Growth Promotion Research Articles

Runx2 silencing sensitized human renal cell carcinoma cells to ABT-737 apoptosis

The prognostic value of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and its involvement in cell growth and motility have been reported in patients diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Since Runx2 may have the potential to be a target for the purpose of antitumor intervention, there is an urgent need to gain insight into its oncogenic properties. Using human 786-O, Caki-1 and ACHN RCC cells as models, the silencing of cellular Runx2 expression brought about a reduction in cyclin D1 and β-catenin expression, cell growth and migration without any significant cell death. Runx2-silenced cells turned into apoptosis vulnerable in the presence of ABT-737, a BH3 mimetic Bcl-2 inhibitor. Data from biochemical and molecular studies have revealed a positive correlation between Runx2 expression and Akt phosphorylation, Mcl-1 expression, and fibronectin expression. Results of genetic silencing studies have indicated the potential involvement of Mcl-1 and fibronectin in the decision of RCC cell ABT-737 resistance and sensitivity. The regulatory roles of the PI3K/Akt axis in the expression of Mcl-1 and fibronectin were suggested by means of the results taken from experiments involving pharmacological study of the PI3K/Akt. Since overexpression and prognostic roles of Runx2, activated Akt, Mcl-1, fibronectin, cyclin D1, and β-catenin have been revealed in RCC, it is important to explore the precise mechanisms underlying Runx2 oncogenic effects. Although the linking details between Runx2 and PI3K/Akt have yet to be identified, our findings suggest that Mcl-1 and fibronectin are downstream effectors of Runx2 via a regulatory axis of the PI3K/Akt and their promotion of cell growth, migration, and ABT-737 resistance in RCC cells.

Preparation and Characterization of Cumin Essential Oil Nanoemulsion (CEONE) as an Antibacterial Agent and Growth Promoter in Broilers: A Study on Efficacy, Safety, and Health Impact.

This research characterized and explored the effect of cumin essential oil nanoemulsion (CEONE) on broiler growth performance, serum biochemistry, hematological parameters, and cecal microbial count. Day-old (n = 96) broilers (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to six treatments with five replicates of three broilers each. The dietary treatments consisted of negative control (only basal diet), positive control (basal diet + 200 µL of enrofloxacin), 25 µL (basal diet + 25 µL of CEONE), 50 µL (basal diet + 50 µL of CEONE), 75 µL (basal diet + 75 µL of CEONE), and 100 µL (basal diet + 100 µL of CEONE). The broiler's body weight gain (BWG) after 42 days of treatment exhibited increased weight in the CEONE group (976.47 ± 11.82-1116.22 ± 29.04). The gain in weight was further evidenced by the beneficial microbe load (107 log) compared to the pathogenic strain. All the biochemical parameters were observed in the normal range, except for a higher level of HDL and a lower LDL value. This safety has been validated by pKCSM toxicity analysis showing a safe and highly tolerable dose of cuminaldehyde. In conclusion, this research observed the potential of CEONE as a multifunctional agent. It is a valuable candidate for further application in combating bacterial infections and enhancing animal health and growth.

Hop as a phytogenic alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production.

With the rapid growth of the world's population, the demand for food is also increasing. Poultry accounts for 40% of the global meat sector and therefore represents a significant area for further growth. One starting point for increasing production is to refine the composition of feed to improve the efficiency of growth and nutrient utilization, prevent disease and at the same time reduce environmental impact. Similar considerations have led to the long-standing sub-therapeutic use of antibiotics as growth promoters in animal husbandry, which is associated with the threat of rising antimicrobial resistances and the resulting consequences for human and animal health. In order to circumvent these drawbacks, an increasing number of alternative feed additives are becoming more prevalent. The use of phytogenic feed additives, which includes hops (Humulus lupulus), is regarded as a viable alternative. In addition to its natural availability, hops have been demonstrated to exhibit antimicrobial effects and there is increasing evidence of growth-promoting effects in vivo. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Research progress of Bacillus velezensis in plant disease resistance and growth promotion

