Search Results (4,452)

Ether phospholipids from marine organisms represent an understudied class of bioactive lipids with unique structural features. In this study, we isolated, for the first time, an ether phosphatidylserine (ePS) species from the soft coral Sclerophytum heterospiculatum and assessed its biological activity on human microglial clone 3 (HMC-3) cells. The isolated ePS contained an ether bond at the sn-1 position and very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (24:5) at the sn-2 position. Using an MTS assay, we demonstrated that ePS was non-cytotoxic at all tested concentrations (0.39–100 μg/mL) and even increased microglial proliferation at 50–100 μg/mL. In microglial cells activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS-activated), ePS significantly reduced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA). A lipidomic analysis by HPLC–MS/MS revealed that ePS modulated the membrane lipid composition of microglial cells, increasing the content of polyunsaturated phosphatidylserines (PS 36:3, PS 40:5) and decreasing the levels of phosphatidylinositols (PI 18:1/20:4; PI 18:0/20:4, 18:1/20:3). Furthermore, a fatty acid analysis showed that ePS prevented LPS-induced accumulation of saturated fatty acids and preserved PUFA levels in HMC-3 cells. These findings suggest that marine-derived ePS can be considered as promising agents with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Full article

The root bark of Morus alba L. is commonly used as a natural antioxidant; however, its active constituents and underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, a bioactivity-guided isolation approach was employed to identify antioxidant substances from the root bark of Morus alba L. and to investigate their protective effects against oxidative damage in HaCaT cells. Using techniques such as silica gel column chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC, combined with NMR and HR-ESI-MS analysis, 22 compounds were isolated and identified from the dichloromethane extract of Morus alba L. root bark, including Diels–Alder adducts, flavonoids, and benzofurans. Among them, compounds 1 and 2 are new compounds, while compounds 12 and 16 were isolated from this plant for the first time. Bioactivity screening revealed that Kuwanon A (compound 17) exhibited significant cytoprotective effects in an H₂O₂-induced HaCaT cell injury model, effectively scavenging intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), restoring mitochondrial function, and enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and GSH. Further studies indicated that H₂O₂ induced ferroptosis in HaCaT cells, characterized by abnormal Fe²⁺ levels, lipid peroxidation, and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α). Kuwanon A significantly ameliorated these pathological changes. Consistently, ELISA and Astral DIA quantitative proteomics analyses demonstrated that Kuwanon A specifically upregulates the expression of the sulfurtransferase NFS1, thereby promoting the expression of the core antioxidant enzyme GPX4 and the iron storage protein ferritin-H, collectively inhibiting ferroptosis. This study elucidates that Kuwanon A is a key active component responsible for the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Morus alba L. root bark, and its mechanism is closely associated with regulating the NFS1-mediated ferroptosis defense pathway. Full article

A derivatisation-free HPLC–MS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of selenium- and sulphur-containing amino acids in soybean leaves, and applied to a 3 × 3 factorial hydroponic experiment probing selenium–sulphur metabolic interactions. The method resolves five biologically informative analytes (Cys₂, SeCys₂, MeSeCys, Met, SeMet) within 1.5 min through multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of the free fraction was jointly optimised for both analyte classes by the response-surface methodology; enzymatic hydrolysis of the extraction residue recovered the protein-bound fraction on the same platform. Limits of detection ranged from 0.036 to 0.556 µg L⁻¹, intra-day relative standard deviations were below 5%, and spike recoveries fell between 92.3 and 117.4%. Free SeAA and SAA pools were negatively correlated across the nine treatments (R² = 0.83), consistent with competitive Se–S assimilation, whereas bound pools were positively correlated (R² = 0.89), reflecting proportional protein-level incorporation. A regime of 1–5 mM of sulphate with 20 µM of selenite yielded the highest bound organo-Se with near-normal growth, providing leaf-level evidence that may inform future seed-focused studies aimed at Se-enriched soy-protein ingredient development. Full article

