Changes In Superoxide Dismutase Research Articles

Oxidative stress markers in canine parvovirus infection

Parvovirus infections are among the deadly viral diseases in dogs and sick puppies. Young dogs are more prone to the virus. Antioxidants are important components of the defense system which prevent cell damage by neutralizing reactive oxygen species. Malondialdehyde is a reliable and commonly used marker of oxidative stress. The present study was performed to determine the role of oxidative stress markers in canine parvovirus disease. Thirty Cane Corso male dogs with an average age of 3-6 months were enrolled in this study out of which 10 animals were spontaneously infected with the parvovirus and the other 10 were healthy. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde were measured by colorimetric methods whereas the enzymatic activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) was measured. Catalase was measured by means of rapid spectrophotometry and chromography was used for obtaining the concentrations of vitamin D and vitamin E. The increase in malondialdehyde in infected dogs demonstrates that oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of the parvovirus. The significant elevation in TAC, and lack of important changes in superoxide dismutase and catalase are indicative of a good response by the antioxidant system against oxidative stress induced by the parvovirus. In conclusion, oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of parvovirus. Thus, strengthening the antioxidant system can be effective in the prevention and treatment of canine parvovirus infection.

Integration of transcriptomics, gut microbiota, and physiology reveals the toxic response of bensulfuron-methyl in Procambarus clarkii

Bensulfuron-methyl (BSM) enters the environment through agricultural practices, posing a threat to the health of aquatic organisms. Currently, the toxic mechanisms of BSM on crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, crayfish were exposed to BSM solutions at concentrations of 0, 5, and 10 mg/L for 48 h. The study integrated physiological, gut microbiota, and transcriptomic analyses to investigate the mechanisms of action. BSM exposure induced oxidative stress responses in crayfish, resulting in changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GSH) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Exposure to BSM caused damage to the intestinal tissues, reduced gut microbiota diversity, increased the abundance of harmful bacteria, and led to intestinal dysfunction. Analysis of the hepatopancreas revealed significant tissue damage. Transcriptomic data indicated that BSM affects the growth of crayfish through genes related to immune response (SLC17A5, CTSD, CTSB, NFKBIA, Mincle). The lysosomal pathway and NF-κB pathway were notably affected. This study analyzed the negative impacts of BSM on crayfish from various levels and provided detailed data to enhance our understanding of the toxic mechanisms of BSM in aquatic organisms.

Interactive effects of water temperature and dietary protein on Nile tilapia: growth, immunity, and physiological health

Optimizing fish performance depends on several factors, with dietary protein levels and rearing temperature playing important roles. In this study, Nile tilapia fingerlings (Oreochromis niloticus) weighing an average of 20.00 ± 1.26 g were divided into nine groups (in three replicates). Each group was subjected to different water temperatures (26 °C, 28 °C, and 30 °C) and received one of three dietary protein levels (20%, 25%, and 30%) for two months. Our findings indicate that higher temperatures, particularly at 30 °C, increased water electrical conductivity and total dissolved salts, especially noticeable in fish fed 25% or 30% crude protein (CP). Lower total ammonia nitrogen levels were observed at 28 °C with 25% CP, 30 °C with 30% CP, and 26 °C with 30% CP. Hepatic growth hormone receptor 1 and insulin-like growth factor 1 expression gradually rose with higher dietary CP percentages in fish at 26 °C but declined in those at 30 °C, albeit remaining higher than in the 28 °C groups with 25% CP. Fish at 28 °C showed the best final body weights and growth performance when fed 20% or 25% CP, with no significant difference between these groups. Hepatic leptin expression did not differ significantly among groups, but hepatic fatty acid binding protein expression notably increased in fish fed 30% CP at both 26 °C and 30 °C compared to those at 28 °C with 25% CP. Within the same temperature group, fish fed 30% CP exhibited higher globulin levels, particularly thriving at 28 °C or 30 °C. Hepatic mucin-like protein expression significantly increased across all groups, especially in fish at 30 °C with 30% CP compared to those at 28 °C with 25% CP. Hepatic lysozyme expression also increased notably in fish at 30 °C with 30% CP. Notable changes in superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase expression were observed, with the highest serum superoxide dismutase and catalase activities recorded in fish at 30 °C with 25% CP. Overall, dietary protein levels of 25% and 30%, combined with temperatures of 28 °C and 30 °C, yielded favorable outcomes, particularly favoring 28 °C with 25% protein.

