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INTRODUCTION: It is estimated that 90% of hyperuricemia cases are attributed to the inability to excrete uric acid (UA). The two main organs in charge of excreting UA are the kidney (70%) and intestine (30%). Previous studies have reported that punicalagin (PU) could protect against kidney and intestinal damages, which makes it a potential candidate for alleviating hyperuricemia. However, the effects and deeper action mechanisms of PU for managing hyperuricemia are still unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and action mechanisms of PU for ameliorating hyperuricemia. METHODS: The effects and action mechanisms of PU on hyperuricemia were assessed using a hyperuricemia mice model. Phenotypic parameters, metabolomics analysis, and 16S rRNA sequencing were applied to explore the effect and fundamental action mechanisms inside the kidney and intestine of PU for improving hyperuricemia. RESULTS: PU administration significantly decreased elevated serum uric acid (SUA) levels in hyperuricemia mice, and effectively alleviated the kidney and intestinal damage caused by hyperuricemia. In the kidney, PU down-regulated the expression of UA resorption protein URAT1 and GLUT9, while up-regulating the expression of UA excretion protein ABCG2 and OAT1 as mediated via the activation of MAKP/NF-κB in hyperuricemia mice. Additionally, PU attenuated renal glycometabolism disorder, which contributed to improving kidney dysfunction and inflammation. Similarly, PU increased UA excretion protein expression via inhibiting MAKP/NF-κB activation in the intestine of hyperuricemia mice. Furthermore, PU restored gut microbiota dysbiosis in hyperuricemia mice. CONCLUSION: This research revealed the ameliorating impacts of PU on hyperuricemia by restoring kidney and intestine damage in hyperuricemia mice, and to be considered for the development of nutraceuticals used as UA-lowering agent.
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Phosphorus (P), an essential macronutrient for all life on Earth, has been shown to be a vital limiting nutrient element for plant growth and yield. P deficiency is a common phenomenon in terrestrial ecosystems across the world. Chemical phosphate fertilizer has traditionally been employed to solve the problem of P deficiency in agricultural production, but its application has been limited by the non-renewability of raw materials and the adverse influence on the ecological health of the environment. Therefore, it is imperative to develop efficient, economical, environmentally friendly and highly stable alternative strategies to meet the plant P demand. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) are able to improve plant productivity by increasing P nutrition. Pathways to fully and effectively use PSB to mobilize unavailable forms of soil P for plants has become a hot research topic in the fields of plant nutrition and ecology. Here, the biogeochemical P cycling in soil systems are summarized, how to make full use of soil legacy P via PSB to alleviate the global P resource shortage are reviewed. We highlight the advances in multi-omics technologies that are helpful for exploring the dynamics of nutrient turnover and the genetic potential of PSB-centered microbial communities. Furthermore, the multiple roles of PSB inoculants in sustainable agricultural practices are analyzed. Finally, we project that new ideas and techniques will be continuously infused into fundamental and applied research to achieve a more integrated understanding of the interactive mechanisms of PSB and rhizosphere microbiota/plant to maximize the efficacy of PSB as P activators.
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Fosfatos , Fósforo , Fosfatos/metabolismo , Fósforo/metabolismo , Ecosistema , Suelo , Bacterias/genética , Bacterias/metabolismoRESUMEN
Soil salinity is a significant threat to global agriculture. Understanding salt exclusion mechanisms in halophyte species may be instrumental in improving salt tolerance in crops. Puccinellia tenuiflora is a typical salt-excluding halophytic grass often found in potassium-deprived saline soils. Our previous work showed that P. tenuiflora possesses stronger selectivity for K+ than for Na+ ; however, the mechanistic basis of this phenomenon remained elusive. Here, P. tenuiflora PutHKT1;5 was cloned and the functions of PutHKT1;5 and PutSOS1 were characterized using heterologous expression systems. Yeast assays showed that PutHKT1;5 possessed Na+ transporting capacity and was highly selective for Na+ over K+ . PutSOS1 was located at the plasma membrane and operated as a Na+ /K+ exchanger, with much stronger Na+ extrusion capacity than its homolog from Arabidopsis. PutHKT2;1 mediated high-affinity K+ and Na+ uptake and its expression levels were upregulated by mild salinity and K+ deprivation. Salinity-induced changes of root PutHKT1;5 and PutHKT1;4 transcript levels matched the expression pattern of root PutSOS1, which was consistent with root Na+ efflux. The transcript levels of root PutHKT2;1 and PutAKT1 were downregulated by salinity. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the functional activity of PutHKT1;5 and PutSOS1 in P. tenuiflora roots is fine-tuned under saline conditions as well as by operation of other ion transporters/channel (PutHKT1;4, PutHKT2;1, and PutAKT1). This leads to the coordination of radial Na+ and K+ transport processes, their loading to the xylem, or Na+ retrieval and extrusion under conditions of mild salinity and/or K+ deprivation.
