Enhancement of bioavailability and bioactivity of diet-derived flavonoids by application of nanotechnology

 Crit. Rev. Food Sci. Nut. 63 (3) 378-393 (2023)

Flavonoids, which are a class of polyphenols widely existing in food and medicine, have enormous pharmacological effects. The functional properties of flavonoids are mainly distributed to their anti-oxidative, anticancer, and anti-inflammatoryeffects, etc. However, flavonoids’ low bioavailability limits their clinical application, which is closely related to their intestinal absorption and metabolism. In addition, because of the short residence time of oral bioactive molecules in the stomach, low permeability and low solubility in the gastrointestinal tract, flavonoids are easy to be decomposed by the external environment and gastrointestinal tract after digestion. To tackle these obstacles, technological approaches like microencapsulation have been developed and applied for the formulation of flavonoid-enriched food products. In the light of these scientific advances, the objective of this review is to establish the structural requirements of flavonoids for appreciable anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, and elucidate a comprehensive mechanism that can explain their activity. Furthermore, the novelty in application of nanotechnology for the safe delivery of flavonoids in food matrices is discussed. After a literature on the flavonoids and their health attributes, the encapsulation methods and the coating materials are presented.

Exploration of Indian Traditional recipe “Tarvaani” from the drained rice gruel for nutritional and probiotic potential

 Int. j. Gastron. Food Sci. 31, 100670, 2023

Study background

Traditional fermented foods are the source of probiotic bacteria which can be envisaged as formulation ingredients in various food and beverages.

Scope and approach

The present research aimed to explore one of the Indian traditional recipes, “Tarvaani,” for nutritional and probiotic potential as a part of its healthy perspectives.

Main findings and conclusion: The traditional recipe was found to contain the lactic acid bacteria and isolated. The isolated product showed prominent curdling activity after 48 h, and bacterial growth was seen in all the pH (pH 3–7) tested. The antibiotic susceptibility test found that streptomycin, vancomycin, and kanamycin were resistant to the bacterial culture, and imipenem, gentamycin, rifampicin, and tetracycline were found to be resistant susceptible to the bacterial culture according to zone diameter interpretative criteria given in ICMR SOP 2015. A clear halo zone around the tested colony was obtained in the amylase test, which indicated that starch was degraded and α-amylase was produced. The culture also showed prominent antimicrobial action and inhibited the growth of the pathogenic strains tested by a well-diffusion assay. Moreover, the isolates only showed no haemolysis activity after incubation at 30 °C for 24 h under anaerobic conditions. Overall, the present research findings showcase the nutritional and probiotic potential of Lactobacillus sp. of “Tarvaani” as a viable option as a formulation ingredient in traditional-based functional foods.

Effects of alginates on the growth, haematological, immunity, antioxidant and pro-inflammatory responses of rabbits under high temperature

 Res. Vet. Sci. 155, 36-43, 2023

Heat stress (HS) is one of the most severe hurdles impacting rabbit growth, immunity, homeostasis, and productivity. Alginate oligosaccharides (AOS) have considerable beneficial effects due to their plausible antioxidant and immune-stimulatory properties. This work was planned to explore the preventive function of AOS as a new bio-feed additive against the harmful effects caused by environmental HS on growing rabbits. Rabbits were allotted in four experimental groups (25 animals in each group) and fed on a basal diet supplemented with 0.0 (AOS0), 50 (AOS50), 100 (AOS100), and 150 (AOS150) mg AOS/kg diet reared under summer conditions. Dietary AOS supplementation improved significantly (P ≤ 0.001) feed conversion rate, while both AOS100 and AOS150 significantly (P ≤ 0.001) enhanced the final body weight and body weight gain. All AOS addition significantly increased nitric oxide and lysosome activity and significantly reduced interferon-gamma (IFNγ) compared with those in the control group. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin1β (IL-1β), myeloperoxidase and protein carbonyl levels were significantly reduced in rabbits fed diets containing AOS (100 and 150 mg/kg) compared with those in the control group under heat stress conditions. In addition, glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) were significantly (P ≤ 0.001) improved with increasing AOS dietary levels compared with the control group. Still, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), eosinophils, and lymphocytes did not change. Erythrocyte's indices improved significantly (P ≤ 0.001), while neutrophils and white blood cell counts were decreased by dietary AOS inclusion. Immunological (IgM and IgG) were markedly reduced in AOS-treated groups compared with the control group. The current investigation exemplified that AOS as a novel bio-feed additive that could be an effective strategy to extenuate prejudicial effects in heat-stressed rabbits via enhancing immunity, and antioxidant defence system, further regulating the inflammation cytokines.

Evaluation of Moringa oleifera and corn starch as feed for seed production of the pearl oyster Pteria sterna (Gould,1851)

Aquaculture, 567, 739259, 2023

In the search for complementary diets to improve performance in bivalve farming, the use of terrestrial plants with nutritional and nutraceutical properties has been proposed as an alternative. The effectiveness of moringa leaf meal Moringa oleifera (Mo) was evaluated under controlled laboratory conditions (30 days), as a dietary supplement during the pre-growth stage of Pteria sterna seeds (7.2 ± 0.59 mm), as well as its combinations with microalgae and corn starch (Co), on growth and survival in the laboratory and its subsequent initial suspended culture in the sea. Diets were formulated with a mixture of the microalgae Tetraselmis suecica and Chaetoceros gracilis (M), diet M; M and 5% Mo (M + Mo); diet M and 5% corn starch (M + Co); 100% moringa leaf meal (Mo); 100% corn starch (Co), and diet M with 2.5% Mo and 2,5% Co (M + Mo + Co). The Mo diet did not provide pre-seed sustainability, resulting in 100% mortality at 30 days. From the rest of the diets, M obtained the lowest oyster survival, while M + Mo and M + Mo + Co showed the highest growth rates. At the end of the laboratory bioassay, the seeds were sown in a culture system in the open sea (50 days), where the highest growth occurred in the juveniles previously fed with M + Mo + Co. The results suggest that, in the nursery, P. sterna pre-seeds can be maintained with a diet of 100% corn starch, but not with 100% moringa flour, probably due to its poor digestibility. However, moringa used as an additive to the microalgae diet provided a higher yield in the oyster, which is reflected in a higher yield in the initial culture outdoors.

Guaiazulene and related compounds: A review of current perspective on biomedical applications

 Life Sci. 316, 121389, 2023

Background

Thousands of people worldwide pass away yearly due to neurological disorders, cardiovascular illnesses, cancer, metabolic disorders, and microbial infections. Additionally, a sizable population has also been impacted by hepatotoxicity, ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and breast fissure. These ailments are likewise steadily increasing along with the increase in life expectancy. Finding innovative therapies to cure and consequently lessen the impact of these ailments is, therefore, a global concern.

Methods and materials

All provided literature on Guaiazulene (GA) and its related compounds were searched using various electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Elsevier, Springer, ACS, CNKI, and books via the keywords Guaiazulene, Matricaria chamomilla, GA-related compounds, and Guaiazulene analogous.

Results

The FDA has approved the bicyclic sesquiterpene GA, commonly referred to as azulon or 1,4-dimethyl-7-isopropylazulene, as a component in cosmetic colorants. The pleiotropic health advantages of GA and related substances, especially their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, attracted a lot of research. Numerous studies have found that GA can help to manage various conditions, including bacterial infections, tumors, immunomodulation, expectorants, diuretics, diaphoresis, ulcers, dermatitis, proliferation, and gastritis. These conditions all involve lipid peroxidation and inflammatory response. In this review, we have covered the biomedical applications of GA. Moreover, we also emphasize the therapeutic potential of guaiazulene derivatives in pre-clinical and clinical settings, along with their underlying mechanism(s).

Conclusion

GA and its related compounds exhibit therapeutic potential in several diseases. Still, it is necessary to investigate their potential in animal models for various other ailments and establish their safety profile. They might be a good candidate to advance to clinical trials.

Recent advances in Chinese food authentication and origin verification using isotope ratio mass spectrometry

 Food Chem. 398, 133896, 2023

Over the last decade, isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) using up to 5 light stable isotopes (13C/12C, 2H/1H, 15N/14N, 18O/16O, 34S/32S) has become more widely applied for food origin verification as well as food authentication in China. IRMS technology is increasingly used to authenticate a range of food products including organic foods, honey, beverages, tea, animal products, fruits, oils, cereals, spices and condiments that are frequently unique to a specific region of China. Compared to other food authenticity and traceability techniques, IRMS has been successfully used to characterize, classify and identify many Chinese food products, reducing fraud and food safety problems and improving consumer trust and confidence. IRMS techniques also provides scientific support to enhance China’s strict government regulatory policies. Isotope testing verifies geographical origin labelling of domestic and imported foods, protects and verifies high value foods that are unique to China, and indicates environmentally friendly farming practices such as ‘green’ or ‘organic’ methods. This paper reviews recently published Chinese research to highlight the recent advances of IRMS as a regulatory and verification tool for Chinese food products.

Structures and Functions of Cuticular Wax in Postharvest Fruit and Its Regulation: A Comprehensive Review with Future Perspectives

 Engineering, 2023

Cuticular wax plays a major role in the growth and storage of plant fruits. The cuticular wax coating, which covers the outermost layer of a fruit’s epidermal cells, is insoluble in water. Cuticular wax is mainly composed of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs); their derivatives, including esters, primary alcohols, secondary alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones; and triterpenoids. This complex mixture of lipids is probably biosynthesized in the epidermal cells of most plants and exuded onto the surface. Cuticular wax not only makes the fruit less susceptible to microbial infection but also reduces mechanical damage to the fruit, thereby maintaining the fruit’s commodity value. To date, research has mostly focused on the changes, function, and regulation of fruit wax before harvest, while ignoring the changes and functions of wax in fruit storage. This paper reviews on the composition, structure, and metabolic regulation of cuticular wax in fruits. It also focuses on postharvest factors affecting wax composition, such as storage temperature, relative humidity (RH), gas atmosphere, and as exogenous hormones; and the effects of wax on fruit postharvest quality, including water dispersion, fruit softening, physiological disorders, and disease resistance. These summaries may be of assistance in better understanding the changes in cuticular wax in postharvest fruit and the resulting effects on fruit quality.

Effects of quercetin on emissions of aldehydes from heated docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-fortified soybean oil

 J. Hazard. Mat. 442, 130134, 2023

Home cooking has been considered as an indoor pollution problem since cooking oil fumes contain various toxic chemicals such as aldehydes. Fortifying edible oils with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been applied to enhance the nutritional value of oils. This study designed a frying simulation system and examined the effect of oil type, DHA fortification, heating time, and addition of natural antioxidant on the emissions of aldehydes from heated oils. Results showed that linseed oil had the highest total aldehyde emissions, followed by soybean oil, peanut oil, and palm oil. Fortifying soybean oil with DHA increased the toxic aldehydes emitted. Quercetin, a flavonoid, significantly reduced aldehydes emitted from DHA-fortified soybean oil (by up to 39.80%) to levels similar to those of normal soybean oil. Further analysis showed that DHA-fortified soybean oil with quercetin had a significantly higher DHA and unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) content than the control oil at each heating time point. The result indicated that quercetin inhibited emissions of aldehydes, at least in part, by protecting UFAs from oxidation. Collectively, quercetin could be used as a natural additive in DHA-fortified and normal cooking oils to reduce aldehyde emissions, indoor air pollution, and preserve functional DHA and other UFAs.

Evaluation of Moringa oleifera and corn starch as feed for seed production of the pearl oyster Pteria sterna (Gould,1851)

Aquaculture, 567, 739259, 2023

In the search for complementary diets to improve performance in bivalve farming, the use of terrestrial plants with nutritional and nutraceutical properties has been proposed as an alternative. The effectiveness of moringa leaf meal Moringa oleifera (Mo) was evaluated under controlled laboratory conditions (30 days), as a dietary supplement during the pre-growth stage of Pteria sterna seeds (7.2 ± 0.59 mm), as well as its combinations with microalgae and corn starch (Co), on growth and survival in the laboratory and its subsequent initial suspended culture in the sea. Diets were formulated with a mixture of the microalgae Tetraselmis suecica and Chaetoceros gracilis (M), diet M; M and 5% Mo (M + Mo); diet M and 5% corn starch (M + Co); 100% moringa leaf meal (Mo); 100% corn starch (Co), and diet M with 2.5% Mo and 2,5% Co (M + Mo + Co). The Mo diet did not provide pre-seed sustainability, resulting in 100% mortality at 30 days. From the rest of the diets, M obtained the lowest oyster survival, while M + Mo and M + Mo + Co showed the highest growth rates. At the end of the laboratory bioassay, the seeds were sown in a culture system in the open sea (50 days), where the highest growth occurred in the juveniles previously fed with M + Mo + Co. The results suggest that, in the nursery, P. sterna pre-seeds can be maintained with a diet of 100% corn starch, but not with 100% moringa flour, probably due to its poor digestibility. However, moringa used as an additive to the microalgae diet provided a higher yield in the oyster, which is reflected in a higher yield in the initial culture outdoors.

