Search

Ischemic stroke is a cerebrovascular disease normally caused by interrupted blood supply to the brain. Ischemia would initiate the cascade reaction consisted of multiple biochemical events in the damaged areas of the brain, where the ischemic cascade eventually leads to cell death and brain infarction. Extensive researches focusing on different stages of the cascade reaction have been conducted with the aim of curing ischemic stroke. However, traditional treatment methods based on antithrombotic therapy and neuroprotective therapy are greatly limited for their poor safety and treatment efficacy. Nanomedicine provides new possibilities for treating stroke as they could improve the pharmacokinetic behavior of drugs in vivo, achieve effective drug accumulation at the target site, enhance the therapeutic effect and meanwhile reduce the side effect. In this review, we comprehensively describe the pathophysiology of stroke, traditional treatment strategies and emerging nanomedicines, summarize the barriers and methods for transporting nanomedicine to the lesions, and illustrate the latest progress of nanomedicine in treating ischemic stroke, with a view to providing a new feasible path for the treatment of cerebral ischemia., Graphical abstract This review summarizes various nanomedicines, including liposomes, micelles, dendrimer, nanoparticles, and exosomes, which have been applied for the treatment of ischemic stroke. It especially focuses on their abilities to normalize various abnormalities at different phases of ischemic cascade, such as dissolving the clot and salvaging the penumbra.Image 1

The role of natural antioxidants in preventing of age-relating diseases is evident. The vegetable industry generates a large amount of waste, which is a good source of antioxidants. The aim of the study was the investigation of the antioxidant effect of long-term consumption of ethanolic yellow onion husk extract in ageing laboratory rodents. Twenty male Wistar albino rats were divided randomly into two groups (n = 10): a control group and an experimental group that received ethanolic yellow onion husk extract (2 mL/rat diluted with distilled water; activity of 4.44 µmol-equiv. quercetin) for 188 days. Oxygen radical absorbance capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays were used to determine the total antioxidant capacity of the extract, which amounted to 941.4 ± 32.7 µmol equiv. Trolox/g raw material and 167.4 ± 16.4 µmol-equiv. quercetin/g raw material, respectively. Oral intake of the onion husk extract affected the indicators of the antioxidant system of the liver and the brain but not of the blood and plasma, mainly due to elevations in the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase in the liver by 44.4% and 79.1%, respectively, and in the brain by three-fold and 79.1%, respectively. The availability, cheapness and high antioxidant potential of onion waste qualifies it a good source of functional ingredients and bioactive substances applicable in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Highlights • Cinnamic acid exposure reduced growth, pigment and protein contents but spermidine exposure attenuated the reduction. • The accumulation of osmolytes such as sugar and proline buttressed free radicals scavenging process. • Antioxidant metabolism was upregulated by the treatment of spermidine, thereby ameliorating cinnamic acid-induced oxidative damage., This study investigated the stress responses of cinnamic acid (CA) in pea plants and explored the protective role of spermidine (SPD) against CA-induced adverse effects. Pea seedlings exposed to CA had reduced length, biomass, moisture, chlorophyll, sugar, and protein contents and reduced nitrate reductase activity. These parameters increased when SPD was applied alone and in combination with CA. Electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde content were high in seedlings treated with CA but decreased when the SPD + CA treatment was applied. Foliar exposure to SPD partially mitigated CA-induced stress effects by strengthening the antioxidant defense system, which helped preserve the integrity of biochemical processes. These results indicate that SPD (1 mM) could mitigate the adverse effects of CA and enhance plant defense system. Hence, SPD can be used as a growth regulator for the maintenance of physiological functions in pea plants in response to the pernicious consequences of CA stress.

Graphical abstract, Diabetes mellitus is a well-known danger element for the progression of male reproductive dysfunctions. Available evidence supports oxidative stress to be the underlying mechanism for the manifestation of testicular dysfunctions during diabetes, and this relation represents an attractive target to antagonize these complications. Artemisia judaica L. is known to have antidiabetic and antioxidant characteristics. The possible protective effect of Artemisia judaica against diabetes-induced testicular disorders was not explored. In this investigation, we planned to estimate the possible protective effect of Artemisia judaica extract against diabetes-induced testicular disorders in male rats. The blood levels of insulin, glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone were evaluated in rats after 12 weeks of Artemisia judaica treatment. Further, oxidative stress markers were determined in their testicular tissue. Epididymal fluid and testicular histological changes were also assessed. Expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen has been evaluated in testis. Testicular mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1 as the significant transcription factors in controlling antioxidant system were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Artemisia judaica extracts have the ability to ameliorate the elevation in the serum glucose and blood glycosylated hemoglobin and the reduction in insulin, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone caused by streptozotocin-induced diabetes. It induced a significant recovery of the testicular oxidative stress markers, sperm characteristics and improved histopathological findings of the testes. Treatment with Artemisia judaica extracts led to an increase in proliferating cell nuclear antigen protein expression. Reduction of testicular oxidative stress potential in streptozotocin-treated groups was confirmed by upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1.

Background & Aims Sestrin 1/2/3 (Sesn1/2/3) belong to a small family of proteins that have been implicated in the regulation of metabolic homeostasis and oxidative stress. However, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. The aim of this work was to illustrate the collective function of Sesn1/2/3 in the protection against hepatic lipotoxicity. Methods We used Sesn1/2/3 triple knockout (TKO) mouse and cell models to characterize oxidative stress and signal transduction under lipotoxic conditions. Biochemical, histologic, and physiological approaches were applied to illustrate the related processes. Results After feeding with a Western diet for 8 weeks, TKO mice developed remarkable metabolic associated fatty liver disease that was manifested by exacerbated hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis compared with wild-type counterparts. Moreover, TKO mice exhibited higher levels of hepatic lipotoxicity and oxidative stress. Our biochemical data revealed a critical signaling node from sestrins to c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) in that sestrins interact with JNKs and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7 and suppress the JNK phosphorylation and activity. In doing so, sestrins markedly reduced palmitate-induced lipotoxicity and oxidative stress in both mouse and human hepatocytes. Conclusions The data from this study suggest that Sesn1/2/3 play an important role in the protection against lipotoxicity-associated oxidative stress and related pathology in the liver., Graphical abstract

