Search Results (3,607)

Postprandial hyperglycemia represents a critical therapeutic target in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), requiring interventions that simultaneously address glycemic dysregulation and oxidative stress. This study evaluated the anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant properties of Sclerocarya birrea leaf crude extract (CE) and biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Phytochemical screening, nanoparticle characterization (UV–Vis, XRD, TEM, SEM, DLS, FTIR), enzyme inhibition assays (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, DPP-IV), glucose dynamics in Caco-2 cells, and antioxidant assays (DPPH, total antioxidant capacity, H₂O₂ cytoprotection) were performed. Phytochemical analysis identified flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and terpenoids as major constituents of Sclerocarya birrea leaf extract. AgNPs exhibited spherical morphology (36.8 ± 8.6 nm, n = 100 particles analyzed), face-centered cubic crystallinity (crystallite size: 32.1 nm), and characteristic surface plasmon resonance at 451 nm. Both formulations inhibited α-amylase (CE IC₅₀: 14 µg/mL; AgNPs IC₅₀: 14.07 µg/mL, n = 3) and α-glucosidase (CE IC₅₀: 15.96 µg/mL; AgNPs IC₅₀: 15.82 µg/mL, n = 3), showing substantial inhibition, though less potent than acarbose. Uniquely, AgNPs demonstrated selective DPP-IV inhibition (IC₅₀: 220.5 µg/mL, n = 3, p < 0.001 vs. CE), completely absent in CE. In antioxidant assays, DPPH scavenging potency was comparable between formulations (CE IC₅₀: 23.45 µg/mL; AgNPs IC₅₀: 22.26 µg/mL, n = 3), while CE achieved higher maximal scavenging at the tested concentrations. Conversely, AgNPs provided superior intracellular cytoprotection against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in kidney cells (80.2 ± 2.1% viability at 76 µg/mL vs. CE 69.8 ± 3.4% at 190 µg/mL, n = 3, p < 0.001), representing a 2.5-fold dose advantage. Neither formulation significantly altered glucose uptake or SGLT1 expression in intestinal epithelial cells (p > 0.05, two-way ANOVA, n = 3). These findings establish S. birrea-based formulations, particularly AgNPs, as promising multifunctional candidates for managing postprandial hyperglycemia and oxidative complications in T2DM. They also highlight nanotechnology-enhanced phytomedicine as an innovative therapeutic strategy. Full article

Background/Objectives: The consumption of olive oil and olives has been steadily increasing, leading to growing interest in the sustainable management of by-products such as olive stones. This work aimed to contribute to the development of valorization strategies by studying the chemical composition and biological potential of olive stone extracts, using both conventional and eco-friendly extraction methods with various solvents. Methods: Several extracts were prepared and chemically characterized regarding their fatty acid and phenolic profiles by GC-FID and HPLC-DAD-MS/MS, respectively. Their antioxidant, cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities were also evaluated. Results: n-Hexane Soxhlet extract yielded higher concentrations and a broader range of fatty acids when compared to the chloroform-methanol Folch extract. Oleic, palmitic, and linoleic acids were the predominant fatty acids in the extracts. A large variety of phenolic compounds were identified in extracts obtained by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), including several flavonoids, small phenolic compounds, secoiridoids (nuezhenide and oleuropein), and hydroxytyrosol. MAE hydroalcoholic extracts showed high total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity by the oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC) and hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity (HOSC) assays. Moreover, the aqueous ethanol (50%) and aqueous methanol (80%) extracts displayed low cytotoxicity toward the non-malignant Caco-2 cell line (IC₅₀ values of 1.29 and 1.40 mg/mL, respectively), while both induced complete loss of viability in the HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma cell line at 0.63 mg/mL. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of olive stone as a valuable source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and selective antiproliferative properties. The results support their further exploration in the development of sustainable valorization strategies for olive industry by-products. Full article

