Changes In Superoxide Dismutase Research Articles

Brain Effects of SC-Nanophytosomes on a Rotenone-Induced Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease-A Proof of Concept for a Mitochondria-Targeted Therapy.

Mitochondria are an attractive target to fight neurodegenerative diseases due to their important functions for cells and the particularly close relationship between the functional connectivity among brain regions and mitochondrial performance. This work presents a mitochondria-targeted therapy designed to modulate the functionality of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and lipidome, parameters that are affected in neurodegeneration, including in Parkinson’s disease (PD). This therapy is supported by SC-Nanophytosomes constructed with membrane polar lipids, from Codium tomentosum, and elderberry anthocyanin-enriched extract, from Sambucus nigra L. SC-Nanophytosomes are nanosized vesicles with a high negative surface charge that preserve their properties, including anthocyanins in the flavylium cation form, under conditions that mimic the gastrointestinal tract pH changes. SC-Nanophytosomes, 3 µM in phospholipid, and 2.5 mg/L of EAE-extract, delivered by drinking water to a rotenone-induced PD rat model, showed significant positive outcomes on disabling motor symptoms associated with the disease. Ex vivo assays were performed with two brain portions, one comprising the basal ganglia and cerebellum (BG-Cereb) and the other with the cerebral cortex (C-Cortex) regions. Results showed that rotenone-induced neurodegeneration increases the α-synuclein levels in the BG-Cereb portion and compromises mitochondrial respiratory chain functionality in both brain portions, well-evidenced by a 50% decrease in the respiratory control rate and up to 40% in complex I activity. Rotenone-induced PD phenotype is also associated with changes in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities that are dependent on the brain portion. Treatment with SC-Nanophytosomes reverted the α-synuclein levels and antioxidant enzymes activity to the values detected in control animals. Moreover, it mitigated mitochondrial dysfunction, with positive outcomes on the respiratory control rate, the activity of individual respiratory complexes, and the fatty acid profile of the membrane phospholipids. Therefore, SC-Nanophytosomes are a promising tool to support mitochondria-targeted therapy for neurodegenerative diseases.

Response pathways of superoxide dismutase and catalase under the regulation of triclocarban-triggered oxidative stress in Eisenia foetida: Comprehensive mechanism analysis based on cytotoxicity and binding model

Triclocarban (TCC) is an emerging environmental contaminant, posing potential ecological risks. Displaying a high accumulation effect and 120-day half-life in the soil environment, the toxic effects of TCC to soil organisms have been widely reported. Previous studies have confirmed that TCC can induce the oxidative stress and changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in earthworms, but the underlying mechanisms of oxidative stress and disorder in antioxidant enzyme activities induced by TCC have not yet been elucidated. Here, we explored the multiple response mechanisms of SOD and CAT under the regulation of oxidative stress induced by TCC. Results indicated that higher-dose (0–2.0 mg/L) TCC exposure triggered the overproduction of ROS in Eisenia foetida coelomocytes, causing oxidative damage and a decrease in cell viability that was response to ROS accumulation. The TCC-induced inhibition of intracellular SOD/CAT activity was found under the regulation of oxidative stress (SOD: 29.2 %; CAT: 18.5 %), and this effect was blunted by antioxidant melatonin. At the same time, the interaction between antioxidative enzymes and TCC driven by various forces (SOD: electrostatic interactions; CAT: van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding) led to inhibited SOD activity (9.84 %) and enhanced CAT activity (17.5 %). Then, to elucidate the binding mode of TCC, we explored the changes in SOD and CAT structure (protein backbone and secondary structure), the microenvironment of aromatic amino acids, and aggregation behavior through multispectral techniques. Molecular docking results showed that TCC inhibited SOD activity in a substrate competitive manner and enhanced CAT activity by the stabilizing effects of TCC on the heme groups. Collectively, this study reveals the response mechanisms of SOD/CAT under the regulation of TCC-triggered oxidative stress and shed a new light on revealing the toxic pathways of exogenous pollutants on antioxidant-related proteins function.

