Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a major global health challenge, highlighting the continued need for the discovery of novel antiviral agents with favorable safety profiles. Endophytic fungi are recognized as prolific producers of structurally diverse secondary metabolites. However, studies integrating comprehensive metabolite profiling with systematic evaluation of anti-HCV activity and cytotoxicity, particularly from liquid culture extracts of endophytic fungi, remain limited. This study aimed to identify three endophytic fungal isolates from Borassus flabellifer L. roots and to characterize their metabolite profiles, in vitro anti-HCV activity, and cytotoxicity. All fungal isolates were cultivated under liquid fermentation to obtain extracellular secondary metabolites. The isolates were identified through molecular analyses using ITS rDNA gene sequencing. Culture supernatants were extracted using ethyl acetate and subjected to untargeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis to characterize metabolite profiles based on mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) and spectral similarity. Anti-HCV activity was evaluated in vitro using Huh7it cells infected with HCV JFH1, while cytotoxicity was assessed using an MTT assay. The results showed that the isolated endophytic fungi were identified as Trichoderma harzianum (isolate A), Fusarium solani (isolate C), and Aspergillus niger (isolate E). Untargeted LC–MS analysis revealed highly complex and diverse metabolite profiles across all isolates. A total of 142, 131, and 138 metabolites, belonging to multiple chemical classes, were putatively annotated (Metabolomics Standards Initiative levels 2–3, i.e., without authentic standards) in isolates A, C, and E, respectively. Anti-HCV assays demonstrated that all extracts exhibited relatively weak inhibition of HCV, with IC50 values exceeding 100 µg/mL. Nevertheless, the cytotoxicity assay showed that all extracts were nontoxic to Huh7it cells, with CC50 values of 432.78 ± 10.78 µg/mL (isolate A) and greater than 500 µg/mL (isolates C and E). These findings suggest that endophytic fungal metabolites are a promising but underexplored source of anti-HCV compounds, warranting further isolation, dose optimization, and mechanistic studies. Because every IC50 exceeded the highest concentration tested, the selectivity index (SI = CC50/IC50) was bounded only for isolate A (SI < 4.33) and was not determinable for isolates C and E; no extract reached SI ≥ 10. This work is therefore preliminary screening, not the identification of a validated anti-HCV candidate.
Abstract The demand for food produced in agroecological systems has grown. The objective of the study was to evaluate yield of tomato genotypes (Giuliana, Débora Max, Carinaty, Débora Pto, Débora Victory, Tyna, Carina Golden, Carina Star, and IPA 6) and the occurrence of pests and diseases under agroecological management. The evaluation was carried out in the municipality of Picuí, Paraíba in a randomized block (three repetitions). The tomato russet mite caused leaf spot and necrosis. Giuliana cultivar had the highest yield (67.75 t ha-1) and number of leaflets with spot, and an intermediate number with necrosis. Carinaty (41.51 t ha-1), Carina Star (28.97 t ha-1), Carina Golden (27.01 t ha-1), and Tyna (26.98 t ha-1) had intermediate yield and leaf damage. Débora Victory (33.08 t ha-1) had intermediate yield and leaflets with spot, and a high number with necrosis. IPA 6 (32.25 t ha-1), with intermediate yield, had lowest number of leaflets with spot and necrosis. Regarding the cultivars with lowest yield, Debora Max (14.87 t ha-1) had an intermediate number of leaflets with spot and necrosis and Debora Pto (8.05 t ha-1) had the lowest number of leaflets with spot and necrosis. The number of fruits with apical rot was higher in the Debora Victory, Debora Pto, and Debora Max cultivars, but did not differ from Giuliana, IPA 6, and Tyna cultivars. The Carinaty, Carina Star, and Carina Golden cultivars had the lowest number of fruits with apical rot. The Giuliana cultivar had the highest yield, being the most suitable for cultivation in the semi-arid region.
Abstract Phytoecdysteroids are bioactive plant metabolites with reported anabolic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic effects; however, their effects on renal function and structure remain poorly understood. This systematic review evaluated the effects of exposure to phytoecdysteroids on the kidneys of healthy murine models. The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (CRD420261412485). Searches were conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and embase databases, including in vivo experimental studies that evaluated isolated phytoecdysteroids or enriched extracts compared to control groups. Of the 189 records identified, eight studies were included. The studies showed heterogeneity regarding compounds, doses, routes of administration, and duration of treatment. Low and moderate doses did not result in consistent changes in markers of renal function, whereas high doses were associated with increased creatinine levels and structural changes, including glomerulomegaly, podocyte damage, and extracellular matrix deposition. Some studies reported antioxidant effects, although results varied across models. The methodological assessment identified limitations related primarily to the lack of information on randomization and blinding. Taken together, the findings suggest a low potential for renal toxicity at low and moderate doses but indicate a possible risk at high exposures. The heterogeneity and limited number of studies limit the strength of the evidence and underscore the need for standardized experimental protocols.
Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the anti-obesity effects of lutein and physical exercise on obesity induced by a high-fat diet in male Wistar rats. There were 50 rats randomly divided into two groups. The control group (10 rats) was fed a standard diet, and the obese group (40 rats) was fed a high-fat diet to induce obesity for 17 weeks. After 12 weeks, 40 rats that were already obese were randomly divided into 4 groups as follows: a high-fat diet (HFD), a high-fat diet plus lutein (HFD + L), a high-fat diet plus physical exercise (HFD + Ph), and a high-fat diet plus lutein plus physical exercise (HFD + L + Ph) for 5 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the fasting blood glucose levels, lipid profile, and leptin levels in serum were measured. Also, the histopathological changes in the heart tissue were assessed. The L and Ph reduce body weight and significantly decrease abdominal fat accumulation in the HFD-fed rats. Moreover, the L and Ph significantly decreased fasting blood glucose and leptin levels, improved the lipid profile efficiently, and restored the normal histological structure of the heart. This study proved that L and Ph may be potential strategies to manage obesity by effectively alleviating the metabolic changes caused by HFD. Furthermore, L and Ph together affected biochemical parameters better than either intervention alone.
Abstract This study evaluated Jasminum subtriplinerve (Vằng tea), a traditional medicinal plant, as a potential feed additive for Saanen dairy goats. Phytochemical profiling revealed that J. subtriplinerve leaf powder (CV1) contained high levels of verbascoside (4.69 mg/g) and a balanced flavonoid profile (rutin, astragalin, isoquercitrin), whereas stem inclusion (CV2) diluted these bioactive metabolites. In DPPH radical scavenging assays, CV1 exhibited strong antioxidant activity (SC50=0.03679 mg/mL), comparable to ascorbic acid (SC50=0.02919 mg/mL). Antibacterial testing showed that CV1 ethanol extracts displayed mild to moderate inhibition zones (7.0-10.0 mm) against five mastitis-related bacterial strains. Based on these in vitro results, CV1 was selected for a 90-day feeding trial with 18 lactating goats divided into Control (0%), JS1 (0.5%), and JS2 (1.0% leaf powder) groups. Over 90 days, 1.0% supplementation increased daily milk yield (peaking at 1.618 ± 0.01 kg/day vs. 1.244 ± 0.01 kg/day in control; P = 0) and improved feed conversion ratio (0.932 ± 0.014 vs. 1.196 ± 0.014 kg DM/kg milk; P < 0.05). Meanwhile, main milk parameters including fat (3.869%–4.164%), protein (2.827%–2.963%), and solid-not-fat (8.559%–8.772%) remained unaffected (P > 0.05). The JS2 group achieved the highest average milk yield, peaking at 1.618 ± 0.01 kg/head/day, and demonstrated superior feed conversion efficiency with an average feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 0.932 ± 0.014 kg DM/kg milk, compared to 1.196 ± 0.014 in the Control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the JS2 group had no mastitis (0%), whereas the control group had a 50% incidence, with somatic cell counts peaking at 1.678 x 106 cells/mL. In conclusion, supplementation with 1.0% J. subtriplinerve leaf powder is an potential nutritional strategy to improve milk yield and udder health, offering a promising natural feed supplement to support productivity and udder health in dairy goat production.
