Peroxidase Enzyme Activity Research Articles

PagMYB205 Negatively Affects Poplar Salt Tolerance through Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging and Root Vitality Modulation.

Salt stress is one of the major abiotic stresses that limits plant growth and development. The MYB transcription factor family plays essential roles in plant growth and development, as well as stress tolerance processes. In this study, the cDNA of the 84K poplar (Populus abla × Populus glandulosa) was used as a template to clone the full length of the PagMYB205 gene fragment, and transgenic poplar lines with PagMYB205 overexpression (OX) or inhibited expression (RNAi, RNA interference) were cultivated. The role of PagMYB205 in poplar growth and development and salt tolerance was detected using morphological and physiological methods. The full-length CDS sequence of PagMYB205 was 906 bp, encoding 301 amino acids, and the upstream promoter sequence contained abiotic stress-related cis-acting elements. The results of subcellular localization and transactivation assays showed that the protein had no self-activating activity and was localized in the nucleus. Under salt stress, the rooting rate and root vitality of RNAi were higher than OX and wild type (WT). However, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of the RNAi lines was significantly lower than that of the wild-type (WT) and OX lines, but the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging ability, such as the peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities, was dramatically more powerful. Most significantly of all, the RNAi3 line with the lowest expression level of PagMYB205 had the lowest MDA content, the best enzyme activity and root vitality, and the best salt stress tolerance compared to the other lines. The above results suggest that the transcription factor PagMYB205 could negatively regulate salt stress tolerance by regulating antioxidant enzyme activity and root vitality.

MePOD12 participates the regulation to postharvest physiological deterioration by ROS scavenging and lignin accumulation in cassava tuberous roots

Cassava tuberous root, as a staple food crop and industrial raw material worldwide, is highly sensitive to postharvest physiological deterioration (PPD) caused by wound. However, the molecular mechanism underlying PPD tolerance remains elusive in cassava. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging system is activated at the preliminary stage of PPD and peroxidase (POD) can effectively eliminate ROS. The expression level of MePOD12 and POD enzymatic activity in cassava tuberous roots was considerably up-regulated with PPD occurrence. Yeast two-hybrid and luciferase reporter assay showed that MePOD12 physically interacted with lignin-related cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase 15 (MeCAD15) in vitro and in vivo. The MePOD12-silenced tuberous roots decayed more than control, especially stored at room temperature for 3 and 5 days after harvesting. The total antioxidant capacity, activities of POD, SOD, CAT, CAD and lignin content were lower than those of control. Particularly, after harvest for 3 days, the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion substantially increased compared to control. In addition, a proposed model was generated to elaborate the response mechanism of MePOD12 participating in PPD regulation via ROS elimination and lignin accumulation. It provides a new clue for breeding cassava PPD-tolerant varieties.

Melatonin application suppresses oxidative stress and maintains fruit quality of cold stored ‘Esperanza’ raspberries by regulating antioxidant system

Raspberries are highly perishable and have a short storage life. To extend its storage life, we evaluated the impact of preharvest melatonin (MEL) application (0, 50, 100, 200 µmol L−1), three days before harvest, on the activities of oxidative and antioxidative enzymes and quality attributes in ‘Esperanza’ raspberries up to 10 d cold storage. The 200 µmol L−1 MEL-treated raspberries exhibited a significant reduction in disease incidence while maintaining higher marketable fruit and activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, dehydroascorbate reductase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, ascorbate peroxidase and catalase as compared to control. Additionally, it reduced activities of polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase and lipoxygenase enzymes and increased flavonoids and ascorbic acid levels. However, preharvest spray of 100 µmol L−1 MEL mitigated fruit weight loss and maintained higher anthocyanins, and glutathione than control. In conclusion, MEL application (100–200 µmol L−1), three days before harvest, supressed oxidative stress by maintaining higher activities of antioxidant enzymes in raspberries during 10 d of cold storage.

Vitamin D: An effective therapy against methotrexateinduced cardiotoxicity

Purpose: To determine the potential cardioprotective effect of vitamin D (VD) against methotrexate (MTX) induced cardiotoxicity.Methods: A total of thirty-five (35) rats were randomly assigned to five equal groups. Control groupreceived no treatment; MTX group received intraperitoneal (IP) injection of MTX in a single dose of 20 mg/kg on day 8; VD group received 200 IU/kg VD daily dissolved in sunflower oil orally; sunflower oil (SO) group received 1 mL/kg/day SO orally; MTX + VD group received a single dose of MTX (20 mg/kg, IP) on day 8 and VD (200 IU/kg, orally) for 21 days. Myocardial tissue samples were harvested and used for clinical chemistry, histopathological, and ultrastructural evaluation.Results: Histopathological damage in MTX group was more severe than in control group under both light and electron microscopy. Expression of transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) and caspase-3 markers was significantly higher in MTX group (p < 0.05). Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzyme activity in cardiac tissue was lower in MTX group, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased significantly (p < 0.05). In MTX + VD group, VD treatment alleviated histopathological damage and significantly lowered TRPM2 and caspase-3 expressions (p < 0.05). Vitamin D also reduced tissue MDA levels, and increased GSH-Px activity albeit non-significantly (p > 0.05),Conclusion: These findings suggest that VD exerts an ameliorative effect on MTX-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Therefore, TRPM2 channel affords a novel therapeutic approach for treatment of diseases related to chemotherapy-induced oxidative stress.

Investigating the growth characteristics, oxidative stress, and metal absorption of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under cadmium stress and in silico features of HMAs proteins

Heavy metal contamination can have a strong effect on the morphological and physiological characteristics of plants. In the present study, Cicer arietinum L. (chickpea) was exposed to different concentrations of cadmium (control, 2, 4, 8 μg Cd g-1 perlite) and the effect on plant growth and antioxidant enzymes were evaluated. The observed morphological changes in chickpea plant included stunted growth, reduced root system development and plant color change. A significant increase in enzyme activity of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase was observed at 4 μg Cd g-1 perlite, with a subsequent decrease when concentration was increased to 8 μg Cd g-1 perlite in the leaves of the plants. The highest cadmium levels were determined at a concentration of 8 μg Cd g-1 perlite. With the addition of 2 μg Cd g-1 perlite, manganese uptake in the aboveground part of the plant increased significantly, but then decrease at higher cadmium concentrations. In addition, zinc and copper levels decrease in the presence of cadmium. These results indicate that chickpea has a relatively high adsorption capacity for cadmium in aboveground tissues and special precautions should be taken when growing chickpea. In silico analysis led to the identification of 13 heavy metal ATPases (HMAs) in chickpea. These proteins contain 130 to 1032 amino acids with 3 to 18 exons. They are involved in the transfer of cadmium and zinc and help in heavy metal detoxification of plants. Bioinformatics studies have been conducted to better understand the mechanism by which the plant is able to combat heavy metal stress.

Evaluation of the potential of native Trichoderma spp. against root-rot diseases of soybean

Three native Trichoderma isolates, Trichoderma koningii (OP050066), Trichoderma harzianum (OP050067), and Trichoderma viride (OP050068) selected of fourteen different native Trichoderma spp. isolated from rhizosphere of healthy soybean fields in Al-Baha region (Baljurashi Province) Saudi Arabia, were evaluated in-Vitro and under greenhouse conditions against the soil-borne fungi Rhizoctonia solani (OQ345525), Fusarium solani (OQ345527) and Fusarium oxysporum (OQ345526) isolated from soybean plants in the same region. The three tested Trichoderma isolates significantly inhibiting the mycelial growth of the three selected pathogens R. solani, F. solani and F. oxysporum in-Vitro and reduced the percentages of pre- and post-emergence damping-off caused by the three tested pathogenic fungi with significant increase of the survived soybean plants under greenhouse conditions. Furthermore, activities of peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase and chitinase oxidative enzymes of the treated plants were increased over the untreated control. The obtained results revealed the possibility of using that native Trichoderma isolate of soybean root disease management.

Effectiveness of bimetallic ZnO-B2O3 nanoparticles produced by Streptomyces gancidicus as prospective antifungal agents and therapeutic nutrients to enhance pea plant immunity against damping off-causing Pythium irregulare: in vivo and in vitro investigations

AbstractPythium irregulare (P. irregulare) is one of the soil-borne pathogens that is the primary cause of damage to several plants each year. The novelty and originality of this work were the ability of Streptomyces gancidicus (S. gancidicus OR229936) to synthesize bimetallic zinc oxide-boron oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-B2O3 NPs) for reducing P. irregulare growth and safeguarding pea plant from damping off disease. The produced bimetallic ZnO-B2O3 NPs’ XRD results highlighted the ZnO diffraction peaks at 2Ɵ = 27.50°, 31.15°, 45.15°, 56.89°, 67.98°, and 75.25°, which are complemented by the standard card JCPDS number 361451 and correspond to (002), (101), (102), (110), (103), and (201) Bragg’s reflections. Along with the standard card JCPDS number 300019, they additionally include the B2O3 NP diffraction peaks at 2Ɵ = 15.25°, 28.69°, 31.99°, and 41.28°. Bimetallic ZnO-B2O3 NPs were tested against P. irregular for their antifungal activities. The findings indicated that ZnO-B2O3 NPs exhibited potential anti P. irregulare activity, with an inhibition zone of 33 mm at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL and a promising MIC of 0.01 µg/mL. Bimetallic ZnO-B2O3 NPs (0.01 ppm) application appeared to significantly lessen the severity of the pea post-emergence damaging off disease by 10% and to provide significant protection by 88%. In comparison to fungicide (difenoconazole 25%) treatments, all metabolic resistance indicators significantly enhanced after the usage of bimetallic ZnO-B2O3 NPs, ZnO NPs, and B2O3 NPs with ethyl acetate extract of S. gancidicus. The beneficial impacts of the bimetallic ZnO-B2O3 NPs, ZnO NPs, and B2O3 NPs have been broadened to increase the enzyme activities of peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in both healthy and infected pea plant in comparison to control. Reduction of Malondialdehyde content (MDA) in response to S. gancidius filtrate, bimetallic ZnO-B2O3 NPs, ZnO NPs, B2O3 NPs, and difenoconazole by 41.68%, 36.51%, 26.15, 26.15, and 15.25%, respectively. Also, contents of H2O2 in infected pea plant were diminished by 50%, 45%, 40%, 37.5%, and 22.5% at bimetallic ZnO-B2O3 NPs, S. gancidicus filtrate, ZnO NPs, difenoconazole, and B2O3 NPs comparing to P. irregular-infected pea plant is strong evidence to induce disease recovery. The application of bimetallic ZnO-B2O3 NPs seems to be a significant approach to relieve the toxic influences of P. irregulare on infected pea plant as green and alternative therapeutic nutrients of chemical fungicides.

Relative Water Content and Peroxidase Enzyme Activity Lampung Local Rice in the Germination Phase Induced by Polyethylene Glycol 6000

Utilizing the potential of local rice is a promising venture in the development of superior drought -resistant rice. One of the local rice that comes from Lampung is the Lumbung Sewu Cantik variety. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physiological resistance response of Lampung local rice shoots varieties Lumbung Sewu Cantik to the drought stress caused by PEG 6000 through relative water content and peroxidase enzyme activity. This study was conducted using factorial randomized design with 2 factors. Factor 1 is rice varieties (INPAGO 8 (K +), IR 64 (K-), and Lumbung Sewu Cantik). Factor 2 was the concentration of PEG 6000 (0% and 20%). Each treatment combination was repeated 3 times. Data were analyzed for variance and further analysis used DMRT test. The results showed that the drought stress did not have a significant effect on the relative water content of the rice shoots, but had a significant effect on the increase of peroxidase enzyme activity from the rice shoots. The results showed an increase in relative water content (2%) in rice shoots of Lumbung Sewu Cantik variety after being stressed by drought, while both controls experienced a decrease in relative water content. Shoots rice of Lumbung Sewu Cantik variety also experienced the highest increase in peroxidase enzyme activity (0.215 (U / mg)/min) when compared to the two controls. Furthermore, the results of DMRT test at 5% level showed that the activity of peroxidase enzyme activity from rice shoots of Lumbung Sewu Cantik variety was not much different from K- but significantly different from K+. Based on the test results of relative water content and peroxidase enzyme activity, it can be concluded that Lampung local rice, Lumbung Sewu Cantik variety, shows drought tolerance in germination phase and potential to develop into superior drought resistant rice varieties.

Short-term changes in antioxidant response of Eutrema salsugineum exposed to severe salinity

Salinity is one of the major constraints limiting plant productivity. Understanding the mechanism of salinity tolerance is a necessary step for improving crops yield in saline conditions. Eutrema salsugineum is a halophyte species and plant model for salinity tolerance mechanism study. Therefore, we studied the ability of E. salsugineum plants for their antioxidant response to 400 mM NaCl treatment. Changes in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA) and tocopherol contents, and kinetics of catalase, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase enzyme activities were investigated. Results shows that, although increasing in the beginning of the salt treatment, the fast decrease in H2O2 and MDA levels afterwhile indicates the ability of E. salsugineum to alleviate oxidative damage and to maintain membrane integrity. Together, with the increase of tocopherol contents, the high enzymatic activity of CAT, SOD and POD reflect the highly efficient antioxidant response of E. salsugineum.

Bee Pollen Stimulated BMP2 and RANK Signaling Pathway in Osteoprogenitors and Improved Bone Mineralization in Rat Model of Femur Fracture

Objectives Bee pollen (BP) contains isoflavonoids and minerals that can be effective in bone repair, stimulation of osteoprogenitors, differentiation of osteoblasts, and inhibition of osteoclasts. For this purpose, in the present study, BP was used to stimulate osteogenesis in an animal model of a femur fracture. Materials and Methods After induction of the femur fracture model, 80 Wistar rats in eight groups ( n = 10) were studied as follows. Normal control group (0.5 cc of distilled water, DW/gavage/90 days), BP group (200 mg/kg BP/daily/gavage/90 days), fracture (FX-0.5 cc of distilled water/gavage/90 days), FX group treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg BP (100 and 200 mg/kg BP/daily/gavage/90 days), FX group treated with osteocare (OC) syrup (1 mL/day/gavage/90 days) and combinatorial FX groups treated with BP and OC syrup (100 and 200 mg/kg BP plus 1 mL OC/daily/gavage/90 days). On the 30th, 60th, and 90th days, radiography of the lesion was done. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry during the mentioned days. At the end of the study, blood calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), along with the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) enzymes, and nitric oxide levels, were measured. Calcitonin and parathyroid hormone levels were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. In order to evaluate the stimulation of osteoprogenitors, the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) genes and proteins in bone tissue was measured. Results The evaluations of this study showed that BP could improve BMD parameters through stimulation of the OPG/RANK/BMP-2 pathway. BP also improved serum levels of biochemical factors (Ca, P, and ALP) and hormones related to osteogenesis. Conclusion BP can be used for bone fractures and disorders related to osteoporosis.

Positive Effect of Green Photo-Selective Filter on Graft Union Formation in Tomatoes.

This study investigated the effects of green and red photo-selective filters (shade nets) on the process of graft union formation (healing and acclimation) in grafted tomato plants. The research evaluated oxidative stress, physiological characteristics, and anatomical development of graft unions. Plants were subjected to green-netting, red-netting, and no-netting treatments for 28 days, starting 4 days after grafting. Markers of oxidative stress, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as protein concentration of SOD/POD enzyme-enriched extracts, were quantified. The anatomical development of the graft unions was examined using microscopy. The results demonstrated that the red and green photo-selective filters increased ROS production by 5% and 4% after 3 days of exposure, by 58% and 14% after 7 days, and by 30% and 13% after 14 days in comparison to the control treatment. The increase in ROS activates the defense mechanism, enhancing the activity of SOD and POD enzymes. In terms of anatomy, the green netting resulted in enhanced cell proliferation and early differentiation of vascular tissue cells. Notably, at the 28-day mark, when the plants were ready for transplanting, the green-net treatment showed a reduction in lipid peroxidation damage and increases of 20% and 54% in dry weight compared with the control and red-net treatments, respectively. Finally, our results suggest that the use of a green photo-selective filter has a positive effect on oxidative stress, anatomical development, and overall growth of grafted tomato plants during the process of graft union formation.

Exogenous application of salicylic acid regulates antioxidant enzyme activities and quality attributes of Umran ber (Ziziphus mauritiana) fruits under cold storage

The present study was carried out to observe the influence of pre-harvest application of salicylic acid (1, 2 and 3 mM) on shelf life and quality attributes of ber fruits cv. Umran (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) under cold storage conditions (7.5±10C and 90–95% RH). The cold-stored fruits were assessed for various physico-chemical attributes and enzymatic activities at 7 days interval up to 28 days of storage. Above study revealed that fruits treated with salicylic acid @3 mM resulted in reduced physiological loss in fruit weight, spoilage and increased firmness, soluble solids content, antioxidant activity and carotenoids. Furthermore, it suppressed activities of cell wall degrading enzymes like PG, PPO, PME and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase peroxidase and catalase enzymes. It was concluded that pre-harvest spray of salicylic acid @3 mM was more effective in regulating enzymatic activities, thereby improving quality attributes and shelf life of ber fruits up to 21 days at cold storage.

Acute and Chronic Effects of the Antifouling Booster Biocide Diuron on the Harpacticoid Copepod Tigriopus japonicus Revealed through Multi-Biomarker Determination

Diuron, an additive biocide in antifouling paints, is widely employed to curtail the attachment of organisms on submerged surfaces in aquatic structures. Despite the detection of diuron in aquatic ecosystems, information regarding its acute and chronic impacts on aquatic invertebrates, particularly planktonic crustaceans, remains limited. In this study, we analyzed the acute (24 h) and chronic (12 days exposure across three generations) effects of different concentrations of diuron (1/10 of the no observed effect concentration (NOEC), the NOEC, and 1/10 of the lethal concentration 50% (LC50), derived from the 24 h acute toxicity value of 1152 μg L−1) on the harpacticoid copepod Tigriopus japonicus. The acute exposure experiment indicated that the 1/10 LC50 value of diuron significantly reduced the copepod’s feeding rate and acetylcholinesterase activity. In response to the 1/10 LC50 value, the intracellular reactive oxygen species were elevated alongside increased malondialdehyde levels, while the glutathione content was depleted. The enzymatic activities of glutathione S-transferase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were significantly enhanced by the 1/10 LC50 value, suggesting a proactive role of the antioxidant defense system against oxidative stress. Conversely, the activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase enzymes were increased at the NOEC value, while their values were reduced by the 1/10 LC50 value. Chronic exposure to 1/10 NOEC and NOEC values revealed the adverse multigenerational effects of diuron. The second generation exhibited the most sensitivity to diuron, with the NOEC value notably reducing survival rate, body length, nauplius-to-adult development, neonates per brood count, and extending the reproduction period. Taken together, our findings underscore that even sublethal diuron levels can adversely impact copepod populations across generations through intergenerational toxicity.

Postharvest Quality Exploration of “Crystal” Grapes in Karst Mountainous Area: Regulatory Effect of High Concentration 1-MCP Fumigation

The comprehensive exploration and thorough understanding of the physicochemical characteristics of “Crystal” grapes in the Karst area of Southwest China can not only produce edible table grapes, but also offer significant theoretical backing for the management of rocky desertification in the Karst area and consequently generate enhanced social and ecological benefits. This study explored the regulatory effect of 1-MCP fumigation on the postharvest storage quality of "Crystal” grapes, aiming to provide some technical support for the development of the grape industry in the Karst mountainous areas. The results indicate that compared with the control group, both the 10.0 and 50.0 μL/L 1-MCP treatment groups effectively inhibited the increase in decay rate, browning rate, shedding rate, and color change of the grapes, significantly inhibited the enhancement of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), and lipoxygenases (LOX) browning-related enzyme activities, improved the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of the fruits, hindered the decrease of ascorbic acid (AsA) and polyphenols, delayed the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and significantly postponed the peak period of polygalacturonase (PG) activity in the fruits and the degradation of protopectin to soluble pectin, thereby maintaining desirable texture characteristics. The utilization of 1-MCP for fruit fumigation yielded a heightened overall fragrance, thereby facilitating the emission of terpenes, alcohols, aldehydes, ketone aromatic compounds, and methyl aromatic substances within the fruit. Overall, both the M10 and M50 treatments are equally effective in preserving the storage quality of “Crystal” grapes. Under the condition of ensuring the excellent edible quality of crystal grapes, M2 can extend the shelf life of crystal grapes by about 5 days, and M10 and M50 can extend the storage period of crystal grapes by 10~15 days. Considering the cost, it is recommended that the industry employs a concentration of 10.0 μL/L of 1-MCP for “Crystal” grapes. Simultaneously, this study also provides theoretical support for the ecologically high-quality development of cultivated land in the Karst mountainous area of Guizhou and tree selection.

MAGNETIC WATER EFFECTS ON GROWTH AND SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PAULOWNIA TOMENTOSA THUNB UNDER CADMIUM STRESS CONDITIONS

Paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa) is considered as one of the world's fastest-growing species of trees and most widely used for commercial. This research was done as a factorial experiment in Koya city, Erbil, Iraq during 2021-2022 to study the effects of magnetic water (MW) at (0, 500,1000, 1500 and 2000) gauss and cadmium chloride (Cd) at (0, 3.33, 6.66 and 10 mg Kg-1soil) on some growth, physiological and biochemical properties of this plant. Results demonstrate that MW had non-significant differ regarding the survived and the velocity of cutting outgrowth compare to using tap water, whereas Cd application increased the velocity of cutting outgrowth. At least one of MW powers increased significantly each of plant leaf-area, stem diameter, shoot and root fresh weight and dry matter content, as well as all Cd concentrations increased the plants leaves number, leaf-area, stem diameter. Cd had more effects on roots than plant shoots, where it has non-significant effects on shoot high or dry matter, whereas it increased each of shoot and root fresh weight significantly compared to the control treatment. Low power MW (500 and 1000) gauss performed better than high powers (1500 and 2000) gauss in increasing the content of photosynthesis pigments. Utilizing magnetic water greatly enhanced total carotenoids and chlorophyll a, b, regardless to device power. Chlorophyll (a and b) were both significantly reduced by high Cd concentrations; however it was significantly increased at low concentrations as compared to other treatments. High power MW decreased significantly peroxidase enzyme activity and proline content whereas it decreased the percent of total carbohydrate compared to other treatments. Cd application decreased each of peroxidase enzyme activity, percent of total carbohydrate content, increased ascorbic acid and proline significantly in comparing to the control.

Exploring Salinity Tolerance Mechanisms in Diverse Wheat Genotypes Using Physiological, Anatomical, Agronomic and Gene Expression Analyses.

Salinity is a widespread abiotic stress that devastatingly impacts wheat growth and restricts its productivity worldwide. The present study is aimed at elucidating biochemical, physiological, anatomical, gene expression analysis, and agronomic responses of three diverse wheat genotypes to different salinity levels. A salinity treatment of 5000 and 7000 ppm gradually reduced photosynthetic pigments, anatomical root and leaf measurements and agronomic traits of all evaluated wheat genotypes (Ismailia line, Misr 1, and Misr 3). In addition, increasing salinity levels substantially decreased all anatomical root and leaf measurements except sclerenchyma tissue upper and lower vascular bundle thickness compared with unstressed plants. However, proline content in stressed plants was stimulated by increasing salinity levels in all evaluated wheat genotypes. Moreover, Na+ ions content and antioxidant enzyme activities in stressed leaves increased the high level of salinity in all genotypes. The evaluated wheat genotypes demonstrated substantial variations in all studied characters. The Ismailia line exhibited the uppermost performance in photosynthetic pigments under both salinity levels. Additionally, the Ismailia line was superior in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase activity (CAT), peroxidase (POX), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzymes followed by Misr 1. Moreover, the Ismailia line recorded the maximum anatomical root and leaf measurements under salinity stress, which enhanced its tolerance to salinity stress. The Ismailia line and Misr 3 presented high up-regulation of H+ATPase, NHX2 HAK, and HKT genes in the root and leaf under both salinity levels. The positive physiological, anatomical, and molecular responses of the Ismailia line under salinity stress were reflected on agronomic performance and exhibited superior values of all evaluated agronomic traits.

