Search Results (102)

Corn, paddy, wheat, sorghum, and cassava serve as the primary energy sources in both human and animal diets. This study aimed to evaluate their nutrient release patterns in a simulated gastrointestinal environment and to assess the in vitro biological activity of the metabolites produced during digestion. The results showed that wheat exhibited the highest dry matter degradation in the stomach–jejunum–ileum digestion stage, while wheat and paddy showed the highest crude protein degradation compared with the other starch sources. In addition, wheat had a higher total free sugar concentration than paddy, sorghum, and cassava. Among the individual free sugars, such as D-sorbitol and D-(+)-trehalose, were found to have the highest concentrations in wheat, whereas cassava had the highest D(−)-fructose concentration. Several differential metabolites, including valeric acid, caproic acid, octanoic acid, and azelaic acid were highly released in paddy, whereas glucaric acid, threonic acid, phenylacetic acid, and shikimic acid were highly released in cassava, and 4-hydroxycinnamic acid was highly released in paddy and sorghum. Four unique metabolites were identified during the digestion process of five starch sources. Particularly, isocitric acid and trans-Cinnamic acid were released only from cassava; caffeic acid was released only from sorghum and corn; and pimelic acid was released only from paddy and wheat. Furthermore, cassava was distinct from the other starch sources, displaying a higher abundance of differential metabolites within the glucagon signaling pathway as mapped in KEGG pathway analysis. In summary, compared with other starch sources, wheat provides more dry matter, protein, and sugars for the body. Cassava is unlikely to offer any advantage in glycemic regulation, while paddy and cassava possess stronger biological activity in terms of differential metabolites. Full article

Aeromonas hydrophila is a major seafood-borne pathogen capable of persisting under preservative-associated stress by entering a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state, thereby evading culture-based detection. Here, untargeted metabolomics was applied as the primary analytical approach to elucidate metabolic reprogramming during VBNC formation under seafood-relevant preservation conditions. Cells were incubated at 4 °C for 30 days in sodium benzoate-supplemented saline, comparing 0.85% NaCl (culturable condition) and 4% NaCl (VBNC-inducing condition), with sampling every 6 days. Under 4% NaCl with sodium benzoate, culturability declined from 6.18 log CFU/mL at day 0 to undetectable levels by day 30, while cell viability was retained, confirming VBNC induction. UHPLC–ESI–QTOF–MS profiling detected over 893 intracellular metabolic features, of which 518 metabolites were significantly altered between VBNC and culturable states at day 30. Principal component analysis revealed clear, time-dependent metabolic divergence, with the VBNC trajectory explaining 34.4% (PC1) and 11.5% (PC2) of total variance. Pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated significant remodeling of alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism (8/28 hits, FDR = 5.7 × 10⁻⁴); arginine biosynthesis (5/14 hits, FDR = 5.44 × 10⁻³); purine metabolism (10/70 hits, FDR = 8.34 × 10⁻³); and pyrimidine metabolism (7/39 hits, FDR = 1.35 × 10⁻²), indicating nitrogen conservation and metabolic downshifting. A robust biomarker panel, including depleted cyclic AMP, aminoadipic acid, hypotaurine, O6-CM-dG, and betaine, and enriched urocanic acid, pipecolic acid, proline, azelaic acid, and orcinol perfectly discriminated VBNC from culturable cells. These findings demonstrate that sodium benzoate-based preservation can induce a metabolically reprogrammed VBNC state in A. hydrophila, highlighting a hidden food safety risk beyond culture-based assessment. Full article

