Search Results (11,751)

Abiotic processes have ramifications in wastewater treatment, in situ degradation of organic matter, and cycling of nutrients in wetland ecosystems. Experiments were conducted to investigate abiotic oxidation of organic compounds (lactate) as a function of electron acceptors (ferric citrate and hydrous ferric oxide (HFO), media composition, and pH under anaerobic conditions, using sodium bicarbonate as the buffering agent. Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) was used as a proxy for the oxidation of substrates. HFO media generated more DIC compared to ferric citrate containing media. Light and pH had major roles in the oxidation of lactate in the presence of ferric iron. Under dark conditions in the presence or absence of Fe(III), the DIC produced was low in all pH conditions. Inhibition of DIC production was also observed upon photo exposure when Fe (III) was absent. Isotopically, the system showed initial mixing between the bicarbonate and the carbon dioxide produced from oxidation later being dominated by carbon isotope value of lactate used. These redox conditions align with previous studies suggesting cleavage of organic compounds by hydroxyl radicals. The slower redox processes observed here, compared to previous studies, could be due to the scavenging effect of chloride ion on the hydroxyl radical. Full article

Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. leaves are rich in polyphenolic compounds, yet their toxicological effects in aquatic models remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the impact of a hydroethanolic E. japonica leaf extract on zebrafish embryos through the use of morphological, behavioral, and biochemical parameters. The 96 h LC₅₀ was determined as 189.8 ± 4.5 mg/L, classifying the extract as practically non-toxic, according to OECD guidelines. Thereby, embryos were exposed for 90 h to 75 and 150 mg/L concentrations of the E. japonica leaf extract. While no significant effects were noted at the lowest concentration of 150 mg/L, significant developmental effects were observed, including reduced survival, delayed hatching, underdevelopment of the swim bladder, and retention of the yolk sac. These malformations were accompanied by marked behavioral impairments. Biochemical analysis revealed a concentration-dependent increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity, suggesting the activation of antioxidant defenses, despite no significant change in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. This indicates a potential compensatory redox response to a pro-oxidant signal. Additionally, the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was significantly reduced at the highest concentration, which may have contributed to the observed neurobehavioral changes. While AChE inhibition is commonly associated with neurotoxicity, it is also a known therapeutic target in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting concentration-dependent dual effects. In summary, the E. japonica leaf extract induced concentration-dependent developmental and behavioral effects in zebrafish embryos, while activating antioxidant responses without triggering oxidative damage. These findings highlight the extract’s potential bioactivity and underscore the need for further studies to explore its safety and therapeutic relevance. Full article

Antioxidative neuroprotection is effective at preventing ischemic stroke (IS). Ferulic acid (FA) offers benefits in the treatment of many diseases, mostly due to its antioxidant activities. In this study, a glycosylated ferulic acid conjugate (FA-Glu), with 1,2,3-triazole as a linker and bioisostere between glucose at the C6 position and FA at the C4 position, was designed and synthesized. The hydrophilicity and chemical stability of FA-Glu were tested. FA-Glu’s protection against DNA oxidative cleavage was tested using pBR322 plasmid DNA under the Fenton reaction. The cytotoxicity of FA-Glu was examined via the PC12 cell and bEnd.3 cell tests. Antioxidative neuroprotection was evaluated, in vitro, via a H₂O₂-induced PC12 cell test, measuring cell viability and ROS levels. Antioxidative alleviation of cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury (CIRI), in vivo, was evaluated using a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. The results indicated that FA-Glu was water-soluble (LogP −1.16 ± 0.01) and chemically stable. FA-Glu prevented pBR322 plasmid DNA cleavage induced via •OH radicals (SC% 88.00%). It was a non-toxic agent based on PC12 cell and bEnd.3 cell tests results. FA-Glu significantly protected against H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage in the PC12 cell (cell viability 88.12%, 100 μM) and inhibited excessive cell ROS generation (45.67% at 100 μM). FA-Glu significantly reduced the infarcted brain areas measured using TTC stain observation, quantification (FA-Glu 21.79%, FA 28.49%, I/R model 43.42%), and H&E stain histological observation. It sharply reduced the MDA level (3.26 nmol/mg protein) and significantly increased the GSH level (139.6 nmol/mg protein) and SOD level (265.19 U/mg protein). With superior performance to FA, FA-Glu is a safe agent with effective antioxidative DNA and neuronal protective actions and an ability to alleviate CIRI, which should help in the prevention of IS. Full article

