Specific Activities Of Catalase Research Articles

Evaluating the Effect of Cowpea Variety on the Insecticidal Response and Antioxidant Enzymes of Callosobruchus Maculatus (Fabricius) Treated with Two Plant Powders

Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius), a notorious pest wreaking havoc during the storage phase of cowpea, has remained a serious menace militating against cowpea production in sub-Saharan Africa for years. This study investigated the effects of cowpea varieties [Gombe (GBV) and Sokoto (SKV)] on the insecticidal response and antioxidant enzymes of adult C. maculatus treated with powders of Piper guineense (Schum and Thonn) and Syzygium aromaticum (L.). The study was conducted at an ambient temperature (28 ± 3ºC) and relative humidity (75 ± 6). Bruchids were exposed to dosages ranging from 0.05 to 0.55 g/20 g cowpea. The morphometrics of the cowpea seeds and emerged bruchids were also subjectively determined. GBV generally had significantly longer, wider, and thicker seeds than SKV. Similarly, GBV-reared bruchids were significantly (P 0.001) wider and longer in body size than SKV-reared bruchids. Regardless of cowpea variety, S. aromaticum was generally more toxic to the bruchids than P. guineense. GBV-reared bruchids were more susceptible to both plant powders than SKV-reared bruchids. The specific activities of Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, and Glutathione also varied with cowpea varieties and plant powders. Cowpea variety, experimental dosage, and their interaction (V*D) significantly (P 0.001) influenced the specific activities of the three enzymes. Hence, the two plant powders, especially S. aromaticum, could be used as effective protectants of cowpea seeds against C. maculatus infestation. The findings in this study could ultimately contribute to ensuring the security and integrity of cowpea seeds, sustaining them as a staple food crop. 

Exploration of neuroprotective effect from Coriandrum sativum L. ethanolic seeds extracts on brain of obese rats

In this study, the potential neuroprotective ability of coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativum L.) ethanolic extract (CSES) as a neuroprotectant agent in the brains of high-fat diet-induced obese rats was analyzed. The study investigated how CSES impacts oxidative stress markers (i.e., malondialdehyde/MDA, glutathione/GSH and catalase), inflammation marker (i.e., Interleukin-6/IL-6), cellular senescence markers (i.e., senescence-associated β-galactoside/SA-β-Gal activity and p16), brain damage marker (i.e., Neuron-specific Enolase/NSE), and neurogenesis markers (i.e., mature Brain-derived Neurotropic Factor/BDNF, pro-BDNF, and mature/pro-BDNF ratio). Male adult Wistar rats were fed a high-fat diet and given CSES once daily, at 100 mg/kg body weight, for 12 weeks. CSES significantly reduced MDA concentration (p = < 0.001), SA-β-Gal activity (p = 0.010), and increased GSH concentration (p = 0.047) in the brain of obese rats; however, the decrease of IL-6, NSE, and p16 as well as the increase of catalase specific activity and BDNF expression were not significant. Moreover, the mature/pro-BDNF ratio was significantly higher in the brains of non-obese rats, both given the control diet and the high-fat diet compared to the control. Our results suggest that obese rats benefited from consuming CSES, showing improved oxidative stress levels, reduced cellular senescence and increased endogenous antioxidants, making CSES a potential neuroprotective agent.

Efficiency of Some Abiotic and Biotic Agents on Vicia faba L. Rust and Chocolate Spot Diseases

