Consuming vegetables is vital for disease prevention, and Thailand’s diverse vegetable resources are of particular interest. This study investigated the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities of ethanolic extracts from 48 Thai vegetable species. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated using FRAP and DPPH assays, and total phenolic content was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Schinus terebinthifolius (MT) and Caesalpinia mimosoides (KY) exhibited the highest phenolic content and antioxidant activity and were selected for further study. In RAW 264.7 macrophages exposed to H2O2 (200 µM), cell viability decreased to approximately 30%, whereas co-treatment with KY extract (12.5-100 µg/mL) restored viability in a dose-dependent manner, reaching 84.65%, while MT extract increased viability to approximately 50%. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that H2O2 induced apoptosis in ~90% of cells; MT extract reduced apoptotic cells by up to 20.65%, whereas KY extract produced a modest reduction (≤3.37%). RT-qPCR analysis demonstrated the upregulation of antioxidant-related genes (CAT, SOD1) and downregulation of pro-apoptotic genes (p53, caspase-9). Trace-element analysis further suggested that copper, selenium, and zinc may contribute to antioxidant enzyme activity. Collectively, MT and KY extracts exhibit significant antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects, supporting their potential as non-toxic natural agents for mitigating oxidative stress and apoptosis-related conditions.

Foodborne pathogens represent a significant global health challenge. Vegetables, rich in phytochemicals, offer the potential to inhibit these pathogens. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of ethanolic extracts from eight local Thai vegetables against common foodborne bacteria and inflammation. Antibacterial properties were evaluated using disk-diffusion and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Vibrio cholerae, and Shigella flexneri. Anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis effects were also evaluated. All extracts demonstrated antibacterial activity, with Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (MT) and Caesalpinia mimosoides Lamk (KY) showing particularly potent effects. The scanning electron microscope revealed that MT and KY extracts disrupted bacterial cell walls. Additionally, MT, KY, Zanthoxylum limonella Alston (MK), and Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Jansen (KV) significantly reduced nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis indicated that these extracts significantly downregulated the expression of iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, caspase-3, and p53 mRNA. Our findings suggest that these vegetable extracts have potential for further development as therapeutic agents against foodborne pathogens and related inflammation.

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has emerged as a crucial biomarker for various clinical conditions, including acute kidney injury. However, enhancing the sensitivity of the lateral flow strip (LFS) for NGAL detection remains a challenge. LFS has revolutionized point-of-care diagnostics, offering rapid and cost-effective detection of biomarkers. This study explores the potential of cysteamine gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as a novel conjugate for NGAL detection in LFS, comparing their sensitivity enhancement against traditional citrate-coated AuNPs (Cit-AuNPs). Through comprehensive experimentation and analysis, we demonstrate the superior performance of cysteamine-coated AuNPs (Cys-AuNPs) LFS in detecting NGAL, paving the way for more sensitive point-of-care diagnostics in relevant clinical settings.

Background: Kidney stones can cause pain, infection, and kidney damage by obstructing the flow of urine. Dolichandrone serrulata (Wall. ex DC.) Seem. (DS) is a medicinal plant traditionally used for urinary-related conditions. Its antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticrystal properties must be considered. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the phytochemicals, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticrystal activities of various parts of DS extracts. Methods: DS aqueous extracts from bark, branches, leaves, and whole flowers were utilized. Phytochemical screening, total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC), antioxidant activities (DPPH scavenging and FRAP assays) of DS extracts were performed. Bioactive compounds were analyzed by using HPLC. The DS extracts against bacteria isolated from kidney stones were investigated by the broth microdilution method. Crystallization, crystal aggregation, and cytotoxicity assays were performed. Results: The different parts of DS extracts contained several types of phytochemicals, and also related TPC and TFC to antioxidant activity. Phytochemicals of several parts of DS extracts contained phenolic acids, including catechin, gallic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and vanillic acid, as well as flavonoids, such as myricetin, quercetin, and rutin. DS extracts exhibited potent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Proteus mirabilis, while having a lesser impact on Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli. The ability of calcium oxalate to crystallize and aggregate was reduced by all DS extracts. Conclusion: DS extracts exhibit promising antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticrystal activities, and phytochemicals. These investigations have provided scientific rationale to develop DS extracts as an alternative therapy for kidney stones associated with bacterial infection.

