Superoxide Dismutase Activity Levels Research Articles

Hematological, Inflammatory, Coagulation, and Oxidative/Antioxidant Biomarkers as Predictors for Severity and Mortality in COVID-19: A Prospective Cohort-Study.

Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation are pivotal points in the pathophysiology of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). This study aims to use routine laboratory and oxidative stress/antioxidative biomarkers as predictors for the mortality of the disease. This prospective cohort study, made up of 120 COVID-19 patients from emergency units in Erbil, Duhok, Kirkuk, and Sulaymaniyah cities in Iraq, from May the 1st to May the 30th, 2021, and 60 healthy controls (HCs) (n = 60). The patients were re-categorized into mild (n = 54), severe (n = 40), and critical (n = 26) groups based on the clinical criteria. Following admission to the hospital, blood was directly collected for measuring routine laboratory biomarkers. Neutrophils and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were higher in the critical group, while lymphocytes were lower in the severe and critical groups compared to the mild group. The CRP, ferritin, and D-dimer values were more elevated in severe and critical cases than in mild COVID-19 cases. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and copper were elevated, while the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity level and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level were lower. However, vitamin C, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase activity levels were not changed in the COVID-19 groups compared to the HCs. NO and ferritin were predictors of ICU hospitalization; D-dimer, MDA, and NLR were predictors of mortality. NO, and NLR were predictors of SpO2 depression. Moreover, NO, and copper have both good diagnostic values, their cutoffs were 39.01 and 11.93, respectively. There is an association between immune dysregulation and oxidative imbalance. The biomarkers, that could be considered as predictors for the severity and mortality of COVID-19, are the NLR, NO, ferritin, and D-dimer. The age equal to and older than 50 has a poor prognosis in the Kurdish population.

Functional changes in hemocytes and antioxidant activity in gills of the ark clam Anadara kagoshimensis (Bivalvia: Arcidae) induced by salinity fluctuations.

This study describes the analysis of antioxidant enzymatic activities (catalase and superoxide dismutase) in gills and functional state of hemocytes (osmotic stability, mitochondrial membrane potential) of ark clams (Anadara kagoshimensis) from the Black Sea basin exposed to salinity stress. For this, the effects of 48h periods of exposure to low (8 ‰, 14 ‰) and high (35 ‰, 45 ‰) salinity were assessed. Our results showed that ark clams, A. kagoshimensis, possessed pronounced tolerance to hypersalinity stress and are sensitive to a short-time hyposalinity treatment. Salinity 35 ‰ inhibited production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by hemocytes and did not affect their levels of mitochondrial membrane potential. Acclimation to 45 ‰ salinity caused significant increase in mitochondrial membrane potential accompanied with recovery of intracellular ROS levels up to controls levels. Acclimation to low salinity (8 ‰) induced an increase in both ROS and mitochondrial membrane potential levels in hemocytes. Catalase and superoxide dismutase activity in gills decreased following acclimation to low (8 ‰) and high (35 ‰) salinity. Exposure to the highest salinity levels (45 ‰) led to a decrease of superoxide dismutase activity levels, but did not influence the levels of catalase activity. Acclimation to low and high salinity was not accompanied with changes in osmotic fragility of hemocytes despite osmotic fragility curve according to changes in hemolymph osmolarity. Based upon these results, we postulate the involvement of cellular osmoregulatory mechanisms in the adaptation of the ark clam to short-term fluctuations of environmental salinity.

TAURINE PREVENTS AGAINST 2,3,7,8-TETRACHLORODIBENZO-P-DIOXIN-INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS IN THE LIVER AND KIDNEY OF RATS

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the preventive effects of Taurine against 2,3,7,8-tetracholorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-induced organ damage in rats. The environmental toxin TCDD has a high toxicity in animal and human tissues. Taurine is an amino acid found in organ cells that has and antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory. As a result, the potential preventive effect of taurine on oxidative stress and organ damage caused by TCDD was investigated in rat liver and kidney tissues by measuring glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels.
 Material and Method: Adult male Wistar rats (250-300 g, 12-13 weeks, n = 32) were randomly allocted into four groups (n = 8/group): Control, TCDD, TAU, and TCDD+TAU. TCDD and/or taurine were administered via gavage in doses of 2 μg/kg/week and 200 mg/kg/day, respectively.
 Result and Discussion: The results showed that TCDD caused oxidative stress in the liver and kidney tissues of rats by decreasing the levels of GSH and SOD activity and increasing the levels of TBARS. Taurine treatment significantly reduced TBARS levels (p

Protective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Rosa canina L. fruit on cyclophosphamide-induced testicular toxicity in mice.

Cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced testicular toxicity has been reported in recipient patients. The current study was designed to evaluate protective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Rosa canina L. fruit (HARF) against CP-induced testicular toxicity in BALB/c mice. Thirty-five mice were divided into five groups as follows: group I (control), group II (CP, received CP 100 mg/kg on days 1, 8, 15, and 22), group III (CP + HARF 250 mg/kg), group IV (CP + HARF 500 mg/kg), and group V (CP + HARF 750 mg/kg). In the groups III, IV, and V that received CP, the HARF was simultaneously administered via intraperitoneal injections for 28 consecutive days starting from day 1. On the 29th day, sperm parameters, stress oxidative biomarkers, and mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid-derived-2 (Nrf2) in testis tissue, as well as blood testosterone were evaluated. The CP exposure decreased sperm parameters, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, testosterone, and Nrf2 mRNA expression levels and increased the malondialdehyde (MDA). HARF at the dose of 500 mg/kg improved sperm count and viability and increased SOD and catalase activities, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, testosterone level, and Nrf2 expression and reduced MDA. Also, HARF at the dose of 750 mg/kg improved sperm parameters and increased SOD, catalase, and GPx activities, total testosterone level, and Nrf2 expression, and reduced MDA in comparison with the CP group. According to our findings, HARF at the doses of 500 and 750 mg/kg inhibited the ruinous effects of CP on the reproductive system in mice.

Effects of fasting on FOXO3 expression as an anti-aging biomarker in the liver

BackgroundAging is a multifactorial degenerative process that can be modulated by fasting through activation of the Fork-head transcription factor of the O class 3 (FOXO3), which plays an important role in increasing lifespans. However, the effects of different fasting durations on the expression of FOXO3 in the liver has not yet been reported. ObjectiveThis study analyzed the effects of different fasting durations on the FOXO3 expression and its pathway by measuring sirtuin1 (SIRT1), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the liver. MethodsNew Zealand white rabbits were used to mimic the effects of fasting on humans. The rabbits were divided into the control, intermittent fasting (IF), and prolonged fasting (PF) groups. Both fasting groups were interspersed with the non-fasting phase for 8 h. This treatment was conducted for 6 days. On Day 7, all the rabbits were sacrificed, and their livers were taken to measure the FOXO3 and SIRT1 mRNA expressions, the IGF-1 protein level, and the SOD activity level. ANOVA, multiple comparison, and Pearson's correlation were performed for statistical analysis. ResultsThe FOXO3 and SIRT1 mRNA expressions were significantly higher in the IF group than in the control group. The FOXO3 expression was also 2.5 times higher in the IF group than in the PF group. There was a positive correlation between the FOXO3 and SIRT1 mRNA expressions. The IGF-1 protein level was significantly lower in the IF and PF groups than in the control group. The SOD-specific activity level was significantly higher in the IF group than in the control and PF groups. ConclusionsIntermittent fasting significantly increased the FOXO3 and SIRT1 mRNA expressions and the SOD activity level in the livers of the rabbits and significantly decreased the circulating and hepatic IGF-1. Therefore, intermittent fasting may give a protective intervention effect towards aging.

Effect of Crocin and Treadmill Exercise on Spermatogenesis and Testis Structure in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats: An Experimental Study

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of crocin and treadmill exercise on oxidative stress, sperm parameters, and testis structure in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 64 diabetic rats induced by a single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of STZ (50 mg/ kg) were assigned to the following groups (n=8/each): healthy control group, diabetic control group, diabetic group treated daily with crocin at a dose of 50 mg/kg, and one healthy group receiving daily crocin at a dose of 50 mg/kg for 56 days. Some groups such as the controls and diabetics exercised with treadmill, as well as the healthy and diabetic groups performed daily exercise with treadmill and crocin. After crocin treatment, all rats were anesthetized, their blood samples were taken, and the serum level of insulin, glucose, and oxidative stress markers were measured. Finally, the testicles and epididymis were removed and sperm parameters were assessed. Results: Treatment of diabetic rats with crocin along with treadmill exercise significantly replaced the testicular tissue damage, sperm parameters, glucose, and insulin plasma levels (P=0.001). In diabetic rats, moreover, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was increased and the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes activity were reduced in the testicular tissue (P=0.001). Crocin administration (50 mg/kg BW) and exercise significantly improved these parameters (P<0.05). Conclusions: Our results confirm the antioxidant role of crocin and the positive role of treadmill exercise in improving the sperm parameters and testicular oxidative damage caused by diabetes.

Astaxanthin, bile acid and chlorogenic acid attenuated the negative effects of high-fat diet on the growth, lipid deposition, and liver health of Oncorhynchus mykiss

This study aimed to examine the effects of high-fat diets supplemented with astaxanthin, chlorogenic acid, and bile acid on the growth, lipid accumulation, oxidation resistance, inflammatory response, and liver morphology in Oncorhynchus mykiss cultured in the convection-water cages. Fish were fed five isonitrogenous diets (D1: 20% lipid; D2: 30% lipid; D3: 30% lipid +0.1% BASF astaxanthin; D4: 30% + 0.06% chlorogenic acid; and D5: 30% lipid +0.1% bile acid) for 6 weeks. The results found that fish fed the D2 diet achieved a lower growth, while the optimal growth was identified in D4 diet. The higher crude lipid contents in the whole body were identified in fish fed the D3-D5 diets. Fish fed the high-fat diet showed liver vacuolization and lower superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and transcriptional levels of NF-E2-related nuclear factor 2 (Nrf2), catalase (CAT), and SOD, as well as higher malondialdehyde content. Supplementing above three additives can reverse above results and enhance the total antioxidant capacity. Besides, the three additives alleviated the inflammatory responses caused by the high-fat diet via inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines. Moreover, high-fat diet reduced the endogenous lipid production and promoted the lipoprotein hydrolysis by increasing the lipoprotein lipase and inhibiting the fatty acid synthesis. The above results showed that three additives could mitigate the negative effects caused by the high-fat diet. Among them, astaxanthin showed the best antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and chlorogenic acid could elevate the growth greatest.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Rosmarinic Acid on Ovalbumin-Induced Intestinal Food Allergy Mouse Model.

Rosmarinic acid (RA) has been proven to exert antianaphylaxis in atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. The aim of this study was to determine the hepatoprotective effects of RA on ovalbumin (OVA) challenge-induced intestinal allergy. The results exhibited that RA could relieve anaphylactic symptoms, decrease diarrhea, and prevent hypothermia in allergic mice. Moreover, the elevation of OVA specific IgE (OVA-sIgE), histamine, and mouse mast cell proteinases (mMCP-1) in the serum of OVA challenged mice were remarkably inhibited by RA. OVA challenge resulted in notable increases in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, liver malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitic oxide (NO) levels, and a remarkable decrease in liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione (GSH) level. RA treatments succeeded in improving these biochemical parameters and promote the redox homeostasis. Cytokine expression evaluation showed that RA effectively enhanced the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and FOXP-3) in the liver of OVA-challenged mice. Meanwhile, the elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, mMCP-1, and iNOS) were remarkably inhibited by RA. These findings suggest that RA possesses hepatoprotective effects on OVA challenge-induced liver injury. The anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of RA potentially play vital roles in this process.

Fisetin Attenuates Paracetamol-Induced Hepatotoxicity by Regulating CYP2E1 Enzyme.

Paracetamol is one of the drugs that cause hepatic damage. Fisetin has wide pharmacological effects such as anticancer, antiinflammatory and antioxidant. We aimed to evaluate the possible protective effect of fisetin on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. Fisetin was administered at 25 and 50 mg/kg doses. Paracetamol was administered orally at a dose of 2 g/kg for induce hepatotoxicity 1 h after the fisetin and NAC treatments. The rats were sacrificed 24h after the Paracetamol administration. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), NFκB and CYP2E1 mRNA levels and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of livers were determined. Serum ALT, AST and ALP levels were measured. Histopathological examinations were also performed. Fisetin administration significantly decreased the ALT, AST and ALP levels in a dose dependent manner. In addition, SOD activity and GSH levels increased, and the MDA level decreased with the treatment of fisetin. The TNF-α, NFκB and CYP2E1 gene expressions were significantly lower in both doses of the fisetin groups compared with the PARA group. Histopathological examinations showed that fisetin has hepatoprotective effects. This study showed that fisetin has the liver protective effects by increasing GSH, decreasing inflammatory mediators and CYP2E1.

Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 Priming of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorate Acute Lung Injury by Inducing Regulatory T Cells.

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) possess immunoregulatory properties and their regulatory functions represent a potential therapy for acute lung injury (ALI). However, uncertainties remain with respect to defining MSCs-derived immunomodulatory pathways. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying the enhanced effect of human recombinant bone morphogenic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) primed ES-MSCs (MSCBMP2) in promoting Tregs in ALI mice. MSC were preconditioned with 100 ng/ml rhBMP-2 for 24 h, and then administrated to mice by intravenous injection after intratracheal injection of 1 mg/kg LPS. Treating MSCs with rhBMP-2 significantly increased cellular proliferation and migration, and cytokines array reveled that cytokines release by MSCBMP2 were associated with migration and growth. MSCBMP2 ameliorated LPS induced lung injury and reduced myeloperoxidase activity and permeability in mice exposed to LPS. Levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase were decreased while levels of total glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity were further increased via inhibition of phosphorylated STAT1 in ALI mice treated with MSCBMP2. MSCBMP2 treatment increased the protein level of IDO1, indicating an increase in Treg cells, and Foxp3+CD25+ Treg of CD4+ cells were further increased in ALI mice treated with MSCBMP2. In co-culture assays with MSCs and RAW264.7 cells, the protein level of IDO1 was further induced in MSCBMP2. Additionally, cytokine release of IL-10 was enhanced while both IL-6 and TNF-α were further inhibited. In conclusion, these findings suggest that MSCBMP2 has therapeutic potential to reduce massive inflammation of respiratory diseases by promoting Treg cells.

Comparison of Gambier Extract (Uncaria Gambier Robx) and Angiotensin Receptor Blocker on Proteinuria Reduction and Antioxidants - Enhancement in Nephrotic Rat Models.

Proteinuria is a significant clinical manifestation that causes edema in several diseases, including Nephrotic Syndrome (NS). Untreated proteinuria is strongly linked to the progression of kidney failure. One of the adjuvant therapies could be used to reduce proteinuria such as Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB) including Losartan®. Gambier is a traditional medicinal plant widely known for its antioxidant effects. Catechin, a compound contained in Gambier Extract (GE), has been used to reduce microalbuminuria in diabetics. However, its application in NS has not been widely studied. This study compared the effects of GE and ARB in reducing proteinuria and increasing antioxidant activity levels, as well as reported histopathological findings in the nephrotic Wistar rat model. An experimental design study with a control group and a posttest was conducted. The experimental animals were divided into four groups: the control group (K1), the group with puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) injection (K2), the group with PAN injection + GE (K3), and the group with PAN injection + Losartan® (K4). The standard GE used was Sarie Uncariae® by Toyo Brothers, PT while the ARB (Losartan®) was obtained from Novell, PT. Protein urine, the activity level of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed using the colorimetric method. Renal histopathology was assessed based on Rollerman's criteria. Gambier extract significantly reduced proteinuria, as depicted by a decrease in protein/volume urine (p = 0.009), increased antioxidant activity, as illustrated by an elevation in T-SOD activity levels (p = 0.007), and tended to decrease MDA levels compared to Losartan®. Based on histopathological findings, GE tended to reduce the percentage of kidney damage in rats induced by puromycin. Gambier extract has been shown a higher antioxidant effect by increasing T-SOD activity levels, reducing proteinuria and also exhibiting a tendency to diminish kidney damage.

Efficiency of Hesperidin against Liver Fibrosis Induced by Bile Duct Ligation in Rats.

