Search Results (73)

Ovarian cancer remains difficult to detect before dissemination, and individual circulating biomarkers are unlikely to capture its biological and clinical heterogeneity. Multimodal liquid biopsy offers a potential route forward, but most biomarker combinations are developed empirically, with limited consideration of the molecular relationships among the measured signals. In this Perspective, we propose that intracellular miRNA dysregulation may provide an organizing layer for integrating glycoprotein/glycan remodeling with blood-derived volatile organic compound (VOC) signatures, while corresponding circulating miRNA profiles constitute a distinct measurable biomarker layer that may only partially reflect the underlying intracellular regulatory state. The miRNA–glycosylation axis is supported by direct mechanistic evidence that selected miRNAs regulate glycogenes and pathways controlling fucosylation, sialylation, and other glycan features. By contrast, the proposed connection between miRNA dysregulation and VOC production is indirect and likely mediated through metabolic reprogramming, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, ferroptosis, and lipid peroxidation. We evaluate the evidence supporting each biomarker domain, prioritize candidate bridge miRNAs, including members of the miR-200 family and miR-34a, and define the principal boundary conditions of the framework, including causal inference, disease specificity, histological heterogeneity, VOC source ambiguity, temporal variability, and cross-platform standardization. We further outline a translational strategy based on matched biospecimens, mechanism-aware computational integration, experimental perturbation, longitudinal analysis, and independent validation at clinically relevant specificity thresholds. The objective is not to assert a fixed causal chain, but to provide a testable, clinically oriented framework for moving multimodal ovarian cancer diagnostics from statistical combination to biologically informed integration. Full article

The synthesis and multi-step spectroscopic characterization of diastereomeric 3-spiro-1,2,4-trioxolanes obtained by Griesbaum co-ozonolysis of sitostanone O-methyl oxime with two types of fluorinated ketones are reported. The reaction furnished four possible diastereomers that differ in the α/β orientation of the peroxide bridge relative to the steroid A-ring and in the syn/anti orientation of the trifluoromethyl group at C5′. A chemometric PLS2 approach, linking experimental and DFT-calculated ¹³C chemical shifts, was used for the objective stereochemical assignment of each diastereomer in the inseparable mixtures. Single-crystal X-ray analysis of the isolated 3R,5′R and 3R,5′S stereoisomeric pair (α-anti and α-syn ozonides) provided unambiguous absolute configurations that validated the stereochemical assignments obtained by the combined NMR/DFT/PLS2 approach. This integrated synthetic, crystallographic, spectroscopic, and chemometric methodology provides reliable configurational assignment in complex spiro-peroxide mixtures and expands the analytical toolkit for such systems. Full article

The growing global crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) urgently demands non-classical therapies capable of evading established resistance mechanisms. Bacterial ferroptosis-like death, an iron-dependent process driven by lipid peroxidation, offers a promising strategy to circumvent conventional drug resistance. However, the clinical translation of ferroptosis-like inducers is hindered by poor water solubility and off-target systemic toxicity. Featuring tunable physicochemical characteristics and proven clinical biosafety, liposomes stand out as a viable platform to resolve these translational bottlenecks. Although antibacterial nanomedicines have been extensively investigated, the specific synergies between liposomal engineering and bacterial ferroptosis-like pathways remain underexplored. To bridge this gap, this review systematically delineates the molecular cascades of bacterial ferroptosis-like death and highlights unique mechanistic advantages of liposomes. Importantly, liposome-mediated ferroptosis-like antibacterial therapy faces prominent translational challenges, including biosafety concerns, insufficient stability, and targeting limitations. This review further outlines advanced liposomal engineering strategies to tackle the above obstacles and discusses pressing questions that should be the focus of future ferroptosis-like research. By integrating multidisciplinary research outcomes, this review may provide insights and feasible design guidelines to advance the translational development of liposomal ferroptosis-like inducers against AMR infections. Full article

