Application of Polygonum minus Extract in Enhancing Drought Tolerance in Maize by Regulating Osmotic and Antioxidant System

Drought stress is a major factor affecting plant growth and crop yield production.Plant extracts as natural biostimulants hold great potential to strengthen plants to overcome drought impacts.To explore the effect of Polygonum minus extract(PME)in enhancing drought tolerance in plants,a study was set up in a glasshouse environment using 10 different treatment combinations.PME foliar application were designed in CRD and effects were closely observed related to the growth,physiology,and antioxidant system changes in maize(Zea mays L.)under well-watered and drought conditions.The seaweed extract(SWE)was used as a comparison.Plants subjected to drought stress exhibited a significant reduction in fresh weight,dry weight,relative water content(RWC),and soluble sugar,but they stimulated the phenolic,flavonoid,proline,glutathione(GSH),malondialdehyde(MDA)and antioxidant enzyme(catalase,CAT;peroxidase,POD;superoxide dismutase,SOD)activities.Foliar application of PME improved fresh and dry weight(FW:33.1%~41.4%;DW:48.0%~43.1%),chlorophyll content(Chl b:87.9%~100.76%),soluble sugar(23.6%~49.3%),and soluble protein(48.6%~56.9%)as well as antioxidant enzyme activities(CAT and POD)compared to CK under drought conditions.while decreasing the level of MDA.Notably,the mitigating effect of PME application with high concentration was more effective than those of SWE.Our study reveals that PME could alleviate drought stress by regulating osmoprotectant content and antioxidant defense system and can be used as an economical and environmentally friendly biostimulants for promoting maize growth under drought stress.

Ellagic Acid Enhances Antioxidant System Activity and Maintains the Quality of Strawberry Fruit during Storage

Ellagic acid(EA)is a natural antioxidant,widely present in a lot of forms’soft fruits,nuts,and other plant tissues,and helpful for promoting human health;however,its protective effect on postharvest fruit and improving the quality index of postharvest fruit have rarely been studied.In this experiment,the strawberries were soaked in 0,100,200,300,400,and 500 mg L^(−1) EA,respectively,and the influential EA on fruit quality and the antioxidant system of strawberries were studied.Compared with the control,EA treatment can reduce the browning degree and rotting rate of strawberry fruit during storage and augment the soluble solid content(SSC).EA treatment can also increase the content of related stuff and enzyme activity in antioxidant systems;the gene expression level of polyphenol oxidase(PPO)in strawberries treated with EA was always down-regulated,correspondingly,the expression of other antioxidant enzyme genes was enhanced.Among the strawberry fruits treated with EA of different concentrations,300 mg L^(−1) EA had the best effect in the process of strawberry preservation.The results suggested that the proper concentration of exogenous EA at 300 mg L−1 could maintain strawberries’quality and enhance the antioxidant system by improving the activities of antioxidative enzymes and the ascorbateglutathione(AsA-GSH)cycle during storage.

A Systematic Review of Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury

Background: Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is the third most common cause of AKI in hospitalized patients. Contrast agents mainly cause acute kidney injury through hypoxic damage to renal parenchyma and toxic effects on renal capillaries and tubules. Patients with CI-AKI are more likely to experience adverse events, including longer hospital stay and costs, longer ICU stay, and higher mortality rates. This article elaborates on the definition, epidemiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, and prevention strategies of CI-AKI. Methods: We conducted an extensive literature search using contrast agents and AKI as keywords to identify relevant studies on CI-AKI. Conclusion: CI-AKI is a significant clinical challenge that requires a multifaceted approach to prevention and management. Understanding the risk factors, pathophysiology, and current best practices is essential for healthcare providers to optimize patient care and improve outcomes in those undergoing contrast-enhanced imaging procedures. Hydration therapy is currently the main prevention method, but antioxidants may also become a new strategy.

