Antioxidant Enzymes Research Articles

Evaluating the Protective Effect of Melatonin on Atorvastatin-induced Mitochondrial Toxicity in Pancreatic Beta Cells.

Atorvastatin and other statins belong to a category of cholesterollowering drugs, which may cause some damage to pancreatic cells despite their effectiveness. The present study investigated the effects of melatonin against atorvastatin-induced toxicity on islets of Langerhans and CRI-D2 cells. The MTT assay was used to determine cell viability. The effect of various concentrations of melatonin (0,10, 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 μM) on CRI-D2 cell viability was evaluated for 24 hours to determine the non-cytotoxic concentrations of melatonin. Additionally, cells were treated with different concentrations of atorvastatin (10, 100, and 150 ng/mL) for 24 hours to determine a concentration that could induce the maximum cell death. After selecting the appropriate concentrations for melatonin, cells were treated with atorvastatin (10, 100, and 150 ng/ml) and melatonin (10 and 100 μM) simultaneously for a period of 24 hours. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity were assessed as indicators of oxidative stress. To assess mitochondrial function, the ratio of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were measured. Atorvastatin markedly raised ROS and MDA levels. This result was associated with a decrease in MMP, an increase in the ADP/ATP ratio, and a change in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Atorvastatin (150 ng/mL)-induced mitochondrial damage was alleviated by concurrent melatonin and atorvastatin therapy. These results suggest that melatonin has a protective effect against atorvastatininduced toxicity in the mitochondria of pancreatic cells.

Study on the enhancement effect of EDTA and oxalic acid on phytoremediation of Cr(VI) from soil using Datura stramonium L.

This study investigated the enhancing effects of soil treatment with ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and oxalic acid (OA) on the remediation of Cr(VI) contaminated soil by Datura stramonium L. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted, where Cr(VI) contaminated soil was treated with 100 mg/kg Cr(VI) and varying concentrations of EDTA (5 and 10 mmol/kg) and OA (5 and 10 mmol/kg). The effects of these soil treatments on biomass, chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activities, and Cr(VI) enrichment and translocation efficiency of D. stramonium were evaluated. The results showed that added OA to soil significantly increased the biomass and chlorophyll content of D. stramonium. The addition of 10 mmol/kg of OA to soil increased the plant biomass by 67.16 % and chlorophyll b content by 40.01 %. In addition, OA soil treatment significantly enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) by 6.36 %, peroxidase (POD) by 163.13 %, catalase (CAT) by 36.92 %, and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) by 32.12 %, which effectively alleviated the oxidative stress induced by Cr(VI). In contrast, soil treatment with a high concentration of EDTA (10 mmol/kg) significantly reduced plant biomass and chlorophyll content, although it increased the biological concentration factor (BCF) of the stem and leaf, as well as the translocation factor (TF). In conclusion, appropriate amounts of EDTA and OA added to soil can enhance the phytoremediation efficiency of D. stramonium grown in Cr(VI) contaminated soil, with OA added to soil being more effective than addition of EDTA. This study revealed the potential mechanisms of chelating agents EDTA and OA in enhancing the phytoremediation of Cr(VI) contaminated soil by D. stramonium, providing a scientific basis for further optimization of phytoremediation techniques.

Genome-wide identification of shaker K+ channel gene family in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) and function of BvSKOR in response to salt and drought stresses

