In vitro digestion and antioxidant activity of Xuan-Mugua (Chaenomeles fruit) peel and pulp phenolics.

Since time immortal, people have used the well-known Chinese Chaenomeles fruit Xuan-Mugua for both traditional medicine and nourishment. With an aim to explore the digestive and antioxidant properties of the phenolics, Xuan-Mugua peel and pulp were extracted, digested and analyzed in vitro. Our results indicated that the total phenolics content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC) and the antioxidant activity of the peel were 3.24-8.89 times higher than that of pulp. The contents and activity of the peel and pulp consistently dropped in the sequence of oral, gastric, and small intestine digestions, from 22.78 % to 52.16 %. With a level of 1.590 ± 0.060 and 0.395 ± 0.015 mg g-1 dried weight in the peel and pulp, respectively, chlorogenic acid was the primary phenolic ingredient in Xuan-Mugua, with a promising recovery (81.39-82.23 %) during the digestion. According to these results, Xuan-Mugua exhibited an appreciable level of phenolic content and antioxidant activity during digestion, making it a suitable ingredient for use in functional foods.

Bioactivity and application potential of O/W emulsions derived from carboxylic acid-based NADES-extracted total saponins from Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua.

This study focuses on evaluating new methods for the green extraction of saponin compounds from Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (PCH). This study utilized a combination of carboxylic acid-based natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) and various extraction techniques including conventional heat reflux-, ultrasound-, and microwave-assisted extraction. The primary objectives were to assess total saponin yield, antioxidant capacity, and enzyme inhibition efficiency. Additionally, the solvents and extracts were evaluated for their antibacterial activity. Oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions of NADES extracts were also characterized and analyzed for stability. Results indicated that three NADES systems were effective in extracting saponins, with choline chloride and lactic acid (ChCl-LA) system being the most efficient. The ChCl:LA extract exhibited antimicrobial and antioxidant activities superior to conventional organic solvent extracts. Additionally, it demonstrated maximum inhibitory activity (IC50 values: 0.98 ± 0.03 and 1.46 ± 0.07 mg/mL, respectively) against α-glucosidase and α-amylase. The NADES extract as an aqueous phase significantly improved the stationarity of the O/W emulsion. Collectively, the study highlights the antimicrobial and technological advantages of NADES as a potential solvent for extracting saponin compounds from PCH.

miRNA omics reveal neferine induces apoptosis through Ca2+mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway in human endometrial cancer.

BACKGROUND: Endometrial cancer (EC) as one of the most prevalent malignancies in the female reproductive system, usually has a poor diagnosis and unfavorable health effects. Neferine (Nef), derived from the edible and medicinal lotus seed, has been known for its functional activity; however, its anti-cancer mechanism for EC remains elusive. PURPOSE: We explored the potential anti-cancer effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of Nef on EC. METHODS: The cytotoxicity was tested using MTT, and the cell cycle, apoptosis, Ca2+ levels, and the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were observed through flow cytometry. After Nef treatment, differences in miRNA expression were identified using miRNA-seq data. Furthermore, western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were employed to identify the proteins associated with apoptosis in both mice and cells. RESULTS: Nef treatment led to Ishikawa cell apoptosis and blocked cell proliferation in the G2/M phase. In total, 101 significantly different miRNA (p 〈 0.05 and |logFC| 〉 1) were obtained and subjected to GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, which revealed the Ca2+ and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways pertaining to apoptosis. Nef treatment significantly changed intracellular Ca2+ levels and MMP, activating the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) pathway and the expression of key proteins in the mitochondrial pathway. In addition, Nef also inhibited the expression of key proteins in the PI3K/AKT pathway, causing cell apoptosis. Moreover, in mouse tumor tissues, the expression of CHOP, Bcl-2, Caspase 3, Cyto-c, and p-AKT was also consistent with the results in vitro. CONCLUSION: Nef could block the cell cycle and induce the activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway involving the Ca2+-mediated ERS pathway and the PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby inducing apoptosis in EC cells, confirming the potential role of Nef in the prevention and treatment of EC.