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Arabidopsis , Potasio , Potasio/metabolismo , Sodio/metabolismo , Salinidad , Poaceae/genética , Poaceae/metabolismo , Plantas Tolerantes a la Sal/genética , Plantas Tolerantes a la Sal/metabolismo , Arabidopsis/genética , Arabidopsis/metabolismo , Suelo , Raíces de Plantas/genética , Raíces de Plantas/metabolismo , Regulación de la Expresión Génica de las PlantasRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Central lymph node status in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) plays an important role in treatment decision-making clinically, however, it is not easy to predict central lymph node metastasis (CLNM). The present work focused on finding the more rational alternative for evaluating central lymph node status while identifying influencing factors to construct a model to predict CLNM incidence. METHODS: In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the typical sonographic and clinicopathologic features of 546 PTMC patients who underwent surgery, among which, the data of 382 patients were recruited in the training cohort and that of 164 patients in the validation cohort. Based on the outcome of the training cohort, significant influencing factors were further identified through univariate analysis and were considered as independent variables in multivariable logistic regression analysis and incorporated in and presented with a nomogram. RESULTS: In total, six independent predictors, including the age, sex, tumor size, multifocality, capsular invasion, Hashimotos thyroiditis were entered into the nomogram. Both internal validation and external validation revealed the favorable discrimination of our as-constructed nomogram. Calibration curves exhibited high consistency. As suggested by decision-curve analyses, the as-constructed nomogram might be applied in clinic. Besides, the model also distinguished patients according to risk stratification. CONCLUSIONS: The novel nomogram containing remarkable influencing factors for CLNM cases was established in the present work. The nomogram can assist clinicians in clinical decision-making.
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Ganglios Linfáticos , Carcinoma Papilar , Humanos , Ganglios Linfáticos/patología , Ganglios Linfáticos/cirugía , Metástasis Linfática/patología , Estudios Retrospectivos , Factores de Riesgo , Neoplasias de la TiroidesRESUMEN
Species in the genus Paenibacillus from special habitats have attracted great attention due to their plant growth-promoting traits. A novel plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) species in the genus Paenibacillus was isolated from spruce forest at the height of 3,150 m in the Qilian Mountains, Gansu province, China. The phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA, rpoB, and nifH gene sequences demonstrated that strain LC-T2 T was affiliated in the genus Paenibacillus and exhibited the highest sequence similarity with Paenibacillus donghaensis KCTC 13049 T (97.4%). Average nucleotide identity (ANIb and ANIm) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) between strain LC-T2 T and P. donghaensis KCTC 13049 T were 72.6, 83.3, and 21.2%, respectively, indicating their genetic differences at the species level. These differences were further verified by polar lipids profiles, major fatty acid contents, and several distinct physiological characteristics. Meanwhile, the draft genome analysis provided insight into the genetic features to support its plant-associated lifestyle and habitat adaptation. Subsequently, the effects of volatile organic compound (VOC) emitted from strain LC-T2 T on the growth of Arabidopsis were evaluated. Application of strain LC-T2 T significantly improved root surface area, root projection area, and root fork numbers by 158.3, 158.3, and 241.2%, respectively, compared to control. Also, the effects of LC-T2 T on the growth of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) were further assessed by pot experiment. Application of LC-T2 T also significantly improved the growth of white clover with root fresh weight increased over three-folds compared to control. Furthermore, the viable bacterial genera of rhizosphere soil were detected in each treatment. The number of genera from LC-T2 T -inoculated rhizosphere soil was 1.7-fold higher than that of control, and some isolates were similar to strain LC-T2 T , indicating that LC-T2 T inoculation was effective in the rhizosphere soil of white clover. Overall, strain LC-T2 T should be attributed to a novel PGPR species within the genus Paenibacillus based on phylogenetic relatedness, genotypic features, and phenotypic and inoculation experiment, for which the name Paenibacillus monticola sp. nov. is proposed.
