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Dietary selenium is of fundamental importance to maintain optimal immune function and enhance immunity during infection. To this end, we examined the effect of selenium on macrophage bactericidal activities against Staphylococcus aureus. Assays were performed in golden Syrian hamsters and peritoneal macrophages cultured with S. aureus and different concentrations of selenium. Infected and selenium-supplemented animals have significantly decreased levels of serum nitric oxide (NO) production when compared with infected but non-selenium-supplemented animals at day 7 post-infection (p < 0.05). A low dose of 5 ng/mL selenium induced a significant decrease in macrophage NO production, but significant increase in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels (respectively, p = 0.009, p < 0.001). The NO production and H2O2 levels were significantly increased with increasing concentrations of selenium; the optimal macrophage activity levels were reached at 20 ng/mL. The concentration of 5 ng/mL of selenium induced a significant decrease in the bacterial arginase activity but a significant increase in the macrophage arginase activity. The dose of 20 ng/mL selenium induced a significant decrease of bacterial growth (p < 0.0001) and a significant increase in macrophage phagocytic activity, NO production/arginase balance and S. aureus killing (for all comparisons, p < 0.001). Selenium acts in a dose-dependent manner on macrophage activation, phagocytosis and bacterial killing suggesting that inadequate doses may cause a loss of macrophage bactericidal activities and that selenium supplementation could enhance the in vivo control of immune response to S. aureus.

This study investigates the phytochemical profile, antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial potential of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) tepal extracts obtained via different solvent systems. Here, a biochemical screening was performed using spectrophotometry and HPLC-DAD, while molecular docking simulations were carried out to evaluate the possible interactions between saffron tepal metabolites and bacterial target proteins. In parallel, antioxidant activity was assessed using radical scavenging assays, whereas antimicrobial potential (i.e., MIC, MBC, and MFC) was tested against selected bacterial strains. Results indicated that aqueous successive and crude extracts yielded the highest concentrations of polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins. In detail, HPLC-DAD analysis specifically identified significant levels of gallic acid, epicatechin, and various anthocyanins. These extracts demonstrated robust antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. This latter evidence was corroborated by the docking analyses, which revealed that chlorogenic acid and petunidin-3-glucoside exhibited high binding affinities for 2NRK and 2NZF, whereas epicatechin and pelargonidin effectively targeted 8ACR. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of C. sativus tepals as natural bioactive agents, suggesting a promising role in overcoming antibiotic resistance and supporting their development for pharmaceutical applications.

The discovery of new antibiotics and other bioactive microbial metabolites is a priority given the frequency of the emerging multi-drug resistant pathogenic microorganisms. Thus, scientists are searching for new antibiotics in microorganisms isolated from extreme habitats such as caves. In the present study, we aimed to perform the first analysis on culturable microorganisms in the Chaabe Cave (Algeria), and to test the antimicrobial activities of the isolates (Streptomyces spp. and Penicillium spp.). The potential for antimicrobial activity of 47 strains of actinomycetes and 23 strains of fungi were tested on Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The identification of the most active actinomycetes strains by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that these isolates were exclusively affiliated to the genus Streptomyces. On the other hand, the fungi were determined by phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS region or on the ß tubulin gene and were affiliated to the genera Readeriella, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Beauveria, Alternaría, Rhizopus, and Rhizomucor. The strains showed strong inhibitory activity against pathogenic microorganisms and the diameters of the inhibition zones vary between 7.5 and 34 mm for Streptomyces strains, and between 6.5 and 19.50 mm for Penicillium strains. The data indicated that the majority (72.86%) of the 70 isolates were active against at least one of the tested microorganisms. The production of nonpolyenic antifungal substances by active Streptomyces isolates was investigated using several criteria (antibacterial activity, ergosterol inhibition, and UV-visible spectra) of active extracts. The results were promising and showed that the metabolites produced by the actinomycete strains do not have a UV-visible spectrum characteristic of a polyenic structure. The Chaabe Cave possesses a diversity of microorganisms that could lead to new antibiotics necessary in the fight against drug-resistant pathogens and warrant further study.

Terfezia claveryi Chatin is an obligate ectomycorrhizal hypogeous desert truffle, very rich in active compounds. Our objectives are to promote the hydro-methanolic extract by spectrophotometrically evaluating of bioactive contents and their biological activities. DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and TAC were carried out to estimate the antioxidant potential. The lysis, the anti-hemolytic, the anti-inflammatory and the α-amylase inhibitory properties were investigated. The total phenolic compounds are the majority components 82.27 ± 1.44 (µg GAE/mg extract). Through GC–MS, a total of 06 compounds were identified. The IC 50 value of DPPH and ABTS were respectively (251.03 ± 6,31 µg/mL), (177.64 ± 0.91 µg /mL), and the TAC value was (26.14 ± 0.22 µg AAE /mg extract). The results highlighted a low hemolytic activity 2.37 ± 0.20% at 2 mg/mL and a strong protective effect against AAPH radical-induced hemolysis, HT 50 (min) was 209.56 ± 0.62 (min) compared to the ascorbic acid 224.15 ± 0.65 (min) at 200 µg/mL. Tests conducted revealed a promoting potential to inhibit BSA denaturation, the level of protection at 700 and 1500 (µg/mL) was 69.41% and 83.53%, while diclofenac was 92.16% and 98.43% respectively. Truffles research remain an unexplored field, and this research provides valuable findings. According to the data collected in the current investigation, the hydro-methanolic extract of T. claveryi exhibits in vitro, anti-inflammatory and anti-hemolytic benefits and can be suitable for use in the context of a natural source to protect against inflammation and the side effects linked to oxidative stress. Graphical abstract

