Search Results (3,762)

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and alopecia areata (AA) impose significant psychosocial burdens. While pharmacological and surgical treatments exist, the role of dietary factors remains underexplored due to methodological limitations in observational studies. This Mendelian randomization (MR) study investigates causal relationships between 187 dietary exposures and hair loss, leveraging genetic variants to address confounding biases. Methods: Genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from 161,625 UK Biobank participants were analyzed, focusing on food preferences and intake patterns. Genetic instruments for each of the 187 dietary exposures were selected at a genome-wide significance threshold (p < 5 × 10⁻⁸), with rigorous sensitivity analyses (MR-Egger, MR-PRESSO) to validate causality. Outcomes included AA and AGA datasets from the FinnGen consortium. Results: MR analysis identified 18 specific dietary exposures significantly associated with non-scarring hair loss (FDR < 0.05). Protective effects emerged for antioxidant-rich dietary exposures, represented by higher preferences for melon, onions, and tea. Elevated risks were observed for certain exposures, including croissants, goat cheese, and whole milk. Alcohol consumption exhibited the strongest risk associations. Our extensive analysis of alcohol intake, combining data from multiple studies, consistently identified it as a significant risk factor for both alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia. Conclusions: These findings imply modifiable dietary patterns in hair loss pathophysiology. A dual strategy is proposed: prioritizing polyphenol-rich plant foods while minimizing pro-inflammatory triggers like processed carbohydrates and alcohol. Clinically, tailored dietary adjustments—reducing ultra-processed foods and alcohol—may complement existing therapies for hair loss management. Full article

Anthropogenic noise pollution is a significant global environmental issue that adversely affects the behavior, physiology, and auditory functions of aquatic species. However, studies on the effects of underwater noise on early developmental stages of fish remain scarce, particularly regarding the differential impacts of daytime versus nighttime noise exposure. In this study, zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were exposed to control group (no additional noise), daytime noise (100–1000 Hz, 130 dB, from 08:00 to 20:00) or nighttime noise (100–1000 Hz, 130 dB, from 20:00 to 08:00) for 5 days, and their embryonic development and oxidative stress levels were analyzed. Compared to the control group, the results indicated that exposure to both daytime and nighttime noise led to delays in embryo hatching time and a significant decrease in larval heart rate. Notably, exposure to nighttime noise significantly increased the larval deformity rate. Noise exposure, particularly at night, elevated the activities of catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), as well as the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), accompanied by upregulation of antioxidant-related gene expression levels. Nighttime noise exposure significantly increased the abnormality rate of otolith development in larvae and markedly downregulated the expression levels of otop1 related to otolith development regulation, while daytime noise exposure only induced a slight increase in the otolith abnormality rate. After noise exposure, the number of lateral neuromasts in larvae decreased slightly, yet genes (slc17a8 and capgb) related to hair cell development were significantly upregulated. Overall, this study demonstrates that both daytime and nighttime noise can induce oxidative stress and impair embryonic development of zebrafish, with nighttime noise causing more severe damage. Full article

To enhance the effectiveness of sustainable preservation of modified corn wet distillers’ grains plus solubles (mcWDGS), various additives were tested under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. In Experiment I, the mcWDGS was stored under aerobic conditions for 5 days at 25 °C. Treatments included different organic acids applied at 0.3% or 0.6% of fresh matter (FM). In Experiment II, the mcWDGS was ensiled anaerobically for 8 weeks at 25 °C using organic acids, a commercial acid mixture, or a microbial inoculant at 0.2% FM. In aerobic conditions, the best preservability was achieved with propionic and formic acids at 0.6% FM, as indicated by the lowest temperature, pH, and microbial counts on days 3 and 5 (p ≤ 0.01). Under anaerobic storage, the highest lactic acid concentrations were recorded in the control, citric acid, and commercial acid mixture variants (p ≤ 0.01). Acetic acid levels were highest in the control (p ≤ 0.01). The highest NH3-N content was found in the formic acid variant and the lowest in the inoculant variant (p ≤ 0.01). Aerobic stability after ensiling was greatest in the control and propionic acid groups (p ≤ 0.01). Nutritional analysis showed that the citric acid group had the highest dry matter content (p ≤ 0.01), while the control group contained the most crude protein (p ≤ 0.01) and saturated fatty acids (p ≤ 0.05). The propionic acid and commercial acid mixture variants had the highest unsaturated fatty acids (p ≤ 0.05). Antioxidant capacity was also greatest in the control (p ≤ 0.01). In conclusion, mcWDGS can be effectively preserved aerobically with 0.6% FM of propionic or formic acid, and anaerobically via ensiling, even without additives. These findings support its potential as a stable and nutritious feed ingredient. Full article