Bile duct ligation (BDL) and subsequent cholestasis are associated with oxidative stress and liver injury and fibrosis. Hesperidin (3,5,7-trihydroxyflavanone 7-rhamnoglucoside) is a flavanone glycoside abundant in citrus fruits. It has positive effects on diabetic retinopathy, reduced platelet aggregation, and blood flow alterations and has the potential to reduce liver injury in oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of hesperidin on BDL-induced liver injury in rats. A total of 48 adult male Wistar rats were equally allocated to six eight-rat groups, namely, a healthy group, a sham group, a BDL+Vehicle group (BDL plus treatment with distilled water), a BDL+VitC group (BDL plus treatment with vitamin C 4.25 μg/kg), a BDL+Hesp100 group (BDL plus treatment with hesperidin 100 mg/kg/day), and a BDL+Hesp200 group (BDL plus treatment with hesperidin 200 mg/kg/day). Treatments were orally provided for 21 consecutive days. Finally, rats were sacrificed through heart blood sampling. Blood samples were centrifuged, and liver function, oxidative stress, and antioxidant parameters were assessed. Liver tissue was also assessed for oxidative stress, antioxidant, and histological parameters. The expression of inflammatory genes, namely, TGFβ1, iNOS, Caspase-3, and α-SMA, was measured through polymerase chain reaction. Findings. Hesperidin supplementation was associated with significant decrease in the levels of liver enzymes, bilirubin, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, and inflammatory gene expression; significant increase in the levels of total antioxidant capacity, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme activity; and significant improvement in the histological morphology and structure of the liver parenchyma. Hesperidin has significant positive effects on liver morphology and structure, inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidative stress in rats with BDL-induced cholestatic liver injury.

Considering the protective effect of exendin-4 against oxidative stress in spiral ganglion neurons.

The protection of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) is crucial for hearing loss. Exendin-4 has been shown to have neuroprotective effects in several neurological disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of the glucagon-like protein-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist exendin-4 on kanamycin-induced injury in mouse SGNs in vitro. In this study, GLP-1R expression in SGNs was verified by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining. In vitro-cultured SGNs and the organ of Corti were exposed to kanamycin with or without exendin-4 treatment. The cell survival rate was measured using the cell counting kit-8 assay, and the damage to auditory nerve fibers (ANF) projecting radially from the SGNs was evaluated using immunofluorescence staining. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) content was determined by flow cytometry, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were determined by spectrophotometry. Protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) was detected using western blotting. GLP-1R was expressed in SGNs. Treatment with 1 mM kanamycin for 24 hr induced SGN damage. Exendin-4 (100 nM) had a protective effect against kanamycin-induced SGN cell injury, improved cell survival rate, reduced nerve fiber injury, increased SOD activity and GSH-Px level, and reduced MDA and ROS contents. The Nrf2/HO-1 pathway was activated. Exendin-4 alleviates oxidative damage and exerts neuroprotective effects in kanamycin-induced SGN injury through the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Exendin-4 has the potential to prevent or treat hearing loss due to SGN damage.

Implication of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Defence Systems in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> Malaria Infection among Children Aged 1 to 15 Years in the Mount Cameroon Area

It is known that the pathogenicity of Plasmodium induces the breakdown of haemoglobin, which leads to the induction of oxidative stress. This study aimed to identify the possible effects of oxidative stress and antioxidant defence systems in symptomatic and asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection in children (1 - 15 years old) in the Mount Cameroon vicinity. This cross-sectional study involved blood samples collected from 473 children and examined for malaria parasitaemia. Full blood counts were performed using an automated haemoanalyser. Serum oxidative stress status (malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and vitamin C (Vit C)) were each determined by colorimetric enzymatic assays. The prevalence of malaria parasite infection was 32.1% among the participants. Out of that, 62.5% of patients with parasitaemia were symptomatic. Anaemia prevalence increased significantly with parasite density. MDA levels were significantly higher in patients with malaria symptoms than in those without symptoms. A significant and positive correlation was detected between MDA (r = 0.831, P < 0.05), NO (r = 0.779, P < 0.05), and malaria parasite density while, a significant and negative relationship occurred between parasite density and GSH (r = ?0.763, P < 0.05) and Vit C (r = ?0.826, P < 0.05) levels, SOD (r = ?0.621, P < 0.05) and CAT (r = ?0.817, P < 0.05) activities. The SOD activity and GSH level significantly decreased (P < 0.05) with an increase in the MDA levels. These findings showed that MDA and nitric oxide levels increased both in malaria participants with or without symptoms. A similar decrease in the antioxidant defence system was observed in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Therefore, there is a need to develop public health policies that encourage routine diagnosis and treatment of malaria in seemingly healthy people (asymptomatic cases), and this will play an essential role in controlling malaria in tropical countries.

