Search Results (3,120)

Background/Objectives: The aim of the current study was to investigate the mechanistic hepatoprotective efficacy of selenium (SE) and chitosan-coated selenium nanoparticles (CS-SENPs) using a rat model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods: CS-SENP was prepared and characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Male albino rats (n = 40) were divided into four groups: control, LPS, SE, and CS-SENP. SE and CS-SENPs (5 mg/kg orally for 14 days) were given before LPS injection. Tissue architecture was assessed using histopathological analysis. HSP-47 and STEAP-3 protein expression levels were measured using ELISA, and oxidative stress markers were quantitatively evaluated. The expression of HO-1, TLR-4, STAT-3, TRAF-6, and IL-17A was measured using immunohistochemical analysis. Furthermore, HSP-90 expression was evaluated by immunofluorescence labeling. Results: CS-SENP characterization revealed uniform (PDI = 0.125 ± 0.04) nanoparticle size (108.54 ± 2.24 nm), with high zeta potential (+63.92 ± 6.287 mV), attributed to the CS layer, which was confirmed by FTIR and TEM as an electron-lucent halo enveloping the individual SENP cores. CS-SENPs significantly reduced lipid peroxidation (MDA) and restored glutathione (GSH) more effectively than SE. CS-SENPs improved redox (upregulated HO-1) and iron balance (downregulated STEAP-3), and also increased the anti-inflammatory effect (suppressed TLR-4, IL-17A, TRAF-6, and STAT-3). CS-SENPs showed superior antifibrotic efficacy (suppresses stress proteins, HSP-47 and HSP-90). Rats treated with CS-SENPs had nearly normal liver structure. Conclusions: The results concluded that CS-SENPs had superior and multi-targeted hepatoprotection against LPS-induced liver damage. Full article

The valorization of agricultural by-products as functional feed additives represents a promising strategy for sustainable aquaculture. This study evaluated the effects of dietary fermented longan peel (FLP), produced through enzymatic hydrolysis and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum fermentation, on growth performance, digestive physiology, gut morphology, innate immunity, and gene expression in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultured under a biofloc system. Five experimental diets were formulated with graded FLP levels (0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 g kg⁻¹) and fed to fish for eight weeks. Growth indices, including final weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate, improved significantly in fish receiving 20 g kg⁻¹ FLP, following a strong quadratic response pattern. In vitro digestibility assays showed enhanced carbohydrate and protein digestibility, coinciding with increased intestinal amylase and protease activities. Histological analysis indicated that moderate FLP inclusion (10–20 g kg⁻¹) promoted villus height, crypt depth, and epithelial organization. Innate immune parameters, including lysozyme, peroxidase, and alternative complement activity, were markedly elevated in serum and mucus, particularly at 20–40 g kg⁻¹ after eight weeks. Gene expression profiling revealed significant up-regulation of growth-related (IGF-1, GH, NPY-α, Galanin), immune-related (TLR-7, TNF-α, NFκB), and antioxidant-related (hsp70, Keap-1, nrf-2, GST-α) genes in fish fed higher FLP levels, with responses plateauing beyond 20 g kg⁻¹. Overall, FLP supplementation at 20 g kg⁻¹ optimally enhanced growth, digestive efficiency, intestinal health, and innate immune status. These findings demonstrate the potential of fermented longan peel as a cost-effective, bioactive, and sustainable functional feed ingredient for tilapia and other warm-water aquaculture species. Full article

