-
Food Science & Nutrition Mar 2024To extend the postharvest storage life of broccoli samples ( L. var. ), an exogenous application of citric acid (CA), salicylic acid (SA), and putrescine (PUT) was...
Exogenous citric acid, salicylic acid, and putrescine treatments preserve the postharvest quality and physicochemical properties of broccoli ( L. var. ) during cold storage.
To extend the postharvest storage life of broccoli samples ( L. var. ), an exogenous application of citric acid (CA), salicylic acid (SA), and putrescine (PUT) was tested in multiple combinations (0.5 and 1 mM) at 4 ± 0.5°C and 90 ± 5% relative humidity (RH) for 21 days (d). The weight loss (WL), respiration rate (RR), total soluble solids (TSS), pH, color (*, *, *, chroma, and hue angle), proximate and mineral contents, phenolic and flavonoid contents, and other biochemical properties of the treated and untreated broccoli samples were evaluated throughout the storage duration. The lowest WL was observed when exposed to 0.5 mM of PUT. 1 mM CA and PUT treatments were affected by RR, depending on storage conditions. The lowest TSS content was observed in broccoli samples treated with 0.5 mM CA among all treatments. The chroma value of the samples was preserved by the 0.5 mM SA treatment. The most abundant element in broccoli samples was potassium in the control application, followed by a 1 mM SA treatment. In addition, the protein content was the highest in the 1 mM PUT treatment. The highest vitamin C was determined in the 1 mM CA treatment, and the most abundant vanillic acid was found in broccoli exposed to the 0.5 mM and treatment. Glucose content was determined at the lowest level in the 0.5 mM SA treatment, while higher increases occurred in other treatments. In terms of these findings, 1 mM CA, 1 mM SA, and 1 mM PUT delay WL, RR, and color degradation and prolong the storage life of broccoli samples stored at 4 ± 0.5°C. It was concluded that the biochemical content, fresh weight, and green color of broccoli samples throughout postharvest and storage can be maintained longer by exogenous application of these natural compounds. Therefore, we recommend 1 mM PUT and 1 mM CA treatments to maintain the quality of broccoli by minimizing losses in morphological properties, mineral, and biochemical compositions during postharvest storage.
PubMed: 38455170
DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3862 -
Functional Polymeric Membranes with Antioxidant Properties for the Colorimetric Detection of Amines.Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023Herein, the ability of highly porous colorimetric indicators to sense volatile and biogenic amine vapors in real time is presented. Curcumin-loaded polycaprolactone...
Herein, the ability of highly porous colorimetric indicators to sense volatile and biogenic amine vapors in real time is presented. Curcumin-loaded polycaprolactone porous fiber mats are exposed to various concentrations of off-flavor compounds such as the volatile amine trimethylamine, and the biogenic amines cadaverine, putrescine, spermidine, and histamine, in order to investigate their colorimetric response. CIELAB color space analysis demonstrates that the porous fiber mats can detect the amine vapors, showing a distinct color change in the presence of down to 2.1 ppm of trimethylamine and ca. 11.0 ppm of biogenic amines, surpassing the limit of visual perception in just a few seconds. Moreover, the color changes are reversible either spontaneously, in the case of the volatile amines, or in an assisted way, through interactions with an acidic environment, in the case of the biogenic amines, enabling the use of the same indicator several times. Finally, yet importantly, the strong antioxidant activity of the curcumin-loaded fibers is successfully demonstrated through DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. Through such a detailed study, we prove that the developed porous mats can be successfully established as a reusable smart system in applications where the rapid detection of alkaline vapors and/or the antioxidant activity are essential, such as food packaging, biomedicine, and environmental protection.
Topics: Antioxidants; Colorimetry; Curcumin; Biogenic Amines; Polymers
PubMed: 38005674
DOI: 10.3390/s23229288 -
Scientific Reports Oct 2023Herbaceous peony is a perennial root plant that likes light and is cold-resistant. During summer, high temperature and strong light intensity advance its entry into the...
