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Bozena Hosnedlova,1 Marta Kepinska,2 Sylvie Skalickova,3 Carlos Fernandez,4 Branislav Ruttkay-Nedecky,3 Qiuming Peng,5 Mojmir Baron,1 Magdalena Melcova,6 Radka Opatrilova,3 Jarmila Zidkova,6 Geir Bjørklund,7 Jiri Sochor,1 Rene Kizek2,3 1Department of Viticulture and Enology, Faculty of Horticulture, Mendel University in Brno, Lednice, Czech Republic; 2Department of Biomedical and Environmental Analyses, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland; 3Central Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic; 4School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK; 5State Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science and Technology, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, People’s Republic of China; 6Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic; 7Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Rana, Norway Abstract: Traditional supplements of selenium generally have a low degree of absorption and increased toxicity. Therefore, it is imperative to develop innovative systems as transporters of selenium compounds, which would raise the bioavailability of this element and allow its controlled release in the organism. Nanoscale selenium has attracted a great interest as a food additive especially in individuals with selenium deficiency, but also as a therapeutic agent without significant side effects in medicine. This review is focused on the incorporation of nanotechnological applications, in particular exploring the possibilities of a more effective way of administration, especially in selenium-deficient organisms. In addition, this review summarizes the survey of knowledge on selenium nanoparticles, their biological effects in the organism, advantages, absorption mechanisms, and nanotechnological applications for peroral administration. Keywords: nanoparticles, biomedicine, drug delivery, oxidative stress, anticancer effect, antimicrobial activity, protective effect

Argan oil, rich in unsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols, exerts beneficial effects on both the intestinal and skin microbiotas. In the gut, it promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as lactobacilli , while reducing pathogenic bacteria, due to its anti-inflammatory properties that help maintain microbial balance. Additionally, it improves the integrity of the intestinal mucosa, reducing the risk of dysbiosis. On the skin, argan oil hydrates and balances the lipid environment, creating a favorable setting for beneficial microorganisms, while also possessing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe conditions like eczema and acne. Thus, argan oil is valuable for overall health, supporting digestion and skin health. The objective of this review is to provide a summary of the benefits of argan oil for alternative and complementary medicine. An exhaustive search of the literature was carried out using targeted keywords. A set of 83 articles were selected and analyzed. As the mechanisms of action of argan oil are not completely understood, this work highlighted the benefits of this oil by analyzing its nutritional properties and its beneficial effects on the intestinal and skin microbiotas. Indeed, argan oil is valuable for overall health.

The endothelin system is reported to play a significant role in glomerular and tubulointerstitial kidney disease. In the kidney, endothelins are produced in mesangial cells and the glomerular basement membrane by the endothelium and podocytes. The endothelin system regulates glomerular function by inducing proliferation, increasing permeability and in effect proteinuria, and stimulating inflammation, tubular fibrosis, and glomerular scarring. Endothelin A receptor antagonists have been proven to delay the progression of chronic kidney disease and play a protective role in immunoglobulin A nephropathy, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and diabetic nephropathy. There are several ongoing research studies with ETAR antagonists in nondiabetic nephropathy, Alport disease, vasculitis and scleroderma nephropathy, which results are promising. Some reports suggest that the endothelin system might contribute to ischemia-reperfusion injury, acute graft rejection and deterioration of graft function. Endothelin inhibition in renal transplantation and its influence on graft survival is the future direction needing further research. The most frequent side effects associated with ETAR antagonists is fluid retention. Additionally, it should be considered if selective ETAR antagonists therapy needs to be co-administered with sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors or diuretics and which patients should be recruited to such treatment to minimize the risk of adverse outcomes.

