Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alberto Jose Lopez-Jimenez, Lucia Morote, Enrique Niza, Maria Mondejar, Angela Rubio-Moraga, Gianfranco Diretto, Oussama Ahrazem, Lourdes Gomez-Gomez
Summary: Chromoplasts and chloroplasts contain carotenoid pigments, which have various functions such as light-harvesting, antioxidative, and photoprotective roles, and also act as precursors for signaling molecules and plant hormones. The carotenoid pathway involves different isomerases, such as D27, which converts all-trans- into 9-cis-beta-carotene. This study identified D27 and D27-like genes in saffron, with D27-1 being mainly expressed in undeveloped stigma and roots, and D27-2 and D27-3 in leaves. In vitro assays showed that D27-1 catalyzes the isomerization of all-trans-to 9-cis-beta-carotene, while D27-3 catalyzes the isomerization of all-trans- to cis-zeta-carotene and all-trans- to cis-neurosporene. These findings expand our understanding of carotenoid isomerization and its implications in physiological and ecological processes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alberto Jose Lopez-jimenez, Sarah Frusciante, Enrique Niza, Oussama Ahrazem, Angela Rubio-Moraga, Gianfranco Diretto, Lourdes Gomez-Gomez
Summary: Research has shown that crocetin is formed by carotenoid cleavage enzymes and specific CCD4 enzymes, accumulating in the stigma of saffron in the form of glucosides and crocins. UGT91P3 is believed to be the last missing gene in the biosynthesis of highly glucosylated crocins in saffron.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Serena Fiorito, Lucia Palumbo, Francesco Epifano, Chiara Collevecchio, Fabio Cardellini, Maria Bastianini, Roberto Spogli, Salvatore Genovese
Summary: Four synthetic clays were found to selectively retain crocetin from saffron powder aqueous solutions, demonstrating its chemical stabilization over time. The established method provides a means to extract pure crocetin for potential applications in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qianyong Shen, Ranran Liu, Jingyi Chen, Guiying Li, Shengtao Ma, Yingxin Yu, Taicheng An
Summary: Occupational workers and residents near petrochemical industry facilities are exposed to multiple contaminants on a daily basis. However, little is known about the co-exposure effects of different pollutants based on biotransformation. This study investigated the changes in toxicity and co-exposure mechanism associated with different monoaromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs) when co-exposed with benzene, toluene, chlorobenzene, or nitrobenzene. The results showed that co-exposure to MAHs negatively affected the detoxification process of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and disturbed its metabolic pathways.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ayat Taheri-Dehkordi, Roohangiz Naderi, Federico Martinelli, Seyed Alireza Salami
Summary: A robust workflow for the identification of miRNAs and their targets in saffron was developed, revealing the potential involvement of miRNA-mediated gene regulation in several biological processes, including the biosynthesis of highly valuable apocarotenoids. A total of 66 miRNAs targeting 2880 genes, including those involved in the flowering transition and terpenoids biosynthesis pathway, were identified in saffron, shedding new light on the post-transcriptional regulation dynamic in this valuable plant.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Debora Cerda-Bernad, Estefania Valero-Cases, Joaquin-Julian Pastor, Maria Jose Frutos
Summary: This article discusses the antioxidant effects of saffron compounds and their mechanisms of action in reducing the generation of reactive oxygen species. These compounds have various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antidiabetic effects. Due to their strong antioxidant effects, saffron could be a significant source for developing functional foods.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hua Meng, Guyanan Li, Wei Wei, Yansen Bai, Yue Feng, Ming Fu, Xin Guan, Mengying Li, Hang Li, Chenming Wang, Jiali Jie, Xiulong Wu, Meian He, Xiaomin Zhang, Sheng Wei, Yangkai Li, Huan Guo
Summary: This study identified 15 CpG sites associated with BPDE-Alb adducts, with methylation levels at 5 sites mediating the association between BPDE-Alb adducts and lung cancer risk. The addition of these CpG sites improved the discrimination for lung cancer compared to traditional factors. These results highlight DNA methylation alterations as potential mediators in lung tumorigenesis induced by B[a]P exposure.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Krystian Mokrzynski, Grzegorz Szewczyk, Tadeusz Sarna
Summary: This study measured the quantum yield and action spectra of singlet oxygen photogeneration by benzopyrenes and their ability to generate superoxide anion. The results revealed the photochemical activity of benzopyrenes in producing singlet oxygen and superoxide anion. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of benzopyrenes was demonstrated in skin model cells, with concentration-dependent and light-dependent effects, leading to damage to cell mitochondria and increased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species.
PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Edina Reizer, Imre G. Csizmadia, Karoly Nehez, Bela Viskolcz, Bela Fiser
Summary: In this study, new reaction pathways leading to benzo(a)pyrene were explored using DFT methods to gain a deeper understanding of its carcinogenic effects. The research found that HAERA was the most exergonic reaction pathway, while DA was the least exergonic.
CHEMICAL PHYSICS LETTERS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bozena Bukowska, Paulina Sicinska
Summary: Epigenetic changes play a crucial role in carcinogenesis, with Benzo(a)pyrene affecting DNA methylation and potentially leading to hypomethylation or hypermethylation depending on various factors. Exposure to BaP from sources like tobacco smoke can result in altered methylation status in offspring, and there is a potential link between BaP toxicity and disruption of biotin homeostasis pathway. Animal studies have shown that BaP toxicity can be passed down to the next generation, possibly through disturbance in circadian rhythm, and ancestral exposure to BaP can cause intergenerational effects like osteotoxicity in non-exposed offspring.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zuotao Zhang, Jiao Sun, Xiaoqiang Gong, Chongyang Wang, Hui Wang
Summary: A new sulfate-reducing bacterium, Desulforamulus aquiferis strain DSA, was found to degrade high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HMW-PAHs) pyrene and benzo[a]pyrene, while reducing sulfate to sulfide. The metabolic processes for anaerobic pyrene and benzo[a]pyrene degradation were proposed based on detecting intermediates and analyzing the genome. This study provides new guidance for anaerobic HMW-PAHs degradation under sulfate-reducing conditions.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xingchen Dong, Siyi Wu, Zihuan Rao, Yaqian Xiao, Yan Long, Zhixiong Xie
Summary: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are common carcinogens, and benzo(a)pyrene is one of the most difficult high-molecular-weight (HMW) PAHs to remove. Biodegradation has been considered an ideal method for PAH pollutant elimination, but research on HMW PAHs, especially benzo(a)pyrene, is limited. This study focuses on the highly efficient benzo(a)pyrene-degrading strain BaP3, aiming to elucidate its high degradation efficiency mechanism and contribute to the understanding of the degradation mechanism of highly toxic PAHs and provide new solutions for practical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Eslam E. Abd El-Fattah, Amir Mohamed Abdelhamid
Summary: Overexposure to the carcinogenic precursor, benzo[a]pyrene [BaP], alters the lung immune microenvironment by modulating immune cells and mediators, ultimately leading to lung cancer development.
Article
Immunology
Risa Kohno, Yuka Nagata, Tomohiro Ishihara, Chisato Amma, Yayoi Inomata, Takafumi Seto, Ryo Suzuki
Summary: This study investigated the inflammation induced by benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in the alveolar epithelium. BaP treatment increased NLRP1 expression but decreased NLRP3 in A549 cells. The study suggested that BaP-induced NLRP1 expression is mediated through the AhR-ROS axis, and BaP predominantly activates the NLRP1 inflammasome in lung epithelium, contributing to sustained pulmonary inflammation caused by environmental air pollution.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yining Xiong, Junsheng Li, Guoxia Huang, Liujuan Yan, Ji Ma
Summary: This study investigated the interaction mechanism of benzo(a)pyrene with free DNA in vitro and found that they formed a new complex, with benzo(a)pyrene intercalating into the DNA double helix structure to promote stability. The interaction was confirmed through various analytical methods, providing insights for potential applications in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon capture and elimination.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)