Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), Vitamin D3, and Probiotics Supplementation Improve Memory, Glial Reactivity, and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in an Aluminum-Induced Cognitive Impairment Rat Model.

Globally, the rise in neurodegenerative issues in tandem with shifts in lifestyle and aging population has prompted a search for effective interventions. Nutraceutical compounds have emerged as promising agents for addressing these challenges. This 60-day study on an aluminum-induced cognitive impairment rat model assessed three compounds and their combinations: probiotics (Prob, Lactobacillus plantarum [5 × 1010 CFU/day], and Lactobacillus acidophilus [5 × 1010 CFU/day]), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 23.8 mg/day), and vitamin D3 (VD3, 150 IU/day). Behavioral outcomes were evaluated by using the Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests. Glial activation was assessed through immunofluorescence analysis of GFAP/Iba1, and oxidative stress markers in brain tissue were determined by measuring the levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD). The results demonstrated a progressive improvement in the learning and memory capacity. The aluminum group exhibited the poorest performance in the behavioral test, enhanced GFAP/Iba1 activation, and elevated levels of oxidative stress markers. Conversely, the DHA + Prob + VD3 treatment demonstrated the best performance in the Morris water maze. The combination of DHA + Prob + VD3 exhibited superior performance in the Morris water maze, accompanied by reduced levels of GFAP/Iba1 activation in DG/CA1 brain regions. Furthermore, DHA + Prob supplementation showed lower GFAP/Iba1 activation in the CA3 region and enhanced antioxidant activity. In summary, supplementing various nutraceutical combinations, including DHA, VD3, and Prob, displayed notable benefits against aluminum-induced cognitive impairment. These benefits encompassed memory enhancement, diminished MDA concentration, increased SOD activity, and reduced glial activation, as indicated by GFAP/Iba1 markers.

Targeting Metabolic Syndrome Pathways: Carrot microRNAs As Potential Modulators.

Metabolic syndrome is a condition characterized by metabolic alterations that culminate in chronic noncommunicable diseases of high morbidity and mortality, such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and colon cancer. Developing new therapeutic strategies with a multifactorial approach is important since current therapies focus on only one or two components of the metabolic syndrome. In this sense, plant-based gene regulation represents an innovative strategy to prevent or modulate human metabolic pathologies, including metabolic syndrome. Here, using a computational and systems biology approach, it was found that carrot microRNAs can modulate key BMPs/SMAD signaling members, C/EBPs, and KLFs involved in several aspects associated with metabolic syndrome, including the hsa04350:TGF-beta signaling pathway, hsa04931:insulin resistance, hsa04152:AMPK signaling pathway, hsa04933:AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, hsa04010:MAPK signaling pathway, hsa04350:TGF-beta signaling pathway, hsa01522:endocrine resistance, and hsa04910:insulin signaling pathway. These data demonstrated the potential applications of carrot microRNAs as effective food-based therapeutics for obesity and associated metabolic diseases.

Biofortified Beverage with Chlorogenic Acid from Stressed Carrots: Anti-Obesogenic, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Properties.

Using wounding stress to increase the bioactive phenolic content in fruits and vegetables offers a promising strategy to enhance their health benefits. When wounded, such phenolics accumulate in plants and can provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesogenic properties. This study investigates the potential of using wounding stress-treated carrots biofortified with phenolic compounds as a raw material to extract carrot juice with increased nutraceutical properties. Fresh carrots were subjected to wounding stress via slicing and then stored at 15 °C for 48 h to allow phenolic accumulation. These phenolic-enriched slices were blanched, juiced, and blended with orange juice (75:25 ratio) and 15% (w/v) broccoli sprouts before pasteurization. The pasteurized juice was characterized by its physicochemical attributes and bioactive compound content over 28 days of storage at 4 °C. Additionally, its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesogenic potentials were assessed using in vitro assays, both pre- and post-storage. The results reveal that juice derived from stressed carrots (SJ) possessed 49%, 83%, and 168% elevated levels of total phenolics, chlorogenic acid, and glucosinolates, respectively, compared to the control juice (CJ) (p < 0.05). Both juices reduced lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells and nitric oxide production in Raw 264.7 cells, without significant differences between them. SJ further displayed a 26.4% increase in cellular antioxidant activity. The juice's bioactive characteristics remained stable throughout storage time. In conclusion, the utilization of juice obtained from stressed carrots in a blend with orange juice and broccoli sprouts offers a promising method to produce a beverage enriched in bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential.

