Implen Journal Club
Implen Journal Club
Welcome to the Implen NanoPhotometer® Journal Club. Here we will highlight relevant publications where the Implen NanoPhotometer® helped researchers to unravel the mysteries of modern molecular biology.
Current Month Journal Club Issue
March 2025| Full Newsletter (html) (pdf)
Boost Your Health This National Nutrition Month: The Power of n-3 PUFA-Enriched Foods
The first issue, Nutrition Awareness Edition, is putting the focus on a study recently published by Nađ et. al. in the journal of antioxidants highlighting the importance of dietary choices by demonstrating how consuming n-3 PUFA-enriched chicken can boost antioxidant defenses and reduce inflammation in healthy individuals.
This study explored the effects of eating chicken meat enriched with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on oxidative stress in healthy young adults. Over three weeks, 39 participants were randomly assigned to eat either regular chicken or chicken enriched with about 1500 mg of n-3 PUFAs daily. Markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were measured before and after the trial.
The results showed that consuming n-3 PUFA-enriched chicken significantly lowered high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), a marker of inflammation, and boosted antioxidant defense, as measured by increased ferric-reducing ability (FRAP). Additionally, two key antioxidant enzymes—glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)—showed increased activity, while the production of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) in immune cells decreased.
The Implen NanoPhotometer® Spectrophotometer was utilized in this study to measure serum biomarkers of oxidative stress using the TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) assay, with UV/VIS detection at 572 and 532 nm.
Continuing on with the topic of Nutrition Awareness Month, next issue is highlighting how dietary choices can profoundly influence brain health and inflammation management, with a focus on the role of agmatine—a naturally occurring compound that supports mitochondrial function and reduces neuroinflammation. A study recently published by Milosevic et. al. has shown that agmatine can suppress glycolysis in brain immune cells (microglia) and improve mitochondrial health by targeting key pathways like PI3K/Akt/mTOR/HIF-1α.
To naturally support agmatine levels through diet, incorporating protein-rich foods—such as lean meats, fish (salmon, mackerel), poultry, and eggs may be beneficial. For plant-based diets, foods including lentils, chickpeas, soybeans, pumpkin seeds, and whole grains (quinoa, oats) support agmatine levels. In the context of neuroinflammation, incorporating these foods could help modulate microglial activity by supporting mitochondrial health and reducing harmful inflammatory responses. A diet rich in natural agmatine sources could serve as part of an integrative nutritional strategy for brain health, potentially aiding in the prevention or management of neurodegenerative diseases.
The Implen Nanophotometer® N60 was used in this study to determine RNA concentration and purity.
Fueling Brain Health: The Role of Agmatine and Nutrition in Reducing Inflammation
Unlocking Gut Health: How Mustard-Derived Compounds Shape Our Microbiome
Next issue is highlighting a study by Cámara-Martos et al. in the journal of Food Research International to explore how mustard-derived isothiocyanates influence gut health and microbiota. This study explored how compounds called allyl- and benzyl-isothiocyanates (ITCs) from Ethiopian and white mustard impact gut health. These compounds, found in cruciferous vegetables including broccoli and mustard, are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.
In this research, human digestion was simulated to identify how much of these ITCs become available for the body to absorb. It was found that only about 26% of the ITCs were bioaccessible in the small intestine, mainly due to their poor water solubility. Fresh mustard provided more bioaccessible ITCs than freeze-dried samples, likely because freezing reduced the levels of the precursors needed to form ITCs.
The findings suggest that ITC-rich foods can promote a healthier gut microbiome, potentially offering dietary strategies to support gut and overall health. Consuming these vegetables with healthy fats might enhance ITC absorption, increasing their health benefits.
The Implen NanoPhotometer® NP80 was used in this study to assess the quality of extracted DNA.
In the final issue, the focus is on microplastics, which have increasingly made their way into the food supply. Fournier et al. recently published a study in the Journal of Hazardous Materials that investigates how microplastics (MPs) impact the human digestive system using an advanced lab model designed to mimic human gut conditions. This research specifically examined polyethylene (PE) MPs, one of the most commonly used plastics found in everyday products such as food packaging, and frequently detected in both food and water sources.
The study exposed the simulated gut environment to daily doses of PE MPs over a two-week period. The results revealed significant changes in the composition of gut bacteria. Harmful bacteria, including Desulfovibrionaceae and Enterobacteriaceae, increased, while beneficial bacteria, such as Christensenellaceae and Akkermansiaceae, showed a marked decline. Furthermore, the exposure to MPs altered the production of certain gases and metabolites, most notably leading to a significant increase in skatole, a byproduct linked to gut health issues and potential inflammation.
The Implen NanoPhotometer® was used in this study to monitor the quantity and quality of extracted RNA samples.
How Microplastics in Our Food Supply May Be Impacting Gut Health: Insights from Research
Unmasking the Role of Sugar Metabolism and Halloween Genes
This issue highlights the work of Gu et al., revealing the critical connection between sugar metabolism and Halloween genes in silkworm development. These genes are essential for producing ecdysteroids, the hormones that drive molting and metamorphosis in insects.
The study demonstrated how the prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) activated sugar transporters and trehalase enzymes in the prothoracic glands of silkworms. These enzymes broke down trehalose, a sugar, into glucose, which provided the necessary energy for hormone production. When sugar transport and metabolism were blocked, ecdysteroid levels dropped, showing how vital sugar metabolism is for regulating these hormones.
Interestingly, PTTH selectively enhanced the activity of certain sugar metabolism genes without affecting other key genes involved in glycolysis, the process that breaks down glucose to produce energy. This pointed to a specific role for PTTH in stimulating the sugar-related pathways essential for hormone production. By revealing how PTTH influences both Halloween genes and sugar metabolism, this study sheds light on how hormone production is tightly regulated during insect development. Through this exploration, the research offered new insights into the delicate balance between hormone production and metabolism, deepening our understanding of the complex processes that govern insect growth and development.
The Implen NanoPhotometer® was used in this study to measure RNA concentrations.
