Effects of Genotype and Climate on Productive Performance of High Oleic Carthamus tinctorius L. under Rainfed Conditions in a Semi-Arid Environment of Sicily (Italy)

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a promising oilseed crop for cultivation in central Southern Italy due to its high tolerance to drought and salinity stress and appreciable seed and oil yields. The genetic diversity of cultivars and climate factors can affect fatty acid composition and yield traits. This study aimed to assess the effects of genotype and climate conditions on the productive performance of eight high oleic safflower genotypes under rainfed conditions in Sicily (Italy). These genotypes were compared to the Montola 2000 cultivar, which was used as a reference. Tests were carried out during the growing seasons of 2014-2015 and 2015-2016. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with three replications. Morphological and yield components were significantly affected by genotype while the year had a significant effect on plant height only. In general, CTI 17 produced the highest seed yield (1.40 t ha^-1) and oil yield (0.58 t ha^-1). The seed oil content was found on 40.2% of dry matter, on average. The "genotype" factor significantly affected oil content and fatty acid composition. Oleic acid content was on average 66.1% and did not vary greatly over the two growing seasons. The above- and belowground plant parts showed the highest carbon content and the lowest nitrogen content as a percentage of dry matter. The results indicate that, under rainfed conditions, yield parameters of high oleic safflower genotypes can be profitable in southern Italy though significantly dependent upon genotype.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of the Natural H2S-Donor Erucin in Vascular Endothelium

Vascular inflammation (VI) represents a pathological condition that progressively affects the integrity and functionality of the vascular wall, thus leading to endothelial dysfunction and the onset of several cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the research of novel compounds able to prevent VI represents a compelling need. In this study, we tested erucin, the natural isothiocyanate H₂S-donor derived from Eruca sativa Mill. (Brassicaceae), in an in vivo mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced peritonitis, where it significantly reduced the amount of emigrated CD11b positive neutrophils. We then evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of erucin in LPS-challenged human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The pre-incubation of erucin, before LPS treatment (1, 6, 24 h), significantly preserved cell viability and prevented the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels. Moreover, erucin downregulated endothelial hyperpermeability and reduced the loss of vascular endothelial (VE)-Cadherin levels. In addition, erucin decreased vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and microsomal prostaglandin E-synthase 1 (mPGES-1) expression. Of note, erucin induced eNOS phosphorylation and counteracted LPS-mediated NF-κB nuclear translocation, an effect that was partially abolished in the presence of the eNOS inhibitor L-NAME. Therefore, erucin can control endothelial function through biochemical and genomic positive effects against VI.

The Efficacy of Camelina sativa Defatted Seed Meal against Colitis-Induced Persistent Visceral Hypersensitivity: The Relevance of PPAR α Receptor Activation in Pain Relief

Brassicaceae are natural sources of bioactive compounds able to promote gut health. Belonging to this plant family, Camelina sativa is an ancient oil crop rich in glucosinolates, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and antioxidants that is attracting renewed attention for its nutraceutical potential. This work aimed at investigating the therapeutic effects of a defatted seed meal (DSM) of Camelina sativa on the colon damage and the persistent visceral hypersensitivity associated with colitis in rats. Inflammation was induced by the intrarectal injection of 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS). The acute administration of Camelina sativa DSM (0.1–1 g kg⁻¹) showed a dose-dependent pain-relieving effect in DNBS-treated rats. The efficacy of the meal was slightly enhanced after bioactivation with myrosinase, which increased isothiocyanate availability, and drastically decreased by pre-treating the animals with the selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR α) receptor antagonist GW6471. Repeated treatments with Camelina sativa DSM (1 g kg⁻¹) meal counteracted the development, as well as the persistence, of visceral hyperalgesia in DNBS-treated animals by reducing the intestinal inflammatory damage and preventing enteric neuron damage. In conclusion, Camelina sativa meal might be employed as a nutraceutical tool to manage persistent abdominal pain in patients and to promote gut healing.