Callistemon citrinus has shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in certain tissues. However, its impact on the brain remains unproven. This study investigates the effect of C. citrinus extract and phytosomes on the oxidative status of the brains of rats fed a high-fat–fructose diet (HFD). Fifty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into nine groups (n = 6). Groups 1, 2, and 3 received a standard chow diet; Group 2 also received the vehicle, and Group 3 was supplemented with C. citrinus extract (200 mg/kg). Groups 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 received a high-fat diet (HFD). Additionally, groups 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 were supplemented with orlistat at 5 mg/kg, C. citrinus extract at 200 mg/kg, and phytosomes loaded with C. citrinus at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, respectively. Administration was oral for 16 weeks. Antioxidant enzymes, biomarkers of oxidative stress, and fatty acid content in the brain were determined. A parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA) was employed to identify compounds that can cross the intestinal and blood–brain barriers. The HFD group (group 4) increased body weight and adipose tissue, unlike the other groups. The brain fatty acid profile showed slight variations in all of the groups. On the other hand, group 4 showed a decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, and PON. It reduced GSH level, while increasing GPx activity as well as MDA, 4-HNE, and AOPP levels. C. citrinus extract and phytosomes restore the antioxidant enzyme activities and mitigate oxidative stress in the brain. C. citrinus modulates oxidative stress in brain tissue through 1.8-cineole and α-terpineol, which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Full article

Fresh fruit are highly perishable commodities, facing significant postharvest losses primarily due to physiological deterioration and microbial spoilage. Conventional preservation methods often face limitations regarding safety, residue, and environmental impact. Because of its rapid decomposition and low-residue-impact characteristics, ozone has proven superior as an efficient and eco-friendly solution for preserving fruit quality after harvest. The maturation and aging processes of kiwifruit are closely linked to the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the effects of intermittent ozone treatment (21.4 mg/m³, applied for 0, 1, 3, or 5 h weekly) on ROS metabolism, the antioxidant defense system, and storage quality of kiwifruit during cold storage (0.0 ± 0.5 °C). The results showed ozone treatment slowed the decline in titratable acid (TA) content and fruit firmness, inhibited increases in total soluble solids (TSSs) and weight loss, and maintained the storage quality. Additionally, ozone treatment enhanced the activities of antioxidant-related enzymes. This includes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Furthermore, it delayed the reduction in ascorbate (ASA), glutathione (GSH), total phenolic compounds, and flavonoid content, while also preventing the accumulation of ROS and the rise in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In summary, the results indicate that ozone treatment enhances the antioxidant capacity of kiwifruit by increasing the structural integrity of cell membranes, preserving the structural integrity of cell membranes, and effectively maintaining the storage quality of the fruit. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (lotus) seeds have traditionally been used to treat hypertension, though their mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the antihypertensive effects of lotus seed extract (LSE) and its mechanisms in rats with N^ω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertension. Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats received L-NAME (40 mg/kg/day) in drinking water and were treated orally with LSE (5, 10, or 100 mg/kg/day), captopril (5 mg/kg/day), or a combination of LSE and captopril (2.5 mg/kg/day each) for 5 weeks. Hemodynamic parameters and histological changes in the left ventricle and aorta were assessed. Mechanistic studies included measurements of plasma nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, angiotensin II (Ang II), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, and protein expression via western blot. Results: L-NAME elevated systolic blood pressure and induced cardiovascular remodeling, oxidative stress, and renin-angiotensin system activation. LSE treatment reduced blood pressure, improved antioxidant status, increased NO bioavailability, and downregulated gp91^phox and AT₁R expression. The combination of low-dose LSE and captopril produced stronger effects than LSE alone, with efficacy comparable to captopril. Conclusions: These findings suggest that LSE exerts antihypertensive effects via antioxidant activity and inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system, supporting its potential as an adjunct therapy for hypertension. Full article

