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Antioxidants, Volume 8, Issue 11 (November 2019) – 63 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Overweight and obesity are important risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Moving towards plant-rich diets increases the intake of bioactive compounds and could decrease the odds of suffering T2D. However, those individuals with high body mass index (BMI) may have altered absorption or metabolism of some nutrients and dietary components, including polyphenols. This work studies whether high dietary intakes of some classes of polyphenols are associated with T2D in a large population with metabolic syndrome and how these associations depend on BMI and sex. View this paper.
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23 pages, 1042 KiB  
Review
Redox Regulation and Oxidative Stress: The Particular Case of the Stallion Spermatozoa
by Fernando J. Peña, Cristian O’Flaherty, José M. Ortiz Rodríguez, Francisco E. Martín Cano, Gemma L. Gaitskell-Phillips, María C. Gil and Cristina Ortega Ferrusola
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 567; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110567 - 19 Nov 2019
Cited by 55 | Viewed by 5095
Abstract
Redox regulation and oxidative stress have become areas of major interest in spermatology. Alteration of redox homeostasis is recognized as a significant cause of male factor infertility and is behind the damage that spermatozoa experience after freezing and thawing or conservation in a [...] Read more.
Redox regulation and oxidative stress have become areas of major interest in spermatology. Alteration of redox homeostasis is recognized as a significant cause of male factor infertility and is behind the damage that spermatozoa experience after freezing and thawing or conservation in a liquid state. While for a long time, oxidative stress was just considered an overproduction of reactive oxygen species, nowadays it is considered as a consequence of redox deregulation. Many essential aspects of spermatozoa functionality are redox regulated, with reversible oxidation of thiols in cysteine residues of key proteins acting as an “on–off” switch controlling sperm function. However, if deregulation occurs, these residues may experience irreversible oxidation and oxidative stress, leading to malfunction and ultimately death of the spermatozoa. Stallion spermatozoa are “professional producers” of reactive oxygen species due to their intense mitochondrial activity, and thus sophisticated systems to control redox homeostasis are also characteristic of the spermatozoa in the horse. As a result, and combined with the fact that embryos can easily be collected in this species, horses are a good model for the study of redox biology in the spermatozoa and its impact on the embryo. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reactive Oxygen Species and Male Fertility)
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20 pages, 3020 KiB  
Article
Fibroblasts to Keratinocytes Redox Signaling: The Possible Role of ROS in Psoriatic Plaque Formation
by Victoria Barygina, Matteo Becatti, Francesca Prignano, Torello Lotti, Niccolò Taddei and Claudia Fiorillo
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 566; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110566 - 18 Nov 2019
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4389
Abstract
Although the role of reactive oxygen species-mediated (ROS-mediated) signalling in physiologic and pathologic skin conditions has been proven, no data exist on the skin cells ROS-mediated communication. Primary fibroblasts were obtained from lesional and non-lesional skin of psoriatic patients. ROS, superoxide anion, calcium [...] Read more.
Although the role of reactive oxygen species-mediated (ROS-mediated) signalling in physiologic and pathologic skin conditions has been proven, no data exist on the skin cells ROS-mediated communication. Primary fibroblasts were obtained from lesional and non-lesional skin of psoriatic patients. ROS, superoxide anion, calcium and nitric oxide levels and lipoperoxidation markers and total antioxidant content were measured in fibroblasts. NADPH oxidase activity and NOX1, 2 and 4 expressions were assayed and NOX4 silencing was performed. Fibroblasts and healthy keratinocytes co-culture was performed. MAPK pathways activation was studied in fibroblasts and in co-cultured healthy keratinocytes. Increased intracellular calcium, •NO and ROS levels as well as an enhanced NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4)–mediated extracellular ROS release was shown in lesional psoriatic vs. control fibroblasts. Upon co-culture with lesional fibroblasts, keratinocytes showed p38 and ERK MAPKs pathways activation, ROS, Ca2+ and •NO increase and cell cycle acceleration. Notably, NOX4 knockdown significantly reduced the observed effects of lesional fibroblasts on keratinocyte cell cycle progression. Co-culture with non-lesional psoriatic and control fibroblasts induced slight cell cycle acceleration, but notable intracellular ROS accumulation and ERK MAPK activation in keratinocytes. Collectively, our data demonstrate that NOX4 expressed in dermal fibroblasts is essential for the redox paracrine regulation of epidermal keratinocytes proliferation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Redox Regulation of Cell Signalling)
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18 pages, 271 KiB  
Article
The Nutritional Value of Non-Traditional Gluten-Free Flakes and Their Antioxidant Activity
by Kristýna Šťastná, Martina Mrázková, Daniela Sumczynski, Betül Cındık and Erkan Yalçın
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 565; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8110565 - 16 Nov 2019
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3022
Abstract
Nowadays, there is a growing interest for foods with a lower sugar content and rich in fiber and biologically active substances. The main purpose of this study was to prepare flakes from non-traditional pigmented cereals (Oryza sativa, Chenopodium quinoa, and Eragrostis [...] Read more.
Nowadays, there is a growing interest for foods with a lower sugar content and rich in fiber and biologically active substances. The main purpose of this study was to prepare flakes from non-traditional pigmented cereals (Oryza sativa, Chenopodium quinoa, and Eragrostis tef) and to analyze their fibre, sugar, and in vitro digestibility values. Regarding phenolic antioxidants (soluble, soluble conjugated, and insoluble bound fractions), their content and antioxidant activity were measured using spectrophotometry and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. Hydrothermally treated grains resulted in flakes with higher total dietary fibre contents (11.1–24.4%), quinoa and teff flakes were rich in maltose (up to 42.0 mg/g). Non-traditional flakes had lower in vitro digestibility, but conversely, they exhibited the highest phenolic contents corresponding with the highest antioxidant activity values (up to 2.33 mg Gallic acid equivalent/g of total phenolic content and 1.59 mg Trolox equivalent/g for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) in case of brown teff). Among free phenolics, the main contributors to an antioxidant activity were p-coumaric, o-coumaric, and gallic acids (r > 0.8186); among the soluble conjugated fractions, they were epigallocatechin, epicatechin, caffeic, and vanillic acids (r > 0.5935); while caffeic, protocatechuic, and ferulic acids (r > 0.5751) were the main contributors among the insoluble bound phenolics. Full article
23 pages, 3107 KiB  
Article
Genome–Scale Metabolic Networks Shed Light on the Carotenoid Biosynthesis Pathway in the Brown Algae Saccharina japonica and Cladosiphon okamuranus
by Delphine Nègre, Méziane Aite, Arnaud Belcour, Clémence Frioux, Loraine Brillet-Guéguen, Xi Liu, Philippe Bordron, Olivier Godfroy, Agnieszka P. Lipinska, Catherine Leblanc, Anne Siegel, Simon M. Dittami, Erwan Corre and Gabriel V. Markov
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 564; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110564 - 16 Nov 2019
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4120
Abstract
Understanding growth mechanisms in brown algae is a current scientific and economic challenge that can benefit from the modeling of their metabolic networks. The sequencing of the genomes of Saccharina japonica and Cladosiphon okamuranus has provided the necessary data for the reconstruction of [...] Read more.