Herbaceous peony is a perennial root plant that likes light and is cold-resistant. During summer, high temperature and strong light intensity advance its entry into the leaf wilting stage, which limits the accumulation of nutrients and formation of strong buds and severely affects its growth and development the following year. In this study, the wild herbaceous peony species and two main cultivars, 'Zifengyu' and 'Hongfengyu', were subjected to slight shading and strong light environments in summer, and their effects on leaf senescence and endogenous hormone and polyamine contents were explored. Slight shading treatment significantly delayed withering, increased the leaf net photosynthetic rate, and increased the chlorophyll, soluble sugar, indole-3-acetic acid, zeatin, gibberellin, spermine, spermidine, putrescine, and polyamine contents. Additionally, slight shading significantly reduced the proline and abscisic acid contents. Slight shading during summer prolonged the green period and delayed leaf senescence. The tolerance of tested materials to strong light intensity in summer was ranked as follows: 'Zifengyu' > 'Hongfengyu' > wild species. In conclusion, this study revealed that summer leaf senescence is delayed in herbaceous peony through shading and growth regulators. Additional varieties should be evaluated to provide reference for high-efficiency, high-quality, and high-yield cultivation of herbaceous peony.
Topics: Paeonia; Polyamines; Plant Senescence; Photosynthesis; Hormones; Plants; Plant Leaves
PubMed: 37907675
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46192-y -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2023There are differences in the gut microbiome and metabolome when the host undergoes different physical or pathological conditions. However, the inter-relationship of...
ruminal fermentation and cow-to-mouse fecal transplantations verify the inter-relationship of microbiome and metabolome biomarkers: potential to promote health in dairy cows.
INTRODUCTION
There are differences in the gut microbiome and metabolome when the host undergoes different physical or pathological conditions. However, the inter-relationship of microbiome and metabolome biomarkers to potentially promote the health of dairy cows needs to be studied. Further, the development of next-generation probiotics for dairy cattle health promotion has not been demonstrated.
OBJECTIVE
In the present study, we identified the microbiome and metabolome biomarkers associated with healthy cows.
METHODS
We analyzed the relationships of the ruminal microorganism profile and metabolites between healthy and mastitis lactating dairy cows. The roles of bacterial biomarker were further verified by in vitro fermentation and cow-to-mouse fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).
RESULTS
Two species, and subsp. , and six rumen metabolites were positively correlated with healthy cows by Spearman's correlation analysis. Through in vitro ruminal fermentation, inoculating and subsp. showed the upregulation of the levels of putrescine, xanthurenic acid, and pyridoxal in the mastitis ruminal fluid, which confirmed the inter-relationships between these microbiota and metabolites associated with healthy cows. Further, we verified the role of and subsp. in promoting health by FMT. The administration of and subsp. reduced the death rate and recovered the bodyweight loss of germ-free mice caused by FMT mastitis feces.
DISCUSSION
We provided evidence that the bacterial biomarkers alter downstream metabolites. This could indirectly indicate that the two bacterial biomarkers have the potential to be used as next-generation probiotics for dairy cattle, although it needs more evidence to support our hypothesis. Two species, and subsp. , with three metabolites, putrescine, xanthurenic acid, and pyridoxal, identified in the ruminal fluid, may point to a new health-promoting and disease-preventing approach for dairy cattle.
PubMed: 37662996
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1228086 -
International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2023Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a major limiting factor for plant growth and crop production in acidic soils. This study aims to investigate the effects of γ-aminobutyric...
Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a major limiting factor for plant growth and crop production in acidic soils. This study aims to investigate the effects of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) priming on mitigating acid-Al toxicity to creeping bentgrass () associated with changes in plant growth, photosynthetic parameters, antioxidant defense, key metabolites, and genes related to organic acids metabolism. Thirty-seven-old plants were primed with or without 0.5 mM GABA for three days and then subjected to acid-Al stress (5 mmol/L AlCl·6HO, pH 4.35) for fifteen days. The results showed that acid-Al stress significantly increased the accumulation of Al and also restricted aboveground and underground growths, photosynthesis, photochemical efficiency, and osmotic balance, which could be effectively alleviated by GABA priming. The application of GABA significantly activated antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase, to reduce oxidative damage to cells under acid-Al stress. Metabolomics analysis demonstrated that the GABA pretreatment significantly induced the accumulation of many metabolites such as quinic acid, pyruvic acid, shikimic acid, glycine, threonine, erythrose, glucose-6-phosphate, galactose, kestose, threitol, ribitol, glycerol, putrescine, galactinol, and myo-inositol associated with osmotic, antioxidant, and metabolic homeostases under acid-Al stress. In addition, the GABA priming significantly up-regulated genes related to the transportation of malic acid and citric acid in leaves in response to acid-Al stress. Current findings indicated GABA-induced tolerance to acid-Al stress in relation to scavenging of reactive oxygen species, osmotic adjustment, and accumulation and transport of organic metabolites in leaves. Exogenous GABA priming could improve the phytoremediation potential of perennial creeping bentgrass for the restoration of Al-contaminated soils.
Topics: Agrostis; Aluminum; Antioxidants; Homeostasis; Osmosis
PubMed: 37762612
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814309 -
Journal of Translational Medicine Mar 2024Due to their complexity and to the presence of common clinical features, differentiation between asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be a...
BACKGROUND
Due to their complexity and to the presence of common clinical features, differentiation between asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be a challenging task, complicated in such cases also by asthma-COPD overlap syndrome. The distinct immune/inflammatory and structural substrates of COPD and asthma are responsible for significant differences in the responses to standard pharmacologic treatments. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis is of central relevance to assure the appropriate therapeutic intervention in order to achieve safe and effective patient care. Induced sputum (IS) accurately mirrors inflammation in the airways, providing a more direct picture of lung cell metabolism in comparison to those specimen that reflect analytes in the systemic circulation.
METHODS
An integrated untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics analysis was performed in IS of asthmatic (n = 15) and COPD (n = 22) patients based on Ultra-High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) and UHPLC-tandem MS (UHPLC-MS/MS). Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) was applied to resulting dataset. The analysis of main enriched metabolic pathways and the association of the preliminary metabolites/lipids pattern identified to clinical parameters of asthma/COPD differentiation were explored. Multivariate ROC analysis was performed in order to determine the discriminatory power and the reliability of the putative biomarkers for diagnosis between COPD and asthma.
RESULTS
PLS-DA indicated a clear separation between COPD and asthmatic patients. Among the 15 selected candidate biomarkers based on Variable Importance in Projection scores, putrescine showed the highest score. A differential IS bio-signature of 22 metabolites and lipids was found, which showed statistically significant variations between asthma and COPD. Of these 22 compounds, 18 were decreased and 4 increased in COPD compared to asthmatic patients. The IS levels of Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) (34:1), Phosphatidylglycerol (PG) (18:1;18:2) and spermine were significantly higher in asthmatic subjects compared to COPD.
CONCLUSIONS
This is the first pilot study to analyse the IS metabolomics/lipidomics signatures relevant in discriminating asthma vs COPD. The role of polyamines, of 6-Hydroxykynurenic acid and of D-rhamnose as well as of other important players related to the alteration of glycerophospholipid, aminoacid/biotin and energy metabolism provided the construction of a diagnostic model that, if validated on a larger prospective cohort, might be used to rapidly and accurately discriminate asthma from COPD.
Topics: Humans; Lipidomics; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Sputum; Diagnosis, Differential; Reproducibility of Results; Pilot Projects; Prospective Studies; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Asthma; Biomarkers; Metabolomics; Lipids
PubMed: 38521955
DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05100-2 -
Cells Jul 2023Polyamines are simple yet critical molecules with diverse roles in numerous pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms. Regulating polyamine concentrations affects the...
