Search Results (3,467)

The application of organic residues in agriculture helps to replenish soil organic carbon (OC), improve soil fertility and biodiversity, reinforce aggregate stability, and favour water infiltration. Moreover, its application as a soil amendment alters the fate of herbicides applied to the soil. The objective here was (i) to evaluate soil quality by determining the physicochemical and biological parameters of an agricultural soil (Soil) amended with green compost (Soil + GC) over an arable pea–wheat crop rotation in a short-term experiment; and (ii) to study the dissipation and persistence of iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium applied in field plots sown with winter wheat under real field conditions. The experimental field design consisted of 24 plots (10 m²) involving 12 with control and 12 with GC-amended soils. The plots were sown with pea after GC application (~11 t ha⁻¹) in February 2023, and with winter wheat in October 2023. Iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium (Hussar^® Plus, Bayer CropScience S.L., Barcelona, Spain) was applied in post-emergence at the agronomic dose (D1 = 176 mL ha⁻¹) and double dose (D2 = 352 mL ha⁻¹). Soil samples were taken from the plots to assess the soil physicochemical and biological parameters at six sampling times after GC application, with extraction and determination of residual herbicide and metabolite (metsulfuron-methyl) concentrations. In addition, the yield and characteristics of the pea and wheat grain crops were determined. The application of GC to the soil significantly increased pH (0.5 units by July 2024) and electrical conductivity (up to 5.2 times) compared to control soil, which remained constant throughout the experiment. The OC in Soil + GC increased by 40% in July 2024 compared to control soil. Total nitrogen content increased up to 2.0 and 1.3 times during the pea–wheat growing seasons in Soil + GC compared to unamended soil. Soil dehydrogenase activity, respiration, and biomass increased by up to 1.4, 2.2 and 1.4 times, respectively, in Soil + GC compared to unamended soil over the growing seasons. The soil microbial structure, determined by phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis, recorded no significant differences between the microbial groups in both soil treatments. A non-significant increase in pea and wheat yield was observed in Soil + GC compared to unamended soil. The results revealed an increase in the residual amounts of herbicide and metabolite, being slightly more persistent, with DT₅₀ and DT₉₀ values up to 1.6 times higher, in the Soil + GC plots over time. Much higher amounts of metabolite (DT₅₀ = 24.8–29.7 days) than iodosulfuron-methyl (DT₅₀ = 5.2–8.8 days) were found in all the treatments. This may be due to wheat plants intercepting the herbicide initially at the time of application in post-emergence, the rapid dissipation of the herbicide reaching the soil, and/or the higher persistence of the metabolite compared to that of the herbicide. Overall, the soil’s physicochemical and biological properties were improved in GC-amended soil, and organic amendment increased slightly the persistence of iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium and its metabolite in the soil. Full article

This study explores the sustainable extraction, quantification, and functional evaluation of antioxidant amphiphilic (TAC) and lipophilic (TLC) compounds from avocado (Persea americana) products and by-products using green, solvent-efficient extraction, for potential applications in functional foods and/or cosmetics. Juice derived from organically grown domestic (Greek) avocado and the remaining juicing pulp by-products were subjected to a green extraction and partitioning fractionation process to obtain separately the extracted TLC and TAC. Quantitative analyses of total phenolic (TPC) and carotenoid contents (TCC), as well as antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP), were performed using UV–Vis spectroscopy just after the extraction. ATR–FTIR spectroscopy was used to structurally characterize TAC bioactives compared to standards (gallic acid, quercetin, beta-carotene, soy phospholipids). TAC extracts exhibited higher TPC and superior antioxidant capacity across all assays, in comparison to the TLC, especially in the by-products. Despite relatively modest absolute phenolic and carotenoid concentrations compared to the literature, the extracts retained potent bioactivity, indicating selective enrichment of functional compounds. UV–Vis spectral peaks (240 nm, 310 nm) confirmed the presence of conjugated systems, suggesting potential for anti-UV photo-protective cosmetic applications. ATR–FTIR analysis further identified functional groups of key amphiphilic constituents, including simple phenolics, flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids and polar lipids. TAC extracts were successfully integrated into plant-based jelly prototypes as functional food supplements. Antioxidant stability of the jelly was retained for 15 days under refrigeration, though shelf-life limitations due to moisture and microbial growth highlight the need for preservative strategies. This work demonstrates a circular bioeconomy approach to food waste valorization, with significant implications for sustainable innovation in functional foods and clean-label cosmetics. Full article