The effects of herbal cream and silymarin on liver in carbon tetrachloride-treated animals

Many medical or pharmaceutical plants have been widely used for the treatment of the liver injury. Silymarin is now used as a food supporting material for the liver as a patented product. Herbal cream has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on wound healing in hemorrhoid model. This study aimed to evaluated the effects of herbal cream and silymarin on the liver in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated animals. Male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups as Intact control, Control, Herbal cream (0.5 ml, intrarectal administration), Silymarin (70 mg/kg, intrarectal), CCl4 (2 ml/kg, intraperitoneal), CCl4+Herbal cream (0.5 ml herbal cream for 21 days, 3 weeks after administration of CCl₄) and CCl4+Silymarin (70 mg/kg silymarin for 21 days, 3 weeks after administration of CCl₄). The tissue and blood samples were collected from animals for microscopic and biochemical analyses at the end of experiment. Herbal cream reduced damage and leukocytes distribution induced by CCl4 and increased in catalase. There was no significant change in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The levels of SOD, catalase and GPx in the liver increased significantly in group treated only with herbal cream. These results point that herbal cream may have antioxidant properties in the liver and a role in preventing liver damage. As a result, it has been detected that the herbal cream is not a toxic agent and recover liver damages with antioxidant properties.

Integrated microbiome and metabolome analyses reveal the effects of low pH on intestinal health and homeostasis of crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)

Low pH (LpH) poses a significant challenge to the health, immune response, and growth of aquatic animals worldwide. Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) is a globally farmed freshwater species with a remarkable adaptability to various environmental stressors. However, the effects of LpH stress on the microbiota and host metabolism in crayfish intestines remain poorly understood. In this study, integrated analyses of antioxidant enzyme activity, histopathological damage, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were performed to investigate the physiology, histopathology, microbiota, and metabolite changes in crayfish intestines exposed to LpH treatment. The results showed that LpH stress induced obvious changes in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and histopathological alterations in crayfish intestines. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis revealed that exposure to LpH caused significant alterations in the diversity and composition of the crayfish intestinal microbiota at the phylum and genus levels. At the genus level, 14 genera including Bacilloplasma, Citrobacter, Shewanella, Vibrio, RsaHf231, Erysipelatoclostridium, Anaerorhabdus, Dysgonomonas, Flavobacterium, Tyzzerella, Brachymonas, Muribaculaceae, Propionivibrio, and Comamonas, exhibited significant differences in their relative abundances. The LC-MS analysis revealed 859 differentially expressed metabolites in crayfish intestines in response to LpH, including 363 and 496 upregulated and downregulated metabolites, respectively. These identified metabolites exhibited significant enrichment in 24 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways (p < 0.05), including seven and 17 upregulated and downregulated pathways, respectively. These pathways are mainly associated with energy and amino acid metabolism. Correlation analysis revealed a strong correlation between the metabolites and intestinal microbiota of crayfish during LpH treatment. These findings suggest that LpH may induce significant oxidative stress, intestinal tissue damage, disruption of intestinal microbiota homeostasis, and alterations in the metabolism in crayfish. These findings provide valuable insights into how the microbial and metabolic processes of crayfish intestines respond to LpH stress.

Superoxide dismutase alterations in COVID-19: implications for disease severity and mortality prediction in the context of omicron variant infection.

In the few reports to date, the changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD), a key factor in cellular protection against superoxide, in COVID-19 have been very inconsistent and contradictory. There is also a lack of data on COVID-19 induced by Omicron variant. Further investigation is warranted to figure out SOD alterations in COVID-19, particularly within the context of ongoing Omicron variant infection, which may provide clues to its role within COVID-19 pathogenesis and open up new avenues for COVID-19 treatment. SOD activity in 109 COVID-19 patients (including 46 severe cases and 63 mild to moderate cases) and 30 matched healthy controls were quantified. Demographic data, blood cell counts, biochemical indicators, coagulation indicators, and inflammatory markers were also recorded. SOD, an important key node, experienced a significant decrease in COVID-19, with the severe patients exhibiting lower activity compared to the mild to moderate patients and control healthy. Notably, severe patients who deceased had the lowest SOD activity. Correlation analysis revealed significant correlations between SOD and inflammatory markers, organ injury markers, coagulation dysfunction indicators, nutritional markers, and lymphocytes counts. The ROC curve also showed good performance for the differentiation of severe cases and the prediction of death. SOD activity was significantly decreased in COVID-19 infected with Omicron variant and significantly correlated with systemic changes, and could be used as a biomarker to assess disease severity and predict mortality in COVID-19 clinical pathway management. Additionally, this finding will contribute to exploring new potential direction for the treatment of severe COVID-19 patients.

