Glutathione S-transferase Enzyme Activity Research Articles

The effects of carvacrol on development and gene expression profiles in Spodoptera frugiperda

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a highly polyphagous agricultural pest that is widely distributed around the world and causes severe crop yield loss. Carvacrol showed adverse effects on many pests, such as larval death and growth inhibition. While the effects of carvacrol on S. frugiperda larvae are not yet known. In this study, the effects of carvacrol on S. frugiperda, including larval growth inhibition and mortality induction, were observed. The detoxification and digestive enzyme activities of larvae with 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg carvacrol treatments were analyzed. Carvacrol boosted the enzyme activities of carboxylesterase (CarE) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) while decreasing the activities of α-amylase (AMS), lipase (LIP), and trypsin. A total of 3422 differentially expressed genes were identified in the larvae treated with 2.0 g/kg carvacrol, of which the DEGs involved in xenobiotic detoxification, food digestion, and insecticidal targets were further examined. These results suggest that carvacrol could regulate growth and development by affecting the process of food digestion, and exert its toxicity on the larvae through interaction with a variety of insecticidal targets. While the altered expressions of detoxification enzymes might be related to the detoxification and metabolism of carvacrol. Our findings offer a theoretical foundation for the use of carvacrol for S. frugiperda control in the field.

Determination of Constituents of Extract of Celtis tournefortii Lam. by LC-MS/MS, Investigation of Enzyme Inhibition, Antimicrobial and Anticancer Effects

Phytochemicals found in extracts obtained from plants are very important bioactive constituents. In this study, phytochemicals in extract content obtained from Celtis tournefortii .Lam. tree (CT) leaves were determined by a LC-MS method. The constituents with the major concentrations was found rutin (2479.89 µg ml-1), coumarin (1241.68 µg ml-1), biochanin A (1026.42 µg ml-1), shikimic acid (477.32 µg ml-1), chlorogenic acid (300.76 µg ml-1). The suppressive effects of CT extract on the growth of pathogenic strains were studied by microdilution method. It was observed that it caused suppression on the strains in the concentration range of 2.00-8.00 µg ml-1. The inhibition effects of the extract on acetyl cholinesterase and glutathione-S transferase enzyme activities were investigated, and 50% inhibitory values of enzyme activity were found to be 13.58 and 13.86, respectively. Using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay method, the cell viability suppressive effects of CT leaf extract were studied in healthy skin fibroblast cells as well as ovarian, colon and brain cancer cells. It was observed that they created a 42%, 4.27%, and 14.29% suppression in cells, respectively.

Extraction Potential of Lolium perenne L. (Perennial Rye Grass) for Metals in Landfill Soil: Its Tolerance and Defense Strategies

Landfill sites open and close frequently throughout the world, taking over a significant amount of land and leaving it contaminated and unavailable to the surrounding population for use. Different forms of remediation methods have been employed to rehabilitate contaminated land to a state that poses less of a threat to the environment. Phytoremediation is one of the remediation techniques that has proven to be effective, economical and easier to implement compared to other methods. The main aim of this study was to explore the potential use of Lolium perenne L. to remediate and restore metal-contaminated landfill soil and determine its stress tolerance mechanism(s). The metal uptake, determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS), revealed that Lolium perenne accumulate a higher amount of metals in the roots than in leaves, which was further confirmed by the translocation factor (TF) values of all of the metals that were below 1, ranging between 0.2 and 0.8, while Cu, Cr and Pb had a bioaccumulation factor (BCF) > 1. This confirms that L. perenne is capable of absorbing metals into the root matrix but might restrict further movement into other parts of the plant as a defense mechanism against metal toxicity. In response to metal-induced stress, L. perenne displayed an increase in enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase, peroxidase and amylases in plants grown in landfill soil. Peroxidases displayed the highest level of enzyme activity, while total amylolytic activity had the most significant increase in activity over time. Although not a hyperaccumulator, L. perenne is a potential candidate for the phytoremediation of landfill soil and the phytostabilization of Cu, Cr and Pb.

