Carboxymethyl chitosan-modified UiO-66 for the rapid detection of fenpropathrin in grains.

Fenpropathrin residues in grain are potentially harmful to humans. Therefore, a fluorimetric lateral flow immunoassay using a zirconium-based organic skeleton (UiO-66) as a signal marker was developed for detecting fenpropathrin. Herein, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) was used to modify UiO-66 and improve its water solubility to facilitate stable binding with sodium fluorescein (NaFL). This resulted in formation of a new fluorescent probe that is more suitable for lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA). The materials were characterized via electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction. CMCS and NaFL were successfully bound to UiO-66. Under optimized conditions, the constructed NaFL/UiO-66@CMCS-LFIA exhibited a good linear relationship within the range of 0.98-62.5 µg/L, with a detection limit of 3.91 µg/L. This probe was fourfold more sensitive than traditional colloidal gold nanoparticle-based LFIA. Finally, NaFL/UiO-66@CMCS-LFIA was successfully applied to detect fenpropathrin in wheat and maize samples. The detection limit was 1.56 µg/kg and recoveries ranged from 96.58 % to 118.56 %. This study provides a sensitive, stable, and convenient method for the rapid detection of pesticide residues.

Recent Advances in Non-Targeted Screening of Compounds in Plastic-Based/Paper-Based Food Contact Materials.

Ensuring the safety of food contact materials has become a pressing concern in recent times. However, detecting hazardous compounds in such materials can be a complex task, and traditional screening methods may not be sufficient. Non-targeted screening technologies can provide comprehensive information on all detectable compounds, thereby supporting the identification, detection, and risk assessment of food contact materials. Nonetheless, the non-targeted screening of food contact materials remains a challenging issue. This paper presents a detailed review of non-targeted screening technologies relying on high-resolution mass spectrometry for plastic-based and paper-based food contact materials over the past five years. Methods of extracting, separating, concentrating, and enriching compounds, as well as migration experiments related to non-targeted screening, are examined in detail. Furthermore, instruments and devices of high-resolution mass spectrometry used in non-targeted screening technologies for food contact materials are discussed and summarized. The research findings aim to provide a theoretical basis and practical reference for the risk management of food contact materials and the development of relevant regulations and standards.

Anti-Allergic Effects of Quercetin and Quercetin Liposomes in RBL-2H3 Cells.

BACKGROUND: Quercetin is a kind of flavonoid with important bioactivities, such as hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic properties. Although it is unstable, it is worth exploring how to better exert its anti-allergic effect. OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to elucidate the anti-allergic effect of quercetin liposomes on RBL-2H3 cells in vitro. METHODS: Quercetin liposomes were prepared to improve the anti-allergic activity of quercetin through a green thin-film dispersion method. We compared the anti-allergic effects of quercetin and quercetin liposomes in RBL-2H3 cells. The anti-allergic activity of the quercetin liposomes was evaluated by the level of ß-hexosaminidase, histamine, Ca2+, IL-4, IL-8, and MCP-1. RESULTS: The results showed that quercetin liposomes could significantly restrain the release of ß-hexosaminidase and histamine, calcium influx, and the expression of inflammatory factors, whose effect is stronger than quercetin. CONCLUSION: Collectively, our research suggests that the quercetin liposome can be used as a potential allergy antagonist.

Anti-inflammatory activity of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside liposomes in THP-1 macrophages.

Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) is a kind of water-soluble pigment widely existing in many plants. It has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, C3G cannot exist stably for a long time because of the phenolic hydroxyl groups in its structure. Liposome technology could improve the stability and bioavailability of compounds. Based on our previous studies, C3G liposomes prepared by ethanol injection method have a certain stability in two weeks of storage. In this study, THP-1 macrophages treated with C3G and C3G liposomes can reduce the levels of inflammatory-related factors, such as tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8, stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Further studies showed that the LPS induction could increase the level of phosphorylated nuclear transcription factor NF-κB and phosphorylated IkBa, while C3G and C3G liposomes could inhibit the expression of phosphorylated proteins. Moreover, C3G and C3G liposomes could protect macrophages from apoptosis. In conclusion, C3G prepared by liposome technology exhibits anti-inflammatory activity, which provides a theoretical basis for the food industry to study functional food.

