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In this work, the peels of red and blonde oranges as well as lemons were efficiently (5.75–9.65% yield) extracted by hydroalcoholic solution with ultrasound assistance and employed as active molecule sources in the preparation of functional gummies. Antioxidant performances of the hydroalcoholic extracts were characterized by colorimetric assays, whereas LC–HRMS analyses identified the main bioactive compounds (phenolic acids and flavonoids). The highest scavenging activity was recorded for lemon extract in an aqueous environment (IC50 = 0.081 mg mL−1). An ecofriendly grafting procedure was performed to anchor polyphenols to gelatin chains, providing macromolecular systems characterized by thermal analysis and antioxidant properties. Scavenger abilities (IC50 = 0.201–0.454 mg mL−1) allowed the employment of the conjugates as functional ingredients in the preparation of gummies with remarkable antioxidant and rheological properties over time (14 days). These findings confirmed the possible employment of highly polluting wastes as valuable sources of bioactive compounds for functional gummies preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound-healing delay is one of the major problems of type 2 diabetes, representing also a clinical emergency in non-healing chronic wounds. Natural antioxidants show interesting wound-healing properties, including those extracted from waste derived from olive oil production. Olive mill wastewater is one of the main by-products of the olive oil-making process, and it is rich in high-value secondary metabolites, mainly hydroxytyrosol. We proposed an eco-friendly extraction method, employing both ultrasound-assisted and Soxhlet techniques and ethanol as a solvent, to recover valuable molecules from Roggianella cv (Olea europea L.) olive mill wastewater, which was further entrapped in a pectin polymer via an enzymatic reaction using porcine pancreatic lipase. Pectin, in combination with other substances, promoted and accelerated wound healing and demonstrated good potential to produce a biomedical conjugate for wound treatment. The antioxidant activity of the extracts and conjugate were evaluated against lipophilic (IC50 equal to 0.152 mg mL−1) and hydrophilic (IC50 equal to 0.0371 mg mL−1) radical species as well as the in vitro cytotoxicity via NRU, h-CLAT, and a wound-healing scratch assay and assessment. The pectin conjugate did not exert hemolytic effects on the peripheral blood, demonstrating interesting wound-healing properties due to its ability to stimulate cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A baked gluten-free pastry was formulated using milk kefir, rice, and different amounts of carob pulp flour, i.e., 20% (B1) and 40% (B2). In all cases, B2 showed the most remarkable antioxidant properties in terms of total phenolic, phenolic acid, and flavonoid content, as well as scavenging activity both in aqueous and organic media. This trend was observed over a 6-day storage time. Lower cohesive interactions among dough aggregate domains were recorded as the carob pulp flour amount increased. At the same time, rigidity decreased in the order B0 > B1 > B2 as confirmed by lower textural properties shown by the carob-added samples. Sensory analysis recorded overall acceptability for both B1 and B2, with sweetness, cocoa, gingerbread, and rye aroma as predominant descriptors. The glycemic index determination confirmed a better score for B2 and revealed a medium GI value (62), in comparison with high GIs recorded for B1 and B0 (115 and 100, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A relevant percentage of IgAN patients experience a progressive decline in kidney function. According to the KDIGO guidelines, proteinuria and eGFR are the only validated prognostic markers. The role of interstitial macrophages in kidney biopsies of IgAN patients and the outcome of patients treated with renin–angiotensin system inhibitors (RASBs) alone or combined with glucocorticoids were evaluated. Clinical and laboratory records (age, gender, hypertension, hematuria, proteinuria, eGFR, serum creatinine, and therapy), MEST-C parameters of the Oxford classification, C4d deposition, peritubular capillaries, and glomerular and interstitial macrophages in 47 IgAN patients undergoing kidney biopsy consecutively between 2003 and 2016 were examined. A high number of interstitial macrophages significantly correlated with peritubular capillary rarefaction and impairment of kidney function. Cox's multivariable regression analysis revealed that a value > 19.5 macrophages/HPF behaved as an independent marker of an unfavorable outcome. Patients exhibiting > 19.5 macrophages/HPF treated at the time of diagnosis with RASBs combined with methylprednisolone had an estimated probability of a favorable outcome higher than patients treated with RASBs alone. Thus, a value > 19.5 macrophages/HPF in IgAN biopsies can predict an unfavorable outcome and endorse a well-timed administration