Search Results (9,669)

Polyphenols are a structurally diverse group of plant secondary metabolites widely recognized for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and chemoprotective properties, which have stimulated their extensive use in food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic products. However, their chemical heterogeneity, wide polarity range, and strong interactions with plant matrices pose major challenges for efficient extraction, separation, and reliable analytical characterization. This review provides a critical overview of contemporary strategies for the extraction, separation, and identification of polyphenols from plant-derived matrices. Conventional extraction methods, including maceration, Soxhlet extraction, and percolation, are discussed alongside modern green technologies such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction. Particular emphasis is placed on environmentally friendly solvents, including ethanol, natural deep eutectic solvents, and ionic liquids, as sustainable alternatives that improve extraction efficiency while reducing environmental impact. The review further highlights chromatographic separation approaches—partition, adsorption, ion-exchange, size-exclusion, and affinity chromatography—and underlines the importance of hyphenated analytical platforms (LC–MS, LC–MS/MS, and LC–NMR) for comprehensive polyphenol profiling. Key analytical challenges, including matrix effects, compound instability, and limited availability of reference standards, are addressed, together with perspectives on industrial implementation, quality control, and standardization. Full article

Alternaria alternata is a common postharvest mold affecting tomato products, including cherry tomatoes, and causing their contamination with mycotoxins. When consumers encounter moldy fruits, some may remove the visibly contaminated part and consume the rest, to reduce waste. However, the extent to which A. alternata toxins migrate beyond visible fungal growth remains unclear, potentially posing health risks. This study investigated (i) the within-fruit migration of A. alternata in cherry tomatoes together with the associated mycotoxin production, and (ii) the diffusion of purified Alternaria toxins in tomatoes in the absence of any fungal activity. Toxins were quantified using LC-MS/MS, while fungal colonization was assessed through visual inspection and DNA quantification across fruit sections. In the absence of fungal growth, toxins remained largely confined to the spiking site and were degraded over time. In contrast, in inoculated samples, Alternaria DNA was detected at notable levels even in sections lacking visible fungal growth, while Alternaria toxins were found both in these regions and in lower fruit sections where fungal DNA was below the qPCR detection limit. These findings highlight the limitations of relying solely on visual inspection to assess food safety. A consumer recommendation is proposed to help minimize health risks while reducing food waste. Full article

Phospholipids are essential membrane constituents that regulate diverse cellular processes, yet most current workflows rely on relative quantification using high-resolution LC–MS. We developed and validated a highly selective targeted method that couples liquid chromatography with differential mobility spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry (LC–DMS–MS/MS), providing enhanced selectivity and reduced background noise. The assay quantifies 63 phospholipid species across four classes, achieving excellent recoveries and limits of quantification in the low ng per mg tissue range. Applied to tissues from a colon cancer study in mice, the method enabled the absolute quantification of 47 species, 22 of which were significantly increased in tumor tissue versus adjacent non-tumor tissue. While phosphatidylcholines were the most abundant class overall, the largest fold changes were observed in long-chain phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine species. LC–DMS–MS/MS thus offers a robust, selective platform for absolute phospholipid quantification and for detecting disease-associated lipid remodeling. Full article

Dietary exposure to tropane alkaloids (TAs) in Serbia remains insufficiently investigated, while awareness among consumers and agricultural producers of potential exposure and related health risks, particularly for children, is low. Barley, a cereal widely used in food production, is still not included in the EU and Serbian regulations on maximum allowable atropine and scopolamine concentrations in food. However, the CONTAM panel established the group ARfD of 0.016 µg/kg bw/day for the sum of atropine and scopolamine. Therefore, a study was conducted on barley samples from organic and conventional production systems, in order to quantify the presence of atropine and scopolamine by LC-MS/MS. In all of the tested samples, both TAs were detected at concentrations above the LOD. The most contaminated sample was from the organic production, with the sum of atropine and scopolamine being 3.2 µg/kg. In order to evaluate the consumer risk from At and Sc in barley-based products, the EFSA framework for acute dietary exposure assessment was applied. The exposure was assessed for seven population groups consuming barley-based foods and beverages: toddlers, children, adolescents, adults, elderly, vegetarians, and pregnant women. The estimated daily intake, calculated according to the three consumption scenarios, did not exceed the established ARfD value. Since barley is not the only source of TA intake in Serbia, a prospective study on TA exposure should be performed in order to monitor TA concentrations, estimate exposure, and manage the risk. Full article

Background/Objectives: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks targeted therapies and has a poor prognosis. Wild ginseng (Panax ginseng) is traditionally valued for its medicinal properties, but its scarcity limits therapeutic application. Adventitious root culture technology provides a sustainable source of wild ginseng-derived bioactive compounds. This study investigated the anticancer effects of wild ginseng adventitious root extract (WGAR) on MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells and elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: WGAR was prepared from cultured adventitious roots of 100-year-old wild ginseng, and its chemical composition was analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Anticancer effects were evaluated using MTT assay, acridine orange/propidium iodide (AO/PI) staining, Matrigel invasion assay, Western blot analysis, and proteome profiler array. Molecular docking was performed to predict interactions between WGAR constituents and target proteins poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1 and β-catenin. Results: LC-MS/MS analysis tentatively identified 17 compounds, including ginsenosides (Rg3, Rh1, Rf) and terpenoids (ursolic acid). WGAR reduced cell viability with an IC50 of 79 μg/mL at 48 h, inducing 51.2% cell death. WGAR activated the intrinsic apoptotic pathway through sequential caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation, followed by PARP cleavage, and was associated with changes in epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers (reduced N-cadherin, Slug, and β-catenin) alongside decreased inhibitory Ser9 phosphorylation of GSK-3β. Proteome array analysis revealed suppression of ECM remodeling proteins (tenascin C, u-PA) and inflammatory mediators (IL-6, CXCL8). Molecular docking predicted that selected WGAR constituents, particularly terpenoid-type compounds, may potentially interact with PARP-1 and β-catenin; however, these in silico findings are hypothesis-generating and require experimental validation. Conclusions: WGAR exerts multi-target anticancer effects on TNBC cells through apoptosis induction and EMT suppression associated with modulation of GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling, suggesting its potential as a source of therapeutic agents for TNBC. Full article

Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) are rare and often remain asymptomatic until rupture, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Elastin degradation, largely mediated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), plays a central role in their pathogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate plasma desmosine (pDES), a specific biomarker of elastin breakdown, as a non-invasive tool for TAAA detection and risk stratification. In a prospective single-centre case–control study, 30 patients with TAAA and 30 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled. Plasma pDES levels were quantified using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Aortic wall samples from 12 patients were analysed for elastic fibre content and MMP expression by histology and western blotting. Statistical analyses included correlation testing, propensity score matching, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. TAAA patients exhibited significantly higher pDES levels compared with controls (0.40 ± 0.31 vs. 0.22 ± 0.15 ng/mL; p < 0.001). pDES correlated positively with MMP-2 (ρ = 0.68, p = 0.02), TIMP-1 (ρ = 0.72, p = 0.01), and the proportion of elastic fibres in the aortic media (ρ = 0.61, p = 0.03). ROC analysis showed good diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.82), with a threshold of 0.27 ng/mL yielding 78.6% sensitivity and 76.7% specificity. Elevated pDES levels reflect aortic elastolytic activity and may serve as a promising biomarker for TAAA detection and risk assessment. Full article

Hair loss is a prevalent condition with various causes, and effective treatments are in high demand. Cacumen Platycladi (Platycladus orientalis leaves), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been historically used to prevent hair loss. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and mechanisms of Cacumen Platycladi extract (CPE) in preventing hair loss. Using a gradient extraction method with 1,3-butanediol, ethanol, and water, bioactive compounds like quercitrin, myricetin, and myricitrin were enriched and identified via Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). The results showed that CPE inhibited 5α-reductase activity, enhanced the antioxidant capacity of human dermal papilla cells (HDPCs), and upregulated the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway to promote vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and collagen type XVII (COL17) expression. A 12-week clinical trial demonstrated that CPE significantly reduced hair loss and increased local hair density compared to placebo, with no adverse effects. These findings support the potential of CPE as a safe and effective natural alternative for hair loss prevention. Full article

The wnt gene family encodes a group of highly conserved secreted glycoproteins that play essential roles in vertebrate development, including tissue patterning, cell differentiation, and gonadal regulation. However, the genomic organization, evolutionary dynamics, and functional roles of Wnt signaling components in flatfish remain poorly understood. In this study, we performed a comprehensive genome-wide identification, evolutionary characterization, expression profiling, and functional analysis of wnt genes in Cynoglossus semilaevis, a flatfish species exhibiting ZW/ZZ sex determination and temperature-induced sex reversal. A total of 20 wnt genes were identified and classified into 13 subfamilies, displaying conserved structural organization and phylogenetic relationships consistent with other teleosts. Chromosomal mapping revealed lineage-specific WNT clusters, including a unique wnt3–wnt7b–wnt5b–wnt16 block, as well as syntenic associations with reproduction-related genes (e.g., adipor2, sema3a, nape-pld, erc2, lamb2), suggesting coordinated genomic regulation. Tissue transcriptome analysis demonstrated strong sex- and tissue-biased expression patterns, with wnt5a predominantly expressed in ovaries and wnt5b specifically upregulated in pseudo-male testes. Functional assays revealed that knockdown of wnt5a or wnt5b induced testis-specific genes (sox9b, tesk1) and suppressed ovarian markers (foxl2, cyp19a1a), indicating antagonistic regulatory roles in gonadal fate determination. Promoter analysis identified yy1a as a selective repressor of wnt5b, but not wnt5a, providing a mechanistic basis for paralog divergence. Furthermore, pull-down combined with LC–MS/MS analysis showed that WNT5b interacts with proteins enriched in ribosome biogenesis and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, suggesting a role in translational regulation and protein turnover during spermatogenesis. Together, these findings establish WNT5 signaling—particularly wnt5b—as a key driver of testicular development in C. semilaevis and provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sex differentiation and sex reversal in flatfish. Full article

