Milk, on account of its abundant protein content, is recognized as a vital source of bioactive substances. In this study, the bioactive ingredients in milk were obtained by a combination of protease hydrolysis and fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum. The compositions of protease hydrolysate (PM) and fermentation supernatant (FM) were determined, and their anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial activities were evaluated. Using LC-MS/MS, the molecular weights and sequences of the peptides were characterized, among which a total of 25 bioactive peptides were identified. The DPPH radical scavenging results demonstrated that FM exhibited an enhanced anti-oxidant capacity compared to PM. The bacterial survival rate results revealed that FM had a remarkable anti-bacterial ability compared to PM. Additionally, the anti-bacterial component and potential anti-bacterial mechanisms were determined. The results of cytoplasmic membrane depolarization, cell membrane permeability, and morphological observation indicated that FM could interact with bacterial membranes to achieve its anti-bacterial effect. These findings suggested that FM, as a bioactive substance of natural origin, holds potential applications in the functional food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Diabetic mellitus (DM) is characterized by hyperglycaemia and defective macromolecular metabolism, arising from insulin resistance or lack of insulin production. The present study investigates the potential of artemisinin, a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Artemisia annua, to exert anti-diabetic and antioxidant effects through modulation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signalling pathway. Our computational analyses demonstrated a high binding affinity of artemisinin with proteins belonging to the PI3K/AKT signalling cascade. α-Amylase and α-glucosidase studies revealed a notable increase in inhibition percentages with artemisinin treatment across concentrations ranging from 10 to 160 µM. A similar significant (p < 0.05) dose-dependent inhibition of free radicals was observed for the in vitro anti-oxidant assays. Further, toxicological profiling of artemisinin in the in vivo zebrafish embryo-larvae model from 4 to 96 h post-fertilization (hpf) did not exhibit any harmful repercussions. In addition, gene expression investigations confirmed artemisinin\'s potential mechanism in modulating hyperglycaemia and oxidative stress through the regulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Overall, our investigation suggests that artemisinin can be used as a therapeutic intervention for diabetes and oxidative stress, opening up opportunities for future investigation in clinical settings.
UNASSIGNED: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-04050-2.

Oxidative stress and its impact on aging are critical areas of research. Natural anti-oxidants, such as saponins found in Polygonatum sibiricum, hold promise as potential clinical interventions against aging. In this study, we utilized the nematode model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans, to investigate the pharmacological effects of Polygonatum sibiricum saponins (PKS) on antioxidation and anti-aging. The results demonstrated a significant anti-aging biological activity associated with PKS. Through experiments involving lifespan and stress, lipofuscin, q-PCR, and ROS measurement, we found that PKS effectively mitigated aging-related processes. Furthermore, the mechanism underlying these anti-aging effects was linked to the SKN-1 signaling pathway. PKS increased the nuclear localization of the SKN-1 transcription factor, leading to the up-regulation of downstream anti-oxidant genes, such as gst-4 and sod-3, and a substantial reduction in intracellular ROS levels within the nematode. In conclusion, our study sheds light on the anti-oxidant and anti-aging properties of PKS in C. elegans. This research not only contributes to understanding the biological mechanisms involved but also highlights the potential therapeutic applications of these natural compounds in combating aging-related processes.

Background Bioactive glass, which can form strong bonds with tissues, particularly bones, has become pivotal in tissue engineering. Incorporating biologically active ions like selenium enhances its properties for various biomedical applications, including bone repair and cancer treatment. Selenium\'s antioxidative properties and role in bone health make it a promising addition to biomaterial. Aim The present study was aimed at the preparation and characterization of selenium-doped bioglass. Materials and methods Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) was mixed with ethanol, water, and nitric acid to form a silica network and then supplemented with calcium nitrate, selenium acid sodium nitrate, and orthophosphoric acid. Sequential addition ensured specific functionalities. After sintering at 300 °C for three hours, the viscous solution transformed into powdered selenium-doped bioglass. Characterization involved scanning electron microscope (SEM) for microstructure analysis, attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR) for molecular structure, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) for crystal structure analysis. Results SEM analysis of selenium-doped bioglass reveals a uniform distribution of selenium dopants in an amorphous structure, enhancing bioactivity through spherical particles with consistent size, micro-porosity, and roughness, facilitating interactions with biological fluids and tissues. ATR-IR analysis shows peaks corresponding to Si-O-Si and P-O bonds, indicating the presence of phosphate groups essential for biomedical applications within the bioglass network. XRD analysis confirms the amorphous nature of selenium-doped bioglass, with shifts in diffraction peaks confirming selenium incorporation without significant crystallization induction. Conclusion The selenium-infused bioglass displays promising versatility due to its amorphous structure, potentially enhancing interactions with biological fluids and tissues. Further research is needed to assess its impact on bone regeneration activity.

