Metabolite Concentrations Research Articles

Metabolomics of related C3 and C4 Flaveria species indicate differences in the operation of photorespiration under fluctuating light.

C3 photosynthesis can be complemented with a C4 carbon concentrating mechanism (CCM) to minimize photorespiratory losses. C4 photosynthesis is often more efficient than C3 under steady-state conditions. However, the C4 CCM depends on inter-cellular metabolite concentration gradients, which must increase following increases in light intensity and could decrease rates of C4 photosynthesis under fluctuating light. Additionally, incomplete flux through photorespiration could prove beneficial to C4 assimilation during light induction of the CCM. Here, we compare metabolic profiles in the closely related C3 Flaveria robusta and C4 Flaveria bidentis during a light transient from low to high light to determine if these non-steady state accumulation patterns provide insight to the induction of the metabolite gradients needed to drive C4 intermediate transport and if there is incomplete cycling of photorespiratory intermediates. In these C3 and C4 species, metabolite steady-state pool sizes suggest that C4 transport acids maintain concentration gradients across the bundle sheath and mesophyll cell types under these light fluctuations. However, there was incomplete flux through photorespiration in the C4 F. bidentis, which could reduce photorespiratory CO2 loss via glycine decarboxylation and help maintain higher rates of assimilation during following induction periods.

Metabolomic differences between exanthematous drug eruption and infectious mononucleosis.

Exanthematous drug eruption and infectious mononucleosis (IM) are both exanthematous diseases. Current research on exanthematous drug eruption and IM mainly targets identifying these disorders, the resulting differences at the metabolism level have not yet been systematically analyzed. A total of 30 cases of exanthematous drug eruption and IM, 10 patients without exanthema and 10 healthy volunteers were enrolled, 3mL of fasting venous blood was collected, the serum metabolite content was detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry metabolomics. A total of 165 metabolites were identified, exhibiting significant differences in plasma metabolic trends between exanthematous drug eruption and IM, and pinpointed 28 potential biomarkers. Notable changes were seen in the metabolic activities of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA-cycle), and galactose metabolism, characterized by increased levels of gluconate, gluconolactone, glucose, galactaric acid, and mannose, along with decreased amounts of pyruvic acid, succinic acid, malic acid, and glycerol, indicating an impairment in the exanthematous drug eruption group's capacity to endure oxidative stress and regulate energy metabolism. In contrast to its medication without rash counterpart, the exanthematous drug eruption group's plasma displayed distinct metabolic routes, predominantly in the processing of arginine and proline, along with the TCA. This resulted in a marked reduction in urea levels and a rise in pyruvate, citrate, and ornithine, indicating hypoxic stress as the primary cause of these rashes. In contrast to the healthy control group, the IM group showed 26 potential biomarkers, marked by increased levels of ketoglutaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, and oxoglutaric acid, and reduced amounts of glutamine, galacturonic acid, arachidonic acid, trimethylphosphonic acid ester, gluconolactone, and indole acetic acid. Mainly, the metabolic pathways included the TCA, breaking down alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, and the processing of D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism, underscoring the body's crucial role in generating energy and inflammatory agents through the citric acid cycle. The comparison of serum metabolomic features of exanthematous drug eruptions and IM outlines a unique pattern closely related to the differences in the pathogenesis of these two exanthematous diseases.

Regulatory network analysis reveals gene-metabolite relationships in pear fruit treated with methyl jasmonate

The economic value of pear is determined by its intrinsic qualities, which are influenced by metabolites produced during the ripening process. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA), a hormone, plays an important role in plant metabolism. To date, few studies have investigated the molecular mechanism underlying the changes in metabolic pathways related to the internal quality of pear fruit after MeJA treatment. In this study, ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography‒Q Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC‒QE‒MS) was used to determine the changes in metabolite contents in pear after MeJA treatment. MeJA treatment primarily activated carbohydrate metabolism and amino acid metabolism pathways. Through combined analysis of UHPLC‒QE‒MS data and whole-transcriptome data, the abovementioned pathways and each metabolite were analysed separately, and competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) and microRNA–transcription factor–target (miRNA–TF–target) regulatory networks were constructed. The core nodes of three genes (PEA, Pbr022732.1; GAA, Pbr035655.1; and miR8033-x) and two genes (SDS, Pbr031708.1; and novel-m6796-3p) were associated with the carbohydrate metabolism and amino acid metabolism pathways, respectively. The core mRNA nodes TCONS_00048038 and Pbr019584.1, the core miRNA node miR4993-x, the core lncRNA node TCONS_0004356, the core circRNA node novel_circ_001967 and the core transcription factor node TSO1 (Pbr025407.1) were identified via separate metabolite analyses. These findings elucidate the changes in metabolites related to fruit quality in ‘Nanguo’ pear and the relationships between the metabolites and genes, reveal the molecular mechanism underlying the response of MeJA treatment in pear fruit, and provide a theoretical basis for improving the internal quality of ‘Nanguo’ pear.

