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• γ-Mangosteen halts ROS generation by activating NRF2/HO-1 signaling in HDF cells. • γ-Mangosteen suppresses MMP-1 production via regulation of MAPK/AP-1/NF-B signaling. • γ-Mangosteen contributes to delaying the onset of skin photoaging through the potential activation of autophagy mechanisms. Mangosteens, a naturally occurring xanthones, found abundantly in mangosteen fruits. The anti-skin aging potential of γ-mangosteen (GM) remains unexplored; therefore, we investigated the UVB-induced anti-skin aging of GM via activation of autophagy. We hypothesized that GM exerts antioxidant and anti-aging capabilities both in vitro and in vivo through activation of autophagy as well as control of KEAP1/NRF2 signaling and MAPKs/AP-1/NF-κB-mediated MMPs pathways. The anti-skin aging effects of GM were studied using HDF cells and a mice model. Various assays, such as DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP, and ROS generation, assessed antioxidant activities. Kits measured antioxidant enzymes, SA-β-gal staining, collagen, MDA content, si-RNA experiments, and promoter assays. Western blotting evaluated protein levels of c-Jun, c-Fos, p-IκBα/β, p-NF-κB, MAPK, MMPs, collagenase, elastin, KEAP1, NRF2, HO-1, and autophagy-related proteins. GM exhibited strong antioxidant, collagenase and elastase enzyme inhibition activity surpassing α- and β-mangosteen. GM competitively inhibited elastase with a Ki value of 29.04 µM. GM orchestrated the KEAP1-NRF2 pathway, enhancing HO-1 expression, and suppressed UVB-induced ROS in HDF cells. NRF2 knockdown compromised GM's antioxidant efficacy, leading to uncontrolled ROS post-UVB. GM bolstered endogenous antioxidants, curbing lipid peroxidation in UVB-exposed HDF cells and BALB/c mice. GM effectively halted UVB-induced cell senescence, and reduced MMP-1/-9, while elevated TIMP-1 levels, augmented COL1A1, ELN, and HAS-2 expression in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, it suppressed UVB-induced MAPKs, AP-1, NF-κB phosphorylation. Pharmacological inhibitors synergistically enhanced GM's anti-skin aging potential. Moreover, GM inhibited UVB-induced mTOR activation, upregulated LC3-II, Atg5, Beclin 1, and reduced p62 in both UVB induced HDF cells and BALB/c mice, while blocking of autophagy successfully halt the GM effects against the UVB-induced increase of cell senescence, degradation of collagen through upregulation of MMP-1, underscoring GM's substantial anti-skin aging impact via autophagy induction in vitro and in vivo. Together, GM has potent antioxidant and anti-skin aging ingredients that can be used to formulate skin care products for both the nutraceutical and cosmeceutical industries. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assesses the ability of anthraquinone derivative, 2-methyl-1,3,6-trihydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone (MTAQ) to decrease postprandial hyperglycemia or enhance glucose uptake and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism. We investigated α-glucosidase inhibition, glucose uptake, and translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in C2C12 myotubes. The data indicate that MTAQ strongly inhibited α-glucosidase activity in a concentration-dependent manner, with an IC 50 value of 6.49 ± 1.31 μM, and functioned as a reversible competitive inhibitor, with a dissociation constant of 41.88 μM. Moreover, MTAQ significantly augmented basal and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake as well as translocation of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane. It also stimulated the phosphorylation of insulin receptor β isoform, insulin receptor substrate-1,3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1, and protein kinase B (AKT). A pretreatment with an AKT inhibitor, LY294002, attenuated the ability of MTAQ to activate an insulin-like signaling pathway and to enhance basal and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and stimulate GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane. These findings reveal the fact that MTAQ may have potential for the development of new antidiabetic drugs to manage blood glucose levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the polyphenolic composition and antioxidant mechanism of an ethyl acetate fraction of Nymphaea nouchali leaves (NNLE). Various in vitro assays were performed using RAW 264.7 cells to assess the antioxidant effects of NNLE and to understand the underlying molecular mechanism. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed the presence of gallic acid, catechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, caffeic acid, luteolin, and kaempferol as the key polyphenolic composition of NNLE. NNLE had a potent ability to scavenge numerous free radicals through hydrogen atom transfer and/or electron donation. In addition, NNLE prevented the damage of DNA and quenched t -BHP induced generation of ROS without showing toxicity. NNLE was found to combat oxidative stress by enhancing the transcription and translation of both primary antioxidant enzymes and phase-II detoxifying enzymes, especially heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1). NNLE treatment enhanced Nrf2 accumulation in the nucleus and post-translational phosphorylation level of p38 kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in RAW 264.7 cells. Treatment with p38 and ERK inhibitors completely suppressed NNLE-induced Nrf2 and HO-1 expression. We also found that p38 and ERK inhibitors