Superoxide Dismutase Research Articles

Resveratrol Mitigates Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Cardiomyocyte Injury by Inhibiting the Expression of Superoxide Dismutase 2

Resveratrol exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potentially cardio-protective properties. However, the effectiveness of resveratrol in acute myocardial infarction (AMI)-induced cardiomyocyte injury remains unclear. Superoxide Dismutase 2 (SOD2) is an important antioxidant enzyme in the mitochondria. However, few studies have reported the impact of SOD2 on AMI-induced cardiomyocyte injury. Therefore, we establish an in vitro model of cardiomyocyte ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury using oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) to investigate the protective effects of resveratrol against OGD/R-induced cardiomyocyte injury and its underlying regulatory mechanism. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8. Apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL staining. The levels of Cleaved cas-3, Bcl2, and SOD2 an important antioxidant enzyme in the mitochondria that is responsible for eliminating superoxide radicals were analyzed by western blot. The ROS positive rate was using a ROS/Superoxide detection assay kit. The relative abundance of the SOD2 mRNA was determined using the 2−ΔΔCT method. We demonstrated that OGD/R treatment significantly reduced AC16 cell viability while increasing apoptosis levels, oxidative stress, and inflammatory factor levels. We further confirmed the upregulation of SOD2 by OGD/R treatment, suggesting its potential involvement in modulating OGD/R-induced AC16 cell injury. Additionally, silencing SOD2 ameliorated the detrimental effects of OGD/R on AC16 cells. Moreover, we observed that upregulation of SOD2 aggravated OGD/R-induced AC16 cell injury, and resveratrol effectively reduced OGD/R-induced AC16 cell injury by down-regulating SOD2. In conclusion, this research provides a promising therapeutic strategy for mitigating I/R damage in AMI-induced cardiomyocytes, thereby identifying a potential target for therapeutic intervention.

Chemical Composition and Therapeutic Potential of Syngonium podophyllum L. Leaves against Hypercholesterolemia in Rats: Liver, Kidney, and Heart Crosstalk

Background: One of the main risk factors for atherosclerosis is hypercholesterolemia Objective: This study aimed to assess hypercholesterolemia's effect on the liver, heart, and kidney and the impact of Syngonium podophyllum L. leaves methanolic extract as a treating agent in a rat model. Methods: Flavonoid components were isolated and identified from the methanolic extract of Syngonium podophyllum L. leaves. Total serum leptin, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), aspartate and alanine aminotransferases (AST and ALT), urea, and creatinine levels were all measured as part of the biochemical evaluation. The liver tissue was tested for levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and DNA fragmentation. Results: Thirty-nine compounds were identified by GC/MS profiling of the n-hexane fraction of Syngonium podophyllum L leaves. The major volatile constituents were decane, 4-methyl, decane, N-acetyl 3-pentenyl, 1-amine, 2-methyl, 1-hexene, and 3-hydroxy, propanenitrile, while the major phenolic compounds isolated from methanolic extract were luteolin-7- α-L rhamnoside-4'- O-β-glucopyranoside (1), apigenin 6, 8-di-C-β-glucopyranoside (vicenin 2) (2), quercetin-3-Oα-L-rhamnoside (3), quercetin-7-O-β-glucoside compound (4), luteolin-7-O-β-glucoside (5), 5- hydroxy-6,7,8,4'-tetramethoxy flavone (6), gallic acid (7) and quercetin (8). Hypercholesterolemic rats revealed significant alterations (p ≤ 0.05) in the lipid profile, liver and kidney function, DNA fragmentation pattern and antioxidant indices. With oral cholesterol administration of 30 mg/0.3 mL, 0.7% tween/rats fed a high-fat diet for nine weeks, treatment with leaves extract (250 mg/kg body weight) was able to restore all biochemical parameters as well as the architectures of the liver and heart. Conclusion: Due to its abundance in physiologically active phenolic and flavonoid components, the methanolic extract of Syngonium podophyllum L. leaves successfully served as a hypolipidemic, anti-atherosclerotic, and antioxidant therapeutic agent.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum AR113 alleviates microbiota dysbiosis of tongue coating and cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. However, information on stroke-related tongue coating microbiome (TCM) is limited, and whether TCM modulation could benefit for stroke prevention and rehabilitation is unknown. Here, TCM from stroke patients (SP) was characterized using molecular techniques. The occurrence of stroke resulted in TCM dysbiosis with significantly reduced species richness and diversity. The abundance of Prevotella, Leptotrichia, Actinomyces, Alloprevotella, Haemophilus, and TM7_[G-1] were greatly reduced, but common infection Streptococcus and Pseudomonas were remarkably increased. Furthermore, an antioxidative probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum AR113 was used for TCM intervention in stroke rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). AR113 partly restored I/R induced change of TCM and gut microbiota with significantly improved neurological deficit, relieved histopathologic change, increased activities of antioxidant enzymes, and decreased contents of oxidative stress biomarkers. Moreover, the gene expression of antioxidant-related proteins and apoptosis-related factors heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1), and Bcl-2 was significantly increased, but cytochrome C, cleaved caspase-3, and Bax were markedly decreased in the brain by AR113 treatment. The results suggested that AR113 could ameliorate cerebral I/R injury through antioxidation and anti-apoptosis pathways, and AR113 intervention of TCM may have the application potential for stroke prevention and control.

NADPH oxidase 4-derived hydrogen peroxide counterbalances testosterone-induced endothelial dysfunction and migration.

High levels of testosterone (Testo) are associated with cardiovascular risk by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. NADPH oxidases (NOX) are the major source of ROS in the vasculature of cardiovascular diseases. NOX4 is a unique isotype, which produces hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and its participation in cardiovascular biology is controversial. So far, it is unclear whether NOX4 protects from Testo-induced endothelial injury. Thus, we hypothesized that supraphysiological levels of Testo induce endothelial NOX4 expression to attenuate endothelial injury. Human mesenteric vascular endothelial cells (HMECs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were treated with Testo (10-7 M) with or without a NOX4 inhibitor [GLX351322 (10-4 M)] or NOX4 siRNA. In vivo, 10-wk-old C57Bl/6J male mice were treated with Testo (10 mg/kg) for 30 days to study endothelial function. Testo increased mRNA and protein levels of NOX4 in HMECs and HUVECs. Testo increased superoxide anion (O2-) and H2O2 production, which were abolished by NOX1 and NOX4 inhibition, respectively. Testo also attenuated bradykinin-induced NO production, which was further impaired by NOX4 inhibition. In vivo, Testo decreased H2O2 production in aortic segments and triggered endothelial dysfunction [decreased relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh)], which was further impaired by GLX351322 and by a superoxide dismutase and catalase mimetic (EUK134). Finally, Testo led to a dysregulated endothelial cell migration, which was exacerbated by GLX351322. These data indicate that supraphysiological levels of Testo increase the endothelial expression and activity of NOX4 to counterbalance the deleterious effects caused by Testo in endothelial function.NEW & NOTEWORTHY By inducing ROS formation, high levels of testosterone play a major role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. NOXs are the major sources of ROS in the vasculature of cardiovascular diseases. Herein, we describe a novel compensatory mechanism by showing that NOX4 is a protective oxidant enzyme and counterbalances the deleterious effects of testosterone in endothelial cells by modulating hydrogen peroxide formation.

Reduction of the oxidative damage to H2O2-induced HepG2 cells via the Nrf2 signalling pathway by plant flavonoids Quercetin and Hyperoside

Hyperoside and quercetin are similar in molecular structures. In this study, the antioxidant regulatory targets of hyperoside and quercetin are mainly in the nuclear factor (erythroid-2-derived)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway predicted by network pharmacology. And the antioxidant effect and mechanism of hyperoside and quercetin were measured and compared in H2O2-induced HepG2 cells and Caenorhabditis elegans. The findings indicated that quercetin was more effective than hyperoside in reducing oxidative damage, which was proved by improved cell viability, decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, decreased cellular apoptosis, and alleviated mitochondrial damage. In addition, quercetin was more efficient than hyperoside in enhancing the expression of Nrf2-associated mRNAs, increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT), and reducing the cellular malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Quercetin was superior to hyperoside in prolonging the lifespan of worms, decreasing the accumulation of lipofuscin, inhibiting ROS production, and increasing the proportion of skn-1 in the nucleus. With the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385, we verified that quercetin and hyperoside primarily protected the cells against oxidative damage via the Nrf2 signalling pathway. Furthermore, molecular docking and dynamics simulations demonstrated that the quercetin- Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) complex was more stable than the hyperoside-Keap1 complex. The stable structure of the complex might hinder the binding of Nrf2 and Keap1 to release Nrf2 and facilitate its entry into the nucleus to play an antioxidant role. Overall, quercetin had a better antioxidant than hyperoside.

