Effect of refining and pressing temperature on chemical attributes of canola oil produced in Chile

The consumption of vegetable oils is common in our daily diet. Rapeseed oil (canola oil) is the third most consumed edible oil in the world, followed by palm and soybean oils in terms of production. Rapeseed oil has a low proportion of saturated fatty acids, while it is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, as well as in healthy compounds such as phenols, tocopherols, phytosterols, carotenoids, and fat-soluble vitamins. However, processing technologies affect the content and functional activities of bioactive compounds in the oil. Aim: To assess any potential effect of hot or cold pressing and a refining process on the nutritional value and the profile of several bioactive compounds in canola oils produced in Chile. Methods: Canola oils were characterized regarding their fatty acid profile, phytosterol and tocopherol composition, total phenol content, and antioxidant activity, according to the mode of extraction (cold or hot pressed) and before and after bWeing subjected to a refining process. Results: Fatty acid profiles were not significantly different in any of the analyzed canola oils. Refining but not temperature extraction led to a sharp decrease of phytosterols and tocopherols. Hot pressing significantly increased the amount of total phenols (3.1 times) and the antioxidant activity measured by ORAC (3.1 times) and DPPH (8.3 times) compared to the cold extraction. However, phenolic concentration and antioxidant capacity decreased after refining. Conclusions: Refining processes should be adjusted to reduce the loss of bioactive compounds in the oil.

El consumo de aceites vegetales es habitual en nuestra dieta diaria. El aceite de colza (aceite de canola) es el tercer aceite comestible más consumido en el mundo, seguido por los aceites de palma y soja en términos de producción. El aceite de colza tiene una baja proporción de ácidos grasos saturados, mientras que es rico en ácidos grasos insaturados, así como en compuestos liposolubles saludables como fenoles, tocoferoles, fitoesteroles, carotenoides y vitaminas. Sin embargo, las tecnologías de procesamiento afectan el contenido y las actividades funcionales de los compuestos bioactivos en el aceite. Objetivo: Evaluar cualquier efecto potencial del prensado en caliente o en frío y un proceso de refinación sobre el valor nutricional y el perfil de varios compuestos bioactivos en los aceites de canola producidos en Chile. Métodos: Los aceites de canola se caracterizaron en cuanto a su perfil de ácidos grasos, composición de fitoesteroles y tocoferoles, contenido de fenoles totales y actividad antioxidante, según el modo de extracción (prensado en frío o en caliente) y antes y después de ser sometidos a un proceso de refinación. Resultados: Los perfiles de ácidos grasos no fueron significativamente diferentes en ninguno de los aceites de canola analizados. La refinación, pero no la extracción en caliente, condujo a una fuerte disminución de los fitoesteroles y tocoferoles. El prensado en caliente aumentó significativamente la cantidad de fenoles totales (3,1 veces) y la actividad antioxidante medida por ORAC (3,1 veces) y DPPH (8,3 veces) en comparación con la extracción en frío. Sin embargo, la concentración de fenoles y la capacidad antioxidante disminuyeron después del refinado. Conclusión: Los procesos de refinación deben ajustarse para reducir la pérdida de compuestos bioactivos en el aceite.

Cytotoxic effects of crotoxin from Crotalus durissus terrificus snake in canine mammary tumor cell lines

Background: Mammary gland tumors are the most prevalent neoplasm in intact female dogs, and they are good natural models to study comparative oncology. Most canine mammary malignancies, as in women, are commonly refractory to conventional therapies and demand continuous new therapeutic approaches. Crotalus durissus terrificus, also called rattlesnake, has more than 60 different proteins in its venom with multiple pharmaceutical uses, such as antitumor, antiviral, and antimicrobial action. Crotoxin, a potent β-neurotoxin formed by the junction of two subunits, a basic subunit (CB-PLA2) and an acidic subunit (crotapotin), has already been reported to have anticancer properties in different types of cancers. Methods: In this work, we describe the cytotoxic potential of crotoxin and its subunits compared to doxorubicin (drug of choice) in two canine mammary carcinoma cell lines. Results: Crotoxin, CB-PLA2, crotalic venom, and doxorubicin decreased cell viability and the ability to migrate in a dose-dependent manner, and crotapotin did not present an antitumoral effect. For all compounds, the predominant cell death mechanism was apoptosis. In addition, crotoxin did not show toxicity in normal canine mammary gland cells. Conclusion: Therefore, this work showed that crotoxin and CB-PLA2 had cytotoxic activity, migration inhibition, and pro-apoptotic potential in canine mammary gland carcinoma cell lines, making their possible use in cancer research.

Cytotoxicity evaluation, antibacterial effect, and degree of conversion of QAM-containing adhesives

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of adding quaternary ammonium methacrylates (QAMs) to experimental adhesives by assessing the degree of conversion (DC), cytotoxicity against keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and antibacterial activity against biofilm formation. Two QAMs were added to an experimental adhesive: dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate bromododecane (DMADDM) or dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate bromohexadecane (DMAHDM) at three concentrations each: 1, 2.5, and 5 wt.%. Experimental adhesive without QAMs (control group) and commercially available Transbond XT Primer (3M Unitek, Monrovia, California, USA) were used for comparisons. The adhesives were tested for DC, cytotoxicity against keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and antibacterial activity against biofilm formation. DC, cytotoxicity against fibroblasts, and antibacterial activity were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparisons. Cytotoxicity against keratinocytes was evaluated using the Kruskal Wallis and Dunn's post-hoc (α = 5%) tests. Transbond showed lower DC as compared to 5% DMAHDM, 1% DMADDM, and 5% DMADDM (p < 0.05). However, all groups presented proper DC when compared to commercial adhesives in the literature. In the evaluation of cytotoxicity against keratinocytes, Transbond induced higher viability than 2.5 wt.% groups (p < 0.05). Against fibroblasts, Transbond induced higher viability as compared to 5 wt.% groups (p < 0.05). DMAHDM at 5 wt.% reduced biofilm formation when compared to all the other groups (p < 0.05). Despite their cytotoxic effect against keratinocytes, gingival fibroblasts showed higher viability. DMAHDM at 5 wt.% decreased Streptococcus mutans viability. The incorporation of DMAHDM at 5 wt.% may be a strategy for reducing the development of white spot lesions.

