Search Results (36,218)

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with oxidative stress playing a major role in disease pathogenesis by promoting endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, and tissue damage. Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between antioxidant defenses and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in favor of ROS. Excessive ROS damage macromolecules and may trigger a chain reaction of lipid peroxidation, protein modification, and DNA damage. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring compounds in fruits and vegetables that may modulate redox homeostasis and positively impact cardiovascular health. The flavonoid Quercetin, Resveratrol, Curcuminoids, Coenzyme Q10, Hydroxysafflor yellow A, and Vitamins C and E have shown promise in human studies for improving endothelial function, lipid profile and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Among the key mechanisms of protection are their antioxidant role, anti-inflammatory role or modulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, all of which contribute to cardiovascular protection. However, there are challenges associated with their use for health, such as the complexity of their quality and quantity, which require standardization, as well as their mechanisms of effects. Moreover, their systemic availability and bioactivity largely depend on metabolic transformation by the host gut microbiota. This review analyzed relevant publications in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, up to February 2026, and summarizes current knowledge on phyto–chemical-mediated modulation of oxidative stress and its implications for cardiovascular protection in humans. The evidence suggests that phytochemicals hold promise for CVD prevention and treatment, but more work is needed to achieve standardization in quality and quantity. Full article

Effective hemostasis in deep and irregular wounds remains a critical clinical challenge. To address this, we developed a bioresorbable chitosan composite hydrogel reinforced with short eggshell membrane (ESM) nanofibers, which were obtained through cryogenic grinding. The resulting ESM/CCS hydrogel, crosslinked with citric acid, exhibited significantly enhanced properties compared to pure CCS hydrogel, including a 63% increase in mechanical strength, a two-fold improvement in shape memory, a 25.31% reduction in hemolysis, over 2% higher cytocompatibility, and more than 48% greater hemostatic efficiency. Structural characterization confirmed the successful integration of bioactive chitosan with collagen mimetic ESM nanofibers. This biomimetic approach synergistically combines mechanical reinforcement with biological functionality, highlighting its strong potential as an advanced hemostatic dressing for complex wound management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Appetite-regulating hormones are bioactive components of human milk. We tested the associations of leptin and adiponectin with infant growth and eating behaviors to age 6 months. Methods: In a cohort of 70 healthy, full-term infants and their mothers, human milk adiponectin and leptin were assayed at age 2 months (m). At infant ages 2, 4, and 6 m, infant anthropometry was obtained, mothers reported feeding frequency, duration, and breastfeeding intensity and completed the Baby Eating Behavior Questionnaire (Enjoyment of Food, Food Responsiveness, and General Appetite), and infant sucking vigor using an artificial nipple (burst duration and sucking frequency) was measured. Mothers reported demographics, gestational diabetes and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational age, and infant birthweight. Multivariate models evaluated predictors of leptin and adiponectin, and associations of leptin and adiponectin with infant growth and eating behaviors. Results: Human milk leptin was predicted by maternal BMI (β = 0.02) and breastfeeding intensity (β = −0.32). Regarding infant growth, infant weight-for-age and weight-for-length z-scores at 6 m were predicted by leptin (β = 0.91 and β = 1.22, respectively) and adiponectin (β = 0.01 and β = 0.01, respectively). Regarding infant eating behaviors, feeding duration at 2 m and feeding frequency at 4 m were predicted by adiponectin (β = 0.03 and β = −0.02, respectively). Conclusions: Human milk leptin and adiponectin may contribute to weight gain in early infancy, but the effect does not appear to be mediated substantially by infant eating behaviors. Further investigation into the metabolic programming of early infant weight gain is warranted. Full article

In the biodegradable metal class, Mg-based alloys are considered the most promising candidates for temporary implant manufacture. However, their high corrosion rate in physiological media is considered a main drawback for clinical translation. Conversion coatings address the limitations of Mg-based alloys and provide a strategy to control corrosion and improve surface biocompatibility. In this review paper, a detailed analysis of various conversion coating techniques, including ceramic conversion coatings based on metals, polymeric conversion coatings, bioactive conversion coatings, and hybrid conversion coatings, is performed. Attention is devoted to the corrosion process and parameters, as well as to the biological response in relation to bioactivity or biocompatibility. The main angiogenic and osteogenic signaling pathways are described based on the analyzed conversion coatings, and the evolution of the cellular response is estimated. Although significant progress has been made in the field, there are still challenges associated with synchronizing Mg alloy degradation with new bone formation and with precisely guiding cell signaling responses to achieve a desired biological response. An overall conclusion of the paper consists of the fact that conversion coatings are an important topic, as they can enhance the surface of Mg-based alloys, making them prone to clinical translation. Full article

