Data-driven dentistry: Computational revelations redefining pulp capping.

Introduction: Pulpal and periradicular diseases stem from immune reactions to microbiota, causing inflammation. Limited blood supply hampers dental pulp self-healing. Managing inflammation involves eliminating bacteria and reducing pro-inflammatory mediators especially MMP-9, which has a significant correlation with pulpitis. s. Flavonoids like Hesperidin, Baicalein, Epigallocatechin gallate, Genistein, Icariin, and Quercetin show potential for pulp capping. Aim: This in-silico study compares various Flavonoids for their anti-inflammatory effects on MMP-9, with Chlorhexidine as a control, a known MMP-9 inhibitor. Materials and Methods: Protein and Ligand Preparation: The human MMP-9 catalytic domain (PDB ID: 4XCT) structure was retrieved, and necessary modifications were made. Flavonoids from PubChem database were prepared for docking using AutoDock Vina. A grid for docking was created, and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted using Gromacs-2019.4 with GROMOS96 force field. Trajectory analysis was performed, and MM-PBSA calculation determined binding free energies. Results: Analysis of MMP-9 and ligand interactions revealed Hesperidin's high binding affinity, forming numerous hydrogen bonds with specific amino acids. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed stability, with RMSD, RMSF, Rg, and SASA indicating consistent complex behaviour over 100 ns. MM-PBSA calculation affirmed favourable energy contributions in MMP-9-Hesperidin interactions. Conclusion: MMP-9 plays a crucial role in prognosis of pulpitis. Incorporating MMP-9 inhibitors into pulp capping agents may enhance therapeutic efficacy. Hesperidin emerges as a potent MMP-9 inhibitor, warranting further in vivo validation against other agents.

Nutritional and toxicological assessment of Piliostigma thonnigii leaves and Tubaani food samples: a preliminary investigation.

Tubaani is a local delicacy prepared with Piliostigma thonningii leaves. The leaves may contain trace/heavy metals and important phytonutrients that could impact consumers' health. Concerns over the nutritional and toxicological implications of Piliostigma thonningii leaves are critical. Tubaani food and Piliostigma thonningii leaf samples were investigated using Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) and Spectrophotometry technique. The health risk of Tubaani was also assessed by calculating the target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) of potentially toxic elements. Fifteen trace elements were detected at non-toxicological concentrations in the samples analyzed. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed between the samples' mean concentrations. The phenolic content in leaf extracts was higher as compared to the flavonoids. However, the flavonoids in the leaves had an effect on the food samples, unlike the phenols. The THQ and HI of the elements were below 1.0. There is no reason to be concerned about the current dietary intake of the potentially toxic elements in the routine consumption of Tubaani as portrayed in data obtained in this investigation by NAA, THQ, and HI.

Decoding the biochemical dialogue: metabolomic insights into soybean defense strategies against diverse pathogens.

Soybean, a crucial global leguminous crop, confronts persistent threats from diverse pathogens, exerting a profound impact on global yields. While genetic dimensions of soybean-pathogen interactions have garnered attention, the intricate biochemical responses remain poorly elucidated. In this study, we applied targeted and untargeted liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolite profiling to dissect the complex interplay between soybeans and five distinct pathogens. Our analysis uncovered 627 idMS/MS spectra, leading to the identification of four main modules, encompassing flavonoids, isoflavonoids, triterpenoids, and amino acids and peptides, alongside other compounds such as phenolics. Profound shifts were observed in both primary and secondary metabolism in response to pathogenic infections. Particularly notable were the bidirectional changes in total flavonoids across diverse pathogenic inoculations, while triterpenoids exhibited a general declining trend. Noteworthy among the highly inducible total flavonoids were known representative anti-pathogen compounds (glyceollin I), backbone forms of isoflavonoids (daidzein, genistein, glycitein, formononetin), and newly purified compounds in this study (prunin). Subsequently, we delved into the biological roles of these five compounds, validating their diverse functions against pathogens: prunin significantly inhibited the vegetative growth and virulence of Phytophthora sojae; genistein exhibited a pronounced inhibitory effect on the vegetative growth and virulence of Phomopsis longicolla; daidzein and formononetin displayed significant repressive effects on the virulence of P. longicolla. This study underscores the potent utility of metabolomic tools, providing in-depth insights into plant-pathogen interactions from a biochemical perspective. The findings not only contribute to plant pathology but also offer strategic pathways for bolstering plant resistance against diseases on a broader scale.