Effect of methomyl on water quality, growth performance and antioxidant system in liver of GIFT (Oreochromis niloticus) in the presence of peppermint (Mentha haplocalyx Briq.) as a floating bed.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of methomyl (MET) on water quality, growth and antioxidant system of genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT, Oreochromis niloticus) in the presence of peppermint as a floating bed. The concentration of NH3-N, NO2--N, NO3--N and TP in T3 (with 200 g wet peppermint) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that in T2 (100 g), T1 (50 g) and control, and the nutrient removal rates were 61.90%, 31.59%, 59.86% and 45.92% in 20 days, respectively. Juveniles GIFT (5.1 ± 0.2 g) were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of 0.2, 2.0, 20 and 200 µg/L of MET for 45 days. After 6 weeks of a feeding trial, percentage weight gain (PWG), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly decreased in 0.2, 2.0, 20 µg/L MET groups respectively and increased in the 200 µg/L MET group. Compared with the control, no significant changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were detected in the 0.2 µg/L group. The significant increase in activities of SOD, CAT and GPx was accompanied by a diminution in reduced glutathione (GSH) levels resulting with tilapia exposed to 2.0, 20, or 200 µg/L for 45 days. The highest rates observed in SOD, CAT, GPx were 157.63%, 164.05% and 167.46% of the control respectively, and the lowest inhibition rate in GSH was 66.42% of the control. Peppermint as a floating bed can alleviate the adverse effects of MET, such as growth retardation and oxidative stress.

Research on mechanism of vitamin A combined with regenerated oxidation-reducing nanomedicine in treating rats with dry eye

The aim of this study was to assess the mechanism of vitamin A combined with regenerated oxidationreducing nanomedicine in treating rats with dry eyes. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into control set, Dry eye disease (DED) set, VA set, CeO2 NPs set and combined set. The model of DED rat was prepared through injection with Scopolamine Hydrobromide and quantity of tear fluid was detected. The breakup time (BUT) was detected with fluorescein sodium test paper, and degree of corneal injury was evaluated with fluorescein sodium staining method. The change of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) content was analyzed and secretion of IL-6 and IL-1β in serum was tested with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The protein expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax were analyzed with Western Blot assay and quantity of tear fluid in the treated sets was increased and BUT was lengthened. The corneal injury was improved, and ROS content was reduced and SOD activity increased. The secretion of IL-6 and IL-1β was reduced. Moreover, Bcl-2 expression was increased, while Bax expression was reduced. The action in combined set was more notable and DED was treated by vitamin A combined with regenerated oxidationreducing nanomedicine through improving oxidative stress and restraining the inflammatory secretion. The apoptosis could be regulated.

Oxidative stress responses of the crayfish Procambrus clarkii to Spiroplasma eriocheiris challenge

As a virulent pathogen, Spiroplasma eriocheiris influences most crustaceans, including the freshwater crayfish Procambrus clarkii. The antioxidant enzymes related to oxidative stress during the pathogenesis of S. eriocheiris in the primary target tissues of hepatopancreas and gills from P. clarkii were analyzed at various time intervals post-infection. H.E histopathology and in situ hybridization assays confirmed the S. eriocheiris infection and detected typical histological changes. Compared with the control group, catalase (CAT) activities in both tissues reduced significantly at the early time of S. eriocheiris challenge (P < 0.05), but recovered gradually at the late stage while still lower than the control group in the hepatopancreas (P < 0.05). A similar tendency was observed in the change of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities increased considerably and achieved peak values at 7 days post-infection (dpi) in the hepatopancreas and 5 dpi in the gills, but decreased significantly later till 12 dpi in both tissues (P < 0.05). Peroxidase (POD) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents increased dramatically since the first day and kept a high level during the challenge course. The activities of antioxidant enzymes were generally higher in the hepatopancreas than in the gills. These results suggested that S. eriocheiris affected the antioxidative situation and caused oxidative stress and tissue damage by confusing antioxidant enzymes in P. clarkii.

