Journal of Biological Research - Bollettino della Società Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale

Unleashing the potential of millets: a comprehensive review of its nutritional, therapeutic, and genomic attributes

Biju Vadakkemukadiyil Chellappan — 2024-05-07

Millets are cereal grains whose farming dates back thousands of years and have been farmed and consumed by a wide variety of cultures around the world. In recent times, there has been a growing interest in millets due to their medicinal characteristics and nutritional advantages. Millets have a substantial nutritional content and can provide a wide range of beneficial health effects. These foods have a relatively low glycemic index in addition to their high levels of dietary fiber, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. In this review, the most recent information regarding the potential effects of millets on the management of diabetes, the health of the heart, antioxidant activity, anti-cancer capacities, and other therapeutic benefits is investigated. In addition, the report provides an in-depth analysis of the current genome resources that are associated with millets, as well as a summary of the key genetic discoveries that have been made. The report also emphasizes the need for further research to maximize the potential of millets through the utilization of genetic resources and breeding techniques to develop high-nutrient-rich and climate-resilient varieties.

The role of selenium in autoimmune thyroiditis

Marco Giammanco — 2024-03-21

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element of fundamental importance for human health. Se is incorporated into selenoproteins (SPs) which are endowed with pleiotropic effects including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and active production of thyroid hormones. It has also been suggested that Se plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various human diseases. The therapeutic effects of supplementation with Se have already been described in various thyroid diseases. However, there are still conflicting results regarding the optimal dose of Se to administer and the duration of treatment, efficacy, and safety. The highly beneficial effects of supplementation with Se have been observed in subjects with thyroid disease in the hyperthyroid phase. In line with these observations, clinical studies have shown that in patients with Basedow's disease (BD) and autoimmune thyroiditis (AT), treatment with a combination of antithyroid drugs and Se restores the euthyroid state faster than administration of antithyroid drugs alone. However, the efficacy of this therapeutic approach remains to be better evaluated.

Sudden cardiac death in the young. From gross to molecular autopsy

Gaetano Thiene — 2024-04-18

Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) may complicate diseases of the heart and great vessels. The cause is easily visible at the naked eye at autopsy in the presence of coronary thrombosis, aortic dissection, pulmonary thromboembolism, or at the microscope with histological anomalies (inflammation, necrosis, storage, fibrosis). However, there are cases of SCD in which the heart appears normal, both at gross and histological examination. They may present electrocardiogram (ECG) disorders of depolarization and repolarization of myocardial electrical activity (long and short QT, repolarization syndrome) or of electro-mechanical coupling (catecholaminergic ventricular tachycardia), due to alterations of Na⁺, K⁺or Ca⁺⁺ flows, known as channelopathies. They are genetic, hereditary morbid entities transmitted at the time of conception. Molecular studies of SCD at autopsy include both the detection of viral genomes in inflammatory cardiomyopathies and gene mutations in either structural or nonstructural genetically determined heart diseases.

Field monitoring and genetic diversity of the large copper butterfly Lycaena dispar (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)

Jeong Sun Park — 2024-05-21

The large copper butterfly Lycaena dispar (Haworth, 1803) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae), which is found across Europe and Asia, has been categorized as a near-threatened species (NT) in South Korea from 2012 mainly due to limited distribution. The species has been infrequently observed outside its traditional range in the northwestern region, but no nationwide survey has yet been conducted. In addition, the population genetic data of L. dispar, which is informative to evaluate its vulnerability, remains unknown. In this study, we visited 36 sites spread across all South Korean provinces to verify the distributional range of the species. Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) was also partially sequenced for 53 individuals from nine sites. We observed L. dispar at 15 sites in six provinces, including the two previously known provinces, indicating a southward range expansion. The in-field monitoring and genetic data collectively suggested that L. dispar does not have a limited distribution nor is it isolated, indicating that it should be reclassified as less vulnerable. Our study demonstrates that the combination of field and genetic data can provide a more reliable assessment of the stability of a species.