Biological Activities of Sesquiterpenoids： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Sesquiterpenoids are natural compounds composed of 15 carbon atoms， which can be divided into sesquiterpene alcohols， ketones， lactones， aldehydes， and carboxylic acids according to oxygen groups. These compounds are widely distributed in nature， and their physiological activities are diverse. For example， many sesquiterpenes with potential anticancer effects have been found for anti-tumor effects， including cytotoxicity， antioxidant， immune regulation， cell proliferation， and so on. In addition， some sesquiterpenoids have good application prospects in antibacterial， anti-inflammatory， and anti-cardiovascular diseases. Malignant tumors， inflammation， bacterial diseases， and cardiovascular diseases are the main diseases that cause human death， and natural products have unique advantages in the treatment of these diseases. Therefore， the development of new drugs that are easy to promote has become a new research hotspot. In this paper， the sesquiterpenes extracted from the natural components of Chinese herbs and plants with anti-tumor， anti-inflammatory， antibacterial， and anti-cardiovascular activities， such as Xanthium， Atractylodes， Convolvulus， Acanthium， Ligularia， Artemisia， Ligularia， Ligularia， Labiaceae Mint， Acanthophyllum， Turmeria， Ginger， and other Chinese herbs and plants， were discussed. The biological activities and related mechanisms of this compound were reviewed， which provided a reference for further research and clinical application of sesquiterpenes.

Reserve mobilization and secondary metabolites during seed germination and seedling establishment of the tree Erythrina velutina (Fabaceae) / Movilización de reservas y metabolitos secundarios durante la germinación de semillas y el establecimiento de plántulas del árbol Erythrina velutina (Fabaceae)

Introduction: The lack of knowledge on seed germination and seedling establishment is a main constraint for the restoration of degraded areas, including the tropical dry forest known as Caatinga. Objective: To assess reserve and secondary metabolite mobilization during seed germination and seedling establishment in Erythina velutina. Methods: We scarified, disinfected, imbibed, sown between towel paper, and incubated seeds under controlled conditions. We hydroponically cultivated seedlings in a greenhouse. We harvested cotyledons at seed imbibition, radicle protrusion, hypocotyl emergence, apical hook formation and expansion of cordiform leaves, first trifoliate leaf, and second trifoliate leaf. Results: Seeds contained approximately 20 % starch, 14.5 % storage proteins, 11.6 % neutral lipids, and 5.7 % non-reducing sugars on a dry weight basis. Soluble sugars were mainly consumed from hypocotyl emergence to apical hook formation, while major reserves were mobilized from apical hook formation to expansion of first trifoliate leaf. Enzymatic activity increased from mid to late seedling establishment, causing the mobilization of starch, oils, and proteins. Terpenoid-derivatives, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and alkaloids were detected. Flavonoids and phenolic acids were present at almost all stages and terpenoid-derivatives disappeared at expansion of cordiform leaves. Conclusion: Soluble sugars support early seedling growth, while starch, oils and proteins are simultaneously mobilized from mid to late establishment by amylases, lipases, and acid proteases. The cotyledons contain secondary metabolites, which may act in seedling defense. High content of reserves and presence of secondary metabolites in the cotyledons could enable E. velutina seedlings endure stress, validating their use in the restoration of degraded areas.

Introducción: La falta de conocimiento sobre la germinación de semillas y el establecimiento de plántulas es una de las principales limitaciones para la restauración de áreas degradadas, incluido el bosque seco tropical conocido como Caatinga. Objetivo: Evaluar la movilización de reservas y metabolitos secundarios durante estas etapas de desarrollo en Erythina velutina. Métodos: Las semillas fueron escarificadas, desinfectadas, embebidas, sembradas entre toallas de papel e incubadas bajo condiciones controladas. Cultivamos las plántulas hidropónicamente en un invernadero. Recolectamos los cotiledones en la imbibición de la semilla, la protrusión de la radícula, la emergencia del hipocótilo, la formación del gancho apical y la expansión de las hojas cordiformes, la primera y segunda hoja trifoliada. Resultados: Las semillas contenían 20 % de almidón, 14.5 % de proteínas de almacenamiento, 11.6 % de lípidos neutros y 5.7 % de azúcares no reductores en peso seco. Los azúcares solubles se consumieron desde la emergencia del hipocótilo hasta la formación del gancho apical. Las principales reservas se movilizaron desde la formación del gancho apical hasta la expansión de la primera hoja trifoliada. La actividad enzimática aumentó desde la mitad hasta el final del establecimiento de las plántulas, movilizando almidón, aceites y proteínas. Se detectaron derivados de terpenoides, flavonoides, ácidos fenólicos y alcaloides. Los flavonoides y los ácidos fenólicos estuvieron en casi todas las etapas y los derivados terpenoides desaparecieron en la expansión de las hojas cordiformes. Conclusión: Los azúcares solubles apoyan el crecimiento temprano de las plántulas; el almidón, los aceites y las proteínas se movilizan simultáneamente desde el establecimiento medio hasta el final por amilasas, lipasas y proteasas ácidas. Los cotiledones contienen metabolitos secundarios, que pueden actuar en la defensa de las plántulas. El alto contenido de reservas y los metabolitos secundarios en los cotiledones podría permitir que las plántulas de E. velutina toleren estrés, validando su uso en la restauración de áreas degradadas.

