Salidroside inhibited the proliferation of gastric cancer cells through up-regulating tumor suppressor miR-1343-3p and down-regulating MAP3K6/MMP24 signal molecules

Salidroside inhibited the proliferation of cancer cell. Nevertheless, the mechanism has not been completely clarified. The purpose of the study is to explore the mechanisms of salidroside against gastric cancer. To analyze the changes of microRNA (miRNA) in gastric cancer cells under the treatment of salidroside, the miRNA expression was analyzed by using RNA-seq in cancer cells for 24 h after salidroside treatment. The differentially expressed miRNAs were clustered and their target genes were analyzed. Selected miRNA and target mRNA genes were further verified by q-PCR. The expressions of target genes in cancer cells were detected by immunohistochemistry. Cancer cell apoptotic index was significantly increased after salidroside treatment. The proliferation of gastric cancer cells were blocked at S-phase cell cycle. The expression of 44 miRNAs changed differentially after salidroside treatment in cancer cells. Bioinformatic analysis showed that there were 1384 target mRNAs corresponding to the differentially expressed miRNAs. Surprisingly, salidroside significantly up-regulated the expression of tumor suppressor miR-1343-3p, and down-regulated the expression of MAP3K6, STAT3 and MMP24-related genes. Salidroside suppressed the growth of gastric cancer by inducing the cancer cell apoptosis, arresting the cancer cell cycle and down-regulating the related signal transduction pathways. miRNAs are expressed differentially in gastric cancer cells after salidroside treatment, playing important roles in regulating proliferation and metastasis. Salidroside may suppress the growth of gastric cancer by up-regulating the expression of the tumor suppressor miR-1343-3p and down-regulating the expression of MAP3K6 and MMP24 signal molecules.

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.

Phenolic amides (avenanthramides) in oats - an update review

Oats (Avena sativa L.) are one of the worldwide cereal crops. Avenanthramides (AVNs), the unique plant alkaloids of secondary metabolites found in oats, are nutritionally important for humans and animals. Numerous bioactivities of AVNs have been investigated and demonstrated in vivo and in vitro. Despite all these, researchers from all over the world are taking efforts to learn more knowledge about AVNs. In this work, we highlighted the recent updated findings that have increased our understanding of AVNs bioactivity, distribution, and especially the AVNs biosynthesis. Since the limits content of AVNs in oats strictly hinders the demand, understanding the mechanisms underlying AVN biosynthesis is important not only for developing a renewable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly source in both plants and microorganisms but also for designing effective strategies for enhancing their production via induction and metabolic engineering. Future directions for improving AVN production in native producers and heterologous systems for food and feed use are also discussed. This summary will provide a broad view of these specific natural products from oats.

Characterization and stabilization of GluLm and its application to deglycosylate dietary flavonoids and lignans

This study describes the characterization of the recombinant GH3 aryl-β-glucosidase "GluLm" from Limosilactobacillus mucosae INIA P508, followed by its immobilization on an agarose support with the aim of developing an efficient application to increase the availability and concentration of flavonoid and lignan aglycones in a vegetal beverage. In previous studies, heterologous GluLm-producing strains demonstrated a great capacity to deglycosylate flavonoids. Nevertheless, the physicochemical properties and substrate spectrum of the enzyme remained unknown up to now. A high production of purified GluLm was achieved (14 mg L-1). GluLm exhibited optimal activity at broad ranges of pH (5.0-8.0) and temperature (25-60°C), as well as high affinity (Km of 0.10 mmol L-1) and specific constant (86554.0 mmol L-1 s-1) against p-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside. Similar to other GH3 β-glucosidases described in lactic acid bacteria, GluLm exhibited β-xylosidase, β-galactosidase, and β-fucosidase activities. However, this study has revealed for the first time that a GH3 β-glucosidase is capable to hydrolyze different families of glycosylated phenolics such as flavonoids and secoiridoids. Although it exhibited low thermal stability, immobilization of GluLm improved its thermostability and allowed the development of a beverage based on soybeans and flaxseed extract with high concentration of bioactive isoflavone (daidzein, genistein), lignan (secoisolariciresinol, pinoresinol, and matairesinol), and other flavonoid aglycones. KEY POINTS: • Limosilactobacillus mucosae INIA P508 GluLm was purified and biochemically characterized • Immobilized GluLm efficiently deglycosylated flavonoids and lignans from a vegetal beverage • A viable application to produce vegetal beverages with a high content of aglycones is described.

First-principles study on the heterogeneous formation of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) over α-Fe2O3(0001) surface: Effect of oxygen vacancy

Metal oxides with oxygen vacancies have a significant impact on catalytic activity for the transformation of organic pollutants in waste-to-energy (WtE) incineration processes. This study aims to investigate the influence of hematite surface oxygen point defects on the formation of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) from phenolic compounds based on the first-principles calculations. Two oxygen-deficient conditions were considered: oxygen vacancies at the top surface and on the subsurface. Our simulations indicate that the adsorption strength of phenol on the α-Fe2O3(0001) surface is enhanced by the presence of oxygen vacancies. However, the presence of oxygen vacancies has a negative impact on the dissociation of the phenol molecule, particularly for the surface with a defective point at the top layer. Thermo-kinetic parameters were established over a temperature range of 300-1000 K, and lower reaction rate constants were observed for the scission of phenolic O-H bonds over the oxygen-deficient surfaces compared to the pristine surface. The negative effects caused by the oxygen-deficient conditions could be attributed to the local reduction of FeIII to FeII, which lower the oxidizing ability of surface reaction sites. The findings of this study provide us a promising approach to regulate the formation of EPFRs.

Exploring the formation of heterodimers of barley hydroxycinnamoylagmatines by oxidative enzymes

Dimers of hydroxycinnamoylagmatines are phenolic compounds found in barley and beer. Although they are bioactive and sensory-active compounds, systematic reports on their structure-property relationships are missing. This is partly due to lack of protocols to obtain a diverse set of hydroxycinnamoylagmatine homo- and heterodimers. To better understand dimer formation in complex systems, combinations of the monomers coumaroylagmatine (CouAgm), feruloylagmatine (FerAgm), and sinapoylagmatine (SinAgm) were incubated with horseradish peroxidase. For all combinations, the main oxidative coupling products were homodimers. Additionally, minor amounts of heterodimers were formed, except for the combination of FerAgm and CouAgm. Oxidative coupling was also performed with laccases from Agaricus bisporus and Trametes versicolor, resulting in formation of the same coupling products and no formation of CouAgm-FerAgm heterodimers. Our protocol for oxidative coupling combinations of hydroxycinnamoylagmatines yielded a structurally diverse set of coupling products, facilitating production of dimers for future research on their structure-property relationships.

Identification, in silico selection, and mechanistic investigation of antioxidant peptides from corn gluten meal hydrolysate

Seven novel antioxidant peptides (AWF, LWQ, WIY, YLW, LAYW, LPWG, and LYFY) exhibiting a superior activity compared to trolox were identified through in silico screening. Among these, the four peptides (WIY, YLW, LAYW, and LYFY) displayed notably enhanced performance, with ABTS activity 2.58-3.26 times and ORAC activity 5.19-8.63 times higher than trolox. Quantum chemical calculations revealed that the phenolic hydroxyl group in tyrosine and the nitrogen-hydrogen bond in the indole ring of tryptophan serve as the critical sites for antioxidant activity. These findings likely account for the potent chemical antioxidant activity. The corn peptides also exerted a protective effect against AAPH-induced cytomorphologic changes in human erythrocytes by modulating the antioxidant system. Notably, LAYW exhibited the most pronounced cytoprotective effects, potentially due to its high content of hydrophobic amino acids.

