Phytochemical exploration of Neolitsea pallens leaves using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS approach.

Neolitsea pallens (D. Don) Momiyama & H. Hara (Family: Lauraceae), commonly known as Pale Litsea, is an evergreen small tree, distributed in India at altitudes of 1500-3000 m. Traditionally utilized for various purposes, its leaves and bark are used as spices, and the plant is valued in preparing a hair tonic from freshly pressed juice. Secondary metabolites of the leaves have not comprehensively been analysed so far. The objective of the study was to determine the chemical composition of the leaves by analysing their 25% aqueous methanol extract with the aid of ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight tandem mass spectrometry. Overall, 56 compounds were identified in the study. Phenolics represented by phenolic acids, phenolic glycosides, proanthocyanidins, and flavonoids were the main components of the extract.

Honokiol induces apoptosis and autophagy in dexamethasone-resistant T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia CEM-C1 cells.

Objective: To study whether and, if so, how honokiol overcome dexamethasone resistance in DEX-resistant CEM-C1 cells. Methods: We investigated the effect of honokiol (0-20 µM) on cell proliferation, cell cycle, cell apoptosis and autophagy in DEX-resistant CEM-C1 cells and DEX-sensitive CEM-C7 cells. We also determined the role of c-Myc protein and mRNA in the occurrence of T-ALL associated dexamethasone resistance western blot and reverse transcription-qPCR (RT-qPCR) analysis. Results: Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8 assay shows that DEX-resistant CEM-C1 cell lines were highly resistant to dexamethasone with IC50 of 364.1 ± 29.5 µM for 48 h treatment. However, upon treatment with dexamethasone in combination with 1.5 µM of honokiol for 48 h, the IC50 of CEM-C1 cells significantly decreased to 126.2 ± 12.3 µM, and the reversal fold was 2.88. Conversely, the IC50 of CEM-C7 cells was not changed combination of dexamethasone and honokiol as compared to that of CEM-C7 cells treated with dexamethasone alone. It has been shown that honokiol induced T-ALL cell growth inhibition by apoptosis and autophagy via downregulating cell cycle-regulated proteins (Cyclin E, CDK4, and Cyclin D1) and anti-apoptotic proteins BCL-2 and upregulating pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and led to PARP cleavage. Honokiol may overcome dexamethasone resistance in DEX-resistant CEM-C1 cell lines via the suppression of c-Myc mRNA expression. Conclusion: The combination of honokiol and DEX were better than DEX alone in DEX-resistant CEM-C1 cell lines. Honokiol may regulate T-ALL-related dexamethasone resistance by affecting c-Myc.

Centella asiatica mitigates the detrimental effects of Bisphenol-A (BPA) on pancreatic islets.

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is widely used in food packaging and household products, leading to daily human exposure and potential health risks including metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Understanding BPA's mechanisms and developing intervention strategies is urgent. Centella asiatica, a traditional herbal medicine containing pentacyclic triterpenoids, shows promise due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, utilized for centuries in Ayurvedic therapy. We investigated the effect of Centella asiatica (CA) ethanol extract on BPA-induced pancreatic islet toxicity in male Swiss albino mice. BPA administration (10 and 100 µg/kg body weight, twice daily) for 21 days caused glucose homeostasis disturbances, insulin resistance, and islet dysfunction, which were partially mitigated by CA supplementation (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight). Additionally, heightened oxidative stress, elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), abnormal cell cycle, and increased apoptosis were implicated in the detrimental impact of BPA on the endocrine pancreas which were effectively counteracted by CA supplementation. In summary, CA demonstrated a significant ability to mitigate BPA-induced apoptosis, modulate redox homeostasis, alleviate inflammation, preserve MMP, and regulate the cell cycle. As a result, CA emerged as a potent agent in neutralizing the diabetogenic effects of BPA to a considerable extent.

Endocrine disrupting chemical Bisphenol A and its association with cancer mortality: a prospective cohort study of NHANES.

Introduction: There is evidence suggesting that Bisphenol A (BPA) is associated with increased all-cause mortality in adults. However, the specific nature of the relationship between BPA exposure and cancer mortality remains relatively unexplored. Methods: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset was used to recruit participants. Urinary BPA was assessed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrum (LC-MS). Through the use of multivariable Cox proportional hazard regressions and constrained cubic splines, the relationships between urine BPA and death from all causes and cancer were investigated. Results: This study has a total of 8,035 participants, and 137 died from cancers after a 7.5-year follow-up. The median level of BPA was 2.0 g/mL. Urinary BPA levels were not independently associated with all-cause mortality. For cancer mortality, the second quartile's multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio was 0.51 (95% confidence interval: 0.30 to 0.86; p = 0.011) compared to the lowest quartile. The restricted cubic splines showed that the association was nonlinear (p for nonlinearity = 0.028) and the inflection point was 1.99 ng/mL. Conclusion: Urinary BPA exposure was U-shaped associated with the risk of cancer mortality, and a lower level of BPA less than 1.99 ng/mL was associated with a higher risk of cancer mortality.

The Conflict between Regulatory Agencies over the 20,000-Fold Lowering of the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) for Bisphenol A (BPA) by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

BACKGROUND: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommended lowering their estimated tolerable daily intake (TDI) for bisphenol A (BPA) 20,000-fold to 0.2 ng/kg body weight (BW)/day. BPA is an extensively studied high production volume endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) associated with a vast array of diseases. Prior risk assessments of BPA by EFSA as well as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have relied on industry-funded studies conducted under good laboratory practice protocols (GLP) requiring guideline end points and detailed record keeping, while also claiming to examine (but rejecting) thousands of published findings by academic scientists. Guideline protocols initially formalized in the mid-twentieth century are still used by many regulatory agencies. EFSA used a 21st century approach in its reassessment of BPA and conducted a transparent, but time-limited, systematic review that included both guideline and academic research. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) opposed EFSA's revision of the TDI for BPA. OBJECTIVES: We identify the flaws in the assumptions that the German BfR, as well as the FDA, have used to justify maintaining the TDI for BPA at levels above what a vast amount of academic research shows to cause harm. We argue that regulatory agencies need to incorporate 21st century science into chemical hazard identifications using the CLARITY-BPA (Consortium Linking Academic and Regulatory Insights on BPA Toxicity) nonguideline academic studies in a collaborative government-academic program model. DISCUSSION: We strongly endorse EFSA's revised TDI for BPA and support the European Commission's (EC) apparent acceptance of this updated BPA risk assessment. We discuss challenges to current chemical risk assessment assumptions about EDCs that need to be addressed by regulatory agencies to, in our opinion, become truly protective of public health. Addressing these challenges will hopefully result in BPA, and eventually other structurally similar bisphenols (called regrettable substitutions) for which there are known adverse effects, being eliminated from all food-related and many other uses in the EU and elsewhere. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13812.

Two-dimensional metal-organic framework nanozyme-mediated portable paper-based analytical device for dichlorophen assay.

The metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) nanozyme-mediated paper-based analytical devices (PADs) have shown great potential in portable visual determination of phenolic compounds in the environment. However, most MOF nanozymes suffer from poor dispersibility and block-like structure, which often prompts deposition and results in diminished enzymatic activity, severely hindering their environmental applications. Here, we proposed colorimetric PADs for the visual detection of dichlorophen (Dcp) based on its significant inhibitory effect on the two-dimensional (2D) MOF nanozyme activity. Specifically, we synthesized a 2D Cu TCPP (Fe) (defined as 2D-CTF) MOF nanozyme exhibiting excellent dispersibility and remarkable peroxidase-like (POD-like) activity, which could catalyze the oxidation and subsequent color change of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine even under neutral conditions. Notably, the POD-like activity of 2D-CTF demonstrated a unique response to Dcp because of the occupation of Fe-N4 active sites on the 2D-CTF. This property enables the use of 2D-CTF as a highly efficient catalyst to develop colorimetric PADs for naked-eye and portable detection of Dcp. We believe that the proposed colorimetric PADs offer an efficient method for Dcp assay and open fresh avenues for the advancement of colorimetric sensors for analyzing of phenolic toxic substances in real samples.

Anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity of chemically fingerprinted extract from Cyclamen persicum Mill.

In the last few decades, researchers have thoroughly studied the use of plants in Palestine, one of them is Cyclamen persicum Mill. (C. persicum). Cyclamen persicum has been historically cultivated since the 1700s due to its tuber. The tuber is known to stimulate the nasal receptors, thus triggering the sensory neurons. Cyclamen persicum has anti-inflammatory effects, reduces cholesterol levels, treats diabetes, and inhibits tumor growth. In this respect, in-vitro examination of antibacterial and anticancer activities and antioxidative potency of C. persicum ethanolic extract were evaluated. The antioxidative potency of the extracted plant material was determined spectrophotometrically using the DPPH free radical scavenging method and the HPLC-PDA method to evaluate its total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The experimental results revealed weak antibacterial activity of C. persicum extract against both gram negative (E. coli) and gram positive (Streptococcus aureus and S. aureus) bacterial strains, with the zones of inhibition found to be less than 8 mm. On the other hand, powerful activity against MCF7 breast cancer as well as HT29 colon cancer cell lines was obtained. The findings also revealed potent inhibition of free radicals and the presence of maximal levels of natural products such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which supportits biological activities and powerful ability to scavenge free radicals. HPLC results showed the presence of numerous flavonoid and phenolic compounds such as rutin, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, trans-cinnamic acid, quercetin, sinapic acid, and p-coumaric acid.

[Pharmacokinetics of 11 active components of Psoraleae Fructus in normal and diabetic rats].

A total of 11 active ingredients including psoralen, isopsoralen, bakuchiol, bavachalcone, bavachinin, corylin, coryfolin, isobavachalcone, neobavaisoflavone, bakuchalcone, and corylifol A from Psoraleae Fructus in the plasma samples of diabetic and normal rats were simultaneously determined by UHPLC-MS/MS. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated to elucidate the pharmacokinetic profiles of coumarins, flavonoids, and monoterpene phenols in normal and diabetic rats. The rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) was induced by a high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with injection of 1% streptozotocin every two days. The plasma samples were collected at different time points after the rats were administrated with Psoraleae Fructus. The proteins in the plasma samples were precipitated by ethyl acetate, and the plasma concentrations of the 11 components of Psoraleae Fructus were determined by UHPLC-MS/MS. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by DAS 3.0. The results showed that the pharmacokinetic beha-viors of 8 components including psoralen, isopsoralen, bakuchiol, and bavachinin from Psoraleae Fructus in both female and male mo-del rats were significantly different from those in normal rats. Among them, the coumarins including psoralen, isopsoralen, and corylin showed lowered levels in the blood of both female and male model rats. The flavonoids(bavachinin, corylifol A, and bakuchalcone) and the monoterpene phenol bakuchiol showed decreased levels in the female model rats but elevated levels in the male model rats. It is suggested that the dosage of Psoraleae Fructus should be reasonably adjusted for the patients of different genders at the time of clinical administration.

Identification of an inhibitory pocket in falcilysin provides a new avenue for malaria drug development.

Identification of new druggable protein targets remains the key challenge in the current antimalarial development efforts. Here we used mass-spectrometry-based cellular thermal shift assay (MS-CETSA) to identify potential targets of several antimalarials and drug candidates. We found that falcilysin (FLN) is a common binding partner for several drug candidates such as MK-4815, MMV000848, and MMV665806 but also interacts with quinoline drugs such as chloroquine and mefloquine. Enzymatic assays showed that these compounds can inhibit FLN proteolytic activity. Their interaction with FLN was explored systematically by isothermal titration calorimetry and X-ray crystallography, revealing a shared hydrophobic pocket in the catalytic chamber of the enzyme. Characterization of transgenic cell lines with lowered FLN expression demonstrated statistically significant increases in susceptibility toward MK-4815, MMV000848, and several quinolines. Importantly, the hydrophobic pocket of FLN appears amenable to inhibition and the structures reported here can guide the development of novel drugs against malaria.

