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ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Jun 2024Biothiol assays offer vital insights into health assessment and facilitate the early detection of potential health issues, thereby enabling timely and effective...
Biothiol assays offer vital insights into health assessment and facilitate the early detection of potential health issues, thereby enabling timely and effective interventions. In this study, we developed ultrasmall CuMn-Histidine (His) nanozymes with multiple enzymatic activities. CuMn-His enhanced peroxidase (POD)-like activity at neutral pH was achieved through hydrogen bonding and electrostatic effects. In addition, CuMn-His possesses laccase (LAC)-like and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activities at neutral pH. Based on three different enzyme mimetic activities of CuMn-His at neutral pH, the colorimetric sensing array without changing the buffer solution was successfully constructed. The array was successfully used for the identification of three biothiols, glutathione (GSH), cysteine (Cys), and homocysteine (Hcy). Subsequently, excellent application results were shown in complex serum and cellular level analyses. This study provides an innovative strategy for the development of ultrasmall bimetallic nanozymes with multiple enzymatic activities and the construction of colorimetric sensing arrays.
PubMed: 38940445
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c04844 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark... Jun 2024Apricot kernels containing amygdalin (AMG) as the major cyanogenic glycoside are potentially useful as a complementary therapy for the management of several ailments...
BACKGROUND
Apricot kernels containing amygdalin (AMG) as the major cyanogenic glycoside are potentially useful as a complementary therapy for the management of several ailments including cancer. Nevertheless, little is known regarding the toxic and therapeutic doses of AMG, particularly in terms of male reproduction. Hence, this study evaluates selected qualitative characteristics of rabbit testicular tissue following administration of AMG or apricot kernels for 28 days.
METHODS
The rabbits were randomly divided into five groups (Control, P1, P2, P3, P4). The Control received no AMG/apricot kernels while the experimental groups P1 and P2 received a daily intramuscular injection of amygdalin at a dose of 0.6 and 3.0 mg/kg of body weight (b.w.) for 28 days, respectively. P3 and P4 received a daily dose of 60 and 300 mg/kg b.w. of crushed apricot kernels mixed with feed for 28 days, respectively. Changes to the testicular structure were quantified morphometrically, while tissue lysates were subjected to the evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, total antioxidant capacity, activities of antioxidant enzymes, and glutathione concentration. The extent of damage to the proteins and lipids was quantified as well. Levels of selected cytokines were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay while a luminometric approach was used to assess the activity of caspases.
RESULTS
Rabbits treated with 3.0 mg/kg b.w. AMG presented a significantly increased protein oxidation ( = 0.0118) accompanied by a depletion of superoxide dismutase ( = 0.0464), catalase ( = 0.0317), and glutathione peroxidase ( = 0.0002). Significantly increased levels of interleukin-1 beta ( = 0.0012), tumor necrosis factors alpha ( = 0.0159), caspase-3/7 ( = 0.0014), and caspase-9 ( = 0.0243) were also recorded in the experimental group P2 when compared to the Control. No effects were observed in the rabbits treated with apricot kernels at the oxidative, inflammatory, and histopathological levels.
CONCLUSIONS
Apricot kernels did not induce toxicity in the testicular tissues of male rabbits, unlike pure AMG, which had a negative effect on male reproductive structures carried out through oxidative, inflammatory, and pro-apoptotic mechanisms.
Topics: Animals; Male; Rabbits; Testis; Amygdalin; Prunus armeniaca; Oxidative Stress; Reactive Oxygen Species; Antioxidants; Inflammation
PubMed: 38940029
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2906235 -
Current Medicinal Chemistry Jun 2024Methamphetamine (MA) is well recognized as a psychostimulant that can cause neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration, which is associated with cognitive decline, has been...
Europinidin Attenuates Methamphetamine-induced Learning and Memory Impairments and Hippocampal Alterations in Rodents: Based on Molecular Docking through a Mechanism of Neuromodulatory Cytokines/ Caspases-3/ CREB/BDNF Pathway.
BACKGROUND
Methamphetamine (MA) is well recognized as a psychostimulant that can cause neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration, which is associated with cognitive decline, has been confirmed experimentally.
