Search Results (798)

Salvia yangii is a popular garden plant known for its medicinal properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and skin protective properties of S. yangii extracts, which have not previously been studied in this regard. Comparison of the water–ethanol extract obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) with a CO₂ extract showed that the former had higher content of polyphenolic compounds. Chromatographic analyses of UAE identified such phenolic compounds as rosmarinic acid, hesperidin, and caffeic acid. The biological properties of UAE were also tested in vitro on 15 microbial strains as well as on two lines of skin cells. In addition, a hydrogel and lotion based on the extract were tested for rheological and textural properties. This study showed that S. yangii extract can be a valuable natural cosmetic material owing to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, photoprotective, and anti-aging effects. The future use of S. yangii extracts in the cosmetic industry is promising due to its particular chemical profile and biological properties. Full article

Macrophage extracellular traps (METs), which are extracellular immune structures released by macrophages, consist primarily of double-stranded DNA, histones, elastase, matrix metalloproteinase, myeloperoxidase, and other components. Recent studies have found that various pathogens (such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites) and environmental pollutants could induce the formation of METs through different mechanisms to help the host resist infection. However, accumulating evidence suggests that METs play a double-edged role in immune response, enhancing host defense while potentially contributing to tissue damage under certain pathological conditions. This review summarizes the mechanisms underlying the formation of METs, including different pathways triggered by various pathogens and environmental pollutants. We also discussed the role of METs in respiratory diseases, autoimmune diseases, metabolic diseases, tumors, and transplantation and injury, as well as recent advances in MET-targeted drugs, aiming to provide new insights for improving treatment strategies of relevant diseases. Full article

Equisetum telmateia Ehrh. (great horsetail) belongs to the Equisetaceae family and its aerial parts have been traditionally used for skin conditions and to achieve healthy and resilient skin, nails, and hair. This study aimed to evaluate the inhibition of skin-related enzymes by, the antioxidant capacity of, and the phytochemical composition of E. telmateia. Additionally, a novel emulgel was formulated from the main methanolic extract and characterized in terms of pH, viscosity, determination of content quantification, textural profile analysis, and spreadability. After the characterization studies, in vitro release and ex vivo permeation and penetration studies were performed. Firstly, the dried aerial parts of E. telmateia were macerated in methanol, followed by partitioning with solvents of increasing polarity: n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, FRAP, CUPRAC, and TOAC assays, while enzyme inhibition was analyzed for collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase. LC-MS/MS analysis identified 53 phytochemical compounds. Protocatechuic acid, the main phenolic compound, was quantitatively analyzed in each subfraction by HPTLC. The in vitro release studies showed sustained release of the reference substance (protocatechuic acid) and the kinetic modeling of the release was fitted to the Higuchi model. The ex vivo permeation and penetration studies showed that the formulation exhibited a retention of 3.06 ± 0.21 µg.cm⁻² after 24 h, whereas the suspended extract demonstrated a skin retention of 1.28 ± 0.47 µg.cm⁻². Both the extracts and the formulated emulgel exhibited inhibitory effects on skin-related enzymes. Our finding suggested that E. telmateia might be a valuable ingredient for wrinkle care and skin-regenerating cosmetics. Full article

Carnivorous plants have garnered attention as sources of pharmacologically active compounds, yet their floral tissues remain largely underexplored. In this study, we investigated the bioactive properties of Nepenthes miranda flower extracts prepared using water, methanol, ethanol, and acetone. Among these, the ethanol extract exhibited the highest total phenolic content (18.2 mg GAE/g), flavonoid content (68.9 mg QUE/g), and antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀ = 66.9 μg/mL), along with strong antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Cosmetically relevant enzyme inhibition assays revealed significant activity against tyrosinase (IC₅₀ = 48.58 μg/mL), elastase (IC₅₀ = 1.77 μg/mL), and hyaluronidase (IC₅₀ = 7.33 μg/mL), supporting its potential as an anti-skin aging agent. For antidiabetic evaluation, the ethanol extract demonstrated potent α-glucosidase inhibition (IC₅₀ = 24.53 μg/mL), outperforming standard inhibitors such as acarbose and quercetin. The extract also displayed marked cytotoxicity against A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells (IC₅₀ = 90.61 μg/mL), inducing dose-dependent apoptosis, inhibiting cell migration and colony formation, and causing significant DNA damage as shown by comet assay. Furthermore, the ethanol extract strongly inhibited the activity of purified human dihydroorotase (IC₅₀ = 25.11 μg/mL), indicating that disruption of pyrimidine biosynthesis may underlie its anticancer activity. Overall, this study provides the first characterization of N. miranda flower extracts, particularly the ethanol fraction, as a promising source of multifunctional bioactive compounds with possible applications in cosmetics, antidiabetic therapy, and cancer treatment. Full article

