Antioxidant Enzyme Activities Research Articles

Exogenous diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate alleviates the damage caused by low-temperature stress in Phaseolus vulgaris L. seedlings through photosynthetic and antioxidant systems

BackgroundPhaseolus vulgaris is a warm-season crop sensitive to low temperatures, which can adversely affect its growth, yield, and market value. Exogenous growth regulators, such as diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate (DA-6), have shown potential in alleviating stress caused by adverse environmental conditions. However, the effects that DA-6 has on P. vulgaris plants subjected to low-temperature stress are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact DA-6 has on the growth, photosynthesis, antioxidant system, and gene expression in cold-tolerant (YJ009763) and cold-sensitive (Baibulao) P. vulgaris seedlings under low-temperature stress.ResultsTo simulate low-temperature stress, P. vulgaris seedlings were exposed to 5 °C, and 25 mg/L DA-6 solution applied to their leaves. This study revealed that DA-6 significantly enhanced the growth and photosynthetic performance of P. vulgaris seedlings under low-temperature stress. Specifically, DA-6 increased chlorophyll content and photosynthetic rates, reducing stomatal limitation and enhancing carbon assimilation. It also improved the photosynthetic efficiency by boosting electron transport in the reaction center. The antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) were markedly increased following DA-6 treatment. After 24 h of low-temperature stress, the cold-tolerant seedlings showed a 68.95% increase in POD activity, whereas the cold-sensitive seedlings displayed a 160.63% increase in SOD activity and an 85.56% increase in CAT activity. In addition, DA-6 significantly reduced the production rate of superoxide anion radical generation, with a 25.24% reduction in cold-tolerant seedlings and a 49.38% reduction in cold-sensitive seedlings. Under low-temperature stress, exogenous DA-6 could upregulate the relative expression of antioxidant enzyme-related genes, such as PvSOD and PvAPX. DA-6 also promoted the expression of key antioxidant genes, including PvMDHAR and PvDHAR2, which accelerated the ascorbate-glutathione cycle and mitigated oxidative stress.ConclusionExogenous application of DA-6 effectively alleviates low-temperature stress in P. vulgaris by enhancing photosynthetic capacity and regulating the antioxidant defense system. Cold-tolerant varieties exhibited a stronger response to DA-6, demonstrating a greater ability to withstand cold stress. These findings suggest that DA-6 treatment could serve as a promising approach for improving the resilience of P. vulgaris to low temperatures.

Growth, physiological and molecular response of calcium and salicylic acid primed wheat under lead stress.

Heavy metal contamination, particularly from lead (Pb), poses a significant threat to plant agriculture worldwide,adversely affectinggrowth, physiological functions, and yield.Signalling molecules such ascalcium and salicylic acid are known to mitigate various stresses in plants, prompting this study to explore theirinteractionwithPbstress in wheat. A pot experiment was conductedin whichwheat grains wereprimedwith either distilled water, 5mM calcium (Ca), or 0.05mM salicylic acid (SA) for 12h. Following germination, seedlings were exposed to 100mMPbsix days later, while the control group received water irrigation. Growth parameters, physiological changes, molecular responses, and yield characteristics were assessed to understand the impact of the treatments. The application of Ca and SA acid significantly amelioratedPb-induced reductions in growth parameters, yield criteria, and phenolic content. These treatments also reduced oxidative stress by restoringosmoprotectants,Pbion content, and antioxidant enzyme activities to normal levels. Additionally, theydownregulatedgenes that were overexpressed inPb-stressed wheat. Ca and SA treatments effectively mitigate lead toxicity in wheat by protecting growth, enhancing physiological resilience, and maintaining productivity. These findings suggest that leveraging chemical stimulants such as calcium and salicylic acidconstitutesa viable strategy for reducing the detrimental impacts of heavy metal stress on crop yields.

Impact of Polystyrene Microplastics on Soil Properties, Microbial Diversity and Solanum lycopersicum L. Growth in Meadow Soils

The pervasive presence of microplastics (MPs) in agroecosystems poses a significant threat to soil health and plant growth. This study investigates the effects of varying concentrations and sizes of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on the Solanum lycopersicum L.’s height, dry weight, antioxidant enzyme activities, soil physicochemical properties, and rhizosphere microbial communities. The results showed that the PS0510 treatment significantly increased plant height (93.70 cm, +40.83%) and dry weight (2.98 g, +100%). Additionally, antioxidant enzyme activities improved across treatments for S. lycopersicum L. roots. Physicochemical analyses revealed enhanced soil organic matter and nutrient levels, including ammonium nitrogen, phosphorus, and effective potassium. Using 16S rRNA sequencing and molecular ecological network techniques, we found that PS-MPs altered the structure and function of the rhizosphere microbial community associated with S. lycopersicum L. The PS1005 treatment notably increased microbial diversity and displayed the most complex ecological network, while PS1010 led to reduced network complexity and more negative interactions. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis identified biomarkers at various taxonomic levels, reflecting the impact of PS-MPs on microbial community structure. Mantel tests indicated positive correlations between microbial diversity and soil antioxidant enzyme activity, as well as relationships between soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activity. Predictions of gene function revealed that PS-MP treatments modified carbon and nitrogen cycling pathways, with PS1005 enhancing methanogenesis genes (mcrABG) and PS1010 negatively affecting denitrification genes (nirK, nirS). This study provides evidence of the complex effects of PS-MPs on soil health and agroecosystem functioning, highlighting their potential to alter soil properties and microbial communities, thereby affecting plant growth.

Effects of exogenous spraying of melatonin on the growth of Platycrater arguta under drought stress

Platycrater arguta is a rare and endangered deciduous shrub originating from the Tertiary Period. Understanding its drought tolerance is crucial for conservation efforts and enhancing its resilience to environmental stress. This study aimed to assess the effects of varying levels of drought stress on the phenotype and physiological–biochemical characteristics of P. arguta. The study subjected P. arguta to different levels of drought stress using 10%, 20%, and 30% polyethylene glycol-6000 (PEG-6000) over a 10-day period. Additionally, the effects of exogenous melatonin application at various concentrations (including 100 µM) were examined to determine its potential in alleviating drought-induced damage. Key parameters measured included leaf relative water content, net photosynthetic rate (Pn), antioxidant enzyme activity, and soluble sugar content. Drought stress significantly inhibited the growth of P. arguta. As PEG-6000 concentration increased, leaf relative water content and net photosynthetic rate decreased, while leaf wilting severity, membrane damage, antioxidant enzyme activity, and soluble sugar content increased. A 30% PEG-6000 concentration caused irreversible damage, leading to plant death. Exogenous application of 100 µM melatonin alleviated this damage by increasing leaf relative water content, enhancing photosynthetic efficiency, boosting antioxidant enzyme activity, accumulating osmotic regulators, and reducing leaf desiccation. The study demonstrated that P. arguta is sensitive to severe drought conditions, with 30% PEG-6000 causing irreversible damage. However, the application of 100 µM melatonin significantly improved the plant's drought tolerance by upregulating the expression of ABI1 and downregulating genes such as AUX1A-2, IAA2-2, and HP2-1. This finding highlights the potential of melatonin as a protective agent against drought stress, providing valuable insights for the conservation and enhancement of P. arguta's resilience to environmental challenges.

Dual Regulation of Ionic Effect on Zostera marina L. Seed Germination and Leaf Differentiation in Low-Salinity Conditions

Low-salinity conditions are generally used in land-based cultivation to promote the germination and growth of Zostera marina L. and to improve the restoration effect of seagrass beds. Different salinity conditions lead to morphological and physiological differences. To investigate the impacts of salinity and osmotic pressure on the germination and early development of Zostera marina seeds, this study utilized seawater with different salinity conditions and PEG-6000 solutions to simulate various non-ionic osmotic pressures and examine the germination, cotyledon growth, and leaf differentiation over 28 days, as well as determine the biochemical traits on days 1, 3, 5, and 7. The results show that the cumulative germination rate in LS-0 was 91.6%, but it was not significantly affected by the PEG solutions. The different salinities (5, 10, and 15) had no significant effect on the germination rate, which ranged from 76.4% to 78.8%: low salinity and low osmotic pressure stimulated the germination by accelerating the water uptake through increased osmotic pressure differences. The leaf differentiation was regulated by the osmotic pressure and salinity. In LS-10, the most used condition, the leaf differentiation rate was 35.2%, while PEG-10 displayed 6.4%. The total soluble sugar and soluble protein in the seeds decreased. Antioxidant enzyme activities were activated under low-salinity conditions, which supported germination within a tolerable oxidative stress range.

Cypermethrin induced physiological and metabolic changes in susceptible and resistant populations of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius).

Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is one of the most destructive insect pests. Insecticides remain the principal management tool to control this pest. However, indiscriminate use of insecticides has resulted in the development of resistance to a variety of insecticides in S. litura. Cypermethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, is commonly used in pest management. In addition to the mortality produced by cypermethrin, S. litura may suffer a range of sublethal consequences when exposed to low or sublethal levels. This study investigates the effect of cypermethrin exposure on nutritional physiology, digestive, detoxifying, and antioxidant enzymes of lab-selected susceptible (Unsel-Lab) and resistant (CYP-Sel) populations of S. litura. Our findings demonstrated that cypermethrin exposure has a considerable impact on the nutritional physiology of S. litura, as revealed by altered nutrient assimilation and utilization, alongside varying responses in digestive enzymes. In the CYP-Sel population, activity levels of key digestive enzymes- α-amylase, α-glucosidase, ß-glucosidase, α-galactosidase, ß-galactosidase, lipases, and proteases- decreased by 69.30, 81.40, 49.18, 86.36, 73.94, 70.50, and 72.34%, respectively, compared to the control of Unsel-Lab population. Furthermore, detoxification enzymes including mixed-function oxidase (by 1.87 times), glutathione-S-transferase (by 1.71 times), and esterases (by 2.86 times) showed considerably increased activity in CYP-Sel population as compared to Unsel-Lab population, indicating an adaptive response to detoxification processes. Antioxidant enzyme activity, including SOD (increased by 19.66%) and CAT (decreased by 26.19%), changed significantly, indicating oxidative stress caused by cypermethrin. The study gives useful information for developing pest management strategies that reduce the unexpected impacts of chemical exposure.

Construing the resilience to osmotic stress using endophytic fungus in maize (Zea mays L.).

In a wake of shifting climatic scenarios, plants are frequently forced to undergo a spectrum of abiotic and biotic stresses at various stages of growth, many of which have a detrimental effect on production and survival. Naturally, microbial consortia partner up to boost plant growth and constitute a diversified ecosystem against abiotic stresses. Despite this, little is known pertaining to the interplay between endophytic microbes which release phytohormones and stimulate plant development in stressed environments. In a lab study, we demonstrated that an endophyte isolated from the Kargil region of India, a Fusarium equiseti strain K23-FE, colonizes the maize hybrid MAH 14 - 5, promoting its growth and conferring polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced osmotic stress tolerance. To unravel the molecular mechanism, maize seedlings inoculated with endophyte were subjected to comparative transcriptomic analysis. In response to osmotic stress, genes associated with metabolic, photosynthesis, secondary metabolites, and terpene biosynthesis pathways were highly upregulated in endophyte enriched maize seedlings. Further, in a greenhouse experiment, maize plants inoculated with fungal endophyte showed higher relative leaf water content, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzyme activity such as polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and catalase (CAT) under 50% field capacity conditions. Osmoprotectant like proline were higher and malondialdehyde content was reduced in colonized plants. This study set as proof of concept to demonstrate that endophytes adapted to adverse environments can efficiently tweak non-host plant responses to abiotic stresses such as water deficit stress via physiological and molecular pathways, offering a huge opportunity for their deployment in sustainable agriculture.

Optimization of exogenous CeO2 nanoparticles on Pak choi (Brassica rapa L. var. chinensis) to alleviate arsenic stress

Arsenic (As) is a regulated hazardous substance that persists in the environment, causing issues related to environmental health, agriculture, and food safety. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) are emerging sustainable solutions for alleviating heavy metal stress. However, their effectiveness and optimization for foliar application in reducing As stress, especially in Pak choi, has not been reported yet. Hence, this study aims to examine the effects of foliar application of CeO2 NPs (75,000,000, 150,000,000, and 300,000,000 ng/L) on the growth, nutrient availability, and antioxidant enzymatic activities of Pak choi plants under As stress. The findings showed that foliar application of 75,000,000 ng/L CeO2 NPs significantly increased shoot length (77.32%), root length (80.98%), and number of leaves (80.23%) as compared to control without NPs. The lowest dose of CeO2 NPs (75,000,000 ng/L) increased antioxidant enzyme activities such as peroxidase (86.10%), superoxide dismutase (81.48%), and catalase (52.07%), while significantly reducing malondialdehyde (44.02%), hydrogen peroxide (34.20%), and electrolyte leakage (43.53%). Furthermore, foliar application of 75,000,000 ng/L CeO2 NPs significantly increased the content of zinc (81.02%), copper (56.99%), iron (88.04%), manganese (68.37%), magnesium (76.83%), calcium (61.16%), and potassium (84.91%) in leaves when compared to control without NPs. The same trend was observed for shoot and root nutrient concentrations. Most importantly, 75,000,000 ng/L CeO2 NPs foliar application significantly reduced shoot As (45.11%) and root As (20.89%) concentration compared to control, providing a reassuring indication of their potential to reduce As concentration in plants. Our study’s findings are of utmost importance as they indicate that lower concentrations of foliar-applied CeO2 NPs can be more effective in enhancing crop nutrition and reducing heavy metals than higher concentrations. This article is intended to present critical issues of As contamination in agricultural soils, which imposes substantial risks to crop productivity and food security.

Phytoremediation of Oil-Contaminated Soil by Tagetes erecta L. Combined with Biochar and Microbial Agent

Crude oil pollution of soil is an important issue that has serious effects on both the environment and human health. Phytoremediation is a promising approach to cleaning up oil-contaminated soil. In order to facilitate phytoremediation effects for oil-contaminated soil, this study set up a pot experiment to explore the co-application potentiality of Tagetes erecta L. with two other methods: microbial agent and biochar. Results showed that the greatest total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) biodegradation (76.60%) occurred in the soil treated with T. erecta, a microbial agent, and biochar; the highest biomass and root activity also occurred in this treatment.GC-MS analysis showed that petroleum hydrocarbon components in the range from C10 to C40 all reduced in different treatments, and intermediate-chain alkanes were preferred by our bioremediation methods. Compared with the treatments with biochar, the chlorophyll fluorescence parameter NPQ_Lss and plant antioxidant enzyme activities significantly decreased in the treatments applied with the microbial agent, while soil enzyme activities, especially oxidoreductase activities, significantly increased. Although the correlation between biochar and most plant growth and soil enzyme activity indicators was not significant in this study, the interaction effect analysis found a synergistic effect between microbial agents and biochar. Overall, this study suggests the co-addition of microbial agents and biochar as an excellent method to improve the phytoremediation effects of oil-contaminated soil and enhances our understanding of the inner mechanism.

Protective Effects of Phycobiliproteins from Arthrospira maxima (Spirulina) Against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Embryotoxicity and Genotoxicity in Pregnant CD1 Mice

Background/Objectives: In recent years the global incidence of cancer during pregnancy is rising, occurring in 1 out of every 1000 pregnancies. In this regard, the most used chemotherapy drugs to treat cancer are alkylating agents such as cyclophosphamide (Cp). Despite its great efficacy, has been associated with the production of oxidative stress and DNA damage, leading to embryotoxicity, genotoxicity, and teratogenicity in the developing conceptus. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the protective role of phycobiliproteins (PBP) derived from Arthrospira maxima (spirulina) in reducing Cp-induced embryotoxicity and genotoxicity in pregnant CD1 mice. Methods: Pregnant CD1 mice were divided into five groups: control, Cp 20 mg/kg, and three doses of PBP (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) + Cp co-treatment. PBP were administered orally from day 6 to 10.5 dpc, followed by a single intraperitoneal dose of Cp on 10.5 dpc. Embryos were collected at 12.5 dpc to assess morphological development and vascular alterations, while maternal DNA damage was evaluated using micronucleus assays and antioxidant enzyme activity in maternal plasma. Results: PBP exhibited a dose-dependent protective effect against Cp-induced damage. The 200 mg/kg PBP dose significantly reduced developmental abnormalities, micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes, and oxidative stress, (as evidenced by increased SOD and GPx activity). Conclusions: Phycobiliproteins from Arthrospira maxima (spirulina) effectively reduced Cp-induced morphological and vascular alterations in embryos and genotoxicity in pregnant mice. These findings highlight their potential as a complementary therapy to mitigate teratogenic risks during chemotherapy. Further research is needed to optimize dosing and explore clinical applications.

Antioxidant Enzyme Responses in Cladoceran Moina macrocopa under Oxidative Stress

Oxygen is the cornerstone of the life of all living organisms, as it plays a pivotal role in regulating the bio-physiological functions of the organism that are necessary to sustain its existence. Oxidative stress/ hypoxia is a condition of inadequate oxygen that disrupts the harmony of an organism's life by impairing its growth, puts the organism's survival at risk, and destabilizes the ecosystem. Like all other organisms Moina, a small cladoceran is susceptible to the alteration in dissolved oxygen levels. Here we report that, in response to hypoxia, Moina adjusts their antioxidant enzyme activities as a mechanism of adaptation. Significant changes were observed in the levels of LDH, GST, and SOD antioxidant enzymes of Moina under hypoxia (p=0.001053, GST p=0.0010053, SOD p=0.0015). These results can contribute to wider research on environmental stress tolerance by aquatic organisms and will assist in the conservation of species like Moina. Moina, being an ecological indicator, this research will help in environmental monitoring using it as a model organism.

Ion homeostasis and coordinated salt tolerance mechanisms in a barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)doubled haploid line

Salinization poses a significant challenge in agriculture. Identifying salt-tolerant plant germplasm resources and understanding their mechanisms of salt tolerance are crucial for breeding new salt-tolerant plant varieties. However, one of the primary obstacles to achieving this goal in crops is the physiological complexity of the salt-tolerance trait. In a previous study, we developed a salt-tolerant barley doubled haploid (DH) line, designated as DH20, through mutagenesis combined with microspore culture, establishing it as an idea model for elucidating the mechanisms of salt tolerance. In this study, ion homeostasis, key osmotic agents, antioxidant enzyme activities and gene expression were compared between Hua30 (the original material used as a control) and DH20. The results indicated that under salt treatment, DH20 exhibited significantly higher shoot fresh and dry weight, relative plant height, shoot K+/Na+ ratio, improved stomatal guard cell function, and better retention of chloroplast ultrastructure compared to Hua30. Notably, the K+ efflux in DH20 was significantly lower while the Na+ and H+ efflux was significantly higher than those in Hua30 under salt stress in mesophyll cells. Furthermore, the activities of ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase, along with the levels of proline, betaine, malondialdehyde, and soluble protein, were correlated with ion efflux and played a vital role in the response of DH20 to salt stress. Compared to Hua30, the relative expression levels of the HvSOS1, HvSOS2, HvSOS3, HvHKT1;3, HvNHX1, HvNHX2, and HvNHX3 genes, which showed a strong correlation with Na+, K+, and H+ efflux, exhibited significant differences at 24 h under salt stress in DH20. These findings suggest that ion homeostasis, key osmolytes, antioxidant enzyme activities, and associated gene expression are coordinated in the salt tolerance of DH20, with K+ retention and Na+ and H+ efflux serving as important mechanisms for coping with salt stress. These findings present new opportunities for enhancing salinity tolerance, not only in barley but in other cereals as well, including wheat and rice, by integrating this trait with other traditional mechanisms. Furthermore, MIFE measurements of NaCl-induced ion fluxes from leaf mesophyll provide plant breeders with an efficient method to screen germplasm for salinity stress tolerance in barley and potentially other crops. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.

Insights of cellular and molecular changes in sugarcane response to oxidative signaling

Main conclusionSignificant changes in the proteome highlight essential metabolic adaptations for development and oxidative signaling induced by the treatment of young sugarcane plants with hydrogen peroxide. These adaptations suggest that hydrogen peroxide acts not only as a stressor but primarily as a signaling molecule, triggering specific metabolic pathways that regulate growth and plant resilience.Sugarcane is a crucial crop for sugar and ethanol production, often influenced by environmental signals. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is increasingly recognized as an important signaling molecule that regulates plant development and adaptation. In this study, two-month-old sugarcane plants were treated with varying concentrations of H2O2 to investigate how this molecule acts as a signal at the cellular, biochemical, and proteomic levels. Antioxidant enzyme activity exhibited fluctuations, suggesting a dynamic response to oxidative signaling. Lipid peroxidation, observed through TBARs and scanning electron microscopy, highlighted early membrane modifications. Proteomic analysis (ProteomeXchange PXD048142) identified 2,699 proteins, with 155 showing significant expression changes in response to H2O2 signaling. Bioinformatics, including Principal Component Analysis, revealed distinct proteomic profiles in roots and leaves, indicating tissue-specific metabolic reprogramming. Functional annotation through Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment showed that oxidative signaling led to the repression of photosynthesis-related pathways in leaves, while promoting pathways related to protein processing, glycolysis, and carbon metabolism in roots. Additionally, bioinformatic tools identified proteins involved in amino acid metabolism, the TCA cycle, and carbohydrate metabolism as critical components of sugarcane's adaptive signaling response. The data suggest that sugarcane plants responded to oxidative signals by adjusting their metabolic networks, promoting sustained development and potential pathways for targeted plant breeding.

Effects of aluminum on metabolism of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species in root tips of different Eucalyptus species

On acidified soil, the growth of Eucalyptus is seriously restricted by aluminum (Al) stress. Therefore, breeding Eucalyptus species with excellent Al tolerance, developing the genetic potential of species, and improving tolerance to Al stress are important for the sustainable development of artificial Eucalyptus forests. By observing the occurrence and distribution of the main reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in root tips of Eucalyptus seedlings under Al stress, this study analyzed change in the growth and physiological indexes of Eucalyptus seedlings under Al stress. The antioxidant enzymes activities of the root tips of different Eucalyptus species induced by Al stress resulted in different ROS and RNS contents, ultimately resulting in differing degrees of membrane lipid peroxidation. In addition to suppressions of root relative elongation and root activity, the accumulations of soluble sugar, soluble protein, and proline can be used as indicators of Al sensitivity in Eucalyptus species. This may be an important determinant of the differences in Al tolerance among Eucalyptus species. The accumulation of ROS and RNS in the roots of E. grandis and E. tereticornis resulted in severe oxidative and nitrification stress. The tolerance of E. urophylla and E. urophylla × E. grandis to Al stress was stronger than that of E. grandis and E. tereticornis. Differences in Al toxicity tolerance were related to long-term selection of the original habitat of the species; moreover, the Al tolerance was hereditary. Eucalyptus urophylla × E. grandis had stronger Al tolerance than its parents, which is indicative of heterosis. These results provide theoretical support for the breeding of tree species in areas with acidic soil.

Structure–Antioxidant Activity Relationship of Polysaccharides Isolated by Microwave/Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction from Pleurotus ferulae

To investigate the structure–antioxidant activity relationship, Pleurotus ferulae polysaccharides were extracted using ultrasonic (U-PFPS) and microwave/ultrasonic-assisted methods (MU-PFPS). Compared to U-PFPS with a molecular weight of 1.566 × 103 kDa, MU-PFPS exhibited a lower molecular weight of 89.26 kDa. In addition, unlike U-PFPS, which is primarily composed of glucose (Glu:Man:Gal = 91.1:3.5:5.4), MU-PFPS has a more balanced composition of Glu:Man:Gal in the ratio of 39.4:27.8:32.8 and contains more branched chains. Furthermore, antioxidant analysis revealed that high concentration (at concentrations above 600 μg/mL) MU-PFPS demonstrated stronger protective effects against oxidative damage in RAW264.7 cells than U-PFPS did. Collectively, these data suggest that lower molecular weight and higher branching degree of polysaccharides at appropriate concentrations may correlate with enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities. Our work provides a method for isolating polysaccharides with higher antioxidant activity and offers insights into the structure–activity relationship of polysaccharides, laying the foundation for future applications in polysaccharide modification and structural characterization.

Synergistic Effects of Cordyceps militaris and Alpha-lipoic Acid on Brain Disorders Associated with Age-dependent Oxidative Stress

Background Oxidative stress is the primary factor responsible for the development of neuroinflammation and brain deficits. As aging occurs, the chances of oxidative stress increase due to lifestyle modification, environmental, and genetic factors. The brain is especially susceptible to oxidative damage because of its elevated oxygen consumption, lipid composition, and comparatively inadequate antioxidant defenses. Oxidative stress associated with aging results in DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and compromised repair mechanisms. Purpose To investigate the efficacy of Cordyceps militaris extract (CME) and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in mitigating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in aged rats and to assess their potential therapeutic effects on cognitive performance, antioxidant enzyme activity, and oxidative stress markers. Methods This study involved using aged rats to evaluate the impact of CME and ALA on oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. The rats were administered CME and ALA, and various assessments were conducted to measure cognitive performance, antioxidant enzyme activity, and oxidative stress markers. Results The administration of CME and ALA to aged rats significantly improved cognitive performance. Additionally, there were an enhancement in antioxidant enzyme activity and a reduction in oxidative stress markers. These findings indicate that both CME and ALA positively mitigate oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Conclusion CME extract and ALA exhibit therapeutic potential in treating aging-related oxidative stress and inflammation. Their use could be beneficial in combating brain disorders caused by aging, highlighting their importance in the field of geriatric healthcare.

Combinatorial protective effect of Cinnamomum verum and Stingless Bee Honey against oxidative stress in isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats

Abstract Background Cardiac hypertrophy (CH) is a prevalent consequence of cardiovascular disease, necessitating treatment with synthetic medications that often have adverse effects. Natural products, like Cinnamomum verum (CV) and Stingless Bee Honey (SBH), rich in phenolic compounds, hold promise as safer alternatives. In this study, we investigated the potential cardioprotective effects of CV bark and honey produced by Stingless bee in male Wistar rats. In a 7-day controlled study, rats were randomly assigned into seven treatment groups, receiving either saline (Group I), isoproterenol (ISO) (Group II) or ISO combined with drug interventions of Losartan (Group III), CV (Group IV) and SBH (Group V) along with several combined regimens (Group VI & VII). Biochemical assays were conducted to measure antioxidant enzyme activities (Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, Glutathione Peroxidase), non-enzymatic antioxidants (Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Reduced Glutathione), inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress levels. Histopathological analysis was also performed. stress markers in cardiac tissues, shedding light on potential therapeutic interventions. Results ISO induces myocardial oxidative stress, characterized by reduced antioxidants, increased oxidative stress and inflammatory markers with elevated collagen content. Our results show that co-administration of CV + SBH effectively attenuated ISO-induced myocardial oxidative stress, outperforming individual CV or SBH administration in restoring antioxidant levels and normalizing oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. Conclusions The results from this study underscore the importance of advancing research on the combination of CV and SBH, which hold significant promise as synergistic therapeutic agents in the treatment of complex diseases, potentially informing future healthcare policies and clinical practices.

Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential of Mulberry Fruit Extract in High-Fat Diet-Induced Male Reproductive Dysfunction: A Comprehensive Review

High-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity represents a significant challenge to male reproductive health, affecting approximately 13% of the global adult population. This comprehensive review synthesizes current evidence regarding mulberry (Morus alba L.) fruit extract’s therapeutic potential for HFD-induced male reproductive dysfunction. Through comprehensive analysis of the peer-reviewed literature from multiple databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar; 2005–2024), we evaluated mulberry extract’s effects on testicular morphology, spermatogenesis, sperm parameters, and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Mechanistic studies reveal that standardized mulberry extract mediates protective effects through multiple pathways: enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD: +45%, Catalase: +38%, GPx: +35%), reduced inflammatory markers (TNF-α: −64%, IL-6: −58%), and modulated NF-κB signaling (−42.3%). These effects are facilitated by mulberry’s rich phytochemical profile, particularly anthocyanins (2.92–5.35 mg/g dry weight) and polyphenols (4.23–6.38 mg/g). The extract demonstrates particular efficacy in preserving seminiferous tubule integrity and maintaining blood-testis barrier function, with treated groups maintaining up to 85% of normal tubular architecture compared to HFD controls. Key molecular mechanisms include AMPK/SIRT1 pathway activation (2.3-fold increase), enhanced mitochondrial function (67% increase in mtDNA copy number), and epigenetic regulation of metabolic pathways. Temporal analysis indicates optimal therapeutic effects after 28 days of treatment, with initial improvements observable within 14 days. While current evidence is promising, limitations include predominant reliance on rodent models and lack of standardized extraction protocols. Future research priorities include well-designed human clinical trials, standardization of preparation methods, and investigation of potential synergistic effects with other therapeutic agents. This comprehensive review indicates that mulberry extract is a promising therapeutic candidate for obesity-related male infertility, warranting further clinical investigation.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Impacts of Soft Tissue Crude Extract and Mucous of Snail Helix aspersa on an Excision Wound Model in Mice.

Wound healing is a complex natural process in which tissue requires recovering injured tissue cells. Helix aspersa has a high nutritional value and is considered a rich natural source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. So, this study aimed to assess the effect of soft tissue crude extract and mucous of H. aspersa topically applied as a gel for 12 days. The wounds were observed and photographed twice a week. The inflammatory, oxidative stress markers and matrix metalloproteinases were evaluated in skin tissue homogenate and CD3+ and CD69+ T lymphocytes were detected in wound tissue. Data showed that a comparison of applying soft tissue crude extract and mucous of H. aspersa to skin wounds enhanced the healing process, resulting in a significant decrease in dermal inflammation compared to untreated mice. Also, they significantly increased the antioxidant enzyme activities with reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in wound tissues. The levels of matrix metalloproteases-2 and -9 were significantly decreased and the immune status was enhanced in the wound environment by increasing proportions of CD3+ and CD69+ T lymphocytes. H. aspersa mucous and soft tissue crude extract are viable substitutes for synthetic topical wound therapies with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory potencies, with a preference for the crude soft tissue extract based on the outcomes.

Comparative Analysis of the Benefits of Glutathione-Rich Yeast Hydrolysate and Astaxanthin on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity and Lipid Metabolism in Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei).

Antioxidants, both glutathione (GSH) and astaxanthin (AX), possess beneficial applications in animal growth and antioxidant properties. In this study, three experimental diets with isoproteic and isolipidic were formulated, the control diet (CON), the control diet added with 0.03% Carophyll Pink (contains 10% AX), the control diet added with 0.67% glutathione-rich yeast hydrolysate (GYH, contains 5% GSH). The effects of AX and GYH on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity and lipid metabolism of Litopenaeus vannamei (0.36 ± 0.01 g) were compared. After an 8-week feeding experiment, shrimp growth and intestinal morphology showed significantly better performance in the GYH group. Both dietary AX and GYH regulated the expression levels of genes related to lipid metabolism, increased antioxidant enzyme activities and total antioxidant capacity of shrimp and reduced haemolymph malondialdehyde and hepatopancreas reactive oxygen species production. Compared with the CON and GYH groups, dietary AX significantly increased the redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) values of cooked shrimp. Based on the evaluation of the above results, AX and GYH were comparable in terms of antioxidant performance, and AX was superior in improving the red body colour of shrimp, but GYH has more significant advantages in promoting shrimp growth and intestinal development. Therefore, supplementation with GYH or AX in diet presents specific benefits to the growth, body colour and antioxidant of L. vannamei.