Article
Chemistry, Applied
Chao Xu, Shui Guan, Jianqiang Xu, Weitao Gong, Tianqing Liu, Xuehu Ma, Changkai Sun
Summary: In this study, protocatechuic acid was grafted onto carboxymethyl chitosan to enhance antioxidant effect, where the conjugates showed improved radical scavenging activities and chelating activity. The prepared hydrogel exhibited sustained release of PCA-containing degraded fragment and protective effect against oxidative damage, suggesting its potential in drug release and tissue engineering applications.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pinku Tung, Neal P. Mankad
Summary: A light-mediated, Cu-catalyzed process has been developed for directly producing aliphatic, symmetric acid anhydrides from alkyl (pseudo)halides in a single step without the need for precious metal additives. This transformation utilizes simple Cu salts and abundant bases to generate a heterogeneous Cu0 photocatalyst in situ, maintaining high efficiency and selectivity upon scale-up, and operates via a radical mechanism with several advantageous features. This discovery will facilitate the engineering of efficient and sustainable bulk processes for producing commodity anhydrides.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ying Li, Lezhen Dong, Yahui Liu, Qin Chen, Zufang Wu, Lingyi Liu, Mohamed A. Farag, Lianliang Liu
Summary: The effects of covalent binding of protocatechuic acid (PA) and gallic acid (GA) to lactoferrin (LF) on the structure, functional, and antioxidant properties of the protein conjugate were investigated. The LF-PA/GA conjugates showed altered hydrodynamic diameter and zeta-potential, but their antioxidant activities remained unchanged.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Man-Tong Zhao, Zhong-Yuan Liu, Ao Li, Guan-Hua Zhao, Hong-Kai Xie, Da-Yong Zhou, Tong Wang
Summary: This study investigated the antioxidant efficiency of gallic acid and its alkyl esters in oyster tissue during hot-air drying process. Results showed that these compounds effectively inhibited lipid oxidation in oyster tissue, with the antioxidant effects increasing with alkyl chain length. However, the antioxidant effects gradually decreased after a certain point. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between antioxidant effects and concentrations of polyphenol compounds in oyster tissue.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chang Liu, Chujie Zhang, Mengqiu Li, Jing Fu, Haichen Yang, Wenhan Ge, Yan Shi, Yang Lee, Cheng Huang
Summary: This study investigated the interaction between protocatechuic acid (PCA) and human serum albumin (HSA), as well as its protective effects against oxidative stress and pulmonary fibrosis. The results showed that PCA can protect human type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, possibly through regulation of the NF-jB signaling pathway.
ARABIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Madeline de Souza Correa, Nayara Lais Boschen, Paulo Rogerio P. Rodrigues, Marcos L. Corazza, Agnes de Paula Scheer, Rosemary Hoffmann Ribani
Summary: Blackberry seed extracts obtained by supercritical CO2 and ethanol extraction showed good antioxidant potential, with high total phenolic content and phenolic compound concentration. The extracts also exhibited a protective effect against the oxidation of soybean oil.