of glucocorticoids. Studies evaluating urine biomarkers associated with peritubular capillary rarefaction in patients with marked macrophage infiltration may help personalized treatment decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ultrasound-assisted extraction method, employing ethanol and water as solvents at low temperature (30 °C) and reduced time (15 min), was proposed to extract bioactive molecules from different cultivars (Magliocco Canino, Magliocco Rosato, Gaglioppo, and Nocera Rosso) of wine lees. All the extract yields were evaluated and their contents of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and total polyphenols were determined by means of colorimetric assays and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques. Radical scavenging assays were performed and the Magliocco Canino extracted with a hydroalcoholic mixture returned the best results both against ABTS (0.451 mg mL−1) and DPPH (0.395 mg mL−1) radicals. The chemometric algorithms principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least square regression (PLS) were used to process the data obtained from all qualitative–quantitative sample determinations with the aim of highlighting data patterns and finding possible correlations between composition and antioxidant features of the different wine lees cultivars and the extraction procedures. Wine lees from Magliocco Canino and Magliocco Rosato were found to be the best vegetable matrices in terms of metabolite content and antioxidant properties. The components extracted with alcoholic or hydroalcoholic solvents, specifically (−)-epigallocatechin gallate, chlorogenic acid, and trans-caftaric acid, were found to be correlated with the antioxidant capacity of the extracts. Multivariate data processing was able to identify the compounds related to the antioxidant features. Two PLS models were optimized by using their concentration levels to predict the IC50 values of the extracts in terms of DPPH and ABTS with high values of correlation coefficient R2, 0.932 and 0.824, respectively, and a prediction error lower than 0.07. Finally, cellular (SH-SY5Y cells) antioxidant assays were performed on the best extract (the hydroalcoholic extract of Magliocco Canino cv) to confirm its biological performance against radical species. All these recorded data strongly outline the aptness of valorizing wine lees as a valuable source of antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid and complete wound healing is a clinical emergency, mainly in pathological conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes mellitus. Many therapeutic tools are not resolutive, and the research for a more efficient remedial remains a challenge. Wound dressings play an essential role in diabetic wound healing. In particular, biocompatible hydrogels represent the most attractive wound dressings due to their ability to retain moisture as well as ability to act as a barrier against bacteria. In the last years, different functionalized hydrogels have been proposed as wound dressing materials, showing encouraging outcomes with great benefits in the healing of the diabetic wounds. Specifically, because of their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, natural bioactive compounds, as well as biomacromolecules such as polysaccharides and protein, are usually employed in the biomedical field. In this review, readers can find the main discoveries regarding the employment of naturally occurring compounds and biopolymers as wound healing promoters with antibacterial activity. The emerging approaches and engineered devices for effective wound care in diabetic patients are reported and deeply investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α-Lipoic acid is a sulfur-containing nutrient endowed with pleiotropic actions and a safe biological profile selected to replace the unsaturated alkyl acid of capsaicin with the aim of obtaining lipoic amides potentially active as a TRPV1 ligand and with significant antioxidant properties. Thus, nine compounds were obtained in good yields following a simple synthetic procedure and tested for their functional TRPV1 activity and radical-scavenger activity. The safe biological profile together with the protective effect against hypoxia damage as well as the in vitro antioxidant properties were also evaluated. Although less potent than capsaicin, almost all lipoic amides were found to be TRPV1 agonists and, specifically, compound 4, the lipoic analogue of capsaicin, proved to be the best ligand in terms of efficacy and potency. EPR experiments and in vitro biological assays suggested the potential protective role against oxidative stress of the tested compounds and their safe biological profile. Compounds 4, 5 and 9 significantly ameliorated the mitochondrial membrane potential caused by hypoxia condition and decreased F2-isoprostanes, known markers of oxidative stress. Thus, the experimental results encourage further investigation of the therapeutic potential of these