Stay connected: The myoendothelial junction proteins in vascular function and dysfunction.

The appropriate regulation of peripheral vascular tone is crucial for maintaining tissue perfusion. Myoendothelial junctions (MEJs), specialized connections between endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, are primarily located in peripheral resistance vessels. Therefore, these junctions, with their key membrane proteins, play a pivotal role in the physiological control of relaxation-contraction coupling in resistance arterioles, mainly mediated through endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH).

Small gold nanoparticles for tandem cyclization/reduction and cyclization/hydroalkoxylation reactions.

With peculiar structural features at the surface of small metal nanoparticles, some discrete sites can display catalytic behaviour similar to what could be observed with mononuclear metal catalysts in solution. We have studied the transfer of two catalytic tandem reactions from homogeneous to heterogeneous conditions. Tandem cyclisation/reduction of ortho-alkynyl benzaldehyde derivatives was successfully achieved with Au nanoparticles over TiO (Au NPs/TiO) in the presence of Hantzsch ester with 45-98% yields for 15 examples (average yield: 70.

Insulin-Activated Signaling Pathway and GLUT4 Membrane Translocation in hiPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes.

Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CM) are a cell model now widely used to investigate pathophysiological features of cardiac tissue. Given the invaluable contribution hiPSC-CM could make for studies on cardio-metabolic disorders by defining a postnatal metabolic phenotype, our work herein focused on monitoring the insulin response in CM derived from the hiPSC line UKBi015-B. Western blot analysis on total cell lysates obtained from hiPSC-CM showed increased phosphorylation of both AKT and AS160 following insulin treatment, but failed to highlight any changes in the expression dynamics of the glucose transporter GLUT4.

Indole-3-Propionic Acid, a Gut Microbiota-Derived Tryptophan Metabolite, Promotes Endothelial Dysfunction Impairing Purinergic-Induced Nitric Oxide Release in Endothelial Cells.

Different gut microbiota-derived metabolites influence cardiovascular function, and, among all, the role of indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), from tryptophan metabolism, shows controversial effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate its role in endothelial dysfunction. IPA effects were studied on bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAE-1).

Chemical and Olfactory Analysis of the Volatile Fraction of Ocimum gratissimum Concrete from Madagascar.

The chemical composition of the volatile fraction of Ocimum gratissimum concrete (romba) from Madagascar has been determined for the first time by GC/MS and GC-FID. A methyl cinnamate chemotype has been determined for this material, along with a set of compounds typical in essential oils and extracts from plants of the Ocimum genus. Variability was mostly observed on terpenes and terpenoids components.

Improving endothelial health with food-derived HS donors: an study with -allyl cysteine and with a black-garlic extract enriched in sulfur-containing compounds.

A healthy vascular endothelium plays an essential role in modulating vascular tone by producing and releasing vasoactive factors such as nitric oxide (NO). Endothelial dysfunction (ED), the loss of the endothelium physiological functions, results in the inability to properly regulate vascular tone, leading to hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors. Alongside NO, the gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (HS) has emerged as a key molecule with vasodilatory and antioxidant activities.

Modulation of Endothelial Function by TMAO, a Gut Microbiota-Derived Metabolite.

Endothelial function is essential in the maintenance of systemic homeostasis, whose modulation strictly depends on the proper activity of tissue-specific angiocrine factors on the physiopathological mechanisms acting at both single and multi-organ levels. Several angiocrine factors take part in the vascular function itself by modulating vascular tone, inflammatory response, and thrombotic state. Recent evidence has outlined a strong relationship between endothelial factors and gut microbiota-derived molecules.

Pressure ulcers in hospital patients: incidence and risk factors.

Objective: With an ageing population and a rising number of people with chronic conditions and disabilities, pressure ulcers (PUs) are a frequent problem. Prevention and treatment, especially targeted at older people, frail and non-self-sufficient patients, are central to care provided by nurses. The objective of this study is to establish the incidence of PUs in hospital inpatients and identify possible associated risk factors.

Spirocyclic Compounds in Fragrance Chemistry: Synthesis and Olfactory Properties.

