GST Activity Research Articles

Nitric oxide acts upstream of indole-3-acetic acid in ameliorating arsenate stress in tomato seedlings

After their discovery, nitric oxide (NO) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) have been reported as game-changing cellular messengers for reducing abiotic stresses in plants. But, information regarding their shared signaling in regulating metal stress is still unclear. Herein, we have investigated about the joint role of NO and IAA in mitigation of arsenate [As(V)] toxicity in tomato seedlings. Arsenate being a toxic metalloid increases the NPQ level and cell death while decreasing the biomass accumulation, photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll a fluorescence, endogenous NO content in tomato seedlings. However, application of IAA or SNP to the As(V) stressed seedlings improved growth together with less accumulation of arsenic and thus, preventing cell death. Interestingly, addition of c-PTIO, {2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4, 4, 5, 5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide, a scavenger of NO} and 2, 3, 5-triidobenzoic acid (TIBA, an inhibitor of polar auxin transport) further increased cell death and inhibited activity of GST, leading to As(V) toxicity. However, addition of IAA to SNP and TIBA treated seedlings reversed the effect of TIBA resulting into decreased As(V) toxicity. These findings demonstrate that IAA plays a crucial and advantageous function in NO-mediated reduction of As(V) toxicity in seedlings of tomato. Overall, this study concluded that IAA might be acting as a downstream signal for NO-mediated reduction of As(V) toxicity in tomato seedlings.

Pyroxasulfone Metabolism in Resistant Lolium rigidum: Is It All Down to GST Activity?

Resistance to the herbicide pyroxasulfone has slowly but steadily increased in agricultural weeds. The evolved resistance of one Lolium rigidum population has been attributed to the conjugation of pyroxasulfone to reduced glutathione, mediated by glutathione transferase (GST) activity. To determine if GST-based metabolism is a widespread mechanism of pyroxasulfone resistance in L. rigidum, a number of putative-resistant populations were screened for GST activity toward pyroxasulfone, the presence of GSTF13-like isoforms (previously implicated in pyroxasulfone conjugation in this species), tissue glutathione concentrations, and response to inhibitors of GSTs and oxygenases. Although there were no direct correlations between pyroxasulfone resistance levels and these individual parameters, a random forest analysis indicated that GST activity was of primary importance for L. rigidum resistance to this herbicide.

Nanoselenium inhibits chromium toxicity in wheat plants by modifying the antioxidant defense system, ascorbate glutathione cycle, and glyoxalase system

Chromium (Cr) stress negatively impacts plant growth and physiological processes, making it a significant environmental concern. This study investigates the effectiveness of selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) in mitigating Cr stress on plants, comparing its efficacy with traditional selenium (Se). Nevertheless, research on using soil-applied Se-NP to lessen Cr buildup in plants has not been widely documented as of now. Here, we investigate the effectiveness of Se-NPs in mitigating Cr stress on plants, comparing their efficacy with traditional Se and control. Under the pervasive influence of Cr stress, Se-NPs exhibit remarkable superiority over conventional Se, significantly enhancing growth parameters (fresh weight, dry weight, shoot length, and root length), respectively, compared to the Cr-stressed plants. Physiologically, Se-NPs outperform Se by substantially improving the net photosynthesis rate (+32%), transpiration (+147%), and stomatal conductance (+64%), indicating its exceptional contribution to fortifying plant resilience under Cr stress. In mitigating oxidative stress, Se-NPs surpass Se, demonstrating a more pronounced reduction in LOX activity (−35%), MDA levels (−34%), H2O2 (−37%), and MG (−47%), showcasing heightened protection against Cr induced oxidative damage. Antioxidant defense systems also witness greater activation under Se-NPs, with higher increases in SOD (+27%), CAT (+54%), GPX (+7%), and GST (+37%) activities. Moreover, under Cr stress Se-NPs induce a more profound upregulation of antioxidant genes and the production of secondary metabolites, emphasizing its superior impact on the plant's defense mechanisms. The modulation of the ASA-GSH cycle by Se-NPs is more robust, with increased levels of ASA (+69%) and GSH (+33%), and decreased DHA (−28%) and GSSG (−29%), suggesting a more effective antioxidant network. Moreover, Se-NPs demonstrate heightened interference in Cr uptake in both root (−30%) and shoot tissues (−23%), indicating its potential to disrupt the Cr-induced ASA-GSH cycle. The study highlights the potential of Se-NPs as a more effective and sustainable approach to mitigate Cr-induced stress in plants, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying mechanisms and optimizing application strategies for improved agricultural sustainability and productivity in Cr-contaminated environments. Furthermore, it is necessary to conduct economic feasibility studies and assessments of the effects of Se-NP on soil microbiota in order to promote the widespread application in agricultural activities.

Oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in streptozotocin-induced acute and subacute toxicity response

Streptozotocin (STZ) is used as a diabetes-inducing agent in experimental animal studies. However, it is known that STZ-induced diabetic animals show significant increases in oxidative stress parameters and neurodegeneration besides their blood glucose level. In this study, the acute and subacute toxic effects of STZ on the liver, sciatic nerve, and brain tissues were investigated in vivo rat model. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups; while 50 mg/kg STZ was administered ip to the STZ group, only saline was administered to the control group. After STZ administration, three units (100 U/mL) of subcutaneous insulin glargine were applied daily to prevent the formation of diabetes. At 24 h, 1,2, and 4 weeks after applications, rats from each group were sacrificed and tissues were removed under anesthesia. At the end of the study, compared to the control, a significant decrease in SOD and GST activity and an increase in lipid peroxidation were detected in the liver and sciatic tissues of rats in the STZ-treated group in the first 24h. Considering the TUNEL, NFκB, and NOS2 expressions, it was noted that while the effects of STZ on the liver were observed in the acute stage (24h), it had subacute effects on the brain. When apoptosis-related gene expression (Bcl-2, Bax, CASP3, CASP8, CASP9, TNF-α) and immunohistochemistry were evaluated, the apoptotic effect of STZ was observed mostly in sciatic nerve tissues. Within the scope of the study, it was revealed that STZ did not only show selective toxicity to pancreatic β cells but also very toxic to other tissues and organs.

Silica nanoparticles: Chemical synthesis and acute neurotoxic study in Wistar rat

Objectives: In this study, silica nanoparticles (SNPs) were synthesized through the sol-gel approach, characterized using X-ray diffraction and examined for their potential to induce acute neurotoxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: The average particle size was confirmed to be 110 ± 5 nm through scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. An intraperitoneal injection of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg of SNPs was administered twice over 24 h to rats, followed by autopsies 24 h later. Brain regions (cerebellum, frontal cortex, hippocampus, and corpus striatum) were analyzed for changes in antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione-s-transferase [GST], glutathione peroxidase [GPx], glutathione reductase [GR] and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance [TBARS] levels) and neurotransmitter concentrations (acetylcholinestrase [AChE], dopamine, serotonin and nor-epinephrine). Results: The activity of SOD, CAT and GST increased significantly in the high dose group, specifically in the hippocampus and corpus striatum. No significant change in GR activity was observed in any dose group. Significant alterations were observed in neurotransmitter concentrations in hippocampus and corpus striatum in rats treated with high dose. Conclusion: Overall, the outcomes derived from our research suggest that SNPs lead to dose-dependent oxidative harm and neurotoxic effects in different regions of brain.

Nonspecific immune, histology and accumulation of marine worm, Urechis unicinctus in response to bisphenol A (BPA)

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the environmental endocrine disruptors, due to its chemical stability it exists in abundant concentrations in water and soil consequently accumulating in the food chain and causing many endocrine-related health problems. So far, studies on the effects of BPA on marine invertebrates have focused on acute toxicity, endocrine regulation, reproduction, and development. However, fewer studies have been conducted on marine benthos. The current study aimed to detect the accumulation of BPA and its impact on tissue structure, antioxidant capacity, and immune indexes in marine worm, Urechis unicinctus. U. unicinctus, as a common marine benthic animal, were exposed to different concentrations of BPA. Blood cells and intestinal tract were taken for tissue structure inspection, and supernatant of the coelomic fluid was collected for oxidative and antioxidant biomarkers. Results showed that the accumulation of BPA in muscles of U. unicinctus tended to increase with exposure time. BPA induced a rise in H2O2 and MDA content, and altered the activities of CAT, T-SOD, GST, LSZ and ACP, weaken the immune system functions. Moreover, pathological observation showed that BPA caused severe histopathology in the respiratory intestine, stomach, and midgut. These results will be helpful to understand the response mechanism of U. unicinctus under BPA exposure and provide a reference for controlling the aquaculture conditions and marine water quality of U. unicinctus.

