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Cell Death Discovery Jun 2024As the mean age of first-time mothers increases in the industrialized world, inquiries into causes of human reproductive senescence have followed. Rates of ovulatory...
As the mean age of first-time mothers increases in the industrialized world, inquiries into causes of human reproductive senescence have followed. Rates of ovulatory dysfunction and oocyte aneuploidy parallel chronological age, but poor reproductive outcomes in women older than 35 years are also attributed to endometrial senescence. The current studies, using primary human endometrial stromal cell (ESC) cultures as an in vitro model for endometrial aging, characterize the proinflammatory cytokine, IL-1β-mediated and passage number-dependent effects on ESC phenotype. ESC senescence was accelerated by incubation with IL-1β, which was monitored by RNA sequencing, ELISA, immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. Senescence associated secreted phenotype (SASP) proteins, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, MMP3, CCL2, CCL5, and other senescence-associated biomarkers of DNA damage (p16, p21, HMGB1, phospho-γ-histone 2 A.X) were noted to increase directly in response to 0.1 nM IL-1β stimulation. Production of the corresponding SASP proteins increased further following extended cell passage. Using enzyme inhibitors and siRNA interference, these effects of IL-1β were found to be mediated via the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway. Hormone-induced ESC decidualization, classical morphological and biochemical endocrine responses to estradiol, progesterone and cAMP stimulation (prolactin, IGFBP-1, IL-11 and VEGF), were attenuated pari passu with prolonged ESC passaging. The kinetics of differentiation responses varied in a biomarker-specific manner, with IGFBP-1 and VEGF secretion showing the largest and smallest reductions, with respect to cell passage number. ESC hormone responsiveness was most robust when limited to the first six cell passages. Hence, investigation of ESC cultures as a decidualization model should respect this limitation of cell aging. The results support the hypotheses that "inflammaging" contributes to endometrial senescence, disruption of decidualization and impairment of fecundity. IL-1β and the JNK signaling pathway are pathogenetic targets amenable to pharmacological correction or mitigation with the potential to reduce endometrial stromal senescence and enhance uterine receptivity.
PubMed: 38879630
DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02048-6 -
Nature Communications Jun 2024Intron retention (IR) is the most common alternative splicing event in Arabidopsis. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated the major role of IR in gene...
Intron retention (IR) is the most common alternative splicing event in Arabidopsis. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated the major role of IR in gene expression regulation. The impacts of IR on plant growth and development and response to environments remain underexplored. Here, we found that IR functions directly in gene expression regulation on a genome-wide scale through the detainment of intron-retained transcripts (IRTs) in the nucleus. Nuclear-retained IRTs can be kept away from translation through this mechanism. COP1-dependent light modulation of the IRTs of light signaling genes, such as PIF4, RVE1, and ABA3, contribute to seedling morphological development in response to changing light conditions. Furthermore, light-induced IR changes are under the control of the spliceosome, and in part through COP1-dependent ubiquitination and degradation of DCS1, a plant-specific spliceosomal component. Our data suggest that light regulates the activity of the spliceosome and the consequent IRT nucleus detainment to modulate photomorphogenesis through COP1.
Topics: Arabidopsis Proteins; Arabidopsis; Introns; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Spliceosomes; Light; Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases; Cell Nucleus; Seedlings; Alternative Splicing; Ubiquitination
PubMed: 38879536
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49571-9 -
Journal of Advanced Research Jun 2024Metabolic inflammation (metaflammation) in obesity is primarily initiated by proinflammatory macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue. SelenoM contributes to the...
INTRODUCTION
Metabolic inflammation (metaflammation) in obesity is primarily initiated by proinflammatory macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue. SelenoM contributes to the modulation of antioxidative stress and inflammation in multiple pathological processes; however, its roles in metaflammation and the proinflammatory macrophage (M1)-like state in adipose tissue have not been determined.
OBJECTIVES
We hypothesize that SelenoM could effectively regulate metaflammation via the Hippo-YAP/TAZ-ROS signaling axis in obesity derived from a high-fat diet.
METHODS
Morphological changes in adipose tissue were examined by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and fluorescence microscopy. The glucose tolerance test (GTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were used to evaluate the impact of SelenoM deficiency on blood glucose levels. RNA-Seq analysis, LC-MS analysis, Mass spectrometry analysis and western blotting were performed to detect the levels of genes and proteins related to glycolipid metabolism in adipose tissue.
