Non-enzymatic Antioxidants Research Articles

Effect of FLASH dose-rate and oxygen concentration in the production of H2O2 in cellular-like media versus water: a Monte Carlo track-structure study

Objective. To study the effect of dose-rate in the time evolution of chemical yields produced in pure water versus a cellular-like environment for FLASH radiotherapy research.Approach.A version of TOPAS-nBio with Tau-Leaping algorithm was used to simulate the homogenous chemistry stage of water radiolysis using three chemical models: (1) liquid water model that considered scavenging ofeaq-, H•by dissolved oxygen; (2) Michaels & Hunt model that considered scavenging of•OH,eaq‒, and H•by biomolecules existing in cellular environment; (3) Wardman model that considered model 2) and the non-enzymatic antioxidant glutathione (GSH). H2O2concentrations at conventional and FLASH dose-rates were compared with published measurements. Model 3) was used to estimate DNA single-strand break (SSB) yields and compared with published data. SSBs were estimated from simulated yields of DNA hydrogen abstraction and attenuation factors to account for the scavenging capacity of the medium. The simulation setup consisted of monoenergetic protons (100 MeV) delivered in pulses at conventional (0.2857Gy s-1) and FLASH (500Gy s-1) dose rates. Dose varied from 5-20 Gy, and oxygen concentration from 10µM-1 mM.Main Results.At the steady state, for model (1), H2O2concentration differed by 81.5%± 4.0% between FLASH and conventional dose-rates. For models (2) and (3) the differences were within 8.0%± 4.8%, and calculated SSB yields agreed with published data within 3.8%± 1.2%. A maximum oxygen concentration difference of 60% and 50% for models (2) and (3) between conventional and FLASH dose-rates was found between 2 × 106and 9 × 1013ps for 20 Gy of absorbed dose.Significance.The findings highlight the importance of developing more advanced cellular models to account for both the chemical and biological factors that comprise the FLASH effect. It was found that differences between pure water and cellular environment models were significant and extrapolating results between the two should be avoided. Observed differences call for further experimental investigation.

Morphological, Physiological, and Transcriptional Changes in Crocus sativus L. Under In Vitro Polyethylene Glycol-Induced Water Stress

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.), a perennial geophyte from the Iridaceae family, blooms in autumn and thrives in Mediterranean-like climates. It is highly valued for its therapeutic and commercial uses. While saffron cultivation generally requires minimal water, insufficient irrigation can negatively impact its yield. Although numerous studies have explored the detrimental impact of drought on saffron under field conditions, its impact in vitro remains largely unexplored. The present study aims to investigate the effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 at concentrations of 0%, 5%, and 10% in inducing drought stress on saffron shoots under controlled conditions. The research focuses on evaluating morphological, physiological, and biochemical changes and analyzing the expression of drought-responsive genes. Shoot establishment was carried out on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 6 mg/L 6-benzyladenine (BAP) and 1 mg/L naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), while PEG 6000 was used to induce drought stress. Various morphological, biochemical, and molecular parameters were assessed 30 days after stress induction. Increasing PEG concentrations in the medium significantly reduced shoot regeneration, leading to increased apical tissue browning. Significant chlorophyll and carotenoid level changes were observed in shoots exposed to higher PEG concentrations. PEG-induced drought led to decreased plant growth and biomass and lowered relative water content of leaves. Lipid peroxidation, membrane damage, and H2O2 content increased, indicating heightened stress levels. Proline concentration significantly increased in plants subjected to 5% and 10% PEG compared to controls. Non-enzymatic antioxidant activity (phenolics, flavonoids, % inhibition, total reducing power, and total antioxidant activity) also increased with the severity of stress. In contrast, a decrease in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase was observed in PEG-treated shoots. Significant changes in the expression of drought-related genes, such as DREB1, DREB2, AREB1, DHN1 (Dehydrin), and SnRK2, were observed in shoots exposed to 5% and 10% PEG. In conclusion, the study highlights that PEG, as an inducer of drought stress, negatively impacts saffron’s growth and physiological responses under in vitro conditions. It also triggers significant changes in biochemical and molecular mechanisms, indicating the plant’s susceptibility to water scarcity.

