Antioxidant Enzyme Activity Levels Research Articles

Saussurea involucrata SiLEA5 Enhances Tolerance to Drought Stress in Solanum lycopersicum

Drought adversely affects plant growth, which leads to reduced crop yields and exacerbates food insecurity. Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins are crucial for plants’ responses to abiotic stresses. This research further investigates the role of SiLEA5 by utilizing transgenic tomatoes under drought stress. The expression of SiLEA5 was upregulated under drought and abscisic acid (ABA) treatment, resulting in decreased electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde content, alongside increased levels of osmotic regulators and antioxidant enzyme activity. These biochemical alterations reduce oxidative damage and enhance drought resistance. qRT-PCR analysis revealed the upregulation of ABA signaling genes and key enzymes involved in proline biosynthesis (P5CS) and dehydrin (DHN) synthesis under drought stress. Additionally, overexpression of SiLEA5 increased the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and fruit yield of tomatoes by regulating stomatal density and aperture. These findings suggest that SiLEA5 may be a potential target for improving drought tolerance in tomatoes and other crops.

LkERF6 enhances drought and salt tolerance in transgenic tobacco by regulating ROS homeostasis

The transcription factor Ethylene Responsive Factor (ERF) is crucial for responding to various environmental stressors. Proteins containing the ERF-associated amphiphilic repression (EAR) motif often inhibit gene expression. However, the functions of LkERF, an EAR motif-containing protein from Larix kaempferi, especially in reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, are not well understood. In the present research, we introduce a novel transcription factor, LkERF6, which contains an EAR motif and positively regulates gene expression, thereby enhancing drought and salt tolerance in tobacco. LkERF6 is classified within the ERF-B1 subfamily due to its conserved AP2/ERF domain and EAR motif. Subcellular localization assays demonstrated LkERF6 is primarily localized in the nucleus. Further analysis revealed that LkERF6 interacts with GCC and DRE elements and is significantly induced by NaCl and PEG6000. Moreover, LkERF6 transgenic tobacco plants exhibit lower ROS accumulation and higher levels of antioxidant enzyme activities. Additionally, correlation analysis identified a strong association between LkERF6 and three genes: LkSOD, LkCCS, and LkCAT. Y1H, EMAS, and DLR assays confirmed that LkERF6 directly interacts with the promoters of these genes through GCC-box and DRE-box to activate their expression. These findings shed new light on the function of EAR motif-containing transcription factors and highlight LkERF6’s crucial role in enhancing abiotic stress resistance by activating multiple ROS clearance genes.

Investigation of Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Berberine Nanomicelles: In vitro and In vivo Studies.

In the present study, neuroprotective effects of berberine (BBR) and berberine nanomicelle (BBR-NM) against lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced stress oxidative were investigated, and compared by evaluating their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in PC12 cells, and rat brains. A fast, green, and simple synthesis method was used to prepare BBR-NMs. The prepared BBR-NMs were then characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In vitro experiments were carried out on the LPS-treated PC12 cell lines to investigate the anti-cytotoxic and antioxidant properties of BBR-NM and BBR. The results showed that BBR-NMs with a diameter of ~100 nm had higher protective effects against ROS production and cytotoxicity induced by LPS in PC12 cells in comparison with free BBR. Moreover, in vivo experiments indicated that the activity levels of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), increased in the brain of LPS-treated rats administrated with BBR-NM at the optimum dose of 100 mg.kg-1. BBR-NM administration also resulted in decreased concentration of lipid peroxidation (MDA) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as Serum interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Overall, BBR-NM demonstrated higher neuroprotective effects than free BBR, making it a promising treatment for improving many diseases caused by oxidative stress and inflammation.

Assessing antioxidant responses in C6 and U-87 MG cell lines exposed to high copper levels