RESULTS
Herein, we evaluated the inflammatory features and metabolic microenvironment of mice with SelenoM-deficient adipose tissues by multi-omics analyses. The deletion of SelenoM resulted in glycolipid metabolic disturbances and insulin resistance, thereby accelerating weight gain, adiposity, and hyperglycemia. Mice lacking SelenoM in white adipocytes developed severe adipocyte hypertrophy via impaired lipolysis. SelenoM deficiency aggravated the generation of ROS by reducing equivalents (NADPH and glutathione) in adipocytes, thereby promoting inflammatory cytokine production and the M1-proinflammatory reaction, which was related to a change in nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) levels in macrophages. Mechanistically, SelenoM deficiency promoted metaflammation via Hippo-YAP/TAZ-ROS-mediated transcriptional regulation by targeting large tumor suppressor 2 (LATS2). Moreover, supplementation with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) to reduce excessive oxidative stress partially rescued adipocyte inflammatory responses and macrophage M1 activation.
CONCLUSION
Our data indicate that SelenoM ameliorates metaflammation mainly via the Hippo-YAP/TAZ-ROS signaling axis in obesity. The identification of SelenoM as a key regulator of metaflammation presents opportunities for the development of novel therapeutic interventions targeting adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity.
PubMed: 38879122
DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.06.005 -
PloS One 2024Dianthus barbatus linn. is widely used in gardens, mainly as flower beds and flower borders. The effects of different gradients of P on the growth and root morphology of...
Dianthus barbatus linn. is widely used in gardens, mainly as flower beds and flower borders. The effects of different gradients of P on the growth and root morphology of Dianthus barbatus were studied to explore its morphological and physiological responses and adaptive strategies. Hence, this study provides a theoretical basis and practical guidance for D. barbatus production. Two soil substrates, namely loess and vegetable soil, and five phosphorus concentration gradients were set; no phosphorus application was used as the control. The morphology and physiology of D. barbatus were also investigated. Low-to-medium- and low-phosphorus treatments promoted the growth of D. barbatus in the above and underground parts of the plants grown on both substrates. Chlorophyll content, flower quantity, and acid phosphatase activity in the rhizosphere soil were significantly increased in the H1 and H2 treatments of loess and in the C4 treatment of vegetable soil. Thus, D. barbatus seems to reduce the damage caused by phosphorus stress by increasing chlorophyll content and root acid phosphatase activity. The latter was significantly higher in vegetable soil than in loess. Vegetable soil was more conducive to D. barbatus growth than loess.
Topics: Phosphorus; Soil; Chlorophyll; Plant Roots; Dianthus; Acid Phosphatase; Flowers; Rhizosphere
PubMed: 38875297
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297215 -
Chemical Science Jun 2024Many biological processes generally require long-term visualization tools for time-scale dynamic changes of the plasma membrane, but there is still a lack of design...
Many biological processes generally require long-term visualization tools for time-scale dynamic changes of the plasma membrane, but there is still a lack of design rules for such imaging tools based on small-molecule fluorescent probes. Herein, we revealed the key regulatory roles of charge number and species of fluorescent dyes in the anchoring ability of the plasma membrane and found that the introduction of multi-charged units and appropriate charge species is often required for fluorescent dyes with strong plasma membrane anchoring ability by systematically investigating the structure-function relationship of cyanostyrylpyridium (CSP) dyes with different charge numbers and species and their imaging performance for the plasma membrane. The CSP-DBO dye constructed exhibits strong plasma membrane anchoring ability in staining the plasma membrane of cells, in addition to many other advantages such as excellent biocompatibility and general universality of cell types. Such a fluorescent anchor has been successfully used to monitor chemically induced plasma membrane damage and dynamically track various cellular biological events such as cell fusion and cytokinesis over a long period of time by continuously monitoring the dynamic morphological changes of the plasma membrane, providing a valuable precise visualization tool to study the physiological response to chemical stimuli and reveal the structural morphological changes and functions of the plasma membrane during these important biological events from a dynamic perspective. Furthermore, CSP-DBO exhibits excellent biocompatibility and imaging capability such as labelling the plasma membrane and monitoring the metabolic process of lipofuscin as an aging indicator.
PubMed: 38873067
DOI: 10.1039/d4sc01423e -
BMC Plant Biology Jun 2024The accumulation of arsenic (As) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) grain poses a significant health concern in Bangladesh. To address this, we investigated the efficacy of...
