Search Results (38,499)

This study investigated the effects of individual and combined supplementation of eucalyptus essential oil (EEO) and soy isoflavones (SI) on the growth performance, intestinal health and meat quality of weaned meat rabbits. A total of 120 Ira female rabbits were stratified by body weight (BW) and randomly allocated into four treatment groups. The rabbits were fed for 35 days using (a) basal diet (Control), (b) basal diet + 150 mg/kg EEO, (c) basal diet + 25 mg/kg SI, or (d) basal diet + 150 mg/kg EEO + 25 mg/kg SI. The results showed that supplementing EEO and SI in the diet had a synergistic effect on production performance by increasing BW and average daily gain and reducing the feed intake/gain ratio. The EEO + SI group exhibited the most pronounced improvement in growth performance. Compared with the Control group, individual or combined supplementation significantly increased both semi-clean slaughter and total eviscerated slaughter rates, and showed a synergistic effect when supplemented together. The antioxidant capacity of the rabbits was enhanced, with the EEO + SI group showing the largest improvement. Serum biochemical analysis revealed that the combined treatment improved hepatic and cardiovascular functions. Additionally, we observed that the combined addition of EEO and SI has a synergistic effect on increasing the height of intestinal villi and the villus height/crypt depth ratio. Moreover, EEO and SI synergistically improved meat quality by elevating pH value, water-holding capacity, tenderness, and fat proportion. Notably, supplementation of EEO and SI in the diet regulated the composition of the intestinal microbiota, demonstrating increased relative abundance of beneficial Bacteroides and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group. In conclusion, the combination of EEO and SI outperformed individual supplements in promoting growth and intestinal barrier function, potentially through enhancing antioxidant activity, attenuating oxidative stress, protecting the hepatic/cardiovascular systems, and improving intestinal morphology and microbial composition, thereby collectively enhancing growth performance, slaughter traits, and meat quality. Full article

Background: Encapsulating essential oils in polymer-based nanocarriers can improve their stability, solubility, and bioavailability, while maintaining the biological activity of the oil’s active ingredients. In this contribution, we investigated the antiviral activity of Oregano Essential Oil (OEO) in its pure form and encapsulated into nanosized polymeric micelles, based on a poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone) diblock copolymer. Methods: The effect of encapsulation was evaluated using three structurally different viruses: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) (DNA—enveloped virus), human coronavirus (HCoV OC-43) (RNA—enveloped virus), and feline calicivirus (FCV) (RNA—naked virus). The effect on the viral replicative cycle was determined using the cytopathic effect inhibition (CPE) test. Inhibition of the viral adsorption step, virucidal activity, and protective effect on healthy cells were assessed using the final dilution method and were determined as Δlg compared to the untreated viral control. Results: In both studied forms (pure and nanoformulated), OEO had no significant effect on viral replication. In the remaining antiviral experiments, the oil embedded into nanocarriers showed a slightly stronger effect than the pure oil. When the oil was directly applied to extracellular virions, viral titers were significantly reduced for all three viruses, with the effect being strongest for HSV-1 and FCV (Δlg = 3.5). A distinct effect was also observed on the viral adsorption stage, with the effect being most significant for HSV-1 (Δlg = 3.0). Conclusions: Pretreatment of healthy cells with the nanoformulated OEO significantly protected them from viral infection, with the greatest reduction in viral titer for HCoV OC-43. Full article

