Increased Superoxide Dismutase Activity Research Articles

Effect of saline–alkaline stresses on the interspecific competition between Aegilops tauschii and Triticum aestivum

Soil salinization has produced severe consequences on global agricultural production and ecological environment. Based on the features of saline soils in China, through mixed NaCl, NaHCO3, Na2SO4, and Na2CO3 at varying ratios to simulate the salinity–alkalinity stress and conducted a controlled pot experiment using De Wit replacement method. The effects of salinity–alkalinity stress on the growth of Aegilops tauschii and its competition with wheat were explored to provide a reference for the study of invasion mechanism of A. tauschii. The result showed that, the salinity–alkalinity stress inhibited the growth and development of both the species, which was reflected in plant height, leaf area and total biomass indicators. Secondly, the tolerance of both plant species to salinity–alkalinity stress was improved by increasing the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the proline content. However, as the salinity–alkalinity stress was exacerbated, the relative conductivity and thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) content increased significantly in both the species. As suggested by the level of increase in SOD activity, proline content, relative conductivity, and TBARS content, A. tauschii was more tolerant to the salinity–alkalinity stress than wheat. Finally, it can be seen from the value of the competition balance index, A. tauschii was still more competitive than wheat even under salinity–alkalinity stress. In summary, A. tauschii was more tolerant of the salinity–alkalinity stress than wheat through the favorable adjustment of morphology, biomass allocation pattern, and physiological features, which is expected to increase its invasion damage to wheat.

Unraveling the synergistic effects of microbes and selenium in alleviating drought stress in Camelina sativa L.

Globally, drought has emerged as one of the most serious threats to oil seed crops including Camelina production, which necessitates screening of drought resistant cultivars that are more responsive to mitigation treatments. Effect of microbes and Selenium (Se) is associated with the upregulation of available nutrients. Therefore, present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of Se interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi Rhizophagus intraradices at four different treatments (T1: CK), T2: inoculation of R. intraradices), T3: Se-priming (2 mM), T4: inoculation of R. intraradices+ Se-priming (2 mM) on two Camelina genotypes (Australian and Canadian) under varied water levels (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% field capacity, FC). Se with Seed priming and microbes were applied through inoculation of Camelina seed. The experiment was conducted in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications at MNS- University of Agriculture Multan, Pakistan. The results exhibited that inoculation of R. intraradices + Se-priming (2 mM) application significantly improved the physiological and growth parameters of Camelina under water stress. The application of inoculation of R. intraradices + Se-priming (2 mM) increased crop growth, physiology, and antioxidants as compared to other treatments (T1: (Control), T2: Microbes (R. intraradices), T3: Se-priming (2 mM). The application of Microbes + Se-priming (2 mM) increased the total soluble sugars by 69.6%, 23.4%, and 10.8% as compared to other treatments (T1: (Control), T2: inoculation of R. intraradices), T3: Se-priming (2 mM)., respectively, irrespective of field capacity levels. Among varied water levels, 100% FC showed unmatched results regarding crop growth traits, physiological aspects, and antioxidants activities as compared to water stressed levels of 75%, 50%, and 25% FCs. Proline contents were also increased by 93.9%, 52.5%, and 10.2% at 100% FC as compared to 25%, 50%, and 75% FCs. The response of Canadian Camelina was found better than Australian Camelina in most of the growth, physiological, and antioxidant parameters. Canadian Camelina also showed a 2.14% increase in superoxide dismutase activity as compared to Australian Camelina. The combination of Canadian Camelina inoculation of R. intraradices + Se-priming (2 mM) is recommended to achieve higher productivity under water-stressed conditions. However, long-term studies must be conducted to screen out drought resistant and inoculation of R. intraradices + Se-priming responsive genotypes for increasing Camelina yield in low input farming systems. Further, Se-mediated physiological and biochemical associated with drought tolerance in Camelina plants and future research prospects have been elucidated.

Insights into physiological and metabolic modulations instigated by exogenous sodium nitroprusside and spermidine reveals drought tolerance in Helianthus annuus L.