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Naringin inhibits and/or scavenge in vitro free radicals. • Exposure to cyclophosphamide (CYCP) invoked erythrocytotoxicity. • Erythrocytotoxicity was characterized by oxidative stress and dyslipidaemia. • LDH (a marker of anaerobic ATP generation) was also depleted. • Naringin pre-administered reversed the CYCP-induced erythrocytotoxicity., Earlier reports have shown that Cyclophosphamide (CYCP), an anti-malignant drug, elicited cytotoxicity; and that naringin has several beneficial potentials against oxidative stress and dyslipidaemias. We investigated the influence of naringin on free radical scavenging, cellular integrity, cellular ATP, antioxidants, oxidative stress, and lipid profiles in the CYCP-induced erythrocytotoxicity rat model. Rats were pretreated orally by gavage for fourteen consecutive days with three doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) naringin before single CYCP (200 mg/kg, i.p.) administration. Afterwards, the rats were sacrificed. Naringin concentrations required for 50 % scavenging hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide radical were 0.27 mg/mL and 0.28 mg/mL, respectively. Naringin pretreatment significantly (p < 0.05) protected erythrocytes plasma membrane architecture and integrity by abolishing CYCP-induced decrease in the activity of erythrocyte LDH (a marker of ATP). Pretreatment with naringin remarkably (p < 0.05) reversed CYCP-induced decreases in the erythrocytes glutathione levels, activities of glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase; attenuated CYCP-mediated increases in erythrocytes levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and major lipids (cholesterol, triacylglycerol, phospholipids, and non-esterified fatty acids). Taken together, different acute pretreatment doses of naringin might avert CYCP-mediated erythrocytes dysfunctions via its antioxidant, free-radical scavenging, and anti-dyslipidaemia properties.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Growth kinetics of C. vulgaris is influenced by NPs exposure. • NPs exposure influence proline, carotenoid, activity of SOD, CAT and LDH. • NPs exposure disintegrate cellular membrane. • Zinc and iron oxide NPs are more toxic to C. vulgaris compared to bulk counterpart., Usage of nanoparticle in various products has increased tremendously in the recent past. Toxicity of these nanoparticles can have a huge impact on aquatic ecosystem. Algae are the ideal organism of the aquatic ecosystem to understand the toxicity impact of nanoparticles. The present study focuses on the toxicity evaluation of zinc oxide (ZnO) and iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles towards freshwater microalgae, Chlorella vulgaris. The dose dependent growth retardation in Chlorella vulgaris is observed under ZnO and Fe2O3 nanoparticles and nanoform attributed more toxicity than their bulk counterparts. The IC50 values of ZnO and Fe2O3 nanoparticles was reported at 0.258 mg L−1 and 12.99 mg L-1 whereas, for the bulk-form, it was 1.255 mgL-1 and 17.88 mg L−1, respectively. The significant decline in chlorophyll content and increase in proline content, activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase, indicated the stressful physiological state of microalgae. An increased lactate dehydrogenase level in treated samples suggested membrane disintegration by ZnO and Fe2O3 nanoparticles. Compound microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy confirm cell entrapment, deposition of nanoparticles on the cell surface and disintegration of algal cell wall. Higher toxicity of nanoform in comparison to bulk chemistry is a point of concern.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients have an increased risk of developing colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC); however, the basis for inflammation-induced genetic damage requisite for neoplasia is unclear. Several studies have shown that IBD patients have signs of increased oxidative damage, which could be a result of genetic and environmental factors such as an excess in oxidant molecules released during chronic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, a failure in antioxidant capacity, or oxidant promoting diets. It has been suggested that chronic oxidative environment in the intestine leads to the DNA lesions that precipitate colon carcinogenesis in IBD patients. Indeed, several preclinical and clinical studies show that different endogenous and exogenous antioxidant molecules are effective at reducing oxidation in the intestine. However, most clinical studies have focused on the short-term effects of antioxidants in IBD patients but not in CAC. This review article examines the role of oxidative DNA damage as a possible precipitating event in CAC in the context of chronic intestinal inflammation and the potential role of exogenous antioxidants to prevent these cancers.

Highlights • Definition and pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome is briefly described. • Sesquiterpene lactones isolated from medicinal plants used in traditional medicine. • In vivo and in vitro biological activities of sesquiterpene lactones are considered. • Chemical and biological properties of natural sesquiterpene lactones are documented., Metabolic syndrome comprises a cluster of metabolic disorders related to the development of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In latter years, plant secondary metabolites have become of special interest because of their potential role in preventing and managing metabolic syndrome. Sesquiterpene lactones constitute a large and diverse group of biologically active compounds widely distributed in several medicinal plants used for the treatment of metabolic disorders. The structural diversity and the broad spectrum of biological activities of these compounds drew significant interests in the pharmacological applications. This review describes selected sesquiterpene lactones that have been experimentally validated for their biological activities related to risk factors of metabolic syndrome, together with their mechanisms of action. The potential beneficial effects of sesquiterpene lactones discussed in this review demonstrate that these substances represent remarkable compounds with a diversity of molecular structure and high biological activity, providing new insights into the possible role in metabolic syndrome management.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Exposure of Wistar rats to Streptozotocin (STZ) causes acute kidney injury and loss of nephron functions. • STZ-induced kidney injury is caused by ROS generation and pro-inflammatory cytokines. • CoF completely reversed ROS generation and cytokine upregulation. • ROS also restores anatomical features and nephron functions., Nephropathy is a serious complication comorbid with a number of life-threatening diseases such as diabetes. Flavonoids are well known cytoprotective phytochemicals. Here, nephropathy associated with streptozotocin (STZ) treatment in experimental animals was challenged by flavonoids (CoF) isolated from Chromolaena odorata. Experimental animals were divided into control (n = 5), STZ (40 mg/kg b.w. i.p. n = 5) and STZ-CoF (CoF = 30 mg/kg b.w. oral, 60 days, n = 7) groups. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (SC) levels were quantified using ELISA. Kidney function, inflammatory marker, and antioxidant gene expression levels were also evaluated using reverse-transcription and polymerase chain reaction protocols. Histological assessment was also performed using Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining protocols. CoF improved kidney function by restoring BUN/SC levels to pre-STZ treatment states. KIM-1, TNF-α, and MCP-1 but not TNF-R and IL-10 genes were significantly downregulated in STZ-CoF treated group in comparison with STZ-treated group (p < 0.05). Anti-oxidant genes (GPx-1, CAT) significantly (p < 0.05 vs. control) upregulated in STZ-treatment did not respond to CoF treatment. STZ treatment associated Bowman’s space enlargement, thickened basement membrane, and glomerulosclerosis were completely reversed in STZ-CoF group. Finally, CoF has demonstrable anti-nephropathic via downregulation of proinflammatory genes and may represent new management option in clinical nephropathy.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anthracycline drug used for cancer treatment. However, its treatment is contiguous with toxic effects. We examine the nephroprotective potential of A. hydaspica polyphenol-rich ethyl acetate extract (AHE) against DOX persuaded nephrotoxicity. 36 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assorted into 6 groups. Control group received saline; DOX group: 3 mg/kg b.w. dosage of DOX intraperitoneally for 6 weeks (single dose/week). In co-treatment groups, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w AHE was given orally for 6 weeks in concomitant with DOX (3 mg/kg b.w, i.p. injection per week) respectively. Standard group received silymarin 400 mg/kg b.w daily + DOX (single dose/week). Biochemical kidney function tests, oxidative stress markers, genotoxicity, antioxidant enzyme status, and histopathological changes were examined. DOX caused significant body weight loss and decrease kidney weight. DOX-induced marked deterioration in renal function indicators in both urine and serum, i.e., PH, specific gravity, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, uric acid, globulin, blood urea nitrogen, etc. Also, DOX treatment increases renal tissue oxidative stress markers, while lower antioxidant enzymes in tissue along with degenerative alterations in the renal tissue compared to control rats. AHE co-treatment ameliorates DOX-prompted changes in serum and urine chemistry. Likewise, AHE treatment decreases sensitive markers of oxidative stress and prevented DNA damages by enhancing antioxidant enzyme levels. DOX induction in rats also caused DNA fragmentation which was restored by AHE co-treatment. Moreover, the histological observations evidenced that AHE effectively rescued the kidney tissue from DOXinterceded oxidative damage. Our results suggest that co-treatment of AHE markedly improve DOX-induced deleterious effects in a dose-dependent manner. The potency of AHE co-treatment at 400mg/kg dose is similar to silymarin. These outcomes revealed that A. hydaspica AHE extract might serve as a potential adjuvant that avoids DOX-induced nephrotoxicity.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Hypothyroidism is the most frequent toxic effect of a large variety of chemical compounds. • The polyherbal bioactive fraction exhibited a pro-thyroid effect in hypothyroidic rats. • The polyherbal fraction restored the propylthiouracil-depleted thyroid hormone levels significantly. • The polyherbal fraction may act through multiple mechanisms to exhibit a pro-thyroid effect., Hypothyroidism is the most frequent consequence of the interaction of a large variety of drugs, environmental pollutants and industrial chemicals with the thyroid gland. It is associated with diminished endocrine function which may lead to hyperlipidemia, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, weight gain, and other metabolic disorders. The present study evaluates the pro-thyroid activity of a bioactive fraction from a polyherbal teabag in rats with hypothyroidism induced by propylthiouracil. The teabag was formulated to stimulate synthesis and/or release of T4 and affectthe conversion of T4 to T3. Phytoconstituents of the polyherbal teabag are potent antioxidants that may be responsible for the pro-thyroid activity. The tea-extract (1000 mg) was found to contain 1076 μg of gallic acid and 1131 μg of rutin from HPTLC analysis. Rats received propylthiouracil (8 mg/kg) for the first 15days followed by the polyherbal tea-extract (500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg), the standard drug levothyroxine (0.1 mg/kg), aerobic exercise, and a combination of tea-extract (1000 mg/kg) and aerobic exercise daily along with propylthiouracil for the next 30 days. Finally, rats received their respective treatments alone without propylthiouracil for 15 more days. Lipid profile and levels of glucose, insulin, T3, T4, TSH, cortisol, homocysteine, creatinine, uric acid, malondialdehyde, glucose-6 phosphatase, and endogenous antioxidants were determined. All treatments attenuated significantly the propylthiouracil-elevated TSH, homocysteine, creatinine, uric acid, glucose-6-phosphatase, insulin, and malondialdehyde levels, and restored favorably the propylthiouracil-altered lipid profile, T3, T4, and endogenous antioxidant levels. The polyherbal tea-extract (1000 and 1500 mg/kg) treatment and thecombination treatment of tea-extract (1000 mg/kg) with aerobic exercise displayed significant restoration of the suboptimalthyroid function. This may be due to a favorablemodulation ofthe hypothalamic-pituitary–thyroid and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axes.