Salvia miltiorrhiza polysaccharide promotes the health of crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) by promoting hemocyte phagocytosis, protecting hepatopancreas and enhancing intestinal barrier function

Plant polysaccharides as immunomodulators are considered one of the effective measures to reduce antibiotic therapy in aquaculture. The immunomodulatory function of Salvia miltiorrhiza polysaccharides (SMP) has been demonstrated and begun to be applied in vertebrates, but its potential effect on crustaceans is unclear. In this study, crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) was fed with 0 %, 0.3 %, 0.7 %, 1.1 %, and 1.5 % SMP for 4 weeks to investigate the effects of SMP on hemocytes phagocytosis, hepatopancreatic function, and intestinal barrier function. The results revealed that hemocyte phagocytic activity was increased in all SMP groups. During the process of hemocytes phagocytic recognition and formation of phagosomes and phagolysosomes, the mRNA expression levels of mas, hem, rab3, ctsb, and lamp-1 were up-regulated mainly in the 0.3 % SMP group. During the clearance phase of phagocytosis, respiratory burst activity, ROS level, T-SOD, CAT, GST, and LZM activities were mainly increased in the 1.5 % SMP group. Hepatopancreas AKP and GOT activity were no significant change in all SMP groups. ACP activity was significantly enhanced in the 1.1 % SMP group. The GPT activity of 0.3–0.7 % SMP group was significantly decreased. The 0.7 % SMP group had the highest intestinal fold height. The highest index values of OTUs, Ace, Chao, and Shannon were in the 0.3 % SMP group. The dietary addition of 0.3 % SMP led to a tendency of increased relative abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidota at the phylum level, while the relative abundance of Proteobacteria at the phylum level decreased. In conclusion, dietary SMP could promote crayfish health by enhancing phagocytosis, protecting hepatopancreas and enhancing intestinal barrier function. This study contributes to the theoretical foundation for exploring the potential application of plant polysaccharides in crustaceans.

Effects of Complex Antioxidants Added to Chicken Diet on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Indices, Meat Quality, and Antioxidant Capacity

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of diets supplemented with various levels of complex antioxidants (CA) containing tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) and tea polyphenols (TP) on growth performance, meat quality of breast and leg muscles, serum biochemistry, and antioxidant capacity of serum, liver, breast meat, jejunum, and ileum in broilers. A total of 600 one-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers with similar body weights were randomly divided into three groups (10 replicates/group, 20 broilers/replicate). Birds in the three experimental groups were fed a basal diet with CA at 0, 300, and 500 mg/kg. The results showed that supplementing with 300 mg/kg CA significantly increased (p < 0.05) 42 d BW and 22–42 d ADG, and markedly decreased (p < 0.05) 22–42 d F: G ratio in comparison to the control group. Birds fed a diet with 300 mg/kg CA had a higher (p < 0.05) pH of chicken meat at 24 h and 48 h post mortem and lower (p < 0.05) yellowness values (b*) of chicken meat at 45 min and 24 h post mortem, along with a lower (p < 0.05) cooking loss. Supplementing with 300 mg/kg CA significantly increased (p < 0.05) serum and liver T-SOD activity, serum T-AOC level, as well as jejunual GST activity, and significantly decreased (p < 0.05) liver MDA content when compared with the control group. These results indicate that diet supplementation with 300 mg/kg CA containing TBHQ and TP could improve growth performance and meat quality by increasing the antioxidant capacity of broilers.

