Search Results (580)

Nanoparticles (NPs) are becoming more commonly used in agricultural practices for cultivating plants under Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). The foliar application of copper oxide (CuO) NPs can enhance the production of bioactive compounds in lettuce without adversely affecting yield. However, there is a lack of data regarding the effects of NPs on plants under various lighting conditions, which is a crucial aspect of CEA. The study aims to find out how different lighting conditions can lead to Cu accumulation, to determine the effects of CuO NPs on lettuce growth, antioxidant potential and mineral elements, and to investigate the potential risk of these NPs’ uptake to human health. Plants were grown in Ebb-type hydroponic systems with red-blue and white-red-blue LED lighting at daily light integral 8.64 and 14.4, sprayed with aqueous suspensions of CuO NPs (40 nm, 30 ppm). The influence was determined on lettuce growth, the enzymatic (GR, APX, CAT, SOD, MDHAR, DHAR) and non-enzymatic (TPC, DPPH, ABTS, FRAP) antioxidants, mineral elements and hazard quotients. Our study showed the synergistic effect of foliar application of CuO NPs and lighting on lettuce. We found that CuO NPs positively influenced lettuce growth and stimulated the antioxidant system, particularly the non-enzymatic components such as phenols, carotenoids, and total antioxidant capacity. This effect was enhanced under a broader wavelength range of white-red-blue light and with a higher daily light integral value of 14.4. The application of CuO NPs significantly increased the Cu content in lettuce. Importantly, the concentration of the used CuO NPs did not reach the limit of Cu ions dangerous to humans, as the calculated intake level remained below safe limits, but it is not determined how much of them remained in the form of NPs. Full article

This study focused on the inhibitory effects of wheat bran feruloyl oligosaccharides (FOs) on the formation of AGEs in three bovine serum albumin (BSA)-based non-enzymatic glycation models, namely BSA-fructose, BSA-methylglyoxal (MGO), and BSA-glyoxal (GO). In the BSA-fructose model, FOs at 0.25 mg/mL achieved a 62% inhibition rate of fructosamine, equivalent to approximately 78% of the activity of the positive control aminoguanidine (AG), and reduced fluorescent AGEs by over 50% on day 12. Additionally, FOs suppressed the accumulation of α-dicarbonyl compounds, key intermediates in the glycation pathway. In the BSA-MGO and BSA-GO system, the decreased fluorescence intensity of tryptophan residues indicated that FOs bound to BSA, inducing conformational changes in the protein microenvironment; this binding also inhibited protein carbonyl formation and the loss of thiol groups, thereby modulating the protein glycation process. Compared with their precursors (ferulic acid, FA; xylooligosaccharides, XOS), FOs exhibited comparable or even superior inhibitory activity against specific AGE subtypes, suggesting a synergistic effect between the feruloyl and oligosaccharide moieties. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) revealed that FOs reduced the band intensity of 90 kDa AGEs in the glycation system, indicating the inhibition of protein-fructose cross-linking. Fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed that FOs dynamically quenched BSA with a single binding site, and thermodynamic calculations demonstrated that the binding was spontaneous (ΔG < 0), primarily driven by hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces (ΔH < 0, ΔS < 0). This study systematically investigated the anti-glycation activities of FOs and their precursors. The findings demonstrate that FOs are promising natural glycation inhibitors and provide important theoretical and experimental support for related research. Furthermore, this study establish a basis for the green and high-value utilization of agricultural by-products like wheat bran. Full article

