Search Results (35,398)

Sea buckthorn pericarp pomace, a major by-product of juice processing, represents a promising food-grade source of bioactive flavonoids. This study investigated the hypolipidemic effects and underlying mechanisms of total flavonoids extracted from Sea buckthorn pericarp pomace (TFSP) in mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemia. TFSP intervention significantly suppressed body weight gain and improved serum lipid profiles by reducing total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Hepatic lipid accumulation and injury were alleviated, accompanied by enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px) and reduced oxidative stress markers. At the molecular level, TFSP downregulated key lipogenic proteins—including ACC and FAS—and upregulated markers of fatty acid oxidation and triglyceride hydrolysis—namely CPT-1α, PPARα, and ATGL. Moreover, TFSP restored HFD-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis, increased the relative abundance of beneficial genera such as Akkermansia, and decreased that of potentially harmful taxa including Allobaculum. These findings demonstrate that TFSP—a value-added food processing by-product—ameliorates hyperlipidemia through coordinated regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism and gut microbial composition, supporting its potential application as a natural, food-derived ingredient in lipid-lowering functional foods. Full article

This study investigated the effects of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) (Michx.) Elliott powder addition (0.1–0.4%) on the quality attributes of cheese snacks produced from a blended camel–goat–cow milk base (60:20:20) using microwave vacuum drying. The snacks were evaluated for chemical composition, colour parameters, texture profile and water activity in order to assess how black chokeberry incorporation influences their physicochemical and sensory-related properties. Chemical analysis showed that the high protein content of the dried cheese matrix was maintained across all formulations, while fat, carbohydrate and energy values varied within a relatively narrow range, without a clear dose-dependent trend attributable solely to black chokeberry addition. Black chokeberry powder induced concentration-dependent colour changes, with decreased lightness and increased redness and overall colour difference, indicating visually noticeable shifts that may enhance product differentiation. Texture profile analysis revealed a significant reduction in fracturability at intermediate inclusion levels, suggesting a less brittle structure, whereas other texture parameters showed non-linear but statistically non-significant variations due to limited replication. All snacks exhibited very low water activity, consistent with shelf-stable, low-moisture products. A preliminary sensory test with untrained assessors indicated that black chokeberry-enriched snacks, particularly at around 0.3%, were generally well accepted, although the small panel size limits the strength of these conclusions. Overall, the findings suggest that small additions of black chokeberry powder can be used to develop visually attractive, high-protein cheese snacks with promising textural and sensory characteristics, while more comprehensive studies are needed to characterise their antioxidant properties, detailed nutritional profile and long-term stability. Full article

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly aggressive bone cancer with limited therapeutic options. Carnosic acid (CA), a phenolic diterpene with well-established antioxidant properties, has shown anticancer activity, yet its mechanisms in OS remain unclear. In this study, we found that CA suppressed proliferation and induced apoptosis in human osteosarcoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistically, CA activated the STING/IRF3 signaling pathway and enhanced nitric oxide (NO) production, factors closely linked to redox modulation and mitochondrial apoptotic signaling. Pharmacological inhibition or siRNA-mediated knockdown of STING, as well as blockade of NO synthesis, significantly reduced CA-induced apoptosis in vitro. In a xenograft mouse model, CA treatment suppressed tumor growth, and this effect was partially reversed by STING inhibition. These findings suggest that CA exerts antitumor effects in OS through modulation of innate immune and redox-related signaling pathways, supporting its potential as a therapeutic compound that links antioxidant and immunomodulatory actions. Full article

Melatonin plays a crucial role in modulating plant stress responses; however, its potential for mitigating salt–alkali stress remains incompletely understood. This study evaluates the efficacy of exogenous melatonin in alleviating moderate salt–alkali stress (120 mM) in poplar (Populus davidiana × P. bolleana ‘Baicheng Shanxinyang No. 1’) seedlings, investigating both pre- and post-stress treatments across a concentration range of 0–1000 μM. Physiological and morphological parameters, including chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activities, and osmolyte accumulation, were analyzed to assess stress responses. Under salt–alkali stress, seedlings exhibited elevated stress markers and osmolyte levels, reflecting activated stress responses. Melatonin at concentrations of 200–400 μM was the most effective in mitigating stress, significantly enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), restoring chlorophyll content, and reducing oxidative damage markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA). It also regulated osmotic balance in leaves, indicating improved cellular stability under stress. Notably, post-stress application required slightly higher melatonin concentrations to achieve comparable recovery, highlighting the critical influence of application timing. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing melatonin use to improve poplar growth in saline–alkali environments and support molecular breeding efforts aimed at developing salt–alkali-tolerant poplar varieties. Full article

