Search Results (320)

An imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses is known as oxidative stress, and it is implicated in a number of diseases. The superoxide radical O^2– is produced by numerous biochemically relevant redox processes and is thought to play role in diseases and pathological processes, such as aging, cancer, membrane or DNA damage, etc.; SOD, or superoxide dismutase, is essential for reducing oxidative stress. As a result, the elimination of ROS by SOD may be a useful disease prevention tactic. There have been reports of protective effects against neurodegeneration, apoptosis, carcinogenesis, and radiation. Exogenous SODs’ low bioavailability has drawn criticism. However, this restriction might be removed, and interest in SOD’s medicinal qualities increased with advancements in its formulation. This review discusses the findings of human and animal studies that support the benefits of SOD enzyme regulation in reducing oxidative stress in various ways. Additionally, this review summarizes contemporary understandings of the biology of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) from SOD1 genetics and its therapeutic potential. Full article

This study investigated the effects of reducing organic trace minerals below commercial inclusion levels and compared them with both low-dose and commercial levels of inorganic trace minerals, focusing on growth performance, carcass traits, tibia characteristics, oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase [SOD] and malondialdehyde [MDA]), and immune response (serum IgG) in broilers. A total of 384 one-day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments: (1) commercial-level inorganic trace minerals (ILI; Zn 100 ppm; Cu 15 ppm; Fe 100 ppm; Mn 80 ppm; Se 0.2 ppm; I 3 ppm); (2) low-level organic trace minerals (LLO; Zn 30 ppm; Cu 4 ppm; Fe 11 ppm; Mn 30 ppm; Se 0.225 ppm; I 3 ppm), and (3) low-level inorganic trace minerals (LLI; Zn 30 ppm; Cu 4 ppm; Fe 11 ppm; Mn 30 ppm; Se 0.2 ppm; I 3 ppm). Each treatment consisted of eight replicates with 16 birds per replicate, and diets were provided in two phases: starter (days 1–21) and grower (days 22–35). The results showed that the LLO group demonstrated a significantly improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the starter phase, 2.4% better than that of the ILI and LLI groups (p = 0.02). Additionally, filet and thigh muscle yields in the LLO group were higher by 11.9% (p = 0.03) and 13.9% (p = 0.02), respectively, compared to the ILI group. Other carcass traits, as well as pH and drip loss, were not significantly affected. However, tibia breaking strength at day 35 was 15.1% lower in the LLO group compared to the ILI group (p = 0.02). No significant differences were observed in oxidative stress markers or IgG levels among groups. This study demonstrated that reducing the inclusion level of inorganic trace minerals did not negatively affect broiler growth performance, whereas supplementation with low levels of organic trace minerals improved both growth performance and carcass quality. Full article

The functional role of MAPKK genes in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) under high-temperature stress remains unexplored, despite their critical importance in stress signaling and yield protection. We characterized StMAPKK1, a novel group D MAPKK localized to plasma membrane/cytoplasm. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) revealed cultivar-specific upregulation in potato (‘Atlantic’ and ‘Desiree’) leaves under heat stress (25 °C, 30 °C, and 35 °C). Transgenic lines overexpressing (OE) StMAPKK1 exhibited elevated antioxidant enzyme activity, including ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD), mitigating oxidative damage. Increased proline and chlorophyll accumulation and reduced oxidative stress markers, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and malondialdehyde (MDA), indicate improved cellular redox homeostasis. The upregulation of key antioxidant and heat stress-responsive genes (StAPX, StCAT1/2, StPOD12/47, StFeSOD2/3, StMnSOD, StCuZnSOD1/2, StHSFA3 and StHSP20/70/90) strengthened the enzymatic defense system, enhanced thermotolerance, and improved photosynthetic efficiency, with significant improvements in net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (E), and stomatal conductance (Gs) under heat stress (35 °C) in StMAPKK1-OE plants. Superior growth and biomass (plant height, plant and its root fresh and dry weights, and tuber yield) accumulation, confirming the positive role of StMAPKK1 in thermotolerance. Conversely, RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated suppression of StMAPKK1 led to a reduction in enzymatic activity, proline content, and chlorophyll levels, exacerbating oxidative stress. Downregulation of antioxidant-related genes impaired ROS scavenging capacity and declines in photosynthetic efficiency, growth, and biomass, accompanied by elevated H₂O₂ and MDA accumulation, highlighting the essential role of StMAPKK1 in heat stress adaptation. These findings highlight StMAPKK1’s potential as a key genetic target for breeding heat-tolerant potato varieties, offering a foundation for improving crop resilience in warming climates. Full article