Human Clinical Trials Using Topical Bakuchiol Formulations for the Treatment of Skin Disorders: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Bakuchiol is a topical cosmeceutical marketed as a retinoid alternative. Human clinical trial data on bakuchiol’s efficacy for the treatment of dermatologic conditions has not been thoroughly evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To review human clinical trials using topical formulations containing bakuchiol in the treatment of facial skin disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive electronic search of Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science was conducted on August 28, 2022, using the search terms “bakuchiol” and “UP256.” Study characteristics, measured outcomes, significant results, and stated limitations were extracted.  Results: Fifteen human clinical trials were analyzed. Dermatologic conditions treated included aging, acne, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Twelve trials were unblinded, open-label trials without a control group. Ten trials used a combination therapy containing bakuchiol. Four trials did not specify the dose or concentration of bakuchiol in treatment regimens. The heterogeneity of treatments, study designs, and measured outcomes makes meta-analysis unfeasible.  Conclusion: Trials lack methodologic rigor, which introduces a high risk of bias in reported outcomes. The use of combination topical formulations containing bakuchiol limits the comparison of bakuchiol’s efficacy with retinoids. Continued research with an improved trial design is needed.J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(4): doi:10.36849/JDD.7763.

Fulvic acid foliar application: a novel approach enhancing antioxidant capacity and nutritional quality of pistachio (Pistacia vera L.).

BACKGROUND: The global growth of pistachio production has prompted exploration into sustainable agricultural practices, on the application of humic substances such as fulvic acid in enhancing the quality of horticultural crops. The present study was carried out in Qom province, Iran, on 20 years old pistachio (Pistacia vera L. cv. Kaleh-Ghoochi) trees and investigated the impact of foliar spraying of fulvic acid at varying concentrations (1.5, 3, and 4.5 g L- 1) on the antioxidant and quality properties of pistachio. The different concentrations of fulvic acid were applied at two key stages: at the initiation of pistachio kernel formation (late June) and the development stage of pistachio kernel (late August), as well as at both time points. Following harvest at the horticulturally mature phase, various parameters, including total phenols, flavonoids, soluble proteins, soluble carbohydrate content, antioxidant capacity, and antioxidant enzyme activity, were assessed. RESULTS: Results indicated that foliar application of fulvic acid, particularly at 1.5 g L- 1 during both late June and August, effectively increased phenolic compounds (31.8%) and flavonoid content (24.53%). Additionally, this treatment also augmented antioxidant capacity and heightened the activity of catalase (CAT) (37.56%), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) (63.86%), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (76.45%). Conversely, peroxidase (POX) (41.54%) activity was reduced in fulvic acid-treated nuts compared with controls. Moreover, the content of chlorophyll (45%) and carotenoids (46.7%) was enhanced using this organic fertilizer. In terms of mineral elements, the increment was observed in zinc (Zn) (58.23%) and potassium (K) (28.12%) amounts in treated nuts. Additionally, foliar application of fulvic acid led to elevated levels of soluble carbohydrates and proteins in treated nuts. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, application of fulvic acid resulted in enhancement of antioxidant activity and quality traits of pistachio nut through an increase in total phenol, flavonoids, chlorophyll, carotenoids, K, Zn, and also activity of antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, use of fulvic acid emerges as a promising strategy to enhance the quality and nutritional attributes of pistachios, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and improved crop outcomes.

Synthesis, crystal structure and in-silico evaluation of arylsulfonamide Schiff bases for potential activity against colon cancer.

