Changes of free radicals and digestive enzymes in saliva in cases with deficiency in spleen-yin syndrome

Assessing the Effect of Cold Plasma on the Softening of Postharvest Blueberries through Reactive Oxygen Species Metabolism Using Transcriptomic Analysis

The postharvest softening and corresponding quality deterioration of blueberry fruits are crucial factors that hinder long-distance sales and long-term storage. Cold plasma (CP) is an effective technology to solve this, but the specific mechanism of delaying fruit softening remains to be revealed. Here, this study found that CP significantly improved blueberry hardness. Physiological analysis showed that CP regulated the dynamic balance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to maintain hardness by increasing antioxidant content and antioxidant enzyme activity, resulting in a 12.1% decrease in the H2O2 content. Transcriptome analysis revealed that CP inhibited the expression of cell wall degradation-related genes such as the pectin hydrolase gene and cellulase gene, but up-regulated the genes of the ROS-scavenging system. In addition, the resistance genes in the MAPK signaling pathway were also activated by CP in response to fruit ripening and softening and exhibited positive response characteristics. These results indicate that CP can effectively regulate the physiological characteristics of blueberries at a genetic level and delay the softening process, which is of great significance to the storage of blueberries.

Reactive oxygen species-mediated oxidative stress accelerates glycolysis via activation of the CaMKKβ/AMPK pathway in the yak longissimus dorsi postmortem

BACKGROUND

Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is instrumental in the initiation of early postmortem glycolysis and the advent of pale, soft, and exudative (PSE) meat when cellular energy is altered. However, conflicting studies show that AMPK activation without corresponding energy level changes in PSE meat challenges this long-held notion. Here, we examined the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative stress on AMPK activation in the context of glycolysis, protein solubility, and water-holding capacity (WHC) in the postmortem yak longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle. Further, we explored the mechanisms underlying these effects.

RESULTS

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂ ) significantly augmented the degree of oxidative stress, increasing the production of ROS and malondialdehyde excessive production and reducing the activity of the anti-oxidants superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. In turn, oxidative stress dramatically promoted AMPK activation and glycolysis by increasing glycogen depletion and promoting hexokinase and phosphofructokinase activity. Subsequently, lactic acid accumulation increased, leading to a rapid decline in pH, which aggravated protein solubility degree and centrifugal loss in the early postmortem yak LD muscle. Importantly, these changes caused by oxidative stress were eliminated by the AMPK inhibitor. Mechanistically, oxidative stress elevated calcium ion (Ca²⁺ ) levels, which mobilized calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase β (CaMKKβ) and AMPK. Rescue experiments confirmed that the increases were attenuated using Ca²⁺ and CaMKKβ chelators, respectively.

CONCLUSION

These results indicated that oxidative stress caused by ROS hastened early-stage postmortem glycolysis and reduced the WHC of yak meat. These effects were likely mediated by the alternative and energy-independent CaMKKβ/AMPK signaling pathway. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Catalase and interleukin-6 serum elevation in a prediction of treatment-resistance in male schizophrenia patients

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress (OS) and neuroinflammatory pathways play an important role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The present study investigated the relationship between OS, inflammatory cytokines, and clinical features in male patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS).

METHOD

We measured plasma OS parameters, including manganese-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), copper/zinc-containing SOD (CuZn-SOD), total-SOD (T-SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px); and serum inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)- 1α, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interferon (IFN)-γ, from 80 male patients with chronic schizophrenia (31 had TRS and 49 had chronic stable schizophrenia (CSS)), and 42 healthy controls. The severity of psychotic symptoms was evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).

RESULTS

Compared with healthy controls, plasma Mn-SOD, CuZn-SOD, T-SOD, GSH-Px, and MDA levels were significantly lower, while CAT and serum IL-6 levels were higher in both TRS and CSS male patients (all P < 0.05). Significant differences in the activities of CAT (F = 6.068, P = 0.016) and IL-6 levels (F = 6.876, P = 0.011) were observed between TRS and CSS male patients after analysis of covariance. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was found between IL-6 levels and PANSS general psychopathology subscores (r = 0.485, P = 0.006) and between CAT activity and PANSS total scores (r = 0.409, P = 0.022) in TRS male patients. CAT and IL-6 levels were predictors for TRS. Additionally, in chronic schizophrenia patients, a significant positive correlation was observed between IL-6 and GSH-Px (r = 0.292, P = 0.012), and the interaction effect of IL-6 and GSH-Px was positively associated with PANSS general psychopathology scores (r = 0.287, P = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

This preliminary study indicated that variations in OS and inflammatory cytokines may be involved in psychopathology for patients with chronic schizophrenia, especially in male patients with TRS.

