Search Results (224)

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC), characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune imbalance demands novel ameliorative strategies beyond conventional approaches. Methods: In this study, the probiotic properties of Lactobacillus paracaseiL21 (L. paracaseiL21) and its ability to ameliorate colitis were evaluated using an in vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal crypt epithelial cell (IEC-6) model and an in vivo dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC mouse model. Results: In vitro, L. paracaseiL21 decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8) while increasing anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels (p < 0.05) in LPS-induced IEC-6 cells, significantly enhancing the expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin, claudin-1), thereby restoring the intestinal barrier. In vivo, both viable L. paracaseiL21 and its heat-inactivated postbiotic (H-L21) mitigated weight loss, colon shortening, and disease activity indices, concurrently reducing serum LPS and proinflammatory mediators. Interventions inhibited NF-κB signaling while activating HIF1α/AhR pathways, increasing IL-22 and mucin MUC2 to restore goblet cell populations. Gut microbiota analysis showed that both interventions increased the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria (Lactobacillus, Dubococcus, and Akkermansia) and improved faecal propanoic acid and butyric acid levels. H-L21 uniquely exerted an anti-inflammatory effect, marked by the regulation of Dubosiella, while L. paracaseiL21 marked by the Akkermansia. Conclusions: These results highlight the potential of L. paracaseiL21 as a candidate for the development of both probiotic and postbiotic formulations. It is expected to provide a theoretical basis for the management of UC and to drive the development of the next generation of UC therapies. Full article

Monascus produces various bioactive compounds, including monacolin K (MK), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and Monascus pigments (MPs). Studies have shown that overexpressing genes within the MK biosynthetic cluster significantly enhances MK production. Additionally, MK synthesis in Monascus is regulated by other genes. Based on previous transcriptomic analyses conducted in our laboratory, a significant positive correlation was identified between the expression level of the GAD gene and MK production in M. pilosus. In this study, the GAD gene from M. pilosus was selected for overexpression, and a series of engineered M. pilosus strains were constructed. Among the 20 PCR-positive transformants obtained, 13 strains exhibited MK production increases of 12.84–52.50% compared to the parental strain, while 17 strains showed GABA production increases of 17.47–134.14%. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the enhanced production of MK and GABA, multi-omics analyses were performed. The results indicated that GAD overexpression likely promotes MK and GABA synthesis in M. pilosus by regulating key genes (e.g., HPD, HGD, and FAH) and metabolites (e.g., α-D-ribose-1-phosphate, β-alanine) involved in pathways such as tyrosine metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, the pentose phosphate pathway, propanoate metabolism, and β-alanine metabolism. These findings provide theoretical insights into the regulatory mechanisms of MK and GABA biosynthesis in Monascus and suggest potential strategies for enhancing their production. Full article

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are microbial metabolites involved in immune regulation, energy metabolism, and intestinal barrier integrity. Among them, the role of hexanoic acid (C6), predominantly derived from dietary sources, remains poorly understood in chronic heart failure (CHF) and sarcopenia. A total of 636 patients with confirmed CHF were screened between 2019 and 2021. Sarcopenia was diagnosed in 114 patients, with 74 meeting the inclusion criteria for analysis. Plasma levels of SCFAs—including butanoic, propanoic, isobutyric, 2- and 3-methylbutanoic, hexanoic, pentanoic, and 4-methylpentanoic acids—were measured using HPLC-MS/MS. Muscle strength, mass, and physical performance were assessed using handgrip dynamometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and SPPB, respectively. All patients showed elevated SCFA levels compared to reference values. Butanoic acid levels exceeded reference values by 32.8-fold, propanoic acid by 10.9-fold, and hexanoic acid by 1.09-fold. Patients with plasma hexanoic acid levels above the 50th percentile had a seven-fold increased mortality risk (OR = 7.10; 95% CI: 1.74–28.9; p < 0.01). Kaplan–Meier analysis confirmed significantly lower survival in this group (p = 0.00051). The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 41.2 ± 7.5%, and the mean SPPB score was 6.1 ± 1.8, indicating impaired physical performance. Elevated plasma hexanoic acid is associated with poor prognosis in CHF patients with sarcopenia. These findings suggest that C6 may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in this population. Full article