The spatiotemporal regulatory mechanism underlying silicon (Si)-mediated cadmium (Cd) detoxification in rice (Oryza sativa L.) was investigated using non-invasive micro-test technology (NMT), combined with physiological and biochemical analyses. The results revealed the following: (1) Si significantly inhibited Cd²⁺ influx into rice roots, with the most pronounced reductions in ion flux observed under moderate Cd stress (Cd50, 50 μmol·L⁻¹), reaching 35.57% at 7 days and 42.30% at 14 days. Cd accumulation in roots decreased by 34.03%, more substantially than the 28.27% reduction observed in leaves. (2) Si application enhanced photosynthetic performance, as evidenced by a 14.21% increase in net photosynthetic rate (Pn), a 32.14% increase in stomatal conductance (Gs), and a marked restoration of Rubisco activity. (3) Si mitigated oxidative damage, with malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) levels reduced by 11.29–21.88%, through the upregulation of antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, APX, CAT increased by 15.34–38.33%) and glutathione metabolism (GST activity and GSH content increased by 60.78% and 51.35%, respectively). (4) The mitigation effects of Si were found to be spatiotemporally specific, with stronger responses under Cd50 than Cd100 (100 μmol·L⁻¹), at 7 days (d) compared to 14 d, and in roots relative to leaves. Our study reveals a coordinated mechanism by which Si modulates Cd uptake, enhances photosynthetic capacity, and strengthens antioxidant defenses to alleviate Cd toxicity in rice. These findings provide a scientific basis for the application of Si in mitigating heavy metal stress in agricultural systems. Full article

This study examined twenty-eight N-methylimidazolium ionic liquids (ILs) with various substituents and anions to assess their impact on the activity of Carnitine Acetyltransferase (CAT), an indispensable enzyme in human metabolism. In vitro experiments demonstrated that these compounds inhibited CAT in a concentration-dependent manner, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.93 to 30.8 mM. Structural analysis of the ILs revealed the following structure–activity relationships: (i) the length of the hydrocarbon chain at N3 markedly affects CAT activity, with longer chains resulting in stronger inhibition; (ii) the degree of unsaturation and the presence of polar groups are not essential for increased activity; (iii) the effect of the anion aligns with the Hofmeister series. One of the most potent compounds, 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide [C₁₀C₁im]Br, was identified as a mixed inhibitor of CAT with a K_i of 0.77 mM. These findings raise concerns about the biocompatibility of commonly used imidazolium ILs, as they may interfere with fatty acid oxidation by inhibiting their cellular transport. Full article

Dye-contaminated wastewater has become one of the most severe environmental challenges due to the non-biodegradability and toxicity of synthetic dyes. While photocatalytic degradation is considered a green and efficient technology for wastewater purification, conventional TiO₂ suffers from limited light utilization and rapid electron–hole recombination. In this exploration, Ag-TiO₂-RGO nanocomposites were successfully fabricated and systematically investigated by XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, Raman, and PL spectroscopy. The incorporation of Ag nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) synergistically improved charge separation and transfer efficiency. Photocatalytic activity was evaluated using different dyes as pollutants under visible light irradiation. Among the samples, Ag-TiO₂-RGO-3% exhibited the highest RhB degradation efficiency of 99.5% within 75 min, with a rate constant (K) of 0.05420 min⁻¹, which was nearly three times higher than that of pure TiO₂. The photocatalyst also showed excellent reusability with only minor efficiency loss after five cycles, and its activity remained stable across a wide pH range. Radical trapping experiments revealed that •O₂⁻ served as the dominant reactive species, with additional contributions from •OH and photogenerated holes (h⁺). A possible photocatalytic mechanism was proposed, in which Ag nanoparticles and RGO effectively suppressed electron–hole recombination and accelerated the formation of reactive oxygen species for efficient dye mineralization. These findings demonstrate that Ag-TiO₂-RGO-3% is a promising photocatalyst with high activity, stability, and environmental adaptability for wastewater remediation. Full article

