Optimization of Lignin-Cellulose Nanofiber-Filled Thermoplastic Starch Composite Film Production for Potential Application in Food Packaging.

The optimization of the production of thermoplastic starch (TPS) bionanocomposite films for their potential application in food packaging was carried out, according to the Box-Wilson Central Composite Design (CCD) with one center point, using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and fillers based on lignin and nanofiber, which were derived from bamboo plant. The effects of the fillers on the moisture absorption (MAB), tensile strength (TS), percent elongation (PE) and Young's modulus (YM) of the produced films were statistically examined. The obtained results showed that the nanocomposite films were best fitted by a quadratic regression model with a high coefficient of determination (R2) value. The film identified to be optimum has a desirability of 76.80%, which is close to the objective function, and contained 4.81 wt. % lignin and 5.00 wt. % nanofiber. The MAB, TS, YM and PE of the identified film were 17.80%, 21.51 MPa, 25.76 MPa and 48.81%, respectively. The addition of lignin and cellulose nanofiber to starch composite was found to have reduced the moisture-absorption tendency significantly and increased the mechanical properties of the films due to the good filler/matrix interfacial adhesion. Overall, the results suggested that the produced films would be suitable for application as packaging materials for food preservation.

Computational identification of novel signature of T2DM-induced nephropathy and therapeutic bioactive compounds from Azanza garckeana.

OBJECTIVES: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most prevalent secondary complications associated with diabetes mellitus. Decades of research have implicated multiple pathways in the etiology and pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy. There has been no reliable predictive biomarkers for the onset or progression of DN and no successful treatments are available. METHODS: In the present study, we explored the datasets of RNA sequencing data from patients with Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-induced nephropathy to identify a novel gene signature. We explored the target bioactive compounds identified from Azanza garckeana, a medicinal plant commonly used by the traditional treatment of diabetes nephropathy. RESULTS: Our analysis identified lymphotoxin beta (LTB), SRY-box transcription factor 4 (SOX4), SOX9, and WAP four-disulfide core domain protein 2 (WFDC2) as novel signatures of T2DM-induced nephropathy. Additional analysis revealed the pathological involvement of the signature in cell-cell adhesion, immune, and inflammatory responses during diabetic nephropathy. Molecular docking and dynamic simulation at 100 ns conducted studies revealed that among the three compounds, Terpinen-4-ol exhibited higher binding efficacies (binding energies (ΔG) = -3.9~5.5 kcal/mol) against the targets. The targets, SOX4, and SOX9 demonstrated higher druggability towards the three compounds. WFDC2 was the least attractive target for the compounds. CONCLUSION: The present study was relevant in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment follow up of patients with diabetes induced nephropathy. The study provided an insight into the therapeutic application of the bioactive principles from Azanza garckeana. Continued follow-up invitro validations study are ongoing in our laboratory.

Apigetrin-enriched Pulmeria alba extract prevents assault of STZ on pancreatic ß-cells and neuronal oxidative stress with concomitant attenuation of tissue damage and suppression of inflammation in the brain of diabetic rats.

In the present study, in vitro, in vivo, and in silico models were used to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Pulmeria alba methanolic (PAm) extract, and we identified the major phytocompound, apigetrin. Our in vitro studies revealed dose-dependent increased glucose uptake and inhibition of α-amylase (50% inhibitory concentration (IC50)= 217.19 µg/mL), antioxidant (DPPH, ferric-reducing activity of plasma (FRAP), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) [IC50 = 103.23, 58.72, and 114.16 µg/mL respectively]), and anti-inflammatory potential (stabilizes human red blood cell (HRBC) membranes, and inhibits proteinase and protein denaturation [IC50 = 143.73, 131.63, and 198.57 µg/mL]) by the PAm extract. In an in vivo model, PAm treatment reversed hyperglycemia and attenuated insulin deficiency in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. A post-treatment tissue analysis revealed that PAm attenuated neuronal oxidative stress, neuronal inflammation, and neuro-cognitive deficiencies. This was evidenced by increased levels of antioxidants enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH)), and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA), proinflammatory markers (cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), nuclear factor (NF)-κB and nitric oxide (NOx)), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities in the brain of PAm-treated rats compared to the STZ-induced diabetic controls. However, no treatment-related changes were observed in levels of neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine. Furthermore, STZ-induced dyslipidemia and alterations in serum biochemical markers of hepatorenal dysfunction were also reversed by PAm treatment. Extract characterization identified apigetrin (retention time: 21,227 s, 30.48%, m/z: 433.15) as the major bioactive compound in the PAm extract. Consequently, we provide in silico insights into the potential of apigetrin to target AChE/COX-2/NOX/NF-κB Altogether the present study provides preclinical evidence of the therapeutic potential of the apigetrin-enriched PAm extract for treating oxidative stress and neuro-inflammation associated with diabetes.