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Herein we introduce a novel water-based graphite ink modified with multiwalled carbon nanotubes, designed for the development of the first wearable self-powered biosensor enabling alcohol abuse detection through sweat analysis. The stencil-printed graphite (SPG) electrodes, printed onto a flexible substrate, were modified by casting multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), electrodepositing polymethylene blue (pMB) at the anode to serve as a catalyst for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) oxidation, and hemin at the cathode as a selective catalyst for H2O2 reduction. Notably, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) was additionally physisorbed onto the anodic electrode, and alcohol oxidase (AOx) onto the cathodic electrode. The self-powered biosensor was assembled using the ADH/pMB-MWCNTs/SPG||AOx/Hemin-MWCNTs/SPG configuration, enabling the detection of ethanol as an analytical target, both at the anodic and cathodic electrodes. Its performance was assessed by measuring polarization curves with gradually increasing ethanol concentrations ranging from 0 to 50 mM. The biosensor demonstrated a linear detection range from 0.01 to 0.3 mM, with a detection limit (LOD) of 3 ± 1 µM and a sensitivity of 64 ± 2 μW mM−1, with a correlation coefficient of 0.98 (RSD 8.1%, n = 10 electrode pairs). It exhibited robust operational stability (over 2800 s with continuous ethanol turnover) and excellent storage stability (approximately 93% of initial signal retained after 90 days). Finally, the biosensor array was integrated into a wristband and successfully evaluated for continuous alcohol abuse monitoring. This proposed system displays promising attributes for use as a flexible and wearable biosensor employing biocompatible water-based inks, offering potential applications in forensic contexts. A novel water-based graphite ink modified with multiwalled carbon nanotubes designed for the development of a wearable self-powered biosensor enabling alcohol abuse detection through sweat analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxidation of sec‐alcohols is a common reaction in organic chemistry. We report a biocatalytic approach for oxidizing racemic (hetero)aromatic sec‐alcohols to the corresponding ketones. The reaction relies on employing freeze‐dried E. coli cells containing a recombinant variant of an alcohol dehydrogenase deduced from Lactobacillus kefir (E. coli/Lk‐ADH Prince) and vinyl acetate as an in situ acetaldehyde surrogate as oxidant. Biooxidations of a set of 20 racemic (hetero)aromatic alcohols were carried out in the presence of a catalytic amount of NADP+ cofactor, the biocatalyst, and vinyl acetate in an aqueous medium to generate the corresponding ketones with up to >99 % conv. Preparative scale (1.0 mmol; 100 mM in 10 mL) reactions led to obtaining ketones in the 56–83 % isolated yield range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalyst‐enzyme coupled system for harnessing solar light stands out as a highly promising avenue that facilitates bio‐transformation and produces solar fuels. This study explores the integration of a metal‐free photocatalyst in the bio‐reduction of furfural to produce furfuryl alcohol. However, the bio‐reduction of furfural to produce furfuryl alcohol faces challenges due to harsh reaction conditions and expensive catalysts. Likewise, photocatalysts confront various research obstacles, including the absence of long‐lasting photogenerated charge carriers (electrons and holes), stability, and reusability. This work introduces an eco‐friendly and benign catalytic system, featuring an easily prepared photocatalyst using TBA (2,4,6‐tribromo aniline) by standard Ullman coupling. The newly designed polymeric tribromo aniline (PTBA) is cost‐effective, with outstanding light harvesting characteristics, appropriate energy band gap, and remarkably enhanced ability for transfer and migration of photo‐generated carriers. The research aims to optimize parameters for efficient conversion of furfural to produce furfuryl alcohol and also the photocatalytic production of NADH (80.08 %) from consumed NAD+. The photocatalytic efficiency was estimated by the yield percentage of this organic transformation. The absence of metals in the photocatalyst enhances sustainability, showcasing its potential in the green synthesis of furfuryl alcohol which is a valuable chemical with diverse applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcoholic beverages are widely consumed around the world. However, excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to human health, which can cause a series of health problems. Herbals with antioxidant activity as antialcoholic agents have a long history in Asia. In this study, we made a Noni complex beverage (NCB) using Noni and nine other plant materials, which has a potential antialcoholic effect. The total flavonoid content (TFC) and total phenolic content (TPC) were analyzed, and then the antioxidant activities in vitro and antialcoholic effects in vivo were assessed. The results showed that NCB contains TFC of 0.543 ± 0.001 mg/mL and TPC of 1.685 ± 0.029 mg/mL, with significant antioxidant activity in vitro. Furthermore, NCB also showed a good antialcoholic effect in mice. Whether before or after alcohol intake, the consumption of NCB could significantly extend the drunken latency time, shorten the sobriety time, and decrease the blood alcohol concentration compared with the model group. Analysis of the antialcoholic mechanism demonstrated that NCB can remarkably increase the activity of superoxide dismutase, improve glutathione level, and reduce malondialdehyde content, thereby combating oxidative stress caused by alcohol, maintaining the stability of the intracellular antioxidant defense system, and alleviating liver damage; In addition, NCB can upregulate the activities of alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase and accelerate alcohol metabolism, thus decreasing the blood alcohol concentration, shortening the sobriety time, and lowering the risk of liver damage caused by alcohol. Taken together, NCB has the potential to be developed as an important natural antialcoholic functional beverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineered microorganisms have emerged as viable alternatives for limonene production. However, issues such as low enzyme abundance or activities, and regulatory feedback/forward inhibition may reduce yields. To understand the underlying metabolism, we adopted a systems biology approach for an engineered limonene-producing Escherichia coli strain K-12 MG1655. Firstly, we generated time-series metabolomics data and, secondly, developed a dynamic model based on enzyme dynamics to track the native metabolic networks and the engineered mevalonate pathway. After several iterations of model fitting with experimental profiles, which also included 13C-tracer studies, we performed in silico knockouts (KOs) of all enzymes to identify bottleneck(s) for optimal limonene yields. The simulations indicated that ALDH/ADH (aldehyde dehydrogenase/alcohol dehydrogenase) and LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) suppression, and HK (hexokinase) enhancement would increase limonene yields. Experimental confirmation was achieved, where ALDH-ADH and LDH KOs, and HK overexpression improved limonene yield by 8- to 11-fold. Our systems biology approach can guide microbial strain re-engineering for optimal target production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formaldehyde (FA) is a carcinogen that is not only widespread in the environment, but is also produced endogenously by metabolic processes. In organisms, FA is converted to formic acid in a glutathione (GSH)-dependent manner by alcohol dehydrogenase 5 (ADH5). The abnormal accumulation of FA in the body can cause a variety of diseases, especially cognitive impairment leading to Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, melatonin derivative 6a (MD6a) markedly improved the survival and chemotactic performance of wild-type Caenorhabditis elegans exposed to high concentrations of FA. MD6a lowered FA levels in the nematodes by enhancing the release of covalently-bound GSH from S-hydroxymethyl-GSH in an adh-5 -dependent manner. In addition, MD6a protected against mitochondrial dysfunction and cognitive impairment in beta-amyloid protein (Aβ) transgenic nematodes by lowering endogenous FA levels and reducing Aβ aggregation in an adh-5 -dependent manner. Our findings suggest that MD6a detoxifies FA via ADH5 and protects against Aβ toxicity by reducing endogenous FA levels in the C. elegans AD models. Thus, ADH5 might be a potential therapeutic target for FA toxicity and AD. [Display omitted] • MD6a protects against exogenous FA toxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction by increasing GSH levels through ADH5. • MD6a ameliorates AD and improves mitochondrial function by releasing reduced GSH through ADH5 to detoxify endogenous FA. • MD6a maintains endogenous GSH at sufficient levels depending on ADH5 to protect against FA neurotoxicity. • ADH5 is a potential therapeutic target for FA toxicity and AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The mechanisms underlying alcohol‐induced breast carcinogenesis are not fully understood but may involve hormonal changes. Methods: Cross‐sectional associations were investigated between self‐reported alcohol intake and serum or plasma concentrations of estradiol, estrone, progesterone (in premenopausal women only), testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in 45 431 premenopausal and 173 476 postmenopausal women. Multivariable linear regression was performed separately for UK Biobank, European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition, and Endogenous Hormones and Breast Cancer Collaborative Group, and meta‐analyzed the results. For testosterone and SHBG, we also conducted Mendelian randomization and colocalization using the ADH1B (alcohol dehydrogenase 1B) variant (rs1229984). Results: Alcohol intake was positively, though weakly, associated with all hormones (except progesterone in premenopausal women), with increments in concentrations per 10 g/day increment in alcohol intake ranging from 1.7% for luteal estradiol to 6.6% for postmenopausal dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. There was an inverse association of alcohol with SHBG in postmenopausal women but a small positive association in premenopausal women. Two‐sample randomization identified positive associations of alcohol intake with total testosterone (difference per 10 g/day increment: 4.1%; 95% CI, 0.6–7.6) and free testosterone (7.8%; 4.1–11.5), and an inverse association with SHBG (–8.1%; –11.3% to –4.9%). Colocalization suggested a shared causal locus at ADH1B between alcohol intake and higher free testosterone and lower SHBG (posterior probability for H4, 0.81 and 0.97, respectively). Conclusions: Alcohol intake was associated with small increases in sex hormone concentrations, including bioavailable fractions, which may contribute to its effect on breast cancer risk. Alcohol intake was associated with small increases in sex hormone concentrations, including bioavailable fractions. Sex hormones are therefore likely to be part of the mechanism through which alcohol increases breast cancer risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background Methods Results Conclusions 4‐methylpyrazole (4MP, fomepizole) is a competitive inhibitor of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) preventing the metabolism of ethylene glycol and methanol, respectively, into their toxic metabolites. 4MP seems also to possess a potential in the treatment of intoxication from other substance, for example, acetaminophen, and to modulate JNK‐dependent signalling. Here, we determined if a treatment with 4MP once weekly affects the development of diet‐induced non‐obese metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in C57BL/6 mice.Male C57BL/6 mice (6–8 weeks old, n = 7‐8/group) were pair‐fed either a liquid control diet (C) or a liquid sucrose‐, fat‐ and cholesterol‐rich diet (SFC) for 8 weeks while being concomitantly treated with 4MP (50 mg/kg bw i.p.) or vehicle once a week. Liver damage, inflammatory markers and glucose tolerance were assessed. Moreover, in endotoxin‐challenged J774A.1 cells pretreated with 4MP, pro‐inflammatory markers were assessed.The concomitant treatment of SFC‐fed mice with 4MP attenuated the increase in JNK phosphorylation and pro‐inflammatory markers like IFNγ, IL‐6 and 3‐nitrotyrosine protein adducts in liver tissue found in vehicle‐treated SFC‐fed mice, while not affecting impairments of glucose tolerance or the increase in portal endotoxin levels. Moreover, a pretreatment of endotoxin‐stimulated J774A.1 cells with 4MP significantly attenuated the increases in JNK phosphorylation and pro‐inflammatory mediators like IL‐6 and Mcp1.Taken together, our results suggest that a treatment with 4MP once weekly attenuates the activation of JNK and dampens the development of non‐obese MASLD in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored the potential value of the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) inhibitor isovaleramide (ISO) in the treatment of acute ethylene glycol (EG) poisoning‐induced acute kidney injury. Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into the control, EG, EG + ISO (10 mg/kg) and EG + ISO (20 mg/kg) groups. It is found that ISO intervention significantly reduced the ADH activity in liver tissue by using visible spectrophotometry, inhibited the in vivo metabolism of EG by using gas chromatography, lowered the levels of toxic metabolites glycolic acid and oxalic acid by using high‐performance liquid chromatography and decreased the expression of kidney injury markers serum creatinine (sCr), KIM‐1, neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) and liver fatty acid‐binding protein (L‐FABP) by ELISA. Additionally, Western blotting results showed that ISO down‐regulated the expression of apoptotic factors Bax and cleaved caspase‐3 in the kidneys and upregulated the expression of antiapoptotic factor Bcl‐2. Pizzolato staining and polarized light microscopy results revealed the reduced deposition of calcium oxalate crystals in the kidney tubules. Using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) and Masson staining, we found attenuated kidney tissue pathological injury. Finally, ISO significantly reduced the mortality rate. In conclusion, ISO has the potential to be a valuable drug for the treatment of EG poisoning‐induced acute kidney injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyanobacteria are oxygen-evolving prokaryotes that can be engineered for biofuel production from solar energy, CO 2, and water. Isobutanol (IB) has the potential to serve as an alternative fuel and important chemical feedstock. The research involves engineering Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, for photosynthetic isobutanol production via the 2-keto-acid pathway and their cultivation in lab-scale photobioreactors. This synthetic pathway involves the heterologous expression of two enzymes, α-ketoisovalerate decarboxylase (Kivd) and alcohol dehydrogenase (Yqhd), under a strong light-inducible promotor, psbA2, known to show increased gene expression under high light. The use of psbA2 could be a valuable strategy for isobutanol production as economic scaling up demands the utilization of natural sunlight, which also provides very high light intensity at midday, facilitating increased production. The study reports isobutanol production from engineered strains containing both pathway genes and with only kivd. In shake flask studies, the highest isobutanol titre of 75 mg L−1 (12th day) was achieved from an engineered strain DM12 under optimized light intensity. DM12 was cultivated in a 2 L flat panel photobioreactor, resulting in a maximum isobutanol titre of 371.8 mg L−1 (10th day) with 2 % CO 2 and 200 μmol photons m−2 s−1. Cultivation of DM12 in a photobioreactor under mimic diurnal sunlight demonstrated the highest productivity of 39 mg L−1 day−1 with the maximum titre of 308.5 mg L−1 (9th day). This work lays the foundation for sustainable, large-scale biobutanol production using solar energy. • Isobutanol production was achieved from engineered Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. • Light-inducible psbA2 promoter showed light intensity dependent butanol production. • Isobutanol titer was 371.8 mg L−1 under 200 μmol photons m−2 s−1 light in PBR. • Under simulated sunlight isobutanol productivity was 39 mg L−1 day−1 in PBR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alcohols methanol, ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol share many characteristics. The most important is that the compounds themselves are relatively nontoxic but are metabolized, initially by alcohol dehydrogenase, to various toxic intermediates. These compounds are readily available worldwide in commercial products as well as in homemade alcoholic beverages, both of which lead to most of the poisonings, from either unintentional or intentional ingestion. Although relatively infrequent, toxic alcohol poisonings do unfortunately occur in outbreaks and can result in severe morbidity and mortality. These poisonings have traditionally been treated with ethanol since it competes for the active site of alcohol dehydrogenase and decreases the formation of toxic metabolites. Although ethanol can be an effective antidote, there are substantial practical problems with its use. Therefore fomepizole, a potent competitive inhibitor of alcohol dehydrogenase, was developed for a hopefully better treatment for metabolically toxic alcohol poisonings. Fomepizole has few side effects and is easy to use in practice and it may obviate the need for haemodialysis in some, but not all, patients. Hence, fomepizole has largely replaced ethanol as the toxic alcohol antidote in many countries. Nevertheless, ethanol remains an important alternative because access to fomepizole can be limited, the cost may appear excessive or the physician may prefer ethanol due to experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saccharomyces cerevisiae cannot assimilate xylose, second to glucose derived from lignocellulosic biomass. Here, the engineered S. cerevisiae strains INVSc-XI and INVSc-XI/XT were constructed using xylA and Xltr1p to co-utilize xylose and glucose, achieving economic viability and sustainable production of fuels. The xylose utilization rate of INVSc-XI/XT was 2.3-fold higher than that of INVSc-XI, indicating that overexpressing Xltr1p could further enhance xylose utilization. In mixed sugar media, a small amount of glucose enhanced the consumption of xylose by INVSc-XI/XT. Transcriptome analysis showed that glucose increased the upregulation of acetate of coenzyme A synthetase (ACS), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), and transketolase (TKL) gene expression in INVSc-XI/XT, further promoting xylose utilization and ethanol yield. The highest ethanol titer of 2.91 g/L with a yield of 0.29 g/g at 96 h by INVSc-XI/XT was 56.9% and 63.0% of the theoretical ethanol yield from glucose and xylose, respectively. These results showed overexpression of xylA and Xltr1p is a promising strategy for improving xylose and glucose conversion to ethanol. Although the ability of strain INVSc-XI/XT to produce ethanol was not very satisfactory, glucose was discovered to influence xylose utilization in strain INVSc-XI/XT. Altering the glucose concentration is a promising strategy to improve the xylose and glucose co-utilization. HIGHLIGHTS: INVSc-XI and INVSc-XI/XT strains were newly constructed to utilize xylose and glucose. XylA, in combination with xylose transporter Xltr1p, enhances xylose consumption. A small amount of glucose enhanced xylose utilization in INVSc-XI/XT strain. The expression of ACS, ADH, and TKL genes is upregulated in the media containing mixed