Search Results (73)

Background: Hypertension is a common comorbidity and risk factor for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), yet the molecular mechanisms linking these two diseases remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate hypertension-related molecular signatures in ccRCC using integrated multi-transcriptomic analyses. Method: Hypertension-related differentially expressed genes (DEHRGs) in ccRCC were identified by integrating transcriptomic data from the TCGA-KIRC cohort with the GeneCards database. Functional enrichment, WGCNA, machine learning, GSVA, survival analysis, and Mendelian randomization were performed to identify and characterize hub genes. Spatial and single-cell transcriptomic analyses were used to investigate tumor heterogeneity and predict candidate therapeutic compounds, which were subsequently evaluated in vitro. Results: Four hypertension-related hub genes—SCNN1G, CASR, KCNJ1, and WNK4—were identified and were mainly involved in ion transport, electrolyte homeostasis, and blood pressure regulation. Diagnostic models based on these genes showed good discriminatory performance between tumor and normal tissues, and the nomogram showed good calibration and potential clinical benefit. Higher hypertension-related transcriptional activity was associated with significantly poorer overall survival, while MR analysis suggested a genetic association with ccRCC risk. Spatial transcriptomics revealed pronounced spatial heterogeneity of SCNN1G, CASR, KCNJ1, and WNK4, with these hub genes predominantly enriched in stromal and immune regions. Single-cell-based drug screening identified candidate compounds predicted to have antitumor activity, among which epicatechin gallate (ECG) and pseudoginsenoside-F11 showed favorable tumor selectivity. Conclusions: This study systematically characterized hypertension-related molecular signatures in ccRCC and identified SCNN1G, CASR, KCNJ1, and WNK4 as key hub genes. These genes may contribute to the molecular association between hypertension and ccRCC. They also represent promising candidate biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Integrated spatial and single-cell analyses further identified pseudoginsenoside-F11 and ECG as potential therapeutic compounds and supporting a potential molecular association between hypertension and ccRCC. Full article

Storage duration critically shapes the characteristic sweet and mellow quality of ripened pu-erh tea (RPT), yet the underlying chemical mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study investigated the sensory and chemical evolution of a representative commercial RPT product across a nine-year storage gradient (1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 years) by integrating Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA), chromaticity measurement, targeted quantification of 42 non-volatile components, and Headspace Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) volatilomics with multivariate statistical modeling. Prolonged storage drove systematic sensory maturation: the stale aroma gradually purified, and the taste profile transitioned significantly from heavy and mellow to sweet and mellow (p < 0.05), accompanied by a deepening infusion color with increased redness and yellowness indices. Targeted chemical profiling revealed significant decreases in total polyphenols and astringent esterified catechins, particularly epicatechin gallate (ECG) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) (p < 0.05), while theabrownins remained stable and soluble sugars peaked at intermediate storage stages. Pearson correlation analysis linked these chemical shifts to sensory perception, with enhanced sweetness, mouthfeel thickness strongly associated with reduced monomeric catechins and free amino acids (p < 0.001). Volatilomics combined with K-means clustering and relative odor activity value (ROAV) analysis revealed a dual mechanism of flavor refinement: progressive accumulation and increasing odor activity of aged aroma markers (1,2,3-trimethoxybenzene, β-ionone) coupled with systematic attenuation of pungent acids and grassy aldehydes. These findings, based on a single, standardized commercial product, elucidate the chemical-sensory foundation of the sweet and mellow profile in aged RPT and provide candidate markers and a transferable analytical framework for quality assessment of stored teas. Full article