Carbon Dots-Mediated Photodynamic Treatment Reduces Postharvest Senescence and Decay of Grapes by Regulating the Antioxidant System.

Grapes are susceptible to mold and decay during postharvest storage, and developing new technologies to extend their storage period has important application value. Photodynamic technology (PDT) in concurrence with carbon dots (CDs) proposes an innovative and eco-friendly preservation strategy. We examined the effects of carbon dots combined with photodynamic treatment on postharvest senescence and antioxidant system of table grape. The compounding of photodynamic technology with a 0.06 g L-1 CDs solution could possibly extend the postharvest storage period of grape berries. Through this strategy, we achieved a decreased rate of fruit rotting and weight loss alongside the delayed deterioration of fruit firmness, soluble solids, and titratable acid. As paired with photodynamic technology, CDs considerably decreased the postharvest storage loss of phenols, flavonoids, and reducing sugars as compared to the control group. Concurrently, it remarkably postponed the build-up of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion (O2∙-), and malondialdehyde (MDA); elevated the levels of reduced ascorbic acid (AsA) and reduced glutathione (GSH); lowered the levels of dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG); raised the ratios of AsA/DHA and GSSH/GSSG; encouraged the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL); and inhibited the activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and lipoxygenase (LOX). Furthermore, it enhanced the iron reduction antioxidant capacity (FRAP) and DPPH radical scavenging capacity of grape berries. CDs combined with photodynamic treatment could efficiently lessen postharvest senescence and decay of grape berry while extending the storage time.

Selenium Treatment Ameliorates the Adverse Effects Caused by Dynamin Gene Knockdown in Bombyx mori.

Our previous research reported the influence of 50 µM selenium (Se) on the cytosolization (endocytosis) pathway, which in turn stimulates the growth and development of Bombyx mori. Lately, dynamin is recognized as one of the key proteins in endocytosis. To explore the underlying mechanisms of Se impact, the dynamin gene was knocked down by injecting siRNAs (Dynamin-1, Dynamin-2, and Dynamin-3). This was followed by an analysis of the target gene and levels of silk protein genes, as well as growth and developmental indices, Se-enrichment capacity, degree of oxidative damage, and antioxidant capacity of B. mori. Our findings showed a considerable decrease in the relative expression of the dynamin gene in all tissues 24 h after the interference and a dramatic decrease in the silkworm body after 48 h. RNAi dynamin gene decreased the silkworm body weight, cocoon shell weight, and the ratio of cocoon. In the meantime, malondialdehyde level increased and glutathione level and superoxide dismutase/catalase activities decreased. 50 µM Se markedly ameliorated these growth and physiological deficits as well as decreases in dynamin gene expression. On the other hand, there were no significant effects on fertility (including produced eggs and laid eggs) between the interference and Se treatments. Additionally, the Se content in the B. mori increased after the dynamin gene interference. The dynamin gene was highly expressed in the silk gland and declined significantly after interference. Among the three siRNAs (Dynamin-1, Dynamin-2, and Dynamin-3), the dynamin-2 displayed the highest interference effects to target gene expression. Our results demonstrated that 50 µM Se was effective to prevent any adverse effects caused by dynamin knockdown in silkworms. This provides practical implications for B. mori breeding industry.

Lycium barbarum pulp addition improves the dough properties and gluten protein structure.

This study investigated the effects of Lycium barbarum pulp (LBP) on the properties of mixed dough and gluten protein. The results showed that appropriate addition of LBP (5 %) significantly improved the performance of the dough, promoted the aggregation of gluten protein, enhanced the water binding ability, and delayed the gelatinization of starch during cooking. Compared with the control group, the peak temperature (Tp) of the LBP sample gradually increased from 63.23 °C to 65.56 °C, the expansion force reduced by about 21.56 %, the absolute Zeta potential lowered by about 18.4 %, and the α -helix content and ß -folding increased by 32.36 % and 10.23 %, respectively, indicating the more orderly and stable overall structure. However, LBP did not change the crystal configuration of starch and still showed typical type A line diffraction. Moreover, the addition of LBP increased the polyphenol content, which further improved the antioxidant properties and provided the possibility to improve the health potential of the flour.

