Non-protein Thiols Research Articles

Portable point-of-care surface enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy for the quantification of glutathione in whole blood microsamples

Glutathione (GSH) is a non-protein tripeptide thiol that plays a prominent role in oxidative stress defense. GSH concentration is particularly critical in the neonatal period, especially for premature newborns that face increased susceptibility to oxidative stress. Monitoring GSH levels provides valuable insights into newborn health, helping to tailor care to their specific needs. The aim of this study was the development of a sensor specifically targeted for its use in neonatology, enabling GSH determination in only 2 μL of whole blood. The newly developed sensing system simplifies sample processing, addressing a critical need in clinical applications. Unlike current methods that demand fast pre-processing of relatively large sample volumes, expensive equipment, and skilled personnel, the developed approach streamlines the analytical process. By using 2 μL of whole blood, a single syringe filter for sample treatment, a deuterated internal standard (IS) for signal normalization, and Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) spectroscopy with a silver colloid substrate for GSH detection, the set-up's characteristics are compatible with point-of-care applications. The analytical procedure was validated and applied to diverse populations including healthy adults (N = 63) and newborns (N = 35), yielding GSH concentration values ranging from 0.6 to 1.8 and 0.8–2.1 mM, respectively. This new optical sensor offers a quick and cost-effective solution to support the assessment of GSH levels in newborns that can greatly benefit not only neonatal care, but also the study of adult populations for health monitoring.

Effects of urban streams on muscle non-protein thiols, gill and liver histopathology in zebrafish (Danio rerio) assessed by active biomonitoring

Aquatic biota are exposed to toxic substances resulting from human activities, reducing environmental quality and can compromise the health of the organisms. This study aimed to employ Danio rerio as an environmental bioindicator, analyzing the effects of water from distinct urban aquatic environments. An active biomonitoring system was set up to compare the temporal dynamics of histological biomarkers for gill and liver and the patterns of non-protein thiols (NPSH) in muscle in specimens exposed for 3, 6, and 12 days. Three large urban basins in the city of Campo Grande (Midwest of Brazil) were selected. Two sites are in a very populous area (i.e Lagoa and Bandeira) and another on in an area with agricultural activities (i.e Anhanduí). All the streams displayed distinct qualitative characteristics. The presence of metals, including Mn, Zn, Fe, and Al, as well as pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen, accounted for 38% of the variability (PC1), while total solids, conductivity, ammonia, nitrite, and explained 24 % (PC2). Degree tissue changes index (DTC) in gill and the concentration of NPSH increased in all streams during 3, 6 and 12 days of exposure. DTC in liver increases in all exposure times in most populous stream (i.e Lagoa and Bandeira). Histopathological evidence in the gill, including proliferation, desquamation, and necrosis of the primary lamellar epithelium; fusion and aneurysms in the secondary lamellar epithelium were observed after three days of exposure. Degenerative nuclear figures were noted in the liver after three days of exposure, followed by hepatocellular hypertrophy, lipidosis, and necrosis at twelve days. Our findings showing time-dependent effects of urban aquatic environments in histopathological (i.e DTC) and biochemical biomarkers in zebrafish. The biomonitoring model enabled a comparison of the temporal dynamics of various health markers, using zebrafish as bioindicator. Future studies might use this experimental model and biomarkers for environmental biomonitoring program.

Melatonin differentially refines the metabolome to improve seed formation during grain developmental stages and enhances yield in two contrasting rice cultivars, grown in arsenic-contaminated soil