Understanding growth mechanisms in brown algae is a current scientific and economic challenge that can benefit from the modeling of their metabolic networks. The sequencing of the genomes of Saccharina japonica and Cladosiphon okamuranus has provided the necessary data for the reconstruction of Genome–Scale Metabolic Networks (GSMNs). The same in silico method deployed for the GSMN reconstruction of Ectocarpus siliculosus to investigate the metabolic capabilities of these two algae, was used. Integrating metabolic profiling data from the literature, we provided functional GSMNs composed of an average of 2230 metabolites and 3370 reactions. Based on these GSMNs and previously published work, we propose a model for the biosynthetic pathways of the main carotenoids in these two algae. We highlight, on the one hand, the reactions and enzymes that have been preserved through evolution and, on the other hand, the specificities related to brown algae. Our data further indicate that, if abscisic acid is produced by Saccharina japonica, its biosynthesis pathway seems to be different in its final steps from that described in land plants. Thus, our work illustrates the potential of GSMNs reconstructions for formalizing hypotheses that can be further tested using targeted biochemical approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Algal Antioxidants)
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19 pages, 1852 KiB  
Article
The Influence of In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion on the Chemical Composition and Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Capacities of Carob Liqueurs Obtained with Different Elaboration Techniques
by Raquel Rodríguez-Solana, Natacha Coelho, Antonio Santos-Rufo, Sandra Gonçalves, Efrén Pérez-Santín and Anabela Romano
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 563; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110563 - 16 Nov 2019
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3691
Abstract
Carob liqueur is a traditional Mediterranean alcoholic beverage obtained via a wide range of production techniques contributing to the different organoleptic attributes of the final product. The aim of this research was to evaluate the stability of the chemical composition and biological capacities [...] Read more.
Carob liqueur is a traditional Mediterranean alcoholic beverage obtained via a wide range of production techniques contributing to the different organoleptic attributes of the final product. The aim of this research was to evaluate the stability of the chemical composition and biological capacities (antioxidant and enzyme inhibition) under in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion of liqueurs prepared by flavouring the fig spirit with carob pulp by maceration, distillation, percolation, or aqueous and hydro-alcoholic infusions. For this purpose, the phenolic and furanic compositions, the total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents, antioxidant capacity (AC), and enzyme inhibitory potential against acethylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes were evaluated. The content of gallic acid decreased after gastrointestinal digestion, while TPC, TFC, and AC significantly increased after each digestion phase. Overall, no significantly different enzyme inhibitions (p < 0.05) were observed among digested liqueurs, with moderate inhibition against acethylcholinesterase and tyrosinase (enzymes related with neurodegenerative diseases), and potent and low inhibitory capacities for α-glucosidase and α-amylase, respectively (ideal conditions employed in antidiabetic therapy). The study indicates that hydro-alcoholic infusion and maceration were the most appropriate methods to obtain liqueurs with higher values of the aforementioned parameters and safe levels of toxic furanics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Profiling and Antioxidant Capacity in Plants)
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14 pages, 273 KiB  
Article
Polyphenols from Lycium barbarum (Goji) Fruit European Cultivars at Different Maturation Steps: Extraction, HPLC-DAD Analyses, and Biological Evaluation
by Andrei Mocan, Francesco Cairone, Marcello Locatelli, Francesco Cacciagrano, Simone Carradori, Dan C. Vodnar, Gianina Crișan, Giovanna Simonetti and Stefania Cesa
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 562; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110562 - 16 Nov 2019
Cited by 35 | Viewed by 5366
Abstract
Goji berries are undoubtedly a source of potentially bioactive compounds but their phytochemical profile can vary depending on their geographical origin, cultivar, and/or industrial processing. A rapid and cheap extraction of the polyphenolic fraction from Lycium barbarum cultivars, applied after homogenization treatments, was [...] Read more.
Goji berries are undoubtedly a source of potentially bioactive compounds but their phytochemical profile can vary depending on their geographical origin, cultivar, and/or industrial processing. A rapid and cheap extraction of the polyphenolic fraction from Lycium barbarum cultivars, applied after homogenization treatments, was combined with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses based on two different methods. The obtained hydroalcoholic extracts, containing interesting secondary metabolites (gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, catechin, sinapinic acid, rutin, and carvacrol), were also submitted to a wide biological screening. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents, the antioxidant capacity using three antioxidant assays, tyrosinase inhibition, and anti-Candida activity were evaluated in order to correlate the impact of the homogenization treatment, geographical origin, and cultivar type on the polyphenolic and flavonoid amount, and consequently the bioactivity. The rutin amount, considered as a quality marker for goji berries according to European Pharmacopeia, varied from ≈200 to ≈400 µg/g among the tested samples, showing important differences observed in relation to the influence of the evaluated parameters. Full article
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19 pages, 13321 KiB  
Article
Penta-1,2,3,4,6-O-Galloyl-β-d-Glucose Inhibits UVB-Induced Photoaging by Targeting PAK1 and JNK1
by Ji-An Kim, Jae-Eun Lee, Ji Hye Kim, Hyo-Jeong Lee and Nam Joo Kang
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 561; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110561 - 15 Nov 2019
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3990
Abstract
Penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose (PGG) is a gallotannin polyphenolic compound that occurs naturally in fermented Rhus verniciflua. The present study aimed to examine the effect of PGG on UVB-induced skin aging and its molecular mechanisms in HaCaT human keratinocytes and SKH-1 [...] Read more.
Penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose (PGG) is a gallotannin polyphenolic compound that occurs naturally in fermented Rhus verniciflua. The present study aimed to examine the effect of PGG on UVB-induced skin aging and its molecular mechanisms in HaCaT human keratinocytes and SKH-1 hairless mice models. PGG suppressed UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression in HaCaT cells by inhibiting phosphorylation of RAF/MEK/ERK, MKK3/6/p38, and c-Jun. UVB-induced ERK and p38 signaling pathways that induce the MMP-1 expression were mediated by PAK1 in HaCaT cells. PGG suppressed PAK1 and JNK1 kinase activities, and directly bound both PAK1 in an ATP-competitive manner and JNK1 in an ATP-noncompetitive manner. Consistently, PGG decreased UVB-induced wrinkle formation, epidermal thickness, type 1 collagen and MMP-13 expression in mouse skin. Overall, these results indicate that PGG exhibits anti-photoaging effects in vitro and in vivo by the suppression of PAK1 and JNK1 kinase activities, and may be useful for the prevention of skin aging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Cosmetics)
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16 pages, 2731 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and FTIR Characterization of High-Molecular Weight Melanoidin Fractions from Different Types of Cocoa Beans
by Joanna Oracz and Dorota Zyzelewicz
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 560; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110560 - 15 Nov 2019
Cited by 47 | Viewed by 5435
Abstract
Melanoidins from real foods and model systems have received considerable interest due to potential health benefits. However, due to the complexity of these compounds, to date, the exact structure of melanoidins and mechanism involved in their biological activity has not been fully elucidated. [...] Read more.
Melanoidins from real foods and model systems have received considerable interest due to potential health benefits. However, due to the complexity of these compounds, to date, the exact structure of melanoidins and mechanism involved in their biological activity has not been fully elucidated. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the total phenolic content, antioxidant properties, and structural characteristics of high-molecular weight (HMW) melanoidin fractions isolated by dialysis (>12.4 kDa) from raw and roasted cocoa beans of Criollo, Forastero, and Trinitario beans cultivated in various area. In vitro antioxidant properties of all studied HMW cocoa fractions were evaluated by four different assays, namely free radical scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS•+ radicals, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and metal-chelating ability. Additionally, the structure–activity relationship of isolated HMW melanoidin fractions were analyzed using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The results show that roasting at a temperature of 150 °C and a relative air humidity of 0.3% effectively enhances the total phenolics content and the antioxidant potential of almost all HMW cocoa melanoidin fractions. The ATR-FTIR analysis revealed that the various mechanisms of action of HMW melanoidins isolates of different types of cocoa beans related to their structural diversity. Consequently, the results clearly demonstrated that HMW cocoa fractions isolated from cocoa beans (especially those of Criollo variety) roasted at higher temperatures with the lower relative humidity of air possess high antioxidant properties in vitro. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Cocoa)
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20 pages, 1850 KiB  
Article
From the Field to the Pot: Phytochemical and Functional Analyses of Calendula officinalis L. Flower for Incorporation in an Organic Yogurt
by Graziela Bragueto Escher, Lorena do Carmo Cardoso Borges, Jânio Sousa Santos, Thiago Mendanha Cruz, Mariza Boscacci Marques, Mariana Araújo Vieira do Carmo, Luciana Azevedo, Marianna M. Furtado, Anderson S. Sant’Ana, Mingchun Wen, Liang Zhang and Daniel Granato
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 559; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110559 - 15 Nov 2019
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 3982
Abstract
Edible flowers have been used as ingredients because of their biological activities, taste, and overall appearance. This research was aimed to characterize the chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of the marigold flower (Calendula officinalis L.) extracted with different proportions of [...] Read more.
Edible flowers have been used as ingredients because of their biological activities, taste, and overall appearance. This research was aimed to characterize the chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of the marigold flower (Calendula officinalis L.) extracted with different proportions of water and ethyl alcohol, and the lyophilized extract with higher content of antioxidant compounds was incorporated into an organic yogurt. Results showed that the hydroalcoholic extract (50:50 v/v) presented the highest total phenolic content (TPC), flavonoids, and antioxidant activity (ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total reducing capacity (TRC), and Cu2+/Fe2+ chelating ability). Phenolic acids and flavonoids were quantified in the extract by LC-DAD, while 19 compounds were tentatively identified by ESI-MS/MS. The lyophilized marigold extract (LME) also inhibited 12% of Wistar rat’s brain lipid oxidation in vitro, inhibited α-amylase, and α-glucosidase activities, but showed no cytotoxicity towards cancerous cells (HCT8 and A549). However, marigold flower extract protected human erythrocytes against mechanical stress. When added into an organic yogurt model (0 to 1.5%), LME increased TPC and antioxidant activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and TRC), and the sensory analysis showed that the organic yogurt had an acceptance of 80.4%. Our results show that the use of LME may be a technological strategy to increase the content of bioactive compounds in yogurts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Profiling and Antioxidant Capacity in Plants)
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15 pages, 1697 KiB  
Communication
Mycoredoxins Are Required for Redox Homeostasis and Intracellular Survival in the Actinobacterial Pathogen Rhodococcus equi
by Álvaro Mourenza, Natalia Bravo-Santano, Inés Pradal, Jose A. Gil, Luis M. Mateos and Michal Letek
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 558; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110558 - 15 Nov 2019
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3566
Abstract
Rhodococcus equi is a facultative intracellular pathogen that can survive within macrophages of a wide variety of hosts, including immunosuppressed humans. Current antibiotherapy is often ineffective, and novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to tackle infections caused by this pathogen. In this study, [...] Read more.
Rhodococcus equi is a facultative intracellular pathogen that can survive within macrophages of a wide variety of hosts, including immunosuppressed humans. Current antibiotherapy is often ineffective, and novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to tackle infections caused by this pathogen. In this study, we identified three mycoredoxin-encoding genes (mrx) in the genome of R. equi, and we investigated their role in virulence. Importantly, the intracellular survival of a triple mrx-null mutant (Δmrx1Δmrx2Δmrx3) in murine macrophages was fully impaired. However, each mycoredoxin alone could restore the intracellular proliferation rate of R. equi Δmrx1Δmrx2Δmrx3 to wild type levels, suggesting that these proteins could have overlapping functions during host cell infection. Experiments with the reduction-oxidation sensitive green fluorescent protein 2 (roGFP2) biosensor confirmed that R. equi was exposed to redox stress during phagocytosis, and mycoredoxins were involved in preserving the redox homeostasis of the pathogen. Thus, we studied the importance of each mycoredoxin for the resistance of R. equi to different oxidative stressors. Interestingly, all mrx genes did have overlapping roles in the resistance to sodium hypochlorite. In contrast, only mrx1 was essential for the survival against high concentrations of nitric oxide, while mrx3 was not required for the resistance to hydrogen peroxide. Our results suggest that all mycoredoxins have important roles in redox homeostasis, contributing to the pathogenesis of R. equi and, therefore, these proteins may be considered interesting targets for the development of new anti-infectives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Antioxidant Enzyme Systems)
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16 pages, 3295 KiB  
Article
Dietary Flavonoids Luteolin and Quercetin Inhibit Migration and Invasion of Squamous Carcinoma through Reduction of Src/Stat3/S100A7 Signaling
by Jhen-Jia Fan, Wen-Hsien Hsu, Kuen-Haur Lee, Ku-Chung Chen, Cheng-Wei Lin, Yu-Lin A Lee, Tzu-Ping Ko, Lang-Ta Lee, Ming-Ting Lee, Mau-Sun Chang and Chia-Hsiung Cheng
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 557; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110557 - 15 Nov 2019
Cited by 63 | Viewed by 3975
Abstract
Flavonoids are well-known antioxidants and have shown the ability to prevent tumor formation and recurrence. Especially in dietary flavonoids, they have provided convenience and consistence of intake for long-term prevention of tumor formation. Previous reports suggested that S100 calcium-binding protein A7 (S100A7) might [...] Read more.