Highlights • Occurrence of parasites in fish could bio accumulate heavy metals by as much as 200 % more than values present in fish tissues. • Parasitic infection in fish is positively skewed towards male fish. • Parasitism in fish alters histological structures of vital fish organs. • Combined effects of parasitism and heavy metal pollution in fish elicits antioxidant response in fish., Heavy metal toxicity in aquatic life as a result of human activities poses a grave health threat to water quality, aquatic and human life. Parasites may serve as indicators of heavy metal pollution. This research investigated the health status of the fish Heterotis niloticus viz-a-viz quality of the water and sediments in Lekki lagoon, parasitic infection, presence of heavy metals and oxidative stress response in the liver and intestine of the fish. Parasites recovered were also analyzed for the extent of bioaccumulation of heavy metals. The metals in water, sediments, parasites, and fish were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Heavy metal concentrations in the surface water were generally below regulatory limits of World Health Organization. Sediment had high levels of aluminium (124.78 mg/kg) and iron (327.41 mg/kg); other heavy metals were below regulatory limits. Tenuisentis niloticus, an acanthocephalan, was the only parasite recovered. Seventy (70) out of 100 fish sampled were infected with the parasite. T. niloticus bioaccumulated Cd, Ni, and Pb between 65 to 100 times more than the liver and 12 to 200 times more than the intestine. Other metals bioaccumulated from the host tissues by the parasite had the magnitude between 1 to 12 times as the liver and 1 to 30 times as the intestine. There were significant differences in the activities of antioxidant enzymes between the parasitized and non-parasitized fishes. Fish tissues also showed histological alterations, ranging from mild infiltration of inflammatory cells to moderate inflammation and haemorrhagic lesions. Human activities that introduce stressors into the lagoon should be controlled.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) reduced the levels of the antioxidant enzymes in H9c2 cells. • LTA from Streptococcus sanguinis induced ROS production in H9c2 cells. • Low antioxidant enzymes levels and ROS production could be related to infective endocarditis (IE). • Antioxidants could protect against oxidative stress induced by LTA in IE., Infective endocarditis (IE) is an illness where the heart is invaded by bacteria, like Streptococcal and Staphylococcal species that contain lipoteichoic acid (LTA) related to an essential role in this disease. This study is the first in evaluating antioxidant enzyme levels in embryonic cardiomyocyte cell line (H9c2) induced by LTA from Streptococcus sanguinis. LTA increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced the levels of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD)-1 and catalase (CAT) but did not affect glutathione content. At the highest LTA concentration (15 μg/ml), SOD-1 and CAT levels did not change, and this effect was related to the induction of mRNA levels of Nrf2 induced by LTA. These results suggest that low antioxidant enzyme levels and ROS production could be related to IE.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • MC significantly increased and decrease the kidney levels of MDA and NO respectively after 14 and 21 days. • MC administration resulted in the disorganization of the renal redox system. • MC significantly increased the kidney levels of TNF-α and IL-6 after 7, 14 and 21 days, and IL-1β after 14 and 21 days. • MC significantly increased kidney p53, Bax, and caspase-3 after 14 and 21 days, and decreased Bcl-2 after 14 and 21 days. • MC significantly increased the kidney levels of c-Myc and K-Ras after 7, 14 and 21 days., Methyl cellosolve (MC) is used in production of textile, paints, stains, inks, surface coatings, and anti-icing additive in hydraulic fluids and jet fuel. Consequently, the present study investigated its effect on renal cells, in a time-course study in male Wistar rats. Animals were orally administered 50 mg/kg body weight of MC for a period of 7, 14, and 21 days. Following 7 days of administration of MC, there was a significant increase in the levels of K-Ras, c-Myc, TNF-α, IL-6 and NO, while GSH level and SOD activity were significantly reduced compared with control. At the end of 14 days exposure, RKW, GSH, NO, and Bcl-2 levels were significantly decreased, while levels of K-Ras, c-Myc, p53, Bax, caspase-3, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MDA and GPx activity were significantly increased compared with control. After 21 days of MC administration, RKW, GSH, NO, IL-10 and Bcl-2 levels were significantly decreased, while levels of K-Ras, c-Myc, p53, Bax, caspase-3, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MDA and GST activity were significantly increased compared with control. Exposures to MC in any way should be strictly avoided as it could trigger renal damage through the disorganization of the antioxidant system, up-regulation of inflammatory, apoptotic, and oncogenic markers in rats.

