scholarly journals Biochemical and Immunological implications of Lutein and Zeaxanthin

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (20) ◽  
pp. 10910
Author(s):  
Javaria Zafar ◽  
Amna Aqeel ◽  
Fatima Iftikhar Shah ◽  
Naureen Ehsan ◽  
Umar Farooq Gohar ◽  
...  

Throughout history, nature has been acknowledged for being a primordial source of various bioactive molecules in which human macular carotenoids are gaining significant attention. Among 750 natural carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin and their oxidative metabolites are selectively accumulated in the macular region of living beings. Due to their vast applications in food, feed, pharmaceutical and nutraceuticals industries, the global market of lutein and zeaxanthin is continuously expanding but chemical synthesis, extraction and purification of these compounds from their natural repertoire e.g., plants, is somewhat costly and technically challenging. In this regard microbial as well as microalgal carotenoids are considered as an attractive alternative to aforementioned challenges. Through the techniques of genetic engineering and gene-editing tools like CRISPR/Cas9, the overproduction of lutein and zeaxanthin in microorganisms can be achieved but the commercial scale applications of such procedures needs to be done. Moreover, these carotenoids are highly unstable and susceptible to thermal and oxidative degradation. Therefore, esterification of these xanthophylls and microencapsulation with appropriate wall materials can increase their shelf-life and enhance their application in food industry. With their potent antioxidant activities, these carotenoids are emerging as molecules of vital importance in chronic degenerative, malignancies and antiviral diseases. Therefore, more research needs to be done to further expand the applications of lutein and zeaxanthin.

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (40) ◽  
pp. 6815-6824 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Jiang ◽  
Chuanshan Xu ◽  
Wingnang Leung ◽  
Mei Lin ◽  
Xiaowen Cai ◽  
...  

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a promising alternative treatment for malignancies based on photochemical reaction induced by Photosensitizers (PS) under light irradiation. Recent studies show that PDT caused the abundant release of exosomes from tumor tissues. It is well-known that exosomes as carriers play an important role in cell-cell communication through transporting many kinds of bioactive molecules (e.g. lipids, proteins, mRNA, miRNA and lncRNA). Therefore, to explore the role of exosomes in photodynamic anticancer therapy has been attracting significant attention. In the present paper, we will briefly introduce the basic principle of PDT and exosomes, and focus on discussing the role of exosomes in photodynamic anticancer therapy, to further enrich and boost the development of PDT.


Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1343
Author(s):  
Lihua Liu ◽  
Chenyi Zhang ◽  
Huimin Zhang ◽  
Guoqiang Qu ◽  
Chun Li ◽  
...  

Apple pomace, the main by-product in apple processing, is a cheap source of bioactive compounds that could be used in the food industry. However, the value of this by-product is still far from being fully realized. In this study, 11 strains of Lactobacillus strains were assayed for β-glucosidase activity, and only Lactobacillus rhamnosus L08 (L. rhamnosus L08) showed high cell-membrane associated β-glucosidase activity. We then evaluated the effects of fermentation of apple pomace using the selected strain, focusing on the biotransformation of polyphenols and antioxidant capacity. We found that L. rhamnosus L08 fermentation significantly reduced the contents of quercitrin and phlorizin in apple pomace, while increasing the contents of quercetin and phloretin. The contents of gallic acid, epicatechin acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid were also increased in apple pomace after fermentation. In addition, the antioxidant activities of apple pomace were enhanced during fermentation, based on the bioconversion of phenolic profiles. Our results demonstrate that lactic acid bacteria fermentation is a promising approach to enhance the bioactivity of phenolic compounds in apple pomace. Moreover, this study demonstrates that, as a valuable processing by-product with bioactive components, apple pomace can be used in the food industry to provide economic benefits.


Gene Therapy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan O’Keeffe Ahern ◽  
Irene Lara-Sáez ◽  
Dezhong Zhou ◽  
Rodolfo Murillas ◽  
Jose Bonafont ◽  
...  

AbstractRecent advances in molecular biology have led to the CRISPR revolution, but the lack of an efficient and safe delivery system into cells and tissues continues to hinder clinical translation of CRISPR approaches. Polymeric vectors offer an attractive alternative to viruses as delivery vectors due to their large packaging capacity and safety profile. In this paper, we have demonstrated the potential use of a highly branched poly(β-amino ester) polymer, HPAE-EB, to enable genomic editing via CRISPRCas9-targeted genomic excision of exon 80 in the COL7A1 gene, through a dual-guide RNA sequence system. The biophysical properties of HPAE-EB were screened in a human embryonic 293 cell line (HEK293), to elucidate optimal conditions for efficient and cytocompatible delivery of a DNA construct encoding Cas9 along with two RNA guides, obtaining 15–20% target genomic excision. When translated to human recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) keratinocytes, transfection efficiency and targeted genomic excision dropped. However, upon delivery of CRISPR–Cas9 as a ribonucleoprotein complex, targeted genomic deletion of exon 80 was increased to over 40%. Our study provides renewed perspective for the further development of polymer delivery systems for application in the gene editing field in general, and specifically for the treatment of RDEB.