Maternal hyperglycemia during pregnancy poses significant health risks to both mother and fetus. Although gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is mainly characterized by insulin resistance, severe hyperglycemia may also result from impaired pancreatic function. This study evaluates the therapeutic potential of pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius) root and teak (Tectona grandis) leaf extracts in managing streptozotocin (STZ)-induced maternal hyperglycemia in pregnant rats, compared to metformin. Methods: Pregnant rats were administered STZ (60 mg/kg) on gestation day 5. Treatments with metformin (300 mg/kg), pandan extract (low, medium, high doses), and teak extract (low, medium, high doses) were given from gestation day 7 to 21. The key parameters included the maternal blood glucose, insulin levels, pancreatic morphology, fetal and placental outcomes, and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) phytochemical profiling. GC/MS analysis identified 2,3-butanediol and propanoic acid derivatives as major compounds in pandan, while teak contained catavic acid and methyl copalate. The high-dose pandan extract significantly reduced the maternal blood glucose (p < 0.05), improved the insulin levels and pancreatic mass index, and increased the number of live fetuses, with effects comparable to metformin. The teak extract showed milder improvements. The pandan extract demonstrated dose-dependent antidiabetic potential in this STZ-induced model. Future studies should evaluate these effects in insulin-resistance-based GDM models. Full article

Background: Chemosensation in ticks opens a novel and unique field for scientific research. This study highlights ticks’ chemosensory system to comprehend its host-searching behavior and other integrated chemistry and biology involving Haller’s structure. Methodology: This study combines microanatomical, electrophysiological, and behavioral experiments to investigate the role of Haller’s organ in adult ticks in response to different classes of organic compounds. Results: We showed the microscopic anatomy of Haller’s organ in Haemaphysalis darjeeling, present at the terminal segment of the first pair of appendages. Haller’s structure serves a vital function in perceiving odor. The electrophysiological activity of adult ticks to different classes of organic compounds via electroscutumography was explored at five different concentrations: w/v 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, and 2.0%. Among 55 organic compounds, moderate to high stimulation was recorded with pyruvate (13.28 mv at 2%), ammonia (12.26 mv at 2%), benzoic acid (1.99 mv at 0.001%), isobutyric acid (1.39 mv at 0.001%), 2,6-dichlorophenol (1.34 mv at 0.001%), p-Tolualdehyde (1.26 mv at 2%), tetradecane (1.23 mv at 2%), docosane (1.17 mv at 2%), citronellal (1.13 mv at 0.1%), isopropyl acetate (1.05 mv at 0.01%), cyclohexanol (1.03 mv at 2%), 1-octane-3-ol (1.02 mv at 2%), and 1-octanol (1.01 mv at 0.001%). Olfactometric bioassays at w/v 2.0% concentration further confirmed that ammonia, pyruvate, 1-octane-3-ol, hematin porcine, p-Tolualdehyde, methyl salicylate, uric acid, tetradecane, carbon dioxide, propanoic acid, 3-hexanol, hexanoic acid, adenine, 2,6-dichlorophenol, hexadecane, heptanoic acid, pentanoic acid, octadecane, guanine, and nonanoic acid acted as strong attractants, while citronellal, eugenol, butyric acid, geraniol, benzaldehyde, and tiglic aldehyde showed an active repellent effect against the tick species. Conclusions: This investigation provides knowledge of the olfactory sensilla of Haller’s structure as biosensors behind tick olfaction and the possibility for chemical detection of diverse attractants and repellents for future development of anti-tick compounds. Full article

Background: A series of novel polysubstituted thiazole derivatives were synthesized, and their antiproliferative properties were evaluated using both 2D and 3D lung cancer models. Methods: The compounds were obtained via esterification, oximation, hydrazinolysis, and condensation reactions. Results: Structure–activity relationship analysis revealed that the antiproliferative activity was structure-dependent. Notably, oxime derivatives 21 and 22, along with carbohydrazides 25 and 26, exhibited low micromolar activity that was significantly greater than that of cisplatin (p < 0.005), a standard chemotherapeutic agent. These compounds demonstrated potent, antiproliferative activity against H69 small-cell lung carcinoma cells, as well as anthracycline-resistant H69AR cells. Moreover, compounds 21, 22, 25, and 26 effectively induced cell death in A549 agarose-based 3D spheroids, further supporting their potential therapeutic application. The in silico studies proposed that compound 22 is able to interact with human SIRT2 and EGFR via conserved amino acid residues. Conclusions: The ability of these thiazole derivatives to target both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant lung cancer models highlights their promise as scaffolds for further optimization and preclinical development. Future studies will focus on structural modifications to enhance potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic properties, paving the way for the development of novel thiazole-based antiproliferative agents. Full article