lipoic amides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pediatric obesity is associated with an increased risk of morbidity during childhood. Alongside the well-known metabolic syndrome, during the last decades scientific research has deeply investigated the risk of sleep breathing disorders. Among them, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) commonly affects children with obesity. The presence of OSA heightens the risk of metabolic impairment and weight gain. Therefore, it deserves specific treatment. However, polysomnography (PSG) is not always available in clinical settings, and alternative diagnostic tools are needed. This study aimed to investigate the predictivity of the pediatric sleep questionnaire (PSQ) for moderate-to-severe OSA diagnosis. Children and adolescents with obesity and suspected OSA with available full-night cardiorespiratory PSG were retrospectively enrolled. Receiver operating curve analysis was performed to test the ability of PSQ in predicting moderate-to-severe OSA (AHI > 5 episode/h). The final sample included 60 children and adolescents. The PSQ showed a good area under the curve (AUC) of 0.88 (95% CI 0.78–0.98, p < 0.0001). Moreover, a value above or equal to 0.65 showed an 80% sensitivity and 100% specificity for moderate and severe OSA. These findings suggest that PSQ might be used in clinical settings with limited access to PSG for stratifying disease severity and for selecting children with urgent need of sleep study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sesquiterpenes such as leucodin and the labdane-type diterpene manool are natural compounds endowed with remarkably in vitro vasorelaxant and in vivo hypotensive activities. Given their structural similarity with the sesquiterpene lactone (+)-sclareolide, this molecule was selected as a scaffold to develop novel vasoactive agents. Functional, electrophysiology, and molecular dynamics studies were performed. The opening of the five-member lactone ring in the (+)-sclareolide provided a series of labdane-based small molecules, promoting a significant in vitro vasorelaxant effect. Electrophysiology data identified 7 as a CaV1.2 channel blocker and a KCa1.1 channel stimulator. These activities were also confirmed in the intact vascular tissue. The significant antagonism caused by the CaV1.2 channel agonist Bay K 8644 suggested that 7 might interact with the dihydropyridine binding site. Docking and molecular dynamic simulations provided the molecular basis of the CaV1.2 channel blockade and KCa1.1 channel stimulation produced by 7. Finally, 7 reduced coronary perfusion pressure and heart rate, while prolonging conduction and refractoriness of the atrioventricular node, likely because of its Ca2+ antagonism. Taken together, these data indicate that the labdane scaffold represents a valuable starting point for the development of new vasorelaxant agents endowed with negative chronotropic properties and targeting key pathways involved in the pathophysiology of hypertension and ischemic cardiomyopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on children's lifestyle and eating behaviour, resulting in an increase of obesity prevalence. The CEBQ (Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire) is a validate questionnaire that investigates children's eating behaviour. Knowing the psychological consequences of daily routine disruption during lockdown, we evaluated the changes in eating behaviours in a paediatric cohort before and during the lockdown period through the evaluation of the Italian version of the CEBQ. We prospectively enrolled children attending the pediatric clinic of the University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli'. All parents answered the parent-report version of the CEBQ before lockdown containment. During lockdown, the second survey was carried out by telephone call. The study sample included 69 children. Food responsiveness and emotional overeating subscales showed higher scores during lockdown compared to data before lockdown (p = 0.009 and p = 0.001, respectively). Conversely, desire to drink and satiety responsiveness showed lower scores at follow-up (p = 0.04 and p = 0.0001, respectively). No differences were observed for slowness in eating and enjoyment of food. Delta changes were higher in normal-weight children compared to children with obesity (p = 0.02). Our results confirm that containment measures during the COVID-19 pandemic have acted as triggers on certain eating behaviors that mostly predispose to an obesogenic manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is focused on the preparation of an innovative gluten-free (GF) bread with remarkable softness and antioxidant features over time. To overcome the technological inconveniences related to the removal of gluten from bread, the kefir beverage fortified with antioxidant vegetable extracts is employed as a functional ingredient in the bread-making process. In this context, carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) leaves