Search Results (14,252)

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, driven by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, contribute significantly to diseases like inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), yet the therapeutic potential of phenolic compounds-rich agricultural byproducts like ramie leaves (Boehmeria nivea L.) remains underexplored for multi-target antioxidant and anti-inflammatory applications. Using response surface methodology, optimal ultrasonic extraction conditions for ramie leaf aqueous extract (RLAE) were determined as a 1:30 g/mL solid-to-liquid ratio, 43 min, and 50 °C, yielding 2.26 ± 0.16 mg/g total phenolic content. RLAE exhibited strong antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ values of 1.09 ± 0.06 mg/mL (DPPH), 0.60 ± 0.02 mg/mL (ABTS), and 0.93 ± 0.03 mg/mL (O₂⁻), a FRAP equivalent of 11.85 ± 0.47 mmol FeSO₄/g, and notable SOD-like activity. In LPS-stimulated IEC-6 cells, RLAE (0.1–0.2 mg/mL) significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and enhanced IL-10 expression, with low cytotoxicity up to 0.4 mg/mL. HPLC identified 21 compounds, including pyrocatechuic acid, rutin, and hyperoside, driving these effects via ROS scavenging and NF-κB modulation. RLAE’s multi-mechanistic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties position it as a sustainable candidate for nutraceutical development in gastrointestinal health, warranting further in vivo studies. Full article

2,3,5-triphenyl-2H-tetrazol-3-ium (TPT) chloride was studied through a combination of theoretical methods and experimental data, revealing structural and physical-chemical properties of the hydrate salt, [TPT]Cl^.H₂O. The previously reported crystal structure was confirmed, but our study at lower T (100 K vs. 220 K) showed different positions for the two H₂O molecules in the unit cell around the chlorides. One of them (Cl1) is found surrounded by the tetrazole units, which we call the “dry pocket”, in contrast to the other, Cl2, which is involved in a hydrogen bonding cluster that consists of chloride and two water molecules, referred to as the “wet pocket”. Hirshfeld surface analyses showed predominant H…H interactions, followed by C…H interactions (including C–H…Cl/O interactions), and H…Cl contacts, which represent the C–H…Cl2 hydrogen bonds. Density functional theory (DFT) and (time-dependent) TD-DFT calculations on a molecular model of the compound, benchmarking the three functionals B3LYP, CAM-B3LYP, and PBE1PBE, found excellent agreement with experimental solution data when using the CAM-B3LYP function. UV-Vis absorptions observed at 320 nm, 245 nm, and 204 nm (in MeOH solution) were quite accurately reproduced and assigned. The observed bands were assigned to mixed HOMO–n⟶LUMO+m transitions, involving in all cases the LUMO+1 for the most intense band at 245 nm. Solid-state calculations on the GGA (PBE) level of theory using the CASTEP code and including the Tkatchenko–Scheffler (TS) scheme for the description of long-range interactions gave a good match for the calculated electronic band gap in the solid-state of 3.54 eV compared with the experimental value of 3.12 eV obtained through the Tauc plot method. Full article

Fibrin hydrogels are biocompatible but often lack instructive cues needed to sustain chondrocyte phenotype and cartilage-like matrix formation; therefore, we investigated whether a tricomposite fibrin hydrogel incorporating decellularized articular cartilage matrix (dACM) and decellularized amniotic membrane matrix (dAMM) enhances human articular chondrocyte performance in vitro. Human articular chondrocytes were encapsulated in tricomposite or fibrin-only hydrogels and cultured for 28 days, evaluating degradation kinetics, viability and cell density, histological remodeling (H&E, Masson’s trichrome, Safranin O), immunohistochemistry for type II collagen, aggrecan, and type I collagen, and qPCR of SOX9, COL2A1, ACAN, RUNX2, COL1A2, and COL10A1. The tricomposite remained cytocompatible (~99% viability), supported marked cell expansion (~250% by day 28), and degraded more slowly than fibrin controls. It increased chondrogenic gene expression (SOX9 >3-fold vs. control by day 28; sustained COL2A1 at 1.5–2-fold; early ACAN at 3–5-fold) while attenuating off-target transcriptional programs (RUNX2 ~50% of control, reduced COL1A2, and negligible COL10A1). Consistently, histology showed progressive lacuna-like morphology and proteoglycan-rich matrix accumulation, accompanied by strong type II collagen and aggrecan immunoreactivity and reduced type I collagen. Overall, adding dACM and dAMM to fibrin improved hydrogel biofunctionality and promoted hyaline-like extracellular matrix assembly, supporting further evaluation of this cell-instructive platform for focal articular cartilage repair. Full article

The electrochemical water splitting process represents a promising and sustainable route for generating high-purity hydrogen with minimal environmental impact. The development of efficient and economically viable electrocatalysts is crucial for enhancing the kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which is a major bottleneck in overall water splitting. In this study, a Co₃V₂O₈/PEG-CTAB electrocatalyst was synthesized and systematically evaluated for its OER activity in alkaline conditions. The nanosheet-like architecture of the PEG-CTAB-assisted Co₃V₂O₈ electrocatalyst facilitates effective interfacial contact, thereby improving charge transport and catalytic accessibility. Among the examined compositions, the Co₃V₂O₈/PEG-CTAB catalyst exhibited superior OER performance, requiring a low overpotential of 298 mV to deliver a current density of 10 mA cm⁻² and displaying a Tafel slope of 90 mV dec⁻¹ in 1 M KOH. Furthermore, the catalyst demonstrated outstanding durability, retaining its electrocatalytic activity after 5000 consecutive CV cycles and prolonged chronopotentiometric testing. The Co₃V₂O₈/PEG-CTAB || Pt-C asymmetric cell required a cell voltage of 1.83 V to reach the threshold current density, confirming its ability to efficiently sustain overall water splitting under alkaline conditions. The enhanced performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of the electrocatalyst, which promotes active site exposure and structural stability. These findings highlight the potential of the Co₃V₂O₈/PEG-CTAB system as a cost-effective and robust electrocatalyst for practical water oxidation applications. Full article

A high-purity alkaloid-enriched extract (NPAE) was developed from Nelumbinis Plumula. Beyond quantifying its representative alkaloids and total alkaloid content, this study revealed the novel radioprotective role of NPAE against radiation-induced oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Pretreatment with NPAE significantly attenuated H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress and suppressed irradiation-induced pyroptosis, primarily through restoration of redox homeostasis and inhibition of inflammasome activation. Mechanistic investigations showed that NPAE downregulated the expression of GSDMD-N and cleaved caspase-1, while reducing the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-18 and IL-1β). These results demonstrate that NPAE effectively alleviates oxidative damage and prevents pyroptosis in endothelial cells, highlighting its potential as a promising phytotherapeutic agent for protection against ionizing radiation injury. Full article

Bone regeneration relies on the coordinated interplay between mechanical and biological cues. Piezoelectric composites, capable of converting mechanical strain into electrical signals, offer a promising approach to stimulate osteogenesis. This study aimed to develop and characterize polycaprolactone (PCL) and barium titanate (BaTiO₃) composite scaffolds fabricated through thermally induced phase separation (TIPS), and to systematically evaluate the effects of polymer concentration and ceramic incorporation on scaffold morphology, porosity, mechanical properties, and cytocompatibility were systematically evaluated. The resulting scaffolds exhibited a highly porous, interconnected architecture, with 9% PCL formulation showing the most uniform morphology and consistent mechanical and biological behavior. Incorporation of BaTiO₃ did not alter pore structure or compromise cytocompatibility but slightly enhanced stiffness and surface uniformity. SEM-based image analysis confirmed homogeneous BaTiO₃ dispersion across all formulations. MTT assays and confocal microscopy demonstrated robust pre-osteoblast adhesion and spreading, particularly on denser composite scaffolds, confirming that the inclusion of BaTiO₃ supports a favorable environment for cell proliferation. Overall, optimizing polymer concentration and ceramic dispersion enables fabrication of structurally coherent, cytocompatible scaffolds. The findings establish structure–property–biology relationships that serve as a baseline for future investigations into the electromechanical behavior of PCL/BaTiO₃ scaffolds and their potential to promote osteogenic differentiation under physiological loading. Full article

Background and Objectives: Corneal opacity is the fifth global cause of blindness and moderate-to-severe visual impairment due to scar tissue formation. The purpose of this study is to provide an integrated overview of the current state of corneal engineering strategies focused on the comparison with healthy corneas. It aims to identify engineering strategies that would result in functional corneas, providing real alternatives to donor corneal transplants. Materials and Methods: systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and according to the protocol with the ID: CRD420250654641 at the PROSPERO database. The focus question, prompted by considering the shortage of human corneal grafts, was: what is the performance of bioengineered corneal grafts in experimental animal models when compared with healthy eyes in the restoration of corneal anatomy and function? Results: Incorporating human corneal epithelial cells w/ or w/o human corneal stromal stem cells into a gelatin methacrylate and polyethylene glycol diacrylate matrix emerges as the leading option for epithelial layer regeneration. Human and bovine decellularized corneas, porcine corneal ECM in Gelatin methacrylate, dual layered collagen vitrigel and tissue-engineered human anterior hemi-corneas have shown promise for simultaneous regeneration of the corneal stromal and epithelial layers. Corneal stromal tissue regeneration could be positively impacted by transplantation with grafts derived from aligned self-lifting analogous tissue equivalents and collagen-based hydrogels. Finally, scaffolds of silk fibroin and human purified type I collagen represent promising approaches for corneal endothelial regeneration, though their effectiveness is contingent upon integration with endothelial cells. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the potential of tissue-engineered corneal substitutes as viable therapeutic options for corneal blindness and vision impairment. Assessing the optical and functional properties of the regenerated cornea should be a cornerstone in all studies aiming to evaluate their clinical effectiveness. Full article

As a coastal brush, Atalantia buxifolia is a good rootstock of citrus plants around sea shores, but its salt tolerance has not been studied. In order to explore the salt tolerance of A. buxifolia, its seeds and seedlings were subjected to NaCl stress treatment, followed by phenotypic observation and biochemical and transcriptome analysis. Results showed that the increase in NaCl concentrations resulted in the decrease in germination rates, germination potential, germination index, and vigor index of A. buxifolia seeds, as well as growth of epicotyl and radicle, and biomass of A. buxifolia seedlings. However, the seeds of A. buxifolia could adapt to the growth of 100 mM NaCl concentration to a certain extent. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and relative electrolyte leakage increased with the increase in NaCl concentrations. However, under treatment of 100 mM NaCl, the biomass, POD, CAT, APX, GSH, AsA, H₂O₂, MDA, and relative electrolyte leakage of A. buxifolia seedlings did not show significant changes compared with the control treatment. Transcriptome analysis showed that expression of differential genes increased with the increase in NaCl concentrations. GO enrichment showed that the most annotated genes were metabolic process, cell and cell composition, and binding. The KEGG pathway annotation shows that differential genes were mainly enriched in some pathways, such as photosynthesis antenna proteins, plant hormone signal transduction, glutathione metabolism, and starch and sucrose metabolism. In addition, differentially expressed genes had been annotated into 45 transcription factor families, including the largest number of bHLH, NAC, WRKY, MYB, and bZIP families. The results provide a basis for further understanding the salt tolerance mechanism and exploring related salt tolerance genes of A. buxifolia. Full article

In search of natural and safe compounds with immunomodulatory effects, this study identified a glucan with a molecular weight (Mw) of 1.2 × 10⁷ Da, named MSP-1-1, which was extracted and purified from Morchella sextelata via water extraction, alcohol precipitation, and column chromatography. Based on comprehensive characterization using HPAEC, SEC-MALLS-RI, FT-IR, GC-MS, NMR, and SEM, a structural model for MSP-1-1 is proposed. The model depicts a glucan with a backbone predominantly composed of →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→ linkages, featuring occasional →4,6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→ residues that serve as branch points. The branches are identified as single α-D-Glcp-(1→ units attached at the O-6 position of these branching residues. In vivo experiments revealed that MSP-1-1 restored cyclophosphamide-induced abnormalities in immune organ indices, histology, and peripheral blood parameters. Additionally, MSP-1-1 significantly enhanced macrophage phagocytosis, splenic lymphocyte proliferation, and the proportions of CD3⁺CD4⁺ and CD3⁺CD8⁺T cells, while increasing the CD3⁺CD4⁺/CD3⁺CD8⁺ ratio. It also elevated concentrations of IgA and IgM in both serum and thymus, indicating immunomodulatory activity. In summary, this research elucidated the structural characteristics and immunomodulatory activity of MSP-1-1, providing insights into the bioactivity of M. sextelata glucan and a basis for further exploring its potential functional applications. Full article

