Higher Superoxide Dismutase Activity Research Articles

Sodium transport and redox regulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae under osmotic stress depending on oxygen availability

This study explores the molecular mechanisms behind the differential responses of Saccharomyces cerevisiae industrial strains (ATCC 9804 and ATCC 13007) to osmotic stress. We observed that, in contrast to ATCC 9804 strain, sodium flux in ATCC 13,007 is not N, N’-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD)-sensitive under osmotic stress, suggesting a distinct ion homeostasis mechanism. Under aerobic conditions, osmotic stress increased reduced SH groups by 45% in ATCC 9804 and 34% in ATCC 13,007. In contrast, under microaerophilic conditions, both strains experienced a 50% reduction in thiol groups. Notably, ATCC 13,007 exhibited a 1.5-fold increase in catalase (CAT) activity under aerobic stress compared to standard conditions, while ATCC 9804 showed enhanced CAT activity due to SH group binding. Additionally, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was doubled during aerobic growth in both strains, with ATCC 13,007 showing a 1.5-fold higher SOD activity under osmotic stress. The results demonstrate that S. cerevisiae adapts to osmotic stress differently under aerobic and microaerophilic conditions, with aerobic conditions promoting Pma-Ena-Trk interplay, reduced thiol levels and increased catalase activity, while microaerophilic conditions demonstrate Pma-Nha-Trk interplay and shifts redox balance towards oxidized thiol groups and enhance superoxide dismutase activity. Understanding these mechanisms can aid in developing stress-resistant yeast strains for industrial applications.

Determination of SOD Activity of Vayasthapana Drugs Guduchi Kwatha, Punarnava Kwatha and Punarnava in Conjunction with Guduchi Kwatha in healthy Wistar Rats

SOD (Superoxide dismutase) belongs to a class of enzymes and stands as the primary defense against reactive oxygen species (ROS). Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) and punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) are believed to have rasayana (rejuvenating) and vayasthapana (anti-aging) properties in ayurveda. Several studies show the antioxidant properties of individual drugs in disease-induced conditions but a gap was observed in the study of the antioxidant properties of guduchi and punarnava in normal healthy subjects and the combined effect of punarnava in conjunction with guduchi. To gain insight into the potential effects of these herbal formulations on SOD activity study was planned. The Animal experiment was carried out as per the guidelines of CPCSEA (Committee for Control and Supervision of Animal Experiment) laboratory animals after seeking permission from IAEC, with 32 (24+8 considering 20% dropout) healthy male Wistar rats. Rats are divided into four groups, 8 (6+2) animals in each. Distilled water, guduchi kwath (GK), punarnava kwath (PK), and a combination of guduchi and punarnava kwath (GPK) given orally with help of 2 ml syringe in doses 8.1 ml/kg in different 4 groups respectively as Normal control (NC) group, Trial group of guduchi (TGG), Trial group of punarnava (TGP), Trial group of guduchi and punarnava (TGGP) for 30 days. The blood sample through orbital punctures of all 24 animals was collected for assessment SOD levels before administration of the test drug and after 30 days of intervention. (Cu-Zn) SOD activity was determined by using a simple and rapid method with a spectrophotometer in the laboratory. The TGG (P value 0.001), TGP (P value 0.035), and TGGP (P value 0.010) groups did exhibit statistically significant changes in SOD levels after giving GK, PK, and GPK intervention while the NC (P value 0.335) group did not show a significant difference. Higher SOD activity indicates a more antioxidant defense mechanism, thus GK, PK and GPK can protect against oxidative damage which supports the potential slowing down age-related changes and promoting healthier aging.

Parental environment as a factor shaping salinity tolerance in halophyte Tripolium pannonicum L.

Parental environment can significantly influence a range of plant traits across different growth phases and developmental stages. The impact of parental salinity variability on offspring germination and environmental factor response still requires thorough investigation. Therefore, we investigated seeds of Tripolium pannonicum L. from low-saline (Cie) and high-saline (Ino) habitats to elucidate the germination potential and adaptation potential of progeny to varying salinity levels. Germination and growth experiments were conducted to analyze germination parameters, plant areas, water-related traits, the concentration of organic solutes, malondialdehyde, and the activity of crucial oxidative defence enzymes. In the germination experiment, Cie seeds demonstrated higher germination potential with longer germination time under 200–400 mM NaCl compare with Ino seeds. The Cie population achieved the highest shoot and roots area at 100 mM and 300 mM NaCl, respectively. The Ino population exhibited its highest shoot and roots area at 200 mM NaCl. The Ino population indicated an increase in stem cortex cell area at 400 mM NaCl. The Ino population enhanced the synthesis of osmolytes as part of the salinity tolerance mechanism. Antioxidant enzyme analysis indicated higher peroxidase activity in Ino and higher superoxide dismutase activity in Cie under salinity, suggesting distinct enzymatic roles in salinity adaptation between populations. Our findings highlight the critical role of parental environmental conditions in shaping progeny traits, enhancing germination potential, and enabling adaptation of progeny plants to diverse environmental niches. The study underscores population-specific responses to environmental factor, emphasizing the complexity of halophyte adaptation mechanisms to salinity.