Suillus mediterraneensis is a valuable resource, and its bioactive compounds and pharmacological activities provide a useful therapeutic ingredient. In this context, the present work focuses on the investigation of their mycochemical constituents in relation to their bioactive properties. Four extracts: hydro-methanolic, hexane, dichloromethane and mixture of solvents were examined. Cytotoxicity was tested as a first step to assess the safety using hemolytic test. The hydro-methanolic and mixture of solvents extracts contain powerful antioxidants as phenolic, flavonoid and condensed tannin (76.20 ± 5.47 and 59.53 ± 2.35 µg GAE/mg extract), (13.27 ± 1.39 and 9.11 ± 0.25 µg CE/mg extract) and (19.17 ± 2.89 and 18.92 ± 1.26 µg CE/mg extract) respectively. All extracts were found to have weak hemolytic actions. Hydro-methanolic extract displayed a high antioxidant property against DPPH (IC 50 : 50.56 ± 2.60 µg/mL) and ABTS (IC 50 : 44.53 ± 3.46 µg/mL). The mixture of solvents extract possessed better FRAP power (EC 50 : 89.67 ± 5.13 µg/mL), also it exerted the strongest anti-hemolytic potential (HT 50 : 192.44 ± 2.16 min at 200 µg/mL). The anti-inflammatory assay by inhibition of protein denaturation revealed that both extracts hydro-methanolic and mixture of solvents at 1500 μg/ml showed evidence of activity compared to diclofenac (71.37 ± 1.80%), (70.20 ± 1.80%) and (98.43 ± 0.52%) respectively. Heat-induced hemolysis assessed that hydro-methanolic, dichloromethane and mixture of solvents at 1000 μg/ml compared to acetyl salicylic acid demonstrated a promising protection (48.89 ± 1.10%), (46.28 ± 1.49%), (43.46 ± 3.67%) and (91.7 ± 0.99%) respectively. PCA and HCA analysis were applied in consideration of their bioactive compounds and biological abilities. The mixture of solvents and hydro-methanol extracts shows a promising anti-inflammatory and anti-hemolytic potential as one of the beneficial functions. Graphical Abstract

Coffee roasting produces 40% of coffee silverskin (CSS) as waste. This study aims to identify alkaloids extracts of CSS and evaluate their antioxidant effects, antihemolytic, and antienzymatic activities. The extraction of alkaloids was carried out using two polar solvents in an acid medium(methanol solvent and methanol: water solvent) to obtain two fractions: Total alkaloids of methanol extracts (E1) and total alkaloids of hydro-methanol extracts (E2). The results showed that the E2 fraction displayed the highest antioxidant potential with parameters such as (DPPH IC50 = 1.57 ± 0.282 µg/ml) and the strongest inhibitory alpha-amylase action (IC50 = 0.66 ± 0.268 mg/ml). However, the E1 fraction showed the most antihemolytic efficacy (HT50min = 0.72 ± 0.2 mg/ml). Most of these activities are attributed to an increase in alkaloid contents, which were identified by GC–MS. These alkaloids include methylxanthine, pyridine/pyrrolidine, and quinoline. The alkaloids present in CSS can find applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Graphical Abstract

Suillus mediterraneensis is a valuable resource, and its bioactive compounds and pharmacological activities provide a useful therapeutic ingredient. In this context, the present work focuses on the investigation of their mycochemical constituents in relation to their bioactive properties. Four extracts: hydro-methanolic, hexane, dichloromethane and mixture of solvents were examined. Cytotoxicity was tested as a first step to assess the safety using hemolytic test. The hydro-methanolic and mixture of solvents extracts contain powerful antioxidants as phenolic, flavonoid and condensed tannin (76.20 ± 5.47 and 59.53 ± 2.35 µg GAE/mg extract), (13.27 ± 1.39 and 9.11 ± 0.25 µg CE/mg extract) and (19.17 ± 2.89 and 18.92 ± 1.26 µg CE/mg extract) respectively. All extracts were found to have weak hemolytic actions. Hydro-methanolic extract displayed a high antioxidant property against DPPH (IC50: 50.56 ± 2.60 µg/mL) and ABTS (IC50: 44.53 ± 3.46 µg/mL). The mixture of solvents extract possessed better FRAP power (EC50: 89.67 ± 5.13 µg/mL), also it exerted the strongest anti-hemolytic potential (HT50: 192.44 ± 2.16 min at 200 µg/mL). The anti-inflammatory assay by inhibition of protein denaturation revealed that both extracts hydro-methanolic and mixture of solvents at 1500 μg/ml showed evidence of activity compared to diclofenac (71.37 ± 1.80%), (70.20 ± 1.80%) and (98.43 ± 0.52%) respectively. Heat-induced hemolysis assessed that hydro-methanolic, dichloromethane and mixture of solvents at 1000 μg/ml compared to acetyl salicylic acid demonstrated a promising protection (48.89 ± 1.10%), (46.28 ± 1.49%), (43.46 ± 3.67%) and (91.7 ± 0.99%) respectively. PCA and HCA analysis were applied in consideration of their bioactive compounds and biological abilities. The mixture of solvents and hydro-methanol extracts shows a promising anti-inflammatory and anti-hemolytic potential as one of the beneficial functions.

