Search Results (1,046)

Bassia scoparia (Syn. Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad.) is a medicinal plant whose fruit, Kochiae Fructus, has been extensively studied for its dermatological applications. This study focused on extracts from the whole plant B. scoparia (WPBS), excluding fruits, to address the research gap regarding the medicinal properties of non-fruit parts. The diverse skin benefits of WPBS, including its anti-photoaging, moisturizing, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic effects, were investigated. The WPBS extract enhanced the viability of keratinocytes (HaCaT) without inducing cytotoxic effects. WPBS significantly reduced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) levels and increased collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1) levels (p < 0.01) in fibroblasts exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, indicating strong anti-photoaging effects. WPBS upregulated skin hydration markers such as aquaporin-3 (AQP3) and hyaluronan synthase-3 (HAS3) and effectively accelerated fibroblast wound closure compared to the positive control. Furthermore, WPBS substantially downregulated the expression of inflammatory (COX-2 and IL-1β) and angiogenic markers (VEGF). Transcriptome analysis (RNA-seq) confirmed that WPBS suppressed inflammation-related and UV-induced gene expression pathways. Overall, these findings expand the therapeutic scope of B. scoparia beyond its traditional fruit use and suggest that WPBS is a promising botanical ingredient for various skin applications. Full article

Background: Transition metal complexes incorporating fluorinated counter anions represent a significant class of compounds with broad applications in industry, pharmaceuticals, and biomedicine. These fluorinated anions are known to enhance the solubility, stability, and reactivity of the complexes, thereby expanding their functional utility in various chemical and biological contexts. Methods: A set of metal(II) complexes of the general formula [MPy₆][B(C₆F₅)₄]₂ where (Py = pyridine, M = Mn (1), Fe (2), Co (3), Ni (4), Cu (5), Zn (6)) have been synthesized by direct reaction of metal halides and pyridine in the presence of Ag[B(C₆F₅)₄]. The complexes were characterized using different techniques to assure their purity, such as elemental analysis (EA), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, ¹¹B-NMR, ¹H-NMR, and FT-IR spectroscopy. The antimicrobial and antifungal properties against different types of bacteria and fungi were studied for all prepared complexes. Results: The synthesized complexes exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, demonstrating variable efficacy compared to the reference antibiotic, oxytetracycline (positive control). Notably, complex 6 displayed exceptional antibacterial activity against Streptococcus pyogenes, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 4 µg/mL, outperforming the control (MIC = 8 µg/mL). Complexes 1, 2, and 4 showed promising activity against Shigella flexneri, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Streptococcus pyogenes, each with MIC values of 8 µg/mL. Conversely, the lowest activity (MIC = 512 µg/mL) was observed for complexes 3, 5, and 6 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, respectively. Regarding antifungal properties, complexes 5 and 6 demonstrated the highest activity against Candida albicans, with MIC values of 8 µg/mL, equivalent to that of the positive control, fluconazole. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirmed an overall octahedral coordination geometry for all complexes, with tetragonal distortions identified in complexes 3, 4, and 5. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation contributes significantly to skin aging and skin disorders by promoting oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen degradation. Natural antioxidants such as theaflavins and thearubigins from Camellia sinensis L. (black tea) have shown photoprotective effects. This study aimed to optimize the extraction of theaflavins and thearubigins from black tea leaves and evaluate the efficacy of the extract against UVB-induced damage using a transfersome-based topical formulation. Methods: Extraction of theaflavins and thearubigins was optimized via response surface methodology (Box-Behnken Design), yielding an extract rich in active polyphenols. This extract was incorporated into transfersomes that were characterized for size, polydispersity, zeta potential, storage stability, and entrapment efficiency. Human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) were used to assess cytotoxicity, protection against UVB-induced viability loss, collagen degradation, and expression of inflammatory (IL6, COX2, iNOS) and matrix-degrading (MMP1) markers. Cellular uptake of the extract’s bioactive marker compounds was measured via LC-MS/MS. Results: The transfersomes (~60 nm) showed a good stability and a high entrapment efficiency (>85%). The transfersomes significantly protected NHDF cells from UVB-induced cytotoxicity, restored collagen production, and reduced gene expression of MMP1, IL6, COX2, and iNOS. Cellular uptake of key extract’s polyphenols was markedly enhanced by the nanoformulation compared to the free extract. Conclusions: Black tea extract transfersomes effectively prevented UVB-induced oxidative and inflammatory damage in skin fibroblasts. This delivery system enhanced bioavailability of the extract and cellular protection, supporting the use of the optimized extract in cosmeceutical formulations targeting photoaging and UV-induced skin disorders. Full article

Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation drives skin photodamage, prompting exploration of natural therapeutics. This study investigated the reparative effects and mechanisms of crude Gastrodia elata polysaccharides (GP) on UVB-induced acute skin damage. GP was extracted from fresh G. elata via water extraction and alcohol precipitation. It is a homogeneous polysaccharide with a weight-average molecular weight of 808.863 kDa, comprising Ara, Glc, Fru, and GalA. Histopathological analysis revealed that topical application of GP on the dorsal skin of mice effectively restored normal physiological structure, suppressing epidermal hyperplasia and collagen degradation. Biochemical assays showed that GP significantly reduced the activities of MPO and MDA following UVB exposure while restoring the enzymatic activities of SOD and GSH, thereby mitigating oxidative stress. Moreover, GP treatment markedly upregulated the anti-inflammatory cytokines TGF-β and IL-10 and downregulated the pro-inflammatory mediators IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, suggesting robust anti-inflammatory effects. Transcriptomics revealed dual-phase mechanisms: Early repair (day 5) involved GP-mediated suppression of hyper inflammation and accelerated necrotic tissue clearance via pathway network modulation. Late phase (day 18) featured enhanced anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tissue regeneration processes through energy-sufficient, low-inflammatory pathway networks. Through a synergistic response involving antioxidation, anti-inflammation, promotion of collagen synthesis, and acceleration of skin barrier repair, GP achieves comprehensive repair of UVB-induced acute skin damage. Our findings not only establish GP as a potent natural alternative to synthetic photoprotective agents but also reveal novel pathway network interactions governing polysaccharide-mediated skin regeneration. Full article

As a globally significant economic crop, pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plants display excessive plant height (etiolation) in greenhouse production under an undesirable environment, leading to lodging-prone plants with reduced stress resistance. In the present study, we provided supplementary ultraviolet-B (UV-B, 280–315 nm) light to pepper plants grown in a greenhouse to assess the influences of UV-B on pepper growth, with an emphasis on the molecular mechanisms mediated through the gibberellin (GA) signaling pathway. The results indicated that UV-B significantly decreased the plant height and the fresh weight of pepper plants. However, no significant differences were observed in the chlorophyll content of pepper plants grown under natural light and supplementary UV-B radiation. The results of the transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses indicated that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched in plant hormone signal transduction and that UV radiation altered the gibberellin synthesis pathway of pepper plants. Specifically, the GA3 content of the pepper plants grown with UV-B radiation decreased by 39.1% compared with those grown without supplementary UV-B radiation; however, the opposite trend was observed in GA34, GA7, and GA51 contents. In conclusion, UV-B exposure significantly reduced plant height, a phenotypic response mechanistically linked to an alteration in GA homeostasis, which may be caused by a decrease in GA3 content. Our study elucidated the interplay between UV-B and gibberellin biosynthesis in pepper morphogenesis, offering a theoretical rationale for developing UV-B photoregulation technologies as alternatives to chemical growth inhibitors. Full article

Ultraviolet B (UVB), a component of solar ultraviolet light, is a major contributor to skin photodamage. UVB exposure primarily affects the epidermis, which leads to wrinkle formation, loss of skin elasticity, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Prolonged or intense UVB exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer. Collagen peptides are known as functional foods that improve skin dryness and wound healing. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective and ameliorative effects of a low-molecular-weight collagen peptide (LMWCP) with a high absorption rate and photodamage. In vitro analysis using human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) demonstrated that LMWCP promoted skin protection by increasing procollagen type I production, enhancing cell proliferation and migration, and inhibiting MMP-1 activity. Furthermore, LMWCP intake was indicated by improved skin hydration, reduced trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and changes in the clinical parameters, including skin elasticity, erythema, and scaling scores in UVB-exposed hairless mice. In the UVB-damaged tissues, an increase in skin elasticity-related enzymes was observed along with a decrease in aging-related and pro-inflammatory gene expression. Histological analysis revealed an increase in collagen content and restoration of dermal thickness. These findings suggested that LMWCP has significant benefits in preventing and improving UVB-induced skin damage. Full article

