Antioxidant Properties and Chemical Composition Relationship of Europeans and Brazilians Propolis

The antioxidant activity of ethanol extracts of propolis, bee glue, of various climate and orographic characteristics, collected from Italy, Brazil and Russia, was evaluated measuring their inhibitory action on peroxidation of linoleic acid, radical scavenging ability towards 2,2’-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, total phenolic content and reducing capacity by enzymatic and Folin method respectively. Propolis samples were chemically characterized by HPLC-MS/MS in order to find a possible correlation between antioxidant activity and polyphenols composition and quantification. The results obtained indicate that Italian and Russian propolis samples have similar polyphenolic composition and, as a consequence, almost similar antioxidant activity, while Brazilian propolis evidence lower polyphenolic and antioxidant characteristics. Climate and orography reasons of these differences are also suggested.

Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant Activity and Safety of Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) AW Hill Apiaceae Leaves Grown in Benin

Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) AW Hill Apiaceae (Parsley) is a plant species commonly used for its culinary value, but little is known about its phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to deepen knowledge of the Petroselinum crispum leaves (LPc) grown and consumed in Benin. The phytochemical screening of the LPc powder was done according to the method of Houghton and Raman at the Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Essential Oils of the Institute of Applied Biomedical Sciences in Benin. The antioxidant activity (IC50) was evaluated by the DPPH reduction test. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of chemical groups such as catechin tannins, gallic tannins, flavones, saponins, mucilages, coumarins, reducing agents and O-heterosides with reduced genins in the LPc powder. The aqueous extract of LPc showed antioxidant activity with an IC50 = 63.66 μg/mL and was found to be less active than ascorbic acid (IC50 = 0.111 μg/mL). No acute oral toxicity was observed and the LD50 of the aqueous extract of LPc is estimated to be greater than 5000 mg/kg in the Wistar rat. The absence of toxicity, its antioxidant activity associated with its richness in active ingredients makes Petroselinum crispum a promising species suitable for safe long-term use as food.

1,3,4-oxadiazole-a bioactive scaffold for treating major depression-associated cognitive dysfunction

Background:Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of people worldwide,and one of its major characteristics is the accumulation of extracellular Aβpeptides in the human brain,leading to neuronal death and resulting in memory deficits,disorientation,and inappropriate behaviour.Objective and Methodology:This review study aims to develop new molecular targets for major depression-associated cognitive dysfunction and determine the mechanisms of action of 1,3,4-oxadiazole-based drug candidates.It encourages scientists to develop and synthesize drugs with low side effects to treat Alzheimer’s disease.Furthermore,the drug has shown significant improvement in memory function among dementia patients,which is due to the increased production of acetylcholine in the brain.These derivatives show a high affinity to amyloid plaques,which are thought to cause cognitive damage in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.This review study emphasizes newly developed inhibitors of amyloid deposition using the enzymeα-secretase,which cleaves amyloid precursor protein into smaller fragments that are toxic to neurons.1,3,4-Oxadiazole compounds have demonstrated no significant toxicity to the central nervous system.The antioxidant properties of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles can reduce free radicals,which play an active role in cell damage and disease.Conclusion:This review aims to provide readers with an overview of the current state of knowledge about oxadiazole-related drugs,emphasizing their biological importance.Key aspects related to the discovery and development of these drug candidates are discussed in detail,including information on their structure,biological activity,chemistry,and pharmacological properties.In addition,different derivatives discovered for Alzheimer’s disease to enhance the therapeutic efficiency of oxadiazole drugs have been comprehensively discussed in this review.

Effect of Dietary Alanyl-glutamine Supplementation on Growth Performance, Development of Intestinal Tract, Antioxidant Status and Plasma Non-specific Immunity of Young Mirror Carp(Cyprinus carpio L.)