Streptococcus iniae (S. iniae) is a globally significant aquatic pathogen responsible for severe economic losses in aquaculture. While the S. iniae infection often exhibits distinct seasonal patterns strongly correlated with water temperature, there is limited knowledge regarding the temperature-dependent immune evasion strategies of S. iniae. Our results demonstrated a striking temperature-dependent virulence phenotype, with significantly higher A. latus mortality rates observed at high temperature (HT, 33 °C) compared to low temperature (LT, 23 °C). Proteomic analysis revealed temperature-dependent upregulation of key virulence factors, including streptolysin S-related proteins (SagG, SagH), antioxidant-related proteins (SodA), and multiple capsular polysaccharide (cps) synthesis proteins (cpsD, cpsH, cpsL, cpsY). Flow cytometry analysis showed that HT infection significantly reduced the percentage of lymphocyte and myeloid cell populations in the head kidney leukocytes of A. latus, which was associated with elevated caspase-3/7 expression and increased apoptosis. In addition, HT infection significantly inhibited the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) but not nitric oxide (NO) production. Using S. iniae cps-deficient mutant, Δcps, we demonstrated that the cps is essential for temperature-dependent phagocytosis resistance in S. iniae, as phagocytic activity against Δcps remained unchanged across temperatures, while NS-1 showed significantly reduced uptake at HT. These findings provide new insights into the immune evasion of S. iniae under thermal regulation, deepening our understanding of the thermal adaptation of aquatic bacterial pathogens. Full article

Nanofertilizers (NFs) and engineered nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly used in agriculture, yet their environmental safety remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the comparative phytotoxicity of zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), and clinoptilolite nanoparticles, three commercial nanofertilizers, and potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇) using Lactuca sativa seeds under adapted OECD-208 protocol conditions. Seeds were exposed to varying concentrations of each xenobiotic material (0.5–3% for NFs; 10–50% for NPs), with systematic assessment of seedling survival, root and hypocotyl length, dry biomass, germination index (GI), and median effective concentration (EC₅₀) values. Nanofertilizers demonstrated significantly greater phytotoxicity than engineered nanoparticles despite lower application concentrations. The toxicity ranking was established as NF1 > NF3 > NF2 > NM2 > NM1 > NM3, with NF1 being most toxic (EC₅₀ = 1.2%). Nanofertilizers caused 45–78% reductions in root length and 30–65% decreases in dry biomass compared with controls. GI values dropped to ≤70% in NF1 and NF3 treatments, indicating concentration-dependent growth inhibition. While nanofertilizers offer agricultural benefits, their elevated phytotoxicity compared with conventional nanoparticles necessitates rigorous pre-application safety assessment. These findings emphasize the critical need for standardized evaluation protocols incorporating both physiological and ecotoxicological endpoints to ensure safe xenobiotic nanomaterial deployment in agricultural systems. Full article

Soil salinization poses a significant constraint to agricultural productivity. However, certain plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) can mitigate salinity stress and enhance crop performance. In this study, a bacterial isolate, R-18, isolated from saline-alkali soil in Ningxia, China, was identified as Enterobacter bugandensis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolate was characterized for its morphological, biochemical, and plant growth-promoting traits and was evaluated for its potential to alleviate NaCl-induced stress in maize (Zea mays L.) under hydroponic conditions. Isolate R-18 exhibited halotolerance, surviving at NaCl concentrations ranging from 2.0% to 10.0%, and alkaliphilic adaptation, growing at pH 8.0–11.0. Biochemical assays confirmed it as a Gram-negative bacterium, displaying positive reactions in the Voges–Proskauer (V–P) tests, catalase activity, citrate utilization, fluorescent pigment production, starch hydrolysis, gelatin liquefaction, and ammonia production, while testing negative for the methyl red and cellulose hydrolysis. Notably, isolate R-18 demonstrated multiple plant growth-promoting attributes, including nitrogen fixation, phosphate and potassium solubilization, ACC deaminase activity, and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) biosynthesis. Under 100 mM NaCl stress, inoculation with isolate R-18 significantly enhanced maize growth, increasing plant height, stem dry weight, root fresh weight, and root dry weight by 20.64%, 47.06%, 34.52%, and 31.25%, respectively. Furthermore, isolate R-18 improved ion homeostasis by elevating the K⁺/Na⁺ ratio in maize tissues. Physiological analyses revealed increased chlorophyll and proline content, alongside reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating mitigated oxidative damage. Antioxidant enzyme activity was modulated, with decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities but increased catalase (CAT) activity. These findings demonstrated that Enterobacter bugandensis R-18 effectively alleviated NaCl-induced growth inhibition in maize by enhancing osmotic adjustment, reducing oxidative stress, and improving ion balance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent sadness and loss of interest, and its etiology involves a condition known as hypoadiponectinemia, which is prevalent in depressive individuals compared with healthy individuals and causes neuroinflammation. The use of intact adiponectin protein to target neuroinflammation in depressive moods is complex due to the difficulties associated with using the intact protein. AdipoRon, a synthetic oral peptide that targets the AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 receptors for adiponectin, has emerged in this context. Its most prominent effects include reduced inflammation and the attenuation of oxidative stress. To the best of our knowledge, no comprehensive review has addressed these results so far. To fill this literature gap, we present a comprehensive review examining the effectiveness of AdipoRon in treating depression. Methods: Only preclinical models are included due to the absence of clinical studies. Results: Analyzing the included studies shows that AdipoRon demonstrates contrasting effects against depression. However, most of the evidence underscores AdipoRon-based adiponectin replacement therapies as potential candidates for future treatment against this critical psychiatric condition due to their anti-neuroinflammatory potential, ultimately inhibiting several neuroinflammatory pathways. Conclusions: Future research endeavors must address several limitations due to the heterogeneity of the studies’ methodologies and results. Full article

