Malondialdehyde and thiobarbituric acid-reactivity as diagnostic indices of lipid peroxidation and peroxidative tissue injury

Retracted article: The effects of fish oil omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on mental health parameters and metabolic status of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

We, the Editor and Publisher of the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology have retracted the following article:Mehrdad Amini, Fereshteh Bahmani, Fatemeh Foroozanfard, Zahra Vahedpoor, Amir Ghaderi, Mohsen Taghizadeh, Hassan Karbassizadeh & Zatollah Asemi (2018), The effects of fish oil omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on mental health parameters and metabolic status of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, DOI: 10.1080/0167482X.2018.1508282.Following publication, significant concerns were raised by a third party 1 about the integrity of the data and the reported findings in the article.When approached for an explanation, the authors and their institution have been cooperative in providing some responses and documents. To verify the reported findings, the article and the documents provided by the authors were further evaluated by the journal editorial team, and also sent for review by an external statistical reviewer.Both the journal editorial team and the external statistical reviewer were unable to confirm the integrity of the trial design and the main outcome of the external review was that the article's results and conclusions are unreliable. Therefore, as the editorial team no longer have confidence in the reported conclusions the decision has been made to retract the article.The authors listed in the publication have been informed. The authors do not agree with the retraction.We have been informed in our decision-making by our editorial policies and the COPE guidelines.The retracted article will remain online to maintain the scholarly record, but it will be digitally watermarked on each page as 'Retracted'.

Parental (F0) exposure to Cadmium and Ketoprofen induces developmental deformities in offspring (F1): A transgenerational toxicity assessment in zebrafish model

In the aquatic environment, the primary pollutants of heavy metals and pharmaceuticals always occur in coexisting forms, and the research about combined impacts remains unclear, especially transgenerational effects. Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that can damage the endocrine reproduction systems and cause thyroid dysfunction in fish. Meanwhile, ketoprofen (KPF) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can cause neurobehavioral damage and physiological impairment. However, to our knowledge, the combined exposure of Cd and KPF in transgenerational studies has not been reported. In this investigation, sexually mature zebrafish were subjected to isolated exposure and combined exposure to Cd (10 μg/L) and KPF (10 and 100 μg/L) at environmentally relevant concentrations for 42 days. In this background, breeding capacity, chemical accumulation rate in gonads, and tissue morphologies are investigated in parental fish. This is followed by examining the malformation rate, inflammation rate, and gene transcription in the F1 offspring. Our results indicate that combined exposure of Cd and KPF to the parental fish could increase the chemical accumulation rate and tissue damage in the gonads of fish and significantly reduce the breeding ability. Furthermore, these negative impacts were transmitted to its produced F1 embryos, reflected by hatching rate, body deformities, and thyroid axis-related gene transcription. These findings provide further insights into the harm posed by Cd in the presence of KPF to the aquatic ecosystems.

Novel mechanistic insights into Cr(VI) and Cr(III) induced discrepancies of cellular toxicity and oxidative injury events in Eisenia fetida

Chromium (Cr) poses a high ecological risk, however the toxic mechanisms of Cr in different valence states to soil organisms at cellular and molecular levels are not exactly. In this study, the Eisenia fetida coelomocytes and Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) were chosen as the target subjects to investigate the effects and mechanisms of cellular toxicity induced by Cr(VI) and Cr(III). Results indicated that Cr(VI) and Cr(III) significantly reduced the coelomocytes viability. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was markedly increased after Cr(VI) exposure, which finally reduced antioxidant defense abilities, and induced lipid peroxidation and cellular membrane damage in earthworm coelomocytes. However, Cr(III) induced lower levels of oxidative stress and cellular damage with respect to Cr(VI). From a molecular perspective, the binding of both Cr(VI) and Cr(III) with Cu/Zn-SOD resulted in protein backbone loosening and reduced β-Sheet content. The Cu/Zn-SOD showed fluorescence enhancement with Cr(III), whereas Cr(VI) had no obvious effect. The activity of Cu/Zn-SOD continued to decrease with the exposure of Cr. Molecular docking indicated that Cr(III) interacted more readily with the active center of Cu/Zn-SOD. Our results illustrate that oxidative stress induced by Cr(VI) and Cr(III) plays an important role in the cytotoxic differences of Eisenia fetida coelomocytes and the binding of Cr with Cu/Zn-SOD can also affect the normal structures and functions of antioxidant defense-associated protein.

Systemic oxidative stress levels during the course of pregnancy: Associations with exposure to air pollutants

Increased systemic oxidative stress, implicated in adverse pregnancy outcomes for both mothers and fetuses, has been associated with gestational exposure to air pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). However, it is unclear whether exposure to pollutants at levels below the current air quality standards can increase oxidative stress in pregnant women. In a cohort of 305 pregnant persons residing in western New York, we examined the association between exposure to PM2.5, NO2, and PAHs (measured as urinary 1-hydroxypyrene) and urinary biomarkers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde [MDA] and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG]) measured in each trimester. After controlling for gestational stage, maternal age, lifestyles, and socioeconomic factors, each interquartile range (IQR) increase in 1-hydroxypyrene concentration (65.8 pg/ml) was associated with a 7.73% (95%CI: 3.18%,12.3%) higher in MDA levels throughout the pregnancy and in the first and second trimester. An IQR increase in PM2.5 concentration (3.20 μg/m3) was associated with increased MDA levels in the first trimester (8.19%, 95%CI: 0.28%,16.1%), but not the 2nd (-7.99%, 95% CI: 13.8%, -2.23%) or 3rd trimester (-2.81%, 95% CI: 10.0%, 4.38%). The average cumulative PM2.5 exposures in the 3-7 days before urine collection were associated with increased 8-OHdG levels during the second trimester, with the largest difference (22.6%; 95% CI: 3.46%, 41.7%) observed in relation to a one IQR increase in PM2.5 concentration in the previous 7 days. In contrast, neither oxidative stress biomarker was associated with NO2 exposure. Observed in pregnant women exposed to low-level air pollution, these findings expanded previously reported associations between systemic oxidative stress and high-level PM2.5 and PAH concentrations. Further, the first and second trimesters may be a susceptible window during pregnancy for oxidative stress responses to air pollution exposure.

Long-term administration of omeprazole in mice: a study of behavior, inflammatory, and oxidative stress alterations with focus on central nervous system

Chronic use of omeprazole has been linked to central effects alongside with the global concern of increasing appearance of neuropsychiatric disorders. This study aimed to identifying behavioral, inflammatory, and oxidative stress alterations after long-term administration of omeprazole. C57BL/6 mice were divided in groups: OME and Sham, each received either solutions of omeprazole or vehicle, administered for 28 days by gavage. Results observed in the omeprazole-treated mice: Decrease in the crossing parameter in the open field, no change in the motor performance assessed by rotarod, an immobility time reduction in the forced swimming test, improved percentage of correct alternances in the Ymaze and an exploration time of the novel object reduction in the novel object recognition. Furthermore, a reduced weight gain and hippocampal weight were observed. There was an increase in the cytokine IL1-β levels in both prefrontal cortex (PFC) and serum, whereas TNF-α increased only in the PFC. Nitrite levels increased in the hippocampus (HP) and PFC, while malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels decreased. These findings suggest that omeprazole improves depressive-like behavior and working memory, likely through the increase in nitrite and reduction in MDA levels in PFC and HP, whereas, the impairment of the recognition memory is more likely to be related to the reduced hippocampal weight. The diminished weight gain might be associated with the IL-1β increased levels in the peripheral blood. Altogether, omeprazole showed to have the potential to impact at central level and inflammatory and oxidative parameters might exert a role between it.

Oral supplementation with crocin (a constituent of saffron) in subjects with cigarette smoking: a clinical trial

Smoking is one of the main causes of death in the world. Cigarette use is related with various components of metabolic syndrome (e.g., insulin resistance, raised blood pressure, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, inflammation state) and psychiatric disorders. This study was conducted to determine the effect of crocin (Cro) supplementation on nicotine dependence, anxiety, depression, and metabolic indices in smokers. A total of 50 smokers were selected and randomly categorized into two groups (crocin and placebo). The intervention group received crocin (30 mg per day; n = 25) and placebo (containing Avicel; n = 25) once a day. The primary (nicotine dependence, depression, and anxiety inventory) and secondary (metabolic indices) outcomes were assessed at the start of the intervention and after the 3 months. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the treatment effects on the outcomes adjusting for confounding variables. The primary outcome results such as nicotine dependence, depression, and anxiety inventory did not have a significant difference among the intervention groups (P > 0.05). Also in the secondary outcomes, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin, and homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels did indicate a significant difference by Cro intervention (β - 3.27 mg/dL; 95% CI, - 5.23, - 1.31; P = 0.002; β - 0.76 μIU/mL; 95% CI, - 1.38, - 0.15; P = 0.01; β - 0.18; 95% CI, - 0.29, - 0.07; P = 0.002), respectively. There were also significant reductions in serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (β - 0.72 mg/L; 95% CI, - 1.37, - 0.07; P = 0.03), compared with the placebo. Cro intake may have favorable effects on the level of FPG, insulin, HOMA-IR, and hs-CRP in smokers. However, due to the small sample size and limited scientific reports on smokers, further studies are necessary. ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier: IRCT20170420033551N11.

