Search Results (9,948)

Catalase, a pivotal antioxidant enzyme, plays a central role in converting hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) into oxygen and water, thereby safeguarding cells from oxidative damage. In patients with diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and Parkinson’s disease (PD), catalase becomes increasingly susceptible to non-enzymatic glycation, resulting in enzyme inactivation, oxidative stress, and defective mitochondrial function. This review uniquely emphasizes catalase glycation as a converging pathological mechanism that bridges metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders, underscoring its translational significance beyond prior general reviews on catalase function. In patients with metabolic diseases, glycation impairs β-cell function and insulin signaling, while in patients with neurodegeneration, it accelerates protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation. Notably, the colocalization of glycated catalase with amyloid-β and α-synuclein highlights its potential role in protein aggregation and neuronal toxicity, a mechanism not previously addressed. Therapeutically, targeting catalase glycation opens up new avenues for intervention. Natural and synthetic agents can be used to protect catalase activity by modulating glyoxalase activity, heme integrity, or carbonyl stress. Vitamins C and E, along with agents like sulforaphane and resveratrol, exert protection through complementary mechanisms, beyond ROS scavenging. Moreover, novel strategies, including Nrf2 activation and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) inhibition, are showing promise in restoring catalase activity and halting disease progression. By focusing on glycation-specific mechanisms and proposing targeted therapeutic approaches, this review positions catalase glycation as a novel and clinically relevant molecular target in patients with chronic diseases and a viable candidate for translational research aimed at improving clinical outcomes. Full article

With the rise of environmental protection and health topics in recent years, microbial production of red pigments has gradually become a research hotspot. Red pigment possesses biological properties such as anticancer and antioxidant activities and has a wide range of potential applications in the fields of food and medicine. In this paper, a red pigment-producing strain was screened from rice soil to provide a reserve for obtaining natural and safe red pigments. Methods: The strain LSY1-2 was identified using morphological and 16S rDNA molecular biological identification. The fermentation conditions for red pigment production were optimised to improve pigment yield, and the best conditions were analysed using response surface methodology. Finally, the stabilisation conditions of red pigment were analysed to determine the difficulty of retention. Results: The molecular ecology was identified as the bacterium Arthrobacter sp. of the genus Arthrobacter. The optimal red pigment production medium for the strain was determined by a one-way test with the carbon source beef extract, the nitrogen source peptone, the inoculum size 2%, the temperature 27 °C, the pH value 7, and the rotational speed 160 rpm. Response surface optimisation determined the optimal red pigment production conditions as the incubation temperature of 26.43 °C, the pH value of 6.89, and the rotational speed of 162.77 rpm, which resulted in the yield of red pigment under these optimal conditions as 0.883 U/mL. The stability of red pigment was best under the condition without light, and poorer under conditions of above 50 °C, strong acid, strong alkali, and more than 3% oxidant, and Fe³⁺ had a greater effect on the stability. Conclusions: Strain LSY-1 can produce stable red pigment under the optimised red pigment-producing conditions, which provides a reference for the large-scale production of natural red pigment and subsequent related research. Full article

Redox balance is essential for maintenance of the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) pool, which ensures the lifelong hematopoiesis. However, oxidative attack induced by various physiopathological stresses always compromises HSC maintenance, while there remains lack of safe and effective antioxidative measures combating these conditions. Here, we show that ferulic acid (FA), a natural antioxidant abundantly present in Angelica sinensis which is a traditional Chinese herb commonly used for promotion of blood production, distinctively and directly promotes HSC maintenance and thereby boosts hematopoiesis at homeostasis, whether supplemented over the long term in vivo or in HSC culture ex vivo. Using a mouse model of acute myelosuppressive injury induced by ionizing radiation, we further reveal that FA supplementation effectively safeguards HSC maintenance and accelerates hematopoietic regeneration after acute myelosuppressive injury. Mechanistically, FA diminishes ferroptosis susceptibility of HSCs through limiting the labile iron pool (LIP), thus favoring HSC maintenance. In addition, the LIP limitation and anti-ferroptosis activity of FA is independent of nuclear-factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), probably relying on its iron-chelating ability. These findings not only uncover a novel pharmacological action and mechanism of FA in promoting HSC maintenance, but also provides a therapeutic rationale for using FA or FA-rich herbs to treat iron overload- and ferroptosis-associated pathologies such as acute myelosuppressive injury. Full article