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A salt-tolerant, Gram-negative, rod-shaped and yellow-pigmented bacterium, designated strain AY-3RT, was isolated from rhizosphere soil of a desert xerophyte, Haloxylon ammodendron, sampled at Badain Jaran Desert, Alxa region, Inner Mongolia, PR China. Growth of this strain was observed at 20-42 °C (optimum, 28-30 °C), at pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 6.0-7.0) and at 0-8â% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 3â%). Results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain AY-3RT was a member of the genus Altererythrobacter, with the highest similarity to Altererythrobacter aerophilus Ery1T (97.6 %), followed by Altererythrobacter xinjiangensis S3-63T (96.9â%). The predominant fatty acids (>10.0â%) were C18â:â1ω7c, C17â:â1ω6c and summed feature 3 (C16â:â1ω7c and/or C16â:â1ω6c). The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, sphingoglycolipid and one unknown polar lipid. The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain AY-3RT was 66.3 mol%. On the basis of the data from this polyphasic taxonomic study, strain AY-3RT represents a novel species of the genus Altererythrobacter, named Altererythrobacter rhizovicinus sp. nov. (=MCCC 1K03572T=KCTC 72280T).
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Alphaproteobacteria/clasificación , Chenopodiaceae/microbiología , Filogenia , Rizosfera , Microbiología del Suelo , Alphaproteobacteria/aislamiento & purificación , Técnicas de Tipificación Bacteriana , Composición de Base , China , ADN Bacteriano/genética , Ácidos Grasos/química , Fosfolípidos/química , Pigmentación , ARN Ribosómico 16S/genética , Análisis de Secuencia de ADN , Ubiquinona/análogos & derivados , Ubiquinona/químicaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: When opportunistic infections occur, patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) commonly display a significantly increased rate of morbidity and mortality. With increasing use of immunosuppressive agents and biological agents, opportunistic infections are becoming a hot topic in the perspective of drug safety in IBD patients. Despite the well-established role of opportunistic infections in the prognosis of IBD patients, there are few epidemiological data investigating the incidence of opportunis-tic infections in IBD patients in China. Besides, the risk factors for opportunistic infection in Chinese IBD patients remain unclear. AIM: To predict the incidence of opportunistic infections related to IBD in China, and explore the risk factors for opportunistic infections. METHODS: A single-center, prospective study of IBD patients was conducted. The patients were followed for up to 12 mo to calculate the incidence of infections. For each infected IBD patient, two non-infected IBD patients were selected as controls. A conditional logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations between putative risk factors and opportunistic infections, which are represented as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Seventy (28.11%) out of 249 IBD patients developed opportunistic infections. Clostridium difficile infections and respiratory syncytial virus infections were found in 24 and 16 patients, respectively. In a univariate analysis, factors such as the severity of IBD, use of an immunosuppressant or immunosuppressants, high levels of fecal calprotectin, and C-reactive protein or erythrocyte sedimentation rate were individually related to a significantly increased risk of opportunistic infection. Multivariate analysis indicated that the use of any immunosuppressant yielded an OR of 3.247 (95%CI: 1.128-9.341), whereas the use of any two immunosuppressants yielded an OR of 6.457 (95%CI: 1.726-24.152) for opportunistic infection. Interestingly, when immunosuppressants were used in combination with infliximab (IFX) or 5-aminosalicylic acid, a significantly increased risk of opportunistic infection was also observed. The relative risk of opportunistic infection was greatest in IBD patients with severe disease activity (OR = 9.090; 95%CI: 1.532-53.941, relative to the remission stage). However, the use of IFX alone did not increase the risk of opportunistic infection. CONCLUSION: Factors such as severe IBD, elevated levels of fecal calprotectin, and the use of immunosuppressive medications, especially when used in combination, are major risk factors for opportunistic infections in IBD patients. The use of IFX alone does not increase the risk of opportunistic infection.