represent an outstanding source of active molecules and are proposed to enrich milk-based beverages. Different extraction strategies were evaluated, and the process was improved to select a solvent (water, ethanol, or hydroalcoholic solution) and methodology (Soxhlet or ultrasound-assisted extraction) able to guarantee the best performances in terms of yield and antioxidant capacity. For kefir addition, two varieties of carob leaves (Selvatica and Amele) are employed. Functional GF bread, obtained by partially replacing the water with the enriched kefir, is prepared, and the final product is characterized in terms of its antioxidant and rheological properties. The final product shows improved compositional and technological parameters over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increase in the number of novel fortified kefir-based beverages was observed in the last decades. Vegetables were often proposed as convenient resources of bioactive molecules able to improve nutraceutical benefits of these drinks and/or to confer them new significant features. These findings have been well accepted by the consumers, which generally reserve an important role to the quality of the assumed food and beverages. Specifically, functional fermented milk-based drinks enriched with vegetable extracts display significant biological properties, due to the presence of bioactive compounds exhibiting antimicrobial and antioxidant features. In addition, agro-industrial wastes have been also proposed as innovative resources of secondary metabolites to enrich kefir-based products. Eco-friendly extraction techniques were generally exploited to achieve the isolation of biomolecules and reducing, at the same time, economic and environmental loads. To this regard, this review deeply investigates the main findings to improve kefir bioactive properties by functional enrichment with plant and agro-food waste extracts. The nutraceutical characteristics related to the consumers' health benefits, as well as their effects on the sensorial, chemical, and microbiological properties of the products were evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olive mill wastewater, a high polyphenols agro-food by-product, was successfully exploited in an eco-friendly radical process to synthesize an antioxidant macromolecule, usefully engaged as a functional ingredient to prepare functional puddings. The chemical composition of lyophilized olive mill wastewaters (LOMW) was investigated by HPLC-MS/MS and 1H-NMR analyses, while antioxidant profile was in vitro evaluated by colorimetric assays. Oleuropein aglycone (5.8 μg mL−1) appeared as the main compound, although relevant amounts of an isomer of the 3-hydroxytyrosol glucoside (4.3 μg mL−1) and quinic acid (4.1 μg mL−1) were also detected. LOMW was able to greatly inhibit ABTS radical (IC50 equal to 0.019 mg mL−1), displaying, in the aqueous medium, an increase in its scavenger properties by almost one order of magnitude compared to the organic one. LOMW reactive species and tara gum chains were involved in an eco-friendly grafting reaction to synthesize a polymeric conjugate that was characterized by spectroscopic, calorimetric and toxicity studies. In vitro acute oral toxicity was tested against 3T3 fibroblasts and Caco-2 cells, confirming that the polymers do not have any effect on cell viability at the dietary use concentrations. Antioxidant properties of the polymeric conjugate were also evaluated, suggesting its employment as a thickening agent, in the preparation of pear puree-based pudding. High performance of consistency and relevant antioxidants features over time (28 days) were detected in the milk-based foodstuff, in comparison with its non-functional counterparts, confirming LOWM as an attractive source to achieve high performing functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus fruits are one of the principal fruits used to produce juices. Over the years, these fruits have been recognized as new health-promoting agents. In this work, food wastes derived from autochthonous citrus fruits of Southern Italy, named Limone di Rocca Imperiale, Arancia Rossa Moro, and Arancia Bionda Tardivo from Trebisacce, were analyzed. After fresh-squeezing juice, peel and pomace were employed to obtain six different extracts using an ultrasound-assisted method in a hydroalcoholic solvent. The extracts were analyzed in terms of qualitative composition, antioxidant properties, and antiproliferative activity on MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and BJ-hTERT cell lines. GC-MS and LC-ESI-MS analyses showed different compounds: of note, limonin-hexoside, neodiosmin, obacunone glucoside, and diacetyl nomilinic acid glucoside have been identified as limonoid structures present in all the samples, in addition to different polyphenols including naringenin-glucoside, hesperetin-O-hexoside-O-rhamnoside-O-glucoside, diferuloyl-glucaric acid ester, chlorogenic acid, and the presence of fatty