Applied Biological Chemistry最新文献

Black sesame seeds, known for their rich flavor and medicinal properties, hold significant potential as natural therapeutics against prostate cancer, a major health challenge for men today. This study explores the traditional processing technique of nine cycles of steaming and drying, which enhances the bioactive potential of these seeds. The impact of this processing on the antioxidant and anti-prostate cancer properties of black sesame seeds was systematically investigated, focusing on the key lignans, sesamin and sesamolin. HPLC was utilized to analyze the content ratios of sesamin and sesamolin, while DPPH and FRAP assays evaluated antioxidant capabilities, and MTT assays assessed anti-cancer properties against DU145 cells. Findings reveal that three cycles of steaming and drying significantly enhance antioxidant and anti-cancer activities against DU145, achieving peak concentrations of sesamin and sesamolin of 21.583% and 14.991%, respectively, with an optimal ratio of 1.4397:1. The superior antioxidant and anti-prostate cancer activity of this sample is attributed to optimal processing conditions that maximize the stability and extraction of bioactive compounds, particularly non-lignan antioxidants, while minimizing degradation; this is likely enhanced by the interplay between various phytochemicals and the effects of thermal processing on cellular structure. Processed seeds consistently outperformed raw seeds—except for those subjected to a single cycle. Additionally, molecular docking analyses revealed compelling interactions between sesamin and sesamolin and key proteins implicated in prostate cancer (FYN, ITGB3, PDGFRA, PDGFRB, and PIK3R1), demonstrating higher LibDock scores than the standard anti-cancer drug 5-fluorouracil. This research highlights the exceptional antioxidant and anti-cancer potential of black sesame seeds, particularly through the three-steaming and three-drying method, emphasizing the importance of the sesamin to sesamolin ratio in developing future anti-cancer therapeutics.

Bioremediation of crude oil-contaminated soil in Kuwait was evaluated using the biowashing pilot reactor system, whose components included 3 biowashing reactors; an oil separator, a hydrocyclone, and a dissolved air flotation. The biowashing pilot reactor system was fed with hemoglobin, a cheap and rich nutrient source containing carbon and nitrogen for bacterial growth. The initial total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) concentration was about 84,000 mg/kg soil. The initial TPH concentration decreased to 38,000 mg/kg soil on day 1. The degradation extents of TPH were 55%, 91%, and 96% on days 1, 3, and 5. The first-order rate constant for TPH degradation rate was 0.682±0.0004/day. The initial unresolved complex mixture (UCM) concentration was 78,000 mg/kg soil. The degradation extents of UCM were 53%, 91%, and 98% on days 1, 3, and 5. Then, the degradation extents of individual components of total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), alkylated PAH, and n-alkanes were measured for 5 days. 16 S rRNA gene copy number was measured during 5 days for bacterial population estimation. Although there was a day delay in the accretion of the number of copies, the number increased from day 2 to day 5. The present study suggests that the biowashing pilot reactor system with a capacity of 200 L is efficient for TPH degradation.

Allergic reactions occur when the immune system overreacts to generally harmless substances, leading to both acute and chronic diseases, which can be fatal. Mast cells are critical mediators of allergic reactions as they bind allergens and trigger the release of inflammatory mediators. In this study, we investigated the anti-allergic effects of the coumarin derivative 3-bromo-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-7-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cells sensitized to dinitrophenyl (DNP)-immunoglobulin E (IgE) and human serum albumin (HSA). Our results demonstrated that 3-bromo-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-7-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one effectively reduces the release of β-hexosaminidase and histamine, inhibiting mast cell degranulation. Additionally, 3-bromo-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-7-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one suppressed the production of allergy-related pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-13, and TNF-α) and inhibited key signaling pathways, including MAPK, AKT, and NF-κB. Furthermore, in a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) mouse model, 3-bromo-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-7-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one reduced ear edema and Evans blue infiltration, further confirming its anti-allergic effects. Collectively, these findings suggest that 3-bromo-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-7-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one is a promising candidate for the development of anti-allergic therapeutics.

