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Agriculture is among the sectors that will be impacted first and most by the adverse effects of climate change. Therefore, developing new high-temperature tolerant varieties is an essential economic measure in adaptation to near-future climate change. Likewise, there is a growing interest in increasing the antioxidant content of crops to improve food quality and produce crops with high-stress tolerance. Tomato is the most grown and consumed species in horticultural plants; however, it is vulnerable to 35°C and above high temperatures during cultivation. This study used twenty high-temperature tolerant, two susceptible genotypes, and two commercial tomato varieties in the open field. The experiment was applied under control and high-temperature stress conditions based on a randomized block design with 4 replications and 12 plants per repetition. The study investigated the fruit's selected quality properties and antioxidant compounds, namely, total soluble solutes (Brix), titratable acidity, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), lycopene, β-carotene, and vitamin C, along with total phenols and total flavonoids under control and stress conditions. As a result, in general, total soluble solutes, titratable acidity, total phenol, and vitamin C contents under high-temperature conditions were determined to increase in tolerant tomato genotypes, while decreases were noted for pH, EC, total flavonoids, lycopene, and β-carotene. However, different specific responses on the basis of genotypes and useful information for breeding studies have been identified. These data on fruit nutrient content and antioxidants will be helpful when breeding tomato varieties to be grown in high-temperature conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to compare the physicochemical parameters, sugar, vitamin C, and phenolic profiles in five genotypes of local indeterminate tunnel tomato hybrid (LITTH) (LITTH-778, LITTH-784, LITTH-786, LITTH-788, and LITTH-790) of natural parthenocarpic tomato (NPT) and normal seeded tomato (NST). Samples were collected from the experimental fields of Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Physical parameters (fruit shape, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit width, number of seeds per fruit, and shelf-life) and chemical composition (moisture, ash, crude fat, crude fiber, total carbohydrate, crude protein, and vitamin C) of NPT and NST were analyzed by reported methods. The methanolic extracts of tomato pulp were prepared by shaking and extracts were assayed for antioxidant activity. Sugar contents and phenolic profile of NPT and NST were estimated using HPLC method. Weight and size of NPT were less and smaller than the NST. Moreover, NPT were seedless with longer shelf-life and had more phenolic and flavonoid contents than the NST. HPLC analysis revealed that chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, and p-coumaric acid were major phenolics in methanol (polar solvent) extracts of NST, and caffeic acid, gallic acid, and p-coumaric acid in NPT extract. NPT contained higher concentration of sugar contents, but lower concentration of vitamin C than NST. In 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay, NPT fruit extracts showed high scavenging activity with the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 22.56 μg/mL compared to NST fruit extracts having IC50 29.49 μg/mL. This study provided useful information for farmers and nutritionists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exposure to heavy metals has been suggested to increase the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) through the oxidative stress pathway. The study is aimed at examining whether vitamin C could modify the association between exposure to heavy metals and risk of GDM. Methods: We conducted a case-control study in Taiyuan, China, with 776 GDM cases and 776 controls. Data on vitamin C intake from diet and supplements were collected through questionnaires. Concentrations of metals in participants' blood were measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Unconditional logistic regression models were applied to estimate effect modification of vitamin C on the association between heavy metals and GDM. Results: Women with higher blood levels of mercury (Hg) (odds ratio (OR) = 2.36, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.43, 3.92 and 2.04, 95% CI: 1.20, 3.46 for the second and third vs. the first tertile) and arsenic (As) (OR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.37, 4.43 and 2.16, 95% CI: 1.12, 4.17 for the second and third vs. the first tertile) exposure were associated with increased risk of GDM among women without vitamin C supplement use and having dietary vitamin C intake < 85 mg/day. We found no significant association with metals among women who took vitamin C supplements and/or dietary vitamin C ≥ 85 mg/day. Significant interactions were observed between vitamin C and exposures to metals (i.e., Hg and As) on the risk of GDM ( P interaction Our study, for the first time, suggests that vitamin C supplement use or higher dietary vitamin C intake during preconception and early pregnancy could alleviate the risk of GDM associated with exposure to As and Hg. The results warrant further investigation.Conclusions: Our study, for the first time, suggests that vitamin C supplement use or higher dietary vitamin C intake during preconception and early pregnancy could alleviate the risk of GDM associated with exposure to As and Hg. The results warrant further investigation., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Ying Wang et al.)

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a necrotic pancreatic inflammation associated with high mortality rate (up to 70%). Bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been investigated in pancreatic cellular regeneration, but still their effects are controversial. Therefore, the present study is aimed at examining the enrichment of the stem cells with ascorbic acid (AA) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and explore their combined action on the expression of the inflammatory cytokines: interleukin 1β (IL 1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and nuclear factor-κβ (NF-κβ). A total of twenty adult male Sprague-Dawley albino rats were divided into four groups: the control group, cerulein group (to induce acute pancreatitis), BM-MSCs group, and combined BM-MSCs with AA and NAC group. Homing and proliferation of stem cells were revealed by the appearance of PKH26-labelled BM-MSCs in the islets of Langerhans. AA and NAC combination with BM-MSCs (group IV) was demonstrated to affect the expression of the inflammatory cytokines: IL 1β, TNF-α, and NF-κβ. In addition, improvement of the biochemical and histological parameters is represented in increasing body weight, normal blood glucose, and insulin levels and regeneration of the islet cells. Immunohistochemical studies showed an increase in proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and decrease in caspase-3 reactions, detected markedly in group IV, after the marked distortion of the classic pancreatic lobular architecture was induced by cerulein. It could be concluded that treatment with BM-MSCs combined with antioxidants could provide a promising therapy for acute pancreatitis and improve the degeneration, apoptosis, necrosis, and inflammatory processes of the islets of Langerhans. TNF-α, IL 1β, and NF-κβ are essential biomarkers for the evaluation of MSC regenerative effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the quality of dried whole and half chili pods' powder dried with solar drying combined with CaCl2 desiccant compared with natural convection solar drying to produce the final chili powder product. Besides the sensory analysis, the quality parameters such as beta-carotene, moisture, vitamin C, and ash content were also observed. The results showed that 57 hours of drying time of whole and half chili pods using solar drying can reach moisture content below 5%. Beta-carotene, ash, and vitamin C contents of the whole chili were higher than those of half chili pods' dried pepper powder; they were 20.38 ± 0.22 mg / 100 g , 5.81 ± 0.15 % , and 23.99 ± 0.57 mg / 100 g , respectively. This study can guide the red chili drying process based on the quality of the dried chili powder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orange is mainly consumed as fresh fruit, concentrated juice, or thin dried slices, while the seeds are usually discarded by consumers and orange juice processing companies. This study was carried out to determine the physical, frictional, nutritional, and antinutritional properties of the Late Valencia and Red Blood orange seeds. The proximate composition, mineral profile, antinutrient content, and physical and frictional properties of two orange seed varieties were determined using standard methods. The mean length, width, thickness, geometric, and arithmetic mean diameter of the Late Valencia and Red Blood seeds were 14.66, 8.45, 5.05, 8.47, and 9.39 and 13.74, 7.51, 4.99, 7.97, and 8.75 mm, respectively. An angle of repose 39.62° and 38.62°, coefficient of friction of 0.63 and 0.61 on wood, 0.33 each on mild steel, and 0.41 and 0.43 on Teflon were recorded, respectively, for the Late Valencia and Red Blood orange seed varieties. Seeds from Late Valencia and Red Blood orange variety contained 547.39 mg/100 g and 693.87 mg/100 g of oxalate, respectively. Proximate and vitamin C of the orange seeds analyzed indicated that the protein (4.18%), fat (57.45%), fiber (6.06%), energy (640.66 kcal/100 g), and vitamin C (63 mg/100 g) content in the Late Valencia were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the Red Blood orange (3.61%, 55.77%, 5.49%, 85 kcal/100 g, and 54 mg/100 g) correspondingly. The high fat content of the orange seeds makes them potential source of oil for both food and nonfood product applications. Ca, P, and K were predominantly found in the two orange seed varieties. Physical and frictional properties obtained from this work could aid in the design of equipment for harvesting, processing, transporting, separating, packaging, and storage of orange seeds from Late Valencia and Red Blood orange varieties. Further research is required to determine the suitability of orange seed flours for value-added products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ganoderma lucidum has been extensively studied for its valuable medicinal importance. In this study, the artificial cultivation of G. lucidum strain Philippine in different culture media, including sawdust substrate, was performed and optimized on the Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) media. Phytochemical, antibacterial, and antioxidant analyses were performed and compared between the ethanol extracts prepared from two different cultures (fruit from synthetic log culture and mycelia from PDA media culture). Both the 200 mg/mL and 100 mg/mL concentrations of extracts inhibited all the tested bacteria, and the results were promising than the corresponding control using antibiotics. The fruit extract showed higher antioxidant potential (150.6 ± 56.92 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g extract) than mycelial extract (144.28 ± 81.72 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g extract). The results indicate that fruiting bodies of G. lucidum cultivated in a complex dust medium possess higher antioxidant properties than mycelia culture, which can be further explored for therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational and environmental exposure to heavy metals such as arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) by inducing oxidative damage may impair male fertility. However, there is a new view that shows that the nano form of vitamins such as vitamin C, which have antioxidant activity, can be effective in improving this disorder. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of NVC (NVC) on reproductive toxicity caused by the combination of Pb and As on testicular histology, sperm morphology, oxidative stress parameters, and hormonal changes in male rats. In this experimental study, forty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: control, NVC (200 mg/kg), As (50 ppm sodium arsenate), Pb (500 ppm Pb acetate), As + NVC, and Pb + NVC. FSH, LH, and testosterone levels were measured in serum. The activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), carbonyl protein, malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was measured in testis. Histological examination and sperm parameters were also evaluated. FSH, LH, and testosterone levels and sperm parameters significantly decreased, and levels of protein carbonyl, MDA, and DNA fragmentation increased in the As and Pb groups, while treatment with NVC could improve them. Histological evaluation and sperm parameters in As and Pb groups showed damage in the process of spermatogenesis and sperm parameters. The treatment with NVC could significantly improve these parameters. The activity of GPx, SOD, and CAT in testis decreased in As and Pb groups, while treatment with NVC could enhance them. It can be concluded that NVC by inhibiting oxidative damage and improving serum level of testosterone, LH, and FSH could overcome As- and Pb-induced reproductive dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of spray drying technology has been widely used for drying and preservation of food products. Though infant milk powder iron fortification is necessary for infants and children, iron fortification is accompanied by some limitations that reduce its quality and oxidation of Fe2+ into Fe3+, causing sensory problems and even a decrease in iron absorption, which does not meet the normal requirements of infant and child body development. To overcome this adverse effect and to improve the bioavailability of iron, a spray drying method was used to simulate the milk powder production process by codrying a mixture of ascorbic acid and ferrous sulfate, where ascorbic acid was uniformly coated on the outer layer of ferrous sulfate. It was demonstrated that ascorbic acid had a very obvious inhibitory effect on the oxidation of ferrous iron and could maintain the stability of ferrous iron in solid and solution for a long time, thus improving the bioavailability of iron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium and represents one of the main public health problems in the world. Among alterations associated with the disease, we highlight the hepatic impairment resulting from the generation of oxidative stress. Studies demonstrate that liver injuries caused by Plasmodium infection are associated with unbalance of the antioxidant system in hepatocytes, although little is known about the role of antioxidant molecules such as glutathione and vitamin C in the evolution of the disease and in the liver injury. To evaluate disease complications, murine models emerge as a valuable tool due to their similarities between the infectious species for human and mice. Herein, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of antioxidants glutathione and vitamin C on the evolution of murine malaria and in the liver damage caused by Plasmodium berghei ANKA infection. Mice were inoculated with parasitized erythrocytes and treated with glutathione and vitamin C, separately, both at 8 mg/kg during 7 consecutive days. Our data showed that during Plasmodium infection, treatment with glutathione promoted significant decrease in the survival of infected mice, accelerating the disease severity. However, treatment with vitamin C promoted an improvement in the clinical outcomes and prolonged the survival curve of infected animals. We also showed that glutathione promoted increase in the parasitemia rate of Plasmodium-infected animals, although treatment with vitamin C has induced significant decrease in parasitemia rates. Furthermore, histological analysis and enzyme biochemical measurement showed that treatment with glutathione exacerbates liver damage while treatment with vitamin C mitigates the hepatic injury induced by the infection. In summary, the current study provided evidences that antioxidant molecules could differently modulate the outcome of malaria disease; while glutathione aggravated the disease outcome and liver injury, the treatment with vitamin C protects the liver from damage and the evolution of the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocimum sanctum L. (Tulsi) is the most important medicinal plant that has antimicrobial, antioxidants, and anticarcinogenic effects on human health. Plants, when under stress, gather several antioxidants and osmoprotectants. The present work focuses on the abiotic stress response of Tulsi and its mitigation by the application of ascorbic acid. In addition to this, an enhancement of antioxidant and antimicrobial activity was also analyzed using ascorbic acid. During the present work, when plants were grown under NaCl stress and ascorbic acid (AA) was provided with foliar applications, it ascertained encouraging effects on growth; likewise, its effect remains stable under salinity stress. The enzymatic antioxidants activity showed a significant change in response to AA alone or in combination. The highest catalase activity was recorded in plants subjected to 0.5 mM AA in combination with 100 mM NaCl (0.65 units/mL of enzyme). Likewise, a similar trend was recorded for the superoxide dismutase activity of Tulsi plants. The highest activity of SOD was recorded in plants subjected to 0.5 mM AA in combination with 100 mM NaCl (66.1 units/mg of protein). Flavonoid content showed its highest amount (27.41 mg/g) when plants were treated with 0.5 mM AA + 100 mM NaCl while the highest phenolic content (1.88 mg/g) was analyzed in salt treated plants sprayed with 0.5 mM AA. In the case of antimicrobial activity, 0.5 mM AA treated plants gave the highest value for the Staphylococcus aureus as 2.15 cm and in Clostridium species was 2.1 cm in the plants treated with 1 mM AA alone. Hence, the findings of the present study may lead to the conclusion that AA has a significant role in defense mechanisms of plants in response to salt stress. Further, it enhances the antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of Tulsi plants grown under salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver nanoparticle synthesis of the leaf extract Tagetes erecta L. enriched with ascorbic acid and polyphenols has been investigated. The color of the golden yellow extract has changed to pinkish-brown due to the reduction of Ag+ to the colloidal solution of AgNPs and a sharp absorption peak at 420 nm under the UV-Vis spectrophotometer. In addition, the Fourier Transfer Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) estimation was completed in order to recognize and identify the biomolecules present in the extract acting as a reducing and capping agent for the AgNPs. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) peaks at (111), (201), (220), and (311) confirm the presence of monoclinic crystals in the solution. The morphology and size of the particles were provided by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of AgNPs. At a scale of 100 nm, synthesized AgNPs were predominantly spherical with a size range of 7-35 nm. In comparison to 7.39 mg/100 g in AgNPs, aqueous leaf extract was 55.14 mg/100 g higher in ascorbic acid. The phenolic and flavonoid content of extract was 52.54 ± 2.15 mg (GAE/100 g) and 15.43 ± 0.34 mg (QE/mL), and the colloidal AgNP solution was 21.45 ± 1.15 mg (GAE/100 g) and 8.05 ± 2.42 mg (QE/mL), respectively. Phenolic and flavonoid contents play a major role as a reducing agent and reduce the precursor AgNO3 into AgNPs. The DPPH scavenging assay also assessed the antioxidant properties of extract and its derived AgNPs. As compared antioxidant value to aqueous leaf extract (mg/mL), higher percentage inhibition (PI) was found in AgNPs and free-radical scavenging activity of extract and AgNPs were directly linked to their concentrations. Results of this research have discovered a higher potential for free-radical scavenging AgNPs and will help to develop new and more potent antioxidants for the treatment of different diseases caused by oxidative stress; the higher antioxidant properties bearing AgNPs might be used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid: AA) uptake in neurons occurs via the sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter-2 (SVCT2), which is highly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). During chronic neuroinflammation or infection, CNS levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) are increased. Elevated levels of LPS and TNFα have been associated with neurodegenerative diseases together with reduced levels of AA. However, little is known about the impacts of LPS and TNFα on neuronal AA uptake. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of LPS and TNFα on SVCT2 expression and function using in vitro and in vivo approaches. Treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with either LPS or TNFα inhibited AA uptake. This reduced uptake was associated with a significant decrease in SVCT2 protein and mRNA levels. In vivo exposure to LPS or TNFα also decreased SVCT2 protein and mRNA levels in mouse brains. Both LPS and TNFα decreased SLC23A2 promoter activity. Further, the inhibitory effect of LPS on a minimal SLC23A2 promoter was attenuated when either the binding site for the transcription factor Sp1 was mutated or cells were treated with the NF-κB inhibitor, celastrol. We conclude that inflammatory signals suppress AA uptake by impairing SLC23A2 transcription through opposing regulation of Sp1 and NF-κB factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Productivity of bulb onions (Allium cepa L.) is largely constrained by postharvest losses. There are several postharvest strategies applicable to onions, but they are mostly applied singularly and therefore their combined effects have not been well studied. This study was set out to evaluate the effects of harvesting stage, curing period, and time of topping on postharvest quality of stored red bulb onions. The study was carried out in Yatta Subcounty, Machakos County, Kenya. The experimental design was split-split plot laid out in a 3 × 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. The treatments consisted of harvesting stage (25%, 50%, and 75% top fall), curing period (none, 1 week, and 2 weeks after harvesting), and time of topping (before and after curing). All the treatments were replicated three times. After 3 months of storage, the bulbs were analyzed for proximate and nutritional composition. Bulbs that were harvested at 75% top fall and cured for one or two weeks before topping retained higher moisture content, bulb weight, crude protein, vitamin C, zinc, potassium, calcium, and iron but lower sodium content after three-month storage. These practices are therefore recommended for maintaining the nutritional quality of bulb onions after harvesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lack of ability to produce vitamin C innately and the ability to synthesize human lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) are two unique metabolic features present in humans, compared with most other animal species. The Gulo (-/-) and Lp(a)+ mouse model displays these two features and is therefore suitable for the study of metabolic aspects relevant to human metabolism. It is a well-known fact that vitamin C is essential in collagen synthesis, and in maintaining extracellular matrix integrity, as well as being a powerful antioxidant and cofactor in many metabolic pathways, which makes it a critically important micronutrient for health and healthy aging. In this study, we investigated the effects of a long-term intake of high and low doses of vitamin C on age-related metabolic lipid and hormonal changes in young (eight to nine months), mid-aged (one year), and old (two years) Gulo (−/−) and Lp(a)+ mice. We observed that chronic vitamin C deficiency resulted in a less healthy metabolic lipid profile, impaired serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), and sex-hormones secretion, all of which can accelerate the development of various pathological conditions in the aging process. The most susceptible to the negative impact of vitamin C deficiency were the young (eight to nine months) and old (two years) mice. Our study conducted in this humanized mouse model indicates that sustained adequate vitamin C intake is essential in maintaining a healthier metabolic profile, important in preventing age-related pathologies throughout the aging process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acanthus ilicifolius Linn. (Acanthaceae) is a popular mangrove ethnomedicinal plant that cures several ailments, including asthma, diabetes, cancer, and many others. Our experiment was aimed at evaluating the anti-atherogenic effect of A. ilicifolius (leaf and stem) on a high-fat diet-induced atherogenic rat model. Atherosclerosis was developed in 12 weeks. Treatment with the standard drug (3 mg/kg b.w./day, p.o. of Simvastatin), separate doses of methanolic and ethanolic extracts of A. ilicifolius leaf (250 and 500 mg/kg b.w./day, p.o.), and stem (200 and 400 mg/kg b.w./day, p.o.) was subsequently conducted for additional 15 days. The anti-atherogenic effect was evaluated by estimating the change in body weight, systolic blood pressure, and lipid profile. Histopathology of aorta, liver, and kidney of atherogenic models was done for further evaluation. The antioxidant effect of different extracts was performed via DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay using ascorbic acid as standard. The anticoagulant effect was determined after 15 days of treatment with the same doses of the plant extracts and the standard Warfarin (2 mg/kg b.w./day, p.o.). When compared with atherogenic control, treatment with A. ilicifolius significantly reduced (p < 0.01) body weight, systolic blood pressure, and serum lipid levels while it elevated HDL (high-density lipoprotein) level in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, bleeding and clotting time was significantly decreased (p < 0.01) under the treatment of plant extracts. The histopathological data showed considerable improvement in tissue morphology after treatment. Our study evidenced that the alcoholic extracts of A. ilicifolius leaf and stem have anti-atherogenic properties and may be recommended as a potential herbal remedy for preventing cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strawberry fruit is a nonclimacteric fruit and is one of the most consumed berries in the world. It is characterized by high levels of vitamin C, folate, vitamin E, β-carotene, and phenolic constituents as well asanthocyanins that are strictly related to health benefits. Strawberries are highly perishable fruit with a very short postharvest life due to their susceptibility to mechanical injury, rapid texture softening, physiological disorders, and infection caused by several pathogens (yeast and mold) that can rapidly reduce fruit quality. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the application of Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage in combination with ascorbic acid, as edible coating, on quality, sensorial parameters, and microbiological characteristics of strawberry fruit during cold storage at 4 ± 0.5°C and 85% RH. Strawberries were characterized by a linear increase of weight loss during the storage at 4°C that was significantly higher (+11.3% on average) in the uncoated strawberries. The coating affected the ascorbic acid content of the strawberries that increased by 36.0% in coated strawberries; total soluble solid content and color of the strawberries were only affected by storage. Visual quality and sensorial analysis recorded higher scores in the coated samples at the end of the cold storage period. Furthermore, the mucilage coating did not negatively affect the natural taste of strawberries. The application of O. ficus-indica gel-based edible coating in combination with ascorbic acid, although not able to inhibit the microbial growth, limited significantly their development in coated strawberry fruits. Our results suggest that Opuntia mucilage plus 5% ascorbic acid could be a useful biochemical way of maintaining strawberry fruit quality and extending their postharvest life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch is one of the most important value-added food ingredients used as a thickener in many foods and industrial applications. This research investigated the effect of different concentrations of starch (anchote and potato) addition on the colloidal stability of pineapple juice. The experiment was carried out on a two-factor factorial design arranged in CRD. The first factor (starch type with two levels (anchote and potato)) and the second factor (starch concentration with three levels (1%, 3%, and 5%)) were considered. The starch-added juice samples were preserved for 15 days at room temperature. The physicochemical properties, colloidal stability, microbial counts, and sensory analysis were conducted in a 7-day interval including the first day. The results revealed that different starch concentrations showed a significant effect (P ≤ 0.05) on the cloud stability, most of the physicochemical properties and microbial count of pineapple juice as compared to the control. The turbidity and viscosity of the juice samples were increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) by the starch addition; in contrast, pulp sedimentation and microbial counts were decreased. As storage duration increased, turbidity, viscosity, TSS, pH, and vitamin C content of juice decreased, whereas sedimentation, TA, and microbial count increased. The results revealed that the total bacterial and fungal counts of pineapple juice samples were rising as storage durations increased. The maximum cloud retention was observed in juice added with 5% anchote starch. Finally, it is confirmed that starch (anchote and potato) addition positively affected the colloidal stability of pineapple juice and also possessed high potential to extend the shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, it has been common to see people being affected and dying from untreatable infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) germs. To tackle this problem, developing new effective chemotropic agents is urgently needed. Hence, this project aims to design, synthesize, and evaluate their antibacterial and antioxidant activities of new series of [2,3′-biquinoline]-4-carboxylic acid and quinoline-3-carbaldehyde analogs. The molecular docking analysis of the compounds against E. coli DNA gyrase was computed to investigate the binding mode of the compounds within the active site of the enzyme. In this regard, a new series of [2,3′-biquinoline]-4-carboxylic acid and quinoline-3-carbaldehyde analogs were synthesized by utilization of Vilsmeier–Haack, Doebner, nucleophilic substitution, and hydrolysis reactions. The structures of the synthesized compounds were determined using UV-Vis, FT-IR, and NMR. The synthesized compounds were screened for their antibacterial activity against four bacterial strains using disc diffusion methods. The findings of the study revealed that seven of synthetic compounds possess good antibacterial activity compared to ciprofloxacin which was used as a positive control in the experiment. Among them, compounds 4, 9, and 10 displayed the highest mean inhibition zone of 13.7 ± 0.58, 16.0 ± 1.7, and 20.7 ± 1.5 mm, respectively, at 0.1 μg/μL. The radical scavenging property of these