Microalgae carotenoids intake: Influence on cholesterol levels, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes

Optimized synthesis characterization and protective activity of quercetin and quercetin–chitosan nanoformula against cardiotoxicity that was induced in male Wister rats via anticancer agent: doxorubicin

The study’s goal was to look into the protective properties of quercetin (QU) in natural form and QU nanoparticles-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (QU-CHSNPs) against cardiotoxicity. The ionotropic gelation approach was adopted to form QU-CHSNPs. The characterizations were performed using advanced techniques. In vitro, the release profile of QU was studied. Cardiotoxicity was induced by doxorubicin (DOX) and protected via concurrent administration of QU and QU-CHSNPs. The heart's preventive effects of QU and QU-CHSNPs were manifested by a decrease in elevated serum activities of cardiac enzymes, as well as an improvement in the heart's antioxidant defence system and histological changes. The findings substantiated QU-CHSNPs' structure with an entrapment efficiency of 92.56%. The mean of the zeta size distribution was 150 nm, the real average particle size was 50 nm, and the zeta potential value was − 27.9 mV, exhibiting low physical stability. The percent of the free QU-cumulative release was about 70% after 12 h, and QU-CHSNPs showed a 49% continued release with a pattern of sustained release, reaching 98% after 48 h. And as such, QU and QU-CHSNPs restrained the induced cardiotoxicity of DOX in male Wistar rats, with the QU-CHSNPs being more efficient.

Associations of serum carotenoids with visceral adiposity index and lipid accumulation product: a cross-sectional study based on NHANES 2001-2006

BACKGROUND

Visceral adiposity index (VAI) and lipid accumulation product (LAP) are comprehensive indicators to evaluate visceral fat and determine the metabolic health of individuals. Carotenoids are a group of naturally occurring antioxidants associated with several diseases. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the association between serum carotenoid concentration and VAI or LAP.

METHODS

The data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2001 and 2006. The levels of serum carotenoids were evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography. Multivariate linear regression models were employed to investigate the relationship between levels of serum carotenoids and VAI or LAP. The potential non-linear relationship was determined using threshold effect analysis and fitted smoothing curves. Stratification analysis was performed to investigate the potential modifying factors.

RESULTS

In total, 5,084 participants were included in this population-based investigation. In the multivariate linear regressions, compared to the lowest quartiles of serum carotenoids, the highest quartiles were significantly associated with VAI, and the effect size (β) and 95% CI was - 0.98 (- 1.34, - 0.62) for α-carotene, - 1.39 (- 1.77, - 1.00) for β-carotene, - 0.79 (- 1.18, - 0.41) for β-cryptoxanthin, - 0.68 (- 0.96, - 0.39) for lutein/zeaxanthin, and - 0.88 (- 1.50, - 0.27) for trans-lycopene. Using piece-wise linear regression models, non-linear relationships were found between β-carotene and trans-lycopene and VAI with an inflection point of 2.44 (log2-transformed, ug/dL) and 3.80 (log2-transformed, ug/dL), respectively. The results indicated that α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and lutein/zeaxanthin were linearly associated with VAI. An inverse association was also found between serum carotenoids and LAP after complete adjustments.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that several serum carotenoids were associated with VAI or LAP among the general American population. Further large prospective investigations are warranted to support this finding.

The protective effect of serum carotenoids on cardiovascular disease: a cross-sectional study from the general US adult population

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become a key global health issue. Serum carotenoids are associated with CVD, while their effects on different diseases remain unclear. Herein, the relationship between the concentration of serum carotenoid and the CVD risk was investigated using nationwide adult samples obtained from the USA.

Materials and methods

Data of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in 2001-2006 were employed. The association of serum carotenoids (total, lycopene, β-carotene, α-carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin) with CVD was explored by using multivariate logistic, linear and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression analyses. Eventually, data from 12,424 volunteers were analyzed for this study.