Molecular Understanding and Pharmacological Potency of Plant-Derived Compounds in Colorectal Cancer (CRC): A Critical Analysis and Future Perspectives.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the main driver of fatality and the 3rd most often determined malignancy. Despite advances in detection and therapy, colorectal cancer (CRC) endures as the largest driver of cancer-related morbidity, and mortality. Modern habits and dietary negligence might be one of the reasons that have enhanced cancer prevalence. Thus, changes in Dietary habits will have a better impact, and help in finding a better cure for CRC. Initially, CRC was explored as a genetic event and currently, the research is focused on the epigenetic modifications of chromatin and microRNA (miRNA) in CRC cells. Natural products such as Curcumin, Resveratrol, Flavonoids, and Ellagitannins are been explored as compounds from the perspective of genetic, epigenetic, and miRNA modifications which will have future therapeutic aspects. Also, the extracts of these key players and their analogs will intervene the signaling pathway activation that involves in cancer propagation, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and epigenetic and miRNA modifications. Modulations of these miRNAs, and modification globally might have impact on CRC progression, and cancer tumor cell sensitivity.

Intranasal delivery of liposome encapsulated flavonoids ameliorates l-DOPA induced dyskinesia in hemiparkinsonian mice.

In the present study, we explored the development of a novel noninvasive liposomal drug delivery material for use in intranasal drug delivery applications in human diseases. We used drug entrapment into liposomal nanoparticle assembly to efficiently deliver the drugs to the nasal mucosa to be delivered to the brain. The naturally occurring flavonoid 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) has previously been shown to have beneficial effects in ameliorating Parkinson's disease (PD). We used both naturally occurring 7,8-DHF and the chemically modified form of DHF, the DHF-ME, to be used as a drug candidate for the treatment of PD and l-DOPA induced dyskinesia (LID), which is the debilitating side effect of l-DOPA therapy in PD. The ligand-protein interaction behavior for 7,8-DHF and 6,7-DHF-ME was found to be more effective with molecular docking and molecular stimulation studies of flavonoid compounds with TrkB receptor. Our study showed that 7,8-DHF delivered via intranasal route using a liposomal formulation ameliorated LID in hemiparkinsonian mice model when these mice were chronically administered with l-DOPA, which is the only current medication for relieving the clinical symptoms of PD. The present study also demonstrated that apart from reducing the LID, 7,8-DHF delivery directly to the brain via the intranasal route also corrected some long-term signaling adaptations involving ΔFosB and α Synuclein in the brain of dopamine (DA) depleted animals.

Flavone and 3-hydroxyflavone supplementation in cryopreservation medium protects canine sperm against apoptosis and lipid peroxidation.