Potassium (K+) is the most abundant cation in plants, which is absorbed by roots and distributed throughout the plants and within plant cells, and is involved in various cellular processes. Shaker K+ channel plays crucial roles in the absorption and distribution of K+ and in the response to abiotic stress in plants. Herein, a total of six shaker K+ channel genes, BvKAT1, BvKAT3, BvAKT1, BvAKT2, BvAKT5, and BvSKOR, were identified in the genome of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.). The coding domain sequences (CDS) of these genes ranged from 2232 to 2739bp, and protein lengths were varied from 743 to 912 aa. The shaker K+ channel genes contained hormone-related and light responsiveness cis-acting regulatory elements. The phylogenetic analysis showed that BvSKOR was highly conserved and contained six transmembrane structures. The expression patterns of BvSKOR under salt and osmotic stress were analyzed by qRT-PCR, and found that the expression level of BvSKOR under low concentration salt and osmotic stress at short period of treatment were significantly higher than that of the control group. The function of BvSKOR was further verified in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), and the results showed that under salt and osmotic stress, the roots of transgenic plants were significantly stronger than those of wild type (WT) plants, and the relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll, proline, soluble sugar, soluble proteins contents and antioxidant enzyme activity were significantly higher than those of WT plants. These results indicated that overexpression of BvSKOR can significantly enhance the salt and drought tolerance in transgenic tobacco plants. This study could provide theoretical support and genetic resources for genetic improvement of crops stress resistance.

Investigating the hepatoprotective and antidiabetic properties of cryogenically pulverized Turkish propolis water extracts in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Diabetes is a major global health crisis, affecting millions of people worldwide and necessitating the search for effective and safe treatments, leading to various complications, including liver damage. This study investigated the hepatoprotective and antidiabetic properties of cryogenically pulverized Turkish propolis water extracts (WBTP) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.Propolis samples were collected from the West Black Sea Region of Turkey and prepared as -80 °C (PP-80) and -196 °C (PP-196) water extracts. Thirty male Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups: normal control, diabetic control, diabetic + PP-80 (250 mg/kg), diabetic + PP-196 (250 mg/kg), and diabetic + metformin (250 mg/kg). After 35 days of treatment, various parameters were evaluated, including body weight, blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum biochemistry, antioxidant enzyme activities, and histopathology of the pancreas.The results showed that WBTP extracts, especially PP-80, significantly improved body weight and reduced blood glucose and HbA1c levels. Analysis of lipid profiles revealed improvements in HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels with WBTP treatment. The antioxidant defense systems were also enhanced in the WBTP-treated groups. Histopathological examination revealed that WBTP extracts mitigated pancreatic tissue damage in the diabetic rats.In conclusion, the WBTP extracts possess hepatoprotective and antidiabetic properties, suggesting a promising avenue for further research. It emphasizes the importance of addressing both diabetes and hepatopathologies concurrently and highlights WBTP extracts as natural and potentially safer alternatives to synthetic antidiabetic drugs. Specifically, PP-80 extracts demonstrate robust effects in managing diabetes and associated liver complications in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, indicating their therapeutic potential.

Metarhizium anisopliae seed priming alleviates drought-induced oxidative stress and improves growth of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Increasing crop resilience to drought stress through microorganisms is a sustainable approach. This study evaluated the efficacy of the endophytic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae MetA1 (MA) for improving drought tolerance of barley by analyzing various morphological, physiological, biochemical, and yield factors. Barley grains were treated with MA (1 × 108 spore/ml) and a pot experiment was conducted with three high-yielding barley genotypes: BARI Barley-10, BARI Barley-6, and BARI Barley-9 under three drought conditions: no drought (100% field capacity, FC), moderate drought (50% FC), and severe drought (25% FC). Under drought conditions, MA priming significantly enhanced shoot and root biomass, leaf characteristics, photosynthetic pigment content, and activities of various antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, dehydroascorbate reductase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, glyoxalase-I, and glyoxalase-II in all barley genotypes. Furthermore, there was an observed increase in the levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants such as ascorbate and glutathione. MA treatment also led to a significant reduction in stress markers like methylglyoxal, malondialdehyde, lipoxygenase, hydrogen peroxide, and calcium influx along with an increase in proline and potassium content in barley leaves in stressed conditions. Crop growth and yield related attributes in barley were improved, which is evidence of better physiological and biochemical changes under both stress and non-stressed conditions. As such, the study provides evidence suggesting that MA-mediated seed priming is an effective strategy for improving drought tolerance not only in barley but also possibly 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.

Evaluating the therapeutic effect of different forms of silymarin on liver status and expression of some genes involved in fat metabolism, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory in older laying hens.

