Endophytes are symbionts that live in healthy plants and potentially improve the health of plant holobionts. Here, we investigated the bacterial endophyte community of Citrus reticulata grown in the northern Persian Gulf. Bacteria were isolated seasonally from healthy trees (root, stem, bark, trunk, leaf, and crown tissues) in four regions of Hormozgan province (i.e., Ahmadi, Siyahoo, Sikhoran, Roudan), a subtropical hot region in Iran. A total of 742 strains from 17 taxa, 3 phyla, and 5 orders were found, most of which belonged to Actinobacteria (Actinobacteriales) as the dominant group, followed by Firmicutes (Bacillales), Proteobacteria (Sphingomonadales, Rhizobiales), and Cyanobacteria (Synechoccales). The genera included Altererythrobacter, Arthrobacter, Bacillus, Cellulosimicrobium, Curtobacterium, Kocuria, Kytococcus, Methylopila, Mycobacterium, Nocardioides, Okiabacterium, Paracraurococcus, and Psychrobacillus. The most frequently occurring species included Psychrobacillus psychrodurans, Kytococcus schroetri, and Bacillus cereus. In addition, the overall colonization frequency and variability of endophytes were higher on the trunks. The leaves showed the lowest species variability in all sampling periods. The frequency of endophyte colonization was also higher in summer. The Shannon-Wiener (H') and Simpson indices varied with all factors, i.e., region, season, and tissue type, with the maximum in Roudan. Furthermore, 52.9% of the strains were capable of nitrogen fixation, and 70% produced antagonistic hydrogen cyanide (HCN). Thus, C. reticulata harbors a variety of bioactive bacterial endophytes that could be beneficial for host fitness in such harsh environments.
- MeSH
- Bacteria * classification metabolism isolation & purification genetics MeSH
- Biodiversity MeSH
- Citrus * microbiology MeSH
- Endophytes * classification isolation & purification metabolism genetics MeSH
- Nitrogen Fixation * MeSH
- Phylogeny MeSH
- Plant Leaves microbiology MeSH
- Microbiota * MeSH
- RNA, Ribosomal, 16S genetics MeSH
- Seasons MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Iran MeSH
Foodborne diseases triggered by various infectious micro-organisms are contributing significantly to the global disease burden as well as to increasing mortality rates. Salmonella enterica belongs to the most prevalent form of bacteria accountable for significant burden of foodborne illness across the globe. The conventional therapeutic approach to cater to Salmonella enterica-based infections relies on antibiotic therapy, but the rapid emergence of the antibiotic resistance strains of Salmonella sp. necessitates the development of alternative treatment and prevention strategies. In light of this growing concern, the scientific community is rigorously exploring novel phytochemicals harnessed from medicinally important plants as a promising approach to curb Salmonella enterica infections. A variety of phytochemicals belonging to alkaloids, phenols, flavonoid, and terpene classes are reported to exhibit their inhibitory activity against bacterial cell communication, membrane proteins, efflux pumps, and biofilm formation among drug resistant Salmonella strains. The present review article delves to discuss the emergence of antibiotic resistance among Salmonella enterica strains, various plant sources, identification of phytochemicals, and the current state of research on the use of phytochemicals as antimicrobial agents against Salmonella enterica, shedding light on the promising potential of phytochemicals in the fight against this pathogen.