The Absence of Gastrointestinal Redox Dyshomeostasis in the Brain-First Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease Induced by Bilateral Intrastriatal 6-Hydroxydopamine

The gut-brain axis plays an important role in Parkinson's disease (PD) by acting as a route for vagal propagation of aggregated α-synuclein in the gut-first endophenotype and as a mediator of gastrointestinal dyshomeostasis via the nigro-vagal pathway in the brain-first endophenotype of the disease. One important mechanism by which the gut-brain axis may promote PD is by regulating gastrointestinal redox homeostasis as overwhelming evidence suggests that oxidative stress plays a key role in the etiopathogenesis and progression of PD and the gastrointestinal tract maintains redox homeostasis of the organism by acting as a critical barrier to environmental and microbiological electrophilic challenges. The present aim was to utilize the bilateral intrastriatal 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) brain-first PD model to study the effects of isolated central pathology on redox homeostasis of the gastrointestinal tract. Three-month-old male Wistar rats were either not treated (intact controls; CTR) or treated bilaterally intrastriatally with vehicle (CIS) or 6-OHDA (6-OHDA). Motor deficits were assessed with the rotarod performance test, and the duodenum, ileum, and colon were dissected for biochemical analyses 12 weeks after the treatment. Lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity, low-molecular-weight thiols, and protein sulfhydryls, the activity of total and Mn/Fe superoxide dismutases, and total and azide-insensitive catalase/peroxidase were measured. Both univariate and multivariate models analyzing redox biomarkers indicate that significant disturbances in gastrointestinal redox balance are not present. The findings demonstrate that motor impairment observed in the brain-first 6-OHDA model of PD can occur without concurrent redox imbalances in the gastrointestinal system.

Supplementation of coated sodium butyrate relieved weaning stress and reshaped microbial flora in weaned lambs

Weaning is an important period in the growth and development of lambs. Thus, effectively reducing the occurrence of weaning stress is critical for maintaining lamb production. Coated sodium butyrate has been shown to reduce inflammation, promote intestinal health, and maintain homeostasis. However, the application and potential mechanism of coated sodium butyrate in alleviating weaning stress in lambs are still unclear. To evaluate the effects of coated sodium butyrate on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and gut microbiota of weaned lambs, 10 weaned lambs of 21-day-old were randomly divided into two groups: the CON group (basal diet) and the NaB group (basal diet +3 g/kg of coated sodium butyrate). The trial lasted 21 days. The experimental results showed that compared to the CON group, coated sodium butyrate supplementation in the diet significantly increased the average daily weight gain and daily feed intake of lambs (p < 0.05). In addition, compared to the CON group, the addition of coated sodium butyrate also significantly decreased the serum MDA level of lambs (p < 0.05). Notably, the addition of coated sodium butyrate did not have a significant effect on the cecal microbiota, while increasing the diversity of colonic microbiota and promoting the abundance of Lachnospiraceae, Verrucomicrobiota, Akkermansia, Roseburia, and Sinobacteraceae, which are associated with the nutrient absorption of lambs (p < 0.05). These results indicate that dietary supplementation with coated sodium butyrate could promote the growth and antioxidant capacity of weaned lambs and alleviate weaning stress.

N-acetyl Cysteine Overdose Induced Acute Toxicity and Hepatic Microvesicular Steatosis by Disrupting GSH and Interfering Lipid Metabolisms in Normal Mice

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a versatile drug used in various conditions, but the limitations and toxicities are not clear. The acute toxicity and toxicological mechanisms of an intraperitoneal injection of NAC in normal mice were deciphered. The LD50 for male and female BALB/cByJNarl mice were 800 mg/kg and 933 mg/kg. The toxicological mechanisms of 800 mg/kg NAC (N800) were investigated. The serum biomarkers of hepatic and renal indices dramatically increased, followed by hepatic microvesicular steatosis, renal tubular injury and necrosis, and splenic red pulp atrophy and loss. Thus, N800 resulted in mouse mortality mainly due to acute liver, kidney, and spleen damages. The safe dose (275 mg/kg) of NAC (N275) increased hepatic antioxidant capacity by increasing glutathione levels and catalase activity. N275 elevated the hepatic gene expressions of lipid transporter, lipid synthesis, β-oxidation, and ketogenesis, suggesting a balance between lipid production and consumption, and finally, increased ATP production. In contrast, N800 increased hepatic oxidative stress by decreasing glutathione levels through suppressing Gclc, and reducing catalase activity. N800 decreased the hepatic gene expressions of lipid transporter, lipid synthesis, and interferred β-oxidation, leading to lipid accumulation and increasing Cyp2E1 expression, and finally, decreased ATP production. Therefore, NAC doses are limited for normal individuals, especially via intraperitoneal injection or similar means.

Overexpression of phosphatidylserine synthase IbPSS1 enhances salt tolerance by stimulating ethylene signaling-dependent lignin synthesis in sweetpotato roots

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is an important lipid signaling required for plant growth regulation and salt stress adaptation. However, how PS positively regulate plant salt tolerance is still largely unknown. In this study, IbPSS1-overexpressed sweetpotato plants that exhibited overproduction of PS was employed to explore the mechanisms underlying the PS stimulation of plant salt tolerance. The results revealed that the IbPSS1-overexpressed sweetpotato accumulated less Na+ in the stem and leaf tissues compared with the wild type plants. Proteomic profile of roots showed that lignin synthesis-related proteins over-accumulated in IbPSS1-overexpressed sweetpotato. Correspondingly, the lignin content was enhanced but the influx of Na + into the stele was significantly blocked in IbPSS1-overexpressed sweetpotato. The results further revealed that ethylene synthesis and signaling related genes were upregulated in IbPSS1-overexpressed sweetpotato. Ethylene imaging experiment revealed the enhancement of ethylene mainly localized in the root stele. Inhibition of ethylene synthesis completely reversed the PS-overproduction induced lignin synthesis and Na+ influx pattern in stele tissues. Taken together, our findings demonstrate a mechanism by which PS regulates ethylene signaling and lignin synthesis in the root stele, thus helping sweetpotato plants to block the loading of Na+ into the xylem and to minimize the accumulation of Na+ in the shoots.

Effects of Haskap (Lonicera caerulea L.) Extracts against Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in RAW 264.7 Cells

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Lonicera caerulea L. ethanol extract (LCEE) and water extract (LCWE) in vitro. We primarily evaluated the improvement effect of LCWE and LCEE on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative damage and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory damage in RAW 264.7 cells by detecting oxidation-related indicators and inflammatory factors, respectively. Cellular studies showed that LCWE and LCEE increased superoxide dismutase and catalase antioxidant enzyme levels and decreased malondialdehyde and nitric oxide peroxide levels in H2O2-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, LCWE and LCEE decreased the secretion of inflammatory factors [e.g., interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α] in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. In conclusion, LCWE and LCEE demonstrated excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. However, LCWE was superior to LCEE, which may be related to its chemical composition and requires further research.

Protective Effect of Hyperprolactinemia on Oxidative Stress in Patients with Psychotic Disorder on Atypical Antipsychotics Risperidone and Paliperidone: A Cross-Sectional Study

Several studies indicate the impact of antipsychotics like risperidone and paliperidone on oxidative stress parameters, yet data remain inconsistent. We investigated the link between these medications, hyperprolactinemia (HPRL), and oxidative stress. This study was conducted at the Psychiatry Clinic, University Clinical Center, Kragujevac, between November 2022 and August 2023. Inclusion criteria comprised diagnosed psychotic disorders from the ICD-10-based F20-F29 spectrum and clinical stability on risperidone/paliperidone for ≥12 weeks with no recent dose adjustments. Exclusion criteria included pregnancy, breastfeeding, relevant medical conditions, or co-therapy with prolactin-secreting drugs. Data encompassed drug choice, administration method, therapy duration, and daily dose. Prolactin (PRL) levels, oxidative stress parameters (TBARS, H2O2, O2-, NO2-), and antioxidant system (CAT, GSH, SOD) were assessed. Of 155 subjects, women exhibited significantly higher PRL levels (p < 0.001) and symptomatic HPRL (p < 0.001). Drug choice and regimen significantly influenced TBARS (p < 0.001), NO2- (p < 0.001), O2- (p = 0.002), CAT (p = 0.04), and GSH (p < 0.001) levels. NO2- levels were affected by drug dose (p = 0.038). TBARS (p < 0.001), O2- (p < 0.001), and SOD (p = 0.022) inversely correlated with PRL levels, suggesting PRL's protective role against oxidative stress. The female sex association with higher PRL levels implies additional factors influencing PRL's antioxidant role. Antipsychotic choice and dosage impact PRL and oxidative stress markers, necessitating further exploration.

Effect of topical sildenafil on wound healing and oxidative stress in rats

BACKGROUND

In this study, the effects of topical sildenafil applications on oxidative damage levels and antioxidative metabolism and their contribution to wound healing and treatment were investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 24 healthy male rats aged 16-18 weeks, each weighing 200-250 g, were randomly divided into three groups: Group A received a saline solution, Group B received an epithelializing cream, and Group C received sildenafil cream. Following skin preparation and anesthesia, 6 mm diameter punch biopsies created wounds on the rats' backs. The treatment protocol involved daily topical dressing for seven days, after which tissue and blood samples were collected for analysis. Tissue samples underwent histopathological examination, while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase activities in wound tissue and blood samples were measured.