High-performance, stable CoNi LDH@Ni foam composite membrane with innovative peroxymonosulfate activation for 2,4-dichlorophenol destruction

In this study, the cobalt-nickel layered double hydroxides (CoNi LDH) were synthesized with a variety of Co/Ni mass ratio, as CoxNiy LDHs. In comparison, Co1Ni3 LDH presented the best peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation efficiency for 2,4-dichlorophenol removal. Meanwhile, CoNi LDH@Nickel foam (CoNi LDH@NF) composite membrane was constructed for enhancing the stability of catalytic performance. Herein, CoNi LDH@NF-PMS system exerted high degradation efficiency of 99.22% within 90 min for 2,4-DCP when [PMS]0 = 0.4 g/L, Co1Ni3 LDH@NF = 2 cm × 2 cm (0.2 g/L), reaction temperature = 298 K. For the surface morphology and structure of the catalyst, it was demonstrated that the CoNi LDH@NF composite membrane possessed abundant cavity structure, good specific surface area and sufficient active sites. Importantly, ·OH, SO4·- and 1O2 played the primary role in the CoNi LDH@NF-PMS system for 2,4-DCP decomposition, which revealed the PMS activation mechanism in CoNi LDH@NF-PMS system. Hence, this study eliminated the stability and adaptability of CoNi LDH@NF composite membrane, proposing a new theoretical basis of PMS heterogeneous catalysts selection.

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.

The chemometrics analysis and integrated pharmacology approach to decipher the effect and mechanism between raw and processed cistanche tubulosa

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cistanche tubulosa (CT) is the dried fleshy stem with scaly leaves of Cistanche tubiflora (Schenk) Wight, which has the effects of tonifying the kidney-yang, benefiting the vital essence and blood, and moisturizing the intestines and laxatives. There are differences in the activity of CT before and after processing, but the mechanism of processing is not clear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study aimed to compare the strength of action of CT before and after yellow-wine processing in the treatment of constipation and kidney yang deficiency and to identify the active ingredients responsible for the differences in activity before and after yellow-wine processing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study established the fingerprints of CT and PCT using HPLC to identify their shared components. Then efficacy of KYDS and FC were carried out to compare the differences between CT and PCT in terms of efficacy. Next, this study established the spectrum-effect relationship between the shared chemical components and the medical effects of CT and PCT using the gray correlation analysis and entropy methods. Ultimately, the activity of the analyzed chemical components was verified using the zebrafish model.

RESULTS

CT was more effective than PCT in promoting intestinal peristalsis, regulating gastrointestinal hormone levels, and thus treating FC. PCT was more effective than CT in improving the level of hormone indexes of the hypothalamus-pituitary-target gland axis, replenishing blood, and enhancing immunity. Through the analysis of the spectrum-effect relationship, it was finally found that 5, 6, 12 (tubuloside A), and 13 (isoacteoside) might be more closely related to the activity of tonifying kidney yang, and peaks 9, 10, and 11 (acteoside) are more closely associated with the treatment of constipation, and peaks 3 (salidroside), 4, 1, 2 (geniposidic acid), and 8 (echinacoside) were associated with both kidney yang tonic and treatment of constipation. At the same time, an activity verification experiment showed that echinacoside, geniposidic acid, and salidroside were effective in the treatment of FC and KYDS, while acteoside was very effective in the treatment of FC, and tubuloside A was significant in supplementing the blood, which validated the spectrum-effect relationship analysis.

CONCLUSION

This study proved that the raw CT had a better laxative effect, while the yellow-wine processed CT had a better kidney-yang tonic effect; moreover, spectrum-effect relationships were established to analyze the chemical components leading to changes in the activity of CT before and after yellow-wine processing.

High-throughput method for Peptide mapping and Amino acid sequencing for Calcitonin Salmon in Calcitonin Salmon injection using Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography - High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) with the application of Bioinformatic tools

BACKGROUND

Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) can provide direct and accurate sequence characterization of synthetic peptide drugs, and peptide drug products including side chain modifications in the Peptide drugs. This article explains a step-by-step guide to developing a high-throughput method using high resolution mass spectrometry for characterization of Calcitonin Salmon injection containing high proportion of UV-active excipients.

METHODS

The major challenge in the method development of Amino acid sequencing and Peptide mapping was presence of phenol in drug product. Phenol is a UV-active excipient and reacts with both Dithiothreitol (DTT) and Trypsin. Hence Calcitonin Salmon was extracted from the Calcitonin Salmon injection using solid phase extraction after the extraction, Amino acid sequencing and peptide mapping study was performed. Upon incubation of Calcitonin Salmon with Trypsin and DTT, digested fragments were generated which were separated by mass compatible reverse phase chromatography and the molecular mass of each fragment was determined using HRMS.

RESULTS

A reverse phase chromatographic method was developed using UHPLC-HRMS for the determination of direct mass, peptide mapping and to determine the amino acid sequencing in the Calcitonin Salmon injection. The method was found Specific and fragments after trypsin digest are well resolved from each other and the molecular mass of each fragment was determined using HRMS. Sequencing was performed using automated identification of b and y ions annotation and identifications based on MS/MS spectra using Biopharma finder and Proteome discoverer software.

CONCLUSION

Using this approach 100% protein coverage was obtained and protein was identified as Calcitonin Salmon and the observed masses of tryptic digest of peptide was found similar with theoretical masses. The method can be used for both UV and MS based Peptide mapping and whereas the UV based peptide mapping method can be used as identification test for Calcitonin Salmon drug substance and drug product in quality control.

Multilayer microparticles for programmed sequential release of phenolic compounds from Eugenia stipitata: Stability and bioavailability

A co-delivery system based on multilayer microparticles was developed and characterized for the sequential release of phenolic compounds (PCs) using different encapsulation processes (spray drying: SD and drying-chilling spray: SDC) and wall materials to improve the stability and bioavailability of PCs. Samples were characterized in terms of process yield (PY%), phenolic retention efficiency (PRE%), chemical structure and crystallinity (NMR, FTIR, DXR), thermal stability (DSC and FT-IR), anti-radical capacity (ORAC and ABTS) and in vitro digestion. PRE% of samples by SD were higher (p < 0.05) than SDC due to the formation of PCs from CRF (cará-roxo flour). NMR, FTIR, DXR confirmed the presence of key components and interactions for the formation of the advanced co-delivery system. The SDC particles showed crystalline regions by XRD and were stable at ∼47 °C. All samples showed good release of PC in the intestinal phase, and antiradical capacity that reached 23.66 µmol TE g-1.

Self-powered molecularly imprinted photoelectrochemical sensor based on Ppy/QD/HOF heterojunction for the detection of bisphenol A

As an emerging porous material, hydrogen-bonded organic framework materials (HOFs) still pose application challenges. In this work, the designed type "I + II" heterojunction extracted hot electrons from HOFs using quantum dots (QDs) and polypyrrole (Ppy), improving the stability and photoelectrochemical performance of materials. In addition to serving as a potential well, electropolymerized Ppy was used as a recognition element for bisphenol A (BPA), and a novel self-powered molecularly imprinted photoelectrochemical (MIP-PEC) sensor was designed. The sensing platform showed a linear relationship from 1 × 10-10 to 1 × 10-7 mol∙L-1 and from 1 × 10-7 to 1 mol∙L-1 with an acceptable detection limit of 4.2 × 10-11 mol∙L-1. This is the first application of HOFs in constructing MIP-PEC sensors and a new attempt to improve the stability of HOFs for the application of porous crystal materials in the sensing field.

Lactic acid responsive sequential production of hydrogen peroxide and consumption of glutathione for enhanced ferroptosis tumor therapy

Ferroptosis is characterized by the lethal accumulation of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS), which has great potential for tumor therapy. However, developing new ferroptosis-inducing strategies by combining nanomaterials with small molecule inducers is important. In this study, an enzyme-gated biodegradable natural-product delivery system based on lactate oxidase (LOD)-gated biodegradable iridium (Ir)-doped hollow mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (HMONs) loaded with honokiol (HNK) (HNK@Ir-HMONs-LOD, HIHL) is designed to enhance ferroptosis in colon tumor therapy. After reaching the tumor microenvironment, the outer LOD dissociates and releases the HNK to induce ferroptosis. Moreover, the released dopant Ir4+ and disulfide-bridged organosilica frameworks deplete intracellular glutathione (GSH), which is followed by GSH-mediated Ir(IV)/Ir(III) conversion. This leads to the repression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activity and decomposition of intratumoral hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into hydroxyl radicals (•OH) by Ir3+-mediated Fenton-like reactions. Moreover, LOD efficiently depletes lactic acid to facilitate the generation of H2O2 and boost the Fenton reaction, which in turn enhances ROS generation. With the synergistic effects of these cascade reactions and the release of HNK, notable ferroptosis efficacy was observed both in vitro and in vivo. This combination of natural product-induced and lactic acid-responsive sequential production of H2O2 as well as the consumption of glutathione may provide a new paradigm for achieving effective ferroptosis-based cancer therapy.