A dietary supplement, trans-resveratrol and hesperetin (tRES+HESP)—also known as GlucoRegulate—induces increased expression of glyoxalase 1 (Glo1) by activation of transcription factor Nrf2, countering accumulation of the reactive dicarbonyl glycating agent, methylglyoxal. tRES+HESP corrected insulin resistance and decreased fasting and postprandial plasma glucose and low-grade inflammation in overweight and obese subjects in a clinical trial. The aim of this study was to explore, for the first time, health-beneficial gene expression other than Glo1 induced by tRES+HESP in human endothelial cells and fibroblasts in primary culture and HepG2 hepatoma cell line and activity of cis-resveratrol (cRES) as a Glo1 inducer. We measured antioxidant response element-linked gene expression in these cells in response to 5 µM tRES+HESP by the NanoString method. tRES+HESP increases gene expression linked to the prevention of dicarbonyl stress, lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, proteotoxicity and hyperglycemia-linked glycolytic overload. Downstream benefits were improved regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism and decreased inflammation, extracellular matrix remodeling and senescence markers. The median effective concentration of tRES was ninefold lower than cRES in the Glo1 inducer luciferase reporter assay. The GlucoRegulate supplement provides a new treatment option for the prevention of type 2 diabetes and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease and supports healthy aging. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a composite coating composed of 150 mg/L ε-Poly-L-lysine (ε-PL) and 5 g/L chitosan (CTS) in extending the shelf life and maintaining the postharvest quality of fresh Tremella fuciformis. Freshly harvested T. fuciformis were treated by surface spraying, with distilled water serving as the control. The effects of the coating on storage quality, physicochemical properties, reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, and membrane lipid metabolism were evaluated during storage at (25 ± 1) °C. The results showed that the ε-PL/CTS composite coating significantly retarded quality deterioration, as evidenced by reduced weight loss, maintained whiteness and color, and higher retention of soluble sugars, soluble solids, and soluble proteins. The coating also effectively limited water migration and loss. Mechanistically, the coated T. fuciformis exhibited enhanced antioxidant capacity, characterized by increased superoxide anion (O₂⁻) resistance capacity, higher activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, APX), and elevated levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants (AsA, GSH). This led to a significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, alongside improved DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power. Furthermore, the ε-PL/CTS coating preserved cell membrane integrity by inhibiting the activities of lipid-degrading enzymes (lipase, LOX, PLD), maintaining higher levels of key phospholipids (phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine), delaying phosphatidic acid accumulation, and consequently reducing cell membrane permeability. In conclusion, the ε-PL/CTS composite coating effectively extends the shelf life and maintains the quality of postharvest T. fuciformis by modulating ROS metabolism and preserving membrane lipid homeostasis. This study provides a theoretical basis and a practical approach for the quality control of fresh T. fuciformis. Full article

Using light-emitting diodes (LEDs), we examined how different light wavelengths influence the hypersensitive response (HR) in tobacco plants infected with Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst). Pst-infiltrated plants exhibited greater resistance to Pst infection under green and blue light compared to white and red light, as indicated by reduced HR-associated programmed cell death, lower H₂O₂ production, and up to 64% reduction in membrane damage. During the late stage of HR, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activities peaked under green and blue LEDs, with 5- and 10-fold increases, respectively, while superoxide dismutase activity was higher under white and red LEDs. Defense-related genes CHS1, PALa, PR1, and PR2 were more strongly induced by white and red light. The plants treated with green or blue LEDs during Pst infection prompted faster degradation of phototoxic Mg-porphyrins and exhibited smaller declines in F_v/F_m, electron transport rate, chlorophyll content, and LHCB expression compared to those treated with white or red LEDs. By contrast, the induction of the chlorophyll catabolic gene SGR was 54% and 77% lower in green and blue LEDs, respectively, compared to white LEDs. This study demonstrates that light quality differentially affects Pst-mediated HR, with green and blue light more effectively suppressing HR progression, mainly by reducing oxidative stress through enhanced antioxidative capacity and mitigation of photosynthetic impairments. Full article

