Higher SOD Activity Research Articles

Tolerance and adaptation characteristics of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) to low nitrogen supply

ABSTRACT Nitrogen (N) is an essential element required for sugar beet growth. Sugar beets with low N (LN) tolerance and high N use efficiency are excellent materials for breeding. Here, we comprehensively evaluated the morphological and physiological responses of nine sugar beet genotypes to LN supply. It was found that 0.5 mmol·L−1 N (LN) significantly influenced the performance of leaves and the topology of roots by reducing the bioproduction of chlorophyll a (Chl a) and soluble protein (SP) and the accumulation of N in leaves and roots (LNA and RNA), thus differentially restricting the growth (hypocotyl diameter, HD; root length, RL) and biomass (leaf and root fresh weight; LFW and RFW; leaf dry weight, LDW) of these sugar beets. Principal component and cluster analyses showed that 780016B/12 superior (F) exhibited excellent tolerance to LN; it had higher SOD activity (62.70%) and APX activity (188.92%) and a higher proline content (131.82%) than 92011 (G, LN sensitive). These attributes helped 780016B/12 superior (F) to better endure LN stress, and the morphology and N distribution changed to adapt to N deficiency, such that the root length increased by 112.48%, leaf area increased by 101.23%, and leaf nitrogen accumulation reached a peak of 14.13 g/plant. It seems that LN-tolerant genotypes increased their root length and surface area by reducing the difference in biomass, thereby expanding the contact between roots and soil, which was conducive to the absorption of nutrients (N) by sugar beets and helped distribute more assimilation products to the roots.

Dual inoculation with rhizosphere-promoting bacterium Bacillus cereus and beneficial fungus Peniophora cinerea improves salt stress tolerance and productivity in willow

Utilization of rhizosphere microorganisms to improve plant growth and salt tolerance has recently attracted widespread attention. The growth and salt tolerance of willows inoculated with Bacillus cereus JYZ-SD2 and Peniophora cinerea XC were studied under different salt stress conditions. The results showed that the chlorophyll content of willow cuttings inoculated with the XC strain increased significantly by 51.27%. After salt stress of willow cuttings inoculated with B. cereus JYZ-SD2 and P. cinerea XC (solely or in combination), the amount of sodium in the roots from the epidermis to the pericycle decreased and the content of sodium in the pericycle was significantly lower than that of the uninoculated willow, while the proportion of potassium increased. Willow cuttings inoculated with microorganisms showed increased activity of SOD and POD. At the salt concentration of 100 mmol/L, the highest SOD activity was found in B. cereus JYZ-SD2-inoculated willows, with 59.88% increase compared to uninoculated willows; the highest POD activity was found in P. cinerea XC and B. cereus JYZ-SD2 co-inoculated willows, with 51.05% increase compared to uninoculated willows. The Na-K-ATPase and Ca-Mg-ATPase activities of inoculated P. cinerea XC willow cuttings were also 59.38% and 60% higher than that of uninoculated willows, respectively. The qPCR analysis showed that the expression of vp2 gene in the microorganism-inoculated willow leaves was always higher than that in willow alone. The expression of vp2 gene in P. cinerea XC-inoculated willow cuttings was 270.81% higher than that in uninoculated willows. Further observation of the ultrastructure of root cells under salt stress revealed that most of the vesicles in the root tip cells of willow were intact and secreted phagocytic vesicles to absorb sodium ions in the cytoplasm. This study shows that the combined beneficial fungi and rhizosphere-promoting bacteria inoculation technology as a practical biotechnological approach to enhance the growth of willows in salt-affected soils.