Background: Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI or PEI) often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to nonspecific symptomatology. Clinicians may focus primarily on symptoms like diarrhea and steatorrhea, potentially overlooking more prevalent symptoms. Methods: Our research describes the development and evaluation of the Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Symptom Score (EPI/PEI-SS), a novel patient-generated symptom score designed to capture a wide range of EPI-related symptoms and quantify symptoms based on frequency and severity (score ranges 0–225). This preliminary real-world study assessed the efficacy of the EPI/PEI-SS in differentiating between individuals with and without EPI. To examine disparities between participants with and without EPI, average symptom frequency, severity, and overall score relationships were assessed, as well as sub-analyses based on other health co-conditions. Results: In total, 324 participants (155 with EPI and 169 without) completed the EPI/PEI-SS online. Individuals with EPI reported significantly higher EPI/PEI-SS scores (98.11, range 1–213) indicating a greater symptom burden compared with those without EPI (38.86, range 0–163). Conclusions: The EPI/PEI-SS appears to effectively differentiate between EPI and non-EPI participants, including non-EPI participants with other GI conditions. The EPI/PEI-SS demonstrates the potential to identify EPI and distinguish symptoms of EPI from other GI conditions, as evaluated with frequency and severity. Future research could replicate the study alongside fecal elastase testing, to determine whether it can be used additionally or alternatively for EPI diagnosis. Full article

Crotalaria juncea L. (Fabaceae: Faboideae), traditionally used as green manure due to its nitrogen-fixing capacity, also exhibits therapeutic potential for conditions such as anemia and psoriasis. However, its cosmetic applications remain largely unexplored. This study examined the phytochemical profiles and biological activities of ethanolic extracts from the root, flower, and leaf of C. juncea, focusing on their potential use in cosmetic formulations. Soxhlet extraction with 95% ethanol was employed. Among the extracts, the leaf showed the highest total flavonoid content, while the root contained the highest total phenolic content. The root extract demonstrated the strongest antioxidant activity, as assessed by DPPH, FRAP, and lipid peroxidation assays, along with significant anti-tyrosinase and anti-aging effects via collagenase and elastase inhibition. LC-MS/QTOF analysis identified genistein and kaempferol as the major bioactive constituents in the root extract. Molecular docking confirmed their strong interactions with enzymes associated with skin aging. Additionally, the root extract exhibited notable anti-inflammatory activity. These results suggest that C. juncea root extract is a promising multifunctional natural ingredient for cosmetic applications due to its antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory properties. Full article

