Growth-promoting Effects Research Articles

A root nodule microbiome sequencing data set from red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.)

There have been frequent reports of more than one strain of the nitrogen-fixing symbiont, Frankia, in the same root nodule of plants in the genus Alnus, but quantitative assessments of their relative contributions have not been made to date. Neither has the diversity of other microbes, having potential functional roles in symbiosis, been systematically evaluated. Alnus rubra root nodule microbiota were studied using Illumina short read sequencing and kmer-based read classification. Single end 76 bp sequencing was done to a median depth of 96 million reads per sample. Reads were assigned to taxa using KrakenUniq, with taxon abundances being estimated using its companion program Bracken. This was the first high resolution study of Alnus root nodules using next generation sequencing (NGS), quantifying multiple Cluster 1 A Frankia strains in single nodules, and in some cases, a Cluster 4 strain. Root nodules were found to contain diverse bacteria, including several genera containing species known to have growth-promoting effects. Evidence was found for partitioning of some bacterial strains in older versus younger lobes.

Novel endophytic fungus Leptosphaeria sp. strain T-2 improves plant growth and environmental stress tolerance

Drought and salinity stress pose threats to agricultural production in drylands. Although breeding and genetic modification techniques have been employed to develop drought- and salt-tolerant crops, these methods are costly and risky. Hence, the potential application of endophytic fungi in dryland agriculture is being explored as a novel approach in improving plant tolerance to environmental stress. In this study, endophytic fungi with growth-promoting effects were isolated, characterized, and evaluated in terms of their ability to confer drought and stress tolerance to their host plants. Seventy-seven growth-promoting endophytic fungi belonging to 20 genera were isolated from barley roots; of these, strain T-2 elicited remarkable effects on plant growth parameters. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that strain T-2 belongs to genus Leptosphaeria, whose members are generally known as plant pathogens. Thus, Leptosphaeria sp. strain T-2 is a novel endophytic fungus that promotes plant growth. Moreover, it alleviated growth inhibition caused drought and salinity stress, as evidenced by the survival and maintained health of lettuce plants inoculated with strain T-2. The results of this study suggest that strain T-2 can be applied as a biofertilizer to improve agricultural production in drylands.

In vitro hair growth-promoting effects of araliadiol via the p38/PPAR-γ signaling pathway in human hair follicle stem cells and dermal papilla cells.

Scalp hair plays a crucial role in social communication by expressing personal appearance and self-identity. Consequently, hair loss often leads to a perception of unattractiveness, negatively impacting an individual's life and mental health. Currently, the use of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs for hair loss is associated with several side effects, highlighting the need for identifying new drug candidates, such as plant-derived phytochemicals, to overcome these issues. This study investigated the hair growth-promoting effects of araliadiol, a polyacetylene compound found in plants such as Centella asiatica. We employed an in vitro model comprising human hair follicle stem cells (HHFSCs) and human dermal papilla cells (HDPCs) to evaluate the hair growth-promoting effects of araliadiol. The proliferation-stimulating effects of araliadiol were assessed using water-soluble tetrazolium salt assay, adenosine triphosphate content assay, and crystal violet staining assay. In addition, we performed luciferase reporter assay, polymerase chain reaction analysis, cell fractionation, Western blot analysis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to elucidate the mechanism underlying the hair growth-inductive effects of araliadiol. Araliadiol exhibited both proliferation- and hair growth-promoting effects in HHFSCs and HDPCs. Specifically, it increased the protein expression of cyclin B1 and Ki67. In HHFSCs, it elevated the expression of hair growth-promoting factors, including CD34, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and angiopoietin-like 4. Similarly, araliadiol increased the expression of hair growth-inductive proteins such as fibroblast growth factor 7, VEGF, noggin, and insulin-like growth factor 1 in HDPCs. Subsequent Western blot analysis and ELISA using inhibitors such as GW9662 and SB202190 confirmed that these hair growth-promoting effects were dependent on the p38/PPAR-γ signaling in both HHFSCs and HDPCs. Araliadiol promotes hair growth through the p38/PPAR-γ signaling pathway in human hair follicle cells. Therefore, araliadiol can be considered a novel drug candidate for the treatment of alopecia.

Production and ecological function of fucoidans from marine algae in a changing ocean.