Investigation of Effects of Some Metal Ions and Some Pesticides on Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) Enzyme Purified from Van Lake Fish (Chalcalburnus Tarichi) Kidney

Industrial and agricultural processes have brought about the pollution of aquatic systems, and this situation in the water had adverse effects on human health. In order to reduce these negative effects, all mammalian and aquatic species have a defense system. One of these antioxidant systems is the glutathione S-transferase enzyme group, which has detoxification activity against ROS produced by organic pollutants and heavy metals. In this study, the effects of some pesticides and heavy metal ions on the GST enzyme activity purified kidney tissue of the Lake Van fish (C. Tarichii) was analyzed. Firstly, the purification process was carried out as homogenate preparation and glutathione-agarose affinity technique. SDS-PAGE was carried out to check the enzyme purity. The enzyme was obtained in 89% yield (335-fold) with 27.8-specific activity , and kinetic constants was determined for the enzyme; Km for GSH substrate: 0.429 mM Vmax for GSH substrate: 0.207 EU/mL-1; Km for CDNB substrate: 0.276 mM, Vmax for CDNB substrate: 0.161EU/mL-1. Effects of Met-Hg, Fe3+ Cr3+ , Cu2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, atrazine, methomyl ,and dinicanozole were studied on the activity of the purified enzyme and the IC50 values were determined as 34.5 mM, 10 μM, 1.5 μM, 2.4 μM, 63 μM, 0.15 mM, 9.8 μM, 2.67 μM , and 1.3 μM, respectively.

A Cost-Effective Immobilization Method for MBP Fusion Proteins on Microtiter Plates Using a Gelatinized Starch-Agarose Mixture and Its Application for Convenient Protein-Protein Interaction Analysis.

The detection and quantification of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) is a crucial technique that often involves the use of recombinant proteins with fusion protein tags, such as maltose-binding protein (MBP) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). In this study, we improved the cohesive and sticky properties of gelatinized starch by supplementing it with agarose, resulting in a harder gel that could coat the bottom of a microtiter plate. The resulting gelatinized starch/agarose mixture allowed for the efficient immobilization of MBP-tagged proteins on the coated plates, enabling the use of indirect ELISA-like PPI assays. By using the enzymatic activity of GST as an indicator, we succeeded in determining the dissociation constants between MBP-tagged and GST-tagged proteins on 96-well microtiter plates and a microplate reader without any expensive specialized equipment.

Changes in antioxidant enzymes and locomotor activity of yellow mealworm larvae fed the mycotoxin zearalenone supplemented diet

The larvae of the yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor represent a new sustainable source of protein and nutrients for animal and human nutrition. To ensure safe insect-based foods, the risks of mycotoxins and other chemicals must be elucidated. Since oxidative stress is known to underlie many mycotoxin-induced disorders, the present work investigates the effects of the mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEA) on the responses of some oxidative stress biomarkers, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the whole body of mealworm, as well as the effects on larval survival, body weight, and locomotor activity, and some aspects of mycotoxin accumulation. Larvae were fed artificially contaminated wheat bran containing approximately 0.1 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 2 mg/kg, and 5 mg/kg ZEA for two weeks. The results of the current study showed that ZEA-contaminated wheat bran at a concentration of 0.5 mg/kg was correlated with increased SOD, CAT, and GST enzyme activities and decreased locomotor activity. Higher concentrations of ZEA, i.e., 2 and 5 mg/kg caused enzymes and locomotor activity to return to control levels. The presence of ZEA in the diet for two weeks did not affect survival but resulted in lower weight gain in T. molitor larvae. The concentration of ZEA in the residual material was 21.1–37.6%, while in the larvae it accounted for 0.38–0.51% of the mycotoxin in the feed. The selected concentrations were in accordance with the EU limits for the presence of ZEA in food and with the levels found in naturally contaminated cereals. Our results suggest that ZEA at the tested concentration induces physiological, biochemical, and behavioral changes in larvae that could potentially serve as early markers of mycotoxin contamination.

