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Exploring the anticancer potential of extracts and compounds from the heartwood of Cotinus coggygria Scop. wild growing in Serbia
No full textBackground Cotinus coggygria has a long history of use in traditional medicine in Europe and Asia. The aim of study was to explore the cytotoxicity of extracts (EE-ethanol, MME-methylene chloride/methanol, and WE-water) and compounds (butin, butein, fisetin, sulfuretin, taxifolin, eriodictyol, fustin, cotinignan A, sulfuretin auronol, 3-O-methylepifustin, 3-O-methylfustin, and sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucoside) isolated from C. coggygria. Mechanisms of anticancer effects of three extracts, butin, butein, and sulfuretin were examined. Methods Compounds were isolated from the EE using silica gel column chromatography and semipreparative HPLC. Structure elucidation was performed using NMR spectroscopy. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using MTT assay. The effects on cell cycle and cell death were investigated by flow cytometry. The antimigration effects were examined by scratch assay, while expression of the MMP2, MMP9, and VEGFA were measured by quantitative real time PCR. The antioxidant effects were examined by flow cytometry. Results 3-O-methylepifustin, epitaxifolin, and sulfuretin auronol were found for the first time in C. coggygria. The extracts and compounds showed selective cytotoxicity against HeLa, MDA-MB-231, HL-60, K562, A375, PC-3, and DU 145 cells. HeLa cells were the most sensitive to the cytotoxicity of MME (IC50 value of 47.45 µg/mL), while leukemia K562 and HL-60 cells were the most sensitive to the MME and EE (IC50 values in the range from 31.04 to 44.57 µg/mL). Butein exerted strong cytotoxicity on HeLa, K562, and MDA-MB-231 cells (IC50 values of 8.66 µM, 13.91 µM, and 22.36 µM). EE, butin, butein, sulfuretin, and fisetin were highly selective against leukemia K562 cells when compared with normal fibroblasts MRC-5 (selectivity index: 4.01, 5.15, 6.17, 7.05, > 4.41, respectively). Butein and fisetin showed high selectivity in the cytotoxic activity against HeLa cells when compared with MRC-5 cells (selectivity index: 9.91 and > 6.61). Three extracts, butin, butein, and sulfuretin, initiated apoptosis in HeLa cells by activating caspase-8 and caspase-9. The extracts, butin, butein, and sulfuretin inhibited HeLa cell migration. EE, MME, butein, and sulfuretin exerted cytoprotective effects in normal fibroblasts. Conclusions This research might suggest promising anticancer effects and underscores the need for additional research on C. coggygria extracts and compounds to assess their potential in cancer prevention and therapy
ZnO-nanostructured electrochemical sensor for efficient detection of glyphosate in water
No full textGlyphosate is a widely used broad-spectrum herbicide for controlling grassy weeds, despite having potential health hazards. Herein, we report on a solid-state electrochemical sensor based on ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) for on-site detection of glyphosate. Accordingly, ZnO NPs was drop-cast on the surface of a disposable screen-printed carbon electrode. Eco-friendly ZnO NPs of only 7 nm crystallite sizes were obtained by green sol-gel synthesis using lemon (Citrus limon) waste aqueous extract as the green reducing and capping/stabilizing agent and Zn nitrate precursor as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electronmicroscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction and diffuse reflectance. SEM confirmed successful electrode functionalization with the synthesized nanoparticles. Under laboratory conditions in acetate buffer (pH 5), the sensor demonstrated excellent selectivity and sensitivity, with a detection limit of 0.648 μM, a wide linear detection range (0.5 μM to 7.5 mM), and a rapid detection time of 30 min. When tested in river water, the sensor achieved a detection limit of 0.96 μM using differential pulse voltammetry. It also exceptionally tolerated interference from similar organophosphorus compounds and ions commonly found in river water. The excellent detection performance of the sensor was attributed to the strong coordination interactions between Zn atoms and phosphonate/carboxylate groups that are enhanced by a hydrogen bond at acidic pH, as determined by chemical calculations. This disposable sensor offers a cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly solution for monitoring glyphosate in water systems
The Effects of Pre-Fermentative Treatments on the Aroma of Krstač and Žižak Wines
No full textPre-fermentative treatments are essential in winemaking, as they significantly influence the quality and stability of white wines in particular. The synthesis of many compounds obtained from yeast, such as higher alcohols and esters, is influenced by the type and concentration of aromatic precursors present in the must, especially amino acids. Clarification has a positive effect on wine quality, mainly by improving organoleptic properties, with flavour being the most affected. In this study, the influences of different static settling times, different pressures during must extraction and the addition of different bentonite concentrations to the must on the aroma of wines from the autochthonous grape varieties Krstač and Žižak were investigated. The identification of aromatic compounds in the wine was performed using GC/FID-MS analysis. Wine subjected to the longest static settling time (30 h) showed the highest concentration of esters. Krstač wine, which underwent a 30 h of settling, was characterised by an increased concentration of esters, such as isoamyl acetate, ethyl decanoate and ethyl hexanoate, while Žižak wine was characterised by the presence of 2-phenylethyl acetate and isoamyl acetate. The total fatty acid content in Krstač wine obtained by pressing was higher (14.90 mg/L) than in wine produced from free-run juice (8.04 mg/L)
Gastric and gastrointestinal digestion of Infant Formula in the presence of polypropylene нanoplastics
No full textPolypropylene nanoplastics (nPP) have been identified as potential contaminants in infant formula,
primarily due to their presence in polypropylene feeding bottles, which expose infants to nPP. Health
impacts of nanoplastics exposure are not well understood. Furthermore, the effect of nPP on the
digestion of proteins, which are crucial for the growth and development of infants remain unknown.