Abstract 13518: Augmenting SOD2 Levels in Apoe -/- Mice With Peptide-mRNA Nanoparticles Preserves Atherosclerotic Plaque Stability in Advanced Atherosclerosis

Erosion or rupture of the advanced atherosclerotic plaque is the leading cause of atherosclerosis complications such as acute coronary syndrome and stroke. Atherosclerotic plaques in aging hypercholesterolemic mice have decreased SOD2 levels and increased mitochondrial oxidative stress, which leads to cell apoptosis, necrotic core expansion, and fibrous cap thinning and rupture. We hypothesized that increasing SOD2 expression in advanced atherosclerotic plaque cells in mice using mRNA polyplex would protect mitochondria from oxidative damage and preserve plaque stability. Macrophages isolated from Sod2 +/- mice treated with amphipathic cationic peptide p5RHH: Sod2 mRNA polyplexes had markedly increased levels of Sod2 mRNA and mitochondrial SOD2 (p<0.01), higher SOD activity, which resulted in lower levels of mitochondrial and cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and improved mitochondrial function. RNA-Seq analysis showed that macrophages treated with Sod2 nanoplexes had broadly decreased inflammatory cytokines and immune activation pathways. In Apoe -/- mice, atherosclerotic lesions with vulnerable plaque features were induced in the carotid artery by placing a perivascular collar over the carotid artery and 4-months Western diet. Mice were treated for 4 weeks with saline or with 0.5 mg/kg p5RHH: Sod2 mRNA polyplexes which selectively accumulated in atherosclerotic lesion macrophages. The carotid plaques of the mice treated with Sod2 mRNA differed significantly from the plaques of the control Apoe -/- mice by higher SOD2 expression, lower mitochondrial ROS and oxidative DNA damage, and reduced expression of CCL2, IL1, IL6, MMP 2 and 9 (p<0.01). Sod2 polyplexes-treated mouse plaques exhibited 25% fewer inflammatory macrophages (p<0.01) and 98% more smooth muscle cells (p<0.001) with a reduced lipid core, preserved fibromuscular cap, and decreased plaque vulnerability index (p<0.05). The results suggest that selective overexpression of Sod2 in plaque macrophages using nanoplexes reduces mitochondrial stress and preserves plaque stability without adverse effects. Using nanoparticle-based mRNA therapeutics to modulate plaque morphology has great potential in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis complications.

Essential oils nano-emulsion confers resistance against Penicillium digitatum in 'Newhall' navel orange by promoting phenylpropanoid metabolism

Inducing natural resistance against pathogen infection in postharvest citrus by exogenous elicitor is a promising alternative to reduce postharvest losses. Here, the potential induced resistance mechanism of blended cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol and eugenol nano-emulsion against P. digitatum in ‘Newhall’ navel orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) was evaluated through combined transcriptomic and metabolomics analysis. Application of nano-emulsion maintained fruit firmness after P. digitatum inoculation, nano-emulsion reduced H2O2 and MDA accumulation of citrus fruit, increased PAL, C4H, 4CL and CAD activity, and higher contents of flavonoids, lignin and total phenolic compounds. Furthermore, higher activities of SOD, CAT, POD and APX in nano-emulsion treated fruit possibly benefited reducing ROS accumulation and lipid peroxidation. The activities of the defense enzymes CHI, GLU were higher in the nano-emulsion treated fruits. RNA-seq identified 653 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the control and the nano-emulsion-treated fruit at 48 hpi, including 444 up-regulated and 209 downregulated genes. Genes encoding shikimate O-hydroxycinnamoyltransferase (HCT), caffeoyl-CoA O-methyltransferase (CCoAOMT), caffeic acid 3-O-methyltransferase / acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase (COMT), cinnamyl-alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) and peroxidase (POD) were differentially expressed by nano-emulsion treatment. In addition, 175 differential accumulated metabolites between the control and the nano-emulsion-treated fruit at 48 hpi also were identified, the different accumulated metabolites from phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway related with disease resistance including L-phenylalanine, caffeic acid, caffeoyl quinic acid, coniferyl alcohol, coniferaldehyde. The integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling indicated that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and the differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were mainly involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway. Besides, the nano-emulsion significantly induced accumulation of primary metabolites including amino acids, soluble sugars, organic acids, lipids, sugar and alcohols. All these results indicated that blended essential oil nano-emulsion as an antifungal delivery system to induce resistance against P. digitatum infection of ‘Newhall’ navel orange by promoting phenylpropanoid metabolism.