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency, a reversible cause of osteoporosis, is increasingly prevalent, showing varying degrees of severity that are notably pronounced among the growing population of multimorbid elderly patients. Given that the aging pancreas undergoes senescent processes leading to impaired function—which negatively impacts enteral vitamin D absorption and, consequently, elderly bone metabolism—a specific diagnostic and treatment approach is crucial. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) in orthogeriatric patients. We also evaluated differences in vitamin D deficiency severity between patients with normal and impaired pancreatic function. Furthermore, a short-term monitoring of vitamin D level increases after 12 days of substitution therapy in both groups aimed to inform osteoanabolic therapy for specific high-fracture-risk patients, assessing the influence of pancreatic function on substitution efficacy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, monocentric cohort study, evaluating data from all patients hospitalized with manifest osteoporosis in an orthogeriatric department during a six-month spring/summer period. Demographic data, relevant comorbidities, the type of fracture, the amount of faecal elastase 1 (CALEX^® Cap Bühlmann), and the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) were assessed. Results: We found a high prevalence (70.6%) of vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D < 30 µg/L) among all orthogeriatric patients. Of these, 16% met the criteria for mild to severe EPI. The group with normal exocrine pancreatic function showed a higher average vitamin D value, and their increase in vitamin D levels following short-term substitution was up to 100% greater compared to the group with impaired pancreatic function. Notably, 69% of women and 20% of men met the therapeutic threshold for specific osteoanabolic osteoporosis therapy, even without a T-score. Conclusions: Our findings reveal a very high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and a high prevalence of EPI in orthogeriatric patients. Those with impaired exocrine pancreatic function exhibit lower baseline vitamin D levels and a diminished capacity for vitamin D absorption during short-term monitoring. These results have significant clinical implications for osteoporotic therapy, given that a substantial proportion of patients, particularly women, meet the criteria for specific osteoanabolic treatment. Full article

Background/Objectives: The quality of clinical studies is largely determined by the bioanalytical methods used for testing study samples. Rigorous assay validation following defined criteria, for example, the European Medicines Agency guideline for bioanalytical method validation, is a prerequisite for such assays. Alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) measurement, i.e., the specific measurement of AAT protein and its associated elastase-inhibitory activity, is an integral part of assay panels for clinical studies addressing AAT deficiency. Specifically, AAT must be measured in the matrix of citrated human plasma as well as in diluted solutions with high salt concentrations obtained through bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Sensitive and selective measurement methods are required, as BAL has a low level of AAT. Methods: We present the validation data obtained for three AAT measurement methods. Two of them, nephelometry and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, which clearly differ in their sensitivity, provide AAT protein concentrations. The third is the highly sensitive, newly developed elastase complex formation immunosorbent assay that specifically measures the inhibitory activity of AAT against its pivotal target, protease neutrophil elastase. Using samples with relevant AAT concentrations, we addressed the assays’ characteristics: accuracy, precision, linearity, selectivity, specificity, limit of quantification and short-term analyte stability Results: Overall, the three methods demonstrated low total errors, a combined measure reflecting accuracy and precision, even at low analyte concentrations of less than 0.5 µg/mL; adequate linearity over the required assay range; and acceptable selectivity and specificity. Furthermore, the short-time stability of the analyte was also demonstrated. Conclusions: All three AAT measurement methods met the acceptance criteria defined by the guidelines on bioanalytical assay validation, qualifying these methods for clinical sample analysis. Full article

Cancer remains a major global health challenge requiring the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Liquid biopsy is considered a promising minimally invasive tool for cancer screening, prognosis and treatment monitoring. Recent studies suggest that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) may also be potential liquid biopsy markers. NETs are web-like chromatin structures released by neutrophils in response to various stimuli to trap and neutralize pathogens. However, excessive or dysregulated NET formation has been implicated in tumor progression and metastasis. Elevated levels of NETs have been observed in patients with various types of cancer and correlate with disease stage and prognosis. The presence of NET markers such as citrullinated histone H3 (H3Cit), neutrophil elastase (NE) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) has been associated with higher tumor burden and poorer clinical outcomes. Several studies have shown a positive correlation between NET markers and circulating free DNA (cfDNA) levels, suggesting that NETs may increase the sensitivity of liquid biopsy in detecting and monitoring cancer progression. This review examines the role of NETs in the tumor microenvironment, their contribution to cancer progression and metastasis, and their potential use in liquid biopsy and cancer therapy. Full article