Flavonoids are well-known antioxidants and have shown the ability to prevent tumor formation and recurrence. Especially in dietary flavonoids, they have provided convenience and consistence of intake for long-term prevention of tumor formation. Previous reports suggested that S100 calcium-binding protein A7 (S100A7) might activate epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling and promote the metastasis of tumor cells; however, the regulatory signaling was unclear. In this study, we found that S100A7 was highly expressed in cancer cells and could be reduced by luteolin (Lu) and quercetin (Qu) through Src/Stat3 signaling. We found that the protein levels of S100A7, phosphorylated Src (p-Src), and p-Stat3 were increased in A431-III cells. Flavonoids Lu and Qu reduce protein levels of p-Src, p-Stat3 and S100A7 in A431-III cells. Treatment of A431-III cells with Src inhibitor SU6656 and Stat3 inhibitor S3I-201 also reduced the protein levels of S100A7. Transactivation activity of 5′-upstream regions of S100A7 was activated by Stat3 but was reduced by treatment with Lu, Qu, SU6656 and S3I-201. The treatment also reduced the migratory and invasive abilities of A431-III cells. In a further analysis of EMT markers, the protein level of E-cad increased and that of Twist decreased after treatment with the inhibitors and flavonoids. Overexpression of S100A7 decreased the protein level of E-cad and increased the Twist level, whereas knockdown of S100A7 had the opposite effects. Treatment with S3I-201, Lu and Qu, compared to the control, were found to decrease metastasis of tumor cells in zebrafish larvae. These results suggest that Lu and Qu may inhibit Src/Stat3/S100A7 signaling to reduce tumorigenesis of cancer cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Antioxidants in Cancer Chemoprevention)
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31 pages, 5644 KiB  
Review
Nitric Oxide-Releasing Polymeric Materials for Antimicrobial Applications: A Review
by Fan Rong, Yizhang Tang, Tengjiao Wang, Tao Feng, Jiang Song, Peng Li and Wei Huang
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 556; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110556 - 15 Nov 2019
Cited by 97 | Viewed by 9443
Abstract
Polymeric materials releasing nitric oxide have attracted significant attention for therapeutic use in recent years. As one of the gaseous signaling agents in eukaryotic cells, endogenously generated nitric oxide (NO) is also capable of regulating the behavior of bacteria as well as biofilm [...] Read more.
Polymeric materials releasing nitric oxide have attracted significant attention for therapeutic use in recent years. As one of the gaseous signaling agents in eukaryotic cells, endogenously generated nitric oxide (NO) is also capable of regulating the behavior of bacteria as well as biofilm formation in many metabolic pathways. To overcome the drawbacks caused by the radical nature of NO, synthetic or natural polymers bearing NO releasing moiety have been prepared as nano-sized materials, coatings, and hydrogels. To successfully design these materials, the amount of NO released within a certain duration, the targeted pathogens and the trigger mechanisms upon external stimulation with light, temperature, and chemicals should be taken into consideration. Meanwhile, NO donors like S-nitrosothiols (RSNOs) and N-diazeniumdiolates (NONOates) have been widely utilized for developing antimicrobial polymeric agents through polymer-NO donor conjugation or physical encapsulation. In addition, antimicrobial materials with visible light responsive NO donor are also reported as strong and physiological friendly tools for rapid bacterial clearance. This review highlights approaches to delivery NO from different types of polymeric materials for combating diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria, which hopefully can inspire researchers facing common challenges in the coming ‘post-antibiotic’ era. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Delivery of Gaseous Signal Molecules)
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9 pages, 837 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Thiamine Concentration on the Antioxidative Activity Indices in Tea Extracts
by Justyna Piechocka, Krystyna Szymandera-Buszka, Joanna Kobus-Cisowska, Anna Gramza-Michałowska and Anna Jędrusek-Golińska
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 555; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110555 - 15 Nov 2019
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3823
Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine correlations between the concentration of thiamine in systems and indicators of the antioxidative activity of ethanol tea extracts in the presence of soybean oil. Variability of the thiamine form was assumed by comparison of the [...] Read more.
The aim of the study was to determine correlations between the concentration of thiamine in systems and indicators of the antioxidative activity of ethanol tea extracts in the presence of soybean oil. Variability of the thiamine form was assumed by comparison of the influence of thiamine hydrochloride or thiamine pyrophosphate and fermentation of ethanol tea extracts. The study provides practical knowledge about the antioxidative activity of ethanol tea extracts in products containing fat and thiamine. The study showed that all tea extracts exhibited higher antioxidative activity in the presence of thiamine amounts of 0.1 and 0.8 mg/100 g. The antioxidative activity of ethanol tea extracts was significantly reduced when the concentrations were higher than the natural level for foods (over 1.0 mg/100 g). The systems containing white tea extract were the most vulnerable, whereas those with black tea were the least vulnerable. The presence of thiamine pyrophosphate in the system was more strongly correlated with reduced activity of the extracts than the presence of thiamine hydrochloride. Full article
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17 pages, 3686 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Evaluation of Resveratrol-Loaded Composite Nanoparticles Using a Supercritical Fluid Technology for Enhanced Oral and Skin Delivery
by Eun-Sol Ha, Woo-Yong Sim, Seon-Kwang Lee, Ji-Su Jeong, Jeong-Soo Kim, In-hwan Baek, Du Hyung Choi, Heejun Park, Sung-Joo Hwang and Min-Soo Kim
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 554; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110554 - 14 Nov 2019
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 4873
Abstract
We created composite nanoparticles containing hydrophilic additives using a supercritical antisolvent (SAS) process to increase the solubility and dissolution properties of trans-resveratrol for application in oral and skin delivery. Physicochemical properties of trans-resveratrol-loaded composite nanoparticles were characterized. In addition, an in [...] Read more.