Uso potencial de residuos agroindustriales como fuente de compuestos fenólicos con actividad biológica

Los compuestos fenólicos poseen propiedades bioactivas de interés en la Medicina. Investigaciones actuales se enfocan en la búsqueda de nuevas fuentes de este tipo de compuestos. Varios estudios se han propuesto recuperar, caracterizar e identificar compuestos fenólicos a partir de residuos agroindustriales buscando en ellos diversas actividades biológicas. La presente investigación se desarrolló con el objetivo de describir el uso potencial de residuos agroindustriales como una fuente de compuestos fenólicos con actividad biológica y su uso en la Medicina. Los residuos agroindustriales poseen un elevado potencial como novedosa fuente de compuestos fenólicos con actividad biológica, empleables en la farmacéutica, industria alimentaria y cosmética. Entre sus aplicaciones se encuentran las de antioxidante, antiinflamatorio, antimicrobiano y la actividad antiproliferativa. Varios de los residuos agroindustriales provienen de productos cultivables en Ecuador, de ahí que constituya una oportunidad a explotar en la industria nacional. Los estudios en Ecuador sobre el aprovechamiento de residuos agroindustriales se enfocan en la obtención de biocombustibles, bioplásticos y productos de alimentación animal, por lo que la búsqueda de compuestos bioactivos a partir de nuevas fuentes aún es un campo incipiente.

Phenolic compounds have bioactive properties of interest in Medicine. Current research focuses on the search for new sources of this type of compounds. Several studies have proposed recovering, characterizing and identifying phenolic compounds from agroindustrial waste, searching for various biological activities in them. The present research was developed with the objective of describing the potential use of agroindustrial waste as a source of phenolic compounds with biological activity and their use in Medicine. Agroindustrial waste has a high potential as a novel source of phenolic compounds with biological activity, which can be used in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries. Among its applications are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiproliferative activity. Several of the agroindustrial waste come from cultivable products in Ecuador, hence it constitutes an opportunity to be exploited in the national industry. Studies in Ecuador on the use of agroindustrial waste focus on obtaining biofuels, bioplastics and animal feed products, so the search for bioactive compounds from new sources is still an incipient field.

Primera evidencia de actividad enzimática nitrilasa en Xylaria sp., y su relación con la biosíntesis de ácido indol-3-acético / First evidence of nitrilase enzymatic activity of Xylaria sp. and its relationship with the biosynthesis of indole-3-acetic acid

Resumen Muchos de los hongos degradadores de madera están implicados en la síntesis de metabolitos bioactivos de naturaleza antimicrobiana y terapéutica, así como de compuestos de importancia biotecnológica, incluyendo derivados indólicos, entre otros. Estos hongos brindan ciertos beneficios ecológicos a las plantas, entre los que se destacan la protección contra fitopatógenos y la promoción del crecimiento radicular. Xylaria sp. es un hongo degradador de celulosa (lignocelulolítico) con potencial biotecnológico. El ácido indol-3-acético (AIA) desempeña un papel sumamente importante en las interacciones planta-microorganismo, ya que es esencial para la fisiología y el correcto desarrollo morfológico vegetal. Se sabe que las enzimas nitrilo-hidrolíticas (nitrilasas) están involucradas en la síntesis de compuestos indólicos en las plantas, no obstante, se dispone de poca información acerca de la naturaleza de estas enzimas en el reino de los hongos. A través de una aproximación bioquímica y de genética molecular, se demuestra por primera vez que Xylaria sp. posee actividad enzimática nitrilasa utilizando compuestos ricos en nitrógeno y carbono como sustrato. La cepa estudiada aumentó sus niveles de expresión génica relativa y mostró crecimiento micelial, ambos en presencia de compuestos químicos como cianobenceno y KCN. Los resultados de este trabajo sugieren que el microorganismo es capaz de degradar moléculas nitrogenadas complejas. Por otra parte, mediante biofertilización con extractos fúngicos, se observó que Xylaria sp. promueve el desarrollo del sistema radicular de plántulas de Arabidopsis thaliana, además de sintetizar AIA.

Abstract Endophytic fungi inhabit plant tissues internally and asymptomatically, and many of them are involved in the synthesis of bioactive metabolites of antifungal and therapeutic nature, as well as other compounds of biotechnological importance including indole derivatives, among many others. Ecologically, they provide some benefits to plants including protection against phy-topathogens and promotion of root growth. In this sense, Xylaria sp. is a cellulose-decomposing fungus with biotechnological potential. It is worth mentioning that indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) also plays an extremely important role in plant-micro-organism interactions, as it is essential for physiology and proper plant morphological development. It is known that nitrile-hydrolytic enzymes (nitrilases) are involved in the synthesis of plant indole compounds; however, relatively little information is available concerning the nature of these enzymes in the fungal kingdom. In view of the above, through a biochemical and molecular-genetic approach, it has been demon-strated for the first time that Xylaria sp. carries out nitrile-hydrolytic enzyme activity using nitrogen and carbonrich compounds as substrate. The studied strain increased its relative gene expression levels and showed mycelial growth, both in the presence of chemical compounds such as cyanobenzene and KCN. Thus, the results of this work suggest that the micro-organism is capable of degrading complex nitrogenous molecules. On the other hand, through fungal biofertilization, it was observed that Xylaria sp. promotes the development of the root system of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings, in addition to synthesizing IAA.