Sepsis is a clinical syndrome characterized by a dysregulated host response to infection, frequently resulting in septic shock and multi-organ failure. Emerging evidence highlights the critical role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in the pathophysiology of sepsis. NETs are extracellular structures composed of chromatin DNA, histones, and granular proteins released by neutrophils through a specialized form of cell death known as NETosis. While NETs contribute to the containment of pathogens, their excessive or dysregulated production in sepsis is associated with endothelial damage, immunothrombosis, and organ dysfunction. Several NET-associated biomarkers have been identified, including circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA), histones, MPO-DNA complexes, and neutrophil elastase–DNA complexes, which correlate with the disease severity and prognosis. Therapeutic strategies targeting NETs are currently under investigation. Inhibition of NET formation using PAD4 inhibitors or ROS scavengers has shown protective effects in preclinical models. Conversely, DNase I therapy facilitates the degradation of extracellular DNA, reducing the NET-related cytotoxicity and thrombotic potential. Additionally, heparin and its derivatives have demonstrated the ability to neutralize NET-associated histones and mitigate coagulopathy. Novel approaches include targeting upstream signaling pathways, such as TLR9 and IL-8/CXCR2, offering further therapeutic promise. Full article

Aloe vera gel is a valuable raw material used in the cosmetic industry for its skin care properties. The present study analyzed the effects of the fermentation of aloe vera gel with a tea fungus kombucha, which is a symbiotic consortium of bacteria and yeast, carried out for 10 and 20 days (samples F10 and F20, respectively). The resulting ferments and unfermented gel were subjected to chromatographic analysis to determine the content of biologically active compounds. The permeability and accumulation of these compounds in pig skin were evaluated. In addition, the methods of DPPH, ABTS and the determination of intracellular free radical levels in keratinocytes (HaCaT) and fibroblasts (HDF) cell lines were used to determine antioxidant potential. The results showed a higher content of phenolic acids and flavonoids and better antioxidant properties of the ferments, especially after 20 days of fermentation. Cytotoxicity tests against HaCaT and HDF cells confirmed the absence of toxic effects; moreover, samples at the concentrations tested (mainly 10 and 25 mg/mL) showed cytoprotective effects. The analysis of enzymatic activity (collagenase, elastase and hyaluronidase) by the ELISA technique showed higher levels of inhibition for F10 and F20. The kombucha ferments also exhibited better moisturizing properties and lower levels of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), confirming their cosmetic potential. Full article

Skin aging is a natural biological process that can be accelerated by free radical induction, leading to a reduction in skin elasticity and the formation of wrinkles due to the depletion of elastin. Eugenia uniflora (dewandaru) is a promising plant believed to possess anti-aging properties, primarily attributed to its major constituents, myricitrin and quercetin. This study aimed to investigate the anti-elastase and antioxidant properties of Eugenia uniflora stem bark, ripe fruit, and seed extracts. Extracts were obtained using an ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method with 70% ethanol. Quantitative phytochemical analysis involved measuring the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity. Bioactive constituents were identified using LC-MS analysis, and their interactions with target enzymes were further evaluated through in silico molecular docking. The results demonstrated that the E. uniflora seed extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, with an IC₅₀ of 5.23 µg/mL (DPPH assay) and a FRAP value of 3233.32 µmol FeSO₄/g. Furthermore, the ethanolic seed extract showed significant anti-elastase activity with an IC₅₀ of 114.14 µg/mL. Molecular docking predicted strong potential for several compounds as pancreatic elastase inhibitors, including 5-phenylvaleric acid, 2-(3-phenylpropyl)phenol, n-amylbenzene, 2-aminoadipic acid, and traumatin, each showing a prediction activity (PA) value exceeding 0.6. Notably, these compounds also exhibited inhibitory activity against tyrosinase. These findings collectively underscore the significant promise of E. uniflora seed extract as a novel and natural candidate for pharmacocosmeceutical product development, particularly for anti-aging applications. Full article