Perfluoropropionic acid (CF₃CF₂C(O)OH) has been investigated with a focus on its complex structural properties. As a formal derivative of propanoic acid, the incorporation of fluorine atoms imparts unique structural features, including three distinct monomeric conformations and a dimeric structure. This study presents experimental findings, supported by computational modeling, to explore these characteristics. The analysis includes an FTIR study of the isolated species in an Ar-cryogenic matrix and the low-temperature determination of its crystalline structure using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Full article

Hyperlipidemia, marked by high levels of fats in the blood, is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. It has been linked to the action of reactive oxygen species and the formation of advanced glycation end products. Current treatments for hyperlipidemia, like orlistat, simvastatin, and atorvastatin, often present undesirable side effects, prompting the need for new therapeutic agents that are safer, more effective, cost-efficient, and have fewer side effects. In this context, new compounds, specifically propano- and butanosulfonic acids with 9-substituted quinobenzothiazinyl substituents, were synthesized through reactions with 9-substituted quinobenzothiazines and propane sultone or butane sultone. These novel quinobenzothiazine derivatives were verified using ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and HR-MS techniques. The research focused on assessing these compounds for their toxicity, ability to prevent glycation, antioxidant properties, and their potential to combat hyperlipidemia. Toxicity was evaluated on the 3T3 L1 fibroblast cell line using the MTT assay. The capacity to prevent glycation was tested with bovine serum albumin–methylglyoxal and bovine serum albumin–glucose systems. This study measured total reactive oxygen species in the 3T3 L1 cell line using 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate staining, and antioxidant capacity was assessed through DPPH scavenging and metal ion chelation tests. The effectiveness against hyperlipidemia was determined by targeting cholesterol esterase and pancreatic lipase activities, with concentrations of the compounds 5 to 12 ranging from 0.0245 to 0.268 μM. Standard drugs such as orlistat, simvastatin, statins, and aminoguanidine were used as positive controls in various assays. Additionally, computational docking studies with AutoDock Vina were performed. The resulting findings indicated that the compounds were non-toxic to cells, effectively inhibited key enzymes related to hyperlipidemia, and showed significant antioxidant properties, including the prevention of advanced glycation end-product formation. Compounds 11 and 12 demonstrated the highest activity levels. These promising results highlight the potential of new quinobenzothiazine derivatives as lead compounds for the development of antihyperlipidemic drugs, although further research is necessary to confirm their efficacy and safety. Full article

This study investigates the transformation of biogas (methane and carbon dioxide) into high-value liquid products using Ni/Al₂O₃, Fe/Al₂O₃, and Ni-Fe/Al₂O₃ catalysts in a non-thermal plasma (NTP)-assisted process within a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor, operating at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. We compared the effectiveness of these three catalysts, with the Ni-Fe/Al₂O₃ catalyst showing the highest enhancement in conversion rates, achieving 34.8% for CH₄ and 19.7% for CO₂. This catalyst also promoted the highest liquid yield observed at 38.6% and facilitated a significant reduction in coke formation to 10.4%, minimizing deactivation and loss of efficiency. These improvements underscore the catalyst’s pivotal role in enhancing the overall process efficiency, leading to the production of key gas products such as hydrogen (H₂) and carbon monoxide (CO), alongside valuable liquid oxygenates including methanol, ethanol, formaldehyde, acetic acid, and propanoic acid. The findings from this study highlight the efficacy of combining NTP with the Ni-Fe/Al₂O₃ catalyst as a promising approach for boosting the production of valuable chemicals from biogas, offering a sustainable pathway for energy and chemical manufacturing. Full article