Cryopreservation is a pivotal technique in safeguarding genetic material across diverse species, despite its inherent challenges linked to induced spermatozoa damage, notably apoptosis and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Given the insufficient antioxidant defense of spermatozoa against LPO, there is a rising interest in integrating additional additives into extenders to ameliorate mammalian semen quality. Among these additives, flavonoids have garnered considerable attention due to their potent antioxidative properties. Hence, our study aimed to assess the efficacy of flavone (FL) and 3-hydroxyflavone (3-OH = ) supplementation in the cryopreservation medium to protect canine sperm against the damaging impacts of freezing and ensure the preservation of their reproductive potential. Semen was collected from five Beagle stud dogs and then pooled. Then, the sample was divided into 7 groups, each treated with 1) 0 mM, 2) 0.1 mM FL, 3) 0.2 mM FL, 4) 0.4 mM FL, 5) 0.1 mM 3-OH = , 6) 0.2 mM 3-OH = , 7) 0.4 mM 3-OH = . Semen samples were subjected to cryopreservation in French straws and glycerol as a cryoprotectant. In the frozen thawed semen, sperm motility parameters by CASA system and sperm membrane integrity, acrosome status, mitochondrial activity, DNA fragmentation, early apoptosis with capacitation, and LPO were assessed using flow cytometry just after thawing (0 h) and 4 h post thaw. Results reveal significant increase in the proportion of live spermatozoa with undamaged acrosomes in the FL 0.1 and 3-OH = 0.2 groups at 0 h post thaw. At this time point, 3-OH = 0.1 significantly reduced the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) compared to the FL 0.1 and 0.2 groups. However, after the next 4 h, 3-OH = 0.4 exhibited the lowest (P < 0.05) DFI compared to FL 0.2 and 3-OH = 0.1. Additionally, 3-OH = 0.4 showed the highest (P < 0.05) proportion of non apoptotic and non capacitated spermatozoa compared to FL 0.1 0 h post-thaw. Simultaneously, the same group demonstrated significant reduction in apoptotic and capacitated sperm cells, at 0 h and 4 h post-thaw. Moreover, 3-OH = at 0.1 (0 h and 4 h) and 0.2 mM (4 h) significantly enhances the proportion of live sperm without LPO post thaw. Whitin the FL groups, only 0.4 FL significantly increased the percentage of live sperm without LPO. No significant effect of the tested substances was observed on sperm motility, cell membrane integrity, or mitochondrial activity. These findings highlight the promising role of flavone and 3-hydroxyflavone in enhancing sperm resilience during cryopreservation, suggesting their protective function against acrosome damages, capacitation, apoptosis and lipid peroxidation.

Total Flavonoids Isolated from the Leaves of Eucommia ulmoides Augment Peak Bone Mass in Female Rats and Show no Side Effects in Other Organs.

INTRODUCTION: Eucommia ulmoides is a unique monophyletic and tertiary relict in China and is listed as a national second-class precious protected tree species. Eucommia ulmoides, recognized as a traditional Chinese medicine, can tonify the liver and kidneys and strengthen bones and muscles. Modern pharmacological research has proved that Eucommia ulmoides has multiple osteoprotective effects, including prohibiting the occurrence of osteoporosis and arthritis and enhancing the healing of bone fractures and bone defects. AIM: To check its osteotropic effects, which may provide ideas for its potential use for the development of novel drugs to treat osteoporosis, this study evaluated the effect of total flavonoids from Eucommia ulmoides leaves (TFEL) on the acquisition of Peak Bone Mass (PBM) in young female rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: TFEL was isolated, and its purity was confirmed by using a UV spectrophotometer. TFEL with a purity of 85.09% was administered to 6-week-old female rats by oral gavage at a low (50), mid (100), or high (200 mg/kg/d) dose, and the control group was administrated only with the same volume of water. After 13 weeks of treatment, the rats were sacrificed, and serum, different organs, and limb bones (femurs and tibias) were harvested, and the bone turnover markers, organ index, Bone Mineral Density (BMD), biomechanical property, and microstructure parameters were assayed. Furthermore, molecular targets were screened, and network pharmacology analyses were conducted to reveal the potential mechanisms of action of TFEL. RESULTS: Oral administration of TFEL for 13 weeks decreased the serum level of bone resorption marker TRACP-5b. As revealed by micro-computer tomography analysis, it elevated BMD even at a low dose (50 mg/kg/d) and improved the microstructural parameters, which were also confirmed by H&E histological staining. However, TFEL showed no effects on body weights, organ index, and micromorphology in the uterus. In our network pharmacology study, an intersection analysis screened out 64 shared targets, with quercetin, kaempferol, naringenin, and apigenin regulating the greatest number of targets associated with osteoporosis. Flavonoids in Eucommia ulmoides inhibited the occurrence of osteoporosis potentially through targeting signaling pathways for calcium, VEGF, IL-17, and NF-κB. Furthermore, AKT1, EGFR, PTGS2, VEGFA, and CALM were found to be potentially important target genes for the osteoprotective effects of flavonoids in Eucommia ulmoides. CONCLUSION: The above results suggested that TFEL can be used to elevate the peak bone mass in adolescence in female individuals, which may prevent the occurrence of postmenopausal osteoporosis, and the good safety of TFEL also suggests that it can be used as a food additive for daily life to improve the bone health.