Highlights • Agriculture plays an important role in a country's economy. In modern intensive agricultural practices, chemical fertilizers and pesticides are applied on large scale to increase crop production in order to meet the nutritional requirements of the ever-increasing world population. However, rapid urbanization with shrinking agricultural lands, dramatic change in climatic conditions and extensive use of agrochemicals in agricultural practices has been found to cause environmental disturbances and public health hazards affecting food security and sustainability in agriculture. Besides this, agriculture soils are continuously losing their quality and physical properties as well as their chemical (imbalance of nutrients) and biological health due to indiscriminate use of agrochemicals. Plant-associated microbes with their plant growth- promoting traits have enormous potential to solve these challenges and play a crucial role in enhancing plant biomass and crop yield under greenhouse and field conditions. The beneficial mechanisms of plant growth improvement include enhanced availability of nutrients (i.e., N, P, K, Zn and S), phytohormone modulation, biocontrol of phytopathogens and amelioration of biotic and abiotic stresses. This plant-microbe interplay is indispensable for sustainable agriculture and these microbes may perform essential role as an ecological engineer to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers. Various steps involved for production of solid-based or liquid biofertilizer formulation include inoculum preparation, addition of cell protectants such as glycerol, lactose, starch, a good carrier material, proper packaging and best delivery methods. In addition, recent developments of formulation include entrapment/microencapsulation, nano-immobilization of microbial bioinoculants and biofilm-based biofertilizers. Thus, inoculation with beneficial microbes has emerged as an innovative eco-friendly technology to feed global population with available resources. This review critically examines the current state-of-art on use of microbial strains as biofertilizers in different crop systems for sustainable agriculture and in maintaining soil fertility and enhancing crop productivity. It is believed that acquisition of advanced knowledge of plant-PGPR interactions, bioengineering of microbial communities to improve the performance of biofertilizers under field conditions, will help in devising strategies for sustainable, environment-friendly and climate smart agricultural technologies to deliver short and long terms solutions for improving crop productivity to feed the world in a more sustainable manner., Modern intensive agricultural practices face numerous challenges that pose major threats to global food security. In order to address the nutritional requirements of the ever-increasing world population, chemical fertilizers and pesticides are applied on large scale to increase crop production. However, the injudicious use of agrochemicals has resulted in environmental pollution leading to public health hazards. Moreover, agriculture soils are continuously losing their quality and physical properties as well as their chemical (imbalance of nutrients) and biological health. Plant-associated microbes with their plant growth- promoting traits have enormous potential to solve these challenges and play a crucial role in enhancing plant biomass and crop yield. The beneficial mechanisms of plant growth improvement include enhanced nutrient availability, phytohormone modulation, biocontrol of phytopathogens and amelioration of biotic and abiotic stresses. Solid-based or liquid bioinoculant formulation comprises inoculum preparation, addition of cell protectants such as glycerol, lactose, starch, a good carrier material, proper packaging and best delivery methods. Recent developments of formulation include entrapment/microencapsulation, nano-immobilization of microbial bioinoculants and biofilm-based biofertilizers. This review critically examines the current state-of-art on use of microbial strains as biofertilizers and the important roles performed by these beneficial microbes in maintaining soil fertility and enhancing crop productivity., Graphical abstract Image, graphical abstract

Alexander disease (AxD) is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). In this report, a mouse model of AxD (GFAPTg;Gfap+/R236H) was analyzed that contains a heterozygous R236H point mutation in murine Gfap as well as a transgene with a GFAP promoter to overexpress human GFAP. Using label-free quantitative proteomic comparisons of brain tissue from GFAPTg;Gfap+/R236H versus wild-type mice confirmed upregulation of the glutathione metabolism pathway and indicated proteins were elevated in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway, which had not been reported previously in AxD. Relative protein-level differences were confirmed by a targeted proteomics assay, including proteins related to astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Of particular interest was the decreased level of the oligodendrocyte protein, 2-hydroxyacylsphingosine 1-beta-galactosyltransferase (Ugt8), since Ugt8-deficient mice exhibit a phenotype similar to GFAPTg;Gfap+/R236H mice (e.g., tremors, ataxia, hind-limb paralysis). In addition, decreased levels of myelin-associated proteins were found in the GFAPTg;Gfap+/R236H mice, consistent with the role of Ugt8 in myelin synthesis. Fabp7 upregulation in GFAPTg;Gfap+/R236H mice was also selected for further investigation due to its uncharacterized association to AxD, critical function in astrocyte proliferation, and functional ability to inhibit the anti-inflammatory PPAR signaling pathway in models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Within Gfap+ astrocytes, Fabp7 was markedly increased in the hippocampus, a brain region subjected to extensive pathology and chronic reactive gliosis in GFAPTg;Gfap+/R236H mice. Last, to determine whether the findings in GFAPTg;Gfap+/R236H mice are present in the human condition, AxD patient and control samples were analyzed by Western blot, which indicated that Type I AxD patients have a significant fourfold upregulation of FABP7. However, immunohistochemistry analysis showed that UGT8 accumulates in AxD patient subpial brain regions where abundant amounts of Rosenthal fibers are located, which was not observed in the GFAPTg;Gfap+/R236H mice., Graphical abstract, Highlights • Models of AxD provide insight into functions of astrocytes related to neuropathology. • PPAR pathway found upregulated in AxD mice may be neuroprotective. Fatty acid binding protein (Fabp7) was upregulated in AxD mice and human CNS samples. • Depleted levels in the classical constituents of myelin were observed in AxD mice. • UGT8 may be related to myelin deficits in AxD., In Brief The article contains the first whole brain proteomic survey from a mouse model of Alexander disease (AxD). Several novel findings include activation of the PPAR signaling pathway, which has been reported to be protective in models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Another finding related to the gliosis phenotype in AxD mice was the upregulation of fatty acid binding protein 7 (FABP7), which induces an NF-κB inflammatory response and counteracts the anti-inflammatory effects of PPAR signaling.

The COVID-19 global epidemic caused by coronavirus has affected the health and other aspects of life for more than one year. Despite the current pharmacotherapies, there is still no specific treatment, and studies are in progress to find a proper therapy with high efficacy and low side effects. In this way, Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM), due to its holistic view, can provide recommendations for the prevention and treatment of new diseases such as COVID-19. The muco-obstruction of the airway, which occurs in SARS-CoV-2, has similar features in TPM textbooks that can lead us to new treatment approaches. Based on TPM and pharmacological studies, Cinnamomum verum (Darchini)'s potential effective functions can contribute to SARS-CoV-2 infection treatment and has been known to be effective in corona disease in Public beliefs. From the viewpoint of TPM theories, Cinnamon can be effective in SARS-CoV-2 improvement and treatment through its anti-obstructive, diuretic, tonic and antidote effects. In addition, there is pharmacological evidence on anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, organ-o-protective and anti-depression effects of Cinnamon that are in line with the therapeutic functions mentioned in TPM.Overall, Cinnamon and its ingredients can be recommended for SARS-CoV2 management due to multi-targeting therapies. This review provides basic information for future studies on this drug's effectiveness in preventing and treating COVID-19 and similar diseases., Graphical Abstract ga1

Background Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is the most common liver disease worldwide and its underlying molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. Moreover, conflicting data have been reported on potentially protective autophagy, the exact role of ethanol-metabolizing enzymes and ROS. Methods Expression of LC3B, CYP2E1, and NOX4 was studied in a mouse model of acute ethanol exposure by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Autophagy was further studied in primary mouse hepatocytes and huh7 cells in response to ethanol and its major intermediator acetaldehyde. Experiments were carried out in cells overexpressing CYP2E1 and knock down of NOX4 using siRNA. The response to external H2O2 was studied by using the GOX/CAT system. Autophagic flux was monitored using the mRFP-GFP-LC3 plasmid, while rapamycin and chloroquine served as positive and negative controls. Results Acute ethanol exposure of mice over 24 h significantly induced autophagy as measured by LC3B expression but also induced the ROS-generating CYP2E1 and NOX4 enzymes. Notably, ethanol but not its downstream metabolite acetaldehyde induced autophagy in primary mouse hepatocytes. In contrast, autophagy could only be induced in huh7 cells in the presence of overexpressed CYP2E1. In addition, overexpression of NOX4 also significantly increased autophagy, which could be blocked by siRNA mediated knock down. The antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) also efficiently blocked CYP2E1-and NOX4-mediated induction of autophagy. Finally, specific and non-toxic production of H2O2 by the GOX/CAT system as evidenced by elevated peroxiredoxin (Prx-2) also induced LC3B which was efficiently blocked by NAC. H2O2 strongly increased the autophagic flux as measured by mRFP-GFP-LC3 plasmid. Conclusion We here provide evidence that short-term ethanol exposure induces autophagy in hepatocytes both in vivo and in vitro through the generation of ROS. These data suggest that suppression of autophagy by ethanol is most likely due to longer alcohol exposure during chronic alcohol consumption with the accumulation of e.g. misfolded proteins., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • Generation of ROS is the major mechanism of autophagy activation during ethanol exposure in acute alcoholic liver disease (ALD). • Non-toxic H2O2 significantly induces autophagy without the engagement of mTOR suppression. • Important ROS-generating enzymes CYP2E1 and NOX4 are strongly induced in a mice model of acute alcohol exposure.

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic metabolic syndrome and the CFLAR-JNK pathway can reverse the process of NASH. Although silibinin is used for the treatment of NASH in clinical, its effect on CFLAR-JNK pathway in NASH remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of silibinin on CFLAR-JNK pathway in NASH models both in vivo and in vitro. The in vivo study was performed using male C57BL/6 mice fed with methionine– choline-deficient diet and simultaneously treated with silibinin for 6 weeks. The in vitro study was performed by using mouse NCTC-1469 cells which were respectively pretreated with oleic acid plus palmitic acid, and adenovirus-down Cflar for 24 h, then treated with silibinin for 24 h. After the drug treatment, the key indicators involved in CFLAR-JNK pathway including hepatic injury, lipid metabolism and oxidative stress were determined. Silibinin significantly activated CFLAR and inhibited the phosphorylation of JNK, up-regulated the mRNA expression of Pparα, Fabp5, Cpt1α, Acox, Scd-1, Gpat and Mttp, reduced the activities of serum ALT and AST and the contents of hepatic TG, TC and MDA, increased the expression of NRF2 and the activities of CAT, GSH-Px and HO-1, and decreased the activities and expression of CYP2E1 and CYP4A in vivo. These effects were confirmed by the in vitro experiments. Silibinin prevented NASH by regulating CFLAR-JNK pathway, and thereby on one hand promoting the β-oxidation and efflux of fatty acids in liver to relieve lipid accumulation, and on the other hand inducing antioxidase activity (CAT, GSH-Px and HO-1) and inhibiting pro-oxidase activity (CYP2E1 and CYP4A) to relieve oxidative stress., Graphical abstract Silibinin could regulate CFLAR-JNK pathway to ameliorates hepatic lipid accumulation, insulin resistence and oxidative stress in C57BL/6 mice treated by methionine- and choline-deficient diet, and NCTC-1469 cells treated by the mixture of oleic acid and palmitic acid and adenovirus-down Cflar.fx1

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Alternaria is responsible to cause pathogenic diseases on several crops. • Alternaria species produce several types of host-specific and non-host-specific toxins. • HSTs have devastating effects on host plants by affecting biochemical and genetic alterations. • Article will provide an idea to understand the disease mechanism caused by HSTs on hosts., Alternaria causes pathogenic disease on various economically important crops having saprophytic to endophytic lifecycle. Pathogenic fungi of Alternaria species produce many primary and secondary metabolites (SMs). Alternaria species produce more than 70 mycotoxins. Several species of Alternaria produce various phytotoxins that are host-specific (HSTs) and non-host-specific (nHSTs). These toxins have various negative impacts on cell organelles including chloroplast, mitochondria, plasma membrane, nucleus, Golgi bodies, etc. Non-host-specific toxins such as tentoxin (TEN), Alternaric acid, alternariol (AOH), alternariol 9-monomethyl ether (AME), brefeldin A (dehydro-), Alternuene (ALT), Altertoxin-I, Altertoxin-II, Altertoxin-III, zinniol, tenuazonic acid (TeA), curvularin and alterotoxin (ATX) I, II, III are known toxins produced by Alternaria species. In other hand, Alternaria species produce numerous HSTs such as AK-, AF-, ACT-, AM-, AAL- and ACR-toxin, maculosin, destruxin A, B, etc. are host-specific and classified into different family groups. These mycotoxins are low molecular weight secondary metabolites with various chemical structures. All the HSTs have different mode of actions, biochemical reactions, and signaling mechanisms to causes diseases in the host plants. These HSTs have devastating effects on host plant tissues by affecting biochemical and genetic modifications. Host-specific mycotoxins such as AK-toxin, AF-toxin, and AC-toxin have the devastating effect on plants which causes DNA breakage, cytotoxic, apoptotic cell death, interrupting plant physiology by mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and affect membrane permeability. This article will elucidate an understanding of the disease mechanism caused by several Alternaria HSTs on host plants and also the pathways of the toxins and how they caused disease in plants.

Individuals differ substantially in their response to pharmacological treatment. Personalized medicine aspires to embrace these inter-individual differences and customize therapy by taking a wealth of patient-specific data into account. Pharmacogenomic constitutes a cornerstone of personalized medicine that provides therapeutic guidance based on the genomic profile of a given patient. Pharmacogenomics already has applications in the clinics, particularly in oncology, whereas future development in this area is needed in order to establish pharmacogenomic biomarkers as useful clinical tools. In this review we present an updated overview of current and emerging pharmacogenomic biomarkers in different therapeutic areas and critically discuss their potential to transform clinical care. Furthermore, we discuss opportunities of technological, methodological and institutional advances to improve biomarker discovery. We also summarize recent progress in our understanding of epigenetic effects on drug disposition and response, including a discussion of the only few pharmacogenomic biomarkers implemented into routine care. We anticipate, in part due to exciting rapid developments in Next Generation Sequencing technologies, machine learning methods and national biobanks, that the field will make great advances in the upcoming years towards unlocking the full potential of genomic data.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Oral sub-chronic exposure to Aluminum oxide or zinc oxide nanoparticles has hepato-renal toxicity. • The toxicities of Aluminum oxide and/or zinc oxide NPs mediated through different correlated pathways. • The pathways including; epigenetic changes, impaired antioxidant systems, induced oxidative stress and disturbed cytokine production. • Exaggerated hepatic and renal toxicities of combined exposure to both NPs., Aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) have been involved in many industries and they are extensively abundant in many aspects of human life. Consequently, concerns have been raised about their potentially harmful effects. However the toxicities of Al2O3NPs and ZnONPs are well documented, the effect of co-exposure to both nanoparticles remains strictly obscure. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to address this issue. Four groups of male Wistar rats (10 rats each) were used; control, Al2O3NPs treated, ZnONPs treated and Co-treated groups. Rats were orally administered their respective treatment daily for 75 days. The effects of each nanoparticle alone or in combination were assessed at different levels including; hepatic and renal function, structure, and redox status, nuclear DNA fragmentation, hepatic expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A (mtTFA) gene and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma-coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), systemic inflammation, and hematologic parameters. The results confirmed the hepatorenal toxicities of each nanoparticle used at the level of all parameters with suppression of the hepatic expression of mtTFA and PGC-1α. The co-exposure to both nanoparticles results in synergistic effects. From these results, we can conclude that co-exposure to aluminum oxide nanoparticles and zinc oxide nanoparticles results in more pronounced hepatorenal toxicities and systemic inflammation.

