Search Results (3,780)

Cancer and infectious diseases are major causes of global morbidity and mortality stressing the need to find novel drugs with promising dual anticancer and antimicrobial efficacy. Gold complexes have been studied for the past years due to their anticancer properties, with a few of them displaying antimicrobial properties, which support their pharmacological interest. Within this scope, we investigated six gold bisdithiolate complexes [Au (bdt)₂]⁻ (1), [Au (dcbdt)₂]⁻ (2), [Au (3-cbdt)₂]⁻ (3), [Au (4-cbdt)₂]⁻ (4), [Au (pdt)₂]⁻ (5) and [Au (dcdmp)₂]⁻ (6), and) against the ovarian cancer cell lines A2780 and A2780cisR, the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus Newman, the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli ATCC25922 and Burkholderia contaminans IST408, and the pathogenic yeasts Candida glabrata CBS138 and Candida albicans SC5134. Complexes 2 and 6, with ligands containing aromatic pyrazine or phenyl rings, substituted with two cyanonitrile groups, showed after 24 h of incubation high anticancer activities against A2780 ovarian cancer cells (IC₅₀~5 µM), being also able to overcome cisplatin resistance in A2780cisR cells. Both complexes induced the formation of ROS, activated caspase-3/7, and induced necrosis (LDH release) in a dose-dependent way, in a greater extent in the case of 6. Among the bacterial and fungal strains tested, only complex 6 presented antimicrobial activity against S. aureus Newman, indicating that this complex is a potential novel anticancer and antibacterial agent. These results delve into the structure-activity relationship of the complexes, considering molecular alterations such as replacing a phenyl group for a pyrazine group, and the inclusion of one or two cyanonitrile appendage groups, and their effects on biological activity. Overall, both complexes were found to be promising leads for the development of future anticancer drugs against low sensitive or cisplatin resistant tumors. Full article

The formation and evolution of haze layers in planetary atmospheres play a critical role in shaping their chemical composition, radiative balance, and optical properties. In the outer solar system, the atmospheres of Titan and the giant planets exhibit a wide range of compositional and seasonal variability, creating environments favorable for the production of complex organic molecules under low-temperature conditions. Among them, Uranus—the smallest of the ice giants—has, since Voyager 2, emerged as a compelling target for future exploration due to unanswered questions regarding the composition and structure of its atmosphere, as well as its ring system and diverse icy moon population (which includes four possible ocean worlds). Titan, as the only moon to harbor a dense atmosphere, presents some of the most complex and unique organics found in the solar system. Central to the production of these organics are chemical processes driven by low-energy photons and electrons (<50 eV), which initiate reaction pathways leading to the formation of organic species and gas phase precursors to high-molecular-weight compounds, including aerosols. These aerosols, in turn, remain susceptible to further processing by low-energy UV radiation as they are transported from the upper atmosphere to the lower stratosphere and troposphere where condensation occurs. In this review, I aim to summarize the current understanding of low-energy (<50 eV) photon- and electron-induced chemistry, drawing on decades of insights from studies of Titan, with the objective of evaluating the relevance and extent of these processes on Uranus in anticipation of future observational and in situ exploration. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable plant-based dairy alternatives has spurred interest in valorizing agro-industrial byproducts like hazelnut cake, a protein-rich byproduct of oil extraction. This study developed formulations for vegan ice cream using unfermented (HIC) and Aspergillus oryzae-fermented hazelnut cake (FHIC), comparing their physicochemical, functional, and sensory properties to conventional dairy ice cream (DIC). Solid-state fermentation (72 h, 30 °C) enhanced the cake’s bioactive properties, and ice creams were characterized for composition, texture, rheology, melting behavior, antioxidant activity, and enzyme inhibition pre- and post-in vitro digestion. The results indicate that FHIC had higher protein content (64.64% vs. 58.02% in HIC) and unique volatiles (e.g., benzaldehyde and 3-methyl-1-butanol). While DIC exhibited superior overrun (15.39% vs. 4.01–7.00% in vegan samples) and slower melting, FHIC demonstrated significantly higher post-digestion antioxidant activity (4.73 μmol TE/g DPPH vs. 1.44 in DIC) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition (4.85–7.42%). Sensory evaluation ranked DIC highest for overall acceptability, with FHIC perceived as polarizing due to pronounced flavors. Despite textural challenges, HIC and FHIC offered nutritional advantages, including 18–30% lower calories and enhanced bioactive compounds. This study highlights fermentation as a viable strategy to upcycle hazelnut byproducts into functional vegan ice creams, although the optimization of texture and flavor is needed for broader consumer acceptance. Full article