Physical-chemical influences and cell behavior of natural compounds on titanium dental surfaces

Abstract The present study evaluated the influence of carvacrol, terpinene-4-ol, and chlorhexidine on the physical-chemical properties of titanium surfaces, cell viability, proliferation, adhesion, and spreading of fibroblasts and osteoblasts in vitro. Titanium surfaces (Ti) were treated with Carvacrol (Cvc), Terpinen-4-ol (T4ol), Chlorhexidine (CHX), DMSO, and ultrapure water (Control group). Physical-chemical modifications were evaluated by surface wettability, the surface free energy (SFE) calculated from the contact angle values using the Owens-Wendt-Rabel-Kaeble (OWRK) equation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry probe (EDS) system. Cells were seeded onto Ti-treated surfaces and incubated for 24 h and 72 h, then evaluated by Alamar blue assay and fluorescence microscopy. Surfaces treated with Cvc and T4ol showed the presence of Na, O, and Cl. All surfaces showed hydrophilic characteristics and SFE values between 5.5 mN/m and 3.4 mN/m. On the other hand, EDS peaks demonstrated the presence of O and Cl after CHX treatment. A reduction of cell viability and adhesion was noted on titanium surfaces treated with CHX after 24 and 72h. In conclusion, the results indicate that the decontamination with Cvc and T4ol on Ti surfaces does not alter the surface proprieties and allows an adequate interaction with cells involved in the re-osseointegration process such as fibroblasts and osteoblasts.

Resumo O presente estudo avaliou a influência do carvacrol, terpineno-4-ol e clorexidina nas propriedades físico-químicas de superfícies de titânio, viabilidade celular, proliferação, adesão e esplhamento de fibroblastos e osteoblastos in vitro. Superfícies de titânio (Ti) foram tratadas com Carvacrol (Cvc), Terpinen-4-ol (T4ol), Clorexidina (CHX), DMSO e água ultrapura (Grupo Controle). As modificações físico-químicas foram avaliadas pela molhabilidade da superfície, a energia livre de superfície (ELS) calculada a partir dos valores do ângulo de contato usando a equação de Owens-Wendt-Rabel-Kaeble (OWRK), microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e espectroscopia de raios X por energia dispersiva (EDS). As células foram semeadas em superfícies tratadas com Ti e incubadas por 24 h e 72 h, e avaliadas pelo ensaio Alamar blue e microscopia de fluorescência. As superfícies tratadas com Cvc e T4ol mostraram a presença de Na, O e Cl. Todas as superfícies apresentaram características hidrofílicas e valores de ELS entre 5,5 mN/m e 3,4 mN/m. Por outro lado, os picos de EDS demonstraram a presença de O e Cl após o tratamento com CHX. Uma redução da viabilidade celular e adesão foi observada em superfícies de titânio tratadas com CHX após 24 e 72h. Em conclusão, os resultados indicam que a descontaminação com Cvc e T4ol em superfícies de Ti não altera as propriedades da superfície e permite uma interação adequada com células envolvidas no processo de reosseointegração como fibroblastos e osteoblastos.

Morphological and Functional Analysis of Cardiac Ameliorations in Elderly Rats Supplemented with a Magnolol Extract Complex / Análisis Morfológico y Funcional de las Mejoras Cardíacas en Ratas Ancianas Suplementadas con un Complejo de Extracto de Magnolol

SUMMARY: Magnolia bark extract supplementation has an anti-oxidative role in mammalians. However, its role in physiological aged-associated heart insufficiency is not known yet. Therefore, we investigated the effects of a magnolia bark complex, including magnolol and honokiol components (MAHOC), in elderly rat hearts (24-month-old aged group). One group of aged rats was supplemented with MAHOC (400 mg/kg/d, for 12 weeks) besides the standard rat diet while the second group of elderly rats and adult rats (to 6-month- old adult-group) were only fed with the standard rat diet. The morphological analysis using light microscopy has shown marked myofibrillar losses, densely localized fibroblasts, vacuolizations, infiltrated cell accumulations, and collagen fibers in the myocardium of the elderly rats compared to the adults. We also detected a markedly increased amount of degenerated cardiomyocytes including the euchromatic nucleus. The MAHOC supplementation of the elderly rats provided marked ameliorations in these abnormal morphological changes in the heart tissue. Furthermore, electrophysiological analysis of electrocardiograms (ECGs) in the supplemented group showed significant attenuations in the prolonged durations of P-waves, QRS-complexes, QT-intervals, and low heart rates compared to the unsupplemented elderly group. The biochemical analysis also showed significant attenuations in the activity of arylesterase and total antioxidant status in the myocardium of the supplemented group. We further determined significant attenuations in the activity of a mitochondrial enzyme succinate dehydrogenase, known as a source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the decreased level of ATP/ADP in the heart homogenates of the supplemented group. Moreover, under in vitro conditions by using an aging-mimicked cardiac cell line induced by D-galactose, we demonstrated that MAHOC treatment could provide prevention of depolarization in mitochondria membrane potential and high-level ROS production. Overall, our data presented significant myocardial ameliorations in physiological aging-associated morphological alterations parallel to the function and biochemical attenuations with MAHOC supplementation, at most, through recoveries in mitochondria.

