The Moringin/α-CD Pretreatment Induces Neuroprotection in an In Vitro Model of Alzheimer's Disease: A Transcriptomic Study.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and represents the most common form of senile dementia. Autophagy and mitophagy are cellular processes that play a key role in the aggregation of ß-amyloid (Aß) and tau phosphorylation. As a consequence, impairment of these processes leads to the progression of AD. Thus, interest is growing in the search for new natural compounds, such as Moringin (MOR), with neuroprotective, anti-amyloidogenic, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties that could be used for AD prevention. However, MOR appears to be poorly soluble and stable in water. To increase its solubility MOR was conjugated with α-cyclodextrin (MOR/α-CD). In this work, it was evaluated if MOR/α-CD pretreatment was able to exert neuroprotective effects in an AD in vitro model through the evaluation of the transcriptional profile by next-generation sequencing (NGS). To induce the AD model, retinoic acid-differentiated SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to Aß1-42. The MOR/α-CD pretreatment reduced the expression of the genes which encode proteins involved in senescence, autophagy, and mitophagy processes. Additionally, MOR/α-CD was able to induce neuronal remodeling modulating the axon guidance, principally downregulating the Slit/Robo signaling pathway. Noteworthy, MOR/α-CD, modulating these important pathways, may induce neuronal protection against Aß1-42 toxicity as demonstrated also by the reduction of cleaved caspase 3. These data indicated that MOR/α-CD could attenuate the progression of the disease and promote neuronal repair.

Induction of Apoptosis by Gluconasturtiin-Isothiocyanate (GNST-ITC) in Human Hepatocarcinoma HepG2 Cells and Human Breast Adenocarcinoma MCF-7 Cells.

Gluconasturtiin, a glucosinolate present in watercress, is hydrolysed by myrosinase to form gluconasturtiin-isothiocyanate (GNST-ITC), which has potential chemopreventive effects; however, the underlying mechanisms of action have not been explored, mainly in human cell lines. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the cytotoxicity of GNST-ITC and to further assess its potential to induce apoptosis. GNST-ITC inhibited cell proliferation in both human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) and human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells with IC50 values of 7.83 µM and 5.02 µM, respectively. Morphological changes as a result of GNST-ITC-induced apoptosis showed chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation, and membrane blebbing. Additionally, Annexin V assay showed proportion of cells in early and late apoptosis upon exposure to GNST-ITC in a time-dependent manner. To delineate the mechanism of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and expression of caspases were studied. GNST-ITC induced a time-dependent G2/M phase arrest, with reduction of 82% and 93% in HepG2 and MCF-7 cell lines, respectively. The same treatment also led to the subsequent expression of caspase-3/7 and -9 in both cells demonstrating mitochondrial-associated cell death. Collectively, these results reveal that GNST-ITC can inhibit cell proliferation and can induce cell death in HepG2 and MCF-7 cancer cells via apoptosis, highlighting its potential development as an anticancer agent.

Moringin Pretreatment Inhibits the Expression of Genes Involved in Mitophagy in the Stem Cell of the Human Periodontal Ligament.

Moringin [4-(α-L-rhamnosyloxy) benzyl isothiocyanate] is an isothiocyanate extracted from Moringa oleifera seeds. It is an antioxidant known for several biological properties useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Several neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases are linked to dysfunctional mitochondria due to the resulting increase of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Stem cell-based therapeutic treatments in neurodegenerative diseases provide an alternative strategy aimed to replace the impaired tissue. In this study were investigated the deregulated genes involved in mitophagy in the human periodontal ligament stem cells pretreated with moringin. The RNA-seq study reveals the downregulation of PINK1, with a fold change (FC) of -0.56, such as the genes involved in the phagophore formation (MAP1LC3B FC: -0.73, GABARAP FC: -0.52, GABARAPL1 FC: -0.70, GABARAPL2 FC: -0.39). The moringin pretreatment downregulates the pro-apoptotic gene BAX (-0.66) and upregulates the anti-apoptotic genes BCL2L12 (FC: 1.35) and MCL1 (FC: 0.36). The downregulation of the most of the caspases (CASP1 FC: -1.43, CASP4 FC: -0.18, CASP6 FC: -1.34, CASP7 FC: -0.46, CASP8 FC: -0.65) implies the inactivation of the apoptotic process. Our results suggest that mitochondrial dysfunctions induced by oxidative stress can be inhibited by moringin pretreatment in human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs).