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent, oxidative form of regulated cell death that has emerged as a therapeutic vulnerability in glioblastoma; however, the mitochondrial determinants that govern ferroptotic sensitivity remain poorly defined. Cytochrome c oxidase (CcO/Complex IV), a key regulator of mitochondrial respiration, contains two isoforms of subunit IV (COX4): COX4-1, a housekeeping isoform, and COX4-2, a stress-inducible variant. We previously found that COX4-1 expression protects glioma cells from erastin-induced ferroptosis, suggesting that mitochondria influence cell-death decisions independently of canonical ferroptotic regulators. Here, we used CRISPR-generated POLG-knockout ρ⁰ cells and transmitochondrial cybrids to isolate mitochondrial from nuclear contributions to ferroptosis sensitivity. Cybrids reconstituted with COX4-1-containing mitochondria restored CcO activity and recapitulated the ferroptosis-resistant phenotype, whereas COX4-2 cybrids remained insensitive to erastin. COX4-1 cybrids exhibited reduced labile iron, diminished cystine uptake, and low expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4, yet underwent apoptosis rather than ferroptosis upon erastin treatment. These findings demonstrate that mitochondrial COX4-1 rewires redox metabolism and diverts cell-death signaling away from ferroptosis toward apoptosis. Our results identify isoform-specific mitochondrial composition as a previously unrecognized determinant of regulated cell death and highlight COX4-1-driven mitochondrial remodeling as a potential mechanism of therapeutic resistance in glioblastoma. Full article

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. To advance research on BAT activation and elucidate the mechanisms underlying adipogenesis, it is crucial to develop a reliable in vitro model. This study aimed to optimize the differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) into beige adipocytes and to validate the protocol using primary human ADSCs obtained from eight donors. Protocol optimization was first performed with commercial ADSCs, testing more than 30 combinations of adipogenic conditions. Differentiation was assessed by microscopy, Oil Red O staining, and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) expression via reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. Among the key adipogenic factors, rosiglitazone proved more effective than indomethacin. Extending the induction phase from 4 to 8 days and maintaining dexamethasone throughout the culture markedly enhanced differentiation efficiency. Serum concentration above 5% was inhibitory, while optimal conditions were identified as 5 μM rosiglitazone and 20 μg/mL insulin. The optimized protocol successfully induced beige adipogenesis in ADSCs from eight independent donors, though efficiency varied considerably which could be attributed to individual donor variability. These findings provide a robust in vitro model for studying beige fat biology and highlight the relevance of personalized approaches in metabolic research. Full article

We studied fine particulate matter (PM) effects on porcine granulosa, a model of endocrine reproductive cells, and on ovarian endothelial cells. PM produced a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in metabolic activity. PM reduced endothelial cell proliferation (p < 0.001). As for redox status, superoxide anion (O₂⁻) production by granulosa was reduced (p < 0.05) by PM, while it was increased in endothelial cells (p < 0.001). PM increased (p < 0.001) nitric oxide (NO) levels in granulosa, while in endothelial cells, it displayed a biphasic effect (p < 0.05) as well as for superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) in granulosa cells (p < 0.001). In endothelial cells, PM increased (p < 0.001) SOD. A reduction in Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) (p < 0.01) was observed. In granulosa, PM did not induce oxidative damage to DNA, while in endothelial cells, it determined a reduction (p < 0.05). PM significantly inhibited steroidogenesis (p < 0.05). The accumulation of autophagic vacuoles and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) production was increased (p < 0.05) by PM. The data obtained likely demonstrate that PM induces critical effects on ovarian cells. Full article

