Article
Engineering, Chemical
Dahee Kim, Ju-Hyun Yu, Kyung-Sik Hong, Chan-Duck Jung, Hoyong Kim, Jungbae Kim, Suwan Myung
Summary: This study presents an eco-friendly biomass refinery process for the production and purification of low-molecular-weight xylooligosaccharides (XOS) from agricultural residues. The process involves continuous hydrothermal treatment, membrane-based concentration, xylanase-catalyzed hydrolysis, and enzyme-mediated radical polymerization. The results show high extraction yields of xylan and efficient removal of phenolic compounds, while minimizing XOS loss and waste generation.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Malgorzata Latos-Brozio, Anna Masek, Malgorzata Piotrowska
Summary: This study successfully achieved enzymatic polymerization of naringenin and investigated the properties of poly(naringenin). It was found that the polymeric forms of naringenin exhibited improved thermal stability, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial properties compared to the basic flavonoid. In particular, poly(naringenin)-laccase showed better scavenging activity for ABTS(+center dot) radicals and antimicrobial activity against E. coli.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Curro Polo-Castellano, Rosa Maria Mateos, Francisco Visiedo, Miguel Palma, Gerardo F. Barbero, Marta Ferreiro-Gonzalez
Summary: Moringa oleifera Lam. is a tree with significant antioxidant properties, making the development of an optimal extraction method crucial for obtaining pharmacological products based on its bioactive compounds. Enzymatic extraction conditions were optimized using Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken designs, with normalized areas and relative mass as response and quantification variables, respectively. Under the optimal extraction conditions, enzyme extractions were performed and evaluated for antioxidant power, total phenolic compounds, repeatability, and intermediate precision.
Article
Polymer Science
Alfredo Martinez-Cutillas, Salvador Leon, Sejin Oh, Antxon Martinez de Ilarduya
Summary: The use of renewable monomers to produce new polyesters through enzymatic ring opening polymerization is gaining attention as a green alternative to petrochemical-based polyesters. In this study, three different macrolactones were polymerized using immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B, and for the first time, the resulting polymacrolactones were enzymatically depolymerized in solution. The depolymerization products were mainly cyclic monomers and dimers, with a small amount of macrocyclic oligoesters. The depolymerization reactions followed a Michaelis-Menten kinetic model and the macrocyclic oligoesters were successfully repolymerized, offering a pathway for chemical recycling of these interesting polymeric materials.
Article
Plant Sciences
Anna Kurek-Gorecka, Saban Keskin, Otilia Bobis, Rafael Felitti, Michal Gorecki, Michal Otreba, Jerzy Stojko, Pawel Olczyk, Sevgi Kolayli, Anna Rzepecka-Stojko
Summary: The composition of propolis varies depending on geographical location and plant sources. There are differences in propolis composition and antioxidant activity among different regions. Polish and Romanian propolis are similar, while Turkish and Uruguayan propolis are different. The observed antioxidant activity of propolis may suggest its potential in preventing and treating cardiovascular, metabolic, neurodegenerative, and cancerous diseases.
Review
Plant Sciences
Juan Carlos Sainz-Hernandez, Edgar Omar Rueda-Puente, Yaeel Isbeth Cornejo-Ramirez, Ariadna Thalia Bernal-Mercado, Hector Abelardo Gonzalez-Ocampo, Betzabe Ebenhezer Lopez-Corona
Summary: Maclura is a plant genus that is little known but has multiple applications, including soil recovery, medicinal treatments, and wood production. However, overexploitation and limited research on its biochemical composition have led to the endangerment of certain species. The bioactive compounds in Maclura, such as phenolic and flavonoid compounds, exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activities. Additionally, Maclura has potential as a source of biofuels due to its high content of lipids and carbohydrates.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lu Cheng, Fengxia Wu, Haibo Bao, Fenghua Li, Guobao Xu, Yongjun Zhang, Wenxin Niu
Summary: Nanozymes offer significant advantages over natural enzymes and have diverse applications. The oxidation of OPD by nanozymes is a standard protocol for determining their activities, but the mechanism of this process differs from natural enzymes. The study found that OPD polymerization on nanozyme surfaces alters their intrinsic properties, impacting the reliability of OPD-based colorimetric methods for activity determination.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marta Martinez-Garcia, Jaime Gracia-Vitoria, Karolien Vanbroekhoven, Winnie Dejonghe, Yamini Satyawali
Summary: Lipase is used as a selective catalyst for the esterification of monolignol dihydroconiferyl alcohol (DCA) to target the esterification of aliphatic OH groups without modifying the aromatic groups. The reaction can be carried out with high product yield under solvent-assisted or solvent-free conditions. The esterified monolignol shows comparable long-term radical scavenging activity to commercial, petroleum-based antioxidants. Different lignin fractions can also undergo enzymatic esterification with fatty acids to achieve different degrees of esterification.
