The Potential Role of Polyphenols in Modulating Mitochondrial Bioenergetics within the Skeletal Muscle: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Models

Polyphenols are naturally derived compounds that are increasingly being explored for their various health benefits. In fact, foods that are rich in polyphenols have become an attractive source of nutrition and a potential therapeutic strategy to alleviate the untoward effects of metabolic disorders. The last decade has seen a rapid increase in studies reporting on the bioactive properties of polyphenols against metabolic complications, especially in preclinical models. Various experimental models involving cell cultures exposed to lipid overload and rodents on high fat diet have been used to investigate the ameliorative effects of various polyphenols against metabolic anomalies. Here, we systematically searched and included literature reporting on the impact of polyphenols against metabolic function, particularly through the modulation of mitochondrial bioenergetics within the skeletal muscle. This is of interest since the skeletal muscle is rich in mitochondria and remains one of the main sites of energy homeostasis. Notably, increased substrate availability is consistent with impaired mitochondrial function and enhanced oxidative stress in preclinical models of metabolic disease. This explains the general interest in exploring the antioxidant properties of polyphenols and their ability to improve mitochondrial function. The current review aimed at understanding how these compounds modulate mitochondrial bioenergetics to improve metabolic function in preclinical models on metabolic disease.     

Neuroprotection with the Cannabidiol Quinone Derivative VCE-004.8 (EHP-101) against 6-Hydroxydopamine in Cell and Murine Models of Parkinson’s Disease

The 3-hydroxyquinone derivative of the non-psychotrophic phytocannabinoid cannabigerol, so-called VCE-003.2, and some other derivatives have been recently investigated for neuroprotective properties in experimental models of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in mice. The pharmacological effects in those models were related to the activity on the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) and possibly other pathways. In the present study, we investigated VCE-004.8 (formulated as EHP-101 for oral administration), the 3-hydroxyquinone derivative of cannabidiol (CBD), with agonist activity at the cannabinoid receptor type-2 (CB₂) receptor in addition to its activity at the PPAR-γ receptor. Studies were conducted in both in vivo (lesioned-mice) and in vitro (SH-SY5Y cells) models using the classic parkinsonian neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Our data confirmed that the treatment with VCE-004.8 partially reduced the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons measured in the substantia nigra of 6-OHDA-lesioned mice, in parallel with an almost complete reversal of the astroglial (GFAP) and microglial (CD68) reactivity occurring in this structure. Such neuroprotective effects attenuated the motor deficiencies shown by 6-OHDA-lesioned mice in the cylinder rearing test, but not in the pole test. Next, we explored the mechanism involved in the beneficial effect of VCE-004.8 in vivo, by analyzing cell survival in cultured SH-SY5Y cells exposed to 6-OHDA. We found an important cytoprotective effect of VCE-004.8 at a concentration of 10 µM, which was completely reversed by the addition of antagonists, T0070907 and SR144528, aimed at blocking PPAR-γ and CB₂ receptors, respectively. The treatment with T0070907 alone only caused a partial reversal, whereas SR144528 alone had no effect, indicating a major contribution of PPAR-γ receptors in the cytoprotective effect of VCE-004.8 at 10 µM. In summary, our data confirmed the neuroprotective potential of VCE-004.8 in 6-OHDA-lesioned mice, and in vitro studies confirmed a greater relevance for PPAR-γ receptors rather than CB₂ receptors in these effects.     

Quantification of a tightly adsorbed monolayer of xylan on cellulose surface

The successive extraction and re-adsorption of a linear β-(1 → 4) xylan extracted from microfibrillated birch pulp was investigated using solid-state CP/MAS ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, specific surface area measurements, and atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The NMR spectra confirmed that when in contact with cellulose after re-adsorption, the xylan molecules altered their conformation from the classical left-handed threefold structure found in the bulk to a different one, presumably a cellulose-like twofold system for quantities up to the equivalent amount of extracted xylan. Combining these observations with specific surface area measurements and the surface occupied by a xylosyl residue, it was possible to show that the re-adsorbed xylan in the modified conformation occurred only within the first adsorbed layer in direct interaction with the cellulose surface. It is only when an excess xylan was added and after full cellulose surface coverage, that the subsequent deposited layers took the classical threefold organization. Following the variation of xylan conformation in terms of sequential xylan addition allowed quantifying the surface of cellulose accessible for a tight adsorption of xylan, not only for microfibrillated birch cellulose, but for other samples as well. The MD simulations confirmed that xylan in threefold conformation had a weaker affinity for the cellulose surface than its twofold counterpart, thus supporting the hypothesis of the twofold conformation for xylan at the cellulose surface. The MD simulations also showed that in contact with cellulose, the adsorbed xylan was mainly organized as an extended molecular chain aligned parallel to the cellulose chain direction.     