Background/Objectives: Herbal formulas are unsuitable for routine dietary use. This study evaluates Qige Pipa Decoction (QPD), a food–medicine homologous formula containing edible components, comparing its anti-diabetic effects with the classic Gegen Qinlian Decoction (GQD) to explore its potential as a sustainable dietary intervention for T2DM. Methods: T2DM mice received QPD, GQD, or metformin for 6 weeks. Parameters included glycemic control, histopathology, gut microbiota (16S rRNA), serum metabolomics, liver transcriptomics, and chemical profiling (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Results: Both formulas comparably improved glycemia and insulin resistance. QPD uniquely enriched beneficial gut bacteria (e.g., Roseburia) and suppressed pro-inflammatory taxa. Metabolomics revealed decreased Carnitine C20:1 and increased phospholipids in the QPD group. Transcriptomics showed QPD enriched the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway. Chemically, QPD showed relatively higher signal intensities for glycosides and organic acids, while GQD showed relatively higher signal intensities for alkaloids. Conclusions: QPD exhibits anti-diabetic efficacy similar to GQD but through distinct regulatory mechanisms. Its food-medicine homologous composition provides a theoretical rationale for its exploration as a sustained dietary adjunct. However, the absence of safety biomarkers in this study precludes definitive conclusions regarding long-term tolerability, necessitating dedicated toxicological assessment in future trials. Full article

Background: Glutaric aciduria type-1 (GA-1) is a genetic disorder caused by glutaryl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency, leading to the accumulation of glutaryl-CoA and its derivatives. Clinical manifestations include neurological abnormalities; however, the underlying pathological mechanisms remain unclear. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for minimizing adverse outcomes. To date, diagnostic methods have certain limitations, and there is a critical need for a sensitive biomarker for diagnosis. We aimed to characterize metabolic dysregulation and identify candidate biomarkers associated with GA-1 in biochemically confirmed patients compared to age- and sex-matched control subjects. Methodology: Untargeted metabolomics profiling of GA-1 patients (n = 29) was compared to matched control subjects by age and sex. Multivariate and univariate statistical analyses were performed to identify dysregulated metabolites. Results: Our findings revealed 220 endogenous human metabolites. Notably, there was a strong enrichment in carboxylic acids and derivatives, including amino acids and derivatives, hydroxy and keto acids, fatty acyls, sphingolipids, phosphatidylcholines, and nucleotides and nucleosides. Pathway analysis indicates alterations in the biosynthesis of cardiolipin and phosphatidylcholine, as well as in pyrimidine metabolism, the urea cycle, and amino sugar metabolism. We demonstrated a robust performance model for 6-Methylnonanoyl-CoA, displaying strong discriminative power. Conclusions: We identified broad dysregulation across various biochemical classes, reflecting an imbalance in energy metabolism that involves carbohydrate and lipid pathways. The results also highlight dysregulation in sphingolipids, phospholipids, and nucleotide metabolism. These findings are preliminary and the clinical relevance of these findings in patients with GA-1 requires further investigation. We identified candidate biomarkers capable of distinguishing GA-1 patients from controls; however, these findings require validation in independent cohorts. Full article