sugars. The highest ethanol yield of 0.29 g/g was produced in a 2-L scale-up fermenter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-bienzyme conjugates (nano-BECs) for catalysing one-pot reactions can simplify the reaction process and improve the efficiency of biocatalytic reactions. In this work glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) and Candida parapsilosis secondary alcohol dehydrogenase (CpSADH) were immobilised with polyacrylic acid (PAA) to form two types of PAA-based nano-BECs (2-S, 2-P), which achieved in situ regeneration of NADH for the production of chiral alcohols in oil-water biphasic systems, such as the key chiral pharmaceutical intermediate of (S)-1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)ethanol ((S)-TMPE). At a substrate concentration of 100 mM 3-trifluoromethylacetophenone (TMAP), the conversion catalyzed by nano BEC was 98.2 % in dipentyl phthalate-phosphate buffer biphasic system. In contrast, the conversion was only 39.5 % and 38.9 % in the PB buffer and 8.4 % and 7.7 % in dipentyl phthalate system. The experiments on kinetic constants demonstrated that the catalytic efficiencies (K cat /K m) of nano-BECs (2-S, 2-P) were enhanced by 6.7-fold and 7-fold, respectively, compared to free CpSADH. Additionally, nano-BECs showed stronger coenzyme regeneration ability. Under optimal reaction conditions, nano-BECs achieved 96.2 % conversion of TMAP to (S)-TMPE in an organic-buffer system with e.e. > 99.6 % at 300 mM substrate concentration. This research expands the potential applications of polymers and proteins, and offers valuable insights into the synergistic effects of PAA on bienzyme catalytic systems in biocatalysis. [Display omitted] • Heterologous expression of Candida parapsilosis secondary alcohol dehydrogenase (CpSADH). • Co-immobilization of glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) and CpSADH to form nano-polymers. • One-pot efficient catalytic carbonyl asymmetric reduction by nano-polymers. • Preparation of (S)-1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)ethanol at high substrate concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol consumption is a significant risk factor for several types of injuries and trauma recidivism and remains an important public health concern worldwide. We aimed to describe the implementation of mandatory alcohol screening and the AUDIT tool among trauma patients admitted to a level 1 trauma center in a country with a partial ban on alcohol consumption. This was a retrospective analysis of trauma patients (>12 years old) who required hospital admission and underwent blood alcohol concentration (BAC) screening between 2014 and 2019. This was achieved via an enzymatic method using alcohol dehydrogenase for ethanol detection in the plasma and serum samples. Trauma patients with a BAC <2.2 mmol/L were referred to as "negative", and BAC >2.2 mmol/L was referred to as "BAC positive". A comparative analysis was performed between the two BAC groups. Alcohol Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral for Treatment [ASBIRT] program, and AUDIT were applied. A total of 7326 BAC screening tests were performed on 7284 patients during the study period. With slight variation over the years, the compliance rate was 77% (70.4%–85.3%), and the test positivity rate was 10% (8.6%–12.5%). There were 42 repeated admissions, of which seven patients were BAC positive at every admission. Young age and non-Arab patients were more likely to test positive, and the main mechanism of injury (MOI) was road traffic-related trauma (p < 0.05). Assault and self-inflicted injuries were significantly higher in BAC-positive patients than in BAC-negative patients (18% vs. 4% and 2.7% vs. 1.3%, respectively; p = 0.001). The injury severity score (ISS) and mortality rate were comparable between the study groups. Patients with a positive BAC were significantly more likely to undergo pan-CT scan in the emergency department, intubation, and exploratory laparotomy than those with a negative BAC. In patients who sustained injuries due to assault, all-terrain vehicles, or motorcycle crashes, there was a significant association between the positivity of BAC tests and the patient's ISS. Despite improvements in BAC screening in trauma admissions over the years, almost 20% of cases were missed. Although the mortality rates were comparable, alcohol consumption burdens resources in terms of excess imaging, intubation, open abdominal surgery, and possible disability. Further studies are needed to understand the key obstacles and challenges to achieving optimum compliance for screening in trauma settings. • Alcohol consumption is a significant risk factor for several types of injury and trauma recidivism. • In Qatar, there is a partial ban on alcohol use and a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol. • There is a newly implemented mandatory alcohol screening protocol and auditing in the national trauma center since 10 years. • The compliance rate for BAC screening and psychiatry referral in trauma patients has improved over the study period. • Although mortality was comparable, alcohol consumption poses a burden on the hospital resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The herbal product corilagin is renowned for its liver-protecting benefits and antioxidant properties. However, the protective role of corilagin in alcoholic liver injury remains unexplored. The objective of this study is to delve into the protective effects of corilagin on alcoholic liver injury, both in HepG2 cells and a mouse model. Methods: To assess the antioxidant capacity of corilagin in vitro, DPPH and ABTS assays were conducted. HepG2 cells were pretreated with 800 mM ethanol for 24 hours, followed by corilagin treatment for another 24 hours, to evaluate its liver-protecting activity. For in vivo studies, ICR mice, with and without corilagin treatment, were given ethanol for 4 weeks to induce alcoholic liver injury. At the end of the study, serum and liver tissue samples were collected to analyze liver function, enzymatic antioxidants, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, alcohol dehydrogenase, and liver tissue histology. Results: The findings reveal that corilagin exhibits remarkable free radical scavenging ability and alleviates alcohol-induced cell damage in vitro. In vivo, corilagin significantly reduced liver index and serum levels of aminotransferase aspartate, alanine transaminase, total cholesterol, and triglyceride in mice with alcoholic liver injury. Additionally, corilagin decreased ROS levels in liver tissue and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes CAT, SOD, and GSH-Px. GSH content increased, while lipid peroxide MDA decreased in liver tissue. Conclusion: Our data strongly suggests that corilagin possesses protective effects on alcoholic liver injury, both in vitro and in vivo, which is likely attributed to its exceptional antioxidant capacity. In summary, corilagin holds promise as a potential preventive or therapeutic agent for alcoholic liver injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Alcohol abuse is dangerous to one's health and contributes to disorders such as neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity worldwide. Twenty-five male albino rats, each weighing 200 ± 10 g, were divided into five groups. For 4 weeks, rats in the control group were given only a regular chow diet and ad libitum. Rats in the alcohol group received an oral gavage of alcohol at a dose of 40 mg/kg body weight each day. Rats in the alcohol and avocado extract group received oral gavage doses of 250 mg/kg b. wt./day of avocado extract and 40 mg/kg b. wt. of alcohol. Rats in the alcohol and mustard seed extract group received oral gavage doses of 250 mg/kg/day of mustard seed extract and 40 mg/kg/day of alcohol, respectively. Rats were given alcohol and a mixture of avocado and mustard seed extract at a dose of 250 mg/kg body weight each day by oral gavage for 4 weeks. Our results showed increased levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lipid peroxidation in the liver and brain tissues, decreased glutathione content, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione-S-transferase. In rats consumed excessive alcohol, there was an increase in the activity of the tumor marker α-l-fucosidase in sera. Additionally, the liver and brain tissues of the alcoholic group showed decreased cytochrome c oxidase activity. Furthermore, changes in the expression levels of the genes for brain α-secretase and liver alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) were observed. The administration of extracts from avocado and mustard seeds improved the state of oxidative stress and restored antioxidant enzyme activity. The expression levels of brain α-secretase and liver ADH genes were almost fully recovered at the molecular level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the mixed fermentation technology of blueberry and corn peptide by Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ZYN-0417 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ZYN-0221 and its effect on fermentation quality, fermentation conditions were optimized using a single-factor test and a Plackett–Burman design combined with a Box–Behnken response surface methodology, with blueberry juice and corn peptide as raw materials and L. rhamnosus ZYN-0417 and Lp. plantarum ZYN-0221 as the starter. The results showed that the optimum fermentation conditions were as follows: the volume ratio of ZYN-0417 and ZYN-0221 was 1:1, the amount of blueberry juice was 20%, the amount of corn peptide was 22%, the amount of glucose was 2%, the amount of inoculation was 5%, the fermentation time was 40 h, and the fermentation temperature was 37 °C. Under optimum conditions, the viable count of lactic acid bacteria in fermented blueberry and corn peptide was 16.28 log CFU/mL, the pH value was 4.86, the total acid content was 14.00 g/L, the total sugar content was 39.98 g/100 g, the protein content was 