DigitalUM :: Browsing by Subject "Bioactive compounds"

Browsing by Subject "Bioactive compounds"

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Open Access
Analysis of the anti-inflammatory potential of Brassica bioactive compounds in a human macrophage-like cell model derived from HL-60 cells
(Elsevier, 2022-05) Ruiz Alcaraz, Antonio José; Martínez Sánchez, María Antonia; García Peñarrubia, Pilar; Martínez Esparza, M.; Ramos Molina, Bruno; Moreno, Diego A.; Bioquímica y Biología Molecular B e Inmunología
Background: Chronic inflammatory diseases are major causes of global morbidity and mortality. Acute inflammation is meant to protect the body against foreign agents, but it also plays a major role in tissue repairment. Several mediators are involved in this process, including pro-inflammatory cytokines produced by macrophages. Occasionally, if the inflammatory response is not resolved, the acute inflammatory process can evolve into a chronic inflammation. Natural compounds from vegetables are considered as an important source of active agents with potential to treat or prevent inflammatory related pathologies and could be used as an alternative of the therapeutic agents currently in use, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which present several side effects. Methods: In this research work we evaluated in vitro the anti-inflammatory activity of a series of ten phytochemicals present in Brassica, measured as the potential of those compounds to reduce the production of key proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) by a human macrophage-like cell model of HL-60 cells Results: Most of the tested phytochemicals (including the most representative bioactive molecules of the major classes of compounds present in cruciferous foods such as glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols and anthocyanins) demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity at micromolar level in the absence of cytotoxic effects in this human macrophage-like cell model. Conclusion: These data confirm that phytochemicals commonly obtained from Brassica may be potential therapeutic leads to treat or prevent human chronic inflammation and related diseases.
Open Access
Assessing the impact of (poly)phenol-rich foods on cardiometabolic risk in postmenopausal women: a dietary trial
(MDPI, 2024-08-09) Sánchez-Martínez, Lorena; González-Barrio, Rocío; García-Alonso, Javier; Mena, Pedro; Periago, María Jesús; Tecnología de Alimentos, Nutrición y Bromatología
Menopause is a critical stage in a woman’s life in which cardiometabolic alterations appear, such as insulin resistance or a predisposition to visceral fat deposits, leading to an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases (R-CMBs). New strategies to reduce the R-CMBs in postmenopausal women using natural compounds without adverse effects are desirable. In this sense, plant-based diets rich in fruits and vegetables could play a fundamental role due to the high content of bioactive compounds found in these diets, such as (poly)phenols, known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and vasodilator properties. The aim of this research was to carry out a dietary trial to evaluate the effect of the daily intake of different (poly)phenol-rich foods (PP-rich foods) for 2 months on the modulation of the main cardiometabolic risk biomarkers of postmenopausal women. The results showed a slight improvement in blood pressure (BP), lipid profile and oxidative stress, endothelial function and inflammatory biomarkers. These findings suggest that daily consumption of PP-rich foods alleviated the R-CMBs of postmenopausal women by reducing the oxidative stress and, thus, the risk of cardiovascular events; however, the magnitude of the cardioprotective effect of (poly)phenols depends on inter-individual variability.
Open Access
Broccoli and Radish Sprouts are Safe and Rich in Bioactive Phytochemicals
(Elsevier, ) Baenas, Nieves; Gómez-Jodar, Isabel; Moreno, Diego A.; García-Viguera, Cristina; Periago, Paula M.; Tecnología de Alimentos, Nutrición y Bromatología
Cruciferous sprouts (e.g. broccoli and red radish) are rich source of health-promoting phytochemicals more concentrated than the adult plant edible organs; however, these tiny microgreens need cold storage conditions to preserve their quality to reach the consumers in microbiologically safe conditions, maintaining their composition and acceptability. In this work, the microbiological status and phytochemical composition of broccoli and radish sprouts were evaluated at harvest (Day 0), and after seven and fourteen days of storage at two different temperatures, 5 and 10 °C. Pathogenic microorganisms were absent during shelf-life; nevertheless, the slight growth of Enterobacteriaceae organisms, aerobic mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria, molds and yeasts was assessed. The temperature of storage highly influenced the quality and content of bioactives in the sprouts, and for practical applications, the storage at 5 ºC is the most suitable option. Moreover, these fresh crucifers remain acceptable for consumers after a long refrigerated storage period (14 d), being an interesting option for consuming fresh and naturally-functional foods.
