Brown algae such as Ascophyllum nodosum (AN) and Fucus vesiculosus (FV) are gaining considerable attention as functional feed additives due to their health-beneficial properties. This study evaluated the antioxidant potential of AN and FV extracts in intestinal epithelial cells and the in vivo model Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Aqueous AN and FV extracts were characterized for total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (TEAC, FRAP), and phlorotannin composition using LC-HRMS/MS. Antioxidant effects were assessed in vitro, measuring AAPH-induced ROS production in Caco-2 and IPEC-J2 cells via H2DCF-DA, and in vivo, evaluating the effects of paraquat-induced oxidative stress and AN or FV treatment on worm motility, GST-4::GFP reporter expression, and gene expression in C. elegans. FV exhibited higher total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity (TEAC, FRAP), and a broader phlorotannin profile (degree of polymerization [DP] 2-9) than AN (DP 2-7), as determined by LC-HRMS/MS. Both extracts attenuated AAPH-induced oxidative stress in epithelial cells, with FV showing greater efficacy. In C. elegans, pre-treatment with AN and FV significantly mitigated a paraquat-induced motility decline by 22% and 11%, respectively, compared to PQ-stressed controls. Under unstressed conditions, both extracts enhanced nematode healthspan, with significant effects observed at 400 µg/g for AN and starting at 100 µg/g for FV. Gene expression analysis indicated that both extracts modulated antioxidant pathways in unstressed worms. Under oxidative stress, pre-treatment with AN and FV significantly reduced GST-4::GFP expression. In the nematode, AN was more protective under acute stress, whereas FV better supported physiological function in the absence of stressors. These findings demonstrate that AN and FV counteract oxidative stress in intestinal epithelial cells and in C. elegans, highlighting their potential as stress-reducing agents in animal feed.

• Klíčová slova
• Ascophyllum nodosum, C. elegans, Fucus vesiculosus, ROS, antioxidant, brown algae, gene expression, oxidative stress, phlorotannins,
• MeSH
• antioxidancia * farmakologie   chemie   izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• Ascophyllum * chemie   MeSH
• Caco-2 buňky MeSH
• Caenorhabditis elegans účinky léků   MeSH
• epitelové buňky účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• fenoly farmakologie   MeSH
• Fucus * chemie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• oxidační stres * účinky léků   MeSH
• reaktivní formy kyslíku metabolismus   MeSH
• rostlinné extrakty * farmakologie   chemie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antioxidancia * MeSH
• fenoly MeSH
• reaktivní formy kyslíku MeSH
• rostlinné extrakty * MeSH

The reorientation of Callisia fragrans (Lindl.) Woodson, from therapeutic to ornamental use, exemplifies a broader domestication trend, favoring aesthetics over medicinal properties. Renewed phytomedicinal interest and the rise of plant extract markets drive demand for organic, sustainable consumer products, heightening the competition for superior cultivars. Synthetic polyploidization using oryzalin was conducted to obtain high-quality cultivars of C. fragrans, facilitating enhanced phenotypic and biological traits without genetic modification. This study aimed to explore the metabolic spectrum and biological activities of oryzalin-induced polyploid C. fragrans for its advanced medicinal application. Flow cytometric analysis confirmed the ploidy level of the plants. Consequently, GC-FID and 1H NMR analyses revealed distinct metabolite profiles, with increased ethyl stearate, malic acid, gallic acid, fumaric acid, and unique compounds like (Z)-11-eicosenoic acid and dodecan-1-ol in polyploids. Polyploid extracts demonstrated exceptional antioxidant capacity, with DPPH, ORAC, and ABTS assays showing higher radical scavenging and oxygen absorbance abilities than diploid extracts. The polyploid extract showed enhanced antimicrobial activity against skin pathogens, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Callisia extracts, meticulously at a low concentration of 25 µg/mL, showed cytoprotective effects on HT-29 cells, mitigating H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, treatment with polyploid extract was associated with the downregulation of the expression of pro-inflammatory enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, suggesting a potentially greater anti-inflammatory effect compared to the diploid extract. These findings depict enhanced metabolite accumulation and biological activities in polyploid compared than diploid progenitor, highlighting the potential of the novel polyploid C. fragrans variety for future therapeutic applications, particularly in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

