Search Results (342)

Background: Dahuang Xiaoshi Tang (DXT), an ancient Chinese herbal remedy dating back to 220 AD, as documented initially in “Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases,” is used to treat damp-heat jaundice with interior sthenia syndrome. In DXT, anthraquinones and alkaloids form insoluble complexes, reducing its effectiveness. A revised herbal extract, DXT-M, was developed, and its hepatoprotective properties were demonstrated in animal models using pharmacodynamic, metabolomic, network pharmacological, and toxicological approaches. Methods: The α-naphthalene isothiocyanate was utilised to establish the acute liver injury rat model. The assays of glutamate pyruvate transaminase, glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, total bile acid, complement 3 (C3) and C4, interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-6, tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and pathological morphology were used to evaluate the hepatoprotection of DXT in comparison to DXT-M. The ¹H-NMR-based serum and urine metabolomics were performed to identify potential biomarkers and metabolic pathways of DXT-M in treating hepatitis. The intrinsic regulatory mechanisms of DXT in liver protection, as well as the combination of network toxicology, were elucidated. Statistical analyses included RM two-way ANOVA with Geisser–Greenhouse correction and Dunnett’s post hoc test for longitudinal data, and one-way ANOVA with Dunnett’s post hoc test for group comparisons. Data were shown as mean ± SD. Results: Liver-injured animals exhibited weight loss, ruffled fur, and liver damage, accompanied by elevated liver function indicators. DXT-M effectively improved these symptoms, repaired liver damage, restored liver function, and regulated immune status by modulating complement 3. Metabonomics and other analyses indicated the CYP/GST-ROS axis is key to its hepatoprotective effects. DXT-M outperformed DXT in efficacy. Conclusions: DXT-M demonstrated significant effectiveness in restoring liver pathological damage, correcting abnormal biochemical indicators of liver function, and regulating complement factors. The pathway of CYP/GST-ROS served as the shared regulatory axis and transformation site for DXT-M’s liver protective effects. These findings suggest that DXT-M has potential as a treatment for acute liver injury, highlighting the need for further research into its underlying molecular mechanisms as well as its complete material basis. This study’s main limitation is its focus on acute models; future research should include other liver diseases and clinical observation to evaluate its full potential. Full article

Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides in agricultural, horticultural, and urban environments. However, its residue accumulation and oxidative damage pose serious threats to crop health and food safety. In this study, we evaluated the potential of epigallocatechin gallate, a natural polyphenol derived from tea, to alleviate glyphosate-induced stress in melon (Cucumis melo L.). LC-MS/MS analysis revealed that EGCG significantly reduced glyphosate residues in plant tissues. Transcriptome analysis indicated that glyphosate induced extensive transcriptional reprogramming, activating genes involved in detoxification and antioxidant defense. Co-treatment with glyphosate and EGCG partially mitigated this stress response and redirected gene expression toward secondary metabolic pathways, particularly flavonoid and phenylalanine biosynthesis. Under herbicide stress, EGCG restored the transcription of key flavonoid biosynthetic genes, including PAL, C4H, CHI, and OMT. Meanwhile, EGCG also modulated the expression of APX, SOD, and GST, suggesting a selective effect on antioxidant systems. Co-expression network analysis identified key hub genes associated with oxidative stress and flavonoid metabolism. These findings demonstrate the dual regulatory role of EGCG in suppressing acute oxidative stress while enhancing metabolic adaptability, highlighting its potential as a natural additive for reducing herbicide residues in fruit crops. Full article

The widespread use of neonicotinoid insecticides has led to increasing resistance in non-target organisms, including the egg parasitoid Trichogramma dendrolimi, a crucial biological control agent. Film-residue bioassays on 17 geographic strains revealed striking inter-strain variability in susceptibility to imidacloprid, with mortality at a discriminating dose of 0.1 mg/L ranging from 25.7% to 87%. The most tolerant (FS) and least tolerant (HA) strains were subsequently selected for evaluation of biological parameters and comparative transcriptomics. Tolerant strains (FS) showed adaptive trade-offs: extended longevity (5.47 ± 0.57 d) and emergence (93.6 ± 1.9%), but reduced fecundity (54.6 ± 4.9 eggs) compared to HA. Transcriptome analysis revealed 2115 differentially expressed genes, with GO enrichment highlighting metabolic and detoxification pathways. KEGG analysis the most enriched pathways were “Protein digestion and absorption” and “Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction”. RT-qPCR confirmed overexpression of CYP4C1, CYP6K1, and GstS1 in FS, indicating their potential roles in metabolic resistance if present. This study presents preliminary evidence of potential fitness trade-offs and molecular mechanisms that could underly imidacloprid resistance in T. dendrolimi, which may lead to important insights for resistance monitoring and more sustainable integrated pest management strategies. Full article