Incorporation of Polygonatum cyrtonema extracts of NADES into chitosan/soybean isolate protein films: Impact on sweet cherry storage quality.

This study developed a biodegradable food film, incorporating bioactive components of Polygonatum cyrtonema extracted using natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) into a matrix of chitosan and soy protein isolate. The films containing varying concentrations (0 %-5 %) of P. cyrtonema extract (PCE) were characterized. The addition of PCE improved the mechanical (+25.9 MPa for tensile strength), optical (+11.29 mm-1 for opacity), and thermal stability (-14.39 % for weight loss) of the films. The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging rates increased by approximately 1.1 times and 0.5 times, respectively, and malondialdehyde formation reduced by 8 %. The films also effectively inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli. The films showed complete biodegradability after 7 days. Using the NADES-PCE coated film reduced the weight loss of sweet cherries by 41.04 % while significantly decreasing the loss of hardness, total phenols, vitamin C, total soluble solids, and titratable acidity, thereby considerably extending the storage life of the sweet cherries. Overall, this study developed a new environmentally friendly packaging material and improved the functionality of the packaging film by leveraging natural plant extracts, demonstrating tremendous potential in the field of food preservation and packaging.

Exploring the Molecular Mechanism of Schisandrin C for the Treatment of Atherosclerosis via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Autophagy Pathway.

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a common cardiovascular disease that poses a major threat to health. Schisandra chinensis is a medicinal and edible plant that is commonly used to treat cardiovascular diseases. In this paper, HPLC was used to detect and analyze 5 different components in Schisandra chinensis. Network pharmacological predictions highlight the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway as an important pharmacological pathway. The effective ingredient Schisandrin C was screened by the molecular docking technique. ox-LDL-induced HUVECs were used to construct the atherosclerosis model for further experimental verification. The results showed that Schisandrin C interfered with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR autophagy pathway. This study lays a foundation for the further application of Schisandrin C in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis in the future.

Extracellular vesicle-derived miR-146a as a novel crosstalk mechanism for high-fat induced atherosclerosis by targeting SMAD4.

INTRODUCTION: Exosome-miR-146a is significantly increased in patients with Atherosclerosis (AS), but its mechanism and effect on AS have not been fully elucidated. OBJECTIVES: To explore the change rule and mechanism of exosomes release, and the role and molecular mechanism of exosome-miR-146a in AS. METHODS: We isolated and identified exosomes from THP-1 macrophages after treating them with ox-LDL. Then used co-immunoprecipitation and silver staining to identify the proteins involved in regulating exosome release. PKH67 was used to label exosomes to confirm that cells can absorb them, and then co-culture with HVSMCs for cell proliferation and migration detection. The target genes of miR-146a were screened and identified through bioinformatics and luciferase activity assay, and the expression of miR-146a and related proteins was detected through qRT-PCR and Western blot in HUVECs. An AS model in LDLR-/- mice induced by a high-fat diet was developed to investigate the impact of exosome-miR-146a on AS. RESULTS: The results showed that experimental foam cells from AS showed higher expression of miR-146a. It was observed that NMMHC IIA and HSP70 interacted to regulate the release of exosomes. And HUVECs can absorb exosomes derived from macrophages. In addition, we also found that miR-146a directly targeted the SMAD4 gene to modulate the p38 MAPK signaling pathway, thereby mediating HUVECs damage. Furthermore, exosome-miR-146a induced abnormal proliferation and migration of HVSMCs. The expression of miR-146a was significantly reduced in miR-146a-mimics mice and increased in miR-146a inhibitor mice whereas the inhibition of miR-146a effectively reduced while increasing miR-146a worsened AS in mice. CONCLUSION: Our findings expressed the potential of miR-146a as a favorable therapeutic target for AS, however, further exploration is suggestive for deep understanding of the mechanisms regulating exosome-miR-146a release in vivo and to develop effective therapeutic strategies involving miR-146a.

Tolerance Mechanisms and Removal Efficiency of Chlorella pyrenoidosa in Treating 3-Fluorophenol Pollution.

This study investigates the growth tolerance mechanisms of Chlorella pyrenoidosa to 3-fluorophenol and its removal efficiency by algal cells. Our results indicate that C. pyrenoidosa can tolerate up to 100 mg/L of 3-fluorophenol, exhibiting a significant hormesis effect characterized by initial inhibition followed by promotion of growth. In C. pyrenoidosa cells, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), as well as the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), were higher than or comparable to the control group. Metabolic analysis revealed that the 3-fluorophenol treatment activated pathways, such as glycerol phospholipid metabolism, autophagy, glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein biosynthesis, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, contributed to the stabilization of cell membrane structures and enhanced cell repair capacity. After 240 h of treatment, over 50% of 3-fluorophenol was removed by algal cells, primarily through adsorption. Thus, C. pyrenoidosa shows potential as an effective biosorbent for the bioremediation of 3-fluorophenol.

Carboxymethylated Lycium barbarum seed dreg dietary fiber alleviates high fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia in mice via intestinal regulation.

In this study, we investigated the ameliorative gut modulatory effect of carboxymethylated Lycium barbarum seed dreg insoluble dietary fiber (LBSDIDF) on hyperlipidemic mice. After seven weeks of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) intervention, the results demonstrated that IDFs effectively inhibited body weight gain, with slimming and hypolipidemic effects, and improved liver histopathology by decreasing ALT, AST, TNF-α and IL-6, and increasing short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels in hyperlipidemic mice. With the increasing diversity and abundance of intestinal bacteria and decreasing ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, intestinal flora facilitated cholesterol lowering effects in hyperlipidemic mice. Our research offers a novel concept for the use of LBSDIDF as a prebiotic to improve intestinal dysbiosis or as a preventive measure against obesity and dyslipidemia.

Effect of κ-carrageenan on the quality of crayfish surimi gels.

The demand for crayfish surimi products has grown recently due to its high protein content. This study examined the effects of varying κ-carrageenan (CAR) and crayfish surimi (CSM) concentrations on the gelling properties of CAR-CSM composite gel and its intrinsic formation process. Our findings demonstrated that with the increasing concentration of carrageenan, the quality of CAR-CSM exhibited rising trend followed by subsequently fall. Based on the textural qualities, the highest quality CAR-CSM was achieved at 0.3% carrageenan addition. With the exception of chewiness, and the cooking loss of the gel system was 1.62%, whiteness was 82.35%, and the percentage of ß-sheets increased to 57.18%. Further increase in CAR (0.4-0.5%) addition resulted in internal build-up of LCAR-CSM, conversion of intermolecular forces into disulfide bonds and gel breakage. This study exudes timely recommendations for extending the CAR application for the continuous development of crayfish surimi and its derivatives and its overall economic worth.

Amelioration activity of the high bioaccessible chrysanthemum (Gongju) phenolics on alcohol-induced oxidative injury in AML-12 cells.

The main bioavailable phenolics from of Gongju (GJ) and their mechanism for hepato-protection remain unclear. To select the GJ phenolics with high bioavailability, chrysanthemum digestion and Caco-2 cells were used and their hepato-protective potential were examined by using AML-12 cells. The digestive recovery and small intestinal transit rate of the main phenolic compounds ranged from 28.52 to 69.53% and 6.57% âˆ¼ 15.50%, respectively. Among them, chlorogenic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, and 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, showed higher small intestinal transit rates and digestive recoveries. Furthermore, we found that by increasing intracellular Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) viability and lowering Malondialdehyde (MDA) level (P < 0.05), 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid significantly mitigated the oxidative damage of AML-12 liver cells more than the other two phenolics. Our results demonstrated that 3,5-dicaffeoylquninic acid was the primary phenolic compounds in GJ that effectively reduced liver damage, providing a theoretical basis for the development of GJ as a potentially useful resource for hepatoprotective diet.