Bacillus velezensis has a wide range of beneficial activities, such as fighting plant diseases, promoting growth, improving crops’ ability to handle stress, and boosting plant defenses. These traits make it a strong candidate for agricultural use, especially as a biocontrol agent and growth-promoting bacteria. This review takes a close look at the origins, working mechanisms, and potential agricultural benefits of B. velezensis. Both lab and field studies have shown its success in reducing plant diseases and supporting crop growth by producing helpful compounds, taking up space in the environment, and strengthening plant defenses. Although B. velezensis is already used in some fertilizers and biopesticides, there are still challenges in scaling up production, selecting the right strains, and ensuring product stability. This review points out current research gaps and suggests future directions, such as improving strain selection, developing better biofertilizers, and advancing production techniques to make the most of B. velezensis in agriculture. These findings aim to guide further research and improve its use in sustainable farming.

Optimizing nanoparticles use for growth promotion in zebrafish: insights on concentration-dependent effects

Optimizing nanoparticles use for growth promotion in zebrafish: insights on concentration-dependent effects

Influence of Organic Growth Promoters on Quality and Yield of Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Influence of Organic Growth Promoters on Quality and Yield of Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

A high-efficiency and selective fluorescent assay for the detection of tetracyclines

Tetracyclines (TCs) rank second globally in the use of animal infection therapy and animal husbandry as growth promoters among all antibiotics. However, large amounts of TCs residue in food products and more than 75% of TCs are excreted into the environment, causing adverse effects on the ecological system and human health. It has been challenging to simultaneously realize low-cost, rapid, and highly selective detection of TCs. Here, inspired by the fluorogenic reactions between resorcinol and catecholamines, we find the fluorescence quenching ability of tetracycline (TC) and firstly propose a fluorescent “turn-off” detection of TC using dopamine and 4-fluororesorcinol. The optimal reaction condition for the fluorescent assay is investigated and the optimized probe showed a good limit of detection (LOD of 1.7 µM) and a wide linear range (10 µM to 350 µM). Moreover, this fluorescent assay proved to be an effective tool for detecting TC in river, Sprite, and beer samples, which represent the aquatic environments and food and may contain tetracyclines residues. Finally, the high selectivity of the method for TC has been confirmed by eliminating the interference from common substances. The proposed strategy provides a high-efficiency and selective solution for the detection of TCs in environment and food and the application fields of this fluorescent assay could be further expanded in the future.

Identification of the Most Common Antibiotics Used for Broiler Chicken Production in Bangladesh

The use of antibiotics indiscriminately in broiler without any veterinary consultation added in feed and water in sub-therapeutic doses for prophylaxis and growth promotion has increased antibiotic resistant bacteria transmitting to human. The aim of the study was to identify the most common antibiotic used by the broiler in Bangladesh. In this survey engaged 208 Upazila Livestock Offices (ULO) for interviewing 385 broiler farmers and veterinary medicine sales representative in all 8 divisions. Use of antimicrobial drugs for broiler production in different farm, medicine and feed used in the current flock were targeted to identify. Factor analysis was used to select respondents’ knowledge variables and multinomial logistic regression was followed to determine factors associated with antibiotic used in broiler production. According to opinion of 208 Upazila Livestock officers, interview with farmer and veterinary medicine sales representative, everyone agreed the most of the farmers use antimicrobials for broiler production. The most common antibiotics were Amoxcillin (182/208), Ciprofloxacin (179/208), Colistin sulphate (167/208), oxytetracyclin (165/208), Enrofloxacin (146/208), Erythromycin (133/208), sulfaquinoxaline (46/208), followed by Gentamycin, Norfloxacin, Tiamulin, Tilmicosin, Toltrazuril, Doxicycline, flumequine, Neomycin, Tylosin, lincomycin, Flavomycin, Florfenicol and Clortetracycline. Under above circumstances large-scale use of antimicrobials had led to its resistance and residues in broiler chicken meat and liver which can lead to public health problems. The major broiler farm used antibiotics (amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin) and they did not follow withdrawal period. Although national regulations is in favor of control use of antibiotics, but were not well enforced.