Cardiovascular benefits of Eruca sativa mill. Defatted seed meal extract: Potential role of hydrogen sulfide

Eruca sativa Mill. is an edible plant belonging to the Brassicaceae botanical family with a long story as a medicinal material, mainly linked to the presence of glucoerucin. One of the main products of this glucosinolate is erucin, a biologicallly active isothiocyanate recently recognized as a hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) donor. In this work, an Eruca sativa extract has been obtained from a defatted seed meal (DSM), achieving a powder rich in thiofunctionalized glucosinolates, glucoerucin, and glucoraphanin, accounting for 95% and 5% of the total glucosinolate content (17% on a dry weight basis), associated with 13 identified phenolic acids and flavonoids accounting for 2.5%. In a cell‐free model, Eruca sativa DSM extract slowly released H₂S. Moreover, this extract promoted significant hypotensive effects in hypertensive rats, and evoked dose‐dependent cardioprotection in in vivo model of acute myocardial infarct, obtained through a reversible coronary occlusion. This latter effect was sensitive to blockers of mitochondrial KATP and Kv7.4 potassium channels, suggesting a potential role of these mitochondrial channels in the protective effects of Eruca sativa DSM extract. Accordingly, Eruca sativa DSM extract reduced calcium uptake and apoptotic cell death in isolated cardiac mitochondria. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Eruca sativa DSM extract is endowed with an interesting nutraceutical profile on the cardiovascular system due to, at least in part, its H₂S releasing properties. These results pave the way for future investigations on active metabolites.

Beneficial Effects of Eruca sativa Defatted Seed Meal on Visceral Pain and Intestinal Damage Resulting from Colitis in Rats

Most therapies used in patients affected by inflammatory bowel diseases are ineffective in preventing the development of chronic visceral hypersensitivity, mainly due to inflammation-induced enteric neuroplasticity. Glucosinolates, secondary metabolites mainly of Brassicaceae with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, are effective in treating both neuropathic and arthritis pain through H₂S release and Kv7 potassium channel activation. The aim of this work was to investigate the protective and anti-hyperalgesic efficacy of a defatted seed meal from Eruca sativa Mill. (Brassicaceae), rich in glucosinolates, in a rat model of colitis induced by 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS). The mechanisms of action were also investigated. Visceral pain was assessed by measuring the abdominal response to colorectal distension. Fifteen days after colitis induction, the acute administration of E. sativa defatted seed meal (0.1–1 g kg⁻¹ p.o.) dose-dependently relieved pain. This effect was hampered by co-administering an H₂S scavenger or a selective Kv7 blocker. Administering E. sativa (1 g kg⁻¹) for 14 days, starting after DNBS injection, contributed to counteracting visceral pain persistence in the post-inflammatory phase of colitis by promoting colon healing from the damage and reducing enteric gliosis. E. sativa defatted seed meal might be employed as a nutraceutical tool for supporting abdominal pain relief in patients.

Glucosinolate Bioactivation by Apis mellifera Workers and Its Impact on Nosema ceranae Infection at the Colony Level

