ABSTRACT
In this research, we unveil the medical potential of pearls by identifying a novel bioactive peptide within them for the first time. The peptide, termed KKCHFWPFPW, emerges as a pioneering angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, originating from the pearl matrix of Pinctada fucata. Employing quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, this peptide was meticulously selected and pinpointed. With a molecular weight of 1417.5 Da and a theoretical isoelectric point of 9.31, its inhibitory potency was demonstrated through a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 4.17 µM, established via high-performance liquid chromatography. The inhibition of ACE by this peptide was found to be competitive, as revealed by Lineweaver-Burk plot analysis, where an increase in peptide concentration correlated with an enhanced rate of ACE inhibition. To delve into the interaction between KKCHFWPFPW and ACE, molecular docking simulations were conducted using the Maestro 2022-1 Glide software, shedding light on the inhibitory mechanism. This investigation suggests that peptides derived from the P. martensii pearl matrix hold promise as a novel source for antihypertensive agents.
ABSTRACT
Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a common symptom of various dental diseases that usually produces abnormal pain with external stimuli. Various desensitizers are developed to treat DH by occluding dentine tubules (DTs) or blocking intersynaptic connections of dental sensory nerve cells. However, the main limitations of currently available techniques are the chronic toxic effects of chemically active ingredients and their insufficiently durable efficacy. Herein, a novel DH therapy with remarkable biosafety and durable therapeutic value based on ß-chitooligosaccharide graft derivative (CAD) is presented. Particularly, CAD indicates the most energetic results, restoring the amino polysaccharide protective membrane in DTs, significantly promoting calcium and phosphorus ion deposition and bone anabolism, and regulating the levels of immunoglobulin in saliva and cellular inflammatory factors in plasma. Exposed DTs are occluded by remineralized hydroxyapatite with a depth of over 70 µm, as shown in in vitro tests. The bone mineral density of Sprague-Dawley rats' molar dentin increases by 10.96%, and the trabecular thickness of bone improves to about 0.03 µm in 2 weeks in the CAD group compared to the blank group. Overall, the ingenious concept that modified marine biomaterial can be a safe and durable therapy for DH is demonstrated by nourishing and remineralizing dentin.
Subject(s)
Dentin Sensitivity , Rats , Animals , Dentin Sensitivity/drug therapy , Dentin , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Calcium , Microscopy, Electron, ScanningABSTRACT
Natural antioxidants are more attractive than synthetic chemical oxidants because of their non-toxic and non-harmful properties. Microalgal bioactive components such as carotenoids, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds are gaining popularity as very effective and long-lasting natural antioxidants. Few articles currently exist that analyze microalgae from a bibliometric and visualization point of view. This study used a bibliometric method based on the Web of Science Core Collection database to analyze antioxidant research on bioactive compounds in microalgae from 1996 to 2022. According to cluster analysis, the most studied areas are the effectiveness, the antioxidant mechanism, and use of bioactive substances in microalgae, such as carotene, astaxanthin, and tocopherols, in the fields of food, cosmetics, and medicine. Using keyword co-occurrence and keyword mutation analysis, future trends are predicted to improve extraction rates and stability by altering the environment of microalgae cultures or mixing extracts with chemicals such as nanoparticles for commercial and industrial applications. These findings can help researchers identify trends and resources to build impactful investigations and expand scientific frontiers.