Terpenoids represent a large class of bioactive natural compounds with promising pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. However, their clinical application is often limited by poor aqueous solubility, low membrane permeability, and suboptimal bioavailability. Phytosomal delivery systems have emerged as a promising strategy to enhance the pharmacokinetic performance of plant-derived compounds by forming molecular complexes between bioactive molecules and phospholipids. This review critically examines the structural principles, preparation methods, physicochemical characterization, and biological performance of terpenoid phytosomes. Particular attention is given to the molecular interactions between terpenoids and phospholipids that govern complex formation and vesicular assembly. The review also summarizes current analytical techniques used to confirm phytosome formation and discusses the influence of formulation parameters, including phospholipid composition and molar ratios, on stability and biological activity. In addition, emerging insights from molecular modeling and membrane interaction studies are considered to better understand the mechanisms underlying improved drug delivery. Finally, challenges related to safety assessment, manufacturing scalability, and clinical translation of phytosomal systems are discussed. Overall, terpenoid phytosomes represent a promising nanodelivery platform capable of improving the pharmacokinetic profile and therapeutic potential of terpenoid compounds. Full article

The widespread presence of microplastics (MPs), heavy metals, and herbicide residues in agricultural soil raises concerns about their combined effects on soil microorganisms. This study examined the combined impact of Zn(II)/Cu(II), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and metolachlor (MET) on Trichoderma harzianum IM 7002, a strain isolated from heavily polluted soil in central Poland. Exposure to LDPE and MET alone reduced fungal growth and induced oxidative stress, whereas Zn(II) at a concentration of 5 mM and Cu(II) at a concentration of 2.5 mM stimulated growth and enhanced MET degradation. HPLC MS/MS analysis identified transformation products, confirming active degradation even under co-exposure to LDPE and metals. Notably, simultaneous exposure to MET, LDPE, and Cu(II) (5 mM) increased antioxidant enzyme activity and decreased lipid peroxidation, suggesting a strengthened antioxidant defense and/or partial utilization of reactive oxygen species during MET biotransformation. Pollutant mixtures also caused quantitative shifts in membrane phospholipid composition and a slight increase in membrane permeability, indicating both toxic effects and adaptive membrane remodeling in response to chemical stress. Overall, T. harzianum IM 7002 exhibited high tolerance to complex pollutant mixtures while maintaining herbicide-degradation capacity, highlighting its potential for remediation of contaminated agricultural soils. Full article

Seahorses exhibit significant nutritional functions, including antioxidant and anti-tumor properties, with species like Hippocampus abdominalis and Hippocampus erectus now commercially farmed on a large scale. Notably, lipids are the key bioactive components distinguishing marine from terrestrial organisms. However, the lipidomic profiles of these cultured species are rarely reported, limiting their targeted nutritional application. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize and compare the lipid profiles of the newly introduced H. abdominalis with the currently farmed H. erectus. Methodologically, we employed an integrated approach utilizing untargeted lipidomics coupled with enzymatic hydrolysis to evaluate the lipid content, composition, molecular species, and fatty acid positional distribution of both species. The results revealed that triglyceride (TG) was the dominant lipid class in both seahorses. Notably, H. abdominalis exhibited higher overall phospholipid (PL) levels, along with elevated docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in its TG fraction. Positional distribution analysis demonstrated that DHA was evenly distributed at the sn-1,3 and sn-2 positions in H. abdominalis, but concentrated at the sn-1,3 positions in H. erectus, whereas EPA was primarily localized at sn-1,3 in both species. Furthermore, H. abdominalis contained higher DHA levels in phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) (predominantly at the sn-1 position) and possessed abundant alkoxy ether PLs. Ultimately, this work fills crucial research gaps regarding the lipid characteristics of commercially cultured seahorses, providing a fundamental basis for species identification, nutritional evaluation, and the future development of seahorse-derived functional lipids. Full article