Physiological Responses of Minimally Processed Sweet Potatoes Grown with Increasing Doses of Phosphate Fertilizer.

The present work aimed to study oxidative damage and protection, phenylpropanoid metabolism, and the quality of minimally processed colored sweet potatoes cultivated with increments in P2O5 fertilization. Sweet potato was cultivated with 0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 kg ha-1 of P2O5. The roots were harvested, and the P content in the roots and leaves was quantified. The roots were minimally processed and kept for 20 days at 5 °C. In general, the roots that were fertilized with P2O5 showed a higher content of the analyzed variables. The highest P dosage in the soil increased the P content in roots and leaves and the agro-industrial yield. Roots cultivated with P2O5 showed a higher content of hydrogen peroxide, phenolic compounds, vitamin C, yellow flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids, antioxidant capacity by the DPPH method, and higher activity of the enzymes polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia lyase. These results demonstrated the role of phosphorus in protecting against oxidative damage due to the accumulation of bioactive compounds, thus improving the physicochemical quality of minimally processed orange sweet potato.

Comprehensive Review of Nutraceuticals against Cognitive Decline Associated with Alzheimer's Disease.

Nowadays, nutraceuticals are being incorporated into functional foods or used as supplements with nonpharmacological approaches in the prevention and management of several illnesses, including age-related conditions and chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Nutraceuticals are apt for preventing and treating such disorders because of their nontoxic, non-habit-forming, and efficient bioactivities for promoting neurological well-being due to their ability to influence cellular processes such as neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, synaptic transmission, neuro-inflammation, oxidative stress, cell death modulation, and neuronal survival. The capacity of nutraceuticals to modify all of these processes reveals the potential to develop food-based strategies to aid brain development and enhance brain function, prevent and ameliorate neurodegeneration, and possibly reverse the cognitive impairment observed in Alzheimer's disease, the most predominant form of dementia in the elderly. The current review summarizes the experimental evidence of the neuroprotective capacity of nutraceuticals against Alzheimer's disease, describing their mechanisms of action and the in vitro and in vivo models applied to evaluate their neuroprotective potential.

Biofortification of Broccoli Microgreens (Brassica oleracea var. italica) with Glucosinolates, Zinc, and Iron through the Combined Application of Bio- and Nanofertilizers.

There is a severe need to develop a sustainable, affordable, and nutritious food supply system. Broccoli microgreens have attracted attention due to their rich nutritional content and abundant bioactive compounds, constituting an important opportunity to feed the ever-increasing population and fight global health problems. This study aimed to measure the impact of the combined application of biofertilizers and zinc and iron nanofertilizers on plant growth and the biofortification of glucosinolates (GLSs) and micronutrients in broccoli microgreens. Biofertilizers were based on plant growth-promoting (PGP) bacterial consortia previously isolated and characterized for multiple PGP traits. Nanofertilizers consisted of ZnO (77 nm) and γ-Fe2O3 (68 nm) nanoparticles synthesized with the coprecipitation method and functionalized with a Pseudomonas species preparation. Treatments were evaluated under seedbed conditions. Plant growth parameters of plant height (37.0-59.8%), leaf diameter (57.6-81.1%) and fresh weight (112.1-178.0%), as well as zinc (122.19-363.41%) and iron contents (55.19-161.57%), were mainly increased by nanoparticles subjected to the functionalization process with Pseudomonas species and uncapped NPs applied together with the biofertilizer treatment. Regarding GLSs, eight compounds were detected as being most positively influenced by these treatments. This work demonstrated the synergistic interactions of applying ZnO and γ-Fe2O3 nanofertilizers combined with biofertilizers to enhance plant growth and biofortify micronutrients and glucosinolates in broccoli microgreens.

