Search Results (1,401)

This study investigated the potential of cellulose as a carrier for bioactive phenolic compounds from tart cherry juice. Using a freeze-drying method, encapsulates were prepared by varying cellulose content (2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%) and complexation times (15 and 60 min) while maintaining a constant juice volume. The prepared encapsulates were characterized by determining the concentrations of total phenols, monomeric anthocyanins, and proanthocyanidins, alongside antioxidant activity by spectrophotometric methods, individual polyphenols by HPLC, color parameters and structural changes via IR spectroscopy. Additionally, the stability of these parameters was evaluated after one year of storage at room temperature. Results indicated that the highest concentrations of phenolic compounds and the strongest antioxidant potential were achieved with 2.5% cellulose content (the lowest content) after 15 min of complexation (shorter time). Concentrations of polyphenols decreased as the cellulose contents increased. Although changes in chemical parameters occurred during storage, the results confirm that cellulose is a viable carrier for tart cherry phenolics, particularly at lower contents, offering a promising approach for formulating stable bioactive delivery systems. Full article

Medicinal plants are a rich source of biologically active compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, ellagitannins and other secondary metabolites. However, the contribution of specific groups of phenolic compounds to antiproliferative activity remains insufficiently clarified. This study extends our previous crude-extract screening by evaluating whether C18 solid-phase extraction (SPE) fractions with different phenolic profiles are associated with different antiproliferative responses. In parallel, extraction strategies were compared to assess method-dependent changes in phenolic recovery and antioxidant capacity, and an additional single-species vegetation-stage analysis of Chamaenerion angustifolium L. Holub was performed to evaluate harvest-stage effects. Phytochemical characterisation was performed using spectrophotometric assays and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses. Among the tested extraction methods, 75% (v/v) methanol in water was the most effective conventional solvent, and ultrasound-assisted extraction yielded the highest overall TPC (total phenolic content), TFC (total flavonoid content), and RSA (radical scavenging activity) values. Vegetation stage analysis of C. angustifolium L. Holub revealed significant variation in phenolic content and antioxidant activity, with the highest levels observed at the beginning of the flowering. Antiproliferative activity was assessed against five cancer cell lines (4T1, A549, Caki-1, HCT116 and MCF7), while HEK-293 cells were used as an immortalised non-cancerous reference model for general cytotoxicity evaluation. Linear mixed-model analysis confirmed a significant incubation-time effect in all tested cancer cell lines, with IC₅₀ values generally decreasing after prolonged exposure. Statistically significant F2-F3 differences were plant-dependent. The 30% (v/v) methanol in water fraction (F2), enriched in oenothein B in C. angustifolium L., showed stronger antiproliferative activity, whereas the 60% (v/v) methanol in water fraction (F3) showed stronger activity in Quercus robur L., Juglans nigra L., Juglans regia L., and Solidago canadensis L. These findings indicate that antiproliferative activity was associated with the qualitative and quantitative composition of the selected phenolic-rich SPE fractions rather than with a single universal fraction effect. All tested fractions exhibited lower cytotoxicity toward HEK-293 cells under the applied conditions; however, claims of selectivity should be confirmed using additional normal or primary cell models. Overall, the findings clarify the role of extraction strategy, harvest stage and targeted fractionation in linking phenolic composition with biological activity. Full article

