Objectives. One of the most promising methods of treating malignant tumors is 10B-neutron capture therapy. While compounds based on cluster boron anions [B_nH_n]2− (n = 10, 12) are often used as boron-containing agents due to the very high specific concentration of boron atoms per particle, the use of such compounds is associated with the need to develop new methods for the functionalization of boron clusters associated with the production of boron-containing derivatives containing biologically active functional groups. One of the most convenient methods of modification of [B_nH_n]2− (n = 10, 12) anions is the interaction of their derivatives containing cyclic oxonium-type substituents with negatively charged or neutral nucleophilic reagents. The disclosure of substituents of this type leads to the formation of closo-borates with functional groups separated from the cluster by an alkoxyl spacer chain. The purpose of this study is to develop methods for the synthesis of derivatives of the closo-decaborate anion [B₁₀H₁₀]2− with pendant nitrogen-containing groups.Methods. The general control of the reactions of the disclosure of cyclic substituents was carried out on the basis of ¹¹B nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy data. The structure of the obtained derivatives, including the nature of the attached functional groups, was determined using ¹H, ¹³C attached proton test (APT) NMR and infrared (IR) spectroscopy data. The molecular weight of the synthesized compounds was confirmed by electrospray ionization mass-spectrometry (ESI–MS).Results. The interaction of the anion [2-B₁0H₉O(CH₂)₄O]− with secondary amines (dimethylamine, dipropylamine, diallylamine, dibutylamine, diisobutylamine, morpholine, di-sec-butylamine) in an ethanol environment is investigated. As a result of the reactions, a cyclic substituent is shown to expand with the addition of a nucleophilic reagent. Seven new derivatives of the closodecaborate anion with pendant nitrogen-containing groups have been synthesized.Conclusions. A developed method for obtaining closo-decaborates with ammonium groups separated from the boron cluster by an alkoxyl spacer group is presented. It is shown that the use of amines of various structures does not fundamentally affect the course of the reactions, allowing the composition and structure of the target derivatives to be effectively regulated. The resulting compounds can be involved in further modification reactions due to a reactive pendant group, as well as being suitable for use as effective polydentate ligands. Closo-decaborates with pendant nitrogen-containing groups and their derivatives are of considerable interest in the synthesis of compounds for use in 10B-neutron capture therapy of malignant tumors.

The emergence of drug-resistant influenza virus strains necessitates the development of novel antiviral agents with unique mechanisms of action. This study presents the synthesis and in vitro evaluation of a new class of antiviral compounds: sodium salts of amino acid ester conjugates based on the closo-dodecaborate anion [B₁₂H₁₂]²⁻, linked via a tetrahydropyran-derived spacer (Na₂[B₁₂H₁₁O(CH₂)₆C(O)X], where X = L-Trp-OMe (Na₂2); L-His-OMe (Na₂3); L-Met-OMe (Na₂4); Pld-OMe (Na₂5)). The antiviral activity was assessed against contemporary, multidrug-resistant influenza A virus strains, including A/Cheboksary/125/2020 (H1N1)pdm09 and A/IIV-Orenburg/83/2012 (H1N1)pdm09. Cross-platform comparison revealed that the dodecaborate-tryptophan conjugate Na₂2 exhibited comparable efficacy to its lead decaborate analog against the Orenburg strain while demonstrating potent activity (IC₅₀ = 5.0 µg/mL) against the Cheboksary strain with reduced susceptibility to neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir; zanamivir) and complete resistance to M2 channel blockers. The histidine-based conjugate Na₂3 also showed significant efficacy against the Cheboksary strain, while methionine and lactam derivatives (Na₂4; Na₂5) remained inactive. This work confirms boron clusters as versatile platforms for antiviral development and establishes structure–activity relationships crucial for optimizing both B₁₀ and B₁₂-based therapeutics against resistant influenza strains.

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is being considered as a potential replacement for microcrystalline cellulose as a food additive and a source of dietary fiber due to its unique properties. However, studies on the risks of consuming BNC in food are limited, and it is not yet approved for use in food in the US, EU, and Russia. Aim: This study aims to perform a toxicological and hygienic assessment of the safety of BNC in a subacute 8-week administration in rats. Methods: BNC was administered to male Wistar rats in doses of 0, 1.0, 10.0, and 100 mg/kg body weight for 8 weeks. Various parameters such as anxiety levels, cognitive function, organ masses, blood serum and liver biochemistry, oxidative stress markers, vitamin levels, antioxidant gene expression, and liver and kidney histology were evaluated. Results: Low and medium doses of BNC increased anxiety levels and liver glutathione, while high doses led to elevated LDL cholesterol, creatinine, and uric acid levels. Liver tissue showed signs of degeneration at high doses. BNC did not significantly affect vitamin levels. Conclusion: The adverse effects of BNC are either not dose-dependent or fall within normal physiological ranges. Any effects on rats are likely due to micronutrient deficiencies or impacts on intestinal microbiota.