Pyruvate is an alpha-keto acid that occurs naturally in living cells. It is a key metabolite in cellular respiration and a substrate for the synthesis of glucose (in gluconeogenesis) and certain amino acids. Exogenous pyruvate, for example in the form of sodium pyruvate or ethyl pyruvate, has potential therapeutic applications due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review summarises cell culture and animal studies that report the cytoprotective effects of exogenous pyruvate compounds during exposure to environmental pollutants, drugs, UV radiation, and burns. These reports show that the main mechanisms through which exogenous pyruvate exerts its beneficial effects are the neutralisation of reactive oxygen species, protection and stabilisation of mitochondria, maintenance of ATP levels, and inhibition of inflammatory signalling pathways, including the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. The article also outlines potential challenges associated with the therapeutic use of exogenous pyruvate. These include the instability of inorganic pyruvate (sodium pyruvate) and the fact that the metabolism of ethyl pyruvate differs between humans and animals. Full article

Oxidative stress plays a key role in tissue damage during inflammation, highlighting the need for effective antioxidant interventions. This study investigates the antioxidant potential of argan oil (AO)—obtained from Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels almonds—in comparison with olive oil (OO), cactus seed oil (CSO), and colza oil (CO). Quantitative analyses of total polyphenols and pigments—including chlorophylls, carotenoids, and xanthophylls—were conducted alongside antioxidant capacity assessments via DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. The methanolic fraction consistently demonstrated the highest phenolic concentration and antioxidant efficacy across all oils. To establish in vivo relevance, a male C57BL/6J mouse model of acute oxidative stress was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration. Pretreatment with oils significantly modulated key oxidative stress biomarkers—SOD, CAT, GPx activities, GSH levels, and lipid peroxidation (MDA)—in both heart and kidney. LPS challenge induced marked oxidative imbalance, notably increasing enzymatic activity and MDA levels, while depleting GSH in the heart and elevating it in the kidney. However, pretreatment with oils effectively restored redox homeostasis, with AO showing particularly potent effects and a stronger regulatory effect observed in the kidney. Hierarchical clustering of z-score-normalized heatmaps revealed distinct oxidative stress signatures, clearly separating LPS-treated heart and kidney tissues from other groups due to heightened oxidative markers. In contrast, oil-treated and oil-combined-with-LPS groups clustered closer to the control, underscoring the protective effect of oils against LPS-induced oxidative stress, with efficiency varying by oil type. Pearson correlation analysis, complemented by multivariate principal component analysis (PCA), further emphasized strong positive associations between antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx) and MDA levels, while GSH exhibited tissue-specific behavior—negatively correlated in the heart but positively in the kidney—highlighting divergent redox regulation between organs. Collectively, AO demonstrated robust cardioprotective and nephroprotective properties, supporting its potential as a natural dietary strategy against inflammation-induced oxidative stress. Full article

