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Nutrients Jun 2024The relationship between maternal oxidative balance score (OBS) in pregnancy, representing overall oxidative balance status by integrating dietary and lifestyle factors,...
The relationship between maternal oxidative balance score (OBS) in pregnancy, representing overall oxidative balance status by integrating dietary and lifestyle factors, and congenital heart defects (CHD) remains unclear; therefore, this study attempted to explore their associations among the Chinese population. We conducted a case-control study including 474 cases and 948 controls in Northwest China. Pregnant women were interviewed to report diets and lifestyles in pregnancy by structured questionnaires. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the adjusted ORs (95%CIs). Maternal OBS ranged from 6 to 34 among cases, and 5 to 37 among controls. Comparing the highest with the lowest tertile group, the adjusted OR for CHD was 0.31 (0.19-0.50). The CHD risk was reduced by 7% (OR = 0.93, 95%CI = 0.90-0.95) in association with per 1 higher score of OBS during pregnancy. The inverse relationship between maternal OBS and CHD risk appeared to be more pronounced among participants in urban areas (OR = 0.89, 95%CI = 0.86-0.93). Maternal OBS during pregnancy showed good predictive values for fetal CHD, with the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.78 (0.76-0.81). These findings highlighted the importance of reducing oxidative stress through antioxidant-rich diets and healthy lifestyles among pregnant women to prevent fetal CHD.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Heart Defects, Congenital; Adult; Case-Control Studies; China; Oxidative Stress; Diet; Risk Factors; Life Style; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Logistic Models; Antioxidants; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38931180
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121825 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Cancer therapy, from malignant tumor inhibition to cellular eradication treatment, remains a challenge, especially regarding reduced side effects and low energy...
Cancer therapy, from malignant tumor inhibition to cellular eradication treatment, remains a challenge, especially regarding reduced side effects and low energy consumption during treatment. Hence, phytochemicals as cytotoxic sensitizers or photosensitizers deserve special attention. The dark and photo-response of Yemenite 'Etrog' leaf extracts applied to prostate PC3 cancer cells is reported here. An XTT cell viability assay along with light microscope observations revealed pronounced cytotoxic activity of the extract for long exposure times of 72 h upon concentrations of 175 μg/mL and 87.5 μg/mL, while phototoxic effect was obtained even at low concentration of 10.93 μg/mL and a short introduction period of 1.5 h. For the longest time incubation of 72 h and for the highest extract concentration of 175 μg/mL, relative cell survival decreased by up to 60% (below the IC). In combined phyto-photodynamic therapy, a reduction of 63% compared to unirradiated controls was obtained. The concentration of extract in cells versus the accumulation time was inversely related to fluorescence emission intensity readings. Extracellular ROS production was also shown. Based on an ATR-FTIR analysis of the powdered leaves and their liquid ethanolic extract, biochemical fingerprints of both polar and non-polar phyto-constituents were identified, thereby suggesting their implementation as phyto-medicine and phyto-photomedicine.
Topics: Humans; Male; Plant Extracts; Photochemotherapy; Prostatic Neoplasms; Plant Leaves; Cell Survival; Photosensitizing Agents; PC-3 Cells; Reactive Oxygen Species; Yemen; Cell Line, Tumor; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
PubMed: 38931175
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121820 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Nucleotides (NTs) act as pivotal regulatory factors in numerous biological processes, playing indispensable roles in growth, development, and metabolism across...
Nucleotides (NTs) act as pivotal regulatory factors in numerous biological processes, playing indispensable roles in growth, development, and metabolism across organisms. This study delves into the effects of exogenous NTs on hepatic insulin resistance using palmitic-acid-induced HepG2 cells, administering interventions at three distinct dosage levels of exogenous NTs. The findings underscore that exogenous NT intervention augments glucose consumption in HepG2 cells, modulates the expression of glycogen-synthesis-related enzymes (glycogen synthase kinase 3β and glycogen synthase), and influences glycogen content. Additionally, it governs the expression levels of hepatic enzymes (hexokinase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and glucose-6-phosphatase). Moreover, exogenous NT intervention orchestrates insulin signaling pathway (insulin receptor substrate-1, protein kinase B, and forkhead box protein O1) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, exogenous NT intervention fine-tunes the expression levels of oxidative stress-related markers (malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, and NADPH oxidase 4) and the expression of inflammation-related nuclear transcription factor (NF-κB). Lastly, exogenous NT intervention regulates the expression levels of glucose transporter proteins (GLUTs). Consequently, exogenous NTs ameliorate insulin resistance in HepG2 cells by modulating the IRS-1/AKT/FOXO1 pathways and regulate glucose consumption, glycogen content, insulin signaling pathways, AMPK activity, oxidative stress, and inflammatory status.
Topics: Humans; Hep G2 Cells; Insulin Resistance; Palmitic Acid; Insulin Receptor Substrate Proteins; Forkhead Box Protein O1; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Signal Transduction; Nucleotides; Glucose; Oxidative Stress; Glycogen; Insulin
PubMed: 38931156
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121801 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024An extremely hazardous heavy metal called cadmium (Cd) is frequently released into the soil, causing a considerable reduction in plant productivity and safety. In an...