Fucoidans have multiple biological and biomedical functions, e.g., antibacterial, antiviral, immunomodulatory, inflammatory, and growth-promoting effects. Recent studies show that they also have essential ecological functions whereas our understanding in this field is very superficial. This study first reviewed the fucoidans content in algae and the highest content of 13.3 % in Undaria pinnatifida sporophyll and the lowest content of 0.1 % in Alaria angusta were found. Field investigation demonstrates that light, temperature, salinity, and nutrient can affect fucoidan production in algae; while more laboratory experiments need to be carried out to verify these conclusions. Brown algae can excrete 8-31 % of their net carbon fixation into seawater in the form of fucoidans. Fucoidans are highly recalcitrant to bacterial degradation and thus the carbon in fucoidans can be stored for centuries. Therefore, fucoidans can play an essential role in carbon sequestration. Ocean afforestation with brown algae may be an effective approach to remove atmospheric CO2 since fucoidans have a high carbon content while seldom need any nitrogen or phosphorus. Fucoidans production in a warming and CO2 enriched ocean was also discussed. This study provides new insight into production and ecological functions of fucoidans, indicating their role in carbon sequestration and climate change alleviation.

Development of High-Quality Organic Fertilizer from Biomass Waste and the Application of Biochar in Local Areas of Sakon Nakhon Province, Northeastern Thailand

This study investigates the production of high-quality organic fertilizers from biomass waste in the Ban Wa Yai community of Sakon Nakhon Province, Northeastern Thailand, aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices amidst challenges such as soil degradation and reliance on chemical fertilizers. The primary objective was to develop organic fertilizers that enhance soil health and support plant growth while utilizing locally sourced biomass materials, including cow and buffalo manure, finely ground fermented leaf scraps, and weed debris. A fermentation process lasting 15 to 30 days was used, integrating biochar to improve nutrient profiles and microbial activity. Results showed optimal pH levels of 8.04 after 15 days and 7.94 after 30 days of fermentation, beneficial for addressing the region’s acidic soil conditions (pH 4.67 - 5.38). The germination index (GI) was notably high at 129 ± 1.86 after 30 days, indicating effective growth promotion potential. Analytical assessments confirmed nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) concentrations in the organic fertilizers met or exceeded organic standards, supporting plant nutrition and fostering healthy microbial ecosystems. The organic matter (OM) and organic carbon (OC) content were approximately 40 - 60 % higher than commercial alternatives, enhancing soil structure, aeration, and water retention. Additionally, calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) levels improved the nutrient profile, with Ca slightly exceeding standard limits, which helps ameliorate soil acidity. Economic analysis indicated a 40 % reduction in fertilizer costs for local farmers, promoting a shift towards organic practices. Overall, this study emphasizes the significance of self-reliance and the sufficiency economy philosophy in fostering sustainable agriculture practices within the Ban Wa Yai community. By utilizing local resources and transitioning from chemical fertilizers to high-quality organic fertilizers, the community enhances agricultural productivity while promoting economic independence and resilience. Such initiatives exemplify the potential for integrating traditional practices with modern agricultural methods to ensure a sustainable future. HIGHLIGHTS The study developed high-quality organic fertilizers from local biomass waste, enhancing sustainable agricultural practices in the Ban Wa Yai community. Fermentation resulted in optimal pH and nutrient levels (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg), surpassing commercial fertilizer standards and improving soil health. Transitioning to organic fertilizers led to a 40 % cost reduction for farmers, promoting self-reliance and aligning with the sufficiency economy philosophy. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Phagostimulant MTSG supplementation benefits growth-promoting and defensive effects of Rhodobacter azotoformans on Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis

The use of phagostimulant and Rhodobacter has been well proposed in Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis culture. Yet the influence of phagostimulant supplementation on the growth-promoting and defensive effects of Rhodobacter on Chinese mitten crabs is still unknown. In this study, a 40-day feeding trial was carried out to examine the contribution of dietary phagostimulant MTSG to the effects of R. azotoformans on the growth performance, immunity, antioxidant capability, intestinal flora diversity, and resistance of E. sinensis to bacterial challenge. The results revealed higher weight gain, specific growth rate, as well as serum and hepatopancreatic acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities in the 3.0 to 9.0 g/kg diet MTSG + R. azotoformans-fed crabs than R. azotoformans-fed crabs, indicating that the supplementation of MTSG at 3.0 to 9.0 g/kg diet could improve the effect of R. azotoformans on growth performance, immunity and antioxidant capability of Chinese mitten crabs. Furthermore, the supplementation of MTSG at 3.0 to 9.0 g/kg diet could strengthen the effect of R. azotoformans on intestinal flora diversity of Chinese mitten crabs, and enhance the effect of R. azotoformans on the disease resistance against S. putrefaciens infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to reveal the contribution of a phagostimulant (MTSG) to the growth-promoting and defensive effects of R. azotoformans on Chinese mitten crabs.