Silymarin, the predominant compound of milk thistle, is an extract took out from milk thistle (Silybum marianum) seeds, containing a mixture of flavonolignans with strong antioxidant capability. The experiment was conducted using 70 Lohmann LSL-Lite hens at 80 weeks of age with 7 treatments each with 10 replicates. Treatments included: (1) control diet without silymarin, (2) daily intake of 100mg silymarin powder/kg body weight (BW) (PSM100), (3) daily intake of 200mg silymarin powder/kg BW (PSM200), (4) daily intake of 100mg nano-silymarin/kg BW (NSM100), (5) daily intake of 200mg nano-silymarin/kg BW (NSM200), (6) daily intake of 100mg lecithinized silymarin/kg BW (LSM100) and (7) daily intake of 200mg lecithinized silymarin/kg BW (LSM200). The birds were housed individually, and diets were fed for 12 weeks. Scanning electron microscopy showed that NSM was produced with the average particle size of 20.30nm. Silymarin treatment improved serum antioxidant enzyme activity. All groups receiving silymarin showed a decrease in liver malondialdehyde content, expression of fatty acid synthase, tumour necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6 (IL-6) genes in the liver, and hepatic steatosis than the control, except those fed the PSM100 diet. There were decreases in liver dry matter and fat contents, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatocyte ballooning, and an increase in glutathione peroxidase gene expression and a decrease in iNOS gene expression in birds fed the NSM100, NSM200, LSM100 and LSM200 diets compared to the control group. Moreover, all groups receiving silymarin showed a significant decrease in liver weight compare to the control group. Overall, the effects of silymarin when converted to NSM or LSM and offered at the level of 200mg/kg BW were more pronounced on the hepatic variables and may be useful in the prevention of the liver disease in older laying hens.

Daidzein ameliorates experimental traumatic brain injury-induced neurological symptoms by suppressing oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes deficits in neurological function, induces pathological changes, and increases oxidative stress. The current investigation aimed to determine Daidzein's neuroprotective potential in experimental TBI. Initially, the HT-22 cell line exposed to H2O2 underwent in vitro examination, and the results showed that Daidzein had a neuroprotective effect evident from enhanced cell viability and decreased NO generation. Using three different Daidzein doses-1 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, and 10 mg/kg-in the in vivo experiment, the potential of Daidzein was evaluated against TBI. The neurological severity score (NSS), kondziela's screen test, and elevated plus maze showed improvements after treatment with Daidzein manifested by decreased score, enhanced motor coordination, and anti-anxiety effects. Additionally, Daidzein improved mechanical allodynia and restored the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier. The FTIR spectral analysis showed restoration of the biochemical compositional changes. Furthermore, H & E and Toluidine blue staining revealed an improvement in the histopathological alterations. The RT-qPCR revealed an increase in mRNA expression level of Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 and the downregulation of Keap-1, Bax and Cleaved caspase-3 expressions. Thus, exhibiting its antioxidant and antiapoptotic potential. The RT-qPCR also manifested a decrease in mRNA expression of GFAP and Iba-1. Further immunohistochemistry results indicated Daidzein's antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties by upregulating Nrf2 and downregulating cleaved caspase-3. Daidzein also lowered the apoptosis index and improved neuronal survival evidenced by flow cytometric analysis. In addition to this, Daidzein notably increased the antioxidant enzyme levels and decreased the oxidative stress markers. The current study's findings point to the neuroprotective potential of the phytoestrogen Daidzein as it lessened neurological abnormalities, decreased oxidative stress, and lowered proapoptotic protein expression.

