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Fluorescent proteins (FPs) are ubiquitous tools in research, yet their endogenous functions in nature are poorly understood. In this work, we describe a combination of functions for FPs in a clade of intertidal sea anemones whose FPs control a genetic color polymorphism together with the ability to combat oxidative stress. Focusing on the underlying genetics of a fluorescent green "Neon" color morph, we show that allelic differences in a single FP gene generate its strong and vibrant color, by increasing both molecular brightness and FP gene expression level. Natural variation in FP sequences also produces differences in antioxidant capacity. We demonstrate that these FPs are strong antioxidants that can protect live cells against oxidative stress. Finally, based on structural modeling of the responsible amino acids, we propose a model for FP antioxidant function that is driven by molecular surface charge. Together, our findings shed light on the multifaceted functions that can co-occur within a single FP and provide a framework for studying the evolution of fluorescence as it balances spectral and physiological functions in nature.

BackgroundThis paper describes the background research and validation related to the formulation of a novel antioxidant product. Two defined outcomes were sought. Firstly, a combined efficacy of antioxidant ingredients in quenching free oxygen radicals. Secondly, the investigation into whether a vitamin C derivative sodium salt was elastin conserving in contrast to current vitamin C/l-ascorbic acid variations that have been reported to negatively affect elastin constitution and regeneration.Materials and methodsA leading l-ascorbic acid antioxidant available on the market was compared with the experimental new product in two studies. In the first experiment, the products were compared to assess their antioxidant properties. The evaluated products TOPICAL ANTIOXIDANT 1 and TOPICAL ANTIOXIDANT 2 were applied to human skin cultures (25-30 mg/cm2 ) for a total of 72 h of treatment and exposed to oxidative stress. The generation of free radicals was semi-quantitatively assessed by measuring the fluorescence intensity of the deacetylation and oxidation of the probe dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA). In the second experiment, an ex vivo skin model (derived from patients undergoing facelift procedures) was used to assess elastin preservation. Three skin explants were topically subjected to the two formulations daily for 7 days. The skin was then prepared and fixed for immunofluorescent assessment after staining with CD44 and tropoelastin antibodies. Images were then analyzed using ImageJ.ResultsA full description of the different components selected for the new formulation is presented. In the first study, the experimental formulation performed with absolute equivalence to the comparator in its radical quenching capacity; both showed extremely effective antioxidant function. In the second study, the comparator negatively affected the existing elastin with areas of breakdown and diminished staining. In contrast, the new formulation showed good conservation of healthy elastin in all sections demonstrating elastin preservation.ConclusionA new antioxidant formulation was carefully designed with multiple actives that show an equivalent antioxidant capacity to a leading product on the market. More importantly, the vitamin C component shows direct elastin conservation and improvement as opposed to the comparator, which had negative effects on elastin preservation. This is in keeping with little-known literature reports on vitamin C and its negative effects on elastin and validates the use of a sodium salt derivative, which appears to have protective effects on elastin. These findings support the overall regenerative extracellular matrix changes seen with TriHex® technology in other products.