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory disease predominantly of the small airways and parenchyma. COPD lungs exhibit an influx of circulating innate immune cells, which, when isolated, display impaired functions, including imbalanced protease secretion. In addition to immune cells, the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a crucial role in COPD pathology. Remodeling of the ECM can generate ECM fragments, which can be released into circulation and subsequently induce pro-inflammatory responses. COPD is a heterogeneous disease, and serological biomarkers can be used to sub-categorize COPD patients for targeted treatments and optimal recruitment in clinical trials. This study evaluated fragments of calprotectin, collagen type VI, and versican, generated by neutrophil elastase and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-) 2 and 12, respectively, as potential biomarkers of COPD disease, severity, and endotypes. Lower plasma levels of a neoepitope marker of calprotectin, indicative of activated neutrophils (nordicCPa9-HNETM), were detected in COPD donors compared to controls. CPa9-HNE was associated with milder disease, higher degree of air-trapping, and higher serum levels of MMP-2. Deposition of CPa9-HNE levels in lung tissue revealed no differences between groups. Taken together, CPa9-HNE was found to be a potential marker of mild COPD, but further studies are warranted to validate our findings. Full article

Tuberaria lignosa (Sweet) Samp. (Cistaceae) is a herbaceous species native to southwestern Europe, traditionally used to treat wounds, ulcers, and inflammatory or infectious skin conditions. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical profile of its aqueous leaf extract and evaluate its skin-related in vitro biological activities. The phenolic composition was determined using UHPLC-HRMS/MS, HPLC-DAD, and quantitative colorimetric assays. Antioxidant activity was assessed against synthetic free radicals, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, transition metals, and pro-oxidant enzymes. Enzymatic inhibition of tyrosinase, hyaluronidase, collagenase, and elastase were evaluated using in vitro assays. Cytocompatibility was tested on human keratinocytes and NIH/3T3 fibroblasts using MTT and resazurin assays, respectively, while wound healing was evaluated on NIH/3T3 fibroblasts using the scratch assay. Antifungal activity was investigated against several Candida and dermatophyte species, while antibiofilm activity was tested against Epidermophyton floccosum. The extract was found to be rich in phenolic compounds, accounting for nearly 45% of its dry weight. These included flavonoids, phenolic acids, and proanthocyanidins, with ellagitannins (punicalagin) being the predominant group. The extract demonstrated potent antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, and antidermatophytic activities, including fungistatic, fungicidal, and antibiofilm effects. These findings highlight the potential of T. lignosa as a valuable and underexplored source of bioactive phenolic compounds with strong potential for the development of innovative approaches for skin care and therapy. Full article

This study explores the valorization of agro-industrial by-products—riceberry broken rice (RBR) and soybean meal (SBM)—as cost-effective substrates for enhancing exopolysaccharide (EPS) production by Bacillus tequilensis PS21. Eight Bacillus strains were screened, and B. tequilensis PS21 demonstrated the highest EPS yield (2.54 g/100 mL DW). The EPS displayed a strong antioxidant capacity with 65.5% DPPH and 80.5% hydroxyl radical scavenging, and a FRAP value of 6.51 mg Fe²⁺/g DW. Antimicrobial testing showed inhibition zones up to 10.07 mm against Streptococcus agalactiae and 7.83 mm against Staphylococcus aureus. Optimization using central composite design (CCD) and the response surface methodology (RSM) revealed the best production at 5% (w/v) RBR, 3% (w/v) SBM, pH 6.66, and 39.51 °C, yielding 39.82 g/L EPS. This EPS is a moderate-molecular-weight (11,282 Da) homopolysaccharide with glucose monomers. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed an amorphous pattern, favorable for solubility in biological applications. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated thermal stability up to ~250 °C, supporting its suitability for high-temperature processing. EPS also exhibited anticancer activity with IC₅₀ values of 226.60 µg/mL (MCF-7) and 224.30 µg/mL (HeLa) at 72 h, reduced colony formation, inhibited cell migration, and demonstrated anti-tyrosinase, anti-collagenase, and anti-elastase effects. This study demonstrates the successful valorization of agro-industrial by-products—RBR and SBM—for the high-yield production of multifunctional EPS with potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. The findings highlight the sustainable potential of these low-cost substrates in supporting the development of green and value-added bioproducts, with promising utilizations across the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors. Full article