Brown spot, caused by the fungus Bipolaris oryzae, has led to significant yield losses in rice production worldwide. This study hypothesized that azelaic acid (AzA) could reduce brown spot symptoms in rice leaves by potentiating biochemical defense reactions. A 2 × 2 factorial experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with five replications per sampling time. The factors studied were plants sprayed with water (control) or AzA (10 mM; 7.5 mL per plant), either non-inoculated or inoculated with B. oryzae. In the in vitro assay, conidia exposed to AzA solutions at rates of 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 mM and to the fungicide solution did not form germ tubes compared to those in the control (water) treatment. The area of fungal colonies on oat–agar medium was reduced for the fungicide and AzA (rates increasing from 2.5 to 10 mM) treatments compared to the control (water) treatment. The EC₅₀ value was 3.8 mM AzA. Brown spot severity significantly decreased by 57, 48, 52, and 58% at 36, 60, 84, and 108 h after inoculation (hai) for AzA-sprayed plants compared to water-sprayed ones. The area under brown spot progress curve significantly decreased by 53% for AzA-sprayed plants compared to water-sprayed ones. Greatest activities of defense-related enzymes (chitinase at 108 hai, β-1,3-glucanase at 60 hai, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase at 60 and 108 hai, and lipoxygenase at 84 and 108 hai), a higher concentration of lignin at 84 and 108 hai, and a more robust antioxidative metabolism (higher activities of ascorbate peroxidase at 36 hai, catalase at 84 and 108 hai, and superoxide dismutase at 84 hai) were obtained for AzA-sprayed infected plants. The higher concentration of the superoxide anion radical in AzA-sprayed infected leaves helped to intensify the cell defense reactions against fungal infection and had a fungistatic effect against its hyphae and conidia germination. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into using AzA to potentiate foliar defense reactions in rice plants to hamper the infection by B. oryzae. Full article

Background/Objectives: Acne is a common skin condition that is characterized by the manifestation of comedones, erythematous papules, pustules, and nodules over follicular areas. A huge contributing factor in the pathogenesis is colonization by Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) (formerly Propionibacterium acnes). Conventional treatments for acne range from topical to systemic agents with variable side effects and safety profiles. Adherence to prescribed treatments for acne is a huge challenge. Method: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 198 patients with dermatologist-confirmed acne vulgaris at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah. Eligible participants had received topical and/or systemic treatment for at least one month. Exclusion criteria included other acne variants and inflammatory follicular disorders. Data on sociodemographics, medical and treatment history, and clinical characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire. Treatment adherence was assessed with the validated ECOB scale. Associations between adherence and relevant variables were analyzed using Chi-squared and Mann–Whitney tests in SPSS v26, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Non-adherence to anti-acne medications was 50.5% and was significantly associated with experiencing side effects, particularly skin dryness, and with moderate acne severity and topical treatment (p ≤ 0.05). No significant associations were found between adherence and demographic or medical history variables. Conclusions: Adherence to acne treatment remains a significant challenge for many patients. Improving patient education, addressing concerns about side effects, and providing practical support may help patients follow their prescribed therapies more consistently. Incorporating tools like the ECOB questionnaire into routine dermatology visits can support ongoing assessment and better management of treatment adherence. Full article

Medium- and long-chain fatty acids (MLFAs) are increasingly recognized not only as metabolic substrates but also as precursors of diverse bioactive metabolites generated through host and microbial transformations. Recent advances in analytical chemistry and microbiome research have revealed that gut microorganisms catalyze extensive modifications of dietary MLFAs—producing hydroxylated, conjugated, and keto-fatty acids with enhanced potency toward host receptors. These metabolites exhibit dual activity on classical metabolic receptors, including FFAR1/4 and PPARα/γ, as well as ectopically expressed chemosensory receptors such as olfactory receptors (ORs) and bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs). This expanded receptor landscape establishes a previously unrecognized chemosensory–metabolic axis that integrates dietary signals, microbial metabolism, and host physiology. Microbial MLFA derivatives such as 10-hydroxyoctadecenoic acid and conjugated linoleic acid regulate incretin secretion, adipogenesis, macrophage polarization, and intestinal barrier function through coordinated activation of FFARs and PPARs. Concurrently, dicarboxylic acids such as azelaic acid activate Olfr544 to modulate lipolysis, ketogenesis, GLP-1 release, and feeding behavior. TAS2Rs also sense oxidized lipids, linking lipid metabolism to immune regulation and enteroendocrine signaling. Collectively, these pathways highlight the microbiome as a metabolic transducer that converts dietary lipids into signaling molecules influencing endocrine, immune, and gut–brain circuits. Understanding the mechanisms governing MLFA bioconversion and receptor engagement provides new opportunities for therapeutic and nutritional intervention. Targeting ORs and TAS2Rs, engineering probiotics to enhance beneficial FA-derived metabolites, and developing receptor-selective synthetic analogs represent promising strategies. Future progress will require integrative approaches combining physiology, biochemistry, metabolomics, and microbial genomics to elucidate receptor specificity and host variability. Full article

