Alpha-lipoic Acid: An Antioxidant with Anti-Aging Properties for Disease Therapy.

The anti-aging effects of alpha-lipoic acid (αLA), a natural antioxidant synthesized in human tissues, have attracted a growing interest in recent years. αLA is a short- -chain sulfur-containing fatty acid occurring in the mitochondria of all kinds of eukaryotic cells. Both the oxidized disulfide of αLA and its reduced form (dihydrolipoic acid, DHLA) exhibit prominent antioxidant function. The amount of αLA inside the human body gradually decreases with age resulting in various health disorders. Its lack can be compensated by supplying from external sources such as dietary supplements or medicinal dosage forms. The primary objectives of this study were the analysis of updated information on the latest two-decade research regarding the use of αLA from an anti-aging perspective. The information was collected from PubMed, Wiley Online Library, Scopus, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Google Scholar, and clinicaltrials.gov. Numerous in silico, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies revealed that αLA shows a protective role in biological systems by direct or indirect reactive oxygen/nitrogen species quenching. αLA demonstrated beneficial properties in the prevention and treatment of many age-related disorders such as neurodegeneration, metabolic disorders, different cancers, nephropathy, infertility, and skin senescence. Its preventive effects in case of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases are of particular interest. Further mechanistic and clinical studies are highly recommended to evaluate the wide spectrum of αLA therapeutic potential that could optimize its dietary intake for prevention and alleviation disorders related to aging.

Oxidative Stress: The Role of Antioxidant Phytochemicals in the Prevention and Treatment of Diseases.

Oxidative stress, characterized by an imbalance favouring oxidants over antioxidants, is a key contributor to the development of various common diseases. Counteracting these oxidants is considered an effective strategy to mitigate the levels of oxidative stress in organisms. Numerous studies have indicated an inverse correlation between the consumption of vegetables and fruits and the risk of chronic diseases, attributing these health benefits to the presence of antioxidant phytochemicals in these foods. Phytochemicals, present in a wide range of foods and medicinal plants, play a pivotal role in preventing and treating chronic diseases induced by oxidative stress by working as antioxidants. These compounds exhibit potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anticancer, and protective properties against cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and neurodegenerative conditions. This comprehensive review delves into the significance of these compounds in averting and managing chronic diseases, elucidating the key sources of these invaluable elements. Additionally, it provides a summary of recent advancements in understanding the health benefits associated with antioxidant phytochemicals.

Severe hypoxaemic hypercapnia compounds cerebral oxidative-nitrosative stress during extreme apnoea: Implications for cerebral bioenergetic function.

We examined the extent to which apnoea-induced extremes of oxygen demand/carbon dioxide production impact redox regulation of cerebral bioenergetic function. Ten ultra-elite apnoeists (six men and four women) performed two maximal dry apnoeas preceded by normoxic normoventilation, resulting in severe end-apnoea hypoxaemic hypercapnia, and hyperoxic hyperventilation designed to ablate hypoxaemia, resulting in hyperoxaemic hypercapnia. Transcerebral exchange of ascorbate radicals (by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy) and nitric oxide metabolites (by tri-iodide chemiluminescence) were calculated as the product of global cerebral blood flow (by duplex ultrasound) and radial arterial (a) to internal jugular venous (v) concentration gradients. Apnoea duration increased from 306 ± 62 s during hypoxaemic hypercapnia to 959 ± 201 s in hyperoxaemic hypercapnia (P ≤ 0.001). Apnoea generally increased global cerebral blood flow (all P ≤ 0.001) but was insufficient to prevent a reduction in the cerebral metabolic rates of oxygen and glucose (P = 0.015-0.044). This was associated with a general net cerebral output (v > a) of ascorbate radicals that was greater in hypoxaemic hypercapnia (P = 0.046 vs. hyperoxaemic hypercapnia) and coincided with a selective suppression in plasma nitrite uptake (a > v) and global cerebral blood flow (P = 0.034 to <0.001 vs. hyperoxaemic hypercapnia), implying reduced consumption and delivery of nitric oxide consistent with elevated cerebral oxidative-nitrosative stress. In contrast, we failed to observe equidirectional gradients consistent with S-nitrosohaemoglobin consumption and plasma S-nitrosothiol delivery during apnoea (all P ≥ 0.05). Collectively, these findings highlight a key catalytic role for hypoxaemic hypercapnia in cerebral oxidative-nitrosative stress. KEY POINTS: Local sampling of blood across the cerebral circulation in ultra-elite apnoeists determined the extent to which severe end-apnoea hypoxaemic hypercapnia (prior normoxic normoventilation) and hyperoxaemic hypercapnia (prior hyperoxic hyperventilation) impact free radical-mediated nitric oxide bioavailability and global cerebral bioenergetic function. Apnoea generally increased the net cerebral output of free radicals and suppressed plasma nitrite consumption, thereby reducing delivery of nitric oxide consistent with elevated oxidative-nitrosative stress. The apnoea-induced elevation in global cerebral blood flow was insufficient to prevent a reduction in the cerebral metabolic rates of oxygen and glucose. Cerebral oxidative-nitrosative stress was greater during hypoxaemic hypercapnia compared with hyperoxaemic hypercapnia and coincided with a lower apnoea-induced elevation in global cerebral blood flow, highlighting a key catalytic role for hypoxaemia. This applied model of voluntary human asphyxia might have broader implications for the management and treatment of neurological diseases characterized by extremes of oxygen demand and carbon dioxide production.