Toxic cyanobacteria, including Microcystis, produce harmful toxins that affect aquatic ecosystems and human health. Biotreatment using macrophytes shows promise in mitigating these blooms. This study investigates the bioaccumulation dynamics and biochemical responses of two aquatic macrophytes, Pistia stratiotes and Ceratophyllum demersum, in removing microcystin from contaminated water. P. stratiotes showed high initial bioaccumulation rates with rapid microcystin uptake, which is effective for short-term bioremediation. C. demersum has shown stable bioaccumulation. Biochemical analyses have revealed the activation of plant antioxidant defenses, with both macrophytes showing an increase in carotenoids, glutathione (GSH), and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) concentrations. In particular, C. demersum has maintained higher antioxidant levels, contributing to its sustained capacity and resilience. Fluctuations in malondialdehyde (MDA) indicated oxidative stress, with P. stratiotes managing such stress through its defenses. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) supports these findings: Pistia’s first two components explained 25.09% and 20.71% of the variance, with Carotenoid and Chl contributing strongly to PC1, and MDA and GST influencing both components. For C. demersum, PC1 and PC2 explained 21.79% and 19.78% of the variance, with Carotenoid and Chl a being major contributors, while SOD and GSH played significant roles in sample differentiation. Integrating both plants into bioremediation strategies could optimize microcystin removal: P. stratiotes offers rapid initial detoxification, while C. demersum ensures continuous, long-term remediation. This combined approach enhances the efficiency and sustainability of phytoremediation. Future research should optimize environmental conditions and explore synergistic effects among multiple plant species for more effective and sustainable bioremediation solutions. Full article

Aronia melanocarpa is rich in anthocyanins, compounds with significant medicinal and industrial value, making it an attractive species for enhanced production. Compared with fruits or intact plants, callus tissue offers a uniform, controllable in vitro system that is particularly suitable for dissecting regulatory mechanisms under defined environmental conditions. Although light quality is known to influence anthocyanin biosynthesis, its specific regulatory mechanisms in A. melanocarpa remain unclear. In this study, callus tissues were cultured under six light regimes: full-spectrum LED, blue:red (5:1), red:blue (5:1), red:blue:white (1:1:1), red:white (5:1), and pure blue light. Anthocyanin content was quantified using the pH differential method, and the results showed that the blue:red (5:1) treatment produced the highest accumulation, reaching 14.06 mg/100 g. Transcriptome sequencing was then performed to compare the gene expression profiles between calli cultured under blue:red (5:1) light and those maintained in darkness. A total of 10,547 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 6134 upregulated and 4413 downregulated genes. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that these DEGs were mainly involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis and transport. Importantly, key structural genes such as PAL, C4H, 4CL, CHS, ANS, UFGT, and GST were significantly upregulated under blue:red (5:1) light, as further validated by qRT-PCR. Overall, our findings demonstrate that a blue:red (5:1) light ratio enhances anthocyanin accumulation by promoting the expression of biosynthetic and transport-related genes. This study not only provides new transcriptomic insights into the light-mediated regulation of secondary metabolism in A. melanocarpa callus, but also establishes a foundation for optimizing in vitro culture systems for sustainable anthocyanin production. Full article

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant increase in the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was observed. Acinetobacter baumannii, particularly carbapenem-resistant strains, poses a serious threat in intensive care units (ICUs). This study aimed to genetically characterize A. baumannii isolates from the ICU of an infectious diseases hospital repurposed for COVID-19 patient treatment. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on 56 A. baumannii isolates from patients and environmental surfaces using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Bioinformatic analysis included multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), core-genome MLST (cgMLST), phylogenetic analysis, and in silico detection of antimicrobial resistance genes. Three sequence types (STs) were identified: ST2 (35.7%), ST78 (30.4%), and ST19 (3.5%); while 30.4% of the isolates were non-typeable. Phylogenetic analysis revealed clustering of ST2 with isolates from East Africa, ST78 with European isolates, and ST19 with isolates from Germany and Spain. Resistance genes to eight classes of antimicrobials were detected. All isolates were resistant to aminoglycosides and β-lactams. The blaOXA-23 carbapenemase gene was present in all ST2 isolates. cgMLST analysis (cgST-1746) showed significant heterogeneity among ST2 isolates (24–583 allele differences), indicating microevolution within the hospital. A novel synonymous SNP (T2220G) in the rpoB gene was identified. Environmental sampling highlighted the role of contaminated personal protective equipment (PPE) in transmission, with 47.0% of ST2 and 64.3% of ST78 isolates found on PPE. The study underscores the high resolution of WGS and cgMLST for epidemiological surveillance and confirms the critical role of infection control measures in preventing the spread of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii. Full article

Background and Objectives: The Drosophila retinal determination network comprises the transcription factor Teashirt (Tsh) and the transcription co-regulator C-terminal Binding Protein (CtBP), both of which are essential for normal adult eye development. Both Tsh and CtBP show a pattern of co-expression in the proliferating cells anterior to the morphogenetic furrow that demarcates the boundary between the anteriorly placed proliferating eye precursor cells and the posteriorly placed differentiating photoreceptor cells in the larval eye-precursor tissue, the eye–antennal disc. The disc ultimately develops into the adult compound eyes, antenna, and other head structures. Both Tsh and CtBP were found to interact genetically during ectopic eye formation in Drosophila, and both were present in molecular complexes purified from gut and cultured cells. However, it remained unknown whether Tsh and CtBP molecules could interact in the eye–antennal discs and elicit an effect on eye development. The present study answers these questions. Methods: 5′ GFP-tagging of the tsh gene in the Drosophila genome and 5′ FLAG-tagging of the ctbp gene were accomplished by the CRISPR-Cas9 and BAC recombineering methods, respectively, to produce GFP-Tsh- and FLAG-CtBP-fused proteins in specific transgenic Drosophila strains. Verification of these proteins’ expression in the larval eye–antennal discs was performed by immunohistological staining and confocal microscopy. Genetic screening was performed to establish functional interaction between Tsh and CtBP during eye development. Scanning Electron Microscopy was performed to image the adult eye structure. Co-immunoprecipitation and GST pulldown assays were performed to show that Tsh and CtBP interact in the cells of the third instar eye–antennal discs. Results: This study reveals that Tsh and CtBP interact genetically and physically in the Drosophila third instar larval eye–antennal disc to regulate adult eye development. This interaction is likely to limit the population of the eye precursor cells in the larval eye disc of Drosophila. Conclusions: The relative abundance of Tsh and CtBP in the third instar larval eye–antennal disc can dictate the outcome of their interaction on the Drosophila eye formation. Full article

Paralipsa gularis (Zeller) has become an increasingly destructive pest in both storage and field ecosystems, particularly affecting maize crops across China. As chemical control methods face limitations due to resistance development and environmental concerns, biological control presents a promising alternative. In this study, we isolated and identified a novel strain of Metarhizium sp. from naturally infected P. gularis larvae collected in Yunnan Province, China. Morphological characterization, along with ITS-rDNA and EF-1α-rDNA sequencing, confirmed the fungus as Metarhizium rileyi. The optimal growth medium for this strain was SMAY, and the optimal conditions were 25 °C under continuous light (L:D = 24:0). Laboratory bioassays showed that the strain exhibited high virulence against P. gularis larvae, with cumulative mortality reaching 82% following infestation with 5 × 10⁸ conidia/mL. Biochemical analyses revealed that fungal infection significantly inhibited the activity of the key antioxidant enzyme SOD in the host, while activities of POD, CAT, and detoxification enzymes (P450, CarE, AChE, and GSTs) were significantly increased. These results indicate that immune responses were triggered, and systemic colonization of the host was achieved. Overall, this native M. rileyi strain demonstrates strong potential as an effective biological control agent. Its ability to overcome insect defenses and induce high mortality supports its integration into pest management programs targeting P. gularis. This work advances the understanding of fungal–insect interactions and contributes to sustainable, environmentally safe strategies for managing a pest of economic importance in agricultural ecosystems. Full article

Increased drug metabolism and elimination are prominent mechanisms mediating multidrug resistance (MDR) to not only chemotherapy drugs but also anti-cancer natural products, such as benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC). To evaluate the possibility of combined utilization of a certain compound to overcome this resistance, we focused on glutathione S-transferase (GST)-dependent metabolism of BITC. The pharmacological treatment of a pi-class GST-selective inhibitor, 6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio)hexanol (NBDHEX), significantly increased BITC-induced toxicity in human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells. However, NBDHEX unexpectedly increased the level of the BITC–glutathione (GSH) conjugate as well as BITC-modified proteins, suggesting that NBDHEX might increase BITC-modified protein accumulation by inhibiting BITC–GSH excretion instead of inhibiting GST. Furthermore, NBDHEX significantly potentiated BITC-induced apoptosis with the enhanced activation of apoptosis-related pathways, such as c-Jun N-terminal kinase and caspase-3 pathways. These results suggested that combination treatment with NBDHEX may be an effective way to overcome MDR with drug efflux and thus induce the biological activity of BITC at lower doses. Full article

This study investigates the exergoeconomic performance of a milk pasteurization system powered by geothermal energy, operating across geothermal source temperatures (GSTs) ranging from 80 °C to 110 °C. The system uses geothermal heat as its primary energy source, while the cooling process is supported by a vapor compression refrigeration cycle driven by electricity generated through an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). The analysis was carried out in three stages: determining system parameters for each GST level, conducting detailed energy and exergy analyses, and performing an exergoeconomic evaluation using the specific exergy costing (SPECO) method. The results show that both energy and exergy efficiencies decline as GST increases. Energy efficiency varies between 88.30% and 78.53%, while exergy efficiency ranges from 72.86% to 58.02%. In parallel, unit-specific manufacturing costs increase with higher GST. Electricity production costs range from 610 to 900 USD·MWh⁻¹, and the cost of pasteurized milk varies between 3.76 and 6.53 USD·ton⁻¹. These findings offer practical insights into how geothermal source temperature affects the thermodynamic and economic performance of such systems, contributing to the broader understanding of sustainable dairy processing technologies. Full article

(1) Background: Tolypocladium spp. are fungi known for producing cyclosporin A and their ability to infect insects. However, their pathogenicity against the lepidopteran pest Plutella xylostella has not been previously reported. (2) Methods: Four Tolypocladium strains were isolated from soil and identified through morphological and phylogenetic analyses (ITS, gene sequencing). Growth rates, sporulation capacity, and stress tolerance (45 °C heat, UV) were evaluated. Pathogenicity was assessed via larval bioassays, and immune responses were analyzed by quantifying Toll pathway gene expression and enzyme activities (PO, CAT, POD, GSTs, CarE, AChE) from 24 to 96 h post-inoculation. (3) Results: Strains N8-SF-04092 and O1/O2/O3-SF-04630/04927/04931 were identified as Tolypocladium cylindrosporum and Tolypocladium inflatum, respectively. Strain O2 showed the highest growth rate (p < 0.05), while O3 and N8 exhibited superior sporulation (>7 × 10⁵ spores/mm²). N8 also demonstrated notable thermotolerance. In pathogenicity assays, O1, O3, and N8 caused 98.3%, 93.3%, and 96.7% larval mortality, respectively, with LT₅₀ values (3.89–4.45 days) significantly lower than O2 (p < 0.05). Immune gene expression in P. xylostella was transiently activated at 24 h but suppressed from 48 to 96 h by N8 (p < 0.05), while O1 induced partial activation at 24 h and 96 h but suppression at 48 h and 72 h. Protective enzymes (PO, CAT) were initially upregulated (24–48 h) but inhibited after 72 h (p < 0.01). POD activity showed opposing trends between O1 (initially activated then suppressed) and N8 (initially suppressed then activated). Detoxification enzymes (GSTs, CarE, AchE) were predominantly suppressed, except for GSTs, which increased at 72–96 h. (4) Conclusions: Strains O1 and N8 exhibit high virulence against P. xylostella by disrupting immune responses through dynamic modulation of Toll pathway genes and enzyme activities. The thermotolerance of strain N8 further enhances its promising biocontrol agent for field application. Full article

The escalating challenge of resistance to insecticides among agricultural and public health pests poses a significant threat to global food security and vector-borne disease control. This review synthesizes current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning resistance, including well-characterized pathways such as target-site mutations affecting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs), and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, and metabolic detoxification mediated by cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs), esterases, and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). Emerging resistance mechanisms are also explored, including protein sequestration by odorant-binding proteins and post-transcriptional regulation via non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Focused case studies on Aedes aegypti and Spodoptera frugiperda illustrate the complex interplay of genetic and biochemical adaptations driving resistance. In Ae. aegypti, voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSCs) mutations (V410L, V1016I, F1534C) combined with metabolic enzyme amplification confer resistance to pyrethroids, accompanied by notable fitness costs and ecological impacts on vector populations. In S. frugiperda, multiple resistance mechanisms, including overexpression of cytochrome P450 genes (e.g., CYP6AE43, CYP321A8), target-site mutations in ryanodine receptors (e.g., I4790K), and behavioral avoidance, have rapidly evolved across global populations, undermining the efficacy of diamide, organophosphate, and pyrethroid insecticides. The review further evaluates integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, emphasizing the role of biopesticides, biological control agents, including entomopathogenic fungi and parasitoids, and molecular diagnostics for resistance management. Taken together, this analysis underscores the urgent need for continuous molecular surveillance, the development of resistance-breaking technologies, and the implementation of sustainable, multifaceted interventions to safeguard the long-term efficacy of insecticides in both agricultural and public health contexts. Full article

In response to abiotic stress, plants utilize hub protein-mediated signaling networks, with members of the SIMILAR TO RCD ONE (SRO) protein family playing a pivotal role in regulating stress resistance pathways. This study investigates the functional role of the soybean GmRCD1 protein and its interaction mechanisms to elucidate its molecular regulatory network in stress resistance responses. By employing yeast two-hybrid technology to screen a soybean cDNA library under high-salt stress conditions, 17 potential interacting proteins were identified, which include NAC transcription factors (e.g., GmNAC058), ubiquitin–proteasome proteins, and ribosomal proteins. Subsequent validation using GST pull-down and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays confirmed the direct interaction between GmRCD1 and GmNAC058, which is mediated by the RST domain of GmRCD1 and the C-terminal disordered region (amino acids 288–323) of GmNAC058. Subcellular localization studies revealed that both proteins are nuclear-localized, aligning with their roles in transcriptional regulation. Furthermore, PAR binding assays demonstrated that both GmRCD1 and AtRCD1 can bind to PAR polymers; however, PARP activity analysis revealed that neither protein exhibits catalytic activity, indicating their participation in stress responses via non-enzymatic mechanisms. This study represents the first to elucidate the interaction network and structural basis between soybean GmRCD1 and GmNAC058, providing crucial theoretical support for understanding the multifunctional roles of plant hub proteins in stress resistance regulation and for molecular breeding in soybean. Full article

Brown algae such as Ascophyllum nodosum (AN) and Fucus vesiculosus (FV) are gaining considerable attention as functional feed additives due to their health-beneficial properties. This study evaluated the antioxidant potential of AN and FV extracts in intestinal epithelial cells and the in vivo model Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Aqueous AN and FV extracts were characterized for total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (TEAC, FRAP), and phlorotannin composition using LC-HRMS/MS. Antioxidant effects were assessed in vitro, measuring AAPH-induced ROS production in Caco-2 and IPEC-J2 cells via H₂DCF-DA, and in vivo, evaluating the effects of paraquat-induced oxidative stress and AN or FV treatment on worm motility, GST-4::GFP reporter expression, and gene expression in C. elegans. FV exhibited higher total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity (TEAC, FRAP), and a broader phlorotannin profile (degree of polymerization [DP] 2–9) than AN (DP 2–7), as determined by LC-HRMS/MS. Both extracts attenuated AAPH-induced oxidative stress in epithelial cells, with FV showing greater efficacy. In C. elegans, pre-treatment with AN and FV significantly mitigated a paraquat-induced motility decline by 22% and 11%, respectively, compared to PQ-stressed controls. Under unstressed conditions, both extracts enhanced nematode healthspan, with significant effects observed at 400 µg/g for AN and starting at 100 µg/g for FV. Gene expression analysis indicated that both extracts modulated antioxidant pathways in unstressed worms. Under oxidative stress, pre-treatment with AN and FV significantly reduced GST-4::GFP expression. In the nematode, AN was more protective under acute stress, whereas FV better supported physiological function in the absence of stressors. These findings demonstrate that AN and FV counteract oxidative stress in intestinal epithelial cells and in C. elegans, highlighting their potential as stress-reducing agents in animal feed. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal that disrupts development and reproduction, primarily through oxidative stress. In this context, sulforaphane (SFN), an antioxidant compound, may serve as a promising agent to counteract Cd-induced oxidative damage and prevent developmental and reproductive abnormalities. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of SFN on reproductive toxicity induced by cadmium chloride (CdCl₂) in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Five experimental groups were established: (I) Control: no treatment, (II) dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO): 48 h with 0.01% DMSO, (III) CdCl₂: 24 h with 4600 µM CdCl₂, (IV) SFN + CdCl₂: 24 h with 100 µM SFN followed by 24 h with both SFN and CdCl₂, and (V) SFN: 48 h with 100 µM SFN. Co-exposure to SFN and CdCl₂ prevented the reduction in the percentage of adult nematodes and increased egg-laying. It also significantly improved hatching rates, allowing more embryos to reach the larval stage, and prevented reductions in body size. However, no effects were observed on glutathione S-transferase-4 (GST-4) levels in the transgenic CL2166 strain. In conclusion, SFN substantially prevents Cd-induced reproductive toxicity in C. elegans. Future studies should investigate the molecular mechanisms by which SFN enhances egg-laying and offspring viability in this model. Full article