Evaluation of growth, physiological response, and drought resistance of different flue-cured tobacco varieties under drought stress.

Background: In recent years, more severe droughts have occurred frequently in many parts of the world, drought stress is the primary abiotic stress factor restricting the growth and quality of flue-cured tobacco. Therefore, screening dryland cultivation-compatible flue-cured tobacco varieties will help reduce the negative impact of drought. Methods: Tobacco varieties were selected: Qinyan 96 (Q96), Zhongyan 101 (Z101), Yunyan 87 (Y87), and Yunyan 116 (Y116). A pot experiment was conducted with four water supply gradients: sufficient, mild stress, moderate stress, and severe stress. The aim was to analyze inter-varietal differences in agronomic traits, photosynthetic traits, reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, and antioxidant enzyme system under drought stress. Additionally, the drought resistance of four flue-cured tobacco varieties was evaluated using principal component analysis and membership function analysis. Results: The results showed that drought intensification inhibited seedling growth and development across all varieties, with Q96 showing the least decrease and Y116 the greatest. With the increasing degree of drought stress, photosynthetic rates (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), and stomatal conduction (Gs) have shown gradually decreasing trends, while substomatal cavity CO2 concentration (Ci) showed a growing trend. Severe drought corresponded with lower chlorophyll content and decreased the maximal photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), photosystem II (PSII), and photochemical quenching coefficient (qP) in all varieties, while steady-state non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) increased. Increased drought stress led to significantly higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content accumulation in tobacco seedlings. The antioxidant enzyme activities in, Q96, Z101, and Y87 increased under mild drought stress, whereas Y116 showed decreased activity. Conclusion: The drought resistance ranking among the four varieties is as follows: Q96 > Z101 > Y87 > Y116. Therefore, Q96 is a promising drought-tolerant breeding material that can be used as a reference for dryland cultivation of flue-cured tobacco.

Ecotoxicological effects of paracetamol on the biochemical and molecular responses of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.).

The widespread use of pharmaceuticals, including paracetamol, has raised concerns about their impact on the environment and non-target species. The aim of this study was to investigate the biochemical and molecular responses of Spinacia oleracea (spinach) to high paracetamol concentrations in order to understand the plant's stress responses and underlying mechanisms. Under controlled conditions, spinach plants were exposed to different paracetamol concentrations (0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/L). The study evaluated the impact of paracetamol exposure on biochemical parameters such as oxidative stress markers (H2O2, MDA), activities of antioxidant enzymes (APX, CAT, GPOD, SOD), levels of non-enzymatic components (phenolics and flavonoids), and phytohormones (ABA, SA, and IAA). Furthermore, the study assessed molecular impacts by analyzing stress-related genetic variation and alterations in the gene expression of the antioxidant enzymes. Results showed that paracetamol exposure significantly increased oxidative stress in spinach, which was evident through the elevated H2O2 and MDA levels. However, the antioxidant defense mechanisms were activated to counteract this effect, as evidenced by increased activity of antioxidant enzymes and higher phenolics and flavonoid levels. Moreover, induction in the phytohormone levels indicated a stress response in paracetamol-treated plants compared to control plants. RAPD analysis revealed polymorphism indicating the DNA damage, and the Real-time qRT-PCR method showed significant upregulation of stress-responsive genes, highlighting the severe impact of paracetamol at the molecular level. The study concludes that high paracetamol concentrations pose a significant threat to spinach growth by affecting both biochemical and molecular processes. These findings underscore the need for strict environmental management practices to mitigate the possible impact of continuous release, accumulation, and long-term exposure of pharmaceutical contaminants to the environment and implement policies to reduce pharmaceutical pollutants to preserve ecological health and biodiversity.