Intensive aquaculture induces severe environmental stress and disease susceptibility in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Cannabidiol (CBD) offers significant potential as a bioactive stress-mitigating additive. This study evaluated the effects of dietary CBD supplementation (0, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) on the growth, intestinal microecology, and stress tolerance of juvenile L. vannamei over an 8-week feeding trial, followed by a combined chronic ammonia and acute hypoxia challenge. Moderate CBD supplementation (10–40 mg/kg) significantly promoted growth, minimized feed conversion ratios, and enriched muscle eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA). Furthermore, CBD restructured the intestinal microbiota by suppressing opportunistic pathogens and enriching beneficial taxa. Under combined stress, moderate CBD prolonged the median lethal time (LT₅₀) by up-regulating hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (hif-1α) and heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) transcription and boosting systemic antioxidant capacity to neutralize lipid peroxidation. Conversely, the highest dose (80 mg/kg) induced metabolic exhaustion and hepatopancreatic toxicity, evidenced by drastically elevated serum transaminases and diminished stress tolerance. Conclusively, dietary CBD exerts a classic biphasic effect in L. vannamei. Inclusion at 10–40 mg/kg safely promotes the best comprehensive effects on growth, immune homeostasis, and environmental resilience within the concentration range tested in this study, whereas excessive administration provokes severe metabolic burden, highlighting the critical need for strict dosage regulation. Full article

Background: Astragalus membranaceus Fisch. ex Bunge has long been used in East Asian medicine for gastrointestinal disorders and immune modulation. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), a major bioactive saponin from its roots, exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, yet its protective effects against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-associated multi-organ damage via the gut–liver–brain axis remain unclear. Methods: Experimental colitis was induced in C57BL/6N mice by administering 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water for seven days. AS-IV (100 mg/kg/day) was orally administered during DSS exposure. Disease severity was evaluated using body weight, colon length, disease activity index, and histopathology. Inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers were measured using ELISA, and NF-κB and MAPK signaling were analyzed through Western blotting and immunohistochemistry in colonic, hepatic, and brain tissues. Results: AS-IV significantly alleviated DSS-induced weight loss, disease activity, and colon shortening, while improving intestinal histopathological damage. AS-IV also reduced systemic pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and oxidative stress. Mechanistically, AS-IV was associated with a reduced expression of phosphorylated NF-κB and MAPK proteins, including p-NF-κB, p-IκBα, p-ERK, p-JNK, and p-p38, across the colon, liver, and brain. Conclusions: AS-IV attenuates DSS-induced multi-organ inflammation via gut–liver–brain axis modulation through NF-κB and MAPK pathway inhibition in experimental colitis models. Full article

(1) Background: Exploring regional foods can help consumers expand their options for consuming diverse food products in various forms. This could enhance human health in local populations. (2) Methods: The present study evaluated the physicochemical composition of quince powder using standard analytical methods. Color parameters were determined using a PCE-CSM colorimeter equipped with a xenon lamp; the antioxidant activity via DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and CUPRAC methods; the sorption capacity (at 10 °C, 25 °C, 40 °C and a_w from 0.1 to 0.9) through the static gravimetric method; and monolayer moisture content (MMC) with the BET model. The isotherms were fitted via modified Chung–Pfost, Halsey, Henderson and Oswin models. (3) Results: The approximate physico-chemical composition of laboratory-produced quince powder (dried at 45 °C for 10 h) was: proteins—1.27 g, carbohydrates—75.80 g, fats—0.49 g, fibers—21.50 g, ash—2.31 g, and nutritional value—355.65 kcal. The color analysis indicated limited non-enzymatic browning. Antioxidant activity was confirmed by all four methods. The three-parametric Halsey model is recommended to describe the representative S-shaped isotherms from type II. The MMC for the adsorption process ranged from 14.41% d.b. to 7.09% d.b., and for the desorption process, it ranged from 13.11% d.b. to 7.80% d.b.; (4) Conclusions: This study presents a quince powder as a convenient form for both storage and consumption, emphasizing its value as a rich source of bioactive compounds and its suitability for home production and regular inclusion in a healthy daily diet. Full article