Electrospun nanofibers based on zein and red onion bulb extract (Allium cepa, L.): Volatile compounds, hydrophilicity, and antioxidant activity.

Onion is rich in bioactive and volatile compounds with antioxidant activity. However, the pungent odor of volatile compounds (VOCs) released restricts its use. The encapsulation of red onion extract by electrospinning is an alternative to mask this odor and protect its bioactive compounds. The main objective of this study was to encapsulate red onion bulb extract (ROE) in different concentrations into zein nanofibers by electrospinning and evaluate their thermal, antioxidant, and hydrophilicity properties. The major VOC in ROE was 3(2H)-furanone, 2-hexyl-5-methyl. Incorporating ROE into the polymeric solutions increased electrical conductivity and decreased apparent viscosity, rendering nanofibers with a lower average diameter. The loading capacity of ROE on fibers was high, reaching 91.5% (10% ROE). The morphology of the nanofibers was random and continuous; however, it showed beads at the highest ROE concentration (40%). The addition of ROE to the nanofibers increased their hydrophilicity. The nanofibers' antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, nitric oxide, and hydroxyl radicals ranged from 32.5% to 57.3%. The electrospun nanofibers have the potential to protect and mask VOCs. In addition, they offer a sustainable alternative to the synthetic antioxidants commonly employed in the food and packaging industry due to their antioxidant activities.

Evaluation of the Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Potential of Cymbopogon citratus Essential Oil in Zebrafish.

This study explored the protective capacity of the essential oil (EO) of Cymbopogon citratus against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the inflammatory potential in zebrafish. Using five concentrations of EO (0.39, 0.78, 1.56, 3.12, and 6.25 µg/mL) in the presence of 7.5 mM H2O2, we analyzed the effects on neutrophil migration, caudal fin regeneration, cellular apoptosis, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) after 96 h of exposure. A significant decrease in neutrophil migration was observed in all EO treatments compared to the control. Higher concentrations of EO (3.12 and 6.25 µg/mL) resulted in a significant decrease in caudal fin regeneration compared to the control. SOD activity was reduced at all EO concentrations, CAT activity significantly decreased at 3.12 µg/mL, and GST activity increased at 0.78 µg/mL and 1.56 µg/mL, compared to the control group. No significant changes in ROS production were detected. A reduction in cellular apoptosis was evident at all EO concentrations, suggesting that C. citratus EO exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, influences regenerative processes, and protects against oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Phyto-therapeutic potential of Withania somnifera: Molecular mechanism and health implications.

