Search Results (2,628)

Background: Cerebral aneurysm (CA) is a focal or diffuse pathological dilation of the cerebral arterial wall that arises due to various etiological factors. It represents a serious vascular condition, particularly affecting the elderly, and carries a high risk of rupture and neurological morbidity. Clonidine (CL), an α2-adrenergic receptor agonist, has been reported to suppress aneurysm progression; however, its underlying molecular mechanisms, especially in relation to cerebral endothelial dysfunction, remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the potential of CL to mitigate CA development by modulating apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress in an Angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced endothelial injury model. Methods: Human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) were used to establish an in vitro model of endothelial dysfunction by treating cells with 1 µM Ang II for 48 h. CL was administered 2 h prior to Ang II exposure at concentrations of 0.1, 1, and 10 µM. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. Oxidative stress markers, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Nitric Oxide (NO), were measured using 2′,7′–dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFDA). Gene expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9), high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were quantified using RT-qPCR. Levels of proinflammatory cytokines; tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ); were measured using commercial ELISA kits. Results: Ang II significantly increased ROS production and reduced NO levels, accompanied by heightened proinflammatory cytokine release and endothelial dysfunction. MTT assay revealed a marked decrease in cell viability following Ang II treatment (34.18%), whereas CL preserved cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner: 44.24% at 0.1 µM, 66.56% at 1 µM, and 81.74% at 10 µM. CL treatment also significantly attenuated ROS generation and inflammatory cytokine levels (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression of VEGF, HMGB1, NF-κB, MMP-2, and MMP-9 was significantly downregulated in response to CL. Conclusions: CL exerts a protective effect on endothelial cells by reducing oxidative stress and suppressing proinflammatory signaling pathways in Ang II-induced injury. These results support the potential of CL to mitigate endothelial injury in vitro, though further in vivo studies are required to confirm its translational relevance. Full article

Seed germination and early seedling growth are pivotal stages that define crop establishment and yield potential. Conventional agrochemicals used to improve these processes often raise environmental concerns, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives. In this study, we demonstrated that water treated with cylindrical dielectric barrier discharge (c-DBD) plasma, enriched with nitric oxide (NO) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), markedly enhanced onion (Allium cepa) seed germination and seedling vigor. The plasma-treated water (PTW) promoted rapid imbibition, broke dormancy, and accelerated germination rates beyond 98%. Seedlings irrigated with PTW exhibited significantly increased biomass, root and shoot length, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzyme activities, accompanied by reduced lipid peroxidation. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that PTW orchestrated a multifaceted regulatory network by upregulating gibberellin biosynthesis genes (GA3OX1/2), suppressing abscisic acid signaling components (ABI5), and activating phenylpropanoid metabolic pathways (PAL, 4CL) and antioxidant defense genes (RBOH1, SOD). These molecular changes coincided with elevated NO₂⁻ and NO₃⁻ levels and finely tuned hydrogen peroxide dynamics, underpinning redox signaling crucial for seed activation and stress resilience. Our findings establish plasma-generated NO-enriched water as an innovative, eco-friendly technology that leverages redox and hormone crosstalk to stimulate germination and early growth, offering promising applications in sustainable agriculture. Full article

Excavating new salt tolerance genes and utilizing them to improve salt-tolerant wheat varieties is an effective way to utilize salinized soil. The NAC gene family plays an important role in plant response to salt stress. In this study, 446 NAC sequences were isolated from the whole genome of common wheat and classified into 118 members based on subgenome homology, named TaNAC1 to TaNAC118. Transcriptome analysis of salt-tolerant wheat breeding line CH7034 roots revealed that 144 of the 446 TaNAC genes showed significant changes in expression levels at least two time points after NaCl treatment. These differentially expressed TaNACs were divided into four groups, and Group 4, containing the largest number of 78 genes, exhibited a successive upregulation trend after salt treatment. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the TaNAC gene family in 114 wheat germplasms were retrieved from the public database and were subjected to further association analysis with the relative salt-injury rates (RSIRs) of six root phenotypes, and then 20 SNPs distributed on chromosomes 1B, 2B, 2D, 3B, 3D, 5B, 5D, and 7A were correlated with phenotypes involving salt tolerance (p < 0.0001). Combining the results of RT-qPCR and association analysis, we further selected three NAC genes from Group 4 as candidate genes that related to salt tolerance, including TaNAC26-D3.2, TaNAC33-B, and TaNAC40-B. Compared with the wild type, the roots of the tanac26-d3.2 mutant showed shorter length, less volume, and reduced biomass after being subjected to salt stress. Four SNPs of TaNAC26-D3.2 formed two haplotypes, Hap1 and Hap2, and germplasms with Hap2 exhibited better salt tolerance. Snp3, in exon 3 of TaNAC26-D3.2, causing a synonymous mutation, was developed into a Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR marker, K3, to distinguish the two haplotypes, which can be further used for wheat germplasm screening or marker-assisted breeding. This study provides new genes and molecular markers for improvement of salt tolerance in wheat. Full article

Water scarcity challenges floriculture, which depends on quality irrigation for ornamental value. This study assessed short-term salinity tolerance in eight Asteraceae species by measuring physiological (proline levels, antioxidant enzyme activity) and morphological (plant height, flower number, and size) responses. Plants were irrigated with 0, 50, 100, or 300 mM NaCl for 10 days. Salinity significantly enhanced proline content and the activity of key antioxidant enzymes (catalase, peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase), reflecting the activation of stress defense mechanisms. However, these defenses failed to fully protect reproductive organs. Flower number and size were consistently more sensitive to salinity than vegetative traits, with significant reductions observed even at 50 mM NaCl. Responses varied between species, with Zinnia elegans and Calendula officinalis exhibiting pronounced sensitivity to salinity, whereas Tagetes patula showed relative tolerance, particularly under moderate stress conditions. The results show that flower structures are more vulnerable to ionic and osmotic disturbances than vegetative tissues, likely due to their higher metabolic demands and developmental sensitivity. Their heightened vulnerability underscores the need to prioritize reproductive performance when evaluating stress tolerance. Incorporating these traits into breeding programs is essential for developing salt-tolerant floriculture species that maintain aesthetic quality under limited water availability. Full article

Ammonium (NH₄⁺) toxicity impairs plant growth, but nitrate (NO₃⁻) can mitigate this effect through unresolved mechanisms. Using leaf δ¹³C values (photosynthetic capacity) and a bidirectional ¹⁵N tracer (NH₄⁺ assimilation efficiency and source utilization), this study investigated these mechanisms in 35-day-old Orychophragmus violaceus plantlets grown in modified Murashige and Skoog media under varying NH₄⁺:NO₃⁻ ratios. ¹⁵N isotope fractionation during NH₄⁺ (same fixed 20 mM NH₄Cl) assimilation decreased with increasing NO₃⁻ supply (10, 20, and 40 mM NaNO₃). Under 20 mM NH₄⁺ (δ¹⁵N = −2.64‰) at two ¹⁵NO₃⁻-labels (δ¹⁵N-NO₃⁻ = 8.08‰, low ¹⁵N, L) and (δ¹⁵N-NO₃⁻ = 22.67‰, high ¹⁵N, H), increasing NO₃⁻ concentrations enhanced NO₃⁻ assimilation, alleviating acidic stress from NH₄⁺ and improving photosynthesis. Higher NO₃⁻ levels also increased NH₄⁺ utilization efficiency, reducing futile NH₄⁺ cycling and decreasing associated ¹⁵N fractionation during assimilation. Our results demonstrate that NO₃⁻ alleviates NH₄⁺ toxicity primarily by enhancing photosynthetic performance and optimizing NH₄⁺ utilization efficiency. Full article

Objectives: Saffron, a traditional Chinese medicine, is renowned for its pharmacological effects in promoting blood circulation, resolving blood stasis, regulating menstruation, detoxification, and alleviating mental disturbances. Trans-crocetin, its principal bioactive component, exhibits significant anti-hypoxic activity. The clinical development and therapeutic efficacy of trans-crocetin are limited by its instability, poor solubility, and low bioavailability. Conversion of trans-crocetin into trans-sodium crocetinate (TSC) enhances its solubility, stability, and bioavailability, thereby amplifying its anti-hypoxic potential. Methods: This study integrates network pharmacology with in vivo and in vitro validation to elucidate the molecular targets and mechanisms underlying TSC’s therapeutic effects against high-altitude acute lung injury (HALI), aiming to identify novel treatment strategies. Results: TSC effectively reversed hypoxia-induced biochemical abnormalities, ameliorated lung histopathological damage, and suppressed systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in HALI rats. In vitro, TSC mitigated CoCl₂-induced hypoxia injury in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) by reducing inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and ROS accumulation while restoring mitochondrial membrane potential. Network pharmacology and pathway analysis revealed that TSC primarily targets the EGFR/PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling axis. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations demonstrated stable binding interactions between TSC and key components of this pathway. ELISA and RT-qPCR confirmed that TSC significantly downregulated the expression of EGFR, PI3K, AKT, NF-κB, and their associated mRNAs. Conclusions: TSC alleviates high-altitude hypoxia-induced lung injury by inhibiting the EGFR/PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby attenuating inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and restoring mitochondrial function. These findings highlight TSC as a promising therapeutic agent for HALI. Full article

