The influence of environmental pollution on the allergenic potential of grass pollen

Grass pollen is the most common cause of pollen allergies in Europe. However, growing evidence suggests that air pollution and climate change may contribute to the rising number of allergic cases and worsening symptoms. This narrative review article aims to summarize the impacts of increased health complications based on pollution research in recent years, obtained from ecological, molecular and clinical studies to provide a new perspective on the impact of pollutants on the environment and human health. Our detailed literature review includes studies on pollution and its effect on pollen allergens, which cause allergy symptoms, but only in the case of three grass species: Dactylis glomerata, Lolium perenne and Phleum pratense

Structural and functional characteristics of β-lactoglobulin/C-phycocyanin/starch composite gels induced by pressure

High-pressure processing (HPP) has emerged as a key sustainable green alternative for food treatment, effectively preserving food's sensory and nutritional properties. This study investigated the potential of HPP to develop β-lactoglobulin (BLG) gels in the presence of starch and the bioactive blue protein C-phycocyanin (C-PC). Various compositions of binary (BLG/C-PC and BLG/starch) and ternary (BLG/C-PC/starch) systems were subjected to high-pressure (HP) conditions at 4,500 bar. BLG, C-PC, and starch concentrations were maintained at 180, 10, and 5 g/L. HP-induced hydrogels preserve C-PC colour and partial preservation of secondary and tertiary structures, as evidenced by visible absorption and CD spectroscopy. SAXS data at the high-Q range revealed that C-PC induces the unfolding of BLG within binary system gels. In contrast, the ternary system gel maintained the BLG tertiary structure better. C-PC and starch affected the nano and microstructures of BLG HP-induced gels by increasing the pore size, as demonstrated by SAXS (at low Q-range) and SEM analysis. This increase in pore size further influenced the resulting gels' rheological behaviour and texture profile. C-PC enhanced the protein solubility and antioxidant activity of the HP-induced gels, potentially boosting the bioactive and nutritional value of the developed gels.Peer-reviewed manuscript: [https://cherry.chem.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/7186]Supplementary information: [https://cherry.chem.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/7187

Enzimska i hemijska sinteza auronolignana

Kotinignani A i B su jedini do sada izolovani auronolignani, a izolovani su iz srži stabla biljke Cotinus coggygria. Spadaju u grupu flavonolignana i sastoje se iz auronskog i lignanskog dela. Značajna citotoksičnost i selektivnost kotinignana A na K562 ćelijskim linijama leukemije utvrđena u ranijim istraživanjima je bila motiv za sintezu auronolignana. U tu svrhu odabrane su sinteza iz aurona sulfuretina i sinapil alkohola katalizovana enzimom lakazom i hemijskom sintezom uz pomoć srebro-karbonata. Cilj ovog rada bio je sineza auronolignana tipa izokotinignana i ispitivanje njihove citotoksičnosti. Sintetisana su i okarakterisana dva izokotinignana, cis-izokotinignan A (1) i trans-izokotinignan A (2), i ispitana je njihova citotoksičnost

HPLC-DAD identification of compounds in corrosion inhibitor Salix alba bark extract and the hydrolate

The compounds present in Salix alba bark (SAB) extract and its hydrolate were identified using high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). SAB extract and its hydrolate were obtained by evaporating a macerate of dried, ground white willow bark and hot distilled water. A total of 19 standard polyphenolic compounds were used for the HPLC analysis. Results indicate that only 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA) was detected in the SAB hydrolate. In contrast, both gallic acid and caffeic acid were present in the SAB extract. The presence of 4-HBA indicates the potential possibility of using SAB hydrolate as a starting component for the synthesis of parabens and other 4-HBA derivatives. Additionally, the identification of gallic and caffeic acids in the SAB extract further confirms the effect as a cathodic inhibitor of copper corrosion in chloride environments, because both acids are proven cathodic inhibitors of copper in different corrosion environments

Quantum Theory of Atoms In Molecules Analysis of NH/O Hydrogen Bonds of Glycine Complexes with a Water Molecule