The Different Therapeutic Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine Shensong Yangxin Capsule and Salubrinal in High-intensity Exercise-induced Heart Failure in Rats with Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Currently, endoplasmic reticulum stress is studied utilizing a dephosphorylation inhibitor (Sal). The traditional Chinese patent medicine and simple formulation Shensong Yangxin Capsule is a commonly used medication for the treatment of arrhythmia. However, the efficacy and underlying mechanism of the capsule in treating post-ischemic heart failure in myocardial tissue have not yet been investigated. The therapeutic effects and the underlying mechanism of the Shensong Yangxin Capsule (SSYX) and the dephosphorylation inhibitor Salubrinal (Sal) on heart failure (HF) induced by high-intensity exercise in rats with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were investigated. Male infants of 8 weeks Spragge-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to one of four groups: sham surgery group, AMI+placebo group, AMI+Shensong Yangxin Capsule group (AMI+SSYX), and AMI+Sal administration group. Rats' myocardial infarction was induced by left coronary artery ligation. Rats were subjected to a 3-week high-intensity exercise program to simulate heart failure after 7 days of postoperative rest. After the fourth postoperative week, echocardiography was applied to determine the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS), and left ventricular systolic volume (LVESV) in each group. HE and TUNEL labeling were employed to examine the morphology of cardiac cells and measure the percentage of apoptosis in each group; Western blotting was applied to detect the cardiomyocyte apoptosis-related proteins p-JNK, p-P38, and NOX2, while ELISA was used to detect glutathione(GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase SOD in serum. Following a 4-week drug intervention:(1)LVFS and LVEF in the AMI+placebo group were statistically significantly reduced, while LVESV were significantly higher, compared to those in the sham surgery group (P<0.05); The AMI+SSYX group performed statistically significantly better than the AMI+placebo group(P<0.05). (2) The myocardial cells in the AMI+placebo group exhibited significant swelling and inflammatory cell infiltration; the myocardial cells in the AMI+SSYX group and AMI+Sal group displayed mild swelling and minimal inflammatory cell infiltration; the AMI+SSYX group's myocardial cell morphology was superior to that of the AMI+Sal group; (3) The apoptosis rate of the AMI+placebo group was around 95%, greater than that of the sham surgery group (2.55%). The apoptosis rate of the AMI+SSYX group is approximately 21%, while the apoptosis rate of the AMI+Sal group is about 43%. (4) In the AMI+placebo group, p-JNK, p-P38, and NOX2 protein expression dramatically increased compared to the sham surgery group. The expression of p-P38, NOX2, and p-JNK/t-JNK was considerably reduced in the AMI+Shensong group and AMI+Sal group， compared to the AMI+placebo group. (P<0.01)The AMI+SSYX group's result is superior to that of the AMI+Sal group. (5) Compared to the sham surgery group, the serum levels of SOD and GSH were significantly lower, and MDA was significantly higher in the AMI+placebo group. Compared to the AMI+placebo group, the serum levels of SOD and GSH were significantly higher, and MDA was significantly lower in the AMI+SSYX group and the AMI+Sal group. (P<0.05) Conclusion: In rats with acute myocardial infarction in high-intensity exercise-induced heart failure, Shensong Yangxin Capsule dramatically reduces myocardial cell death and cardiac dysfunction. SSYX has a shorter course of treatment and a better therapeutic effect than Sal.

Antihypertensive effects of whey protein hydrolysate involve reshaping the gut microbiome in spontaneously hypertension rats

Novel angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides were identified from whey protein hydrolysates (WPH) in vitro in our previous study and the antihypertensive abilities of WPH in vivo were further investigated in the current study. Results indicated that WPH significantly inhibited the development of high blood pressure and tissue injuries caused by hypertension. WPH inhibited ACE activity (20.81 %, P < 0.01), and reduced renin concentration (P < 0.05), thereby reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) (12.63 %, P < 0.05) in spontaneously hypertensive rats. The increased Akkermansia, Bacteroides, and Lactobacillus abundance promoted high short chain fatty acid content in feces after WPH intervention. These changes jointly contributed to low blood pressure. The heart weight and cardiomyocyte injuries (hypertrophy and degeneration) were alleviated by WPH. The proteomic results revealed that 19 protein expressions in the heart mainly associated with the wingless/integrated (Wnt) signaling pathway and Apelin signaling pathway were altered after WPH supplementation. Notably, WPH alleviated serum oxidative stress, indicated by the decreased malondialdehyde content (P < 0.01), enhanced total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.01) and superoxide dismutase activity (P < 0.01). The current study suggests that WPH exhibit promising antihypertensive abilities in vivo and could be a potential alternative for antihypertensive dietary supplements.