RESULTS

The wound surface area created by the punch decreased in all groups by the end of the seventh day; However, the degree of wound healing differed in favor of the sildenafil cream group. Histopathologically, according to Greenhalgh's Modified Wound Healing Scoring System, all findings were graded. In the Anova test, the differences between glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and malondialdehyde levels in the serum and tissue of rats was statistically significant (P < 0.05), whereas superoxide dismutase levels were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In the Bonferroni test, the serum CAT levels between groups A and C (P = 0.003), between groups B and C (P = 0.035), and the serum MDA levels between groups A and B (P = 0.018) and between groups A and C (P = 0.001) were found to be significant statistically. By the way, the results between tissue CAT levels in the B and C groups (P = 0.020) and between tissue GPx levels (P = 0.001) in all groups were also significant statistically.

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings indicated that topical application of sildenafil led to noteworthy alterations in serum and tissue antioxidative metabolism as well as oxidative damage levels among rats with induced wounds. Sildenafil may be useful in wound treatment; it has been concluded that it is capable of directing new studies to be carried out.

Effect of β-hydroxybutyrate acid on gene expression levels of antioxidant biomarkers and growth hormone-related genes in liver cell culture

Introduction

In dairy cattle, oxidative stress is a predominant problem associated with diseases and reproductive health issues. This study aimed to detect the variation in the antioxidant biomarkers by adding different concentrations of β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) and sought to elucidate its effects on the gene expression levels of growth hormone (GH) and antioxidant biomarkers in bovine hepatocytes.

Material and Methods

Four antioxidant biomarkers, namely malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH Px) were evaluated using commercially available bovine ELISA kits. The expression levels of the bovine GH, its receptor (GHR), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), IGF-1, IGF-1 receptor, CAT, SOD, GSH-Px and β-actin (as a reference) genes in liver cell culture were determined by reverse transcriptase-PCR assay.

Results

With the increase of BHBA concentration and culture time, the activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH Px biomarkers in hepatocytes decreased. However, the content of MDA in hepatocytes increased gradually with the increase of hepatocyte culture time and BHBA concentration. The qPCR results revealed that after adding BHBA, gene expression levels of GSH-Px, SOD and IGF biomarkers in hepatocytes began to differ in the culture groups at 12 h, whereas the gene expression level of the CAT and GHR biomarkers in hepatocytes began to differ at 6 h.

Conclusion

Quantitative PCR results showed that the BHBA significantly downregulated the expression levels of the GHR gene and CAT, GSH Px and SOD antioxidant biomarker genes.

Elucidation of the Role of TRPV1, VEGF-A, TXA2, Redox Homeostasis, and Inflammatory Cascades in Protection against Cold Injuries by Herbosomal-Loaded PEG-Poloxamer Topical Formulation

High-altitude regions, cold deserts, permafrost regions, and the polar region have some of the severest cold conditions on earth and pose immense perils of cold injuries to exposed individuals. Accidental and unintended exposures to severe cold, either unintentionally or due to occupational risks, can greatly increase the risk of serious conditions including hypothermia, trench foot, and cold injuries like frostbite. Cold-induced vasoconstriction and intracellular/intravascular ice crystal formation lead to hypoxic conditions at the cellular level. The condition is exacerbated in individuals having inadequate and proper covering and layering, particularly when large area of the body are exposed to extremely cold environments. There is a paucity of preventive and therapeutic pharmacological modalities that have been explored for managing and treating cold injuries. Given this, an efficient modality that can potentiate the healing of frostbite was investigated by studying various complex pathophysiological changes that occur during severe cold injuries. In the current research, we report the effectiveness and healing properties of a standardized formulation, i.e., a herbosomal-loaded PEG-poloxamer topical formulation (n-HPTF), on frostbite. The intricate mechanistic pathways modulated by the novel formulation have been elucidated by studying the pathophysiological sequelae that occur following severe cold exposures leading to frostbite. The results indicate that n-HPTF ameliorates the outcome of frostbite, as it activates positive sensory nerves widely distributed in the epidermis transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), significantly (p < 0.05) upregulates cytokeratin-14, promotes angiogenesis (VEGF-A), prominently represses the expression of thromboxane formation (TXA2), and significantly (p < 0.05) restores levels of enzymatic (glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) and nonenzymatic antioxidants (glutathione). Additionally, n-HPTF attenuates oxidative stress and the expression of inflammatory proteins PGF-2α, NFκB-p65, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidative protein products (AOPP), and protein carbonylation (PCO). Masson's Trichrome staining showed that n-HPTF stimulates cellular proliferation, and increases collagen fiber deposition, which significantly (p < 0.05) promotes the healing of frostbitten tissue, as compared to control. We conclude that protection against severe cold injuries by n-HPTF is mediated via modulation of pathways involving TRPV1, VEGF-A, TXA2, redox homeostasis, and inflammatory cascades. The study is likely to have widespread implications for the prophylaxis and management of moderate-to-severe frostbite conditions.

Saliva as a Diagnostic Tool for Early Detection of Exercise-Induced Oxidative Damage in Female Athletes

Although blood still remains the most commonly utilized medium to detect increased levels of oxidative damage induced by exercise, saliva diagnostics have gained increasing popularity due to their non-invasive nature and athlete-friendly collection process. Given that the contribution of various phases of the menstrual cycle to the levels of oxidative damage may differ, the aim of this study was to evaluate an agreement between salivary and plasmatic levels of lipid peroxidation products in female swimmers in both the follicular (F) and luteal (L) phases of the menstrual cycle at rest and following exercise. Twelve well-trained female swimmers aged 19.6 ± 1.1 years old were examined. We measured diene conjugates (DCs), triene conjugates (TCs), and Schiff bases (SBs) in lipids immediately after their extraction from both saliva and blood plasma. All female swimmers were studied two times each, in the two different phases of one menstrual cycle, before and after high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE). Salivary and plasmatic levels of DCs, TCs, and SBs significantly increased post-exercise compared to pre-exercise, in both the F and L phases. A high positive correlation was observed between the concentrations of DCs, TCs, and SBs in the saliva and blood plasma of participants in the F and L phases, both at rest and following HIIE. Ordinary least products regression analysis indicates that there was no proportional and differential bias in the data. The Bland-Altman method also declares that there was no differential bias, since the line of equality was within the 95% confidence interval of the mean difference between salivary and plasmatic levels of DCs, TCs, and SBs in female swimmers, in both the F and L phases, before and after HIIE. There was also no proportional bias in the Bland-Altman plots. Thus, this is the first study to report a high agreement between the quantifications of DCs, TCs, and SBs in the saliva and blood plasma of female swimmers in both the F and L phases, at rest and following HIIE.

The impact of bacillus pumilus TS2 isolated from yaks on growth performance, gut microbial community, antioxidant activity, and cytokines related to immunity and inflammation in broilers

Intensive poultry farming faces challenges like gut inflammation in the absence of antibiotics, resulting in reduced productivity, heightened susceptibility to enteric diseases, and other complications. Alternative strategies are needed to manage inflammation and maintain sustainable poultry production. Yaks living in high-altitude hypoxic environments have specialized gut microbes. However, yak probiotics remain largely uncharacterized. We previously isolated a strain of Bacillus pumilus (named TS2) from yaks and demonstrated its potential as a probiotic in vitro. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the in vivo growth-promoting, antioxidant, immune, and anti-inflammatory effects of Bacillus pumilus isolated from yaks in broilers. We demonstrated the safety of TS2 isolated from yaks in broilers. Furthermore, we found that TS2 increased the average daily weight gain (ADWG) and reduced the feed conversion ratio (FCR). Supplementation with TS2 also improved the mucosal morphology, the ratio of villi to crypt cells, and enzyme activity. High-throughput sequencing showed that the abundance of Lactobacillus was higher in the TS2 treated broilers. Importantly, the serum level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was reduced and the levels of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were increased in the low-dose TS2 group, while the inflammatory factors interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were downregulated compared with the control group. We demonstrated that TS2 supplementation can increase the overall growth performance and ameliorate the blood parameters related to inflammation and immunity in broilers.

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) inhibits green algae growth by regulating antioxidant and photosynthetic systems

Microcystins release from bloom-forming cyanobacteria is considered a way to gain competitive advantage in Microcystis populations, which threaten water resources security and aquatic ecological balance. However, the effects of microcystins on microalgae are still largely unclear. Through simulated culture experiments and the use of UHPLC-MS-based metabolomics, the effects of two microcystin-LR (MC-LR) concentrations (400 and 1,600 μg/L) on the growth and antioxidant properties of three algae species, the toxic Microcystis aeruginosa, a non-toxic Microcystis sp., and Chlorella vulgaris, were studied. The MC-LR caused damage to the photosynthetic system and activated the protective mechanism of the photosynthetic system by decreasing the chlorophyll-a and carotenoid concentrations. Microcystins triggered oxidative stress in C. vulgaris, which was the most sensitive algae species studied, and secreted more glycolipids into the extracellular compartment, thereby destroying its cell structure. However, C. vulgaris eliminated reactive oxygen species (ROS) by secreting terpenoids, thereby resisting oxidative stress. In addition, two metabolic pathways, the vitamin B6 and the sphingolipid pathways, of C. vulgaris were significantly disturbed by microcystins, contributing to cell membrane and mitochondrial damage. Thus, both the low (400 μg/L) and the high (1,600 μg/L) MC-LR concentration inhibited algae growth within 3 to 7 days, and the inhibition rates increased with the increase in the MC-LR concentration. The above results indicate that the toxin-producing Microcystis species have a stronger toxin tolerance under longer-term toxin exposure in natural water environments. Thus, microcystins participates in interspecific interaction and phytoplankton population regulation and creates suitable conditions for the toxin-producing M. aeruginosa to become the dominant species in algae blooms.

