Nonspecific Resistance Research Articles

Phytopathological screening of common winter wheat lines for resistance to Puccinia triticina

Abstract. Leaf rust on wheat caused by P. triticina is the most widespread fungal disease worldwide and in Bulgaria. The development of wheat genotypes resistant to leaf rust is related to the different types of resistance and ways of gene inheritance. The different varieties have different susceptibility during the different stages of their ontogenetic development. The study of the initial material is an important step in the breeding for resistance and it is an ongoing process. Two hundred and forty-six breeding lines were tested against the local population of P. triticina during 2015-2017, under conditions of infection field and in a greenhouse at Dobrudzha Agricultural Institute – General Toshevo, Bulgaria. Twenty lines were selected, which demonstrated different degrees of resistance under infection field conditions and which showed resistance to some of the seven pathotypes used in the study. The identification of the pathotypes was based on the type of reaction of 20 monogenic lines. The reaction of isogenic lines was compared with the reaction of the selection lines and the results showed that the reaction of line 165/05-46 corresponded to isogenic lines carrying genes Lr 9, Lr 19 and Lr 25. The response of the other 3 lines (245/03-72, 13/04-97, 14/06-110) partially coincided with the response of the above mentioned genes. The reaction of the other 3 lines (169/05-69, 14/06-81, 8/08-25) partially coincided with the reaction of isogenic lines carrying genes Lr 2a, Lr 28 and Lr 29. It was determined that seven of the lines were carriers of a race-specific gene and that it was necessary to subject these lines to further breeding and genetic studies to determine presence of race-specific resistance. Five of the lines (72/05-53, 61/03-75, 106/04-189, 268/03-151, 79/04-131) combined incomplete resistance at young stage with resistance at adult stage. Four of the tested lines (68/06-78, 29/02-133-38, 79/04-125-28, 197/05-33) exhibited typical race non-specific resistance or APR. Four lines (13/04-165, 14/05-119, 19/06-79 and 61/03-81) demonstrated “slow rusting” type of resistance. Twenty of the studied lines were carriers of effective resistance and can be included in the breeding programs as donors of resistance to P. triticina.

BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS AND PHARMACOGNOSTIC POTENTIAL OF Tetragonia tetragonioides

In the recent years, due to the increasing resistance of pathogens to synthetic antimicrobial drugs, the use of highly active compounds from plants, which have proven their effectiveness in traditional medicine practices, is increased. Extracts of medicinal plants often contain a unique species ‒ specific combination of active ingredients that have a synergistic therapeutic effect. Therefore, the analysis of the biochemical composition of cultivated plants and the range of their potential biotechnological application is an urgent task. Aim. To summarize the information on the potential of the xerophytic plant Tetragonia tetragonioides as a source of functional food ingredients and biologically active substances that increase nonspecific organism resistance and contribute to the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Results. T. tetragonioides is a salt-tolerant and heat-resistant plant containing valuable nutrients and biologically active substances, a significant amount of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers. The high level of antioxidant compounds, especially flavonoids and carotenoids, helps to reduce the risk of degenerative pathologies developing associated with excessive oxidative stress. The unique complex of biologically active substances in T. tetragonioides, which includes 6-methoxyflavonols, predominantly derivatives of 6-methoxykaempferol, as well as megastigmanes and their glucosides, lignanamide, provides significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antimicrobial activity and may be beneficial for the prevention of chronic diseases and age-related health problems. The effectiveness of T. tetragonioides has been demonstrated in animal models in the treatment of metabolic disorders such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, and hyperuricemia. Conclusions. T. tetragonioides, containing a specific complex of biologically active compounds, primarily 6-methoxyflavonols, may be a promising raw material for obtaining effective medications for the treatment and prevention of various chronic diseases and metabolic disorders.

Genome-wide association study for conformation traits in Ayrshire cattle.

