Radish Research Articles

Identification of Genetic Loci Associated with Bolting Time in Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) by QTL Mapping and GWAS

Bolting time is a critical trait that affects crop yield, adaptability, and overall productivity, making its regulation vital for agricultural success. In this study, we explored the genetic mechanisms controlling flowering time in radish (Raphanus sativus) via a combination of quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis and genome-wide association study (GWAS). By developing an F2 population from a cross between the relatively late-bolting variety ‘L432’ and the early-bolting variety ‘L285’, we identified 12 QTLs associated with bolting time. Furthermore, a GWAS performed on 60 East Asian radish accessions revealed 14 candidate genes potentially involved in flowering and bolting regulation. FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC2) was the major candidate gene explaining the early and late bolting types. One locus was commonly detected from QTL and GWAS on chromosome 4, where CONSTANS-like (COL4) is located. To validate these findings, SNP markers were designed and applied to F2 populations, revealing a correlation between marker presence and bolting phenotypes. These results offer valuable insights into the molecular control of bolting time in radish and identify candidate genes for use in marker-assisted breeding. These findings could enhance breeding efforts for optimizing bolting time in various radish markets.

Effect of Integrated Crop–Livestock Systems on Soil Properties and Microbial Diversity in Soybean Production

Integrated crop and livestock systems (ICLSs) have been considered an important management-based decision to improve soil health by carbon sequestration. A two-year study (2019–2021) at CPBES in Newton, MS, was conducted to evaluate the effect of an ICLS on soil microbial diversity in the southeastern region of the USA, representing agroclimatic conditions that are warm and humid. Amplicons targeting bacterial 16S rRNA genes and fungal ITS2 regions were sequenced. Taxonomic assignment and characterization of microbial diversity were performed using QIIME2®. Soil fungal diversity pattern showed significant difference (alpha diversity, p = 0.031 in 2020 and beta diversity, p = 0.037 in 2021). In contrast, no significant differences were observed in bacterial diversity. However, there were several beneficial bacterial phyla, such as Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, and fungal phyla such as Ascomycota, which were dominant in both years and did not show significant differences due to cover crop treatments. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) and Mantel test showed significant influence on fungal diversity due to carbon (rm = 0.2581, p = 0.022), nitrogen (rm = 0.2921, p = 0.0165), and electrical conductivity (rm = 0.1836, p = 0.0583) in 2021, and on bacterial diversity due to EE-GRSP (rm = 0.22, p = 0.02) in 2020. However, the results showed that there were no significant differences between the cover crop treatments that were consistent over a two-year study period. However, the mix of different cover crops such as oats (Avena sativa L.), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), and tillage radish (Raphanus sativus L.) demonstrated higher positive correlation and lower negative correlation with different bacterial and fungal phyla. Long term study of ICLS is suggested to understand the shift in microbiome that would help in understanding the role of cover crops and grazing in improving crop production sustainably.

Acute Phytotoxicity and Antifungal Effect of Nanochitosan Particles on Colletotrichum fructicola with Low Susceptibility to Chitosan.

Colletotrichum fungus complex affects several crops and tropical products, which suffer significant losses due to anthracnose. The use of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs), alone or in combination with bioactive compounds, has been recommend for agronomic applications. However, there is very little information on their phytotoxicity, and there is no information about the effect on microorganisms with low susceptibility to chitosan. This work aims to compare their antifungal effect against isolates of C. fructicola with low susceptibility to chitosan and to study the toxicological effects of CNPs on the germination of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and radish (Raphanus sativus) seeds. Levels of phytotoxicity of high-to-very high and moderate-to-very high were observed for lettuce and radish seeds, respectively, with greater detrimental effects on the radicle elongation after exposure to CNPs concentrations of 4-5g L-1. For the three C. fructicola isolates, the CNPs did not inhibit the fungal growth; however, the cell viability decreased as the CNPs concentration increased, and a complete inhibition of the viability was found for H4-1 and 003 isolates at a CNPs concentration of 5g L-1. Morphometric alterations characterized by a reduction in the average length of the terminal hyphae, distortion, and a higher number of branches in the hyphae, were observed. To our knowledge, this is the first report where the effect of nanochitosan particles in Colletotrichum fructicola, with experimentally proven low sensitivity to chitosan, was studied.

Phytochemical Composition and Functional Properties of Brassicaceae Microgreens: Impact of In Vitro Digestion.

The aim of this study was to compare the concentration of phenolic compounds, glucosinolates, proteins, sugars and vitamin C between kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. acephala gongylodes), Savoy cabbage (B. oleracea sabauda), Brussels sprouts (B. oleracea gemmifera), cauliflower (B. oleracea botrytis), radish (Raphanus sativus) and garden cress (Lepidium sativum) microgreens for their antioxidant and hypoglycemic potential. In addition, we applied an in vitro-simulated system of human digestion in order to track the bioaccessibility of the selected phenolic representatives, and the stability of the microgreens' antioxidant and hypoglycemic potential in terms of α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition after each digestion phase. Using spectrophotometric and RP-HPLC methods with statistical analyses, we found that garden cress had the lowest soluble sugar content, while Savoy cabbage and Brussels sprouts had the highest glucosinolate levels (76.21 ± 4.17 mg SinE/g dm and 77.73 ± 3.33 mg SinE/g dm, respectively). Brussels sprouts were the most effective at inhibiting protein glycation (37.98 ± 2.30% inhibition). A very high positive correlation (r = 0.830) between antiglycation potential and conjugated sinapic acid was recorded. For the first time, the antidiabetic potential of microgreens after in vitro digestion was studied. Kohlrabi microgreens best inhibited α-amylase in both initial and intestinal digestion (60.51 ± 3.65% inhibition and 62.96 ± 3.39% inhibition, respectively), and also showed the strongest inhibition of α-glucosidase post-digestion (19.22 ± 0.08% inhibition). Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and radish had less stable α-glucosidase than α-amylase inhibitors during digestion. Kohlrabi, Savoy cabbage, and garden cress retained inhibition of both enzymes after digestion. Kohlrabi antioxidant capacity remained unchanged after digestion. The greatest variability was seen in the original samples, while the intestinal phase resulted in the most convergence, indicating that digestion reduced differences between the samples. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of various microgreens as sources of bioactive compounds with antidiabetic and antiglycation properties. Notably, kohlrabi microgreens demonstrated significant enzyme inhibition after digestion, suggesting their promise in managing carbohydrate metabolism and supporting metabolic health.

Comprehensive Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Soil-Plant Systems and Health Risks from Wastewater-Irrigated Vegetables

A research study examined the origins, human health impacts, and risks associated with pollutants in vegetables grown in soil irrigated with wastewater. The study analyzed 164 samples from water sources, irrigated soil, and harvested vegetables for eight heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The focus was on the potential health effects of consuming heavy metal-contaminated vegetables grown in wastewater-irrigated soil. The findings revealed significant accumulation of heavy metals in soil and plants from Mianwali, Pakistan, posing potential health risks to consumers. When compared to vegetables produced with freshwater irrigation, the concentration levels of heavy metals in the soil irrigated with untreated wastewater were significantly greater (P≤0.001) and above the recommended limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The results showed that heavy metals in the soil had significantly increased, and crops had subsequently absorbed these metals. Produce raised in soil watered with wastewater showed higher levels of heavy metals than the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the WHO recommended. Among the veggies, lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were found to have higher Hazardous Quotient Indices (HRIs) than one. This indicates that both adults and children may have been exposed to dangerous levels of these metals. Additionally, for Brassica oleracea, Raphanus sativus, and Spinacia oleracea, nickel (Ni) surpassed HRIs larger than 1, indicating a significant health risk connected to these veggies' ingestion.

Radish red protects against early diabetic kidney disease through inhibiting inflammation, pyroptosis and insulin resistance via IRAK1 signaling suppression

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major diabetic complication and a leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), but the therapeutic strategies for DKD are still limited. Red radishes (Raphanus sativus L.) are a rich source of natural anthocyanins that have antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we attempted to explore the effects of natural pigment anthocyanin called radish red (RR) extracted from red radishes on DKD progression and the underlying molecular mechanisms. RR dose-dependently reduced the tubular cell injury, indicated by the decreased expression of kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM1). Furthermore, releases of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) stimulated by HF were strongly relieved by RR. Inflammatory response and pyroptosis were also identified to be induced by HF stimulation but were mitigated by RR in HK2 cells through repressing nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and NLR family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. IR and lipogenesis due to HF exposure were also significantly ameliorated by RR in HK2 cells. Mechanistically, RNA-Seq analysis showed that RR strongly depressed interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-1 (IRAK1)-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome, pyroptosis, IR and lipid deposition. Importantly, IRAK1 overexpression almost diminished the beneficial effects of RR, while being rescued upon NLRP3 knockdown in HF-treated HK2 cells, revealing that RR performed its nephroprotective functions in diabetic kidney via inactivating the IRAK1-NLRP3 signaling pathway. Similarly, animal studies confirmed that RR supplementation efficiently ameliorated HFF-caused metabolic disturbance, IR, renal dysfunctions in mice and improved structural kidney damage. Consistently, RR consumption dramatically reduced lipid accumulation, inflammatory response and pyroptosis in kidney tissues of HFF-challenged mice mainly through repressing IRAK1-NLRP3 axis. Our results demonstrated that dietary supplementation with RR may serve as an IRAK1-NLRP3 inhibitor for preventing and treating diabetic nephropathy.

Effect of different levels of Panchagavya and biocapsule on growth, yield and quality of radish (Raphanus sativus) in Prayagraj agroclimatic conditions

Effect of different levels of Panchagavya and biocapsule on growth, yield and quality of radish (Raphanus sativus) in Prayagraj agroclimatic conditions

Impact of Ozone Exposure on the Biochemical Composition of Wheat, Broccoli, Alfalfa, and Radish Seeds During Germination

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the use of gaseous ozone (O3) to promote the germination of edible seeds. While its ability to improve seedling vigor and stimulate germination is acknowledged, there has been limited research on the impact of gaseous O3 on the biochemical profile, including phenolic compounds (TPC) and antioxidant activity, of cereals, seeds, and their sprouts. The lack of information has led to the initiation of this study, which aims to assess the impact of ozone treatment duration at a concentration of 50 ppm 1 L min−1, ranging from 1 to 5 h, on the biochemical attributes of broccoli (Brassica oleracea), radish (Raphanus sativus), alfalfa (Medicago sativa) seeds, and sprouts, as well as wheat (Triticum aestivum) grains and sprouts. By optimizing O3 exposure parameters, including duration, this approach has the potential to serve as a valuable tool for enhancing the microbiological and nutritional quality of seeds and cereals. The findings revealed that O3 treatment generally had an adverse impact on TPC in seeds, cereals, and sprouts, resulting in a significant reduction in TPC post O3 treatment. Wheat grains, in particular, displayed the lowest TPC following ozone exposure, with an average decrease of 39.4% compared to the untreated sample. However, it is noteworthy that alfalfa seeds exhibited a positive response to 4 and 5 h O3 treatment, manifesting an average increase in TPC of 13.0% and 27.7%, respectively. In turn, broccoli, radish, and wheat sprouts displayed the lowest TPC, with values of 47.7%, 20.2%, and 18.0% lower than the control samples, respectively. This study revealed that plant responses to O3 exposure varied, and the effects of O3 treatment on TPC levels depended on O3 exposure time. Furthermore, the effect of O3 on the sugar content of the seeds, cereals, and sprouts varied among different plant types, with some showing an increase in content and others showing no substantial changes. This suggests that, depending on the type of seed, O3 may have both positive and neutral effects.

Efficacy of topical Raphanus sativus seed powder mixed with honey versus hydroquinone 4% cream in the treatment of melasma - A randomized controlled trial

Efficacy of topical Raphanus sativus seed powder mixed with honey versus hydroquinone 4% cream in the treatment of melasma - A randomized controlled trial

Expanding the Triangle of U: Comparative analysis of the Hirschfeldia incana genome provides insights into chromosomal evolution, phylogenomics and high photosynthesis-related traits.

The Brassiceae tribe encompasses many economically important crops and exhibits high intraspecific and interspecific phenotypic variation. After a shared whole-genome triplication (WGT) event (Br-α, ~15.9 million years ago), differential lineage diversification and genomic changes contributed to an array of divergence in morphology, biochemistry, and physiology underlying photosynthesis-related traits. Here, the C3 species Hirschfeldia incana is studied as it displays high photosynthetic rates under high-light conditions. Our aim was to elucidate the evolution that gave rise to the genome of H. incana and its high-photosynthesis traits. We reconstructed a chromosome-level genome assembly for H. incana (Nijmegen, v2.0) using nanopore and chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) technologies, with 409Mb in size and an N50 of 52Mb (a 10× improvement over the previously published scaffold-level v1.0 assembly). The updated assembly and annotation was subsequently employed to investigate the WGT history of H. incana in a comparative phylogenomic framework from the Brassiceae ancestral genomic blocks and related diploidized crops. Hirschfeldia incana (x=7) shares extensive genome collinearity with Raphanus sativus (x=9). These two species share some commonalities with Brassica rapa and B. oleracea (A genome, x=10 and C genome, x=9, respectively) and other similarities with B. nigra (B genome, x=8). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that H. incana and R. sativus form a monophyletic clade in between the Brassica A/C and B genomes. We postulate that H. incana and R. sativus genomes are results of hybridization or introgression of the Brassica A/C and B genome types. Our results might explain the discrepancy observed in published studies regarding phylogenetic placement of H. incana and R. sativus in relation to the "Triangle of U" species. Expression analysis of WGT retained gene copies revealed sub-genome expression divergence, likely due to neo- or sub-functionalization. Finally, we highlighted genes associated with physio-biochemical-anatomical adaptive changes observed in H. incana which likely facilitate its high-photosynthesis traits under high light. The improved H. incana genome assembly, annotation and results presented in this work will be a valuable resource for future research to unravel the genetic basis of its ability to maintain a high photosynthetic efficiency in high-light conditions and thereby improve photosynthesis for enhanced agricultural production.

Cover crop characteristics modulate amount and timing of nitrogen supply of fertilized sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) in temperate climate

For temperate climate, there is little information on the effects cover crops grown in fall (CCs) on the nitrogen (N) supply for next year’s sugar beet (SB). Four field trials were conducted on silty soils to establish the CC N effect (Neff) compared to bare fallow separately for the periods sowing-summer and summer-autumn harvest. Biomass characteristics of radish (Raphanus sativus L.), spring vetch (Vicia sativa L.), saia oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.), and winter rye (Secale cereale L.) CCs before winter, soil mineral nitrogen in spring (SMN), and SB N accumulation and sugar yield (SY) were measured. In the period sowing-summer, characterized by a high SB N demand, Neff of overwintering, high biomass yielding rye CC was negative up to -50 kg N ha-1 at three site/years and varied around zero for the other CCs except vetch, for which Neff was positive. At SB autumn-harvest, Neff was negative up to -100 kg N ha-1 except for vetch in one trial. SY was lowest after rye CC. Regression analyses indicated a negative impact of CC biomass, C:N ratio and the difference in SMN between fallow (high SMN) and CCs (low SMN) on Neff. To conclude, if CCs yield a high amount of biomass surviving until spring and thus remove SMN from the soil which otherwise remains available for SB, early season mineralization of CC biomass N can be too low to ensure a N supply sufficient for maximum SB yield. Choosing leguminous CCs or early termination of CCs might alleviate this constraint.

Evaluation of the acute phytotoxicity of phototreated textile effluent using cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and radish seeds (Raphanus sativus)

Water, as a vital resource, plays a crucial role in human activities, notably in the textile industry, whose operations can significantly impact the quality of this resource. It is imperative to explore solutions, such as the adoption of advanced oxidative processes, which encompass the degradation of dyes present in effluents through the action of hydroxyl radicals. To evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment, acute phytotoxicity tests are carried out to analyze the responses of plant organisms to the effluents. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the acute phytotoxicity of a natural textile effluent subjected to heterogeneous photocatalysis and homogeneous photo-fenton treatments. Acute phytotoxicity tests were performed with cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and radish (Raphanus sativus) seeds, both for the treated effluent and in natura. The results revealed a sensitivity of cucumber seeds to effluent in natura and resistance to radish seeds. Regarding the phototreated effluents, the results showed an increase in seed germination rate and contributed to enhance this germination. Phytotoxic tests were also carried out with sodium chloride and sodium sulfate, and the toxicity of these substances to cucumber and radish seeds was confirmed.

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) cv. Pusa Himani

In this report, we compared the integrated effect of FYM, vermicompost, poultry manure with inorganic fertilizers incorporated with PSB for yield in radish cv. Pusa Himani in response of morphological, yield as well as quality attributes. As per data analysis T6 [NPK (75%) + vermicompost (25% of N) + PSB] significantly enhanced the highest plant height, leaf length, number of leaves per plant, fresh weight of shoot and dry weight of shoot at 20 DAS, 40 DAS and at harvest, respectively. Similarly, at harvest maximum root length, maximum root diameter, maximum average weight of root, maximum yield per hectare, minimum days to harvest and quality parameters i.e. T.S.S., ascorbic acid, chlorophyll content of leaves, net return and B-C ratio in comparison to all concentration with all integrated nutrient combination. So, we may conclude that [NPK (75%) + vermicompost (25% of N) + PSB] increase yield by stimulating source activity as well improves utilization of PGR (plant growth regulators).

Exploring an economic and highly efficient genetic transformation and genome-editing system for radish through developmental regulators and visible reporter.

Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is one of the most important root vegetable crops worldwide. However, gene function exploration and germplasm innovation still face tremendous challenges due to its extremely low transformation efficiency. Here, an economic and highly efficient genetic transformation method for radish was explored by Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation with the help of combining special developmental regulator (DR) genes and the visual identification reporter. Firstly, the RUBY gene, a betalain biosynthesis system, could result in a visual red-violet color used as a convenient and effective reporter for monitoring transgenic hairy roots screening of radish. However, the hairy roots-to-shoots conversion system of radish still stands as a barrier to the obtainment of whole transgenic plants, although different hormone combinations and various culture conditions were tried. Following, two DR genes including Wuschel2 (Wus2) and isopentenyl transferase (ipt), as well as their combination Wus2-ipt were introduced for the shoot regeneration capacity improvement. The results showed that the transgenic shoots could be directly generated without externally supplying any hormones in the presence of a Wus2-ipt combination. Then, Wus2-ipt along with the RUBY reporter was employed to establish an efficient genetic transformation system of radish. Moreover, this system was applied in generating gene-edited radish plants and the phytoene desaturase (RsPDS) gene was effectively knockout through albino phenotype observation and sequencing analysis. These findings have the potential to be widely applied in genetic transformation and genome-editing genetic improvement of other vegetable species.

Tillage and cover cropping influence phosphorus dynamics in soil and water pools

AbstractWinter cover crops (CCs) have the potential to reduce phosphorus (P) loss by temporarily fixing P into CC biomass. A field experiment with no‐tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) was used to study the ability of different CC species planted after corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) harvests to reduce the P availability in soil solution. The effect of three crop rotations (corn–no CC–soybean–no CC [C–S], corn–cereal rye (Secale cereale)–soybean–hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) [C–R–S–HV], corn–cereal rye–soybean–oats (Avena sativa)+ radish (Raphanus sativus L.) [C–R–S–OR]) and two tillage (NT and CT) treatments was determined on soil available P and soil solution P content through pan (A horizon) and tension (100‐cm depth) cup lysimeters. The experiment was set up as a randomized complete block design with tillage as a split factor with three replicates. Over the study period, incorporating hairy vetch in C–R–S–HV rotation reduced the Mehlich‐3 P content in soil by 26%–29% compared to the C–S and C–R–S–OR rotation. Both CC rotations (C–R–S–HV and C–R–S–OR) were effective in reducing dissolved reactive P (DRP) concentration in pan and tension cup lysimeters compared to the C–S in both CT and NT systems. However, these results varied with CC species grown and seasonal variability in precipitation. A significantly lower DRP load with crop rotation and tillage treatments was observed mainly during the CC growing season. During the study period, crop rotations with reduced labile soil P content and DRP loss were ranked in an order of C–R–S–HV > C–R–S–OR > C–S. Overall, this study showed that CCs have the potential in both CT and NT systems to significantly reduce P in soil and soil solution, and these effects are resilient to a wide range of precipitation conditions.

Effect of Organic Nutrient Sources on Growth, Seed Yield and Seed Quality of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) cv. Chinese Pink

Seed is the ultimate economic input in any crop production programme. Two field experiments were conducted to study the effect of organic inputs on seed production of radish at Organic Block of Department of Vegetable Science, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP) during Rabi season of 2019-20 & 2020-21. Various combinations of organic and liquid manures were replicated thrice in the form of twelve treatments in Randomized Block Design (RBD) Factorial. The pooled data of two years revealed that treatment with Vermicompost @ 8 t/ha + Jeevamrit @ 10 per cent was rated as best treatment for majority of characters like days to 50 per cent initiation of bolting (61.00), days to 50 per cent flowering (93.33), number of primary branches per plant (11.13), plant height (171.50 cm), pod length (5.82 cm), number of seeds per pod (5.01), seed yield per plot (225.25 g) & hectare (417.13 kg) and seed quality parameters like 1000 seed weight (12.02 g), seed germination (97.03 %), seedling length (28.26 cm), seedling dry weight (8.87 mg), seed vigour index-I (2742.07) and seed vigour index-II (860.42). Vermicompost along with jeevamrit recorded 61.41 per cent increase in yield over control. Hence application of vermicompost @ 8 t/ha + jeevamrit @ 10 per cent can be recommended for getting higher seed yield and better growth for organic seed production of radish.

To Assess the Toxicity of Nickel on Above and Below Ground Biomass of Raphanus Sativus Variety Pusa Chetki in Natural Conditions (Pot Culture Experiments)

To Assess the Toxicity of Nickel on Above and Below Ground Biomass of Raphanus Sativus Variety Pusa Chetki in Natural Conditions (Pot Culture Experiments)

Application of fluorescence spectroscopy as a field method in the determination of varietal differences radish (Raphanus sativus) accessions after harvesting

Application of fluorescence spectroscopy as a field method in the determination of varietal differences radish (Raphanus sativus) accessions after harvesting

Immunostimulatory Activity of a Mixture of Platycodon grandiflorum, Pyrus serotine, Chaenomeles sinensis, and Raphanus sativus in RAW264.7 Macrophages.

In this study, a mixture of Platycodon grandiflorum, Pyrus serotina, Chaenomeles sinensis, and Raphanus sativus (PPCRE) was investigated for their immuno-enhancing effects, as well as the molecular mechanism of PPCRE in RAW264.7 cells. PPCRE dramatically increased nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) generation depending on the concentration while exhibiting no cytotoxicity. PPCRE markedly upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of immune-related cytotoxic factors such as cyclooxygenase (COX)-1, COX-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), as well as the mRNA level of IL-4. PPCRE increased the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway by upregulating the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), stress-activated protein kinase/Jun N-terminal-kinase (SAPK/JNK), and p38. Furthermore, PPCRE considerably activated the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway by increasing phosphorylation of NF-κB-p65. PPCRE-stimulated RAW264.7 cells increased macrophage phagocytic capacity. In conclusion, our study found that PPCRE improved immune function by modulating inflammatory mediators and regulating the MAPK and NF-κB pathway of signaling in macrophages.

Insights into the uptake, accumulation, and metabolism of UV-328 in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

2-(2H-benzotriazole-2yl)-4,6-di-t-pentylphenol (UV-328), a newly listed persistent organic pollutant (POP) under the Stockholm Convention, has garnered significant attention. It is imperative to understand the uptake, translocation and metabolic pathways of UV-328 in plants to assess its bioaccumulation capacity and potential human health risks. In this study, the absorption, accumulation, and metabolic characteristics of UV-328 in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and radish (Raphanus sativus L.) were assessed by hydroponic experiments. In the hydroponics experiment, UV-328 was significantly absorbed by the roots of the plants, with average root concentration factors (RCFs) ranging from 58.5 to 400 mL/g for lettuce and 84.4 to 154 mL/g for radish. However, UV-328 was poorly translocated from roots to shoots, with a translocation factor (TF) below 0.055. Furthermore, UV-328 underwent transformation and metabolism within the plant. Utilizing a nontarget screening strategy, fourteen phase I metabolites of UV-328 were firstly identified. The metabolic pathways of UV-328 in plants including hydroxylation, demethylation, oxidation, acetylation and deoxygenation were also suggested. It was worth noting that UV-328 has a significant adverse impact on plant growth and quality. The concentration of chlorophyll in plants exposed to UV-328 was significantly reduced, as were the concentrations of water, flavonoids, vitamin C and amino acids.