48.34 g/100 g, the scavenging ability of the DPPH, ABTS+ and ·OH− radicals increased by 10.14%, 10.98% and 25.02%, respectively, the chelating ability of Fe2+ increased by 14.92%, the content of total phenol increased by 1.43 mg/L, the content of total flavonoids increased by 0.38 mg/L, the activity of superoxide dismutase increased by 122.10 U/mL, and the activation rate of alcohol dehydrogenase increased by 5.74%. The results showed that mixed lactic acid bacteria could be used as a starter of blueberry and corn peptide and effectively improve the nutritional value of the product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ganoderma lucidum, used in East Asia for its health benefits, contains ganoderic acids (GA) which have various pharmacological activities but are limited by poor water solubility and low oral bioaccessibility. This study synthesized and characterized ganoderic acids loaded zein-chitosan nanoparticles (GA-NPs), and investigated its advantages in alleviating alcoholic liver injury (ALI) in mice model. The GA-NPs demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency (92.68%), small particle size (177.20 nm), and a +29.53 mV zeta potential. The experimental results of alcohol-induced liver injury mouse model showed that GA-NPs significantly improved liver metabolic function, reduced alcohol-induced liver oxidative stress in liver by decreasing lactate dehydrogenase activity and malondialdehyde level, while increasing the activities of liver antioxidant enzymes and alcohol dehydrogenase. Moreover, GA-NPs were favorable to ameliorate intestinal microbiota dysbiosis in mice exposed to alcohol by increasing the proportion of probiotics such as Romboutsia, Faecalibaculum, Bifidobacterium and Turicibacter, etc., which were highly correlated with the improvement of liver function. Furthermore, GA-NPs modulated the mRNA expression related to ethanol metabolism, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism. Conclusively, this study revealed that GA-NPs have stronger hepatoprotective effects than non-encapsulated ganoderic acids on alleviating ALI by regulating intestinal microbiota and liver metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: CINNAMYL ALCOHOL DEHYDROGENASE (CAD) catalyzes the NADPH-dependent reduction of cinnamaldehydes into cinnamyl alcohols and is a key enzyme found at the final step of the monolignol pathway. Cinnamyl alcohols and their conjugates are subsequently polymerized in the secondary cell wall to form lignin. CAD genes are typically encoded by multi-gene families and thus traditionally organized into general classifications of functional relevance. Results: In silico analysis of the hexaploid Triticum aestivum genome revealed 47 high confidence TaCAD copies, of which three were determined to be the most significant isoforms (class I) considered bone fide CADs. Class I CADs were expressed throughout development both in RNAseq data sets as well as via qRT-PCR analysis. Of the 37 class II TaCADs identified, two groups were observed to be significantly co-expressed with class I TaCADs in developing tissue and under chitin elicitation in RNAseq data sets. These co-expressed class II TaCADs were also found to be phylogenetically unrelated to a separate clade of class II TaCADs previously reported to be an influential resistance factor to pathogenic fungal infection. Lastly, two groups were phylogenetically identified as class III TaCADs, which possess distinct conserved gene structures. However, the lack of data supporting their catalytic activity for cinnamaldehydes and their bereft transcriptional presence in lignifying tissues challenges their designation and function as CADs. Conclusions: Taken together, our comprehensive transcriptomic analyses suggest that TaCAD genes contribute to overlapping but nonredundant functions during T. aestivum growth and development across a wide variety of agroecosystems and provide tolerance to various stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The archaeal isolate J.3.6.1-F.2.7.3T was obtained from an anaerobic enrichment culture, where it may play an important role in methane production during pyrite formation. The new isolate formed a species-level clade with Methanospirillum hungatei strains GP1 and SK, which is separate from the type strain JF-1T. Cultivation-independent surveys indicate the occurrence of this phylogenetic group in sediments and anaerobic digesters. The abundance of this clade appears to be negatively affected by high nitrogen loads, indicating a sensitivity to certain nitrogen compounds that is not known in M. hungatei JF-1T. The relatively large core genome of this Methanospirillum clade is indicative of niche specialization and efficient control of horizontal gene transfer. Genes for nitrogenase and F420-dependent secondary alcohol dehydrogenase contribute to the metabolic versatility of this lineage. Characteristics of the new isolate such as the ability to utilize 2-propanol as an electron donor or the requirement for acetate as a carbon source are found also in the strains GP1 and SK, but not in the type strain M. hungatei JF-1T. Based on the genomic differences to related species, a new species within the genus Methanospirillum is proposed with the name M. purgamenti sp. nov. The determined phenotypic characteristics support this proposal and indicate a metabolic adaptation to a separate ecological niche. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the primary malignant tumor of the liver. c-Myc is one of the most common oncogenes in clinical settings, and amplified levels of c-Myc are frequently found in HCC. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), such as Trichostatin A (TSA), hold enormous promise for the treatment of HCC. However, the potential and mechanism of TSA in the treatment of c-Myc-induced HCC are unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of TSA treatment on a c-Myc-induced HCC model in mice. TSA treatment delayed the development of HCC, and liver function indicators such as ALT, AST, liver weight ratio, and spleen weight ratio demonstrated the effectiveness of TSA treatment. Oil red staining further demonstrated that TSA attenuated lipid accumulation in the HCC tissues of mice. Through mRNA sequencing, we identified that TSA mainly affected cell cycle and fatty acid degradation genes, with alcohol dehydrogenase 4 (ADH4) potentially being the core molecular downstream target. QPCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blot analysis revealed that ADH4 expression was repressed by c-Myc and restored after TSA treatment both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we observed that the levels of total NAD+ and NADH, NAD+, NAD+/NADH, and ATP concentration increased after c-Myc transfection in liver cells but decreased after TSA intervention. The levels of phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT) and p-mTOR were identified as targets regulated by TSA, and they governed the ADH4 expression and the downstream regulation of total NAD+ and NADH, NAD+, NAD+/NADH, and ATP concentration. Overall, our study suggests that TSA has a therapeutic effect on c-Myc-induced HCC through the AKT-mTOR-ADH4 pathway. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential treatment of HCC using TSA and shed light on the underlying molecular mechanisms involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melatonin (Mt) functions as a growth regulator and multifunctional signaling molecule in plants, thereby playing a crucial role in promoting growth and orchestrating protective responses to various abiotic stresses. However, the mechanism whereby exogenous Mt protects Lonicera japonica Thunb. (L. japonica) against salt stress has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate how exogenous Mt alleviates sodium chloride (NaCl) stress in L. japonica seedlings. Salt-sensitive L. japonica seedlings were treated with an aqueous solution containing 150 mM of NaCl and aqueous solutions containing various concentrations of Mt. The results revealed that treatment of NaCl-stressed L. japonica seedlings with a 60 µM aqueous solution of Mt significantly enhanced vegetative plant growth by scavenging reactive oxygen species and thus reducing oxidative stress. The latter was evidenced by decreases in electrical conductivity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. Moreover, Mt treatment led to increases in the NaCl-stressed L. japonica seedlings' total chlorophyll content, soluble sugar content, and flavonoid content, demonstrating that Mt treatment improved the seedlings' tolerance of NaCl stress. This was also indicated by the NaCl-stressed L. japonica seedlings exhibiting marked increases in the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase) and in photosynthetic functions. Furthermore, Mt treatment of NaCl-stressed L. japonica seedlings increased their expression of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase 1 (PAL1), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase 2 (PAL2), calcium-dependent protein kinase (CPK), cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD), flavanol synthase (FLS), and chalcone synthase (CHS). In conclusion, our results demonstrate that treatment of L. japonica seedlings with a 60 µM aqueous solution of Mt significantly ameliorated the detrimental effects of NaCl stress in the seedlings. Therefore, such treatment has substantial potential for use in safeguarding medicinal plant crops against severe salinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the enantiocomplementary bioreduction of substituted 1-(arylsulfanyl)propan-2-ones in batch mode using four wild-type yeast strains and two different recombinant alcohol dehydrogenases from Lactobacillus kefir and Rhodococcus aetherivorans. The selected yeast strains and recombinant alcohol dehydrogenases as whole-cell biocatalysts resulted in the corresponding 1-(arylsulfanyl)propan-2-ols with moderate to excellent conversions (60–99%) and high selectivities (ee > 95%). The best