Constrained by site conditions and water resources, pear tree cultivation faces increasing drought stress. Paecilomyces variotii extract (PVE), a novel biostimulant extracted from wild sea buckthorn root-isolated strains and containing chitin, humic/fulvic acids, and beneficial microbes, has gained attention due to its high activity and efficacy in alleviating plant stresses (e.g., drought). In this study, Pyrus pyrifolia ‘Qiu Yue’ was used as the experimental material, and pot experiments were conducted to examine the drought-mitigating effects of different PVE concentrations. Drought stress was achieved by maintaining soil water content at 35–45% of water holding capacity for 45 days under natural evaporation conditions in rain shelters. The growth status of pear trees, soil enzyme activity, and metabolite levels were analyzed. The results showed that the application of 5 ng/mL PVE promoted pear tree growth, enhanced leaf antioxidant enzyme activity, and improved photosynthetic capacity and soil enzyme activity. Under normal water conditions, the shoot growth length, plant height, stem diameter, and root system activity of the 5 ng/mL PVE group were 31.91%, 12.05%, 3.54%, and 10.94% higher than those of the control group, respectively. Under drought stress, these values increased by 25.12%, 8.87%, 12.21%, and 16.98%, respectively. The addition of 5 ng/mL PVE facilitates trehalose release and upregulates starch-sucrose, glycerophospholipid, and galactose metabolic pathways, thereby potentiating drought stress tolerance in pear trees. However, at 20 ng/mL, reductions were observed in pear tree growth indicators, leaf antioxidant enzyme activity, soil enzyme activity, and trehalose content in root exudates compared to the 5 ng/mL PVE treatment. Overall, 5 ng/mL PVE effectively promotes pear tree growth and enhances drought resistance, making it suitable for broader use in pear cultivation practices. Full article

The growing threat of antimicrobial resistance drives the need for innovative and multifunctional therapeutic systems. In this study, a controlled-release system based on a bioactive film composed of gelatin, bacterial cellulose (BC), sericin, citric acid, PEG 400, and nisin was developed for topical applications in infected wound treatment. BC membranes were produced using Komagataeibacter xylinus and enzymatically treated to optimize dispersion within the polymer matrix. The resulting system exhibited a semi-rigid, homogeneous morphology with appropriate visual characteristics for dermatological use. Microbiological assays demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and resistant Gram-negative strains (Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae), attributed to the synergistic action of nisin and citric acid, which enhanced bacterial outer membrane permeability. The antioxidant capacity was confirmed through DPPH radical scavenging assays, indicating a progressive release of bioactive compounds over time. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses revealed good integration of biopolymers within the matrix. These results suggest that the strategic combination of natural biopolymers and antimicrobial agents produced a functional system with improved mechanical properties, a broadened antimicrobial spectrum, and promising potential as a bioactive wound dressing for the treatment of infected skin lesions. Full article

Breast cancer remains a formidable global health challenge, with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) posing unique clinical complexities. Characterized by its aggressive nature and limited number of specific therapeutic targets, this breast cancer subtype disproportionately affects African American women, highlighting critical disparities in care. The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) plays a critical role in breast cancer development and response to immunotherapy, and it is essential in fostering an immunosuppressive and pro-inflammatory niche. Inflammation, primarily mediated by the NF-κB signaling pathway and chemokine signaling, particularly involving CCL2, plays a pivotal role in TNBC progression and therapy resistance. This review describes some of the molecular mechanisms of polyphenols, which are naturally occurring compounds abundant in various dietary sources, and their potential use as therapeutic agents in the management of TNBC. Polyphenolic compounds have been described as modulating the TIME through the inhibition of tumor progression, immune evasion, and therapy resistance, due to their diverse bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, making them attractive candidates for combating the aggressiveness of TNBC and addressing treatment disparities. Polyphenols, such as curcumin, gossypol, butein, epigallocatechin gallate, cardamonin, and resveratrol, have demonstrated efficacy in modulating several signaling pathways within the TIME, which are implicated in the progression of TNBC. This review highlights the potential effects of polyphenols on inflammatory cytokine release, programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, which is associated with immune evasion by the host cell, and various intracellular signaling cascades, demonstrating their potential use in personalized therapeutic interventions for TNBC. This study also describes differential responses of TNBC cell lines to polyphenol treatment, highlighting the importance of considering genetic variability in therapeutic strategies, as well as the importance of the interaction of polyphenols with the gut microbiome, which may establish the bioavailability and effectiveness of these compounds toward therapeutic outcomes. Further preclinical and clinical studies are warranted to fully elucidate the therapeutic potential of polyphenols and translate these findings into clinical practice, thereby improving outcomes for patients with TNBC worldwide. Full article