The Comparative Toxicity, Biochemical and Physiological Impacts of Chlorantraniliprole and Indoxacarb on Mamestra brassicae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

The cabbage moth, Mamestra brassicae, is a polyphagous pest that attacks several crops. Here, the sublethal and lethal effects of chlorantraniliprole and indoxacarb were investigated on the developmental stages, detoxification enzymes, reproductive activity, calling behavior, peripheral physiology, and pheromone titer of M. brasssicae. Methods: To assess pesticide effects, the second instar larvae were maintained for 24 h on a semi-artificial diet containing insecticides at their LC10, LC30, and LC50 concentrations. M. brassicae was more susceptible to chlorantraniliprole (LC50 = 0.35 mg/L) than indoxacarb (LC50 = 1.71 mg/L). A significantly increased developmental time was observed with both insecticides at all tested concentrations but decreases in pupation rate, pupal weight, and emergence were limited to the LC50 concentration. Reductions in both the total number of eggs laid per female and the egg viability were observed with both insecticides at their LC30 and LC50 concentrations. Both female calling activity and the sex pheromone (Z11-hexadecenyl acetate and hexadecenyl acetate) titer were significantly reduced by chlorantraniliprole in LC50 concentration. Antennal responses of female antennae to benzaldehyde and 3-octanone were significantly weaker than controls after exposure to the indoxocarb LC50 concentration. Significant reductions in the enzymatic activity of glutathione S-transferases, mixed-function oxidases, and carboxylesterases were observed in response to both insecticides.

Effects of cerium oxide on liver tissue in liver ischemia‑reperfusion injury in rats undergoing sevoflurane anesthesia.

During liver surgery and transplantation, periods of partial or total vascular occlusion are inevitable and result in ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Nanomedicine uses the latest technological advancement, which has emerged from interdisciplinary efforts involving biomedical sciences, physics and engineering to protect and improve human health. Antioxidant nanoparticles are potential therapeutic agents. The present study investigated the effects of cerium oxide (Co) administration and sevoflurane anesthesia on liver tissue with IR injury. A total of 36 rats were randomly divided into control, Co, IR, IR-Sevoflurane (IRS), Co + IR and Co + IRS groups. In the IR, IRS and Co + IRS groups, hepatic IR was induced. Intraperitoneal Co was administered to the Co groups 30 min before ischemia. Sevoflurane was administered to the IRS and Co + IRS groups during IR injury. Liver tissue samples were examined under the light microscope by staining with hematoxylin and eosin. Thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) levels as well as catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) enzyme activity were evaluated in liver tissue samples. The IR group had considerably more hydropic degeneration, sinusoidal dilatation and parenchymal neutrophil infiltration than the Co, IRS, Co + IR and Co + IRS groups. CAT and GST enzyme activity were significantly higher in Co and Co + IR groups compared with the IR group. TBARS levels were significantly lower in Co, IRS, Co + IR and Co + IRS groups compared whit those in the IR group. Intraperitoneal injection of Co with sevoflurane decreased oxidative stress and damage to the liver.

Effects of cerium oxide (CeO2) on liver tissue in liver ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats undergoing desflurane anesthesia

IntroductionDuring liver surgery and transplantation, periods of partial or total vascular occlusion are inevitable and result in ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Nanomedicine uses the latest technology, which has emerged with interdisciplinary effects, such as biomedical sciences, physics, and engineering, to protect and improve human health. Interdisciplinary research has brought along the introduction of antioxidant nanoparticles as potential therapeutics. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of cerium oxide (CeO2) administration and desflurane anesthesia on liver tissue in liver IR injury.Material and methodsThirty rats were randomly divided into five groups: control (C), ischemia-reperfusion (IR), IR-desflurane (IRD), cerium oxide-ischemia reperfusion (CeO2-IR), and cerium oxide-ischemia reperfusion-desflurane (CeO2-IRD). In the IR, IRD, and CeO2-IRD groups, hepatic ischemia was induced after the porta hepatis was clamped for 120 min, followed by 120 min of reperfusion. Intraperitoneal 0.5 mg/kg CeO2 was administered to the CeO2 groups 30 min before ischemia. Desflurane (6%) was administered to the IRD and CeO2-IRD groups during IR. All groups were sacrificed under anesthesia. Liver tissue samples were examined under a light microscope by staining with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E). Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, catalase (CAT), glutathione-s-transferase (GST), and arylesterase (ARE) enzyme activities were measured in the tissue samples.ResultsThe IR group had considerably more hydropic degeneration, sinusoidal dilatation, and parenchymal mononuclear cell infiltration than the IRD, CeO2-IR, and CeO2-IRD groups. Catalase and GST enzyme activity were significantly higher in the CeO2-IR group than in the IR group. The MDA levels were found to be significantly lower in the IRD, CeO2-IR, and CeO2-IRD groups than in the IR group.ConclusionIntraperitoneal CeO2 with desflurane reduced oxidative stress and corrected liver damage.