Neutrophils in cancer: dual roles through intercellular interactions

Neutrophils, the most abundant immune cells in human blood, play crucial and diverse roles in tumor development. In the tumor microenvironment (TME), cancer cells regulate the recruitment and behaviors of neutrophils, transforming some of them into a pro-tumor phenotype. Pro-tumor neutrophils interact with cancer cells in various ways to promote cancer initiation, growth, and metastasis, while anti-tumor neutrophils interact with cancer cells to induce senescence and death. Neutrophils can also interact with other cells in TME, including T cells, macrophages, stromal cells, etc. to exert anti- or pro-tumor functions. In this review, we will analyze the anti- and pro-tumor intercellular interactions mediated by neutrophils, with a focus on generalizing the mechanisms underlying the interaction of neutrophils with tumor cells and T cells. Furthermore, we will provide an overview of cancer treatment strategies targeting neutrophil-mediated cellular interactions.

Effects of Dietary Zinc on Growth Performance, Digestive Enzyme Activities, Antioxidant Status, and Immune Responses of Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus

Zinc is an essential micronutrient for organisms involved in regulating various biological processes. This study evaluated the effects of dietary zinc on growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, antioxidant status, and immune responses of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. Five experimental diets were formulated with graded levels of zinc (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 mg/kg, respectively), and the actual dietary zinc values were 31.4, 51.0, 68.2, 91.9, and 110.8 mg/kg diet, respectively. Sea cucumbers were fed with diets for 2 months. The results showed the growth performance, amylase, and trypsin activities of sea cucumber increased significantly with zinc supplementation, and the best growth performance and enzyme activities were observed at 40 mg/kg zinc diet. Zinc supplementation significantly increased activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, anti-superoxide anion, and inhibiting hydroxyl radical, while significantly reduced the malondialdehyde content. Furthermore, the higher zinc supplementation levels resulted in significantly upregulated immune-related genes of hsp90, p105, rel, and lsz, suggesting that excessive zinc caused oxidative stress. The broken-line regression analysis of specific growth rate indicated dietary zinc requirement in juvenile sea cucumber was ~ 66.3 mg/kg diet. Overall, dietary zinc contributes to the growth and immune resistance of juvenile sea cucumber, and our study will provide insights into the rational use of dietary zinc in aquaculture.

Phytoremediation of copper-contaminated soils by rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) and underlying molecular mechanisms for copper absorption and sequestration

High levels of copper released in the soil, mainly from anthropogenic activity, can be hazardous to plants, animals, and humans. The present research aimed to estimate the suitability and effectiveness of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) as a possible soil remediation option and to uncover underlying adaptive mechanisms A pot experiment was conducted to explore the effect of copper stress on agronomic and yield traits for 32 rapeseed genotypes. The copper-tolerant genotype H2009 and copper-sensitive genotype ZYZ16 were selected for further physiological, metabolomic, and transcriptomic analyses. The results exhibited a significant genotypic variation in copper stress tolerance in rapeseed. Specifically, the ratio of seed yield under copper stress to control ranged from 0.29 to 0.74. Furthermore, the proline content and antioxidant enzymatic activities in the roots were greater than those in the shoots. The accumulated copper in the roots accounted for about 50% of the total amount absorbed by plants; thus, the genotypes possessing high root volumes can be used for rhizofiltration to uptake and sequester copper. Additionally, the pectin and hemicellulose contents were significantly increased by 15.6% and 162%, respectively, under copper stress for the copper-tolerant genotype, allowing for greater sequestration of copper ions in the cell wall and lower oxidative stress. Comparative analysis of transcriptomes and metabolomes revealed that excessive copper enhanced the up-regulation of functional genes or metabolites related to cell wall binding, copper transportation, and chelation in the copper-tolerant genotype. Our results suggest that copper-tolerant rapeseed can thrive in heavily copper-polluted soils with a 5.85% remediation efficiency as well as produce seed and vegetable oil without exceeding food quality standards for the industry. This multi-omics comparison study provides insights into breeding copper-tolerant genotypes that can be used for the phytoremediation of heavy metal-polluted soils.

How do biomarkers dance? Specific moves of defense and damage biomarkers for biological interpretation of dose-response model trends

Omics studies are currently increasingly used in ecotoxicology to highlight the induction of known or novel biomarkers when organisms are exposed to contaminants. Although it is virtually impossible to identify all biomarkers from all organisms, biomarkers can be grouped as defense or damage biomarkers, exhibiting a limited number of response trends. Our working hypothesis is that defense and damage biomarkers follow different dose-response patterns. A meta-analysis of 156 articles and 2595 observations of dose-response curves of defense and damage biomarkers was carried out in order to characterize the response trends of these biological parameters in a large panel of living organisms (18 phyla) exposed to inorganic or organic contaminants (176 in total). Using multinomial logistic regression models, defense biomarkers were found to describe biphasic responses (bell- and U-shaped) to a greater extent (2.5 times) than damage biomarkers. In contrast, damage biomarkers varied mainly monotonically (decreasing or increasing), representing 85% of the observations. Neither the nature of the contaminant nor the type of organisms belonging to 4 kingdoms, influence these specific responses. This result suggests that cellular defense and damage mechanisms are not specific to stressors and are conserved throughout life. Trend analysis of dose-response models as a biological interpretation of biomarkers could thus be a valuable way to exploit large omics datasets.

Evaluation of Virus-Free Chrysanthemum 'Hangju' Productivity and Response to Virus Reinfection in the Field: Molecular Insights into Virus-Host Interactions

The shoot apical meristem culture has been used widely to produce virus-free plantlets which have the advantages of strong disease resistance, high yield, and prosperous growth potential. However, this virus-free plant will be naturally reinfected in the field. The physiological and metabolic responses in the reinfected plant are still unknown. The flower of chrysanthemum 'Hangju' is a traditional medicine which is unique to China. In this study, we found that the virus-free 'Hangju' (VFH) was reinfected with chrysanthemum virus B/R in the field. However, the reinfected VFH (RVFH) exhibited an increased yield and medicinal components compared with virus-infected 'Hangju' (VIH). Comparative analysis of transcriptomes was performed to explore the molecular response mechanisms of the RVFH to CVB infection. A total of 6223 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the RVFH vs. the VIH. KEGG enrichment and physiological analyses indicated that treatment with the virus-free technology significantly mitigated the plants' lipid and galactose metabolic stress responses in the RVFH. Furthermore, GO enrichment showed that plant viral diseases affected salicylic acid (SA)-related processes in the RVFH. Specifically, we found that phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) genes played a major role in defense-related SA biosynthesis in 'Hangju'. These findings provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying plant virus-host interactions and have implications for developing strategies to improve plant resistance against viruses.

Mercury chloride causes cognitive impairment, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in male Wistar rats: The potential protective effect of 6-gingerol-rich fraction of Zingiber officinale via regulation of antioxidant defence system and reversal of pro-inflammatory markers increase

This study investigated the effects of 6-gingerol-rich fraction of Zingiber officinale (6-GIRIFZO) on mercury chloride (HgCl2)-induced neurotoxicity in Wistar rats. Thirty -five male Wistar rats weighing between (150-200 g) were divided randomly into five groups (n = 7): group 1: control, received 0.5 mL of normal saline, group 2: received HgCl2 (5 mg/kg), group 3: received N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (50 mg/kg) as well as HgCl2 (5 mg/kg), group 4: received 6-GIRIFZO (100 mg/kg) and HgCl2 (5 mg/kg), group 5: had 6-GIRIFZO (200 mg/kg) and HgCl2 (5 mg/kg), consecutively for 14 days. On the day14, the rats were subjected to behavioural tests using a Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests. The rats were then euthanized to obtain brain samples for the determination of biochemical parameters (acetylcholinesterase (AchE), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)) using standard methods. The result revealed a significant increase in escape latency and a significant decrease in recognition ratio in the rats that were exposed to HgCl2 only. However, 6-GIRIFZO produced a significant reduction in the escape latency and (p < 0.05) increase in the recognition ratio. Similarly, HgCl2 exposure caused a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the brain SOD, GPx, CAT, GSH with increased brain levels of MDA, NO, AchE, TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-1β and IL-6. Similarly to the standard drug, NAC, 6-GIRIFZO (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) increased brain SOD, GPx, CAT, and GSH levels with decreased concentrations of MDA, NO, AchE, TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-1β and IL-6. Also, pre-treatment with 6-GIRIFZO prevented the HgCl2-induced morphological aberrations in the rats. This study concludes that 6-GIRIFZO prevents HgCl2-induced cognitive deficit via reduction of brain inflammation as well as oxidative stress in rats.