Nano-Zinc Oxide Can Enhance the Tolerance of Apple Rootstock M9-T337 Seedlings to Saline Alkali Stress by Initiating a Variety of Physiological and Biochemical Pathways

Soil salinization severely restricts the growth and development of crops globally, especially in the northwest Loess Plateau, where apples constitute a pillar industry. Nanomaterials, leveraging their unique properties, can facilitate the transport of nutrients to crops, thereby enhancing plant growth and development under stress conditions. To investigate the effects of nano zinc oxide (ZnO NP) on the growth and physiological characteristics of apple self-rooted rootstock M9-T337 seedlings under saline alkali stress, one-year-old M9-T337 seedlings were used as experimental materials and ZnO NPs were used as donors for pot experiment. Six treatments were set up: CK (normal growth), SA (saline alkali stress,100 mmol/L NaCl + NaHCO3), T1 (saline alkali stress + 50 mg/L ZnO NPs), T2 (saline alkali stress + 100 mg/L ZnO NPs), T3 (saline alkali stress + 150 mg/L ZnO NPs) and T4 (saline alkali stress + 200 mg/L ZnO NPs). The results were found to show that saline alkali stress could significantly inhibit the growth and development of M9-T337 seedlings, reduce photosynthetic characteristics, and cause ion accumulation to trigger osmotic regulation system, endogenous hormone and antioxidant system imbalances. However, the biomass, plant height, stem diameter, total leaf area and leaf perimeter of M9-T337 seedlings were significantly increased after ZnO NP treatment. Specifically speaking, ZnO NPs can improve the photosynthetic capacity of M9-T337 by increasing the content of photosynthetic pigment, regulating photosynthetic intensity and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. ZnO NPs can balance the osmotic adjustment system by increasing the contents of soluble protein (SP), soluble sugar (SS), proline (Pro) and starch, and can also enhance the activities of enzymatic (SOD, POD, and CAT) and non-enzymatic antioxidant enzymes (APX, AAO, GR, and MDHAR) to enhance the scavenging ability of reactive oxygen species (H2O2, O2•−), ultimately reducing oxidative damage; ZnO NPs promoted the growth of M9-T337 seedlings under saline alkali stress by synergistically responding to auxin (IAA), gibberellin (GA3), zeatin (ZT) and abscisic acid (ABA). Additionally, the Na+/K+ ratio was reduced by upregulating the expression of Na+ transporter genes (MdCAX5, MdCHX15, MdSOS1, and MdALT1) and downregulating the expression of K+ transporter genes (MdSKOR and MdNHX4). After comprehensive analysis of principal components and correlation, T3 (150 mg/L ZnO NPs) treatment possessed the best mitigation effect. In summary, 150 mg/L ZnO NPs(T3) can effectively maintain the hormone balance, osmotic balance and ion balance of plant cells by promoting the photosynthetic capacity of M9-T337 seedlings, and enhance the antioxidant defense mechanism, thereby improving the saline alkaline tolerance of M9-T337 seedlings.

Combinatorial protective effect of Cinnamomum verum and Stingless Bee Honey against oxidative stress in isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats

Abstract Background Cardiac hypertrophy (CH) is a prevalent consequence of cardiovascular disease, necessitating treatment with synthetic medications that often have adverse effects. Natural products, like Cinnamomum verum (CV) and Stingless Bee Honey (SBH), rich in phenolic compounds, hold promise as safer alternatives. In this study, we investigated the potential cardioprotective effects of CV bark and honey produced by Stingless bee in male Wistar rats. In a 7-day controlled study, rats were randomly assigned into seven treatment groups, receiving either saline (Group I), isoproterenol (ISO) (Group II) or ISO combined with drug interventions of Losartan (Group III), CV (Group IV) and SBH (Group V) along with several combined regimens (Group VI & VII). Biochemical assays were conducted to measure antioxidant enzyme activities (Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, Glutathione Peroxidase), non-enzymatic antioxidants (Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Reduced Glutathione), inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress levels. Histopathological analysis was also performed. stress markers in cardiac tissues, shedding light on potential therapeutic interventions. Results ISO induces myocardial oxidative stress, characterized by reduced antioxidants, increased oxidative stress and inflammatory markers with elevated collagen content. Our results show that co-administration of CV + SBH effectively attenuated ISO-induced myocardial oxidative stress, outperforming individual CV or SBH administration in restoring antioxidant levels and normalizing oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. Conclusions The results from this study underscore the importance of advancing research on the combination of CV and SBH, which hold significant promise as synergistic therapeutic agents in the treatment of complex diseases, potentially informing future healthcare policies and clinical practices.