Toxic Effects of 4-Bromodiphenyl Ether (BDE-3) on Antioxidant Enzymes, Cell Viability, Histology and Biomolecules in Zebrafish Embryo-Larvae.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of flame retardants that are being used widely in industrial and consumers products such as plastics, electronics, furniture, textiles and so forth. They can undergo debromination process to form less brominated diphenyl ethers, which are bioaccumulative, more volatile and more toxic in nature. The current study was conducted to reveal the biochemical, apoptotic, histopathological, ultrastructural and biomolecular (ATR-FTIR) toxicity of 4-bromodiphenyl ether (BDE-3) in zebrafish larvae. After the 96-h LC50 determination, the zebrafish embryos were exposed to sublethal concentrations of BDE-3, that is, 0.79 and 1.59 mg/L. The MDA content was found to be significantly increased in BDE-3 exposed larvae whereas the FRAP activity was found to be decreased. The catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were observed to be significantly increased, and a decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was reported after the BDE-3 exposure in zebrafish larvae. The cell viability was reported to be decreased in zebrafish larvae after BDE-3 exposure. Histopathological and ultrastructural alterations were also observed in the BDE-3 exposed zebrafish larvae. The changes in the biomolecules such as DNA and protein were also revealed via ATR-FTIR analysis. The present investigation will help to understand the toxic nature of less brominated diphenyl ethers and could be utilised to assess environmental risk.

Protective Potential of Cicerbita alpina Leaf Extract on Metabolic Disorders and Oxidative Stress in Model Animals.

Metabolic disorders (MDs) include disease states such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia, etc., affecting about 30% of the planet's population. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the protective potential of Cicerbita alpina leaf extract (ECA) against chemically induced type 2 diabetes in Wistar rats. Additionally, some biochemical parameters in the blood serum and liver, as well as histopathological investigation, were also performed. Quantitative analysis of the major compounds in the used extract was performed using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (UHPLC-DAD) analyses using the external standard method. C. alpina extract revealed a beneficial effect on MDs, lowering blood sugar levels and MDA quantity in the liver, increasing the reduced glutathione level, and increasing antioxidant enzyme activity. Cichoric acid (CA) (91.93 mg/g dry extract (de) ± 4.64 mg/g de) was found to be the dominant compound in the extract, followed by caftaric (11.36 ± 2.10 mg/g de), and chlorogenic acid (CGA) (9.25 ± 0.05 mg/g de). In conclusion, C. alpina leaf extract (ECA) is rich in caffeoyltartaric and caffeoylquinic acids and provides beneficial effects on the diabetic animal model.

Comparative Physiological, Biochemical, and Leaf Proteome Responses of Contrasting Wheat Varieties to Drought Stress.

Drought stress severely affects crop productivity and threatens food security. As current trends of global warming are predicted to exacerbate droughts, developing drought-resilient crops becomes urgent. Here, we used the drought-tolerant (BW35695) and drought-sensitive (BW4074) wheat varieties to investigate the physiological, biochemical, and leaf proteome responses underpinning drought tolerance. In response to drought, the tolerant variety had higher osmolyte accumulation and maintained higher leaf water content than the sensitive variety. BW35695 also had an enhanced antioxidant enzyme capacity and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in diminished membrane lipid damage, as reflected by malondialdehyde content. Proteomic analysis revealed that drought-induced differential expression of proteins involved in diverse biological processes in both wheat varieties, including primary and secondary metabolism, protein synthesis/folding/degradation, defense/ROS detoxification, energy, transcription, and cell structure. Notably, photosynthesis emerged as the most enriched biochemical process targeted for suppression in the drought-tolerant BW35695 wheat, but not in drought-sensitive BW4074, possibly as a survival strategy for averting cell damage inflicted by photosynthesis-derived ROS. Additionally, protein synthesis-related proteins were highly upregulated in BW35695, presumably to drive cell-wide stress-adaptive responses. The protein network identified here will be useful in further studies to understand the molecular basis for divergent drought response phenotypes in crops.

Acclimation during Embryogenesis Remodulates Telomerase Activity and Gene Expression in Baikal Whitefish Larvae, Mitigating the Effects of Acute Temperature Stress.

Acclimation through the hormesis effect increases the plasticity of organisms, which has been shown for many ectothermic animals, including fish. We investigated the effect of temperature acclimation in Baikal whitefish Coregonus baicalensis (Dybowski, 1874). Telomere length, telomerase activity, and the expression of genes, whose products are involved in the regulation of telomere length and defense against reactive oxygen species, were selected to assess the state of the larvae. Acclimation and acute temperature stress (+12 °C) had no effect on telomere length, but altered telomerase activity (acclimation decreased it; stress increased it) and the levels of genes expression. Under stress, the expression of superoxide dismutase genes was increased in acclimated larvae and that of glutathione peroxidases in non-acclimated larvae, which may indicate lower reactive oxygen species formation and slower antioxidant responses in acclimated fish. The expression of some telomere-related genes was reduced under temperature stress, but the expression of the tzap and smg genes, whose products improve the control of telomere length by preventing them from lengthening or shortening, was increased in acclimated individuals. The data obtained indicate a positive effect of acclimation on the state of the Baikal whitefish larvae by remodulation of their telomerase activity and the transcriptional profile.

