Higher Superoxide Dismutase Activity Research Articles

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.

Topless–related 2 conferred cadmium accumulation in wheat

Wheat is a vital food crop that faces threats from various abiotic and biotic stresses. Understanding the molecular mechanism of cadmium (Cd) resistance can provide valuable insights into the tolerance of wheat. Plant proteins known as Topless/Topless–Related (TPL/TPR) play a role in growth, development, defense regulation, and stress response. In this study, we identified TaTPR2 as being induced by Cd stress treatment. Upon Cd treatment, wheat plants overexpressing TaTPR2 exhibited better growth compared to wild–type (WT) plants. Moreover, the transgenic lines showed reduced accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), along with significantly higher activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) compared to WT plants. Additionally, the transgenic lines exhibited lower levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and electrolyte leakage compared to WT plants. Further analysis revealed that TabHLH41 directly binds to the E–box motif of the TaTPR2 promoter and positively regulates its expression. Overall, the overexpression of TaTPR2 in transgenic wheat resulted in reduced accumulation of Cd and ROS. These findings highlight the significance of the TabHLH41–TaTPR2 pathway as a crucial response to Cd stress in wheat.

Effects of cerium oxide nanoenzyme-gelatin methacrylate anhydride hydrogel in the repair of infected full-thickness skin defect wounds in mice

Objective: To investigate the effects of cerium oxide nanoenzyme-gelatin methacrylate anhydride (GelMA) hydrogel (hereinafter referred to as composite hydrogel) in the repair of infected full-thickness skin defect wounds in mice. Methods: This study was an experimental study. Cerium oxide nanoenzyme with a particle size of (116±9) nm was prepared by hydrothermal method, and GelMA hydrogel with porous network structure and good gelling performance was also prepared. The 25 μg/mL cerium oxide nanoenzyme which could significantly promote the proliferation of human skin fibroblasts and had high superoxide dismutase activity was screened out. It was added to GelMA hydrogel to prepare composite hydrogel. The percentage of cerium oxide nanoenzyme released from the composite hydrogel was calculated after immersing it in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) for 3 and 7 d. The red blood cell suspension of mice was divided into PBS group, Triton X-100 group, cerium oxide nanoenzyme group, GelMA hydrogel group, and composite hydrogel group, which were treated with corresponding solution. The hemolysis of red blood cells was detected by microplate reader after 1 h of treatment. The bacterial concentrations of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli were determined after being cultured with PBS, cerium oxide nanoenzyme, GelMA hydrogel, and composite hydrogel for 2 h. The sample size in all above experiments was 3. Twenty-four 8-week-old male BALB/c mice were taken, and a full-thickness skin defect wound was prepared in the symmetrical position on the back and infected with MRSA. The mice were divided into control group without any drug intervention, and cerium oxide nanoenzyme group, GelMA hydrogel group, and composite hydrogel group applied with corresponding solution, with 6 mice in each group. The wound healing was observed on 3, 7, and 14 d after injury, and the remaining wound areas on 3 and 7 d after injury were measured (the sample size was 5). The concentration of MRSA in the wound exudation of mice on 3 d after injury was measured (the sample size was 3), and the blood flow perfusion in the wound of mice on 5 d after injury was observed using a laser speckle flow imaging system (the sample size was 6). On 14 d after injury, the wound tissue of mice was collected for hematoxylin-eosin staining to observe the newly formed epithelium and for Masson staining to observe the collagen situation (the sample size was both 3). Results: After immersion for 3 and 7 d, the release percentages of cerium oxide nanoenzyme in the composite hydrogel were about 39% and 75%, respectively. After 1 h of treatment, compared with that in Triton X-100 group, the hemolysis of red blood cells in PBS group, GelMA hydrogel group, cerium oxide nanoenzyme group, and composite hydrogel group was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with that cultured with PBS, the concentrations of MRSA and Escherichia coli cultured with cerium oxide nanoenzyme, GelMA hydrogel, and composite hydrogel for 2 h were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The wounds of mice in the four groups were gradually healed from 3 to 14 d after injury, and the wounds of mice in composite hydrogel group were all healed on 14 d after injury. On 3 and 7 d after injury, the remaining wound areas of mice in composite hydrogel group were (29±3) and (13±5) mm2, respectively, which were significantly smaller than (56±12) and (46±10) mm2 in control group and (51±7) and (38±8) mm2 in cerium oxide nanoenzyme group (with P values all <0.05), but was similar to (41±5) and (24±9) mm2 in GelMA hydrogel group (with P values both >0.05). On 3 d after injury, the concentration of MRSA on the wound of mice in composite hydrogel group was significantly lower than that in control group, cerium oxide nanoenzyme group, and GelMA hydrogel group, respectively (with P values all <0.05). On 5 d after injury, the volume of blood perfusion in the wound of mice in composite hydrogel group was significantly higher than that in control group, cerium oxide nanoenzyme group, and GelMA hydrogel group, respectively (P<0.05). On 14 d after injury, the wound of mice in composite hydrogel group basically completed epithelization, and the epithelization was significantly better than that in the other three groups. Compared with that in the other three groups, the content of collagen in the wound of mice in composite hydrogel group was significantly increased, and the arrangement was also more orderly. Conclusions: The composite hydrogel has good biocompatibility and antibacterial effect in vivo and in vitro. It can continuously sustained release cerium oxide nanoenzyme, improve wound blood perfusion in the early stage, and promote wound re-epithelialization and collagen synthesis, therefore promoting the healing of infected full-thickness skin defect wounds in mice.

Growing Salicornia europaea L. with Saline Hydroponic or Aquaculture Wastewater

Among halophyte plants, Salicornia species (also known as glasswort or sea asparagus) are increasingly grown in open fields and greenhouses for edible or non-edible purposes. Their salinity tolerance makes it possible to irrigate Salicornia plants with saline waters and even seawater, which cannot be used by other crop species. In this work, S. europaea (L.) was cultivated in pots under the typical climatic conditions of the fall season in the Mediterranean region and irrigated with non-saline standard nutrient solution (SNS) or saline wastewater discharged from a greenhouse semi-closed hydroponic (substrate) culture of tomato or a saltwater recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) with Gilthead sea bream (Spaurus aurata L., which was used as such or after dilution (50:50) with SNS. Plant growth was not significantly affected by the composition of irrigation water, while higher antioxidant capacity (measured using the DPPH assay) and concentration of photosynthetic pigments, phenols, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid were found in the shoots of SNS plants than in those of plants irrigated with wastewater. The level of lipid peroxidation and H2O2 production significantly increased in the SNS plants, which also showed higher activity of superoxide dismutase and lower activity of catalase. These results suggest that S. europaea can be cultivated using wastewater with moderate to high salinity discharged from greenhouse hydroponic crops or RASs, and that salt is not strictly required for the growth of this species. Using non-saline nutrient solution can result in moderate oxidative stress that improves the shoot quality of S. europaea.

Ameliorative role of diets fortified with Artocarpus altilis in a Drosophila melanogaster model of aluminum chloride-induced neurotoxicity

Backgrounds: Artocarpus altilis (breadfruit) belongs to the family Moraceae. Artocarpus altilis possesses antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative properties. Aluminum (Al) is extensively utilized for consumer products, cooking utensils, pharmaceuticals, and industries. Indication for the neurotoxicity of Al is investigated in various studies, notwithstanding the precise mechanisms of Al toxicity are yet to be fully elucidated, and, which requires novel therapy. In this study, we determined the ameliorative role of Artocarpus altilis on aluminum chloride-induced neurotoxicity in Drosophila melanogaster.MethodsVarying concentration of the extract were used to formulate diets for 6 groups of flies. Group 1 contained basal diet, group 2 contained basal diet and aluminium chloride (AlCl3), group 3 contained basal diet + 0.1% unseeded breadfruit (UBF), group 4 contained basal diet + 1% unseeded breadfruit, group 5 and 6 contained basal diet + AlCl3 + 0.1% and 1% unseeded breadfruit. Assays such as acetylcholinesterase activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration level, catalase activity, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were carried out after 7 days of exposure respectively.ResultsThe results showed low activity of acetylcholinesterase activity and MDA level and high catalase and SOD activity in the pretreated and post-treated flies with Artocarpus altilis compared to the normal and negative control respectively.ConclusionsTaken together, Artocarpus altilis is a promising prophylactic, antiacetylcholinesterase, and antioxidant plant in the prevention, management and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.Graphical