Journals
2026 EN
Guesmi Fatma · Ajmi Insaf Sadraoui · Horchani Mabrouk
+6 more
ABSTRACT The current study aimed to delve into the nutritional value and insecticidal effect associated with Anethum graveolens (dill) against Ceratitis capitata . Characterisation of Anethum phytocompounds was carried out using GC/MS spectra. Chromatographic analysis uncovered that Anethum is rich in bioactive phytochemicals, including apiol, eucalyptol, α‐tujene and (+)‐2‐bornanone. Dill exhibited significant antioxidant activity, ranking closely behind ascorbic acid with IC50 values of 27.5 μg/mL and displayed optimal inhibition zones comparable to those seen with standard antibacterial agents. Recent findings indicate a dose‐dependent relationship regarding the repellency effects of Anethum essential oil. When agricultural pests were treated with a low concentration (0.000079 μL/cm 2 ) of dill oil, a repellency percentage (RP) value of −20 was observed. Additionally, at concentrations of 0.000159 and 0.000238 μL/cm 2 , the volatile oil demonstrated repellency values of −40 and −53, respectively. The lethal time (LT95) for Anethum (0.0000597 μL/cm 2 ) was approximately 7.215 h. It displayed a significant toxic effect, with a median lethal time (LT50) of 4.748 h at a concentration of 0.0000398 μL/cm 2 and 3.174 h at 0.0000597 μL/cm 2 . In addition, a molecular docking approach using the receptor: ‘medfly Odorant Binding Protein CcapOBP22/CcapOBP69a’(pdb: 6hhe) related to ‘ Ceratitis capitata ’ was performed and significant results were obtained, especially with ‘3‐Cyclohexene‐1‐ethanol, β,4‐dimethyl‐’ and ‘Phenol, 2‐methyl‐5‐(1‐methylethyl)‐’.
Journals
2026 EN
FernándezNiño Miguel · Meza Juan Fernando · RodríguezLópez Claudia M.
+8 more
ABSTRACT One of the most pressing challenges for the cocoa industry is cadmium (Cd) accumulation, which poses serious health risks and limits access to international markets. Notably, Cd concentrations in many cocoa products exceed the European Union's maximum permissible threshold of 0.60 mg kg −1 in finished chocolate, threatening exports and farmer livelihoods. Previous studies have explored different methods for Cd remediation; however, they have been found to be costly and inefficient at the Cd concentrations typical of cocoa. Microorganisms, such as Bacillus spp., offer a promising alternative for Cd bioremediation during cocoa processing. In this study, we present a systematic screening of natural Bacillus isolates from cocoa fermentations as a sustainable approach for Cd remediation. Our multidisciplinary approach, integrating metagenomics, in vitro functional assays, microscopic imaging, genome sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, and functional annotation underscores the potential of Bacillus spp. as an effective, scalable, and natural solution for Cd mitigation. Bacillus , a dominant genus in industrial cocoa fermentations, exhibited diverse Cd tolerance profiles across 69 natural isolates. Notably, we identified two isolates— Bacillus subtilis Luk29 and Bacillus paranthracis Luk27—with demonstrated Cd removal capabilities in synthetic media under fermentation‐relevant conditions. Growth kinetics were assessed under varying Cd concentrations, pH, and temperature conditions for Cd removal. Genome annotation revealed that both strains possess strong Cd resistance mechanisms, including efflux systems, ATPases, and MerR‐family regulators. This work contributes to our understanding of microbial impacts on cocoa safety while providing a scalable strategy for enhancing the sustainability and marketability of cocoa products worldwide.