Evaluation of hemp stem retting water for carbon dots production and their phyto-activity

Water-retting hemp stem yields high-quality fiber but generates wastewater causing environmental pollution. In the present study, the retting water of hemp stem was used to synthesize carbon dots (HP-CDs). The obtained HP-CDs not only exhibited similar fluorescence emission characteristics to that of widely studied citric acid-based CDs (CA-CDs) but also contained nitrogen elements, primarily presented in the form of graphitic and pyridinic structures. Furthermore, the effect of HP-CDs on hemp growth and physiological characteristics were examined at six concentration levels (0, 10, 100, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg⋅L-1) in comparison with those of CA-CDs. Results indicated that HP-CDs were non-phytotoxic across the tested concentration levels. In contrast, CA-CDs exhibited concentration-dependent phytotoxicity, with concentration higher than 500mgL−1 resulted in adverse effects, including increased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and increased concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in leaves, necrotic symptom at the leaf edges, reduced root volume, and decreased dry weight accumulation. In a subsequent experiment, plants grown aeroponically with 100mgL−1 of HP-CDs promoted nitrogen uptake, and resulted in a higher leaf and stem dry weight than the plants at 0mgL−1 by 36.4% and 37.8%, respectively, which was comparable with the effects of CA-CDs. In conclusion, CDs derived from hemp retting water exhibited low biological toxicity and demonstrated similar plant growth-promoting effect as chemically derived CDs. Therefore, hemp stem retting water holds potentioal as a source for carbon dot production, and thereby supporting the sustainable hemp industry.

The DUF348 domains of resuscitation promoting factor 2 play important roles in the enzymatic and biological activities in Rhodococcus erythropolis KB1.

Rhodococcus erythropolis KB1 is a member of the Actinomycetota and a petroleum-degrading bacterium, isolated from soil contaminated with petroleum products. The resuscitation-promoting factors (Rpf) widely exist among Actinomycetota, which revive the viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state cells and facilitate growth of normal cells. The Rpf2 of the R. erythropolis KB1 is the most complex Rpf protein, which consists of the conserved Rpf domain, one G5 domain and three DUF348 domains. The protein demonstrates muralytic activity and growth-promoting and resuscitation effect, but the exact roles of these DUF348 domains in the enzymic and biological activities remain unclear. In this paper, the recombinant plasmids containing rpf2 genes with different DUF348 domain deletion were constructed and expressed in Escherichia coli. The enzymatic and biological activities of the mutated Rpf2 proteins were examined. The results showed that the enzymatic activities of the mutated Rpf2 proteins with 1, 2, and 3 DUF348 deletion decreased by 26.27%, 38.17%, and 42.56% respectively when compared with that of the wild-type Rpf2. A negative correlation between the number of DUF348 deletions and the growth-promoting and resuscitation effect on R.erythropolis KB1 cells were also observed. The muralytic activities of the mutated Rpf2 proteins showed stability at the temperature range of 20°C to 40°C, but showed sharp declines at 50°C, with the activity dropping by 50.07% to 90.06%, and complete loss at 70°C and 80°C, underscoring importance of the DUF348 in thermal stability of the Rpf2. Zn2+ and Mn2+ slightly enhanced the muralytic activity, while Mg2+, Ca2+ and Co2+ had negligible effects. These findings offered significant insights into mechanism of the Rpf action, emphasizing the critical role of the DUF348 domain.

Regulatory Effects of Copper on Ghrelin Secretion in Rat Fundic Glands.

Copper (Cu) is an effective additive in feed for promoting growth. Growth dan axis comprising growth hormone (GH), somatostatin (SS) and GH-releasing hormone (GHRH), with ghrelin regulating their release. The growth-promoting effects of Cu are closely related to ghrelin, but the specific mechanism behind the relationship remains unknown. We investigated the adjustment of ghrelin synthesis and secretion by Cu. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed basal diets with an addition of 0, 120 or 240 mg/kg Cu sulfate for 28 day to establish a growth-promoting model. Signalling molecules relevant to ghrelin synthesis and secretion were detected and mechanistically explored using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. The 120 mg/kg supplement improved growth performance; significantly increased the serum levels of ghrelin, ghrelin O-acyltransferase (GOAT), acylated ghrelin (AG), GH, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased those of SS; significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression of ghrelin, GOAT, ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1α), and activator protein 1 (AP-1); increased the phosphorylation ratio of JNK and p38 MAPK; and inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of SS and SS receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2) in gastric fundic gland tissues. Thus, Cu may affect gastric ghrelin synthesis at the transcriptional level by activating the JNK/p38 MAPK pathway through increased ROS levels and regulating the activation of the downstream redox-sensitive transcription factor AP-1. SS plays a crucial determinant role in ghrelin regulation via intragastric Cu. Cu promotes GOAT activity and ghrelin secretion by inhibiting SS secretion, affecting AG levels, and promoting ghrelin acylation through ghrelin/GOAT/GHS-R1α system, modulating ghrelin secretion.

Dynamics of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in the Rhizosphere of Medicinal Plants and Their Promotion on the Performance of Astragalus mongholicus

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) act as intermediaries between the root systems of host plants and the surrounding soil, offering various benefits to medicinal plants, such as promoting growth and enhancing quality. However, the host range of AMF in medicinal plants and the characteristics of plant–AMF networks in farmland ecosystems remain insufficiently studied. In the present study, we measured AMF colonization, species diversity, and soil properties of 31 medicinal plants at the Anguo Medicine Planting Base in Northwest China. The medicinal plant–AMF network was subsequently analyzed, and the growth-promoting effects of AMF on Astragalus mongholicus were examined. Spore density, species richness, and total colonization exhibited significant variation across different medicinal plant species. Glomus melanosporum, G. claroideum, and Septoglomus constrictum were the dominant species among 61 AMF species. Soil organic matter, phosphatase, available nitrogen, and glomalin-related soil proteins (GRSPs) were the main factors affecting the AMF composition. Structural equation models and a variation partitioning analysis suggested a highly plant species-specific pattern of AMF distribution patterns, where the host identities explained 61.4% of changes in spore density and 48.2% of AMF colonization. The soil nutrient availability and phosphatase activity also influenced AMF colonization. Our results confirmed glomalin as an important contributor to the soil carbon in farmland for cultivating medicinal plants. The medicinal plant–AMF symbiotic network exhibited highly nested patterns, a low specialized structure, high connectance, and low modularity, which suggested saturated AMF colonization and symbiosis stability provided by redundant plant–AMF associations. Despite the wide host range among medicinal plants, AMF inoculation revealed species-specific effects on the growth performance and active ingredient content levels in A. mongholicus, G. claroideum and Sep. constrictum induced the highest biomass and active ingredient content accumulation in A. mongholicus. These findings advance our understanding of AMF community dynamics in the rhizosphere of medicinal plants and offer valuable insights for optimizing medicinal plant cultivation practices.

Evaluation and identification of metabolites produced by Cytobacillus firmus in the interaction with Arabidopsis thaliana plants and their effect on Solanum lycopersicum