Bifora testiculata (L.) Spreng. (Apiaceae), an understudied species endemic to the Mediterranean and the only representative species of the genus Bifora in Sicily, was investigated for the first time for its essential oil (EO) chemical composition and cytotoxic properties. The EO was obtained via hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC-MS, revealing an aldehyde-rich profile (86.10%), dominated by trans-2-dodecenal (67.49%). Comparative analysis with previous studies on B. testiculata from Greece confirmed a similar aldehyde-rich profile, although minor compositional differences suggest potential chemotype variation. Given the biological relevance of trans-2-dodecenal and related aldehydes, further investigations into the cytotoxic properties of the EO of B. testiculata (Bt) and its main constituent against cancer cell lines were undertaken. Three human tumor cell lines (MDA-MB 231, A375, and CaCo2) and a human non-tumor cell line (HEK293) were subjected to viability tests using the MTT assay. The EO and trans-2-dodecenal exhibited remarkable cytotoxic activity against all cell lines, with IC₅₀ values ranging between 7.93 and 14.41 µg/mL for Bt and between 1.88 and 5.29 µg/mL for trans-2-dodecenal. AO/BE fluorescent staining and Hoechst nuclear staining showed the presence of apoptotic bodies in the treated cells. N-acetyl-L-cysteine was able to invert the effects of Bt and trans-2-dodecenal on cell lines, suggesting ROS involvement in cytotoxic activity. The results demonstrated that the Bt cytotoxic activity was mainly due to the presence of trans-2-dodecenal. Full article

Background: The increased incidence of malignant melanoma is observed in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Methods: The anti-proliferative effects of carbidopa and rasagiline on four human malignant melanoma cell lines (A375, SK-MEL28, FM55P and FM55M2) were determined in MTT assay. The interaction profiles of rasagiline in combinations with cisplatin (CDDP) and mitoxantrone (MTX) in four human melanoma cell lines (A375, SK-MEL28, FM55P and FM55M2) were assessed by means of the isobolographic analysis in the MTT test; Results: Rasagiline, but not carbidopa, produced clear-cut anti-proliferative effects on various melanoma cell lines. The median inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀ values) of rasagiline in the MTT were 280.69 µM for A375, 402.89 µM for SK-MEL28, 349.44 µM for FM55P, and 117.45 µM for FM55M2, respectively. The experimentally-derived selectivity index for rasagiline ranged from 8.22 to 28.18. Flow cytometry assay revealed, in two melanoma cell lines (FM55P and A375), a significant increase in the number of cells in the G0/G1 (up to 76.48% and 75.46% for cell lines, respectively), accompanied by a decrease in the percentage of cells in the S phase (decrease to 9.91% and 10.83% for cell lines, respectively), which may indicate potential cytostatic properties of rasagiline. The combinations of rasagiline with CDDP (at the fixed-ratio of 1:1) exerted either antagonistic interactions (p < 0.05) in the A375 and SK-MEL28, or additive interactions, with a tendency toward antagonism in the FM55P and FM55M2 cell lines in the MTT test. In contrast, the combinations of rasagiline with MTX (ratio of 1:1) produced either synergistic interaction (p < 0.05) in the FM55P cell line or additive interactions with a tendency toward synergy in the FM55M2, SK-MEL28, and A375 cell lines in the MTT test. Conclusions: Rasagiline combined with MTX exerted the most desirable synergistic interactions in relation to the anti-proliferative effects in four malignant melanoma cell lines, as assessed isobolographically. In contrast, rasagiline should not be combined with CDDP during the treatment of malignant melanoma due to the antagonistic interactions in the MTT assay. Full article

Fistulina hepatica (Schaeff.) With. and Clitocybe nuda (Bull.) H.E. Bigelow & A.H. Sm. are wild edible mushrooms with nutritional and functional potential that remain insufficiently characterized. This study provides the first comparative assessment of their nutritional profiles, phenolic composition, and antioxidant activity, using specimens collected from Montesinho Natural Park (Portugal). Proximate composition, organic and phenolic acids, free sugars, and fatty acids were analyzed by chromatographic methods, and antioxidant capacity was assessed through OxHLIA and TBARS assays. F. hepatica showed higher carbohydrates (9.3 ± 0.2 g/100 g fw) and estimated energy values (43 ± 1 kcal/100 g fw), increased phenolic acids content (2.7 ± 0.1 mg/g extract), and the exclusive presence of p-coumaric and cinnamic acids, along with OxHLIA activity (IC₅₀ = 126 ± 5 µg/mL at Δt = 60 min). C. nuda displayed higher protein (2.5 ± 0.1 g/100 g dw) and quinic acid contents (4.13 ± 0.02 mg/g extract), a PUFA-rich profile, and greater TBARS inhibition (EC₅₀ = 303 ± 17 µg/mL). These findings highlight distinct and complementary bioactive traits, supporting their valorization as natural functional ingredients. Their compositional features offer promising applications in sustainable food systems and nutraceutical development, encouraging further investigations into safety, bioaccessibility, and formulation strategies. Notably, F. hepatica is best consumed at a young developmental stage, as its sensory properties tend to decline with maturity. Full article

The rise in multidrug-resistant bacterial strains and persistent infections such as Lyme disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi highlights the need for novel antimicrobial agents. The present study explores the antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic properties of extracts from submerged mycelial biomass of Fomitopsis pinicola, cultivated in synthetic and lignocellulosic media. Four extracts were obtained using hot water and 80% ethanol. The provided analysis of extracts confirmed the presence of various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and polyphenols. All extracts showed dose-dependent antioxidant activity (IC₅₀: 1.9–6.7 mg/mL). Antibacterial tests revealed that Klebsiella pneumoniae was most sensitive, with the L2 extract producing the largest inhibition zone (15.33 ± 0.47 mm), while the strongest bactericidal effect was observed against Acinetobacter baumannii (MBC as low as 0.5 mg/mL for L1). Notably, all extracts significantly reduced the viability of stationary-phase B. burgdorferi cells, with L2 reducing viability to 42 ± 2% at 5 mg/mL, and decreased biofilm mass, especially with S2. Cytotoxicity assays showed minimal effects on NIH 3T3 cells, with slight toxicity in HEK 293 cells for S2 and L1. These results suggest that F. pinicola extracts, particularly ethanolic L2 and S2, may offer promising natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agents for managing resistant infections. Full article

Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease common in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. This study aimed to develop a topical meglumine antimoniate gel (MA-gel) for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The MA-gel was characterized in terms of morphology, pH, swelling, porosity, rheology, and thermal properties by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Biopharmaceutical evaluation included in vitro drug release and ex vivo skin permeation. Safety was evaluated through biomechanical skin property measurements and cytotoxicity in HaCaT and RAW 267 cells. Leishmanicidal activity was tested against promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania infantum, and in silico studies were conducted to explore possible mechanisms of action. The composition of the MA-gel included 30% MA, 20% Pluronic^® F127 (P407), and 50% water. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a sponge-like and porous internal structure of the MA-gel. This formula exhibited a pH of 5.45, swelling at approximately 12 min, and a porosity of 85.07%. The DSC showed that there was no incompatibility between MA and P407. Drug release followed a first-order kinetic profile, with 22.11 µg/g/cm² of the drug retained in the skin and no permeation into the receptor compartment. The MA-gel showed no microbial growth, no cytotoxicity in keratinocytes, and no skin damage. The IC₅₀ for promastigotes and amastigotes of L. infantum were 3.56 and 23.11 µg/mL, respectively. In silico studies suggested that MA could act on three potential therapeutic targets according to its binding mode. The MA-gel demonstrated promising physicochemical, safety, and antiparasitic properties, supporting its potential as a topical treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Full article