Copper excess has been tested as an anticancer therapy, due to its properties to generate oxidative stress resulting in tumoral cell death. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of copper excess on oxidative stress and antioxidant responses in glioma cells, establishing the antioxidant system as a target of copper toxicity in tumoral cells. C6 and U-87 MG cells were exposed to CuSO4 (0–600 μM) for 24-48 h. SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, and CK activities, protein and non-protein thiol levels (PSH and NPSH), and O2− production were assessed, alongside SOD1, GPx1, and GR gene expression. Results revealed a decrease in GPx, GR, and CAT activity after CuSO4 exposure in both cell lines over 24-48 h, while SOD activity initially increased, then declined after 48 h. CK activity was also decreased in C6 cells. NPSH and PSH levels dropped after 24 h, and O2− production was observed in all CuSO4 concentrations. GR mRNA was reduced in both cell lines, contrasting with increased GPx1 mRNA in C6. U-87 MG cells exhibited higher levels of SOD1 mRNA, while C6 cells displayed lower expression. Our findings suggest that copper excess limits antioxidant enzyme activity and thiol levels, particularly in the C6 cells, likely attributable to oxidative stress or direct copper-enzyme interactions. Moreover, our results imply differences in copper toxicity regarding the cell lineage used, highlighting the importance of analyzing high copper levels effects in different models. Moreover, it could be proposed that the antioxidant system is a target of copper toxicity, contributing to glioma cell death.

Ficus carica Puree Exerts a Higher Antioxidative Profile in Hypoxic Lungs after Intermittently Inducing Hypoxia in Sprague–Dawley Rats

Abstract Background: The body produces more hypoxia-inducible factor and reactive oxygen species in response to hypoxic situations because they cause unbalanced oxygen levels. Ficus carica provides numerous benefits because of its high antioxidant and mineral content. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which F. carica consumption confers this protective benefit remains incompletely understood. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate how F. carica puree (FCP) can affect the antioxidant enzyme activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the lung by mitigating the effects of intermittent hypoxia (IH). Methods: Thirty Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into five groups negative control (NC), untreated; positive control (PC), treated with aquadest; FCP1; FCP2; and FCP3, which received FCP at doses of 1.25, 2.5, and 5 mL/200 g body weight. The treatment was administered for 4 weeks before inducing IH (10% O2 and 90% N2) into all groups (except NC) for 4 h for 7 days. Furthermore, hemoglobin (Hb) level, lung MDA level, and lung superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity were assessed. Results: The Hb level did not exhibit a significant increase under IH conditions. Conversely, the PC group exhibited the least activity of lung antioxidant enzymes and the highest lung MDA levels. In addition, the FCP intervention group exhibited lower MDA levels than the PC group and ameliorated relative lung weight loss. Conclusion: All FCP intervention groups showed lower MDA levels and higher SOD levels compared to the PC group, suggesting that FCP could mitigate the effects of hypoxia in rat lungs.

Yield, cell structure and physiological and biochemical characteristics of rapeseed under waterlogging stress

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is a major oilseed crop in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China. However, it is susceptible to waterlogging stress. This study aimed to investigate the physiological characteristics, cellular changes, and gene expression patterns of rapeseed under waterlogging stress, with the goal of providing a foundation for breeding waterlogging-tolerant rapeseed. The results revealed that waterlogging-tolerant rapeseed exhibited higher levels of soluble sugars and antioxidant enzyme activity, particularly in the roots. Conversely, waterlogging-sensitive rapeseed displayed greater changes in malondialdehyde, proline, and hydrogen peroxide levels. Cellular observations showed that after experiencing waterlogging stress, the intercellular space of rapeseed leaf cells expanded, leading to disintegration of mitochondria and chloroplasts. Moreover, the area of the root xylem increased, the number of vessels grew, and there were signs of mitochondrial disintegration and vacuole shrinkage, with more pronounced changes observed in waterlogging-sensitive rapeseed. Furthermore, significant differences were found in the transcription levels of genes related to anaerobic respiration and flavonoid biosynthesis, and different varieties demonstrated varied responses to waterlogging stress. In conclusion, there are differences in the response of different varieties to waterlogging stress at the levels of morphology, physiological characteristics, cell structure, and gene transcription. Waterlogging-tolerant rapeseed responds to waterlogging stress by regulating its antioxidant defense system. This study provides valuable insights for the development of waterlogging-tolerant rapeseed varieties.

Capsinoids Increase Antioxidative Enzyme Activity and Prevent Obesity-Induced Cardiac Injury without Positively Modulating Body Fat Accumulation and Cardiac Oxidative Biomarkers.