Background: Qigong exercise training has been suggested to elicit beneficial effects on physical functioning, reduction of oxidative stress, and improved antioxidant capacity in women. However, regular exercise training may support the development of antioxidant defense mechanisms and beneficially modulate oxidant/antioxidant responses. Objective: To evaluate the effects of an 8-week qigong exercise training on exercise performance and oxidative stress responses in sedentary middle-aged and elderly women suffering from type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM). Method/design: Quasi-experimental design, placebo-controlled study. Setting: The Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Science, Burapha University, Thailand. Participants: Thirty-six sedentary middle-aged and elderly women with T2DM. Intervention: Participants were allocated to qigong exercise (n = 20) or to the control group (CG, n = 20). Primary outcome measures: Muscle strengths, flexibility, VO2 max predicted, and walking intensity derived from the 6-minute walk test. Secondary outcome measures: Fasting plasma glucose, antioxidant/oxidant stress parameters, and body composition. Results: Leg strength and trunk flexibility were improved after qigong training and changes were significantly different compared with the CG (all p < 0.05). VO2 max predicted, 6-min walking distance, and walking intensity were all increased (p < 0.05), and oxidative stress markers were diminished after qigong training (p < 0.05). The antioxidant/oxidant balance was improved after qigong training (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The presented findings indicate that 8 weeks of qigong training significantly improved leg strength and trunk flexibility in middle-aged and elderly women with T2DM, partly associated with a more favorable antioxidant/oxidant balance. These effects may beneficially impact on health in this specific population. Clinical Trial Number: TCTR20221003001.

The incidence of kidney disease is increasing worldwide. Rapid and cost-effective approaches for early detection help prevent this disease. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin protein (NGAL) is a novel biomarker for acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to develop a lateral flow strip (LFS) based on a lateral flow immunoassay method (LFIA), using latex microspheres (LMs) as a color labeling to detect NGAL in urine. The performance and potential of the developed LMs-LFS at a point-of-care (POC) testing were evaluated. The results showed that LMs-LFS successfully detected urinary NGAL within 15 min with high specificity without cross-reactivity to or interference from other endogenous substances in urine. The visual limit of detection (vLOD) was 18.75 ng/mL, and the limit of detection (LOD) was 1.65 ng/mL under the optimum condition. The LMs-LFS developed in this study showed a high correlation with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method (R 2 = 0.973, n = 60 urine specimens) for detecting NGAL in urine. The LMs-LFS remained stable for at least six months at room temperature. The LMs-LFS can be a rapid, sensitive, and specific tool for the diagnosis and follow-up of renal disorders at the POC.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) heightens dementia and cognitive decline risk, notably impacting working memory and executive functions. This study investigates the impact of 8 weeks of qigong training on cognitive functions, blood pressure, plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (pBDNF), antioxidant, and biochemical outcomes in sedentary middle-aged and elderly women with T2DM. Thirty-five sedentary middle-aged and elderly women with T2DM were assigned to qigong exercise (QG = 19) or control (CG = 16) groups. Qigong exercise group performed the qigong exercise three times per week, for 8 weeks. The cognitive functions and pBDNF as primary and secondary outcomes (blood pressure parameters, antioxidant, and blood cell indices) were measured at baseline and postexercise training. While cognitive performance did not change, there was a significant interaction (Group x Time), indicating reduced pBDNF levels postintervention in the qigong exercise group (p <.05). Bothmean arterial blood and pulse pressure values decreased after qigong training (p <.05), but no significant interaction effects (Time x Group) were seen. There was a pulse pressure reduction after qigong training (p <.05), which was significantly correlated with the increase in longest digit span forward (r = -.34, p <.05). Antioxidant levels decreased from PRE to POST within both groups. This study demonstrated that 8 weeks of qigong training reduced pBDNF levels in sedentary middle-aged and elderly women with T2DM, which is unrelated to cognitive function improvements but possibly indicating a favorable response to exercise. Additionally, reduced blood and pulse pressure, potentially enhancing cognitive function by favorably impacting the autonomic nervous system by qigong training.

This study focuses on enhancing the sensitivity of lateral-flow strips (LFSs) based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the detection of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) protein in urine samples. Several sizes of AuNP-based LFS biosensors were tested to optimize colorimetric signals for NGAL detection based on improved conjugation conditions. AuNPs of 39.8 nm diameter at pH 8 were the most sensitive for the detection of NGAL. Through systematic enhancements to the AuNP-based LFS, the study significantly improves the sensitivity, enabling the reliable detection of NGAL protein in urine samples at a level as low as 12.5 ng mL-1. These advances contribute to the refinement of diagnostic tools for the early detection of kidney injury, specifically in cases associated with the presence of NGAL protein, offering a more precise and effective screening approach.

We present a sensitive and selective lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) for cotinine (COT), the primary metabolite of nicotine. COT is widely recognized as a superior biomarker to evaluate tobacco smoke exposure. The LFIA uses a competitive assay format where the COT-BSA capture competes with the target COT in urine samples for binding to the monoclonal antibody against COT (mAb-COT) conjugated with gold nanoparticles (mAb-COT-AuNPs). To improve the sensitivity and selectivity of the LFIA-COT, we focused on optimizing the diameter of AuNPs, the conjugation of mAb-COT, and the concentration of the COT-BSA capture. Our findings reveal that the utilization of 40 nm AuNPs in conjugation with a concentration of 4 mg mL-1 of mAb-COT demonstrated significantly greater efficacy compared to LFAs utilizing 20 nm AuNPs. Under the optimal conditions, the LFIA-COT demonstrated sensitive detection of COT at a level of 150 ng mL-1 within 15 min, as observed by the naked eye. It possesses a linear range of 25 to 200 ng mL-1 of COT, with the limit of detection (LOD) of 11.94 ng mL-1 in human urine samples when the color intensity is analyzed using ImageJ software. Our LFIA described here is simple and requires less time for COT detection. It can be used for the rapid and quantitative detection of COT in urine samples in clinical settings.

Proteus mirabilis is a significant cause of urinary tract infection that may contribute to struvite stones. Anti-infection of this bacterium and anti-struvite formation must be considered. Sida acuta Burm. F. (SA) has been used for the treatment of diseases related to kidneys. Therefore, we investigated the effects of the SA leaf ethanolic extract (SAEE) on growth and on virulent factors (swarming motility and urease activity) of Proteusmirabilis isolated from kidney stone formers. We also evaluated anti-struvite crystal formation and phytochemical constituents of SAEE. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of SAEE against three clinical P. mirabilis isolates were 8 mg/mL. Intriguingly, the 1/2MIC of SAEE had significant inhibitory effects on the swarming motility and urease activity of clinical P. mirabilis isolates when compared with the condition without SAEE. The SAEE at the various concentrations significantly inhibited the average weights of struvite crystals in a dose-dependent manner, compared with the control. The phytochemical analysis revealed that SAEE contained catechin, chlorogenic acid, rutin, and ferulic acid. This study indicated that SAEE has anti-P. mirabilis and anti-struvite crystal activities via its bioactive compounds. For this reason, SAEE may be developed as a new agent for the treatment of struvite stone induced by P. mirabilis.

Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis are common single- and polymicrobial urinary tract infections which can survive under various oxygen levels, including inside of stone matrices. Therefore, we aimed to investigate and compare the calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) lithogenic activities including COM crystal growth and aggregation under microaerobic conditions of E. coli and P. mirabilis isolated from the same stone matrix. The crystal growth was analyzed as the delta crystal area while the crystal aggregation was analyzed as the number of crystal aggregates. The results showed that compared to blank control, E. coli, P. mirabilis and the co-culture of E. coli and P. mirabilis were able to significantly promote COM crystal growth under microaerobic conditions. Interestingly, the delta crystal area in the co-culture under microaerobic conditions was larger than that of E. coli alone and P. mirabilis alone. In addition, only P. mirabilis alone and the co-culture were able to significantly increase COM aggregates. This study demonstrated that single- and co-culture of E. coli and P. mirabilis could promote COM crystal growth and aggregation under microaerobic conditions. The co-culture of E. coli and P. mirabilis may provide the combination effect on COM crystal interactions. The bacterial surfaces and the important effects on bacteria–crystal interactions should be further evaluated.

