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Natural Compounds and Oxidative Stress

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A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Bioactives and Nutraceuticals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2024) | Viewed by 9921

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Prof. Dr. Valeria Sorrenti

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Department of Drug Sciences, Universita degli Studi di Catania, Catania, Italy
Interests: the HO-1/HO-2 system and DDAH/NOS pathway in different biological systems and physiopathological conditions; evaluation of the biological activity of natural and newly synthesized molecules capable of interfering with the activity of various enzymes such as dihydrofolate reductase, nitric oxide synthetase (nNOS, eNOS, iNOS), heme oxygenase (HO-1, HO-2); identification of the biochemical mechanisms involved in the beneficial effect of nutraceuticals
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Dear Colleagues,

Natural compounds, such as nutrients or bioactive compounds, could have beneficial effects on one or multiple functions in the human body. Bioactive compounds are phenolic compounds including terpenoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, and other nitrogen-containing constituents and are contained in vegetables, fruits, grains, spices, and so on. Oxidative stress, which results from the imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidants, is a one of the key factors in the development of chronic diseases, such as neurodegenerative disease, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Many natural compounds are potential antioxidants that can protect against oxidative-stress-related diseases.

This Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences on “Natural Compounds and Oxidative Stress” will include a selection of original research papers and reviews aiming to understanding biochemical mechanisms involved in antioxidant actions of natural compounds in counteracting oxidative-stress-related chronic diseases. Moreover, original research papers and reviews aimed at the identification of natural molecules could also provide promising perspectives on future novel therapeutic agent development.

Prof. Dr. Valeria Sorrenti
Guest Editor

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Keywords

oxidative stress
natural compounds
bioactive compounds
chronic diseases
therapeutic agents

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 7380 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pharmacotechnical, Physico-Chemical, and Antioxidant Evaluation of Newly Developed Capsule Formulations

by Emma Adriana Ozon, Izabela Dana Maria Iuga, Magdalena Mititelu, Adina Magdalena Musuc, Bogdan Nicolae Manolescu, Simona Petrescu, Jeanina Pandele Cusu, Adriana Rusu, Vasile-Adrian Surdu, Eliza Oprea, Sorinel Marius Neacșu, Oana Karampelas and Viviana Elian

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(14), 11426; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241411426 - 13 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1545

Abstract

The excess of free radicals causes numerous imbalances in the body that lead to premature aging, the degradation of internal structures, and the appearance of numerous pathologies responsible for the increased risk of premature death. The present work aims to evaluate the physical, chemical, pharmacotechnical, and antioxidant activity of newly achieved capsule formulations. These two formulations were F1_a.i_., which contains melatonin:biotin:coenzyme Q10 (weight ratio of 1:2:60), and F2_a.i., which contains quercetin:resveratrol:biotin:coenzyme Q10 (weight ratio of 10:10:1:10). The adequate selection of the excipient types and amounts for final capsule formulations (F1_c.c_., F2_c.c_.) was based on preformulation studies performed on the powders containing active ingredients. The antioxidant activity assessed using three methods (ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP) compared with acid ascorbic as a positive control demonstrated that the F2_c.c_. formulation possesses the strongest antioxidant capacity. The results confirmed the suitable formulation and the accurate selection of the types and amounts of active ingredients, as well as the auxiliary excipients used in newly developed capsule formulations as supplements with an excellent antioxidant effect on the human body. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds and Oxidative Stress)

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15 pages, 2903 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Antiangiogenic Activity of a Pomegranate Extract in BPH-1 Prostate Epithelial Cells

by Valeria Consoli, Ilaria Burò, Maria Gulisano, Angela Castellano, Agata Grazia D’Amico, Velia D’Agata, Luca Vanella and Valeria Sorrenti

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(13), 10719; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241310719 - 27 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1700

Abstract

Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that develops from hyper-proliferation of the stromal and epithelium region. Activation of pathways involving inflammation and oxidative stress can contribute to cell proliferation in BPH and tumorigenesis. Agricultural-waste-derived extracts have drawn the attention of researchers as they represent a valid and sustainable way to exploit waste production. Indeed, such extracts are rich in bioactive compounds and can provide health-promoting effects. In particular, extracts obtained from pomegranate wastes and by-products have been shown to exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study focused on the evaluation of the anti-angiogenic effects and chemopreventive action of a pomegranate extract (PWE) in cellular models of BPH. In our experimental conditions, we observed that PWE was able to significantly (p < 0.001) reduce the proliferation and migration rates (up to 60%), together with the clonogenic capacity of BPH-1 cells concomitantly with the reduction in inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, PGE2) and pro-angiogenic factor (VEGF-ADMA) release. Additionally, we demonstrated the ability of PWE in reducing angiogenesis in an in vitro model of BPH consisting in transferring BPH-1-cell-conditioned media to human endothelial H5V cells. Indeed, PWE was able to reduce tube formation in H5V cells through VEGF level reduction even at low concentrations. Overall, we confirmed that inhibition of angiogenesis may be an alternative therapeutic option to prevent neovascularization in prostate tissue with BPH and its transformation into malignant prostate cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds and Oxidative Stress)

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9 pages, 844 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Standardized Extract from Wastes of Edible Flowers and Snail Mucus Ameliorate Ultraviolet B-Induced Damage in Keratinocytes

by Luca Vanella, Valeria Consoli, Ilaria Burò, Maria Gulisano, Manuela Stefania Giglio, Ludovica Maugeri, Salvatore Petralia, Angela Castellano and Valeria Sorrenti

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(12), 10185; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241210185 - 15 Jun 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1043