Resveratrol alleviates hyperglycemia-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis via enhancing SIRT1 expression

To investigate whether resveratrol alleviates hyperglycemia-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by enhancing the expression of silent information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis. Rat cardiomyocytes H9c2 cells with or without lentivirus-mediated mRNA interference of SIRT1 were cultured in high glucose (HG) and treated with resveratrol for 72 h. The changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and relative surface of the cells were examined, and the mRNA expressions of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and protein expressions of SIRT1, mitochondrial fusion related proteins optic atrophy protein 1 (OPA1) and mitofusin 2, mitochondrial division related proteins dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) and fission protein 1 (FIS1), and mitophagy-related proteins BNIP3L and LC3 were detected using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. HG exposure significantly decreased SOD activity, increased MDA content, ROS production, relative cell surface, and the mRNA expressions of ANF and BNP in the cardiomyocytes; the protein expressions of SIRT1, OPA1, mitofusin 2 and BNIP3L and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ ratio were all decreased and the protein expressions of DRP1 and FIS1 increased in HG-exposed cells (P<0.01). All these changes in HG-exposed cardiomyocytes were significantly alleviated by treatment with resveratrol (P<0.05). The protective effects of resveratrol against HG exposure in the cardiomyocytes were obviously attenuated by transfection of the cells with si-SIRT1 (P<0.05). Resveratrol inhibits hyperglycemia-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by reducing oxidative stress, the mechanisms of which involve enhancement of SIRT1 protein expression, regulation of mitochondrial fusion and division balance, and promoting BNIP3L-mediated mitophagy to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis in the cells.

Growth inhibition and toxic effects of microplastics on Chlorella vulgaris

Microplastics (MPs) are new pollutants that severely threaten the water environment. This study investigated the effects of three microplastics, namely polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene (PS), on the growth, photosynthesis, biochemical composition, and antioxidant enzyme activity of Chlorella vulgaris. The results show that the average growth inhibition rate of PVC (1000 mg/l) is the highest (29.34 %), followed by PMMA (17.86 %), and PS (13.79 %). The small particle size and high concentration of microplastics are benefited to the inhibitory effect. The increase in soluble proteins within microalgae cells can enhance their water retention capacity and protect cell membranes from mechanical damage and lipid peroxidation caused by microplastics. The decrease in carbohydrate production can be attributed to a decrease in photosynthetic rate and overall physiological activity. The changes in superoxide dismutase and catalase activity can be seen as a defense mechanism for algae cells to maintain antioxidant system balance while removing excess reactive oxygen species.

Probiotic bacteria alleviate chlorpyrifos-induced rat testicular and renal toxicity: A possible mechanism based on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) has caused many potential toxicities in nontarget organisms. Fewer studies have been conducted on the effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in mitigating tissue damage induced by CPF in vivo. Therefore, we investigated CPF renal and testicular toxicity and the alleviating effect of probiotic lactobacilli, based on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, on induced toxicity in an animal model. Biochemical assays showed that CPF induced oxidative stress along with a change in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity in a tissue-dependent manner. After treatment with CPF, testicular and renal levels of TNF-α were significantly reduced and enhanced, respectively, compared to the control group. The probiotic treatment restored renal and testicular TNF-α levels and modulated and blocked the increasing effect of CPF on renal IL-1β levels. Testicular IL-1β levels in the probiotic-treated and CPF groups demonstrated similar values. Exposure to CPF significantly induced renal histopathological damage that, of course, was completely inhibited by treatment with Lactobacillus casei and the LAB mixture. In summary, CPF showed significant toxicological effects on oxidative stress and the inflammation rate in CPF-exposed rats. Therefore, supplementation with probiotic bacteria may alleviate CPF renal toxicity and mitigate its oxidative stress and inflammation effects.