To clarify cultivar differences in growth performance, yield formation, and bioactive characteristics at the sprout and fresh seed stages, twelve pea cultivars were evaluated. Growth traits, yield formation, and changes in phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity during sprouting were assessed, and the nutritional quality and mineral element composition of fresh seeds were also determined. The results showed that cultivars 24-164 and 24-510 exhibited low germination rates and severe cotyledon decay, making them unsuitable for sprout production. Significant differences were observed among the remaining cultivars in growth traits, edible ratio, and yield efficiency, with cultivars 24-724 and 24-486 showing superior processing efficiency and utilization value. During sprouting, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, as well as 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), were significantly influenced by both cultivar and light exposure stage. Root length and root diameter were significantly and positively correlated with phenolic accumulation and antioxidant activity. Analysis of fresh seed quality revealed marked inter-cultivar variation in nutritional and health-related traits. Cultivar 24-486 exhibited the highest values for phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, vitamin C, vitamin E, and Fe and Se accumulation, whereas cultivar 24-013 showed advantages in calcium and potassium contents. These results identify cultivars 24-724 and 24-486 as promising candidates for sprout production and highlight cultivar 24-486 as a dual-purpose genotype for both sprout and fresh seed utilization. Full article

Background/Objectives: Inflammatory mediators within the tumor microenvironment contribute to lung cancer progression by enhancing cellular motility and invasive capacity through cytokine-dependent signaling networks. Modulation of these inflammation-associated pathways by dietary bioactive compounds may provide complementary strategies for limiting cancer aggressiveness. Our objective was to examine the inhibitory effects of a cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G)-rich fraction from Kum Akha pigmented black rice (CKAB-P1) on inflammation-stimulated A549 cancer cell progression. Methods: CKAB-P1 was obtained through solvent-partition extraction and chemically characterized using the pH differential method and high-performance liquid chromatography. A549 cells were pretreated with CKAB-P1 or C3G, followed by stimulation with conditioned medium predominantly containing IL-6 and IL-1β derived from LPS-exposed THP-1 macrophages (THP-1-CS). Effects on cancer cell migration and invasion were evaluated using wound-healing, Transwell invasion, gelatin zymography, and Western blot analyses. Results: CKAB-P1 contained 106.62 ± 3.54 mg/g extract of total anthocyanins, with C3G representing the major constituent (59.42 ± 2.54 mg/g extract). Exposure of THP-1-CS stimulated migration and invasion of A549 lung cancer, and neutralization of IL-6 and IL-1β reduced these pro-migratory effects, confirming cytokine involvement. Treatment with CKAB-P1 (10–40 μg/mL) or C3G (2.5–20 μg/mL) markedly attenuated inflammation-enhanced migration and invasion (p < 0.05). A reduction in MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity, along with decreased expression of invasion-associated protein expressions (uPA, uPAR, and MT1-MMP), was observed. Furthermore, both CKAB-P1 and C3G attenuated phosphorylation of JAK1 and STAT3. Conclusions: These findings suggest that anthocyanin-enriched black rice fraction may limit inflammation-driven A549 lung cancer cell aggressiveness through modulation of the cytokine-driven JAK1/STAT3 signaling cascade, indicating its potential relevance as a bioactive dietary component targeting tumor-associated inflammatory signaling. Full article

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) represent promising bioactive agents due to their reduced toxicity and multifunctional biological properties. In this study, SeNPs were synthesized via an eco-friendly phytosynthesis approach using Curcuma longa extract, yielding curcumin-functionalized selenium nanoparticles (cur–SeNPs). The composites (cur–SeNPs), either in native extract form or isolated, were incorporated into siloxane hybrid matrices prepared by the sol–gel method from tetraethyl orthosilicate: dimethyldimethoxysilane precursors, with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a structural modifier. The host matrices were differentiated by the ratios between the precursors of the siloxane network, 3:1 for CS0–CS4, respectively, 1:1 for CS5, modified with PVP in the case of CS2 and CS3. These were loaded with cur–SeNPs–T in the cases of CS1, CS2, CS5 or with cur–SeNPs for CS3 and CS4. FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDX analyses confirmed the formation of amorphous siloxane networks with well-dispersed SeNPs (up to ~12 wt%). PVP incorporation generated ordered mesoporous structures, increasing total pore volume sixfold and enlarging the average pore diameter to 9.26 nm. Studies about selenium ion release demonstrate that mesoporosity significantly enhances diffusion-controlled release. Antimicrobial assays against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans reveal a synergistic effect between curcuminoids and SeNPs, particularly in matrices with higher nanoparticle loading. The sol–gel technique for obtaining hybrid materials is very versatile regarding the supports on which the resulting materials or the compounds hosted in these host networks can be deposited. The dynamics of the development of hybrid materials is also reflected in the multitude of applications in various fields such as bio-medical, electronics, agriculture or food. Results obtained in this work highlight the potential of the developed systems for antimicrobial coatings on glass substrates and targeted delivery applications. Full article