Effect of Dietary Clove (Syzygium Aromaticum) Essential Oil on Growth Performance, Oxidative Indices, Lipid Profile, and Cadmium Accumulation in Cd-exposed Quails

Introduction: Natural products can alleviate oxidative stress induced by toxic metals. This study evaluated antioxidant properties of clove essential oil (CEO), compared to oxidative deterioration of Cd. It was carried out by measuring growth performance parameters (BW, FI, and FCR), oxidative indices (TBARS, CP, CAT, SOD, and GPx), lipid profile (TG, TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C), and Cd bioaccumulation in quails.
 Materials and Methods: In this study, 480 Japanese quails were fed with diets for 35 days. The diets included basal diet, basal diet + VC (500 mg/kg), basal diet + CEO (450 mg/kg), basal diet + CEO (100 mg/kg), basal diet + VC (500 mg/kg) + Cd (40 mg/l), basal diet + CEO (450 mg/kg) + Cd (40 mg/l), basal diet + CEO (100 mg/kg) + Cd (40 mg/l), and basal diet + Cd (40 mg/l). Oxidative indices and Cd bioaccumulation (ICP-OES) were measured.
 Results: The major ingredients of CEO included Eugenol (77.63%) and β-Caryophyllene (9.55%). Quails exposed to Cd and treated with CEO had a reduced amount of oxidative stress as evidenced by lower concentrations of TBARS and CP, higher activities of SOD, GPx, and CAT, an improved lipid profile, and lower accumulation of Cd compared to the positive control. However, FI and FCR did not change.
 Conclusion: Antioxidant properties of CEO were dose-dependent. CEO (450 mg/kg) was potentially as effective as, or even more potent than VC (500 mg/kg) in reducing the adverse effects of Cd. However, further studies are required to determine the minimum concentration of COE.

Targeted Plasmalogen Supplementation: Effects on Blood Plasmalogens, Oxidative Stress Biomarkers, Cognition, and Mobility in Cognitively Impaired Persons.

Plasmalogens are a specific type of glycerophospholipid found in especially high levels in neuronal membranes. Decreased blood and brain levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) containing plasmalogens are associated with decreased cognition and neuromuscular function in humans. Administration of 1-O-alkyl-2-acylglycerol (AAG) plasmalogen precursors containing DHA at the sn-2 position dose-dependently increase blood DHA plasmalogens and are neuroprotective in animal models of neurodegeneration at doses between 10 and 50 mg/kg. We conducted an investigational clinical trial in 22 cognitively impaired persons to evaluate the effects of an escalating oral dosing regimen of DHA-AAG from 900 to 3,600 mg/day over a 4-month period on blood serum plasmalogen and non-plasmalogen phospholipids and oxidative stress biomarkers. Safety, tolerability and therapeutic effects on cognition and mobility were also evaluated. DHA plasmalogen levels increased with increasing dose and remained significantly elevated at all treatment doses and durations. DHA plasmalogen levels were positively associated with catalase activity and negatively associated with malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. DHA-AAG supplementation normalized catalase activity in persons with low baseline catalase activity, normalized MDA levels in persons with high baseline MDA levels, and normalized superoxide dismutase activity in persons with high baseline SOD activity. Cognition improved in nine participants, was unchanged in nine, and declined in four. Mobility improved in twelve, was unchanged in five and declined in four participants. Changes in cognition and mobility were statistically significant versus a random outcome. Baseline DHA-plasmalogen levels were not predictive of clinical response. DHA-AAG was well tolerated at all dosages and no adverse reactions were observed.

Nickel superoxide dismutase protects nitrogen fixation in Trichodesmium

AbstractTrichodesmium, a major diazotroph in tropical and subtropical oceans, provides a significant amount of bioavailable nitrogen in oligotrophic oceans. Remarkably, the cyanobacteria carry out nitrogen fixation and photosynthesis simultaneously under high light (HL) conditions. Here, we hypothesize that nickel superoxide dismutase (NiSOD) protects the nitrogen fixation process from oxidative stress generated in photosynthesis under high solar radiation conditions. We found that the variations in nitrogen fixation rates closely corresponded to Ni availability under HL conditions. The expression of NiSOD and two representative photosynthetic proteins also corresponded to variations in both nitrogen fixation rates and Ni availability under HL conditions. Trichodesmium collected in the field had a high Ni quota and elevated SOD activity. The evidence supports the conclusion that NiSOD protects nitrogen fixation in Trichodesmium from oxidative stress. The ability to utilize NiSOD may be a major advantage for Trichodesmium under high solar radiation conditions.

Antioxidant Activity Test of Ethanol Extract of Andaliman Fruit (Zanthoxylum Acanthopodium DC.) on Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Levels in Rats

Free radicals are compounds or molecules that contain one or more unpaired electrons in their outer orbitals. If the production of free radicals is excessive, it can cause oxidative damage which ends in cell death resulting in the acceleration of various degenerative diseases. To neutralize the work of free radicals, external antioxidants are needed. Andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC) is a source of natural antioxidants that contain flavonoids that can neutralize free radicals. This research included sample preparation, examination of simplicia characteristics, screening of simplicia phytochemicals, extract preparation, determination of SOD activity spectrophotometrically using reagents. A total of 30 rats were divided into 6 groups consisting of the control group, the stress-induced group, the comparison group, and the three stress-induced and EEBA groups with doses of 75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, and 300 mg respectively. /kg bw. Stress induction was carried out by administering EEBA for 7 days and continued by administering EEBA together with doxorubicin for the next 2 days. The results showed that the average SOD level in the control group was (4.626 0.2583), the doxorubicin group (1.956+ 0.0879), the EEBA group 75 mg kg body weight (2.444 0.0844), the EEBA group 150 mg/kg body weight ( 3.052 +0.1139), the EEBA 300 mg/kg body weight (3.646+0.1739) and the Routine 50 mg/kg body weight 5.594 + 0.2056), EEBA had higher SOD activity when compared to the doxorubicin group. Based on the statistical results, SOD activity increased with the increase in the dose of EEBA given and showed a significant difference (p<0.05) between the EPBA group and the doxorubicin group. Observations on liver tissue in the group given EEBA showed better conditions than the liver in the doxorubicin group.

Antioxidant Potential, DNA Damage, Inflammation, Glycemic Control and Lipid Metabolism Alteration: A Mediation Analysis of Islamic Sunnah Intermittent Fasting on Cognitive Function among Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

This study aimed to determine the relationship between oxidative stress, DNA damage, inflammation, and metabolic biomarkers as the mediating factor between Islamic Sunnah intermittent fasting (IF) practice and cognitive function among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study was a 36 months prospective cohort study. Community-dwelling older participants recruited through a stratified random sampling method from four states representing Malaysia's central, north-west, northeast and southern regions. Ninety-nine Malay Muslim older adults (n= 99) aged 60 and above with MCI and no known critical illnesses were included in the current analysis. The participants were divided into regularly practicing IF (r-IF), irregularly practicing IF (i-IF) and not practicing IF (n-IF) groups. Fasting venous blood was collected and used to determine the levels of oxidative stress, DNA damage, inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers. Mini-Mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Digit Span and Digit symbol were used to evaluate the cognitive function. Then, the mediation analysis was conducted using a multistep regression model to determine the mediating role of various biomarkers between IF practice and cognitive function. When comparing the r-IF and n-IF groups, higher SOD activity, lower DNA damage (percentage of DNA in tail), lower CRP levels and higher HDL-cholesterol levels established partial mediation while lower insulin levels established complete mediation between IF practice and better cognitive function. Meanwhile, when comparing the r-IF and i-IF groups, higher SOD activity and lower CRP levels completely mediated the effects of IF practice on better cognitive function. It can be concluded that changes in antioxidant function, DNA damage, inflammation and a limited set of metabolic biomarkers (insulin and HDL cholesterol) may mediate improvements in cognitive function among older participants with MCI who practice Islamic Sunnah IF.

