Given the high incidence of diet-related diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cancer, there is a growing need to explore new strategies for their prevention. Although polyphenols are known to reduce starch digestibility and lower the in vitro glycemic index, their antioxidant capacity and cytotoxic properties, when complexed with starches, remain underexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the antioxidant activity, total polyphenol content, and cytotoxic potential of polyphenol-starch complexes formed using common dietary polyphenols-(+)-catechin, epigallocatechin gallate, hesperidin, naringenin, trans-ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, quercetin, and kaempferol-and widely consumed starches from wheat, rice, potato, and maize. Antioxidant activity (FRAP and DPPH) together with the total polyphenols content (Folin-Ciocalteu) were tested: (1) before (undigested) enzymatic hydrolysis of the tested sample; (2) after (digested) enzymatic hydrolysis of the tested sample and (3) after hydrolysis of the sample and its centrifugation (supernatant). Cytotoxicity against colon cancer (Caco-2, HT29) and normal colon (CCD 841CoN) cell lines were determined in vitro by the MTT method. In undigested samples, the highest antioxidant activity was obtained with the addition of quercetin to wheat, rice, and maize starch (6735.8 μmol Fe2+/g d.m., 678.8, 539.4 μmol Trolox/g d.m., respectively), and epigallocatechin gallate to wheat, rice, potato, and maize starch (692.1, 538.0, 625.8, 573.6 μmol Trolox/g d.m., respectively). In digested samples, the highest antioxidant activity was obtained with the addition of quercetin to wheat and rice starch (2104.5 μmol Fe2+/g d.m., 742.1 μmol Trolox/g d.m., respectively). In the case of the natant of the digested samples, the highest value was recorded for the addition of (+)-catechin to potato starch and trans-ferulic acid to maize starch (823.7 μmol Fe2+/g d.m., 245.1 μmol Trolox/g d.m., respectively). The addition of quercetin to wheat and rice starch and (+)-catechin to potato starch (0.239, 0.151, 0.085 g gallic acid/g d.m., respectively) resulted in the highest total polyphenol content. Furthermore, quercetin demonstrated the most significant level of cytotoxic activity against the tumor cell line Caco-2 (IC50 = 275.6 μg/mL; potato starch). Overall, quercetin was identified as the most significant or one of the most significant for all parameters evaluated.
- MeSH
- Antioxidants * pharmacology chemistry MeSH
- HT29 Cells MeSH
- Caco-2 Cells MeSH
- Catechin analogs & derivatives MeSH
- Zea mays chemistry MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Cell Line, Tumor MeSH
- Polyphenols * chemistry pharmacology MeSH
- Oryza chemistry MeSH
- Starch * chemistry pharmacology MeSH
- Cell Survival drug effects MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a significant environmental stressor that affects the growth, physiology, and biochemical integrity of various organisms. This study investigates the potential protective effects of a zinc-cysteine (Zn-Cys) complex against UV-C radiation, with a focus on its impact on selected microalgae (Coccomyxa peltigerae and Parachlorella kessleri) and maize (Zea mays L.). We demonstrate that exposure of the Zn-Cys complex to UV-C (254 nm) results in the formation of fluorescent photoproducts, which exhibit UV-protective properties. The study reveals that Zn-Cys significantly mitigates UV-induced stress. In both microalgae species, the Zn-Cys complex enhanced growth even under UV exposure, with the 20% concentration showing the most robust protective effects. Further hyperspectral imaging confirmed the protective mechanism of Zn-Cys by monitoring changes in light reflectance in Parachlorella kessleri, indicating reduced photosynthetic efficiency and structural alterations induced by UV exposure, while Zn-Cys significantly mitigated these effects. In addition, in maize plants (Zea mays L.), Zn-Cys treatment preserved chlorophyll content and reduced polyphenol accumulation, indicating reduced oxidative stress. These findings highlight the potential of the Zn-Cys complex as a sustainable and cost-effective strategy for UV protection in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial agriculture, advancing our understanding of plant adaptation to extreme environments.
