Free and glycoconjugated volatiles of V. vinifera grape 'Falanghina'

The potential aroma of Vitis vinifera Falanghina was investigated by means of qualitative and semiquantitative determinations of volatile free and glycosidically bound secondary metabolites. Glycosilated geranic acid, α-terpineol, eugenol and 2-exo-hydroxy-1,8-cineole play a central role in characterizing the potential aromatic expression of this cultivar. In particular glycosilated 2-exo-hydroxy-1,8-cineole found in Falanghina must may be discriminant and hypothetically contributes to identify Falanghina wine origin and affiliation because of its high chemical and biological stability.

Variability in Quantity and Composition of Water Soluble Carbohydrates Among Irish Accessions and European Varieties of Perennial Ryegrass

The objective of this study was to identify perennial ryegrass accessions displaying high fructose and glucose contents and an improved ratio between fructose and glucose fractions across different time points throughout the year. Fructose and glucose are the main constituents of the water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) fraction in perennial ryegrass. For animal nutrition the amount of WSC is crucial as it is the primary energy source available to metabolise the intake of plant protein. The ratio between fructose and glucose fractions is important since fructosan chains, which are an excellent energy source for ruminants, are built from fructose. Furthermore the seasonal variability of WSC content in feed reflects the changing balance between protein and carbohydrates

Variability in Quantity and Composition of Water Soluble Carbohydrates Among Irish Accessions and European Varieties of Perennial Ryegrass

The objective of this study was to identify perennial ryegrass accessions displaying high fructose and glucose contents and an improved ratio between fructose and glucose fractions across different time points throughout the year. Fructose and glucose are the main constituents of the water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) fraction in perennial ryegrass. For animal nutrition the amount of WSC is crucial as it is the primary energy source available to metabolise the intake of plant protein. The ratio between fructose and glucose fractions is important since fructosan chains, which are an excellent energy source for ruminants, are built from fructose. Furthermore the seasonal variability of WSC content in feed reflects the changing balance between protein and carbohydrates

Influence of berry ripening stages over phenolics and volatile compounds in aged aglianicowine

The harvest time of grapes is a major determinant of berry composition and of the wine quality, and it is usually established through empirical testing of main biochemical parameters of the berry. In this work, we studied how the ripening stage of Aglianico grapes modulates key secondary metabolites of wines, phenolics and volatile compounds. Specifically, we analyzed and compared four berry ripening stages corresponding to total soluble solids of 18, 20, 22, and 25 Brix and related aged wines. Wine color intensity, anthocyanins level and total trans-resveratrol (free + glycosidic form) increased with grape maturity degree. Wines obtained from late-harvested grapes significantly differed from the others for a higher content of aliphatic alcohols, esters, acetates, a-terpineol and benzyl alcohol. The content of glycosidic terpene compounds, such as nerol, geraniol and a-terpineol, was higher in wines obtained with grapes harvested at 25 Brix compared to the earlier harvests. Our work indicated that the maturity of the grape is a determining factor in phenolic and volatile compounds of red Aglianico wines. Moreover, extending grape ripening to a sugar concentration higher than 22 Brix improves the biochemical profile of aged wine in terms of aroma compounds and of phytochemicals with known health-related benefits

Advances in Azorella glabra Wedd. Extract research: In vitro antioxidant activity, antiproliferative effects on acute myeloid leukemia cells and bioactive compound characterization

Azorella glabra Wedd. (AG) is traditionally used to treat gonorrhea or kidney's problems. The antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticholinesterase and in vitro antitumor activities of AG extracts were recently reported. The aim of this work was to investigate anti-leukemic properties of AG chloroform fraction (AG CHCl3) and of its ten sub-fractions (I-X) and to identify their possible bioactive compounds. We determined their in vitro antioxidant activity using 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide anion (SO) assays, and their phytochemical profile by spectrophotometric and LC-MS/MS techniques. I-X action on two acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines viability, apoptosis and cell cycle were evaluated by MTS, western blotting and cytofluorimetric assays. Different polyphenol, flavonoid and terpenoid amount, and antioxidant activity were found among all samples. Most of I-X induced a dose/time dependent reduction of cell viability higher than parent extract. IV and VI sub-fractions showed highest cytotoxic activity and, of note, a negligible reduction of healthy cell viability. They activated intrinsic apoptotic pathway, induced a G0/G1 block in leukemic cells and, interestingly, led to apoptosis in patient AML cells. These activities could be due to mulinic acid or azorellane terpenoids and their derivatives, tentatively identified in both IV and VI. In conclusion, our data suggest AG plant as a source of potential anti-AML agents

PEGylated Liposomes Loaded with Carbamate Inhibitor ANP0903 Trigger Apoptosis by Enhancing ER Stress in HepG2 Cancer Cells

Liver cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death worldwide. In recent years, substantial progress has been made in the development of systemic therapies, but there is still the need for new drugs and technologies that can increase the survival and quality of life of patients. The present investigation reports the development of a liposomal formulation of a carbamate molecule, reported as ANP0903, previously tested as an inhibitor of HIV-1 protease and now evaluated for its ability to induce cytotoxicity in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. PEGylated liposomes were prepared and characterized. Small, oligolamellar vesicles were produced, as demonstrated by light scattering results and TEM images. The physical stability of the vesicles in biological fluids was demonstrated in vitro, alongside the stability during storage. An enhanced cellular uptake was verified in HepG2 cells treated with liposomal ANP0903, resulting in a greater cytotoxicity. Several biological assays were performed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms explaining the proapoptotic effect of ANP0903. Our results allow us to hypothesize that the cytotoxic action in tumor cells is probably due to the inhibition of the proteasome, resulting in an increase in the amount of ubiquitinated proteins within the cells, which in turn triggers activation of autophagy and apoptosis processes, resulting in cell death. The proposed liposomal formulation represents a promising approach to deliver a novel antitumor agent to cancer cells and enhance its activity

Future in the past: Azorella glabra wedd. as a source of new natural compounds with antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity on multiple myeloma cells

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy and, although the development of novel agents has improved survival of patients, to date, it remains incurable. Thus, newer and more effective therapeutic strategies against this malignancy are necessary. Plant extracts play an important role in anti-tumor drug discovery. For this reason, in the investigation of novel natural anti-MM agents, we evaluated the phytochemical profiles, in vitro antioxidant activity, and effects on MM cells of Azorella glabra (AG) Wedd. Total polyphenols (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), and terpenoids (TTeC) contents were different among samples and the richest fractions in polyphenols demonstrated a higher antioxidant activity in in vitro assays. Some fractions showed a dose and time dependent anti-proliferative activity on MM cells. The chloroform fraction (CHCl 3 ) showed major effects in terms of reduction of cell viability, induction of apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest on MM cells. The apoptosis induction was also confirmed by the activation of caspase-3. Importantly, the CHCl 3 fraction exhibited a negligible effect on the viability of healthy cells. These results encourage further investigations on AG extracts to identify specific bioactive compounds and to define their potential applications in MM