The Bbotf1 Zn(â ¡)2Cys6 transcription factor contributes to antioxidant response, fatty acid assimilation, peroxisome proliferation and infection cycles in insect pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana.

The abilities to withstand oxidation and assimilate fatty acids are critical for successful infection by many pathogenic fungi. Here, we characterized a Zn(II)2Cys6 transcription factor Bbotf1 in the insect pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana, which links oxidative response and fatty acid assimilation via regulating peroxisome proliferation. The null mutant ΔBbotf1 showed impaired resistance to oxidants, accompanied by decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes including CATs, PODs and SODs, and down-regulated expression of many antioxidation-associated genes under oxidative stress condition. Meanwhile, Bbotf1 acts as an activator to regulate fatty acid assimilation, lipid and iron homeostasis as well as peroxisome proliferation and localization, and the expressions of some critical genes related to glyoxylate cycle and peroxins were down-regulated in ΔBbotf1 in presence of oleic acid. In addition, ΔBbotf1 was more sensitive to osmotic stressors, CFW, SDS and LDS. Insect bioassays revealed that insignificant changes in virulence were seen between the null mutant and parent strain when conidia produced on CZP plates were used for topical application. However, propagules recovered from cadavers killed by ΔBbotf1 exhibited impaired virulence as compared with counterparts of the parent strain. These data offer a novel insight into fine-tuned aspects of Bbotf1 concerning multi-stress responses, lipid catabolism and infection cycles.

Tangeretin alleviates inflammation and oxidative response induced by spinal cord injury by activating the Sesn2/Keap1/Nrf2 pathway.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe disabling disease that is characterized by inflammation and oxidative reactions. Tangeretin has been shown to possess significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The Keap1/Nrf2 pathway, downstream of the Sesn2 gene, is involved in regulating the inflammation and oxidative response. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of tangeretin on SCI and its possible mechanism through cell and animal models. A T9 clamp injury was used for the mouse model and the LPS-induced stimulation of BV-2 cells was used for the cell model. The improvement of motor function after SCI was assessed by open field, swimming, and footprint experiments. The morphological characteristics of mouse spinal cord tissue and the levels of INOS, Sesn2, TNF-α, Keap1, Nrf2, IL-10, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vivo and in vitro were measured by several methods including western blotting, qPCR, immunofluorescence, HE, and Nissl staining. In vivo data showed that tangeretin can improve motor function recovery and reduce neuron loss and injury size in mice with SCI. Simultaneously, the in vitro findings suggested that treatment of BV-2 cells with tangeretin after LPS stimulation reduced the production of inflammatory factors and ROS, and could convert BV-2 cells from the M1 to the M2 type. Furthermore, Sesn2 knockout suppressed Keap1/Nrf2, inflammatory factors, ROS levels, and the M1 to M2 transition. Tangeretin can alleviate the inflammation and oxidative response induced by SCI by activating the Sesn2/Keap1/Nrf2 pathway.

Biochemical, transcriptomic and metabolomic responses to total dissolved gas supersaturation and their underlying molecular mechanisms in Yangtze sturgeon (Acipenser dabryanus).

With the rapid development of hydropower facility construction, the total dissolved gas (TDG) generated by dam discharge is seriously threatening the survival of fish and has become an ecological environmental issue of global concern. However, how TDG affects fish physiology and the underlying molecular mechanism remain poorly known. In this study, Acipenser dabryanus, an ancient living fossil that is a flagship species of the Yangtze River, was exposed to water supersaturated with TDG at a level of 116% for 48 h. A comprehensive analysis was performed to study the effect of TDG supersaturation stress on A. dabryanus, including histopathological, biochemical, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. The histopathological results showed that mucosal-associated lymphoid tissues were seriously damaged after TDG supersaturation stress. Plasma catalase levels increased significantly under TDG supersaturation stress, while superoxide dismutase levels decreased significantly. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 289 upregulated genes and 162 downregulated genes in gill tissue and 535 upregulated and 104 downregulated genes in liver tissue. Metabolomic analysis revealed 63 and 164 differentially abundant metabolites between the control group and TDG group in gill and liver, respectively. The majority of heat shock proteins and genes related to ubiquitin and various immune-related pathways were significantly upregulated by TDG supersaturation stress. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed the upregulation of amino acid metabolism and glycometabolism pathways under TDG supersaturation stress. Glycerophospholipid metabolism was increased which might be associated with maintaining cell membrane integrity. This is the first study revealing the underlying molecular mechanisms of effects of TDG supersaturation on fish. Our results suggested that acute TDG supersaturation stress could enhance immune and antioxidative functions and activate energy metabolic pathways as an adaptive mechanism in A. dabryanus.