- MeSH
- Chlorophyta radiation effects drug effects MeSH
- Cysteine * chemistry pharmacology MeSH
- Photosynthesis drug effects radiation effects MeSH
- Coordination Complexes * chemistry pharmacology MeSH
- Zea mays radiation effects drug effects metabolism MeSH
- Microalgae radiation effects drug effects MeSH
- Ultraviolet Rays * MeSH
- Zinc * chemistry pharmacology MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury lacks any effective treatments, often leading to chronic pain. This study tested whether the daily administration of fully characterized polyphenolic extracts from grape stalks and coffee could prevent both reflexive and non-reflexive chronic neuropathic pain in spinal cord-injured mice by modulating the neuroimmune axis. Female CD1 mice underwent mild spinal cord contusion and received intraperitoneal extracts in weeks one, three, and six post-surgery. Reflexive pain responses were assessed weekly for up to 10 weeks, and non-reflexive pain was evaluated at the study's end. Neuroimmune crosstalk was investigated, focusing on glial activation and the expression of CCL2/CCR2 and CX3CL1/CX3CR1 in supraspinal pain-related areas, including the periaqueductal gray, rostral ventromedial medulla, anterior cingulate cortex, and amygdala. Repeated treatments prevented mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, and also modulated non-reflexive pain. Moreover, they reduced supraspinal gliosis and regulated CCL2/CCR2 and CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signaling. Overall, the combination of polyphenols in these extracts may offer a promising pharmacological strategy to prevent chronic reflexive and non-reflexive pain responses by modifying central sensitization markers, not only at the contusion site but also in key supraspinal regions implicated in neuropathic pain. Overall, these data highlight the potential of polyphenolic extracts for spinal cord injury-induced chronic neuropathic pain.
- MeSH
- Chemokine CCL2 metabolism MeSH
- Chemokine CX3CL1 metabolism MeSH
- CX3C Chemokine Receptor 1 metabolism MeSH
- Gliosis * drug therapy metabolism MeSH
- Hyperalgesia drug therapy MeSH
- Disease Models, Animal MeSH
- Mice MeSH
- Neuralgia * drug therapy metabolism etiology prevention & control MeSH
- Polyphenols * pharmacology administration & dosage MeSH
- Spinal Cord Injuries * complications drug therapy metabolism MeSH
- Receptors, CCR2 metabolism MeSH
- Plant Extracts * pharmacology administration & dosage MeSH
- Signal Transduction * drug effects MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Mice MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are important drivers in the pathogenesis and progression of many chronic diseases, such as cancers of the breast, kidney, lung, and others, autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis), cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, atherosclerosis, arrhythmia), neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease), mental disorders (depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder), gastrointestinal disorders (inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer), and other disorders. With the increasing demand for less toxic and more tolerable therapies, flavonoids have the potential to effectively modulate the responsiveness to conventional therapy and radiotherapy. Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and plant-derived beverages. Six of the twelve structurally different flavonoid subgroups are of dietary significance and include anthocyanidins (e.g. pelargonidin, cyanidin), flavan-3-ols (e.g. epicatechin, epigallocatechin), flavonols (e.g. quercetin, kaempferol), flavones (e.g. luteolin, baicalein), flavanones (e.g. hesperetin, naringenin), and isoflavones (daidzein, genistein). The health benefits of flavonoids are related to their structural characteristics, such as the number and position of hydroxyl groups and the presence of C2C3 double bonds, which predetermine their ability to chelate metal ions, terminate ROS (e.g. hydroxyl radicals formed by the Fenton reaction), and interact with biological targets to trigger a biological response. Based on these structural characteristics, flavonoids can exert both antioxidant or prooxidant properties, modulate the activity of ROS-scavenging enzymes and the expression and activation of proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)), induce apoptosis and autophagy, and target key signaling pathways, such as the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Bcl-2 family of proteins. This review aims to briefly discuss the mutually interconnected aspects of oxidative and inflammatory mechanisms, such as lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, DNA damage, and the mechanism and resolution of inflammation. The major part of this article discusses the role of flavonoids in alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation, two common components of many human diseases. The results of epidemiological studies on flavonoids are also presented.