acids such as palmitic, myristic, and linoleic acids. These extracts were able to exert antioxidant activity as demonstrated by DPPH and ABTS assays and, although at higher doses, to reduce the cell viability of different solid tumor cell lines, as shown in MTT assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatty acids and polyphenols represent different classes of pharmacologically active molecules. Hybrid derivatives of these compounds are interesting therapeutic tools. They could be obtained using enzymatic approaches, which allow regioselective derivatizations. In this short note, the pancreatic porcine lipase was employed to mediate the regioselective synthesis of 7-docosahexaenoyl-quercetin was described. The C-7 regioisomer formation was confirmed by 1H-NMR experiment. Generally, in this approach the alcoholic OH- was preferred when present. Nevertheless, in this case, it was demonstrated that the hindrance of the acyl group is a variable to obtain a good regioselectivity in C-7 position, employing only one-step reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the years secondary metabolites have been considered as lead molecules both in their natural form and as templates for medicinal chemistry. Some secondary metabolites such as polyphenols and flavan-3-ols exert beneficial effects after a modification by the microbiota. Synthetic precursors of some of these modified compounds, in turn, carried a γ-alkylidenebutenolide moiety which characterizes a large class of bioactive natural products endowed with a wide range of biological activities. For these reasons stereoselective preparation of γ-alkylidenebutenolide continues to be an important issue for organic chemists. Our objective is to synthetize the novel compound (Z)-5-(3′,4′-bis(benzyloxy)benzylidene)furan-2(5H)-one in a stereocontrolled-one-pot reaction. The product was obtained in good yield. Furthermore, the theoretical investigation of the transition states suggests a new procedure to achieve Z-isomer of β-unsubstituted γ-alkylidenebutenolide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Site-Specific release of active molecules with antimicrobial activity spurred the interest in the development of innovative polymeric nanocarriers. In the preparation of polymeric devices, nanotechnologies usually overcome the inconvenience frequently related to other synthetic strategies. High performing nanocarriers were synthesized using a wide range of starting polymer structures, with tailored features and great chemical versatility. Over the last decade, many antimicrobial substances originating from plants, herbs, and agro-food waste by-products were deeply investigated, significantly catching the interest of the scientific community. In this review, the most innovative strategies to synthesize nanodevices able to release antimicrobial natural extracts were discussed. In this regard, the properties and structure of the starting polymers, either synthetic or natural, as well as the antimicrobial activity of the biomolecules were deeply investigated, outlining the right combination able to inhibit pathogens in specific biological compartments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this investigation was to prepare two solid mixtures containing a soluble polymorph of (+)-catechin and mucic (MUC) or tartaric (TAR) acids as new leavening agents. The solid mixtures were based on a polymorph of (+)-catechin, characterized through Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD) analysis and assayed in in vitro antioxidant and solubility assays. The dough samples were studied by dynamic rheological tests, while muffins were studied through Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction (HS-SPME)/Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis to identify volatile compounds, in vitro tests to evaluate antioxidant properties, and sensory analyses. TAR powder showed a solubility in water almost one order of magnitude increased with respect to commercial (+)-catechin (40.0 against 4.6 mg mL−1) and increased antioxidant performances. In particular, TAR showed total phenolic content (TPC) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) values of 0.0298 ± 0.021 and 0.0081 ± 0.0009 meq CT/g, while MUC showed better results in terms of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) acid (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), 0.518 ± 0.015 and 0.112 ± 0.010 mg/mL, respectively. MS analysis identified different compounds derived from the lipid oxidation process. Muffins obtained using both powders showed interesting outcomes regarding dough process and appreciable appearance/olfactory/taste/texture profiles. Muffins obtained from TAR-based mixture showed also a total phenolic content of 0.00175 meq CT/g muffin, and almost two times improved TAC and scavenger activity against DPPH radical. The formulated powders could be used as suitable health-promoting ingredients in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the