-
PloS One 2024This study investigated the mitigating effects of spermidine on salinity-stressed yarrow plants (Achillea millefolium L.), an economically important medicinal crop....
This study investigated the mitigating effects of spermidine on salinity-stressed yarrow plants (Achillea millefolium L.), an economically important medicinal crop. Plants were treated with four salinity levels (0, 30, 60, 90 mM NaCl) and three spermidine concentrations (0, 1.5, 3 μM). Salinity induced electrolyte leakage in a dose-dependent manner, increasing from 22% at 30 mM to 56% at 90 mM NaCl without spermidine. However, 1.5 μM spermidine significantly reduced leakage across salinities by 1.35-11.2% relative to untreated stressed plants. Photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, b, carotenoids) also exhibited salinity- and spermidine-modulated responses. While salinity decreased chlorophyll a, both spermidine concentrations increased chlorophyll b and carotenoids under most saline conditions. Salinity and spermidine synergistically elevated osmoprotectants proline and total carbohydrates, with 3 μM spermidine augmenting proline and carbohydrates up to 14.4% and 13.1% at 90 mM NaCl, respectively. Antioxidant enzymes CAT, POD and APX displayed complex regulation influenced by treatment factors. Moreover, salinity stress and spermidine also influenced the expression of linalool and pinene synthetase genes, with the highest expression levels observed under 90 mM salt stress and the application of 3 μM spermidine. The findings provide valuable insights into the responses of yarrow plants to salinity stress and highlight the potential of spermidine in mitigating the adverse effects of salinity stress.
Topics: Spermidine; Achillea; Salt Stress; Chlorophyll; Photosynthesis; Carotenoids; Proline; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Salinity; Antioxidants; Sodium Chloride; Chlorophyll A
PubMed: 38923971
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304831 -
Physiologia Plantarum 2024Soil acidity is a global issue; soils with pH <4.5 are widespread in Europe. This acidity adversely affects nutrient availability to plants; pH levels <5.0 lead to...
Soil acidity is a global issue; soils with pH <4.5 are widespread in Europe. This acidity adversely affects nutrient availability to plants; pH levels <5.0 lead to aluminum (Al) toxicity, a significant problem that hinders root growth and nutrient uptake in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and its symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium. However, little is known about the specific traits and tolerant genotypes among the European faba beans. This study aimed to identify response traits associated with tolerance to root zone acidity and Al toxicity and potentially tolerant genotypes for future breeding efforts. Germplasm survey was conducted using 165 genotypes in a greenhouse aquaponics system. Data on the root and shoot systems were collected. Subsequently, 12 genotypes were selected for further phenotyping in peat medium, where data on physiological and morphological parameters were recorded along with biochemical responses in four selected genotypes. In the germplasm survey, about 30% of genotypes showed tolerance to acidity and approximately 10% exhibited tolerance to Al, while 7% showed tolerance to both. The phenotyping experiment indicated diverse morphological and physiological responses among treatments and genotypes. Acid and Al increased proline concentration. Interaction between genotype and environment was observed for ascorbate peroxidase activity, malondialdehyde, and proline concentrations. Genomic markers associated with acidity and acid+Al-toxicity tolerances were identified using GWAS analysis. Four faba bean genotypes with varying levels of tolerance to acidity and Al toxicity were identified.
Topics: Vicia faba; Aluminum; Genotype; Phenotype; Soil; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Plant Roots; Proline; Adaptation, Physiological; Acids
PubMed: 38922894
DOI: 10.1111/ppl.14404 -
Marine Drugs Jun 2024Cyclic glycine-proline (), a prevalent marine cyclic dipeptide, possesses a distinct pyrrolidine-2,5-dione scaffold, which contributes to the chemical diversity and... (Review)
Review
Cyclic glycine-proline (), a prevalent marine cyclic dipeptide, possesses a distinct pyrrolidine-2,5-dione scaffold, which contributes to the chemical diversity and broad bioactivities of . The diverse sources from marine-related, endogenous biological, and synthetic pathways and the in vitro and in vivo activities of are reviewed. The potential applications for are also explored. In particular, the pivotal roles of in regulating insulin-like growth factor-1 homeostasis, enhancing neuroprotective effects, and improving neurotrophic function in central nervous system diseases are described. The potential roles of this endogenous cyclic peptide in drug development and healthcare initiatives are also highlighted. This review underscores the significance of as a fundamental building block in drug discovery with exceptional drug-like properties and safety. By elucidating the considerable value of , this review aims to reignite interest in -related research within marine medicinal chemistry and synthetic biology.