Grafting increases superoxide dismutase and catalase activity to overcome the impact of the two-spotted spider mite on eggplant growth and productivity

Grafting vegetable crops is considered a valuable tool for improving the yield and quality of fruits under various stress conditions. This study aimed to assess the influence of grafting eggplant Solanum melongena (cv. A338) onto Solanum torvum rootstock (cv. STT3) on the incidence of the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae (TSSM). An experimental study was conducted to investigate the defense response elicited, as assessed by measuring the activities of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), as well as hydrogen peroxide (H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;) and chlorophyll contents in grafted and non-grafted eggplants under different TSSM infestation levels (10, 30 and 50 adults per plant). In addition, the effect of grafting on plant growth and yield of eggplant was evaluated. According to the findings of the present study, grafted plants had a lower density of TSSM than non-grafted plants. The number of eggs, nymphs, and adults on grafted plants was 40.11%, 31.71%, and 27.54%, respectively, lower than on non-grafted plants. With increasing TSSM density, the activities of CAT and SOD were increased at varying degrees. In terms of SOD activity, the grafted plants outperformed both the non-grafted scion and rootstock at all TSSM densities. In addition, the results demonstrated that plants with greater CAT activity were able to maintain a lower H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; content and vice versa. The lower negative impacts on photosynthetic pigments demonstrated that grafted plants on S. torvum were more resistant to mite-induced damage to chlorophyll and carotenoids as mite density elevated. The grafted plants were superior in vegetative growth, and the total fruit weight was found to be two times higher than non-grafted plants. The features modified by grafting, such as the increased activities of SOD and CAT, can alleviate the impact of TSSM. Therefore, grafting could constitute a valuable tool when combined with other strategies of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the two-spotted spider mite control programs.

Alleviating salinity stress in canola (Brassica napus L.) through exogenous application of salicylic acid

Canola, a vital oilseed crop, is grown globally for food and biodiesel. With the enormous demand for growing various crops, the utilization of agriculturally marginal lands is emerging as an attractive alternative, including brackish-saline transitional lands. Salinity is a major abiotic stress limiting growth and productivity of most crops, and causing food insecurity. Salicylic acid (SA), a small-molecule phenolic compound, is an essential plant defense phytohormone that promotes immunity against pathogens. Recently, several studies have reported that SA was able to improve plant resilience to withstand high salinity. For this purpose, a pot experiment was carried out to ameliorate the negative effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) on canola plants through foliar application of SA. Two canola varieties Faisal (V1) and Super (V2) were assessed for their growth performance during exposure to high salinity i.e. 0 mM NaCl (control) and 200 mM NaCl. Three levels of SA (0, 10, and 20 mM) were applied through foliar spray. The experimental design used for this study was completely randomized design (CRD) with three replicates. The salt stress reduced the shoot and root fresh weights up to 50.3% and 47% respectively. In addition, foliar chlorophyll a and b contents decreased up to 61–65%. Meanwhile, SA treatment diminished the negative effects of salinity and enhanced the shoot fresh weight (49.5%), root dry weight (70%), chl. a (36%) and chl. b (67%). Plants treated with SA showed an increased levels of both enzymatic i.e. (superoxide dismutase (27%), peroxidase (16%) and catalase (34%)) and non-enzymatic antioxidants i.e. total soluble protein (20%), total soluble sugar (17%), total phenolic (22%) flavonoids (19%), anthocyanin (23%), and endogenous ascorbic acid (23%). Application of SA also increased the levels of osmolytes i.e. glycine betaine (31%) and total free proline (24%). Salinity increased the concentration of Na+ ions and concomitantly decreased the K+ and Ca2+ absorption in canola plants. Overall, the foliar treatments of SA were quite effective in reducing the negative effects of salinity. By comparing both varieties of canola, it was observed that variety V2 (Super) grew better than variety V1 (Faisal). Interestingly, 20 mM foliar application of SA proved to be effective in ameliorating the negative effects of high salinity in canola plants.

FOXA1 Suppresses Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, Oxidative Stress, and Neuronal Apoptosis in Parkinson's Disease by Activating PON2 Transcription.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and oxidative stress (OS) are often related states in pathological conditions including Parkinson's disease (PD). This study investigates the role of anti-oxidant protein paraoxonase 2 (PON2) in ER stress and OS in PD, along with its regulatory molecule. PD was induced in C57BL/6 mice using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine hydrochloride (MPTP) treatment and in SH-SY5Y cells using 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium. PON2 was found to be poorly expressed in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) of PD mice, and its overexpression improved motor coordination of mice. Through the evaluation of tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine transporter, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) levels and neuronal loss in mice, as well as the examination of CHOP, glucose-regulated protein 94 (GRP94), GRP78, caspase-12, sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase levels in SH-SY5Y cells, we observed that PON2 overexpression mitigated ER stress, OS, and neuronal apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro. Forkhead box A1 (FOXA1) was identified as a transcription factor binding to the PON2 promoter to activate its transcription. Upregulation of FOXA1 similarly protected against neuronal loss by alleviating ER stress and OS, while the protective roles were abrogated by additional PON2 silencing. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that FOXA1-mediated transcription of PON2 alleviates ER stress and OS, ultimately reducing neuronal apoptosis in PD.

Novel antiarthritic mechanisms of Azelaic acid against CFA-induced arthritis in rats by modulating pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines network.

An immunologic system attacking the body's own tissues is a hallmark of autoimmune disorders, which encompass a wide range of unique conditions. Numerous essential biologic functions, including the regulation of the immune system, inflammation, cell division, and tissue repair, are carried out by cytokines. Natural compounds are an effective treatment for autoimmune illnesses by modulation of inflammatory cytokines and infiltration of leukocytes into the inflamed tissue. Here, anti-arthritic study was carried out using oral administration of Azelaic acid (AzA) for 28days with doses (20, 40, and 80mg/kg) in Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis model. AzA ameliorated the adjuvant-induced arthritis by decreasing arthritic score, paw volume, improved body-weight alterations and serum levels of PGE2, 5-LOX and anti-ccp. AzA showed significant down regulation of NF-κB, COX-II, TNF-α, IL-17, IL-1β, IL-6, and up regulation of IL4 and IL10. Hemoglobin and RBCs count remarkably increased and ESR, CRP, platelets, WBCs levels markedly reduced in post treatment. In addition, the weakened SOD (superoxide dismutase), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione (GSH) activity and the increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were all reversed by AzA treatment. And showed improved radiographical and histologic alterations in the structure of the joints. Molecular docking studies targeting COX-II, iNOS, TNF-α, 5-LOX, IL4, IL10, IL-6, and IL-17 establish a correlation between theoretical and experimental results. Results showed that AzA inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines (COX-II, TNF-α, 5-LOX, IL-17, NF-κB, IL-1β, and IL-6) and increase anti-inflammatory cytokines, which supported the anti-arthritic and immunomodulatory potential of AzA.

Influence of different pre-cooling methods on the postharvest storage of 'Kyoho' grapes (Vitis Labrusca × Vinifera 'Kyoho')

Abstract Various pre-cooling methods for ‘Kyoho’ grapes were selected, such as forced-air pre-cooling (FAPC), vacuum pre-cooling (VPC), natural convection pre-cooling (NCPC), electrolyzed water pre-cooling (EWPC), cold water pre-cooling (CWPC), and fluid ice pre-cooling (FIPC). The aim is to determine the most suitable pre-cooling method for grapes. The storage temperature of grapes was (4±0.5) ℃, with a relative humidity of 85%, and physiological parameters were measured every 5 days. All precooling methods, except for NCPC, were able to complete the precooling process within 20 minutes. Interestingly, water and ice cooling methods were not suitable for pre-cooling grapes, probably due to microbial growth and damage to cellular tissue. In contrast, three groups of air pre-cooling methods were more effective in preserving freshness, the best of which was FAPC. It was found that FAPC inhibited grape weight loss, moisture loss, respiration rate, total viable count (TVC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and relative electrolyte leakage (REL), while stimulating the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL). It also suppressed the activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO). Additionally, in the FAPC group, optimal hardness, titratable acidity (TA), and vitamin C (VC) content were observed. Among all the tested methods, FAPC demonstrated better efficacy in delaying the softening and senescence of 'Kyoho' grapes, thereby preserving the fruit's quality and nutritional content.