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is commonly employed as mulch in agriculture to boost crop yields. However, its toxicity is often overlooked. Due to its chemical stability, resistance to degradation, and the inadequacy of the recycling system, PVC tends to persist in farm environments, where it can decompose into microplastics (MPs) or nanoplastics (NPs). The radish (Raphanus sativus L.) was chosen as the model plant for this study to evaluate the underlying toxic mechanisms of PVC NPs on seedling growth through the integration of multi-omics approaches with oxidative stress evaluations. The results indicated that, compared with the control group, the shoot lengths in the 5 mg/L and 150 mg/L treatment groups decreased by 33.7% and 18.0%, respectively, and the root lengths decreased by 28.3% and 11.3%, respectively. However, there was no observable effect on seed germination rates. Except for the peroxidase (POD) activity in the 150 mg/L group, all antioxidant enzyme activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were higher in the treated root tips than in the control group. Both transcriptome and metabolomic analysis profiles showed 2075 and 4635 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the high- and low-concentration groups, respectively, and 1961 metabolites under each treatment. PVC NPs predominantly influenced seedling growth by interfering with plant hormone signaling pathways and phenylpropanoid production. Notably, the reported toxicity was more evident at lower concentrations. This can be accounted for by the plant’s “growth-defense trade-off” strategy and the manner in which nanoparticles aggregate. By clarifying how PVC NPs coordinately regulate plant stress responses via hormone signaling and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways, this research offers a scientific basis for assessing environmental concerns related to nanoplastics in agricultural systems. Full article

Introduction: Oxidative stress is a key factor in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases, especially in postmenopausal women. Xylitol, a sugar alcohol with potential antioxidant properties, may affect oxidative balance when used as a sugar substitute. Aim: This pilot study aimed to assess the effect of replacing sucrose with xylitol on serum antioxidant capacity in postmenopausal women. Methods: This study included 34 women aged 50 to 65 years who successively consumed 5 g/d, 10 g/d, and 15 g/d of xylitol. The dietary intervention lasted a total of 6 weeks, with each phase covering a 2-week period. Diet was assessed twice based on a 7-day dietary interview (Diet 6.0, NIZP–PZH, Warsaw). The material for this study was venous blood. Antioxidant capacity was determined using the DPPH radical scavenging method and the ABTS cation radical scavenging method. Results: In both methods, a significant increase in serum antioxidant potential was observed after replacing sugar with xylitol (p < 0.0001). An increase in the ability to neutralize free radicals was observed in almost all women studied. Additional analysis of the effect of selected nutrients on the obtained effects of the nutritional intervention showed that the most significant effect could potentially be exerted by manganese, maltose, sucrose, and mercury, and the strongest positive correlation was exerted by vitamin A, retinol, and vitamin E. Although the values obtained in the constructed models were not statistically significant, the large effect indicates potentially significant relationships that could have a significant impact on serum antioxidant potential in the studied group of women. Conclusions: The results suggest a potential role of xylitol in enhancing antioxidant defense mechanisms in menopausal women. Although the sample size was relatively small, this study was powered at approximately 80% to detect large effects, supporting the reliability of the observed results. Nevertheless, given the pilot nature of this study, further research with larger cohorts is warranted to confirm these preliminary observations and to clarify the clinical significance of xylitol supplementation in populations exposed to oxidative stress. Full article

Fistulina hepatica (Schaeff.) With. and Clitocybe nuda (Bull.) H.E. Bigelow & A.H. Sm. are wild edible mushrooms with nutritional and functional potential that remain insufficiently characterized. This study provides the first comparative assessment of their nutritional profiles, phenolic composition, and antioxidant activity, using specimens collected from Montesinho Natural Park (Portugal). Proximate composition, organic and phenolic acids, free sugars, and fatty acids were analyzed by chromatographic methods, and antioxidant capacity was assessed through OxHLIA and TBARS assays. F. hepatica showed higher carbohydrates (9.3 ± 0.2 g/100 g fw) and estimated energy values (43 ± 1 kcal/100 g fw), increased phenolic acids content (2.7 ± 0.1 mg/g extract), and the exclusive presence of p-coumaric and cinnamic acids, along with OxHLIA activity (IC₅₀ = 126 ± 5 µg/mL at Δt = 60 min). C. nuda displayed higher protein (2.5 ± 0.1 g/100 g dw) and quinic acid contents (4.13 ± 0.02 mg/g extract), a PUFA-rich profile, and greater TBARS inhibition (EC₅₀ = 303 ± 17 µg/mL). These findings highlight distinct and complementary bioactive traits, supporting their valorization as natural functional ingredients. Their compositional features offer promising applications in sustainable food systems and nutraceutical development, encouraging further investigations into safety, bioaccessibility, and formulation strategies. Notably, F. hepatica is best consumed at a young developmental stage, as its sensory properties tend to decline with maturity. Full article

