Metabolic Enzyme Activities Research Articles

Physiological and Metabolomics Analyses Revealed That Overexpression of CBL-Interacting Protein Kinase 23 Accelerate Tuber Sprouting in Potato

The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) plays an important role in ensuring global food security. Potato tubers store abundant nutrients and are also reproductive organs. The adjustment of tuber sprouting plays a vital role in timely sowing and improving tuber product quality. CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs) exert an important function in the entire life cycle of plants and in coping with stress. In our present study, we found that the StCIPK23 expression level increased during storage and that overexpression of StCIPK23 can accelerate tuber sprouting. Physiological assays indicated that overexpressing StCIPK23 altered carbohydrate metabolism and antioxidant-related enzyme activities during storage. Starch branching enzyme (SBEI) gene expression was upregulated, while sucrose synthase (SS), 3-phosphoglyceric phosphokinase (PGK), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 1 (GAPC1) gene expression were downregulated in StCIPK23-overexpressing potato. High gibberellin (GA) content and low abscisic acid (ABA) content were also detected in transgenic tubers. We conducted metabolomics analysis on bud eyes, and the results showed a total of 94 differential metabolites were found. Among them, 61 metabolites were increased, the top three metabolites were coumaryl alcohol, glutathione and quercetin–glucoside–glucoside–rhamnoside. Our results suggest that StCIPK23 is a positive regulator of potato tuber sprouting.

Impact of varying feeding levels on growth performance, body composition, digestive and metabolic enzyme activity, antioxidant defence, and health in olive barb (Systomus sarana)

This study assessed the effects of varying feeding levels per body weight on the growth performance, body composition, digestive and metabolic enzymes, antioxidant capacity, and innate immunity of fingerling Olive barb (Systomus sarana) under pond culture conditions. A total of 600 fish (6.7 ± 0.136 g) were distributed across 15 hapas (2 m × 1.5 m × 1.5 m) containing 40 fish per hapa and fed a diet (28% crude protein, 4% crude lipid) at five feeding levels: 0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7% body weight per day (BW/day) for 90 days. Results showed that weight gain (WG: 9.5 g/fish), specific growth rate (SGR: 0.98%), and protein gain (PG: 1.5 g/fish) increased up to 3% BW/day and plateaued. Broken-line regression indicated breakpoints in WG and SGR at 3.67% and 3.23% BW/day, respectively. Maximum carcass protein and minimum moisture content were observed at 3% and 5% BW/day. Digestive enzyme activities, increased with feeding level. Polynomial regression indicated a breakpoint for protease at 3.82% BW/day. Antioxidant activity was highest at 5% BW/day, with a breakpoint in total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) at 4.46% BW/day. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was highest at 1% BW/day, while catalase activity was similar at 1% and 3% BW/day. Metabolic enzyme activities varied, with maximum malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) at 3% BW/day, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) peaking at 7% BW/day. GDH showed a breakpoint at 3.77% BW/day. Innate immunity analysis revealed higher respiratory burst and lysozyme activity at 3% BW/day, and haemoglobin content was highest at 1% BW/day. For optimal growth, a feeding level of 3.67% BW/day is recommended.

Effect of taurine supplementation on growth, nutrient utilization, antioxidant status, digestive enzyme activity, and metabolic enzyme activity in Striped Catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus fed fish-meal- and plant-protein-based diets

ABSTRACT Objective The study contrasts the effects of dietary taurine in plant-based and fish-meal (FM)-based diets for Striped Catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus. Methods Four isoproteic (∼300 g/kg crude protein) and isolipidic (∼60 g/kg crude lipid) diets were prepared containing FM without (FMF) and with addition of 15 g taurine per kilogram of feed (FMT) and plant ingredients without (PPF) and with addition of 15 g taurine per kilogram feed (PPT). In total, 16 tubs with 100-L capacity were used and four tubs were allocated under each dietary treatment. Fifteen Striped Catfish (average weight 6.3 ± 0.04 g) were randomly distributed in the tubs and fed twice daily up to satiation for a period of 60 d. Results The fish that were fed with the FMT diet showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) final weight and weight gain among the treatments, followed by FMF and PPT, which exhibited similar final weight and weight gain. Feed conversion ratios for FMF and PPT were alike and significantly (P < 0.05) lower than those for the PPF diet. The whole-body crude protein and ash were higher in the FMT group. The serum parameters such as hemoglobulin, total protein, albumin, and globulin were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the FMT group, followed by the FMF and PPT diets, which showed similar activity. Taurine supplementation in both FM- and plant-based diets increased antioxidant enzyme activity in fish liver and intestine. The lowest lipid peroxidation activity was observed in the FMT diet. Digestive enzyme levels in the PPT diet were comparable to those with the FMF diet but significantly lower than those with the FMT diet. Taurine-enriched plant diets showed metabolic enzyme activity levels that were similar to those observed in the FM diets. Conclusions The study highlights that the blend of plant ingredients and taurine matches FM-based diets in supporting growth, nutrient utilization, antioxidant and digestive enzyme activity, and metabolic function in pangasius.

