Search Results (8,796)

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is associated with redox imbalance; however, the early temporal changes in enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant responses are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in selected oxidative stress markers during the early phase of AIS. The study was designed as a longitudinal within-subject analysis, with each patient serving as their own reference between day 1 and day 8. A total of 48 patients (mean age 69.31 ± 1.59 years; 56.3% male; mean body mass index (BMI) 27.05 ± 0.61 kg/m²), predominantly presenting with mild to moderate stroke severity, were enrolled in a prospective observational study. The cohort was characterized by a high prevalence of hypertension (87.5%), dyslipidemia (45.8%), and diabetes or prediabetes (45.9%). Blood samples were collected on day 1 and day 8 after stroke onset. Depending on the distribution of paired differences, either the paired Student’s t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied. A significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was observed (1932.73 vs. 2086.55 U/g Hb, p = 0.032), whereas catalase (CAT; 403.19 vs. 415.30 × 10³ U/g Hb, p = 0.444) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx; 24.70 vs. 24.40 U/g Hb, p = 0.477) showed no significant changes. Similarly, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels remained stable in both erythrocytes (182.96 vs. 187.15 nmol/g Hb, p = 0.838) and plasma (0.41 vs. 0.41 nmol/mL, p = 0.922). In contrast, melatonin (59.65 vs. 55.49 pg/mL, p = 0.042) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D; 19.31 vs. 16.52 ng/mL, p < 0.001) concentrations significantly decreased. These findings suggest that the early phase of AIS may be associated with a selective and potentially maladaptive antioxidant response, involving increased SOD activity alongside depletion of systemic modulators, which may contribute to persistent redox imbalance. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary Elionurus muticus essential oil (EMEO) on growth performance, physiological responses, and resistance to car transport stress in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish were fed experimental diets for 60 days and subsequently subjected to 6 h of transport stress. Five diets were tested: 0.00 (control), 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, and 1.50 mL EMEO kg⁻¹, in triplicate (10 fish per 500 L tank; stocking density 0.4 kg L⁻¹). Citral was the major EMEO compound (73.91%). Increasing dietary EMEO levels improved growth performance and reduced the feed conversion ratio. Before transport, EMEO supplementation increased erythrocyte counts and plasma glucose levels, while reducing hematocrit and hepatic aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity (p < 0.05). After transport, plasma glucose, hematocrit, and hepatic AST values decreased, whereas hepatic glycogen and hemoglobin levels increased with higher EMEO inclusion (p < 0.05). Also, post-transport, EMEO-fed fish showed enhanced intestinal digestive enzyme activity (lipase and amylase) and antioxidant capacity (superoxide dismutase and ferric reducing antioxidant power) but increased protein carbonyl levels. Lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) was reduced at intermediate EMEO levels (p < 0.05). Histological analyses indicated no tissue damage and suggested improved liver and intestinal function with increasing EMEO inclusion. Overall, dietary supplementation with 1.00 mL EMEO kg⁻¹ is recommended to enhance growth performance and metabolic adjustment and to improve physiological status to withstand transport stress in Nile tilapia. Full article

This study examined alterations in serum redox biomarkers before and one month after administration of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) booster (third) doses across four vaccine regimens. A longitudinal cohort of 410 adults was analyzed following homologous Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinopharm [Vero Cell]-Inactivated, Sputnik V, or heterologous Sinopharm/Pfizer vaccination. Serum total proteins, albumin, total thiols, nitrites, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity were measured, with DPPH interpreted as an ex vivo surrogate of serum radical-scavenging capacity. Additional analyses included stratification by prior severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, multivariable regression, correlation analysis, effect-size estimation, and sensitivity testing. Booster vaccination was associated with modest but consistent decreases in DPPH activity, albumin, and total proteins, whereas FRAP, nitrite, and total thiol levels remained stable. This pattern supports a transient shift in antioxidant buffering capacity but, by itself, does not exclude oxidative stress, as direct oxidative damage markers were not assessed. The most pronounced changes were observed in Sinopharm-based regimens, particularly in the heterologous Sinopharm/Pfizer group. Prior SARS-CoV-2 infection did not materially alter the qualitative response pattern, whereas older age and comorbidities were associated with greater declines in DPPH activity and albumin. Overall, the findings indicate a modest, transient redox-associated response following booster-induced immune activation and suggest that host-related factors, such as age and comorbidity burden, may accentuate short-term changes in antioxidant buffering capacity. Full article