Contribution of chitosan–caffeic acid graft against Staphylococcus aureus on oxidative stress and cell membrane

AbstractThis study aimed to explore the antibacterial activity and mechanism of chitosan‐caffeic acid graft (CS‐g‐CA) against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The minimum inhibitory concentration of CS‐g‐CA against S. aureus was assessed. The results of scanning electron microscope and confocal laser scanning microscope showed that CS‐g‐CA treatment could destroy the cell morphology and cause the leakage of intracellular contents, leading to bacteria death. The changes of superoxide dismutase, catalase, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lipid peroxidation indicated that CS‐g‐CA stimulated the oxidative stress system of the cell, which further induced the generation of ROS, aggravated the accumulation of lipid peroxide, and destroyed the structure of the inner membrane. The electrophoresis results showed that the DNA of bacteria treated with CS‐g‐CA was broken led to the death of microorganisms. Overall, CS‐g‐CA has the potential to be a substitute for new bio‐preservative with bacteriostatic effects in food industry.

Changes in the number of macrophages, T-lymphocytes, activity of antioxidant enzymes in the brain, behavior and structure of the central nervous system neurons in adult and aging mice of different strains with the MPTP-induced model of parkinsonism

Background. Oxidative stress and immune cell (T-lymphocytes, macrophages) products are important for the development of morpho-functional disorders of the nervous system in Parkinson’s disease. Connection of Parkinson’s disease with age and functioning of the major histocompatibility complex genes are also shown. The purpose was to assess changes in the brain of T-lymphocytes, macrophages, malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, the structure of brain and spinal cord neurons, as well as behavior in adult and aging mice with different H-2 haplotypes and toxic model of parkinsonism. Materials and methods. Adult and aging female mice of FVB/N (genotype H-2q) and 129/Sv (genotype H-2b) strains were once injected with the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) at the dose of 30 mg/kg. Contents of CD3+, CD3–CD11b+, CD3+CD11b+ cells, MDA and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the brain were evaluated. The structure of neurons of the substantia nigra, lumbar spine, behavior in the open field test, as well as in rigidity and rotarod performance tests were studied. Results. In adult mice of both strains, motor and non-motor (spatial-exploratory, emotional) activity is impaired under the influence of MPTP. At the same time, linear differences in behavior changes were revealed in their directions and expressiveness. In aging FVB/N experimental mice, motor behavior disorders prevailed and were combined with non-motor changes in 129/Sv mice. Violations in the structure of substantia nigra neurons after MPTP administration were more severe in FVB/N mice while those in the lumbar spinal cord neurons were more pronounced in the 129/Sv mice. In aging experimental mice of both strains, the percentage of damaged neurons in the brain and spinal cord was significantly lower than in adult animals. After MPTP administration to adult mice, the direction of changes in the brain T-lymphocytes and macrophages (increase or decrease) depended on their strains. In aging experimental mice, the linear heterogeneity of changes was preserved for the T-lymphocyte content, while the macrophage level was increased regardless of the animal strains. Under MPTP influence, the MDA content increased in the brain of mice of all experimental groups. The direction of changes in superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities (decrease or increase) depended on the strains of animals and their age. Conclusions. MPTP-induced changes (directions, expressiveness) in T-lymphocyte, macrophage contents, antioxidant enzymes activity, the structure of neurons of the substantia nigra and lumbar spine, as well as behavioral reactions largely depended on the adult mice H-2 haplotype. There were age-related effects of the neurotoxin on changes in the studied indicators in mice of different strains. At the same time, dependence of changes in most above indicators on the H-2 haplotype preserved.

