Increase In Catalase Activity Research Articles

Potential protection of resveratrol-tempeh against nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic histological damage in mice induced by aluminum

Aluminum is a widely distributed metal that, while generally safe at low levels, can become toxic when accumulated in the body. Its exposure is daily through various sources, including food, water, and medications. High levels of aluminum have been shown to adversely affect the kidneys and liver, leading to significant organ damage. Resveratrol-tempeh is a safe protective agent against organ damage caused by aluminum. Here, we investigated the impact of resveratrol on liver and kidney toxicity and Al-induced levels of catalase and malondialdehyde. The mice group was the control group, Al-group, Al+REST5-group, and Al+REST10-group. Aluminum and resveratrol were administered intraperitoneally to mice for four weeks, but resveratrol was administered one hour after exposure to aluminum. Mice were killed by cervical dislocation; the liver and kidney were isolated for slide, and the level of an antioxidant enzyme of catalase and oxidant of malondialdehyde was measured. The results showed that administration of aluminum at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight caused glomerular shrinkage and proximal tubule degeneration in the kidneys. In addition, it also caused liver tissue damage, with hepatocytes undergoing degeneration, sinusoids dilating, and decreased body weight in the mice. Administration of resveratrol-tempeh tended to decrease malondialdehyde levels and increase catalase activity, although the changes were not significant. It seems that resveratrol-tempeh can repair liver and kidney damage and restore them to normal conditions. Conclusion: Aluminum at 200 mg/kg is toxic to mice. Resveratrol-tempeh can be considered a potential candidate to protect kidney and liver damage caused by aluminum chloride toxicity.

Evaluation of the effects of two commercial pesticides on Daphnia magna in different feeding environments using morphological and biochemical markers

ABSTRACT In this study, the impact of exposure to a glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) and a trifloxystrobin-based fungicide (TBF) on Daphnia magna in diverse feeding environments was assessed through the analysis of morphological and biochemical markers. The test organisms selected for analysis were Chlorella vulgaris and D. magna. First, the 48-hour median lethal concentrations (LC50) of GBH and TBF for D. magna were determined to be 253.1 mg/L and 20.7 µg/L, respectively. Secondly, the lethality, length, width, and spin length of D. magna were evaluated following exposure to sublethal pesticide concentrations, selected based on the LC50 values, in different feeding environments. Thirdly, the activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase, catalase (CAT), carboxylesterase, and acetylcholinesterase, as well as the levels of reduced glutathione, were measured in D. magna exposed to sublethal pesticide concentrations in different feeding environments. Both pesticides caused an increase in CAT activity, while GBH also caused an increase in GST activity in the unfed and mixed-fed groups. Conversely, it can be concluded that feeding with C. vulgaris reduces oxidative stress and toxic effects since there was a lesser increase in GST and CAT activities in the C. vulgaris-fed group for both pesticides, similar to the lethality.

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

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

Physiological and metabolomic analyses reveal the mechanism by which exogenous spermine improves drought resistance in alfalfa leaves (Medicago sativa L.).

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a globally important legume crop with high nutritional and ecological value. Drought poses a serious threat to alfalfa acreage and yields. Spermine (Spm) has been shown to protect plants from drought damage. The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanism of exogenous Spm to improve drought resistance of alfalfa. In this study, we root applied 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mM Spm to Gannong No. 3 (G3) alfalfa under drought stress, and then determined their physiological and metabolic changes. The results showed that exogenous Spm increased chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and gas exchange parameters, enhanced antioxidant enzymes activity, improved ascorbic acid-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle, increased osmoregulatory substances content, reduced hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion levels, and inhibited malondialdehyde accumulation in alfalfa under drought stress, thereby increasing plant height and leaf relative water content and enhancing drought tolerance of alfalfa. The redundancy analysis of the above physiological indicators showed that the addition of the optimal Spm to improve drought tolerance of alfalfa under drought stress was mainly achieved by increasing catalase activity and improving the ASA-GSH cycle. In addition, metabolomics analysis revealed that exogenous Spm increased the content of oxobutanedioic acid, citric acid, fumaric acid and malic acid to enhance the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Meanwhile, exogenous Spm increased endogenous Spm and proline (Pro) content to resist drought stress by enhancing Spm and Pro metabolism. Moreover, exogenous Spm increased the accumulation of the signaling substance abscisic acid. In conclusion, exogenous Spm enhanced drought resistance of alfalfa leaves under drought stress.

