The present study aimed to isolate a bioactive compound from Sri Lankan edible marine brown algae, Chnoospora minima, to manage diabetes. The de-polysaccharide crude methanolic extract was partitioned using hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate with increased polarity. The samples were subjected to determine the quantitative phytochemical analysis, antioxidants, and antidiabetic potentials. Further, the potent antidiabetic fraction was selected to isolate an active compound using bioactivity-guided fractionation. From the selected extract, the chloroform fraction exhibited comparatively high TPC (59.01 ± 1.86 mg GAE/g), TFC (5.14 ± 0.43 mg QE/g) and alkaloid content (2.79 ± 0.31 PE/g of extract). Crude methanol extract exhibited a potent DPPH activity (IC50: 0.48 ± 0.01 mg/mL) whereas the ethyl acetate fraction elicited a maximum ABTS activity (IC50: 0.064 ± 0.001 mg/mL) and a ferrous iron-chelating capacity (IC50: 0.019 mg/mL). Similarly, the chloroform fraction exhibited the highest FRAP (20.34 ± 1.72 mg TE/g) and ORAC (19.72 ± 2.92 mg TE/g) capacities. The potent inhibitory activity of α-amylase (IC50:3.17 ± 0.02 µg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC50: 1.99 ± 0.01 µg/mL) enzymes and glucose diffusion was observed in the chloroform fraction. Similarly, the chloroform extract exhibited a potent BSA-glucose (IC50: 202.43 ± 5.71 µg/mL), BSA-MGO (IC50: 124.30 ± 2.85 µg/mL) antiglycation model and reversing activities (EC50BSAglucose: 98.99 ± 0.35 µg/mL; EC50BSA-MGO: 118.89 ± 1.58 µg/mL). Depending on the hypoglycemic activity, fucoxanthin was isolated as the active compound which showed a notable change in the functional group. Molecular docking studies were conducted on the compound, and binding energy was observed to be - 6.56 kcal/mol and - 4.83 kcal/mol for α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, respectively, which confirmed the hypoglycemic effect of the isolated compounds. However, more studies are required to understand the mechanistic insights of these observations.

Cadmium (Cd) is a significant heavy metal contaminant within the environment, carrying a notable level of toxicity that presents a substantial hazard to both plant and human. Carrot (Daucus carota), a significant root vegetable crop globally, have evolved multiple transcriptional regulatory mechanisms to cope with Cd stress, with a crucial involvement of the myeloblastosis (MYB) transcription factor. In this study, the DcMYB62 gene encoding 288 amino acids, localized in the nucleus and demonstrated transcription activation property, was isolated from carrot (cv. \'Kuroda\'). There was a positive relationship observed between the levels of DcMYB62 expression and the accumulation patterns of carotenoids in two distinct carrot cultivars. Further investigation revealed that the expression of DcMYB62 improved Cd tolerance of Arabidopsis by increasing seed germination rate, root length, and overall survival rate. The levels of carotenoids in DcMYB62 transgenic Arabidopsis surpassed those in wild type, accompanied by elevated expression levels of 15-cis-phytoene desaturase, zeta-carotene desaturase, and carotenoid isomerase. Meanwhile, the heterologous expression of DcMYB62 promoted the biosynthesis of abscisic acid (ABA) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which in turn suppressed the formation of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion, while also stimulating stomatal closure. Furthermore, the heterologous expression of DcMYB62 increased the transcription of genes associated with heavy metal resistance in Arabidopsis, notably nicotianamine synthase. Overall, this study contributes to understanding how DcMYB62 promote Cd stress resistance of plants by regulating the biosynthesis pathways of carotenoids, ABA, and H2S, which offers valuable insights into the regulatory mechanism connecting DcMYBs with Cd stress response of carrot.

Antheraxanthin (C40H56O3) is one of fat-soluble carotenoids belonging to natural pigments. Its chemical structure is based on the unsaturated polyene chain skeleton, with a hydroxy-β-ionone ring and an epoxy-β-ionone ring on each side of the skeleton. It is found in a wide range of plants and photosynthetic bacteria, and external stimuli (high temperature, drought, ozone treatment, etc.) can significantly affect its synthesis. It also, like other carotenoids, exhibits a diverse potential pharmacological profile as well as nutraceutical values. However, it is worth noting that various food processing methods (extrusion, puffing, baking, etc.) and storage conditions for fruits and vegetables have distinct impacts on the bioaccessibility and retention of antheraxanthin. This compilation of antheraxanthin includes sources, biosynthesis, chemical analysis, and processing effects.