The genetic improvement of cattle is able to provide the highest economic efficiency. Animals with best external features often have the highest indicators of productivity and nonspecific resistance. In order to identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and genes, potentially responsible for conformation traits of Ayrshire cattle, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Blood samples were collected from 495 first-calf Ayrshire heifers. For all animals, a linear assessment was carried out, which consisted of 17 conformation traits and 13 exterior flaws. Our study revealed a total of 43 SNPs on chromosomes BTA1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 22, 25, 27, and 29 associated with conformation traits, four of which have met the significance threshold. Among these four significant SNPs, genes associated with exterior flaws such as tilted udder floor and weak loin and SNPs associated with weak back were identified. The markers and genes identified in the corresponding genomic regions are promising candidates for further investigation of the biological processes involved in cow exterior formation and function. The results obtained, including the MYO1B gene associated with weak loin, PEPD and ZFC3H1 genes related to tilted udder floor, and EDNRB gene associated with weak back can be effectively used as molecular markers in genomic selection programs.

Distribution, forms of clinical manifestation and features of postpartum metritis in high yielding cows of various breeds

Purpose: to study the forms of clinical manifestation and features of the course of postpartum metritis of inflammatory diseases of the uterus in highly productive cows of different breeds with free-stall and traditional technologies of their operation. The novelty of the work lies in the fact that for the first time the distribution and forms of clinical manifestations of postpartum metritis in cows of different breeds were studied under free-stall and traditional housing technologies.Materials and methods. The degree of distribution, forms of clinical manifestation and features of the course of postpartum metritis in highly productive cows of different breeds (n = 5345) were studied using traditional and free-stall technologies of their operation. To study the above indicators, anamnestic and veterinary data were used. Clinical and obstetric examination was carried out using generally accepted methods: transrectal palpation and ultrasound sonography, in accordance with the “Methodological manual for the prevention of infertility in highly productive dairy cattle”.Results. As a result of the studies, it was found that obstetric pathology is registered on average in 71.3% of new-born animals. The most frequently affected animals were the Holstein breed with an annual milk yield of 7500-8500 kg. They were diagnosed with postpartum metritis in 78.0-86.4 % of cases of the number of calvings. In cows of the Simmental breed of domestic selection with tether housing technology and an annual milk yield of 4000 to 5300 kg, obstetric pathology was recorded much less frequently, in the range of 59.3-65.1%. In highly productive Holstein cows, severe forms of the inflammatory process most often developed: purulent-fibrinous - in 12.4 %, purulent-necrotic - in 13.2 %, gangrenous - in 1.1 %, postpartum sepsis - in 0.8 % of cases , whereas it was not diagnosed in animals with traditional exploitation technology. The more frequent manifestation of severe forms of this disease in highly productive animals may be associated with a decrease in the general nonspecific resistance of their body. In 65.7%, postpartum metritis occurred in an acute form, regardless of the breed and conditions of detention.

Race specific and non-specific resistance to Magnaporthe oryzae and QTL mapping in wild introgression lines using the standard differential system

Race specific and non-specific resistance to Magnaporthe oryzae and QTL mapping in wild introgression lines using the standard differential system

THE STATE OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM OF HORSES IN CONDITIONS OF STRESS

The study assessed the impact of adverse conditions of feeding and keeping horses on the state of their non-specific resistance. Morphological indicators of blood (hemoglobin content, number of erythrocytes and leukocytes), as well as indicators of humoral (BASC, LASC) and cellular link of innate immunity (phagocytic activity of leukocytes) were used. During the experiment, the horses had a satisfactory general clinical condition, and the main physiological indicators (body temperature, arterial pulse frequency, number of respiratory movements) were within the age norm. It is important to note that there was no significant difference between these parameters in animals at different time periods, which indicated a stable physiological state of the horses at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. The results of the study showed that long-term stress can cause changes in the hematological and biochemical parameters of horses. For example, the level of hemoglobin in clinically healthy horses was 136±2.2 g/l, but after exposure to stress factors it decreased to 110±1.8 g/l (р<0.001). At the stage of adaptation, the hemoglobin level increased to 124±2.6 g/l (р<0.01) and almost reached the values of clinically healthy horses (132±3.2 g/l) at rest. The number of erythrocytes in clinically healthy horses was 8.8±0.1 T/l. Under stress, this indicator increased to 9.8±0.2 T/l (р<0.01), but decreased to 9.6±0.2 T/l (р<0.05) at the stage of adaptation and reached the lowest level at rest — 8.6±0.1 T/l. A decrease in the number of leukocytes under the influence of stress has been confirmed by our research. In clinically healthy horses, the number of leukocytes was 6.7±0.3 G/l, while under stress this indicator decreased to 5.3±0.2 g/l (p<0.001). At the stage of adaptation, the number of leukocytes increased to 5.5±0.3 g/l (р<0.01) and was 6.2±0.3 G/l at rest. Stress also affected the indicators of non-specific resistance. In clinically healthy horses, the level of BASC was 85±1.8%, but under stress this indicator decreased to 70±2.1% (р<0.001). At the stage of adaptation, BASK increased to 75±1.1% (р<0.01), and at rest it was 82±1.7%. The level of LASK in clinically healthy horses was 35±0.2%, but under stress this indicator decreased to 28±0.4% (р<0.001). At the stage of adaptation, LASK increased to 30±0.2% (p<0.001) and reached 36±0.5% at rest. The phagocytic activity of leukocytes in clinically healthy horses was 60±1.5%, but under stress this indicator decreased up to 50±1.1% (р<0.001). At the stage of adaptation, phagocytic activity increased to 55±0.5% (р<0.01) and was 63±0.9% (р<0.05) at rest. Thus, the results of our study confirm that stress negatively affects the hematological and biochemical parameters of horses, as well as their non-specific resistance.

QTL Mapping for Adult-Plant Resistance to Leaf Rust in Italian Wheat Cultivar Libellula.

Wheat leaf rust (Lr), which is caused by Puccinia triticina Eriks. (Pt), is one of the most important wheat diseases affecting wheat production globally. Using resistant wheat cultivars is the most economical and environmentally friendly way to control leaf rust. The Italian wheat cultivar Libellula has demonstrated good resistance to Lr in field studies. To identify the genetic basis of Lr resistance in 'Libellula', 248 F6 recombinant inbred lines from the cross 'Libellula'/'Huixianhong' was phenotyped for Lr severity in seven environments: the 2014/2015, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, and 2018/2019 cropping seasons at Baoding, Hebei Province, and the 2016/2017, 2017/2018, and 2018/2019 crop seasons at Zhoukou, Henan Province. Bulked segregant analysis and simple sequence repeat markers were then used to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for Lr adult-plant resistance in the population. Six QTLs were consequently detected and designated as QLr.hebau-1AL and QLr.hebau-1AS that were presumed to be new and QLr.hebau-1BL, QLr.hebau-3AL, QLr.hebau-4BL, and QLr.hebau-7DS that were identified at similar physical positions as previously reported QTLs. Based on chromosome positions and molecular marker tests, QLr.hebau-1BL and QLr.hebau-7DS share similar flanking markers with Lr46 and Lr34, respectively. Lr46 and Lr34 are race nonspecific adult plant resistance (APR) genes for leaf rust and stripe rust and powdery mildew. QLr.hebau-4BL showed multiple disease resistance to leaf rust, stripe rust, Fusarium head blight, and powdery mildew. The QTL identified in this study, as well as their closely linked markers, may potentially be used in marker-assisted selection in wheat breeding.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ ГЕМАТОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО ПРОФИЛЯ ГЛУБОКОСТЕЛЬНЫХ И НОВОТЕЛЬНЫХ КОРОВ НА ФОНЕ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ БИОСТИМУЛЯТОРОВ (сообщение 2)

This article data on differentiated counting of the number of leukocytes are given, as well as the dynamics of total protein and protein fractions in the blood of animals, indicating the level of metabolic processes in a living organism, is determined. It has been established that intramuscular application of experimental biological preparations to cows 65-60, 45-40 and 25-20 days before calving stimulates the process of hematopoiesis, activates cellular factors of non-specific resistance (physiological leukocytosis, moderate eosinophilia and neutropenia with a right shift of the nucleus, lymphocytosis). The most pronounced effect was noted with three injections of the complex biological product Prevention-N-A-M. Biological preparations Prevention-N-A-M and PS-7 stimulate protein synthesis (albumins, α-, β-, γ-globulins) in the body before and after calving. The obtained results testify to the effectiveness of the tested biopreparations and make it possible to scientifically substantiate the feasibility of their use in animal husbandry as an effective way to increase the resistance of the body of cows, which can significantly improve their health and reduce the risk of diseases.

Вивчення змін стану місцевої та загальної неспецифічної резистентності організму у хворих на одонтогенний гайморит за гальванічної патології в порожнині рота

Purpose: to determine the state of local and general nonspecific resistance to the body in the dynamics of surgical treatment of patients with odontogenic maxillary sinusitis in the presence of galvanic pathology in the oral cavity and to clarify the causes of postoperative inflammatory complications. Methods: 56 examined subjects with chronic odontogenic maxillary sinusitis were divided into two observation groups, which were subjected to immunological and general clinical examination methods. Results. In 30 patients with chronic odontogenic maxillary sinusitis with oral galvanism (compensated and decompensated forms), no decrease in local and general nonspecific resistance was observed. In 26 patients with oral galvanism (atypical and typical forms), a decrease in immunity was observed. Conclusions. Based on the examination of 56 patients with chronic odontogenic maxillary sinusitis in the presence of galvanic pathology in the oral cavity, it was found that in the case of galvanosis, there is a decrease in local and general nonspecific resistance of the body, which, in turn, in all patients leads to the development of inflammatory complications in the periosteal soft tissues and in the bone wound of the jaw, i.e., osteomyelitis (34.6%). Key words: chronic maxillary sinusitis, maxillary sinus, galvanic pathology, functional activity of neutrophils, phagocytic activity of leukocytes, contact thermometry, galvanism, galvanosis, metal inclusions.

Prospects of using adaptogens to stimulate nonspecific resistance and reduce stress factors of aquaculture facilities

The article considers the possibility of using adaptogens based on lactobacilli that stimulate nonspecific resistance and help reduce the impact of stress factors on aquaculture facilities as a result of the current difficult situation on the market of feed and feed additives for trout. The object of the study was authentic strains of lactobacilli − Lactobacillus brevis 1.5, L. brevis 1.7 and L. brevis 2.6. Under experimental conditions, the biochemical activity of lactobacilli was evaluated in relation to glucose, sucrose, mannitol, L-arabinose and glycerol; antibacterial activity and the ability to co-culture. According to the results of the study, the most promising strains were selected for use as a basis for the development of biologics of targeted adaptogens.

The evolution of complex metarhizium-insect-plant interactions

Metarhizium species interact with plants, insects, and microbes within a diffuse co-evolutionary framework that benefits soil health, biodiversity, and plant growth. The insect host ranges of these fungi vary greatly. Specialization to a narrow host range usually occurs in the tropics with its stable insect populations, and is characterized by the rapid evolution of existing protein sequences, sexual recombination, and small genomes. Host-generalists are associated with temperate regions and ephemeral insect populations. Their mutualistic plant-colonizing lifestyle increases survival when insects are rare, while facultative entomopathogenicity feeds both the fungi and plants when insects are common. Host-generalists have lost meiosis and associated genome defense mechanisms, enabling gene duplications to diversify functions related to plant colonization and host exploitation. Horizontal gene transfer events via transposons have also contributed to host range changes, while parasexuality combines beneficial mutations within individual clones of host-generalists. There is also a lot of genetic variation in insect populations and an increasing understanding that both pathogen virulence and insect immunity are linked with stress responses. Thus, susceptibility to host-generalists can vary due to non-specific resistance to multiple stressors, multipurpose physical and chemical barriers, and heterogeneity in physiological and behavioral factors, such as sleep.

The effectiveness of the protective action of mineral adaptogen in respiratory diseases of broilers

There has been unrelenting interest of poultry farmers in feed additives that help to increase the viability of poultry, reduce mortality, and increase the absorption of feed. Adaptogens are such feed additives. Adaptogens increase nonspecific resistance, which has led to their use in poultry farming. However, their use in broiler feeding is limited. The reasons for the mortality of young animals are not only infections and violations in the technology of breeding, but also an increased concentration of harmful gases that can take the life of many chickens. Therefore, the search for new and effective means of protecting broilers is urgent. The aim of the study was: to determine the effectiveness of the pulmo-protective action of adaptogens in broiler feeding. Studies were carried out on arbor acres broilers to determine the effectiveness of the adaptogen as a protective drug, and to determine the efficiency of feeding and the safety of the broiler population when feeding the adaptogen. Micromorphological studies of the respiratory organs were carried out, features of the microstructure of the lungs were revealed with and without adaptogens. For the first time, the pulmo-protective effect of the fodder adaptogen against the background of disturbed microclimate parameters in the poultry house was histologically confirmed.

Вміст лізоциму у змішаній слині в динаміці лікування хворих на хронічний одонтогенний гайморит за наявності гальванічної патології у порожнині рота

Purpose: to determine the level of lysozyme in mixed saliva in the dynamics of treatment of patients with chronic odontogenic maxillary sinusitis in the presence of galvanic pathology in the oral cavity. Methods: 56 examined with chronic odontogenic maxillary sinusitis were divided into two observation groups, who underwent immunological and general clinical examination methods. Results: 28 patients with chronic odontogenic maxillary sinusitis, no changes in the level of lysozyme in mixed saliva were observed in the presence of galvanism (compensated and decompensated forms) in the oral cavity. 28 patients with a concomitant disease in the oral cavity, galvanism (atypical and typical forms) was found to be a long-term decrease in the level of lysozyme in mixed saliva. Conclusions: Based on the examination of 56 patients with chronic odontogenic maxillary sinusitis in the presence of galvanic pathology in the oral cavity, it was found that in the case of galvanosis, there is a decrease in local nonspecific resistance of the body, that is, a temporary immunodeficiency, which leads to the development of inflammatory complications in the periosteal soft tissues and in the bone wound of the jaw. Key words: chronic maxillary sinusitis, maxillary sinus, galvanic pathology, saliva, lysozyme, galvanism, galvanosis, metal inclusions, inflammation, osteomyelitis.

Dynamics of hematological and oxidative parameters characterizing the nonspecific resistance of cows under technological stress

The aim of the work was to study the dynamics of biochemical, hormonal and oxidative parameters in the blood of cattle from the point of view of nonspecific resistance of animals under the action of technological stress. Technological stress was accompanied by the entry of cortisol into the blood, a significant intensification of lipid peroxidation processes, a decrease in the activity of the antioxidant system of the blood, and a change in the nonspecific resistance of the animal organism. On day 1 after technological stress, the content of cortisol and the level of DC in the blood increased by 2 times, an increase in MDA and OR, a decrease in catalase and reduced glutathione were observed. The most pronounced changes were recorded on days 3-14 after technological stress. The animals showed neutrophilia, monocytosis, lymphopenia and appearance of NEToses on days 3 and 14 after technological stress. On the 3rd day after technological stress, an increase in lysozyme activity of blood serum and a decrease in bactericidal activity were shown. Preservation of reduced indicators of reduced glutathione and lysozyme activity while maintaining cortisol at the upper limit of indicators relative to the initial values was recorded by 30 days in cows after technological stress. The data obtained indicate that the body’s defenses are a dynamic physiological indicator, which must be taken into account as a general resistance of the cattle body to stressors in order to prevent the disruption of the body’s adaptive capabilities.