IMetAct: An integrated systematic inference of metabolic activity for dissecting tumor metabolic preference and tumor-immune microenvironment.

iMetAct: An integrated systematic inference of metabolic activity for dissecting tumor metabolic preference and tumor-immune microenvironment.

Lipid metabolism in multiple myeloma: pathogenesis, therapeutic opportunities, and future directions.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a complex hematological malignancy characterized by the clonal expansion of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Emerging studies have emphasized the importance of lipid metabolism, which is closely associated with the survival, proliferation, and drug resistance of tumor cells. The hypoxic environment in the bone marrow (BM) contributes to metabolic reprogramming in MM cells, including alterations in metabolite levels, changes in metabolic enzyme activity, and metabolic shifts. Cancer cells possess the ability to adapt their metabolism in order to fulfill their continuously increasing energy demands. In this review, we will discuss the alterations in lipid metabolism during the development of MM, and their reciprocal interactions with the tumor microenvironment.

Enhancement of GTP hydrolysis and inhibition of polymerization of the cell division protein FtsZ by an N-heterocyclic imine derivative impede growth and biofilm formation in Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Enhancement of GTP hydrolysis and inhibition of polymerization of the cell division protein FtsZ by an N-heterocyclic imine derivative impede growth and biofilm formation in Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Sub-acute exposure of sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus intermedius) to environmentally relevant concentrations of PFOA and GenX influences gonadal development.

Sub-acute exposure of sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus intermedius) to environmentally relevant concentrations of PFOA and GenX influences gonadal development.

Research on the mechanism of resistance exercise in promoting glucose metabolic shift to regulate muscle satellite cell proliferation in type 2 diabetic rats.

Research on the mechanism of resistance exercise in promoting glucose metabolic shift to regulate muscle satellite cell proliferation in type 2 diabetic rats.

Cytoprotective effect of l-carnitine against mancozeb-induced oxidative damage in human erythrocytes.

Cytoprotective effect of l-carnitine against mancozeb-induced oxidative damage in human erythrocytes.

Antimycobacterial activity of luteolin in resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates and cytotoxicity on L929cells.

Antimycobacterial activity of luteolin in resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates and cytotoxicity on L929cells.

Effects of 17β-estradiol and estrogen receptor subtype-specific agonists on Jurkat E6.1T-cell leukemia cells.

Effects of 17β-estradiol and estrogen receptor subtype-specific agonists on Jurkat E6.1T-cell leukemia cells.

Application of Branched-Chain Amino Acids Mitigates Mitochondrial Damage to Spotted Seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) Hepatocytes Cultured in High-Glucose and High-Fat Media.

This study explored the metabolic effects of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) on the hepatocytes of spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) under high-glucose (HG) or high-fat (HF) conditions. Hepatocytes were cultured under five different conditions: control, high glucose (HG), HG + BCAAs (Leu 0.8 mM, Ile 0.4 mM, Val 0.8 mM), high fat (HF), and HF + BCAAs (Leu 0.8 mM, Ile 0.8 mM, Val 0.8 mM). After 72 h of culture, cells and cell supernatants were collected to measure relevant indicators. The results revealed that BCAAs supplementation significantly reduced glycogen and lipid accumulation in hepatocytes exposed to HG or HF conditions (p < 0.05). Additionally, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities in the supernatant were significantly decreased, indicating that BCAAs supplementation alleviated hepatocyte damage induced by these conditions. Furthermore, BCAAs addition markedly enhanced antioxidant defense by increasing superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, improving total antioxidant capacity, and reducing malondialdehyde levels. Metabolic enzyme activity analysis revealed that BCAAs significantly increased the activities of citrate synthase (CS), alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (α-KGDHC), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), and liver pyruvate kinase (LPS), while significantly decreasing fatty acid synthase (FAS) activity. Gene expression analysis further demonstrated that BCAAs supplementation downregulated the expression of lipogenic genes (fas and srebp-1c) and upregulated the expression of lipolytic genes (ppaα and atgl) and glucose metabolism-related genes (g6pd, hk, pfk, pk, fbp, and g6pase). Under HG or HF conditions, hepatocytes exhibited decreased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. These adverse effects were mitigated by BCAAs supplementation. In conclusion, BCAAs supplementation alleviated hepatocyte damage caused by HG or HF conditions, enhanced antioxidant defenses, and protected mitochondrial activity and function by promoting glucose and lipid metabolism.