This study presents a headset-type biofluorometric gas sensor incorporating a CMOS camera for continuous, non-invasive monitoring of transcutaneous ethanol from the ear canal. The sensor employs alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) to catalyze the NAD⁺-to-NADH conversion during ethanol oxidation, enabling quantitative measurement through NADH fluorescence detection (λ_ex = 340 nm, λ_em = 490 nm). The integrated system comprises a wireless CMOS camera, an ADH-immobilized cotton mesh enzyme membrane, UV-LED excitation source, optical bandpass filters, and a dual convex lens assembly housed in a 3D-printed headset powered by a lithium battery. Key improvements include a 3.5-fold enhancement in fluorescence collection efficiency achieved through optimized dual convex lens configuration. Systematic screening of seven cotton mesh materials identified Iwatsuki cotton mesh as the optimal enzyme immobilization substrate, exhibiting minimal autofluorescence and 14.2-fold higher water retention capacity compared to H-PTFE membranes. The glutaraldehyde-crosslinked ADH-immobilized cotton mesh maintained enzymatic activity for over 45 min with a 10-fold improvement in signal-to-noise ratio. The system demonstrated a dynamic detection range spanning 10 ppb to 10 ppm for gaseous ethanol and exhibited high selectivity against interfering volatile organic compounds in skin gas, including methanol, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, and acetone. Human experiments validated the system’s practical performance. Following alcohol consumption, subjects wore the device for 50 min while real-time fluorescence monitoring captured dynamic ethanol concentration changes in the ear canal. The dose-dependent fluorescence response—approximately 2-fold higher at 0.4 g/kg versus 0.04 g/kg alcohol intake—correlated well with calibration data. This headset-type biofluorometric sensor enables unrestrained continuous monitoring of ear canal ethanol, providing a novel wearable platform for alcohol metabolism assessment with potential applications in health monitoring and clinical research. Full article

Proper nutrition is a fundamental determinant of human health and is structured through the intake of various nutritional components: (i) macronutrients, including carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, which provide energy and essential structural materials for metabolic and physiological processes; (ii) micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, although required in smaller quantities, play crucial roles as enzymatic cofactors and regulators of numerous biochemical pathways; (iii) natural bioactive compounds (NBCs), substances found in plant-based foods (including polyphenols, carotenoids, phytosterols, and sulfur compounds) that exert protective effects thanks to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to the prevention of numerous chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) [...] Full article

Human neutrophil elastase (HNE) is a key driver of inflammatory lung disorders, promoting extracellular matrix degradation and tissue damage. Although inhibitors such as Sivelestat and Alvelestat are clinically relevant, their performance within the oxidative microenvironment of diseased lungs remains poorly understood. Here, we employed an integrated in vitro and in silico approach to investigate their behavior under physiological and oxidative conditions and to provide a molecular-level interpretation. Under physiological conditions, enzymatic assays and steady-state kinetics confirmed that both compounds act as competitive inhibitors, with Sivelestat displaying higher baseline potency. Under oxidative stress, however, Sivelestat exhibited a marked reduction in inhibitory potency, whereas Alvelestat retained its efficacy. Molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations of native and oxidized HNE variants provided a structural rationale for this divergence. Alvelestat, as a non-covalent inhibitor, maintains stable binding despite increased flexibility of the active site, whereas Sivelestat, acting via a reversible covalent mechanism, requires a precise pre-acylation geometry. Oxidation-induced remodeling of the S1 pocket disrupts the near-attack configuration required for covalent bond formation, thereby impairing inhibition. Overall, these findings indicate that oxidative stress may selectively compromise covalent inhibition while preserving enzymatic activity, and suggest that context-dependent redox-related structural effects may represent a consideration for the design of next-generation HNE inhibitors. Full article

Quorum Quenching (QQ) is a mechanism that disrupts Quorum Sensing (QS) signaling systems, which regulate gene expression based on bacterial population density. Many fish pathogens, such as Aeromonas, utilize QS systems to regulate the expression of their virulence factors. Disrupting these systems using QQ is a promising approach for infection control in aquaculture and may provide a safe alternative to antibiotics. Therefore, identifying microorganisms with QQ activity is a relevant task in agricultural microbiology and veterinary medicine. This study examines the identification of isolates with QQ activity in the microbial community of perch and assesses their probiotic potential for the prevention of aeromonosis. In this study, we isolated 32 strains of microorganisms capable of degrading N-acylhomoserine lactone (AHL), six of which exhibited stable QQ activity. Five strains were found to belong to the genus Rhodococcus, and one strain to the genus Exiguobacterium. The selected strains were tested for the enzymatic/non-enzymatic and intra-/extracellular QQ activity, pathogen growth inhibition, biofilm formation, and hemolytic activity, as well as growth ability under various environmental conditions (salinity, pH, bile acids, and temperature). Based on the results of these tests, the R. erythropolis PFS1.20 strain was selected as the most promising probiotic. The genomic analysis revealed that the studied strain contains genes encoding QQ enzymes, siderophore biosynthesis clusters, osmoprotectors, and compounds with antimicrobial properties. These results indicate the high probiotic potential of the R. erythropolis PFS1.20. Full article