Author(s):  
Zhizhou Zhang ◽  
Yongchao Zhang ◽  
Yichao Wu ◽  
Yongxiang Xu ◽  
Yuanyuan Jiang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Secoisolariciresinol di glucoside (SDG) is a natural antioxidant generally extracted from flaxseed, which is one of the most important oil crops in China, the by-product of the flaxseed oil, i.e., flaxseed meal, still contains a lot of lignans. However, flaxseed meal is generally treated as waste, resulting in a huge waste of resources. Objective To establish an efficient and convenient method for extraction and purification of lignans from flaxseed meal. Methods First, we used response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the extraction conditions of the ultrasonic-assisted aqueous two-phase system (UAATPS), and we obtained the purified extracts by macroporous resin purification (MRP). Second, the antioxidant ability of the extracts was studied in vitro. Results The best extraction conditions obtained were as follows: 9.0 wt% sodium hydroxide, 30.0 wt% isopropanol, extraction time 39 min, liquid-to-solid ratio of 52.0 mL/g, ultrasonic wave 560 W, and extraction temperature 40 °C. Under the optimal conditions, the purity of crude extracts (SDG-APTS-C) reached 21.5%. The desorption conditions of MRP were as follows: eluting 3 BV with ultrapure water, and then eluting with 25% ethanol at 2 BV/h to collect eluents. The purified extracts (SDG-ATPS-P) had a purity quotient of 73.9%, 52.4% higher than that of SDG-ATPS-C. Additionally, experiments conducted in this paper revealed that SDG-ATPS-C and SDG-ATPS-P could effectively remove DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl free radicals in vitro. Conclusions The method was validated for extracting SDG from flaxseed meal, thus achieving the reuse of flaxseed meal. Highlights This research provides some references for the application of UAATPS combined with MRP in natural products.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Misbahul Munir ◽  
Muhammad Masyhuri

The halal product industry continues to grow and has a big influence on the global market. In fact, Indonesia is determined to make the country's halal product industry more competitive in the world halal market. To anticipate this global market competition, Indonesia as a Muslim majority country must be able to take the advantage of this enormous opportunity. The role of the network in developing halal products to the global market was when marketing its products. PT. Mitratani could not be separated from relationships with business partners. Each business partner had a role to play. Also, PT. Mitratani could not separate the use of information technology and media as a means to expand marketing to the global market. To create an edge in competition, PT. Mitratani focused on customer and consumer needs. The most important thing was to build trust in business partners. PT. Mitratani's advantage was in the cultivation of edamame. It was from planting to the use of pesticides and fertilizers, until PT Mitratani farmers did their own crops and carried out quality control on each land. This was done to maintain the quality of edamame. PT. Mitratani also improved the quality of its products by implementing HACCP, SOP and GMP in processing and production. In addition to maintaining the quality of PT, Mitratani had established good relationships with company stakeholders so that loyalty and trusted in the product and the company could continue.


AGROFOR ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amina BESSEDIK

Cuminum cyminum (in arabic: Kemoun) is an important source of therapeutic, cosmetic, bio-food and technological agents. Ancient civilizations used this plant for therapeutic purposes. Extracts from this plant are nowadays strongly used in the industrial and research fields, particularly for the medicinal, pharmacological and cosmetological purposes. Bioactive molecules extracted from Cuminum cyminum may express biocidal activities and prove to be good candidates for new antioxidants. The objective of the present work is to evaluate the biological properties of this plant, including antibacterial and antioxidant effects. The seeds of cumin are harvested at the wilaya of Biskra, and stored in a dry place until their use. They were identified at Hassiba Benbouali University of Chlef. Essential oil is obtained by hydro-distillation using a Clivenger type device (AFNOR, 2000). The obtained sample is stored in sealed bottles at low temperature (4°C) and away from light. The antibacterial effect is assessed by the disc method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) is determined by standard methods. The antioxidant activity is evaluated by the DPPH free radical trapping method of the methanolic extracts. The essential oil of C. cyminum shows a better activity against Gram+ strains compared to Gram- strains. The determination of MICs leads to the conclusion that its activity can be triggered at a very low concentration. The reaction with DPPH gives an interesting IC50. This testifies to the ability of this essential oil to reduce free radicals. Thanks to the antibacterial activities that we have highlighted, cumin can be considered as a palliative that could replace certain antibiotics. Moreover, its antioxidant activity allows us to use it as a natural food additive.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 287
Author(s):  
Hilda Rahmah ◽  
Hanry Harlen Tapotubun