Cell Dome as an Evaluation Platform for Organized HepG2 Cells.

Human-hepatoblastoma-derived cell line, HepG2, has been widely used in liver and liver cancer studies. HepG2 spheroids produced in a three-dimensional (3D) culture system provide a better biological model than cells cultured in a two-dimensional (2D) culture system. Since cells at the center of spheroids exhibit specific behaviors attributed to hypoxic conditions, a 3D cell culture system that allows the observation of such cells using conventional optical or fluorescence microscopes would be useful. In this study, HepG2 cells were cultured in "Cell Dome", a micro-dome in which cells are enclosed in a cavity consisting of a hemispherical hydrogel shell. HepG2 cells formed hemispherical cell aggregates which filled the cavity of Cell Domes on 18 days of culture and the cells could continue to be cultured for 29 days. The cells at the center of hemispherical cell aggregates were observed using a fluorescence microscope. The cells grew in Cell Domes for 18 days exhibited higher Pi-class Glutathione S-Transferase enzymatic activity, hypoxia inducible factor-1α gene expression, and higher tolerance to mitomycin C than those cultured in 2D on tissue culture dishes (* p < 0.05). These results indicate that the center of the glass adhesive surface of hemispherical cell aggregates which is expected to have the similar environment as the center of the spheroids can be directly observed through glass plates. In conclusion, Cell Dome would be useful as an evaluation platform for organized HepG2 cells.

Effects of different drugs and hormone treatment on Toxoplasma gondii glutathione S-transferase 2

BackgroundGlutathione S-transferase (GST) in eukaryotic organisms has multiple functions such as detoxifying endogenous/exogenous harmful substances to protect cells from oxidative damage, participating in sterol synthesis and metabolism, and regulating signaling pathways. Our previous work identified an important GST protein in Toxoplasma that contributes to vesicle trafficking called TgGST2, the deletion of which significantly reduces the virulence of the parasite. Meanwhile, we considered that TgGST2 may also play a role in other pathways of parasite life activities.MethodsThe tertiary structures of TgGST2 as well as estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) were predicted by trRosetta and Autodock Vina software, the binding sites were analyzed by PyMol's GetBox Plugin, and the binding capacity was evaluated using Discovery Studio plots software. We examined the influence of E2 and P4 on TgGST2 via glutathione S-transferase enzyme activity and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and through the localization observation of TgGST2 to evaluate its response ability in different drugs.ResultsTgGST2 could bind to exogenous E2 and P4, and that enzymatic activity was inhibited by the hormones in a concentration-dependent manner. Upon P4 treatment, the localization of TgGST2 changed from Golgi and vesicles to hollow circles, leading to abnormal localization of the molecular transporter Sortilin (VPS10) and microneme proteins (M2AP and MIC2), which ultimately affect the parasite life activities, but E2 had no significant effect. Moreover, diverse types of drugs had divergent effects on TgGST2, among which treatment with antifungal agents (voriconazole and clarithromycin), anticarcinogens (KU-60019, WYE-132 and SH5-07) and coccidiostats (dinitolmide and diclazuril) made the localization of TgGST2 appear in different forms, including dots, circles and rod shaped.ConclusionsOur study shows that TgGST2 plays a role in sterol treatment and can be affected by P4, which leads to deficient parasite motility. TgGST2 exerts divergent effects in response to the different properties of the drugs themselves. Its responsiveness to diverse drugs implies a viable target for the development of drugs directed against Toxoplasma and related pathogenic parasites.Graphical