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a urease-producing bacteria which is a major cause of magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) urolithiasis in canine. A positive urolith culture is an important risk factor for MAP urolithiasis in canine. The mechanism underlying the metabolic changes of S. pseudintermedius after crystallization in artificial urine (AU) needs more defined baseline metabolic information. Therefore, we extensively investigated the metabolic changes of S. pseudintermedius extensively after crystallization in AU. A high urease activity and positive biofilm formation strain, entitled the S. pseudintermedius (SPMAP09) strain, was isolated from canine MAP uroliths, and analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy-based metabolomics. The molecular mechanism-specific metabolic phenotypes were clearly observed after crystallization in AU at day 3. The crystals induced by SPMAP09 were also confirmed and the major chemical composition identified as struvite. Interestingly, our findings demonstrated that a total of 11 identified metabolites were significantly changed. The levels of formate, homocarnosine, tyrosine, cis-aconitate, glycolate, ethyl malonate, valine and acetate level were significantly higher, accompanied with decreased levels of inosine, glucose, and threonine at day 3 compared with the initial time-point (day 0). In addition, our results exhibited that the glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism was significantly related to the SPMAP09 strain at day 3 in AU. Thus, metabolic changes of the SPMAP09 strain after crystallization in AU potentially helps to explain the preliminary molecular mechanism for the crystals induced by S. pseudintermedius.

Background: With limited information available, the association among urinary tract infections, urease-producing bacteria and the presence of magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) urolithiasis in canines in Thailand requires more study. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between demographic characteristics of canines and the presence of MAP urolithiasis in canines, and to evaluate antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of bacteria isolated from canine uroliths. Methods: A total of 56 canines admitted for treatment with surgical removal of uroliths were recruited. Demographic characteristics and clinical chemistry data were recorded. Bacteria isolated from the removed uroliths were identified. Chemical compositions of the uroliths were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. Potential risk factors were determined with univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results: Of 56 canine urolithiasis, bacteria were isolated from uroliths of 38 canines (27 MAP and 11 non-MAP) but not from uroliths of 18 canines (5 MAP and 13 non-MAP). The most common bacteria found in nidus of MAP uroliths was Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (approximately 51%). An antimicrobial resistance was frequently found in Staphylococci isolates (42.86%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the predictors of MAP urolith in canine urolithiasis were being female (p = 0.044; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 10.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06- 98.24) and the positive urolith culture (p = 0.012; adjusted OR, 8.60; 95% CI, 1.60-46.30). Conclusions: Our results indicate that S. pseudintermedius (a urease-producing bacterium) is the major causative bacteria of MAP uroliths. A positive urolith culture and being female are risk factors of MAP urolithiasis in canines.

Polydopamine (PDA) has now been widely applied to electrochemical biosensing because of its excellent biocompatibility, abundant functional groups, and facile preparation. In this study, polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA-NPs)-functionalized electrochemical aptasensor was developed for the rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective detection of glycated albumin (GA), a promising biomarker for glycemic control in diabetic patients. PDA-NPs were synthesized at various pH conditions in Tris buffer. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) of PDA-NPs-coated screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) revealed that the materials were more conductive when PDA-NPs were synthesized at pH 9.5 and 10.5 than that at pH 8.5. At pH 10.5, the prepared PDA and PDA-aptamer NPs were monodispersed spherical morphology with an average size of 118.0 ± 1.9 and 127.8 ± 2.0 nm, respectively. When CV and electrochemical impedance spectrometry (EIS) were used for the characterization and detection of the electrochemical aptasensor under optimal conditions, the proposed aptasensor exhibited a broad linearity for detection of GA at a clinically relevant range of (1–10,000 µg mL−1), provided a low detection limit of 0.40 µg mL−1, appreciable reproducibility (less than 10%), and practicality (recoveries 90–104%). In addition, our developed aptasensor presented a great selectivity towards GA, compared to interfering substances commonly present in human serum, such as human serum albumin, urea, glucose, and bilirubin. Furthermore, the evaluation of the aptasensor performance against GA-spiked serum samples showed its probable applicability for clinical use. The developed PDA aptasensor demonstrated excellent sensitivity and selectivity towards GA detection with a simple and facile fabrication process. This proposed technique shows its potential application in GA measurement for improving the screening and management of diabetic patients in the future.

Mucositis is one of the most adverse effects of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and had no standard drug for treatment. Melatonin is a neurohormone, and can ameliorate radiotherapy-induced small intestinal mucositis. Melatonin encapsulated in niosomes improved its poor bioavailability. Succinyl melatonin, a melatonin derivative, showed prolonged release compared with melatonin. This study investigated the efficacy of melatonin niosome gel (MNG) and succinyl melatonin niosome gel (SNG) in 5-FU-induced small intestinal mucositis treatment in mice. MNG and SNG with particle sizes of 293 and 270 nm were shown to have mucoadhesive potentials. The effect of a daily oral application of MNG, SNG, or fluocinolone acetonide gel (FAG, positive control) was compared to that of the normal group. The body weight, food consumption, histology, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the small intestine were monitored. The results showed decreased %body weight and food consumption in all 5-FU-injected groups compared with the normal group. The MNG and SNG treatments maintained the food consumption and the normal integrity of the small intestines, as evidenced by villus length and crypt depth, similar to the observations in the normal groups. The FTIR spectra showed no change in lipids of the MNG and SNG groups compared with the normal group. Moreover, SNG could reduce IL-1β content to a level that was not different from the level in the normal groups. Therefore, the oral application of MNG and SNG could protect against 5-FU-induced small intestinal mucositis in mice.