Uncovering the effects of non-lethal oxidative stress on replication initiation in Escherichia coli.

Cell cycle adaptability assists bacteria in response to adverse stress. The effect of oxidative stress on replication initiation in Escherichia coli remains unclear. This work examined the impact of exogenous oxidant and genetic mutation-mediated oxidative stress on replication initiation. We found that 0-0.5 mM H2O2 suppresses E. coli replication initiation in a concentration-dependent manner but does not lead to cell death. Deletion of antioxidant enzymes SodA-SodB, KatE, or AhpC results in delayed replication initiation. The antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) promotes replication initiation in ΔkatE and ΔsodAΔsodB mutants. We then explored the factors that mediate the inhibition of replication initiation by oxidative stress. MutY, a base excision repair DNA glycosylase, resists inhibition of replication initiation by H2O2. Lon protease deficiency eliminates inhibition of replication initiation mediated by exogenous H2O2 exposure but not by katE or sodA-sodB deletion. The absence of clpP and hslV further delays replication initiation in the ΔktaE mutant, whereas hflK deletion promotes replication initiation in the ΔkatE and ΔsodAΔsodB mutants. In conclusion, non-lethal oxidative stress inhibits replication initiation, and AAA+ proteases are involved and show flexible regulation in E. coli.

Unveiling the Interplay: Antioxidant Enzyme Polymorphisms and Oxidative Stress in Preterm Neonatal Renal and Hepatic Functions.

AIMS: To explore the relationship between oxidative stress biomarkers and the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) alongside notable liver function disturbances in preterm neonates. BACKGROUND: Given the immaturity of kidneys and incomplete liver development in preterm neonates, oxidative stress poses a considerable threat to their renal and hepatic health. OBJECTIVE: To find out the association between various oxidative stress biomarkers and polymorphisms of antioxidant enzymes with renal and live functions. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we gathered umbilical cord blood and peripheral blood samples for assessing oxidative stress biomarkers and identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in antioxidant enzymes. Utilizing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits, we quantified these oxidative stress biomarkers. Receiver-operating characteristics curve analysis was employed to ascertain the predictive capacity of these biomarkers, denoted by the area-under-the-curve (AUC). RESULTS: Our findings revealed that umbilical cord heat-shock proteins emerged as robust predictors of neonatal AKI (AUC: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.8-1) with a defined cut-off concentration of 1.8 ng/mL. Likewise, umbilical cord 8-hydroxy-2-deoxy guanosine demonstrated significant predictability for liver function alterations (AUC: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.6-0.9) at a cut-off concentration of 2487.6 pg/mL. CONCLUSIONS: We observed significant associations between SNPs in endothelial nitric oxide synthase and catalase with both AKI and impaired liver functions. Prospective studies are warranted to validate these findings, with a particular focus on exploring potential antioxidant interventions aimed at mitigating AKI and liver function abnormalities.

Effect of L-glutathione treatment on biochemical properties, antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzymes activity in strawberry fruits during storage.

The potential of L-glutathione (GSH) (0, 4, 16, 32 and 64 mM) to improve the post-harvest quality and antioxidant capacity of strawberries was investigated during storage (0, 5, 10, and 15 days) in this study. Results showed that weight loss in fruits treated with 64 mM GSH was significantly lower than the control. GSH treatments resulted in higher levels of total phenol content and antioxidant capacity in treated fruits of strawberry. Based on the results, GSH 64 mM significantly increased the levels of total flavonoid, anthocyanin, ascorbic acid, total soluble protein, antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL). In addition, GSH 64 mM decreased Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and prevented cell membrane lipid peroxidation. In conclusion, the results of the present study showed that the use of GSH 64 mM may be a promising strategy to improve the marketability, quality and antioxidant capacity of strawberry fruits during storage.

Effects of turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and garlic essential oils on HSP70, NFκB, oxidative DNA damage, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative markers in broiler chickens.