Superoxide dismutases (SODs) maintain redox homeostasis through the catalytic dismutation of superoxide anions, thereby affording protection to organisms against oxidative damage. The SOD family, encompassing Cu/Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD, Fe-SOD, and Ni-SOD, exhibits structural diversity and constitutes a multilevel antioxidant defense system with discrete subcellular localizations. Beyond their antioxidant functions, SODs also function as immunomodulatory proteins, regulating the maturation, proliferation, and differentiation of immune cells. They further fulfill a crucial role in host responses to parasitic infections. The current review synthesizes and critically evaluates extant research to comprehensively delineate the molecular architecture of SODs, their intricate post-translational modification (PTM) networks, and their dual regulatory mechanisms at the interface of immunomodulation and pathological processes. This review establishes a critical framework for elucidating the biological significance of redox homeostasis maintenance. Full article

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a major staple crop globally, yet its production is severely impacted by common scab, a disease caused by Streptomyces spp., leading to substantial economic losses. This study evaluated copper sulfate (CuSO₄) and zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) as potential control agents for common scab, focusing on their antimicrobial properties and effects on potato resistance mechanisms. Both CuSO₄ and ZnSO₄ exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of Streptomyces spp., significantly reducing the production of the pathogenic toxin Thaxtomin A by 57.02% and 41.29%, respectively. Electrical conductivity assays indicated their disruptive effects on cell membrane integrity, and HPLC confirmed their suppression of toxin production. Pot experiments showed that these treatments enhanced plant growth, chlorophyll content, and defense enzyme activities (SOD, POD, CAT, PPO), while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. qPCR analysis revealed upregulation of defense-related genes (PR1, PR3, PR9, SOD1, HSF1). Field trials demonstrated disease control efficiencies of 56.58% and 59.06% for CuSO₄ and ZnSO₄, respectively, with ZnSO₄ increasing yield by 19.29%. These findings highlight CuSO₄ and ZnSO₄ as effective agents for suppressing Streptomyces spp. and enhancing potato resistance, offering practical value for sustainable potato production systems. Full article

Evaluating the interaction between dissolved oxygen (DO) and feeding rates (FRs) in fish is crucial for the precise regulation of aquaculture water environments. This study established four treatment groups: the CK group (DO = 6 mg/L, FR = 2% of body weight), the HFR group (DO = 6 mg/L, FR = 3.5% of body weight), the HDO group (DO = 9 mg/L, FR = 2% of body weight), and the MIX group (DO = 6 mg/L, FR = 3.5% of body weight). The combined effects of dissolved oxygen and feeding levels on oxidative stress, biochemical indicators, and growth in the hybrid grouper were evaluated. The results showed that mild hyperoxia significantly upregulates the expression of antioxidant enzyme genes (cat, cu/zn-sod, and gpx1a). Under conditions of mild hyperoxia, an increased feed rate can significantly downregulate the expression of cat and gpx1a. Additionally, serum levels of carnosine and cndp1 in muscle tissue are significantly elevated. Furthermore, a high FR mitigates the downregulation of glucose, triglycerides, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) induced by mild hyperoxia while alleviating the upregulation of aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The combined effects of mild hyperoxia and high FR significantly enhance final body weight and specific growth rate (SGR), with notable interactions observed. Mild hyperoxia reduces serum levels of bile acids and glycocholic acid under high feeding conditions while significantly downregulating the expression of ghrb in both liver and brain tissues. In summary, high FRs alleviate oxidative stress and energy substrate deficiency in juvenile hybrid grouper under mild-hyperoxia environments. Moreover, the synergistic effect between mild hyperoxia and high FR promotes growth by improving bile acid enterohepatic circulation. This study provides a reference for the regulation of DO and feeding in modern industrial intensive mariculture. Full article

Familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective degeneration of motor neurons. Among the main genetic causes of ALS, over 200 mutations have been identified in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) protein, a dimeric metalloenzyme essential for converting superoxides from cellular respiration into less toxic products. Point mutations in SOD1 monomers can induce protein misfolding, which spreads to wild-type monomers through a prion-like mechanism, leading to dysfunctions that contribute to the development of the disease. Understanding the structural and functional differences between the wild-type protein and its mutated variants, as well as developing drugs capable of inhibiting the propagation of misfolding, is crucial for identifying new therapeutic strategies. In this work, seven SOD1 mutations (A4V, G41D, G41S, D76V, G85R, G93A, and I104F) were selected, and three-dimensional models of SOD1 dimers composed of one wild-type monomer and one mutated monomer were generated, along with a control dimer consisting solely of wild-type monomers. Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to investigate conformational differences between the dimers. Additionally, molecular docking was performed using a library of ligands to identify compounds with high affinity for the mutated dimers. The study reveals some differences in the mutated dimers following molecular dynamics simulations and in the docking of the selected ligands with the various dimers. Full article

Trace mineral supplementation is critical for shrimp aquaculture sustainability, yet the bioavailability of conventional inorganic forms remains suboptimal. The study investigated the effects of inorganic (IM) and organic (OM) trace mineral premixes at varying doses on growth, physiological responses, and gut microbiota in white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei). Five experimental diets were formulated: a basal control (no supplementation), full-dose IM (IM100), half-dose IM (IM50), half-dose OM (OM50), and one-third dose OM (OM33). A total of 800 shrimp were randomly distributed into 20 tanks for an 8-week feeding experiment. The results showed that shrimp fed diets OM50 and IM100 had significantly higher total protein content in the plasma, lower levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride, and enhanced antioxidant capacity and immune response (greater activities of T-SOD, GPX, and PO, lower content of MDA, higher content of hemocyanin, and upregulated expression of cat, gpx, and Hemo). Furthermore, OM50 group showed superior mineral bioaccumulation, particularly for Zn in the hepatopancreas and whole body, and Cu in the whole body, accompanied by upregulated expression of mineral transporter-related (ZIP14, ZnT6, and MT). Moreover, diet OM50 resulted in a higher abundance of potential probiotic bacteria (including Pseudomonas and Enterococcus) and a lower abundance of potential pathogenic bacteria (including Vibrio and Planctomicrobium). The findings indicated that organic trace minerals premix at half the conventional dosage can effectively enhance its bioavailability, significantly improve the health status, and beneficially modify intestinal microbiota communities of shrimp, suggesting superior efficiency compared to inorganic forms. Full article

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) are two neurodegenerative disorders that share common genes and pathomechanisms and are referred to as the ALS-FTD spectrum. A hallmark of ALS-FTD pathology is the abnormal aggregation of proteins, including Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1), transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), fused in sarcoma/translocated in liposarcoma (FUS/TLS), and dipeptide repeat proteins resulting from C9orf72 hexanucleotide expansions. Genetic mutations linked to ALS-FTD disrupt protein stability, phase separation, and interaction networks, promoting misfolding and insolubility. This review explores the molecular mechanisms underlying protein aggregation in ALS-FTD, with a particular focus on TDP-43, as it represents the main aggregated species inside pathological inclusions and can also aggregate in its wild-type form. Moreover, this review describes the protective mechanisms activated by the cells to prevent protein aggregation, including molecular chaperones and post-translational modifications (PTMs). Understanding these regulatory pathways could offer new insights into targeted interventions aimed at mitigating cell toxicity and restoring cellular function. Full article

Nutraceuticals are gaining research interest due to their beneficial potential and their use to counter the impact of emerging contaminants on natural ecosystems. Particularly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of personal hygiene/care products and disinfectants increased significantly. These products contain several substances in their formulations, including surfactants, which have proven to be hazardous to the entire aquatic ecosystem. In the present study, bergamot (Citrus bergamia) peel extract was used as a nutraceutical to counteract the toxicity of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), a common anionic detergent with antimicrobial activity. Specimens of Mytilus galloprovincialis, were exposed to SLS (0.01 mg/L), bergamot peels’ extract (BRG: 5 mg/L), and their mixture for 14 days. The cellular and physiological alterations in haemocytes, digestive gland (DG) and gill cells were analysed. The analyses included cell viability of haemocytes and DG cells (trypan blue exclusion assay and the neutral red retention test); the ability of DG cells to regulate their volume (RVD); haemocyte phagocytic activity; expression of genes involved in antioxidant response (Cu/ZnSOD, MnSOD, Hsp70, and CYP4Y) on gills and DG; the energy efficiency of the organism through byssus production; and the measurement of key macromolecules, including total lipid and fatty acid content, total protein, tocopherols and carotenoids, which play a key role in maintaining physiological and metabolic functions in the organism. Overall, significant differences emerged between the control (CTR) and treated groups, with the CTR and BRG groups resembling each other, while the SLS-treated groups showed significant alterations. Meanwhile, the groups exposed to the combination showed a recovery, suggesting the potential beneficial effect of the BRG. Full article

Our previous study has shown that replacing 100% inorganic trace minerals with 30% amino acid-chelated ones can enhance antioxidant capacity, improve nutrient digestibility, and reduce fecal excretion in growing-finishing pigs without compromising performance. This study aimed to further reduce the amino acid-chelated trace minerals content in pig diets and assess its impact. Seventy-two growing-finishing barrows (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire), with an initial average body weight of 67.04 ± 0.12 kg, were divided into four groups: negative control (NC, no additional trace minerals), high-dose inorganic trace minerals (HITM, 100% inorganic; 75 mg/kg Fe, 10 mg/kg Cu, 65 mg/kg Zn, 25 mg/kg Mn), and two low-dose groups (15 mg/kg Fe, 4 mg/kg Cu, 12.5 mg/kg Zn, 5 mg/kg Mn) receiving either inorganic sulfates (LITM) or amino acid-chelates (LOTM). The trial concluded when the body weight of pigs reached ~130 kg. Results showed that low-dose trace mineral substitution did not adversely affect growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, or nutrient digestibility in growing-finishing pigs (p > 0.05). The LOTM pigs exhibited significantly higher serum glutathione peroxidase, liver total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and CuZn-SOD activities, muscle CuZn-SOD and catalase activities, and lower liver malondialdehyde content compared with LITM (p < 0.05). Muscle CuZn-SOD in LITM was lower than HITM (p < 0.05), but not in LOTM (p > 0.05). LOTM showed significantly higher muscle Fe content and lower muscle Mn content compared with HITM (p < 0.05), yet its muscle Mn level was higher than that of LITM (p < 0.05). Liver Zn content decreased in LITM compared with HITM (p < 0.05), but remained unchanged in LOTM (p > 0.05). Both LITM and LOTM significantly reduced fecal emissions of Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn compared with HITM (p < 0.05), with greater reductions in Cu, Zn, and Mn in LOTM. In conclusion, low-dose substitution of inorganic or organic trace minerals did not negatively affect growth, carcass traits, meat quality, or nutrient digestibility in growing-finishing pigs, while it effectively reduced fecal heavy metal emissions. Organic trace minerals were more effective in enhancing antioxidant activity and trace mineral deposition. Full article