Deep neural network and molecular docking supported toxicity profile of prometryn

In this study, the versatile toxicity profile of prometryn herbicide on Allium cepa was investigated. In this context, 4 different groups were formed. While the control group was treated with distilled water, Groups II, III and IV were treated with 200 mg/L, 400 mg/L and 800 mg/L prometryn, respectively. After 72 h of germination, cytogenetic, biochemical, physiological and anatomical changes were investigated. As a result increase in malondialdehyde levels, decrease in glutathione level, changes in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in root tip cells show that prometryn causes oxidative stress. The decrease in mitotic index values and the increase in the frequency of micronucleus and chromosomal abnormalities observed after prometryn treatment indicate genotoxic effects. The genotoxic effects may be due to the induced oxidative stress as well as the promethryn-DNA interaction. Molecular docking analyses revealed that prometryn interacts with various bases in DNA. As a result of the Comet assay, exposure to prometryn was found to cause DNA fragmentation. In physiological parameters final weight, germination percentage and root length decreased by 23.8%, 59.1% and 87.3%, respectively, in the 800 mg/L prometryn applied group. Deep neural network (DNN) model was optimized to predict the effects of different doses of prometryn on 4 different endpoints: micronucleus, mitotic index, chromosomal abnormalities and DNA Damage. The predicted data was found to be very similar to the actual data. The performance of the model was evaluated using MAE, MAPE, RMSE and R2, and these metrics indicate that the model performed well. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that the DNN model developed here is a valuable tool for predicting genotoxicity biomarkers in response to the application doses of prometryn, and has the potential to contribute to the development of safer and more sustainable agricultural practices.

Evaluation of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant potential of sprouted indigenous legumes from Pakistan

ABSTRACT Germination of seeds is a complex process linked to various molecular and biochemical changes that increase the nutritional value. This research has studied the impact of germination on the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities of five domestic staple legumes from Pakistan: chickpea, mung bean, soybean, lentil, and peanut. The maximum moisture content was recorded for chickpea, i.e., 11.7 ± 0.05 g 100 g−1 followed by lentil, soybean, peanut, and mung bean as 9.65 ± 0.02, 8.07 ± 0.01, 7.6 ± 0.01, and 7.31 ± 0.01 g 100 g−1, respectively. The overall augmentation in catalase activity during germination (days 1 to 4) was maximum for lentils, i.e., 76.22%, and ascorbate peroxidase activity for peanuts, i.e., 62.09%. The soybean showed a clear difference from the 1st to 4th days of germination for peroxide activity among all selected legumes with a 37.29% increase. A maximum change in superoxide dismutase was noticed in mung bean. The mung bean also had the highest variation in total flavonoid contents, while total phenolic contents were higher in the chickpea. The radical scavenging activity varied higher in peanuts, while the ascorbic acid content was maximum for soybeans. Among all selected legumes, non-germinated chickpeas showed a lower DPPH value, i.e., 1.15 ± 0.03%, whereas the highest DPPH value was observed in lentils (69.84 ± 0.05%). Thus, the incorporation of ready-to-eat (RTE) germinated legumes with high antioxidant activity would be a contemporary addition to the everyday meal.

The Cytotoxic Effect of Thymoquinone Enhance on HepG2 Cell Line due to Induction of Fenton Reaction by Hydrogen Peroxide: An In Vitro and In Silico Study

Thymoquinone (TQ) is a component derived from the volatile oil of Nigella sativa. Fenton reaction induction is a well-known strategy to prevent the growth of cancer cells which can stimulate by hydrogen peroxide. This study was designed to investigate the TQ effects on hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity. In this study, HepG2 cell survival, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, cell membrane integrity, and changes of superoxide dismutase (SOD)/ catalase (CAT) activity were evaluated following incubation of HepG2 cells with 31 μM hydrogen peroxide and different concentrations of TQ (18.5, 37 and 75 μM). In addition, molecular docking studies on the interference of TQ with CAT/SOD enzymes were investigated. Our findings showed that TQ low concentration can increase the survival of HepG2 cells when exposed to hydrogen peroxide, and on the contrary, its high concentration can potentiate cytotoxicity induced by hydrogen peroxide. The TQ alongside hydrogen peroxide increased the production of ROS, which was related to increase CAT and SOD activity in the HepG2 cells. Molecular docking findings showed that TQ effects on the formation of free radicals were not related to its chemical interference with the structure of the SOD/CAT molecules. Fenton reaction induction may increase the effectiveness of TQ in preventing HepG2 cells proliferation.

Changes in superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3) expression in periodontal tissue during orthodontic tooth movement of rat molars and the effect of SOD3 on in vitro hypoxia-exposed rat periodontal ligament cells.