Tryptophan has been shown to affect fish feed intake and growth performance. Moreover, it is the precursor of several bioactive molecules such as serotonin, which can be converted into melatonin. Melatonin is a potent antioxidant that directly neutralises free radicals and reduces oxidative stress. Diets rich in tryptophan may contribute to reduced oxidative stress, potentially through its role as a precursor of serotonin and melatonin. In this study, three diets containing different contents of tryptophan: 0.5 (Trip1), 0.6 (Trip2) and 0.8% (Trip3), were tested in triplicate in 112-day-old meagre with an initial weight of 32.6 ± 3.4 g and 14.4 ± 0.5 cm length for 56 days. Although the results showed no significant differences for growth and FCR between treatments, there was a tendency toward increased growth and a decrease in FCR in meagre fed higher levels of tryptophan. The main protein degradation systems in the liver and white muscle were evaluated. The activity of the tested proteases in the muscle was unaffected by dietary tryptophan levels. A decrease in oxidative stress was also observed as the level of tryptophan in the diets increased, although not statistically significant. A trend of decreasing superoxide dismutase, catalase, and selenium-independent glutathione peroxidase levels in tryptophan-rich diets was also observed. Full article

Microalgae and cyanobacteria represent an emerging and sustainable source of bioactive compounds for the food, cosmeceutical, and pharmaceutical sectors. In this study, the potential of two microalgae-cyanobacteria consortia, consortium 1 (C1) consisting of Chlorella vulgaris and Arthrospira platensis, and consortium 2 (C2) consisting of Kamptonema sp., Nannochloropsis oculata, Tetraselmis suecica, and Chlorella vulgaris, as a source of bioactive peptides was evaluated. Firstly, protein extraction from both biomasses was optimized by testing different protein solubilization and precipitation pHs, with pH 10 and pH 5 providing the best results in terms of protein recovery in both cases. Selected protein extracts, with protein contents of 28.50 ± 2.69% (C1) and 8.46 ± 0.45% (C2), were further hydrolyzed with Alcalase, evaluating the impact of the incubation time on peptide release and the antioxidant capacity of hydrolysates. A total of 1 h of hydrolysis proved to be enough for antioxidant capacity increase. In addition, in silico hydrolysis of the proteins identified with Alcalase in C1 and C2 (data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD077201 and PXD077149 for C1 and C2, respectively) was evaluated, assessing the potential bioactivity of the peptides produced, more specifically their antioxidant capacity. Our findings demonstrate that both microalgae-cyanobacteria consortia are valuable sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant capacity, with potential interest as functional ingredients for the food, cosmeceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. Full article

Tomatoes are the major dietary source of lycopene, a carotenoid that crosses the blood–brain barrier and exerts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the impact of tomato consumption on cognitive function in healthy adults remains unclear. This study assessed the effects of concentrated tomato paste on cognitive performance and explored potential mechanisms, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and functional brain connectivity. A randomized, two-period crossover trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05891977) was conducted in 47 healthy adults aged 40–55 years assigned to two 3-month interventions separated by a 1-month washout: (a) daily consumption of concentrated tomato paste (0.5 g/kg body weight) and (b) a lycopene-restricted control diet. Cognitive performance was evaluated using validated neuropsychological tests (d2-R, Face-Name Associative Memory Exam, Modified Wisconsin Card Sorting Test), alongside plasma lycopene and BDNF, and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Forty-two participants completed the study. Tomato intake improved selective attention (concentration performance: +7.2 points; processing speed: +8.3 points) and associative memory (face-name matching: +0.8 points). Plasma BDNF showed a borderline increase with tomato intake (mean difference 15.2 ng/mL). Resting-state fMRI revealed changes in brain networks, including reduced connectivity in frontoparietal and auditory networks, contrasting with reductions in the dorsal attention network during the control period. These findings provide evidence that tomato consumption may support cognitive function and modulate brain connectivity in healthy middle-aged adults. Full article