Guaiazulene and related compounds: A review of current perspective on biomedical applications

 Life Sci. 316, 121389, 2023

Background

Thousands of people worldwide pass away yearly due to neurological disorders, cardiovascular illnesses, cancer, metabolic disorders, and microbial infections. Additionally, a sizable population has also been impacted by hepatotoxicity, ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and breast fissure. These ailments are likewise steadily increasing along with the increase in life expectancy. Finding innovative therapies to cure and consequently lessen the impact of these ailments is, therefore, a global concern.

Methods and materials

All provided literature on Guaiazulene (GA) and its related compounds were searched using various electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Elsevier, Springer, ACS, CNKI, and books via the keywords Guaiazulene, Matricaria chamomilla, GA-related compounds, and Guaiazulene analogous.

Results

The FDA has approved the bicyclic sesquiterpene GA, commonly referred to as azulon or 1,4-dimethyl-7-isopropylazulene, as a component in cosmetic colorants. The pleiotropic health advantages of GA and related substances, especially their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, attracted a lot of research. Numerous studies have found that GA can help to manage various conditions, including bacterial infections, tumors, immunomodulation, expectorants, diuretics, diaphoresis, ulcers, dermatitis, proliferation, and gastritis. These conditions all involve lipid peroxidation and inflammatory response. In this review, we have covered the biomedical applications of GA. Moreover, we also emphasize the therapeutic potential of guaiazulene derivatives in pre-clinical and clinical settings, along with their underlying mechanism(s).

Conclusion

GA and its related compounds exhibit therapeutic potential in several diseases. Still, it is necessary to investigate their potential in animal models for various other ailments and establish their safety profile. They might be a good candidate to advance to clinical trials.

Traditional use, phytochemistry, toxicology, and pharmacological properties of Lavandula dentata L.,: A comprehensive review

 South Africa J. Botany, 154- 67-87, 2023

Lavandula dentata L. is a medicinal plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, frequently used in traditional medicine to treat various pathologies such as diabetes, inflammation, microbial infections, and other disordors. The present work aims to explore this medicinal plant by highlighting its ethno-medicinal uses, its phytochemical characteristics, as well as its pharmacological and industrial properties on a global scale.

Thus, in this review, the highlighted properties are reported to explore possible therapeutic pathways of L. dentata. As reported, this medicinal species is rich in different phytochemicals belonging to several chemical families, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and terpenoids. Indeed, L. dentata chemical compounds are characterized by several promising biological and pharmacological properties. These bioactivities include antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory effects, etc. In fact, and even at low concentrations, L. dentata essential oils (EOs) and organic extracts specifically inhibit enzymes, membrane or intracellular receptors, proteins or signaling pathways involved in the genesis of these pathologies. The findings of this work revealed that the pharmacological activities of L. dentata confirm the importance, the diversified use, and the effectiveness of this plant in the traditional remedies of many diseases. Nevertheless, pharmacokinetic validation and toxicological examinations are required to detect any possible toxicity for future clinical trials.

HPLC–DAD Analysis, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties of Aromatic Herb Melissa officinalis L., Aerial Parts Extracts

 Food Analytical Methods 16, 45–54 (2023)

In order to enhance natural products value, Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) aerial part (leaves) has been studied in this work. Hence, the objective of this study is to determine the chemical composition of the studied plant polyphenols extracts using HPLC/DAD, as well as evaluate their flavonoid extracts’ antioxidant and antimicrobial activities using DPPH• and disk diffusion methods, respectively. The results of phenols chemical composition showed the existence of two phenolic acids, five flavonic aglycones and six heterosides, while the biologic results of the plant flavonoid extracts exhibited the existence of a good antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

The International Natural Product Sciences Taskforce (INPST) and the power of Twitter networking exemplified through #INPST hashtag analysis

 Phytomed. 108, 154520, 2023

Background

The development of digital technologies and the evolution of open innovation approaches have enabled the creation of diverse virtual organizations and enterprises coordinating their activities primarily online. The open innovation platform titled “International Natural Product Sciences Taskforce” (INPST) was established in 2018, to bring together in collaborative environment individuals and organizations interested in natural product scientific research, and to empower their interactions by using digital communication tools.

Methods

In this work, we present a general overview of INPST activities and showcase the specific use of Twitter as a powerful networking tool that was used to host a one-week “2021 INPST Twitter Networking Event” (spanning from 31st May 2021 to 6th June 2021) based on the application of the Twitter hashtag #INPST.

Results and Conclusion

The use of this hashtag during the networking event period was analyzed with Symplur Signals (https://www.symplur.com/), revealing a total of 6,036 tweets, shared by 686 users, which generated a total of 65,004,773 impressions (views of the respective tweets). This networking event's achieved high visibility and participation rate showcases a convincing example of how this social media platform can be used as a highly effective tool to host virtual Twitter-based international biomedical research events.

Icariin: A Promising Natural Product in Biomedicine and Tissue Engineering

 J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(1), 44

Among scaffolds used in tissue engineering, natural biomaterials such as plant-based materials show a crucial role in cellular function due to their biocompatibility and chemical indicators. Because of environmentally friendly behavior and safety, green methods are so important in designing scaffolds. A key bioactive flavonoid of the Epimedium plant, Icariin (ICRN), has a broad range of applications in improving scaffolds as a constant and non-immunogenic material, and in stimulating the cell growth, differentiation of chondrocytes as well as differentiation of embryonic stem cells towards cardiomyocytes. Moreover, fusion of ICRN into the hydrogel scaffolds or chemical crosslinking can enhance the secretion of the collagen matrix and proteoglycan in bone and cartilage tissue engineering. To scrutinize, in various types of cancer cells, ICRN plays a decisive role through increasing cytochrome c secretion, Bax/Bcl2 ratio, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase as well as caspase stimulations. Surprisingly, ICRN can induce apoptosis, reduce viability and inhibit proliferation of cancer cells, and repress tumorigenesis as well as metastasis. Moreover, cancer cells no longer grow by halting the cell cycle at two checkpoints, G0/G1 and G2/M, through the inhibition of NF-κB by ICRN. Besides, improving nephrotoxicity occurring due to cisplatin and inhibiting multidrug resistance are the other applications of this biomaterial.