Drought is the most critical climatic factor instigating severe threats to crop production worldwide. As stress ameliorants, exogenous sodium nitroprusside (SNP) or spermidine (Spd) supply has positive responses in alleviating the drought adversities in crops, however, reports regarding their combined effects is still elusive. Here, the protective role of SNP and Spd to confer drought resistance in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) through up-regulation of physiological and metabolic processes was investigated. Plants were foliar sprayed with individual or combined SNP (100 μM) or Spd (100 μM). Drought was induced by keeping the soil at 100% (normal) and 60% (drought stress) field capacity levels. Drought exposure caused a marked decline in relative water content (RWC), excised leaf water retention (ELWR), net photosynthesis (PN), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (gs), and sub-stomatal conductance (Ci) with substantial increase in catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POX). SNP plus Spd exhibited a considerable increase in CAT, SOD, and POX activities under drought, and helped the plants to retain optimum water status and gas exchange attributes. Similarly, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were increased significantly to drought; however, a notable decline was recorded in drought prone plants treated with exogenous SNP plus Spd. Moreover, addition of SNP plus Spd under drought caused a remarkable increase in chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b), chlorophyll total (Chl t), carotenoids (Car), and growth traits like shoot length (SL), root length (RL), shoot fresh weight (SFW), shoot dry weight (SDW), root dry weight (RDW). Combined SNP and Spd application could potentially alleviate the drought-induced damages in sunflower through increased water status (8–10%), antioxidant enzymes (17–28%), chlorophyll pigments (14–21%), and growth performance (12–22%) under drought stress.

Effects of Drought Stress on SOD Activity and Pro Content in Different Parts of Soybean Leaves

Background: Drought is the main restricted agent for growth and development of soybean and the physiological characteristics of different parts of soybean leaves changed significantly. Methods: To explore the impacts of drought stress on the physiological characteristics of leaves in different parts of soybean, in this study, Williams 82 was used as the experimental material and drought stress was simulated by a watering nutrient solution containing 10% PEG-6000. Under different treatment time conditions, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and proline (Pro) content in different parts of soybean leaves were determined. Result: The results indicate that the SOD activity and Pro content in the upper and bottom leaves of soybean increased significantly under drought stress conditions and with the increase in drought stress time, the SOD activity in the upper and bottom leaves of soybean increased first and then declined and the content of Pro increased gradually. In general, soybean relief drought damage by increasing SOD activity and Pro content under drought stress. This study offered the theoretical foundation for exploring the mechanism of soybean drought resistance.

Enhancement of superoxide dismutase activity using mixed Lactobacillus casei and Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultures in simulated gastrointestinal conditions with encapsulation

Superoxide dismutase (SOD)-producing microorganisms have attracted increasing attention given their scavenge superoxide anions capabilities, but further strengthening methods are still urgently needed. Herein, Lactobacillus casei F18 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae J14 were isolated for their high SOD activity. Co-culturing these two strains emerged effective nutritional cooperation, which increased SOD activity by 198.22% and 66.35% compared to F18 and J14, respectively. SOD activity of co-culture “F18 +J14” was further enhanced by response surface methodology and metal ion stress. High-performance liquid chromatographic and RT-qPCR analyses of “F18 +J14” revealed that SOD production pathways were active and contents of metabolites acetate and ethanol were dramatically increased. Metabolite complementarity experiment also verified the addition of acetate and ethanol in vitro enhanced SOD activity and gene expression of “F18 +J14”. These findings highlighted co-culture and metal ion stress enhanced SOD activity by cross-stimulating cells with metabolites, affecting cell growth, and up-regulating SOD genes. Furthermore, “F18 +J14” based immobilized bio-beads were successfully synthesized with sodium alginate combined CaCO3, which exhibited the highest cell vitality and SOD activity in the simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Together, this study revealed the synergistic promotion mechanism of SOD biosynthesis by co-cultivation lactic acid bacteria and yeast, and shows great promise for management of oxidation stress related diseases.

Anti-oxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Ethanol Extract from Polygala sibirica L. var megalopha Fr. on Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated RAW264.7 Cells.

To investigate the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ethanol extract of Polygala sibirica L. var megalopha Fr. (EEP) on RAW264.7 mouse macrophages. RAW264.7 cells were pretreated with 0-200 µg/mL EEP or vehicle for 2 h prior to exposure to 1 µg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 h. Nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin (PGE2) production were determined by Griess reagent and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and IL-6 were determined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Western blot assay was used to determine the protein expressions of iNOS, COX-2, phosphorylation of extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), inhibitory subunit of nuclear factor Kappa B alpha (Iκ B-α) and p38. Immunofluorescence was used to observe the nuclear expression of nuclear factor-κ B p65 (NF-κ B p65). Additionally, the anti-oxidant potential of EEP was evaluated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl (OH), superoxide anion (O2-) radical and nitrite scavenging activity were also measured. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of EEP were 23.50±2.16 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g and 43.78±3.81 mg rutin equivalent/100 g. With EEP treatment (100 and 150 µg/mL), there was a notable decrease in NO and PGE2 production induced by LPS in RAW264.7 cells by downregulation of iNOS and COX-2 mRNA and protein expressions (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Furthermore, with EEP treatment (150 µg/mL), there was a decrease in the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, as well as in the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK, P<0.01 or P<0.05), by blocking the nuclear translocation of NF-κ B p65 in LPS-stimulated cells. In addition, EEP (100 and 150 µg/mL) led to an increase in the anti-oxidant enzymes activity of SOD and CAT, with a concomitant decrease in ROS production (P<0.01 or P<0.05). EEP also indicated the DPPH, OH, O2- radical and nitrite scavenging activity. EEP inhibited inflammatory responses in activated macrophages through blocking MAPK/NF-κ B pathway and protected against oxidative stress.

Paeonia × suffruticosa Andrews leaf extract and its main component apigenin 7-O-glucoside ameliorate hyperuricemia by inhibiting xanthine oxidase activity and regulating renal urate transporters

BackgroundHyperuricemia is an important pathological basis of gout and a distinct hazard factor for metabolic syndromes and cardiovascular and chronic renal disease, but lacks safe and effective treatments currently. Paeonia × suffruticosa Andrews leaf effectively reduced serum uric acid in gout patients; however, the material foundation and the mechanism remain unclear. PurposeTo determine the primary active components and mechanism of P. suffruticosa leaf in hyperuricemic mice. MethodsThe chemical constituents of P. suffruticosa leaf was identified using high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis. The anti-hyperuricemic activity of P. suffruticosa leaf extract (12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) and its components was evaluated in hyperuricemic mice induced by a high purine diet for 14 days. Then, the urate-lowering effects of apigenin 7-O-glucoside (0.09, 0.18, and 0.36 mg/kg) were assessed in another hyperuricemic mice model built by administrating potassium oxonate and adenine for 4 weeks. The inhibitory effect of apigenin 7-O-glucoside on uric acid production was elucidated by investigating xanthine oxidase activity in vitro and in serum and the liver and through molecular docking. Immunofluorescence and western blot analyses of the expression of renal urate transporter 1 (URAT1), glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9), organic anion transporters 1 (OAT1), and ATP-binding cassette G member 2 (ABCG2) proteins elucidated how apigenin 7-O-glucoside promoted uric acid excretion. ResultsSix compounds were identified in P. suffruticosa leaf: gallic acid, methyl gallate, oxypaeoniflorin, paeoniflorin, galloylpaeoniflorin, and apigenin 7-O-glucoside. P. suffruticosa leaf extract significantly attenuated increased serum uric acid, creatinine, and xanthine oxidase activity in hyperuricemic mice. Apigenin 7-O-glucoside from P. suffruticosa leaf reduced uric acid, creatinine, and malondialdehyde serum levels, increased superoxide dismutase activity, and partially restored the spleen coefficient in hyperuricemic mice. Apigenin 7-O-glucoside inhibited xanthine oxidase activity in vitro and decreased serum and liver xanthine oxidase activity and liver xanthine oxidase protein expression in hyperuricemic mice. Molecular docking revealed that apigenin 7-O-glucoside bound to xanthine oxidase. Apigenin 7-O-glucoside facilitated uric acid excretion by modulating the renal urate transporters URAT1, GLUT9, OAT1, and ABCG2. Apigenin 7-O-glucoside protected against renal damage and oxidative stress caused by hyperuricemia by reducing serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, malondialdehyde, and renal reactive oxygen species levels; increasing serum and renal superoxide dismutase activity; restoring the renal coefficient; and reducing renal pathological injury. ConclusionApigenin 7-O-glucoside is the main urate-lowering active component of P. suffruticosa leaf extract in the hyperuricemic mice. It suppressed liver xanthine oxidase activity to decrease uric acid synthesis and modulated renal urate transporters to stimulate uric acid excretion, alleviating kidney damage caused by hyperuricemia.

Influence of the Dose and Frequency of Administration of Tramadol on Analgesia, Hematological, Biochemical Parameters, and Oxidative Status of Cats Undergoing Ovariohysterectomy

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the repeated administration of tramadol subcutaneously on postoperative analgesia, liver, kidneys, and oxidative status in the postoperative period of cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Thirty-seven cats were randomly assigned to 5 groups, according to the postoperative analgesic treatment: NaCl 0.9%, GC; tramadol at 2 mg/kg, T2B (q12h) and T2T (q8h); or 4 mg/kg, T4B (q12h) and T4T (q8h). Oxidative status was assessed at baseline, 12 hours and 24 hours after the final administration of tramadol by the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), myeloperoxidase (MPO), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), and lipoperoxidation (MDA). Total blood count, serum biochemistry and urinalysis were compared between baseline and 12 hours posttramadol. Postoperative pain was evaluated by applying the Glasgow Feline Composite Measure Pain Scale at baseline, 3 (T3), 6 (T6), 8 (T8), 12 (T12), 24 (T24) e 36 (T36) hours after extubation. No side effects were observed. Tramadol increased SOD activity while CAT varied among groups in all time points but not over time. MDA levels increased from baseline to 12 hours in all groups but T4T. MPO activity decreased from baseline to 24 hours in some groups, including GC. Creatinine and phosphatase alkaline decreased in T2T, T4B, and T4T at 12 hours. Higher pain scores were observed from T3 to T8, except for GC. Rescue analgesia was administered only at T3. No difference in pain scores was observed from T8 onwards. Based on the findings, it is suggested that tramadol at 2 mg/kg every 8 hours is recommended for postoperative analgesia of cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