Capsinoids are potential antioxidant agents capable of reducing oxidative damage and the resulting complications triggered by obesity. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of capsinoids on adiposity and biomarkers of cardiac oxidative stress in obese rats induced by a high-fat diet. Male Wistar rats were exposed to a high-fat diet for 27 consecutive weeks. After the characterization of obesity (week 19), some of the obese animals began to receive capsinoids (10 mg/kg/day) by orogastric gavage. Adiposity and comorbidities were assessed. In the heart, remodeling, injury, and biomarkers of oxidative stress were determined. The treatment did not reduce obesity-induced adiposity but was efficient in reducing cholesterol levels. Capsinoid treatment did not cause a difference in heart and LV mass, despite having reduced troponin I concentrations. Furthermore, capsinoids did not reduce the increase in the advanced oxidation of protein products and carbonylated proteins caused by obesity in cardiac tissue. In addition, obese rats treated with capsinoids presented high levels of malondialdehyde and greater antioxidant enzyme activity compared to untreated obese rats. In conclusion, treatment with capsinoids increases antioxidative enzyme activity and prevents obesity-induced cardiac injury without positively modulating body fat accumulation and cardiac oxidative biomarkers.

Spermidine augments salt stress resilience in rice roots potentially by enhancing OsbZIP73’s RNA binding capacity

BackgroundRice is a staple crop for over half of the global population, but soil salinization poses a significant threat to its production. As a type of polyamine, spermidine (Spd) has been shown to reduce stress-induced damage in plants, but its specific role and mechanism in protecting rice roots under salt stress require further investigation.ResultsThis study suggested spermidine (Spd) mitigates salt stress on rice root growth by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity and reducing peroxide levels. Transcriptomic analysis showed that salt stress caused 333 genes to be upregulated and 1,765 to be downregulated. However, adding Spd during salt treatment significantly altered this pattern: 2,298 genes were upregulated and 844 were downregulated, which indicated Spd reverses some transcriptional changes caused by salt stress. KEGG pathway analysis suggested that Spd influenced key signaling pathways, including MAPK signaling, plant hormone signal transduction, and phenylalanine metabolism. Additionally, the bZIP transcription factor OsbZIP73 was upregulated after Spd treatment, which is confirmed by Western blot. Further insights into the interaction between OsbZIP73 and Spd were gained through fluorescence polarization experiments, showing that Spd enhances protein OsbZIP73’s affinity for RNA. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that OsPYL1, OsSPARK1, and various SAUR family genes involved in Spd-affected pathways. The presence of G/A/C-box elements in these genes suggests they are potential targets for OsbZIP73.ConclusionsOur findings suggest a strategy of using spermidine as a chemical alleviator for salt stress and provide insights into the regulatory function of OsbZIP73 in mitigating salt stress in rice roots.

Effects of ammonia nitrogen stress on the physiological, biochemical, and metabolic levels of the gill tissue of juvenile four-finger threadfin (Eleutheronema tetradactylum)

In this study, the impact of ammonia nitrogen stress on juvenile four-finger threadfin in pond culture was examined. The 96-hour median lethal concentration (LC50-96h) and safe concentration of ammonia nitrogen were assessed in juveniles with a body weight of 7.4 ± 0.6 g using ecotoxicological methods. The study design included a stress group exposed to LC50-96h levels of ammonia nitrogen and a control group without ammonia nitrogen exposure. To examine the physiological, biochemical, and metabolic effects of ammonia nitrogen on gill tissue, gill tissue samples were collected after 12, 24, 48, and 96 h of stress, with a resumption of treatment after 48 h. Compared to the control group, ammonia nitrogen adversely affected juvenile four-finger threadfin, with LC50-96h and safe concentration values of 20.70 mg/L and 2.07 mg/L, respectively. Exposure to ammonia nitrogen resulted in substantial gill damage, including fusion of lamellae, epithelial cell loss, and proliferation of chlorine-secreting cells. This tissue damage persisted even after a 48-h recovery period. Ammonia nitrogen stress triggered an increase in antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) and malondialdehyde levels in gills, indicating oxidative stress from 12 h onwards. Although enzyme activity decreased over time, oxidative stress persisted even after recovery, suggesting an ongoing need for antioxidant defense. Metabolomics analysis showed significant alterations in 423 metabolites under ammonia nitrogen stress. Key metabolites such as L-arginine, taurine, 20-hydroxyarachidonic acid, 11,12-dihydroxy-5Z, 8Z, and 14Z eicosotrienic acid followed an increasing trend; uridine, adenosine, L-glutathione, and thymidine 5′-triphosphate followed a decreasing trend. These changes reflect metabolic adaptations to stress. In enriched metabolic pathways, the main differential pathways are membrane transport, lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. After 48 h, significant differences were observed in 396 metabolites compared to the control group. Notably, L-arginine, choline, and L-histidine increased, while linoleic acid, adenosine, and glutathione decreased. Amino acid and lipid metabolism pathways were key affected pathways. Under ammonia nitrogen stress, juvenile four-finger threadfin increased the synthesis of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids to cope with low temperatures and bolster immune function by consuming spermidine. This adaptation helps to clear peroxides generated during fatty acid synthesis, thereby protecting cells from oxidative damage. This study provides insights for pond aquaculture and breeding of ammonia nitrogen-tolerant fish strains.