In the development of functional foods with therapeutic value, nanoliposomal carriers offer a promising strategy for enhancing the stability and efficacy of bioactive compounds in dairy matrices. This study evaluated the sensory acceptance and physicochemical stability of yogurt enriched with anthocyanin-loaded nanoliposomes during 21 days of refrigerated storage, assessing the impact of nanoencapsulation on compound preservation and quality. Nanoliposomes were synthesized using ultrasonic film dispersion and characterized for antioxidant and erythroprotective activities. Antioxidant capacity was assessed through DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, while erythroprotective effects were evaluated via oxidative hemolysis using human erythrocytes of different ABO/RhD phenotypes. These were incorporated into artisanal yogurt, followed by physicochemical, microbiological, rheological, and sensory analyses. Anthocyanins showed strong antioxidant capacity, especially in ABTS (93.24%), DPPH (21.34%), and FRAP (1023.24 µM TE/g D.W.), reflecting their radical scavenging and reducing power. They also exhibited high erythroprotective activity, with greater antihemolytic effects in O RhD− blood and enhanced photoprotection against UVA in O RhD+ blood. Yogurt enriched with nanoliposomes showed improved color stability, reduced syneresis, and favorable rheological and sensory characteristics. These findings support nanoliposomes as molecular delivery systems in functional dairy matrices with potential nutraceutical applications targeting oxidative stress. Further work should explore molecular mechanisms and validate health-promoting effects. Full article

Background/Objectives: Encouraged by the traditional use of Cotinus coggygria Scop. (European smoketree) for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and considering the limitations of current therapies for recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), we aimed to develop and evaluate a mucoadhesive oral gel containing C. coggygria stem bark extract. Methods: A thermosensitive gel was formulated using Carbopol^® 974P NF and poloxamer 407, enriched with 5% C. coggygria extract (CC gel), and characterized for its organoleptic properties, pH, electrical conductivity, and storage stability over six months. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed in a Wistar albino rat model of chemically induced oral ulcers. Animals were divided into three groups: untreated controls (CTRL), rats treated with gel base (GB), and those treated with CC gel over a 10-day period. Healing progression was monitored macroscopically (ulcer size reduction), biochemically (oxidative stress markers in plasma and tissue), and histologically. Results: The CC gel demonstrated satisfactory physicochemical stability and mucosal compatibility. Moreover, it significantly accelerated ulcer contraction and achieved complete re-epithelialization by day 6. Biochemical analyses revealed reduced TBARS and increased SOD, CAT, and GSH levels in ulcer tissue, indicating enhanced local antioxidant defense. Histological evaluation confirmed early resolution of inflammation, pronounced fibroblast activity, capillary proliferation, and full epithelial regeneration in the CC group, in contrast to delayed healing and persistent inflammatory infiltration in the GB and CTRL groups. Conclusions: These findings indicate that the CC gel has potential as a natural, topical formulation with antioxidant and regenerative properties for RAS, although further studies, including clinical evaluation, are required to confirm its overall efficacy and long-term safety. Full article

Emerging evidence highlights oxidative stress and its biomarkers as potential factors in the onset and maintenance of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and co-occurring sleep disturbances. The study concerns the profile of biomarkers including glutamine, glutathione (GSH), caspase-1 and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels in three groups (PTSD with a current diagnosis lasting ≤ 5 years, PTSD with a current diagnosis lasting > 5 years, and no PTSD), classified into two age groups. In addition, sleep disturbances were analyzed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Addendum (PSQI-A). The study revealed mutual correlations between the examined biomarkers, which may confirm a coordinated antioxidant response. Furthermore, a relationship was observed between biomarkers and PSQI-A; trauma-related domains (e.g., Trauma Nightmares with Terror Episodes) were more pronounced in the case of PTSD ≤ 5 years, while PTSD > 5 years emphasized trauma-unrelated anxiety. The study results suggest that individuals with PTSD exhibit increased sensitivity to trauma, which may manifest through immune system activation and sleep disturbances. Patients with a longer history of PTSD and co-occurring dysfunctions require a personalized approach to trauma treatment and prevention of recurrence. Full article