- MeSH
- Flavonoids * pharmacology chemistry therapeutic use metabolism MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Neoplasms drug therapy metabolism pathology MeSH
- Neurodegenerative Diseases drug therapy metabolism MeSH
- Oxidative Stress * drug effects MeSH
- Inflammation * drug therapy metabolism pathology MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
The objective of our in vitro study was to quantify the biochemical profile where the total polyphenol, flavonoid and phenolic acid content was determined. The antioxidant potential of microgreen extract from Trigonella foenum-graecum L., was measured molybdenum reducing power assay. Specifically, the study assessed parameters such as metabolic activity (AlamarBlueTM assay), membrane integrity (CFDA-AM assay), mitochondrial potential (JC-1 assay), as well as reactive oxygen species generation (NBT assay). In addition, the steroid hormone release in TM3 murine Leydig cells after 12 h and 24 h exposures were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The gained results indicate the highest value in total flavonoid content (182.59+/-2.13 mg QE) determination, supported by a significant (108.25+/-1.27 mg TE) antioxidant activity. The effects on metabolic activity, cell membrane integrity, and mitochondrial membrane potential were found to be both time- and dose-dependent. Notably, a significant suppression in reactive oxygen species generation was confirmed at 150, 200 and 250 microg/ml after 24 h exposure. In addition, progesterone and testosterone release was stimulated up to 250 microg/ml dose of Trigonella, followed by a decline in both steroid production at 300 and 1000 microg/ml. Our results indicate, that Trigonella at lower experimental doses (up to 250 microg/ml) may positively affect majority of monitored cell parameters in TM3 Leydig cells. Overleaf, increasing experimental doses may negatively affect the intracellular parameters already after 12 h of in vitro exposure. Key words Microgreens, Trigonella foenum-graecum L., Fenugreek, Leydig cells, Male reproduction.
- MeSH
- Antioxidants pharmacology MeSH
- Cell Line MeSH
- Phytochemicals pharmacology MeSH
- Leydig Cells * drug effects metabolism MeSH
- Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial drug effects MeSH
- Mice MeSH
- Reactive Oxygen Species metabolism MeSH
- Plant Extracts * pharmacology MeSH
- Testosterone metabolism MeSH
- Trigonella * chemistry MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Male MeSH
- Mice MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
The human body gets exposed to a variety of toxins intentionally or unintentionally on a regular basis from sources such as air, water, food, and soil. Certain toxins can be synthetic, while some are biological. The toxins affect the various parts of the body by activating numerous pro-inflammatory markers, like oxidative stresses, that tend to disturb the normal function of the organs ultimately. Nowadays, people use different types of herbal treatments, viz., herbal drinks that contain different spices for detoxification of their bodies. One such example is turmeric, the most commonly available spice in the kitchen and used across all kinds of households. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a natural polyphenol. Curcumin is a medicinal compound with different biological activities, such as antioxidant, antineoplastic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. Hence, this review gives a comprehensive insight into the promising potential of curcumin in the detoxification of heavy metals, carbon tetrachloride, drugs, alcohol, acrylamide, mycotoxins, nicotine, and plastics. The review encompasses diverse animal-based studies portraying curcumin's role in nullifying the different toxic effects in various organs of the body (especially the liver, kidney, testicles, and brain) by enhancing defensive signaling pathways, improving antioxidant enzyme levels, inhibiting pro-inflammatory markers activities and so on. Furthermore, this review also argues over curcumin's safety assessment for its utilization as a detoxifying agent.
- MeSH
- Acrylamide toxicity MeSH
- Antioxidants pharmacology MeSH
- Curcuma chemistry MeSH
- Curcumin * pharmacology chemistry MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Inactivation, Metabolic MeSH
- Mycotoxins toxicity MeSH
- Nicotine MeSH
- Oxidative Stress drug effects MeSH
- Metals, Heavy toxicity MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
Agrimonia eupatoria L. (AE) has a rich tradition of use in wound healing improvement across various cultures worldwide. In previous studies, we revealed that Agrimonia eupatoria L. water extract (AE) possesses a rich polyphenolic composition, displaying remarkable antioxidant properties. Our investigations also demonstrated that lipophosphonoxin (LPPO) exhibited antibacterial efficacy in vitro while preserving the proliferation and differentiation of fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Building upon our prior findings, in this study, we intended to examine whether a combination of AE and LPPO could enhance skin wound healing while retaining antibacterial attributes. The antibacterial activity of AE/LPPO against Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated, alongside its effects on fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition, the formation of extracellular matrix (ECM), and endothelial cells and keratinocyte proliferation/phenotype. We also investigated AE/LPPO's impact on TGF-β1 and VEGF-A signaling in keratinocytes/fibroblasts and endothelial cells, respectively. Additionally, wound healing progression in rats was examined through macroscopic observation and histological analysis. Our results indicate that AE/LPPO promotes myofibroblast-like phenotypic changes and augments ECM deposition. Clinically relevant, the AE/LPPO did not disrupt TGF-β1 and VEGF-A signaling and accelerated wound closure in rats. Notably, while AE and LPPO individually exhibited antibacterial activity, their combination did not lead to synergism, rather decreasing antibacterial activity, warranting further examination. These findings underscore substantial wound healing improvement facilitated by AE/LPPO, requiring further exploration in animal models closer to human physiology.