Transcriptomic analysis of inhibition by eugenol of ochratoxin A biosynthesis and growth of Aspergillus carbonarius

Aspergillus carbonarius is a saprophytic filamentous fungus that produces the mycotoxin ochratoxin A (OTA), a powerful hepatotoxin, nephrotoxin and teratogen, which causes global problems with food contamination during storage. Various methods were applied to assess the impact of eugenol on the OTA production and mycelial growth of A. carbonarius. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for eugenol treatment was 0.8 μL/mL. Eugenol treatment at 0.2 μL/mL (1/4 MIC) resulted in 87.7% decrease in OTA production in spite of only a 26.9% inhibition of mycelial growth, and actually caused marked morphological changes of spores and mycelia by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A total of 400 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected by comparatively transcriptomic analysis of A. carbonarius in the presence or absence of eugenol, including 324 down-regulated and 76 up-regulated DEGs. The transcription of the clustered genes for OTA biosynthesis was significantly reduced under eugenol stress and further confirmed by RT-qPCR. LaeA, a global regulator for secondary metabolites biosynthesis, was markedly downregulated by eugenol. Eugenol disrupted cell integrity by the disturbance of the DEGs expression in relation with cellular structure, which was also proved by monitoring chitinase activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) and ergosterol content. Changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity, and glutathione (GSH) content showed that eugenol induced oxidative stress, which was also consistent with the changes in gene expression. These findings provide useful insights into the antifungal and antimycotoxigenic mechanisms of eugenol and improve understanding of the effects of eugenol on A. carbonarius.

The Stimulation of Superoxide Dismutase Enzyme Activity and Its Relation with the Pyrenophora teres f. teres Infection in Different Barley Genotypes

Changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity were examined in infected barley seedlings of five cultivars with the goal to study the role of SOD in the defense mechanism induced by Pyrenophora teres f. teres (PTT) infection. Our results showed that although there were differences in the responses of the cultivars, all three PTT isolates (H-618, H-774, H-949) had significantly increased SOD activity in all examined barley varieties at the early stages of the infection. The lowest SOD activity was observed in the case of the most resistant cultivar. Our results did not show a clear connection between seedling resistance of genotypes and SOD enzyme activity; however, we were able to find strong significant correlations between the PTT infection scores on the Tekauz scale and the SOD activity. The measurement of the SOD activity could offer a novel perspective to detect the early stress responses induced by PTT. Our results suggest that the resistance of varieties cannot be estimated based on SOD enzyme activity alone, because many antioxidant enzymes play a role in fine-tuning the defense response, but SOD is an important member of this system.

Effects of Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai f. Lutescens Kitag polysaccharide on fertility, longevity and antioxidant capacity of Drosophila melanogaster

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai f. Lutescens Kitag polysaccharide on fertility, longevity and antioxidant capacity of Drosophila melanogaster. The Drosophila melanogaster were randomly divided into five groups. Four generations of Drosophila melanogaster were cultured continuously in basic medium with or without polysaccharides (400, 200, 100 and 50 mg/L). The changes in fertility, lifespan and male-to-female ratio from F1 to F4 generation. The survival time under acute oxidative damage caused by paraquat and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were determined as well. High dose of V. coloratum polysaccharide could significantly improve the fertility and lifespans of Drosophila melanogaster from F1 to F4 generation, prolong the survival time under acute oxidative damage. Moreover, the MDA content was decreased sharply, while the activities of SOD and CAT were increased in high group. However, the male-to-female ratio was overall close to 1:1 for F1 to F4 generations among the four groups. V. coloratum polysaccharide improved the antioxidant capacity and vitality of Drosophila melanogaster and promoted their reproductive capacity in a dose-dependent manner.

The new antioxidant 1-benzoyl-6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline has a protective effect against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic injury in rats.

Liver diseases with the central pathogenetic mechanism of oxidative stress are one of the main causes of mortality worldwide. Therefore, dihydroquinoline derivatives, which are precursors of hepatoprotectors and have antioxidant activity, are of interest. We have previously found that some compounds in this class have the ability to normalize redox homeostasis under experimental conditions. Here, we initially analyzed the hepatoprotective potential of the dihydroquinoline derivative 1-benzoyl-6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (BHDQ) for carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4)-induced liver injury in rats. Results suggested that BHDQ normalized the alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in serum. We also observed an improvement in liver tissue morphology related to BHDQ. Animals with CCl 4-induced liver injuries treated with BHDQ had less oxidative stress compared to animals with CCl 4-induced liver injury. BHDQ promoted activation changes in superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione transferase on control values in animals with CCl 4-induced liver injury. BHDQ also activated gene transcription in Sod1 and Gpx1 via nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and forkhead box protein O1 factors. Therefore, the compound of concern has a hepatoprotective effect by inhibiting the development of necrotic processes in the liver tissue, through antioxidation.