- MeSH
- Anti-Bacterial Agents * pharmacology MeSH
- Drug Resistance, Bacterial MeSH
- Phytochemicals * pharmacology chemistry MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Foodborne Diseases microbiology prevention & control drug therapy MeSH
- Salmonella enterica * drug effects MeSH
- Salmonella Infections * microbiology drug therapy MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
One of the main challenges in analyzing chemical messengers in the brain is the optimization of tissue sampling and preparation protocols. Limiting postmortem time and terminating enzyme activity is critical to identify low-abundance neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. Here, we used a rapid and uniform conductive heat transfer stabilization method that was compared with a conventional fresh freezing protocol. Together with a selective chemical derivatization method and an optimized quantitation approach using deuterated internal standards, we spatially mapped neurotransmitters and their related metabolites by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) in rat brain tissue sections. Although the heat stabilization did not show differences in the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, their related metabolites 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, homovanillic acid, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde, dihydroxyphenylethyleneglycol, and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were all significantly lower, indicating reduced neurotransmitter postmortem turnover ratios. Heat stabilization enabled detection of an increased number and higher levels of prodynorphin, proenkephalin, and tachykinin-derived bioactive neuropeptides. The low-abundant C-terminal flanking peptide, neuropeptide-γ, and nociceptin remained intact and were exclusively imaged in heat-stabilized brains. Without heat stabilization, degradation fragments of full-length peptides occurred in the fresh frozen tissues. The sample preparation protocols were furthermore tested on rat brains affected by acute anesthesia induced by isoflurane and medetomidine, showing comparable results to non-anesthetized animals on the neurotransmitters level without significant changes. Our data provide evidence for the potential use of heat stabilization prior to MALDI-MSI analyses to improve the examination of the in vivo state of neuronal chemical messengers in brain tissues not impacted by prior acute anesthesia.
- MeSH
- Rats MeSH
- Brain Chemistry * physiology MeSH
- Brain * metabolism MeSH
- Neurons * metabolism chemistry MeSH
- Neurotransmitter Agents * metabolism analysis MeSH
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley MeSH
- Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization * methods MeSH
- Hot Temperature * MeSH
- Freezing MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Rats MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Rare and unknown actinobacteria from unexplored environments have the potential to produce new bioactive molecules. This study aimed to use 16 s rRNA metabarcoding to determine the composition of the actinobacterial community, particularly focusing on rare and undescribed species, in a nature reserve within the Brazilian Cerrado called Sete Cidades National Park. Since this is an inaccessible area without due legal authorization, it is understudied, and, therefore, its diversity and biotechnological potential are not yet fully understood, and it may harbor species with groundbreaking genetic potential. In total, 543 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) across 14 phyla were detected, with Actinobacteria (41.2%), Proteobacteria (26.5%), and Acidobacteria (14.3%) being the most abundant. Within Actinobacteria, 107 OTUs were found, primarily from the families Mycobacteriaceae, Pseudonocardiaceae, and Streptomycetaceae. Mycobacterium and Streptomyces were the predominant genera across all samples. Seventeen rare OTUs with relative abundance < 0.1% were identified, with 82.3% found in only one sample yet 25.5% detected in all units. Notable rare and transient genera included Salinibacterium, Nocardia, Actinomycetospora_01, Saccharopolyspora, Sporichthya, and Nonomuraea. The high diversity and distribution of Actinobacteria OTUs indicate the area's potential for discovering new rare species. Intensified prospection on underexplored environments and characterization of their actinobacterial diversity could lead to the discovery of new species capable of generating innovative natural products.
- MeSH
- Actinobacteria * chemistry classification genetics isolation & purification MeSH
- Biodiversity MeSH
- Metagenome MeSH
- Soil chemistry MeSH
- Soil Microbiology * MeSH
- RNA, Ribosomal, 16S analysis MeSH
- DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic MeSH
- Parks, Recreational MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Brazil MeSH
Current antibiotics and chemotherapeutics are becoming ineffective because pathogenic bacteria and tumor cells have developed multiple drug resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to find new substances that can be used in treatment, either alone or as sensitizing molecules in combination with existing drugs. Peptaibols are bioactive, membrane-active peptides of non-ribosomal origin, mainly produced by filamentous fungi such as Trichoderma spp. This study focused on producing peptaibol-rich extracts from Trichoderma atroviride O1, cultivated on malt extract agar (MA) under circadian and constant darkness conditions for 13 days. Peptaibol production was detected by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry after six days of cultivation. The extracts demonstrated antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus strains, particularly the methicillin-resistant variant, but not against the Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Quorum sensing interference revealed that a peptaibol-rich extract suppressed Vibrio campbellii BAA-1119's AI-2 signaling system to a degree comparable with gentamycin. Beyond antibacterial properties, the extracts exhibited notable antiproliferative activity against human ovarian cancer cells and their adriamycin-resistant subline in both 2D and 3D models. Specifically, MA-derived extracts reduced ovarian cancer cell viability by 70% at 50 μg/mL, especially under light/dark regime of cultivation. Compared to previously published results for PDA-based extracts, MA cultivation shifted the biological effects of peptaibol-containing extracts toward anticancer potential. These findings support the idea that modifying fungal cultivation parameters, the bioactivity of secondary metabolite mixtures can be tailored for specific therapeutic applications.
