UPLC-QTof-MSE Metabolomics Reveals Changes in Leaf Primary and Secondary Metabolism of Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) Plants under Drought Stress

Component analysis using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS and quality evaluation using fingerprinting and chemometrics for hops

Hops, extensively cultivated in China for their food and medicinal applications, currently lack well-defined chemical markers to evaluate variations in their quality. The study aimed to explore variations in the quality of Chinese hops by the chemical characteristics of hops, employing UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, integrated with chemical fingerprinting and chemometrics. The results indicated that Chinese hops are abundant in polyphenols and bitter acids. The integration of UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, Chemical fingerprinting, and chemometrics revealed to be an accurate and effective approach for assessing the quality of Chinese hops. In this study, ten important chemical markers were found to be useful in differentiating various hop varieties. Moreover, the support vector machine showed a prediction accuracy of 92.3077% in identifying Chinese hop varieties. The strategy of the study lays the groundwork for classifying Chinese hop varieties and serves as a prerequisite for future quality control studies, particularly focusing on chemical compositions.

UPLC-QTOF-MS based metabolomics unravels the modulatory effect of ginseng water extracts on rats with Qi-deficiency

Ginseng is commonly used as a nutritional supplement and daily wellness product due to its ability to invigorate qi. As a result, individuals with Qi-deficiency often use ginseng as a health supplement. Ginsenosides and polysaccharides are the primary components of ginseng. However, the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action of these components in Qi-deficiency remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the modulatory effects and mechanisms of ginseng water extract, ginsenosides, and ginseng polysaccharides in a rat model of Qi-deficiency using metabolomics and network analysis. The rat model of Qi-deficiency was established via swimming fatigue and a restricted diet. Oral administration of different ginseng water extracts for 30 days primarily alleviated oxidative stress and disrupted energy metabolism and immune response dysfunction caused by Qi-deficiency in rats. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) was used for untargeted serum metabolomic analysis. Based on the analysis results, the active constituents of ginseng significantly reversed the changes in serum biomarkers related to Qi-deficiency in rats, particularly energy, amino acid, and unsaturated fatty acid metabolism. Furthermore, analysis of the metabolite-gene network suggested that the anti-Qi-deficiency effects of the ginseng components were mainly associated with toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling and inflammatory response. Additional verification revealed that treatment with the ginseng components effectively reduced the inflammatory response and activation of the myocardial TLR4/NF-κB pathway induced by Qi-deficiency, especially the ginseng water extracts. Therefore, ginseng could be an effective preventive measure against the progression of Qi-deficiency by regulating metabolic and inflammatory responses.

Proteomic and Transcriptomic Analyses Provide New Insights into the Mechanism Underlying Lipid Deterioration in Pecan Kernels during Storage

Pecan nuts are rich in lipids that tend to deteriorate during storage. Tandem mass-tag-based quantitative proteomics and transcriptomics were used to investigate the changes in the protein and gene profiles of stored pecan kernels for the first time. Our previous lipidomic data were jointly analyzed to elucidate the coordinated changes in lipid molecules and related proteins/genes. The mechanism underlying lipid deterioration in pecan kernels during storage was revealed by multiomics analyses. Lipid metabolism-related pathways were activated during pecan storage. Phospholipases, triacylglycerol lipases, lipoxygenases, and oil body-related proteins/genes were highly expressed during storage, revealing their involvement in lipid deterioration. These data provide rich information and will be valuable for future genetic or chemical research to alleviate lipid deterioration in pecans.

Untargeted metabolomic analysis of the metabolites in roots of Pugionium cornutum seedlings under drought stress

Pugionium cornutum is an annual or biennial xerophyte distributed in arid regions, with drought resistance properties. While previous studies have predominantly focused on the physiological changes of P. cornutum , the understanding of its metabolite variations remains limited. In this study, untargeted metabolomic technology was performed to analyse the change of metabolites in the roots of P. cornutum seedlings under drought stress. Our findings revealed that compared to the R1, the root water potential and the number of lateral roots increased, while the length of the tap root and fresh weight increased first and then decreased. In the R1-R2, a total of 45 differential metabolites (DMs) were identified, whereas in the R1-R3 82 DMs were observed. Subsequently, KEGG analysis revealed a significant enrichment of microbial metabolism in diverse environments and aminobenzoate degradation in the R1-R2, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, ubiquinone, and other terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis and isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis were significantly enriched in the R1-R3. The upregulation DMs, including L-arginosuccinate, L-tyrosine, p-coumarate, caffeate, ferulate, vanillin, coniferin, 5-aminopentanoate, 2-methylmaleate and 2-furoate in P. cornutum seedlings may play a crucial role in enhancing root growth and improving drought resistance. These findings provide a basis for future investigations into the underlying mechanisms of drought resistance in P. cornutum .