Soil Amendments and Slow-Release Urea Improved Growth, Physiological Characteristics, and Yield of Salt-Tolerant Rice Under Salt Stress Conditions.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different soil amendments coupled with nitrogen fertilizer on the morpho-physiological characteristics and yield of salt-tolerant rice under saline conditions. The soil amendments, i.e., S1: zeolite amendment, S2: coconut coir amendment, S3: humic acid amendment, and S0: no amendment, and fertilizer treatments, i.e., N1: urea, N2: slow-release urea, and N0: no N fertilizer, were kept in main plots and sub-plots, respectively, in a split-plot design. The salt-tolerant variety 'Shuangliangyou 138' was exposed to 0.3% salt irrigation water. The results showed that during the entire growth period, compared to S0, the S1 and S3 treatments increased the SPAD values by an average of 6.3%and 5.5%, respectively, the leaf area index by an average of 24.5% and 19.8%, the canopy interception rate by an average of 11.5% and 4.1%, and the aboveground biomass by an average of 36.8% and 13.9%, respectively. Moreover, under S1 and S3 conditions, the tiller number per square meter, leaf water potential, leaf water content, and chlorophyll contents were also improved under the slow-release urea than urea. Moreover, slow-release urea promoted root vitality and nutrient absorption as well as enhanced the activity of antioxidant and nitrogen metabolism enzymes than urea under the S1 and S3 conditions. In sum, the rational application of soil amendments and slow-release urea could improve the rice productivity on saline-alkali land.

Structural characteristics, sugar metabolizing enzyme activity and biological activity of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides at different growth stages

The Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLPs) content, monosaccharide composition, molecular weight, sugar metabolism-related enzyme activities and in vitro antioxidant activities of Ganoderma lucidum fruiting body (GLFB) from cassava stalk cultivation at different growth stages (namely, differentiation stage, umbrella stage, maturity stage and spore stage) were determined. The results showed that the monosaccharides of GLPs in GLFB were mainly composed of galactose, glucose, and mannose. During the maturation of GLFB, the polysaccharide content, hexose kinase and phosphoglucose isomerase activities showed an increasing trend, the structure of functional groups did not change significantly, and the molecular weight of GLPs showed a tendency to increase (112 kDa up to 11358 kDa) and then decrease (11358 kDa down to 7678 kDa). Of the four growth stages, the spore stage had the highest GLPs content of 4.11%, the highest hexokinase (HK) and phosphoglucose isomerase (PGM) activities of 4051.4 and 322.1 nmol/(min/g), respectively, the highest total antioxidant activity (18.79 mmol/mL) and DPPH radical scavenging capacity (36.15%). This study provided a theoretical basis for the application of cassava stalks in GLFB cultivation and harvesting.

Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer Types and Planting Density on the Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Salt-Tolerant Rice Under Salt Stress Conditions.

