A zinc metal complex as an NIR emissive probe for real-time dynamics and in vivo embryogenic evolution of lysosomes using super-resolution microscopy.

Zinc (Zn) based fluorescent metal complexes have gained increasing attention due to their non-toxicity and high brightness with marked fluorescence quantum yield (QY). However, they have rarely been employed in super-resolution microscopy (SRM) to study live cells and in vivo dynamics of lysosomes. Here, we present an NIR emissive highly photostable Zn-complex as a multifaceted fluorescent probe for the long-term dynamical distribution of lysosomes in various cancerous and non-cancerous cells in live condition and in vivo embryogenic evolution in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Apart from the normal fission, fusion, and kiss & run, the motility and the exact location of lysosomes at each point were mapped precisely. A notable difference in the lysosomal motility in the peripheral region between cancerous and non-cancerous cells was distinctly observed. This is attributed to the difference in viscosity of the cytoplasmic environment. On the other hand, along with the super-resolved structure of the smallest size lysosome (∼77 nm) in live C. elegans, the complete in vivo embryogenic evolution of lysosomes and lysosome-related organelles (LROs) was captured. We were able to capture the images of lysosomes and LROs at different stages of C. elegans, starting from a single cell and extending to a fully matured adult animal.

Therapeutic potential of dietary bioactive compounds against anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins in breast cancer.

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. One of its defining features is resistance to apoptosis, driven by aberrant expression of apoptosis-related proteins, notably the overexpression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. These proteins enable breast cancer cells to evade apoptosis and develop resistance to chemotherapy, underscoring their critical role as therapeutic targets. Diet plays a significant role in breast cancer risk, potentially escalating or inhibiting cancer development. Recognizing the limitations of current treatments, extensive research is focused on exploring bioactive compounds derived from natural sources such as plants, fruits, vegetables, and spices. These compounds are valued for their ability to exert potent anticancer effects with minimal toxicity and side effects. While literature extensively covers the effects of various dietary compounds in inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, comprehensive information specifically on how dietary bioactive compounds modulate anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein expression in breast cancer is limited. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between Bcl-2 proteins and caspases in the regulation of apoptosis, as well as the impact of dietary bioactive compounds on the modulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 in breast cancer. It further explores how these interactions influence breast cancer progression and treatment outcomes.

NIR-emissive carbon nanodots as a tool to mark ribosomal RNA and nucleolus components using super-resolution microscopy.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) plays a key role in protein synthesis and ribosomal biogenesis. The exclusively used commercial dye for RNA staining is SYTO RNASelect, which works in fixed cells only. To overcome this constraint, we synthesized NIR-emissive, highly photostable, and biocompatible carbon nanodots (CNDs) as a fluorescent biomarker for rRNA. The synthesized CNDs could stain rRNA in both live and fixed cells. We were able to visualize rRNA at different sites in eukaryotic cells using super-resolution microscopy (SRM). The CNDs localized rRNA in the dense fibrillar components (DFCs) of the nucleolus, nuclear membrane, and rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). The super-resolved hollow ring-structured DFC with an FWHM of 140 nm, nuclear membrane with an FWHM of 120 nm, and ER with an FWHM of 115 nm were observed. We further found a marked contrast between the pre-RNA synthesized in cancer cells and normal cells. We believe that these CNDs have great potential in rRNA imaging and comprehending the complex relationships between rRNA dynamics and basic biological processes, disease development, or drug interactions.

Rationale for a New Low-Dose Triple Single Pill Combination for the Treatment of Hypertension.

Two recent large trials showed the potential of single pill combinations (SPCs) with ≥3 low-dose components among people with hypertension who were untreated or receiving monotherapy. In both trials, these 'hypertension polypills' were superior to usual care, achieving >80% BP control without increasing withdrawal due to side effects. However, there are no such products available for prescribers. To address this unmet need, George Medicines developed GMRx2 with telmisartan/amlodipine/indapamide in three strengths (mg): 10/1.25/0.625, 20/2.5/1.25; 40/5/2.5. Two pivotal trials are ongoing to support FDA submission for the treatment of hypertension, including initial treatment. These assess efficacy and safety of GMRx2 compared to: placebo, and each of the three possible dual combinations. Regulatory submissions are planned for 2024, with the aim of providing access to GMRx2 in developed and developing regions. Wider implementation of GMRx2-based treatment strategies will be guided by further research to inform access and appropriate scale up.