Impact of levetiracetam and ethanol on memory, selected neurotransmitter levels, oxidative stress parameters, and essential elements in rats.

Ethanol disrupts brain activity and memory. There is evidence supporting the beneficial effect of levetiracetam on alcohol consumption. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine whether levetiracetam has a protective activity against ethanol-induced memory impairment, alterations in selected neurotransmission activities, oxidative stress, and selected essential elements in rats. The rats were given levetiracetam (300mg/kg b.w. po) with ethanol for three weeks prior to behavioral tests. Spatial memory was tested using the Morris water maze, while recognition memory was evaluated using the Novel object recognition test. The GABA and glutamate concentration was determined in three rat brain regions (cerebellum, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex). Serum oxidative stress parameters and selected essential elements concentration (Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, Mg) in the rat brain were analyzed. Levetiracetam administered with ethanol improved spatial memory, but did not affect abstinence-induced impairment. The drug also decreased ethanol-induced long-term recognition memory impairment. No alterations in glutamate levels were observed. GABA levels were elevated by levetiracetam in the cerebral cortex and by ethanol in the cerebellum. Ethanol increased catalase activity (CAT) and decreased superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) in the serum. Levetiracetam significantly increased the activity of SOD. Alcohol disrupted the levels of trace elements (Mn, Zn, Mg) in the rat brain. Additionally, levetiracetam alone increased Mg, Fe, and Cu concentrations while all animals receiving the drug also had significantly lower concentrations of Zn. Levetiracetam had differential effects against ethanol-induced impairments. These findings could have important implications for future levetiracetam treatment in patients.

The seed endophytic microbe Microbacterium testaceum M15 enhances the cold tolerance and growth of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The potential of seed endophytic microbes to enhance plant growth and resilience is well recognized, yet their role in alleviating cold stress in rice remains underexplored due to the complexity of these microbial communities. In this study, we investigated the diversity of seed endophytic microbes in two rice varieties, the cold-sensitive CB9 and the cold-tolerant JG117. Our results revealed significant differences in the abundance of Microbacteriaceae, with JG117 exhibiting a higher abundance under both cold stress and room temperature conditions compared to CB9. Further analysis led to the identification of a specific cold-tolerant microbe, Microbacterium testaceum M15, in JG117 seeds. M15-inoculated CB9 plants showed enhanced growth and cold tolerance, with a germination rate increase from 40 % to 56.67 % at 14℃ and a survival rate under cold stress (4℃) doubling from 22.67 % to 66.67 %. Additionally, M15 significantly boosted chlorophyll content by over 30 %, increased total protein by 16.31 %, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels by 37.76 %, and increased catalase activity by 26.15 %. Overall, our study highlights the potential of beneficial endophytic microbes like M. testaceum M15 in improving cold tolerance in rice, which could have implications for sustainable agricultural practices and increased crop productivity in cold-prone regions.

Insights into the neurotoxicity and oxidative stress to the freshwater amphipod Hyalella azteca induced by hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid

With the regulation and phase-out of conventional per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), there is a growing trend towards seeking alternatives that are less toxic and less persistent. Hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TA) is one of the alternatives to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), the latter being widely present in the environment globally. However, there is limited information regarding the biological toxicity of HFPO-TA to aquatic organisms. In this study, the freshwater benthic amphipod, Hyalella azteca, was used to assess the acute and chronic toxicity of HFPO-TA in both water and sediment. HFPO-TA was found to be more toxic to H. azteca than PFOA, as indicated by greater production of reactive oxygen species (p < 0.05) and increasing catalase activity (p < 0.05). In addition, exposure to HFPO-TA affected the swimming behavior and the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity of the amphipod. Molecular docking models revealed that HFPO-TA can bind to AChE with a stronger binding affinity than PFOA. Furthermore, an integrated biomarker response index indicated that environmentally relevant concentration (1–100 μg/L) of HFPO-TA may cause toxicity to H. azteca, encompassing oxidative stress and neurotoxicity. This study provides new insights into the toxicity mechanisms of HFPO-TA and is valuable for assessing the ecological safety of this compound.

IN VITRO CHARACTERIZATION AND ANALYSIS OF RICE VARIETIES AGAINST VARIOUS LEVELS OF SALT STRESS

Salinity is a significant environmental factor that greatly impacts plant yield, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. The study examined the response of two rice varieties (Swat-1 and Pakhal) to salinity stress on the callus. Various salt concentrations were utilized. Among the two varieties, Swat-1 displayed the highest rate of callogenesis in the initial results. The Calli were exposed to varying concentrations of salt (50mM, 100mM, and 150mM), with each concentration tested in three replicates. Under the influence of stress, Swat-1 experienced a decrease in its Relative growth rate (RGR), whereas Pakhal remained steady at 50mM and 100mM. It was only at 150mM that Pakhal also exhibited a decline in RGR. Regarding water content, the stress caused a decrease in the content. At the highest stress level (150mM), the lowest water content was observed. The impact on soluble sugars was also noteworthy. As stress levels rose, concentrations of total sugars also increased. Similar findings were noted for proline, with stress leading to an increase in its concentration. Out of the two varieties, Pakhal appeared to have the highest proline accumulation. Similarly, there was a noticeable upward trend observed in catalase activity. There was a significant increase in catalase activity in both varieties after being exposed to stress for 30 and 60 days. The findings indicate that both varieties effectively developed strategies to combat salinity stress. They exhibited high concentrations of total soluble sugars and proline, as well as demonstrated significant catalase activity.

Exogenous Substances Improved Salt Tolerance in Cotton

Soil salinization is a major limiting factor for cotton growth in Southern Xinjiang. Studying technologies and mechanisms to improve cotton salt tolerance is of significant importance for the development and utilization of saline–alkaline land. In this study, ‘Xinluzhong 40’ cotton was used as the material, and 150 mmol·L−1 sodium chloride (NaCl) and 1.2% natural saline–alkaline soil extract were employed to simulate single-salt (SS) and mixed-salt (MS) stresses, respectively. The effects of different exogenous substances (sodium nitrophenolate, 24-epibrassinolide, and γ-aminobutyric acid) on the growth characteristics of cotton under salt stress were investigated. The results show that: (1) Under salt stress, the height and biomass of cotton (50 d old) were reduced. Both SS and MS stresses led to increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, elevated proline (PRO) content (with an increase of 50.01% and no significant difference), and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content (with increases of 63.14% and 32.42%, respectively). At the same time, catalase (CAT) activity decreased, Na+ and Cl− contents increased, K+ content decreased, and the K+/Na+ ratio was reduced. (2) Application of sodium nitrophenolate (S), 24-epibrassinolide (E), and γ-aminobutyric acid (G) significantly improved SOD activity and PRO content while reducing MDA content (decreased by 29.33%, 25.48%, and 30.47% compared to SS treatment; and 1.68%, 5.21%, and 5.49% compared to MS treatment, respectively). They also increased CAT activity (increased by 75.97%, 103.24%, and 80.79% compared to SS treatment; and 91.06%, 82.43%, and 119.68% compared to MS treatment, respectively) and K+/Na+ ratio (increased by 57.59%, 66.35%, and 70.50% compared to SS treatment; and 38.31%, 42.97%, and 66.66% compared to MS treatment, respectively), reduced Cl− content, and promoted increases in plant height and biomass. The effects of exogenous substances on antioxidant capacity and ion balance under salt stress were significant, particularly under SS stress. (3) Principal component analysis revealed that under SS and MS stresses, principal component 1 mainly reflects cotton’s antioxidant capacity, with SOD, CAT, and PRO having high weights; principal component 2 mainly reflects cotton’s ion balance and nutrient absorption, with root Na+, stem Na+, leaf Na+, root K+, and root Cl− having high weights. These findings highlight the potential of exogenous substances to improve cotton salt tolerance and provide scientific evidence for cotton cultivation on saline–alkaline land, offering new insights into cultivation techniques from an applied research perspective.