Polyamines are simple yet critical molecules with diverse roles in numerous pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms. Regulating polyamine concentrations affects the transcription and translation of genes and proteins important for cell growth, stress, and toxicity. One way polyamine concentrations are maintained within the cell is via spermidine/spermine -acetyltransferases (SSATs) that acetylate intracellular polyamines so they can be exported. The bacterial SpeG enzyme is an SSAT that exhibits a unique dodecameric structure and allosteric site compared to other SSATs that have been previously characterized. While its overall 3D structure is conserved, its presence and role in different bacterial pathogens are inconsistent. For example, not all bacteria have encoded in their genomes; in some bacteria, the gene is present but has become silenced, and in other bacteria, it has been acquired on mobile genetic elements. The latter is the case for methicillin-resistant (MRSA) USA300, where it appears to aid pathogenesis. To gain a greater understanding of the structure/function relationship of SpeG from the MRSA USA300 strain (SaSpeG), we determined its X-ray crystal structure in the presence and absence of spermine. Additionally, we showed the oligomeric state of SaSpeG is dynamic, and its homogeneity is affected by polyamines and AcCoA. Enzyme kinetic assays showed that pre-incubation with polyamines significantly affected the positive cooperativity toward spermine and spermidine and the catalytic efficiency of the enzyme. Furthermore, we showed bacterial SpeG enzymes do not have equivalent capabilities to acetylate aminopropyl versus aminbutyl ends of spermidine. Overall, this study provides new insight that will assist in understanding the SpeG enzyme and its role in pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria at a molecular level.
Topics: Spermidine; Spermine; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Polyamines; Acetyltransferases
PubMed: 37508494
DOI: 10.3390/cells12141829 -
Microbiology Spectrum Aug 2023Ceragenins, including CSA-13, are cationic antimicrobials that target the bacterial cell envelope differently than colistin. However, the molecular basis of their action...
Ceragenins, including CSA-13, are cationic antimicrobials that target the bacterial cell envelope differently than colistin. However, the molecular basis of their action is not fully understood. Here, we examined the genomic and transcriptome responses by Enterobacter hormaechei after prolonged exposure to either CSA-13 or colistin. Resistance of the 4236 strain (sequence type 89 [ST89]) to colistin and CSA-13 was induced during serial passages with sublethal doses of tested agents. The genomic and metabolic profiles of the tested isolates were characterized using a combination of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq), followed by metabolic mapping of differentially expressed genes using Pathway Tools software. The exposure of to colistin resulted in the deletion of the gene, whereas CSA-13 disrupted the genes encoding an outer membrane protein C and transcriptional regulator SmvR. Both compounds upregulated several colistin-resistant genes, such as the operon and , including genes coding for DedA proteins. The latter proteins, along with beta-barrel protein YfaZ and VirK/YbjX family proteins, were the top overexpressed cell envelope proteins. Furthermore, the l-arginine biosynthesis pathway and putrescine-ornithine antiporter PotE were downregulated in both transcriptomes. In contrast, the expression of two pyruvate transporters (YhjX and YjiY) and genes involved in pyruvate metabolism, as well as genes involved in generating proton motive force (PMF), was antimicrobial specific. Despite the similarity of the cell envelope transcriptomes, distinctly remodeled carbon metabolism (i.e., toward fermentation of pyruvate to acetoin [colistin] and to the glyoxylate pathway [CSA-13]) distinguished both antimicrobials, which possibly reflects the intensity of the stress exerted by both agents. Colistin and ceragenins, like CSA-13, are cationic antimicrobials that disrupt the bacterial cell envelope through different mechanisms. Here, we examined the genomic and transcriptome changes in Enterobacter hormaechei ST89, an emerging hospital pathogen, after prolonged exposure to these agents to identify potential resistance mechanisms. Interestingly, we observed downregulation of genes associated with acid stress response as well as distinct dysregulation of genes involved in carbon metabolism, resulting in a switch from pyruvate fermentation to acetoin (colistin) and the glyoxylate pathway (CSA-13). Therefore, we hypothesize that repression of the acid stress response, which alkalinizes cytoplasmic pH and, in turn, suppresses resistance to cationic antimicrobials, could be interpreted as an adaptation that prevents alkalinization of cytoplasmic pH in emergencies induced by colistin and CSA-13. Consequently, this alteration critical for cell physiology must be compensated via remodeling carbon and/or amino acid metabolism to limit acidic by-product production.