Inhibition of microRNA-122 alleviates pyroptosis by targeting dual-specificity phosphatase 4 in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury

Pyroptosis is a type of programmed cell death that induces myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/RI), which leads to cardiac dysfunction and even lethal reperfusion injury. MiR-122 is a liver-specific miRNA associated with coronary heart disease, but its role in pyroptosis activation in myocardial I/RI remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to determine whether miR-122 inhibition exerts myocardial I/RI protection in in vivo and in vitro models. An I/RI model was established in vivo using C57BL/J6 male mice. MiR-122 expression was upregulated in the heart tissues from the I/RI group. Quantitative results of echocardiography parameters showed that miR-122 inhibition improved cardiac function and downregulated interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, caspase 1, and caspase 11. However, pretransfection with recombinant adeno-associated virus type 9 encoding a DUSP4-specific siRNA (AAV9-siDUSP4) blocked the protective effects of miR-122 inhibition. A hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model was established to mimic the I/R condition in vitro using H9C2 cells. Results showed that miR-122 inhibition increased superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) and cell viability and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) level, IL-1β, IL-18, caspase 1, caspase 11, and cell death. These protective effects were abolished by transfection with DUSP4-specific siRNA. In summary, miR-122 expression is upregulated in I/RI, and miR-122 inhibition alleviates I/RI by suppressing pyroptosis through targeting DUSP4. Thus, miR-122 may be a novel therapeutic target for treating myocardial I/RI.

Nicorandil/ morphine crosstalk accounts for antinociception and hepatoprotection in hepatic fibrosis in rats: Distinct roles of opioid/cGMP and NO/KATP pathways

Previous report indicated that nicorandil potentiated morphine antinociception and attenuated hepatic injury in liver fibrotic rats. Herein, the underlying mechanisms of nicorandil/morphine interaction were investigated using pharmacological, biochemical, histopathological, and molecular docking studies. Male Wistar rats were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4, 40%, 2 ml/kg) twice weekly for 5 weeks to induce hepatic fibrosis. Nicorandil (15 mg/kg/day) was administered per os (p.o.) for 14 days in presence of the blockers; glibenclamide (KATP channel blocker, 5 mg/kg, p.o.), L-NG-nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, 15 mg/kg, p.o.), methylene blue (MB, guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, 2 mg/kg, i.p.) and naltrexone (opioid antagonist, 20 mg/kg, i.p.). At the end of the 5th week, analgesia was evaluated using tail flick and formalin tests along with biochemical determinations of liver function tests, oxidative stress markers and histopathological examination of liver tissues. Naltrexone and MB inhibited the antinociceptive activity of the combination. Furthermore, combined nicorandil/morphine regimen attenuated the release of endogenous peptides. Docking studies revealed a possible interaction of nicorandil on µ, κ and δ opioid receptors. Nicorandil/morphine combination protected against liver damage as evident by decreased liver enzymes, liver index, hyaluronic acid, lipid peroxidation, fibrotic insults, and increased superoxide dismutase activity. Nicorandil/morphine hepatoprotection and antioxidant activity were inhibited by glibenclamide and L-NAME but not by naltrexone or MB. These findings implicate opioid activation/cGMP versus NO/KATP channels in the augmented antinociception, and hepatoprotection, respectively, of the combined therapy and implicate provoked cross talk by nicorandil and morphine on opioid receptors and cGMP signaling pathway. That said, nicorandil/morphine combination provides a potential multitargeted therapy to alleviate pain and preserve liver function.

Pterostilbene induces apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells: Biochemical, pathological, and molecular markers

Worldwide, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered the sixth most prevalent cancer and ranked third in causes leading to death. Pterostilbene (PTE), a dimethylated analog of resveratrol, is a phytochemical found in fruits such as blueberries and grapes, and is known for its anticancer effect. The current study intended to investigate the effect of PTE on HepG2 cells. Cell viability, colony-forming potential, lipid peroxidation, catalase enzyme (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and caspase 3 activities, histone release, and expression levels of mTOR, S6K1, p53, and STAT3 proteins were assessed in PTE-treated HepG2 cells. In addition, the cellular and ultrastructural alterations were evaluated by light and transmission electron microscopy. PTE induced a significant reduction in HepG2 viability in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 of PTE = 74 ± 6 μM), accompanied by a decrease in colony formation potential. PTE-treated cancer cells exhibited a decrease in lipid peroxidation and CAT activity, and an increase in histone release, caspase-3, and SOD activities. Ultrastructurally, PTE-treated cells exhibited notable cell shrinkage, reduced number of filopodia, increased vacuolization, apoptotic bodies, accumulation of lipid droplets, enlarged mitochondria, dilated endoplasmic reticulum, pyknotic nuclei, and cellular fragmentation. mTOR, S6K1, and STAT3 levels were downregulated, however p53 level was modulated in PTE-treated cells. The anticancer potential of PTE might be related to its ability to alter the ultrastructure morphology, reduce mitotic activity, and modulate some key protein required for cell proliferation, suggesting its potential to trigger cancer cells towards apoptosis.