The accumulation of arsenic (As) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) grain poses a significant health concern in Bangladesh. To address this, we investigated the efficacy of various organic amendments and phytoremediation techniques in reducing As buildup in O. sativa. We evaluated the impact of five doses of biochar (BC; BC: 0.1%, BC: 0.28%, BC: 0.55%, BC: 0.82% and BC: 1.0%, w/w), vermicompost (VC; VC: 1.0%, VC: 1.8%, VC: 3.0%, VC: 4.2% and VC: 5.0%, w/w), and floating duckweed (DW; DW: 100, DW: 160, DW: 250, DW: 340 and DW: 400 g m) on O. sativa cultivated in As-contaminated soil. Employing a three-factor five-level central composite design and response surface methodology (RSM), we optimized the application rates of BC-VC-DW. Our findings revealed that As contamination in the soil negatively impacted O. sativa growth. However, the addition of BC, VC, and DW significantly enhanced plant morphological parameters, SPAD value, and grain yield per pot. Notably, a combination of moderate BC-DW and high VC (BCVCDW) increased grain yield by 44.4% compared to the control (BCVCDW). As contamination increased root, straw, and grain As levels, and oxidative stress in O. sativa leaves. However, treatment BCVCDW significantly reduced grain As (G-As) by 56%, leaf hydrogen peroxide by 71%, and malondialdehyde by 50% compared to the control. Lower doses of BC-VC-DW (BCVCDW) increased antioxidant enzyme activities, while moderate to high doses resulted in a decline in these activities. Bioconcentration and translocation factors below 1 indicated limited As uptake and translocation in plant tissues. Through RSM optimization, we determined that optimal doses of BC (0.76%), VC (4.62%), and DW (290.0 g m) could maximize grain yield (32.96 g pot, 44% higher than control) and minimize G-As content (0.189 mg kg, 54% lower than control). These findings underscore effective strategies for enhancing yield and reducing As accumulation in grains from contaminated areas, thereby ensuring agricultural productivity, human health, and long-term sustainability. Overall, our study contributes to safer food production and improved public health in As-affected regions.
Topics: Oryza; Arsenic; Charcoal; Soil Pollutants; Biodegradation, Environmental; Composting; Araceae; Soil
PubMed: 38872089
DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05219-w -
Heliyon Jun 2024The agricultural sector, in particular viticulture, is highly susceptible to variations in the environment, crop conditions, and operational factors. Effectively...
The agricultural sector, in particular viticulture, is highly susceptible to variations in the environment, crop conditions, and operational factors. Effectively managing these variables in the field necessitates observation, measurement, and responsive actions. Leveraging new technologies within the realm of precision agriculture, vineyards can enhance their long-term efficiency, productivity, and profitability. In our work we propose a novel analysis of the impact of pedoclimatic factors on wine, with a case study focusing on the Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin Chianti Classico (DOCG), a prime wine-producing region located in Tuscany, between the provinces of Siena and Florence. We first collected a novel dataset, where geographic information as well as wine quality information were collected, using publicly available sources. Using such geographic information retrieved and an unsupervised machine learning approach, we conducted an in-depth examination of pedoclimatic and production data. To collect the whole set of possibly relevant features, we first assessed the region's morphological attributes, including altitude, exposure, and slopes, while pinpointing individual wineries. Subsequently we then calculated crucial viticultural indices such as the Winkler, Huglin, Fregoni, and Freshness Index by utilizing daily temperature records from Chianti Classico, and we further related them to an assessment of wine quality. In addition to this, we designed and distributed a survey conducted among a sample of wineries situated in the Chianti Classico area, obtaining valuable insights into local data. The primary goal of this study is to elucidate the interrelationships between various parameters associated with the region, considering influential factors such as the environment, viticulture, and field operations that significantly impact wine production. By doing so, wineries could potentially unlock the full potential of their resources. In fact, through the unsupervised and correlation analysis we could elucidate the relationships existing between the pedoclimatic parameters of the region, considering the most important factors such as viticulture and field operations, and relate them to wine quality as for instance using the survey data collected. This study represents an unprecedent in the literature, and it could pave the path for future studies focusing on the importance of climatic factors into production and quality of wines.
PubMed: 38868017
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31648 -
Poultry Science May 2024The widespread use of antibiotics in the poultry industry as growth promoters has led to the emergence of bacterial resistance, which poses a significant health risk to...