In this study, a novel species within the genus Paracoccus was isolated from the coastal soil of Dokdo (Seodo) Island and investigated. We elucidated the novel species, designated MBLB3053T , through genomic analysis of novel functional microbial resources. Cells were gram-negative, non-motile, and coccoid, and the colony was light orange in color. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene showed that strain MBLB3053T was related to the genus Paracoccus, with 98.5% similarity to Paracoccus aestuariivivens. Comparative genome analysis also revealed the strain to be a novel species of the genus Paracoccus by average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization values. Through secondary metabolite analysis, terpene biosynthetic gene clusters associated with carotenoid biosynthesis were found in strain MBLB3053T . Using high-performance liquid chromatography, strain MBLB3053T was confirmed to produce carotenoids, including all-trans-astaxanthin, by comparison to the standard compound. Notably, the isolate was also confirmed to produce carotenoids that other closely related species did not produce. Based on this comprehensive polyphasic taxonomy, strain MBLB3053T represents a novel species within the genus Paracoccus, for which the name Paracoccus aurantius sp. nov is proposed. The type strain was MBL3053T (=KCTC 8269T =JCM 36634T ). These findings support the research and resource value of this novel species, which was isolated from the Dokdo environmental microbiome.

Phytoene is a colourless carotenoid widely available from dietary sources and a precursor for the synthesis of other carotenoids. Although present at high concentrations across different tissues, phytoene is largely viewed as not having physiological activity. Here, we utilize the model organism C. elegans to show that phytoene is bioactive and has anti-ageing properties. Supplementation with phytoene protects against oxidative damage and amyloid-β42 proteotoxicity (a major pathology of Alzheimer\'s disease), and extends lifespan. We also examine extracts from two microalgae, Chlorella sorokiniana and Dunaliella bardawil. We show that the extracts contain high levels of phytoene, and find that these phytoene-rich extracts have protective effects similar to pure phytoene. Our findings show that phytoene is a bioactive molecule with positive effects on ageing and longevity. Our work also suggests that phytoene-rich microalgae extracts can utilized to produce foods or supplements that promote healthy ageing and prevent the development of chronic age-related diseases.

BACKGROUND: Repeated exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation, which can penetrate the epidermis and reach the dermis, is one of the major causes of skin photoaging. Photoaged skin is characterized clinically by generalized wrinkling, a dry and loose appearance, and seborrheic keratoses, along with skin barrier dysfunction. Fucoxanthin, a xanthophyll carotenoid with a specific allenic bond and 5,6-monoepoxide in its structure, has been found to serve various functions as a food supplement. In the present study, the protective effects of orally administered fucoxanthin at relatively low concentrations (0.001% and 0.01%) against UVA induced photoaging were evaluated in vivo using hairless mice.
RESULTS: Oral supplementation of 0.001% fucoxanthin was sufficient for its metabolites to accumulate in the skin, thereby inhibiting pathological changes induced by UVA irradiation, including impaired skin barrier function and accelerated wrinkle formation. Analysis of gene expression revealed that dietary fucoxanthin exerted antiphotoaging effects, possibly by modulating natural moisturizing factor (NMF) synthesis, desquamation, and ceramide composition in the epidermis, and by inhibiting the UVA induced degradation of collagen fibers and inflammation in the dermis.
CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our data indicate the potential application of dietary fucoxanthin as a novel ingredient in nutricosmetics for skin care against photoaging. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

To understand the effects and related potential mechanism of H2O2 on pigment metabolism in postharvest broccoli, an integrated analysis of transcriptome and metabolome was performed. Results suggested that 65 differentially expressed genes and 26 differentially accumulated metabolites involved in chlorophyll, carotenoid, and flavonoid metabolism were identified. H2O2 treatment delayed the decrease of chlorophyll content by upregulating the expressions of chlorophyll synthetic genes, thylakoid synthetic genes, and 15 light-harvesting complex genes compared with the control and diphenylene iodonium treatments. H2O2 treatment decreased the accumulation of 11 flavonoids and 5 flavonols by downregulating the flavonoid synthetic genes. In addition, H2O2 treatment promoted carotenoid biosynthesis to eliminate reactive oxygen species in thylakoids, thereby protecting chlorophyll molecules from degradation. The inhibition of flavonoids and flavonols accumulation and chlorophyll decrease was the crucial reason for the delayed yellowing in H2O2 treatment. This study provides a new method and theoretical support for delaying the yellowing process in postharvest broccoli.