The Impact of Lighting Treatments on the Biosynthesis of Phenolic Acids in Black Wheat Seedlings.

Light, as a crucial environmental determinant, profoundly influences the synthesis of secondary metabolites in plant metabolism. This study investigated the impacts of the red light combined with ultraviolet-A (UV-A) and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) treatments on phenolic acid biosynthesis in black wheat seedlings. The results demonstrate that the red light combined with UV-A and UV-B treatments significantly enhanced the levels of phenolic acids in black wheat seedlings, at 220.4 μg/seedling and 241.5 μg/seedling, respectively. The content of bound phenolic acids in black wheat seedlings increased by 36.0% under the UV-B treatment. The application of the UV-A/UV-B treatments markedly enhanced the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, 4-coumarate CoA ligase, and cinnamate 4-hydroxylase in black wheat seedlings while also promoting the expression levels of genes related to phenolic acid synthesis. The expression levels of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase and NADP-malic enzyme related to photosynthesis were significantly upregulated. This resulted in an augmentation in the chlorophyll content, thereby enhancing photosynthesis in black wheat seedlings. Nevertheless, the UV-A and UV-B treatments also had a significant constraining effect on the growth and development of black wheat seedlings. In addition, the UV-A and UV-B treatments increased the activity and gene expression levels of antioxidant enzymes while significantly increasing the contents of total flavonoids and anthocyanins, activating the antioxidant system. The findings reveal that light-source radiation serves as an effective method for promoting the biosynthesis of phenolic acids in black wheat seedlings.

Silibinin-loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) Ameliorated Lead-induced Acute Nephrotoxicity in Male Rats.

As a toxic heavy metal, lead (Pb) is well known for impairment of renal function due to oxidative injuries. In contrast, the antioxidant activity of silibinin has been approved. Given the role of silibinin antioxidant activity, the present study investigated the effectiveness of silibinin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (Sili-NLCs) against Pb-induced acute nephrotoxicity in rats. The emulsification-solvent evaporation method was applied to prepare Sili-NLCs. Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into ten separate groups. Pb (20 mg/kg/day, i.p.) was applied to induce nephrotoxicity and in the treatment groups animals received the same concentration of silibinin and Sili-NLCs (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for five days. After sacrificing rats, kidney tissue samples were collected to assess the oxidative stress parameters, including lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. Also, histopathological examination using Hematoxylin-Eosin (H&E) was studied. Not only did Pb injection significantly increase the renal levels of LPO and NO, but also decreased the levels of antioxidant enzyme activity. On the other hand, Sili-NLCs were more effective than silibinin in decreasing renal oxidative damage by increasing the antioxidant defense system. Moreover, the histopathological examination correlated well with biochemical findings. Our data suggested that Sili-NLCs are potentially superior to pure silibinin for attenuating Pb-induced acute nephrotoxicity.

Anoectochilus roxburghii Extract Extends the Lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans through Activating the daf-16/FoxO Pathway.

As a significant global issue, aging is prompting people's interest in the potential anti-aging properties of Anoectochilus roxburghii (A. roxburghii), a plant traditionally utilized in various Asian countries for its purported benefits in treating diabetes and combating aging. However, the specific anti-aging components and mechanisms of A. roxburghii remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the anti-aging effects and mechanisms of A. roxburghii extract E (ARE). Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) were exposed to media containing different concentrations of ARE whose superior in vitro radical scavenging capacity was thus identified. Lifespan assays, stress resistance tests, and RT-qPCR analyses were conducted to evaluate anti-aging efficacy, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, antioxidant enzyme activity, and daf-16, sod-3, and gst-4 levels. Additionally, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed to elucidate the potential anti-aging mechanisms of ARE. Fluorescence protein assays and gene knockout experiments were employed to validate the impacts of ARE on anti-aging mechanisms. Our results revealed that ARE not only prolonged the lifespan of C. elegans but also mitigated ROS and lipofuscin accumulation, and boosted resistance to UV and heat stress. Furthermore, ARE modulated the expression of pivotal anti-aging genes including daf-16, sod-3, and gst-4, facilitating the nuclear translocation of DAF-16. Significantly, ARE failed to extend the lifespan of daf-16-deficient C. elegans (CF1038), indicating its dependency on the daf-16/FoxO signaling pathway. These results underscored the effectiveness of ARE as a natural agent for enhancing longevity and stress resilience to C. elegans, potentially to human.

Pharmacological Activities and Molecular Mechanisms of Sinapic Acid in Neurological Disorders.

Sinapic acid (SA) is a phenylpropanoid derivative found in various natural sources that exhibits remarkable versatile properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metal-chelating capabilities, establishing itself as a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of conditions affecting the central nervous system, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), ischemic stroke, and other neurological disorders. These effects also include neuroprotection in epilepsy models, as evidenced by a reduction in seizure-like behavior, cell death in specific hippocampal regions, and lowered neuroinflammatory markers. In AD, SA treatment enhances memory, reverses cognitive deficits, and attenuates astrocyte activation. SA also has positive effects on cognition by improving memory and lowering oxidative stress. This is shown by lower levels of oxidative stress markers, higher levels of antioxidant enzyme activity, and better memory retention. Additionally, in ischemic stroke and PD models, SA provides microglial protection and exerts anti-inflammatory effects. This review emphasizes SA's multifaceted neuroprotective properties and its potential role in the prevention and treatment of various brain disorders. Despite the need for further research to fully understand its mechanisms of action and clinical applicability, SA stands out as a valuable bioactive compound in the ongoing quest to combat neurodegenerative diseases and enhance the quality of life for affected individuals.

Exploring the protective role of Bacillus velezensis BV1704–Y in zebrafish health and disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila infection

Bacillus genus, particularly Bacillus velezensis, is increasingly considered as viable alternatives to antibiotics in aquaculture due to their safety and probiotic potential. However, the specific mechanisms through which probiotic B. velezensis confers protection against Aeromonas hydrophila infection in fish remain poorly understood. This study delved into the multifaceted impacts of B. velezensis BV1704–Y on diverse facets of zebrafish health, including gut barrier function, immune response, oxidative stress, gut environment, microbiome composition, and disease resistance. Our findings demonstrate that supplementation with B. velezensis BV1704–Y significantly alleviated symptoms and reduced mortality in zebrafish infected with A. hydrophila.Furthermore, a notable reduction in the expression of pivotal immune-related genes, such as IL-1β, IL6, and TNF-α, was evident in the gut and head kidney of zebrafish upon infection. Moreover, B. velezensis BV1704–Y supplementation resulted in elevated activity levels of essential antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, CAT, and GSH, in gut tissue. Notably, B. velezensis BV1704–Y positively modulated the structure and function of the intestinal microbiome, potentially enhancing immune response and resilience in zebrafish. Specifically, supplementation with B. velezensis BV1704–Y promoted the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Cetobacterium, which showed a noteworthy negative correlation with the expression of pro-inflammatory genes and a positive correlation with gut barrier-related genes. Altogether, our study suggests that B. velezensis BV1704–Y holds promise as an effective probiotic for protecting zebrafish against A. hydrophila infection, offering potential benefits for the aquaculture industry.

Inhibition of JNK transcription via the Nrf2/Keap1a pathway to resist microcystin-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in freshwater mussels Cristaria plicata