Transcriptomes of Litopenaeus vannamei reveal modulation of antioxidant system induced by dietary archaeal carotenoids

Oxidative stress induced by factors such as ammonia nitrogen has become a major issue in shrimp farming.The effects of carotenoids on the growth and antioxidant capability of Litopenaeus vannamei juveniles were investigated in this study using dietary archaeal carotenoids supplementation.For four weeks,shrimp were given diets containing 0 mg/kg(Ctrl)and 55.98 mg/kg(Car)archaeal carotenoids.Dietary archaeal carotenoids significantly enhanced the astaxanthin content in shrimp muscles and carapaces,as well as the superoxide dismutase(SOD)and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)activity(P<0.05).The malonaldehyde(MDA)content in Car group significantly decreased(P<0.05).The transcriptome analysis was conducted to determine the molecular processes in response to archaeal carotenoids supplementation.A total of 1536 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were detected,including 538 upregulated DEGs and 998 downregulated DEGs.GO functional enrichment analysis between Ctrl and Car indicated that 26 GO terms including extracellular region,metabolic process,and proteolysis were enriched.The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism,cysteine and methionine metabolism,glycine serine and threonine metabolism,and amino acid biosynthesis were enriched.Archaeal carotenoids influenced the expression of several important genes involved in reactive oxygen species(ROS)generation,Nrf2 signaling,and antioxidant enzymes.Seven DEGs were chosen to confirm the RNA-Seq data using qRT-PCR.The genes and pathways discovered in this work assist to elucidate the molecular processes through which archaeal carotenoid enhances L.vannamei antioxidative system.

Hydrogen Sulfide Improves Rice Seed Germination by Regulating Aluminum Absorption,Internal Antioxidant Enzyme System and Osmotic Balance under Aluminum Toxicity Conditions

Uncovering the mechanism of hydrogen sulfide(H2S)in improving rice seed germination under aluminum(Al)toxicity conditions is important for rice production in acidic soil.In the present study,an Al sensitive rice variety Kasalath was used.Pretreatment with 0.1 mmol/L sodium hydrosulfide(NaHS,H2S donor)under 70 mmol/L AlCl3(indicated as Al+NaHS treatment)increased rice seed germination by 27.95%,germination potential by 474.16%,and the germination index by 43.44%,compared with Al treatment.The treatment of Al+NaHS reduced the Al content in rice seeds by 16.31%and 32.11%and increased the internal H2S content by 3.82%and 8.90%at 3 and 5 d of treatment,respectively,compared with Al treatment.Al+NaHS treatment significantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD)。

Multifunctional Lubricant Additive Improves Lubrication and Antioxidation Properties of Tung Oil

It is of considerable significance to develop efficient and environmentally friendly machinery lubricant additives because of the increasing depletion of petrochemical resources and severe environmental problems.Herein,we proposed a facile strategy to synthesize a multifunctional vegetable oil-based lubricant via the lignin derivative vanillin coupled to amine and diethyl phosphite to produce a lubricating additive with both extreme pressure and antioxidant properties.Compared with pure tung oil,the lubricating and antioxidant performance of tung oil is significantly improved after adding additives.Adding the 1.0 wt%additive to the tung oil reduced the friction wear coefficient and the volume,and the oxidation induction time was much longer than pure tung oil.

Effect of powdery mildew on interleaf microbial communities and leaf antioxidant enzyme systems

Chinese peony(Paeonia lactiflora Pall.)is both medicinally and aesthetically beneficial.Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that seriously jeopardizes the value of numerous species,including peonies as a crop.In order to provide a basis for the prevention and treatment of peony powdery mildew,we examined the microbial diversity,the malondialdehyde(MDA)concentrations and antioxidant enzyme activities of peony leaves infected with three levels of powdery mildew to determine any modifications to the leaf's antioxidant enzyme systems and microbial community structure following the onset of disease.The results show that the MDA content rose as the degree of infection became worse.Antioxidant enzyme activity rose and then declined.Following the initiation of powdery mildew,fungal community diversity decreased,whereas there was not any appreciable change in bacterial communities according to microbial diversity sequencing.The relative abundance of more than half of fungal species decreased,with the bacterial genera displaying both abundant and diminished communities with less pronounced alterations in their community structure after the disease spread.Significant different taxa that were critical to the organization of each microbiome were found.Correlation analysis showed that the relative abundance of powdery mildew pathogenic fungal genus Erysiphe was correlated with those of 11 fungal genera and one bacterial genus.Among them,Aureobasidium,Neosetophoma and Sclerostagonospora showed significant positive correlations with Erysiphe and MDA.