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and cancer drive demand for therapeutic functional foods. This study developed freeze-dried fermented camel milk (FCM) with Ajwa date pulp (ADP), evaluating its physical and functional properties, probiotic survival, and potential benefits for diabetes and cancer. To achieve this target, six FCM formulations were prepared using ABT-5 starter culture (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Streptococcus thermophilus) with or without Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus B-1937 and ADP (12% or 15%). The samples were freeze-dried, and their functional properties, such as water activity, dispersibility, water absorption capacity, water absorption index, water solubility index, insolubility index, and sedimentation, were assessed. Reconstitution properties such as density, flowability, air content, porosity, loose bulk density, packed bulk density, particle density, carrier index, Hausner ratio, porosity, and density were examined. In addition, color and probiotic survivability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions were analyzed. Also, antidiabetic potential was assessed via α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays, while cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay on Caco-2 cells. The results show that ADP supplementation significantly improved dispersibility (up to 72.73% in FCM15D+L). These improvements are attributed to changes in particle size distribution and increased carbohydrate and mineral content, which facilitate powder rehydration and reduce clumping. All FCM variants demonstrated low water activity (0.196–0.226), indicating good potential for shelf stability. The reconstitution properties revealed that FCM powders with ADP had higher bulk and packed densities but lower particle density and porosity than controls. Including ADP reduced interstitial air and increased occluded air within the powders, which may minimize oxidation risks and improve packaging efficiency. ADP incorporation resulted in a significant decrease in lightness (L*) and increases in redness (a*) and yellowness (b*), with greater pigment and phenolic content at higher ADP levels. These changes reflect the natural colorants and browning reactions associated with ADP, leading to a more intense and visually distinct product. Probiotic survivability was higher in ADP-fortified samples, with L. acidophilus and B. bifidum showing resilience in intestinal conditions. The FCM15D+L formulation exhibited potent antidiabetic effects, with IC₅₀ values of 111.43 μg mL⁻¹ for α-amylase and 77.21 μg mL⁻¹ for α-glucosidase activities, though lower than control FCM (8.37 and 10.74 μg mL⁻¹, respectively). Cytotoxicity against Caco-2 cells was most potent in non-ADP samples (IC₅₀: 82.22 μg mL⁻¹ for FCM), suggesting ADP and L. rhamnosus may reduce antiproliferative effects due to proteolytic activity. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that ADP-enriched FCM is a promising functional food with enhanced probiotic viability, antidiabetic potential, and desirable physical properties. This work highlights the potential of camel milk and date synergies in combating some NCDs in vitro, suggesting potential for functional food application. Full article