Mn (manganese) exists in various oxidation states in soil, and Mn²⁺ is the most mobile species of Mn, which is toxic to plants and restricts their growth. When soil is contaminated with trivalent chromium (Cr³⁺), Mn oxides in the soil are reduced to Mn²⁺ by oxidizing Cr³⁺ while oxidized Cr is subsequently reduced back to Cr³⁺ by organic matter in soil, leaving Mn²⁺ and Cr³⁺ in the soil. Therefore, the objective of this study was to immobilize Mn²⁺ without altering the Cr species in the soil and to evaluate the effectiveness of biochar treatment in immobilizing both Mn²⁺ and Cr³⁺ in Cr³⁺-contaminated soil. Biochars derived from different sources including rice bran (RB), chicken manure (CM) and cow manure (WM) were tested for Mn adsorption and the chicken manure derived-biochar showed the highest removal efficiency (100%) for Mn in Mn solution. Moreover, 100% of both Mn²⁺ and Cr³⁺ were removed in Mn²⁺ and Cr³⁺ mixed solution without oxidizing Cr³⁺. In Mn²⁺ and Cr³⁺ mixed solution, initially 1.7% of Cr³⁺ was oxidized to Cr⁶⁺ by Mn, which was subsequently reduced back to Cr³⁺ by biochar, leading to its complete adsorption. In Cr³⁺ spiked soils treated with 5% and 10% CM biochar, bioavailable Mn and Cr concentrations were significantly reduced. Therefore, biochar is a promising amendment for reducing the bioavailability of Mn and Cr limiting Cr³⁺ oxidation in Cr³⁺ contaminated soils.

Fifty-four plant extracts from thirty-two medicinal plants collected in Nepal were evaluated for their inhibitory potential against the enzyme beta-secretase-1 (BACE1), to identify potential therapeutic agents for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Of the studied extracts, rhizome extract of Rheum australe D. Don showed the highest inhibitory potential, with an IC₅₀ value of 0.872 ± 0.006 µg/mL. After BACE1 inhibitory activity check using 9 fractions collected from Prep-HPLC, further profiling of the metabolites of the best fraction 7 was performed using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Results revealed the presence of diverse secondary metabolites, including aloe-emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside, rhein-8-O-glucoside, piceatannol-3’-O-β-D-glucoside, emodin-8-glucoside, physcion 8-O-β-D-glucoside, desoxyrhaponticin, chrysophanol-8-O-glucoside, rhapontigenin, rhein, desoxyrhapontigenin, piceatannol, chrysophanol, physcion, and aloe-emodin. In-silico docking simulations were performed to identify potent compounds with high binding efficiencies to BACE1. Compound picetannol-3’-O-β-D-glucoside showed the best binding energy (-53.494 kcal/mol) and inhibitory potential with an IC₅₀ value of 1.270 ± 0.130 µM for BACE1. These results suggested that the R. australe D. Don extract is a promising agent for the treatment of AD.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a Mediterranean herb renowned for its liver-protective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties, primarily attributed to the bioactive compound silymarin. Recent studies have also highlighted its potential efficacy against COVID-19, contributing to the growing demand for milk thistle dietary supplements, particularly for liver health and immunity support. Milk thistle seeds, rich in silymarin and unsaturated fatty acids, hold significant industrial value as both medicinal and oilseed crops. To meet the growing demand, it is essential to develop standardized seeds, cultivation practices, and extraction methods aimed at maximizing yields of silymarin and other valuable metabolites. Recent advancements in genetic and genomic research, including the development of the first reference genome of S. marianum, have played a pivotal role in elucidating the biosynthesis pathways of silymarin and optimizing phytochemical production. This review highlights recent advancements in the genetics, genomics, and biochemistry of milk thistle, with particular emphasis on the importance of diverse genetic resources and AI-driven phenomics strategies, such as hyperspectral and RGB imaging, for high-yield and chemotype breeding. Further, feasibility of developing elite cultivars through molecular approaches, such as genome editing and metabolic engineering, is also discussed as the new traits obtained this way would be key to enhancing the commercial value of milk thistle in light of mass production of phytochemicals to meet rising market demands.