Blended formulations of oregano-sage essential oils: antimicrobial, phytotoxic, and anti-quorum sensing investigations

Hazem S. Elshafie — 2024-05-27

There is a growing interest in the potential use of essential oils (EOs) as a possible alternative to synthetic pesticides. The formulation of bioinsecticides with different EOs could improve their bioactivities through synergic mechanisms. This study aimed to evaluate the biological activities of three blended oil formulations (BOFs) derived from oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) and sage (Salvia officinalis L.). The chemical composition of the individual EOs was investigated using GC-MS analysis. The BOFs were prepared as follows: i) 25% oregano EO + 25% sage EO (BOF-I); ii) 25% oregano EO + 5% sage EO (BOF-II); iii) 5% oregano EO + 25% sage EO (BOF-III). The BOFs were tested for their phytotoxic effects on Lepidium sativum, Solanum lycopersicum, and Lactuca sativa as well as their antimicrobial activity against some phytopathogens. The tested BOFs were evaluated for their possible anti-quorum sensing activity against Chromobacterium violaceum Schröter. GC-MS analysis revealed that the oregano EO is mainly composed of thymol (76%), p-cymene (5.7%) and carvacrol (3.2%). Whereas, the dominant constituents of sage EO were trans-thujone and camphor. The results demonstrated that all tested BOFs possess an antimicrobial effect higher than each parent EO. In particular, BOF-II showed the highest effect against all tested bacteria and fungi. In addition, the three BOFs showed notable phytotoxic effects against all tested plants, particularly BOF-I. Whereas, the single sage EO at 25% showed the lowest significant phytotoxic effect, indicating its possible use as a natural herbicide. All examined BOFs showed promising quorum quenching activity against C. violaceum, especially at a concentration of 100%.

Phytochemical characterization and evaluation of the antibacterial potential of Solenostemma oleifolium (Nectoux) Bullock & E.A. Bruce ex Maire essential oil

Daouia Keltoum Benmaarouf — 2024-06-05

Solenostemma oleifolium is a tropical plant growing in the Algerian desert that is traditionally used to treat several illnesses, including infection. We investigate essential oil components from leaves of Solenostemma oleifolium (EOSO) and its antibacterial activity. Using Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), twenty compounds were identified in EOSO, including linalool (57.10%), terpineol (12.95%), trans-geraniol (12.65%), and nerol (4.67%). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis allowed us to confirm linalool as the main component of EOSO. Antibacterial activity was tested by agar diffusion and microdilution methods for minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC). For EOSO, the inhibition diameters ranged from 16.79 to 39.84 mm, the MIC ranged from 1.066 to 8.54 mg mL^-1and the MBC ranged from 20 to 100 mg mL^-1. For linanool, the inhibition diameters ranged from 11.1 to 31.87 mm, the MIC ranged from 2.68 to 14.3 mg mL^-1 and, the MBC ranged from 40 to 100 mg mL^-1.EOSO and linalool exhibited significant antibacterial activity against all the tested bacteria. This study confirmed the antibacterial activity of the S. oleifolium essential oil and that linalool is the principal constituent of the EOSO.

Prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and alpha-thalassemia in children with sickle cell trait

Haydeh Hafez-Quran — 2024-05-27

The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of alpha-thalassemia and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in sickle cell trait (SCT) patients to determine its effect on red blood cells (RBC) parameters. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 102 blood samples obtained from children and teenagers with SCT aged between 5 and 18 years old who were referred to Shahid Beqaei Hematology and Oncology Hospital and Abuzar Children's Hospital in Ahvaz city (Iran) from October 2021 to November 2022. About 5 mL of blood was collected via venipuncture from each patient and used to run G6PD, complete blood count, and hemoglobin (Hb) electrophoresis tests. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, and the significance level in all tests was considered less than 0.05. Results showed that the prevalence of heterozygous and homozygous alpha-thalassemia and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in the examined sample was 18.63%, 18.63%, and 10.78%, respectively. Also, 13.72% of patients suffered from G6PD deficiency. The results imply that G6PD deficiency may increase the severity of anemia in SCT patients. Therefore, it is necessary to screen all SCT patients for G6PD deficiency to ensure that their condition is not exacerbated during unexpected events such as diseases or stress.

Chemical compounds investigation and profiling of antimicrobial and antiviral constituents of Tephrosia purpurea subsp. apollinea

Ahmed M. M. Youssef — 2024-04-29

Tephrosia purpurea subsp. apollinea belongs to the family Fabaceae, and it is distributed in the delta region of Egypt. It has been used in traditional medicine for the management of various diseases. This study aimed to identify the phytochemicals utilizing LC/MS, and biological properties of a methanolic extract of Tephrosia purpurea subsp. apollinea. The analysis identified 31 compounds representing various phytochemical classes, including fatty acids, sterols, phenolic acids, polyphenols, terpenoids, and flavonoids. Among the major compounds detected, linoleic acid (13.2%) and campesterol (10.1%) were the most abundant. The extract displayed antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities. The methanolic extract demonstrated varying degrees of antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms, with Bacillus subtilis showing the highest susceptibility. Significant antiviral activity was observed against herpes simplex and hepatitis C viruses. These findings highlight the potential of T. purpurea subsp. apollinea as a valuable source of natural bioactive compounds including antiviral agents. Additional investigation is required to explore the active principles responsible for the observed biological properties and their therapeutic applications in combating bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.