This paper aims to find out how non-Muslim countries such as Japan and Germany develop the halal tourism industry and highlight the narratives of halal tourism in both non-Muslim countries. This study has been done qualitatively in focus on the literature review and discourse analysis method as the main approach. Over time, the halal label has been led to be an inseparable aspect of lifestyle segment in certain society. It did not occur only in the food industry, but also been penetrated into various other industries, one of those is known as halal tourism. According to Global Muslim Tourist Index (GMTI), this phenomenon is not only the Muslim countries Phenomenon, but also increase in the non-Muslim countries. The halal tourism business is expanding and start to be the main economical income by Muslim minority countries, including Japan and Germany. The presence of these two countries in developing halal tourism is unique, because it is not a country with a Muslim majority, but it is precisely the target of foreign Muslim tourists, including Indonesians. Although Indonesia has been named the best halal destination according to GMTI, in fact the interest in halal tourism developed by Japan and Germany is far more promising. No doubt this has become a challenge for Indonesia to enter the this global market competition. Therefore, compared to following the market trend with profit oriented, Indonesia as a Muslim-majority country should deliver halal tourism towards the target of justice and welfare of the people.Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk memahami wacana dan kepentingan yang mengiringi perkembangan wisata halal di Jepang dan Jerman, sebagai negara non-muslim. Hal ini dikarenakan, meskipun berstatus negara non-muslim, keduanya mengalami peningkatan yang cukup signifikan dalam hal pengembangan dan tingkat kedatangan turis muslim. Dengan menggunakan pendekatan teori hegemoni oleh Laclau dan Mouffe yang menekankan pada aspek logic of difference dan chain of equivalent sebagai kunci utama internalisasi wacana hegemonik, tulisan ini dimaksudkan untuk melihat beragam wacana dan kepentingan mengiringi perkembangan wisata halal, baik yang tersirat maupun tersurat. Untuk mancapai tujuan tersebut, metode pengumpulan data akan dilakukan dengan studi kepustakaan yang fokus pada beragam artikel, berita, serta laporan-laporan terkait perkembangan industri pariwisata halal di Jepang dan Jerman. Dari berbagai data dan analisa, tampak jelas bahwa meskipun ada beragam wacana dan kepentingan, perbedaan tersebut berada dalam wacana besar neoliberalisme. Sehingga, wisata halal di negara non-muslim dapat dipahami sebagai sebuah wacana hegemonik yang hanya menguntungkan negara dan pasar tetapi mengesampingkan masyarakat. Dengan belajar dari temuan tersebut, Indonesia sebagai negara dengan populasi muslim terbesar diharapkan mampu mengembangkan industri wisata halal yang ramah, bukan hanya kepada turis dan pemodal, melainkan juga pada masyarakat sebagai garda terdepan industri wisata halal. 


Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (18) ◽  
pp. 3212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bartosz Kulczyński ◽  
Anna Gramza-Michałowska

Bioactive compounds are significant to human nutrition. They are beneficial to health as they inhibit the development of numerous diseases of affluence. Scientists continuously search for natural sources of these components. At present, the chemical composition of various plants is under investigation. Many researchers are interested in pumpkin (Cucurbita L. spp.). Different organs of this plant (pulp, seeds, flowers, leaves, shoots, roots) are consumed almost all over the world. They contain large amounts of bioactive compounds. Pumpkin pulp is used to prepare various dishes. It is also widely used in the food industry for the production of pastries, baked goods, juices, jams, marinades, and baby food. The content of carotenoids in the pumpkin has been documented in a large number of publications. However, so far there has been no complex analysis of the profile of other bioactive compounds. This article analyses 11 pumpkin cultivars of the Cucurbita maxima Duchesne species. It compares the chemical composition of the pulp and analyses the content of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, polyphenols (flavonols and phenolic acids), tocopherols, minerals (K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn), vitamins (C, B1, folates). In view of available information, the study provides an innovative approach. The analysis showed high diversity in the concentration of individual components between the cultivars. The research proved that pumpkin pulp was not only a source of carotenoids but also other bioactive compounds.


Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1232
Author(s):  
Stefania D’Adamo ◽  
Silvia Cetrullo ◽  
Veronica Panichi ◽  
Erminia Mariani ◽  
Flavio Flamigni ◽  
...  

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease associated to age or conditions that precipitate aging of articular cartilage, a post-mitotic tissue that remains functional until the failure of major homeostatic mechanisms. OA severely impacts the national health system costs and patients’ quality of life because of pain and disability. It is a whole-joint disease sustained by inflammatory and oxidative signaling pathways and marked epigenetic changes responsible for catabolism of the cartilage extracellular matrix. OA usually progresses until its severity requires joint arthroplasty. To delay this progression and to improve symptoms, a wide range of naturally derived compounds have been proposed and are summarized in this review. Preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies have provided proof of principle that many of these nutraceuticals are able to exert pleiotropic and synergistic effects and effectively counteract OA pathogenesis by exerting both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities and by tuning major OA-related signaling pathways. The latter are the basis for the nutrigenomic role played by some of these compounds, given the marked changes in the transcriptome, miRNome, and methylome. Ongoing and future clinical trials will hopefully confirm the disease-modifying ability of these bioactive molecules in OA patients.


RSC Advances ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (92) ◽  
pp. 88996-89006 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. J. Llorent-Martínez ◽  
P. Ortega-Barrales ◽  
G. Zengin ◽  
S. Uysal ◽  
R. Ceylan ◽  
...  

This study suggest that Lathyrus species may be further used in phytopharmaceuticals or food industry applications.


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