Topics: Animals; Aquatic Organisms; Dipeptides; Peptides, Cyclic; Humans; Neuroprotective Agents; Drug Discovery; Glycine
PubMed: 38921582
DOI: 10.3390/md22060271 -
Metabolites Jun 2024Bell peppers ( L.) are prone to chilling injury (CI) when stored at temperatures below 7 °C. Melatonin, a natural plant regulator, plays a critical role in defending...
Bell peppers ( L.) are prone to chilling injury (CI) when stored at temperatures below 7 °C. Melatonin, a natural plant regulator, plays a critical role in defending against different pre- and post-harvest abiotic stresses, including those associated with cold storage. This study aimed to assess the effects of applying exogenous melatonin alone and in combination with a commercial wax on the CI tolerance, postharvest life, and potential biomarker search of red bell peppers. In the initial experiment, the effective melatonin concentration to reduce CI effects was determined. Peppers were sprayed with either distilled water (control) or a melatonin aqueous solution (M100 = 100 μM or M500 = 500 μM) and then stored for 33 d at 4 °C, followed by 2 d at 20 °C. The M500 treatment proved to be more effective in reducing fruit CI incidence (superficial scalds) and metabolic rate, while weight loss, softening, and color were comparable to the control. A second experiment assessed the potential synergistic effects of a combined melatonin and commercial wax treatment on pepper CI and quality. Fruits were sprayed with distilled water (control), melatonin (M500), commercial wax (Wax), or the combined treatment (Wax + M500) and stored for 28 d at 4 °C, followed by 2 d at 20 °C. The Wax + M500 was the most effective in significantly reducing the incidence of fruit CI symptoms and calyx fungal infection. Furthermore, this combined treatment enhanced fruit weight loss prevention compared with individual melatonin or wax treatment. Also, Wax + M500-treated peppers exhibited notable proline accumulation, indicative of a metabolic response counteracting the cold effects, resulting in better fruit stress acclimation. This treatment also preserved the peppers' color and antioxidant capacity. In summary, these findings highlight the suitability of applying a combined Wax + M500 treatment as a highly effective strategy to enhance the CI tolerance of peppers and extend their postharvest life.
PubMed: 38921464
DOI: 10.3390/metabo14060330 -
Cells Jun 2024Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an oncogenic virus that causes chronic liver disease in more than 80% of patients. During the last decade, efficient direct-acting antivirals...
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an oncogenic virus that causes chronic liver disease in more than 80% of patients. During the last decade, efficient direct-acting antivirals were introduced into clinical practice. However, clearance of the virus does not reduce the risk of end-stage liver diseases to the level observed in patients who have never been infected. So, investigation of HCV pathogenesis is still warranted. Virus-induced changes in cell metabolism contribute to the development of HCV-associated liver pathologies. Here, we studied the impact of the virus on the metabolism of polyamines and proline as well as on the urea cycle, which plays a crucial role in liver function. It was found that HCV strongly suppresses the expression of arginase, a key enzyme of the urea cycle, leading to the accumulation of arginine, and up-regulates proline oxidase with a concomitant decrease in proline concentrations. The addition of exogenous proline moderately suppressed viral replication. HCV up-regulated transcription but suppressed protein levels of polyamine-metabolizing enzymes. This resulted in a decrease in polyamine content in infected cells. Finally, compounds targeting polyamine metabolism demonstrated pronounced antiviral activity, pointing to spermine and spermidine as compounds affecting HCV replication. These data expand our understanding of HCV's imprint on cell metabolism.
Topics: Proline; Humans; Hepacivirus; Polyamines; Urea; Virus Replication; Arginase; Antiviral Agents; Hepatitis C; Cell Line, Tumor; Proline Oxidase
PubMed: 38920664
DOI: 10.3390/cells13121036 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024L-2-Keto-3-deoxyfuconate 4-dehydrogenase (L-KDFDH) catalyzes the NAD-dependent oxidization of L-2-keto-3-deoxyfuconate (L-KDF) to L-2,4-diketo-3-deoxyfuconate...