compounds was evaluated using DPPH radical assay where compounds 9 and 20 showed the strongest activity with IC50 values of 1.25 and 1.75 μg/mL, respectively. At the same concentration, the IC50 value of ascorbic acid was 4.5 μg/mL. The synthesized compounds were also assessed for their in silico molecular docking analysis. Compounds 4 (−6.9 kcal/mol), 9 (−6.9 kcal/mol), and 10 (−7.9 kcal/mol) showed the maximum binding affinity close to ciprofloxacin (−7.2 kcal/mol) used as a positive control. Thus, compounds 4, 9, and 10 showed the best antibacterial activities in both in vitro and molecular docking analyses among the synthetic compounds. The results of in silico molecular docking evaluation of the synthetic compounds against E. coli DNA gyrase B were in good agreement with the in vitro antibacterial analysis. Therefore, the antibacterial activity displayed by these compounds is encouraging for further investigation to improve the activities of [2,3′-biquinoline]-4-carboxylic acid by incorporating various bioisosteric groups in either of the quinoline rings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical, nutraceutical, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of tunichrome released from Persian Gulf tunicate (Phallusia nigra). For this purpose, molecular weight (SDS-PAGE), amino acid profile, chemical composition (GC-MS), mineral composition, functional groups (FTIR), total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial properties were investigated. The results showed that tunichrome contained a high amount of essential amino acids (i.e., Lys = 32.24 mg/100 g) and essential minerals. According to GC-MS results, tunichrome had different antioxidant and antimicrobial components. The TPC and TFC of tunichrome were 0.55 mg GA/g and 0.21 mg quercetin/100 g, respectively. Tunichrome showed higher antioxidant activity than ascorbic acid, and its radical scavenging activity values were increased from 30.28 to 82.08% by increasing concentration from 50 to 200 ppm. Inhibition zones of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella enterica, and Escherichia coli O157:H7 were 14, 18, 17, and 15 mm, respectively. Moreover, the minimum inhibitory concentration values of tunichrome for S. aureus, Bacillus cereus, S. enterica, and E. coli O157:H7 were 1.17, 0.59, 0.59, and 1.17 mg/ml, respectively. The minimum bacterial concentrations were 2.34, 1.17, 1.17, and 2.34 mg/ml for S. aureus, Bacillus cereus, S. enterica, and E. coli O157:H7, respectively. These results showed that tunichrome of Phallusia nigra has excellent biological effects as a bioactive compound for food fortification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to provide the optimum drying conditions to produce high-quality dried tiger nuts using hot-air drying. For this, we evaluated the effect of the whole, halved, and pulverized tiger nuts and air temperature (50 to 70°C) on the drying kinetics and quality of tiger nuts. The drying process generally followed a constant rate in the first 3 hours and a falling regime. We found the optimum drying conditions for tiger nuts to be crushed before convective hot-air drying at a temperature of 70°C. At this optimum condition, the predicted drying time, vitamin C content, reducing sugars, browning, brightness, redness, and yellowness was 780 min, 22.9 mg/100 mg dry weight, 157.01 mg/100 g dry weight, 0.21 Abs unit, 56.97, 1.6, and 17.0, respectively. The tiger nut's reducing sugars increased from the 130.8 mg/100 dry weight in the raw tiger nuts to between 133.11 and 158.18 mg/100 dry weight after drying. The vitamin C degradation rate was highest in the uncut tiger nuts (32-35%) while in the halved and the pulverized samples, it was between 12 and 17%. The crushed samples' effective moisture removal increased between 5.6- and 6.75-fold at the different air temperatures than that of the intact tiger nuts. The activation energy was 18.17 kJ/mol for the unbroken, 14.78 kJ/mol for the halved, and 26.61 kJ/mol for the pulverized tiger nut samples. The model MR = 0.997 exp − 0.02 t 1.266 + 0.0000056 t was the most suitable thin-layer drying model among the models examined for convective hot-air drying of tiger nuts. It is advisable to crush tiger nut before hot-air drying to produce better-quality flour for making milk beverages, cakes, biscuits, bread, porridge, and tiger nut-based breakfast cereals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage solution plus ascorbic acid (PEG-ELS-Asc) has been recommended for colonoscopy, but little is known about the safety of PEG-ELS-Asc in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to determine its safety and efficacy in CKD patients. Methods. Blood and urine samples prospectively collected before and after same-day bowel preparation for colonoscopy with the conventional volume of PEG-ELS-Asc, vital signs before and after colonoscopy, and adverse events within 30 days postcolonoscopy were analyzed in consenting patients with CKD. The cleansing level was evaluated with the Boston bowel preparation score (BBPS) from colonoscopic findings. Results. Of 57 patients enrolled, 1 was excluded for refusal. Serum bicarbonate significantly dropped, and blood hemoglobin, serum total protein, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, total bilirubin, and uric acid significantly rose after bowel preparation, although these changes were not clinically important. Only in nondialysis patients did the platelet count and potassium significantly rise, although these changes were not clinically important either. Renal function, such as the urea, creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate, was not significantly altered. An adequate bowel cleansing score, BBPS ≥ 6 , was achieved in 94% of patients. The blood pressure and heart rate were not significantly different between before and after colonoscopy in either nondialysis (n = 32) or dialysis (n = 19) patients. There were no adverse events associated with bowel preparation and colonoscopy within 30 days postcolonoscopy. Conclusions. The conventional volume of same-day bowel preparation with PEG-ELS-Asc may be safe and effective in CKD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological Relevance. Doxorubicin (Dox) is an anthracycline antibiotic widely used in cancer treatment. Despite its antitumor efficacy, its clinical application is significantly limited because of its cardiotoxicity originated, among other factors, from pro-oxidant damage to cardiac mitochondria. Phytochemicals represent a potentially attractive strategy to mitigate Dox cardiotoxicity due to their antioxidant properties, with plant extracts used in traditional medicine often being ignored in terms of potential therapeutic uses. Aim of the Study. The present study aimed at investigating the protective effects of two native Cameroonian plants, Afrostyrax lepidophyllus Mildbr. (A. lepidophyllus) and Monodora myristica (Gaertn.) Dunal (M. myristica), against Dox-induced cytotoxicity on cultured H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells. Materials and Methods. Bark extracts of these plants (1 and 25 µg/mL) were added 3 hours before coincubating H9c2 cardiomyoblasts with Dox (0.5 and 1 µM) for 24 hours more. We measured cell mass and metabolic viability, mitochondrial transmembrane potential, superoxide anion content, and activity-like of caspase-3 and caspase-9 following treatment with the extracts and/or Dox. Also, selenium and vitamin C contents were measured in the plant extracts. Results. The results confirmed that Dox treatment decreased cell mass, mitochondrial membrane potential and metabolic viability, increased mitochondrial superoxide anion, and stimulated caspase-3 and caspase-9-like activities. Pretreatment of the cells with the plant extracts significantly inhibited Dox cytotoxicity, with more significant results at the higher concentration. Measurements of selenium and vitamin C in the extracts revealed higher concentration of both when compared with other Cameroonian spices. Conclusion. Both extracts of A. lepidophyllus and M. myristica were effective against Dox-induced cytotoxicity, most likely due to their content in antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The role of oxidative stress in Aluminum (Al)-induced apoptotic effects has been investigated and suicidal death of erythrocytes, eryptosis, is characterized by cell shrinkage and phosphatidylserine externalization (PSE) at the surface of the erythrocyte cell membrane. Eryptosis is stimulated by an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and reactive oxygen species (ROS). This ex vivo study was conducted to evaluate the effect of well-known antioxidants including vitamin C (vit C) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), against Al-induced hemolysis and eryptosis. Methods. Isolated erythrocytes from the healthy volunteers were partitioned into various groups (6 replicates/group) and treated by various concentrations of Al (3–100 µM) in the presence and absence of vit C (0.6 mM) and NAC (1 mM). After 24 hours of treatment, hemolysis was determined from hemoglobin levels in the supernatant. Flowcytometric methods were applied to measure PSE, cell shrinkage, Ca2+ content, and ROS abundance using annexin V-binding, forward scatter, Fluo3-fluorescence, and DCFDA dependent fluorescence, respectively. Reduced glutathione (GSH) was measured by the ELISA method. Results. The results showed that a 24 hours' exposure of the erythrocytes to Al (10–100 µM) significantly increased hemolysis in a dose and Ca2+dependent manner. Al also dramatically decreased forward scatter. The percentage of PSE cells, Fluo3-fluorescence, and DCFDA fluorescence were increased by Al. Furthermore, cotreatment with NAC inhibited the effect of Al on hemolysis, eryptosis, and ROS production. Vit C decreased Al-induced ROS production. However, increased Al-induced eryptosis. There were no significant changes in glutathione after the ALCL3 treatment. Conclusions. Al-induced eryptosis and hemolysis through triggering oxidative stress, while NAC could diverse this effect. In contrast, vit C might intensify Al-induced eryptosis at particular doses through a less known mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) have been widely developed in various fields in recent years, resulting in an increasing occurrence of nanoparticles in the natural environment. However, the tiny substances have created unexpected confusion in environmental sample testing due to the negative nanoeffect of ENPs. In this paper, a novel technique of spectrophotometric determination of p-nitrophenol (PNP) was developed under the interfering impact of nano-Fe(OH)3, widely distributed in the natural environment as a typical example of ENPs. Because of the strong absorption at the two characteristic peaks of PNP, namely, 317 nm and 400 nm, nano-Fe(OH)3 interfered with the colorimetric determination of PNP. Thus, the developed testing method, with HCl acidification at 60°C and ascorbic acid (AA) masking FeCl3, was proposed and successfully realized the accurate determination of PNP in water samples by ultraviolet spectrophotometry with 317 nm as the absorption wavelength. The final colorimetric system of 5% HCl, 10% CH3OH, and 1% ascorbic acid was confirmed by optimized batch experiments, and the optimum condition of acidification pretreatment was heating at 60°C for 20 min. Further results demonstrated that the proposed novel method had good accuracy and reproducibility even in high-salinity natural water bodies such as groundwater and surface water. The testing technique presented in this paper provided an interesting and useful tool for problem solving of PNP surveys under ENPs' interference and practically supported water quality assessment for a better environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Early adolescents are vulnerable to anaemia due to lean body mass and menarche. The study assessed patterns of dietary iron intake, iron status, and predictors of anaemia among early adolescents. Method. One hundred and thirty-seven early adolescents were randomly selected in a rural district in Ghana. Multiple-pass 24-hour recall, iron food frequency questionnaire consisting of 27 food items, and semistructured questionnaire were administered. Variables include sociodemographics, dietary factors, and laboratory investigation including haemoglobin, ferritin, and C-reactive protein examination. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used to calculate odds ratio and perform Mann–Whitney U test, chi-square (X2) test, exploratory factor analysis, and partial correlation (r) tests. Results. Participants had mean age of 11.5 years. Three iron dietary patterns explaining 28.7% of the total variance were identified: iron dietary pattern 1 (11%) composed of iron-rich, iron-enhancing, and iron-inhibiting foods; iron dietary pattern 2 (9.9%) comprised of iron-rich, iron-enhancing, and non-iron-inhibiting foods; and iron dietary pattern 3 (7.1%) consisting of stinging nettle, iron-inhibiting foods, non-iron-enhancing foods, non-cocoyam leaves, and non-turkey berries. Meal skipping (X2 = 5.7, p < 0.05), times of eating a day (X2 = 12.6, p < 0.05), and guardian educational status (X2 = 6.7, p < 0.05) significantly affected dietary iron intake. Anaemia was associated with meal skipping (β = 0.367, p > 0.05), snacking (β = 0.484, p > 0.05), and junior high school (JHS) education (β = 0.544, p > 0.05). Partial correlation showed statistically significant relationship between iron dietary pattern 1 and dietary iron (r = −0.234, p < 0.01), iron dietary pattern 2 and dietary iron (r = -0.198, p < 0.05), iron dietary pattern 2 and vitamin C (r = -0.201, p < 0.05), and haemoglobin and ferritin (r = −0.178, p < 0.05). Conclusion. Meal skipping, guardian educational status, and number of times of eating a day were significantly associated with dietary iron intake. Meal skipping, snacking, and adolescents with JHS education were positively associated with anaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study falls within the search for alternative solutions to problems related to diseases associated with oxidative stress. It involved the evaluation of antioxidant activities extracts from thirteen antibacterial Cameroonian food plants, namely, P. nigrum, A. cruentus, L. sativa, S. edule, S. nigrum, V. amygdalina, A. hybridus, V. hymenolepis, L. capensis, M. esculenta, C. melo, T. occidentalis, and T. triangulare. The thirteen plant extracts with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity all showed total reducing powers ranging between 2.41 and 27.81 AAE (mg ascorbic acid equivalents per gram of dried extract) and total phenol contents between 2.65 and 35.03 GAE (mg of gallic acid equivalents per gram of dried extract) of dry extract. Except for extracts of L. capensis, the other 12 extracts showed flavonoid contents ranging between 0.29 and 5.99 RE (rutin equivalents per gram of dried extract). All 13 plant extracts also showed free radical scavenging activity against DPPH· with IC50 ranging between 1.65 and 310.52 μg/ml, while 12 of these extracts exhibited inhibitory activity against NO· radical (IC50 ranging from 19.77 to 157.72 μg/ml). Statistically insignificant positive correlations (p > 0.5) were found between antibacterial activities of these plants and their antioxidant activities. The different results of this study provide scientific evidence for the use of these antibacterial food plants in the control of different conditions associated with oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fresh strategy based on two-step electrochemical reduction for the fabrication of palladium nanoparticles/reduced oxide nanocomposite-modified glass carbon electrode (PdNPs/rGO/GCE) was established in this study. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images showed that spherical PdNPs were evenly distributed on the surface of rGO-modified electrode (rGO/GCE), and the introduction of PdNPs has no effect on the morphology of rGO. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies revealed that the conductivity of PdNPs/rGO/GCE was higher than that of rGO/GCE and bare GCE. The electrochemical performances of PdNPs/rGO/GCE sensor were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and chronoamperometry using ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA), and uric acid (UA) as analytes. At the optimized conditions, wide linear ranges of 0.5–3.5 mM (R2 = 0.99), 3–15 μM (R2 = 0.99) and 15–42 μM (R2 = 0.99), and 0.3–1.4 mM (R2 = 0.99) towards AA, DA, and UA in ternary mixture were observed, respectively. In addition to superior anti-interference capability, fast response (≤5 s), excellent reproducibility, and good long-term stability were also given by this sensor. These results suggested that PdNPs/rGO/GCE is promising for the simultaneous detection of AA, DA, and UA in practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Vitamin C (Vc) deficiency is frequently observed in cancer sites and has been proposed to have an antitumor effect. However, the mechanism of Vc's killing effect is not clear. Besides, epigenetic alterations exhibit significant effects on colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to explore the mechanism of Vc's killing effect and its association to epigenetic alterations in CRC. Methods. Cell morphology, apoptosis, proliferation, and cycle were assayed to test Vc's suppressive function in CRC cell lines. Xenograft and peritoneal implantation metastasis models were performed to evaluate the high-dose Vc's inhibitory effect on tumor growth and metastasis. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure CD31 expression in solid tumors. A literature summary was applied for screening differently expressed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in CRC tissues and was closely associated with CRC progression. The qPCR was used to detect the expression of these lncRNAs. The association between Vc and metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) was evaluated in MALAT1-transfected CRC cells and a xenograft model. Results. Vc was confirmed to function in proliferation suppression, apoptosis induction, and S phase arresting in CRC cell lines. High-dose Vc, but not physiologically low-dose Vc, was identified as a suppressive function on tumor growth in xenograft models and an inhibitory effect on implantation metastasis in peritoneal implantation metastasis mice. Furthermore, a consistent downregulation of MALAT1 induced by Vc was verified among CRC cell lines and tumor tissues from both mouse models. Finally, experiments on MALAT1-knockdown CRC cells and its xenograft model suggested that Vc had a tendency in killing CRC with high MALAT1 expression. Conclusions. Our findings demonstrate that high-dose Vc has more efficiency in suppressing CRC with higher MALAT1 expression. It gives high-dose Vc the possibility of a better curative effect on CRC with overexpressed MALAT1. Further clinical studies are still needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astrocytes are a major constituent of the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytic oxidative stress contributes to the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). Maintaining production of antioxidant and detoxification of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) in astrocytes is critical to prevent PD. Study has illuminated that ascorbic acid (AA) stimulates dopamine synthesis and expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in human neuroblastoma cells. However, the role and regulatory mechanisms of AA on detoxification of astrocytes are still unclear. The purpose of our study is in-depth study of the regulatory mechanism of AA on detoxification of astrocytes. We found that AA pretreatment decreased the expression of ROS and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in MPP+-treated astrocytes. In contrast, the expression levels of antioxidative substances—including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier (GCLM) subunit—were upregulated after AA pretreatment in MPP+-treated astrocytes. However, inhibition of NF-κB prevented such AA induced increases in antioxidative substances following MPP+ treatment in astrocytes, suggesting that AA improved antioxidative function of astrocytes through inhibiting NF-κB-mediated oxidative stress. Furthermore, in vivo studies revealed that AA preadministration also suppressed NF-κB and upregulated the expression levels of antioxidative substances in the midbrain of MPTP-treated mice. Additionally, pretreatment of AA alleviated MPTP-induced PD-like pathology in mice. Taken together, our results demonstrate that preadministration of AA improves the antioxidative function of astrocytes through suppressing NF-κB signaling, following alleviated the pathogenesis of PD which induced by MPTP. Hence, our findings elucidate a novel protective mechanism of AA in astrocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The valorization of Crocus sativus L. by-products has become important given its interesting content of bioactive molecules. In the present study, aqueous