Search

Nobiletin (NOB), a flavonoid with significant antioxidant potential, holds promise for treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this work, we aim to assess the effects and investigate the molecular mechanisms of NOB on NAFLD. After using a methionine choline-deficient diet to induce C57BL/6J mice, as well as oleic acid to induce HepG2 and L02 cells, we administered NOB as an intervention. The results indicated that the NOB significantly ameliorated lipid deposition, oxidative stress, and inflammation in NAFLD in both models. Its mechanism may involve the Nrf2, SREBP-1c, and NF-κB signaling pathways. Furthermore, Nrf2 is not only a direct target for NOB to improve oxidative damage but also indirectly involved in lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory processes in NAFLD. By inhibiting Nrf2, we found that the regulatory role of Nrf2 in lipid metabolism is not related to SREBP-1c but is closely associated with NF-κB in terms of inflammation. Our results suggest that Nrf2 is one of the most critical targets for NOB against NAFLD in multiple aspects.

Background: Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is an emerging tissue ablation technique, which is safe for sites where thermal-basis techniques are not suitable. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of magnetic anchoring electrode (MAE)-assisted IRE for normal gastric tissue ablation in a rabbit model. Methods: IRE (500 V, 100 μs, 99 pulses, 1 Hz) of the gastric wall was performed in 24 adult New Zealand rabbits with a novel catheter-mounted MAE with fluoroscopy and a surgical approach. Procedure time, procedure-related bleeding, perforation, and other complications were recorded. Animals were sacrificed at 30 min, 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days post-IRE. The stomach was removed en bloc, and the diameter of each lesion was measured. Histopathological analyses by Hematoxylin–Eosin (H&E), masson trichrome, alpha-smooth muscle action (α-SMA), and terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) were performed. Results: Gastric tissue ablation with MAE-assisted IRE was successfully performed without any interruption. No perforation or bleeding was observed during IRE or throughout the follow-up period. A demarcated hemorrhage was found in the ablated area upon gross examination. H&E staining showed complete cell death with inflammatory infiltration, edema, and hemorrhaging. TUNEL presented diffuse positive cells in the ablated area. The tissue scaffold was well preserved without damage as indicated by Masson trichrome staining. Ulceration was observed starting from 3 days post-IRE. The mucosal layer was gradually recovered and regenerated within 14–28 days. No other complication was observed post-IRE. Conclusions: MAE-assisted IRE is safe and effective for normal gastric tissue ablation and the gastric wall recovered in 14–28 days post-IRE.

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) is widely employed in food sterilization and processing, but it can release the allergenic proteins into the food matrix, raising the risk of sensitization. In this research, the leaked allergen enolase from Saccharomyces cerevisiaeafter HHP-treatment was characterized and quantified by ELISA, Western-blot, and LC-MS/MS. MS2 results indicated that the amounts of leaked enolase following untreated, 300 MPa, and 600 MPa were respectively 0.0291, 0.0816, and 0.229 μg/mL. This illustrated a progressive release of the allergen under HHP. Furthermore, Molecular docking experiments demonstrated that enolase binds ARD1, GMP1 and TDH3 during the leakage process, affecting its allergenicity. The implications of these findings are noteworthy for comprehending the safety hazards of allergens in the context of HHP processing and for advocating the adoption of HHP technology in the food sector.

This study has presented the potential use of plasma-activated water (PAW) for the inactivation of Escherichia coli(E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) inoculated on blueberries. The generation parameters of PAW were optimized to a voltage of 8 kV, a frequency of 14 kHz, a processing volume of 30 mL, and a processing time of 50 min. PAW treatments achieved significantly higher (p < 0.05) reductions than those obtained by water treatment in E. coliand S. aureus. As shown by propidium iodide and acridine orange staining, electron microscopy and optical emission spectra of plasma, the microbial inactivation of PAW was attributable to damage to the cell membrane and the denaturation of DNA induced by reactive oxygen species produced from plasma. During storage, PAW treatment was more beneficial to the quality of blueberries than water treatment. Thus, PAW immersion is a promising method for maintaining the freshness of blueberries.