L-2-Keto-3-deoxyfuconate 4-dehydrogenase (L-KDFDH) catalyzes the NAD-dependent oxidization of L-2-keto-3-deoxyfuconate (L-KDF) to L-2,4-diketo-3-deoxyfuconate (L-2,4-DKDF) in the non-phosphorylating L-fucose pathway from bacteria, and its substrate was previously considered to be the acyclic α-keto form of L-KDF. On the other hand, BDH2, a mammalian homolog with L-KDFDH, functions as a dehydrogenase for cis-4-hydroxy-L-proline (C4LHyp) with the cyclic structure. We found that L-KDFDH and BDH2 utilize C4LHyp and L-KDF, respectively. Therefore, to elucidate unique substrate specificity at the atomic level, we herein investigated for the first time the crystal structures of L-KDFDH from Herbaspirillum huttiense in the ligand-free, L-KDF and L-2,4-DKDF, D-KDP (D-2-keto-3-deoxypentonate; additional substrate), or L-2,4-DKDF and NADH bound forms. In complexed structures, L-KDF, L-2,4-DKDF, and D-KDP commonly bound as a α-furanosyl hemiketal. Furthermore, L-KDFDH showed no activity for L-KDF and D-KDP analogs without the C5 hydroxyl group, which form only the acyclic α-keto form. The C1 carboxyl and α-anomeric C2 hydroxyl groups and O5 oxygen atom of the substrate (and product) were specifically recognized by Arg148, Arg192, and Arg214. The side chain of Trp252 was important for hydrophobically recognizing the C6 methyl group of L-KDF. This is the first example showing the physiological role of the hemiketal of 2-keto-3-deoxysugar acid.
Topics: Substrate Specificity; Crystallography, X-Ray; Models, Molecular; Protein Binding; Bacterial Proteins; Binding Sites
PubMed: 38918500
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65627-8 -
Journal of Chromatography. A Jun 2024Detecting and quantifying amino acids is vital in biochemical analyses, especially for diagnosing metabolic disorders. L-proline, among these amino acids, holds...
Detecting and quantifying amino acids is vital in biochemical analyses, especially for diagnosing metabolic disorders. L-proline, among these amino acids, holds significant relevance for various metabolic disorders in living organisms, particularly in humans. hyperprolinemia arises when ineffective breakdown of L-proline occurs due to enzyme deficiencies, leading to its accumulation in the body and underscoring the need for precise monitoring. To address this challenge, molecular imprinting offers a reliable single-step technique for detecting target molecules like proteins, peptides, amino acids, or ions with high selectivity. Moreover, nanoparticles, with significant surface area-to-volume ratios, enable high-level mass transfer and binding kinetics, making them ideal for nano-scale sensitive applications. In this study, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-based molecularly imprinted nanoparticles were synthesized via mini-emulsion polymerization, combining the advantages of molecular imprinting technique and nanoparticles for the specific recognition of L-proline, and were well-characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy, zeta-sizer particle size analysis, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Based on zeta-sizer analysis, the estimated diameters of L-proline-imprinted and non-imprinted nanoparticles (Pro-MIPs and NIPs) were determined to be approximately 27.51 nm and 20.66 nm, respectively. The adsorption of L-proline onto nanoparticles from aqueous solutions was investigated in a batch system, and the maximum L-proline adsorption capacity was determined to be 26.58 mg/g for Pro-MIPs and 4.65 mg/g for and NIPs. The selectivity of Pro-MIPs was assessed using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry, even in human serum and in the presence of competing molecules (L-histidine and L-phenylalanine). Additionally, Pro-MIPs maintained their adsorption capacity through up to 10 adsorption-desorption cycles without significant decrease.
PubMed: 38917678
DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2024.465106 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials Jun 2024Mesotrione is a herbicide used in agricultural production; however, its stability and long-term residues pose ecological risks to soil health and subsequent crops. In...
Mesotrione is a herbicide used in agricultural production; however, its stability and long-term residues pose ecological risks to soil health and subsequent crops. In this research, the strain Amycolatopsis nivea La24 was identified as capable of completely degrading 50 mg∙L mesotrione within 48 h. It exhibited a broad adaptability to various environment and could degrade three sulfonylurea herbicides (nicosulfuron, chlorimuron-methyl, and cinosulfuron). Non-target metabonomic and mass spectrometry demonstrated that La24 strain broke down the mesotrione parent molecule by targeting the β-diketone bond and nitro group, resulting in the production of five possible degradation products. The differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in fatty acid degradation, amino acid metabolism, and other pathways, and the differentially metabolites in glutathione metabolism, arginine/proline metabolism, cysteine/methionine metabolism, and other pathways. Additionally, it was confirmed by heterologous expression that nitroreductase was directly involved in the mesotrione degradation, and NDMA-dependent methanol dehydrogenase would increase the resistance to mesotrione. Finally, the intracellular response of La24 during mesotrione degradation was proposed. This work provides insight for a comprehensive understanding of the mesotrione biodegradation mechanism, significantly expands the resources for pollutant degradation, and offers the potential for a more sustainable solution to address herbicide pollution in soil.
