Molecular insights into the antioxidant and anticancer properties: A comprehensive analysis through molecular modeling, docking, and dynamics studies.

Plants are rich sources of therapeutic compounds that often lack the side effects commonly found in synthetic chemicals. Researchers have effectively synthesized pharmaceuticals from natural sources, taking inspiration from traditional medicine, in their pursuit of modern drugs. This study aims to evaluate the phenolic and flavonoid content of Solanum virginianum seeds using different solvent extracts, enzymatic assays including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl activity, reducing power, and superoxide activity. Our phytochemical screening identified active compounds, such as phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids. The methanol extract notably possesses higher levels of total phenolic and flavonoid content in comparison to the other extracts. The results highlight the superior antioxidant activity of methanol-extracted leaves, demonstrated by their exceptional IC50 values, which surpass the established standard. In this study, molecular docking techniques were used to assess the binding affinity and to predict the binding conformation of the compounds. Quercetin 3-O beta- d-galactopyranoside displayed a binding energy of -8.35 kcal/mol with several important amino acid residues, PHE222, TRP440, ILE184, LEU192, VAL221, LEU218, SER185, and ALA188. Kaempferol 3-O-beta- l-glucopyranoside exhibited a binding energy of -8.33 kcal/mol, interacting with specific amino acid residues including ALA 441, VAL318, VAL322, MET307, ILI409, GLY442, and PHE439. The results indicate that the methanol extract has a distinct composition of biologically active constituents compared to the other extracts. Overall, seeds exhibit promise as natural antioxidants and potential agents for combating cancer. This study highlights the significance of utilizing the therapeutic capabilities of natural compounds and enhancing our comprehension of their pharmacological characteristics.

Antioxidant activity of Sophora exigua and liposome development of its powerful extract.

Sophora exigua (SE) was sequentially extracted using hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol. The obtained extracts were tested for antioxidant activity. Among them, the fractionated ethyl acetate extract (SE-EA) showed the highest potential in free radical scavenging and ferric-reducing properties. The chemical analysis identified sophoraflavanone G as one of the active ingredients in SE-EA. According to SE-EA solubility, SE-EA liposomes were developed using a sonication-assisted thin film method. Cholesterol and phospholipids were used as the main compositions of the liposomes. The obtained liposomes were spherical with different nano-size ranges, size distribution, and zeta potential depending on SE-EA and total lipid concentrations. SE-EA liposomes were slightly bigger than their empty liposomes. All liposomes exhibited a phospholipid crystalline structure. Cholesterol and SE-EA existed in the liposomes as an amorphous state. SE-EA liposomes with high total lipid content exhibited high entrapment efficiency and sustained release behavior. Whereas liposomes with low total lipid content showed low entrapment efficiency and fast-release behavior. All SE-EA liposomes showed stronger antioxidant activity than the non-entrapped SE-EA. In conclusion, SE-EA is a natural source of potent antioxidants. The developed SE-EA liposomes are a promising pharmaceutical formulation to efficiently deliver the active ingredients of SE-EA and are suitable for further study in vivo.

Optimization strategies for CO2 biological fixation.

Global sustainable development faces a significant challenge in effectively utilizing CO2. Meanwhile, CO2 biological fixation offers a promising solution. CO2 has the highest oxidation state (+4 valence state), whereas typical multi­carbon chemicals have lower valence states. The Gibbs free energy (ΔG) changes of CO2 reductive reactions are generally positive and this renders it necessary to input different forms of energy. Although biological carbon fixation processes are friendly to operate, the thermodynamic obstacles must be overcome. To make this reaction occur favorably and efficiently, diverse strategies to enhance CO2 biological fixation efficiency have been proposed by numerous researchers. This article reviews recent advances in optimizing CO2 biological fixation and intends to provide new insights into achieving efficient biological utilization of CO2. It first outlines the thermodynamic characteristics of diverse carbon fixation reactions and proposes optimization directions for CO2 biological fixation. A comprehensive overview of the catalytic mechanisms, optimization strategies, and challenges encountered by common carbon-fixing enzymes is then provided. Subsequently, potential routes for improving the efficiency of biological carbon fixation are discussed, including the ATP supply, reducing power supply, energy supply, reactor design, and carbon enrichment system modules. In addition, effective artificial carbon fixation pathways were summarized and analyzed. Finally, prospects are made for the research direction of continuously improving the efficiency of biological carbon fixation.

Comparison of Milk Kefirs Obtained from Cow's, Ewe's and Goat's Milk: Antioxidant Role of Microbial-Derived Exopolysaccharides.