Oxidative stress is a key mediator of physiological dysfunction in aquatic organisms under environmental challenges, yet its comprehensive impacts on gill physiology require further clarification. This study investigated the molecular and cellular responses of Eriocheir sinensis gills to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress, integrating antioxidant defense, ion transport regulation, and stress-induced cell apoptosis and autophagy. Morphological alterations in the gill filaments were observed, characterized by septum degeneration, accumulation of haemolymph cells, and pronounced swelling. For antioxidant enzymes like catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), activities were enhanced, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was reduced following 48 h of exposure. Overall, the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) showed a significant increase. The elevated concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and H₂O₂ indicated oxidative stress. Ion transport genes displayed distinct transcription patterns: Na⁺-K⁺-2Cl⁻ co-transporter-1 (NKCC1), Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger 3 (NHE3), aquaporin 7 (AQP7), and chloride channel protein 2 (CLC2) were significantly upregulated; the α-subunit of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (NKAα) and carbonic anhydrase (CA) displayed an initial increase followed by decline; whereas vacuolar-type ATPase (VATP) consistently decreased, suggesting compensatory mechanisms to maintain osmotic balance. Concurrently, H₂O₂ triggered apoptosis (Bcl2, Caspase-3/8) and autophagy (beclin-1, ATG7), likely mediated by MAPK and AMPK signaling pathways. These findings reveal a coordinated yet adaptive response of crab gills to oxidative stress, providing new insights into the mechanistic basis of environmental stress tolerance in crustaceans. Full article

The enhancement of flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity in plants remains a significant area of focus in the investigation of plant-derived functional foods. This study systematically investigated the impact of exogenous zinc sulfate (5 mM ZnSO₄) stress on flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity in finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) sprouts, along with its underlying molecular mechanisms. The results demonstrated that treatment with 5 mM ZnSO₄ significantly increased the flavonoid content in sprouts, reaching a maximum value of 5.59 μg/sprout on the 6th day of germination. ZnSO₄ stress significantly enhanced the activities of PAL, 4CL, and C4H, while also considerably upregulating the expression levels of flavonoid-biosynthesis-related genes. Physiological indicators revealed that ZnSO₄ stress increased the contents of malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide anion in the sprouts, while inhibiting sprout growth. As a stress response, ZnSO₄ stress enhances the antioxidant system by increasing antioxidant capacity (ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP), antioxidant enzyme activity (POD and SOD), and related gene expression (POD, CAT, and APX) in sprouts. This study provides experimental evidence for ZnSO₄ stress to improve flavonoid accumulation and antioxidant capacity in finger millet sprouts and provides important theoretical and practical guidance for the development of high-quality functional foods. Full article

Salt stress severely limits the growth and ornamental value of pecan (Carya illinoinensis) in salinized regions, yet the transcriptional mechanisms underlying its stress adaptation remain unclear. In this study, a comprehensive genomic analysis of the GRAS transcription factor family identified 58 CiGRAS genes in pecan. These genes were classified into 11 subfamilies and showed conserved motifs and gene structures, with variation in promoter cis-elements suggesting diverse regulatory functions. Chromosomal distribution and duplication analysis indicated that whole-genome and dispersed duplication events were the main drivers of CiGRAS expansion. Transcriptome data revealed tissue-specific expression and strong responsiveness to salt and other stresses. Under 0.6% NaCl treatment, several CiGRAS genes were significantly upregulated, especially at 48 h. Gene co-expression analysis further highlighted GRAS-enriched modules associated with redox regulation and stress signaling. qRT-PCR validation confirmed time-specific induction of seven CiGRAS genes under salt stress. These findings provide insights into the evolutionary dynamics and stress-related roles of CiGRAS genes and offer candidate regulators for improving pecan salt tolerance in ecological greening and landscape applications. Full article