Effects of Blending on Phenolic, Colour, Antioxidant and Aroma Components of Cabernet Sauvignon Wine from Xinjiang (China)

High-quality wines in industrial winemaking frequently require a professional winemaker to make adjustments according to the wine of single-batch fermentation. Blending can improve the chemical composition and certain organoleptic properties of wine, promote copigmentation, and increase the complexity of the wine body and aroma. In this study, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and headspace solid-phase microextraction with gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS/MS) were used to study the effects of adding 20% of Merlot, Marselan, Syrah and Pinot Noir and different blending methods on the nutritional, taste, color and aroma components of Cabernet Sauvignon wine. The results showed that the highest total phenols and flavonoids, the greatest content of antioxidant characteristics, the optimal color according to the parameter of T, red% and blue% and the most abundant aroma were observed both in CGM (grape blending Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) and CGS (grape blending Cabernet Sauvignon and Marselan), thus indicating the higher quality and complexity of these wines. In addition, the co-grapes treatment afforded more color and hue value than co-wines, which indicates co-grapes had more stable and more varied colors than co-wines. Our findings provide theoretical support for improving wine quality and craftsmanship.

Effects of Exogenous Melatonin on Root Physiology, Transcriptome and Metabolome of Cotton Seedlings under Salt Stress

Root systems are the key organs through which plants absorb water and nutrients and perceive the soil environment and thus are easily damaged by salt stress. Melatonin can alleviate stress-induced damage to roots. The present study investigated the effects of exogenous melatonin on the root physiology, transcriptome and metabolome of cotton seedlings under salt stress. Salt stress was observed to damage the cell structure and disorder the physiological system of cotton seedling roots. After subjecting melatonin-soaked seeds to salt stress, the activities of SOD, CAT and POD in cotton seedling roots increased by 10–25%, 50–60% and 50–60%, respectively. The accumulation of H₂O₂ and MDA were significantly decreased by 30–60% and 30–50%, respectively. The contents of soluble sugar, soluble protein and K⁺ increased by 15–30%, 15–30% and 20–50%, respectively, while the Na⁺ content was significantly reduced. Melatonin also increased auxin (by 20–40%), brassinosteroids (by 5–40%) and gibberellin (by 5–35%) and promoted melatonin content and root activity. Exogenous melatonin maintained the integrity of root cells and increased the number of organelles. Transcriptomic and metabolomic results showed that exogenous melatonin could mitigate the salt-stress-induced inhibition of plant root development by regulating the reactive oxygen species scavenging system; ABC transporter synthesis; plant hormone signal transduction, endogenous melatonin gene expression; and the expression of the transcription factors MYB, TGA and WRKY33. These results provide a new direction and empirical basis for improving crop salt tolerance with melatonin.

Characteristics of antioxidant substances and identification of antioxidant peptides in duck embryo eggs

1. Oxidative stress in duck embryos undergoes dynamic change during incubation. However, the detailed change characteristics has not been studied yet. Here, we explored the dynamic change characteristics of different antioxidant substances in duck embryo eggs during incubation.2. The following trial assayed antioxidant substances, including vitamins E (VE) and C (VC), glutathione (GSH), reduced glutathione (reduced GSH), oxidative glutathione (GSSG), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), and malonic dialdehyde (MDA). Five antioxidant peptides (DY1, DY2, DY3, DY4 and DY5) were screened and their protective effect on HepG2 cells and their mechanism of action determined.3. The results showed that antioxidant substances underwent a dynamic change during incubation through various mechanisms. Moreover, the T-AOC of duck embryos at different incubation times, firstly increased and then decreased, reaching the highest level on d 15 during incubation. The peptide DY2 (TVDGPSGKLWRD) exhibited high antioxidant activity in vitro, and is known to regulate the apoptosis pathway in mitochondria.4. The data indicated that duck embryos can be used for the development of related antioxidant products and purification of new bioactive peptides.