Superhydrophobic materials have clear potential for mitigating rain/humidity-induced damage to cultural heritage. In the present study, the wetting properties of Paraloid B72 were tailored to achieve superhydrophobicity by incorporating modified calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) nanoparticles (NPs). B72 is a well-established conservation product while CaCO₃ is chemically compatible with calcareous materials commonly found in cultural heritage buildings and objects. Initially, the wettabilities of CaCO₃ NPs, functionalised with caproic (C6), caprylic (C8), lauric (C12), myristic (C14), palmitic (C16), and stearic (C18) acid, were evaluated by measuring water contact angles (CAs) on NP pellets. For NPs with short hydrocarbon chains, CA increased with chain length, from 66.3° for CaCO₃-C6 to 118.0° for CaCO₃-C12 NPs. For NPs with longer chains, CA remained stable and around 118°. Based on these results, CaCO₃-C12 NPs were selected for further investigation and subjected to transmission electron microscopy analysis, which revealed chain-like agglomerates of aggregated nanocrystallites (5–10 nm) forming 40–150 nm polycrystalline NPs. Scanning transmission electron microscopy combined with elemental mapping revealed a homogeneous distribution of Ca, C, and O within the NPs. Next, CaCO₃-C12 NPs were dispersed in B72 solutions and sprayed onto limestone, which was employed as a model calcite-rich substrate. At optimal NP concentration, the resulting composite coating exhibited superhydrophobicity (CA > 150°), while it induced minimal colour alteration to limestone and effective resistance to capillary water absorption. The fluorine-free coating also demonstrated good durability against UV exposure, drop impact, salt attack, freeze–thaw cycles, tape peeling, drop pH variations, and thermal treatment. Full article

Lutein and zeaxanthin are macular carotenoids known for their protective role against major eye diseases. The bio-accessibility of these macular carotenoids is extremely low, with a limited amount synthesised in plants. Quantifying these compounds in plants/biological samples is challenging because of their structural similarity. Although numerous methods have been reported for quantifying macular carotenoids, there is currently no unified chromatographic technique that can be applied for the separation and quantification of these carotenoids across diverse matrices over a broad dynamic range while also incorporating an effective extraction step. Biochemical processes during digestion and absorption further lower carotenoid levels in the body (bioavailability), making precise measurement of their esterified forms necessary. Here, we incorporate an alkaline hydrolysis extraction and present a single liquid chromatographic method applicable to both PDA and MS detection for the separation and quantification of lutein and zeaxanthin across various matrices (food, digesta, and Caco-2 cells) and concentration ranges. It utilises common solvents for the mobile phase system and a C30 column. The reverse-phase method achieved excellent recoveries in spiked samples, acceptable relative standard deviations (RSDs) for validation parameters, and offers potential for high-throughput analysis while being transferable between matrices (from plant to Caco-2 cells). Full article

To elucidate the mechanisms by which the hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain length of emulsifiers and the surface properties of aggregates influence the adhesive performance at the emulsified asphalt–aggregate interface, this study employed molecular dynamics simulations to construct interface models. Key parameters, including relative concentration, diffusion coefficients, and interfacial adhesion work, were systematically analysed to reveal the intrinsic effects of imidazoline-type emulsifier chain length and aggregate type on interfacial behaviour. The results indicate that increasing the hydrophobic chain length of the emulsifier suppresses the adsorption of emulsified asphalt at the aggregate interface. The diffusion coefficients of both emulsifier and asphalt molecules initially increase and subsequently decrease with chain length, with the non-polar asphalt components (aromatics and saturates) exhibiting greater sensitivity to chain length variations. Moderate extension of the hydrophobic chain enhances interfacial adhesion work, whereas exceeding the optimal chain length reverses this trend, weakening adhesion. Aggregate surface properties exert a significant influence on interfacial behaviour. Compared with the acidic SiO₂ (0 0 1) surface, the basic CaCO₃ (1 0 4) surface exhibits lower peak relative concentrations of emulsified asphalt, reduced sensitivity to variations in emulsifier chain length, lower molecular diffusion coefficients, and stronger interactions with asphalt molecules, resulting in superior interfacial adhesion. This study provides a molecular-level theoretical basis for the targeted design of emulsifier structures and the efficient adaptation of emulsified asphalt to different aggregate systems. Full article

The cement industry, a major contributor to global CO₂ emissions, urgently requires sustainable solutions that maintain or enhance material performance. This study investigates the efficacy of Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) as a partial cement replacement strategy by incorporating two distinct microorganisms, the bacterium Bacillus subtilis (B1) and the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus (B2), into cement mortar. The experimental design involved a significant 30% reduction in total cement content compared to the control mix, with each microorganism added at a dosage of 5% by cement weight. Flexural performance was assessed via three-point bending tests at 7, 28, and 56 days. Microstructural and chemical analyses were conducted using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The results demonstrate that the incorporation of both microorganisms effectively compensated for the reduced cement content, with the A. fumigatus mix (B2) showing a marked enhancement in flexural behavior, achieving a 4.3% increase over the full-cement control mix at 56 days. This superior flexural performance is attributed to its hyphal scaffolding and crack-bridging effect, which contributes to improved toughness. XRD and XRF analyses confirmed the formation of additional biogenic calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and provided qualitative insights into matrix densification. This study validates the use of A. fumigatus via the MICP technique as a structurally efficient and eco-friendly pathway to produce high-performance mortars with enhanced flexural properties and a substantially reduced carbon footprint, offering a critical alternative for sustainable cementitious materials. Full article