The manuscript revealed the ameliorative effects of exogenous melatonin in two distinct reproductive stages, i.e., developing grains (20 days after pollination) and matured grains (40 days after pollination) in two contrasting indica rice genotypes, viz., Khitish (arsenic-susceptible) and Muktashri (arsenic-tolerant), irrigated with arsenic-contaminated water throughout their life-cycle. Melatonin administration improved yield-related parameters like rachis length, primary and secondary branch length, number of grains per panicle, number of filled and empty grains per panicle, grain length and breadth and 1000-grain per weight. Expression of GW2, which negatively regulates grain development, was suppressed, along with concomitant induction of positive regulators like GIF1, DEP1 and SPL14 in both Khitish and Muktashri. Melatonin lowered arsenic bioaccumulation in grains and tissue biomass, more effectively in Khitish. Unregulated production of reactive oxygen species, leading to cellular necrosis caused by arsenic, was reversed in presence of melatonin. Endogenous melatonin level was stimulated due to up-regulation of the key biosynthetic genes, SNAT and ASMT. Melatonin enhanced the production of diverse antioxidants like anthocyanins, flavonoids, total phenolics and ascorbic acid and also heightened the production of thiol-metabolites (cysteine, reduced glutathione, non-protein thiols and phytochelatin), ensuring effective chelation and arsenic detoxification. Altogether, our observation, supported by principal component analysis, proved that melatonin re-programs the antioxidative metabolome to enhance plant resilience against arsenic stress to mitigate oxidative damages and reduce arsenic translocation from the soil to tissue biomass and edible grains.

Exploring the endocrine disrupting potential of a complex mixture of PAHs in the estrogen pathway in Oreochromis niloticus hepatocytes

This study aimed to investigate the toxicity and endocrine disrupting potential of a complex mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the estrogen pathway using hepatocytes of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus, the hepatocytes were exposed to various concentrations of the PAH mixture, and multiple endpoints were evaluated to assess their effects on cell viability, gene expression, oxidative stress markers, and efflux activity. The results revealed that the PAH mixture had limited effects on hepatocyte metabolism and cell adhesion, as indicated by the non-significant changes observed in MTT metabolism, neutral red retention, and crystal violet staining. However, significant alterations were observed in the expression of genes related to the estrogen pathway. Specifically, vitellogenin (vtg) exhibited a substantial increase of approximately 120% compared to the control group. Similarly, estrogen receptor 2 (esr2) showed a significant upregulation of approximately 90%. In contrast, no significant differences were observed in the expression of estrogen receptor 1 (esr1) and the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (gper1). Furthermore, the PAH mixture elicited complex responses in oxidative stress markers. While reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) levels remained unchanged, the activity of catalase (Cat) was significantly reduced, whereas superoxide dismutase (Sod) activity, glutathione S-transferase (Gst) activity, and non-protein thiols levels were significantly elevated. In addition, the PAH mixture significantly influenced efflux activity, as evidenced by the increased efflux of rhodamine and calcein, indicating alterations in multixenobiotic resistance (MXR)-associated proteins. Overall, these findings, associated with bioinformatic analysis, highlight the potential of the PAH mixture to modulate the estrogen pathway and induce oxidative stress in O. niloticus hepatocytes. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these effects is crucial for assessing the ecological risks of PAH exposure and developing appropriate strategies to mitigate their adverse impacts on aquatic organisms.

In vitro antiproliferative effects of Vatairea macrocarpa (Benth.) Ducke lectin on human tumor cell lines and in vivo evaluation of its toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster

Tumor cells may develop alterations in glycosylation patterns during the initial phase of carcinogenesis. These alterations may be important therapeutic targets for lectins with antitumor action. This work aimed to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of VML on tumor and non-tumor cells (concentration of 25 μg/mL and then microdiluted) and evaluate its in vivo toxicity at different concentrations (1.8, 3.5 and 7.0 μg/mL), using Drosophila melanogaster. Toxicity in D. melanogaster evaluated mortality rate, as well as oxidative stress markers (TBARS, iron levels, nitric oxide levels, protein and non-protein thiols). The cytotoxicity assay showed that VML had cytotoxic effect on leukemic lines HL-60 (IC50 = 3.5 μg/mL), KG1 (IC50 = 18.6 μg/mL) and K562 (102.0 μg/mL). In the toxicity assay, VML showed no reduction in survival at concentrations of 3.5 and 7.0 μg/mL and did not alter oxidative stress markers at any concentrations tested. Cytotoxicity of VML from HL-60, KG1 and K562 cells could arise from the interaction between the lectin and specific carbohydrates of tumor cells. In contrast, effective concentrations of VML against no-tumor cells human keratinocyte – HaCat and in the D. melanogaster model did not show toxicity, suggesting that VML is a promising molecule in vivo studies involving leukemic cells.

In Vitro Investigation of the Effects of Various Reducing Agents on Dentin Treated with Hydrogen Peroxide.

We assessed the effect of non-protein thiols (NPSH), reduced glutathione (GSH) and n-acetylcysteine (NAC), on resin shear bond strength (SBS) to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-treated dentin, and their effects on the characteristics of dentin in comparison to ascorbic acid (AA) and sodium thiosulfate (STS). H2O2-treated dentin was conditioned with 5% AA, GSH, NAC, or STS applied for 1 or 5 min. The positive control group received H2O2 without antioxidant application, and the first negative control group received distilled water (DW). The specimens received resin bonding immediately after treatment except for the second negative control group (delayed bonding). Microhardness, roughness, and topography were studied. The SBS values of all antioxidants were statistically greater than the positive control group (p < 0.05); however, NAC and AA applied for 1 min demonstrated the highest values, which were comparable to delayed bonding. All treatments removed the smear layer except DW, H2O2, and STS. The negative effect of H2O2 on resin-dentin bonding was mitigated by the application of the antioxidants; however, their efficiencies were dependent on the antioxidant type and time of application. NAC was more effective in optimizing resin bonding to bleached dentin compared to GSH at 1 min application and STS at both application times but was comparable to AA. Negligible negative effects on the substrate's roughness and microhardness were detected. The antioxidant properties of the agent and its capacity to remove the smear layer are the processes underpinning the ability of a certain antioxidant to reverse the effect of H2O2 on bonding.

Pervasive influence of heavy metals on metabolic pathways is potentially relieved by hesperidin to enhance the phytoremediation efficiency of Bassia scoparia.

Hesperidin (HSP), a flavonoid, is a potent antioxidant, metal chelator, mediator of signaling pathways, and regulator of metal uptake in plants. The study examined the ameliorative effects of HSP (100 μM) on Bassia scoparia grown under excessive levels of heavy metals (zinc (500 mg kg-1), copper (400 mg kg-1), cadmium (100 mg kg-1), and chromium (100 mg kg-1)). The study clarifies the underlying mechanisms by which HSP lessens metabolic mayhem to enhance metal stress tolerance and phytoremediation efficiency of Bassia scoparia. Plants manifested diminished growth because of a drop in chlorophyll content and nutrient acquisition, along with exacerbated deterioration of cellular membranes reflected in elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, lipid peroxidation, and relative membrane permeability. Besides the colossal production of cytotoxic methylglyoxal, the activity of lipoxygenase was also higher in plants under metal toxicity. Conversely, hesperidin suppressed the production of cytotoxic ROS and methylglyoxal. Hesperidin improved oxidative defense that protected membrane integrity. Hesperidin caused a more significant accumulation of osmolytes, non-protein thiols, and phytochelatins, thereby rendering metal ions non-toxic. Hydrogen sulfide and nitric oxide endogenous levels were intricately maintained higher in plants treated with HSP. Hesperidin increased metal accumulation in Bassia scoparia and thereby had the potential to promote the reclamation of metal-contaminated soils.

Photosynthetic variation and detoxification strategies based on cadmium uptake, non-protein thiols, and secondary metabolites in Miscanthus sacchariflorus under cadmium exposure.

Miscanthus sacchariflorus is previously demonstrated to be a potential candidate for remediation of cadmium (Cd) pollution. To explore its resistance strategy to Cd, a hydroponic experiment was conducted to determine the variations of photosynthetic activity in leaves and physiological response in roots of this plant. Results showed that the root of M. sacchariflorus was the primary location for Cd accumulation. The bioconcentration factor in the roots and rhizomes was >1, and the translocation factor from underground to aboveground was <1. Throughout the experimental period, treatment with 0.06 mM Cd2+ did not significantly alter the contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, or carotenoid. By contrast, treatment with 0.15 and 0.30 mM Cd2+ decreased the contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid; caused the deformation of the chlorophyll fluorescence transient curve; reduced the photochemical efficiency of photosystem II; and increased the contents of non-protein thiols, total flavone, and total phenol. These results indicate that M. sacchariflorus has good adaptability to 0.06 mM Cd2+. Moreover, the accumulation of the non-protein thiols, total flavone, and total phenol in roots may promote the chelation of Cd2+, thus alleviating Cd toxicity. This study provides theoretical support for using M. sacchariflorus to remediate Cd-polluted wetlands.