beneficial role of a healthy lifestyle, particularly emphasizing the quality of foods and cancer management, is accepted worldwide. Polyphenols and oleic acid play a key role in this context, but are still scarcely used as anti-cancer agents due to their bio-accessibility limits. Therefore, we aimed to synthesize a set of new oleoyl-hybrids of quercetin, morin, pinocembrin, and catechin to overcome the low bioavailability of polyphenols, throughout a bio-catalytic approach using pancreatic porcine lipase as a catalyst. The in vitro assays, using a wide panel of human cancer cell lines showed, mainly for two novel regioisomer oleoyl-hybrids of quercetin, a remarkable increase in apoptotic cell populations. We suggested that the DNA damage shown as ɣH2AX signals might be the major cause of apoptotic cell death. Finally, we demonstrated convincing data about two novel polyphenol-based hybrids displaying a highly selective anti-cancer cytotoxicity and being superior compared to their reference/parental compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Labdane diterpenes are widespread classes of natural compounds present in variety of marine and terrestrial organisms and plants. Many of them represents "natural libraries" of compounds with interesting biological activities due to differently functionalized drimane nucleus exploitable for potential pharmacological applications. The transient receptor potential channel subfamily V member 4 (TRPV4) channel has recently emerged as a pharmacological target for several respiratory diseases, including the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Inspired by the labdane-like bicyclic core, a series of homodrimane-derived esters and amides was designed and synthesized by modifying the flexible tail in position 1 of (+)-sclareolide, an oxidized derivative of the bioactive labdane-type diterpene sclareol. The potency and selectivity towards rTRPV4 and hTRPV1 receptors were assessed by calcium influx cellular assays. Molecular determinants critical for eliciting TRPV4 antagonism were identified by structure-activity relationships. Among the selective TRPV4 antagonists identified, compound 6 was the most active with an IC50 of 5.3 μM. This study represents the first report of semisynthetic homodrimane TRPV4 antagonists, selective over TRPV1, and potentially useful as pharmacological tools for the development of novel TRPV4 channel modulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The winemaking process produces a huge number of pomaces that generally are used for energy purposes. Further valuable applications such as health-promoting properties are still under investigation. The seeds of the white berries of Mantonico and Pecorello cv. were extracted in a Soxhlet apparatus, using n-hexane and chloroform as solvents. Extracts were characterized by NMR and GC-MS analyses. They were assayed in vitro as wound healing and anti-inflammatory agents in HaCaT and RAW 264.7 cell lines, respectively. n-hexane Mantonico extract resulted in the most interesting wound healing sample, while n-hexane Pecorello, containing a good number of carotenoids, resulted in a good anti-inflammatory candidate. These preliminary findings underlined the benefit of grape seed extracts valorization due to their health-promoting properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several epidemiological studies demonstrate that moderate (red) wine consumption may afford protection against cardiovascular diseases. Protection is ascribed to the biological activity of wine components, many of which, however, are discarded during winemaking. In vitro rat thoracic aorta rings contracted with phenylephrine or KCl were used to assess the vasorelaxant activity of extracts from wine pomaces (seeds and skins) of the Calabrian autochthonous grape variety Magliocco dolce (Arvino). NMR spectroscopy was used to ascertain their chemical composition. Data demonstrate that seed and skin, but not must, extracts are capable of relaxing vascular preparations in an endothelium-dependent manner, similarly to the red wine extract, due to the presence of comparable amounts of bioactive constituents. In rings pre-contracted with 20–30 mM KCl, only seed extracts showed a moderate relaxation. The most efficacious vasodilating extract (wine) showed a good antioxidant profile in both [(2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl)acid] radical (DPPH) and [2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)] radical (ABTS) assays. In conclusion, winemaking from Magliocco dolce grape can provide potentially health-promoting by-products useful in cardiovascular disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory bowel disease and food allergies are a growing topic in the field of nutrition science. Polyphenols, which are the most important secondary metabolites of plants, demonstrated to modulate the expression and/or production of numerous proteins, but also to regulate the intestinal ecosystem. In this context, our aim was the