- MeSH
- Agar * chemistry MeSH
- Anti-Bacterial Agents * pharmacology metabolism MeSH
- Hypocreales MeSH
- Culture Media chemistry MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Microbial Sensitivity Tests MeSH
- Cell Line, Tumor MeSH
- Peptaibols * pharmacology metabolism biosynthesis chemistry MeSH
- Cell Proliferation drug effects MeSH
- Antineoplastic Agents * pharmacology metabolism MeSH
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa drug effects MeSH
- Staphylococcus aureus drug effects MeSH
- Trichoderma * metabolism growth & development chemistry MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Food hydrocolloids, derived from natural sources such as plants, algae, and microbes, possess bioactive properties that significantly contribute to cardiovascular health. This review focuses on six key hydrocolloids: alginate, astragalus polysaccharides, carrageenan, fucoidan, lunasin, and psyllium, while also considering other important natural hydrocoloids such as short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), plant-derived food hydrocolloids, plant-derived gums, plant-derived mucilages, pectin, modified citrus pectin, inulin, naringenin, chia seeds, gelatine, whey protein, casein, microbial exopolysaccharides and gums, ulvan, and laminarin. Alginate, from brown seaweed, aids in cardiac tissue regeneration and repair. Astragalus polysaccharides, from the Astragalus plant, provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory benefits. Carrageenan, sourced from red seaweed, supports lipid profile balance and heart health. Fucoidan, another brown seaweed derivative, offers antihypertensive and lipid-lowering effects. Lunasin, a peptide found in soybeans, oats, and barley, is known for its cholesterol-lowering properties and anti-inflammatory effects. Psyllium, rich in soluble fiber, helps lower LDL cholesterol and improve overall cardiovascular function. These hydrocolloids, along with other mentioned compounds, are utilized in drug formulations, cosmetics, processed foods, and dietary supplements, enhancing food texture and stability while delivering health benefits. Upon consumption, they can be absorbed into the bloodstream or metabolized by gut microbiota into bioactive metabolites. This review examines their effects on cardiovascular function, highlighting their mechanisms in regulating vascular tone, blood pressure, vascular inflammation, and cardiac function. It consolidates current research, emphasizing the potential of these hydrocolloids and related compounds in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
- MeSH
- Alginates * chemistry pharmacology MeSH
- Carrageenan * chemistry pharmacology MeSH
- Cardiovascular Diseases * prevention & control MeSH
- Cardiovascular System * drug effects MeSH
- Colloids chemistry pharmacology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Polysaccharides * chemistry pharmacology MeSH
- Psyllium * chemistry pharmacology MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
Periodontitis is a globally prevalent chronic inflammatory disease that leads to periodontal pocket formation and eventually destroys tooth-supporting structures. Hence, the drastic increase in dental implants for periodontitis has become a severe clinical issue. Injectable hydrogel based on extracellular matrix (ECM) is highly biocompatible and tissue-regenerative with tailor-made mechanical properties and high payload capacity for in situ delivery of bioactive molecules to treat periodontitis. This therapeutic tool not only enhances the drug release efficiency and treatment efficacy but also reduces operation time. Nevertheless, it remains challenging to optimize the mechanical properties and intelligent control drug release rate of injectable hydrogels to achieve the highest therapeutic outcome. Literature precedent has shown the modulation of polymer backbones (synthetic polymers, natural polysaccharides, and proteins), crosslinking strategies, other bioactive constituents, and potentially the incorporation of nanomaterials that overall improve the desirable physiochemical and biological performances as well as biodegradability. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the development, design, and material characterizations of common injectable hydrogels. Furthermore, we highlight cutting-edge representative examples of polysaccharide-, protein- and nanocomposite-based hydrogels that mediate regenerative factors and anti-inflammatory drugs for periodontal regeneration. Finally, we express our perspectives on potential challenges and future development of multifunctional injectable hydrogels for periodontitis.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