Hsian-Tsao (Mesona chinensis Benth.) Extract Improves the Thermal Tolerance of Drosophila melanogaster

Global warming has prompted scientific communities to consider how to alleviate thermal stress in humans and animals. The present study assessed the supplementation of hsian-tsao extract (HTE) on thermal stress in Drosophila melanogaster and preliminarily explicated its possible physiological and molecular mechanisms. Our results indicated that the lethal time for 50% of female flies fed on HTE was significantly longer than that of male flies at the same heat stress temperature. Under thermal stress, the survival time of females was remarkably increased in the HTE addition groups compared to the non-addition group. Thermal hardening by acute exposure to 36°C for 30 min (9:00 to 9:30 a.m.) every day could significantly prolong the longevity of females. Without thermal hardening, HTE increased the antioxidant capacity of females under heat stress, accompanied by an increment of catalase (CAT) activity, and the inhibition for hydroxyl radicals (OH⋅) and superoxide anions (⋅O2 -). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the inhibition for ⋅O2 - was significantly affected by thermal hardening in the non-HTE addition groups, and significant differences were shown in CAT and SOD activities, and the inhibition for ⋅O2 - among groups with thermal hardening. After heat exposure, heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) was only up-regulated in the group with high levels of added HTE compared with the group without and this was similar in the thermal hardening group. It was concluded that the heat stress-relieving ability of HTE might be partly due to the enhancement of enzymatic activities of SOD and CAT, and the inhibition for OH⋅ and ⋅O2 -. However, the expression levels of Hsp70 were not well related to thermal tolerance or heat survival.

Comparison of phenolic composition, vitamin C, antioxidant activity, and aromatic components in apricots from Xinjiang

As a famous table fruit in Xinjiang, apricot has gained an increasing number of consumers because of its rich nutritional value and seductive flavor. The aim of this study was to assess the sensory qualities, the nutritional value, antioxidant properties, and flavor of Xinjiang apricots, which were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and headspace-solid phase micro-extraction with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS). The results revealed that while there were similarities in the components contributing to nutrition and flavor, the Xinjiang apricots had distinct features. The "Luopuhongdaike" cultivar was superior in taste based on the comprehensive evaluation of the sugar, and acid contents and the sugar-acid ratio. The "Suogejianali" and "Luopuhongdaike" cultivars were the best in terms of nutrients and antioxidant activity. All Xinjiang apricots possessed similar volatile compounds, including linalool, nonanal, decanal, (E)-2-nonenal, and octanal, which provided fatty, green, lemon, floral, and orange aromatic notes. In conclusion, Xinjiang apricots have high nutritional and aromatic value. These results will provide a complete chemical characterization of the taste, nutritional ingredients, and aroma of Xinjiang apricots, and help breeders better develop polyphenol-rich varieties with superior antioxidant activity. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study investigated the sensory characteristics, nutritional value, antioxidant activity, and flavor of fresh apricots in Xinjiang. The research results will provide a theoretical basis for the development of the sensory characteristics, aroma, nutritional value, and medicinal value of fresh apricots in Xinjiang.

Effect of Yellow Wine Lees Supplementation on Milk Antioxidant Capacity and Hematological Parameters in Lactating Cows under Heat Stress

Simple Summary

The yellow wine lees (YWL), a byproduct of the yellow wine brewing industry which contain high levels of crude protein and anti-oxidative substrates can be a suitable ingredient in dairy rations. Total mixed rations (TMR) containing unfermented/fermented YWL were greater in total phenolic and flavonoid concentrations. Feeding lactating cows under heat stress with TMR containing unfermented or fermented YWL mix can reduce their inflammation response and oxidative stress, as well as improve fatty acid quality and oxidative stability of their milk.