Copper(II) Complexes of Pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide Ligands with High SOD Activity.

Copper(II) complexes of pyridine-based ligands functionalized with alanine (PydiAla) and tyrosine (PydiTyr) moieties have been synthesized as novel superoxide dismutase mimics. The complexes were characterized by pH-potentiometric, spectroscopic (UV-vis, circular dichroism, mass spectrometry, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy), computational (DFT), and X-ray diffraction methods. Both ligands form high stability copper(II) complexes via the (Npy,N-,N-) donor set supported by the binding of the carboxylate pendant arms. Although the coordination mode is the same for the two systems, the tyrosine containing counterpart exhibits increased copper(II) binding affinity, which is most likely due to the presence of the aromatic moiety of the side chains. Both copper(II) complexes are capable of binding N-methylimidazole, and the formation of the corresponding ternary species was observed at physiological pH. The binary and ternary copper(II) complexes exhibit high SOD activity. The PydiTyr complex exhibits about 1 order of magnitude higher activity than the PydiAla complex. This is probably due to the presence of the phenolic OH group in the former species, which promotes the binding of the superoxide anion radical to the metal center. The results serve as a basis for designing highly efficient copper(II) mimics for medical and practical applications.

Physiological Tools to Identify the Amelioration Effect of Salicylic Acid Under Salinity in Sorghum at Bloom Stage

Little is known about the impact of salicylic acid in sorghum under salt stress. Sorghum genotype HJ 513 was used for the experiment, which was carried out as factorial in a completely randomized design. Plants were grown in screen houses under four salt levels (0, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 dS m-1 NaCl) and three salicylic acid, SA (0, 25 and 50 ppm) levels with twelve different combinations. Sorghum leaves were harvested at bloom stage (80 DAS) and assayed for electrolytic leakage percentage (ELP) i.e. 93.81% in HJ 513, osmolytes content (Proline value increased from 59.75 to 86.56 (µg g-1 DW) in HJ 513 under 10 dS m-1 with respect to control, total soluble carbohydrate content also increased from control to 10 dS m-1 i.e. 0.21 to 0.42 (mg g-1 DW) in HJ 513, glycine betaine content increased from control to 10 dS m-1 i.e. 135.67 to 286.63 (µmole g-1 DW) in HJ 513 The specific activities of the superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase under salt stress (10 dS m-1) increased 69.12%, 255.29% and 92.65% in HJ 513 respectively. Compared with the plants treated with salt alone, added salicylic acid significantly decreased ELP and significantly enhanced osmolytes concentration and also the antioxidant enzymatic activity in salt-stressed leaves of that genotype. That SA effect was time-dependent and became stronger as the experiment continued. It could be concluded that higher activities of SOD, CAT and POX in salt-stressed leaves induced by SA addition may protect the plant tissues from membrane oxidative damage under salt stress, thus mitigating salt toxicity and improving the growth of sorghum plants. The results of the present experiment coincided with the conclusion that SA may be involved in metabolic or physiological changes in plants

Blood metabolic profile and acid base status of lactating Travnik ewes in an extensive production system

The research aimed to determine the blood metabolic profile and acid-base status of lactating Travnik ewes in an extensive production system. The research was carried out on 108 lactating Travnik ewes, with an average age of 3-4 years, in their 3rd lactation. The ewes were kept on pasture, and had water and animal salt ad libitum. Hematological indicators were determined in whole blood, biochemical parameters in serum, and acid-base status was determined in plasma. The determined average values of hematological parameters were mostly within reference values, except the lower MCHC content and higher MCV content, which indicates the instability of erythrocyte constants. Average mineral concentrations were within the reference values, except for Ca and Fe concentrations which were lower and were influenced by higher milk excretion. Most of the biochemical indicators, enzyme activity, and indicators of the acid-base balance of lactating Travnik ewes’ blood were within the reference values. A high concentration of urea above the reference values was found, and concentrations of total proteins, albumins, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides at the upper limit or above the reference values were determined. Slightly lower GPx activity and higher SOD activity above reference values were determined. These indicators point to energy deficit, as well as poor grazing quality, and a lack of selenium in pasture plant species. When determining the blood metabolic profile of lactating Travnik ewes, the obtained results of the research should be considered, and they should be included in the development of reference values for the Travnik sheep breed.