A Combination of Moringin and Avenanthramide 2f Inhibits the Proliferation of Hep3B Liver Cancer Cells Inducing Intrinsic and Extrinsic Apoptosis.

Moringin (MOR), a glycosyl-isothiocyanate obtained by myrosinase-catalyzed hydrolysis of the precursor 4-(α-l-rhamnosyloxy)-benzyl glucosinolate (glucomoringin), found predominantly in the seeds of Moringa oleifera, shows anticancer effects against several cancer cell lines. Avenanthramide (AVN) 2f is a phytochemical purified from oats with antioxidant and anticancer properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of MOR and AVN 2f used alone and in combination on Hep3B cancer cells, which are highly resistant to conventional anticancer drugs. We found that a cocktail of MOR and AVN 2f significantly inhibited the Hep3B proliferation rate by markedly increasing the activity of caspases 2, 8, 9, and 3. Extrinsic apoptosis was induced by the AVN 2f-mediated activation of caspase 8, while the intrinsic apoptotic pathway was triggered by MOR-induced increase in the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species, MOR-mediated activation of caspases 2 and 9 and the MOR-mediated downregulation of the prosurvival gene BIRC5. Our results suggest that the combination MOR + AVN 2f could be an effective chemopreventive cocktail against the development of hepatocarcinoma.

Advanced NMR-Based Structural Investigation of Glucosinolates and Desulfoglucosinolates.

Glucosinolates (GLs) constitute a class of plant secondary metabolites that are characteristic of the order Brassicales. They each contain a common hydrophilic moiety connected to a mostly hydrophobic side chain whose constitution is the most frequent structural variant. Their transformations by myrosinases lead to intensively studied and highly reactive compounds of biological relevancy. In other respects, the enzymatic desulfation of GLs produces derivatives (DS-GLs) that are useful for GL analysis. A collection of 31 compounds, GLs and DS-GLs, representing 17 different side chains was established in order to report accurate descriptions of the molecules' 1H-, 13C-, and 15N-NMR parameters. The descriptions of the 1H-NMR spectra were achieved using the PERCH software, which accurately analyzed the complex coupling patterns that arose from strongly coupled nuclei. The chemical shift assignments were supported by 2D COSY, HSQC, and HMBC spectra. The impact of desulfation and the influence of the nature of the side chains on the chemical shift values are discussed. The results of the spectroscopic analysis and the 3D chemical-structure models of the studied molecules were grouped in structure-and-data-format (SDF) files. The NMR parameters were also collected in a simple text file, a spreadsheet file, and a relational database.

Effect of glucoraphanin and sulforaphane against chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain: Kv7 potassium channels modulation by H2 S release in vivo.

The beneficial effects of isothiocyanate-based compounds, as well as their safety, have been shown in neuropathological disorders, such as neuropathic pain. Aim of the present work was to study the efficacy of the glucosinolate glucoraphanin (GRA) and the derived isothiocyanate sulforaphane (SFN), secondary metabolites occurring exclusively in Brassicales, on chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. Mice were repeatedly treated with oxaliplatin (2.4 mg kg-1 ip) for 14 days to induce neuropathic pain. GRA and SFN effects were evaluated after a single administration on Day 15 or after a daily repeated oral and subcutaneous treatment starting from the first day of oxaliplatin injection until the 14th day. Single subcutaneous and oral administrations of GRA (4.43-119.79 µmol kg-1 ) or SFN (1.33-13.31 µmol kg-1 ) reduced neuropathic pain in a dose-dependent manner. The repeated administration of GRA and SFN (respectively 13.31 and 4.43 µmol kg-1 ) prevented the chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. The co-administration of GRA and SFN in mixture with the H2 S binding molecule, haemoglobin, abolished their pain-relieving effect, which was also reverted by pretreating the animals with the selective blocker of Kv7 potassium channels, XE991. GRA and SFN reduce neuropathic pain by releasing H2 S and modulating Kv7 channels and show a protective effect on the chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.