Light-Regulated Growth, Anatomical, Metabolites Biosynthesis and Transcriptional Changes in Angelica sinensis

Angelica sinensis is an alpine medicinal plant that has been widely used as a general blood tonic and gynecological indications over 2000 years, which depend on the bioactive metabolites (e.g., volatile oils, organic acids, and flavonoids). Although the accumulation of these metabolites is significantly affected by the environmental factors (e.g., altitude, temperature, and sunshine) as found in previous studies, the regulatory mechanism of different lights has not been clearly revealed. Here, growth parameters, contents of bioactive metabolites, and expression levels of related genes were examined when A. sinensis was exposed to different white-light (WL) and UV-B radiation treatments. The results showed that the differences in growth parameters (e.g., plant height, root length, and plant biomass) and leaf tissue characteristics (e.g., leaf thickness, stomatal density and shape, and chloroplast density) were observed under different light treatments. The contents of Z-ligustilide and ferulic acid elevated with the increase of WL (50 to 150 µmol·m2/s) and maximized under the combination of WL-100 and UV-B (107 µW/m2, UV-107) radiation, while the total flavonoids and polysaccharides contents, as well as in vitro antioxidant capacity, elevated with the increasing of WL and UV-B. mRNA transcripts encoding for the biosynthesis of volatile oils, ferulic acid, flavonoids, and polysaccharides were found to be differentially regulated under the different WL and UV-B treatments. These morphological, anatomical, and transcriptional changes are consistent with the elevated bioactive metabolites in A. sinensis under the combination of WL and UV-B. These findings will provide useful references for improving bioactive metabolite production via the cultivation and bioengineering of A. sinensis.

Aktivitas Antirayap Kulit Batang dan Akar Tumbuhan Kokosan (Lansium domesticum cv Kokossan) Terhadap Rayap Tanah (Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren)

Kokosan (Lansium domesticum cv Kokossan) is one of the Meliaceae family plants known to produce various compounds with various activities. The Meliaceae family is known to have fruit seeds with a bitter taste that can be utilized as an antifeedant in insects. However, research on the bioactivity and content of secondary metabolites in the roots and bark of kokosan as termiticides against subterranean termites has never been reported. This study aims to determine the content of secondary metabolite compounds and test the anti-termite activity of extracts and fractions of kokosan root and stem bark against Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren termites. Root and stem bark powder were macerated separately using methanol solvent and then fractionated to obtain n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol fractions (residue). Each extract and fraction was fed to termites through cellulose paper at a concentration of 5% for 3 days. Based on the results of phytochemical tests on extracts and fractions from the roots and bark of kokosan, it is known to contain alkaloid, flavonoid, terpenoid, and phenolic compound groups. The results of the anti-termite activity test are based on the percentage mortality value obtained by the methanol extract of the most active root with a value of 97.2% and paper weight loss of only 6.92%. In the ethyl acetate fraction of the roots, mortality was 84.4% and paper weight loss was 2.38%, and the n-hexane fraction of the stem bark showed mortality of 87.6% and paper weight loss of 2.20%. The kokosan root obtained has the most active activity against Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren.

Effects of a Veterinary Gastrointestinal Low-Fat Diet on Fecal Characteristics, Metabolites, and Microbiota Concentrations of Adult Dogs Treated with Metronidazole.