Abstract

Fifteen multiparous lactating Chinese Holstein dairy cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin Square Design to evaluate the effect of total mixed rations (TMR) containing unfermented and fermented yellow wine lees (YWL) on the oxidative status of heat-stressed lactating cows and the oxidative stability of the milk and milk fatty acids they produced. Cows were fed with three isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets as follows: (1) TMR containing 18% soybean meal, (2) TMR containing 11% unfermented YWL (UM), and (3) TMR containing 11% fermented YWL (FM). The rectal temperature (at 1300 h) and respiratory rate were higher in control cows than in cows fed UM or FM. Both types of YWL were greater in total phenolic and flavonoid contents, reducing power, and radical scavenging abilities than soybean meal. Cows fed UM or FM had higher blood neutrophil, white blood cell, and lymphocyte counts, as well as lower plasma malondialdehyde level, higher plasma superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate levels, and higher total antioxidant capacity in the plasma than those fed control diet. The proportion of milk unsaturated fatty acids was higher and that of saturated fatty acids was lower in UM- and FM-fed animals than in the control animals. Milk from UM- and FM-fed cows had lower malondialdehyde content but higher 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate content than the control cows. In conclusion, feeding TMR containing UM and FM to cows reduced both the oxidative stress in heat-stressed cows and improved the oxidative capacity of their milk.

Bioaccumulation, Metabolism, and Biomarker Responses in Hyriopsis cumingii Exposed to 4-Mono-Chlorinated Dibenzothiophene

Polychlorinated dibenzothiophenes (PCDTs) are sulfur analogues of polychlorinated dibenzofurans with prevalent occurrence in aquatic environments and potential ecological risks. However, data on the behavior and toxicity of PCDTs in aquatic organisms remain scarce. In the present study, the bioaccumulation, metabolism, and oxidative damage of 4-mono-chlorinated dibenzothiophene (4-mono-CDT) in freshwater mussel (Hyriopsis cumingii) were investigated after exposure to 4-mono-CDT in semistatic water. The uptake rates, depuration rates, half-lives, and bioconcentration factors of 4-mono-CDT in hepatopancreas, gill, and muscle tissues ranged from 0.492 to 1.652 L d^-1  g^-1 dry weight, from 0.117 to 0.308 d^-1 , from 2.250 to 5.924 d, and from 2.903 to 8.045 × 10³  L kg^-1 dry weight, respectively. A dechlorinated metabolite (dibenzothiophene) was detected in hepatopancreas tissue, indicating that dechlorination was the main metabolic pathway of 4-mono-CDT. As the exposure time increased, the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were induced or inhibited in the different experimental groups. The malondialdehyde content increased with increasing 4-mono-CDT dose and exposure time. A higher concentration of 4-mono-CDT corresponded to a greater integrated biomarker response in each tissue and greater oxidative damage. The antioxidant enzymes in hepatopancreas were more sensitive to 4-mono-CDT than those in gill. The results provide useful information on the behavior and ecotoxicity of PCDTs in freshwater mussels. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1873-1882. © 2021 SETAC.

Esculetin protects human corneal epithelial cells from oxidative stress through Nrf-2 signaling pathway

Dry eye formation often originates from oxidative damage to the ocular surface, which can be caused by external environment or internal pathologic factors. Esculetin (6, 7-dihydroxycoumarin) is a natural product found in many plants, and has been reported to have multiple pharmacological activities. The objective of our present study is to investigate if esculetin could protect the corneal epithelial cells from oxidative damages and its underlying antioxidant molecular mechanisms. Our experimental results demonstrated that pretreatment with esculetin markedly increased the cell viability while decreased the apoptosis in H₂O₂-treated human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells, by regulating Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3 protein expressions and by altering the imbalance of activities of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Our data revealed that esculetin played an antioxidant role not only through its antioxidant activity, but also by highly inducing Nrf-2 translocation to the nucleus, which in turn, enhanced Nrf2 signaling regulated antioxidant genes (HO-1, NQO1, GCLM, SOD1 and SOD2) mRNA expression levels in H₂O₂-treated HCE cells. In the present study, the protective effects of esculetin on the corneal epithelium were also confirmed by a murine desiccating stress induced dry eye model in vivo. These data illustrated, for the first time, that esculetin may have the ability to protect human corneal epithelial cells from oxidative damages through its scavenging of free radical properties and through the activation of Nrf2 signaling.

Investigation of sugars, organic acids, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and the aroma fingerprint of small white apricots grown in Xinjiang

Small white apricot is well known as a famous fresh fruit and even a folk medicine in Xinjiang. To investigate nutritive value, antioxidant activity, and flavor of small white apricot, sugars, organic acids, total flavonoids, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activities, and volatile compounds in five apricot cultivars were examined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). The results showed that sucrose (32.94% to 42.49%), malic acid (69.21% to 76.75%), and quercetin-3-rutinoside (72.84% to 74.05%) were the dominant sugar, organic acid, and phenolic compounds in small white apricot, respectively. The antioxidant activity reached up to 61.72 to 135.52 mg TEs 100 g^-1 . Furthermore, the aroma fingerprint of the small white apricot consisted of 1-octen-3-ol, 1-dodecanol, pentanal, hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal, (E)-2-heptenal, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, (E)-2-nonenal, 1-octen-3-one, β-myrcene, and linalool, providing clear green, grassy, and fatty notes. Apricots from different cultivars possessed a similar flavor, while linalool and (E)-2-hexenal had been identified as the characteristic aroma compounds in small white apricot. The results provide a complete chemical characterization of the taste, functional ingredients and aroma of the small white apricot. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The nutritive value, antioxidant activity and flavor of small white apricot were investigated in this study. The results will provide a theoretical basis for developing characteristic variety aroma, nutritive value, and medicinal value of small white apricot.

Acute-phase serum superoxide dismutase level as a predictive biomarker for stroke-associated infection

Background and Purpose: Oxidative stress is involved in the development of infections. However, whether oxidative stress indicators can be used as markers of stroke-associated infection (SAI) is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to test the predictive values of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels for SAI incidence.Methods: A total of 45 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke who were admitted to our hospital were enrolled. A prospective study was carried out to observe the occurrence of SAI during the first 7 days after stroke. Accordingly, the patients were divided into SAI and non-SAI groups. The relationship between SOD and MDA serum levels and SAI was analyzed.Results: The patients in the SAI group had significantly higher serum SOD levels than those in the non-SAI group (41.638 ± 3.428 U/ml vs. 36.542 ± 9.114 U/ml, p = 0.033). However, there were no significant differences in MDA levels between the SAI and non-SAI group (p > 0.05). The discriminating ability of serum SOD level for SAI was measured using an ROC curve. Serum level of SOD >38.16 U/ml was useful in diagnosing SAI with a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 61%. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the group with serum SOD level >38.16 U/ml had higher rates of SAI incidence (χ2 = 9.688, p = 0.002; log rank test). Furthermore, Cox regression analysis indicated that a serum SOD level >38.16 U/ml was an independent risk factor for SAI (hazard ratio = 5.836; 95% CI, 1.298-26.244; p = 0.021).Conclusions: Acute-phase serum SOD level could be a predictor of SAI.

Development of sustained-release pellets to modulate the in vivo processes of the main active components of Danshen: A pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation

BACKGROUND

Danshen is a first-line traditional Chinese medicine derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge consisting mainly of tanshinone IIA, tanshinol, protocatechuic aldehyde, and salvianolic acid B, it is widely used to treat cardiovascular diseases based on the synergistic effect of its multiple active components. Recent studies have indicated that the overall effect of traditional Chinese medicine is closely related to the in vivo coexistence of a variety of active components.

HYPOTHESIS

The prolongation of the coexistence of the four active components in Danshen in vivo by regulating their pharmacokinetic processes may contribute to better efficiency.

METHODS/STUDY DESIGNS

Individual sustained-release pellets of the four main active components in Danshen were respectively prepared according to the optimised formulations developed in our previous studies to modulate their in vivo processes, in which the desired release profiles of each kind of sustained-release pellets for formulation optimisation were calculated based on the point-area deconvolution and circadian rhythm of variant angina. The four kinds of sustained-release pellets were filled into capsules on the basis of the original weight ratio of the four active components in purified Salvia miltiorrhiza extract for further in vitro release and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic investigations.

RESULTS

The release behaviours of the combined Danshen capsules composed of the four kinds of sustained-release pellets were evaluated in three media with different pH levels (pH 1.2, 6.8, and pure water). The release profiles of each kind of sustained-release pellets in pH 6.8 PBS and pH 1.2 HCl were similar to the release profile of those in pure water (similarity factors f₂ > 50). Pharmacokinetic studies revealed that the four kinds of sustained-release pellets in the combined Danshen capsules possessed the same T_max and similar and extended MRT. Moreover, pharmacodynamic studies indicated that the combined Danshen capsules had much better anti-angina effects than commercial Danshen capsules according to comprehensive evaluations via electrocardiogram, serum index (CK-MB, cTn-I, ET, and NO), myocardial oxidative damage, and myocardial pathologic biopsy.