Safe concentration, unsafe effects: Impact of BPA on antioxidant function in the hepatopancreas and ovarian gene expression in oriental river prawns (Macrobrachium nipponense)

This study investigated the effects of Bisphenol A (BPA), a common endocrine-disrupting chemical, on the antioxidant enzyme activities in the hepatopancreas and the expression of genes related to ovarian development in oriental river prawns (Macrobrachium nipponense). The 24hLC50 and 48hLC50 values for BPA were 80.59 mg/L and 63.90 mg/L, respectively, with a safe concentration of 12.06 mg/L. Prawns were exposed to low (4.85 mg/L), safe (12.06 mg/L), and high (30.00 mg/L) concentrations of BPA for 10 days to measure enzyme activities, and for 20 days followed by 7 days in BPA-free water to measure gene expression.Short-term exposure (12 h, 1d, 3d) to low concentration BPA did not significantly affect superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the hepatopancreas (P > 0.05), but long-term exposure (6d, 10d) significantly reduced SOD activity (P < 0.05). Catalase (CAT) activity showed no significant changes throughout the low concentration exposure period (P > 0.05). At safe and high concentrations, SOD and CAT activities significantly decreased after 12 h of exposure (P < 0.05).BPA affected heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) expression in the ovary, with low concentration BPA significantly upregulating HSP90 after 1 day (P < 0.05), but returning to normal levels after 10 and 20 days. At the safe concentration, HSP90 was significantly upregulated at all three sampling points (1d, 10d, 20d) (P < 0.05), while high concentration exposure led to significant upregulation only on day 10 (P < 0.05).Low concentration BPA had no significant effect on Cathepsin B (CB) and Cathepsin L (CL) gene expression in the ovaries (P > 0.05). However, safe concentration exposure promoted CB expression on days 1, 10, and 20 (P < 0.05), while high concentration exposure significantly increased CB expression on day 1 (P < 0.05), with levels returning to normal on days 10 and 20. CL expression significantly increased after 20 days of exposure to both safe and high concentrations (P < 0.05). Gene expression levels in the ovaries returned to normal after transfer to BPA-free water, with HSP90 and CB normalizing by day 1, and CL by day 7.These results indicate that even safe concentrations of BPA impose stress on the hepatopancreas and increase the expression of HSP90, CB, and CL genes in the ovaries, affecting ovarian development. And, these effects are reversible within a certain period after the removal of BPA.

Rosa roxburghii Tratt (Cili) has a more effective capacity in alleviating DSS-induced colitis compared to Vitamin C through B cell receptor pathway

Rosa roxburghii Tratt (RRT), a traditional Chinese plant known as the ’King of Vitamin C (VitC; ascorbic acid, AsA)’, contains a wealth of nutrients and functional components, including polysaccharides, organic acids, flavonoids, triterpenes, and high superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The various functional components of RRT suggest that it may theoretically have a stronger potential for alleviating colitis compared to VitC. This study aims to verify whether RRT has a stronger ability to alleviate colitis than equimolar doses of VitC and to explore the mechanisms underlying this improvement. Results showed that RRT significantly mitigated body weight loss, intestinal damage, elevated inflammation levels, and compromised barriers in mice induced by Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Additionally, RRT enhanced the diversity and composition of intestinal microbiota in these DSS-induced mice. Colon RNA sequencing analysis revealed that compared to VitC, RRT further downregulated multiple immune-related signaling pathways, particularly the B cell receptor (BCR) pathway, which is centered around genes like Btk and its downstream PI3K-AKT, NF-κB, and MAPK signaling pathways. Correlation analysis between microbiota and genes demonstrated a significant relationship between the taxa improved by RRT and the key genes in the BCR and its downstream signaling pathways. Overall, RRT exhibited superior capabilities in alleviating DSS-induced colitis compared to VitC by decreasing intestinal inflammation and modulating BCR and its downstream signaling pathways, potentially regulated by the improved intestinal microbiota.

Chemical Composition of Seeds in Soybean Glycine soja (Fabaceae) of Amur Oblast.

The wild soybean Glycine soja Sieb. et Zucc. is an ancestor of the cultivated soybean Glycine max (L.) Merr. and a source of many valuable genes missing in the G. max genome, including genes that determine stress resistance to adverse environmental factors. Biochemical parameters (protein, oil, ascorbic acid, carotene, higher fatty acids, and specific activities and multiple forms of enzymes of the oxidoreductase and hydrolase classes) were studied in five G. soja accessions from the collection of the All-Russian Institute of Soybean (КА-1413, КА-342, КBl-29, КBl-24, and Kеl-72). The accessions provide unique natural gene banks. Wild seeds were collected in three districts (Arkharinskii, Blagoveshchensk, and Belogorskii) of Amur Oblast. Based on superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), ribonuclease (RNase), acid phosphatase, esterase, and amylase (AML) activities and biochemical parameters of seeds, the G. soja accession KA-1413 was found to have higher contents of protein, oleic acid, and linolenic acid; a lower polyphenol oxidase specific activity; and higher activities of SODs, esterases, and RNases. The accession KA-1413 was therefore recommended to use as a source of dominant genes in breeding to increase the adaptive potential of new soybean varieties. A higher heterogeneity of multiple forms was observed for SOD, AML, RNase, and esterase, which can provide markers of adaptation to environmental conditions.

Kosakonia oryziphila NP19 bacterium acts as a plant growth promoter and biopesticide to suppress blast disease in KDML105 rice

This study demonstrates that root-associated Kosakonia oryziphila NP19, isolated from rice roots, is a promising plant growth-promoting bioagent and biopesticide for combating rice blast caused by Pyricularia oryzae. In vitro experiments were conducted on fresh leaves of Khao Dawk Mali 105 (KDML105) jasmine rice seedlings. The results showed that NP19 effectively inhibited the germination of P. oryzae fungal conidia. Fungal infection was suppressed across three different treatment conditions: rice colonized with NP19 and inoculated by fungal conidia, a mix of NP19 and fungal conidia concurrently inoculated on the leaves, and fungal conidia inoculation first followed by NP19 inoculation after 30 h. Additionally, NP19 reduced fungal mycelial growth by 9.9–53.4%. In pot experiments, NP19 enhanced the activities of peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) by 6.1–63.0% and 3.0–67.7%, respectively, indicating a boost in the plant’s defense mechanisms. Compared to the uncolonized control, the NP19-colonized rice had 0.3–24.7% more pigment contents, 4.1% more filled grains per panicle, 26.3% greater filled grain yield, 34.4% higher harvest index, and 10.1% more content of the aroma compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP); for rice colonized with NP19 and infected with P. oryzae, these increases were 0.2–49.2%, 4.6%, 9.1%, 54.4%, and 7.5%, respectively. In field experiments, blast-infected rice that was colonized and/or inoculated with NP19 treatments had 15.1–27.2% more filled grains per panicle, 103.6–119.8% greater filled grain yield, and 18.0–35.8% higher 2AP content. A higher SOD activity (6.9–29.5%) was also observed in the above-mentioned rice than in the blast-infected rice that was not colonized and inoculated with NP19. Following blast infection, NP19 applied to leaves decreased blast lesion progression. Therefore, K. oryziphila NP19 was demonstrated to be a potential candidate for use as a plant growth-promoting bioagent and biopesticide for suppressing rice blast.

Enhancing the performance of Litopenaeus vannamei nursery and grow-out by modifying Mg/Ca ratios in biofloc systems using low-salinity groundwater of Kuwait Desert