In recent years, the use of natural bioactive compounds derived from spices has garnered significant interest in poultry production due to their potential to modulate immune responses and oxidative stress. An investigation into the roles of spices essential oils (EO) on inflammatory cytokines, HSP70 and oxidative markers of broiler chickens was conducted in this study. Four spices consisting of garlic, ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon were processed to obtain their respective EO. Two hundred 1-d-old arbo acre broilers were allotted to 5 treatments consisting of B1 (control), B2 (garlic EO), B3 (ginger EO), B4 (Turmeric EO), and B5 (cinnamon EO), with EOs administered to drinking water at 30% (v/v) in a 49-d trial. Blood was sampled for assessment of hematological parameters, and serum obtained were assayed for inflammatory cytokines, antioxidant activities, nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) levels using standard procedures. Results obtained revealed that cinnamon EO enhanced erythrocytic indices, leukocyte profile, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and interleukin 10, lowers interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ), enhanced HSP70 and higher 8-OHdG levels in chicken. Garlic EO enhanced monocytes and superoxide dismutase, while reduced IFN-γ and HSP70, but increased IL-1ß and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) NFκB in broiler chickens. Ginger EO also enhanced erythrocytic indices, total antioxidant activity, lowered IFN-γ and lipid peroxidation, while turmeric EO enhanced total antioxidant activity, catalase and lowered IFN-γ and increased 8ohdg in broiler chickens. In conclusion, this study revealed that ginger and turmeric EO were more beneficial in preventing oxidative DNA damage, cinnamon EO enhanced serum oxidative status and lowered pro-inflammatory cytokines, while garlic EO reduced HSP70 in broiler chickens.

Exogenous Melatonin Modulates Photosynthesis and Antioxidant Systems for Improving Drought Tolerance of Sorghum Seedling.

Sorghum faces significant production challenges due to drought stress. Melatonin has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in coping with stresses in plants. This study investigated the effect of exogenous melatonin on the sorghum seedling growth, photosynthetic capacity, and antioxidant system under drought stress. The results indicated that drought stress inhibited the growth of sorghum seedlings by a marked reduction in leaf relative water content, along with a significant increase in both malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide content. The drought stress also led to a significant diminution in chlorophyll contents, thereby curtailing the capacity for light energy capture. Furthermore, the efficiency of the photosynthetic electron transport chain was adversely impacted. However, the application of exogenous melatonin notably mitigated the adverse effects on sorghum seedlings under the drought stress. Additionally, it stimulated an elevation in the photosynthetic rate and a decrease in non-photochemical quenching. The exogenous melatonin also facilitated the preservation of the chloroplast ultra-structure and boosted the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the content of non-enzymatic antioxidants. Cluster heat maps and principal component analysis further revealed significant correlations among various parameters under different treatment conditions. These results highlight melatonin's role in improving sorghum's drought tolerance, which is beneficial for agricultural management.

Enhancement of Thermal Tolerance and Growth Performances of Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer) Fed with Grape Extract Supplemented Feed.

Cold snaps during the winter present a critical challenge for Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) in Taiwan, as sudden temperature drops significantly affect their growth and survival. This study explores the effects of dietary grape extract (GE) from Vitis vinifera on the growth performance, oxidative stress regulation, and thermal tolerance of this commercially valuable fish. Over a 60-day feeding trial, four dietary groups were tested: a control diet without GE and three diets supplemented with GE at 2% (GE20), 3% (GE30), and 4% (GE40) with commercial feed. The results demonstrated that GE supplementation positively influenced growth, with the GE20 group achieving the best weight gain and feed conversion ratio among all groups. The upregulation of the growth-related gene igf-1 in the liver of the GE20 group further supported its superior growth performance. Additionally, GE-fed groups showed increased expression of antioxidant-related genes sod1 and sod2 in the liver, while gpx1 exhibited a significant increase only in the GE20 group, indicating enhanced antioxidant defenses. Cat gene expression remained unchanged, and higher GE doses reduced the expression of gpx1, cat, and igf-1. Furthermore, GE supplementation improved cold tolerance in all treated groups compared to the control. These findings suggest that dietary GE at 20 g/kg is particularly effective in enhancing growth performance and cold tolerance in Asian seabass, offering a promising strategy for boosting fish health and adaptability in aquaculture.

Bixin Combined with Metformin Ameliorates Insulin Resistance and Antioxidant Defenses in Obese Mice.