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a cytokine derived from epithelial cells and plays an essential role in the onset and activation of Th2-derived allergic inflammatory conditions, including atopic dermatitis. Despite their potential as drug targets, well-defined small molecules that effectively block TSLP expression are still lacking. A plant-derived secondary metabolite, aurone, was derivatized based on bioisosteric replacement to identify compounds that inhibit the promoter activity of TSLP. Thirteen (E)-2-benzylidene-1-indanones were designed and synthesized, and their structures were identified using NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Inhibition of the expression of TSLP triggered by interleukin-4 (IL-4) caused by (E)-2-benzylidene-1-indanones was measured using a TSLP gene promoter-reporter activity assay. Because compound 12, (E)-5-methoxy-2-(3-methoxybenzylidene)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one, showed the best activity, further biological experiments, including RT-PCR analysis, quantitative real-time PCR, and inhibitory effects on IL-4-induced early growth response-1 (EGR-1) expression, EGR-1 DNA-binding activity, and IL-4-induced phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade were performed. This study demonstrated that compound 12 acts on MAPK to block IL-4-triggered mRNA expression of TSLP via the MAPK-EGR-1 signaling pathway in HaCaT keratinocytes.

Aspergillus flavus is a pathogenic fungus with a broad host range, and its secondary metabolite, aflatoxin, recognized as the world’s first naturally occurring carcinogen. Nonetheless, the current control measures for A. flavus are inadequate, thus, it is imperative to seek alternative control methods for this species. In the present study, we identified an antimicrobial peptide AMP-17, which was found to effectively inhibit the conidial germination, growth, conidiation, and aflatoxin production of A. flavus. Additionally, our investigation revealed that the inhibition of A. flavus by AMP-17 is primarily attributed to increase cell membrane permeability, modify cell surface morphology, and compromise cellular integrity, as observed through flow cytometry and scanning electron microscopy. Transcriptome analysis indicated significant transcriptional changes in several genes associated with cell wall, cell membrane, cell cycle, detoxification, and aflatoxin biosynthesis in response to AMP-17 treatment, suggesting disruption of these cellular processes and pathways in A. flavus. Furthermore, AMP-17 exhibited a broad-spectrum antifungal activity against Aspergillus spp. These findings provide a strong theoretical basis for the potential use of AMP-17 as an effective antifungal agent against A. flavus.

The study examined the optimal production conditions and application rates of biochar derived from greenhouse crop by-products to enhance soil improvement and increase crop yield, thereby promoting sustainable agriculture in South Korea. The expansion of greenhouse cultivation has resulted in significant waste management challenges, and biochar production has emerged as a promising recycling solution for these by-products. Biochar was produced from red pepper stalks through pyrolysis at 200 to 600 °C, and its chemical properties, including pH, EC, T-C, and T-N, were analyzed. In this study, the chemical properties of biochar showed a significant increase in pH (from 5.8 to 10.3), EC (from 46.0 to 119.5 dS m⁻¹), and T-C (from 47.7 to 63.1%) with rising pyrolysis temperatures, while T-N decreased due to nitrogen volatilization above 300 °C. In the lettuce cultivation experiment, biochar application significantly improved fresh weight yield, with the biochar-treated group achieving a maximum of 83.3 g pot^− 1 in the first cropping season, compared to 62.8 g pot^− 1 in the NPK-only treatment group. However, excessive biochar application rates (≥ 800 kg ha⁻¹) led to yield reductions in the second cropping season, likely due to increased soil pH and EC. These results suggest the potential of recycling greenhouse crop residues into biochar to enhance soil fertility and crop productivity while indicating the need to manage application rates to minimize negative impacts from excessive use.