Integrated biochemical, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses provide insight into heat stress response in Yangtze sturgeon (Acipenser dabryanus).

Temperature fluctuations caused by climate change and global warming pose a great threat to various species. Most fish are particularly vulnerable to elevated temperatures. Understanding the mechanism of high-temperature tolerance in fish can be beneficial for proposing effective strategies to help fish cope with global warming. In this study, we systematically studied the effects of high temperature on Acipenser dabryanus, an ancient living fossil and flagship species of the Yangtze River, at the histological, biochemical, transcriptomic and metabolomic levels. Intestinal and liver tissues from the control groups (18 °C) and acute heat stress groups (30 °C) of A. dabryanus were sampled for histological observation and liver tissues were assessed for transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling. Histopathological analysis showed that the intestine and liver tissues were damaged after heat stress. The plasma cortisol content and the levels of oxidative stress markers (catalase/glutathione reductase) and two aminotransferases (aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase) increased significantly in response to acute heat stress. Transcriptomic and metabolomic methods showed 6707 upregulated and 4189 downregulated genes and 64 upregulated and 78 downregulated metabolites in the heat stress group. Heat shock protein (HSP) genes showed striking changes in expression under heat stress, with 21 genes belonging to the HSP30, HSP40, HSP60, HSP70 and HSP90 families significantly upregulated by short-term heat stress. The majority of genes associated with ubiquitin and various immune-related pathways were also markedly upregulated in the heat stress group. In addition, the combined analysis of metabolites and gene profiles suggested an enhancement of amino acid metabolism and glycometabolism and the suppression of fatty acid metabolism during heat stress, which could be a potential energy conservation strategy for A. dabryanus. To the best of our knowledge, the present study represents the first attempt to reveal the mechanisms of heat stress responses in A. dabryanus, which can provide insights into improved cultivation of fish in response to global warming.

TERT Extra-Telomeric Roles: Antioxidant Activity and Mitochondrial Protection.

Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is the catalytic subunit of telomerase holoenzyme, which adds telomeric DNA repeats on chromosome ends to counteract telomere shortening. In addition, there is evidence of TERT non-canonical functions, among which is an antioxidant role. In order to better investigate this role, we tested the response to X-rays and H2O2 treatment in hTERT-overexpressing human fibroblasts (HF-TERT). We observed in HF-TERT a reduced induction of reactive oxygen species and an increased expression of the proteins involved in the antioxidant defense. Therefore, we also tested a possible role of TERT inside mitochondria. We confirmed TERT mitochondrial localization, which increases after oxidative stress (OS) induced by H2O2 treatment. We next evaluated some mitochondrial markers. The basal mitochondria quantity appeared reduced in HF-TERT compared to normal fibroblasts and an additional reduction was observed after OS; nevertheless, the mitochondrial membrane potential and morphology were better conserved in HF-TERT. Our results suggest a protective function of TERT against OS, also preserving mitochondrial functionality.

