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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 -
Biomolecules Jun 2024Cytochrome (Cyt) is important for both mitochondrial respiration and apoptosis, both of which are altered in cancer cells that switch to Warburg metabolism and manage...
Cytochrome (Cyt) is important for both mitochondrial respiration and apoptosis, both of which are altered in cancer cells that switch to Warburg metabolism and manage to evade apoptosis. We earlier reported that lysine 53 (K53) of Cyt is acetylated in prostate cancer. K53 is conserved in mammals that is known to be essential for binding to cytochrome oxidase and apoptosis protease activating factor-1 (Apaf-1). Here we report the effects of this acetylation on the main functions of cytochrome by expressing acetylmimetic K53Q in cytochrome double knockout cells. Other cytochrome variants analyzed were wild-type, K53R as a control that maintains the positive charge, and K53I, which is present in some non-mammalian species. Intact cells expressing K53Q cytochrome showed 49% decreased mitochondrial respiration and a concomitant increase in glycolytic activity (Warburg effect). Furthermore, mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased, correlating with notably reduced basal mitochondrial superoxide levels and decreased cell death upon challenge with HO or staurosporine. To test for markers of cancer aggressiveness and invasiveness, cells were grown in 3D spheroid culture. K53Q cytochrome -expressing cells showed profoundly increased protrusions compared to WT, suggesting increased invasiveness. We propose that K53 acetylation of cytochrome is an adaptive response that mediates prostate cancer metabolic reprogramming and evasion of apoptosis, which are two hallmarks of cancer, to better promote tumor survival and metastasis.
Topics: Prostatic Neoplasms; Humans; Cytochromes c; Male; Acetylation; Apoptosis; Lysine; Cell Line, Tumor; Mitochondria; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial; Metabolic Reprogramming
PubMed: 38927098
DOI: 10.3390/biom14060695 -
Biomolecules Jun 2024Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contain at least one oxygen atom and one or more unpaired electrons and include singlet oxygen, superoxide anion radical, hydroxyl radical,... (Review)
Review
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contain at least one oxygen atom and one or more unpaired electrons and include singlet oxygen, superoxide anion radical, hydroxyl radical, hydroperoxyl radical, and free nitrogen radicals. Intracellular ROS can be formed as a consequence of several factors, including ultra-violet (UV) radiation, electron leakage during aerobic respiration, inflammatory responses mediated by macrophages, and other external stimuli or stress. The enhanced production of ROS is termed oxidative stress and this leads to cellular damage, such as protein carbonylation, lipid peroxidation, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage, and base modifications. This damage may manifest in various pathological states, including ageing, cancer, neurological diseases, and metabolic disorders like diabetes. On the other hand, the optimum levels of ROS have been implicated in the regulation of many important physiological processes. For example, the ROS generated in the mitochondria (mitochondrial ROS or mt-ROS), as a byproduct of the electron transport chain (ETC), participate in a plethora of physiological functions, which include ageing, cell growth, cell proliferation, and immune response and regulation. In this current review, we will focus on the mechanisms by which mt-ROS regulate different pathways of host immune responses in the context of infection by bacteria, protozoan parasites, viruses, and fungi. We will also discuss how these pathogens, in turn, modulate mt-ROS to evade host immunity. We will conclude by briefly giving an overview of the potential therapeutic approaches involving mt-ROS in infectious diseases.
Topics: Reactive Oxygen Species; Humans; Mitochondria; Animals; Oxidative Stress; Infections; Immunity
PubMed: 38927073
DOI: 10.3390/biom14060670 -
The Korean Journal of Physiology &... Jul 2024Diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) has been widely used as an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase (Nox) to discover its function in cardiac myocytes under various stimuli. However, the...
Diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) has been widely used as an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase (Nox) to discover its function in cardiac myocytes under various stimuli. However, the effects of DPI itself on Ca signaling and contraction in cardiac myocytes under control conditions have not been understood. We investigated the effects of DPI on contraction and Ca signaling and their underlying mechanisms using video edge detection, confocal imaging, and whole-cell patch clamp technique in isolated rat cardiac myocytes. Application of DPI suppressed cell shortenings in a concentration-dependent manner (IC of ≅0.17 µM) with a maximal inhibition of ~70% at ~100 µM. DPI decreased the magnitude of Ca transient and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca content by 20%-30% at 3 µM that is usually used to remove the Nox activity, with no effect on fractional release. There was no significant change in the half-decay time of Ca transients by DPI. The L-type Ca current (ICa) was decreased concentration-dependently by DPI (IC of ≅40.3 µM) with ≅13.1%-inhibition at 3 µM. The frequency of Ca sparks was reduced by 3 µM DPI (by ~25%), which was resistant to a brief removal of external Ca and Na. Mitochondrial superoxide level was reduced by DPI at 3-100 µM. Our data suggest that DPI may suppress L-type Ca channel and RyR, thereby attenuating Ca-induced Ca release and contractility in cardiac myocytes, and that such DPI effects may be related to mitochondrial metabolic suppression.
PubMed: 38926841
DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2024.28.4.335 -
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 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Sepsis is a potential fetal organ destruction brought on through an overzealous immunologic reaction to infection, causing severe inflammation, septic shock, and damage...
Sepsis is a potential fetal organ destruction brought on through an overzealous immunologic reaction to infection, causing severe inflammation, septic shock, and damage to different organs. Although there has been progress in the identification and controlling of clinical sepsis, the fatality rates are still significant. This study, for the first time, intended to examine the possible ameliorative impact of Nebivolol, a β1-adrenergic antagonist antihypertensive drug, against nephrotoxicity resulted from cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis in rats, on molecular basis. Sixty male Wistar albino rats were chosen. Oxidative stress indicators and biochemical markers of kidney activity were evaluated. Inflammatory mediators, fibrosis- and apoptosis-related proteins and gene expressions were investigated. Moreover, renal histopathological investigation was performed. CLP-induced nephrotoxicity characterized by markedly elevated serum levels of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, and renal malondialdhyde. On the other hand, it decreased serum total protein level, renal superoxide dismutase activity and reduced glutathione level. Additionally, it significantly elevated the renal inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, ilnerlukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β) and Caspase-3 protein, reduced IL-10 level, amplified the expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), p-Smad2/3 and alpha-smooth-muscle actin proteins, downregulated the B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) gene and elevated the transcription of Bcl-2-associated X-protein (Bax), p53 and Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) genes. Furtheremor, kidney tissues exhibited significant histopathological changes with CLP. On the contrary, Nebivolol significantly improved all these biochemical changes and enhanced the histopathological alterations obtained by CLP. This research showed, for the first time, that Nebivolol effectively mitigated the CLP-induced kidney dysfunction via its antioxidant, antifibrotic and anti-apoptotic activity through modulation of oxidative stress, TGF-β/NF-κB and TGF-β/Smad/p53 signaling pathways.
Topics: Animals; Oxidative Stress; Nebivolol; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; Rats; Male; Sepsis; Signal Transduction; Rats, Wistar; Smad Proteins; Kidney; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Apoptosis; Transforming Growth Factor beta1; Kidney Diseases
PubMed: 38926458
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64577-5 -
Journal of Plant Physiology Jun 2024Seed inoculation with entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) causes plant-mediated effects against arthropod herbivores, but the responses vary among EPF isolates. We used a wheat...
Seed inoculation with entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) causes plant-mediated effects against arthropod herbivores, but the responses vary among EPF isolates. We used a wheat model system with three isolates representing Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium spp. causing either negative or positive effects against the aphid Rhopalosiphum padi. Activities of six carbohydrate enzymes increased in plants showing biomass build-up after EPF inoculations. However, only aldolase activity showed positive correlation with R. padi numbers. Plants inoculated with M. robertsii hosted fewest aphids and showed increased activity of superoxide dismutase, implying a defense strategy of resistance towards herbivores. In M. brunneum-inoculated plants, hosting most R. padi, activities of catalase and glutathione reductase were increased suggesting enhanced detoxification responses towards aphids. However, M. brunneum simultaneously increased plant growth indicating that this isolate may cause the plant to tolerate herbivory. EPF seed inoculants may therefore mediate either tolerance or resistance towards biotic stress in plants in an isolate-dependent manner.