BACKGROUND: Cancer remains a major global health challenge, necessitating innovative prevention and treatment approaches. Certain plants, adapted to specific environments, may exhibit bioactive properties with potential anticancer applications. HYPOTHESIS: Seaberry (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) fruit peels may exert anticancer effects in breast carcinoma (BC) models through the additive or synergistic actions of their unique secondary metabolites. METHODS: H. rhamnoides fruit peel extracts were analyzed using the LC-DAD-MS and LC-DAD techniques to profile the content of carotenoids and flavonoids, respectively. The preclinical study evaluated seaberry fruit peel extracts in BC models: (1) a syngeneic 4T1 mouse breast adenocarcinoma model (triple-negative), (2) a rat model of chemically induced mammary carcinogenesis, and (3) in vitro studies with MCF-7 (hormone receptor-positive) and MDA-MB-231 (triple-negative) BC cell lines. RESULTS: LC-DAD-MS and LC-DAD analyses identified dominant metabolites, including isorhamnetin, quercetin glycosides, kaempferol glycosides, catechin, zeaxanthin, and lutein. In the 4T1 mouse model, seaberry treatment resulted in a significant, dose-dependent reduction in tumor volume (43% and 48% compared to controls) and a decrease in the mitotic activity index. Serum cytokine analysis showed dose-dependent reductions in IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α. In the rat chemopreventive model, high-dose seaberry improved cancer prognosis by reducing the ratio of poorly differentiated tumors and increasing caspase-3 and Bax expression while decreasing Ki-67 and malondialdehyde levels. Both treatment doses elevated the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and reduced the expression of cancer stem cell markers CD44, EpCam, and VEGF compared to controls. Epigenetic analyses revealed histone modifications (H4K16ac, H4K20me3) and altered methylation of tumor-suppressor genes (PITX2, RASSF1, PTEN, TIMP3). Microarray analysis (758 miRNAs) identified beneficial changes in nine oncogenic/tumor-suppressive miRNAs, including miR-10a-5p, miR-322-5p, miR-450a-5p, miR-142-5p, miR-148b-3p, miR-1839-3p, miR-18a-5p, miR-1949, and miR-347. In vitro, ethanolic seaberry extract conferred partial resistance to cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells at IC50 concentrations. CONCLUSION: This study of H. rhamnoides in rodent BC models shows promising data but requires rigorous, long-term validation. Integrating plant-based nutraceuticals into oncology necessitates precise cancer-type profiling and patient stratification for effective personalized treatments.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Novel antimicrobial agents are urgently needed to combat antimicrobial resistance from multidrug-resistant organisms. Actinobacteria are key sources of bioactive metabolites with diverse biological activities. Despite their contributions to drug discovery, the process from strain identification to drug manufacturing faces many challenges, especially the rediscovery of known compounds. Recent technological and scientific advancements have accelerated drug development. Efforts to isolate and screen rare actinobacterial species could yield novel bioactive compounds. This review summarizes techniques for selectively isolating rare actinobacteria, improving bioactive metabolite production, and discovering potential strains. Notably, new genomic strategies and new discoveries regarding spectroscopic signature-based bioactive natural products containing specific structural motifs are also discussed. Furthermore, this review updates the compounds derived from rare actinobacteria and their biological applications.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
A significant increase in interest in new, naturally occurring sources of antioxidants is evident not only in the food industry but also in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Plant sources such as fruits, both traditional and less common, are often investigated. Goji berries (Lycium barbarum, Lycium chinense, and Lycium ruthenicum) represent fruits rich in polyphenols, especially phenolic acids (38.91 to 455.57 mg/kg FW) and flavonoids, with black goji berries (L. ruthenicum) containing a predominance of anthocyanins (119.60 to 1112.25 mg/kg FW). In this review, a comparison of polyphenol occurrence and content in the orange-red and black berries of L. barbarum, L. chinense, and L. ruthenicum is described. Goji berries represent a valuable source of nutrients and bioactive compounds that manifest a wide range of health-promoting effects. These benefits represent antioxidant, neuroprotective, and cytoprotective impacts, with effects on the metabolic control of glucose and lipids. This review is focused on an overview of the polyphenolic compounds occurring in these fruits, as well as their antioxidant activity and health benefits.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