This study reports the first molecularly confirmed occurrence of Phlegmacium herculeum in Algeria, identified through morphological features and ITS sequence analysis (GenBank accession: PQ133121). Phytochemical profiling revealed a diverse composition of metabolites. SPME–GC–MS analysis detected volatile aldehydes (butanal, pentanal), organic acids (butanoic, pentanoic), terpenoids (limonene, 1,8-cineole), phenolics, and long-chain alkanes. Furthermore, the macrofungus has been extracted with organic solvents, and the obtained extracts have been analyzed via NMR and GC–MS, revealing the presence of organic acids (lactic, succinic, azelaic), fatty acids (palmitic, linoleic), and phenolic acids (protocatechuic, 4-hydroxybenzoic). DPPH-based analysis indicated that the antioxidant response of the crude extracts strengthened as the dose increased, with the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract exhibiting the highest inhibition and lowest IC₅₀, attributed to its rich phenolic content. The chloroform (CHCl₃) extract showed moderate activity, consistent with its composition of less polar metabolites such as fatty acids and terpenoids. Antibacterial assays revealed extract-specific effects: CHCl₃ strongly inhibited Staphylococcus aureus (18 mm), while EtOAc was more effective against Gram-negative strains, including Escherichia coli (18 mm) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13 mm). Cytotoxicity testing using Saccharomyces cerevisiae confirmed that both extracts were non-toxic, maintaining ≥90% cell viability. These findings highlight P. herculeum as a novel source of bioactive metabolites with antioxidant and antibacterial potential. Full article

Background: Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory disorder with significant clinical and psychosocial impacts. Medium-depth chemical peels are increasingly used to manage both active acne lesions and atrophic acne scars. This study aimed to quantitatively assess the clinical effectiveness of a novel multimodal medium-depth chemical peel regimen, yellow peel, in improving acne severity and scar depth, as well as skin hydration and sebum production in patients with mild to moderate facial acne. Methods: Twenty patients (17 women and 3 men) aged 20–25 with mild to moderate acne vulgaris underwent two sessions of yellow peel treatment at four-week intervals. The peel protocol combined glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and a multi-acid mask containing retinol, azelaic, phytic, kojic, and salicylic acids. Clinical outcomes were evaluated at baseline, four weeks after the first peel, and two months after the second peel. Assessments included the Investigators Global Assessment (IGA), inflammatory lesion count, 3D scar depth analysis, skin hydration (corneometer), and sebum secretion (sebumeter). Results: Yellow peel treatment significantly reduced acne severity, with an 85% decrease in inflammatory lesion counts and over 20% reduction in scar depth. Skin hydration improved significantly across all facial regions, and sebum secretion decreased substantially, enhancing skin barrier function and seboregulation. Statistical analysis confirmed the treatment’s efficacy with sustained improvements two months post-final peel. Conclusions: The yellow peel protocol is an effective and well-tolerated adjunct therapy for managing mild to moderate acne and atrophic acne scars. By combining exfoliative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, sebostatic, and depigmenting agents, this multimodal approach delivers comprehensive skin improvement. Further large-scale, controlled studies are recommended to confirm long-term safety and efficacy. Full article

Prosthechea karwinskii is an orchid endemic to Mexico used for medicinal purposes. The objective of this study was to determine the anticoagulant potential ex vivo of the extract isolated using green solvents. Coagulometric assays were performed to evaluate the anticoagulant activity: activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), and thrombin time (TT). For each assay, different concentrations of the extract were evaluated (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 5.5, 7.5, and 8.5 mg/mL) using platelet-poor plasma from healthy donors. The P. karwinskii leaves extract showed an anticoagulant effect by significantly prolonging (p < 0.05) the APTT and TT from a concentration of 3.5 and 2.5 mg/mL, respectively, compared to basal. The anticoagulant activity was concentration dependent. In addition, the hydroethanolic extract of P. karwinskii leaves inhibited factor XI activity by 86.10 ± 2.3%. The compounds in the extract were identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS). The compounds identified were quinic acid, malic acid, succinic acid, L (-)-phenylalanine, guanosine, neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, rutin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, pinellic acid, and embelin. Full article