Rb₂KWO₃F₃ elpasolite was synthesized via the solid-state reaction route. The phase purity of the obtained sample was verified by the XRD analysis with Rietveld refinement in space group Fm-3m, yielding the unit cell parameter a = 8.92413 (17) Å. The electronic structure and chemical states of the constituent elements were investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The binding energy of the W 4f_7/2 core level (34.95 eV) was found to be characteristic of the W⁶⁺ oxidation state, while the values for Rb 3d, K 2p, O 1s and F 1s levels were consistent with those reported for related oxide and oxyfluoride compounds. First-principles density functional theory calculations were performed to model the electronic structure. The fac-configuration of the WO₃F₃ octahedra was identified as the most energetically favorable. The calculations revealed a direct band gap of 4.38 eV, with the valence band maximum composed primarily of O 2p orbitals and the conduction band minimum formed by W 5d orbitals. This combined experimental/theoretical study shows that the electronic structure and wide bandgap of Rb₂KWO₃F₃ are governed by the WO₃F₃ units and are largely insensitive to the Rb/K substitution. The wide bandgap identifies this class of oxyfluorides as a promising platform for developing new UV-transparent materials. Full article

This study investigated the antioxidant and antiadipogenic activities of sulfated polysaccharide (SPs) from the red seaweed Gracilaria caudata. First, sulfated polysaccharide-rich extracts (SPREs) from fifteen tropical seaweeds were screened to evaluate both their chemical composition and antioxidant potential. Among all samples, G. caudata exhibited the highest total antioxidant capacity, which justified its selection for detailed characterization. Sequential acetone precipitation produced three SPs (F1.5, F2.0, and F3.0), differing in sulfate content, monosaccharide composition, and molecular weight. In vitro assays revealed that F1.5 had the highest total antioxidant capacity and strong iron-chelating activity, while F2.0 exhibited the most effective hydroxyl radical scavenger. Importantly, F1.5 was the only SP that was non-cytotoxic to non-tumor cell lines. In 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, F1.5 attenuated H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress by reducing ROS and MDA levels and restoring GSH and SOD activity, achieving effects comparable to those of quercetin. Moreover, F1.5 inhibited adipogenic differentiation in a dose-dependent manner, as evidenced by decreased Oil Red O staining and reduced glycerol release. Collectively, these findings indicate that F1.5 exerts both antioxidant and antiadipogenic activities, highlighting G. caudata as a promising natural source of bioactive polysaccharides with potential nutraceutical applications. Nonetheless, further studies are required to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects, validate the efficacy in vivo, and assess bioavailability and safety before clinical translation can be considered. Full article

Titanium alloys are widely used for biomedical implants, but their performance is limited by wear, corrosion, and susceptibility to bacterial colonisation. To overcome these drawbacks, multilayer Ti–Cu oxide coatings were deposited on Ti6Al4V substrates using direct current magnetron sputtering. Two multilayer architectures (6 × 2 and 12 × 2 TiO₂/CuO bilayers) were fabricated and evaluated for their structural, mechanical, electrochemical, and biological properties. SEM/EDS and XRD confirmed well-adhered crystalline coatings consisting of rutile/anatase TiO₂ and monoclinic CuO with uniform elemental distribution. The coatings increased surface roughness, improved adhesion, and enhanced hardness by up to ~180% compared to uncoated Ti6Al4V alloy. Compared to the bare substrate, electrochemical testing in simulated body fluid showed higher corrosion resistance of both coated samples, but particularly for the 12 × 2 multilayers. Both architectures provided sustained Cu²⁺ release over seven days without a burst effect. In vitro biological testing showed that both multilayer coatings achieved over 96% inhibition of Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, while exhibiting moderate antibacterial effects against Gram-negative strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Despite the presence of copper, MG-63 osteoblast-like cells demonstrated sustained viability and successful extracellular matrix mineralisation, indicating excellent cytocompatibility of the coatings with bone-forming cells. These results demonstrate that multilayer Ti–Cu oxide coatings can effectively balance antibacterial performance, corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and support bone cell integration, making them a promising strategy for the surface modification of titanium-based biomedical implants. Full article