Background: Hyperuricemia is increasingly recognized as an important component of metabolic dysfunction and cardiometabolic risk, particularly in individuals with obesity and hypertension. However, the relative contribution of obesity-related metabolic disturbances and blood pressure parameters to serum uric acid levels remains incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to identify independent clinical and metabolic determinants of serum uric acid levels and to determine whether obesity or hypertension is more strongly associated with elevated serum uric acid levels. Methods: This retrospective observational study evaluated the metabolic determinants of serum uric acid levels in 370 hospitalized adults stratified according to obesity and hypertension status. Serum uric acid concentrations were measured using an enzymatic spectrophotometric method and compared across four clinical groups, and univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify independent determinants of serum uric acid levels. Allopurinol use was recorded and included in the multivariable analysis, whereas the effects of individual antihypertensive drug classes were not evaluated. Results: Hyperuricemia was identified in 16.8% of the cohort, with the highest prevalence observed among patients with coexisting obesity and hypertension (22%). Serum uric acid levels were higher in men than in women (median: 6.4 vs. 5.7 mg/dL; p < 0.001). In the multivariable analysis, higher expected serum uric acid levels were independently associated with higher BMI, higher ALT activity, eGFR ≤ 90 mL/min/1.73 m², and male sex, whereas older age and not receiving allopurinol were independently associated with lower expected serum uric acid levels. Each 1 kg/m² increase in BMI was associated with an approximately 0.48% higher expected serum uric acid level (95% CI: 0.19–0.78%; p = 0.001). Blood pressure parameters were not significant predictors. Conclusions: These findings suggest that excess adiposity and associated metabolic disturbances may play a more prominent role than hypertension alone in the development of hyperuricemia. Targeting obesity and metabolic risk factors may therefore represent an important strategy for reducing hyperuricemia and improving cardiometabolic health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Widely distributed in the Adriatic Sea, the invasive green alga Caulerpa cylindracea poses ecological risks but also constitutes a largely untapped source of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to characterize its metabolomic profile, phenolic composition, and antioxidant capacity to explore its potential for biotechnological use. Methods: Samples from the Northern Adriatic Sea were extracted with water, 70% ethanol, and 80% methanol. Phenolic compounds were analyzed by LC-QqQ, while untargeted metabolomic profiling was performed using LC-qTOF. Total phenolic, flavonoid, and non-flavonoid contents were determined spectrophotometrically, and antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Results: Metabolomic profiling demonstrated a clear solvent-dependent differentiation, with aqueous extracts enriched in polar metabolites, while organic extracts contained higher levels of lipid-derived and secondary metabolites. Antioxidant assays indicated that aqueous extracts exhibited the strongest radical-scavenging activity (DPPH and ABTS), whereas the highest reducing capacity (FRAP) was observed in ethanolic extracts. In addition, total flavonoid content was greatest in the ethanol extracts. Conclusions: These results highlight its potential for valorization as a sustainable resource in food, cosmetic, and biomedical applications, while also supporting approaches for managing its spread. Full article

Interest in plant proteins and functional foods in the consumer diet is growing rapidly. One way to ensure food security is to diversify protein sources through the development of new plant varieties. This is of particular importance in the current era of climate change, when many historically cultivated varieties may be at risk. Due to their high protein content and favorable amino acid profile, soybeans have a wide range of nutritional and technological applications. The objective of this study was to asses a novel European black soybean variety that was obtained through phenotypic selection and stabilized across successive generations. The present study undertook a thorough evaluation of the chemical composition of the black soybean breeding line PLBPB1/24 and the commercial yellow soybean variety “Abelina”. The study, which employed analytical methods such as GC-FID, ICP-OES, ion-exchange chromatography, and spectrophotometric assays, revealed that PLBPB1/24 had a higher fat content, twice the amount of free amino acids (0.564 vs. 0.279 g/100 g), and an increased iron content (by 8%), while having a lower content of undesirable trypsin inhibitors (by 26%) compared to “Abelina”. These results confirm the potential of this new variety as a valuable source of nutrients, particularly in functional foods and plant-based diets. Full article