A variety of soil- and air-borne pathogens can attack faba bean plants, leading to rust and chocolate spot diseases that seriously affect plant yield. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of certain essential oils as abiotic agents and biotic agents as safe alternatives to fungicides for both diseases. Double foliar applications of these essential oils and biotic agents significantly reduced the development of faba bean rust and chocolate spot incidence. The highest reduction in faba bean rust (92.7%) was achieved after spraying with jojoba oil, followed by 88.9% and 85.3% for grape and bitter orange oils, respectively. Furthermore, biotic inducers such as Bacillus subtilis, Trichoderma harzianum, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae reduced chocolate spot incidence by 100.0%, followed by a 72.3% reduction with bitter orange, thyme, black seed, and jojoba oils. The second foliar treatment with B. subtilis, T. harzianum, black seed oil, jojoba oil, and chitosan increased faba bean protein contents more than the first treatment. Individual foliar sprays with chitosan and grape oils enhanced catalase (CAT) specific activity, with the highest levels achieved after the first and second foliar applications, respectively. S. cerevisiae and lemongrass oil induced the highest peroxidase (POD) specific activity after both spray applications. Black seed oil induced the highest chitinase (CHIA) specific activity after the first foliar application, while lemongrass oil achieved the highest level after the second spray. The second foliar application of moringa oil, black seed oil, jojoba oil, chitosan, B. subtilis, and S. cerevisiae stimulated the formation of new protein bands in treated faba bean plants, which were not found after the first application. Therefore, the abiotic and biotic agents used in this study could be considered good and safe alternatives for resistance against these foliar diseases, reducing the harmful effects of synthetic fungicides.

Enzymatic Properties of Red Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Leaf, Root Pulp, and Peel.

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris</i> L.) is botanically classified as a herbaceous biennial belonging to the Chenopodiaceae family and has several varieties with bulb colors ranging from yellow to red. Peroxidases are widely occurring in organisms including microorganisms, plants, and animals, and have been involved in various physiological and biochemical functions. The study was conducted to investigate the characteristics of enzyme extracts from red beet leaves, root pulp, and peel. The enzyme extraction involved the homogenization of the sample and filtrate in cold acetone and then the filtrate was homogenized in 0.1M sodium acetate buffer, pH 7. The protein content was determined using the Lowry assay using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a standard protein. Then, enzymatic activity was determined by peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and catalase assays. The patent for biological activity of enzymes was obtained from the Office of Career Development, Haramaya University. The antioxidant activities of the enzyme extract were conducted by using DPPH and hydrogen peroxide free radical scavenging activities. The result indicated that the Enzymatic activity of crude enzyme extract of red beet leaf, root pulp and peel indicated that significantly the highest total soluble protein (16.68 mg/ml), peroxidase activity (PODA, 111.50 U/ml), polyphenol oxidase activity (PPOA, 170.90 U/ml), polyphenol oxidase specific activity (PPOspa, 10.25 U/mg), catalase activity (CATA, 180.50 U/ml) and catalase specific activity (CATspa, 10.82 U/mg), were recorded for red beet leaf enzyme extract. The antioxidant activity of the enzyme extracts demonstrated that significantly higher DPPH radical scavenging activity of leaf extract (59.16) and peel extract (61.92) were recorded. The Pearson correlation coefficient of enzyme activity parameters and free radical scavenging activities presented that protein content was significantly and positively correlated with CATA, PPOA, and PPOspa. Catalase- specific activity (CATspa) was significant and positively correlated only with HPSA. Peroxidase-specific activity (PODspa) was significant and positively correlated with PODA and DPPH. Based on the plot for principal component PC2 vs. PC1 for D statistics DPPH, PODA, and PODspa have close PC1 and PC2 scores (with vector angle < 90° showing similar/correlated effects. In this study, B. vulgaris</i> has shown promising peroxidase enzyme activity. Beetroot peel contained higher antioxidant compounds thus promising a more intense utilization of the peels in food and nutraceuticals.

Catalase enzymatic activity in adult mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae): taxonomic distribution of the continuous trait suggests its relevance for phylogeny research.