Endophytic Bacteria Promote the Growth of Suaeda glauca in Saline-Alkali Stress:Regulation of Osmotic Pressure and Antioxidative Defense System

Endophytic bacteria are promising bacterial fertilizers to improve plant growth under adverse environment.For ecological remediation of coastal wetlands,it was necessary to investigate the effect and interaction of endophytes on halophytes under saline-alkali stress.In this study,an endophytic bacterium strain HK1 isolated from halophytes was selected to infect Suaeda glauca under pH(7 and 8)and salinity gradient(150,300 and 450mmolL^(-1)).Strain HK1 was identified as Pantoea ananatis and it had ability to fix nitrogen,dissolve inorganic phosphorus and produce indole-3-aceticacid(IAA).The results showed that strain HK1 could promote the growth of S.glauca seedings when the salinity was less than 300mmolL^(-1),in view of longer shoot length and heavier fresh weight.The infected plants could produce more proline to decrease the permeability of cells,which content increased by 26.2%–61.1%compared to the non-infected group.Moreover,the oxidative stress of infected plants was relieved with the malondialdehyde(MDA)content decreased by 16.8%–32.9%,and the peroxidase(POD)activity and catalase(CAT)activity increased by 100%–500%and 6.2%–71.4%,respectively.Statistical analysis revealed that increasing proline content and enhancing CAT and POD activities were the main pathways to alleviate saline-alkali stress by strain HK1 infection,and the latter might be more important.This study illustrated that endophytic bacteria could promote the growth of halophytes by regulation of osmotic substances and strengthening antioxidant activities.This finding would be helpful for the bioremediation of coastal soil.

Inoculation of Chlorella and Food Waste Improves the Physio-Morphological Features of Red Pepper by Regulating Activating Antioxidant Defense System

Food waste is recognized as a valuable source for potential agricultural applications to supply organic matter and nutrients to arable soil.However,the information on the combined application of food waste and the plant growth-promoting bacterial strain,Chlorella,related to plant metabolic features and sodium chloride content in arable soil is limited.The present study was conducted to investigate the exogenous application of food waste along with Chlorella,which improved the physio-morphological features of red pepper.Our results revealed that this combination enhanced the organic matter in the soil,ultimately improving the fertility rate of the soil,and the physio-morphological features,such as chlorophyll a content(24.5±0.7),root(7.8±0.7)cm and shoot length(12.1±0.7)cm,fresh weight(2.1±0.05)g,dry weight(0.19±0.05)g,mineral contents,and hormonal concentration(ABA by up to 2 folds).The combined treatment also minimized free radicals via the activation of the intrinsic antioxidant series cascade and electrolyte leakage.Our findings showed that adding Chlorella and food wastes improved growth characteristics and can be used as a green bio-fertilizer for sustainable agriculture.

Silicon and Nitric Oxide-Mediated Regulation of Growth Attributes, Metabolites and Antioxidant Defense System of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) under Arsenic Stress