Journals
2026 EN
Ramli Iman · Posadino Anna Maria · Giordo Roberta
+6 more
ABSTRACT The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/HER1) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) are key members of the ErbB tyrosine kinase receptor family, playing central roles in the pathogenesis of various cancers, including breast, lung, colorectal, and gastric tumors. Their overexpression and activation drive tumor progression, metastasis, and resistance to therapies. Although several EGFR/HER2‐targeted drugs, such as lapatinib, trastuzumab, and afatinib, have been developed, resistance and off‐target toxicities necessitate novel therapeutic strategies. Natural products have emerged as promising candidates for modulating EGFR/HER2 signaling due to their structural diversity, multitarget potential, and favorable safety profiles. This review provides an overview of natural modulators from phenolics, terpenoids, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, and marine compounds that inhibit EGFR and/or HER2 by blocking phosphorylation, disrupting dimerization, promoting degradation, or modulating downstream pathways such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK/ERK, and STAT3. Compounds like curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), resveratrol, quercetin, and berberine demonstrate both direct and synergistic anticancer effects in vitro and in vivo, especially when combined with chemotherapy or radiation. Emphasis is given to dual‐targeting strategies, where natural compounds inhibit both EGFR and HER2, overcoming monotherapy resistance. Molecular docking and in silico simulations further support their binding affinity for ATP‐binding domains of tyrosine kinases. This review also highlights combinatorial approaches using dietary phytochemicals and synthetic inhibitors, paving the way for integrative oncology. In conclusion, natural compounds are valuable bioactive agents with potential to complement EGFR/HER2‐targeted therapies. Future efforts should improve bioavailability, elucidate mechanisms, and validate efficacy through clinical studies.
Journals
2026 EN
Parafati Lucia · Proetto Ilaria · Mazzaglia Maria Cristina
+4 more
ABSTRACT Rosé wines are particularly prone to oxidative degradation due to their low polyphenolic content, which compromises color stability and shelf life. This study introduces an innovative strategy to enhance wine oxidative stability through the immobilization of grape must polyphenols on glutaraldehyde‐crosslinked chitosan beads. Polyphenols were simultaneously extracted and immobilized, achieving an immobilization efficiency of up to 74.5% for total polyphenols and over 67% for total anthocyanins. Among all formulations, beads crosslinked with 1% glutaraldehyde (polyphenol‐functionalized beads [PFB]‐C4) showed the highest bioactive retention and were selected for application in rosé wine subjected to accelerated oxidative stress (60°C). No detectable release of polyphenols was observed in model wine solutions, confirming the stability of the immobilization system. Wines treated with PFB‐C4 exhibited significantly higher Fe 2+ stability and improved color preservation compared to the control. Specifically, a * and b * values remained significantly higher ( p < 0.05), and chroma ( C *) ranged between 28.86 ± 0.43 and 31.79 ± 0.02, indicating greater color intensity (CT) and saturation. Moreover, CI was better retained, whereas tonality ( T ) remained lower, reflecting reduced browning and pigment degradation. These findings demonstrate that immobilized polyphenols act as both antioxidants and chelating agents, modulating iron redox balance and limiting Fe 3+ formation. This study provides the first evidence of using immobilized grape polyphenols as a natural, reusable, and regulation‐compliant antioxidant strategy to preserve rosé wine color and stability. The immobilization process provides a sustainable and reusable alternative to sulfur dioxide use, although further optimization is required to improve scalability and standardize polyphenol loading efficiency.
Journals
2026 EN
Grimaldi Anna Maria · Santoro Jessie · Barone Monica
+4 more
ABSTRACT Milk is a complete food that plays a fundamental role in supporting bone health with high content of calcium and protein. Recent research highlights the significance of milk‐derived extracellular vesicles (mEVs) with emerging roles in modulating physiological processes, including bone remodeling. This study reports a comparative analysis of mEVs isolated from raw milk of three ruminant species: bovine, goat, and sheep. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are characterized for size distribution, particle concentration, and protein composition. Functional relevance of each type of mEVs is evaluated on cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of murine fibroblasts model. Results reveal significant interspecies differences in both the structural and biological characteristics of mEVs. EVs derived from each milk type exhibit distinct effects on MC3T3‐E1 viability, supporting the idea that mEVs have a beneficial role in cell growth and proliferation and induce osteogenic differentiation. Additionally, the microbial DNA content carried within mEVs from each ruminant species harbors distinct and structured microbial DNA profiles. Goat mEVs are enriched in beneficial commensals, whereas sheep samples reflect consistent yet mixed communities, and bovine mEVs exhibit environmental signatures and greater variability. Overall, these findings highlight the species‐specific potential of mEVs, their compositional diversity, and potential functions of the microbial cargo. Furthermore, this study highlights mEVs as functional food components and opens new avenues for developing targeted dietary strategies leveraging mEVs to support personalised medicine in bone health and prevent or manage conditions such as osteoporosis.