Rice (Oryza sativa) cultivation is highly relevant for global food security, yet germination may be conditioned by the presence of the rice hull. Using hulled or dehulled rice seeds can affect germination because the hull acts as both a physical barrier and a source of inhibitory compounds. While dehulling may speed germination by improving water and gas exchange and removing allelochemicals, it also increases vulnerability to damage and pathogens. Specific seed treatments can help mitigate these challenges. This study investigated the effects of mechanical dehulling and seed soaking with different elicitors, including hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), Hammada scoparia extracts, and ferrous sulfate, on Vialone Nano rice seed emergence and early vigor. Key findings revealed that dehulled seeds presented better emergence compared to hulled seeds, likely due to the removal of physical barriers and improved water uptake. However, hulled seeds were more responsive to the treatments, showing marked improvements in emergence speed and seedling vigor. The results demonstrate that while dehulling provides a natural advantage, seed treatments with elicitors effectively bridges the performance gap for hulled seeds. These strategies may offer sustainable approaches to improve crop establishment and overall productivity in the local rice farming systems. Full article

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), particularly members of the genus Lactobacillus, have emerged as promising biological agents with antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties. While numerous individual studies have reported their inhibitory effects against pathogenic microorganisms, a systematic understanding that integrates their functional components, molecular mechanisms, and material-based applications remains lacking. In this review, we provide a comprehensive and component-oriented overview of LAB-mediated antimicrobial strategies. We first summarize secreted factors, including organic acids, bacteriocins, hydrogen peroxide, and extracellular vesicles, which collectively contribute to direct pathogen inhibition and environmental modulation. We then discuss cell-associated components such as surface-layer proteins and exopolysaccharides, highlighting their roles in adhesion interference and competitive exclusion. In addition, we examine whole-cell effects, including niche competition, quorum sensing disruption, and host immune modulation. Importantly, we place particular emphasis on the anti-biofilm activity of lactobacilli, detailing mechanisms involved in the prevention of the pathogen initial adhesion, disruption of extracellular polymeric substance matrices, and destabilization of mature biofilms. Finally, we explore emerging strategies that integrate lactobacilli with biomaterials, particularly hydrogel-based systems, to achieve controlled delivery, enhanced stability, and sustained antimicrobial activity. These biohybrid approaches represent a promising direction for the development of next-generation antimicrobial materials. These findings support the concept of LAB-based living antimicrobial materials as a next-generation strategy to combat biofilm-associated infections. Overall, this review aims to bridge the gap between molecular functions and translational applications of lactobacilli, providing new insights into its potential as a versatile platform for antimicrobial and anti-biofilm interventions. Full article

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a formidable clinical challenge due to the scarcity of targeted therapies and profound metabolic heterogeneity. Although Artemisian B, a dimeric sesquiterpene lactone derived from Artemisia argyi, exhibits potent antiproliferative activity, its comprehensive metabolic footprint and the translation of these perturbations into downstream signaling regulation remain poorly characterized. Methods: To address this gap, we employed an integrative analytical framework combining untargeted metabolomics, topology-guided metabolite–gene network mapping, and parallel experimental validation in MDA-MB-231 cells. This workflow systematically profiled cellular phenotypes, global metabolic reprogramming, and key signaling nodes, enabling the prioritization of high-confidence mechanistic links between metabolic alterations and signal transduction. Results: Artemisian B dose-dependently suppressed TNBC cell viability (IC₅₀ = 12.12 μM) and triggered mitochondrial apoptosis, characterized by Bax upregulation, Bcl-2 downregulation, and caspase-9/3 activation. Untargeted metabolomics identified 129 significantly altered metabolites, reflecting extensive dysregulation across lipid peroxidation, bioenergetics, and nucleotide metabolism. Topological analysis of the metabolite–gene network identified the NF-κB pathway as a highly interconnected hub within this perturbed landscape. Parallel experimental validation corroborated this prediction, demonstrating that Artemisian B consistently suppressed the phosphorylation of IKKα/β, IκBα, and p65, while markedly attenuating p65 nuclear translocation. Conclusions: Artemisian B induces TNBC apoptosis through extensive metabolic reprogramming coupled with concurrent inhibition of NF-κB signaling. By seamlessly integrating untargeted metabolomics with network topology, our framework not only successfully bridges metabolic perturbations with signaling outcomes but also establishes a versatile, dual-perspective strategy applicable to both biochemical reaction networks and signal transduction pathways. This approach provides a robust predictive paradigm for decoding the multi-target pharmacological mechanisms of natural products. Full article

