Activities Of Antioxidant Enzymes Research Articles

Impacts of ocean acidification and hypoxia on cellular immunity, oxygen consumption and antioxidant status in Mediterranean mussel

There is growing recognition that the hypoxic regions of the ocean are also becoming more acidic due to increasing levels of global carbon dioxide emissions. The impact of water acidification on marine life is largely unknown, as most previous studies have not taken into account the effects of hypoxia, which may affect how organisms respond to low pH levels. In this study, we experimentally examined the consequences of water acidification in combination with normoxic or hypoxic conditions on cellular immune parameters in Mediterranean mussels. We measured total hemocyte counts in hemolymph, the cellular composition of hemolymph, phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. General response of the organism was evaluated on the basis of the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the hepatopancreas, as well as respiratory rates over an 8-day exposure period. The mussels were exposed to low pH conditions (7.3), either under normoxic conditions (dissolved oxygen concentration of 8 mg/L) or hypoxic conditions (dissolved oxygen concentration of 2 mg/L). The parameters were assessed at days 1, 3, 6, and 8 of the experiment. Experimental acidification under normoxic conditions reduced THC and ROS production by hemocytes during later stages of exposure, but phagocytic activity (PA) only decreased at day 3 and then recovered. Combined acidification and hypoxia suppressed PA in hemocytes at the beginning of exposure, while hemocyte ROS production and THC decreased by the end of the experiment. The hemolymph cellular composition and activity of antioxidant enzymes were unaffected by acidified conditions under different oxygen regimes, but mussel respiratory rate (RR) decreased with a more significant reduction in oxygen consumption under hypoxia. Mussels showed a relatively high tolerance to acidification in combination with various dissolved oxygen levels, although prolonged acidification exposure led to increased detrimental effects on immunity and metabolism.

Dietary lecithin attenuates adverse effects of high fat diet on growth performance, lipid metabolism, endoplasmic reticulum stress and antioxidant capacity in the intestine of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary lipid and lecithin levels on growth performance, lipid metabolism, endoplasmic reticulum stress and antioxidant capacity in intestinal tissues of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Five experimental diets include the control (10.67 % lipid, normal dietary lipid without extra lecithin addition), 1.0 g/kg lecithin diet with normal dietary lipid level (Lec diet, 10.94 % lipid), high fat diet without extra lecithin addition (HFD, 18.65 % lipid), and HFD supplemented with 1.0 g/kg and 2.0 g/kg lecithin (HFD + Lec1 and HFD + Lec2 diets, respectively). Largemouth bass (initial body weight: 5.39 ± 0.04 g/fish) were fed five diets for 10 weeks. Dietary lecithin alleviated the growth retardation and intestinal damage induced by HFD. HFD-induced increase of whole body and intestinal crude lipid contents and decline of intestinal poly-unsaturated fatty acids content were also alleviated by dietary lecithin addition. Dietary lecithin alleviated the increase of TG content, activities of lipogenic enzymes (G6PD, 6PGD, ME, ICDH and FAS), mRNA expression of lipogenic genes (g6pd, 6pgd, fas, accα, dgat1, dgat2 and srebp1) and protein expression of Srebp1, and downregulation of mRNA expression of lipolytic gene cpt1) and protein expression of Pparα induced by HFD. Lecithin addition mitigated the up-regulation of mRNA expression of lipid absorption genes (fabp2, fatp4, sr-1b and npc1l1), and the down-regulation of mRNA expression of chylomicron assembly- and secretion-relevant genes (mttp and acat2) and proteins (Mttp, Apob and Sar1b), chylomicron components (TG, phosphatidylcholine and apolipoprotein) and MTTP activity induced by HFD. Compared with HFD, HFD + Lec1 diet significantly decreased the mRNA expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress genes (grp94, grp78, calr, chop, ire1α and xbp1) and Grp78 protein expression. Compared with HFD, the activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, T-SOD and GPx) and mRNA expression of genes (sod1, cat, gpx1 and nrf2) were significantly increased but MDA content and keap1 mRNA expression were significantly decreased in HFD supplemented with 1.0 g/kg and 2.0 g/kg lecithin. These results indicated that dietary lecithin supplementation increased growth rate, improved lipid metabolism, relieved ER stress, and enhanced antioxidant capacity, thereby alleviating negative effects of HFD on the function and health of intestinal tract of largemouth bass. Statement of relevanceOur results found that dietary addition of lecithin has obvious merits in alleviating negative effects of HFD on the intestinal function and health, which provided good basis for lecithin addition in aquafeeds.