Currently, the use of bio-inputs is increasing due to the need to reduce the use of agrochemicals. However, one of the limitations is to preserve the viability of the living microorganisms, so it is important to find an alternative that allows us to obtain different metabolites to produce it. We evaluated three different interactions (contact, diffusible and volatile compounds) in vitro in Arabidopsis thaliana (At) seedlings with the strain Cytobacillus firmus M10 and its filtered secondary metabolites (M10F). The results showed that the seedlings inoculated by contact with the filtrate (AtM10F) presented increases in root length (30 %) and leaf area (33 %), as well as in the volatile interaction (At/M10F) with respect to the uninoculated treatment. For both interactions, the seedlings inoculated with the bacteria by contact (AtM10) and volatile (At/M10) obtained greater biomass (48 and 57 %). Subsequently, an evaluation at the end of the A. thaliana cycle showed that the treatments obtained by contact and distance when reinoculated with the bacteria and the filtrate (AtM10, At-M10 and AtM10F) obtained 50 % more seed yield than the control treatment, while AtM10F presented 72 %, while At/M10F presented the highest no. of siliques and seeds, which increased the yield by 65 %. In the Solanum lycopersicum (Sl) experiment, the filtrate (SlM10F) showed significant differences in seedling height, leaf length and width (23, 24 and 36 %, respectively). It also promoted an increase in fresh and dry weight, producing a greater root area and larger leaves compared to the control (Sl) and the bacteria (SlM10). We performed a qualitative characterization of the secondary metabolites present in the filtrate, where we found 2,4-DTBP, sylvopinol, isophthaladehyde, and eicosane of interest with possible growth-promoting effects on A. thaliana and tomato. We identified volatile compounds present in plant-microorganism and plant-filtrate interactions as possible precursors in the induction of plant growth, among which phenols, alcohols, aldehydes, alkanes, and alkenes stand out. Most of the analyzed compounds have not been found in the literature with reports of growth promoters, is important to mention that due to their characteristic functional groups they can derive and trigger the synthesis of new molecules with agronomic application.

A Small Molecule Antagonist of CX3CR1 (KAND567) Inhibited the Tumor Growth-Promoting Effect of Monocytes in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).

Nurse-like cells (NLCs) derived from monocytes in the tumor microenvironment support the growth of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells. Here, we investigated the effects of a CX3CR1 (fractalkine receptor) antagonist (KAND567) on autologous monocytes and their pro-survival effects on CLL cells in vitro. Plasma concentration of CX3CL1 was determined by ELISA and CX3CR1 expression by flow cytometry. CD19+ cells and autologous monocytes from patients with CLL and healthy donors were treated with KAND567 either in co-culture or alone. The apoptosis of CD19+ cells and monocytes was determined by Annexin V/PI staining and live-cell imaging. Plasma concentration of CX3CL1 (fractalkine) was significantly higher in patients with CLL (n = 88) than in healthy donors (n = 32) (p < 0.0001), with higher levels in patients with active compared to non-active disease (p < 0.01). CX3CR1 was found on monocytes but not B cells in patients and controls. Levels of intermediate and non-classical CX3CR1+ monocytes were higher in patients with CLL than in controls (p < 0.001), particularly in those with active disease (p < 0.0001). Co-culture experiments revealed that autologous monocytes promoted the survival of both malignant and normal B cells and that KAND567 selectively inhibited the growth of CLL cells in a dose-dependent manner but only in the presence of autologous monocytes (p < 0.05). Additionally, KAND567 inhibited the transition of monocytes to NLCs in CLL (p < 0.05). Our data suggest that the CX3CR1/CX3CL1 axis is activated in CLL and may contribute to the NLC-driven growth-promoting effects of CLL cells. KAND567, which is in clinical trials in other disorders, should also be explored in CLL.

Identification of a Resistance Exercise-Specific Signaling Pathway that Drives Skeletal Muscle Growth.

A human model of unilateral endurance versus resistance exercise, in conjunction with deep phosphoproteomic analyses, was used to identify exercise mode-specific phosphorylation events. Among the outcomes, a resistance exercise-specific cluster of events was identified, and a multitude of bioinformatic- and literature-based predictions suggested that this was mediated by prolonged activation of a pathway involving MKK3b/6, p38, MK2, and mTORC1. Follow-up studies in humans and mice provide consistent support for the predictions and also revealed that resistance exercise-induced signaling through MKK3b and the induction of protein synthesis are highly correlated events (R = 0.87). Moreover, genetic activation of MKK3b/6 in skeletal muscles was sufficient to induce signaling through the members of the resistance exercise-specific pathway, as well as an increase in protein synthesis and fiber size. Thus, we propose that we have identified some of the core components of a signaling pathway that drives the growth-promoting effects of resistance exercise.

