Article
Food Science & Technology
Ga-Hyun Baek, Sung-Woong Yang, Choong-In Yun, Joon-Goo Lee, Young-Jun Kim
Summary: Analysis of various teas showed different levels of caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline, with Pu-erh tea having the highest caffeine content, and hibiscus tea having the highest theobromine and theophylline content. Daily intake levels of methylxanthines were found to be low compared to recommended levels based on a Korean nutrition survey.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Eylem Funda Goktas, Erol Kabil, Levent Yatanaslan, Ertugrul Gunes, Levent Dirikolu
Summary: A new method using GC-MS was developed for the simultaneous analysis of caffeine and its metabolites in horse urine. The optimized sample preparation and derivatization steps allowed for the successful elution and detection of all target analytes within 13 minutes. The method was fully validated and demonstrated high reproducibility, ease of application, and selectivity. Its applicability was verified through analysis of urine samples collected from racehorses.
BIOMEDICAL CHROMATOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Nasrin Arefi Nia, Mohammad Mehdi Foroughi, Shohreh Jahani
Summary: The study synthesized beta-type MnO2 nano-flowers and constructed an electro-chemical sensor for simultaneous detection of ThB, ThP, and CaF. The sensor showed acceptable linear association and high sensitivity in detecting the target substances within a certain concentration range.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniel Janitschke, Anna Andrea Lauer, Cornel Manuel Bachmann, Jakob Winkler, Lea Victoria Griebsch, Sabrina Melanie Pilz, Elena Leoni Theiss, Heike Sabine Grimm, Tobias Hartmann, Marcus Otto Walter Grimm
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is characterized by increased plaque formation and tangle accumulation in the brain, along with extensive lipid alterations. Methylxanthines, a type of alkaloid commonly consumed through diet, have been found to interfere with the molecular mechanisms leading to Alzheimer's disease. Our study shows that methylxanthines not only affect triglycerides and cholesterol in the liver and serum, but also induce changes in other lipid classes in neuroblastoma cells. These changes include both beneficial and adverse effects related to Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, we suggest combining methylxanthines with a diet that alters lipid metabolism to counteract the adverse effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Vilma Ratautaite, Raimonda Boguzaite, Migle Beatrice Mickeviciute, Lina Mikoliunaite, Urte Samukaite-Bubniene, Arunas Ramanavicius, Almira Ramanaviciene
Summary: In this study, a Ppy-PMB heterostructure was electrochemically formed on ITO-coated glass slides, and the effect of different saccharides on its electrochromic properties was compared. AFM and SEM were used to analyze the surface features of the Ppy-PMB layers, revealing a moderate effect of the saccharides on surface morphology. The electrochromic properties were analyzed by measuring absorbance changes at different wavelengths and pH values, showing the highest absorbance changes in acidic media. The Ppy-PMB layers doped with heparin exhibited higher mechanical stability compared to layers doped with lactose and sucrose. The heparin-doped Ppy-PMB layer was selected for further experiments and applied in the design of an electrochromic sensor for the determination of three xanthine derivatives.
Article
Biology
Matthias Mace, Camille Richeval, Ameline Alcouffe, Liubomira Romanova, Patrice Gerard, Sylvie Duchesne, Catherine Cannet, Irina Boyarskikh, Annie Geraut, Vincent Zvenigorosky, Darya Nikolaeva, Charles Stepanoff, Delphine Allorge, Michele Debrenne, Norbert Telmon, Bertrand Ludes, Anatoly Alexeev, Jean-Michel Gaulier, Eric Crubezy
Summary: This study examined the spread of tobacco and tea in ancient populations by analyzing hair samples from frozen bodies in eastern Siberia, highlighting the influential role of economic factors and social family contacts in early tobacco consumption. The research suggests that understanding the evolution of substance integration into Siberian culture provides insights for contemporary public health approaches.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Melania Ruggiero, Rosa Calvello, Chiara Porro, Giovanni Messina, Antonia Cianciulli, Maria Antonietta Panaro
Summary: Coffee consumption with its bioactive compounds has shown to benefit human health and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroinflammation plays a critical role in the development of these diseases. Controlled caffeine delivery systems can help maintain high plasma caffeine levels for extended periods.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Danila V. Reshetnikov, Igor D. Ivanov, Dmitry S. Baev, Tatyana V. Rybalova, Evgenii S. Mozhaitsev, Sergey S. Patrushev, Valentin A. Vavilin, Tatyana G. Tolstikova, Elvira E. Shults
Summary: Xanthine derivatives are widely used for the development of effective bioactive agents. In this study, 38 methylxanthine derivatives were designed and synthesized as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Different reaction methods were employed to synthesize substituted methylxanthine derivatives. The bioactivity of the compounds was evaluated, and the structure-activity relationships were discussed. Compounds 53, 59, 65, 66, and 69 exhibited the strongest inhibitory activity against AChE.
