Search Results (12,435)

Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and growth-enhancing properties. However, research on its effects on mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) is limited. This study aimed to explore the effects of HRW on the growth and liver antioxidant capacity of mandarin fish. A total of 3600 fish, with an initial average weight of 30 ± 1 g, were randomly divided into four groups (three replicates each) and treated with HRW for 0 h (control), 1 h, 2 h, and 3 h over an 8-week period. In this study, we found that HRW significantly enhanced weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed intake in mandarin fish, while reducing the feed conversion ratio. It also boosted antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD and GSH-PX) in the liver and lowered MDA. Additionally, HRW increased muscle growth-related gene expression (mrf4, myos, myod, mhc) and upregulated appetite-related genes (npy and agrp) while decreasing leptin levels. This study reveals that a hydrogen concentration of 200–320 ppb, especially with a 2 h HRW treatment, produces the most significant antioxidant effects in juvenile mandarin fish, while a 3 h treatment notably enhances growth. These findings offer valuable insights and support for the advancement of the mandarin fish breeding industry. Full article

The growing resistance of Tetranychus urticae to chemical pesticides highlights the need for alternative solutions for its sustainable control. To develop botanical acaricides and reduce the usage of chemical pesticides, this study assessed the acaricidal activity of AB extract and its combinations with four commercial insecticides: imidacloprid (IMI), acetamiprid (ACE), thiamethoxam (TMX), and bifenthrin (BF). Results showed that the AB extract suppressed detoxification enzymes and downregulated their corresponding genes in T. urticae. Bioassays identified hyoscyamine and genistein as key bioactive compounds. Field trials revealed that treatments with AB + IMI, AB + TMX, and AB + BF significantly enhanced the corrected efficacy against T. urticae compared with AB treatment, with the highest corrected efficacy observed for AB + BF. Notably, the AB + BF treatment did not influence the stability of the natural enemy community, as indicated by the characteristic indices of the natural enemy community, which suggests that the integration of AB extract with BF may represent a sustainable pest management strategy. Therefore, the AB extract represents an environmentally benign alternative to chemical pesticides for the sustainable control of T. urticae. Full article

Extracellular glutathione (GSH) is degraded on the cell surface, in which the γ-glutamyl residue is removed to generate cysteine–glycine (Cys–Gly) dipeptides that are subsequently transported to the cytoplasm. Carnosine dipeptidase 2 (CNDP2) is a cytoplasmic enzyme that hydrolyzes Cys–Gly and plays an important role in maintaining intracellular cysteine (Cys) homeostasis. CNDP2-mediated hydrolysis of Cys–Gly promotes Cys mobilization and contributes to the replenishment of intracellular GSH levels. CNDP2 is frequently overexpressed in various cancers and has been implicated in tumor cell proliferation and progression. This mechanism may enhance cancer cell survival by causing resistance to oxidative stress, which indicates that CNDP2 is a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Although bestatin (BES) has been identified as a CNDP2 inhibitor, its limited specificity and suboptimal drug-like properties have limited its therapeutic potential. In this study, we performed an in silico screen of a small-molecule compound library and identified KKL-35 as a novel CNDP2-binding molecule. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations suggested that KKL-35 interacts within the catalytic pocket. Biochemical assays confirmed that it inhibits CNDP2 enzymatic activity, albeit with lower potency compared with BES. Despite its modest intrinsic activity, KKL-35 exhibits favorable physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties, which are characterized by a low topological polar surface area (TPSA), reduced molecular flexibility, and well-balanced lipophilicity. This positions it as an attractive and tractable starting point for lead optimization. Taken together, these findings establish KKL-35 as a validated CNDP2 inhibitor and a promising lead compound for the development of more selective therapeutics targeting CNDP2-mediated cancer cell metabolism. Full article