Withania somnifera, the plant named Indian ginseng, Ashwagandha, or winter cherry, has been used since ancient times to cure various health ailments. Withania somnifera is rich in constituents belonging to chemical classes like alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and withanolides. Several chemotypes were identified based on their phytochemical composition and credited for their multiple bioactivities. Besides, exhibiting neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, adaptogenic, anti-stress, bone health, plant has shown promising anti-cancer properties. Several withanolides have been reported to play a crucial role in cancer; they target cancer cells by different mechanisms such as modulating the expression of tumor suppressor genes, apoptosis, telomerase expression, and regulating cell signaling pathway. Though, many treatments are available for cancer; however, to date, no assured reliable cure for cancer is made available. Additionally, synthetic drugs may lead to development of resistance in time; therefore, focus on new and natural drugs for cancer therapeutics may prove a longtime effective alternative. This current report is a comprehensive combined analysis upto 2023 with articles focused on bio-activities of plant Withania somnifera from various sources, including national and international government sources. This review focuses on understanding of various mechanisms and pathways to inhibit uncontrolled cell growth by W. somnifera bioactives, as reported in literature. This review provides a recent updated status of the W. somnifera on pharmacological properties in general and anti-cancer in particular and may provide a guiding resource for researchers associated with natural product-based cancer research and healthcare management.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of edible vegetables, fruits, and spices against cancer in various cell lines.

Cancer is rapidly becoming the leading cause of death globally. This study aimed to identify edible foods with cytotoxic and/or antioxidant activities that can prevent cancer when consumed in a regular diet. Sixty-eight edible foods were purchased from the local market, and the materials were extracted with 80% methanol. The cytotoxic activity of the extracts was evaluated using MTT on HeLa, H2228, HEK293, and H3122 cell lines. To study apoptosis, triple fluorescence labeling with DAPI, Annexin V, and propidium iodide was used. The phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and free radical scavenging capabilities were studied using conventional spectrophotometric techniques. Among the edible foods, carrot, pointed gourd, wax gourd, ficus, apple, lemon, cumin seed, and white peppercorn showed moderate cytotoxicity in HeLa cells. The growth of HeLa cells was significantly inhibited dose-dependently by tomato, banana, Indian spinach, guava, lemon peel, and coriander (IC50, 24.54, 17.89, 13.18, 9.33, 1.23, and 2.96 µg/mL, respectively). Tomato, Indian spinach, lemon peel, and coriander exerted significant dose-dependent inhibition of H2228, HEK293, and H3122 cell proliferation. The tomato, Indian spinach, lemon peel, and coriander extracts induced HeLa cell apoptosis. White peppercorn, amaranth, apple, wax gourd, cumin seed, taro, and lemon peel contained significant amounts of polyphenols and showed high antioxidant activity. White peppercorn, apple, coriander, lemon peel, and ficus significantly scavenged DPPH free radicals (IC50 values of 10.23, 12.02, 13.49, 13.8, and 14.0 µg/mL, respectively). The overall results suggest that the daily intake of these antioxidant-rich cytotoxic foods can prevent or reduce the risk of cancer.

Phytochemical analysis, radical scavenging and glioblastoma U87 cells toxicity studies of stem bark of buckthorn (Rhamnus pentapomica R. Parker).

BACKGROUND: During the past two decades, the correlation between oxidative stress and a variety of serious illnesses such as atherosclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Alzheimer disease (AD) and cancer has been established. Medicinal plants and their derived phytochemicals have proven efficacy against free radicals and their associated diseases. The current work was aimed to evaluate the phytochemical constituents of Rhamnus pentapomica R. Parker via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and its antioxidant and anti-glioblastoma potentials. METHODS: The bioactive compounds were analysed in Rhamnus pentapomica R. Parker stem bark extracts by GC-MS analysis, and to evaluate their antioxidant and anti-glioblastoma effects following standard procedures. The stem bark was extracted with 80% methanol for 14 days to get crude methanolic extract (Rp.Cme) followed by polarity directed fractionation using solvents including ethyl acetate, chloroform, butanol to get ethyl acetate fraction (Rp.EtAc), chloroform fraction (Rp.Chf) and butanol fraction (Rp.Bt) respectively. Antioxidant assay was performed using DPPH free radicals and cell viability assay against U87 glioblastoma cancer cell lines was performed via MTT assay. RESULTS: In GC-MS analysis, thirty-one compounds were detected in Rp.Cme, 22 in Rp.Chf, 24 in Rp.EtAc and 18 compounds were detected in Rp.Bt. Among the identified compounds in Rp.Cme, 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-methyl ester (7.73%), Octasiloxane (5.13%) and Heptasiloxane (5.13%), Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (3.76%) and Pentadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-, methyl Ester (3.76%) were highly abundant.. In Rp.Chf, Benzene, 1,3-dimethyl- (3.24%) and in Rp.EtAc Benzene, 1,3-dimethyl-(11.29%) were highly abundant compounds. Antioxidant studies revealed that Rp.Cme and Rp.EtAc exhibit considerable antioxidant potentials with IC50 values of 153.53 µg/ml and 169.62 µg/ml respectively. Both fractions were also highly effective against glioblastoma cells with IC50 of 147.64 µg/ml and 76.41ug/ml respectively. CONCLUSION: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of important metabolites which might be active against free radicals and glioblastoma cells. Various samples of the plant exhibited considerable antioxidant and anti-glioblastoma potentials warranting further detailed studies.