Physiological and biochemical responses of Carthamus tinctorius L. to zinc at vegetative stage

AbstractBackgroundEnvironment contamination with heavy metals is a major problem both to the environment and human health.AimsThe aim of this work is to evaluate the physiological, nutritional, and biochemical responses of safflower plants (Carthamus tinctorius L.) grown under different zinc concentrations at vegetative stage.MethodsThe effect of zinc on safflower plants was studied through the evaluation of growth parameters, colorimetric assay of phenolic compounds, and antioxidant enzymes activities.ResultsZinc inhibited shoot and root growth and resulted in leaf chlorosis at 75, 225, and 1000 µM zinc concentrations. At higher concentrations, Zn also reduced photosynthetic parameters except the internal CO2 concentration that was higher at these levels. Zinc reduced potassium content of the shoots at 75 µM of zinc. The presence of Zn at 1000 µM concentration reduced the iron content and led to the accumulation of the copper content in the shoots. In roots, iron and copper contents were reduced from 15 µM Zn. In the case of copper, this content was canceled out at 225 and 1000 µM of zinc. Lipid peroxidation (evaluated as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances content) increased with zinc treatment. Safflower plants generally responded to this oxidative stress by enhancing the antioxidant enzymes activities, namely, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and guaiacol peroxidase. There was no increase in superoxide dismutase activity in shoots and roots, except at the highest zinc concentration in the roots. Total soluble sugars (TSS) and starch contents increased, whereas proline content decreased in shoots. In roots, TSS was not altered, whereas starch was decreased, and proline content was increased. There were no changes in the protein content in both organs under different Zn treatments. There was a gradual increase in the total polyphenols in shoots with increasing zinc concentration; however, no changes were observed in the roots. Flavonoids decreased in roots at 225 and 1000 µM Zn. Total antioxidant activity increased in shoots but it decreased in roots with increasing zinc concentration. The inverse trend was observed for the DPPH and ABTS tests.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the decline in safflower plant growth under high zinc concentrations is related to altered photosynthetic activity and antioxidant response to oxidative stress.

Maternal Magnolol Supplementation during Pregnancy and Lactation Promotes Antioxidant Capacity, Improves Gut Health, and Alters Gut Microbiota and Metabolites of Weanling Piglets.

Maternal nutrition exerts a profound effect on the postnatal performance of offspring, especially during the weaning period. The multifunctional bioactive component magnolol (MAG) has shown promise as a dietary supplement. This study aimed to explore the effects of maternal MAG supplementation on the antioxidant capacity, gut health, gut microbiome, and metabolome composition of weanling piglets. Fifty pregnant sows were randomly divided into two equally sized groups, the control group and the group supplemented with 100 g/t MAG during the gestation and lactation periods, and 7 days postweaning, the pups were euthanized. The microbiome and metabolome features of weanling piglet colons were compared. Our results revealed that maternal MAG supplementation modified the serum redox status of weanling piglets by decreasing malondialdehyde concentration and increasing superoxide dismutase activity and total antioxidant capacity. Moreover, the decreased indicators of diarrhea were accompanied by improved gut barrier function, in which serum diamine oxidase concentration was decreased, and expressions of zona occludens-1, claudin-1, and intestinal alkaline phosphatase were increased in the colon of weanling piglets from sows supplemented with MAG. Further analysis of the gut microbiota indicated that maternal MAG supplementation significantly increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria in the colon of weanling piglets, including Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Oscillospira. Metabolome analysis identified 540 differential metabolites in the colon of piglets from MAG-fed dams, of which glycerophospholipid classes were highly correlated with progeny gut health and key beneficial bacteria. Our findings indicated that maternal MAG supplementation can improve the oxidative status and gut health of weanling piglets, possibly due to alterations in the gut microbiota and metabolites.

