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Simple Summary: Environmental pollution caused by nano- and microplastics (MPs) is widespread and has become a global issue. There is a confirmed accumulation of MPs in animal and human tissues, raising concerns about potential health effects. The accumulation of NMPs in human tissues, as well as their genotoxicity, mutagenicity, and impact on cancer development, is a relatively new area of research that presents several challenges, mainly related to instrumental limitations and ensuring quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) in studies of both exposure and subsequent fate in the body, such as translocation and possible accumulation. Background: Humans cannot avoid plastic exposure due to its ubiquitous presence in the natural environment. The waste generated is poorly biodegradable and exists in the form of MPs, which can enter the human body primarily through the digestive tract, respiratory tract, or damaged skin and accumulate in various tissues by crossing biological membrane barriers. There is an increasing amount of research on the health effects of MPs. Most literature reports focus on the impact of plastics on the respiratory, digestive, reproductive, hormonal, nervous, and immune systems, as well as the metabolic effects of MPs accumulation leading to epidemics of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. MPs, as xenobiotics, undergo ADMET processes in the body, i.e., absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, which are not fully understood. Of particular concern are the carcinogenic chemicals added to plastics during manufacturing or adsorbed from the environment, such as chlorinated paraffins, phthalates, phenols, and bisphenols, which can be released when absorbed by the body. The continuous increase in NMP exposure has accelerated during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic when there was a need to use single-use plastic products in daily life. Therefore, there is an urgent need to diagnose problems related to the health effects of MP exposure and detection. Methods: We collected eligible publications mainly from PubMed published between 2017 and 2024. Results: In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on potential sources and routes of exposure, translocation pathways, identification methods, and carcinogenic potential confirmed by in vitro and in vivo studies. Additionally, we discuss the limitations of studies such as contamination during sample preparation and instrumental limitations constraints affecting imaging quality and MPs detection sensitivity. Conclusions: The assessment of MP content in samples should be performed according to the appropriate procedure and analytical technique to ensure Quality and Control (QA/QC). It was confirmed that MPs can be absorbed and accumulated in distant tissues, leading to an inflammatory response and initiation of signaling pathways responsible for malignant transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are an ideal sorbent for magnetic dispersion extraction due to their superparamagnetic properties and developed and active surface. This work aims to use IONPs, obtained by chemical co-precipitation, to purify 100% acetone and 50% acetone extracts from hop cones (Humulus lupulus L.) obtained by ultrasonic-assisted solvent extraction. The extracts were purified from bitter acids (i.e., humulones, lupulones) to isolate xanthohumol. The sorption conditions were optimized depending on the composition of the extraction mixture, specifically the mass of IONPs and the time needed to achieve effective sorption using response surface methodology (RSM). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to assess the adequacy of the developed model, and a good agreement was found between the experimental data and the proposed model. The polynomial equation describing the model is highly significant (p < 0.05), with a precision of Adeq (above 4). This indicates the usefulness of the polynomial regression model for prediction in experimental design. The final products of the purification for 100% acetone extracts and 50% acetone contain 40.58 ± 2.84 µg mL−1 and 57.64 ± 0.83 µg mL−1 of xanthohumol, respectively. The use of 50% acetone extract provides more favorable conditions due to the smaller amount of nanoparticles required for extract purification and a higher recovery of xanthohumol. The development of a reliable multivariate model allowed for the optimization of the extract purification process, resulting in high-purity xanthohumol from natural sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometrial cancer is reported to be one of the most prevalent cancers of the female reproductive organs worldwide, with increasing incidence and mortality rates over the past decade. Early diagnosis is critical for effective treatment. Recently, there has been a growing focus on the role of nutrition and micronutrient and macronutrient status in patients with gynecologic cancers, including endometrial cancer. In the following paper, we have conducted an in-depth narrative literature review with the aim of evaluating the results of metallomic studies specifically concerning the micro- and macronutrient status of patients with endometrial cancer. The main objective of the paper was to analyze the results regarding the nutritional status of endometrial cancer patients and describe the role of chosen elements in the onset and progression of endometrial carcinogenesis. Further, we have focused on the evaluation of the usage of the described elements in the potential treatment of the abovementioned cancer, as well as the possible prevention of cancer considering proper supplementation of chosen elements in