Exogenous alanyl-glutamine（Aln-Gln） was evaluated for its effects on growth performance, intestinal structure and function, antioxidant status and non-specific immunity of young carp（Cyprinus carpio L.）. Six diets supplemented with 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, or 15.0 g · kg-1 of Aln-Gln were fed to fish for 12 weeks. Supplementation with 7.5, 10.0, or 15.0 g · kg-1 of Aln-Gln significantly increased weight gain rate（WGR）, protein efficiency ratio（PER）, but feed conservation rate（FCR） and survival were not affected（P〉0.05）. The intestinal fold height and number, digestive enzyme, Na＋, K＋-ATPase activities was found to be significantly high（P〈0.05） with increasing dietary Aln-Gln supplementation up to 7.5 g · kg-1, but there were no significant differences for Aln-Gln supplementation from 7.5 to 15.0 g · kg-1. The glutathione peroxidase（GPX） activity, glutathione（GSH）, superoxide dismutase（SOD） activity increased and malondialdehyde（MDA） levels decreased significantly（P〈0.05） in the intestine, hepatopancreas, plasma and muscles. The plasma complement-3（C3） and complement-4（C4） levels were significantly（P〈0.05） improved at 5.0 g · kg-1 level and decreased when over 7.5 g · kg-1. The plasma lysozyme（LSZ） activity increased significantly（P〈0.05） at 7.5, 10.0, or 15.0 g · kg-1 level. In summary, the results showed that Aln-Gln improved growth performance, development and function of the intestine, the activity of the antioxidant defense system and the plasma non-specific immunity of the carps. The optimal Aln-Gln level was 8.24 g · kg-1 diet for WGR based on broken-line regression model analysis.

Effect of replacing antibiotics using multi-enzyme preparations on production performance and antioxidant activity in piglets

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing antibiotics using multi-enzyme preparations on growth performance,coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility,digestive enzyme activity,and antioxidant property in piglets.A total of 160 piglets（（21.35±0.22）kg）were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments：1）basal diet supplemented with antibiotics（AC）,2）antibiotic diet supplemented with 0.5 g kg^-1 multi-enzyme preparations（AC＋0.5EP）,3）antibiotic diet supplemented with 1.5 g kg^-1 multi-enzyme preparations（AC＋1.5EP）,4）basal diet supplemented with a half dosage of antibiotics and 1.5 g kg^-1 multi-enzyme preparations（AH＋1.5EP）,and 5）basal diet supplemented with 1.5 g kg^-1 multienzyme preparations（BC＋1.5EP）.The results showed that AC＋1.5EP significantly improved the feed efficiency,apparent digestibility of ether extract（EE）and crude ash（CA）,lipase activity in pancreas and duodenum content,maltase and lactase activity in jejunum and ileum mucosa,glutathione peroxidase（GSH-Px）concentration in serum and liver,and decreased malondialdehyde（MDA）concentration in serum and liver compared with piglets receiving AC（P〈0.05）.Piglets receiving BC＋1.5EP showed no significant difference in growth performance（P〉0.05）but had lower MDA concentration than piglets receiving AC（P〈0.05）.The apparent digestibility of EE and crude fiber（CF）,duodenal lipase activity,jejunum mucosa maltase,and ileum mucosa lactase activity of piglets receiving AH＋1.5EP or BC＋1.5EP were significantly improved compared with piglets receiving AC（P〈0.05）.These results indicated an additive growth promotion effect between antibiotics and multi-enzyme preparations on piglets,and the multi-enzyme preparations may be used as substitutes for antibiotics for improving piglet production performance and health status.

Genetics of seed flavonoid content and antioxidant activity in cowpea(Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.)