There is increased interest in developing new eco-friendly materials with antibacterial and antioxidant properties for various technological applications. This study prepared a new chitosan phenolic derivative with a hydroxyl group via a click reaction between chitosan (Ch) and vanillylidene acetone to form the corresponding vanillylidene acetonyl chitosan Schiff base (Va.Ch.SB). Detailed structural characterization was carried out using FTIR, UV–Vis, and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The substitution degree calculated as 8.81%, according to 1H-NMR analysis. The obtained results confirm the formulation of imine Schiff base bond between chitosan amino groups react and vanillylidene acetone. Furthermore, the thermo-gravimetric analysis indicates that the decomposition behaviour of both chitosan and its vanillylidene acetonyl chitosan Schiff base derivative is nearly identical, with a slight enhancement of the SB derivative. The Va.Ch.SB exhibited duple antioxidant activity of the Va.Ch.SB. The comparative analysis reveals that the antimicrobial properties exhibited efficacy against two strains of gram-positive bacteria, namely Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus haemolyticus, as three strains of gram-negative bacteria, namely Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. These findings suggest that the Va.Ch.SB has the capability to apply in different medical and environmental contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a growing population of about 7.8 billion, humans are generating tons of waste in the form of non-biodegradable plastics on a daily basis that ends up in landfills and oceans. The introduction of packaging has been a blessing to mankind by facilitating the ease of convenience in transportation, delivery and general usage. The downside, however, is that majority of the packaging currently available is harmful to the environment and takes thousands of years to decay. This paper discusses the use of chitosan from shrimp shells and other marine animals' exoskeleton waste in food packaging industries. Chitosan extracted from marine organisms is modulated in the form of packaging material. Compared to conventional packaging, chitosan films are 73.4% biodegradable in soil under laboratory conditions whereas 100% degraded in an open field. Chitosan with metal oxides, essential oils, natural extracts, proteins and other polymers show enhanced tensile strength, water vapor permeability, oxygen and ultraviolet barrier. Chitosan and composite film show antimicrobial activity against gram positive and negative bacteria. Comparative approaches on environmental impacts between conventional plastics and chitosan films are enlightened, thereby highlighting the importance of natural polymers as packaging films that are considered economic based on the addition of additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to low aqueous solubility and the short half-life of Urolithin (Uro) B, we designed liposomes containing Uro B and examined their antioxidant and anti-tumor properties. After synthesizing Uro B-nanoliposomes, the characterization of nanoliposomes was evaluated. The MTT method was conducted to assess the toxicity influence, and Acridine Orange (AO)/propidium iodide (PI) staining, flow cytometry, and real‑time PCR (qRT‑PCR) were carried out to examine the apoptotic effect of nanoliposomes on the lung adenocarcinoma cell line. Antioxidant effects were measured by evaluating the scavenging of free radicals. The obtained data implied that nanoliposomes have a size of 78.9 nm, a PDI of 0.27, and a zeta potential of − 9 mV, and the encapsulation efficiency was about 86%. Besides, the results of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) show dimensions below 100 nm, uniform dispersion distribution, and without aggregation and agglomeration of the designed nanoliposomes. Also, the obtained peaks from Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) show the stretching vibrations of the groups associated with the designed nanoliposomes. The Uro B-nanoliposomes increased the free radical inhibition rate in a dose-dependent manner through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays. However, the ABTS antioxidant assay was the best antioxidant recognizer assay for the nanoliposomes' antioxidant activity. Also, Uro B-nanoliposomes arrest the cell cycle and induce programmed cell death of lung cancer cells by regulating the expression of related genes (Bax and Bcl-2). These results generally indicate the efficiency of nanoliposomes containing Uro B with anticancer effects, which can be used as a promising candidate in preclinical and clinical applications against lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effects of cooking methods (boiling, steaming, pan-frying, oven-roasting, and microwave cooking) and turmeric powder (TP) addition on the physicochemical properties and oxidative stability of fish balls. Higher cooking temperatures increased moisture evaporation. Pre-cooking before freezing reduced hydroperoxide and malondialdehyde levels in fish balls over 4 months of storage, especially noticeable in boiled, pan-fried, and oven-roasted fish balls. Additionally, TP