• Klíčová slova
• Anti-inflammatory activity, Antioxidant activity, GC-FID, NMR, Polyploidization, Skin infection,
• MeSH
• antioxidancia farmakologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• cyklooxygenasa 1 metabolismus   MeSH
• cyklooxygenasa 2 metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• genotyp MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• polyploidie * MeSH
• rostlinné extrakty * farmakologie   chemie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antioxidancia MeSH
• cyklooxygenasa 1 MeSH
• cyklooxygenasa 2 MeSH
• rostlinné extrakty * MeSH

This study aims to determine the Blaťácké zlato cheese in vitro antioxidant activity and its correlation with specific peptides. A general physicochemical evaluation was also conducted, considering possible differences between batches. The antioxidant activity focused mainly on the nitrogen fractions with the shortest-chain peptides. Other parameters were evaluated, including color, weight, size, moisture, dry matter, and texture analysis, which included the whole cheese hardness and the texture profile analysis. The ethanol soluble (EtOH-SN) and non-protein nitrogen (NPN) fractions were selected to evaluate antioxidant activity by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) methods, total phenol content (TPC), and peptide profiles. Our findings revealed significant differences between batches for NPN ABTS activity and EtOH-SN TPC. Significant differences were observed for water activity, moisture, dry matter, moisture on fat-free basis (MFFB), and pH in the central surface. DPPH and TPC showed a similar behavior, and NPN showed higher values than the EtOH-SN fraction. However, the opposite was observed for ABTS. Significant correlations were found for the biological activities with individual peaks of their corresponding HPLC peptide profiles. Finally, the principal component analysis separated the cheeses according to the batch, mainly due to specific peptides.

• Klíčová slova
• ABTS, Blaťácké zlato cheese, DPPH, cheese characterization, color, total polyphenol content,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

In the present paper, extracts from pomace after cherry wine production were used as biocomponents of antioxidant packages. In the study, the highest concentrations of polyphenolic compounds were obtained when a 50% ethanol solution was used as the extraction solution. The addition of extracts provided statistically significant (p < 0.05) changes in water vapor transmission for the films obtained. The WVTR results are at a very low level, as values ranging from 7.96 ± 0.33 [g/m2 d] (sample 2) to 10.95 ± 0.33 [g/m2 d] (sample 1) were obtained. The addition of extract also affected the oxygen barrier. Samples without extract addition showed an OTR value of 2.42 ± 0.23 [cm3/m2 d 0.1 MPa]. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) reduction in this parameter was affected by the addition of extract to the matrix. Oxygen barrier properties ranged from 0.50 ± 0.05 (sample 3) to 0.94 ± 0.04 (sample 1), indicating high barrier properties of the packaging material. The addition of extracts caused an increase in opacity: films 3 and 4 were characterized by the highest value of the parameter, which was, respectively: 18.14 ± 27.02 and 18.97 ± 29.83 [%]. The research carried out in this study allows us to conclude that bioactive films with high application potential have been achieved and, in addition, represent a natural and ecological alternative to the materials currently used.

• Klíčová slova
• active materials, antioxidant packaging material, extracts from fruit wine pomace,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Uncaria tomentosa (UT) or cat's claw, is a vine belonging to the Rubiaceae family and native to South and Central America. Various parts of the plant, including bark, showed many therapeutic activities (e.g., antioxidant and antibacterial), but the in vitro effects on gametes have still not been investigated. During boar semen storage for artificial insemination purposes, oxidative stress and bacterial contamination negatively affect sperm quality. In this study, we evaluated the tolerance of boar sperm to UT ethanolic extract at four concentrations (1.6 to 0.025 μg/mL). The analyses were carried out on sperm samples under oxidative stress, induced by H2O2 and Fe2+/Ascorbate, and during 96 h of semen storage at 17°C. The antibacterial activity of the extract (1,024 to 8 μg/mL) was tested against commercial strains and bacteria isolated from the semen. The treatments ranging from 0.4 to 0.025 μg/mL protected sperm membrane (p < 0.05) and preserved some kinetic parameters in samples under oxidative stress (Fe2+/Ascorbate). During semen storage, the extract did not show any cytotoxicity, and mean values of some sperm parameters were higher than the control group, although not significant (p > 0.05). All tested Gram-positive bacteria exhibited growth inhibition. The most frequently isolated Gram-negative bacteria from semen (i.e., Citrobacter koseri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia) also showed complete growth inhibition, while the remaining strains showed a partial decrease in growth. Taken together, our findings show that Uncaria tomentosa is a promising plant-based additive for boar semen storage.