A preliminary understanding of the relationship between synthetic phenolic antioxidants and early pregnancy loss: Uncovering the potential molecular mechanisms

Mounting evidence suggests that environmental pollutants may affect reproductive health, potentially leading to adverse outcomes like pregnancy loss. However, it remains unclear whether exposure to synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs) correlates with early pregnancy loss (EPL). This study explores SPA exposure's link to EPL and its potential molecular mechanisms. From 2021 to 2022, 265 early pregnant women (136 serum and 129 villus samples) with and without EPL were enrolled. We quantified 17 SPAs in serum and chorionic villus, with AO1010, AO3114, BHT, AO2246, and BHT-Q frequently being detected, suggesting their ability to cross the placental barrier. AO1135 showed a positive relationship with EPL in sera, indicating a significant monotonic dose-response relationship (p-trend <0.001). BHT-Q exhibited a similar relationship with EPL in villi. Inhibitory effects of BHT-Q on estradiol (E2) were observed. Molecular docking revealed SPA-protein interactions involved in E2 synthesis. SPA-induced EPL might occur with specific serum levels of AO1135 and certain villus levels of AO1010, BHT-Q, and AO2246. BHT-Q emerges as a potential biomarker for assessing EPL risk. This study provides insights into understanding of the exposure to SPAs and potential adverse outcomes in pregnant women.

Acid induced dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on in situ formation of hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents for the extraction of bisphenol A and alkylphenols in water and beverage samples

This study describes the development of an acid induced dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction method based on the in situ formation of hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents for the extraction of bisphenol A and alkylphenols from environmental water and beverage samples. Hydrochloric acid altered the hydrophilic-hydrophobic state of fatty acid salts to obtain hydrophobic fatty acids, which formed hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents with analytes in situ to extract the analytes. Under optimized conditions, the limits of detection and limits of quantitation were 0.03-0.1 μg L-1 and 0.12-0.3 μg L-1, the intraday and interday relative standard deviations were less than 3.9 %, and the enrichment factor was 29-32. The recoveries of bisphenol A and alkylphenols were 95.9-104.9 % and 86.9-105.0 %, respectively. The extraction process used only hydrochloric acid and fatty acid salts, and the extraction process required less than 1 min. This method has the advantages of simplicity, speed, low cost and environmental friendliness.

High-Performance enrichment and sensitive analysis of bisphenol and its analogues in water and milk using a novel Ni-Based cationic Metal-Organic framework

A novel cationic metal-organic framework (iMOF-Ni) was designed and synthesized by a solvothermal method. It was fabricated as a solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridge and exhibited high adsorption performance for Bisphenols (BPs). The theoretical simulation demonstrated that the adsorption mechanism between iMOF-Ni and BPs was attributed to cation-π bonding, π-π interaction, and electrostatic interactions. Under optimized SPE, a method for analyzing BPs was established by combining high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The developed method has good linearity (R2 ≥ 0.994), low detection limits (0.07-0.16 ng/mL), and good reproducibility (1.72-6.35 %, n = 6). The applicability of the method was further evaluated by analyzing water and milk samples. Recoveries of four BPs in spiked samples were from 72.2 % to 96.6 %.

Nitrogen deposition caused higher increases in plant-derived organic carbon than microbial-derived organic carbon in forest soils

Plant- and microbial-derived organic carbon, two components of the soil organic carbon (SOC) pool in terrestrial ecosystems, are regulated by increased atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition. However, the spatial patterns and driving factors of the responses of plant- and microbial-derived SOC to N deposition in forests are not clear, which hinders our understanding of SOC sequestration. In this study, we explored the spatial patterns of plant- and microbial-derived SOC, and their responses to N addition and elucidated their underlying mechanisms in forest soils receiving N addition at four sites with various soil and climate conditions. Plant- and microbial-derived SOC were quantified using lignin phenols and amino sugars, respectively. N addition increased the total microbial residues by 20.5% on average ranging from 9.4% to 34.0% in temperate forests but not in tropical forests, and the increase was mainly derived from fungal residues. Lignin phenols increased more in temperate forests (average of 63.8%) than in tropical forests (average of 15.7%) following N addition. The ratio of total amino sugars to lignin phenols was higher in temperate forests than in tropical forests and decreased with N addition in temperate forests. N addition mainly regulated soil microbial residues by affecting pH, SOC, exchangeable Ca2+, gram-negative bacteria biomass, and the C:N ratio, while it mainly had indirect effects on lignin phenols by altering SOC, soil C:N ratio, and gram-negative bacteria biomass. Overall, our findings suggested that N deposition caused a greater increase in plant-derived SOC than in microbial-derived SOC and that plant-derived SOC would have a more important role in sequestering SOC under increasing N deposition in forest ecosystems, particularly in temperate forests.

A novel laccase-like Cu-MOF for colorimetric differentiation and detection of phenolic compounds

The development of convenient, fast, and cost-effective methods for differentiating and detecting common organic pollutant phenols has become increasingly important for environmental and food safety. In this study, a copper metal-organic framework (Cu-MOF) with flower-like morphology was synthesized using 2-methylimidazole (2-MI) as ligands. The Cu-MOF was designed to mimic the natural laccase active site and proved demonstrated excellent mimicry of enzyme-like activity. Leveraging the superior properties of the constructed Cu-MOF, a colorimetric method was developed for analyzing phenolic compounds. This method exhibited a wide linear range from 0.1 to 100 μM with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.068 μM. Besides, by employing principal component analysis (PCA), nine kinds of phenols was successfully distinguished and identified. Moreover, the combination of smartphones with RGB profiling enabled real-time, quantitative, and high-throughput detection of phenols. Therefore, this work presents a paradigm and offers guidance for the differentiation and detection of phenolic pollutants in the environment.

Bioactivity, phytochemistry studies and subacute in vivo toxicity of ethanolic leaf extract of white mulberry (Morus alba linn.) in female mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional uses of Morus alba L. leaf extracts (MLE) have been reported for treating hyperglycaemia and diabetes. Phytochemical compounds in the leaves demonstrated the ability to enhance insulin sensitivity and β-cell secretory function, suggesting their potential value in reducing blood glucose and treating diabetes. However, the phytochemical constituents and safety of the herbal medicines need to be verified in each experimental field from different growing areas. Studies on the phytochemistry and toxicity of Morus alba leaves in Southeast Asia, especially in Brunei, have never been investigated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the bioactivity and phytochemistry of Morus alba ethanolic leaf extract from Brunei Darussalam and its subacute toxic effects in the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) female mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The phenolic yield and antioxidant of the extract were analysed. Meanwhile, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography were utilised to determine the phenolic compound of the MLE. In the subacute toxicity study, twenty-five female mice were randomly divided into five groups: the control group, which received oral gavage of 5% dimethyl sulfoxide solvent (DMSO), and the MLE treatment group, which received the extract at a dose of 125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg. Physiology, haematology, biochemistry, and histology were evaluated during the study.

RESULTS

Morus alba leaf depicted total phenolic 10.93 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry weight (DW), flavonoid 256.67 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/g DW, and antioxidant bioactivity content of 602.03 IC50 μg/mL and 13.21 mg Fe2+/g DW. Twenty compounds in the Morus alba ethanolic leaf extract were identified, with chlorogenic acid (305.60 mg/100 g DW) as the primary compound. As for subacute toxicity in this study, neither mortality nor haematological changes were observed. On the other hand, administration of 500 and 1000 mg/kg MLE resulted in mild hepatocellular injury, as indicated by a significant (p < 0.05) increase in liver enzyme activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The histopathological score showed mild hepatocellular necrosis in administering 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg of MLE. The parameters of renal injury were within normal limits, with the increase in eosinophilic cytoplasm observed in the histological scoring at 1000 mg/kg of MLE.

CONCLUSIONS

Morus alba leaf extract showed abundant polyphenols. In a study on subacute toxicity, MLE caused mild hepatotoxicity in mice. The toxic effect of the extract may be due to kaempferol and chlorogenic acid compounds. The 125 mg/kg MLE dose was safe with no adverse effects.