Article
Polymer Science
Jiawei Chen, Wenbing Wang, Yao Pan, Dan Peng, Yougui Li, Chen Zou
Summary: In this study, direct copolymerization of plant oil-based copolymer monomers with ethylene was achieved using a dienyl phosphoribosulfonyl palladium catalyst (PO-Pd). Addition, ureido-pyrimidinone (UPy) functionalization was performed using the hydroxyl group of the polymer. The incorporation of biomass groups effectively modifies the surface and mechanical properties of the copolymers, and these newly developed polymers are ideal tougheners for gutter oil due to their excellent tunability of the self-complementary hydrogen bonding network (UPy).
Article
Thermodynamics
Malgorzata Latos-Brozio, Anna Masek, Malgorzata Piotrowska
Summary: This study investigates the effect of enzymatic polymerization on the thermal stability of oligomeric flavonoids. Oligomeric quercetin, rutin, and catechin were prepared and characterized by various spectroscopic and chromatographic methods. The results show that oligomeric flavonoids exhibit higher oxidation temperature and better thermal stability, as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Subhajit Maity, Arghya Acharyya, Abhay Sankar Chakraborti
Summary: Flavonoids, plant metabolites with antioxidant properties, have therapeutic potential for cancer and diabetes. However, their medicinal properties are hindered by rapid metabolism, poor absorption, and low solubility. Nanocarriers can improve the bioavailability of flavonoids. Studies suggest that flavonoid-nanoparticle formulations have better therapeutic potential for the treatment of diseases like cancer and diabetes.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Hong Wang, Hongpeng Li, Chee Keong Lee, Noreen Suliani Mat Nanyan, Guan Seng Tay
Summary: This article presents the reaction modes of enzyme-catalyzed polyester synthesis and the mechanism of lipase-catalyzed polymerization. It also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of enzyme-catalyzed polyester synthesis under different solvent systems. Furthermore, it examines the challenges for further industrialization of this method.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Karina Jasinska, Agata Fabiszewska, Ewa Bialecka-Florjanczyk, Bartlomiej Zieniuk
Summary: Plant extracts containing phenolic compounds have potential applications in the pharmacy, cosmetic and food industries due to their antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties. However, their direct use in food is limited because of their hydrophilic nature and low solubility. This review focuses on the recent advances in lipophilization methods and enzyme use to modify phenolic extracts. The concept of extract modification instead of single compound modification is discussed, with a particular emphasis on phenolic compounds found in fruits, flowers and leaves of different plants.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Zhengming Xu, Shuang Liu, Huining Lai, Lijun You, Zhengang Zhao
Summary: To improve the liposolubility and bioavailability of phenolic glycosides, highly liposoluble derivatives were efficiently synthesized. These derivatives exhibited high log P values and retained good antioxidant activity, making them potential alternatives to BHT and TBHQ in lipid systems.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Wei Liu, Zheng Zhang, Tong Zhang, Qi Qiao, Xiaogai Hou