Complementary protective effects of autophagy and oxidative response against graphene oxide toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Graphene oxide (GO) exposure may cause damage to C. elegans. However, the role of autophagy and its interactive effect with oxidative response in GO toxicity still remain largely unclear. In the present study, we investigated the protective role of autophagy against GO and its association with oxidative response using C. elegans as an in vivo system. Results indicated that GO exposure induced autophagy in a dose dependent manner in C. elegans. Autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and silencing autophagy genes lgg-1, bec-1 and unc-51 exacerbated the toxicity of GO whereas autophagy activator rapamycin alleviated it. In addition, the antioxidant N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) effectively suppressed the toxicity of GO with increased resistance to oxidative stress. Worms with RNAi-induced antioxidative genes sod-1, sod-2, sod-3 and sod-4 knockdown were more sensitive to GO. 3-MA increased the expression of superoxide dismutase SOD-3 under GO exposure conditions and exacerbated the toxicity of GO under the anti-oxidation inaction condition by sod-3 RNAi. In contrast, NAC reduced autophagy levels in GO exposed nematodes and increased tolerance to GO in autophagy-defective worms. These results suggested that autophagy and antioxidative response provide complementary protection against GO in C. elegans.

Bioaccumulation and phytotoxicity of ZnO nanoparticles in soil-grown Brassica chinensis L. and potential risks.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) widely used have caught the attention of researchers, nevertheless, phytotoxicity, bioaccumulation, and potential risks thereof to the green leafy still have knowledge defects. A pot experiment was intended to cultivate pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.) following root exposure to ZnO NPs and Zn2+. ZnO NPs promoted plant growth and Zn accumulation, formed a dose-dependent effect on chlorophyll and carotenoids, and induced fluctuations in antioxidant enzyme activities and alleviated the oxidative damage of pakchoi. Particularly, 1000 mg kg-1 ZnO NPs resulted in malondialdehyde (MDA) content of pakchoi shoots that was 87% higher than control. TEM was used to observe ZnO NPs of root cells and found that its possible way to enter the plant was endocytosis. Research on the content of several co-existing nutrients showed that 100 mg kg-1 ZnO NPs significantly (p < 0.05) promoted the absorption of Ca, P and Fe by pakchoi shoots. In parallel, the hazard quotient (HQ) was used to assess the potential health risk of ZnO NPs.

Thermal stress-induced oxidative damages in the liver and associated death in fish, Labeo rohita.

Fish mortality generally occurs during extreme summer temperatures in India which are apprehended to be more frequent in near future and may reduce the fish population, particularly in closed aquatic systems. This present study is conducted with the objectives to find out heat shock and associated oxidative stress responses that occurred in selected fish Labeo rohita due to extremely high water temperature (treated, 37-38 °C against control, 28-30 °C) exposure for 2 weeks. Calculated mortality was 30% during the experimental period. The results revealed the biomolecules associated with both the anti-oxidative response (reduced glutathione in serum, liver, muscle; catalase activity in liver, muscle; superoxide dismutase gene expression in the liver) and the heat shock response (hsp70 gene expression in the liver) were elevated under thermal stress. Pro-inflammatory responses (expression of complement protein 3, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase in the liver) and oxidative damages (lipid peroxidation in all studied tissue and DNA fragmentation in the liver) were more under thermal stress. Extreme thermal stress induced by partial lethal temperature exposure in this study led to the activation of both the heat shock response and the anti-oxidative response. However, these responses were not elicited to the level so that they can protect from oxidative damages and inflammation in the liver of all the studied fish that caused partial mortality in fish. Thermal stress-induced hepatotoxicity caused fish death which was documented for the first time in freshwater fish.

Astragalus membranaceus nanoparticles markedly improve immune and anti-oxidative responses; and protection against Aeromonas veronii in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus.

The effects of dietary administration of Astragalus membranaceus nanoparticles (ANP) on immune and anti-oxidative responses, growth performance and disease resistance of Oreochromis niloticus were evaluated in the present study. Fish were divided into three groups and received the ANP at rates of 0 (control), 1, and 2%/kg diet for four weeks. After the four-week feeding trial, three fish from each replicate were sampled for immune and anti-oxidative responses evaluation, ten fish from each group were challenged with A. veronii, and nine fish from each group were subjected to cold and hypoxia challenges. It was obvious from the results that ANP significantly enhanced lysozyme activity and nitrous oxide (NO) activities, as well as improved superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. Also, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, glucose, and cortisol measurements showed significantly lower levels in incorporated groups compared to the control. Growth performance; and amylase and lipase digestive enzymes activities also showed markedly improved results. Expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and interleukin 1, beta (IL-1ß) genes were significantly upregulated throughout the entire experimental period. When challenged with A. veronii, the mortality of treated groups was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than the control. Current results proofs that dietary ANP had a synergistic effect on immune and anti-oxidative responses, growth performance and disease resistance of Oreochromis niloticus.