Results

Multivariate model data showed that lutein/zeaxanthin, α-carotene, lycopene, and β-cryptoxanthin were negatively associated with the prevalence of CVD (p < 0.05). In comparison with the first quartile, the fourth quartile was associated with α-carotene ([OR] = 0.61 [0.47-0.79]), β-cryptoxanthin (OR = 0.67 [0.50-0.89]), lutein (OR = 0.69 [0.54-0.86]), and lycopene (OR = 0.53 [0.41-0.67]). WQS analysis revealed that the combination of serum carotenoids had negative correlation with the prevalence of total CVD (OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.85-0.92, p < 0.001). Additionally, dose-response analysis demonstrated a negative linear association of hypertension with all the carotenoids involved (p > 0.05 for non-linearity).

Conclusion

The concentration of serum carotenoids had negative correlation with the prevalence of CVD, with a more significant negative effect against heart attack and stroke.

Accessing the biotechnological potential of a novel isolated microalga from a semi-arid region of Brazil

The use of microalgae as a source of food and pharmaceutical ingredients has garnered growing interest in recent years. Despite the rapid growth of the nutraceutical market, knowledge about the potential of bioactive molecules from microalgae remains insufficient. The present study aimed to investigate the biotechnological potential of the green microalga Desmodesmus armatus isolated from a semi-arid region of Brazil. The algal biomass was characterized in terms of gross biochemical composition, exopolysaccharide content, enzymatic inhibition capacity, and antioxidant, antibacterial, and hemolytic activities from solvents of different polarities (water, ethanol, acetone, and hexane). D armatus biomass had 40% of crude protein content, 25.94% of lipids, and 25.03% of carbohydrates. The prebiotic potential of exopolysaccharides from D armatus was demonstrated, which stimulated the growth of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum bacteria strains. Moreover, the enzyme inhibition capacity for the proteases chymotrypsin (34.78%-45.8%) and pepsin (16.64%-27.27%), in addition to α-amylase (24.79%) and lipase (31.05%) was confirmed. The antioxidant potential varied between the different extracts, with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl sequestration values varying between 17.51% and 63.12%, and those of the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) method between 6.82% and 22.89%. In the antibacterial activity test, only the ethanolic extract showed inhibition against Listeria sp. (at minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] = 256 µg mL-1). This fraction also presented the highest significant levels of hemolysis (31.88%-52.45%). In summary, the data presented in the study suggest the presence of biocompounds with biotechnological and nutraceutical potential in the D armatus biomass. Future studies may evaluate the inclusion of this biomass in foods in order to increase their biological value.

Microalgae-Sustainable Source for Alternative Proteins and Functional Ingredients Promoting Gut and Liver Health

Dietary proteins derived from animal sources, although containing well-balanced profiles of essential amino acids, have considerable environmental and adverse health effects associated with the intake of some animal protein-based products. Consuming foods based on animal proteins carries a higher risk of developing non-communicable diseases such as cancer, heart disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Moreover, dietary protein consumption is increasing due to population growth, posing a supply challenge. There is, therefore, growing interest in discovering novel alternative protein sources. In this context, microalgae have been recognized as strategic crops that can provide a sustainable source of protein. Compared to conventional high-protein crops, using microalgal biomass for protein production presents several advantages in food and feed in terms of productivity, sustainability, and nutritional value. Moreover, microalgae positively impact the environment by not exploiting land or causing water pollution. Many studies have revealed the potential of microalgae as an alternative protein source with the added value of positive effects on human health due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. The main emphasis of this review is on the potential health-promoting applications of microalgae-based proteins, peptides, and bioactive substances for IBD and NAFLD.

Use of zinc nanoparticles and/or prodigiosin to mitigate heat stress in rabbits

Heat stress (HS) is an environmental challenge affecting animals' health, productivity and welfare. This work aimed to inspect the protective effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnNPs) and/or prodigiosin (PRG) against inflammation, immune dysfunction, oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress triggered by HS in growing rabbits. Growing weaned rabbits (one hundred males, 35 days of age) were randomly assigned into four groups. The first group fed a basal diet without supplementation and the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th groups fed diets containing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnNPs, 50mg/kg diet), prodigiosin (PRG, 100 mg/kg diet) or their mixture (ZnPRG) under HS conditions for eight successive weeks. The dietary inclusion with ZnNPs and/or PRG significantly boosted FBW (final body weight), CBWG (cumulative body weight gain), and FCR (feed conversion ratio) and had no substantial impacts on the CFI (cumulative feed intake) as compared with those in HS one. All supplemented treatments significantly unveiled an increase in the values of RBCs, hemoglobin, and platelets and significantly decreased in WBCs, basophils and monocytes with non-statistically effects on hematocrit, MCV, MCHC, neutrophils and eosinophils. Compared with the HS group, all supplemental groups showed a significant reduction in TNFα, IL4, IFN-γ, TLR-4 and amyloid A levels and DNA damage markers (Ohdg) and significantly increased in the levels of NO and lysosome activity. Rabbits in the ZnPRG group had significantly higher Ig G and Ig M levels than in other groups. The highest value of CAT and GSH levels were found in rabbits received the mixture of ZnNPs (50mg) and PRG (100mg) in their diets under elevated temperatures. Additionally, both treatments, PRG and ZnNPS, significantly (P<0.001) reduced the values of MDA and MYO, while all treated groups had significantly reduced PC contents compared with the HS group. Co-supplement with ZnPRG showed a considerable restoration in the higher immune expression of reticulum oxidative such GRP78 and IRE1 in hepatic tissues induced by HS conditions. The mixture of ZnNPs and PRG presented more robust effects in mitigating the adverse impacts of HS in rabbits compared with the individual treatments. Collectively, ZnNPs and/or PRG alleviated oxidative stress and DNA damage. In addition, it enhanced the antioxidant capacity and immune function, and downregulated ER stress such as GRP78 and IRE1 signaling in the hepatic tissues of stressed rabbits.

Associations of Serum Carotenoids With Risk of All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality in Hypertensive Adults

Background Systemic oxidative stress is involved in the development of hypertension, whereas carotenoids are a group of natural antioxidants. Our study aims to evaluate the relationships between the serum concentrations of major carotenoids and mortality in hypertensive adults. Methods and Results Data on 5 serum carotenoids from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III and NHANES 2001-2006 were included. Outcome measures (all-cause and cardiovascular mortality) were identified from the National Death Index through December 31, 2019. Multiple Cox proportional hazards regression and restricted cubic spline analyses were performed to determine the association between carotenoid levels and outcomes. A total of 8390 hypertensive adults were included in the analysis. At a median follow-up duration of 16.6 years, all-cause and cardiovascular mortality occurred in 4005 (47.74%) and 1205 (14.36%) participants, respectively. Compared with the lowest quartiles, the highest quartiles of 5 major serum carotenoids were associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality, with multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of 0.63 (95% CI, 0.56-0.71) for α-carotene, 0.70 (95% CI, 0.61-0.80); for β-carotene, 0.67 (95% CI, 0.58-0.76); for β-cryptoxanthin, 0.74 (95% CI, 0.64-0.86) for lycopene; and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.63-0.83) for lutein/zeaxanthin. For cause-specific mortality, this association with the fourth quartile of serum carotenoids was evident for a reduced rate of cardiovascular mortality, with a 32% reduction for α-carotene (HR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.55-0.86]), a 29% reduction for β-cryptoxanthin (HR, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.56-0.89]), and a 26% reduction for lycopene (HR, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.59-0.94]), but not for β-carotene and lutein/zeaxanthin. In addition, we found that serum α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and lutein/zeaxanthin levels were nonlinearly related to all-cause mortality with inflection points of 2.43, 8.49, 5.12, and 14.17 μg/dL, respectively. Serum α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and lutein/zeaxanthin concentrations showed nonlinear associations with cardiovascular mortality with inflection points of 2.31, 5.26, and 15.40 μg/dL, respectively. Conclusions Findings suggest that higher serum carotenoid concentrations were associated with lower risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in hypertensive adults.

Berberine Alleviates Doxorubicin-Induced Myocardial Injury and Fibrosis by Eliminating Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Damage via Promoting Nrf-2 Pathway Activation

Doxorubicin (DOX)-related cardiotoxicity has been recognized as a serious complication of cancer chemotherapy. Effective targeted strategies for myocardial protection in addition to DOX treatment are urgently needed. The purpose of this paper was to determine the therapeutic effect of berberine (Ber) on DOX-triggered cardiomyopathy and explore the underlying mechanism. Our data showed that Ber markedly prevented cardiac diastolic dysfunction and fibrosis, reduced cardiac malondialdehyde (MDA) level and increased antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in DOX-treated rats. Moreover, Ber effectively rescued the DOX-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and MDA, mitochondrial morphological damage and membrane potential loss in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts. This effect was mediated by increases in the nuclear accumulation of nuclear erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). We also found that Ber suppressed the differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) into myofibroblasts, as indicated by decreased expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I and collagen III in DOX-treated CFs. Pretreatment with Ber inhibited ROS and MDA production and increased SOD activity and the mitochondrial membrane potential in DOX-challenged CFs. Further investigation indicated that the Nrf2 inhibitor trigonelline reversed the protective effect of Ber on both cardiomyocytes and CFs after DOX stimulation. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that Ber effectively alleviated DOX-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage by activating the Nrf2-mediated pathway, thereby leading to the prevention of myocardial injury and fibrosis. The current study suggests that Ber is a potential therapeutic agent for DOX-induced cardiotoxicity that exerts its effects by activating Nrf2.

Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) fortified functional foods ameliorate iron and protein malnutrition by improving growth and modulating oxidative stress and gut microbiota in rats

The present study was aimed at developing Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) fortified traditional foods of the Indian subcontinent, namely sattu (multigrain beverage mix) and chikki (peanut bar) and evaluating their ability to promote recovery from protein and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) using albino Wistar rats. Addition of Spirulina (at 4% w/w Spirulina inclusion levels) enriched the protein content by 20.33% in sattu and 15.65% in chikki while the iron content was enhanced by 45% in sattu and 29.6% in chikki. In addition, the total carotenoid and polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity of the food products improved after Spirulina incorporation. Supplementation of 100 g of Spirulina fortified food products meets more than 50% of recommended dietary allowances (RDA) of protein, dietary fiber, iron and zinc for the age group 3 to 10 years of children. Spirulina contributed between 11% and 22% of RDA for protein and iron, respectively; however it contributed very negligibly to RDA of dietary fibre with respect to the nutrient requirements for the target age group. Supplementation of Spirulina fortified foods individually promoted bodyweight gain in malnourished rats and restored haemoglobin, serum protein, albumin, serum iron, and hepcidin levels and reduced the iron binding capacity indicating recovery from IDA. Spirulina supplementation ameliorated malnutrition induced oxidative stress in the liver, spleen and kidneys by reducing the lipid peroxidation and enhancing superoxide dismutase and glutathione activities. Histopathological analysis revealed that supplementation of Spirulina fortified foods reversed pathological changes such as fatty changes in the liver cells, thinning of cardiac muscle fibers and degeneration of intestinal villi. Fe-protein deficiency significantly altered the gut microflora by reducing the abundance of beneficial microbes. However, supplementation of Spirulina fortified foods improved the levels of beneficial gut microbes such as Lactobacillus reuteri and Akkermansia muciniphila while reducing the abundance of Helicobacteraceae, Enterobacteria and Clostridia. In summary, supplementation of Spirulina fortified foods promoted recovery from protein and iron deficiency indicating the bioavailability of nutrients (iron and protein) from Spirulina at par with casein and ferrous ascorbate.

Tanshinone I inhibits doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by regulating Nrf2 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a powerful anti-tumor anthracycline drug. However, its clinical use is limited due to the side effect of cardiotoxicity. Tanshinone I (Tan I) is one of the major tanshinones isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza. Studies have shown that Tan I is effective in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, the potential effects of Tan I against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) have yet to be explored.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore whether Tan I can protect against DIC and to reveal whether Tan I can exert anti-oxidative effect by regulating nuclear erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway.

METHODS

DIC models were established in vivo by intravenous injection of DOX. Echocardiography was used to monitor the cardiac function of mice. Transmission electron microscopy was used to assess mitochondrial damage. Oxidative stress was measured by dihydroethidium (DHE) staining and western blotting. The accumulation and nuclear translocation of Nrf2 was detected by immunofluorescence. H9C2 cellular DIC model was established in vitro to explore the pharmacological mechanism. Nrf2 small interfering (si)-RNA was applied to H9C2 cells to explore whether Tan I exerted protective effect against DIC through Nrf2 signaling pathway. The protective effects of Tan I on mitochondrial function and mitochondrial membrane permeability were measured by MitoSOX™ Red and JC-1 staining assays, respectively.

RESULTS

In vivo experiments revealed that Tan I could improve cardiac function and protect against DOX-induced myocardial structural damages in mice models. The oxidative stress induced by DOX was suppressed and apoptosis was mitigated by Tan I treatment. Tan I protected against DOX-induced mitochondrial structural damage. Meanwhile, key proteins in Nrf2 pathways were upregulated by Tan I treatment. In vitro studies showed that Tan I attenuated DOX-induced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cultured H9C2 cells, reduced apoptotic rates, protected mitochondrial functions and up-regulated Nrf2 signaling pathway. Tan I promoted accumulation and nuclear translocation of Nrf2 protein. In addition, interference of Nrf2 abrogated the anti-oxidative effects of Tan I and reversed the expressions of key proteins in Nrf2 pathway. The protective effects of Tan I on mitochondrial integrity was also mitigated by Nrf2 interference.

CONCLUSION

Tan I could reduce oxidative stress and protect against DIC through regulating Nrf2 signaling pathway. Nrf2 is a potential target and Tan I is a novel candidate agent for the treatment of DIC.

Inverse association of serum carotenoid levels with prevalence of hypertension in the general adult population

Carotenoid levels are inversely associated with blood pressure (BP). This study focused on the effects of individual and combined serum carotenoids on BP and hypertension, which have not been established to date. Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001–2006 were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. Multivariate logistic, linear, and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression analyses were applied to explore the associations of six serum carotenoids (α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, trans-lycopene, trans-β-carotene, and cis-β-carotene), individually and in combination, with BP/hypertension. The linearity of correlations was further assessed using restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression. A total of 11,336 adults were included for analysis. Data from multivariate models showed that all six carotenoids were independently and negatively associated with both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP; all p < 0.05). Compared to the first quartile, the fourth quartile of α-carotene (odds ratio [OR] = 0.64 [0.52–0.77]), β-cryptoxanthin (OR = 0.74 [0.60–0.90]), trans-β-carotene (OR = 0.50 [0.40–0.61]), and cis-β-carotene (OR = 0.47 [0.35–0.64]) were significantly and inversely related to hypertension (all p < 0.05). Moreover, WQS analysis revealed that the combination of all six serum carotenoids was negatively associated with BP and hypertension (all P<0.001), among which trans-β-carotene was the most significant contributor to the protective effect against hypertension (weight, 59.50%). Dose-response analyses demonstrated a linear inverse association of all carotenoids with hypertension (p for non-linearity > 0.05). Our collective findings indicate that higher levels of all six mixed serum carotenoids are correlated with decreased prevalence of hypertension, among which β-carotene exerts the most significant effect, which may provide a basis and direction for further studies.

Extraction of lipids from microalgae using classical and innovative approaches

Microalgae, as a photosynthetic autotrophic organism, contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including lipids, proteins, polysaccharides, which have been applied in food, medicine, and fuel industries, among others. Microalgae are considered a good source of marine lipids due to their high content in unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) and can be used as a supplement/replacement for fish-based oil. The high concentration of docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA) in microalgae lipids, results in important physiological functions, such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immune regulation, being also a prerequisite for its development and application. In this paper, a variety of approaches for the extraction of lipids from microalgae were reviewed, including classical and innovative approaches, being the advantages and disadvantages of these methods emphasized. Further, the effects of microalgae lipids as high value bioactive compounds in human health and their use for several applications are dealt with, aiming using green(er) and effective methods to extract lipids from microalgae, as well as develop and extend their application potential.

Microalgae-Based Biorefineries: Challenges and Future Trends to Produce Carbohydrate Enriched Biomass, High-Added Value Products and Bioactive Compounds

Simple Summary

Microalgae-based biorefineries allow the simultaneous production of microalgae biomass enriched in a particular macromolecule and high-added and low-value products if a proper selection of the microalgae species and the cultivation conditions are adequate for the purpose. This review discusses the challenges and future trends related to microalgae-based biorefineries stressing the multi-product approach and the use of raw wastewater or pretreated wastewater to improve the cost-benefit ratio of biomass and products. Emphasis is given to the production of biomass enriched in carbohydrates. Microalgae-bioactive compounds as potential therapeutical and health promoters are also discussed. Future and novel trends following the circular economy strategy are also discussed.

Abstract

Microalgae have demonstrated a large potential in biotechnology as a source of various macromolecules (proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids) and high-added value products (pigments, poly-unsaturated fatty acids, peptides, exo-polysaccharides, etc.). The production of biomass at a large scale becomes more economically feasible when it is part of a biorefinery designed within the circular economy concept. Thus, the aim of this critical review is to highlight and discuss challenges and future trends related to the multi-product microalgae-based biorefineries, including both phototrophic and mixotrophic cultures treating wastewater and the recovery of biomass as a source of valuable macromolecules and high-added and low-value products (biofertilizers and biostimulants). The therapeutic properties of some microalgae-bioactive compounds are also discussed. Novel trends such as the screening of species for antimicrobial compounds, the production of bioplastics using wastewater, the circular economy strategy, and the need for more Life Cycle Assessment studies (LCA) are suggested as some of the future research lines.

Applications of algae to obtain healthier meat products: A critical review on nutrients, acceptability and quality

Meat constitutes one the main protein sources worldwide. However, ethical and health concerns have limited its consumption over the last years. To overcome this negative impact, new ingredients from natural sources are being applied to meat products to obtain healthier proteinaceous meat products. Algae is a good source of unsaturated fatty acids, proteins, essential amino acids, and vitamins, which can nutritionally enrich several foods. On this basis, algae have been applied to meat products as a functional ingredient to obtain healthier meat-based products. This paper mainly reviews the bioactive compounds in algae and their application in meat products. The bioactive ingredients present in algae can give meat products functional properties such as antioxidant, neuroprotective, antigenotoxic, resulting in healthier foods. At the same time, algae addition to foods can also contribute to delay microbial spoilage extending shelf-life. Additionally, other algae-based applications such as for packaging materials for meat products are being explored. However, consumers' acceptance for new products (particularly in Western countries), namely those containing algae, not only depends on their knowledge, but also on their eating habits. Therefore, it is necessary to further explore the nutritional properties of algae-containing meat products to overcome the gap between new meat products and traditional products, so that healthier algae-containing meat can occupy a significant place in the market.

Algae biotechnology for industrial wastewater treatment, bioenergy production, and high-value bioproducts

A growing world population is causing hazardous compounds to form at an increasingly rapid rate, calling for ecological action. Wastewater management and treatment is an expensive process that requires appropriate integration technology to make it more feasible and cost-effective. Algae are of great interest as potential feedstocks for various applications, including environmental sustainability, biofuel production, and the manufacture of high-value bioproducts. Bioremediation with microalgae is a potential approach to reduce wastewater pollution. The need for effective nutrient recovery, greenhouse gas reduction, wastewater treatment, and biomass reuse has led to a wide interest in the use of microalgae for wastewater treatment. Furthermore, algae biomass can be used to produce bioenergy and high-value bioproducts. The use of microalgae as medicine (production of bioactive and medicinal compounds), biofuels, biofertilizers, and food additives has been explored by researchers around the world. Technological and economic barriers currently prevent the commercial use of algae, and optimal downstream processes are needed to reduce production costs. Therefore, the simultaneous use of microalgae for wastewater treatment and biofuel production could be an economical approach to address these issues. This article provides an overview of algae and their application in bioremediation, bioenergy production, and bioactive compound production. It also highlights the current problems and opportunities in the algae-based sector, which has recently become quite promising.

Underlying the Mechanisms of Doxorubicin-Induced Acute Cardiotoxicity: Oxidative Stress and Cell Death

Cancer is a destructive disease that causes high levels of morbidity and mortality. Doxorubicin (DOX) is a highly efficient antineoplastic chemotherapeutic drug, but its use places survivors at risk for cardiotoxicity. Many studies have demonstrated that multiple factors are involved in DOX-induced acute cardiotoxicity. Among them, oxidative stress and cell death predominate. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms underlying the source and effect of free radicals and dependent cell death pathways induced by DOX. Hence, we attempt to explain the cellular mechanisms of oxidative stress and cell death that elicit acute cardiotoxicity and provide new insights for researchers to discover potential therapeutic strategies to prevent or reverse doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

Microbiome-metabolomic analyses of the impacts of dietary stachyose on fecal microbiota and metabolites in infants intestinal microbiota-associated mice

BACKGROUND

The intestinal microbiota and metabolites play an important role in human health and immunity. However, few studies have investigated the long-term effects of stachyose on the human intestinal microbiota and metabolism. Therefore, in this study, the feces of infants were transplanted into germ-free mice, and the effect of long-term stachyose intake on intestinal metabolism was examined by comparing the results of microbiome and metabolome analyses. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was used to study the effects of stachyose intake on the metabolites and metabolic pathways of the transplanted human intestinal microbiota.

RESULTS

We observed that stachyose significantly altered the composition of the intestinal microbiota and metabolites, up-regulated production of the metabolite taurocholic acid, down-regulated amino acid metabolism, and significantly regulated the metabolism of taurine and hydroxytaurine, pantothenate and coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis, and other signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION

These findings may provide a basis for elucidating the mechanism by which stachyose promotes host health. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Culinary and nutritional value of edible wild plants from northern Spain rich in phenolic compounds with potential health benefits

Wild edible plants (WEPs) have been consumed since ancient times. They are considered as non-domesticated plants that grow spontaneously in nature, particularly in forests and bushlands, where they can be found and collected to be incorporated into human nutrition. Increasingly, WEPs are gaining importance as they are potential sources of food due to their nutritional value, besides showing positive health effects and offer innovative applications in haute cuisine. As these autochthonous plants grow naturally in the environment, they are more suitable to adapt to different climatic conditions as well as biotic and abiotic factors. Therefore, a door has been opened for their possible cultivation as they seem to require fewer expenses than other commercially cultivated plants. Moreover, the consumers demand for new products of natural origin that are sustainable and ecologically labeled have also boosted WEPs' recovery and incorporation into the market. In addition, they are considered as promising sources of essential compounds needed not only in human diet including carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids but also of other minor compounds as phenols, vitamins, or carotenoids that have shown numerous beneficial bioactivities such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, or anti-tumor activity. The use of these plants rich in bioactive molecules could be beneficial from the health point of view as the human body is not always capable of producing enough defenses, for instance, preventing oxidative damage. In particular, the presence of phenolic compounds in these vegetal matrices is supposed to provide a prophylactic effect against further pathogenesis and disorders related to aging or oxidative stresses. Regarding all this information based on traditional knowledge and ethnobotanical data, different WEPs found in the Northwestern region of Spain were selected, namely, Mentha suaveolens, Glechoma hederacea, Prunus spinosa, Apium nodiflorum, Artemisia absinthium, Silybum marianum, Picris hieracioides, Portulaca oleracea, Crithmum maritimum, and the genus Amaranthus. However, even though tradition and popular knowledge are excellent tools for the exploitation of these plants, it is necessary to develop regulations in this aspect to assure safety and veracity of food products. This article aims to review the main aspects of their bioactive properties, their traditional use, and the possibility of their incorporation into the market as new functional foods, looking at innovative and healthy gastronomic applications.

Antioxidant defense system responses, lysosomal membrane stability and DNA damage in earthworms (Eisenia fetida) exposed to perfluorooctanoic acid: an integrated biomarker approach to evaluating toxicity

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is one of the most representative perfluoroalkyl substances and has garnered intense human and ecological health concerns due to its ubiquity in the environment, bio-accumulative nature and potential toxicological effects. In this study, an artificial soil containing PFOA was used to evaluate the biological toxicity of PFOA to earthworms Eisenia fetida. Six kinds of oxidative stress biomarkers, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (LPO), as well as lysosomal membrane stability (LMS) and DNA damage in earthworms were detected after exposure to 0, 10, 20, 40, 80 and 120 mg kg⁻¹ PFOA in the soil for 3, 7, 14, 28, and 42 days. The results of multi-biomarker responses indicated that PFOA can induce various adverse effects on earthworms, including growth inhibition, oxidative stress and genotoxicity, resulting in lipid membrane peroxidation, decreased lysosomal membrane stability and DNA damage. LPO, LMS and DNA damage all presented dose- and time-dependent relationships. An integrated biomarker response (IBR) index was applied to summarize the multi-biomarker responses to star plots, and the IBR value was calculated as the area of the plots to indicate the integrated stress of PFOA on earthworms. The IBR index showed that the integrated stress induced by PFOA increased markedly throughout the exposure period, exhibiting a concentration-related and exposure time-related effect. The graphical changing trend of the IBR star plots, along with the multi-biomarker responses, suggested that the biomarkers of the antioxidant defense system in earthworms are sufficiently sensitive for short-term PFOA biomonitoring programs, while the bioindicators that indicate actual damage in organisms are more suitable to be employed in long-term monitoring programs for the risk assessment of PFOA. This is the first study evaluating the biological toxicity of PFOA by using an integrated biomarker approach. Our results showed that PFOA can potentially damage soil ecosystems, which provides valuable information for chemical risk assessment of PFOA in the soil environment and early warning bioindicators of soils contaminated by PFOA.

The integrated biomarker response (IBR) index was calculated to evaluate the integrated toxicological effects of PFOA on earthworm Eisenia fetida.

Use of integrated biomarker response for evaluating antioxidant stress and DNA damage of earthworms (Eisenia fetida) in decabromodiphenyl ethane-contaminated soil

Decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) is a new and popular type of brominated flame retardant (BFR) with high bromine content, strong thermal stability, and ultraviolet resistance. To evaluated the potential toxicity of this new BFR to soil ecosystem, different concentrations of DBDPE were used to observe effects on earthworms (Eisenia fetida) in artificial soil. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) contents, activities of antioxidase system and detoxify enzyme, levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as DNA damage in earthworms were measured after exposure to 0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg DBDPE in artificial soil for 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. The results showed that ROS and MDA content significantly increased for all treatments from days 7-21, followed by a decrease. Throughout the experimental period, SOD, POD, and CAT activities increased. The GST activity was stimulated significantly from days 14-28. Besides, the olive tail moment (OTM) value in all treated groups was significantly higher than that in the control and exhibited a concentration-related and exposure time-related response. This is the first study evaluating the biological toxicity of BFR at different concentrations using an integrated biomarker response index. Our results show that DBDPE has biochemical toxicity on earthworms, which sheds some light on the potential risks of DBDPE in the soil environment and provides a basis for the monitoring and diagnosis of soils contaminated with DBDPE.

Carotenoids: Potent to Prevent Diseases Review

Carotenoids are the phytochemicals known for their biological activities. They are found in nature in the form of plants, algae, fungi and in microorganisms. This is the major group having two different structure one with oxygen and without oxygen. The Present article aims to present these molecules as a new therapeutic agent, as it has unrealized efficiency to prevent and reduce the symptoms of many diseases like cancer, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer, cerebral ischemia, diabetes associated with obesity and hypertension, ophthalmic diseases and many more. It can be utilized in the form of dietary supplement as nutraceutical and pharmaceutical compounds. Yet more research and developing test knowledge is needed to make it available to the humans. In this article its sources, biosynthesis, properties, applicability and commercialization of pigments from naturally produced sources are discussed.