With global warming and increasing eutrophication of water bodies, a variety of algal toxins, including microcystin (MC), released into water by cyanobacterial blooms pose a serious threat to the survival of aquatic organisms. To investigate the mechanism of the Nrf2/Keap1a pathway on resisting MC-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in Cristata plicata, we cloned the full-length cDNA of CpBcl-2. The cDNA full-length of CpBcl-2 was 760 bp, encoded a 177 amino acid peptide, and contained a highly conserved Bcl-2-like superfamily domain. MC stimulation increased the expression and activity levels of related antioxidant enzymes. After CpNrf2 knockdown, the transcription levels of NAD(P)H quinone redox Enzyme-1 (NQO1) and related antioxidant enzymes activity in the gills and kidney of C. plicata were significantly down-regulated upon MC stress, but that was significantly upregulated after knockdown of CpKeap1a. Additionally, Upon MC stress, the mRNA levels of CpBcl-2 were increased in the gills and kidney after knockdown of CpNrf2 at 24 h, and that of CpBcl-2 were decreased at 72 and 96 h in the CpKeap1a-siRNA+MC group. Moreover, MC stimulation significantly inhibited CpJNK expression in the gills and kidney, but which regulated the Nrf2/Keap1a pathway in C. plicata. However, the JNK inhibitor SP600125 promoted the expression of CpNrf2 and related enzymes with antioxidant response element (ARE-driven enzyme) in the gills and kidney. Then, we speculated that CpKeap1a was a negative regulator of CpNrf2, and C. plicata resisted MC-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis by inhibiting JNK transcription via the Nrf2/Keap1a pathway.

Methane-rich saline ameliorates depressive-like behaviors during chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS).

Depression, considered the most prevalent neuropsychiatric disorder, is multifactorial and complex. Oxidative stress and inflammation significantly contribute to its etiology. Conversely, methane, a novel therapeutic gas, has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing tissue resilience against ischemic injuries and inflammation. In this study, we investigated the effect of methane-rich saline (MRS) on depression using the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model. Depressed rats received MRS treatment, and depression-like behaviors and cognitive function were assessed through sucrose preference, open field, forced swimming, and Morris water maze tests. Additionally, we measured serum corticosterone levels, antioxidant enzyme activity, hippocampal malondialdehyde (MDA), and TNFα levels, and investigated histological changes in the hippocampus. Our findings revealed that MRS significantly ameliorated Depressive-like behaviors and cognitive impairment. Furthermore, MRS administration regulated serum corticosterone levels and also MRS reduced hippocampal lipid peroxidation, TNFα, and hippocampus tissue damage. MRS likely exerts its effects by reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory factors and modulating the function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. These results demonstrate the protective effects of MRS on the hippocampus in CUMS animals.

Beneficial role of Coronatine on the morphological and physiological responses of Cress Plants (Lepidium sativum) exposed to Silver Nanoparticle

BackgroundSilver nanoparticles are widely used in various fields such as industry, medicine, biotechnology, and agriculture. However, the inevitable release of these nanoparticles into the environment poses potential risks to ecosystems and may affect plant productivity. Coronatine is one of the newly identified compounds known for its beneficial influence on enhancing plant resilience against various stress factors. To evaluate the effectiveness of coronatine pretreatment in mitigating the stress induced by silver nanoparticles on cress plants, the present study was carried out.ResultsOur findings indicated a decrease in multiple growth parameters, proline content, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids in cress plants exposed to silver nanoparticle treatment. This decline could be attributed to the oxidative stress induced by the presence of silver nanoparticles in the plants. Conversely, when coronatine treatment was applied, it effectively mitigated the reduction in growth parameters and pigments induced by the silver nanoparticles. Furthermore, we observed an increase in silver content in both the roots and shoot portions, along with elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) content, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), anthocyanins, glutathione (GSH), and antioxidant enzyme activities in plants exposed to silver nanoparticles. Concurrently, there was a decrease in total phenolic compounds, ascorbate, anthocyanins, and proline content. Pre-treatment of cress seeds with coronatine resulted in increased levels of GSH, total phenolic compounds, and proline content while reducing the silver content in both the root and shoot parts of the plant.ConclusionsCoronatine pre-treatment appeared to enhance both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities, thereby alleviating oxidative stress and improving the response to stress induced by silver nanoparticles.

Enhancing Sugarcane Seedling Resilience to Water Stress through Exogenous Abscisic Acid: A Study on Antioxidant Enzymes and Phytohormone Dynamics.