Information about the type of gene action governing the inheritance of cowpea seed flavonoid content and antioxidant activity is prerequisite for starting an effective breeding program for developing improved varieties. For this purpose, half-diallel crosses among seven diverse parents were made. The homozygous parents and 21 F1 hybrids were evaluated at Maroua in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon using a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Flour samples produced from decorticated seeds were used for biochemical analysis. Analysis of variance showed significant differences(P < 0.001) among genotypes for the studied traits with ranges of 363.6–453.9 mg rutin equivalent per 100 g dry weight(DW) for total flavonoids, 13.38–30.73 mg ascorbic acid equivalent per 1 g DW for ferric iron reducing activity, 70.98–266.93 mg trolox equivalent per 100 g DW for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, and 90.93–370.62 mg trolox equivalent per 100 g DW for 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS) free radical scavenging activity. Both additive and non-additive gene effects were significant in the genetic control of these traits, but dominance variance was greater than additive variance. The traits were mainly controlled by overdominance model suggesting a selection in the delayed generations.Broad- and narrow-sense heritability estimates varied from 0.90 to 0.99 and from 0.12 to 0.45,respectively. The variances due to both general and specific combining ability were highly significant for all studied traits. Recessive alleles had positive effects on DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities, whereas dominant alleles had positive effects on flavonoid content and ferric iron reducing activity. These results could help cowpea breeders to improve the antioxidant potential of cowpea seeds by appropriate selection.

Isolation,purification,structural characteristic and antioxidative property of polysaccharides from A.cepa L.var.agrogatum Don

Allium cepa L.var.agrogatum Don(ALAP)is commonly consumed in China as well as other regions and has various beneficial health effects.A novel acidic polysaccharide(named ALAP-21)was obtained from ALAP by ultrasonic and microwave-assisted extraction and purification using DEAE-52 anion exchange and Sephadex G-100 columns.The monosaccharide composition,structural and antioxidative properties of ALAP-21 were investigated by GC–MS chromatography,FT-IR and NMR spectroscopies and three antioxidative activity tests in vitro.The results showed that ALAP-21 was a heteropolysaccharide composed of glucose,galacturonic acid,mannose,galactose,arabinose,rhamnose,xylose,fructose and glucuronic acid with a relative molar ratio of 26.282:27.546:11.400:4.781:2.467:2.445:3.622:1.106:1.753,owning(1→4)-β-d-Glcp,(1→4)-β-d-GalAp6Me3OA,(1→4)-β-d-Galp6OMe,(1→2)-β-l-Rhap,(1→4)-β-d-Manp glycosidic linkages.(1→4)-β-d-Glcp and(1→4)-β-d-GalAp6Me3OA residues might be the main components of the sugar chain backbone of ALAP-21.Furthermore,ALAP-21 exhibited high potential for DPPH radicals(82.02%),hydroxyl radicals(53.33%)and superoxide anion radicals(50.28%).These results provide a reference for further research and rational development of ALAP polysaccharides.

Variety-specific responses of lettuce grown in. a gravel-film technique closed hydroponic system to N supply on yield, morphology, phytochemicals, mineral content and safety

Utilization of nitrogen （N） element is a common practice used to reach profitable yields in horticultural crops and N supply can be used as a tool to manipulate the enhancement of phytochemicals and minerals in vegetable crops to address consumer-oriented quality production. Hence the study was aimed to investigate the effect of N application on leaf morphology, ascorbic acid content, phenolic acids, flavonoids, mineral content, and nitrate residues in three lettuce varieties （two green leafy lettuce, Multigreen 1 and Multigreen 3; one red leafy lettuce, Multired 4） grown in a closed hydroponic system （grave^-film） at harvest. Nitrogen was applied as ammonium nitrate （NH4NO3） at six different concentrations of 0, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 mg L^-1. The results obtained during 2015 and 2016 seasons were similar and demonstrated variety dependent responses with respect to different N application rates. Multigreen 3 was more sensitive to N supply and showed higher amount of nitrate residue at harvest. Variety Multired 4 was less sensitive to N supply followed by Multigreen 11 Although N supply at 120 mg L^-1 improved the yield and the number of leaves in Multigreen 3, overall 90 mg L^-1 can be recommended for these lettuce varieties to improve the yield and the accumulation of ascorbic acid content, phenolic acids mainly caffeic, caftaric acids, quercetin （the important flavonoid in lettuce）, and Fe and Mn contents. Furthermore, the concentration of 90 mg L^-1 improved the antioxidant property （FRAP and ABTS^＋） and reduced the nitrate accumulation, ensuring safe food for consumers.