tepal extract (ATE) studied eggplant seedling's growth and physiology under a plastic tunnel. ATE was foliage sprayed 3 times every 15 days, with various concentrations (1 mg/mL, 2 mg/mL, 3 mg/mL) in addition to a treatment containing 2 mg/mL of tepals and 0.6 mg/mL of stigmas (T+S). The concentration of 2 mg/L ATE significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the plant's height, the chlorophyll content, and decreased antioxidant activity and MDA (malondialdehyde). However, the concentration 3 mg/mL inhibited the plant growth; increased the content of ascorbic acid and polyphenol; and resulted in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activities increases, indicating oxidative stress (p ≤ 0.05). On the other hand, T+S significantly influenced some parameters analyzed. Our findings demonstrate that ATE can act as a biostimulant at 2 mg/mL to enhance eggplant growth in plastic tunnel production and used in plant stress situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave and steam blanching as pretreatments to hot air drying of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) were studied. The air-drying experiment was performed at constant temperature of 70°C and airflow of 1.0 m/s. The effective moisture diffusivity varied from 1.5 × 10 − 9 to 4.4 × 10 − 9 m2/s, and 1.1 × 10 − 10 to 7.9 × 10 − 10 m2/s, for the microwave and blanched assisted hot air drying, respectively. The activation energy obtained for the various microwave-assisted hot air drying was 29.1 W/mm for 4 min, 68.1 W/mm for 3 min, and 79.7 W/mm for 2 min. Ascorbic acid degradation and formation of brown pigments in the OFSP slices were lower in microwave than in steam blanch-assisted drying. Microwave-assisted drying of OFSP is best governed by Page model, M R = exp − k t n , while the blanch-assisted followed the logarithmic model, M R = a exp − k t + c. To produce better quality OFSP flour, it is recommended to cut the tubers into 3 mm slices, microwave at a power of 630 W for 2 min or blanch for 1 min, 43 seconds prior to hot air drying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the centuries, humans use different types of therapeutic plants to treat several diseases. Cyperaceae family has a significant number of monocotyledon plants, and Schoenoplectus is one of the genera that belong to this family; about forty-nine compounds are isolated. Our current study was evaluated on Schoenoplectus triqueter L. Palla to show the potential of its antioxidants and confirm the phytochemical constituents in this plant species. Fully powdered plant taken for successive extraction process in hot continuous process for Soxhlet was 20 g plant in porous bag manually prepared; the constant temperature provided was 40–50°C. In the maceration extraction method, 30 g plant was taken in a closed jar and the solvent placed for extraction was 300 mL of ethanol; the extract gets filtered and fractioned to different solvents such as water, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane fraction. Important types of phytochemicals found in this species are alkaloids, proteins, amino acids, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, and carbohydrates. All the entire extracted fractions which are water, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane possess noticeable activity at various concentrations of 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, and 500 µg/mL by the dilution method. The ethyl acetate extract holds greater median inhibitory concentration (IC50 = 3.52 ± 0.01), and water showed IC50 = 3.61 ± 0.01 percent potential as compared to the standard ascorbic acid which possesses IC50 = 2.27 ± 0.01. Their potential may be enhanced or lowered with the purification of extracts which might be useful in biological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel method for RAFT copolymerization of styrene (St) and maleic anhydride (MAh) at ambient temperature using ascorbic acid (Asc) as an initiator is reported. Various experimental conditions including reaction component, monomer composition, the amount of Asc, and temperature were investigated in terms of monomer conversion, molecular weight, and molecular weight distribution. In this system, the copolymer of styrene/maleic anhydride (SMA) with well-regulated molecular weight and low molecular weight distribution ( M w / M n = 1.30) was obtained, and the conversion of monomer was 70.4% after 12 hours at 25°C. The NMR spectra demonstrated that the copolymer synthesized possesses a strictly alternating structure. Furthermore, the proposed mechanism adapted to the RAFT copolymerization of St and MAh initiated by Asc at ambient temperature is presented. Using this new methodology, it is possible to achieve well-defined SMA under mild conditions by RAFT copolymerization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scarcity, high cost, and unreliable supply of healthy food in developing countries have resulted in the search for cheap and alternative sources of healthy and nutritious food. Wild edible plants (WEPs) are one of the alternative sources of healthy and nutritious food, and they are crucially important in supporting the global food basket in all parts of the world in general and in sub-Saharan Africa in particular. These wild edible plants have played a significant role in supplying food and nutritional requirements and increasing the health status of poor communities in many rural parts of the world. In Ethiopia, rural communities use wild edible plants as a means of survival especially during times of drought and famine and during other forms calamities and crises. Wild edible plants have high nutritional content, including proteins, vitamin B2, and vitamin C, which can be used as alternatives to conventional plant-based human diets. The available literature has revealed that some wild edible plants also have medicinal properties. Even though wild edible plants are important for food security, they are usually overlooked and perceived as food for poor families. This review indicates that fruits are the most commonly used WEPs, both for consumption and medicinal value, and most plant parts are eaten directly in raw forms. This review focuses on the commercial exploitation of wild edible plants as a source of dietary supplements and alternative medicines and as a means to generate income; it also focuses on consumer perception toward wild edible plants in Ethiopia. Despite easy accessibility and availability, the consumption of wild edible plants is challenged by numerous factors. This review suggests that nutrition policies have to promote the utilization of wild edible plants as one pillar of food and nutrition security. Bioactive compound contents and antinutritional factor contents of wild and medicinal plants need further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sri Lanka is rich in a wide diversity of fruits, but many are underutilized by the people in Sri Lanka despite their nutritional value. This is mainly due to little awareness of the palatability of many fruits and hence low popularity in the market. The present study aimed at providing comparative data on the main biochemical and nutritional parameters of thirty-seven (37) species of fruits grown in Sri Lanka, including 22 underutilized fruits and 15 commonly consumed fruits. The main parameters of the comparison were the contents of ascorbic acid (AA), total vitamin C (TVC), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total iron (Fe), and antioxidant capacities (ACs). The mean AA, TVC, TPC, TFC, and Fe contents in 100 g of fresh edible portions of fruits ranged from 2.0 to 185.0 mg, 8.1 to 529.6 mg, 12.9 to 2701.7 mg gallic acid equivalent, 0.2 to 117.5 mg quercetin equivalents, and 0.1 to 1.1 mg, respectively. The IC50 values in a DPPH assay varied between 0.8 to 1856.7 mg/mL and FRAP values in a FRAP assay ranged from 4.2 to 2070 μmol FeSO4/g in the studied fruits. Fruits were ranked based on the levels of the abovementioned biochemical properties. Using this ranking, 12 of the top 15 fruits were underutilized. Phyllanthus emblica (Indian gooseberry) is at the top of these underutilized fruits, and Psidium guajava (guava) is the best among commonly consumed fruits. These results indicate that underutilized fruits in Sri Lanka can be recommended as high quality and low-cost alternatives for securing nutritional requirements. Hence, underutilized fruits can be promoted as healthy additional fruits in Sri Lanka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Ascorbic acid (AA) and controlled inflammatory stimuli are postulated to possess the ability to independently exert positive effects on a variety of proliferative, pluripotency, and differentiation attributes of gingival mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (G-MSCs). The current study's objective was to explore and compare for the first time the impact of the major inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β/TNF-α/IFN-γ), AA, or their combination on multipotency/pluripotency, proliferative, and differentiation characteristics of G-MSCs. Design. Human G-MSCs (n = 5) were isolated and cultured in basic medium (control group), in basic medium with major inflammatory cytokines; 1 ng/ml IL-1β, 10 ng/ml TNF-α, and 100 ng/ml IFN-γ (inflammatory group), in basic medium with 250 μmol/l AA (AA group) and in inflammatory medium supplemented by AA (inflammatory/AA group). All media were renewed three times per week. In stimulated G-MSCs intracellular β-catenin at 1 hour, pluripotency gene expression at 1, 3, and 5 days, as well as colony-forming units (CFUs) ability and cellular proliferation over 14 days were examined. Following a five-days stimulation in the designated groups, multilineage differentiation was assessed via qualitative and quantitative histochemistry as well as mRNA expression. Results. β-Catenin significantly decreased intracellularly in all experimental groups (p = 0.002 , Friedman). AA group exhibited significantly higher cellular counts on days 3, 6, 7, and 13 (p < 0.05) and the highest CFUs at 14 days [median-CFUs (Q25/Q75); 40 (15/50), p = 0.043 ]. Significantly higher Nanog expression was noted in AA group [median gene-copies/PGK1 (Q25/Q75); 0.0006 (0.0002/0.0007), p < 0.01 , Wilcoxon-signed-rank]. Significant multilineage differentiation abilities, especially into osteogenic and chondrogenic directions, were further evident in the AA group. Conclusions. AA stimulation enhances G-MSCs' stemness, proliferation, and differentiation properties, effects which are associated with a Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activation. Apart from initially boosting cellular metabolism as well as Sox2 and Oct4A pluripotency marker expression, inflammation appeared to attenuate these AA-induced positive effects. Current results reveal that for AA to exert its beneficial effects on G-MSCs' cellular attributes, it requires to act in an inflammation-free microenvironment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2-Keto-L-gulonic acid (2-KLG), the direct precursor of vitamin C, is produced by a two-step fermentation route from D-sorbitol in industry. However, this route is a complicated mix-culture system which involves three bacteria. Thus, replacement of the conventional two-step fermentation process with a one-step process could be revolutionary in vitamin C industry. The one-step fermentation of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid (2-KLG) has been achieved in our previous study; 32.4 g/L of 2-KLG production was obtained by the one-step strain G. oxydans/pGUC-tufB-sdh-GGGGS-sndh after 168 h. In this study, L-sorbose dehydrogenase (SDH) and L-sorbosone dehydrogenase (SNDH) were expressed in G. oxydans after the codon optimization. Furthermore, the trimeric protein CutA was used to improve the chemical structure stability of SDH and SNDH. The recombinant strain G. oxydans/pGUC-tufB-SH3-sdh-GGGGS-sndh-tufB-SH3lig-(GGGGS)2-cutA produced 40.3 g/L of 2-KLG after 168 h. In addition, the expression levels of the cofactor PQQ were enhanced to further improve 2-KLG production. With the stepwise metabolic engineering of G. oxydans, the final 2-KLG production was improved to 42.6 g/L. The efficient one-step production of 2-KLG was achieved, and the final one-step industrial-scale production of 2-KLG is drawing near. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical determination of dopamine (DA) in the presence of a large excess of ascorbic acid (AA) in their coexistence at a nickel oxide nanoparticle-modified preoxidized glassy carbon electrode (GCox/nano-NiOx) is achieved. The GCox/nano-NiOx electrode is prepared by electrodeposition of nickel nanoparticles (nano-Ni) onto an electrochemically activated glassy carbon (GC) electrode, and the thus prepared nano-Ni were subjected to electrochemical oxidation in alkaline medium for the formation of nickel oxide (NiOx). Modified electrodes were electrochemically and morphologically characterized. The effect of loading level of nickel was investigated by changing the number of potential cycles for the deposition of nano-Ni, i.e., 1, 2, 5, and 10 potential cycles, in the potential range from 0 to -1.0 V vs. SCE. Also, the experimental and instrumental parameters were optimized. Experimental results showed that the modified electrode differentiates well the oxidation peaks of DA and AA enabling the electrochemical determination of DA in the presence of a large excess of AA. Remarkably, it is found that the oxidation current of DA is 2 times larger than that of AA even the concentration of AA is about 5 times larger than that of DA. The LOD and LOQ of DA were calculated and were found to equal 0.69 and 2.3 mM, respectively. This offers the advantage of simple and selective detection of DA free of the interference of AA in real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aqueous extracts of Hibiscus calyphyllus (HcA), Hibiscus micranthus (HmA), and Hibiscus deflersii (HdA) growing in Saudi Arabia did not receive enough attention in phytochemical and biological studies. This inspired the authors to investigate the phytochemicals of these extracts for the first time using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS in negative and positive ionization modes. The analysis afforded the tentative identification of 103 compounds including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Moreover, in vitro evaluations of their cytotoxic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antiobesity activities were carried out. The results showed that aqueous extract of Hibiscus calyphyllus had the highest activity as an antioxidant agent (SC50 = 111 ± 1.5 μg/mL) compared with ascorbic acid (SC50 = 14.2 ± 0.5 μg/mL). MTT assay was used to evaluate cytotoxic activity compared to cisplatin. Hibiscus deflersii showed the most potent cytotoxic effect against A-549 (human lung carcinoma) with IC50 = 50 ± 5.1 μg/mL, and Hibiscus micranthus showed a close effect with IC50 = 60.4 ± 1.7 μg/mL. Hibiscus micranthus showed the most potent effect on HCT-116 (human colon carcinoma) with IC50 = 56 ± 1.9 μg/mL compared with cisplatin (IC50 = 7.53 ± 3.8 μg/mL). HcA and HdA extracts showed weak cytotoxic activity against A-549 and HCT-116 cell lines compared to the other extracts. Eventually, Hibiscus deflersii showed astonishing antidiabetic (IC50 = 56 ± 1.9 μg/mL) and antiobesity (IC50 = 95.45 ± 1.9 μg/mL) activities using in vitro α-amylase inhibitory assay (compared with acarbose (IC50 = 34.71 ± 0.7 μg/mL)) and pancreatic lipase inhibitory assay (compared with orlistat (IC50 = 23.8 ± 0.7 μg/mL)), respectively. In conclusion, these findings are regarded as the first vision of the phytochemical constituents and biological activities of different Hibiscus aqueous extracts. Hibiscus deflersii aqueous extract might be a hopeful origin of functional constituents with anticancer (on A-549 cell line), antidiabetic, and antiobesity activities. It might be a natural alternative remedy and nutritional policy for diabetes and obesity treatment without negative side effects. Isolation of the bioactive phytochemicals from the aqueous extracts of aerial parts of Hibiscus calyphyllus, Hibiscus micranthus, and Hibiscus deflersii and estimation of their biological effects are recommended in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, chitosan-based hydrogels were produced by incorporating three drugs with a different solubility into a polymer matrix. The lyophilized chitosan salt was prepared using an innovative and less-expensive synthetic process by the freeze-drying technique. Firstly, the three drugs (caffeine, ascorbic acid, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)) were selected as model drugs to test the in vitro release behavior of the hydrogel. The drugs were solubilized in chitosan salt, lyophilized, and cross-linked with benzaldehyde involving the formation of a Schiff base with (–C=N-) linkage to produce a physical hydrogel. Subsequently, the physicochemical properties of N-benzyl chitosan and lyophilized chitosan salt were evaluated by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The intrinsic viscosity of the conventional chitosan was determined by the Mark–Houwink–Sakurada equation. Moreover, the kinetics of hydrogel swelling and drug release were studied by the UV-visible method at physiological conditions (pH = 7.4 at 37°C). The results show that lyophilized N-benzyl chitosan had a maximum swelling ratio of 720 ± 2% by immersion in phosphate-buffered saline solutions (PBS) (pH = 7.4 at 37°C). In vitro drug releases were evaluated in PBS, and the obtained results show that the maximum drug release after 24 h was 42% for caffeine, 99% for 5-FU, and 94% for ascorbic acid. Then, to optimize the cumulative release of caffeine, Tween 20 was added and 98% as a release percentage was obtained. The drug-loading results were investigated with the Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetic model and applied to determine the drug release mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroponic plant culturing requires the concentration of nutrients in the supplied solution to be maintained at a constant level. For example, phosphate ion concentration directly affects crop growth, which necessitates the development of convenient and rapid techniques for on-site phosphate quantitation. Herein, we developed a new low-cost colorimetric method of quick on-site phosphate quantitation based on a modification of the conventional molybdenum colorimetric method. Specifically, the nutrient solution treated with ascorbic acid and molybdate was analyzed by colorimetric method after 10 min incubation, and a phosphate quantitation protocol was proposed. To verify this protocol, 50 nutrient solution samples with concentrations of 0–200 ppm were used to develop a model and perform a validation experiment, and the PLSR (Partial Least Squares Regression) and PCR (Principal Component Regression) models were developed and validated using a crossvalidation method and sample transmission spectra. The PLSR model, employing smoothing preprocessing at a 5 nm wavelength spacing, exhibited the best prediction performance and showed an error of ~10% within the measurement range during verification. In addition, an artificial neural network-based model achieved R 2 = 0.93 for the training set and R 2 = 0.86 for the validation set. Finally, we developed convenient-to-use software for phosphate ion quantitation by the presented method and performed a demonstration test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Studies have shown that corneas of young children were more susceptible to Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation damage. However, there exist limited information about the harm of UVB to eyes and preventive measures on infancy. Vitamin C as an antioxidant is widely used to prevent many diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the protective effect of vitamin C on the cornea of infant rats with acute UVB injury. Method. Thirty-six infant rats were randomly divided into three groups: control (CON) group, UVB (UVB) group, and UVB+vitamin C (UVB+VitC) group. The UVB group was exposed to UVB irradiation (8 J/cm2, 15 min/d, 7 d) and the UVB+vitamin C group suffered the same UVB irradiation treated with vitamin C at the dose of 40 mg/kg via intraperitoneal injection. Then, corneal morphology was detected in vivo and in vitro at 7 d post-UVB exposure. Furthermore, serum inflammatory factors (IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α) and oxidative status (4-HNE and MDA) were detected by ELISA, and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-α (VEGF-α) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the cornea was detected by western blot or immunofluorescent staining. Results. Slit lamp detection revealed that the area of corneal desquamation and corneal neovascularization in the UVB+VitC group was significantly less than those in the UVB group at 7 d post-UVB exposure (all p < 0.05). OCT results showed that the thickness of the central cornea in the UVB+VitC group was decreased than that in the UVB