Selenium Treatment Alleviates the Inhibition Caused by Nep-L Gene Knockdown in Silkworm (Bombyx mori).

Recent studies have emphasized the beneficial effects of 50 µM selenium (Se) on the growth and development of the silkworm, Bombyx mori; however, less is known about its underlying mechanism. To unravel the effect of 50 µM Se on the silkworms with neutral endopeptidase 24.11-like gene (NEP-L) knockdown, we injected small interfering RNA (siRNA) into the body cavity of silkworms. Phenotypic characteristics, mRNA expression of the Nep-L gene, and enriched Se content were evaluated in silkworms from each treatment group. After injecting Nep-L siRNA, the body weight, cocoon quality (cocoon weight, cocoon shell weight, and cocoon shell ratio), and egg production of silkworms were significantly reduced, without any significant effect on egg laying number. However, Se treatment could significantly alleviate the inhibition of body weight, and cocoon quality, without significant effects on egg laying number and production. In addition, the gene knockdown increased Se content in the B. mori. On the molecular level, the targeted Nep-L gene was inhibited significantly by siRNA interference, essentially with the strongest effect at 24 h after RNAi, followed by steady recovery. Among the three fragments, the siRNA of Nep-L-3 was the most effective in interfering with target gene expression. Nep-L gene showed the highest expression in Malpighian tubules (MTs). Both at the phenotypic and genotypic levels, our results show that Nep-L knockdown can exert a significant inhibitory effect on silkworms, and 50 µM Se can reverse the negative effect, which provides a practical prospect for strengthening the silkworm food industry.

Platycodon grandiflorum saponins: Ionic liquid-ultrasound-assisted extraction, antioxidant, whitening, and antiaging activity.

This study explored the use of ionic liquid-ultrasound (ILU)-assisted extraction to enhance the extraction rate of Platycodon grandiflorum saponins (PGSs), and the content, extraction mechanism, antioxidant activity, whitening, and antiaging activity of PGSs prepared using ILU, ultrasound-water, thermal reflux-ethanol, and cellulase hydrolysis were compared. The ILU method particularly disrupted the cell wall, improved PGS extraction efficiency, and yielded a high total saponin content of 1.45 ± 0.02 mg/g. Five monomeric saponins were identified, with platycodin D being the most abundant at 1.357 mg/g. PGSs displayed excellent in vitro antioxidant activity and exhibited inhibitory effects on tyrosinase, elastase, and hyaluronidase. The results suggest that PGSs may have broad antioxidant, skin-whitening, and antiaging potential to a large extent. Overall, this study provided valuable insights into the extraction, identification, and bioactivities of PGSs, which could serve as a reference for future development and application of these compounds in the functional foods industry.

Mapping quantitative trait loci associated with self-(in)compatibility in goji berries (Lycium barbarum).

BACKGROUND: Goji (Lycium barbarum L.) is a perennial deciduous shrub widely distributed in arid and semiarid regions of Northwest China. It is highly valued for its medicinal and functional properties. Most goji varieties are naturally self-incompatible, posing challenges in breeding and cultivation. Self-incompatibility is a complex genetic trait, with ongoing debates regarding the number of self-incompatible loci. To date, no genetic mappings has been conducted for S loci or other loci related to self-incompatibility in goji. RESULTS: We used genome resequencing to create a high-resolution map for detecting de novo single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in goji. We focused on 229 F1 individuals from self-compatible '13-19' and self-incompatible 'new 9' varieties. Subsequently, we conducted a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis on traits associated with self-compatibility in goji berries. The genetic map consisted of 249,327 SNPs distributed across 12 linkage groups (LGs), spanning a total distance of 1243.74 cM, with an average interval of 0.002 cM. Phenotypic data related to self-incompatibility, such as average fruit weight, fruit rate, compatibility index, and comparable compatibility index after self-pollination and geitonogamy, were collected for the years 2021-2022, as well as for an extra year representing the mean data from 2021 to 2022 (2021/22). A total of 43 significant QTL, corresponding to multiple traits were identified, accounting for more than 11% of the observed phenotypic variation. Notably, a specific QTL on chromosome 2 consistently appeared across different years, irrespective of the relationship between self-pollination and geitonogamy. Within the localization interval, 1180 genes were annotated, including Lba02g01102 (annotated as an S-RNase gene), which showed pistil-specific expression. Cloning of S-RNase genes revealed that the parents had two different S-RNase alleles, namely S1S11 and S2S8. S-genotype identification of the F1 population indicated segregation of the four S-alleles from the parents in the offspring, with the type of S-RNase gene significantly associated with self-compatibility. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, our study provides valuable insights into the genetic mechanism underlying self-compatibility in goji berries. This highlights the importance of further positional cloning investigations and emphasizes the importance of integration of marker-assisted selection in goji breeding programs.