Arsenic(As)contaminated food chains have emerged as a serious public concern for humans and animals and are known to affect the cultivation of edible crops throughout the world.Therefore,the present study was designed to investigate the individual as well as the combined effects of exogenous silicon(Si)and sodium nitroprusside(SNP),a nitric oxide(NO)donor,on plant growth,metabolites,and antioxidant defense systems of radish(Raphanus sativus L.)plants under three different concentrations of As stress,i.e.,0.3,0.5,and 0.7 mM in a pot experiment.The results showed that As stress reduced the growth parameters of radish plants by increasing the level of oxidative stress markers,i.e.,malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide.However,foliar application of Si(2 mM)and pretreatment with SNP(100μM)alone as well as in combination with Si improved the plant growth parameters,i.e.,root length,fresh and dry weight of plants under As stress.Furthermore,As stress also reduced protein,and metabolites contents(flavonoids,phenolic and anthocyanin).Activities of antioxidative enzymes such as catalase(CAT),ascorbate peroxidase(APX),guaiacol peroxidase(POD),and polyphenol oxidase(PPO),as well as the content of non-enzymatic antioxidants(glutathione and ascorbic acid)decreased under As stress.In most of the parameters in radish,As III concentration showed maximum reduction,as compared to As I and II concentrations.However,the individual and combined application of Si and NO significantly alleviated the As-mediated oxidative stress in radish plants by increasing the protein,and metabolites content.Enhancement in the activities of CAT,APX,POD and PPO enzymes were recorded.Contents of glutathione and ascorbic acid were also enhanced in response to co-application of Si and NO under As stress.Results obtained were more pronounced when Si and NO were applied in combination under As stress,as compared to their individual application.In short,the current study highlights that Si and NO synergistically regulate plant growth through lowering the As-mediated oxidative stress by upregulating the metabolites content,activity of antioxidative enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidants in radish plants.

Effects of Manganese on the Antioxidant System and Related Gene Expression Levels in the “Hong Yang” Kiwifruit Seedlings

To explore how manganese affects the antioxidant system and the expression levels of related genes of“Hong yang”seedlings,the leaves of its tissue cultured seedlings were taken as test materials,and single factor treatment was performed by changing the manganese chloride(MnCl_(2)·4H_(2)O)solution concentration when spraying the leaves.The expression levels of Mn-SOD,POD64 and POD27 genes in leaves were quantitatively analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR(qRT-PCR)at different determination times.Meanwhile,the contents of malondial-dehyde(MDA),hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2)),the activities of antioxidant enzymes,including catalase(CAT),peroxidase(POD),and superoxide dismutase(SOD).The results showed that the SOD,CAT,POD,ascorbate peroxidase(APX),and reduced glutathione(GSH)activities in leaves were the highest at 12 h post-treatment with 50μM MnCl_(2)·4H_(2)O.Furthermore,the contents of MDA and H_(2)O_(2) in leaves also peaked when the concentration of H_(2)O_(2) is 50μM,which is the minimum value.Additionally at 50μM Mn^(2+),the Mn-SOD and POD27 expression was up-regulated as compared to the control,which promoted the expression of their respective enzyme activities.However,POD64 expression increased with the increasing Mn^(2+) concentration.Therefore,50μM is the optimal concentration of Mn when exogenously applied on“Hong yang”,which improve the antioxidant enzyme activity and regulate the plant’s physiological and biochemical functions.

Implication of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Defence Systems in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Infection among Children Aged 1 to 15 Years in the Mount Cameroon Area

It is known that the pathogenicity of Plasmodium induces the breakdown of haemoglobin, which leads to the induction of oxidative stress. This study aimed to identify the possible effects of oxidative stress and antioxidant defence systems in symptomatic and asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection in children (1 - 15 years old) in the Mount Cameroon vicinity. This cross-sectional study involved blood samples collected from 473 children and examined for malaria parasitaemia. Full blood counts were performed using an automated haemoanalyser. Serum oxidative stress status (malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and vitamin C (Vit C)) were each determined by colorimetric enzymatic assays. The prevalence of malaria parasite infection was 32.1% among the participants. Out of that, 62.5% of patients with parasitaemia were symptomatic. Anaemia prevalence increased significantly with parasite density. MDA levels were significantly higher in patients with malaria symptoms than in those without symptoms. A significant and positive correlation was detected between MDA (r = 0.831, P < 0.05), NO (r = 0.779, P < 0.05), and malaria parasite density while, a significant and negative relationship occurred between parasite density and GSH (r = ?0.763, P < 0.05) and Vit C (r = ?0.826, P < 0.05) levels, SOD (r = ?0.621, P < 0.05) and CAT (r = ?0.817, P < 0.05) activities. The SOD activity and GSH level significantly decreased (P < 0.05) with an increase in the MDA levels. These findings showed that MDA and nitric oxide levels increased both in malaria participants with or without symptoms. A similar decrease in the antioxidant defence system was observed in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Therefore, there is a need to develop public health policies that encourage routine diagnosis and treatment of malaria in seemingly healthy people (asymptomatic cases), and this will play an essential role in controlling malaria in tropical countries.