The combined effect of Sango sprout juice and caloric restriction on metabolic disorders and gut microbiota composition in an obesity model.

The main purpose of this study was to compare the benefits of SSJ supplementation in obese rats with those achieved only by switching the alimentary regimen from high-fat (HFD) to the regular one (RD) in liver, ileum and prostate. Furthermore, changings in caecal chime microbiota were investigated. SSJ was administered to rats in combination with a RD (HFD-RD + SSJ). The switch from HFD to RD led to a weight loss of almost 9.8 g, and the total cholesterol was found to be significantly lower. In the HFD-RD + SSJ group, all values were improved compared with the HFD control, and the weight decrement was higher (-23.29 g) with respect to HFD-RD. HFD led to a widespread increment of oxidative stress (OS) markers in liver, ileum and prostate. SSJ has shown to improve the results achieved by the suspension of HFD and it has proven effective wherever the only switch in diet regimen failed.

Treatment of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells with MOR and CBD Promotes Cell Survival and Neuronal Differentiation via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway.

Periodontal ligament mesenchymal stem cells (hPDLSCs), as well as all mesenchymal stem cells, show self-renewal, clonogenicity, and multi-tissue differentiation proprieties and can represent a valid support for regenerative medicine. We treated hPDLSCs with a combination of Moringin (MOR) and Cannabidiol (CBD), in order to understand if treatment could improve their survival and their in vitro differentiation capacity. Stem cells survival is fundamental to achieve a successful therapy outcome in the re-implanted tissue of patients. Through NGS transcriptome analysis, we found that combined treatment increased hPDLSCs survival, by inhibition of apoptosis as demonstrated by enhanced expression of anti-apoptotic genes and reduction of pro-apoptotic ones. Moreover, we investigated the possible involvement of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, emphasizing a differential gene expression between treated and untreated cells. Furthermore, hPDLSCs were cultured for 48 h in the presence or absence of CBD and MOR and, after confirming the cellular viability through MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide) assay, we examined the presence of neuronal markers, through immunofluorescence analysis. We found an increased expression of Nestin and GAP43 (growth associated protein 43) in treated cells. In conclusion, hPDLSCs treated with Moringin and Cannabidiol showed an improved survival capacity and neuronal differentiation potential.

Isothiocyanates: An Overview of Their Antimicrobial Activity against Human Infections.

The use of plant-derived products as antimicrobial agents has been investigated in depth. Isothiocyanates (ITCs) are bioactive products resulting from enzymatic hydrolysis of glucosinolates (GLs), the most abundant secondary metabolites in the botanical order Brassicales. Although the antimicrobial activity of ITCs against foodborne and plant pathogens has been well documented, little is known about their antimicrobial properties against human pathogens. This review collects studies that focus on this topic. Particular focus will be put on ITCs' antimicrobial properties and their mechanism of action against human pathogens for which the current therapeutic solutions are deficient and therefore of prime importance for public health. Our purpose was the evaluation of the potential use of ITCs to replace or support the common antibiotics. Even though ITCs appear to be effective against the most important human pathogens, including bacteria with resistant phenotypes, the majority of the studies did not show comparable results and thus it is very difficult to compare the antimicrobial activity of the different ITCs. For this reason, a standard method should be used and further studies are needed.