Effects of Iron and Zinc Fertilizers on Antioxidant Activity of PearJujube in Loess Hilly Region

With eight-year-old pear-jujube trees with uniform and good growth as the research object,different concentrations of iron and zinc fertilizers were sprayed to the leaves,and the changes in the contents of vitamin C,total flavonoids,enzyme,as well as the removal rates of hydroxyl radicals,1,1-diphenyl-2-trinitrophenylhydrazine( DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide by polyphenols in pear-jujube were studied,so as to explore the effects of iron and zinc fertilizers on antioxidant activity of pear-jujube in loess hilly region. The results showed that different treatments affected the content of vitamin C and significantly increased the content of total flavonoids in pear-jujube. In the treatment of 0. 6%Fe SO_4+ 0. 3% Zn SO_4( L3),the contents of vitamin C and total flavonoids were both highest,2. 86 mg/g and 3. 02 mg/g,21. 8% and105. 4% higher than CK( P < 0. 05). Different fertilization treatments effectively reduced the activities of ascorbate oxidase and polyphenol oxidase in pear-jujube. The activity of ascorbate oxidase was lowest in the treatment of 0. 6% Fe SO_4+ 0. 3% Zn SO_4( oxidized ascorbic acid0. 069 mg/( g·min) FW,75. 1% lower than CK); and the activity of polyphenol oxidase was lowest in the L3 treatment( oxidized ascorbic acid 0. 146 mg/( g·min) FW,42. 0% lower than CK). Polyphenols of pear-jujube could effectively remove hydroxyl radicals,DPPH· and hydrogen peroxide. This was more significant in L3 treatment,of which the antioxidant activity was the best.

A systematic study on mycochemical profiles, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of 30 varieties of Jew’s ear(Auricularia auricula-judae)

The health-promoting properties and chemical profiles of 30 Jew’s ear mushroom varieties were investigated. The antioxidant properties were determined by ferric reducing antioxidant power(FRAP), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) free radical scavenging, 2,2’-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS) free radical scavenging, and metal chelating ability(MCA) assays, while phenolic profiles were determined by total phenol content(TPC) and total flavonoid content(TFC) colorimetric assays. Total carbohydrate, β-glucan, and melanin contents were determined by colorimetric methods. 5’-Nucleotides, vitamin D_(2), ergosterol, and ergothioneine contents were determined by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). Anti-inflammation activities of Jew’s ear were evaluated by the colorimetric protease inhibitory method. The results showed that Jew’s ear mushrooms possessed substantial phenolics and antioxidant properties. All the Jew’s ear varieties contain high amount of total carbohydrate, β-glucan, reducing sugar, melanin, pectin, vitamin D2, ergosterol, and ergothioneine. The current findings could provide scientific information for breeders to nurture desired varieties and for food industry to develop new health promoting products.

Study of interaction between metal ions and quercetin

A displacement test based on the interaction between the flavonoid quercetin and an excess of metal chloride allows the determination of the binding constant for the reaction between quercetin and Ca2+,Mg^2+and Ni^2+.The values obtained were 2.20±1.77×10^3 for Ca^2+,1.37±0.59×10^3 for Mg^2+and 7.03±1.04×10^4 for Ni^2+,and all interactions showed type 1:1 stoichiometry,as determined by titration and by the method of continuous variations(Job’s method).The complexion effect was observed qualitatively through a colorimetric change in the medium(yellow→neon yellow)and spectroscopically through a bathochromic shift in the absorption band of quercetin in the presence of metals.This investigation serves as a tool for the development and testing of materials capable of capturing toxic metal ions or favoring the absorption of beneficial ions(in relation to the human metabolism)through the construction of efficient bioorganic systems.The results reported herein allow understanding of this detection system,indicating the following ascending order of the binding constants(Mg^2+<Ca^2+<Al^3+<Ni^2+).