PubMed: 38924905
DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2024.154298 -
PloS One 2024Spilanthes filicaulis (Schumach. & Thonn.) C. D Adam is a shrubby plant of the Asteraceae family that has medicinal benefits for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic...
Spilanthes filicaulis (Schumach. & Thonn.) C. D Adam leaf extract prevents assault of streptozotocin on liver cells via inhibition of oxidative stress and activation of the NrF2/Keap1, PPARγ, and PTP1B signaling pathways.
BACKGROUND
Spilanthes filicaulis (Schumach. & Thonn.) C. D Adam is a shrubby plant of the Asteraceae family that has medicinal benefits for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Spilanthes filicaulis leaf extract in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rat model and the associated signaling pathways.
METHODS
A sample of 25 male Wistar rats was randomly assigned to groups I, II, III, IV, and V. Each group included five animals, i.e., control rats, diabetic control rats, diabetic rats treated with metformin, and diabetic rats treated with 150 mg/kg/bw and 300 mg/kg/bw of the methanolic extract of S. filicaulis leaves (MESFL). Treatment was administered for 15 successive days via oral gavage. After 15 days, the rats were evaluated for fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), lipid peroxidation (MDA), hexokinase, and glucose-6-phosphatase activities. Gene expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and the antiapoptotic protein caspase-3 were examined.
RESULTS
MESFL was administered to diabetic rats, and changes in body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c were restored. Furthermore, in diabetic rats, S. filicaulis significantly reduced the levels of triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and significantly increased HDL. S. filicaulis improved ALT, AST, and ALP enzyme activity in diabetic rats. MDA levels decreased considerably with increasing activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as GST, SOD, CAT and GSH, in diabetic liver rats treated with S. filicaulis. Diabetic rats treated with MESFL and metformin exhibited upregulated mRNA expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ). Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) mRNA expression in the liver was downregulated in diabetic rats treated with MESFL and metformin. In addition, MESFL downregulated the mRNA expression of caspase-3 in diabetic rats.
CONCLUSION
It can be concluded from the data presented in this study that MESFL exerts a protective effect on diabetic rats due to its antidiabetic, antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic and antiapoptotic effects and may be considered a treatment for T2DM.
Topics: Animals; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Male; Plant Extracts; Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1; Oxidative Stress; Plant Leaves; Signal Transduction; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; PPAR gamma; Liver; Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 1; Asteraceae; Streptozocin; Hypoglycemic Agents
PubMed: 38924022
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306039 -
Toxins May 2024The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aflatoxin B (AFB) on cholestasis in duck liver and its nutritional regulation. Three hundred sixty 1-day-old...
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aflatoxin B (AFB) on cholestasis in duck liver and its nutritional regulation. Three hundred sixty 1-day-old ducks were randomly divided into six groups and fed for 4 weeks. The control group was fed a basic diet, while the experimental group diet contained 90 μg/kg of AFB. Cholestyramine, atorvastatin calcium, taurine, and emodin were added to the diets of four experimental groups. The results show that in the AFB group, the growth properties, total bile acid (TBA) serum levels and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione (GSH) liver levels decreased, while the malondialdehyde (MDA) and TBA liver levels increased ( < 0.05). Moreover, AFB caused cholestasis. Cholestyramine, atorvastatin calcium, taurine, and emodin could reduce the TBA serum and liver levels ( < 0.05), alleviating the symptoms of cholestasis. The qPCR results show that AFB upregulated () and () gene expression and downregulated () gene expression in the liver, and taurine and emodin downregulated and gene expression ( < 0.05). In summary, AFB negatively affects health and alters the expression of genes related to liver bile acid metabolism, leading to cholestasis. Cholestyramine, atorvastatin calcium, taurine, and emodin can alleviate AFB-induced cholestasis.
Topics: Animals; Aflatoxin B1; Ducks; Cholestasis; Liver; Bile Acids and Salts; Poultry Diseases; Cholestyramine Resin; Animal Feed
PubMed: 38922135
DOI: 10.3390/toxins16060239