This study explored the efficacy, residue dynamics, and dietary risks of sulfoxaflor and flupyradifurone in Cudrania tricuspidata. Following two applications, residue levels of sulfoxaflor and flupyradifurone decreased from 0.254 to 0.012 mg/kg and 0.732 to 0.016 mg/kg, respectively, over a period of 22 days. The half-lives (t_1/2) in fruits and leaves ranged from 7.0 to 13.6 days. LC-MS/MS analysis showed recovery rates of 79.8–94.9% and RSD < 8.5%. Both pesticides effectively controlled hemipteran pests, reducing aphid and spotted lanternfly populations by >90%. Acute and chronic dietary risk assessments indicated acute hazard index (aHI) and chronic hazard quotient (HQ) values remarkably < 1, suggesting a negligible health risk. According to these results, sulfoxaflor and flupyradifurone have recently been registered as pesticides for C. tricuspidata against hemipteran pests, with a recommended pre-harvest interval of 7 days, as projected residue levels (0.078–5.213 mg/kg) were below established maximum residue limits (MRLs). These findings indicate a low dietary risk associated with sulfoxaflor and flupyradifurone in C. tricuspidata when applied according to the evaluated application rates and pre-harvest interval. Full article

This study aimed to systematically investigate the chemical constituents and bioactivities of the traditional wild tea plant Camellia kwangsiensis Chang. An HPLC method was first established to simultaneously quantify five major components. Subsequently, extensive isolation was performed using chromatographic techniques, and the structures of isolated compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Their biological potential was evaluated through antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS⁺ radical scavenging), α-glucosidase inhibitory, and anti-inflammatory (inhibition of nitric oxide production) assays. The LC-MS/MS analyses confirmed the absence of caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine. A total of 19 phenolic compounds were first isolated and identified, including one new proanthocyanidin, namely kwangsienin A (1), and 18 known phenolic components with six proanthocyanidins (2–7), one catechin (8), six flavonol glycosides (9–14), and five simple phenols (15–19). Notably, the proanthocyanidins displayed stronger or comparable antioxidant and α-glucosidase suppressive activity than the positive controls. In conclusion, C. kwangsiensis, rich in proanthocyanidins and naturally caffeine-free, represents a promising plant resource for developing decaffeinated functional tea beverages with antioxidant and hypoglycemic potential. Full article

Pesticide residues from agriculture pose persistent threats to ecosystems and human health. Precipitation and surface runoff facilitate the transport of pesticide residues, leading to their subsequent accumulation in lakes and rivers. Microalgae-based bioremediation offers a promising and environmentally friendly approach for degrading and detoxifying these residues. This study employed liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to determine pesticide residues in various microalgal solutions. Using three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix (3D-EEM) spectroscopy and fluorescence regional integration (FRI), we quantified the dynamics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and its relationship with pesticide degradation in the microalgal system. Over time, Tolypothrix tenuis exhibited the highest degradation rate for THX (95.7%), while Anabaena showed the most effective degradation for ATZ (53.8%). Based on structural analysis of degradation products, three potential degradation pathways for THX and ATZ under microalgae action were proposed. Moreover, the degradation process may also involve reactive oxygen species and intracellular enzymes. Hydroxylation and carboxylation were the primary reactions involved in THX degradation, leading to ring opening and subsequent mineralization. In ATZ, the initially removed groups included methyl and carbonyl groups, with the final products undergoing hydroxylation and subsequent mineralization to water and carbon dioxide. This study, conducted within the context of aquatic environmental protection, investigates the threat of pesticide residues to aquatic ecosystems. It further elucidates the associated environmental impacts and degradation mechanisms from a microalgal perspective. Full article