Two Phenolic Diterpenes as Antioxidants

A DFT study was carried out to investigate the structure-activity relationship of rosmanol and carnosol. The geometry, HOMO and LUMO of parent molecules, O–H bond dissociation energy (BDE), and distribution of unpaired electron obtained by B3LYP/6-31G* were used to elucidate the antioxidant properties of the two compounds. The results proved the intramolecular hydrogen bond and delocalization of the unpaired electron to be the important factors affecting the stability of phenoxyl free radical generated after the H-abstraction.

Evaluation of Stabilization Performances of Antioxidants in Poly(ether ether ketone)

Two types of antioxidants（a primary antioxidant and a secondary antioxidant） were used to improve the stability of poly（ether ether ketone）（PEEK）. The effects of the antioxidants on the properties of PEEK and the stabilization mechanism were investigated by some characterization methods, such as rheometer, thermogravimetric ana- lysis（TGA）, universal tester and electron spin resonance（ESR）. The results indicate that the efficiency of the phosphorous antioxidant（DS） in improving the stability of PEEK was better than that of the phenolic antioxidant（DN） in both melting stability and thermal stability, and the thermal stability of PEEK sample containing 0.07%（mass fraction） DS was the best among all the samples due to the decrease of the free radicals density, as proven by ESR measurement. Additionally, no obvious changes could be observed in mechanical properties of PEEK containing antioxidants compared to those of virgin PEEK.

Purification and Identification of a Novel Protein Isolated from Panax quinquefolium and Evaluation of its In vitro Antioxidant Properties

Objective:A novel protein was first purified from Panax quinquefolius L.(AGNP),and in vitro antioxidant activities of AGNP were first studied in this work.Methods:AGNP was purified by Ion-exchange chromatography and Gel-filtration chromatography.The chemical characterizations of AGNP were tested by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(SDS-PAGE),high-pressure gel-filtration chromatography,MALDI-TOF-MS and HPLC.In vitro antioxidant effects were tested in simple antioxidant assay including 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical scavenging,superoxide radical(O2^-)scavenging,hydroxyl radical(OH)scavenging,and ferric-reducing ability.Results:The results showed which the content of AGNP measured by Bradford method was 2.42 mg/m L and the subunit molecular weight of AGNP measured by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(SDS-PAGE)was 15 kD.The AGNP molecular weight was 15,114 Da both of SDS-PAGE and mass spectrum purity.The result of high-pressure gel-filtration chromatography demonstrated that the molecular weight of AGNP was 31,086 Da,which implied that AGNP was a homodimer.The in vitro Antioxidant results indicated that AGNP had obvious effects to remove the free radicals in vitro.Conclusion:In conclusion,AGNP had more powerful antioxidant capacity and it can be used as an effective natural antioxidant to alleviate oxidative stress.

Antioxidant properties of cell wall polysaccharides of Stevia rebaudiana leaves

Objective:To examine the total phenolic and protein contents,and the antioxidant activities of cell wall polysaccharide fractions of Stevia rebaudiana leaves.Methods:Three different polysaccharide-enriched fractions,namely FPE(extract with 50 mmol/L ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid),FPK(extract with 0.05 mol/L KOH)and FH(extract with 4 mol/L KOH)were extracted from Stevia rebaudiana leaves.The antioxidant activity of these fractions was evaluated based on their ability to scavenge DPPH(1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl)free radical,to reduce ferric power,to chelate ferrous ion and to protect human DNA.Results:The results indicated that protein content was found to be higher in FPK polysaccharide enriched fraction(47.48μg per mg of FPK).Furthermore,the phenolic compound analysis according to the Folin-Ciocalteu method was higher in FPK(17.71μg ferulic acid).The DPPH maximal inhibition percentage of the three polysaccharide-enriched fractions at 400μg/mL was 27.66%,59.90%and 23.21%respectively for FPE,FPK and FH.All the polysaccharide fractions exhibited a ferric reducing power except the FH one.The three fractions also exhibited lipid peroxidation inhibition,and they completely reverted the DNA damage induced by H_(2)O_(2)/FeCl_(2).FPK showed the strongest scavenging activity against the DPPH radical,the best chelating ability and lipid peroxidation inhibition.Conclusions:Stevia cell wall polysaccharide fractions are potent protective agents against oxidative stress.The analysis revealed major differences in the antioxidant activity in the three polysaccharides fractions.However,the 0.05 mol/L KOH pectin fraction(FPK)showed better antioxidant activity.