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with varying doses of Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum) on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, serum biochemical parameters, fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and fecal microbiota in preweaning Holstein calves. Forty healthy newborn Holstein heifer calves with comparable birth weights were randomly assigned to four groups (control, 1 g/d supplementation, 3 g/d supplementation, and 5 g/d supplementation) for a 60-day trial. Growth parameters, diarrhea incidence, serum immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM), cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α), antioxidant indicators (T-AOC, MDA), fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and microbial composition were measured to evaluate the effects of C. butyricum. The results indicated that calves in the 5 g/d group exhibited a significantly higher average daily gain (ADG) compared with the control group (804.67 vs. 701.67 g/d, p < 0.05), with no significant differences in feed intake observed among groups (p > 0.05). During Days 22–42, the diarrhea incidence in the 5 g/d group was 7.74% lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05). This group exhibited significantly elevated serum IgM levels (Day 42, p < 0.05) and reduced IL-1β concentrations (Day 42, p < 0.05). Additionally, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) was significantly enhanced (Days 42 and 60, p < 0.05), while malondialdehyde (MDA) content was significantly decreased (Days 21 and 42, p < 0.05). At Day 42, fecal propionate and butyrate concentrations were significantly elevated in the 5 g/d group (p < 0.05), while the relative abundances of Bacteroides, Acidaminococcus, Bifidobacterium, Olsenella, Faecalitalea, and Ruminococcus were significantly increased (p < 0.05). The increase in these short-chain fatty acids and beneficial bacteria contributes to improved intestinal health and thus helps alleviate diarrhea. These findings indicate that supplementing preweaning calves’ milk with 5 g/d of C. butyricum significantly enhances growth performance and intestinal health. This provides evidence for the use of C. butyricum as a natural alternative to antibiotics in calf rearing. Full article

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

Olive oil, a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, is increasingly recognized not only for its cardiovascular benefits but also for its potential role in cancer prevention and therapy. Among its bioactive constituents, several phenolic compounds—tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, oleacein, and oleocanthal—have demonstrated promising anticancer activities in various experimental models. These compounds act synergistically through diverse mechanisms, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects, as well as modulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Notably, oleocanthal selectively induces cancer cell death via lysosomal membrane permeabilization, while hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein exhibit potent radical-scavenging and anti-proliferative properties. This review synthesizes findings from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies on the anticancer potential of these polyphenols, with emphasis on their mechanisms of action and possible applications in cancer prevention and adjunctive therapy. Given the established link between obesity and cancer development, clinical studies examining the metabolic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects of olive polyphenols in populations with obesity or prediabetes provide valuable insights into their potential to influence cancer-related pathways indirectly. However, direct clinical evidence in cancer patients remains limited and preliminary, underscoring the need for focused, well-controlled trials with cancer-specific endpoints. Furthermore, it critically evaluates the translational relevance of these findings, highlighting gaps in clinical research and future directions. Literature was retrieved from Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect using keywords such as cancer, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, olive, tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, oleacein, and oleocanthal. Given the rising global cancer burden and the favorable safety profiles of these natural molecules, elucidating their molecular actions may support the development of novel integrative therapeutic strategies. Full article

The use of antibiotics as growth promoters (AGPs) has been a common practice in animal production; however, concerns over microbial resistance have led organizations, such as the FAO, EU, and EFSA, to restrict or ban their use. This has prompted a growing interest in natural alternatives, particularly medicinal herbs, for enhancing animal performance and health. Among these, Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese Skullcap) and Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle) have gained attention for their high medicinal value in monogastric animal diets. These plants contain bioactive compounds, such as flavones (baicalin, baicalein, oroxylin A), iridoids (loganin), and saponins (including loniceroside hederagenin), which exhibit a range of biological activities, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-stress effects. Notably, these herbal extracts are natural, safe, and unlikely to induce microbial resistance. Recent studies suggest that supplementation with S. baicalensis and L. japonica can improve livestock production performance by mitigating oxidative stress. This review aims to highlight the potential application of these plant-based additives in reducing oxidative damage and enhancing productivity in animal agriculture. Full article