Open Access
Chemical composition of the edible flowers, pansy (Viola wittrockiana) and snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) as new sources of bioactive compounds
(Elsevier, 2018-01-13) Periago, María Jesús; González-Barrio, Rocío; Luna-Recio, Cristina; García-Alonso, Javier; Navarro-González, Inmaculada; Periago, Mª Jesúis; Tecnología de Alimentos, Nutrición y Bromatología
Embargo
Dietary fibre fractions rich in (poly)phenols from orange by-products and their metabolisation by in vitro digestion and colonic fermentation
(Elsevier, 2023-11-25) Núñez-Gómez, Vanesa; Periago, María Jesús; Ordóñez-Díaz, José Luis; Pereira-Caro, Gema; Moreno-Rojas, José Manuel; González-Barrio, Rocío
Orange peel is an interesting by-product because of its composition, particularly its dietary fibre and flavanones. The aim of this work was to extract different fibre fractions from orange peel to obtain potential added-value ingredients and evaluate how the presence of fibre may interfere with (poly)phenol metabolism. Using an aqueous extraction, as a green extraction method, an insoluble fibre fraction (IFF) and a water-soluble extract (WSE) were obtained. Those fractions were analysed to determine the proximate and dietary fibre composition, hydration properties, (poly)phenol composition and antioxidant capacity, comparing the results with the orange peel (OP). The IFF presented the highest content of insoluble dietary fibre and the WSE showed the highest content of (poly)phenols, these being mainly flavanones. An in vitro faecal fermentation was carried out to evaluate the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and lactate as prebiotic indicators; the IFF gave the highest production, derived from the greater presence of dietary fibre. Moreover, catabolites from (poly)phenol metabolism were also analysed, phenylpropanoic acids being the major ones, followed by phenylacetic acids and benzoic acids. These catabolites were found in higher quantities in WSE, because of the greater presence of (poly) phenols in its composition. IFF also showed a significant production of these catabolites, which was delayed by the greater presence of fibre. These results reveal that the new ingredients, obtained by an environmentally friendly water extraction procedure, could be used for the development of new foods with enhanced nutritional and healthy properties.
Open Access
Dopamine-derived pigments in nature: identification of decarboxybetalains in Amaranthaceae species
(Oxford University Press, 2024-06-03) Martínez Rodríguez, Pedro; Henarejos Escudero, Paula; Pagán López, Diego José; Hernández García, Samanta; Guerrero Rubio, María Alejandra; Gómez Pando, Luz Rayda; Gandía Herrero, Fernando; Bioquímica y Biología Molecular A
A unique family of decarboxylated betalains derived from dopamine has recently been discovered. Due to the lack of chemical standards, the existence and distribution of decarboxylated betalains in nature remain unknown. Traditional betalains contain L-dihydroxyphenylalanine as the starting point of the biosynthetic pathway and betalamic acid as a structural and functional unit, while the recently discovered betalains rely on dopamine. Here, 30 dopamine-derived betalains were biotechnologically produced, purified, and characterized, creating an unprecedented library to explore their properties and presence in nature. The maximum absorbance wavelengths for the pigments ranged between 461 and 485 nm. HPLC analysis showed retention times between 0.6 and 2.2 min higher than traditional betalains due to their higher hydrophobicity. The presence of decarboxybetalains in nature was screened using HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF mass spectrometry in various species of the Amaranthaceae family: beetroot (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris), Swiss chard (B. vulgaris var. cicla), celosia (Celosia argentea var. plumosa), and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa). The latter species had the highest content of decarboxybetalains (28 compounds in its POEQ-143 variety). Twenty-nine pigments were found distributed among the different analyzed plant sources. The abundance of decarboxybetalains demonstrated in this work highlights these pigments as an important family of phytochemicals in the order Caryophyllales.
Open Access
Effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the antioxidant properties of fruit and vegetable powdered smoothies reinforced with WPC80
(Elsevier, 2025-01-02) Jiménez-Monreal, Antonia María; Cedeño-Pinos, Cristina; Bañón, Sancho; Muñoz, Israel; Guardia, Maria Dolors; Tahori, Nisrine; Martínez-Tomé, Magdalena; Tecnología de Alimentos, Nutrición y Bromatología
The development of novel powdered smoothies obtained by spray-drying (SD) technology can contribute to revaluing fruits and vegetables from seasonal surplus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion (GID) on the retention, activity and bioaccessibility of key antioxidants of two smooth- ies elaborated with fruits (apple, orange and banana) or vegetables (pumpkin, apple and carrot), fortified with whey protein concentrate 80 g/100g (WPC80) and spray-dried. α-Tocopherol, ascorbic acid, polyphenol and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant capacity were determined in the smoothies reconstituted with water or semi- skimmed milk. Bioaccessibility and remaining antioxidant capacity after digestion was calculated. This study demonstrated contained smoothies were rich in sugar, protein and fibre. These smoothie powders retained most antioxidant properties intact. The reconstitution of smoothies with semi-skimmed milk means higher flavonoids and vitamin E content. In vitro GID showed a positive effect on the antioxidant properties of these smoothies by improving the bioaccessibility of TPC and favouring the scavenging ABTS radical, although the content of flavonoids and tocopherol was decreased. These results confirmed that powdered smoothies show high nutri- tional values and considerable antioxidant activity as a health-enhancing fortified food. Digestive simulations provide information on the potential bioaccessibility of antioxidants.
Open Access
Enantiospeciﬁc synthesis of antifungal dasyscyphin E from cupressic acid
(Elsevier, 2017-11-16) Fernandez, Antonio; Boulifa, Ettahir; Jimenez, Fermin; Mahdjour, Soumicha; Ahmed I., Mansour; Chahboun, Rachid; Alvarez-manzaneda, Enrique; Química Orgánica
The ﬁrst synthesis of the sesquiterpene quinol dasyscyphin E has been achieved starting from cupressic acid. Key steps of the synthetic sequence are the oxidative degradation of the diterpene side chain to give a methylketone, the diastereoselective a-methylation of a protected ketoaldehyde, the subsequent intramolecular aldol condensation and the further Diels-Alder cycloaddition of a dienol ester.
Embargo
Evaluation of Nannochloropsis gaditana raw and hydrolysed biomass at low inclusion level as dietary functional additive for gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) juveniles
(Elsevier, 2022-04-28) Sáez, María Isabel; Galafat, Alba; Vizcaíno, Antonio Jesús; Chaves-Pozo, Elena; Ayala Florenciano, María Dolores; Arizcun, Marta; Alarcón, Francisco Javier; Suárez, María Dolores; Martínez, Tomás Francisco; Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparada
Abundant research is being carried out in the last years aimed at exploring microalgal biomass as nutrient source for different species of aquacultured fish. Some microalgae species, such as Nannochloropsis gaditana, have thick cell walls rich in cellulose, which might well reduce the bioavailability of intracellular active compounds. Among the alternatives aimed at overcoming this limitation, cellulase enzyme hydrolysis is proposed as a convenient and practical solution. In this regard, an in vitro assay was carried out, in which N. gaditana biomass was treated with cellulase (5% w/w basis) and the release of soluble compounds (reducing sugars, free amino acids and total phenolics) into the reaction medium was measured and compared to untreated raw biomass. The results confirmed increased yields of those compounds as a result of the enzyme pre-treatment. A 90-d feeding trial was also carried out in order to assess in vivo the influence of the inclusion of N. gaditana in feeds on juvenile gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) growth, digestive physiology and body composition. Microalgal biomass was added at two inclusion levels (25 and 50 g kg 1 dry weight) in four experimental feeds, either crude or enzymatically pretreated. Animals (15.1 g initial body weight) were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments (two inclusion levels, 2.5 and 5%, and two microalgae formats, raw and enzymatically hydrolysed, plus a microalgae-free control), and distributed triplicate tanks per dietary treatment. Fish were withdrawn after 45 and 90 days, and proximate composition, muscle fatty acid and amino acid profiles, muscle and liver lipid oxidation, instrumental skin colour, digestive enzyme activities, as well as structural and ultrastructural changes in the intestinal mucosa were determined. No differences attributable to the dietary treatments were found with regard to fish growth or proximate composition at the end of the feeding trial. On the contrary, the inclusion of microalgal biomass, irrespectively of the cellulase pre-treatment, caused beneficial effects on some physiological parameters (namely digestive mucosa structure and functionality, oxidative status of muscle lipids, and instrumental colour). The only clear improvement found in fish attributable to the cellulase pre-treatment of the microalgal biomass was related to the prevention of muscle lipid oxidation. Overall, the results suggest that N. gaditana used as additive (at inclusion level below 5%) in feeds might represent a valuable nutritional strategy for S. aurata juveniles, even if growth was not affected.