Brosimum alicastrum Swartz (Mayan Nut) is a traditional Mesoamerican resource with nutritional potential exceeding many cereal grains, yet its therapeutic efficacy relative to processing remains under-researched. This study investigated the impact of geographic origin and processing on its hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties. Seed flours from Campeche (green raw—GsF), Nayarit (dried—DsF), and Yucatán (commercial roasted—RsF) were evaluated. Following proximal analysis and acute toxicity screening (up to 2000 mg/kg), effects were tested in a tyloxapol-induced hypertriglyceridemia rat model monitoring triglyceride (TG), and hepatic oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers. Proximal profiles were stable across regions. All samples were non-lethal, and, significantly, DsF and RsF achieved a maximum reduction of TG and protein carbonyl content (PCC) at only 200 mg/kg, whereas raw GsF required 2000 mg/kg. Hypertriglyceridemia induced a compensatory increase in SOD activity (~555%), which was maintained across all treated groups. Conversely, tyloxapol depleted GSH-Px activity by 16%, and only DsF, at 20 mg/kg, preserved activity statistically similar to the healthy control (6.71 ± 0.65 IU/μL). Drying and roasting seemed critical for enhancing the acute therapeutic effects observed at lower dosages. Full article

Euphorbia clavarioides Boiss. is traditionally used in wound healing and other medicinal applications. Its bioactive compounds and pharmacological potential remain underexplored. This study investigated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities of E. clavarioides Boiss. traditionally used in wound healing. Plant extracts were characterized using phytochemical screening, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Antioxidant activity was evaluated via DPPH and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging assays, anti-inflammatory effects through nitrite inhibition in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, and anticancer potential using the MTT assay against DU-145, PC-3, SKU-T, and AGS cell lines. Phytochemical screening confirmed tannins, phlobatannins, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides. FTIR spectra of aqueous extracts revealed peaks at 2990.66 cm⁻¹ (O–H), 1738.68 cm⁻¹ (C=O), 1217.22 cm⁻¹ (C–N), and 527.37 cm⁻¹ (C–Cl). LC-MS profiling identified diverse metabolites, including phenolics (pseudolaroside B, cinnamtannin A2, (−)-medicarpin, butyrolactol A) and terpenoids (zerumbone, sclareol isomer, diterpenoid-like compounds), underpinning the plant’s bioactivity. Methanol extracts exhibited the strongest DPPH scavenging activity (IC₅₀ = 755.71 µg/mL), whereas aqueous and ethanol extracts demonstrated superior NO scavenging. Ethanol extracts showed maximal anti-inflammatory activity, while aqueous extracts induced pro-inflammatory effects. Cytotoxicity assays indicated negligible toxicity. In anticancer assays, ethanol and methanol extracts significantly inhibited the proliferation of all tested cell lines at 100 µg/mL, exceeding drug control, whereas aqueous extracts displayed lower activity. The bioactive compounds in E. clavarioides support its traditional wound-healing use and demonstrate mechanistic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities, highlighting its potential as a source of multi-target natural therapeutics. Full article

Grape seeds are a major by-product of grape processing and a rich source of polyphenolic compounds, yet their value remains underutilized. In this study, 12 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains were evaluated in a grape seed-based fermentation system to compare their tolerance, metabolic performance, and ability to promote polyphenol release. Among them, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FBL002 showed the best overall performance. The strain maintained strong viability and metabolic activity at 5% grape seed concentration and released polyphenols more effectively than the other tested strains. The resulting fermentation broth also showed pronounced intracellular antioxidant activity. To clarify the basis of this phenotype, we further combined metabolomic, genomic, and transcriptomic analyses. Fermentation caused substantial shifts in phenolic metabolites, characterized by a decrease in glycosylated forms and an increase in more bioactive aglycones. Genome annotation revealed an enrichment of β-glucosidase-related genes in FBL002, and transcriptomic analysis showed that these genes were markedly upregulated during fermentation. This pattern was closely associated with the enhanced release of polyphenols. Together, these findings identify β-glucosidase as a key driver of grape seed polyphenol biotransformation by FBL002 and support the sustainable, high-value use of grape seeds in functional foods and cosmetic applications. Full article

The scientific evidence regarding the use of plant-derived extracts to alleviate exercise-induced muscle damage in horses remains limited. Mulberry leaf flavonoids (MLFs) are the primary bioactive constituents of a traditional medicinal plant and are potent antioxidants. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of MLFs against exercise-induced muscle damage. In this study, twelve Mongolian horses were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square design to investigate the protective effects of MLFs. Our results showed that high-intensity exercise negatively impacted the immune status, metabolic state, myofibrillar structure, and antioxidant capacity of the horses. Conversely, MLFs significantly reduced blood levels of white blood cells (WBC), monocytes (MON), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), and malondialdehyde (MDA) across various exercise distances and during recovery. Simultaneously, MLFs increased serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). Mechanistically, transcriptomic analysis revealed that dietary MLFs upregulated genes associated with myofibrillar structural proteins (MYOZ2, MYOM3), the antioxidant defense system (GPX3, SOD3), and skeletal muscle satellite cell proliferation and differentiation (MYOD1, MRF6). Furthermore, quantitative proteomics indicated the enrichment of the PI3K-Akt and TGF-β signaling pathways, as well as ECM–receptor interactions, suggesting their potential involvement in regulating protein metabolism and facilitating myofibrillar restoration. Overall, MLFs effectively alleviated inflammation, metabolic disorder, and exercise-induced muscle damage. Under the tested conditions, a daily dosage of 10 g MLFs provided superior protective effects. Full article

Potato late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans, is the most devastating disease affecting potatoes, leading to substantial annual yield losses. This study investigated the potential of three bacterial strains for the biological control of this disease under both in vitro and greenhouse conditions. In vitro, in a dual-culture test, Bacillus atrophaeus strain BaAZ2 demonstrated an antagonistic effect against P. infestans stronger than the Stenotrophomonas rhizophila strain SrAZ1 and Bacillus halotolerans strain BhAZ6. In planta, treatment with strain BaAZ2 led to a significant reduction in hydrogen peroxide accumulation in potato leaf tissue. Total phenolic content, and the activity of defense-related enzymes (polyphenol oxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase) as well as antioxidant enzymes (catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and peroxidase) were significantly elevated in response to BaAZ2 treatment. Furthermore, the expression levels of stress and defense-related genes StuPR, StuMAPK4, StuWRKY1, StuPPO9, and StuPAL increased in strain BaAZ2-treated plants, while SrAZ1 showed moderate activity and BhAZ6 displayed comparatively limited responses. These findings highlight the strain-specific nature of bacterial biocontrol efficacy and emphasize the importance of evaluating individual isolates before their potential application in sustainable late blight management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance, an evolutionarily entrenched microbial capacity amplified by extensive antibiotic exposure, has increased the burden of difficult-to-treat infections caused by priority pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. In this study, we assessed whether phytochemical-rich extracts from fully ripe Rosa canina pseudo-fruits (WF) and fully developed Colchicum autumnale flowers (CA) can provide combined antioxidant, antibacterial, and antibiofilm effects against multidrug-resistant clinical isolates. Methods: Plant materials were processed using seven extraction systems spanning non-polar to polar conditions (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, aqueous, 40% ethanol, 60% ethanol, and enzyme-assisted hydrolysis). Fractions were quantified for total phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins, evaluated for antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP), tested for antibacterial activity (disc diffusion and MIC/MBC), and assessed for inhibition of early biofilm attachment. Differences among extraction methods and fractions were analyzed using standard comparative statistics (group comparisons across solvents/fractions), and relationships between chemical composition and bioactivity were examined using correlation-based analysis. Results: Extraction strategy emerged as the main determinant of bioactivity across endpoints. The WFE/ENZ fraction maximized phytochemical recovery (TPC 203.34 ± 11.55 mg GAE/g DW; TFC 35.67 ± 3.06 mg QE/g DW; TTC 53.00 ± 2.65 mg TAE/g DW) and showed strong antioxidant performance (DPPH IC₅₀ 33.60 ± 0.02 μg/mL; FRAP A₇₀₀ 1.90 ± 0.010 at 250 μg/mL). Antibacterial effects were strongest in polar fractions, particularly hydroethanolic and enzyme-assisted extracts, while n-hexane fractions were consistently weakest. Across eight clinical isolates and three reference strains, MIC values ranged from 0.04875 to 6.25 mg/mL for WF extracts and 0.0975–12.5 mg/mL for CA extracts. In the biofilm model, suppression of early attachment was most consistent for CAE/E60–ENZ and WFE/E40–E60–ENZ fractions. Conclusions: Correlation analysis indicated that antibacterial potency aligned primarily with flavonoid levels in R. canina pseudo-fruits and with tannin content in C. autumnale material. Overall, these results support hydroethanolic and enzyme-assisted extraction as rational strategies to enrich polyphenol-dense fractions with convergent antioxidant, antibacterial, and antibiofilm activity, reinforcing plant-derived matrices as a structured discovery space for developing complementary antimicrobial solutions beyond conventional antibiotics. Notably, this is among the first studies to evaluate the antibacterial potential of C. autumnale plant material in this context and to comprehensively assess R. canina pseudo-fruit extracts against multidrug-resistant clinical. Full article

The fresh-cut avocado processing generates significant amounts of by-products, mainly peel and seed, with the peel representing a valuable source of phenolic compounds. In this context, the growing demand for sustainable technologies encourages the use of green solvents for bioactive compound recovery. In this study, natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) were evaluated as environmentally friendly solvents for the extraction of phenolic compounds from Hass avocado peels through ultrasound-assisted extraction and for their potential application in fresh-cut avocado. Phenolics were extracted using acidic water, ethanol, and NaDES based on choline chloride as a fixed hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and hydrogen bond donors (HBDs; lactic acid, glycerol, and citric acid) with the ultrasound-assisted system. The stability of the extracts was monitored for eight weeks (four weeks in darkness followed by four weeks under light exposure). Among the tested formulations, the lactic-acid-based NaDES showed the highest extraction efficiency and the best stability of phenolic compounds during storage (≥20 mg GAE g⁻¹ dw during the storage period). The lactic-acid-based extract was then applied to fresh-cut avocado to evaluate its potential for antioxidant enrichment and browning prevention during refrigerated storage. The treatment increased phenolic content and contributed to improved color stability (during seven days of storage). Overall, lactic-acid-based NaDES represent a promising green solvent system for recovering phenolics from avocado peel and for their functional application in fresh-cut avocado within a circular valorization approach. Full article

This study comparatively evaluated how solvent polarity affects the chemical antioxidant capacity, preliminary hyaluronidase inhibition, and supportive chemical features of Buddleja officinalis Maxim. Six extracts prepared with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, water, 60% ethanol, and 95% ethanol were assessed using DPPH·, ABTS⁺·, ferric reducing power, and hyaluronidase inhibition assays, together with total flavonoid and linarin determinations. The 60% ethanol extract showed the strongest overall radical-scavenging activity, reaching 95% DPPH· scavenging and 95% ABTS⁺· scavenging at 2 mg/mL, whereas the 95% ethanol extract showed the highest ferric reducing power under the tested conditions. Total flavonoid and linarin contents were highest in the ethanol-rich fractions, especially the 95% ethanol and 60% ethanol extracts. In the hyaluronidase assay, both the petroleum ether and 60% ethanol extracts showed relatively strong inhibition at 2.5 mg/mL, with inhibition rates of 74% and 68%, respectively, suggesting that different chemical classes may contribute to this endpoint. Supportive ¹H NMR and UPLC–QTOF–MS data indicated clear polarity-dependent compositional differences; the 60% ethanol extract was enriched in phenylethanoid glycosides and flavonoid glycosides, whereas the petroleum ether extract showed predominantly lipophilic features. Overall, medium-polarity phenolic-rich fractions were more closely associated with chemical antioxidant capacity, while hyaluronidase inhibition may involve contributions from both non-polar and medium-polarity constituents. The present extract-level comparison provides a useful basis for fraction selection, extract standardization, and follow-up activity-guided studies. Full article

Peucephyllum schottii is an aromatic desert plant of the family Asteraceae, which has little scientific research regarding its phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties. This study aims to evaluate in detail the chemical composition and antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, and cytotoxic activities of the ethanol extract of P. schottii leaves. The chemical composition of the plant extract was analyzed by GC-MS. Total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents of the plant were calculated. An antioxidant assay of the plant material was performed by using the DPPH and ABTS tests. The antibacterial activities of P. schottii plant material against six pathogenic bacteria were studied by using the agar diffusion and MIC/MBC techniques. Colorimetric analysis, for its part, enabled the assessment of its antihyperglycemic activities (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) and its cytotoxic activities (in MCF-7 and HepG2 cells). The expressions of apoptotic proteins (caspases, Bcl2, and Bax), were analyzed by RT-PCR. The GC-MS findings showed the presence of complex phytoconstituents of P. schottii in the form of linoleic acid (19.48%), hexadecanoic acid (15.01%), and vitamin E (12.15%). There is high TPC (118.18 mg of GAE/g) and TFC (75.56 mg of QE/g) in P. schottii plant material. The plant showed significant antioxidant (≈105 μg/mL IC₅₀ in DPPH and ≈80 μg/mL IC₅₀ in ABTS) and broad-spectrum antibacterial activities, mostly against E. coli (MIC = 4.68 μg/mL), as well as antihyperglycemic activities against α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 334 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 196 μg/mL) enzymes. The plant material showed cytotoxic effects in MCF-7 and HepG2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner (IC₅₀ = 78 ± 1.13 μg/mL and 68.23 ± 2.41 μg/mL, respectively). These findings point to P. schottii leaf extract’s potential as a natural antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, and chemopreventive agent. Full article