Metabolite Signature of Physical Activity and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in 7271 Men

Large population-based studies investigating the association of physical activity (PA) with the metabolite signature contribute significantly to the understanding of the effects of PA on metabolic pathways associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes. Our study included 8749 Finnish men without diabetes at baseline recruited from the Metabolic Syndrome in Men (METSIM) cohort. We used a questionnaire to measure leisure-time PA. Metabolites were measured in 7271 men as a part of Metabolon’s untargeted Discovery HD4 platform using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. We found 198 metabolites significantly associated with PA. Several of these metabolites were novel including especially steroids, amino acids, imidazoles, carboxylic acids, and hydroxy acids. Increased PA was significantly associated with high levels of choline plasmalogens, lysophosphatidylcholines, polyunsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, long chain acylcarnitines, imidazoles, bilirubins, aryl sulfates, hydroxy acids, indolepropionate, and indolelactate. Several of these metabolites have been previously associated with a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes and with a healthy diet. Our population-based study shows that the metabolite signature of increased PA includes multiple metabolic pathways and is associated with better adherence to a healthy lifestyle.

HERBAL COSMECEUTICALS - INTENSIFIES HEALTH AND BEAUTY OF THE SKIN

Cosmetics with biologically active chemicals that claim to provide medical or drug-like advantages are referred to as cosmeceuticals. Cosmeceuticals are used to improve and nourish the appearance of the skin and treat various dermatological conditions. In recent days, a number of cosmeceutical products have been placed on the market with greater effectiveness. Moisturizers, sunscreens, pigment brighteners and other formulations have been revamped into makeshift forms with the addition of drug-like ingredients for better results. Although the effects may be small, these products still improve the feel and appearance of the skin with continued use over a period time; so there is a great opportunity to explore this avenue. This review aims to highlight current scenario of cosmeceutical industries and describes existing compound classes like retinoids, botanicals, hydroxy Acids used in cosmeceutical industries.

Cell-free biosynthesis of ω-hydroxy acids boosted by a synergistic combination of alcohol dehydrogenases

The activity orchestration of an unprecedented cell-free enzyme system with self-sufficient cofactor recycling enables the step-wise transformation of aliphatic diols into -hydroxy acids at the expense of molecular oxygen as electron acceptor. The efficiency of the biosynthetic route was maximized when two compatible alcohol dehydrogenases were selected as specialist biocatalysts for each one of the oxidative steps required for the oxidative lactonization of diols. The cell-free system reached up to 100% conversion using 100 mM of linear C5 diols, and performed the dessymetrization of prochiral branched diols into the corresponding -hydroxy acids with an exquisite enantioselectivity (ee > 99%). Green metrics demostrate a superior sustanability of this system compared to traditional metal catalysts and even to whole cells for the synthesis of 5-hydroxy petanoic acid. Finally, the cell-free system was assembled into a consortium of heterogeneous biocatalysts that allowed the enzyme reutilization. This cascade illustrates the potential of systems biocatalysis to access new heterofunctional molecules such as -hydroxy acids.

Switchable Structure Promoted Leaching Free Atomically Dispersed Pt Catalyst for Low Carbon Biomass Polyol Oxidation

Achieving efficient catalytic conversion over heterogeneous catalyst with excellent resistance against leaching is still a grand challenge for sustainable chemical synthesis in aqueous solution. Herein, we devised a leaching free atomically dispersed Pt1/hydroxyapatite (HAP) catalyst with unique switchable structure via a simple and green in-situ anchoring strategy. Gratifyingly, this robust Pt1/HAP catalyst exhibits remarkable catalytic selectivity and catalyst stability for the selective oxidation of C2-C4 bio-polyols (e.g., ethylene glycol, propanediol, glycerol and butanediol) to corresponding primary hydroxy acids. X-ray absorption spectroscopy, in-situ Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy, density functional theory calculation and kinetics study elucidated that the switchable Pt-(O-P) linkages with strong electronic-withdrawing function of PO43− (Pt1-OPO43− active site) not only realize the activation of C-H bond, but also destabilize the transition state from adsorbed hydroxy acids toward the C-C cleavage, resulting in the sharply increased selectivity of hydroxy acids. Moreover, the strong PO43−-coordination effect, originating from the enhanced interaction between positively charged Pt1 and negatively charged OPO43−, provides electrostatic stabilization for the atomically dispersed Pt, ensuring the highly efficient catalysis of Pt1/HAP for over 160 hours without metal leaching. This finding opens up new opportunities for efficient upgrading of bio-polyols over atomically dispersed catalysts.

Formulation and physical evaluation of facial cream preparations from Ceremai fruit juice (Phyllanthus acidus (l.) Skeels)

Introduction: Ceremai (Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels) fruit contains AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) compounds which are widely used as a moisturizer or as an exfoliating process in cosmetics production. It also contains vitamin C and flavonoids, both of which acts as whitening agents. Aim: This study aims to utilise a source of natural AHA active substances found in P.acidus in face cream preparations. Methods: The juice from P.acidus was dried by freeze-drying method and formulated into a cream with the preparation process evaluated for one month. Results: The observation results showed that after one month, there was no change in colour during storage, with the pH, viscosity and spreadability of the cream in the range 4.5-6.2, 2700-3996 cps, and 4.8-5.7 cm, respectively. Conclusion: P.acidus fruit juice containing AHA can be formulated into a face cream with good physical stability.