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Therapeutic Potential of Plant-Based α-Amylase Inhibitors for Hyperglycemic Control in Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM), arising from pancreatic ß-cell dysfunction and disrupted alpha-amylase secretion, manifests as hyperglycemia. Synthetic inhibitors of alphaamylase like acarbose manage glucose but pose adverse effects, prompting interest in plantderived alternatives rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. OBJECTIVE: The current review investigates plant-based alpha-amylase inhibitors, exploring their potential therapeutic roles in managing DM. Focusing on their ability to modulate postprandial hyperglycemia by regulating alpha-amylase secretion, it assesses their efficacy, health benefits, and implications for diabetes treatment. METHOD: This review examines plant-derived alpha-amylase inhibitors as prospective diabetic mellitus treatments using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus data. RESULTS: Plant-derived inhibitors, including A. deliciosa, B. egyptiaca, and N. nucifera, exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, effectively reducing alpha-amylase levels in diabetic conditions. Such alpha-amylase inhibitors showed promising alternative treatment in managing diabetes with reduced adverse effects. CONCLUSION: The current literature concludes that plant-derived alpha-amylase inhibitors present viable therapeutic avenues for diabetes management by modulating alpha-amylase secretion by regulating inflammatory, oxidative stress, and apoptotic mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Further investigation into their formulations and clinical efficacy may reveal their more comprehensive diabetes therapeutic significance, emphasizing their potential impact on glucose regulation and overall health.

The Effects of Fisetin and Curcumin on Oxidative Damage Caused by Transition Metals in Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Neurodegenerative diseases pose a significant health challenge for the elderly. The escalating presence of toxic metals and chemicals in the environment is a potential contributor to central nervous system dysfunction and the onset of neurodegenerative conditions. Transition metals play a crucial role in various pathophysiological mechanisms associated with prevalent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Given the ubiquitous exposure to metals from diverse sources in everyday life, the workplace, and the environment, most of the population faces regular contact with different forms of these metals. Disturbances in the levels and homeostasis of certain transition metals are closely linked to the manifestation of neurodegenerative disorders. Oxidative damage further exacerbates the progression of neurological consequences. Presently, there exists no curative therapy for individuals afflicted by neurodegenerative diseases, with treatment approaches primarily focusing on alleviating pathological symptoms. Within the realm of biologically active compounds derived from plants, flavonoids and curcuminoids stand out for their extensively documented antioxidant, antiplatelet, and neuroprotective properties. The utilization of these compounds holds the potential to formulate highly effective therapeutic strategies for managing neurodegenerative diseases. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of abnormal metal levels, particularly copper, iron, and zinc, on the initiation and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, it aims to elucidate the potential of fisetin and curcumin to inhibit or decelerate the neurodegenerative process.

Clinical outcomes of flavonoids for immunomodulation in inflammatory bowel disease: a narrative review.