Honokiol targeting ankyrin repeat domain of TRPV4 ameliorates endothelial permeability in mice inflammatory bowel disease induced by DSS

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

As a classic traditional Chinese medicine, Magnolia officinalis (M. officinalis) is widely used in digestive diseases. It has rich gastrointestinal activity including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment, but the mechanism is not clear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in investigating the regulatory effects of herbal compounds on transient receptor potential (TRP) channel proteins. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), a subtype involved in endothelial permeability regulation, was discussed as the target of M. officinalis in the treatment of IBD in the study. Based on the targeting effect of TRPV4, this study investigated the active ingredients and mechanism of M. officinalis extract in treating IBD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To reveal the connection between the active ingredients in M. officinalis and TRPV4, a bioactivity-guided high performance liquid chromatography system coupled with mass spectrometry identification was utilized to screen for TRPV4 antagonists. TRPV4 siRNA knockdown experiment was employed to validate the significance of TRPV4 as a crucial target in regulating endothelial permeability by honokiol (HON). The interaction of the active ingredient representing HON with TRPV4 was confirmed by molecular docking, fluorescence-based thermal shift and live cell calcium imaging experiments. The potential binding sites and inhibitory mechanisms of HON in TRPV4 were analyzed by molecular dynamics simulation and microscale thermophoresis. The therapeutic effect of HON based on TRPV4 was discussed in DSS-IBD mice.

RESULTS

Our finding elucidated that the inhibitory activity of M. officinalis against TRPV4 is primarily attributed to HON analogues. The knockdown of TRPV4 expression significantly impaired the calcium regulation and permeability protection in endothelial cells. The mechanism study revealed that HON specifically targets the Q239 residue located in the ankyrin repeat domain of TRPV4, and competitively inhibits channel opening with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding. The immunofluorescence assay demonstrated that the administration of HON enhances the expression and location of VE-Cadherin to protect the endothelial barrier and attenuates immune cell infiltration.

CONCLUSIONS

The finding suggested that HON alleviates IBD by improving endothelial permeability through TRPV4. The discovery provides valuable insights into the potential therapeutic strategy of active natural products for alleviating IBD.

Mechanistic interplay of dual environmental stressors: Bisphenol-A and cadmium-induced ovarian follicular damage and hepatocyte dysfunction in vivo

This study investigates the individual and combined toxic effects of Bisphenol A (BPA) and Cadmium (Cd) in zebrafish, recognizing the complex mixture of pollutants organisms encounter in their natural environment. Examining developmental, neurobehavioral, reproductive, and physiological aspects, the study reveals significant adverse effects, particularly in combined exposures. Zebrafish embryos exposed to BPA + Cd exhibit synergistically increased mortality, delayed hatching, and morphological abnormalities, emphasizing the heightened toxicity of the combination. Prolonged exposure until 10 days post-fertilization underscores enduring effects on embryonic development. BPA and Cd induce oxidative stress, as evidenced by increased production of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. This oxidative stress disrupts cellular functions, affecting lipid metabolism and immune response. Adult zebrafish exposed to BPA and Cd for 40 days display compromised neurobehavioral functions, altered antioxidant defenses, and increased oxidative stress, suggesting potential neurotoxicity. Additionally, disruptions in ovarian follicle maturation and skeletal abnormalities indicate reproductive and skeletal impacts. Histological analysis reveals significant liver damage, emphasizing the synergistic hepatotoxicity of BPA and Cd. Molecular assessments further demonstrate compromised cellular defense mechanisms, synaptic function, and elevated cellular stress and inflammation-related gene expression in response to combined exposures. Bioaccumulation analysis highlights differential tissue accumulation patterns. In conclusion, this study provides comprehensive insights into the multifaceted toxicological effects of BPA and Cd in zebrafish, raising concerns about potential adverse impacts on environmental ecosystems and human health.

Exposure to trace levels of live seaweed-derived antibacterial 2,4,6-tribromophenol modulates β-lactam antibiotics resistance in Vibrio

Non-antibiotic substances have been found to contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance. Bromophenols (BPs) are special anti-bacterial substances obtained from seaweed. This study explored the modulatory effect of trace BPs from a live seaweed on the antibiotic resistance of pathogenic Vibrio (V.) strains. A hydroponic solution of Ulva fasciata was found to contain trace levels (9-333 μg L-1) of 2,4,6-tribromophenol (TBP), a typical BP. TBP at a concentration of 165 μg L-1 significantly increased the inhibition zone diameter of widely used β-lactam antibiotics (amoxicillin and ampicillin) against V. alginolyticus M7 (Va. M7) and V. parahaemolyticus M3 (Vp. M3) as well as reduced the minimum inhibitory concentration by 2-4 fold against Va. M7. Whole genome re-sequencing analysis demonstrated that Va. M3 (53-60) had more mutant genes than Vp. M7 (44) in β-lactam resistance pathway. Transcriptome sequencing analysis, along with verification through RT-qPCR, further showed that oligopeptide permease (opp) was the only differentially expressed gene (DEG) among the mutated genes in the β-lactam resistance pathway. The opp transport activity and membrane permeability of Vibrio were both enhanced at 165 μg L-1 of TBP, and the ability of biofilm formation was also decreased. Thus, antibiotics resistance improvement of Vibrio by TBP was potentially related with the promoted opp transport activity, membrane permeability and inhibited biofilm formation.

Efficacy of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and its underlying mechanism in preventing bisphenol-A-induced metabolic disorders in mice

To investigate the efficacy of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and its underlying mechanism in preventing bisphenol-A-induced metabolic disorders, in this study, a mice model of metabolic disorders induced by BPA was developed to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of EGCG using microbiomes and metabolomics. The results showed that EGCG reduced body weight, liver weight ratio, and triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in mice by decreasing the mRNA expression of genes related to fatty acid synthesis (Elov16) and cholesterol synthesis (CYP4A14) and increasing the mRNA expression of genes related to fatty acid oxidation (Lss) and cholesterol metabolism (Cyp7a1). In addition, EGCG normalized BPA-induced intestinal microbial dysbiosis. Metabolic pathway analysis showed that low-dose EGCG was more effective than high-dose EGCG at affecting the biosynthesis of L-cysteine, glycerophosphorylcholine, and palmitoleic acid. These results provide specific data and a theoretical basis for the risk assessment of BPA and the utilization of EGCG.

Dietary fiber: Still alive

Dietary fiber (DF) was established as a key dietary constituent some decades ago, as were some of its mechanisms of action and health effects. Although there is consolidated evidence on many features regarding DF, at the same time there are still many aspects to be explored in the field, e.g., deeper explorations of the contribution of phenolic compounds linked to cell walls to the biological activities of DF, or of the relevance of the gut-brain axis. At the same time, increasing DF intake should be seen as a major public health problem since worldwide intakes are quite far from recommendations. The awareness of this fact by public bodies should lead, among others, to the assessment of effective strategies for promoting DF intake among general population or specific groups; and to consider potential regulatory modifications in order to clarify several aspects potentially misleading for consumers.

Hollow CoP/carbon as an efficient catalyst for the peroxymonosulfate activation derived from phytic acid assisted metal-organic framework

The catalyst's composition and rationally designed structure is significantly interlinked with its performance for wastewater remediation. Here, a novel hollow cobalt phosphides/carbon (HCoP/C) as an efficient catalyst for activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) was prepared. The ZIF-67 was synthesized first, followed by phytic acid (PA) etching and then heat treatment was used to get HCoP/C. The PA was used as an etching agent and a source of phosphorus to prepare HCoP/C. To analyze catalytic performance, another solid cobalt phosphides/carbon (SCoP/C) catalyst was prepared for comparison. In contrast to SCoP/C, the HCoP/C exhibited higher catalytic efficiency when used to activate PMS to degrade Bisphenol A (BPA). The results showed that about 98 % of targeted pollutant BPA was removed from the system in 6 min with a rate constant of 0.78 min-1, which was 4 times higher than the solid structure catalyst. The higher catalytic performance of HCoP/C is attributed to its hollow structure. In the study, other parameters such as BPA concentration, temperature, pH, and different catalyst amount were also tested. Moreover, the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and radical quenching analysis confirmed that sulfate radicals were dominant in the HCoP/C/PMS system.