OBJECTIVE
The research aimed to investigate the neuroprotective properties of europinidin (Eu) in rodents affected by methamphetamine (MA)-induced cognitive impairments and hippocampal alterations. This was achieved by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and pro-inflammatory markers.
METHODS
Rats were exposed to cognitive impairment produced by MA. The Morris water maze (MWM) is utilized for evaluating behavioral parameters. Tests were conducted on malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), interleukins-1β (IL-1β), reduced glutathione (GSH), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the expression of neurotransmitters (Norepinephrine [NE], dopamine [DA], glutamate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid [GABA]) as well as cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), IL-6, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and caspase 3 proteins. An investigation was carried out using docking methodology to ascertain whether Eu interacts with relevant molecular targets.
RESULTS
Significant decline in the transfer latency and there were significant changes in the amount of SOD, GSH, CAT, and MDA and alterations in levels of IL-6, IL-1β, CREB, TNF-α, BDNF, and Caspase 3 proteins expression, as well as considerably alterations in level of neurotransmitters (NE, DA, Glutamate, and GABA) were observed in the Eu-treated rats compared to the MA-induced rats. Eu had a favorable affinity towards BDNF with docking scores of -9.486 kcal/mol.
CONCLUSION
The experiment found that administering Eu to rats improved cognitive abilities by changing antioxidant enzymes, reducing cytokines, and modifying neurotransmitter levels, compared to rats in the control group treated with MA.
PubMed: 38939996
DOI: 10.2174/0109298673307759240614114201 -
Exploration (Beijing, China) Jun 2024COVID-19 is currently pandemic and the detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants in wastewater is causing widespread concern. Herein, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is proposed as...
COVID-19 is currently pandemic and the detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants in wastewater is causing widespread concern. Herein, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is proposed as a novel wastewater disinfection technology that effectively inactivates SARS-CoV-2 transcription- and replication-competent virus-like particles, coronavirus GX_P2V, pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 variants, and porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus in a large volume of water within 180 s (inhibition rate > 99%). Further, CAP disinfection did not adversely affect the viability of various human cell lines. It is identified that CAP produced peroxynitrite (ONOO), ozone (O), superoxide anion radicals (O ), and hydrogen peroxide (HO) as the major active substances for coronavirus disinfection. Investigation of the mechanism showed that active substances not only reacted with the coronavirus spike protein and affected its infectivity, but also destroyed the nucleocapsid protein and genome, thus affecting virus replication. This method provides an efficient and environmentally friendly strategy for the elimination of SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses from wastewater.
PubMed: 38939868
DOI: 10.1002/EXP.20230012 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024Sodium pheophorbide a (SPA) is a natural plant-derived photosensitizer, with high photoactivated antifungal activity against some phytopathogenic fungi. However, its...
INTRODUCTION
Sodium pheophorbide a (SPA) is a natural plant-derived photosensitizer, with high photoactivated antifungal activity against some phytopathogenic fungi. However, its fungicidal effect on , a novel pathogen that causes leaf spot blight, is unclear.
METHODS
In the present study, we explored its inhibitory effects on spore germination and mycelial growth of . Then we determined its effects on the cell membrane, mycelial morphology, redox homeostasis, and cell death through bioassay. Finally, RNA-seq was used further to elucidate its mode of action at the transcriptional level.
RESULTS
We found that SPA effectively inhibited the growth of , with half-maximal effective concentrations to inhibit mycelial growth and spore germination of 1.059 and 2.287 mg/mL, respectively. After 1.0 mg/mL SPA treatment, the conductivity and malondialdehyde content of were significantly increased. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy indicated that SPA significantly affected the morphology and ultrastructure of hyphae, revealing that SPA can destroy the mycelial morphology and cell structure, especially the cell membrane of . Furthermore, transcriptome analysis revealed that SPA significantly suppressed the expression of genes involved in morphology, cell membrane permeability, and oxidative stress. Then, we also found that SPA significantly promoted the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in of , while it decreased the content of reduced glutathione, inhibited the enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, and exacerbated DNA damage. Annexin V-FITC/PI staining also confirmed that 1.0 mg/mL SPA could significantly induce apoptosis and necrosis.
DISCUSSION
Generally, SPA can induce ROS-mediated oxidative stress and cell death, thus destroying the cell membrane and hyphal morphology, and ultimately inhibiting mycelial growth, which indicates that SPA has multiple modes of action, providing a scientific basis for the use of SPA as an alternative plant-derived photoactivated fungicide against leaf spot blight.