JOURNAL OF SUPERCRITICAL FLUIDS
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ao Li, Man-Tong Zhao, Fa-Wen Yin, Min Zhang, Hui-Lin Liu, Da-Yong Zhou, Fereidoon Shahidi
Summary: The study reveals that gallic acid and its alkyl esters have excellent antioxidant effects in frying oil and oyster, improving the oxidative stability of food products and extending their shelf life.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qiaoli Zhao, Liuping Fan, Yuanfa Liu, Jinwei Li
Summary: In this study, chitosan was functionalized with protocatechuic acid and used to improve the stability of 13-carotene in Pickering emulsions. The grafting ratio of protocatechuic acid in chitosan conjugates was found to be dependent on the molecular weight of chitosan. The conjugates exhibited reduced crystallinity and thermal stability and improved antioxidant activity. Additionally, the conjugate particles significantly improved the stability of 13-carotene in Pickering emulsions and showed higher oxidation stability compared to chitosan particles. These results provide valuable information for the application of chitosan-protocatechuic acid conjugates in emulsion systems.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wen-Tao Zhao, Wei Shu
Summary: We report a reaction mode for the enantioselective construction of alkyl-alkyl bond to access saturated stereogenic carbon centers by asymmetric reductive cross-coupling between different alkyl electrophiles in good yields with great levels of enantioselectivity. This reaction mode uses only alkyl electrophiles for enantioselective C-sp3-C-sp3 bond-formation, rendering reductive alkyl-alkyl cross-coupling as an alternative to traditional alkyl-alkyl cross-coupling reactions between alkyl nucleophiles and alkyl electrophiles to access saturated stereogenic carbon centers without the use of organometallic reagents. The reaction displays a broad scope for two alkyl electrophiles with good functional group tolerance. Mechanistic studies reveal that the reaction undergoes a single electron transfer that enabled the reductive coupling pathway to form the alkyl-alkyl bond.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhaoxia Li, Yujuan Liu, Fang Wang, Zhuanglei Gao, Mohamed A. Elhefny, Ola A. Habotta, Ahmed E. Abdel Moneim, Rami B. Kassab
Summary: Arsenic is a toxic metalloid that is abundantly found in nature and used in many industries. This study investigated the neuroprotective potential of protocatechuic acid (PCA) against arsenic-induced neurotoxicity in mice, showing that PCA can positively impact oxidative stress and cytokine levels induced by arsenic exposure.
CHEMICO-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Chen Zhou, Ruiling Xu, Xiaowen Han, Lei Tong, Li Xiong, Jie Liang, Yong Sun, Xingdong Zhang, Yujiang Fan
Summary: Injectable antioxidant hydrogels composed of protocatechuic acid (PA)-mediated carboxylated chitosan (CCS) and oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA) conjugate were designed to reduce oxidative stress and promote wound healing. These hydrogels exhibited stable chemical structure, satisfactory physical properties, and effective antibacterial properties. In addition, the hydrogels demonstrated significant antioxidant capacity and promoted collagen deposition in wound healing in animal tests.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Man-Tong Zhao, Zhong-Yuan Liu, Guan-Hua Zhao, De-Yang Li, Guang-Hua Xia, Fa-Wen Yin, Da-Yong Zhou
Summary: This study investigated the antioxidant capacity of gallic acid and its fatty alkyl esters in freeze-dried oyster. The results showed that these compounds effectively prevented lipid oxidation in dried oysters, with octyl gallate being the most effective individual. The results provide valuable information for selecting suitable antioxidants to enhance the oxidative stability of freeze-dried seafood.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alaa Jameel A. Albarakati
Summary: This study confirmed the protective effect of protocatechuic acid on carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice, which may be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Xiao Zhou, Lin Guo, Haoxiang Zhang, Raymond Yang Xia, Chao Yang, Wujiong Xia
Summary: A sustainable Ni-catalyzed reductive acylation reaction of carboxylic acids via an electro-chemical pathway is presented, which provides a variety of ketones as major products. The reaction offers mild conditions and convenience of amplification, making it synthetically advantageous.
ADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Paul Thomas, Emmanuel Essien, Anwanabasi Udoh, Bright Archibong, Ofonasaha Akpan, Emediong Etukudo, Marinella De Leo, Olorunfemi Eseyin, Guido Flamini, Kola Ajibesin
Summary: The study evaluated the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant activities of Uapaca staudtii stem bark extract and fractions, and isolated protocatechuic acid and betulinic acid as bioactive compounds. The results demonstrated significant medicinal value of Uapaca staudtii stem bark in treating pain and inflammatory diseases.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Organic
Melford Chuka Egbujor, Jorge Garrido, Fernanda Borges, Luciano Saso
Summary: Sulfonamides are known for their diverse biological activities, including antioxidant activity. They have structural diversity and are suitable for drug discovery programs. Despite being extensively used as antibacterial agents, their therapeutic potential as antioxidants has been relatively underexplored. Some sulfonamide derivatives have been found to activate Nrf2, a key process in cellular response to oxidative stress.