Revealing chemical release from plastic debris in animals' digestive systems using nontarget and suspect screening and simulating digestive fluids

Plastic debris in the environment are not only pollutants but may also be important sources of a variety of contaminants. This work simulated kinetics and potential of chemical leaching from plastic debris in animals' digestive systems by incubating polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cord particles in artificial digestive fluids combined with nontarget and suspect screening based on UHPLC-Orbitrap HRMS. Impacts of particle size, aging, and digestive fluid were investigated to elucidate mechanisms of chemical leaching. Thousands of chemical features were screened in the leachates of PVC cord particles in the artificial digestive fluids, among which >60% were unknown. Bisphenol A (BPA) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were the dominant identified CL1 compounds. Finer size and aging of the PVC particles and prolonged incubation time enhanced chemical release, resulting in greater numbers, higher levels, and more complexity in components of the released chemicals. The gastrointestinal fluid was more favorable for chemical leaching than the gastric fluid, with greater numbers and higher levels. Hundreds to thousands of chemical features were screened and filtered in the leachates of consumer plastic products, including food contact products (FCPs) in the artificial bird gastrointestinal fluid. In addition to BPA and DEHP, several novel bisphenol analogues were identified in the leachate of at least one FCP. The results revealed that once plastic debris are ingested by animals, hundreds to thousands of chemicals may be released into animals' digestive tracts in hours, posing potential synergistic risks of plastic debris and chemicals to plastic-ingesting animals. Future research should pay more attentions to identification, ecotoxicities, and environmental fate of vast amounts of unknown chemicals potentially released from plastics in order to gain full pictures of plastic pollution in the environment.

Severe 25E-NBOH intoxication associated with MDPHP intake: a case report, metabolism study, and literature review

N-Benzylphenethylamine derivatives are 5-HT2A receptor agonists with hallucinogenic properties, including NBOMe (N-(2-methoxybenzyl)-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)ethan-1-amine) and NBOH (2-(((2,5-dimethoxyphenethyl)amino)methyl)phenol). We reported here the case of a 23-year-old man who presented a serotoninergic syndrome and a loss of consciousness following the consumption of a powder labelled as 25I-NBOH. Toxicological analyses of biological samples were carried out using a liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry. Two new psychoactive substances were identified and confirmed with certified reference materials: 25E-NBOH (2-(((4-ethyl-2,5-dimethoxyphenethyl)amino)methyl)phenol) and MDPHP (1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)hexan-1-one). Pharmaceuticals administered to the patient during his medical care were found in plasma and urine. 25E-NBOH and MDPHP concentrations were respectively at 2.3 ng/mL and 3.4 ng/mL in plasma, and 25.7 ng/mL and 30.5 ng/mL in urine. 25I-NBOH (2-(((4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethyl)amino)methyl)phenol) was specifically searched in both samples and was not detected. These results are discussed along with a literature review on human cases of exposure to N-benzylphenethylamine derivatives. Using molecular networking approach, we propose the first 25E-NBOH metabolism study using authentic biological samples (plasma and urine). We described seven metabolites (M1 to M7), including two phase I (m/z 330.172; m/z 288.160) and five phase II metabolites (m/z 464.191, m/z 478.207, m/z 492.223, m/z 508.218; m/z 396.156). The M6 (m/z 492.223) was the most intense ion detected in plasma and urine and could be proposed as a relevant 25E-NBOH consumption marker. Overall, we described an original case of 25E-NBOH poisoning and identified metabolites that could potentially be used as consumption markers to detect 25E-NBOH intoxications with a higher confidence level and probably a longer detection window.

Drought increases Norway spruce susceptibility to the Eurasian spruce bark beetle and its associated fungi

Drought affects the complex interactions between Norway spruce, the bark beetle Ips typographus and associated microorganisms. We investigated the interplay of tree water status, defense and carbohydrate reserves with the incidence of bark beetle attack and infection of associated fungi in mature spruce trees. We installed roofs to induce a 2-yr moderate drought in a managed spruce stand to examine a maximum of 10 roof and 10 control trees for resin flow (RF), predawn twig water potentials, terpene, phenolic and carbohydrate bark concentrations, and bark beetle borings in field bioassays before and after inoculation with Endoconidiophora polonica and Grosmannia penicillata. Drought-stressed trees showed more attacks and significantly longer fungal lesions than controls, but maintained terpene resin defenses at predrought levels. Reduced RF and lower mono- and diterpene, but not phenolic concentrations were linked with increased host selection. Bark beetle attack and fungi stimulated chemical defenses, yet G. penicillata reduced phenolic and carbohydrate contents. Chemical defenses did not decrease under mild, prolonged drought in our simulated small-scale biotic infestations. However, during natural mass attacks, reductions in carbon fixation under drought, in combination with fungal consumption of carbohydrates, may deplete tree defenses and facilitate colonization by I. typographus.

Protective effect of Bougainvillea glabra Choisy bract in toxicity induced by Paraquat in Drosophila melanogaster

Paraquat (PQ) is a herbicide widely used in agriculture to control weeds. The damage caused to health through intoxication requires studies to combating its damage to health. Bougainvillea glabra Choisy is a plant native to South America and its bracts contain a variety of compounds, including betalains and phenolic compounds, which have been underexplored about their potential applications and benefits for biological studies to neutralize toxicity. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant and protective potential of the B. glabra bracts (BBGCE) hydroalcoholic extract against Paraquat-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. BBGCE demonstrated high antioxidant capacity in vitro through the assays of ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), free radical ABTS and quantification of phenolic compounds, confirmed through identifying the main compounds. Wild males of D. melanogaster were exposed to Paraquat (1.75 mM) and B. glabra Choisy (1, 10, 50 and 100 μg/mL) in agar medium for 4 days. Flies exposed to Paraquat showed a reduction in survival rate and a significant decrease in climbing capacity and balance test when compared to the control group. Exposure of the flies to Paraquat caused a reduction in acetylcholinesterase activity, an increase in lipid peroxidation and production of reactive species, and a change in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes. Co-exposure with BBGCE was able to block toxicity induced by PQ exposure. Our results demonstrate that bract extract has a protective effect against PQ on the head and body of flies, attenuating behavioral deficit, exerting antioxidant effects and blocking oxidative damage in D. melanogaster.

Glucocorticoid hormones in relation to environmental exposure to bisphenols and multiclass pesticides among middle aged-women: Results from hair analysis

Bisphenols and pesticides have been shown to alter circulating glucocorticoids levels in animals, but there is limited human data. Moreover, measurements from biological fluids may not be able to reflect long-term status of non-persistent pollutants and glucocorticoids due to the high variability in their levels. Using hair analysis, we examined the associations between glucocorticoid hormones and environmental exposure to multi-class organic pollutants among a healthy female population aged 25-45 years old. Concentrations of four glucocorticoids, four polychlorinated biphenyl congeners (PCBs), seven polybrominated diphenyl ether congeners (PBDEs), two bisphenols and 140 pesticides and their metabolites were measured in hair samples collected from 196 Chinese women living in urban areas. Due to the low detection frequency of some pollutants, associations were explored only on 54 pollutants, i.e. PCB 180, bisphenol A, bisphenol S and 51 pesticides and their metabolites. Using stability-based Lasso regression, there were associations of cortisol, tetrahydrocortisol, cortisone, and tetrahydrocortisone with 14, 10, 13 and 17 biomarkers of exposure to pollutants, respectively, with bisphenol S, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, diethyl phosphate, 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, fipronil, tebuconazole, trifluralin, pyraclostrobin and 1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-3-methylurea being associated with at least three of the four hormones. There were also associations between cortisone/cortisol molar ratio and pollutants, namely dimethyl phosphate, 3-methyl-4-nitrophenol, carbofuran, λ-cyhalothrin, permethrin, fipronil, flusilazole, prometryn and fenuron. Some of these relationships were confirmed by single-pollutant linear regression analyses. Overall, our results suggest that background level of exposure to bisphenols and currently used pesticides may interfere with the glucocorticoid homeostasis in healthy women.