Effect of miscibility and interaction on the properties of polymethylmethacrylate/aramid nanoblends

The generation of supramolecularly organized structures from intermolecular interaction motivated us to fabricate new miscible nanoblends of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and aramid. The polyamide, prepared through the condensation of 1,5‐diaminonaphthalene and 1,4‐phenylenediamine with isopthaloyl chloride, was incorporated into PMMA matrix to produce completely miscible nanostructured blends via physical interlocking. The influence of polymer–polymer interaction on the macroscopic properties of blends were studied using mechanical testing, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. Ample adhesion between the blend components revealed higher tensile strength in the range 51–58 MPa. The physical interaction of PMMA with varying aramid content altered blend morphology significantly, i.e. from ellipsoidal to circular realms having well‐defined boundaries and knitted nanofibril network. Blends with 10–70 wt% aramid, thus, possessed exclusive patterns owing to nanolevel compatibility between two phases. Differential scanning calorimetry results also designated exclusively miscible blends with glass transition between 67–81°C, lower than that of pristine polymers. Ten percent gravimetric loss temperature (T₁₀) increased from 465°C to 531°C with increasing aramid content from 10 to 70 wt%. Novel nanoblends holding spherical/cylindrical supramolecular arrangement, easy processing, and thermal and mechanical integrity can be potentially favorable in many industrial applications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Shape memory alloy-based smart module structure working under intense thermo-mechanical stress

The paper presents a complete model for a modular mechatronic structure actuated by a one-way memory effect shape memory alloy actuator. In order to claim the complete attribute of the model, the austenite transformation temperature evolution of actuator was evaluated in relation with the precision and repeatability related capabilities of the mechatronic structure. The evolution of austenite transformation temperature was obtained through determinations based on DSC method. Those determinations were performed on the shape memory alloy wire used as actuator in the modular mechatronic structure. The wire is subject of intense and repetitive operating mode. All determinations are performed on the SMA wire used as actuator system after 5,000, and 1,003,600 cycles, respectively. The results indicate a shift in both A _s and A _f temperatures, a trend that is heavily dependent on the operating history of the system. Using experimental results, authors built a graph (surface) that is based on heating time schedule, heating current, and austenite finish temperature. Also, the results lead to the conclusion that for any desired heating time, it can be identified (in a restricted but relatively wide range), at least a pair of both austenite finish temperature and heating current. If the control algorithm modifies the electrical current in accordance with the number of working cycles and austenite transformation temperature evolution, the time response and, by default, the structure repeatability are assured even after over 1 million working cycles.     

Highly Enantioselective Cross‐Aldol Reactions of Acetaldehyde Mediated by a Dual Catalytic System Operating under Site Isolation

Polystyrene‐supported (PS) diarylprolinol catalysts 1 a (Ar=phenyl) and 1 b (Ar=3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl) have been developed. Operating under site‐isolation conditions, PS‐ 1 a / 1 b worked compatibly with PS‐bound sulfonic acid catalyst 2 to promote deoligomerization of paraldehyde and subsequent cross‐aldol reactions of the resulting acetaldehyde in one pot, affording aldol products in high yields with excellent enantioselectivities. The effect of water on the performance of the catalytic system has been studied and its optimal amount (0.5 equiv) has been determined. The dual catalytic system ( 1 / 2 ) allows repeated recycling and reuse (10 cycles). The potential of this methodology is demonstrated by a two‐step synthesis of a phenoperidine analogue (68 % overall yield; 98 % ee) and by the preparation of highly enantioenriched 1,3‐diols 4 and 3‐methylamino‐1‐arylpropanols 5 , key intermediates in the synthesis of a variety of druglike structures.     

