Search Results (141)

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is an antioxidant enzyme that plays physio-pathological roles. Prior in silico analysis revealed the presence of response elements of the nuclear receptor superfamily in the PON1 promoter, comparable to glucocorticoid receptors (GR), the vitamin D receptor (VDR), and the pregnenolone X receptor (PXR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃, a ligand specific to VDR, on the expression and activity of PON1 in hepatocarcinoma cells (HepG2 cells). PON1 activities (arylesterase/AREase and lactonase/LACase) were determined by spectrophotometry. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to evaluate the effect of VDR and PXR on the mRNA levels of PON1 and CYP3A4 genes. Molecular models and dynamics simulations were built using specialized software. Treatments with 1α,25-dyhydroxyvitamin D₃ (calcitriol), its active hormonal form, resulted in an induction of PON1 mRNA and AREase activity compared to control cultures. These results suggest that calcitriol plays a role in the regulation of PON1 transcription and provide evidence that this hormone increases PON1 levels in HepG2 cells. In addition, the molecular modeling suggests that calcitriol enhances PON1 activity and this increase could be caused by direct interaction on the PON1 protein. This study shows the effects of calcitriol on PON1 expression, proposing a new molecular mechanism for the transcriptional regulation of PON1 through a process linked to VDR activation and direct interaction of calcitriol on the PON1 protein. Full article

Aim: To assess oxidative–inflammatory biomarker prediction of incident CKD after 1-year follow-up in a population with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome. Methods: Prospective nested case–control study comprising 117 CKD incident cases and 117 matched controls free of CKD after 1-year follow-up conducted in 55–75-year-old participants. Controls were time-matched 1:1 to cases by intervention group, age (≤65 vs. >65 years), and sex. Serum creatinine (SCr), cystatin C (CyC), and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) were measured at baseline, and CKD Epidemiology Collaboration equations for Caucasians were used to assess SCr, CyC, and CyC-SCr-based estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). Baseline levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonyls, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-1ra, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), and leptin were determined from fasting serum samples. An inflammatory-oxidative stress score based on these biomarkers was calculated. Incident CKD was defined by eGFR-SCr <60 mL/min/1.73 m², and/or UACR ≥30 mg/g in the absence of CKD at baseline. Results: UACR positively correlated with pro-inflammatory markers (IL-1β; TNFα) and oxidative damage marker (MDA); eGFR-cyC showed negative correlations with IL-1β and IL-1ra, and eGFR-SCr with leptin. The odds ratios (OR; 95% CI) for incident CKD in the highest vs. the lowest tertile of IL-1ra IL-6 and TNFα were (2.22; 1.22–4.04), (7.03; 2.88–17.14), and (3.79; 1.79–8.02), respectively. The inflammatory–oxidative stress score was associated with incident CKD (OR per 1-SD increment: 2.06; 1.49–2.83). Conclusions: Inflammatory/oxidative stress is associated with CKD incidence in individuals with high cardiovascular risk, underscoring the importance in identify early inflammation to prevent this disease. Full article

Hydrophobins are small, surface-active protein biosurfactants secreted by filamentous fungi with potential applications in industries such as pharmaceuticals, sanitation, and biomaterials. Additionally, hydrophobins are known to stabilize enzymatic processing of biomass for improved catalytic efficiency. In this study, Pichia pastoris was used to recombinantly express hydrophobin HFBI from Trichoderma reesei, a well-characterized fungal system used industrially for bioethanol production. Iterative optimization was performed on both the induction and purification of HFBI, ultimately producing yields of 86.6 mg/L HFBI and elution concentrations of 48 μM HFBI determined pure by SDS-PAGE, over a five-day methanol-fed batch shake flask induction regiment followed by a single unit operation multimodal cation exchange purification. This final purified material represents an improvement over prior approaches to enable a wider range of potential applications for biosurfactants. Full article

Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions worldwide and present an urgent challenge due to the aging of the population. Drug delivery to the brain is limited by the blood–brain barrier (BBB), inspiring the development of nanotransporters like phytosomes. This study aimed to develop phosphatidylcholine (PC)-based phytosomes incorporating macroalgae extracts. Some of them were functionalized with PEG and ApoE to enhance BBB passage. The phytosomes were characterized by the encapsulation rate, size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and stability, with BBB passage tested in an in vitro model (transwell hCMEC/D3 cell model). The phytosomes showed high stability and effective extract binding (74.9–80.3%) over four weeks. Although ApoE functionalization did not significantly improve BBB crossing, all nanotransporters successfully traversed the BBB in the model. Full article

Arsenic contamination in aquifers poses a significant global health risk due to its toxicity and widespread presence in groundwater used for drinking. Although several approaches for arsenic removal exist, many are either expensive or logistically difficult. This study assesses the efficacy of native limestones from two arsenic-contaminated regions in Mexico as a sustainable treatment alternative. Tested in batch and column experiments using synthetic solutions, as well as natural and arsenic-enriched groundwater, the limestones were characterized mineralogically (XRD) and chemically (XRF). Surface area, particle size, average pore volume in rocks, and competing anions (i.e., bicarbonate and sulfate) in groundwaters played important roles in removal performance. The results show that smaller particle sizes improve arsenic retention. Up to 87.6% of the arsenic was removed from groundwater containing 1.29 mg/L of arsenic when treated with rock particles smaller than 0.062 mm. Natural groundwater, however, in general, exhibited lower efficiency than synthetic solutions due to anion interference. Although site-specific evaluations are essential, these results indicate that limestone may be a cost-effective and locally accessible solution for addressing arsenic (As) contamination in regions with abundant limestone outcrops. Full article

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive technique—used for the local eradication of neoplastic cells—that exploits the interaction of light, oxygen, and a photo-responsive drug called photosensitizer (PS) for the local generation of lethal ROS. Push-pull chromophores, that bear electron donor (D) and acceptor (A) groups linked through a π-electron bridge, are characterized by a non-homogeneous charge distribution in their excited state, with charge transfer from one extremity of the chain to the other one (Internal Charge Transfer—ICT). This phenomenon has a direct impact on the photophysical features of the push-pull compounds, as the bathochromic shift of the emission maxima and intersystem crossing (ISC) of the excited state are directly connected with the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In continuing our research regarding the synthesis and use of oligophenylene ethynylenes (OPEs) in PDT, two new push-pull glycosyl OPE-NOF and OPE-ONF—featuring electron-donor N,N-dimethylamino (N) and dimetoxyaryl (O) and acceptor tetrafluoroaryl (F) moieties on the OPE chain—have been efficiently prepared. The interchanged position of the D groups onto the conjugated skeleton was aimed to tune and optimize the push-pull effect, while the introduction of glucoside terminations was directed to give biocompatibility and bioaffinity to the chromophores. OPE-NOF, OPE-ONF, and the synthetic intermediates were fully characterized, and their photophysical properties were investigated by using UV-Vis absorption and emission spectroscopy. OPE-NOF showed a strong charge-transfer character and high PDT effect on HeLa cancer cells when irradiated with non-harmful blue light, causing massive cancer cell death. Full article

According to the current dogma, ER–Golgi transport is mediated by COPII-coated vesicles. However, numerous contradictions have emerged in this field. In this study, we demonstrate that Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains three distinct types of membrane spheres, with diameters of approximately 35–45 nm, 47–52 nm, and over 65 nm, respectively. The first type is Sso1-positive and primary associated with clathrin-positive endocytosis invaginations, which may function as exit sites for secretory soluble cargos. The second population is GOS1-positive and COPI-dependent. The third population represents secretory granules. Furthermore, we propose that several cornerstone studies supporting the COPII-vesicle model can have alternative interpretations. Our findings suggest that the predominant model of intracellular transport in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the “kiss-and-run” mechanism. Full article