healthy individuals. Calcium supplementation has been proposed to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer, although some studies offer conflicting evidence. Deficiencies in phosphorus, selenium, and zinc have been inversely associated with endometrial cancer risk, suggesting they may play a protective role, whereas excessive levels of iron, copper, and cadmium have been positively correlated with increased risk. However, the molecular mechanisms by which these elements affect endometrial carcinogenesis are not fully understood, and current findings are often contradictory. Further research is needed to clarify these relationships and to evaluate the potential of nutritional interventions for the prevention and treatment of endometrial cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by, among other things, dementia and a decline in cognitive performance. In AD, dementia has neurodegenerative features and starts with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Research indicates that apoptosis and neuronal loss occur in AD, in which oxidative stress plays an important role. Therefore, reducing oxidative stress with antioxidants is a natural strategy to prevent and slow down the progression of AD. Carotenoids are natural pigments commonly found in fruits and vegetables. They include lipophilic carotenes, such as lycopene, α- and β-carotenes, and more polar xanthophylls, for example, lutein, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin. Carotenoids can cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and scavenge free radicals, especially singlet oxygen, which helps prevent the peroxidation of lipids abundant in the brain. As a result, carotenoids have neuroprotective potential. Numerous in vivo and in vitro studies, as well as randomized controlled trials, have mostly confirmed that carotenoids can help prevent neurodegeneration and alleviate cognitive impairment in AD. While carotenoids have not been officially approved as an AD therapy, they are indicated in the diet recommended for AD, including the consumption of products rich in carotenoids. This review summarizes the latest research findings supporting the potential use of carotenoids in preventing and alleviating AD symptoms. A literature review suggests that a diet rich in carotenoids should be promoted to avoid cognitive decline in AD. One of the goals of the food industry should be to encourage the enrichment of food products with functional substances, such as carotenoids, which may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The levels of tryptophan (TRP) and its main metabolite kynurenic acid (KYNA) were measured in rat livers treated with raloxifene – a selective estrogen receptor modulator. The research was conducted by applying high-performance liquid chromatography on a 5 μm Zorbax Eclipse XDB-C18 column. Selective fluorescence detection (FL) was performed at an excitation of 219 nm and emission of 360 nm for TRP and KYNA. The assays showed good linearity (R2 >0.95) within the tested ranges of 0.045-0.20 µg mL−1, 0.025-0.32 µg mL−1, respectively, for KYNA and TRP. The limits of the detection were found to be 0.1480 ng mL−1 for KYNA and 0.0332 ng mL-1 for TRP. The deproteinization of the liver homogenate samples was accomplished by 80% methanol addition combined with boiling precipitation. The average recovery values were between 94.84% and 99.54% with RSDs no more than 5.5%. The work revealed that raloxifene decreased the mean value of tryptophan, as compared with the control group, while simultaneously leaving kynurenic acid at the same level. For the first time the research suggests that, in the case of raloxifene therapy, tryptophan is not metabolized via the kynurenine pathway.

The techniques used to detect and quantify cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) vary considerably in terms of detection sensitivity, from the most sensitive, based on radioisotopes and mass spectrometry (MS) with limits of detection (LOD) in fg mL−1, to fluorescence (FL) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors with LOD values in the range of a few µg mL−1. For accurate quantification of an analyte present at trace levels in complex biological matrices, a selective separation and enrichment step is required to overcome matrix interferences and ensure sufficient detection sensitivity. In this study, iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (IONPs) were used for the extraction and initial preconcentration of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12). In the dependence of the magnetization on the H-field (hysteresis loop), no coercivity and remanence values were found at 300 K, indicating the superparamagnetic properties of the tested IONPs. Perfluorinated acids were used as amphiphilic agents to allow the sorption of cyanocobalamin onto the IONPs. FT-IR/ATR spectroscopy was used to confirm the sorption of cyanocobalamin on the IONPs. The influence of the addition of a homologous series of perfluorinated acids such as trifluoroacetic acid (TFAA), heptafluorobutyric acid (HFBA), and trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) to the extraction mixture was tested considering their type, mass, and time required for effective sorption. The adsorption kinetics and isotherm, described by the Freundlich and Langmuir equations, were analyzed. The maximum adsorption capacity (qm) exceeded 6 mg g−1 and was 8.9 mg g−1 and 7.7 mg g−1 for HFBA and TCAA, respectively, as the most efficient additives. After the desorption process using aqueous KH2PO4 solution, the sample was finally analyzed spectrophotometrically and chromatographically. The IONP-based method was successfully applied for the isolation of cyanocobalamin from human urine