bioreductions—in terms of conversion (>90%) and enantiomeric excess (>99% ee)—at preparative scale resulted in the expected chiral alcohols with similar conversion and selectivity to the screening reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycerol is a simple and important polyol in both biological and industrial field. To produce glycerol in an eco‐friendly manner, we established a one‐pot cascade reaction by fructose‐6‐phosphate aldolase (FSA) and aldehyde reductase (ALR) from formaldehyde (FALD) and its dimerized form glycolaldehyde (GALD) via L‐glyceraldehyde. For this, we characterized two FSAs at various conditions. Among them, FSA from Gilliamella apicola (GaFSA) has shown the higher L‐glyceraldehyde production activity in the phosphate buffer than the well‐known FSA from Escherichia coli (EcFSA) by more than 2 times. We also characterized two ALRs (xylose reductase from Candida tenuis; CtXR, the annotated DL‐glyceraldehyde reductase from Hypocrea jecorina; HjGLD) that specifically reduce L‐glyceraldehyde into glycerol. Bioproduction of glycerol from FALD and GALD was performed using GaFSA and CtXR, which produced ~8.8 mM glycerol from 25 mM of FALD and GALD (conversion yield of ~35 %). This suggested that a simple process would help in designing a green production of glycerol from a wasteful one‐carbon chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2011 discovery of the first rare earth-dependent enzyme in methylotrophic Methylobacterium extorquens AM1 prompted intensive research toward understanding the unique chemistry at play in these systems. This enzyme, an alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), features a La3+ ion closely associated with redox-active coenzyme pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) and is structurally homologous to the Ca2+-dependent ADH from the same organism. AM1 also produces a periplasmic PQQ-binding protein, PqqT, which we have now structurally characterized to 1.46-Å resolution by X-ray diffraction. This crystal structure reveals a Lys residue hydrogen-bonded to PQQ at the site analogously occupied by a Lewis acidic cation in ADH. Accordingly, we prepared K142A-and K142D-PqqT variants to assess the relevance of this site toward metal binding. Isothermal titration calorimetry experiments and titrations monitored by UV-Vis absorption and emission spectroscopies support that K142D-PqqT binds tightly (Kd = 0.6 ± 0.2 μM) to La3+ in the presence of bound PQQ and produces spectral signatures consistent with those of ADH enzymes. These spectral signatures are not observed for WT-or K142A-variants or upon addition of Ca2+ to PQQ ⊏ K142D-PqqT. Addition of benzyl alcohol to La3+-bound PQQ ⊏ K142D-PqqT (but not Ca2+-bound PQQ ⊏ K142D-PqqT, or La3+-bound PQQ ⊏ WT-PqqT) produces spectroscopic changes associated with PQQ reduction, and chemical trapping experiments reveal the production of benzaldehyde, supporting ADH activity. By creating a metal binding site that mimics native ADH enzymes, we present a rare earth-dependent artificial metalloenzyme primed for future mechanistic, biocatalytic, and biosensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) pod storage is challenging due to its high water content and tendency to lignify. Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) served as an H2S donor in this investigation. Compared with the control group, the group treated with 0.5 mmol/L NaHS solution effectively maintained the appearance quality, and its weight loss was only 6.21% at 20 days. The H2S treatment not only preserved tissue nutrients but also significantly enhanced catalase (CAT), ascorbic acid peroxidase (APX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities while decreasing oxidant damage. In addition, H2S slowed down lignin synthesis by inhibiting the activities of key enzymes such as phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL), cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H), and cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) in the lignin biosynthesis pathway. Transcriptome analysis revealed that H2S affects 34 genes in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway, such as AePAL, Ae4CL1, AeCCOAOMT1, AePOD, etc., which inhibit lignin synthesis of okra pods. All in all, moderate H2S can improve postharvest quality and extend the shelf-life of okra pods by enhancing antioxidant capacity and delaying lignification; the results will provide an overview of its application in the preservation of okra pods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver injury induced by alcohol is a serious global health problem. Several tea-like plants are widely used as beverages, which are drunk like tea. In this study, the hepatoprotective effects of eight tea-like plant extracts with the intake of 200 mg/kg.bw/day were investigated and compared using a C57BL/6J mouse model of acute alcohol exposure, including sweet tea, vine tea, Rabdosia serra kudo, broadleaf holly leaf, mulberry leaf, bamboo leaf, Camellia nitidissima, and Akebia trifoliata peels. The results showed that the eight tea-like plants had hepatoprotective effects to different degrees against acute alcohol exposure via enhancing the activities of alcoholic metabolism enzymes, ameliorating oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver, as well as regulating gut microbiota. In particular, sweet tea, bamboo leaf, mulberry leaf, and Camellia nitidissima increased the activities of alcohol dehydrogenase or aldehyde dehydrogenase. Among these tea-like plants, sweet tea and Camellia nitidissima had the greatest hepatoprotective effects, and their bioactive compounds were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Chlorogenic acid, rutin, and ellagic acid were identified in sweet tea, and epicatechin, rutin, and ellagic acid were identified in Camellia nitidissima, which could contribute to their hepatoprotective action. These tea-like plants could be drunk or developed into functional food against alcoholic liver injury, especially sweet tea and Camellia nitidissima. In the future, the effects of sweet tea and Camellia nitidissima on chronic alcoholic liver diseases should be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many anaerobic microorganisms use the bifunctional aldehyde and alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme, AdhE, to produce ethanol. One such organism is Clostridium thermocellum, which is of interest for cellulosic biofuel production. In the course of engineering this organism for improved ethanol tolerance and production, we observed that AdhE was a frequent target of mutations. Here, we characterized those mutations to understand their effects on enzymatic activity, as well ethanol tolerance and product formation in the organism. We found that there is a strong correlation between NADHl-inked alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity and ethanol tolerance. Mutations that decrease NADH-linked ADH activity increase ethanol tolerance; correspondingly, mutations that increase NADH-linked ADH activity decrease ethanol tolerance. We also found that the magnitude of ADH activity did not play a significant role in determining ethanol titer. Increasing ADH activity had no effect on ethanol titer. Reducing ADH activity had indeterminate effects on ethanol titer, sometimes increasing and sometimes decreasing it. Finally, this study shows that the cofactor specificity of ADH activity was found to be the primary factor affecting ethanol yield. We expect that these results will inform efforts to use AdhE enzymes in metabolic engineering approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum), which causes the most severe form of malaria, if left untreated, has 24 h window in which it can cause severe illness and even death. The aim of this study was to create the most comprehensive and informative secretory-proteome possible by combining high-accuracy and high-sensitivity protein identification technology. In this study, we used Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 (Pf3D7) as the model parasite to develop a label-free quantification proteomic strategy with the main goal of identifying Pf3D7 proteins that are supposed to be secreted outside the infected erythrocytes in the spent media culture during the in-vitro study. The spent culture media supernatant was subjected to differential and ultra-centrifugation steps followed by total protein extraction, estimation, and in-solution digestion using trypsin, digested peptides were analyzed using Nano-LC coupled with ESI for MS/MS. MS/MS spectra were processed using Maxquant software (v2.1.4.0.). Non-infected erythrocytes incubated spent cultured media supernatant were considered as control. Out of discovered 38 proteins, proteins belonging to P. falciparum spp. were EGF-like protein (C0H544), Endoplasmic reticulum chaperone GRP170 (C0H5H0), Small GTP-binding protein sar1 (Q8I1S0), Erythrocyte membrane protein 1, PfEMP1 (Q8I639), aldehyde reductase (Q8ID61), Conserved Plasmodium proteins (Q8IEH3, Q8ILD1), Antigen 332, DBL-like protein (Q8IHN4), Fe-S cluster assembly protein (Q8II78), identified and chosen for further in-depth investigation. This study highlights the value of secretory Plasmodium proteins play crucial roles in various aspects of the disease progression and host-pathogen interactions which can serve as diagnostic markers for malaria infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. The synergistic fermentation of milk by Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus is one of the key factors that determines the quality of yogurt. In this study, the mechanism whereby yogurt flavor compounds are produced by a mixture of S. thermophilus SIT-20.S and L. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus SIT-17.B were investigated by examining the flavor production, growth, and gene transcription of these strains. The results showed that yogurt produced by a 10:1 mixture of the aforementioned strains had the highest abundance of acetoin, whereas yogurt produced by a 1:1 mixture had the highest abundance of diacetyl and acetaldehyde. In addition, the growth of S. thermophilus SIT-20.S was enhanced in the 10:1 mixture. Transcriptomic analysis revealed differentially expressed genes in the flavor-compound-related pathways of S. thermophilus SIT-20.S and L. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus SIT-17.B in yogurts produced by 10:1 and 1:1 mixtures compared with those produced by either strain alone. Mixed fermentations regulated the expression of genes related to glycolysis, resulting in an increase of pyruvate, which is an important precursor for diacetyl and acetoin synthesis. The gene encoding the acetoin reductase (SIT-20S_orf01454) was decreased in S. thermophilus SIT-20.S, which ensured the accumulation of acetoin. In addition, the gene encoding the acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (SIT-20S_orf00949) was upregulated in S. thermophilus SIT-20.S, and the expression of alcohol dehydrogenase (SIT-20S_orf01479 ; SIT-17B_orf00943) was downregulated in both strains, maintaining the abundance of acetaldehyde. In addition, the gene encoding the NADH oxidase (SIT-17B_orf00860) in L. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus SIT-17.B were upregulated, which promoted the accumulation of diacetyl and acetoin. Overall, we characterized the mechanism by which S. thermophilus and L. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus synergistically generated yogurt flavor compounds during their production of yogurt and highlighted the importance of appropriate proportions of fermentation starters for improving the flavor of yogurts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: We previously identified that ever‐smoking and severe gastric atrophy in pepsinogen are risk factors for synchronous gastric cancers (SGCs). This study aimed to determine the association of alcohol drinking status or alcohol‐related genetic polymorphism with SGCs and also stratify their risk. Methods: This multi‐center prospective cohort study included patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection for the initial early gastric cancers at 22 institutions in Japan. We evaluated the association of alcohol drinking status or alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) genotypes with SGCs. We then stratified the risk of SGCs by combining prespecified two factors and risk factors identified in this study. Results: Among 802 patients, 130 had SGCs. Both the ADH1B Arg and ALDH2 Lys alleles demonstrated a significant association with SGCs on multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 1.77), although alcohol drinking status showed no association. The rates of SGCs in 0–3 risk factors in the combined evaluation of three risk factors (ever‐smoking, severe gastric atrophy in pepsinogen, and both the ADH1B Arg and ALDH2 Lys alleles) were 7.6%, 15.0%, 22.0%, and 32.1%, respectively. The risk significantly increased from 0 to 3 risk factors on multivariate analysis (P for trend <0.001). Conclusions: Both the ADH1B Arg and ALDH2 Lys alleles were at high risk for SGCs. The risk stratification by these three factors may be a less invasive and promising tool for predicting their risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This open-labeled and comparative study aimed to test the efficacy and safety of a fermented rice extract-based substance containing yeast-fermented powder having aldehyde dehydrogenase (KisLip®, Pico Entech, Republic of Korea) in healthy male individuals. Healthy male subjects (n = 20) consumed 90 g of alcohol at their first visit. At the second visit, participants consumed 90 g of alcohol or alcohol with a low dose of KISLip® (2000 mg, KL-L) and then 90 g of alcohol or alcohol with a high dose of KISLip® (3000 mg, KL-H) at the third visit. The efficacy of KISLip® depends on the mutational status of important genes related to alcohol metabolism, including alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH1B), cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1 (5B) and CYP2E1 (6)), and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2). KISLip® significantly reduced the highest level (Cmax) of alcohol and overall levels of acetaldehyde compared to the alcohol-only group in a dose-dependent manner. These significant effects of KISLip® on alcohol metabolism were observed independent of mutations in the four genes. In addition, hangover symptoms were significantly decreased in the KISLip® treated groups. During the study, the participants did not show any adverse events after KISLip® intake. This clinical study suggested that supplementation of KISLip® had beneficial effects on alcohol metabolism and might ameliorate the severity of hangovers without any adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are one of the most crucial pollinators, providing vital ecosystem services. Their development and functioning depend on essential nutrients and substances found in the environment. While collecting nectar as a vital carbohydrate source, bees routinely encounter low doses of ethanol from yeast fermentation. Yet, the effects of repeated ethanol exposure on bees' survival and physiology remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate the impacts of constant and occasional consumption of food spiked with 1% ethanol on honey bee mortality and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity. This ethanol concentration might be tentatively judged close to that in natural conditions. We conducted an experiment in which bees were exposed to three types of long-term diets: constant sugar solution (control group that simulated conditions of no access to ethanol), sugar solution spiked with ethanol every third day (that simulated occasional, infrequent exposure to ethanol) and daily ethanol consumption (simulating constant, routine exposure to ethanol). The results revealed that both constant and occasional ethanol consumption increased the mortality of bees, but only after several days. These mortality rates rose with the frequency of ethanol intake. The ADH activity remained similar in bees from all groups. Our findings indicate that exposure of bees to ethanol carries harmful effects that accumulate over time. Further research is needed to pinpoint the exact ethanol doses ingested with food and exposure frequency in bees in natural conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brown midrib bmr6 and bmr12 mutants of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) have alterations to the phenylpropanoid pathway impairing the activity of cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) and/or caffeate5/hydroxyferulate O‐methyl transferase (COMT) enzymes, which inhibit lignin synthesis. Interestingly, these phenylpropanoids can also act as sunscreen compounds in plants and potentially attenuate ultraviolet radiation. We examined the effects of ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B; 280–320 nm) exclusion on growth, cell‐wall constituents and UV‐screening abilities of bmr6, bmr12, a double mutant (bmr6 bmr12; dm) and wild‐type (WT) genotypes of S. bicolor. Plants were grown in a UV‐transparent greenhouse under filters that either transmitted 2.8% (Mylar) or 90% (Aclar) of UV‐B. The greenhouse experiment was a 2 × 4 (UV treatment × genotype) complete factorial design. Sorghum grown under reduced UV were 23% taller and had 22% fewer leaves. Among genotypes, the WT plants were 5%–12% taller than the bmr6, bmr12 and dm mutants. The near‐ambient UV‐B treatment group was more effective at UV screening and had a 16% higher UV‐screening effectiveness than those under reduced UV‐B. Sorghum plants with the bmr6 and dm genotypes had 8%–19% higher UV‐shield than the bmr12 and WT. Plants grown under the reduced UV‐B treatment had 5% less hemicellulose and 6% more cellulose in their cell walls. There were no overall treatment effects on bulk soluble phenolics, chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) or lignin concentrations. These results are a possible indication that the bmr mutants of S. bicolor have a varied response to UV‐B exclusion due to alterations in the phenylpropanoid pathway leading to redistribution of metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enzymatic effectiveness in the reaction cascade that reduces CO2 to methanol in water at room‐temperature faces various constraints. One of the major challenges is the short life of costly enzymes: immobilization is used to make them more stable and recyclable. The comparative analysis of the several immobilization techniques reported in the literature is challenging due to the diverse reaction conditions (single enzyme test or pool of enzymes test) and experimental setups, as well as the high variability in the amount of enzymes and cofactor. In the present study, a comparison is presented among three different methods (co‐encapsulation into Ca–alginate beads, co‐absorption onto zirconium(IV) phosphate (ZrP) and covalent binding to dialdehydecellulose [DAC]) of co‐immobilization of the three dehydrogenases Fatedehydrogenase (DH), FaldDH, and alcohol dehydrogenase, used in equal amount and under the same experimental conditions, so to check at what extension the support and the immobilization method can influence the activity of the enzymatic pool. DAC is used for the first time to support the three DHs and results to be the best method of immobilization with respect to those used here, that also allows longer life on enzymes and repeated recycling of the supported enzymes, increasing the overall methanol production with respect to the free enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study aimed to explore the effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens GSBa-1 treatment on anthracnose disease resistance and the metabolism of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and phenylpropanoids in mangoes during storage. Mangoes were soaked in a solution containing 1 × 108 CFU/mL of B. amyloliquefaciens GSBa-1. The anthracnose disease incidence, disease index, respiration intensity, ethylene release, reactive oxygen species content, and the activities of related metabolic enzymes, phenylpropanoid-related metabolic enzymes, and phenolic acids in the skin and pulp of mangoes were investigated under normal temperature storage conditions. The results showed that the antagonistic bacterial treatment (ABT) did not significantly inhibit the growth of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in vitro. However, it significantly reduced the incidence of mango anthracnose disease when applied to the mango peel. ABT enhanced the latent resistance of mango to anthracnose disease by activating its reactive oxygen and phenylpropanoid metabolism. It maintained higher levels of ROS production and elimination in the peel. Moreover, it rapidly activated manganese superoxide dismutase, induced the accumulation of H2O2, and enhanced the activity of manganese superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and peroxidase in the mango peel. Furthermore, ABT activated phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, cinnamic acid-4-hydroxylase, 4-coumaroyl-CoA ligase, and cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase in the mango peel and pulp, promoting the accumulation of antifungal phenolic acids such as gallic acid, catechins, and ellagic acid. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens GSBa-1 may be a potent inhibitor of mango anthracnose, primarily enhancing the resistance of mangoes to anthracnose by synergistically activating ROS in the peel and phenylpropanoid metabolism in the pulp, thereby reducing the incidence of anthracnose effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to explore the hepatoprotective effects of enzymatic degradation products derived from sturgeon roe on alcohol-damaged hepatocytes and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Utilizing sturgeon roe as the research material, the enzymatic process was optimized by focusing on key parameters such as enzymatic efficiency and in vitro activity. The protective effects on hepatocytes were systematically investigated by using the HepG2 cell model. Advanced computerized virtual screening technology was employed to identify potential bioactive peptides within the sturgeon roe. The findings indicated that the optimum enzymatic product of sturgeon roe was obtained under the conditions of 1:1 compounding of alkaline protease (1343 U/g) and trypsin (27 U/g) for 8 h, yielded a protein recovery of 49.30%±0.57%, a hydrolysis degree of 46.05%±0.92%, and ABTS+ free radical scavenging rate of 51.45%±0.66%. Notably, at a concentration of 5 mg/mL, this product significantly enhanced the activity of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) by 168.64%±1.42% (P

Introduction: Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD) is one of the most significant issues affecting the world today and is the principal cause of atleast 60 of the most significant forms of systemic disorders. The metabolic breakdown of alcohol into acetaldehydes is catalysed by Alcohol Dehydrogenase (ALDH). Aim: To find out the Glu504 Lys genotype and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the exon 12 and 13 of ALDH2 gene in alcoholic liver cirrhosis patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of General Medicine and Genetics Laboratory of the BLDE (Deemed to be University) Shri BM Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre (SBMPMC), Vijayapura, Karnataka, India. The study period was from January 2021 to June 2022. ALD patients were recruited. For the present study, 32 patients with ALD symptoms were recruited, and a total of 32 age- and sex-matched controls were included. Patients with existing or past co-infections with Hepatitis B or C and other causes of chronic liver disease were excluded. Blood samples were collected from all patients and subjected to genetic analysis; Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) products were then analysed using Sanger-based Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) sequencing. Results: The mean age of all patients and controls in the present study was 44.06 and 52.09 years, respectively. Out of 32 cases, two mutations were found in exon 13: g.47794 A>T (heterozygous) and g.47854 T>G (heterozygous). These mutations occurred in patients who were younger (mean age 29.5 years) and consumed less alcohol (108 g/day) for a shorter duration (5.5 years) compared to the remaining cases. No SNPs were found in exon 12 of the ALDH2 gene. Conclusion: Mutations in the exon 13 regions of the ALDH2 gene may be responsible for early predisposition to the disease. Early genetic analysis in selected populations to identify these mutations may help prevent the occurrence of the disease. An association study of the ALDH2 gene with ALD will be conducted in larger samples, along with biochemical and other clinical investigations, to determine the association of these gene polymorphisms.

Cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) plays a crucial role in lignin biosynthesis, and the gene family encoding various CAD isozymes has been cloned and characterized in numerous plant species. However, limited information regarding the CAD gene family in tobacco is currently available. In this study, we identified 10 CAD genes in Nicotiana tabacum, four in N. tomentosiformis, and six in N. sylvestris. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of these tobacco CADs demonstrate high levels of similarity, whereas the putative protein sequences conservatively possessed two Zn2+ binding motifs and an NADP(H) cofactor binding motif. Both NtCAD1 and NtCAD2 had conservative substrate binding sites, similar to those possessed by bona fide CADs, and evidence from phylogenetic analysis as well as expression profiling supported their role as bona fide CADs involved in lignin biosynthesis. NtCAD1 has two paralogous genes, NtCAD1--1 and NtCAD1--2. Enzyme activity analysis revealed that NtCAD1--1 and NtCAD1--2 had a high affinity to coniferyl aldehyde, pcoumaryl aldehyde, and sinapyl aldehyde, whereas NtCAD2 preferred coniferyl aldehyde and p-coumaryl aldehyde as substrates. The kinetic parameter assay revealed that NtCAD1--2 functions as the most efficient enzyme. Downregulation of both NtCAD1--1 and NtCAD1--2 resulted in reddish-brown stems without significant changes in lignin content. Furthermore, NtCAD1--1, NtCAD1--2, and NtCAD2 showed distinct expression patterns in response to biotic and abiotic stresses, as well as different phytohormones. Our findings suggest that NtCAD1-- 1 and NtCAD1--2 are involved in lignin biosynthesis, with NtCAD1--2 also participating in both biological and abiotic stresses, whereas NtCAD2 plays a distinct role mainly in responding to biological and abiotic stresses in tobacco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of RLi‐mediated organic transformations (under air and at room temperature) with a subsequent stereoselective biocatalytic reaction is for the first time presented. Most of the previous asymmetric chemoenzymatic routes have been limited to the concomitant or sequential combination of transition metals/organocatalysts with enzymes. However, the use of polar organometallic reagents (RLi) in the design of these stereoselective hybrid protocols has been totally neglected, as far as we are concerned. Thus, in this work, the combination of organolithium chemistry and asymmetric biocatalysis is described for the first time in a one‐pot fashion. The chemoenzymatic approach converts a series of nitriles into chiral alcohols consisting of two steps, where the key item was the finding of suitable conditions to adapt the reactivities of organolithiums and alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) in the same recipient. The organolithium addition occurred with total chemoselectivity (no side reactions were observed) under neat conditions and room temperature leading to the corresponding imines, which were hydrolyzed using a buffer, and adjusting the pH for the subsequent ADH action. Commercial and made in house overexpressed ADHs allowed to produce chiral alcohols with excellent selectivities and good overall yields. The different behavior displayed for the reductive enzymes in the presence of diethyl ether clearly influenced in the decision to let the organolithium solvent evaporate under open‐air conditions before developing the bioreduction step. Our results demonstrate the importance of the fine orchestration of the reaction conditions for the development of efficient hybrid chemoenzymatic cascades without the need of intermediate isolation/purification steps or compartmentalization of the different synthetic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Most of kiwifruit cultivars (e.g. Actinidia chinensis cv. Donghong, "DH") were sensitive to waterlogging, thus, waterlogging resistant rootstocks (e.g. Actinidia valvata Dunn, "Dunn") were widely used for kiwifruit industry. Those different species provided ideal materials to understand the waterlogging responses in kiwifruit. Compared to the weaken growth and root activities in "DH", "Dunn" maintained the relative high root activities under the prolonged waterlogging. Based on comparative analysis, transcript levels of pyruvate decarboxylase (PDCs) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADHs) showed significantly difference between these two species. Both PDCs and ADHs had been significantly increased by waterlogging in "DH", while they were only limitedly triggered by 2 days stress and subsided during the prolonged waterlogging in "Dunn". Thus, 19 differentially expressed transcript factors (DETFs) had been isolated using weighted gene co‐expression network analysis combined with transcriptomics and transcript levels of PDCs and ADHs in waterlogged "DH". Among these DETFs, dual luciferase and electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicated AcMYB68 could bind to and trigger the activity of AcPDC2 promoter. The stable over‐expression