A main chain biodegradable polyurethane with anti-protein adsorption and anti-bacterial adhesion performances.

Biofilms are initially formed by substances such as proteins secreted by bacteria adhering to a surface. To achieve a durable antibacterial material, biodegradable dihydroxyl-terminated poly[(ethylene oxide)-co-(ethylene carbonate)] (PEOC(OH)2) with anti-protein adsorption properties was synthesized in this study. Further polycondensation of PEOC(OH)2 and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) led to biodegradable polyurethane (PEOC-PU) with PEOC as the soft segment. For comparison, polyurethanes with polyethylene glycol (PEG-PU) and polypropylene glycol (PPG-PU) as soft segments were also synthesized. The chemical structures of the polyurethanes were characterized by 1H NMR and FTIR. The biodegradation behavior of PEOC-PU promoted by lipase due to the presence of ethylene carbonate units was also studied. Their resistance to proteins was studied using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) and the results revealed that PEOC-PU exhibited excellent nonspecific resistance to proteins. The colonization of microorganisms on PU in the liquid culture medium was further examined and the results showed that PEOC-PU exhibited excellent antibacterial adhesion performance due to its protein resistance and biodegradation.

ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ ФИТОПРЕПАРАТОВ В КОМПЛЕКСНОЙ ТЕРАПИИ ГАСТРОЭНТЕРИТОВ У ТЕЛЯТ

The article presents the research results obtained in the study of the effectiveness of the use of phytopreparations in the complex therapy of gastroenteritis in calves. Farms that raise cattle are experiencing a large loss due to the tendency of an increase in the incidence of gastrointestinal diseases among young animals. There is a decrease in profits due to the cost of treating sick animals, mass loss of livestock and material and technical costs of production. The high prevalence of gastroenteritis in calves indicates an insufficient solution to the issues of therapy and prevention of the disease. In this regard, the purpose of our research was to study the effectiveness of the use of phytopreparations in the complex therapy of gastroenteritis in calves. Scientific and production experience was conducted in the conditions of Don Agro LLC, Millerovo, Rostov region. The object of the study was calves with gastroenteritis, which were divided into 2 groups (1 experimental and one control), 10 heads each. The animals of the control group were treated according to scheme No. 1 adopted by the farm; the calves of the experimental group were treated according to scheme No. 2, including the use of a phytopreparation. Based on the obtained research results, it was found that the scheme using phytopreparations was therapeutically and economically more effective than the scheme used at the enterprise. This scheme helped to increase the safety of animals and reduced the recovery time. The therapeutic effectiveness of inclusion in the 2nd therapeutic scheme of a complex phytopreparation based on the collection of medicinal plants is confirmed by normalization of the functions of hematopoietic organs, prevention of inflammatory processes, activation of immune protection and a significant increase in the level of nonspecific resistance of the body of calves.

EFFECT OF THE DRUG PROSTIMUL ON THE ENERGY METABOLISM AND NON-ENZYMATIC LINK OF THE ANTIOXIDANT SYSTEM IN THE PIGLETS WITH CONGENITAL HYPOTROPHY

The article presents the results of a study on the effect of the drug Prostimul on the energy metabolism and nonspecific antioxidant system of the piglets with congenital hypotrophy. It has been revealed that the use of the drug Prostimul, which includes species-specific recombinant interferons alpha and beta and vitamins A, E and C, contribute to the normalization of metabolism in hypotrophic piglets, as seen by an increase in the concentration of glucose, albumins, triglycerides and total lipids on day 7. Thus, in the hypotrophic piglets treated with the drug Prostimul, the glucose concentration significantly increased by 14.51%, the concentration of albumins - by 11.92%, the blood concentration of triglycerides increased by 1.88 and 1.45 times, compared with the piglets in other groups. The blood concentrations of total lipids in the hypotrophic piglets receiving additional cow colostrum, and in the hypotrophic piglets receiving the drug "Prostimul" were by 1.34 and 1.32 times higher than in the normotrophic piglets. When assessing the nonspecific link of the antioxidant system, it has been noted that the drug Prostimul after administration to hypotrophic piglets contributes to the normalization of metabolic processes in the body, which in turn affects the increase in the antioxidant status and stimulation of nonspecific resistance of the body.

Morphological and biochemical blood parameters of newborn calves

The purpose of these studies was to determine the possibility of the effect of Polyoxidonium on the accumulation of immunoglobulins and other immunogenic factors in the mammary gland of cows before calving, their isolation in colostrum, as well as the influence of these factors on the state of colostral immunity and the formation of nonspecific resistance in calves after drinking such colostrum. An increase in the number of erythrocytes, leukocytes, due to lymphocytes was noted; the level of total protein, especially the fractions of albumins and γ-globulins, was higher; as well as the hemoglobin level 6 hours after birth in experienced calves compared to control ones.

Metabolic and Morphological Aspects of Adaptation of Alkaliphilic Bacillus aequororis 5-DB and Alkali-Tolerant Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 to Changes in pH and Mineralization.

The goal of the study is to evaluate metabolic and morphological changes of the facultative alkaliphile Bacillus aequororis 5-DB and the weakly alkali-resistant B. subtilis ATCC 6633 in a wide pH range and at different NaCl concentrations. The alkaliphile B. aequororis 5-DB is shown to have a broader general resistance to adverse factors (wide pH range, 50 g/L NaCl) than a weakly alkali-tolerant strain of the same genus. This alkaliphile is also shown to have a significantly greater resistance not only to high pH but also to low pH in comparison with B. subtilis ATCC 6633. The resistance of B. aequororis 5-DB to low pH was expressed in higher metabolic activity, maintenance of ΔpH, and no significant cell damage. The selected set of methods (reduction of resazurin to resorufin by cell dehydrogenases, bioluminescent method for determining ATP, AFM, and measurement of intracellular pH) allows us to adequately assess the ability of microbial cells to withstand harsh environmental factors. Nonspecific resistance of B. aequororis 5-DB was proven using a complex of selected methods. Tolerance to a wide range of pH and high salt concentrations may be useful for biotechnological applications of the strain.

Adaptogenic Botanicals with Emphasis on Rhodiola rosea and Withania somnifera

This review addresses the issue of plant adaptogens, botanical products with remarkable anti-stress effects. These actions result from its ability to increase the non-specific organism's resistance process against multiple stressors (physical, chemical or biological). They are capable of exerting a normalizing effect on the human body, being both non-toxic effects and not influencing normal organic functions. Several plants with a complex phytochemical profile meet the criteria for being adaptogens. Many of them have been used in traditional medicine as tonic-vitalizing agents for centuries to treat various health conditions. This review briefly explains the organism's stress responses against stressors and the evolution of the adaptogenic concept from a historic perspective. A rational classification of adaptogens plants is formulated although it does not cover the full variability of botanical adaptogens. Nevertheless, summarizing data from two of the most important plant adaptogens, golden root (Rhodiola rosea) and Indian ginseng (Withania somnifera), are described. This includes their most deserving ethnomedicinal properties, the various families of compounds that constitute their complex phytochemical profiles, pharmacological activities along with putative mechanism of action responsible for some of their multifaceted biological actions, and the multi-therapeutic and health-promoting activities obtained from the most relevant clinical trials performed to date. Additionally, several relevant and current issues regarding the safety and toxicity of both widely used adaptogens are detailed. These include potential negative drugs interactions, putative contraindications and warnings in specific physiological statuses or health conditions. Finally, despite the overlapping activities against stress and stress-related health conditions some superior therapeutic benefits are tentatively assigned both to Withania somnifera and Rhodiola rosea taking into account the overall evidence of efficacy from pharmacological and clinical studies.