Muco-obstructive lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF), and bronchiectasis, are characterized by the accumulation of highly viscoelastic mucus that compromises mucociliary clearance and fosters infection and inflammation. Mucoactive therapy, encompassing both true mucolytics and non-cleaving agents, seeks to restore airway patency by altering mucus structure, hydration, and transport properties, yet its clinical impact remains variable. This narrative review provides a critical reappraisal of the pharmacological actions and therapeutic outcomes of the main mucolytic agents: N-acetylcysteine (NAC), erdosteine, carbocisteine, bromhexine, ambroxol, and dornase alfa. Beyond their classical role in reducing mucus viscosity, these drugs exhibit pleiotropic effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. Specifically, for thiol-based compounds, the action consists of breaking the disulfide bonds that stabilize the mucin network; for carbocisteine, it lies in modulating mucin glycosylation and chloride transport. Ambroxol and bromhexine act by stimulating surfactant secretion and enhancing mucociliary clearance. Finally, dornase alfa exerts an enzymatic effect on extracellular DNA, a key contributor to the tenacity of mucus in cystic fibrosis. Clinical evidence indicates that NAC and erdosteine can reduce exacerbation rates in COPD, carbocisteine shows benefit with prolonged administration, and dornase alfa remains a cornerstone in CF management. However, therapeutic efficacy is constrained by heterogeneous mucus composition, pharmacokinetic limitations, and disease-specific variability. A key interpretative message is that clinical benefit appears greatest when the dominant biophysical determinant of mucus pathology is specifically targeted, supporting a transition from broad disease-label prescribing to mechanism-informed, phenotype-aware mucolytic therapy. Emerging strategies, such as agents targeting mucin–DNA interactions and advanced inhalation delivery systems, promise improved specificity and durability. By integrating mechanistic insights with clinical data, this review underscores the need for personalized mucolytic therapy and innovative approaches to overcome current challenges in managing muco-obstructive lung diseases. Full article

Background/Objectives: PDE4 is a key regulator of cAMP signaling and a clinically validated anti-inflammatory target; however, the use of PDE4 inhibitors is often limited by adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The natural compound braylin was previously identified as a novel PDE4 inhibitor scaffold, exhibiting an IC₅₀ of 0.96 µM. Using the PDE4–braylin co-crystal structure, we conducted structure-based design and optimization to enhance its potency. Methods: A series of novel braylin derivatives was synthesized and characterized. Their inhibitory activities against PDE4D were evaluated via enzymatic assays, and binding thermodynamics were analyzed by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Molecular modeling was used to predict binding modes, and anti-inflammatory effects were assessed in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Results: Structure-guided optimization yielded lead compound L27, which showed significantly improved PDE4D inhibition (IC₅₀ = 67 nM) and high-affinity binding (K_d = 45 nM) as confirmed by ITC. L27 also exhibited remarkable selectivity against PDE isoforms. Molecular simulations highlighted key interactions with Gln369 and hydrophobic residues in the PDE4 active site. In cellular assays, L27 dose-dependently suppressed LPS-induced inflammation in macrophages at non-cytotoxic concentrations with efficacy comparable to roflumilast. Conclusions: We developed L27, a potent and selective PDE4 inhibitor derived from natural braylin. It demonstrated promising in vitro anti-inflammatory activity and represents a valuable lead for further therapeutic development. Full article