Titanium dioxide -mediated regulation of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, pigments, and diosgenin content promotes cold stress tolerance in Trigonella foenum-graecum L.

Abiotic stresses, notably cold stress, significantly influence various aspects of plant development and reproduction. Various approaches have been proposed to counteract the adverse impacts of cold stress on plant productivity. The unique properties of nanoparticles contribute to an enhanced tolerance of plants to challenging conditions. This study explores the impact of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) on cold-stress tolerance in fenugreek, as well as genes expression involved in the diosgenin biosynthesis pathway. Varied concentrations of TiO2 NPs (0, 2, 5, and 10 ppm) were sprayed on fenugreek plants subjected to cold stress at 10 °C during 6, 24, and 48 h. Our findings revealed that the utilization of 2 and 5 ppm of TiO2 NPs, positively influenced pigments biosynthesis and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities. It also effectively reduced electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde content, mitigating the adverse effects of cold stress. The study also highlighted TiO2 NPs’ affirmative impact on defense signaling pathways, including abscisic acid, nitric oxide, and auxin, in fenugreek. Moreover, TiO2 NPs significantly influenced the expression of genes related to diosgenin biosynthesis. Simultaneous exposure to cold stress and TiO2 NPs led to a substantial increase in diosgenin content, with the upregulation of SEP, SQS, CAS, and SSR genes compared to control conditions. This research indicated that TiO2 NPs application could effectively stimulate fenugreek biosynthesis of primary and secondary metabolites, consequently enhancing plant tolerance to cold stress. The study’s outcomes hold promise for potential applications in the metabolic engineering of diosgenin in fenugreek.

Genetic associations determine the effects of intergenerational and transgenerational stress memory for salinity exposure histories in barley.

Enhancing salt tolerance geneticallythrough defining the genetic and physiologicalmechanisms intergenerational and transgenerational stress memory thatcontributes to sustainable agriculture by reducing the reliance on external inputs such as irrigation and improving the adaptability of barley to changing climate conditions. Salinity stress poses a substantial challenge to barley production worldwide, adversely affecting crop yield, quality, and agricultural sustainability. To address this, the present study utilized a genome-wide association san (GWAS) to identify genetic associations underlying intergenerational and transgenerational stress memory in response to salinity in a diverse panel of 138 barley accessions. We compared seeds from a second-generation group without salinity exposure (C1C2) to seeds from groups that experienced single-generation salt stress two generations ago (S1C2; transgenerational memory) or one generation ago (C1S2; intergenerational memory), as well as seeds from a group exposed to salinity across both generations (S1S2; combined memory effects). Our results revealed that historical salt stress, irrespective of the number of prior generations affected, induced significant changes in traits such as spike length, spikelets per spike, grains per spike, grain weight, thousand-kernel weight, and markedly increment in antioxidant componentslevels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. These findings indicate that prior exposure to salinity leaves lasting physiological and biochemical effects that enhance the plant's ability to respond to subsequent stress. Notably, the GWAS analysis identified highly significant genetic associations and candidate genes such asHORVU.MOREX.r3.4HG0383450 linked to most of these traits under salinity exposure histories. In conclusion, intergenerational and transgenerational stress memory plays a pivotal role in enhancing barley's salt tolerance, offering valuable insights for breeding programs aimed at developing resilient barley cultivars.

INSIGHTS INTO THE MOLECULAR AND BIOCHEMICAL ROLE OF QUINIC ACID IN ALLEVIATING ETHANOL-INDUCED LIVER TOXICITY IN A RAT MODEL: EXPLORING OXIDATIVE STRESS, INFLAMMATION, AND APOPTOSIS SIGNALING PATHWAYS

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of quinic acid, a natural bioactive compound, on tissue and circulatory antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation, and its anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms in ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Methods: The rats were divided into four groups. Groups 1 and 4 were administered isocaloric glucose. Groups 2 and 3 received 30% ethanol at a dose of 5 g/kg body weight daily. In addition, Groups 3 and 4 were treated with quinic acid (50 mg/kg body weight) dissolved in 2% dimethyl sulfoxide. Results: The results demonstrated significantly elevated levels of tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), conjugated dienes (CD), and lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), along with significantly reduced enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione-related enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), as well as reduced levels of glutathione (GSH), Vitamin C, and Vitamin E in ethanol-treated rats compared to the control group. Administration of quinic acid to rats with ethanol-induced liver injury significantly reduced the levels of TBARS, LOOH, and CD while markedly increasing the activity of SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, GST, and levels of GSH, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E in liver tissues compared to untreated ethanol-exposed rats. In addition, ethanol-treated rats showed increased mast cell accumulation, which was reduced by quinic acid treatment, along with elevated expressions of inflammatory and apoptotic markers, including Bax, Caspase-9, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, Nuclear factor kappa B, and interleukin-6, and a decreased expression of Bcl2 in the liver. Quinic acid supplementation in ethanol-fed rats reversed these ethanol-induced changes. Immunohistochemical studies further supported these findings. Conclusion: Quinic acid, with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, may offer a therapeutic option for protecting against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity

An Azomethine Derivative, 1-(4-nitrophenyl)-N-phenylmethanimine (BCS2) Ameliorated 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced Mammary Carcinoma through Nrf2-Keap1-HO-1 Pathway.

The aim of this study is the evaluation of an Azomethine derivative, BCS2, for its antioxidant and anti-tumor activities against mammary carcinoma through the Nrf2- Keap1-HO-1 pathway. The global prevalence of breast cancer is rising at an alarming rate. The facilitation of abnormal cell proliferation in mammary carcinoma occurs due to the disruption of signaling pathways that balance pro- and antioxidant status, thereby producing oxidative stress that disrupts genomic stability. Therefore, introducing a potent antioxidant molecule with antitumor activity is of paramount importance for treating breast cancer. Synthesis, characterization, and in-vitro, in-vivo, and in-silico evaluation of an Azomethine derivative, BCS2, for its antioxidant and anti-tumor activities against chemical carcinogen- induced mammary carcinogenesis in Sprague-Dawley rats. An azomethine derivative, 1-(4-nitrophenyl)-N-phenylmethanimine (BCS2), was synthesized and characterized based on its spectral data. The cytotoxic potential was observed on breast cancer cells, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-468. The in vivo chemotherapeutic potential of BCS2 was established on 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) induced breast cancer in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The effect of BCS2 on kelch-like ECH-associated protein- 1 (Keap1), Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated-B (NF-κB) was evaluated through ELISA and qPCR techniques. Furthermore, the binding potential and stability of BCS2 with Keap-1, HO-1, and MAPK were predicted using in silico molecular docking and dynamics studies. Additionally, drug-likeness properties of BCS2 were evaluated using in silico ADMET tools. BCS2 showed remarkable cytotoxic activity on MCF-7 cells followed by MDA-MB- 231 and MDA-MB-468 cells having an IC50 of 2.368μM, 4.843μM and 6.472μM respectively, without affecting normal breast cells, MCF-10A. In the DMBA-induced animal model, BCS2 showed potent antitumor potential and showed protective action on endogenous-enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in cancer-bearing animals. Marked improvement in cellular architecture and ultrastructure of breast/tumor tissues excised from experimental animals was noted through histopathological and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analyses. Significant upregulation of antioxidant proteins, Keap1 and HO-1, and downregulation of inflammatory proteins, MAPK, and NF-κB was observed after BCS2 treatment. The in silico computational studies predicted the potent binding of BCS2 with the active pockets of Keap1, HO-1, and MAPK proteins that validated the biological findings. The study revealed BCS2's potent antioxidant and antitumor potential against mammary carcinoma through the Nrf2-Keap1-HO-1 signaling pathway.