Summary: Sinopodophyllum hexandrum is a perennial anti-cancer medicinal plant that contains the unique phytochemical podophyllotoxin, which has special effects in treating pneumonic, cervical and testicular cancers. This study investigated the phenolic compositions, total flavonoids and total phenols contents, as well as the antioxidant activity in different organs of S. hexandrum. The results showed significant differences in these parameters among the organs, and a positive correlation was found between phenolic compositions and antioxidant activity. The study suggests that the rhizome is a recommended medicinal part due to its high phenolic compositions and strong antioxidant activity, while the root can serve as an alternative raw material for natural antioxidant agents in functional food, medicine and chemicals.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
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)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ilhan Yaylim, Ammad Ahmad Farooqi, Pelin Telkoparan-Akillilar, Luciano Saso
Summary: Cancer is a multifactorial disease, and the dysregulation of spatio-temporally controlled transduction pathways, particularly NRF2-driven signaling, plays a central role in cancer progression. Non-coding RNA (ncRNA) mediated regulation of NRF2 and the interplay between NRF2 and ncRNAs add complexity to NRF2 signaling. The interplay between circular RNAs and NRF2 in different cancers remains unknown. Future studies should focus on characterizing the functional roles of important ncRNAs and circular RNAs in NRF2-driven signaling and cancer progression.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY AND EXPERIMENTAL THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emiliano Panieri, Pelin Telkoparan-Akillilar, Luciano Saso
Summary: The skin acts as a barrier between the organism and the environment, protecting against various insults. NRF2 plays a crucial role in skin homeostasis, differentiation, and metabolism. This review summarizes the role of NRF2 in skin pathophysiology and discusses the therapeutic efficacy of natural compounds in skin protection against diseases.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Salman Ahmed, Waqas Alam, Khalaf F. Alsharif, Michael Aschner, Fuad M. Alzahrani, Luciano Saso, Haroon Khan
Summary: Malignant melanoma, a dangerous type of skin cancer, is becoming more common and resistant to treatment. Natural substances, particularly marine peptides, are being researched as alternative and safe treatments for melanoma.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gabriel Mendez-Valdes, Francisca Gomez-Hevia, Maria Chiara Bragato, Jose Lillo-Moya, Catalina Rojas-Sole, Luciano Saso, Ramon Rodrigo
Summary: Breast cancer is the most common malignant neoplastic disease in women, and its treatment depends on patient and tumor characteristics. The overexpression of the HER2 receptor, found in 15-25% of tumors, is associated with aggressive behavior and poor prognosis. Trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody used as targeted therapy against HER2 receptor overexpression, has a major concern of cardiotoxicity. This review aims to explore the use of antioxidants as adjuvant therapy to prevent trastuzumab-induced cardiac toxicity and improve its safety profile.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Somayyeh Ghareghomi, Faezeh Moosavi-Movahedi, Luciano Saso, Mehran Habibi-Rezaei, Ali Khatibi, Jun Hong, Ali A. Moosavi-Movahedi
Summary: Oxidative stresses play a pivotal role in various pathophysiological conditions. The Keap1/Nrf2 pathway is a dual-edged sword with beneficial effects on both normal and cancer cells by regulating endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Targeting the Nrf2/HO-1 axis is considered a novel strategy for cancer treatment, especially in lung cancer.