We created composite nanoparticles containing hydrophilic additives using a supercritical antisolvent (SAS) process to increase the solubility and dissolution properties of trans-resveratrol for application in oral and skin delivery. Physicochemical properties of trans-resveratrol-loaded composite nanoparticles were characterized. In addition, an in vitro dissolution–permeation study, an in vivo pharmacokinetic study in rats, and an ex vivo skin permeation study in rats were performed. The mean particle size of all the composite nanoparticles produced was less than 300 nm. Compared to micronized trans-resveratrol, the trans-resveratrol/hydroxylpropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC)/poloxamer 407 (1:4:1) nanoparticles with the highest flux (0.792 μg/min/cm2) exhibited rapid absorption and showed significantly higher exposure 4 h after oral administration. Good correlations were observed between in vitro flux and in vivo pharmacokinetic data. The increased solubility and flux of trans-resveratrol generated by the HPMC/surfactant nanoparticles increased the driving force on the gastrointestinal epithelial membrane and rat skin, resulting in enhanced oral and skin delivery of trans-resveratrol. HPMC/surfactant nanoparticles produced by an SAS process are, thus, a promising formulation method for trans-resveratrol for healthcare products (owing to their enhanced absorption via oral administration) and for skin application with cosmetic products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Phenolic Compounds for Health, Food and Cosmetic Applications)
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15 pages, 2075 KiB  
Article
Piperlongumine Induces Cell Cycle Arrest via Reactive Oxygen Species Accumulation and IKKβ Suppression in Human Breast Cancer Cells
by Chang Hee Jeong, Haram Ryu, Do Hyun Kim, Wei Nee Cheng, Jee Eun Yoon, Sukyung Kang and Sung Gu Han
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 553; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110553 - 14 Nov 2019
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 5041
Abstract
Piperlongumine (PL), a natural product derived from long pepper (Piper longum L.), is known to exhibit anticancer effects. However, the effect of PL on cell cycle-regulatory proteins in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cells is unclear. Therefore, we investigated whether PL can modulate [...] Read more.
Piperlongumine (PL), a natural product derived from long pepper (Piper longum L.), is known to exhibit anticancer effects. However, the effect of PL on cell cycle-regulatory proteins in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cells is unclear. Therefore, we investigated whether PL can modulate the growth of ER-positive breast cancer cell line, MCF-7. We found that PL decreased MCF-7 cell proliferation and migration. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that PL induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. Moreover, PL significantly modulated the mRNA levels of cyclins B1 and D1, cyclin-dependent kinases 1, 4, and 6, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. PL induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (hydrogen peroxide) accumulation and glutathione depletion. PL-mediated inhibition of IKKβ expression decreased nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. Furthermore, PL significantly increased p21 mRNA levels. In conclusion, our data suggest that PL exerts anticancer effects in ER-positive breast cancer cells by inhibiting cell proliferation and migration via ROS accumulation and IKKβ suppression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural and Synthetic Antioxidants)
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15 pages, 2892 KiB  
Article
Silver Nanoparticles Induce Mitochondrial Protein Oxidation in Lung Cells Impacting Cell Cycle and Proliferation
by Reetta J. Holmila, Stephen A. Vance, Stephen Bruce King, Allen W. Tsang, Ravi Singh and Cristina M. Furdui
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 552; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110552 - 14 Nov 2019
Cited by 44 | Viewed by 4086
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used nanomaterials in both commercial and clinical biomedical applications, due to their antibacterial properties. AgNPs are also being explored for the treatment of cancer in particular in combination with ionizing radiation. In this work, we studied the effects [...] Read more.
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used nanomaterials in both commercial and clinical biomedical applications, due to their antibacterial properties. AgNPs are also being explored for the treatment of cancer in particular in combination with ionizing radiation. In this work, we studied the effects of AgNPs and ionizing radiation on mitochondrial redox state and function in a panel of lung cell lines (A549, BEAS-2B, Calu-1 and NCI-H358). The exposure to AgNPs caused cell cycle arrest and decreased cell proliferation in A549, BEAS-2B and Calu-1, but not in NCI-H358. The mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protein oxidation increased in a time- and dose-dependent manner in the more sensitive cell lines with the AgNP exposure, but not in NCI-H358. While ionizing radiation also induced changes in the mitochondrial redox profiles, in general, these were not synergistic with the effects of AgNPs with the exception of NCI-H358 and only at a higher dose of radiation. Full article
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16 pages, 1314 KiB  
Article
Influence of Cooking and Ingredients on the Antioxidant Activity, Phenolic Content and Volatile Profile of Different Variants of the Mediterranean Typical Tomato Sofrito
by Ana Beltrán Sanahuja, Saray López De Pablo Gallego, Salvador E. Maestre Pérez, Arantzazu Valdés García and María Soledad Prats Moya
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 551; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110551 - 14 Nov 2019
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4322
Abstract
In this study, six different sofrito formulations were compared with the raw recipe for total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity tested by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) methods. The volatile profile was also obtained by [...] Read more.
In this study, six different sofrito formulations were compared with the raw recipe for total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity tested by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) methods. The volatile profile was also obtained by the headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC–MS) procedure. The cooking process and the addition of herbs, and garlic improved the final content of antioxidant compounds compared to the basic recipe and the raw ingredients. The total volatile content was higher in the samples that contained rosemary and thymus. Some of the volatiles had proven antioxidant properties and for that reason the sofrito with rosemary with the higher volatile content was also the one with the higher antioxidant capacity and TPC. In conclusion, as well as the processing technique, the addition of selected typical Mediterranean herbs apart from given flavour can contribute to improving the nutritional antioxidant profile of dishes and be used as a natural method to increase the shelf-life of preparation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Profiling and Antioxidant Capacity in Plants)
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16 pages, 1582 KiB  
Article
Novel Polymeric Nanocarriers Reduced Zinc and Doxycycline Toxicity in the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans
by Manuel Toledano, Manuel Toledano-Osorio, María D. Navarro-Hortal, Alfonso Varela-López, Raquel Osorio and José L. Quiles
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 550; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110550 - 14 Nov 2019
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4023
Abstract
The objective was to evaluate the toxicity of zinc- and doxycycline-loaded polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. These NPs are composed of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and methacrylic acid. NPs were loaded with doxycycline (D-NPs) and zinc (Zn-NPs) [...] Read more.
