Peroxidase Enzyme Research Articles

Improving seed germination and physiological characteristics of maize seedlings under osmotic stress through potassium nano-silicate treatment.

Osmotic stress can significantly affect the survival and functioning of living organisms, particularly during vulnerable stages such as seed germination and seedling growth. To address this issue, advanced technologies like nanofertilizers have been developed to improve soil conditions and enhance plant growth in stressed ecosystems due to their multiple effects and efficient consumption. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of potassium nano-silicate (PNS) on the physiological characteristics of maize seedlings and seed germination under various levels of osmotic stress induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG). The study considered two factors: two levels of PNS concentration (500 and 1000 ppm) and PEG-6000 solution with different osmotic stress levels (-2, -4, -6, and -8 bars). The results demonstrated that the application of PNS at a concentration of 1000 ppm led to increased radicle length and hypocotyl length as well as fresh weight of maize seedlings. Furthermore, PNS at a concentration of 1000 ppm had a more beneficial effect on the germination rate of maize seedlings under osmotic stress compared to 500 ppm. Additionally, the application of PNS under osmotic stress conditions resulted in an increase in various physiological parameters, including protein content, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll content, proline content, and the activity of catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (AXPO) enzymes. These findings indicate that the use of PNS can have a positive impact on the physiological characteristics of maize seedlings and seed germination under osmotic stress conditions. Overall, this technology has the potential to enhance crop growth and yield in stressed ecosystems. By improving the survival and function of plants during vulnerable stages, such as seed germination and seedling growth, the application of PNS can contribute to more resilient agricultural practices and promote sustainable food production in challenging environments.

Shading and Planting Material Type Effects on Some Physiological and Biochemical Compounds Synthesis in Desmodium adscendens Plants Leaves in the Domestication Phase, Daloa, Côte d'Ivoire

Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) is a plant of the Fabaceae Family, a wild medicinal plant frequently found in industrial plantations, where it is exposed to pesticide residues. This makes species unsuitable for use as a raw material in pharmaceutical industry. To this end, domestication is one of best ways of cleaning up the species. During this process, the evaluation of a few physiological and biochemical compounds would be an indicator for the choice of planting material and the ecology species. Two types of plant material (seeds and stem) grown under three types of shade (accentuated, moderate, no shade) were tested. The leaves of various 90-day-old plants were used to determine physiological and biochemical parameters various. Results showed that chlorophyll a, carotenoids, polyphenols, total sugars, protein, proline and the activities of tyrosine ammonia-lyase, polyphenol oxidase and catalase were higher in leaves with moderate and no shading. However, under heavy shading, chlorophyll b content, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and peroxidase enzyme activities were higher. Whatever shading type, the chl (a) content remained lower than that of chl (b). Also, total sugars, proline, ascorbate peroxidase and catalase were more abundant in the leaves of plants grown from stem. In contrast, phenolics, proteins and PPO are more abundant in leaves of seedlings.

Identification of Incomplete Annotations of Biosynthesis Pathways in Rhodophytes Using a Multi-Omics Approach.

Rhodophytes (red algae) are an important source of natural products and are, therefore, a current research focus in terms of metabolite production. The recent increase in publicly available Rhodophyte whole genome and transcriptome assemblies provides the resources needed for in silico metabolic pathway analysis. Thus, this study aimed to create a Rhodophyte multi-omics resource, utilising both genomes and transcriptome assemblies with functional annotations to explore Rhodophyte metabolism. The genomes and transcriptomes of 72 Rhodophytes were functionally annotated and integrated with metabolic reconstruction and phylogenetic inference, orthology prediction, and gene duplication analysis to analyse their metabolic pathways. This resource was utilised via two main investigations: the identification of bioactive sterol biosynthesis pathways and the evolutionary analysis of gene duplications for known enzymes. We report that sterol pathways, including campesterol, β-sitosterol, ergocalciferol and cholesterol biosynthesis pathways, all showed incomplete annotated pathways across all Rhodophytes despite prior in vivo studies showing otherwise. Gene duplication analysis revealed high rates of duplication of halide-associated haem peroxidases in Florideophyte algae, which are involved in the biosynthesis of drug-related halogenated secondary metabolites. In summary, this research revealed trends in Rhodophyte metabolic pathways that have been under-researched and require further functional analysis. Furthermore, the high duplication of haem peroxidases and other peroxidase enzymes offers insight into the potential drug development of Rhodophyte halogenated secondary metabolites.

Effects of Duloxetine on Oxidant-Antioxidant System in Rat Brain Tissues

Objective: After the relationship between depression and oxidative stress (OS) was demonstrated, the effect of antidepressant drugs on OS has become important. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of the antidepressant duloxetine on the activities of the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), adenosine deaminase (ADA), xanthine oxidase (XO) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzymes as well as the lipid peroxidation (LP) product malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in rat brains. 
 Material and Method: Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the study. The first group was the control group (n=10) and the second group was the duloxetine group (n=10). Duloxetine was administered intragastrically once a day at a dose of 10 mg/kg for two weeks in the second group. Water was administered intragastrically once a day for two weeks in the first group. Rats were sacrificed at the end of the fourteenth day. The brain tissues were collected and then analyzes were performed.
 Results: As a result of this study, we found that duloxetine increased the SOD (P=0.026) activity and decreased the ADA (P=0.041), XO (P=0.034) and CAT (P=0.006) activities significantly compared to the control group. We also found an increase in the GSH-Px enzyme activity and decrease in the NO and MDA levels at non-significant rates in the duloxetine group brain tissues.
 Conclusion: The significant increase in the activity of the antioxidant enzyme SOD, the significant decrease in the activities of the XO and ADA enzymes, which can cause the formation of reactive oxygen products in the organism, and the insignificant decrease in the LP indicator MDA suggest that duloxetine can positively change the antioxidant status in rat brain tissues.

Impact of atorvastatin and mesenchymal stem cells combined with ivermectin on murine trichinellosis

Trichinellosis is one of the global food-borne parasitic diseases that can cause severe tissue damage. The traditionally used drugs for the treatment of trichinellosis have limited efficacy against the encysted larvae in the muscular phase of the disease. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the role of atorvastatin and mesenchymal stem cells combined with ivermectin against different phases of Trichinella in experimentally infected mice. A total of 120 male Swiss albino mice were divided into two major groups (n = 60 of each), intestinal and muscular phases. Then, each group was subdivided into 10 subgroups (n = 6); non-infected control, infected non-treated control, infected ivermectin treated, infected atorvastatin treated, infected mesenchymal stem cells treated, infected combined ivermectin and atorvastatin treated, infected combined mesenchymal stem cells and ivermectin treated, infected combined mesenchymal stem cells and atorvastatin treated, infected combined mesenchymal stem cells and a full dose of (ivermectin and atorvastatin) treated, and infected combined mesenchymal stem cells and half dose of (ivermectin and atorvastatin) treated. Mice were sacrificed at days 5 and 35 post-infection for the intestinal and muscular phases, respectively. The assessment was performed through many parameters, including counting the adult intestinal worms and muscular encysted larvae, besides histopathological examination of the underlying tissues. Moreover, a biochemical assay for the inflammatory and oxidative stress marker levels was conducted. In addition, levels of immunohistochemical CD31 and VEGF gene expression as markers of angiogenesis during the muscular phase were investigated. The combined mesenchymal stem cells and atorvastatin added to ivermectin showed the highest significant reduction in adult worms and encysted larvae counts, the most noticeable improvement of the histopathological changes, the most potent anti-inflammatory (lowest level of IL-17) and anti-angiogenic (lowest expression of CD31 and VEGF) activities, and also revealed the highly effective one to relieve the oxidative stress (lowest level of SOD, GSH, and lipid peroxidase enzymes). These observed outcomes indicate that adding mesenchymal stem cells and atorvastatin to ivermectin synergistically potentiates its therapeutic efficacy and provides a promising candidate against trichinellosis.

Study of pesticidal activity of bioactive compounds of Neowestiellopsis persica strain A1387 in improving the antioxidative and antimicrobial activity of wheat to sunn pest

Cyanobacteria have been recognized for their advantageous impact on plant growth and development. The application of certain techniques has the potential to enhance various aspects of plant development, including growth, yield, proximate content (such as protein and carbohydrate levels), as well as the ability to withstand abiotic stresses such as herbicide exposure. The current investigation focused on examining the influence of bioactive compounds derived from the cyanobacterium Neowestiellopsis persica strain A1387 on enhancing the antioxidant and anyimicrobial activity of wheat plants in their defense against the plant pathogenic Sunn pest. The findings of the study indicate that the levels of H2O2 and GPx in wheat plants that were infected with aphids were significantly elevated compared to the treatments where aphids and cyanobacteria extract were present. The confirmation of these results was achieved through the utilization of confocal and fluorescent microscope tests, respectively. Furthermore, the findings indicated that the constituents of the cyanobacterial extract augmented the plant's capacity to withstand stress by enhancing its defense mechanisms. In a broader context, the utilization of cyanobacterial extract demonstrated the ability to regulate the generation and impact of oxygen (O2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), while concurrently enhancing the functionality of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymes within wheat plants. This facilitation enabled the plants to effectively manage oxidative stress. Moreover, the findings of the antibacterial activity assessment conducted on the extract derived from cyanobacteria demonstrated notable susceptibility. The bacteria that exhibited the highest sensitivity to the extract of cyanobacterium Neowestiellopsis persica strain A1387 were staphylococcus aureus and pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conversely, salmonella typhi demonstrated the greatest resistance to the aforementioned extract. The potential impact of cyanobacteria extract on the antioxidative response of wheat plants to sunn pest infestation represents a novel contribution to the existing body of knowledge on the interaction between wheat plants and aphids.

A new oxidative pathway of nitric oxide production from oximes in plants

Nitric oxide (NO) is an essential reactive oxygen species and a signal molecule in plants. Although several studies have proposed the occurrence of oxidative NO production, only reductive routes for NO production, such as the nitrate (NO-3) -upper-reductase pathway, have been evidenced to date in land plants. However, plants grown axenically with ammonium as the sole source of nitrogen exhibit contents of nitrite and NO3−, evidencing the existence of a metabolic pathway for oxidative production of NO. We hypothesized that oximes, such as indole-3-acetaldoxime (IAOx), a precursor to indole-3-acetic acid, are intermediate oxidation products in NO synthesis. We detected the production of NO from IAOx and other oximes catalyzed by peroxidase (POD) enzyme using both 4-amino-5-methylamino-2′,7′-difluorescein fluorescence and chemiluminescence. Flavins stimulated the reaction, while superoxide dismutase inhibited it. Interestingly, mouse NO synthase can also use IAOx to produce NO at a lower rate than POD. We provided a full mechanism for POD-dependent NO production from IAOx consistent with the experimental data and supported by density functional theory calculations. We showed that the addition of IAOx to extracts from Medicago truncatula increased the in vitro production of NO, while in vivo supplementation of IAOx and other oximes increased the number of lateral roots, as shown for NO donors, and a more than 10-fold increase in IAOx dehydratase expression. Furthermore, we found that in vivo supplementation of IAOx increased NO production in Arabidopsis thaliana wild-type plants, while prx33-34 mutant plants, defective in POD33-34, had reduced production. Our data show that the release of NO by IAOx, as well as its auxinic effect, explain the superroot phenotype. Collectively, our study reveals that plants produce NO utilizing diverse molecules such as oximes, POD, and flavins, which are widely distributed in the plant kingdom, thus introducing a long-awaited oxidative pathway to NO production in plants. This knowledge has essential implications for understanding signaling in biological systems.

Application of Italian ryegrass residue changes the soil biochemical properties and bacterial communities in Southern China

Green manure application is a feasible agricultural practice to effectively improve soil fertility. However, our understanding of the effects and mechanisms of different green manure residue amounts on soil fertility improvement remains insufficient. Regarding a new type of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.)-rice (Oryza sativa L.) rotation (IRR) system in Southern China, the effects of six Italian ryegrass residue amounts (IRR0: 15,700 kg·ha−1, IRR1: 30,700 kg·ha−1, IRR2: 35,400 kg·ha−1, IRR3: 40,100 kg·ha−1, IRR4: 44,800 kg·ha−1, IRR5: 49,500 kg·ha−1) on the soil nutrient contents, soil enzyme activities, and bacterial communities were evaluated. Compared to the CK, appropriate amounts of Italian ryegrass residue application increased total nitrogen (36.45–37.38 %), soil organic carbon (15.34–26.55 %), microbial biomass carbon (14.07–33.93 %) and microbial biomass nitrogen (30.20–47.65 %) (P < 0.05). The activities of soil polyphenol oxidase, urease, β-glucosidase, peroxidase, cellulase, and total enzyme were also improved significantly in comparison with the CK (P < 0.05). Bacterial community structures in response to IRR were different from those in the CK. The application of Italian ryegrass residue significantly enhanced the relative abundance of beneficial taxa, including Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, and Arenimonas (P < 0.05). The 30,700–35,400 kg·ha−1 Italian ryegrass residue exhibited the most practical amounts for enhancing soil fertility, soil enzyme activities, and altering soil microbial communities, suggesting that the improvement effects of green manure application on soil were dependent on the residue returning amounts. These findings suggest that the returning of Italian ryegrass residue is an effective land management measure to realize efficient and sustainable utilization of paddy fields.

Stable Colloidal Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: A New Green Nanofertilizer and Therapeutic Nutrient for Eggplant Immune Response Against Fusarium Wilt Disease

Cultivating crops often presents numerous challenges, including resource loss such as water, fertilizers, and pesticides, as well as the spread and escalation of infections. Nanotechnology offers promising solutions to enhance plant immunity and resolve agricultural issues. In this study, in order to prevent Fusarium-wilt disease in eggplants, we concentrated on the simple manufacture of colloidal ferric oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3 NPs) as a promising nanofertilizers. To evaluate the effectiveness of systemic resistance (SR) development, we evaluated markers of metabolic resistance, photosynthetic pigments, plant protection, and disease index (DI). Positively, Fe2O3 NPs exhibit significant antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum. However, when applied at a concentration of 20 µg/mL, Fe2O3 NPs proved to be the most effective treatment, reducing the percent disease index (PDI) from 82.5% in infected control plants to 22.5%. Similar results were observed with a concentration of 10 µg/mL Fe2O3 NPs. In both healthy and diseaseed plants, Fe2O3 NP treatments also showed beneficial effects on the activity of antioxidant enzymes, osmolytes, and photosynthetic pigments. Notably, compared to untreated Fusarium-infected plants, the application of Fe2O3 NPs at a concentration of 20 µg/mL significantly increased the levels of osmolyte, comprising soluble sugar, proline, and soluble protein, by 32.88%, 47.09%, and 31.34%, respectively. Furthermore, in both healthy and diseased eggplants, Fe2O3 NPs at a concentration of 20 µg/mL increased the levels of photosynthetic pigments, osmolytes, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase enzymes. Overall, our research findings indicates that Fe2O3 NPs can successfully decreased the harmful effects that F. oxysporum causes to infected eggplants. With their promising therapeutic potential, these nanoparticles provide a secure and effective substitute for chemical fungicides in the management of Fusarium wilt disease.

Unveiling the potential of perampanel and pregabalin in addressing pentylenetetrazole-induced electrographic alterations and neurobehavioral anomalies

Chemical kindling is broadly used experimental model to investigate novel treatments on the process of epileptogenesis and coexisting behavioral comorbidities. The current study aimed to investigate the low dose perampanel (PER) (0.125 and 0.5 mg/kg) and pregabalin (PG) (15 mg/kg) as standalone treatments and in combination on kindling-induced seizure progression with concurrent electroencephalographic alterations. Mice were subjected to pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced kindling followed by neurobehavioral assessment for anxiety-like activity and cognitive deficit through behavioral experiments. The monotherapy with PER at 0.5 mg/kg and PG at 15 mg/kg delayed the kindling process but PRP+PG yielded pronounced benefits and hindered the development of seizures of higher severity. PER+PG combination relieved the animals from anxiety-like behavior in various employed anxiogenic tests. Furthermore, the kindling-associated cognitive deficit was protected by PER+PG combination as increased alteration behavior, discrimination index and latencies to enter the dark zone were noted in y-maze, object recognition and passive avoidance tests, respectively while shorter escape latencies were noted in water maze. The brain samples of kindled mice had elevated malondialdehyde and reduced catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes while treatment with PER and PG combination shielded the mice from heightened kindling-associated oxidative stress. Overall, the findings of the present study illustrate that concurrent administration of PER and PG effectively hindered the process of epileptogenesis by protecting neuronal excitability and brain oxidative stress. The results predict the dominance of PER and PG combination over monotherapy which might serve as an effective novel combination to combat drug resistance and behavioral disorders in epileptic patients.

Production of flower‐shaped nanobiocatalysts from green tea and investigation of their peroxidase mimicking activity on the polymerization of phenol derivatives

AbstractEnzyme catalyzed reactions are known to be environmental friendly and easy method for many applications. However, utilization of enzymes in a variety of reactions is strictly limited due to their high cost, instability in aqueous solutions, denaturation in organic solvents and high temperatures. For this reason, it is important to discover new generation catalyst systems indicating enzyme‐like catalytic activity. Here, we report hybrid organic–inorganic flower‐shaped green tea‐Cu2+ nanobiocatalyst synthesized from green tea extract as an organic component and copper (II) ions (Cu2+) as inorganic component. The effect of the peroxidase‐mimicking activity of green tea‐Cu2+ nanobiocatalyst was investigated on the polymerization of phenol and derivatives (guaiacol and salicylic acid) through Fenton‐like reaction mechanism. Obtained successful outcomes showed that the synthesized nanobiocatalyst showed very high catalytic activity upon polymerization of phenol and guaiacol. The slight solubility of salicylic acid in water limited to achieve its polymerization under‐performed reaction conditions. The yields and molecular weights of the obtained polymers were found to be quite high. While free peroxidase enzymes like horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme loses its catalytic activity at 60°C and above temperatures, green tea‐Cu2+ nanobiocatalyst exhibited very high catalytic activity upon polymerization reactions even at 60°C reaction temperature. This outcome provides significant advantages in some reactions requiring high temperatures. In order to understand the origin of the catalytic activity of the green tea‐Cu2+ nanoflowers, similar biocatalysts were also synthesized from caffeine and catechin alkaloids which are the active components of green tea. Caffeine‐Cu2+ and catechine‐Cu2+ nanobiocatalysts also exhibited quite high catalytic activity toward polymerization of phenol and derivatives. We suggest that green tea‐Cu2+ and similar types of nanobiocatalysts may expand their utilization in polymer chemistry as promising catalytic agents for radicalic polymerizations.

A protective foliar complex boosts sugarcane quality and energy yield by reducing oxidative stress under drought

AbstractWater stress negatively impacts plant morphology and physiology by inducing metabolic oxidative stress, which leads to cellular damage. Applying nutrients and/or organic molecules, such as amino acids, may mitigate the effects of drought stress. In the present study, the effects of a protective foliar complex (PFC) on late‐harvest sugarcane (Saccharum spp L.) (dry season) were evaluated. Four field experiments were carried out in commercial areas of sugarcane production in the central‐south region of Brazil using sugarcane variety CTC4: in the fourth and second ratoons in 2019 and in the fifth and third ratoons in 2020. The treatments consisted of foliar application or no application of the PFC at the beginning of the dry period in June. The PFC was applied at a dose of 10 L ha−1 in a water volume of 100 L ha−1. PFC application increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase) in sugarcane leaves. PFC application also reduced leaf levels of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). On average, PFC application increased sucrose accumulation by 2.26 and 1.74 Mg ha−1 in 2019 and 2020, respectively, indicating improved raw material quality. In addition, PFC application mitigated damage caused by drought, with average increases in stalk productivity of 10.7 and 7.6 Mg ha−1 in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The positive effects of PFC application on plant antioxidant enzymes enabled greater biomass accumulation and, in turn, higher energy cogeneration.

The influence of the summer pruning on ‘Fuji’ apples storage under controlled atmosphere

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the summer pruning time in ‘Fuji’ apple trees on the quality of fruit at harvest and after storage in controlled atmosphere with extremely low O2 (CA-ELO) (0.5 kPa O2). The treatments evaluated were summer pruning in December, January, and February, in addition to a control treatment (without summer pruning). The experiment was carried out in the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 growing seasons. The fruit were evaluated at harvest and after eight months of CA-ELO (0.5 kPa O2 + &lt;0.5 kPa CO2/1.5 ± 0.2°C/92 ± 2% RH) storage, at chamber opening, and after 7 days of shelf-life at 23 ± 3°C and 60 ± 5% RH. The quality of the fruit was evaluated through of soluble solids, flesh firmness, titratable acidity, fruit color, and physiological disorder incidence (sunburn and flesh browning), in addition to enzymatic activity and concentration of functional compounds. There was no significant effect of the summer pruning time on fruit flesh firmness, soluble solids, titratable acidity, and rot incidence after storage under CA-ELO plus 7 days of shelf life. Summer pruning in February resulted in fruit with higher peel red color development, which in general contains a higher concentration of functional compounds at harvest (total phenolic compounds and total antioxidant activity), and lower flesh browning incidence in ‘Fuji’ apples stored under CA-ELO. The nitrogen (N) concentration and nitrogen/calcium ratio (N/Ca) in the second growing season were lower in fruit from plants pruned in February, compared to no summer pruning or earlier pruning. The superoxide dismutase and peroxidase enzyme activity were lower in fruit from treatments with summer pruning in January and February, whereas the polyphenol oxidase enzyme activity was lower when summer pruning was conducted in February.

Nano-Iron Oxide (Fe3O4) Mitigates the Effects of Microplastics on a Ryegrass Soil-Microbe-Plant System.

To understand microplastic-nanomaterial interactions in agricultural systems, a randomized block 90-day pot experiment was set up to cultivate ryegrass seedings in a typical red sandy soil amended with compost (1:9 ratio). Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene (PE) microplastic (MP) contaminants were added into pot soils at 0.1 and 10%, whereas nano-Fe3O4 (as nanoenabled agrochemicals) was added at 0.1% and 0.5% in comparison with chemical-free controls. The combination of nano-Fe3O4 and MPs significantly increased the soil pH (+3% to + 17%) but decreased the total nitrogen content (-9% to - 30%; P < 0.05). The treatment group with both nano-Fe3O4 and PE had the highest total soil C (29 g kg-1 vs 20 g kg-1 in control) and C/N ratio (13 vs 8 in control). Increased rhizosphere nano-Fe3O4 concentrations promoted ryegrass growth (+42% dry weight) by enhancing the chlorophyll (+20%) and carotenoid (+15%) activities. Plant leaf and root peroxidase enzyme activity was more significantly affected by nano-Fe3O4 with PVC (+15%) than with PE (+6%). Nano-Fe3O4 significantly changed the ryegrass bacterial community structure from belowground (the rhizoplane and root endosphere) to aboveground (the phylloplane). Under MP contamination, the addition of nano-Fe3O4 increased bacterial diversity (+0.35%) and abundance (+30%) in the phylloplane and further intensified the connectivity of ryegrass aboveground bacterial networks (positive association increased 17%). The structural equation model showed that the change in the plant microbiome was associated with the rhizosphere microbiome. Overall, these findings imply the positive influences of nano-Fe3O4 on the soil-microbe-plant system and establish a method to alleviate the harmful effects of MP accumulation in soils.

Exploring the plasticity of the InhA substrate-binding site using new diaryl ether inhibitors

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), remains a worldwide scourge with more than 10 million people affected yearly. Among the proteins essential for the survival of Mtb, InhA has been and is still clinically validated as a therapeutic target. A new family of direct diaryl ether inhibitors, not requiring prior activation by the catalase peroxidase enzyme KatG, has been designed with the ambition of fully occupying the InhA substrate-binding site. Thus, eleven compounds, featuring three pharmacophores within the same molecule, were synthesized. One of them, 5-(((4-(2-hydroxyphenoxy)benzyl)(octyl)amino)methyl)-2-phenoxyphenol (compound 21), showed good inhibitory activity against InhA with IC50 of 0.70 µM. The crystal structure of compound 21 in complex with InhA/NAD+ showed how the molecule fills the substrate-binding site as well as the minor portal of InhA. This study represents a further step towards the design of new inhibitors of InhA.

The effect of foliar application of Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jol. seaweed extract on biochemical traits related to abiotic stresses in pistachio (Pistacia vera L. cv. Kaleh-Ghoochi)

BackgroundDue to the important economic role of pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) the cultivation of this valuable crop has been extended. Various abiotic stresses harm the growth and performance of pistachio. Seaweed extract containing various substances such as pseudo-hormones that stimulate growth, nutritional elements, and anti-stress substances can cause more resistance to abiotic stresses, and increase the quantity and the quality of the fruit. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of foliar application of Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jol. seaweed extract on some biochemical traits related to abiotic stress in Pistacia vera L. cv. Kaleh-Ghoochi. The first factor of foliar spraying treatment included A. nodosum seaweed extract at four levels (0, 1, 2, and 3 g/L), and the second factor was the time of spraying solution which was done at three times (1- at the beginning of pistachio kernel growth period at the end of June, 2- at the stage of full kernel development at the end of August, and 3- Spraying in both late June and August).ResultsThe results showed that all investigated traits were significant under the treatment of seaweed extract compared with the control. The seaweed extract concentrations had a significant effect on all traits except soluble carbohydrates, but the time of consumption of seaweed extract on soluble carbohydrates, protein, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase enzymes was significant, while had no significant effect on the rest of the traits. According to the interaction effect of time and concentration of consumption of seaweed extract, the highest values of the biochemical characters were as follows: total phenol content: 168.30 mg CAE/g DW, flavonoid content: mg CE/g DW, catalase: 12.66 µmol APX min− 1 mg− 1 protein, superoxide dismutase: 231.4 µmol APX min− 1 mg− 1 protein, and ascorbate peroxidase: 39.53 µmol APX min− 1 mg− 1 protein.ConclusionsBased on the results of this study, it seems that it is possible to use fertilizers containing A. nodosum seaweed extract with a concentration of 3 g/L in August to increase the tolerance of the pistachio cultivar “Kaleh-Ghoochi” to abiotic stresses.

The effect of melatonin on physiological, biochemical, and enzymatic properties and the expression of antioxidant genes under different irrigation regimes in wheat

A split-plot experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design with four replications in two years to study the effect of melatonin on the biochemical properties and the gene expression related to antioxidant enzyme activity in bread wheat. Irrigation levels (normal (FC = 80%)), mild stress (FC = 60%), and severe stress (FC = 40%)) were assigned to the main plots, and melatonin foliar applications (zero, 50, 100, 150, and 200 μM) were assigned to Subplots. Results showed that, with the intensification of water stress, the 1000 kernel weight decreased, and the activity of ascorbate peroxidase enzyme and flavonoid content increased. Also, the level of 100 μM melatonin had the highest 1000 kernel weight, flavonoid content, and ascorbate peroxidase enzyme activity. In this study, the highest number of grains per spike, biological yield, grain yield, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, and the lowest amount of malondialdehyde recorded for foliar treatment with 50 μM of melatonin under normal irrigation conditions and the highest proline content, total phenol, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were allocated to the 100 μM melatonin foliar treatment under severe water stress conditions. The synergistic effect of water deficit stress and melatonin foliar application increased the activity and expression level of genes related to antioxidant enzymes. So, the content of superoxide dismutase (21.30% and 65.16% respectively) and catalase (50.60% and 54.44% respectively) enzyme activity increased significantly under 100- and 150-mM melatonin foliar application in water severe water stress compared to the corresponding control treatment. Furthermore, mentioned melatonin levels increased the gene expression levels of superoxide dismutase (16.67% and 38.19% respectively), ascorbate peroxides (73.76% and 47.57% respectively), polyphenol oxidase (39.32 and 51.15%) and catalase (39.95% and 50.0% respectively) under an extreme water shortage compared with corresponding control treatment. In general, the application of 100- and 150-mM melatonin induced resistance to water deficit stress in wheat by increasing the expression of antioxidant genes.