Hypoxia during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in periodontal tissues. Superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3) is an anti-inflammatory enzyme that protects cells from ROS. This study investigated the expression and function of SOD3 during rat OTM and in hypoxia-exposed rat periodontal ligament (PDL) cells. OTM of right maxillary first molars were performed in 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats using closed-coil spring for 1 and 14 days (n = 6 per group). SOD3 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The effects of SOD3 on cell viability and proliferation, ROS production, and mRNA expression of Hif1-α, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (Rankl), and osteoprotegerin (Opg) in PDL cells and osteoclast differentiation were investigated under normal and hypoxic conditions. SOD3 expression in PDL tissues significantly decreased on the compression side on day 1 and on both sides on day 14 of OTM. HIF-1α levels significantly increased on the compression side on day 14. Cell viability, cell proliferation, and Opg mRNA expression decreased, whereas ROS production and Hif1-α and Rankl mRNA expression increased in the PDL cells upon SOD3 silencing. Hypoxia reduced Sod3 and Opg mRNA expression and increased ROS, Rankl mRNA expression, and osteoclast formation; SOD3 treatment attenuated these effects. SOD3 plays a role in periodontal tissue remodelling during OTM and in hypoxia-exposed PDL cells through ROS, HIF-1α, and RANKL/OPG pathways. Moreover, SOD3 treatment could attenuate the negative effects of hypoxia on the PDL cells.

Assessment of Lipid Parameters and Oxidative Stress Markers in Wistar Rats Treated with Extracts of Rhizophora mangle

Medicinal plants are considered more accessible, affordable and also associated with minimal side effects compared to orthodox medicines in most developing countries. These factors in addition to multiple cultural and long term historical relevance have contributed to its increasing popularity around the world. This study was carried out to assess the antioxidative and serum lipid effects of leaf extract of Rhizophora mangle on male Wistar rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four (4) groups of five (5) rats each. Group one (1) served as control and received distilled water. Group two (2) and group three (3) were treated with 200mg/kg bw and 400mg/kg bw of the ethanolic extract of Rhizophora mangle respectively. Group four (4) was treated with 600mg/kg of the extract. Extract administration lasted for 30 days. The results obtained showed that the extract did not cause significant changes in superoxide dismutase, catalase, gluthathione reductase enzyme activities but decreased gluthathione peroxidase enzyme activity. The level of malondialdehyde was not altered. The lipid parameters including low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride and total cholesterol concentrations were not significantly affected. This study showed that, extracts of Rhizophora mangle did not alter the level of lipid peroxidation and may not confer any benefits against development of lipid induced-cardiovascular disorders.

Differential effects of low and high temperature stress on pollen germination and tube length of mango (Mangifera indica L.) genotypes

Mango flowering is highly sensitive to temperature changes. In this research, the maximum values of pollen germination rate (PGR), pollen tube length (PTL) and their cardinal temperatures (Tmin, Topt and Tmax) were estimated by using quadratic equation and modified bilinear model under the conditions of 14–36 °C. The pollen germination rate in four mango varieties ranged from 29.1% (‘Apple mango’) to 35.5% (‘Renong No. 1’); the length of pollen tube ranged from 51.2 μm (‘Deshehari’) to 56.6 μm (‘Jinhuang’). The cardinal temperatures ranges (Tmin, Topt and Tmax) of pollen germination were 20.3–22.8 °C, 26.7–30.6 °C and 30.4–34.3 °C, respectively; similarly, cardinal temperatures (Tmin, Topt and Tmax) of pollen tube growth were 20.3–21.2 °C, 27.9–32.1 °C and 30.2–34.4 °C respectively. Of those, ‘Renong No. 1’ could maintain relatively high pollen germination rate even at 30 °C, however, ‘Deshehari’ had the narrowest adaptive temperature range. These results were further confirmed by changes of superoxide dismutase, catalase activity and malondialdehyde content. These results showed that mango flowering was highly sensitive to temperature changes and there were significant differences in pollen germination rate and pollen tube length among different varieties. Current research results were of great significance for the introduction of new mango varieties in different ecological regions, the cultivation and management of mango at the flowering stage and the breeding of new mango varieties.