Exogenous hormones play a crucial role in regulating plant growth, development, and stress tolerance. However, the effects of exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) on sugarcane seedlings under water stress remain poorly understood. Here, in this study, a pot experiment was conducted on sugarcane seedlings 4 weeks after transplanting, employing three treatments: control (normal growth), drought (water stress), and drought + ABA (foliar application of 100 μM ABA before water stress). The main objectives of this research are to understand the effects of exogenous ABA on sugarcane seedlings under water stress conditions and to assess the changes in antioxidant enzyme activity and phytohormone levels in response to exogenous ABA. Water stress was induced in the solution culture by adding 25% (w/v) polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 to the Hoagland solution. Leaf samples were collected at 3, 6, and 9 days after treatment, and the photosynthetic and biochemical responses of ABA-treated plants to drought stress were investigated. The indole acetic acid (IAA) activity of the ABA-treated drought plants is compared to that of drought plants. Moreover, the endogenous ABA levels of the ABA-treated drought plants were significantly enhanced by 42.2, 39.9, and 42.3% at 3, 6, and 9 days, respectively, compared to those of drought plants. Additionally, the proline content of the ABA-treated drought plants significantly increased by 45 and 80% at 6 and 9 days, respectively, compared to that of drought plants. The expression of the catalase 1 (CAT1) gene was increased in the ABA-treated drought plants by 2.1-fold, 0.7-fold, and 1.37-fold at 3, 6, and 9 days, respectively, compared to that in drought plants. Similarly, the expression of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase genes of the ABA-treated drought plants also increased compared to those of the drought plants. In conclusion, foliar application of ABA mitigated the negative effects of water shortage of sugarcane plants under water stress. Applying ABA improved the antioxidant defense system of sugarcane plants under drought stress, thereby enhancing their photosynthetic activities and productivity.

Circadian rhythms of antioxidant enzymes activity, clock, and inflammation factors are disrupted in the prefrontal cortex of aged rats. Potential targets for therapeutic strategies for a healthy aging.

Age impairs cognitive functions and antioxidant defenses, for example, by increasing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. However, so far, there is no report on the consequences of aging on temporal patterns of proteins and lipids oxidation, antioxidant enzymes activity, endogenous clock and proinflammatory cytokine, in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Therefore, our objectives here were: 1) to investigate the endogenous nature of 24h-rhythms of lipoperoxidation, protein carbonyls levels, CAT and GPx activity, RORa, and TNFα, in the rat PFC, and 2) to study the consequences of aging on the circadian organization of those factors in the same brain area. To do that, 3- and 22-mo-old male Holtzman rats were maintained under constant darkness conditions during 15 days before reaching the corresponding age. PFC samples were isolated every 4 h, under dim-red light, during a 24h period. Our results revealed circadian patterns of antioxidant enzymes activity, oxidative stress, RORa and TNFα proteins levels, in the PFC of young rats. The circadian distribution of the rhythms’ phases suggests the existence of a reciprocal communication among the antioxidant defenses, the endogenous clock, and the inflammation, in the PFC. Noteworthy, such circadian organization disappears in the PFC of aged rats. An increased oxidative stress would make the redox environment to change into an oxidative status, which alters the endogenous clock activity and disrupts the circadian organization of, at least part, of the antioxidant defenses and the TNFα, in the PFC. These results might highlight novel chronobiological targets for the design of therapeutic strategies addressed to a healthy aging.

Morinda citrifolia Essential Oil: A Plant Resistance Biostimulant and a Sustainable Alternative for Controlling Phytopathogens and Insect Pests.

With the growing demand for sustainable and safe agricultural practices, plant compounds emerge as a solution for biological activities. Here, we evaluated the potential of using Morinda citrifolia essential oil to induce plant resistance and to control phytopathogens (Curvularia lunata) and insect pests (Daubulus maidis). We conducted a chromatographic analysis to unveil the essential oil components. We also quantified the activity levels of antioxidant enzymes and chitinase for resistance induction. The antifungal action was evaluated through disease progression and the inhibition of mycelial growth in addition to in silico studies that made it possible to predict the interaction site between the fungal protein and the compounds. We assessed the toxicity and repellent actions towards the D. maidis. Octanoic acid (58.43%) was identified as the essential oil major compound. Preventive treatment with essential oil and octanoic acid (25.0 µL mL-1) increased not only the plant defense activities (i.e., the activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, phenol peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and chitinase) but also controlled Curvularia leaf spot. The stable interactions between octanoic acid and tyrosine-tRNA ligase from C. lunata suggested protein synthesis inactivation. The essential oil inhibited 51.6% of mycelial growth, and this effect was increased to 75.9% with the addition of adjuvants (i.e., angico gum). The essential oil reduced 76% of the population of D. maidis adults and repelled 50% of the number of D. maidis after 48 h under field conditions. The repellency effect in the field reduced the population of D. maidis adults, transmitters of the stunting complex, by 50%. The results highlight the potential of M. citrifolia as a resistance activator, fungicide, insecticide, and an effective biorational alternative.