Search Results (992)

Cutaneous disorders such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne vulgaris, and rosacea, together with UV-induced skin injury and photoaging, are highly prevalent conditions that involve varying contributions from dysregulated immune responses, cutaneous inflammation, oxidative stress, barrier dysfunction, microbiome alteration, and exogenous injury. However, these conditions are biologically heterogeneous and should not be regarded as a single mechanistic class. Sulforaphane, a naturally occurring isothiocyanate found primarily in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, has attracted interest in dermatology because of its antioxidant, cytoprotective, and context-dependent anti-inflammatory properties. Sulforaphane exerts its biological effects by modulating key signaling pathways, particularly the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway and, in some settings, NF-κB-related signaling, thereby reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, regulating immune responses, enhancing skin barrier function, and potentially influencing the cutaneous microbiome. Preclinical studies and limited human data suggest that sulforaphane may reduce erythema, edema, and other markers of cutaneous damage in selected settings. This comprehensive review explores the role of sulforaphane across heterogeneous cutaneous conditions, with emphasis on molecular mechanisms, disease-specific differences, current evidence, and discusses key translational constraints including formulation, delivery, lack of standardized dosing, and the limitations of cell culture and animal models for predicting human efficacy. Overall, sulforaphane should presently be regarded as a promising but still early-stage translational candidate in dermatology. Robust human efficacy data remain lacking for chronic inflammatory dermatoses such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne, and rosacea, whereas the strongest current human evidence relates to UV-associated skin outcomes and photoprotection. Full article

Cancer therapy is increasingly shaped by the need for agents that are both mechanistically precise and clinically tolerable. Sulforaphane (SFN), a dietary isothiocyanate enriched in cabbage-family vegetables such as cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, has emerged as a pleiotropic modulator of tumor biology. This review synthesizes current evidence that SFN regulates diverse cancer-relevant processes, including redox homeostasis, cell-cycle progression, apoptosis, autophagy and epigenetic remodeling, largely through coordinated effects on transcriptional (for example, Nrf2, MAPK, NF-κB and AP-1), post-transcriptional (microRNAs and messenger RNAs) and epigenetic (DNA methyltransferases and histone deacetylases) networks. We then examine how functional nucleic acids, including aptamers, small interfering RNAs, microRNAs and tetrahedral DNA nanostructures, can be engineered to guide SFN to tumor cells, amplify pathway-specific effects and overcome resistance. Particular emphasis is placed on nanotechnology-enabled delivery platforms that enhance SFN stability, bioavailability and tumor selectivity. Finally, we outline key challenges, such as context-dependent Nrf2 activity, inter-individual variability in metabolism and incomplete clinical validation, and propose priorities for translating SFN-based functional nucleic acid systems into rational, combination-ready strategies for precision oncology. Full article

The widespread practice of multiple harvests is known to significantly affect the quality of rocket leaves. Thus, ready-to-eat wild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L.) was produced under commercial conditions using leaves from five different varieties, harvested at both the first and the second cut, with a 21-day interval between cuts. Both the sensory and nutritional quality of rocket leaves were evaluated one day after packaging (beginning of shelf-life) and after an additional six days of storage at 6 °C (end of shelf-life). At the beginning of the shelf-life, first-cut leaves generally exhibited a more intense flavor, corresponding to a higher level of isothiocyanates, compared to second-cut leaves. At the end of shelf-life, first-cut leaves showed a greater susceptibility to off-flavor development, corresponding to the release of higher levels of sulfur compounds within the packages. First-cut leaves showed higher content of ascorbic acid and folate with respect of second-cut leaves, both at the beginning and the end of the shelf-life. The commonly held assumption that successive cuts yield leaves with more intense flavor compared to the first cut does not appear to be confirmed. It is likely that the differences in quality observed between leaves from the first and second cuts are not attributable solely to the cutting process or to the sequence of multiple harvest per se, but rather to significant variations in environmental conditions, particularly temperature and light, during the leaf growth period between the two harvests. Full article

Ethylene is a key phytohormone regulating fruit ripening, the senescence of ornamental plants, and the post-harvest quality of horticultural products. Although numerous studies have described compounds that inhibit ethylene biosynthesis or perception, the available evidence remains fragmented across chemical groups, plant species, and pre- and post-harvest applications. This review addresses that gap by critically integrating current knowledge on the principal inhibitors of ethylene biosynthesis and perception used in horticulture, with emphasis on their sites of action, practical effectiveness, and limitations. Biosynthesis inhibitors, including aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG), aminooxyacetic acid (AOA), daminozide, benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), and oxalic acid (OA), reduce ethylene production at different stages of the ethylene pathway, whereas perception inhibitors such as 1-methylcyclopropene, 1-DCP, silver compounds, alkenes, and diazocyclopentadiene interfere with receptor binding and downstream ripening responses. The available literature indicates that 1-methylcyclopropene remains the most widely used commercial inhibitor, while oxalic acid is emerging as a promising natural modulator of ethylene-related processes. However, the efficacy of these compounds is strongly dependent on species, maturity stage, dose, temperature, and storage conditions, and some are additionally constrained by regulatory concerns, incomplete mechanistic understanding, or inconsistent performance. Overall, ethylene inhibitors are important tools for extending shelf life, maintaining firmness, delaying senescence, and reducing post-harvest losses. Further comparative and crop-specific studies are needed to optimize application strategies, improve environmental safety, and support the development of effective natural alternatives. Full article

The tumor microenvironment, including extracellular pH (pHe), has emerged as a key regulator of tumor cellular function. Although extracellular acidification sensing and function are well established, the effect of extracellular alkalinization on cellular functioning remains unclear. Here, we report that transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) functions as an alkaline sensor and mediator of cell death in melanoma cells. Exposure to alkaline pHe (8.1) or allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), a TRPA1 agonist, significantly reduced melanoma cell viability. We found that cell death was propidium iodide-positive and annexin V-negative, suggesting that pHe or AITC treatment induced necrosis rather than apoptosis. TRPA1 activation induced sustained Ca²⁺ influx, which was suppressed by either extracellular Ca²⁺ removal or treatment with the TRPA1 inhibitor, HC-030031, both of which attenuated cell death. Pharmacological screening has identified phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase D1 (PLD1) as a positive regulator of cell death. We confirmed that transfection with PLD1 siRNA significantly reduced AITC-induced cell death, whereas PLD2, PLD3, and NAPE-PLD siRNAs had no effect. These observations suggest that the vulnerability of melanoma cells to alkaline pHe is mediated by activation of the TRPA1-PLD1 axis. Thus, TRPA1 and PLD1 are potential targets for therapeutic intervention in melanoma. Full article

Selective inhibition of the tumour-associated carbonic anhydrase (CA) isoforms IX and XII, which are overexpressed in hypoxic tumours, has emerged as a promising strategy for the development of novel anticancer agents. Among the diverse CA inhibitors reported to date, coumarins have attracted particular attention. These chromenone derivatives, widely distributed in phytochemicals, display a broad range of biological activities and are known to act as suicide inhibitors of CAs. Following the tail approach, we designed a series of hybrid compounds combining a coumarin core with an N-arylthioureido scaffold located at the C-7 position and investigated how structural variations—including substituents on the coumarin and aromatic moieties, tether length, and urea/thiourea isosterism—influence their biological properties (CA inhibition and antiproliferative activity). Substituted coumarins at C-3 and C-4 were efficiently prepared via Pechmann condensation, while the thioureido motif was introduced using various aryl isothiocyanates as key synthetic intermediates. The lead compound, featuring a dimethylated coumarin, a pentyl linker, and an N-(p-tolyl)thioureido residue, inhibited the target enzymes in the low- to mid-nanomolar range (K_i = 6.0 and 49.9 nM, respectively), displaying selectivity indexes (S.I.s) surpassing those of the reference drug acetazolamide (AAZ). Moreover, it exhibited potent antiproliferative activity, with GI₅₀ values in the low micromolar range (1.9–3.5 µM) against both drug-sensitive and multidrug-resistant cancer cell lines. Label-free three-dimensional holotomographic microscopy revealed that this compound triggers slow apoptosis, leading to cell death after approximately 20 h of exposure. Full article

This study aims to investigate the potential anticancer effects of erucin, an isothiocyanate derived from Eruca sativa, in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) by predicting molecular targets and evaluating its in vitro effects on TNBC cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle distribution. Potential protein targets of erucin were identified using SwissTargetPrediction, resulting in 117 targets, of which 84 overlapped with TNBC-related genes sourced from GeneCards, DisGeNET, and OMIM. Protein–protein interaction analysis was performed to identify key hub genes. In vitro experiments were conducted using MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells to assess dose-dependent effects on cell viability. Flow cytometry was employed to evaluate apoptotic cell populations and cell cycle distribution. Protein–protein interaction analysis identified ten hub genes, including AKT1, STAT3, EGFR, and MMP9, representing highly connected nodes within the predicted interaction network. In vitro studies showed dose-dependent reduction in MDA-MB-231 cell viability following erucin treatment, with an IC₅₀ of approximately 48.87 µg/mL. Flow cytometry revealed increased apoptotic cell population and G1 phase accumulation. These findings suggest that erucin is associated with cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects in TNBC cells and may interact with multiple cancer-related targets. However, the identified molecular targets and pathways are based on computational predictions and require further experimental validation. Overall, this study provides a preliminary integrated framework linking computational predictions with experimental observations, which may support future mechanistic and preclinical investigations of erucin in TNBC. Full article

Background/Objectives: We developed a telehealth-enabled fiber-bundle endomicroscopy platform and evaluated its preclinical feasibility for targeted fluorescence imaging in cervical cancer models. Methods: The platform integrates a portable fiber-bundle endomicroscopy (FBE) system, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled candidate peptides, and a secure web-based telehealth platform for remote consultation. The FBE probe achieved a field of view of 1,700 µm and a lateral resolution of 4 µm, enabling cellular-level fluorescence imaging in a compact, portable format. Four FITC-labeled peptides (SHS1*, SHS2*, FPP*, and CRL*) were evaluated in A549, SiHa, and CaSki cell lines. Ex vivo testing was performed on commercial cervical tissue-array samples. The telehealth platform was assessed for secure medical-image/video transmission and end-to-end latency in a simulated remote-consultation setting. Results: Among the tested probes, FPP*-FITC and CRL*-FITC showed higher fluorescence-positive fractions in the p16-overexpressing cervical cancer cell lines than in the A549 comparator line, with the strongest signals observed in CaSki cells. In ex vivo testing, CRL*-FITC generated higher fluorescence intensity in malignant cervical tissue-array samples than in non-malignant comparator tissues, with a reported 4.6- to 7.4-fold difference in mean signal intensity (p < 0.001). The telehealth platform supported the secure transmission of medical images and video and demonstrated an end-to-end latency of <500 ms in a simulated remote consultation setting. Conclusions: These results support the technical and preclinical feasibility of integrating targeted fluorescence imaging, portable fiber-bundle endomicroscopy, and telehealth into a single platform. This study should therefore be interpreted as a preclinical feasibility study evaluating optical, molecular, and telehealth integration, rather than as a clinically validated cervical cancer screening test. Full article

The cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne, is a globally important pest of stored products, and prolonged fumigant use has accelerated resistance development. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are key phase II detoxification enzymes that mediate insect tolerance to xenobiotics. In this study, we identified nine GST genes (LsGSTs) in L. serricorne and classified them into four cytosolic classes, namely epsilon, delta, theta, and sigma, based on phylogenetic analysis. Most LsGSTs were predominantly expressed during larval stages, while LsGSTs7 showed peak expression in adults. Tissue-specific profiling revealed predominant expression in metabolically active organs, including the fat body, Malpighian tubules, and midgut. Inhibition of GST activity using diethyl maleate (DEM) significantly increased larval susceptibility to three emerging fumigants: ethyl formate, benzothiazole, and methyl isothiocyanate. Exposure to LC₃₀ and LC₅₀ concentrations of these fumigants induced up-regulation of multiple LsGSTs, highlighting fumigant-specific detoxification responses. RNA interference targeting nine fumigant-inducible LsGSTs markedly elevated mortality and decreased total GST activity under fumigant stress. Furthermore, recombinant LsGSTs6 protein effectively metabolized methyl isothiocyanate, confirming their direct role in fumigant detoxification. Collectively, these findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying GST-mediated tolerance in L. serricorne and identify specific GST isoenzymes as promising molecular targets for innovative resistance management strategies in stored-product pest control. Full article