Effects of Suaeda rigida extract on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity and immune function of Karakul sheep

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of Suaeda rigida extract on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity and immune function of Karakul sheep. Blood samples were collected from the jugular veins before morning feeding on the 10th, 20th and 30th days of the trial period, respectively, and the serum antioxidant and immune indexes of Karakul sheep in the control and experimental groups were determined. The results showed that the growth performance of Karakul sheep was dramatically improved by dietary supplementation of Suaeda rigida, the contents of NO, cGMP, MDA, H2O2, •OH and the activities of XOD, GGT, NOS in the serums of Karakul sheep were inhibited to varying degrees, the GSH content and the activities of GSH-Px, GST, CAT and SOD were substantially increased (P<0.05 at 10d, P<0.01 both 20d and 30d). At 30 days, the contents of total protein, globulin, calcium and three immunoglobulins including IgG, IgA, IgM in the sera of experimental Karakul sheep were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). All the results suggested that the growth performance, antioxidant, anti-aging capacity, immune function, and life extension of Karakul sheep were significantly improved by dietary supplementation with Suaeda rigida.

Ferulic acid interventions ameliorate NDEA-CCl4-induced hepatocellular carcinoma via Nrf2 and p53 upregulation and Akt/PKB-NF-κB-TNF-α pathway downregulation in male Wistar rats

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a prevalent form of liver cancer that is life threatening. Many chemically synthesized anti-cancer drugs have various degrees of side effects. Hence, this study investigated the effect of FEAC interventions on NDEA-CCl4-induced HCAR in male Wistar rats. HCAR was induced by intraperitoneal administration of 200 mg/kg of NDEA and 0.5 mL/kg CCl4 (as a promoter of HCAR). Following the induction of HCAR, rats were treated differently with two different doses (25 and 50 mg/kg) of FEAC. HCAR induction was confirmed by the significant elevation of serum levels of ALT, AST, and α-FP. Also elevated significantly were liver levels of Akt/PKB, NF-κB, TNF-α, MDA, GSH, and activities of GST, SOD, and CAT, while levels of liver p53 and Nrf2 were significantly lowered compared with normal rats. Treatment interventions with both 25 and 50 mg/kg of FEAC against the DEN-CCl4-induced HCAR gave comparable effects, marked by a significant reduction in the levels of serum ALT, AST and α-FP, as well as liver levels of MDA, GSH, Akt/PKB, NF-κB, TNF-α, GST, SOD, and CAT, while levels of liver p53 and Nrf2 were significantly elevated compared with normal rats. Put together and judging by the outcomes of this study, FEAC being a potent antioxidant may also be potent against chemical-induced HCAR via upregulation of p53 and Nrf2, as well as downregulation of the Akt/PKB-NF-κB pathway in rats.

Lactic acid bacteria modulate the CncC pathway to enhance resistance to β-cypermethrin in the oriental fruit fly.

The gut microbiota of insects has been shown to regulate host detoxification enzymes. However, the potential regulatory mechanisms involved remain unknown. Here, we report that gut bacteria increase insecticide resistance by activating the cap "n" collar isoform-C (CncC) pathway through enzymatically generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Bactrocera dorsalis. We demonstrated that Enterococcus casseliflavus and Lactococcus lactis, two lactic acid-producing bacteria, increase the resistance of B. dorsalis to β-cypermethrin by regulating cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes and α-glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities. These gut symbionts also induced the expression of CncC and muscle aponeurosis fibromatosis. BdCncC knockdown led to a decrease in resistance caused by gut bacteria. Ingestion of the ROS scavenger vitamin C in resistant strain affected the expression of BdCncC/BdKeap1/BdMafK, resulting in reduced P450 and GST activity. Furthermore, feeding with E. casseliflavus or L. lactis showed that BdNOX5 increased ROS production, and BdNOX5 knockdown affected the expression of the BdCncC/BdMafK pathway and detoxification genes. Moreover, lactic acid feeding activated the ROS-associated regulation of P450 and GST activity. Collectively, our findings indicate that symbiotic gut bacteria modulate intestinal detoxification pathways by affecting physiological biochemistry, thus providing new insights into the involvement of insect gut microbes in the development of insecticide resistance.

