Search Results (1,777)

Herbicides, used worldwide to improve agricultural yields, are associated with pollution and significant health problems. Cardiac damage is a major concern, and the respective contributions of glyphosate (GP) and its commercial formulation, Roundup^® (RU), warrant investigation. We studied the specific effects of GP and RU on isolated rat cardiac mitochondria and on H9c2 cardiomyocytes cultured for 6 and 24 h to determine whether the potential cardiotoxicity of GP and/or RU are linked to impaired mitochondrial respiration and increased hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production. To this end, we used various mitochondrial complex substrates and a high-resolution oxygraphy. Unlike the GP alone which demonstrated no significant effect, the RU decreased cardiac mitochondrial respiration (21.90 ± 2.99 vs. 41.23 ± 7.09 pmol/s/mL, −46.9%, p = 0.007) for OXPHOS CI in respectively the RU and the control groups. RU also impaired OXPHOS CI+II (−51.5%, p = 0.003), maximal mitochondrial respiration (ETS CI+II, −46.7%, p = 0.001) and coupling (−35.4%, p = 0.0003). Similarly, 24 h exposure to RU decreased H9c2 cell number (−48.59%, p = 0.0023) but increased their mitochondrial respiration (+38.2%, p = 0.03, +37.6%, p = 0.03, +43.2%, p = 0.03 for OXPHOS CI, OXPHOS CI+II and ETS CI+II respectively). We observed a similar trend (NS) after 24 h exposure to GP. In conclusion, these results support an enhanced cardiac toxicity of the Roundup^® as compared to the glyphosate. Both decreased mitochondrial respiration and increased hydrogen peroxide production were involved in isolated mitochondria impairment. After 24 h exposure to Roundup^®, a compensatory mechanism potentially counterbalanced the decreased H9c2 cell number. These data support future studies aiming to reduce Roundup^®-associated cardiac alterations not only by reducing its use but also by investigating the effectiveness of antioxidant and mitochondria-focused therapy. Full article

Nitrogen-doped carbon dots (CDs) were fabricated via a one-pot hydrothermal route using hydroquinone and o-phenylenediamine as dual precursors. The as-prepared CDs were then anchored onto iron-cobalt oxide nanosheets (FeCo-ONSs) to construct a composite nanozyme, denoted as CDs/FeCo-ONSs. Although FeCo-ONSs possess intrinsic peroxidase-like (POD-like) activity, the integration of CDs with FeCo-ONSs resulted in a remarkable enhancement of catalytic performance. Specifically, in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), the CDs/FeCo-ONS composite promoted the efficient oxidative transformation of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), leading to the formation of a blue-colored oxidized product. Based upon the enhanced POD-like activity of CDs/FeCo-ONSs, a highly sensitive colorimetric sensor was developed for the detection of ascorbic acid (AA). This method exhibited a wide linear detection range of 0.1 to 50 µM with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.018 µM. Furthermore, the developed method was successfully applied to the determination of AA in commercial beverages and fresh fruits, verifying its potential feasibility for practical applications in food quality control. Full article

