Superoxidase Dismutase Research Articles

Transgenerational impact of climatic changes on cotton production.

Changing climatic conditions are an increasing threat to cotton production worldwide. There is a need to develop multiple stress-tolerant cotton germplasms that can adapt to a wide range of environments. For this purpose, 30 cotton genotypes were evaluated for two years under drought (D), heat (H), and drought + heat stresses (DH) under field conditions. Results indicated that plant height, number of bolls, boll weight, seed cotton yield, fiber fineness, fiber strength, fiber length, K+, K+/Na+, relative water contents (RWC), chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids, and total soluble proteins got reduced under D and H and were lowest under DH, whereas superoxidase dismutase (SOD), H2O2, Na+, GOT%, total phenolic contents, ascorbate, and flavonoids got increased for consecutive years. Correlation studies indicated that there was a positive correlation between most of the traits, but a negative correlation with H2O2 and Na+ ions. PCA and clustering analysis indicated that MNH-786, KAHKSHAN, CEMB-33, MS-71, FH-142, NIAB-820, CRS-2007, and FH-312 consistently performed better than other genotypes for most traits under stress conditions. Identified genotypes can be utilized in the future cotton breeding program to develop high-yielding, climate change-resilient cotton.

Fluid shear stress affects the metabolic and toxicological response of the rainbow trout gill cell line RTgill-W1

The Rainbow trout gill cell-line (RTgill-W1) has been accepted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD TG249) as a replacement for fish in acute toxicity tests. In these tests cells are exposed under static conditions. In contrast, in vivo, water moves over fish gills generating fluid shear stress (FSS) that alters cell physiology and response to toxicants. The current study uses a specialised 3D printed chamber designed to house inserts and allows for the flow (0.2 dynes cm2) of water over the cells. This system was used to assess RTgill-W1 cell responses to FSS in the absence and presence of copper (Cu) over 24 h. FSS caused increased gene expression of mechanosensitive channel peizo1 and the Cu-transporter atp7a, elevated reactive oxygen species generation and increased expression of superoxidase dismutase. Cell metabolism was unaffected by Cu (0.163 μM to 2.6 μM Cu) under static conditions but significantly reduced by FSS + Cu above 1.3 μM. Differential expression of metallothionein (mt) a and b was observed with increased expression of mta under static conditions and mtb under FSS on exposure to Cu. These findings highlight toxicologically relevant mechanosensory responses by RTgill-W1 to FSS that may influence toxicological responses.

Role of oxidase and antioxidant enzymes in neutrophils and blood circulation in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS), a subcategory of cardiovascular diseases, has become a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Oxidative stress resulting from increased production of reactive oxygen species and decreased antioxidants plays a major role in the pathophysiology of ACS. This study evaluated the activities of certain oxidase and antioxidant enzymes in circulation and neutrophils to determine their roles in increased oxidative stress in patients with ACS. A total of 52 patients with ACS admitted in the coronary care unit of two tertiary hospitals and 52 healthy controls were enrolled. Blood samples were collected from all subjects, and various oxidase and antioxidant enzymes in neutrophils and circulation were assayed. The patients had significantly higher white blood cell and neutrophil counts than the controls. In patients, the mean (±SD) serum activities of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (12.83±6.6 U/L) and superoxidase dismutase (4.34±1.41 U/mL) were significantly higher than in the control group (4.88±3.03 U/L and 3.02±1.7 U/mL, respectively) while the catalase had significantly lower activities (33.36±13.16 U/mL vs. 63.98±31.86 U/mL). In neutrophils, the activities of myeloperoxidase, NADPH oxidase and catalase were significantly higher in ACS patients, while superoxidase dismutase was significantly lower. Further, significant positive correlations were found between activities of myeloperoxidase and catalase, and NADPH oxidase and superoxidase dismutase in neutrophils of ACS patients. These findings revealed that higher activities of myeloperoxidase and NADPH oxidase, both in serum and neutrophils, lead to increased oxidative stress and form the inflammatory basis of ACS, and the antioxidant enzymes combat the events.