addition significantly improved the total reducing capacity of the fish balls, an effect that persisted even after cooking. Consequently, hydroperoxide and malondialdehyde levels decreased during storage, with a more pronounced effect observed in steamed and microwave-cooked fish balls. Principal component analysis identified distinct clusters based on cooking methods and TP addition, categorizing the fish balls into three groups, and highlighting the complex interplay between these two factors. These findings offer valuable insights into extending the shelf life of fish balls through optimized antioxidant and cooking methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has attracted widespread attention due to its natural, non-toxic, and low side-effect properties. Furthermore, Chinese herbal medicines mixture (CHMM) is often considered to have more beneficial effects than a single CHM. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of CHMM (0, 10, 20, 30 g/kg) on antioxidant enzymes, immunity and disease resistance to infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) infection in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The results showed that the total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), catalase (CAT), acid phosphatase (ACP), and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities in rainbow trout were enhanced and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was reduced after feeding with all CHMM groups. Meanwhile, the expression of immune-related genes (NF-KB, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, MDA5, LGP2, IRF-3, IRF-7, IFN1, JAK1, STAT1, TLR3, TLR7, MYD88, and TGFβ) in rainbow trout were down-regulated after feeding with all CHMM groups. After IHNV infection, the results showed that the antioxidant and immune-related enzyme activities (T-SOD, CAT, ACP, AKP) were increased and the MDA content significantly reduced in all CHMM groups. The expression of NF-KB, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, MDA5, LGP2, IRF-3, IRF-7, IFN1, JAK1, STAT1, TLR3, TLR7, MYD88, and TGFβ was altered in all CHMM groups. In summary, this study reveals that the CHMM effectively boosts the antioxidant, immune and disease resistance of rainbow trout and provides scientific basis for the CHMM to improve the antiviral immunity of rainbow trout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthritis is a debilitating condition impacting the quality of life for millions worldwide, characterized by pain and inflammation. Understanding the mechanisms of arthritis and developing effective treatments are crucial. This study investigated the hydroethanolic extract of Artemisia herba-alba for its protective potential against arthritis hallmarks, oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation in vitro. It also assessed its in vivo anti-arthritic activity. The phytochemical analysis identified various compounds within the extract, with high concentrations of polyphenols and flavonoids. These compounds are associated with numerous health benefits, making A. herba-alba a potential source of valuable phytochemicals. A. herba-alba demonstrated a notable effect in body weight loss, paw edema, and arthritic severity. Histopathological examination revealed structural improvements in bone and muscle tissues, emphasizing its therapeutic potential in managing chronic arthritis. Furthermore, while these findings are promising, further studies are necessary to delve deeper into the mechanisms underlying the observed hematological changes and to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the in vivo results. This research sets the stage for continued exploration, ultimately aiming to unlock the full potential of A. herba-alba in addressing chronic arthritis and enhancing the lives of those affected by this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS) induces ulcerative colitis (UC), a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that leads to inflammation, swelling, and ulcers in the large intestine. The aim of this experimental study is to examine how sinomenine, a plant-derived alkaloid, can prevent or reduce the damage caused by DSS in the colon and rectum of rats. Material and methods: Induction of ulcerative colitis (UC) in rats was achieved by orally administering a 2% Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS) solution, while the rats concurrently received oral administrations of sinomenine and sulfasalazine. The food, water intake was estimated. The body weight, disease activity index (DAI), colon length and spleen index estimated. Antioxidant, cytokines, inflammatory parameters and mRNA expression were estimated. The composition of gut microbiota was analyzed at both the phylum and genus levels in the fecal samples obtained from all groups of rats. Results: Sinomenine treatment enhanced the body weight, colon length and reduced the DAI, spleen index. Sinomenine treatment remarkably suppressed the level of NO, MPO, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 along with alteration of antioxidant parameters such as SOD, CAT, GPx, GR and MDA. Sinomenine treatment also decreased the cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-18 