The microsporidian fungus Nosema ceranae represents one of the primary bee infection threats worldwide and the antibiotic fumagillin is the only registered product for nosemosis disease control, while few alternatives are, at present, available. Natural bioactive compounds deriving from the glucosinolate–myrosinase system (GSL–MYR) in Brassicaceae plants, mainly isothiocyanates (ITCs), are known for their antimicrobial activity against numerous pathogens and for their health-protective effects in humans. This work explored the use of Brassica nigra and Eruca sativa defatted seed meal (DSM) GSL-containing diets against natural Nosema infection in Apis mellifera colonies. DSM patties from each plant species were obtained by adding DSMs to sugar candy at the concentration of 4% (w/w). The feeding was administered in May to mildly N. ceranae-infected honey bee colonies for four weeks at the dose of 250 g/week. In the treated groups, no significant effects on colony development and bee mortality were observed compared to the negative controls. The N. ceranae abundance showed a slight but significant decrease. Furthermore, the GSL metabolism in bees was investigated, and MYR hydrolytic activity was qualitatively searched in isolated bee midgut and hindgut. Interestingly, MYR activity was detected both in the bees fed DSMs and in the control group where the bees did not receive DSMs. In parallel, ITCs were found in gut tissues from the bees treated with DSMs, corroborating the presence of a MYR-like enzyme capable of hydrolyzing ingested GSLs. On the other hand, GSLs and other GSL hydrolysis products other than ITCs, such as nitriles, were found in honey produced by the treated bees, potentially increasing the health value of the final product for human consumption. The results are indicative of a specific effect on the N. ceranae infection in managed honey bee colonies depending on the GSL activation within the target organ.

Effect of bioactive compounds released from Brassicaceae defatted seed meals on bacterial load in pig manure

Animal manure application to soils is considered to be one of the main cause of antibiotic and bacterial pathogen spread in the environment. Pig livestock, which is the source of one of the most used fertilizer for cultivated land, is also a hotspot for antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Besides harsh chemical and physical sanitization treatments for the abatement of antibiotics and bacterial load in livestock waste, more sustainable and environmentally friendly strategies need to be considered. In this context, the use of natural substances which are proved useful for pest and disease control is currently under exploration for their role in the reduction of bacterial pathogen population. Among these, plants and derived products from the Brassicaceae family, characterized by the presence of a defensive glucosinolate-myrosinase enzymatic system, have been successfully exploited for years in agriculture using the so-called biofumigation technique against crop diseases. Although the application of biofumigation to suppress a range of soil borne pests has been well documented, no studies have been examined to reduce bacterial population in animal waste. In the present study, the release and the antibacterial activity of bioactive compounds deriving from different Brassicaceae defatted seed meals against pathogens and bacterial population in pig manure is addressed. Rapistrum rugosum and Brassica nigra defatted seed meals were found to be the most active products against tested pathogens and able to significantly reduce the bacterial load in the manure.

Sustainable Use of Bioactive Compounds from Solanum Tuberosum and Brassicaceae Wastes and by-Products for Crop Protection-A Review

Defatted seed meals of oleaginous Brassicaceae, such as Eruca sativa, and potato peel are excellent plant matrices to recover potentially useful biomolecules from industrial processes in a circular strategy perspective aiming at crop protection. These biomolecules, mainly glycoalkaloids and phenols for potato and glucosinolates for Brassicaceae, have been proven to be effective against microbes, fungi, nematodes, insects, and even parasitic plants. Their role in plant protection is overviewed, together with the molecular basis of their synthesis in plant, and the description of their mechanisms of action. Possible genetic and biotechnological strategies are presented to increase their content in plants. Genetic mapping and identification of closely linked molecular markers are useful to identify the loci/genes responsible for their accumulation and transfer them to elite cultivars in breeding programs. Biotechnological approaches can be used to modify their allelic sequence and enhance the accumulation of the bioactive compounds. How the global challenges, such as reducing agri-food waste and increasing sustainability and food safety, could be addressed through bioprotector applications are discussed here.

Flaxseed and Camelina Meals as Potential Sources of Health-Beneficial Compounds

Seed meals and cakes, deriving from minor oilseed crops, represent interesting co-products for the presence of a high content of proteins and bioactive compounds that could be successfully explored as valuable plant-derived feedstocks for food and non-food purposes. In this contest, flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) and camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) are becoming increasingly important in the health food market as functional foods and cosmetic ingredients. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of genetic characteristics and cultivation sites on the chemical features of seed meals deriving from two flaxseed varieties (Sideral and Buenos Aires) and a camelina cultivar (Italia), cultivated in Central and Northern Italy (Pisa and Bologna). The content of total phenols and flavonoids, seed oil, proteins and fatty acids have been evaluated, together with the chemical profiles of flaxseed and camelina meals. In addition, radical-scavenging activity has been investigated. All the examined seed meals resulted as rich in bioactive compounds. In particular, flaxseed meal is a good source of the lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) and hydroxycinnamic acid glucosides, while camelina meal contains glucosinolates and quercetin glycosides. Furthermore, all extracts exhibited a very strong radical-scavenging activity, that make these plant-derived products interesting sources for food or cosmetic ingredients with health outcomes.