Oxidative stress can be caused by bad nutrition, psychoemotional stress, or other external influences in everyday life. The aim of this study is to develop and verify biological models using male Wistar rats that allow reproducing oxidative stress in vivo, in particular: food (diet with high cholesterol and fructose content), medical (injection of CCl₄), and physiological (immobilization stress). Diet with 1% cholesterol and fructose had the greatest impact on the antioxidant status of animals: a significant increase in serum malondialdehyde (by 1.8 times) and superoxide dismutase (by 2.4 times) as well as a significant decrease in the Cat gene expression by 35% were shown. The immobilization led only to a significant decrease in serum lipid peroxides by 29%. A single intraperitoneal administration of CCl₄ was accompanied by a significant increase in the blood lipid peroxides (by 1.3 times) and catalase (by 1.6 times), as well as a significant decrease in the Cat mRNA by 33% and Gpx1 by 48%. The obtained data can be used to study the effectiveness of drugs, biologically active food supplements and functional nutrition in vivo.

Background: The widespread use of specialized food products, including plant-based dietary supplements, is determined by a rich variety of biologically active constituents. However, some plants containing such bioactive compounds as pulegone, menthofuran, estragole, methyleugenol, safrole, and thujone may cause adverse health effects. Objective: To review recent domestic and international scientific papers in order to substantiate the importance of regulating maximum permissible levels of monoterpene ketones (pulegone, menthofuran, and thujone) and alkenylbenzenes (estragole, methyleugenol, and safrole) in plant raw materials and plant-based nutritional supplements. Materials and methods: We used the keywords pulegone, menthofuran, methyleugenol, estragole, safrole, and thujone to search Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and RSCI abstract and citation databases and then applied information analysis and expert examination techniques to summarize research data published in Russian and English languages in 2001–2021. The initial sample consisted of 43 articles, of which 13 were excluded after initial screening. The selection criteria included availability of data on metabolism of the organic compounds in question, their levels in herbs and herbal teas, toxic effects on experimental animals, and potential adverse health effects in humans. We selected 30 full-text scientific publications and classified their data by the type of interventions. Results: The analysis of numerous studies of monoterpene ketones and alkenylbenzenes indicates a toxic effect of these groups of compounds on experimental animals. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified pulegone, methyleugenol and safrole in Group 2B, which means that they are possibly carcinogenic to humans. Human health risks from plant-based alkenylbenzenes contained in dietary supplements are also demonstrated. Conclusion: Our findings prove the need to take appropriate risk management measures in order to limit the use of certain plant species containing high concentrations of biologically active substances posing threat to human health and to regulate their permissible levels in plant-based supplements.

Background: Nutritional supplements, herbal assemblages, and herbal teas are of particular interest in the global market of specialized food products, with the issues of a safe use becoming particularly relevant in the light of the reports on their potential contamination with tropane alkaloids, which content ranges from 0.01 % to 3 % depending on the type of raw materials. Objective: Analysis of the safety of dietary supplements, herbs and herbal teas contaminated with tropane alkaloids, based on data currently presented in domestic and international scientific publications. Materials and methods: We reviewed and analyzed literature sources found in Scopus, PubMed and RSCI databases for tropane alkaloids. The initial sample included 49 articles, of which 19 articles were excluded following a primary analysis. The selection criteria included the presence of classification of tropane alkaloids, their contents in herbs and foods, methods of detection, and potential human health effects. We selected 30 full-text publications meeting the above criteria. The study results were systematized by the type of intervention. Results: The analysis showed that the content of tropane alkaloids in some herbal teas by the sum of atropine and scopolamine can exceed the established level of a single safe intake (0.016 µg/kg body weight). Since scopolamine is a derivative of hyoscyamine (atropine), safety of foods and raw materials should be assessed by their content of atropine that will allow effective monitoring of contamination with tropane alkaloids of all types of the specified food products for the purpose of their safe use. Conclusion: For the safe use of herbal preparations and plant-based dietary supplements, it is recommended to monitor these types of food products for the presence of tropane alkaloids in them. It is advisable to develop a method for their analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry.