Carotenoids Research Articles

Toxigenic phytoplankton groups and neurotoxin levels related to two contrasting environmental conditions at the coastal area of Rio de Janeiro (west of South Atlantic)

An assessment of the major pigments and neurotoxins and a description of the phytoplankton community were carried out within the coastal region of Rio de Janeiro State (Brazil), during winter and the following spring of 2018. Overall, six stations were investigated for oceanographic conditions (with CTD casts). Filtered water samples were used to estimate the chlorophyll a (CHL-a), carotenoids (CAR), and phycobiliproteins (PHY) using UV–Vis spectrophotometry, as well as the quantification of saxitoxins (STX) and domoic acid (DA), through High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Planktonic organisms were counted using sedimentation chambers of different volumes and an inverted microscope. A cluster analysis, SIMPER, and ANOSIM were applied to the phytoplankton data along with diversity indexes, and non-parametric statistics to phycotoxins and pigments. There was a significant difference between the winter and spring phytoplankton community, associated with the mixed layer depth (r2 = −0.626, p < 0.05) and temperature (r2 = 0.641, p < 0.05). Phytoplankton biomass and C:CHL-a indicated a higher production during the winter than in spring, with the potentially toxic genus Pseudo-nitzschia responsible for 12.79% of autotrophic abundance (SIMPER output). Pigments showed a slight increase in CAR during spring, while PHY remained at trace concentrations. Both the DA and STX were quantified in winter and spring, but with significant differences only for STX between the sampling periods. Among the 71 taxa, 11 were identified as potentially toxic with an emphasis on STX-producing dinoflagellates and cyanobacteria, such as Alexandrium sp., Gymnodinium spp. along with Trichodesmium spp. Season-related environmental variability may be the major driving force modulating the mixed assemblage of species that support different levels of phycotoxins.

Powdery Mildew-Induced Hormonal and Photosynthetic Changes in Barley Near Isogenic Lines Carrying Various Resistant Genes.

The present work focused on the characterization of some physiological mechanisms activated upon powdery mildew inoculation of the susceptible barley cultivar Ingrid and its near-isogenic lines (NILs) carrying various resistant genes (Mla, Mlg and mlo). After inoculation with Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei (Bgh), measurements of leaf reflectance and chlorophyll a fluorescence were performed 3 and 7 day post-inoculation (dpi), while hormone assays were made 7 dpi. Bgh-inoculated resistant genotypes were characterized by lowered leaf reflectance parameters that correlated with carotenoids (CRI) and water content (WBI) in comparison to inoculated Ingrid. The PSII activity (i.e., Fv/Fm, ETo/CSm and P.I.ABS) strongly decreased in susceptible Ingrid leaves when the disease symptoms became visible 7 dpi. In Mla plants with visible hypersensitive spots the PSII activity decreased to a lesser extent. Inoculation resulted in a very slight decrease of photosynthesis at later stage of infection in Mlg plants, whereas in resistant mlo plants the PSII activity did not change. Chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements allowed presymptomatic detection of infection in Ingrid and Mla. Changes in the homeostasis of 22 phytohormones (cytokinins, auxins, gibberellins and the stress hormones JA, SA and ABA) in powdery mildew inoculated barley are discussed in relation to resistance against this biotrophic pathogen.

Anthocyanin and carotenoid contents assessed by time-resolved reflectance spectroscopy in potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.) with different flesh colors

This work aimed at studying the relationships between the absorption spectra acquired by time-resolved reflectance spectroscopy (TRS) and the carotenoid (CAR) and/or the anthocyanin (ANT) contents in 9 potato genotypes with different flesh color (white, yellow, red, purple). Fifty whole and intact tubers/genotype were non-destructively measured by TRS in the 540-980 nm range; white- and yellow-fleshed were ranked according to increasing µa540, the red ones according to µa670 and the purple ones according to µa780. Then, 5 tubers/genotype, corresponding to the highest, the lowest and 3 intermediate values of each μa range, were analyzed for flesh color and CAR and ANT contents. In white- and yellow-fleshed genotypes, µa540 ranged from 0.078 to 0.207 cm-1, showing the highest value in ‘Melrose’ and in ‘ISCI 133/12-1’ and the lowest ones in ‘Romantica’ and in ‘CN 07.16.3’. In red-fleshed tubers, µa670 ranged from 0.049 to 0.146 with no significant differences between genotypes; in purple genotypes, µa780 ranged from 0.147 to 0.473, showing the highest values in ‘Bleuet’. CAR content ranged between 0.071 to 5.937 mg kg-1 FW, displaying the highest amounts in the deep yellow genotypes ‘Melrose’ and ‘ISCI 133/12-1’ and the lowest ones in the white ‘CN 07.16.3’ and in the dark purple ‘Bleuet’ tubers. ANT content ranged from 31.63 to 798.44 mg kg-1 FW in red-purple genotypes, having the highest values in ‘Bleuet’. By using TRS spectra and PLS analysis, it was possible to predict CAR (R2CV=0.79, RMSECV=0.89) and ANT (R2CV =0.81, RMSECV=95.53) contents and flesh color (h°) in yellow-fleshed genotypes (R2CV =0.93, RMSECV=0.67) and purple genotypes (R2CV =0.82, RMSECV=1.63).

An Overview of Carotenoids, Apocarotenoids, and Vitamin A in Agro-Food, Nutrition, Health, and Disease.

An Overview of Carotenoids, Apocarotenoids, and Vitamin A in Agro-Food, Nutrition, Health, and Disease.

Carbon δ13C Isotopic Marker Values Correlate with Carotenoid-Based Bill Colouration in Adult Yellow-Legged Gulls Larus michahellis

La coloracion basada en carotenoides que presentan muchas aves puede reflejar honestamente la calidad del individuo, ya que deben ser obtenidos mediante la dieta. Estos pigmentos son importantes para varias funciones fisiologicas y los individuos pueden buscar compensar entre la distribucion de los carotenoides para estos usos y su acumulacion para atributos sexuales secundarios y sociales. La gaviota patiamarilla Larus michahellis es una especie oportunista que se alimenta de una gran variedad de presas. En este trabajo hemos estudiado si la coloracion basada en carotenoides (pico, mancha roja, anillo orbital) esta relacionada con la ecologia trofica inferida a partir de la composicion isotopica de plumas de aves adultas en tres colonias de esta especie. El marcador isotopico del δ13C correlaciono negativamente con la coloracion basada en carotenoides (area de la mancha roja). Contrariamente a la prediccion hecha a priori, el marcador indica que un mayor consumo de presas terrestres y recursos de vertedero podria ayudar a generar una mancha roja del pico mayor en gaviotas de cualquier sexo. En hembras, no se detecto ninguna correlacion entre las signaturas isotopicas y el volumen de los huevos. El resultado de que un consumo mayor de presas marinas implica una mancha roja menor apoya otros descritos en estudios anteriores que muestran efectos aparentemente positivos de comer en ambientes terrestres humanos sobre el fenotipo de aves adultas. Los resultados pueden sugerir que un mayor consumo de presas marinas puede no ser tan positivo como el presentado en estudios previos. Sin embargo, el efecto de los componentes toxicos potenciales que se pueden obtener de algunas fuentes de alimentacion deberia ser estudiado mas a fondo. Deberiamos de considerar tambien los probables efectos subletales retardados asociados a estos habitats y que se ejercerian sobre los adultos y, probablemente tambien, sobre los pollos.

Effects of putrescine application in culture medium in improving chamomile (Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauschert.) tolerance to osmotic stress under in vitro conditions

In order to assess the effect of osmotic stress induced by mannitol and putrescine under in vitro conditions on some growth parameters of chamomile (Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauschert.), treatments were arranged and compared for the main effect of osmotic stress induced by mannitol in four levels (0, 2, 4, and 6 g/l), and the interaction effect of osmotic stress*putrescine (0, 0.5, and 1 mM). Osmotic stress, especially induced by 4 and 6 g/l of mannitol, were found to significantly reduce shoot height, root length, the number of shoot and root per plant, the fresh weight of shoot, and the fresh weight of root. At 0.5 mM of putrescine added fresh weight to root, carotenoid, chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll b was increased, compared to plants grown on medium with 0 and 1 mM of putrescine. Plants grown on medium with 0.5 and 1 mM of putrescine had an increased level of flavonoid, phenolic acid, and proline under four levels of mannitol. 0.5 mM of putrescine significantly improved plant biomass and essential oil content in plants grown on medium containing 0 and 2 g/l of mannitol. The results showed that the use of putrescine could improve chamomile tolerance to osmotic stress.