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with high mortality and increasing incidence. Sorafenib, a cornerstone of therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, presents certain disadvantages, including low bioavailability and poor water solubility. This work describes a new strategy for sorafenib-targeted delivery aimed at improving treatment efficiency and reducing side effects. Methods: Magnetic nanoparticles coated with azelaic acid were modified with aptamer molecules that specifically recognize human liver cancer cell line HepG2, ensuring specificity for the tumor tissue. The nanoparticles were further loaded with sorafenib. The obtained drug delivery system was extensively characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Results: The drug delivery system demonstrated a higher release of sorafenib at acidic pH compared to pH 7.4. The cell internalization of the bare and aptamer-modified magnetic nanoparticles was assessed in HepG2 and human normal foreskin fibroblasts BJ cell lines, demonstrating that the aptamer significantly enhances internalization in tumor cells, while having no impact on healthy cells. Conclusions: The sorafenib-modified nanoparticles exhibited excellent cytocompatibility with BJ cells across all tested concentrations, while showing cytotoxicity towards HepG2 cells at higher concentrations, confirming the selectivity of the system. Full article

Ozonized vegetable oils are gaining attention for their antimicrobial and therapeutic potential, yet the lack of standardized ozonation protocols and incomplete characterization of their chemical profiles hinder clinical translation. In this study, we standardized the ozonation process of sunflower oil and investigated the chemical evolution and antimicrobial efficacy of the resulting products. Ozonation proceeded through a classical three-step mechanism involving the formation of primary ozonides, their decomposition into carbonyl compounds and carbonyl oxides, and subsequent recombination into stable secondary ozonides capable of sustained ozone release with reduced toxicity. Time-course analysis at 100, 240, and 480 min revealed key reaction products, including the appearance of azelaic acid after 240 min, progressive depletion of linoleic acid, and the emergence of 2,5-furandione exclusively after 480 min—indicative of advanced oxidative processes. The formation of hydroperoxides and their secondary degradation into ketones, acids, and epoxides was also observed, with implications for both biological activity and sensory properties. Importantly, the ozonized oil demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella choleraesuis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus brasiliensis. These findings provide a comprehensive chemical and functional characterization of ozonized sunflower oil and support its development as a standardized antimicrobial agent for therapeutic use. Full article

Melasma is an acquired hyperpigmentation that is more common in women and mainly affects the face. It can significantly reduce quality of life due to its chronic nature and resistance to treatment. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of azelaic acid peeling and combined tranexamic acid microneedling in patients with melasma, evaluating the impact of these therapies on skin depigmentation. Methods: This was a prospective clinical trial with a split-face design, using a convenience sample. Patients were recruited and divided into two groups for comparative treatment. Microneedling with 4 mg/mL tranexamic acid was applied to the right hemiface and 30% azelaic acid peeling to the left hemiface. The protocol included five sessions with a 15-day interval. Photographic records were taken before treatment, in the fifth session, and 15 days after the last session. The Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) and non-parametric tests were used to analyze the results. Results: The study included 10 patients, of whom 9 completed the treatment. The average age was 42 years. The most common skin phototype was type III (50%) and the predominant locations were the central facial area, forehead, and cheeks (55.6%). The photographic evaluation and MASI showed a significant improvement on both sides of the face, with the final values better than the initial ones. It was possible to observe that the azelaic acid peeling showed a significant whitening after the fourth session when compared to the other method. Conclusions: The clinical study of hemifaces concluded that both the azelaic acid peeling and microneedling with tranexamic acid are effective in the treatment of melasma, with the azelaic acid peeling showing results after the fourth session. Further studies with larger, randomized samples are recommended. Full article

The ice sheet and subglacial geological environment in Antarctica have become the focus of scientific exploration. The development of Antarctic drilling technology will serve as a crucial safeguard for scientific exploration. However, the extremely ultra-low temperatures and intricate geological conditions present substantial obstacles for drilling operations in Antarctica, and the existing drilling fluid technology cannot satisfy the requirements of efficient and safe drilling. To ameliorate the wettability and rheology of ultra-low-temperature drilling fluids, a new amide material (HAS) was prepared using dodecylamine polyoxyethylene ether, azelaic acid, and N-ethylethylenediamine as raw materials. Experiments using infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic hydrogen spectroscopy, and contact angle indicated that the target product was successfully synthesized. Performance evaluation showed that 2% HAS could achieve a yield point of 2.5 Pa for drilling fluid at −55 °C, and it also gave the fluid superior shear-thinning characteristics and a large thixotropic loop area. This indicated that HAS significantly enhanced the rheological properties of the drilling fluid, ensuring that it can carry cuttings and ice debris. In addition, 2% HAS could also increase the colloidal rate from 8% to more than 76% at −55 °C in different base oils. Meanwhile, the colloid rate was maintained above 92.4% when the density was 0.92~0.95 g/cm³. Mechanism studies showed that HAS increased the zeta potential and decreased the particle size of organoclay. At the same time, it changed the organoclay state from a clustered state to a uniformly dispersed state, and the particle size decreased. It was found that HAS formed a weak gel grid structure through interactions between polar groups, such as amide and imino groups with organoclays particles, thus improving the rheology and wettability of drilling fluid. In addition, HAS is an environmentally friendly high-performance material. Full article