High-agronomic value of selected poultry manure valorized through aerobic fermentation: The AFRODITE® process

Chicken manure is a raw material with potential value as fertilizer. The present work documented an 8-month continuous spontaneous fermentation process, referred to as AFRODITE® (Aerobic Fermentation and Revaluation of Organic matrix to Develop and Improve The Essence of soil), where the main physical, chemical and microbiological parameters have been investigated for two years within the company FOMET S.p.A. The pelletized final product reached in both years stable value of pH (6.5–7.5), moisture (17.0–13.8%), total nitrogen (3.0–3.8%) and C/N ratio (10.46–10.66); total eubacteria population decreased (from 10 to 11 to about 7 Log CFU/g), with the selection of a thermophilic/hyperthermophilic microbiota due to the high temperatures during the process. The commercial product is microbiologically safe and rich of bacteria that were isolated and identified. The dominant species belong to the Bacillus genus, which includes several Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria whose beneficial activities towards soil and plant are widely known. A greenhouse experiment in lettuce and eggplants showed the positive effect of two concentrations of the pelletized commercial product (2.5 and 5% w/w) in combination with a mixture of topsoil/river sand. In particular, 27% of fresh weight increase was observed in lettuce with both product amounts whereas the average production of eggplants was three times higher using 5% pelletized product compared to the untreated control. This work has highlighted that chicken manure fermentation followed by pelletization allows the obtainment of a stable product, rich in beneficial bacteria and nutritional elements, possessing growth-promoting effects on horticultural plants. The process represents a virtuous example of circular economy.

Manipulation in root-associated microbiome via carbon nanosol for plant growth improvements

BackgroundModulating the microbiome with nanomaterials has been proposed to improve plant growth, and reduce reliance on external inputs. Carbon Nanosol (CNS) was attracted for its potential to improve plant productivity. However, the mechanism between CNS and rhizosphere microorganisms remained largely elusive.ResultsHere, we tried to systematically explore the effects of CNS (600 and 1200 mg/L by concentration) on tobacco growth, soil physical properties, and root-associated microbiome. The influence of CNS on soil physicochemical properties and plant growth was significant and dose-dependent, leading to a 28.82% increase in biomass accumulation by 600 mg/L CNS. Comparison between the CNS-treated and control plants revealed significant differences in microbiome composition, including 1148 distinct ASVs (923 bacteria and 225 fungi), microbiome interactions, and metabolic function of root-associated microbiomes. Fungal and bacterial communities had different response patterns for CNS treatment, with phased and dose-dependent effects, with the most significant changes in microbial community structure observed at 1200 mg/L after 10 days of treatment. Microbial networks of CNS-treated plants had more nodes and edges, higher connectivity, and more hub microorganisms than those of control plants. Compared with control, CNS significantly elevated abundances of various bacterial biomarkers (such as Sphingomonas and Burkholderia) and fungi biomarkers (including Penicillium, Myceliophthora, and Talaromyces), which were potential plant-beneficial organisms. Functional prediction based on metagenomic data demonstrated pathways related to nutrient cycling being greatly enriched under CNS treatment. Furthermore, 391 culturable bacteria and 44 culturable fungi were isolated from soil and root samples. Among them, six bacteria and two fungi strains enriched upon CNS treatment were validated to have plant growth promotion effect, and two fungi (Cladosporium spp. and Talaromyces spp.) played their roles by mediating volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To some extent, the driving and shaping of the microbiome by CNS contributed to its impact on plant growth and development.ConclusionOur results revealed the key role of root-associated microbiota in mediating the interaction between CNS and plants, thus providing valuable insights and strategies for harnessing CNS to enhance plant growth.Graphical

Immunomodulatory and growth-promoting effects of supplementing red yeast (Sporidiobolus pararoseus) in fish meal-based diets for koi carp (Cyprinus carpio var. koi) cultured in a biofloc system

Immunomodulatory and growth-promoting effects of supplementing red yeast (Sporidiobolus pararoseus) in fish meal-based diets for koi carp (Cyprinus carpio var. koi) cultured in a biofloc system

Unraveling the Dual Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Mechanisms of Acteoside: Computational Insights and Experimental Validation.

Acteoside (ACT) is one of the primary bioactive ingredients in Cistanche tubulosa (Schenk). Its remarkable efficacy in treating immune-related and inflammatory disorders has garnered significant interest among scientific circles. However, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of ACT and its underlying molecular mechanisms require further investigation. In this study, pharmacophore-based reverse docking and molecular dynamics simulations identified potential anti-inflammatory targets in silico. Studies conducted in vitro with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells validated the anti-inflammatory properties of ACT. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays indicated ACT's non-toxic and growth-promoting effects on cells. ACT significantly reduced nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and restored levels of antioxidant enzymes. It also decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines. Western blotting assays indicated that ACT inhibited p38, TNF-α, PI3 K/AKT, and NF-κB signaling pathways. These findings underscore ACT's ability to mitigate acute inflammation in RAW264.7 cells by modulating key signaling pathways and provide the scientific basis for enhancing the medicinal value of ACT and future drug development.