A comparison study on structure-function relationship of polysaccharides obtained from sea buckthorn berries using different methods:antioxidant and bile acid-binding capacity

In this study,the structural characters,antioxidant activities and bile acid-binding ability of sea buckthorn polysaccharides(HRPs)obtained by the commonly used hot water(HRP-W),pressurized hot water(HRP-H),ultrasonic(HRP-U),acid(HRP-C)and alkali(HRP-A)assisted extraction methods were investigated.The results demonstrated that extraction methods had significant effects on extraction yield,monosaccharide composition,molecular weight,particle size,triple-helical structure,and surface morphology of HRPs except for the major linkage bands.Thermogravimetric analysis showed that HRP-U with filamentous reticular microstructure exhibited better thermal stability.The HRP-A with the lowest molecular weight and highest arabinose content possessed the best antioxidant activities.Moreover,the rheological analysis indicated that HRPs with higher galacturonic acid content and molecular weight showed higher viscosity and stronger crosslinking network(HRP-C,HRP-W and HRP-U),which exhibited stronger bile acid binding capacity.The present findings provide scientific evidence in the preparation technology of sea buckthorn polysaccharides with good antioxidant and bile acid binding capacity which are related to the structure affected by the extraction methods.

Ginkgo biloba extract alleviates fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome in laying hens via reshaping gut microbiota

Background Ginkgo biloba extract(GBE)is evidenced to be effective in the prevention and alleviation of metabolic disorders,including obesity,diabetes and fatty liver disease.However,the role of GBE in alleviating fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome(FLHS)in laying hens and the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated.Here,we investigated the effects of GBE on relieving FLHS with an emphasis on the modulatory role of GBE in chicken gut microbiota.Results The results showed that GBE treatment ameliorated biochemical blood indicators in high-fat diet(HFD)-induced FLHS laying hen model by decreasing the levels of TG,TC,ALT and ALP.The lipid accumulation and pathological score of liver were also relieved after GBE treatment.Moreover,GBE treatment enhanced the antioxidant activity of liver and serum by increasing GSH,SOD,T-AOC,GSH-PX and reducing MDA,and downregulated the expression of genes related to lipid synthesis(FAS,LXRα,GPAT1,PPARγand Ch REBP1)and inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α,IL-6,TLR4 and NF-κB)in the liver.Microbial profiling analysis revealed that GBE treatment reshaped the HFD-perturbed gut microbiota,particularly elevated the abundance of Megasphaera in the cecum.Meanwhile,targeted metabolomic analysis of SCFAs revealed that GBE treatment significantly promoted the production of total SCFAs,acetate and propionate,which were positively correlated with the GBE-enriched gut microbiota.Finally,we confirmed that the GBE-altered gut microbiota was sufficient to alleviate FLHS by fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT).Conclusions We provided evidence that GBE alleviated FLHS in HFD-induced laying hens through reshaping the composition of gut microbiota.Our findings shed light on mechanism underlying the anti-FLHS efficacy of GBE and lay foundations for future use of GBE as additive to prevent and control FLHS in laying hen industry.

Bioactive compounds in Hericium erinaceus and their biological properties:a review

Hericium erinaceus is a nutritious edible and medicinal fungi,rich in a variety of functional active ingredients,with various physiological functions such as antioxidation,anticancer,and enhancing immunity.It is also effective in protecting the digestive system and preventing neurodegenerative diseases.In this review paper,we summarize the sources,structures and efficacies of the main active components in H.erinaceus fruiting body,mycelium,and culture media,and update the latest research progress on their biological activities and the related molecular mechanisms.Based on this information,we provide detailed challenges in current research,industrialization and information on the active ingredients of H.erinaceus.Perspectives for future studies and new applications of H.erinaceus are proposed.

