Structural identification and antioxidant activity of trans-9, trans-11, cis-15-conjugated linolenic acid converted by probiotics.

The study aimed to determine the chemical structures of octadecatrienoic acid isomers produced by probiotics through the bioconversion of α-linolenic acid and to assess their antioxidant capacities. The chemical structures were identified using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS), while the antioxidant capacities were evaluated in vitro and in cellular. The NMR signals obtained allowed for definitive characterization, with the main ion fragments detected being m/z 58.0062, 59.0140, 71.0141, 113.0616, 127.0777, and 181.5833. Compounds at concentrations below 40 µM maintained the antioxidant capacity of HepG2 cells by protecting endogenous antioxidative enzymes and mitochondrial membrane potential. However, doses higher than 40 µM increase oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction. These results confirmed the structure of the probiotic-derived compound as trans9, trans11, cis15-conjugated linolenic acid. Additionally, appropriate doses of CLNA can alleviate oxidative stress induced by AAPH, while high doses aggravate cellular damage. These findings provide foundational information for the further exploration of probiotic-derived edible lipids.

High Capacitive Antimonene/CNT/PANI Free-Standing Electrodes for Flexible Supercapacitor Engaged with Self-Healing Function.

In virtue of the high electrochemical activity and inherent flexibility, polyaniline (PANI) is an ideal electrode material for flexible supercapacitors (SCs). However, in practical applications, the inevitable agglomeration of PANI leads to low capacitance, poor rate performance, and cycling stability. Here, antimonene (Sb) nanosheets with ultrathin thickness, excellent mechanical strength, and flexibility are introduced into the carbon nanotube (CNT) framework for PANI electrodeposition via simple vacuum filtration, which enables the continuous and uniform growth of PANI. The resultant free-standing Sb/CNT/PANI electrode can thus exhibit a high specific capacitance of 578.57 F g-1 together with a high rate capability. Besides, thanks to the introduction of Sb nanosheets, the agglomeration of PANI during the electrodeposition is improved, which correspondingly alleviates the structural deterioration of PANI during repeated charge/discharge. Thus, the flexible SC assembled by Sb/CNT/PANI electrodes demonstrates both an impressive specific capacitance of 416 F g-1 and outstanding cycling stability over 12 000 cycles. Moreover, this SC device can have a practical self-healing function by employing self-healable polyurethane. The facile strategy reported herein sheds light on the design of high-performance flexible SCs, catering to the needs of portable and wearable electronics.

ZIF-67 Derivative Decorated MXene for a Highly Integrated Flexible Self-Powered Photodetector.

The rapid development of portable and wearable electronics has promoted the integration of multifunction techniques. Although flexible energy storage systems have been successfully investigated, the compact configuration with photodetector and energy storage components has received less attention. As a new member of the 2D material class, MXene exhibits remarkable electronic and optical properties. Here, through the intentional introduction of ZIF-67 derivatives deposited on the Mo2CTx nanosheets, the synthesized Co-CoOx/NC/Mo2CTx heterostructure not only provided a straightforward pathway for photogenerated electrons to transport but also enhanced the structural stability of Mo2CTx, leading to a high responsivity and short rise/decay time under the illumination of simulated light in the photoelectrochemical (PEC) configuration. The integrated flexible device based on a zinc ion battery and Co-CoOx/NC/Mo2CTx heterostructure shows outstanding photodetection function and retains the intrinsic charge/discharge behaviors, which could monitor 1 day sunlight changes in real time. The paradigm presented here paves the way for realizing the development of miniaturization and multifunction toward next-generation portable and wearable technologies.

Rhus chinensis Mill. Fruits Ameliorate Hepatic Glycolipid Metabolism Disorder in Rats Induced by High Fat/High Sugar Diet.

Hepatic glycolipid metabolism disorder is considered as one of the key factors in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effect and underlying mechanisms of Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits against hepatic glycolipid metabolic disorders in rats induced by a high fat/high sugar diet. Results showed that ethanol extract, especially at a dose of 600 mg/kg b.w., could effectively ameliorate glycolipid metabolic disorders in rats. The biochemical indexes, including CAT, GSH and HOMA-IR, were significantly improved by the administration of ethanol extract. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis revealed that ethanol extract up-regulated the expression levels of PI3K/AKT, PPAR-α, and the phosphorylation of IRS1 and AMPK proteins, and down-regulated the expressions of SREBP-1 and FAS proteins in the liver, which are closely related to hepatic glycolipid metabolism. Those findings suggested that R. chinensis Mill. fruits could be developed as functional foods and/or nutraceuticals for preventing or controlling some chronic diseases related to hepatic glycolipid metabolism disorder.

The preventive effect of phenolic-rich extracts from Chinese sumac fruits against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in rats induced by a high-fat diet.

The objective of this study is to investigate the preventive effect of phenolic-rich extracts from Chinese sumac (Rhus chinensis Mill.) fruits against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats induced by a high-fat diet and to clarify the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that the phenolic-rich extract remarkably improved some critical biochemical indexes, including TG, TC, MDA, ALT, AST, and endogenous antioxidant enzymes. The results of immunofluorescence and TUNEL assay showed that the extract obviously reduced the level of NF-κB in cell nuclei and suppressed hepatocyte apoptosis. Moreover, immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses further revealed that the phenolic-rich extract can improve NAFLD in high-fat diet induced rats by regulating several key proteins related to lipid metabolism, inflammation and apoptosis of hepatocytes, namely upregulating the expression levels of p-AMPK, PPAR-α, CPT1 and Bcl-2, and downregulating the levels of PPAR-γ, CYP2E1, p-P38, p-NF-κB, iNOS, COX-2, caspase-3D and Bax. These results indicate that the phenolic-rich extract from Chinese sumac fruits could prevent NAFLD in rats by regulating some critical proteins in several signalling pathways and may be provided as a new natural ingredient for developing functional foods and/or nutraceuticals to prevent NAFLD.

Acute and subacute toxicity evaluation of ethanol extract from aerial parts of Epigynum auritum in mice.

Acute and subacute toxicities of the ethanol extract from Epigynum auritum (EAE) wereperformed by oral administration in pathogen-free mice. Acute toxicity study was performed at a single dose of 5000 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days, while subacute toxicity test was conducted by daily oral administration of EAE at doses of 312, 625, 1250, and 2500 mg/kg for 28 days. Acute toxicity study showed that LD50 of EAE was over 5000 mg/kg. The results of subacute toxicity showed no significant adverse effect of EAE at 312 mg/kg. Moreover, EAE exhibited toxicities to liver, spleen and kidney in mice determined by hematological, serum biochemical and histological analyses during daily oral administration of 1250 mg/kg and 2500 mg/kg EAE. The results revealed that the dose of EAE lower than 625 mg/kg can be regarded as safe.

Fndc5 loss-of-function attenuates exercise-induced browning of white adipose tissue in mice.

Fibronectin type III domain containing 5 (Fndc5) is a transmembrane protein highly expressed in the skeletal muscle. It was reported that exercise promotes the shedding of the extracellular domain of Fndc5, generating a circulating peptide (irisin) that cross-talks to adipose tissues to convert lipid-storing white adipocytes to energy-catabolizing beige adipocytes. However, the requirement of Fndc5 in mediating the beneficial effect of exercise remains to be determined. Here, we created a mouse model of Fndc5 mutation through transcription activator-like effector nuclease-mediated DNA targeting. The Fndc5 mutant mice have normal skeletal muscle development, growth, regeneration, as well as glucose and lipid metabolism at resting state, even when fed a high-fat diet. In response to running exercise, however, the Fndc5 mutant mice exhibit reduced glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity and have lower maximal oxygen consumption compared with the exercised wild-type mice. Mechanistically, Fndc5 mutation attenuates exercise-induced browning of white adipose tissue that is crucial for the metabolic benefits of physical activities. These data provide genetic evidence that Fndc5 is dispensable for muscle development and basal metabolism but essential for exercise-induced browning of white adipose tissues in mice.-Xiong, Y., Wu, Z., Zhang, B., Wang, C., Mao, F., Liu, X., Hu, K., Sun, X., Jin, W., Kuang, S. Fndc5 loss-of-function attenuates exercise-induced browning of white adipose tissue in mice.

Acute and subchronic toxicities of the ethanol and hot-water extracts from Chinese sumac (Rhus chinensis Mill.) fruits by oral administration in rats.

In the present work, acute and subchronic toxicities of the ethanol and hot-water extracts from Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits were performed by oral administration in pathogen-free SD rats. Acute toxicity study was performed at a single dose of 5000 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days. And subchronic toxicity test was conducted by daily oral administration of those two extracts at doses of 312, 625, 1250 and 2500 mg/kg for 30 days. Acute toxicity study showed that the LD50 of the ethanol and hot-water extracts were over 5000 mg /kg. The results of subchronic toxicity showed that no significant adverse effect of those two extracts was observed at 312 and 625 mg/kg. However, the weight gains of rats were significantly inhibited at both 2500 mg/kg groups of the ethanol and hot-water extracts. Moreover, those two extracts exhibited toxicities to heart, liver, spleen and kidney in rats determined by hematological, serum biochemical and/or histological analyses when daily oral administration of 1250 mg/kg and 2500 mg/kg. No significant neurotoxicity was observed in all groups. The results concluded that the low concentration of those two extracts from R. chinensis Mill. fruits can be regarded as safe and used in daily life.