This report presents a comprehensive investigation into the synthesis and characterization of Schiff base compounds derived from benzenesulfonamide. The synthesis process, involved the reaction between N-cycloamino-2-sulfanilamide and various substituted o-salicylaldehydes, resulted in a set of compounds that were subjected to rigorous characterization using advanced spectral techniques, including 1H NMR, 13C NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Furthermore, an in-depth assessment of the synthesized compounds was conducted through Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity (ADMET) analysis, in conjunction with docking studies, to elucidate their pharmacokinetic profiles and potential. Impressively, the ADMET analysis showcased encouraging drug-likeness properties of the newly synthesized Schiff bases. These computational findings were substantiated by molecular properties derived from density functional theory (DFT) calculations using the B3LYP/6-31G* method within the Jaguar Module of Schrödinger 2023-2 from Maestro (Schrodinger LLC, New York, USA). The exploration of frontier molecular orbitals (HOMO and LUMO) enabled the computation of global reactivity descriptors (GRDs), encompassing charge separation (Egap) and global softness (S). Notably, within this analysis, one Schiff base, namely, 4-bromo-2-{N-[2-(pyrrolidine-1-sulfonyl)phenyl]carboximidoyl}phenol, 20, emerged with the smallest charge separation (ΔEgap = 3.5780 eV), signifying heightened potential for biological properties. Conversely, 4-bromo-2-{N-[2-(piperidine-1-sulfonyl)phenyl]carboximidoyl}phenol, 17, exhibited the largest charge separation (ΔEgap = 4.9242 eV), implying a relatively lower propensity for biological activity. Moreover, the synthesized Schiff bases displayed remarkeable inhibition of tankyrase poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase enzymes, integral in colon cancer, surpassing the efficacy of a standard drug used for the same purpose. Additionally, their bioavailability scores aligned closely with established medications such as trifluridine and 5-fluorouracil. The exploration of molecular electrostatic potential through colour mapping delved into the electronic behaviour and reactivity tendencies intrinsic to this diverse range of molecules.

The Cancer-Protective Potential of Protocatechuic Acid: A Narrative Review.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, making the search for alternatives for its control a critical issue. In this context, exploring alternatives from natural sources, such as certain vegetables containing a variety of secondary metabolites with beneficial effects on the body and that play a crucial role in the fight against cancer, is essential. Among the compounds with the greatest efficacy in controlling this disease, those with antioxidant activity, particularly phenolic com-pounds, stand out. A remarkable example of this group is protocatechuic acid (PCA), which has been the subject of various revealing research on its activities in different areas. These studies sustain that protocatechuic acid has anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antidiabetic, antiulcer, antiviral, antifibrogenic, antiallergic, neuroprotective, antibacterial, anticancer, antiosteoporotic, anti-aging, and analgesic properties, in addition to offering protection against metabolic syndrome and con-tributing to the preservation of hepatic, renal, and reproductive functionality. Therefore, this paper aims to review the biological activities of PCA, focusing on its anticancer potential and its in-volvement in the control of various molecular pathways involved in tumor development, sup-porting its option as a promising alternative for cancer treatment.

An Evaluation of the Edible Value of Salvia miltiorrhiza Seeds: Proximate Composition, Phytochemical Components and Antioxidant Activity.

Salvia miltiorrhiza seeds (SMS) are the main by-product of the production processing of Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae. The main purposes of this work are to analyse the nutritional components in SMS, to explore the antioxidant activity of the chemical components in SMS and to evaluate the possibility of SMS as a raw material for functional foods. The contents of crude fibre, total protein, carbohydrates, total phenolics and flavonoids in SMS and the composition and relative content of fatty acids in SMS oil were determined. The results suggested that SMS has high contents of crude fibre (28.68 ± 4.66 g/100 g), total protein (26.65 ± 2.51 g/100 g), total phenolics (6.45 ± 0.55 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g) and total flavonoids (3.28 ± 0.34 mg of rutin equivalent/g), as well as a high level of α-linolenic acid (33.774 ± 4.68%) in their oil. Twenty-two secondary metabolites were identified in SMS residue, and nine compounds were isolated. The IC50 values of the total phenolic content in SMS on an ABTS radical, DPPH radical, superoxide radical and hydroxyl radical were 30.94 ± 3.68 µg/mL, 34.93 ± 4.12 µg/mL, 150.87 ± 17.64 µg/mL and 230.19 ± 24.47 µg/mL, respectively. The results indicate that SMS contain many nutrients and have high utilization value as a promising functional food.

Bioaccessibility of Phenolic Compounds, Resistant Starch, and Dietary Fibers from Australian Green Banana during In Vitro Digestion and Colonic Fermentation.