La suplementación con extracto de corteza de magnolia tiene un papel antioxidante en los mamíferos, sin embargo, su rol en la insuficiencia cardíaca asociada al envejecimiento fisiológico aún no se conoce. Por lo anterior, investigamos los efectos de un complejo de corteza de magnolia, incluidos los componentes magnolol y honokiol (MAHOC), en corazones de ratas seniles (grupo de edad de 24 meses). La alimentación de grupo de ratas seniles se complementó con MAHOC (400 mg/kg/d, durante 12 semanas) además de la dieta estándar, mientras que el segundo grupo de ratas seniles y ratas adultas (hasta el grupo de adultos de 6 meses) solo recibió la dieta estándar para ratas. El análisis morfológico mediante microscopía óptica ha mostrado marcadas pérdidas miofibrilares, fibroblastos densamente localizados, vacuolizaciones, acumulaciones de células infiltradas y fibras de colágeno en el miocardio de las ratas seniles en comparación con las adultas. También detectamos una cantidad notablemente mayor de cardiomiocitos degradados, incluido el núcleo eucromático. La suplementación con MAHOC de las ratas seniles proporcionó mejoras marcadas en estos cambios morfológicos anormales en el tejido cardiaco. Por otra parte, el análisis de los electrocardiogramas (ECG) en el grupo suplementado mostró atenuaciones significativas en las duraciones prolongadas de las ondas P, los complejos QRS, los intervalos QT y las frecuencias cardíacas bajas, en comparación con el grupo de ratas seniles sin suplementación alimenticia. El análisis bioquímico también mostró atenuaciones significativas en la actividad de la arilesterasa y el estado antioxidante total en el miocardio del grupo suplementado. Determinamos además atenuaciones significativas en la actividad de la enzima mitocondrial succinato deshidrogenasa, conocida como fuente de especies reactivas de oxígeno (ROS), y la disminución del nivel de ATP/ADP en los homogeneizados de corazón del grupo suplementado. Además, en condiciones in vitro mediante el uso de una línea de células cardíacas, imitando el envejecimiento inducido por D- galactosa, demostramos que el tratamiento con MAHOC podría prevenir la despolarización en el potencial de membrana de las mitocondrias y la producción de ROS de alto nivel. En general, nuestros datos presentaron mejoras miocárdicas significativas en alteraciones morfológicas asociadas con el envejecimiento fisiológico paralelas a la función y atenuaciones bioquímicas con la suplementación con MAHOC, como máximo, a través de recuperaciones en las mitocondrias.

The effect of extraction methods on total phenolics and antioxidant activities in Caulerpa racemosa (Forsskal) J. Agardh extracts / Efecto de los métodos de extracción sobre los fenoles totales y las actividades antioxidantes de los extractos de Caulerpa racemosa (Forsskal) J. Agardh

Background: The edible green algae Caulerpa racemosa (Forsskal) J. Agardh (Caulerpaceae), also known as "sea grape", is an excellent source of phenolic compounds known for their activity to reduce free radicals. Objectives: The research aims to evaluate the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of C. racemosa (70% ethanol extracts) obtained from different extraction methods, such as maceration, Soxhlet, and ultrasound. Methods: Total phenolics of the extracts were determined by the colorimetry method using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Total phenol content was expressed as mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per g extract. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical was used to assess the antioxidant activity of the extracts. Results: the ethanol extract of C. racemosa obtained from the ultrasonic methods had the highest phenolic content (39.38 mg GAE/g) compared to other extraction methods (Soxhlet was 36.88 mg GAE/g and maceration was 22.05 mg GAE/g). The IC50 value against DPPH of the C. racemosa ethanol extracts using ultrasonic, Soxhlet, and maceration was 352.95, 365.73, and 375.84 µg/mL, respectively. Conclusions: the variation of the extraction methods affected the total phenolics content of C. racemosa ethanol extracts and their antioxidant activity. We reported here the potential of C. racemosa extracts as an antioxidant raw material from marine plants for medicinal, nutraceutical, cosmetics, and food products; however, more research is needed.

Antecedentes: El alga verde comestible Caulerpa racemosa (Forsskal) J. Agardh (Caulerpaceae), también conocida como "uva de mar", es una excelente fuente de compuestos fenólicos conocidos por su actividad para reducir los radicales libres. Objetivos: La investigación pretende evaluar el contenido fenólico total y la actividad antioxidante de C. racemosa (extractos de etanol al 70%) obtenidos a partir de diferentes métodos de extracción, como maceración, Soxhlet y ultrasonido. Métodos: Los fenoles totales de los extractos se determinaron por el método colorimétrico utilizando el reactivo de Folin-Ciocalteu. El contenido total de fenoles se expresó como mg de ácido gálico equivalente (GAE) por g de extracto. Para evaluar la actividad antioxidante de los extractos se utilizó el radical libre 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazilo (DPPH). Resultados: el extracto etanólico de C. racemosa obtenido por ultrasonido presentó el mayor contenido fenólico (39,38 mg GAE/g) en comparación con otros métodos de extracción (Soxhlet fue de 36,88 mg GAE/g y maceración fue de 22,05 mg GAE/g). El valor IC50 frente a DPPH de los extractos etanólicos de C. racemosa mediante ultrasonido, Soxhlet y maceración fue de 352,95, 365,73 y 375,84 µg/mL, respectivamente. Conclusiones: la variación de los métodos de extracción afectó al contenido total de fenoles de los extractos etanólicos de C. racemosa y a su actividad antioxidante. Aquí reportamos el potencial de los extractos de C. racemosa como materia prima antioxidante a partir de plantas marinas para productos medicinales, nutracéuticos, cosméticos y alimenticios; sin embargo, se necesita más investigación.