Metabolome profile variation in Azolla filiculoides exposed to Bisphenol A assists in the identification of stress-responsive metabolites

This study attempted to explore the metabolome profile of Azolla filiculoides subjected to two different concentrations of BPA (1 and 30 mg L-1) in congruence with two different durations (3 and 9 days) of treatment. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitously occurring environmental pollutant that imparts acute toxicity in aquatic plants. Therefore, studying the variations in the fern metabolome profile and identifying stress-responsive metabolites can help develop criteria for assessing the aquatic ecosystem. In recent times, metabolomics has drawn attention for its ability to detect biochemical processes and help link plant responses with environmental stresses. However, the studies concerning the metabolome profile of A. filiculoides exposed to environmental contaminants are limited. In the present study, the untargeted metabolomics study allowed the detection of a large array of metabolites, with 767 shared metabolites representing 41 crucial pathways. Exposure to 30 mg L-1 BPA seemingly disrupted the primary metabolism of the fern and induced a shift toward defense-related pathways. Additionally, BPA stress triggered the expression of metabolites like 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol, perillic acid, and perillaldehyde in BPA_L3 (1 mg L-1 for 3 days) and BPA_L9 (1 mg L-1 for 9 days) samples indicating protective mechanism of the plants. Conversely, the BPA_H3 (30 mg L-1 for 3 days) and BPA_H9 (30 mg L-1 for 9 days) samples expressed a distinct set of markers like luteolin, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, cinnamaldehyde, and l-DOPA indicating the onset of senescence and apoptosis related pathways can help in the health assessment of freshwater ecosystems and also appraisal of ecotoxicological risks imposed by BPA.

The physiology of drought stress in two grapevine cultivars: Photosynthesis, antioxidant system, and osmotic regulation responses

Drought stress impedes viticultural plant growth and development by modifying various metabolic pathways. However, the regulatory network response underlying drought stress is not yet clear. In this study, the leaves and roots of "Shine Muscat" ("SM," Vitis labruscana × Vitis vinifera) and "Thompson Seedless" ("TS," V. vinifera L. cv.) were subjected to drought stress to study the regulatory network used by drought stress. Morphophysiological results showed that the malondialdehyde content after 28 days of drought stress increased more significantly in "TS" than "SM." Furthermore, the multiomics analysis studies showed that a total of 3036-6714 differentially expressed genes and 379-385 differentially abundant metabolites were identified in "SM" and "TS" grapevine cultivars under drought stress. Furthermore, the retained intron was the major form of differential alternative splicing event under drought stress. The photosynthesis pathway, antioxidant system, plant hormone signal transduction, and osmotic adjustment were the primary response systems in the two grapevine cultivars under drought stress. We have identified GRIK1, RFS2, and LKR/SDH as the hub genes in the coexpression network of drought stress. In addition, the difference in the accumulation of pheophorbide-a reveals different drought resistance mechanisms in the two grapevine cultivars. Our study explained the difference in drought response between cultivars and tissues and identified drought stress-responsive genes, which provides reference data for further understanding the regulatory network of drought tolerance in grapevine.

Aroma Profile Development in Beer Fermented with Azacca, Idaho-7, and Sultana Hops

Hops are among the most costly and environmentally impactful raw materials used in brewing, yet they play a crucial role in the aroma of beer. However, predicting beer aroma based on hop variety or hopping method remains arduous. This is partly because hop oils are unique for each hop variety, and they may be biotransformed by yeast enzymes during fermentation. Even slight molecular structure modifications can dramatically affect the organoleptic properties of beer. Through combined chemical and sensory analysis of dry-hopped beers prepared with different hop varieties (Azacca, Idaho-7, and Sultana), this work aimed to profile the aromas and the overall biotransformation processes taking place during fermentation. A total of 51 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were semi-quantified and monitored: 19 esters, 13 sesquiterpenes, 7 ketones, 7 alcohols, 4 monoterpenes, and 1 volatile acid. There were significant similarities in the measured analytes and perceived aromas of these beers, but one hop variety (Sultana) delivered an increased quantity of unique aromas and an increased concentration of volatiles in the headspace for the same quantity of hop pellets added. This work provides practical information to brewers who utilize hops in beer production.