The main objective of this study was to provide an overview of the potential health-promoting properties of honeys collected at specific apiary locations from the protected area of Montesinho Natural Park (MNP), by analyzing their amino acid and polyphenolic profiles, and their biological properties, and comparing them with the renowned Manuka honey. The results revealed differences in total phenolic content among the samples examined and between sampling campaigns, with values ranging from 55.6 to 225 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per 100 g of honey, compared to 57.2 mg GAE/100 g for Manuka honey. Gallic acid, neochlorogenic acid, and catechin were the key phenolics of MNP honey samples. MNP honey exhibited high levels of essential amino acids (phenylalanine, lysine, and valine), strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, moderate enzyme inhibition, and high proline content in some locations. These results highlight the exceptional nutritional and therapeutic potential of MNP honey. Full article

Veganism is gaining popularity due to its ethical, health, and environmental benefits. However, many vegans face challenges in obtaining a complete essential amino acid profile from plant sources, making diversified protein sources crucial for balanced nutrition. Macroalgae, a nutrient-rich food traditionally consumed in Asia, offers a solution by providing both essential and non-essential amino acids vital for optimal health. This study analyzed the amino acid profiles of seven macroalgae species from the northwest coast of the Iberian Peninsula using HPLC with fluorescence detection. All samples contained essential amino acids, although tryptophan was mostly absent. Brown algae displayed higher aspartate and glutamate levels, contributing to the “umami” flavor, while red algae exhibited higher histidine and lysine concentrations. These findings highlight macroalgae as a valuable food source for vegan diets, offering a comprehensive amino acid profile essential for personalized nutrition plans. Full article

This work presents a comparative study of low cost and low invasiveness sensors (plantar pressure and inertial measurement units) for classifying cross-country skiing techniques. A dataset was created for symmetrical comparative analysis, with data collected from skiers using instrumented insoles that measured plantar pressure, foot angles, and acceleration. A deep learning model based on CNN and LSTM was trained on various sensor combinations, ranging from two specific pressure sensors to a full multisensory array per foot incorporating 4 pressure sensors and an inertial measurement unit with accelerometer, magnetometer, and gyroscope. Results demonstrate an encouraging performance with plantar pressure sensors and classification accuracy closer to inertial sensing. The proposed approach achieves a global average accuracy of 94% to 99% with a minimal sensor setup, highlighting its potential for low-cost and precise technique classification in cross-country skiing and future applications in sports performance analysis. Full article

In this study, the impact is assessed of a sustainability course on pre-service primary school teachers’ knowledge, behavior, and willingness towards sustainability. It aims to determine how this type of education empowers future educators as agents of change towards more sustainable practices in school settings. In this study, a quasi-experimental design is employed with questionnaires administered before and after the sustainability course to 56 pre-service primary school teachers. Robust statistical methods were used to analyze the data for independent and paired samples, as well as Spearman’s correlation to explore associations between cognitive, behavioral, and conative dimensions of sustainability. The results showed significant improvements in cognitive and conative dimensions following the intervention. Students increased their knowledge about sustainability and demonstrated a greater willingness to adopt sustainable behaviors. However, the change in concrete behaviors was less pronounced, suggesting the need for additional strategies to translate knowledge and willingness into effective action. In this study, the impact is highlighted of sustainability education on pre-service teachers, emphasizing the need for its effective integration into teacher training curricula to foster both knowledge acquisition and practical application of sustainable behaviors. Full article

Background/Objectives: Aurora (AK) A/B are oncogenic mitotic kinases that when over-expressed are poor prognostic markers in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Methods and Results: Alisertib, an AK-A inhibitor, has anti-tumor activity in relapsed/refractory (r/r) MCL patients. We evaluated alisertib plus ibrutinib in MCL to abrogate ibrutinib resistance. Alisertib plus ibrutinib was therapeutically synergistic on both Granta-519 insensitive to ibrutinib and JeKo-1 cells sensitive to ibrutinib. Alisertib decreased PI-3K, BTK, p38, HCK, and RSK kinases, indicative of its multipotent effect on cellular proliferation and growth. A mouse xenograft model of Granta-519 demonstrated that alisertib plus ibrutinib had a comparable anti-tumor response to ibrutinib plus rituximab. However, alisertib plus ibrutinib plus rituximab demonstrated significantly stronger tumor growth inhibition than the doublets. Conclusions: Both double and triple combinations showed enhanced survival versus ibrutinib alone. Ibrutinib insensitivity can be disrupted by alisertib plus ibrutinib in MCL. Full article

Sucralose, a commonly nonnutritive sweetener used in daily products of habitual diet, is related to impairing the gut microbiome by disrupting inflammatory response, promoting weight gain by increasing adipose tissue and promoting chronic inflammatory processes. Considering the impact of sucralose in the development of metabolic diseases, in this work, we focused on the impact of sucralose on the adipocyte differentiation process to determine if sucralose can promote adipogenesis and increase adipose tissue depots in PCS 210 010 human preadipocytes cell line. Sucralose at 25 (S25) and 100 ng/µL (S100) concentrations were tested against control with no edulcorant (NS) during the adipocyte differentiation process at 48 h and 96 h. The genetic expression of adipogenesis markers such as CEBP-α, PPARγ, EBF-2, UCP-1, and lipogenesis regulator ACC was determined by qPCR. A panel of human cytokines related to inflammatory response was measured by a flow cytometer using the kit Legend Plex Human Cytokine panel of BIOLUMINEX. Our results indicate that sucralose increased the expression of white adipocyte differentiation marker CEBP-α and lipogenesis regulator ACC at 96 h before complete differentiation. Also, sucralose triggers an inflammatory response by synthesizing adiponectin, resistin, IL-6, IL-8, and Il-1B. To summarize, sucralose stimulates the expression of genes related to adipogenesis and negatively affects the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and adipokines during preadipocyte differentiation. Full article

Carbon nanostructures are highly promising materials for applications in a variety of different fields. Besides their interesting performances, the possibility to synthesize them from biowaste makes them an eco-friendly resource widely exploitable within a circular economy context. The present work deals with the green, one-pot synthesis of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) from carbon aerogels (CAs) derived from rice husk (RH). After having obtained CAs upon purification of RH, followed by gelification and carbonization of the resulting cellulose, the one-pot solventless production of GQDs was obtained by ball milling. This method determined the formation of crystalline nanostructures with a diameter of around 20 nm, which were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy to obtain a full morphological and structural characterization. GQDs were used as electrode materials for supercapacitors and Li-ion batteries, showing the ability to both accumulate charges over the surface and intercalate lithium-ions. The reported results are a proof of principle of the possibility of exploiting GQDs as support material for the development of advanced systems for energy storage. Full article

Bromophenols, which belong to the family of phenolic compounds, are halogenated secondary metabolites characterized by the incorporation of bromine atoms into the phenol ring structure, resulting in unique chemical properties. These compounds, synthesized as secondary metabolites by algae, exhibit different isomeric forms due to bromine substitution at different positions within the phenol ring, showing variability among species. Bromine substitution not only confers specific chemical properties but also plays an important role in the ecological functions of bromophenols by inducing increased lipophilicity, which affects solubility and reactivity, an adaptive response to external conditions. Certain genera of red algae, such as Gracilaria and Rhodomela, have been identified as important sources of bromophenols. Research on bromophenols involves extraction, commonly using solvents such as methanol or methanol-dichloromethane, and identification and structural elucidation using advanced analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for the precise determination of structure and configuration. Bromophenols display diverse biological activities, highlighting antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiviral and antioxidant properties, which are closely related to their specific chemical structure. The importance of understanding the chemical group of bromophenols is underlined by their role in chemical defense mechanisms, contributing to potential biotechnological applications and broader contributions to the marine ecosystem. Therefore, this study is aimed to review the chemical characteristics and biological properties of bromophenols in red algae. Full article