Kuwait has one of the most arid climates in the world, with brackish groundwater that has excessively high hardness due to limestone-rich aquifers with suboptimal ionic compositions, high evapotranspiration, and scarce water sources for shrimp farming. The study aimed to assess whether increasing the magnesium to calcium (Mg/Ca) ratio through Mg-supplementation could enhance shrimp performance, despite the absolute magnesium concentration being higher than diluted seawater of the same salinity. The study comprised a 4-week nursery and an 8-week grow-out trial with Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in low-salinity groundwater in a biofloc system. Experimental groups included a groundwater control (Mg/Ca ratio 0.49) and three different Mg/Ca ratios (about 1, 2 and 3) in three replicates. Postlarvae (0.02 g) and juveniles (0.54 g) were stocked at a density of 1250 and 250 m−3 in the nursery and grow-out trials, respectively, in 1,000 L tanks. In the nursery trial, the control exhibited a final weight of 0.174 g and a survival rate of 58.5%, which was significantly lower in comparison to all Mg+2 treatments, exceeding 0.215 g and 92.5%, with no significant differences between the three treatments. The grow-out trial revealed a proportional increase in growth rate with the Mg/Ca ratio, showing a significantly better performance in treatments with Mg/Ca ratios of 2.12 or higher. The Mg/Ca 2 treatment exhibited the best performance, with a survival rate of 70.8% and a yield of 2.89 kg m−3 of mean weight 16.3 g. The results showed that Mg/Ca ratios have an affect both survival and growth in postlarvae, but only growth in juveniles and larger shrimp. The study suggests that increasing the Mg/Ca ratio above 1.07 and 2.12 through magnesium supplementation can significantly improve shrimp growth in nursery and grow-out phases in low-salinity water. Additionally, the expression of immune-related genes such as prophenoloxidase (proPO), transglutaminase (TGase) and cytosol manganese superoxide dismutase (cMnSOD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity within different Mg/Ca ratios were analyzed. The results revealed significant differences in gene expression and higher SOD activity in the Mg/Ca 2 treatment of the grow-out phase, suggesting that Mg/Ca ratio closer to seawater may enhance the immunity and antioxidant activity of L. vannamei in a low-salinity biofloc system. In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights for shrimp producers using groundwater with high calcium hardness. The findings emphasize the importance of Mg/Ca ratio, rather than the absolute Mg+2 concentration, in improving shrimp growth and suggest potential benefits for shrimp immunity and antioxidant activity in low-salinity environments.

Biofertilizer and biostimulant potentials of phosphate-solubilizing Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis M1 strain and silicon in improving low phosphorus availability tolerance in rosemary.

The present study aimed to evaluate the single and combined effects of Si exogenous treatment and Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis M1 strain inoculation on rosemary tolerance to low phosphorus (P) availability. Hence, rosemary plants were fertilized with 250µmol Ca3HPO4 (stressed plants) or 250µmol KH2PO4 (control plants) under Si treatment and B. subtilis M1 strain inoculation. P starvation negatively affected rosemary growth and its P nutrition. However, exogenous Si supply or B. subtilis M1 strain inoculation significantly (P<0.001) alleviated the deficiency-induced effects and significantly improved rhizogenesis, acid phosphatase activity, P uptake, and eventually dry weight of shoot and root. Moreover, Si-treatment and/or B. subtilis M1 strain inoculation significantly (P<0.001) reduced the oxidative damage, in terms of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide accumulation. This was found positively correlated with the higher superoxide dismutase activity, and the elevated non-enzymatic antioxidant molecules accumulation, including total polyphenols in Si-treated and inoculated P-deficient plants. Taken together, Si supplementation and/or B. subtilis M1 strain inoculation could be a good strategy to sustain rosemary plant growth under P starvation conditions.

Exogenously applied silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) differentially affect bacterial blight disease control in twenty-seven wheat cultivars

The bacterial blight of wheat is an important global disease causing a significant decline in crop yield. Nanotechnology offers a potential solution for managing plant diseases. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in controlling bacterial blight in 27 locally grown wheat cultivars. The study examined the impact of AgNPs at three distinct time points: 1, 3, and 5 days after the onset of the disease. Biochemical assay revealed that one day after applying the disease stress, the Inia cultivar had the highest amount of soluble protein (55.60 μg.g−1FW) content in the treatment without AgNPs. The Azadi cultivar, without AgNPs treatment, had the lowest amount of soluble protein content (15.71 μg.g−1FW). The Tabasi cultivar had the highest activity of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) (61.62 mM.g−1FW) with the combination treatment of AgNPs. On the other hand, the Karchia cultivar had the lowest SOD activity (0.6 mM.g−1FW) in the treatment of disease without AgNPs. Furthermore, three days after the application of stress, the Mahdavi cultivar had the highest amount of soluble protein content (54.16 μg.g−1FW) in the treatment of disease without AgNPs. The Niknejad cultivar had the highest activity of the SOD (74.15 mM.g−1FW) with the combined treatment of the disease without AgNPs. The Kavir cultivar had the lowest SOD activity (1.95 mM.g−1FW) and the lowest peroxidase (POX) activity (0.241 mM g−1FW min−1) in the treatment of the disease with AgNPs. Five days after exposure to stress, the Mahooti cultivar had the highest SOD activity (88.12 mM.g−1FW) with the combined treatment of the disease with AgNPs, and the Karchia cultivar had the lowest SOD activity (2.39 mM.g−1FW) in the treatment of the disease with AgNPs. Further, the results indicated that exposure to AgNPs could improve the antioxidant properties of wheat seeds in blight-infected and disease-free conditions in some cultivars.