Relationship Between Soil Moisture Content and Superoxide Dismutase Activity in Soybean Leaves in Northeast China

Soybean is a crucial source of plant protein and oil; However, a decline in yield has been observed. In this study, spring soybean varieties (Heinong 44 and Heinong 65) were selected to determine the effects of different soil moisture levels on changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity. A water-cut treatment was conducted on potted soybean plants from the beginning of their flowering stage. The soil moisture content under different water-cut days was recorded, and the SOD activity of soybean leaves was determined. The results showed that the SOD activity of soybean leaves first increased and then decreased with a decrease in soil relative water content. The SOD activity under moderate drought stress was significantly higher than that under suitable water and mild drought conditions, and there was no significant difference between suitable water and mild drought conditions. The relationship between soil moisture content and SOD activity of the two soybean varieties was consistent with the Gaussian curve. When the relative soil moisture content was 34.7%–49.8%, the SOD activity was higher than that under suitable water and mild drought stress conditions. The SOD activity of soybean leaves was highest when the relative soil water content was 42.1%–42.8% under moderate drought stress. This research provides a theoretical basis for the rapid diagnosis of soybean drought stress.

Evaluation of the acute toxic effects of crude oil on intertidal mudskipper (Boleophthalmus pectinirostris) based on antioxidant enzyme activity and the integrated biomarker response

With the development of marine oil industry, oil spill accidents will inevitably occur, further polluting the intertidal zone and causing biological poisoning. The muddy intertidal zone and Boleophthalmus pectinirostris were selected as the research objects to conduct indoor acute exposure experiments within 48 h of crude oil pollution. Statistical analysis was used to reveal the activity changes of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the gills and liver of mudskipper. Then, integrated biomarker response (IBR) indicators were established to comprehensively evaluate the biological toxicity. The results showed that the activities of SOD, CAT and GST in livers were higher than those in gills, and the maximum induction multipliers of SOD, CAT and GPx in livers appeared earlier than those in gills. Both SOD and GPx activities were induced at low pollutant concentrations and inhibited at high pollutant concentrations. For the dose-effect, the change trends of CAT and SOD were roughly inversed. There was substrate competition between GPx and CAT, with opposite trends over time. The activating mechanism of GST was similar to that of GPx, and the activation time was earlier than that of GPx. In terms of dose-effect trends, the IBR showed that the antioxidant enzymes activities in biological tissues were induced by low and inhibited by high pollutant concentrations. Overall, SOD and GPx in gills and CAT and GST in livers of the mudskippers were suitable as representative markers to comprehensively analyze and evaluate the biotoxicity effects of oil pollution in the intertidal zone. The star plots and IBR values obtained after data standardization were consistent with the enzyme activity differences, which can be used as valid supplementary indexes for biotoxicity evaluation. These research findings provide theoretical support for early indicators of biological toxicity after crude oil pollution in intertidal zones.

Expression changes of superoxide dismutase 2 and peroxiredoxin 6 in asthenospermia and their correlation with sperm motility

Expression changes of superoxide dismutase 2 and peroxiredoxin 6 in asthenospermia and their correlation with sperm motility

Protective effect of total flavonoids from boxthorn leaf against UVB irradiation-induced skin injury

Purpose: To investigate the protective effect of total flavonoids from boxthorn leaf against skin injury induced by UVB irradiation, and to elucidate the underlying mechanism of action.&#x0D; Method: Healthy female mice (n = 100) were randomly divided into four groups: normal control group, UV negative control group, cream base group, and boxthorn leaf total flavonoid (BLTF) group, with 25 mice in each group. The mice in each group were irradiated with ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation instrument for 1.5 h daily for 3 weeks. Mice in the cream base group were smeared with cream base on their backs, while mice in BLTF group were smeared with 15 mg/g boxthorn BLTF cream. The control and negative control group mice were not treated. Changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels were determined using standard methods.&#x0D; Results: Compared to the negative control group, the levels of SOD and GSH-Px in the control group and BLTF were significantly elevated, while MDA levels declined significantly (p &lt; 0.05). Although higher GSH-Px and SOD levels, and lower MDA were seen in the cream base group than in negative control group, these indices were comparable for the two groups (p &gt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: The total flavonoids of boxthorn leaves improve resistance to UVB-induced skin damage by regulating SOD, MDA and GSH-Px levels in the skin of mice. Thus, they exert protective effects on the skin.

Toxic mechanism on phenanthrene-induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and activity changes of superoxide dismutase and catalase in earthworm (Eisenia foetida): A combined molecular and cellular study

Phenanthrene (PHE) is an important organic compound, which is widespread in the soil environment and exhibits potential threats to soil organisms. Toxic effects of PHE to earthworms have been extensively studied, but toxic mechanisms on PHE-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress at the molecular and cellular levels have not been reported yet. Therefore, we explored the cytotoxicity and oxidative stress caused by PHE in earthworm coelomocytes and the interaction mechanism between PHE and the major antioxidant enzymes SOD/CAT. It was shown that high-dose PHE exposure induced the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mediated lipid peroxidation, reduced total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in coelomocytes, and triggered oxidative stress, thus resulted in a strong cytotoxicity at higher concentrations (0.6–1.0 mg/L). The intracellular SOD/CAT activity in cells after PHE exposure were congruent with that in molecular levels, which the activity of SOD enhanced and CAT inhibited. Spectroscopic studies showed the SOD/CAT protein skeleton and secondary structure, as well as the micro-environment of aromatic amino acids were changed after PHE binding. Molecular docking indicated PHE preferentially docked to the surface of SOD. However, the key residues Tyr 357, His 74, and Asn 147 for activity were in the binding pocket, indicating PHE more likely to dock to the active center of CAT. In addition, H-bonding and hydrophobic force were the primary driving force in the binding interaction between PHE and SOD/CAT. This study indicates that PHE can induce cytotoxicity and oxidative damage to coelomocytes and unearthes the potential effects of PHE on earthworms.

Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity and Histopathological Changes Occurred by the Oral Ingestion of CuO Nanoparticles in Monosodium Urate Crystal-Induced Hyperuricemic BALB/c Mice.

Nanotechnology is an intensive branch of science due to the unique features of nano range particles (1-100 nm). Their nano size results in a high surface area of absorption when orally administered. Monosodium urate crystal excessive deposition causes a commonly known inflammatory disease called gout into the synovial joints. Previously it has been observed that copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) had a significant effect in reducing the serum uric acid levels in BALB/c mice as well as reducing the inflammation in the ankles of mice. This study was made to investigate the antioxidant and histopathological changes in hyperuricemic BALB/c mice upon the oral administration of copper oxide nanoparticles. Different concentrations of copper oxide nanoparticles 5, 10, and 20 ppm were given orally to gouty mice. To investigate the antioxidant activity of CuONPs, various antioxidant protocols were applied. It was noted that the nanoparticle-treated group of 20 ppm showed no significant changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and ROS values while the protein estimation values of the negative control group exhibited a significant increase (0.001). When compared to negative control, no significant effect was shown on the interpretation of histopathological changes of muscles, kidney, and liver tissues.

Heat-Induced Protein and Superoxide Dismutase Changes in Wild Tetraena propinqua ssp. Migahidii Seedlings.