Rosehip (the “fruit” of Rosa canina L, commonly known as dog rose) is an emerging functional food, yet native Greek populations remain under-explored. This study screened 76 wild genotypes from Northern Greece for radical scavenging activity (% RSA), total phenolic content (TPC), and ascorbic acid (AsA). The results showed remarkable antioxidant potential (RSA > 70%), with TPC ranging from 1.02 to 35.96 mg g⁻¹ DW, and AsA between 0.72 and 3.57 mg g⁻¹ FW. Stepwise multiple regression analysis identified altitude as the primary predictor for RSA (adjusted R² = 0.139, p = 0.001) and latitude as a significant modulator for TPC (p = 0.034), reflecting subtle environmental adaptations over a robust genetic baseline. HPLC-PDA-MS characterization revealed a complex profile dominated by procyanidins, catechin derivatives, flavanonols (eriodictyol conjugates), and flavonol 3-O-glycosides (mainly quercetin hexosides and pentosides). Exploratory multivariate analysis (PCA) visualized high phenotypic plasticity and identified elite chemotypes (e.g., RPK-5, RCZ-12). Notably, the Rhodopi population exhibited the most extensive multidimensional dispersion despite its geographically restricted collection radius, suggesting a diverse local genetic reservoir. These findings establish a phytochemical map of Greek dog rose germplasm, providing essential criteria for selecting high-quality genotypes for future domestication and exploitation in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors. Full article

Clonostachys rosea is a promising biological control agent (BCA) against several plant pathogens, but its sensitivity to solar radiation limits its field efficacy. The biochemical changes occurring in C. rosea under light are still unknown, and no studies have assessed its antagonistic potential against Phytophthora cinnamomi and Phytophthora × cambivora, the main causal agents of ink disease in sweet chestnut. In this study, C. rosea was isolated from asymptomatic sweet chestnut plants in a forestry area affected by ink disease. We evaluated its in vitro antagonistic capacity against both oomycetes under dark and light conditions and investigated the metabolomic and volatilomic changes through HPLC-QToF-MS and GC-MS analyses. Under dark conditions, C. rosea exhibited remarkable inhibitory activity against both oomycetes in a dual-culture assay and through secreted secondary metabolites, including sorbicillinol and vertinolide, derivatives known for their biological activities. Light exposure significantly reduced antagonistic efficacy and secondary metabolite diversity. Volatilomic analyses revealed moderated differences between conditions, with volatile compounds whose biological roles remain uncharacterized and warrant further investigation. These findings indicate that light conditions critically affect the antagonistic potential of C. rosea, highlighting the importance of environmental factors in optimizing its use for the biological control of ink disease in chestnut. Full article

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have garnered substantial research interest in recent years due to their biodegradability, low toxicity, and potent antimicrobial properties against various plant pathogens. As a typical herbivore-induced plant volatile (HIPV) elicited by Nilaparvata lugens (Brown planthopper, BPH), (E)-2-hexenal has been identified as a promising natural antimicrobial agent. In this study, we investigated the protective potential of (E)-2-hexenal against Rhizoctonia solani (R. solani) in rice, focusing on both its direct antifungal activity and host-mediated defense mechanisms. In vitro antifungal assays demonstrated that treatment with 100 μL/mL (E)-2-hexenal resulted in a 91.07% inhibition of R. solani mycelial growth after 48 h. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation and chitinase activity analysis revealed that (E)-2-hexenal suppressed fungal growth by disrupting the structural integrity of the pathogen cell wall. Furthermore, 100 μL/mL (E)-2-hexenal effectively conferred protection to detached rice leaves. Whole-plant inoculation assays confirmed that (E)-2-hexenal pretreatment significantly alleviated disease symptoms and triggered systemic resistance in rice plants. Physiological and biochemical analyses showed that (E)-2-hexenal treatment enhanced the activities of defense-related enzymes, elevated hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) levels, and promoted the accumulation of defensive metabolites in rice leaves. HPLC-MS quantification further revealed significant increases in the endogenous levels of jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA). Transcriptomic KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly involved in alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, diterpenoid biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, plant–pathogen interaction, and plant hormone signal transduction. Collectively, these results suggest that (E)-2-hexenal enhances rice resistance to sheath blight disease via a dual-action mechanism: direct inhibition of fungal development and activation of host immune responses. Our findings highlight the potential application of (E)-2-hexenal and other VOCs in developing eco-friendly strategies for sustainable rice disease management. Full article