Molecular research based on gene sequence analysis and performed for decades, in general, supported morphology-based groupings of the species within the family Culicidae, but phylogenetic relationships between some genera and tribes remained uncertain for a long time. Interspecific differences in catalase, an antioxidant enzyme important for maintaining prolonged lifespan and reproduction, have not been studied extensively by estimating enzymatic activity levels. Here, catalase enzymatic activity was assayed in extracts of male mosquitoes belonging to 10 species of the subfamily Culicinae, including species from tribes of disputable phylogeny. Three species of Chaoboridae (nearest outgroup taxon) and mosquitoes from the subfamily Anophelinae (one species complex) were also added to the study. At least in Culicinae, immature adult males (less than one day after emergence) have distinctly elevated specific activity of catalase; therefore, only mature males of all species were used for the comparative study. As a result, significant differences in catalase activity were revealed between tribes, genera and particular species. Among culicids, the genera Coquillettidia and Culiseta were found to include the species with the highest and relatively high catalase activity, which is consistent with the affinity of the tribes Mansoniini and Culisetini to each other. Within Ochlerotatus, extremely low catalase activity in Oc. hexodontus suggests the more distant position of this species from Oc. cantans (Meigen) and Oc. communis (de Geer) than the positions of the latter two species from each other. Additional study of catalase activity in overwintering females of the genus Culex revealed significantly higher enzyme activity in Cx. torrentium in comparison with Cx. pipiens, which supports their quite distant positions from each other within the genus. Considering the distribution of catalase activity within the tree obtained, the preliminary outcome is that Culiseta retains the elevated level of catalase activity that was lost during the early separation of Anopheles and subsequent separation of Culex and Aedes/Ochlerotatus after Anopheles from their common branch with Culiseta/Coquillettidia. Overall, the use of taxonomic distribution of catalase activity levels appears to be effective for resolving disputed events of mosquito phylogeny.

The co-occurrence of drought and Fusarium solani f. sp. Phaseoli Fs4 infection exacerbates the Fusarium root rot symptoms in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

At this pace, global warming is expected to exacerbate drought spells now and forever. Being an integral part of the plant disease triangle, the effect drought might exerts on plant-pathogen interactions is a major subject of debates nowadays. The present study examined at how severe artificially-induced severe drought could affect the common bean and the root rot causing fungus; Fusarium solani Fs4 (F. solani Fs4) pathosystem at the morphological, physiological and biochemical levels. The results indicated significantly increased seedling susceptibility (2.08-folds; incidence = 61.8%) to fusarium root rot (FRR) upon severe drought imposition. It to be drought, F. solani Fs4-infection or their combined effects, 1.5 to 2-folds seedlings growth reduction were witnessed, with altered root growth and architecture. Further, as referred to their individual counterparts, the co-occurrence of both the stressors [F. solani + Drought] resulted in 1.23 and 1.5-fold drop in the specific activity of phenyl-alanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), respectively. Meanwhile, the associative effect of the two stressors culminated at 2.3, 2.5 and 1.62-folds increase in the specific activities of peroxidases (POX), catalase (CAT), and proline content, respectively. The principal component analysis (PCA) and the Pearson correlation disclosed a negative and significant correlation between the tested defense-related enzymes PAL, PPO) and the biosynthesis of the studied de-stressing enzymes (SOD, APX, and CAT) and the osmo-protectants (proline, soluble protein). These outcomes strengthened the hypothesis of a repressive crosstalk of the Abscisic acid (ABA), the major abiotic stress mediator, on the expression of the defense-related phytohormones (Jasmonic acid and ethylene).

Effect of Microplastics on the Activity of Digestive and Oxidative-Stress-Related Enzymes in Peled Whitefish (Coregonus peled Gmelin) Larvae.

Microplastics (MPs) are emergent pollutants in freshwater environments and may impact aquatic organisms, including those of nutritional value. The specific activities of digestive and antioxidant enzymes can be used as good bioindicators of the potential effects of MPs on fish in case of waterborne MP contamination. In this study, we used fluorescent polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) to analyze the alterations in enzyme activities in larvae of Coregonus peled Gmelin (peled or Northern whitefish), one of the most valuable commercial fish species of Siberia. Our results indicate that peled larvae can ingest 2 µm PS microspheres in a waterborne exposure model. A positive correlation (rs = 0.956; p < 0.01) was found between MP concentration in water and the number of PS microspheres in fish guts, with no significant differences between 24 h and 6-day exposure groups. The ingestion of MPs caused alterations in digestive enzyme activity and antioxidant responses at the whole-body level. The presence of PS-MPs significantly stimulated (p < 0.05) the specific activity of α-Amylase and non-specific esterases in peled larvae after 24 h. However, a pronounced positive effect (p < 0.05) of MPs on the activity of pancreatic trypsine and bile salt-activated lipase was only found after 6 days of exposure compared to after 24 h. Intestinal membrane enzyme aminopeptidase N was also stimulated in the presence of PS-MPs after 6-day exposure. We also observed a significant increase in the specific activity of catalase in peled larvae after 6 days of exposure, which indicates the MP-induced modulation of oxidative stress. Taken together, these results highlight the potential impact of environmental MPs on northern commercial fish, their importance for estimating fish stocks, and the sustainability of freshwater ecosystems.

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Trichoderma&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Bio-inoculant Promotes the Growth and Yield of Pepper (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Capsicum annuum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L): An Open Field Trial

<i>Trichoderma</i> is a ubiquitous fungal genus widely used in agriculture. Their ability to mininize fertiliser dosage, pesticide rationing, and increase crops yield have offered huge avenues for sustainable agriculture. Nonetheless, given the diversity of the world's agro-ecosystems, their widespread adoption has been restricted. This work aimed at investigating the impact of solid formulation of a consortium of two <i>Trichoderma</i> strains, <i>T. atroviridae</i> T2 and <i>T. Harzianum</i> T8, on the growth and yield of hot Pepper under open-field conditions. When compared to un-primed plants, <i>Trichoderma</i>-primed plants boosted Chla, Chlb, Chl (a+b) and Carotenoid by up to 122%, 11%, 113%, and 48%, respectively. Likewise, 108%, 220% and 76% more phosphorus, nitrogen and auxin were accumulated in <i>Trichoderma</i> inoculated tissues, leading to significant increases in almost all agro-morphological parameters, culminating at 23.5%, 54%, and 23.5%, respectively for production yield (PY), fruit diameter (FD), and Pepper fruits weight (PY) as compared to un-inoculated counterparts. There was no difference in specific activities of catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POX), even though there were increases in phenolic (17%) and total proteins (15%). These findings suggest that <i>Trichoderma</i> fertilisation can redirected plant response depending of plant statue, which prioritised host fitness and associated biomolecules under our experimental settings with the absence/least-biotic stresses.

Differential Expression of Antioxidant Enzymes in Chlorine-Resistant Acinetobacter and Serratia spp. Isolated from Water Distribution Sites in Mumbai: A Study on Mechanisms of Chlorine Resistance for Sustainable Water Treatment Strategies

Chlorination is a widely used process for disinfecting drinking water, but the emergence of chlorine-resistant bacteria has become a significant concern. While previous research has focused on identifying chlorine-resistant organisms, there has been limited investigation into the mechanisms behind chlorine resistance. Some bacterial isolates that display resistance to chlorine treatment may protect themselves using various mechanisms, including biofilm production, antibiotic resistance, horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes, or producing antioxidant enzymes. Given that chlorination employs hypochlorous acid (HOCl), which is an extremely potent oxidizing agent, the most critical mechanism to investigate is antioxidant enzymes. This study investigated the antioxidant profile of eight chlorine-resistant isolates (three of the Serratia sp. and five of the Acinetobacter) after chlorine exposure. The profiles, both between and within species, were noticeably different. Among the isolates, Acinetobacter junii NA 3-2 showed a significant increase in the specific activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase after exposure to 20 ppm chlorine. In the guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) assay, only isolates belonging to Serratia marcescens showed GPX activity, and Serratia marcescens 3929-1 showed significant increase after exposure to 20 ppm of chlorine. None of the isolates belonging to Acinetobacter spp. showed GPX activity. Additionally, almost all control samples exhibited some enzyme activity, which may explain their survival against chlorine treatment in reservoirs. Principal component analysis revealed no strain-dependent similarities, while the balance of scavenging enzymes changed, as demonstrated in the heat map. Thus, this study suggests that antioxidant enzymes may be one mechanism of protection for some bacterial species against oxidative stress from chlorination, resulting in chlorine resistance. Understanding the mechanism of chlorine resistance is critical to identifying potential solutions. This study highlights the need to consider more modern approaches to disinfecting drinking water.

Macroalgal-derived alginate/wastepaper hydrogel to alleviate sunflower drought stress

Main conclusionAlginate/wastepaper hydrogel mitigated sunflower drought stress by increasing the water holding capacity of the soil and decreasing phosphate leaching. The hydrogel promoted sunflower growth and decreased stress related biomarkers.There is a growing interest in the development of biodegradable hydrogels for the alleviation of drought stress on plants. A novel hydrogel based on brown algal-derived alginate and wastepaper was developed and tested as a soil supplement for sunflower growth under moderate (75% field capacity (FC)) and extreme (50% FC) water-deficit stress. The hydrogel showed fast swelling in water, which obeyed the pseudo-first order kinetics. Besides, it increased the water holding capacity of the soil and exhibited a good phosphate adsorption (37 mg PO4− g−1 hydrogel after 6 days) in the soil, and more than 67% of the adsorbed phosphate was desorbed after 20 days. Thus, the phosphate leaching from the hydrogel-amended soil in a column experiment was only 2.77 mg after 4 times of over-irrigation, compared to 11.91 mg without the hydrogel. The hydrogel application promoted various root traits such as fresh and dry biomass, area, and length by > 2-, > 1.6-, > 1.35-, and > 1.3-folds under both water regimes in relation to the no-hydrogel treatments at the same conditions. Furthermore, the sunflower shoots exhibited similar proline contents to the well-watered control (100% FC), with > 50% reduction in relation to the drought-stressed plants under the same conditions. Similarly, the malondialdehyde contents were lowered by > 15%. The analysis of the antioxidant enzymes also indicated a marked reduction in the specific activities of catalase and ascorbate peroxidase under both 75 and 50% FC compared to the respective controls. Additionally, the hydrogel promoted the uptake of phosphate by sunflower roots. These results implied that the developed biodegradable hydrogel could be effectively applied as a soil additive to alleviate drought stress on crops.

Evaluation of antioxidant enzymes in the female genital fluid of the bat Corynorhinus mexicanus during sperm storage

Abstract Female Corynorhinus mexicanus bats store sperm for three months. One cause of the death of sperm is the action of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Three antioxidant enzymes – superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) – regulate the REDOX state of the environment in which gametes are stored. The aim of this study was to evaluate antioxidant enzymatic activity in female genital fluid during the period of sperm storage (October-December). The activity of the enzymes in the female bats’ genital fluid was determined by spectrophotometry. SOD activity was 20 USOD/ml/min in each month. Total GPX activity was 70 UGPX/ml/min in October, but increased in November and December to 145 UGPX/ml/min. Specific CAT activity was 2000 UK/ml/min in October, but in November it increased to 16 000 UK/ml/min, then to 32 000 UK/ml/min in December. The ROS fluorescence indices in the sperm ranged from 3000 to 8000 with no significant differences. These data show that antioxidant enzymes participate in the maintenance of sperm viability in the female reproductive tract of C. mexicanus.

Evaluation of the antioxidant activities of green synthesized selenium nanoparticles and their conjugated polyethylene glycol (PEG) form in vivo

Uncontrolled regulation of oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in living organisms might lead to the development of various diseases. Selenium is an element in antioxidant selenoproteins and is used in different forms as a food supplement. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) could show improved activity and less toxicity; their bioactivity, biocompatibility, and binding to targets might be augmented by phytochemicals decorating their surfaces during green synthesis using plant extracts. Herein, the study evaluated the antioxidant activity of Moringa peregrina-mediated SeNPs (MPM-SeNPs) and the PEGylated form (PEG-MPM-SeNPs) in vivo in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oxidative stress in a mice model. LPS injection caused a reduction in enzyme activity of both oxidative stress biomarkers superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) with an elevation in protein carbonyl content level in blood sera and liver homogenates of treated mice. MPM-SeNPs and PEG-MPM-SeNPs significantly recovered SOD activity in both blood sera and liver homogenates, as well as enhanced the specific activity of CAT in LPS-injected mice. Moreover, they caused a reduction in the carbonyl content in blood sera. Thus, both SeNPs complexes were able to amend the oxidation-induced damage in the body and protect its organs against necrosis and dysfunction.

Sperm Dysfunction in the Testes and Epididymides due to Overweight and Obesity Is Not Caused by Oxidative Stress.

Obesity is a condition that has been linked to male infertility. The current hypothesis regarding the cause of infertility is that sperm are highly sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS) during spermatogenesis in the testes and transit through the epididymides, so the increase in ROS brought on by obesity could cause oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the activity of the enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) is capable of counteracting oxidative stress in sperm. The male Wistar rat was used as an overweight and obesity model, and analysis of fertility in these groups was carried out including the control group. Serum testosterone levels were determined, and the scrotal fat, testes, and epididymides were extracted. The epididymides were separated ini0 3 principal parts (caput, corpus, and cauda) before evaluating sperm viability, sperm morphology, damage to desoxyribonucleic acid of the sperm, and ROS production. The protein content and specific activity of the three enzymes mentioned above were evaluated. Results showed a gain in body weight and scrotal fat in the overweight and obese groups with decreased parameters for serum testosterone levels and sperm viability and morphology. Fertility was not greatly affected and no DNA integrity damage was found, although ROS in the epididymal sperm increased markedly and Raman spectroscopy showed a disulfide bridge collapse associated with DNA. The specific activities of CAT and GPX increased in the overweight and obesity groups, but those of SOD did not change. The amounts of proteins in the testes and epididymides decreased. These findings confirm that overweight and obesity decrease concentrations of free testosterone and seem to decrease protein content, causing poor sperm quality. Implications. An increase in scrotal fat in these conditions fosters an increase of ROS, but the increase of GPX and CAT activity seems to avoid oxidative stress increase in the sperm without damaging your DNA.

The Effect of Fasting on Oxidative Stress in the Vital Organs of New Zealand White Rabbit.

Oxidative stress is defined as the condition in which balance between the synthesis and detoxification of reactive oxygen species in cells is disrupted. This research explored the effects of intermittent and prolonged fasting on malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonyl, reduced glutathione (GSH), and specific activity of catalase as biomarkers for oxidative stress in hearts, brains, and kidneys of New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. Fifteen NZW rabbits were divided into control, intermittent fasting (IF), and prolonged fasting (PF) groups. The controls were fed ad lib. IF and PF groups were fasted for 16 and 40 hours, respectively, followed by eight hours of non-fasting, for six days and were sacrificed on the 7th day. One hundred mg of heart, brain, and kidney tissues were homogenized in 1 ml of phosphate-buffered saline. MDA, carbonyl, GSH, and catalase were analyzed by spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA and post hoc test. In heart, MDA was significantly greater in the control than in the IF and PF groups. In brain, GSH was greater in the IF than in the PF and control groups. Also, in brain, catalase specific activity was significantly greater in the control than in the IF and PF groups. In kidney, catalase specific activity was significantly less in the PF than in the control group. The effect of fasting on oxidative stress in various organs showed various responses, however fasting reduced oxidative stress based on MDA and GSH levels in the heart and brain, respectively.

산란계에서 Coenzyme Q10 급여가 혈액 및 간 조직의 항산화 작용에 미치는 영향

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) sources on the antioxidant defense system in the blood and liver of laying hens. Thirty-six 40-wk old Lohmann Brown hens were randomly assigned to three groups based on body weight, with four cages with three layers each. Laying hens were divided into one of the following groups: control (CON), powdered CoQ10 (PCoQ, 100 mg/kg diet), and emulsified CoQ10 (ECoQ, 100 mg/kg diet). All hens were fed a control diet or a control diet supplemented with powdered or emulsified CoQ10 ad libitum for five weeks. There were no differences in body weight, weight gain, and organ weights among the treatment groups, including the liver and spleen. The blood total antioxidant power (TAP) in the ECoQ group increased (<i>P&lt;0.05</i>) by approximately 2-fold compared to that in the CON group. However, there was no significant difference in blood TAP levels between the PCoQ and ECoQ groups, although a decreasing trend <i>(P&lt;0.13)</i> was observed for levels of TAP in the ECoQ group. The mRNA expression and specific activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase in the liver were not affected by dietary CoQ10 or type of CoQ10. However, hepatic lipid peroxidation in the ECoQ group was lower (<i>P&lt;0.05</i>) than in the CON group. In conclusion, emulsified CoQ10 increased blood TAP and decreased hepatic lipid peroxidation without affecting antioxidant enzymes, suggesting that emulsified CoQ10 might be more applicable as an active antioxidant supplement than powdered type in laying hens.

Modulation of plant growth and antioxidative defense system through endophyte biopriming in cotton (Gossypium spp.) and non-host crops

Seed biopriming is very promising in improving seed health by mitigating various biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, the effect of biopriming with cotton endophytes on seed germination and other growth parameters in host and non-host crops like wheat, sorghum, cowpea and chick pea was examined. The endophytes were antagonistic to cotton pathogens Corynespora cassiicola and Fusarium solani under in vitro. Among the eight endophytes, CFR-1 and CEL-48 were highly efficient with inhibition rates of 66.16% and 64.24% respectively against C. cassiicola, whereas CFL-34 was efficient against F. solani with more than 50% inhibition. Seed biopriming enhanced seed germination in cotton and non-host crops whereas seed vigor index was highest in bio-primed cotton. Moreover, growth promotion parameters were also enhanced upon endophyte biopriming. Total sugar content ranged from 5.46 to 7.54 mg/g F.W in cotton and highest was found in CFL-34 treated wheat (8.64 mg/g FW). There was an increase of 10–30% soluble protein in bioprimed cotton over control. Interestingly, the antioxidant potential in all the bio-primed crops was improved with increased catalase and peroxidase activity. Specific activity of catalase ranged from 0.42 to 1.90 μmol/min/mg protein in cotton, while highest activity was reported in CEL-48 primed wheat. The findings of this investigation emphasizes seed biopriming with endophytes for sustainable plant health management.

Nuclear and peroxisomal targeting of catalase.

Catalase is a well‐known component of the cellular antioxidant network, but there have been conflicting conclusions reached regarding the nature of its peroxisome targeting signal. It has also been reported that catalase can be hijacked to the nucleus by effector proteins of plant pathogens. Using a physiologically relevant system where native untagged catalase variants are expressed in a cat2‐1 mutant background, the C terminal most 18 amino acids could be deleted without affecting activity, peroxisomal targeting or ability to complement multiple phenotypes of the cat2‐1 mutant. In contrast, converting the native C terminal tripeptide PSI to the canonical PTS1 sequence ARL resulted in lower catalase specific activity. Localisation experiments using split superfolder green fluorescent protein revealed that catalase can be targeted to the nucleus in the absence of any pathogen effectors, and that C terminal tagging in combination with alterations of the native C terminus can interfere with nuclear localisation. These findings provide fundamental new insights into catalase targeting and pave the way for exploration of the mechanism of catalase targeting to the nucleus and its role in non‐infected plants.