Microbe-Friendly Plants Enable Beneficial Interactions with Soil Rhizosphere Bacteria by Lowering Their Defense Responses.

The use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria presents a promising addition to conventional mineral fertilizer use and an alternative strategy for sustainable agricultural crop production. However, genotypic variations in the plant host may result in variability of the beneficial effects from these plant-microbe interactions. This study examined growth promotion effects of commercial vegetable crop cultivars of tomato, cucumber and broccoli following application with five rhizosphere bacteria. Biochemical assays revealed that the bacterial strains used possess several nutrient acquisition traits that benefit plants, including nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, biofilm formation, and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production. However, different host cultivars displayed genotype-specific responses from the inoculations, resulting in significant (p < 0.05) plant growth promotion in some cultivars but insignificant (p > 0.05) or no growth promotion in others. Gene expression profiling in tomato cultivars revealed that these cultivar-specific phenotypes are reflected in differential expressions of defense and nutrient acquisition genes, suggesting that plants can be categorized into "microbe-friendly" cultivars (with little or no defense responses against beneficial microbes) and "microbe-hostile" cultivars (with strong defense responses). These results validate the notion that "microbe-friendly" (positive interaction with rhizosphere microbes) should be considered an important trait in breeding programs when developing new cultivars which could result in improved crop yields.

Effect of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) on feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broiler chickens: A meta-analysis

Antibiotics have been used for a long time as growth promoters in the poultry industry for growth and health benefits. However, recent studies reflected little, no, or negative impacts of using antibiotics for growth promotion purposes. This study was designed to examine the overall effect of antibiotic supplementation on the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in broiler chickens as a performance indicator and assess different covariates for explaining heterogeneity in response to the use of antibiotics as growth promoters. In this regard, FCRs obtained from articles that compared diets with and without antibiotics for broiler chickens were extracted from electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) as per PRISMA guidelines. The database comprised 42 scientific articles containing 74 experiments totaling 19,562 chickens. A basic meta-analysis and subgroup analysis were performed to assess the overall impact of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) on FCR of broiler chickens while a meta-regression analysis was used to assess different covariates (breed, antibiotic dose, location, time, presence of anticoccidial in the feed, antibiotic type, and housing type) to explain variations in true effect size of the studies. The basic meta-analysis of these studies revealed an overall improvement in FCR by 2.8 % (p < 0.05) due to addition of AGPs than the control group with the confidence interval range from 1.3 to 4.3 % and the prediction interval ranging between -10 and 16 %. The covariates, including breed, dose and location, provided the optimum model fit and explained 53 % of variations in the FCR across different studies. In summary, an overall marginal improvement has been observed in mean FCR of broiler chickens along with a wide range of variations in response to use of AGPs. The variations in true effects among these studies are subject to several confounding effects, particularly breed, dose and location. Considering the marginal positive effect of antibiotic usage in chicken performance, we recommend against using of AGP.

MTORC1 and 2 adrenergic regulation and function in brown adipose tissue.

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis results from the uncoupling of mitochondrial inner membrane proton gradient mediated by the uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1), which is activated by lipolysis-derived fatty acids. Norepinephrine (NE) secreted by sympathetic innervation not only activates BAT lipolysis and UCP-1, but uniquely in brown adipocytes, promotes "futile" metabolic cycles and enhances BAT thermogenic capacity by increasing UCP-1 content, mitochondrial biogenesis and brown adipocyte hyperplasia. NE exerts these actions by triggering signaling in the canonical G protein coupled b adrenergic receptors, cAMP and protein kinase A (PKA) pathway which, in brown adipocyte, is under a complex and intricated crosstalk with important growth-promoting signaling pathways such as those of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) complexes 1 (mTORC1) and 2 (mTORC2). This article reviews evidence suggesting that mTOR complexes are modulated by and participate in the thermogenic, metabolic, and growth-promoting effects elicited by NE in BAT and discusses current gaps and future directions in this field of research.