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; Heat stress is known as a raise of 5°C or more than the optimal temperature. In this study, we analyzed the effect of heat stress on protein content, protein electrophoretic pattern and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) profile in three populations of &lt;i&gt;Tetraena propinqua&lt;/i&gt; subspecies migahidii. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; Populations of &lt;i&gt;Tetraena propinqua&lt;/i&gt; ssp. migahidii were studied. The seeds were subjected to 25 (control), 30, 35 and 40°C for 4, 24 and 48 hrs and 10 days. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; Heat stress (35 and 40°C) elicited total soluble protein in populations 1 and 2 however reduced in population 3 with increasing exposure time to 10 days. New polypeptides of 23 KD at 4 hrs in population 3 below 35°C and population 2 below 40°C and 28 KD at 48 hrs in population one below 30°C however 20 KD altogether populations below 40°C. The expression of most polypeptides diminished for 4 hrs however induced for 24, 48 hrs and 10 days with increase heat temperature to 40°C relative to their expression among the management seedlings. SOD1 and SOD2 have detected altogether most of the genotypes, however, heat stress (35, 40°C) induced the expression of SOD2 and SOD1 and was altogether genotyped for 10 days as compared with the control. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; The heat stress caused protein degradation and conjointly induced expression of new synthesized HSPs throughout heat acclimatization may be related to heat injury and the improved thermotolerance in early hours of germination and additional studies are required for its protein identification.

Chromium (VI)-Induced Leaf-Based Differential Physiological, Metabolic and Microstructural Changes in Two Transgenic Cotton Cultivars (J208, Z905) and Their Hybrid Line (ZD14)

Chromium-VI (Cr (VI)) is a toxic metal pollutant to both plants and animals. In this study, we cultured two transgenic cotton cultivars (J208 (herbicide-resistant), Z905 (insect-resistant)) and their hybrid line (ZD14) in hydroponic media using 0, 10, 50, 100 µM Cr/L for 7 days. Leaf-related growth parameters such as leaf length and width considerably declined. Decrease in leaves’ fresh biomass was less in Z905 followed by ZD14 and J208, while the leaves dry biomass was less in Z905 followed by J208 and ZD14, respectively. Tolerance potential of plant height, root dry weight and leaf dry weight of both transgenic cotton cultivars significantly decreased at Cr concentration (100 µM) as compared with their hybrid line. Cr accumulation in roots tissues was higher (> 90%) than leaf tissues. Stress biomarkers (i.e., (Malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), total soluble protein (TSP)) as a whole upregulated in leaf tissues of all experimental cultivars. Differential changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were observed, while peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-reductase (GR) activities almost showed increasing trend in all cultivars under exceeding levels of Cr. Correlation studies, in terms of principal component analysis (PCA), revealed that 75.36% of the total variation was present among all the traits. The leaf-based ultrastructural modifications at 100 µM Cr stress level occurred more in Z905 followed by J208 and ZD14. All these changes revealed differential role of experimental cotton cultivars against Cr stress. Hybrid line (ZD14) performed well in comparison with its parental cultivars (J208, Z905) as a whole. Deeper molecular studies like transcriptomic and metabolomic need to be carried out to explore the genetic facts regarding such differential responses among these cotton cultivars under Cr stress.

Effect of Dawood Fasting on the Increased Level of Antioxidant Enzymes

BACKGROUND: The incidence of degenerative diseases is increasing. The underlying mechanism for such disease includes rising oxidative stress without correspondingly adequate antioxidants. Intermittent fasting (IF) may stimulate mild oxidative stress with a corresponding increase in antioxidants. Dawood fasting (DF) as an alternative diet similar to IF is normally performed for &lt;24 h (±14 h) with intermittent intervals of 1st-day fasting, 2nd-day ad libitum (AL) diet, 3rd-day fasting, and so on.&#x0D; AIM: The aim of this study to examine the effect of DF on the changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (Cat) antioxidant enzymes in BALB/c strain mice.&#x0D; METHODS: A total of 15 BALB/c strain mice were randomly divided into three groups. The AL control (ALC) group was given a standard diet (AIN93) and AL drink every day. The high-fat diet control group was treated with a high-fat diet (24%) and daily AL drink. The DF group fasted on the 1st day (no food or drink) from 17:00 to 07:00, continued every other day, and given a standard feed (AIN93) and AL drink for 8 weeks. Examination of SOD levels in the liver as well as GPx and Cat levels in plasma was carried out using a spectrophotometer. The analysis was conducted using the one-way analysis of variance test followed by Tukey’s test (95% confidence level).&#x0D; RESULTS: The levels of SOD in ALC, DF, and HF groups were 52.86 ± 5.73%, 68.57 ± 3.7%, and 38.57 ± 4.3%, respectively (p = 0.00). The GPx levels were 43.06 ± 2.75 U/L, 55.54 ± 2.71 U/L, and 32.26 ± 2.14 U/L, respectively (p = 0.00), and the corresponding Cat levels were 5.82 ± 0.63 U/ml, 6.55 ± 0.64 U/ml, and 3.44 ± 0.64 U/ml (p = 0.00).&#x0D; CONCLUSION: The levels of SOD, GPx, and Cat antioxidant enzymes during DF were higher compared to an AL diet and a high-fat diet.

