binding score. Findings of carrageen from in vitro to in silico studies are needed for further validation of clinical pieces of evidence.

Impacts of Heat Stress on Rabbit Immune Function, Endocrine, Blood Biochemical Changes, Antioxidant Capacity and Production Performance, and the Potential Mitigation Strategies of Nutritional Intervention.

Heat stress has become a widespread concern in the world, which is one of the major environmental stressors and causes substantial economic loss in the rabbit industry. Heat stress leads to multiple damages to the health of rabbits, such as organ damage, oxidative stress, disordered endocrine regulation, suppressed immune function and reproductive disorders, ultimately, induces the decreased production performance and increased mortality. Nutritional approaches, including feeding strategies, adjusting feed formula, and supplementing vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, Chinese herbal medicines, and functional active substances to the feed, were reported to mitigate the detrimental effects of heat stress in rabbits. Therefore, elucidating the damage of heat stress to rabbits; proper management and nutritional approaches should be considered to solve the heat stress issue in rabbits. This review highlights the scientific evidence regarding the effects of heat stress on rabbit's immune function, endocrine, blood biochemical changes, antioxidant capacity and production performance, and the potential mitigation strategies of nutritional intervention to alleviate heat stress in rabbits; which could contribute to develop nutritional strategies in relieving heat stress of rabbits.

Cardio-protective effects of terminalia catappa leaves and terminalia chebula fruit extract in doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy in rats.

BACKGROUND: The cardio-protective effects of Terminalia catappa and Terminalia chebula are well-recognized in Ayurveda for its antimicrobial, antidiabetic and antioxidant potentials. The present study evaluates the effects of T. catappa leaves (Tct.LE) and T. chebula fruits (Tce.FE) against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced rats through analysis of the cardiac biomarkers, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes and respiratory chain enzymes for their cardio-protective properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study includes 42 adult male Albino Wistar rats randomized into seven groups for 21-days. Groups were categorized as control; DOX (1.5 mg/kg) induced negative control; basal diet with 300 mg/kg of Tct.LE, with 300 mg/kg Tce.FE; DOX with 300 mg/kg of Tct.LE, Tce.FE, and propranolol (25 mg/kg). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The doses of 300 mg/kg of both plants have a significant effect on the TCA cycle, respiratory and lysosomal enzymes activity. The troponin levels are significantly reduced in plant treated group than the DOX-treated rats when compared with the control and propranolol treated group. Likewise, the increased level of creatine kinase-muscle/MB, creatine kinase and lipid profile in the DOX-treated animals were significantly reduced upon being treated with extracts. CONCLUSION: The cardio-protective activity of Tct.LE leaves and Tce.FE indicate its potential use in the management of cardiovascular diseases.

Elucidating the Synergistic Effect of Multiple Chinese Herbal Prescriptions in the Treatment of Post-stroke Neurological Damage.

Background: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used in the treatment of human diseases. However, the synergistic effects of multiple TCM prescriptions in the treatment of stroke have not been thoroughly studied. Objective of the study: This study aimed to reveal the mechanisms underlying the synergistic effects of these TCM prescriptions in stroke treatment and identify the active compounds. Methods: Herbs and compounds in the Di-Tan Decoction (DTD), Xue-Fu Zhu-Yu Decoction (XFZYD), and Xiao-Xu-Ming Decoction (XXMD) were acquired from the TCMSP database. SEA, HitPick, and TargetNet web servers were used for target prediction. The compound-target (C-T) networks of three prescriptions were constructed and then filtered using the collaborative filtering algorithm. We combined KEGG enrichment analysis, molecular docking, and network analysis approaches to identify active compounds, followed by verification of these compounds with an oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R) model. Results: The filtered DTD network contained 39 compounds and 534 targets, the filtered XFZYD network contained 40 compounds and 508 targets, and the filtered XXMD network contained 55 compounds and 599 targets. The filtered C-T networks retained approximately 80% of the biological functions of the original networks. Based on the enriched pathways, molecular docking, and network analysis results, we constructed a complex network containing 3 prescriptions, 14 botanical drugs, 26 compounds, 13 targets, and 5 pathways. By calculating the synergy score, we identified the top 5 candidate compounds. The experimental results showed that quercetin, baicalin, and ginsenoside Rg1 independently and synergistically increased cell viability. Conclusion: By integrating pharmacological and chemoinformatic approaches, our study provides a new method for identifying the effective synergistic compounds of TCM prescriptions. The filtered compounds and their synergistic effects on stroke require further research.

Evaluation of Nutritional Substances and Investigation of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potentials of Boerhavia diffusa with in Silico Molecular Docking.

Boerhavia diffusa L. Nyctanginaceae (B. diffusa) is a medicinal herb commonly considered as a weed. The exploration of phytochemicals in different parts of B. diffusa with different solvents will create awareness, along with the suitable solvent and method for extraction of pharmaceutical compounds. Hence, the present study focuses on phytochemical analysis of B. diffusa leaves, stems, and roots in various solvents with hot and cold extraction. The decoctions performed well in most of the qualitative and quantitative tests, along with the DPPH assay. The aqueous extract showed a good result in the FRAP assay and ABTS assay. In the antimicrobial test, the B. diffusa root ethanol extract inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus with zones of inhibition of about 8 mm and 20 mm at 200 µg concentration, respectively. Using a molecular docking approach, the top four ranked molecules from the crude extract of B. diffusa profiled from GC-MS spectroscopy in terms of growth inhibition of the pathogenic bacterium P. aeruginosa were selected; among them, 2-(1,2 dihydroxyethyl)-5-[[2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-3,4-dihydrochromen-6-yl]oxy]oxolane-3,4-diol exhibited the minimum binding score, revealing high affinity in complex. B. diffusa is highly nutritious, and the maceration and decoction extracts were similar except for the chloroform extract that was found to be weak.

Biogenic synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles mediated from Borassus flabellifer (Linn): antioxidant, antimicrobial activity against clinical pathogens, and photocatalytic degradation activity with molecular modeling.

Borassus flabellifer leaf extract has been used for rapid biogenic synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) due to rich source of bioactive compounds. The synthesized ZnO-NPs were preliminarily confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy adsorption peak range at 365 nm. The XRD (X-ray diffraction) confirms purity of ZnO-NPs that were crystalline in nature. The analysis of FT-IR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) confirms the presence of the following functional group such as alcohol, phenols, carboxylic acids, primary amides, secondary amides, and alkyl halide. The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) analysis indicated that ZnO-NPs were in spherical shape, followed by EDX analysis which confirmed the presence of Zn-element. Antimicrobial effect of ZnO-NPs was investigated using different clinical pathogens like bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella Pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fungi Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, and Penicillium expansum which confirmed ZnO-NPs efficiency as an antimicrobial agent. ZnO-NP antimicrobial efficiency was observed in higher zone of inhibition at 50 µg/mL concentrations. Antioxidant activity was ascertained to be used for several biomedical applications. The ZnO-NPs efficiently degraded the environmental toxic dyes (methylene blue and crystal violet) under sunlight, and up to 95% higher degradation was achieved in both dyes. In support of photo light degradation, the study was progressed to understand the ZnO-dye interaction stability using molecular mechanism, and it shows efficient bonding features in the NPs environment. Overall, this investigation has great potential for being an effective and eco-friendly material used in environmental applications.

Green Synthesis of Selenium Nanoparticles Mediated by Nilgirianthus ciliates Leaf Extracts for Antimicrobial Activity on Foodborne Pathogenic Microbes and Pesticidal Activity Against Aedes aegypti with Molecular Docking.

The present study deals with the synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using Nilgirianthus ciliatus leaf extracts, characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometer, XRD, FTIR, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, DLS, and zeta potential analysis. The antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC96), Escherichia coli (MTCC443), and Salmonella typhi (MTCC98) showed the remarkable inhibitory effect at 25 µl/mL concentration level. Furthermore, the characterized SeNPs showed a great insecticidal activity against Aedes aegypti in the early larval stages with the median Lethal Concentration (LC50) of 0.92 mg/L. Histopathological observations of the SeNPs treated midgut and caeca regions of Ae. aegypti 4th instar larvae showed damaged epithelial layer and fragmented peritrophic membrane. In order to provide a mechanistic approach for further studies, molecular docking studies using Auto Dock Vina were performed with compounds of N. ciliatus within the active site of AeSCP2. Overall, the N. ciliates leaf-mediated biogenic SeNPs was promisingly evidenced to have potential larvicidal and food pathogenic bactericidal activity in an eco-friendly approach.

Algae-derived polysaccharides supplementation ameliorates heat stress-induced impairment of bursa of Fabricius via modulating NF-κB signaling pathway in broilers.

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of dietary algae-derived polysaccharides (ADP) from Enteromorpha prolifera against heat stress (HS)-induced bursa of Fabricius injure in broilers, and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effect. A total of 144 8-week-old male yellow-feathered broilers were randomly allocated into 3 treatments of 6 replicates each (8 broilers per replicate): thermoneutral zone group (TN, fed basal diet); heat stress group (HS, fed basal diet); heat stress + ADP group (HSA, basal diet supplemented with 1,000 mg/kg ADP). Broilers in TN group were raised at 23.6 ± 1.8°C during the whole study. Broilers in HS and HSA groups were exposed to 33.2 ± 1.5°C for 10 h/day. The experimental period lasted for four weeks. The results showed that HS and dietary ADP had no significant effects on bursa of Fabricius index (P > 0.05). HS exposure increased the apoptosis rate of bursa of Fabricius (P < 0.05), and the apoptosis rate was reduced by dietary ADP (P < 0.05). Besides, broilers in HS and HSA groups had a lower glutathione-S transferase (GST) activity and total anti-oxidation capacity (T-AOC), whereas had a higher malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of bursa of Fabricius than those in TN group (P < 0.05). HS exposure elevated the concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-4, and IL-6, while decreased the concentration of interferon-γ (INF-γ) and IL-2 (P < 0.05), and dietary inclusion of ADP reduced the IL-1ß level and increased the IL-2 level of bursa of Fabricius (P < 0.05). Compared with TN group, broilers in HS and HSA groups had lower relative mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and GSTT1 in bursa of Fabricius (P < 0.05). Additionally, HS exposure down-regulated the mRNA expression of inhibitor kappa B alpha (IκBα), IFN-γ, and IL-2, while up-regulated the mRNA expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 in bursa of Fabricius (P < 0.05). However, dietary inclusion of ADP up-regulated the mRNA expression of IκBα and down-regulated the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65, TNF-α, and IL-6 in bursa of Fabricius (P < 0.05). Furthermore, HS exposure increased the relative protein expression levels of total and nuclear NF-κB p65 (P < 0.05), but dietary ADP supplementation reduced the relative protein expression levels of total and nuclear NF-κB p65 in bursa of Fabricius (P < 0.05). Collectively, dietary ADP ameliorated the impairment of histology, cell apoptosis and immune balance in bursa of Fabricius of heat stressed broilers, which is involved in modulation of NF-κB signaling pathway.

Dietary nutrients and their control of the redox bioenergetic networks as therapeutics in redox dysfunctions sustained pathologies.

Electrons exchange amongst the chemical species in an organism is a pivotal concomitant activity carried out by individual cells for basic cellular processes and continuously contribute towards the maintenance of bioenergetic networks plus physiological attributes like cell growth, phenotypic differences and nutritional adaptations. Humans exchange matter and energy via complex connections of metabolic pathways (redox reactions) amongst cells being a thermodynamically open system. Usually, these reactions are the real lifeline and driving forces of health and disease in the living entity. Many shreds of evidence support the secondary role of reactive species in the cellular process of control apoptosis and proliferation. Disrupted redox mechanisms are seen in malaises, like degenerative and metabolic disorders, cancerous cells. This review targets the importance of redox reactions in the body's normal functioning and the effects of its alterations in cells to obtain a better understanding. Understanding the redox dynamics in a pathological state can provide an opportunity for cure or diagnosis at the earlier stage and serve as an essential biomarker to predict in advance to give personalized therapy. Understanding redox metabolism can also highlight the use of naturally available antioxidant in the form of diet.

Effects of chitosan coating on freeze-drying of blueberry enhanced by ultrasound pre-treatment in sodium bicarbonate medium.

Sodium bicarbonate medium ultrasound pre-treatment can enhance the freeze-drying process of blueberries, but the quality of dried products cannot meet the actual production needs. To yield higher quality products, chitosan coating was applied in blueberry sodium bicarbonate medium ultrasound pre-treatment enhanced freeze-drying process. The improvement effect of different chitosan coating methodologies on the procedure of blueberry freeze-drying, enhanced by ultrasound pre-treatment in sodium bicarbonate medium, was investigated. These include: chitosan solution soaking alone (CH-A), chitosan medium ultrasound treatment (US-CH), first sodium bicarbonate medium ultrasound treatment then chitosan solution soaking (US-NaHCO3 + CH) and first sodium bicarbonate soaking followed by chitosan medium ultrasound treatment (NaHCO3 + US-CH). While the treatments that presoaking in sodium bicarbonate solution (NaHCO3-A), water medium ultrasound treatment (US-W) and sodium bicarbonate medium ultrasound treatment (US-NaHCO3) were used as the control groups. Results demonstrated that ultrasound treatment and sodium bicarbonate soaking have positive effect on improving the freeze-drying characteristics of blueberries, while chitosan coating has a negative effect. Chitosan coating has a significant effect on strengthening limit effect of blueberry skin on juice overflow and weakening moisture absorption capacity of dried blueberry. US-NaHCO3 + CH pretreatment yielded the best results for blueberry freeze-drying.