- MeSH
- Agrimonia * chemistry MeSH
- Anti-Bacterial Agents * pharmacology chemistry MeSH
- Fibroblasts drug effects metabolism MeSH
- Wound Healing * drug effects MeSH
- Keratinocytes drug effects MeSH
- Rats MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley MeSH
- Cell Proliferation drug effects MeSH
- Plant Extracts * pharmacology chemistry MeSH
- Staphylococcus aureus * drug effects MeSH
- Transforming Growth Factor beta1 metabolism MeSH
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A metabolism MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Rats MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
We report the first total synthesis of the natural product selaginpulvilin X, a selaginellaceae polyphenol class of compounds. Our synthetic strategy employs cross-coupling reactions and an organolithium addition to construct the carbon framework. Subsequently, the functional group modifications and deprotection yield the natural product. Spectral analysis confirms the proposed structure by comparing natural and synthetic samples.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Dietary polyphenols have been associated with many beneficial cardiovascular effects. However, these effects are rather attributed to small phenolic metabolites formed by the gut microbiota, which reach sufficient concentrations in systemic circulation. 4-Methylcatechol (4-MC) is one such metabolite. As it is shown to possess considerable vasorelaxant effects, this study aimed to unravel its mechanism of action. To this end, experimental in vitro and in silico approaches were employed. In the first step, isometric tension recordings were performed on rat aortic rings. 4-MC potentiated the effect of cyclic nucleotides, but the effect was not mediated by either soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), modification of cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels, or protein kinase G. Hence, downstream targets such as calcium or potassium channels were considered. Inhibition of voltage-gated K+ channels (KV) markedly decreased the effect of 4-MC, and vasodilation was partly decreased by inhibition of the KV7 isoform. Contrarily, other types of K+ channels or L-type Ca2+ channels were not involved. In silico reverse docking confirmed that 4-MC binds to KV7.4 through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. In particular, it interacts with two crucial residues for KV7.4 activation: Trp242 and Phe246. In summary, our findings suggested that 4-MC exerts vasorelaxation by opening KV channels with the involvement of KV7.4.
- MeSH
- Aorta drug effects metabolism MeSH
- Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated * metabolism MeSH
- Catechols * pharmacology MeSH
- Rats MeSH
- Rats, Wistar MeSH
- Quercetin * pharmacology MeSH
- Molecular Docking Simulation MeSH
- Vasodilation * drug effects MeSH
- Vasodilator Agents pharmacology MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Rats MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Head and neck cancers (HNC) are aggressive, difficult-to-treat tumors that can be caused by genetic factors but mainly by lifestyle or infection caused by the human papillomavirus. As the sixth most common malignancy, it presents a formidable therapeutic challenge with limited therapeutic modalities. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol, is appearing as a promising multitarget anticancer and antimetastatic agent. Numerous studies have shown that curcumin and its derivatives have the potential to affect signaling pathways (NF-κB, JAK/STAT, and EGFR) and molecular mechanisms that are crucial for the growth and migration of head and neck tumors. Furthermore, its ability to interact with the tumor microenvironment and trigger the immune system may significantly influence the organism's immune response to the tumor. Combining curcumin with conventional therapies such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy may improve the efficacy of treatment and reduce the side effects of treatment, thereby increasing its therapeutic potential. This review is a comprehensive overview that discusses both the benefits and limitations of curcumin and its therapeutic effects in the context of tumor biology, with an emphasis on molecular mechanisms in the context of HNC. This review also includes possibilities to improve the limiting properties of curcumin both in terms of the development of new derivatives, formulations, or combinations with conventional therapies that have potential as a new type of therapy for the treatment of HNC and subsequent use in clinical practice.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