Therefore, the current study investigated the in vitro digestion of infant formula proteins (1 mg/mL) with
or without agglomerated nPP (10, 50 and 100 µg/mL) in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids using the
infant model of digestion. Firstly, the particle size distribution of nPP and their mixture with infant
formula in the simulated digestive fluids was determined. Then, the simulated in vitro gastric and
intestinal digestion of the infant formula proteins was done at 37 °C and monitored during
physiologically relevant period. The profiles of the digested proteins were analyzed using the sodium
dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Our results suggest agglomeration on
nPPs and infant formula proteins. Furthermore, caseins were digested more rapidly than whey proteins
in all samples, regardless of the presence of agglomerated nPP. Meanwhile, in the presence of
agglomerated nPP, the rate of digestion of allergic proteins such as β-lactoglobulin could be decreased
during gastric digestion of the infant formula. During intestinal digestion of the infant formula, nearly all
types of proteins were digested for all the investigated times of digestion and no differences were
observed with varying concentrations of nPP. Our results suggest that nPP interacts with infant formula
proteins and formed large size aggregates. Gastric and intestinal digestion of proteins is not affected
significantly by the presence of nPP
Microbial Transformation of Perfluorobutanesulfonic and Perfluorohexanesulfonic Acid
No full textPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have emerged as significant environmental pollutants due to their persistence and widespread use. Among these, perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) represent shorter-chain alternatives designed to replace longer-chain PFAS such as perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA); however, their persistence and potential ecological impacts are becoming increasingly apparent. PFHxS is third among the PFAS detected in the environment and organisms, followed by PFOS. Additionally, bioaccumulation of PFHxS is higher than that of PFOS and PFOA.1,2 Microbial degradation of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) is an emerging area of research for mitigating environmental contamination.3 This study explores the microbial degradation potential of PFBS and PFHxS using three different microbial strains isolated from PFAS-contaminated sites. Laboratory-scale degradation experiments were monitored using a Micro-Oxymax Respirometer, which monitors the consumption of O2 and production of CO2 . Degradation pathways were elucidated by identifying transformation intermediates through liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Respirometric results give a good overview of microbial activity in real time and indicated that none of the tested strains were inhibited in the presence of PFBS and PFHxS. One strain exhibited higher activity compared to the others, with the greatest activity observed in the presence of PFHxS
Elemental and Radiological Characterisation of Arbutus unedo L. Leaves and Tea: Impact of Preparation Method on Nutritional Risk/Benefit
No full textThe aim of this study was to characterise the elemental and radiological composition of strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) leaves and tea preparations and compare it with commercial Uvin H herbal mixture, widely used in treatment of urinary tract infections. The concentration of 17 elements and the activity concentration of selected radionuclides were measured in strawberry tree leaves/Uvin H herbal mixture, as well as in herbal tea prepared by infusion or decoction of leaves for 5 or 10 min. In both leaves and tea preparations, Ca, K, Mg, and Na were the most abundant elements, while the lowest levels were measured for As, Co, Mo, and Se. Only 137Cs and 40K were detected in analysed leaves/herbal mixture, while the activity of radionuclides in tea preparations was below the detection limit. The maximum possible health benefits can be obtained by a 10-min decoction of leaves, which resulted in the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant activity and levels of K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, and Se in comparison to the other preparation methods evaluated in this study. The calculated intake of potentially toxic elements and radionuclides does not represent a health risk to consumers
Phenotypic Changes and Oxidative Stress in THP-1 Macrophages in Response to Vanilloids Following Stimulation with Allergen Act d 1 and LPS
No full textActivation of macrophages plays a key role in both inflammation and oxidative stress, key features of many chronic diseases. Pro-inflammatory M1-like macrophages, in particular, contribute to pro-oxidative environments and are a frequent focus of immunological research. This research examined the effects of kiwifruit allergen Act d 1, in comparison to LPS, on THP-1 macrophages in vitro differentiated under optimized conditions, both in the presence and in the absence of selected vanilloids. THP-1 monocyte differentiation was optimized by varying PMA exposure and resting time. Act d 1 induced M1-like phenotypic changes comparable to LPS, including upregulation of CD80, IL-1β and IL-6 secretion, gene expression of iNOS and NF-κB activation, in addition to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and catalase activity. Treatment with specific vanilloids mitigated these responses, primarily through reduced oxidative stress and NF-κB activation. Notably, vanillin (VN) was the most effective, also reducing CD80 expression and IL-1β levels. These results suggest that vanilloids can affect pro-inflammatory signaling and oxidative stress in THP-1 macrophages and highlight their potential to alter inflammatory conditions characterized by similar immune responses