Article
Neurosciences
Lidia Wlodarczyk, Natalia Cichon, Michal Seweryn Karbownik, Luciano Saso, Joanna Saluk, Elzbieta Miller
Summary: This study aims to identify biomarkers that can predict brain repair ability and estimate the outcome of stroke by examining the expression of VEGF, IGF-1, and MMP-9 proteins and their genes. The results showed significant changes in clinical parameter estimations, as well as MMP9 and VEGF protein and mRNA expression over the rehabilitation process. The combined expression of MMP9 protein and mRNA may serve as a useful biomarker for cognitive improvement in post-stroke patients.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarmistha Saha, Luciano Saso, Aleksei V. V. Trofimov, Olga I. I. Yablonskaya
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gabriel Mendez-Valdes, Francisca Gomez-Hevia, Jose Lillo-Moya, Tommy Gonzalez-Fernandez, Joaquin Abelli, Antonia Cereceda-Cornejo, Maria Chiara Bragato, Luciano Saso, Ramon Rodrigo
Summary: Angiogenesis is a process involving the formation of new blood vessels from preexisting ones, which plays important roles in physiological processes and tumor growth. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the main mediator of angiogenesis and is overexpressed in certain cancers, leading to the development of anti-VEGF monoclonal antibodies as cancer therapies. However, these antibodies have shown adverse events, while endostatin, an endogenous protein that inhibits VEGF expression and angiogenesis, has a better safety profile and promising results on small scale clinical studies. Therefore, endostatin is proposed as a replacement for anti-VEGF monoclonal antibodies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Masoumeh Divar, Najmeh Edraki, Tahereh Damghani, Fatemeh Moosavi, Maryam Mohabbati, Alireza Alipour, Somayeh Pirhadi, Luciano Saso, Soghra Khabnadideh, Omidreza Firuzi
Summary: Despite advances in therapeutic strategies, cancer remains a leading cause of death. This study synthesized a new series of spiro[indoline-3,2'-quinazoline]-2,4'(3'H)-dione derivatives and evaluated their potential as kinase inhibitors with anti-cancer effects. The most promising compounds exhibited anti-proliferative activity against various cancer cell lines and altered the distribution of cells in the cell cycle. FLT3 kinase was identified as the primary target of these compounds. Compound 5f showed potent inhibitory activity against wild-type FLT3 and its mutant, D835Y. Docking and simulation studies revealed the important interactions of compound 5f with FLT3. These findings suggest that these spiroindoline quinazolinedione compounds could be promising candidates for novel anticancer drugs.
BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarmistha Saha, Luciano Saso
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maurizio Sorice, Elisabetta Profumo, Antonella Capozzi, Serena Recalchi, Gloria Riitano, Benedetta Di Veroli, Luciano Saso, Brigitta Buttari
Summary: Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the initiation and progression of Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS), a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity. It affects various biological processes and signaling pathways, leading to dysfunctional immune responses, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy deregulation, and impaired mitochondrial function. The imbalance between oxidation and antioxidant mechanisms in APS patients reflects disease progression. This review focuses on the role of oxidative stress in APS and explores potential therapeutic approaches, such as food supplements and NRF2 activators, to reduce the clinical complications associated with APS.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Milena N. Leseva, Brigitta Buttari, Luciano Saso, Petya A. Dimitrova
Summary: The significance of internal mRNA modifications in regulating transcript stability, nuclear export, translation efficiency, and innate immunity suppression has been well established. Recent research has uncovered the role of internal mRNA modifications in immune cell homeostasis, differentiation, and function. Investigations into modifications of host/pathogen RNA, specifically N6-methyladenosine (m6A), during infection have revealed its importance in disease pathogenesis and shaping host immune responses. Targeting RNA-modifying enzymes with low molecular weight compounds shows promise in cancer research and could lead to the development of broad-spectrum therapeutic agents for infectious diseases.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sofia Orellana-Urzua, Camilo Briones-Valdivieso, Silvia Chichiarelli, Luciano Saso, Ramon Rodrigo
Summary: Stroke and acute myocardial infarction are major causes of death worldwide, with ischemic stroke also contributing to adult physical disability. Oxidative stress is a primary cause of tissue injury, and natural antioxidants can counteract this process. However, the effects of different antioxidants vary, and combination therapy may have synergistic effects.
Review
Neurosciences
Ilker Ates, Ayse Didem Yilmaz, Brigitta Buttari, Marzia Arese, Luciano Saso, Sibel Suzen
Summary: Autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system attacks healthy cells instead of protecting them, and inflammation and oxidative stress are key processes related to this. The transcription factor Nrf2 plays an important role in defense against oxidative stress and regulating anti-inflammatory activities. The Nrf2 signaling pathway is deregulated in various diseases, including autoimmune disorders.
