Search Results (3,949)

Background: This pilot study examined whether oxidative–nitrosative stress is associated with clinical status in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We analyzed associations between plasma markers of oxidative–nitrosative imbalance and ALSFRS–R, disease duration, survival, and routine biochemical parameters. Methods: Twenty-nine ALS patients fulfilling the Gold Coast diagnostic criteria were enrolled. Plasma levels of 3-nitrotyrosine (3–NT), 8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine (8–oxodG), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), non-protein thiols (NP–SH), and non-protein disulfides (NP–SS–NP), as well as creatinine, urea, uric acid and BMI, were measured. Associations with ALSFRS–R and disease duration were evaluated using non-parametric correlation analyses and second-order polynomial regression (adjusted R²), while survival was explored using Kaplan–Meier analysis and multivariable Cox regression. Given the modest sample, we considered statistical power and applied Benjamini–Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) correction within marker families. Results: At the uncorrected significance level, 3–NT showed a positive correlation with ALSFRS–R and a negative correlation with disease duration, and NP–SH correlated negatively with disease duration; however, these associations did not remain significant after FDR correction (FDR-adjusted p ≥ 0.099). Other oxidative–nitrosative markers and biochemical parameters showed no robust relationships with clinical measures. In Cox models, 3–NT was not significantly associated with survival (HR 3.44 per 1 nM, 95% CI 0.25–47.97, p = 0.358), whereas older age predicted higher mortality (HR 1.05 per year, 95% CI 1.00–1.10, p = 0.036). Conclusions: 3–NT and NP–SH exhibited the strongest trends among the investigated markers, but their clinical associations in this small cross-sectional cohort remain exploratory and require confirmation in larger longitudinal studies. Full article

The effects of dietary tributyrin (TB) supplementation in juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei fed a high-soybean-meal diet were evaluated in an 8-week growth trial. The basal diet contained 24% fishmeal, while the experimental diet was supplemented with TB at 2.24 g kg⁻¹. Tanks were randomly assigned each dietary treatment in triplicate, with each tank consisting of 50 shrimp with 1.66 ± 0.24 g as an initial weight. Shrimp fed with the control diet exhibited the lowest growth, whereas supplementation with TB improved growth performance. For ADCs (apparent digestibility coefficients), non-significant variances were detected in dry matter, crude lipid, and crude protein; however, ash was highly significant in the control (0.00) group. Moreover, gross energy was highly significant in the TB-supplemented group. Whole-body and dorsal muscle proximate composition showed no substantial differences (p > 0.05), except that ash was highly significant in the whole body for the control diet, while lipids were highly significant in dorsal muscles for the TB diet. The biochemical, antioxidant and immune parameters of the hepatopancreas and hemolymph showed non-significant changes in both groups, except total protein (TP) and triglycerides (TGs) were highly significant in the TB-supplemented group in both the hemolymph and hepatopancreas. Conversely, malondialdehyde (MDA) was highly significant in the control group in the hemolymph. Non-significant changes were detected among treatment groups for most of the textural properties of the shrimp; however, hardness was highly significant in the control group. The TB group showed a highly significantly larger intestinal villus height (p < 0.05). Compared with shrimp fed a control diet, those receiving the tributyrin-supplemented diet showed improved gut morphology and structure, as well as enhanced histological characteristics of the hepatopancreas. Overall, TB supplementation significantly enhanced the specific growth rate, weight gain rate, final body weight, and intestinal morphology. Although some indicators were not affected, these results indicate that TB has potential as a valuable dietary supplement in aquaculture. Full article