Quantum Theory of Atoms In Molecules (QTAIM) analysis was performed for NH/O hydrogen bonds of various glycine transition metal complexes. The dependencies of the CCSD(T)/CBS interaction energy values and hydrogen bond distances on QTAIM parameters at the corresponding bond critical point were analyzed. Values of electron densities ρ(rb) range from 0.0224 to 0.0344 au, Laplacians of electron densities ∇2ρ(rb) are all positive, total energy densities H(rb) are approximately zero, and the ratios of kinetic and potential energy densities [-G(rb)/V(rb)] are close to 1.0. For complexes with the same charge, hydrogen bonds with stronger interaction energies have higher ρ(rb) and ∇2ρ(rb), and lower H(rb) and [-G(rb)/V(rb)]. Almost all charged complexes have negative H(rb) values, which was shown to be a indicator of covalent character of the hydrogen bond. Linear regressions between hydrogen bond distances and any of the QTAIM parameters have very high correlation coefficient: 0.994, 0.993, 0.968, and 0.995 for ρ(rb), ∇2ρ(rb), H(rb), and [-G(rb)/V(rb)], respectively

Metal Complexes with Hydroxyflavones: A Study of Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activities

Metal chelation to bioactive small molecules is a well-established strategy to enhance thebiological activity of the resulting complexes. Among the widely explored structural motifs,the combination of prominent metal centers with naturally inspired derivatives has attractedconsiderable attention. One such promising platform is the flavone scaffold, derivedfrom flavonoids and studied since ancient times. Flavones are plant-derived compoundsknown for their diverse biological activities and health benefits. They exhibit significantstructural variability, primarily through backbone modifications such as hydroxylation.Importantly, coordination of metal ions to hydroxylated flavone cores often improvestheir natural bioactivities, including anticancer and antimicrobial effects. In this review,we summarize transition metal complexes incorporating hydroxyflavone (OH–F) ligandsreported over the past 15 years. We provide a concise overview of synthetic approachesand structural characterization, with a particular emphasis on coordination modes (e.g.,maltol-type, acetylacetonate-type, catechol-type, and others). Furthermore, we discussbiological evaluation results, especially anticancer and antimicrobial studies, to highlightthe therapeutic potential of these complexes. Finally, we suggest directions for the futuredevelopment of metal-based agents bearing hydroxyflavone moieties through several criticalpoints in terms of the accuracy, reproducibility, and relevance of biological studiesinvolving metal-based compounds

Food-derived bioactive pigment phycocyanobilin binds to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein both covalently and noncovalently affecting its conformation and functionality

Phycocyanobilin (PCB), tetrapyrrole chromophore of Spirulina phycocyanin, is bilirubin analog and weak thiol-modifying agent. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SP) has bilirubin binding pocket, lacks free sulfhydryl, but it has two pairs of functionally important semi-stable disulfides reactive towards thiol-modifying agents. We investigated covalent and noncovalent binding of PCB to SP and its receptor-binding domain (RBD) and impact of covalent PCB conjugation to RBD on structure and binding to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2). PCB shows high-affinity for SP (Ka = 2.1 × 107 M−1), moderate-affinity for RBD (Ka = 8.4 × 104 M−1) and binds covalently to SP and RBD in reaction involving thiols. PCB binding alters RBD conformation. Molecular docking identified two binding sites of PCB to SP, bilirubin/biliverdin binding site and hydrophobic pocket of RBD in vicinity of Cys432, preferential target for covalent binding in in silico covalent docking of PCB to RBD. Redox proteomics mapped reactive Cys432, Cys391 and Cys525 in RBD. PCB-modified RBD exhibited reduced ability to bind to ACE-2. This is the first study demonstrating PCB reactivity towards semi-stable disulfides of proteins lacking free sulfhydryl groups. PCB may affect functionality and structure of SP and its RBD by noncovalent and covalent binding

Comprehensive analysis of 44 elements in the lung cancer tissues of smokers: A comparative study with control lung tissues

Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, yet the baseline status of trace elements in healthy/control lung tissues is largely unresolved, with no comprehensive elemental profile established for lung cancer. This study aimed to characterize baseline concentrations of 44 elements in healthy lung tissues (n = 92) and investigate changes in elemental composition in cancerous lung tissues (n = 92). The second aim was to observe possible differences in elemental concentrations in healthy and cancerous lung tissues based on age and sex. Additionally, this study aimed to identify trace elements potentially involved in lung cancer pathophysiology. Through detailed elemental analysis, this study revealed significant differences between healthy and cancerous lung tissues. Specifically, concentrations of Mn, Co, Ni, Cd, and U were significantly higher in healthy lung tissues, while Cu, Tl, Pb, Rh, Pd, and Bi were significantly higher in cancerous lung tissues. Age-related analysis of the control tissue group showed that healthy lung tissue from older individuals (above 64 years) had lower concentrations of elements Mn, Zn, Be, Al, Sb, Ba, Tl, Ga, Rb, Y, Re, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb, La, and Bi than healthy tissues from younger individuals (below 64 years). In cancerous lung tissues, those from females (n = 40) exhibited significantly lower concentrations of Cr, Cu, As, and Pb but higher Pt concentrations than cancerous lung tissues from males (n = 52). Furthermore, in cancerous lung tissues, those from younger patients displayed lower concentrations of As, Sb, and Au compared to equivalent tissues from older individuals. These findings offer valuable insights into the elemental composition of lung cancer tissue, enhancing the understanding of how trace elements could influence lung cancer pathophysiology

Nature’s Arsenal: Uncovering Antibacterial Agents Against Antimicrobial Resistance

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant public health threat, leading to increased mortality. The World Health Organization has established a priority list highlighting critical multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens that demand urgent research on antimicrobial treatments. Considering this and the fact that new antibiotics are only sporadically approved, natural antibacterial agents have seen a resurgence in interest as potential alternatives to conventional antibiotics and chemotherapeutics. Natural antibacterials, derived from microorganisms, higher fungi, plants, animals, natural minerals, and food sources, offer diverse mechanisms of action against MDR pathogens. Here, we present a comprehensive summary of antibacterial agents from natural sources, including a brief history of their application and highlighting key strategies for using microorganisms (microbiopredators, such as bacteriophages), plant extracts and essential oils, minerals (e.g., silver and copper), as well as compounds of animal origin, such as milk or even venoms. The review also addresses the role of prebiotics, probiotics, and antimicrobial peptides, as well as novel formulations such as nanoparticles. The mechanisms of action of these compounds, such as terpenoids, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds, are explored alongside the challenges for their application, e.g., extraction, formulation, and pharmacokinetics. Conclusions: Future research should focus on developing eco-friendly, sustainable antimicrobial agents and validating their safety and efficacy through clinical trials. Clear regulatory frameworks are essential for integrating these agents into clinical practice. Despite challenges, natural sources offer transformative potential for combating AMR and promoting sustainable health solutions

Ameliorative Effect of Banana Lectin in TNBS-Induced Colitis in C57BL/6 Mice Relies on the Promotion of Antioxidative Mechanisms in the Colon

Background: The global burden of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, is constantly rising. As IBDs significantly reduce patients’ quality of life, prevention and efficient treatment of IBDs are of paramount importance. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying IBD pathogenesis are still not completely understood, numerous studies indicate the essential role of oxidative stress in the progression of the diseases. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether prophylactic administration of recombinant banana lectin (rBanLec) could positively affect antioxidative mechanisms in the colon and thus prevent or alleviate the severity of experimental colitis induced in C57BL/6 mice. Methods: The prophylactic potential of rBanLec, a mannose-binding lectin with immunomodulatory properties, was investigated in a model of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in C57BL/6 mice. Mice received rBanLec at various doses (0.1, 1 and 10 μg/mL) before the induction of colitis. The severity of the disease was assessed by weight loss and reduction in colon length, and correlated with histopathological findings, cytokine milieu, and oxidative stress markers in the colon. Results: The obtained results revealed that pretreatment with a low dose of rBanLec (0.1 μg/mL) significantly reduced the severity of TNBS-induced colitis, as indicated by reduced weight loss, less severe histopathological damage, and a favorable anti-inflammatory cytokine milieu (increased IL-10 and TGFβ). In addition, rBanLec pretreatment improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GST) and reduced markers of oxidative stress such as nitric oxide levels at the peak of the disease. In contrast, higher doses of rBanLec exacerbated inflammatory responses. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that at low doses rBanLec can alleviate the severity of colitis by modulating oxidative stress and promoting anti-inflammatory cytokine responses, positioning rBanLec as a potential candidate for treating IBDs