Targeting Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis by Indole-3-Carbinol to Ameliorate Doxorubicin- Induced Cardiotoxicity in Mice

Background: Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective antineoplastic agent of the anthracycline group. However, as with most anticancer drugs, they cause some toxic effects, including major cardiotoxicity. Oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis contribute to the pathological basis of doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity. Indole-3-carbinol is a cruciferous-derived phytochemical, with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Purpose: Our present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of I3C against DOX- induced cardiotoxicity in mice by Targeting Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis. Methods: BALB/c mice were subjected to DOX (4 mg/kg/day, i.p.) once weekly on days 0, 7, 14, 21 (for 21 days) to generate DOX- induced cardiotoxicity. Indole-3-carbinol was administered daily orally in the diet at two dose levels; 1000 ppm and 2000 ppm for 7 days before and 42 days after first injection of DOX. Serum creatine kinase (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and troponin I (cTn-I) levels activities, which are cardiac function markers were determined. Also, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) was assessed and enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were assessed in the heart tissues to determine the protective effect of Indole-3-carbinol against oxidative stress. To determine the anti-inflammatory effect, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) were assessed in the heart tissues. Parts of the heart were subjected to histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations. Results: Indole-3-carbinol in a dose‐dependent manner was found to have the ability to mitigate the harmful effects of DOX on myocardial muscles with significant decrease in serum levels of CK-MB, LDH and cTn-I. In addition, Indole-3-carbinol significantly inhibited DOX-induced cardiac oxidative stress as seen in the reduced level of MDA and increased SOD, CAT, GR and GPx cardiac tissue levels; Indole-3-carbinol significantly reduced inflammatory mediators TNF-α and IL-6 levels and inhibited cardiac apoptosis by modulating Caspase 3 cardiac tissue levels. Moreover, Indole-3-carbinol, in a dose‐dependent manner, had the ability to combat the histopathological and immunohistochemical changes induced by doxorubicin in cardiomyocytes. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that administration of I3C in a dose dependent manner prevents heart injury induced by DOX via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities.

Metabolic Responses of the Microalga Neochloris oleoabundans to Extracellular Self- and Nonself-DNA.

Stressed organisms identify intracellular molecules released from damaged cells due to trauma or pathogen infection as components of the innate immune response. These molecules called DAMPs (Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns) are extracellular ATP, sugars, and extracellular DNA, among others. Animals and plants can recognize their own DNA applied externally (self-exDNA) as a DAMP with a high degree of specificity. However, little is known about the microalgae responses to damage when exposed to DAMPs and specifically to self-exDNAs. Here we compared the response of the oilseed microalgae Neochloris oleoabundans to self-exDNA, with the stress responses elicited by nonself-exDNA, methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3). We analyzed the peroxidase enzyme activity related to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as the production of polyphenols, lipids, triacylglycerols, and phytohormones. After 5 min of addition, self-exDNA induced peroxidase enzyme activity higher than the other elicitors. Polyphenols and lipids were increased by self-exDNA at 48 and 24 h, respectively. Triacylglycerols were increased with all elicitors from addition and up to 48 h, except with nonself-exDNA. Regarding phytohormones, self-exDNA and MeJA increased gibberellic acid, isopentenyladenine, and benzylaminopurine at 24 h. Results show that Neochloris oleoabundans have self-exDNA specific responses.