Background/Objectives: Curcumin (CUR) has shown promising potential as a wound-healing agent for diabetic wounds; however, its efficacy is hindered by poor aqueous solubility and limited skin permeability. To overcome these limitations, CUR was loaded into myrrh oil-based nanoemulsions (NEs). Methods: The NEs were optimized using a three-factor two-level D-optimal mixture design, and characterized for droplet size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential. The optimized NE was subjected to various stability testing and incorporated into a gel base containing insulin (INS) to form CUR-INS nanoemulgel (CUR-INS-NEG). The antibacterial efficacy of CUR-INS-NEG was tested against various bacterial strains, while its wound-healing effects were evaluated in a diabetic rat wound model. Results: The surfactant/co-surfactant concentration had a greater influence on the NE properties than the oil and aqueous phase concentrations. The optimal NE had a droplet size of 155.2 ± 0.8 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.28, and a zeta potential of −31.4 ± 0.8 mV. It demonstrated sustained drug release, with further release control upon incorporation into the gel base. CUR-INS-NEG demonstrated higher in vitro antibacterial efficacy compared with blank NEG, CUR gel, and INS gel. It also showed 2- and 4-fold reduction in the MIC against S. aureus and E. coli, respectively, compared with CUR gel. In a diabetic wound model, CUR-INS-NEG outperformed both CUR gel and INS gel by enhancing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, as well as collagen deposition and endothelial cell proliferation. Conclusions: The CUR-INS-NEG emerges as an effective system for diabetic wound management, delivering complementary anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tissue-regenerative effects of myrrh oil, CUR, and INS. Full article

Although greenhouse vegetable production is rapidly shifting toward innovative soilless systems, soil-based conventional cultivation still dominates globally. This production system faces growing pressure to transition to sustainable practices. However, introducing biofertilisers into intensive systems often yields inconsistent results. Specifically, their effects on different lettuce traits vary due to complex relationships between genotype, biofertiliser, environmental conditions, and market demands. Single-parameter evaluations fail to balance conflicting criteria, necessitating multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods for selecting optimal choices. This study aims to overcome these inconsistencies through an integrated fuzzy MCDM-based optimisation model. Three lettuce cultivars (‘Carmesi’, ‘Aquino’, and ‘Gaugin’) were grown in an unheated Surčin (Serbia) greenhouse during a 58-day autumn experiment using a complete block design. Four treatments were applied: a control (without fertilisation), effective microorganisms, a Trichoderma-based fertiliser, and their combination. Biofertilisers were applied before transplanting and four times foliarly during the vegetation period via battery sprayer. This defined 12 production models (cultivar–fertiliser pairs), evaluated across 10 criteria: agronomic (core ratio, number of leaves), quality (nitrate content, total antioxidant capacity, total soluble solids, and chlorogenic acid), sensory (overall taste, overall quality), and economic (total variable costs, total income). Four decision-making experts from the Faculty of Agriculture and the ready-to-eat salad industry assessed weighting coefficients using the fuzzy PIPRECIA (PIvot Pairwise RElative Criteria Importance Assessment) method. The fuzzy MARCOS (Measurement Alternatives and Ranking according to COmpromise Solution) method was used to rank the alternatives. To confirm the stability of the obtained ranking with the fuzzy MARCOS method, we performed sensitivity analysis through 20 different scenarios. Applied fuzzy methods identified alternative A11—‘Aquino’ cultivar with combined biofertilisers—as the best-ranked option, followed by A6 and A7. This study validates fuzzy PIPRECIA and fuzzy MARCOS as effective tools for optimising lettuce production models. They support farmers in selecting the most favourable solution based on multiple criteria, aiding the shift from mineral fertilisers to sustainable biofertiliser-based systems in intensive production—especially helpful for producers making this transition. Full article