Photocatalytic oxygen reduction to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) offers a promising route for sustainable chemical synthesis, yet the efficiency of carbon nitride-based photocatalysts is often limited by narrow light absorption and rapid charge recombination. Low-molecular-weight carbon nitride exhibits a favorable reduction potential but suffers from poor visible-light utilization, while π-conjugation extension and heteroatom doping are effective yet rarely combined within a single oligomeric framework. In this work, we report a low-temperature (400 °C) one-step copolymerization approach employing urea and terephthalonitrile to construct an oxygen-doped, benzene-bridged carbon nitride oligomer (O-B-CNO). Comprehensive characterization confirms the successful integration of both benzene rings and oxygen dopants into the oligomer backbone, with the former enhancing structural stability and the latter introducing active sites. The extended conjugation and oxygen incorporation synergistically modulate the electronic structure, leading to a narrowed bandgap, improved visible-light harvesting, and suppressed charge recombination. As a result, O-B-CNO delivers a photocatalytic H₂O₂ yield of approximately 3000 μM under visible-light irradiation, a 10-fold enhancement over the pristine oligomer, with optimal activity at neutral pH via the two-electron oxygen reduction pathway. The enhanced performance stems from the complementary functions of the two modifications: benzene rings promote electron delocalization and charge transport, while oxygen dopants serve as selective active centers for oxygen reduction. This work demonstrates a viable molecular engineering strategy for developing efficient carbon nitride photocatalysts for H₂O₂ production. Full article

Palm oil and palm kernel oil are among the most widely consumed vegetable oils worldwide, but cultivar, agroecological conditions, and processing methods strongly influence their chemical properties. Although there is extensive research and production of palm oil in Southeast Asia, cultivation of its fruit in China, particularly in southern regions like Hainan and Yunnan, is severely underrepresented. This review critically summarizes current knowledge of the chemical composition, bioactive compounds, and functional properties of Chinese palm fruit components (both raw and processed), with a focus on processing-related changes and industrial applications. Current evidence suggests that Chinese palm mesocarp and kernel oils can be separated based on their general composition, fatty acid profiles, and minor lipids (such as tocopherols, carotenoids, and phytosterols), which are critical determinants of oxidative stability, nutritional quality, and processing functionality. Post-harvest practices (postmortem methods) and thermal processing strongly affect acid value, free fatty acid levels, and peroxide formation, with direct consequences for oil quality and refining efficiency. Chinese palm-derived lipids hold potential for functional foods, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and bio-based materials used beyond their commonality as edible oil. Yet, gaps in cultivar-level chemical characterization, bioactive retention during processing, and evidence-based health evaluation remain. However, bridging these gaps using advanced analytical techniques and sustainable processing strategies will be of significant importance to endeavor towards the full utilization of Chinese palm fruit in both global food and bio-economy systems. Full article

High summer temperatures increasingly constrain sweet cherry production, yet field-validated assessments of rootstock resilience remain scarce. To fill this gap, this study presents a pioneering multidimensional evaluation of five widely used sweet cherry rootstocks (Gisela 6, Gisela 12, Krymsk 5, Colt, and Lanting) under prolonged natural heat stress. Morphological traits, leaf anatomical characteristics, antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, POD), lipid peroxidation (MDA), phytohormones (ABA and JA), and osmotic regulators were assessed. Traits with high coefficients of variation, including POD activity, ABA, JA, and soluble protein content, were identified as sensitive indicators of heat stress. Lanting exhibited the strongest heat tolerance, characterized by thicker leaves, fewer heat-induced lesions, and enhanced antioxidant capacity, whereas Gisela 6 showed severe leaf abscission, elevated MDA and ABA accumulation, and the weakest defense capacity. Correlation analysis indicated that root sucker number was positively associated with SOD activity and soluble sugar content, suggesting a potential role of whole-plant carbon allocation in mitigating oxidative stress. Using the Entropy Weight–TOPSIS model, we provided a robust ranking that identifies Lanting and Colt as superior heat-resilient genotypes. The results provide a field-validated framework that bridges the gap between controlled-environment theory and practical orchard management, offering critical guidance for expanding sweet cherry cultivation into high-temperature regions. Full article