Abstract

Several studies have highlighted the ability of snail mucus in maintaining healthy skin conditions due to its emollient, regenerative, and protective properties. In particular, mucus derived from Helix aspersa muller has already been reported to have beneficial properties such as antimicrobial activity and wound repair capacity. In order to enhance the beneficial effects of snail mucus, a formulation enriched with antioxidant compounds derived from edible flower waste (Acmella oleracea L., Centaurea cyanus L., Tagetes erecta L., Calendula officinalis L., and Moringa oleifera Lam.) was obtained. UVB damage was used as a model to investigate in vitro the cytoprotective effects of snail mucus and edible flower extract. Results demonstrated that polyphenols from the flower waste extract boosted the antioxidant activity of snail mucus, providing cytoprotective effects in keratinocytes exposed to UVB radiation. Additionally, glutathione content, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lipid peroxidation levels were reduced following the combined treatment with snail mucus and edible flower waste extract. We demonstrated that flower waste can be considered a valid candidate for cosmeceutical applications due to its potent antioxidant activity. Thus, a new formulation of snail mucus enriched in extracts of edible flower waste could be useful to design innovative and sustainable broadband natural UV-screen cosmeceutical products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds and Oxidative Stress)

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15 pages, 2348 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancement of the Antioxidant Effect of Natural Products on the Proliferation of Caco-2 Cells Produced by Fish Protein Hydrolysates and Collagen

by Mercedes Taroncher, Yelko Rodríguez-Carrasco, Francisco J. Barba and María-José Ruiz

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(7), 6871; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24076871 - 06 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1385

Abstract

A large amount of fish side streams are produced each year, promoting huge economic and environmental problems. In order to address this issue, a potential alternative is to isolate the high-added-value compounds with beneficial properties on human health. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of hydrolyzed fish protein and collagen samples on cell proliferation, as well as to determine the specific influence of minerals and metals on this effect and whether dietary antioxidants can enhance cell proliferation. The results of hydrolyzed fish protein and collagen samples showed negative effects on Caco-2 cell proliferation at the highest concentrations tested. Moreover, the pre-treatment of these hydrolyzates with vitamin C and E, quercetin and resveratrol increased the proliferation of bioaccessible fractions of hydrolyzated fish protein and collagen samples compared to the bioaccessible fractions without pre-treatment. The highest mineral concentrations were found for P, Ca and Mg. The metals found in the pure hydrolyzates were As, Cd, Hg and Pb; however, they appeared at almost undetectable levels in bioavailable fractions. It can be concluded that the consumption of hydrolyzates of fish by-products is an interesting strategy for complying with EFSA recommendations regarding fish consumption while at the same time reducing fish waste. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds and Oxidative Stress)

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15 pages, 2845 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sulforaphane Suppresses H₂O₂-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis via the Activation of AMPK/NFE2L2 Signaling Pathway in Goat Mammary Epithelial Cells

by Dan Shao, Zhen Gao, Ying Zhao, Mingzhen Fan, Xiaoe Zhao, Qiang Wei, Menghao Pan and Baohua Ma

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(2), 1070; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24021070 - 05 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1539

Abstract

Oxidative stress in high-yielding dairy goats adversely affects lactation length, milk quality, and the economics of dairy products. During the lactation period, goat mammary epithelial cells (GMECs) are often in a state of disordered metabolic homeostasis primarily caused by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Sulforaphane (SFN), an electrophilic compound that is enriched in broccoli, is a promising antioxidant agent for future potential clinical applications. The objective of the present study was to investigate the function of SFN on hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative damage in primary GMECs and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Isolated GMECs in triplicate were pretreated with SFN (1.25, 2.5, and 5 μM) for 24 h in the absence or presence of H₂O₂ (400 μM) for 24 h. The results showed that SFN effectively enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, elevated the ratio of glutathione (GSH)/glutathione oxidized (GSSG), and reduced H₂O₂-induced ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA) production and cell apoptosis. Mechanically, SFN-induced nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2/NFE2L2) translocation to the nucleus through the activation of the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway coupled with inhibition of the caspase apoptotic pathway. In addition, GMECs were transfected with NFE2L2 small interfering RNA (NFE2L2 siRNA) for 48 h and/or treated with SFN (5 μM) for 24 h before being exposed to H₂O₂ (400 μM) for 24 h. We found that knockdown of NFE2L2 by siRNA abrogated the preventive effect of SFN on H₂O₂-induced ROS overproduction and apoptosis. Taken together, sulforaphane suppressed H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis via the activation of the AMPK/NFE2L2 signaling pathway in primary GMECs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds and Oxidative Stress)

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Review

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13 pages, 1478 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside as a Nutrigenomic Factor in Type 2 Diabetes and Its Prominent Impact on Health

by Iga Bartel, Magdalena Koszarska, Nina Strzałkowska, Nikolay T. Tzvetkov, Dongdong Wang, Jarosław O. Horbańczuk, Agnieszka Wierzbicka, Atanas G. Atanasov and Artur Jóźwik

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(11), 9765; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24119765 - 05 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1900

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) accounts for a global health problem. It is a complex disease as a result of the combination of environmental as well as genetic factors. Morbidity is still increasing across the world. One of the possibilities for the prevention and mitigation of the negative consequences of type 2 diabetes is a nutritional diet rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols. This review is focused on cyanidin-3-O-glucosidase (C3G), which belongs to the anthocyanins subclass, and its anti-diabetic properties. There are numerous pieces of evidence that C3G exerts positive effects on diabetic parameters, including in vitro and in vivo studies. It is involved in alleviating inflammation, reducing blood glucose, controlling postprandial hyperglycemia, and gene expression related to the development of T2D. C3G is one of the beneficial polyphenolic compounds that may help to overcome the public health problems associated with T2D. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds and Oxidative Stress)

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