Nutritional,phytochemical and antioxidant properties of 24 mung bean(Vigna radiate L.)genotypes

This study aimed to investigate the proximate and phytochemicals present in seeds of 24 mung bean(Vigna radiate L.)genotypes from four provinces of China for estimating their nutritional and antioxidant properties.Proximate analysis of mung bean genotypes revealed that starch,protein,fat,ash and water-soluble polysaccharide ranged from 39.54–60.66,17.36–24.89,4.24–12.18,2.78–3.53 and 1.99–2.96 g/100 g respectively.The five principal fatty acids detected in mung beans were stearic acid,palmitic acid,linoleic acid,oleic acid,and linolenic acid.The contents of insoluble-bound phenolic compounds,soluble phenolic compounds,and flavonoids ranged from 0.78 to 1.5 mg GAE g^(-1),1.78 to 4.10 mg GAE g^(-1),and 1.25 to 3.52 mg RE g^(-1),respectively.The black seed coat mung bean genotype M13(Suheilv 1)exhibited highest flavonoid and phenolic contents which showed strong antioxidant activity.Two flavonoids(vitexin and isovitexin)and four phenolic acids(caffeic,syringic acid,p-coumaric,and ferulic acids)were identified by HPLC.Vitexin and isovitexin were the major phenolic compounds in all mung bean genotypes.The content of soluble phenolic compounds had positive correlation with DPPH(r2=0.713)and ABTS(r2=0.665)radical scavenging activities.Principal component analysis indicated that the first two principal components could reflect most details on mung bean with a cumulative contribution rate of 66.1%.Twenty-four mung bean genotypes were classified into four groups based on their phenolic compounds contents and antioxidant activities.The present study highlights the importance of these mung bean genotypes as a source of nature antioxidant ingredient for the development of functional foods or a source of health promoting food.

Preparation of SiC coated graphite composite powders by nitriding combustion synthesis

Ceramic-coated graphite powders are considered as effective raw materials to fabricate three-dimensional continuous ceramic skeleton-reinforced graphite matrix composites which can overcome their inherent poor densification and improve their mechanical and antioxidation properties.However,the morphology and thickness regulation of ceramic coatings on graphite particles are still a great challenge.Herein,SiC-coated graphite(graphite@SiC)powders were prepared by nitriding combustion synthesis using Si and graphited mesocarbon microbead(MCMB)as raw powders with polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE)as a promoter.The effects of the PTFE content and the Si/MCMB molar ratio on the phase composition and coating morphology were investigated.The phase transition and microstructure evolution of a combustion synthesis(CS)process were revealed by a gas-released quenching experiment.When the Si/MCMB molar ratio was 1:3 and the PTFE content was 10 wt%,the thickness of the SiC coating synthesized under 2 MPa N_(2)reached 1.14μm.The corresponding sintered graphite@SiC composite had relative density of 99.2%and flexural strength of 231 MPa,accompanied by a significant improvement in high-temperature antioxidation properties.The as-synthesized graphite@SiC powders with good sinterability and antioxidation properties show great promise for applications in the nuclear industry and other extreme fields.

Roles of dietary supplementation with arginine or N-carbamylglutamate in modulating the inflammation, antioxidant property, and m RNA expression of antioxidant-relative signaling molecules in the spleen of rats under oxidative stress