Preparation and characterization of novel antioxidant peptides from protein hydrolysate of Ophiocordyceps gracilis

Ophiocordyceps gracilis is a type of fungus commonly utilized in both health food and Chinese medicine. Herein, we prepared antioxidant hydrolysate from O. gracilis, and isolated and purified the prepared hydrolysate to obtain O. gracilis peptides-4–3–1 (OGP-4–3–1) grade with the highest scavenging activity on DPPH, ABTS and hydroxyl radicals. Three new peptides with high antioxidant capacity were identified as LFNHF, PLDRHPF and YPFLRPL, respectively. The three peptides can reduce the proportion of senescent cells conveying positive expression of senescence-associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) and increase survival pace of H2O2-induced human hepatocellular carcinomas (HepG2 cells), and the protective effects on cellular against senescence might be related to their increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, as well as the decrease in the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The molecular docking results indicated that they could form durable hydrophobic and hydrogen bonds with critical amino acid residues of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), which could potentially modulate pathway of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in conjunction with Keap1. In conclusion, the current research offers a theoretical foundation for the further development of the anti-aging effect of OGP, which has a broad application prospect in the fields of functional food and cosmetics.

A Descriptive Review of the Antioxidant Effects and Mechanisms of Action of Berberine and Silymarin.

Oxidative stress is a key factor in the development of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and liver disorders. Antioxidant therapies that target oxidative damage show significant promise in preventing and treating these conditions. Berberine, an alkaloid derived from various plants in the Berberidaceae family, enhances cellular defenses against oxidative stress through several mechanisms. It activates the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, which reduces mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and improves energy metabolism. Furthermore, it boosts the activity of key antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), thus protecting cells from oxidative damage. These actions make berberine effective in managing diseases like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and neurodegenerative disorders. Silymarin, a flavonolignan complex derived from Silybum marianum, is particularly effective for liver protection. It activates the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, enhancing antioxidant enzyme expression and stabilizing mitochondrial membranes. Additionally, silymarin reduces the formation of ROS by chelating metal ions, and it also diminishes inflammation. This makes it beneficial for conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcohol-related liver disorders. This review aims to highlight the distinct mechanisms by which berberine and silymarin exert their antioxidant effects.

Protective Role of Sulforaphane against Physiological Toxicity of Triphenyltin in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio haematopterus).

This experiment mainly explored the protective role of sulforaphane (SFN) against physiological toxicity of triphenyltin (TPT) in Cyprinus carpio haematopterus. In total, 320 Fish (56.90 ± 0.40 g) were randomly divided into four groups with four replicates each. The control group was fed the basal diet, the TPT group (TPT) was exposed to 10 ng L-1 TPT on the basis of the control group, the SFN + TPT group (TPT + SFN) was fed a diet supplemented with 10 mg kg-1 SFN on the TPT group, and the SFN group (SFN) was fed a diet supplemented with 10 mg kg-1 SFN. After 56 days of breeding trials, the results showed that TPT exposure resulted in a remarkable decrease (p < 0.05) in final weight, weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and condition factor (CF), but an increase (p < 0.05) in feed conversion ratio (FCR) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) of fish. TPT treatment decreased (p < 0.05) the amounts of hematocrit (Hct) and hemoglobin (Hb), plasma complement component 3 (C3) and C4 contents, alternative complement pathway (ACH50), acid phosphatase (ACP) and lysozyme (LZM) activities, liver glutathione (GSH) content, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities, interleukin 10 (IL-10), and SOD mRNA expressions, but increased (p < 0.05) plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, liver malonaldehyde (MDA) content, tumor Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), and necrosis factor α (TNFα), IL-1β, and MDA mRNA expressions. A histological analysis of the liver showed that a higher occurrence rates of the hepatocyte hypertrophy, nuclear disappearance and hepatocyte vacuolization was observed in the hepatocytes of fish exposed to TPT, and it was accompanied by the dilation of hepatic sinusoids. In addition, the toxicity induced by TPT was significantly improved in the groups that were treated with SFN, and SFN was able to improve growth performance and immunity, alleviate TPT-induced changes in inflammatory factors, ameliorate oxidative stress, and increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes (p < 0.05). The addition of SFN also alleviated liver damage caused by TPT and protected the structural integrity of the liver. Overall, these findings suggest that TPT inhibited the growth, immunity, and antioxidant capacity of Cyprinus carpio haematopteru. Dietary SFN could be beneficial for growth promotion, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and protection of liver structural integrity. Therefore, SFN is a prospective feed supplement for ameliorating the damage caused to fish by TPT contamination.

Aging impaired locomotor and biochemical activities in Drosophila melanogaster Oregon R (fruit fly) model

Despite advancements in healthcare and increased lifespan, aging populations face numerous challenges, including declining cognitive function, increased susceptibility to chronic diseases, and reduced quality of life. This study investigated Aging impaired Locomotors and Biochemical Activities in Drosophila melanogaster Oregon R (Fruit Fly) Model with the aim to elucidate the mechanism involved. Adult wild-type Drosophila melanogaster Oregon R was used for this study. Survival assay, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA)) and total protein (TP) concentration were investigated. Data obtained were analyzed using R studio and GraphPad Prism. The result indicated low survival in male flies compared to female flies and the highest survival rate was observed with both flies reared together in the same vial. There was impaired locomotor activity in the flies with age. There was a significant decrease in the level of SOD, CAT, GSH and TP with age with a corresponding significant increase in the level of MDA. This finding demonstrated that locomotor activity decreased with aging with decrease performance index and also established the involvement of oxidation through the activities of antioxidant enzymes in aging; decreased (p < 0.05) concentration of antioxidant enzymes and increased (p < 0.05) lipid peroxidation. Also, it demonstrated that female species had longer lifespan compared to males while co-habiting of male and female species extended lifespan.

Supplementing ageing male laying breeders with lycopene alleviates oxidative stress in testis and improves testosterone secretion

BackgroundReproductive performance is a crucial aspect of poultry production and is carefully controlled by endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine factors. This study aimed to investigate the effect of lycopene on testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells of laying breeder roosters, clarify the mechanism of lycopene improving Leydig cells function and promoting testosterone production, and explore the role of related signal transduction pathways in testosterone synthesis. ResultsA total of 96 healthy 55-week-old breeding roosters were randomly assigned to one of five dietary treatments. They were provided with a corn-soybean meal-based diet containing different levels of lycopene: 0 mg/kg (control), 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, or 200 mg/kg. The experiment lasted for 6 weeks. With the increase in lycopene levels, the testosterone content in the plasma was significantly higher than in the control group. Testicular Leydig cells were isolated and cultured from fresh testicular tissue of 45-wk-old to 60-wk-old breeding roosters. Various doses of lycopene were administered to Leydig cells, and subsequently, cells were collected for the detection of cell viability and testosterone content. The optimal concentration of lycopene to be added was determined, and changes in mRNA expression and protein levels of key proteins involved in testosterone synthesis were investigated. The results showed that lycopene treatment significantly increased testosterone secretion, mRNA expression, and protein levels of steroid-producing enzymes. Cells were collected to measure the activity of antioxidant enzymes, the mRNA transcription level of apoptotic factors, and the protein expression of apoptotic factors after treatment with lycopene. The results showed that lycopene significantly increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, and the ability to inhibit oxygen radicals, and decreased the content of malondialdehyde. Apoptosis was inhibited by regulating the expression of apoptosis-inducing and anti-apoptosis factors. After that, the MAPK signaling pathway and downstream SF-1, Nrf2 gene, and protein expression levels were detected. The results showed that lycopene treatment significantly increased the gene and protein expression of JNK, SF-1, and Nrf2, and significantly decreased the gene and protein expression of p38. ConclusionsLycopene treatment could promote testosterone synthesis of testicular Leydig cells by activating MAPK-SF-1 (increasing steroid-producing enzyme level) and MAPK-Nrf2 pathways (resisting oxidative damage).

Pectin-stabilized nanoceria double coated with lactoferrin/chitosan for management of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Cerium oxide nanoparticles are a unique antioxidant mimicking the activity of natural antioxidant enzymes. Previous research showed its’ promising effect mitigating free radical damage in neurodegenerative disorders. However, there is still unmet therapeutic needs due to poor BBB penetration, a high accumulation in liver, kidney and spleen. This study aimed to synthesize and optimize nanoceria stabilized by natural bioactive polymers suitable for intranasal administration to manage multiple sclerosis. Among the different employed biopolymers, pectin-stabilized nanoceria exhibited the ideal properties with small particles size 87.20±3.43nm, high zeta potential -56.37±2.39mV and high free radical scavenging activity 85.27±0.07%. Then coating was achieved for the first time by two biopolymers: lactoferrin and chitosan producing a double coated cationic nanoceria. Biological assessment involved using experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis animal model treated in a dose of 1mg/kg nanoceria for 15 days. Motor function testing in rats revealed 6- and 17-folds increase in latency time in rotating rod and hanging wire tests, respectively. Biochemical analysis revealed significant reduction in lipid peroxidation along with about 1-fold upgrading of the intrinsic antioxidant system. Moreover, histologic examination disclosed decreased degeneration of the brain and spinal cord of treated rats and much decreased liver toxicity.

Melatonin Treatment Alleviates Chilling Injury of Loquat Fruit via Modulating ROS Metabolism.

Cold storage is one of the most effective methods to maintain postharvest fruit quality. However, loquat fruits are prone to chilling injury (CI) during cold storage, appearing as symptoms such as browning and pitting, which leads to quality deterioration and economic losses. In this study, the effects of melatonin on CI alleviation and the potential role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism in loquat fruit were investigated. The results showed that 50 μM melatonin was the optimal concentration to inhibit the increase in CI index and cell membrane permeability. Moreover, compared to control fruits, 50 μM melatonin inhibited the malonaldehyde (MDA) content, O2-. production rate and H2O2 content (ROS accumulation) by 17.8%, 7.2% and 11.8%, respectively, during cold storage. Compared to non-treated loquats, 50 μM melatonin maintained higher levels of 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging ability and reducing power, as well as the contents of ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH). Additionally, 50 μM melatonin enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) by increasing relevant gene expressions. The activities of SOD, CAT and APX were increased by up to 1.1-, 1.1- and 1.1-times (16 d) by melatonin, as compared with the control fruits. These findings indicate that melatonin mitigation of CI is involved in maintaining cellular redox apphomeostasis in loquat fruit during cold storage.

Hesperidin attenuates radiation-induced ovarian failure in rats: Emphasis on TLR-4/NF-ĸB signaling pathway

Young women suffering from premature ovarian failure after radiotherapy carry a huge burden in the field of cancer therapy including reproductive loss, emotional stress, and physical troubles that reduce their long-term quality of life. Hesperidin (HSP) exhibited antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. HSP enhanced in vitro follicular maturation and preserved in vivo ovarian stockpile. In this research, the role of HSP in radiation-induced POF in rats was investigated besides ascertaining its underlying mechanisms. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were arbitrarily allocated into four groups: control-group, ϒ-irradiated-group (3.2 Gy once on the 7th day), HSP-group (100 mg/kg, orally for 10 days), and HSP/ϒ-irradiated-group (ϒ-radiation was applied one hour after HSP). At the end of experiment, the whole ovaries were collected for histological and biochemical analyses. Administration of HSP preserved the ovarian histoarchitecture and follicular stock, retained ovarian weight, and conserved serum estradiol and AMH levels following radiation exposure. HSP ameliorated the ovarian oxidative damage mediated by radiation through augmenting the activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and catalase antioxidant enzymes. HSP exhibited remarkable anti-inflammatory activity by downregulating the expression of ovarian TLR-4, NF-ĸB, and TNF-α. Moreover, HSP suppressed the apoptotic machinery triggered by radiation by reducing p53 and Bax while increasing Bcl-2 mRNA expressions alongside diminishing caspase-3 expression. Additionally, HSP regulated estrous cycle disorder of irradiated rats and improved their reproductive capacity reflected by enhancing pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, HSP represents an appealing candidate as an adjunct remedy for female cancer patients during radiotherapy protocols owing to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and hormone-regulatory effects.

The effect of cadmium on soil and plants, and the influence of Serendipita indica (Piriformospora indica) in mitigating cadmium stress.

Due to environmental pollution, the risk of cadmium stress for crops is soaring, so researchers are exploring inexpensive solutions to enhance cultivated crops in contaminated soil. Using microorganisms to reduce cadmium risk has been one of the most effective strategies in recent decades. Serendipita indica (Piriformospora indica) is one of the best endophyte fungi that, in addition to reducing heavy metal stress for crops, can significantly reduce the threat of other abiotic stresses. As part of this research, cadmium in soil has been investigated, as well as its effects on plants' morphophysiological and biochemical characteristics. The present review has also attempted to identify the role of Serendipita indica in improving the growth and performance of crops, as well as its possible effect on reducing the risk of cadmium. The results showed that Serendipita indica enhance the growth and productivity of plants in contaminated environments by improving soil quality, reducing cadmium absorption, improving the activity of antioxidant enzymes and secondary metabolites, raising water and mineral absorption, and altering morphophysiological structures.

Growth and biochemical responses of red chili (Capsicum annuum L) under drought conditions with 6-Benzylaminopurine application

The purpose of this research is to assess how red chili plants (Capsicum annuum L.) develop and react biochemically to drought stress, as well as how cytokinin treatment affects these plants. The study employed a factorial Randomized Block Design (RAK) with three replications and two components, namely the degree of drought with three stages, comprising: K1 has an 80% soil water content, K2 has a 60% soil water content, K3 has a 40% soil water content, and S0, S1, S2, and S3 have 0 ppm, 10 ppm, 20 ppm, and 30 ppm of 6-benzylaminopurine concentration, respectively. Plant height, leaf count, root length, flowering age, total and aqueous chlorophyll content, activity of antioxidant enzymes (e.g., superoxide dismutase and peroxide dismutase), and hydrogen peroxide as a signal for plant molecules against dehydration stress are among the parameters assessed. The findings demonstrated that red chili plants under drought stress experienced slower growth, as seen by a reduction in height and leaf count as well as earlier flowering. However, by raising plant height, leaf count, and chlorophyll levels (a, b, and total), cytokinin treatment was able to lessen the deleterious impacts of drought. When treated with 10 ppm 6-Benzylaminopurine, the enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase, peroxide dismutase, and hydrogen peroxide increased, but at other dosages, it tended to decrease, suggesting a slight but noticeable increase in plant defense mechanisms against oxidative stress. Therefore, giving red chili plants 10 parts per million of cytokinin may be a useful tactic for enhancing their resistance to drought stress.

Study on the Structural Features of Eight Dendrobium Polysaccharides and Their Protective Effects on Gastric Mucosa.