Inflammatory bowel disease is a debilitating condition that undergoes a relapsing and remitting course. The pathogenesis of how this disease manifests remains to be elucidated; however, there is growing evidence that a synergism of familial predisposition and epigenetic alterations influenced by environmental factors all contribute to the development of the disease. The role of nutrition in improving the outcomes of the condition has garnered increasing interest, given the greater risks of neoplastic conversion and concerns about inappropriate remission with available pharmacotherapeutic treatments alone. Available reports, often anecdotal, have documented patient relief with employment of various dietary strategies. These have led to curiosity about nutritional assessments and nutrition therapies to ameliorate the morbidity and all-cause mortality of the disease. One group of such nutrition therapies, supported by a compendium of available articles, is flavonoids-although the greater abundance of in vitro experiments with relatively few clinical trials has limited their clinical use. Nonetheless, flavonoids have been shown to be functional foods with immunomodulatory capabilities. This article will thus delve into the role of flavonoids in altering the course of the immune response in inflammatory bowel disease, while assessing their clinical outcomes in human trials.

Accumulation patterns of flavonoids and phenolic acids in different colored sweet potato flesh revealed based on untargeted metabolomics.

Sweet potatoes are rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, showing incomparable nutritional and health value. In this investigation, we comprehensively analyzed the secondary metabolite profiles in the flesh of different-colored sweet potato flesh. We determined the metabolomic profiles of white sweet potato flesh (BS), orange sweet potato flesh (CS), and purple sweet potato flesh (ZS) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The CS vs. BS, ZS vs. BS, and ZS vs. CS comparisons identified a total of 4447 secondary metabolites, including 1540, 1949, and 1931 differentially accumulated metabolites. Among them, there were significant differences in flavonoids and phenolic acids. There were 20 flavonoids and 13 phenolic acids that were common differential metabolites among the three comparison groups. The accumulation of paeoniflorin-like and delphinidin-like compounds may be responsible for the purple coloration of sweet potato flesh. These findings provide new rationale and insights for the development of functional foods for sweet potatoes. List of compounds: Kaempferol (PubChem CID: 5280863); Peonidin 3-(6"-p-coumarylglucoside) (PubChem CID: 44256849); Swerchirin (PubChem CID: 5281660); Trilobatin (PubChem CID: 6451798); 3-Geranyl-4-hydroxybenzoate (PubChem CID: 54730540); Eupatorin (PubChem CID: 97214); Icaritin (PubChem CID: 5318980); Isorhamnetin (PubChem CID: 5281654); Glucoliquiritin apioside (PubChem CID: 74819335); Brazilin (PubChem CID: 73384).

Neuroprotective effects of flavonoids: endoplasmic reticulum as the target.

The incidence of neurological disorders, particularly age-related neurodegenerative pathologies, exhibits an alarming upward trend, while current pharmacological interventions seldom achieve curative outcomes. Despite their diverse clinical presentations, neurological diseases often share a common pathological thread: the aberrant accumulation of misfolded proteins within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This phenomenon, known as ER stress, arises when the cell's intrinsic quality control mechanisms fail to cope with the protein-folding burden. Consequently, misfolded proteins accumulate in the ER lumen, triggering a cascade of cellular stress responses. Recognizing this challenge, researchers have intensified their efforts over the past two decades to explore natural compounds that could potentially slow or even reverse these devastating pathologies. Flavonoids constitute a vast and heterogeneous class of plant polyphenols, with over 10,000 identified from diverse natural sources such as wines, vegetables, medicinal plants, and organic products. Flavonoids are generally divided into six different subclasses: anthocyanidins, flavanones, flavones, flavonols, isoflavones, and flavonols. The diverse family of flavonoids, featuring a common phenolic ring backbone adorned with varying hydroxyl groups and additional modifications, exerts its antioxidant activity by inhibiting the formation of ROS, as evidenced by research. Also, studies suggest that polyphenols such as flavonoids can regulate ER stress through apoptosis and autophagy. By understanding these mechanisms, we can unlock the potential of flavonoids as novel therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, this review critically examines the literature exploring the modulatory effects of flavonoids on various steps of the ER stress in neurological disorders.

Design and synthesis of new alfa-naphthoflavanones as potent and selective CYP1B1 inhibitors.