OsUGE2 Regulates Plant Growth through Affecting ROS Homeostasis and Iron Level in Rice.

BACKGROUND: The growth and development of rice (Oryza sativa L.) are affected by multiple factors, such as ROS homeostasis and utilization of iron. Here, we demonstrate that OsUGE2, a gene encoding a UDP-glucose 4-epimerase, controls growth and development by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and iron (Fe) level in rice. Knockout of this gene resulted in impaired growth, such as dwarf phenotype, weakened root growth and pale yellow leaves. Biochemical analysis showed that loss of function of OsUGE2 significantly altered the proportion and content of UDP-Glucose (UDP-Glc) and UDP-Galactose (UDP-Gal). Cellular observation indicates that the impaired growth may result from decreased cell length. More importantly, RNA-sequencing analysis showed that knockout of OsUGE2 significantly influenced the expression of genes related to oxidoreductase process and iron ion homeostasis. Consistently, the content of ROS and Fe are significantly decreased in OsUGE2 knockout mutant. Furthermore, knockout mutants of OsUGE2 are insensitive to both Fe deficiency and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment, which further confirmed that OsUGE2 control rice growth possibly through Fe and H2O2 signal. Collectively, these results reveal a new pathway that OsUGE2 could affect growth and development via influencing ROS homeostasis and Fe level in rice.

Super-Resolution Microscopy Unveils Synergistic Structural Changes of Organelles Upon Point Mutation.

Ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS), is a widely used chemical mutagen that causes high-frequency germline null mutation by inserting an alkyl group into the nucleotide guanine in eukaryotic cells. The effect of EMS on the dynamics of the aneuploid genome, increased cellular instability, and carcinogenicity in relation to benign and malignant tumors are reported, but the molecular level understanding of morphological changes of higher-order chromatin structure has poorly been understood. This is due to a lack of sufficient resolution in conventional microscopic techniques to see small structures below the diffraction limit. Here, using super-resolution radial fluctuation, a largely fragmented, decompaction, and less dense heterochromatin structure upon EMS treatment to HEK 293A cells without any change in nuclear DNA domains is observed. This result suggests an early stage of carcinogenicity happened due to the point mutation. In addition, the distinct structural changes with an elongated morphology of lysosomes are also observed. On the other hand, fragmented and increased heterogeneous populations with an increased cytoplasmic occupancy of mitochondria are observed.

Standardized treatment protocols for hypertension: global availability, characteristics, and alignment with the hypertension guideline recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension control is suboptimal globally. Implementing evidence-based, simple, standardized treatment protocols (STPs) has been instrumental in effectively and efficiently improving treatment and control of hypertension. We aimed to identify, characterize, and critically appraise hypertension STPs. METHODS: We defined STP as a series of steps for the pharmacological treatment of primary hypertension, with information on target population, BP threshold for treatment initiation, target BP, specific drugs/classes/doses, and follow-up frequency. STPs for adult patients were identified from the websites of relevant health organizations, Google search, and through expert consultations (until July 2023). STPs for secondary, gestational, or malignant hypertension or those that were templates/samples were excluded. Included STPs were critically appraised using HEARTS in the Americas Checklist for hypertension management in primary care and compared with the 2021 WHO hypertension management guideline recommendations. RESULTS: Fifty STPs were identified. All STPs had a stepwise treatment approach, involved guideline-recommended first-line drugs, and 98% consisted of at least four steps. Majority (54%) recommended monotherapy with calcium channel blockers as first-line treatment. Only 44% STPs recommended treatment initiation with combination therapy, and 16% recommended single-pill combinations. Most (62%) had dose-intensification as the second step. Most (74%) STPs did not provide complete dosing information. Only one STP mentioned a target time for achieving BP control. On average, STPs scored a performance of 68% on the HEARTS Checklist. CONCLUSION: Several STPs are available globally; however, most of them have enormous scope for improvement through interventions aimed at alignment with the latest evidence-based guidelines and multistakeholder engagement.