CONCLUSION

Sustained-release preparations can markedly prolong the in vivo coexistence of multiple components in Danshen to enhance their overall effects, which provides a potent strategy for developing the combination therapy of traditional Chinese medicine.

Impact of near freezing temperature storage on postharvest quality and antioxidant capacity of two apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) cultivars

To reduce the postharvest loss and improve apricot quality attributes, near freezing temperature (NFT) technology was applied to store apricot cultivars (var. "Xiaobai" and "Daliguang"). The NFT storage temperatures for the "Xiaobai" apricot and "Daliguang" apricot were determined as -1.9 to -2.3°C and -1.2 to -1.6°C, respectively. Storage at NFT significantly improved the storage quality of apricots by suppressing respiration rate, ethylene production, decay rate, internal browning index, membrane permeability, and malondialdehyde content. Apricots stored at NFT maintained higher firmness, total soluble solids, titrable acid, total phenolics, total flavonoids, and ascorbic acid content than those stored at 0-1°C. Additionally, NFT storage enhanced the capacity of radical scavenging and metal chelating, antioxidant properties in apricots compared to those stored at 0-1°C. Hence, NFT storage proved to be an effective method to improve the quality and antioxidant attributes of apricots. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study explored the effect of storage at near freezing temperature (NFT) on the postharvest quality of two cultivars of apricot (var. "Xiaobai" and "Daliguang"). We found that storage for 70 days at NFT resulted in better edible quality compared to storage at 0-1°C and 4-6°C. Apricot quality was determined in terms of respiration rate, ethylene production, decay rate, internal browning index, membrane permeability, malondialdehyde content, firmness, total soluble solids, titrable acid, total phenolics, total flavonoids, and ascorbic acid content. The antioxidant properties of the fruits were also retained during storage at NFT. We believe that our study makes a significant contribution to the preservative industry because it demonstrates the superiority of NFT storage over low temperature for apricots.

Dehydrofreezing of peach: Blanching, D-sodium erythorbate vacuum infiltration, vacuum dehydration, and nitrogen packaging affect the thawed quality of peach

Peach slices were blanched (BL), vacuum infiltrated with D-sodium erythorbate (SE), predehydrated, and then nitrogen packaged (NP) before freezing to improve their quality. Our results showed that the BL, SE, and NP pretreatments remarkably improved the quality of frozen peaches. Frozen peaches pretreated by SE+NP+BL showed the highest total phenolic content (TPC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging capacity after thawing at 20°C for 24 hr. The soluble solids content and firmness of low-maturity peaches dehydrated to 25% dehydration of their weight were 11.1% and 211.2% higher than those of the control samples, respectively, while their drip loss was 71.9% lower than that of the controls. In conclusion, pretreatment by BL, predehydration, SE, and NP before freezing can significantly improve the quality of frozen peaches after thawing. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: We believe that our study results have practical applications because the method of vacuum dehydration combined with blanching, nitrogen packaging, and D-sodium erythorbate treatment of peaches maintains their original taste, inhibits color change, and decreases drip loss. This method is suitable for fruit frozen and stored at a commercial freezing temperature of -20°C and does not need advanced equipment or technology. It can be easily carried out during the fruit freezing process and can be applied to other frozen stored fruits besides peaches.

Halofuginone protects HUVECs from H2O2-induced injury by modulating VEGF/JNK signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Halofuginone, which is the main active ingredient of Dichroa fabrifuga, was used to inhibit the synthesis of type I collagen and played increasingly important roles in tumor therapy. This study aims to investigate the protective effects of halofuginone on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) from H2O2-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress.

METHODS

Propidium iodide and Annexin-V double staining assay was used to measure the apoptosis. Cell viability assay, the measurements of reactive oxygen species (ROS) parameters malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase, western-blot assays, and quantitative PCR were used to elucidate the effects and mechanisms of halofuginone in protecting H2O2-induced injury.