This study aimed to analyze the structure of polysaccharides from eight different Dendrobium species and their protective effects on gastric mucosa. Ultraviolet (UV) analysis showed that the contents of eight polysaccharides ranged from 51.89 ± 6.91% to 80.57 ± 11.63%; the degree of acetylation ranged from 0.17 ± 0.03 to 0.48 ± 0.03. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) results showed that these polysaccharides were mainly composed of mannose (Man) and glucose (Glc) with a small amount of galactose (Gal) and arabinose (Ara), and the monosaccharide ratios of different Dendrobium species were different. High-performance size exclusion chromatography-multi angle light scattering-refractive index detector (HPSEC-MALS-RID) showed that the molecular weight (Mw) of all Dendrobium polysaccharides was >1 × 105 Da; D. huoshanense had the lowest molecular weight. Subsequently, an ethanol injured GES-1 cell model was constructed to evaluate the gastric mucosal protective potential of polysaccharides from eight different Dendrobium species. The results showed that the protective effect of the low concentration 50 μg/mL DHP treatment group was similar to that of the control group (p > 0.05), and the cell viability could reach 97.32% of that of the control group. Based on the polysaccharide composition, different kinds of Dendrobium have different degrees of migration and repair effects on GES-1 damaged cells, and the effect of DHP is slightly better than that of other varieties (83.13 ± 1.05%). Additionally, Dendrobium polysaccharides alleviated ethanol-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory response in gastric mucosal cells by enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase) and reducing the levels of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species. Overall, DHP can most effectively protect gastric mucosa. These findings enhance our understanding of the relationship between the structure and biological activity of Dendrobium polysaccharides, providing a foundation for the quality control of Dendrobium. Furthermore, these findings offer theoretical support for the development of Dendrobium polysaccharides as nutraceuticals to treat digestive system diseases.

Exploratory Metabolomics and Lipidomics Profiling Contributes to Understanding How Curcumin Improves Quality of Goat Semen Stored at 16 °C in Tropical Areas.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) exert a vital role in sperm quality during semen preservation, where excessive ROS leads to oxidative damage and undermines sperm integrity. Curcumin, a botanical extract, is capable of neutralizing ROS and enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of curcumin on sperm viability, acrosome integrity, and antioxidant levels, as well as metabolomic and lipidomic profiles. The results demonstrated that curcumin at 25 µmol/L significantly enhanced sperm motility, plasma membrane, and acrosome integrity, elevated the levels of antioxidant enzymes (T-AOC, CAT, SOD), and decreased ROS production (p < 0.05). Metabolomic analysis identified 93 distinct metabolites that showed significant differences between the control and curcumin-treated groups. KEGG pathways emphasized the participation of these metabolites in key metabolic processes such as the citric acid cycle, cholesterol metabolism, and fatty acid metabolism. Curcumin treatment brought about notable variations in lipid profiles, including increased levels of phosphatidylcholine, acylcarnitine, and triglyceride over the storage time, suggesting enhanced lipid anabolic activity. Overall, the supplementation of curcumin at 25 µmol/L effectively mitigates oxidative stress and prolongs the viability of semen storage at 16 °C by modulating specific metabolic and lipid profiles.

Rhizofungus Aspergillus terreus Mitigates Heavy Metal Stress-Associated Damage in Triticum aestivum L.

Industrial waste and sewage deposit heavy metals into the soil, where they can remain for long periods. Although there are several methods to manage heavy metals in agricultural soil, microorganisms present a promising and effective solution for their detoxification. We isolated a rhizofungus, Aspergillus terreus (GenBank Acc. No. KT310979.1), from Parthenium hysterophorus L., and investigated its growth-promoting and metal detoxification capabilities. The isolated fungus was evaluated for its ability to mitigate lead (25 and 75 ppm) and copper (100 and 200 ppm) toxicity in Triticum aestivum L. seedlings. The experiment utilized a completely randomized design with three replicates for each treatment. A. terreus successfully colonized the roots of wheat seedlings, even in the presence of heavy metals, and significantly enhanced plant growth. The isolate effectively alleviates lead and copper stress in wheat seedlings, as evidenced by increases in shoot length (142%), root length (98%), fresh weight (24%), dry weight (73%), protein content (31%), and sugar content (40%). It was observed that wheat seedlings possess a basic defense system against stress, but it was insufficient to support normal growth. Fungal inoculation strengthened the host's defense system and reduced its exposure to toxic heavy metals. In treated seedlings, exposure to heavy metals significantly upregulated MT1 gene expression, which aided in metal detoxification, enhanced antioxidant defenses, and maintained metal homeostasis. A reduction in metal exposure was observed in several areas, including normalizing the activities of antioxidant enzymes that had been elevated by up to 67% following exposure to Pb (75 mg/kg) and Cu (200 mg/kg). Heavy metal exposure elevated antioxidant levels but also increased ROS levels by 86%. However, with Aspergillus terreus colonization, ROS levels stayed within normal ranges. This decrease in ROS was associated with reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, enhanced membrane stability, and restored root architecture. In conclusion, rhizofungal colonization improved metal tolerance in seedlings by decreasing metal uptake and increasing the levels of metal-binding metallothionein proteins.