Malnutrition during adolescence can cause metabolic diseases later in life. This study examined the short- and long-term effects of undernutrition during adolescence on body composition, glucose homeostasis and redox balance. Male (n = 32) and female (n = 32) Wistar rats were fed a rodent chow reduced by 50% (FR50) of the amount consumed by control rats (CONT) from 30 to 60 days and then fed ad libitum until 120 days of age. Half of the rats were euthanized at 60 and the other half at 120 days old. At 60 and 120 days old, glucose and insulin tolerance test; skeletal muscle, visceral fat, liver and interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) weights; and oxidative stress marker levels in the liver and iBAT were evaluated. The FR50 male (FR50-M) and female (FR50-F) rats exhibited a lean phenotype and high insulin sensitivity at 60 days of age (p < 0.05), but at 120 days of age, they exhibited an obese phenotype with high insulin sensitivity (p < 0.05). An increase in liver GSH was observed as only a short-term effect (p < 0.05). At 120 days of age, only male rats displayed increased iBAT GSH levels (p < 0.05) and reduced CAT activity (p < 0.01). In summary, undernutrition during adolescence affects body composition, glucose homeostasis and redox status equally in males and females but causes long-term impairment of the redox status of iBAT only in male rats. Full article

This work introduces 2-(azulen-1-yldiazenyl)-5-(thiophen-2-yl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole (L) as a functional monomer capable of forming stable, redox-active films with high affinity for lead in aqueous solutions. L was synthesized and characterized using physical chemical methods and electrochemistry. Polymer films of L were prepared through oxidative electro polymerization on glassy carbon electrodes in L solutions in 0.1 M TBAP in acetonitrile. They were characterized through electrochemistry. The surface of chemically modified electrodes (CMEs) prepared through controlled potential electrolysis (CPE) at variable concentrations, potentials, and electric charges was characterized through scanning electron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, which confirmed the films’ formation. Electrochemical sensing of the films deposited on these CMEs was tested with respect to heavy metal (HM) ion analysis in aqueous solutions to obtain sensors for HMs. The obtained CMEs presented the best characteristics for the recognition of Pb among the investigated HMs (Cd, Pb, Cu, and Hg). Calibration curves were obtained for the analysis of Pb(II) in aqueous solutions, which allowed for the estimation of a good detection limit of this cation (<10⁻⁸ M) for non-optimized CMEs. The resulting CMEs show promise for deployment in portable environmental monitoring systems, with implications for public health protection and environmental safety. Full article

We present the rational design of nanosized Pt nanocrystals immobilized on biomass-derived porous carbon matrices (Pt/BPC) through a convenient and eco-friendly strategy using wheat flour as a sustainable precursor. Interestingly, the three-dimensional BPC conductive network with optimized pore geometry enables enhanced metal–support interaction through d-orbital electron coupling, while the nitrogen-rich carbon scaffold provides abundant nucleation sites for the growth of ultrasmall Pt and effectively prevents them from aggregation. Accordingly, the resultant Pt/BPC catalyst demonstrates exceptional methanol oxidation performance with a large electrochemical surface area, a high mass activity of 1232.5 mA mg⁻¹, and excellent long-term stability, representing significant improvements over conventional carbon (e.g., carbon black, carbon nanotube, graphene, etc.)-supported Pt catalysts. Full article

Eukaryotic cells respond to oxidative stress (OS), a physiological condition characterized by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), through various protective mechanisms. The antioxidant defense system (ADS) is activated either by post-translational modifications of pre-existing proteins or through the induction of gene expression. These mechanisms protect cellular biomolecules against ROS damage. Although extensive research has been conducted in different species, there is limited information regarding the specific response of Yarrowia lipolytica to OS. This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which Y. lipolytica responds to OS by analyzing the expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in antioxidant response, such as superoxide dismutase (Sod), catalase (Cat), and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx). The Y. lipolytica genome contains three CAT genes, one SOD gene, one copper chaperone for Sod (CCS) gene, and one GPX gene. The expression profiles of these genes were assessed in Y. lipolytica cells exposed to H₂O₂ [5 mM] over time. All genes reached their maximal expression within the first 15 min of exposure. Comparative analysis between young and aged Y. lipolytica cells subjected to OS revealed that young cells exhibited higher expression levels for all genes, with CAT3 and SOD showing the highest expression values. These findings suggest that the enzymes encoded by these genes play a crucial role in the antioxidant response of this species. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating that the ADS in Y. lipolytica is regulated at the transcriptional level. Full article