Variability in morphology, phytochemicals and antioxidant activity in Bistorta amplexicaulis (D. Don) Greene populations under variable habitats and altitudes.

Phytochemicals have become significantly important for scientific research since these possess incredibly remarkable health benefits, especially antioxidant potential to scavenge free radicals and combat the harmful effects of oxidative stress caused by adverse environmental factors. The efficacy and quantity of these phytochemicals relies upon numerous factors including the extraction method, solvent polarity and the habitat features in which the plant is growing. In this study we emphasized on phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of Bistorta amplexicaulis, an important medicinal plant species from Kashmir Himalaya. We evaluated antioxidant activity using different assays from all the selected sites to enumerate the impact of habitat. The sites were selected based on varying habitat features and altitude. Our results revealed that Ethyl acetate is the potent solvent for the extraction of phytochemicals. Below ground parts exhibited better scavenging activity than the above ground parts. Amongst the sites, we found the maximum antioxidant potential at Site I. A positive correlation was found between antioxidant activity and altitude while soil attributes (OC, OM, N, P, and K) and most of the morphological traits showed a negative correlation. Overall, our study identified the elite populations that could be utilized for mass propagation and harness the ultimate antioxidant potential of B. amplexicaulis.

Assessment of Drimia delagoensis (Jessop) Baker Total Phenol, Flavonoids Content and Antioxidant Activity of Both Bulb and Leaves.

Drimia delagoensis has been utilized for its medicinal properties since antiquity. The bulb and leaves are predominantly composed of secondary metabolites that exhibit biological activity. The quantification of total phenolic and flavonoid content, as well as the assessment of antioxidant activity was conducted using the Folin-Ciocalteus method, coulometric analysis, DPPH and the FRAP assays. The ethyl acetate, aqueous, and hexane extracts of the bulb exhibited significantly high total phenolic contents (167.9000±0.3376 µg GAE/mg, 56.2500±0.0043 µg GAE/mg, and 26.4000±0.0198 µg GAE/mg, respectively) compared to the ethyl acetate (49.4400±0.1341 µg QE/mg), aqueous (9.5200±0.1274 µg QE/mg), and hexane leaf extracts (1.8091±0.0049 µg QE/mg). On the other hand, the ethyl acetate leaf extract exhibited the highest antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity. The ethyl acetate extract of D. delagoensis, was identified as a significant source of natural antioxidants, and its use in the management of diabetic foot ulcers linked with oxidative stress is supported.

In Vitro Antioxidant and Inhibitory Study of Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki), Syzygium aromaticum (Loung), Lawsonia inermis (Henna), Rheum emodi (Revand Chini), Curcuma longa (Haldi) Against Lipid Per-Oxidation in Mice Brain and Liver.

The aerobic organisms not only need oxygen for survival, but oxygen is also fundamentally malignant to the aerobic organism on the grounds of free radical generation and their affiliation with free oxidative stress. This study was done to evaluate the antioxidant and protective properties of P kurroa, S aromaticum, L inermis, R emodi, and C longa against lipid peroxidation induced by different pro-oxidants. The aqueous extracts of these medicinal plants showed inhibition against thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) induced by different pro-oxidants (10 mM FeSO4 and 5 mM sodium nitroprusside) in the brain and liver of mice. Moreover, the free radical scavenging activities of the extracts were evaluated by the scavenging of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. L inermis, S aromaticum, and R emodi showed higher inhibitory effects, which could be attributed to their significantly reduced ability and free radical scavenging activities. Therefore, the oxidative stress in the brain and liver could be potentially managed or prevented by the dietary intake of L inermis, S aromaticum, and R emodi plants, which justifies the use of these plants in various degenerative diseases. C longa and P kurroa showed relatively weak antioxidant activities.