Canolol is a pivotal phenolic antioxidant in rapeseed oil, yet its specific antioxidant mechanism and stability determinants during storage remain poorly understood. This study elucidates the antioxidant pathway of canolol within a lipid autoxidation model and evaluates its stability during the 52-week storage (25 ± 2 °C) of microwave-pretreated rapeseeds under varying packaging conditions. Rapeseeds were packaged in polyamide/polyethylene (PA/PE) vacuum bags and polypropylene (PP) atmospheric bags, and then monitored for seed quality, oil oxidative indices, and micronutrient contents. Via high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF/MS/MS), a canolol-derived dimeric oxidation product (C₂₀H₂₄O₇, m/z 375.1437) was tentatively identified in an 2,2’-azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN)-initiated ethyl linoleate (EtL) autoxidation system. The MS/MS fragmentation pattern—characterized by neutral H₂O loss, sequential •CH₃ eliminations, and syringyl-type diagnostic ions—supports a mechanism involving hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) from canolol to lipid-derived peroxyl radicals. This is followed by the oxidative cross-coupling of a canolol-derived phenoxyl radical (ArO•) with a hydroxyethylated intermediate (Ar′O•), confirming canolol’s role as a chain-breaking antioxidant. Correlation analyses confirmed canolol as the primary antioxidant (r = −0.914, −0.984/−0.959, −0.883 with acid value/peroxide value, p < 0.01), with a synergistic effect relationship with tocopherols (r = 0.878, 0.966, p < 0.01). PA/PE vacuum packaging (low oxygen permeability) significantly mitigated canolol degradation (22.41% loss vs. 76.34% in PP), reducing tocopherol loss and oil oxidation. This study clarifies canolol’s antioxidant pathway in rapeseed oil, providing theoretical insights for phenolic antioxidant research and practical packaging guidance for the edible oil industry. Full article

Photocatalytic H₂O₂ production coupled with selective organic oxidation provides a promising strategy for simultaneously generating value-added oxidants and chemicals under mild conditions. Herein, Ni-modified defect-engineered NH₂-UiO-66 photocatalysts (Ni/UN) are constructed by introducing Ni species into a vacuum-treated NH₂-UiO-66 framework (UN). Compared with the original NH₂-UiO-66 and the defect-treated UN, Ni/UN exhibits weakened photoluminescence emission, enhanced transient photocurrent response, and reduced electrochemical impedance, indicating that the separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers have been improved. The band structure analysis further reveals that Ni/UN has a narrow band gap of approximately 2.52 electron volts and a slightly more negative conduction band position (−0.50 V), which is conducive to the photoinduced reduction reaction. The importance of O₂ in the photocatalytic process was demonstrated by changing the atmospheric conditions. Therefore, in the benzylalcohol system, under the oxygen atmosphere, Ni/UN achieved the highest H₂O₂ production rate of 3257 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹, accompanied by the continuous generation of benzaldehyde, with its content reaching 3420 μmol g⁻¹ after 60 min of irradiation. The scavenger experiment further indicates that photogenerated electrons and the active substances derived from oxygen are closely involved in the formation of H₂O₂, while the ·OH-related processes only play a limited contribution role. This study demonstrates an effective strategy for enhancing the performance of metal–organic framework (MOF)-based photocatalysts through defect engineering and metal coordination regulation, thereby achieving efficient photochemical production of hydrogen peroxide and the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol. Full article

Caffeic acid (CA), a catechol-containing phenolic acid, is readily oxidized to its quinone form during food processing and can form covalent adducts with amino acid residues in proteins. This study aimed to detect the presence of caffeic acid–cysteine adduct (CA-Cys) in meat products supplemented with dandelion extract, and further investigate its antioxidant properties and intestinal absorption characteristics. Compared with CA, CA-Cys exhibited stronger ABTS radical scavenging activity, greater ferric-ion reducing capability, and lower cytotoxicity in cultured cells. In the oxidative stress model induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in Caco-2 cells, CA-Cys treatment enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities in a dose-dependent manner. In the Caco-2 cell monolayer model, the apparent permeability coefficient and cellular uptake of CA-Cys were 4.32 × 10⁻⁵ cm/s and 0.85 ± 0.14 nmol/mg protein, respectively. These values were approximately 1.23-fold and 1.67-fold higher than those of CA, suggesting that CA-Cys may have significant advantages in intestinal absorption. These results indicate that adducts represent potentially beneficial substances for green food processing. Full article

Soybean is one of the most important crops worldwide, but its productivity is frequently challenged by abiotic stresses such as drought and heat, which impair physiological and metabolic processes. Biostimulants have emerged as sustainable tools to improve plant performance under adverse conditions. This study evaluated the effects of foliar application of a new biostimulant, “SB”, on soybean photosynthetic efficiency, antioxidant metabolism, biometric traits, and grain yield. SB was applied at different doses (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 L ha⁻¹) at the V₄ and R₁ growth stages during two seasons (2023/2024 and 2024/2025). Foliar SB application enhanced soybean leaf chlorophyll levels, RuBisCO activity, and gas exchange parameters, resulting in higher photosynthetic rates, carboxylation efficiency, and water use efficiency. In addition, foliar SB application reduced hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde accumulation, indicating lower oxidative damage and improved redox balance. These physiological and metabolic improvements contributed to greater root development and plant height and significant increases in yield components. Grain yield was consistently improved by all SB application rates, but the 1.5 L ha⁻¹ dose produced the most stable and positive effects across both seasons, with an average increase of more than 500 kg ha⁻¹ compared to the control. Overall, foliar SB application proved to be an efficient and promising management strategy to enhance soybean resilience and productivity under variable climatic conditions. Full article

Alginate fiber has been widely recognized in the field of sustainable development due to its environmental friendliness, non toxicity, flame retardancy, biodegradability, good biocompatibility, abundant raw material sources, and the fact that its production process is not limited by arable land resources. However, in the application of textile and apparel, desizing efficiency and economic performance have constrained the application and development of alginate/cotton fiber shuttle-woven fabrics. To resolve the desizing problem of alginate/cotton blended fabrics in a green and effective manner, this study focuses on the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide by aluminates and their crosslinking modification effect in enhancing the chemical corrosion resistance of alginate fibers; the catalytic effect of aluminates on hydrogen peroxide was investigated and applied to the oxidative decomposition of textile sizing agents, followed by a study of the oxidative desizing process. The results indicate that aluminum salts have excellent catalytic activity towards hydrogen peroxide; after adding aluminate and hydrogen peroxide to the simulated desizing starch slurry, the decomposition rate of starch reached 44.20%. Compared to traditional oxidation desizing processes, this treatment causes slight damage to the strength of alginate fibers, alginate fiber blended yarns, and pure cotton fabrics, with a loss rate of only 3.55 ± 0.08% for alginate fibers in the fabric. The application of this technology can provide important theoretical and practical support for the sustainable development of textiles and the green dyeing and finishing of alginate fibers. Full article

Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production sector, supplying more than half of the world’s seafood and projected to expand further to meet rising global protein demands. Among the various pressures confronting this industry, harmful algal blooms (HABs) rank among the most alarming. Ichthyotoxic flagellates are microalgae known for producing toxins or inducing gill damage that leads to widespread fish mortality. Their increasing frequency poses a critical threat to aquaculture, emphasizing the urgent need for effective and environmentally sustainable strategies to regulate and mitigate these harmful episodes. This study investigated the responses of three ichthyotoxic flagellates renowned for impacting aquaculture operations (Prymnesium parvum, Heterosigma akashiwo, and Fibrocapsa japonica) and tested their susceptibility to two routinely applied chemical agents, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and copper sulfate (CuSO₄). Mortality, viability, and motility were assessed alongside trajectory-based metrics, including mean squared displacement (MSD) and probability density function (PDF). The results revealed species-specific sensitivities: P. parvum was highly susceptible to H₂O₂, while H. akashiwo and F. japonica were more susceptible to copper toxicity. Ichthyotoxic flagellates exhibited differential sensitivities to chemical treatments, with copper sulfate generally achieving lower EC₅₀ thresholds and greater inhibition of motility than hydrogen peroxide, except in P. parvum. The rapid attenuation of motility at sublethal concentrations highlights swimming behavior as a functional vulnerability, reinforcing the potential for behavior-based mitigation strategies that minimize chemical loading and reduce unintended impacts on cultured fish and surrounding ecosystems. Full article

Photocatalytic oxygen reduction to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) offers a promising route for sustainable chemical synthesis, yet the efficiency of carbon nitride-based photocatalysts is often limited by narrow light absorption and rapid charge recombination. Low-molecular-weight carbon nitride exhibits a favorable reduction potential but suffers from poor visible-light utilization, while π-conjugation extension and heteroatom doping are effective yet rarely combined within a single oligomeric framework. In this work, we report a low-temperature (400 °C) one-step copolymerization approach employing urea and terephthalonitrile to construct an oxygen-doped, benzene-bridged carbon nitride oligomer (O-B-CNO). Comprehensive characterization confirms the successful integration of both benzene rings and oxygen dopants into the oligomer backbone, with the former enhancing structural stability and the latter introducing active sites. The extended conjugation and oxygen incorporation synergistically modulate the electronic structure, leading to a narrowed bandgap, improved visible-light harvesting, and suppressed charge recombination. As a result, O-B-CNO delivers a photocatalytic H₂O₂ yield of approximately 3000 μM under visible-light irradiation, a 10-fold enhancement over the pristine oligomer, with optimal activity at neutral pH via the two-electron oxygen reduction pathway. The enhanced performance stems from the complementary functions of the two modifications: benzene rings promote electron delocalization and charge transport, while oxygen dopants serve as selective active centers for oxygen reduction. This work demonstrates a viable molecular engineering strategy for developing efficient carbon nitride photocatalysts for H₂O₂ production. Full article

Ferrate(VI) has increasingly been proposed as an environmentally friendly oxidant due to its high reactivity and the relatively low toxicity of its by-products. However, its performance in degrading emerging pollutants (EPs) has not been systematically compared with conventional systems. This study presents a novel comparative assessment of three oxidation systems for the degradation of acetaminophen (APAP): (i) Fe⁰-activated hydrogen peroxide (HP), (ii) Fe⁰-activated persulfate (PS), and (iii) a commercial ferrate(VI)-based product, Envifer^® (Fe(VI)). Optimal conditions were determined based on degradation kinetics, pH dependence, and oxidant stability. Oxidant systems were then evaluated in realistic matrices, including tap water and synthetic wastewater. When UP water was used, the HP/Fe⁰ system achieved the highest APAP mineralization (i.e., 66%) with 1 mM of oxidant dosage, and PS/Fe⁰ was shown to be effective without pH adjustment. Nevertheless, these heterogeneous systems presented serious limitations when applied in more complex matrices. Fe(VI) instead achieved a rapid APAP degradation even in the presence of carbonates and natural organic matter without pH adjustment. This represents a key advantage over HP- and PS-based systems, enabling simpler implementation and lower chemical demand. Furthermore, Fe(VI) resulted in lower dissolved iron concentrations, potentially enabling less intensive post-treatment requirements. Overall, the results identify Fe(VI)-based AOPs as a potentially green alternative to conventional systems for wastewater treatment. Full article

Pressure ulcers are chronic wounds characterized by repeated ischemia–reperfusion injury, persistent inflammation, and redox imbalance, in which excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) contributes to delayed healing. Thus, debridement is an essential therapeutic procedure for removing necrotic tissue and biofilm, thereby reconstructing the wound microenvironment. Recent experimental studies suggest that molecular hydrogen may improve wound healing through attenuation of oxidative stress and modulation of inflammatory responses, while debridement represents a dynamic intervention phase in which redox imbalance may transiently develop. Here, we propose the hypothesis that the use of hydrogen-enriched saline as an irrigation solution during hydrosurgical debridement may attenuate excessive redox imbalance and stabilize the wound microenvironment during this dynamic intervention phase. Such intra-procedural modulation may facilitate the transition from inflammation to the proliferative phase of wound healing, thereby promoting tissue repair. This approach is expected to attenuate the transient oxidative burst following debridement, as reflected by reductions in redox-related biomarkers in the wound environment, including ROS levels and oxidative damage markers such as 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine and lipid peroxidation products, with relative decreases in these biomarkers compared with conventional debridement, potentially consistent with reductions observed in preclinical oxidative stress models. These findings are consistent with findings from previous experimental studies demonstrating attenuation of oxidative stress markers following hydrogen administration. This hypothesis introduces a novel therapeutic concept, redox modulation during the debridement process, offering a practical strategy for integrating hydrogen-based therapy into existing wound management without altering current surgical techniques. Full article

Rapid alkalinization factor (RALF) peptides are recognized as multifunctional regulators of plant stress responses, yet their roles in woody species remain poorly defined. Here, we identified a RALF22-like peptide from poplar ‘Shanxin’ (Populus davidiana × P. bolleana; PdbRALF22-like) and investigated its roles in salt tolerance and disease resistance. Synthetic PdbRALF22-like peptide elicited a rapid ROS burst in poplar leaf discs. In Nicotiana benthamiana, which was otherwise unresponsive to the peptide, transient expression of either of two poplar FERONIA-like receptor kinases (PdbFER-like-1 and PdbFER-like-2) enabled peptide-triggered ROS production, consistent with receptor-matched responsiveness in a heterologous context. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we generated a PdbRALF22-like knockout line and assessed salt tolerance in vitro and soil-grown assays. Under salinity, the mutant showed sustained rooting at high NaCl concentrations and improved growth relative to wild type. After 0.2 M NaCl treatment, soil-grown mutant plants exhibited reduced wilting and leaf injury. Evans Blue, DAB, and NBT staining indicated reduced membrane damage and lower accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide in the mutant. Significantly, the same knockout line displayed increased susceptibility to infection by the poplar leaf spot fungus, with larger lesions and higher pathogen biomass, accompanied by reduced ROS output and lower induction of the defense marker gene PdbPR1. Collectively, PdbRALF22-like negatively regulates salt tolerance while contributing positively to disease resistance, and represents a regulatory node linking salinity tolerance and disease susceptibility in poplar ‘Shanxin’, with poplar FER-like receptors providing a plausible route for peptide-triggered ROS signaling. This work expands our understanding of RALF peptide signaling in woody plants. Full article

Seed aging is a key issue that affects the preservation of germplasm resources and crop production. At present, the anti-aging properties of perilla seeds and the mechanisms of differences among varieties have not been clearly reported. This study aims to analyze the mechanisms of changes in storage substances and hormone levels in different varieties of perilla during the artificial aging process. The results show that seed aging can significantly reduce the activity of antioxidant enzymes in perilla seeds, decrease the contents of storage nutrients such as soluble proteins, soluble sugars, and oil content, reduce the accumulation of unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid, and significantly decrease the contents of endogenous Gibberellic acid (GA₃) and Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Meanwhile, the levels of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) increased significantly, while the contents of saturated fatty acids such as palmitic acid and stearic acid rose, and the contents of endogenous Abscisic acid (ABA), Jasmonic acid (JA), Salicylic acid (SA), and Trans-zeatin riboside (TZR) were significantly upregulated. There are significant genotype differences in the tolerance of different perilla varieties to seed aging. The sensitivity of Shiban Perill (S23014) to aging stress is significantly higher than that of Qisu No. 2 (S23017). This study has confirmed that seed aging has adverse effects on the germination of perilla seeds by down-regulating the activity of antioxidant enzymes, reducing the accumulation of storage nutrients, and disrupting the balance of endogenous hormones. The research results provide an important theoretical basis for the preservation of perilla seed germplasm resources and the selection of anti-aging varieties. Full article

Endometriosis is associated with oxidative stress and debilitating symptoms, yet its pathophysiology remains incompletely understood, and current treatments are still limited. In this study, oxidative stress responses were compared in 2D and 3D cultures of 12Z and Ishikawa cells using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) as a pro-oxidant and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as an antioxidant. We evaluated H₂O₂ sensitivity, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production, glutathione redox homeostasis, and biomolecular damage. The results showed that 12Z cells display greater vulnerability to oxidative stress than Ishikawa cells, with higher basal ROS levels (p < 0.01) and increased sensitivity to H₂O₂. In 3D culture, 12Z cells exhibited a 72% depletion of total glutathione under oxidative stress, a response not observed in 2D cultures, which instead showed a compensatory pattern. This vulnerability was further supported by increased lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation. Although NAC restored cell viability and protected lipids and proteins, it did not prevent DNA damage. Together, these findings demonstrate marked differences in antioxidant responses between the two cell models and reinforce the value of 3D systems for investigating oxidative stress-related mechanisms. These results provide mechanistic insights relevant to endometriosis-associated redox imbalance and support further investigation of glutathione dysregulation and ROS-mediated damage in disease-related contexts. Full article

The increasing demand for better dental aesthetics has driven the development of tooth-whitening techniques that are effective while reducing invasiveness. Hydrogen peroxide (HP) and carbamide peroxide (CP) continue to be the most common active ingredients in bleaching products. Various types of light and laser activation have been introduced to speed up the bleaching process and decrease clinical application time. However, published results regarding their effectiveness and biological safety are inconsistent and sometimes contradictory. Aim: The objective of this study was to identify irradiation conditions that optimise the whitening performance of peroxide-based bleaching agents while ensuring safety for dental hard tissues and ocular structures. This objective was achieved through a systematic synthesis and meta-analyses of both experimental and clinical evidence on bleaching techniques, light or laser activation, and related treatment outcomes. Additionally, the study aimed to provide an integrated overview of currently used irradiation technologies, bleaching agents, treatment protocols, and relevant safety considerations. Methods: A multi-stage analytical approach was employed. Evidence was collected from systematic reviews, randomised and non-randomised clinical trials, and laboratory-based in vitro investigations. The studies assessed differences in bleaching agents (HP and CP), their concentrations, and application protocols, as well as various activation systems, including halogen lamps, conventional LEDs, violet LEDs, metal–halide lamps, and laser wavelengths such as visible blue (~440 nm), red or near-infrared (~1.7 µm), and other spectral ranges. Extracted outcome measures included tooth colour improvement (ΔSGU, ΔE), incidence of tooth sensitivity, changes in enamel surface morphology, temperature increases in the pulp chamber, and the bond strength of restorative or orthodontic materials. When methodological compatibility permitted, quantitative synthesis and meta-analysis were conducted to estimate the effects of activation modalities and irradiation parameters. Results: Analysis of data from 28 systematic reviews and numerous clinical and laboratory studies showed that the degree of colour improvement did not consistently rely on peroxide concentration or on whether bleaching was performed in-office or through home-based protocols. In most studies, adding light activation did not produce a clearly superior whitening effect compared to chemically driven bleaching alone. However, certain laser-assisted methods—especially those using blue diode lasers around 440 nm or near-infrared diode lasers near 1.7 µm—were linked with faster whitening responses and, in several in vitro experiments, fewer enamel surface irregularities. Increases in pulp temperature remained below the generally accepted safety threshold of 5.5 °C in the reported experimental conditions. While laser activation reduced treatment time, some studies observed a temporary decrease in the bond strength of orthodontic brackets following bleaching. Photobiomodulation techniques seem promising for reducing post-treatment sensitivity, although more robust clinical evidence is still needed. Conclusions: Targeted activation with diode lasers, especially within the blue and near-infrared spectral ranges, may speed up the whitening process and potentially minimise structural changes to enamel when irradiation parameters are carefully managed. Despite these positive findings, current clinical evidence remains limited. Well-designed randomised controlled trials with standardised treatment protocols are essential to determine the best wavelengths, energy delivery settings, and safety limits for laser-assisted dental bleaching. Full article