Green bananas contain a substantial amount of resistant starch (RS), dietary fiber (DF), and phytochemicals, which exhibit potent antioxidant capabilities, primarily attributable to the abundance of polyphenols. The objective of this study was to assess the variations in the contents and bioaccessibility of RS, DF, and phenolic compounds in three types of Australian green bananas (Cavendish "Musa acuminata", Ladyfinger "Musa paradisiaca L.", and Ducasse "Musa balbisiana"), along with their antioxidant capacities, and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) following in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation. The studied cultivars exhibited significant levels of RS, with Ladyfinger showing the greatest (49%). However, Ducasse bananas had the greatest DF concentration (38.73%). Greater TPC levels for Ladyfinger (2.32 mg GAE/g), as well as TFC and TTC (0.06 mg QE/g and 3.2 mg CE/g, respectively) in Cavendish, together with strong antioxidant capacities (DPPH, 0.89 mg TE/g in Cavendish), have been detected after both intestinal phase and colonic fermentation at 12 and 24 h. The bioaccessibility of most phenolic compounds from bananas was high after gastric and small intestinal digestion. Nevertheless, a significant proportion of kaempferol (31% in Cavendish) remained detectable in the residue after colonic fermentation. The greatest production of SCFAs in all banana cultivars was observed after 24 h of fermentation, except valeric acid, which exhibited the greatest output after 12 h of fermentation. In conclusion, the consumption of whole green bananas may have an advantageous effect on bowel health and offer antioxidant characteristics.

1,2,3-Triazole Hybrids Containing Isatins and Phenolic Moieties: Regioselective Synthesis and Molecular Docking Studies.

The synthesis of hybrid molecules is one of the current strategies of drug discovery for the development of new lead compounds. The 1,2,3-triazole moiety represents an important building block in Medicinal Chemistry, extensively present in recent years. In this paper, we presented the design and the synthesis of new 1,2,3-triazole hybrids, containing both an isatine and a phenolic core. Firstly, the non-commercial azide and the alkyne synthons were prepared by different isatines and phenolic acids, respectively. Then, the highly regioselective synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted triazoles was obtained in excellent yields by a click chemistry approach, catalyzed by Cu(I). Finally, a molecular docking study was performed on the hybrid library, finding four different therapeutic targets. Among them, the most promising results were obtained on 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme involved in the inflammatory processes.

Antioxidant Activity of Humulus lupulus Phenolic Hop Extracts in Creating a New Pâté: An Element Affecting Fat Stability and Microbiological Quality during Storage.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hop extracts on changes in the primary and secondary fat oxidation products, physicochemical properties, and microbiological quality of pâté-type offal sausages obtained through the partial replacement of animal fat with vegetable fat. This study demonstrated that the extraction efficiency varied among hop cone varieties, with the highest efficiency observed for the Lubelski variety and the lowest for the Magnum variety. The phenolic compound content was higher in the Magnum cones (2.74 ± 0.11 mg/g dry matter) compared to the Lubelska cones (2.27 ± 0.05 mg/g of product). Additionally, the DPPH radical scavenging activity was greater in the extract from the Magnum cones (4.21 ± 0.09 mg TE/g d.w.) than in the extract from the Lublelski cones (3.87 ± 0.05 mg TE/ g d.w.). Similarly, the extracts from the Lubelski cones exhibited a higher antiradical activity against the ABTS radical compared to the extract from Magnum cones. Throughout storage, a significant increase in the pH value was observed in the control sample and in the samples with a 20% replacement of animal fat with rapeseed oil and Magnum hop extract. However, the addition of Lubelski hop extract resulted in a decrease in the pH value during the 15-day storage period. The samples with a 20% replacement of animal fat with rapeseed oil and 0.1% Lubelski hop extract showed the least changes in water activity during storage. The samples with a 20% replacement of animal fat with rapeseed oil and the addition of 0.2% Lubelski hop extract had the lowest peroxide value and TBARS index throughout the storage period. The addition of hop extract inhibited the growth of the total number of microorganisms in the tested sausages. In the samples with a 20% replacement of animal fat with rapeseed oil, the content of aerobic microorganisms, compared to the control sample, was statistically significantly lower.

The Influence of Copper and Zinc on Photosynthesis and Phenolic Levels in Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), Borage (Borago officinalis L.), Common Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) and Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.).