Paraovarian Cyst in Repeat-breeder Buffalo heifers: Ultrasonographic, Antioxidants and Serum Cell-free RNA markers

This study aimed to (1) identify the status of reproductive tract of repeat-breeder heifers (RBH) ultrasonography, as well as (2) determinethe variations in steroid hormones, oxidative stress biomarkers, and cell-free RNA in serum.These culled animals from400 heifers at the breeding stationwere examined ultrasonography, and whole blood samples were collected. Theultrasonic diagnosed heifers as paraovarian cyst (POC, n=18) associated with genital pathological conditionswere compared with groups of control heifers at follicular(n=6), luteal (n=6), and early pregnant (n=10). The POC appeared as anechoic circumscribed masses located nearby, but separated from the ovary. Follicular number, corpus luteum size, serum cell-free RNA, and ovarian steroids were not affected by POC, although dominant follicle size tended to be lower (P= 0.069)in POC withCL absence (POC-CL). Heifers with POC-CLhad lower MDA levels than pregnant ones. Buffaloes that had POC in the presence of CL (POC+CL) were found to have higher SOD activity than luteal and pregnant cases. Total serum proteinslevels recorded lower valuesin POC+CL compared to that in follicular phase. There was a significant positive relationship between POCsize, and GPx activity and CL size, but negative correlations with dominate follicles size. The POC might interfere with ovarian function, via alterations in antioxidant levels.

Influence of Zinc and Manganese Nanoparticles on Selected Parameters of Turkey Spermatozoa Stored in a Liquid State at 4 °C.

Simple SummaryNanoparticles (NPs) are not widely used in semen preservation procedures due to their potential toxicity as well as limited knowledge regarding safe NP doses. Turkey sperm loses its fertilizing potential when it is stored for more than several hours. Recent years have witnessed an upsurge of interest in novel procedures for improving the storage of turkey semen. The addition of zinc to the extender may improve progressive sperm motility, viability, membrane integrity and DNA stability. The viability, membrane integrity, motility and osmotic balance of sperm can also be enhanced through the addition of manganese, which exerts antioxidant effects. Despite the fact that the influence of NPs on sperm is not fully understood, their biological effects can be harnessed to enhance the quality of sperm cells during semen preservation.The aim of this study was to determine the effect of semen extender supplementation with 25 or 50 μM of zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) or manganese nanoparticles (MnNPs) on turkey spermatozoa preserved in a liquid state. Twenty turkey ejaculates were obtained from twenty healthy males. The collected semen was preserved at 4 °C for 48 h with or without NPs. Selected qualitative and quantitative parameters of sperm (motility, plasma membrane activity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and the percentage of sperm demonstrating NO and SOD activity) were examined after 2, 24 and 48 h of storage. Sperm motility and MMP decreased in semen preserved with ZnNPs at each time point of the analysis. However, all spermatozoa remained viable throughout storage. In contrast, membrane integrity and mitochondria activity (p ≤ 0.05) increased, and the highest SOD activity (p ≤ 0.05) was observed in semen preserved with MnNPs. The addition of MnNPs to the semen extender could potentially improve the parameters of turkey semen during prolonged storage.

Effect of 1-Methylcyclopropene on the Storage Quality of Lonicera caerulea L.