Highlights • Naringenin and Quercetin decrease ROS and potentiate enzymatic antioxidant production in the hippocampus. • cART induced marked cytoplasmic shrinkage and several pyknotic nuclei in the dentate gyrus and cornus ammonis region. • Naringenin and Quercetin attenuates cART-induced upregulation of monoamine oxidase-B expression in neurons. • Naringenin and Quercetin also ameliorates cART-induced spatial memory impairments. • Naringenin and Quercetin acted as effective antioxidants in vivo against cART-induced neurotoxicity., Introduction In spite of the multiple benefits of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) on HIV positive patients, prolonged usage has been reported to exacerbate oxidative stress, and induce neurological and cognitive dysfunction, thus, the need to search for an adjuvant therapy to ameliorate the oxidative and improve treatment adherence with better virological outcome. This study aimed at determining the potential therapeutic effects of Quercetin and Naringenin on cART-induced cyto-architectural, neuro-behavioral and immunohistochemical changes in the hippocampus of the adult Wister rats. Materials and Methods The animals were grouped as follows: Control, DMSO, 24 mg/kg cART (Tenovovir 300 mg, Lamivudine 300 mg and Efavirenz 600 mg), 50 mg/kg Naringenin, 50 mg/kg Quercetin, cART + Naringenin, cART + Quercetin were administered orally for 8 weeks. At the end of administration, neurobehavioural test was conducted, animals were euthanized and hippocampus was processed for oxidative stress markers, histology, TNF-α, and Monoamine oxidase-B expression. Results At the end of 8 weeks of administration, 24 mg/kg cART decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH) and increased Malondialdehyde (MDA). Whereas, 50 mg/kg quercetin, and 50 mg/kg Naringenin decreased the oxidative stress (increased SOD, CAT, GSH, and reduced MDA) induced by cART (reduced SOD, CAT, GSH, and increased MDA). In addition, hematoxylin and eosin stained hippocampus showed that quercetin and naringenin prevented neurodegenerative changes (marked cytoplasmic shrinkage and several pyknotic nuclei in the dentate gyrus and cornus ammonis regions) in cART-treated rats. Furthermore, immunohistochemical studies revealed that quercetin and naringenin attenuates cART-induced upregulation of monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) expression. Likewise, from the Morris water maze neurobehavioral studies, naringenin and quercetin also ameliorated cART-induced memory impairments (initial spatial memory, reversal spatial memory and probe tests). Conclusion This study shows that Naringenin and Quercetin have a good potential in reversing cART-induced hippocampal disorders in Wistar rats.

The advent of combined antiretroviral treatment (cART) as a treatment for HIV-1 infection has not only resulted in a dramatic decrease in the peripheral viral load but has also led to increased life expectancy of the infected individuals. Paradoxically, increased lifespan is accompanied with higher prevalence of age-related comorbidities, including HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Present study was aimed at exploring the role of HIV TAT protein in mediating microglial mitochondrial oxidative stress, ultimately resulting in neuroinflammation and microglial senescence. Our findings demonstrated that exposure of mouse primary microglial cells (mPMs) to HIV TAT protein resulted in a senescence-like phenotype, that was characterized by elevated expression of both p16 and p21 proteins, increased numbers of senescence-associated-β-galactosidase positive cells, augmented cell-cycle arrest, increased release of proinflammatory cytokines and decreased telomerase activity. Additionally, exposure of mPMs to HIV TAT also resulted downregulation of SIRT3 with a concomitant increase in mitochondrial oxidative stress. Dual luciferase reporter assay identified miR-505 as a novel target of SIRT3, which was upregulated in mPMs exposed to HIV TAT. Furthermore, transient transfection of mPMs with either the SIRT3 plasmid or miRNA-505 inhibitor upregulated the expression of SIRT3 and mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes, with a concomitant decrease in microglial senescence. These in vitro findings were also validated in the prefrontal cortices and striatum of HIV transgenic rats as well as cART-treated HIV-infected individuals. In summary, this study underscores a yet undiscovered novel mechanism(s) underlying HIV TAT-mediated induction of senescence phenotype in microglia, involving the miR-505-SIRT3 axis-mediated induction of mitochondrial oxidative stress., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • HIV TAT induces senescence-like phenotype in microglia. • HIV TAT decreases SIRT3 with concomitant increase of mitochondrial ROS. • Overexpression of SIRT3 attenuated HIV TAT-mediated microglial senescence. • miR-505 negatively regulate SIRT3 expression. • miR-505 inhibition prevents SIRT3-mediated mitochondria stress and glial senescence.

Highlights • We identified and cloned heat-responsive MAPK and MAPK-1 from wheat under HS. • Isolated recombinant MAPK protein of ∼40.3 kDa with high kinase activity under HS. • Native wheat MAPK showed maximum activity in thermotolerant cv. under HS. • MAPK showed positive correlation with tolerance, carbon flux and amylolytic linked traits. • MAPK was observed to stabilize the starch quality of the grains under HS., Wheat, being sensitive to terminal heat, causes drastic reduction in grain quality and yield. MAPK cascade regulates the network of defense mechanism operated inside plant system. Here, we have identified 21 novel MAPKs through gel-based proteomics and RNA-seq data analysis. Based on digital gene expression, two transcripts (transcript_2834 and transcript_8242) showing homology with MAPK were cloned and characterized from wheat (acc. nos. MK854806 and KT835664). Transcript_2834 was cloned in pET28a vector and recombinant MAPK protein of ∼40.3 kDa was isolated and characterized to have very high in-vitro kinase activity under HS. Native MAPK showed positive correlation with the expression of TFs, HSPs, genes linked with antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT, GPX), photosynthesis and starch biosynthesis pathways in wheat under HS. Wheat cv. HD3086 (thermotolerant) having higher expression and activity of MAPK under HS showed significant increase in accumulation of proline, H2O2, starch, and granule integrity, compared with BT-Schomburgk (thermosusceptible).

2-methoxyethanol (2-ME) is an organic solvent widely used in the manufacture of brake fluids, paints, resins, varnish, nail polish, acetate cellulose, wood coloring, and as a plasticizer in plastics manufacturing. We therefore, investigated its effect on the liver, in a time-course study in male Wistar rats. Animals were orally administered 50 mg/kg body weight of 2-ME for a period of 7, 14, and 21 days. Following 7 days of administration of 2-ME, there was a significant increase in the level of Bax, c-Myc, K-Ras, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MDA and GPx activity, while the levels of Bcl-2, NO and GSH were significantly reduced compared with control. At the end of 14 days exposure, Bcl-2, and GSH levels, as well as GST activity, were significantly decreased, while levels of Bax, c-Myc, K-Ras, caspase-3, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MDA and NO were significantly increased compared with control. After 21 days of 2-ME administration, Bcl-2, IL-10, and GSH levels, as well as SOD and GST activities, were significantly decreased, while levels of Bax, c-Myc, K-Ras, caspase-3, p53, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MDA and NO were significantly increased compared with control. Lastly, liver histopathology confirmed and corroborated the biochemical findings reported above. We therefore, advised that exposures to 2-ME should be strictly avoided as it could trigger hepatic damage through the disorganization of the antioxidant system, up-regulation of inflammatory, apoptotic, and oncogenic markers in rats., Highlights • 2-ME significantly increased the liver levels of MDA and NO. • 2-ME administration resulted in the disorganization of the redox systems. • 2-ME significantly increased the liver levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6. • 2-ME significantly increased the liver levels of Bax and caspase-3 and significantly decreased Bcl-2 level. • 2-ME significantly increased the liver levels of c-Myc and K-Ras.