Bixin (C25H30O4; 394.51 g/mol) is the main apocarotenoid found in annatto seeds. It has a 25-carbon open chain structure with a methyl ester group and carboxylic acid. Bixin increases the expression of antioxidant enzymes, which may be interesting for counteracting oxidative stress. This study investigated whether bixin-rich annatto extract combined with metformin was able to improve the disturbances observed in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in mice, with an emphasis on markers of oxidative damage and antioxidant defenses. HFD-fed mice were treated for 8 weeks with metformin (50 mg/kg) plus bixin-rich annatto extract (5.5 and 11 mg/kg). This study assessed glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile and paraoxonase 1 (PON-1) activity in plasma, fluorescent AGEs (advanced glycation end products), TBARSs (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances), and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the liver and kidneys. Treatment with bixin plus metformin decreased body weight gain, improved insulin sensitivity, and decreased AGEs and TBARSs in the plasma, liver, and kidneys. Bixin plus metformin increased the activities of PON-1, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px. Bixin combined with metformin improved the endogenous antioxidant defenses in the obese mice, showing that this combined therapy may have the potential to contrast the metabolic complications resulting from oxidative stress.

Antioxidant Effects of Cactus Seed Oil against Iron-Induced Oxidative Stress in Mouse Liver, Brain and Kidney.

In recent times, exploring the protective potential of medicinal plants has attracted increasing attention. To fight reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are key players in hepatic, cerebral and renal diseases, scientists have directed their efforts towards identifying novel compounds with antioxidant effects. Due to its unique composition, significant attention has been given to Cactus Seed Oil (CSO). Iron, as a metal, can be a potent generator of reactive oxygen species, especially hydroxyl radicals, via the Fenton and Haber-Weiss reactions. Here, we employed ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) to induce oxidative stress and DNA damage in mice. Then, we used CSO and Colza oil (CO) and evaluated the levels of the antioxidants (superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GPx] and glutathione [GSH]) as well as a metabolite marker for lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde [MDA]) relating to the antioxidant balance in the liver, brain and kidney. In addition, we measured DNA damage levels in hepatic tissue and the effects of CSO on it. Our study found that iron-dependent GPx activity decreases in the liver and the kidney tissues. Additionally, while iron decreased SOD activity in the liver, it increased it in the kidney. Interestingly, iron treatment resulted in a significant increase in hepatic MDA levels. In contrast, in brain tissue, there was a significant decrease under iron treatment. In addition, we found varying protective effects of CSO in alleviating oxidative stress in the different tissues with ameliorating DNA damage after iron overload in a mouse liver model, adding compelling evidence to the protective potential of CSO.

Ecotoxicological insights into the effects of triflumezopyrim on P. fuscipes fitness, detoxification pathways, and gene expression.

The primary objective was to evaluate the toxicity of triflumezopyrim (TFP) on P. fuscipes larvae and adults at lethal and sublethal levels through topical application. Sublethal effects were assessed by examining developmental period, fecundity, life-table parameters, and fitness parameters. Enzymatic and transcriptional analyses were conducted to determine the impact of TFP on P. fuscipes physiology and gene expression. The LC50, LC30, and LC10 of TFP against P. fuscipes larvae and adults were lower than the field-recommended dose (48.75 mg a.i. L-1), indicating direct toxicity and sublethal effects during immature stages. Exposure to LC30 of TFP extended developmental periods for 2nd-instar larvae and pupae, reduced oviposition, larval predation efficiency, and body weight in both sexes. Sublethal concentrations affected antioxidant, detoxification, and energy reservoir enzymes significantly. Transcriptional analysis revealed impacts on insecticide detoxification, resistance, and stress-related genes. KEGG analysis showed glycerolipid metabolism is the most regulated pathway, and UGT2B10 regulated several detoxification-related pathways under TFP stress. These findings prompt reconsideration of the role of TFP in paddy field IPM due to its adverse effects on P. fuscipes, emphasizing the importance of assessing its ecological impacts before widespread application in agricultural practices.

Stimulating action of sodium nitroprusside and vinasse on salicin and direct regeneration in Salix Safsaf Forssk.