Phytochemical analysis and bioactivity assessment of five medicinal plants from Pakistan: Exploring polyphenol contents, antioxidant potential, and antibacterial activities.

Plants have always been the prime focus in medicine industries due to their enormous ethnobotanical uses and multitude of biological and therapeutic properties. In the current study, preliminary phytochemical composition, Total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) with the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of hydroalcoholic extract and n-hexane, chloroform and n-butanol fractions of five selected medicinal plants [Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers., Lavandula stoechas L., Aesculus indica (Wall. ex Cambess.) Hook, Iris ensata Thunb., and Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers.] from Pakistan, have been evaluated. TPC and TFC were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu's and AlCl3 methods respectively. The antioxidant activity was performed by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and CUPRAC while the antibacterial potential of these plants was determined by agar well diffusion assay. K. pinnata (Lam.) Pers. exhibited the highest TPC (695 ± 13.2 mg.GA.Eq.g-1DE ± SD) in n-butanol fraction and the highest TFC in its chloroform faction (615 ± 6.31 mg Q.Eq.g-1 DE ± SD). The n-butanol fraction and hydroalcoholic extract of I. ensata Thunb. exhibited strong antioxidant potential by DPPH and CUPRAC assays respectively, whereas K. pinnata (Lam.) Pers. n-butanol fraction exhibited the strongest reducing potential. The hydroalcoholic extract of all tested plants exhibited significant antibacterial activity against tested bacterial strains with ZI (12-18 mm). Conclusively, K. pinnata (Lam.) Pers. (Family: Crassulaceae) and I. ensataThunb. (Family: Iridaceae) exhibited the highest antioxidant and antibacterial potential. They can be explored for the isolation of phytoconstituents responsible for this potential and serve as a lead for the production of new natural antioxidants and antibacterial agents that can be used to cure various diseases.

Marked Reduction of Oxidant Species after Sulfureous Crenotherapy in Females with Joint Diseases and Psoriasis: A Retrospective Real-Life Study.

Oxidative stress, a condition induced by an excessive amount of free radicals, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), shows several gender-related differences in basal cellular redox state and antioxidant responses. Crenotherapy with sulfureous mineral water can improve the cellular redox state. In this retrospective observational study, gender-related differences in the efficacy of sulfureous crenotherapy in decreasing oxidant species were investigated. Seventy-eight patients, stratified by sex, with osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease and Vulgar psoriasis who have received a cycle of sulfureous mud-bath therapy + sulfureous hydropinotherapy were enrolled. Plasma concentration of oxidant species and clinical outcomes were measured at baseline and at the end of treatment. After 2 weeks of sulfureous crenotherapy, a significant amelioration of clinical outcomes and a significant reduction of oxidant species were observed in both sexes, more marked in females than in males (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.04, respectively). For patients with high oxidant species at baseline, females showed a greater reduction in itching compared to males (-95% vs. -50%), while men had a higher amelioration in pain and morning stiffness (-45% vs. -32%, and -50% vs. -37%, respectively). In conclusion, sulfureous crenotherapy can be a valuable strategy to improve cellular redox state in both sexes.

Roles of Oxidative Stress in Synaptic Dysfunction and Neuronal Cell Death in Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a brain disorder that progressively undermines memory and thinking skills by affecting the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex. The main histopathological hallmarks of AD are the presence of abnormal protein aggregates (Aß and tau), synaptic dysfunction, aberrant proteostasis, cytoskeletal abnormalities, altered energy homeostasis, DNA and RNA defects, inflammation, and neuronal cell death. However, oxidative stress or oxidative damage is also evident and commonly overlooked or considered a consequence of the advancement of dementia symptoms. The control or onset of oxidative stress is linked to the activity of the amyloid-ß peptide, which may serve as both antioxidant and pro-oxidant molecules. Furthermore, oxidative stress is correlated with oxidative damage to proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids in vulnerable cell populations, which ultimately lead to neuronal death through different molecular mechanisms. By recognizing oxidative stress as an integral feature of AD, alternative therapeutic or preventive interventions are developed and tested as potential or complementary therapies for this devastating neurodegenerative disease.

Antiangiogenic, Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Bidens tripartite Herb, Galium verum Herb and Rumex hydrolapathum Root.

Plants are commonly used in folk medicine. Research indicates that the mechanisms of biological activity of plant extracts may be essential in the treatment of various diseases. In this respect, we decided to test the ethanolic extracts of Bidens tripartita herb (BTH), Galium verum herb (GVH), and Rumicis hydrolapathum root (RHR) on angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties and their total polyphenols content. In vitro studies using endothelial cells were used to see tested extracts' angiogenic/angiostatic and anti-inflammatory properties. The DPPH assay and FRAP analysis were used to detect antioxidant properties of extracts. The Folin-Ciocalteu analysis was used to determine the content of total polyphenols. The results of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was also presented. In vitro study demonstrated that BTH, GVH, and RHR ethanolic extracts significantly increased cell invasiveness, compared with the control group. Increased endothelial proangiogenic invasiveness was accompanied by reduced metalloproteinase inhibitor 1 (TIMP-1) and raised in metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). Only BTH and GVH significantly reduced cell proliferation, while BTH and RHR facilitated migration. Additionally, tested extracts reduced the production of proangiogenic platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). The most potent anti-inflammatory capacity showed BTH and GVH, reducing proinflammatory interleukin 8 (CXCL8) and interleukin 6 (Il-6), compared to RHR extract that has slightly less inhibited CXCL8 production without affecting IL-6 production. Moreover, we confirmed the antioxidant properties of all examined extracts. The highest activity was characterized by RHR, which has been correlated with the high content of polyphenols. In conclusion, the modifying influence of examined extracts can be promising in disorders with pathogenesis related to angiogenesis, inflammation and free radicals formation. BTH is the best choice among the three tested extracts with its antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Guided Metabolic Detoxification Program Supports Phase II Detoxification Enzymes and Antioxidant Balance in Healthy Participants.

Adequate antioxidant supply is essential for maintaining metabolic homeostasis and reducing oxidative stress during detoxification. The emerging evidence suggests that certain classes of phytonutrients can help support the detoxification process by stimulating the liver to produce detoxification enzymes or acting as antioxidants that neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals. This study was designed to examine the effects of a guided 28-day metabolic detoxification program in healthy adults. The participants were randomly assigned to consume a whole food, multi-ingredient supplement (n = 14, education and intervention) or control (n = 18, education and healthy meal) daily for the duration of the trial. The whole food supplement contained 37 g/serving of a proprietary, multicomponent nutritional blend in the form of a rehydratable shake. Program readiness was ensured at baseline using a validated self-perceived wellness score and a blood metabolic panel, indicating stable emotional and physical well-being in both groups. No significant changes or adverse effects were found on physical or emotional health, cellular glutathione (GSH) and the GSH:GSSG ratio, porphyrin, and hepatic detoxification biomarkers in urine. The intervention was positively associated with a 23% increase in superoxide dismutase (p = 0.06) and a 13% increase in glutathione S-transferase (p = 0.003) activities in the blood. This resulted in a 40% increase in the total cellular antioxidant capacity (p = 0.001) and a 13% decrease in reactive oxygen species (p = 0.002) in isolated PBMCs from participants in the detoxification group. Our findings indicate that consuming a whole food nutritional intervention as a part of the guided detoxification program supported phase II detoxification, in part, by promoting enhanced free radical scavenging and maintaining redox homeostasis under the body's natural glutathione recycling capacity.

Taurine as a potential anti-ageing therapy: the key to reversing the ageing process? Short communication.

Taurine supplementation may be a viable solution to the problem of our cells manufacturing potentially hazardous by-products known as 'free radicals'. Some of these chemicals serve crucial biological activities, but excessive amounts can harm internal cell structures, reducing the cells' capacity to operate. The regulatory systems that contribute to maintaining a healthy balance of reactive oxygen species in the body deteriorate with age. Thus, in this article, we examine how the amino acid taurine could be used in anti-ageing therapy, as well as its mechanism of action, consequences and suggestions.

Oxidative Stress and Performance after Training in Professional Soccer (European Football) Players.