Elucidating arsenic-bound proteins in the protein data bank: data mining and amino acid cross-validation through Raman spectroscopy.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has unequivocally classified inorganic arsenic as a Group 1 carcinogen, definitively establishing its potential to induce cancer in humans. Paradoxically, despite its well-documented toxicity, arsenic finds utility as a chemotherapeutic agent. Notable examples include melarsoprol and arsenic trioxide, both employed in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia. In both therapeutic and hazardous contexts, arsenic can accumulate within cellular environments, where it engages in intricate interactions with protein molecules. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of how arsenic compounds interact with proteins holds immense promise for the development of innovative inhibitors and pharmaceutical agents. These advancements could prove invaluable in addressing a spectrum of arsenic-related diseases. In pursuit of this knowledge, we undertook a systematic exploration of the Protein Data Bank, with a focus on 902 proteins intricately associated with 26 arsenic compounds. Our comprehensive investigation reveals insights into the interactions between these arsenical compounds and amino acids located within a 4.0 Å molecular distance from arsenic-binding sites. Our findings identify that cysteine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, serine, and arginine frequently engage with arsenic. In complement to our computational analyses, we conducted rigorous Raman spectroscopy studies on the top five amino acids displaying robust interactions with arsenic. The results derived from experimental Raman spectroscopy were meticulously compared with our computational assessments, thereby enhancing the reliability and depth of our investigations. The current study presents a multidimensional exploration into the elaborate interplay between arsenic compounds and proteins. By elucidating the specific amino acids that preferentially interact with arsenic, this study not only contributes to the fundamental understanding of these molecular associations but also lays the foundation for future endeavors in drug design and therapeutic interventions targeting arsenic-related illnesses. Our work at the convergence of toxicology, medicine, and molecular biology carries profound implications for advancing our knowledge of arsenic's dual nature as both a poison and a potential cure.

The pathogenic effect of SNPs on structure and function of human TLR4 using a computational approach.

The human toll-like receptor (hTLR) 4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are interconnected with cancer, multiple genetic disorders and other immune-related diseases. The detrimental effect of SNPs in hTLR4 with respect to structure and function has not been explored in depth. The present study concatenates the biological consequences of the SNPs along with structural modifications predicted at the hTLR4 gene. A total of 7910 SNPs of hTLR4 were screened, and 21 damage-causing SNPs were identified. Out of 21, seven are present in the extracellular region, of which three were detected as deleterious and the fourth one as moderate. These three mutations are located in a highly conserved region and influence conformational change. The change leads to the widening of the Leucine-rich repeat (LRR) arc to a maximum of 16.9 Å and a minimum of 8.7 Å. Expansion/shortening of LRR arc, never discussed before, would cause loss of myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD-2) interactions in the interior and diminish lipopolysaccharide (LPS) responses. Similarly, in all mutant structures, the binding region for HMGB1 and LPS is deflating or in an unsupportive conformation. Thus, SNPs affect the regular signaling cascade and might result in human sepsis, genetic disorders, cancer and other immunological related diseases.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Ethylene accelerates copper oxide nanoparticle-induced toxicity at physiological, biochemical, and ultrastructural levels in rice seedlings.

The enormous use of metal-based nanoparticles (NPs) in different sectors may result in enhanced accumulation in agricultural soil, which could impose negative effects on crop productivity. Hence, strategies are needed to explore the mechanisms of copper oxide nanoparticle (CuO NP)-induced toxicity in crops. The present study aimed to investigate the involvement of ethylene in CuO NP-induced toxicity in rice seedlings. Here, our results indicate that 450 mg L-1 of CuO NPs induced toxic effects in rice seedlings. Thus, it was evidenced by the reduced plant biomass accumulation, enhanced oxidative stress indicators, and cellular ultrastructural damages. More importantly, the exogenous supply of ethylene biosynthesis and signaling antagonists cobalt (Co) and silver (Ag) respectively provided tolerance and improved the defense system of rice seedlings against CuO NP toxicity. The ethylene antagonists could significantly reduce the extent of ultrastructural and stomatal damage by controlling the ROS accumulation in rice seedlings under CuO NP stress. Furthermore, Co and Ag augmented the antioxidant defense system against CuO NP-induced toxicity. Contrary to that, all oxidative damage attributes were further enhanced exogenous application of ethylene biosynthesis precursor [1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC)] in the presence of CuO NPs. In addition, ACC could increase the CuO NP-induced stomatal and ultrastructural damages by reducing the ROS-scavenging ability in rice seedlings. Taken together, these results indicate the involvement of ethylene in CuO NP-induced toxicity in rice seedlings.

Reduced efficacy of blood pressure lowering drugs in the presence of diabetes mellitus-results from the TRIUMPH randomised controlled trial.