The present study aimed to enhance salicin and direct regeneration in willow (Salix safsaf Forssk) using the sodium nitroprusside (SNP) regulation of nitric oxide (NO) and vinasse for its nutrition effect in culture medium. Internodes of Salix safsaf were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with benzyl adenine (BA) (0.25 mg L-1) and different concentrations of SNP (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg L-1) or vinasse (0, 5, 10, and 20%) to examine shoot regeneration, antioxidant defense enzyme activity, total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and salicine contents. The reported data revealed that application of SNP at 15 mg L-1 and vinasse at 10% induced a significant effect in vitro Salix safsaf shoot regeneration. To confirm that, nitric oxide is required for auxin-mediated activation of cell division in a dose-dependent manner. A concentration of 15 mg L-1 SNP promotes regeneration and salicin accumulation (3162.16 mg/100 g) during signaling action. On the other hand, the cross talk effect of nitric oxide and vinasse combination in Salix safsaf significantly induced a synergistic effect on direct propagation more than vinasse alone. SNP significantly stimulates salicylate accumulation in a dose-dependent manner, but the data on the association of vinasse and SNP on salicylate up-regulation showed a significant reduction in salicin accumulation when SNP was combined with 10% vinasse, which directly affected the signaling action of SNP as secondary product stimulators. Vinasse's phenolic compounds affect directly on the reduction activity of SNP to suppress its signaling action, or indirectly by inhibiting the sequence cascade of the SNP signaling transduction process to decrease the accumulation of salicin contents. Data confirmed that vinasse and SNP stimulated the antioxidant enzymes activity throw quenching the stimulated reactive oxygen species that produced via SNP. Results show that modified media with SNP administration at 15 mg L-1 and the combination of vinasse at 10% and SNP at 15 mg L-1 are recommended for modifying tissue culture media for induced direct regeneration and salicin accumulation in tissue culture applications, which will be very useful for commercial salicin overproduction as a biological active ingredient in willows.

Toxicological effects of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate on dandelions: Insights into physiological, metabolic, and molecular docking perspectives.

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is one of the most widely used plasticizers in plastic manufacturing. However, the toxicological effects of DEHP on dandelions remain poorly understood. This study comprehensively analyzed and explored the response mechanisms of dandelions to 1, 10, 50, and 100 mg L-1 DEHP influencing the morphophysiological growth, metabolomics, and molecular docking. DEHP reduced chlorophyll synthesis, inhibited plant growth, and induced oxidative-state-associated stress, which was manifested by the excessive production of reactive oxygen species, an increase in antioxidant enzyme activities, and enhanced synthesis of some osmoregulatory compounds, including proline and soluble protein. An analysis of the integrated biological response index showed that the toxicity was dose-dependent. Molecular docking demonstrated that DEHP could bind stably to three enzymes, and the binding energy was peroxidase (POD) > catalase (CAT) > superoxide dismutase (SOD). Metabolomics revealed that metabolite abundance and metabolic pathways were altered by DEHP, with 88 and 72 primary metabolites identified in shoots and roots, respectively. Amino acid, sugar, and organic acid metabolism were severely disturbed, with the most significant effects being on carbohydrate metabolism, valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis. Our study elucidated the influence of DEHP exposure on dandelions, providing new insights into the toxicity mechanisms and toxicological risk assessment.

Comparative analysis of cyto-genotoxicity of zinc using the comet assay and chromosomal abnormality test.

In this study, the toxicity of the trace element zinc (Zn) in Allium cepa L. test material was examined. Toxicity was investigated in terms of physiological, cytogenetic, biochemical, and anatomical aspects. Germination percentage, root length, weight gain, mitotic index (MI), micronucleus (MN) frequency, chromosomal abnormalities (CAs), malondialdehyde (MDA), proline and chlorophyll levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities, and meristematic cell damage were used as indicators of toxicity. Additionally, the comet test was used to measure the degree of DNA damage. Four groups of A. cepa bulbs-one for control and three for applications-were created. While the bulbs in the treatment groups were germinated with Zn at concentrations of 35, 70, and 140 mg/L, the bulbs in the control group were germinated with tap water. Germination was carried out at room temperature for 72 h and 144 h. When the allotted time was over, the root tips and leaf samples were collected and prepared for spectrophotometric measurements and macroscopic-microscopic examinations. Consequently, Zn treatment led to significant reductions in physiological indicators such as weight gain, root length, and germination percentage. Zn exposure caused genotoxicity by decreasing the MI ratios and increasing the frequency of MN and CAs (p < 0.05). Zn promoted various types of CAs in root tip cells. The most observed of CAs was the sticky chromosome. Depending on the dose, Zn was found to cause an increase in tail lengths in comet analyses, which led to DNA damage. Exposure to Zn led to a significant decrease in chlorophyll levels and an increase in MDA and proline levels. It also promoted significant increases in SOD and CAT enzyme activities up to 70 mg/L dose and statistically significant decreases at 140 mg/L dose. Additionally, Zn exposure caused different types of anatomical damage. The most severe ones are epidermis and cortex cell damage. Besides, it was found that the Zn dose directly relates to all of the increases and decreases in physiological, cytogenetic, biochemical, and anatomical parameters that were seen as a result of Zn exposure. As a result, it has been determined that the Zn element, which is absolutely necessary in trace amounts for the continuation of the metabolic activities of the organisms, can cause toxicity if it reaches excessive levels.

