Search Results (420)

The activation mechanism of the reproductive axis in Kazakh ewes during the non-breeding season was explored by supplementation with glycerol complex (7% glycerol + tyrosine + vitamin B9). The experiment divided 50 ewes into five groups (n = 10). After 90 days of intervention, it was found that significant changes in serum DL-carnitine, N-methyl-lysine and other differential metabolites were observed in the GLY-Tyr-B9 group (p < 0.05, “p < 0.05” means significant difference, “p < 0.01” means “highly significant difference”). The bile acid metabolic pathway was specifically activated (p < 0.01). The group had a 50% estrus rate, ovaries contained 3–5 immature follicles, and HE staining showed intact granulosa cell structure. Serum E2/P4 fluctuated cyclically (p < 0.01), FSH/LH pulse frequency increased (p < 0.01), peak Glu/INS appeared on day 60 (p < 0.05), and LEP was negatively correlated with body fat percentage (p < 0.01). Molecular mechanisms revealed: upregulation of hypothalamic kiss-1/GPR54 expression (p < 0.01) drove GnRH pulses; ovarian CYP11A1/LHR/VEGF synergistically promoted follicular development (p < 0.05); the HSL of subcutaneous fat was significantly increased (p < 0.05), suggesting involvement of lipolytic supply. Glycerol activates the reproductive axis through a dual pathway—L-carnitine-mediated elevation of mitochondrial β-oxidation efficacy synergizes with kisspeptin/GPR54 signalling enhancement to re-establish HPO axis rhythms. This study reveals the central role of metabolic reprogramming in regulating seasonal reproduction in ruminants. Full article

This study analyzes the thermal degradation of PVA and PVA/glycerol films in air under varying heating rates. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of pure PVA in both air and inert atmospheres confirmed that oxidative conditions significantly influence degradation, particularly at lower heating rates. For PVA/glycerol films in air, deconvolution of the differential thermogravimetry (DTG) curves during the main degradation stage revealed distinct peaks attributable to the degradation of glycerol, PVA/glycerol complexes, and PVA itself. Isoconversional methods showed that, for pure PVA in air, the apparent activation energy (Ea) increased with conversion, suggesting the simultaneous occurrence of multiple degradation mechanisms, including oxidative reactions, whose contribution changes over the course of the degradation process. In contrast, under an inert atmosphere, Ea remained nearly constant, consistent with degradation proceeding through a single dominant mechanism, or through multiple steps with similar kinetic parameters. For glycerol-plasticized films in air, Ea exhibited reduced dependence on conversion compared with that of pure PVA in air, with values similar to those of pure PVA under inert conditions. These results indicate that glycerol influences the oxidative degradation pathways in PVA films. These findings are relevant to high-temperature processing of PVA-based materials and to the design of thermal treatments—such as sterilization or pyrolysis—where control over degradation mechanisms is essential. Full article

Semen cryopreservation is associated with sperm vulnerability to oxidative stress and ice crystal-induced damage, adversely affecting in vitro fertilization (IVF) success. This study aimed to investigate the effects of freezing diluent supplemented with antioxidant limonin (Lim), myo-inositol (MYO), and the ice crystal formation inhibitor L-proline (LP) through sperm motility, morphological integrity, and antioxidant capacity. The Lim (150 mM), MYO (90 mM), and LP (100 mM) significantly ameliorated the quality of post-thaw sperm in Debao boar, and combined treatment of these agents significantly enhanced sperm motility, structural integrity, and antioxidant capacity compared with individual agents (p < 0.05). Notably, the combined use of these agents reduced glycerol concentration in the freezing diluent from 3% to 2%. Meanwhile, the integrity of the sperm plasma membrane, acrosome membrane, and mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly improved (p < 0.05), and the result of IVF revealed the total cell count of the blastocysts was also greater in the 2% glycerol group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the newly developed freezing diluent for semen, by adding Lim (150 mM), MYO (90 mM), and LP (100 mM), can enhance the quality of frozen–thawed Debao boar sperm and reduce the concentration of glycerol from 3% to 2% as high concentrations of glycerol can impair the quality of thawed sperm and affect in vitro fertilization outcomes. In conclusion, the improved dilution solution formulated demonstrated efficacy in enhancing the quality of porcine spermatozoa following cryopreservation and subsequent thawing. Full article