Background Dietary selenium is of fundamental importance to maintain optimal immune function and enhance immunity during infection. To this end, we examined the effect of selenium on macrophage bactericidal activities against Staphylococcus aureus. Methods Assays were performed in golden Syrian hamsters and peritoneal macrophages cultured with S. aureus and different concentrations of selenium. Results Infected and selenium-supplemented animals have significantly decreased levels of serum nitric oxide (NO) production when compared with infected but non-selenium-supplemented animals at day 7 post-infection (p < 0.05). A low dose of 5 ng/mL selenium induced a significant decrease in macrophage NO production, but significant increase in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels (respectively, p = 0.009, p < 0.001). The NO production and H2O2 levels were significantly increased with increasing concentrations of selenium; the optimal macrophage activity levels were reached at 20 ng/mL. The concentration of 5 ng/mL of selenium induced a significant decrease in the bacterial arginase activity but a significant increase in the macrophage arginase activity. The dose of 20 ng/mL selenium induced a significant decrease of bacterial growth (p < 0.0001) and a significant increase in macrophage phagocytic activity, NO production/arginase balance and S. aureus killing (for all comparisons, p < 0.001). Conclusions Selenium acts in a dose-dependent manner on macrophage activation, phagocytosis and bacterial killing suggesting that inadequate doses may cause a loss of macrophage bactericidal activities and that selenium supplementation could enhance the in vivo control of immune response to S. aureus.

Dietary selenium is of fundamental importance to maintain optimal immune function and enhance immunity during infection. To this end, we examined the effect of selenium on macrophage bactericidal activities against Staphylococcus aureus.Assays were performed in golden Syrian hamsters and peritoneal macrophages cultured with S. aureus and different concentrations of selenium.Infected and selenium-supplemented animals have significantly decreased levels of serum nitric oxide (NO) production when compared with infected but non-selenium-supplemented animals at day 7 post-infection (p < 0.05). A low dose of 5 ng/mL selenium induced a significant decrease in macrophage NO production, but significant increase in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels (respectively, p = 0.009, p < 0.001). The NO production and H2O2 levels were significantly increased with increasing concentrations of selenium; the optimal macrophage activity levels were reached at 20 ng/mL. The concentration of 5 ng/mL of selenium induced a significant decrease in the bacterial arginase activity but a significant increase in the macrophage arginase activity. The dose of 20 ng/mL selenium induced a significant decrease of bacterial growth (p < 0.0001) and a significant increase in macrophage phagocytic activity, NO production/arginase balance and S. aureus killing (for all comparisons, p < 0.001).Selenium acts in a dose-dependent manner on macrophage activation, phagocytosis and bacterial killing suggesting that inadequate doses may cause a loss of macrophage bactericidal activities and that selenium supplementation could enhance the in vivo control of immune response to S. aureus.

This work focuses on the degradation of methylene blue dye using graphene oxide and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). In particular, the performance of these materials towards the photocatalytic of methylene blue dye (MB) under sun irradiation was investigated. To this aim, graphene oxide (GO) and metal–organic framework (MOF-5) were synthesized using the modified Hummer's method and room temperature method respectively. Our resulting composites MOF-5/GO contain 5 and 10 wt% of GO. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), FTIR spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and UV–Vis spectroscopy were used to characterize the structure and the thermal stability of the synthesized materials. The degradation of methylene blue was performed under varying conditions of pH and mass ratio. Our results indicate that, for the degradation of methylene blue dye under 390 min of solar exposure, the hybrid materials MOF-5/GO exhibit a remarkable photocatalytic efficiency when compared to the pure MOF-5. MOF-5/GO achieved 92% degradation at pH = 6.8 of MB. The reduced band gap, various functional groups and an adequate supply of active sites also are additional advantages in this design. The kinetic indicates that the Langmuir–Hinshelwood (L–H) model is well adapted to the experimental data. We demonstrated, using a linear fit that the degradation obeys a pseudo-first-order kinetic with apparent constants of 0.0369 and 0.0396 min −1 for MOF-5/GO5 and MOF-5/GO10 respectively. In contrast, in the case of a reaction with the highest activity, a nonlinear technique method was used to obtain the apparent reaction rate constants. Finally, the improved photocatalytic mechanism over MOF-5/GO was also suggested. The hybrid combination of MOF-5 and GO confers a synergistic effect that is crucial for delaying the rate of photogenerated electron–hole recombination and maximizing charge transfer throughout the entire hybrid system structure, leading to a high efficiency photocatalytic performance.