The present study provides an exhaustive exploration of twelve macroalgal species from the Adriatic Sea, including seven brown algae (Ericaria amentacea, Fucus virsoides, Cutleria multifida, Cystoseira compressa, Cystoseira corniculata, Gongolaria barbata and Padina pavonica), three green algae (Codium adhaerens, Codium vermilara and Ulva lactuca), and two red algae (Scinaia furcellata and Asparagopsis taxiformis). Matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) was applied as the extraction technique, using generally recognized as safe (GRAS) solvents. The bioactive profile of the extracts was assessed through the quantification of total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity. Among the three phyla, U. lactuca, F. virsoides and S. furcellata exhibited the highest TPC (0.8, 26 and 3.0 mgGAE·g⁻¹) and antioxidant activity (1.9, 38 and 7.5 mgTE·g⁻¹), respectively. Targeted HPLC-MS/MS analysis enabled the identification of nineteen phenolic compounds across all taxa. Chlorophyta showed a characteristic profile enriched in coumarins, benzaldehydes and flavanones, including the selective detection of 7-hydroxycoumarin in species with higher antioxidant potential. Additionally, compounds such as chlorogenic, rosmarinic and caffeic acids exhibited taxon-specific distributions that may explain differences in antioxidant activity. Complementary untargeted ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight (UHPLC-QToF) metabolomics analysis provided broader coverage, revealing eighty metabolites spanning phenolics, sugars, organic acids, lipids, amino acids and their derivatives. Notably, the proposed detection of fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs) represents the first report of these compounds in macroalgae, alongside a pronounced presence of sulphated phenolics. Overall, these findings provide a robust baseline on the bioactivity and chemical composition of Adriatic macroalgae, highlighting their value as a natural source of functional compounds. Full article

Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is an aggressive bone tumor. The lack of physiologically relevant three-dimensional models that recapitulate the native tumor microenvironment hampers drug development and mechanistic studies. The study aimed to develop bone-mimetic microspheres for the construction of an OS model. Materials and Methods: We employed droplet microfluidics to fabricate bone-mimetic microspheres (named MSHA) from a composite of gelatin methacryloyl, polyethylene glycol diacrylate, and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA). MNNG/HOS cells were cultured on MSHA microspheres and subsequently evaluated for their bioactivity and capabilities of stemness, migration, and invasion. Results: The microfluidic platform enabled efficient and scalable production of highly uniform MSHA microspheres with controlled sizes. MNNG/HOS cells cultured on MSHA maintained high viability and spontaneously formed compact tumor spheroids after 7 days. Compared with two-dimensional cultures, cells cultured on these microsphere-based platforms exhibited enhanced migration and invasion capacities, along with increased expression of relevant biomarkers. RNA sequencing further revealed the activation of cancer-related pathways. Notably, the incorporation of nHA into microspheres amplified these malignant phenotypes, potentially through the activation of ECM–receptor interaction and calcium signaling pathways. Conclusions: The microfluidics-fabricated MSHA microspheres, as biomimetic three-dimensional culture scaffolds, offer a promising platform for applications in mechanistic studies of osteosarcoma progression and drug screening. Full article