Cadmium exposure on physiological responses of Erythrophleum fordii seedlings: A comparative study

The adaptability and tolerance of native species to heavy metal-contaminated soils can provide crucial insights for the development of effective heavy metal remediation strategies. Erythrophleum fordii (E. fordii) is a native hardwood species endemic to southern China that exhibits nitrogen fixation and soil improvement capabilities. This study examined the growth and physiological responses of E. fordii seedlings to varying cadmium (Cd) concentrations (control, Cd50, Cd100, Cd150, corresponding to 0, 50, 100, and 150 ppm), aimed to ascertain its potential role in phytoremediation efforts. Current results demonstrated that a moderate concentration of Cd (Cd50) significantly enhanced several plant characteristics, including plant height, root biomass, stem biomass, net photosynthetic rate, maximum net photosynthetic rate, and light saturation point. These observed improvements ranged from 12.15 % to 32.88 %, compared with control. Conversely, the highest Cd level (Cd150) resulted in substantial reductions in plant height, root biomass, chlorophyll content, and gas exchange parameters. Furthermore, malondialdehyde content increased markedly at Cd100 and Cd150 levels by 68.86 % and 118.92 %, respectively. The activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase) and the content of osmotic regulatory substances (soluble protein and soluble sugar) reached their peaks at Cd100 level, increased by 32.61–88.39 %. This indicated E. fordii's capacity to mitigate Cd-induced stress. Significant correlations were observed between growth indicators, chlorophyll content, and net photosynthetic rate, as well as between antioxidant enzymes and osmotic substances. The principal component analysis highlighted the superior performance of E. fordii in Cd50 treatment. The results revealed that moderate Cd promoted growth, photosynthetic activity, and physiological resilience in E. fordii, whereas the highest concentration of Cd (Cd150) was detrimental. These findings offer perceptiveness to the cultivation of E. fordii and its tolerance to heavy metals, with implications for the remediation of Cd-contaminated soils.

Interaction Between Aging-Related Elastin-Derived Peptide (VGVAPG) and Sirtuin 2 and its Impact on Functions of Human Neuron Cells in an In Vitro Model.

Elastin is a stable protein present in many tissues, including brain tissues, and is one of the most long-life proteins with a half-life of approximately 70 years. The peptide with a Val-Gly-Val-Ala-Pro-Gly (VGVAPG) amino acid sequence is released during elastin decay, which correlates with aging-related neurodegeneration. A recent study has shown enhanced protein expression of Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2 - one of the redox homeostatic factors) in aged rodent brains, while the correlation between VGVAPG and SIRT2 has never been evaluated so far. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the impact of the VGVAPG hexapeptide on SIRT2 and neuronal functions in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells at the gene and protein expression levels. The present results showed that VGVAPG caused a 52.69% decrease in the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as in the case of neurons treated with AGK2 (Sirtuin 2 inhibitor) after 24h and 48h. Furthermore, a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was observed. The SIRT2 gene expression was found to fluctuate after 6h and 24h as a result of the exposure to the VGVAPG peptide. In turn, a decrease in the PPARγ, P53, SOD2, and CAT mRNA expression was shown in VGVAPG-treated cells. Additionally, an increase in the Sirtuin 2 protein expression was recorded after 24h and 48h in the VGVAPG peptide-treated neurons. Last but not least, the decrease in the level of acetylation of α-tubulin after the hexapeptide treatment was correlated with shortening of neurites, which may indicate the destabilization of the microtubule and ROS-independent induction of neurodegeneration.

Exogenous Calcium Alleviates the Photosynthetic Inhibition and Oxidative Damage of the Tea Plant under Cold Stress

Calcium (Ca2+), a second messenger, plays a crucial role in plant growth and development as well as in responding to biotic and abiotic stresses. In this work, we explored the role of exogenous calcium in alleviating cold stress and examined the relationship between calcium chloride (CaCl2) and calcium channel blockers, lanthanum chloride (LaCl3), in tea plants under cold stress at the physiological and transcriptional levels. Exogenous Ca2+ partially offsets the negative impacts of cold stress which increased the tolerance of tea plants by significantly raising the photochemical efficiency of PSII, protective enzyme activities, and the ABA content, which reduced the relative electrical conductivity (REC) level and the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. At the transcriptome level, exogenous Ca2+ significantly enhanced the expression of key genes involved in cold response pathways. Nevertheless, LaCl3 treatment not only significantly inhibited the activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT), but also increased cold damage. This study aims to provide essential insight into the role of exogenous Ca2+ in tea plants responding to cold stress, and to better understand the molecular mechanisms that facilitate Ca-mediated cold tolerance.