UNASSIGNED: Epidemiological evidence regarding circulating carotenoids and mortality risk remains conflicting, and most studies focus on the impact of individual carotenoids. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of co-exposure to multiple serum carotenoids on mortality risk.
UNASSIGNED: We enrolled 22,472 participants aged ≥20 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III (1988-1994) and NHANES 2003-2006. Baseline serum levels of five major carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene, β-cryptoxanthin, and lutein/zeaxanthin) were measured, and individuals were followed up until December 31, 2019. Carotenoid co-exposure patterns were identified using the K-means method. Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate the associations between carotenoid exposure and mortality risk.
UNASSIGNED: During a median follow-up of 16.7 years, 7,901 deaths occurred. K-means clustered participants into low-level, low-lycopene, high-lycopene, and high-level exposure groups. In the fully adjusted model, low-lycopene, high-lycopene, and high-level exposure groups had significantly lower all-cause mortality risks compared to the low-level exposure group, with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of 0.79 (0.72, 0.87), 0.75 (0.67, 0.84), and 0.67 (0.61, 0.74), respectively. For cardiovascular disease mortality, the high-lycopene exposure group had a 27% reduced risk (HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.61-0.86), and the high-level exposure group had a 21% reduced risk (HR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.67-0.93). For cancer mortality, the high-lycopene and high-level exposure groups had 30% and 35% lower risks, with HRs (95% CIs) of 0.70 (0.57, 0.86) and 0.65 (0.54, 0.79), respectively.
UNASSIGNED: This study revealed that co-exposure to multiple serum carotenoids was associated with reduced mortality risk, highlighting the potential health benefits of increased carotenoid intake. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of interactions among different carotenoids.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are highly concentrated at the central region of the human retina, forming a distinct yellow spot known as the macula lutea. The delivery and retention of the macular pigment carotenoids in the macula lutea involves many proteins, but their exact roles remain incompletely understood. In our study, we examined the distribution of the twelve known macular carotenoid-related proteins within the human macula and the underlying retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) using both fluorescence and Raman modes on our confocal resonance Raman microscope. Additionally, we assessed protein and gene expression through Western blot analysis and a single-cell RNA sequencing database. Our findings revealed that GSTP1, BCO2, and Aster-B exhibited distribution patterns similar to the macular carotenoids, with higher expression levels within the macular region compared to the periphery, while SR-BI and ABCA1 did not exhibit specific distribution patterns within the macula or RPE. Interestingly, LIPC, SR-BI\'s partner, accumulated specifically in the sub-foveal RPE. All three of these carotenoid transport proteins were found to be highly expressed in the RPE. These results offer valuable insights into the roles these proteins play in the formation of the macula lutea.

The study pertains to preparing value added frozen yoghurt through use of orange peel powder (OPP). The quality aspects of medium-fat (6.0% fat) frozen yoghurt prepared using OPP at three levels (1.5, 2.5, 3.5% as T1, T2 and T3 respectively) was studied. Frozen yoghurt was prepared by freezing blend of fermented yoghurt base with ice cream mix (25:75 w/w); other ingredients were sugar, stabilizer-emulsifier and orange crush. Inclusion of OPP in frozen yoghurt impacted the orange flavour favorably and enriched product with β-carotene and dietary fiber. The control product (TC) was prepared in similar manner, avoiding OPP. As the level of OPP was raised in formulation, there was a marked increase in the protein, carbohydrate, ash and total solids when compared with TC. Presence of OPP markedly affected the acidity, viscosity, overrun and melting resistance of the product; maximum overrun was associated with TC. Product T3 had the maximum acidity and viscosity; T2 had maximum total sensory score. It is recommended to prepare medium-fat frozen yoghurt utilizing 2.5% OPP along with orange crush as flavouring. Such inclusion of peel solids enriched the product with β-carotene and dietary fiber, contributed to stabilization of product and enhanced the products sensory acceptance.