Dark septate endophytes (DSE) and ericoid mycorrhizal fungi (ERMF) are employed to augment the abiotic stress resistance of fruits. However, their potential functions in enhancing the drought resistance of blueberry, an economically important fruit, remain unclear. Thus, this study aims to identify optimal inoculation combinations to enhance the drought resistance of blueberry seedlings. Specifically, the effects of single and dual inoculations with DSE (Cladosporium cladosporioides, D79) and ERMF (Oidiodendron citrinum, N12) on seedling physiology and metabolism were explored under varying drought conditions. The results showed that dual inoculation significantly improved leaf physiological characteristics. Under severe drought stress, the 1:2 DSE:ERMF ratio (D1N2) notably increased leaf relative water content (RWC) and reduced electrolyte leakage by up to 42.1% compared with the non-inoculated control. Dual inoculation also significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content, with the smallest increase observed in D1N2. Regarding antioxidant enzymes, dual inoculation sustained higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity under moderate drought and minimized the decline in SOD activity under severe drought (the lowest decrease was 36.4% in D1N2 versus 56.7% in CK). Moreover, the antioxidant losses under drought stress were reduced by upregulating various metabolic processes, especially the biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan. A comprehensive evaluation suggested that inoculation with a 1:2 mixture of DSE and ERMF most effectively improved blueberry drought resistance, primarily by enhancing water and metabolite supply and stimulating the antioxidant defenses. Full article

Unexplained infertility (UI) continues to pose a diagnostic challenge, affecting a considerable proportion of reproductive-aged women. Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress (OS) may contribute to impaired female reproductive function. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a lipid peroxidation marker, while total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) reflects overall antioxidant defense. Evaluating these biomarkers may help to better understand the role of OS in UI and the potential benefit of antioxidant therapy. A prospective observational study included 30 women diagnosed with primary unexplained infertility. Serum levels of MDA and T-AOC were measured at baseline and after a period of antioxidant supplementation lasting 1–7 months (duration mode: 3 months). All participants received standardized antioxidant therapy consisting of vitamin E (50 mg/day), zinc (15 mg/day), coenzyme Q10 (15 mg/day), and selenium (70 µg/day). Participants with known causes of infertility were excluded. Nonparametric statistical tests were used to evaluate changes in oxidative stress markers before and after supplementation and to compare subgroups with and without comorbidities. Median baseline MDA concentration was 228.2 ng/mL and decreased significantly after antioxidant supplementation to 173.9 ng/mL (p < 0.001), with a reduction observed in 90% of participants. Median T-AOC increased slightly from 23.9 U/mL to 26.2 U/mL, but the change was not statistically significant (p = 0.735). No significant differences in oxidative stress markers were found between women with and without comorbidities, although higher baseline MDA levels were observed in participants with endometriosis (stage I–II). A significant decrease in MDA after supplementation was seen both in women with endometriosis (p = 0.005) and without it (p < 0.001). Women with unexplained infertility demonstrate biochemical evidence of oxidative stress, reflected by elevated MDA levels. Antioxidant supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation, suggesting a potential therapeutic role of antioxidants in UI. Combined assessment of MDA and T-AOC may provide useful insight into oxidative imbalance in infertility, although larger controlled studies are needed. Full article

Postharvest senescence and stem hollowing severely compromise the commercial value and edible quality of Chinese flowering cabbage. The synergistic effects of a low-voltage electrostatic field (LVEF) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on mitigating postharvest deterioration in Chinese flowering cabbage was elucidated. The results demonstrated that the combined LVEF+MAP treatment significantly outperformed individual treatments, effectively delaying senescence, reducing weight loss, suppressing stem hollowing, and preserving nutritional components such as Vitamin C and soluble protein. Physiologically, the combined treatment alleviated oxidative stress by inhibiting the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS; O₂^•− and H₂O₂) and reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) content. This protective effect was driven by maintaining the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT). Gene expression analyses further revealed that LVEF+MAP upregulated the expression of antioxidant-related genes (BrSOD, BrCAT and BrPOD) and modulated ROS generation-related genes (BrRbohC and BrRbohD), suggesting active regulation of ROS homeostasis at the transcriptional level. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation networks confirmed a coordinated defense response, with the LVEF+MAP group consistently maintaining the highest comprehensive quality scores during storage. Overall, the LVEF+MAP combination provided a favorable external microenvironment and activated internal defense signaling to maximize postharvest preservation of Chinese flowering cabbage, extending the commercially acceptable shelf life to 12 days under the tested conditions. Full article

Heat stress (HS) has emerged as a major environmental stressor, inducing oxidative stress and hepatic steatosis and impairing production performance and health in laying hens, with limited evidence-based nutritional interventions available. This study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of dietary silibinin (SIL) against chronic HS. In a 10-week trial, 252 43-week-old Hy-Line Brown hens were exposed to daily HS (32 ± 1 °C, temperature–humidity index [THI] > 73) and fed either a basal diet or one supplemented with 100 mg/kg SIL. SIL significantly increased laying rate (p < 0.05) and improved albumen height, Haugh units, and shell strength by week 8 (p < 0.05). Histological analysis showed a 48% reduction in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity score, with significantly decreased hepatic triglyceride content (p < 0.05); Oil Red O staining confirmed reduced lipid droplet accumulation. SIL restored redox balance by increasing plasma, hepatic total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (p < 0.05), increasing hepatic catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) levels while decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05). Untargeted plasma metabolomics identified 11 key metabolites related to 2-oxoglutarate and purine metabolism, while hepatic transcriptomics revealed 835 differentially expressed genes primarily in the PPAR signaling and fatty acid biosynthesis pathways. SIL suppressed de novo lipogenesis via downregulation of ACACA and FASN, and enhanced β-oxidation through upregulation of CPT1A and ACSL1 (p < 0.05). Molecular docking indicated favorable binding affinities between SIL and these targets, which was further supported by corresponding changes in protein expression via Western blotting. Correlation analysis revealed a consistent alignment between the upregulation of ACSL1/CPT1A and improvement in performance and antioxidant status, suggesting a coordinated metabolic shift. These findings emphasize the potential of SIL as a sustainable animal nutrition antioxidant additive, which can alleviate HS-induced lipid disorders in the liver of laying hens. Importantly, these hepatoprotective effects were demonstrated exclusively under chronic heat stress conditions; further studies incorporating a normothermic baseline are required to distinguish stress-specific mitigation from general metabolic stimulation. Full article

The liver is a critical organ in drug metabolism and detoxification. Ganoderma lingzhi triterpenoids, a major class of bioactive compounds in G. lingzhi extracts, exhibit liver protective effects with pharmaceutical potential. In this study, we established an acute liver injury model in mice via intraperitoneal injection of 0.25% Carbon tetrachloride(CCl₄) olive oil. Prophylactic and therapeutic administration of G. lingzhi triterpenoid extracts were evaluated using alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and hepatic histopathology. Western blot analysis assessed protein expression of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant stress-related pathways (Nrf2/Keap1 and MyD88/NF-κB-p65). Intervention effects on acute liver injury were determined by measuring protein molecular weight following triterpenoid treatment. In summary, G. lingzhi triterpenoids significantly alleviate oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in mice with acute liver injury by activating the KEAP1-Nrf2 antioxidant pathway and inhibiting the NF-κB-p65 and MyD88-mediated inflammatory pathways. These triterpenoids reduced serum transaminase levels, improved hepatic histopathological damage, and exerted effective protective effect on liver tissue. This study provides experimental support for the comprehensive evaluation of G. lingzhi’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Full article

Currently, the escalating global problem of soil salinization severely limits the yield and quality of processing tomatoes. However, the differential responses and salt-tolerance strategies among processing tomato genotypes with different salt tolerances under salt stress remain largely elusive. Therefore, this study used salt-tolerant genotype ‘S39’ and salt-sensitive genotype ‘S37’ as materials. Seeds were sown in plug trays, and seedlings at the two-leaf-one-heart stage were transplanted into hydroponic containers filled with Hoagland nutrient solution. When seedlings reached the four-leaf-one-heart stage, they were exposed to NaCl treatments of 0 mM (control), 120 mM (Na120), and 180 mM (Na180). Plant samples were collected at 3, 6, and 9 days after treatment to determine growth parameters, physiological indices, and gene expression levels, aiming to reveal the dynamic differential responses to salt stress between the two processing tomato genotypes. The results demonstrated that the inhibitory effect of NaCl on the growth of processing tomatoes was aggravated with increasing NaCl concentration and treatment duration. The most significant difference in salt tolerance between the two genotypes was observed at 9 days under 180 mM NaCl treatment. At this sampling point, the relative salt-stress indices of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, peroxidase (POD) activity, soluble sugar content, proline content, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll (a + b) in ‘S39’ were significantly higher than those in ‘S37’ by 31.55%, 53.40%, 66.70%, 65.07%, 20.80%, 15.74%, and 19.44%, respectively. In addition, Na contents in roots and stems, as well as K contents in stems and leaves, were significantly higher in ‘S39’ than in ‘S37’ by 43.40%, 8.67%, 22.08%, and 21.99%, respectively. In contrast, relative electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in ‘S37’ were 15.54% and 12.44% higher than those in ‘S39’. In addition, photosynthetic parameters, including net photosynthetic rate (A_net), stomatal conductance (g_s), intercellular CO₂ concentration (C_i), transpiration rate (E), and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, were more stable in ‘S39’ than in ‘S37’. In conclusion, ‘S39’ possesses stronger salt tolerance via a multi-level regulatory strategy involving an enhanced antioxidant enzyme system, elevated accumulation of osmoregulatory substances, improved mineral ion balance, and increased stability of the photosynthetic apparatus. This study provides a comprehensive multi-level analysis of the differential salt tolerance mechanisms in processing tomato genotypes with contrasting salt tolerances and lays a theoretical basis for the screening and identification of salt-tolerant germplasm in processing tomatoes. Full article

Background: Exposure to anthropogenic and/or natural (e.g., herbicides or mycotoxins) endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has been linked to several reproductive disorders. Glyphosate (GLY), a common agricultural agent, is a potential element of the exposome that bioaccumulates and has potential endocrine and oxidative stress-related effects. However, data on its presence in the human ovarian microenvironment remain limited. Our study examined GLY levels in follicular fluid (ff) and serum and their relationships with oxidative stress markers, reproductive hormones, and stress hormones in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods: 50 women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation participated. Serum and ff samples were routinely collected during oocyte retrieval. GLY, related hormones (e.g., cortisol, estradiol-E2, anti-Müllerian hormone-AMH, and melatonin-MT), an oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidant enzyme activities, total antioxidant capacity, and co-occurring natural pollutant mycotoxin levels were measured. Relationships between GLY levels and these mediators were assessed using correlation and regression analyses. Results: GLY was detected in both serum and ff at similar concentrations (0.038 ± 0.006 ng/mL vs. 0.045 ± 0.006 ng/mL; p = 0.414). Follicular GLY levels showed a positive association with MDA (Spearman’s r = 0.4487, p < 0.001), explaining 28.6% of the variability in follicular MDA. Serum GLY was positively associated with serum (β = 40.26, p = 0.0058) and follicular E2 (r = 0.29, p = 0.042). Serum GLY levels were negatively correlated with cortisol (β = −0.0188, p = 0.020). A slight correlation between follicular GLY and MT was observed (p = 0.03). No associations were found between GLY levels and age, body mass index, AMH, the recombinant gonadotropin dose used, antioxidant enzyme activities, follicle count, oocyte yield, or embryo viability. Conclusions: This study might be the first to demonstrate the presence of GLY of exposome in human ff, indicating that environmental exposure to GLY may reach the oocyte microenvironment. The correlation with lipid peroxidation suggests GLY could contribute to follicular oxidative stress. The associations with E2 and cortisol point to potential endocrine-disrupting effects. While no direct impact on IVF outcomes was observed, findings suggest low-level exposure to GLY could influence ovarian physiology through specific biochemical mechanisms. Full article

Weeds are a major cause of crop production losses worldwide, and environmentally friendly chemical control based on natural or semisynthetic compounds has attracted increasing attention. In this study, flavokawains, a class of natural chalcones, and their analogues were converted into dihydrochalcones (1–27) via Pd-catalyzed hydrogenation. The herbicidal activities of these compounds were evaluated against Chinese amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor) and barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli). Several compounds significantly inhibited seed germination and seedling growth in both species. Herbicidal activity was strongly influenced by the type and position of aromatic substituents, with electron-withdrawing groups and meta substitution providing higher activity. The meta-chloro derivative (15) exhibited the highest activity, markedly inhibiting seed germination as well as shoot and root growth. Further investigation of its mode of action revealed that this compound interfered with seed imbibition, inhibited α-amylase activity, and affected membrane integrity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in A. tricolor in a concentration-dependent manner. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of natural product-derived herbicides. Full article

Panax vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus, or PVF, a member of Araliaceae, is a new and high-value variety of Vietnamese Ginseng (P. vietnamensis var. vietnamensis—VG). PVF shares some similarities in terms of its saponin profile with VG, including protopanaxadiol, protopanaxatriol, and ocotillol saponin. Previous research has revealed that the steaming process significantly increases the bioactivities of VG, especially the renal protective effect. In this study, PVF roots were steamed at a high temperature (120 °C) for 12 h to obtain Black PVF (BPVF). The BPVF extract was tested in both in vitro and in vivo models of cisplatin toxicity to assess its antioxidant and nephroprotective activities. The results showed that the BPVF obtained from the steaming process exhibited the highest antioxidant activity at 12 h. The chemical composition of BPVF is characterized by less-polar saponins such as G-Rg3, -Rg5, and ocotillol genin. The BPVF extract (200 mg/kg) reversed kidney injuries by significantly lowering serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, which had increased due to cisplatin toxicity. The antioxidant effect of BPVF extract also prevented lipid peroxidation by lowering malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and restoring redox balance by increasing glutathione (GSH) content in kidney cells to nearly normal levels, with effects comparable to quercetin. This study provides evidence of BPVF’s therapeutic potential with respect to kidney injuries due to cisplatin toxicity. Full article

The transition of blueberry fruits from the ripening stage to the post-harvest senescence stage is rapid. However, the internal physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms underlying this process have not been elucidated. This study analyzed changes during blueberry fruit development and post-harvest storage senescence to examine processes associated with quality loss. Post-harvest senescence was associated with a marked metabolic transition, which coincided with a transient ethylene peak at maturity and the accumulation of sugars and anthocyanins. This ripening phase was followed by increased oxidative stress, reflected in higher membrane damage, elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and shifts in conductivity and antioxidant activities, including reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels and increased catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activities. The oxidative conditions were associated with higher rotting rates and coincided with fruit softening and increased polygalacturonase (PG) and β-galactosidase (β-Gal) activities. Correlation analysis identified a “ripening stress-activation cluster” (ethylene, sugars, anthocyanin, CAT/POD/PPO, MDA, PG/β-Gal, and RR) and a “textural integrity cluster” (hardness, chewiness, titratable acidity (TA), and ascorbic acid); these clusters represent correlation-based groupings of variables rather than experimentally validated functional modules. Transcriptomic profiling further showed extensive gene expression changes during storage. Functional enrichment analysis supported a shift from developmental metabolism toward senescence-associated pathways, including starch and sucrose metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, and cell wall modification. Overall, the results support a model in which ethylene signaling, oxidative stress, and cell wall disassembly are associated with the transition from ripening to senescence, offering insights for improving blueberry post-harvest quality and extending shelf life. Full article

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a main environmental factor responsible for skin damage, leading to oxidative stress, inflammation, and impairment of the skin barrier function. Furthermore, many components in sunscreen may accumulate in aquatic systems, causing environmental pollution. Therefore, the identification of novel natural bioactives that counteract these effects and can be useful as effective adjuvants in sunscreen formulations is of particular interest. Morin (1), a natural flavonoid, represents an attractive scaffold for modifications to enhance its biological activity. Herein, we aimed to investigate the effects of combining the flavonoid 1 and its derivative, morin semicarbazone (2), with the carotenoid fucoxanthin (FX) on UVB-exposed HaCaT keratinocytes. All compounds exhibited higher radical scavenging activity compared to Trolox. In this cell model, the phenolic–carotenoid combinations provided greater photoprotection than individual compounds, significantly enhancing cell viability and reducing necrosis, FX-2 emerged as the most potent combination, as evidenced by a marked reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, likely mediated through the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/Heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) signaling pathway. Furthermore, the tested treatments exerted enhanced anti-inflammatory effects by significantly reducing interleukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) mediators, with FX-2 being the most active combination. In conclusion, our findings highlight the protective effects of the combinations of these phenolics with the carotenoid FX against UVB radiation and support their potential application as natural active ingredients in sunscreen formulations. Full article

Isovitexin (ISOV) is an active component identified in the traditional Tibetan medicine Tsantan Sumtang, which is commonly used for treating myocardial ischemia. Although previous studies have suggested the protective effect of ISOV on cardiomyocytes, the in vivo anti-ischemic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of ISOV remain unclear. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the therapeutic effects of ISOV on myocardial ischemia in rats and to elucidate its molecular mechanism of action. An acute myocardial infarction model was established in rats by ligating the left anterior descending branch (LADL) of the coronary artery. The protective effects of ISOV were assessed by measuring infarct size, serum cardiac injury biomarkers, and oxidative stress levels. Chemical proteomics using photoaffinity magnetic beads was employed to identify potential target proteins of ISOV. Molecular docking, pull-down western blotting, and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) western blotting were applied to validate the interaction between ISOV and target. Knockdown of the target was used to verify the mechanism of ISOV on anti-myocardial ischemia effect. ISOV treatment significantly reduced myocardial infarct size, decreased serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase isoenzymes (CK-MB), malondialdehyde (MDA), and enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in myocardial ischemia rats. Furthermore, ISOV improved mitochondrial function, as evidenced by increased ATP content and enhanced activities of mitochondrial complexes I and IV. Chemical proteomics and bioinformatic analysis identified SLC25A4 as a direct target of ISOV. Molecular docking revealed a high-affinity binding (binding energy: −8.3 kcal/mol), which was further confirmed by pull-down assays and CETSA. In SLC25A4-knockdown H9c2 cells under hypoxic conditions, ISOV upregulated SLC25A4 expression, promoted the phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and upregulated the expression of proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1$\alpha$ (PGC-1$\alpha$). ISOV exerts cardioprotective effects against myocardial ischemia by directly binding to SLC25A4 and activating the AMPK/PGC-1$\alpha$ pathway, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for myocardial ischemia. Full article

This study systematically investigated the regulatory effects of different types of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) on the growth and physiological characteristics of pakchoi (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) under drought stress. A pot-controlled experiment was conducted with two stress levels (severe drought and mild drought) and four SAP application ratios (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%). The acrylamide-based SAPs included a self-developed attapulgite clay hydrogel (ACH) and two commercially available mainstream SAPs. The results indicated that: (1) All SAP treatments mitigated the inhibitory effects of drought stress on pakchoi growth to varying degrees, with the 0.5% ACH application showing the most significant effect. Under severe drought, this treatment significantly increased leaf area, shoot fresh weight, and root fresh weight by 184.6%, 127.8%, and 24.6%, respectively, compared to the drought-stressed control without SAP. (2) At the physiological response level, ACH significantly optimized the osmotic adjustment system of pakchoi, manifesting as a significant 53.2% decrease in proline content and a significant 60.1% increase in soluble sugar content. Concurrently, it effectively maintained cell membrane stability, reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) content by a significant 51.6%, and effectively regulated the antioxidant defense system, modulating the activities of key antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and POD) to prevent oxidative damage. This study reveals that SAPs can effectively alleviate drought stress in pakchoi. Even under severe drought stress, leaf fresh weight reached approximately 67.99% of the normal level. An application rate of 0.5% ACH is identified as an efficient and recommended dose, offering a promising technological option for water-saving and sustainable vegetable production in arid and semi-arid regions. Full article