The aim of this study was to obtain new, safe, and effective compounds with anticancer activity since cancer is still the leading cause of mortality worldwide. The rational design of new compounds was based on the introduction of differentially substituted phenylpiperazines into the 1,2-benzothiazine scaffold as a reference for the structures of recent topoisomerase II (Topo II) inhibitors such as dexrazoxane and XK-469. The newly designed group of 1,2-benzothiazine derivatives was synthesized and tested on healthy (MCF10A) and cancer (MCF7) cell lines, alone and in combination with doxorubicin (DOX). In addition, molecular docking studies were performed both to the DNA-Topo II complex and to the minor groove of DNA. Most of the tested compounds showed cytotoxic activity comparable to doxorubicin, a well-known anticancer drug. The compound BS230 (3-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-2-{2-[4-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-piperazinyl]-2-oxoethyl}-4-hydroxy-2 H -1,2-benzothiazine 1,1-dioxide) showed the best antitumor activity with lower cytotoxicity towards healthy cells and at the same time stronger cytotoxicity towards cancer cells than DOX. Moreover, molecular docking studies showed that BS230 has the ability to bind to both the DNA-Topo II complex and the minor groove of DNA. Binding of the minor groove to DNA was also proven by fluorescence spectroscopy.

The increasing incidence of breast cancers (BCs) in the world population and their complexity and high metastatic ability are serious concerns for healthcare systems. Despite the significant progress in medicine made in recent decades, the efficient treatment of invasive cancers still remains challenging. Chemotherapy, a fundamental systemic treatment method, is burdened with severe adverse effects, with efficacy limited by resistance development and risk of disease recurrence. Also, current diagnostic methods have certain drawbacks, attracting attention to the idea of developing novel, more sensitive detection and therapeutic modalities. It seems the solution for these issues can be provided by nanotechnology. Particularly, quantum dots (QDs) have been extensively evaluated as potential targeted drug delivery vehicles and, simultaneously, sensing and bioimaging probes. These fluorescent nanoparticles offer unlimited possibilities of surface modifications, allowing for the attachment of biomolecules, such as antibodies or proteins, and drug molecules, among others. In this work, we discuss the potential applicability of QDs in breast cancer diagnostics and treatment in light of the current knowledge. We begin with introducing the molecular and histopathological features of BCs, standard therapeutic regimens, and current diagnostic methods. Further, the features of QDs, along with their uptake, biodistribution patterns, and cytotoxicity, are described. Based on the reports published in recent years, we present the progress in research on possible QD use in improving BC diagnostics and treatment efficacy as chemotherapeutic delivery vehicles and photosensitizing agents, along with the stages of their development. We also address limitations and open questions regarding this topic.

Background: Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of nitric oxide (NO), the altered production of which is characteristic of diabetic nephropathy. NOS exists in three isoforms: NOS1, NOS2, and NOS3. Moreover, there are reports about the potential role of NOS3 polymorphisms in the development of diabetes complications. The aim of this study was to assess the role of selected NOS polymorphisms-rs3782218 ( NOS1 ), rs1137933 ( NOS2 ), rs1799983, rs2070744, and rs61722009 ( NOS3 )-in the risk of developing diabetic nephropathy and in the likelihood of renal replacement therapy., Methods: The studied polymorphisms were analyzed in a group of 232 patients divided into three groups. Four polymorphisms (rs3782218, rs1137933, rs1799983, rs2070744) were genotyped using the PCR-RFLP, while the rs61722009 polymorphism was genotyped using the PCR., Results: The C/C genotype and the C allele of the rs3782218 polymorphism ( NOS1 ) were associated with an increased risk of developing diabetic nephropathy and an increased likelihood of renal replacement therapy. In turn, the G allele of the rs1137933 polymorphism ( NOS2 ) reduces the likelihood of renal replacement therapy., Conclusions: The specific genotypes or alleles of the rs3782218 ( NOS1 ) and rs1137933 ( NOS2 ) polymorphisms seem to be potential risk factors for diabetic nephropathy and renal replacement therapy.