MINI-REVIEWS IN ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raffaella Catalano, Francesca Procopio, Daniel Chavarria, Sofia Benfeito, Stefano Alcaro, Fernanda Borges, Francesco Ortuso
Summary: In this study, computational tools were used to search for inhibitors of human monoamine oxidases (hMAOs) among the non-chiral constituents of Bergamot Essential Oil (BEO). Molecular modeling simulations and experimental studies were conducted to select the most promising compound, Bergamottin, which demonstrated selective hMAO-B inhibitory activity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Josue Pozo-Martinez, Francisco Salgado, Ana Liempi, Ulrike Kemmerling, Raul Mera-Adasme, Claudio Olea-Azar, Mauricio Moncada-Basualto, Fernanda Borges, Eugenio Uriarte, Maria Joao Matos
Summary: The study demonstrated that a series of catechol-containing 3-arylcoumarins have moderate trypanocidal activity on the trypomastigote form of the parasite, with 3-(4'-bromophenyl)-6,7-dihydroxycoumarin (8) showing the highest activity but also the highest cytotoxicity in Vero cells. The inclusion in beta-cyclodextrins reduced the trypanocidal activity and cytotoxicity, but increased solubility. Compound 8 was found to act through the generation of oxidative stress, and the combination with BZN showed a synergistic effect, reducing the necessary dose of BZN and proving to be a promising alternative strategy for treating the disease.
ARABIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Joao Campos Santos, Carla Cruz Marques, Maria Conceicao Baptista, Jorge Pimenta, Jose Teixeira, Liliana Montezinho, Fernando Cagide, Fernanda Borges, Paulo J. Oliveira, Rosa M. L. N. Pereira
Summary: The study investigates the effect of a mitochondria-targeted dietary antioxidant on bovine sperm function. The results show that this antioxidant improves sperm mitochondrial function, fertilization process, and embryo production, suggesting its potential therapeutic strategy to improve the outcomes of assisted reproductive techniques.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Diana Oliveira, Anabela Borges, Maria J. Saavedra, Fernanda Borges, Manuel Simoes
Summary: Diabetic foot ulcers are a common complication of diabetes and often become infected with Staphylococcus aureus. This study investigates the use of phytochemicals and derivatives as antibiotic enhancers to combat multidrug resistance in bacterial wound infections.
Review
Cell Biology
Pedro Soares, Catia Silva, Daniel Chavarria, Filomena S. G. Silva, Paulo J. Oliveira, Fernanda Borges
Summary: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive disease that leads to paralysis and death due to respiratory failure. Current ALS drugs only provide mild relief to patients. Recent advances in understanding ALS biology have identified potential targets for drug development, including mitochondria and oxidative stress, iron metabolism and ferroptosis, and regulators of hypoxia and inflammation. This review focuses on discussing the latest advances in ALS drug development and proposes the rational design of multi-target ligands as a potential effective therapy for ALS.
AGEING RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Maria J. Matos, Paula Novo, Lucia Mayan, Iria Torres, Eugenio Uriarte, Matilde Yanez, Jose Angel Fontenla, Francesco Ortuso, Stefano Alcaro, Francesca Procopio, Maria Isabel Rodriguez-Franco, Cristina Val, Maria I. Loza, Jose Brea, Fernanda Borges, Dolores Vina
Summary: Psychiatric and neurological disorders affect millions of people worldwide, and current treatments are limited in their effectiveness. New therapeutic solutions are urgently needed to improve the lives of patients.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Umut Sen, Marta Martins, Everton Santos, Maria Amelia Lemos, Francisco Lemos, Helena Pereira
Summary: The waste cork granules of Quercus cerris bark underwent isothermal and non-isothermal slow pyrolysis. The reaction heat, as well as the properties and yields of biochar, bio-oil, and pyrolysis gas were investigated. The results showed that both isothermal and non-isothermal slow pyrolysis of cork produced biochars, with non-isothermally produced chars having similar fuel properties to isothermally produced chars. Furthermore, the FT-IR results demonstrated a higher degree of degradation in isothermal chars and the beginning of aromatization in the char structure. These findings suggest the potential for cost-effective production of cork-based biochars using non-isothermal slow pyrolysis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David Vicente-Zurdo, Leonardo Brunetti, Luca Piemontese, Beatriz Guedes, Sandra M. Cardoso, Daniel Chavarria, Fernanda Borges, Yolanda Madrid, Silvia Chaves, M. Amelia Santos