Low temperature combined with fluctuating irradiance frequently co-occurs and suppresses photosynthesis, with irreversible injury to photosystem I (PSI) recognized as a key constraint on growth and yield. To test whether exogenous hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) mitigates this “cold–fluctuating light” stress in mulberry, we established six treatment combinations (room temperature controls, sodium hydrosulfide, and hypotaurine, each with or without low temperature plus fluctuating light). We quantified PSI/PSII photochemical properties, gas exchange, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and antioxidant enzyme activities. Under cold with fluctuating light, PSI was strongly inhibited: Y_NA increased, whereas Y_I and ΔI/I_o decreased, and the P700 re-reduction half-time (t½) was prolonged (ANOVA, Tukey’s HSD, p < 0.05), indicating pronounced acceptor-side over-reduction and impaired electron transport. PSII performance also declined (lower F_v/F_m and PI_ABS, higher ΔV_J; p < 0.05). NaHS pretreatment significantly alleviated these effects relative to the stressed control: PSI/PSII metrics partly recovered, net photosynthetic rate (P_n) and water-use efficiency (WUE) increased, H₂O₂ and MDA decreased, and SOD/POD/CAT activities rose (p < 0.05). Notably, NPQ_high correlated negatively with Y_NA (Pearson r < 0, p < 0.001), consistent with the notion that enhanced energy dissipation relieves PSI acceptor-side limitation. We propose that exogenous H₂S stabilizes electron transport and supports carbon assimilation via a dual strategy—faster engagement of energy dissipation and activation of antioxidant defenses—highlighting its potential utility for managing stress in fruit crops under erratic early-season weather. Full article

The induction of resistance in plants involves prior activation of physiological and biochemical systems in the face of external stimuli, promoting greater tolerance to biotic stresses. Faced with the growing challenge of emerging diseases in agricultural plants and the search for more sustainable phytosanitary practices, natural substances are promising alternatives. Xylopia frutescens, known as “pindaiba-da-folha-pequena”, native to the Brazilian Cerrado and traditionally used as an antimicrobial treatment, is still little-explored in the literature and presents potentially effective compounds for the control of plant diseases. This study characterized the chemical composition and thermal stability of the X. frutescens essential oil (XEO), while evaluating its physiological and phytotoxic effects and the potential for disease control in maize and cowpea plants. The main constituents found in X. frutescens essential oil were nopinone (13.75%), spatulenol (12.94%), myrtenal (12.47%), and β-pinene (11.02%). Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that X. frutescens is highly volatile, with a large mass loss at 94.74 °C. In bioassays, the oil preserved chlorophyll levels at adequate amounts and activated several antioxidant mechanisms, but also showed a dose-dependent phytotoxic effect. In vitro assays further confirmed its antifungal activity against key phytopathogens, supporting its potential use in disease control. A general increase in the activities of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APx) and—partially—chitinase (CHIT) was observed. Catalase (CAT) decreased in both maize and cowpea plants treated with this essential oil but was higher in untreated infected plants. Such enzymatic changes suggest that the oil acts as a natural elicitor of resistance, strengthening biochemical and physiological defenses. Finally, disease severities, as measured by AUDPCs, demonstrated significant reductions in the progress of maize “Curvularia leaf spot” (Curvularia lunata) and cowpea “Web blight” (Rhizoctonia solani). The results highlight the potential of X. frutescens essential oil as an active compound stimulating defense mechanisms for applications in sustainable agricultural systems. Full article

Owing to the high altitude and short frost-free period of the Tibetan Plateau, potato plants are frequently exposed to cold stress (CS), which severely restricts their growth and productivity. Thus, understanding the mechanisms underlying cold tolerance in potato varieties is crucial for breeding improvement. This study aims to investigate the role of caffeic acid in potato cold tolerance and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the CS response. To achieve this, we conducted comprehensive metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of KY130 (cold-tolerant) and KY140 (cold-sensitive) potato cultivars under CS at the seedling stage. ELISA results showed that caffeic acid levels were higher in KY130 than in KY140, while CS-KY130 exhibited higher levels than those of CS-KY140. Across all treatments, KY130 showed significantly higher activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT and SOD) and higher contents of osmolytes (proline, soluble protein, and soluble sugar) than those of KY140. Caffeic acid and naringenin* were identified as candidate metabolites potentially involved in the direct and indirect cold resistance of potatoes. StPAL(Soltu.Atl.03_2G004060, Soltu.Atl.03_2G004070, Soltu.Atl.03_2G008130) and StCSE(Soltu.Atl.04_1G006370 and Soltu.Atl.04_3G005440), identified as upstream regulators of caffeic acid, were associated with the direct and indirect cold resistance of potatoes. KEGG pathway analysis of differentially accumulated metabolites and differentially expressed genes revealed several key metabolic pathways, including “flavonoid-related metabolism,” “lipid metabolism,” and “amino acid metabolism.” This research enhances our understanding of caffeic acid and the molecular mechanisms involved in the response of potatoes to CS, and supports future efforts in potato screening and breeding programs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Urgent hospitalization due to acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is an unfavorable event in the trajectory of this disease. Patient condition during decompensation frequently limits opportunities to implement and optimize guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT). To define the tasks of post-hospital care, it is essential to gain knowledge regarding the extent of GDMT implementation on the day of discharge after ADHF episodes. The purpose of this analisis was to evaluate GDMT changes during hospitalization due to ADHF, with a particular emphasis on patients with reduced ejection fraction. Methods: The analysis was conducted in a group of 262 patients hospitalized due to ADHF and with known left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The HEROES study was a prospective, multi-center, observational study. Results: The mean age in the study group (196 men and 66 women) was 67.6 ± 14.6 years, with a mean LVEF of 33.9 ± 14.8%. Six patients died during hospitalization. In the analysis for the whole group (regardless of ejection fraction [EF]), ARNI (angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor)/ACEI (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor)/ARB (angiotensin receptor blocker) use increased from 63.3% of the subjects at admission to 81.3% at discharge, beta-blocker use increased from 70.6% to 92.6%, MRA (mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist) use increased from 43.1% to 75.8%, and SGLT2i (sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor) use increased from 30.1% to 75.0%. ARNI/ACEI/ARB therapy was optimized in 48.4% of the subjects, with optimization rates of 37.9%, 40.2%, and 44.1% for beta-blockers, MRAs, and SGLT2is, respectively. However, only 38 (22.0%) patients reached the level of treatment corresponding to “SGLT2i and ARNI/ACEI/ARB and betablocker and MRA in doses ≥ 50%”. Conclusions: In patients hospitalized due to ADHF in the HEROES study, the use of GDMT at discharge was significantly higher than at admission. In patients with reduced ejection fraction, GDMTs from all drug classes were prescribed to over 80% of patients. However, an insufficient number of patients attained high doses of GDMT, which emphasizes the need for effective dose up-titration in outpatient settings. Full article

Background: Blue light-induced retinal photodamage represents a growing public health concern globally. Lactic acid bacteria and their bioactive metabolites represent a promising therapeutic strategy for mitigating such damage. Methods: This study evaluated the protective efficacy of Limosilactobacillus fermentum IOB802 and Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum IOB602 against blue light-induced retinal injury using both in vitro and in vivo models. Results: In ARPE-19 cells exposed to blue light, treatment with postbiotics from IOB802 and IOB602 significantly restored cell viability (p < 0.05), enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (GSH-Px, SOD, and CAT, p < 0.05), and reduced inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and VEGF, p < 0.05). Subsequent validation in a murine blue light-induced retinal damage model demonstrated that IOB802 notably preserved retinal architecture, upregulated antioxidant defenses, and promoted the expression of tight junction proteins. Mechanistically, IOB802 suppressed inflammation by inhibiting the phosphorylation of the IκBα/NF-κB pathway. Through 16S rDNA sequencing and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiling, IOB802 was further shown to restore gut microbial diversity, increase beneficial bacteria, including Lachnospiraceae, Rikenellaceae, and Bacteroidaceae (p < 0.05), and elevate concentrations of key SCFAs (butyrate, acetate, and propionate; p < 0.05), underscoring the role of the gut–retina axis in mediating retinal protection. Conclusions: In summary, IOB802 and its postbiotics alleviate blue light-induced retinopathy through antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and microbiota-modulating mechanisms, offering novel insights into microbiome-based interventions for retinal diseases. Full article

Histone H3 lysine 36 (H3K36) methylation, a pivotal epigenetic mark that ensures transcriptional fidelity and genomic integrity, plays an essential role in development and tumorigenesis. The nuclear receptor-binding SET domain (NSD) family of histone methyltransferases, comprising NSD1, NSD2, and NSD3, primarily catalyzes mono- and di-methylation of H3K36 (H3K36me1/2) and engages with chromatin-associated and transcriptional regulatory complexes in a context-dependent manner. Increasing evidence demonstrates that NSD family members have emerged as critical drivers in human cancers. Recurrent gene amplifications, point mutations, and oncogenic fusions of NSD family genes are frequently observed in both solid and hematologic cancers. Their dysregulation contributes to tumorigenesis, cancer cell proliferation and survival, and metastatic progression through both H3K36 methylation-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Pharmacological inhibition of NSD catalytic activity, as well as alternative approaches such as targeted protein degradation or disruption of cofactor interactions, are emerging as promising therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. This review summarizes the structural features, molecular functions, and cancer-associated alterations and mechanisms of the NSD family and highlights recent advances in targeting these enzymes as potential epigenetic vulnerabilities in cancer. Full article

Astaxanthin has attracted considerable interest, owing to its potent antioxidant and pigmentation properties. To investigate its effects of astaxanthin on body color variation in Lutjanus erythropterus, fish were divided into a control group and a treatment group fed an astaxanthin-supplemented diet. Body color parameters, growth performance, and liver antioxidant enzyme activities were measured at the end of the experiment. Tissues, including skin, intestine, liver, and blood, were subsequently collected for transcriptome sequencing. The results demonstrate that the astaxanthin-treatment group exhibited significantly enhanced body coloration alongside improved body length, body weight, and specific growth rate compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Specifically regarding the red–green value (a*), the treatment group showed significantly higher values on the ventral skin, dorsal skin, and gill cover (p < 0.05). The yellow–blue (b*) and lightness (L*) values were also significantly elevated in the ventral skin and gill cover (p < 0.05), although no significant differences were observed in the dorsal skin (p > 0.05). The skin was identified as the tissue with the highest total carotenoid content. Astaxanthin supplementation enhanced liver antioxidant capacity, evidenced by significantly elevated total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity and significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the treatment group (p < 0.05). Catalase (CAT) activity did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis identified several coloration-associated genes, such as bco1, bco2, gstt1, and gstz1. It also revealed significant enrichment in key metabolic pathways (fatty acid, cholesterol, and retinol metabolism) and signaling pathways (PPAR and PI3K-Akt). Furthermore, the expression of multiple solute-carrier family members and apolipoproteins was detected, with notable enrichment in lipid digestion and absorption, cholesterol metabolism, and several key immune-related signaling pathways. These findings provide a theoretical basis for understanding the molecular mechanisms of carotenoid-mediated pigmentation in L. erythropterus. Full article

Background/Objectives: Marine-derived bioactive peptides have been reported to possess blood pressure-regulatory effects. However, most studies have focused on the antihypertensive effects after single-dose administration, and research on long-term administration and its protective effects against hypertension-induced tissue damage remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the long-term antihypertensive efficacy of IGTGIPGIW, a bioactive peptide derived from Hippocampus abdominalis (H. abdominalis), and its protective effects on hypertension-related tissue damage. Methods: To evaluate the blood pressure-regulatory effects, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were orally administered a high-dose (50 mg/kg) IGTGIPGIW peptide group (H-IGTGIPGIW) for 8 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were monitored weekly. Serum levels of angiotensin II (Ang II), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) were measured to assess the peptide’s regulatory effects on the renin–angiotensin system. Histological analyses of the aorta and heart tissues were performed to evaluate the protective effects against hypertension-induced tissue damage. Results: After 8 weeks of treatment, H-IGTGIPGIW significantly reduced SBP, DBP, and MAP compared with SHRs. Serum Ang II and ACE levels were significantly decreased, while ACE2 levels were significantly increased. Histological analyses demonstrated that IGTGIPGIW alleviated aortic wall thickening and reduced renal and cardiac tissue damage in SHR. Conclusions: IGTGIPGIW, a bioactive peptide derived from H. abdominalis, effectively regulated blood pressure by modulating serum Ang II, ACE, and ACE2 levels. Moreover, it protected against hypertension-induced aortic, renal and cardiac tissue damage, suggesting its potential as a functional ingredient for managing hypertension. Full article

Excessive nitrogen addition in farmland on the Loess Plateau reduces soil quality and endangers the atmospheric environment. We designed an experiment to investigate the effects of different nitrogen application rates on the soil physicochemical properties and microbial diversity of spring wheat fields on the Loess Plateau, aiming to identify the optimal nitrogen application rate and avoid the detrimental effects of excessive nitrogen addition. A field experiment was conducted from 2022 to 2023 with four nitrogen (N) application rates (0, 55, 110, and 220 kg·N·ha⁻¹·y⁻¹). This study aimed to assess the changes in soil properties, nutrient contents, enzyme activities, and bacterial community structure. The results showed that increasing N application generally enhanced soil bulk density, nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻-N), ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N), and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) (p < 0.05). In contrast, soil water content initially increased and then decreased. Soil organic carbon and total nitrogen rose markedly with higher N inputs, particularly in the 0–20 cm layer, whereas total phosphorus was less affected. Nitrogen addition stimulated soil enzyme activities (protease, urease, nitrate reductase, and nitrite reductase), though excessive input (220 kg·N·ha⁻¹·y⁻¹) produced inhibitory effects. Actinobacteria (relative abundance: 29–35%) and Proteobacteria (relative abundance: 14–22%) were the dominant phyla in all treatments. Alpha diversity peaked at low nitrogen input (55 kg·N·ha⁻¹·y⁻¹), while high N level reduced evenness and species richness (p < 0.05). Principle Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) revealed that both N application and soil depth shaped microbial community assembly, with deeper layers (20–40 cm) being more sensitive to N input. Correlation analysis indicated that soil moisture, bulk density, and C:N:P stoichiometry were key drivers of bacterial community variation. Overall, moderate nitrogen input (110 kg·N·ha⁻¹·y⁻¹) improved soil fertility and supported microbial functionality, whereas excessive application degraded soil structure and reduced biodiversity. These findings highlight the need for balanced N management strategies in rain-fed agriculture of the Loess Plateau to sustain both productivity and ecological stability. Full article

The aim of this research was to determine the response of white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) cultivated in 2021–2022 in Lucim (53°23′06″ N 17°50′08″ E) in Poland to the soil nitrogen doses: N₄₀—40 kg N·ha⁻¹, N₆₀—60 kg N·ha⁻¹, N₈₀—(40 + 40)-80 kg N·ha⁻¹, as well as the method of its foliar application (0%—no foliar fertilization, 50%—half of the nitrogen dose and 75%—⅔ of the nitrogen dose). The effect of mustard cultivation on the activity of soil dehydrogenase, arylsulfatase, and rhodanese was examined. The highest white mustard seed yield was obtained after application of 80 kg N·ha⁻¹ (1.577, 1.597 Mg·ha⁻¹) and after application of Multi-N_50% (1.490, 1.515 Mg·ha⁻¹). Total nitrogen (50 g·kg⁻¹) content was highest in seeds from treatments fertilized with 80 kg N·ha⁻¹. Similar total nitrogen content in seeds was obtained using a 50% dose of foliar nitrogen. Increasing nitrogen doses resulted in a decrease in the crude fat yield in seeds. However, a significant increase in this nutrient content was observed after application of 50% foliar nitrogen. Soil nitrogen fertilization increased the enzymatic activity of dehydrogenases, particularly at the N80 dose. The activity of this enzyme was positively correlated with the obtained mustard seed yield, as well as with its quality measured by total phosphorus and crude fat content. Full article

Magnetic nanomaterials with enhanced enzymatic activities have garnered significant attention from researchers worldwide. Magnetic nanomaterials, including nanozymes and immobilized enzymes, can initiate specific catalytic reactions in the diseased microenvironment for cancer treatment. In this review, we aim to present the significant advancements in synthesizing various types of magnetic nanomaterials with enhanced enzymatic activities and their antitumor therapy applications in the past five years. We first show the representative magnetic nanomaterials and elucidate their fundamental mechanisms related to magnetic properties and electromagnetic effects (such as magneto-thermal, magneto-mechanical, and magneto-electric effects). Secondly, we introduce magnetic nanozymes and magnetic immobilized enzymes and discuss the creative methods allowing the enzymatic activities of nanomaterials to be remotely enhanced by various electromagnetic effects. We also discuss some innovative magnetic nanomaterials that exhibit unique responsiveness to external energies (such as X-rays and ultrasounds) for killing cancer cells. Finally, we address future research suggestions in rationally designing advanced magnetic nanomaterials with remote increased enzymatic activities and discuss challenges and opportunities for efficient cancer therapy. Full article

This study evaluated the performance and energy and nutrient utilization of broiler chickens fed corn-soybean meal-based diets supplemented with a naturally fermented enzyme complex containing xylanase and phytase. This was evaluated using 300 one-day-old male Cobb broiler chicks in a randomized complete block design with five dietary treatments replicated 10 times with 6 chicks per replicate. The treatments consisted of a positive control (PC) group containing commercially recommended energy and nutrient levels, a negative control (NC) group with reduced metabolizable energy, calcium, and available phosphorus, and three levels of exogenous enzyme supplementation to the NC diet at 150, 200, 250 mg/kg, respectively. At the end of the trial, ileal digesta and excreta were collected for nutrient and energy digestibility and utilization determination, while tibia bones were collected for bone ash determination. The data was analyzed using Proc GLM of SAS 9.4 v 4. Enzyme supplementation quadratically increased (p < 0.05) average daily gain, average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed efficiency during days 9–21. There was also a linear increase (p < 0.01) between enzyme level and ADFI during days 0–21. Compared with birds fed the PC diet, chickens fed the NC diet had lower (p < 0.01) utilization of DM, N, Ca, P, and energy, as well as lower (p < 0.01) apparent ileal digestibility of essential and non-essential amino acids (AA). Enzyme supplementation level showed a quadratic relation (p < 0.01) with the utilization of DM, N, Ca, P, and AMEn, as well as with the apparent ileal digestibility of essential and non-essential AA. A quadratic relationship was also observed for apparent ileal digestibility of DM, N, P, and digestible energy, except for Ca, where the relationship was linear (p < 0.001). Bone breaking strength and bone ash quadratically correlated (p < 0.05) with the level of enzyme supplementation. The results from this study indicated that the supplementation of exogenous enzyme to a corn–soybean meal-based diet resulted in benefits to performance, nutrient digestibility and utilization, and bone mineralization of broiler chicks compared to birds on the NC diet. Full article