Evaluation of functional plant growth-promoting activities of culturable rhizobacteria associated to tunicate maize (Zea mays var. tunicata A. St. Hil), a Mexican exotic landrace grown in traditional agroecosystems.

Tunicate maize (Zea mays var. tunicata A. St. Hil) is a landrace that constitutes a fundamental aspect of the socio-cultural identity of Ixtenco, Tlaxcala (Mexico) and represents an exotic phenotype whose kernels are enclosed in leaflike glumes. Despite multiple studies conducted worldwide on plant growth-promoting-rhizobacteria (PGPR) in commercial maize varieties grown under monoculture systems, very little is known about bacteria inhabiting native maize landraces in agroecosystems, but for tunicate maize such knowledge is non-existent. This research described and profiled functional groups of culturable rhizobacteria from tunicate maize at two phenological stages (tasseling and maturity/senescence) in a polyculture system, highlighting potential PGPR for biotechnological purposes. Ninety-five rhizobacteria were isolated and molecularly identified, and their physiological activities such as plant growth promotion, production of exogenous lytic enzymes, and antagonism against fungal pathogens were determined. The culturable rhizobacterial community associated to tunicate maize comprised 42 genera, dominated by Bacillaceae, Comamonadaceae, Microbacteriaceae, Micrococcaceae, Oxalobacteraceae, Pseudomonadaceae, and Rhizobaceae families. At tasseling stage, the identified bacteria corresponded to Arthrobacter, Priestia, Herbaspirillum, Pseudomonas, and Rhizobium, and exhibited redundant capabilities for stimulating plant growth and nutrition, and inhibiting fungal phytopathogens. At maturity/senescence stage, the main genera Arthrobacter and Microbacterium displayed lytic capabilities to support mineralization process. We recorded potential novel rhizosphere functional bacteria such as Rhizobium, Sphingobium, and Arthrobacter which are not previously described associated to maize landraces, as well as their bioprospection as PGPR detected at plant phenological stages poorly explored (like maturity/senescence). This taxonomic and functional diversity was attributed to the application of agricultural practices as well as the rhizosphere effect during specific phenological stages. Results described the diversity and functionality of culturable rhizosphere bacteria from tunicate maize in polyculture systems that allowed us the detection of potential rhizobacteria for further developing of biofertilizers and biocontrollers directed as biotechnology for sustainable agriculture, and for generating strategies for conservation of native plants and their microbial genetic resources.

Development of new sustainable pyridinium ionic liquids: From reactivity studies to mechanism-based activity predictions.

This study addresses the development of sustainable pyridinium ionic liquids (ILs) because of their potential applications in agriculture and pharmaceuticals. Pyridinium-based ILs are known for their low melting points, high thermal stability, and moderate solvation properties. We synthesized three novel pyridinium-based ILs: 1-(2-(isopentyloxy)-2-oxoethyl)pyridin-1-ium chloride, 1-(2-(hexyloxy)-2-oxoethyl)pyridin-1-ium chloride, and 1-(2-(benzyloxy)-2-oxoethyl)pyridin-1-ium chloride. The biological activities of these compounds were evaluated through plant growth promotion, herbicidal, and insecticidal assays. Our results show that the benzyloxy derivative significantly enhances wheat and cucumber growth, whereas the isopentyloxy compound has potent herbicidal effects. Computational methods, including DFT calculations and molecular docking, were applied to understand the structure‒activity relationships (SARs) and mechanisms of action. The computational techniques involved dispersion-corrected density functional theory (DFT) with the B3LYP functional and the 6-311G** basis set. Grimme's D3 corrections were included to account for dispersion interactions. The calculations were performed via GAMESS-US software. Quantum descriptors of reactivity, such as ionization potential, electron affinity, chemical potential, and electrophilicity index, were derived from the HOMO and LUMO energies. Molecular docking studies were conducted via the CB-Dock server via AutoDock Vina software to predict binding affinities to cancer-related proteins. Petra/Osiris/Molinspiration (POM) analysis was used to predict the drug likeness and other pharmaceutical properties of the synthesized ILs.