Summary: A series of Rivastigmine-Benzimidazole (RIV-BIM) hybrids were found to have multitarget effects in combating Alzheimer's disease (AD). They exhibited antioxidant activity, acted as cholinesterase inhibitors, inhibited amyloid-beta aggregation, and chelated redox-active biometal ions. Furthermore, they showed remarkable inhibitory activity against monoamine oxidases and neuroprotective effects in human neuroblastoma cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Noha A. Elessawy, Gordana Backovic, Janesuda Hirunthanawat, Marta Martins, Lazar Rakocevic, Marwa H. Gouda, Arafat Toghan, Mohamed E. Youssef, Biljana Sljukic, Diogo M. F. Santos
Summary: In this study, PET bottle waste was transformed into nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) as a valuable catalyst support, and NG/Pt electrocatalysts were prepared for direct borohydride peroxide fuel cells (DBPFCs). The results show that NG/Pt catalysts display high catalytic activity, and a DBPFC using NG/Pt_1 catalyst achieved a high power density. This research has the potential to lower the cost of fuel cells and boost the usage of electrochemical energy devices.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ines Costa, Daniel Jose Barbosa, Vera Silva, Sofia Benfeito, Fernanda Borges, Fernando Remiao, Renata Silva
Summary: Ferroptosis is regulated cell death caused by oxidative perturbations controlled by Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4). It involves the increased production of reactive oxygen species, intracellular iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation, inhibition of system Xc-, glutathione depletion, and decreased GPX4 activity. In vitro and in vivo models have been used to study the pathophysiological mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases involving ferroptosis. These models can also aid in the development of potential ferroptosis inhibitors for disease-modifying therapies. This review discusses the main in vitro and in vivo models used to evaluate ferroptosis and explore new drug targets and candidates.
Review
Biology
Ricardo Amorim, Carina C. Magalhaes, Fernanda Borges, Paulo J. Oliveira, Jose Teixeira
Summary: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global pandemic affecting 25% of the world's population and is a serious health and economic concern worldwide. NAFLD is mainly the result of unhealthy dietary habits combined with a sedentary lifestyle, although some genetic contributions to NAFLD have been documented. This review examines the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the progression of NAFLD and suggests that targeting hepatocytes' mitochondrial physiology could be a potential therapy for this disease. However, further research is needed to explore the specific roles of different mitochondrial sub-populations and their communication with other subcellular organelles in NAFLD progression.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Daniel Martins, Eva Gil-Martins, Fernando Cagide, Catarina da Fonseca, Sofia Benfeito, Carlos Fernandes, Daniel Chavarria, Fernando Remiao, Renata Silva, Fernanda Borges
Summary: The introduction of an NBOMe moiety significantly increases the lipophilicity, brain permeability, and cytotoxic effects of the parent drugs, with disruption of GSH and ATP homeostasis. Inhibition of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 suggests a role of CYP-mediated metabolism in impacting the toxicity of these drugs.
Review
Electrochemistry
Jadranka Milikic, Ana Nastasic, Marta Martins, Cesar A. C. Sequeira, Biljana Sljukic
Summary: Metal-air batteries are a popular solution for electrochemical energy storage, especially for electric vehicles and grid energy storage, due to their high theoretical energy density compared to lithium-ion batteries. The performance of these batteries relies on the air cathode electrocatalysts and corresponding electrolytes. In this article, we discuss the latest studies on electrocatalysts for air cathodes and bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts for aqueous zinc-air and aluminium-air batteries.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Aitor Carneiro, Eugenio Uriarte, Fernanda Borges, Maria Joao Matos
Summary: Propargylamine is widely used in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology due to its unique reactivity. This review discusses the applications and potential of propargylamine-based compounds in drug discovery, highlighting their impact in various therapeutic fields.
FUTURE MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