Comparison of the content of flavonoids, total phenols, and carotenoids and antioxidant activity in guang Citri reticulatae pericarpium during the aging time

Background: Guang Citri reticulatae Pericarpium (GCRP) is a traditional Chinese medicine, widely used in respiratory and digestive diseases. GCRP must be aged by stored for several years before it can be used as medicine. In the aging process, content of composition, antioxidant activity, and color of GCRP have changed. Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the content of flavonoids, total phenols, and carotenoids and antioxidant activity in GCRP during the aging time and analyze the correlations of the data. Materials and Methods: Forty batches of GCRP in different aging years were used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of flavonoids, total phenols, and carotenoids by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)–mass spectrometry, HPLC–diode array detector, and ultraviolet methods. 2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt and 1,1-diphenyl-2-trinitrophenylhydrazine methods were used to compare the antioxidant activity of GCRP. Colorimetric analysis method was used to determine the external color of GCRP objectively and quantitatively. SPSS software was used to analyze the correlation of all data. Results: With the increase of aging year, the content of three flavonoids and total phenols increased and the content of carotenoids decreased. The results showed that the antioxidant activity of ether extract increased significantly with aging year and methanol extract decreased. The correlation results showed that the content of carotenoids was more closely related to chromaticity values and antioxidant activity. Conclusion: The result provides more objective and detailed information to analyze the quality of GCRP during the aging time.

Natural Beta-carotene: a Microalgae Derivate for Nutraceutical Applications

Nutraceuticals have gained growing attention during the last year, becoming one of the most relevant areas of investigation. Among the existing natural sources of high value bioactive compounds, microalgae have assumed paramount importance. Indeed, they are a natural source of carotenoids, essential omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates, pigments, vitamins and minerals. Among these components, beta-carotene, a potent antioxidant pigment, is particularly attractive to the nutraceutical and cosmetic sector, being an ingredient in many supplements, functional, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Moreover, beta-carotene is one of the forms (precursor) of Vitamin A, which may be used in the manufacture of food supplements according to Directive 2002/46/EC. Even though some cyanobacteria produce beta-carotene (80% of total carotenoids) as the major components followed by zeaxanthin, the commercial biological source of beta-carotene is Dunaliella salina. This microalga lives in very saline environment and has the capacity to produce beta-carotene up to 10% of the dry weight. In this work, beta-carotenewas extracted by using supercritical CO2 under optimized operational conditions, resulting in increased amount of carotenoids (from 3.46% to 18.62%), proteins (from 10.03% to 43.08%), and lipids (from 3.49% to 7.93%). Then, the investigation on the main operational parameters affecting extraction from Dunaliella salina and a cost-effectiveness evaluation of the process are presented; the results evidence as 194.3-366.6 kWh/day reflecting a cost of 26.89-52.60euros/day are required for natural based beta-carotene recovery(59.3%) from Dunaliella salina.Keywords: nutraceutical, microalgae, beta-carotene, Dunaliella salina, supercritical extraction.

Effect of Drought Stress and Thermal Pre-treatment on the In vitro Shoot Development of Solanum lycopersicum L.

Tomato is one of the popular vegetables in the world. However, drought has become more serious in recent years. Drought strongly reduced the development and yield of tomato. Thus, the effect of drought stress condition (½ Murashige and Skoog’s medium supplemented with 35 g.L-1 mannitol) and thermal pre-treatment (45 (C for 120 min) on in vitro shoot development of Solanum lycopersicum L. were studied to improve the drought-tolerant of tomato. Morphological, physiological and biochemical changes during the development of in vitro shoot in the drought stress condition were analyzed. Then, leaves of the shoot that pre-treated at 45 (C for 120 min and developed on the drought stress condition were cultured on ½ MS medium supplemented with 20 g.L-1 sucrose, 0.1 mg.L-1 Indole acetic acid, 2 mg.L-1 zeatin and 35 g.L-1 mannitol to regenerate the drought-tolerant shoots. In the drought stress condition (½ MS medium with 35 g.L-1 mannitol), the height of shoot, the number of leaves, and the total leaf area were decreased by approximately 50 % compared to control (½ MS medium without mannitol). Besides, the leaf midrib thickness and the vascular bundle width of the leaf in drought stress were smaller than those of the control. The leaf midrib thickness and the leaf vascular bundle width in drought stress condition were 953.30 (m and 320.21 (m, compared to 1243.80 (m and 410.15 (m in that of control. Chlorophyll fluorescence occurs in some parenchyma cells near the midrib vascular bundle of treated leaves instead of all parenchyma cells in control leaves. Under the drought stress condition, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic intensity and cytokinin activity of leaf were strongly decreased but respiration intensity, the content of carotenoid and proline, especially the activity auxin and abscisic acid were increased. Thermal pre-treatment stimulated shoot regeneration (2.53 shoots/leaf explant) while there was no shoot regenerated from the leaf of the control plant. The shoots regenerated by this method grew well in the drought stress condition.

Роль каротиноидов при комплексном обогащении пищевых яиц

Роль каротиноидов при комплексном обогащении пищевых яиц

Serum nonenzymatic anti-oxidants in Nigerian children with severe pneumonia: Association with complications and hospital outcomes

Background: Tissue damaging effects of free radicals generated during the acute inflammation processes of childhood pneumonia may be ameliorated by antioxidants. This study aimed to determine the serum non-enzymatic antioxidants {Total Phenols, Carotenoids, Flavoids, Ascorbic acid, Tocopherols and Total Antioxidant Contents (TAC)} of Nigerian children with or without severe pneumonia (SP) and relate these to the presence of parapneumonic effusions (PPE) and length of hospitalisation (LOH). Methods: Consecutive children two months to 14 years admitted with severe pneumonia and their age and sex matched controls were recruited over a 12-month period at a Nigerian Health facility. Serum antioxidants were assayed using chromatography method and related to PPE and LOH. Results: The majority (86.1%) of the 144 children (72 each with SP and controls) were under-fives and eight (11.1%) of SP group had PPE. Median (IQR) LOH was 5.0 (4.0 – 7.0) days and 45 (62.5%) had prolonged (≥5 days) hospital stay with 3 (4.2%) mortality. Serum Tocopherols, 10.1 (4.7) vs. 13.2 (7.6) µg/dl; total flavoids 1.0 (0.6) vs. 1.3 (0.8) µg/dl and TAC 6.1 (4.4-8.9) vs. 7.4 (5.0 – 13.3) ng/dl were significantly lower in children with SP (p

Carotenoids produced by yeast biomass protect mechanisms regulating endothelial barrier function from lipopolysaccharide-induced damage in the rat heart.

Expression of occludin and junctional adhesion molecule A (JAM-A), transmembrane proteins of tight junctions (TJs), was analysed to characterize endothelial paracellular permeability in the heart of rats subjected to a bolus of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at a dose of 1 mg/kg. Potential protective effects of natural carotenoids (10 mg/kg/day) produced by yeast biomass Rhodosporidium kratochvilovae on expression of occludin and JAM-A also examined in LPS-injected rats (n = 6 per group). LPS decreased expression of occludin by 40% (P < 0.01), JAM-A by 36% (P < 0.001) and increased plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and lysosomal N-acetyl-b-D-glucosaminidase (NAGA) compared to controls. Ten-day diet rich in yeast biomass containing carotenoids (torularhodin, torulene, β-carotene) attenuated LPS-induced changes in expression of TJ proteins as observed by increased expression of occludin by 30% (P < 0.05) and JAM-A by 61% (P < 0.001) to the control values. Carotenoids also reduced oxidative stress and cellular injury indicated by decreased levels of MDA and NAGA. The results show that diet rich in yeast biomass containing natural carotenoids could protect mechanisms regulating paracellular endothelial barrier function from LPS-induced damage in the heart.

PENGARUH LEMON KALAMANSI (Citrus microcarpa) TERHADAP KOMPOSISI KIMIA DAN FITOKIMIA ANTIOKSIDAN DARI TEPUNG PISANG GOROHO (Musa spp.)

ABSTRACT Suryanto et al., 2011. Effect of callamansi citrus (Citrus microcarpa ) on chemical composition and antioxidant phytochemical of Goroho (Musa spp.) banana flour. The objective of this research was to study chemical composition and measured antioxidant activity of goroho banana flour which immersed with callamansi. The goroho banana was soaked with water, callamansi and sodium methabisulfit for 60 minute. Furthermore, each flour were analyzed its phytochemical such as, proximate analysis, total phenolic content, flavonoid, condensed tannin, carotenoid, ascorbic acid, total antioxidant using titration and spectrophotometer method. The results showed that callamansi addition of 1% was the best treatment for banana flour. The product had content of moisture, ash, fat, protein, fiber and carbohydrate were 4.29 ± 0.01; 3.74 ± 0.02; 3.03 ± 2,04; 1.47 ± 0.57; 4.75 ± 0.57 and 85.70 ± 0.59, respectively. The banana flour soaked with callamansi for 60 minute had phenolic, flavonoid, condensed tannin total content were 55.82 ± 0,01; 6.27 ± 0.08 and 36.50 ± 0.24 mg/kg, respectively. Whereas ascorbic acid and carotenoid total content of goroho banana flour were 51.92 ± 3.73 and 6.36 ± 1.13mg /kg sample, respectively. Total antioxidant of banana flour extract soaked with callamansi shows high activity compared without soaked and soaked with sodium methabisulfit for 60 minute. The results showed that banana flour immersed with calamansi extract and sodium metabisulfit possess different proximate composition (p<0.05). Banana immersed with calamansi extract appears to increase phenolic, flavonoid, condensed tannin, ascorbic acid content as well as the capacity antioxidant of banana four. Keywords : goroho banana, proximate, flour, callamansi, antioxidant phytochemical

Lycopene induces apoptosis by inhibiting nuclear translocation of β-catenin in gastric cancer cells.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) promote the development and progression of cancer by their effects on several signaling pathways. Lycopene, a major carotenoid natural product, is known to display antioxidant activity and to induce apoptosis of cancer cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism by which lycopene induces apoptosis of the human gastric cancer AGS cells. In the present study, we showed that lycopene reduces the viability of AGS cells by inducing DNA fragmentation and increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. To determine the mechanistic basis for these effects, studies were conducted to assess the effects of this carotenoid on activation and nuclear translocation of β-catenin, and the expression of β-catenin target genes in AGS cells. The results showed that lycopene reduces the levels of ROS. It also inhibits activation of β-catenin signaling by changing the Wnt/β-catenin multi-protein complex such as a reduction in phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β [GSK3β] and an increase in adenomatous polyposis coli [APC] and β-transducin repeats-containing proteins [β-TrCP]). It suppresses nuclear translocation of β-catenin and the expression of the β-catenin target survival genes c-myc and cyclin D1. Lycopene induces apoptosis by reducing ROS levels and suppressing β-catenin-c-myc/cyclin D1 axis. Thus, lycopene induces apoptosis of gastric cancer cells by disrupting nuclear translocation of β-catenin and expression of key cell survival genes.

Differential responses to low salinity on gene expression, physiological and biochemical indexes between the golden and brown noble scallopsChlamys nobilis

Low salinity is one of important environmental factors which often led to mass mortality of the noble scallop Chlamys nobilis cultivated in the South coast of China. It is well known that enzymic system and non-enzymic system both play crucial roles in all living organisms against severe environments. To investigate how change about enzymic system and non-enzymic system in the stenohaline marine bivalve under low salinity stress, an acute challenge lasting 48 hr was conducted using golden and brown noble scallops in the present study. The serine proteinase inhibitor from the noble scallop (CnSPI) was first cloned and expressed in different tissues. After low salinity stress, the gene expression levels were determined in haemocytes and compared between golden and brown scallops. Meanwhile, total carotenoids content (TCC) in adductor, superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymatic activity and methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) content in gill and haemocytes were also determined and compared between the two colours scallops. Results showed that the CnSPI gene expression levels were significantly decreased after low salinity stress, and the golden scallops had higher gene expression levels than brown scallops (p < .05) at most times. Moreover, after low salinity stress, TCC, SOD enzymatic activity and MDA content also fluctuated, and the golden scallops contained higher TCC and SOD, but lower MDA than the brown ones. The present results indicated that enzymic system and non-enzymic system were both changed under low salinity stress in the noble scallop and significantly different responses to the stress existed between golden and brown individuals. The SPI gene and carotenoids (CAR) both play a resistant role to low salinity stress in the noble scallop.

Effect On Post-Harvest Qualities of Differently Stored Carrots in Modified Atmosphere Packaging

Freshly harvested carrots were minimally processed by washing in different ways, such as 1. Chlorine (Cl 2 ) treatment at 4°C and kept in the lower compartment of the refrigerator; 2. Chlorine (Cl 2 ) treatment at 6°C and kept in the upper compartment of the refrigerator, and 3. Chlorine (Cl 2 ) treatment at room temperature (28°C±2) and kept outside the refrigerator, packaged in plastic bags made of low density polyethylene (LDPE) films. The results indicated that the polyethylene barrier significantly affected the composition in the package headspace, and consequently the quality of carrots. The modified atmosphere packaged carrots, checked at 15 day intervals from the first day of storage, maintained the temperature throughout the storage period. The LDPE bags were kept in 6oC, suggesting that no alteration occurred to the atmosphere. Changes in quality, including moisture loss, carotenoid total phenol content, reducing sugar, and sensory quality were least in the chlorine treated carrots at room temperature and those kept in the upper compartment of the refrigerator. The best quality was those that were chlorine treated at 4°C and kept in the lower compartment of the refrigerator. The quality of carrots packaged in LDPE bags during 15 days were in good condition, compared with 30 days in the LDPE bags.

A kinetic study of carotenoid degradation during storage of papaya chips obtained by vacuum frying with saturated and unsaturated oils.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the degradation kinetics of carotenoids (CTs) in vacuum-fried papaya (Carica papaya L.) chips (PCs) during storage at four temperatures (15, 25, 35 and 45 °C) for 52 and 94 days for the two highest and lowest temperatures, respectively. Three treatments were applied to obtain the chips: chips with soy oil (24% lipids) and chips with palm oil (24% and 29% lipids). All the chips were packaged under air or nitrogen conditions. The CTs analyzed by HPLC-DAD were per order of content all-E-lycopene (LYC), Z-lycopene (Z-LYC), all-E-β-carotene (BC), all-E-β-cryptoxanthin (BCX) and Z-β-carotene (Z-BC). The all-E-forms represented 80% of carotenoids in PCs. No significant carotenoid degradation was observed in the PCs packaged under nitrogen conditions during storage. For chips stored under air conditions, a second-order kinetic model best fitted the experimental data. Rate constants for LYC degradation were the lowest, while BCX and BC presented similar rate constants 4-23-fold higher depending on lipid composition. All Z-isomers degraded faster than all-E-forms, but Z-BC degraded only 2-4-fold faster than Z-LYC. All CTs followed Arrhenius temperature-dependency pattern and LYC showed the lowest activation energies (5-21 kJ/mol). A higher lipid content in the chips with palm oil enhanced the carotenoid retention in PCs. Moreover, a greater retention (p < 0.05) of CTs was observed in PCs with soy oil. The use of soy oil instead of palm oil increased the theoretical half-life (at 25 °C) by 2.2, 1.3 and 5.9-fold for BCX, BC and LYC, respectively. Packaging under nitrogen conditions and lipid composition may be considered to optimize the shelf life and carotenoid retention in PCs during storage.

Fisheries Wastewater as a Sustainable Media for the Production of Algae-Based Products

Colombian intensive fish production is concentrated mainly in the departments of the Andean Region, Amazon, and Orinoquia. These systems were characterized for being exploited mainly by family farming nuclei, which are dedicated exclusively to breeding and others with mixed systems. Currently, the sustainable development of this economic line depends on two factors: global warming and the consumption of resources (energy, fresh water, and protein). The rapid growth of this socio-economic line has led to the development of 3 critical restrictions: the demand for food for fish production, the high volume of fresh water needed and the high concentration of wastewater which must be disposed of safely. Sewage from closed fish farming systems has high levels of nitrogen and inorganic phosphorus dissolved in the systems. The primary responsibility for these high contents is the feed which contributes to the sustained increase in the concentration of organic waste and toxic compounds in aquatic systems. To make use of this wastewater, the use of these as a culture medium for microalgal production has been studied in order to generate metabolites of industrial interest from a low-cost culture medium.In this work, the necessary culture conditions for the biomass production of Scenedesmus obliquus, Chlorella vulgaris, Spirulina maxima, and Oscillatoria sp. in fish farming wastewater to produce pigments and total biomass are evaluated. The wastewater was obtained from an intensive fish farming company in El Zulia (Norte de Santander, Colombia). The medium was UV-sterilized (4 Lamps of 15W, 5 minutes). In order to optimize the production of biomass and pigments, the wastewater was adjusted with the addition of nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon (K2HPO4 + NaNO3 + NaHCO3)According to the results, the residual water enriched with K2HPO4, NaNO3 and NaHCO3 presented the best culture conditions for obtaining carotenoids (in C. vulgaris and S. obliquus with values of 2.6 and 1.7% p/p respectively) and Phycobiliproteins in Spirulina maxima and Oscillatoria sp (10.9 and 11% p/p respectively). These results allow concluding that the residual water of fish systems is outlined as a suitable culture medium that can be used to produce metabolites of interest. Also, this culture medium must be enriched in order to increase the productivity of the system.

Changes in leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and antioxidantsin maize leaves infected by Exserohilum turcicum

Considering the importance of northern leaf blight, caused by Exserohilum turcicum, to decrease maize yield, this study evaluated electrolyte leakage, content of H2O2, malondialdehyde (MDA), chlorophyll (Chl) a, Chl b, and carotenoids (CAR), and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase, as well as expressions of superoxide dismutase (sod), catalase (cat&#8239;1), ascorbate peroxidase (apx 2), peroxidase (pox), glutathione reductase (gr 1), and glutathione-S-transferase (gst 23) genes, and leaf gas exchange and Chl a fluorescence parameters in maize leaves infected with E. turcicum. The content of H2O2 and MDA was high at 15 and 20 d after inoculation (dai) and electrolyte leakage was high from 10 dai onward in infected leaves. Net assimilation rate, stomatal conductance to water vapour, transpiration rate, internal CO2 concentration, maximum quantum yield of photosystem (PS) II, and effective quantum yield of PS II significantly decreased as the disease developed. Quantum yield of regulated energy dissipation significantly increased at 10 and 15 dai but decreased at 20 dai whereas the quantum yield of non-regulated energy dissipation significantly increased at 15 and 20 dai. The content of Chl a, Chl b, and CAR decreased in infected leaves. The activities of the enzymes increased, and the relative expressions of the genes sod, cat 1, apx 2, pox, gr 1, and gst 23 were higher in infected leaves compared to non-infected ones mainly from 10 dai onward. In conclusion, photosynthesis in infected leaves was dramatically affected and a late involvement of the antioxidant metabolism was not sufficiently helpful to counteract the deleterious effects of fungal infection.

Crocetin promotes angiogenesis in human endothelial cells through PI3K-Akt-eNOS signaling pathway.

Previous studies proved the pro-angiogenic effect of Crocetin, a natural carotenoid dicarboxylic acid, in both in vivo and in vitro models. However, the exact mechanism of Crocetin action has not completely been elucidated yet. The current experiment was designed to find the activity of PI3K-Akt-eNOS axis after the treatment of endothelial cells with Crocetin in vitro. Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) were incubated with various concentrations of Crocetin (1, 5, 25, 50, and 100 µM) over a period of 72 h. Crocetin significantly increased HUVECs viability after 72 h as compared with the control group. We also found that Crocetin promoted the formation of the capillary-like structure compared to the control (p<0.05). Moreover, an improved migration rate and increased MMP-9 activity were observed in HUVECs that received 50 µM Crocetin (p<0.05). Crocetin enhanced the uptake of Ac-LDL which is correlated with increased lipid metabolism. Based on the data from the current experiment, protein level of VEGFR-1, -2 and p-Akt/Akt, p-eNOS/eNOS ratios were increased 72 h after the treatment of HUVECs with Crocetin (p<0.05). In contrast, the transcription level of VEGF was reduced in Crocetin-treated cells. These data demonstrated that Crocetin promotes HUVECs angiogenesis potential by the modulation of VEGF signaling pathway and increased cell viability. The PI3K/Akt/eNOS axis is required for a Crocetin-associated activity in endothelial cells.