The cosmetics industry has been seeking to develop products with renewable natural ingredients to reduce the use of or even replace synthetic substances. Biosurfactants can help meet this demand. These natural compounds are renewable, biodegradable, and non-toxic or have low toxicity, offering minimal risk to humans and the environment, which has attracted the interest of an emerging consumer market and, consequently, the cosmetics industry. The aim of the present study was to produce a biosurfactant from the yeast Starmerella bombicola ATCC 22214 cultivated in a mineral medium containing 10% soybean oil and 5% glucose. The biosurfactant reduced the surface tension of water from 72.0 ± 0.1 mN/m to 33.0 ± 0.3 mN/m after eight days of fermentation. The yield was 53.35 ± 0.39 g/L and the critical micelle concentration was 1000 mg/L. The biosurfactant proved to be a good emulsifier of oils used in cosmetic formulations, with emulsification indices ranging from 45.90 ± 1.69% to 68.50 ± 1.10%. The hydrophilic–lipophilic balance index demonstrated the wetting capacity of the biosurfactant and its tendency to form oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, with 50.0 ± 0.20% foaming capacity. The biosurfactant did not exhibit cytotoxicity in the MTT assay or irritant potential. Additionally, an antioxidant activity of 58.25 ± 0.32% was observed at a concentration of 40 mg/mL. The compound also exhibited antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic microorganisms. The characterisation of the biosurfactant using magnetic nuclear resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the biomolecule is a glycolipid with an anionic nature. The results demonstrate that biosurfactant produced in this work has potential as an active biotechnological ingredient for innovative, eco-friendly cosmetic formulations. Full article

The rise in multidrug-resistant bacterial strains and persistent infections such as Lyme disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi highlights the need for novel antimicrobial agents. The present study explores the antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic properties of extracts from submerged mycelial biomass of Fomitopsis pinicola, cultivated in synthetic and lignocellulosic media. Four extracts were obtained using hot water and 80% ethanol. The provided analysis of extracts confirmed the presence of various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and polyphenols. All extracts showed dose-dependent antioxidant activity (IC₅₀: 1.9–6.7 mg/mL). Antibacterial tests revealed that Klebsiella pneumoniae was most sensitive, with the L2 extract producing the largest inhibition zone (15.33 ± 0.47 mm), while the strongest bactericidal effect was observed against Acinetobacter baumannii (MBC as low as 0.5 mg/mL for L1). Notably, all extracts significantly reduced the viability of stationary-phase B. burgdorferi cells, with L2 reducing viability to 42 ± 2% at 5 mg/mL, and decreased biofilm mass, especially with S2. Cytotoxicity assays showed minimal effects on NIH 3T3 cells, with slight toxicity in HEK 293 cells for S2 and L1. These results suggest that F. pinicola extracts, particularly ethanolic L2 and S2, may offer promising natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agents for managing resistant infections. Full article

Background: Acetaminophen (APAP) is a popular and safe pain reliever. Due to its widespread availability, it is commonly implicated in intentional or unintentional overdoses, which result in severe liver impairment. Pristimerin (Prist) is a natural triterpenoid that has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Our goal was to explore the protective effects of Prist against APAP-induced acute liver damage. Method: Mice were divided into six groups: control, Prist control, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) + APAP, APAP, and two Prist + APAP groups. Prist (0.4 and 0.8 mg/kg) was given for five days and APAP on day 5. Liver and blood samples were taken 24 h after APAP administration and submitted for different biochemical and molecular assessments. Results: Prist counteracted APAP-induced acute liver damage, as it decreased general liver dysfunction biomarkers, and attenuated APAP-induced histopathological lesions. Prist decreased oxidative stress and enforced hepatic antioxidants. Notably, Prist significantly reduced the genetic and protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-II), p-phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (p-PI3K), p-protein kinase B (p-AKT), and the inflammatory cytokines: nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukins-(IL-6 and IL-1β) in hepatic tissues. Additionally, the m-RNA and protein levels of the apoptotic Bcl2-associated X protein (BAX) and caspase-3 were lowered and the anti-apoptotic B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) was increased upon Prist administration. Conclusion: Prist ameliorated APAP-induced liver injury in mice via its potent anti-inflammatory/antioxidative and anti-apoptotic activities. These effects were mediated through modulation of NF-κB/iNOS/COX-II/cytokines, PI3K/AKT, and BAX/BCL-2/caspase-3 signaling pathways. Full article