In this study, the rank of multifaceted activity of catechin (C), epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) was addressed. Their antioxidant activity was determined by the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), whereas their ability to inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE), and formation of the advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) was performed in a model system to show their importance against hypertension, Alzheimer-type dementia, and diabetic’s complication, respectively. The order of the antioxidant potential of catechins in comparision to gallic acid (GA) was EGCG > ECG > EC > EGC ≈ C > GA, whereas the order of the ACE inhibitory activity was EGCG > ECG > EGC > EC > C, thus indicating the importance of the structure–activity relationship. The correlation between IC₅₀ for ACE inhibition of catechins and their antioxidant activity had the value r = −0.60. The order of the AChE enzyme inhibitory activity was EGCG ≈ EGC > ECG > EC > C, and the weak positive correlation between IC₅₀ and the first anodic peak potential (E_pa1) values was noted (r = 0.67). The ranking of the anti-AGE activities was EGCG ≈ ECG > EGC > EC > C, and a negative correlation between the inhibitory activity of catechins against AGE formation and their antioxidant activity was r = −0.82, whereas a positive correlation (r = 0.88) was noted between their first anodic peak potential (E_pa1) values. The provided results expand our knowledge on the multifaceted activity of catechins, indicating EGCG and ECG as the most active antioxidants against inhibition of ACE and AChE as well as towards AGE formation. Full article

Fermented Miang (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) serves as a valuable source of bioactive polyphenols and probiotic-associated components. This study characterized the catechin composition of fermented Miang extracts and evaluated their antioxidant capacity and suitability for cosmetic formulations. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) was the predominant catechin (7.00 ± 0.93 mg/g dry weight), followed by catechin (C), epicatechin (EC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), and epigallocatechin (EGC). The extracts remained physically and chemically stable for at least three months under various storage conditions, with the dried extract form offering advantages for handling and formulation. Fermentation duration significantly influenced phenolic accumulation and antioxidant activity, with four-month fermentation showing the highest activity. Prototype cleansing formulations, including transparent/opaque soap bars, liquid soap, and shampoo containing fermented Miang extract, exhibited acceptable physicochemical characteristics and retained antioxidant function. These findings highlight fermented Miang as a promising natural ingredient for antioxidant and probiotic-inspired cosmetic applications. Full article

Background: Despite significant improvements in blood safety, the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections persists, particularly from emerging and re-emerging viruses. For red blood cell (RBC) products, this risk is exacerbated by the fact that there is no routine testing for many of these pathogens, and effective, commercially available pathogen inactivation technologies specifically for RBCs are still lacking. This gap in the safety framework means that viruses capable of establishing an asymptomatic viremia—a characteristic of many arboviruses like Zika, dengue, and West Nile virus—present a tangible threat to the blood supply, highlighting the need for broad-spectrum countermeasures. Study Design and Methods: This study aims to investigate the antiviral activity of green tea extract (GTE) and its key catechins, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin gallate (ECG), against ZIKV in both cellular models and red blood cell (RBC) products. In vitro antiviral activity was assessed using A549 cells treated with GTE (150 μg/mL) or purified EGCG/ECG (20 μM). Mechanistic studies focused on viral attachment inhibition. Additionally, ZIKV-spiked RBC products were co-incubated with GTE (300 μg/mL) for 1 h to evaluate virucidal effects. Erythrocyte integrity was confirmed via hemolysis assays. Results: Co-treatment with GTE or catechins suppressed ZIKV replication by ≥3.64 logs (p < 0.001) in A549 cells. GTE and catechins primarily inhibited viral attachment. In RBCs, GTE reduced viral infectivity by 99.99% (4-log reduction) without compromising erythrocyte membrane integrity or cellular viability. Furthermore, RBCs with added GTE demonstrated a lower hemolysis rate during storage for up to 60 days. Conclusions: GTE exhibits potent virucidal activity against ZIKV in blood matrices, highlighting its potential as a pathogen reduction agent to enhance transfusion safety. Further development of GTE-based additive solutions or technologies is warranted. Full article