A meta-analysis on plant growth and heavy metals uptake with the application of 2,4-epibrassinolide in contaminated soils

The application of 2,4-epibrassinolide (EBR) is considered an effective and environment friendly method to improve plant growth under heavy metal (HM) stress, which is crucial for crop productivity and environmental phytoremediation. This meta-analysis evaluated plant responses to exogenous EBR under HM stress by compiling data from 73 studies, including 2,480 observations. Results showed that the most significant effects of exogenous EBR on plant growth and HM uptake parameters were observed on shoot/root length (47.9%) and HM concentration in plant tissues (-32.9%). EBR application enhanced photosynthesis and the mitigation of oxidative damage by significantly boosting antioxidant enzyme activity, non-enzymatic antioxidants, and metabolites. Exogenous EBR induced the largest percentage changes in plant growth and HM uptake under nickel stress, with an average increase of 57.5% and a decline of 38.5%, respectively. The greatest effects of exogenous EBR on plant growth and HM uptake parameters were observed in plants of the Cruciferae family, while the lowest effects were in the Gramineae family. In terms of EBR application characteristics, seed soaking with lower EBR concentrations (≤ 1nM) is recommended for crop production in HM-contaminated soils. These findings underscore the potential of exogenous EBR in achieving sustainable agriculture and environmental phytoremediation in HM-contaminated soils.

Application of the composite nanoparticles of selenium and chitosan for ameliorating arsenic stress in rice seedlings.

Selenium nanoparticles are well known for their antioxidant and stress-mitigating properties. In our study, composite nanoformulations of selenium and chitosan have been synthesized. The synthesized composite nanoformulations were 50nm in diameter, spherical in shape, and had higher antioxidant activities and stability than the selenium and chitosan nanoparticles. In our study, Luit rice seedlings grown in an arsenic-treated Hoagland solution showed a reduction of growth, decreased superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, ascorbate, and glutathione content. Otherwise, superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde content increased in arsenic-stressed conditions. The alone application of Selenium nanoparticles, chitosan nanoparticles, and their nanoformulation improved growth, reduced stress parameters, and enhanced enzymatic and non-enzymatic activity. Additionally, the reduction of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde content was higher by applying composite nanoformulations in arsenic-stressed conditions than selenium and chitosan nanoparticles. The treatment of composite nanoformulation also regulated the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activity higher than that of other nanoparticles. It might be due to the higher stability and antioxidant activity of composite nanoformulations than that of selenium and chitosan nanoparticles. Our study suggests that the composite nanoformulation enhanced the growth of rice plants by mitigating arsenic-induced reactive oxygen species and upregulating antioxidant activity.

α -lipoic acid supplementation reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in red skeletal muscle of insulin-resistant rats

α -lipoic acid (ALA) is an eight-carbon saturated fatty acid with strong antioxidant activity. Despite previous reports of ALA's protective properties in treating cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (including insulin resistance and diabetes), little is known about the compound's effects on skeletal muscle metabolism. In particular, the effect of ALA on glycooxidative and nitrosative damage in red muscles during insulin resistance is unknown. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of ALA on the antioxidant barrier as well as oxidative, nitrosative and carbonyl stress in the red skeletal muscle of rats with high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance. Male Wistar cmdb/outbred rats were divided into four equal groups: control diet (CTRL), high fat diet (HFD), CTRL+ALA (30 mg/kg body weight for 4 weeks; intragastrically) and HFD+ALA. Enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant systems, protein and lipid glycoxidation, nitrosative stress, and selected inflammatory/apoptosis parameters were assessed using colorimetric, fluorimetric, and immune-enzymatic methods. ALA lowered body weight and glucose metabolism parameters in insulin-resistant rats. ALA not only strengthened enzymatic antioxidant defense (by increasing superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity) but also stimulated the synthesis of non-enzymatic GSH. ALA supplementation inhibited lipid peroxidation (decreased lipid hydroperoxides and malondialdehyde content) and prevented protein oxidation (by lowering advanced oxidation protein products concentration) in red muscle. ALA's multifactorial actions on muscle tissue also included inhibition of inflammation and apoptosis, requiring further research to elucidate its effects in metabolic diseases.

Useful or merely convenient? On the issue of a suitability of enzymatic antioxidant activity as a proxy for abiotic stress tolerance.

During their lifespan, plants are often exposed to a broad range of stresses that change their redox balance and lead to accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The traditional view is that this comes with negative consequences to cells structural integrity and metabolism and, to prevent this, plants evolved a complex and well-coordinated antioxidant defence system that relies on the operation of a range of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants (AO). Due to the simplicity of measuring their activity, and in the light of the persistent dogma that stress-induced ROS accumulation is detrimental for plants, it is not surprising that enzymatic AO have often been advocated as suitable proxies for stress tolerance, as well as potential targets for improving tolerance traits. However, there is a growing number of reports showing either no changes or even downregulation of AO systems in stressed plants. Moreover, ROS are recognised now as important second messengers operating in both local and systemic signalling, synergistically interacting with the primary stressor, to regulate gene expression needed for optimal acclimatization. This work critically assesses the suitability of using enzymatic AO as a proxy for stress tolerance, or as a target for crop genetic improvement. It is concluded that constitutively higher AO activity may interfere with stress-induced ROS signalling and be of disadvantage to plant stress tolerance.

Phytic Acid Delays the Senescence of Rosa roxburghii Fruit by Regulating Antioxidant Capacity and the Ascorbate–Glutathione Cycle

Rosa roxburghii fruit has a short postharvest shelf life, with rapid declines in quality and antioxidant capacity. This research assessed how phytic acid affects the antioxidant capacity and quality of R. roxburghii fruit while in the postharvest storage period and reveals its potential mechanism of action. The findings suggested that phytic acid treatment inhibits the production of malondialdehyde (MDA) and enhances the activities and expressions of glutathione peroxidase (GPX), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) while decreasing the generation of superoxide anions (O2•−) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Phytic acid treatment activates the ascorbate–glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle and enhances the activity and expression of key enzymes in the cycle: ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), and monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR). It also increases the levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH), while reducing the production of dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG). Moreover, phytic acid treatment enhances the ratios of AsA/DHA and GSH/GSSG, maintaining the reduced state of the fruit. In summary, phytic acid improves antioxidant defense system and activates the AsA-GSH cycle, alleviating oxidative damage and ensuring R. roxburghii fruit quality after harvest.

Antioxidant mechanisms in salt-stressed Maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings: comparative analysis of tolerant and susceptible genotypes

Recent anthropogenic activities have spurred unparalleled environmental changes, among which elevated salinity levels emerge as a substantial threat to plant growth and development. This threat is characterized by oxidative stress, marked by the excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), proline accumulation, and lipid peroxidation. This study investigated the response of four maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes - two tolerant (9120 and Super Gold) and two susceptible (Pacific 984 and PS999) - to salinity-induced oxidative stress. Seedlings aged seven days were exposed to 12 dSm− 1 salinity stress for five days, with various parameters including relative water content (RWC), ROS accumulation, proline levels, lipid peroxidation, lipoxigenase (LOX) activity, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, and glyoxalases evaluated in fully expanded leaves. Susceptible genotypes exhibited higher RWC loss compared to tolerant genotypes, while proline accumulation was elevated in the latter. Enhanced ROS production (hydrogen peroxide and superoxide), melondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and LOX activity were observed in susceptible genotypes under salinity stress, along with increased oxidation of glutathione (GSH) and ascorbate (ASA) compared to tolerant genotypes. Enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) displayed higher activity in tolerant genotypes, while catalase (CAT) activity was significantly different between tolerant and susceptible genotypes under salinity stress in maize. Conversely, elevated activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) were observed in both genotypes, indicating their crucial role in cellular protection against ROS and metabolites during salt stress. In short, plants have devised tactics to scavenge surplus Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and uphold cellular redox balance amidst oxidative stress. This study aims to offer basic knowledge regarding both enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, and the defense mechanisms they constitute against ROS detoxification upon salt stress conditions; furthermore, it also explores their interactions with cellular components.

Nanoscale particles-induced mitigation of tannery wastewater chromium stress in rice: Implications for plant performance and human health risk assessment.