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Enfermedades Inflamatorias del Intestino/complicaciones , Infecciones Oportunistas/epidemiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Niño , China/epidemiología , Quimioterapia Combinada/efectos adversos , Quimioterapia Combinada/métodos , Heces/química , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Inmunosupresores/administración & dosificación , Inmunosupresores/efectos adversos , Incidencia , Enfermedades Inflamatorias del Intestino/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedades Inflamatorias del Intestino/inmunología , Infliximab/administración & dosificación , Infliximab/efectos adversos , Complejo de Antígeno L1 de Leucocito/análisis , Masculino , Mesalamina/administración & dosificación , Mesalamina/efectos adversos , Mesalamina/uso terapéutico , Persona de Mediana Edad , Infecciones Oportunistas/complicaciones , Infecciones Oportunistas/inmunología , Estudios Prospectivos , Factores de Riesgo , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
AIM: To explore the significance of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-receptor (R)2 in mucosal healing of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and the effect of Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang (TXYF) on CRH-R2 expression and regulation. METHODS: Ulcerative colitis was induced in mice by administration of 3% (w/v) DSS for 7 d. Once the model was established, mice were administered urocortin-2 (30 µg/kg), a peptide which binds exclusively to CRH-R2, or various doses of aqueous TXYF extracts (2.8-11.2 g/kg), a CRH-R2 antagonist Astressin (Ast)2B (20 µg/kg), Ast2B + Ucn2, or Ast2B with various doses of aqueous TXYF extracts for 9 d. Colonic mucosal permeability was then evaluated by measuring the fluorescence intensity in serum. The colitis disease activity index (DAI), histology, body weight loss and colon length were assessed to evaluate the condition of colitis. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling was used to detect apoptosis of the intestinal epithelial cells. The expression level of Ki-67 represented the proliferation of colonic epithelial cells and was detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression levels of inflammation cytokines IL-6, TNF-α and CXCL-1 were examined in colon tissues using real-time PCR and ELISA kits. RESULTS: Compared with the DSS group, mice treated with the CRH-R2 antagonist Ast2B showed greater loss of body weight, shorter colon lengths (4.90 ± 0.32 vs 6.21 ± 0.34 cm, P < 0.05), and higher DAI (3.61 ± 0.53 vs 2.42 ± 0.32, P < 0.05) and histological scores (11.50 ± 1.05 vs 8.33 ± 1.03, P < 0.05). Additionally, the Ast2B group showed increased intestinal permeability (2.76 ± 0.11 µg/mL vs 1.47 ± 0.11 µg/mL, P < 0.001), improved secretion of inflammatory cytokines in colon tissue, and reduced colonic epithelial cell proliferation (4.97 ± 4.25 vs 22.51 ± 8.22, P < 0.05). Increased apoptosis (1422.39 ± 90.71 vs 983.01 ± 98.17, P < 0.001) was also demonstrated. The Ucn2 group demonstrated lower DAI (0.87 ± 0.55 vs 2.42 ± 0.32, P < 0.001) and histological scores (4.33 ± 1.50 vs 8.33 ± 1.03, P < 0.05). Diminished weight loss, longer colon length (9.58 ± 0.62 vs 6.21 ± 0.34 cm, P < 0.001), reduced intestinal permeability (0.75 ± 0.07 vs 1.47 ± 0.11 µg/mL, P < 0.001), inhibited secretion of inflammatory cytokines in colon tissue and increased colonic epithelial cell proliferation (90.04 ± 15.50 vs 22.51 ± 8.22, P < 0.01) were all observed. Reduced apoptosis (149.55 ± 21.68 vs 983.01 ± 98.17, P < 0.05) was also observed. However, significant statistical differences in the results of the Ast2B group and Ast2B + Ucn2 group were observed. TXYF was also found to ameliorate symptoms of DSS-induced colitis in mice and to promote mucosal repair like Ucn2. There were significant differences between the Ast2B + TXYF groups and the TXYF groups. CONCLUSION: CRH-R2 activates the intestinal mucosal antiinflammatory response by regulating migration, proliferation and apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in colitis-induced mice, and plays an important antiinflammatory role. TXYF promotes mucosal repair in colitis mice by regulating CRH-R2.