Development and Evaluation of Zinc and Iron Nanoparticles Functionalized with Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) and Microalgae for Their Application as Bio-Nanofertilizers.

Micronutrient deficiencies are widespread and growing global concerns. Nanoscale nutrients present higher absorption rates and improved nutrient availability and nutrient use efficiency. Co-application of nanofertilizers (NFs) with biological agents or organic compounds increases NF biocompatibility, stability, and efficacy. This study aimed to develop and evaluate zinc and iron bio-nanofertilizers formulated with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and microalgae. Nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized with the co-precipitation method and functionalized with Pseudomonas species and Spirulina platensis preparation. NPs were characterized and evaluated on seed germination, soil microbial growth, and early plant response under seedbed conditions. NPs corresponded to zinc oxide (ZnO; 77 nm) and maghemite (γ-Fe2O3; 68 nm). Functionalized nanoparticles showed larger sizes, around 145-233 nm. The seedling vigor index of tomato and maize was significantly increased (32.9-46.1%) by bacteria-functionalized ZnO- and γ-Fe2O3-NPs at 75 ppm. NFs at 250 and 75 ppm significantly increased bacterial growth. NFs also improved early plant growth by increasing plant height (14-44%), leaf diameter (22-47%), and fresh weight (46-119%) in broccoli and radish, which were mainly influenced by bacteria capped ZnO- and γ-Fe2O3-NPs at 250 ppm. Beneficial effects on plant growth can be attributed to the synergistic interaction of the biological components and the zinc and iron NPs in the bio-nanofertilizers.

Identification and Characterization of Beneficial Soil Microbial Strains for the Formulation of Biofertilizers Based on Native Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms Isolated from Northern Mexico.

Plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM) benefit plant health by enhancing plant nutrient-use efficiency and protecting plants against biotic and abiotic stresses. This study aimed to isolate and characterize autochthonous PGPM from important agri-food crops and nonagricultural plants to formulate biofertilizers. Native microorganisms were isolated and evaluated for PGP traits (K, P, and Zn solubilization, N2-fixation, NH3-, IAA and siderophore production, and antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum). Isolates were tested on radish and broccoli seedlings, evaluating 19 individual isolates and 12 microbial consortia. Potential bacteria were identified through DNA sequencing. In total, 798 bacteria and 209 fungi were isolated. Isolates showed higher mineral solubilization activity than other mechanisms; 399 bacteria and 156 fungi presented mineral solubilization. Bacteria were relevant for nitrogen fixation, siderophore, IAA (29-176 mg/L), and ammonia production, while fungi for Fusarium growth inhibition (40-69%). Twenty-four bacteria and eighteen fungi were selected for their PGP traits. Bacteria had significantly (ANOVA, p < 0.05) better effects on plants than fungi; treatments improved plant height (23.06-51.32%), leaf diameter (25.43-82.91%), and fresh weight (54.18-85.45%) in both crops. Most potential species belonged to Pseudomonas, Pantoea, Serratia, and Rahnella genera. This work validated a high-throughput approach to screening hundreds of rhizospheric microorganisms with PGP potential isolated from rhizospheric samples.

White adipose tissue: Distribution, molecular insights of impaired expandability, and its implication in fatty liver disease.

We are far behind the 2025 World Health Organization (WHO) goal of a zero increase in obesity. Close to 360 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean are overweight, with the highest rates observed in the Bahamas, Mexico, and Chile. To achieve relevant progress against the obesity epidemic, scientific research is essential to establish uniform practices in the study of obesity pathophysiology (using pre-clinical and clinical models) that ensure accuracy, reproducibility, and transcendent outcomes. The present review focuses on relevant aspects of white adipose tissue (WAT) expansion, underlying mechanisms of inefficient expandability, and its repercussion in ectopic lipid accumulation in the liver during nutritional abundance. In addition, we highlight the potential role of disrupted circadian rhythm in WAT metabolism. Since genetic factors also play a key role in determining an individual's predisposition to weight gain, we describe the most relevant genes associated with obesity in the Mexican population, underlining that most of them are related to appetite control.

Kinetic Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction as a Sustainable Approach for the Recovery of Phenolics Accumulated through UVA Treatment in Strawberry By-Products.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) is an efficient and sustainable method for extracting bioactive compounds from agro-industrial by-products. Moreover, it has been reported that ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation can induce the biosynthesis and accumulation of bioactive phenolic compounds. This study optimized the efficiency of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) for recovering ultraviolet A (UVA)-induced phenolic compounds in strawberry by-products (RF-N). The impact of three factors (solid-liquid ratio, ethanol concentration, and ultrasound power) on total phenolic compound (TPC) kinetics using Peleg's model was investigated. The developed model showed a suitable fit for both RF-N and strawberry by-products treated with UVA (RF-E). The optimal UAE conditions obtained were of a 1:30 ratio, 46% ethanol, and 100% ultrasound power, resulting in an average yield of 13 g total phenolics kg-1. The bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds during in-vitro digestion was 36.5%, with agrimoniin being the predominant compound. UAE combined with UVA treatment increased the bioactivity of RF extracts, displaying significant anti-proliferative effects on HT29 and Caco-2 cancer cell lines, as well as anti-inflammatory potential and cellular antioxidant activity. The ultrasound proved to be a sustainable and effective technique for extracting phenolic compounds from RF, contributing to the valorization of strawberry agro-industrial by-products, and maximizing their nutraceutical potential.

Immunomodulatory and Antioxidant Effects of Spray-Dried Encapsulated Kale Sprouts after In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion.

The health-related compounds present in kale are vulnerable to the digestive process or storage conditions. Encapsulation has become an alternative for their protection and takes advantage of their biological activity. In this study, 7-day-old Red Russian kale sprouts grown in the presence of selenium (Se) and sulfur (S) were spray-dried with maltodextrin to assess their capacity to protect kale sprout phytochemicals from degradation during the digestion process. Analyses were conducted on the encapsulation efficiency, particle morphology, and storage stability. Mouse macrophages (Raw 264.7) and human intestinal cells (Caco-2) were used to assess the effect of the intestinal-digested fraction of the encapsulated kale sprout extracts on the cellular antioxidant capacity, the production of nitric oxide (NOx), and the concentrations of different cytokines as indicators of the immunological response. The highest encapsulation efficiency was observed in capsules with a 50:50 proportion of the hydroalcoholic extract of kale and maltodextrin. Gastrointestinal digestion affected compounds' content in encapsulated and non-encapsulated kale sprouts. Spray-dried encapsulation reduced the phytochemicals' degradation during storage, and the kale sprouts germinated with S and Se showed less degradation of lutein (35.6%, 28.2%), glucosinolates (15.4%, 18.9%), and phenolic compounds (20.3%, 25.7%), compared to non-encapsulated ones, respectively. S-encapsulates exerted the highest cellular antioxidant activity (94.2%) and immunomodulatory activity by stimulating IL-10 production (88.9%) and COX-2 (84.1%) and NOx (92.2%) inhibition. Thus, encapsulation is an effective method to improve kale sprout phytochemicals' stability and bioactivity during storage and metabolism.

Cross-Talk and Physiological Role of Jasmonic Acid, Ethylene, and Reactive Oxygen Species in Wound-Induced Phenolic Biosynthesis in Broccoli.