The use of chloride-based deicing salts, particularly sodium chloride (NaCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl₂), is a common practice in cold regions for maintaining road safety during winter. However, the accumulation of salt residues in adjacent soils poses serious environmental threats, including reduced pH, increased electrical conductivity (EC), disrupted soil structure, and plant growth inhibition. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effect of activated carbon (AC) and Pennisetum alopecuroides, a salt-tolerant perennial grass, in alleviating salinity stress under deicer-treated soils. A factorial greenhouse experiment was conducted using three fixed factors: (i) presence or absence of Pennisetum alopecuroides, (ii) deicer type (NaCl or CaCl₂), and (iii) activated carbon mixing ratio (0, 1, 2, 5, and 10%). Soil pH, EC, and ion concentrations (Na⁺, Cl⁻, Ca²⁺) were measured, along with six plant growth indicators. The results showed that increasing AC concentrations significantly increased pH and reduced EC and ion accumulation, with the 5% AC treatment being optimal in both deicer systems. Plant physiological responses were improved in AC-amended soils, especially under CaCl₂ treatment, indicating less ion toxicity and better root zone conditions. The interaction effects between AC, deicer type, and plant presence were statistically significant (p < 0.05), supporting a synergistic remediation mechanism involving both adsorption and biological uptake. Despite the limitations of short-term controlled conditions, this study offers a promising phytomanagement strategy using natural adsorbents and salt-tolerant plants for sustainable remediation of salt-affected soils in road-adjacent and urban environments. Full article

Soil salinization, affecting approximately 954 million hectares globally, severely impairs plant growth and agricultural productivity. Apocynum venetum L., a perennial herbaceous plant with ecological and economic value, demonstrates remarkable tolerance to saline and alkali soils. This study investigated the effects of saline (NaCl) and alkali (Na₂CO₃ and NaHCO₃) stress on the growth, anatomical adaptations, and metabolite accumulation of A. venetum (Apocynum venetum L.). Results showed that alkali stress (100 mM Na₂CO₃ and 50 mM NaHCO₃) inhibited growth more than saline stress (NaCl 240 mM), reducing plant height by 29.36%. Anatomical adaptations included a 40.32% increase in the root cortex-to-diameter ratio (100 mM Na₂CO₃ and 50 mM NaHCO₃), a 101.52% enlargement of xylem vessel diameter (NaCl 240 mM), and a 68.69% thickening of phloem fiber walls in the stem (NaCl 240 mM), enhancing water absorption, salt exclusion, and structural support. Additionally, leaf palisade tissue densification (44.68% increase at NaCl 160 mM), along with epidermal and wax layer adjustments, balanced photosynthesis and water efficiency. Metabolic responses varied with stress conditions. Root soluble sugar content increased 49.28% at NaCl 160 mM. Flavonoid accumulation in roots increased 53.58% at Na₂CO₃ 100 mM and NaHCO₃ 50 mM, enhancing antioxidant defense. However, chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency declined with increasing stress intensity. This study emphasizes the coordinated adaptations of A. venetum, providing valuable insights for the development of salt-tolerant crops. Full article

Peas possess significant nutritional properties due to their high protein levels, carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins. Increased climate variability can lead to water stress in crops like peas. Therefore, priming plants through seed priming is a technique that has proven effective as a pre-conditioning method for plants to cope with more severe future stresses. Different doses and soaking times of ‘Santa Isabel’ pea seeds in NaCl and H₂O₂ were evaluated to enhance and promote germination. Two experiments were conducted under controlled conditions (average temperature 15.8 °C) through a completely randomized design with a 4 × 3 factorial arrangement, comprising 12 treatments in each trial. In the first trial, NaCl doses (0, 50, 100, or 150 mM) and the soaking time of the seeds in NaCl (12, 24, or 36 h) were examined. In the second trial, H₂O₂ doses (0, 20, 40, or 60 mM) were tested with the same imbibition times. The 50 mM NaCl dose at 24 h demonstrated the best values for germination rate index, mean germination time, germination rate (GR), and germination potential (GP). Seed imbibition for 24 h in NaCl, as well as in H₂O₂, is the ideal time to achieve the best GR and GP. The dry mass of leaf and stipule recorded the highest values with a 60 mM dose of H₂O₂ and 24 h of imbibition. An application of 150 mM NaCl resulted in the highest values of germinated seed dry mass, while causing lower dry mass in roots, stems, leaves, and stipules; however, it maintained similar total dry mass values. Full article

Arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) in rice grains are major global food safety concerns. Iron (Fe) can help reduce both, but current Fe treatments suffer from poor stability, low leaf absorption, and fast soil immobilization, with unclear underlying mechanisms. To address these issues, an Fe-based metal–organic framework (MIL-88) was modified with sodium alginate (SA) to form MIL-88@SA. Its stability as a foliar inhibitor and its leaf absorption were tested, and its effects on As and Cd accumulation in rice were compared with those of soluble Fe (FeCl₃) and chelating Fe (HA + FeCl₃) in a field study on As–Cd co-contaminated rice paddies. Compared with the control, MIL-88@SA outperformed or matched the other Fe treatments. A single foliar spray during the tillering stage increased the rice yield by 19% and reduced the inorganic As and Cd content in the grains by 22.8% and 67.8%, respectively, while the other Fe treatments required two sprays. Its superior performance was attributed to better leaf affinity and thermal stability. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analyses revealed that Fe improved photosynthesis and alleviated As–Cd stress in leaves, MIL-88@SA promoted As and Cd redistribution, and Fe–Cd co-accumulation in leaf veins enhanced Cd retention in leaves. Full article

Background and Objectives: Magnesium (Mg)-based materials, such as the WE43 alloy, show potential in biomedical applications owing to their advantageous mechanical properties and biodegradability; however, their quick corrosion rate and hydrogen release restrict their general clinical utilization. This study aimed to develop a novel Mg-Zn-Ca alloy system based on WE43 alloy, evaluating the influence of Zn and Ca additions on microstructure, mechanical properties, cytocompatibility, and electrochemical behavior for potential use in biodegradable orthopedic applications. Materials and Methods: The WE43-Zn-Ca alloy system was developed by alloying standard WE43 (Mg–Y–Zr–RE) with 1.5% Zn and Ca concentrations of 0.2% (WE43_0.2Ca alloy) and 0.3% (WE43_0.3Ca alloy). Microstructural analysis was performed utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in conjunction with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), while the chemical composition was validated through optical emission spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Mechanical properties were assessed through tribological tests. Electrochemical corrosion behavior was evaluated using potentiodynamic polarization in a 3.5% NaCl solution. Cytocompatibility was assessed in vitro on MG63 cells using cell viability assays (MTT). Results: Alloys WE43_0.2Ca and WE43_0.3Ca exhibited refined, homogeneous microstructures with grain sizes between 70 and 100 µm, without significant structural defects. Mechanical testing indicated reduced stiffness and an elastic modulus similar to human bone (19.2–20.3 GPa), lowering the risk of stress shielding. Cytocompatibility tests confirmed non-cytotoxic behavior for alloys WE43_0.2Ca and WE43_0.3Ca, with increased cell viability and unaffected cellular morphology. Conclusions: The study validates the potential of Mg-Zn-Ca alloys (especially WE43_0.3Ca) as biodegradable biomaterials for orthopedic implants due to their favorable combination of mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and cytocompatibility. The optimization of these alloys contributed to obtaining an improved microstructure with a reduced degradation rate and a non-cytotoxic in vitro outcome, which supports efficient bone tissue regeneration and its integration into the body for complex biomedical applications. Full article

This study presents the development of a TiO₂ nanowire-based electrochemical sensor for the selective and sensitive detection of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) under neutral pH conditions, with a particular focus on its application in analyzing plant stress. The sensor exhibited a linear detection range of 0–0.5 mM, a sensitivity of 0.0393 mA · mM⁻¹, and a detection limit of 2.8 μM in phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBS, pH 7.4). This work’s main novelty lies in the systematic investigation of the relationship between TiO₂ nanostructure morphology, which is controlled by hydrothermal synthesis parameters, and the resulting sensor performance. Interference studies confirmed excellent selectivity in the presence of common electroactive species found in plant samples, such as NaCl, KNO₃, glucose, citric acid, and ascorbic acid. Real sample analysis using barley plant extracts grown under salt stress and treated with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles confirmed the sensor’s applicability in complex biological matrices, enabling accurate quantification of endogenously produced H₂O₂. Endogenous H₂O₂ concentrations were found to range from near-zero levels in control and Fe₃O₄-only treated plants, to elevated levels of up to 0.36 mM in salt-stressed samples. These levels decreased to 0.25 and 0.15 mM upon Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle treatment, indicating a dose-dependent mitigation of stress. This finding was supported by genome template stability (GTS) analysis, which revealed improved DNA integrity in Fe₃O₄-treated plants. This study takes an integrated approach, combining the development of a nanostructured sensor with physiological and molecular stress assessment. The urgent need for tools to detect stress at an early stage and manage oxidative stress in sustainable agriculture underscores its relevance. Full article