Heart failure (HF) is a growing public health concern, driven by the increasing prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and aging. Despite therapeutic advances, HF continues to be associated with high morbidity and mortality. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), originally developed for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, have demonstrated cardiovascular benefits in clinical trials. Recent studies, including STEP-HFpEF and SUMMIT, have shown improvement in symptoms and weight loss in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). GLP-1 RAs are involved in multiple biological pathways relevant to heart failure pathophysiology. These include pathways related to sympathetic nervous system activity, inflammatory cytokine signaling, oxidative stress, calcium handling, natriuretic peptide signaling, and cardiac metabolism. GLP-1 receptor agonists modulate vascular pathways involving nitric oxide signaling, endothelial function, and renal sodium handling, contributing to improved hemodynamics and neurohormonal balance. Together, these actions intersect with key neurohormonal and cellular processes contributing to chronic heart failure progression. This review explores the mechanistic overlap between GLP-1 receptor signaling and heart failure pathophysiology. This mechanistic overlap suggests a plausible role for these agents as adjunctive treatments in heart failure, especially in metabolically driven phenotypes. While direct cardiac effects remain incompletely defined, systemic metabolic and anti-inflammatory actions provide a mechanistic basis for observed clinical benefits. Full article

Poultry meat, due to its high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, is particularly susceptible to lipid oxidation, which affects its quality and shelf life. Optimizing meat composition, including fatty acid profile and antioxidant activity, is essential for consumer health. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementing hydrogel capsules containing immobilized lavender essential oil (HE group) and capsules without immobilized essential oil (H group) on the oxidative stability, fatty acid profile, and mineral composition of broiler chicken breast muscles. The study results showed that supplementation with the lavender oil hydrogel (HE) significantly reduced total superoxide dismutase (SOD) and CuZn-SOD activity in breast muscles. Although TBARS values did not show significant differences, the reduced SOD activity may indicate decreased free radical production or more effective action of other antioxidant mechanisms. The fatty acid profile was significantly altered, with a lower content of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) observed in the HE group. Significant changes were also observed in the mineral composition of the muscles. The HE group had a higher sodium content and lower copper and iron levels compared to the control group. These changes may indicate an effect of the hydrogel and essential oil on mineral metabolism and bioavailability. The study suggests that hydrogels with immobilized lavender essential oil (LEO) may positively affect poultry meat quality by improving its fatty acid profile and oxidative stability, although these mechanisms require further research and confirmation. Full article

Animal venoms are rich in bioactive molecules with promising biotechnological potential. They comprise both protein and non-protein toxins. Among the protein toxins are enzymes, such as phospholipases A₂, proteases and L-amino acid oxidases (LAAOs). LAAOs exhibit antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antiviral, and anticancer effects, making them potential candidates for biotechnological applications. These activities are linked to their ability to catalyze oxidative reactions that convert L-amino acids into α-keto acids, releasing ammonia and hydrogen peroxide, which contribute to the immune response, pathogen elimination, and oxidative stress. However, in snakes of the Micrurus genus, LAAOs generally represent a small portion of the venom (up to ~7%), which limits their isolation and study. To overcome this, the present study aimed to produce Ml-LAAO, the enzyme from Micrurus lemniscatus, through heterologous expression in mammalian cells. The gene sequence was inferred from its primary structure and synthesized into the pSecTag2B vector for expression in HEK293T cells. After purification using a His Trap-HP column, the presence of recombinant Ml-LAAO (Ml-LAAOrec) was confirmed by Western blot and mass spectrometry, validating its identity. These results support successful recombinant expression of Ml-LAAO and highlight its potential for scalable production and future biotechnological applications. Full article