Bee pollen is a natural product with multifunctional properties, containing abundant bioactive compounds, especially phenolic acids and flavonoids, which are largely responsible for its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. In this study, the bioactive composition, antioxidant capacity, encapsulation efficiency, antimicrobial activity, and gastrointestinal stability of bee pollen extract (PE) were investigated. The pollen extract exhibited high total phenolic (2817 mg GAE/100 g) and flavonoid contents (5255 mg QE/100 g), along with strong antioxidant activity (DPPH: 4305 mg TE/100 g; CUPRAC: 3685 mg TE/100 g). To improve the stability and bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds, PE was encapsulated using β-cyclodextrin (BCD) at different weight ratios. Among the formulations, the PE:BCD ratio of 1:2 showed the highest encapsulation efficiency (64%) and favorable physicochemical properties, including higher particle size and more negative zeta potential values, indicating good colloidal stability. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated for PE, BCD-only, and the selected PE-loaded formulation (1:2, w:w). Encapsulation led to a modest reduction in antimicrobial activity compared to free PE (6.25–50 mg/mL); however, the encapsulated formulation still exhibited considerable antibacterial effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains (25–50 mg/mL). Furthermore, in vitro gastrointestinal digestion indicated that BCD encapsulation substantially enhanced the bioaccessibility of total phenolics (81%) and antioxidant capacity (DPPH: 48%; CUPRAC: 76%), particularly during the intestinal stage. Phenolic profiling showed that chlorogenic acid and quercetin derivatives remained relatively stable throughout digestion. Overall, encapsulation with BCD effectively safeguarded pollen phenolics, improved their gastrointestinal stability, and increased bioaccessibility, highlighting the potential of encapsulated bee pollen as a functional food ingredient or nutraceutical. Full article

The technological promise of nonlinear optical (NLO) compounds has stimulated intense interest in optoelectronic devices, data storage, photonics, and anticancer therapy. Thiosemicarbazone ruthenium materials are of growing interest because of their tunable ligand framework and coordination sphere, allowing fine control over geometry, electronics, and functional properties. Here, we report an N-substituted salicylaldehyde thiosemicarbazone ligand and a series of octahedral Ru(III) complexes bearing triphenylphosphine or triphenylarsine and halide (Cl, Br) co-ligands. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, UV–Vis, EPR, mass spectrometry, and magnetic susceptibility measurements, which together confirm NS-chelation to a low-spin Ru(III) center in a distorted octahedral environment. Their photophysical and NLO responses were assessed by UV–Vis spectroscopy and powder second-harmonic generation measurements (Kurtz–Perry method), revealing promising NLO behavior. In parallel, antioxidant activity and in vitro anticancer effects against HeLa cells were evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cytotoxicity assays. These results provide insight into ligand-controlled structure–activity relationships, in which the halide (Cl/Br) and ancillary triarylphosphine co-ligands regulate electronic interactions and lipophilicity and ultimately increase biological performance, underscoring the dual materials and medicinal potential of these Ru(III) complexes. Full article

Lung cancer progression is regulated by multiple factors, including ferroptosis and gut microbiota-mediated butyrate metabolism. This study investigates the anti-tumor effects of ginsenoside Rh4 on lung cancer cells via ferroptosis mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, ginsenoside Rh4 inhibited the proliferation of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) and A549 cells and triggered ferroptosis, effects that were suppressed by the ferroptosis inhibitor Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1). In vivo, tumor-bearing mouse models were established and treated with 100 mg/kg ginsenoside Rh4 for 21 days. Tumor growth, ferroptosis markers, gut microbiota, and butyrate were analyzed, with in vitro validation of butyrate’s pathway effects. Ginsenoside Rh4 induced ferroptosis in LLC cells both in vitro and in vivo, inhibiting tumor growth. It promoted ferroptosis by disrupting iron homeostasis through elevated Fe²⁺ and transferrin receptor (TFRC), and impaired antioxidant defense via depletion of glutathione (GSH) and reduction in ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), solute carrier family 40 member 1 (SLC40A1), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). Additionally, ginsenoside Rh4 enhanced lipid peroxidation, indicated by increased lipid peroxides (LPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA). In vivo, it suppressed the KEAP1/NRF2/HO-1 pathway, reducing antioxidant enzyme activity. Gut microbiota modulation and butyrate production further amplified ferroptosis by activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3)-mediated GPX4 suppression. Ginsenoside Rh4 induces ferroptosis by inhibiting the KEAP1/NRF2/HO-1 pathway and remodeling the gut microbiota to increase butyrate levels, which synergistically enhance tumor cell ferroptosis sensitivity through ATF3 activation and suppression of GPX4. Full article

The valorization of agro-industrial by-products is a sustainable approach to recovering high-value bioactive compounds. In this study, Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. seed press residues were investigated as a source of phenolic and flavonoid compounds using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). A multi-step optimization strategy was implemented, combining preliminary single-factor experiments (OVAT), response surface methodology based on a Box–Behnken design (BBD), and machine learning modeling using K-nearest neighbors coupled with the dragonfly algorithm (KNN_DA), followed by desirability-based validation. The effects of ethanol concentration (50–100%), microwave power (400–800 W), extraction time (2–4 min), and liquid-to-solid ratio (30–50 mL/g) were evaluated on Folin–Ciocalteu reducing capacity (FCRC), AlCl₃ complexation response, and antioxidant activity assessed by DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power assays. Optimal conditions were identified at 50% ethanol, 800 W microwave power, 4 min extraction time, and a liquid-to-solid ratio of 47.28 mL/g. Under these conditions, FCRC reached 376.85 ± 0.23 mg GAE/100 g DW and 49.16 ± 0.33 mg QE/100 g DW for AlCl₃ complexation response, with prediction errors of 2.80% and 0.82%, respectively. The optimized extracts exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity. These findings confirm MAE as a rapid and environmentally friendly technique and highlight the predictive performance of the KNN_DA model for process optimization. Full article

Encapsulated probiotics, which are promising approaches for improving aquaculture species’ performance and health, have incompletely characterized dose-dependent physiological and immunological effects. This study represents the first report evaluating the probiotic efficacy of a novel encapsulated Lysinibacillus sp. PWR01, originally isolated from rubber latex nodules, in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). A total of 300 Nile tilapia (10.80 ± 0.07 g) was allocated to four experimental groups receiving 0, 10⁴, 10⁵, and 10⁶ CFU/g of encapsulated Lysinibacillus sp. PWR01 in their diet. At 8 weeks of the feeding trial, growth performance, feed utilization, serum antioxidant status, intestinal bacterial counts and immune-related gene expression were analyzed. Results demonstrated that fish fed 10⁶ CFU/g achieved a final weight of 51.48 g, representing a 9.88% increase compared with the control (46.85 g), while weight gain (WG) improved by 12.82% and specific growth rate (SGR) by 6.34%. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was reduced by up to 18.42% at 10⁵ CFU/g relative to the control. Encapsulated groups enhanced serum superoxide dismutase activity without altering malondialdehyde levels, increased total intestinal bacterial and lactic acid bacteria counts, and selectively upregulated TLR2 and MHC II mRNA transcript levels. Histological analysis further revealed increased intestinal villus height and width in encapsulated-fed groups, while liver architecture remained normal across treatments. Multivariate analyses demonstrated strong positive associations among growth performance, gut microbiota enrichment, and immune gene expression. Resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila infection was significantly improved at higher dietary doses, with post-challenge survival reaching 61.67–75% in supplemented groups versus 45.00% in controls. These findings demonstrate that latex-derived Lysinibacillus sp. PWR01 acts as a strain-specific immunomodulatory probiotic that enhances growth, antioxidant capacity, microbial community balance, and disease resistance to Nile tilapia. Future studies should investigate the role of the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway, clarify TLR2-mediated immune signaling, and assess gut microbiota–immune system interactions within commercial-scale production systems. Full article

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. A major pathological progression of MI is the excess generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which results in oxidative stress and damage to the ischemic heart. Because damage to the myocardium is irreversible, the development of new therapeutic agents that can decrease the degree of ischemic damage following MI is crucial. The traditional Chinese medicine formulation, Qishen Yiqi dropping pills (QSYQ), has been clinically used in the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases; however, the precise mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects remain unelucidated. Methods: In this study, we established murine models of MI via coronary artery ligation to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of QSYQ following MI. Results: The administration of QSYQ significantly improved cardiac function, reduced infarct size, and attenuated ventricular remodeling in mice that underwent MI. Moreover, MI-induced oxidative stress and downregulated levels of antioxidant enzymes were prevented in mice administered QSYQ via upregulating the SIRT3/FOXO3a signaling pathway. Importantly, pretreatment with a selective SIRT3 inhibitor 3-TYP abolished the cardioprotective effects of QSYQ. Conclusions: Our findings elucidate the role and mechanism of QSYQ in protecting against oxidative damage and restoring redox homeostasis following myocardial infarction. This study provides support for the therapeutic potential of QSYQ in the clinical treatment of myocardial ischemic diseases. Full article

This study investigated the characteristics and bioactive properties of olive oils obtained from regional Nizip Yaglik (NY) and Kilis Yaglik (KY) olive varieties, encapsulated using maltodextrin (MD) and whey protein isolate (WPI) as wall materials. Olive oils were first emulsified with different WPI–MD ratios (1:1, 1:4, 1:10) and subsequently freeze-dried to produce microcapsule powders. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted, including physicochemical properties (encapsulation efficiency, moisture content, water activity, bulk density, flowability, wettability, particle size, and color), FTIR spectral profiles, morphological features, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity. The results demonstrated that combining WPI with MD yielded high encapsulation efficiency and favorable reconstitution characteristics, effectively protecting sensitive bioactive constituents from oxidative degradation during processing and storage. Increasing the proportion of MD in the wall matrix improved emulsion stability and microencapsulation yield, while also slightly enhancing powder brightness. FTIR analyses confirmed that the fundamental chemical structure of olive oil was preserved across all formulations. The freeze-dried microcapsules displayed superior stability relative to non-encapsulated oils, retaining higher levels of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. Among the formulations, elevated MD ratios enhanced powder flowability, whereas WPI played a crucial role in emulsification performance and capsule surface integrity. Overall, these findings underscore the effectiveness of MD–WPI blends as promising wall materials for the freeze-drying encapsulation of regional olive oils, offering a viable strategy to preserve their distinctive qualities and bioactive potential for functional food applications. Full article

The global demand for sustainable and effective food preservation techniques has spurred significant interest in biodegradable packaging materials, with chitosan films emerging as a promising solution for extending the shelf life of highly perishable seafood products such as shrimp. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the development, characterization, and functional enhancement of chitosan-based films for shrimp. Chitosan, derived from chitin, has inherent antimicrobial, antioxidant, and biodegradable properties, making it an ideal candidate for eco-friendly packaging. The key physicochemical and functional properties of chitosan films, including their mechanical strength, barrier performance, and structural characteristics, are discussed. Functional enhancements, such as the incorporation of natural bioactive compounds (e.g., essential oils and plant extracts) and nanofillers, have been shown to significantly improve the antimicrobial efficacy, oxygen and water vapor barrier properties, and mechanical stability of films. A critical aspect of this progress is the synergistic effect achieved by combining chitosan with other antimicrobials, which broadens the spectrum of activity against various bacterial strains and enhances overall preservation efficacy. Recent studies have demonstrated that functionalized chitosan coatings effectively inhibit microbial growth, retard lipid oxidation, and maintain sensory and nutritional quality during refrigerated storage of shrimp. In addition, this review evaluates current limitations related to large-scale production, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory approval for commercial applications. Overall, chitosan-based preservation systems represent a promising approach for sustainable seafood packaging. Future research may focus on industrial scalability, multifunctional film design, and integration with smart/active packaging technologies. Full article

Polyethylene (PE) microplastics (MPs) from residual mulch films are prevalent in peanut-cultivated soils, yet their specific effects on peanut nodulation remain unclear. This study investigated the impacts of PE-MPs at concentrations of 0.2%, 0.6%, and 1.0% on peanut nodulation. Results indicated that PE-MPs significantly reduced peanut nodule number. Transcriptome analysis revealed that all three concentrations of PE-MPs down-regulated nodulation-related flavonoids, promoted lignin deposition in cell walls, disrupted antioxidant system, and enhanced the accumulation of antimicrobial substances, collectively impairing peanut nodulation efficiency. These findings indicate that PE-MPs substantially compromise the symbiosis between peanut and rhizobia, and provide insights into their interference with plant–beneficial microbe interactions in contaminated soils. Full article