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of AS632 and AS633, two topical formulations composed of natural plant-derived ingredients, for potential use in arthritis therapy. Methods: AS632 and AS633 were formulated with natural plant extracts—including Punica granatum seed oil, Gaultheria procumbens essential oil, Centella asiatica extract, and Camellia sinensis extract—and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). AS632 additionally contained a peptide-based component, Peptiskin^®. Both formulations were tested in THP-1-derived macrophages, HaCaT keratinocytes, and C28/I2 chondrocytes stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or pro-inflammatory cytokines. Results: Both formulations significantly reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-13) expression, and ROS level, with AS632 showing greater suppression of TNF-α in macrophages compared to AS633. In addition, both formulations demonstrated cytoprotective effects against cytokine-induced damage in chondrocytes. Conclusions: AS632 and AS633 are promising topical candidates for managing arthritis and chronic inflammatory skin or joint disorders. Full article

This paper presents a literature review on the potential of jaboticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora) peel extracts for application in multifunctional dermocosmetic formulations, particularly as natural antioxidants and photoprotective agents. Utilizing the Methodi Ordinatio methodology, of a total of 1226, 90 scientific articles were selected from six major databases and analyzed through bibliometric mapping (VOSviewer) and qualitative data processing (MAXQDA). The results highlight research concentration in three key areas: (1) extraction methodologies for bioactive compounds, (2) identification and quantification techniques, and (3) biological activities (antioxidant and photoprotective effects). The most frequent compounds reported were anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-glucoside and delphinidin-3-glucoside), quercetin-derived flavonoids (rutin and myricetin), and phenolic acids (ellagic, gallic, and ferulic acids), which exhibit synergistic effects with conventional UV filters. Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) using ethanol and emerging green solvents, like glycerol and deep eutectic solvents (DESs), was identified as an effective, sustainable alternative. Despite increasing evidence supporting the dermocosmetic potential of jaboticaba peel, studies remain scarce, with only one identified investigation using it in a topical formulation. This review provides a structured scientific foundation to encourage research aimed at developing multifunctional, eco-friendly, plant-based cosmetics aligned with the principles of the circular economy. Full article

Menopause is a natural and inevitable part of life for women, leading to many physical and psychological changes accompanied by declining estrogen levels. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effect of curcumin, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, on postmenopausal outcomes in women. This comprehensive analysis of RCTs (randomized controlled trials) published in the last decade was selected through a search of PubMed, Wiley, Scopus, and Web of Science (PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42024549735). Study selection and data extraction were performed using exclusion and inclusion criteria according to the PICOS framework (P: Population, I: Intervention, C: Comparison, O: Outcomes, S: Study designs). Of the twelve studies that met the criteria, 11 had a low-risk bias, but reports were conflicting on serum estradiol levels, bone density markers, and vasomotor symptoms; no significant effects on physical, psychological, or sexual functions were observed. For cardiometabolic biomarkers, short-term curcumin intake showed no significant effects, while long-term interventions using bioavailable forms of curcumin showed improvements in serum fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance), and lipid parameters. There are a limited number of studies examining the effect of curcumin intake on menopause-related outcomes. While overdose has been observed in some studies attempting to restore estradiol levels, no significant effects have been observed. However, curcumin intake impacts postmenopausal symptoms (e.g., improving symptoms of osteoporosis) through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Different forms and doses, combinations, and durations of interventions may influence outcomes. Better-designed studies are needed to understand the potential effects of curcumin intake during menopause. Full article