Exploring dimensions and shapes of edentulous patients consulting the prosthodontics centre at Ibn Sina University Hospital in Rabat, Morocco: a cross-sectional study

Mohamed Azhari — 2024-02-23

This cross-sectional study conducted at the Prosthodontics Centre, Ibn Sina University Hospital in Rabat, Morocco, investigates the dimensions and shapes characterizing maxillary and mandibular edentulous arches in a patient population seeking consultation. The objective is to provide insights crucial for optimizing outcomes in prosthetic therapy, informing decisions on impression trays, occlusion planes, prosthetic teeth, and implant attributes. Sixty-seven edentulous Moroccan patients (40 men, 27 women), aged 31 to 90, were recruited at the Prosthodontics Centre. Maxillary and mandibular casts were meticulously crafted, and precise measurements of anterior and posterior width and length were acquired for both arches. Arch shapes were categorized into O-shape, V-shape, and U-shape. Data were analyzed using Microsoft^® Excel 2013 and SPSS software (IBM SPSS Statistics 23). Analysis revealed maxillary arch lengths ranging from 40 to 58 mm, maxillary arch widths from 38 to 58 mm, mandibular arch lengths from 33 to 56 mm, and mandibular arch widths from 30 to 60 mm. The predominant arch shape was the ovoid, constituting 34% (n=23) of maxillary cases and 54% (n=36) of mandibular cases. This study provides novel insights into the dimensions and shapes of maxillary and mandibular edentulous arches in patients seeking consultation at Ibn Sina University Hospital, Rabat, Morocco. The findings offer valuable guidance for prosthetic therapy decisions, emphasizing the importance of integrating established references and arch classifications for optimal outcomes in the treatment of edentulous patients in Morocco.

Correlation between placental bacterial PCR results and histological chorioamnionitis: a prospective study on 41 placentas

Hanaa Zaidi — 2024-04-18

Chorioamnionitis or intra-uterine inflammation is considered the most common infection diagnosed in labor and delivery units worldwide. It is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, as well as neonatal death and sepsis. The heterogeneity of this clinical syndrome has been recently reported. The objectives of this study were to determine: 1) placental microbiology using molecular microbiological techniques; 2) diagnostic accuracy of the clinical criteria used to identify patients with placental bacterial infection; 3) relationship between placental bacterial infection and histological chorioamnionitis. This prospective cross-sectional study included 41 women diagnosed with clinical and histological chorioamnionitis. The presence of microorganisms in the placenta was determined by conducting placental analysis using a broad range of polymerase chain reactions (PCR). Bacterial placental infection (defined as the presence of the 16S gene detected in placental tissue using the molecular technique PCR) was observed in 63% (26/41) of parturients diagnosed with histological chorioamnionitis. The traditional criteria for diagnosing clinical chorioamnionitis exhibit poor diagnostic performance in accurately identifying proven intra-amniotic infection. The molecular analysis (PCR) of the placenta has suggested that acute chorioamnionitis commonly has a bacterial origin.

Reduced levels of genomic damage in young martial artists

Alessandro Nota — 2024-03-07

The impact of physical activity on the levels of genomic damage is still poorly understood. In this work, we aimed to investigate the influence of a constant martial arts training on the levels of DNA damage. Moreover, we explored the possible association between genomic damage and single-gene polymorphisms on metabolic and DNA repair genes. To do this, we compared the frequency of micronuclei and other nuclear aberrations in the buccal mucosa cells of 35 healthy, young martial artists with 35 healthy, young sedentary controls. Additionally, we genotyped all participants for three metabolic and two DNA repair genes to evaluate the impact of the relative single-gene polymorphisms on DNA damage. Genomic damage was significantly lower in athletes than in sedentary controls, as evidenced by a decrease in both micronuclei and total aberrations. Instead, single-gene polymorphisms did not significantly alter the frequencies of aberrations. These findings suggest that training may have a protective effect against genomic damage, supporting the health benefits provided by physical activity. The influence of other factors should be considered, and further studies focusing on disciplines with different training regimes are necessary to evaluate thoroughly their influence on genomic damage.