The α-Cyclodextrin/Moringin Complex: A New Promising Antimicrobial Agent against Staphylococcus aureus.

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the major clinical concerns, making the discovery of new antimicrobial drugs desirable. Moringin (MOR), the major isothiocyanate produced from Moringa oleifera seeds, could represent an alternative therapeutic strategy to commonly used antibiotics. The aim of our study was to investigate the antimicrobial effect of MOR conjugated with α-cyclodextrin (MOR/α-CD), a complex with an improved solubility and stability in aqueous solutions. Our data demonstrated that MOR/α-CD was able to exert antimicrobial activity against the S. aureus reference strains (ATCC 25923, ATCC 6538, and ATCC BAA-977). Moreover, MOR/α-CD showed bacteriostatic effects (MIC = minimum inhibitory concentration = 0.5 mg/mL) and bactericidal properties (MBC = minimum bactericidal concentration = 1 mg/mL) against the overall assessed strains. In addition, MOR/α-CD showed bactericidal activity against the S. aureus strain ATCC BAA-977 after treatment with erythromycin (Ery), which induced clindamycin-resistance on the erm (A) gene. This evidence led us to assume that MOR/α-CD could be a promising antimicrobial agent against strains with the clindamycin-resistant phenotype (CC-resistant).

A Combined Approach of NMR and Mass Spectrometry Techniques Applied to the α-Cyclodextrin/Moringin Complex for a Novel Bioactive Formulation †.

Moringin, obtained via enzymatic conversion of the glucosinolate precursor glucomoringin, is an uncommon member of the isothiocyanate class, and has been proven to possess a broad range of biological activities such as antitumor activity, protection against neurodegenerative disorders and bactericidal effects. Since moringin is weakly soluble in water and unstable in aqueous medium, cyclodextrins (CDs) were considered for the development of a new moringin formulation, with a view to improving its solubility and stability in aqueous solution for use as an anti-inflammatory. A combined structural study using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR), diffusion-ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) and ion mobility mass spectrometry (IM-MS) is reported, highlighting the formation of a 1:1 α-CD/moringin inclusion complex. The association constant K was determined (1300 M-1 at 300 K). Completion of the structural characterization was performed by T-ROESY and MS/MS experiments, which evidenced the mode of penetration of moringin into α-CD. Finally, the "chaperone-like" properties of α-CD with respect to the stability of moringin have been highlighted.

Induction of Apoptosis and Cytotoxicity by Raphasatin in Human Breast Adenocarcinoma MCF-7 Cells.

Glucoraphasatin (GRH), a glucosinolate present abundantly in the plants of the Brassicaceae family, is hydrolyzed by myrosinase to raphasatin, which is considered responsible for its cancer chemopreventive activity; however, the underlying mechanisms of action have not been investigated, particularly in human cell lines. The aims of this study are to determine the cytotoxicity of raphasatin, and to evaluate its potential to cause apoptosis and modulate cell cycle arrest in human breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cells. The cytotoxicity was determined following incubation of the cells with glucoraphasatin or raphasatin (0⁻100 µM), for 24, 48, and 72 h. GRH displayed no cytotoxicity as exemplified by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. When myrosinase was added to the incubation system to convert GRH to raphasatin, cytotoxicity was evident. Exposure of the cells to raphasatin stimulated apoptosis, as was exemplified by cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, and nuclear fragmentation. Moreover, using Annexin V-FITC assay, raphasatin induced apoptosis, as witnessed by changes in cellular distribution of cells, at different stages of apoptosis; in addition, raphasatin caused the arrest of the MCF-7 cells at the G2 + M phase. In conclusion, raphasatin demonstrated cancer chemopreventive potential against human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells, through induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.

Topical moringin-cream relieves neuropathic pain by suppression of inflammatory pathway and voltage-gated ion channels in murine model of multiple sclerosis.