The objective was to evaluate the toxicity of zinc- and doxycycline-loaded polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. These NPs are composed of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and methacrylic acid. NPs were loaded with doxycycline (D-NPs) and zinc (Zn-NPs) by chemical adsorption, and loading efficacy was demonstrated. Worm death rate in a concentration-response curve basis was calculated for lethality. Metabolism was evaluated through pharyngeal pumping assay. Body length measurements, brood size and egg lays were used to gauge growth, reproduction and fertility respectively. Intracellular hydrogen peroxide levels were determined to assess the reactive oxygen species production. One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni were used for comparisons (p < 0.05). Tested NPs at the highest dosage did not affect lethality or worm metabolism, expressed in terms of death rate and pharyngeal pumping per minute, respectively. Zn-NPs slightly increased worm growth. The concentration of the intracellular hydrogen peroxide levels was the lowest in the D-NPs group. The distinct NPs and concentrations employed were shown to be non-toxic for in situ administration of zinc and doxycycline, reducing the harmful effects of these compounds. Full article
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4 pages, 186 KiB  
Editorial
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Plants Extract
by Mario Allegra
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 549; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110549 - 14 Nov 2019
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5150
Abstract
Inflammation is an adaptive response triggered by noxious stimuli and conditions such as infection and tissue injury [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Plants Extract)
16 pages, 9833 KiB  
Article
Oxidative Stress Increases Endogenous Complement-Dependent Inflammatory and Angiogenic Responses in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Independently of Exogenous Complement Sources
by Timon-Orest Trakkides, Nicole Schäfer, Maria Reichenthaler, Konstanze Kühn, Ricardo J. M. G. E. Brandwijk, Erik J. M. Toonen, Florian Urban, Joachim Wegener, Volker Enzmann and Diana Pauly
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 548; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110548 - 13 Nov 2019
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4583
Abstract
Oxidative stress-induced damage of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and chronic inflammation have been suggested as major contributors to a range of retinal diseases. Here, we examined the effects of oxidative stress on endogenous complement components and proinflammatory and angiogenic responses in RPE [...] Read more.
Oxidative stress-induced damage of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and chronic inflammation have been suggested as major contributors to a range of retinal diseases. Here, we examined the effects of oxidative stress on endogenous complement components and proinflammatory and angiogenic responses in RPE cells. ARPE-19 cells exposed for 1–48 h to H2O2 had reduced cell–cell contact and increased markers for epithelial–mesenchymal transition but showed insignificant cell death. Stressed ARPE-19 cells increased the expression of complement receptors CR3 (subunit CD11b) and C5aR1. CD11b was colocalized with cell-derived complement protein C3, which was present in its activated form in ARPE-19 cells. C3, as well as its regulators complement factor H (CFH) and properdin, accumulated in the ARPE-19 cells after oxidative stress independently of external complement sources. This cell-associated complement accumulation was accompanied by increased nlrp3 and foxp3 expression and the subsequently enhanced secretion of proinflammatory and proangiogenic factors. The complement-associated ARPE-19 reaction to oxidative stress, which was independent of exogenous complement sources, was further augmented by the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor olaparib. Our results indicate that ARPE-19 cell-derived complement proteins and receptors are involved in ARPE-19 cell homeostasis following oxidative stress and should be considered as targets for treatment development for retinal degeneration. Full article
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12 pages, 2042 KiB  
Article
Salicylic Acid and Melatonin Alleviate the Effects of Heat Stress on Essential Oil Composition and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in Mentha × piperita and Mentha arvensis L.
by Milad Haydari, Viviana Maresca, Daniela Rigano, Alireza Taleei, Ali Akbar Shahnejat-Bushehri, Javad Hadian, Sergio Sorbo, Marco Guida, Caterina Manna, Marina Piscopo, Rosaria Notariale, Francesca De Ruberto, Lina Fusaro and Adriana Basile
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 547; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110547 - 13 Nov 2019
Cited by 46 | Viewed by 5253
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the chemical profile of essential oils and antioxidant enzymes activity (catalase CAT, superoxide dismutase SOD, Glutathione S-transferases GST, and Peroxidase POX) in Mentha × piperita L. (Mitcham variety) and Mentha arvensis L. [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the chemical profile of essential oils and antioxidant enzymes activity (catalase CAT, superoxide dismutase SOD, Glutathione S-transferases GST, and Peroxidase POX) in Mentha × piperita L. (Mitcham variety) and Mentha arvensis L. (var. piperascens), in response to heat stress. In addition, we used salicylic acid (SA) and melatonin (M), two brassinosteroids that play an important role in regulating physiological processes, to assess their potential to mitigate heat stress. In both species, the heat stress caused a variation in the composition of the essential oils and in the antioxidant enzymatic activity. Furthermore both Salicylic acid (SA) and melatonin (M) alleviated the effect of heat stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Phenolic Compounds for Health, Food and Cosmetic Applications)
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18 pages, 2267 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Efficacy of Dietary Selenomethionine Supplementation in the Setting of Cardiac Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
by Leila Reyes, David P. Bishop, Clare L. Hawkins and Benjamin S. Rayner
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 546; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110546 - 13 Nov 2019
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2818
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a major hallmark of cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. This partly arises from the presence of activated phagocytes releasing myeloperoxidase (MPO) and its production of hypochlorous acid (HOCl). The dietary supplement selenomethionine (SeMet) has been shown to bolster endogenous antioxidant processes [...] Read more.
Oxidative stress is a major hallmark of cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. This partly arises from the presence of activated phagocytes releasing myeloperoxidase (MPO) and its production of hypochlorous acid (HOCl). The dietary supplement selenomethionine (SeMet) has been shown to bolster endogenous antioxidant processes as well as readily react with MPO-derived oxidants. The aim of this study was to assess whether supplementation with SeMet could modulate the extent of cellular damage observed in an in vitro cardiac myocyte model exposed to (patho)-physiological levels of HOCl and an in vivo rat model of cardiac I/R injury. Exposure of the H9c2 cardiac myoblast cell line to HOCl resulted in a dose-dependent increase in necrotic cell death, which could be prevented by SeMet supplementation and was attributed to SeMet preventing the HOCl-induced loss of mitochondrial inner trans-membrane potential, and the associated cytosolic calcium accumulation. This protection was credited primarily to the direct oxidant scavenging ability of SeMet, with a minor contribution arising from the ability of SeMet to bolster cardiac myoblast glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. In vivo, a significant increase in selenium levels in the plasma and heart tissue were seen in male Wistar rats fed a diet supplemented with 2 mg kg−1 SeMet compared to controls. However, SeMet-supplementation demonstrated only limited improvement in heart function and did not result in better heart remodelling following I/R injury. These data indicate that SeMet supplementation is of potential benefit within pathological settings where excessive HOCl is known to be generated but has limited efficacy as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of heart attack. Full article
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12 pages, 5126 KiB  
Article
Evidence for an Allosteric S-Nitrosoglutathione Binding Site in S-Nitrosoglutathione Reductase (GSNOR)
by Kathleen Fontana, Nneamaka Onukwue, Bei-Lei Sun, Cristina Lento, Leslie Ventimiglia, Sahar Nikoo, James W. Gauld, Derek J. Wilson and Bulent Mutus
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 545; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110545 - 13 Nov 2019
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2819
Abstract
Current research has identified S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) as the central enzyme for regulating protein S-nitrosylation. In addition, the dysregulation of GSNOR expression is implicated in several organ system pathologies including respiratory, cardiovascular, hematologic, and neurologic, making GSNOR a primary target for [...] Read more.