Gastroprotective effects of ginsenoside Rh4 against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury by inhibiting the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Ginsenoside Rh4, a bioactive component extracted from Panax ginseng, exhibits various pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, anti-diabetes, anti-obesity, antitumor and immunity enhancement. However, the gastroprotective effect of ginsenoside Rh4 remains unknown. The present study evaluated the gastroprotective effect and potential mechanism of ginsenoside Rh4 in an ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model. Ginsenoside Rh4 (15, 30, and 60 mg kg-1) and omeprazole (30 mg kg-1) were administered orally for 7 days. The results showed that pretreatment with ginsenoside Rh4 reduced the gastric injury area and percentage of mucosal lesions in gastric tissue. Besides, treatment with ginsenoside Rh4 increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, reduced the content of malonaldehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), mediated the prostaglandin E-2-cyclooxygenase-2 (PGE2-Cox-2) pathway, and mitigated inflammation and oxidative stress via blockade of proinflammatory mitogen-activated protein kinase-nuclear factor κB (MAPK/NF-κB) signaling pathways. Furthermore, ginsenoside Rh4 significantly enhanced the protein expression of B-cell lymphoma gene 2 (Bcl-2), decreased the protein expression of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 6 (Fas), and inhibited the number of apoptotic cells in gastric tissues. The present work demonstrated that ginsenoside Rh4 exerted a considerable gastroprotective effect against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats.

A WRKY Transcription Factor PmWRKY57 from Prunus mume Improves Cold Tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Prunus mume, a woody perennial tree, is valued for its ornamental traits and has been cultivated for a long history. Low temperature is the main environmental factor restricting the distribution and affecting the growth of P. mume. In plants, some WRKY transcription factors have been reported to participate in regulating cold tolerance. However, there were few researches about functional characterization of WRKYs involving in P. mume cold response. Here, a cold-induced WRKY gene named as PmWRKY57 was cloned from a P. mume cultivar 'Guhong Zhusha.' PmWRKY57 protein harboring a WRKY domain and a C2H2 zinc finger motif belongs to Group IIc of WRKY family. The PmWRKY57 protein was located to the nucleus and has transcriptional activation activity. PmWRKY57-overexpresing Arabidopsis thaliana lines showed improved cold tolerance, compared to wild-type plants. Under cold treatment, the leaves of transgenic lines contained significantly lower malondialdehyde content, and higher levels of superoxide dismutase activity, peroxidase activity, and proline content than wild-type plants. Furthermore, the expression levels of cold-response genes such as AtCOR6.6, AtCOR47, AtKIN1, and AtRCI2A were up-regulated in leaves of transgenic A. thaliana compared to those in wild-type plants. This study characterized the function of PmWRKY57 in improving cold tolerance of plants.

염분 변화에 따른 명태(Gadus Chalcogrammus)의 스트레스 반응; 혈액생리학적 변화 및 유전자 발현

The study evaluated the change of stress indicators in plasma and mRNA expression levels of stress-related genes in head-kidney and liver of walleye pollock, Gadus chalcogrammus according to acute salinity fluctuation. Walleye pollocks were exposed for 24 hours in five groups, as salinity are 34, 30, 25, 20, and 15 psu. The levels of hematocrit (Ht), glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), cortisol, glucose, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in plasma were increased as the salinity of the breeding water decreased. Ht increased with 37.5 ± 1% at 20 psu. GOT with 41.0 ± 5.03 U/L, cortisol with 882.73 ± 32.73 ng/mL, and glucose with 67.67±11.6 ng/dL increased a significant difference at 25 psu. The SOD activity levels in plasma were highest at 15 psu with 3.51 ± 0.13 U/mL. Plasma hemoglobin (Hb) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) did not show a statistically significant difference according to salinity, but showed a tendency to increase as the salinity decreased. Total protein (TP) levels in plasma were the highest with 5.9 ± 0.61 g/dL at 25 psu. The relative mRNA expression of stress-related genes was investigated in the head-kidney and liver of walleye pollocks, and the mRNA expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) increased, as the salinity decreased from 25 psu, whereas glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mRNA expression decreased as the salinity decreased. These results suggest that walleye pollocks become stressed-condition to salinity below 25 psu, but homeostasis can be maintained up to 15 psu in short-term.

Fucoidan treatment alleviates chilling injury in cucumber by regulating ROS homeostasis and energy metabolism.

Chilling injury is a major hindrance to cucumber fruit quality during cold storage. In this study, we evaluated the effects of fucoidan on fruit quality, reactive oxygen species homeostasis, and energy metabolism in cucumbers during cold storage. The results showed that, compared with the control cucumber fruit, fucoidan-treated cucumber fruit exhibited a lower chilling injury index and less weight loss, as well as reduced electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde content. The most pronounced effects were observed following treatment with fucoidan at 15 g/L, which resulted in increased 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl radical scavenging rates and reduced superoxide anion production rate and hydrogen peroxide content. The expression and activity levels of peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were enhanced by fucoidan treatment. Further, fucoidan treatment maintained high levels of ascorbic acid and glutathione, and high ratios of ascorbic acid/dehydroascorbate and glutathione/oxidized glutathione. Moreover, fucoidan treatment increased the activities of ascorbate peroxidase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, dehydroascorbate reductase, and glutathione reductase and their gene expression. Fucoidan treatment significantly delayed the decrease in ATP and ADP, while preventing an increase in AMP content. Finally, fucoidan treatment delayed the decrease of energy charge and the activities and gene expression of H+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase, cytochrome c oxidase, and succinate dehydrogenase in cucumber fruits. Altogether, our findings indicate that fucoidan can effectively enhance antioxidant capacity and maintain energy metabolism, thereby improving cucumber cold resistance during cold storage.

The long non-coding RNA GhlncRNA149.1 improves cotton defense response to aphid damage as a positive regulator

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in various plant biological regulatory processes and defense responses to all sorts of biotic and abiotic stresses. However, there are limited studies on the function and mechanism of lncRNAs in plant defense responses to phytophagous insects. In this research, a lncRNA GhlncRNA149.1 was identified from upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Depending on the position relationship between lncRNA and mRNA, we identified CC-NBS-LRR family gene GhA01G0129 as the target gene of GhlncRNA149.1. Expression levels of GhlncRNA149.1 and its target gene GhA01G0129 were significantly down-regulated in cotton cotyledons upon cotton aphid infestation. The expression level of GhlncRNA149.1 was significantly down-regulated after the induction of methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid, whereas expression level of its target gene GhA01G0129 was significantly up-regulated. Overexpression of GhlncRNA149.1 in cotton cotyledons enhanced the tolerance of cotton plants to cotton aphid feeding. Expectedly, silencing GhlncRNA149.1 increased susceptibility of cotton plants to cotton aphids. The expression level of GhA01G0129, the target gene of GhlncRNA149.1, was significantly up-regulated in cotton plants overexpressing GhlncRNA149.1, and significantly down-regulated in cotton plants silencing GhlncRNA149.1. The activity and expression levels of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) were up-regulated in cotton plants transiently overexpressing GhlncRNA149.1, while opposite results were obtained in cotton plants silencing GhlncRNA149.1. In addition, similar results were obtained in the expression levels of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), enhanced disease susceptibility 1 (EDS1) and non-expression of pathogenesis-related gene 1 (NPR1) in cotton plants transiently overexpressing GhlncRNA149.1 and silencing GhlncRNA149.1. These results collectively suggest that GhlncRNA149.1 improve the plant defense response to aphid attack, and thus has potential for enforcing cotton aphid prevention and control.

Multi-characteristic toxicity of enantioselective chiral fungicide tebuconazole to a model organism Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819 (Bivalve: Mytilidae)

The survey of available scientific literature shows a lack of data on the chronic effects of tebuconazole (TEB) on non-target aquatic organisms. Therefore, this study evaluates toxicity (10 and 20 days) of two considered concentrations 2 ng/L (E1) and 2 μg/L (E2) of TEB to bioindicator species Mytilus galloprovincialis. To this end, the TEB concentrations measured in soft mussel tissues showed a time-dependent increasing trend. The viability of haemocyte and digestive gland (DG) cells was higher than 95 % during the experiment. However, DG cells lost the ability to regulate their volume in both groups after 20-d. The E1 treatment increased Cl− and Na+ levels, and E2 decreased Na+ levels in the haemolymph. In addition, levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and oxidatively modified protein (OMP) increased after 10- and 20-d in both treatments. Histopathological findings showed abnormalities in the E2, e.g., haemocyte infiltration, hypertrophy, and hyperplasia in gills and DG. This study reveals the potential risks of TEB usage in the model organism M. galloprovincialis, primarily via bioaccumulation of TEB in food web links, and improves knowledge about its comprehensive toxicity.