Physalis peruviana L., a South American species, has been increasingly cultivated because of its bioactive compounds and high commercial value. This study evaluated the biochemical responses and fruit quality of physalis plants subjected to different water availability regimes (40%, 70%, and 100% of field capacity), followed by recovery periods. The experiment was conducted at São Paulo State University in a randomized block design with split plots. Plants were exposed to different irrigation regimes and subsequently rewatered over a 120-day period. Leaf and fruit analyses showed that water stress at 40% field capacity significantly increased both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant levels, thereby mitigating oxidative damage, as indicated by lower lipid peroxidation and reduced reactive oxygen species accumulation. However, this defense response was accompanied by marked reductions in fruit yield, fruit number, fresh mass, and fruit quality. Notably, although rewatering reversed several biochemical stress markers at the leaf level, fruit yield and commercial quality did not recover, suggesting irreversible damage to reproductive development during the stress period. These findings indicate that controlled water deficit may enhance antioxidant accumulation, highlighting the potential of stressed plants for pharmaceutical or nutraceutical applications. However, prolonged water stress, even when followed by a recovery period, impairs commercial fruit production. Therefore, irrigation management should be aligned with the intended production objective. Full article

The transition towards a circular bioeconomy is essential to mitigate the environmental pressures caused by the increasing global demand for food and energy. Agro-food waste (AFW) is a plentiful, inexpensive feedstock, exploitable in biorefineries to produce valuable molecules. The aim of this study was to isolate native non-conventional yeasts (NCY) from various AFW and to evaluate their potential for the ‘natural’ synthesis of aroma compounds via fermentation. Ten strains were isolated and identified as belonging to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pichia kluyveri, Pichia californica and Wickerhamomyces anomalus species. The fermentative performance and production of aroma volatile compounds were tested using different household wastes as substrates. Figs containing substrate, which is the richest in fermentable sugars, allowed for the fastest microbial adaptation and highest yields of volatile compounds. HS-SPME-GC/MS analysis revealed that the most prominent compounds were isoamyl alcohol, ethyl acetate and isoamyl acetate with the highest production levels showed by W. anomalus YDSCYP4 and P. kluyveri YDSCYP5. Enzymatic profiling revealed significant arylamidase and esterase activities in the selected strains, related to their role in the hydrolysis of aroma precursors. These findings demonstrate the efficiency of these autochthonous yeasts for the sustainable production of aroma compounds, supporting the development of eco-friendly biotechnological processes. Full article

Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) are reactive compounds formed through the non-enzymatic glycation of proteins, lipids, or nucleic acids due to exposure to reducing sugars. They accumulate through endogenous metabolic dysregulation and exogenous dietary intake, particularly high-fat and high-sugar foods prepared at high temperatures. The interaction between AGEs and their receptor, RAGE (receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products), has been implicated in a range of pathological conditions, including diabetes and metabolic syndrome. However, the impact of AGEs accumulation on neurodevelopment remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of AGEs on human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cerebral organoids comprising neurons, astrocytes, and microglia. Our findings reveal that AGEs induce RAGE expression, leading to microglial activation, increased deposition of amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregates, and impaired neurodevelopment. Additionally, elevated levels of AGE-modified proteins, along with altered microglial polarization, were observed in cerebral organoids modeling Western Pacific Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Parkinsonism–Dementia Complex (ALS-PDC). These findings demonstrate AGEs as active drivers of neurodevelopmental disruption and establish a mechanistic link between metabolic stress and increased susceptibility to neurodegenerative disease. Full article

Obesity represents one of the most critical global public health challenges. Pancreatic lipase (PL) serves as a key therapeutic target for obesity control, whereas clinical synthetic PL inhibitors are greatly restricted by adverse reactions. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have a long-standing history in regulating lipid metabolism and ameliorating obesity-related disorders, and are characterized by remarkable structural diversity, low toxicity, and mild side effects, thus representing a promising source for developing safe and efficient PL inhibitors. In this work, an integrated strategy combining in silico screening and in vitro validation was employed to identify potential PL inhibitors from TCM components, including molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, MM/PBSA binding free energy computation, and in vitro enzymatic assay. Six compounds with docking scores ranging from −9.9 to −9.0 kcal/mol were selected for further investigation. Molecular dynamics simulations verified the favorable structural stability of the corresponding ligand–PL complexes, and MM/PBSA calculations demonstrated negative binding free energies from −21.24 ± 0.39 to −12.03 ± 0.40 kcal/mol. In vitro experiments indicated that three compounds (Hydroxygenkwanin, Atractylenolide I, and Peiminine) showed effective PL inhibitory activity, with IC₅₀ values of 0.128 ± 0.009, 0.584 ± 0.031, and 0.748 ± 0.042 mM, respectively. These values are comparable to quercetin (0.231 ± 0.034 mM) but significantly higher than orlistat (0.481 ± 0.023 μM), which is attributed to their non-covalent binding pattern. Collectively, this study validated the reliability of the integrated in silico and in vitro screening strategy, identified three effective pancreatic lipase inhibitors derived from TCMs, established a robust paradigm for the discovery of natural PL inhibitors, and laid a solid foundation for subsequent research on natural anti-obesity agents. Full article