Structures and Functions of Cuticular Wax in Postharvest Fruit and Its Regulation: A Comprehensive Review with Future Perspectives

 Engineering, 2023

Cuticular wax plays a major role in the growth and storage of plant fruits. The cuticular wax coating, which covers the outermost layer of a fruit’s epidermal cells, is insoluble in water. Cuticular wax is mainly composed of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs); their derivatives, including esters, primary alcohols, secondary alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones; and triterpenoids. This complex mixture of lipids is probably biosynthesized in the epidermal cells of most plants and exuded onto the surface. Cuticular wax not only makes the fruit less susceptible to microbial infection but also reduces mechanical damage to the fruit, thereby maintaining the fruit’s commodity value. To date, research has mostly focused on the changes, function, and regulation of fruit wax before harvest, while ignoring the changes and functions of wax in fruit storage. This paper reviews on the composition, structure, and metabolic regulation of cuticular wax in fruits. It also focuses on postharvest factors affecting wax composition, such as storage temperature, relative humidity (RH), gas atmosphere, and as well as exogenous hormones, and the effects of wax on fruit postharvest quality, including water dispersion, fruit softening, physiological disorders, and disease resistance. These summaries may be of assistance in better understanding the changes in cuticular wax in postharvest fruit and the resulting effects on fruit quality.

Targeting of neuroinflammation by glibenclamide in Covid-19: old weapon from arsenal

 Inflammopharmacology, 31, 1-7 (2023)

In coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) era, neuroinflammation may develop due to neuronal tropism of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and/or associated immune activation, cytokine storm, and psychological stress. SARS-CoV-2 infection and linked cytokine storm may cause blood–brain barrier (BBB) injury through which activated immune cells and SARS-CoV-2 can pass into the brain causing activation of glial cells with subsequent neuroinflammation. Different therapeutic regimens were suggested to alleviate Covid-19-induced neuroinflammation. Since glibenclamide has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, it could be effective in mitigation of SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced neuroinflammation. Glibenclamide is a second-generation drug from the sulfonylurea family, which acts by inhibiting the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive K channel in the regulatory subunit of type 1 sulfonylurea receptor (SUR-1) in pancreatic β cells. Glibenclamide reduces neuroinflammation and associated BBB injury by inhibiting the nod-like receptor pyrin 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, oxidative stress, and microglial activation. Therefore, glibenclamide through inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome, microglial activation, and oxidative stress may attenuate SARS-CoV-2-mediated neuroinflammation.

The International Natural Product Sciences Taskforce (INPST) and the power of Twitter networking exemplified through #INPST hashtag analysis

 Phytomed. 108, 154520, 2023

Background

The development of digital technologies and the evolution of open innovation approaches have enabled the creation of diverse virtual organizations and enterprises coordinating their activities primarily online. The open innovation platform titled “International Natural Product Sciences Taskforce” (INPST) was established in 2018, to bring together in collaborative environment individuals and organizations interested in natural product scientific research, and to empower their interactions by using digital communication tools.

Methods

In this work, we present a general overview of INPST activities and showcase the specific use of Twitter as a powerful networking tool that was used to host a one-week “2021 INPST Twitter Networking Event” (spanning from 31st May 2021 to 6th June 2021) based on the application of the Twitter hashtag #INPST.

Results and Conclusion

The use of this hashtag during the networking event period was analyzed with Symplur Signals (https://www.symplur.com/), revealing a total of 6,036 tweets, shared by 686 users, which generated a total of 65,004,773 impressions (views of the respective tweets). This networking event's achieved high visibility and participation rate showcases a convincing example of how this social media platform can be used as a highly effective tool to host virtual Twitter-based international biomedical research events.

Effects of alginates on the growth, haematological, immunity, antioxidant and pro-inflammatory responses of rabbits under high temperature

 Res. Vet. Sci. 155, 36-43, 2023

Heat stress (HS) is one of the most severe hurdles impacting rabbit growth, immunity, homeostasis, and productivity. Alginate oligosaccharides (AOS) have considerable beneficial effects due to their plausible antioxidant and immune-stimulatory properties. This work was planned to explore the preventive function of AOS as a new bio-feed additive against the harmful effects caused by environmental HS on growing rabbits. Rabbits were allotted in four experimental groups (25 animals in each group) and fed on a basal diet supplemented with 0.0 (AOS0), 50 (AOS50), 100 (AOS100), and 150 (AOS150) mg AOS/kg diet reared under summer conditions. Dietary AOS supplementation improved significantly (P ≤ 0.001) feed conversion rate, while both AOS100 and AOS150 significantly (P ≤ 0.001) enhanced the final body weight and body weight gain. All AOS addition significantly increased nitric oxide and lysosome activity and significantly reduced interferon-gamma (IFNγ) compared with those in the control group. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin1β (IL-1β), myeloperoxidase and protein carbonyl levels were significantly reduced in rabbits fed diets containing AOS (100 and 150 mg/kg) compared with those in the control group under heat stress conditions. In addition, glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) were significantly (P ≤ 0.001) improved with increasing AOS dietary levels compared with the control group. Still, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), eosinophils, and lymphocytes did not change. Erythrocyte's indices improved significantly (P ≤ 0.001), while neutrophils and white blood cell counts were decreased by dietary AOS inclusion. Immunological (IgM and IgG) were markedly reduced in AOS-treated groups compared with the control group. The current investigation exemplified that AOS as a novel bio-feed additive that could be an effective strategy to extenuate prejudicial effects in heat-stressed rabbits via enhancing immunity, and antioxidant defence system, further regulating the inflammation cytokines.

