Applied Biological Chemistry最新文献

Lonicera japonica has been used in oriental medicine and folk medicine to alleviate conditions like carbuncles and fevers and exhibits a range of biological activities, such as antitumor and anti-inflammatory effects. However, its effects on atherosclerosis remain unknown. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of Lonicera japonica flower absolute (LJFAb) on atherosclerotic and restenotic neointimal formation-linked responses, particularly on migration and proliferation, and the mechanism responsible in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). LJFAb was obtained by solvent extraction, and its GC/MS analysis identified 11 components in LJFAb. VSMCs were obtained from male Sprague Dawley rat aortas, and the biological effects of LJFAb on these cells were examined using viability, proliferation, migration, and aortic ring assays, and by immunoblotting. LJFAb inhibited the proliferation, migration, and sprouting of VSMCs exposed to platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB). Additionally, LJFAb attenuated the phosphorylations of PDGF receptor β (PDGFR β), spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in PDGF-BB-exposed VSMCs. These findings suggest that LJFAb inhibits the proliferative and migratory activities of VSMCs, possibly by promoting the activation of PDGFR β/Syk or/and P38 MAPK signals. Therefore, LJFAb may be a useful starting point for developing treatments for vascular diseases related to neointimal formation.

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Chicoric acid (CA) is a type of hydroxycinnamic acid that has been regarded as a functional ingredient given its health benefits for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, free radical-scavenging capacities of CA were enhanced in a dose-dependent manner, after which the protective effects of CA against amyloid-beta (Aβ)-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells was investigated. CA suppressed Aβ_25–35-induced increase in the production of reactive oxygen species. Stimulation with Aβ_25–35 enhanced the protein expression of β-secretase and presenilin proteins, which were subsequently inhibited by CA. CA also affected the levels of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 and receptor for advanced glycation endproducts, both of which are related to blood–brain barrier function. Furthermore, Aβ exposition downregulated insulin-degrading enzyme and neprilysin protein expressions, which were reversed by CA. Overall, the results suggest that CA may protect against Aβ-induced neurotoxicity via modulating Aβ generation and transportation.

Quercetin is a prominent member of the flavonol subclass within the flavonoid family and is a biologically active compound widely distributed in various foods, such as onions, kale, broccoli, red wine, green tea, and black tea. It is well known for its diverse physiological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, and antimicrobial effects, which contribute to its recognized health benefits. Owing to these properties, quercetin has been extensively utilized in medical and pharmaceutical applications. While quercetin is generally considered safe when consumed through the diet, concerns have been raised regarding its potential toxicity at high doses. Given its widespread occurrence in foods and its potential for clinical and nutritional use, a comprehensive safety assessment is essential. This includes evaluations through genotoxicity assays and acute, subacute, chronic, and reproductive toxicity studies. Furthermore, accurate quantification of quercetin in various sample matrices is critical for monitoring its levels and assessing associated risks. Therefore, the development of reliable and sensitive analytical methods is of significant importance. This review provides a comprehensive summary of current research on quercetin, as found in food, covering its chemical structure and biosynthesis, toxicity, analytical methodologies, occurrence, and risk assessment.