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation stimulates melanogenesis, leading to various esthetic problems. UV increases oxidative stress and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), which increase the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD) or leucine-rich repeat and pyrin do-main containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Given that polydeoxyribonucleotides reduce melanogenesis and polynucleotide (PN) has molecular similarity to polydeoxyribonucleotides, we hypothesized that PN can decrease melanogenesis. We compared the anti-melanogenic effect of PN with that of a PN mixture (PNM) that contained other antioxidants, such as glutathione and hyaluronic acid, in UVB-irradiated keratinocytes and animal skin. PN and PNM both decreased oxidative stress, which was evaluated according to the expression of NADPH oxidase (NOX) 1/2/4, the glutathione (GSH):oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio, and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in UVB-irradiated keratinocytes. The expression of NLRP3 inflammasome components (NLRP3, ASC, and pro-caspase-1) and IL-18 was increased by UVB radiation and reduced by PN and PNM. When conditioned media from PN or PNM were administered to UVB-radiated keratinocytes, melanogenesis-related signals (MITF, tyrosinase, and tyrosinase-related protein1/2) were decreased. These effects were similar in the UVB-irradiated animal skin. Both PN and PNM decreased melanin accumulation and increased skin lightness in UVB-irradiated skin. The anti-melanogenic effect of PNM was greater than that of PN. In conclusion, PN and PNM decreased melanogenesis by decreasing oxidative stress, NF-κB, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Full article

Objective: To conduct a systematic review of the literature evaluating the efficacy of the 308 nm excimer lamp in comparison to narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) and the 308 nm excimer laser for inducing repigmentation in vitiligo. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS databases, as well as in gray literature sources including Google Scholar, OpenGrey, Livivo, and ProQuest. Risk of bias was assessed independently by two blinded reviewers using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool, with disagreements resolved by a third reviewer. The primary outcome was the degree of repigmentation. Results: Of 3825 records identified, four randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. The findings suggest that the 308 nm excimer lamp provides superior repigmentation outcomes compared to NB-UVB and demonstrates comparable efficacy to the 308 nm excimer laser. Conclusions: Phototherapy using the 308 nm excimer lamp appears effective in promoting repigmentation in vitiligo patients and is associated with minimal adverse effects. Nevertheless, variations in treatment protocols and potential bias across studies warrant cautious interpretation of the results. Full article

Y₅F₃[AsO₃]₄ crystallizes needle-shaped in the tetragonal space group P4/ncc with the lattice parameters a = 1143.80(8) pm, c = 1078.41(7) pm and c/a = 0.9428 for Z = 4. The yttrium-fluoride substructure linked via secondary contacts forms a three-dimensional network $\begin{array}{c}3\\ \infty \end{array}${[Y₅F₃]¹²⁺} and the remaining part consists of ψ¹-tetrahedral [AsO₃]³⁻ units, which leave lone-pair channels along [001]. In contrast, platelet-shaped Y₅Cl₃[AsO₃]₄ crystals adopt the monoclinic space group C2/c with the lattice parameters a = 1860.56(9) pm, b = 536.27(3) pm, c = 1639.04(8) pm and β = 105.739(3)° for Z = 4. Condensation of [(Y1,2)O₈]¹³⁻ polyhedra via four common edges each leads to fluorite-like $\begin{array}{c}2\\ \infty \end{array}$ {[(Y1,2)O $\begin{array}{c}e\\ 8/2\end{array}$ ]⁵⁻} layers spreading out parallel to the (100) plane. Their three-dimensional linkage occurs via the (Y3)³⁺ cations with their Cl⁻ ligands on the one hand and the As³⁺ cations with their lone-pairs of electrons on the other, which also form within [AsO₃]³⁻ anions lone-pair channels along [010]. Both colorless compounds can be obtained by solid-state reactions from corresponding mixtures of the binaries (Y₂O₃, As₂O₃ and YX₃ with X = F and Cl) at elevated temperatures of 825 °C, most advantageously under halide-flux assistance (CsBr for Y₅F₃[AsO₃]₄ and ZnCl₂ for Y₅Cl₃[AsO₃]₄). By replacing a few percent of YX₃ with EuX₃ or TbX₃, Eu³⁺- or Tb³⁺-doped samples are accessible, which show red or green luminescence upon excitation with ultraviolet radiation. Full article