Objective: In order to explore the effect of 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on the storage quality of Lonicera caerulea L., with a view to providing theoretical and practical basis for Lonicera caerulea L. storage and preservation technology. Methods: The experiment using the Lonicera caerulea L. variety “Lanjingling” as the test material, after harvesting, it was treated with a concentration of 1 µL/L 1-MCP for 24 h, and the effect of 1-MCP treatment on the storage quality, physiological changes and anti-oxidant effects of the fruits during storage at ice temperature (−0.5±0.3) ℃ was studied. Results: Compared with the control, 1-MCP treatment delayed the decrease of good fruit rate, frost coverage index and flavor index during storage. The hardness was 1.39 kg/cm2 at 60 days of storage, which was significantly higher than the hardness of CK group (0.95 kg/cm2) during the same period and maintained the organoleptic qualities and inherent texture of the fruit. In early storage, 1-MCP treatment such as ascorbic acid, anthocyanins, flavones and total phenol content was maintained at a high level, while suppressing respiration and MDA content of the fruits, the biologically active material was suppressed and the decrease of delaying the senescence of fruits. In terms of antioxidant properties, 1-MCP could effectively slow down the decrease of T-GSH, GSH, and GSSG content, while maintaining high GR and SOD activities in the early stage of storage, thereby achieving the ability to maintain the antioxidant capacity of the fruits. Conclude: 1-MCP can effectively maintain the quality of Lonicera caerulea L. during the postharvest storage period.

A bamboo leaf-specific aquaporin gene PePIP2;7 is involved in abiotic stress response

PePIP2;7, a leaf-specific aquaporin gene in bamboo, is upregulated under abiotic stresses. Overexpressing PePIP2;7 confers abiotic stresses tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis plant and yeast. Aquaporins (AQPs) participate in the regulation of water balance in plants. However, the function of AQPs in bamboo remains unclear. Here, PePIP2;7 was identified as a leaf-specific aquaporin gene in moso bamboo based on the expression analysis of transcriptome data and PCR. In situ hybridization further indicated that PePIP2;7 was mainly expressed in mesophyll cells of mature leaves, while in immature leaves it was dominant in blade edge cells followed by mesophyll cells. Interestingly, PePIP2;7 was strongly expressed in the mesophyll cells near bulliform cells of immature leaves, suggesting that PePIP2;7 might function in water transport and contribute to leaf unfolding. The transient expression assay showed that PePIP2;7 was a plasma membrane intrinsic protein. Furthermore, PePIP2;7 was upregulated under abiotic stresses such as high light, drought, and NaCl. Compared with Col-0, transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing PePIP2;7 had better seed germination rate, longer taproot length, higher SOD activity, and lower MDA content under abiotic stresses. Besides, yeasts expressing PePIP2;7 also had higher tolerance to stress compared to the control. Taken together, our results show that PePIP2;7 is leaf-specific and involved in stress response, which provides new insights into aquaporin function in bamboo.

The Short-Term Metabolic Modulation of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L. cv. 'Genovese') after Exposure to Cold or Heat.

Chilling stress in spring and mid-season heat stress are important environmental stresses that can significantly affect plant productivity. The objectives of this study were to understand the effects of cold (4 and 10 °C) or heat (30 and 40 °C) stress on biochemical and physiological traits in leaves and roots of basil (Ocimum basilicum L. cv. ‘Genovese’) young plants. After short-time exposure to mild and severe temperature stresses, both photosynthetic pigments’ and protein, as well as enzymatic and non-enzymatic defense components in basil leaves and roots, were quantified and compared with the control non-stressed plants. It was shown that both cold and heat treatment increase the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids. Chilling correlated with higher content of soluble proteins in leaves, whereas the concentration of these osmoprotectants in roots was higher under both cold and heat stress. For all tested antioxidant enzymes, higher activity was measured in leaves, and activity was related to temperature stress. SOD, CAT, A-POX, and P-POX activities was induced under heat stress, while the higher activity of SOD, CAT, P-POX, and G-POX was recorded under cold stress, compared to the control. In addition to the induced activity of enzymatic components, the content of secondary metabolites including total phenolics, flavonoids, and total anthocyanins, was several times higher compared to the non-stressed plants. Furthermore, total phenolic content was higher in roots than in leaves. Significant positive correlation can be seen among photosynthetic pigments, SOD, total phenolics, and flavonoids under severe temperature stress (4 or 40 °C) in basil leaves, while for roots, positive correlation was found in the content of secondary metabolites and activity of CAT or peroxidases. Obtained results are discussed in terms of phenotyping of O. basilicum cv. ‘Genovese’ response to heat and chilling stress, which should contribute to a better understanding of merged responses to cold and heat tolerance of this valuable crop.