Small pelagic fish are nutrient-dense foods, but whether domestic cooking alters their capacity to modulate probiotic adhesion is unclear. We prepared sardines and sprats using five household techniques (raw, cooked, steamed, baked, and fried) and generated in vitro digestates using the INFOGEST method. We tested two concentrations in two intestinal co-cultures—Caco-2/HT29 and mucin-producing Caco-2/HT29-MTX. Adhesion of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Lactobacillus brevis were quantified. Digestates altered adhesion in a probiotic strain species in a process-dependent manner. Sprat digestates from fried or baked preparations produced the strongest stimulation, exceeding 150% in Caco-2/HT29; responses in HT29-MTX were directionally similar but attenuated. In contrast, cooked or steamed sardine digestates frequently inhibited adhesion, particularly at 0.5% (e.g., L. gasseri < 50%). Raw preparations yielded divergent outcomes across models. A two-way ANOVA confirmed significant effects of processing, concentration, and their interaction, with the interaction explaining up to 21% of the observed variance. Across conditions, L. rhamnosus adhered most consistently, whereas L. brevis and L. gasseri were more environmentally sensitive. These findings suggest that standard cooking practices alter the bioactivity of fish-derived digestates and, consequently, the adhesion of beneficial lactobacilli in intestinal cell models, selecting sprats and employing dry-heat methods may favor probiotic–host interactions under in vitro conditions. Full article

A naringenin-rich extract was obtained from Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens Kunth) by supercritical CO₂ extraction and subjected to simulated gastrointestinal digestion to evaluate its potential to mitigate oxidative stress, reduce nitric oxide (NO) production, and enhance glucose uptake, an indicator of insulin resistance. Even after the simulated digestion, the extracts still showed activity, as the digested supercritical extract showed cellular antioxidant activity in colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells higher than 80%, increased glucose uptake in hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells with insulin resistance by 29.9% and decreased NO production in 38.1% in murine macrophages (RAW 264.7). The methanolic extract showed similar results but led to higher NO production. In general, supercritical CO₂ extraction yields higher flavonoid content in oregano extract than conventional methanolic extraction, as reflected in the biological activities; moreover, the green nature of the process supports the development of functional ingredients. Full article

