Dopamine-derived pigments in nature: identification of decarboxybetalains in Amaranthaceae species.

A unique family of decarboxylated betalains derived from dopamine has recently been discovered. Due to the lack of chemical standards, the existence and distribution of decarboxylated betalains in nature remain unknown. Traditional betalains contain L-dihydroxyphenylalanine as the starting point of the biosynthetic pathway and betalamic acid as a structural and functional unit, while the recently discovered betalains rely on dopamine.

Olive oil tyrosols reduce α-synuclein aggregation and after ingestion in a Parkinson's model.

Parkinson's disease is the neurodegenerative motor disorder with the highest incidence worldwide. Among other factors, Parkinson's disease is caused by the accumulation of α-synuclein aggregates in a patient's brain. In this work, five molecules present in the diet are proposed as possible nutraceuticals to prevent and/or reduce the formation of α-synuclein oligomers that lead to Parkinson's disease.

Exploring in the classroom the relationship between alcohol intake and behavioral disorders through an animal model.

Alcohol consumption has profound effects on behavior, such as impaired judgment, addiction or even death. It is estimated that alcohol contributes to around three million deaths worldwide, 13.5% of them in young people with ages between 20 and 39 years.

Novel Re(I) Complexes as Potential Selective Theranostic Agents in Cancer Cells and in Tumoral Strains.

A series of rhenium(I) complexes of the type -[Re(CO)(N^N)L], -, was synthesized, where N^N = benzimidazole-derived bidentate ligand with an ester functionality and L = chloride or pyridine-type ligand. The new compounds demonstrated potent activity toward ovarian A2780 cancer cells. The most active complexes, -, incorporating 4-NMepy, exhibited remarkable activity in 3D HeLa spheroids.

Design, Synthesis and Gene Modulation Insights into Pigments Derived from Tryptophan-Betaxanthin, Which Act against Tumor Development in .

The use of betalains, which are nitrogenous plant pigments, by the food industry is widespread and reflects their safety after intake. The recent research showed outstanding results for L-tryptophan-betaxanthin, a phytochemical present in traditional Chinese medicine, as an antitumoral agent when the activity was evaluated in the animal model . Thus, L-tryptophan-betaxanthin is now presented as a lead compound, from which eleven novel structurally related betaxanthins have been designed, biotechnologically produced, purified, and characterized.