Journals
2026 EN
Sharif Maria · Mutiullah Iqra · Kausar Kafila
+8 more
ABSTRACT Dysregulation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling pathway is closely associated with inflammation‐driven carcinogenesis, tumor progression and resistance to conventional therapies. Sustained NF‐κB activation enhances malignant cell survival, proliferation and immune evasion by promoting proinflammatory and antiapoptotic gene expression. This review aims to critically evaluate natural dietary compounds that modulate NF‐κB signaling and explore their translational relevance in cancer prevention and therapy. We analyzed key classes of phytochemicals such as polyphenols (curcumin, resveratrol), flavonoids (EGCG, quercetin), alkaloids (berberine), and terpenoids (celastrol), focusing on their molecular mechanisms of NF‐κB inhibition, preclinical anticancer efficacy, and emerging strategies to overcome pharmacokinetic limitations. Preclinical evidence consistently demonstrates that these compounds inhibit NF‐κB activity by targeting upstream kinases, preventing nuclear translocation, and suppressing downstream protumorigenic gene expression. Notably, advances in nanotechnology‐based delivery systems, including liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles, have markedly enhanced the stability, bioavailability, and tumor‐specific delivery of these agents in vivo. In conclusion, natural NF‐κB‐targeting compounds offer a promising multitargeted strategy for integrative cancer therapy. Continued development of optimized formulations and well‐designed clinical trials will be essential to translate their potential into effective nutraceutical or adjuvant interventions in oncology.
Journals
2026 EN
Silva Bruno Anderson F. · Silva Maria Gabriely de Lima · Silva Eduardo S.
+7 more
ABSTRACT Ximenia americana (L.), known as “yellow plum,” “sea lemon,” or “Brazilian plum,” is a tropical/subtropical plant widely used in traditional medicine. Its roots, leaves, flowers, stem, and fruits are traditionally employed to treat various inflammatory disorders. To review the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical profile, and biological‐pharmacological properties of X. americana related to inflammation. This systematic review followed the Cochrane Handbook and preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta‐analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The research question was whether traditional uses of X. americana are supported by its phytochemical and biological properties in nonclinical studies. Article searches were conducted in Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Virtual Health Library, SciELO, and Google Scholar. Two reviewers independently selected eligible studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Ninety‐six articles met the inclusion criteria: 21 in vivo (521.2%), 16 in vitro (39%), and four with both approaches (9.8%). X. americana is used in folk medicine for treating toothaches, respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders, and general inflammation. Scientific studies support these uses, showing anti‐inflammatory, antinociceptive, gastroprotective, and antioxidant properties. A total of 181 compounds have been identified, including 31 oil and fat compounds, 22 terpenes, 18 flavonoids, three phenolic acids, one alkaloid, one polyphenol, and 105 others. X. americana has validated anti‐inflammatory and gastroprotective potential, supported by its rich phytochemical composition. It represents a promising natural source for identifying novel bioactive molecules for treating inflammatory diseases, with strong potential for pharmaceutical development.