Exploring the potential application of peroxidase enzyme from Acinetobacter baumannii as an eco-friendly agent for the bioremediation of the highly noxious pyrethroid compounds through molecular docking analysis

Exploring the potential application of peroxidase enzyme from Acinetobacter baumannii as an eco-friendly agent for the bioremediation of the highly noxious pyrethroid compounds through molecular docking analysis

Biosynthesis of Zinc Nanoparticles of Capparis Spinosa Plant Extract and the it’s Investigation on Morhpophysiological Properties of the Moringa Olifera Plant

Background: The article aim was biosynthesis of zinc nanoparticles by the fruit and stem of Capparis Spinosa plant extract and the investigation of growth factors and some physiological properties of the M. Oleifera plant. Methods: Four levels of zinc nanoparticles (0, 125, 250, and 500) ppm were considered as treatments. Water extract of the Capparis Spinosa plant were obtained using 10 grams of stem and fruit were separately dried. Some properties like below information were measured: Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopic analysis, Infrared spectroscopy, Measurement of chlorophyll a and b and carotenoids, total phenol, antioxidant activity, total protein and antioxidant enzymes. The data of this research were factorially conducted in the form of completely randomized blocks with three replications. Results: The effect of zinc nanoparticles on growth parameters shows that the length and weight of the shoot and root are significant at the five percent probability level. Also, the length and dry weight of shoots and roots are significant at the five percent probability level. The effect of zinc nanoparticles on the concentration of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carbohydrates is significant at the five percent probability level. The main effect of zinc nanoparticles on the amount of total phenol, flavonoid, and DPPH of the M. Oleifera medicinal plant was significant. The effect of stem and fruit extract of zinc nanoparticles on the amount of ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, and guaiacol oxidase enzymes. Conclusion: The results showed that nano made from fruit and stem significantly increases root length, protein content and total phenol content, and activity of catalase and ascorbate peroxidase enzymes.

Cucumber grafting on indigenous cucurbit landraces confers salt tolerance and improves fruit yield by enhancing morpho-physio-biochemical and ionic attributes

Pakistan is the 8th most climate-affected country in the globe along with a semi-arid to arid climate, thereby the crops require higher irrigation from underground water. Moreover, ~ 70% of pumped groundwater in irrigated agriculture is brackish and a major cause of secondary salinization. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is an important vegetable crop with an annual growth rate of about 3.3% in Pakistan. However, it is a relatively salt-sensitive crop. Therefore, a dire need for an alternate environment-friendly technology like grafting for managing salinity stress in cucumber by utilizing the indigenous cucurbit landraces. In this regard, a non-perforated pot-based study was carried out in a lath house to explore indigenous cucurbit landraces; bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) (cv. Faisalabad Round), pumpkin (Cucurbit pepo. L) (cv. Local Desi Special), sponge gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca) (cv. Local) and ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula) (cv. Desi Special) as rootstocks for inducing salinity tolerance in cucumber (cv. Yahla F1). Four different salts (NaCl) treatments; T0 Control (2.4 dSm–1), T1 (4 dSm–1), T2 (6 dSm–1) and T3 (8 dSm–1) were applied. The grafted cucumber plants were transplanted into the already-induced salinity pots (12-inch). Different morpho-physio-biochemical, antioxidants, ionic, and yield attributes were recorded. The results illustrate that increasing salinity negatively affected the growing cucumber plants. However, grafted cucumber plants showed higher salt tolerance relative to non-grafted ones. Indigenous bottle gourd landrace (cv. Faisalabad Round) exhibited higher salt tolerance compared to non-grafted cucumber plants due to higher up-regulation of morpho-physio-biochemical, ionic, and yield attributes that was also confirmed by principal component analysis (PCA). Shoot and root biomass, chlorophylls contents (a and b), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POX) enzymes, antioxidants scavenging activity (ASA), ionic (↑ K and Ca, ↓ Na), and yield-related attributes were found maximum in cucumber plants grafted onto indigenous bottle gourd landrace. Hence, the indigenous bottle gourd landrace ‘cv. Faisalabad round’ may be utilized as a rootstock for cucumber under a mild pot-based saline environment. However, indigenous bottle gourd landrace ‘cv. Faisalabad round’ may further be evaluated as rootstocks in moderate saline field conditions for possible developing hybrid rootstock and, subsequently, sustainable cucumber production.