PubMed: 38939192
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1403478 -
PeerJ 2024Tungsten (W) is an emerging heavy metal pollutant, yet research remains scarce on the biomonitor and sensitive biomarkers for W contamination.
BACKGROUND
Tungsten (W) is an emerging heavy metal pollutant, yet research remains scarce on the biomonitor and sensitive biomarkers for W contamination.
METHODS
In this study, celery and pepper were chosen as study subjects and subjected to exposure cultivation in solutions with five different levels of W. The physiological and biochemical toxicities of W on these two plants were systematically analyzed. The feasibility of utilizing celery and pepper as biomonitor organisms for W contamination was explored and indicative biomarkers were screened.
RESULTS
The results indicated that W could inhibit plants' root length, shoot height, and fresh weight while concurrently promoting membrane lipid peroxidation. Additionally, W enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) to counteract oxidative damage. From a physiological perspective, pepper exhibited potential as a biomonitor for W contamination. Biochemical indicators suggested that SOD could serve as a sensitive biomarker for W in celery, while TAOC and POD were more suitable for the roots and leaves of pepper. In conclusion, our study investigated the toxic effects of W on celery and pepper, contributing to the understanding of W's environmental toxicity. Furthermore, it provided insights for selecting biomonitor organisms and sensitive biomarkers for W contamination.
Topics: Apium; Capsicum; Tungsten; Lipid Peroxidation; Superoxide Dismutase; Antioxidants; Catalase; Biomarkers; Ecotoxicology; Plant Roots; Plant Leaves; Oxidative Stress
PubMed: 38938608
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17601 -
Advances in Pharmacological and... 2024Nutritional supplements are gaining traction for their effects in mitigating the impacts of various health conditions. In particular, many supplements are being proposed...
Nutritional supplements are gaining traction for their effects in mitigating the impacts of various health conditions. In particular, many supplements are being proposed to reduce the impacts of type 2 diabetes (T2D), a metabolic condition that has reached global epidemic proportions. Recently, a supplement of oleic acid (OA) and succinic acid (SA; 1 : 1, w/w) was reported to improve glycaemic control in type 2 diabetic (T2D) Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats through ameliorating insulin release and sensitivity. Here, we investigate the effects of the supplement (OA and SA) on hepatic and pancreatic function in T2D S-D rats. Eighteen (18) S-D rats were rendered diabetic and were divided into three equal groups: diabetic control, diabetic treatment, and diabetic glibenclamide. Another 12 S-D rats were obtained and served as the normal groups. The animals were treated daily with the vehicle, OA and SA (800 mg/kg body weight (bw); 1 : 1), or glibenclamide (10 mg/kg bw) which served as the positive control. The findings indicated that treatment with the supplement resulted in a 35.69 ± 4.22% reduction (=0.006) in blood glucose levels (BGL). Analysis of hepatic enzymes depicted that the nutritional supplement reduced the activity of the gluconeogenesis enzyme, glucose-6-phosphatase (G6P) while improved the activity of catabolic enzymes such as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and pyruvate kinase (PK). Furthermore, the supplement attenuated oxidative stress through restoration of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Finally, the supplement showed no liver or kidney toxicity and improved the size and number of pancreatic islets of Langerhans, indicating its potential application in treating T2D. The study highlighted that a supplement of the two organic acids may be beneficial in reducing the rate of pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it may offer therapeutic value as a dietary or nutritional supplement in the approach against diabetes and its complications.
PubMed: 38938594
DOI: 10.1155/2024/5556722 -
Open Veterinary Journal May 2024Feed additives are products used in poultry nutrition to improve the quality of feed and the safety of food byproducts from animal origin. They are promising antibiotic...
BACKGROUND
Feed additives are products used in poultry nutrition to improve the quality of feed and the safety of food byproducts from animal origin. They are promising antibiotic alternatives for the production of broilers.
AIM
This study aimed to investigate the effect of sodium butyrate (SB) and RL on growth performance, biochemical profile, immunity, and carcass traits of broilers.