Article
Microbiology
Alessandro F. Valdez, Taiane Nascimento de Souza, Jhon Jhamilton Artunduaga Bonilla, Daniel Zamith-Miranda, Alicia Corbellini Piffer, Glauber R. S. Araujo, Allan J. Guimaraes, Susana Frases, Alana Kelyene Pereira, Taicia Pacheco Fill, Igor L. Estevao, Angel Torres, Igor C. Almeida, Joshua D. Nosanchuk, Leonardo Nimrichter
Summary: Fungal extracellular vesicles (EVs) have potential as therapeutic agents and targets for the treatment of fungal infections. This study found that caffeine, a subinhibitory concentration of methylxanthines, effectively reduces the release of H. capsulatum EVs, leading to a modulation of fungal virulence.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Daniel Janitschke, Anna A. Lauer, Cornel M. Bachmann, Heike S. Grimm, Tobias Hartmann, Marcus O. W. Grimm
Summary: Methylxanthines have various beneficial effects, including bronchoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, regulation of lipid homeostasis, and neuroprotective effects. They impact multiple pathways associated with diseases, making them an interesting approach in dealing with neurodegenerative diseases.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Tomoya Tanaka, Keisuke Kimura, Kimiko Kan, Tetsuya Shindo, Takeo Sasamoto
Summary: A method for simultaneous determination of caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline in chocolate was developed using ultrasonic extraction and LC-MS, with high recoveries and repeatability. This method is simpler, more selective than existing methods, and practical for the analysis of these compounds in chocolate samples.
FOOD HYGIENE AND SAFETY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sofia M. Carneiro, M. Beatriz P. P. Oliveira, Rita C. Alves
Summary: Studies have found correlations between coffee consumption and neuroprotective outcomes, suggesting a decreased risk of neurodegenerative diseases with moderate to high coffee intake. Interactions between compounds in coffee and changes during processing influence neuroprotection effects.
TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Anna Kulawik, Judyta Cielecka-Piontek, Przemyslaw Zalewski
Summary: This article discusses the importance of lycopene in antioxidant and disease prevention, including cardiovascular diseases, diseases within the nervous system, diabetes, liver diseases, and ulcerative colitis. Research suggests that lycopene supplementation has significant promise for the treatment of illnesses marked by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, but more human studies are needed to establish its effectiveness.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Weng-I Katherine Chio, Jia Liu, Tabitha Jones, Jayakumar Perumal, U. S. Dinish, Ivan P. Parkin, Malini Olivo, Tung-Chun Lee
Summary: Multiplexed detection and quantification of structurally similar drug molecules can be achieved via solution-based surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), with highly reproducible SERS signals and detection limits down to 50 nM for some molecules. Machine learning algorithms can extend the dynamic range and robustness of the sensing scheme, showing potential for applications in therapeutic drug monitoring, food processing, forensics, and veterinary science.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Eva Sanchez-Hernandez, Celia Andres-Juan, Laura Buzon-Duran, Adriana Correa-Guimaraes, Jesus Martin-Gil, Pablo Martin-Ramos
Summary: Methylxanthines and their derivatives have potential applications as antifungal agents for grapevine trunk diseases. The combination of the derivatives with chitosan oligomers enhances their antimycotic activity. Further research is needed to investigate the in vivo efficacy as an alternative to conventional fungicides.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Diana C. C. Nunes, Joao C. Ribeiro, Marco G. G. Alves, Pedro F. F. Oliveira, Raquel L. L. Bernardino
Summary: Infertility is a growing problem globally, and there is a misconception that it is mostly caused by females. However, literature suggests that infertility has an equal contribution from both sexes. Testosterone, a male sex hormone, plays a significant role in male infertility. Hypogonadism, characterized by changes in testosterone levels, is a common cause of male infertility.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joao P. Monteiro, Helena B. Ferreira, Tania Melo, Carla Flanagan, Nuno Urbani, Joao Neves, Pedro Domingues, M. Rosario Domingues
Summary: This study evaluated the modulation of plasma lipid composition in Tursiops truncatus by developmental stage and sex. The fatty acid profile and phospholipid composition were analyzed, and differences were observed between mature females and males as well as between mature and immature males. These findings suggest that lipidomics can be a useful tool for monitoring health in cetaceans.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David F. Carrageta, Lais Freire-Brito, Barbara Guerra-Carvalho, Joao C. Ribeiro, Bruno S. Monteiro, Alberto Barros, Pedro F. Oliveira, Mariana P. Monteiro, Marco G. Alves
Summary: UCPs play a crucial role in regulating mitochondrial activity and ROS production. The expression and function of UCPs in human spermatozoa have been investigated, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms of male infertility.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tiago Morais, Alexandre L. L. Seabra, Barbara G. Patricio, David F. F. Carrageta, Marta Guimaraes, Mario Nora, Pedro F. F. Oliveira, Marco G. G. Alves, Mariana P. P. Monteiro
Summary: This study found that GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon have different effects on the metabolic profile of VAT depending on BMI and glycemic status. In individuals with obesity and prediabetes, GLP-1 increased alanine and lactate production and decreased isoleucine consumption, while GIP and glucagon decreased lactate and alanine production and increased pyruvate consumption.