Evaluation of The Growth Promoting, Economic Impact and Possible Ameliorative Effect of Hawthorn (Crataegus Spp) against Salinomycin Toxicity in Broiler Chicks

Evaluation of The Growth Promoting, Economic Impact and Possible Ameliorative Effect of Hawthorn (Crataegus Spp) against Salinomycin Toxicity in Broiler Chicks

Synergetic effect between Thyme oil and betaine as growth promotor, performance enhancer and growth responsible gene stimulant in broiler chickens

Synergetic effect between Thyme oil and betaine as growth promotor, performance enhancer and growth responsible gene stimulant in broiler chickens

Efficient photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline and its derivatives by green recyclable PAN/Bi2WO6/Cu2O nanofiber membrane

The use of tetracycline antibiotics in industry, healthcare, animal husbandry, agriculture, and aquaculture has resulted in excessive concentrations in a variety of aquatic environments. In this work, PAN/Bi2WO6/Cu2O nanofibrous membranes (PBC ENMs) with photocatalytic degradation performance were successfully prepared using electrostatic spinning technique, and the morphology of catalysts and PBC ENMs were characterised by SEM, BET and UV–Vis. The results demonstrated that the prepared nanofibrous membranes could achieve 97.05 % photocatalytic degradation of TC under visible light, and the degradation efficiencies of its derivatives, chlortetracycline (CTC) and oxytetracycline (OTC), reached 90.87 % and 85.12 %, respectively. Free radical trapping experiments and mechanistic analyses showed that·O2– is the main active factor in the degradation process. The highest degradation rate of 97.05 % was achieved at initial pH = 7.2.PBC ENMs adsorbed above 87.5 % after six cycles of the experiment. The highest degradation rate of 97.05 % was achieved at initial pH = 7.2 PBC ENMs adsorbed above 87.5 % after six cycles of the experiment. Based on the above advantages, the preparation process of PBC ENMs is simple, low-cost and has good catalytic effect, which provides a simple and efficient treatment means for the treatment of TC wastewater and has a broad application prospect.

Zero-valent iron on graphite-cellulose biochar catalysts for the Fenton degradation of tetracycline from water

Tetracycline (TC), an antibiotic widely used in the treatment of animal and human diseases and promotion of animal growth. However, its uncontrolled discharge to water sources can also cause the promotion of antibiotic resistant bacteria and genes. In this study, graphite and cellulose were used as raw materials to construct a graphite-biochar (G-BC) by carbothermal reactions. This graphite-biochar was subsequently mixed with ZVI with various mass ratios by ball milling to produce graphite-biochars supported ZVI (ZVI/G-BC) catalysts, further used in the heterogeneous Fenton degradation of tetracycline. The materials were fully characterized by different techniques. The removal of TC by BC, G-BC and ZVI/G-BC was tested under different reaction conditions. The best synthesis conditions were achieved at a heating temperature of 700 °C, a graphite content of 20 %, a ball milling speed of 500 rpm, a ball milling time of 5 h, as well as a G-BC and ZVI mass ratio of 1:3. Graphite improves the conductivity and micropore area of the material, which enhances the removal of TC by ZVI/G-BC catalysts in Fenton-like reactions. TC was first oxidized to intermediate products and then further mineralized to CO2 and H2O. The best TC removal performance was obtained with a catalyst dosage of 1.1 g·L1, a hydrogen peroxide concentration of 140 mM and an initial pH value of 3. The reaction data fitted properly a pseudo first-order kinetic equation. TC removal as high as 91 % was achieved even in the 3rd round of reuse. This study reports a novel ZVI material with high conductivity and good TC removal performance.