Different types of milk are used in the production of milk kefir, but little information is available on the release of potentially antioxidant exopolysaccharides (EPS). The aim of this study was to investigate whether the microbial dynamics and EPS release are dependent on the milk substrate. In our study, the inoculated microbial consortium was driven differently by each type of milk (cow, ewe, and goat). This was evident in the sugar consumption, organic acid production, free amino release, and EPS production. The amount and the composition of the secreted EPS varied depending on the milk type, with implications for the structure and functional properties of the EPS. The low EPS yield in ewe's milk was associated with a higher lactic acid production and thus with the use of carbon sources oriented towards energy production. Depending on the milk used as substrate, the EPS showed different monosaccharide and FT-IR profiles, microstructures, and surface morphologies. These differences affected the antiradical properties and reducing power of the EPS. In particular, EPS extracted from cow's milk had a higher antioxidant activity than other milk types, and the antioxidant activity was concentration dependent.

Glycation of tilapia protein hydrolysate decreases cellular antioxidant activity upon in vitro gastrointestinal digestion.

Changes in structural characteristics and antioxidant activity of tilapia hydrolysate glycated with glucose, fructose, or xylose at 90 °C for 12 h, and following in vitro gastrointestinal (GI) digestion were investigated. Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) band between 1,800 and 1,400 cm-1 confirmed the structural modifications of hydrolysate under glycations. Glycation drastically increased ATBS·+ and ONOO- scavenging activities (p < 0.05) as well as ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Xylose was the most effective sugar for glycation, yielding the highest chemical antioxidant activities (p < 0.05). However, glycated hydrolysates exhibited lower cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) on HepG2 cell when compared to hydrolysates. The extensive glycation of hydrolysates resulted in lower GI digestibility as confirmed by the FTIR spectra of C[bond, double bond]O, C-N, N-H, C-C, C-O, and C-H stretching vibrations. Glycation of tilapia hydrolysates only improved chemical antioxidant activities, but alleviated CAA, especially upon simulated GI digestion.

Characterization of active Cerish fructan-sumac extract composite films: Physical, mechanical, and antioxidant properties.

The biodegradable active films have the potential to increase the shelf life and safety of food products. In this study, the properties of Eremurus spectabilis (Cerish) root fructans (ESRF) film and its combination with Rhus coriaria L. (Sumac) extract (RCLE) at different concentrations (1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% w/w) were investigated. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis determined the fingerprint region of fructans at 950-1150 cm-1 in all spectrograms. RCLE increased the interactions between the hydroxyl groups and the formation of intermolecular bonds in composite films. Elongation-at-break (EAB) and tensile strength (TS) did not change significantly. However, RCLE increased Young's modulus (YM) (p ˂ .05), thermal stability, and crystallinity of composite films. RCLE also increased the film thickness and decreased the water content, solubility, and swelling degree significantly. RCLE improved the reducing ability and free radical-scavenging activity of composite films. Present results indicated that the ESRF/RCLE films were the protective barriers to the permeability of water vapor. The incorporation of RCLE increased the surface hydrophobicity and caused the composite film microstructure to become uniform and more compact. Overall, the Sumac extract at the specific concentration of 3% can be used to improve the Cerish fructans film properties and extend the product's shelf life in active food packaging.

[Light-driven CO2 conversion system: construction, optimization and application].

The use of light energy to drive carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction for production of chemicals is of great significance for relieving environmental pressure and solving energy crisis. Photocapture, photoelectricity conversion and CO2 fixation are the key factors affecting the efficiency of photosynthesis, and thus also affect the efficiency of CO2 utilization. To solve the above problems, this review systematically summarizes the construction, optimization and application of light-driven hybrid system from the perspective of combining biochemistry and metabolic engineering. We introduce the latest research progress of light-driven CO2 reduction for biosynthesis of chemicals from three aspects: enzyme hybrid system, biological hybrid system and application of these hybrid system. In the aspect of enzyme hybrid system, many strategies were adopted such as improving enzyme catalytic activity and enhancing enzyme stability. In the aspect of biological hybrid system, many methods were used including enhancing biological light harvesting capacity, optimizing reducing power supply and improving energy regeneration. In terms of the applications, hybrid systems have been used in the production of one-carbon compounds, biofuels and biofoods. Finally, the future development direction of artificial photosynthetic system is prospected from the aspects of nanomaterials (including organic and inorganic materials) and biocatalysts (including enzymes and microorganisms).

