Ecotoxicological effects of tungsten on celery (Apium graveolens L) and pepper (Capsicum spp.).

Background: Tungsten (W) is an emerging heavy metal pollutant, yet research remains scarce on the biomonitor and sensitive biomarkers for W contamination. Methods: In this study, celery and pepper were chosen as study subjects and subjected to exposure cultivation in solutions with five different levels of W. The physiological and biochemical toxicities of W on these two plants were systematically analyzed. The feasibility of utilizing celery and pepper as biomonitor organisms for W contamination was explored and indicative biomarkers were screened. Results: The results indicated that W could inhibit plants' root length, shoot height, and fresh weight while concurrently promoting membrane lipid peroxidation. Additionally, W enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) to counteract oxidative damage. From a physiological perspective, pepper exhibited potential as a biomonitor for W contamination. Biochemical indicators suggested that SOD could serve as a sensitive biomarker for W in celery, while TAOC and POD were more suitable for the roots and leaves of pepper. In conclusion, our study investigated the toxic effects of W on celery and pepper, contributing to the understanding of W's environmental toxicity. Furthermore, it provided insights for selecting biomonitor organisms and sensitive biomarkers for W contamination.

A chimeric membrane enzyme and an engineered whole-cell biocatalyst for efficient 1-alkene production.

Bioproduction of 1-alkenes from naturally abundant free fatty acids offers a promising avenue toward the next generation of hydrocarbon-based biofuels and green commodity chemicals. UndB is the only known membrane-bound 1-alkene-producing enzyme, with great potential for 1-alkene bioproduction, but the enzyme exhibits limited turnovers, thus restricting its widespread usage. Here, we explore the molecular basis of the limitation of UndB activity and substantially improve its catalytic power. We establish that the enzyme undergoes peroxide-mediated rapid inactivation during catalysis. To counteract this inactivation, we engineered a chimeric membrane enzyme by conjugating UndB with catalase that protected UndB against peroxide and enhanced its number of turnovers tremendously. Notably, our chimeric enzyme is the only example of a membrane enzyme successfully engineered with catalase. We subsequently constructed a whole-cell biocatalytic system and achieved remarkable efficiencies (up to 95%) in the biotransformation of a wide range of fatty acids (both aliphatic and aromatic) into corresponding 1-alkenes with numerous biotechnological applications.

Biochemical and Histological Effects of Moringa oleifera Extract against Valproate-Induced Kidney Damage.

Valproic acid is an effective treatment for generalized seizure and related neurological defects. Despite its efficacy and acceptability, its use is associated with adverse drug effects. Moringa oleifera leaves are rich in phytochemical and nutritional components. It has excellent antioxidant and ethnobotanical benefits, thus popular among folk medicines and nutraceuticals. In the present study, 70% ethanol extract of moringa leaves was assessed for its in vivo biochemical and histological effects against valproate-induced kidney damage. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: Group I: control animals given physiological saline (n = 8); Group II: Moringa extract-administered group (0.3 g/kg b.w./day, n = 8); Group III: valproate-administered animals (0.5 g/kg b.w./day, n = 15); and Group IV: valproate + moringa extract (given similar doses of both valproate and moringa extract, n = 12) administered group. Treatments were administered orally for 15 days, the animals were fasted overnight, anesthetized, and then tissue samples harvested. In the valproate-administered experimental group, serum urea and uric acid were elevated. In the kidney tissue of the valproate rats, glutathione was depleted, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase) disrupted, while oxidative stress biomarker, inflammatory proteins (Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6), histological damage scores, and the number of PCNA-positive cells were elevated. M. oleifera attenuated all these biochemical defects through its plethora of diverse antioxidant and therapeutic properties.

Exploring Therapeutic Potential of Catalase: Strategies in Disease Prevention and Management.