Soil salinization poses a serious threat to global food security, as high Na+ contents in soils hinder nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), affecting the growth and yield of crop plants. The present study aims to explore the effects of different nitrogen fertilizer types viz., NO3- (N1) and NH4+ (N2) and planting densities, viz., D1: 30 × 10 cm, D2: 20 × 20 cm, and D3: 30 × 20 cm, on growth and development, nitrogen absorption and utilization, and yield formation. The salt-tolerant rice variety 'Jingliangyou 3261' was exposed to 0.3% salt irrigation water. Results revealed that N2 substantially improved the rice yield by increasing the number of effective panicles and the rate of grain-setting compared to N1. In addition, the N2 also increased leaf chlorophyll content, dry matter accumulation, antioxidant enzyme activity such as superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activity and reduced the content of malondialdehyde. In comparison with N1, the N2 treatment resulted in an increase of 12.21%, 31.89%, and 37.53% in total nitrogen accumulation, nitrogen recovery efficiency (NRE), and nitrogen agronomic efficiency (NAE), respectively. This increase can be attributed to enhanced leaf nitrogen metabolic enzyme activity, including nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase, and a more robust root system. Under N1 and N2 conditions, compared to D3, D1 resulted in an increase in the number of tillers but decreased the percentage of productive tillers, the grains per panicle, the grain-filling rate, and the thousand-grain weight, thereby reducing yield. Additionally, the D3 treatment also significantly improved NRE and NAE compared to the D1 treatment. Therefore, the rational selection of nitrogen fertilizer type (N2) and planting density (D3) is crucial for improving the yield and nitrogen use efficiency of salt-tolerant rice. This would broaden the scope of agricultural solutions for saline soils, potentially improving food security in regions where soil salinization is a widespread issue.

Multifaceted role of inosine in complex diseases and human health.

Purines are chemical compounds integral to health and are crucial for the synthesis of nucleic acids. They are part of DNA and RNA and participate in various metabolic and signaling processes. They also function as neurotransmitters and serve as co-substrates for activating many metabolites. Inosine, a purine nucleoside, is a breakdown product of adenosine with similar properties and a much longer half-life (15 h vs ∼5 s) than adenosine. The purpose of this narrative review is to discuss the metabolic effects of inosine and highlight its beneficial properties and implication in complex diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. A search was performed for purine- and inosine-related articles on the University of North Carolina (UNC) Health Sciences Library, PubMed, and Google Scholar sites. Inosine is involved in the regulation of RNA editing, metabolic enzyme activity, and signaling pathways. Animal and cell culture studies have shown inosine to be anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective, and serving as a critical regulator of immune checkpoint inhibition therapeutic response in various tumor types. Recent studies have also implicated inosine in increasing energy expenditure, browning of adipose tissue, and improving leptin sensitivity. Human studies, however, have been limited to urate-elevating properties of inosine. These findings make inosine relevant to many complex diseases, and need to be translated to humans. Future studies should be conducted to investigate the mechanisms underlying the role of inosine in adiposity, inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal function.

Transcriptome and metabolome analyses reveal the promoting effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on selenium uptake in grapevines.

Transcriptome and metabolome analyses reveal the promoting effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on selenium uptake in grapevines.

Esculin mitigates nickel chloride-induced generation of ROS, hemoglobin oxidation, and alterations in redox status in human red blood cells.

Esculin mitigates nickel chloride-induced generation of ROS, hemoglobin oxidation, and alterations in redox status in human red blood cells.

Light as a Key Abiotic Driver in Enhancing Germination and Phytochemicals of Chickpea Cultivars

Light is crucial for plant growth, serving as both an energy source and a signaling agent. Different wavelengths regulate key physiological processes, influencing seed germination and phytochemical biosynthesis. This review examines how visible light enhances seed germination and phytochemical content in chickpea cultivars. Specific wavelengths, particularly blue, red, and UV light, activate metabolic enzymes like phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and chalcone synthase, significantly boosting the production of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Light promotes seed germination by triggering photosynthesis, modulating gene expression, and regulating hormone synthesis and enzyme activity. It also influences pigment biosynthesis essential for seedling growth and environmental adaptation. Studies show that LED light treatments can enhance phytochemical concentrations, thereby improving plant nutrition and resilience. UV light increases phenolic and anthocyanin levels, while blue and red light enhance metabolic enzyme activity. These findings highlight the potential of using specific light treatments to optimize biochemical traits in chickpea cultivars, making them more resistant to environmental stress and increasing yields. Understanding light-driven biochemical processes offers innovative strategies for sustainable agriculture, enhancing crop quality, resilience, and nutritional value to promote food security and environmental sustainability.

Augmented carbon utilization and ammonia assimilation in heterotrophic microorganism under magnetic field stimulation.

Augmented carbon utilization and ammonia assimilation in heterotrophic microorganism under magnetic field stimulation.