Antibiotics are known to cause loose stools, disrupt the fecal microbiota, and alter fecal bile acid (BA) profiles of dogs. Recovery may be aided by diet, but little research has been conducted. The objective of this study was to determine how a veterinary low-fat diet affected the fecal characteristics, metabolites, BA, and microbiota of dogs receiving antibiotics. Twenty-four healthy adult dogs [7.38 ± 1.95 yr; 7.67 ± 0.76kg body weight (BW)] were used in an 8-wk completely randomized design study. During a 2-wk baseline, all dogs were fed a leading grocery brand dry kibble diet (GBD). Over the next 2wk, dogs were fed GBD and received metronidazole orally (20mg/kg BW twice daily). At wk 4, dogs were randomly allotted to one of two treatments [GBD or Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet GI Gastrointestinal Support Low-Fat (BB)] and fed for 4wk. Fecal scores were recorded daily and fresh fecal samples were collected at wk 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 for measurement of pH, dry matter content, and metabolite and BA concentrations. Fecal microbiota populations were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and qPCR-based dysbiosis index (DI). All data were analyzed as repeated measures using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS 9.4, testing for effects of treatment, time, and treatment*time and significance set at P<0.05. Metronidazole increased (P<0.0001) fecal scores (looser stools), reduced fecal short-chain fatty acid, branched-chain fatty acid, phenol, and indole concentrations, increased primary BA concentrations, and decreased secondary BA concentrations. Metronidazole also reduced fecal bacterial alpha diversity, altered the abundance of 58 bacterial genera, and increased DI. During antibiotic recovery, change in fecal pH, dry matter percentage, and metabolite and immunoglobulin A concentrations were altered (P<0.05) by diet. Fecal BA concentrations recovered quickly for all dogs. Change in lithocholic acid was affected (P<0.0001) by diet, but other BA were not. Recovery of over 25 bacterial genera was impacted by diet (P<0.05). While many bacterial taxa returned to baseline levels after 4wk, others did not fully recover. DI and bacterial alpha diversity measures recovered quickly for all dogs, but were not impacted by diet. In conclusion, metronidazole drastically altered the fecal microbiota and metabolites of dogs. While most variables returned to baseline by wk 8, diet may be used to aid in recovery.

Immune cells and tryptophan metabolism in the joint capsule tissue in rheumatoid arthritis

To the present day, many links in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis remain unclear, which leads to unsatisfactory results in its therapy.The aim. To study the cells involved in immune reactions and tryptophan metabolites in the joint capsule in rheumatoid arthritis.Materials and methods. The experiments were carried out on 40 Wistar rats. Rheumatoid arthritis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of a solution of type 2 collagen (Chondrex Inc., USA) in incomplete Freund’s adjuvant. On the days 7, 14 and 21, the content of tryptophan, kynurenine, 3-hydrokenurinine, L-5-hydrotryptophan in the joint capsule was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Cells with CD3, CD20 and CD68 in joint tissues were studied at the same time using the streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase method. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent method to determine antibodies to citrulline-containing peptide. Statistical analysis was performed using the Jamovi, version 2.3 software.Results. The content of cells carrying CD3, CD20 and CD68 markers in the joint was high in experimental rheumatoid arthritis. In joint tissues, the content of tryptophan metabolites along the kynurenine pathway also increases and the concentration of metabolites along the serotonin pathway decreases. Direct positive correlations of cells carrying CD3, CD20 and CD68 differential clusters with the content of tryptophan metabolites along the kynurenine pathway and negative correlations with metabolites of the serotonin pathway were established.Conclusions. Cells carrying CD3, CD20 and CD68 markers and tryptophan metabolites – kynurenine and L-5-hydrotryptophan – play an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Exploring the Spatial Variation in the Microbiota and Bile Acid Metabolism of the Compound Stomach in Intensively Farmed Yaks