group (p < 0.05). The serum inflammatory factors (IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α) and oxidative status (4-HNE and MDA) in the UVB group were significantly increased compared with the CON group (all p < 0.05), while those factors in the UVB+VitC group were decreased compared with those in the UVB group. Furthermore, the expression of VEGF-α in the UVB+VitC group was dramatically decreased compared with that in the UVB group (p < 0.05), and the expression of SOD2 in the UVB+VitC group was dramatically increased compared with that in the UVB group at 7 d post-UVB exposure (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Vitamin C could protect infant rats from corneal injury induced by UVB via alleviating corneal edema, improving corneal inflammatory reaction, and decreasing VEGF-α expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report a novel approach to AS1411-templated formation of fluorescent copper nanomaterials and their application to melamine detection. Fluorescent copper nanomaterials were formed at room temperature by using AS1411 as a template and ascorbic acid as reductant. However, the fluorescence intensity decreased obviously in the presence of melamine. Under the optimized conditions, the quenching fluorescence intensities of copper nanomaterials showed a good linear relationship with the concentration of melamine in the range of 50 μmol/L–120 μmol/L, and the correlation coefficient was 0.9823. In addition, the method was successfully applied in the detection of melamine in milk samples. This method was cost-effective and convenient without any labels or complicated operations. Thus, this work successfully develops the capping AS1411 scaffolds of copper nanomaterials detection of melamine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cashew apple juice is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Cashew apples are being wasted due to lack of processing and are not much cherished because of its astringency. Some of the available clarifying agents are costly and are mainly imported. The study was, therefore, aimed at finding out the effect of M. oleifera seed powder on the clarity and phytochemical and nutritional contents of cashew apple juice. The study adopted an experimental design where 5 g, 10 g, 15 g, and 20 g of M. oleifera seed powder were used to clarify 250 cm3 of cashew apple juice. The setups were filtered using a filter paper after standing for an hour to get the clarified juice. The clarity of each filtrate was determined using an atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). Similarly, the tannin, lignin, pectin, protein, starch, calcium, zinc, copper, magnesium, and vitamin C were determined following the procedure of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Results showed that cashew apple juice clarified with 10 g/250 cm3 gave the best clarity. The colloidal particle contents of cashew apple juice were significantly reduced by the use of M. oleifera seed powder. It was equally found out that the clarified cashew apple juice contained an appreciable amount of nutrients. The flavour, colour, and general acceptability of the clarified cashew apple juice were very much liked by the panellist while the aroma was moderately liked. The study recommended that M. oleifera seed powder should be used for clarifying cashew apple juice and be included at the rate of 10 g/250 cm3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed stable chitosan colloids over a wide pH range without cross-linkers or gelling agents. The colloid was prepared using chitosan nanoparticle obtained from pulverization of bulk chitosan powder, followed by surface treatment using small amount of ascorbic acid (AA) and polyglycerol monostearate (PGMS) in water. Chitosan nanoparticles were well dispersed in a diluted AA solution due to the protonation of the chitosan chain on the surface. And then, the addition of PGMS led them to exhibit highly stable dispersion even in alkali conditions and 50 °C. The hydrodynamic diameter of the colloid was monitored using dynamic light scattering and the real image of the colloid was obtained using cryo-electron microscope measurement. This chitosan colloid will be useful for developing food ingredients or drug carrier templates that should be stable over a wide pH range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Hypertension is regarded as a major and independent risk factor of cardiovascular diseases, and numerous studies observed an inverse correlation between vitamin C intake and blood pressure. Aim. Our aim is to investigate the relationship between serum vitamin C and blood pressure, including the concentration differences and the correlation strength. Method. Two independent researchers searched and screened articles from the National Library of Medicine, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP databases, and WANFANG databases. A total of 18 eligible studies were analyzed in the Reviewer Manager 5.3 software, including 14 English articles and 4 Chinese articles. Results. In the evaluation of serum vitamin C levels, the concentration in hypertensive subjects is 15.13 μmol/L lower than the normotensive ones (mean difference = − 15.13 , 95% CI [-24.19, -6.06], and P = 0.001). Serum vitamin C has a significant inverse relation with both systolic blood pressure (Fishe r ' s Z = − 0.17 , 95% CI [-0.20, -0.15], P < 0.00001) and diastolic blood pressure (Fishe r ' s Z = − 0.15 , 95% CI [-0.20, -0.10], P < 0.00001). Conclusions. People with hypertension have a relatively low serum vitamin C, and vitamin C is inversely associated with both systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium is an essential trace element, which has certain antioxidant properties. Na2SeO3 is toxic, and its use is limited. SeMet, as an organic selenium, is less toxic than Na2SeO3. In this experiment, different concentrations of Na2SeO3 and SeMet were added to MEA and PDA media to observe the effect of selenium on the sclerotium differentiation of Q1 strain, and the contents of carotenoids, ascorbic acid, and total phenol and their reducing power, DPPH free radical scavenging ability, ferrous ion chelating ability, and superoxide anion scavenging ability were determined. Meanwhile, the orthogonal design was used to optimize the selenium enrichment culture conditions of Q1. The results showed that the addition of selenium in the PDA medium was not conducive to the differentiation of Q1 strain. The addition of inorganic and organic selenium in the MEA medium at different concentrations resulted in the accumulation of carotenoids, ascorbic acid, phenols, and selenium in the sclerotia of Q1 strain, and the contents of carotenoids, ascorbic acids, and selenium in the sclerotia of Q1 strain were increased to different degrees, but it cannot increase the content of total phenol. In addition, when the concentration of Na2SeO3 and SeMet in the medium was 10 μg/mL, the reducing power of the extract was improved. The experimental results can provide a new research idea for the utilization and development of Penicillium sclerotium and selenium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increased incidence of antibacterial resistance in microorganisms, combining natural products from plants with antibiotics may be considered interesting alternatives for synergy to attain multitarget effects. In this study, the antioxidant activity of the methanol extract of Ziziphus mucronata and its interactions with antibiotics against bacteria of clinical importance were investigated. While its phytochemicals and antioxidant activities were determined by free radical scavenging assays, the antibacterial activities of the extract and its interactions with the antibiotics were determined by macrobroth dilution and the checkerboard methods. From the results, total phenolic content was 29.67 ± 1.90 mg GAE/100 g, total flavonoid content was 8.72 ± 0.08 mg QE/100 g, and total proanthocyanidin content was 1.94 ± 0.00 mg CE/100 g of dry plant material. The inhibition concentration 50% (IC50) of DPPH, BHT, and ascorbic acid was equal to 0.04 ± 0.02 mg/ml, respectively. Those of the ABTS, BHT, and ascorbic acid were equal to 0.02 ± 0.02, 0.04 ± 0.03, and 0.04 ± 0.02 mg/ml, respectively. The checkerboard assay showed that combining the extract with different antibiotics resulted in synergistic (38.75%), indifferent (30%), additive (28.75%), and antagonistic (2.5%) interactions. The interactions between the extract and antibiotics resulting in enhanced antibacterial activities could have resulted from the antioxidant activities of the extract mopping up the ROS generated by the antibiotics or the ability of both extract and antibiotics simultaneously producing reactive oxygen species with deleterious effects resulting in synergistic antibacterial effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging is a predominant risk factor for many chronic conditions. Stem cell dysfunction plays a pivotal role in the aging process. Prelamin A, an abnormal processed form of the nuclear lamina protein lamin A, has been reported to trigger premature senescence. However, the mechanism driving stem cell dysfunction is still unclear. In this study, we found that while passaging subchondral bone mesenchymal stem cells (SCB-MSCs) in vitro, prelamin A accumulation occurred concomitantly with an increase in senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) expression. Unlike their counterparts, SCB-MSCs with prelamin A overexpression (MSC/PLA) demonstrated decreased proliferation, osteogenesis, and adipogenesis but increased production of inflammatory factors. In a hind-limb ischemia model, MSC/PLA also exhibited compromised therapy effect. Further investigation showed that exogenous prelamin A triggered abnormal nuclear morphology, DNA and shelterin complex damage, cell cycle retardation, and eventually cell senescence. Changes in gene expression profile were also verified by microarray assay. Interestingly, we found that ascorbic acid or vitamin C (VC) treatment could inhibit prelamin A expression in MSC/PLA and partially reverse the premature aging in MSC/PLA, with reduced secretion of inflammatory factors and cell cycle arrest and resistance to apoptosis. Importantly, after VC treatment, MSC/PLA showed enhanced therapy effect in the hind-limb ischemia model. In conclusion, prelamin A can accelerate SCB-MSC premature senescence by inducing DNA damage. VC can be a potential therapeutic reagent for prelamin A-induced aging defects in MSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]