Aquaponics is an integrated and resource-efficient production system that combines aquaculture and hydroponics in a closed-loop environment with reduced water consumption and nutrient losses. The present study evaluated the nutritional composition, mineral profile, microbiological quality, and antioxidant-related phytochemical characteristics of red amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) cultivated in a recirculating aquaponic system under controlled environmental conditions. Leaf biomass was analyzed for proximate composition, macro- and micronutrient content, total phenolic and flavonoid compounds, betalains, chlorophyll pigments, and antioxidant activity using standard analytical and spectrophotometric methods. The results demonstrated high crude protein content and substantial accumulation of essential minerals, particularly calcium, potassium, and magnesium. The analyzed biomass also exhibited elevated levels of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, betalains, and chlorophyll pigments associated with considerable antioxidant potential. The pigment profile suggested good physiological adaptation of plants to aquaponic cultivation conditions. In addition, microbiological analysis confirmed acceptable hygienic quality and safety of the harvested plant material. Overall, the findings indicate that red amaranth can be successfully cultivated in aquaponic systems while maintaining high nutritional value and functional food potential. The study highlights aquaponic cultivation as a sustainable approach to producing nutrient-dense leafy vegetables within environmentally responsible agricultural systems. Full article

Actinidia arguta has recently gained considerable popularity among consumers due to the high nutritional value of its fruits, recognized as a rich source of bioactive compounds, including antioxidants. This study aimed to determine and compare the antioxidant activity (AA) of fruit extracts obtained from 10 different cultivars. The results of spectrophotometric assays were compared to those of effect-directed dot-blot and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Total phenolic content (TPC) was determined spectrophotometrically (Folin–Ciocalteu) and verified through high-performance liquid chromatography and TLC. All studied extracts exhibited AA, although significant intracultivar differences were observed. Both spectrophotometric and chromatographic analyses consistently indicated the Vitikiwi and Geneva cultivars as having the highest antioxidant potential among the tested samples. However, chromatographic analyses revealed that the strong AA of the Vitikiwi was not associated with a high polyphenol content, but rather with its exceptionally high level of ascorbic acid, which led to an overestimation of phenolic content in the Folin–Ciocalteu assay. These findings demonstrate that AA in A. arguta fruits may result from different classes of bioactive compounds depending on the cultivar. The study emphasizes the importance of using both spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods to accurately evaluate antioxidant potential in plant-derived food products. Full article

Diabetes mellitus represents a major global health burden, necessitating the development of safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives. Medicinal plants have gained increasing attention due to their bioactive compounds with potential hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects. The present study aimed to investigate the physicochemical characteristics, phytochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and toxicological profile of hydroalcoholic tinctures obtained from Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb., Calendula arvensis L., and Polygonum hydropiper L. The tinctures were prepared by simple percolation using 70% ethanol and evaluated according to pharmacopoeial standards, including organoleptic properties, relative density, refractive index, alcohol content, and purity parameters. Phytochemical analysis was performed using thin-layer chromatography and spectrophotometric methods, highlighting the presence of flavonoids and polyphenolcarboxylic acids, with several bands showing chromatographic and spectral similarities to chlorogenic and caffeic acid standards. Antioxidant activity was assessed through total polyphenol and flavonoid content, with Polygonum hydropiper exhibiting the highest values. The hypoglycemic effect was evaluated using the oral glucose tolerance test in normoglycemic mice, demonstrating significant reductions in blood glucose levels, particularly for Agrimonia pilosa at higher doses. Acute toxicity studies indicated a low toxicity profile, with no mortality observed even at high doses (up to 9 g/kg body weight), corresponding to GHS category 5. However, subacute toxicity assessment revealed species-dependent effects, ranging from minimal hepatic changes for Calendula arvensis to moderate hepatotoxicity for Polygonum hydropiper and more pronounced hepatic, renal, and pancreatic alterations for Agrimonia pilosa. These findings suggest that the investigated tinctures possess significant hypoglycemic and antioxidant potential, with generally favorable safety profiles following acute administration. Nevertheless, prolonged use may induce organ-specific toxicity, highlighting the need for further pharmacological and clinical investigations to establish their therapeutic applicability and safety in diabetes management. Full article