Effects of dietary supplementation of tomato pomace (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and L-Arg on reproductive performance of aged male broiler breeders

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different dietary supplementation of tomato pomace (TP) and L-arginine (L-Arg) supplementation on sperm characteristics, reproductive performance, and semen biochemical components of aged commercial male broiler breeders. Thirty Ross 308 male broiler breeders (58 wk old) were provided and assigned to 5 dietary treatment groups, including control (CON), 5% TP (TPS-5), 10% TP (TPS-10), 15% TP (TPS-15), and L-Arg supplemented (10% above the recommendation, LAS-10). The results indicated that the semen volume increased in the TPS-15 group compared to that of the LAS-10 (and CON on wk 9) throughout the study (P < 0.05). The sperm concentration significantly increased in TPS-10 and TPS-15 groups in comparison to the other experimental groups. On wk 5 and 7, the sperm viability increased in all TPS groups compared to the CON and LAS-10, while on wk 9, it only increased in the TPS-10 group in comparison to the LAS-10 group (P < 0.05). The hypo-osmotic swelling test decreased in the LAS-10 group compared to the other experimental groups on wk 5 and all TPS groups on wk 7 and 9 (P < 0.05). The sperm total motility and forward progressive motility decreased in the LAS-10 group compared to the other experimental groups (P < 0.05). In contrast, unprogressive motility and immotile sperms were increased in the LAS-10 group compared to the other experimental groups (P < 0.05). In addition, the sperm penetration and fertility rate increased in TPS-10 and TPS-15 groups in comparison to CON and LAS-10 groups (P < 0.05). However, hatchability was reduced in the LAS-10 group (P < 0.05). The semen adenosine triphosphate increased in TPS-10, TPS-15, and LAS-10 groups compared to the CON (P < 0.05). Finally, the semen TAC and superoxidase dismutase decreased in the LAS-10 group (P < 0.05), while the glutathione peroxidase increased in the TPS-15 group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, 15% dietary TPS is recommended to improve the reproductive performance of aged commercial male broiler breeders.

Dietary Supplementation with Probiotic Bacillus licheniformis S6 Improves Intestinal Integrity via Modulating Intestinal Barrier Function and Microbial Diversity in Weaned Piglets

Bacillus licheniformis (B. Licheniformis) has been considered to be an effective probiotic to maintain gut health and boost productivity in the pig industry, but there is no complete understanding of its mechanisms. We determined whether weaned piglets exposed to BL-S6 (probiotic) had altered intestinal barrier function or microbiota composition. In our study, 108 weaned piglets (54 barrows and 54 gilts) were divided equally into three groups, each with six pens and six piglets/pen, and fed a basal diet supplemented without or with antibiotic (40 g/t of Virginiamycin and 500 g/t of Chlortetracycline) or probiotic (1000 g/t of B. Licheniformis) for a 14-day trial. On day 14, one piglet was chosen from each pen to collect blood and intestinal samples. Compared with the control group, dietary supplementation with a probiotic promoted body weight (BW) gain and average daily gains (ADG) while reducing diarrhea incidence (p < 0.05). Probiotics enhanced superoxidase dismutase (SOD) activity and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in serum (p < 0.05), and increased the level of mRNA expression of SOD1, Nrf2, and HO-1 (p < 0.05) in the jejunum mucosa. Moreover, supplementation with probiotics improved intestinal mucosal integrity as evidenced by higher villus heights and a higher ratio of villus heights to crypt depths (duodenum and jejunum) and higher mRNA and protein levels of occludin and ZO-1 in jejunum mucosa (p < 0.05). The intestinal sIgA levels (p < 0.05) were elevated in the probiotic group, and that of serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) tended to be higher (p = 0.09). Furthermore, weaning piglets who were given probiotics had a better balance of the cecum microbiota, with lactobacillus abundance increased and clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 abundance decreased. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with the probiotic BL-S6 promoted intestinal integrity, which was associated, in part, with modulating intestinal barrier function and microbial diversity in weaned piglets; it may offer a promising alternative to antibiotics to prevent diarrhea.

The impact of Cu-polluted and organic soil on the fibrous plant; insights into plant growth promotion, antioxidant defences system, and oxidative stress.