Termitomyces, a rare edible fungus with both nutritional and medicinal value, has garnered significant attention for its antioxidant properties. This study aims to elucidate the effects of various nutritional components on the antioxidant activity of Termitomyces. Through assays including FRAP, DPPH, ABTS, and •OH scavenging activity, strain XNQL025, which exhibits high antioxidant activity, was identified. Subsequent optimization of culture medium components using single-factor experiments and response surface methodology revealed that aspartic acid (Asp) significantly enhances the antioxidant capacity of this strain. Transcriptomic analysis showed that Asp activates key pathways, including glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, propanoate metabolism, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, valine–leucine–isoleucine biosynthesis, and tryptophan metabolism, along with modulating the peroxisome and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. These regulatory actions promote the synthesis of antioxidant compounds and establish a multi-layered antioxidant defense system comprising enzymatic (catalase) and non-enzymatic (leucine/chitooligosaccharides) components. The synergistic interaction between these systems significantly strengthens the antioxidant defense capacity of Termitomyces. This study is the first to elucidate the molecular network by which Asp enhances the antioxidant activity of Termitomyces, thereby providing a foundation for its development as a natural antioxidant. Full article

Background: The World Health Organization has indicated that airport noise is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease, with vascular inflammation identified as the primary mechanism. Therefore, long-term exposure to airport noise is considered far more harmful than other types of noise. However, there remains a lack of research into the mechanisms underlying long-term exposure to airport noise and harm to the human body. Methods: A mouse model was established and exposed to airport noise at a maximum sound pressure level of 95 dB(A) and an equivalent continuous sound pressure level of 72 dB(A) for 12 h per day over a period of 100 days. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect LPS, LTA, TMA, and TMAO levels. Intestinal flora composition was analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing, and targeted metabolomics was employed to determine the levels of serum short-chain fatty acids. Results: Long-term airport noise exposure significantly increased systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean blood pressure (p < 0.05); significantly increased the mRNA expression levels of oxidative stress parameters (nuclear matrix protein 2, 3-nitrotyrosine, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) (p < 0.05); significantly increased pro-inflammatory factors (interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha) (p < 0.05); significantly decreased the mRNA expression level of anti-inflammatory factor interleukin 10 (p < 0.05); and significantly increased the content of LPS and LTA (p < 0.05). The composition of the main flora in the intestinal tract was structurally disordered, and there were significant differences between the noise-exposed and control groups at the levels of the phylum, family, and genus of bacteria. β-diversity of the principal component analysis diagrams was clearly distinguished. Compared with those of the control group, TMA-producing bacteria and levels of TMA and TMAO were significantly reduced, and the serum ethanoic acid and propanoic acid levels of the noise-exposed group were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Long-term airport noise exposure causes significant elevation of blood pressure and structural disruption in the composition of the intestinal flora in mice, leading to elevated levels of oxidative stress and inflammation, resulting in metabolic disorders that lead to significant changes in the production of metabolites. Full article

We previously reported that 3-(trihydroxygermyl)propanoic acid (THGP) suppresses inflammasome activation in THP-1 cells following stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and ATP (signals 1 and 2) by forming a complex with ATP, thereby inhibiting IL-1β secretion. Our findings also suggested that THGP inhibits inflammasome activation through mechanisms independent of ATP complex formation. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of THGP on signal 1 (ATP-independent) of inflammasome activation. THGP suppressed NF-κB nuclear translocation in LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells, which reduced the mRNA expression of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, as well as IL-1β secretion. This mechanism was mediated by the formation of a THGP–adenosine complex, which inhibited adenosine degradation and subsequently activated adenosine–NR4A2 signaling. Thus, THGP exerts anti-inflammatory effects by forming a complex with adenosine, leading to adenosine–NR4A2 signaling pathway activation. This mechanism is distinct from the ATP-dependent pathway by which THGP was previously reported to function. By targeting both ATP-dependent and ATP-independent inflammasome activation pathways, THGP has potential as a broad-spectrum therapeutic agent for various inflammatory diseases. Full article

A biosensor was designed for detecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) bacteria in whole milk samples. The sensing layer involved the antifouling linking molecule 3-(2-mercaptoethanoxy)propanoic acid (HS-MEG-COOH), which was covalently linked to an aptamer for binding P. aeruginosa. The aptasensor uses the thickness shear mode (TSM) system for mass-sensitive acoustic sensing of the bacterium. High concentrations (10⁵ CFU mL⁻¹) of nonspecific bacteria, E. coli, S. aureus, and L. acidophilus, were tested with the aptasensor and caused negligible frequency shifts compared to P. aeruginosa. The aptasensor has high selectivity for P. aeruginosa, with an extrapolated limit of detection (LOD) of 86 CFU mL⁻¹ in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and 157 CFU mL⁻¹ in milk. To improve the sensitivity of the sensor, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were functionalized with the same aptamer for P. aeruginosa and flowed through the sensor following bacteria, reducing the extrapolated LOD to 68 CFU mL⁻¹ in PBS and 46 CFU mL⁻¹ in milk. The frequency variations in the aptasensor are proportional to various concentrations of P. aeruginosa (10²–10⁵ CFU mL⁻¹) with and without AuNPs, respectively. The low and rapid mass-sensitive detection demonstrates the ability of the aptasensor to quantitatively identify bacterial contamination in buffer and milk. Full article