The Combined Effect of Hot Water Treatment and Chitosan Coating on Mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. Kent) Fruits to Control Postharvest Deterioration and Increase Fruit Quality

The synergistic effect of dipping in 55 °C for 5 min of hot water (HW) and 1% chitosan coating during the storage of mango at 13 ± 0.5 °C and 85%–90% relative humidity for 28 days was investigated. The combined treatment significantly suppressed the fruit decay percentage compared with both the single treatment and the control. In addition, the specific activities of key plant defense-related enzymes, including peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT), markedly increased. The increase occurred in the pulp of the fruits treated with the combined treatment compared to those treated with HW or chitosan alone. While the control fruits showed the lowest values, the combination of pre-storage HW treatment and chitosan coating maintained higher values of flesh hue angle (h°), vitamin C content, membrane stability index (MSI) percentage, as well as lower weight loss compared with the untreated mango fruits. The combined treatment and chitosan treatment alone delayed fruit ripening by keeping fruit firmness, lessening the continuous increase of total soluble solids (TSS), and slowing the decrease in titratable acidity (TA). The results showed that the combined application of HW treatment and chitosan coating can be used as an effective strategy to suppress postharvest decay and improve the quality of mango fruits.

Effects of Ruzu, a Polyherbal Mixture, on Neurobehaviour and Expression of Serotonin and Dopamine Transporters in Rats.

There is increased possibility that combined herbal constituents may interact to increase toxicity and lower efficacy. Ruzu herbal bitters (RHB) is a blend of extracts from Curculigo pilosa, Uvaria chamae, and Citrullus colocynthis, each of which has been shown to possess important bio-effects. There is anecdotal evidence for efficacy of RHB in neurological disorders; however, there are no data on possible neurotoxic effects of RHB. Using behavioural, biochemical and molecular indices as surrogates of neurotoxicity, this study therefore evaluated the nervous system effects of RHB. Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into two groups - a control group and RHB group (n=10). RHB (0.5ml/kg) was administered to the RHB group twice daily while control group took water (0.5ml/kg). Treatments lasted 6 weeks after which behavioural tests were carried out. Animals were subsequently sacrificed and the expression of serotonin transporter (SERT) and dopamine transporter (DAT) was determined in the striatum by immunofluorescence while specific activities of catalase, alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyltransferase were determined. In the elevated plus maze and light and dark box tests which are models of anxiety, animals treated with RHB showed significant anxiety compared to control. They also showed impaired locomotor activity in the open field and wire hang tests. The activity of catalase was significantly increased in the brain of the RHB treated rats while an increase in the expression of both DAT and SERT was observed in the striatum.

Effects of Ruzu, a Polyherbal Mixture, on Neurobehaviour and Expression of Serotonin and Dopamine Transporters in Rats

There is increased possibility that combined herbal constituents may interact to increase toxicity and lower efficacy. Ruzu herbal bitters (RHB) is a blend of extracts from Curculigo pilosa, Uvaria chamae, and Citrullus colocynthis, each of which has been shown to possess important bio-effects. There is anecdotal evidence for efficacy of RHB in neurological disorders; however, there are no data on possible neurotoxic effects of RHB. Using behavioural, biochemical and molecular indices as surrogates of neurotoxicity, this study therefore evaluated the nervous system effects of RHB. Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into two groups – a control group and RHB group (n=10). RHB (0.5ml/kg) was administered to the RHB group twice daily while control group took water (0.5ml/kg). Treatments lasted 6 weeks after which behavioural tests were carried out. Animals were subsequently sacrificed and the expression of serotonin transporter (SERT) and dopamine transporter (DAT) was determined in the striatum by immunofluorescence while specific activities of catalase, alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyltransferase were determined. In the elevated plus maze and light and dark box tests which are models of anxiety, animals treated with RHB showed significant anxiety compared to control. They also showed impaired locomotor activity in the open field and wire hang tests. The activity of catalase was significantly increased in the brain of the RHB treated rats while an increase in the expression of both DAT and SERT was observed in the striatum