Metabonomic analysis of the haemolymph reveals the dual effects of dietary selenium supplementations on growth of silkwormBombyx mori

Selenium (Se) is a vital micronutrient for the growth and development of organisms; however, its deficiency and toxicity pose worldwide challenges. Herein, we investigated the absorption, accumulation effect, and distribution of Se in silkworms, and tested the effect of Se feeding on the antioxidant indexes of silkworm haemolymph. Results showed that low concentrations of Se (50 μM and 100 μM) significantly increased the enzyme activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase and superoxide dismutase in the silkworm haemolymph compared to control and 200 μM group. In addition, metabonomic analysis could reveal the metabolic changes in silkworm haemolymph after treatment with different concentrations (50 μM, and 200 μM) of Se. Compared to un-treatment group, the amount of 90 metabolites in both of 50 μM and the 200 μM Se-treated groups displayed significant differences, with 50 up-regulated and 40 down-regulated in 50 μM group, 36 up-regulated and 54 down-regulated in 200 μM group, respectively. The main different metabolites were amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleotide metabolites and their derivatives. These results suggest that Se could affect the carbohydrate metabolism in silkworms. The difference in metabolites was subject to different changes under different concentrations of Se and consequently altered their metabolic functions to meet the required energy demands under the Se toxic stress conditions.

Oxidative stress and histological changes caused by lambda-cyhalothrin on the snail Helix aspersa

This study was interested in evaluating the toxicity of an insecticide based on lambda-cyhalothrin, newly approved and widely used in agriculture in Algeria, on an alternativebiological model, the snail Helix aspersa.In order to achieve these objectives, we based our-selves on the evaluation of the degree of oxidative stress by monitoring the average weightof the snails, the level of total proteins and Glutathione-SH (GSH), as well as the enzymaticactivities of Glutathione S-transferase (GST ) and Catalase activity (CAT ) at the level ofthe hepatopancreas. We performed a histopathological examination of the kidney and hep-atopancreas.The results show that lambda-cyhalothrin causes a dose-dependent decreasein the average weight of snails, an increase in the content of total proteins, and a decrease inthe level of GSH , in parallel with the induction of GST activities and CAT. Histopathologicalexamination conirmed the toxicity of lambda-cyhalothrin in Helix aspersa.

Altered activities of CYP1A1 and CYP19A1 enzymes in women using SSRI medication during pregnancy

IntroductionSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used medication for the treatment of depression during pregnancy. Their use may affect various biological molecules such as enzymes which regulate placental hormonal production and xenobiotic metabolism. Our aim was to investigate the effect of maternal SSRI use on activities of three placental enzymes. MethodsWe analyzed activities of xenobiotic metabolism enzymes cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), aromatase (CYP19A1), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) from placental microsomal and cytosolic subcellular fractions. Term placentas were collected from 47 SSRI users and 49 control women participating Kuopio Birth cohort (KuBiCo) during the years 2013–2015. Among SSRI users, escitalopram was the most widely used SSRI medication. ResultsThe mean enzyme activities of all studied enzymes were lower in SSRI users compared to controls. A statistically significant difference was observed in the enzyme activities of CYP19A1 (p = 0.001) and CYP1A1 (p = 0.002) between the study groups after adjusting for use of additional medication, gestational diabetes, sex of the newborn and gestational weeks at delivery. SSRI use had no significant effect on placental GST enzyme activity. DiscussionOur results indicate that SSRI medication alters placental enzyme activities. This may lead disturbances in maternal steroid hormone balance as well as in xenobiotic metabolism and may provide risk for both developing fetus and pregnant women.