Exogenous TiO2 Nanoparticles Alleviate Cd Toxicity by Reducing Cd Uptake and Regulating Plant Physiological Activity and Antioxidant Defense Systems in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Cadmium (Cd) is a potentially hazardous element with significant biological toxicity, negatively affecting plant growth and physio-biochemical metabolism. Thus, it is necessary to examine practical and eco-friendly approaches to reduce Cd toxicity. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) are growth regulators that help in nutrient uptake and improve plant defense systems against abiotic and biological stress. A pot experiment was performed in the late rice-growing season (July—November) 2022 to explore the role of TiO2-NPs in relieving Cd toxicity on leaf physiological activity, biochemical attributes, and plant antioxidant defense systems of two different fragrant rice cultivars, i.e., Xiangyaxiangzhan (XGZ) and Meixiangzhan-2 (MXZ-2). Both cultivars were cultivated under normal and Cd-stress conditions. Different doses of TiO2-NPs with and without Cd-stress conditions were studied. The treatment combinations were: Cd−, 0 mg/kg CdCl2·2.5 H2O; Cd+, 50 mg/kg CdCl2·2.5 H2O; Cd + NP1, 50 mg/kg Cd + 50 TiO2-NPs mg/L; Cd + NP2, 50 mg/kg Cd + 100 TiO2-NPs mg/L; Cd + NP3, 50 mg/kg Cd + 200 TiO2-NPs mg/L; Cd + NP4, 50 mg/kg Cd + 400 TiO2-NPs mg/L. Our results showed that the Cd stress significantly (p &lt; 0.05) decreased leaf photosynthetic efficiency, stomatal traits, antioxidant enzyme activities, and the expression of their encoding genes and protein content. Moreover, Cd toxicity destabilized plant metabolism owing to greater accretion of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels at vegetative and reproductive stages. However, TiO2-NPs application improved leaf photosynthetic efficacy, stomatal traits, and protein and antioxidant enzyme activities under Cd toxicity. Application of TiO2-NPs decreased the uptake and accumulation of Cd in plants and levels of H2O2 and MDA, thereby helping to relieve Cd-induced peroxidation damage of leaf membrane lipids by enhancing the activities of different enzymes like ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POS), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Average increases in SOD, APX, CAT, and POS activities of 120.5 and 110.4%, 116.2 and 123.4%, 41.4 and 43.8%, and 36.6 and 34.2% in MXZ-2 and XGZ, respectively, were noted in Cd + NP3 treatment across the growth stages as compared with Cd-stressed plants without NPs. Moreover, the correlation analysis revealed that the leaf net photosynthetic rate is strongly associated with leaf proline and soluble protein content, suggesting that a higher net photosynthetic rate results in higher leaf proline and soluble protein content. Of the treatments, the Cd + NP3 (50 mg/kg Cd + 200 mg/L TiO2-NPs) performed the best for both fragrant rice cultivars under Cd toxicity. Our results showed that TiO2-NPs strengthened rice metabolism through an enhanced antioxidant defense system across the growth stages, thereby improving plant physiological activity and biochemical characteristics under Cd toxicity.

The effect of Aspalathin linearis, Cyclopia intermedia and Sutherlandia frutescene on sperm functional parameters of healthy male wistar rats.

Introduction: Rooibos (Aspalathin linearis), honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia), and sutherlandia (Sutherlandia frutescene) are three Southern Africa indigenous plants, of which the extracts have become house-hold items and are consumed on a large scale. Although, they are known for their antioxidant properties, studies have highlighted danger in the excessive intake. Therefore, the current study investigated whether treatment with rooibos, honeybush, and sutherlandia will impact sperm functional parameters positively or otherwise, in healthy rats. Methods: Fourteen-week-old pathogen-free adult male Wistar rats (250-300g) were randomly divided into four groups of ten, including a control, rooibos (RF), honeybush (HB) and a sutherlandia (SL) group. After 7weeks of treatment, animals were sacrificed. Spermatozoa were retrieved from the cauda epididymis for motility, morphology and concentration analysis and the testis was used for all biochemical assays. Results: The infusion treated animals (RF, HB, and SL) presented with a non-significant decrease of -14.3%, -18.2%, -17.2% and -24.8%, -20.7%, -27.3% in total motility and progressive motility when compared to the control group, respectively. There was a significant increase in number of spermatozoa with slow speed (p = 0.03), especially in SL treated group compared to the control (p = 0.03). Additionally, there was an increase of 28.8%, 31.7%, 23% in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of RF, HB and SL compared to control, respectively. This was accompanied with a percentage decrease of -21.1%, -23.7%, 45.9% in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels compared to the control group. Conclusion: In summary, animals treated with the respective infusions presented with a percentage increase in SOD activity but have reduced sperm motility and decreased normal morphology. Paradoxically, they presented with increased sperm concentration. Hence, it is presumed that rooibos, honeybush and sutherlandia may enhance sperm quantity (concentration) but may impair sperm quality (motility morphology) when consumed by healthy animals.