The widespread use of antibiotics in the poultry industry as growth promoters has led to the emergence of bacterial resistance, which poses a significant health risk to humans and animals. Substances of natural origin, such as probiotic bacteria and humic substances, can be a promising solution. The aim of this experiment was to study the effect of the administration of a probiotic strain of Limosilactobacillus fermentum 2i3 and/or a new formula of humic substances specifically designed for detoxification on the production parameters, including gene expression of myogenic growth factors and selected parameters of the immune response. We found that production parameters such as feed conversion ratio and weekly weight gain, as well as gene expression of mucin-2 and immunoglobulin A, were positively influenced mainly by the administration of L. fermentum 2i3. Similarly, the percentage of active phagocytes and their absorption capacity as well as the proportions of CD8+ and CD4+CD8+ T-lymphocyte subpopulations were significantly increased. The addition of humic substances, either alone or in combination with probiotics, significantly reduced the aforementioned parameters compared to the control. On the other hand, the relative gene expression for all myogenic growth factors was the highest in the humic group alone. Based on the results obtained, we can confirm the immunostimulating effect of L. fermentum 2i3 administered in drinking water, which also had an impact on important production parameters of broiler meat. On the other hand, in the combined group there was no expected potentiation of the positive effects on the observed parameters.
PubMed: 38865771
DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103884 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2024This study investigates the impact of anthocyanin treatment on rice plants under drought stress, focusing on phenotypic, molecular, and biochemical responses....
This study investigates the impact of anthocyanin treatment on rice plants under drought stress, focusing on phenotypic, molecular, and biochemical responses. Anthocyanin were treated to one month old plants one week before the droughtexposure. Drought stress was imposed by using 10% polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000). Anthocyanin-treated plants exhibited significant enhancements in various traits, including growth parameters and reproductive characteristics, under normal conditions. When subjected to drought stress, these plants displayed resilience, maintaining or improving essential morphological and physiological features compared to non-treated counterparts. Notably, anthocyanin application mitigated drought-induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by reduced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid membrane peroxidation. The study also elucidates the regulatory role of anthocyanins in the expression of flavonoid biosynthetic genes, leading to increased levels of key secondary metabolites. Furthermore, anthocyanin treatment influenced the levels of stress-related signaling molecules, including melatonin, proline, abscisic acid (ABA), and salicylic acid (SA), contributing to enhanced stress tolerance. The enzymatic activity of antioxidants and the expression of drought-responsive genes were modulated by anthocyanins, emphasizing their role in antioxidant defense and stress response. Additionally, anthocyanin treatment positively influenced macronutrient concentrations, particularly calcium ion (Ca), potassium ion (K), and sodium ion (Na), essential for cell wall and membrane stability. The findings collectively highlight the multifaceted protective effects of anthocyanins, positioning them as potential key players in conferring resilience to drought stress in rice plants. The study provides valuable insights into the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying anthocyanin-mediated enhancement of drought stress tolerance, suggesting promising applications in agricultural practices for sustainable crop production.
PubMed: 38863532
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1397817 -
Aquatic Toxicology (Amsterdam,... Jun 2024Pollution from regularly used substances such as pharmaceuticals, cleaning agents, and even food and beverages is an increasing problem in the environment. Caffeine, a...
Pollution from regularly used substances such as pharmaceuticals, cleaning agents, and even food and beverages is an increasing problem in the environment. Caffeine, a commonly ingested stimulant, is one such contaminant that has been detected in aquatic environments worldwide. Yet, little is known about how ecologically relevant concentrations of caffeine influence the morphology, behaviour, and physiology of exposed organisms. To address this knowledge gap, we exposed fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) to three caffeine treatments: a freshwater control (nominal: 0 ng/L), a low (nominal: 1,000 ng/L) and high environmentally relevant dose (nominal: 10,000 ng/L), for 35 days. We tested the learning abilities, anxiety, metabolic rates, and morphological features of exposed vs. control fish. Caffeine exposure did not affect the ability of fish to learn but did influence anxiety levels. Over the course of repeated anxiety testing, unexposed control fish visited a black square more often while fish exposed to low levels of caffeine did not, potentially indicating that these fish remained in a more anxious state. While caffeine did not impact metabolism, fish growth, or body size, it was associated with lower liver investment-although this response was only observed in our low caffeine treatment. Overall, our results suggest that even relatively low concentrations of caffeine may impact the liver size and anxiety of exposed fish, but further research is needed to assess how extended exposure to caffeine impacts fitness. Given the increase in anthropogenic contaminants in aquatic environments, it is important that we continue to investigate their effects on the organisms exposed to them.
PubMed: 38861791
DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106982