Personal care products: an emerging threat to the marine bivalve Ruditapes philippinarum

In the last few decades, there has been a growing interest in understanding the behavior of personal care products (PCPs) in the aquatic environment. In this regard, the aim of this study is to estimate the accumulation and effects of four PCPs within the clam Ruditapes philippinarum. The PCPs selected were triclosan, OTNE, benzophenone-3, and octocrylene. A progressive uptake was observed and maximum concentrations in tissues were reached at the end of the exposure phase, up to levels of 0.68 µg g-1, 24 µg g-1, 0.81 µg g-1, and 1.52 µg g-1 for OTNE, BP-3, OC, and TCS, respectively. After the PCP post-exposure period, the removal percentages were higher than 65%. The estimated logarithm bioconcentration factor ranged from 3.34 to 2.93, in concordance with the lipophobicity of each substance. No lethal effects were found although significant changes were observed for ethoxyresorufin O-demethylase activity, glutathione S-transferase activity, lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage.

Modulation in growth, oxidative stress, photosynthesis, and morphology reveals higher toxicity of alpha-cypermethrin than chlorpyrifos towards a non-target green alga at high doses

Considering the frequent detection of pesticides in the aquatic environment, the ecotoxicological effects of Chlorpyrifos (CHP), an organophosphate, and alpha-cypermethrin (ACM), a pyrethroid, on freshwater microalgae were compared for the first time in this study. High concentrations of both CHP and ACM significantly suppressed the growth of test microalga Graesiella emersonii (p < 0.05). The 96-h EC50 of CHP and ACM were 54.42 mg L-1 and 29.40 mg L-1, respectively. Sub-inhibitory doses of both pesticides increased ROS formation in a concentration-dependent manner, which was accompanied by changes in antioxidant enzymes activities, lipid peroxidation, and variations in photosynthetic pigment concentration. Furthermore, both pesticides influenced photosystem II performance, oxygen-evolving complex efficiency and, intracellular ATP levels. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that high concentrations of both CHP and ACM caused considerable morphological changes in the microalga. In comparison, CHP was more toxic than ACM at low concentrations, whereas ACM was more toxic at high concentrations.

Toxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (chrysene and fluoranthene) on the growth and physiological characteristics of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

While the toxicity of nano-microplastics and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to aquatic organisms is well-studied, their joint impact on microalgae is less explored. This study focused on single and combined effects of PS-NPs (30 nm; concentrations: 2, 5, 10, and 25 mg/L) and two PAHs (chrysene and fluoranthene at 10, 100 µg/L) for 96 h on the accumulation, growth, photosynthetic parameters, and oxidative stress in the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The findings revealed that exposure to increasing concentrations of PS-NPs significantly reduced the growth inhibition ratio and chlorophyll-a content after 96 h. Both PAHs (100 µg/L) + PS-NPs (25 mg/L), significantly reduced the growth inhibition ratio and chlorophyll-a levels. Individual and combined exposures of PS-NPs and PAHs can prompt antioxidant responses like SOD, GPx, and GST, as well as an unaffected level of non-enzymatic antioxidant GSH and diminished CAT activity. Furthermore, both PAHs + PS-NPs triggered ROS levels, resulting in cell membrane damage. However, the reduced oxidative effect of LPO of combined exposures can be attributed to the activation of antioxidant defenses. In addition, the microscopic visualization data shows that PS-NPs adhered to the surface of microalgae. Also, PS-NPs reduced the adsorption of PAHs on the surface of C. reinhardtii. Altogether, this study implied that the influence of coexistent PS-NPs should be considered in the environmental risk assessment of PAHs in aquatic environments.

Involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in the protective mechanisms of ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid in LPS-induced sickness behavior and neuroinflammation in mice

Ferulic acid (FA) and p-coumaric acid (PCA) are abundantly present in commonly consumed food and beverages. Being polyphenolic compounds, they have been explored for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Based on our previous study, we selected these two compounds to further investigate their potential in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sickness behavior and the ensuing neuroinflammation by specifically focusing on the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Male Swiss albino mice were divided into nine groups (n = 6) consisting of Normal Control, LPS, fluoxetine (FLX), FA40, FA160, FA640, PCA40, PCA160, and PCA640 respectively. Each group received respective FA or PCA treatment except Normal Control and LPS, which received the vehicle, carboxymethylcellulose 0.25% w/v. All groups were challenged with LPS 1.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally except the Normal Control group, which received saline. Behavioral assessments were performed between 1-2 h, and the whole brains were collected at 3 h post-LPS administration. LPS-induced sickness behavior was characterized by significantly reduced spontaneous activity and high immobility time. The expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 and IL-1β was significantly increased, along with the levels of brain IL-1β suggesting the assembly and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Furthermore, the major cytokines involved in sickness behavior, IL-6 and TNF-α were also significantly elevated with the accompanied lipid peroxidation. The results of this study emphasize that within the employed dose ranges of both FA and PCA, both the compounds were effective at blocking the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and thereby reducing the release of IL-1β and the sickness behavior symptoms. There was a prominent effect on cytokine levels and lipid peroxidation as well.

Effect of chronic low-dose treatment with chitooligosaccharides on microbial dysbiosis and inflammation associated chronic ulcerative colitis in Balb/c mice

The study aimed to investigate the potential of low dose chitooligosaccharide (COS) in ameliorating dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) induced chronic colitis by regulating microbial dysbiosis and pro-inflammatory responses. Chronic colitis was induced in BALB/c mice by DSS (4% w/v, 3 cycles of 5 days) administration. The mice were divided into four groups: vehicle, DSS, DSS + mesalamine and DSS+COS. COS and mesalamine were administered orally, daily once, from day 1 to day 30 at a dose of 20 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg respectively. The disease activity index (DAI), colon length, histopathological score, microbial composition, and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression were evaluated. COS (20 mg/kg, COSLow) administration reduced the disease activity index, and colon shortening, caused by DSS significantly. Furthermore, COSLow restored the altered microbiome in the gut and inhibited the elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 and IL-6) in the colon against DSS-induced chronic colitis in mice. Moreover, COSLow treatment improved the probiotic microflora thereby restoring the gut homeostasis. In conclusion, this is the first study where microbial dysbiosis and pro-inflammatory responses were modulated by chronic COSLow treatment against DSS-induced chronic colitis in Balb/c mice. Therefore, COS supplementation at a relatively low dose could be efficacious for chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

Jasmonic acid's impact on Sedum alfredii growth and cadmium tolerance: A physiological and transcriptomic study

Soil cadmium (Cd) pollution is escalating, necessitating effective remediation strategies. This study investigated the effects of exogenous jasmonic acid (JA) on Sedum alfredii Hance under Cd stress, aiming to enhance its phytoextraction efficiency. Initially, experiments were conducted to assess the impact of various concentrations of JA added to environments with Cd concentrations of 100, 300, and 500 μmol/L. The results determined that a concentration of 1 μmol/L JA was optimal. This concentration effectively mitigated the level of ROS products by enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Additionally, JA fostered Cd absorption and accumulation, while markedly improving plant biomass and photosynthetic performance. In further experiments, treatment with 1 μmol/L JA under 300 μmol/L Cd stress was performed and transcriptomic analysis unveiled a series of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) instrumental in the JA-mediated Cd stress response. These DEGs encompass not only pathways of JA biosynthesis and signaling but also genes encoding functions that influence antioxidant systems and photosynthesis, alongside genes pertinent to cell wall synthesis, and metal chelation and transport. This study highlights that JA treatment significantly enhances S. alfredii's Cd tolerance and accumulation, offering a promising strategy for plant remediation and deepening our understanding of plant responses to heavy metal stress.

A Smooth Muscle Cell-Based Ferroptosis Model to Evaluate Iron-Chelating Molecules for Cardiovascular Disease Treatment

Dysregulation of iron homeostasis causes iron-mediated cell death, recently described as ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is reported in many chronic diseases, such as hepatic cancer, renal, and cardiovascular diseases (heart failure, atherosclerosis). However, there is a notable scarcity of research studies in the existing literature that explore treatments capable of preventing ferroptosis. Additionally, as far as the author is aware, there is currently no established model for studying ferroptosis within cardiovascular cells, which would be essential for assessing metal-chelating molecules with the potential ability to inhibit ferroptosis and their application in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, a smooth muscle cell-based ferroptosis model is developed upon the inhibition of the system Xc- transporter by erastin associated or not with Fe(III) overload, and its rescue upon the introduction of well-known iron chelators, deferoxamine and deferiprone. We showed that erastin alone decreased the intracellular concentration of glutathione (GSH) without affecting peroxidized lipid concentrations. Erastin with ferric citrate was able to decrease intracellular GSH and induce lipid peroxidation after overnight incubation. Only deferiprone was able to rescue the cells from ferroptosis by decreasing lipid peroxidation via iron ion chelation in a 3:1 molar ratio.

In Vitro Modulation of Genotoxicity and Oxidative Stress by Polyphenol-Rich Fraction of Chinese Ladder Brake (Pteris vittata L.)