The present study aimed to develop biodegradable films formulated with pectin/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and cinnamon essential oil, investigating the effects of CP treatment time on the properties of the films. The developed films were used as packaging to evaluate the shelf life of chicken meat. Biodegradable films were produced from a film-forming solution containing pectin/CMC, glycerol (30%), and cinnamon essential oil (2%). All formulations included the essential oil, and the control group corresponded to the film that was not subjected to CP treatment. The CP treatments were applied at 22.5 L/min, 20 kV, and 80 kHz for 10, 20, and 30 min. The results showed that increasing CP treatment time led to a progressive reduction in apparent viscosity, indicating improved homogeneity of the polymer system. Hydrophobicity increased with treatment time, as shown by a higher contact angle (from 51.15° to 62.38°), resulting in lower water solubility. Mechanical properties were also enhanced, with tensile strength rising from 3.29 MPa to 6.74 MPa after 30 min of CP. Biodegradability improved with treatment time, reaching 99.51% mass loss after 15 days for the longest exposure. Films produced from the solution treated for 30 min (FCP30) were most effective in extending the shelf life of chicken breast fillets, reducing lipid oxidation (TBARS: 61.9%), peroxide content (58.7%), and microbial spoilage (TVB-N: 59.2%) compared to the untreated film. Overall, the results highlight the importance of CP treatment time as a key factor in enhancing film performance, supporting its application in sustainable active packaging. Full article

The Mo:BiVO₄/FeOOH photoelectrode was synthesized through the deposition of FeOOH onto the surface of the Mo:BiVO₄ photoelectrode. The composite photoelectrode demonstrated a photocurrent of 1.8 mA·cm⁻², which is three times greater than that observed for pure BiVO₄. Furthermore, the glycerol conversion rate was recorded at 79 μmol·cm⁻²·h⁻¹, approximately double that of pure BiVO₄, while the selectivity for glyceraldehyde reached 49%, also about twice that of pure BiVO₄. The incorporation of Mo has been shown to enhance the stability of the BiVO₄. Additionally, Mo doping improves the efficiency of electron-hole transport and increases the carrier concentration within the BiVO₄. This enhancement leads to a greater number of holes participating in the formation of iron oxyhydroxide (FeOOH), thereby stabilizing the FeOOH co-catalyst within the glycerol conversion system. The FeOOH co-catalyst facilitates the adsorption and oxidation of the primary hydroxyl group of glycerol, resulting in the cleavage of the C−H bond to generate a carbon radical (C). The interaction between the carbon radical and the hydroxyl group produces an intermediate, which subsequently dehydrates to form glyceraldehyde (GLAD). Full article

Dunaliella salina, a unicellular and eukaryotic alga, has been found to be one of the most salt-tolerant eukaryotes with a wide range of practical applications. To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of D. salina in response to salinity stress, we performed transcriptome sequencing on samples under different stress conditions. A total of 82,333 unigenes were generated, 4720, 1111 and 2611 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified under high salt stress, oxidative stress and hypertonic stress, respectively. Our analysis revealed that D. salina responds to salinity stress through a complex network of molecular mechanisms. Under high salt stress, starch degradation is regulated by AMY (α-amylase) and PYG (glycogen phosphorylase) with alternative expression patterns. This process is hypothesized to be initially constrained by low ATP levels due to impaired photosynthesis. The clustering analysis of DEGs indicated that starch and sucrose metabolism, as well as glycerol metabolism, are specifically reprogrammed under high salt stress. Glycerol metabolism, particularly involving GPDHs, plays a crucial role in maintaining osmotic balance under salinity stress. Key glycerol metabolism genes were up-regulated under salinity conditions, indicating the importance of this pathway in osmotic regulation. The G3P shuttle, involving mitochondrial GPDHs (c25199_g1 and c23777_g1), contributes to redox imbalance management under high salt, oxidative and hypertonic stresses. Notably, c23777_g1 is involved in the G3P shuttle under high salt, oxidative and hypertonic stresses, while c25199_g1 is specifically induced by hypertonic stress. The R2R3-MYB gene (c23845_g1) may respond to different effects of salinity stress by regulating the transcription of ROS-related genes. Our study provides a detailed understanding of the molecular responses of D. salina to salinity stress. We reveal the critical roles of starch and sucrose metabolism, glycerol metabolism and transcription factors in the D. salina adaptation to salinity. Full article

