Search Results (7,371)

Drought stress caused by continuous global warming poses a severe challenge to the growth and development of Nitraria tangutorum. Abscisic acid has an important regulatory function in the process of plants responding to drought stress. This study took the N. tangutorum seedlings of Zhangye provenance 2-17-16 genealogy as the research object to explore the physiological mechanism of how different concentrations of exogenous ABA alleviate drought damage in N. tangutorum. The results showed that exogenous ABA could promote the growth and increase the leaf relative water content of N. tangutorum seedlings under drought stress. It alleviates the photosynthetic inhibition phenomenon of N. tangutorum seedlings under drought stress by regulating the photoprotective mechanism and energy distribution efficiency of photosystem II. It also alleviates the drought damage of N. tangutorum by increasing the content of osmotic-adjustment substance contents such as soluble sugar, soluble protein, proline, and starch, as well as enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as POD, SOD, and CAT. The comprehensive analysis showed that 20 μM and 30 μM ABA have the best alleviating effects on the drought damage of N. tangutorum seedlings. This study provides a theoretical basis for the restoration, propagation, and protection of N. tangutorum, and it is of great significance for maintaining the balance and stability of desert ecosystems. Full article

Phyllostachys edulis is a vital bamboo resource in China, known for its economic benefits and ecological functions. However, under natural conditions, its seed germination rate is very low. Exogenous gibberellin (GA) directly supplements endogenous GA levels, while paclobutrazol (PAC) is an inhibitor of GA biosynthesis that can prevent seed germination. Preliminary experiment indicated that a treatment of 50 mg/L GA₃ markedly enhanced the germination rate of P. edulis seeds, whereas 50 μmol/L PAC had an opposite function. To study the exogenous GA₃ effects on the seed germination of P. edulis, seeds were soaked in ddH₂O (CK), Gibberellic acid 3 (GA₃), and PAC solutions for 24 h, respectively. Then, we analyzed and compared the physiology, biochemistry, and transcriptome at different germination stages. The results demonstrated that exogenous GA₃ treatment significantly reduced the contents of starch and soluble protein while increasing the levels of soluble sugar by inducing the activities of β-amylase and protease, respectively. In addition, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), polyphenol (PPO), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were enhanced to eliminate ROS during seed germination under exogenous GA₃ treatment compared to CK and PAC treatments. Moreover, the endogenous levels of GA₃ and JA were found to be higher in exogenous GA₃-treated seeds than those in CK and PAC-treated seeds. Furthermore, RNA-seq results revealed that the expressions of 10 related genes are consistent with the observed physiological changes. In summary, exogenous GA₃ effectively accelerated the seed germination of P. edulis by influencing storage reserves, antioxidant enzymes activity, and endogenous hormone through the coordinated transcriptional regulation of related genes. These findings provide novel insights into the regulation mechanisms of exogenous GA₃ on the seed germination of P. edulis. Full article

Oxidative stress caused by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) contributes to numerous chronic diseases. Marine green algae of the Caulerpa genus are rich in bioactive compounds with potential antioxidant activity. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the intracellular antioxidant effects of caulerpin (CAU) and its derivative caulerpinic acid (CA) using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a eukaryotic model. Methods: Yeast cells were pretreated with 1 μM of CAU or CA, or with 1 μM of resveratrol (RESV) as a positive control, then exposed to 2 mM of H₂O₂. Growth, ROS levels, oxidative damage markers, and antioxidant defenses were assessed. Results: Both CAU and CA significantly improved cell survival under oxidative stress, restoring growth rates (CAU: 0.129 h⁻¹, CA: 0.137 h⁻¹) and doubling times (CAU: 5.38 h, CA: 5.07 h) close to control values. Intracellular ROS accumulation, protein carbonylation, and lipid peroxidation were reduced to near-baseline levels. While catalase (Cat) and superoxide dismutase (Sod) activity remained unchanged, CAU and CA elevated intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels (1.6–1.8 fold) and preserved glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, compared to stressed cells without antioxidant pretreatment. Conclusions: CAU and CA act as effective intracellular antioxidants, primarily via ROS scavenging and GSH-dependent pathways. These findings support their potential as natural candidates for developing antioxidant-based therapies against ROS-related disorders. Full article

Ammonia is a common toxic pollutant in aquaculture environments that poses significant threats to the health, growth, and survival of aquatic organisms. This study investigates the physiological and molecular responses of triploid Crassostrea gigas to ammonia exposure, focusing on the activation and regulation of oxidative stress and immune-related pathways. By integrating histological observations, biochemical assays, and transcriptomic analysis, we systematically revealed the oxidative stress and immune regulatory mechanisms in the hepatopancreas of triploid C. gigas under ammonia exposure. Results showed significant tissue damage in the hepatopancreas, disrupted activities of key antioxidant enzymes including SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px, along with elevated MDA levels, indicating oxidative damage to cellular membrane lipids. Transcriptomic data further indicated significant activation of the glutathione metabolism pathway, with antioxidant genes such as GPX5 and GPX7 displaying a dynamic pattern of initial upregulation followed by downregulation, suggesting their critical roles in modulating oxidative stress responses and maintaining cellular homeostasis. Immunologically, ammonia exposure significantly activated lysosomal and phagosomal pathways, as well as multiple signaling cascades including FOXO, mTOR, and PI3K-Akt. Several key immune regulatory genes exhibited dynamic expression changes, reflecting coordinated regulation of apoptosis, autophagy, and energy metabolism to maintain immune defense and cellular homeostasis. Notably, dynamic expression of the GADD45 gene family in the FOXO signaling pathway underscores the important role of triploid C. gigas in mounting stress responses and adaptive immune regulation under ammonia toxicity. This study provides in-depth molecular insights into the integrated response mechanisms of triploid oysters to ammonia exposure, offering a molecular foundation for understanding bivalve adaptation to ammonia and revealing novel perspectives on molluscan ammonia tolerance. Full article

Drought stress limits seedling growth, hindering morphological development and population establishment. Artocarpus nanchuanensis, a critically endangered species endemic to the karst regions of southwest China, exhibits poor population structure and limited natural regeneration in the wild, with water deficit during the seedling stage identified as a major factor contributing to its endangered status. Elucidating the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying drought tolerance in A. nanchuanensis seedlings is essential for improving their drought adaptability and facilitating population recovery. In this study, 72 two-year-old seedlings were divided into two groups: drought (PEG) and ethephon (PEG + Ethephon), and subjected to drought-rehydration experiments. The results showed that exogenous application of 100 mg·L⁻¹ ethephon significantly improved stomatal conductance and photosynthetic pigment content in A. nanchuanensis seedlings. Under drought stress, the PEG + Ethephon group exhibited rapid stomatal closure, maintaining water balance and higher photosynthetic pigment levels. After rehydration, the PEG + Ethephon group significantly outperformed the PEG group in terms of photosynthetic rate. Ethephon treatment reduced H₂O₂ and MDA levels, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, CAT, POD, GR), and increased osmotic regulator activity (soluble sugars, soluble proteins, and proline), improving ROS-scavenging capacity and reducing oxidative damage. Ethephon application significantly enhanced ethylene accumulation in seedlings, while drought stress stimulated the concentrations of key ethylene biosynthetic enzymes (SAMS, ACS, and ACO), thereby further contributing to improved drought resistance. Transcriptomic data revealed that drought stress significantly upregulated key ethylene biosynthesis genes, with expression levels increasing with stress duration and rapidly decreasing after rehydration. WGCNA analysis identified eight key drought-resistance genes, providing valuable targets for future research. This study provides the first mechanistic insight into the physiological and molecular responses of A. nanchuanensis seedlings to drought and rehydration, underscoring the central role of endogenous ethylene in drought tolerance. Ethephon treatment effectively enhanced ethylene accumulation and biosynthetic enzyme activity, thereby improving drought adaptability. These findings lay a theoretical foundation for subsequent molecular functional studies and the conservation biology of this endangered species. Full article

Saline–alkaline water resources are globally widespread, and their rational development offers significant potential to alleviate freshwater scarcity. Saline–alkaline water aquaculture farming not only affects fish growth and survival but also impairs reproductive and developmental functions. Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), an economically important fish, has demonstrated excellent high tolerance to such environments, in order to investigate the effects of alkaline water aquaculture environments on its growth performance, sex hormone levels, gonadal development, and molecular adaptation mechanisms. In this study, largemouth bass were chronically exposed to freshwater (0.55 mmol/L), low alkalinity (10 mmol/L), or high alkalinity (25 mmol/L) and cultured for 80 days. Alkalinity exposure more severely impacted the growth rate of females. High alkalinity significantly increased the hepatosomatic index and decreased the gonadosomatic index in both sexes; moreover, it induced oxidative stress in both sexes, evidenced by reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) levels and elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Furthermore, the levels of sex hormones Serum estradiol (E2), 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), and testosterone were significantly reduced, accompanied by either an elevated ratio of primary oocytes and follicular atresia, or by reduced spermatogenesis. Apoptotic signals appeared in gonadal interstitial cells, with upregulated expression of genes P53, Bax, Casp3, and Casp8. Ultrastructural damage included fewer mitochondria and cristae blurring, further indicating tissue damage causing dysfunction. Transcriptome results showed that oxidative stress damage and energy metabolism imbalance caused by carbonate alkalinity were key to the delayed gonadal development, which was mainly manifested in enrichment of the ECM–receptor interaction and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways in females exposed to low alkalinity, and the GnRH secretion and chemokine signaling pathways in males. Glycosphingolipid biosynthesis and Ferroptosis pathway were enriched in females exposed to high alkalinity, and the Cortisol synthesis and secretion pathway were enriched in males. Overall, high-alkalinity exposure significantly delayed gonadal development in both sexes of largemouth bass, leading to reproductive impairment. Full article

Indigenous chickens are raised in various rural areas in large quantities throughout Sudan. They must be transported over various distances to centralized slaughterhouses or for other purposes. In this study, we examined indigenous chicken farmers’ perceptions of chicken welfare during transportation. A total of 160 indigenous chickens (80 control + 80 transported with their owners) participated in this study. Our findings revealed that 69% and 88% of the farmers indicated that they were not knowledgeable about animal rights and animal welfare, respectively. The majority of the farmers (86%) reported that they were unaware of animal protection laws. Furthermore, the transported chickens showed a significantly long tonic immobility duration (p < 0.05) compared to the control chickens. Moreover, low pecking behavior was significant (p < 0.05) in transported chickens compared to control, particularly on day one of the experiment. In addition, the mean values of glucose, TWBCs, monocytes, basophils, eosinophils, H/L ratio, Hb, MCHC, and PLT were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in transported chickens compared to the controls. In addition, TNF-a, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IFN-γ, IL-17, as well as ROS, MDA, cortisol, glucose, and total cholesterol were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in transportation chickens compared to control, while CAT, GSH, ATP, and SOD were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in transportation chickens compared to control. We conclude that the traditional transportation of indigenous Sudanese chickens affected their welfare, and this was associated with farmers’ low perceptions of chicken welfare, and stress-induced blood profile changes. Full article

This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how oxidative stress drives inflammation, structural remodeling, and clinical expression of childhood asthma, while critically appraising emerging redox-sensitive biomarkers and antioxidant-focused preventive and therapeutic strategies. Oxidative stress arises when reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) outpace airway defenses. This surplus provokes airway inflammation: ROS/RNS activate nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1), recruit eosinophils and neutrophils, and amplify type-2 cytokines. Normally, an antioxidant network—glutathione (GSH), enzymes such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)—maintains redox balance. Prenatal and early exposure to fine particulate matter <2.5 micrometers (µm) (PM_2.5), aeroallergens, and tobacco smoke, together with polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) and CAT, overwhelm these defenses, driving epithelial damage, airway remodeling, and corticosteroid resistance—the core of childhood asthma pathogenesis. Clinically, biomarkers such as exhaled 8-isoprostane, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) surge during exacerbations and predict relapses. Therapeutic avenues include Mediterranean-style diet, regular aerobic exercise, pharmacological Nrf2 activators, GSH precursors, and mitochondria-targeted antioxidants; early trials report improved lung function and fewer attacks. Ongoing translational research remains imperative to substantiate these approaches and to enable the personalization of therapy through individual redox status and genetic susceptibility, ultimately transforming the care and prognosis of pediatric asthma. Full article

Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with various health complications, including liver damage and systemic inflammation. Probiotic interventions have emerged as promising strategies to mitigate alcohol-induced harm, yet their mechanisms of action remain incompletely understood. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Weizmannia coagulans BC179 in chronic alcohol consumers. Seventy participants with a history of long-term alcohol intake were randomly assigned to receive either BC179 (3 g/day, 1 × 10¹⁰ CFU) or a placebo for a 30-day intervention period. Following alcohol ingestion, dynamic monitoring of blood alcohol concentration (BAC), inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, and serum metabolomic profiles was conducted. BC179 supplementation significantly reduced BAC and enhanced the activities of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), while decreasing levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Conversely, the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) were significantly upregulated. Levels of cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were also markedly reduced. Metabolomic analysis revealed significant modulation of taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, as well as downregulation of caffeine-related pathways. Collectively, these findings indicate that W. coagulans BC179 alleviates alcohol-induced discomfort by enhancing alcohol metabolism, attenuating inflammation, reducing oxidative stress, and modulating key metabolic pathways. This probiotic strain may represent a promising adjunctive strategy for managing alcohol-related health issues. Full article

The tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta) is a globally invasive pest that causes severe yield losses in tomato crops. Nanotechnology-based strategies offer promising alternatives to conventional insecticides. This study examines the physiological, biochemical, and demographic responses of T. absoluta following exposure to mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) applied to tomato leaves at concentrations of 0, 3, 30, and 300 mg L⁻¹. Comprehensive assessments were conducted, including digestive and detoxifying enzyme activities in the insect, neurotoxicity indicators, life table parameters, and antioxidant responses in the host plant. At 30 mg L⁻¹, MSNs significantly impaired larval development, fecundity, and survival of T. absoluta without inducing phytotoxicity. Tomato plants treated at this concentration exhibited enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, CAT, POD) and a reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content, indicating an active oxidative defense. These plant responses were significantly correlated with changes in insect fitness traits, suggesting a plant-mediated effect on pest physiology. Digestive enzyme disruption, decreased acetylcholinesterase activity, and extended developmental periods contributed to suppressed population growth, as evidenced by reductions in the intrinsic rate of increase (r), net reproductive rate (R₀), and fecundity. At 300 mg L⁻¹, however, severe phytotoxicity and enzymatic collapse were observed in both plant and insect systems. These findings highlight moderate concentration of MSNs (30 mg L⁻¹) as a promising dose for sustainable and host-safe pest management, offering multi-targeted suppression of T. absoluta through combined plant and insect biochemical pathways. Full article

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), such as ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease are chronic idiopathic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal system involving interaction between genetic and environmental factors mediating the occurrence of oxidative stress and inflammation. There is no permanent cure for IBD except long-term treatment or surgery (resection of the intestine), and the available agents in the long term appear unsatisfactory and elicit numerous adverse effects. To keep the disease in remission, prevent relapses and minimize adverse effects of currently used medicines, novel dietary compounds of natural origin convincingly appear to be one of the important therapeutic strategies for the pharmacological targeting of oxidative stress and inflammation. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate plant-derived dietary agents to overcome the debilitating conditions of IBD. In the present study, the effect of α-Bisabolol (BSB), a dietary bioactive monoterpene commonly found in many edible plants as well as important components of traditional medicines, was investigated in acetic acid (AA)-induced colitis model in rats. BSB was orally administered to Wistar male rats at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day either for 3 days before or 30 min after induction of IBD for 7 days through intrarectal administration of AA. The changes in body weight, macroscopic and microscopic analysis of the colon and calprotectin levels in the colon of rats from different experimental groups were observed on day 0, 2, 4, and 7. The levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), a marker of neutrophil activation, reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured. AA caused a significant reduction in body weight and induced macroscopic and microscopic ulcers, along with a significant decline of endogenous antioxidants (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and GSH), with a concomitant increase in MDA level and MPO activity. BSB significantly improved the AA-induced reduction in body weight, colonic mucosal histology, inhibited MDA formation, and restored antioxidant levels along with a reduction in MPO activity. AA also induced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-23 (IL-23) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Furthermore, AA also increased levels of calprotectin, a protein released by neutrophils under inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. BSB treatment significantly reduced the release of calprotectin and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The findings of the present study demonstrate that BSB has the potential to improve disease activity and rescue colonic tissues from damage by inhibiting oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and inflammation. The findings are suggestive of the benefits of BSB in IBD treatment and substantiate its usefulness in colitis management, along with its gastroprotective effects in gastric ulcer. 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

Schiff base ligands prepared from salicylaldehyde and 2-, 3- and 4-methoxybenzylamine were used to prepare copper(II) complexes, characterized by spectral methods, elemental analysis and X-ray crystallography in the case of complex 4a derived from 2-methoxybenzylamine. The DNA cleavage activity of the prepared complexes was exceptional, with best activities of over 95% one-strand cleavage for 4c at 3 mM and full double-strand cleavage for complex 4a at 5 mM. Absorption titration studies with ct-DNA revealed good binding constants (at 10⁵ M⁻¹) with a decrease of up to 56% light absorption. Meanwhile, the EB–DNA displacement method and viscosity studies revealed groove binding as a possible binding mode. For BSA binding studies, all three complexes showed K_BSA values in the optimal range for reversible BSA binding (10⁴ M⁻¹). The copper(II) complexes showed significant cytotoxic effects (67–96% at 1 mM) in mitochondrial activity monitoring assays. Cytotoxicity was confirmed against cancer cell lines (A549 and HepG2) and HEL cells. The complexes 4a and 4c exhibited high activity against HepG2 cancer cells (IC50 < 22 μM), comparable to cisplatin. The radical scavenging activity was determined by the INT method with the best IC50 for 4c (189 ± 11 μM). Overall, complexes 4a and 4c with a methoxy group in the ortho and para positions show high potential in most determined activities, but mainly as DNA cleavers and as cytotoxic agents with selectivity against HepG2 cells. Full article

The increasing demographic aging of society is a great challenge to the healthcare sector and raises the socio-economic burden. Therefore, elucidating the mechanisms of aging and developing safe effective anti-aging products to prolong people’s healthy lifespan are paramount nowadays. Panax ginseng has been highly regarded since ancient times for its ability to enhance health and prolong life. However, its main active substances of anti-aging and their mechanisms are not fully understood. In this research, Caenorhabditis elegans was used as a model organism to explore and confirm the key active substances from Panax ginseng and the mechanisms that exert anti-aging effects. Various ginsenoside compounds were evaluated based on longevity, anti-stress, physiological function, etc. Ginsenoside Re, which has powerful anti-aging activity, was screened. In the follow-up trials, transcriptomics and RT-qPCR techniques were used to investigate the mechanism of Re in exerting its anti-aging properties. Differential genes were enriched in the Insulin/Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Signaling (IIS) pathway, the neuropeptide signaling pathway, and lipid metabolism. A significant increase in the expression levels of daf-16, sgk-1, skn-1, hsf-1, hsp-16.2, sod-3, gst-4, fil-2, lips-11, cyp-35A4, and aex-2 genes, and a significant decrease in the expression levels of daf-2, age-1, and akt-2 genes were verified. These suggest that ginsenoside Re exerts its life-extending influence by regulating lipid metabolism and the IIS pathway. Full article

Ampicillin (AMP) and amoxicillin (AMX) are widely used penicillin antibiotics. After administration to humans and animals, they are largely excreted in unchanged or metabolized forms, leading to their release into wastewater. In surface waters, their concentrations usually reach the ng∙L⁻¹ range and rarely exceed µg∙L⁻¹, although in India AMX levels above mg∙L⁻¹ were detected in hospital effluents. The limited efficiency of wastewater treatment plants allows these compounds to enter aquatic and terrestrial environments, where they affect various organisms. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of AMP, AMX, and their mixture on wheat, one of the most extensively cultivated cereals. Determinations were carried out using standardized methodologies. The results showed that antibiotics induce oxidative stress in plants, with symptoms observed only at concentrations of 1000 mg∙kg⁻¹ of soil DW. At this level, changes included altered antioxidant enzyme activity (APX, SOD, POD, and CAT), increased proline and H₂O₂ content, and reduced MDA levels. By contrast, antibiotics had minimal influence on glutathione and ascorbate and caused only slight changes in photosynthetic pigments and chlorophyll fluorescence. Full article