Continuous UV-B Irradiation Research Articles

Effect of UV-B Irradiation on Bioactive Compounds of Red Perilla (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton) Cultivated in a Plant Factory with Artificial Light

In this study, we investigated the effect of UV-B irradiation 3 days prior to harvest, on the accumulation of rosmarinic acid (RA) and anthocyanin, and the expression of genes related to phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthetic pathways, in red perilla (Perilla frutescens L.). In experiment 1, seedlings at 60 days after sowing (DAS) were subjected to UV-B irradiation at 0 (control), 6, and 10 W m−2 under a 16 h light period; while in experiment 2, seedlings at 45 DAS were subjected to UV-B irradiation at 0 (control), 4 W m−2 at continuous irradiation, and 6 W m−2 at 16 h irradiation. UV irradiation of 10 W m−2 for 16 h negatively affected leaf color, while irradiation at 6 W m−2 enhanced RA biosynthesis and antioxidant capacity. Continuous UV-B irradiation of 4 W m−2 increased the RA concentration by 92% compared to the control; however, this effect was smaller than that of UV-B irradiation at 6 W m−2 for 16 h, 141% higher than that of the control and had a lower antioxidant capacity against UV-mediated ROS overproduction during the dark period. Results demonstrate that 6 W m−2 of UV-B irradiation for 16 h is suitable for enhancing the RA concentration and content of red perilla.

Effects of Nocturnal UV-B Irradiation on Growth, Flowering, and Phytochemical Concentration in Leaves of Greenhouse-Grown Red Perilla.

In Japan, red perilla leaves are used in the food and coloring industries, as well as in crude medicine. Perilla leaves contain a high concentration of phytochemicals such as perillaldehyde (PA) and rosmarinic acid (RA). The effects of UV-B radiation intensity (0.05–0.2 W m−2, UV-BBE: 0.041–0.083 W m−2), duration (3 or 6 h), and irradiation method (continuous or intermittent) for artificial nocturnal lighting using UV-B fluorescent lamps were evaluated on growth, flowering, and leaf phytochemical concentration in greenhouse-grown perilla. Under continuous UV-B irradiation at 0.1 W m−2 for 3 or 6 h, leaf color changed from red to green and leaf fresh weight decreased, compared with the control treatment. No leaf color change was observed under the 3-h treatment with UV-B radiation at 0.05 W m−2, wherein leaf fresh weight was similar to that of the control. Furthermore, RA concentration under continuous UV-B irradiation at 0.05 W m−2 for 3 h increased two-fold compared to that under control treatment, while PA concentration was not affected by UV-B irradiation. Thus, our data showed that continuous UV-B irradiation at 0.05 W m−2 for 3 h could effectively produce RA-rich perilla leaves without reducing in phenotypic quality or productivity. However, a 6-h intermittent illumination inhibited flowering without altering phytochemical concentration.

Response of Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo, a Prized Medicinal Plant, to Continuous UV-B Irradiation at Different C/N Ratios

The response of Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo (D. officinale) to continuous UV-B irradiation at different carbon to nitrogen ratios (C/N ratios) was investigated. Seedlings grown for 60 days were incubated under aseptic conditions with UV-B irradiation (15.6 µW cm−2) at different C/N ratios: control group (CK; C/N 30 without UV-B), UV-B + CK (C/N 30 with UV-B irradiation, similarly hereafter), UV-B + C/N 120, UV-B + C/N 60, UV-B + C/N 15, UV-B + C/N 10, UV-B + C/N 7.5. Growth parameters (the defoliation rate and the sprout number), photosynthetic pigments (carotenoids, chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b), total polysaccharides, total alkaloids, and activities of antioxidant enzymes were determined following 4, 8, 12, and 16 days of continuous UV-B exposure. Results indicated that UV-B irradiation increased the defoliation rate and the content of carotenoids, total polysaccharides and total alkaloids, as well as the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Conversely, UV-B irradiation reduced the sprout number and chlorophyll content in D. officinale. Compared with UV-B + CK, lower C/N ratio treatments (UV-B + C/N 15, UV-B + C/N 10 and UV-B + C/N 7.5) enhanced the defoliation rate and sprout number, but decreased antioxidant enzyme activities and total polysaccharide content during the whole period, and reduced total alkaloid content after 4 days of UV-B exposure. Following initial UV-B irradiation, lower C/N ratios increased the contents of carotenoid and chlorophyll b, while after 8 days, a reversal in carotenoid content was observed, and after 12 days, a reversal in chlorophyll b content was observed. Optimizing the C/N ratio (C/N 60) resulted in lower defoliation rate, higher photosynthetic pigments and total polysaccharides, and increased activities of antioxidant enzymes, whereas no significant change in sprout number and total alkaloid content was recorded under long-term UV-B irradiation. Furthermore, the UV-B + C/N 120 treatment negatively affected D. officinale in terms of an increased defoliation rate and reduced sprout number, photosynthetic pigments, and total alkaloids. Therefore, results suggested that an appropriate C/N ratio (C/N 60) could ameliorate the adverse effects of continuous UV-B irradiation on D. officinale.