Open Access
First Betalain-producing bacteria break the exclusive presence of the pigments in the plant kingdom
(American Society for Microbiology, 2019-03-19) Contreras Llano, Luis Eduardo; Guerrero Rubio, María Alejandra; Lozada Ramírez, José Daniel; García Carmona, Francisco; Gandía Herrero, Fernando; Bioquímica y Biología Molecular A
The biosynthesis of antioxidant pigments, namely, betalains, was believed to be restricted to Caryophyllales plants. This paper changes this paradigm, and enzyme mining from bacterial hosts promoted the discovery of bacterial cultures producing betalains. The spectrum of possible sources of betalain pigments in nature is broadened by our description of the first betalain-forming bacterium, Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus. The enzyme-specific step is the extradiol cleavage of the precursor amino acid L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) to form the structural unit betalamic acid. Molecular and functional work conducted led to the characterization of a novel dioxygenase, a polypeptide of 17.8 kDa with a Km of 1.36 mM, with higher activity and affinity than those of its plant counterparts. Its superior activity allowed the first experimental characterization of the early steps in the biosynthesis of betalains by fully characterizing the presence and time evolution of 2,3- and 4,5- seco-DOPA intermediates. Furthermore, spontaneous chemical reactions are characterized and incorporated into a comprehensive enzymatic-chemical mechanism that yields the final pigments. Several studies have demonstrated the health-promoting effects of betalains due to their high antioxidant capacity and their positive effect on the dose-dependent inhibition of cancer cells and their proliferation. To date, betalains were restricted to plants of the order Caryophyllales and some species of fungi, but the present study reveals the first betalain-producing bacterium, as well as the first steps in the formation of pigments. This finding demonstrates that betalain biosynthesis can be expanded to prokaryotes.
Open Access
Light emission in betalains: from fluorescent flowers to biotechnological applications
(Cell Press, 2020-02) Guerrero Rubio, María Alejandra; Escribano, Josefa; García Carmona, Francisco; Gandía Herrero, Fernando; Bioquímica y Biología Molecular A
The discovery of visible fluorescence in the plant pigments betalains revealed the existence of fluorescent patterns in flowers of plants of the order Caryophyllales, where betalains substitute anthocyanins. The serendipitous initial discovery led to a systemized characterization of the role of different substructures on the photophysical phenomenon. Strong fluorescence is general to all members of the family of betaxanthins linked to the structural property that the betalamic acid moiety is connected to an amine group. This property has led to bioinspired tailor-made probes and to the development of novel biotechnological applications in screening techniques or microscopy labeling. Here, we comprehensively review the photophysics, photochemistry, and photobiology of betalain fluorescence and describe all current applications.