Due to their life cycle, viruses can disrupt the metabolism of their hosts, causing diseases. If we want to disrupt their life cycle, it is necessary to identify their presence. For this purpose, it is possible to use several molecular-biological and bioanalytical methods. The reference selection was performed based on electronic databases (2020-2023). This review focused on electrochemical methods with high sensitivity and selectivity (53% voltammetry/amperometry, 33% impedance, and 12% other methods) which showed their great potential for detecting various viruses. Moreover, the aforementioned electrochemical methods have considerable potential to be applicable for care-point use as they are portable due to their miniaturizability and fast speed analysis (minutes to hours), and are relatively easy to interpret. A total of 2011 articles were found, of which 86 original papers were subsequently evaluated (the majority of which are focused on human pathogens, whereas articles dealing with plant pathogens are in the minority). Thirty-two species of viruses were included in the evaluation. It was found that most of the examined research studies (77%) used nanotechnological modifications. Other ones performed immunological (52%) or genetic analyses (43%) for virus detection. 5% of the reports used peptides to increase the method's sensitivity. When evaluable, 65% of the research studies had LOD values in the order of ng or nM. The vast majority (79%) of the studies represent proof of concept and possibilities with low application potential and a high need of further research experimental work.

Background: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is responsible for the production of angiotensin II, and increased production of angiotensin II is observed in diabetes. What is more, ACE polymorphisms may play a role in the development of diabetic nephropathy. The aim of this study was to assess the role of selected ACE polymorphisms (rs4343 and rs4646994) in the risk of development of diabetic nephropathy and in the likelihood of renal replacement therapy., Methods: ACE polymorphisms were analyzed in a group of 225 patients who were divided into three subgroups. The rs4343 polymorphism was determined using the PCR-RFLP, and the rs4646994 polymorphism was determined using the PCR. Molecular docking between domains of ACE and its ligands was performed by using AutoDock Vina., Results: The G/G genotype of rs4343 polymorphism is associated with increased odds of developing diabetic nephropathy. The G allele is also associated with a higher risk of this disease. Similar results were obtained in patients who had already had a kidney transplant as a result of diabetic nephropathy., Conclusions: The presence of G/G and G/A genotypes, and the G allele increases the likelihood of developing diabetic nephropathy. This may also be a risk factor for renal replacement therapy.

Obesity and diabetes are a problem of modern medicine. Although the environmental factors contributing to the development of these diseases are widely known, research into genetic factors is still ongoing. At the same time, the role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of obesity and diabetes is increasingly emphasized. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of two selected polymorphisms (rs1800795 and rs3842729) on the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. In this study, 118 participants were examined, including a control group (nonobese and nondiabetic group), an obese group, and a diabetic group. Genotype analysis was performed using the PCR-RFLP method. It has been shown that in patients with the G/G genotype within the rs1800795 polymorphism (IL6) , the chance of developing type 2 diabetes is several times lower compared to patients with the G/C and C/C genotypes. However, the rs3842729 polymorphism (INS) does not directly affect the risk of obesity or type 2 diabetes (T2D), although elevated insulin concentrations have been observed in obese and diabetic patients. These results confirm the impact of the rs1800795 polymorphism on the development of diabetes; however, this relationship is more complex and requires further research on other factors., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Magdalena Król-Kulikowska et al.)

Introduction: Many studies concerning the diet of physically active people refer to individuals who run; however, the importance of nutrition in professional and amateur sports plays a different role. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional behavior and knowledge of amateur ultrarunners. This study involved a group of 308 respondents (89 women and 219 men) aged 18 -65. It investigated the influence of the level of knowledge about nutrition, gender, education, and smoking on dietary food habits and eating frequency., Methods: The KomPAN questionnaire was used to determine the dietary habits, diet quality, lifestyle, and nutrition knowledge of ultramarathon runners. The nutrition knowledge influenced the eating habits and frequency of specific meals expressed as the Healthy Diet Index-10 (HDI-10) and Unhealthy Diet Index-14 (UDI-14)., Results: In women with sufficient knowledge about nutrition, lower HDI-10 scores were observed compared to those with a good level of knowledge, while men did not show a similar relationship. However, the effect of smoking on the frequency of food intake in men was noted. Interestingly, male smokers had a lower UDI-14 score than non-smokers. Depending on the level of knowledge, female and male ultrarunners more often or less frequently used selected food products. In turn, no effect of education on the frequency of consumption of specific foods was observed., Discussion: Such different results are most likely caused by the specificity of the study group, which consisted of amateur runners. Additionally, the study looked at general eating habits, not those employed when preparing for marathons. In the future, more respondents should be surveyed, also taking into account nutrition during training., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Kosendiak, Król, Ligocka and Kepinska.)