Wounding induces phenolic biosynthesis in broccoli. However, there is scarce information about the physiological and molecular mechanisms governing this stress response. In the present study, a chemical-genetics approach was used to elucidate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS), jasmonic acid (JA), and ethylene (ET) as stress-signaling molecules in the wound-induced phenolic biosynthesis in broccoli. Wounding activated the biosynthesis of ET and JA. Likewise, the wound-induced biosynthesis of ET and JA was regulated by ROS. JA activated primary metabolism, whereas the three signaling molecules activated phenylpropanoid metabolism. The signaling molecules inhibited the wound-induced activation of the hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA quinate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HQT) gene, which is involved in caffeoylquinic acids biosynthesis, and the main phenolics accumulated in wounded broccoli, suggesting that an alternative caffeoylquinic biosynthesis pathway is activated in the tissue due to wounding. ROS mediated the biosynthesis of most individual phenolic compounds evaluated. In conclusion, ROS, ET, and JA are essential in activating broccoli's primary and secondary metabolism, resulting in phenolic accumulation.

Essential Oils: Recent Advances on Their Dual Role as Food Preservatives and Nutraceuticals against the Metabolic Syndrome.

Essential oils (EO) are compounds synthesized by plants as secondary products and are a complex mixture of volatile molecules. Studies have demonstrated their pharmacological activity in the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Moreover, they have been used as antimicrobial and antioxidant food additives. The first part of this review discusses the role of EO as nutraceuticals to prevent metabolic syndrome-related disorders (i.e., obesity, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases), showing results from in vitro and in vivo studies. Likewise, the second part describes the bioavailability and mechanisms of action of EO in preventing chronic diseases. The third part presents the application of EO as food additives, pointing out their antimicrobial and antioxidant activity in food formulations. Finally, the last part explains the stability and methods for encapsulating EO. In conclusion, EO dual role as nutraceuticals and food additives makes them excellent candidates to formulate dietary supplements and functional foods. However, further investigation is needed to understand EO interaction mechanisms with human metabolic pathways and to develop novel technological approaches to enhance EO stability in food systems to scale up these processes and, in this way, to overcome current health problems.

Fish oil and probiotics supplementation through milk chocolate improves spatial learning and memory in male Wistar rats.

Background: Cognition and brain function is critical through childhood and should be improved with balanced diets. Incorporating bioactive ingredients such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3 PUFAs) and probiotics into food formulations could be used as an approach to improve cognitive function. This study evaluated the effects on cognitive capacity of complementing rodent diets with chocolate, by itself and in combination with ω3 PUFAs from fish oil and probiotics. Methods: Spatial learning and memory in the rats were determined by the Barnes maze test in short- and long-term memory. Samples from the cecum were obtained to assess microbial counts (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterobacteriaceae, and total bacteria), and brains were recovered to analyze the neural morphology of the tissues. Also, glucose, brain weights, and epididymal tissue were analyzed. Results: The combination of chocolate with fish oil and probiotics improved the memory of rats compared to the result of each bioactive compound when evaluated separately. Treatments did not affect sugar level, epididymal adipose tissue, or brain weight. On the other hand, consuming probiotics alone or in combination with chocolate decreased Enterobacteria counts, while Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria counts were not affected. Neural morphological analysis showed that combining chocolate with probiotics and ω3 PUFAs increased the number of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions. Conclusion: Chocolate added with probiotics and ω3 PUFAs improved spatial memory and learning in the studied model.

Fighting Obesity-Related Micronutrient Deficiencies through Biofortification of Agri-Food Crops with Sustainable Fertilization Practices.