Background: Neuropathic pain represents the major public health burden with a strong impact on quality life in multiple sclerosis patients. Although some advances have been obtained in the last years, the conventional therapies remain poorly effective. Thus, the discovery of innovative approaches to improve the outcomes for multiple sclerosis patients is a goal of primary importance. With this aim, we investigated the efficacy of the 4-(α−L-rhamnopyranosyloxy)benzyl isothiocyanate (moringin), purified from Moringa oleifera seeds and ready-to-use as topical treatment in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, murine model of multiple sclerosis. Female C57BL/6 mice immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35­55) were topically treated with 2% moringin cream twice daily from the onset of the symptoms until the sacrifice occurred about 21 days after experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis induction. Results: Our observations showed the efficacy of 2% moringin cream treatment in reducing clinical and histological disease score, as well as in alleviating neuropathic pain with consequent recovering of the hind limbs and response to mechanical stimuli. In particular, Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical evaluations revealed that 2% moringin cream was able to counteract the inflammatory cascade by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-17 and interferon-γ) and in parallel by increasing the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-10). Interestingly, 2% moringin cream treatment was found to modulate the expression of voltage-gated ion channels (results focused on P2X7, Nav 1.7, Nav 1.8 KV4.2, and α2δ-1) as well as metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR5 and xCT) involved in neuropathic pain initiation and maintenance. Conclusions: Finally, our evidences suggest 2% moringin cream as a new pharmacological trend in the management of multiple sclerosis-induced neuropathic pain.

The α-cyclodextrin complex of the Moringa isothiocyanate suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells through Akt and p38 inhibition.

In the last decades, a growing need to discover new compounds for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases has led researchers to consider drugs derived from natural products as a valid option in the treatment of inflammation-associated disorders. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of a new formulation of Moringa oleifera-derived 4-(α-L-rhamnopyranosyloxy)benzyl isothiocyanate as a complex with alpha-cyclodextrin (moringin + α-CD) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells, a common model used for inflammation studies. In buffered/aqueous solution, the moringin + α-CD complex has enhanced the water solubility and stability of this isothiocyanate by forming a stable inclusion system. Our results showed that moringin + α-CD inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated macrophages by down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1ß), by preventing IκB-α phosphorylation, translocation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and also via the suppression of Akt and p38 phosphorylation. In addition, as a consequence of upstream inhibition of the inflammatory pathway following treatment with moringin + α-CD, the modulation of the oxidative stress (results focused on the expression of iNOS and nitrotyrosine) and apoptotic pathway (Bax and Bcl-2) was demonstrated. Therefore, moringin + α-CD appears to be a new relevant helpful tool to use in clinical practice for inflammation-associated disorders.

Moringa isothiocyanate complexed with α-cyclodextrin: a new perspective in neuroblastoma treatment.

BACKGROUND: Several lines of evidence suggest the consume of natural products for cancer prevention or treatment. In particular, isothiocyanates (ITCs) exerting anti-cancer properties, have received great interest as potential chemotherapeutic agents. This study was designed to assess the anti-proliferative activities of a new preparation of Moringa oleifera-derived 4-(α-L-rhamnopyranosyloxy)benzyl ITC (moringin) complexed with alpha-cyclodextrin (moringin + α-CD; MAC) on SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. This new formulation arises in the attempt to overcome the poor solubility and stability of moringin alone in aqueous media. METHODS: SH-SY5Y cells were cultured and exposed to increasing concentrations of MAC (1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 µg). Cell proliferation was examined by MTT and cell count assays. The cytotoxic activity of the MAC complex was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay and trypan blue exclusion test. In addition, western blotting analyses for the main apoptosis-related proteins were performed. RESULTS: Treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with the MAC complex reduced cell growth in concentration dependent manner. Specifically, MAC exhibited a potent action in inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, whose aberrant activation was found in many types of cancer. MAC was also found to induce the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 activation by phosphorylation and its translocation into the nucleus. Moreover, treatment with MAC was able to down-regulate MAPK pathway (results focused on JNK and p38 expression). Finally, MAC was found to trigger apoptotic death pathway (based on expression levels of cleaved-caspase 3, Bax/Bcl-2 balance, p53 and p21). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that use of MAC complex may open novel perspectives to improve the poor prognosis of patients with neuroblastoma.