Common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) juveniles maintained at high temperature and brackish water improve growth, osmoregulation, and antioxidant responses

The study evaluated the interactions between temperature (25 and 28 °C) and salinity (0, 15, and 32 ppt) on the growth performance, plasmatic ions, ATPases activities, and oxidative and antioxidant parameters in different tissues of common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) reared for 90 days by a 2 × 3 factorial design. The growth performance and feed conversion ratio were influenced by temperature and interaction between factors, with the best results observed in the combination between 28 °C and 15 ppt. There were effects of temperature and salinity (isolated or in interaction) for plasmatic ions, v-type H+-ATPase (VHA) and Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) activities, and oxidative stress responses. Gill VHA (at 32 ppt) and NKA (at 0 and 15 ppt) activities were higher at 25 than at 28 °C. In the kidney, at 28 °C, the VHA (at 15 ppt) and NKA (at 32 ppt) activities were higher than at 25 °C. The VHA and NKA activities in the stomach at 28 °C and 32 ppt were higher than at the other treatments. In the intestine, the lowest activity of VHA at 25 and 28 °C occurred at 0 and 32 ppt, respectively, and the activity of NKA was highest in the interaction of 0 ppt and 25 °C. At 0 ppt, the plasmatic Na+ and Cl− values at both temperatures were decreased, and the plasmatic K+ values at 25 °C were increased. Liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and protein carbonyl content values were higher at the combinations of 15 ppt and 25 °C and 32 ppt and 28 °C than at the other interactions. Liver antioxidant responses (glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, non-protein thiols, and superoxide dismutase) were higher at 15 ppt than other salinities at both temperatures. In conclusion, the improved growth, osmoregulation, and antioxidant responses were found to be higher at 28 °C and 15 ppt.

The efficacy of chemical inducers and fungicides in controlling tomato root rot disease caused by Rhizoctoniasolani

Chitosan is an environmentally friendly natural substance that is used in crop disease management as an alternative to chemical pesticides. A significant issue restricting output in Egypt is root rot, which is a disease, caused by Rhizoctonia solani. Therefore, a greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess the effects of R. solani on 60-day-old tomato plants under fungal infection and to determine the antifungal activity of chitosan and Rizolax T fungicide against the pathogenic fungus. The findings demonstrated that 4 g/L of chitosan seed application completely obstructed the radial mycelial growth of R. solani and decreased the disease severity. Pathogenic infection significantly decreased morphological characteristics and total chlorophyll but significantly increased carotenoid, total thiol, non-protein thiol, protein thiol, antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress, total phenolic, total flavonoid, and isoflavone compared to healthy plants. Tomato plants treated with chitosan exhibited lower rates of oxidative stress, but higher levels of all previously mentioned parameters compared to untreated infected plants. The number and molecular mass of protein banding patterns varied in all treated tomato plants as compared to the healthy control. There are 42 bands in the treatments, and their polymorphism rate is 69.55%. Moreover, the number and density of α- and β-esterase, and peroxidase isozymes in treated tomato plants exhibited varied responses. Moreover, in treated and control plants, chitosan treatment raised the expression levels of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, pathogenesis-related protein-1, β-1,3-glucanases and chitinase. In conclusions, chitosan reduces R. solani infection by controlling the biochemical and molecular mechanisms in tomato plants during infection.

Moringa oleifera-based feed supplement protects against renal ischaemia/reperfusion injury via downregulation of Bax/caspase 3 signaling.

Ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) may lead to acute kidney injury via the induction of oxidative stress. On the other hand, Moringa oleifera has been reported to exert antioxidant activities. This study was designed to assess whether or not Moringa oleifera-based feed supplement could prevent I/R-induced renal injury. Renal I/R was induced by occluding the right renal artery for 30 min followed by a 2-h reperfusion. Renal I/R led to increased absolute renal weight and renal organo-somatic weight index. Renal I/R also caused distortion of renal histoarchitecture and impaired renal function evidenced by elevated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. In addition, renal I/R significantly elevated renal levels of hydrogen peroxide, MDA, and advanced oxidation protein products, but suppressed the levels of reduced glutathione, protein thiol, and non-protein thiol, and the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. In addition, renal I/R up-regulated myeloperoxidase activity and the renal levels of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6. Renal I/R also up-regulated Bax and caspase 3 expression in the kidney. Furthermore, I/R-driven structural and biochemical alterations were markedly inhibited by Moringa oleifera-based feed supplement. These results suggest that Moringa oleifera-based feed supplement may preserve the gross and histoarchitectural integrity of the kidney as well as renal function via downregulation of Bax/caspase 3 signaling by targeting oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in the kidney of I/R rat.

Exogenous methyl jasmonate enhanced kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) tolerance against lead(Pb) toxicity by improving antioxidant capacity and osmoregulators.

In this study, the effects of exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on metal uptake and its ability to attenuate metal toxicity in kenaf plants under Pb stress were investigated. The experiment was conducted with five different MeJA concentrations (0, 40, 80, 160, and 320 μM) as a foilar application to kenaf plants exposed to 200 μM Pb stress. The results revealed that pretreatmen of MeJA significantly increased plant dry weight, plant height, and root architecture at all concentrations tested, with the most significant increase at 320 μM. Foliar application of MeJA at 160 μM and 320 μM increased the Pb concentrations in leaves and stems as well as the translocation factor (TF) from root to leaf. However, the bioaccumulation factor in the shoot initially decreased and then increased with increasing MeJA concentration. By increasing enzymatic (SOD, POD, and CAT) and non-enzymatic (AsA and non-protein thiols) antioxidants, MeJA pretreatment decreased lipid peroxidation, O2- and H2O2 accumulation and recovered photosynthetic pigment content under Pb stress. Increased osmolytes (proline, sugar, and starch) and protein content after MeJA pretreatment under Pb stress restore cellular homeostasis and improved kenaf tolerance. Our results suggest that MeJA pretreatment modifies the antioxidant machinery of kenaf and inhibits stress-related processes that cause lipid peroxidation, hence enhancing plant tolerance to Pb stress.

Effects of cadmium and zinc interactions on the physiological biochemistry and enrichment characteristics of Iris pseudacorus

Compound pollution with cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) is common in nature. The effects of compounded Cd and Zn on the growth and development of Iris pseudacorus in the environment and the plant’s potential to remediate heavy metals in the environment remain unclear. In this study, the effects of single and combined Cd and Zn stress on I. pseudacorus growth and the enrichment of heavy metals in I. pseudacorus seedlings were investigated. The results showed that under Cd (160 μM) and Zn (800 μM) stress, plant growth was significantly inhibited and photosynthetic performance was affected. Cd+Zn200 (160 μM + 200 μM) reduced the levels of malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and non-protein thiols by 31.29%, 53.20%, and 13.29%, respectively, in the aboveground tissues compared with levels in the single Cd treatment. However, Cd+Zn800 (160 μM + 800 μM) had no effect. Cd and Zn800 inhibited the absorption of mineral elements, while Zn200 had little effect on plants. Compared with that for Cd treatment alone, Cd + Zn200 and Cd+Zn800 reduced the Cd content in aboveground tissues by 54.15% and 49.92%, respectively, but had no significant effect on Cd in the root system. Zn significantly reduced the Cd content in subcellular components and limited the content and proportion of Cd extracted using water and ethanol. These results suggest that a low supply of Zn reduces Cd accumulation in aboveground tissues by promoting antioxidant substances and heavy metal chelating agents, thus protecting the photosynthetic systems. The addition of Zn also reduced the mobility and bioavailability of Cd to alleviate its toxicity in I. pseudacorus.

New curcumin-loaded nanocapsules as a therapeutic alternative in an amnesia model.

This study aimed to investigate the action of two different formulations of curcumin (Cur)-loaded nanocapsules (Nc) (Eudragit [EUD] and poly (ɛ-caprolactone) [PCL]) in an amnesia mice model. We also investigated the formulations' effects on scopolamine-induced (SCO) depressive- and anxiety-like comorbidities, the cholinergic system, oxidative parameters, and inflammatory markers. Male Swiss mice were randomly divided into five groups (n = 8): group I (control), group II (Cur PCL Nc 10mg/kg), group III (Cur EUD Nc 10mg/kg), group IV (free Cur 10mg/kg), and group V (SCO). Treatments with Nc or Cur (free) were performed daily or on alternate days. After 30min of treatment, the animals received the SCO and were subjected to behavioral tests 30min later (Barnes maze, open-field, object recognition, elevated plus maze, tail suspension tests, and step-down inhibitory avoidance tasks). The animals were then euthanized and tissue was removed for biochemical assays. Our results demonstrated that Cur treatment (Nc or free) protected against SCO-induced amnesia and depressive-like behavior. The ex vivo assays revealed lower acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and catalase (CAT) activity, reduced thiobarbituric species (TBARS), reactive species (RS), and non-protein thiols (NSPH) levels, and reduced interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) expression. The treatments did not change hepatic markers in the plasma of mice. After treatments on alternate days, Cur Nc had a more significant effect than the free Cur protocol, implying that Cur may have prolonged action in Nc. This finding supports the concept that it is possible to achieve beneficial effects in nanoformulations, and treatment on alternate days differs from the free Cur protocol regarding anti-amnesic effects in mice.

Chemical profile and biological properties of the Piper corcovadense C.DC. essential oil

The essential oil fromPiper corcovadense D.DC. (EOPc), an important plant belonging to the Piperaceae family, which is commonly found in the northern region of Brazil and poorly explored scientifically, was used in this study. Thus, the EOPc was characterized chemically by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and their potential effects on cutaneous melanoma (SK-MEL-28) and healthy peripheral blood mononuclear (PBMC) cells were determined. The major compounds identified in the EOPc were: trans-sesquisabinene hydrate, trans-caryophyllene, β-pinene, trans-β-farnesene, 14-hydroxycaryophyllene, limonene and p-cymene. The EOPc demonstrated antioxidant activity as evaluated by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent (FC) reducing capacity, DPPH, and ABTS methods. The values found were respectively 5.41 ± 0.17 mg GAE mL−1 (GAE: Gallic acid equivalent), 2.88 ± 0.17 µmol TE mL−1 (TE: Trolox equivalent) and 6.26 ± 0.02 µmol TE mL−1. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined for different bacterial strains. The EOPc at a concentration of 2.61 µg mL−1 exhibited both bactericidal and bacteriostatic properties against Escherichia coli. The EOPc showed potential antitumor activity as it reduced the cell viability of human cutaneous melanoma cells SK-MEL-28. Besides, the EOPc did not exhibit cytotoxic activity against healthy PBMCs, indicating that it does not harm healthy cells at the tested concentrations. The EOPc increased the levels of ROS at concentrations of 250 µg mL−1. The EOPc also did not stimulate the mobilization of endogenous antioxidant defenses, as assessed by total thiol (PSH) and non-protein thiols (NPSH). Thus, the study suggests that the EOPc has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties due to the presence of specific compounds. It also exhibits antitumor potential against cutaneous melanoma cells while showing no cytotoxicity to healthy PBMCs. It directly influenced ROS levels at the highest tested concentration in the cells, suggesting an antitumor effect related to the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Nevertheless, while the study has initial findings, the results are promising and indicate an attractive biological potential of P. corcovadense, mainly in human cutaneous melanoma cells.

Application of biofloc technology in the larval rearing of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

The aim of this study was to investigate the different strategies of biofloc addition to zebrafish (Danio rerio) larviculture, and evaluate their growth and biochemical parameters. Three treatments were used: addition of 200 mL biofloc once at the start of the assay (O1), addition of 100 mL biofloc every seven days (1W), and addition of 100 mL biofloc every four days (2W). The 1W and 2W treatments also received 200 mL biofloc at the start of the assay. Regarding water quality, the only difference was the total suspended solid concentration, because the 2W treatment had a higher concentration in the final assay (127.6 ± 24.3 mg L-1). The final weight, survival rate, and juvenile percentile did not show statistical differences among the treatments. However, the O1 treatment exhibited a higher total length (11.93 ± 0.45 mm) than those in the 2W treatment. The juveniles in the 2W treatment exhibited lower nonprotein thiols and higher TBARS concentrations than those in the other treatments. Thus, the biofloc system can be a viable alternative to zebrafish larviculture without the use of conventional live food, and the addition of biofloc once (O1) at the beginning of larval rearing achieves good growth and survival results.

Aesthetic Radiofrequency Associated with Rosmarinus officinalis Supplementation is Safe and Reduces Oxidative Stress in Women: Randomized, and Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

The objective were to evaluate the effects of supplementation of standardized dry extract of Rosmarinus officinalis (RO) and the application of aesthetic radiofrequency on the oxidative stress markers catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), non-protein thiols (NP-SH), and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and the biochemical markers triglycerides, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (TGO/AST), pyruvic-glutamic transaminase (TGP/ALT), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT), and creatinine. This study included 32 women received the aesthetic therapy to reduce localized fat. They were divided into the control group (n = 8) receiving placebo capsules and the intervention group (n = 24) subdivided into Group A, B, and C, each with eight members receiving supplementation with 100, 500, and 1000 mg/day of standardized dry extract of RO, respectively. The Universal Trial Number (UTN) - U1111-1274-6255. Supplementation with RO (500 mg/day) demonstrated a reduction in oxidative stress (quantified with through a significant increase in NP-SH and a reduction in SOD and CAT enzymes). The radiofrequency aesthetic treatment did not promote an increase in oxidative stress; however, it caused significant changes in total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and creatinine. RO is a plant with antioxidant effects and its oral consumption is safe in selected women subjects in hepatic and renal markers.

Effect of hesperidin on growth, photosynthesis, antioxidant systems and uptake of cadmium, copper, chromium and zinc by Celosia argentea plants

Rapid industrialization and extensive agricultural practices are the major causes of soil heavy metal contamination, which needs urgent attention to safeguard the soils from contamination. However, the phytotoxic effects of excessive metals in plants are the primary obstacle to efficient phytoextraction. The present study evaluated the effects of hesperidin (HSP) on metals (Cu, Cd, Cr, Zn) phytoextraction by hyperaccumulator (Celosia argentea L.) plants. For this purpose, HSP, a flavonoid compound with strong antioxidant potential to assist metal phytoextraction was used under metal stress in plants. Celosia argentea plants suffered significant (P ≤ 0.001) oxidative damage due to the colossal accumulation of metals (Cu, Cd, Cr, Zn). However, HSP supplementation notably (P ≤ 0.001) abated ROS generation (O2•‒, •OH, H2O2), lipoxygenase activity, methylglyoxal production, and relative membrane permeability that clearly indicated HSP-mediated decline in oxidative injury in plants. Exogenous HSP improved (P ≤ 0.001) the production of non-protein thiol, phytochelatins, osmolytes, and antioxidant compounds. Further, HSP enhanced (P ≤ 0.001) H2S and NO endogenous production, which might have improved the GSH: GSSG ratio. Consequently, HSP-treated C. argentea plants had higher biomass alongside elevated metal accumulation mirrored as profound modifications in translocation factor (TF), bioaccumulation coefficient (BAC), and bioconcentration factor (BCF). In this context, HSP significantly enhanced TF of Cr (P ≤ 0.001), Cd (P ≤ 0.001), and Zn (P ≤ 0.01), while BAC of Cr (P ≤ 0.001), Cd (P ≤ 0.001), and Zn (P ≤ 0.001). Further, BCF was significant (P ≤ 0.05) only in plants grown under Cr-spiked soil. Overall, HSP has the potential for phytoremediation of metals by C. argentea, which might be a suitable strategy for metal-polluted soils.