Air pollution is increasingly recognized as a contributor to metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The current review analyzes molecular mechanisms linking air pollution exposure to diabetes development, emphasizing the role of oxidative stress, and focusing on well-known biomarkers such as protein modifications, lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and altered antioxidant capacity. Pollutants such as particulate matter (PM) and ozone induce oxidative stress and inflammation, disrupting insulin signaling and glucose homeostasis. Thus understanding these molecular pathways enhances our ability to identify at-risk populations and develop targeted interventions. This insight bridges environmental exposure and metabolic disease, underscoring urgent public health implications. Full article

Human neuroglobin (Ngb) is a globin featuring a disulfide bond (Cys46–Cys55) and a redox-active cysteine residue (Cys120) and plays a dual role in cellular stress responses. In this study, we investigated how wild-type (WT) Ngb and its two mutants, C120S Ngb, in which Cys120 is replaced by serine, and A15C Ngb, which contains an engineered Cys15–Cys120 disulfide bridge, modulate oxidative stress in triple-negative breast cancer (MDAMB231) and hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (MCF-7) cells. In both cell lines, WT Ngb enhanced cell survival under H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) through oxidation of Cys120. In contrast, the C120S and A15C mutants lost this protective capacity and instead promoted apoptosis. Mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the oxidation of Cys120 to sulfenic acid in WT Ngb, whereas both mutants exhibited impaired redox activity, leading to elevated ROS levels, lipid peroxidation, and activation of caspase-9/3. AO/EB staining further revealed that WT Ngb attenuated DNA damage, while the mutants exacerbated apoptosis in both MDAMB231 and MCF-7 cells. These results demonstrate that Cys120 acts as a critical redox switch, dictating whether Ngb exerts cytoprotective or pro-apoptotic effects across different breast cancer cell types. Our findings suggest that WT Ngb may help protect normal tissues during cancer therapy, whereas engineered Ngb mutants could be used to selectively sensitize both triple-negative and hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells to oxidative damage, offering a novel redox-targeted therapeutic strategy. Full article

Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative tool in animal production, offering novel strategies to enhance productivity, health, and product quality. Among trace elements, selenium (Se) plays an essential role in antioxidant defence, immune regulation, and redox balance through its incorporation into selenoproteins. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), synthesized via chemical, physical, or biological methods, have shown superior bioavailability, stability, and lower toxicity compared to traditional organic and inorganic selenium forms. This review explores the synthesis, physicochemical properties, and metabolic fate of SeNPs, emphasizing their advantages in poultry production systems. In poultry, SeNPs exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-stress effects by enhancing the activity of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and thioredoxin reductase, thereby mitigating lipid peroxidation and oxidative tissue damage. Their immunomodulatory effects are linked to improved lymphocyte proliferation, cytokine regulation, and increased immunoglobulin levels under normal and stress conditions. SeNP supplementation has been associated with enhanced growth performance, feed efficiency, carcass quality, and reproductive outcomes in broilers, layers, and quails. Furthermore, selenium nanoparticles have demonstrated therapeutic potential in preventing or alleviating chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular dysfunction, and neurodegenerative disorders. SeNPs also serve as biofortification agents, increasing selenium deposition in poultry meat and eggs, thus improving their nutritional value for human consumption. However, selenium’s narrow safety margin requires careful dose optimization to avoid potential toxicity. This review highlights the multifaceted benefits of selenium nanoparticles in poultry nutrition and health, while underscoring the need for further studies on grey SeNPs, long-term safety, and regulatory frameworks. Integrating SeNPs into poultry production represents a promising strategy to bridge animal health, food security, and public nutrition. Full article