Acute and prolonged effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens GF424-derived SOD on antioxidant defense in healthy individuals challenged with intense aerobic exercise

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a vital role in cellular functions but can lead to oxidative stress and contribute to degenerative diseases when produced in excess. Maintaining redox balance is essential and can be achieved through innate defense mechanisms or external antioxidants. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a key enzyme that mitigates intracellular oxidative stress by converting harmful free radicals into hydrogen peroxide, which is subsequently neutralized by catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Previous studies have demonstrated the antioxidant capabilities of SOD derived from Bacillus amyloquefaciens GF424 (BA-SOD) in murine models exposed to either irradiation or SOD1 gene deletion. In this study, a randomized clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the antioxidative benefits of BA-SOD in healthy individuals undergoing acute aerobic exercise (AAE). Eighty participants were randomly assigned to receive either BA-SOD or a placebo for 8 weeks. Antioxidant enzyme activities and glutathione levels were measured before, immediately after, and 30 min post-exercise. A single dose of BA-SOD significantly reduced ROS levels induced by AAE, primarily by enhancing SOD activity in erythrocytes and activating glutathione peroxidase. Continuous BA-SOD administration was associated with a sustained increase in catalase activity and elevated levels of reduced glutathione (GSH). Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that a single BA-SOD dose facilitated GSH oxidation, as evidenced by decreased levels of serine, glutamine, and glycine, and increased pyroglutamate levels. Additionally, repeated dosing led to increased expression of genes encoding isocitrate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme, which are involved in NADPH synthesis, as well as nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase and NAD kinase, which are essential for NADP availability–critical for converting oxidized glutathione (GSSG) back to GSH. These molecular insights align with clinical observations, suggesting that both acute and long-term BA-SOD supplementation may effectively enhance antioxidant defenses and maintain redox balance under oxidative stress conditions.

Essential Oils of Tunisian Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Mast.: Chemical and Biological Insights.

Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Mast. is native to the Mediterranean area and belongs to Cupressaceae family. The aim of this study were: i) to determine the chemical composition of essential oils (EOs) of T. articulata obtained from its stems, leaves, and cones using GC coupled to GC/MS; II) to evaluate their antioxidant activity using non enzymatic (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP) and enzymatic methods (catalase activity); III) to evaluated their anti-enzymatic activity on enzyme involved in metabolism and Central Nervous System using spectrophotometric assays.α-Pinene, limonene, and bornyl acetate were the main components of the three EOs. Moreover, the EO from cones showed the best antioxidant activity and was also able to increase of catalase activity. All EOs were active against α-amylase in similar way; the EO leaves was more active against α-glucosidase and the EO from cones was more active against cholinesterase. The EOs demonstrated significant inhibition of the mature biofilm of Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains. This highlight the potential uses of T. articulata EOs in the fields of health and agriculture.

Assessing the Effects of a Diet of BPA Analogue-Exposed Microalgae in the Clam Ruditapes philippinarum.

In our previous study, we demonstrated that the microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum can bioaccumulate bisphenol A analogues. Since this microalgae species is part of the diet of marine filter-feeding organisms, such as bivalves, in this study we tested the hypothesis that a diet based on exposed microalgae can exert negative effects on the clam Ruditapes philippinarum. Microalgae were exposed for 7 days to 300 ng/L of bisphenol AF (BPAF), bisphenol F (BPF), and bisphenol S (BPS), alone or as a mixture (MIX), to allow bioaccumulation. Microalgae were then supplied as food to bivalves. After 7 and 14 days of diet, the effects of exposed microalgae were evaluated on a battery of biomarkers measured in haemolymph/haemocytes, gills and digestive glands of clams. In addition, bioaccumulation of the three bisphenols was investigated in clams by UHPLC-HRMS. The results obtained demonstrated that total haemocyte count (THC) increased in clams following ingestion for 7 days of BPAF- and BPF-exposed microalgae, while BPS-exposed microalgae significantly reduced THC after 14 days of diet. MIX- and BPS-exposed microalgae increased haemocyte proliferation. The diet of exposed microalgae affected acid and alkaline phosphatase activity in clams, with an opposite response between haemolymph and haemocytes. Regarding antioxidants, an increase in catalase activity was observed in clams after ingestion of BPA analogue-exposed microalgae. The results also demonstrated marked oxidative stress in gills, the first tissue playing an important role in the feeding process. Oxidative damage was recorded in both the gills and digestive glands of clams fed BPA analogue-exposed microalgae. Alterations in epigenetic-involved enzyme activity were also found, demonstrating for the first time that BPA analogue-exposed food can alter epigenetic mechanisms in marine invertebrates. No bioaccumulation of BPA analogues was detected in clam soft tissues. Overall, this study demonstrated that a diet of BPA analogue-exposed microalgae can induce significant alterations of some important biological responses of R. philippinarum. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the effects of ingestion of BPA analogue-exposed microalgae in the clam R. philippinarum, suggesting a potential ecotoxicological risk for the marine food chain, at least at the first levels.