Embracing nutritional, physical, pasting, textural, sensory and phenolic profile of functional muffins prepared by partial incorporation of lyophilized wheatgrass, fenugreek and basil microgreens juice powder

BACKGROUND

Muffins are delightful baked food products that have earned a prominent place in the daily diet of a majority of people around the world. The incorporation of microgreens juice powder (MJP) into muffins boosts their nutritional value. The influence of the incorporation of wheatgrass, fenugreek and basil MJP at 1.5% and 3.0% levels on the nutritional composition, physical properties, pasting, sensory, textural and phenolic profile of functional muffins was evaluated.

RESULTS

The results indicated a significant increase in the protein content, ash content, dietary fiber and total phenolic content of MJP incorporated muffins. The incorporation of MJP to the muffins led to a gradual reduction in the L*, a* and b* values. Baking characteristic such as bake loss decreased significantly as a result of MJP incorporation. Furthermore, the incorporation of various MJPs resulted in a significant decrease in the peak viscosity of the flour-MJP blends. Regarding texture, the hardness and chewiness of the muffins increased progressively with an increase in the level of MJP incorporation. The highest hardness (10.15 N) and chewiness (24.45 mJ) were noted for 3% fenugreek MJP incorporated muffins (FK 3.0). The sensory score of MJP incorporated muffins was acceptable and satisfactory. Additionally, 3% basil MJP incorporated muffins (BL 3.0) marked the dominant presence of majority of the detected phenolic acids such as ferulic acid, sinapic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, cinnamic acid, isothymosin and rosamarinic acid. The highest concentration of p-coumaric acid (11.95 mg kg-1), vanillic acid (26.07 mg kg-1) and kaempferol (8.04 mg kg-1) was recorded for FK 3.0 muffin.

CONCLUSION

MJP incorporated muffins revealed the pool of phenolic acids and the reduced bake loss is of industrial interest. The present study concludes that wheatgrass, fenugreek and basil MJP can be incorporated by up to 3% into baked products as a source of functional ingredients for health benefits. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Halogenated bisphenol A derivatives potently inhibit human and rat 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1: Structure-activity relationship and molecular docking

Chlorinated bisphenol A (BPA) derivatives are formed during chlorination process of drinking water, whereas bisphenol S (BPS) and brominated BPA and BPS (TBBPA and TBBPS) were synthesized for many industrial uses such as fire retardants. However, the effect of halogenated BPA and BPS derivatives on glucocorticoid metabolizing enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1) remains unclear. The inhibitory effects of 6 BPA derivatives in the inhibition of human and rat 11β-HSD1 were investigated. The potencies for inhibition on human 11β-HSD1 were TBBPA (IC50, 3.87 μM) = monochloro BPA (MCBPA, 4.08 μM) = trichloro BPA (TrCBPA, 4.41 μM) > tetrachloro BPA (TCBPA, 9.75 μM) > TBBPS (>100 μM) = BPS (>100 μM), and those for rat 11β-HSD1 were TrCBPA (IC50, 2.76 μM) = MCBPA (3.75 μM) > TBBPA (39.58 μM) > TCBPA = TBBPS = BPS. All these BPA derivatives are mixed/competitive inhibitors of both human and rat enzymes. Molecular docking studies predict that MCBPA, TrCBPA, TCBPA, and TBBPA all bind to the active site of human 11β-HSD1, forming hydrogen bonds with catalytic residue Ser170 except TCBPA. Regression of the lowest binding energy with IC50 values revealed a significant inverse linear regression. In conclusion, halogenated BPA derivatives are mostly potent inhibitors of human and rat 11β-HSD1, and there is structure-dependent inhibition.

Exploring and disentangling the production of potentially bioactive phenolic catabolites from dietary (poly)phenols, phenylalanine, tyrosine and catecholamines

Following ingestion of fruits, vegetables and derived products, (poly)phenols that are not absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract pass to the colon, where they undergo microbiota-mediated ring fission resulting in the production of a diversity of low molecular weight phenolic catabolites, which appear in the circulatory system and are excreted in urine along with their phase II metabolites. There is increasing interest in these catabolites because of their potential bioactivity and their use as biomarkers of (poly)phenol intake. Investigating the fate of dietary (poly)phenolics in the colon has become confounded as a result of the recent realisation that many of the phenolics appearing in biofluids can also be derived from the aromatic amino acids, l-phenylalanine and l-tyrosine, and to a lesser extent catecholamines, in reactions that can be catalysed by both colonic microbiota and endogenous mammalian enzymes. The available evidence, albeit currently rather limited, indicates that substantial amounts of phenolic catabolites originate from phenylalanine and tyrosine, while somewhat smaller quantities are produced from dietary (poly)phenols. This review outlines information on this topic and assesses procedures that can be used to help distinguish between phenolics originating from dietary (poly)phenols, the two aromatic amino acids and catecholamines.

Biomonitoring of bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol analogues in human milk from South Africa and Canada using a modified QuEChERS extraction method

A sensitive modified QuEChERS extraction method was developed to assess the levels of free and conjugated bisphenols (BPs) in human milk collected between 2018 and 2019 from two regions of South Africa (the Limpopo Province Vhembe district, n = 194; Pretoria, n = 193) and Canada (Montreal, n = 207). Total BPA (free and conjugated) and BPS were the predominant bisphenols detected in samples from Vhembe and Pretoria, whereas total BPS was the predominant bisphenol detected in Montreal samples. The levels of total BPA in samples from Vhembe and Pretoria ranged between < MDL-18.61 and Collapse

Key Words

• Biomonitoring
• Bisphenols
• Canada
• Human milk
• Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry
• South Africa

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MESH Headings

• Humans
• South Africa
• Biological Monitoring
• Milk, Human/chemistry
• Benzhydryl Compounds/analysis
• Canada
• Phenols

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Grants Collapse

Affiliation(s)

Zhi Hao Chi Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
Lan Liu Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
Jingyun Zheng Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
Lei Tian Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
Jonathan Chevrier Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
Riana Bornman University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
Muvhulawa Obida University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
Cynthia Gates Goodyer McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
Barbara F Hales Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
Stéphane Bayen Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.

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Molecular insights into dicationic versus monocationic ionic liquids as a high hydrophobic alternative for the separation of phenol from waters

The hydrophobic nature of an extractant is particularly critical in the treatment of wastewater. Considering that dicationic ionic liquids (DILs) are likely to be more hydrophobic, a comparative study of the separation of phenol from waters using [NTf2]- based monocationic ionic liquids (MILs) and DILs is carried out both from experimental and theoretical analysis perspectives. Experimental results revealed that DILs exhibited superior extraction ability compared to MILs, with extraction efficiencies of 93.7% and 97.4% using [BMIM][NTf2] and [C6(MIM)2][NTf2]2 as extractants, respectively. The microscopic examination through theoretical calculations elucidated the higher hydrophobicity and extraction efficiency of DILs over MILs. The results indicated that the DIL showed stronger hydrophobicity than the MIL because the hydrogen bond strength between the DIL and water was lower than that of the MIL. Although the hydrogen bond strength between the DIL and phenol was lower than that of the MIL, the stronger van der Waals forces existed between DIL and phenol, so DIL was more efficient in extracting phenol. In addition, the experimental parameters were optimized to provide basic data for application, such as mass ratio of ILs to water, extraction time and temperature, pH, and initial phenol content. Finally, the DILs were recovered using rotary evaporation apparatus, and the results demonstrated that DILs had good recovery and reuse performance. In brief, this work could provide an effective method for the treatment of phenol-containing wastewater. And the revelation of molecular mechanism is expected to positively impact the design of high-performance task-specific ILs.

Plastic compounds and liver diseases: Whether bisphenol A is the only culprit

Plastics, while providing modern conveniences, have become an inescapable source of global concern due to their role in environmental pollution. Particularly, the focus on bisphenol A (BPA) reveals its biohazardous nature and association with liver issues, specifically steatosis. However, research indicates that BPA is just one facet of the problem, as other bisphenol analogues, microplastics, nanoplastics and additional plastic derivatives also pose potential risks. Notably, BPA is implicated in every stage of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) onset and progression, surpassing hepatitis B virus as a primary cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. As plastic contamination tops the environmental contaminants list, urgent action is needed to assess causative factors and mitigate their impact. This review delves into the molecular disruptions linking plastic pollutant exposure to liver diseases, emphasizing the broader connection between plastics and the rising prevalence of NAFLD.