Autoantibodies (AAbs) play an important role in the development of autoimmune diseases. While many AAbs induce apoptosis of target cells, a distinct subgroup, termed functional autoantibodies (fAAbs) against G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs), can modulate physiological receptor signaling without inducing cell death. The functional activity of GPCR-fAAbs may be influenced by various cofactors, including inflammation (e.g., inflammatory cytokine, ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF)) and ischemia. As ischemia triggers a substantial release of arachidonic acid (AA) from membrane phospholipids, the present study aimed to examine exploratively the influence of AA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and CNTF on the responses of spontaneously beating neonatal rat cardiomyocytes to GPCR agonists and GPCR-fAAbs. AA and EPA differentially influenced responses in cardiomyocytes induced by GPCR-fAAbs: AA altered the functional responses associated with adrenergic β₂-fAAb, adrenergic α₁-fAAb, angiotensin II (AT1)-fAAb, endothelin A (ETA)-fAAb and angiotensin 1–7 MAS-fAAbs. However, muscarinergic M₂-fAAb responses remained largely unaffected. In contrast, EPA attenuated the responses to β₂-fAAb, α₁-fAAb, AT1-fAAb, and ETA-fAAb, while MAS-fAAb and M₂-fAAb responses were not markedly altered. CNTF acted as a time-dependent modulator of cardiomyocyte chronotropic responses and influenced the magnitude of GPCR-mediated signaling on a cardiomyocyte bioassay. Together, these findings might suggest that lipid mediators such as AA and EPA or CNTF may modulate functional responses of cardiomyocytes associated with GPCR-fAAbs. Full article

Deletion of the tumor suppressor gene phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with a poor response to therapy and reduced survival. In mice, the deletion of PTEN in hepatocytes generates steatosis; however, on the background of steatosis not all emerging HCC cells lack PTEN, suggesting that steatosis confers a metabolic liability to proliferating PTEN-deficient hepatocytes. Here, we show that PTEN-deficient HepG2 cells develop terminal stress in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and profound apoptosis when exposed to a mixture of oleic and palmitic acids, while control cells do not. Lipidomic analyses before and after the treatment indicate a higher increase in triglycerides in PTEN KO cells, as well as profound differences in phospholipid concentrations. Although the triglyceride content increases, the coalescence into lipid droplets was impaired in the KO cells, together with a reduction in β-oxidation. Xenograft studies showed that PTEN KO HCC tumors progressed faster than did the control tumors when mice were fed with normal chow and slower under a high-fat diet. We suggest that while the health risks of a fatty acid-rich diet to liver function and the increased propensity to develop HCC are prominent, once a PTEN-deficient HCC has been established, it exposes vulnerability to lipid overload that can be exploited through diet and pharmacological interventions. Full article

Phaeodactylum tricornutum was cultivated in a 1000 L photobioreactors using f/2 medium. The resulting algal biomass contained 24.5% lipids, 37.8% protein, 19.4% carbohydrates, and had a gross energy content of 19.8 MJ/kg. These components were sequentially extracted. The ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) analysis of lipids revealed 35 triacylglycerols, a wide range of galactolipids and phospholipids including a novel sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol (SQDG), namely SQDG(C16:1/C24:0), characterized by mass fragmentation analysis. Additionally, three sulfoquinovosyl monoacylglycerols (SQMGs) with C14:0, C16:0, and C16:1 fatty acyl chain were detected in P. tricornutum for the first time. Fatty acid analysis further confirmed that P. tricornutum is an excellent source of ecosapentaenoic acid, which is predominantly present in triacylglycerol and glycolipid forms. CombiFlash chromatography allowed for the separation of monogalactosyldiacylglycerols, digalactosyldicylglycerols, SQDGs and phosphatidycholines, and their structure were confirmed by NMR spectral analysis. Fucoxanthin was the major carotenoid, and the study showed all essential amino acids required for humans and fish were present in it. A two-phase in vitro gastric/pancreatic digestibility assay showed high protein digestibility for both whole biomass (89%) and protein isolate (77%). Monosaccharide analysis showed that polysaccharides extracted by EtOH precipitation after alkaline extraction and by hot water extraction contained similar monomers with different relative intensities. Protein isolates and polysaccharides exhibited antioxidant properties. Full article