Selenium nanoparticles conferred drought tolerance in tomato plants by altering the transcription pattern of microRNA-172 (miR-172), bZIP, and CRTISO genes, upregulating the antioxidant system, and stimulating secondary metabolism.

Drought stress is one of the major limiting factors for the production of tomato in Iran. In this study, the efficiency of selenate and Se nanoparticle (SeNP) foliar application on tomato plants was assessed to vestigate mitigating the risk associated with water-deficit conditions. Tomato plants were treated with SeNPs at the concentrations of 0 and 4mg L-1; after the third sprays, the plants were exposed to water-deficit conditions. The foliar spraying with SeNPs not only improved growth, yield, and developmental switch to the flowering phase but also noticeably mitigated the detrimental risk associated with the water-deficit conditions. Gene expression experiments showed a slight increase in expression of microRNA-172 (miR-172) in the SeNP-treated plants in normal irrigation, whereas miR-172 displayed a downregulation trend in response to drought stress. The bZIP transcription factor and CRTISO genes were upregulated following the SeNP and drought treatments. Drought stress significantly increased the H2O2 accumulation that is mitigated with SeNPs. The foliar spraying with Se or SeNPs shared a similar trend to alleviate the negative effect of drought stress on the membrane integrity. The applied supplements also conferred drought tolerance through noticeable improvements in the non-enzymatic (ascorbate and glutathione) and enzymatic (catalase and peroxidase) antioxidants. The SeNP-mediated improvement in drought stress tolerance correlated significantly with increases in the activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, proline, non-protein thiols, and flavonoid concentrations. SeNPs also improved the fruit quality regarding K, Mg, Fe, and Se concentrations. It was concluded that foliar spraying with SeNPs could mitigate the detrimental risk associated with the water-deficit conditions.

Emerging contaminants at trace levels of pesticides perturbs biomolecules in different organs in mice: Role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha

Objectives: Information is lacking on the consequences of chronic exposure to emerging contaminants at environmentally relevant (trace concentrations) on biomolecules. Environmental exposure to these chemical mixtures happens at trace concentrations and at multiple molecular interactions. The consequences of trace concentrations of multiple pesticides (MPs) on the regulation of selected biomolecules nitric oxide (NO), thiols, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the tissues from wild type (WT) and genetically deficient- peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα) knockout (Null) mice were investigated. Material and Methods: Mice were exposed to trace concentrations of MPs: Atrazine, dieldrin, endrin, endosulfan, and anthracene (1–100 ng/L) in drinking water for 6 weeks. Organs were collected and homogenized; NO, protein and non-protein thiol levels, as well as SOD and GST activities were determined. Results: Differential and organ selective effects of the treatments were observed in the WT and PPARα knockout. Increased NO levels were observed in the organs from WT with limited increase in the kidney (Null). SOD activity was decreased in the organs from the WT and was increased in the PPARα knockout when compared to the control. Thiol level was significantly increased in the heart and spleen in the WT and in the heart of the PPARα knockout mice when compared to the control. Non-protein thiol concentration was reduced in the heart and kidney (WT) and reduced in the liver of the PPARα knockout when compared to the control. GST activity was significantly decreased in the liver and spleen (WT) and was significantly elevated in all organs in the PPARα knockout mice when compared to the WT. Conclusion: The low concentrations of MPs may have caused selective dysregulation of biomolecules in different organs of the body. These effects observed may be influenced by genetic status such as in PPARα deficiency. These results present a scenario that implicates nanoconcentrations of series of organic contaminants that can cause cellular and molecular dysregulations of biomolecules precipitating toxicity and pathology that can be a threat to human health. Further, investigation into the molecular mechanism(s) and signaling pathway(s) implicated in these dysregulations is warranted.