Study of the Effects of Bioactive Compounds of Cyanobacterium Desmonostoc alborizicum on Pathogenic Fungi of Wheat

Wheat, as one of the most economically important crops, constitutes a major part of the human diet. One of the major challenges in wheat preservation is combating various pests, including fungi, through different pesticides. Due to the toxicity caused in agricultural fields by chemical pesticides, there is a growing inclination towards using biopesticides instead. These biopesticides not only possess antimicrobial properties but also aid in the growth and development of crops. In this context, the bioactive compounds present in cyanobacteria are considered as potential biopesticide candidates. Therefore, the aim of this study is to observe the antifungal effect of bioactive compounds from the cyanobacterium Desmonostoc alborizicum on pathogenic fungi affecting wheat. For this purpose, after culturing the cyanobacterial strain Desmonostoc alborizicum for 14 days, the cyanobacterial extract was applied to wheat plants infected with the fungi Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus terreus, and Phytophthora nicotiana var. The activity of antioxidant enzymes and MTT assay on 4T1 cells were then evaluated. The results showed that Aspergillus terreus exhibited the highest resistance, while Fusarium oxysporum showed the highest sensitivity to the cyanobacterial extract of Desmonostoc alborizicum. The activity of the enzymes guaiacol peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in infected plants treated with the cyanobacterial extract significantly decreased (p&lt;0.05), indicating effective stress control and enhanced immune response in these treatments. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that the use of Desmonostoc alborizicum extract can be effective as an antifungal agent in protecting wheat and other agricultural crops.

2-Keto-L-Gulonic Acid Enhances Cold Stress Tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana via Augmentation of Ascorbic Acid Biosynthesis and Antioxidant Defense Systems

Cold stress severely impairs plant growth, development, and yields. L-ascorbic acid (ASA), a crucial antioxidant, is pivotal in mitigating stress-induced damage. Previous research found that 2-keto-L-gulonic acid (2KGA), a precursor of ASA in its industrial production, effectively enhances the endogenous ASA content in plants. We hypothesized that 2KGA might alleviate chilling stress and tried to verify it through a cultivation experiment of Arabidopsis thaliana. The results demonstrate that the application of 2KGA significantly increased ASA content (24.58%) and up-regulated ASA biosynthetic genes in Arabidopsis at 4 °C for 24 h. Furthermore, 2KGA alleviated the decrease in fresh weight (17.05%) and total chlorophyll content (15.85%) caused by low temperatures. The contents of proline, soluble sugar (SS), soluble protein (SP), and the activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were significantly increased under the 2KGA treatment at low temperatures, while the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was reduced. Moreover, 2KGA up-regulated the ICE-CBF-COR signaling pathway in response to cold stress. These collective findings strongly support the involvement of 2KGA in enhancing cold tolerance in Arabidopsis, presenting an innovative approach for agricultural practices aimed at enhancing crop resilience to environmental stresses.

Silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) mediate GABA, SOD and ASA-GSH cycle to improve Cd stress tolerance in Solanum lycopersicum

Contamination of agricultural products with Cadmium (Cd) is a global problem that should be considered for minimizing the risks to human health. Considering the potential effects of SiNPs in decreasing abiotic stress, a study was conducted to investigate the effect of SiNPs in the reduction of Cd stress on Solanum lycopersicum. SiNPs was used at 0, 25, 50 and 100 mg/l and CdCl2 at 0, 100 and 200 µM concentrations. The results showed that Cd stress caused a significant decrease in dry weight, content of GSH, ASA, significently increasing the activity of GR, APX, GST, SOD, as well as content of H2O2, MDA, proline, and GABA in shoots and roots compared to the control. SiNPs significantly increased shoot and root dry weight compared to the control. As a coenzyme, SiNPs induced the activity of antioxidant enzymes and significantly increased GST and GR gene expression compared to the control. SiNPs also caused a substantial increase in the content of ASA, GSH, proline and GABA compared to the control. By inducing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and metabolites of the ascorbate-glutathione (ASA-GSH) cycle, SiNPs removed a large content of H2O2 and significantly reduced the MDA content, and as a result led to the stability of cell membrane under Cd stress. Induction of ASA-GSH, GABA and SOD cycle by SiNPs clearly showed that SiNPs could be a potential tool to alleviate Cd stress in plants cultivated in areas contaminated with this heavy metal.