Chlorophyll degradation in aqueous mediums induced by light and UV-B irradiation: An UHPLC-ESI-MS study

Irreversible chlorophyll degradation induced by continuous white light illumination and UV-B irradiation in the aqueous mediums (with 10%, 30% and 50% of methanol) was investigated using the ultrahigh liquid chromatography coupled with diode array and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry detectors (UHPLC-DAD-ESIMS). The degradation was governed by energy input of photons: higher energy of UV-B irradiation induced faster chlorophyll degradation and accordingly faster products formation in comparison to the white light treatment. Main light- or/and UV-B-induced products of chlorophyll in the aqueous mediums were hydroxy-pheophytin a, pheophytin a and hydroxy-lactone-pheophytin a, accompanied with the corresponding epimers. Chlorophylls aggregation dominant in the aqueous medium with the highest methanol content (50%) play a protective role against the UV-B radiation and white light illumination.

Quercetin degradation induced by continuous UV-B irradiation in the presence of benzophenone

Quercetin degradation induced by continuous UV-B irradiation in the presence of benzophenone

Riboflavin degradation in the presence of quercetin in methanol under continuous UV-B irradiation: the ESI–MS–UHPLC analysis

The presented work deals with continuous UV-B irradiation of riboflavin in MeOH solution, leading to its degradation under anaerobic as well as aerobic conditions (faster in the former case), which is related to riboflavin photosensitizing properties (type I photosensitizer in the first case, and type II in the other one). Addition of quercetin, a well-known antioxidant in the system causes a decrease of the (riboflavin) degradation in both cases. In anaerobic conditions it might be a consequence of quercetin antioxidant scavenging activity, while under aerobic conditions it could be related to singlet oxygen formation. The degradation dynamics—in both systems, in the presence and in the absence of quercetin—is well synchronized with dynamics formation of the two major products, lumiflavin and lumichrome.

Continuous Long-term UV-B Irradiation Reduces Division and Expansion of Epidermal Cells in True Leaves, but Accelerates Developmental Stages Such as True Leaf Unfolding and Male Flower Bud Production in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Seedlings

Continuous Long-term UV-B Irradiation Reduces Division and Expansion of Epidermal Cells in True Leaves, but Accelerates Developmental Stages Such as True Leaf Unfolding and Male Flower Bud Production in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Seedlings

Continuous UV-B Irradiation Induces Endoreduplication and Trichome Formation in Cotyledons, and Reduces Epidermal Cell Division and Expansion in the First Leaves of Pumpkin Seedlings (Cucurbita maxima Duch.^|^times;C. moschata Duch.)

Continuous UV-B Irradiation Induces Endoreduplication and Trichome Formation in Cotyledons, and Reduces Epidermal Cell Division and Expansion in the First Leaves of Pumpkin Seedlings (Cucurbita maxima Duch.^|^times;C. moschata Duch.)