Impaired HDL antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions are linked to increased mortality in acute heart failure patients.

AIMS: Acute heart failure (AHF) is typified by inflammatory and oxidative stress responses, which are associated with unfavorable patient outcomes. Given the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), this study sought to examine the relationship between impaired HDL function and mortality in AHF patients. The complex interplay between various HDL-related biomarkers and clinical outcomes remains poorly understood. METHODS: HDL subclass distribution was quantified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity, cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) activity, and paraoxonase (PON-1) activity were assessed using fluorometric assays. HDL-cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) was assessed in a validated assay using [3H]-cholesterol-labeled J774 macrophages. RESULTS: Among the study participants, 74 (23.5 %) out of 315 died within three months after hospitalization due to AHF. These patients exhibited lower activities of the anti-oxidant enzymes PON1 and LCAT, impaired CEC, and lower concentration of small HDL subclasses, which remained significant after accounting for potential confounding factors. Smaller HDL particles, particularly HDL3 and HDL4, exhibited a strong association with CEC, PON1 activity, and LCAT activity. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AHF, impaired HDL CEC, HDL antioxidant and anti-inflammatory function, and impaired HDL metabolism are associated with increased mortality. Assessment of HDL function and subclass distribution could provide valuable clinical information and help identify patients at high risk.

Physiological Responses and Salt Tolerance Evaluation of Different Varieties of Bougainvillea under Salt Stress.

Soil salinization significantly impacts the ecological environment and agricultural production, posing a threat to plant growth. Currently, there are over 400 varieties of Bougainvillea with horticultural value internationally. However, research on the differences in salt tolerance among Bougainvillea varieties is still insufficient. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the physiological responses and tolerance differences of various Bougainvillea varieties under different concentrations of salt stress, reveal the effects of salt stress on their growth and physiology, and study the adaptation mechanisms of these varieties related to salt stress. The experimental materials consisted of five varieties of Bougainvillea. Based on the actual salinity concentrations in natural saline-alkali soils, we used a pot-controlled salt method for the experiment, with four treatment concentrations set: 0.0% (w/v) (CK), 0.2% (w/v), 0.4% (w/v), and 0.6% (w/v). After the Bougainvillea plants grew stably, salt stress was applied and the growth, physiology, and salt tolerance of the one-year-old plants were systematically measured and assessed. The key findings were as follows: Salt stress inhibited the growth and biomass of the five varieties of Bougainvillea; the 'Dayezi' variety showed severe salt damage, while the 'Shuihong' variety exhibited minimal response. As the salt concentration and duration of salt stress increase, the trends of the changes in antioxidant enzyme activity and osmotic regulation systems in the leaves of the five Bougainvillea species differ. Membrane permeability and the production of membrane oxidative products showed an upward trend with stress severity. The salt tolerance of the five varieties of Bougainvillea was comprehensively evaluated through principal component analysis. It was found that the 'Shuihong' variety exhibited the highest salt tolerance, followed by the 'Lvyehuanghua', 'Xiaoyezi', 'Tazi', and 'Dayezi' varieties. Therefore, Bougainvillea 'Shuihong', 'Lvyehuanghua', and 'Xiaoyezi' are recommended for extensive cultivation in saline-alkali areas. The investigation focuses primarily on how Bougainvillea varieties respond to salt stress from the perspectives of growth and physiological levels. Future research could explore the molecular mechanisms behind the responses to and tolerance of different Bougainvillea varieties as to salt stress, providing a more comprehensive understanding and basis for practical applications.