Effects of Different Smoking Materials and Methods on the Quality of Chinese Traditional Bacon (Larou).

ABSTRACT: Larou is a traditional smoked meat product in China. In this experiment, larou was processed with different smoking materials and methods to determine whether differences in processing methods would affect the quality of the larou and the concentrations of carcinogens. Pork bellies were marinated, dried, and divided into four groups and then directly smoked with four different smoking materials for 40 min. The smoking material for larou that was most effective was then used with an indirect smoking device with an nano-activated carbon fiber filter and evaluated as a single-factor variable. The surface area of the nano-activated carbon filter was 978.00 m2/g, and this filter effectively adsorbed the ash particles from the smoke. For the group smoked with pomelo skins (PS), the highest concentrations and number of phenols were 4.48% and 11, respectively, which increased the smoke flavor significantly. The moisture was 32.64%, and the Staphylococcus, lactic acid bacteria, and yeast and mold levels were 0.98, 1.10, and 0.59 log CFU/g, indicating inhibition of harmful bacteria and a beneficial microbial environment for larou fermentation. The benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) concentration in PS smoke determined with the indirect smoking device was 1.82 µg/kg, whereas that determined with the direct smoking device was 36.1 µg/kg, a significant difference (P < 0.01). These findings suggested that indirect smoking with PS could effectively maintain microbial quality and reduce the B[a]P[mc] concentrations in larou. This processing method can be used for the production of this meat product.

Process improvement to prevent the formation of biogenic amines during soy sauce brewing.

Biogenic amines (BAs) are a class of bioactive organics produced during the fermentation of soy sauce. A high concentration of BAs may bring about serious physiological and toxicological effects on the human body. In this study, we reported an optimized process to produce soy sauce with lower BA concentration and found the contents of putrescine, cadaverine and histamine increased with the increase of fermentation temperature but decreased with the increase of NaCl concentration. The final content of total BAs with improved fermentation was 105.56 ± 0.13 mg/L, which was reduced by 89.11% compared to traditional brewing. Besides, the pilot production test was performed to verify the optimized conditions and physicochemical indexes were measured to better understand the change principle of the chemical compounds. Taken together, we present an effective process to inhibit the formation of BAs while ensuring that characteristic nutrients are not lost.

Galangin, a Flavonoid from Lesser Galangal, Induced Apoptosis via p53-Dependent Pathway in Ovarian Cancer Cells.

Among women worldwide, ovarian cancer is one of the most dangerous cancers. Patients undergoing platinum-based chemotherapy might get adverse side effects and develop resistance to drugs. In recent years, natural compounds have aroused growing attention in cancer treatment. Galangin inhibited the growth of two cell lines, A2780/CP70 and OVCAR-3, more strongly than the growth of a normal ovarian cell line, IOSE 364. The IC50 values of galangin on proliferation of A2780/CP70, OVCAR-3 and IOSE 364 cells were 42.3, 34.5, and 131.3 µM, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that galangin preferentially induced apoptosis in both ovarian cancer cells with respect to normal ovarian cells. Galangin treatment increased the level of cleaved caspase-3 and -7 via the p53-dependent intrinsic apoptotic pathway by up-regulating Bax protein and via the p53-dependent extrinsic apoptotic pathway by up-regulating DR5 protein. By down-regulating the level of p53 with 20 µM pifithrin-α (PFT-α), the apoptotic rates of OVCAR-3 cells induced by galangin treatment (40 µM) were significantly decreased from 18.2% to 10.2%, indicating that p53 is a key regulatory protein in galangin-induced apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells. Although galangin up-regulated the expression of p21, it had little effect on the cell cycle of the two ovarian cancer cell lines. Furthermore, the levels of phosphorylated Akt and phosphorylated p70S6K were decreased through galangin treatment, suggesting that the Akt/p70S6K pathways might be involved in the apoptosis. Our results suggested that galangin is selective against cancer cells and can be used for the treatment of platinum-resistant ovarian cancers in humans.

Antioxidant activity and absorption of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside liposomes in GES-1 cells in vitro.