Effects of Exposure to Urban Atmospheric Particulate Matter Suspended in Seawater on the Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) contains numerous constituents, including organic molecules, inorganic ions, and metals, with some of them possessing hazardous properties. Although mainly associated with air pollution, PM can rapidly be transferred from air and land to aquatic ecosystems, and consequently poses a risk to marine biota. The aim of this work was to evaluate how urban atmospheric PM (a standard reference mixture of urban PM, known to contain various organic and inorganic contaminants), suspended in seawater, may cause toxicity in marine organisms. To this purpose, mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) were exposed to two concentrations of suspended PM: 5.7 and 11.4 mg/L. After 7, 14, and 21 days, the animals were collected and the gills and digestive gland were analysed for stress biomarkers (CAT, SOD, GPX, GST, MDA, and Ubi). In general, the results show that exposure to different concentrations of PM caused an increase in GST, UBI, and GPx activities compared to their respective controls. The average activities of GST (87.65 ± 30.23 nmol/min/mg of total protein) in the gills of the animals exposed to 11.4 mg/L of PM increased after 21 days of exposure, and the activity of GPx (8.04 ± 3.09 nmol/min/mg of total protein) in the gills increased after 14 days in the animals exposed to 5.7 mg/L of PM. MDA results also provided information on cellular damage, with the most pronounced effects being found in the gills of exposed mussels. This study confirms that mussels are useful as “early warning” indicators of environmental contamination and provides important information on the effects of PM on marine biota.

3-Demethyl-2-geranyl-4-prenylbellidifoline, a natural xanthone with diuretic and kidney protective properties.

The diuretic and kidney protective effect of the 3-demethyl-2-geranyl-4-prenylbellidifoline (DGP) were evaluated in rats. The normotensive (NTR) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) received, once a day for 7 days, oral treatment with DGP (0.1 mg/kg), hydrochlorothiazide (10 mg/kg), or vehicle (10 ml/kg). Urine, blood, and kidney samples were collected for further analysis. The urine and Na+ elimination content were significantly higher in the groups that received DGP. Furthermore, a Ca2+-sparing action was detected in the urine of DGP-treated groups, which was consistent with the reduction in calcium oxalate crystal formation. Relevantly, the treatment did not change the parameters examined in the blood. Concerning the renal analyses, DGP treatment recovered the morphological damages of the kidney corpuscle area of SHR. In addition to the differences observed between the NTR and SHR vehicle groups, DGP augmented the amount of reduced glutathione and the activity of glutathione S-transferase GST while reducing the catalase and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase activity and nitrite levels. Together, this study displayed the prolonged diuretic action of DGP and its natriuretic, Ca2+-sparing, and antiurolytic effects. The antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of DGP were evidenced in SHR kidneys, opening perspectives for further studies regarding the benefits of this xanthone.

Clinical and psychopathological characteristics of patients with late-onset schizophrenia and schizophrenia-like psychoses in clusters identified by biological parameters

To assess clinical and psychopathological characteristics of late-aged female patients with late-onset psychoses in clusters formed on the basis of biochemical and immunological blood parameters. We examined 59 women with schizophrenia and schizophrenia-like psychoses with onset after 40 years (ICD-10 F20, F22.8, F25, F23, F06.2), including 34 women with late-onset (40-60 years) and 25 with very late onset psychoses (after 60 years). At the time of hospitalization, a clinical/ psychopathological study was carried out using CGI-S, PANSS, CDSS, and HAMD-17, as well as the activities of glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione-S-transferase (GT) have been determined in erythrocyte hemolysates, and the activities of leukocyte elastase (LE) and α1-proteinase inhibitor (α1-PI) have been assessed in blood plasma. Biochemical and immunological parameters have been also determined in 34 age-matched mentally healthy women. Clustering by signs such as GR, GT, LE and α1-PI has yielded two clusters of objects (patients) significantly different in GT (p<0.0001), LE (p<0.0001), and α1-PI (p<0.001) activities. Relatively to the controls, in the cluster 1 patients, the activities of GST and α1-PI are increased, the activity of LE is decreased, whereas, in the cluster 2 patients, the activity of GR is decreased, and the activities of LE and α1-PI are increased. Cluster 1 patients differ from cluster 2 patients in greater severity of the condition (CGI-S, p=0.04) and higher total scores on PANSS subscales' items. Cluster 1 includes 76% of patients with very late onset. Different correlations between clinical and biological signs are found in two clusters. The identified clusters have different clinical and psychopathological characteristics. Dividing patients into subgroups according to biochemical and immunological parameters is promising for the search for differentiated therapeutic approaches.

Antioxidant Effects of Rutin Trihydrate vs. Doxorubicin in Zebrafish Larvae: GSH, GPx, and GST Activity

This study aimed to compare the clinical relevance of the novel drug rutin trihydrate with doxorubicin concerning their influence on the antioxidant enzymes GST, GPX, and GSH. Zebrafish larvae were subjected to oxidative stress induced by H₂O₂ at 1mM concentration, and their antioxidant activity was assessed through enzymatic assays. The stock solution was prepared with DMSO, and zebrafish eggs were collected in a 1:1 male-to-female breeding ratio, followed by distribution into four petri plates for exposure to rutin trihydrate from 4 hours post-fertilization (hpf) to 96 hpf. Hatching rates were recorded after 96 hpf, and SPSS software was utilized for statistical analysis. Embryos exposed to compound dosage exhibited significantly increased enzyme activity (p &lt; 0.000, p &lt; 0.05) (8.5667.17593) compared to appropriate dosages (34.40000.07). With a total sample size of 30 and parameters including a 0.05 significance threshold, 80% statistical power, a 95% confidence interval, and an enrolment ratio of 1, the study revealed notable alterations in GPX (9%), GSH (5%), and GST (5%) activity in zebrafish larvae treated with rutin trihydrate and doxorubicin. The investigation’s significance level was determined to be p = 0.000 (p &lt; 0.05), signifying a statistically significant difference among the test groups. These findings shed light on the potential clinical implications of these compounds on zebrafish larvae’s antioxidant systems.

Ameliorative Potential of Pumpkin Seed Oil (Cucurbita pepo L.) Against Tramadol-Induced Oxidative Stress.

The increase in the therapeutic use of tramadol in the management of moderate to severe pains in some disease conditions and its unregulated access has led to its associated toxicity and there is little or no information on the protection against its associated toxicity. Considering the medicinal value of pumpkin seed oil, its availability, and neglected use, it becomes necessary to evaluate the possible potential of the seed oil in tramadol-induced oxidative stress in Wister Albino rats. This study used fifty-six (56) albino rats to determine the impact of Cucurbita pepo seed oil (CPSO) on tramadol-induced oxidative stress. The rats were grouped into 7. After a week of acclimatization, rats in group 1 (normal control) had access to water and food, while rats in group 2 received 5mL/Kg (b.w) of normal saline. 100mg/kg of tramadol (TM) was delivered to groups 3-6 to induce toxicity. The third group (TM control) received no treatment, whilst the other 3 groups (TM-CPSO treatment groups) received 5, 2.5, and 1.5mL/Kg of CPSO, respectively. Group 7 received only 5mL/kg CPSO (CPSO group). Similarly, groups 2 through 7 had unrestricted access to food and water for 42days and received treatments via oral intubation once per day. Indicators of oxidative stress were discovered in the brain homogenate. TM toxicity was demonstrated by a considerable increase (P < .05) in the brain MDA level and a significant drop (P < .05) in the brain GSH level, as well as a significant reduction (P < .05) in GPx, catalase, SOD, GST, and quinone reductase activities. The dose-dependent delivery of CPSO was able to restore not only the activity but also the concentrations of the altered markers.

Association of common glutathione transferase polymorphisms with ovarian cancer risk and chemoresistance

Ovarian cancer is regarded as the most lethal gynecological cancer with a five-year survival below 45%. It represents the seventh most common cancer among women. Due to the limited availability of biomarkers and reliable screening methods for early diagnosis of ovarian cancer, much research is being conducted to explore and understand the factors that may increase the risk of developing this kind of cancer. When surgery and chemotherapy treatments have been fully utilized, the development of chemoresistance becomes a critical factor in the progression of the disease. Glutathione transferases (GSTs) are a group of enzymes that play a role in the process of detoxification. Genes that code for GSTs proteins exhibit polymorphism, which can lead to either total or partial loss of enzymatic function. Cytosolic GST activity is composed of many different isoenzymes that facilitate interactions between glutathione and hazardous chemicals, including cancerogenes, anticancer drugs, and byproducts of oxidative stress. The scope of this review is to clarify the association of common GST polymorphisms with ovarian cancer risk and chemoresistance.

Co-application of Brassinolide and Pyraclostrobin Improved Disease Control Efficacy by Eliciting Plant Innate Defense Responses in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Applying brassinolide (BL, a phytohormone) in combination with pyraclostrobin (Pyr, a fungicide) has shown effective disease control in field trials. However, the mechanism by which BL + Pyr control disease remains uncertain. This work compared the disease control and defense responses of three pretreatments (BL, Pyr, and BL + Pyr) in Arabidopsis thaliana. We found that BL + Pyr improved control against Pyr-sensitive Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis and Botrytis cinerea by 19 and 17% over Pyr, respectively, and achieved 29% control against Pyr-resistant B. cinerea. Furthermore, BL + Pyr outperformed BL or Pyr in boosting transient H2O2 accumulation, and the activities of POD, APX, GST, and GPX. RNA-seq analysis revealed a more potent activation of defense genes elicited by BL + Pyr than by BL or Pyr. Overall, BL + Pyr controlled disease by integrating the elicitation of plant innate disease resistance with the fungicidal activity of Pyr.

Antioxidant enzyme activity and pathophysiological consequences in the sludge worm Tubifex tubifex under acute and sub-lethal exposures to the fungicide Tilt ®

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of propiconazole on the tubificid segmented worm, Tubifex tubifex. The animals were exposed to various concentrations of propiconazole for 96 h to assess the acute effect of this fungicide and for subacute level animals were exposed for 14 days with 10% and 20% of the 96 h LC50 value (0.211 and 0.422 mg/l, respectively). The 96 h LC50 value was determined to be 2.110 mg/l, and sublethal propiconazole concentrations caused significant changes in the oxidative stress enzymes. When compared to control organisms, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity first decreases and then significantly increases on days 7 and 14. However, GST activity decreases and MDA concentration rises in a concentration- and time-dependent manner throughout the exposure period. In addition, the impacts of propiconazole on Tubifex tubifex were characterized and depicted using a correlation matrix and an integrated biomarker response (IBR) assessment. These findings suggest that exposure to this fungicide distorts the survivability and behavioral response in Tubifex tubifex at the acute level. In addition, it modulates changes in oxidative stress enzymes at the sublethal level. Furthermore, the species sensitivity distribution curve indicates that this tubificid worm has a high risk of survival in the presence of the fungicide propiconazole in aquatic ecosystems.

Distribution and accumulation of Cadmium in different trophic levels affecting Serangium japonicum, the predatory beetle of whitefly Bemisia tabaci, biologically, physiologically and genetically: An experimental study

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that is of great concern in agroecosystems due to its toxicity to plants, herbivores, carnivores, and human beings. The current study evaluated the allocation and bioaccumulation of Cd from soil to cotton plants, cotton plants to herbivore pests, and herbivorous pests to a natural enemy predator. When soil was spiked with 100 mg/kg Cd, results demonstrated that cotton roots accumulated more Cd than the stems and leaves. The bioaccumulation of Cd was less in 4th instar larvae, pupa, and adults of Serangium japonicum than in Bemisia tabaci adults. The bioaccumulation in S. japonicum elongated the immature development period and reduced adult longevity, oviposition days, fertility, and total pre-oviposition duration. The net reproduction of S. japonicum was also reduced, as was female mature weight and feeding potential; as a result, Cd exposure could reduce the future population size compared to uncontaminated populations. There was decreased activity of the antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and POD) and energy-conserving lipids (glycogen, triglyceride, and total cholesterol) in Cd-contaminated S. japonicum compared to controls. The detoxifying enzyme activity of GST and P450 increased while AChE activity did not change. The qRT-PCR research showed that SOD1, CAT, POD, glycogen, and triglyceride gene expression was higher than in controls, whereas detoxification gene expression did not change. Our results indicate that Cd exposure has a physiological trade-off between its adverse effects on life history traits and elevated detoxification and antioxidation of S. japonicum, which could result from gene expression alteration. Further studies are needed to assess whether Cd exposure causes irreversible DNA damage in S. japonicum.