Review
Biology
Jose Costa, Patricia C. Braga, Irene Rebelo, Pedro F. Oliveira, Marco G. Alves
Summary: Mitochondria are crucial for cellular processes, including male reproductive health. Dysfunction in mitochondrial quality control can lead to decreased sperm quality, and understanding and managing this control could be a valuable approach to combat male infertility.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joao Monteiro, Clive A. Marks, Patricia C. Braga, Raquel L. Bernardino, Marco G. Alves, Alexandre Lobo-da-Cunha, Arnaldo Videira, Filipe Pereira
Summary: Fluoroacetic acid (FAA) is a commonly used poison for controlling invasive species. Despite its long history as a pesticide, there is currently no effective treatment for accidental poisoning. Research shows that FAA affects mitochondrial function and leads to cell death.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C-TOXICOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Filipa G. Mateus, Silvia Moreira, Ana D. Martins, Pedro F. Oliveira, Marco G. Alves, Maria de Lourdes Pereira
Summary: L-Carnitine, a natural antioxidant, supports male reproductive health by improving sperm quality and fertility.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Carla Luis, Barbara Guerra-Carvalho, Patricia C. Braga, Carla Guedes, Emilia Patricio, Marco G. Alves, Ruben Fernandes, Raquel Soares
Summary: The present study aims to investigate the impact of adipose tissue on metabolic impairment in breast cancer molecular subtypes. By exposing breast cancer cell lines representing different molecular subtypes to mature adipocyte secretome, distinct metabolic patterns were observed, with HER2+ cell lines showing similar metabolism compared to luminal A and triple negative cell lines, indicating molecular subtype-specific alterations in central metabolism.
Article
Cell Biology
Joao C. Ribeiro, Raquel L. L. Bernardino, Ana Goncalves, Alberto Barros, Giuseppe Calamita, Marco G. G. Alves, Pedro F. F. Oliveira
Summary: Osmoregulation is essential for sperm function, and aquaglyceroporins play a crucial role in glycerol permeability, which is important for sperm motility. AQP7 is especially significant in glycerol transport, and its impairment may lead to reduced sperm motility in asthenozoospermic individuals.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joana L. Fernandes, Fatima O. Martins, Elena Olea, Jesus Prieto-Lloret, Patricia C. Braga, Joana F. Sacramento, Catarina O. Sequeira, Ana P. Negrinho, Sofia A. Pereira, Marco G. Alves, Asuncion Rocher, Silvia V. Conde
Summary: The association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and metabolic disorders is well-established, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the role of liver dysfunction in the pathogenesis of OSA-related metabolic dysfunction. The results suggest that hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, leading to inflammation, may be significant factors contributing to the development of dysmetabolism associated with OSA.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ruben Moreira, Ana D. Martins, Marco G. Alves, Maria de Lourdes Pereira, Pedro F. Oliveira
Summary: Low testosterone levels are a major cause of male infertility, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as chromium (Cr) can affect testicular steroidogenesis and male fertility. In particular, Cr(III) picolinate (CrPic(3)) has been found to inhibit enzymes involved in steroidogenesis and impact reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, testosterone levels, and sperm motility and count. However, further research is needed to fully understand the effects of CrPic(3) on male fertility and ensure its safety for use by men.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Mariana Santos-Pereira, Sara C. Pereira, Irene Rebelo, Maria A. Spadella, Pedro F. Oliveira, Marco G. Alves
Summary: Obesity has become a pressing concern in public health, with a rising prevalence of metabolic disorders. Obesity affects hormone regulation, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress, and may be associated with the development of prostate cancer.