We investigated whether diabetes mellitus (DM) affects the efficacy of a low-dose triple combination pill and usual care among people with mild-moderate hypertension. TRIUMPH (TRIple pill vs Usual care Management for Patients with mild-to-moderate Hypertension) was a randomised controlled open-label trial of patients requiring initiation or escalation of antihypertensive therapy. Patients were randomised to a once-daily low-dose triple combination polypill (telmisartan-20mg/amlodipine-2.5 mg/chlorthalidone-12.5 mg) or usual care. This analysis compared BP reduction in people with and without DM, both in the intervention and control groups over 24-week follow-up. Predicted efficacy of prescribed therapy was calculated (estimation methods of Law et al.). The trial randomised 700 patients (56 ± 11 yrs, 31% DM). There was no difference in the number of drugs prescribed or predicted efficacy of therapy between people with DM and without DM. However, the observed BP reduction from baseline to week 24 was lower in those with DM compared to non-diabetics in both the triple pill (25/11 vs 31/15 mmHg, p ≤ 0.01) and usual care (17/7 vs 22/11 mmHg, p ≤ 0.01) groups, and these differences remained after multivariable adjustment. DM was a negative predictor of change in BP (ß-coefficient -0.08, p = 0.02). In conclusion, patients with DM experienced reduced efficacy of BP lowering therapies as compared to patients without DM, irrespective of the type of BP lowering therapy received.

Computational investigations of indanedione and indanone derivatives in drug discovery: Indanone derivatives inhibits cereblon, an E3 ubiquitin ligase component.

BACKGROUND: Cereblon, an extensively studied multifunctional protein, is a Cullin 4-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase complex component. Cereblon is a well-known target of thalidomide and its derivatives. Cereblon is involved in multiple myeloma cell apoptosis. When ligands such as thalidomide and lenalidomide bind to cereblon, it recognizes various neosubstrates based on the ligand shape and properties. We have identified novel CRBN inhibitors, namely DHFO and its analogs, with structural features that are slightly different from thalidomide but stronger cereblon-binding affinity. We selected indanedione and indanone derivatives from the literature to understand and compare their cereblon-mediated substrate recognition potential. METHODS: Computational investigations of possible CRBN inhibitors were investigated by molecular docking with Autodock Vina and DockThor programs. The properties of the compounds' ADME/T and drug-likeness were investigated. A molecular dynamics study was carried out for four selected molecules, and the molecular interactions were analyzed using PCA-based FEL methods. The binding affinity was calculated using the MM/PBSA method. RESULTS: We conducted computational investigations on 68 indanedione and indanone derivatives binding with cereblon. Ten molecules showed better CRBN binding affinity than thalidomide. We studied the drug-likeness properties of the selected ten molecules, and four of the most promising molecules (DHFO, THOH, DIMS, and DTIN) were chosen for molecular dynamics studies. The MM/PBSA calculations showed that the DHFO, already shown to be a 5-LOX/COX2 inhibitor, has the highest binding affinity of - 163.16 kJ/mol with cereblon. CONCLUSION: The selected CRBN inhibitor DHFO has demonstrated the highest binding affinity with cereblon protein compared to other molecules. Thalidomide and its derivatives have a new substitute in the form of DHFO, which produces an interaction hotspot on the surface of the cereblon. Ease of chemical synthesis, low toxicity, versatile therapeutic options, and pleiotropism of DHFO analogs provide an opportunity for exploring clinical alternatives with versatile therapeutic potential for a new category of indanedione molecules as novel modulators of E3 ubiquitin ligases.

Grey matter heterotopia mimicking acute stroke.

Grey Matter Heterotopia is a rare clinical entity and its presentation can vary with age. While it usually presents with seizures or behavioural problems, it can seldom present as a stroke mimic. We aim to highlight this rare condition as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with stroke-like symptoms.

Mahanimbine isolated from Murraya koenigii inhibits P-glycoprotein involved in lung cancer chemoresistance.