The use of anthocyanins are limited by their chemical properties. Recent evidence suggests Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3 G) liposomes via the ethanol injection method exhibit improved stability. In the current study, the characterization and cell absorption of C3 G liposomes were explored via transmission electron microscopy and flow cytometry. The internalization of the C3 G liposomes across the gastric epithelial cell monolayer (GES-1 cells) were investigated. Results showed that the particle size and encapsulation efficiency were 234 ± 9.35 nm and 75.0% ± 0.001, respectively. The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of C3 G liposomes. The C3 G liposomes can obviously increased T-AOC and decreased the MDA content.Collectively, C3 G liposomes protected human GES-1 cells from gastric mucosal injury induced by H2O2 by activating the related antioxidant pathway. Our research could provide a new effective treatment strategy for the absorption of stomach drugs.Abbreviations: C3G: Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside; LP: Liposome; GES-1 cells: Human gastric epithelial cell lines; FBS: Fetal Bovine Serum; PBS: Phosphate-buffered saline; PC: Phosphatidylcholine; CH: Cholesterol; MDA: Malondialdehyde; TEM: Transmission electron microscope; FCM: Flow cytometry; FITC: Fluorescein isothiocyanate; DAPI: 4', 6-diamidino-2phenylidole; FT-IR: Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy; PFA: Paraformaldehyde.

Dynamic Changes in Biogenic Amine Content in the Traditional Brewing Process of Soy Sauce.

A high concentration of biogenic amines have been reported to be hazardous for human health. This article is an analytical report on one lot to identify the changes of biogenic amines in each period of soy sauce brewing and clarify the key control point for biogenic amine production. The content of putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine, spermine, tryptamine, phenylethylamine, histamine, serotonin, tyramine, and agmatine was detected in the koji-making and fermenting process. The content of putrescine increased from 27.11 ± 1.05 to 185.86 ± 1.18 mg/kg in the koji-making process, indicating that putrescine is the main biogenic amine produced by microbes in this period. The content of tryptamine increased to the highest value of 581.77 ± 36.38 mg/L on day 24 of the fermenting process and then decreased rapidly to 81.98 ± 0.20 mg/L at the end (day 122). In addition, histamine and tyramine reached the highest values (486.91 ± 24.67 and 180.84 ± 2.32 mg/L, respectively) after 52 days of fermentation, followed by a decrease to 287.24 ± 15.00 and 144.67 ± 3.61 mg/L, respectively, at the end of the fermenting process. The samples were further characterized by the analysis of other indices, including the content of water, salt, soluble saltless solids, crude fat, total acid, amino acid nitrogen, total nitrogen, and ammonium salt. The content of soluble saltless solids decreased from 9.28 ± 0.16 to 5.30 ± 1.40 g/100 g during the first 38 days of fermentation, followed by an increase to 14.68 ± 1.12 g/100 g during the last 84 days. The content of total acid, crude fat, amino acid nitrogen, total nitrogen, and ammonium salt all increased rapidly in the early stage of the fermenting process and then slowed down.

Effect of catechin liposomes on the nitrosamines and quality of traditional Chinese bacon.

The instability of catechins (CT) is currently a challenge for their application in the food industry. This study explored whether or not the protective effects of liposome encapsulation on CT could enhance the role of CT as antioxidants in reducing nitrosamines (NAs) in traditional Chinese bacon (TCB). The samples were further characterized by the analysis of volatile compounds, color parameters, and texture profile during storage to assess the effects of catechin liposomes (CTL) on TCB. Results showed that the increase in NAs in fried TCB was strongly dependent on the storage time. CTL could reduce the production of NAs in fried TCB (40.45%) more strongly than CT (15.13%) after 49 days of storage. Higher phenol contents were found in CTL (1515.25 × 106 area unit (AU)) than those in control (1451.73 × 106 AU) and CT (1391.10 × 106 AU) TCB at the end of storage. The addition of antioxidants increased (p < 0.05) a* values in the following order: CTL > CT > control with mean values of 6.54, 5.09, and 3.92, respectively, after 49-day storage. Conversely, the addition of CTL decreased (p < 0.05) the hardness of TCB. Encapsulating CT in the liposomes can effectively reduce the NAs in TCB and positively affect its quality. This technique may guide the potential application of liposomes in the meat industry.

Flavonoids, phenolic acids, carotenoids and antioxidant activity of fresh eating citrus fruits, using the coupled in vitro digestion and human intestinal HepG2 cells model.

With in-vitro digestion and human intestinal HepG2 cells, we analyzed the bioaccessibility and cell uptake of phytochemicals and determined the cellular antioxidant capacity (CAA) of fresh eating citrus fruits. The results showed that CAA of citrus fruits was higher in digesta than in extracts, and the CAA is strongly correlated with naringenin and beta-carotene uptake (p < 0.05). During in vitro digestion, vanillic acid and p-coumaric decreased, and ferulic acid increased in all citrus fruits significantly (p < 0.05); other phytochemicals varied among the fruits. During uptake, hydroxybenzoic acids, hesperidin, narirutin, naringenin and neohesperidin were detected in cells, Zeaxanthin, lutein, beta-cryptoxanthin and beta-carotene could be detected in the citrus varieties except for pummel, but hydroxycinnamic acids and hesperitin were not detected in cells. This work provides insights into the bioaccessibility and cell uptake of phytochemicals and cellular antioxidant activity of fresh eating citrus fruits.

Myricetin inhibits proliferation of cisplatin-resistant cancer cells through a p53-dependent apoptotic pathway.

Cisplatin is a commonly used drug for cancer treatment by crosslinking DNA, leading to apoptosis of cancer cells, resistance to cisplatin treatment often occurs, leading to relapse. Therefore, there is a need for the development of more effective treatment strategies that can overcome chemoresistance. Myricetin is a flavonoid from fruits and vegetables, showing anticancer activity in various cancer cells. In this study, we found myricetin exhibited greater cytotoxicity than cisplatin in two cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cell lines, OVCAR-3 and A2780/CP70, and it was less cytotoxic to the normal ovarian cell line IOSE-364. Myricetin selectively induced apoptosis in both cisplatin-resistant cancer cell lines, but did not induce apoptosis in the normal ovarian cell line. It induced both Bcl-2 family-dependent intrinsic and DR5 dependent extrinsic apoptosis in OVCAR-3 cells. P53, a multifunctional tumor suppressor, regulated apoptosis in OVCAR-3 cells through a Bcl-2 family protein-dependent pathway. Myricetin did not induce cell cycle arrest in either ovarian cancer cell line. Because of its potency and selectivity against cisplatin-resistant cancer cells, myricetin could potentially be used to overcome cancer chemoresistance against platinum-based therapy.

Dietary compounds galangin and myricetin suppress ovarian cancer cell angiogenesis.

Galangin and myricetin are flavonoids isolated from vegetables and fruits which exhibit anti-proliferative activity in human cancer cells. In this study, their anti-angiogenic effects were investigated with in vitro (HUVEC) and in vivo (CAM) models, which showed that galangin and myricetin inhibited angiogenesis induced by OVCAR-3 cells. The molecular mechanisms through which galangin and myricetin suppress angiogenesis were also studied. It was observed that galangin and myricetin inhibited secretion of the key angiogenesis mediator vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and decreased levels of p-Akt, p-70S6K and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) proteins in A2780/CP70 and OVCAR-3 cells. Transient transfection experiments showed that galangin and myricetin inhibited secretion of VEGF by the Akt/p70S6K/ HIF-1α pathway. Moreover, a novel pathway, p21/HIF-1α/VEGF, was found to be involved in the inhibitory effect of myricetin on angiogenesis in OVCAR-3 cells. These data suggest that galangin and myricetin might serve as potential anti-angiogenic agents in the prevention of ovarian cancers dependent on new blood vessel networks.

The flavonoid nobiletin inhibits tumor growth and angiogenesis of ovarian cancers via the Akt pathway.