Classification and authentication of tea according to their harvest season based on FT-IR fingerprinting using pattern recognition methods

 J. Food Comp. Anal. 115, 104995 (2023)

The potential of FT-IR spectral fingerprinting was investigated to classify tea samples based on the harvest season (May and September). Tea samples were collected from five geographical regions (north of Iran) during the harvesting period 2019–2020. Principal component analysis (PCA), principal component analysis-linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) and partial least square-linear discriminant analysis (PLS-LDA) were employed in order to assess the feasibility of discrimination of tea samples based on their harvest season using their FT-IR spectral data. The results showed that the tea samples from two harvest seasons can be identified based on FT-IR spectral fingerprints. All calibration samples were correctly classified (100.0 %) by the PCA-LDA and PLS-LDA models using leave-one-out cross validation. The mean sensitivity and specificity (for prediction set) were both 98.6 % for PCA-LDA model and 100.0 % for PLS-LDA mode. A high percentage of correct classifications for the training set shows the strong relationship between the FT-IR spectral fingerprinting and the harvest season, while the satisfactory results for the prediction set demonstrates the ability to identify the harvest season of an unknown tea sample based on its FT-IR spectral data.

Fatty acids in seed oil of wild and cultivated rosehip (Rosa canina L.) from different locations in Serbia

 Ind. Crop Prod. 191 B, 115797, 2023

Rosehip (Rosa canina L.) seeds are rich in bioactive compounds and nutrients and hence with a great potential to be employed in production of functional foods. This work aimed to evaluate the fatty acid composition of seed oil from wild and cultivated rosehip collected at different locations in the Republic of Serbia. Unsaturated fatty acids were dominant in majority of seed oil samples, with linoleic (LA), α-linolenic (ALA) and oleic (OA) acids (24.53–46.68 %, 4.73–12.39 % and 3.89–13.82 %, respectively) as the most abundant ones. Based on the analyses of most dominant bands in Raman spectra of seeds (∼1265 and ∼1660 cm-1) characteristic for unsaturated fatty acids, ANOVA revealed significantly higher content in two seed samples (5SW and 10SC). Ratios of UFAs/ SFAs, ω-6/ω-3 and LA/ALA and desirable fatty acids (DFA) indicated that most studied rosehip seed oils showed good quality. Factors such as genetic characteristics and agro-ecological conditions most likely affected FAs composition of seed oils.

Potential of essential oils for protection of Couscous against Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin B1 contamination

 Food Control, 145, 109474, 2023

Our study was aimed to evaluate antifungal, antiaflatoxin, and antioxidant potential of Mentha pulegium, Myrtus communis, and Mentha piperita essential oils (EOs). The EOs showed efficacy as a couscous preservative. A total of 387 fungal species were isolated from Couscous samples, with Aspergillus flavus BN (20) which is identified as the highest aflatoxin producer. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of M. pulegium and M. communis EOs against the toxigenic strain of A. flavus BN (20) determined to be 4.00 μL/mL, whereas the MIC of M. piperita was 3.50 μL/mL. The EOs inhibited the aflatoxin B1 production at lower concentrations. The EOs showed fungitoxicity against wide-ranging of fungi and high antioxidant activity. The IC50 value of the oils ranged between 3.27 and 4.31 μL/mL. EOs may be able to contribute preservation of food commodities against quantitative and qualitative losses. During fumigation assays in Algerian traditional food system (Couscous), the three EOs showed protection of Couscous from A. flavus contamination indicating their efficacy as sustainable fumigant in food systems.

Application of fermentation for the valorization of residues from Cactaceae family

 Food Chem. 410, 135369, 2023

Cactaceae family is well-known for their adaptations to drought and arid environments. This family, formed by four subfamilies (Cactoideae, Opuntioideae, Pereskioideae, and Maihuenioideae) are known for being leafless stem succulent plants with numerous spines, and their commercial fruits, distinguished by their bright colors and their skin covered with bracts. Some of these species have been traditionally used in the food industry (e.g., pitaya, cactus, or prickly pear) or as pharmaceuticals to treat specific diseases due to their active properties. The processing of these fruits leads to different residues, namely pomace, skin, spines, and residues from cladodes; besides from others such as fruits, roots, flowers, mucilage, and seeds. In general, Cactaceae species produce large amounts of mucilage and fiber, although they can be also considered as a source of phenolic compounds (phenolic acids, flavonols and their glycosides), alkaloids (phenethylamines derived betalains), and triterpenoids. Therefore, considering their high content in fiber and fermentable carbohydrates, together with other target bioactive compounds, fermentation is a potential valorization strategy for certain applications such as enzymes and bioactive compounds production or aroma enhancement. This review will comprise the latest information about Cactaceae family, its potential residues, and its potential as a substrate for fermentation to obtain active molecules with application in the food industry.

Fatty acids in seed oil of wild and cultivated rosehip (Rosa canina L.) from different locations in Serbia

 Ind. Crop Prod. 191, Part B, 115797, 2023

Rosehip (Rosa canina L.) seeds are rich in bioactive compounds and nutrients and hence with a great potential to be employed in production of functional foods. This work aimed to evaluate the fatty acid composition of seed oil from wild and cultivated rosehip collected at different locations in the Republic of Serbia. Unsaturated fatty acids were dominant in majority of seed oil samples, with linoleic (LA), α-linolenic (ALA) and oleic (OA) acids (24.53–46.68 %, 4.73–12.39 % and 3.89–13.82 %, respectively) as the most abundant ones. Based on the analyses of most dominant bands in Raman spectra of seeds (∼1265 and ∼1660 cm-1) characteristic for unsaturated fatty acids, ANOVA revealed significantly higher content in two seed samples (5SW and 10SC). Ratios of UFAs/ SFAs, ω-6/ω-3 and LA/ALA and desirable fatty acids (DFA) indicated that most studied rosehip seed oils showed good quality. Factors such as genetic characteristics and agro-ecological conditions most likely affected FAs composition of seed oils.

Two Years of Life for a New Journal: Compounds

 Compounds 2023, 3, 37-39

The present year marked the third year of Compounds (ISSN 2673-6918), which was born in 2021 with the aim of providing a platform for the communication of scientific achievements in the field of the synthesis, characterization, and properties of chemical compounds from both a theoretical point of view as experimental.