This study evaluated the effects of arginine(Arg) or N-carbamylglutamate(NCG) on inflammation, antioxidant property, and antioxidant-related gene expression in rat spleen under oxidative stress. A total of 52 rats were randomly distributed into 4 treatment groups with 13 replicates per group. Rats were fed a basal diet(BD) or BD supplemented with Arg or NCG for 30 days. On day 28, half of the BD-fed rats were intraperitoneally injected with sterile saline(control group), and the other half with 12 mg/kg body weight of diquat(DT; DT group). The other 2 diet groups were intraperitoneally injected with 12 mg/kg body weight of DT with either Arg(1%)(DT t Arg) or NCG(0.1%)(DT t NCG). Rat spleen samples were collected for analysis at 48 h after DT injection. Results showed that DT damaged the antioxidant defense in rats compared with the control group(P < 0.05). Compared with the DT group, the DT t Arg and DT t NCG groups manifested improved anti-hydroxyl radical, catalase, and total superoxide dismutase(T-SOD) activities, increased glutathione content(P < 0.05), and decreased malondialdehyde content(P < 0.05).Moreover, compared with the DT group, the DT t Arg and DT t NCG groups enhanced mRNA expression of superoxide dismutase(SOD), glutathione peroxidase 1(GPx1), glutathione reductase(GR), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1(Keap-1), and mammalian target of rapamycin(m TOR)(P < 0.05). Both NCG and Arg significantly increased anti-inflammatory cytokine mRNA level but suppressed the pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression under oxidative stress(P < 0.05). In summary, NCG and Arg effectively alleviated oxidative stress, improved the antioxidant capacity and regulated the antioxidant-related signaling molecular expression in rat spleen. N-carbamylglutamate and Arg reduced the inflammation in the spleen by mediating the gene expression of anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β).

The effect of selected hemp seed protein hydrolysates in modulating vascular function

Reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide along with an increase in inflammatory cytokines,reactive oxygen species,cell adhesion molecules,and platelet hyperactivity are underlying causes of endothelial dysfunction.Bioactive peptides derived from various plants have been shown to attenuate biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction.The objective of this study was to determine the effects of hemp seed protein hydrolysates(HSPH)in modulating biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction using an in vitro cell culture model and an ex vivo platelet activity assay.HUVEC cells were treated with HSPH from commercial variant X and ECO-commercial variant Y,followed by hydrogen peroxide to simulate oxidative stress and inflammation.Biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction were then measured to determine the protective properties of HSPH.Blood samples collected from healthy volunteers were used to determine the effect of the HSPH on ADP and hydrogen peroxide-induced platelet activity,using flow cytometry.The HSPH reduced the production of reactive oxygen species,inflammatory cytokines IL-8,IL-12p70 and IL-1β,and adhesion molecule vascular cell adhesion molecule 1.Additionally,treatment with HSPH also reduced platelet activation marker CD62P ex vivo.The results obtained from this study suggest HSPH alleviates biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction by reducing oxidative stress,inflammation and platelet activation.

Biodegradable films of chitosan and tea polyphenols catalyzed by laccase and their physical and antioxidant activities

The effects of laccase crosslinking chitosan(CS)and tea polyphenols(TP)on the structure,physical and antioxidant properties of CS-based biodegradable films were investigated in this study.Laccase crosslinking significantly increased the particle size and zeta-potential of CS+TP particles.A simple blending of CS and TP decreased the elongation at break significantly,while the elongation at break of biodegradable films significantly increased after laccase crosslinking.Furthermore,TP addition increased the tensile strength(TS)of CS based films,while laccase crosslinking promoted the increase,making it more suitable for application.The addition of TP significantly changed the CS-based films from white and transparent to light brown.NMR spectra showed that no C=N bond was observed in CS+TP particles,which could result from the inhibition of Schiff base reaction due to the big steric hindrance of TP.Right shift of amide I peak to lower wavelength in laccase catalyzed films indicated the conversion of some primary amines into secondary amines caused by Michael addition reaction.It was proposed that laccase oxidized polyphenol to o-quinones,which reacted with nucleophilic groups of chitosan,leading to the increase of secondary amines.Furthermore,the antioxidant capacity of CS+TP films crosslinked by laccase increased significantly compared with CS and CS+TP blended films.In summary,laccase catalysis could be applied to manufacture biodegradable films with improved mechanical property and antioxidant activity.