Morpho-physiological investigations in transgenic tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) over expressing OsRGLP1 gene

The OsRGLP1 gene was overexpressed under the control of CaMV 35S promoter in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The transgene expression was validated using RT-qPCR (real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction) in the transgenic plants. Noticeable morpho-physiological traits, higher SOD activity, and elevated histological H2O2 were manifested by transgenic tomato lines. An increase in total chlorophyll and relative water content (RWC) in the leaves of transgenic lines was noted. The electrolytic leakage/conductivity (EC) in leaves of transgenic lines was lower than the control. The transgenic tomato lines showed dwarf phenotypic features in vegetative and floral traits. Interestingly, the vascular cambium regions in cross sections of stem showed secondary growth in radial symmetry. The transgenic lines also produced higher density and diversity of trichomes. The differences observed in transgenic lines are quite interesting which need to be further explored referring to the functional aspects of the transgene with reference to stress.

Application of biostimulants in tomato subjected to water deficit: Physiological, enzymatic and production responses

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the application of the biostimulants Seed+ and Crop+ on physiological and production variables and on the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase - SOD and guaiacol peroxidase - POD) in tomato plants subjected to two soil water conditions. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, in a 2 x 2 x 6 factorial scheme, with two times of application of the biostimulants (flowering and fruiting), two soil water conditions (50 and 100% of soil water holding capacity) and six biostimulants (control treatment; Seed+; Seed+ + Crop+ 1x; Seed+ + Crop+ 2x; Crop+ 1x; + Crop+ 2x). The exprimental design was completely randomized, with four repetitions. The biostimulants Seed+ and Crop+ increased the quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), regardless of the time of application and water condition of the soil. The biostimulants Seed+ + Crop+ 2x and Crop+ 2x stood out in the pre-morning period, with an average Fv/Fm of 0.813, under the conditions tested. The highest SOD activity (372.12 U mg-1 of protein) was obtained with Crop+ 2x biostimulant in fruiting and under water deficit. For POD, when under water deficit, the best results were obtained with the biostimulants Seed+ + Crop+ 2x, Crop+ 1x and Crop+ 2x in flowering (810.94; 691.19 and 921.59 U mg-1 protein) and in fruiting (703.60; 800.00 and 972.62 U mg-1 protein). Thus, the use of Seed+ and Crop+ biostimulants can be an alternative to help mitigate the damage caused by water deficit in tomato crop.

Interactive effects of stocking density and dietary supplementation with Nano selenium and garlic extract on growth, feed utilization, digestive enzymes, stress responses, and antioxidant capacity of grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella

AbstractThe effects of dietary Nano selenium (Se) and garlic extract on the performance of grass carp under different stocking densities were examined. Fish (2.10 ± 0.09 g) were stocked into 18 tanks: fish were fed a diet supplemented with 1 mg Nano Se and 1 g garlic kg−1 diet (Diet1) or a diet supplemented with 2 mg Nano Se and 2 g garlic kg−1 diet (Diet2) and reared at low (LD, 24 fish per tank), medium (MD, 48 fish per tank), and high (HD, 96 fish per tank) stocking densities. After 60 days, growth was highest in Diet2‐LD and Diet2‐MD groups and lowest in Diet1‐HD group. Results showed an extreme low or high density induced stress responses. At all densities, serum cortisol and glucose levels were significantly lower and amylase and lipase activities were higher in fish fed diet 2. The protease, catalase, and GPx activities were highest in the Diet2‐MD group. The highest SOD activity was observed in medium‐density groups. The serum malondialdehyde level was lowest in Diet2‐LD and Diet2‐MD groups. Thus, higher dietary levels of Nano Se and garlic are recommended to suppress stress and improve growth, digestive activity, and antioxidant capacity in grass carp. In addition, farming fish at medium density is the most optimal aquaculture practice.