Blueberry anthocyanin based active intelligent wheat gluten protein films: Preparation, characterization, and applications for shrimp freshness monitoring.

The aim of this study was to prepare active intelligent gluten protein films using wheat gluten protein (WG) and apple pectin (AP) as film-forming matrices, and blueberry anthocyanin extract (BAE) as a natural indicator. SEM and FT-IR analyses demonstrated the successful immobilization of BAE in the film matrix by hydrogen bonding interactions and its compatibility with WG and AP. The resultant WG-AP/BAE indicator films demonstrated notable antioxidant activity, color stability, barrier qualities, pH and ammonia response sensitivity, and mechanical properties. Among them, WG-AP/BAE5 exhibited the best mechanical properties (TS: 0.83 MPa and EB: 242.23%) as well as the lowest WVP (3.92 × 10-8 g.m/m2.Pa.s), and displayed high sensitivity to volatile ammonia. In addition, WG-AP/BAE5 showed a color shift from purplish red to green to yellowish green, demonstrating the monitoring of shrimp freshness in real time. Consequently, this study offers a firm scientific foundation for the development of active intelligent gluten protein films and their use in food freshness assessments.

Inclusion of reeling wastewater-derived sericin peptides in high-protein nutrition bars for antihardening and storage stability.

The utilization of agroindustrial wastes to enrich food protein resources and the exploration of their broader applications are crucial for addressing the food crisis and achieving sustainable development goals. In this study, reeling wastewater-derived sericin was hydrolyzed using papain and trypsin to prepare sericin peptide (SRP) and was used as an antihardening ingredient of high-protein nutrition bars (HPNBs). The mechanism of the antihardening effect of SRP was elucidated by investigating the content of advanced glycation end products and protein oxidation products (carbonyl and free sulfhydryl), and the molecular weight change of HPNBs during storage before and after the addition of SRP. Our results confirmed the fortification of HPNBs with SRP, which is beneficial for the promotion and expansion of sericin applications in the food industry, with positive implications for the rational utilization of protein resources and the enrichment of food protein sources.

Metabolomics and HS-SPME-GC-MS-based analysis of quality succession patterns and flavor characteristics changes during the fermentation of Lycium barbarum and Polygonatum cyrtonema compound wine.

This work set out to investigate how the physicochemical markers, volatiles, and metabolomic characteristics of mixed fermented the fermentation of Lycium barbarum and Polygonatum cyrtonema compound wine (LPCW) from S. cerevisine RW and D. hansenii AS2.45 changed over the course of fermentation. HS-SPME-GC-MS combined with non-targeted metabolomics was used to follow up and monitor the fermentation process of LPCW. In total, 43 volatile chemical substances, mostly alcohols, esters, acids, carbonyl compounds, etc., were discovered in LPCW. After 30 days of fermentation, phenylethyl alcohol had increased to 3045.83 g/mL, giving off a rose-like fresh scent. The biosynthesis of valine, leucine, and isoleucine as well as the metabolism of alanine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid were the major routes that led to the identification of 1385 non-volatile components in total. This study offers a theoretical foundation for industrial development and advances our knowledge of the fundamental mechanism underlying flavor generation during LPCW fermentation.