Open Access
Olive oil tyrosols reduce α-synuclein aggregation in vitro and in vivo after ingestion in a Caenorhabditis elegans Parkinson’s model
(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2024-05-16) Hernández García, Samanta; García Cano, Beatriz; Martínez Rodríguez, Pedro; Henarejos Escudero, Paula; Gandía Herrero, Fernando; Bioquímica y Biología Molecular A
Parkinson’s disease is the neurodegenerative motor disorder with the highest incidence worldwide. Among other factors, Parkinson’s disease is caused by the accumulation of α-synuclein aggregates in a patient’s brain. In this work, five molecules present in the diet are proposed as possible nutraceuticals to prevent and/or reduce the formation of α-synuclein oligomers that lead to Parkinson’s disease. The olive oil polyphenols tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol (HT), hydroxytyrosol acetate (HTA) and dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid (DOPAC) besides vitamin C were tested using a cellular model of α-synuclein aggregation and a Caenorhabditis elegans Parkinson’s disease animal model. Levodopa was included in the assays as the main drug prescribed to treat the disease as well as dopamine, its direct metabolite. HTA and DOPAC completely hindered α-synuclein aggregation in vitro, while dopamine reduced the aggregation by 28.7%. The Parallel Artificial Membrane Permeability Assay (PAMPA) showed that HTA had the highest permeability through brain lipids among the compounds tested. Furthermore, the C. elegans Parkinson’s disease model made it possible to assess the chosen compounds in vivo. The more effective substances in vivo were DOPAC and HTA which reduced the αS aggregation inside the animals by 79.2% and 76.2%, respectively. Moreover, dopamine also reduced the aggregates by 67.4% in the in vivo experiment. Thus, the results reveal the potential of olive oil tyrosols as nutraceuticals against α-synuclein aggregation.
Open Access
Potent anticancer activity of a novel iridium metallodrug via oncosis
(Springer, 2022-09-06) Ortega Forte, Enrique; Hernández García, Samanta; Vigueras, Gloria; Henarejos Escudero, Paula; Cutillas, Natalia; Ruiz, José; Gandía Herrero, Fernando; Bioquímica y Biología Molecular A
Oncosis (from Greek ónkos, meaning “swelling”) is a non-apoptotic cell death process related to energy depletion. In contrast to apoptosis, which is the main form of cell death induced by anticancer drugs, oncosis has been relatively less explored but holds potential to overcome drug resistance phenomena. In this study, we report a novel rationally designed mitochondriatargeted iridium(III) complex (OncoIr3) with advantageous properties as a bioimaging agent. OncoIr3 exhibited potent anticancer activity in vitro against cancer cells and displayed low toxicity to normal dividing cells. Flow cytometry and fluorescence-based assays confirmed an apoptosis-independent mechanism involving energy depletion, mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular swelling that matched with the oncotic process. Furthermore, a Caenorhabditis elegans tumoral model was developed to test this compound in vivo, which allowed us to prove a strong oncosis-derived antitumor activity in animals (with a 41% reduction of tumor area). Indeed, OncoIr3 was non-toxic to the nematodes and extended their mean lifespan by 18%. Altogether, these findings might shed new light on the development of anticancer metallodrugs with nonconventional modes of action such as oncosis, which could be of particular interest for the treatment of apoptosis-resistant cancers.
Open Access
Revalorization of broccoli by-products for cosmetic uses using supercritical fluid extraction
(MDPI, 2020-11-27) Borja Martínez, María; Lozano Sánchez, Jesús; Borrás Linares, Isabel; Pedreño, María Angeles; Sabater Jara, Ana Belén; Biología Vegetal
The agri-food industry is currently one of the main engines of economic development worldwide. The region of Murcia is a reference area in Europe for the cultivation of fruits and vegetables and produces the bulk of Spanish exports of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica). The processing of fresh produce generates a huge number of by-products that represent an important economic and environmental problem when discarded. In this work, an advanced extraction technique using environmentally friendly solvents was applied to assess the revalorization of broccoli by-products, by performing a comparative analysis with conventional extraction. To achieve this goal, supercritical fluid extraction based on response surface methodology was performed using CO2 and ethanol as solvents. The results obtained showed that the supercritical fluid extracts were rich in β-carotene, phenolic compounds, chlorophylls and phytosterols. Moreover, in bioactivity assays, the supercritical fluid extracts exhibited a high antioxidant activity and a cytoprotective effect in a non-tumorigenic keratinocyte cell line exposed to ultraviolet B light. The results indicate that supercritical fluid extracts from broccoli by-products could potentially serve as an ingredient for cosmetic purposes.
Open Access
Scaled-up biotechnological production of individual betalains in a microbial system
(Wiley, 2019-07-04) Guerrero Rubio, María Alejandra; López Llorca, Rosalía; Henarejos Escudero, Paula; García Carmona, Francisco; Gandía Herrero, Fernando; Bioquímica y Biología Molecular A

Browsing by Subject "Bioactive compounds"

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