Caffeine Supplementation in Semen Extender Protects Buffalo Spermatozoa from Cryodamage

Caffeine is widely known for its phosphodiesterase enzymes inhibiting, and its powerful reactive oxygen species scavenging property. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of caffeine supplementation @ 0 mM, 1 mM, 3 mM and 5 mM in AndroMed® extender on cryopreservation of Jaffarabadi buffalo semen. Twenty-four semen ejaculates (6/bull) with >70% initial sperm motility were obtained from four mature Jaffarabadi bulls using AV. The ejaculates were split-diluted in an egg-yolk-free AndroMed® extender supplemented with different concentrations of caffeine and were cryopreserved using a standard protocol. The semen samples were evaluated for sperm quality parameters as well as oxidative stress parameters, viz., lipid peroxidation, and Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) enzyme activity in seminal plasma at pre-freeze (after equilibration) and post-thaw stage. The levels of caffeine had a significant effect on all these parameters, except sperm abnormalities, at both pre-freeze and post-thaw stages. Supplementation of caffeine in semen extender at 1 mM and 3 mM concentration showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in post-thawed sperm motility (62.04 ± 0.84, 61.25 ± 1.01%), viability (64.21 ± 0.88, 64.25 ± 0.84%), acrosome integrity (58.08 ± 1.08, 57.30 ± 0.93%) and plasma membrane integrity (52.75 ± 0.89, 52.71 ± 0.74%) and a significant (p<0.05) decrease in oxidative damage as evident by lower lipid peroxidation (MDA 7.62 ± 0.41, 7.80 ± 0.70 μM) and GST enzyme activity (31.15 ± 1.36, 29.54 ± 0.54 nmol CDNB/mL/min) as compared to control and 5 mM caffeine. The study concludes that the post-thaw quality of frozen semen of Jaffarabadi buffalo bulls improves significantly with decreased oxidative stress if the AndroMed® extender is supplemented with 1 and 3 mM concentration of caffeine over control.

A novel theta-class glutathione S-transferase gene in Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae): Identification, recombinant protein expression and function analyses of RpGSTT1

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) play a major role in the detoxification of insecticides and the protection against oxidative damage caused by ROS (reactive oxygen species). The bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.), is a major crop pest worldwide. Chemical insecticides are currently used to control aphids, but insecticide resistance is an evolutionary issue for aphid control. In this research, we identified and cloned the full-length cDNA of a theta-class GST gene (RpGSTT1) from R. padi, which contains 702 bp open reading frame encoding 233 amino acids. RpGSTT1 was clustered together with theta classe of insect GSTs in the phylogenetic tree. Effect of insecticide exposure on the GST enzyme activity was investigated in vivo. After affinity purification, the recombinant RpGSTT1 protein was able to catalyze the conjugation of 1-chloro-2, 4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB). A disc diffusion assay showed that the RpGSTT1 can increase resistance to cumene hydroperoxide-induced oxidative stress. In addition, the purified recombinant RpGSTT1 protected super-coiled DNA from oxidative damage. By quantitative PCR, The relative expression level of RpGSTT1 in the aphid was highly up-regulated after 12 h exposure to β-cypermethrin, isoprocarb, malathion and sulfoxaflor, respectively. To our knowledge, RpGSTT1 is the first theta class of GST gene reported in bird cherry-oat aphid. Our findings indicate that RpGSTT1 may be involved in insecticide detoxification in R. padi.

Higher activity of Glutathione S-transferase enzyme is associated with field evolved resistance in Empoasca flavescens Fabricius

Higher activity of Glutathione S-transferase enzyme is associated with field evolved resistance in Empoasca flavescens Fabricius

Crataegus oxyacantha Extract as a Biostimulant to Enhance Tolerance to Salinity in Tomato Plants.

Salinity is a severe abiotic problem that has harmful impacts on agriculture. Recently, biostimulants were defined as bioprotectant materials that promote plant growth and improve productivity under various stress conditions. In this study, we investigated the effect of Crataegus oxyacantha extract as a biostimulant on tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) grown under salt stress. Concentrations of 20 mg/L, 30 mg/L, and 70 mg/L of C. oxyacantha extract were applied to tomato plants that were grown under salt stress. The results indicated that plants that were treated with C. oxyacantha extract had a higher ability to tolerate salt stress, as demonstrated by a significant (p < 0.05) increase in plant growth and photosynthetic pigment contents, in addition to a significant increase in tomato soluble sugars and amino acids compared to the control plants. In the stressed tomato plants, malondialdehyde increased and then decreased significantly with the different concentrations of C. oxyacantha extract. Furthermore, there was a significant improvement in the antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GR) in the stressed plants, especially after treatment with 70 mg/L of the extract. Overall, our results suggest that C. oxyacantha extract could be a promising biostimulant for treating tomato plants under salinity stress.