The transformation of Andean grains and tubers through fermentation and bioencapsulation has emerged as a key strategy to enhance their nutritional, functional, and biotechnological value, driven by advances in proteomic and metabolomic techniques. This study aimed to systematize recent evidence on the biochemical and functional modifications induced by these processes and their potential application in the development of functional foods. The methodology integrated 67 studies analyzed using tools such as R 4.5.1 with the JupyterLab interface 4.5.2, SCImago Graphica Beta 1.0.53, and VOSviewer 1.6.20, incorporating data generated through LC-MS/MS, UHPLC-QTOF, Orbitrap platforms, transcriptomics, and combined omics approaches, considering original studies published between 2020 and 2025. The main findings indicate substantial increases in free amino acids (up to 64.8%), phenolic compounds (2.9–5.2%), and antioxidant activity (up to 45%), along with the identification of 430 polyphenols, 90 flavonoids, 14 novel oxindole acetates, and bioactive peptides with IC50 values ranging from 0.51 to 0.78 mg/mL. Bioencapsulation showed controlled release of bioactive compounds, highlighting nanocapsules of 133–165 nm with a maximum release of 9.86 mg GAE/g. In conclusion, the combination of fermentation and encapsulation enhances the stability, bioavailability, and functionality of Andean crops, supporting their industrial adoption for the development of sustainable nutraceutical foods that improve health and promote the valorization of traditional resources. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to explore the association between maternal gut microbiota and metabolic profiles in the first trimester and the subsequent risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), as well as to characterize association patterns linking gut microbiota, serum metabolites, and metabolic traits. Methods: A nested case–control study was conducted among women with GDM (n = 47) and those without GDM (n = 94). Metagenomic sequencing was applied to analyze fecal microbiota, and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) was used for non-targeted plasma metabolomics. Differential microbiota and metabolites between groups were identified, and correlation analyses were conducted to assess their associations with clinical indicators. Results: Women who later developed GDM showed lower alpha diversity and higher beta diversity. Eleven differential species were identified, with Collinsella aerofaciens and Clostridium bartlettii enriched in GDM, while nine species such as Alistipes putredinis and Bacteroidales bacterium ph8 were enriched in controls. Sixty-four plasma metabolites differed between groups, including increased glycerol-3-phosphate, aromatic amino acids, and glycerophosphocholine, and decreased cysteine, tryptophan, niacinamide, and stearic acid. Correlation analyses revealed significant relationships between Alistipes putredinis, Eubacterium eligens, and Bacteroidales bacterium ph8 with metabolic and clinical indicators (e.g., TG, TC, LDL). Conclusions: In this nested case–control study, women who later developed GDM exhibited reduced gut microbial diversity and altered metabolic profiles during the first trimester of pregnancy. Several microbial taxa and microbiota–metabolite associations were observed in relation to subsequent GDM status, highlighting early-pregnancy microbial and metabolic features that may be relevant to GDM-related metabolic changes. Full article

Acrylamide is a heat-induced food contaminant that can be formed through the Maillard reaction between reducing sugars and asparagine in carbohydrate-rich foods. It is recognized as having carcinogenic, neurotoxic, and reproductive risks, prompting global regulatory and research attention. This review synthesizes recent advances (2013–2025) in understanding acrylamide’s formation mechanisms, detection methods, mitigation strategies, and health implications. Analytical innovations such as LC–MS/MS have enabled detection at trace levels (≤10 µg/kg), supporting process optimization and compliance monitoring. Effective mitigation strategies combine cooking adjustments, ingredient reformulation, and novel technologies, including vacuum frying, ohmic heating, and predictive modeling, which can achieve up to a 70% reduction in certain food categories. Dietary polyphenols and fibers also hold promise, lowering acrylamide formation and bioavailability through carbonyl trapping and enhanced detoxification. However, significant gaps remain in bioavailability assessment, analysis of metabolic fate (glycidamide conversion), and standardized global monitoring. This review emphasizes that a sustainable reduction in dietary acrylamide requires a multidisciplinary framework integrating mechanistic modeling, green processing, regulatory oversight, and consumer education. Bridging science, industry, and policy is essential to ensure safer food systems and minimize long-term public health risks. Full article

This study investigated the phytochemical composition and biological activity of Cymbopogon citratus microshoot cultures and evaluated their suitability for incorporation into a cosmetic formulation. Microshoot cultures were established on Murashige and Skoog media supplemented with plant growth regulators and served as a reproducible source of biomass. Methanolic and ethanolic extracts were analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Chemical composition was characterized using LC-MS/MS analysis, which revealed the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids, with p-coumaric, caffeic, and ferulic acids being among the most abundant detected constituents. In biological assays, the extracts inhibited murine tyrosinase in a concentration-dependent manner and exhibited antimicrobial activity against selected oral and skin-associated microorganisms, including Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, as well as showing fungistatic and fungicidal effects against Candida albicans. Cytotoxicity analysis performed on HaCaT keratinocytes confirmed biocompatibility within the tested concentration range. To assess formulation suitability, the microshoot extract was incorporated into an oil-in-water (O/W) cream, which maintained stable pH, viscosity, and physical properties while preserving the antioxidant activity of the extract. Overall, these findings indicate that C. citratus microshoot cultures represent a reproducible source of bioactive metabolites with potential application in cosmetic formulations. Full article