• Klíčová slova
• antibiotics, antioxidant, cat's claw, oxidative stress, pig, plant extract, secondary metabolites, semen storage,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Foods enriched with insects can potentially prevent several health disorders, including cardiovascular diseases, by reducing inflammation and improving antioxidant status. In this study, Tenebrio molitor and Gryllus assimilis were selected to determine the effect on the development of atherosclerosis in ApoE/LDLR-/- mice. Animals were fed AIN-93G-based diets (control) with 10% Tenebrio molitor (TM) and 10% Gryllus assimilis (GA) for 8 weeks. The nutritional value as well as antioxidant activity of selected insects were determined. The lipid profile, liver enzyme activity, and the fatty acid composition of liver and adipose tissue of model mice were evaluated. Quantitative analysis of atherosclerotic lesions in the entire aorta was performed using the en face method, and for aortic roots, the cross-section method was used. The antioxidant status of the GA cricket was significantly higher compared to the TM larvae. The results showed that the area of atherosclerosis (en face method) was not significantly different between groups. Dietary GA reduced plaque formation in the aortic root; additionally, significant differences were observed in sections at 200 and 300 µm compared to other groups. Furthermore, liver enzyme ALT activity was lower in insect-fed groups compared to the control group. The finding suggests that a diet containing edible insect GA potentially prevents atherosclerotic plaque development in the aortic root, due to its high antioxidant activity.

• Klíčová slova
• Gryllus assimilis, Tenebrio molitor, antioxidant status, atherosclerosis, fatty acids profile, lipid profile, liver enzymes activity, mouse model,
• MeSH
• antioxidancia metabolismus   MeSH
• aorta patologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• apolipoproteiny E * nedostatek   genetika   MeSH
• aterosklerotický plát patologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• ateroskleróza * patologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• dieta MeSH
• Gryllidae MeSH
• játra metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• jedlý hmyz MeSH
• krmivo pro zvířata MeSH
• LDL-receptory * genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• modely nemocí na zvířatech MeSH
• myši knockoutované MeSH
• myši MeSH
• Tenebrio MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antioxidancia MeSH
• apolipoproteiny E * MeSH
• LDL-receptory * MeSH

The development of sustainable materials from the valorization of waste is a good alternative to reducing the negative environmental impact of plastic packaging. The objectives of this study were to develop and characterize pectin-based composite films incorporated with cork or cork with either coffee grounds or walnut shells, as well as to test the films' genotoxicity, antioxidant properties, and biodegradation capacity in soil and seawater. The addition of cork, coffee grounds, or walnut shells modified the films' characteristics. The results showed that those films were thicker (0.487 ± 0.014 mm to 0.572 ± 0.014 mm), more opaque (around 100%), darker (L* = 25.30 ± 0.78 to 33.93 ± 0.84), and had a higher total phenolic content (3.17 ± 0.01 mg GA/g to 4.24 ± 0.02 mg GA/g). On the other hand, the films incorporated only with cork showed higher values of elongation at break (32.24 ± 1.88% to 36.30 ± 3.25%) but lower tensile strength (0.91 ± 0.19 MPa to 1.09 ± 0.08 MPa). All the films presented more heterogeneous and rougher microstructures than the pectin film. This study also revealed that the developed films do not contain DNA-reactive substances and that they are biodegradable in soil and seawater. These positive properties could subsequently make the developed films an interesting eco-friendly food packaging solution that contributes to the valorization of organic waste and by-products, thus promoting the circular economy and reducing the environmental impact of plastic materials.