Toxicological Effects of Malathion at Low Dose on Wister Male Rats With Respect to Biochemical and Histopathological Alterations

The toxicity of organophosphorus insecticides is considered a major global health problem, and the target of the toxic action of these compounds in humans and pests is the same. Malathion is the most commonly used organophosphate, and its danger lies in prolonged exposure to low doses. Based on a review of the literature, little is known about the toxicological and clinicopathological effects of low doses of malathion on animal enzyme activity, such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT), glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST). Furthermore, the histopathological changes in the organs being studied (liver, kidney, brain, and lung) in treated rats were described. Three groups of experimental animals were created (each with eight rats): two experimental groups and one control group. The first group of rats received a dose of 5 mg/kg malathion orally for 24 h, the second received a dose of 5 mg/kg malathion for 21 days, and the third served as a control. Surprisingly, ALP, GPT, GOT, and GST enzymatic activities increased significantly in both malathion-treated groups (24 h or 21 days), while those of AChE significantly decreased. The histopathological changes were minimal and almost negligible in rats treated with malathion for 24 h. However, multiple histopathological changes were reported in rats treated with malathion for 21 days, including focal hepatocellular necrosis, chronic pyelonephritis, cerebral malaria, interstitial pneumonia, and testicular degeneration. Interestingly, there was a direct correlation between the alterations in biochemical parameters and histopathological lesions with the prolonged time of low malathion dose administration in rats. The study highlights the importance of research involving malathion’s chronic toxicity by non-lethal low concentrations of malathion to which most people and animals are exposed, whether as residues in water, air, or food.

Plant species compositions alleviate toxicological effects of bisphenol A by enhancing growth, antioxidant defense system, and detoxification

Bisphenol A (BPA), a broadly disseminated endocrine disturbing chemicals in environment, is harmful to creatures and plants. Plants can uptake and metabolize BPA, but a single plant species ability is limited. Undeniably, plant species compositions have a more vital ability to remove pollutants than a single plant species. However, the mechanisms of plant species compositions alleviating toxicological effects of bisphenol A are poorly understood. Here, we administered plant species compositions, which based on a full-factorial design of Phragmites australis (A), Typha latifolia (B), and Arundo donax (C), to unveil their role in BPA exposure. The results illustrated that the root activity, biomass, and photosynthetic pigment contents of the mixed hydroponic group (e.g., sp(ABC)) were significantly increased under concentration of BPA(1.5, 5, and 10mg L-1), which showed that the root activity, fresh weight, dry weight, chlorophyll a, and total chlorophyll contents of shoots were increased. While mixed-hydroponic culture groups (e.g., sp(AB), sp(ABC)) significantly increased antioxidant enzyme activity and antioxidant substances under concentration of BPA(5 and 10mg L-1), it astoundingly diminished responsive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) substance, proposing that mixed-hydroponic culture groups calmed oxidative stress. Further analysis revealed that mixed-hydroponic culture groups (e.g., sp(AB), sp(AC), sp(ABC)) of 1.5, 5, and 10mg L-1 BPA exposure significantly increased detoxification enzyme activity of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and glycosyltransferase (GT). Moreover, mixed-hydroponic culture groups (e.g., sp(AB), sp(AC), sp(ABC)) decreased the BPA substance in leaves, proposing that mixed-hydroponic culture groups advanced BPA metabolism by improving CPR, GST, and GT enzyme activities. These results demonstrated that a mixed-hydroponic culture strategy can alleviate BPA phytotoxicity and possibly offer natural and potential phytoremediation methods for BPA.