Background/Objectives. Inflammation, comprising many complex and finely coordinated immunological processes, represents a vital protective mechanism of the human body. By regulating inflammatory processes, cytokines play a key role in the modulation of the immune system. Secondary plant compounds such as polyphenols influence cellular immunological processes which might contribute to ensuring a physiologically healthy immune status. Methods/Results. This study investigated eleven polyphenol-rich extracts from red fruit beverages in terms of potential inhibitory effects on pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion of leukemic monocyte THP-1 cells. Extracts originating from fruit juice (apple), fruit juice concentrate (red grape, black currant, pomegranate, elderberry, aronia), fruit juice puree (cranberry, blueberry) or fruit juice pulp (strawberry, sour cherry) were obtained by adsorption onto Amberlite^® XAD-7 resin. The Folin–Ciocalteu assay showed a high content of phenolic compounds in the eleven extracts and HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSⁿ analysis revealed that the extracts contained various anthocyanins in addition to copigments and polymers. Further screening using Lumit^® Immunoassay showed that all tested extracts caused a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion (interleukins (IL): IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor TNF-α). The extracts from red grape and black currant were the most active ones. Conclusions. Overall, our results showed that polyphenol-rich fruit extracts can inhibit inflammatory processes in vitro. In vivo studies on the anti-inflammatory effect of fruit juice will be a promising approach to determine the fruit juice-dependent, health-promoting effects in humans. Full article

Rambutan peel, an abundant agro-industrial by-product, is a rich source of ellagitannins (ETs) and represents a promising substrate for the sustainable production of ellagic acid (EA) through solid-state fermentation (SSF). This study aimed to optimize EA release from rambutan peel ETs by SSF using Saccharomyces cerevisiae 227 in column reactors. We applied a central composite design (CCD) to evaluate and optimize the effects of temperature, NaCl concentration, and peptone supplementation on EA production. We also used HPLC/ESI/MS to identify and quantify EA. Maximum EA yields were obtained under central experimental conditions (treatments 15 and 16: 35 °C, 0.53 g/L NaCl, and 8 g/L peptone), reaching 8.36 ± 1.58 and 8.23 ± 0.52 mg/g, respectively. The predictive model estimated a maximum EA production of 8.29 mg/g, experimentally validated, at 34.6 °C, 0.58 g/L NaCl, and 8.26 g/L peptone, yielding 8.27 ± 0.47 mg/g. HPLC/ESI/MS analysis further confirmed EA formation and the presence of biodegradation products derived from geraniin and corilagin, indicating effective ET biotransformation. These findings establish optimized conditions for EA production from rambutan peel ETs via SSF and demonstrate the feasibility of implementing a sustainable bioprocess for the valorization of this agro-industrial residue. Full article

Against the backdrop of intensifying global climate change and water eutrophication, the increasing occurrence of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems, human health, and socio-economic activities. The occurrence and development of HABs are complex processes governed by the interaction of physical, chemical, and biological factors. Therefore, timely and accurate monitoring is essential for early warning and scientific research. This paper comprehensively reviews recent advances in HAB monitoring technologies, with a focus on two core components: sensors and monitoring platforms. First, organized around key environmental parameters, it summarizes the principles, applications, and limitations of in situ sensors, such as multi-parameter water quality sondes, Imaging Flow Cyto-bots (IFCB), and Environmental Sample Processors (ESP), as well as laboratory-based analytical techniques such as HPLC-MS for measuring physical, chemical, and biological indicators. Second, it compares the technical characteristics of three major monitoring platforms (including field surveys, remote sensing, and autonomous systems) and discusses their potential for synergistic application. Finally, this review proposes a future framework for an integrated “Space–Air–Ground–Sea” intelligent monitoring network and explores possible pathways to address current challenges through cross-platform data fusion, sensor miniaturization, intelligentization, and artificial intelligence-driven decision support. This review aims to provide a comprehensive reference for the optimization and innovation of HAB monitoring technologies and to promote the development of the field toward greater integration, intelligence, and real-time monitoring capability. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sebocytes, the primary cell type in sebaceous glands (SGs), produce a lipid mixture called sebum that is released onto the skin surface and is required for skin homeostasis. The lipid receptor Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor gamma (PPARγ) regulates sebocyte proliferation and lipid synthesis and is involved in acne development. As inhibition of PPARγ has been shown to reduce insulin-induced lipogenesis and Akt/mTOR signalling in SZ95 sebocytes, we here investigated the effects of PPARγ deletion on lipid homeostasis and autophagic stress responses and how the secretomes affect dermal fibroblasts. Methods: SZ95 sebocytes wildtype (WT) and PPARγ knockout (KO) were shifted to low serum and EGF-deficient conditions permissive for autophagy. Untargeted and targeted HPLC-MS/MS analyses were used to analyze native and oxidized lipids, respectively. Protein levels of LC3I/II and p62 were assessed using immunoblots and immunofluorescence microscopy to investigate the autophagic flux. Dermal fibroblasts were exposed to conditioned media. Results: In low serum culture media, KO SZ95 sebocytes displayed significantly altered levels of 23 lipid classes. We observed a significant increase in ether-linked fatty acids as components of complex lipids and detected elevated levels of phospholipid hydroperoxides and aldehydolipids in the KO sebocytes. KO SZ95 sebocytes failed to show the typical responses to lipoxidative stress, such as elevated p62 crosslinking or inclusion body formation, and had reduced LC3II/I ratios as compared to WT cells. PPARγ KO conditioned media promoted a trend towards an inflammatory fibroblast phenotype. Conclusions: These findings suggest that PPARγ in sebocytes may alter the lipidome, elevate redox stress, and affect the autophagic machinery, which could cause accumulation of oxidized lipids and other potentially harmful compounds in sebocytes. Full article

Myrtus communis L. (common myrtle) is an economically valuable Mediterranean shrub with diverse applications in food, pharmaceutical, and ornamental sectors. However, the biochemical diversity of myrtle genotypes from Mediterranean environments remains insufficiently characterized, particularly regarding the relationship between primary and secondary metabolism and stress adaptation. This study investigated the biochemical and aroma profiles of six myrtle genotypes selected from natural populations in Antalya, Turkey, to identify chemotypic diversity and elucidate metabolic diversity observed in Mediterranean genotypes. Volatile compounds were analyzed using HS-SPME/GC-MS, while sugars and organic acids were quantified by HPLC. Multivariate statistical analyses (PCA, hierarchical clustering) were employed to evaluate metabolic relationships and genotype classification. Descriptive analysis suggested three potential chemotypic patterns: (i) 1,8-cineole-type (G34, G36) with G29 showing a transitional profile, (ii) α-Pinene-type (G15, G37), and (iii) Ester-aldehyde type (G9). These groupings are based on single volatile measurements and should be considered preliminary patterns pending validation through replicate analyses. Significant genotypic variation was observed for primary metabolites (sugars and organic acids) (p < 0.001, η² > 0.90), as evaluated by ANOVA with triplicate biological replicates. Volatile compound differences were evaluated as descriptive exploratory patterns only. Hierarchical clustering revealed three metabolic strategies: balanced metabolism integrating diverse volatile and primary metabolite profiles (Cluster 1: G9, G15, G37), terpene-rich volatile defense with enhanced organic acid metabolism (Cluster 2: G29, G36), and specialized 1,8-cineole-dominant biosynthesis (Cluster 3: G34). These findings highlight substantial metabolic diversity and provide a basis for germplasm evaluation and selection and potential applications. Full article

Plasticizers enhance polymer flexibility and durability, yet many leach into aquatic environments as persistent contaminants. Phthalate esters (PAEs), the most widely used plasticizers, are of particular concern due to weak polymer binding, high mobility, and documented ecological and human health risks. Conventional analytical techniques such as GC–MS and HPLC provide high accuracy but rely on expensive instrumentation and laboratory-based analysis, limiting rapid and on-site monitoring. In response, electrochemical approaches have emerged as promising alternatives for both the detection and removal of PAEs, especially when coupled with sustainable and environmentally benign materials. This review summarizes recent advances in the electrochemical sensing and treatment of PAEs, highlighting green electrode materials, eco-friendly functionalization strategies, sensing mechanisms, and analytical performance. Key challenges, including matrix effects, environmental interferences, and gaps between laboratory studies and real-sample applications, are critically discussed. Sustainable electrochemical removal strategies—such as advanced oxidation, reductive degradation, and hybrid material-based processes—are also evaluated. Overall, integrating greener materials, molecular imprinting, and data-driven signal enhancement supports the development of robust, field-deployable, and environmentally responsible PAE monitoring and mitigation technologies. Full article

Canolol is a pivotal phenolic antioxidant in rapeseed oil, yet its specific antioxidant mechanism and stability determinants during storage remain poorly understood. This study elucidates the antioxidant pathway of canolol within a lipid autoxidation model and evaluates its stability during the 52-week storage (25 ± 2 °C) of microwave-pretreated rapeseeds under varying packaging conditions. Rapeseeds were packaged in polyamide/polyethylene (PA/PE) vacuum bags and polypropylene (PP) atmospheric bags, and then monitored for seed quality, oil oxidative indices, and micronutrient contents. Via high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF/MS/MS), a canolol-derived dimeric oxidation product (C₂₀H₂₄O₇, m/z 375.1437) was tentatively identified in an 2,2’-azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN)-initiated ethyl linoleate (EtL) autoxidation system. The MS/MS fragmentation pattern—characterized by neutral H₂O loss, sequential •CH₃ eliminations, and syringyl-type diagnostic ions—supports a mechanism involving hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) from canolol to lipid-derived peroxyl radicals. This is followed by the oxidative cross-coupling of a canolol-derived phenoxyl radical (ArO•) with a hydroxyethylated intermediate (Ar′O•), confirming canolol’s role as a chain-breaking antioxidant. Correlation analyses confirmed canolol as the primary antioxidant (r = −0.914, −0.984/−0.959, −0.883 with acid value/peroxide value, p < 0.01), with a synergistic effect relationship with tocopherols (r = 0.878, 0.966, p < 0.01). PA/PE vacuum packaging (low oxygen permeability) significantly mitigated canolol degradation (22.41% loss vs. 76.34% in PP), reducing tocopherol loss and oil oxidation. This study clarifies canolol’s antioxidant pathway in rapeseed oil, providing theoretical insights for phenolic antioxidant research and practical packaging guidance for the edible oil industry. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate genotype-dependent variation in biochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and aroma profiles of dried Chinese mulberry (Morus spp.) genotypes. Three cultivars, Lvmeiren (green), Zhenzhubai (white), and Yunsang No 2 (red), were analyzed. Organic acids and sugars were determined using HPLC, while total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP), and total anthocyanins were quantified using spectrophotometric methods. Volatile compounds were analyzed by HS-SPME/GC–MS. Significant differences were observed among genotypes for all measured parameters. Among the studied genotypes, Yunsang No 2 exhibited the highest total phenolic content (379.59 mg GAE g⁻¹ DW), FRAP value (21.51 μmol g⁻¹ DW), and anthocyanin content (37.1 mg L⁻¹). In contrast, Lvmeiren was characterized by markedly higher sucrose (22.57%) and succinic acid (3.69%) contents. Zhenzhubai exhibited the highest glucose (25.82%) and fructose (32.65%) contents, together with elevated citric (2.58%) and malic acid (2.93%) levels. Yunsang No 2 showed markedly higher total phenolics, anthocyanins, and antioxidant capacity, indicating superior nutraceutical potential. Volatile compound analysis revealed aldehydes and alcohols as dominant groups in Lvmeiren and Zhenzhubai, while acids were predominant in Yunsang No 2. Multivariate analyses (PCA and hierarchical clustering) clearly separated genotypes based on biochemical and antioxidant traits. These findings demonstrate that genotype plays a critical role in determining the nutritional quality and aroma profile of dried mulberries and provide valuable insights for breeding, cultivar selection, and functional food applications. Full article

The genus Leonurus L. is renowned for its diverse secondary metabolites with significant pharmacological value; however, the chemical biodiversity and biological potential of its indigenous members in Türkiye remain largely unexplored. This study investigates four species (L. cardiaca, L. quinquelobatus, L. glaucescens, and L. persicus) to elucidate their phytochemical architecture and therapeutic capacities. Characterization of the ethanol, methanol, and aqueous (5% infusion) extracts via HPLC-MS/MS identified verbascoside, genkwanin, and caffeoylquinic acids as the major representative bioactive constituents across the studied Leonurus species. The extracts exhibited measurable biological activity, with L. cardiaca displaying the highest antioxidant profile (EC₅₀ 0.117 ± 0.01 mg/mL for DPPH, 2.731 ± 0.01 mM/Trolox for ABTS), correlating with its phenolic content. Notably, the extracts demonstrated notable anticandidal activity (MIC 0.1–1 mg/mL) and negligible to moderate antibacterial effects, alongside varying levels of susceptibility against breast (MCF7) and glioma (C6) cancer cell lines. These effects showed differentiation in toxicity compared to lung (A549) cells. This investigation provides scientific evidence supporting the traditional medicinal use of Leonurus species while highlighting their potential as standardized sources for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors. Our results lay a robust foundation for future bioactivity-guided isolation studies to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms behind their differential biological effects. Full article