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International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Increased fructose consumption and chronic stress, the major characteristics of modern lifestyle, impact human health; however, the consequences of their combination on...
Increased fructose consumption and chronic stress, the major characteristics of modern lifestyle, impact human health; however, the consequences of their combination on the uterus remain understudied. In this study, we investigated contractile activity, morphology, and intracellular activity of antioxidant enzymes in uteri from virgin Wistar rats subjected to liquid fructose supplementation and/or unpredictable stress over 9 weeks. Contractile activity and uterine response to oxytocin or adrenaline were examined using isolated bath chambers. Fructose supplementation, irrespective of stress, affected uterine morphology by increasing endometrium while decreasing myometrium volume density, attenuated uterine response to increasing doses of oxytocin, and increased glutathione peroxidase activity. Stress, irrespective of fructose, attenuated dose-dependent adrenaline-induced uterine relaxation. Stress, when applied solely, decreased mitochondrial superoxide dismutase activity. In the combined treatment, irregular estrous cycles and both reduced response to oxytocin and to adrenaline (as a consequence of fructose consumption and exposure to stress), along with fructose-related alteration of uterine morphology, were detected. In conclusion, fructose and stress affect uterine contractile activity, irrespective of each other, by inducing completely distinct responses in isolated uteri. In the combined treatment, the effects of both factors were evident, suggesting that the combination exerts more detrimental effects on the uterus than each factor individually.
Topics: Animals; Female; Fructose; Rats; Uterine Contraction; Rats, Wistar; Oxytocin; Uterus; Epinephrine; Stress, Physiological; Stress, Psychological; Superoxide Dismutase; Dietary Supplements; Myometrium; Antioxidants
PubMed: 38928475
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126770 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Hydrogen sulfide (HS) is a novel gasotransmitter. Sucrose (SUC) is a source of cellular energy and a signaling molecule. Maize is the third most common food crop...
Hydrogen sulfide (HS) is a novel gasotransmitter. Sucrose (SUC) is a source of cellular energy and a signaling molecule. Maize is the third most common food crop worldwide. However, the interaction of HS and SUC in maize thermotolerance is not widely known. In this study, using maize seedlings as materials, the metabolic and functional interactions of HS and SUC in maize thermotolerance were investigated. The data show that under heat stress, the survival rate and tissue viability were increased by exogenous SUC, while the malondialdehyde content and electrolyte leakage were reduced by SUC, indicating SUC could increase maize thermotolerance. Also, SUC-promoted thermotolerance was enhanced by HS, while separately weakened by an inhibitor (propargylglycine) and a scavenger (hypotaurine) of HS and a SUC-transport inhibitor (N-ethylmaleimide), suggesting the interaction of HS and SUC in the development of maize thermotolerance. To establish the underlying mechanism of HS-SUC interaction-promoted thermotolerance, redox parameters in mesocotyls of maize seedlings were measured before and after heat stress. The data indicate that the activity and gene expression of HS-metabolizing enzymes were up-regulated by SUC, whereas HS had no significant effect on the activity and gene expression of SUC-metabolizing enzymes. In addition, the activity and gene expression of catalase, glutathione reductase, ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase, dehydroascorbate reductase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, and superoxide dismutase were reinforced by HS, SUC, and their combination under non-heat and heat conditions to varying degrees. Similarly, the content of ascorbic acid, flavone, carotenoid, and polyphenol was increased by HS, SUC, and their combination, whereas the production of superoxide radicals and the hydrogen peroxide level were impaired by these treatments to different extents. These results imply that the metabolic and functional interactions of HS and sucrose signaling exist in the formation of maize thermotolerance through redox homeodynamics. This finding lays the theoretical basis for developing climate-resistant maize crops and improving food security.
Topics: Zea mays; Hydrogen Sulfide; Oxidation-Reduction; Thermotolerance; Sucrose; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Heat-Shock Response; Seedlings; Plant Proteins
PubMed: 38928304
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126598 -
Genes Jun 2024Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease targeting the brain and spinal cord. Non-neuronal cells, including macrophages, may contribute to the...
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease targeting the brain and spinal cord. Non-neuronal cells, including macrophages, may contribute to the disruption of motor neurons (MNs), neuromuscular junction dismantling and clinical signs of ALS. Understanding the modality and the effect of MNs-macrophage communication is pivotal. Here, we focus on extracellular vesicle (EVS)-mediated communication and, in particular, we analyze the response of macrophages. NSC-34 cells transfected with mutant SOD1 (G93A, A4V, G85R, G37R) and differentiated towards MN-like cells, and Raw 264.7 macrophages are the cellular models of the study. mSOD1 NSC-34 cells release a high number of vesicles, both large-lEVs (300 nm diameter) and small-sEVs (90 nm diameter), containing inflammation-modulating molecules, and are efficiently taken up by macrophages. RT-PCR analysis of inflammation mediators demonstrated that the conditioned medium of mSOD1 NSC-34 cells polarizes Raw 264.7 macrophages towards both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory phenotypes. sEVs act on macrophages in a time-dependent manner: an anti-inflammatory response mediated by TGFβ firstly starts (12 h); successively, the response shifts towards a pro-inflammation IL-1β-mediated (48 h). The response of macrophages is strictly dependent on the SOD1 mutation type. The results suggest that EVs impact physiological and behavioral macrophage processes and are of potential relevance to MN degeneration.