Ferula communis Root Extract: In Vitro Evaluation of the Potential Additive Effect with Chemotherapy Tamoxifen in Breast Cancer (MCF-7) Cells Part II.

Ferula L., belonging to the Apiaceae family, is represented by about 170 species predominantly present in areas with a mild-warm-arid climate, including the Mediterranean region, North Africa and Central Asia. Numerous beneficial activities have been reported for this plant in traditional medicine, including antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antiproliferative, anti-dysentery, stomachache with diarrhea and cramps remedies. FER-E was obtained from the plant F. communis, and precisely from the root, collected in Sardinia, Italy. A total of 25 g of root was mixed with 125 g of acetone (ratio 1:5, room temperature). The solution was filtered, and the liquid fraction was subjected to high pressure liquid chromatographic separation (HPLC). In particular, 10 mg of dry root extract powder, from F. communis, was dissolved in 10.0 mL of methanol, filtered with a 0.2 µm PTFE filter and subjected to HPLC analysis. The net dry powder yield obtained was 2.2 g. In addition, to reduce the toxicity of FER-E, the component ferulenol was removed. High concentrations of FER-E have demonstrated a toxic effect against breast cancer, with a mechanism independent of the oxidative potential, which is absent in this extract. In fact, some in vitro tests were used and showed little or no oxidizing activity by the extract. In addition, we appreciated less damage on the respective healthy cell lines (breast), assuming that this extract could be used for its potential role against uncontrolled cancer growth. The results of this research have also shown that F. communis extract could be used together with tamoxifen, increasing its effectiveness, and reducing side effects. However, further confirmatory experiments should be carried out.

Synthesis, Drug-Likeness Evaluation of Some Heterocyclic Moieties Fused Indole Derivatives as Potential Antioxidants.

BACKGROUND: Indole and its derivatives have a wide range of pharmacological effects, including analgesic, antimicrobial, antidepressant, anti-diabetic, anti-convulsant, anti-helminthic, and anti-inflammatory properties. They are crucial structural components of many of today's powerful antioxidant medications. OBJECTIVE: Using the Schotten-Baumann reaction, the indole ring was linked to other key heterocyclic moieties such as morpholine, imidazole, piperidine, and piperazine at the active 3rd position and then tested for antioxidant activity. METHODS: Synthesis of derivatives was accomplished under appropriate conditions and characterized by IR, NMR (1H and 13C), and mass spectrum. Using the Swiss ADME online application, ADME properties were also determined. The in vitro antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH and Reducing power method. RESULTS: In the DPPH assay, compounds 5a (IC50=1.01±0.22 µg/mL), 5k (IC50=1.21 ± 0.07 µg/mL), whereas compounds 5a (EC50=23 ± 1.00 µg/mL), 5h (EC50=26±2.42 µg/mL) in the reducing power assay were most potent as compared with standard Ascorbic acid. Compounds 5a, 5h, and 5k demonstrated maximal potency equivalent to standard. Lipinski's rule was followed in ADME outcomes. CONCLUSION: The synthesis and evaluation of indole derivatives to investigate their antioxidant action has received a lot of attention. These discoveries could lead to more effective antioxidant candidates being designed and developed.

Impact of Phenolic Acid Derivatives on the Oxidative Stability of ß-Lactoglobulin-Stabilized Emulsions.

Proteins, such as ß-lactoglobulin (ß-Lg), are often used to stabilize oil-water-emulsions. By using an additional implementation of phenolic compounds (PC) that might interact with the proteins, the oxidative stability can be further improved. Whether PC have a certain pro-oxidant effect on oxidation processes, while interacting non-covalently (pH-6) or covalently (pH.9) with the interfacial protein-film, is not known. This study aimed to characterize the impact of phenolic acid derivatives (PCDs) on the antioxidant efficacy of the interfacial ß-Lg-film, depending on their structural properties and pH-value. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analyses were performed to assess the radical scavenging in the aqueous and oil phases of the emulsion, and the complexation of transition metals: these are well known to act as pro-oxidants. Finally, in a model linseed oil emulsion, lipid oxidation products were analyzed over storage time in order to characterize the antioxidant efficacy of the interfacial protein-film. The results showed that, at pH.6, PCDs can scavenge hydrophilic radicals and partially scavenge hydrophobic radicals, as well as reduce transition metals. As expected, transition metals are complexed to only a slight degree, leading to an increased lipid oxidation through non-complexed reduced transition metals. At pH.9, there is a strong complexation between PCDs and the transition metals and, therefore, a decreased ability to reduce the transition metals; these do not promote lipid oxidation in the emulsion anymore.