Due to the rapid increase in industrial and urban areas, environmental pollution is increasing worldwide, which is causing unwanted changes in air, water, and soil at biological, physical, as well as chemical levels that ultimately causing the negative effects in living things because of toxic level of chromium (Cr). However, nanotechnology is capturing great interest worldwide due to their stirring applications in various fields. For this purpose, a pot experiment was conducted to examine plant growth and exo-physiology in rice (Oryza sativa L.) under the different levels of wastewater 50% and 100% concentrations which were also primed with three nanoparticles (NPs)-copper oxide (nCuO), silicon (nSi), and zinc oxide (nZnO). The research outcomes indicated that elevated levels of wastewater in the soil (100%) notably reduced plant growth and biomass, photosynthetic pigments, and gas exchange attributes. However, increasing levels of Cr stress also induced oxidative stress in the plants by increasing malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which also induced increased compounds of various enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and also the gene expression and sugar content. Furthermore, a significant increase in proline metabolism, the AsA-GSH cycle, and the pigmentation of cellular components was observed. Although, the application of nCuO, nSi, nZnO-NPs showed a significant increase in plant growth and biomass, gas exchange characteristics, enzymatic and non-enzymatic compounds, and their gene expression and also decreased oxidative stress. In addition, the application of nCuO, nSi, nZnO-NPs enhanced cellular fractionation and decreased the proline metabolism and AsA-GSH cycle in O. sativa plants. These results open new insights for sustainable agriculture practices and hold immense promise in addressing the pressing challenges of heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils.

The Combined Effects of Salt and Nitrogen Addition on the Chlorophyll Fluorescence, Antioxidant System, and Leaf Stoichiometry of Torreya grandis Sexes

Previous studies have shown that there are significant sexual differences in the physiological responses of Torreya grandis to environmental stress. However, little is known about its sex-specific differences in response to salt stress against the background of nitrogen (N) deposition. In this experiment, two-year-old male and female T. grandis seedlings were used as experimental materials and exposed to moderate salt conditions and different N levels to study the effects of nitrogen addition and salt stress on the chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, antioxidant system, and leaf stoichiometry of T. grandis seedlings. With the increase in nitrogen content, the contents of proline, malondialdehyde, superoxide anion, and H2O2 in the leaves of T. grandis seedlings under salt conditions gradually increased. The contents of these four metabolites in the leaves of male T. grandis seedlings were almost all higher than those of the female ones. Compared with the control group, the contents of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants increased under N addition treatments, especially for the low and moderate N addition groups. The results showed that moderate concentrations of N addition can mitigate the damage caused by salt, while high concentrations of nitrogen do not. Under conditions of salt and nitrogen addition, female T. grandis seedlings outperformed male ones, as evidenced by their higher photosynthetic pigment content, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, reduced accumulation of intracellular cytotoxic metabolites, and higher carbon and nitrogen content in their leaves compared to those of male seedlings. The findings of this research will contribute to our understanding and offer a theoretical foundation for the cultivation of T. grandis seedlings in environments with nitrogen deposition and salinization.

Antioxidant Response of Vicia faba Plant to Foliar Spray of Green Synthesis Zirconium Oxide Nanoparticles

Previous studies have reported a positive influence of zirconium oxide nanoparticles on plants, the present effort was conducted to investigate the impact of two distinct concentrations of biosynthesized zirconium oxide nanoparticles (75 and 150 mg L-1) on the physiological and antioxidant responses of Vicia faba Plants. Zirconium oxide nanoparticles (ZrO2NPs) were synthesized using Matricaria chamomilla L. plant extracts. And their morphology and extent were determined Using X-Ray Diffraction and Transmission electron microscopy The diffuse reflectance spectra were measured using UV-Vis spectroscopy, the response of V. faba plants to foliar sprays regarding concentrations of (0, 75 and 150 Mg / l-1) M-ZrO2NPs was studied. The largest concentrations of chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids. Total pigments were documented in plants receiving 75mg / l-1 of M-ZrO2NPs associated to the control, secondary metabolite (Phenolics, Flavonoids, and Tannins) were gathered in response to M-ZrO2NPs treatment Glycosides, Terpenoid, Alkaloids (Mayer reagent) and Fuocoumarins. Moreover Tannins, Resins and Saponins, in addition to the levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, rose by about two-fold in plant exposed to M-ZrO2NPs compared to control plants. The nitrogen, phosphorus, the contents of bean plants in terms also potassium, calcium, zinc, iron were noted in response to two applied quantities of M-ZrO2NPs. Spraying shrubberies by 75 Mg /l-1 of M-ZrO2NPs promoted plant development in addition to the buildup of antioxidants, osmolytes, and secondary metabolites that can help plants cope with the harmful consequences of environmental stress.