Topics: Animals; Extracellular Vesicles; Mice; RAW 264.7 Cells; Superoxide Dismutase-1; Macrophages; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Motor Neurons; Inflammation; Mutation; Transfection; Humans
PubMed: 38927671
DOI: 10.3390/genes15060735 -
Biomedicines May 2024The escalating rates of morbidity and mortality associated with opioid use disorder (OUD) have spurred a critical need for improved treatment outcomes. This study aimed...
The escalating rates of morbidity and mortality associated with opioid use disorder (OUD) have spurred a critical need for improved treatment outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the impact of prolonged exposure to Fentanyl, a potent opioid, on behavior, biochemical markers, oxidative stress, and the composition of the gut microbiome. Additionally, we sought to explore the therapeutic potential of in mitigating the adverse effects of Fentanyl withdrawal. The study unveiled that chronic Fentanyl administration induced a withdrawal syndrome characterized by elevated cortisol levels (12.09 mg/mL, compared to 6.3 mg/mL for the control group). This was accompanied by heightened anxiety, indicated by a reduction in time spent and entries made into the open arm in the Elevated Plus Maze Test, as well as depressive-like behaviors, manifested through increased immobility time in the Forced Swim Test. Additionally, Fentanyl exposure correlated with decreased gut microbiome density and diversity, coupled with heightened oxidative stress levels, evidenced by elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced levels of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). However, both post- and co-administration of exhibited substantial improvements in these adverse effects, effectively alleviating symptoms associated with OUD withdrawal syndrome and eliciting positive influences on gut microbiota. In conclusion, this research underscores the therapeutic potential of in managing Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms. The findings indicate promising effects in alleviating behavioral impairments, reducing stress, restoring gut microbiota, and mitigating oxidative stress, offering valuable insights for addressing the challenges of OUD treatment.
PubMed: 38927359
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061152 -
Biology Jun 2024The prevalence of waterpipe tobacco smoking (WPS) is increasing worldwide and is relatively high among youth and young adults. It has been shown, both experimentally and...
The prevalence of waterpipe tobacco smoking (WPS) is increasing worldwide and is relatively high among youth and young adults. It has been shown, both experimentally and clinically, that WPS exposure adversely affects the cardiovascular and hematological systems through the generation of oxidative stress and inflammation. Our study aimed to evaluate the impact of WPS exposure on erythrocytes, a major component of the hematological system, of BALB/c mice. Here, we assessed the effect of nose-only WPS exposure for four consecutive weeks on erythrocyte inflammation, oxidative stress, and eryptosis. The duration of the session was 30 min/day, 5 days/week. Control mice were exposed to air. Our results showed that the levels of C-reactive protein, lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase, and total nitric oxide (NO) were significantly increased in the plasma of WPS-exposed mice. The number of erythrocytes and the hematocrit were significantly decreased in WPS-exposed mice compared with the control group. Moreover, there was an increase in the erythrocyte fragility in mice exposed to WPS compared with those exposed to air. The levels of lactate dehydrogenase, LPO, reduced glutathione, catalase, and NO were significantly increased in the red blood cells (RBCs) of WPS-exposed mice. In addition, erythrocytes of the WPS-exposed group showed a significant increase in ATPase activity, Ca, annexin V binding, and calpain activity. Taken together, our findings suggest that WPS exposure elevated inflammation and oxidative stress in the plasma and induced hemolysis in vivo. It also caused alterations of RBCs oxidative stress and eryptosis in vitro. Our data confirm the detrimental impact of WPS on erythrocyte physiology.
PubMed: 38927333
DOI: 10.3390/biology13060453 -
Biology Jun 2024Canola is the largest self-produced vegetable oil source in China, although excessive levels of cadmium, lead, and arsenic seriously affect its yield. Therefore,...
Canola is the largest self-produced vegetable oil source in China, although excessive levels of cadmium, lead, and arsenic seriously affect its yield. Therefore, developing methods to identify canola materials with good heavy metal tolerance is a hot topic for canola breeding. In this study, canola near-isogenic lines with different oil contents (F338 (40.62%) and F335 (46.68%) as the control) and heavy metal tolerances were used as raw materials. In an experiment with 100 times the safe standard values, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities of F335 were 32.02 mmol/mg and 71.84 mmol/mg, while the activities of F338 were 24.85 mmol/mg and 63.86 mmol/mg, exhibiting significant differences. The DEGs and DAPs in the MAPK signaling pathway of the plant hormone signal transduction pathway and other related pathways were analyzed and verified using RT-qPCR. SAUR36 and SAUR32 were identified as the key differential genes. The expression of the SAUR36 gene in canola materials planted in the experimental field was significantly higher than in the control, and FY958 exhibited the largest difference (27.82 times). In this study, SOD and SAUR36 were found to be closely related to heavy metal stress tolerance. Therefore, they may be used to screen for new canola materials with good heavy metal stress tolerance for canola breeding.