of AcMYB68 significantly up‐regulated the transcript levels of PDCs but inhibited the plant growth, especially the roots. Moreover, the enzyme activities of PDC in 35S::AcMYB68 were significantly enhanced during the waterlogging response than that in wild type plants. Most interestingly, comparative analysis indicated that the expression patterns of AcMYB68 and the previously characterized AcERF74/75 (the direct regulator on ADHs) either showed no responses (AcMYB68 and AcERF74) or very limited response (AcERF75) in "Dunn". Taken together, the restricted responses of AcMYB68 and AcERF74/75 in "Dunn" endow its waterlogging tolerance. Significance Statement: Comparative analysis on Actinidia chinensis cv. Donghong ("DH") and A. valvata Dunn ("Dunn") had been carried out, and found that the higher root activities in "Dunn" contributed to its tolerance to waterlogging stress. Based on transcriptome data, AcMYB68, AcERF74 and AcERF75 had been continuously triggered during waterlogging stress in "DH", while they either showed no responses (AcMYB68 and AcERF74) or very limited response (AcERF75) in "Dunn". A stable over‐expression of AcMYB68 significantly up‐regulated PDCs expression, and weakened the root activities and growth compared to wild type "DH" plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We characterise a reversible bacterial zinc-containing benzyl alcohol dehydrogenase (BaDH) accepting either NAD+ or NADP+ as a redox cofactor. Remarkably, its redox cofactor specificity is pH-dependent with the phosphorylated cofactors favored at lower and the dephospho-forms at higher pH. BaDH also shows different steady-state kinetic behavior with the two cofactor forms. From a structural model, the pH-dependent shift may affect the charge of a histidine in the 2′-phosphate-binding pocket of the redox cofactor binding site. The enzyme is phylogenetically affiliated to a new subbranch of the Zn-containing alcohol dehydrogenases, which share this conserved residue. BaDH appears to have some specificity for its substrate, but also turns over many substituted benzyl alcohol and benzaldehyde variants, as well as compounds containing a conjugated C=C double bond with the aldehyde carbonyl group. However, compounds with an sp3-hybridised C next to the alcohol/aldehyde group are not or only weakly turned over. The enzyme appears to contain a Zn in its catalytic site and a mixture of Zn and Fe in its structural metal-binding site. Moreover, we demonstrate the use of BaDH in an enzyme cascade reaction with an acid-reducing tungsten enzyme to reduce benzoate to benzyl alcohol. Key points: •Zn-containing BaDH has activity with either NAD+or NADP+at different pH optima. •BaDH converts a broad range of substrates. •BaDH is used in a cascade reaction for the reduction of benzoate to benzyl alcohol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enone reduction by ene‐reductase (ERED) has not been reported yet in bulk organic media probably due to expected challenges with the cofactor recycling using a second enzyme and the exchange of the NAD(P)‐cofactor between the two enzymes. Herein, the combination of an ERED from Zymomonas mobilis (NCR‐ERED) and Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus alcohol dehydrogenase (TeSADH) has been found as an efficient biocatalytic redox system for the reduction of cyclohex‐2‐enone into cyclohexanol in bulk organic solvents. Both enzymes were successfully immobilised on three EziG supports, finding Coral as the most promising carrier for both of them. The highest enzymatic activities were found in hydrophobic solvents such as toluene and isooctane. It was observed that the control of water content and post‐immobilisation treatments enabled retention of enzyme activity. Both enzymes were co‐immobilised on the same bead together with NADP+, leading to the production of a self‐sufficient catalytic system, although the external supplementation of the nicotinamide cofactor was necessary for an efficient enzyme reuse. In this case, no ERED activity loss was detected after two additional cycles, while the ADH experienced less than 20 % activity loss upon reuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we demonstrate the preparation of enzyme‐metal biohybrids of NAD+ reductase with biocatalytically‐synthesised small gold nanoparticles (NPs, <10 nm) and core‐shell gold‐platinum NPs for tandem catalysis. Despite the variety of methods available for NP synthesis, there remains a need for more sustainable strategies which also give precise control over the shape and size of the metal NPs for applications in catalysis, biomedical devices, and electronics. We demonstrate facile biosynthesis of spherical, highly uniform, gold NPs under mild conditions using an isolated enzyme moiety, an NAD+ reductase, to reduce metal salts while oxidising a nicotinamide‐containing cofactor. By subsequently introducing platinum salts, we show that core‐shell Au@Pt NPs can then be formed. Catalytic function of these enzyme‐Au@Pt NP hybrids was demonstrated for H2‐driven NADH recycling to support enantioselective ketone reduction by an NADH‐dependent alcohol dehydrogenase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugar beet is an important sugar crop, and its roots are mainly used for processing raw materials to produce products such as sugar, molasses, and saccharin, as well as being used as fodder for livestock. BvCPD, a key enzyme gene for brassinosteroid (BR) synthesis, regulates the development of parenchyma cells and vascular bundles by promoting BR synthesis, which promotes the expansion of the sugar beet taproot and influences the growth, development, and yield of sugar beets. This study investigated the impact of BvCPD on the physiological metabolism of sugar beet utilizing BvCPD overexpression, silent, and wild-type (WT) lines. BvCPD increased the chlorophyll content and maximum photochemical efficiency and improved the photosynthetic characteristics of sugar beet leaves. Simultaneously, BvCPD increased the rate of sugar beet taproot respiration and ATP content by enhancing the activities of phosphoglycerate kinase, alcohol dehydrogenase, sucrose synthase, and sucrose synthase catabolism. Moreover, BvCPD induced changes in the sugar fraction content, which increased the sugar yield of a single plant. In addition, BvCPD promoted water absorption, nitrogen accumulation, and lignin/cellulose synthesis activities, facilitated by increased activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase, cellulose synthase, and protein serine/threonine phosphatases, providing the requisite energy and materials for sugar beet growth. These findings not only provide a new perspective for understanding the physiological mechanisms regulating the growth of sugar beets but also provide a theoretical basis for the future improvement of sugar beet varieties through molecular breeding techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Alcohol flushing syndrome (AFS) is experienced by up to 46% of East Asians. This study aimed to review the risk of cancers in AFS patients, elucidate an exposure-response relationship, and understand risk associated with alcohol intake and cancer. Method: An electronic database search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Library was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. Observational studies on AFS' effects and all cancers risk were included. Studies including patients with existing malignancy were excluded. Dichotomous variables were pooled using the Mantel-Haenszel method with a random effects model. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed. PROSPERO (CRD42023392916) protocol was followed. Results: A total of 18 articles were included in the final analysis with a total of 387,521 participants. AFS was associated with an increased risk of all cancers (odds ratio [OR] 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.34), esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.05-2.05) and gastric adenocarcinoma (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.14-1.72). Men with AFS exhibited an increased risk of all cancers (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.13-1.59). However, this was not observed in women. All cancers risk was associated with AFS in those who consumed drink (i.e. consumed alcohol) more than 200 g of pure ethanol/week (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.20-2.37) but not those who consumed less than 200 g of pure ethanol/week (OR 1.27, 95% CI 0.90-1.79) or non-drinkers (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.67-1.47). Conclusion: AFS is associated with an increased risk of all cancers, particularly esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and gastric adenocarcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic nicotinamide biomimetics (NCBs) have emerged as alternatives to the use of natural cofactors. The relatively low cost and ease of manufacture of NCBs may enable the scaling of biocatalytic reactions to produce bulk chemicals (e.g., biofuels and plastics). NCBs are also recognized by only a subset of NAD(P)/NAD(P)H-dependent enzymes, which potentially allows access to orthogonal redox cascades that can be run simultaneously within a single reactor. In the work presented here, a series of NCBs was prepared and tested for activity with alcohol dehydrogenases and ene-reductases. While the NCBs did not support enzymatic activity with the alcohol dehydrogenases, the observed rate of the ene-reductases with NCBs was greater than when incubated with the natural cofactor (consistent with previous observations). We obtained the structures of an ene-reductase and an alcohol dehydrogenase with an NCB bound in their active sites. While the NCB bound to the ene-reductases in a productive position and orientation for hydride transfer to the isoalloxazine ring of the flavin cofactor, the NCB failed to adopt a catalytically competent binding mode in the alcohol dehydrogenase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]