Obesity is a critical medical condition worldwide that is increasingly involved with nutritional derangements associated with micronutrient deficiencies, including iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, selenium, and vitamins A, C, D, and E. Nutritional deficiencies in obesity are mainly caused by poor-quality diets, higher nutrient requirements, alterations in micronutrient metabolism, and invasive obesity treatments. The current conventional agricultural system is designed for intensive food production, focusing on food quantity rather than food quality, consuming excessive agricultural inputs, and producing nutrient-deficient foods, thus generating severe health and environmental problems; agricultural food products may worsen obesity-related malnutrition. Therefore, modern agriculture is adopting new biofortification technologies to combat micronutrient deficiencies and improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. Biofertilization and nanofertilization practices are increasingly used due to their efficiency, safety, and reduced environmental impact. Biofertilizers are preparations of PGP-microorganisms that promote plant growth by influencing plant metabolism and improving the nutrient uptake, and nanofertilizers consist of synthesized nanoparticles with unique physicochemical properties that are capable of increasing plant nutrition and enriching agricultural products. This review presents the current micronutrient deficiencies associated with obesity, the modern unsustainable agri-food system contributing to obesity progression, and the development of bio- and nanofertilizers capable of biofortifying agri-food crops with micronutrients commonly deficient in patients with obesity.

Adding value to strawberry agro-industrial by-products through ultraviolet A-induced biofortification of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phenolic compounds.

Background: The revalorization of agro-industrial by-products by applying ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation to biofortify with phenolic compounds has been studied in recent times, showing improvements in the individual and total phenolic content and their bioactivity. Therefore, the main aim of this work was to optimize the biofortification process of phenolic compounds by UVA radiation to strawberry agro-industrial by-products (RF). Moreover, the effect of UVA radiation on the potential biological activity of the phenolics accumulated in RF due to the treatment was also determined. Methods: The assays followed a factorial design with three variables at three levels: UVA dose (LOW, MEDIUM, and HIGH), storage temperature (5, 10, and 15°C), and storage time (0, 24, 48, and 72 h). At each experimental condition, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzymatic activities, total phenolic compound content (TPC), phenolics profile (TPCHPLC), and agrimoniin content (AGN) were evaluated; and the optimal UVA dose, storage time, and temperature were determined. In vitro bioaccessibility of the accumulated phenolic compound was studied on RF tissue treated with UVA at optimal process conditions. The digested extracts were tested for antiproliferative activity in colorectal cancer cells, cellular antioxidant capacity, and anti-inflammatory activity. Results: The results showed that applying UVA-HIGH (86.4 KJ/m2) treatment and storing the tissue for 46 h at 15°C increased PAL activity (260%), phenolic content (240%), and AGN (300%). The biofortification process improves the bioaccessibility of the main phenolic compound of RF by 9.8 to 25%. The digested optimum extract showed an IC50 for HT29 and Caco-2 cells of 2.73 and 5.43 µg/mL, respectively, and presented 60% cellular antioxidant capacity and 30% inhibition of NOX production. Conclusion: The RF treated with UVA is an excellent source of phenolic compounds; specifically, ellagitannins and the UVA radiation proved to be efficient in biofortify RF, significantly improving the phenolic compounds content and their bioactive properties with adequate bioaccessibility, adding value to the strawberry agro-industrial by-products.

Therapeutic Plants with Immunoregulatory Activity and Their Applications: A Scientific Vision of Traditional Medicine in Times of COVID-19.

The progression of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in humans heavily depends on the patient's overall health status, especially on its immunoregulatory capacity. Different plants and plant-derived preparations (infusions, encapsulated, etc.) have been used as immunoregulators, several of them with scientific support. Nevertheless, due to the composition complexity of such plant-derived preparations, the molecular and physiological mechanisms involved in their beneficial effects remain, in some cases, unclear. In this review article, the most reported plants used in traditional medicine to enhance immunoregulatory capacity are presented, and their effect on the innate immune response is discussed and correlated with their respective phytochemical profile. Understanding how the plant phytochemical profile relates to the observed impact on the innate and adaptative immune response is fundamental to designing plant-derived co-treatments to lessen the symptoms and favor the recovery of COVID-19 patients. In this regard, we propose a prospective guideline for using plants and plant-derived preparations as co-treatments for COVID-19 (and similar viral infections), which could be helpful in the context of the worldwide effort to end the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Selenium, Sulfur, and Methyl Jasmonate Treatments Improve the Accumulation of Lutein and Glucosinolates in Kale Sprouts.