significantly antagonized the increase in cell viability and cellular ROS scavenging activity induced by NNLE. The findings of this study provide scientific evidence on the potential of NNLE as a cost-effective and readily available source of natural phytochemicals, along with the strategy to prevent diseases associated with oxidative stress through attenuating disease progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the chemicals extracted from an EPS buoy used in aquaculture, which were subsequently collected from a recycling center. It was observed that the chemicals generated upon photodegradation make disposed buoys more toxic. Analysis of the extracted chemicals revealed the presence of 37 compounds, with four compounds quantitatively determined. Further analysis showed that the quantity of compounds dissolved in seawater was significantly higher than the amount remaining on the buoy surface. Based on the assumption that the buoy was exposed to sunlight for a year, it was estimated that 14.44 mg of the four compounds dissolved into the ocean. Given that South Korea used over 7 million EPS buoys, photodegraded EPS buoys are expected to represent a significant source of potentially hazardous chemicals. [Display omitted] • Photodegradation increased cytotoxicity of extracts from marine EPS buoy. • Compounds in buoy extracts were identified with high resolution MS. • Total production was estimated from chemicals on the buoy surface. • Well over 10 mg of chemicals generated from a buoy per year. • Photodegraded compounds from marine EPS buoy pose a potential environmental threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Comprehensive list of secondary metabolites in Averrhoa carambola (AC) is provided. • Compounds including phenolic acid, flavonoids, and xanthones are rich in AC. • Identified compounds were tested to explain biological activity of AC. • Norathyriol, epicatechin, and protocatechuic acid showed significant activity. In this study, paper spray ionization (PSI) coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry has been used to identify secondary metabolites from ethanol extracts of Averrhoa carambola L. bark (ABE). Various phytoconstituents including phenolic acids, flavonoids, xanthones and terpenoids were identified from the bark. ABE shows potential antioxidant activity as well as markedly inhibited α-glucosidase, elastase, and tyrosinase enzyme activities in a concentration-dependent fashion, respectively. ABE significantly inhibited α-glucosidase at lower concentration (IC 50 : 7.15 ± 0.06 μg/mL). Identified compounds were tested to understand the biological activity of ABE. Experimental results suggest that norathyriol, one of the identified compounds, has significant α-glucosidase (IC 50 : 0.81 ± 0.01 μg/mL) inhibition and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities (IC 50 : 4.90 ± 0.09 μg/mL). At a dose of 100 mg/kg, ABE significantly decreased the postprandial blood glucose level in oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). This study shows that carambola bark can be a potential source of bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of protopine (PTP) and sought to determine its mechanism of action in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells and a carrageenan (CA)-induced mouse model. Treatment with PTP (5, 10, and 20 μM) significantly suppresses the secretion of NO and PGE 2 in a concentration-dependent manner without affecting cell viability by downregulating iNOS and COX-2 expression in LPS-induced BV2 cells. PTP also attenuates the production of pro-inflammatory chemokines, such as MCP-1, and cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, and augments the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. In addition, PTP suppresses the nuclear translocation of NF-κB by hindering the degradation of IκB and downregulating the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including p38, ERK1/2 and JNK protein. Furthermore, PTP treatment significantly suppresses CA-induced paw oedema in mice compared to that seen in untreated mice. Expression of iNOS and COX-2 proteins is also abrogated by PTP (50 mg/kg) treatment in CA-induced mice. PTP treatment also abolishes IκB phosphorylation, which hinders the activation of NF-κB. Collectively, these results suggest PTP has potential for attenuating CA- and LPS-induced inflammatory symptoms through modulation of MAPKs/NF-κB signaling cascades. Image 1 • Protopine suppressed the secretion of NO and PGE 2 in LPS-induced BV2 cells. • Protopine attenuated the production of pro-inflammatory chemokine and cytokines in microglia. • Protopine inhibited the NF-κB by hindering the degradation of IκB. • Protopine mitigated the inflammatory symptoms in carrageenan induced mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Optimization of Nypa fruticans. Wurmb. (NF) extraction was conducted using response surface methodology (RSM) and artificail neural network (ANN). • Antioxidant activity and phenolic, and flavonoid contetns were optimized at follwing conditions; ethanol concentration: 57.6%, extraction time: 19.0 hr, extraction temperature: 51.3 ℃. • Secondary metabolite profiling of NF by high-resolution mass spectroscopy were revealed 48 active compounds including phenolic acid and flavonoids. In this study, we conducted response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) to predict and estimate the optimized extraction condition of Nypa fruticans Wurmb. (NF). The effect of ethanol concentration (X 1 ; 