Analysis of the effect of brown rice, tuna, cucumber, and pineapple treatment on proteinuria and albuminuria in Wistar Rats strain with chronic kidney disease

Tasnim Tasnim — 2024-03-07

This study aims to determine how nutrition therapy with brown rice, tuna fish, pineapple, and cucumber affects proteinuria and albuminuria in male Wistar rats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this study, 16 male Wistar rats with CKD were divided into four groups. The result states that the third treatment, consisting of 341 g/kg BW (Body Weight)/day brown rice, 15 g/kg BW/day tuna fish, 2 g/kg BW/day pineapple, and 2 g/kg BW/day cucumber could reduce both proteinuria (p < 0.01) and albuminuria (p < 0.01) in rats. However, the first (250 g brown rice, 13 g/kg BW/day tuna fish, 1 g/kg BW/day pineapple, 1 g/kg BW/day cucumber) and second treatment (296 g/kg BW/day brown rice, 14 g/kg BW/day tuna fish, 1.5 g/kg BW/day pineapple, 1.5 g/kg BW/day cucumber) could not reduce the levels of proteinuria and albuminuria in rats. In conclusion, giving a balanced diet containing 341 g/kg BW/day of brown rice, 15 g/kg BW/day of tuna fish, 2 g/kg BW/day of pineapple, and 2 g/kg BW/day of cucumber for CKD can maintain body fluid and increase the re-absorption of proteins and albumin. Therefore, the third nutrition formula can be recommended to people with kidney disease after clinical tests on humans.

In vitro biocontrol of phytopathogenic fungi isolated from the rhizosphere of multiple crops by a native Trichoderma strain

Alondra Santos Villegas — 2024-04-16

Phytopathogenic fungi associated with roots and leaves can cause significant losses in crops of commercial interest due to alterations in the growth and development of the host plants. In addition, they could contaminate fruits in the postharvest stage, provoking significant economic damage. In this regard, biocontrol by antagonistic fungi such as Trichoderma sp. (Peerson, 1974) has been shown as a viable eco-friendly solution. Accordingly, in this study, four genera of native phytopathogenic fungi, namely Fusarium (Link, 1809), Botrytis (Micheli & Peersoon, 1729), Alternaria (Nees, 1817), and Colletotrichum (Corda, 1831)], as well as of native postharvest fungi, namely Rhizopus (Anton de Bary, 1886), Mucor (Saccardo, 1887), Penicillium (Friedrich, 1809), and Aspergillus (Micheli, 1728), were isolated and identified from the rhizosphere of multiple crops of an unstudied autochthonous region in Puebla, Mexico. The isolated phytopathogens were tested in dual confrontation assays against a native Trichoderma strain with presumable antagonistic activity, finding a significant growth inhibition, reported for the first time. For the phytopathogenic fungi, the highest percentage of inhibition of radial growth (PIRG) was observed in Fusarium sp., followed by Alternaria sp., and Colletotrichum sp.; for the post-harvesting fungi, the best PIRG was found in Penicillium sp. (2), followed by Aspergillus sp., Rhizopus sp., Mucor sp., and Penicillium sp. (1).

Preliminary phytochemical screening, in vitro antioxidant activity and insecticidal activity of methanolic leaves extract of Cedrus atlantica from Belezma, Algeria

Ouafa Deffa — 2024-02-15

This work was conceived in the context of valorisation of the endemic forest species Cedrus atlantica (Pinaceae family), widespread in the mountainous massif of eastern Algeria. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and insecticidal activity of the methanolic extract of the aerial part (leaves) of C. atlantica (CAMeOH). The extraction made it possible to obtain a yield of approximately 7.49% from 350 g of dry powdered plant material. The results of the phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids and flavonoids as major components. In vitro antioxidant evaluation was carried out using two different methods. The reducing power assay test result revealed an optical density (DO) value of 1.7±0.02 at a dose of 600 µg/mL of CAMeOH. Concerning the iron chelation activity, the recorded IC50 value was 62.12 μg/mL and R²=0.87. The insecticidal activity against the stored-food insect Tribolium confusum was evaluated using the contact treatment mode and showed a significant dose-dependent effect (P≤0.05) with a mortality rate of 98.32 ± 0.50 % at a dose of 50 mg/mL (after 96 hours of contact). The results of this study confirmed the potential antioxidant and insecticidal activity of the methanolic extract from the leaves of C. atlantica.