Evaluation of the binding affinity and antioxidant activity of phlorizin to pepsin and trypsin

Phlorizin(PHL)is a natural compound with strong antioxidant properties mainly found in apples.In this paper,the interaction mechanism of PHL with pepsin and trypsin was comparatively evaluated by computer simulation,fluorescence spectra,circular dichroism(CD),and Fourier transform infrared(FT-IR)spectra at a molecular level.Fluorescence spectra showed that PHL quenches the pepsin/trypsin by static quenching.Thermodynamic parameters indicated that PHL binds to pepsin mainly through hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces,and that of trypsin was electrostatic forces.The ground state complexes PHL and protease have a moderate affinity of 105 L/mol PHL binds more strongly to trypsin than to pepsin.CD and FT-IR spectra results showed that pepsin/trypsin decreased theβ-sheet content and slightly changed its secondary structure upon PHL.These experimental results are mutually verified with the predicted computer-aid simulation results.Upon PHL and trypsin binding,the antioxidant capacity of PHL was elevated.Nevertheless,the antioxidant capacity of PHL was decreased after binding to pepsin.This work elucidates the binding of PHL binding mechanisms to pepsin/trypsin and provides useful information for the digestion of PHL to improve the application of PHL in food processing.

Effects of antioxidant‑rich Lactiplantibacillus plantarum inoculated alfalfa silage on rumen fermentation, antioxidant and immunity status, and mammary gland gene expression in dairy goats

Background Milk synthesis in lactating animals demands high energy metabolism,which results in an increased production of reactive oxygen metabolites(ROM)causing an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants thereby inducing oxidative stress(OS)on the animals.To mitigate OS and postpartum disorders in dairy goats and gain insight into the impact of dietary choices on redox status during lactation,a feeding trial was conducted using alfalfa silage inoculated with a high-antioxidant strain of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum.Methods Twenty-four Guanzhong dairy goats(38.1±1.20 kg)were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments:one containing silage inoculated with L.plantarum MTD/1(RSMTD-1),and the other containing silage inoculated with high antioxidant activity L.plantarum 24-7(ES24-7).Results ES24-7-inoculated silage exhibited better fermentation quality and antioxidant activity compared to RSMTD-1.The ES24-7 diet elevated the total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC),superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione peroxi-dase(GSH-Px),and catalase(CAT)activities in milk,serum,and feces of lactating goats(with the exception of T-AOC in milk).Additionally,the diet containing ES24-7 inoculated silage enhanced casein yield,milk free fatty acid(FFA)content,and vitamin A level in the goats’milk.Furthermore,an increase of immunoglobulin(Ig)A,IgG,IgM,inter-leukin(IL)-4,and IL-10 concentrations were observed,coupled with a reduction in IL-1β,IL-2,IL-6,interferon(IFN)-γ,and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αconcentrations in the serum of lactating goats fed ES24-7.Higher concentrations of total volatile fatty acid(VFA),acetate,and propionate were observed in the rumen fluid of dairy goats fed ES24-7 inoculated silage.Moreover,the diet containing ES24-7 inoculated silage significantly upregulated the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2 like 2(NFE2L2),beta-carotene oxygenase 1(BCO1),SOD1,SOD2,SOD3,GPX2,CAT,glu-tathione-disulfide reductase(GSR),and heme oxygenase 1(HMOX1)genes in the mammary gland,while decreased the levels of NADPH oxidase 4(NOX4),TNF,and interferon gamma(IFNG).Conclusions These findings indicated that feeding L.plantarum 24-7 inoculated alfalfa silage not only improved rumen fermentation and milk quality in lactating dairy goats but also boosted their immunity and antioxidant status by modulating the expression of several genes related to antioxidant and inflammation in the mammary gland.