Light-driven CO2 conversion system: construction, optimization and application / 生物工程学报

The use of light energy to drive carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction for production of chemicals is of great significance for relieving environmental pressure and solving energy crisis. Photocapture, photoelectricity conversion and CO2 fixation are the key factors affecting the efficiency of photosynthesis, and thus also affect the efficiency of CO2 utilization. To solve the above problems, this review systematically summarizes the construction, optimization and application of light-driven hybrid system from the perspective of combining biochemistry and metabolic engineering. We introduce the latest research progress of light-driven CO2 reduction for biosynthesis of chemicals from three aspects: enzyme hybrid system, biological hybrid system and application of these hybrid system. In the aspect of enzyme hybrid system, many strategies were adopted such as improving enzyme catalytic activity and enhancing enzyme stability. In the aspect of biological hybrid system, many methods were used including enhancing biological light harvesting capacity, optimizing reducing power supply and improving energy regeneration. In terms of the applications, hybrid systems have been used in the production of one-carbon compounds, biofuels and biofoods. Finally, the future development direction of artificial photosynthetic system is prospected from the aspects of nanomaterials (including organic and inorganic materials) and biocatalysts (including enzymes and microorganisms).

Novel Peptide Sequences with ACE-Inhibitory and Antioxidant Activities Derived from the Heads and Bones of Hybrid Groupers (Epinephelus lanceolatus × Epinephelus fuscoguttatus).

The heads and bones of hybrid groupers are potential precursors for angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory and antioxidant peptides. The aim of this study was to isolate the dual-action peptides from the Alcalase-treated head and bone hydrolysate of hybrid groupers followed by identification of the novel peptides. The stability of these peptides against stimulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion (SGID) was also determined. Fraction HB-IV (less than 1 kDa) obtained from ultrafiltration showed the strongest ACE-inhibition ability (IC50: 0.28 mg/mL), which was comparable to the potency of the commercial supplement, PeptACE (IC50: 0.22 mg/mL). This fraction also demonstrated the highest hydroxyl radical scavenging and metal-chelating activities. However, further fractionation of HB-IV by a series of chromatography resulted in peptide fractions of reduced ACE-inhibitory and antioxidant activities. The hydroxyl radical scavenging and reduction potential of HB-IV were enhanced, whereas ACE-inhibitory and metal-chelating activities were reduced following SGID. A total of 145 peptide sequences were identified from HB-IV, of which 137 peptides were novel to the BIOPEP database. The results suggested that the bioactive peptides isolated from the heads and bones of hybrid groupers could be used as functional foods/ingredients with potential ACE-inhibitory and antioxidant effects.

Changes in the Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Properties of Prunus persica Fruits after the Application of a Commercial Biostimulant Based on Seaweed and Yeast Extract.

Plant biostimulants are formulations that are experiencing great success from the perspective of sustainable agriculture. In this work, we evaluated the effect derived from the application of a biostimulant based on algae and yeast extracts (Expando®) on the agronomic yield and nutraceutical profile of two different cultivars ("Sugar Time" and "West Rose") of Prunus persica (peach). Although, at the agronomic level, significant effects on production yields were not recorded, the biostimulant was able to reduce the ripening time, increase the fruit size, and make the number of harvestable fruits homogeneous. From a nutraceutical point of view, our determinations via spectrophotometric (UV/Vis) and chromatographic (HPLC-DAD-MS/MS) analysis showed that the biostimulant was able to boost the content of bioactive compounds in both the pulp (5.0 L/ha: +17%; 4.0 L/ha: +12%; 2.5 L/ha: +11%) and skin (4.0 L/ha: +38%; 2.5 L/ha: +15%). These changes seem to follow a dose-dependent effect, also producing attractive effects on the antioxidant properties of the fruits harvested from the treated trees. In conclusion, the biostimulant investigated in this work proved to be able to produce more marketable fruit in a shorter time, both from a pomological and a functional point of view.

Biohydrogen production from brown algae fermentation: Relationship between substrate reduction degree and hydrogen production.