Yaks are one of the important livestock on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, providing abundant dairy and meat products for the local people. The formation of these dairy and meat products mainly relies on the microbiota in their gastrointestinal tract, which digests and metabolizes plant feed. The yak’s gastrointestinal microbiota is closely related to the health and production performance of the host, but the molecular mechanisms of diet-induced effects in intensively farmed yaks remain to be elucidated. In this study, 40 chyme samples were collected from the four stomach chambers of 10 intensively farmed yaks, and the bacterial diversity and bile acid changes in the rumen (SFRM), reticulum (SFRC), omasum (SFOM), and abomasum (SFAM) were systematically analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing and bile acid metabolism. Our results showed that the gastrointestinal microbiota mainly distributes in the four-chambered stomach, with the highest microbial diversity in the reticulum. There is a highly negative correlation among the microbiota in the four chambers. The dominant bacterial phyla, Bacteroidota and Firmicutes, were identified, with Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group being the dominant genus, which potentially helps maintain short-chain fatty acid levels in the stomach. In contrast, the microbiome within the four stomach chambers synergistically and selectively altered the content and diversity of bile acid metabolites in response to intensive feeding. The results of this study provide new insights into the microbiota and bile acid metabolism functions in the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum of yaks. This can help uncover the role of gastrointestinal microbiota in yak growth and metabolic regulation, while also providing references for improving the production efficiency and health of ruminants.

Phytochemical screening, HPLC fingerprinting and in vitro assessment of therapeutic potentials of different apricot cultivars against diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and cancer

Plant-based natural compounds are widely used to treat various ailments owing to their readily availability and minimal adverse effects. This study aimed to perform qualitative and quantitative biochemical profiling and assess the in vitro anti-diabetic, anti-Alzheimer, and anti-cancer activities of various apricot (Prunus armeniaca) cultivars. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was utilized to determine the concentrations of bioactive compounds across 10 distinct apricot cultivars. Initial phytochemical screening revealed a significant content of secondary metabolites. Subsequently, methanolic extracts from these cultivars were evaluated for their therapeutic potential against several human cancer cell lines, including prostate cancer (PC-3), lung cancer (A-549), breast cancer (MCF-7), cervical cancer (HELA), and kidney cancer (HEK). Notably, the breast cancer cell line MCF-7 showed a pronounced inhibition rate post-treatment with the apricot extracts. Correlation analysis exhibited phenols are highly correlated with flavonoids (r = 0.92), DPPH (r = 0.95), and alpha-amylase (%) inhibition (r = 0.96), and showed a significant correlation with other parameters. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that PC1 explained 43.31 % of the variance, while PC2 explained 12.88 %, together explaining 80.033 % of the total variance. PC1 was identified as the dominant axis, indicating the primary pattern of variation among the variables. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) divided the cultivars into 2 main clusters, with cluster 2 further subdivided into various sub-clusters and sub-sub-clusters. This analysis highlighted distinct genetic similarities and differences among the apricot cultivars. Among the tested cultivars, ‘Irani’ and ‘Tilton’ were found to contain the highest levels of bioactive constituents. This research marks the first comprehensive examination of the impacts of these two apricot cultivars. The findings from this study provide a robust scientific foundation for the future isolation and purification of therapeutic compounds, potentially leading to their application in pharmaceuticals or dietary supplements. This research contributes significantly to the understanding of the pharmacological properties of apricot cultivars and establishes a basis for further investigation into their clinical benefits.

The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation with or without Calcium on Vitamin D Epimer and Metabolites.

A possible role of vitamin D epimers and metabolites in the measurement and response to treatment of vitamin D has been reported recently. Furthermore, the influence of underlying vitamin D receptor (VDR) genetic polymorphisms which have been linked to diseases such as obesity remains unclear. We therefore aimed to examine the influence of vitamin D3 and calcium supplements on vitamin D epimer and metabolite concentrations in subjects with and those without vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms. A total of 277 participants who were part of a randomized intervention trial of vitamin D3 and calcium or a placebo for 6 months had clinical and anthropometric assessments. Blood samples were taken for measurements of vitamin D, epimers and metabolites of vitamin D, four vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism SNPs, namely, BsmI, FokI, TaqI, and ApaI, metabolic and inflammatory markers, and related biochemical variables. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to assess the between-group difference in cumulative changes in vitamin D epimers and metabolites at 6 months after adjusting for the presence of the 4 VDR genotypes and allele gene polymorphisms. Overall, 277 participants, with a mean (±SD) age of 41 ± 12 and 204 (74%) of whom were female, were included in the study. We found no statistically significant differences in vitamin D metabolites or (epimers) between male and females or younger subjects compared to those over 40 years of age except in 7C4 BL (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in 1,25(OH)2D3 concentrations between subjects with and those without genotypes AG and the allele G SNP2_Taql VDR gene polymorphism. Vitamin D3 concentrations were also significantly lower in subjects with the CC SNP3_Apal gene polymorphism compared to those without the CC SNP3 gene. No statistically significant effects were seen on vitamin D epimers and metabolites concentration in response to supplements before or after adjusting for the presence of the 4 VDR genotypes and allele gene polymorphisms. The CC SNP3 gene had statistically significant influence on vitamin D3 levels. Vitamin D and/or calcium supplements, however, had no effects on vitamin D epimer and metabolite concentration before or after adjusting for the presence of the 4 VDR genotypes and alleles.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Homovanillic and 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acids in a Large Pediatric Population; Establishment of Reference Intervals and Impact of Disease and Medication.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) homovanillic (HVA), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acids (5-HIAA) are biomarkers of neurological diseases affecting the dopaminergic and serotoninergic pathways. Establishing reference intervals for these metabolites faces the challenges of a lack of healthy controls and a negative correlation with age, making stratified intervals unrealistic. We propose a pipeline to determine continuous reference intervals for HVA and 5-HIAA using an indirect method. We also studied the confounding effects of different variables and explored the impact of antiepileptic and neuroleptic treatments on HVA and 5-HIAA values. The study used least squares regression to fit age-concentration curves from a cohort of pediatric patients (n = 1533), where the residuals represent metabolite values excluding age effect. Presuming that HVA and 5-HIAA primary deficiencies characterize a distinct subpopulation, we fitted a two-component finite mixture model in age-normalized data and set reference intervals at the central 95% of the nondeficient population. Patients with primary genetic deficiencies of HVA and/or 5-HIAA consistently fall outside the proposed continuous reference intervals. Using the new continuous reference intervals reduces the number of secondary deficiencies detected compared with using stratified values. No correlations were observed between CSF HVA and 5-HIAA values across the studied drug categories (antiseizure and neuroleptic medications). In addition, biopterin values positively influenced both metabolite concentrations. The proposed continuous reference intervals caused a substantial reduction in the number of secondary deficiencies detected, most of which demonstrated no conclusive correlations between the diseases and altered HVA and 5-HIAA values.

Effects of Corm Treatment with Cold Plasma and Electromagnetic Field on Growth and Production of Saffron Metabolites in Crocus sativus.

Crocus sativus L. is a widely cultivated traditional plant for obtaining dried red stigmas known as "saffron," the most expensive spice in the world. The response of C. sativus to pre-sowing processing of corms with cold plasma (CP, 3 and 5 min), vacuum (3 min), and electromagnetic field (EMF, 5 min) was assessed to verify how such treatments affect plant performance and the quality and yield of herbal raw materials. The results show that applied physical stressors did not affect the viability of corms but caused stressor-dependent changes in the kinetics of sprouting, growth parameters, leaf trichome density, and secondary metabolite content in stigmas. The effect of CP treatment on plant growth and metabolite content was negative, but all stressors significantly (by 42-74%) increased the number of leaf trichomes. CP3 treatment significantly decreased the length and dry weight of flowers by 43% and 60%, respectively, while EMF treatment increased the length of flowers by 27%. However, longer CP treatment (5 min) delayed germination. Vacuum treatment improved the uniformity of germination by 28% but caused smaller changes in the content of stigma compounds compared with CP and EMF. Twenty-six compounds were identified in total in Crocus stigma samples by the HPLC-DAD method, including 23 crocins, rutin, picrocrocin, and safranal. Processing of Crocus corms with EMF showed the greatest efficiency in increasing the production of secondary metabolites in saffron. EMF increased the content of marker compounds in stigmas (crocin 4: from 8.95 to 431.17 mg/g; crocin 3: from 6.27 to 164.86 mg/g; picrocrocin: from 0.4 to 1.0 mg/g), although the observed effects on growth were neutral or slightly positive. The obtained findings indicate that treatment of C. sativus corms with EMF has the potential application for increasing the quality of saffron by enhancing the amounts of biologically active compounds.

Relationship between phthalate exposure and kidney function in Taiwanese adults as determined through covariate-adjusted standardization and cumulative risk assessment

Few studies have investigated the associations between phthalate exposure and kidney function indicators in adults by simultaneously performing covariate-adjusted creatinine standardization, cumulative risk assessment, and mixture analysis. Thus, we applied these methods simultaneously to investigate the aforementioned associations in an adult population. This cross-sectional study analyzed data (N = 839) from a community-based arm of the Taiwan Biobank. The levels of 10 urinary phthalate metabolites were measured and calculated as the sum of the molar concentrations of the dibutyl phthalate metabolite (ΣDBPm) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) metabolite (ΣDEHPm). The hazard index (HI) and daily intake (DI) were estimated by measuring the urinary levels of the phthalate metabolite. Kidney function biomarkers were assessed by measuring the following: blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid, the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Generalized linear models were implemented to examine the associations between exposure to individual phthalates, HI scores, and kidney function biomarkers. We also employed Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to analyze the relationships between exposure to various combinations of phthalates and kidney function. ΣDEHPm levels were significantly and positively associated with BUN and ACR levels, and ΣDBPm levels were positively associated with ACR levels. In addition, eGFR was negatively associated with ΣDBPm and ΣDEHPm levels. In the BKMR model, a mixture of 10 phthalate metabolites was significantly associated with BUN, uric acid, ACR, and eGFR results. Higher DIDEHP and higher DIDnBP values were significantly associated with lower eGFRs and higher ACRs, respectively. Higher DIDiBP and DIDEP values were significantly associated with higher uric acid levels. A higher HI was significantly associated with lower eGFRs and higher ACRs. Our results suggest that exposure to environmental phthalates is associated with impaired kidney function in Taiwanese adults.

α-costic acid, the main sesquiterpenoid isolated from Dittrichia viscosa (L) Greuter, induces oxidative stress and autophagy in tomato.

Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter, a perennial plant in the Asteraceae, has strong allelopathic activity due to the high content of various secondary metabolites. The bicyclic sesquiterpenoid α-costic acid is the most abundant secondary metabolite of D. viscosa. Its remarkable insecticidal, antiparasitic, and phytotoxic activities point to its potential use as a natural herbicide, but information on its mode of action is lacking. To shed light on the mechanism of action of α-costic acid in plant cells, we investigated the phytotoxicity of α-costic acid in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) through in vivo assays, the underlying cellular effects using biochemical assays, and the effect on subcellular organelles using confocal microscopy on tomato protoplasts incubated with organelle-specific fluorescent probes. In vivo tests showed that α-costic acid inhibited the growth of tomato seedlings and induced chlorosis and spot lesions in leaves. Biochemical assays demonstrated that α-costic acid caused ion leakage, chlorophyll depletion, H2O2 overproduction, callose deposition, and membrane lipid peroxidation. Confocal microscopy demonstrated that α-costic acid determined ROS overproduction and network disruption in mitochondria, singlet oxygen overproduction in chloroplasts, vacuole disintegration, and autophagosome formation. Overall, our data are consistent with a model according to which α-costic acid phytotoxicity is related to oxidative stress in mitochondria and chloroplasts that induces extensive membrane damage, ultimately resulting in cell death associated with autophagy.

Insights into Tissue-Specific Specialized Metabolism in Wampee (Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels) Varieties

Wampee (Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels) has natural bioactive components with diverse health benefits, but its detailed metabolism and tissue distribution are not fully understood. Here, widely targeted metabolomics analysis methods were employed to analyze the wampee fruit (peel, pulp, and seed) of 17 different varieties. A total of 1286 metabolites were annotated, including lipids, flavonoids, polyphenols, carbazole alkaloids, coumarins, and organic acids, among others. The quantitative analysis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) analysis indicated remarkable variations in metabolite categories and content in the peel, pulp, and seed of wampee fruit. Additionally, the difference analysis found that the metabolic components of peel contributed dominantly to the differences among varieties, and 7 potential biomarkers were identified. In this study, a comprehensive metabolome landscape of wampee fruit was established, which provided important information for the isolation and identification of functional components, food industry application, and nutritional improvement breeding.

Evaluating the Effects of Epichloë Fungal Endophytes of Perennial Ryegrass on the Feeding Behaviour and Life History of Rhopalosiphum padi.

The bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.), is an economically significant pest of pasture grasses, the latter being capable of hosting several fungal endophyte-perennial ryegrass symbiota rich in alkaloids and toxic to vertebrates and invertebrates. Measuring aphid feeding behaviour can provide insights into the effectiveness and mode of action of different fungal endophytes. This study investigated the effects of different Epichloë-perennial ryegrass symbiota on the feeding behaviour of R. padi using the electrical penetration graph technique while also assessing the aphid life history. In most cases, endophytes had significant feeding deterrence and paired fecundity and mortality effects. But, in some instances, endophytes with the highest aphid mortality did not significantly deter feeding, suggesting a more complicated scenario of interactions between the relative concentration of metabolites, e.g., host plant defence response metabolites and alkaloids, and/or physical changes to leaf morphology. Overall, this study sheds light on the mode of action of Epichloë endophytes against aphids and highlights the importance of Epichloë-perennial ryegrass symbiota in the management of insect pests such as aphids in pasture-based grazing systems.

Urinary Concentrations of Organophosphate Flame-Retardant Metabolites in the US Population

Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) are an important group of pollutants associated with endocrine disorders, cancer, and nephrotoxicity. However, temporal trends in OPFR metabolite concentrations remain understudied. To examine changes in urinary concentrations of OPFR metabolites among US children, youths, and adults from 2011 to 2020, and to evaluate whether sociodemographic factors were associated with variations in temporal trends. This population-based cross-sectional study used data from 4 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles (2011-2012, 2013-2014, 2015-2016, and 2017-2020 [to March 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic]). The study included children and youths (aged 6-19 years) and adults (aged ≥20 years) with valid urinary concentrations of the following OPFR metabolites: bis(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (BCEtP), bis(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BCPP), diphenyl phosphate (DPhP), and dibutyl phosphate (DBuP). Data analysis was performed between February and May 2024. Calendar year and key sociodemographic subgroups (age, race and ethnicity, sex, educational attainment, and poverty-to-income ratio). The main outcome was urinary concentrations of OPFR metabolites among children, youths, and adults. Survey-weighted linear regression models were applied to estimate trends. The study population of 10 549 NHANES participants included 3154 children and youths (mean [SE] age, 12.5 [0.1] years; 51.2% were male) and 7395 adults (mean [SE] age, 47.8 [0.4] years; 52.0% were women). Among children and youths, mean (95% CI) BCEtP concentrations decreased from 0.68 (0.60-0.77) μg/L in 2011-2012 to 0.41 (0.37-0.45) μg/L in 2017-2020 (P for trend < .001). Among adults, mean (95% CI) BCEtP concentrations decreased from 0.43 (0.37-0.50) μg/L in 2011-2012 to 0.29 (0.27-0.33) μg/L in 2017-2020 (P for trend < .001), and mean BCPP concentrations decreased from 0.15 (0.14-0.17) μg/L to 0.13 (0.12-0.14) μg/L (P for trend = .002). Parent level of educational attainment was associated with concentrations of BCPP and BCEtP among children and youths; however, no significant differences among adults were observed. This study identified variations in temporal trends in urinary concentrations of OPFR metabolites among the US population from 2011 to 2020. In addition, substantial disparities in exposure levels persisted among children with different levels of parent educational attainment. These findings suggest that policy makers should consider socioeconomic factors to further reduce OPFR exposure and promote equity, ensuring a safe living environment for all individuals.

Succulence and aquaporin expression during drought and recovery in the CAM epiphytic bromeliad Acanthostachys strobilacea (Schult. & Schult.f.) Klotzsch