Antioxidants and the Prevention of Neonatal Jaundice: A Narrative Review

Neonatal jaundice, characterized by elevated bilirubin levels in newborns, is a common condition that can lead to severe complications like kernicterus if not managed effectively. Emerging evidence suggests that oxidative stress plays a critical role in the development of neonatal jaundice by exacerbating red blood cell breakdown and overwhelming the body's ability to process bilirubin. This review explores the potential of antioxidant supplementation as a therapeutic strategy for mitigating oxidative stress and preventing severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. The body's natural antioxidant defense systems, including enzymes like superoxide dismutase and non-enzymatic antioxidants like vitamins C and E, are often underdeveloped in newborns, particularly in preterm infants. This deficiency leaves them more vulnerable to oxidative damage, increasing the risk of jaundice. Antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals, may help reduce bilirubin levels and prevent the escalation of jaundice to dangerous levels. Keywords: Neonatal jaundice, antioxidants, bilirubin, oxidative stress, kernicterus.

Genotypic Differences Among Scions and Rootstocks Involved with Oxidative Damage and Ionic Toxicity in Cashew Plants Under Salinity

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of scion/rootstock genotypes on ionic toxicity, oxidative damage, and photosynthesis in cashew plants subjected to salt stress. Scion/rootstock combinations (CCP 76/CCP 76, CCP 76/CCP 09, CCP 09/CCP 09 and CCP 09/CCP 76) were obtained by reciprocal grafting between two genotypes (CCP 76 and CCP 09) of dwarf cashew and subjected to increased NaCl (0, 50 and 100 mM) for 30 days. Plants with CCP 76 scions had higher leaf fresh weights compared to plants with CCP 09 scions in both moderate (50 mM)- and high (100 mM)-salinity conditions. Under moderate levels of salinity, CCP 76 scions showed lower stomatal conductance, which is associated with weaker leaf toxicity symptoms, as well as lower Na+ content and higher K+ content in the leaves. Thus, the better foliar exclusion of Na+ by CCP 76 scions can be attributed to greater stomatal control, which allows for better growth and sufficient foliar K+ nutrition to mitigate foliar toxicity. Under high levels of salinity, a reduction in net photosynthesis occurred in all scion/rootstock combinations, which was apparently due to stomatal and non-stomatal restrictions. The activities of the oxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase—SOD; ascorbate peroxidase—APX; and phenol peroxidase—POD) were little influenced by salinity, while there was a significant increase in the non-enzymatic antioxidants ascorbate (AsA) and glutathione (GSH). In addition, a reduction in photochemical activity was observed under saline conditions, suggesting that photosystems possess a potential protective mechanism. It was observed that the stomatal closure exhibited by the CCP 76 scion genotype may exert relative control over the flow of Na+ to the shoots under salt stress conditions. Taken together, the data show that, in the two genotypes evaluated, oxidative protection was more associated with reduced photochemical activity and higher levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants (AsA and GSH) than it was with the SOD-APX-POD enzymatic system.

The Roles of Oxidative Stress and Red Blood Cells in the Pathology of the Varicose Vein.

This review discusses sources of reactive oxygen species, enzymatic antioxidant systems, and low molecular weight antioxidants. We present the pathology of varicose veins (VVs), including factors such as hypoxia, inflammation, dysfunctional endothelial cells, risk factors in varicose veins, the role of RBCs in venous thrombus formation, the influence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and RBCs on VV pathology, and the role of hemoglobin in the damage of particles and macromolecules in VVs. This review discusses the production of ROS, enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, the pathogenesis of varicose veins as a pathology based on hypoxia, inflammation, and oxidative stress, as well as the participation of red blood cells in the pathology of varicose veins.