An extremely hazardous heavy metal called cadmium (Cd) is frequently released into the soil, causing a considerable reduction in plant productivity and safety. In an effort to reduce the toxicity of Cd, silicon dioxide nanoparticles were chosen because of their capability to react with metallic substances and decrease their adsorption. This study examines the processes that underlie the stress caused by Cd and how SiONPs may be able to lessen it through modifying antioxidant defense, oxidative stress, and photosynthesis. A 100 μM concentration of Cd stress was applied to the hydroponically grown wild rice line, and 50 μM of silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiONPs) was given. The study depicted that when 50 μM SiONPs was applied, there was a significant decrease in Cd uptake in both roots and shoots by 30.2% and 15.8% under 100 μM Cd stress, respectively. The results illustrated that Cd had a detrimental effect on carotenoid and chlorophyll levels and other growth-related traits. Additionally, it increased the levels of ROS in plants, which reduced the antioxidant capability by 18.8% (SOD), 39.2% (POD), 32.6% (CAT), and 25.01% (GR) in wild rice. Nevertheless, the addition of silicon dioxide nanoparticles reduced oxidative damage and the overall amount of Cd uptake, which lessened the toxicity caused by Cd. Reduced formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including MDA and HO, and an increased defense system of antioxidants in the plants provided evidence for this. Moreover, SiONPs enhanced the Cd resistance, upregulated the genes related to antioxidants and silicon, and reduced metal transporters' expression levels.
PubMed: 38931146
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121715 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) form an important group of organic pollutants due to their distribution in the environment and their carcinogenic and/or...
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) form an important group of organic pollutants due to their distribution in the environment and their carcinogenic and/or mutagenic effects. In order to identify at the molecular level some of the players in the biodegradation and tolerance response to PAHs in plants, we have phenotyped 32 T-DNA mutant lines corresponding to 16 cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes that showed to be differentially expressed under contrasted stress conditions induced by phenanthrene, a 3-ring PAH. This screening has allowed us to identify (At5g07990) T-DNA mutants as the only ones being sensitive to phenanthrene-induced stress, supporting that CYP75B1 protein is necessary for PAH tolerance. codes for a 3'flavonol hydroxylase. gene was heterologously expressed on yeast in order to investigate whether it affects the response to phenanthrene by participating in its metabolization. Heterologously-produced CYP75B1 enzyme shows to be catalytically efficient against its physiological substrates (e.g., naringenin) but unable to metabolize phenanthrene or 9-phenanthrenol. In contrast, CYP75B1 seems rather involved in phenanthrene tolerance as a crucial element by regulating concentration of antioxidants through the production of 3'-hydroxylated flavonoids such as quercetin and cyanidin. In particular, we report a highly increased generation of reactive oxygen species (HO and singlet oxygen) in mutants compared to control plants in response to phenanthrene treatment. Overall, CYP75B1 shows to play an important role in the response to the deleterious effects of phenanthrene exposure and this is related to oxidative stress sensitivity rather than metabolization.
PubMed: 38931123
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121692 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The family Caryophyllaceae comprises more than 2600 species spread widely across all the continents. Their economic importance is mainly as ornamentals (carnation) and... (Review)
Review
The family Caryophyllaceae comprises more than 2600 species spread widely across all the continents. Their economic importance is mainly as ornamentals (carnation) and as weeds in agriculture. Some species have been used traditionally (and some are still) in herbal medicine or as emulsifiers in food processing. These applications are based on the high content of triterpenoid saponins. Typical for this family are also ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs), which are potentially highly toxic. L. (common corncockle) was historically considered a serious toxicological hazard owing to cereal grain contamination by its seeds. Notwithstanding, it was also recommended as a drug by various herbalists. In this review, the literature was searched in the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases for papers focused on the chemical composition and bioactivity of the two accepted species of the genus. This systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Current research reports the cytotoxicity against neoplastic cells; the protection against oxidative stress; the suppression of culture growth; the inhibition of protein synthesis; and the antiviral, anti-angiogenic, and antihypercholesterolemic activities of common corncockle. The future prospects of using saponins as adjuvants in drug formulations and enhancing the cytotoxicity of RIPs are also discussed.
PubMed: 38931105
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121673 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Plant growth and productivity are predicted to be affected by rising CO concentrations, drought and temperature stress. The C crop model in a changing climate is...