Natural Flavanones are abundant in human diet and a few of them exhibited chemopreventive effects against xenobiotic procarcinogens through the inhibition of tumour specific CYP1B1 enzyme. Herein, a series of new alfa-naphthoflavanones were synthesised and evaluated for their enzymatic inhibitory potency and selectivity of CYP1B1 over its isoenzyme CYP1A1. The most active compound 8c displayed highest inhibitory potency against CYP1B1 with the IC50 value of 0.1 nM. The structure activity relationship studies implied that the methoxy groups on the core scaffold of naphthalene ring significantly influenced CYP1B1 inhibition efficacy, while B-ring substitutions played important roles in activity. Molecular docking studies were conducted to provide a better understanding on the key structural features involved in CYP1B1 inhibitory activity. The results of the study implied that these naphthoflavanones could be considered as new leads and further investigation be conducted to explore the flavanone scaffold as skeleton for inhibiting CYP1B1.

Unveiling the Influence of Osmotic Pretreatment on Dried Fruit Characteristics: A Meta-Analysis Approach.

Considering the diverse findings regarding the impact of osmotic pretreatment on the quality of dried products, it is important to determine whether osmotic pretreatment can either maintain or reduce the quality of fruit products. Thus, the present study aimed to scrutinize research regarding the influence of osmotic pretreatment on the qualities of dried fruits through meta-analysis. The Scopus database was used to search for relevant articles. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses protocol, 26 studies that met the criteria for meta-analysis were identified. The presentation included statistics (mean, standard deviation, sample size) and moderator variables (fruit types, osmotic agents, solution concentrations, drying methods, and drying temperatures). After pooling data using a random effects model, the OpenMEE software was used to conduct meta-analysis. The results showed that osmo-dried fruits had significantly decreased total color difference, titratable acidity, total flavonoid content, and vitamins B1 and B3 (P<0.05) and significantly increased ß-carotene and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl levels (P<0.05). Osmotic pretreatment did not affect total phenolic content and vitamin C. Subgroup analysis highlighted the influence of moderator variables on the quality of osmo-dried fruits, with each fruit responding differently to osmotic pretreatment. Moreover, using 10% sugar solution as an additive effectively enhanced the quality of dried fruits. In addition, osmotic dehydration can be combined with convective drying at a temperature of 60°C for optimal results in the drying process.

A study on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of the Artemisia vulgaris L. extract and its fractions.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Vietnamese people use mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris L.) to treat arthritis and gout. Our previous research shows that mugwort contains flavonoids, and its extract possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. However, no publications have been on the xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of mugwort and acute anti-inflammatory activity in vivo. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to verify the antioxidant, xanthine oxidase inhibitory, and anti-inflammatory capabilities of mugwort extract in vitro and in vivo, isolate phyto-compounds from potential bioactive fractions, and then evaluate their potential in inhibiting xanthine oxidase. METHODS: According to established methods, the extract and the active flavonoids were obtained using different chromatographic techniques. DPPH, ABTS, reducing power, and H2O2 elimination were used to evaluate antioxidant activity. The model of LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells was used to measure the inhibition of NO production. The carrageenan-induced paw oedema model was used to assess acute inflammation in mice. In vitro, xanthine oxidase inhibition assay was applied to investigate the effects of extract/compounds on uric acid production. Chemical structures were identified by spectral analysis. RESULTS: The assessment of the acute inflammatory model in mice revealed that both the 96% ethanol and the 50% ethanol extracts significantly decreased oedema in the mice's feet following carrageenan-induced inflammation. 96% ethanol extract exhibited a better reduction in oedema at the low dose. The analysis revealed that the ethyl acetate fraction had the highest levels of total polyphenols and flavonoids. Additionally, this fraction demonstrated significant antioxidant activity in various assays, such as DPPH, ABTS, reducing power, and H2O2 removal. Furthermore, it displayed the most potent inhibition of xanthine oxidase, an anti-inflammatory activity. Five phytochemicals were isolated and determined from the active fraction such as luteolin (1), rutin (2), apigenin (3), myricetin (4), and quercetin (5). Except for rutin, the other compounds demonstrated the ability to inhibit effective xanthine oxidase compared to standard (allopurinol). Moreover, quercetin (5) inhibited NO production (IC50 21.87 µM). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that extracts from A. vulgaris effectively suppressed the activity of xanthine oxidase and exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially leading to a reduction in the production of uric acid in the body and eliminating ROS. The study identified mugwort extract and bioactive compounds derived from Artemisia vulgaris, specifically luteolin, apigenin, and quercetin, as promising xanthine oxidase inhibitors. These findings suggest that further development of these compounds is warranted. At the same time, the above results also strengthen the use of mugwort to treat gout disease in Vietnam.