Coffee cherry waste, a byproduct of coffee production, presents significant environmental challenges due to its large volume—approximately 20 million tons annually. The disposal of this waste, which includes pulp and mucilage, often leads to pollution of land and water systems, contributing to environmental degradation. Additionally, the high acidity and organic content of coffee cherry waste complicate its management, making it crucial to find sustainable solutions for its valorization and reuse in order to mitigate these ecological impacts. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficiency and selectivity of various organic acid catalysts in the hydrothermal valorization of coffee cherry waste. The procedures were conducted using the liquid hot water (LHW) treatment for one hour with a 1:20 biomass/catalyst ratio and a 1 mm biomass particle size at 180 °C in 500 mL batch reactors modifying 10 different organic acids at 0.02 M. Concentrations of the valorized products (HMF, furfural, levulinic acid, formic acid, and sugars) were measured using HPLC-IR. Among the catalysts tested, adipic acid demonstrated the highest efficiency, with a total yield of 53.667%, showing significant selectivity towards formic acid (19.663%) and levulinic acid (11.291%). In contrast, butyric acid was the least efficient catalyst, yielding a total of 17.395% and showing minimal selectivity towards other compounds. Chloroacetic acid and benzoic acid were notable for their high selectivity towards sugars. Other catalysts, such as anthranilic acid, propanoic acid, and succinic acid, displayed moderate efficiency and selectivity, with balanced yields across various compounds. These findings highlight the importance of catalyst selection in optimizing the hydrothermal process for desired product outcomes. Full article

Lactic acid Bacteria (LAB) convert tryptophan to indole derivatives and induce protective IL-22 production in vivo. However, differences in metabolizing capabilities among LAB species have not been widely investigated. In the present study, we compared the capabilities of 186 LAB strains to produce four kinds of indole derivatives, including indole-3-carboxaldehyde (IAId), indole-3-lactic acid (ILA), indole-3-propanoic acid (IPA), and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). These strains were isolated from fermented foods, dairy products, and the feces of healthy individuals, as well as from fish and shrimp from Shanxi and Jiangsu provinces. They represent 15 genera, including Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, Lacticaseibacillus, Lactiplantibacillus, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Limosilactobacillus, Pediococcus, Streptococcus, Weissella, Latilactobacillus, Levilactobacillus, Ligilactobacillus, and Loigolactobacillus. The results indicate widespread IAId-producing capabilities in LAB strains, with positive rates of approximately 90% (106/117) and 100% (69/69) among strains from Shanxi and Jiangsu provinces, respectively. The concentrations of IAId ranged from 72.42 ng/mL to 423.14 ng/mL in all positive strains from Shanxi Province and from 169.39 ng/mL to 503.51 ng/mL in strains from Jiangsu Province. Intriguingly, we also observed specific ILA-producing capabilities in Lactiplantibacillus strains, with positive rates of 55.17% (16/29) and 80.95% (17/21) among strains isolated from Shanxi and Jiangsu provinces, respectively. The overall detection rates of ILA among all tested strains (including both Lactiplantibacillus and other genus strains) were 17.9% (21/117) and 26.1% (18/69). The concentrations of ILA in positive strains ranged from 12.22 ng/mL to 101.86 ng/mL and from 5.75 ng/mL to 62.96 ng/mL from Shanxi and Jiangsu provinces, respectively. IPA and IAA were not detected in any strains. Finally, these indole derivative-producing capabilities were not related to their geographical origins or isolation sources. The current study provides insights into the species- or genus-dependent capabilities for metabolizing indole derivatives. Defining the specific roles of LAB in indole derivative metabolism will uncover the exact physiological mechanisms and be helpful for functional strain screening. Full article