In this study, mannitol and mannitol-rich seaweed were fermented to investigate the relationship between substrate reduction degree and hydrogen production performance. The results showed that acetate was required in mannitol fermentation with an optimum acetate/mannitol mass ratio of 1:5. Hydrogen production and yield of mannitol fermentation reached 123.76 mL and 2.12 mol/mol-mannitol, respectively, 42.02 % and 26.95 % higher than that of glucose, respectively. The acetate was fully assimilated and the butyrate selectivity reached 100 % in the effluent. Redox potential and electron distribution showed that mannitol increased the overall electron input from mannitol and acetate, leading to the increase in hydrogen and butyrate generation. Hydrogen yield reached 2.33 mol/mol-mannitol with brown algae hydrolysate, which was the highest ever reported. This study demonstrated that substrate with a higher reduction degree could yield higher hydrogen and showed the great application potential of brown algae fermentation for the co-production of hydrogen and butyrate.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Endemic Plants of the Australian Wet Tropics.

Plants have been a vital source of natural antioxidants since ancient times. Plants growing under various abiotic stress conditions often produce more defensive secondary metabolites such as phenolics, flavonoids, and terpenoids during adaptation to the environment. Many of these secondary metabolites are known to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study tested seven plants sourced from the mountaintop areas (above 1000 m elevation) of Mount Lewis National Park (falls under the Wet Tropics of Queensland), Australia, for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Of the seven studied plants, hydroethanolic extracts of six plants (Leptospermum wooroonooran, Ceratopetalum hylandii, Linospadix apetiolatus, Garcinia brassii, Litsea granitica, and Polyscias willmottii) showed high 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-free radical scavenging activity in a dose-dependent (25-1000 µg/mL) manner. At the highest concentration of 1 mg/mL, the DPPH free radical scavenged percentage varied between 75.4% and 92.3%. Only the species Alyxia orophila was inactive in the DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Pseudo-IC50 values of the extracts' ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) based on dose-response curves showed a significant positive correlation with total phenolic content. Five out of the seven plants, namely G. brassii, C. hylandii, L. apetiolatus, L. wooroonooran, and A. orophila, showed inhibitory effects on the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, tumour necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukins (IL)-23 in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) assay. The results of this study demonstrate the value of tropical mountaintop plants in the biodiscovery of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory lead compounds.

Hydro-Distilled and Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Essential Oil: Characterization of Bioactives Along With Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activities.

Present research work evaluates variation in volatile chemicals profile and biological activities of essential oil (EO) obtained from the leaves of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh.) using hydro-distillation (HD) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). The yield (1.32%) of volatile oil by HD was higher than the yield (.52%) of the SFE method (P < .05). The results of physical factors like density, color, refractive index, and solubility of the EOs produced by both the methods showed insignificant variations. Gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS) compositional analysis showed that eucalyptol (31.10% and 30.43%) and α-pinene (11.02% and 10.35%) were the main constituents detected in SFE and HD extracted Eucalyptus camaldulensis EO, respectively. Antioxidant activity-related parameters, such as reducing ability and DPPH free radical scavenging capability exhibited by EO obtained via SFE were noted to be better than hydro-distilled EO. Supercritical fluid extracted and hydro-distilled essential oils demonstrated a considerable but variable antimicrobial potential against selected bacterial and fungal strains. Interestingly, oil extracted by SFE showed relatively higher hemolytic activity and biofilm inhibition potential. The variation in biological activities of tested EOs can be linked to the difference in the volatile bioactives composition due to different isolation techniques. In conclusion, the EO obtained from Eucalyptus leaves by the SFE method can be explored as a potential antioxidant and antimicrobial agent in the functional food and nutra-pharmaceutical sector.

Constant-Current Coulometry with Electrogenerated Titrants as a Novel Tool for the Essential Oils Screening Using Total Antioxidant Parameters.

Essential oils are widely used in aromatherapy, medicine, and food industries due to a wide spectrum of bioactivity. Their antioxidant properties can be considered as markers of therapeutic effect and quality. Constant-current coulometry with electrogenerated titrants has been successfully applied for these purposes for the first time. Fifteen types of essential oils from various plant materials have been studied. Their composition has been identified by gas chromatography with mass-spectrometric detection (GC-MS). The reactivity of individual antioxidants of essential oils towards electrogenerated titrants (bromine and ferricyanide ions) has been estimated. Total antioxidant parameters, in particular total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and ferric reducing power (FRP) based on the reactions of essential oil antioxidants with electrogenerated bromine and ferricyanide ions, respectively, have been evaluated. Positive correlations (r = 0.7051-0.9558) with common antioxidant tests (antioxidant activity by reaction with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) and total phenolic content by the Folin-Ciocalteu method) have been obtained. Coulometric approaches overcome the limitations of spectrophotometry and are applicable to a wider range of essential oils.

Sustainability of in vitro light-dependent NADPH generation by the thylakoid membrane of Synechocystis sp. PCC6803.

BACKGROUND: NADPH is used as a reductant in various biosynthetic reactions. Cell-free bio-systems have gained considerable attention owing to their high energy utilization and time efficiency. Efforts have been made to continuously supply reducing power to the reaction mixture in a cyclical manner. The thylakoid membrane (TM) is a promising molecular energy generator, producing NADPH under light. Thus, TM sustainability is of major relevance for its in vitro utilization. RESULTS: Over 70% of TMs prepared from Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 existed in a sealed vesicular structure, with the F1 complex of ATP synthase facing outward (right-side-out), producing NADPH and ATP under light. The NADPH generation activity of TM increased approximately two-fold with the addition of carbonyl cyanide-p-(trifluoromethoxy) phenylhydrazone (FCCP) or removal of the F1 complex using EDTA. Thus, the uncoupling of proton translocation from the electron transport chain or proton leakage through the Fo complex resulted in greater NADPH generation. Biosilicified TM retained more than 80% of its NADPH generation activity after a week at 30°C in the dark. However, activity declined sharply to below 30% after two days in light. The introduction of engineered water-forming NADPH oxidase (Noxm) to keep the electron transport chain of TM working resulted in the improved sustainability of NADPH generation activity in a ratio (Noxm to TM)-dependent manner, which correlated with the decrease of singlet oxygen generation. Removal of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by catalase further highlighted the sustainable NADPH generation activity of up to 80% in two days under light. CONCLUSION: Reducing power generated by light energy has to be consumed for TM sustainability. Otherwise, TM can generate singlet oxygen, causing oxidative damage. Thus, TMs should be kept in the dark when not in use. Although NADPH generation activity by TM can be extended via silica encapsulation, further removal of hydrogen peroxide results in an improvement of TM sustainability. Therefore, as long as ROS formation by TM in light is properly handled, it can be used as a promising source of reducing power for in vitro biochemical reactions.

Soluble Free, Esterified and Insoluble-Bound Phenolic Antioxidants from Chickpeas Prevent Cytotoxicity in Human Hepatoma HuH-7 Cells Induced by Peroxyl Radicals.

Chickpeas are rich sources of bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and isoflavonoids. However, the contribution of insoluble-bound phenolics to their antioxidant properties remains unclear. Four varieties of chickpeas were evaluated for the presence of soluble (free and esterified) and insoluble-bound phenolics as well as their antiradical activity, reducing power and inhibition of peroxyl-induced cytotoxicity in human HuH-7 cells. In general, the insoluble-bound fraction showed a higher total phenolic content. Phenolic acids, flavonoids, and isoflavonoids were identified and quantified by UPLC-MS/MS. Taxifolin was identified for the first time in chickpeas. However, m-hydroxybenzoic acid, taxifolin, and biochanin A were the main phenolics found. Biochanin A was mostly found in the free fraction, while m-hydroxybenzoic acid was present mainly in the insoluble-bound form. The insoluble-bound fraction made a significant contribution to the reducing power and antiradical activity towards peroxyl radical. Furthermore, all extracts decreased the oxidative damage of human HuH-7 cells induced by peroxyl radicals, thus indicating their hepatoprotective potential. This study demonstrates that the antioxidant properties and bioactive potential of insoluble-bound phenolics of chickpeas should not be neglected.

Neomycin inhibits Megalocytivirus infection in fish by antagonizing the increase of intracellular reduced glutathione.

Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) is the type species of the Megalocytivirus genus that infects a number of marine and freshwater fishes, causing huge economic losses in aquaculture. The ISKNV infection leads to increase of reducing power in cells. As the antibiotic neomycin can promote the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in animal cells, in the current study, the potential therapeutic effect of neomycin on ISKNV infection was explored. We showed that neomycin could decrease the reducing power in cultured MFF-1 cells and inhibit ISKNV infection by antagonizing the shift of the cellular redox balance toward reduction. In vivo experiments further demonstrated that neomycin treatment significantly suppresses ISKNV infection in mandarin fish. Expression of the major capsid protein (MCP) and the proportion of infected cells in tissues were down-regulated after neomycin treatment. Furthermore, neomycin showed complex effects on expression of a set of antiviral related genes of the host. Taking together, the current study suggested that the viral-induced redox imbalance in the infected cells could be used as a target for suppressing ISKNV infection. Neomycin can be potentially utilized for therapeutic treatment of Megalocytivirus diseases by antagonizing intracellular redox changes.