Assessment of Biological Activity of Low Molecular Weight 1,4-Benzoquinone Derivatives
No full textIn this paper, we aimed to evaluate whether simple, low molecular mass benzoquinone derivatives, featuring different substituents in para- and meta-position relative to the tert-butyl group, possess biological activities against major targets associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The 1,4-benzoquinone derivatives studied herein inhibited both cholinesterases in the micromolar concentration range, generally showing a preference for butyrylcholinesterase over acetylcholinesterase; formed complexes with biometal ions Fe2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+; and displayed a certain BACE1 inhibition. Moreover, the tested compounds displayed certain antioxidant activity via either electron transfer or hydrogen atom transfer mechanisms. The antioxidant capacity of the unsubstituted tert-butyl-1,4-benzoquinone (compound 1) was three times lower than that of the standard antioxidant BHT, while 2,6-disubstituted derivatives (compounds 15 and 7) exhibited peroxyl radical scavenging activity comparable to that of Trolox. Taken together with in silico-predicted low toxicity, good intestinal absorption and favorable oral bioavailability, the presented 1,4-benzoquinone derivatives are promising scaffolds for the design of more complex molecules with enhanced cholinesterase and BACE1 inhibitory activity. Furthermore, they could serve as functional substituents in other structural scaffolds to combine and enhance their biological activities
Sadržaj ukupnih fenola i antioksidativna aktivnost u uzorcima meda sa Oglednog dobra Poljoprivrednog fakulteta „Radmilovac"
No full textMed je prirodni pčelinji proizvod raznovrsnog hemijskog sastava, bogat ugljenim hidratima, ali
sadrži i bioaktivne komponente, poput fenolnih kiselina. Ove supstance čine med prirodnim
antioksidansom, što doprinosi njegovom pozitivnom uticaju na ljudsko zdravlje, uključujući
antiinflamatorna, antimikrobna i antikancerogena svojstva. Poreklo meda ima značajan uticaj na
hemijski sastav i biološku aktivnost, budući da geografske i biljne karakteristike područja, kao i
uslovi pčelarenja, određuju prisustvo bioaktivnih jedinjenja. Med sa Oglednog dobra
Poljoprivrednog fakulteta „Radmilovac“ (ODPF„Radmilovac“), kao oglednog dobra
Poljoprivrednog fakulteta, Univerziteta u Beogradu, odabran je zbog poznatih i kontrolisanih
uslova proizvodnje, što omogućava pouzdanije poređenje. Dobijeni rezultati doprinose boljem
razumevanju povezanosti između porekla meda i njegovih antioksidativnih svojstava. U
eksperimentalnom delu rada ispitivani su sadržaj ukupnih fenolnih jedinjenja i antioksidativnu
aktivnost u uzorcima meda sa ODPF „Radmilovac". Cilj rada je kvantifikacija ukupnog sadržaja
fenola korišćenjem Folin-Ciocalteu metode i procena antioksidativnog kapaciteta DPPH (2,2-
difenil-1-pikrilhidrazil) i ABTS (2,2’-azino-bis(3-etilbenzotiazolin-6-sulfonska kiselina))
testovima u uzorcima meda
Uticaj zatvorenog rudnika na akumulaciju teških metala u rečnim ekosistemima i okolnom zemljištu
No full textCilj ovog rada bila je procena uticaja post-rudarskih aktivnosti na kontaminaciju teškim metalima u rečnom i kopnenom okruženju u zoni uticaja zatvorenog rudnika. Oblast istraživanja bio je zatvoreni rudnik antimona Brasina, u zapadnoj Srbiji. Uzorci zemljišta, sedimenata i vode prikupljeni su u blizini rudnika i okolnih reka (Borinska reka, Veoča, Drina) u oktobru 2024. godine. U radu je primenjena BCR metoda sekvencijalne ekstrakcije radi određivanja raspodele i mobilnosti elemenata (Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sb, Se, Si, Sr, Zn) u različitim geohemijskim frakcijama. Kvantitativna analiza je izvršena metodom induktivno spregnute plazme sa optičkom emisionom spektroskopijom (ICP/OES). Nakon statističke obrade podataka, razmatrane su dobijene koncentracije za svaki element ponaosob, kao i njihova raspodela po frakcijama u uzorcima zemljišta i sedimenata. Diskutovani su sadržaji dobijeni iz uzoraka voda ispitivanih reka. Izvršena je procena antropogenog porekla određenih elemenata izračunavanjem faktora obogaćenja, kao i poređenje sa važećom srpskom regulativom o maksimalnim dozvoljenim vrednostima elemenata u vodi, sedimentu i zemljištu. Rezultati istraživanja ovog rada imaju veliki značaj prvenstveno zbog toga što će pružiti dragocene podatke o ponašanju antimona u životnoj sredini, s obziorm da je toksičnost ovog elementa još uvek slabo proučena. Takođe, istraživanja su direktno povezana sa kritičnim ekološkim problemom dugotrajnog zagađenja od napuštenih rudnika, koji predstavljaju trajni izvor opasnih materija