Compuestos bioactivos de canela y su efecto en la disminución del síndrome metabólico: revisión sistemática / Bioactive compounds of cinnamon and their effect on decreasing metabolic syndrome: systematic review

Introducción. El síndrome metabólico (SM) aumenta el ingreso hospitalario y el riesgo de desarrollar COVID-19, los fármacos utilizados para su tratamiento ocasionan efectos secundarios por lo que se ha optado por la búsqueda de alternativas terapéuticas a base de compuestos bioactivos contenidos en plantas medicinales. La canela se utiliza como agente terapéutico debido a sus propiedades comprobadas con diversos mecanismos de acción reportados en el tratamiento de varias patologías. Objetivo. Documentar los estudios in vitro, in vivo, estudios clínicos y los mecanismos de acción reportados del efecto de la administración de extractos y polvo de canela en las comorbilidades relacionadas con el SM. Materiales y métodos. Revisión sistemàtica de artículos en bases de datos electrónicas, incluyendo estudios de canela en polvo, extractos acuosos, de acetato de etilo y metanol de la corteza de canela, período de 5 años, excluyendo todo artículo relacionado a su efecto antimicrobiano, antifúngico y aceite de canela. Resultados. Las evidencias de los principales compuestos bioactivos contenidos en la canela validan su potencial en el tratamiento de enfermedades relacionadas al SM, con limitados estudios que indagan en los mecanismos de acción correspondientes a sus actividades biológicas. Conclusiones. Las evidencias de las investigaciones validan su potencial en el tratamiento de estas patologías, debido a sus principales compuestos bioactivos: cinamaldehído, transcinamaldehído, ácido cinámico, eugenol y, antioxidantes del tipo proantocianidinas A y flavonoides, los cuales participan en diversos mecanismos de acción que activan e inhiben enzimas, con efecto hipoglucemiante (quinasa y fosfatasa), antiobesogénico (UPC1), antiinflamatorio (NOS y COX), hipolipemiante (HMG-CoA) y antihipertensivo (ECA)(AU)

Introduction. Metabolic syndrome (MS) increases hospital admission and the risk of developing COVID-19. Due to the side effects caused by the drugs used for its treatment, the search for therapeutic alternatives based on bioactive compounds contained in medicinal plants has been chosen. Cinnamon is used as a therapeutic agent due to its proven properties with various mechanisms of action reported in the treatment of various pathologies. Objective. To document the in vitro and in vivo studies, clinical studies and the mechanisms of action reported on the effect of the administration of cinnamon extracts and powder on comorbidities related to MS. Materials and methods. Systematic review of articles in electronic databases, including studies of cinnamon powder, aqueous extracts, ethyl acetate and methanol from cinnamon bark, over a period of 5 years, excluding all those articles related to its antimicrobial, antifungal and antimicrobial effect. cinnamon oil. Results. The evidence of the main bioactive compounds contained in cinnamon validates its potential in the treatment of diseases related to MS, with limited studies that investigate the mechanisms of action corresponding to its biological activities. Conclusions. Research evidence validates its potential in the treatment of these pathologies, due to its main bioactive compounds: cinnamaldehyde, transcinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, eugenol, and antioxidants of the proanthocyanidin A type and flavonoids, which participate in various mechanisms of action that activate and they inhibit enzymes, with hypoglycemic (kinase and phosphatase), antiobesogenic (UPC1), anti-inflammatory (NOS and COX), lipid-lowering (HMG-CoA) and antihypertensive (ACE) effects(AU)

Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Bakeries Produced from Golden Berries

This investigation was performed with the purpose of researching the influence of pizza containing dried golden berry fruits (DGBF) at different doses against carbon tetrachloride - induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The study shows phenols content of golden berry. 25 male rats were used in the biological investigation. Rats were divided into five groups (5 rats in group) the investigation was 12 weeks. The first group (negative group) was given a basal diet and the second group (G2, G3, G4, and G5) was injected intramuscularly with carbon tetrachloride 2 ml/kg BW (50% v/v in liquid paraffin) weekly to induce hepatotoxicity. After the injury, group G3, G4 and G5 fed on 50% basal diet supplemented with 50%pizza containing 5, 10 and 15% DGBF. Findings indicate that DGBF had a high antioxidant activity, total phenol, flavonoids, ascorbic acid and carotenoids content. Rats fed 50% pizza containing (5,10 and 15%) DGBF had a lower serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, urea, uric acid, creatinine, GOT, GPT, MDA and SOD compared to rats fed simply the basal diet (positive control). The DGBF was added to the pizza with different proportions, and its sensory properties were evaluated, and all proportions were proper to the panelists, compared to the control. The findings of this work suggest that golden berries could be used to treat and prevent hepatotoxicity patients.