In this Review, both the scientific literature and patents have been analysed to gather, examine and classify synthetic strategies developed to access spirocyclic molecules having olfactory properties of interest for the perfume industry. New structures have been reported at a steady state since 1961 with a particularly intense activity in the 80's. In the diversity of olfactory properties observed, spirocyclic molecules were found to be quite frequently woody, as well as fruity and ambery, among other tonalities.

Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) Impairs Purinergic Induced Intracellular Calcium Increase and Nitric Oxide Release in Endothelial Cells.

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is a diet derived compound directly introduced through foodstuff, or endogenously synthesized from its precursors, primarily choline, L-carnitine, and ergothioneine. New evidence outlines high TMAO plasma concentrations in patients with overt cardiovascular disease, but its direct role in pathological development is still controversial. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the role of TMAO in affecting key intracellular factors involved in endothelial dysfunction development, such as reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial health, calcium balance, and nitric oxide release using bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAE-1).

Laccase-Catalyzed Oxidation of Allylbenzene Derivatives: Towards a Green Equivalent of Ozonolysis.

Laccase-based biocatalytic reactions have been tested with and without mediators and optimized in the oxidation of allylbenzene derivatives, such as methyl eugenol taken as a model substrate. The reaction primarily consisted in the hydroxylation of the propenyl side chain, either upon isomerization of the double bond or not. Two pathways were then observed; oxidation of both allylic alcohol intermediates could either lead to the corresponding α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound, or the corresponding benzaldehyde derivative by oxidative cleavage.

Ischemic heart disease and cardioprotection: Focus on estrogenic hormonal setting and microvascular health.

Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) is a clinical condition characterized by insufficient blood flow to the cardiac tissue, and the consequent inappropriate oxygen and nutrients supply and metabolic waste removal in the heart. In the last decade a broad scientific literature has underlined the distinct mechanism of onset and the peculiar progress of IHD between female and male patients, highlighting the estrogenic hormonal setting as a key factor of these sex-dependent divergences. In particular, estrogen-activated cardioprotective pathways exert a pivotal role for the microvascular health, and their impairment, both physiologically and pathologically driven, predispose to vascular dysfunctions.

Sex and Response to Cardioprotective Conditioning Maneuvers.

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a multifactorial pathological condition strictly related to genetic, dietary, and lifestyle factors. Its morbidity and mortality rate represent one of the most important pathological issues that today involve younger people in a stronger way than in the past. IHD clinical outcomes are difficult to treat and have a high economic impact on health care.

Type and magnitude of non-compliance and adulteration in neroli, mandarin and bergamot essential oils purchased on-line: potential consumer vulnerability.

Thirty-one samples of essential oils used both in perfumery and aromatherapy were purchased to business-to-consumers suppliers and submitted to standard gas chromatography-based analysis of their chemical composition. Their compliance with ISO AFNOR standards was checked and revealed, although ISO AFNOR ranges are relatively loose, that more than 45% of the samples analyzed failed to pass the test and more than 19% were diluted with solvents such as propylene and dipropylene glycol, triethyl citrate, or vegetal oil. Cases of non-compliance could be due to substitution or dilution with a cheaper essential oil, such as sweet orange oil, blending with selected compounds (linalool and linalyl acetate, maybe of synthetic origin), or issues of aging, harvest, or manufacturing that should be either deliberate or accidental.

Plant-Derived -β-Caryophyllene Boosts Glucose Metabolism and ATP Synthesis in Skeletal Muscle Cells through Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptor Stimulation.

Skeletal muscle plays a pivotal role in whole-body glucose metabolism, accounting for the highest percentage of glucose uptake and utilization in healthy subjects. Impairment of these key functions occurs in several conditions including sedentary lifestyle and aging, driving toward hyperglycemia and metabolic chronic diseases. Therefore, strategies pointed to improve metabolic health by targeting skeletal muscle biochemical pathways are extremely attractive.

Protective Effects of ()-β-Caryophyllene (BCP) in Chronic Inflammation.

()-β-caryophyllene (BCP) is a bicyclic sesquiterpene widely distributed in the plant kingdom, where it contributes a unique aroma to essential oils and has a pivotal role in the survival and evolution of higher plants. Recent studies provided evidence for protective roles of BCP in animal cells, highlighting its possible use as a novel therapeutic tool. Experimental results show the ability of BCP to reduce pro-inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), thus ameliorating chronic pathologies characterized by inflammation and oxidative stress, in particular metabolic and neurological diseases.