Pteris vittata L. is a terrestrial genus growing in moist, shady forests and on hillsides. The plant has considerable ethnomedicinal importance. Investigations have been carried out on chemical profiling and antioxidant compounds from some genera of pteridophytes but studies on the biological properties of P. vittata are lacking. Therefore, the present study investigates antioxidant, antigenotoxic, and antiproliferative potential of the aqueous fraction of P. vittata (PWE). A battery of assays were carried out to assess the antioxidant potential of the PWE. SOS chromotest and DNA nicking assay were used to evaluate the antigenotoxicity of the fraction. The cytotoxic effect of PWE was analyzed using MTT and Neutral Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis comet assay. EC50 of 90.188 µg/ml, 80.13 µg/ml, 142.836 µg/ml, and 12.274 µg/ml was obtained in DPPH, superoxide anion scavenging, reducing power and lipid peroxidation assays, respectively. PWE was potent in inhibiting Fenton's reagent-induced nicking of pBR322 plasmid. The fraction significantly inhibited hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide (4NQO) induced mutagenicity and a reduction in induction factor was found with increased PWE concentration. GI50 of 147.16 µg/ml was obtained in MTT assay in human MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. PWE induced apoptosis as confirmed from confocal microscopy studies. The protective effects can be attributed to the presence of the phytochemicals in PWE. These results will be helpful in the development of functional food characteristics, as well as unravel the benefits of pteridophytes as promoters of health.

Evaluation of possible cytotoxic, genotoxic and epigenotoxic effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and possible protective effect of melatonin

Nanoparticles (NPs) are particles of matter that are between 1 to 100 nm in diameter. They are suggested to cause toxic effects in both humans and environment thorough different mechanisms. However, their toxicity profile may be different from the parent material. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs are widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries. As a white pigment, the use of TiO2 is used in food coloring, industrial paints, clothing and UV filters has increased tremendously in recent years. Melatonin, on the other hand, is a well-known antioxidant and may prevent oxidative stress caused by a variety of different substances, including NPs. In the current study, we aimed to comparatively investigate the effects of normal-sized TiO2 (220 nm) and nano-sized TiO2 (21 nm) on cytopathology, cytotoxicity, oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and glutathione), genotoxicity (8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine), apoptosis (caspase 3, 8 and 9) and epigenetic alterations (global DNA methylation, H3 acetylation) on 3T3 fibroblast cells. In addition, the possible protective effects of melatonin, which is known to have strong antioxidant effects, against the toxicity of TiO2 were also evaluated. Study groups were: a. the control group; b. melatonin group; c. TiO2 group; d. nano-sized TiO2 group; e. TiO2 + melatonin group and f. nano-sized TiO2 + melatonin group. We observed that both normal-sized and nano-sized TiO2 NPs showed significant toxic effects. However, TiO2 NPs caused higher DNA damage and global DNA methylation compared to normal-sized TiO2 whereas normal-sized TiO2 led to lower H3 acetylation vs. TiO2 NPs. Melatonin showed partial protective effect against the toxicity caused by TiO2 NPs.

Response of tomatoes to inactivated endophyte LSE01 under combined stress of high-temperature and drought

Endophytes can assist crops in adapting to high temperatures and drought conditions, thereby reducing agricultural losses. However, the mechanism through which endophytes regulate crop resistance to high temperatures and drought stress remains unclear, and concerns regarding safety and stability exist with active endophytes. Thus, heat-treated endophytic bacteria LSE01 (HTB) were employed as a novel microbial fertilizer to investigate their effects on plant adaptation to high temperatures and drought conditions. The results indicated that the diameter and weight of tomatoes treated with HTB under stress conditions increased by 23.04% and 71.15%, respectively, compared to the control. Tomato yield did not significantly decrease compared to non-stress conditions. Additionally, the contents of vitamin C, soluble sugars, and proteins treated with HTB increased by 18.81%, 11.54%, and 99.75%, respectively. Mechanistic research revealed that HTB treatment enhances tomato's stress resistance by elevating photosynthetic pigment and proline contents, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities, and reducing the accumulation of MDA. Molecular biology research demonstrates that HTB treatment upregulates the expression of drought-resistant genes (GA2ox7, USP1, SlNAC3, SlNAC4), leading to modifications in stomatal conductance, plant morphology, photosynthetic intensity, and antioxidant enzyme synthesis to facilitate adaptation to dry conditions. Furthermore, the upregulation of the heat-resistant gene (SlCathB2-2) can increases the thickness of tomato cell walls, rendering them less vulnerable to heat stress. In summary, HTB endows tomatoes with the ability to adapt to high temperatures and drought conditions, providing new opportunities for sustainable agriculture.

A Predictive Assessment of Ochratoxin A's Effects on Oxidative Stress Parameters and the Fermentation Ability of Yeasts Using Neural Networks

The aim of this paper was to examine the effect of different OTA concentrations on the parameters of oxidative stress (glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations) and glucose utilization in ethanol production by wine yeasts. In addition to the above, artificial neural networks (ANN) were used to predict the effects of different OTA concentrations on the fermentation ability of yeasts and oxidative stress parameters. The obtained results indicate a negative influence of OTA (4 µg mL-1) on ethanol production after 12 h. For example, K. marxianus produced 1.320 mg mL-1 of ethanol, while in the control sample 1.603 µg mL-1 of ethanol was detected. However, after 24 h, OTA had no negative effect on ethanol production, since it was higher (7.490 and 3.845 mg mL-1) in comparison to control samples. Even low concentrations of OTA affect GSH concentrations, with the highest being detected after 12 and 24 h (up to 16.54 µM), while MDA concentrations are affected by higher OTA concentrations, with the highest being detected at 24 h (1.19 µM). The obtained results with the use of ANNs showed their potential for quantification purposes based on experimental data, while the results of ANN prediction models have shown to be useful for predictions of what outcomes different concentrations of OTA that were not part of experiment will have on the fermentation capacity and oxidative stress parameters of yeasts.

Macleaya cordata isoquinoline alkaloids attenuate Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal epithelium injury in broiler chickens by co-regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways

This study sought to explore the effects and potential mechanisms of dietary supplementation with isoquinoline alkaloids (IA) from Macleaya cordata to alleviate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal epithelium injury in broilers. A total of 486 1-day-old broilers were assigned at random to a control (CON) group, LPS group, and LPS+IA group in a 21-d study. The CON and LPS groups received a basal diet, while the LPS+IA group received a basal diet supplemented with 0.6 mg/kg IA. At 17, 19, and 21 days of age, the LPS and LPS+BP groups were injected intraperitoneally with LPS, and the CON group was intraperitoneally injected equivalent amount of saline solution. The results manifested that LPS injection caused intestinal inflammation and lipid peroxidation, disrupted intestinal barrier and function, and increased the abundance of harmful microorganisms. However, dietary IA supplementation alleviated LPS-induced adverse changes in intestinal morphology, apoptosis, mucosal barrier integrity, cecum microorganisms, and homeostasis disorder by decreasing inflammatory cytokines and enhancing antioxidant-related genes expressions; inhibited LPS-induced increases in TLR4 and NF-κB expressions and decreases in Nrf2 and GPX1 genes expressions. Our findings indicated that Macleaya cordata IA addition attenuated LPS-induced intestinal epithelium injury and disorder of intestinal homeostasis by enhancing the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens possibly via co-regulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways.

Tetracycline inhibits the nitrogen fixation ability of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) nodules in black soil by altering the root and rhizosphere bacterial communities

Tetracycline is a widely used antibiotic and may thus also be an environmental contaminant with an influence on plant growth. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibition mechanisms of tetracycline in relation to soybean growth and ecological networks in the roots and rhizosphere. To this end, we conducted a pot experiment in which soybean seedlings were grown in soil treated with 0, 10, or 25 mg/kg tetracycline. The effects of tetracycline pollution on growth, productivity, oxidative stress, and nitrogenase activity were evaluated. We further identified the changes in microbial taxa composition and structure at the genus and species levels by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene region. The results showed that tetracycline activates the antioxidant defense system in soybeans, which reduces the abundance of Bradyrhizobiaceae, inhibits the nitrogen-fixing ability, and decreases the nitrogen content in the root system. Tetracycline was also found to suppress the formation of the rhizospheric environment and decrease the complexity and stability of bacterial networks. Beta diversity analysis showed that the community structure of the root was markedly changed by the addition of tetracycline, which predominantly affected stochastic processes. These findings demonstrate that the influence of tetracycline on soybean roots could be attributed to the decreased stability of the bacterial community structure, which limits the number of rhizobium nodules and inhibits the nitrogen-fixing capacity. This exploration of the inhibitory mechanisms of tetracycline in relation to soybean root development emphasises the potential risks of tetracycline pollution to plant growth in an agricultural setting. Furthermore, this study provides a theoretical foundation from which to improve our understanding of the physiological toxicity of antibiotics in farmland.

In Situ Raman Spectroscopy Reveals Cytochrome c Redox-Controlled Modulation of Mitochondrial Membrane Permeabilization That Triggers Apoptosis

The selective interaction of cytochrome c (Cyt c) with cardiolipin (CL) is involved in mitochondrial membrane permeabilization, an essential step for the release of apoptosis activators. The structural basis and modulatory mechanism are, however, poorly understood. Here, we report that Cyt c can induce CL peroxidation independent of reactive oxygen species, which is controlled by its redox states. The structural basis of the Cyt c-CL binding was unveiled by comprehensive spectroscopic investigation and mass spectrometry. The Cyt c-induced permeabilization and its effect on membrane collapse, pore formation, and budding are observed by confocal microscopy. Moreover, cytochrome c oxidase dysfunction is found to be associated with the initiation of Cyt c redox-controlled membrane permeabilization. These results verify the significance of a redox-dependent modulation mechanism at the early stage of apoptosis, which can be exploited for the design of cytochrome c oxidase-targeted apoptotic inducers in cancer therapy.

Sulforaphane ameliorate Arsenic induced cardiotoxicity in rats: Role of PI3k/Akt mediated Nrf2 signaling pathway

Arsenic (As) toxicity can generate reactive free radicals, which play an important role in the evolution of cardiomyopathy. The aim of this research is to see if sulforaphane (SFN) protects against As-induced heart damage, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial complex dysfunction via the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathway. The rats were placed into four groups, each with eight rats. Group 1: Normal rats (control group); Group 2: Treatment group (5 mg/kg body weight); Group 3: SFN+As-treatment group (80 mg/kg body weight + 5 mg/kg body weight); Group 4: SFN group only (80 mg/kg body weight). The swot will last 4 weeks. At the end of the intermission (28 days), all of the rats starved overnight and killed with cervical decapitation. As administration considerably (p < 0.05) inflated the extent of free radicals (O2-, OH-), lipoid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal), lipoid profile (low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C), total cholesterol, triglyceride, and phospholipids), cardiac Troponin (cTnT&I), and Mitochondrial complex III. A noteworthy (p < 0.05) diminish the level of HDL-C, Mitochondrial complex I and II, enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase), and nonenzymatic antioxidant (glutathione and total sulfhydryl groups) and PI3k, Akt, and Nrf2 sequence in As treated rats. The western blot, real-time polymerase chain reaction, flowcytometric, and histology studies all corroborated the biochemical findings which revealed significant heart damage in rats. Pretreatment with SFN significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the invitro free radicals, lipid oxidative indicators, mitochondrial complex, lipid profiles, and increased phase II antioxidants in the heart. This result shows that dietary supplementation of SFN protects against As-induced cardiotoxicity via PI3k/Akt/Nrf2 pathway in rats.

Iron chelation and supplementation: A comparison in the management of inflammatory bowel disease using drosophila

AIMS

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is associated with systemic iron deficiency and has been managed with iron supplements which cause adverse side effects. Conversely, some reports highlight iron depletion to ameliorate IBD. The underlying intestinal response and comparative benefit of iron depletion and supplementation in IBD is unknown. The aims of this work were to characterize and compare the effects of iron supplementation and iron depletion in IBD.

MAIN METHODS

IBD was induced in Drosophila melanogaster using 3 % dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in diet for 7 days. Using this model, we investigated the impacts of acute iron depletion (using bathophenanthroline disulfonate, BPS) and supplementation (using ferrous sulphate, FS), before and after IBD induction, on gut iron homeostasis, cell death, gut permeability, inflammation, antioxidant defence, antimicrobial response and several fly phenotypes.

KEY FINDINGS

DSS decreased fly mass (p < 0.001), increased gut permeability (p < 0.001) and shortened lifespan (p = 0.035) compared to control. The DSS-fed flies also showed significantly elevated lipid peroxidation (p < 0.001), and the upregulated expression of apoptotic marker- drice (p < 0.001), tight junction protein - bbg (p < 0.001), antimicrobial peptide - dpta (p = 0.002) and proinflammatory cytokine - upd2 (p < 0.001). BPS significantly (p < 0.05) increased fly mass and lifespan, decreased gut permeability, decreased lipid peroxidation and decreased levels of drice, bbg, dpta and upd2 in IBD flies. This iron chelation (using BPS) showed better protection from DSS-induced IBD than iron supplementation (using FS). Preventive and curative interventions, by BPS or FS, also differed in outcomes.

SIGNIFICANCE

This may inform precise management strategies aimed at tackling IBD and its recurrence.

Modeling Glutaric Aciduria Type I in human neuroblastoma cells recapitulates neuronal damage that can be rescued by gene replacement

Glutaric Aciduria type I (GA1) is a rare neurometabolic disorder caused by mutations in the GDCH gene encoding for glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH) in the catabolic pathway of lysine, hydroxylysine and tryptophan. GCDH deficiency leads to increased concentrations of glutaric acid (GA) and 3-hydroxyglutaric acid (3-OHGA) in body fluids and tissues. These metabolites are the main triggers of brain damage. Mechanistic studies supporting neurotoxicity in mouse models have been conducted. However, the different vulnerability to some stressors between mouse and human brain cells reveals the need to have a reliable human neuronal model to study GA1 pathogenesis. In the present work we generated a GCDH knockout (KO) in the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y by CRISPR/Cas9 technology. SH-SY5Y-GCDH KO cells accumulate GA, 3-OHGA, and glutarylcarnitine when exposed to lysine overload. GA or lysine treatment triggered neuronal damage in GCDH deficient cells. SH-SY5Y-GCDH KO cells also displayed features of GA1 pathogenesis such as increased oxidative stress vulnerability. Restoration of the GCDH activity by gene replacement rescued neuronal alterations. Thus, our findings provide a human neuronal cellular model of GA1 to study this disease and show the potential of gene therapy to rescue GCDH deficiency.

The MADS-box family gene PtrANR1 encodes a transcription activator promoting root growth and enhancing plant tolerance to drought stress

KEY MESSAGE

PtrANR1 positively regulates plant drought tolerance by increasing proline level and reducing ROS accumulation. PtrANR1 directly activates PtrAUX1 expression to promote root growth and improve plant drought tolerance. Citrus quality and yield are severely declined under drought stress. To date, the effects of MADS-box family transcription factors (TFs) on plant drought resistance have made some progress. However, whether MADS-box family TFs are associated with citrus drought response has remained unclear. The current paper identified a MADS-box family gene PtrANR1 encoding anthocyanidin reductase from trifoliate orange. PtrANR1 exhibits high identities with ANR1 proteins found in various plants. PtrANR1 possesses two conserved domains known as MADS and kertanin-like domains. PtrANR1 is a nuclear protein which has transactivation activity. A significant induction of PtrANR1 transcript was detected in leaves and roots of trifoliate orange treated with PEG6000 and ABA. Under drought stress, Arabidopsis ectopic overexpressing PtrANR1 exhibited obviously elevated contents of proline, ABA and IAA, better developed root, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, as well as notably reduced accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared with WT plants. However, opposite change trends of these physiological indices were detected in PtrANR1 homolog silencing lemon. Furthermore, transgenic Arabidopsis displayed significantly increased expression levels in genes associated with ABA, IAA and proline production, IAA polar transport, ROS elimination and drought response. However, these genes exhibited noticeably decreased transcript levels in PtrANR1 homolog silencing lemon. Moreover, PtrANR1 could increase IAA content and promote root growth by binding to GArG-box in the promoter of PtrAUX1 to activate its transcript. These findings indicated that PtrANR1 had a beneficial impact on plant drought resistance through promoting root development, increasing proline accumulation and scavenging of ROS.

Rational understanding of chiral fungicide penthiopyrad stereoselectivity: Bioactivity, aquatic toxicity and cytotoxicity

Penthiopyrad is a novel chiral succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicide with two enantiomers. However, enantioselective information on the biological activity, nontarget organisms and human health risk of penthiopyrad is not comprehensive, which may cause inaccurate risk assessment. In this study, the enantioselective bioactivity to three kinds of phytopathogens (Rhizoctonia solani, Botrytis cinerea and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) was first disclosed, and the antifungal activity of S-(+)-penthiopyrad was higher than that of R-(-)-penthiopyrad by 12-37 times. Moreover, its enantioselective toxicity to Raphidocelis subcapitata and Daphnia magna was also clarified, and the order of toxicity was S-(+)-penthiopyrad > rac-penthiopyrad >R-(-)-penthiopyrad, with 1.8- and 5.3-fold differences between the two enantiomers. Furthermore, the enantioselectivity of penthiopyrad on HepG2 cytotoxicity was studied. The data showed that the cytotoxicity of S-(+)-penthiopyrad was 1.8 times higher than that of R-(-)-penthiopyrad, and S-(+)-penthiopyrad had a stronger impact on cell proliferation, oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. In summary, due to the enantioselectivity of the activity and toxicity of the chiral pesticide, the efficacy and risk evaluation of penthiopyrad should be considered at the enantiomer level.

Ulva prolifera Stress in the Yellow Sea of China: Suppressed Antioxidant Capacity and Induced Inflammatory Response of the Japanese Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

As the largest green macroalgal bloom in the Yellow Sea of China, the overgrowth and degradation of Ulva prolifera (U. prolifera) have a harmful effect on marine organisms and the aquaculture industry. However, the regulation mechanism of U. prolifera stress on the antioxidant capacity and inflammatory response of marine fish is still not completely understood. A 15-day exposure experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of U. prolifera stress on the antioxidant capacity and inflammatory response of the Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) (283.11 ± 6.45 g). The results showed that U. prolifera stress significantly decreased their survival rate. Serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and non-specific immune-related enzyme activities were significantly impacted under U. prolifera conditions. Moreover, U. prolifera stress significantly decreased T-AOC, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and catalase (CAT) activities in the liver, while malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were significantly increased. Similarly, antioxidant-related gene (cat, nrf2, and keap1) expressions were synchronously downregulated in the liver under U. prolifera stress. Furthermore, U. prolifera stress significantly upregulated pro-inflammatory gene (tnf-α, il-1β, ifn-γ, and p65) expressions and the phosphorylation levels of the p38 and JNK MAPK pathways in the head kidney. In addition, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related gene and protein expressions were also upregulated in the head kidney. Overall, these results revealed that U. prolifera stress suppressed the antioxidant capacity and induced an inflammatory response in the Japanese flounder. This study could advance the understanding of the adverse effects of U. prolifera stress on marine benthic fish and promote the sustainable development of aquaculture.

Avanafil mediated dual inhibition of IKKβ and TNFR1 in an experimental paradigm of Alzheimer's disease: in silico and in vivo approach

In Alzheimer's disease pathology, inhibitors of nuclear factor kappa-β kinase subunit β (IKKB) and Tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) signaling are linked to neuroinflammation-mediated cognitive decline. We explored the role of a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDE5I) with dual antagonistic action on IKKB and TNFR1 to inhibit nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) and curb neuroinflammation. In the in silico approach, the FDA-approved Zinc 15 library was docked with IKKB and TNFR1. The top compound with dual antagonistic action on IKKB and TNFR1 was selected based on bonding and non-bonding interactions. Further, induced fit docking (IFD), molecular mechanics-generalized Born and surface area (MMGBSA), and molecular dynamic studies were carried out and evaluated. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration caused a neuroinflammation-mediated cognitive decline in mice. Two doses of avanafil were administered for 28 days while LPS was administered for 10 days. Morris water maze (MWM) along with the passive avoidance test (PAT) were carried out. Concurrently brain levels of inflammatory markers, oxidative parameters, amyloid beta (Aβ), IKKB and NF-kB levels were estimated. Avanafil produced good IKKB and TNFR1 binding ability. It interacted with crucial inhibitory amino acids of IKKB and TNFR1. MD analysis predicted good stability of avanafil with TNFR1 and IKKB. Avanafil 6 mg/kg could significantly improve performance in MWM, PAT and oxidative parameters and reduce Aβ levels and inflammatory markers. As compared to avanafil 3 mg/kg, 6 mg/kg dose was found to exert better efficacy against elevated Aβ , neuroinflammatory cytokines and oxidative markers while improving behavioural parameters.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

New insights into redox-related risk factors and therapeutic targets in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common cancer in the oral cavity accounting for 90 % of oral cancer with a global incidence of 350.000 new cases per year. Curative resection along with adjuvant radiation therapy or a combination of radiotherapy with chemotherapy remain as gold standard in treating OSCC. Still, local recurrence, lymph nodal recurrence, and complications of radiation remain the main cause of tumor-related mortality. Reactive oxygen species are not only correlated to the etiology of OSCC due to oxidative DNA damage, lipid peroxidation or effecting signal transduction cascades that effect cell proliferation and tumorigenesis, but are also of great interest in the therapy of OSCC patients. As induced oxidative stress can be used therapeutically for the induction of tumor cell death, redox targets might be a therapeutic addition to the conventional treatment options. In this review, we discuss markers of impaired redox homeostasis as well as potential redox-related treatment targets in OSCC.

Nano-curcumin effects on nicotine dependence, depression, anxiety and metabolic parameters in smokers: A randomized double-blind clinical study

Background

Smoking is clearly associated with metabolic profiles/abnormalities, psychological dysfunction, and symptoms of nicotine dependence. Nano-Curcumin (Nano-CUR) is a medicinal herb with antianxiety, antioxidant antidepressant-like effects, and anti-inflammatory properties. This RCT aimed to determine the therapeutic effects of Nano-CUR in smokers on clinical symptoms and metabolic parameters.

Methods

This trial was conducted on 70 participants with cigarette smoking. Smokers in two arms received soft gel capsules Nano-CUR 80 mg/daily for 3 months (n = 35) and placebo (n = 35), respectively. Primary outcomes (Nicotine dependence syndrome scale, depression, and anxiety beck score), and secondary outcomes (glycemic, lipid, stress oxidative, and inflammation profiles) were analyzed before and 3-months after the intervention in smokers.

Results

Nano-CUR supplementation significantly decreased nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, and C-reactive protein levels (P < 0.05), compared to the control. Furthermore, no significant effect change was shown in nicotine dependence syndrome, depression, anxiety, and other metabolic parameters (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Nano-CUR intake may have favorable effects on C-reactive protein, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide in subjects with cigarette smoking. More RCT are required to evaluate the effectiveness of Nano-CUR supplementations in smokers in order to reject or support these conclude.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum T1 cell-free supernatants through suppression of oxidative stress and NF-κB- and MAPK-signaling pathways

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum T1 is an isolated probiotic lactic acid bacterium (LAB) from pickled vegetables in Chongqing, China. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity and the underlying mechanisms of L. plantarum T1 cell-free supernatant (CFS) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine RAW264.7 macrophages in vitro. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), immunofluorescence, Griess methods, and western blotting were utilized to assess the anti-inflammatory cytokines and antioxidative effect of L. plantarum T1 CFS. Our results showed that L. plantarum T1 CFS pretreatment significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, including nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6, as well as reactive oxygen species. Interestingly, L. plantarum T1 CFS unregulated the antioxidant indicators, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione in RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, L. plantarum T1 CFS activated the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. This study showed the excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of L. plantarum T1 through multiple pathways, highlighting its potential for further research and application as a probiotic strain.IMPORTANCEL. plantarum T1 stood out in a series of acid and bile salt tolerance and bacterial inhibition tests as a probiotic isolated from paocai, which provides many health benefits to the host by inhibiting the growth of harmful pathogenic microorganisms and suppressing excessive levels of oxidative stress and inflammation. Not all LAB have good probiotic functions and are used in various applications. The anti-inflammatory antioxidant potential and mechanisms of L. plantarum T1 CFS have not been described and reported. By using RT-qPCR, Griess method, and western blotting, we showed that L. plantarum T1 CFS had anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Griess assay, TBA assay, WST-8 assay, immunofluorescence assay, RT-qPCR, and western blotting data revealed that its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms were associated with oxidative stress and NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of L. plantarum T1 CFS in paocai generates opportunities for probiotic product development.

The effect of probiotic supplementation on the clinical and para-clinical findings of multiple sclerosis: a randomized clinical trial

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelination disease of the central nervous system (CNS). The gut-brain axis involves communication between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. Probiotics can positively impact immune and inflammatory responses by regulating gut microbiota. A total of 40 MS patients (average age of 34.38 ± 6.65) were examined to determine the effect of the Saccharomyces boulardii supplement for four months compared to a placebo. The results showed that the Saccharomyces boulardii significantly decreased the inflammatory marker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) compared to the placebo (P < 0.001). The serum antioxidant capacity (TAC) also increased significantly in the probiotic group compared to the placebo (p = 0.004). Both the probiotic and placebo groups showed a reduction in the oxidative stress indicator malondialdehyde (MDA), but there was no significant difference between the two groups. Pain intensity (measured by Visual Analogue Scale) and fatigue severity (measured by Fatigue Severity Scale) significantly decreased in the probiotic group compared to the placebo (p = 0.004 and p = 0.01, respectively). The probiotic group experienced significant improvement in some quality of life scales (measured by 36-Item Short Form Survey) and somatic and social dysfunction subscale of General Health Questionnaire scores compared to the placebo group (p = 0.01). The study suggests that the Saccharomyces boulardii probiotic supplement may benefit inflammatory markers, oxidative stress indicators, pain, fatigue, and quality of life in MS patients.

Blackcurrant Anthocyanins Improve Blood Lipids and Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Healthy Women in Menopause Transition without Changing Body Composition

Recent cell and animal studies suggest the potential of blackcurrants (BCs; Ribes nigrum) as a dietary agent that may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by improving dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation. This study aimed to examine the effects of BC anthocyanin (ACN) extract supplementation on biomarkers of CVD risk in healthy adult women in menopause transition. The effects of BC ACN supplementation on body composition, fasting blood lipids and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress were evaluated using anthropometric measures and blood samples collected from a pilot randomized controlled clinical trial in peri- and early postmenopausal women. Thirty-eight eligible peri- and early postmenopausal women aged 45-60 completed the entire trial, in which they were randomly assigned into one of three treatment groups: placebo (control group), 392 mg/day (low BC group), or 784 mg/day (high BC group) for six months. The significance of differences in outcomes was tested using repeated-measures ANOVA. Overall, following six-month BC consumption, significantly decreased triglyceride (TG) levels were observed between treatment groups (p < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. Plasma interleukin-1β (IL-1β) was significantly reduced in a dose and time dependent manner (p < 0.05). Significant decreases in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels were also observed between treatment groups (p < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. Six-month change in oxidized LDL was inversely correlated with changes in catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (p < 0.05), while C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) change was positively correlated with changes in TG and IL-1β (p < 0.01). Together, these findings suggest that daily BC consumption for six months effectively improved dyslipidemia, inflammation, and lipid peroxidation, thus potentially mitigating the risk of postmenopausal CVD development in study participants. Future studies with larger sample sizes and at-risk populations are warranted to confirm these findings.