The current trend worldwide is searching plant extracts towards prevention of neurodegenerative disorders. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of Alpinia galanga leaves (ALE), Alpinia galanga rhizomes (ARE), Vitis vinifera seeds (VSE), Moringa oleifera leaves (MLE), Panax ginseng leaves (PLE) and Panax ginseng rhizomes (PRE) ethanolic extracts on human neuroblastoma (SHSY5Y) cells. The 1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging of VSE and MLE were 81% and 58%, respectively. Ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of ALE and MLE (33.57 ± 0.20 and 26.76 ± 0.30 μmol Fe(ΙΙ)/g dry wt., respectively) were higher than for the other extracts. Liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF/MS) revealed MLE active compounds. Intracellular study by nitro-blue tetrazolium (NBT) test showed that MLE and VSE had high O2− scavenging (0.83 ± 0.09 vs. 0.98 ± 0.08 mg/mL, respectively). MLE had the highest ROS scavenging followed by PRE (0.71 ± 0.08 vs. 0.83 ± 0.08 mg/mL, respectively), by 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFHDA) assay. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cytotoxicity and neuroprotection tests on SHSY5Y showed that PRE had a better neuroprotective effect but higher cytotoxicity compared to MLE (viable cells 51% vs. 44%, IC50 1.92 ± 0.04 vs. 2.7 ± 0.2 mg/mL, respectively). In conclusion, among the studied plants, MLE has potential for developing as a neuroprotective agent.

Background/Aim: KT2 is a lysine/tryptophan-rich peptide modified from Crocodylus siamensis Leucrocin I. In this study, we examined the cell toxicity, cellular uptake, anti-migration and anti-invasion activities of KT2 in A375.S2 human melanoma cells. Materials and Methods: A375.S2 cells were treated with KT2 peptide and then we performed MTT assay, study of cellular uptake by a confocal microscope, wound healing assay, transwell migration/invasion assay, and evaluation of the expression of metastasis-associated proteins. Results: KT2 can be internalized through the plasma membrane and can slightly alter cell morphology, decrease the percentage of viable cells and inhibit cell migration and invasion of A375.S2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. This peptide suppressed MMP-2 activity, as measured by gelatine zymography assay. The protein level of MMP-2 was decreased by KT2. KT2 also down-regulated metastasis pathway-related molecules, including FAK, RhoA, ROCK1, GRB2, SOS-1, p-JNK, p-c-Jun, PI3K, p-AKT (Thr308), p-AKT (Ser473), p-p38, MMP-9, NF-kB, and uPA. Conclusion: These results indicate that KT2 inhibits the migration and invasion of human melanoma cells by decreasing MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression through inhibition of FAK, uPA, MAPK, PI3K/AKT NF-kB, and RhoA–ROCK signalling pathways. These findings suggest that KT2 deserves further investigation as an anti-metastatic agent for human melanoma.

Glycated albumin (GA) has been previously introduced as a promising biomarker for glycemic monitoring in diabetes patients with thalassemia. In this study, a label-free graphene oxide (GO)-modified aptasensor was developed for the rapid detection of GA. The fabrication of the aptasensor was dependent on the covalent interaction of the amine-functionalized GA-specific aptamer with the carboxylic groups of GO. Square wave voltammetry (SWV) analysis was carried out for the measurement of GA-aptamer binding to their specific proteins. The peak current changes before and after incubation with GA protein were directly proportional to the concentration. The developed aptasensor exhibited a broad linearity (1–10,000 µg mL−1), a low detection limit (LOD) of 0.031 µg mL−1, and high selectivity for GA detection. In addition, the aptasensor was successfully applied to detect GA in both spiked and clinical serum samples. The comparison of the developed method with a commercial assay validated the reliability of the aptasensor for clinical application. Therefore, the newly developed aptasensor is a promising tool for GA measurements in diabetic patients with underlying thalassemia.