4(α-l-rhamnosyloxy)-benzyl isothiocyanate, a bioactive phytochemical that attenuates secondary damage in an experimental model of spinal cord injury.

4(α-l-Rhamnosyloxy)-benzyl isothiocyanate (glucomoringin isothiocyanate; GMG-ITC) is released from the precursor 4(α-l-rhamnosyloxy)-benzyl glucosinolate (glucomoringin; GMG) by myrosinase (ß-thioglucoside glucohydrolase; E.C. 3.2.1.147) catalyzed hydrolysis. GMG is an uncommon member of the glucosinolate group as it presents a unique characteristic consisting in a second glycosidic residue within the side chain. It is a typical glucosinolate found in large amounts in the seeds of Moringa oleifera Lam., the most widely distributed plant of the Moringaceae family. GMG was purified from seed-cake of M. oleifera and was hydrolyzed by myrosinase at neutral pH in order to form the corresponding GMG-ITC. This bioactive phytochemical can play a key role in counteracting the inflammatory response connected to the oxidative-related mechanisms as well as in the control of the neuronal cell death process, preserving spinal cord tissues after injury in mice. Spinal cord trauma was induced in mice by the application of vascular clips (force of 24g) for 1 min., via four-level T5-T8 after laminectomy. In particular, the purpose of this study was to investigate the dynamic changes occurring in the spinal cord after ip treatment with bioactive GMG-ITC produced 15 min before use from myrosinase-catalyzed hydrolysis of GMG (10mg/kg body weight+5 µl Myr mouse/day). The following parameters, such as histological damage, distribution of reticular fibers in connective tissue, nuclear factor (NF)-κB translocation and nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha (IκB-α) degradation, expression of inducible Nitric Oxide Synthases (iNOS), as well as apoptosis, were evaluated. In conclusion, our results show a protective effect of bioactive GMG-ITC on the secondary damage, following spinal cord injury, through an antioxidant mechanism of neuroprotection. Therefore, the bioactive phytochemical GMG-ITC freshly produced before use by myrosinase-catalyzed hydrolysis of pure GMG, could prove to be useful in the treatment of spinal cord trauma.

Tuscan black kale sprout extract bioactivated with myrosinase: a novel natural product for neuroprotection by inflammatory and oxidative response during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral ischemia and reperfusion (CIR) is a pathological condition characterized by a first blood supply restriction to brain followed by the consequent restoration of blood flow and simultaneous reoxygenation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of Tuscan black kale sprout extract (TBK-SE) bioactivated with myrosinase enzyme, assessing its capability to preserve blood-brain barrier (BBB), in a rat model of CIR. METHODS: CIR was induced in rats according to a classic model of carotid artery occlusion for a time period of 1 h and the reperfusion time was prolonged for seven days. RESULTS: By immunohistochemical evaluation and western blot analysis of brain and cerebellum tissues, our data have clearly shown that administration of bioactive TBK-SE is able to restore alterations of tight junction components (claudin-5 immunolocalization). Also, bioactive TBK-SE reduces some inflammatory key-markers (p-selectin, GFAP, Iba-1, ERK1/2 and TNF-α), as well as the triggering of neuronal apoptotic death pathway (data about Bax/Bcl-2 balance, p53 and cleaved-caspase 3) and the generation of radicalic species by oxidative stress (results focused on iNOS, nitrotyrosine and Nrf2). CONCLUSION: Taken together, our findings lead to believe that bioactive TBK-SE exerts pharmacological properties in protecting BBB integrity through a mechanism of action that involves a modulation of inflammatory and oxidative pathway as well into control of neuronal death.