Biochar, a soil amendment, is gaining attention for its potential in enhancing carbon sequestration and improving soil fertility. The conventional application rate for biochar is 2 t ha^− 1; however, achieving maximum carbon sequestration requires higher inputs, necessitating investigation into optimal application methods to sustain crop productivity. This study evaluated the impact of a 10-times higher biochar application (20 t ha^− 1) on root vegetable (Raphanus raphanistrum L.) cultivation and soil carbon sequestration, focusing on two methods broadcasting (O-BC) and band application (B-BC). The O-BC treatment improved root growth in Raphanus raphanistrum L. by increasing biomass and enhancing the uptake of P and K, thereby boosting productivity and nutrient assimilation. This demonstrates the key functions of P in energy transfer and root development, and K in osmoregulation and carbohydrate transport, which are crucial for root growth and development. The O-BC treatment offers the most balanced and robust enhancement of Raphanus raphanistrum L. growth and nutrient acquisition across plant parts. In contrast, the B-BC treatment provided only modest benefits, likely due to localized, high concentrations of biochar creating temporary imbalances in soil physicochemical properties (e.g., pH, EC) that limited optimal root development. The O-BC treatment resulted in greater biomass accumulation and enhanced P, K uptake in root tissue, leading to the highest yield (4.67 t ha⁻¹), followed by B-BC (4.51 t ha⁻¹) and the control treatment (4.28 t ha⁻¹). Biochar application at 20 t ha⁻¹ enhanced soil carbon sequestration, reaching 43.75 t ha⁻¹, which is 10 times the conventional amount. These findings demonstrate that a high amount of biochar applications with the optimal application method, can effectively overcome the potential risks of high-rate application and improve root vegetable productivity while simultaneously contributing to long-term climate mitigation through increased carbon sequestration.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype characterized by enrichment of cancer stem-like cells, high metastatic potential, and poor clinical outcomes. These stem-like populations contribute to drug resistance, tumor recurrence, and therapy failure, highlighting the urgent need for strategies that effectively target stemness. In this study, we evaluated the anticancer effects of ACF-01, a synthetic derivative combining 4′,6,7-trimethoxyisoflavone (TMF) and catechol, in MDA-MB-231-S cells, a CD44⁺/CD24⁻ subpopulation exhibiting enhanced stemness derived from parental MDA-MB-231 cells. Compared with parental cells, MDA-MB-231-S cells displayed elevated aldehyde dehydrogenase activity, increased self-renewal, enhanced drug efflux, and upregulation of stemness-associated markers. Treatment with ACF-01 significantly reduced these stem-like properties and induced apoptosis, as demonstrated by nuclear morphological changes and activation of apoptosis-related proteins, including caspase-3 and PARP cleavage. Notably, co-treatment with doxorubicin produced synergistic effects, further inhibiting stemness and enhancing apoptotic cell death in vitro, as confirmed by combination index analysis. In xenograft models, the combination markedly suppressed tumor growth, decreased stemness marker expression, and showed no evidence of systemic toxicity. Collectively, these results indicate that ACF-01 effectively targets stemness and sensitizes TNBC stem-like cells to doxorubicin, supporting its potential as a promising adjuvant therapy. These findings provide a rationale for further preclinical evaluation and suggest that ACF-01 may improve therapeutic outcomes in TNBC by overcoming stem cell-mediated drug resistance.

Takifugu rubripes, a pufferfish species of considerable commercial importance in East Asian cuisine, is widely cultured under controlled aquaculture conditions to produce tetrodotoxin (TTX)-free products. Accurate discrimination between cultured and wild individuals is essential for ensuring food safety and facilitating regulatory compliance, given the potential presence of TTX in wild populations. In this study, we developed a molecular diagnostic method based on structural genomic variations to enable rapid and reliable authentication of cultured T. rubripes. Comparative genomic analyses identified 226 large deletions (> 1 kb) in T. pseudommus relative to the T. rubripes reference genome. Among these, six deletions exhibited consistent amplification exclusively in cultured samples from Korea and Japan (n = 68), whereas wild individuals of T. rubripes, T. pseudommus, and T. chinensis (n = 29) either failed to amplify or yielded inconsistent results. These deletion markers were incorporated into a multiplex ultrafast real-time PCR assay capable of distinguishing cultured individuals within 30 min. Furthermore, analysis of the TP7-1 simple sequence repeat locus (GenBank accession no. PP949280) revealed reduced allelic diversity in cultured populations, facilitating additional discrimination from wild counterparts. The developed diagnostic assay provides an accurate and high-throughput platform for identifying TTX-free cultured T. rubripes and differentiating them from wild and closely related toxic species, thereby enhancing traceability and supporting food safety assurance in the global pufferfish trade.

Pesticide exposure during larval development can cause long-lasting impairments in honey bees; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We examined transcriptomic alterations in adult bee heads following chronic larval exposure to sublethal doses of two insecticides: lambda-cyhalothrin (LCY, a pyrethroid) and spinetoram (SPI, a spinosyn). High-quality RNA-sequ data (mapping rates > 95%) were obtained from controls, LCY-, and SPI-exposed groups. Differential expression analysis revealed 6,166 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in LCY- treated head group (3,098 upregulated, 3,068 downregulated) and 184 DEGs in SPI- treated head group (66 upregulated, 118 downregulated). Gene Set Enrichment Analysis revealed distinct, compound-specific transcriptomic signatures: LCY exposure primarily activated receptor-mediated signaling and developmental pathways. It concurrently downregulated translation, oxidative phosphorylation, and DNA repair, suggesting a trade-off between stress signaling and cellular maintenance. In contrast, SPI exposure markedly suppressed ion channel activity and neuronal signaling. Simultaneously, it promoted proteolytic and metabolic processes, indicating enhanced proteostasis and metabolic remodeling. Cluster-based enrichment mapping further highlighted these divergent profiles; LCY redirected cellular programs toward signaling and stress responses at the expense of core metabolic and transcriptional functions, whereas SPI promoted protein synthesis and endoplasmic reticulum-associated processing while attenuating higher-order regulatory pathways. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR validation of selected DEGs confirmed strong concordance with RNA-seq results. Overall, chronic larval pesticide exposure triggers distinct, persistent transcriptomic reprogramming in adult honey bee heads, potentially impairing neural and behavioral functions critical to colony health.