PubMed: 38927321
DOI: 10.3390/biology13060441 -
Biology May 2024The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of Res and EGCG on cell growth, cellular antioxidant levels, and cellular lipid metabolism in hepatocytes. In this...
The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of Res and EGCG on cell growth, cellular antioxidant levels, and cellular lipid metabolism in hepatocytes. In this experiment, leghorn male hepatoma (LMH) cells were used as hepatocytes. The results showed that 6.25-25 μM Res and EGCG had no adverse effects on cell viability and growth. Meanwhile, with the increasing dosage of Res and EGCG, the contents of total cholesterol (TC), total glyceride (TG), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in hepatocytes decreased significantly ( < 0.05), while the contents of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and catalase (CAT) increased significantly ( < 0.05). In addition, western blot results showed that Res and EGCG could significantly increase the expression of p-AMPK protein and reduce the expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) protein in hepatocytes ( < 0.05). Moreover, q-PCR results showed that with the increase in Res and EGCG, the expression of cholesterol- and fatty acid synthesis-related genes decreased significantly ( < 0.05). In conclusion, Res and EGCG can increase the antioxidant capacity of hepatocytes and reduce the synthesis of TC and TG in hepatocytes by activating AMPK, thereby regulating lipid metabolism in hepatocytes.
PubMed: 38927248
DOI: 10.3390/biology13060368 -
Biology May 2024Flooding and drought are the two most devastating natural hazards limiting maize production. Exogenous glycinebetaine (GB), an osmotic adjustment agent, has been...
Flooding and drought are the two most devastating natural hazards limiting maize production. Exogenous glycinebetaine (GB), an osmotic adjustment agent, has been extensively used but there is limited research on its role in mitigating the negative effects of different abiotic stresses. This study aims to identify the different roles of GB in regulating the diverse defense regulation of maize against drought and flooding. Hybrids of Yindieyu 9 and Heyu 397 grown in pots in a ventilated greenhouse were subjected to flooding (2-3 cm standing layer) and drought (40-45% field capacity) at the three-leaf stage for 8 d. The effects of different concentrations of foliar GB (0, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0, and 10.0 mM) on the physiochemical attributes and growth of maize were tested. Greater drought than flooding tolerance in both varieties to combat oxidative stress was associated with higher antioxidant activities and proline content. While flooding decreased superoxide dismutase and guaiacol peroxidase (POD) activities and proline content compared to normal water, they all declined with stress duration, leading to a larger reactive oxygen species compared to drought. It was POD under drought stress and ascorbate peroxidase under flooding stress that played crucial roles in tolerating water stress. Foliar GB further enhanced antioxidant ability and contributed more effects to POD to eliminate more hydrogen peroxide than the superoxide anion, promoting growth, especially for leaves under water stress. Furthermore, exogenous GB made a greater increment in Heyu 397 than Yindieyu 9, as well as flooding compared to drought. Overall, a GB concentration of 5.0 mM, with a non-toxic effect on well-watered maize, was determined to be optimal for the effective mitigation of water-stress damage to the physiochemical characteristics and growth of maize.
PubMed: 38927240
DOI: 10.3390/biology13060360 -
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024, as a notorious fungal pathogen, is associated with high morbidity and mortality worldwide due to its ability to form biofilms and persisters that can withstand...
, as a notorious fungal pathogen, is associated with high morbidity and mortality worldwide due to its ability to form biofilms and persisters that can withstand currently available antifungals. Direct current (DC) has demonstrated a promising antimicrobial effect and synergistic effect with antimicrobials against various infections. Here, we first found DC exerted a killing effect on planktonic and biofilm cells. Moreover, DC showed a synergistic effect with fluconazole (FLC) and amphotericin B (AMB). Notably, near-to-complete eradication of AMB-tolerant biofilm persisters was achieved upon DC treatment. Next, the mechanism of action of DC was explored through mapping the genes and proteomic profiles of DC-treated . The multi-omics analysis, quantitative real-time PCR and assay of reactive oxygen species (ROS) demonstrated DC exerted an antifungal effect on by increasing cellular oxidative stress. As revealed by multiple analyses (e.g., protein assay based on absorbance at 280 nm and rhodamine 6G assay), DC was able to enhance membrane permeability, inhibit drug efflux and increase cellular FLC/AMB concentration of , thereby mediating its synergism with the antifungals. Furthermore, DC inhibited superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) expression and manganese-containing SOD (Mn SOD) activity, leading to ROS production and enhanced killing of biofilm persisters. The current findings demonstrate that the adjunctive use of DC in combination with antifungals is a promising strategy for effective control of infections and management of antifungal resistance/tolerance in biofilms.
PubMed: 38927187
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13060521 -
BMC Plant Biology Jun 2024Canola, a vital oilseed crop, is grown globally for food and biodiesel. With the enormous demand for growing various crops, the utilization of agriculturally marginal...
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 Ca 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.
Topics: Brassica napus; Salicylic Acid; Salt Stress; Chlorophyll; Plant Growth Regulators; Plant Leaves; Sodium Chloride; Antioxidants
PubMed: 38926637
DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05314-y