Volatile and Non-Volatile Content Determination and Biological Activity Evaluation of Fresh Humulus lupulus L. (cv. Chinook) Leaves and Inflorescences

In this work, the fresh leaves and inflorescences of Humulus lupulus L. cv. Chinook hops were investigated in order to describe their chemical composition and evaluate their biological activities. The analyses were carried out first on fresh untreated samples and then on pulverized ones using the SPME-GC-MS technique. In total, forty-two molecules belonging to different chemical classes were identified, and among these, twenty-three were terpene compounds. In order to carry out the activity assays, the powders were subjected to extraction with two different solvents (methanol and distilled water) by stirring and subsequent sonication at room temperature. To chemically characterize the extracts, the methanolic ones were analyzed by direct injection into the GC-MS apparatus, while the aqueous ones were analyzed by DI-SPME-GC-MS. In addition, with the aim to obtain information on the non-volatile content of the methanolic extracts, they were also subjected to derivatization, and the silylated derivatives were analyzed by GC-MS. The antioxidant activity was then evaluated by means of DPPH and ABTS assays after the determination of the total content of polyphenols and flavonoids. The greatest effects were observed on the methanolic extracts rather than on the aqueous ones. Furthermore, a preliminary study on the cytotoxic power of the methanolic extracts was also conducted on three different human cancer cell lines, such as non-small cell lung cancer (H1299), melanoma (A375) and breast cancer (MCF7). The obtained results showed that the two extracts induced a marginal effect on reducing breast tumor, melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation.

LC-MS Analysis and Antifungal Activity of Turnera subulata Sm

Fungi of the Candida genus are responsible for invasive candidiasis, which affects people all over the world and has high mortality rates. This is due to their virulence factors, which give them great resistance and pathogenicity. In addition, the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains makes it difficult to treat these infections. In this way, natural products have emerged as an alternative to standard drugs, where plants known for their medicinal properties such as Turnera subulata become attractive to research. The present work aimed to analyze the ethanol extract of Turnera subulata leaves against standard strains of Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis using broth microdilution techniques. The identification of the compounds in T. subulata leaves by LC-MS revealed the presence of a wide variety of substances such as carboxylic acids and terpenes, with flavonoids and fatty acids being more evident. The antifungal assays showed that the extract was not able to inhibit the growth of the tested strains at concentrations with a clinical relevance. However, at higher concentrations, it was able to inhibit the fungal dimorphism of C. albicans and C. tropicalis. It is possible that the T. subulata extract has potential as an inhibitor of fungal virulence factors without affecting the cell viability. Further research should be carried out in order to assess its inhibitory potential for other fungal virulence factors.

Differences in Leaf Chemistry and Glandular Trichome Density between Wild Southwestern American Hop (Humulus neomexicanus) and Commercial Hop Cultivars

The female flowers ("cones") of the hop plant (Humulus L.) produce compounds that contribute to the flavor and other properties of beer. Hop leaves and cones produce many of the same compounds, which also confer agronomic traits such as insect and disease resistance. Targeted and untargeted ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry with Waters MS^E technology (UPLC-QTof-MS^E) metabolomics were used to compare leaf phytochemical compositions of greenhouse-grown southwestern American wild Humulus neomexicanus (A. Nelson and Cockerell) Rydb. against a group of commercial hop cultivars consisting of both pure European Humulus lupulus L. and European-North American hybrids. Principal component analysis showed a clear distinction in chemical profiles between the two groups. H. neomexicanus leaves had a significantly higher content of total α acids (p = 4.4 × 10^-9), total bitter acids (p = 2.6 × 10^-6), cohumulone (p = 1.0 × 10^-13), humulone + adhumulone (p = 9.1 × 10^-4), and the prenylflavonoids xanthohumol (p = 0.013) and desmethylxanthohumol (p = 0.029) as well as significantly higher densities of glandular trichomes (p = 1.3 × 10^-6), the biosynthetic site of those compounds. Most flavonol glycosides measured were also significantly more abundant in H. neomexicanus (p = 1.5 × 10^-22 to 0.0027), whereas phenolic acids were consistently, but generally nonsignificantly (p > 0.05), more abundant in the cultivars. The higher bitter acid, prenylflavonoid, and flavonol glycoside content of H. neomexicanus leaves may help to confer more favorable insect and disease-resistance properties.