Regional nutritional profile and antioxidant activity of Gelidium sesquipedale from the Moroccan Atlantic coast

Samira El Majnaoui — 2024-01-30

Gelidium sesquipedale is a red seaweed exploited in Morocco for its agar-agar quality. Samples were examined across the Moroccan Atlantic coast to evaluate their nutritional composition and antioxidant activity. The objective was to find out the regional impact on the biochemical properties of this seaweed. The obtained results have shown that the region factor does not affect the carbohydrate content. However, protein content was higher in the western sites (15.77% in Lahdida and 16.79% in Sidi-Rahal) compared to those from the southern sites (14.08% in Sidi El Ghazi and 14.76% in Amgriou). Regarding the phenolic contents, the results are similar in the west (5.69 and 5.38 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g respectively in Sidi-Rahal and Lahdida) but differ in the south (6.22 mg GAE /g in Amgriou and 4.78 mg GAE /g in Sidi El Ghazi) due to stranding phenomena in Amgriou. Moreover, this seaweed exhibits the highest radical scavenging capacity (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) values in the south (90.41 and 114.33 µg/mL in Amgriou; 103.76 and 110.5 µg/mL in Sidi El Ghazi). Hence, the exploitation of Gelidium sesquipedale harvested on the western and southern coasts of Morocco should extend beyond the sole production of agar-agar.

Proteolytic system parameters in the brain of rats with hyperhomocysteinemia

Tatyana Synelnyk — 2024-04-24

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is now being actively studied as a potential risk factor and/or biomarker for numerous pathological conditions, including brain diseases. This study aimed to analyze the proteolytic processes in the brains of rats with HHcy. Total proteolytic activity, metal-dependent, and serine proteases activities, the content of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1, cytokines, serine proteases, total protein and medium and low molecular-weight substances (MLMWS), were evaluated. HHcy was induced by DL-homocysteine thiolactone (HTL) daily intragastric administration (200 mg·kg^–1of body weight) to young and adult albino non-linear male rats for 8 weeks following rat sacrifice and brain harvesting. It was established that HHcy causes an increase in total proteolytic activity and a rise in MLMWS levels in rat brains. Serine protease activity increased to a greater extent compared to metal-dependent one, and bigger changes were observed in young rats. Rise in MMP-9 and -10 levels (in young animals), a decline in MMP-3 and -8 levels, and a decrease in the content of interleukin-1β, interferon-γ, interleukin-4 and tumor necrosis factor-α (the last two in young animals) was also detected. No significant changes were found in serine protease content. Therefore, proteolysis intensification in the brain of rats with HHcy is more likely caused by protease up-regulation through mechanisms stimulated by homocysteine, HTL, and oxidative stress, without involving pro-inflammatory signaling pathways.

Cytochrome p450 and innovative nutraceutical products

Francesco Frati — 2024-03-08

Dietary supplements are products that are ingested in addition to the regular diet to provide additional health-promoting nutrients. Dietary supplements are defined and regulated differently in the European Union (EU) and the United States (US). A fundamental aspect, besides the one related to the composition of the various products on the market, is linked to their quality, both from a nutritional and a pharmacological point of view. Concerning the knowledge of the metabolic aspects, the analysis of the interference, as an inductive or an inhibitory effect, of the p450 enzyme on individual preparations of supplements, is crucial. In this study, we present the results of the interference analysis of a new nutraceutical product based on 38% Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction BPF^® (Citrus bergamia Risso et Poit.), Pomegranate (Punica granatum) and Citrus fruits (Citrus aurantium var. dulcis, Citrus maxima Burm. Merr, Citrus paradisi Macfad) extract with cytochrome p450, showing that the product has limited activity on the cytochromes involved in most of human drug metabolism. This nutraceutical product is to be considered safe and potentially useful in the context of multiple treatments, not interfering with the traditional chronic therapies of patients. These findings open the door to modern "pharma-grade" nutraceuticals, expanding the safety and quality profiles of these new products.

An overview of glioblastoma multiforme in vitro experimental models

Alessandra Maria Vitale — 2024-02-15

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor, characterized by a remarkable inner complexity and inter-tumor variability. Moreover, it is very aggressive and resistant to conventional treatments, so that it rapidly relapse. Therefore, there is an immediate need for experimental strategies to enhance our comprehension of GBM, aiming to mitigate its economic and social impact. Here, we described different in vivo and in vitro strategies currently used for the study of GBM. First, we gave a brief and general overview of the classical in vivo models, including xenograft mouse and zebrafish models and canine models, offering a wide range of advantages but also presenting a series of strong limitations. Thus, we described in vitro models, starting from more traditional 2D culture models, comparing different approaches and critically exposing the advantages and disadvantages of using one or the other methods. We also briefly described GBM 2D culture systems that allow recreating multiple cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix contacts but still do not reflect the complexity of in vivo tumors. We finally described the intricacies of the more novel 3D in vitro models, e.g., spheroids and organoids. These sophisticated models have demonstrated exceptional suitability across a wide spectrum of applications in cancer research, ranging from fundamental scientific inquiries to applications in translational research. Their adaptability and three-dimensional architecture render them invaluable tools, offering new insights and paving the way for advancements in both basic and applied research.