Spontaneously fermented wines are a habitat for many Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces strains that are typical for a given region. The isolates obtained can serve as regional starter cultures for winemaking. The aim of this study was to isolate, identify and evaluate the oenological properties and fermentation suitability of selected yeast isolates obtained from Polish spontaneously fermented grape wines. The isolated yeasts were genetically identified and characterised in terms of ethanol tolerance, enzymatic activities, H₂S production, and preliminary killer activity. In small-scale fermentations conducted in CDGJ medium and grape juice, the fermentation rate, pH, number of yeast, content of sugars, ethanol, organic acids and volatile compounds were determined. Genetic identification revealed the species: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, S. paradoxus, Metschnikowia pulcherrima, M. ziziphicola, Hanseniaspora uvarum, and Pichia kluyveri. Non-Saccharomyces and Saccharomyces strains grew poorly in the presence of 4–6% (v/v) and 14–16% (v/v) ethanol, respectively. The yeasts had varied enzymatic activities in API ZYM tests, and production of H₂S, but did not exhibit killer activity. The monocultures showed differences in fermentation rates. The best growth was recorded for all strains during grape juice fermentation, up to 10⁹ cfu/mL, producing ethanol and glycerol in the range of 53.92–86.54 g/L and 0.0–4.48 g/L. Yeasts produced characteristic volatile compounds, e.g., esters: 2-phenylethyl acetate and ethyl decanoate. The monocultures of isolated yeasts can be used in fermentation of grape must, yielding wines with diverse characteristics in terms of ethanol, organic acids and volatile compounds. 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

Background/Objectives: Metabolic diseases are increasingly associated with diets low in bioactive compounds. Native maize varieties possess functional potential; however, they remain underutilized. Moringa oleifera leaf flour (MF), rich in protein and polyphenols, represents a promising functional ingredient. This study evaluated the incorporation of MF into red native corn tortillas and its effects on nutritional composition and antioxidant capacity, as well as assessed its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects in Wistar rats. Methods: Tortillas were formulated with 5% MF. Nutritional composition was determined using standard AOAC methods, while bioactive compounds (total phenolics and flavonoids) and antioxidant activity were evaluated using Folin–Ciocalteu, aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) colorimetric, DPPH^•, and ABTS^•+ assays, respectively. Male Wistar rats (12 weeks old, with an approximate weight ofs 360 g; n = 5/group) were fed the experimental diets for 21 days with either a standard diet, a high-fat diet, or high-fat diets supplemented with MF or MF-enriched tortillas. Serum glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and HDL were measured using enzymatic colorimetric methods. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). Results: MF incorporation increased protein (+19.85%), dietary fiber (+18.51%), and mineral content (+41.03%) compared to control tortillas. Total phenolics and flavonoids increased by 114.0% and 184.7%, respectively. Antioxidant activity improved significantly, as evidenced by reductions in IC₅₀ values of 41.1% (DPPH^•) and 43.1% (ABTS^•). In vivo, MF-enriched tortillas reduced triglycerides by 68.4%, total cholesterol by 16.2%, and hepatic lipid accumulation by 31.8% compared to the high-fat diet group. Glucose levels showed a reduction of 8.5%, although not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The incorporation of MF into red corn tortillas significantly enhances their nutritional and functional properties. In vivo results also showed improvements in lipid profile and a non-significant reduction in glucose levels. These findings support the development of functional foods based on traditional staples with potential health benefits. Full article