The transcriptomic effects of hybridization and triploidization were investigated in diploid and triploid rainbow trout, diploid brook trout, as well as triploid hybrids of rainbow trout and brook trout. The examined fish were reared under identical conditions for about two and a half years after hatching. Expression of ten genes involved in cellular respiration (Atp5bp, Slc25a5), mitochondrial functioning (Mrpl28, Micu2), ribosome biogenesis (Rpl24, Rps24), proteasome-mediated protein turnover (Derl1, Psmc2), and protein chaperoning (Hsp90B1, Pdia4) was studied in liver and muscle tissues. Most of the analyzed genes (Atp5bp, Slc25a5, Mrpl28, Micu2, Rpl24, Rps24, Derl1, and Psmc2) displayed comparable expression levels in the liver tissue across the examined triploid hybrids and diploid parental species, with stabilization of genes that were both positively and negatively compensated in the triploid rainbow trout. In turn, significant upregulation of Slc25a5, Derl1, Rps24, and Rpl24 genes, together with downregulation of Micu2 gene, was observed in the triploid rainbow trout liver and muscle, respectively. On the other hand, triploid hybrids showed marked transcriptional upregulation of genes primarily associated with energy metabolism and protein synthesis (Atp5pb, Slc25a5, Rpl24, Rps24, and Pdia4) relative to all the fish groups examined. Although protein-synthesis- and energy-related genes were upregulated in the muscles of triploid hybrids, the recorded growth performance data did not indicate clear evidence of growth heterosis (MPH = −14.3% for body weight; MPH = −0.4% for body length), suggesting that potential benefits of increased heterozygosity in this cross may not be fully reflected in enhanced growth. Three- to four-fold downregulation of the heat shock protein (Hsp90B1) gene was also observed in both tissues of triploid hybrids compared with purebred diploid and triploid trout, which may reflect potential maladaptive genomic effects commonly observed in distant salmonid crosses, suggesting altered stress-response regulation in the examined triploid hybrids. Full article

Background/Objectives: Psoriasis is a chronic, systemic, and multifactorial disease affecting approximately 1–2% of the Caucasian population. It is characterized by distinct histopathological features, including epidermal hyperplasia and infiltration of immune cells into the skin. Despite its high prevalence, the underlying mechanisms driving psoriasis remain incompletely understood. Heat shock proteins (HSPs), particularly HSP70, are known to play key roles in modulating immune responses and inflammation. Although previous studies have examined the involvement of HSPs in dermatological conditions such as psoriasis, current evidence remains inconclusive. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of Hsp70 deficiency in the pathogenesis of psoriasis using an in vivo model. Methods: We used male mice that were either genetically normal (Hsp70+/+) or lacked the Hsp70 gene (Hsp70−/−) at 8–12 weeks of age. Psoriasis was induced by applying imiquimod cream daily for 7 days. At the end of this period mice were sacrificed and blood and tissue collected for further analysis. The severity of the psoriasis was evaluated daily using the PASI Score. Results: Hsp70 depletion was accompanied by significantly decreased psoriatic-like skin inflammation, fewer histological abnormalities, and lower PASI scores. Flow cytometry analysis revealed a decrease in LY6C⁺ monocytes and an increase in LY6G⁺ neutrophils infiltration in Hsp70-deficient mice. In addition, HSP60 expression was lower in the absence of HSP70, while HSP90 expression was markedly elevated. Conclusions: These results point to a significant regulatory function of HSP70 in psoriatic inflammation and raise the possibility that it could be a therapeutic target. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adaptogens are plant-derived substances that enhance the body’s nonspecific resistance to physical, chemical, biological, and psychological stressors by normalizing physiological functions. This article discusses the molecular mechanisms of action of seven key plant adaptogens—Rhodiola rosea, Schisandra chinensis, Withania somnifera, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Panax ginseng, Ocimum tenuiflorum, and Bacopa monnieri—in the context of chronic stress and lifestyle-related diseases. Methods: A review of the scientific literature is performed, including preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials, and studies employing network pharmacology analyses, molecular docking, and genomic techniques such as gene expression profiling. The interactions of active constituents with signaling pathways, molecular targets, and synergistic mechanisms were analyzed based on publications from the years 2010–2025. Results: Adaptogens exhibit pleiotropic activity: they regulate the HPA axis (Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal axis); induce Hsp70/Hsp16 expression; modulate SAPK/JNK, FOXO, and NF-κB pathways; and demonstrate antioxidant and mitoprotective effects. Specific mechanisms include: salidroside from R. rosea activating PI3K/Akt; schizandrin B from S. chinensis stimulating Hsp70; withanolides from W. somnifera inhibiting PDE4D; ginsenosides from P. ginseng suppressing FKBP51; and bacosides from B. monnieri enhancing acetylcholine synthesis. Clinical studies confirm reductions in cortisol levels (14–30%), decreased fatigue, and improved cognitive function without adverse effects. Conclusions: Understanding the molecular mechanisms of adaptogens supports their application in integrative medicine for the treatment of stress-related disorders, depression, anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases. Further clinical studies are needed to optimize dosages and standardize extracts. Full article

Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser is an important hemiparasitic medicinal plant whose propagation is severely limited by the desiccation sensitivity of its recalcitrant seeds. Dehydrins (DHNs), which protect plants against dehydration-induced stresses such as salinity, drought, and low temperatures, may play a critical role in protecting recalcitrant seeds. However, the role of DHNs in the seeds of T. chinensis remains unclear. In this study, a differentially expressed gene was identified from the seed transcriptome of T. chinensis and designated TcDHN1. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analyses revealed that TcDHN1 encodes a dehydrin protein. Heterologous overexpression of TcDHN1 in Arabidopsis did not affect growth under normal conditions. Under salt, drought, and cold stresses, transgenic lines exhibited higher seed germination rates, longer primary roots, and improved seedling growth compared with wild-type (WT) plants. The transgenic lines showed significantly increased activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase. In addition, ectopic overexpression of TcDHN1 in Arabidopsis conferred enhanced tolerance to abiotic stresses compared to WT plants, accompanied by increased expression of the stress-responsive genes Responsive to Desiccation 29A (AtRD29A) and Heat Shock Protein 70-1 (AtHSP70-1). The above results indicate that TcDHN1 confers enhanced tolerance to abiotic stresses. This study provides a functional characterization of an abiotic stress-responsive gene from recalcitrant seeds and identifies a potential genetic resource for molecular breeding. This could potentially improve abiotic stress resistance in T. chinensis and related medicinal plants. Full article

Heat stress is a key environmental factor that adversely affects plant growth, development, and productivity. Nitrate reductase (NR), encoded by AtNIA1 and AtNIA2, plays a crucial role in nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis, which mediates stress responses in plants. In this study, we investigated the roles of AtNIA1 and AtNIA2 in regulating plant heat stress tolerance. Under heat stress conditions, Arabidopsis thaliana plants maintained higher relative water content and chlorophyll levels, whereas atnia1 and atnia2 mutants exhibited greater physiological damage. Oxidative stress markers such as MDA and H₂O₂ accumulated to higher levels in nitrate reductase mutants than in Col-0, indicating increased heat sensitivity. Gene expression analysis further revealed a pronounced late-phase induction of MBF1c in atnia2 plants, accompanied by altered expression of heat shock proteins. These results suggest that nitrate reductase-dependent pathways contribute to heat stress tolerance by regulating water status, membrane stability, ROS detoxification, and heat shock gene expression. This study provides new insights into NR-mediated NO signaling in thermotolerance and highlights potential targets for improving crop resilience under rising temperatures. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary malignancy often driven by metabolic syndrome, fatty liver disease, and chronic hepatitis. These conditions foster a pro-inflammatory microenvironment that promotes tumor progression. Viniferin, a natural oligostilbene, has gained attention for its potential bioactivity. This study utilized an in silico network pharmacology approach to elucidate the pharmacokinetic properties and molecular mechanisms of ε- and δ-viniferin against HCC within the context of metabolic and inflammatory liver pathologies. Methods: ADMET profiles were characterized using SwissADME and pkCSM. Therapeutic targets were identified by intersecting viniferin-associated molecules with disease genes from GeneCards. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, supplemented by GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Molecular docking and 200 ns of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations evaluated the binding affinity and structural stability between viniferin isomers and identified hub proteins. Results: Both ε- and δ-viniferin showed favorable drug-like properties, including high gastrointestinal absorption and low hepatotoxicity. We identified 247 overlapping targets, with network analysis highlighting ten essential hub genes, including AKT1, HSP90AA1, ESR1, HIF1A, NFKB1, GSK3B, PTGS2, APP, MTOR, and PIK3CA. Enrichment analysis confirmed their involvement in critical oncogenic pathways. Molecular docking showed strong interactions with APP, HSP90AA1, and AKT1, while MD simulations validated the long-term stability of ε-viniferin within the APP binding pocket. Conclusions: These findings provide mechanistic insights into viniferin as a multi-target agent for HCC, justifying further experimental validation in pre-clinical models. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mycobacterial infections and autoimmune diseases affect many worldwide, and growing evidence suggests that there is a bidirectional relationship. This review examines mechanisms by which various autoimmune diseases predispose patients to mycobacterial infections, and vice versa. Methods: We conducted a PubMed/MEDLINE search using the keywords “mycobacterium” and the names of the autoimmune conditions to identify relevant papers. Results: Rheumatoid arthritis therapies, especially TNF-α inhibitors, raise tuberculosis (TB) and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) risk. Type 1 diabetes features impaired cell-mediated immunity and macrophage dysfunction, with evidence for Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) mimicry involving HSP65–GAD65. In systemic lupus erythematosus, immune dysregulation plus corticosteroids and cytotoxins elevates TB and NTM risk, amplified in endemic settings. In multiple sclerosis, heightened TLR2/4/9 signaling agents that inhibit pyrimidine synthesis may increase IL-10 and reduce antimycobacterial immunity. Crohn’s disease shows genetic susceptibility (e.g., NOD2 variants) and MAP detection, supporting impaired clearance of intracellular mycobacteria. Conclusions: Overall, evidence supports a bidirectional relationship: mycobacterial antigens can initiate or amplify autoimmunity via molecular mimicry and chronic stimulation, while autoimmune biology and iatrogenic immunosuppression increase susceptibility to infection. Implications include latent TB screening before immunosuppression, attention to local epidemiology, and vigilance for NTM. Research priorities include prospective cohorts, mechanistic studies of mimicry and NOD2–TLR pathways, safety registries, and trials of screening and prophylaxis. Full article

Drought stress is one of the most severe abiotic constraints limiting wheat productivity worldwide, particularly during early developmental stages that determine crop establishment and yield potential. Sustainable, biologically based strategies that enhance drought tolerance without environmental cost are therefore urgently needed. In this study, we evaluated the individual and combined effects of chitosan (Cs), microalgae (Ma) (Nostoc linckia, MACC-612), and a chitosan–microalgae nanoparticle formulation (Cs-Ma) on germination performance, early seedling growth, and molecular stress responses in two wheat (Mehregan and MV Nádor) cultivars with contrasting drought sensitivity under polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced osmotic stress (−2 and −4 MPa). Drought stress significantly reduced germination percentage, germination rate, and radicle and coleoptile development in both cultivars, especially at −4 MPa. Application of Cs and microalgae individually partially alleviated these negative effects; however, the combined Cs-Ma treatment consistently produced the strongest improvements in seedling vigor and biomass accumulation under both moderate and severe drought stress. Evaluation of drought tolerance using tolerance index (TOL), stress tolerance index (STI), and stress intensity (SI) demonstrated that Cs-Ma markedly increased STI and reduced SI across most germination traits, indicating enhanced drought tolerance and lower stress sensitivity, particularly in MV Nádor. These physiological responses were supported by transcriptional reprogramming in radicle tissues, including upregulation of genes involved in polyamine biosynthesis (TaSPDS, TaSAMDC), phenylpropanoid metabolism (TaPAL), and protein protection (TaHSP70), along with moderated induction of polyamine catabolism (TaPXPAO). Overall, the results reveal a synergistic interaction between chitosan nanoparticles and microalgae biomass, highlighting Cs-Ma as an effective, eco-friendly biostimulant for improving early-stage drought tolerance in wheat. Full article

Soybean seed quality is defined by an inverse relationship between oil and protein content. Understanding the spatiotemporal regulation of this trade-off is crucial for breeding. This study aims to dissect the transcriptomic networks governing carbon and nitrogen partitioning during seed development. Here, transcriptomic and co-expression network analyses were performed on cotyledon and seedcoat tissues of high-protein (HP) and low-protein (LP) soybean cultivars across three seed developmental stages. We identified 4910 HP/LP-specific differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with striking transcriptional alterations in the early developmental stage. Notably, some important DEGs were enriched in carbon/lipid metabolism, protein folding, and hormone/circadian signaling pathways, among which key gene families (e.g., OLEs, SWEETs, HSPs), core regulators (e.g., LACS, L1L, ABF1), and QTL-localized candidate genes (e.g., FA9) were characterized. Mechanistically, C/VIF1-mediated post-translational inhibition of CWINV1 may restrict carbon flux to oil synthesis in HP seeds; upstream circadian/hormone signaling and L1L-sHSPs jointly promote protein deposition, uncoupling the oil–protein trade-off and enabling HP trait formation. In contrast, LP cultivars upregulated SWEETs, OLEs, and LTPs to facilitate high carbon flux into lipid biosynthesis and storage. These findings provide valuable genetic targets for precision breeding programs aimed at optimizing resource allocation. Full article

The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) manages swordfish, Xiphias gladius, a species of high economic importance in the Indian Ocean. Current stock assessments rely on catch per unit effort indices, which can be biased, complicating reliable abundance estimates. We explored alternative approaches by assessing the feasibility of the close-kin mark– recapture (CKMR) method, a powerful genetic-based approach. This pilot study aimed to validate protocols and guide future CKMR implementation at the IOTC scale. CKMR simulations were conducted to estimate the sample sizes required to detect sufficient kin pairs. Kinship analyses assumed a single panmictic population across the Indian Ocean, consistent with current IOTC management. A total of 2068 individuals were genotyped using SNP markers, identifying one parent-offspring pair (POP) and at least two half-sibling pairs (HSPs). As predicted by simulations, this sampling scale precludes robust estimation. However, results indicate that robust CKMR-based estimates could be achieved by sampling at least 18,000 swordfish over three years, representing about 20% of the current sampling effort already undertaken by contracting parties. The annual cost of genomic data generation for CKMR represents less than 0.5% of the first-sale market of swordfish in the Indian Ocean. Overall, this study supports the feasibility of CKMR for swordfish and provides a foundation for scaling up future programs to improve Indian Ocean stock assessments. Full article

Infertility affects a substantial proportion of women of reproductive age and is frequently associated with impaired endometrial receptivity. Successful implantation depends on tightly regulated hormonal, immune, apoptotic, and stress-response pathways within the endometrium. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the expression and distribution of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), bone morphogenetic proteins 2/4 (BMP-2/4), heat shock protein 70 (HSP-70), apoptosis, progesterone, estrogen, and pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) in the endometrium of infertile women across different menstrual cycle days. A descriptive cross-sectional analysis was performed on endometrial tissue samples obtained from six infertile women aged 21–49 years at various menstrual cycle days. Routine histology, immunohistochemistry, TUNEL assay, and chromogenic in situ hybridization were used to assess tissue morphology, protein expression, apoptotic activity, and PTX-3 gene expression. Quantitative evaluation was applied to immunohistochemical markers and apoptosis, while PTX-3 expression was assessed semi-quantitatively. G-CSF expression showed low-to-moderate levels with a relative mid-cycle increase. BMP-2/4 demonstrated the highest overall positivity across most cycle days, with marked inter-sample variability. HSP-70 exhibited pronounced cycle-dependent variability. Apoptotic activity increased toward mid-to-late cycle days. Progesterone and estrogen positivity was heterogeneous and limited to selected cycle days. PTX-3 gene expression was highest during mid-cycle days and decreased toward later phases. No clear association with patient age was observed. Conclusions: The findings indicate distinct and cycle-dependent patterns of immune, morphogenetic, apoptotic, hormonal, and inflammatory markers in the endometrium of infertile women. These results highlight the dynamic nature of endometrial regulation and suggest that altered temporal coordination of these pathways may contribute to impaired endometrial receptivity. Full article