In silico screening of Annona Muricata L. Leaf constituents and derivatives towards selected targets of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND@#Type 2 diabetes mellitus, or T2DM, is one of the world's most chronic health problems that is linked to numerous deaths and high health care expenses. 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1), protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and mono-ADP-ribosyl transferase sirtuin-6 (SIRT6) were among the novel proteins and focus targets of diabetes research. Annona muricata is a commonly used natural remedy for several illnesses, including type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, most of these traditional claims have received few molecular evaluations.@*OBJECTIVES@#This investigated the phytoconstituents and derivatives of the leaves of A. muricata by evaluating their binding profiles towards selected novel T2DM-related protein targets through in silico methods.@*METHODOLOGY@#This study screened the potential lead compounds from the leaves of A. muricata by evaluating the binding energies of the parent compounds and derivatives with the targets compared to the native ligands and known substrates through molecular docking simulations. Additionally, pharmacokinetic, physicochemical properties, and binding interactions were also assessed using several software programs and online databases.@*RESULTS@#Out of the 8 selected parent compounds of Annona muricata, a total of 672 derivatives were designed, tested, and compared against the controls for at least one of the three protein targets. Among these, 280 derivatives exhibited more negative binding energies than controls in each protein target.@*CONCLUSION@#The designed derivatives can be synthesized and further investigated for potential biological effects towards 11β-HSD1, PTP1B, and SIRT6 through in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Flavonoid compounds improve hippocampal neuro-genesis and cognitive dysfunction in mice / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE To investigate the improve-ment functions of flavonoid compounds on temozolomide(TMZ)-,aging-or AD model-induced dysregulation of hip-pocampal NSC lineage progression,retardancy of den-dritic spine maturation in new-born neurons,as well as impairment of hippocampal-related learning and memory.METHODS We applied 30-week-old neural stem cell(NSC)specific promoter Nestin-GFP and NestinCreERT2:Rosa26-LSL-tdTomato transgenic mice and 16-week-old AD model 5XFAD transgenic mice,together with hippo-campal microinjection(ih),endogenous fluorescence trac-ing and immunofluorescent staining.RESULTS Both fla-vonoid compound A and its functional derivative flavo-noid compound B dose-dependently improved TMZ-,aging-or AD-induced defects of hippocampal NSC lin-eage progression and the maturation of dendritic spines of newborn neurons,thereby improving hippocampus related learning and memory.CONCLUSION This paper provides a new idea and treatment strategy for the devel-opment of new flavonoids that can promote neurogene-sis for neurodegenerative diseases and aging.

Dietary exposure level of to perfluorinated compounds and its relationship with perinatal adverse events in pregnant women in Xuhui District of Shanghai / 环境与职业医学

Background Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are persistent organic pollutants. Dietary exposure to PFCs among pregnant women may lead to elevated risks of adverse events during pregnancy and postpartum depression. Objective To estimate potential risk of dietary exposure to PFCs among pregnant women in Xuhui District, Shanghai, and the relationship between dietary PFCs exposure and risks of adverse events during pregnancy and postpartum depression. Methods This study was a small cohort study which recruited women residing in Xuhui District from July 2017 to September 2018. All information was collected through questionnaires by trained investigators. Basic information and dietary information were collected at the time of inclusion, where the dietary information was obtained through the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). A follow-up visit was conducted within 42 d after delivery to collect the occurrence of adverse events during pregnancy and postpartum depression. According to the results of dietary survey, sampling and PFCs level testing were conducted on commercially available staple foods, poultry and livestock meat, aquatic products, vegetables, milk and dairy products, eggs, etc. The food sampling points covered all subdistricts in Xuhui District, including farmers' markets, supermarkets, convenience stores, and shops. Daily exposure level and hazard ratio (HR) of PFCs per capita were calculated according to the dietary survey and laboratory testing. Logistic regression was used to estimate the relationship between PFCs exposure and the risks of adverse events during pregnancy and postpartum depression. The levels of PFCs exposure were further divided into 4 groups according to interquartile range, and OR and Ptrend value were calculated respectively. Results A total of 345 pregnant women were recruited in this study, whose average age was (29.61±4.92) years. Among them, 26.37% subjects reported at least one adverse event during pregnancy, and 30.14% subjects reported an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score ≥12. A total of 132 food samples were collected and tested, and PFCs were positive mainly in milk and dairy products, poultry meat, livestock meat, eggs, fresh water products, and sea water products. The PFCs positive rate in fresh water products was the highest, reaching 100%. The average concentration of PFCs in the positive samples was 0.018-2.10 μg·kg−1. The HR of PFCs was 4.44. A higher risk of postpartum depression was found along with a higher perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) exposure level (Ptrend=0.02). Conclusion Dietary PFCs exposure may pose a health risk to pregnant women. The study findings suggest that decreasing the intake of freshwater products might help reduce the risk of PFCs exposure among pregnant women in Xuhui district, Shanghai.

Advances in online two-dimensional liquid chromatography for natural product screening / 药学学报

As a treasure resource of novel drug lead compounds, how to rapidly and high-efficiently screen and isolate active components from natural products is critical. Thanks to its high resolution, high automation and flexible integration, online two-dimensional liquid chromatography has great potential for screening active ingredients from complex matrices by integrating a highly specific bio-recognition process into a two-dimensional liquid chromatography system before, on or after the column separation. This review comprehensively summarized recent developments, applications and shortcomings of online two-dimensional liquid chromatography for natural product screening from different integration modes, including pre-column, on-column and post-column screening methods.

Protective effects of taurine on learning and memory impairment after exposure to formaldehyde and benzene analogues in young rats / 环境与职业医学

Background Formaldehyde and benzene homologues are common environmental pollutants, and their neurotoxicity has aroused widespread concern. Objective To investigate the effect of taurine on cognitive impairment after exposure to formaldehyde and benzene analogues in young rats. Methods Twenty four-week old SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, with six rats in each group: control group (clean air), model group (5 mg·m−3 formaldehyde + 5 mg·m−3 benzene + 10 mg·m−3 toluene + 10 mg·m−3 xylene), low-dose taurine intervention group (5 g·L−1 taurine + mixture of formaldehyde and benzene analogues), and high-dose taurine intervention group (10 g·L−1 taurine + formaldehyde and mixture of benzene analogues), and the exposure was administered by oral and nasal aerosol inhalation for 28 d. At the end of exposure, the learning and memory ability of rats in each group was measured by Morris water maze test. After the behavioral test, the rats were anesthetized and neutralized, and the brain tissue was harvested for histopathological and molecular biological tests. The apoptosis rate of neurons in hippocampal CA1 area was detected by Tunel assay, and the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins such as caspase 3, bax, and bcl-2 in hippocampal tissue were detected by Western blotting. Results The growth and development of rats in each group were good during inhalation. During the Morris water maze experiment, the escape latencies of rats in the taurine intervention groups were not different from that in the control group (P>0.05) from day 3 to day 5 of training, while the escape latency of rats in the model group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P <0.05). The number of crossing platform and the target quadrant residence time in the high-dose taurine intervention group were not different from those in the control group (P>0.05), while the two variables in the model group and low-dose taurine intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P <0.05). The apoptotic rates of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 area of rats in the control group, model group, and low-dose and high-dose taurine intervention groups were 5.11%, 18.87%, 9.39%, and 4.63%, respectively. The apoptotic rate in the model group was higher than those in the control group and low-dose and high-dose taurine intervention groups (P<0.05). The expression levels of caspase 3, bax, and bcl-2 in the hippocampus of rats in the low-dose and high-dose taurine intervention groups showed no difference compared with the control group (P>0.05). The expression levels of caspase 3 and bax in the model group were higher than those in the control group and low-dose or high-dose taurine intervention groups (P<0.05), and the expression levels of bcl-2 was lower (P<0.05). Conclusion The mixed exposure to formaldehyde and benzene analogues can damage the learning and memory ability of young rats, and increase the apoptosis of neurons in hippocampal CA1 region. Taurine can reverse the damage induced by formaldehyde and benzene analogues.

Review of research on anti-gastric cancer mechanism of TCM compounds / 国际中医中药杂志

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shows unique advantages in the field of adjuvant treatment of gastric cancer. The main mechanism of TCM in improving gastric cancer includes regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis, reversing cell resistance, reducing the ability of invasion and metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation, regulating immune function, inhibiting neovascularization, regulating autophagy exosome, and ferroptosis.

Research progress in prevention and treatment of repeated implantation failure by TCM compounds based on "Yu Pei Qi Sun" theory / 国际中医中药杂志

Women undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) may experience repeated implantation failure (RIF). Under the guidance of "Yu Pei Qi Sun" theory, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) compounds can improve the quality of sperm and eggs of both husband and wife by anti-oxidative stress, improving mitochondrial function and reducing excessive apoptosis before IVF-ET to obtain high-quality embryos; TCM compounds can also promote angiogenesis, anti-oxidative stress, regulation of estrogen and progesterone receptor content, regulate immunity to improve female endometrial receptivity to facilitate embryo implantation; it can also invigorate the spleen and kidney after transplantation and caring for the fetus to help implantation, as well as alleviate the anxiety of patients during transplantation.

Effects of TCM compounds for Eliminating phlegm and removing blood stasis on the ultrastructure of atrial myocardium and the oxidative stress in rats with atrial fibrillation / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To observe the effects of TCM compounds for eliminating phlegm and removing blood stasis on the ultrastructure of atrial myocardium in atrial fibrillation (AF) rats; To explore its possible mechanism.Methods:Totally 60 male SD rats were divided into blank group (10 rats) and model group (50 rats) according to random number table method. The atrial fibrillation model was established by tail vein injection of ACh-CaCl 2 mixture for 7 consecutive days, and then the rats with successful modeling were divided into model group, verapamil group, TCM compounds high-, medium- and low-dosage groups according to random number table method, with 10 rats in each group. TCM compounds high-, medium- and low-dosage groups were given Chinese herbal decoction 41.25, 20.63, 10.31 g/(kg?d) by gavage, respectively, and the verapamil group was given verapamil solution 25 g/(kg?d). The blank group and the model group were given an equal volume of normal saline by gavage for consecutive 14 days. After 14 consecutive days, electrophysiological recorder was used to measure the duration of atrial fibrillation in each group of rats; the changes of ultrastructure of atrial myocytes in each group were observed under transmission electron microscope; serum ROS, SOD and GSH-Px levels of rats were detected by ELISA. Results:Compared with the model group, the duration of atrial fibrillation in TCM compounds high-, medium- and low-dosage groups and verapamil group decreased ( P<0.05); the ultrastructural damage of atrial myocytes was improved; the content of ROS [(139.20±3.34) ng/ml,(139.00±3.28) ng/ml, (139.25±3.82) ng/ml vs. (155.60±7.32) ng/ml] in TCM compounds high- and medium-dosage groups and verapamil group decreased; the contents of SOD [(2.41±0.26) ng/ml, (2.40±0.12) ng/ml, (2.37±0.06) ng/ml vs.(2.12±0.21) ng/ml] increased ( P<0.05); the content of GSH-Px [(3.61±0.06) ng/ml, (3.60±0.08) ng/ml, (3.47±0.15) ng/ml, (3.51±0.19) ng/ml vs.(3.27±0.12) ng/ml] in TCM compounds high-, medium- and low-dosage groups and verapamil group increased ( P<0.05). Conclusion:TCM compounds for eliminating phlegm and removing blood stasis can shorten the duration of atrial fibrillation in rats, reduce the damage of ultrastructure of atrial myocytes in AF rats, regulate the expressions of serum ROS, SOD and GSH-Px in AF rats, and inhibit oxidative stress, which may be one of its mechanisms of action in the treatment of atrial fibrillation.