Ozonized oils represent an excellent alternative as a food additive or for management of illness problems. Presently the mustard oil was ozonized and their chemical profile was estimated via GC-MS with evaluating biological activities. Differs in the chemical constituents were observed between non-ozonized mustard oil (NOMO) and ozonized mustard oil (OMO). Growth of E. faecalis, S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, S. typhi, and C. albicans was suppressed by OMO with higher inhibition zones 26.33 ± 1, 24.23 ± 1, 21.50 ± 2, 18.21 ± 1, and 26.50 ± 1 mm than NOMO (22.50 ± 1, 21.33 ± 2, 19.25 ± 1, 16.50 ± 2, and 26.00 ± 1 mm, respectively. Moreover, the MIC and MBC of OMO were less than that of NOMO against tested microorganisms. Time-kill kinetics cleared that OMO was more active than NOMO, where the tested bacteria except S. typhi were totally inhibited using OMO but not using NOMO at 150 min. the hemolytic caused by tested bacteria was minimized by high level employing OMO compared to NOMO. Best anti-inflammatory potential was associated OMO with IC₅₀ 16.59 ± 0.7 and 22.91 ± 1.4 µg/mL, for COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition, while NOMO exhibited 18.68 ± 0.61 and 30.67 ± 1.0 µg/mL for COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition, respectively. DPPH scavenging documented the antioxidant activity of OMO (IC₅₀ 50.75 ± 1.25 µg/mL) and NOMO (75.52 ± 1.66 µg/mL) seeming the effective of OMO. This study investigates the molecular docking of n-propyl-11-octadecenoate and 9-octadecenoic acid (z) ethyl ester (main detected compounds in mustard oil) against the structure of E. faecalis (PDB ID: 3UDI) using the Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) software. Both ligands exhibited favorable docking scores, with 9-octadecenoic acid (z) ethyl ester showing stronger binding affinity (-10.0629 kcal/mol) compared to n-propyl-11-octadecenoate (-7.25862 to -7.61897 kcal/mol). Key interactions, including hydrogen bonds with residues ASN 489 (A) and GLY 709 (A), were identified, highlighting their potential as inhibitors targeting E. faecalis.

Soil test data, derived from laboratory analyses of chemical properties such as organic matter (OM), provide a critical foundation for soil management and guiding fertilizer use. In Korea, the Rural Development Administration (RDA) has maintained a national soil test database (“HeukToram”) and associated soil attribute maps for commercial agricultural fields for several decades. However, the reliability of these data is often compromised by manual entry errors and reporting inconsistencies. This study evaluates the impact of error detection and correction on OM assessment at both sub-national and national scales. To address this, soil test records for paddy rice collected from the official dataset between 2022 and 2025 were analyzed and modeled (n = 913,984). The dataset was processed through systematic screening for apparent errors. At the national level, the most frequent issue was repeated soil test values across consecutive sampling dates (16.37% of records), followed by values outside agronomically valid ranges (0.81%), records with all variables missing (0.06%), and those with identical values across all variables (0.02%). Depending on the type and extent of these errors, mean OM estimates deviated by up to 0.153 g kg⁻¹ between the datasets, potentially affecting field-level fertilizer recommendations. The results indicate that even relatively minor errors in large-scale soil test datasets can lead to substantial misestimations in OM stocks and nutrient management requirements, the magnitude of which often remains unknown. Continuous quality control is therefore essential to maintain reliable soil assessments and to guide effective crop and soil management.

Streptococcus mutans mediates enamel demineralization through acid production via glycolysis, while Streptococcus salivarius, as a commensal bacterium, promotes caries progression by enhancing biofilm formation. Their synergistic interaction amplifies cariogenicity. Therefore, developing strategies to inhibit both bacterial species is imperative. This study investigated the extraction and characterization of a polysaccharide from mangosteen scarfskin (MSP) and its antimicrobial potential against cariogenic bacteria. Using ultrasonic-assisted extraction, MSP was obtained with a yield of (9.93 ± 0.5696)%, presenting light brown coloration. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated strong anti-efficacy activity against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus salivarius, showing a MIC of 1 mg/mL and significant bactericidal effects at 1×MIC and 2×MIC concentrations. Biofilm metabolism analysis showed that MSP caused dose-dependent suppression of bacterial metabolism, while its inhibitory effect on EPS production increased proportionally with concentration. Molecular docking identified specific hydrogen-bond interactions between arabinose (the primary component of MSP) and key residues (THR-315, SER-10, and SER-247) of glucosyltransferase-C (GTF-C), while molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that arabinose disrupted the structural stability of GTF-C. These findings collectively suggest MSP’s promising application as a novel food additive for caries prevention through oral streptococcal control.

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