Current understanding and challenges for aquatic primary producers in a world with rising micro- and nano-plastic levels

The impacts of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) on aquatic animals have been intensively studied; however, the extent and magnitude of potential effects of MNPs on aquatic primary producers are poorly understood. In this study, we quantitatively analyzed the published literature to examine the impacts of MNPs on growth, photosynthesis, pigments, and metabolism of aquatic microalgae. MNPs negatively affected growth of microalgae but usually had a high EC50 (>25 mg/L). However, positively charged MNPs had a much lower EC50 (<1 mg/L). MNPs lowered maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) with the effect increasing with concentration of MNPs but diminishing with exposure time, and also reduced chlorophyll a content to enhanced extent with increased MNPs concentration. MNPs induced relatively higher changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in marine algae than in freshwater algae. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels increased with MNPs concentration and exposure time while SOD levels first increased and then decreased with increasing MNPs concentration. Macrophytes were found to be able to trap MNPs via multiple mechanisms. Future work should focus on the mechanisms behind MNPs impacts on primary productivity and global carbon cycle, and the combined effects of MNPs with other environmental factors.

Coicis semen protects against focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and promoting angiogenesis via the TGFβ/ALK1/Smad1/5 signaling pathway.

Background: Ischemic stroke is a devastating disease that causes long-term disability. However, its pathogenesis is unclear, and treatments for ischemic stroke are limited. Recent studies indicate that oxidative stress is involved in the pathological progression of ischemic stroke and that angiogenesis participates in recovery from ischemic stroke. Furthermore, previous studies have shown that Coicis Semen has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects in a variety of diseases. In the present study, we investigated whether Coicis Semen has a protective effect against ischemic stroke and the mechanism of this protective effect.Results: Coicis Semen administration significantly decreased the infarct volume and mortality and alleviated neurological deficits at 3, 7 and 14 days after MCAO. In addition, cerebral edema at 3 days poststroke was ameliorated by Coicis Semen treatment. DHE staining showed that ROS levels in the vehicle group were increased at 3 days after reperfusion and then gradually declined, but Coicis Semen treatment reduced ROS levels. The levels of GSH and SOD in the brain were increased by Coicis Semen treatment, while MDA levels were reduced. Furthermore, Coicis Semen treatment decreased the extravasation of EB dye in MCAO mouse brains and elevated expression of the tight junction proteins ZO-1 and Occludin. Double immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis showed that the expression of angiogenesis markers and TGFβ pathway-related proteins was increased by Coicis Semen administration. Consistent with the in vivo results, cytotoxicity assays showed that Coicis Semen substantially promoted HUVEC survival following OGD/RX in vitro. Additionally, though LY2109761 inhibited the activation of TGFβ signaling in OGD/RX model animals, Coicis Semen cotreatment markedly reversed the downregulation of TGFβ pathway-related proteins and increased VEGF levels.Methods: Adult male wild-type C57BL/6J mice were used to develop a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) stroke model. Infarct size, neurological deficits and behavior were evaluated on days 3, 7 and 14 after staining. In addition, changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD), GSH and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were detected with a commercial kit. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability was assessed with Evans blue (EB) dye. Western blotting was also performed to measure the levels of tight junction proteins of the BBB. Additionally, ELISA was performed to measure the level of VEGF in the brain. The colocalization of CD31, angiogenesis markers, and Smad1/5 was assessed by double immunofluorescent staining. TGFβ pathway-related proteins were measured by western blotting. Furthermore, the cell viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) following oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/RX) was measured by Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8 assay.Conclusions: Coicis Semen treatment alleviates brain damage induced by ischemic stroke through inhibiting oxidative stress and promoting angiogenesis by activating the TGFβ/ALK1 signaling pathway.