Continuous UV-B Irradiation Induces Endoreduplication and Peroxidase Activity in Epidermal Cells Surrounding Trichomes on Cucumber Cotyledons

Most trichomes on the surface of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cotyledons consist of three cells. We previously showed that continuous UV-B (290-320 nm) irradiation induces rapid cellular expansion and the accumulation of polyphenolic compounds, possibly stress lignin, in epidermal cells around these trichomes.(1)) To examine the mechanism of the UV-B-induced cellular expansion and to determine which step is stimulated by UV-B irradiation in the lignin synthesis pathway, we investigated relative DNA contents in epidermal cells, including trichomes, and enzyme activity and gene expression in the phenylpropanoid pathway. UV-B irradiation increased the ploidy level over 15 days, specifically in the epidermal cells surrounding trichomes, but not in the other epidermal cells or trichomes. In epidermal cells surrounding trichomes, UV-B irradiation induced peroxidase (POX) activity from days 7 to 15. In cotyledons, UV-B exposure induced CS-POX1 and CS-POX3 gene expression within 2 days, and it also induced two other enzymes in the phenylpropanoid pathway, sinapyl alcohol dehydrogenase and coniferyl alcohol dehydrogenase, from days 9 to 11. Thus, exposure to UV-B induces expansion, endoreduplication, POX activity, and the accumulation of polyphenolic compounds in epidermal cells surrounding the trichomes of cucumber cotyledons. Because polyphenolic compounds such as lignin absorb UV-B, our data indicate a physiological protective mechanism against UV-B irradiation in cucumber.

Bone Marrow-Derived Cells Are Not the Origin of the Cancer Stem Cells in Ultraviolet-Induced Skin Cancer

Several lines of evidence have demonstrated that various cancers are derived from cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are thought to originate from either tissue stem or progenitor cells. However, recent studies have suggested that the origin of CSCs could be bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs); for example, gastric cancer, which follows persistent gastric inflammation, appears to originate from BMDCs. Although our previous research showed the capability of BMDCs to differentiate into epidermal keratinocytes, it has yet to be determined whether skin CSCs originate from BMDCs. To assess the possibility that BMDCs could be the origin of CSCs in skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), we used a mouse model of UVB-induced skin SCC. We detected a low percentage of BMDCs in the lesions of epidermal dysplasia (0.59%), SCC in situ (0.15%), and SCC (0.03%). Furthermore, we could not find any evidence of clonal BMDC expansion. In SCC lesions, we also found that most of the BMDCs were tumor-infiltrating hematopoietic cells. In addition, BMDCs in the SCC lesions lacked characteristics of epidermal stem cells, including expression of stem cell markers (CD34, high alpha6 integrin) and the potential retention of BrdU label. These results indicate that BMDCs are not a major source of malignant keratinocytes in UVB-induced SCC. Therefore, we conclude that BMDCs are not the origin of CSCs in UVB-induced SCC.

Continuous UV-B Irradiation Induces Morphological Changes and the Accumulation of Polyphenolic Compounds on the Surface of Cucumber Cotyledons

Sharp-headed and globular-headed trichomes are found on the surface of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cotyledons. Most sharp-headed trichomes consist of three cells. Toluidine blue O stains sharp-headed but not globular-headed trichomes. The effect of continuous ultraviolet-B (UV-B; 290-320 nm) irradiation on the surface of cucumber cotyledons was examined with respect to the two trichome types. Continuous UV-B irradiation induced cell division at or under the basal part of sharp-headed trichomes, resulting in an increase in the number of cell layers from three to six. In parallel, the area stained by toluidine blue O expanded to include epidermal cells surrounding sharp-headed trichomes. Regions of alkali-induced fluorescence due to the presence of polyphenolic compounds coincided with areas stained by toluidine blue O. In contrast, continuous UV-B irradiation did not cause morphological changes in globular-headed trichomes. Thus, continuous UV-B irradiation causes the accumulation of polyphenolic compounds in cucumber cotyledons and induces specific morphological changes in or around sharp-headed trichomes. UV-B exposure also increases lignin content in this tissue. Therefore, continuous UV-B irradiation may induce the specific accumulation of polyphenolic compounds, especially stress lignins, in and near sharp-headed trichomes.