Journals
2026 EN
RamírezAlarcón Karina · Labraña Ana María · CarrascoMarín Fernanda
+14 more
ABSTRACT The growing field of nutrigenomics explores the interaction between genetic makeup and dietary factors, particularly in the context of cardiovascular health. As cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of mortality globally, there is a need to better understand how individual genetic variations influence dietary responses. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, omega‐3 fatty acids, and monounsaturated fats, has been widely studied for its cardioprotective effects. Recent advances in omics technologies have provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the benefits of the MedDiet. This narrative review focuses on the intersection of nutrigenomics and cardiovascular health, examining how the MedDiet influences gene expression and metabolic pathways, particularly those related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism. It also discusses the role of specific nutrients and bioactive compounds in modulating gene expression and their potential to reduce CVD risk. Furthermore, the review explores how personalized nutrition, guided by genetic information, could enhance the efficacy of dietary interventions for CVD prevention and management. Although significant progress has been made in understanding gene–diet interactions, further research is needed to refine individualized dietary guidelines and integrate multi‐omics approaches for improved cardiovascular health outcomes.
Journals
2026 EN
Nombo Mackrina Patrick · Lukwambe Betina · Markhus Maria Wik
+5 more
ABSTRACT Fish play a significant role in food and nutrition security along the coast of East Africa. However, there is a lack of comprehensive nutrient composition data. This study aimed to present the nutrient composition of the most commonly consumed marine fish species and assess their potential contribution to the Codex nutrient reference values (NRVs) for healthy adults. In total, 123 pooled samples (composites) of 24 commonly consumed marine fish species were collected using pelagic and demersal trawls by the R/V Dr. Fridtjof Nansen during ecosystem surveys along the East African coast in 2018 and 2023. Species were categorized, according to length, into small (< 25 cm) or large (> 25 cm) fish and prepared based on local consumption practices (whole, dressed, headed and gutted, and fillets). All samples were analyzed for macronutrients (protein, fat and fatty acids) and micronutrients (calcium, iron, iodine, zinc, vitamin A, folic acid and vitamin B12). The results show that whole small fish species contain higher levels of various micronutrients, such as calcium, iron, iodine, zinc, vitamin A, and the fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), compared to the fillets of large fish species. This study showed that several small fish species consumed whole contribute to ≥ 15% of the NRVs of healthy adults for several essential nutrients when a 100 g portion is consumed. The data presented in this study provide a valuable addition to the Tanzanian and Mozambican food composition tables, enhancing the understanding of fish as a significant source of micronutrients.
Journals
2026 EN
Bisseling Quinty · Passchier Emma M. J. · Kirwan Freya M.
+8 more
ABSTRACT Loss of function of the astrocyte protein MLC1 causes Megalencephalic Leukoencephalopathy with subcortical Cysts (MLC), a leukodystrophy characterized by white matter edema and slow neurological deterioration. MLC1 dysfunction leads to swelling of perivascular astrocyte endfeet and an impaired attachment of endfeet to blood vessels. In isolated primary astrocytes, loss of MLC1 hinders recovery of astrocytes from cell swelling, but the cellular function of MLC1 is not completely understood. MLC1 modulates gating of mechanosensitive ion channels involved in volume regulation. The cytoskeleton plays a crucial role in cell volume regulation, and interactions between the cytoskeleton and cell membrane affect the properties of mechanosensitive ion channels. Therefore, we investigated whether primary Mlc1 ‐null mouse astrocytes show a disruption in their mechanical properties. We measured the mechanical properties of cultured primary astrocytes with an indentation technique and demonstrated that Mlc1 ‐null astrocytes are softer than wild‐type astrocytes. Proteomic analysis and western blots confirmed dysregulation of several cytoskeleton‐related pathways in Mlc1 ‐null astrocytes. Confocal imaging revealed that the organization of the actin cytoskeleton and microtubule acetylation are unaffected. Instead, in Mlc1 ‐null astrocytes we observed a decrease in the number of focal adhesions, which aid in relaying mechanical forces between the cytoskeleton, cell membrane, and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Inversely, overexpression of MLC1 in HeLa cells led to an increase in focal adhesions. Together, our findings reveal that the mechanical properties of Mlc1 ‐null astrocytes are altered, and that disrupted cytoskeleton‐membrane‐ECM interactions potentially play a role in the disease. Modulators of astrocyte mechanobiology might therefore hold promise for MLC therapy development.