Eruca sativa Mill. seed extract promotes anti-obesity and hypoglycemic effects in mice fed with a high-fat diet

Obesity is currently considered a major source of morbidity, with dramatic complications on health status and life expectancy. Several studies demonstrated the positive effects of Brassicaceae vegetables on obesity and related diseases, partially attributing these beneficial properties to glucosinolates and their derivatives isothiocyanates. Recently, isothiocyanates have been described as a hydrogen sulfide (H₂ S)-releasing moiety, suggesting that H₂ S may be at least in part responsible for the beneficial effects of Brassicaceae. In this work, the metabolic effects of an extract obtained from Eruca sativa Mill. seeds (E.S., Brassicaceae), containing high levels of glucoerucin, were evaluated in an experimental model of obesity. Male balb/c mice were fed for 10 weeks with standard (Std) diet or high fat (HF) diet supplemented with E.S. E.S. significantly contained the body weight gain in this obesity model, improving also glucose homeostasis. Interestingly, lower values of white adipose tissue mass and a significant reduction of adipocytes size were also observed. Moreover, E.S. enhanced the adipocytes metabolism, improving the citrate synthase activity and reduced triglyceride levels in mice fed with HF diet. Taken together, these results suggest that E.S. is endowed with an interesting translational and nutraceutical value in the prevention of metabolic disorders, suggesting that H₂ S could be a key player.

Brassica meal-derived allyl-isothiocyanate postharvest application: influence on strawberry nutraceutical and biochemical parameters

BACKGROUND

The antimicrobial activity of allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC) on plant pathogens is well known and has already been demonstrated in the strawberry with respect to Botritis cinerea fungal infection using postharvest biofumigation. In the present study, vapours of 0.08 mg L^-1 of Brassica meal-derived AITC were applied to strawberry to assess its effect on fruit nutraceutical and biochemical parameters after 2 days of storage at 20 °C and 90% relative humidity.

RESULTS

Allyl-isothiocyanate showed no detrimental effect on final strawberry quality, anti-oxidant properties or ascorbic acid content. By contrast, an increased amount of asparagine and a higher ascorbate and glutathione redox potential were registered in the fruit soon after treatment. A reversible glutathione depletion action of AITC was also observed. Finally, total AITC residues in treated strawberry were quantified and a relatively high amount of AITC-adducts was found in fruit tissues.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study not only confirm the high potentiality of biofumigation with respect to extending the shelf-life of fruit, but also provide some insight regarding the mechanisms of action of AITC at the cellular level as a possible elicitor of fruit protective responses. Nevertheless, the nature of the AITC-adducts formed in fruit tissues needs further attention to enable a health and safety assessment of the final fruit. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Blockage of lysophosphatidic acid reverses arthritis-induced hypersensitivity and Cavα2δ1 and P2X3 expression in dorsal root ganglia

Aims

The lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is an important mediator involved in neuropathic and bone cancer pain models. We are investigating if LPA is involved in arthritis-induced pain in the collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) mice model.

Methods

Arthritis was induced in male CBA mice by injection of 1.5 mg collagen type II antibody cocktail. Mechanical and thermal sensitivity and the degree of arthritis were assessed with von Frey filaments, Hargreaves box (heat), acetone test (cold) and visual scoring, respectively. LPA antibody and control IgG (10mg/kg), or saline was injected s.c. twice a week from day 12 through day 47. qPCR and immunohistochemical studies were undertaken in dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) to explore the expression of pain-related ion channels.