The Effects of Foliar Salicylic Acid and Zinc Treatments on Proline, Carotenoid, and Chlorophyll Content and Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Activity in Galanthus elwesii Hook

Galanthus elwesii Hook. is an important plant species of the Amaryllidaceae family and is used for the medicinal purposes of its valuable bioactive compounds. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of foliar salicylic acid (SA) and zinc (Zn) treatments on the proline, carotenoid, and chlorophyll content and the anti-oxidant enzyme activity in G. elwesii. The ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzyme activity, catalase (CAT) enzyme activity, and protein contents were determined with ascorbate oxidation, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and Bradford experiments, respectively. The plants were treated with three different concentrations of SA (0.5, 1, and 2 mM) and Zn (40, 80, and 120 mM) and were compared with the control. Fresh leaves were harvested in the study. APX (3.99 ± 0.58 EU/mg protein) and CAT (154.64 ± 4.10 EU/mg protein) were obtained from Zn 80 and 120 mM treatments at the highest level, respectively. The proline, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid content increased 12.4, 1.54, and 3.95-fold, respectively, in 0.5 mM SA treatments, when matched with the control group. It was found that increasing doses of SA and Zn increased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), but this was not at a significant level. The total chlorophyll content increased 2.27-fold in Zn 120 mM + SA 2 mM treatment and the chlorophyll content increased 2.41-fold in Zn 40 mM + SA 1 mM treatment.

Efficacy and mechanism study of Baichanting compound, a combination of Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. and Maxim.) Harms, Paeonia lactiflora Pall and Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Miq. ex Havil, on Parkinson's disease based on metagenomics and metabolomics

Ethnopharmacological relevanceParkinson's disease (PD) is a rapidly progressing neurological disorder. Currently, Medication for PD has numerous limitations. Baichanting Compound (BCT) is a Chinese herbal prescription, a Combination of Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. and Maxim.) Harms, Paeonia lactiflora Pall and Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Miq. ex Havil, that was developed to treat PD and holds a national patent (ZL, 201110260536.3). Aim of the studyTo clarify the therapeutic effect of BCT on PD and explore its possible mechanism based on metabolomics and metagenomics. Materials and methodsC57BL/6 mice were used as a control group, and α-syn transgenic C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to the PD (without treatment) or BCT (with BCT treatment) group. UPLC-MS was performed to detect dopamine levels in brain tissue, while ELISA was used to determine inflammatory factors such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ and NO, and oxidative stress indicators such as malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity. Fecal metabolomics was used to detect fecal metabolic profiles, screen differential metabolic markers, and predict metabolic pathways by KEGG enrichment analysis. Metagenomics was used to determine the intestinal microbial composition, and KO enrichment analysis was performed to predict the potential function of different gut microbiota. Finally, Spearman correlation analysis was used to find the possible relationships among intestinal flora, metabolic markers, inflammatory factors, oxidative stress and dopamine levels. ResultsBCT increased the superoxide dismutase activity of α-Syn transgenic C57BL/6 mice (P < 0.01), decreased the levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, NO and malondialdehyde (P < 0.01, 0.05), and increased the release of dopamine (P < 0.01). Metabolomics results show that BCT could regulate Acetatifactor, Marvinbryantia, Faecalitalea, Anaeromassilibacillus, Anaerobium, Pseudobutyrivibrio and Lachnotalea and Acetatifactor_muris, Marvinbryantia_formatexigens, Lachnotalea_sp_AF33_28, Faecalitalea_sp_Marseille_P3755 and Anaerobium_acetethylicum, Gemmiger_sp_An120 abundance to restore intestinal flora function, and reverse fecal metabolism trend, restoring the content of α-D-glucose, cytidine, L-glutamate, L-glutamine, N-acetyl-L-glutamate, raffinose and uracil. In addition, it regulates arginine biosynthesis, D-glutamine and D-glutamate, pyrimidine, galactose and alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolic pathways. ConclusionBCT may regulate the composition of the gut microbiota to reverse fecal metabolism in PD mice to protect the substantia nigra and striatum from oxidative stress and inflammatory factors and ultimately play an anti-PD role.