0–100%), extraction time (X 2 ; 6–24 h), and extraction temperature (X 3 ; 40–60 °C) on the antioxidant potential was confirmed. The optimal conditions (57.6% ethanol, 19.0 h extraction time, and 51.3 °C extraction temperature) of 2,2-diphenyl-1-1picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid contents (TFC) resulted in a maximum value of 62.5%, 41.95 and 48.39 µM, 143.6 mg GAE/g, and 166.8 CAE/g, respectively. High-resolution mass spectroscopic technique was performed to profile phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Upon analyzing, total 48 compounds were identified in NF. Altogether, our findings can provide a practical approach for utilizing NF in various bioindustries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel antioxidant peptide YD1 (∼1.0 kDa), purified from the strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CBSYD1 , displayed activity in several in vitro assays and was also efficient against Gram-positive, Gram-negative as well as multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Strain growth was adapted to bile-salt conditions where a clear halos-zone was observed in a bile-salt plate assay and was viable in different digestive track conditions. YD1 treatment on RAW 264.7 cells increased the transcriptional and translational activities of NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf-2) through the enhanced levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Furthermore, the YD1-treated group showed higher levels of antioxidant enzymes compared to the oxidative stress group. YD1 demonstrated a strong antioxidant activity by decreasing nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in RAW 264.7 cells. This study suggests that YD1 and the strain could be a natural antioxidant and a probiotic candidate respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No biodegradation methods are absolute in the treatment of all textile dyes, which leads to structure-dependent degradation. In this study, biodegradation of three azo dyes, reactive black 5 (RB5), acid blue 113 (AB113), and acid orange 7 (AO7), was investigated using an immobilized fungus, Trametes hirsuta D7. The degraded metabolites were identified using UPLC-PDA-FTICR MS and the biodegradation pathway followed was proposed. RB5 (92%) and AB113 (97%) were effectively degraded, whereas only 30% of AO7 was degraded. Molecular docking simulations were performed to determine the reason behind the poor degradation of AO7. Weak binding affinity, deficiency in H-bonding interactions, and the absence of interactions between the azo (-N N-) group and active residues of the model laccase enzyme were responsible for the low degradation efficiency of AO7. Furthermore, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity assays confirmed that the fungus-treated dye produced non-toxic metabolites. The observations of this study will be useful for understanding and further improving enzymatic dye biodegradation. [Display omitted] • Immobilized T. hirsuta D7 effectively degrade RB5 and AB113 dyes but not AO7. • Degradation metabolites detected by UPLC-PDA-FTICR MS and the pathways proposed. • Molecular docking simulation used to understand enzyme and dye interaction. • Interaction between dye and enzyme is key to know and improve dye biodegradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Undaria pinnatifida Harvey is an edible brown macroalga that has several pharmacologically important traits. We previously described the purification and chemical composition of a glycoprotein from U. pinnatifida (UPGP) and characterized its antioxidant and DNA protection activities. In the present study, we used different in vitro assays to determine the anti-Alzheimer's and anti-inflammatory activities of UPGP. To evaluate the anti-Alzheimer's potentiality of UPGP, the inhibitory activities of acetycholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and β-secretase (BACE1) were assessed using standard protocols. Neuronal cell viability was determined with propidium iodide exclusion and lactate dehydrogenase assays using primary hippocampal cells. Anti-inflammatory activity was measured in two ways: first, by measuring nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activated RAW 264.7 macrophages, and second, with the cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitory assay. The effect of UPGP on the enzymatic antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and xanthine oxidase (Xox) was also studied. UPGP showed predominantly AChE, BChE, and BACE1 inhibitory activities with IC 50 values of 63.56 ± 1.86, 99.03 ± 4.64, and 73.35 ± 2.54 μg/mL, respectively. The addition of UPGP (5 μg/mL) to the culture medium demonstrated that it was not cytotoxic to cultured hippocampal cells, but rather, protected neurons from natural death. The ability of UPGP to inhibit enzymes COX-1 and COX-2 was determined by calculating the percent inhibition of prostaglandin production, as measured by enzymatic assays. UPGP inhibited COX-1 and COX-2 with IC 50 values of 53.03 ± 1.03 μg/mL for COX-1 and 193.35 ± 3.08 μg/mL for COX-2. UPGP inhibited NO production by 94.2% at a concentration of 100 μg/mL; cell viability was 94.64% at this concentration. Moreover, UPGP improved SOD activity (53.45%) and inhibited Xox (82.05%) activity at a concentration of 5 mg/mL and 1 mg/mL, respectively. These results suggest that UPGP is a bioactive compound with the potential to control AD and inflammatory- and oxidative stress-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]