Effect of regular winter swimming on blood morphological, rheological, and biochemical indicators and activity of antioxidant enzymes in males

BackgroundExposure of the human body to cold water triggers numerous beneficial physiological changes. The study aimed to assess the impact of regular winter swimming on blood morphological, rheological, and biochemical indicators and activity of antioxidant enzymes in males.MethodsThe study involved 10 male winter swimmers (the same participants examined before the season and after the season) and 13 males (not winter swimming, leading a sedentary lifestyle) in the control group. Fasting blood was collected twice: in November and in March of the following year. Basic blood morphological indicators, red cell elongation index (EI) and aggregation index (AI), concentrations of testosterone, cortisol, urea, and creatinine, as well as plasma activity of antioxidant enzymes of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were determined.ResultsThe data were collected from the same winter swimmers at the beginning and end of the season. Winter swimming resulted in a significant increase of EI values at a shear stress of 0.30 (p = 0.40), 0.58 (p < 0.001), 4.24 (p = 0.021), 8.23 (p = 0.001), 15.59 (p = 0.001), 30.94 (p = 0.004), and 60.00 Pa (p = 0.043); haemoglobin was lower than before the season (p < 0.027). No significant changes were observed in AI, AMP, T1/2, the levels of urea, creatinine, eGFR, testosterone, cortisol, or the activity of CAT or SOD. There was a statistically significant increase in GPx activity (p = 0.014) and increase in testosterone concentration (p = 0.035) in the group of winter swimmers examined before the season as compared with the control group. No statistically significant differences were found for the mean values of blood morphological indicators and other parameters.ConclusionsWinter swimming can prove to be a health-promoting factor in males, as indicated by a rise in the deformability of red blood cells in the blood vessel system after a full season of winter swimming, leading to better body oxygenation, and improves the antioxidant defence and testosterone concentration (within standard limits) in the group of winter swimmers examined before the season as compared with the control group. Winter swimming helps maintain appropriate levels of blood rheological indicators, urea, creatinine, eGFR, cortisol, testosterone, and activity of antioxidant enzymes.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT06223087, 15.01.2024.

Anti-Depressant Like Effects of Aethoscytus Foveolus Oil by Improving Stress-mediated Alterations of Monoamine Oxidase, Oxidative Stress, and Neuroinflammation In-vivo.

Depression is a neuropsychological disorder with a complex pathophysiology and its pharmacotherapy is compromised by adverse side effects. Addressing the need for effective treatment for depression, the current study aims to characterize the antidepressant activity of oil extract derived from Aethoscytus foveolus, bugs that are widely available in India, in a mice model of stress-induced depression. Chemical moieties characterized by GC-MS of A. foveolus oil extract have shown good affinity for monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) in-silico. In-vitro MAO-inhibitory assay using mouse brain homogenates also showed similar results at IC50 1.363 nM (R2 = 0.981, SD ± 0.05, n = 3) of it. These results encouraged us to investigate the antidepressant potential of this oil extract in vivo. Stress-exposed mice (Swiss Albino, either sex, 25-30 gm) were administered 5 and 10 mg/kg doses of oil extract and classified as separate groups (N = 6 per group). Behavioral tests like the forced-swim test, tail-suspension test, and open-field test demonstrated significant attenuation of stress-induced depressive-like behavior of mice by both doses (p < 0.0001 with positive control group i.e., stress group), while biochemical tests on mice brain tissues showed amelioration of stress-induced hyperactivation of MAO (p < 0.0001) and oxidative stress (by increasing Superoxide dismutase and catalase, while reducing lipid peroxidase and nitric oxide) (p < 0.0001). The altered mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines (NF-κB, IL-6, IL-12, and TNF-α) (p < 0.015) was also improved by this oil extract. In addition, histopathology of hippocampus tissues of mice supports that this oil recovers stress-mediated structural changes of the brain. In conclusion our findings suggest that oil derived from A. foveolus could be beneficial in the alleviation of stress-mediated depressive-like behavior of mice, and in our knowledge, this is the first report identifying anti-neurodegenerative potential of A. foveolus.