investigation of protective effects against the gastrointestinal mucosa of fortified milk kefir obtained by adding seeds extract from Sangiovese cv. Pomace. Methods: An ultrasound-assisted method was used to obtain the extracts. All the extracts were assayed for the antioxidant activity. The best extract was used as an additive of fermented milk kefir to obtain a fortified final product. Kefir samples were analyzed by NMR spectroscopy. The efficiency of the barrier functions was evaluated by measuring trans-epithelial electric resistance (TEER) using a voltmeter. Results: the enriched kefir (Ksgn) possesses higher antioxidant performances compared to the unfortified sample (Kwht). Kwht and Ksgn did not alter Caco-2 TEER in basal condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation represents an adaptive response generated by injuries or harmful stimuli. Natural remedies represent an interesting alternative to traditional therapies, involving several biochemical pathways. Besides, the valorization of agrochemical wastes nowadays seems to be a feasible way to reduce the health spending and improve the accessibility at bioactive natural compounds. In this context, the chemical composition of three Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (licorice) leaf extracts, obtained through maceration or ultrasound-assisted method (fresh and dried leaves) was investigated. A guided fractionation obtained three main components: pinocembrin, glabranin and licoflavanone. All the extracts showed similar antioxidant properties, evaluated by 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) or 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) Diammonium Salt (ABTS) assay, while, among the isolated compounds, licoflavanone exhibited the best antioxidant activity. The anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts and the purified compounds was investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. Extract C and licoflavanone showed a good anti-inflammatory activity without affecting cell viability, as they decreased nitrite levels even when used at 12.5 μg/mL (p < 0.005) and 50 μM concentration (p < 0.001), respectively. Interestingly, licoflavanone markedly decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines and cyclooxygenase 2/inducible nitric oxide synthase (COX-2/iNOS) expression levels (p < 0.001). A modulation of nuclear factor kappa B/mitogen-activated protein kinases (NF-kB/MAPK) pathway underlay such behavior, highlighting the potential of this natural compound as a new scaffold in anti-inflammatory drug research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The healing of skin wounds and particularly chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, is still a clinical emergency. Despite the many therapeutic tools that are available so far, none seems to be really effective and safe. In this context, we highlighted the renewed wound healing activity of honey, a viscous aromatic and sweet food, by way of in vitro wound-healing assays, using the HaCaT cell line. Specifically, we investigated five monofloral or multifloral honeys from different Calabrian provinces using them as such or extracted (by Amberlite® or n-hexane and ethyl acetate). The chemical composition of honeys was ascertained by 1H NMR spectroscopy and by the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Amongst the five tested honeys, BL1 and BL5 honeys showed the most promising healing properties. Pinocembrin, which was revealed in BL1 (multifloral) and BL5 (orange) honey samples, is a flavanol that is already known to possess interesting biological activities, including healing. This study aims to investigate how a traditional food such as honey, which is appreciated for its nutritional value and used in folk medicine, can be enhanced as an effective modern remedial to promote a multifaceted and safe healing activity for all skin wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyphenols are well-known health promoting agents, but they have some limitations due to their spontaneous oxidation. This evidence has limited their use as drugs in recent years. In this field, several chemical modifications have been proposed to overcome these restrictions; among these, esterification seems to be the preferred modification. Ester derivatives may be able to reduce the bioavailability problems connected to polyphenols. On the other hand, the presence of esterase enzymes in the body guarantees ester hydrolysis, which in turn frees the two molecules that make it up. Lipase-catalyzed esterifications gave birth to several derivatives of flavonoids glycosides, in green conditions. In this short paper, pancreatic porcine lipase was firstly used as a cheap bio-catalyst, to synthesize oleoyl derivatives of quercetin in aglycone form. The results demonstrated how the enzyme is able to promote a regioselective acylation on C-3 position, with high yields and easy purification processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]