PubMed: 38917628
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134951 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2024The tolerance to salinity stress is an intricate phenomenon at cellular and whole plant level that requires the knowledge of contributing physiological and biochemical...
The tolerance to salinity stress is an intricate phenomenon at cellular and whole plant level that requires the knowledge of contributing physiological and biochemical processes and the genetic control of participating traits. In this context, present study was conducted with objective to evaluate the physiological, biochemical, and genetic responses of different wheat genotypes including bread wheat (BW) and synthetic hexaploids (SHs) under saline and control environment. The experiment was conducted in two factorial arrangement in randomized complete block design (RCBD), with genotypes as one factor and treatments as another factor. A significant decline in physiological traits (chlorophyll, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, and cell membrane stability) was observed in all genotypes due to salt stress; however, this decline was higher in BW genotypes as compared to four SH genotypes. In addition, the biochemical traits including enzymes [superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase (POD)] activity, proline, and glycine betaine (GB) illustrated significant increase along with increase in the expression of corresponding genes (, , , , and ) due to salt stress in SHs as compared to BW. Correspondingly, highly overexpressed genes, , , and caused a significant decline in Na/K in SH as compared to BW genotypes under salt stress. Moreover, correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and heatmap analysis have further confirmed that the association and expression of physiological and biochemical traits varied significantly with salinity stress and type of genotype. Overall, the physiological, biochemical, and genetic evaluation proved SHs as the most useful stock for transferring salinity tolerance to other superior BW cultivars via the right breeding program.
PubMed: 38916034
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1336571 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2024The effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) on the metabolic profile, anthropometry and blood pressure has been investigated in multiple studies. However, it is...
BACKGROUND
The effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) on the metabolic profile, anthropometry and blood pressure has been investigated in multiple studies. However, it is still unknown to what extent changes in nutrient intakes contribute to these changes.
METHODS
This observational study was conducted in London (UK) in 2019. The study collected diverse data from a community-based sample in London before and during/after Ramadan. Collected data included a 3-day food diary (before and during Ramadan), as well as blood samples, anthropometric measurements and blood pressure (before and after Ramadan). The food diary was translated into nutritional data using nutrition software "Nutritics." The changes in nutrient intakes were investigated using a mixed-effects regression model. The impact of adjusting for nutrient intake change was investigated on the absolute difference of metabolites (Nightingale platform), systolic/diastolic blood pressure and anthropometric measures.
RESULTS
The study collected data on food intake before and during Ramadan from 56 participants; the mean age was 44.7 ± 17.3, and 51.8% ( = 29) were females. We found a change in the intake of 11 nutritional factors, glucose, fructose, betaine, sugars, sugars as monosaccharide equivalents, lutein/zeaxanthin, starch, starch as monosaccharide equivalents, proline, glutamic acid and lycopene. No changes in quantities or proportions of macronutrients, carbohydrates, protein and fat. Mainly, the changes in diet during Ramadan are characterized by more consumption of sugars (62%, < 0.001) and a lower intake of starch (-21%, = 0.012). The changes in 14 metabolite levels (two glycolysis-related metabolites, one amino acid, two ketone bodies, two triglyceride, six lipoprotein subclasses, and an inflammation marker) after Ramadan were partially associated with some changes in nutrient intakes during Ramadan, especially betaine, fructose, glucose, starches and sugars. The lutein/zeaxanthin intake change explained inversely 14% of systolic blood pressure changes. Moreover, BMI and weight changes were partially explained by changes in intake of fat (7%; 9%), monounsaturated fat (6%; 7%), starch (8%; 9%), and starch as monosaccharide equivalents (8%; 9%) intakes in a direct relationship.
CONCLUSION
Diet changes during Ramadan were associated partially with the observed changes in the metabolic profile, blood pressure and anthropometry. This confirms the changes associated with RIF in the metabolic profile, blood pressure and anthropometry are not an absolute physiological response to the diet transition occurring during Ramadan.
PubMed: 38915859
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1394673