The article is focused on the quantitative assessment of the thermal impact of polar mesospheric clouds (PMCs) on the mesopause caused by the emission of absorbed solar and terrestrial infrared (IR) radiation by cloud particles. For this purpose, a parameterization of mesopause heating by PMC crystals has been developed, the main feature of which is to incorporate the thermal properties of ice and the interaction of cloud particles with the environment. Parametrization is based on PMCs zero-dimensional (0-D) model and uses temperature, pressure, and water vapor data in the 80–90 km altitude range retrieved from Solar Occultation for Ice Experiment (SOFIE) measurements. The calculations are made for 14 PMC seasons in both hemispheres with the summer solstice as the central date. The obtained results show that PMCs can make a significant contribution to the heat balance of the upper atmosphere, comparable to the heating caused, for example, by the dissipation of atmospheric gravity waves (GWs). The interhemispheric differences in heating are manifested mainly in the altitude structure: in the Southern Hemisphere (SH), the area of maximum heating values is 1–2 km higher than in the Northern Hemisphere (NH), while quantitatively they are of the same order. The most intensive heating is observed at the lower boundary of the minimum temperature layer (below 150 K) and gradually weakens with altitude. The NH heating median value is 5.86 K/day, while in the SH it is 5.24 K/day. The lowest values of heating are located above the maximum of cloud ice concentration in both hemispheres. The calculated heating rates are also examined in the context of the various factors of temperature variation in the observed atmospheric layers. It is shown in particular that the thermal impact of PMC is commensurate with the influence of dissipating gravity waves at heights of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT), which parameterizations are included in all modern numerical models of atmospheric circulation. Hence, the developed parameterization can be used in global atmospheric circulation models for further study of the peculiarities of the thermodynamic regime of the MLT. Full article

Today’s primary challenges include identifying efficient, affordable, and environmentally sustainable substances to serve as raw materials in industrial, agricultural, and medicinal applications. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and biological properties (namely antioxidant and allelopathic activities) of the methanolic extract derived from the above-ground portions of Artemisia judaica collected in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. GC-MS was used to evaluate the chemical composition of the methanolic extract derived from Artemisia judaica. GC-MS analysis revealed a total of 22 volatile compounds in the extract. The most prominent compounds identified were 2-ethylhexanoic acid, 5-hydroxy-6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-2,7-dimethoxynaphtho-quinone, and piperitone. The extract demonstrated strong antioxidant activity in both the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, comparable to the standard antioxidant ascorbic acid. The IC₅₀ value for the extract was 31.82 mg/mL in the DPPH assay and 39.93 mg/mL in the ABTS testing. Additionally, the extract exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of seed germination, root growth, and shoot growth of the weed Chenopodium murale in allelopathic bioassays. The most significant suppression was observed in shoot growth with an IC₅₀ value of 45.90 mg/mL, which was lower than the IC₅₀ values for root development and seed germination of C. murale, recorded at 56.16 mg/mL and 88.80 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the findings indicated that methanolic extracts had significant lethal toxic effects on the life cycle of Aedes aegypti. Future research will focus on extracting uncontaminated substances and evaluating the biological effects of each specific constituent. Full article

This study investigated the gel performance of Spanish mackerel surimi gels (SMSGs) modified by three anionic polysaccharides: κ-carrageenan (KC), ι-carrageenan (IC), and gellan gum (GG). By incorporating polysaccharides, SMSGs showed a 24.9–103.4% improvement in gel and textural properties, in which KC and IC had more improvement effects than GG. Moreover, polysaccharides led to a 10.7–13.1% increment in WHC, a shortened water migration from 61.34 to 52.43–55.93 ms in T₂₂, and enhanced thermal stability of SMSGs. The content of α-helix in SMSGs reduced markedly accompanied by a concurrent enhancement of β-sheet and β-turn by adding polysaccharides, where β-sheet and β-turn are positively correlated with hardness being favorable for gelling. The microstructure of SMSGs/polysaccharides showed a homogeneous network mainly due to hydrophobic interactions and disulfide bonds in SMSG-based gels. This study will demonstrate the effectiveness of KC, IC, and GG in improving the texture and functionality as well as expanding the application of surimi products. Full article

Skin aging is a natural biological process that can be accelerated by free radical induction, leading to a reduction in skin elasticity and the formation of wrinkles due to the depletion of elastin. Eugenia uniflora (dewandaru) is a promising plant believed to possess anti-aging properties, primarily attributed to its major constituents, myricitrin and quercetin. This study aimed to investigate the anti-elastase and antioxidant properties of Eugenia uniflora stem bark, ripe fruit, and seed extracts. Extracts were obtained using an ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method with 70% ethanol. Quantitative phytochemical analysis involved measuring the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity. Bioactive constituents were identified using LC-MS analysis, and their interactions with target enzymes were further evaluated through in silico molecular docking. The results demonstrated that the E. uniflora seed extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, with an IC₅₀ of 5.23 µg/mL (DPPH assay) and a FRAP value of 3233.32 µmol FeSO₄/g. Furthermore, the ethanolic seed extract showed significant anti-elastase activity with an IC₅₀ of 114.14 µg/mL. Molecular docking predicted strong potential for several compounds as pancreatic elastase inhibitors, including 5-phenylvaleric acid, 2-(3-phenylpropyl)phenol, n-amylbenzene, 2-aminoadipic acid, and traumatin, each showing a prediction activity (PA) value exceeding 0.6. Notably, these compounds also exhibited inhibitory activity against tyrosinase. These findings collectively underscore the significant promise of E. uniflora seed extract as a novel and natural candidate for pharmacocosmeceutical product development, particularly for anti-aging applications. Full article

The integration of nanotechnology and green synthesis strategies provides innovative solutions in biomedicine. This study focuses on the biofabrication of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Corynespora smithii, an endophytic fungus isolated from Bergenia ciliata. The eco-friendly synthesis process employed fungal extracts as reducing and stabilizing agents thereby minimizing the need for hazardous chemicals. The AgNPs demonstrated strong potent biological activities, showcasing significant antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. The antibacterial efficacy was demonstrated against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, while cytotoxicity on the A549 lung cancer cell line revealed an IC₅₀ value of 10.46 µg/mL. A molecular docking analysis revealed interactions between the major bioactive compound, dimethylsulfoxonium formylmethylide, and the pathogenic proteins, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi, displaying moderate binding affinities. Furthermore, the ADME analysis of dimethylsulfoxonium formylmethylide indicated favourable pharmacokinetic properties, including high gastrointestinal absorption, minimal lipophilicity, and low potential for drug–drug interactions, making it a promising candidate for oral drug formulations. These findings further support the compound’s suitability for biomedical applications. This research emphasizes the potential of C. smithii as a sustainable source for synthesizing bioactive nanoparticles, paving the way for their application in developing novel therapeutic agents. This study highlights the significance of harnessing endophytic fungi from medicinal plants for sustainable nanotechnology advancements. Full article

Mauritia flexuosa, commonly known as “canangucha,” holds significant nutritional and economic value in the Amazon region. While its pulp is widely utilized in local food products, the seed or kernel is largely underutilized. This study investigated the proximal and phytochemical composition of M. flexuosa, alongside its biological properties, specifically focusing on the hypoglycemic activity of an ethanolic extract from M. flexuosa seeds (MFSs). Proximal analysis revealed that MFSs are a notable source of crude fiber (28.4%) and a moderate source of protein (9.1%). Phytochemical screening indicated a high total polyphenol content (123.4 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 mg dry weight) and substantial antiradical capacity against the ABTS radical (IC₅₀ = 171.86 µg/mL). Notably, MFS ethanolic extracts exhibited significant in vitro antihyperglycemic activity via inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, demonstrating comparable inhibition to acarbose at higher concentrations. This hypoglycemic effect was further corroborated in an in vivo rat model with induced diabetes, where the administration of 100 mg/kg of MFS ethanolic extract significantly reduced blood glucose levels compared to the diabetic control group (p < 0.05). A moderate antihypertensive effect was observed at a concentration of 150 mg/kg, correlating with ACE inhibition. High-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-HRMS) analysis of the seed extract identified phenolic compounds including ellagic, p-coumaric, and chlorogenic acids, as well as flavonoids such as quercetin, myricetin, and epicatechin. This study provides the first evidence of the hypoglycemic activity of MFSs, offering valuable insights into their phytochemistry and potential therapeutic applications. Full article