Due to climate change, drought-rewatering cycles might become more intense and frequent, potentially threatening epiphytic bromeliads as they are detached from the soil. Hence, research on drought-rewatering responses is essential to determine the resilience of these species to projected future environmental conditions. The tankless, CAM epiphytic bromeliad Acanthostachys strobilacea shows significant drought tolerance from its early developmental stages. Here, we investigated water storage remobilization and the expression of aquaporin genes in the succulent leaf tissues of juvenile A. strobilacea plants in response to a drought-rewatering cycle and their relation to metabolic status. Under greenhouse conditions, 3-month-old plants were subjected to 14 days without irrigation, followed by 1 day of rewatering. We conducted analyses of water status, leaf anatomy, photosynthetic rates, titratable acidity, metabolic profile, and aquaporin gene expression. Data on water status indicated drought-induced turgor loss, which could be mainly attributed to the collapse of the hydrenchyma (water-storage tissue). The water stored in these cells likely relocated to the photosynthetically active cells of the chlorenchyma, which may have helped maintain metabolic activity. Indeed, titratable acidity, gas exchange, and metabolic data showed intensified CAM activity after drought. Drought also increased proline and antioxidant contents but significantly reduced the expression of AsPIP1;1, AsPIP1;2-like, AsTIP2;2 and AsNIP2;2 genes. After 1 day of rewatering, turgor, CAM activity, and the expression of most aquaporin genes and most metabolite contents were fully restored to control levels. The rapid turgor recovery, even in the absence of leaf water-absorbing trichomes, was due to water storage in hydrenchyma cells upon rehydration. Additionally, the modulation of aquaporin expression likely reduced water loss during drought and aided turgor restoration after rewatering. These results can guide future research on the responses of epiphytic bromeliads to climate change, essential to developing conservation strategies.

Hybridization promotes growth performance by altering rumen microbiota and metabolites in sheep.

Hybridization can substantially improve growth performance. This study used metagenomics and metabolome sequencing to examine whether the rumen microbiota and its metabolites contributed to this phenomenon. We selected 48 approximately 3 month-old male ♂Hu × ♀Hu (HH, n = 16), ♂Poll Dorset × ♀Hu (DH, n = 16), and ♂Southdown × ♀Hu (SH, n = 16) lambs having similar body weight. The sheep were fed individually under the same nutritional and management conditions for 95 days. After completion of the trial, seven sheep close to the average weight per group were slaughtered to collect rumen tissue and content samples to measure rumen epithelial parameters, fermentation patterns, microbiota, and metabolite profiles. The final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (ADG), and dry matter intake (DMI) values in the DH and SH groups were significantly higher and the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) significantly lower than the value in the HH group; additionally, the papilla height in the DH group was higher than that in the HH group. Acetate, propionate, and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations in the DH group were higher than those in the HH group, whereas NH3-N concentration decreased in the DH and SH groups. Metagenomic analysis revealed that several Prevotella and Fibrobacter species were significantly more abundant in the DH group, contributing to an increased ability to degrade dietary cellulose and enrich their functions in enzymes involved in carbohydrate breakdown. Bacteroidaceae bacterium was higher in the SH group, indicating a greater ability to digest dietary fiber. Metabolomic analysis revealed that the concentrations of rumen metabolites (mainly lysophosphatidylethanolamines [LPEs]) were higher in the DH group, and microbiome-related metabolite analysis indicated that Treponema bryantii and Fibrobacter succinogenes were positively correlated with the LPEs. Moreover, we found methionine sulfoxide and N-methyl-4-aminobutyric acid were characteristic metabolites in the DH and SH groups, respectively, and are related to oxidative stress, indicating that the environmental adaptability of crossbred sheep needs to be further improved. These findings substantially deepen the general understanding of how hybridization promotes growth performance from the perspective of rumen microbiota, this is vital for the cultivation of new species and the formulation of precision nutrition strategies for sheep.

Metabolit Sekunder dan Aktivitas Antibakteri Ekstrak Metanol Daun Kamboja Putih (Plumeria acuminata Ait) Terhadap Beberapa Bakteri Uji

Kamboja (Plumeria acuminata Ait) plant is traditional medicine used as medication for ulcer and abscess. Steroid and tanin is component of chemical compound in kamboja leaves that supposed to have antibacterial activity. This study aims to determine the content of secondary metabolites and effective concentration of methanol extracts of kamboja leaves as antibacterial. Identification contains of secondary metabolites by used reagent Mayer, Dragendorf, Liebermann-Burchard, FeCl, Mg powder and HCl. Analysis of secondary metabolites characterized by the presence of sediment or froth. The antibacterial activity test carried out by agar diffusion method. Inhibition zone is analyzed by Anava and Duncan test. Secondary metabolite the compound containing steroid and tanin. The effective concentration of 40% were significantly different with a value of p = 0.00 (p&lt;0.05) on the growth of Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and a concentration of 30% is very significantly different from the value of p = 0.00 (p&lt;0.05) on the growth of Escherichia coli bacteria in vitro.