Dehydrogenase Activity Research Articles

Pelargonium graveolens Attenuates Rotenone-Induced Parkinson's Disease in a Rat Model: Role of MAO-B Inhibition and In Silico Study.

Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative condition, is primarily characterized by motor dysfunctions due to dopaminergic neuronal loss in the Substantia Nigra (SN), with oxidative stress playing a significant role in its progression. This study investigates the neuroprotective potential of Pelargonium graveolens (Thunb.) L'Hér leaves in a rotenone-induced PD rat model. The total ethanolic extract and its fractions, obtained via Diaion HP-20 column chromatography, were evaluated for monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibition in vitro. The 50% methanol fraction (PG50) demonstrated the highest MAO-B inhibition (IC50 5.26 ± 0.12µg/ml) compared to the reference drug selegiline (IC50 0.021 ± 0.003µg/ml). In a rotenone-induced PD rat model, PG50 (100mg/kg, p.o.) alleviated motor deficits (assessed via the wire hanging test), and restored norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin levels. PG50 and L-dopa reduced α-synuclein levels by 367.60% and 377.48%, respectively. Oxidative balance was restored with increased glutathione (23.12%) and decreased malondialdehyde (164.19%) in brain tissues. PG50 significantly reduced serum TNF-α (572.79%) and IL-6 (70.84%)levels, and improved succinate dehydrogenase (14.47%) and lactate dehydrogenase (7.74%) activities in brain tissues. Histopathological alterations in the SN were also ceased. UPLC-MS/MS analysis identified 61 metabolites, including 32 flavonoids, 13 phenolic acids, 7 coumarins, 5 phenolic glycosides, and 4 dicarboxylic acids, with in silico docking showing strong MAO-B binding by methoxylated flavonoids like methoxyluteolin dimethyl ether (docking score: - 8.0625kcal/mol), surpassing that of safinamide (- 8.2615kcal/mol). These findings suggest that P. graveolens holds promise as a neuroprotective agent against rotenone-induced PD.

Ameliorating potential effects of natural biological formulations and biostimulants on plant health and quality attributes in coriander-fenugreek intercropped strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.)

The present study documented the effect of bio-organics in legume intercropped strawberry cv. Camarosa during the years 2022 and 2023. Bio-organic fertilizer inputs included were Jeevamrit (JV), Ghan-Jeevamrit (GJ) and Azolla. Coriander-Strawberry-Fenugreek as intercropping system was adopted. The treatments comprised were T1: GJ at 100 g/m2 + JV at 10% +Azolla at 200 g/plant, T2: GJ at 150 g/m2 + JV at 10% +Azolla at 200 g/plant, T3: GJ at 100 g/m2 + JV at 20% +Azolla at 200 g/plant, T4: GJ at 150 g/m2 + JV at 20% +Azolla at 200 g/plant, T5: GJ at 100 g/m2 + JV at 10% +Azolla at 250 g/plant, T6: GJ at 150 g/m2 + JV at 10% +Azolla at 250 g/plant, T7: GJ at 100 g/m2 + JV at 20% +Azolla at 250 g/plant, T8: GJ at 150 g/m2 + JV at 20% +Azolla at 250 g/plant, T9: GJ at 150 g/m2 + JV at 20% as per SPNF, T10: Farmyard manure (100% N basis) and T11: Recommended dose of N: P:K (80:40:40 kg/ha) as control. Application of bio-stimulants at 50 g/plant and AM fungi @ 20 g/ plant was applied uniformly in treatments T1–T8. One month after transplanting, T3 showed positive influence on vegetative growth traits of strawberry plantlets. Minimum number of days taken to flower, maximum duration of flowering (142) and number of flowers (51) were also recorded. This treatment application also observed maximum fruit yield (677.93 g/ plant) and yield efficiency (7.91 g/cm2 of leaf area) compared to all other bio-organic combinations applied. Post harvest soil chemical indicators were also significantly influenced except pH and electrical conductivity compared to FYM (100% N equivalence) and Recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) of NPK (80:40:40 kg/ha). Microbial biomass in terms of total bacteria, soil fungi, actinobacterial count, phosphorous solubilizing bacteria, AM spore population, Azotobacter count and Soil enzymatic activity of phosphatase and dehydrogenases showed a steady rise after application of GJ @ 100 g/m2 + JV @ 20% + Azolla @ 200 g/plant. In addition, overall increase of the yield of coriander and fenugreek compared to FYM (100% N equivalence) and RDF of NPK (80:40:40 kg/ha) was recorded. The positive influence both on leaf and fruit NPK contents were also recorded when plantlets were supplemented with GJ @100 g/m2 + JV@ 20% + Azolla @ 200 g/plant. This study inferred that application of bio-organic inputs sources which can boost up cropping behavior, post harvest soil indicators, native microbial properties and enzymatic activity in rhizosphere, and thus can have the potential to improve crop resilience and soil productivity on sustainable basis.

Meliponini Geopropolis Extracts Induce ROS Production and Death in Leishmania amazonensis Promastigotes and Axenic Amastigotes In Vitro

Leishmania amazonensis, a cause of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Brazil, is a neglected disease with toxic and inconsistently effective treatments. The parasite’s survival depends on managing oxidative stress, making redox-regulating enzymes potential therapeutic targets. Geopropolis, a resinous product from native stingless bees, shows promising antiparasitic effects. This study aims to evaluate the anti-L. amazonensis activity of geopropolis produced by Melipona bicolor, M. marginara, M. mondury, and M. quadrifasciata (two samples), targeting enzymes responsible for the parasite’s redox balance. Ethanol extracts of geopropolis produced by each bee (BCRL, MRGT, MNDY, MNDA(1), and MNDA(2), respectively) were analyzed for total phenolics and flavonoids. Promastigotes and axenic amastigotes were treated with various extract concentrations, and parasite viability was assessed using the resazurin reduction method. Cytotoxicity was tested on peritoneal macrophages, RAW 264.7, VERO cell lines (MTT assay), and erythrocytes (hemolysis assay). Additionally, mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, the inhibition of recombinant arginase, and autophagic activity were also evaluated in treated parasites. MRGT showed the highest levels of phenolics (762 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (345 mg QE/g). MDRY was more effective against promastigote and axenic amastigote forms (IC50 = 168 and 19.7 µg/mL, respectively). MRGT showed lower cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7 and VERO (CC50 = 654 µg/mL and 981 µg/mL, respectively). Erythrocytes exhibited reduced sensitivity to MNDA(2) (HC50 = 710 µg/mL). The activity of dehydrogenases and LiARG was reduced by treating the parasites with the extracts following the induction of ROS and autophagic activity. These results highlight geopropolis extracts as a source of substances with anti-L. amazonensis activity capable of inducing oxidative stress on the parasite.

Lactate-triggered histone lactylation contributes to podocyte epithelial-mesenchymal transition in diabetic nephropathy in mice.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) closely relates to morphological and functional changes of podocytes, and anaerobic glycolysis represents the predominant energy source of podocytes. However, it is unknown whether lactate accumulation in chronic high glucose causes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of podocytes through lactate-derived histone lysine lactylation (HKla). Lactate levels increased in high glucose-stimulated mouse podocyte cell line MPC and blood and the kidney of diabetic mice. High glucose or exogenous lactate decreased nephrin levels while increased collagen IV and HKla levels in MPC, but co-treatment with oxamate or dichloroacetate reduced lactate levels and alleviated the decreases in nephrin and zonula occludens- 1 levels and the increases in collagen IV and α-smooth muscle actin as well as HKla levels in high glucose-cultured MPC. However, co-treatment with rotenone diversely affected these indices. Eleven intersection genes were screened in lactate raising and lowering interventions in podocytes using RNA sequencing and four genes were validated by qPCR. Furthermore, lactate-lowering treatments attenuated renal functions, EMT, and histone lactylation in the kidney of diabetic mice. Additionally, the increased lactate might result from the upregulated monocarboxylate transporter 2 in the mitochondria and the decreased pyruvate dehydrogenase activity. Together, we reveal the role of histone lactylation in driving the EMT phenotype of podocytes in chronic high glucose state, subsequently promoting the pathological process of DN. Our study provides a reference for the study of the relationship between lactate-induced histone lactylation modification and diabetic complications.

Efficiency of biochar and compost on soil bio-chemical properties and yield of knol-khol (Brassica oleracea L.)

A field experiment was conducted to assess how the combined application of biochar with various organic amendments affects the soil biochemical properties and the yield characteristics of knol-khol (Brassica oleracea var. gongyloides L.). The outcomes showed that biochar with organic amendments substantially enhanced the biological characteristics of the soil as compared to the control treatment. There was a notable increment in soil microbial biomass carbon by 33.27 % and dehydrogenase activity by 5.68 % following the integrated application of farmyard manure, vermicompost and biochar (T8). In addition, several knol-khol growth metrics showed significant improvement in T8 compared to the control, including leaf number (1.36 times), plant height (1.38 times) and knob diameter (2.3 times). In T8, the knolkhol production increased by a remarkable 3 times, demonstrating the beneficial effects of the combined treatment on marketable output. The results of the experiment showed that T8 had significantly higher levels of accessible nitrogen (12.38 %), available potassium (8.54 %), available phosphorus (24.19 %) and organic carbon (9.5 %) than the control. According to this, the concurrent application of farmyard manure, vermicompost and biochar enhanced soil fertility and boosted plant and microbial nutrient availability, which in turn led to higher profitability.

Long-term Effect of Tillage, Residue and Biofertilizer on Soil Microbial Biomass Carbon and Dehydrogenase Activity under Rice-wheat Cropping System in Terai Agro-ecological Region of West Bengal

As a major supply of staple foods, the rice-wheat cropping system is crucial to global food security. However, continuous cultivation of these crops has led to several soil-related environmental problems, including the gradual decline in soil health and quality. In this context, maintaining soil health necessitates the adoption of conservation agriculture. This study assessed the effect of tillage, residue and biofertilizer management practices on soil dehydrogenase activity (SDHA) and soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) of post wheat soils at various soil depth (0-5 cm, 5-10 cm, 10-20 cm and 20-40 cm). The research was conducted as part of a long-term field experiment initiated in 2006 in rice-wheat cropping system under a factorial randomized block design with three replications in the Terai agro-ecological regions of West Bengal. The results revealed that the SDHA and SMBC were increased by the influence of long-term zero tillage, bio fertilizer & residue addition at the most of the soils depths under study except at 20-40 cm. The highest short-term change of SDHA (213.19%) in compared to the initial soil status was observed in conventionally tilled soil with biofertilizer addition treatment combination. Since SDHA and SMBC are critical indicators of soil health and quality, this study also explored their relationship. Positive good regression coefficient of 0.74, 0.65 and 0.67 at 0-5 cm, 5-10 cm and 10-20 cm soil depth were observed respectively. These findings highlight the strong association between the two parameters. With growing future demand of foods, conservation agriculture must be practiced to ensure the long-term sustainability of soil productivity. The study provides evidence that implementing zero tillage along with residue and biofertilizer addition significantly improves these key soil health parameters.

Siderophore Production Capability of Nitrogen-Fixing Bacterium (NFB) GXGL-4A Regulates Cucumber Rhizosphere Soil Microecology

Many nitrogen-fixing bacteria can produce siderophores for iron acquisition in soil, but the impact of their siderophore-producing capabilities on the rhizosphere soil microecology is not well understood. To explore the effects of root inoculation with NFB strains with different siderophore-producing capabilities on the rhizosphere soil microecology and deeply evaluate the application value of a high-yielding siderophore strain in promoting crop growth, the wild-type nitrogen-fixing bacterial strain Kosakonia radicincitans GXGL-4A and its Tn5 mutants M107 (high siderophore-producing ability) and M246-2 (deficient in siderophore production) were used as biofertilizers in cucumber rhizosphere soil. Iron is important for the growth of bacterial cells, and the mutant M246-2 showed the slowest growth rate compared to the other strains when incubated in an A15 nitrogen-free medium supplied with different levels of iron. The mutant M107 had the strongest chelating ability for iron, with the largest yellow halo on the CAS detection plate. There were statistically significant differences in the halo diameters among the three NFB groups. Compared with the control group, the application of NFB significantly increased the activities of soil peroxidase and dehydrogenase and altered the soil nitrogen contents. Fertilization with the mutant M107 significantly improved the cucumber biomass and reduced the abundance and diversity of bacterial communities in the rhizosphere soil compared to the other groups. The contents of soil ammonium nitrogen and total nitrogen and soil dehydrogenase showed significant correlations with the abundance of the top 50 dominant genera in the soil. The soil TN content was the essential factor affecting the abundance of Kosakonia bacteria in the cucumber rhizosphere.

Dysregulated hepatic alcohol metabolism: a key factor involved in the pathogenesis of alcohol-associated liver disease.

Alcohol use disorder is a major risk factor for alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), characterized by reduced hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity, increased body burden of alcohol and its nonoxidative metabolism to fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs). However, the mechanism(s) underlying ALD remain unclear. This study investigated metabolic basis and mechanism(s) of ALD in chronic ethanol (EtOH) fed hepatic ADH1-deficient (ADH-) deer mice administered with a single dose of binge EtOH with/without FAEEs. Hepatic ADH- and ADH normal (ADH+) deer mice fed chronic EtOH daily for 3 months, followed by a single dose of binge EtOH [3g/kg body weight (BW)] with/without FAEEs (100 mg/kg BW), one week prior to euthanasia. Blood alcohol and acetaldehyde and liver injury markers in the plasma, hepatic FAEEs, lipids and inflammatory markers were analyzed. Hepatic histology, ultrastructure, protein/mRNA expression of genes involved in alcohol metabolism and lipogenesis, cAMP, phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity, and AMPKα signaling were assessed. Blood alcohol, hepatic lipids and FAEEs, inflammation, oxidative stress, and the expression of lipogenic proteins/genes were significantly increased in various chronic EtOH-fed groups of ADH- vs. ADH+ deer mice. Additionally, hepatic cAMP levels were reduced, while PDE activity and plasma transaminases were elevated. Binge EtOH with/without FAEEs did not significantly exacerbate the liver injury in chronic EtOH-fed ADH- as well as ADH+ deer mice. Overall, an increased body burden of EtOH and endogenously formed FAEEs due to hepatic ADH deficiency, along with dysregulated cAMP and AMPKα signaling, could be the determining factors for EtOH-induced liver injury leading to ALD.

Effect of Enriched Coconut Shell Biochar on Soil Properties and Soybean (Glycine max L.) Yield in Acidic Soils of Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India

A two-season field study was conducted at ICAR-KVK, Hadonahalli, which is located in the Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka, to evaluate the influence of phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and zinc-enriched coconut shell biochar on soil biological properties, nutrient bioavailability and soybean (Glycine max L.) yield in acidic soils. 13 treatments, including a control, package of practice and various combinations of PSB and zinc-enriched biochar were assessed in randomised complete block design at P=0.05 level of significance. The biochar was characterized for its physical properties, including bulk density (0.38 Mg m-3), water holding capacity (76.27%) and chemical properties including pH (9.52), electrical conductivity (1.12 dS m-1) and nutrient composition. Results indicated significant improvements in soil dehydrogenase activity, phosphatase activity and major nutrient bioavailability (N, P, K and Zn) in treatments receiving 100% NPK, PSB enriched FYM at 3.125 t ha-1 and different doses of zinc enriched Biochar at 5 t ha-1 compared to the control and package of practice. Soybean yield was maximized under treatments combining PSB-enriched FYM and zinc-enriched biochar, with the highest yield observed in T6 (23.61 q ha-1). The enhanced yield was attributed to improved soil health and nutrient dynamics by PSB and biochar. These findings underscore the potential of PSB and zinc-enriched biochar as sustainable amendments for enhancing soil fertility, crop productivity, and nutrient use efficiency in acidic soils.

Metal ferrite nanocomposite treatment reduced oxidative stress to improve the growth dynamics of Cucumis sativus in hydroponics

Abstract Green synthesized nanoparticles have various applications but their use for improving plant productivity and agricultural sustainability recommends their usage as nano-fertilisers. In this context, the present study reports the positive influence of hydroponically exposed green synthesized Tri-metal ferrite TiO2-Al2O3-ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites (TMFN) on Cucumis sativus (cucumber). Cucumber is rich in polyphenols and an important part of the human diet because of its water-rich and low-calorie nature. A considerable increase in the length of shoot-roots, relative water content, and chlorophyll level of cucumber was observed on TMFN exposure. An increase of 25–82 and 94–220% in carbohydrate and protein levels on TMFN treatment was observed. Likewise, the phenols, flavonoids, and free radical scavenging potential of the plants were increased by 22-88, 64-211, and 4-18%, respectively, on TMFN exposure. As a result, there was an observable decrease of 62-86 and 14-68% in the oxidative stress indicators, MDA and H2O2, respectively. A simultaneous and significant increase in the inorganic nitrate, nitrite content, nitrate reductase, and glutamate synthetase activity was evident. However, ammonia content and glutamate dehydrogenase activity decreased significantly by 27-82 and 31-85%, respectively. Overall, the TMFN induced significant morphological and biochemical changes in cucumber indicated their probable role as potential plant growth promoters. However further research is required for understanding the molecular and genetic aspects of the effects of green synthesised TMFN on other plants as well as crops grown hydroponically.

Contribution of Brain Intrinsic Branched-Chain Amino Acid Metabolism in a Novel Mouse Model of Maple Syrup Urine Disease.

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) results from loss of branched-chain ketoacid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) activity, the committed, rate-limiting step of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) oxidation. Current treatments, including a low protein diet and liver transplantation, improve peripheral biochemistry and limit episodes of metabolic decompensation but do not fully prevent chronic neuropsychiatric symptoms. The mechanisms underlying chronic neurologic phenotypes remain poorly understood. Currently available MSUD mouse models do not survive long enough to evaluate chronic central nervous system (CNS) pathology. To investigate if loss of brain-intrinsic BCAA metabolism contributes to chronic neurologic disease, we developed a new brain-specific knockout mouse model of MSUD. First, we generated a mouse harboring a floxed Dbt allele (Dbtflox/flox). Then we crossed this line with Cre recombinase driver lines to induce loss of Dbt expression in (1) all developing CNS cell populations (2) neurons alone or (3) astrocytes alone. We found that brain-specific KO mice have elevations in BCAA levels in cortex that are exacerbated by a high protein diet. They also have secondary changes in amino acids in brain that are important for neuronal function, including glutamine and glycine. These metabolic differences result in subtle functional deficits as measured by electroencephalogram and behavioral testing. Astrocyte and neuron-specific KO mice each also demonstrate mild biochemical features of MSUD in the cortex, suggesting that both cell populations may contribute to disease pathology. Collectively, these data suggest that therapies targeting the CNS directly, in addition to the periphery, may improve outcomes in MSUD.

Differences in hair cortisol to cortisone ratio between depressed and non-depressed adolescent women

Research on stress has demonstrated that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis contributes to major depressive disorder in youth. Hair glucocorticoids are key biological markers of chronic stress. We assessed group differences in hair cortisol and cortisone concentrations, and the cortisol/cortisone ratio between depressed adolescent women and a non-depressed comparison group. Further, within the depression group, we explored the contribution of symptom severity and clinical correlates of depression in relation to glucocorticoid concentrations. Hair samples of three centimeters for 74 adolescent women (41 in the depression group and 33 in the comparison group), aged between 12 and 19 years old, were analyzed. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured using the Beck Youth Inventory II and clinical correlates of depression were measured using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire–Short Form and the Borderline Personality Features Scale for Children. No significant differences emerged between the depression group and the comparison group on hair cortisol or hair cortisone concentrations. However, groups differed significantly on the cortisol/cortisone ratio, a proposed proxy of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity, with a higher ratio for the depression group. Within the depression group, neither symptom severity nor clinical correlates were associated with glucocorticoid concentrations. Although cross-sectional, our findings highlight the importance of future studies to test whether the group difference found in cortisol/cortisone ratio is the result of alterations in 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes (type 1 or 2) activity. Further research is thus needed to clarify the role of these enzymes in major depressive disorder in youth and to develop more targeted intervention strategies.

Toxicity of Crude Oil Wastewater Treated with Nano-ZnO as a Photocatalyst on Labeo rohita: A Biochemical and Physiological Investigation

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the water-soluble fraction of crude oil (WSFO) on Indian carp (Labeo rohita) with and without treatment with zinc oxide nanoparticles (Nano-ZnO). A total of 225 fish were randomly assigned to five groups in triplicate for 21 days. Group I served as the control group. Groups II and III were exposed to 0.5% and 1% untreated WSFO, respectively. Groups IV and V received 5% and 10% WSFO treated with Nano-ZnO, while Groups VI and VII received 5% and 10% WSFO treated without Nano-ZnO. No blood samples were obtained from fish exposed to untreated WSFO, due to increased hemolysis. Exposure to treated WSFO increased creatine phosphokinase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase activities, while alanine aminotransferase activity decreased. Although a significant decrease was observed in total protein, globulin, and triglyceride levels, albumin and cholesterol increased. Thiol groups and glutathione peroxidase activity significantly decreased, while superoxide dismutase, catalase, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde levels increased. The findings showed that exposure to WSFO, whether treated or untreated, induces significant biochemical and oxidative stress responses in Labeo rohita. Although WSFO treated with Nano-ZnO mitigated hemolysis, it was unable to prevent enzyme and antioxidant imbalances, indicating persistent physiological stress.

Glycine Betaine Levels and BADH Activity of Juvenile Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei in Response to Vibrio Bacterial Infection and Sudden Hyperosmotic Stress

High evaporation rates due to solar intensity and low precipitation could represent a challenging culture environment in northwestern Mexico, generating osmotic stress in shrimp due to high salinity. Bacterial infections by pathogenic Vibrio strains are highly virulent in shrimp culture. This study evaluated betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH) activity and glycine betaine (GB) levels in Litopenaeus vannamei under high salinity levels plus experimental infection with virulent Vibrio parahaemolyticus. At 35 ppt (control group) and 40 ppt after infection, GB levels increased two-fold in the gills except at 45 ppt and were significantly higher at 50 ppt. The highest GB levels were in the hepatopancreas of the uninfected group at 45 ppt. In the gills, BADH activity decreased after 2 h of exposure at 40 and 45 ppt; at 50 ppt, there was a significant increase in the uninfected groups. However, upon infection, activity increased at all salinities except 50 ppt. In the hepatopancreas of the uninfected groups, the highest activity was at 40 ppt and this was lowest at 50 ppt after 8 h. In the muscles, BADH was detectable at all salinities; infection caused an increase in its activity at 45 and 50 ppt. Despite sudden exposure to high salinity plus experimental infection, our results show that Litopenaeus vannamei does not inhibit BADH activity, allowing GB synthesis, which may play a role in shrimp survival under these conditions.

Identification of candidate biomarkers for gastric cancer by bioinformatics analysis of pooled microarray gene expression datasets in Gene Expression Omnibus.

467 Background: Gastric cancer (GC) remains one of the most prevalent malignant diseases worldwide. The high mortality rate is largely due to the limited treatment options and the challenges in diagnosing the cancer at an early stage. Understanding the genetic differences driving the proliferation of GC is crucial for advancing diagnostic methods and developing targeted treatments. This study aims to identify biomarkers involved in the pathogenesis of GC through integrated bioinformatics analysis. Methods: Extracted from the Geo Expression Omnibus, three DataSets (GSE118916, GSE79973, and GSE13861) were analyzed for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using the R statistical language. The three data sets were then compared for common DEGs, which would serve as the focus of this study. These DEGs were functionally analyzed for pathways by Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to screen out candidate genes. Results: The results revealed that 123 DEGs of the three datasets containing 26 upregulated genes and 97 downregulated genes were ascertained in our study. The GO and KEGG enrichment analysis results showed that the functions of DEGs were mainly involved in the retinol metabolic process, xenobiotic metabolic process, collagen type I trimer, potassium: proton exchanging ATPase complex, benzaldehyde dehydrogenase (NAD+) activity, alcohol dehydrogenase (NADP+) activity, Collecting duct acid secretion, and Tyrosine metabolism. Through the PPI analysis network, the core genes with the highest degree of 7 nodes were selected: COL1A1, COL1A2, COL11A1, THBS2, ATP4A, COL10A1, and CXCL8. Conclusions: The 7 genes identified in this study may play a vital regulatory role in the occurrence and development of GC and may also be potential therapeutic targets. Further mechanistic studies of the pathogenesis and treatment of GC may be able to identify new targets using these shared pathways. These findings could contribute to a better understanding of the origins of gastric cancer and facilitate the development of early interventions. The bioinformatics analysis conducted in this study offers new insights and directions for further research on gastric cancer.

Comprehensive effects of biochar-assisted nitrogen and phosphorus bioremediation on hydrocarbon removal and microecological improvement in petroleum-contaminated soil

Biochar is widely used in agricultural soils, but its effects with nitrogen and phosphorus amendments on petroleum-contaminated soil are unclear. This study investigated biochar-assisted biostimulation in a microcosm experiment, focusing on hydrocarbon degradation, nitrogen cycling, and soil properties. Compared to the biostimulation alone (BS), biochar combined biostimulation (BSC) significantly enhanced the abundances of petroleum hydrocarbon degraders including Lysobacter and Brevundimonas, which led to a 17% increase in total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) degradation, with 9% and 39% enhancements in saturated hydrocarbon degradation and aromatic hydrocarbon fraction degradation, respectively. Biochar also promoted ammonia and nitrous oxide oxidation by upregulating AOA, AOB, norB, and nosZ genes, while controlling nitrogen loss by downregulating nirK. Soil moisture, oxidation–reduction potential (ORP), dehydrogenase activity (SDHA), and microbial proliferation were significantly enhanced. Structural equation models (SEM) indicated synergistic interactions between nitrogen cycling and hydrocarbon degradation. Biochar enhances hydrocarbon degradation and nitrogen cycling, offering a promising soil remediation approach.

Acidosis overrides molecular heterogeneity to shape therapeutically targetable metabolic phenotypes in colon cancers.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a prototypical example of a cancer type for which inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneities remain major challenges for the clinical management of patients. Besides genotype-mediated phenotypic alterations, tumor microenvironment (TME) conditions are increasingly recognized to promote intrinsic diversity and phenotypic plasticity and sustain disease progression. In particular, acidosis is a common hallmark of solid tumors, including CRC, and it is known to induce aggressive cancer cell phenotypes. In this study, we report that long-term adaptation to acidic pH conditions is associated with common metabolic alterations, including a glycolysis-to-respiration switch and a higher reliance on the activity of phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), in CRC cells initially displaying molecularly heterogeneous backgrounds. Pharmacological inhibition of PHGDH activity or mitochondrial respiration induces greater growth-inhibitory effects in acidosis-exposed CRC cells in 2D and 3D culture conditions, and in patient-derived CRC organoids. These data pave the way for drugs targeting the acidic tumor compartment as a "one-size-fits-all" therapeutic approach to delay CRC progression.

Harnessing Clostridium ragsdalei for conversion of CO2 into ethanol: Insights from batch and continuous fermentation.

CO2 conversion into biofuels is a promising approach to lower carbon emissions and enhance biorefinery revenue. This study investigated CO2 conversion into ethanol using Clostridium ragsdalei P11 in a 3-L bioreactor, comparing batch and continuous operation modes. The specific activities of carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH), hydrogenase (H2ase), formate dehydrogenase (FDH) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) in the acetyl-CoA pathway were also assessed. In batch mode, strain P11 produced 7 g/L ethanol, achieving gas conversion efficiencies of 40 % for CO2 and 60 % for H2. In continuous mode, ethanol production increased to 21 g/L. During the initial growth phase, CODH and H2ase exhibited higher activity, while FDH and ADH showed a gradual increase, corresponding with ethanol production. Enzyme activities in continuous mode were 3.6-7 fold higher than in batch operation. These results demonstrate that strain P11 effectively converts CO2 to ethanol, providing a solid foundation for further optimization of CO2 fermentation.

The impact of bisphenol A on gill health: A focus on mitochondrial dysfunction induced disorders of energy metabolism and apoptosis in Meretrix petechialis.

Bisphenol A (BPA), a well-known chemical compound used in various daily goods, has been associated with adverse effects on animal metabolic processes. However, the specific impacts of BPA exposure on clam gills remain largely unexplored. To investigate the effects of BPA on energy metabolism and apoptosis in Meretrix petechialis gills, clams were exposed to varying concentrations of BPA (1, 10, and 100 μg/L) for 21 days. Results showed that BPA exposure induced gill histopathological injuries and inhibited filtration rates. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed mitochondrial injury and dysfunction as potential mechanisms of gill damage. Transcriptome analysis identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) primarily enriched in energy metabolism and apoptosis pathways. BPA-induced changes in ATP content, ATPase, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities suggested dysregulation of energy metabolism. TUNEL staining demonstrated enhanced apoptotic signals with increasing BPA concentrations. Activation of the caspase-3/9 pathway indicated a concentration-dependent, mitochondria-dependent apoptotic process. Additionally, the expression of genes associated with mitochondria (NNT, TOMM40, and SLC25A11), energy metabolism (PCK1 and pdhC), inducing mitochondria-dependent apoptosis (NFKB1, RAC1, and TRAF2), and oxidative stress (GSTT1) was affected by BPA exposure. Integrated biomarker response version 2 (IBRv2) values further confirmed a concentration-dependent gill toxicity of BPA via the mitochondrial pathway. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the toxicological mechanisms underlying BPA-induced toxicity in bivalves and contribute to assessing the risks posed by BPA in benthic ecosystems.

Application of a modified lactate dehydrogenase assay to evaluate the viability of cells cultured on 3D scaffolds when commonly used assays fail.

The development of new compounds or materials for medicine suggests a study of their cytotoxicity. The effect of a material on cell viability can be evaluated by several methods based on DNA content, DNA synthesis, plasma membrane integrity, cellular enzyme activity, cellular reducing potential, and ATP level. Sometimes it is impossible to apply widely used commercially available reagents, e.g., when cells are cultured on materials, that interfere with the chemicals used or resulting in the course of enzymatic reaction. Here, we offer a method for monitoring the viability of cells proliferating on different supports in vitro. The method is based on the measurement of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in cellular lysates. After cells were lysed in 1% Nonidet P40 and supernatants were transferred into fresh tubes, LDH activity was measured in the supernatants using colorimetric method. The usefulness of the test was studied using human cervical adenocarcinoma HeLa cells and human gingival fibroblasts cultivated on different materials, including activated carbon-loaded scaffolds. The comparison with widely used AlamarBlue® assay confirms the LDH-based method as an appropriate alternative for measuring the living cell number in vitro in a quick, simple, and cost-effective manner when widespread methods for the evaluation of cell viability could not be used.