Background/Objectives: Collagen hydrolysates are widely used as nutritional ingredients for skin and joint health; however, growing evidence indicates that collagen may also exert beneficial effects on cardiometabolic pathways. Short peptides have been shown to modulate angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV), key regulators of blood pressure and glucose homeostasis. This study aimed to assess the dual ACE- and DPP-IV inhibitory and GLP-1 stimulation activities, respectively of a tripeptide-enriched formulation (CH). The study was performed using a benchmark collagen hydrolysate (BCH) as reference. Methods: ACE and DPP-IV inhibitory activities were evaluated using in vitro enzymatic assays. Cellular compatibility and in situ DPP-IV inhibition were assessed in Caco-2 intestinal cells, while glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion was measured in STC-1 enteroendocrine cells. The degree of hydrolysis was determined by OPA assay, and nanoLC–HRMS was used to characterize and compare the proteomic profiles of the samples. Results: Both hydrolysates exhibited dose-dependent ACE and DPP-IV inhibition; however, CH showed significantly higher inhibitory activity at comparable concentrations. CH also reduced cellular DPP-IV activity in Caco-2 cells and stimulated GLP-1 secretion in STC-1 cells, whereas BCH showed limited or non-significant cellular effects. Peptidomic analysis revealed an enrichment of short- and medium-length peptides in CH, while BCH contained a higher proportion of long peptides (>2000 Da). Consistently, CH exhibited a 1.7-fold higher degree of hydrolysis than BCH. Conclusions: The tripeptide-enriched collagen hydrolysate demonstrated superior enzymatic and cellular bioactivity compared with the benchmark formulation, supporting its potential as a multifunctional bioactive ingredient for health applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: The gut–liver axis plays a central role in cholesterol homeostasis, linking intestinal absorption, microbial metabolites, and hepatic lipid regulation. Dysregulation of this axis contributes to hypercholesterolemia and cardiometabolic risk, beyond classical cholesterol synthesis pathways. This study evaluated a novel multi-botanical formulation (MIX) that combines Gastrodia elata, Black Garlic, Primula veris, and Emblica officinalis (AMLA) to integrate modulation of cholesterol metabolism through intestinal and hepatic mechanisms. Methods: Individual extracts were chemically characterised for polyphenols, flavonoids, polysaccharides, S-allyl-L-cysteine (SAC), and tannins. Caco-2 cells were treated with varying doses to determine optimal concentrations and for viability, transepithelial electrical resistance, and permeability analysis. Supernatants post-intestinal passage were applied to HepG2 cells under high-glucose conditions to assess viability, oxidative stress, SRC/ERK-MAPK signalling, cholesterol synthesis (HMGR), LDL uptake, PCSK9–LDLR–SREBP-2 axis, and bile acid production. Results: MIX enhanced intestinal barrier integrity (TEER, tight junctions, permeability) and preserved cell viability compared with single extracts. In HepG2 cells, MIX demonstrated synergistic effects: it reduced HMGR expression by 83–90% relative to individual extracts, increased LDLR expression by 43–97%, suppressed PCSK9 by up to 92%, and lowered total cholesterol and LDL uptake more effectively than RYRF. MIX also amplified bile acid production and free cholesterol excretion, indicating improved hepatic clearance pathways. SRC and ERK-MAPK signalling were favourably modulated, supporting hepatocyte survival under metabolic stress. Conclusions: The multi-botanical formulation exerts complementary and synergistic effects on intestinal absorption and hepatic cholesterol regulation, integrating suppression of cholesterol synthesis, enhanced LDL clearance, and stimulated elimination via bile acids. These findings highlight the potential of the MIX formulation to modulate metabolically induced cholesterol dysregulation, supporting further in vivo and clinical investigation. Full article

Background: Oral iron supplementation or food fortification is essential for managing or preventing iron deficiency but often causes gastrointestinal side effects. While solubility has traditionally been considered a requirement for iron uptake via the DMT1 transporter, recent evidence shows that insoluble iron can also be absorbed through endocytosis, raising questions about particle size and epithelial responses. Methods: Human intestinal cell lines (Hutu-80 and Caco-2) were exposed to physiologically relevant but elevated iron levels (0.5 mM Fe, 48 h) as ferric pyrophosphate, ferrous fumarate (both prone to precipitation), and soluble ferric EDTA. Cell survival and COX-2 protein were quantified by ELISA, solubility by ICP-OES, and particle size in cell culture medium by dynamic light scattering analyses. Results: Ferric pyrophosphate (0.62–3.8 μm) markedly increased COX-2 expression in Hutu-80 cells (254% ± 37%, n = 3, p = 4.11 × 10⁻⁵) and in Caco-2 cells (78% ± 8%, n = 3, p = 0.01) compared to the control. Ferrous fumarate (237–866 nm) also induced COX-2, but only in Hutu-80 cells (62% ± 11%, n = 3, p = 0.04), whereas ferric EDTA showed no effect in either cell line. COX-2 induction was associated with larger particles in the medium (≥237 nm), whereas smaller particles (<146 nm) were not. Conclusions: Particle size appears to be a critical determinant of cell survival and iron-induced epithelial COX-2 expression. Iron compounds that present as both soluble and particulate forms may optimize bioavailability, but controlling aggregate size (<146 nm) could reduce inflammatory signaling. These findings may have important implications for cell culture systems and warrant in vivo validation in iron supplemental studies. Full article

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder linked to gut microbiota dysbiosis and impaired inter-organ metabolic signalling. This study investigated the combined effects of the probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TJA7 and Mulberry Leaf extract (Morus alba) on cellular processes relevant to T2DM-related metabolic dysfunction. An advanced in vitro gut–pancreas–liver axis model, using Caco-2, EndoC-βH5, and HepG2 cells, was employed under hyperglycemic and oxidative stress conditions. The combined treatment consistently outperformed the individual components by improving intestinal barrier integrity, as indicated by increased transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), and by enhancing butyrate translocation across the intestinal layer. Metabolites derived from the combination attenuated pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and increased insulin secretion (1.7-fold compared with Mulberry Leaf extract alone). At the hepatic level, co-administration modulated key glucose metabolism pathways, including Insulin Receptor Substrate 1 (IRS1), Protein Kinase B (AKT), AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK), and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1 Alpha (PGC-1α), suggesting improved cellular glucose handling. Collectively, these findings support a positive dose-specific interaction under the tested conditions and provide a biologically plausible, hypothesis-generating framework for probiotic–phytochemical cooperation along the gut–pancreas–liver axis. Further in vivo and clinical studies are required to establish causality and translational relevance. Full article

This study investigated the potential use of ash derived from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), typically destined for landfill in Israel, as a partial replacement for cement and aggregates in concrete mixtures, aligning with circular economy and sustainable construction objectives. MSW samples (post-metal and large plastic remains removal), supplied by the Dudaim Reclamation Center in Israel, were incinerated under controlled conditions in an upgraded laboratory furnace to produce ash. The ash content in the Israeli MSW was 18% ash. The ash consisted mainly of calcium-based minerals, including anhydrite (CaSO₄), alite (3CaO·SiO₂), and calcite (CaCO₃), with minor quartz content, indicating potential pozzolanic behavior. The characterization results showed that appreciable amounts of ash produced from MSW incineration in Israel can be used as a partial replacement for cement and fine aggregates when properly treated. This study successfully established a laboratory-scale incineration process for Israeli MSW. The resulting ash was characterized, confirming its potential as a raw material for concrete applications, thereby paving the way for future studies on its performance as a partial substitute for cement and fine aggregates in concrete blends. Full article

Food allergies are increasing worldwide, yet the early epithelial mechanisms that initiate allergic sensitization remain incompletely defined. As the intestinal epithelium governs both allergen translocation and epithelial–immune crosstalk, it constitutes a critical but underutilized model for predicting allergenicity. In this study, we used Caco-2 and T84 intestinal epithelial monolayers cultured on Transwell^® inserts to compare barrier properties and responses to peanut protein extract. Phenotypic characterization included biomarker profiling, transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements, tight junction integrity assessment, and analysis of cytokine levels as well as oxidative and nitrosative stress. Peanut exposure caused moderate TEER reductions without overt tight junction disruption while allowing translocation of the major allergen, Arachis hypogaea allergen 1 (Ara h 1), likely via transcellular pathways. Peanut protein extracts also induced epithelial stress responses, characterized by increased reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide production, alongside time-dependent secretion of innate and type 2-associated mediators, including IL-1β, TSLP, IL-25, and IL-33, indicating epithelial activation in the absence of complete barrier breakdown. Notably, basolateral supernatants from peanut-exposed epithelial monolayers activated THP-1-derived macrophages and enhanced IL-6 secretion, demonstrating that limited allergen passage across an otherwise intact epithelial barrier is sufficient to elicit early innate immune responses. Collectively, these findings indicate that peanut extract induce subtle functional perturbations in the intestinal epithelium while promoting downstream immune activation, highlighting Caco-2 and T84 cells as complementary in vitro platforms for studying barrier-dependent mechanisms of allergic sensitization. Full article

Background: Quercetin (Q) can reduce cellular oxidative stress, though it is susceptible to degradation in physiological conditions. Through adsorption and protection of Q, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) could enhance its bioactivity. This work aimed to determine the effect of Q loading in MSN and in its aminated (A-MSN), carboxylated (C-MSN) or thiolated (T-MSN) derivatives on its Caco-2-cytoprotective effect against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress. Methods: The mesoporous silica materials were characterized (FT-IR, ζ-potential, TGA), and their cytotoxicity was assessed; then, they were loaded with Q and incubated with Caco-2 cells prior to oxidative stress induction, and the cytoprotective effect was evaluated through measurement of cell viability. Results: None of the nanoparticles showed toxicity to Caco-2 cells. A-MSN showed the highest Q loading capacity (5.26% ± 0.06%), due to hydrogen-bonding interactions. C-MSN clearly enhanced the Q cellular uptake compared to the other nanoparticles. Oxidative stress decreased Caco-2 cell viability, which was prevented by 100 µM free Q after 18 h incubation. In contrast, higher cell viability than in non-stressed cells was observed with the same Q concentration loaded across all nanoparticle types. Conclusions: Despite the high instability of free quercetin under cell culture conditions, it exerted a time-dependent cytoprotective effect against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress that was enhanced upon loading into nanoparticles. Prior release of the Q molecule in the medium is ineffective, and the presence of the loaded material is required. Full article