Heat stress alters serum lipid metabolism of Chinese indigenous broiler chickens-a lipidomics study.

Heat stress (HS) by high-temperature environment reduced the production performance of poultry and caused losses to the breeding industry. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of HS on serum lipidomics in Chinese indigenous slow-growing broiler chickens (Huaixiang chickens). A total of 40 8-week-old female Huaixiang chickens were randomly allocated to two groups, including normal temperature (NT, fed basal diet) and HS (fed basal diet), and each group consisted of five replicates with four birds per replicate. NT and HS groups were exposed to 21.3 ± 1.2 °C and 32.5 ± 1.4 °C for 4 weeks, respectively. Serum lipidomics in broilers was determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics. The results indicated that there were significant differences in metabolic spectra between the groups, and a total of 17 differential metabolites were screened. Compared with NT group, HS group reduced the serum ceramide (cer) (d18:1/22:0), cer (d18:1/24:1), cer (d20:2/22:2), lyso-phosphatidylcholine (LPC) (18:0), phosphatidylcholine (PC) (18:0/20:4), PC (15:0/23:4), PC (18:0/22:6), PC (18:2/18:2), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) (18:1/18:1), polyethylene terephthalate (PEt) (37:3/8:0), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) (32:1/16:2), phosphatidyl methyl ethanolamine (PMe) (19:3/13:0), PMe (26:1/9:0), sphingomyelin (SM) (d16:0/18:1), triglycerides (TG) (18:0/18:1/18:2), and TG (19:4/21:6/21:6) levels [variable importance in the projection (VIP > 1 and P < 0.05)], while HS group increased serum PC (17:0/17:0) content (VIP > 1 and P < 0.05). Also, metabolic pathway analysis showed that the pathways of glycerolphospholipid, linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid metabolism, and glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored biosynthesis were changed (P < 0.05). In conclusion, HS led to the disorders of serum lipid metabolism in broilers, and mainly downregulated serum content of phospholipids. These findings provide novel insights into the effects of HS on serum lipidomics in indigenous slow-growing chickens.

Protective effects of dietary betaine on intestinal barrier function and cecal microbial community in indigenous broiler chickens exposed to high temperature environment.

High temperature environment causes reduction in productivity in broilers by disrupting the intestinal barrier function. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of dietary betaine on intestinal barrier function and cecal microbial community in indigenous broilers (Huaixiang chickens) exposed to high temperature environment. A total of 144 5-week-old male broilers (average initial body weight of 401.62 ± 9.51 g) were randomly allocated to three treatments for 10 weeks feeding trial; each treatment contained six replicates with eight birds per replicate. The three treatments included normal temperature control group (NT, fed basal diet, 26 ± 1 °C), high temperature control group (HT, fed basal diet, 32 ± 1 °C for 8 h/day), and HT group supplemented 1000 mg/kg betaine (HTB). The results showed that high temperature environment reduced the Occludin, Claudin-4, and ZO-1 expressions in duodenal mucosa (P < 0.05). Dietary betaine improved the Claudin-4 and ZO-1 expressions of duodenal mucosa (P < 0.05). In jejunal mucosa, HT group had lower Occludin, Claudin-1, Claudin-4, and ZO-1 expressions than NT group (P < 0.05). Compared with HT group, HTB group had higher Occludin and ZO-1 expression (P < 0.05). In ileal mucosa, the relative mRNA expression of ZO-1 in HT group was lower than those in NT group (P < 0.01), and dietary betaine (HTB group) improved ZO-1 expression compared with HT group (P < 0.05). Based on the results of 16S rRNA sequencing, the enriched and dominant microbials in NT group are Epsilonbacteraeota, Bacteroidetes, and Gammaproteobacterial, the enriched and dominant microbial in HT group is Muribaculaceae, and Firmicutes is the enriched and dominant microbial in HTB group. Taken together, the findings revealed that dietary betaine improved the intestinal barrier function and cecal microbial community in indigenous broilers under high ambient temperature.