Isatis canescens is a rich source of glucobrassicin and other health-promoting compounds.

BACKGROUND: Glucobrassicin (GBS), a glucosinolate contained in many brassica vegetables, is the precursor of chemopreventive compounds such as indole-3-carbinol. Large amounts of GBS would be needed to perform studies aimed at elucidating its role in the diet. This study was mainly undertaken to evaluate the flower buds of Isatis canescens as a source for GBS purification. In order to investigate the health-promoting potential of this species, glucosinolate, phenol and flavonoid content as well as the whole antioxidant capacity were also determined. Flower bud samples were collected in four localities around Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy, where I. canescens is widespread, as they are locally traditionally eaten. RESULTS: I. canescens flower buds displayed high GBS concentrations, up to 60 µmol g(-1) dry weight. The purification method consisted of two chromatographic steps, which made it possible to obtain GBS with a purity of 92-95%, with a yield of 21 g kg(-1) . The total glucosinolates, phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity were considerable, with the southern locality showing the highest concentrations for all the phytochemicals. CONCLUSION: I. canescens flower buds represent a naturally rich source of GBS, at a level suitable for its purification. Furthermore, flower bud consumption could provide an intake of health-promoting compounds, with possible antioxidant and chemopreventive properties.

Novel gram-scale production of enantiopure R-sulforaphane from Tuscan black kale seeds.

Dietary R-sulforaphane is a highly potent inducer of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway. Furthermore, sulforaphane is currently being used in clinical trials to assess its effects against different tumour processes. This study reports an efficient preparation of enantiopure R-sulforaphane based on the enzymatic hydrolysis of its natural precursor glucoraphanin. As an alternative to broccoli seeds, we have exploited Tuscan black kale seeds as a suitable source for gram-scale production of glucoraphanin. The defatted seed meal contained 5.1% (w/w) of glucoraphanin that was first isolated through an anion exchange chromatographic process, and then purified by gel filtration. The availability of glucoraphanin (purity≈95%, weight basis) has allowed us to develop a novel simple hydrolytic process involving myrosinase (EC 3.2.1.147) in a biphasic system to directly produce R-sulforaphane. In a typical experiment, 1.09 g of enantiopure R-sulforaphane was obtained from 150 g of defatted Tuscan black kale seed meal.

α-Cyclodextrin/Moringin Induces an Antioxidant Transcriptional Response Activating Nrf2 in Differentiated NSC-34 Motor Neurons.

Oxidative stress is a common feature of neurodegenerative diseases. Different natural compounds mediate neuroprotective effects by activating the Nrf2 antioxidant response. Some isothiocyanates are Nrf2 activators, including Moringin (MOR). In this study, the transcriptional profile of differentiated NSC-34 motor neurons was evaluated after treatment for 48 h and 96 h with concentrations of 0.5, 5, and 10 µM of a new MOR formulation obtained with α-cyclodextrin (α-CD). All the concentrations increased gene expression and cytoplasmic protein levels of Nrf2 at 96 h. However, the highest dose also increased nuclear Nrf2 levels at 96 h. Then, Nrf2 interactors were selected using STRING, and common biological process (BP) terms between the groups were evaluated. α-CD/MOR was able to modulate BP related to responses to oxidative stress, proteostasis, and autophagy. Specifically, the treatment with 10 µM of α-CD/MOR for 96 h induced genes involved in glutathione synthesis and proteasome subunits and reduced the expression of genes related to endoplasmic reticulum stress. Moreover, this group showed the lowest levels of the apoptotic markers Bax, cleaved caspase 9, and cleaved caspase 3. These results indicate the beneficial effects of prolonged α-CD/MOR supplementation that are mediated, at least in part, by Nrf2 activation. Then, α-CD/MOR could be a valuable treatment against neurodegenerative diseases, in particular motor neuron degeneration.