Copper (Cu) is an abundant essential micronutrient element in various rocks and minerals and is required for a variety of metabolic processes in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. However, excess Cu can disturb normal development by adversely affecting biochemical reactions and physiological processes in plants. However, organic soil is rich in micronutrients and can assist plants to tolerate toxicity by promoting growth and biomass. This study explored the potential of organic and Cu-contaminated soil on fibrous jute (Corchorus capsularis ). Plants were grown in the organic soil, natural soil (normal soil) and Cu-contaminated soil for 60days, and we studied different growth, physiological and ultra-structure alterations in the plant. Results showed that the addition of organic acid in the soil showed a remarkable increase in seed germination, plant height, fresh biomass, photosynthetic pigment and gas exchange parameters, and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in the tissues when compared to the plants grown in the natural soil. In contrast, plants grown in the Cu-contaminated soil significantly (P <0.05) decreased the seed germination, plant height, fresh biomass, photosynthetic pigment and gas exchange parameters, and increased MDA content, proline concentration and the activities of various antioxidant compounds; i.e. peroxidase (POD) and superoxidase dismutase (SOD). In addition, Cu toxicity also destroyed many membrane bounded organelles especially the chloroplast, which was revealed from transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We concluded that Cu toxicity affected growth and physiological attributes in C. capsularis , while addition of organic soil increased plant growth and biomass.

Fishmeal replacement by mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) in diet of farmed Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei): effects on growth performance, serum biochemistry, and immune response

Reducing the use of fishmeal (FM) in shrimp feed means significant savings in the amount of FM consumed globally and subsequently reducing production costs and environmental impacts. Insect meal (IM) is one of the protein sources to replace FM in aquafeeds. In this regard, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of replacing FM with mealworm (MW,Tenebrio molitor) on the growth performance, haemolymph biochemical responses, and innate immunity ofLitopenaeus vannamei. Shrimps with a mean weight of 7.41 ± 0.13 gram were cultured in 300-liter fiberglass tanks (with a useful drainage volume of 200 liters) with a density of 20 shrimp per tank over a period of 60 days. Dietary treatments, including the control treatment (no mealworm; T0), 15% (T15), 30% (T30), 60% (T60), and 100% (T100) level of replacing FM with mealworm (MW), each with three replications, were investigated in the form of a randomized design. The results of this study showed a significant difference in body weight gain (BWG), feed efficiency (FE), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and hepatopancreas index (HPI) among the treatments (P&lt; 0.05). With the increase of the replacement of FM with MW up to 30%, BWG, FE, and HPI were significantly increased then reduced. The levels of cholesterol (Chol), triglycerides (Tg), and glucose (Glu) showed a decreasing trend with increasing replacement of FM with MW and revealed a significant difference with the control treatment at high levels of replacement (P&lt; 0.05). Besides, the results showed that replacing FM with MW had a significant effect on the activities of superoxidase dismutase (SOD), phenol oxidase (PO), lysozyme (LZM), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and the total count of hemocytes (THC) in the practical diets compared to the control group (P&lt; 0.05). Overall, the findings suggest that MW is a promising alternative protein source forL. vannamei, as it enhances both growth performance and the immune system. The study recommends the use of MW in the diet of farmed species in the aquaculture industry, given its lack of adverse impacts on growth performance and its potential to reduce environmental consequences resulting from its production. The results also underscore the importance of exploring alternative protein sources to reduce dependence on FM and enhance sustainability in the aquaculture industry.

Biochemical Mechanism Unlocking Their Potential Role in Salt Tolerance Mechanism of Zizyphus Germplasm

Salinity is one of the major constraints reducing plant growth and yield. Irrigation with poor quality and brackish water to orchards is a major cause of stunted growth and low yield. The salt tolerance mechanism is one of the complicated genomic characters that is very problematic to develop in fruit trees and becomes much more severe at any growth and developmental stage. Osmotic stress and hormonal imbalances are major constraints causing low biomass production. Fruit tree tolerance/sensitivity is chiefly based on the activation of a defense system comprised of super-oxidase dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalases (CAT), non-enzymatic compounds including ascorbic acid, phenolics, flavonoids, stress indicators [i.e., hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and osmolytes containing proline, glycine-betaine (GB), ascorbates (APX), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione reductase (GR)]. Tolerant genotypes must have higher antioxidant assays to cope with the adverse effects of salinity stress because their defense system had the potential to scavenge toxic ROS and protect from membrane leakage. Some work is conducted on agronomic and horticultural crops; however, underutilized fruit crops are still neglected and need serious consideration from plant researchers. Minor fruit crops especially Zizyphus had excellent nutritional aspects. The current study provides detailed insights into the physiological and biochemical mechanisms of Zizyphus species to cope with the adverse effects of salinity by improving their plant defense system. The development of salt-tolerant germplasm is a requisite and can be developed by utilization of physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms. Application of different molecular approaches (i.e., genome mapping, genome editing, genetic transformation, proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolites) are effective for higher yield by improving tolerance mechanisms.

Exogenous spermidine and calcium alleviate waterlogging stress in cherry tomato at the seedling stage

• Waterlogging destroyed the cherry tomato photosynthetic system and suppressed growth. • Spd maintained high antioxidant enzyme activities under waterlogging conditions. • Ca 2+ increased the Pro and soluble sugar contents under waterlogging conditions. • The protective effect of exogenous Spd was greater than that of Ca 2+ . The cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seedling stage frequently experiences waterlogging due to heavy autumn rainfall in tropical areas, which impairs cherry tomato growth and development. In this study, we investigated the effects of exogenous spermidine and calcium on the morphological, physiological and biochemical traits of two popular cherry tomato cultivars (Hongfei6: flooding-insensitive and Qianxi: flooding-sensitive) to 14 days of waterlogging at the 4 expanded leaves stage under a controlled environment. Overall, waterlogging significantly increased the rate of superoxide radical production, destroyed the photosynthetic system, reduced dry matter accumulation, and suppressed growth in the two cultivars. After foliar spraying once with spermidine or calcium of plants under waterlogging, an extensive lysigenous aerenchyma in the roots formed. Also, the actual photochemical efficiency and potential efficiency (F v /F m ) of photosystem II in the light, the activities of superoxidase dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD), and Pro and soluble sugar contents in the leaves increased. Thus, plant height, stem diameter, root length, root surface, root volume and plant dry weight were increased after spermidine or calcium application. Compared with the exogenous calcium, the exogenous spermidine could better maintain the integrity of root cells and the normal morphology and function of the root, increase the activities of SOD and POD and plant dry weight. Thus, exogenous spermidine and calcium suppress waterlogging stress with distinct mechanisms and that the protective effect of exogenous spermidine is greater than that of calcium.

Using biomarkers to assess the toxicity of environmental concentrations of heavy metals to the marine gastropod Thais mutabilis

This study investigated the effects of environmentally relevant concentration of heavy metals on the antioxidant, metabolic, and detoxifying enzymes activity of marine gastropod Thais mutabilis in Bandar Abbas (north of Persian Gulf). In this study, gastropod samples were collected from five transects in the coastal line, and in each transect, three sampling points were selected. Sampling was conducted in both cold season (autumn 2020) with temperatures of 13–25 °C and warm season (summer 2021) with temperatures of 29 and 40 °C, respectively. Sampled animals had an average weight of 15.38 ± 3.75 and 13.54 ± 4.44 g in cold and warm seasons, respectively. Soft tissues of T. mutabilis were collected and dried using the freeze drier. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to evaluate the concentration of heavy metals (Al, As, Ba, Fe, Pb, Cu, Cr, Cd, Hg, Mn, Ni, Ti, V, Zn). The activity of metallothionein, superoxidase dismutase, and Glutathione S-transferase were examined and possible correlations between heavy metals and enzymes were tested through this study. Results showed that the concentration of heavy metals in the body of T. mutabilis exceeded the values suggested by WHO, FAO, and USEPA. Heavy metals concentration showed the highest values for Fe and Al at transect 1 (cold and warm seasons), As, Ba and Cu at transect four (cold and warm seasons), Ni, Cr and Hg at transect four (warm season). SOD showed the highest activity at transect five in warm and cold seasons at 69.50 ± 9.59 and 64.88 ± 13.92 U/g protein, respectively. Transect three had the greatest values for SOD levels in warm and cold seasons at 41.50 ± 7.58 and 48.01 ± 20.60 U/g protein, respectively. GST demonstrated the largest activity at transect five in warm and cold seasons at 3.76 ± 1.15 U/g protein. MT had the highest levels at transect five in cold and warm seasons at 1.79 ± 0.30 and 1.96 ± 0.29 U/g protein. Oxidative, metabolic and detoxifying enzymes play a leading role as viable biomarkers in assessing the toxicity of hazardous compounds. In this study significant correlations were observed between MT activity and heavy metals (Pb, Al, Ba, Fe, and Zn) as well as SOD and Fe, so T.mutabilis could be a good bioindicator in the polluted marine biota.

Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of Zingiber officinale alcoholic extract and vitamin e on liver damage induced by paracetamol drug in males of New Zealand rabbits

The aim of study is to reduce hepatic damage from paracetamol will be funded using alcohol extract for ginger and vitamin E as antioxidants in male New Zealand rabbits. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a widely used over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic drug which is known to cause liver injuries in both humans and experimental animals when administered in overdose. The current study was conducted at the animal house of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Tikrit University to detect certain side effects developed with the use of the drug paracetamol, some physiological values resulting from liver damage through the use of 40 male New Zealand rabbits aged 5-7 months, randomly divided into four equal groups, including: The control group were given the normal physiological solution and the second group were given the paracetamol drug was given orally 400 mg/kg per rabbit while the third group was given vitamin e 50 mg/kg body weight as well as 400 mg/kg of the paracetamol drug was given orally. The fourth group was dosed with ginger alcoholic extract of 150 mg/kg body weight, which was given 400 mg/kg of the paracetamol drug was given orally. The study's findings demonstrated a significant decrease in the levels of catalase (CAT), super oxidase dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) in the treatment with a paracetamol drug compared to the control group, as well as a significant increase in the levels of liver enzymes and malondialdehyde. The study's results also found a significant decline in the levels of liver enzymes and malondialdehyde while revealing a significant increase in the levels of CAT, SOD and GSH in 3rd and 4th group compared to 2nd group. From the aforementioned findings, it can be concluded that vitamin e and ginger alcohol extract both reduce the unfavorable and harmful effects in some physiological parameters coming from liver damage caused by Paracetamol drug usage.

The effect of EMPAgliflozin on markers of inflammation in patients with concomitant type 2 diabetes mellitus and Coronary ARtery Disease: the EMPA-CARD randomized controlled trial

Systemic inflammation and oxidative burden in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) causes deleterious cardiovascular outcomes. We sought to investigate the clinical antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of empagliflozin. Platelet function, oxidant and antioxidant biomarkers and pro-inflammatory agents at baseline and at 26 weeks were measured. A total of 95 patients (41.05% male, mean age 62.85 ± 7.91 years, mean HbA1c 7.89 ± 0.96%) with concomitant T2DM and coronary artery disease (CAD) were randomized (1:1) to receive empagliflozin (10 mg/daily) or placebo. Patients treated with empagliflozin had lower levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) (adjusted difference (adiff): − 1.06 pg/mL, 95% CI − 1.80; − 0.32, P = 0.006), interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) (adiff: − 4.58 pg/mL and − 2.86 mg/L; P = 0.32 and 0.003, respectively) compared to placebo. There were elevations in super oxidase dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathione (GSHr), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) with empagliflozin (adiff: 3.7 U/mL, 0.57 muM, and 124.08 mmol/L, 95% CI 1.36; 6.05, 0.19; 0.95, and 47.98; 200.18, P = 0.002, 0.004, and 0.002, respectively). While reactive oxygen species (ROS) improved significantly (adiff: − 342.51, 95% CI − 474.23; − 210.79, P < 0.001), the changes in catalase activity (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), or protein carbonyl groups (PCG) were not significant. Moreover, the P-selectin antigen expression on platelet surface was significantly reduced (adiff: − 8.81, 95% CI − 14.87; − 2.75, P = 0.005). Markers of glycemic status (fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR (homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance) significantly improved (P < 0.001). Among patients with T2DM and CAD, 6-month treatment with empagliflozin can mitigate inflammation, platelet activity and oxidative stress and is associated with clinical cardiovascular benefits.Trial Registration Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials. www.IRCT.ir, Identifier: IRCT20190412043247N2. Registration Date: 6/13/2020. Registration timing: prospective

Altered Immunomodulatory Responses in the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 Axis Mediated by hMSCs in an Early In Vitro SOD1G93A Model of ALS.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motor neuron (MN) disease characterized by progressive MN loss and muscular atrophy resulting in rapidly progressive paralysis and respiratory failure. Human mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (hMSC)-based therapy has been suggested to prolong MN survival via secretion of growth factors and modulation of cytokines/chemokines. We investigated the effects of hMSCs and a hMSC-conditioned medium (CM) on Cu/Zn superoxidase dismutase 1G93A (SOD1G93A) transgenic primary MNs. We found that co-culture of hMSCs and MNs resulted in slightly higher MN numbers, but did not protect against staurosporine (STS)-induced toxicity, implying marginal direct trophic effects of hMSCs. Aiming to elucidate the crosstalk between hMSCs and MNs in vitro, we found high levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and C-X3-C motif chemokine 1 (CX3CL1) in the hMSC secretome. Co-culture of hMSCs and MNs resulted in altered gene expression of growth factors and cytokines/chemokines in both MNs and hMSCs. hMSCs showed upregulation of CX3CL1 and its receptor CX3CR1 and downregulation of interleukin-1 β (IL1β) and interleukin-8 (IL8) when co-cultured with SOD1G93A MNs. MNs, on the other hand, showed upregulation of growth factors as well as CX3CR1 upon hMSC co-culture. Our results indicate that hMSCs only provide moderate trophic support to MNs by growth factor gene regulation and may mediate anti-inflammatory responses through the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis, but also increase expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which limits their therapeutic potential.

Alleviate the Drought Stress on Triticum aestivum L. Using the Algal Extracts of Sargassum latifolium and Corallina elongate Versus the Commercial Algal Products.

Herein, two seaweed extracts (Sargassum latifolium and Corallina elongate), and two commercial seaweed products (Canada power and Oligo-X) with a concentration of 5% were used to alleviate the drought stress on wheat plants. The extract of C. elongate had the highest capacity to ameliorate the deleterious effects of water scarcity followed by S. latifolium and the commercial products. The drought stress reduced wheat shoots length and the contents of pigments (chlorophyll and carotenoids), carbohydrates, and proteins. While the highest increment in the total carbohydrates and protein contents of the wheat shoot after two stages, 37-and 67-days-old, were noted in drought-stressed plants treated with C. elongate extract with values of (34.6% and 22.8%) and (51.9% and 39.5%), respectively, compared to unstressed plants. Decreasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, peroxidase, superoxidase dismutase, and polyphenol oxidase in drought-stressed plants treated with algal extracts indicated amelioration of the response actions. Analysis of phytohormones in wheat plants exhibited increasing GA3 and IAA contents with percentages of (20.3-13.8%) and (72.7-25%), respectively. Interestingly, all morphological and metabolic characteristics of yield were improved due to the algal treatments compared with untreated drought-stressed plants. Overall, the algal extracts, especially those from seaweed of C. elongate, could represent a sustainable candidate to overcome the damage effects of water deficiency in the wheat plant.

Duodenojejunal Omega Switch Surgery Reduces Oxidative Stress Induced by Cafeteria Diet in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

Over-nutrition with cafeteria diet leads to glycemic control failure and subsequent obesity. Bariatric surgery remains the ultimate treatment option, and when complemented with specific dietary protocol, it may mitigate the effects of oxidative stress induced by a cafeteria diet. The study measured antioxidant marker activity: superoxidase dismutase (SOD) and ceruloplasmin (CER), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and lipid peroxidation marker concentrations: lipofuscin (LS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), in the plasma of 56 Sprague-Dawley rats fed with a cafeteria (HFS) or a control (CD) diet and subjected to duodenojejunal omega switch (DJOS) or control (SHAM) surgery. The diet change after the surgery (CD/HFS or HFS/CD) strongly influenced SOD activity in DJOS- and SHAM-operated rats, but SOD activity was always higher in SHAM-operated rats. Every dietary protocol used in the study increased CER activity, except for the CD/CD combination. Cafeteria diet consumed before or after either of surgeries led to decrease in TAC levels. DJOS and no change in diet reduced MDA levels. DJOS reduced LS levels, but its beneficial effect was deteriorated by selected dietary protocols. The cafeteria diet negatively affected the positive impact of DJOS surgery, but SOD, CER, MDA, and LS were significantly lower in rats that underwent DJOS, suggesting that eight weeks of dietary treatment before and after the surgery did not totally dilapidate the effects of the bariatric treatment.

Short-term responses of Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) to the individual and combinatorial effects of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium and silicon in the soil contaminated by boron.

While of lesser prevalence than boron (B) deficient soils, B-rich soils are important to study as they can cause B toxicity in the field and subsequently decrease crop yields in different regions of the world. We have conducted the present study to examine the role of the individual or combined application of silicon (Si) and NPK fertilizer in B-stressed spinach plants (Spinacia oleracea L.). S. oleracea seedlings were subjected to different NPK fertilizers, namely, low NPK (30 kg ha–2) and normal NPK (60 kg ha–2)], which were also supplemented by Si (3 mmol L–1), for varying levels of B in the soil i.e., 0, 250, and 500 mg kg–1. Our results illustrated that the increasing levels of B in the soil caused a substantial decrease in the plant height, number of leaves, number of stems, leaf area, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid content, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, magnesium content in the roots, magnesium contents in the shoots, phosphorus content in the roots, phosphorus content in the leaves in the shoots, iron content in the roots, iron content in the shoots, calcium content in the roots, and calcium content in the shoots. However, B toxicity in the soil increased the concentration of malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and electrolyte leakage which were also manifested by the increasing activities of enzymatic [superoxidase dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX)], and non-enzymatic antioxidants (phenolic, flavonoid, ascorbic acid, and anthocyanin content). B toxicity in the soil further increased the concentration of organic acids in the roots such as oxalic acid, malic acid, formic acid, citric acid, acetic acid, and fumaric acid. The addition of Si and fertilizer levels in the soil significantly alleviated B toxicity effects on S. oleracea by improving photosynthetic capacity and ultimately plant growth. The increased activity of antioxidant enzymes in Si and NPK-treated plants seems to play a role in capturing stress-induced reactive oxygen species, as was evident from the lower levels of oxidative stress indicators, organic acid exudation, and B concentration in the roots and shoots of Si and NPK-treated plants. Research findings, therefore, suggested that the Si and NPK application can ameliorate B toxicity in S. oleracea seedlings and result in improved plant growth and composition under metal stress as depicted by the balanced exudation of organic acids.

Oxymatrine Alleviates Gentamicin-Induced Renal Injury in Rats.

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic commonly used to treat Gram-negative bacterial infections that possesses considerable nephrotoxicity. Oxymatrine is a phytochemical with the ability to counter gentamicin toxicity. We investigated the effects and protective mechanism of oxymatrine in rats. The experimental groups were as follows: Control, Oxymatrine only group (100 mg/kg/d), Gentamicin only group (100 mg/kg/d), Gentamicin (100 mg/kg/d) plus Oxymatrine (100 mg/kg/d) group (n = 10). All rats were treated for seven continuous days. The results indicated that oxymatrine alleviated gentamicin-induced kidney injury, and decreased rats’ kidney indices and NAG (N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase), BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and CRE (creatine) serum levels. The oxymatrine-treated group sustained less histological damage. Oxymatrine also relived gentamicin-induced oxidative and nitrative stress, indicated by the increased SOD (superoxidase dismutase), GSH (glutathione) and CAT (catalase) activities and decreased MDA (malondialdehyde), iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) and NO (nitric oxide) levels. Caspase-9 and -3 activities were also decreased in the oxymatrine-treated group. Oxymatrine exhibited a potent anti-inflammatory effect on gentamicin-induced kidney injury, down-regulated the Bcl-2ax and NF-κB mRNAs, and upregulated Bcl-2, HO-1 and Nrf2 mRNAs in the kidney tissue. Our investigation revealed the renal protective effect of oxymatrine in gentamicin-induced kidney injury for the first time. The effect was achieved through activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathways. The study underlines the potential clinical application of oxymatrine as a renal protectant agent for gentamicin therapy.