Free-standing copper oxide (Cu₂O)-copper hydroxide (Cu(OH)₂) nanocomposites with enhanced catalytic and antibacterial functionalities were synthesized on copper mesh using a green method based on spinach leaf extract and glycerol. EDX, SEM, and TEM analyses confirmed the chemical composition and morphology. The resulting Cu2O-Cu(OH)₂@Cu mesh exhibited notable hydrophobicity, achieving a contact angle of 137.5° ± 0.6, and demonstrated the ability to separate thick oils, such as HD-40 engine oil, from water with a 90% separation efficiency. Concurrently, its photocatalytic performance was evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under a weak light intensity of 5 mW/cm², achieving 85.5% degradation within 30 min. Although its application as a functional membrane in water treatment may raise safety concerns, the mesh showed significant antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria under both dark and light conditions. Using the disk diffusion method, strong bacterial inhibition was observed after 24 h of exposure in the dark. Upon visible light irradiation, bactericidal efficiency was further enhanced—by 17% for S. aureus and 2% for E. coli. These findings highlight the potential of the Cu₂O-Cu(OH)₂@Cu microfibers as a multifunctional membrane for industrial wastewater treatment, capable of simultaneously removing oil, degrading organic dyes, and inactivating pathogenic bacteria through photo-assisted processes. Full article

Floridoside (2-O-D-glycerol-α-D-galactopyranoside) is a natural product typically found in red algae. It serves as the algae’s carbon reserve and is produced as a protective response against osmotic and heat stress. Both floridoside and its acylated derivatives have been associated with modulating redox homeostasis and inflammatory responses. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate whether the newly synthesized floridoside phosphotriesters (1b–1d, 1f–1h) and acylated floridoside derivative (1e) can modulate the oxidative burst in stimulated human neutrophils. Synthetic strategies included the glycosylation of the thioglycoside donor with glycerol derivatives, having NIS/TfOH as the promoter. Phosphorylation was achieved with POCl₃ in the presence of pyridine. The compounds were analysed for their cytotoxicity, with 1b and 1h being cytotoxic at 50 μM, while the others showed no cytotoxicity in the tested concentrations. The detection of the neutrophils’ oxidative burst was performed using multiple probes [luminol, aminophenyl fluorescein (APF), and Amplex Red (AR)] to evaluate reactive species levels. Compound 1e prevented the oxidative burst in activated human neutrophils (IC₅₀ = 83 ± 7 μM). All the other tested compounds were ineffective in inhibiting APF and AR oxidation under the present experimental conditions. These findings highlight the potential of floridoside-based derivatives as candidates for targeting inflammatory pathways. Full article

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a widespread pathogen responsible for recurrent infections, primarily affecting the skin and mucous membranes. With the aim of targeting both the viral infection and the associated inflammatory response, biotechnologically produced Lavandula angustifolia Miller (L. angustifolia) extract, rich in rosmarinic acid, was incorporated into liposomal formulations intended for topical application. Lavender is known for its strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound-healing, and antiviral properties. However, its low stability under certain conditions limits its therapeutic potential. Four different formulations were developed: conventional liposomes, glycerosomes, hyalurosomes, and glycerohyalurosomes. The vesicles were characterized for size, stability, and entrapment efficiency. Glycerosomes were the smallest (~58 nm), while the other formulations ranged around 77 nm, all maintaining a highly negative surface charge, ensuring stability and reduced aggregation. Glycerol-containing formulations demonstrated superior stability over 12 months, while liposomes and hyalurosomes increased their size after only two months. Entrapment efficiency reached up to 100% for most vesicles, except for glycerohyalurosomes (~54%). In vitro studies on Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts (NHDFs) demonstrated that all formulations were biocompatible and enhanced cell viability under oxidative stress. Glycerosomes, hyalurosomes, and glycerohyalurosomes exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity by reducing MMP-1 and IL-6 levels in LPS-stimulated fibroblasts. Furthermore, these preliminary results highlighted promising antiviral activity against HSV-1 of the obtained formulations, particularly when applied during or post-infection. Overall, these phospholipid vesicles offer a dual therapeutic approach, combining antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects, positioning them as promising candidates for the treatment of HSV-induced skin lesions and related inflammatory conditions. Full article

Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED), a highly contagious enteric disease caused by the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, leading to high mortality in newborn piglets and significant economic losses in the swine industry. The shortage of effective PED vaccines emphasizes the need to explore potent natural compounds for therapeutic intervention. It has been shown that glycerol monolaurate (GML) effectively inhibits PEDV replication in vivo and in vitro. Further investigation is needed to assess whether complex medium-chain triglycerides (CMCTs), composed of glyceryl tricaprylate/caprate (GTCC) and GML, offer an efficient anti-PEDV activity. In this study, piglets were orally infected with PEDV and exhibited typical clinical signs, including diarrhea and vomiting, accompanied by intestinal inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue damage. CMCTs were administered orally twice daily for one week. In vivo findings indicate that CMCT treatment alleviated clinical signs and prevented weight loss. It significantly increased serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, and IgA) and intestinal mucosal sIgA and MUC-2 levels, while reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-17) and increasing antiviral interferons (IFN-α and IFN-γ), anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10), and IL-22. Antioxidant enzyme activities (T-AOC, SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT) were elevated, whereas oxidative stress markers (iNOS, NO, and MDA) were decreased. Expression of intestinal tight junction proteins claudin-1 and ZO-1 was restored. Moreover, CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell populations increased, and the functions of regulatory T cells (Tregs) were restored. Gut microbiota analysis showed increased beneficial genera (Streptococcus and Ligilactobacillus) and decreased pathogenic Escherichia-Shigella. These results demonstrate that CMCTs mitigate PEDV infection by enhancing anti-inflammation, antioxidation, and intestinal barrier function, as well as modulating gut microbiota composition. This study improves the understanding of the pathogenesis of PEDV and highlights CMCTs as a promising therapeutic candidate for PED. Full article

Bioactive compounds have shown significant potential in the management of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study investigates the effects of antioxidant lipids (ALω-3), synthetized through enzymatic acidolysis using non-specific lipase B from Candida antarctica under supercritical CO₂ conditions. These lipids were derived from a concentrate of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) belly oil, rich in long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (LCPUFAn-3), and cold-pressed maqui seed oil (MO, Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz). Their effects were then evaluated in a murine high-fat diet (HFD) model. The fatty acid profile, tocopherol and tocotrienol content, and thin-layer chromatography of ALω-3 were analyzed. After 8 weeks on an HFD, male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups and switched to a control diet (CD) with the following supplements for 3 weeks: Glycerol (G), commercial marine Omega-3 (CMω-3), a mixture of LCPUFAn-3 concentrate + MO (Mω-3), or ALω-3. The total body and organ weights, serum markers, and liver and visceral fat pro-inflammatory marker expression levels were assessed. ALω-3 contained 13.4% oleic, 33.9% linoleic, 6.3% α-linolenic, 10.7% eicosapentaenoic, and 16.2% docosahexaenoic fatty acids. The β, γ, δ-tocopherol, and β, γ-tocotrienol values were 22.9 ± 1.4, 24.9 ± 0.2, 6.8 ± 0.7, 22.9 ± 1.7, and 22.4 ± 4.7 mg·kg⁻¹, respectively, with α-tocopherol detected in traces. ALω-3 supplementation increased serum Trolox equivalent capacity, significantly reduced serum GPT levels (p < 0.01), and enhanced postprandial glucose tolerance (p < 0.001), although it did not alter insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). These findings indicate ALω-3′s potential for mitigating the glucose intolerance, liver damage, and oxidative stress associated with obesity and MetS, highlighting the need for additional research to explore its potential health benefits. Full article

Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of transmembrane water channel proteins facilitating the transport of water and, in some cases, small solutes such as glycerol, lactate, and urea. In the central nervous system (CNS), several aquaporins play crucial roles in maintaining water homeostasis, modulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation, regulating energy metabolism, and facilitating neuroprotection under pathological conditions. Among them, AQP2, AQP4, AQP9, and AQP11 have been implicated in traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries. The most abundant aquaporin (AQP) in the brain, AQP4, is essential for fluid regulation, facilitating water transport across the blood–brain barrier and glymphatic clearance. AQP2 is primarily known for its function in the kidneys, but it is also expressed in brain regions related to vasopressin signaling and CSF dynamics. AQP9 acts as a channel for glycerol and lactate, thus playing a role in metabolic adaptation during brain injury. AQP11, an intracellular aquaporin, is involved in oxidative stress responses and cellular homeostasis, with emerging evidence suggesting its role in neuroprotection. Aquaporins play a dual role in brain injury; while they help maintain homeostasis, their dysregulation can exacerbate cerebral edema, metabolic dysfunction, and inflammation. In traumatic brain injury (TBI), aquaporins regulate the formation and resolution of cerebral edema. In non-traumatic brain injuries, including ischemic stroke, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), aquaporins influence fluid balance, energy metabolism, and oxidative stress responses. Understanding the specific roles of AQP2, AQP4, AQP9, and AQP11 in these brain injuries may lead to new therapeutic strategies to mitigate secondary damage and improve neurological outcomes. This review explores the function of the above aquaporins in both traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries, highlighting their potential and limitations as therapeutic targets for neuroprotection and recovery. Full article