Eukaryotic expression of chitinase from dark sleeper (Odontobutis potamophila) and its effects on growth and immunity

Chitinase, an enzyme that hydrolyzes β-1,4-glycosidic bonds to degrade chitin, is essential for the digestion of chitin in fish. In this study, the chitinase OpCht from Odontobutis potamophila was expressed in Pichia pastoris, and its enzymatic properties and functional effects were evaluated. The findings revealed that OpCht exhibited optimal activity at pH 6.0 and 50 °C, with stability in the pH range of 4–8 and temperatures from 4 to 40 °C. K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Hg2+, and Al3+ showed varying degrees of activation on the enzyme. At the end of the 8-week trial, the addition of OpCht significantly increased the height of intestinal villi and the thickness of the muscular layer, leading to significantly weight in the treated groups. The alleviation of intestinal inflammation also resulted in an increased survival rate (SR) of O. potamophila. High concentration treatment groups (2, 4 μg/g) showed significantly elevated digestive enzyme activities, as well as increased antioxidant enzyme activities and immune parameters. These results demonstrate that the P. pastoris expression system has successfully produced the chitinase OpCht from O. potamophila, and the addition of a certain concentration of OpCht can promote fish growth and enhance immune functions, offering a promising enzyme preparation for the aquaculture industry.

Systematical characterization of Rab7 gene family in Gossypium and potential functions of GhRab7B3-A gene in drought tolerance

BackgroundCotton serves as a primary source of natural fibers crucial for the textile industry. However, environmental elements such as drought have posed challenges to cotton cultivation, resulting in adverse impacts on both production and fiber quality. Improving cotton’s resilience to drought could mitigate yield losses and foster the expansion of cotton farming. Rab7 protein, widely present in organisms, controls the degradation and recycling of cargo, and has a potential role in biotic and abiotic tolerance. However, comprehensive exploration of the Rab7 gene family in Gossypium remains scarce.ResultsHerein, we identified a total of 10, 10, 20, and 20 Rab7 genes through genome-wide analysis in Gossypium arboreum, Gossypium raimondii, Gossypium hirsutum, and Gossypium barbadense, respectively. Collinearity analysis unveiled the pivotal role of whole genome or segmental duplication events in the expansion of GhRab7s. Study of gene architecture, conserved protein motifs, and domains suggested the conservation of structure and function throughout evolution. Exploration of cis-regulatory elements revealed the responsiveness of GhRab7 genes to abiotic stress, corroborated by transcriptome analysis under diverse environmental stresses. Notably, the greatly induced expression of GhRab7B3-A under drought treatment prompted us to investigate its function through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) assays. Silencing GhRab7B3-A led to exacerbated dehydration and wilting compared with the control. Additionally, inhibition of stomatal closure, antioxidant enzyme activities and expression patterns of genes responsive to abiotic stress were observed in GhRab7B3-A silenced plants.ConclusionsThis study sheds light on Rab7 members in cotton, identifies a gene linked to drought stress, and paves the way for additional investigation of Rab7 genes associated with drought stress tolerance.

New mechanistic insights into soil ecological risk assessment of arsenite (III) and arsenate (V)：Cellular and molecular toxicity responses in Eisenia fetida

Inorganic arsenic (iAs) is a persistent bioaccumulation carcinogen that is most abundant in soils in the form of arsenite-As (III) and arsenate-As (V). However, there is currently very little explicit evidence about cytotoxicity of As on soil organisms. Moreover, toxicological data for iAs and proteotoxicity is shortage. The purpose of the present work is to elucidate the cytotoxicity mechanism of As (III) and As (V) to earthworms, a soil ecological sentinel species, and the molecular mechanisms by which As (III)/As (V) directly bind to antioxidative enzyme Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD). Results indicate that iAs triggered cell membrane injury and genotoxicity. As (V) (56.15%) induced lower cell viability than As (III) (61.88%). Higher ROS and lipid peroxidation level in As (V) support greater cytotoxicity. Differences in cellular uptake due to valence induced diverse levels of oxidative stress and cytotoxicity. At the molecular level, As (III) (129.33%) induced higher Cu/Zn-SOD activity than As (V) (110.75%). Changes in backbone, secondary structure, amino acid microenvironment and particle size of Cu/Zn-SOD further revealed the mechanisms of differential molecular toxicity of As (III) and As (V). Binding reactions with Cu/Zn-SOD explain differences in molecular toxicity. Collective research showed that iAs-induced oxidative stress and binding reactions determine the difference of SOD activity between As (III) and As (V) at the cellular level. This work offers new insights into the health risk assessment of As.

