Nano-encapsulation of Dietary Phytoconstituent Capsaicin on Emulsome: Evaluation of Anticancer Activity Through the Measurement of Liver Oxidative Stress in Rats

Identification and Expression Profiling of Two Saudi Arabia Catalase Genes from Wheat and Barley in Response to Abiotic and Hormonal Stresses

Catalase is a crucial enzyme in antioxidant defense systems protecting eukaryotes from oxidative stress. These proteins are present in almost all living organisms and play important roles in controlling plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses by catalyzing the decomposition of H₂O₂. Despite their importance, little is known about their expression in the majority of monocotyledonous species. Here, we isolated and characterized two novel catalase genes from Triticum turgidum and Hordeum vulgare, designated as TtCAT1 and HvCAT1, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that TtCAT1 and HvCAT1 presented 492 aa and shared an important identity with other catalase proteins belonging to subfamily 1. Using bioinformatic analysis, we predicted the 3D structure models of TtCAT1 and HvCAT1. Interestingly, analysis showed that the novel catalases harbor a peroxisomal targeting signal (PTS1) located at their C-terminus portion, as shown for other catalase proteins. In addition, this motif is responsible for the in silico peroxisomal localization of both proteins. Finally, RT-qPCR analysis showed that TtCAT1 and HvCAT1 are highly expressed in leaves in normal conditions but faintly in roots. Moreover, both genes are upregulated after the application of different stresses such as salt, osmotic, cold, heavy metal, and hormonal stresses. The positive responses of TtCAT1 and HvCAT1 to the various stimuli suggested that these proteins can help to protect both species against environmental stresses.

Capsaicin Attenuates Oleic Acid-Induced Lipid Accumulation via the Regulation of Circadian Clock Genes in HepG2 Cells

As the major component in red chili peppers, capsaicin is useful in the prevention of lipid metabolism disorders. In this study, the attenuation effect of capsaicin on oleic acid (OA)-induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells was evaluated with respect to circadian clock gene expressions. Lipid profiles, including triacylglycerols, total cholesterols, high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins, and aspartate aminotransferase content, were measured using enzymatic assay kits. The mitochondrial membrane potential, cellular redox status, and lipid droplet morphology were also determined using different assay kits and staining methods. The mRNA and protein expressions of core circadian clock genes and major lipometabolism-related factors were assessed using RT-qPCR and western blotting. Results showed that 50 μM capsaicin alleviated the circadian desynchrony and inhibited OA-induced ROS overproduction (from 166.44 ± 12.63% to 119.90 ± 5.43%) and mitochondrial dysfunction (from 0.60 ± 0.08 to 0.83 ± 0.09, represented by the red/green fluorescence ratio) in HepG2 cells. The amelioration effect of capsaicin on OA-induced lipid accumulation was weakened after Bmal1-knockdown, demonstrating that the rhythmic expression of the circadian clock gene is involved in the regulation process of capsaicin in lipid metabolism.

Next-Gen Therapeutics for Skin Cancer: Nutraceuticals

Growing modernization and lifestyle changes with limited physical activity have impacted diet and health, leading to an increased cancer mortality rate worldwide. As a result, there is a greater need than before to develop safe and novel anticancer drugs. Current treatment options such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, induce unintended side effects, compromising patient's quality of life, and physical well-being. Therefore, there has been an increased global interest in the use of dietary supplements and traditional herbal medicines for treatment of cancer. Recently, nutraceuticals or "natural" substances isolated from food have attracted considerable attention in the cancer field. Emerging research suggests that nutraceuticals may indeed prevent and protect against cancer. The intent of this article is to review some of the current spice-derived nutraceuticals in the treatment of melanoma and skin cancer.