The rising concern over carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions has led to increased research on its conversion into value-added chemicals. Glycerol carbonate (GC), a versatile and eco-friendly compound, can be synthesized via the catalytic carbonylation of glycerol with CO₂. This study investigates the catalytic performance of three novel mixed metal oxide catalysts, Ti-Al-Mg, Ti-Cr-Mg, and Ti-Fe-Mg, synthesized via co-precipitation. The catalysts were characterized using XRD, SEM, XPS, CO₂-TPD, FTIR, TGA-DTG, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms. Among the tested systems, Ti-Al-Mg demonstrated the highest surface area, optimal porosity, and a balanced acid–base profile, resulting in superior catalytic activity. Under optimized conditions (175 °C, 10 bar CO₂, 4 h), Ti-Al-Mg achieved a maximum GC yield of 36.1%, outperforming Ti-Cr-Mg and Ti-Fe-Mg. The improved performance was attributed to the synergistic effects of its physicochemical properties, including high magnesium content and lower CO₂ binding energy, which favored CO₂ activation and glycerol conversion while minimizing side reactions. These findings highlight the potential of tailored mixed metal oxide systems for efficient CO₂ immobilization and sustainable glycerol valorization. Full article

The application of hydrogels in flexible sensing has received increasing attention, but the simultaneous preparation of hydrogels with good structural stability, strain sensing sensitivity, freezing resistance, and drying resistance remains a challenge. Based on this, a GG-nanocellulose/sodium alginate/polyacrylamide composite hydrogel with a hierarchical network structure was constructed by one-step synthesis by incorporating graphene oxide (GO) and glycerol into the hydrogel. The hydrogel remained structurally intact after 100 compression cycles. In addition, the hydrogel was dried at 30 °C for 24 h. The mass retention rate was 48%, the melting peak was as low as −13.87 °C, and the hydrogel remained flexible and stable at low temperatures. GO modulated the network structure arrangement of the hydrogel through various mechanisms, thereby conferring to the hydrogel an excellent sensing performance, with a sensitivity (GF) of 2.21. In conclusion, this hierarchical network hydrogel has good drying, freezing, and sensing properties, which provides a new viable strategy for monitoring motion signals. Moreover, the hydrogel is predicted to function as a dressing, thereby facilitating the absorption of heat from the skin’s surface, with the aim of alleviating the discomfort associated with joint and muscle injuries caused by strenuous exercise. Full article

This research aimed to enhance biodiesel stability through catalytic transfer hydrogenation using a biomimetic bimetallic catalyst and glycerol as a hydrogen donor. The effects of catalyst species, intermediate solvent, glycerol feed, and glycerol form on biodiesel stability were investigated. In this study, the examined bimetallic catalysts were Zn-Cr-bicarbonate, Zn-Cr-formate, Zn-Cr-Ni, and Cu-Ni/SiO₂. Based on the results, the most excellent catalyst was presented by Cu-Ni/SiO₂ catalyst with DMF solvent and 10 wt% glycerol feed. This combination demonstrated a significant reduction in iodine (ΔIV = −4.9 g-I₂/100 g) and peroxide values (ΔPV = −5.2 meq-O₂/kg) accompanied by an elevation of oxidative stability (ΔOS = 4.3 h). Moreover, the reaction of catalytic transfer hydrogenation using these bimetallic catalysts followed the theoretical mechanism of the simultaneous dehydrogenation–hydrogenation process with two different metals. The promotion of bicarbonate and formate ions on the bimetallic catalyst provided hydrogen transfer assistance in the catalyst. Hence, the continuous improvement of biodiesel properties is expected to promote sustainable implementation of cleaner diesel fuel. Full article