This work is aimed at relationships which govern zinc and copper uptake by four popular medicinal herbs: basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), borage (Borago officinalis L.), common nettle (Urtica dioica L.) and peppermint (Mentha piperita L.). They are often grown in soils with significant copper or zinc levels. Herbs were cultivated by a pot method in controlled conditions. Manganese, iron, copper and zinc concentrations were determined by High-Resolution Continuum Source Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The efficiency of photosynthesis was estimated by measuring the chlorophyll content, water use efficiency, net photosynthesis, intercellular CO2, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate. Phenolic compounds were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Analysis of variance showed that herbs grown in soil treated with copper exhibited a lower iron content in roots, while manganese behaved in the opposite way. The only exception was borage, where a decrease in the manganese content in roots was observed. Both copper and zinc supplementations increased the total content of phenolics, while the highest increases were observed for common nettle and basil. Peppermint and borage responded less to supplementation. In the majority of samples, zinc and copper did not significantly affect the photosynthesis. Herbal extracts from common nettle and basil had unique antioxidant properties and may be good free radical scavengers.

Composition of Whole Grain Dietary Fiber and Phenolics and Their Impact on Markers of Inflammation.

Inflammation is an important biological response to any tissue injury. The immune system responds to any stimulus, such as irritation, damage, or infection, by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. The overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines can lead to several diseases, e.g., cardiovascular diseases, joint disorders, cancer, and allergies. Emerging science suggests that whole grains may lower the markers of inflammation. Whole grains are a significant source of dietary fiber and phenolic acids, which have an inverse association with the risk of inflammation. Both cereals and pseudo-cereals are rich in dietary fiber, e.g., arabinoxylan and ß-glucan, and phenolic acids, e.g., hydroxycinnamic acids and hydroxybenzoic acids, which are predominantly present in the bran layer. However, the biological mechanisms underlying the widely reported association between whole grain consumption and a lower risk of disease are not fully understood. The modulatory effects of whole grains on inflammation are likely to be influenced by several mechanisms including the effect of dietary fiber and phenolic acids. While some of these effects are direct, others involve the gut microbiota, which transforms important bioactive substances into more beneficial metabolites that modulate the inflammatory signaling pathways. Therefore, the purpose of this review is twofold: first, it discusses whole grain dietary fiber and phenolic acids and highlights their potential; second, it examines the health benefits of these components and their impacts on subclinical inflammation markers, including the role of the gut microbiota. Overall, while there is promising evidence for the anti-inflammatory properties of whole grains, further research is needed to understand their effects fully.

Reproductive and transgenerational toxicity of bisphenol S exposure in pregnant rats: Insights into hormonal imbalance and steroid biosynthesis pathway disruption.

Bisphenol S (BPS) is an alternative chemical to bisphenol A commonly used in food packaging materials. It raises concerns due to potential adverse effects on human health. However, limited evidence exists regarding reproductive toxicity from BPS exposure, and the mechanism of associated transgenerational toxicity remains unclear. In this study, pregnant SD rats were exposed to two different doses of BPS (0.05 or 20 mg/kg) from GD6 to PND21. The objective was to investigate reproductive and transmissible toxicity induced by BPS, explore endocrine effects, and uncover potential underlying mechanisms in rats. Perinatal exposure to BPS in the F0 generation significantly decreased the rate of body weight, ovarian organ coefficient, and growth and development of the F1 generation. Notably, these changes included abnormal increases in body weight and length, estrous cycle disruption, and embryonic dysplasia in F1. 4D-DIA proteomic and PRM analyses revealed that exposure to 20 mg/kg group significantly altered the expression of proteins, such as Lhcgr and Akr1c3, within the steroid biosynthetic pathway. This led to elevated levels of FSH and LH in the blood. The hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, responsible for promoting fertility through the cyclic secretion of gonadotropins and steroid hormones, was affected. RT-qPCR and Western blot results demonstrated that the expression of GnRH in the hypothalamus was decreased, the GnRHR in the pituitary gland was decreased, and the expression of FSHß and LHß in the pituitary gland was increased. Overall, BPS exposure disrupts the HPO axis, hormone levels, and steroid biosynthesis in the ovaries, affecting offspring development and fertility. This study provides new insights into the potential effects of BPS exposure on the reproductive function of the body and its relevant mechanisms of action.