Marine-derived natural products are increasingly recognized for their therapeutic potential in cancer and other chronic diseases. Despite significant advances, current cancer treatments remain challenged by toxicity, drug resistance, and limited survival benefits. Natural compounds offer promising alternatives due to their multi-target mechanisms and favorable safety profiles. Among them, Spirulina, a filamentous cyanobacterium, stands out for its rich composition and diverse biological activities. Its anticancer effects involve apoptosis induction via intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, cell cycle arrest at G1/S or G2/M phases, inhibition of angiogenesis through the VEGF/VEGFR2 axis, and suppression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition. These activities are mainly attributed to C-phycocyanin, allophycocyanin, phenolic compounds, and immunomodulatory polysaccharides. Spirulina also exhibits potent immunomodulatory effects by enhancing natural killer cell activity, promoting M1 macrophage polarization, and regulating Th1 and Th17 cytokine responses, highlighting its potential as both an immunotherapeutic and chemoprotective agent. Moreover, preclinical findings suggest it may reduce chemotherapy-associated side effects. However, translation into clinical therapy remains limited by low bioavailability, lack of standardized extracts, and scarce clinical evidence. This review summarizes current mechanistic and immunological insights and highlights the need for optimized formulations, defined dosing strategies, and well-designed clinical trials to validate Spirulina’s potential in cancer treatment. Full article

Ostericum palustre (Besser) Besser (synonym Angelica pancicii Vandas ex. Velen.) is a Eurasian species from the Apiaceae family, previously related to the Balkan endemic species A. pancicii. The study aims to provide a thorough profiling of methanol-aqueous extracts from O. palustre leaves, roots, and inflorescences integrated with an evaluation of antioxidant potential and enzyme inhibitory activity towards some therapeutic targets. For the first time, a series of simple coumarins and furanocoumarins alongside phenolic and acylquinic acids, and flavonoids were annotated/dereplicated in the O. palustre of Bulgarian origin by liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole—Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry acquisition platform. According to the discriminant analysis (sPLS-DA) of the biological potential, radical scavenging activity (47.9 mg TE/g in DPPH and 61.8 mg TE/g in ABTS), reducing power (102.2 mg TE/g in CUPRAC and 57.4 mg TE/g in FRAP), and metal-chelating capacity (20.1 mg EDTAE/g) accounted mainly for the stronger antioxidant activity of inflorescences extract than roots and leaves. Root extracts exhibited anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, and anti-hyaluronidase effects with lower IC₅₀ values (IC₅₀ 37.22, 42.47 and 32.09 μg/mL, respectively). Pearson relationship analysis revealed potent antioxidants including furanocoumarins (oxypeucedanin hydrate, xanthotoxol/bergaptol, byakangelicin/isobyakangelicin, ostruthol) and phenolic acids, while a series of angelols alongside feruloylquinic and dicaffeoylquinic acids, and flavonol glycosides hold significance for the neuroprotective activity of the leaves extract. The enzyme inhibitory activity of the root extracts towards collagenase, elastase and hyaluronidase, related to the anti-aging activity, was ascribed to simple hydroxylated/methoxylated coumarins. The study suggests the potential health benefits of O. palustre extracts as antioxidant, anti-aging, and neuroprotective agents. Full article

Objectives: This review aims to systematically summarize turmeric’s botanical traits, traditional medicinal applications, phytochemical components and their biological activities, and to integrate botanical, phytochemical, molecular and clinical perspectives to provide a comprehensive theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the future scientific research and clinical applications of turmeric as a functional food. Methods: A systematic overview and comprehensive analysis were conducted on the existing research about turmeric, covering its botanical characteristics, traditional medicinal application value, the biological mechanisms of major bioactive compounds (especially curcumin), pharmacokinetic properties, and the latest progress in relevant clinical trials. Results: Turmeric has important historical and cultural significance in traditional medicine, and its major bioactive compound curcumin is the core of its therapeutic potential, which can modulate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor signaling pathways. Recent studies have found that curcumin exerts significant biological effects by regulating noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) and epigenetic modifications, showing a promising role in cancer chemoprevention. Meanwhile, curcumin has specific pharmacokinetic properties, and current clinical trials on turmeric and curcumin have made certain progress, yet challenges such as low bioavailability and limited therapeutic efficacy still exist. Conclusions: Turmeric, as a widely recognized functional food with rich phytochemicals and diverse biological activities, has great potential in scientific research and clinical application, especially in cancer chemoprevention. Solving the key challenges such as curcumin’s bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy is the core direction for the future development and utilization of turmeric, and the multi-dimensional research perspective can provide more comprehensive support for its practical application as a functional food. Full article