Despite its importance, the death rate of ovarian cancer has remained unchanged over the past five decades, demanding an improvement in prevention and treatment of this malignancy. With no known carcinogens, targeted prevention is currently unavailable, and efforts in early detection of this malignancy by screening biomarkers have failed. The inhibition of angiogenesis, also known as angioprevention, is a promising strategy to limit the growth of solid tumors, including ovarian cancers. Nobiletin, a polymethoxy flavonoid compound isolated from the tiansheng plant, has been shown to inhibit the growth of multiple types of human cancers. However, there are no reports involving the effect on nobiletin on human ovarian cancer. The present report shows that nobiletin potently decreases the viability of ovarian cancer cells in vitro. However, nobiletin does not affect the viability of normal ovarian epithelial cells at <40 µM. The antitumor activity of nobiletin was also observed in athymic mouse models and in chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) models. The anti-neoplastic activity of nobiletin was due to its ability to inhibit angiogenesis. We also studied the molecular mechanisms by which nobiletin suppresses angiogenesis. We observed that nobiletin inhibits secretion of the key angiogenesis mediators, Akt, HIF-1α, NF-κB and vascular epithelial growth factor (VEGF) by ovarian cancer cells. Transient transfection experiments showed that nobiletin inhibits production of HIF-1α by downregulation of Akt. Such decreased levels of HIF-1α were responsible for nobiletin-induced suppression of VEGF. Our data suggest that nobiletin may be a promising anti-angiogenic agent relevant for therapy of ovarian cancers.

Nobiletin suppresses cell viability through AKT pathways in PC-3 and DU-145 prostate cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Nobiletin is a non-toxic dietary flavonoid that possesses anti-cancer properties. Nobiletin has been reported to reduce the risk of prostate cancer, but the mechanism is not well understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of nobiletin in prostate cancer cell lines PC-3 and DU-145. METHODS: Nobiletin was isolated from a polymethoxy flavonoid mixture using HPLC, cell viability was analyzed with MTS-based assays. Protein expression was examined by ELISA and western blotting. Gene expression was examined by luciferase assay. And the pathways were examined by manipulating genetic components with plasmid transfection. RESULTS: Data showed that nobiletin decreased cell viability in both prostate cell lines, with a greater reduction in viability in PC-3 cells. HIF-1α expression and AKT phosphorylation were decreased in both cell lines. The VEGF expression was inhibited in PC-3 but not DU-145 cells. cMyc expression was decreased in DU-145 cells. Nobiletin down-regulated NF-κB (p50) expression in nuclei of DU145 cells but not whole cells. It also suppressed NF-κB expression in both whole cells and nuclei of PC-3 cells. Increasing HIF-1α levels reversed nobiletin's inhibitory effects on VEGF expression, and up-regulating AKT levels reversed its inhibitory effects on HIF-1α expression. We speculate that AKT influences cell viability probably by its effect on NF-κB in both prostate cells. The effect of nobiletin on VEGF expression in PC-3 cell lines was through the AKT/HIF-1α pathway. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our results show that nobiletin suppresses cell viability through AKT pathways, with a more profound effect against the more metastatic PC-3 line. Due to this enhanced action against a more malignant cell type, nobiletin may be used to improve prostate cancer survival rates.

In vitro digestion combined with cellular assay to determine the antioxidant activity in Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.) fruits: a comparison with traditional methods.

The traditional method of chemical extraction (i.e., extracts), combined with chemical antioxidant activity assays cannot assess the real antioxidant activity. In vitro digestion (i.e., digesta) with a cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) assay was developed for the determination of antioxidant activity in Chinese bayberry fruits. In this study, pretreatment methods were studied and the results showed that digesta had more free phenolic acids (FPA) but less total phenolic content (TPC) and total anthocyanin content (TAC) than extracts. Antioxidant activity assays, including ABTS, FRAP, DPPH, ORAC and CAA, were compared. Digesta had lower ABTS, FRAP and DPPH values but higher CAA values than extracts. FPA were better correlated with the chemical antioxidant assays in digesta. The correlations were high between TPC and CAA values in digesta (R(2)=0.96) but not extracts (R(2)=0.58). Higher correlations were also obtained between CAA and chemical assays in digesta.

The sonodegradation of caffeic acid under ultrasound treatment: relation to stability.

The degradation of caffeic acid under ultrasound treatment in a model system was investigated. The type of solvent and temperature were important factors in determining the outcome of the degradation reactions. Liquid height, ultrasonic intensity and duty cycle only affected degradation rate, but did not change the nature of the degradation. The degradation rate of caffeic acid decreased with increasing temperature. Degradation kinetics of caffeic acid under ultrasound fitted a zero-order reaction from -5 to 25 °C. Caffeic acid underwent decomposition and oligomerization reactions under ultrasound. The degradation products were tentatively identified by FT-IR and HPLC-UV-ESIMS to include the corresponding decarboxylation products and their dimers.