In the current study, we investigated the impact of inoculation with a selected indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) complex on the growth and physiology of carob plants at increasing levels of watering (25, 50, 75 and 100% field capacity). The following growth and stress parameters were monitored in carob seedlings after 6 months of growth and 2 months of applied drought stress: fresh and dry weight, root and shoot lengths, leaf surface area, relative water content, stomatal conductance and membrane stability. Chlorophyll a and b, total soluble sugars, proline and protein contents were also determined along with the activities of stress enzymes: Catalase, Peroxidase and Superoxide dismutase. The obtained results indicate that inoculation with the indigenous AMF complex has a positive impact on the plant’s growth as all the assessed parameters were significantly improved in the mycorrhizal plants. Additionally, our results show that mycorrhization contributes to the minimization of the impact of drought stress on the carob plants and allows a better adaptation to dry conditions.

Background Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) caused by infection with severe acute respiratory coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been spreading rapidly throughout China and in other countries since the end of 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that the epidemic is a public health emergency of international concerns. The timely and appropriate measures for treating COVID-19 in China, which are inseparable from the contribution of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), have won much praise of the world. Purpose This review aimed to summarize and discuss the essential role of TCM in protecting tissues from injuries associated with COVID-19, and accordingly to clarify the possible action mechanisms of TCM from the perspectives of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects. Methods Electronic databases such as Pubmed, ResearchGate, Science Direct, Web of Science, medRixv and Wiley were used to search scientific literatures. Results The present review found that traditional Chinese herbs commonly used for the clinical treatment of organ damages caused by COVID-19, such as Scutellaria baicalensis, Salvia miltiorrhizaSalvia miltiorrhiza, and ginseng, could act on multiple signaling pathways involved in inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis. Conclusion TCM could protect COVID-19 patients from tissue injuries, a protection that might be, at least partially, attributed to the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects of the TCM under investigation. This review provides evidence and support for clinical treatment and novel drug research using TCM.

Selenium (Se) intake disequilibrium is associated with many human diseases (e.g., Keshan disease and type 2 diabetes). To understand the mechanism of Se deficiency-induced hepatic pathogenesis, a pure line pig model was established by feeding a diet with either 0.07 mg/kg Se or 0.3 mg/kg Se for 16 weeks. The hepatic metabolome, lipidome, global proteome, and whole transcriptome were analyzed. Se deficiency causes a redox imbalance via regulation of selenoproteins at both the mRNA and protein level, and blocks the glutathione anti-oxidant system along with enhanced glutathione synthesis and catabolism. The Warburg effect was observed by enhanced activation of the glycolysis and phosphate pentose pathways. The tricarboxylic acid cycle was dysfunctional since the preliminary metabolites decreased and shifted from using glycolysis origin substrates to a glutamine catabolism-preferred metabolic mode. The reprogrammed central carbon metabolism induced widely restrained lipid synthesis. In addition, a Se deficiency initiated inflammation by activating the NF-κB pathway through multiple mechanisms. These results identified the potential metabolic vulnerability of the liver in response to a Se deficiency-induced redox imbalance and possible therapeutic or intervention targets., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • Se deficiency elevates liver ROS via selenoprotein down-regulation and blocks GSH system. • The Warburg effect was observed and the TCA cycle shifted to glutamine catabolism. • Reprogrammed central carbon metabolism widely restrains hepatic lipid synthesis. • Se deficiency activates the NF–κB signaling pathway through multiple mechanisms.

The expression and localization of different isoforms of creatine kinase in Pelodiscus sinensis (PSCK) were studied to reveal the role of PSCK isozymes (PSCK-B, PSCK-M, PSCK-S) under bacterial infection-induced immunologic stress. The computational molecular dynamics simulations predicted that PSCK-S would mostly possess a kinase function in a structural aspect when compared to PSCK-B and PSCK-M. The assay of biochemical parameters such as total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and the content of ATP were measured along with total PSCK activity in different tissue samples under bacterial infection. The expression detections of PSCK isozymes in vitro and in vivo were overall well-matched where PSCK isozymes were expressed differently in P. sinensis tissues. The results showed that PSCK-B mostly contributes to the spleen, followed by the liver and myocardium; PSCK-M mostly contributes to the liver, followed by the myocardium and skeletal muscle, while PSCK-S contributes to the spleen and is uniquely expressed in skeletal muscle. Our study suggests that the various alterations of PSCK isozymes in tissues of P. sinensis are prone to defense the bacterial infection and blocking energetic imbalance before severe pathogenesis turned on in P. sinensis.

Highlights • Exogenous ascorbic acid does not guarantee improvement of growth recovery in cryopreserved PLBs. • Exogenous ascorbic acid and cryopreservation stages has a significant interaction effect to total soluble protein content, SOD and APX activities. • Changes in total protein content, SOD and CAT activities do not correlated with growth recovery of cryopreserved PLBs. • High APX activities are associated with growth recovery of cryopreserved explants. • Genetic stability of regenerants recovered from cryopreserved Aranda PLBs was confirmed based on RAPD and SCoT molecular markers., A droplet-vitrification cryopreservation protocol has been successfully developed for Aranda Broga Blue orchid hybrid using protocorm-like bodies (PLBs). However, maximum growth regeneration percentage was recorded at 5% only based on previous report. Thus, to improve growth recovery of cryopreserved PLBs, cryopreservation stages were supplemented with ascorbic acid, tested at 50, 100 and 150 mg/L. However, results demonstrated that exogenous ascorbic acid was not favorable in regeneration of cryopreserved explants (maximum value of 1.67 % with 50 mg/L ascorbic acid supplementation). Total soluble protein and various antioxidant enzyme activities such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were evaluated after each cryopreservation stages in conjunction with the application of exogenous ascorbic acid. Addition of antioxidant must be carefully evaluated and its application may not guarantee successful growth recovery. RAPD and SCoT molecular analysis confirmed the genetic stability of regenerated cryopreserved PLBs as no polymorphism was detected compared to control PLBs culture.

Dehydrins (DHNs) play critical roles in plant adaptation to abiotic stresses. The objective of this study was to characterize DHNs in bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.). CdDHN4 gene was cloned from bermudagrass ‘Tifway’. Two CdDHN4 transcripts were detected due to alternative splicing (the nonspliced CdDHN4-L and the spliced CdDHN4-S) and both the CdDHN4-S and CdDHN4-L proteins are YSK2-type DHNs, the Φ-segment is present in CdDHN4-L and absent in CdDHN4-S. Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana expressing CdDHN4-L or CdDHN4-S exhibited improved tolerance to salt, osmotic, low temperature and drought stress compared to the wild type (WT). The two transgenic lines did not differ in salt or drought tolerance, while plants expressing CdDHN4-S grew better under osmotic stress than those expressing CdDHN4-L. Both transgenic lines exhibited reduced content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS); and higher antioxidant enzymatic activities than the wild type plants under salt or drought stress. CdDHN4-S exhibited a higher ROS-scavenging capacity than CdDHN4-L., Highlights • Two CdDHN4 transcripts (CdDHN4-L and CdDHN4-S) were detected due to alternative splicing in bermudagrass ‘Tifway’. • CdDHN4s transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana exhibited higher tolerance to multiple abiotic stress compared to the wild type. • CdDHN4s transgenic lines has lower content of ROS than the wild type under salt or drought stress. • CdDHN4-S had a higher ROS-scavenging capacity than CdDHN4-L.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Olive oil (OO) acts as antioxidant in blood, brain, muscle and small intestine. • OO induces oxidative stress in spleen, pancreas, liver and heart. • No distinct effects are observed in lung, colon and kidney. • OO exerts a tissue-specific action when administered in vivo. • Its negative effects are adaptations according to the real life exposure scenario., Olive oil (OO) possesses a predominant role in the diet of Mediterranean countries. According to a health claim approved by the European Food Safety Authority, OO protects against oxidative stress‑induced lipid peroxidation in human blood, when it contains at least 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives per 20 g. However, studies regarding the effects of a total OO biophenols on redox status in vivo are scarce and either observational and do not provide a holistic picture of their action in tissues. Following a series of in vitro screening tests an OO containing biophenols at 800 mg/kg of OO was administered for 14 days to male Wistar rats at a dose corresponding to 20 g OO/per day to humans. Our results showed that OO reinforced the antioxidant profile of blood, brain, muscle and small intestine, it induced oxidative stress in spleen, pancreas, liver and heart, whereas no distinct effects were observed in lung, colon and kidney. The seemingly negative effects of OO follow the recently formulated idea in toxicology, namely the real life exposure scenario. This study reports that OO, although considered a nutritional source rich in antioxidants, it exerts a tissues specific action when administered in vivo.