Antioxidant responses and pathological changes in the gill of zebrafish (Danio rerio) after chronic exposure to arsenite at its reference dose.

Gill, as the organ of fish to contact most directly with xenobiotics, suffered more threat. To evaluate the impact of arsenite (AsIII) on the gill of fish, we measured the antioxidative responses (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities) and oxidative damage (malondialdehyde (MDA) content), histological changes and mRNA transcriptional responses of zebrafish gill, after exposure to AsIII (0, 10, 50, 100, and 150 µg L-1) solutions for 28 days. We found that AsIII increased the activities of CAT by 46%-87%, decreased the activities of SOD and the contents of MDA by 19% and 21%-32%. Furthermore, CuZnSOD and MnSOD mRNA transcription levels were also inhibited, decreasing by 62%-82% and 70%-77%. Besides, ≥ 100 µg L-1 AsIII also caused histological changes (a loss of mucus and desquamation in the surface of the epithelial cells) on zebrafish gill. These results showed that low concentrations of AsIII influenced biochemical and physiological performances of fish gill, which probably aggravates the toxic effect of AsIII on fish.

Small Vessel Disease-Related Dementia: An Invalid Neurovascular Coupling?

The arteriosclerosis-dependent alteration of brain perfusion is one of the major determinants in small vessel disease, since small vessels have a pivotal role in the brain's autoregulation. Nevertheless, as far as we know, endothelium distress can potentiate the flow dysregulation and lead to subcortical vascular dementia that is related to small vessel disease (SVD), also being defined as subcortical vascular dementia (sVAD), as well as microglia activation, chronic hypoxia and hypoperfusion, vessel-tone dysregulation, altered astrocytes, and pericytes functioning blood-brain barrier disruption. The molecular basis of this pathology remains controversial. The apparent consequence (or a first event, too) is the macroscopic alteration of the neurovascular coupling. Here, we examined the possible mechanisms that lead a healthy aging process towards subcortical dementia. We remarked that SVD and white matter abnormalities related to age could be accelerated and potentiated by different vascular risk factors. Vascular function changes can be heavily influenced by genetic and epigenetic factors, which are, to the best of our knowledge, mostly unknown. Metabolic demands, active neurovascular coupling, correct glymphatic process, and adequate oxidative and inflammatory responses could be bulwarks in defense of the correct aging process; their impairments lead to a potentially catastrophic and non-reversible condition.

NFE2L2/NRF2, OGG1, and cytokine responses of human gingival keratinocytes against oxidative insults of various origin.

OBJECTIVE: Bacterial or tobacco-related insults induce oxidative stress in gingival keratinocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate anti-oxidative and cytokine responses of human gingival keratinocytes (HMK cells) against Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (Pg LPS), nicotine, and 4-nitroquinoline N-oxide (4-NQO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: HMK cells were incubated with Pg LPS (1 µl/ml), nicotine (1.54 mM), and 4-NQO (1 µM) for 24 h. Intracellular and extracellular levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured with the Luminex® xMAP™ technique, and nuclear factor, erythroid 2 like 2 (NFE2L2/NRF2) and 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (OGG1) with Western blots. Data were statistically analyzed by two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: All tested oxidative stress inducers increased intracellular OGG1 levels, whereas only nicotine and 4-NQO induced NFE2L2/NRF2 levels. Nicotine, 4-NQO, and their combinational applications with Pg LPS induced the secretions of IL-1ß and IL-1Ra, while that of IL-8 was inhibited by the presence of Pg LPS. MCP-1 secretion was suppressed by nicotine, alone and together with Pg LPS, while 4-NQO activated its secretion. Treatment of HMK cells with Pg LPS, nicotine, 4-NQO, or their combinations did not affect VEGF levels. CONCLUSION: Pg LPS, nicotine, and 4-NQO induce oxidative stress and regulate anti-oxidative response and cytokine expressions in human gingival keratinocytes differently. These results may indicate that bacterial and tobacco-related insults regulate distinct pathways.

Neuroprotective effects of the gliopeptide ODN in an in vivo model of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive loss of dopamine (DA) neurons through apoptotic, inflammatory and oxidative stress mechanisms. The octadecaneuropeptide (ODN) is a diazepam-binding inhibitor (DBI)-derived peptide, expressed by astrocytes, which protects neurons against oxidative cell damages and apoptosis in an in vitro model of PD. The present study reveals that a single intracerebroventricular injection of 10 ng ODN 1 h after the last administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) prevented the degeneration of DA neurons induced by the toxin in the substantia nigra pars compacta of mice, 7 days after treatment. ODN-mediated neuroprotection was associated with a reduction of the number of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive reactive astrocytes and a strong inhibition of the expression of pro-inflammatory genes such as interleukins 1ß and 6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Moreover, ODN blocked the inhibition of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2, and the stimulation of the pro-apoptotic genes Bax and caspase-3, induced by MPTP in the substantia nigra pars compacta. ODN also decreased or even in some cases abolished MPTP-induced oxidative damages, overproduction of reactive oxygen species and accumulation of lipid oxidation products in DA neurons. Furthermore, DBI knockout mice appeared to be more vulnerable than wild-type animals to MPTP neurotoxicity. Taken together, these results show that the gliopeptide ODN exerts a potent neuroprotective effect against MPTP-induced degeneration of nigrostriatal DA neurons in mice, through mechanisms involving downregulation of neuroinflammatory, oxidative and apoptotic processes. ODN may, thus, reduce neuronal damages in PD and other cerebral injuries involving oxidative neurodegeneration.

Insight into the tolerance, biochemical and antioxidative response in three moss species on exposure to BDE-47 and BDE-209.

Responses of Hypnum plumaeforme, Thuidium cymbifolium, and Plagiomnium cuspidatum to short-term (96 h) BDE-47 and BDE-209(0, 0.005, 0.05, 0.5, and 5 µM, respectively) stress were investigated. Both BDE-47 and BDE-209 increased the lipid peroxidation in the three moss species, malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased with the elevated concentration of contaminants, and followed the order: P. cuspidatum > H. plumaeforme > T. cymbifolium on exposure to different concentrations. BDE-47 and BDE-209 stimulated the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activity of the three moss species, indicating that they played an important role in preventing oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation was positively correlated with the level of contaminants. The response of anti-oxidative enzymes to BDE-47 and BDE-209 stress differed among the three species. At 5  µM BDE-47 and BDE-209 treatment, the chlorophyll content of T. cymbifolium was even a little higher than the control group. Proline played an important role for the scavenging of ROS in P. cuspidatum and T. cymbifolium. In summary, BDE-47 was more toxic to the three moss species than BDE-209. P. cuspidatum was the most sensitive and T. cymbifolium was the most tolerant species to BDE-47 and BDE-209 stress. The strong resistance and tolerance of T. cymbifolium, combined with sensitive/moderate anti-oxidative response could elucidate its potential use as bio-indicator in the ecological risk assessment of BDE-47 and BDE-209 contamination.

Effect of microcystins on root growth, oxidative response, and exudation of rice (Oryza sativa).

A 30 days indoor hydroponic experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of microcystins (MCs) on rice root morphology and exudation, as well as bioaccumulation of MCs in rice. MCs were bioaccumulated in rice with the greatest concentrations being observed in the leaves (113.68µgg-1 Fresh weight (FW)) when exposed to 500µgL-1 MCs. Root activity at 500µgL-1 decreased 37%, compared to the control. MCs also induced disruption of the antioxidant system and lipid peroxidation in rice roots. Root growth was significantly inhibited by MCs. Root weight, length; surface area and volume were significantly decreased, as well as crown root number and lateral root number. After 30 days exposure to MCs, an increase was found in tartaric acid and malic acid while the other organic acids were not affected. Glycine, tyrosine, and glutamate were the only amino acids stimulated at MCs concentrations of 500µgL-1. Similarly, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and carbohydrate at 50 and 500µgL-1 treatments were significantly increased. The increase of DOC and carbohydrate in root exudates was due to rice root membrane permeability changes induced by MCs. Overall, this study indicated that MCs significantly inhibited rice root growth and affected root exudation.

Neuroprotection by Caffeine in Hyperoxia-Induced Neonatal Brain Injury.

Sequelae of prematurity triggered by oxidative stress and free radical-mediated tissue damage have coined the term "oxygen radical disease of prematurity". Caffeine, a potent free radical scavenger and adenosine receptor antagonist, reduces rates of brain damage in preterm infants. In the present study, we investigated the effects of caffeine on oxidative stress markers, anti-oxidative response, inflammation, redox-sensitive transcription factors, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix following the induction of hyperoxia in neonatal rats. The brain of a rat pups at postnatal Day 6 (P6) corresponds to that of a human fetal brain at 28-32 weeks gestation and the neonatal rat is an ideal model in which to investigate effects of oxidative stress and neuroprotection of caffeine on the developing brain. Six-day-old Wistar rats were pre-treated with caffeine and exposed to 80% oxygen for 24 and 48 h. Caffeine reduced oxidative stress marker (heme oxygenase-1, lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide, and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC)), promoted anti-oxidative response (superoxide dismutase, peroxiredoxin 1, and sulfiredoxin 1), down-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines, modulated redox-sensitive transcription factor expression (Nrf2/Keap1, and NFκB), reduced pro-apoptotic effectors (poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), apoptosis inducing factor (AIF), and caspase-3), and diminished extracellular matrix degeneration (matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2, and inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) 1/2). Our study affirms that caffeine is a pleiotropic neuroprotective drug in the developing brain due to its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties.

The plasma 8-OHdG levels and oxidative stress following cholecystectomy: a randomised multicentre study of patients with minilaparotomy cholecystectomy versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of 8-OHdG (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine) detecting oxidative stress response following cholecystectomy in a randomised multicentre study of patients with minilaparotomy cholecystectomy (MC) versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). METHODS: Initially, 106 patients with non-complicated symptomatic gallstone disease were randomised into MC (n = 56) or LC (n = 50) groups. Plasma levels of the oxidative stress marker 8-OHdG measured at three time points; before (PRE), immediately after (POP1) and 6 h after operation (POP2). RESULTS: The demographic variables and the surgical data were similar in the study groups. The plasma oxidative stress marker 8-OHdG concentrations following surgery in the MC versus LC patients were quite similar. There was no significant correlation between the individual values of the11-point numeric rating pain scale (NRS) versus the plasma 8-OHdG post-operatively in the MC and LC patients. However, there was a statistically significant correlation between the individual values of the plasma 8-OHdG (PRE) versus IL-10 (PRE) for the MC and LC patients (r = 0.214, p = 0.037). There was also a statistically significant correlation between the individual values of the plasma 8-OHdG (POP2) versus IL-1ß (POP2) for the MC and LC patients (r = 0.25, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the oxidative stress marker 8-OHdG concentrations following surgery in MC versus LC patients were quite similar. A new finding with possible clinical relevance is a correlation between the individual plasma values of the 8-OHdG versus anti-inflammatory interleukin IL-10 and 8-OHdG versus IL-1ß (proinflammatory) in the MC and LC patients suggesting that inflammation and oxidative stress are related.

Differentiated response of Hypericum perforatum to foliar application of selected metabolic modulators: Elicitation potential of chitosan, selenium, and salicylic acid mediated by redox imbalance.

Plants plastically alter their metabolism in response to environmental stimuli, which induces changes in the accumulation of specialized metabolites. This ability can be utilized to manipulate plant phytochemistry in a desired direction. However, the abundance of secondary metabolites in the different plant species, especially medicinal, is enormous; therefore, it is difficult to establish a clear direction for the effects of metabolic modulators on phytochemical composition, especially given the possibility of using different types thereof. In order to gain insight into these changes, we investigated the effects of foliar-applied chitosan (ChL, 100 mg/L), selenium (Se, 10 mg/L), salicylic acid (SA, 150 mg/L), or an equal volume mixture thereof on Hypericum perforatum L. metabolism. Selenium and SA proved to be the more effective than ChL in enhancing the accumulation of phenolic compounds. The greatest increase was found in the concentration of neochlorogenic acid after Se-spraying. The treatment with the elicitors generally increased the concentration of identified flavonoids, but not the level of naphthodianthrone or phloroglucinol metabolites. The most pronounced response was observed on day 10 following the application of the compounds, and is likely the consequence of elevated levels of O2-˙, free proline, and modulated activity of enzymatic antioxidants.

Enhancement of culled ewes' meat quality: Effects of aging method and time.

This study assesses the impact of wet and dry aging, over 35 days, on various physico-chemical, colorimetric, oxidative, volatolomic, and sensory attributes of meat from culled ewes. Water holding capacity of dry-aged (DA) meat increased from day 28 and was significantly higher than wet-aged (WA) meat. Cooking loss of DA meat decreased, and it was lower than that of WA meat. Warner Bratzler shear force increased in DA meat but decreased in WA meat during aging. Higher oxidation product concentration in DA meat likely results from oxygen exposure. Some aldehydes and ketones peaked at day 7 in DA meat, surpassing levels in WA meat. Overall liking scores favored DA meat at day 14 and 21 but declined from day 14 to 35, coinciding with increased pentanal content. Dry aging could improve the acceptability of culled ewes' meat more than wet aging, but in short aging time (14 days).

Alleviating Pentatrichomonas hominis-induced damage in IPEC-J2 cells: the beneficial influence of porcine-derived lactobacilli.

Pentatrichomonas hominis is a common intestinal parasitic protozoan that causes abdominal pain and diarrhea, and poses a zoonotic risk. Probiotics, known for enhancing immunity and pathogen resistance, hold promise in combating parasitic infections. This study aimed to evaluate two porcine-derived probiotics, Lactobacillus reuteri LR1 and Lactobacillus plantarum LP1, against P. hominis infections in pigs. Taxonomic identity was confirmed through 16 S rRNA gene sequencing, with L. reuteri LR1 belonging to L. reuteri species and L. plantarum LP1 belonging to L. plantarum species. Both probiotics exhibited robust in vitro growth performance. Co-culturing intestinal porcine epithelial cell line (IPEC-J2) with these probiotics significantly improved cell viability compared with the control group. Pre-incubation probiotics significantly enhanced the mRNA expression of anti-oxidative response genes in IPEC-J2 cells compared with the PHGD group, with L. reuteri LR1 and L. plantarum LP1 significantly up-regulating CuZn-SOD、CAT and Mn-SOD genes expression (p < 0.05). The anti-oxidative stress effect of L. reuteri LR1 was significantly better than that of L. plantarum LP1 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, pre-incubation with the probiotics alleviated the P. hominis-induced inflammatory response. L. reuteri LR1 and L. plantarum LP1 significantly down-regulated IL-6、IL-8 and TNF-α gene expression(p < 0.05) compared with the PHGD group. The probiotics also mitigated P. hominis-induced apoptosis. L. reuteri LR1 and L. plantarum LP1 significantly down-regulated Caspase3 and Bax gene expression (p < 0.05), significantly up-regulated Bcl-2 gene expression (p < 0.05) compared with the PHGD group. Among them, L. plantarum LP1 showed better anti-apoptotic effect. These findings highlight the probiotics for mitigating P. hominis infections in pigs. Their ability to enhance anti-oxidative responses, alleviate inflammation, and inhibit apoptosis holds promise for therapeutic applications. Simultaneously, probiotics can actively contribute to inhibiting trichomonal infections, offering a novel approach for preventing and treating diseases such as P. hominis. Further in vivo studies are required to validate these results and explore their potential in animal and human health.