Research on the mechanism of buyang huanwu decoction in the amelioration of age-associated memory impairment based on the “co-occurrence network regulation of intestinal microecology-host metabolism-immune function”

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBrain aging can promote neuronal damage, contributing to aging-related diseases like memory dysfunction. Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula known for tonifying qi and activating blood circulation, shows neuroprotective properties. Despite this, the specific mechanism by which BYHWD improves age-associated memory impairment (AAMI) has not been explored in existing literature. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to investigate the mechanism of BYHWD in the improvement of AAMI based on the “co-occurrence network regulation of intestinal microecology-host metabolism-immune function”. Materials and methodsFirstly, D-galactose was performed to induce a rat model of AAMI. Learning and memory deficits was assessed by the Morris water maze test. H&E and Nissl staining were used to observe the pathological changes in neurons in the hippocampus of rats. Meanwhile, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the activation of antioxidant enzymes in rat serum were measured using ELISA. Finally, an integrated pharmacological approach was applied to explore the potential mechanism of BYHWD in improving AAMI. ResultsOur results indicated that BYHWD significantly mitigated the pathological structure of the hippocampus, reversed the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, GSH, and CAT in the serum, and improved learning and memory in aging rats. Transcriptomics combined with network pharmacology showed that energy metabolism and the inflammatory response were the key biological pathways for BYHWD to ameliorate AAMI. Integrative analysis of the microbiome and metabolomics revealed that BYHWD has the potential to restore the balance of abundance between probiotics and harmful bacteria, and ameliorate the reprogramming of energy metabolism caused by aging in the brain. The co-occurrence network analysis demonstrated that a strong correlation between the treatment of AAMI and the stability of intestinal microecology, host metabolism, and immune network. ConclusionThe findings of this study collectively support the notion that BYHWD has a superior therapeutic effect in an AAMI rat model. The mechanism involves regulating the “intestinal microecology-metabolism-immune function co-occurrence network” system to restore the composition of gut microbiota and metabolites. This further improves the metabolic phenotype of brain tissue and maintains the homeostasis of central nervous system's immunity, leading to an improvement in AAMI. Consequently, this study offers a unique perspective on the prevention and treatment of AAMI. And, BYHWD is also considered to be a promising preclinical treatment for improving AAMI.

Integrative transcriptome and metabolome analysis reveals the mechanism of fulvic acid alleviating drought stress in oat.

Drought stress inhibits oat growth and yield. The application of fulvic acid (FA) can improve the drought resistance of oats, but the corresponding molecular mechanism of FA-mediated drought resistance remains unclear. Here, we studied the effects of FA on the drought tolerance of oat leaves through physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomics analyses, and identified FA-induced genes and metabolites related to drought tolerance. Physiological analysis showed that under drought stress, FA increased the relative water and chlorophyll contents of oat leaves, enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, PAL, CAT and 4CL), inhibited the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and dehydroascorbic acid (DHA), reduced the degree of oxidative damage in oat leaves, improved the drought resistance of oats, and promoted the growth of oat plants. Transcriptome and metabolite analyses revealed 652 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 571 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) in FA-treated oat leaves under drought stress. These DEGs and DEMs are involved in a variety of biological processes, such as phenylspropanoid biosynthesis and glutathione metabolism pathways. Additionally, FA may be involved in regulating the role of DEGs and DEMs in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and glutathione metabolism under drought stress. In conclusion, our results suggest that FA promotes oat growth under drought stress by attenuating membrane lipid peroxidation and regulating the antioxidant system, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and glutathione metabolism pathways in oat leaves. This study provides new insights into the complex mechanisms by which FA improves drought tolerance in crops.