Differential Changes in Some Antioxidant Enzymes and Biomolecules in Leaves of Tomato Infected by Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary

In Cameroon, tomato yields remain low due to attack by pathogens and insects. Phytophtora infestans (PI) is a phytopathogenic fungus responsible for the downy mildew of tomatoes, a fungal disease responsible for enormous economic losses. To contribute to the search for means of control, the stimulatory effect of the tomato defence system by extracts of some plants was evaluated. Tomato plants were treated with the aqueous macerates of Callistemon citrinus (C. citrinus) and Cymbopogon citratus (C. citratus) at 10% (W/V). After 4 days of spraying with the macerates, plants were inoculated with a virulent strain of PI. Tomato leaves collected at 2-day intervals for 10 days were used to determine the contents of chlorophyll a, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids and proline. The activities of the main antioxidant enzymes were also assessed: Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX), Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase (PAL), Peroxidase (POX), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). The results showed that treatment of tomato plants with aqueous macerates of C. citrinus and C. citratus and their inoculation with PI induced an increase in chlorophyll a, protein, carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid and proline contents in tomato leaves; an increase in APX, PAL, POX, and SOD activities. Our results suggested that increased metabolite synthesis on the one hand, and increased enzymatic activities, on the other hand, could mitigate the oxidative damage that occured during pathogen expansion. Aqueous macerates of C. citrinus and C. citratus could be used as natural products to stimulate the defence system in tomato against Phytophtora infestans.

Interference of different anesthetic agents on behavior and oxidative stress in the animal model of Aβ1‐42‐induced dementia in mice.

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. The animal model of AD‐like dementia induced by the peptide β‐amyloid 1‐42 (Aβ1‐42) is widely used. However, the animals have to be anesthetized and no studies are evaluating which anesthetic causes less interference in this model. This study aimed to evaluate the interference of different anesthetics on behavioral and oxidative stress in a mice model of Aβ1‐42‐induced dementia.MethodMale and female BALB/c mice at 3‐ month‐old were used under three different protocols. Protocol 1 (inhalation): (1) 100% oxygen (isoflurane control); (2) artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) + isoflurane; (3) Aβ1‐42 + isoflurane. Protocol 2 (intraperitoneal): (1) saline; (2) ACSF + ketamine + xylazine; (3) ACSF + ketamine + dexmedetomidine; (4) Aβ1‐42 + ketamine + xylazine; (5) Aβ1‐42 + ketamine + dexmedetomidine. Protocol 3 (intraperitoneal): (1) saline; (2) ACSF + propofol; (3) Aβ1‐42 + propofol. After the anesthesia, mice were injected with Aβ1‐42 (400 pmol) free‐hand intracerebroventricular, then after 13 days, mice were submitted to the Y‐maze test (spatial memory), plus‐maze (anxiety), and open‐field (habituation memory); then, hippocampus were dissected to analysis.ResultIsoflurane per se (protocol 1) caused no memory impairment, but caused an anxiolytic effect in males, in addition, to increased sulfhydryl content in males. In protocol 2, ACSF + ketamine + xylazine induced spatial memory impairment in males and habituation memory impairment in females; the anesthetics of protocol 2 increased 2',7' dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCF) levels in females, and ACSF + ket + dex reduced levels of glutathione (GSH) in males. In protocol 3, propofol per se caused an anxiolytic effect in males and increased DCF levels in males and females, increased superoxide dismutase activity in males, and reduction in females, in addition, increased sulfhydryl content in males.ConclusionAll anesthetic protocols evaluated caused alterations in the behavior and/or oxidative stress parameters; however, isoflurane seems to cause less interference in the animal model, followed by propofol. Protocol 3 seems to cause more interference, including in the Y‐maze (spatial memory), which is one of the main behavior tests to evaluate the mice model of Aβ1‐42‐induced dementia.

One-year reductions in cisplatin-related chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with head and neck (HNC) cancer treated with avasopasem manganese: A prespecified analysis from the phase 3 ROMAN trial.