MicroRNAs, pivotal regulators of gene expression and physiology, serve as reliable biomarkers for early cancer diagnosis and therapy. As one of the earliest discovered miRNAs in the human genome, miRNA-21 provides critical information for early cancer diagnosis, drug therapy, and prognosis. In this work, we harness CRISPR as a bridge to integrate target-induced self-priming hairpin isothermal amplification (SIAM) with terminal transferase (TdT) polymerization labeling, constructing a facile, straightforward electrochemical biosensor for sensitive miRNA-21 detection. Unlike conventional single-strand template-based exponential amplification (EXPAR), the SIAM hairpin undergoes target triggered intramolecular conformational change, initiating extension and strand displacement reactions that suppress nonspecific dimer formation and lower background current. Notably, the assay requires only a single probe, enabling unidirectional signal amplification while nonspecific reactions caused by system complexity. The generated SIAM products activate the Cas12a/crRNA complex to trans-cleave PO₄³⁻ modified single-stranded DNAs (ssDNAs); the resulting 3′ hydroxyl ssDNAs are subsequently labeled by TdT, with the assistance of SA-HRP catalyzing hydrogen peroxide, achieving robust signal amplification. Under optimized conditions, the cathodic current exhibits a logarithmic relationship with miRNA concentrations from 20 fM to 5.0 × 10⁸ fM, with a detection limit of 9.2 fM. The biosensor successfully quantified miRNA-21 in commercial serum samples and biological lysates, demonstrating its potential for cancer diagnostics and therapy. Full article

Cancer remains a severe global health threat, with traditional therapies often plagued by limited efficacy and significant side effects. The emergence of nanotechnology, particularly metal-doped nanomaterials, offers a promising avenue for integrating diagnostic and therapeutic functions into a single platform, enabling a theranostic approach to oncology. This article explores the design and application of various metal-doped nanosystems, including gadolinium-doped selenium molybdenum nanosheets for magnetic resonance/photoacoustic dual-mode imaging and photothermal therapy, and metal-doped hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles that leverage the tumor’s acidic microenvironment to release ions for catalytic generation of reactive oxygen species. Despite their promise, the limited enzyme-like activity of some nanozymes, insufficient endogenous hydrogen peroxide in tumors, and the tumor microenvironment’s defensive mechanisms, such as high glutathione levels, can restrict therapeutic efficacy. Looking forward, the outlook for the field is contingent upon advancing material engineering strategies. Future research should prioritize the development of intelligent, multifunctional nanoplatforms that can dynamically respond to and remodel the tumor microenvironment. Innovations in surface modification for enhanced targeting, alongside rigorous preclinical studies focused on safety and standardized manufacturing, are crucial for bridging the gap between laboratory research and clinical application, ultimately paving the way for personalized cancer medicine. Full article

Background: Pancreatitis, encompassing acute (AP), severe acute (SAP), and chronic (CP) forms, is a life-threatening inflammatory disorder with limited therapeutic options. Current management is largely supportive, highlighting the urgent need for novel interventions targeting underlying molecular pathways. Aim: This review summarizes recent advances in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis, focusing on calcium dysregulation, ferroptosis, and microRNA-mediated mechanisms while exploring the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals as disease-modifying agents. Summary: Aberrant calcium signaling, iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, and microRNA imbalance drive acinar cell injury, inflammatory cascades, and pancreatic fibrosis. Phytochemicals, including flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and phenolics, have shown protective effects in preclinical models through multi-targeted mechanisms. These include suppression of NF-κB-driven inflammation, activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway, modulation of ferroptosis via GPX4 and iron efflux, regulation of calcium signaling, and modulation of microRNA expression. Importantly, several phytochemicals attenuate acinar cell death, reduce cytokine release, and limit fibrosis, thereby improving outcomes in experimental pancreatitis. However, poor solubility, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetic limitations remain significant barriers. Emerging strategies such as nanotechnology-based formulations, prodrug design, and pharmacokinetic profiling, as well as bioavailability studies, may enhance their clinical applicability. Conclusions: Phytochemicals represent a promising reservoir of multitarget therapeutic agents for pancreatitis. Their ability to modulate oxidative stress, inflammatory and calcium signaling, ferroptosis, and microRNA networks highlights their translational potential. Future studies should focus on clinical validation, bioavailability optimization, and advanced delivery platforms to bridge the gap from bench to bedside. Full article