Background: Clinical diagnostics, food industries, and biotechnological processes typically use an enzyme called alpha-amylase to metabolize carbohydrates. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate how low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) affects alpha-amylase activity towards determining the usability of LLLI in non-invasive enzymatic modulation. Methods: Enzyme solutions were irradiated at 10, 20, 30, and 40 J/cm² utilizing 589 nm and 532 nm diode-pumped solid-state lasers. The iodine–starch colorimetric method was used to quantify post-irradiation enzymatic activity, with inverse correlations found between absorbance and activity levels. Modulation was determined by the wavelength and dosage. Results: Enzymatic activity significantly improved when utilizing 589 nm irradiation at lower doses, maximizing at 120% at 20 J/cm² (p < 0.01). Neutral or inhibitory effects were revealed when higher doses were applied. Enzymatic activity showed progressive inhibition when 532 nm irradiation was applied, declining to 75% at 40 J/cm² (p < 0.01). Conclusions: These outcomes indicate that conformational flexibility and catalytic efficiency occur when applying lower-energy photons at 589 nm, whilst oxidative stress and impaired enzymatic function are induced by higher-energy photons at 532 nm. This is consistent with the biphasic dose–response characteristic of photobiomodulation. Full article

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes cardiovascular complications, which contributes to the high mortality rate of the disease. Emerging evidence indicates that aberrant vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) function is a key driver of vascular disease in COVID-19. While antivirals alleviate the symptoms of COVID-19, it is not known whether these drugs directly affect SMCs. Accordingly, the present study investigated the ability of three approved COVID-19 antiviral drugs to influence SMC function. Treatment of SMCs with remdesivir (RDV), but not molnupiravir or nirmatrelvir, inhibited cell proliferation, DNA synthesis, and migration without affecting cell viability. RDV also stimulated an increase in heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression that was not observed with molnupiravir or nirmatrelvir. The induction of HO-1 by RDV was abolished by mutating the antioxidant responsive element of the promoter, overexpressing dominant-negative NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), or treating cells with an antioxidant. Finally, silencing HO-1 partly rescued the proliferative and migratory response of RDV-treated SMCs, and this was reversed by carbon monoxide and bilirubin. In conclusion, the induction of HO-1 via the oxidant-sensitive Nrf2 signaling pathway contributes to the antiproliferative and antimigratory actions of RDV by generating carbon monoxide and bilirubin. These pleiotropic actions of RDV may prevent occlusive vascular disease in COVID-19. 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

Cinnamic acid, an organic acid naturally occurring in plants of the Cinnamomum genus, has been highly valued for its medicinal properties in numerous ancient Chinese texts. This article reviews the chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and various applications of cinnamic acid and its derivatives reported in publications from 2016 to 2025, and anticipates their potential in medical and industrial fields. This review evaluates studies in major scientific databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, and ScienceDirect, to ensure a comprehensive analysis of the therapeutic potential of cinnamic acid. Through systematic integration of existing knowledge, it has been revealed that cinnamic acid has a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-tumor, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant and hypoglycemic effects. Additionally, it has been shown to be effective against a variety of pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and foodborne Pseudomonas. Cinnamic acid acts by disrupting cell membranes, inhibiting ATPase activity, and preventing biofilm formation, thereby demonstrating its ability to act as a natural antimicrobial agent. Its anti-inflammatory properties are demonstrated by improving oxidative stress and reducing inflammatory cell infiltration. Furthermore, cinnamic acid enhances metabolic health by improving glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity, showing promising results in improving metabolic health in patients with diabetes and its complications. This systematic approach highlights the need for further investigation of the mechanisms and safety of cinnamic acid to substantiate its use as a basis for new drug development. Particularly in the context of increasing antibiotic resistance and the search for sustainable, effective medical treatments, the study of cinnamic acid is notably significant and innovative. Full article