The antioxidant defense mechanisms play a critical role in mitigating the deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Catalase stands out as a paramount enzymatic antioxidant. It efficiently catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into water and oxygen, a potentially harmful byproduct of cellular metabolism. This reaction detoxifies H2O2 and prevents oxidative damage. Catalase has been extensively studied as a therapeutic antioxidant. Its applications range from direct supplementation in conditions characterized by oxidative stress to gene therapy approaches to enhance endogenous catalase activity. The enzyme's stability, bioavailability, and the specificity of its delivery to target tissues are significant hurdles. Furthermore, studies employing conventional catalase formulations often face issues related to enzyme purity, activity, and longevity in the biological milieu. Addressing these challenges necessitates rigorous scientific inquiry and well-designed clinical trials. Such trials must be underpinned by sound experimental designs, incorporating advanced catalase formulations or novel delivery systems that can overcome existing limitations. Enhancing catalase's stability, specificity, and longevity in vivo could unlock its full therapeutic potential. It is necessary to understand the role of catalase in disease-specific contexts, paving the way for precision antioxidant therapy that could significantly impact the treatment of diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Thymol increases primordial follicle activation, protects stromal cells, collagen fibers and down-regulates expression of mRNA for superoxide dismutase 1, catalase and periredoxin 6 in cultured bovine ovarian tissues.

This study aims to investigate the influence of thymol on primordial follicle growth and survival, as well as on collagen fibers and stromal cells density in bovine ovarian tissues cultured in vitro. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), the thiol levels and the expression of mRNAs for SOD1, CAT, periredoxin 6 (PRDX6) and GPX1 were also investigated. Ovarian cortical tissues were cultured in α-MEM+ alone or with thymol (400, 800, 1600 or 3200 µg/mL) for six days. Before and after culture, the tissues were processed for histological analysis to evaluate follicular activation, growth, morphology, ovarian stromal cell density and collagen fibers. The levels of mRNA for SOD1, CAT, GPX1 and PRDX6 were evaluated by real-time PCR. The results show that tissues cultured with thymol (400 and 800 µg/mL) had increased percentages of normal follicles, when compared to tissues cultured in other treatments. At concentrations of 400 and 800 µg/mL, thymol maintained the rate of normal follicles similar to the uncultured control. In addition, 400 µg/mL thymol increased follicle activation, collagen fibers and stromal cell density of when compared to tissues cultured in control medium. The presence of 800 µg/mL thymol in culture medium increased CAT activity, while 400 or 800 µg/mL thymol reduced mRNA levels for SOD1, CAT and PRDX6, but did not alter GPX1 expression. In conclusion, 400 µg/mL thymol increases primordial follicle activation, preserves stromal cells, collagen fibers, and down-regulates expression of mRNA for SOD1, CAT and PRDX6 in cultured bovine ovarian tissues.

Advances in metal-organic framework-based nanozymes in ROS scavenging medicine.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play important roles in regulating various physiological functions in the human body, however, excessive ROS can cause serious damage to the human body, considering the various limitations of natural enzymes as scavengers of ROS in the body, the development of better materials for the scavenging of ROS is of great significance to the biomedical field, and nanozymes, as a kind of nanomaterials which can show the activity of natural enzymes. Have a good potential for the development in the area of ROS scavenging. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which are porous crystalline materials with a periodic network structure composed of metal nodes and organic ligands, have been developed with a variety of active nanozymes including catalase-like, superoxide dismutase-like, and glutathione peroxidase-like enzymes due to the adjustability of active sites, structural diversity, excellent biocompatibility, and they have shown a wide range of applications and prospects. In the present review, we first introduce three representative natural enzymes for ROS scavenging in the human body, methods for the detection of relevant enzyme-like activities and mechanisms of enzyme-like clearance are discussed, meanwhile, we systematically summarize the progress of the research on MOF-based nanozymes, including the design strategy, mechanism of action, and medical application, etc. Finally, the current challenges of MOF-based nanozymes are summarized, and the future development direction is anticipated. We hope that this review can contribute to the research of MOF-based nanozymes in the medical field related to the scavenging of ROS.

Cu,Zn,I-Doped Carbon Dots with Boosted Triple Antioxidant Nanozyme Activity for Treatment of DSS-Induced Colitis.

Nanozyme-mediated antioxidative therapy is a promising star for treating a myriad of important diseases through eliminating excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as O2·- and H2O2, a critical mechanism for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This work provides a high biocompatibility iodine-copper-zinc covalent doped carbon dots (Cu,Zn,I-CDs) with the catalase (CAT)-, superoxide dismutase (SOD)- and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like catalytic activities for treating ulcerative colitis (UC) by scavenging overproduced ROS. We found that I dopant aids in counteracting the positive charge at Cu,Zn dopants brought on by low pH, enabling Cu,Zn,I-CDs to process strong triple antioxidant nanozyme activities rather than Cu,Zn-CDs. Vitro experiments displayed that the Cu,Zn,I-CDs could scavenge the excessive ROS to protect cellular against oxidative stress and reduce the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6. In sodium dextran sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mice models, Cu,Zn,I-CDs with excellent biocompatibility could effectively relieve the inflammation of the colon, containing the reduction of the colon length, the damaged epithelium, the infiltration of inflammatory cells, and upregulation of antioxidant genes. Therefore, the therapy of Cu,Zn,I-CD antioxidant nanozymes is an effective approach and provides a novel strategy for UC treatment.

Therapeutic Potential of Pentoxifylline in Paraquat-Induced Pulmonary Toxicity: Role of the Phosphodiesterase Enzymes.

Pentoxifylline (PTX), a non-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor, has demonstrated protective effects against lung injury in animal models. Given the significance of pulmonary toxicity resulting from paraquat (PQ) exposure, the present investigation was designed to explore the impact of PTX on PQ-induced pulmonary oxidative impairment in male mice.Following preliminary studies, thirty-six mice were divided into six groups. Group 1 received normal saline, group 2 received a single dose of PQ (20 mg/kg; i.p.), and group 3 received PTX (100 mg/kg/day; i.p.). Additionally, treatment groups 4-6 were received various doses of PTX (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day; respectively) one hour after a single dose of PQ. After 72 hours, the animals were sacrificed, and lung tissue was collected.PQ administration caused a significant decrease in hematocrit and an increase in blood potassium levels. Moreover, a notable increase was found in the lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels, along with a notable decrease in total thiol (TTM) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) contents, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes activity in lung tissue. PTX demonstrated the ability to improve hematocrit levels; enhance SOD activity and TTM content; and decrease MPO activity, LPO and NO levels in PQ-induced pulmonary toxicity. Furthermore, these findings were well-correlated with the observed lung histopathological changes.In conclusion, our results suggest that the high dose of PTX may ameliorate lung injury by improving the oxidant/antioxidant balance in animals exposed to PQ.

Protective effects of silymarin in glioblastoma cancer cells through redox system regulation.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma multiforme, a deadly form of brain tumor, is characterized by aggressive growth and poor prognosis. Oxidative stress, a disruption in the balance between antioxidants and oxidants, is a crucial factor in its pathogenesis. Silymarin, a flavonoid extracted from milk thistle, has shown therapeutic potential in inhibiting cancer cell growth, promoting apoptosis, and reducing inflammation. It also regulates oxidative stress. This study aims to investigate the regulatory effects of silymarin on oxidative stress parameters, especially the transcription factor Nrf2 and its related enzymes in GBM cancer cells, to develop a new anti-cancer compound with low toxicity. METHODS AND RESULTS: First, the cytotoxicity of silymarin on U-87 MG cells was investigated by MTT and the results showed an IC50 of 264.6 µM. Then, some parameters of the redox system were measured with commercial kits, and the obtained results showed that silymarin increased the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes, as well as the total antioxidant capacity levels; while the malondialdehyde level that is an indicator of lipid peroxidation was decreased by this compound. The expression level of Nrf2 and HO-1 and glutaredoxin and thioredoxin enzymes were checked by real-time PCR method, and the expression level increased significantly after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that silymarin may exert its cytotoxic and anticancer effects by enhancing the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway through antioxidant mechanisms in U-87 MG cells.

CORRECTION OF PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN SALIVARY GLANDS OF ANIMALS WITH PACLITAXEL-INDUCED NEUROPATHY.

BACKGROUND: Paclitaxel is a highly effective chemotherapeutic agent used to treat breast, ovarian, and other cancers. At the same time, paclitaxel causes peripheral neuropathy as a side effect in 45%-70% of patients. AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy on the development of pathological changes in the salivary glands of animals and to explore the possibility of correction of the identified changes with vitamin B/ATP complex. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To simulate toxic neuropathy, animals were injected i/p with paclitaxel 2 mg/kg for 4 days. In order to correct the identified changes, rats were injected i/m with vitamin B/ATP complex (1 mg/ kg) for 9 days. In the homogenate of the submandibular salivary glands, α-amylase activity, total proteolytic activity, total antitryptic activity, the content of medium mass molecules, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), oxidatively modified proteins, and catalase activity were determined. RESULTS: A significant increase in the content of oxidatively modified proteins, medium mass molecules, and the content of TBARS and significant decrease in the activity of catalase and amylase were determined in the salivary glands of animals with toxic neuropathy compared to these parameters in intact animals. Administration of vitamin B/ATP complex for 9 days against the background of paclitaxel-induced neuropathy led to normalization of antitryptic activity and amylase activity, a significant decrease in the content of oxidatively modified proteins, medium mass molecules, and TBARS along with a significant increase in catalase activity in the salivary glands of animals compared to the untreated rats with neuropathy. CONCLUSION: Paclitaxel-induced neuropathy caused the development of pathological changes in the salivary glands of rats, which was evidenced by a carbonyl- oxidative stress and impaired protein synthetic function. The correction with vitamin B/ATP complex restored the protein-synthetic function and the proteinase-inhibitor balance, suppressed the oxidative stress and normalized free radical processes in the salivary glands of rats.

Role of silicon in alleviating boron toxicity and enhancing growth and physiological traits in hydroponically cultivated Zea mays var. Merit.

BACKGROUND: Boron (B) is a micronutrient, but excessive levels can cause phytotoxicity, impaired growth, and reduced photosynthesis. B toxicity arises from over-fertilization, high soil B levels, or irrigation with B-rich water. Conversely, silicon (Si) is recognized as an element that mitigates stress and alleviates the toxic effects of certain nutrients. In this study, to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of Si on maize under boron stress conditions, a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design was conducted with three replications in a hydroponic system. The experiment utilized a nutrient solution for maize var. Merit that contained three different boron (B) concentrations (0.5, 2, and 4 mg L-1) and three Si concentrations (0, 28, and 56 mg L-1). RESULTS: Our findings unveiled that exogenous application of B resulted in a substantial escalation of B concentration in maize leaves. Furthermore, B exposure elicited a significant diminution in fresh and dry plant biomass, chlorophyll index, chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b), carotenoids, and membrane stability index (MSI). As the B concentration augmented, malondialdehyde (MDA) content and catalase (CAT) enzyme activity exhibited a concomitant increment. Conversely, the supplementation of Si facilitated an amelioration in plant fresh and dry weight, total carbohydrate, and total soluble protein. Moreover, the elevated activity of antioxidant enzymes culminated in a decrement in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and MDA content. In addition, the combined influence of Si and B had a statistically significant impact on the leaf chlorophyll index, total chlorophyll (a + b) content, Si and B accumulation levels, as well as the enzymatic activities of guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and H2O2 levels. These unique findings indicated the detrimental impact of B toxicity on various physiological and biochemical attributes of maize, while highlighting the potential of Si supplementation in mitigating the deleterious effects through modulation of antioxidant machinery and biomolecule synthesis. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the potential of Si supplementation in alleviating the deleterious effects of B toxicity in maize. Increased Si consumption mitigated chlorophyll degradation under B toxicity, but it also caused a significant reduction in the concentrations of essential micronutrients iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn). While Si supplementation shows promise in counteracting B toxicity, the observed decrease in Fe, Cu, and Zn concentrations warrants further investigation to optimize this approach and maintain overall plant nutritional status.

Unlocking the potential of chicken liver byproducts: Identification of antioxidant peptides through in silico approaches and anti-aging effects of a selected peptide in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Chicken meat processing generates a substantial number of byproducts, which are either underutilized or improperly disposed. In this study, we employed in silico approaches to identify antioxidant peptides in chicken liver byproducts. Notably, the peptide WYR exhibited remarkable 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging activity with an IC50 of 0.13 ± 0.01 mg/mL and demonstrated stability under various conditions, including thermal, pH, NaCl, and simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Molecular docking analysis revealed significant hydrogen bonding interactions, while molecular dynamics showed differential stability with ABTS and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). WYR exhibited improved stress resistance, decreased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), elevated the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and modulated the expression of crucial genes through the insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IIS) signaling pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and heat shock transcription factor-1 (HSF-1) pathways. These effects collectively contributed to the extension of Caenorhabditis elegans' lifespan. This study not only provides an effective method for antioxidant peptide analysis but also highlights the potential for enhancing the utilization of poultry byproducts.

Lycopene in Combination with Insulin Triggers Antioxidant Defenses and Increases the Expression of Components That Detoxify Advanced Glycation Products in Kidneys of Diabetic Rats.

BACKGROUND: Biochemical events provoked by oxidative stress and advanced glycation may be inhibited by combining natural bioactives with classic therapeutic agents, which arise as strategies to mitigate diabetic complications. The aim of this study was to investigate whether lycopene combined with a reduced insulin dose is able to control glycemia and to oppose glycoxidative stress in kidneys of diabetic rats. METHODS: Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were treated with 45 mg/kg lycopene + 1 U/day insulin for 30 days. The study assessed glycemia, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile and paraoxonase 1 (PON-1) activity in plasma. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and the protein levels of advanced glycation end-product receptor 1 (AGE-R1) and glyoxalase-1 (GLO-1) in the kidneys were also investigated. RESULTS: An effective glycemic control was achieved with lycopene plus insulin, which may be attributed to improvements in insulin sensitivity. The combined therapy decreased the dyslipidemia and increased the PON-1 activity. In the kidneys, lycopene plus insulin increased the activities of SOD and CAT and the levels of AGE-R1 and GLO-1, which may be contributing to the antialbuminuric effect. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that lycopene may aggregate favorable effects to insulin against diabetic complications resulting from glycoxidative stress.

Curcumin as a Potential Therapeutic Agent for Mitigating Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Evidence from an Experimental Rat Study.

BACKGROUND Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas and causes tissue damage through oxidative stress. We aimed to investigate the protective value of curcumin in CO poisoning. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-four female Spraque Dawley rats were divided into 4 subgroups: controls (n=6), curcumin group (n=6), CO group (n=6), and curcumin+CO group (n=6). The experimental group was exposed to 3 L/min of CO gas at 3000 ppm. Curcumin was administered intraperitoneally at a dosage of 50 mg/kg. Hippocampal tissues were removed and separated for biochemical and immunohistochemical analysis. Tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, nitric oxide (NO) levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were assayed spectrophotometrically, and serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) were measured using the ELISA technique. Tissue Bcl-2 levels were detected by the immunohistochemistry method. RESULTS Tissue CAT and SOD activities and NO levels were significantly lower, and MDA and serum ADMA levels were higher in the CO group than in the control group (P<0.001). The curcumin+CO group had higher CAT activities (P=0.007) and lower MDA than the CO group (P<0.001) and higher ADMA levels than the control group (P=0.023). However, there was no significant difference observed for tissue SOD activity or NO levels between these 2 groups. In the curcumin+CO group, the Bcl-2 level was higher than that in the CO group (P=0.017). CONCLUSIONS The positive effect of curcumin on CAT activities, together with suppression of MDA levels, has shown that curcumin may have a protective effect against CO poisoning.

The Influence of Mesotrione on Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells and Possibility of Its Toxicity Mitigation by Cichoric Acid.

Mesotrione, as a widely used herbicide, is present in the environment in detectable amounts, causing serious damage. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect of mesotrione on Caco-2 cells and the possibility of its toxicity mitigation by cichoric acid. Therefore, we analyzed the cytotoxicity of both these compounds and the selected oxidative stress parameters, apoptosis and interaction of both the tested compounds with the cell membrane and their accumulation within the cells. In cytotoxicity studies, the stimulating activity of mesotrione was observed, and simultaneously, the inhibitory effect of cichoric acid was noticed. This effect was related to the results of oxidative stress analysis and apoptosis measurements. The activity level of key enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase) in Caco-2 cells exposed to cichoric acid was higher as compared to that of the control. The treatment with mesotrione did not induce apoptosis in the Caco-2 cells. The penetration of the studied compounds into the Caco-2 cells was measured by using an HPLC methodology, and the results indicate mesotrione's high penetration capacity. The distribution of charge on the surface of the cell membranes changed under the influence of both compounds. Considering the mutual interactions of beneficial and potentially toxic food ingredients, it should be noted that, despite the observed favorable trend, cichoric acid is not able to overcome the toxic and cancer-stimulating effects of this pesticide.

Antioxidant Enzymes and Their Potential Use in Breast Cancer Treatment.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer (BC) is the deadliest and the most common type of cancer worldwide in women. Several factors associated with BC exert their effects by modulating the state of stress. They can induce genetic mutations or alterations in cell growth, encouraging neoplastic development and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are able to activate many signal transduction pathways, producing an inflammatory environment that leads to the suppression of programmed cell death and the promotion of tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis; these effects promote the development and progression of malignant neoplasms. However, cells have both non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant systems that protect them by neutralizing the harmful effects of ROS. In this sense, antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), and peroxiredoxin (Prx) protect the body from diseases caused by oxidative damage. In this review, we will discuss mechanisms through which some enzymatic antioxidants inhibit or promote carcinogenesis, as well as the new therapeutic proposals developed to complement traditional treatments.

Unveiling silicon-mediated cadmium tolerance mechanisms in mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek): Integrative insights from gene expression, antioxidant responses, and metabolomics.

Cadmium (Cd), one of the most phytotoxic heavy metals, is a major contributor to yield losses in several crops. Silicon (Si) is recognized for its vital role in mitigating Cd toxicity, however, the specific mechanisms governing this mitigation process are still not fully understood. In the present study, the effect of Si supplementation on mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) plants grown under Cd stress was investigated to unveil the intricate pathways defining Si derived stress tolerance. Non-invasive leaf imaging technique revealed improved growth, biomass, and photosynthetic efficiency in Si supplemented mungbean plants under Cd stress. Further, physiological and biochemical analysis revealed Si mediated increase in activity of glutathione reductase (GR), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT) enzymes involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism leading to mitigation of cellular damage and oxidative stress. Untargeted metabolomic analysis using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) provided insights into Si mediated changes in metabolites and their respective pathways under Cd stress. Alteration in five different metabolic pathways with major changes in flavanols and flavonoids biosynthesis pathway which is essential for controlling plants antioxidant defense system and oxidative stress management were observed. The information reported here about the effects of Si on photosynthetic efficiency, antioxidant responses, and metabolic changes will be helpful in understanding the Si-mediated resistance to Cd stress in plants.

Antioxidant defenses and metabolic responses of Mytilus coruscus exposed to various concentrations of PAEs (phthalate esters).

Phthalate esters (PAEs), as a major plasticizer with multi-biotoxicity, are frequently detected in marine environments, and potentially affecting the survival of aquatic organisms. In the study, three typical PAEs (dimethyl phthalate [DMP], dibutyl phthalate [DBP] and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate [DEHP]) were selected to investigate the accumulation patterns and ecotoxicological effects on Mytilus coruscus (M. coruscus). In M. coruscus, the accumulation was DEHP>DBP>DMP, and the bioaccumulation in tissues was digestive glands>gills>gonads>muscles. Meanwhile, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) showed an activation-decrease-activation trend of stress, with more pronounced concentration effects. Glutathione reductase (GSH) activity was significantly increased, and its expression was more sensitive to be induced at an early stage. The metabolic profiles of the gonads, digestive glands and muscle tissues were significantly altered, and DEHP had a greater effect on the metabolic profiles of M. coruscus, with the strongest interference. PAEs stress for 7 d significantly altered the volatile components of M. coruscus, with potential implications for their nutritional value. This study provides a biochemical, metabolomic, and nutritional analysis of DMP, DBP, and DEHP toxic effects on M. coruscus from a multidimensional perspective, which provides support for ecotoxicological studies of PAEs on marine organisms. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Phthalate esters (PAEs), synthetic compounds from phthalic acid, are widespread in the environment, household products, aquatic plants, animals, and crops, posing a significant threat to human health. However, the majority of toxicological studies examining the effects of PAEs on aquatic organisms primarily focus on non-economic model organisms like algae and zebrafish. Relatively fewer studies have been conducted on marine organisms, particularly economically important shellfish. So, this study is innovative and necessary. This study provides a biochemical, metabolomic, and nutritional analysis of DMP, DBP, and DEHP toxic effects on mussels, and supports the ecotoxicology of PAEs on marine organisms.

Investigating the optimum stocking density of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) for intensive production focused to in-pond raceway system.

The primary objective of this trial was to study the effects of stress caused by stocking density in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultured in the in-pond raceway system (IPRS). Fingerlings (Initial body weight = 30.00 ± 1.20 g) were reared at different stocking densities i.e. low stocking density (n = 13,000; 1.77 kg/m3), medium stocking density (MSD) (n = 17,000; 2.32 kg/m3), and high stocking density (HSD) (n = 21,000; 2.86 kg/m3), all confined within the raceways of the IPRS. Each group was studied in triplicates. The observed growth revealed a regression in the HSD treatment, evident in its reduced weight gain per fish per day, in contrast to other treatments. Survival rate across all treatments was above 99%. Notably, the HSD treatment exhibited an elevated level of cortisol; however, this intensified crowding stress did not significantly undermine the nutritional value of the fish in HSD and other experimental treatments. Furthermore, an elevation in the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase was noted within the HSD treatment in comparison to the other treatments to reduce the damage caused by reactive oxygen species. As the trial proceeded, functions of digestive enzymes like amylase, protease, and lipase diminished consistently across all treatments. This could possibly signify a deliberate redirection of energy resources toward stress alleviation rather than the usual digestive processes. In summation, it can be reasonably deduced that a stocking density of approximately 2.32 kg/m3 (MSD) emerges as the optimal threshold for effectively cultivating tilapia within an intensive aquaculture framework.

Cytological structures and physiological and biochemical characteristics of covered oat (Avena sativa L.) and naked oat (Avena nuda L.) seeds during high-temperature artificial aging.

BACKGROUND: Seed aging, a natural and inevitable process occurring during storage. Oats, an annual herb belonging to the Gramineae family and pooideae. In addition to being a healthy food, oats serve as ecological pastures, combating soil salinization and desertification. They also play a role in promoting grassland agriculture and supplementing winter livestock feed. However, the high lipid and fat derivatives contents of oat seeds make them susceptible to deterioration, as fat derivatives are prone to rancidity, affecting oat seed production, storage, development, and germplasm resource utilization. Comparative studies on the effects of aging on physiology and cytological structure in covered and naked oat seeds are limited. Thus, our study aimed to determine the mechanism underlying seed deterioration in artificially aged 'LongYan No. 3' (A. sativa) and 'BaiYan No. 2' (A. nuda) seeds, providing a basis for the physiological evaluation of oat seed aging and serving as a reference for scientifically safe storage and efficient utilization of oats. RESULTS: In both oat varieties, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in seeds showed increasing and decreasing trends, respectively. Variance analysis revealed significant differences and interaction in all measured indicators of oat seeds between the two varieties at different aging times. 'LongYan No. 3' seeds, aged for 24-96 h, exhibited a germination rate of < 30%, Conductivity, malondialdehyde, soluble sugar, and soluble protein levels increased more significantly than the 'BaiYan No. 2'. With prolonged aging leading to cell membrane degradation, reactive oxygen species accumulation, disrupted antioxidant enzyme system, evident embryo cell swelling, and disordered cell arrangement, blocking the nutrient supply route. Simultaneously, severely concentrated chromatin in the nucleus, damaged mitochondrial structure, and impaired energy metabolism were noted, resulting in the loss of 'LongYan No. 3' seed vitality and value. Conversely, 'BaiYan No. 2' seeds showed a germination rate of 73.33% after 96 h of aging, consistently higher antioxidant enzyme activity during aging, normal embryonic cell shape, and existence of the endoplasmic reticulum. CONCLUSIONS: ROS accumulation and antioxidant enzyme system damage in aged oat seeds, nuclear chromatin condensation, mitochondrial structure damage, nucleic acid metabolism and respiration weakened, oat seed vigor decreased. 'LongYan No. 3' seeds were more severely damaged under artificial aging than 'BaiYan No. 2' seeds, highlighting their heightened susceptibility to aging effects.