This study presents an integrated experimental and theoretical investigation of two pharmacologically significant neolignans—magnolol and honokiol—with the aim of characterizing their structural and spectroscopic properties in detail. Experimental Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis), and nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) spectra were recorded and analyzed. To support and interpret these findings, a series of density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) calculations were conducted using several hybrid and long-range corrected functionals (B3LYP, CAM-B3LYP, M06X, PW6B95D3, and ωB97XD). Implicit solvation effects were modeled using the CPCM approach across a variety of solvents. The theoretical spectra were systematically compared to experimental data to determine the most reliable computational approaches. Additionally, natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) mapping, and frontier molecular orbital (FMO) visualization were performed to explore electronic properties and reactivity descriptors. The results provide valuable insight into the structure–spectrum relationships of magnolol and honokiol and establish a computational benchmark for further studies on neolignan analogues. Full article

Aflatoxin contamination poses a significant food safety risk, particularly during the storage of dried chili peppers. This study evaluated the efficacy of formic acid treatment, ultraviolet (UV) treatment, and combined UV-formic acid treatment in both preventing and controlling Aspergillus flavus in dried red chili powder. Efficacy was assessed by measuring the growth diameter of A. flavus colonies on un-colonized and already colonized dried red chili powder. The optimal treatment conditions for the UV-formic acid combination were determined through single-factor experiments, orthogonal experiments, and quality assessment. Finally, the effects of the UV-formic acid combination on the cell membrane, antioxidant system, and energy metabolism of A. flavus were investigated. The results revealed that fumigation of un-colonized dried red chili powder with 5% formic acid for 24 h inhibited A. flavus growth by 93.29% and toxin synthesis by 99.41%. In contrast, treatment of already colonized chili powder with 10% formic acid inhibited A. flavus colony growth by 50%. Through a three-factor, three-level orthogonal experiment followed by quality testing, the optimal conditions were determined to be 8% formic acid concentration, a UV irradiation distance of 15 cm, and a treatment time of 75 min. This optimized combined treatment reduced the required fumigation time from 24 h to 1.25 h. This technique achieved complete suppression of aflatoxin B₁ synthesis on un-colonized dried red chili powder. On already colonized chili powder, the mycelial growth inhibition rate was 48.05 ± 6.68%, and aflatoxin B₁ synthesis was inhibited by 91.32 ± 3.15%. Quality assessment revealed that the UV-formic acid co-treatment parameters did not significantly affect key quality indicators including color, capsaicin content, total phenolic content (p > 0.05). Furthermore, UV-formic acid treatment disrupt the cell membrane structure of A. flavus, impairs its antioxidant and energy metabolism systems, and induces mitochondrial dysfunction. The study confirmed the synergistic antifungal effect of formic acid and UV, providing a potential industrialized solution for enhancing the safety and storage stability of dried chili products. Full article

Skin damage and premature aging are predominantly driven by UV radiation through several mechanisms. The most common of these are by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and weakened antioxidant defenses. Moringa oleifera is a nutritionally valuable plant with diverse biological activities. This study optimized ethanol concentrations coupled with ultrasonic-assisted extraction to maximize the yield and efficacy of M. oleifera leaf extract (MOLE). We also elucidated the underlying mechanisms of MOLE in protecting against photooxidative damage and skin aging from UVB exposure in HaCaT keratinocytes. Extraction with 50% ethanol produced the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents, aligning with the greatest antioxidant activity by ABTS and FRAP assays. MOLE showed no significant cytotoxicity up to 1000 µg/mL in the MTT assay. MOLE protected cells from detrimental UVB radiation by scavenging ROS; reducing cell damage and death; enhancing gene expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD-1), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT); and improving SOD activity. UVB exposure elevated MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9 expression and decreased collagen type I (col-1) and elastin (ELN) expression, while these effects were ameliorated by MOLE. Our findings suggest that MOLE protected against UVB-induced photooxidative damage and premature aging in the HaCaT keratinocytes. Full article