Background: Tooth bleaching is a conservative aesthetic treatment that may influence tooth translucency, an optical property relevant to biomimetic dentistry. The purpose of this study is to evaluate changes in tooth translucency after three bleaching protocols, while preliminarily testing an objective, image-based, and spatially resolved method. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis used data from a previously published randomised clinical trial comparing three bleaching systems: in-office 6% hydrogen peroxide paint-on varnish; at-home 6% hydrogen peroxide prefilled tray; and at-home 16% carbamide peroxide custom tray. Spectrophotometric images of maxillary central incisors and canines were retrieved at different stages, and their translucency maps were processed with ImageJ to quantify the percentage of translucent area, histogram-derived grey intensity and RGB-blue channel metrics. Statistical tests were performed appropriately (α = 0.05). Results: All bleaching protocols produced significant post-treatment increases in translucency-related parameters (p < 0.05), although the in-office protocol showed smaller changes than the at-home techniques (p < 0.05). At six months, the translucent area remained significantly higher in most conditions, whereas histogram-derived metrics showed no significant changes. Correlations between translucency-related parameters and colour/whiteness differences were mostly negligible to weak. Conclusions: The preliminary image-based assessment detected significant and technique-dependent changes in translucency-related parameters following bleaching, with a weak linear association between these changes and colour outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is the primary diagnostic procedure for the evaluation of thyroid nodules. Although considered safe and minimally invasive, its immediate systemic biochemical effects, particularly those related to oxidative stress and mechanical tissue injury, remain insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the acute systemic impact of FNAB on oxidative stress parameters and to determine whether these changes correlate with cytological malignancy risk. Methods: A total of 208 patients undergoing ultrasound-guided FNAB for a solitary thyroid nodule were prospectively included. Venous blood samples were collected in the supine position immediately before and within 1 min after the procedure. Thiol–disulfide homeostasis parameters were measured using an automated spectrophotometric method, and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels were analyzed concurrently. Pre- and post-procedural values were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Associations between oxidative stress markers and Bethesda cytological categories were assessed using Spearman’s correlation analysis. Results: Native thiol and IMA levels demonstrated statistically significant changes following FNAB, whereas total thiol, disulfide levels, and derived thiol–disulfide ratios remained unchanged. The reduction in IMA levels was predominantly observed in lower-risk cytological categories. No significant correlations were identified between oxidative stress parameters and Bethesda-based malignancy risk. Conclusions: FNAB induces only minor and transient alterations in selected systemic oxidative stress markers, which are clinically inconsequential. The observed changes in native thiol and IMA levels appear to reflect short-term procedural effects rather than malignancy-associated redox alterations. These findings support the systemic safety of FNAB and emphasize the need for careful temporal standardization when interpreting circulating oxidative biomarkers in thyroid nodule research. Full article

Caprylhydroxamic acid (CHA) exhibits strong chelating capacity toward several metal ions and thereby inhibits microbial growth. Not being a conventional preservative, CHA is typically viewed as an emerging alternative in cosmetic formulations. Despite its growing application, CHA is not explicitly regulated under current EU, USA or Chinese cosmetic guidelines, leading to unsupervised usage and potential safety concerns. Consequently, there is an urgent need to establish reliable analytical methods for the detection of CHA in cosmetics, ensuring product safety and regulatory compliance. Herein, a chromogenic system is developed for the dual-mode detection of CHA in cosmetics, allowing both quantitative spectrophotometric and semi-quantitative colorimetric analysis. First of all, Fe³⁺ is introduced to catalyze the oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) under acidic conditions to produce a blue color. When CHA is added, it chelates Fe³⁺ strongly, forming a stable complex that competes with the TMB oxidation reaction, thereby causing the blue color to fade. The change in absorbance of the system at 656 nm exhibits a linearity with the concentrations of CHA ranging from 0.1 mmol/L to 2.0 mmol/L. The proposed method enables the detection of CHA in various cosmetics, including facial mask, cream, spray, and toner. A detection limit of 0.007% was achieved, far below the 0.3% limits set by South Korea and Australia, confirming its compliance with regulatory monitoring requirements. AGREE assessment of the method gave a score of 0.76, demonstrating its greenness. The dual-mode detection approach serves as an effective, rapid on-site screening tool, working alongside HPLC-UV for confirmatory analysis in the laboratory. In summary, the method is free of complex pretreatment and expensive instruments, providing a low-cost, on-site, and green approach for rapid screening. It can serve as a complement to routine laboratory detection methods. Full article