Effects of polystyrene microspheres on the swimming behavior and metabolism of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

Microplastics (MPs) are a heterogeneous class of pollutants fouling aquatic environments and they are hazardous to aquatic organisms. This study investigated the size-dependent effects of polystyrene microspheres (PSMPs) on the swimming ability, metabolism, and oxidative stress of juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Test fish were exposed to four sizes of PSMPs (0.07, 0.5, 5, and 20-μm), and swimming ability was tested after different exposure times (2, 7, and 15 days). To measure the effect on swimming ability, critical swimming speed (Ucrit) was determined, and to assess metabolic effects, oxygen consumption (MO2), routine metabolic rate (RMR), maximum oxygen consumption (MMR), and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) were determined. To assess the effects on oxidative stress, the activities of two antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were determined in the liver and gills of test fish. After exposure to 20 μm PSMPs, there was a significant drop in Ucrit compared to the control group (P<0.05), with decreases of 22% on Day 2 and Day 7, and 21% on Day 15. The RMR and MMR increased significantly (P<0.05), the RMR by 23.9% on Day 2 and the MMR by 17.2% on Day 2 and on Day 15, 44.7% and 20.0% respectively. The EPOC decreased with exposure time, by 31% (0.07-μm), 45%-(0.5-μm), 49% (5-μm), and 57% (20-μm) after 15 days. Exposure to the larger PSMPs increased CAT and SOD activity more than the smaller PSMPs and the increases began with SOD activity in the gills. The larger PSMPs were consistently more harmful to juvenile grass carp than the smaller PSMPs. Our results clearly show that PSMPs have detrimental effects on juvenile grass carp and provide additional scientific evidence that environmental monitoring and regulation of microplastic pollution is necessary.

Modulation of the Human Erythrocyte Antioxidant System by the 5- and 6-Membered Heterocycle-Based Nitroxides.

Nitroxides are stable radicals consisting of a nitroxyl group, >N-O•, which carries an unpaired electron. This group is responsible for the paramagnetic and antioxidant properties of these compounds. A recent study evaluated the effects of pyrrolidine and pyrroline derivatives of nitroxides on the antioxidant system of human red blood cells (RBCs). It showed that nitroxides caused an increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the level of methemoglobin (MetHb) in cells (in pyrroline derivatives) but had no effect on the activity of catalase and lactate dehydrogenase. Nitroxides also reduced the concentration of ascorbic acid (AA) in cells but did not cause any oxidation of proteins or lipids. Interestingly, nitroxides initiated an increase in thiols in the plasma membranes and hemolysate. However, the study also revealed that nitroxides may have pro-oxidant properties. The drop in the AA concentration and the increase in the MetHb level and in SOD activity may indicate the pro-oxidant properties of nitroxides in red blood cells.

The Bacillus subtilis yqgC-sodA operon protects magnesium-dependent enzymes by supporting manganese efflux.

Microbes encounter a myriad of stresses during their life cycle. Dysregulation of metal ion homeostasis is increasingly recognized as a key factor in host-microbe interactions. Bacterial metal ion homeostasis is tightly regulated by dedicated metalloregulators that control uptake, sequestration, trafficking, and efflux. Here, we demonstrate that deletion of the Bacillus subtilis yqgC-sodA (YS) complex operon, but not deletion of the individual genes, causes hypersensitivity to manganese (Mn). YqgC is an integral membrane protein of unknown function, and SodA is a Mn-dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). The YS strain has reduced expression of two Mn efflux proteins, MneP and MneS, consistent with the observed Mn sensitivity. The YS strain accumulated high levels of Mn, had increased reactive radical species (RRS), and had broad metabolic alterations that can be partially explained by the inhibition of Mg-dependent enzymes. Although the YS operon deletion strain and an efflux-deficient mneP mneS double mutant both accumulate Mn and have similar metabolic perturbations, they also display phenotypic differences. Several mutations that suppressed Mn intoxication of the mneP mneS efflux mutant did not benefit the YS mutant. Further, Mn intoxication in the YS mutant, but not the mneP mneS strain, was alleviated by expression of Mg-dependent, chorismate-utilizing enzymes of the menaquinone, siderophore, and tryptophan (MST) family. Therefore, despite their phenotypic similarities, the Mn sensitivity in the mneP mneS and the YS deletion mutants results from distinct enzymatic vulnerabilities.IMPORTANCEBacteria require multiple trace metal ions for survival. Metal homeostasis relies on the tightly regulated expression of metal uptake, storage, and efflux proteins. Metal intoxication occurs when metal homeostasis is perturbed and often results from enzyme mis-metalation. In Bacillus subtilis, Mn-dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is the most abundant Mn-containing protein and is important for oxidative stress resistance. Here, we report novel roles for MnSOD and a co-regulated membrane protein, YqgC, in Mn homeostasis. Loss of both MnSOD and YqgC (but not the individual proteins) prevents the efficient expression of Mn efflux proteins and leads to a large-scale perturbation of the metabolome due to inhibition of Mg-dependent enzymes, including key chorismate-utilizing MST (menaquinone, siderophore, and tryptophan) family enzymes.