During its first two years, the articles published in Compounds were viewed more than 60,000 times, which demonstrates the impact that our journal is amassing among the scientific community. These data stem from article metrics available on the MPDI publishing platform, where multiple requests originating from the same IP address are counted as one view/download. On the other hand, according to Crossref, the articles that we have published already have fifty citations.

Classification and authentication of tea according to their harvest season based on FT-IR fingerprinting using pattern recognition methods

 J. Food Comp. Anal. 115, 104995, 2023

The potential of FT-IR spectral fingerprinting was investigated to classify tea samples based on the harvest season (May and September). Tea samples were collected from five geographical regions (north of Iran) during the harvesting period 2019–2020. Principal component analysis (PCA), principal component analysis-linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) and partial least square-linear discriminant analysis (PLS-LDA) were employed in order to assess the feasibility of discrimination of tea samples based on their harvest season using their FT-IR spectral data. The results showed that the tea samples from two harvest seasons can be identified based on FT-IR spectral fingerprints. All calibration samples were correctly classified (100.0 %) by the PCA-LDA and PLS-LDA models using leave-one-out cross validation. The mean sensitivity and specificity (for prediction set) were both 98.6 % for PCA-LDA model and 100.0 % for PLS-LDA mode. A high percentage of correct classifications for the training set shows the strong relationship between the FT-IR spectral fingerprinting and the harvest season, while the satisfactory results for the prediction set demonstrates the ability to identify the harvest season of an unknown tea sample based on its FT-IR spectral data.

Potential of essential oils for protection of Couscous against Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin B1 contamination

Food Control, 145, 109474, 2023

Our study was aimed to evaluate antifungal, antiaflatoxin, and antioxidant potential of Mentha pulegium, Myrtus communis, and Mentha piperita essential oils (EOs). The EOs showed efficacy as a couscous preservative. A total of 387 fungal species were isolated from Couscous samples, with Aspergillus flavus BN (20) which is identified as the highest aflatoxin producer. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of M. pulegium and M. communis EOs against the toxigenic strain of A. flavus BN (20) determined to be 4.00 μL/mL, whereas the MIC of M. piperita was 3.50 μL/mL. The EOs inhibited the aflatoxin B1 production at lower concentrations. The EOs showed fungitoxicity against wide-ranging of fungi and high antioxidant activity. The IC50 value of the oils ranged between 3.27 and 4.31 μL/mL. EOs may be able to contribute preservation of food commodities against quantitative and qualitative losses. During fumigation assays in Algerian traditional food system (Couscous), the three EOs showed protection of Couscous from A. flavus contamination indicating their efficacy as sustainable fumigant in food systems.

A selective turn-on fluorescent chemosensor 1,1-diaminoazine for azinphos-methyl

 J. Photochem. Photobiol A: Chem. 437, 114476, 2023

Detection of organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) is an important challenge in environmental chemistry, because their exposure to humans can cause severe health problems. In the current study, organic nanoparticles of (E)-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-diamino-2,3-diazabutadiene were developed using eco-friendly approach which was found to be in the range of 15–20 nm. These synthesized species exhibited both U.V. Visible and “turn-on” fluorescence responses in aqueous media for the selective detection of the extremely hazardous pesticide azinphos-methyl. These organic nanoparticles also exhibit a good linear relationship in the range of 1–100 μM and the limit of detection (LOD) is 7.4 µM. The selective fluorescence response was also observed in RO water, tap water and orange juice. The FT-IR and DFT studies helped in identifying the specific H-bonding interactions responsible for the selective detection of Azinphos-methyl.

Global Solar Irradiation Modelling and Prediction Using Machine Learning Models for Their Potential Use in Renewable Energy Applications

 Mathematics 2022, 10(24), 4746

Global solar irradiation is an important variable that can be used to determine the suitability of an area to install solar systems; nevertheless, due to the limitations of requiring measurement stations around the entire world, it can be correlated with different meteorological parameters. To confront this issue, different locations in Rias Baixas (Autonomous Community of Galicia, Spain) and combinations of parameters (month and average temperature, among others) were used to develop various machine learning models (random forest -RF-, support vector machine -SVM- and artificial neural network -ANN-). These three approaches were used to model and predict (one month ahead) monthly global solar irradiation using the data from six measurement stations. Afterwards, these models were applied to seven different measurement stations to check if the knowledge acquired could be extrapolated to other locations. In general, the ANN models offered the best results for the development and testing phases of the model, as well as for the phase of knowledge extrapolation to other locations. In this sense, the selected ANNs obtained a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) value between 3.9 and 13.8% for the model development and an overall MAPE between 4.1 and 12.5% for the other seven locations. ANNs can be a capable tool for modelling and predicting monthly global solar irradiation in areas where data are available and for extrapolating this knowledge to nearby areas.

Host–Guest Complexes

 Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(24), 15730

This article belongs to the Special Issue Host-Guest Complexes and corresponds with the special issue editorial. In this Special Issue, we hope to address both the structural aspects of the formation and stability of these inclusion complexes as well as the energetic aspects associated with them, together with the different instrumental techniques used to characterise them, addressing the aspects related to molecular recognition and conformational switching. Of course, we must also take into account the aspects related to the technological applications of these compounds. In fact, they show important potentialities in topics such as superconductivity phenomena, the design of sensors, and food chemistry, agricultural chemistry, or their applications in matters of the environment.

Comparison of machine learning techniques for reservoir outflow forecasting

 Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 3859–3874, 2022

Reservoirs play a key role in many human soci- eties due to their capability to manage water resources. In addition to their role in water supply and hydropower pro- duction, their ability to retain water and control the flow makes them a valuable asset for flood mitigation. This is a key function, since extreme events have increased in the last few decades as a result of climate change, and therefore, the application of mechanisms capable of mitigating flood dam- age will be key in the coming decades. Having a good esti- mation of the outflow of a reservoir can be an advantage for water management or early warning systems. When histori- cal data are available, data-driven models have been proven a useful tool for different hydrological applications. In this sense, this study analyzes the efficiency of different machine learning techniques to predict reservoir outflow, namely mul- tivariate linear regression (MLR) and three artificial neu- ral networks: multilayer perceptron (MLP), nonlinear au- toregressive exogenous (NARX) and long short-term mem- ory (LSTM). These techniques were applied to forecast the outflow of eight water reservoirs of different characteristics located in the Miño River (northwest of Spain). In general, the results obtained showed that the proposed models pro- vided a good estimation of the outflow of the reservoirs, im- proving the results obtained with classical approaches such as to consider reservoir outflow equal to that of the previous day. Among the different machine learning techniques anaAbstract. Reservoirs play a key role in many human soci- eties due to their capability to manage water resources. In addition to their role in water supply and hydropower pro- duction, their ability to retain water and control the flow makes them a valuable asset for flood mitigation. This is a key function, since extreme events have increased in the last few decades as a result of climate change, and therefore, the application of mechanisms capable of mitigating flood dam- age will be key in the coming decades. Having a good esti- mation of the outflow of a reservoir can be an advantage for water management or early warning systems. When histori- cal data are available, data-driven models have been proven a useful tool for different hydrological applications. In this sense, this study analyzes the efficiency of different machine learning techniques to predict reservoir outflow, namely mul- tivariate linear regression (MLR) and three artificial neu- ral networks: multilayer perceptron (MLP), nonlinear au- toregressive exogenous (NARX) and long short-term mem- ory (LSTM). These techniques were applied to forecast the outflow of eight water reservoirs of different characteristics located in the Miño River (northwest of Spain). In general, the results obtained showed that the proposed models pro- vided a good estimation of the outflow of the reservoirs, im- proving the results obtained with classical approaches such as to consider reservoir outflow equal to that of the previous day. Among the different machine learning techniques analyzed, the NARX approach was the option that provided the best estimations on average.

Prospecting the role of nanotechnology in extending the shelf-life of fresh produce and in developing advanced packaging

 Food Packaging and Shelf Life, 34, 100955, 2022

Fruits and vegetables contain excellent amounts of nutritional and bioactive compounds. The maintenance their shelf-life and prevention from decay, quality deterioration, and microbial spoilage of the fresh produce are the major challenges for food processing industries. Several techniques such as physical, chemical, and bio-preservation are used to extend the shelf-life of fresh produce. However, these techniques could not fully sustain because of their higher cost, and side-effects. In past few decades, nanotechnology came into existence, which provides a green, novel and cutting-edge solution to preserve fresh produce. Organic, inorganic, and combined engineered nanomaterials (nano-particles, nano-composites, nano-emulsion, nano-tracers, nano-packaging, and nano-sensors) are broadly used in shelf-life improvement of fresh produce because of their broad surface to volume ratio, higher barrier property, and better antimicrobial spectrum. This review comprehensively discusses various methods, components, and roles of nanotechnology for extending the shelf-life of fresh produce and scope of developing advanced packaging.

Científicos, palangreiros e administración poñen en valor os beneficios nutricionais do consumo das grandes especies peláxicas

Presentáronse os resultados dun estudo do Grupo de Investigacións Agroambientais e Agroalimentarias sobre catro especies “ricas en proteínas de alto valor biolóxico” e ácidos graxos poliinsaturados.

A comunidade investigadora, palangreira e a administración puxeron este martes en valor os beneficios do consumo das grandes especies peláxicas, así como o efecto protector que ten o selenio fronte a contaminantes ambientais como o mercurio. Fixérono con argumentos científicos nun congreso celebrado nas instalacións da Autoridade Portuaria de Vigo e no que se presentaron os resultados do proxecto 'Beneficios do consumo das especies tiburón azul (Prionace Glauca), marraxo (Isirus oxyrinchus), peixe espada (Xiphias gladius) e atún vermello (Thunnus thynnus)', estudo realizado polo Grupo de Investigacións Agroambientais e Agroalimentarias da Universidade de Vigo, liderado polo profesor Jesús Simal, a iniciativa de Sealab, a OPP Burela (Organización de Produtores Pesqueiros do Porto de Burela), Opromar (Organización de Produtores de Pesca do Porto e Ría de Marín), Carbopesca (Organización de Produtores Pesqueros Pescadores de Carboneras) e a OPP78 (Organización de Productores Pesqueros Artesanales del Estrecho).

A inauguración do encontro estivo presidida pola conselleira do Mar, Rosa Quintana, quen destacou a importancia de desenvolver este tipo de iniciativas para difundir os beneficios nutricionais dos produtos do mar e a sustentabilidade da actividade marítimo-pesqueira. Neste liña pronunciáronse tamén os seus acompañantes de mesa, entre eles a vicerreitora de Benestar, Equidade e Diversidade, María Isabel Doval, quen destacou que desde a Universidade de Vigo se valora moito calquera acción que teña que ver co peixe, “fonte de saúde”, e coa dieta atlántica como exemplo claro de alimentación saudable. “En dieta atlántica o sur de Galicia ten moito que achegar”, subliñou a vicerreitora, quen tamén adiantou que os resultados finais do proxecto serán difundidos entre a comunidade universitaria, “sobre todo nas nosas facultades de Educación, o mellor xeito de que cheguen ás escolas e ás familias, e tamén entre as empresas concesionarias dos comedores universitarios”.

Xunto a elas participaron tamén na inauguración do congreso o presidente da Autoridade Portuaria de Vigo, Jesús Vázquez Almuiña; o director da Organización de Produtores de Pesca Fresca do Porto e Ría de Marín, Juan Carlos Martín, e o director da Organización de Produtores Pesqueiros de Burela, Sergio López.

En canto ao valor nutricional destas especies, desde o Grupo de Investigacións Agroambientais e Agroalimentarias adiantaron no congreso que estas catro especies “son ricas en proteínas de alto valor biolóxico e cun excelente perfil aminoacídico, xa que son fonte de aminoácidos esenciais, entre eles: histidina, isoleucina, leucina, lisina, treonina, triptófano, valina, fenilalanina, metionina, chegando a achegar entre o 40 e o 60% da inxesta diaria recomendada de todos os aminoácidos esenciais”, explica o profesor Miguel Ángel Prieto, membro do comité científico do congreso xunto a Jesús Simal.