• Klíčová slova
• biodegradable, food packaging, pectin film, physico-mechanical, sustainability, waste valorization,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The role of cryptochrome 1 in photosynthetic processes and pro-/antioxidant balance in the Arabidopsis thaliana plants was studied. Wild type (WT) and hy4 mutant deficient in cryptochrome 1 grown for 20 d under red (RL, 660 nm) and blue (BL, 460 nm) light at an RL:BL = 4:1 ratio were kept for 3 d in different lights: RL:BL = 4:1, RL:BL:GL = 4:1:0.3 (GL - green light, 550 nm), and BL, then were exposed to high irradiance (4 h). Activity of PSII and the rate of photosynthesis in WT and hy4 decreased under the high irradiance in all spectral variants but under BL stronger decrease in the activity was found in the hy4 mutant than in WT. We assumed that lowered resistance of photosynthetic apparatus in the hy4 mutant may be associated with the low activity of the main antioxidant enzymes and reduced content of low-molecular-mass antioxidants in the mutant compared to the WT.

• Klíčová slova
• Arabidopsis thaliana, cryptochrome, high-intensity light, photosynthesis, pro-/antioxidant balance,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Photosynthesis, growth and biochemical composition of the biomass of the freshwater microalga Chlamydopodium fusiforme cultures outdoors in a thin-layer cascade were investigated. Gross oxygen production measured off-line in samples taken from the outdoor cultures was correlated with the electron transport rate estimated from chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements. According to photosynthesis measurements, a mean of 38.9 ± 10.3 mol of photons were required to release one mole of O2, which is 4.86 times higher than the theoretical value (8 photons per 1 O2). In contrast, according to the fluorescence measurements, a mean of 11.7 ± 0.74 mol of photons were required to release 1 mol of O2. These findings indicate that fluorescence-based photosynthesis rates may not be fully replace oxygen measurements to evaluate the performance of an outdoor culture. Daily gross biomass productivity was 0.3 g DW L-1 day-1 consistently for 4 days. Biomass productivity was strongly affected by the suboptimal concentration at which the culture was operated and by the respiration rate, as the substantial volume of culture was kept in the dark (about 45% of the total volume). As the cells were exposed to excessive light, the photosynthetic activity was mainly directed to the synthesis of carbohydrates in the biomass. In the morning, carbohydrate content decreased because of the dark respiration. Per contra, protein content in the biomass was lower at the end of the day and higher in the morning due to carbohydrate consumption by respiration. The data gathered in these trials are important for the future exploitation of Chlamydopodium fusiforme as a potential novel species in the field of microalgae for the production of bio-based compounds.

• Klíčová slova
• Biomass composition, Chlamydopodium fusiforme, Chlorophyll fluorescence, Microalgae, Photosynthesis,
• MeSH
• biomasa MeSH
• chlorofyl a MeSH
• Chlorophyta * metabolismus   MeSH
• fotosyntéza MeSH
• kyslík metabolismus   MeSH
• mikrořasy * metabolismus   MeSH
• sacharidy MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chlorofyl a MeSH
• kyslík MeSH
• sacharidy MeSH

Mosses (Bryophyta), particularly species of the genus Sphagnum, which have been used for centuries for the treatment of skin diseases and damage, are still not explored enough in terms of their use in cosmetics. The purpose of this study was to determine the antioxidant properties of water-ethanol extracts from four selected species of the genus Sphagnum (S. girgenshonii Russow, S. magellanicum Brid., S. palustre L., and S. squarrosum Crome) and their impact on the expression of genes encoding key enzymes for the functioning of the skin. In this study, the effects of Sphagnum extracts on the expression of genes encoding tyrosinase, collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase and hyaluronic acid synthase in human dermal fibroblasts were determined for the first time in vitro. The extracts inhibited tyrosinase gene expression and showed antioxidant activity. The experiment showed an increase in the expression of some genes encoding collagenase (MMP1) or hyaluronidase (HYAL2, HYAL3 and HYAL4) and a decrease in the hyaluronan synthase (HAS1, HAS2 and HAS3) genes expression by the tested extracts. The obtained results suggest that using extracts from the tested Sphagnum species in anti-aging cosmetics does not seem beneficial. Further studies are needed to clarify their impact on the skin.

• Klíčová slova
• NHDF cell line, Sphagnum mosses, antioxidant properties, collagenase, elastase, genes expression, hyaluronic acid, tyrosinase,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH