Search Results (11,528)

Thalassemia is a hereditary hemoglobinopathy characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis, chronic hemolysis, and transfusion-related iron overload, which collectively contribute to oxidative stress and organ dysfunction. The present study aimed to investigate the relationships between iron metabolism, oxidative stress biomarkers, and immune cell function across different clinical conditions. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from healthy individuals and patients with iron deficiency anemia, obesity, thalassemia trait (TT), β-thalassemia HbE (BTE), and β-thalassemia major (BTM). Hematological parameters were measured using automated hematology analyzers, while biochemical indicators, including liver enzymes and bilirubin, were determined using clinical chemistry assays. Iron overload was evaluated using serum iron parameters and T2*-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Oxidative stress biomarkers, including reduced glutathione, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, and total antioxidant capacity, were assessed spectrophotometrically. Flow cytometric analysis was used to measure reactive oxygen species, redox-active iron, and lipid peroxide levels in granulocytes and lymphocytes. Thalassemia patients exhibited severe anemia, elevated liver enzymes, increased bilirubin levels, and significant alterations in iron metabolism compared with healthy controls. Hepatic iron accumulation was more common than cardiac iron deposition, particularly in BTE patients. Granulocyte oxidative burst activity was significantly reduced in thalassemia patients, whereas lymphocyte responses remained relatively preserved. Increased variability in glutathione levels suggested activation of intracellular antioxidant defense mechanisms in response to chronic oxidative stress. These findings highlight the complex interplay between iron overload, oxidative stress, and the immune cell dysfunction associated with thalassemia, thereby providing insights into improved monitoring and therapeutic strategies. Full article

Ultraviolet B (UVB), as a major component of solar radiation, is a key factor in inducing skin photoaging. The epidermis serves as the primary defensive barrier of the skin and absorbs the majority of UVB. This study aims to elucidate the protective effect of Alk against UVB-induced photoaging and further uncover its underlying molecular mechanisms. In vitro, Alk-pretreated HaCaT cells were exposed to UVB. Cell viability, ROS, senescence, antioxidant enzymes, and protein expression were analyzed. Mechanisms were examined using CETSA, DARTS, Co-IP, and NRF2 knockout. In vivo, Alk hydrogel was tested in UVB-exposed BALB/c mice, with protection assessed via histology and immunohistochemistry. In vitro, Alk directly binds to Keap1, disrupts Keap1–Nrf2 interaction, promotes nuclear translocation of Nrf2, and upregulates the expression of its downstream target HO-1. Consequently, intracellular ROS generation is reduced, cellular senescence is alleviated, and the expression of inflammatory factors (TNF-$\alpha$, COX-2) and MMP-9 is suppressed. In vivo, topical application of the Alk hydrogel prevented UVB-induced skin thickening and collagen degradation. Alk exerts a preventive effect on UVB-induced photoaging in HaCaT cells and skin, providing strong support for developing Alk as a potential plant-derived active ingredient for preventing skin photoaging. Full article

Despite Morocco’s emergence as the world’s fourth-largest berry exporter, no comprehensive review has evaluated the polyphenol composition, antioxidant properties, and health benefits of raspberries (Rubus idaeus), blackberries (Rubus fruticosus), and blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) specifically within the Moroccan cultivation context. This narrative review synthesized evidence from phytochemical analyses, in vitro and in vivo studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, and epidemiological data sourced from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Blackberries exhibited the highest total polyphenol content (149 μmol GAE/L) and antioxidant capacity, driven primarily by anthocyanin concentration and diversity. Antioxidant mechanisms included free radical scavenging, transition metal chelation, and upregulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Pooled RCT data demonstrated that regular consumption (150–300 g/day) significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (−2.72 mmHg), LDL cholesterol (−0.21 mmol/L), and fasting glucose (−2.70 mg/dL). Additional benefits included neuroprotection via blood-brain barrier crossing and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) elevation, prebiotic modulation of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Akkermansia populations, and anti-cancer activity via nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibition. Processing significantly affected bioactive retention: freezing preserved phenolic compounds effectively, while conventional drying reduced anthocyanin content by up to 49%. These findings support the integration of Moroccan-cultivated berries—particularly from the Gharb, Loukkos, and Souss-Massa regions—into evidence-based dietary and functional food strategies. Priority research gaps include bioavailability assessment, dose-response characterization, and cultivar-specific phytochemical profiling under Moroccan agro-climatic conditions. Full article

Nickel (Ni) contamination threatens plant growth and ecosystem stability, and plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are sustainable bioremediation candidates. Here, we isolated and characterized a Ni-resistant PGPR strain, Microbacterium algeriense C14, from the rhizosphere of Zinnia elegans in Ni-contaminated soil. C14 exhibited exceptional Ni tolerance (up to 800 mg·L⁻¹), produced indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and maintained pH homeostasis (8.3–8.7). XPS and XRD analyses confirmed a novel carboxylate-based precipitation mechanism: C14 secretes carboxyl-containing metabolites that coordinate with Ni²⁺ to form stable amorphous nickel–carboxylate complexes. Under Ni stress (50–600 mg·L⁻¹ for germination; 50–600 mg·kg⁻¹ soil for pot experiments), C14 inoculation increased the seed germination index by up to 47.3%, seedling root length by 36.9%, and mature plant aboveground fresh weight by 21.32%, while reducing plant Ni uptake by 38.7% (seedlings) and 49.9% (mature shoots). It also enhanced plant antioxidant-enzyme (SOD and POD) activities and soluble protein content, improved soil quality (pH +0.16–0.33 units, urease/acid phosphatase activities elevated), and reduced soil-available Ni by 23.7%. Additionally, C14 enriched Proteobacteria in the rhizosphere and modified microbial community structure. These results highlight M. algeriense C14 as a promising resource for Ni-contaminated soil remediation via integrated metal immobilization, growth promotion, and rhizosphere regulation. Full article

Soil salinization is a significant global challenge that severely impacts agricultural productivity, particularly through its negative effects on crop growth and yield. Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) are an important oil crop. One of the major goals in peanut breeding programs is to develop varieties with both high oil content and salt tolerance. Previously, we obtained a peanut line (HO) with high oil content through mutagenesis, which showed higher salt tolerance than its parental line (HY20). In this study, we employed multiple approaches including anatomical, physiological, and transcriptomic analyses to elucidate salt tolerance mechanisms of the HO peanut line. Under salt stress, the HO line exhibited better-developed vascular structures, with increased root vessel diameter and higher crystal idioblast density in leaves compared to HY20. HO also showed enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, with POD and SOD activities higher than HY20. Photosynthetic efficiency was substantially improved in HO, with Fv/Fm decreasing under severe salt stress. Additionally, HO maintained a lower Na⁺/K⁺ ratio and higher linolenic acid content under salt stress. Transcriptomic analysis revealed up-regulated lignin biosynthesis genes in HO. This study established potential connections between salt stress tolerance and oil biosynthesis in peanuts, providing insights that could be leveraged for the development of high-yield and salt-resistant varieties. Full article

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.cv. BR-104) is the most widely cultivated legume crop and serves as a major dietary protein source worldwide. However, climate change-induced drought poses a severe threat to its productivity by disrupting key physiological and biochemical processes. Therefore, identifying effective strategies to enhance drought resilience in the common bean is of considerable importance. The present study investigates the regulatory role of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) in improving drought tolerance. Polyethylene glycol (15% PEG) induced drought stress markedly reduced phenotypic changes (leaf area (LA), plant dry weight (PDW), root length (RL), and shoot length (SL) by 18.6, 20.5, 30.3 and 17.5% respectively), photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm by 28.4%), and photosynthetic pigment concentrations (chlorophyll and carotenoids by 25.6 and 36%, respectively), while significantly elevating oxidative stress markers (H₂O₂ and TBARS by 137.1% and 169.8%, respectively), leading to impaired stomatal movement and damaged chloroplast structure. Exogenous H₂S application as sodium hydrogen sulfide (200 µM NaHS; H₂S donor) effectively alleviated drought-induced oxidative damage by boosting endogenous H₂S and GSH levels, upregulating activity of antioxidative enzymes, SOD, APX, and GR, thereby promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, and minimizing lipid peroxidation. Moreover, H₂S maintained photosynthetic efficiency via improved stomatal openings and chloroplast structure, thus sustaining chlorophyll levels and stabilizing photosystem-II functionality. Enhanced proline accumulation following NaHS application led to improved osmotic adjustment, thereby contributing to overall stress tolerance. The use of a H₂S scavenger at 100 µM HT (Hypotaurine) suppressed the mitigating effects of H₂S, confirming the role of H₂S in enhancing drought tolerance in the common bean. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential effect of H₂S as a regulatory signaling molecule to enhance drought resilience in the common bean under drought stress conditions. Further research should explore integrating H₂S-based treatments with breeding programs and agronomic practices to develop sustainable strategies to improve drought resilience in legumes and other staple crops under changing climatic conditions. Full article

Antheraea pernyi larvae growing in the wild suffer damage from the drift diffusion of insecticides used in surrounding farmland. In this study, we assessed the toxicity of beta-cypermethrin, chlorantraniliprole, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam to different A. pernyi strains. It was found that the lowest LC₅₀ value of the Liaocanda9 strain against beta-cypermethrin (0.008 mg/L) was significantly higher than that of the Kangda strain (0.0047 mg/L). Additionally, beta-cypermethrin exposure was associated with significant increases in detoxification and antioxidant enzyme activities in both strains. Transcriptomic analysis showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched in pathways related to oxidoreductase activity and transmembrane transporter activity terms. Furthermore, these genes were differentially expressed following the beta-cypermethrin exposure. The dsRNA injection treatment effectively inhibited the expression of P450 genes, thereby reducing the tolerance of A. pernyi against beta-cypermethrin by 25.93–55.56%. Molecular docking predicted that beta-cypermethrin bound to ABCG1, ABCG5, and CYP9A22 with hydrogen bonds. These results indicate that ABC transporters and P450s contribute to the tolerance of A. pernyi against beta-cypermethrin. Full article

In northwestern China, there is an abundance of saline-alkali water resources, but their high alkalinity severely restricts the development of inland saline-alkali water aquaculture. As an important aquaculture species, the whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, shows an unclear physiological adaptation mechanism under high-alkaline stress. In this study, multi-omics and physiological methods were used to systematically reveal the effects of high-alkaline stress on the molt, antioxidation response, and immune defense in L. vannamei. The results showed that high-alkaline stress caused damage to the intestinal tissues of the shrimp and weakened the mucous barrier function, which was accompanied by a significant decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx) and non-specific immune indicators (PO and LZM) (p < 0.05). The transcriptome results showed that the expression of genes related to chitin metabolism and calcium ion binding was upregulated, whereas that of genes related to muscle contraction and cell skeleton construction was downregulated. The structure of the intestinal microbiota changed significantly, with a decrease in microbiota diversity, whereas the abundance of potential pathogenic species (e.g., Photobacterium) increased. These results provide a theoretical basis for clarifying the molting response and antioxidant defense mechanism of L. vannamei in high-alkaline environments, with significance for saline-alkali water aquaculture practices. Full article

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death driven by lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress, increasingly implicated in cancer biology. However, its molecular regulation across breast cancer subtypes and its potential systemic manifestations remain incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to identify ferroptosis-associated molecular alterations that are largely shared across subtypes and to evaluate their systemic reflection following localized tissue injury. Tumor and matched normal breast tissues representing major molecular subtypes were analyzed. Global mRNA and miRNA expression profiling was performed using microarrays, followed by validation of selected genes using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Functional enrichment and protein–protein interaction analyses were conducted to characterize associated pathways. In addition, systemic responses were assessed in patients undergoing fibroadenoma cryoablation through longitudinal blood sampling. Six ferroptosis-related genes (SLC7A11, GPX4, FTH1, NQO1, NFE2L2, SQSTM1) demonstrated consistent upregulation across all breast cancer subtypes, with higher expression observed in more aggressive tumors. These genes are functionally linked to antioxidant defense, iron metabolism, and oxidative stress regulation, and their coordinated expression pattern is consistent with activation of NRF2-dependent cytoprotective pathways. Downregulation of selected miRNAs may contribute to this expression profile but likely represents a secondary regulatory mechanism. Survival analysis revealed heterogeneous and subtype-dependent associations, with limited and gene-specific prognostic relevance. Cryoablation induced transient increases in circulating levels of the analyzed proteins, reflecting systemic responses to localized tissue injury. In conclusion, breast cancer is characterized by a largely shared ferroptosis-associated molecular signature across subtypes; however, its clinical impact appears to be variable and context-dependent. Systemic detection of related molecular signals suggests potential utility as indicators of tissue stress responses, although their role as specific biomarkers of ferroptosis requires further validation. Full article

The growing production volume of the meat industry has increased the need for revalorization of meat by-products to reduce economic and environmental impacts. Enzymatic hydrolysis of protein-rich meat by-products is an effective strategy for producing hydrolyzates with bioactive potential. Combining sequential enzymatic hydrolysis with γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity can promote the formation of γ-glutamyl peptides associated with koku perception, a sensory attribute that increases taste intensity, continuity, and palatability. This study aimed to develop porcine liver hydrolyzates enriched in koku-related peptides through enzymatic hydrolysis followed by post-treatment with the transpeptidase Protana Uboost. Substrate specificity assays showed that a 0.2 U/mL enzyme concentration maximized γ-glutamyl dipeptide formation. Sequential hydrolysis using Alcalase and Protana Prime followed by Protana Uboost post-treatment generated the highest levels of koku-related peptides. Moreover, post-treatment significantly enhanced antioxidant capacity in the resulting hydrolyzates, supporting their potential as a functional ingredient. Full article

High-altitude workers in the Los Andes Mountains, known as “the Chilean miner model,” are exposed to chronic intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (CIHH). This intermittent condition differs from other models of chronic hypoxia, mainly due to the hypoxic pattern and the cardiovascular and pulmonary effects. There are reports of cardiopulmonary dysfunction and remodeling in human and animal models. However, research on some mechanisms of vascular function and the consequences of lung remodeling induced by CIHH is still lacking. Therefore, this study aims to characterize the effects of CIHH exposure on lung structure and redox status in a rat model of the Chilean miner, involving intermittent exposure to chronic cycles of normoxia/hypobaric hypoxia (96 h/96 h) in an experimental hypoxic chamber. Our results demonstrate that CIHH acts as a primary driver of pulmonary vascular remodeling by significantly increasing the medial wall thickness of small pulmonary arteries (<100 μm) and promoting a shift toward a more muscularized phenotype in previously non-muscularized vessels. Structurally, this was characterized by a marked reduction in alveolar space and a significant increase in the thickness of the alveolar-capillary barrier, suggesting impaired gas exchange capacity. These structural changes were strongly associated with a pro-oxidant state, evidenced by increased lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde levels) and a concomitant reduction in antioxidant enzyme activities, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), in lung tissue. In conclusion, the CIHH model effectively replicates the complex interplay between chronic oxidative damage and structural lung remodeling, identifying the thickening of the arterial medial wall and alveolar septa as key pathological features of probably CIHH-induced pulmonary hypertension. Full article

Cold exposure is an unavoidable stressor in cold regions, leading to growth retardation, oxidative damage, and endocrine disruption. This study investigated changes in blood parameters and antioxidant function in the brown adipose tissue (BAT) of mice exposed to cold. Sixteen naturally mated female mice (aged 70 days) were selected and divided into a control group (CON, n = 8, 25 ± 1 °C) and a cold exposure group (CE, n = 8, 4 ± 1 °C). Each pregnant female gave birth to approximately 12 pups, and the litter (dams and pups co-housed) served as the independent experimental unit, with both euthanized for sampling when the pups reached 20 days of age. Results showed that cold exposure increased ADFI and ADG but decreased the feed conversion rate (FCR) in lactating mice. It also decreased platelet count (PLT) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, and decreased TG and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels. Hormonal changes included increased adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), apelin 12 (AP12), INS, NE, decreased cortisol (COR), LEP, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). In pups, cold exposure inhibited growth, reduced PLT, plateletcrit (PCT), red blood cells (RBC), and hemoglobin (HGB), altered lipid profiles, and induced hormonal shifts. Notably, cold exposure enhanced the BAT antioxidant capacity in pups, increasing the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and antioxidant enzyme activities, as supported by gene expression. These findings suggest that, despite growth suppression, mice maintain homeostasis by modulating blood parameters and enhancing BAT antioxidant function to mitigate cold-induced damage. Full article

Oxidative stress is characterised by the production of free radicals in higher amounts than the antioxidant scavenging capacity. This may cause damage to several organs especially the main site of detoxification, the liver. In this study, the antioxidant activity of five novel lipophilic fluoroquinolones (FQs) derivatives was evaluated against oxidative stress induced by acetaminophen (APAP) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). Sixty-four male Wistar rats were divided into two oxidative-stress models. FQ compounds (25 mg/kg) were administered six hours after CCl₄ or APAP administration. Serum liver enzymes including aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured. Changes in antioxidant parameters were determined in the serum including measurement of total antioxidant status and reduced-glutathione levels as well as catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities. Additionally, molecular docking analyses were performed against catalase, CYP3A4, and Keap-1 to elucidate the potential molecular interactions underlying the observed biological activities. A significant decrease in ALT and AST levels was seen following FQ compound administration in both models. In addition, FQ compounds exhibited excellent antioxidant activity, leading to increased antioxidant enzyme activity, high total antioxidant status, and elevated reduced-glutathione levels. The docking results revealed that compound 4A exhibited the highest binding affinities toward catalase, CYP3A4, and Keap-1. These interactions suggest a possible enhancement of catalase activity, modulation of CYP3A4, and activation of the Keap-1/Nrf2 signalling pathway. Overall, these findings demonstrate the promising therapeutic potential on hepatic injury and oxidative stress of the novel FQ derivatives. Full article

Naked oat (Avena nuda L.) is an important dual-purpose crop for grain and forage in cold regions; however, its high fatty acid content renders seeds prone to deterioration during storage. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on artificially aged naked oat seeds and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Non-aged seeds (Naged) were subjected to artificial aging at 45 °C and 100% relative humidity for 24 h (Aged), followed by priming with 30 mg L⁻¹ ZnO NPs for 6 h (Daged). Antioxidant enzyme activities were determined spectrophotometrically, and transcriptome sequencing was performed on an Illumina platform to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enriched pathways. We found that ZnO NPs increased catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities by 3–4-fold, restored germination rate from 75% to 98%, and enhanced seed vigor index. A total of 21,403 DEGs were detected, with 15,841 stably expressed in response to nano-priming. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst rapidly induced up-regulation of AP2/EREBP transcription factor family members, which subsequently activated antioxidant enzyme genes to maintain cellular redox homeostasis. Metabolic pathway analysis demonstrated that the phenylpropanoid pathway was reprogrammed, characterized by down-regulated lignin biosynthesis and up-regulated flavonoid production, thereby enhancing ROS scavenging capacity. Additionally, the pentose phosphate pathway was activated to provide additional NADPH for antioxidant defense, and up-regulated ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) facilitated starch accumulation. Notably, the 40S ribosomal protein S13 exhibited the highest connectivity in protein–protein interaction networks, was up-regulated 2.1-fold, and was enriched in post-translational modification processes. These findings suggest that nano-priming with ZnO NPs represents a promising biotechnological strategy for enhancing seed vigor and storability in naked oat, with potential applications in sustainable agriculture and the seed industry. Full article

Viral infections of grapevines reduce plantation productivity and planting material quality, necessitating the development of effective sanitization methods and comprehensive systems for monitoring plant physiological status. This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the physiological–biochemical status of grapevine microplants (morphometric parameters, activity of key antioxidant enzymes, dehydrogenase activity, pigment composition, and relative copy number of mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA) in microclones of the rootstock Vitis riparia × Vitis berlandieri ‘Kober 5 BB’ in vitro, depending on the presence of viral infection and sanitization using thermo- and cryotherapy. Four plant variants were investigated: healthy (VIRUS FREE), infected (VIRUS), sanitized via thermotherapy (V.F.T.), and cryotherapy (V.F.K.). It was shown that, despite the absence of pronounced suppression of morphometric parameters, viral infection causes a significant increase in total protein content, catalase, polyphenol oxidase, and total dehydrogenase activity in tissues, as well as pigment imbalance (changes in the chlorophyll coefficient) and modulation of the carotenoid profile, along with alterations in the relative copy number of mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA. The relative copy number of mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA decreased in infected plants and was restored to a greater extent after cryotherapy rather than after thermotherapy. The results indicate the formation of stress-related changes (stress imprint) that persist in sanitized microclones and can serve as a multilevel marker system for assessing sanitization efficacy and monitoring the physiological status of grapevine microplants in vitro. Full article