Investigating effects of dietary protein manipulation and Ulva lactuca supplementation on the postprandial metabolism and nitrogen excretion of Australian hybrid abalone

Abalone diets continue to be refined to suit the physiological and macronutrient requirements of different aged abalone under various seasonal conditions, primarily through dietary protein manipulation. Recently, dietary macro-algae supplementation has gained interest as an promoter of health and growth in abalone. In this study, the effects of three graded levels of dietary protein (35, 41 and 47 %) and 15 % dietary supplementation of dried and ground Ulva lactuca on the digestion and excretion processes in juvenile Australian hybrid abalone (Haliotis rubra x H. laevigata) were investigated through analysis of metabolic oxygen consumption (ṀO2) and nitrogen excretion (ṀNH4+−N) during meal digestion and assimilation. Trials were conducted at three farm-relevant acclimation temperatures (12, 17 and 22 °C), and abalone acclimated to the highest temperature were additionally subjected to a simulated heatwave. Within the ranges of 35 and 47 % dietary crude protein, no differences were observed in total postprandial energy use, however, significant differences were observed between the three temperatures. Similarly, differences in nitrogen excretion were observed across temperatures but not across dietary protein treatments. Dietary supplementation of U. lactuca led to significantly higher peak and total ṀO2 throughout the postprandial period at 22 °C. Additionally, total NH4+−N excretion was higher at 17 °C when abalone were fed the U. lactuca supplemented diet. No differences in survival were observed between any of the dietary treatments when juvenile abalone underwent the simulated heatwave, however, the 15 % U. lactuca treatment did exhibit consistently higher ṀO2. This information is useful for abalone farmers and feed formulators in developing season-specific diet formulations, particularly regarding macro-algae supplementation.

Immunomodulatory and growth promotors effects of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and/or Spirulina with respect to some gene expression on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Aswan Governorate

The purpose of this work trial was to determine the true impact of spirulina and rosemary in a combination treatment on Nile tilapia performance before experimental infection. Moreover, the effects of these treatments on the liver and kidney functions, the histology of certain organs, and the expression of certain antioxidant and immune-related genes in the liver tissue both before and after Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila) infection are also included. To achieve this purpose, four diets were prepared: the first was free of additives as a control group (Con), the second contained (SP) spirulina at 7.5 g/kg of diet, the third contained (RM) rosemary at a rate of 10 g/kg of diet, and the fourth one contained rosemary and spirulina as a SP + RM group. The results of the different parameters indicated the growth-stimulant effects of rosemary and spirulina either alone or in a combination when compared with the control group (P ≤ 0.05), with a superior effect to combination treatment. In addition, improved hematological parameters, immunological assays, phagocytic activity and index, and expression of antioxidant and immune-related genes occurred before and after infection. Moreover, there were positive effects of spirulina and rosemary without pathological lesions in the different organs before infection and fewer lesions after infection.

Induction of phytoextraction, phytoprotection and growth promotion activities in Lupinus albus under mercury abiotic stress conditions by Peribacillus frigoritolerans subsp., mercuritolerans subsp. nov.

Strain SAICEUPBMT was isolated from soils of Almadén (Ciudad Real, Spain), subjected to a high mercury concentration. SAICEUPBMT significantly increased aerial plant weight, aerial plant length and the development of secondary roots under mercury stress; increased twice the absorption of mercury by the plant, while favoring its development in terms of biomass. Similarly, plants inoculated with SAICEUPBMT and grown in soils contaminated with mercury, express a lower activity of antioxidant enzymes; catalase enzymes (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR) for defense against ROS (reactive oxygen species). Whole genome analysis showed that ANI (95. 96 %), dDDH (72.9 %), AAI (93.3 %) and TETRA (0.99) values were on the thresholds established for differentiation a subspecies. The fatty acids analysis related the strain with the Peribacillus frigoritolerans species. And the synapomorphic analysis reveals a common ancestor with analysis related the strain with the Peribacillus frigoritolerans species. Results from genomic analysis together with differences in phenotypic features and chemotaxonomic analysis support the proposal of strain SAICEUPBMT as the type strain of a novel subspecies for which the name Peribacillus frigoritolerans subps. mercuritolerans sp. nov is proposed. The absence of virulence genes and transmissible resistance mechanisms reveals its safety for agronomic uses, under mercury stress conditions. The ability of Peribacillus frigoritolerans subsp. mercuritolerans subsp. nov to improve plant development was tested in a Lupinus albus model, demonstrating a great potential for plant phytoprotection against mercury stress.