Azelaic acid (AzA), a saturated dicarboxylic acid, is indicated for the treatment of acne vulgaris, rosacea, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antimelanogenic properties support its use; however, its poor aqueous solubility and limited skin permeability constrain its optimal topical delivery. This review summarizes clinical evidence and advances in formulations—including conventional vehicles, polymeric/lipid nanocarriers, and deep eutectic solvent (DES) systems—to promote more effective and well-tolerated use. Across indications, 15–20% azelaic acid (AzA) formulations produced clinically meaningful improvements with mild, transient local irritation. For acne vulgaris, reductions in inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions were comparable to those of topical retinoids/adapalene, and tolerability was superior in some studies. For rosacea, the 15% gel formulation was comparable to metronidazole in reducing papules, pustules, and erythema while maintaining negligible systemic exposure. In melasma and other dyschromias, 20% cream demonstrated efficacy similar to hydroquinone, exhibiting a favorable safety profile. Advanced delivery systems, including liposomes, niosomes/ethosomes, nanostructured lipid carriers, microemulsions, nanosponges, and DES platforms, increased AzA solubilization, cutaneous deposition, and stability. This enabled dose-sparing strategies and improved adherence. Data on AzA cocrystals and ionic salts suggest additional control over release and irritation. AzA remains a versatile and well-tolerated dermatologic agent whose performance is strongly vehicle-dependent. Rational selection and engineering of carriers, particularly DES-integrated polymeric and lipid systems, can mitigate solubility and permeability limitations, enhance skin targeting, and reduce irritation in the treatment of acne and rosacea. Full article

Resveratrol is a natural stilbene known for its wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging effects. However, its application in cosmetics and dermatology is limited by poor stability and bioavailability. Azelaic acid is a natural carboxylic acid employed in cosmetics for its tyrosinase inhibition activity and for cutaneous hyperpigmentation disorders. In this work, we report a concise chemoenzymatic procedure for the synthesis of a novel hybrid molecule combining acetylated resveratrol and azelaic acid. This methodology offers a valuable route for the development of new bioactive compounds for potential cosmetic and dermatological applications. Full article

The cigarette production from Nicotiana tabacum generates significant amounts of waste, with an estimated 68.31 million tons of pre- and post-harvest waste discarded annually. The pre-harvest waste includes the upper parts of the plant, inflorescences, and bracts, which are removed to help the growth of the lower leaves. This study explores the potential of apical leaves from Nicotiana tabacum var. Virginia, discarded during the budding stage (pre-harvest waste). The leaves were extracted using environmentally friendly solvents (green solvents), including distilled water (DW) and two natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDESs), one consisting of simple sugars, fructose, glucose, and sucrose (FGS) and the other consisting of choline chloride and urea (CU). The anti-inflammatory and anti-aging potential of these green extracts was assessed by the inhibition of key enzymes related to skin aging. The xanthine oxidase and lipoxygenase activities were mostly inhibited by CU extracts with IC₅₀ values of 63.50 and 8.0 μg GAE/mL, respectively. The FGS extract exhibited the greatest hyaluronidase inhibition (49.20%), followed by the CU extract (33.20%) and the DW extract (20.80%). Regarding elastase and collagenase inhibition, the CU extract exhibited the highest elastase inhibition, while all extracts inhibited collagenase activity, with values exceeding 65%. Each extract had a distinct chemical profile determined by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS and spectrophotometric methods, with several shared compounds present in different proportions. CU extract is characterized by high concentrations of rutin, nicotiflorin, and azelaic acid, while FGS and DW extracts share major compounds such as quinic acid, fructosyl pyroglutamate, malic acid, and gluconic acid. Ames test and Caenorhabditis elegans assay demonstrated that at the concentrations at which the green tobacco extracts exhibit biological activities, they did not show toxicity. The results support the potential of N. tabacum extracts obtained with NaDESs as antiaging and suggest their promising applications in the cosmetic and cosmeceutical industries. Full article