Molecular Mechanism and Molecular Design of Lubricating Oil Antioxidants

To overcome the limitations of traditional experimental“trial and error”methods in lubricant additive design,a new molecular design method based on molecular structure parameters is established here.The molecular mechanism of the antioxidant reaction of hindered phenol,diphenylamine,and alkyl sulfide are studied via molecular simulations.Calculation results show that the strong electron-donating ability and high hydrogen-donating activity of the antioxidant molecule and the low hydrogen-abstracting activity of free radicals formed after dehydrogenation are the internal molecular causes of the shielding of phenol and diphenylamine from scavenging peroxy free radicals,and the strong electron-donating ability is the internal molecular cause of the high activity of thioether in decomposing alkyl hydrogen peroxide.Based on this antioxidant molecular mechanism,a molecular design rule of antioxidant is proposed,namely“high EHOMO,large Q(S),low bond dissociation energy BDE(O—H)and BDE(N—H)”.Two new antioxidants,PAS-I and PAS-II,are designed and prepared by chemical bonding of hindered phenol,diphenylamine,and sulfur atoms.Experimental results show that these antioxidants both have excellent antioxidant effects in lubricating oil,and that PAS-II is the superior antioxidant,consistent with theoretical predictions.

Betalains protect various body organs through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways

Betalains are natural coloring pigments with betalamic acid as the core structure of all subclasses.Besides their coloring properties,betalains exhibit various biological activities,including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties,which are highly imperative.Further in-vivo studies reported that betalains protect various body organs,leading to health enhancement.Body organs,including the heart,liver,kidney,lung,etc.,are important for a healthy life.However,these organs can be affected or damaged by various stress factors,toxicants,and harmful substances.Recent studies have claimed that betalains could protect all vital organs of the body through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.This review article described the in-vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of betalains in various cell-line or animal models.A comprehensive discussion has been provided on the mechanism of action of betalains in protecting various body organs,including cardio-protective effect,hepato-protective ability,renal protection capacity,repro-protective ability,neuro-protective effect,lung protection,and gut protection ability.Finally,future research directions and conclusions have been outlined.

An overview of potential cardioprotective benefits of xanthophylls in atherosclerosis:an evidence-based review

Atherosclerosis,as the most prevalent form of cardiovascular disease,is characterized by oxidized lowdensity lipoprotein(ox-LDL)accumulation in the vascular wall,increased inflammation of the large arteries,dysfunction of the endothelial cells(ECs)and vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs),which may eventually lead to the formation of plaques.Xanthophylls,one of the main groups of carotenoids,have been proposed as preventive agents or adjunct therapies to prevent and slow the progression of atherosclerosis due to their cardioprotective properties.However,the underlying preventive mechanism of action of xanthophylls on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis remains unclear,and clinical evidence of the effect of xanthophylls on atherosclerosis have not yet been summarized and critically reviewed.In this regard,we conducted a comprehensive literature search in four scientific databases(Pub Med,Google Scholar,Science Direct and Web of Science)and carefully analyzed the existing evidence to provide meaningful insights on the association between xanthophylls and atherosclerosis from various aspects.Based on the evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies,we explored several potential mechanisms,including antioxidant effect,anti-inflammatory effect,regulation of lipid metabolism,and modulation of ECs and VSMCs dysfunction,and we found that a clear picture of regulatory pathways of xanthophylls on atherosclerosis prevention and treatment is still lacking.In addition,epidemiological studies suggested the possible relationship among high dietary intake of xanthophylls,high plasma/serum xanthophylls and a reduced risk of atherosclerosis.Direct evidence from interventional studies investigating the effect of xanthophylls on atherosclerosis is very sparse,whilst indirect clinical evidence was only limited to astaxanthin and lutein.Therefore,well-designed long-term randomized controlled trials(RCTs)are highly recommended for future studies to investigate the effective dose of different xanthophylls on atherosclerosis prevention and their possible ancillary effect in conjunction with drug therapies on different stages of atherosclerosis.