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.

Probiotics by Modulating Gut-Brain Axis Together With Brivaracetam Mitigate Seizure Progression, Behavioral Incongruities, and Prevented Neurodegeneration in Pentylenetetrazole-Kindled Mice.

The microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) is a central nexus that integrates higher cognitive and emotional centers of the central nervous system (CNS) within the intricate functioning of the intestine. Accumulating evidence suggests that dysbiosis in the taxonomic diversity of gut flora plays a salient role in the progression of epilepsy and comorbid secondary complications. In the current study, we investigated the impact of long-term oral bacteriotherapy (probiotics; 10 mL/kg; 109 colony-forming unit/ml) as an adjunctive treatment intervention with brivaracetam (BRV; 10 mg/kg) over 21 days on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced augmented epileptic response and associated electrographical and behavioral perturbations in mice. Moreover, we also unveiled antioxidant capacity and histopathologic changes in treated versus non-treated animals. Results revealed combination increases seizure threshold and prevented high ictal spiking. Additionally, it alleviated PTZ-induced neuropsychiatric disturbances such as anxiety and depressive-like phenotype along with cognitive deficits. Furthermore, dual therapy prompted physiological oxidant/antioxidant balance as evidenced by increased activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and catalase) and reduced levels of oxidative stressor (MDA). This therapeutic intervention with commensal species suppressed network-driven neuroinflammation and preserved normal cytoarchitecture with intact morphology in the pyramidal layers of cornu ammonis (CA1 and CA3). Our study provides supporting evidence for the use of probiotics as adjunctive therapy with anti-seizure medications to modulate epileptogenic processes and related multimorbidities, particularly in individuals with drug-resistant seizures.

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.

Tenofovir alafenamide compared to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, induces dysglycemia, and dyslipidemia in Wistar rats.

To determine the metabolic effects of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) compared to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in vivo . Male Wistar rats ( Rattus novergicus , 250-300 g body weight) were divided into three groups ( n = 8) and orally treated daily with 1.0 ml distilled water (group 1), TAF (0.42 mg/kg) (group 2), or TDF (5.0 mg/kg) (group 3), respectively, for 56 days. Glucose tolerance tests were done before the animals were sacrificed by halothane overdose, and blood was collected by cardiac puncture for the analysis of plasma lipids, electrolytes, and insulin. The kidney and pancreatic tissues were excised and homogenized to measure oxidative stress. Compartmentation of TAF and TDF was determined in NRK-52 and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). There were no significant differences in weight gain among controls, TAF- or TDF-treated rats. TAF-treated rats had significantly increased fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting plasma insulin (FPI), insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, and dyslipidemia compared to control or TDF-treated rats, respectively. There was increased lipid peroxidation in the pancreas of TAF-treated compared to TDF-treated or control animals, respectively. TDF- treated rats presented with symptoms of Fanconi syndrome compared to TAF-treated or control animals, respectively. Kidney homogenates from TDF-treated animals had significantly reduced antioxidant enzyme activity compared to TAF-treated animals or controls, respectively. Intracellular concentrations of TAF were significantly higher than TDF in both NRK-52E cells and PBMC, respectively. TAF treatment is weight-neutral and causes dysglycemia, and dyslipidemia but not Fanconi syndrome compared to TDF.

Paddy seeds bacterization with ACC deaminase producing endophyte Alcaligenes faecalis SSP8 regulates physiology, leaves gas exchange parameters, PSII photochemistry and antioxidant enzymes metabolism in NaCl stressed seedlings

Paddy seeds bacterization with ACC deaminase producing endophyte Alcaligenes faecalis SSP8 regulates physiology, leaves gas exchange parameters, PSII photochemistry and antioxidant enzymes metabolism in NaCl stressed seedlings

Morpho-physiological traits and stress indices reveal divergence in early-stage salt stress response in elite soybean germplasm

This study assessed the salt stress response of seventy soybean genotypes by exposing seedlings to sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations of 0, 75, 100, and 125 mM. Salinity stress significantly reduced root length, shoot length, fresh and dry root/shoot weight, and root/shoot ratio. A total of 62 genotypes germinated at 125 mM, showing significant phenotypic variation in traits such as root length, shoot length, fresh shoot weight, and dry shoot weight. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between most morpho-physiological traits, suggesting their interdependence. Eight salinity tolerance indices i.e., Fresh Weight Stress Tolerance Index (FWSI), Dry Weight Stress Tolerance Index (DWSI), Root Length Salinity Index (RLSI), Shoot Length Salinity Index (SLSI), Salinity Tolerance Index (STI), Salinity Susceptibility Index (SSI), Tolerance Index (TI), and Percent Reduction (PR) were calculated to assess genotypes response. Na+ concentration and antioxidant activities significantly increased under salt stress compared to the control. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, as well as the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as H2O2 and O2−, were markedly higher under salt stress compared to the control. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped genotypes into six clusters, with clusters V and VI comprising genotypes exhibiting higher salt tolerance based on high FWSI, DWSI, and STI values, and low PR, SSI, and TI values. Eight salinity tolerance indices, including Fresh Weight Stress Tolerance Index (FWSI), Dry Weight Stress Tolerance Index (DWSI), Root Length Salinity Index (RLSI), and Salinity Tolerance Index (STI), were used to evaluate the genotypes’ responses. The study revealed that the average FWSI value for all genotypes under treatments was 54.20 ± 12.93. The highest FWSI was recorded for the genotype Black (92.52), followed by NIBGE-224 (84.70) and NIBGE-183 (81.05). In contrast, Malakand-96 had the lowest FWSI (28.49), followed by SPS-10 (32.74) and SPS-08 (34.55). PGRA-91 had the highest STI (0.83), followed by SPS-9 (0.75) and NIBGE-115 (0.72), while NIBGE-335, SPS-24, and Malakand-96 had the lowest STI values. Positive correlations were observed between root length and shoot length (0.69**), shoot length and fresh shoot weight (0.63**), and other related traits. Overall, this study identified promising soybean genotypes with varying degrees of salt tolerance. These findings can be utilized in breeding programs to develop salt-tolerant soybean varieties for salinity-affected agricultural lands.

Influence of biofertilizers on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) growth and physiological modulations for water and fertilizers managing

Biofertilizers constitute a safe way to alleviate the impacts of water shortage and the overload of chemical fertilizers. This work focuses on the effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) on potato's agro-physiological response, beneath the reduction of water, nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers. Five microbioal treatments (C: Control, AMF: Mycorhizae, B1: Bacillus halotolerans, B2: Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and B1B2: B.halotolerans+ B.amyloliquefaciens) were tested in arrangement with two nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium (NPK) rates (F1: Entire rate, F ½: Half rate) and three irrigation levels (100 % of crop water requirement: 100 % ETc; 75 % ETc; 50 % ETc) in a two year factorial split plot design. We studied vegetative growth, photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll fluorescence, water status, osmoticums, N, P, K and enzymatic antioxidants accumulation. Data obtained in 2019–2022 showed that AMF and B1B2 biofertilizers were beneficial to improve Root/Shoot, Dry Underground Part/Aerial Part, leaf area (LA), water saturation deficit (WSD), chlorophyll index (SPAD) and tuber yield under 75 % ETc. The photosynthetic promoter effect of biofertilizers under 75 % ETc, compared to 50 % ETc was observed in the following trend B1B2>AMF>B1. The efficacy of B1B2 and AMF were coupled to high catalase (CAT) activity. Potatoes treated with B1B2 were found to be efficient for 75 % ETc in terms of proline accumulation. The AMF was more effective in terms of soluble sugars (SS) accumulation and control of osmotic potential (Ψs). Taking together, the B1B2 and AMF could be regarded as efficient biofertilizers under 75 % ETc, alleviating the impacts of water stress and the problem of excessive fertilization in potatoes.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 1008 Enhances Testicular Function and Spermatogenesis via the Modulation of Gut Microbiota in Male Mice with High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity

Our study was designed to investigate the Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 1008 (LP1008) on testicular antioxidant capacity, spermatogenesis, apoptosis, autophagy, and metabolic function in male mice with high-fat-diet-induced obesity. A total of thirty-six male C57BL/6 mice were fed a normal diet (denoted as the NC group) or a high-fat control diet (denoted as the HFC group) for 16 weeks, then half of the HFC group was randomly chosen and subsequently fed with LP1008 for the final 8 weeks (high-fat diet + LP1008; denoted as the HFP group). The HFP group expressed improved blood cholesterol, insulin resistance, hepatic function, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels compared to the HFC group. Meanwhile, the HFC group displayed decreased testicular testosterone levels, sperm quality, and 17β-HSD protein expression, which were rescued after LP1008 treatment. Moreover, the HFC group had lower superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) enzyme activities. After LP1008 treatment, enhanced antioxidative activities and decreased lipid peroxidation were observed. The HFC group also exhibited aggravated apoptosis, inflammation, and autophagy proteins in the testis, which were ameliorated by LP1008 supplementation. Furthermore, the gut microbiota analysis results revealed that the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was significantly elevated in the HFC and HFP groups compared to the NC group and that LP1008 treatment diminished Ruminococcaceae and enhanced Bifidobacteriaceae diversity. In summary, LP1008 treatment strengthened antioxidative enzyme levels and regulated microbiota-ameliorated HFC-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and autophagy, and thus improved testicular function and semen quality.

Prestorage hot water treatments retard papaya fruit deterioration and enhanced fruit quality in cold storage

Papaya (Carica papaya) fruit has a short shelf life and suffers significant postharvest losses due to climacteric, instant ripening and perishable nature. Pre-storage hot water treatment (HWT) has significant potential to delay decay incidence in horticultural commodities. The present study was designed to evaluate effectiveness of HWT on ‘Red lady’ papaya fruit for minimizing the fruit decay and maintaining the quality during storage. Physiologically mature unripe ‘Red lady’ papaya fruit harvested from a commercial papaya orchard. Selected fruits were treated at three different hot water temperatures (50 °C, 52 °C and 54 °C) along with a control (room temp) for 10 minutes thereafter stored at 12 °C and 85–90% RH for four weeks. Different sensory evaluation, fruit quality scales and enzymatic activities were observed at weekly intervals. Fruit stored after 54 °C HWT showed lower weight loss (4.63%), decay incidence (5.1%) and higher fruit firmness (12.92 N) relative to control. Fruit treated at 52 °C HWT improved the fruit acidity, but total soluble solids decreased than control. The results revealed that ascorbic acid (33.33 mg/100 g), total phenolic contents (35 mg/g FW) total antioxidants (47.50% DPPH inhibition), and antioxidative enzyme activities were improved by 52 °C HWT. It is concluded that pre storage papaya fruit treatment (HWT @ 52 °C) preserves the quality of fruit throughout storage on the other hand at 54 °C HWT helps in decreased fruit decaying. It can be summarized that papaya fruit can be treated with hot water in the range of 52–54 °C to support the fruit shelf life and suppress fruit decay along with maintaining fruit quality. Practical applications: Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a climacteric fruit which is highly susceptible to fungal attacks after harvest. Due to its perishable nature, it becomes decayed and huge amount of highly nutritious and medicinally important fruit is wasted. Recently people are more concerned about food safety which limits the use of fungicides for controlling the fruit decay in papaya. However, heat treatment has tremendous potential to control microbial decay, and keep food commodities safe from hazardous chemicals. In this study, the hot water treatment has successfully suppressed the fruit decay and maintained fruit quality of papaya in the course of entire period of cold storage. These findings indicated that use of hot water treatment is a practical approach for increasing the shelf life of papaya fruit.