Monoenoic fatty acids (MUFAs), defined by the presence of a single carbon–carbon double bond within a long aliphatic chain, constitute a structurally diverse and ecologically significant class of lipids widely distributed in aquatic organisms. In marine and freshwater environments, MUFAs are fundamental components of membrane phospholipids and storage lipids, where mono-unsaturation modulates melting point, lipid packing, and bilayer dynamics, enabling homeoviscous adaptation to fluctuations in temperature, pressure, salinity, and oxygen availability. Positional and geometric isomerism (e.g., cis-Δ5, Δ7, Δ9, Δ11, Δ13, and trans forms) further enhances biochemical diversity, providing sensitive chemotaxonomic markers and indicators of trophic transfer across food webs. In addition to common straight-chain monoenes, rare methyl-branched, cyclopropane-containing, and acetylenic derivatives occur in specialized aquatic taxa, reflecting evolutionary adaptation and ecological niche differentiation. Computational QSAR analyses suggest that monoenoic fatty acids and their unusual analogues occupy bioactivity spaces associated with lipid metabolism regulation, vascular and inflammatory modulation, antimicrobial defense, and membrane stabilization. This review integrates structural chemistry, biosynthesis, ecological distribution, trophic dynamics, and predicted biological activity of monoenoic fatty acids in aquatic systems, highlighting their dual role as adaptive membrane constituents and as biologically active mediators linking molecular lipid architecture to hydrobiological function and environmental change. Full article

The origin of life is, to the best of our knowledge, impossible to imagine without the formation of complex prebiotic biomolecules such as RNA, DNA, proteins and lipids. Lipids play a crucial role in the spontaneous formation of cell membranes, which are responsible for cell integrity, compartmentalization, selective permeability, and providing a microenvironment for biochemical reactions. The goal of the current work is to summarize the current state of the art regarding the abiotic formation of membrane building blocks, such as glycerol, fatty acids, and their phosphorylated version as phospholipid precursors. We describe the necessity of a systems chemistry approach for the complexification and expansion of the prebiotic network, enabling the formation of several membranogenic precursors. We also discuss prebiotic pathways for phosphorylation and acylation that could lead to phospholipid availability in hydrothermal environments and on the early Earth surface. We conclude with the possible spontaneous vesiculation of these molecules as a primitive version of the cell membrane. Thus, we present a comprehensive perspective on prebiotic vesicle formation, starting from simple molecules and developing until the self-assembly of vesicles. Full article

Water is fundamental to structural integrity, stability, and functional properties of food systems, biomaterials, and biobased industries. The dynamics of hydration, including hydrogen bonding, hydration shell formation, plasticization, and phase transitions, dictate molecular behavior and exert broad influence on energy consumption, shelf life, biodegradability, and resource efficiency. However, the nonlinear and multiscale characteristics of hydration have constrained the predictive capabilities of conventional empirical methods. This study introduces a comprehensive framework that integrates foundational hydration science with advanced computational intelligence to model, predict, and optimize hydration-driven phenomena across diverse biopolymer classes. Leveraging classical insights into carbohydrate stereochemistry, protein hydrophobic hydration, and phospholipid-bound water, we demonstrate how computational approaches can reduce resource use in bioprocessing by 30–50% and optimize drying curves to lower energy consumption by 25%. By establishing hydration as a strategic design parameter, this work charts a pathway toward a resilient and sustainable economy where predictive error rates for hydration dynamics are significantly minimized through data-driven calibration. Full article

Background: Plant-derived nanovesicles (PDNVs), a class of naturally occurring nanoparticles with a phospholipid bilayer structure, have attracted significant attention in biomedicine, particularly in anti-tumor research, due to their broad source availability, low production cost, high biocompatibility, and low immunogenicity. Methods: This review systematically summarizes and analyzes the isolation methods, composition, anti-tumor mechanisms, and clinical translation potential of PDNVs based on literature retrieved from PubMed and Web of Science, with clinical trials identified and categorized using ClinicalTrials.gov. Results: Current research has made impressive progress in the application of PDNVs, both as direct therapeutic agents and as drug delivery systems. Their remarkable stability, ability to cross physiological barriers (e.g., the gastrointestinal tract and blood–brain barrier), and engineerability underpin their versatile potential. Conclusions: This review comprehensively outlines the compositional characteristics of PDNVs and explores their multi-dimensional mechanisms and application prospects as natural therapeutics and drug delivery platforms in cancer therapy. Despite challenges such as standardization in preparation, PDNVs represent a highly promising class of novel nanobiomaterials. Full article