RESULTS

The results showed that halofuginone counteracted H2O2-induced cell viability decline and PCNA downregulation. Furthermore, halofuginone decreased ROS levels and protected HUVECs from H2O2-induced apoptosis. In detail, it showed that H2O2 induced a transient activation of Mitogen-activated protein kinases members ERK1/2 and p38, whereas induced a sustained activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), which play dominant roles in triggering apoptosis. Inhibition of JNK activation also inhibited H2O2-mediated apoptosis. Finally, it was shown that halofuginone upregulated VEGF expressions, which functioned by inhibiting sustained JNK activation, thus protecting HUVECs.

CONCLUSION

Halofuginone has powerful effects in protecting HUVECs from H2O2-induced apoptosis, via upregulating VEGF and inhibiting overactivated JNK phosphorylation. Halofuginone might be a promising preventive drug for cardiovascular diseases.

Effect of dietary L-tryptophan on the survival, immune response and gut microbiota of the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis

This study investigated the influence of L-tryptophan (L-trp) on the survival, immune response and gut microbiota of the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis (with an average weight of 16.58 ± 2.20 g). After 30 days of feeding with diets supplemented with L-trp at 0.36%, 0.47%, 0.73% and 1.05% (groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively), the survival rate and bacterial challenge (Aeromonas hydrophila) were evaluated, the activities of antioxidant and phosphatase enzymes in the serum were assessed, and the gut microbiota were measured via high-throughput Illumina sequencing. The results showed that the supplementation of L-trp significantly improved the survival rate of crabs (P < 0.05). After feeding for 7 days, it was observed that a high L-trp diet significantly increase the survival rate relative to a basal diet after a 96-h post-challenge with A. hydrophila (P < 0.05). The activity of CAT and AKP in the serum were increased by the addition of L-trp. The activity of CAT and AKP in the serum in group 4 were higher than those in group 1 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, we observed that adjunction of the L-trp can significantly increase the richness and diversity of the gut microbiota. The dominant phylum in the intestine of the Chinese mitten crab were Tenericutes, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Chloroflexi and Actinobacteria. The L-trp in the diets increased the richness of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria in the intestine significantly. These bacteria were all dominant bacteria and had a specific role in promoting the immunity of E. sinensis. Therefore, it could be inferred that L-trp supplementation is beneficial in the diet of E. sinensis. Based in these results, the dietary 0.47% or 0.73%L-trp supplemented is found to be optimum to improve E. sinensis survival.

Poly-γ-glutamic acid, a bio-chelator, alleviates the toxicity of Cd and Pb in the soil and promotes the establishment of healthy Cucumis sativus L. seedling

Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) can be used as a chemical stabilizer to chelate heavy metals in polluted soils. We investigated the effects of γ-PGA on cucumber seedlings under Cd and Pb stresses. γ-PGA effectively reduced the growth inhibitory effects of Cd and Pb on cucumber seedlings. Cd and Pb absorption in cucumber seedlings was also decreased. Further, γ-PGA decreased the malondialdehyde content, and increased the proline content and the total antioxidant capacity of cucumber seedlings in a dose-dependent manner. Infrared spectral characterization of γ-PGA-Cd and γ-PGA-Pb showed that Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ bind to free carboxyl groups on γ-PGA. Furthermore, γ-PGA-Cd and γ-PGA-Pb were degraded by 22.02 and 24.68%, respectively, within 28 weeks. The chelating rate of γ-PGA-Pb and γ-PGA-Cd reached 27.26 and 14.28%, respectively. Further, γ-PGA alleviated the negative effects of Cd and Pb on soil microorganisms. Thus, γ-PGA can effectively reduce the accumulation of heavy metals in crops caused by heavy metal pollution of farmland, and has significant application value.

Effects of plant essential oil supplementation on growth performance, immune function and antioxidant activities in weaned pigs

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of plant essential oil supplementation on growth performance, immune function and antioxidant activities in weaned pigs.

METHODS

In the study, 24 weaned pigs were used to explore the effects of plant essential oil (PEO) on growth performance, immune properties and antioxidant activities. Pigs were fed with a basal diet (CON) or basal diet containing different concentrations of PEO (PEO50: 50 ppm; PEO100: 100 ppm; PEO200: 200 ppm). After 3 weeks, all pigs were slaughtered and blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical analysis.