Up-regulation of nitrogen metabolism and chlorophyll biosynthesis by hydrogen sulfide improved photosystem photochemistry and gas exchange in chromium- contaminated bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is considered as plant growth promoter under heavy metal stress, though its specific effects on photosynthesis are rarely explored. This study investigates the protective effects of exogenous H2S donor sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) on chlorophyll metabolism and photosystem II (PSII) function in 24-day-old bean plants exposed to 10 μM chromium (Cr) stress. Sodium hydrosulfide (100 μM) reduced Cr accumulation in both roots and leaves, leading to restored plant growth. Concomitantly, H₂S mitigated Cr-induced oxidative damages by decreasing reactive oxygen species levels and further enhancing antioxidant scavenging activities. This resulted in significant reductions in Cr-elevated leaf pheophytin and chlorophyllide levels by 59% and 67%, respectively. Furthermore, NaHS application increased levels of porphyrin and its precursor, 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), in Cr-stressed bean. The up-regulation in chlorophyll biosynthesis was associated with enhanced activities of glutamine synthetase and glutamate synthase, essential for glutamate (precursor of 5-ALA) production, as well as nitrate and nitrite reductase, leading to increased nitric oxide generation. Under Cr stress, H₂S significantly improved the electron transport rate, effective quantum yield of PSII, and photochemical quenching by 112%, 53%, and 38%, respectively, while reducing non-photochemical quenching by 50%. Furthermore, H₂S promoted net CO₂ assimilation and photosynthesis at saturating light, respectively, while reducing stomatal conductance and transpiration to maintain water balance. Exogenous H₂S restored respiration, as indicated by increased light saturation and compensation points in Cr-treated plants. Overall, these findings indicate that H₂S regulates photosynthesis in Cr-stressed bean by modulating nitrogen and chlorophyll metabolism, thereby optimizing PSII efficiency and gas exchange.

Impacts of dietary different levels of thyme leave powder as a natural growth promoter on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and blood indices of broilers

Impacts of dietary different levels of thyme leave powder as a natural growth promoter on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and blood indices of broilers

Exploring the rhizosphere of perennial wheat: potential for plant growth promotion and biocontrol applications

Perennial grains, which remain productive for multiple years, rather than growing for only one season before harvest, have deep, dense root systems that can support a richness of beneficial microorganisms, which are mostly underexplored. In this work we isolated forty-three bacterial strains associated with the rhizosphere of the OK72 perennial wheat line, developed from a cross between winter common wheat and Thinopyrum ponticum. Identified using 16S rDNA sequencing, these bacteria were assessed for plant growth-promoting traits such as indole-3-acetic acid, siderophores and ACC-deaminase acid production, biofilm formation, and the ability to solubilize phosphate and proteins. Twenty-five strains exhibiting in vitro significant plant growth promoting traits, belong to wheat keystone genera Pseudomonas, Microbacterium, Variovorax, Pedobacter, Dyadobacter, Plantibacter, and Flavobacterium. Seven strains, including Aeromicrobium and Okibacterium genera, were able to promote root growth in a commercial annual wheat cultivar while strains from Pseudomonas genus inhibited the growth of Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium species, using direct antagonism assays. The same strains produced a high amount of 1-undecanol a volatile organic compound, which may aid in suppressing fungal growth. The study highlights the potential of these bacteria to form new commercial consortia, enhancing the health and productivity of annual wheat crops within sustainable agricultural practices.