Subacute exposure to dimethoate induces hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects on male rats: Ameliorative effects of ferulic acid

Dimethoate commonly used as environmental ares for control pests which is widely used throughout in the world and itcaused toxic effects on nontarget organisms especially mammalian. Ferulic acid is known to protective compound generally used in toxicology studies. Thus, inthis study, we investigatedthe protective role of ferulic acid against the possible toxic effects of low and high doses of dimethoate. Male rats were randomly divided into six groups: control; ferulic acid; low and high dose dimethoate; both ferulic acid and low dose dimethoate; both ferulic acid and high dose dimethoate. The dimethoate treatment to rats caused oxidative stress in liver and kidney tissue via increased malondialdehyde levels and changes in superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase activities. All dose dimethoate treatments also caused histopathological alterations and differences in activities in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total protein, albumin, lactate dehydrogenase, total cholesterol, urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels. The histopathological results verified the biochemical findings for both liver and kidney. Co-administration of ferulic acid with dimethoate improved antioxidative parameters and eased some biochemical parameters mentioned above. Ferulic acid was also seen to play a beneficial role in the histopathological effects of dimethoate for both liver and kidney.

Effect of Shading on Interspecific Competition Between Aegilops tauschii and Triticum aestivum

Abstract Aegilops tauschii is a competitive invasive weed typically found in winter wheat fields. In this study, using the replacement series experiments designed by de Wit, the effects of different shading treatments on the morphological structure, physiological characteristics, and competitiveness of the invasive plant A. tauschii were comparatively analyzed with the aim of providing knowledge for the ecological control of this weed in wheat fields. The results showed that in terms of morphological characteristics, shading caused an increase in plant height, leaf area, and specific leaf area (SLA); and a decrease in the root-to-crown ratio (R/C) of both A. tauschii and wheat plants. With regard to physiological characteristics, both A. tauschii and wheat plants adapted to the low-light environment by increasing the chlorophyll content, with an increase of chlorophyll b in particular. It could be concluded from the changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) content that the low-intensity shading treatment significantly improved the stress resistance of A. tauschii , thus ensuring the continuation of its normal photosynthesis. In addition, the plasticity index average value of eight morphological indicators of A. tauschii (e.g., plant height and leaf area) was 0.18, which was greater than that of wheat (0.17). Similarly, the plasticity index average value of four physiological indicators of A. tauschii (e.g., chlorophyll content and SOD activity) was 0.46, which was also higher than that of wheat (0.37). Finally, the competitive balance (CB) value of A. tauschii showed that its competitiveness under low light conditions was still greater than wheat, but gradually diminished with increasing shading rate. In short, A. tauschii displays a certain adaptability to low light environments, but shading treatment may also significantly reduce its competitive inhibition of wheat.

Transcriptome analysis of changes in M. aeruginosa growth and microcystin production under low concentrations of ethinyl estradiol

Ethinyl estradiol (EE2) is a synthetic environmental estrogen with considerable estrogenic activity. It has been found to consequently pose a significant threat to the aquatic ecosystem. Harmful algal blooms are a major aquatic ecological issue. However, the relationship between EE2 and cyanobacterial bloom is mainly unknown. In this study, the physiological and molecular responses of Microcystis aeruginosa to EE2 exposure were investigated. A low level of EE2 (0.02 μg/L) significantly enhanced the growth of algal cells (P < 0.05), whereas higher concentrations of EE2 (0.2–200 μg/L) inhibited it. EE2 at doses ranging from 0.02 to 200 μg/L promoted the production of microcystins (MCs), with genes mcyABD playing a key role in the regulation of MC synthesis. The alterations of chlorophyll–a, carotenoid, and phycocyanin contents caused by EE2 showed the same trend as cell growth. At the molecular level, 200 μg/L EE2 significantly down–regulated genes in photosynthetic pigment synthesis, light harvesting, electron transfer, NADPH, and ATP generation. High concentrations of EE2 caused oxidative damage to algal cells on the 4th d. After 12d exposure, although there was no significant change in superoxide dismutase (SOD) content and no damage observed in membrane lipids, genes related to SOD and glutathione were changed. In addition, due to the down–regulation of pckA, PK, gltA, nrtA, pstS, etc., carbon fixation, glycolysis, TCA cycle, nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism were hindered by EE2 (200 μg/L). Gene fabG in fatty acid biosynthesis was significantly up–regulated, promoting energy storage in cells. These findings provide important clues to elucidate the effects and mechanisms of cyanobacterial blooms triggered by EE2 and help to effectively prevent and control cyanobacterial blooms.