CaLAP1 and CaLAP2 orchestrate anthocyanin biosynthesis in the seed coat of Cicer arietinum.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Our findings shed light on the regulation of anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin biosynthesis in chickpea seed coats. Expression of R2R3-MYB transcription factors CaLAP1 and CaLAP2 enhanced the anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins content in chickpea. The seed coat color is a major economic trait in leguminous crop chickpea (Cicer arietinum). Anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins (PAs) are two classes of flavonoids that mainly contribute to the flower, seed coat and color of Desi chickpea cultivars. Throughout the land plant lineage, the accumulation of anthocyanins and PAs is regulated by MYB and bHLH transcription factors (TFs), which form an MBW (MYB, bHLH, and WD40) complex. Here, we report two R2R3-MYB TFs in chickpea belonging to the anthocyanin-specific subgroup-6, CaLAP1 (Legume Anthocyanin Production 1), and CaLAP2 (Legume Anthocyanin Production 2), which are mainly expressed in the flowers and developmental stages of the seeds. CaLAP1 and CaLAP2 interact with TT8-like CabHLH1 and WD40, forming the MBW complex, and bind to the promoter sequences of anthocyanin- and PA biosynthetic genes CaCHS6, CaDFR2, CaANS, and CaANR, leading to anthocyanins and PA accumulation in the seed coat of chickpea. Moreover, these CaLAPs partially complement the anthocyanin-deficient phenotype in the Arabidopsis thaliana sextuple mutant seedlings. Overexpression of CaLAPs in chickpea resulted in significantly higher expression of anthocyanin and PA biosynthetic genes leading to a darker seed coat color with higher accumulation of anthocyanin and PA. Our findings show that CaLAPs positively modulate anthocyanin and PA content in seed coats, which might influence plant development and resistance to various biotic and abiotic stresses.

The investigation of selected bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties of Crataegus monogyna L.

This work presents investigation of chemical composition and antioxidant activity of ethanolic extracts of leaves with flowers and berries prepared by ultrasound and Soxhlet extractions of Crataegus monogyna from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Total phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents were measured by spectrophotometric methods. The sample of leaves with flowers extracted by Soxhlet extraction was the richest in the content of total phenolic compounds (14.43 mg GAE/g DW) and total flavonoids (2.22 mg QE/g DW). Same extract showed the best antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 0.71 mg/mL for DPPH and 0.38 mg/mL for ABTS assay, as well as the highest content of gallic acid, caffeic acid, and hyperoside 0.04 mg GAE/g DW, 0.60 mg CA/g DW and 2.61 mg HYP/g DW, respectively, determined by HPLC-ED. Vitexin was not detected. The extract of berries obtained by ultrasound extraction had the highest amount of total anthocyanins (1.69 mg/100 g DW).

Flavonoids intake and weight-adjusted waist index: insights from a cross-sectional study of NHANES.