To investigate the effect of phenolic hydroxyl group number on the interaction between catechins and a plant-derived protein carrier, four catechins with varying hydroxyl numbers—epicatechin (EC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin (EGC), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)—were investigated. The new plant-derived edible dock protein (EDP) was selected as a carrier matrix. EDP, when employed as a protein delivery carrier, possessed a hydrophobic amino acid content of 45%. This structural feature enabled it to provide more hydrophobic cavities for small molecule compounds, thereby facilitating better binding with them. The results indicated that the order of loading capacity of catechins within EDP was EGCG (9.7%) > ECG (9.1%) > EGC (8.8%) > EC (7.1%). This sequence was consistent with the number of hydroxyl groups in catechin: EGCG (8) > ECG (7) > EGC (6) > EC (5). Among the four catechins, EGCG had the highest binding constant (Ka = 2.6 × 10³ L/mol), leading to the largest quenching of EDP. During self-assembly, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions were the main driving forces, and the interaction between EGCG and EDP was the strongest. This study indicated that the hydroxyl group number of polyphenolic compounds can determine its binding affinity with proteins. Full article

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight is a major extrinsic factor that impairs skin function and accelerates photoaging. In this study, a murine model of ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced photoaging exhibited characteristic symptoms, including skin roughness, erythema, hyperpigmentation, and increased wrinkle formation. Epicatechin gallate (ECG), a natural flavonoid, has demonstrated potential skin-protective properties. However, its specific effects and mechanisms against UVB-induced photoaging are not fully understood. Here, we investigated the protective role and underlying mechanism of ECG against UVB-induced damage in human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). Using network pharmacology, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), specifically the p38α isoform, was identified as a key potential target of ECG. Our experimental results confirmed that ECG significantly attenuated UVB-induced photoaging. Mechanistically, ECG treatment effectively suppressed UVB-triggered phosphorylation of p38α, promoted autophagic flux (as evidenced by increased LC3B conversion and decreased p62 levels), and substantially reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Consequently, ECG mitigated mitochondrial dysfunction, restored normal cell cycle progression, and decreased the expression of senescence-associated markers (p53, p16, p21) and inflammatory cytokines (IL6, TNF-α). In summary, our findings demonstrate that ECG protects against UVB-induced photoaging primarily by inhibiting p38α activation, thereby enhancing autophagy and alleviating oxidative stress. This study positions ECG as a promising therapeutic candidate for preventing and treating skin photoaging. Full article

To functionally enhance Tartary buckwheat and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of change, solid-state fermentation (SSF) was conducted using three edible-medicinal fungi—Auricularia auricula (A. auricula), Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum), and Hericium erinaceus (H. erinaceus). The in vitro antioxidant (DPPH/ABTS) and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities were quantitatively evaluated. Notably, SSF with H. erinaceus specifically elevated α-glucosidase inhibitory activity by 50% under the tested conditions. Non-targeted metabolomics further profiled metabolite alterations to identify key up-regulated bioactive compounds. Epicatechin gallate (ECG) was significantly up-regulated in all three samples, and the fold change in quercetin 3′-O-sulfate in GFTB was significantly higher than that in the other two samples. Metabolic pathway analysis identified the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and the metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides as the most prominently affected pathways. This study demonstrates that SSF with edible-medicinal fungi is an effective bioprocessing strategy to boost the bioactivity and value of Tartary buckwheat. Full article

Tetracycline antibiotics are widely used, but their resistance to degradation and persistence in the environment pose a potential risk of inducing antibiotic resistance, creating significant threats to both the environment and human health. This study established a laccase–mediator system (LMS) using natural green tea polyphenols (GTPs) as mediators for efficient tetracycline degradation. Through analyzing the main GTP components and optimizing the reaction conditions, the degradation efficiency of the system was evaluated. The experimental results indicated that, among the various tea polyphenol components, epicatechin gallate (ECG) contributed the most significantly to the degradation efficiency. Under optimized conditions, the Lac-ECG system degraded over 98% of tetracycline within 3–4 min. Further optimization of the Lac-GTP system allowed us to identify the following optimal conditions: a GTP concentration of 1.0 mmol/L, laccase concentration of 1.0 mg/mL, pH of 6.0, and temperature of 25 °C. Under these conditions, a degradation rate of 95.07% was attained within 5 min, outperforming a system using the synthetic mediator ABTS. Additionally, metal ions such as Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺, Fe²⁺, and Ni²⁺ were found to enhance the degradation process, while Mn²⁺ and Hg²⁺ exhibited inhibitory effects. Antibacterial activity tests revealed that the degradation products completely lost their antimicrobial activity, demonstrating effective detoxification of tetracycline. In conclusion, the tea polyphenol-based laccase–mediator system developed in this study exhibits high efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness, offering a promising strategy for the remediation of tetracycline-contaminated environments. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) begins with hepatic lipid accumulation and triggers insulin resistance. Hibiscus leaf extract exhibits antioxidant and anti-atherosclerotic activities, and is rich in (−)-epicatechin gallate (ECG). Despite ECG’s well-known pharmacological activities and its total antioxidant capacity being stronger than that of other catechins, its regulatory effects on MASLD have not been fully described previously. Therefore, this study attempted to evaluate the anti-MASLD potential of ECG isolated from Hibiscus leaves on abnormal lipid and glucose metabolism in hepatocytes. First, oleic acid (OA) was used as an experimental model to induce lipid dysmetabolism in human primary hepatocytes. Treatment with ECG can significantly (p < 0.05) reduce the OA-induced cellular lipid accumulation. Nile red staining revealed, compared to the OA group, the inhibition percentages of 29, 61, and 82% at the tested doses of ECG, respectively. The beneficial effects of ECG were associated with the downregulation of SREBPs/HMGCR and upregulation of PPARα/CPT1 through targeting AMPK. Also, ECG at 0.4 µM produced a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in oxidative stress by 83%, and a marked (p < 0.05) increase in glycogen synthesis by 145% on the OA-exposed hepatocytes with insulin signaling blockade. Mechanistic assays indicated lipid and glucose metabolic homeostasis of ECG might be mediated via regulation of lipogenesis, fatty acid β-oxidation, and insulin resistance, as confirmed by an AMPK inhibitor. These results suggest ECG is a dual modulator of lipid and carbohydrate dysmetabolism in hepatocytes. Full article

Knowing the superior biochemical defense mechanisms of sessile organisms, it is not hard to believe the cure for any human sickness might be hidden in nature—we “just” have to identify it and make it safely available in the right dose to our organs and cells that are in need. For decades, green tea catechins (GTCs) have been a case in point. Because of their low redox potential and favorable positioning of hydroxyl groups, these flavonoid representatives (namely, catechin—C, epicatechin—EC, epicatechin gallate—ECG, epigallocatechin—EGC, epigallocatechin gallate—EGCG) are among the most potent plant-derived (and not only) antioxidants. The proven anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, and anticarcinogenic properties of these phytochemicals further contribute to their favorable pharmacological profile. Doubtlessly, GTCs hold the potential to “cope” with the majority of today‘s socially significant diseases, yet their mass use in clinical practice is still limited. Several factors related to the compounds’ membrane penetrability, chemical stability, and solubility overall determine their low bioavailability. Moreover, the antioxidant-to-pro-oxidant transitioning behavior of GTCs is highly conditional and, to a certain degree, unpredictable. The nanoparticulate delivery systems represent a logical approach to overcoming one or more of these therapeutic challenges. This review particularly focuses on the lipid-based nanotechnologies known to be a leading choice when it comes to drug permeation enhancement and not drug release modification nor drug stabilization solely. It is our goal to present the privileges of encapsulating green tea catechins in either vesicular or particulate lipid carriers with respect to the increasingly popular trends of advanced phytotherapy and functional nutrition. Full article

The decline in differentiation capacity during skeletal muscle (SkM) aging contributes to the deterioration of skeletal muscle function and impairs regenerative ability. Epicatechin gallate (ECG), a major functional component of catechins found in tea, has an unclear role in aging-related sarcopenia. In vivo experiments in 54-week-old C57BL/6J mice showed that ECG treatment improved exercise performance, muscle mass, and fiber morphology and downregulated the expression of the testosterone metabolic enzyme gene UGT2A3 in aged mice. In vitro experiments with Leydig cells (TM3) demonstrated that ECG upregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of testosterone synthase genes, including StAR, P450scc, 3β-HSD, CYP17a1, and 17β-HSD. Network pharmacology analysis further suggested that ECG can influence testosterone secretion through the regulation of cytokines, thereby promoting skeletal muscle differentiation. These findings indicate that ECG enhances the differentiation of skeletal muscle cells by modulating testosterone levels, which helps alleviate age-related muscle function decline. Full article

Atherosclerosis is a persistent inflammatory disorder influenced by oxidative stress and lipid imbalances, and it continues to be a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases. Rich in catechins and flavonoids, green tea pressurized hot water extract (GPHWE) demonstrated potent antioxidant activity through DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl, and nitric oxide scavenging assays. In vitro, GPHWE protected RAW264.7 macrophages from oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL)-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis by mitigating oxidative stress and enhancing cell survival. Animal studies using mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) revealed notable improvements in lipid profiles, including decreases in total cholesterol, LDL, the atherosclerosis index (AI), the coronary risk index (CRI), and triglycerides, as well as lower levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), an indicator of oxidative stress. These results were comparable to those achieved with Simvastatin. Molecular docking studies indicated strong binding affinities of catechins to essential targets such as LOX-1, HMG-CoA reductase, caspase-3, and Nrf2, implying that the mechanisms of GPHWE involve antioxidant properties, regulation of lipids, and stabilization of plaques. The catechins of GPHWE, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epicatechin gallate (ECG), and epigallocatechin (EGC), were tentatively identified through qualitative analysis performed by UHPLC-QTOF-MS. This comprehensive approach positions GPHWE as a promising natural remedy for preventing atherosclerosis and reducing cardiovascular risk. Full article

Tea polyphenols have been reported to decrease the rate of starch hydrolysis by inhibiting α-glucosidase. However, the effect of the tea harvesting season and the structure of catechin monomers on the inhibitory activity of α-glucosidase is not understood. In this study, the inhibitory effect and underlying mechanism of four seasons of Dancong tea against α-glucosidase were investigated by in vivo and in vitro experiments, multi-spectroscope and molecular dynamic. The Dancong tea harvested in spring and winter showed a stronger inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase due to a higher content of catechin, especially EGCG ((-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate). The results of in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that EGCG and ECG ((-)-epicatechin-3-gallate) with a higher content of gallate and hydroxyl groups exhibited a stronger inhibitory effect on starch hydrolysis, rise of postprandial blood glucose and activities of α-glucosidase compared to EGC ((-)-epigallocatechin) and EC ((-)-epicatechin). These gallate and hydroxy groups were more effective in interacting with the amino acid residues in the active site of α-glucosidase, leading to structural changes in the enzyme. Certainly, the inhibitory effect of Dancong tea on α-glucosidase explains one of the mechanisms by which it helps alleviate diabetes; the other hypoglycaemic mechanisms of Dancong tea will be further explored. Full article

This study investigated the effects of various characteristic components of tea—theaflavins, catechins, thearubigins, theasinensins, theanine, catechin (C), catechin gallate (CG), epicatechin (EC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), gallocatechin (GC), and gallocatechin gallate (GCG)—on acrylamide formation. The results revealed that most of tea’s characteristic components could significantly eliminate acrylamide, ranked from highest to lowest as follows: GC (55.73%) > EC (46.31%) > theaflavins (44.91%) > CG (40.73%) > thearubigins (37.36%) > ECG (37.03%) > EGCG (27.37%) > theabrownine (22.54%) > GCG (16.21%) > catechins (10.14%) > C (7.48%). Synergistic elimination effects were observed with thearubigins + EC + GC + CG, thearubigins + EC + CG, thearubigins + EC + GC, theaflavins + GC + CG, and thearubigins + theaflavins, with the reduction rates being 73.99%, 72.67%, 67.62%, 71.03%, and 65.74%, respectively. Tea’s components reduced the numbers of persistent free radicals to prevent acrylamide formation in the model system. The results provide a theoretical basis for the development of low-acrylamide foods and the application of tea resources in the food industry. Full article