P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a transmembrane glycoprotein, is mainly involved in lung cancer multidrug resistance. Several P-gp inhibitors have been developed to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapeutics and overcome drug resistance. However, most of them failed in the clinical stages due to undesirable side effects. Therefore, there is a requirement to develop P-gp inhibitors from natural sources. Dietary spice bioactives have been well-known for their anticancer activities. However, their role in modulating the P-gp activity has not been well investigated. Therefore, we have screened for the potential bioactives from various spice plants with P-gp modulatory activity using computational molecular docking analysis. The computational analysis revealed several key bioactives from curry leaves, specifically mahanimbine, exhibited a strong binding affinity with P-gp. Unfortunately, mahanimbine is available with few commercial sources at very high prices. Therefore, we prepared a curry leaves extract and isolated mahanimbine by a novel, yet simple, extraction method that requires less time and causes minimum environmental hazards. After purification, structure, and mass were confirmed for the isolated compound by IR spectrum and LC-MS/MS analysis, respectively. In the mechanistic study, hydrolysis of ATP and substrate efflux by P-gp are coupled. Hence, ATP binding at the ATPase-binding site is one of the fundamental steps for the P-gp efflux cycle. We found that mahanimbine demonstrated to stimulate P-gp ATPase activity. Concurrently, it enhanced the intracellular accumulation of P-gp substrates Rhodamine 123 and Hoechst stain, which indicates that mahanimbine modulates the function of P-gp. In addition, we have analyzed the complementary effect of mahanimbine with the chemotherapeutic drug gefitinib. We found that mahanimbine synergistically enhanced gefitinib efficiency by increasing its intracellular accumulation in lung cancer cells. Overall, mahanimbine has been shown to be a potent P-gp modulator. Therefore, mahanimbine can be further developed as a potential candidate to overcome chemoresistance in lung cancer.

Pre-excitation syndrome presenting with acute myocardial infarction.

A male in his mid 50s, chronic smoker and hypertensive for 10 years presented with history suggestive of typical angina, electrocardiographic evidence of pre-excitation and serial elevation of cardiac biomarkers. Serial electrocardiograms showed subtle changes (axis shift, horizontal ST-segment changes) that could be presumptive of an anterior wall myocardial infarction. Speckle tracking echocardiography revealed territorial reduction of longitudinal strain corresponding to the left anterior descending artery with coronary angiography corroborating the same and underwent successful revascularisation. Exercise stress testing showed abrupt and complete disappearance of delta wave and normalisation of PR interval which indicates that the patient has low risk of developing malignant arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.

Effect of post-diagnosis exercise on depression symptoms, physical functioning and mortality in breast cancer survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Breast cancer, the most common cancer found in women, affects 2.1 million women annually and has the highest number of cancer related deaths. The objective of the current meta-analysis is to evaluate the effects of post-diagnosis exercises on depression, physical functioning, and mortality in breast cancer survivors. METHODS: The search for eligible articles was conducted through CINAHL, Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Emerald Insight and Web of Science, Embase database, MEDLINE In-Process, Elsevier, Google Scholar, PsycInfo, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Allied and Complementary Medicine (AMED), Biosis Previews, SPORTDiscus, PEDro scientific databases from 1974 to 2020. Following the exclusion procedure, 26 articles yielded for final analysis. The combined statistics for depression, physical functioning, and mortality in breast cancer survivors were calculated using standardized mean differences (SMD). Standard errors and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were converted to standard deviations as required. For mortality, combined statistics were calculated using hazard ratios (HR). The 95% CIs were converted to standard errors as required. The forest plots display point estimates and 95% CIs. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements on levels of depression were identified following the exercise intervention, suggesting that post-diagnosis physical activity leads to a decrease in depression scores. Overall, post-diagnosis exercise led to a 37% reduction in the rate of breast cancer-specific mortality. The all-cause mortality rate was decreased by 39% with the inclusion of moderate physical activity as the part of daily routine. CONCLUSIONS: Future studies should look at how to improve the quality of life while incorporating physical activity as a daily routine after breast-cancer treatment.

Traditional medicinal plants against replication, maturation and transmission targets of SARS-CoV-2: computational investigation.

COVID-19 is an infectious pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The critical components of SARS-CoV-2 are the spike protein (S-protein) and the main protease (Mpro). Mpro is required for the maturation of the various polyproteins involved in replication and transcription. S-protein helps the SARS-CoV-2 to enter the host cells through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Since ACE2 is required for the binding of SARS-CoV-2 on the host cells, ACE2 inhibitors and blockers have got wider attention, in addition to S-protein and Mpro modulators as potential therapeutics for COVID-19. So far, no specific drugs have shown promising therapeutic potential against COVID-19. The current study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic potential of traditional medicinal plants against COVID-19. The bioactives from the medicinal plants, along with standard drugs, were screened for their binding against S-protein, Mpro and ACE2 targets using molecular docking followed by molecular dynamics. Based on the higher binding affinity compared with standard drugs, bioactives were selected and further analyzed for their pharmacological properties such as drug-likeness, ADME/T-test, biological activities using in silico tools. The binding energies of several bioactives analyzed with target proteins were relatively comparable and even better than the standard drugs. Based on Lipinski factors and lower binding energies, seven bioactives were further analyzed for their pharmacological and biological characteristics. The selected bioactives were found to have lower toxicity with a higher GI absorption rate and potent anti-inflammatory and anti-viral activities against targets of COVID-19. Therefore, the bioactives from these medicinal plants can be further developed as phytopharmaceuticals for the effective treatment of COVID-19.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Ethylene participates in zinc oxide nanoparticles induced biochemical, molecular and ultrastructural changes in rice seedlings.

Nowadays, the applications of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) have been significantly increased, thereby negatively affecting crop production and ultimately contaminating the food chain worldwide. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) induced oxidative stress has been clarified in previous studies. But until now, it has not been investigated that how ethylene mediates or participates in ZnO NPs-induced toxicity and related cellular ultrastructural changes in rice seedlings. Here, we reported that 500 mg/L of ZnO NPs reduced the fresh weight (54.75% and 55.64%) and dry weight (40.33% and 47.83%) in shoot and root respectively as compared to control. Furthermore, ZnO NPs (500 mg/L) reduced chlorophyll content (72% Chla, 70% Chlb), induced the stomatal closure and ultrastructural damages by causing oxidative stress in rice seedlings. These cellular damages were significantly increased by exogenous applications of ethylene biosynthesis precursor (ACC) in the presence of ZnO NPs. In contrary, ZnO NPs induced damages on the above-mentioned attributes were reversed through the exogenous supply of ethylene signaling and biosynthesis antagonists such as silver (Ag) and cobalt (Co) respectively. Interestingly, ZnO NPs accelerate ethylene biosynthesis by up-regulating the transcriptome of ethylene biosynthesis responsive genes. The antioxidant enzymes activities and related gene expressions were further increased in ethylene signaling and biosynthesis associated antagonists (Ag and Co) treated seedlings as compared to sole ZnO NPs treatments. In contrary, the above-reported attributes were further decreased by ACC together with ZnO NPs. In a nutshell, ethylene effectively contributes in ZnO NPs induced toxicity and causing ultrastructural and stomatal damage in rice seedlings. Such findings could have potential implications in producing genetic engineered crops, which will be able to tolerate nanoparticles toxicity in the environment.

Amelioration of AsV toxicity by concurrent application of ZnO-NPs and Se-NPs is associated with differential regulation of photosynthetic indexes, antioxidant pool and osmolytes content in soybean seedling.

Arsenic is a significant food safety and environmental concern due to its mutagenic and carcinogenic effect on living organism. Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merrill) is a global staple crop grown intensively in arsenic-contaminated regions of the world (e.g., Southern Province of China). Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate whether Se-NPs and/or ZnO-NPs could be used as an eco-friendly and efficient amendment to reduce arsenic uptake and toxicity in soybean. Ten-days-old seedling, grown in vermiculite, were transferred to hydroponic media and further grown till V2 growth stage appeared. AsV (25 µM Na2HAsO4) stressed plants were treated with ZnONP (25 µM ZnO) and SeNP (25 µM Se) separately and in combination, which were grown for another 10 d. The result demonstrated that arsenic-treated soybean plants displayed a reduction in photosynthetic efficiency, increased proline and glycine betaine accumulation in tissues, and altered antioxidant activity compared to an untreated control. The application of zinc oxide and selenium nanoparticles, both independently and in tandem, reduced arsenic stress in root and shoot tissues and rescued plant health. This was reflected through increased levels of reduced glutathione content, ascorbic acid, and various photosynthesis- and antioxidant-relevant enzymes. In addition, nanoparticle-treated soybean plants displayed higher expression of defense- and detoxification-related genes compared to controls. Cellular toxicants (i.e., oxidized glutathione, reactive oxygen species, and malondialdehyde) were reduced upon nanoparticle treatment. These data collectively suggest that selenium and zinc oxide nanoparticles may be a solution to ameliorate arsenic toxicity in agricultural soils and crop plants.