Background/Objectives: We aimed to conduct a comprehensive assessment of how transient iatrogenic hypothyroidism, induced for diagnostic purposes during the follow up of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer, impacts both quantitative and qualitative lipid parameters. Methods: Blood samples were collected during continuous levothyroxine (LT4) supplementation and after four weeks of LT4 withdrawal. In addition to thyroid hormone levels and routine lipid parameters, LDL and HDL subfractions were analyzed using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (Lipoprint). Furthermore, the activities of HDL-associated human paraoxonase-1 (PON1) paraoxonase and arylesterase were measured spectrophotometrically, while the levels of myeloperoxidase and apolipoprotein M (ApoM) were determined using ELISA. The activity of key regulators in HDL remodeling was measured using activity assay kits. Results: In this prospective, single-center study, a total of 52 patients were enrolled (mean age 48 ± 15 years; 13 males and 39 females). Compared to values measured during continuous LT4 supplementation, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, ApoA1, and ApoB100 levels were significantly elevated during iatrogenic hypothyroidism (p < 0.0001 for all parameters). Differences in lipoprotein subfraction patterns were also observed: in hypothyroidism, the mean LDL particle size decreased (p = 0.0007) and the proportion of HDL subfractions shifted to the larger HDL subfractions (p < 0.0001). The paraoxonase activity and ApoM level tended to be increased (p = 0.030 and p = 0.011, respectively). Conclusions: In short-term overt hypothyroidism, opposing changes were observed: the shift toward smaller, denser LDL subfractions is considered atherogenic, whereas the increased proportion of larger HDL subfractions, the trend for higher paraoxonase activity and apoM levels can be potentially anti-atherogenic. Our findings further characterize the functional alterations of lipoproteins in hypothyroidism. Full article

Background/Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of local zoledronate treatment during periapical lesion development on inflammatory and bone remodeling responses in two immunologically distinct inbred rat strains, Dark Agouti (DA) and Albino Oxford (AO). Methods: Periapical lesions were induced in the mandibular first molars of AO and DA rats (n = 44) by pulp exposure. Animals were assigned to four groups: DA + zoledronate, DA + saline, AO + zoledronate, and AO + saline. Zoledronate (0.15 mg/kg) or saline was locally administered on days 0, 7, 14, and 21 during lesion development. Animals were sacrificed on day 28. Mandibles were analyzed radiographically and histologically for lesion size, while osteogenic activity was assessed by osteocalcin immunohistochemistry. Gene expression was evaluated by qRT-PCR, and systemic oxidative stress parameters were analyzed spectrophotometrically. Statistical analysis included parametric or non-parametric tests according to data distribution, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Zoledronate -treated AO rats exhibited smaller periapical lesions and higher radiographic grayscale density than DA rats (p < 0.05). Histological analysis confirmed the radiographic findings and demonstrated smaller lesion areas in AO rats. Osteocalcin expression was significantly higher in AO rats (p < 0.05), indicating increased osteogenic activity. At the molecular level, DA rats showed higher expression of TNF-α and IL-1β, whereas AO rats exhibited higher expression of IL-10 and IL-4 (p < 0.05). In addition, expression of osteoclastogenic factor RANKL was significantly lower in AO rats than in DA rats (p < 0.05), while OPG expression showed a non-significant tendency toward higher levels in AO rats. Systemic redox analysis demonstrated lower NO₂⁻ and O₂⁻ levels in zoledronate-treated AO rats, whereas no significant differences were observed in the remaining oxidative stress parameters. Conclusions: Following local zoledronate treatment during lesion development, Th2-dominant AO rats exhibited reduced inflammatory responses and increased osteogenic activity compared with Th1-dominant DA rats. In contrast, DA rats primarily demonstrated attenuation of osteoclastogenic signaling without comparable osteogenic responses. These findings indicate that the biological effects of local zoledronate treatment in developing periapical lesions are influenced by the host immune phenotype. Full article