in the serum and colon tissue; inflammatory parameters viz., PAF, COX-2, PGE2, iNOS, NF-κB; matrix metalloproteinases level such as MMP-1 and MMP-2. Sinomenine significantly (P < 0.001) enhanced the level of HO-1 and Nrf2. Sinomenine altered the mRNA expression of RIP1, RIP3, DRP3, NLRP3, IL-1β, caspase-1 and IL-18. Sinomenine remarkably altered the relative abundance of gut microbiota like firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, F/B ratio, Verrucomicrobia, and Actinobacteria. Conclusion: The results clearly indicate that sinomenine demonstrated a protective effect against DSS-induced inflammation, potentially through the modulation of inflammatory pathways and gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenol-based antioxidants as free radical scavengers are expected to continue increasing as additives in industries. As an antioxidant, lignin has low oxidative stability in pure solid form, so stabilization is needed to produce lignin-based antioxidants. This research focuses on the valorization of alkaline lignin by hydrogenolysis using a Pt/C catalyst and formic acid as a hydrogen donor. Three treatment variables, namely the amount of formic acid (FA), the amount of ethanol (EtOH), and radiation time (T), were observed for their contribution to the three responses, namely the total phenol content (TPC), the degree of depolymerization (DD), and the IC50 value of DPPH as an antioxidants activity. This study found that the best results were obtained at operating conditions FA, EtOH, and T 5 mL, 100 mL, 3 min in sequence, producing TPC, DD, and IC50 worth 4792,055 mg/ L, 23.650%, and 35.860 mg/L, respectively. The results were optimized using the response surface methodology with the Design Expert 11 program with the optimized result being FA, EtOH, and T 10 mL, 100 mL, 3 min consecutively and resulted in TPC, DD, and IC50 of 4987.12 mg/L, 26.451%, and 33.865 mg/L, respectively. The results of this study indicate that OPFEB is a source of lignin that has the potential to produce phenolic compounds, which are sources of renewable fine chemicals based on biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black soybean hulls have been reported to contain abundant anthocyanin pigments, which can be used as a colorant in food as well as non-food industries. In this study, anthocyanins were extracted from black soybean hulls using different extraction techniques such as aqueous extraction (solid to solvent ratio 1:20 g/mL, temperature of 40 °C for 65 min), microwave treatment (solid to solvent ratio 1:22 g/mL, microwave power of 240 W for 91s), ultrasound treatment (solid to solvent ratio of 1:26 g/mL, ultrasound power of 200 W for 50 min, and ethanol 90% v/v), and enzyme treatment (60% ethanol, solid to solvent ratio of 1:20 g/mL at 37 °C for 90 min). The results of this investigation showed that the enzyme-assisted extraction method showed the presence of the highest number of phytochemical compounds compared to other methods investigated in this study. Additionally, hull extracts displayed the presence of various important compounds that can be used in different industries, including as a pigment in the food industry which enhances the nutritional value, develops functional food, upgrades food quality, and is also beneficial in the pharmaceutical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To synthesize silver nanoparticles suspended in deionized water, Elettaria cardamomum (Car) seed extract and Car@Ag nanoparticles were prepared in three steps. The first used a hot aqueous extract of Elettaria cardamomum seed, and then, the second used pulsed laser ablation technique (PLAL) by Nd:YAG laser (λ = 1064 nm wavelength) at laser energy of 400 mJ, and the number of pulses was 500 pulses and third step for the synthesis of creating a non-conjugated Elettaria cardamomum extract. Ultraviolet visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) were used to investigate the optical, structural, and morphological characterizations of synthesized Car@AgNPs. The nanoparticles were spherical in shape, and a size distribution exhibited a mean size of 21 nm, according to the TEM findings. AgNPs and Car@AgNPs have free radical scavenging activity in the DPPH assay. Additionally, Car@AgNPs were examined in vitro for zones of inhibition against pathogenic bacteria like Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The inhibition rate of Escherichia coli was higher than that observed in Staphylococcus aureus. Finally, Car@AgNPs demonstrated a potential cytotoxicity agent breast cancer (MCF-7) cell line that was evaluated by MTT assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Persea americana, Curcuma longa and Allium sativum extracts showed anti-cercariae activity. • Methanol extracts of Persea americana bark and Curcuma longa exhibited the most potent scavenging activity. • Persea americana, Curcuma longa and Allium sativum extracts exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity. • Plant extracts showed low toxicity on kidney Vero cells and murine macrophage cell lines. Schistosomiasis is a devastating parasitic infection, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the use of Praziquantel, the