Acute effect of gold nanoparticles on neuropathic pain in a model of regional complex pain syndrome

We evaluated the effects of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) administered in the acute phase of an animal model of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I (CRPS-I). Oxidative stress parameters [substances reactive to thiobarbituric acid (TBA-RS), total sulfhydryl content (SH), protein carbonyl content and the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)] and pain, through mechanical and thermal allodynia, were evaluated in the blood and sciatic nerves of mice. Animals were anesthetized and an elastic tourniquet was used around the left hind paw for 120 minutes, followed by measurements of the mechanical threshold and thermal. Animals received intraperitoneal administrations of AuNPs at concentrations of 2.5 mg/L, 7.0 mg/L and 22.0 mg/L, Ankyrin Transient Potential Receptor 1 (TRPA1) antagonist (HC030031) or saline vehicle after induction of CRPS-I. AuNPs showed significant results in thermal and mechanical anti-allodynic effects on day 1 (2.5 mg/L), days 2 and 3 (7.0 and 22.0 mg/L). The TRPA1 reduced mechanical allodynia (days 1 and 2) and thermal allodynia (days 1, 2 and 3), in addition to reversing the changes caused by CRPS-I in oxidative stress. The CRPS-I model increased TBA-RS, reduced the total sulfhydryl content and increased CAT activity. The results showed that, at all concentrations, AuNPs reversed the increase in CAT. At 7.0 mg/L partially reversed and at 22.0 mg/L completely reversed the increase in TBA-RS levels and at 22.0 mg/L reversed the reduction in sulfhydryl content.

The protective effect of hydroalcoholic Citrus aurantifolia peel extract against doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity

Background and purpose: Doxorubicin chemotherapy is a widely used treatment for various cancers, including breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers, among others. However, long-term use can cause nephrotoxicity side effects. Some citrus flavonoids have demonstrated nephroprotective activity; therefore, this study aimed to test the nephroprotective effectiveness of Citrus aurantifolia peel extract in protecting and reducing kidney damage caused by doxorubicin. Experimental approach: Citrus aurantifolia peel was dried, ground, and extracted by ultrasonication (70% ethanol), then the extract was dried. Twenty-five female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups including the normal group (control), positive control (doxorubicin) group receiving doxorubicin at the repeated intraperitoneal (i.p.) dose of 4 mg/kg/day on days 2, 6, 10, and 14, and treatment groups receiving Citrus aurantifolia peel extract (CPE) with the doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day orally for 14 days, and doxorubicin (4 mg/kg/day, i.p.) on days 2, 6, 10 and 14. On day 15, the rats were euthanized for the measurements of MDA, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, kidney function (measuring blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, albumin serum levels), and renal histopathology. Findings/Results: The CPE yield was 16.13%. CPE could significantly reduce the levels of MDA, and increase SOD and catalase activities compared with the doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxic model. CPE could increase renal function by reducing BUN and creatinine levels, increasing albumin, and improving the histopathology of the kidney. Conclusion and implications: CPE has a potential effect as nephroprotective against doxorubicin-induced toxicity in renal through antioxidant capacities and increased renal function.

Synergistic effect of salicylic acid and biochar on biochemical properties, yield and nutrient uptake of triticale under water stress

In arid regions, one of the practical solutions to overcome the water shortage and increasing soil fertility is application of salicylic acid (SA) with biochar. A pot experiment was conducted to consider the combination of SA with biochar on biochemical and physiological parameters of triticale as a factorial experiment using a completely randomized design (RCD) with four replicates. Treatments consisted of irrigation regime (normal irrigation and irrigation according to 50 % field capacity), salicylic acid application [without SA (SA0) and 3 mM SA (SA3)] and fertilizer type including without fertilizer (control), application of 50 kg ha−1 phosphorus (P), and application of wheat biochar (WB), cotton biochar (CB) and sesame biochar (SB) (2 % w/w). Under water stress, CB at SA0 and SA3 could improve the total chlorophyll by 119.4 and 70.6 %, compared to control, respectively. Also, carotenoid content in SA3 treatments increased in the range of 75.8 to 34.6 % compared to SA0. CB at SA3, increased catalase activity by 11.4 % compared to SB. At SA3, the highest RWC was observed in WB and CB by 26.7 and 18.1 % increases compared to SA0, respectively. At SA3, CB could enhance grain yield by 24.8 % under water stress. Under water stress, at SA3, remobilization efficiency from 63.2 % in control was enhanced to 69.2, 74.3 and 68.1 % in WB, CB and SB, respectively. CB and WB had better chemical properties in terms of EC, N, P, K and micronutrients compared to SB. These properties of BC and WB enhanced their ability to increase the nutrient availability, biochemical properties and consequently the grain yield enhancement, especially when applied with SA3.

The Eliciting Effect of Aqueous Extracts from Ascophyllum nodosum Algae on the Cultivation of Arugula (Eruca sativa Mill.) Microgreens

This study showed the eliciting effect of aqueous extracts from Ascophyllum nodosum on the development of Eruca sativa microgreens in a quartz-based substrate. There is no information in the literature on the impact of its use on the quality, bioactive compound content, and nutritional value of arugula microgreens. Assays that have been made include the following: total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFV), enzymes such as phenylalanine ammonia (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and enzymes involved in the scavenging of reactive oxygen species such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The antioxidant activity against DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) was also evaluated. The total phenolic content of arugula microgreens increased significantly after an application of aqueous extracts of A. nodosum to the substrate. The greatest increase in flavonoid content (89%) and antioxidant activity against DPPH (82%) was observed at a concentration of 2.5%. The highest increase in activity of CAT (68.2%), SOD (25%), PAL (13-fold), and PPO (84.2%) was observed with the application of 5% extract. In conclusion, the use of Ascophyllum nodosum algae affects TPC and TFV, antioxidant activity, PAL, PPO, SOD, and CAT in the microgreens studied. By prioritising organic and environmentally friendly extracts, growers can contribute to a more sustainable and healthier food system, especially in the case of the production of Eruca sativa microgreens.

Alleviating effects of guar gum on high-fat diet-induced liver injury in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

This research aimed to determine the effect of dietary guar gum inclusion in high-lipid diets on the liver health of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Four high-fat diets (10 % crude lipid) containing 0 % (HF), 0.3 % (HFG0.3), 1 % (HFG1), and 3 % (HFG3) of guar gum and a normal-lipid diet (5 % crude lipid; Control) were formulated. The tested diets were evenly and randomly distributed to fifteen tanks, with each tank containing thirty fish (4.53 ± 0.05 g). Fish were fed until apparent satiation for eight weeks. Compared to HF, diets HFG0.3, HFG1, and HFG3 significantly improved feed efficiency, with the HFG0.3 diet enhancing weight gain rate and specific growth rate. The results indicated that HF induced gut dysbiosis, hepatic lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and disturbance in hepatic lipid and cholesterol metabolism. Compared to the HF diet, diets HFG0.3, HFG1, and HFG3 substantially decreased hepatic lipid accumulation and malonaldehyde content, increased catalase activity and the expression of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPKα2), peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase, and decreased the expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Moreover, the HFG0.3 and HFG1 diets dramatically increased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and liver X receptor expression and decreased protein carbonyl contents and expression of IL-8, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB p65), and tumor necrosis factor α. Furthermore, the HFG1 diet significantly increased carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 and peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 expression and reduced expression levels of fibroblast growth factor 19, farnesoid X receptor, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein type 1. The linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis showed that HFG 0.3 and HFG1 substantially increased the enrichment of beneficial microbiota (e.g., lactic acid bacteria, Cetobacterium, and Fusobacterial) and decreased the enrichment of harmful microbiota (e.g., Proteobacteria, Acinetobacter, and Pseudomonas) compared to HF. These results suggested that guar gum can mitigate high-fat diet-induced liver damage in fish.

Assessing the Effect of Fe2O3 Nanoparticles on Catalase Activity in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis: In Vitro study and Molecular Docking

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums and underlying bone. It is primarily caused by a bacterial infection resulting from poor oral hygiene practices. The main objectives of the current study were to synthesize iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3-NPs) and their characteristics were analyzed through UV, SEM, and X-ray analysis. Additionally, the dispersion of the synthesized NPs was investigated using UV and TEM techniques. The study also aimed to assess the kinetic behavior and the impact of Fe2O3-NPs on catalase activity in the saliva of the patient and control groups. The findings revealed a significant increase in catalase activity (p&gt;0.05) in both serum and saliva of all patient groups compared to the control group. The UV-visible spectrum shows that the absorption peaks for synthesized α- and γ-iron oxide nanoparticles was at 225 nm. According to the SEM image analysis, the primary particle size of the nano-particles is approximately 26.8 nm. The X-ray diffraction results indicate that the Fe2O3-NPs range in size from 14 nm to 26 nm. UV and TEM study conclude that water a suitable solvent for Fe2O3-NPs dispersion on kinetic study of catalase (CAT) activity. The kinetic data cleared that the α-Fe2O3-NPs have an inhibitory effect for the total activity of salivary CAT in the samples of both healthy and patients with chronic periodontitis. Lineweaver–Burk graph showed that (α-Fe2O3) inhibit catalase by un comp. inhibition. γ-Fe2O3-NPs inhibited total salivary CAT activity in healthy and patients with chronic periodontitis samples. Lineweaver –Burk graph showed that (γ-Fe2O3) inhibit catalase by uncompetitive inhibition.

Enhancing postharvest quality of sapota fruit using edible coatings and malic acid

Sapota is a tropical fruit that grows in tropical regions and is highly perishable and sensitive to low temperatures. The main problem with sapota marketing is that it is ripe in less than a week after harvest and has a short storage life. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of edible coatings containing 2% sodium alginate (AL), 2% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), 10% gum Arabic (GA) and 1% oleic acid (OL) in combination with malic acid (MA) to improve the postharvest quality of sapota during 32 days of storage at 10 °C and 90% relative humidity. The results showed that the least weight loss was observed in coated fruits. In addition, the treatments resulted in more firmness and reduced electrolyte leakage. The best treatments for delaying malondialdehyde production were MA and CMC/MA, and MA was the most effective treatment for increasing catalase activity. According to the results, all treatments showed more significant bioactive compounds than untreated fruit. Application of GA/MA and AL/MA resulted in more phenol and flavonoid content, respectively. This study showed the positive effect of edible coatings and MA on improving the postharvest quality of sapota fruit.

Croton grewioides essential oil and anethole reduce oxidative stress and improve growth of bovine primordial follicles during culture of ovarian tissue.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of Croton grewioides essential oil (CGEO) and anethole on follicle survival, growth, and oxidative stress in cultured bovine ovarian tissues. Ovarian tissues were cultured for 6 days in a medium supplemented with different concentrations (1, 10, 100, or 1000 µg mL-1) of CGEO or anethole and then, follicular survival and growth, collagen content, and stromal cell density in ovarian tissues cultured in vitro were evaluated by histology. The mRNA levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), peroxirredoxin 6 (PRDX6), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) were evaluated by real-time PCR. The activity of SOD, CAT, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and thiol concentrations were investigated. Ovarian tissues cultured with 1 µg mL-1 CGEO or anethole had a higher percentage of healthy follicles than those cultured in a control medium (P < .05). The 1 µg mL-1 CGEO also increased the number of stromal cells, collagen fibers, and thiol levels. Anethole (1 µg mL-1) increased CAT activity and reduced that of GPx. The activity of SOD was reduced by CGEO. In contrast, 1 µg mL-1 anethole reduced mRNA for CAT, PRDX1, and NRF2 (P < .05). In addition, 1 µg mL-1 CGEO reduced mRNA for CAT, PRDX6, and GPx1 (P < .05). The presence of 1 µg mL-1 anethole or CGEO in a culture medium promotes follicle survival and regulates oxidative stress and the expression of mRNA and activity of antioxidant enzymes in cultured bovine ovarian tissues.