Enantioselective dihydroxylation of xanthorrhizol from Curcuma xanthorrhiza via biotransformation using Aspergillus Niger

Biotransformation is acknowledged as one of the green chemistry methods to synthesis various analogues for further valorization of natural product compounds chemistry and bioactivities. It has huge advantage over chemical synthesis due to its cost-efficiency and higher selectivity. In this work, a xanthorrhizol derivatives, namely (7 R,10S)-10,11-dihydro-10,11-dihydroxyxanthorrhizol was produced in 60% yield from the biotransformation process utilizing A. niger. The structure of the compound was established by extensive spectroscopic methods and comparison with literature data. This biotransformation successfully afforded enantioselective dihydroxylation reaction via green chemistry route. This is the first report on both biotransformation of xanthorrhizol and utilization of A. niger as its biocatalyst.

Salidroside Mediated the Nrf2/GPX4 Pathway to Attenuates Ferroptosis in Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons, with ferroptosis playing a significant role. Salidroside (SAL) has shown neuroprotective potential, this study aims to explore its capacity to mitigate ferroptosis in PD, focusing on the modulation of the Nuclear Factor E2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2)/ Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4) pathway. Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) to induce PD-like symptoms, followed by SAL and Nrf2 inhibitor administration. Then behavioral tests, immunohistochemical staining, transmission electron microscopy, and Western blot analysis were conducted to assess motor functions, pathological changes, ferroptosis, and related protein expressions. In vitro, SH-SY5Y cells were treated with erastin to induce ferroptosis to assess the protective effects of SAL. Additionally, A53T-α-synuclein (α-syn) was used to stimulate the PD model, SAL and a Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385) was utilized to elucidate the role of the Nrf2/GPX4 pathway in mitigating ferroptosis in PD. In vivo, SAL significantly improved motor functions and reduced the expression of α-syn, while increasing tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression of PD mice. Additionally, SAL treatment notably enhanced the levels of antioxidants and reduced MDA and iron content in the substantia nigra of PD mice. In vitro, SAL treatment increased the TH, GPX4, Nrf2 expression, and mitochondrial membrane potential whereas alleviated ferroptosis through the Nrf2/GPX4 pathway, as evidenced in erastin-induced and α-syn overexpressing SH-SY5Y cells. While these effects were reversed upon Nrf2 inhibition. SAL demonstrates significant potential in mitigating PD pathology and ferroptosis, positioning the Nrf2/GPX4 pathway as a promising therapeutic target. However, future studies should focus on the long-term effects of SAL, its pharmacokinetics, addressing the multifactorial nature of PD pathogenesis.

One-step enrichment of phenolics from Chaenomeles speciosa (Sweet) Nakai fruit using macroporous resin: Adsorption/desorption characteristics, process optimization and UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS-based quantification

Chaenomeles speciosa (Sweet) Nakai fruit is a good source of phenolics with many health benefits. In this work, the enrichment of C. speciosa fruit total phenolics (CSFTP) using macroporous resins was studied. NKA-Ⅱ resin was selected for enriching CSFTP due to its highest adsorption/desorption quantity. Adsorption characteristics of CSFTP on NKA-Ⅱ resin exhibited a good fit with the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second order kinetics model. This adsorption was spontaneous, exothermic, and entropy-decreasing through a physisorption mechanism. The breakthrough-elution curves were studied to optimize CSFTP enrichment conditions. One-step enrichment increased CSFTP content in the extracts from 26.51 % to 78.63 %, with a recovery of 81.03 %. A UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS method in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was established and validated for the simultaneous quantification of seven phenolic compounds. This study demonstrates the feasibility of industrial enrichment of CSFTP using NKA-Ⅱ resin and proposes a reliable method for quality control of CSFTP-rich products.

Biological and phytochemical potential of Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC leaf extract on swine clinical isolates

Phytochemical studies have shown extracts obtained from the aerial parts of Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC has antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and the potential to treat some diseases. This study investigated the phenolic compounds, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, and phytochemical potential of B. trimera leaf extract obtained by decoction on ATCC standard bacterial strains and 23 swine clinical isolates. Water was used as an extraction solvent based on the principles of green chemistry and at a low cost. The decoction process resulted in an extract rich in phenolic compounds and a high capacity for scavenging DPPH and ABTS radicals. Phytochemical analysis of aqueous extracts was performed using HPLC-DAD, and high concentrations of chlorogenic, ferulic, caffeic, and cinnamic phenolic acids were found. Antimicrobial activity was observed against gram-negative bacteria. B. trimera aqueous extract may be a promising low-cost agent for prophylactic treatment against swine enteropathogens and contribute to reducing production costs.

Beauvericin, produced by Fusarium oxysporum inhibits bisphenol A-induced proliferation of human breast cancer cell line by regulating ERα/p38 pathway

Beauvericin (BEA) is a cyclic depsipeptide secondary metabolite of Fusarium species. It causes chemical hazards in food products and exists in an environment containing soil and various food types. On the other hand, the purified BEA has various biological activities and is regarded as a potential candidate for pharmaceutical research. This study was performed to assess the anti-proliferation activity of BEA against human breast cancer cells by regulating the estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα)/p38 pathway. TA and BA assays verified that BEA is a completed ER antagonist. Additionally, BEA suppressed cell proliferation in the anti-proliferation assay involving ER-positive human breast cancer cells co-treated with BPA and BEA. In respect to an anti-proliferation activity, the BPA-induced phosphorylation of p38 protein was inhibited in the presence of BEA. These results suggested that BEA exerts inhibitory potentials on endocrine disrupting effect and possibly acts as a natural therapeutic material for human estrogen hormonal health.

Phenolic acids prevent sex-steroid deficiency-induced bone loss and bone marrow adipogenesis in mice

Phenolic acids, such as hippuric acid (HA) and 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl) propionic acid (3-3-PPA), can be produced from microbiome digestion of polyphenols. Previously it was found that HA and 3-3-PPA facilitate bone formation and suppress bone resorption. However, the mechanism of action by which HA and 3-3-PPA protect bone from degeneration is currently unknown. In this report, we present that HA and 3-3-PPA suppression of bone resorption is able to ameliorate bone loss in an ovariectomy (OVX) osteopenic mouse model though not to the extent of Zoledronic acid (ZA). HA and 3-3-PPA treatments were shown to significantly decrease bone marrow adipocyte-like cell formation and inhibited gene expression of key adipogenesis regulator peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and lipoprotein lipase (Lpl) in bone from OVX mice. In addition, ChIP experiments showed that the association between PPARγ and Lpl promoter region in preadipocyte-like cells was significantly suppressed following HA or 3-3-PPA treatment. Contrasting HA and 3-3-PPA, ZA significantly increased TRAP activity in the area close to growth plate and significantly suppressed bone cell proliferation. These data suggest that phenolics acids such as HA or 3-3-PPA may prevent bone degeneration after OVX through suppression of inflammatory milieu in the bone.

Factors driving the inter-individual variability in the metabolism and bioavailability of (poly)phenolic metabolites: A systematic review of human studies

This systematic review provides an overview of the available evidence on the inter-individual variability (IIV) in the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of phenolic metabolites and its determinants. Human studies were included investigating the metabolism and bioavailability of (poly)phenols and reporting IIV. One hundred fifty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Inter-individual differences were mainly related to gut microbiota composition and activity but also to genetic polymorphisms, age, sex, ethnicity, BMI, (patho)physiological status, and physical activity, depending on the (poly)phenol sub-class considered. Most of the IIV has been poorly characterised. Two major types of IIV were observed. One resulted in metabolite gradients that can be further classified into high and low excretors, as seen for all flavonoids, phenolic acids, prenylflavonoids, alkylresorcinols, and hydroxytyrosol. The other type of IIV is based on clusters of individuals defined by qualitative differences (producers vs. non-producers), as for ellagitannins (urolithins), isoflavones (equol and O-DMA), resveratrol (lunularin), and preliminarily for avenanthramides (dihydro-avenanthramides), or by quali-quantitative metabotypes characterized by different proportions of specific metabolites, as for flavan-3-ols, flavanones, and even isoflavones. Future works are needed to shed light on current open issues limiting our understanding of this phenomenon that likely conditions the health effects of dietary (poly)phenols.