Results

Administration of LPA antibody treatment reversed CAIA-induced mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity (p < 0.05) while had no effect on the early clinical signs of arthritis (p > 0.05). mRNA levels for the LPA synthesizing enzyme autotaxin were elevated in the CAIA group. On day 48, expression of the voltage-gated calcium channel Cavα2δ1 and the ATP-gated P2X3 receptor were significantly increased in the CAIA DRGs, which were completely prevented by LPA antibody treatment. Of note, based on in vitro experiment, LPA stimulation upregulated Cavα2δ1 and P2X3 expression in primary adult mouse DRG cultures.

Conclusions

Blocking the action of systemic LPA reverses arthritis-induced hypersensitivity, potentially through regulation of Cavα2δ1 and P2X3 expression in peripheral neurons. Thus, our data point to that LPA may serve as a target for providing pain relief in arthritis.

Preeclampsia, lipid peroxidation, and calcium adenosine triphosphatase activity of red blood cell ghosts

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the effect of lipid peroxidation on the calcium adenosine triphosphatase activity of red blood cell ghosts from normotensive pregnant women and compared it with the adenosine triphosphatase activity and lipid peroxidation in preeclampsia.

STUDY DESIGN

Ten nulliparous normotensive and 10 nulliparous preeclamptic pregnant women (38 to 39 weeks of gestation) were used as blood donors. Preeclampsia was diagnosed on the basis of blood pressure (>140/90 mm Hg) and proteinuria (>0.5 gm of urinary protein per day). Red blood cell ghosts were prepared for both groups and used for calcium adenosine triphosphatase activity and lipid peroxidation determinations. Control ghosts (normotensive) were irradiated with ultraviolet light for different lengths of time.

RESULTS

Calcium adenosine triphosphatase activity of red blood cell ghosts from normotensive women is sensitive to lipid peroxidation. The lipid peroxidation of red blood cell ghosts from preeclamptic women is higher than that from normotensive women.

CONCLUSION

The diminution of the calcium adenosine triphosphatase activity with preeclampsia could be explained by the sensitivity of this adenosine triphosphatase to lipid peroxidation.

Dose-ranging study in younger adult and elderly patients of ORG 9487, a new, rapid-onset, short-duration muscle relaxant

The purpose of this multicenter, randomized, assessorblind placebo-controlled study was to determine which of five doses of the new, rapid-onset neuromuscular relaxant, ORG 9487, provided both good to excellent tracheal intubating conditions 60 s after administration and a clinical duration of action < 20 min in 120 younger (aged 18-64 yr) and 61 elderly (aged 65-85 yr) adult patients. Anesthesia was induced with fentanyl (2-5 micrograms/kg) and thiopental (3-6 mg/kg) and maintained with N2O/O2 and a propofol infusion (50-300 micrograms.kg-1.min-1). Neuromuscular train-of-four (TOF) monitoring by electromyography (Datex Relaxograph) commenced immediately after anesthetic induction and was followed, within 30 s, by one of five doses of ORG 9487 (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 mg/kg) or a placebo. Tracheal intubation was attempted at 60 s and again, in the case of failure, at 90 s. Conditions were assessed with a 4-point scale. Maximum block, clinical duration (time to 25% T1 recovery), and recovery (TOF > or = 0.7) were measured. Dose-dependent changes were observed in tracheal intubating conditions and neuromuscular block. Good to excellent intubating conditions at 60 s were present in most younger adult (52 of 60) and elderly (26 of 31) patients administered doses > or = 1.5 mg/kg. Mean clinical durations < 20 min were observed in adult patients at doses up to 2.0 mg/kg and in geriatric patients up to 1.5 mg/kg. Thus, doses of 1.5-2.0 mg/kg ORG 9487 enabled both rapid tracheal intubation and a short clinical duration of action in adult and elderly patients.