The European Food Safety Authority recommends C. incanus as a natural source of antioxidants. Its activity is essentially determined by polyphenols, although specific compounds are not finally indicated. The available plant material comes from different subspecies and locations, which can lead to differences in chemical composition and potency. For this reason, we conducted a detailed analysis of the polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of 52 different C. incanus teas from Turkey, Albania, Greece, and unspecified regions. We focused special attention on ellagitannins, which have not been properly determined so far. Besides oxidative stress, hyperglycemia is an essential component of cardiometabolic diseases. Therefore, in subsequent experiments, we evaluated the ability of C. incanus extracts and individual polyphenols to inhibit α-glucosidase. Using statistical methods, we analyzed how differences in chemical composition affect activity. The results showed that C. incanus is a rich source of ellagitannins (2.5-19%), which dominate among polyphenols (5.5-23%). Turkish-origin products had higher ellagitannin content and a greater antioxidant effect (FRAP, ABTS) than Albanian and Greek products. In contrast, the flavonoid and phenolic acid contents and DPPH values were at similar levels in all products. An in-depth analysis of their composition indicated that all groups of polyphenols are involved in the antioxidant effect, but a significant contribution can be attributed to ellagitannins and flavonoids. C. incanus extracts showed a high capacity to inhibit α-glucosidase activity (IC 50 125-145 μg/mL). Ellagitannins were the most effective inhibitors (IC 50 0.7-1.1 μM), with a potency exceeding acarbose (3.3 mM). In conclusion, C. incanus , due to the presence of ellagitannins and flavonoids, exhibits powerful antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects.

Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) is a calcium-dependent, HDL-bound serum hydrolase active toward a wide variety of substrates. PON1 displays three types of activities, among which lactonase, paraoxonase, arylesterase and phosphotriesterase can be distinguished. Not only is this enzyme a major organophosphate compound detoxifier, but it is also an important constituent of the cellular antioxidant system and has anti-inflammatory and antiatherogenic functions. The concentration and activity of PON1 is highly variable among individuals, and these differences can be both of genetic origin and be a subject of epigenetic regulation. Owing to the fact that, in recent decades, the exposure of humans to an increasing number of different xenobiotics has been continuously rising, the issues concerning the role and activity of PON1 shall be reconsidered with particular attention to growing pharmaceuticals intake, dietary habits and environmental awareness. In the following manuscript, the current state of knowledge concerning the influence of certain modifiable and unmodifiable factors, including smoking, alcohol intake, gender, age and genotype variation on PON1 activity, along with pathways through which these could interfere with the enzyme's protective functions, is presented and discussed. Since exposure to certain xenobiotics plays a key role in PON1 activity, the influence of organophosphates, heavy metals and several pharmaceutical agents is also specified.

One approach for solving the problem of antibiotic resistance and bacterial persistence in biofilms is treatment with metals, including silver in the form of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Green synthesis is an environmentally friendly method to synthesize nanoparticles with a broad spectrum of unique properties that depend on the plant extracts used. AgNPs with antibacterial and antibiofilm effects were obtained using green synthesis from plant extracts of Lagerstroemia indica (AgNPs_LI), Alstonia scholaris (AgNPs_AS), and Aglaonema multifolium (AgNPs_AM). Nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. The ability to quench free radicals and total phenolic content in solution were also evaluated. The antibacterial activity of AgNPs was studied by growth curves as well as using a diffusion test on agar medium plates to determine minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs). The effect of AgNPs on bacterial biofilms was evaluated by crystal violet (CV) staining. Average minimum inhibitory concentrations of AgNPs_LI, AgNPs_AS, AgNPs_AM were 15 ± 5, 20 + 5, 20 + 5 μg/mL and 20 ± 5, 15 + 5, 15 + 5 μg/mL against Gram-positive ( Staphylococcus aureus ) and Gram-negative ( Escherichia coli ) bacteria, respectively. The E. coli strain formed biofilms in the presence of AgNPs, a less dense biofilm than the S. aureus strain. The highest inhibitory and destructive effect on biofilms was exhibited by AgNPs prepared using an extract from L. indica .