6066 Background: Cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI), acute kidney disease (AKD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are associated with increased production of reactive oxygen species, notably superoxide, in conjunction with alterations in mitochondrial electron transport chain complex activities in tubular epithelial cells (Mapuskar et al. Antioxidants 2021;10:1329). These pathologies can be targeted and thereby inhibited by increasing superoxide dismutase activity, which converts superoxide to hydrogen peroxide. The investigational new drug avasopasem manganese (AVA), a selective dismutase mimetic, ameliorated cisplatin-induced kidney injury in mice (Mapuskar et al. Redox Biol 2019;20:98). Preclinical results also demonstrate that AVA does not interfere with cisplatin anticancer activity (Mohanty et al. Cancer Res 2018;78[13_suppl]:Abstract 2929). Consistent with this, a retrospective analysis of 1- and 2-year kidney function of a limited subset of patients treated in a randomized, placebo (PBO)-controlled phase 2b trial of AVA to reduce severe oral mucositis (SOM) from radiotherapy and cisplatin (CRT) suggested that AVA prevented or reduced cisplatin-related CKD compared to PBO (Steinbach et al. J Clin Oncol 2020;38[15_suppl]:Abstract 12071). Methods: The ROMAN phase 3 trial (NCT03689712; ITT n = 407) of CRT in combination with AVA or PBO demonstrated improved incidence, duration, and onset of SOM by AVA (n = 241) vs PBO (n = 166) (Anderson et al. J Clin Oncol 2022;40[16_suppl]:Abstract 6005). In ROMAN, prospectively defined follow-up of serum creatinine (sCr) and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) were assessed every 3 months for 1 year following 7 weeks of CRT. Results: At 1-year follow-up, AVA was associated with significant improvements in preservation of eGFR ( P= 0.0008) and sCr ( P= 0.006) levels vs PBO. Grade 3+ CKD (eGFR &lt; 60 mL/min) results through 12 months show 10% AVA vs 20% PBO (relative risk 0.55, P= 0.0043). Regarding cisplatin schedule, patients receiving Q3W therapy show grade 3+ CKD of 12% AVA vs 22% PBO; patients receiving QW therapy show AVA 9% vs PBO 19%. During treatment, nominal reduction of the incidence of AKI adverse events (0.8% AVA vs 3.6% PBO) was also observed. Conclusions: At 1-year follow-up, AVA appears to reduce cisplatin-related CKD in the study population and may also reduce cisplatin-related AKI during treatment. These results carry significance beyond CRT for HNC, potentially impacting platinum-containing regimens in other cancers. Clinical trial information: NCT03689712 .

Differential Responses of Antioxidant Enzymes and Lignin Metabolism in Susceptible and Resistant Sweetpotato Cultivars during Root-Knot Nematode Infection.

Root-knot nematodes (RKN) cause significant damage to sweetpotato plants and cause significant losses in yield and quality. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in plant defenses, with levels of ROS-detoxifying antioxidant enzymes tightly regulated during pathogen infection. In this study, ROS metabolism was examined in three RKN-resistant and three RKN-susceptible sweetpotato cultivars. The antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) were assessed, as was lignin-related metabolism. In RKN-infected roots, both resistant and susceptible cultivars increased SOD activity to produce higher levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). However, H2O2 removal by CAT activity differed between cultivars, with susceptible cultivars having higher CAT activity and lower overall H2O2 levels. In addition, the expression of phenylpropanoid-related phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase genes, which encode enzymes involved in lignin metabolism, were higher in resistant cultivars, as were total phenolic and lignin contents. Enzyme activities and H2O2 levels were examined during the early (7 days) and late (28 days) phases of infection in representative susceptible and resistant cultivars, revealing contrasting changes in ROS levels and antioxidant responses in the different stages of infection. This study suggests that differences in antioxidant enzyme activities and ROS regulation in resistant and susceptible cultivars might explain reduced RKN infection in resistant cultivars, resulting in smaller RKN populations and overall higher resistance to infection and infestation by RKNs.

Licofelone Attenuates Acetic Acid-Induced Colitis in Rats Through Suppression of the Inflammatory Mediators.

Licofelone is a dual Cyclooxygenase 1,2 (COX1,2)/5-lipoxygenase) 5-LOX (inhibitor with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects with possible functions on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is a chronic recurrent condition with no particular treatment. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of licofelone on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats. Ten groups of male Wistar rats (n = 6) were used. Sham, control group, licofelone at doses of 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg, L-NG-nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (10 mg/kg, i.p.), aminoguanidine (AG) (100 mg/kg, i.p.), 30 min before using licofelone (10 mg/kg). Also, three groups received L-NAME, aminoguanidine, or dexamethasone. Macroscopic, microscopic, and biochemical analysis of myeloperoxidase (MPO), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) were assessed in colon tissue. Licofelone at a dose of 10 mg/kg attenuated colitis, increased SOD activity, and significantly reduced colonic levels of the abovementioned inflammatory factors. In addition, licofelone improved macroscopic and microscopic symptoms in the acetic acid-induced colitis model. Moreover, the concurrent use of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors with 10 mg/kg of licofelone reversed the observed positive effects, demonstrating the function of nitric oxide in IBD pathogenesis and the probable mechanism for licofelone in the healing process of induced colitis. A reduced level of inflammatory factors confirmed the anti-inflammatory activity of licofelone as a dual COX1,2/5-LOX inhibitor. Furthermore, outcomes revealed the protective role of licofelone in treating experimental colitis. The findings are suggestive of the potential use of licofelone in IBD.