Evaluation of the allelopathic potential of Trianthema portulacastrum L. on Convolvulus arvensis L

BackgroundAs the crop season progresses and plants size increases, weeds also begin to compete with the essential resources available for plant growth. Once weeds initiate to deprive the crop of these essential resources, the crop yield potential can be negatively impacted. Weeds infestations not only caused a severe impact on the yield but also provide shelter for various pathogens. Convolvulus arvensis (field bindweed) is a serious detrimental weed to various crops. Among weed control methods, herbicidal control through synthetic chemicals is the most popular method but excessive usage of herbicides is a health hazard and causes environmental pollution along with resistance problems in weeds. Therefore, allelopathy is an eco-friendly biological control method. The objective of this research was to study the allelopathic influence of Trianthema portulacastrum (horse purslane) on the growth of C. arvensis. To meet the objectives, root and shoot length, leaf area, chlorophylls (a and b), total soluble sugars, proline, superoxidase dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities were assessed. ResultsResults intimate that water extracts of root and shoot of T. portulacastrum significantly (p ≤ 0.05) inhibited growth parameters. But the allelopathic effect of shoot extract was more toxic than the root extract and maximum growth inhibition was found in 100% shoot extract. This inhibition of the growth of C. arvensis was coupled with a significant increase in soluble sugars and proline. In addition, growth reduction was associated with a decrease in photosynthetic pigments and activities of SOD and CAT. Shoot extract treatments caused almost equal inhibitory action in the growth of C. arvensis with herbicide treatment. ConclusionThe results indicated that shoot extract of T. portulacastrum could be used as a bio-herbicide against C. arvensis.

Effect of cerium on the production of reactive oxygen species in the root of Arabidopsis thaliana: An in vitro study.

In the current study, the effect of trivalent cerium (Ce3+ ) on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was investigated in the root of Arabidopsis thaliana by an in vitro study. The roots of A. thaliana were exposed with 0, 1, and 5μmol/L Ce3+ for 12 h in vitro. It was found that the level of H2 O2 , O2 .- , and ·OH was enhanced by 5μmol/L Ce3+ , but reduced by 1μmol/L Ce3+ . The activities of peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and superoxidase dismutase (SOD) were enhanced by 1μmol/L Ce3+ , but reduced by 5μmol/L Ce3+ . Moreover, we used a laser-scanning confocal microscopy to detect the changes of ROS in the root cells of A. thaliana by using a fluorochrome 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (H2 DCF-DA). It showed that the level of ROS was declined in the root cells treated by 1μmol/L Ce3+ , but the oscillation of ROS was found in the root cells treated with 5μmol/L Ce3+ . In addition, REEs affect the uptake of mineral elements, which may be related to the oxidative stress in the cells of roots. In all, the data of our study indicated that the appropriate concentration of Ce3+ exhibited an anti-oxidation property and improved the defense system in the root cells of A. thaliana.

Parecoxib sodium alleviates ischemia reperfusion-induced pulmonary injury via inhibiting ERK/NF-κB and further activating the HIF-1α pathway.

IntroductionThe lungs are extremely vulnerable to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), which is characterized by intense inflammation, oxidative stress, alveolar damage, and vascular permeability. Parecoxib sodium (Pare) has been shown to exert protective effects against multiple I/R‐induced tissue injuries. However, its role in I/R‐induced lung injury remains unknown. This study aimed to reveal the roles and mechanisms of Pare in pulmonary I/R injury.MethodsSixty‐six rats were randomly divided into three groups: The sham‐operated group, the pulmonary I/R group, and the Pare‐pretreated I/R group. Pare at 10 mg/kg or saline (vehicle control) were intraperitoneally administered to rats once per day for 5 consecutive days before ischemia. Serum and tissue samples were harvested following 2 h of reperfusion. The oxygenation index (OI) and alveolar‐arterial oxygen partial pressure difference (PA‐aO2) were analyzed. The levels or activities of malondialdehyde, superoxidase dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, intracellular reactive oxygen species, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, and IL‐8 were examined. The mitochondrial membrane potential was measured. The protein expression levels of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and their phosphorylated forms, and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) were detected. Histological changes were observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Moreover, the survival rate following pulmonary I/R injury was recorded daily.ResultsPare significantly increased the OI, decreased the PA‐aO2, increased the levels of antioxidants, while decreasing the levels of oxidants, and alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction and the histopathological damage induced by I/R. Furthermore, Pare inhibited the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, suppressed the activation of ERK and NF‐κB, further increased HIF‐1α expression, and significantly improved the rat survival rate.ConclusionsPare pretreatment attenuated lung I/R injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and the inflammatory response possibly via inhibiting the activation of the ERK/NF‐κB pathway and further activating the HIF‐1α pathway.