Current research has identified S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) as the central enzyme for regulating protein S-nitrosylation. In addition, the dysregulation of GSNOR expression is implicated in several organ system pathologies including respiratory, cardiovascular, hematologic, and neurologic, making GSNOR a primary target for pharmacological intervention. This study demonstrates the kinetic activation of GSNOR by its substrate S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO). GSNOR kinetic analysis data resulted in nonhyperbolic behavior that was successfully accommodated by the Hill–Langmuir equation with a Hill coefficient of +1.75, indicating that the substrate, GSNO, was acting as a positive allosteric affector. Docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to predict the location of the GSNO allosteric domain comprising the residues Asn185, Lys188, Gly321, and Lys323 in the vicinity of the structural Zn2+-binding site. GSNO binding to Lys188, Gly321, and Lys323 was further supported by hydrogen–deuterium exchange mass spectroscopy (HDXMS), as deuterium exchange significantly decreased at these residues in the presence of GSNO. The site-directed mutagenesis of Lys188Ala and Lys323Ala resulted in the loss of allosteric behavior. Ultimately, this work unambiguously demonstrates that GSNO at large concentrations activates GSNOR by binding to an allosteric site comprised of the residues Asn185, Lys188, Gly321, and Lys323. The identification of an allosteric GSNO-binding domain on GSNOR is significant, as it provides a platform for pharmacological intervention to modulate the activity of this essential enzyme. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue NO(NOx) and H2S)
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10 pages, 774 KiB  
Review
Caveats for the Good and Bad of Dietary Red Meat
by Anthony T. Omaye and Stanley T. Omaye
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 544; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110544 - 12 Nov 2019
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4485
Abstract
Red meat and its constituents of heme iron or free iron have been the target of scrutiny related to their purported association to many chronic diseases. However, in contrast, red meat provides a rich source of nutrition. In 2007, Al Tappel hypothesized that [...] Read more.
Red meat and its constituents of heme iron or free iron have been the target of scrutiny related to their purported association to many chronic diseases. However, in contrast, red meat provides a rich source of nutrition. In 2007, Al Tappel hypothesized that the mechanistic explanation for the adverse impact of iron and heme iron could be the strong influence these substances have in initiating and promoting oxidative stress. Also, there is an emphasis on the importance of dietary antioxidants in the modulation of these adverse effects. The goal of this argumentative review is to provide an update of the importance of dietary red meat for health, and the hypothesis that oxidative stress initiated by dietary iron and heme iron may be related to chronic diseases, with a particular emphasis on recent research that impacts the paradigm. We also examine potential dietary changes that could substantially modify the potential adverse outcomes of chronic diseases initiated by heme iron mechanisms, e.g., consumption of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Protein and Lipid Oxidation in Meat and Meat Products)
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12 pages, 870 KiB  
Review
Nitrosative Stress in Retinal Pathologies: Review
by Antolin Cantó, Teresa Olivar, Francisco Javier Romero and María Miranda
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 543; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110543 - 11 Nov 2019
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 3712
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a gas molecule with diverse physiological and cellular functions. In the eye, NO is used to maintain normal visual function as it is involved in photoreceptor light transduction. In addition, NO acts as a rapid vascular endothelial relaxant, is [...] Read more.
Nitric oxide (NO) is a gas molecule with diverse physiological and cellular functions. In the eye, NO is used to maintain normal visual function as it is involved in photoreceptor light transduction. In addition, NO acts as a rapid vascular endothelial relaxant, is involved in the control of retinal blood flow under basal conditions and mediates the vasodilator responses of different substances such as acetylcholine, bradykinin, histamine, substance P or insulin. However, the retina is rich in polyunsaturated lipid membranes and is sensitive to the action of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Products generated from NO (i.e., dinitrogen trioxide (N2O3) and peroxynitrite) have great oxidative damaging effects. Oxygen and nitrogen species can react with biomolecules (lipids, proteins and DNA), potentially leading to cell death, and this is particularly important in the retina. This review focuses on the role of NO in several ocular diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants and Retinal Disease)
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13 pages, 11899 KiB  
Review
Antioxidants versus Food Antioxidant Additives and Food Preservatives
by Rafael Franco, Gemma Navarro and Eva Martínez-Pinilla
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 542; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110542 - 11 Nov 2019
Cited by 50 | Viewed by 10560
Abstract
Natural and processed foods are fragile and can become unpalatable and/or rotten. The processed food industry uses preservatives to enable distribution, even to different continents, and to extend the useful life of their products. Preservatives impede oxidation, a mandatory step in rotting, either [...] Read more.
Natural and processed foods are fragile and can become unpalatable and/or rotten. The processed food industry uses preservatives to enable distribution, even to different continents, and to extend the useful life of their products. Preservatives impede oxidation, a mandatory step in rotting, either by aerobic or anaerobic mechanisms. From a functional point of view, these compounds are antioxidants, and, therefore, a kind of contradiction exists when a preservative is considered “bad” for human health while also thinking that antioxidants provide benefits. The basis of antioxidant action, the doses required for preservation, and the overall antioxidant action are revisited in this work. Finally, the bad and the good of food additives/preservatives are presented, taking into account the main mediator of antioxidant beneficial actions, namely the innate mechanisms of detoxification. Foods that strengthen such innate mechanisms are also presented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oxidative Stress in Food Additives and Other Exposomes)
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9 pages, 1205 KiB  
Article
Quantitative Analysis of Bioactive Phenanthrenes in Dioscorea batatas Decne Peel, a Discarded Biomass from Postharvest Processing
by Minyoul Kim, Myeong Ju Gu, Joon-Goo Lee, Jungwook Chin, Jong-Sup Bae and Dongyup Hahn
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 541; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110541 - 10 Nov 2019
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3188
Abstract
Dioscorea batatas Decne (Chinese yam) has been widely cultivated in East Asia for the purposes of food and medicinal uses for centuries. Along with its high nutritional value, the medicinal value of D. batatas has been extensively investigated in association with phytochemicals such [...] Read more.