Plant growth and productivity are predicted to be affected by rising CO concentrations, drought and temperature stress. The C crop model in a changing climate is Willd-a protein-rich pseudohalphyte (Amaranthaceae). Morphophysiological, biochemical and molecular genetic studies were performed on quinoa grown at ambient (400 ppm, aCO) and elevated (800 ppm, eCO) CO concentrations, drought (D) and/or high temperature (eT) treatments. Among the single factors, drought caused the greatest stress response, inducing disturbances in the light and dark photosynthesis reactions (PSII, apparent photosynthesis) and increasing oxidative stress (MDA). Futhermore, compensation mechanisms played an important protective role against eT or eCO. The disruption of the PSII function was accompanied by the activation of the expression of , a gene of PSI cyclic electron transport (CET). Wherein under these conditions, the constant Rubisco content was maintained due to an increase in its biosynthesis, which was confirmed by the activation of gene expression. In addition, the combined stress treatments D+eT and eCO+D+eT caused the greatest negative effect, as measured by increased oxidative stress, decreased water use efficiency, and the functioning of protective mechanisms, such as photorespiration and the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, decreased PSII efficiency and increased non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) were not accompanied by the activation of protective mechanisms involving PSI CET. In summary, results show that the greatest stress experienced by plants was caused by drought and the combined stresses D+eT and eCO+D+eT. Thus, drought consistently played a decisive role, leading to increased oxidative stress and a decrease in defense mechanism effectiveness.
PubMed: 38931098
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121666 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Flooding stress is an increasingly serious problem in wetlands, often affecting large areas of crops and timber production areas. The current study aimed to explore the...
Flooding stress is an increasingly serious problem in wetlands, often affecting large areas of crops and timber production areas. The current study aimed to explore the species differences in responses to flooding stress between and in an outdoor environment. All the tested plants survived after a 60-day flooding treatment that left 5 cm of water above the soil surface. This suggests that the two species are flood-tolerant, so they can be applied in the construction of riparian protection forests and wetland restoration. Compared with control conditions, flooding treatment significantly decreased seedling height and diameter and the P, G, T, F/F, ABS/CS, TR/CS, ET/CS, RE/CS, IAA, and GA content and significantly increased the content of MDA, HO, soluble sugars, SOD, POD, ADH, ABA, and JA. Under control conditions, showed significantly greater growth and photosynthetic capability than . In contrast, exhibited less inhibition of growth and photosynthesis, oxidative stress levels, and antioxidant enzyme activities than under flooding conditions. The findings indicate that has better defense mechanisms against the damage caused by flooding stress than . was more sensitive and responsive to flooding than .
PubMed: 38931092
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121658 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Cadmium (Cd) is a naturally occurring toxic heavy metal that adversely affects plant germination, growth, and development. While the effects of Cd have been described on...
Cadmium (Cd) is a naturally occurring toxic heavy metal that adversely affects plant germination, growth, and development. While the effects of Cd have been described on many crop species including rice, maize, wheat and barley, few studies are available on cadmium's effect on Tartary buckwheat which is a traditional grain in China. We examined nine genotypes and found that 30 µM of Cd reduced the root length in seedlings by between 4 and 44% and decreased the total biomass by 7 to 31%, compared with Cd-free controls. We identified a significant genotypic variation in sensitivity to Cd stress. Cd treatment decreased the total root length and the emergence and growth of lateral roots, and these changes were significantly greater in the Cd-sensitive genotypes than in tolerant genotypes. Cd resulted in greater wilting and discoloration in sensitive genotypes than in tolerant genotypes and caused more damage to the structure of root and leaf cells. Cd accumulated in the roots and shoots, but the concentrations in the sensitive genotypes were significantly greater than in the more tolerant genotypes. Cd treatment affected nutrient uptake, and the changes in the sensitive genotypes were greater than those in the tolerant genotypes, which could maintain their concentrations closer to the control levels. The induction of SOD, POD, and CAT activities in the roots and shoots was significantly greater in the tolerant genotypes than in the sensitive genotypes. We demonstrated that Cd stress reduced root and shoot growth, decreased plant biomass, disrupted nutrient uptake, altered cell structure, and managed Cd-induced oxidative stress differently in the sensitive and tolerant genotypes of Tartary buckwheat.
PubMed: 38931082
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121650 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Petitgrain essential oil (PGEO) is derived from the water distillation process on mandarin () leaves. The chemical constituents of PGEO were analyzed by gas...
Petitgrain essential oil (PGEO) is derived from the water distillation process on mandarin () leaves. The chemical constituents of PGEO were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method which revealed the presence of six compounds (100%). The major peaks were for methyl-N-methyl anthranilate (89.93%) and γ-terpinene (6.25%). Over 19 days, zebrafish (Tubingen strain) received PGEO (25, 150, and 300 μL/L) before induction of cognitive impairment with scopolamine immersion (SCOP, 100 μM). Anxiety-like behavior and memory of the zebrafish were assessed by a novel tank diving test (NTT), Y-maze test, and novel object recognition test (NOR). Additionally, the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and the extent of the brain's oxidative stress were explored. In conjunction, in silico forecasts were used to determine the pharmacokinetic properties of the principal compounds discovered in PGEO, employing platforms such as SwissADME, Molininspiration, and pKCSM. The findings provided evidence that PGEO possesses the capability to enhance memory by AChE inhibition, alleviate SCOP-induced anxiety during behavioral tasks, and diminish brain oxidative stress.
PubMed: 38931080
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121648