Vitamins, hormones, free radicals, and antioxidant substances significantly influence athletic performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether these biological mediators changed during the season and if this was associated with the rate of improvement in performance after training, assessed by means of a standardized test. Professional male soccer players took part in the study. Two evaluations were performed: the first in the pre-season period and the second at the mid-point of the official season, after about 6 months of intensive training and weekly matches. Blood levels of vitamins D, B12, and folic acid, testosterone and cortisol, free radicals, and antioxidant substances were measured. Two hours after breakfast, a Yo-Yo test was performed. The relationships between the biological mediators and the rate of improvement after training (i.e., the increase in meters run in the Yo-Yo test between the pre-season and mid-season periods) were evaluated by means of a linear mixed models analysis. Results: Eighty-two paired tests were performed. The athletes showed better performance after training, with an increase in the meters run of about 20%. No significant relationships between the vitamin and hormone values and the gain in the performance test were observed. Plasmatic levels of free radicals increased significantly, as did the blood antioxidant potential. An indirect relationship between oxidative stress and the improvement in performance was observed (free radicals ß ± SE: = -0.33 ± 0.10; p-value = 0.001), with lower levels of oxidative stress being associated with higher levels of performance in the Yo-Yo test. Monitoring the measures of oxidative stress could be a useful additional tool for coaches in training and/or recovery programs tailored to each player.

Smartphone-Based Electrochemical Biosensor for On-Site Nutritional Quality Assessment of Coffee Blends.

This work aimed to develop an easy-to-use smartphone-based electrochemical biosensor to quickly assess a coffee blend's total polyphenols (Phs) content at the industrial and individual levels. The device is based on a commercial carbon-based screen-printed electrode (SPE) modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and gold nanoparticles (GNPs). At the same time, the biological recognition element, Laccase from Trametes versicolor, TvLac, was immobilized on the sensor surface by using glutaraldehyde (GA) as a cross-linking agent. The platform was electrochemically characterized to ascertain the influence of the SPE surface modification on its performance. The working electrode (WE) surface morphology characterization was obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) imaging. All the measurements were carried out with a micro-potentiostat, the Sensit Smart by PalmSens, connected to a smartphone. The developed biosensor provided a sensitivity of 0.12 µA/µM, a linear response ranging from 5 to 70 µM, and a lower detection limit (LOD) of 2.99 µM. Afterward, the biosensor was tested for quantifying the total Phs content in coffee blends, evaluating the influence of both the variety and the roasting degree. The smartphone-based electrochemical biosensor's performance was validated through the Folin-Ciocâlteu standard method.

Anti-cancer potential of selenium-chitosan-polyethylene glycol-carvacrol nanocomposites in multiple myeloma U266 cells.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable cancer that is characterized by malignant plasma cell proliferation. Approximately 10% of all blood cancers are MM, and there is no standard curative therapy. In this work, we intended to synthesize, characterize, and assess the anticancer effects of selenium/chitosan/polyethylene glycol-carvacrol nanocomposites (SCP-Car-NCs) on MM U266 cells in vitro. Various characterization techniques were used to characterize the synthesized SCP-Car-NCs. Several in vitro free radical scavenging experiments were conducted to test the ability of synthesized SCP-Car-NCs to scavenge the different free radicals. The cytotoxicity of SCP-Car-NCs was assessed on Vero and U266 cells using the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. By using various fluorescence staining techniques, the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, MMP, and apoptosis were measured. Using commercial test kits, the levels of oxidative stress and apoptotic biomarkers in control and treated U266 cells were assessed. The highest peak in the UV spectral analysis was found to be at 271 nm, demonstrating the development of SCP-Car-NCs. Fourier transform infrared analysis showed that the synthesized SCP-Car-NCs contained a variety of stretching and bonding. The X-ray diffraction study confirmed the crystallinity of SCP-Car-NCs. The dynamic light scattering analysis showed that the SCP-Car-NCs had an average size of 171 nm. The different free radicals, such as the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, hydroxyl, and peroxyl radicals, were significantly scavenged by the SCP-Car-NCs. According to the MTT assay results, the SCP-Car-NCs decreased the viability of U266 cells while having no impact on the proliferation of Vero cells. The SCP-Car-NCs significantly boosted ROS production, decreased the MMP level, and promoted apoptosis, as evidenced by the fluorescence staining experiments. In U266 cells treated with SCP-Car-NCs, the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances increased while superoxide dismutases and glutathione levels were reduced. In the SCP-Car-NCs treated U266 cells, it was found that the Bax, caspase-3, and -9 activities had increased while the Bcl-2 level had decreased. In conclusion, our findings show that SCP-Car-NCs treatment reduced the viability and increased apoptosis in the U266 cells, providing a new insight on SCP-Car-NCs' potential for usage in the future to treat MM.