Ultraviolet-B Radiation Damage on Kentucky Bluegrass II: Hormone Supplement Effects

High ultraviolet-B (UV-B; 290-320 nm wavelength) radiation may significantly contribute to the quality decline and death of kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) sod during summer transplanting. Antioxidants and protective pigments may be involved in plant defense against oxidative stress caused by UV-B. Selected exogenous hormones may alleviate UV-B damage by upregulating plant defense systems. The objectives of this study were to determine if exogenous hormone or hormone-like substances could alleviate UV-B damage to `Georgetown' kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) under greenhouse conditions. The hormone salicylic acid at 150 mg·m-2 and the hormone-containing substances, humic acid (HA) at 150 mg·m-2 and seaweed extract (SWE) at 50 mg·m-2, were applied to plugs of kentucky bluegrass and then subjected to UV-B radiation (70 μmol·m-2·s-1). The UV-B irradiation stress reduced turf quality by 51% to 66% and photochemical efficiency by 63% to 68% when measured 10 or 12 days after initiation of UV-B. Endogenous alpha-tocopherol (AT) and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase) were reduced by UV-B stress. Anthocyanin content was increased from day 1 to 5 and then decreased from day 5 to 10 of continuous UV-B irradiation. Application of SA and HA + SWE enhanced photochemical efficiency by 86% and 82%, respectively, when measured 10 or 12 days after UV-B initiation. In addition, application of the hormonal supplements increased AT concentration, SOD, catalase activity, and anthocyanin content when compared to the control at 10 days after UV-B initiation. Bluegrass with greater AT concentration and SOD and catalase activity exhibited better visual quality under UV-B stress. The results of this study suggest that foliar application of SA and HA + SWE may alleviate decline of photochemical efficiency and turf quality associated with increased UV-B light levels during summer.

Relationship between covalently bound ceramides and transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

The stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of the skin, functions as an important barrier to maintain biological homeostasis. The multilamellar structures formed by intercellular lipids present in the stratum corneum are considered to play an important role in barrier function. Most intercellular lipids are unbound and can be extracted by organic solvents, but some intercellular lipids are covalently bound to cornified envelope proteins. Decreases in unbound lipid levels reduce the barrier function of the stratum corneum, but the relationship between bound lipid and the barrier function of the stratum corneum is not well understood. In this study, we examined the relationship between the amount of covalently bound ceramide, the main bound lipid, and the barrier function of the stratum corneum. A single dose of UVB irradiation (2 x MED), or continuous UVB irradiation (0.5 x MED/day for 14 days) to the back, or feeding with an essential fatty acid-deficient (EFAD) diet for 8 weeks caused a significant elevation of TEWL and a significant reduction in covalently bound ceramides in hairless rats. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the intercellular multilamellar structures in the stratum corneum of treated rats were incomplete (folding, defects, unclear images) compared to the structures seen in the stratum corneum of non-UVB-irradiated and non-EFAD rats. These results suggest that the amount of covalently bound ceramides is highly correlated with the barrier function of the skin, and that covalently bound ceramides play an important role in the formation of lamellar structures, and are involved in the maintenance of the barrier function of the skin.

Variation in responses of spores of Septoria tritici and S. nodorum to UV-B irradiation in vitro

The effect of UV-B radiation (280–320 nm) on germination of spores and extension of germ-tubes of Septoria tritici (two isolates from the U.K., two from Tunisia) and S. nodorum (two isolates from the U.K.) was examined in vitro . Germination of spores after 48 h incubation was unaffected in both species by 4 h irradiation per 24 h period (UV-B DNA , 3 kJ m −2 d −1 ), but was inhibited in S. nodorum by continuous UV-B irradiation (UV-B DNA , 18 kJ m −2 d −1 ). Germination was unaffected by background white light (400–700 nm) for 16 h per day. After 48 h in the dark, germ-tubes were longest in S. nodorum (both isolates) and shortest in the two Tunisian isolates of S. tritici . By comparison with continuous darkness, germ-tube extension in all isolates was strongly inhibited by continuous UV-B. Germ tube extension of the U.K. isolates, but not of the Tunisian isolates, was also inhibited by 4 h UV-B both with a dark background and within a 16 h white light day. The time in the 24 h cycle when germination started, i.e. incubation began, and when exposure to either UV-B radiation or white light occurred, affected the response of the fungi. Differences in sensitivity to UV-B between the S. tritici isolates suggest that adaptations to different fluxes in contrasting natural environments may occur.