This study conducted data on 15,446 adults to explore the impact of flavonoids on weight-adjusted waist index (WWI). This was a nationwide cross-sectional study among US adults aged 20 years or older. Dietary intake of flavonoids was assessed through 24-h recall questionnaire. WWI was calculated by dividing waist circumference (WC) by the square root of weight. We utilized weighted generalized linear regression to evaluate the association between flavonoids intake and WWI, and restricted cubic splines (RCS) to explore potential non-linear relationships. Our findings indicated that individuals with lower WWI experienced a notable increase in their consumption of total flavonoids, flavanones, flavones, flavan-3-ols, and anthocyanidins intake (ß (95% CI); -0.05(-0.09, -0.01); -0.07(-0.13, 0.00); -0.07(-0.11, -0.02); -0.06(-0.11, 0.00); -0.13(-0.18, -0.08), respectively), with the exception of flavonols and isoflavones. Additionally, consumption of total flavonoids, flavonols, flavanones, isoflavones, and flavan-3-ols had a non-linear relationship with WWI (all P for non-linearity < 0.05). Furthermore, the effect of total flavonoids on WWI varied in race (P for interaction = 0.011), gender (P for interaction = 0.038), and poverty status (P for interaction = 0.002). These findings suggested that increase the intake of flavonoids might prevent abdominal obesity, but further prospective studies are requested before dietary recommendation.

FUS3: Orchestrating soybean plant development and boosting stress tolerance through metabolic pathway regulation.

Soybean research has gained immense attention due to its extensive use in food, feedstock, and various industrial applications, such as the production of lubricants and engine oils. In oil crops, the process of seed development and storage substances accumulation is intricate and regulated by multiple transcription factors (TFs). In this study, FUSCA3 (GmFUS3) was characterized for its roles in plant development, lipid metabolism, and stress regulation. Expressing GmFUS3 in atfus3 plants restored normal characteristics observed in wild-type plants, including cotyledon morphology, seed shape, leaf structure, and flower development. Additionally, its expression led to a significant increase of 25% triacylglycerols (TAG) and 33% in protein levels. Transcriptomic analysis further supported the involvement of GmFUS3 in various phases of plant development, lipid biosynthesis, lipid trafficking, and flavonoid biosynthesis. To assess the impact of stress on GmFUS3 expression, soybean plants were subjected to different stress conditions, and the its expression was assessed. Transcriptomic data revealed significant alterations in the expression levels of approximately 80 genes linked to reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling and 40 genes associated with both abiotic and biotic stresses. Additionally, GmFUS3 was found to regulate abscisic acid synthesis and interact with nucleoside diphosphate kinase 1, which is responsible for plant cellular processes, development, and stress response. Overall, this research sheds light on the multifaceted functions of GmFUS3 and its potential applications in enhancing crop productivity and stress tolerance.

The influence of prolonged but low intensity blue light on the physiological properties of root tubers and the accumulation of flavonoids in Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg.

Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diel et Gilg is a perennial herbaceous plant native to subtropical China with multiple medicinal applications. Supplementing with low-density blue light (BL) for 45 days (3 h/day) can not only significantly increase the yields of root tubers but also significantly increase the flavonoid content and its antioxidant activity. The chlorophyll content in the leaves of T. hemsleyanum significantly decreased, but the photosynthetic efficiency significantly increased after reaching the light saturation point. The production rate of superoxide anion radical in the leaves reached the highest peak after 1.5 h in BL and decreased at 3 h. The H2O2 content in the leaves decreased significantly, while the H2O2 content in the root tubers increased significantly at 3 h in BL. The objective of this research was to determine how the scavenging system, including antioxidant enzymes, antioxidants, and flavonoids respond to the oxidative stress induced by BL in root tubers. After exposure to BL, significant differences in the activity of APX and SOD were observed in the leaves and tubers within 3 h. By analyzing the upregulated flavonoids metabolites and key genes in metabolic pathways through the combined analysis of the flavonoid metabolic group and transcriptome in the root tubers, the upregulated accumulation of flavanols was found to be the main reason for the improvement in the antioxidant properties of flavonoids.