Dioscorea batatas Decne (Chinese yam) has been widely cultivated in East Asia for the purposes of food and medicinal uses for centuries. Along with its high nutritional value, the medicinal value of D. batatas has been extensively investigated in association with phytochemicals such as allantoin, flavonoids, saponins and phenanthrenes. Phenanthrenes are especially considered the standard marker chemicals of the Chinese yam for their potent bioactivity and availability of analysis with conventional high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) methods. In order to investigate how much the contents of phenanthrenes are in the actual food products provided for consumers, D. batatas tuber was peeled and separated into its peel and flesh as in the conventional processing method. A quantitative analysis using the HPLC-UV method revealed that phenanthrenes are concentrically present in the D. batatas peel, while phenanthrenes are present in the flesh under the limit of detection. The difference in the contents of phenanthrenes is estimated to have arisen the considerable difference of antioxidant potential between the peel and the flesh. The results from this study suggest the high value of the discarded biomass of the Chinese yam peel and the necessity for the utilization of the Chinese yam peel. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphenolic Antioxidants from Agri-Food Waste Biomass)
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15 pages, 1007 KiB  
Article
Phytochemical Characterization of Commercial Processed Blueberry, Blackberry, Blackcurrant, Cranberry, and Raspberry and Their Antioxidant Activity
by Zoriţa Diaconeasa, Cristian I. Iuhas, Huseyin Ayvaz, Dumitriţa Rugină, Andreea Stanilă, Francisc Dulf, Andrea Bunea, Sonia Ancuța Socaci, Carmen Socaciu and Adela Pintea
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 540; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110540 - 10 Nov 2019
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 5984
Abstract
Being delicious and containing strong disease-fighting agents, berries represent an increasing proportion of fruits consumed nowadays in our diet. However, berries are highly perishable as fresh and, therefore, they are usually processed into various products to extend their shelf-life and availability throughout the [...] Read more.
Being delicious and containing strong disease-fighting agents, berries represent an increasing proportion of fruits consumed nowadays in our diet. However, berries are highly perishable as fresh and, therefore, they are usually processed into various products to extend their shelf-life and availability throughout the year. Among the fruit-containing products, jam is one of the most common due to its nourishing properties, its low production costs, and its accessibility for a lengthy period. Rather than home preparation, consumers nowadays increasingly prefer to purchase commercial jams from markets due to its convenience. Although fresh berries have been extensively studied for their phenolic compounds, a limited number of studies investigating commercially manufactured jams have been conducted so far. Considering this, the objective of this study was to assess the total phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin content and the antioxidant activity of five commonly consumed commercial berry jams (blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) and blackcurrant (Ribes nigrun) mixture, blackcurrant (Ribes nigrun), cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and raspberry (Rubus idaeus)) collected from the market. Even though a possible loss of phenolics, anthocyanins, and a decrease of radical scavenging activity may occur during jam processing and subsequent storage, our data indicated that the selected commercial jams remained good sources of nutritive molecules with antioxidant properties based on the high levels of total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and elevated antioxidant activities determined in this study. Additionally, the samples were characterized by GC-MS for their volatile profiles, and terpenes were found to be the dominating class covering more than 74% of volatile compounds in the jams. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Profiling and Antioxidant Capacity in Plants)
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13 pages, 863 KiB  
Article
Specific Activity of Superoxide Dismutase in Stallion Seminal Plasma Is Related to Sperm Cryotolerance
by Marion Papas, Jaime Catalán, Beatriz Fernandez-Fuertes, Laura Arroyo, Anna Bassols, Jordi Miró and Marc Yeste
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 539; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110539 - 09 Nov 2019
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 3320
Abstract
While the removal of seminal plasma is a routine practice prior to equine sperm cryopreservation, this fluid contains the main source of antioxidant enzymes able to scavenge these reactive oxygen species. Therefore, stallion seminal plasma components may have an impact on ejaculate freezability. [...] Read more.
While the removal of seminal plasma is a routine practice prior to equine sperm cryopreservation, this fluid contains the main source of antioxidant enzymes able to scavenge these reactive oxygen species. Therefore, stallion seminal plasma components may have an impact on ejaculate freezability. Against this background, this study was designed to investigate whether the activities of the main stallion seminal plasma antioxidant enzymes are related to sperm cryotolerance. With this purpose, 16 ejaculates were collected from 14 healthy stallions, and each ejaculate was split into two aliquots. The first one was used to evaluate the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione reductase (GSR) in seminal plasma. The second aliquot was extended and then processed for cryopreservation. Sperm motility and viability were evaluated before and after cryopreservation, and ejaculates were classified as of good (GFE) or poor freezability (PFE) based on total motile and viable spermatozoa at post-thaw. We observed that, while the specific activities of CAT, GPX, and GSR were similar between GFE and PFE, that of SOD was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in GFE than in PFE. We can thus conclude that, in stallions, the specific activity of SOD in the seminal plasma of a given ejaculate might be related to its freezability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Antioxidant Enzyme Systems)
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20 pages, 1370 KiB  
Article
Impact of ApoE Polymorphism and Physical Activity on Plasma Antioxidant Capability and Erythrocyte Membranes
by Rebecca Piccarducci, Simona Daniele, Jonathan Fusi, Lucia Chico, Filippo Baldacci, Gabriele Siciliano, Ubaldo Bonuccelli, Ferdinando Franzoni and Claudia Martini
Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 538; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox8110538 - 09 Nov 2019
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3054
Abstract
The allele epsilon 4 (ε4) of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). ApoE protein plays a pivotal role in the synthesis and metabolism of amyloid beta (Aβ), the major component of the extracellular plaques that constitute [...] Read more.
The allele epsilon 4 (ε4) of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). ApoE protein plays a pivotal role in the synthesis and metabolism of amyloid beta (Aβ), the major component of the extracellular plaques that constitute AD pathological hallmarks. Regular exercise is an important preventive/therapeutic tool in aging and AD. Nevertheless, the impact of physical exercise on the well-being of erythrocytes, a good model of oxidative stress and neurodegenerative processes, remains to be investigated, particularly depending on ApoE polymorphism. Herein, we evaluate the oxidative status, Aβ levels, and the membrane’s composition of erythrocytes in a cohort of human subjects. In our hands, the plasma antioxidant capability (AOC), erythrocytes membrane fluidity, and the amount of phosphatidylcholine (PC) were demonstrated to be significantly decreased in the ApoE ε4 genotype and non-active subjects. In contrast, erythrocyte Aβ content and lipid peroxidation increased in ε4 carriers. Regular physical exercise was associated with an increased plasma AOC and membrane fluidity, as well as to a reduced amount of erythrocytes Aβ. Altogether, these data highlight the influence of the ApoE genotype on erythrocytes’ well-being and confirm the positive impact of regular physical exercise. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Redox Signalling and Exercise)
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