Ficus deltoideavar.deltoideaJack (FD) is a well-known plant used in Malay folklore medicine to lower blood glucose in diabetic patients. For further research of the antihyperglycemic mechanisms, the protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B)-inhibitory effect of FD was analysed bothin vitroandin vivo.To optimise a method for FD extraction, water, 50, 70, 80, 90 and 95 % ethanol extracts were prepared and determined for their total phenolic and triterpene contents, and PTP1B-inhibition capacity. Among the tested extracts, 70 % ethanol FD extract showed a significant PTP1B inhibition (92·0 % inhibition at 200 µg/ml) and high phenolic and triterpene contents. A bioassay-guided fractionation of the 70 % ethanol extract led to the isolation of a new triterpene (3β,11β-dihydroxyolean-12-en-23-oic acid; F3) along with six known compounds.In vivo, 4 weeks’ administration of 70 % ethanol FD extract (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg/d) to streptozotocin–nicotinamide-induced type 2 diabetic rats reversed the abnormal changes of blood glucose, insulin, total Hb, GLUT2, lipid profile, and oxidative stress in liver and pancreas. Moreover, FD reduced the mRNA expression of the key gluconeogenic enzymes (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose 6-phosphatase) and restored insulin receptor and GLUT2 encoding gene (Slc2a2) expression. In addition, FD significantly down-regulated the hepatic PTP1B gene expression. These results revealed that FD could potentially improve insulin sensitivity, suppress hepatic glucose output and enhance glucose uptake in type 2 diabetes mellitus through down-regulation of PTP1B. Together, our findings give scientific evidence for the traditional use of FD as an antidiabetic agent.

A cumulative and progressively developing cardiomyopathy induced by adriamycin (ADR)-based chemotherapy is a major obstacle for its clinical application. However, there is a lack of safe and effective method to protect against ADR-induced cardiotoxicity. Here, we found that mRNA and protein levels of FGF1 were decreased in ADR-treated mice, primary cardiomyocytes and H9c2 cells, suggesting the potential effect of FGF1 to protect against ADR-induced cardiotoxicity. Then, we showed that treatment with a FGF1 variant (FGF1ΔHBS) with reduced proliferative potency significantly prevented ADR-induced cardiac dysfunction as well as ADR-associated cardiac inflammation, fibrosis, and hypertrophy. The mechanistic study revealed that apoptosis and oxidative stress, the two vital pathological factors in ADR-induced cardiotoxicity, were largely alleviated by FGF1ΔHBS treatment. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of FGF1ΔHBS on ADR-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress were regulated by decreasing p53 activity through upregulation of Sirt1-mediated p53 deacetylation and enhancement of murine double minute 2 (MDM2)-mediated p53 ubiquitination. Upregulation of p53 expression or cardiac specific-Sirt1 knockout (Sirt1-CKO) almost completely abolished FGF1ΔHBS-induced protective effects in cardiomyocytes. Based on these findings, we suggest that FGF1ΔHBS may be a potential therapeutic agent against ADR-induced cardiotoxicity., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • Cardiac expression of FGF1 were decreased by ADR treatment. • FGF1ΔHBS prevented ADR-induced cardiac structural abnormalities and dysfunction. • FGF1ΔHBS inhibited ADR-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis by deacetylating p53. • Deacetylated p53 induced by FGF1ΔHBS accelerated the ubiquitination of p53 by MDM2.

Mitochondrial targeting is a promising approach for solving current issues in clinical application of chemotherapy and diagnosis of several disorders. Here, we discuss direct conjugation of mitochondrial-targeting moieties to anticancer drugs, antioxidants and sensor molecules. Among them, the most widely applied mitochondrial targeting moiety is triphenylphosphonium (TPP), which is a delocalized cationic lipid that readily accumulates and penetrates through the mitochondrial membrane due to the highly negative mitochondrial membrane potential. Other moieties, including short peptides, dequalinium, guanidine, rhodamine, and F16, are also known to be promising mitochondrial targeting agents. Direct conjugation of mitochondrial targeting moieties to anticancer drugs, antioxidants and sensors results in increased cytotoxicity, anti-oxidizing activity and sensing activity, respectively, compared with their non-targeting counterparts, especially in drug-resistant cells. Although many mitochondria-targeted anticancer drug conjugates have been investigated in vitro and in vivo, further clinical studies are still needed. On the other hand, several mitochondria-targeting antioxidants have been analyzed in clinical phases I, II and III trials, and one conjugate has been approved for treating eye disease in Russia. There are numerous ongoing studies of mitochondria-targeted sensors., Graphical abstract Mitochondria-targeted anticancer, antioxidant, and sensing agents can selectively accumulate in the mitochondria, where their modes of action occur. In most cases, lipophilic molecules intercalate into the mitochondrial membrane through lipophilic affinity and further move through the matrix owing to the membrane potential difference.fx1

Endothelial cell injury and apoptosis play a primary role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Moreover, accumulating evidence indicates that oxidative injury is an important risk factor for endothelial cell damage. In addition, low folate levels are considered a contributing factor to promotion of vascular disease because of the deregulation of DNA methylation. We aimed to investigate the effects of folic acid on injuries induced by oxidative stress that occur via an epigenetic gene silencing mechanism in ApoE knockout mice fed a high-fat diet and in human umbilical vein endothelial cells treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). We assessed how folic acid influenced the levels of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG, an oxidative DNA damage marker) and cellular apoptosis in in vivo and in vitro models. Furthermore, we analyzed DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activity, vascular peroxidase 1 (VPO1) expression, and promoter methylation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Our data showed that folic acid reduced 8-OHdG levels and decreased apoptosis in the aortic tissue of ApoE−/− mice. Likewise, our in vitro experiments showed that folic acid protects against endothelial dysfunction induced by ox-LDL by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS)-derived oxidative injuries, 8-OHdG content, and the apoptosis ratio. Importantly, this effect was indirectly caused by increased DNMT activity and altered DNA methylation at VPO1 promoters, as well as changes in the abundance of VPO1 expression. Collectively, we conclude that folic acid supplementation may prevent oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and suppresses ROS levels through downregulating VPO1 as a consequence of changes in DNA methylation, which may contribute to beneficial effects on endothelial function., Graphical abstract fx1, Highlights • Folic acid reduces oxidative stress-induced injuries in atherosclerosis. • Folic acid decreases 8-OHdG levels and apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. • Folic acid supplementation increases DNMT levels and regulates VPO1 expression. • VPO1 expression is modulated by epigenetic silencing via promoter methylation.