RESULTS

The results showed that PEO supplementation quadratically increased body weight gain (BWG) (P = 0.031), linearly (P <  0.05) and quadratically (P <  0.05) decreased F:G. In addition, IgG increased linearly (P <  0.05) and IgM increased linearly (P <  0.05) and quadratically (P < 0.05) as PEO supplementation. Similarly, MDA in serum, jejunal mucosa and pancreas were linearly decreased (P < 0.05) and GSH in serum (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05), duodenal mucosa (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05) and in ileal mucosa (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05) were notably increased. Futhermore, antioxidant-related genes expression levels of GST in spleen (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05), GPX1 (quadratic, P < 0.05) and SOD1 (linear, P < 0.05) in spleen and GST in liver (quadratic, P < 0.05) were markedly upregulated by PEO supplementation increasing.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that PEO improves growth performance, immune function, and antioxidant activities in weaned pigs, and it may also relieve weaning stress if used as a feed additive in the livestock industry. And that supplementation 200 ppm PEO in diet would seem to be economically feasible.

A study of cryogenic tissue-engineered liver slices in calcium alginate gel for drug testing

To address issues such as transportation and the time-consuming nature of tissue-engineered liver for use as an effective drug metabolism and toxicity testing model, "ready-to-use" cryogenic tissue-engineered liver needs to be studied. The research developed a cryogenic tissue-engineered liver slice (TELS), which comprised of HepG2 cells and calcium alginate gel. Cell viability and liver-specific functions were examined after different cryopreservation and recovery culture times. Then, cryogenic TELSs were used as a drug-testing model and treated with Gefitinib. Cryogenic TELSs were stored at -80 °C to ensure high cell viability. During recovery in culture, the cells in the cryogenic TELS were evenly distributed, massively proliferated, and then formed spheroid-like aggregates from day 1 to day 13. The liver-specific functions in the cryogenic TELS were closely related to cryopreservation time and cell proliferation. As a reproducible drug-testing model, the cryogenic TELS showed an obvious drug reaction after treatment with the Gefitinib. The present study shows that the cryopreservation techniques can be used in drug-testing models.

Genistein attenuates di‑(2‑ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced testicular injuries via activation of Nrf2/HO‑1 following prepubertal exposure

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and genistein (GEN) are of the most common endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) present in the environment or the diet. However, investigation of the effects of acute exposure to these two EDCs during prepuberty has been lacking. In this study, DEHP and GEN were administrated to prepubertal male Sprague-Dawley rats by gavage from PND22 to PND35 with vehicle control, GEN 50 mg/kg body weight (bw)/day, DEHP50, 150 and 450 mg/kg bw/day, and combined treatment. Reproductive parameters including testis weight, anogenital distance and organ coefficient were evaluated on PND36. Enzyme activity involved in the regulation of testicular redox state as well as expression of genes and proteins related to anti-oxidative ability and apoptosis were also investigated. The results revealed that by PND36, DEHP treatment had significantly decreased the testis weight, organ coefficient, testicular anti-oxidative enzyme activities and caused tubular vacuolation; however, co-administration of GEN partially alleviated DEHP-induced testicular injuries and enhanced testicular anti-oxidative enzyme activities and upregulated the expression of NF-E2 related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1, which indicated that GEN partially attenuated DEHP-induced male reproductive system damage through anti-oxidative action following acute prepubertal exposure to DEHP. Thus, GEN may have use in attenuating the damaging effects of other EDCs that lead to reproductive disorders.

Weaker cognitive control abilities of Pi (Spleen) qi-deficient individuals supported Chinese medicine diagnosis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether Pi (Spleen) qi-deficiency affected psychological and neural responses in relevance to cognitive control.

METHODS

Pi qi-deficient and balanced participants were asked to perform the Stroop task, a classical cognitive control paradigm. In this paradigm, participants had to judge the color of the prompted word. The word's meaning indicated the color (the consistent condition) or not (the inconsistent condition), or were unrelated to the color (the neutral condition). Electroencephalograph (EEG) was recorded during the task.

RESULTS

Event-related potential (ERP) results showed that Pi qi-deficient individuals failed to exhibit a normal Stroop effect as Balanced individuals did, such as the accuracy differences between the consistent and the inconsistent conditions as well as the N450 effect (P>0.05). Meanwhile, Pi qi-deficient individuals displayed larger P2 and P3 amplitudes than balanced individuals did during performing the cognitive control task (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Pi qi-deficiency had psychological and neural basis at least in cognitive control aspect.