A facile preparation of various N-heterocycles using amides and olefins

We herein report a one pot approach for the synthesis of various nitrogen containing heterocycles including: oxazolines, thiazolines, and dihydro dioxazines via the addition of amides to olefins in the presence of N-iodosuccinimide (NIS) and propionitrile at high temperatures. Thus, the reaction of aryl/heteroaryl amides, thioamides, N-hydroxybenzamide, and phenylurea with various olefins in the presence of NIS and propionitrile at 45 °C afforded the N-heterocycles in good to moderate yields. Reaction of the electron deficient tri-O-acetyl-d-glucal and tri-O-acetyl-d-galactal with benzamide and thiophene-2-carboxamide afforded the N-glycooxazolines in good yields. The newly made heterocycles were tested against various enzymes. Only 3,6-diphenyl-dihydro-1,4,2-dioxazine (1c) was found to moderately inhibit hexokinase II (hHK2).     

Gallium Oxide Nanorods: Novel,Template‐Free Synthesis and High Catalytic Activity in Epoxidation Reactions

Gallium oxide nanorods with unprecedented small dimensions (20–80 nm length and 3–5 nm width) were prepared using a novel, template‐free synthesis method. This nanomaterial is an excellent heterogeneous catalyst for the sustainable epoxidation of alkenes with H₂O₂, rivaling the industrial benchmark microporous titanosilicate TS‐1 with linear alkenes and being much superior with bulkier substrates. A thorough characterization study elucidated the correlation between the physicochemical properties of the gallium oxide nanorods and their catalytic performance, and underlined the importance of the nanorod morphology for generating a material with high specific surface area and a high number of accessible acid sites.     

用于NO和C_(10)H_(22)氧化及C_(10)H_(22)选择性还原NO的(La_(0.8)A_(0.2))MnO_3(A=Sr,K)钙钛矿催化剂(英文)

In this work, we studied the catalytic activity of LaMnO3 and(La0.8A0.2)MnO3(A = Sr, K) perovskite catalysts for oxidation of NO and C10H22 and selective reduction of NO by C10H22. The catalytic per‐formances of these perovskites were compared with that of a 2 wt% Pt/SiO2 catalyst. The La site substitution increased the catalytic properties for NO or C10H22 oxidation compared with the non‐substituted LaMnO3 sample. For the most efficient perovskite catalyst,(La0.8Sr0.2)MnO3, the results showed the presence of two temperature domains for NO adsorption:(1) a domain corre‐sponding to weakly adsorbed NO, desorbing at temperatures lower than 270 °C and(2) a second domain corresponding to NO adsorbed on the surface as nitrate species, desorbing at temperatures higher than 330 °C. For the Sr‐substituted perovskite, the maximum NO2 yield of 80% was observed in the intermediate temperature domain (around 285 °C). In the reactant mixture of NO/C10H22/O2/H2O/He,(La0.8Sr0.2)MnO3 perovskite showed better performance than the 2 wt% Pt/SiO2 catalyst: NO2 yields reaching 50% and 36% at 290 and 370 °C, respectively. This activity improvement was found to be because of atomic scale interactions between the A and B active sites, Sr2+ cation and Mn4+/Mn3+ redox couple. Thus,(La0.8Sr0.2)MnO3 perovskite could be an alternative free noble metal catalyst for exhaust gas after treatment.     

Performance and Bacterial Population Composition of an n-Hexane Degrading Biofilter Working Under Fluctuating Conditions

In this work, several conditions of pH and inlet load (IL) were applied to a scale laboratory biofilter treating n-hexane vapors during 143 days. During the first 79 days of operation (period 1, P1), the system was fed with neutral pH mineral medium (MM) and the IL was progressively decreased from 177 to 16 g m^?3 h^?1. A maximum elimination capacity (EC) of 30 g m^?3 h^?1 was obtained at an IL of 176.9?±?9.8 g m^?3 h^?1. During the following 64 days (period 2, P2), acidic conditions were induced by feeding the biofilter with acidic buffer solution and pH 4 MM in order to evaluate the effect of bacterial community changes on EC. Within the acidic period, a maximum EC of 54 g m^?3 h^?1 (IL 132.3?±?13 g m^?3 h^?1) was achieved. Sequence analysis of 16S rDNA genes amplified from the consortium revealed the presence of Sphingobacteria, Actinobacteria, and α-, β- and γ-Proteobacteria. An Actinobacteria of the Mycobacterium genus had presence throughout the whole experiment of biofiltration showing resistance to fluctuating pH and IL conditions. Batch tests confirm the bacterial predominance and a negligible contribution of fungi in the degradation of n-hexane.