elimination of schistosomiaisis remains a challenge. The use of medicinal plant as treatment in disease endemic regions has provided a basis for investigating the antischistosomal properties of the plants-derived materials. This study therefore stands as a starting point for the search of new drugs against schistosomiasis. This study sought to evaluate the cercaricidal activity of methanolic extracts of Persea americana, Curcuma longa and Allium sativum. Twenty cercariae were exposed to plant extract concentrations ranging from 3.9 to 103 µg/ml. The antioxidant study was carried out using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Anti-inflammatory activity was conducted by assessing the potential through albumin denaturation inhibition assay. The in vitro safety and phytochemical composition of plant extracts were also assessed. Cercaricidal tests revealed significant anti-cercariae activity of plant extracts at sublethal concentrations with LC 50 values ranging from 7.67 ± 3.40 to 56.07 ± 2.53 µg/ml with C. longa extract being the most potent cercaricidal. Antioxidant activity of plant extracts revealed that methanol extracts of P. americana bark and C. longa have the most potent antioxidant scavenging activities with SC 50 values ranging from 91.47 ± 5.83 to 138.75 ± 5.73 µg/ml. Anti-inflammatory analysis showed that plant extracts exhibited most potent anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting protein denaturation. At 125 µg/ml, A. sativum, C. longa, P. americana root, bark, stem and leaf extracts showed 33.89, 108.26, 93.37, 108.18, 93.96 and 118.15 % inhibitions respectively, while the standard drug Diclofenac sodium (125 µg/ml) produced 24.67 % inhibition. Plant extracts also showed low toxicity on kidney Vero cells and murine macrophage cell lines with IC 50 values ranging between 132.15 ± 40.66 and 549.3 ± 43.70 µg/ml. The phytochemical composition of plant extracts shows that the plants are rich in at least five of saponins, cardiac glycosides, phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids and tannins. These results suggest that methanolic extract of C. longa and P. americana showed a potent activity against S. mansoni cercariae with potent antioxidant scavenging activities and can mitigate the inflammatory effect of schistosome eggs within egg-infested tissue, combating the devastating effect of S. mansoni infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, a new Ag(I) complex, namely, [Ag(5‐chloro‐1H‐benzimidazole)2(NO3)], has been synthesized using the benzimidazole‐based ligand 5‐chloro‐1H‐benzimidazole (5ClBZ). Ag(I) complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, UV‐Vis, FT‐IR, and 1H NMR spectroscopy, and DFT analysis was used. The free ligand and its Ag(I) complexes were tried for their biochemical properties, including antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. To study the molecular structures of the title compounds, in silico ADME/Tox research was performed on the newly made complex and free ligand. The empirical guidelines relating to ADME were utilized to conduct molecular docking simulations and in‐depth drug‐likeness profiling. This was carried out to validate the conclusions and identify exact binding interactions. Based on the study's findings, it has been determined that these new compounds have significant potential as powerful therapeutic agents for controlling antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to synthesize and evaluate the biological effectiveness of cerium oxide (CeO2) against various bacterial and fungal strains. The chitosan‐CeO2 nanocomposite was comprehensively characterized. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra displayed a combination of bands that provided evidence for the existence of a composite complex between the chitosan (CS) structure and the Ce–O bands originating from CeO2 nanoparticles. SEM measurements showed uniform dispersion across the whole CS surface, and the morphological changes were clearly observed as the CeO2 nanoparticle content was increased. In contrast, CS‐CeO2 demonstrates enhanced antibacterial efficacy against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative pathogens. The MTT method was utilized to assess the cytotoxicity of the examined CS‐CeO2, with the aim of evaluating the cell viability of various cancer cell lines under varying ultraviolet (UV) exposures. The enhanced penetration of CS and CeO2 nanocomposites into cancer cells during their anticancer activity, even in the absence of UV light, led to an increased rate of cell death. The administration of greater dosages of CS and its CeO2 nanocomposites led to an increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which was observed to be associated with an enhancement in the efficacy of anticancer activity. The impact was additionally amplified through exposure to UV radiation. The nanocomposite thin films demonstrated much higher antioxidant activity against the DPPH radical as compared to ordinary vitamin C. The aforementioned observation was derived from an evaluation of the antioxidant properties of the subject utilizing the DPPH free radical scavenging technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]