Control of Weıght, Insulın Resıstance and Oxıdatıve Stress in Rats Fed Hıgh-Fat Dıet Usıng Aframomum melegueta (Allıgator Pepper)

Consumptions of diets rich in fat is very predominant due to the sensational values it adds to the foods. If overconsumed, such foods lead to metabolic diseases. Inclusion of alligator pepper in the diets as means of ameliorating such diseases was investigated. Thirty-six (36) Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups. Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 received standard diet, high fat diet (HFD), 1% and 2% alligator pepper-supplemented standard diet respectively. Groups 5 and 6 got 1% and 2% alligator pepper-supplemented HFD respectively. The groups were fed ad libitum for 8 weeks. Blood glucose level, body weights, activities of antioxidant enzymes and serum concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and insulin were determined. homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was computed. The groups that received alligator pepper-supplemented HFD had significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher final average weight, insulin level and HOMA-IR in comparison with the control but lower ın these parameters when compared with the HFD-group. All the groups fed supplemented diets had significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher serum catalase activities in comparison with the HFD group. Also, all, except the group fed 1% alligator pepper-supplemented HFD had significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher superoxide dismutase activities than the HFD group. It is concluded that including the pepper in the standard diet may have no special advantages in respects of the studied parameters, but could decrease weight gain, improve insulin sensitivity and oxidative stress defense mechanism in rats fed HFD.

Influence of increasing acclimation temperature on growth, digestion, antioxidant capacity, liver transcriptome and intestinal microflora of Ussruri whitefish Coregonus ussuriensis Berg

For effective restoration, conservation of Ussruri whitefish Coregonus ussuriensis Berg and coping with global climate change, effects of environmental temperature on Ussruri whitefish urgently need to be explored. In current study, the effects of different acclimation temperatures on the growth, digestive physiology, antioxidant ability, liver transcriptional responses and intestinal microflora patterns of Ussruri whitefish were investigated. Ussruri whitefish (15.20 g ± 1.23 g) were reared for 42 days under different acclimation temperatures, i.e., 10, 13, 16, 19, 22 and 25 °C, respectively. Result first determined 28 °C as the semi-lethal temperature in order to design the temperature gradient test. Highest main gain rate (MGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) were observed in fish group having acclimation temperature of 19 °C. Significantly decrease (P < 0.05) in triglyceride (TG) content appeared at 19 °C as compared to the 10 °C and 13 °C temperature groups. 19 °C notablely increased protease activities of stomach and intestine and intestinal lipase and amylase activities. 19 °C group obtained the highest activities of chloramphnicol acetyltransferase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and higher activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD). The intestinal microflora composition was most conducive to maintaining overall intestinal health when the temperature was 19 °C, compared to 10 °C and 25 °C. Ussruri whitefish exposed to 10 °C and 25 °C possessed the lower Lactobacillus abundance compared to exposure to 19 °C. Temperature down to 10 °C or up to 25 °C, respectively, triggered cold stress and heat stress, which leading to impairment in intestinal digestion, liver antioxidant capacity and intestinal microflora structure. Liver transcriptome response to 10 °C, 19 °C and 25 °C revealed that Ussruri whitefish might require the initiation of endoplasmic reticulum stress to correct protein damage from cold-temperature and high-temperature stress, and it was speculated that DNAJB11 could be regarded as a biomarker of cold stress response.Based on the quadratic regression analysis of MGR and SGR against temperature, the optimal acclamation temperature were, respectively, 18.0 °C and 18.1 °C. Our findings provide valuable theoretical insights for an in-depth understanding of temperature acclimation mechanisms and laid the foundation for conservation and development of Ussruri whitefish germplasm resources.

24-Epibrassinolide improves quality and resistance against Botrytis cinerea of harvest table grapes through modulating reactive oxygen species homeostasis

24-epibrassinolide (EBR) application has been proven to be effective in the control of gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) and preservation in table grape, however, the possible underlying mechanism of EBR on maintaining the postharvest quality and controlling gray mold of table grape are incompletely understood. In this study, the application of EBR at veraison (T1) and postharvest (T2) could effectively alleviate the quality deterioration of table grapes during storage, as observed by higher fruit firmness, rachis chlorophyll content, titratable acidity, and total soluble solid, and lower shattering rate, decay incidence, weight loss rate, browning index and relative electrolyte leakage of rachis, and respiration rate. Moreover, EBR application inhibited the excess accumulation of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde, and the expression of hydrogen peroxide sensor (HPCA) genes (VvHPCA1, VvHPCA2, and VvHPXA3). In addition, T1 and T2 treatments resulted in higher activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide anion, as well as the expression level of their corresponding gene expression. A considerable increase in key enzyme activities, antioxidant content, and gene expression in the ascorbate-glutathione (ASA-GSH) cycle was also observed in grape fruit treated with EBR. Importantly, the multivariate statistical analysis revealed that T2 treatment had a more remarkable effect on preserving the quality of postharvest grapes. In addition, under artificial infections, EBR treatment significantly reduced gray mold severity in table grapes and reduced malondialdehyde and superoxide anion generation while exhibiting no antifungal activity in vitro. Simultaneously, defensive enzyme activities, including peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, chitinase, and β-1,3-glucanase, were remarkably increased in fruit treated with EBR. Therefore, our findings suggest that exogenous application of EBR maintains the quality of postharvest grapes and improves the resistance of table grapes to gray mold during postharvest storage by regulating oxidative stress and the activity of antioxidant enzymes and defensive enzymes.

Light spectrum affects growth, metabolite profile, and resistance against fungal phytopathogens of Solanum lycopersicum L. seedlings

Tomato is a widely cultivated and economically important crop worldwide. This study aimed to test the effect of light spectra used in indoor cultivation on the growth, biochemical profile, and resistance of Solanum lycopersicum ‘Bawole Serce’ seedlings against Alternaria alternata, Alternaria solani and Botrytis cinerea. During the phase of first leaf emergence, the seedlings were transferred to a semi-sterile growth room with a controlled environment (20°C, 18-h photoperiod, 50 μmol · m−2 · s−1 PPFD, 65% RH) for a 3-week cultivation period. Five light treatments differing in red/blue (R/B) light ratio were tested: I (LED tube; R/B 5.55), II (fluorescent tube; R/B 0.72), III (fluorescent tube; R/B 1.19), IV (LED panel; R/B 0.51), V (LED panel; R/B 0.20). The best parameters in terms of shoot length, shoot fresh and dry weights, and number of leaves were obtained in treatment I, in contrast to IV and V. Plants from treatments IV and V had the smallest leaf area, perimeter, vertical length, and horizontal width. As for the root system, the highest fresh weight, area, length of the longest root, total length, and the number of root tips and forks were found in treatments I and II. The least developed root systems were observed in IV and V. The greatest chlorophyll, carotenoids and anthocyanins accumulation was enhanced by treatment II. Treatments I−III stimulated the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds. The highest superoxide dismutase activity was detected in plants from treatments I and II. As for A. alternata and A. solani, the level of disease symptoms was significantly higher for treatments IV and V than for I-III. The highest/lowest level of B. cinerea infection was found in treatments II/I, respectively. The least susceptible to infection by all tested pathogens were leaves from treatment I. Light spectrum composition is of practical importance for tomato seedling production.

Effect of heat acclimation on thermotolerance of in vitro strawberry plantlets

ABSTRACT Strawberry production is facing a serious decline with the increase in global temperature as a result of climate change. Improving the heat tolerance is imperative for the strawberry plants to remain productive under high temperature conditions. The present work aimed to study the effect of heat acclimation on the thermotolerance of strawberry plants subjected to severe heat stress. Tissue cultured Fragaria ‘Taoyuan No. 1’ plantlets were subjected to four heat-acclimation treatments with gradual increase of temperatures from 30°C to 42°C for 1.25 hr to 10 hr before exposing them to the lethal temperature of 48°C for 4 hr. Survival, new leaf emergence and root growth, electrolyte leakage, chlorophyll and proline contents, as well as antioxidant enzyme activities were compared between the control, acclimated and non-acclimated plantlets. Results indicated that heat acclimation was required for the strawberry plantlets to survive under lethal temperature conditions. The acclimated plantlets registered a lower degree of electrolyte leakage and chlorophyll degradation, and a higher proline content compared to the non-acclimated plantlets. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes increased with the elevation of acclimation temperature and peaked at 42°C except for ascorbate peroxidase (APX) whose activity peaked at 39°C. Higher activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), APX, glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) were observed in the acclimated plantlets compared to the non-acclimated plantlets. This study demonstrates that heat acclimation improved the thermotolerance of in vitro strawberry plantlets by reducing electrolyte leakage and chlorophyll degradation, as well as by enhancing proline content and antioxidant enzyme activities under severe heat stress.

Early-age thermal manipulation and supplemental antioxidants on physiological, biochemical and productive performance of broiler chickens in hot-tropical environments

Heat stress has been ranked as a critical environmental issue confronting chicken farmers worldwide because of its detrimental effect on the growth, performance and health of the birds. This study evaluated the effects of early-age thermal manipulation (EATC) and supplemental antioxidants on the physiological responses of broilers in a hot tropical environment. A total of 300 day-old Ross broiler chicks were allocated to five thermal and dietary treatments, having 5 replicates of twelve birds each. The treatments were: chicks reared using the conventional method (CC), chicks exposed to early thermal manipulation with a temperature of 38 °C at day 5 with no antioxidant supplementation (TC), TC plus vitamin E at 250 mg/kg of feed (TV), TC plus selenium at 0.5 mg/kg of feed (TS) and the combination of TS and TV(TVS). The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design and data collected were analyzed using SAS (2008). The results showed that TVS broilers had significantly higher (P < 0.05) body weights at the finisher phase than the other treatment groups. The feed conversion ratio of TVS broilers was comparable to the TV group but lower (P < 0.05) than the other treatments. Reduced levels (P < 0.05) of heterophil, lymphocytes and hetrophil and lymphocyte ratio were recorded in the TVS compared to TV, TS and TC broilers. On day 42, the rectal temperature was significantly higher in CC than those in other treatment groups, which were comparable. TVS birds had higher (P < 0.05) weights of spleen, liver and lower abdominal fat than other treatments. The lowest concentration of plasma malondialdehyde and the highest activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were recorded in TV and TVS birds. The study concluded that the growth performance and oxidative status in broilers were improved by the combination of EATC with supplemental Se and vitamin E (TVS).

Physiological Regulation of Photosynthetic-Related Indices, Antioxidant Defense, and Proline Anabolism on Drought Tolerance of Wild Soybean (Glycine soja L.)

Wild soybean (Glycine soja L.), drought-tolerant cultivar Tiefeng 31 (Glycine max L.), and drought-sensitive cultivar Fendou 93 (Glycine max L.) were used as materials to investigate the drought tolerance mechanism after 72 h 2.5 M PEG 8000 (osmotic potential −0.54 MPa)-simulated drought stress at the seedling stage. The results indicated that the leaves of the G. soja did not wilt under drought stress. However, both the drought-tolerant and drought-sensitive cultivated soybean cultivars experienced varying degrees of leaf wilt. Notably, the drought-sensitive cultivated soybean cultivars exhibited severe leaf wilt after the drought stress. Drought stress was determined to have a significant impact on the dry matter of the above-ground part of the drought-sensitive cultivar Fendou 93, followed by the drought-tolerant cultivar Tiefeng 31, with the lowest reduction observed in G. soja. Furthermore, the presence of drought stress resulted in the closure of leaf stomata. G. soja exhibited the highest proportion of stomatal opening per unit area, followed by the drought-tolerant cultivar Tiefeng 31, while the drought-sensitive cultivar Fendou 93 displayed the lowest percentage. Photosynthesis-related indexes, including photosynthetic rate, intercellular CO2, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance, decreased in Fendou 93 and Tiefeng 31 after drought stress, but increased in G. soja. In terms of the antioxidant scavenging system, lower accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) was observed in G. soja and Tiefeng 31, along with higher activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1) and catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6) to counteract excess reactive oxygen species and maintain cell membrane integrity. In contrast, the drought-sensitive cultivar Fendou 93 had higher MDA content and higher activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX, EC 1.11.1.11) and peroxidase (POD, 1.11.1.7). G. soja and Tiefeng 31 also exhibited less accumulation of osmolytes, including soluble sugar, soluble protein, and free proline content. The activities of δ-OAT, ProDH, and P5CS, key enzymes in proline anabolism, showed an initial increase under drought stress, followed by a decrease, and then an increase again at the end of drought stress in G. soja. Before drought stress, Tiefeng 31 had higher activities of ProDH and P5CS, which decreased with prolonged drought stress. Fendou 93 experienced an increase in the activities of δ-OAT, ProDH, and P5CS under drought stress. The δ-OAT gene expression levels were up-regulated in all three germplasms. The expression levels of the P5CS gene in Fendou 93 and Tiefeng 31 were down-regulated, while G. soja showed no significant change. The expression of the P5CR gene and ProDH gene was down-regulated in Fendou 93 and Tiefeng 31, but up-regulated in G. soja. This indicates that proline content is regulated at both the transcription and translation levels.