Objectives: Three stability-indicating analytical methods featuring outstanding sensitivity, selectivity, and precision were set up for the quantification of salicylamide (SAD) and ascorbic acid (ASC) in the presence of salicylic acid (SAL), which represents a possible impurity and degradation product of SAD. The aim was to develop sensitive, selective, precise, and eco-friendly assays appropriate for routine quality control of pharmaceuticals. Methods: Method (A) was a spectrophotometric technique of a successive derivative of ratio spectra built upon a two-step derivatization of ratio spectra utilizing double-distilled water as a solvent. SAD was quantified at 247.2 nm and 257.0 nm, and ASC at 251.8 and 259.8 nm, while SAL was quantified at 305.6 nm. Technique (B) relied on ratio spectra for the mean centering analytical process applied via two sequential stages, where the amplitudes derived after the second ratio spectra of the mean centering have been recorded on 291.0, 266.0, and 241.0 nm for SAD, ASC, and SAL, in that order. Method (C) involved TLC densitometric analysis, in which the separation was carried out upon plates of silica gel with chloroform–hexane–methanol–acetone–formic acid (5:3:2:1:0.2, in volumes) as a mobile phase, monitored by densitometric detection at 240 nm. The linear relationships were observed over concentration ranges of (0.2–2 µg/band) for SAD with ASC and (0.1–1 µg/band) for SAL. Validation of the presented techniques was performed in accordance with ICH strategies. Results: These developed techniques have been effectively analyzed for SAD with ASC in pharmaceutical dosage forms with non-interfering ingredients. A statistical comparison with the previously used HPLC technique revealed no considerable difference in terms of accuracy and precision. Greenness assessment using the AGREE platform produced scores of 0.72 for the spectrophotometric approach (benefiting from aqueous solvent) and 0.62 for HPTLC (limited by chloroform). Practical applicability (BAGI = 80 for both spectrophotometry and HPTLC) and overall quality indices (CACI = 83 for spectrophotometry; 80 for HPTLC) supported routine QC suitability. Conclusions: The three developed stability-indicating methods are accurate, precise, and selective for simultaneous assay of SAD and ASC in the presence of SAL and are suitable for quality control use. The spectrophotometric procedures combine high analytical performance with an improved environmental profile, while HPTLC offers comparable analytical reliability with slightly lower greenness due to organic solvent use. Full article

Background/Objectives: Anemia and iron dysregulation are common in chronic heart failure (CHF), but additional metabolic mechanisms may contribute to these alterations. This study aimed to evaluate purine metabolism and oxidative stress markers in patients with CHF and to explore their potential relationship with anemia. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 176 patients with CHF and 29 control individuals were included. CHF phenotypes were classified according to left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF, HFmrEF, HFrEF). Purine metabolites (guanine, hypoxanthine, adenine, xanthine, and uric acid) were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography, while lipid peroxidation (LPO) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) were assessed spectrophotometrically. Non-parametric statistical tests with correction for multiple comparisons were applied. Results: Anemia was present in 40.3% of patients with CHF. Serum iron and platelet counts were significantly lower in CHF compared with controls (p = 0.001). Among purine metabolites, adenine levels were higher in CHF (nominal p = 0.009), whereas other metabolites did not differ significantly between groups. LPO levels were lower and AOPP levels were higher in CHF (p = 0.021 and p = 0.008, respectively). No statistically significant associations were observed between hemoglobin levels and purine metabolites. Conclusions: CHF is associated with alterations in iron status and oxidative stress markers, as well as changes in purine metabolism. However, no significant associations between purine metabolites and anemia were identified in this cohort, and these findings should be interpreted cautiously given the exploratory design and sample size limitations. Full article