UNASSIGNED: There is escalating evidence suggesting the beneficial effects of ellagic acid (EA) on the cardiovascular system. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of EA in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) against high glucose (HG)- induced endothelial dysfunction and to study the potential roles of adropin and nitric oxide (NO) in this regard.
UNASSIGNED: The experimental groups consisted of normal and HG (30 mM, 48 hr)-treated HUVECs incubated without or with 5 or 10 μM of EA (6 groups of at least 6 replicates, each). The cell count and viability were studied. Moreover, the markers of the redox state, including malondialdehyde (MDA), the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase enzymes, and ferric reducing anti-oxidant power (FRAP), were assayed. The levels of adropin and eNOS gene expression were also studied using RT-qPCR.
UNASSIGNED: A high concentration of glucose reduced cell count and caused lipid peroxidation, reduced anti-oxidant capacity of the cells, decreased NO levels, and downregulated the expression of NOS3 (encoding eNOS) and ENHO (encoding adropin) genes. Ellagic acid reversed all these effects.
UNASSIGNED: These results suggest a significant protective effect for EA against HG-induced injury in HUVECs. The improved redox state and upregulation of NOS3 and ENHO genes seem to play critical roles in this regard.

UNASSIGNED: Rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening condition, occurs when myoglobin is released from damaged muscle cells, leading to acute kidney injury (AKI). Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), an organosulfur compound known for its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, was examined in this study for its potential impact on rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI in rats.
UNASSIGNED: Six groups of rats were included in the study, with each group consisting of six rats (n=6): Control, rhabdomyolysis, rhabdomyolysis treated with different doses of ALA (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg), and ALA alone (20 mg/kg) groups. Rhabdomyolysis was induced by intramuscular injection of glycerol on the first day of the experiment, while ALA was administered intraperitoneally for four consecutive days. Renal function parameters, oxidative stress markers, and histological changes in the kidneys were evaluated. Western blot analysis was performed to measure the levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) proteins.
UNASSIGNED: A significant increase in serum urea, creatinine, renal malondialdehyde, NGAl, and TNF-α protein levels was observed in glycerol-injected rats. In addition, a significant decrease in glutathione was recorded. Compared to the rhabdomyolysis group, treatment with ALA recovered kidney histological and biochemical abnormalities.
UNASSIGNED: Results suggest that rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI is associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation. Treatment with ALA improved kidney histological abnormalities and reduced oxidative stress markers in rats. Therefore, ALA may have a potential protective effect against rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI.

BACKGROUND: Nanotechnology enables precise manipulation of matter at the molecular level, with nanoparticles offering diverse applications in medicine and beyond. Green synthesis methods, utilizing natural sources like plant extracts, are favored for their eco-friendliness. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles are recognized for their ability to combat microbes and reduce inflammation, which holds promise for biomedical applications. Catharanthus roseus, renowned for its medicinal properties, warrants further exploration in oral health management due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant attributes.
OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to synthesize Catharanthus roseus-mediated ZnO nanoparticles and to evaluate their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.
METHODS: Catharanthus roseus powder (1 g) was dissolved in distilled water (100 ml), heated at 60°C for 15-20 minutes, and filtered to obtain 20 ml extract. ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by adding 0.594 g ZnO powder to 50 ml water, mixed with plant extract, and stirred for 72 hours, and the resulting solution was centrifuged. Nanoparticles were collected and analyzed for Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) using Bruker\'s Alpha II FTIR spectrometer (Bruker, Billerica, Massachusetts, United States), antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities.
RESULTS: FTIR analysis revealed characteristic peaks indicative of functional groups present in Catharanthus roseus-mediated ZnO nanoparticles, including O-H, N-O, C-O, C=C, and C≡C-H. Anti-inflammatory activity evaluation showed inhibition ranging from 48% to 89%, with the maximum inhibition at 50 μL concentration. Similarly, antioxidant activity ranged from 62% to 88%, with the maximum inhibition also seen at 50 μL concentration.
CONCLUSIONS: Both assays effectively showcased the superior anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of the Catharanthus roseus-incorporated ZnO nanoparticles extract compared to the control. This suggests their potential as a viable therapeutic agent for further evaluation.

Nonessential heavy metals are toxic to human health. In this study, mercury, a hazardous metal, was detected by colorimetric analysis using Murraya koenigii. The eco-friendliness of this method was also emphasized. UV spectrum is a broad peak observed at 200-250 nm in P. guajava leaf extracts. The UV spectrum of green synthesized P. guajava exhibited an absorption band of 418 nm, which confirms the nanoparticle synthesis. FTIR analysis of the vibrational peak around 3307 cm-1 is assigned to ν(O-H) stretching that could possibly emanate from carbohydrates or phenolics. The peaks found around 2917 and 2849 cm-1 are ascribed to the -C-H stretch of the alkyl group, and the peak around 1625 cm-1 is due to the enolic β-diketones or -C = O stretch of carboxylic acids, while the corresponding -C-O stretch is observed around 1375 and 1029 cm-1. The assignment of peaks is similar. It is clear from the SEM image that the constituent parts were non-uniform sphere-shaped, agglomerated, and of an average size of 30.9 nm. XRD analysis was utilized to determine the structural characteristics and crystalline nature of P. guajava. The observed intensity peaks at 32.35°, 36.69°, 39.24°, 44.76°, 59.42°, and 67.35° represent the 2θ values for P. guajava in the diffraction pattern, aligning with the values in the standard database. The synthesized AgNPs tested antibacterial properties against various strains of microorganisms, including Escherichia coli, 25 μg/mL 6.02 ± 0.17 and 100 μg/mL 7.3 ± 0.05, Staphylococcus aureus, 25 μg/mL 05.02 ± 0.07 and 100 μg/mL 11.3 ± 1.12, Streptococcus mutans, 25 μg/mL 04.02 ± 0.19 and 100 μg/mL 11.1 ± 0.11, Enterococcus faecalis, 25 µg/mL 0.8.05 ± 0.11 and 100 µg/mL 11.7 ± 0.02. The short novelty of Psidium guajava (guava) lies in its potential relevance to human health, as it has been found to possess bioactive compounds with various medicinal properties, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, making it a promising natural resource for therapeutic applications.

BACKGROUND: Pruritus, or itching, is a distressing symptom associated with various dermatological and systemic diseases. L-carnitine (βeta hydroxy-γ-tri methyl amino-butyric acid), is a naturally occurring substance, it controls numerous physiological processes. The present research aims to identify L-carnitine for its anti-pruritic effect via nitric oxide-dependent mechanism.
METHODS: Chloroquine-induced pruritus serves as an experimental model to investigate possible therapeutic interventions. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of L-carnitine in combating oxidative stress, nitric oxide, and inflammatory cytokines in a chloroquine-induced pruritus model.
RESULTS: L-carnitine treatment significantly reduced scratching behavior compared to the disease group (***P < 0.001 vs. chloroquine group), indicating its antipruritic potential. The markers of oxidative stress, GST, GSH, Catalase, and LPO were dysregulated in the disease model, but administration of L-carnitine restored GST, GSH, and Catalase levels and decreased LPO levels (***P < 0.001 vs. chloroquine group), thereby alleviating oxidative stress. L-carnitine also reduced nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, suggesting that it modulates nitric oxide signaling pathways involved in pruritus. In addition, L-carnitine lowered levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), inflammatory marker nuclear factor kappa B (p-NFκB) and also reduces an inflammatory enzyme, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), determined by ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) (***P < 0.001 vs. chloroquine group). It downregulates nNOS mRNA expression confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the therapeutic effects of L-carnitine in alleviating chloroquine-induced pruritus.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic colonic inflammation with a significant health hazard. Aspergillus awamori (A. awamori) is a microorganism with various bioactive compounds with natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present work aimed to elucidate the protective and therapeutic effects of varying concentrations of A. awamori against acetic acid (AA)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in rats. Nine groups of albino male rats were established: a control negative group (G1), a control positive group (G2,AA), and preventive protocol groups (including G3A, G4A, and G5A) that received 100 mg, 50 mg, and 25 mg/kg b.w, respectively, of A. awamori orally and daily from the 1st day of the experiment and for 7 consecutive days. Then, they were subjected to one dose of AA intrarectally on day 8th. G3B, G4B, and G5B were termed as curative protocol groups that received one dose of AA on day 8th and then administered 100 mg, 50 mg, and 25 mg/kg b.w. of A. awamori, respectively, on day 9th and continued receiving these doses daily until day 16th. Rats in the AA group exhibited marked histopathological alterations of the distal colon, with an exaggeration of the DAI. In addition, a remarkable increase in oxidative stress was represented by the elevation of MDA and NO levels with a decline in SOD and GPx activities. In addition, upregulation of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β mRNA expressions and downregulation of Muc2 and Nrf2 levels were detected. Unambiguously, a remarkable anti-inflammatory effect was noticed either in A. awamori prevented or treated groups expounded by reducing and regulating TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β with improved pathological lesion scoring. The Muc2, Nrf2, and bcl-2 gene levels were upregulated and restored also. In summary, the findings in this work reveal that A. awamori supplementation successfully alleviated the UC induced by AA, which had a better effect when administered before colitis induction.