Topics: Colistin; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Acetoin; Pyruvic Acid; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Anti-Infective Agents; Glyoxylates; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Bacterial Proteins
PubMed: 37338344
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01215-23 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2024, a specific spoilage microorganism, has a strong capacity to destroy food protein and lead to spoilage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phase-dependent...
, a specific spoilage microorganism, has a strong capacity to destroy food protein and lead to spoilage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phase-dependent regulation of lux-type genes on the spoilage characteristics of H4. The auto-inducer synthase gene and a regulatory gene of the quorum sensing systems in H4 were knocked out to construct the mutant phenotypes. On this basis, the research found that the and genes had a strong positive influence on not only flagella-dependent swimming ability and biofilm formation but also the production of putrescine and cadaverine. The gene could downregulate putrescine production. The maximum accumulation of putrescine in wild type, Δ, Δ and Δ were detected at 24 h, reaching up to 695.23 mg/L, 683.02 mg/L, 776.30 mg/L and 724.12 mg/L, respectively. However, the and genes have a potential positive impact on the production of cadaverine. The maximum concentration of cadaverine produced by wild type, Δ, Δ and Δ were 252.7 mg/L, 194.5 mg/L, 175.1 mg/L and 154.2 mg/L at 72 h. Moreover, the self-organizing map analysis revealed the phase-dependent effects of two genes on spoilage properties. The gene played a major role in the lag phase, while the gene mainly acted in the exponential and stationary phases. Therefore, the paper provides valuable insights into the spoilage mechanisms of H4.
PubMed: 38472800
DOI: 10.3390/foods13050688 -
Biological Research Aug 2023Malignant cells adopt anoikis resistance to survive anchorage-free stresses and initiate cancer metastasis. It is still unknown how varying periods of anchorage loss...
BACKGROUND
Malignant cells adopt anoikis resistance to survive anchorage-free stresses and initiate cancer metastasis. It is still unknown how varying periods of anchorage loss contribute to anoikis resistance, cell migration, and metabolic reprogramming of cancerous cells.
RESULTS
Our study demonstrated that prolonging the anchorage-free lifetime of non-small-cell lung cancer NCI-H460 cells for 7 days strengthened anoikis resistance, as shown by higher half-life and capability to survive and grow without anchorage, compared to wild-type cells or those losing anchorage for 3 days. While the prolonged anchorage-free lifetime was responsible for the increased aggressive feature of survival cells to perform rapid 3-dimensional migration during the first 3 h of a transwell assay, no significant influence was observed with 2-dimensional surface migration detected at 12 and 24 h by a wound-healing method. Metabolomics analysis revealed significant alteration in the intracellular levels of six (oxalic acid, cholesterol, 1-ethylpyrrolidine, 1-(3-methylbutyl)-2,3,4,6-tetramethylbenzene, β-alanine, and putrescine) among all 37 identified metabolites during 7 days without anchorage. Based on significance values, enrichment ratios, and impact scores of all metabolites and their associated pathways, three principal metabolic activities (non-standard amino acid metabolism, cell membrane biosynthesis, and oxidative stress response) offered potential links with anoikis resistance.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings further our insights into the evolution of anoikis resistance in lung cancer cells and identify promising biomarkers for early lung cancer diagnosis.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Anoikis; Lung Neoplasms; Cell Line, Tumor; Metabolomics
PubMed: 37542350
DOI: 10.1186/s40659-023-00456-z