Kale sprouts contain health-promoting compounds that could be increased by applying plant nutrients or exogenous phytohormones during pre-harvest. The effects of selenium (Se), sulfur (S), and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on lutein, glucosinolate, and phenolic accumulation were assessed in kale sprouts. Red Russian and Dwarf Green kale were chamber-grown using different treatment concentrations of Se (10, 20, 40 mg/L), S (30, 60, 120 mg/L), and MeJA (25, 50, 100 µM). Sprouts were harvested every 24 h for 7 days to identify and quantify phytochemicals. The highest lutein accumulation occurred 7 days after S 120 mg/L (178%) and Se 40 mg/L (199%) treatments in Red Russian and Dwarf Green kale sprouts, respectively. MeJA treatment decreased the level of most phenolic levels, except for kaempferol and quercetin, where increases were higher than 70% for both varieties when treated with MeJA 25 µM. The most effective treatment for glucosinolate accumulation was S 120 mg/L in the Red Russian kale variety at 7 days of germination, increasing glucoraphanin (262.4%), glucoerucin (510.8%), 4-methoxy-glucobrassicin (430.7%), and glucoiberin (1150%). Results show that kales treated with Se, S, and MeJA could be used as a functional food for fresh consumption or as raw materials for different industrial applications.

Improving the Health-Benefits of Kales (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC) through the Application of Controlled Abiotic Stresses: A Review.

Kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC) is a popular cruciferous vegetable originating from Central Asia, and is well known for its abundant bioactive compounds. This review discusses the main kale phytochemicals and emphasizes molecules of nutraceutical interest, including phenolics, carotenoids, and glucosinolates. The preventive and therapeutic properties of kale against chronic and degenerative diseases are highlighted according to the most recent in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies reported. Likewise, it is well known that the application of controlled abiotic stresses can be used as an effective tool to increase the content of phytochemicals with health-promoting properties. In this context, the effect of different abiotic stresses (saline, exogenous phytohormones, drought, temperature, and radiation) on the accumulation of secondary metabolites in kale is also presented. The information reviewed in this article can be used as a starting point to further validate through bioassays the effects of abiotically stressed kale on the prevention and treatment of chronic and degenerative diseases.

Chemical Genetics Applied to Elucidate the Physiological Role of Stress-Signaling Molecules on the Wound-Induced Accumulation of Glucosinolates in Broccoli.

Wounding stress is an effective strategy to induce glucosinolate (GS) biosynthesis in broccoli. However, there is insufficient knowledge on the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying this stress response. Herein, a chemical-genetic approach was applied to elucidate the role of jasmonic acid (JA), ethylene (ET), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the wound-induced biosynthesis of GS. Broccoli was processed into chops to induce wounding stress. Broccoli chops were treated with phenidone (PHEN) and diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI) as inhibitors of JA and ROS biosynthesis, respectively, whereas 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) was applied as an inhibitor of ET action. Wounding stress induced the expression of genes related to the biosynthesis of indolic and aliphatic GS, which was correlated with the accumulation of GS and modulated by the inhibitors of signaling molecules applied. Results of gene expression analysis indicated that JA played a key role in the activation of most genes, followed by ROS. Furthermore, except for the CYP79B2 gene, PHEN and 1-MCP synergistically downregulated the expression of GS biosynthetic genes evaluated, showing that the interaction between JA and ET was fundamental to modulate GS biosynthesis. Results presented herein increased our knowledge of the physiological and molecular mechanisms governing the wound-induced biosynthesis of GS in broccoli.