Photoaging, predominantly induced by ultraviolet radiation, is a primary driver of premature skin aging, characterized by complex molecular mechanisms including oxidative stress, inflammation, matrix metalloproteinase activation, and extracellular matrix degradation. Consequently, there is growing scientific interest in identifying effective natural agents to counteract skin aging and photoaging. Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum), an indigenous Taiwanese pseudocereal from the Amaranthaceae family, has emerged as a promising candidate for skincare applications because of its rich phytochemicals and diverse bioactivities. This review describes the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying photoaging and examines the therapeutic potential of djulis extract as a multifunctional agent for skin aging. Its mechanisms of action include enhancing antioxidant defenses, modulating inflammatory pathways, preserving the extracellular matrix, and inhibiting the formation of advanced glycation end products. Bioactive constituents of djulis extract, including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and betanin, are known to exhibit potent antioxidant and photoprotective activities by modulating multiple molecular pathways essential for skin protection. The bioactivities of djulis in in vitro and animal studies, and four skin clinical trials of djulis extract products are presented in this review article. Ultimately, this review provides an overview that supports the potential of djulis extract in the development of evidence-based skincare formulations for the prevention and treatment of skin aging. Full article

Natural compounds, particularly flavonoids, have emerged as promising anticancer agents due to their various biological activities and no or negligible toxicity towards healthy tissues. Among these, isorhamnetin, a methylated flavonoid, has gained significant attention for its potential to target multiple cancer hallmarks. This review comprehensively explores the mechanisms by which isorhamnetin exerts its anticancer effects, including cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, suppression of metastasis and angiogenesis, and modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation. Notably, isorhamnetin arrests cancer cell proliferation by regulating cyclins, and CDKs induce apoptosis via caspase activation and mitochondrial dysfunction. It inhibits metastatic progression by downregulating MMPs, VEGF, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. Furthermore, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties mitigate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, restricting cancer progression and modulating tumor microenvironments. Combining isorhamnetin with other treatments was also discussed to overcome multidrug resistance. Importantly, this review integrates the recent literature (2022–2024) and highlights isorhamnetin’s roles in modulating cancer-specific signaling pathways, immune evasion, tumor microenvironment dynamics, and combination therapies. We also discuss nanoformulation-based strategies that significantly enhance isorhamnetin’s delivery and bioavailability. This positions isorhamnetin as a promising adjunct in modern oncology, capable of improving therapeutic outcomes when used alone or in synergy with conventional treatments. The future perspectives and potential research directions were also summarized. By consolidating current knowledge and identifying critical research gaps, this review positions Isorhamnetin as a potent and versatile candidate in modern oncology, offering a pathway toward safer and more effective cancer treatment strategies. Full article

The transition from conchocelis to conchosporangia in Pyropia haitanensis represents a pivotal stage in its life cycle. As a commercially vital red alga, P. haitanensis plays a dominant role in global nori production. The transition governing its sporulation efficiency is pivotal for aquaculture success, yet the underlying regulatory mechanisms, especially their integration with metabolic cues such as polyamines, remain poorly understood. This study uncovered a critical role for the polyamine spermine (SPM) in promoting conchosporangial formation, mediated through the signaling activity of superoxide anions (O₂·⁻). Treatment with SPM markedly elevated O₂·⁻ levels, an effect that was effectively inhibited by the NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyliodonium chloride (DPI), underscoring the role of O₂·⁻ as a key signaling molecule. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that SPM enhanced photosynthesis, carbon assimilation, and respiratory metabolism, while simultaneously activating antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT), to regulate hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) levels and maintain redox homeostasis. Furthermore, SPM upregulated genes associated with photosynthetic carbon fixation and the C₂ oxidative photorespiration pathway, supplying the energy and metabolic resources necessary for this developmental transition. These findings suggested that SPM orchestrated O₂·⁻ signaling, photosynthetic activity, and antioxidant defenses to facilitate the transition from conchocelis to conchosporangia in P. haitanensis. Full article

β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is the most abundant ketone body produced during ketosis, a process initiated by glucose depletion and the β-oxidation of fatty acids in hepatocytes. Traditionally recognized as an alternative energy substrate during fasting, caloric restriction, and starvation, BHB has gained attention for its diverse signaling roles in various physiological processes. This review explores the emerging therapeutic potential of BHB in the context of sarcopenia, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. BHB influences gene expression, lipid metabolism, and inflammation through its inhibition of Class I Histone deacetylases (HDACs) and activation of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), specifically HCAR2 and FFAR3. These actions lead to enhanced mitochondrial function, reduced oxidative stress, and regulation of inflammatory pathways, with implication for muscle maintenance, neuroprotection, and metabolic regulation. Moreover, BHB’s ability to modulate adipose tissue lipolysis and immune responses highlight its broader potential in managing chronic metabolic conditions and aging. While these findings show BHB as a promising therapeutic agent, further research is required to determine optimal dosing strategies, long-term effects, and its translational potential in clinical settings. Understanding BHB’s mechanisms will facilitate its development as a novel therapeutic strategy for multiple organ systems affected by aging and disease. Full article