Chemistry, Sustainability and Naturality of Perfumery Biotech Ingredients.

Invited for this month's cover is the group of Sylvain Antoniotti at the University Côte d'Azur. The image shows a perfume dispenser containing bacterial cells delivering odorants molecules with a wide diversity and complexity of structures and olfactory notes. The person wears an art nouveau pendant featuring an enzyme and is peacefully hanging in a green and floral landscape.

Chemistry, Sustainability and Naturality of Perfumery Biotech Ingredients.

White biotechnology has emerged in biochemical manufacturing processes to deliver perfumery ingredients satisfying interests of the society for natural, eco-responsible, and sustainable materials. As a result, an intense R&D activity has taken place on these subjects, resulting in both scientific publications and patent applications reporting combinations of state-of-the-art approaches in biocatalysis, metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, biosynthesis elucidation, gene edition and cloning, and analytical chemistry. In this Minireview, a smelly selection of novel biotechnological processes and ingredients from a scientific articles and patents survey covering the last 6 years is presented and analysed in terms of chemistry, sustainability and naturality.

Squalene: More than a Step toward Sterols.

Squalene (SQ) is a natural triterpene widely distributed in nature. It is a metabolic intermediate of the sterol biosynthetic pathway and represents a possible target in different metabolic and oxidative stress-related disorders. Growing interest has been focused on SQ's antioxidant properties, derived from its chemical structure.

PipeNig-FL, a Fluid Extract of Black Pepper ( L.) with a High Standardized Content of -β-Caryophyllene, Reduces Lipid Accumulation in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes and Improves Glucose Uptake in C2C12 Myotubes.

-β-caryophyllene (BCP) is a natural sesquiterpene hydrocarbon with several important pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and cardioprotective functions. These properties are mainly due to its selective interaction with the peripherally expressed cannabinoid receptor 2. In addition, BCP activates peroxisome proliferated activator receptors α and γ and inhibits the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway.

Trimethylamine N-Oxide Does Not Impact Viability, ROS Production, and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential of Adult Rat Cardiomyocytes.

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is an organic compound derived from dietary choline and L-carnitine. It behaves as an osmolyte, a protein stabilizer, and an electron acceptor, showing different biological functions in different animals. Recent works point out that, in humans, high circulating levels of TMAO are related to the progression of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.

The interaction of SiO nanoparticles with the neuronal cell membrane: activation of ionic channels and calcium influx.

Aim: To clarify the mechanisms of interaction between SiO nanoparticles (NPs) and the plasma membrane of GT1-7 neuroendocrine cells, with focus on the activation of calcium-permeable channels, responsible for the long lasting calcium influx and modulation of the electrical activity in these cells.

Materials & Methods: Nontoxic doses of SiO NPs were administered to the cells. Calcium imaging and patch clamp techniques were combined with a pharmacological approach.

Catestatin Induces Glucose Uptake and GLUT4 Trafficking in Adult Rat Cardiomyocytes.

Catestatin is a cationic and hydrophobic peptide derived from the enzymatic cleavage of the prohormone Chromogranin A. Initially identified as a potent endogenous nicotinic-cholinergic antagonist, Catestatin has recently been shown to act as a novel regulator of cardiac function and blood pressure and as a cardioprotective agent in both pre- and postconditioning through AKT-dependent mechanisms. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential role of Catestatin also on cardiac metabolism modulation, particularly on cardiomyocytes glucose uptake.

Unusual Polycyclic Fused Product by Oxidative Enzymatic Dimerisation of 5-methylpyrogallol Catalysed by Horseradish Peroxidase/H₂O₂.

During investigations on the peroxidase-catalysed oxidation of polyhydroxylated monoaromatic substrates such as 5-methylpyrogallol, we observed a spectacular dimerisation proceeding by dearomatisation in contrast with most common reaction patterns involving phenolics oxidation and dimerization. A tetracyclic fused product featuring an unusual 2-oxatetracyclo [6.3.