Fried Tengjiao oil is commonly used for seasoning spicy dishes, and both fresh and dried Tengjiao are used in its preparation. However, the flavor differences between fried Tengjiao oils prepared from these two types of raw materials have not yet been studied. The aim of this study was to compare and analyze the flavor differences between fresh fried Tengjiao oil (FFTO) and dried fried Tengjiao oil (DFTO). In this study, molecular sensory science was employed to reveal the flavor differences between the two at the molecular level. FFTO had a stronger pepper and spice aroma, while DFTO exhibited a more marked oily aroma. A total of 82 volatile compounds were identified via SAFE-GC-MS (solvent-assisted flavor evaporation–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry). Based on AEDA (aroma extract concentration analysis), 36 aroma-active compounds with FD ≥ 27 were accurately quantified. Following the AEDA, OAV analysis, and recombination experiments and omission tests, linalool and β-caryophyllene were identified as key flavor compounds in FTOs. α-thujone, 3-buten-1-yl isothiocyanate, citronellal, linalyl acetate, and 3-phenylpropionitrile were key flavor compounds in FFTO, and β-pinene, α-terpinene, β-phellandrene, and 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine were key flavor compounds in DFTO. Finally, chiral analysis suggests that the ratio of linalool enantiomers may be the potential cause of the flavor differences between FFTO and DFTO. This study provides theoretical guidance for the industrial production of FTO. Full article

In the present study, Shuidong mustard (Brassica juncea) produced in Maoming City, Guangdong Province, was fermented at 25 °C for 15 days, using wild microorganisms and 20 g/kg table salt in water. The results showed that this fermentation endowed Shuidong mustard with acid production via utilizing reduced sugar as the fermentation substrate, causing the fermented Shuidong mustard to have a decreased pH value and increased total titratable acidity. Partly as the result of NaCl usage or fermentation, the fermented Shuidong mustard had enhanced NaCl or ash contents, decreased contents in nitrite/nitrate, vitamin C, total phenols, and total carotenoids, and altered textural features reflected as reduced hardness, chewiness, springiness, and fracturability. Moreover, 90 volatile compounds, including 2-butyl, 3-butenyl, isobutyl, and ethyl isothiocyanates, were detected in the fermented Shuidong mustard after the 15-day fermentation, while 21 members comprised 95% (w/w) of total volatiles. Additionally, the analysis results revealed that the microorganism community of fermented Shuidong mustard was structured at respective phylum, genera, or species levels by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, or Lactiplantibacillus, Enterobacteriaceae, Lactococcus, and Pediococcus, or Lactiplantibacillus, Enterobacteriaceae, Pediococcus, and Lactococcus. It is thus concluded that this explored fermentation induced both acid production and, more importantly, compositional and textural changes in Shuidong mustard, which had production potential at an industrial scale as part of a healthy diet because these bioactive compounds include isothiocyanates, polyphenols, and carotenoids. Overall, this study focused on the Shuidong mustard fermentation using 20 g/kg table salt to fill a research gap in low-salt fermentation, showing its significance by providing a scientific basis for product development. Full article

The genus Erysimum (Brassicaceae) comprises more than 150 species distributed mainly across Europe, Central Asia, East Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and North America, many of which are traditionally used for treating cardiovascular, respiratory, and inflammatory disorders. Plants of this genus are rich in various groups of secondary metabolites, including cardenolides, glucosinolates and isothiocyanates released from them, sterols, phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and tannins, and other secondary metabolites. This review synthesizes its unique phytochemical profile, characterized by the coexistence of ancestral glucosinolates and independently evolved cardenolides. Over 100 cardenolide structures based on 15 aglycones have been reported from Erysimum, although the structural characterization of several compounds remains inconsistent or incomplete, with some glycosides still absent in major chemical databases. A variety of pharmacological activities have been documented for extracts and isolated constituents, including cardiotonic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic effects, supporting the therapeutic potential of the genus. Ecologically, the genus employs a two-tiered defense strategy where strophanthidin-based compounds deter butterfly oviposition and digitoxigenin-based compounds repel larval feeding. This review summarizes current knowledge on the taxonomy, distribution, phytochemical composition, and biological activities of Erysimum species, with a focus on cardenolide diversity, structural ambiguities, and research gaps that require further investigation. Full article

The nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (NRF2) is a master transcription factor that orchestrates cellular defense against oxidative and electrophilic stress. Dysregulation of the KEAP1–NRF2–ARE pathway has been implicated in several dermatological disorders, including vitiligo, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, photoaging, and radiation dermatitis. This review summarizes recent advances in the understanding of NRF2 activation mechanisms and highlights pharmacological and natural compounds with potential dermatological applications. A comprehensive analysis of natural, semisynthetic, and synthetic NRF2 modulators is provided, describing their chemical structures, synthetic approaches, mechanisms of action, preclinical and clinical evidence, and therapeutic relevance for skin disorders. Multiple classes of NRF2 activators, including isothiocyanates such as sulforaphane, triterpenoids such as omaveloxolone, flavonoids including baicalein and apigenin, alkaloids such as berberine, glycosides like afzelin and paeoniflorin, stilbenoids such as tapinarof, and α,β-unsaturated fumaric acid esters such as dimethyl fumarate, have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective effects in keratinocytes and melanocytes. Some of these agents, particularly dimethyl fumarate and tapinarof, have advanced to clinical development or commercialization, whereas others remain at the preclinical stage but show encouraging results in animal models and cell culture systems. Overall, pharmacological activation of NRF2 represents a promising therapeutic strategy to counteract oxidative stress–driven skin damage and inflammation; however, continued translational and clinical research is required to optimize formulations, dosing regimens, and safety profiles for integration into dermatological practice. Full article

The current understanding of microbiota–flavor correlations in Chinese sourdough steamed bread is predominantly derived from the central provinces, with comparatively limited investigation in northeastern and northwestern regions. This study bridges this gap by analyzing traditional starters from Heilongjiang (HLJ) and Ningxia (TX) versus an industrial starter (JM) through integrated metagenomics and untargeted metabolomics. HLJ was dominated by Limosilactobacillus fermentum (14.75%), while TX featured a synergistic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum–Fructilactobacillus sanfranciscensis consortium. Metabolic pathway analysis revealed enhanced glycolysis, amino acid metabolism, and glycerophospholipid transformation driving flavor biosynthesis and dough rheology improvement, supported by nitrogen-metabolizing Bradyrhizobium spp. (6.00–6.61%). Core pathway enrichment established molecular foundations for region-specific flavors: HLJ generated sulfury/pungent notes via the enzymatic conversion of pentyl glucosinolate to isothiocyanates, whereas TX developed caramel–roasted aromas through stachyose/xylose-derived Maillard reactions forming 2-(methylthiomethyl)furan. Both consortia exhibited higher bitterness and lower umami than JM, with HLJ showing marginally higher umami and lower bitterness than TX. These findings elucidate the microbial mechanisms underlying regional flavor differentiation. Full article

A novel acridine-based fluorescent sensor (Sensor ANT) for the highly selective and sensitive detection of cyanide ions (CN⁻) was rationally designed and synthesized via the conjugation reaction of acridine-9-amine with 3-nitrophenyl isothiocyanate. The sensing mechanism is triggered by the specific interaction between exogenous CN⁻ and the hydrogen-bonding moieties within the sensor’s molecular framework, which induces a distinct fluorescence quenching response. Systematic titration experiments confirmed that Sensor ANT exhibits rapid response kinetics, excellent selectivity, and reliable qualitative/quantitative detection capabilities toward CN⁻. Complementary biocompatibility assays, including in vitro cellular imaging and in vivo zebrafish experiments, further verified the promising application potential of this sensor in practical and biological detection scenarios. The detection limit (DL) of Sensor ANT for CN⁻ was calculated to be 2.89 × 10⁻⁷ M, with a 1:1 binding stoichiometry and a binding constant of 1.95 × 10⁴ M⁻¹. These findings demonstrate that Sensor ANT represents a robust candidate for CN⁻ detection in environmental and biological systems. Full article