Zinc (Zn)- and copper (Cu)-containing welding fumes elevate inflammatory markers (CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8) in healthy individuals and welders. Zn- and Cu-containing nanoparticles are toxic to human macrophages. Therefore, ZnO exposure limits are under discussion. In this study, the effects of Zn/Cu-containing welding fume suspensions on A549 alveolar epithelial cells (exposure concentrations: 0.01/0.1/1/10/100 µg/mL) and THP-1 macrophages (additionally 0.001 µg/mL) were investigated over a period of 48 h. Effects on apoptosis, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-8, MIP-1β/CCL4, TNF-α) were evaluated. Welding fume exposure increased SOD activity, and it increased Annexin-V binding and cytotoxicity effects starting at 10 µg/mL in A549 cells and particularly in THP-1 macrophages. A549 cells showed increased IL-6 at 10 and 100 µg/mL, and significant IL-8 release occurred at 10 µg/mL for A549 and 0.1 µg/mL for macrophages. Exposed macrophages released TNF-α at 1 µg/mL after 24 and 48 h and MIP-1β/CCL4 at 0.01 µg/mL after 6 h and at 0.001 µg/mL after 48 h. No genotoxic effects were detected. MIP-1β/CCL4 is a sensitive new biomarker for human macrophages exposed to Zn/Cu-containing welding fumes. The findings suggest that Zn/Cu particles affect lung cells already at doses below current occupational thresholds. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oxidative stress is a factor that may adversely affect the development of the foetus, the course of labour, and newborn health. This study aimed to determine the association between the labour method, oxidative stress parameters, and neonatal condition. Methods: The study material was umbilical cord blood from newborns delivered vaginally (n = 60) or by caesarean section (n = 108). The total antioxidant status (TAS), superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx), and glutathione reductase activity (GR) were determined using colorimetric methods. The concentration of the chemical elements (Zn, Cu, Mn) was estimated, using atomic absorption spectrometry (ASA). Results: The SOD activity was significantly lower in newborns with an Apgar score below 10 at the 5th minute of life compared to newborns with the highest Apgar points (p = 0.041). In neonates delivered by caesarean section (CS), but not vaginally born (VB) neonates, the SOD activity was significantly lower in newborns with Apgar scores less than 10 at the 5th minute of life compared to newborns with the maximum number of Apgar points (p = 0.02). Conclusions: The reduced SOD activity in the umbilical cord blood of newborns with Apgar scores less than 10 could be related to increased oxidative stress during labour. Bupivacaine-induced oxidative stress seems to be the cause of SOD downregulation in caesarean-delivered newborns. The observed SOD downregulation in neonates delivered by CS and with a decreased Apgar score requires confirmation based on a larger cohort of neonates. Full article

Imidacloprid (IMI), a widely used neonicotinoid insecticide, has raised environmental concerns due to its potential impact on non-target aquatic organisms. This study investigates the effects of IMI exposure on the intestinal immune function of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii, P. clarkii), focusing on oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and autophagy. The P. clarkii was exposed to different doses of IMI (0, 10.93, 21.86, 43.73, 87.45 μg/L) for 96 h. Our findings reveal that IMI exposure leads to a survival rate of less than 70% when the concentration was 87.45 μg/L at 96 h. Hemolymph LZM and AKP contents were significantly decreased at the medium and high concentrations, and the expressions of hsp70 and nf-κb genes were significantly up-regulated. The expression of the lysozyme gene was significantly down-regulated. Additionally, the activities of SOD, CAT, and GPX were significantly decreased, the contents of MDA were significantly increased, and the gene expressions of CuZnsod, mMnsod, cat, and gpx in the gut were significantly down-regulated after exposure to medium-high IMI. The expression of autophagy-related genes showed that the expressions of beclin1, atg5, atg13, and lc3c genes in the medium- and high-concentration groups were significantly up-regulated. In summary, this study elucidates that medium-high levels of IMI exposure impair intestinal immune function in P. clarkii through mechanisms involving oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and autophagy. Full article

Inflammatory periodontal diseases, despite all the efforts of modern dentistry, remain an important predictor of tooth loss worldwide. Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis, making the use of antioxidants an attractive option for its treatment. Our attention was drawn to the selenium compound Selenase as an antioxidant therapeutic agent. In this study, we modeled a calcium-deficient prooxidant chronic generalized periodontitis (CGP) model in white non-linear rats. Then, after 14 days, Selenase (50 μg/kg) and Mexidol (250 mg/kg) were administered intragastrically. Blood samples from the animals were analyzed using ELISA and biochemical methods to determine Cu-Zn SOD, nitrotyrosine, GPX-4, iNOS, NO_x, GSH, and GSSG levels. The CGP model led to the typical clinical signs of periodontitis, including hyperemia, edema, gingival pocket formation, bleeding, tooth mobility, as well as an increase in molecular–biochemical markers of nitrosative stress and a reduction of endogenous antioxidants in the blood. Selenase resulted in a decrease in the clinical manifestations of CGP, reduced iNOS, nitrotyrosine, and NO_x levels, and an increase in Cu-Zn SOD and GPX-4 compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Mexidol had a less pronounced effect on these markers compared to Selenase (p < 0.05). Full article