Ademais, segundo explicaron os coordinadores do estudo, estas especies achegan ácidos graxos poliinsaturados, principalmente omega 3, ácido eicosapentaenoico (EPA) e ácido docosahexaenoico (DHA), que demostraron ser beneficiosos para a saúde cardiovascular. “Entre estas catro especies destaca o atún vermello, unha das que maior contido de EPA e DHA achega”, explica Prieto. Por outra banda, son fonte de vitaminas liposolubles, como as vitamina A e D, e hidrosolubles, como as vitaminas do complexo B, principalmente niacina (B3), piridoxina (B6) e cobalamina (B12). A maiores, os expertos subliñaron que estas especies destacan tamén polo seu alto contido de minerais como o Selenio (Se), Zinc (Zn), Cobre (Cu) e Manganeso (Mn).

No relativo aos posibles prexuízos derivados da posible presenza de mercurio, os investigadores da UVigo destacan que “aínda que é certo que estas especies, polo lugar que ocupan na cadea trófica e por ser especies lonxevas, acumulan máis cantidade de mercurio en comparación con especies de menor tamaño”; con todo, tamén presentan bondades nutricionais que os converten nunha opción para explorar á hora de elixir. Neste sentido, resaltan a importancia de coñecer as recomendacións de consumo realizadas polas autoridades, especificamente pola Axencia Española de Seguridade Alimentaria e Nutrición (AESAN) que recomenda para a poboación en xeral o consumo de 3–4 racións á semana de peixe procurando variar as especies entre peixes brancos e azuis. “So se fixa unha dose menor a grupos de poboación vulnerables, como os nenos entre 10 e 14 anos, onde limita o consumo destas especies a 120 g/mes, e as mulleres embarazadas ou que planeen estalo, casos nos que se desaconsella o consumo destas especies”. 

O estudo, do que ao longo desta mañá se están a presentar un primeiro avance de resultados, arrancou en febreiro de 2021 e rematará en 2023. Xira en torno a tres eixes fundamentais: realizar unha avaliación científica do valor nutricional e os beneficios do consumo destas catro especies; avaliar os datos teóricos das inxestas máximas recomendadas e os niveis máximos de mercurio permitidos, revisando o contido en mercurio de outros alimentos e comparando o risco do seu consumo; e determinar si o contido en selenio destas especies é suficiente para contrarrestar o efecto negativo do mercurio na saúde humana. Á espera das conclusión definitivas, os primeiros indicios invitan ao sector ao optimismo.

Fuente: DUVI

IV Xornada de Concienciación sobre o uso dos antibióticos

• Lugar: Salón de Graos do Edificio Politécnico do Campus de Ourense
• Data: xoves, 17 de novembro de 2022
• Hora: ás 17.00h

 

• 17.00h Presentación
• 17.10h O piollo do salmón: xaque á salmonicultura

Dr. Raúl Iglesias Blanco (Profesor da área de Parasitoloxía na Universidade de Vigo)

• 17.45h Inicio do Proxecto MicroMundo@UVigo3.0: aprendizaxe-servizo para a busca de microorganismos produtores de novos antibióticos(Curso2022-2023)

Dra. Julia Carballo Rodríguez (Profesora da área de Microbioloxía e Instructora MicroMundo na Universidade de Vigo)

• 18.15h Mesa redonda sobre a participación no proxecto MicroMundo@UVigo

Participantes: Dna. María José Rodríguez Fernandez (Tutora, IES O Couto)

Alumnado do IES O Couto

D. Tomás González Rivas (Alumno da Facultade de Ciencias)

Dna. Julia Carballo Rodríguez (Instructora, Facultade de Ciencias)

• 19.00h Clausura
  

“Ficus carica L.” and its by-products: A decade evidence of their health-promoting benefits towards the development of novel food formulations

 Trends in Food Science & Technology, 127, 1-13, 2022

Background

The food industry constantly searches for natural derived bioactive molecules with preventive and therapeutic effects using innovative and sustainable strategies. Fig production and processing generate a considerable amount of by-products (leaves, pulp, peels, seeds, and latex) with limited commercial exploitation and negative impact on the environment. These by-products are important sources of high value-added ingredients, including anthocyanins and pectins that can be of particular interest to the food industry as functional colourants, emulsifiers, and additives.

Scope and approach

This review curates recent advances in the valorisation of fig by-products as valuable sources of bioactive molecules for functional food development. Special attention was given to widely used extraction processes, main bioactive compounds, relevant biological properties, and the application of recovered bioactives for functional food development.

Key findings and conclusions

Fig by-products are essential sources of structurally diverse bioactive molecules with unique antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, immunomodulatory and cardioprotective properties. Owing to these health-promoting potentials, an integral valorisation approach involving sustainable technologies to recover these high value-added ingredients and its utilisation in novel food formulation development should be further stimulated.

 Food Science and Human Wellness, 11(6), 1482-1490, 2022

The present study aimed at making a rational usage for European eel bone by-products by preparing Europen eel bone peptide chelated calcium (EBPC-Ca). Nutritional properties and bioactivity of EBPC-Ca were evaluated. Results showed that nutritional properties of calcium ions will cause intra- and inter-molecular folding and aggregation of peptide to uniformly form EBPC-Ca chelate. The chelated compound of EBPC and calcium ion triggered a strong apoptosis in heterogeneous human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) in concentration- and time-dependent manners. Western blot analysis revealed that the EBPC-Ca induced apoptosis may be the result of a blocked autophagy flux through mitochondrial-dependent pathway. Additionally, the increase in FGF-23 protein expression inhibited the absorption of calcium ions and alleviated cell apoptosis. It was also found that the cell apoptosis occurs with significant increases in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca2+ in the cells, indicating the anti-tumor potential of EBPC-Ca may involve multiple channels.

Marine Macrolides to Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

 Mar. Drugs 2022, 20(11), 691

Tuberculosis has become a major health problem globally. This is worsened by the emergence of resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis showing ability to evade the effectiveness of the current antimycobacterial therapies. Therefore, the efforts carried out to explore new entities from many sources, including marine, are critical. This review summarizes several marine-derived macrolides that show promising activity against M. tuberculosis. We also provide information regarding the biosynthetic processes of marine macrolides, including the challenges that are usually experienced in this process. As most of the studies reporting the antimycobacterial activities of the listed marine macrolides are based on in vitro studies, the future direction should consider expanding the trials to in vivo and clinical trials. In addition, in silico studies should also be explored for a quick screening on marine macrolides with potent activities against mycobacterial infection. To sum up, macrolides derived from marine organisms might become therapeutical options for tackling antimycobacterial resistance of M. tuberculosis.