Bisphenol A promotes cell death in healthy respiratory system cells through inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of G2/M cell cycle arrest

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a substance that can harm the environment and human health by interfering with the normal functioning of the body's hormonal system. It is commonly found in various plastic-based products such as cosmetics, canned foods, beverage containers, and medical equipment and as well as it can also be absorbed by inhalation. There have been limited studies on the effects of BPA on lung fibroblasts, and it is still unclear how high levels of BPA can impact respiratory system cells, particularly the lungs and trachea. In this research, we aimed to investigate the cell cycle disruption potential of BPA on respiratory system cells by examining healthy trachea and lung cells together for the first time. The findings indicated that BPA exposure can alter the healthy cells' morphology, leading to reduced cellular viability that has been assessed by MTT and SRB assays. BPA treatment was able to activate caspase3 as expected, which could cause apoptosis in treated cells. Although the highest dose of BPA did not increase the apoptotic rate of rat trachea cells, it remarkably caused them to become necrotic (52.12%). In addition to quantifying the induction of apoptosis and necrosis by BPA, cell cycle profiles were also determined using flow cytometry. Thereby, BPA treatment unexpectedly inhibited the cell cycle's progression by causing G2/M cell cycle arrest in both lung and tracheal cells, which hindered cell proliferation. The findings of the study suggested that exposure to BPA could lead to serious respiratory problems, even respiratory tract cancers via alterations in the cell cycle.

Multi-level FeCo/N-doped carbon nanosheet for peroxymonosulfate oxidation and sterilization inactivation

Magnetic carbon-based catalysts with environmental friendliness have exhibited prominent effects on advanced oxidation processes. Herein, a multi-level FeCo/N-doped carbon nanosheet (FeCo/CNS) was synthesized by facile impregnation iron-cobalt salt onto cotton and followed by confined pyrolysis. We identified excellent advantages of the modified FeCo/CNS materials: (i) The convenience of the synthesis method and (ii) The dual effect of sterilization and contaminant degradation achieved through the FeCo/CNS-activated Peroxymonosulfate (PMS). The comparative experimental showed that FeCo/CNS could provide favorable catalytic performance, completely removing bisphenol A (BPA) and tetracycline (TC) within 5 min. Moreover, the potent sterilization properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were also verified. Analysis of the degradation pathway confirmed the existence of intermediates, and toxicological research demonstrated that the toxicity of the degradation intermediates of BPA gradually decreased over time. Our research provided an excellent application of FeCo/CNS in PMS oxidation and sterilization inactivation.

Ameliorative Effects of Zinc Oxide, in Either Conventional or Nanoformulation, Against Bisphenol A Toxicity on Reproductive Performance, Oxidative Status, Gene Expression and Histopathology in Adult Male Rats

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used endocrine disruptor that represents a significant risk to male reproductive function. Zinc (Zn) is vital for appropriate development of testes and to guarantee optimal testicular function and spermatogenesis. Our goal was to investigate if zinc oxide (ZnO), either in conventional or nanoformulation, could safeguard adult male rats' reproductive performance against the damaging effects of BPA. Signaling expression of CYP11A1 and Nrf-2 in the testis, testicular oxidant-antioxidant status, Bax/Bcl-2 apoptotic ratio, and histological examination of various reproductive organs were all evaluated. Twenty-eight adult male albino rats were divided randomly into 4 groups (7 animals each) including the control, BPA, conventional zinc oxide (cZnO) + BPA, and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) + BPA groups. The study was extended for 2 successive months. Our findings revealed strong negative effects of BPA on sperm cell characteristics such as sperm motility, viability, concentration and abnormalities. Additionally, BPA reduced serum levels of testosterone, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4). Also, it evoked marked oxidative stress in the testes; elevating malondialdehyde (MDA) and reducing total antioxidant capacity (TAC). BPA significantly downregulated testicular mRNA relative expression levels of CYP11A1 and Nrf-2, compared to control. Testicular apoptosis was also prompted by increasing Bax/ Bcl-2 ratio in testicular tissue. Histopathological findings in the testes, epididymis, prostate gland, and seminal vesicle confirmed the detrimental effects of BPA. Interestingly, cZnO and ZnO-NPs significantly alleviated all negative effects of BPA, but ZnO-NPs performed better. In conclusion, our findings point to ZnO, specifically ZnO-NPs, as a viable treatment for BPA-induced testicular dysfunction.

Covalent conjugation of Inca peanut albumin and polyphenols with different phenolic hydroxyl numbers through laccase catalysis to improve functional properties

BACKGROUND

Enzymatic crosslinking is a method that can be used to modify Inca peanut albumin (IPA) using polyphenols, and provides desirable functionalities; however, the effect of polyphenol structures on conjugate properties is unclear. In this study, we selected four polyphenols with different numbers of phenolic hydroxyl groups [para-hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA), protocatechuic acid (PCA), gallic acid (GA), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)] for covalent modification of IPA by enzymatic crosslinking, and explored the structure-function changes of the IPA-polyphenol conjugates.

RESULTS

Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) analysis showed that laccase successfully promoted covalent crosslinking of IPA with polyphenols, with the order of degree of conjugation as EGCG > GA > PCA > HBA, the IPA-EGCG conjugate showed the highest polyphenol binding equivalents (98.35 g kg-1 protein), and a significant reduction in the content of free amino, sulfhydryl, and tyrosine group. The oxidation of polyphenols by laccase forms quinone or semiquinone radicals that are covalently crosslinked to the reactive groups of IPA, leading to significant changes in the secondary and tertiary structures of IPA, with spherical structures transforming into dense lamellar structures. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging ability and emulsification stability of IPA-EGCG conjugates improved by almost 6-fold and 2.7-fold, respectively, compared with those of unmodified IPA.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that the higher the number of polyphenol hydroxyl groups, the higher the degree of IPA-polyphenol conjugation; additionally, enzymatic crosslinking can significantly improve the functional properties of IPA. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Levels of lipid-derived gut microbial metabolites differ among plant matrices in an in vitro model of colon fermentation

This study explored differences in microbial lipid metabolites among sunflower seeds, soybeans, and walnuts. The matrices were subjected to in vitro digestion and colonic fermentation. Defatted digested materials and fiber/phenolics extracted therefrom were added to sunflower oil (SO) and also fermented. Targeted and untargeted lipidomics were employed to monitor and tentatively identify linoleic acid (LA) metabolites. Walnut fermentation produced the highest free fatty acids (FFAs), LA, and conjugated LAs (CLAs). Defatted digested walnuts added to SO boosted FFAs and CLAs production; the addition of fibre boosted CLAs, whereas the addition of phenolics only increased 9e,11z-CLA and 10e,12z-CLA. Several di-/tri-hydroxy-C18-FAs, reported as microbial LA metabolites for the first time, were annotated. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance indicated significant impacts of food matrix presence and type on lipidomics and C18-FAs. Our findings highlight how the food matrices affect CLA production from dietary lipids, emphasizing the role of food context in microbial lipid metabolism.

Novel manganese and nitrogen co-doped biochar based on sodium bicarbonate activation for efficient removal of bisphenol A: Mechanism insight and role analysis of manganese and nitrogen by combination of characterizations, experiments and density functional theory calculations

A novel porous manganese and nitrogen co-doped biochar (Mn-N@SBC) was synthesized via one-step pyrolysis, utilizing loofah agricultural waste as the precursor and NaHCO3 as the activator. The behavior of bisphenol A adsorbed on Mn-N@SBC was evaluated using static batch adsorption experiments. Compared to direct manganese-nitrogen co-doping, co-doping based on NaHCO3 activation significantly increased the specific surface area (231 to 1027 m2·g-1) and adsorption capacity (15 to 351 mg·g-1). Wide pH (2-10) and good resistance to cation/anion, humic acid and actual water demonstrated the robust adaptability of Mn-N@SBC to environmental factors. The significantly reduced specific surface area after adsorption, adverse effects of ethanol and phenanthrene on the removal of bisphenol A, and theoretically predicted interaction sites indicated the primary adsorption mechanisms involved pore filling, hydrophobicity, and π-π-electron-donor-acceptor interaction. This work presented an approach to create high-efficiency adsorbents from agricultural waste, offering theoretical and practical guidance for the removal of pollutants.