The Effect of Grape Seed Cake as a Dietary Supplement Rich in Polyphenols on the Quantity and Quality of Milk, Metabolic Profile of Blood, and Antioxidative Status of Lactating Dairy Goats

The objective of this study was to assess the impact that diets supplemented with grape seed cake rich in polyphenols had on lactating goats. The study investigated the quantity and quality of goat milk, the metabolic profile of blood, and the antioxidative status. The study involved 24 French Alpine dairy goats throughout their lactation period. The goats were, on average, 5 years old (±three months) and in the fourth lactation. The experiment lasted for 58 days. The control group (CON) had a diet without grape seed cake (GSC). The experimental groups were given a diet containing 5% and 10% GSC on a dry matter basis (GSC5 and GSC10, respectively). A slightly higher milk production, as well as protein and fat milk content, were found in GSC5 and GSC10, but the differences were not significant. Goat milk in the GSC10 group exhibited significantly higher activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase, as well as decreased concentrations of GUK and SCC. The feeding treatments did not affect significant differences in hematological and biochemical indicators, except for the BHB content, which can be associated with a higher energy value of feed containing GSC. There was an observed elevation in the activity of SOD within the blood of GSC5, and GSC10 was measured as well. The determined changes justify the supplementation of GSC rich in polyphenols to goat feed, especially in the amount of 10%, as it can reduce stress caused by lactation, which is known as a very stressful production period for animals.

Elevation-driven modifications in tissue architecture and physiobiochemical traits of Panicum antidotale Retz. in the Pothohar Plateau, Pakistan

Mountainous ecosystems are experiencing rapid shifts in distribution patterns and community structure due to the impacts of climate change and vegetation dynamics. This study offers a comprehensive insight into the adaptive mechanisms of Panicum antidotale to varying elevations within the Pothohar Plateau, shedding light on its survival strategies in climate-affected regions. The findings reveal that populations at lower elevations exhibit maximum height, leaf area, shoot length, and fresh weight, whereas those at higher elevations display significant decrease in these parameters. Moreover, a significant decline in species density, frequency and cover is evident at high elevation. High-elevation populations demonstrate decreased photosynthetic traits, including chlorophyll, carotenoid, and Na and Ca content. Furthermore, there are notable variations in the antioxidant enzyme activity across elevation gradients. Populations at lower elevations exhibit higher activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase. Across the gradient, there were significant reductions in root and stem radius, sclerenchyma thickness, bulliform cell size, metaxylem vessels, and phloem area. Populations at moderate elevations displayed thicker lamina and epidermis, larger cortical cells, wider xylem vessels, and increased phloem area; however, these traits declined at higher elevations. High-elevation populations showed thicker lamina and epidermis, extensive sclerenchyma, greater cortical cell area, and higher stomatal density. Photosynthetic traits and enzymatic activity were major contributors at moderate elevations while stem and leaf traits were significantly changed at high elevations. Overall, this research contributes significantly to the broader knowledge of plant adaptation in mountainous ecosystems and stresses the importance of considering elevation as a critical factor in ecological studies.

The effect of nettle extract on antioxidant defense system in piglets after weaning

Background. The effect of common nettle (Urtica dioica L.) extracts on the free radical processes and antioxidant system in piglets during the critical period of weaning from sows has been studied. Materials and Methods. Large white piglets were divided into 2 groups (control and experimental), 9 animals in each. Piglets of the experimental group from 14 days of age and before weaning received the standard diet and the nettle extract in the dose of 6 mg/kg of body weight for 22 days. The blood, as well as erythrocyte hemolysates and plasma of piglets obtained at 14, 36, and 42 days of age, were studied. Results. Our results have shown that weaning causes an oxidative stress in piglets. This state leads to an increase in the concentration of metabolites of free radical damage to protein molecules – carbonyl groups of proteins on the first day and primary products of lipid peroxidation on the seventh day after weaning. This activation of oxidative damage occurs in piglets against the background of a physiologically immature antioxidant system and is characterized by a decrease in the activity of the enzymatic chain – superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, as well as the concentration of its non-enzymatic antioxidant – reduced glutathione. Feeding piglets with nettle extract leads to activation of the antioxidant defense system in erythrocytes (higher activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and an increased reduced glutathione level compared to the control values) and a decrease in the concentration of oxidative damage products in the plasma (the content of lipid hydroperoxides, TBA-active products and carbonyl groups of proteins). Conclusion. The positive effect of nettle extract on the inhibition of free radical processes and activation of antioxidant systems indicates that this extract can be added to the standard diet of young animals to increase stress resistance and adaptability of their organism in critical periods of ontogenesis.