Background: Postoperative hypoparathyroidism is a common complication of thyroid surgery. Sunlight is a natural source of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, which facilitates the synthesis of vitamin D3 in the skin. Inadequate sunlight exposure has been linked to vitamin D deficiency, potentially exacerbating the risk of hypocalcemia in patients undergoing thyroid surgery. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of sunshine levels on postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Method: We retrospectively evaluated patients that underwent total thyroidectomies at two different centers (Thessaloniki and Rhodes) by the same surgical team from 2021 to 2023 in terms of postoperative hypoparathyroidism. We compared the sunshine levels at each center the year before surgery and correlated them with postoperative levels of parathyroid hormone, serum ionized calcium, and phosphorus. Results: One-hundred twenty patients (Group Thessaloniki = 60 patients, Group Rhodes = 60 patients) who were matched for demographic characteristics and type of thyroid disease and surgery were enrolled in our study. The sunshine levels were different between the two centers (Rhodes > Thessaloniki, p < 0.001). It was found that sunshine levels affect preoperative serum ionized calcium (p = 0.002) and postoperative parathyroid hormone levels (p = 0.025). Conclusions: Sunlight exposure levels may play a crucial role in preventing postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Patients living in locations with higher sunshine levels may have lower rates of postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Full article

With the increasing frequency of ultraviolet (UV) exposure in daily life and the exploration of anti-photoaging strategies, natural plant-derived compounds with anti-skin-aging properties have garnered significant attention. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of zein-chitosan-based nanocarriers in enhancing the bioavailability of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and to elucidate its mechanisms in ameliorating skin photoaging. Utilizing a Balb/c mouse model of photoaging, we monitored skin conditions, analyzed skin barrier function parameters, and observed changes in skin tissue structure and collagen fibers through hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) and Masson staining. Immunohistochemical staining was employed to assess COL1A1 levels in the skin, while enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure antioxidant enzymes, inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and NF-kB levels. The effects of orally administered EGCG nanoparticles on UV-induced skin aging were investigated. UV exposure significantly increased skin roughness, impaired skin barrier function, thickened the epidermis, reduced collagen content, decreased antioxidant enzyme activity, and elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, MMPs, and NF-kB in the model group compared to the normal control group. EGCG nanoparticles markedly ameliorated these photoaging manifestations, with some indicators showing superior improvement compared to free EGCG. These findings suggest that EGCG nanoparticles exhibit enhanced anti-photoaging effects over free EGCG, highlighting the potential of nanocarriers as a promising strategy to improve the bioavailability of EGCG. Full article

This study systematically investigates for the first time the effects of dual-site co-cultivation on spectral characteristics and trace element enrichment in marine-cultured Akoya pearls from Beihai, China. Akoya pearls were cultured over a one-year period, with the final 40-day stage designated as the terminal phase. During this period, two experimental groups of pearl oysters were established: Group Y remained in Beihai for continued local cultivation and harvest, while Group B was transferred to Weihai, Shandong Province, for terminal-stage farming under different thermal conditions. A series of comparative analyses were performed using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The FTIR results revealed distinct differences between the two groups in the distribution of amide and polysaccharide functional groups, particularly around 1643 cm⁻¹ and 1100 cm⁻¹. The UV-Vis spectra of Group B displayed characteristic absorption bands at 430 nm and 460 nm, associated with the organic matrix of the nacre. Raman spectroscopy further indicated a higher abundance of organic-related vibrational features in Group B. Additionally, both XRF and LA-ICP-MS analyses consistently showed significant differences in the concentrations and distributions of trace elements, particularly copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), and zinc (Zn). The findings demonstrate that the dual-site co-cultivation mode significantly impacts both the organic composition and trace element enrichment patterns in seawater Akoya pearls. This research provides valuable references for optimizing environmental parameters in pearl cultivation processes. Full article