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Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Colitis/tratamiento farmacológico , Colon/efectos de los fármacos , Sulfato de Dextran , Medicamentos Herbarios Chinos/farmacología , Mucosa Intestinal/efectos de los fármacos , Receptores de Hormona Liberadora de Corticotropina/metabolismo , Cicatrización de Heridas/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Movimiento Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Quimiocina CXCL1/metabolismo , Colitis/inducido químicamente , Colitis/metabolismo , Colitis/patología , Colon/metabolismo , Colon/patología , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Interleucina-6/metabolismo , Mucosa Intestinal/metabolismo , Mucosa Intestinal/patología , Antígeno Ki-67/metabolismo , Masculino , Ratones Endogámicos ICR , Permeabilidad , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismoRESUMEN
Water retaining agent (WRA) is widely used for soil erosion control and agricultural water saving. Here, we evaluated the effects of the combination of beneficial soil bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain GB03 and WRA (the compound is super absorbent hydrogels) on drought tolerance of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Seedlings were subjected to natural drought for maximum 20 days by stopping watering and then rewatered for seven days. Plant survival rate, biomass, photosynthesis, water status and leaf cell membrane integrity were measured. The results showed that under severe drought stress (20-day natural drought), compared to control, GB03, WRA and GB03+WRA all significantly improved shoot fresh weight, dry weight, relative water content (RWC) and chlorophyll content and decreased leaf relative electric conductivity (REC) and leaf malondialdehyde (MDA) content; GB03+WRA significantly enhanced chlorophyll content compared to control and other two treatments. Seven days after rewatering, GB03, WRA and GB03+WRA all significantly enhanced plant survival rate, biomass, RWC and maintained chlorophyll content compared to control; GB03+WRA significantly enhanced plant survival rate, biomass and chlorophyll content compared to control and other two treatments. The results established that GB03 together with water retaining agent promotes ryegrass growth under drought conditions by improving survival rate and maintaining chlorophyll content.
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Bacillus amyloliquefaciens/fisiología , Clorofila/metabolismo , Hidrogeles/farmacología , Lolium/crecimiento & desarrollo , Microbiología del Suelo , Biomasa , Sequías , Lolium/metabolismo , Malondialdehído/metabolismo , Fotosíntesis , Hojas de la Planta/metabolismo , Estrés Fisiológico/efectos de los fármacos , AguaRESUMEN
An alkaliphilic strain designed MN-1T was isolated from a desert sand sample collected from Tengger desert, north-western China. To delineate its taxonomic position, this Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, strictly aerobic bacterium was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Growth was observed at temperatures from 4 to 37 °C (optimum 30-32 °C), at salinities from 0 to 2â% (optimum 1â%) and at pH from 6.5 to 12.0 (optimum 7.0-9.0). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that strain MN-1T was a member of the genus Altererythrobacterbut could be distinguished from recognized species of this genus. Compared to the reference strains, the novel strain was flagellated and motile by means of polar flagella. The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10 and the major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, one unidentified glycolipid, one unidentified phospholipid and four unidentified lipids. The predominant fatty acids were C18â:â1ω7c, summed feature 3 (C16â:â1ω7c and/or C16â:â1ω6c) and C16â:â0. These chemotaxonomic traits were in agreement with the characteristics of the genus Altererythrobacter. Strain MN-1T was most closely related to Altererythrobacter xinjiangensis S3-63T (96.9â% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), followed by Altererythrobacter dongtanensis JM27T (96.4â%) and Altererythrobacter marinus H32T (96.1â%). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain MN-1T was 67.0 mol%. On the basis of data from this polyphasic taxonomic study, strain MN-1T is proposed as the type strain of a novel species of the genus Altererythrobacter, named as Altererythrobacter soli sp. nov. (=KCTC 52135T=MCCC 1K02066T).
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Alphaproteobacteria/clasificación , Clima Desértico , Filogenia , Microbiología del Suelo , Alphaproteobacteria/genética , Alphaproteobacteria/aislamiento & purificación , Técnicas de Tipificación Bacteriana , Composición de Base , China , ADN Bacteriano/genética , Ácidos Grasos/química , Glucolípidos/química , Fosfolípidos/química , ARN Ribosómico 16S/genética , Análisis de Secuencia de ADN , Dióxido de Silicio , Ubiquinona/químicaRESUMEN
Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. is a traditional Chinese herbal medicinal plant and a low-cost succedaneum for Panax ginseng and contains various bioactivity components. In this work, we first evaluated the effects of the inoculation of the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain GB03 on growth and metabolite accumulation of C. pilosula. The results demonstrated that application of B. amyloliquefaciens GB03 significantly improved the growth of C. pilosula compared to DH5α, Luria broth medium, and water treatment, respectively. On the other hand, we observed that the content of lobetyolin, one of the most important secondary metabolites in C. pilosula, was obviously improved by inoculation of GB03 and almost reached twice that compared to the other three treatments. In addition, some amino acids of roots were elevated by GB03, although not significantly. In conclusion, B. amyloliquefaciens GB03 could induce positive effects on the growth and further stimulate accumulation of secondary metabolites in C. pilosula.
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Inoculantes Agrícolas , Bacillus amyloliquefaciens/fisiología , Codonopsis/metabolismo , Codonopsis/microbiología , Codonopsis/crecimiento & desarrollo , Medicamentos Herbarios Chinos , Fotosíntesis , Plantas Medicinales/crecimiento & desarrollo , Plantas Medicinales/metabolismo , Plantas Medicinales/microbiología , Poliinos/metabolismo , Metabolismo SecundarioRESUMEN
Soil salinity is an increasingly serious problem worldwide that reduces agricultural output potential. Selected beneficial soil bacteria can promote plant growth and augment tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Bacillus subtilis strain GB03 has been shown to confer growth promotion and abiotic stress tolerance in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Here we examined the effect of this beneficial soil bacterium on salt tolerance in the legume forage crop, white clover. Plants of white clover (Trifolium repens L. cultivar Huia) were grown from seeds with or without soil inoculation of the beneficial soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis GB03 supplemented with 0, 50, 100, or 150 mM NaCl water into soil. Growth parameters, chlorophyll content, malondialdehyde (MDA) content and osmotic potential were monitored during the growth cycle. Endogenous Na(+) and K(+) contents were determined at the time of harvest. White clover plants grown in GB03-inoculated soil were significantly larger than non-inoculated controls with respect to shoot height, root length, plant biomass, leaf area and chlorophyll content; leaf MDA content under saline condition and leaf osmotic potential under severe salinity condition (150 mM NaCl) were significantly decreased. Furthermore, GB03 significantly decreased shoot and root Na(+) accumulation and thereby improved K(+)/Na(+) ratio when GB03-inoculated plants were grown under elevated salt conditions. The results indicate that soil inoculation with GB03 promotes white clover growth under both non-saline and saline conditions by directly or indirectly regulating plant chlorophyll content, leaf osmotic potential, cell membrane integrity and ion accumulation.