METHODS
Five hundred-one-day-old chicks of the Hubbard breed were reared on floor pens in a privet farm, Giza. The chicks were weighed on arrival (each chick weighted 43-45 gm) and randomly assigned into five equal groups, with four replicates each (25 chicks/replicate). Group 1 was fed on a broiler diet without any additions (control). The diets of groups 2 and 3 were supplemented with 500 g/ton SB and 4 kg/ton RL, respectively. In group 4, the diet was enriched with 250 g/ton SB plus 2 kg/ton RL. Chicks in group 5 were fed on a diet fortified with 500 g/ton SB plus 4 kg/ton RL.
RESULTS
Supplementation of broiler diet with 500 g/ton SB plus 4 kg /ton RL increased body weight gain (BWG) and feed efficiency ratio (FER) of birds. It decreased serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total cholesterol triglycerides, and malondialdehyde, but increased superoxide dismutase, catalase, and immunoglobulins, phagocytic activity, lysozyme activity, and nitric oxide concentrations. Antibody titers against the Newcastle disease virus were also elevated.
CONCLUSION
Supplementation of broiler diet with 500 g/ton SB plus 4 kg/ton RL gives the best result regarding productive efficiency and immunity of broiler chickens.
Topics: Animals; Chickens; Animal Feed; Butyric Acid; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Rosmarinus; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Random Allocation
PubMed: 38938426
DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i5.19 -
BMC Plant Biology Jun 2024In acidic soils, aluminum (Al) toxicity inhibits the growth and development of plant roots and affects nutrient and water absorption, leading to reduced yield and...
In acidic soils, aluminum (Al) toxicity inhibits the growth and development of plant roots and affects nutrient and water absorption, leading to reduced yield and quality. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate and identify candidate genes for Al tolerance and elucidate their physiological and molecular mechanisms under Al stress. In this study, we identified a new gene OsAlR3 regulating Al tolerance, and analyzed its mechanism from physiological, transcriptional and metabolic levels. Compared with the WT, malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (HO) content were significantly increased, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and citric acid (CA) content were significantly decreased in the osalr3 mutant lines when exposed to Al stress. Under Al stress, the osalr3 exhibited decreased expression of antioxidant-related genes and lower organic acid content compared with WT. Integrated transcriptome and metabolome analysis showed the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway plays an important role in OsAlR3-mediated Al tolerance. Exogenous CA and oxalic acid (OA) could increase total root length and enhance the antioxidant capacity in the mutant lines under Al stress. Conclusively, we found a new gene OsAlR3 that positively regulates Al tolerance by promoting the chelation of Al ions through the secretion of organic acids, and increasing the expression of antioxidant genes.
Topics: Aluminum; Oryza; Antioxidants; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Plant Proteins; Citric Acid; Plant Roots; Genes, Plant
PubMed: 38937693
DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05298-9 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit quality depends on many traits including visual, biochemical and mineral characteristics. One of the negative traits is aril...
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit quality depends on many traits including visual, biochemical and mineral characteristics. One of the negative traits is aril whitening (AW) which is a frequently observed disorder in hot and dry climates, that leads to decline in desirable fruit quality. Color, antioxidant, and mineral contents of the arils are of prime importance as quality traits. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of shading and foliar minerals on fruit quality during the fruit development stages of pomegranate. Treatments included shaded (50% green net) and unshaded trees and foliar application of trees with potassium sulfate (K, 1% and 2%) or sodium silicate (Si, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15%) during two growing seasons. Results showed that the severity of AW at harvest decreased significantly when trees were covered with shading compared to control. The color values of L* and ⁰hue for arils were lower in fruits grown under shading conditions indicating darker red arils. Shading significantly reduced chilling injury in cold storage compared to open field fruits. Shading and Si 0.15% increased superoxide dismutase, and catalase enzymes activity while decreased Polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase. Covering trees with shading and Si 0.15% spray resulted in the highest total anthocyanin, antioxidant activity, and total phenolics content in the arils. Shading as well as Si 0.15% increased macronutrients content of the arils. The study concluded that covering pomegranate trees and spraying with Si in hot climate reduced AW, increased antioxidant traits, and led to higher fruit quality.
Topics: Antioxidants; Fruit; Pomegranate; Silicates; Sulfates; Minerals; Color; Anthocyanins
PubMed: 38937529
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65084-3