samples. The results showed that the developed approach is simple, cheap, accurate, and efficient for the determination of traces of cyanocobalamin in biological matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition in which the pathological cumulation of fat with coexisting inflammation and damage of hepatic cells leads to progressive dysfunctions of the liver. Except for the commonly well-known major causes of NAFLD such as obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, or diabetes, an unbalanced diet and imbalanced nutritional status should also be taken into consideration. In this narrative review, we summarized the current knowledge regarding the micro- and macronutrient status of patients suffering from NAFLD considering various diets and supplementation of chosen supplements. We aimed to summarize the knowledge indicating which nutritional impairments may be associated with the onset and progression of NAFLD at the same time evaluating the potential therapy targets that could facilitate the healing process. Except for the above-mentioned objectives, one of the most important aspects of this review was to highlight the possible strategies for taking care of NAFLD patients taking into account the challenges and opportunities associated with the micronutrient status of the patients. The current research indicates that a supplementation of chosen vitamins (e.g., vitamin A, B complex, C, or D) as well as chosen elements such as zinc may alleviate the symptoms of NAFLD. However, there is still a lack of sufficient data regarding healthy ranges of dosages; thus, further research is of high importance in this matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in trace element concentrations are being wildly considered when it comes to neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. This study aims to present the role that trace elements play in the central nervous system. Moreover, we reviewed the mechanisms involved in their neurotoxicity. Low zinc concentrations, as well as high levels of copper, manganese, and iron, activate the signalling pathways of the inflammatory, oxidative and nitrosative stress response. Neurodegeneration occurs due to the association between metals and proteins, which is then followed by aggregate formation, mitochondrial disorder, and, ultimately, cell death. In Alzheimer's disease, low Zn levels suppress the neurotoxicity induced by β-amyloid through the selective precipitation of aggregation intermediates. High concentrations of copper, iron and manganese cause the aggregation of intracellular α-synuclein, which results in synaptic dysfunction and axonal transport disruption. Parkinson's disease is caused by the accumulation of Fe in the midbrain dopaminergic nucleus, and the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis derives from Zn deficiency, leading to an imbalance between T cell functions. Aluminium disturbs the homeostasis of other metals through a rise in the production of oxygen reactive forms, which then leads to cellular death. Selenium, in association with iron, plays a distinct role in the process of ferroptosis. Outlining the influence that metals have on oxidoreduction processes is crucial to recognising the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases and may provide possible new methods for both their avoidance and therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in plant pigments as readily available nutraceuticals. Photosynthetic pigments, specifically chlorophylls and carotenoids, renowned for their non-toxic antioxidant properties, are increasingly finding applications beyond their health-promoting attributes. Consequently, there is an ongoing need for cost-effective methods of isolation. This study employs a co-precipitation method to synthesize magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) confirms that an aqueous environment and oxidizing conditions yield nanosized iron oxide with particle sizes ranging from 80 to 140 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra indicate the presence of hydrous iron oxide FeO(OH) on the surface of the nanosized iron oxide. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of obtained nanomaterial was 151.4 m2 g−1, with total pore volumes of pores 0.25 cm3 g−1 STP. The material, designated as iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), serves as an adsorbent for magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) and isolation of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, lutein) from extracts of higher green plants (Mentha piperita L., Urtica dioica L.). Sorption of chlorophyll a onto the nanoparticles is confirmed using UV–vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy (FT-IR/PAS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Selective sorption of chlorophyll a requires a minimum of 3 g of IONPs per 12 mg of chlorophyll a, with acetone as the solvent, and is dependent on a storage time of 48 h. Extended contact time of IONPs with the acetone extract, i.e., 72 h, ensures the elimination of remaining components except lutein, with a spectral purity of 98%, recovered with over 90% efficiency. The mechanism of chlorophyll removal using IONPs relies on the interaction of the pigment's carbonyl (C=O) groups with the adsorbent surface hydroxyl (–OH) groups. Based on molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, it has been proven that the selective adsorption of pigments is also influenced by more favorable dispersion interactions between acetone and chlorophyll in comparison with other solutes. An aqueous environment significantly promotes the removal of pigments; however, it results in a complete loss of selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]