Search Results (311)

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a common mycotoxin that causes immunosuppression in pigs. Its effects on cellular metabolism remain unclear. In this study, we investigate DON-induced metabolic alterations in porcine alveolar macrophage cell line 3D4/21 using non-targeted metabolomics. MTT assays showed DON reduced cell viability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) revealed distinct metabolic profiles between control and DON-treated groups. Metabolomic analysis identified 127 differential metabolites (VIP > 1, p < 0.05), primarily in purine metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and arginine–proline metabolism. Integration with transcriptomic data confirmed that these pathways play key roles in DON-induced immunotoxicity. Specifically, changes in purine metabolism suggested disrupted nucleotide synthesis and energy balance, while glutathione depletion indicated weakened antioxidant defense. These findings provided a systems biology perspective on DON’s metabolic reprogramming of immune cells and identified potential therapeutic targets to reduce mycotoxin-related immunosuppression in swine. Full article

Background/Objectives: The breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) is a tumor suppressor gene whose mutations are associated with increased susceptibility to develop breast or ovarian cancer. BRCA1 mainly exerts its protective effects through DNA double-strand break repair. Although not itself a transcriptional factor, BRCA1, through its multiple protein interaction domains, exerts transcriptional coregulation. In addition, BRCA1 expression alters cellular metabolism including inhibition of de novo fatty acid synthesis, changes in cellular bioenergetics, and activation of antioxidant defenses. Some of these actions may contribute to its global oncosuppressive effects. However, the breadth of metabolic pathways reprogrammed by BRCA1 is not fully elucidated. Methods: Breast cancer cells expressing BRCA1 were investigated by multiplatform metabolomics, metabolism-related transcriptomics, and joint metabolomics/transcriptomics data processing techniques, namely two-way orthogonal partial least squares and pathway analysis. Results: Joint analyses revealed the most important metabolites, genes, and pathways of metabolic reprogramming in BRCA1-expressing breast cancer cells. The breadth of metabolic reprogramming included fatty acid synthesis, bioenergetics, HIF-1 signaling pathway, antioxidation, nucleic acid synthesis, and other pathways. Among them, rewiring of glycerophospholipid (including phosphatidylcholine, -serine and -inositol) metabolism and increased arginine metabolism have not been reported yet. Conclusions: Rewired glycerophospholipid and arginine metabolism were identified as components of BRCA1-induced metabolic reprogramming in breast cancer cells. The study helps to identify metabolites that are candidate biomarkers of the BRCA1 genotype and metabolic pathways that can be exploited in targeted therapies. Full article

High semen quality is vital for reproductive success in the swine industry; however, seasonal fluctuations often compromise this quality. The molecular mechanism underlying these seasonal effects on semen quality remains largely unclear. This study employed untargeted metabolomic profiling of boar seminal plasma (SP) to identify metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with semen quality during the summer and winter months. Semen samples were collected from mature Duroc boars at a commercial boar stud and classified as Passed or Failed based on motility and morphology. SP from five samples per group was analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS). In total, 373 metabolites were detected in positive ion mode and 478 in negative ion mode. Several differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were identified, including ergothioneine, indole-3-methyl acetate, and avocadyne in the summer, as well as LysoPC, dopamine, and betaine in the winter. These metabolites are associated with key sperm functions, including energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, and capacitation. KEGG pathway analysis indicated enrichment in starch and sucrose metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, and amino acid metabolism across the seasons. Overall, the results reveal that SP metabolomic profiles vary with the season, thereby influencing semen quality. The identified metabolites may serve as potential biomarkers for assessing semen quality and enhancing reproductive efficiency in swine production. Full article

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is commonly employed as mulch in agriculture to boost crop yields. However, its toxicity is often overlooked. Due to its chemical stability, resistance to degradation, and the inadequacy of the recycling system, PVC tends to persist in farm environments, where it can decompose into microplastics (MPs) or nanoplastics (NPs). The radish (Raphanus sativus L.) was chosen as the model plant for this study to evaluate the underlying toxic mechanisms of PVC NPs on seedling growth through the integration of multi-omics approaches with oxidative stress evaluations. The results indicated that, compared with the control group, the shoot lengths in the 5 mg/L and 150 mg/L treatment groups decreased by 33.7% and 18.0%, respectively, and the root lengths decreased by 28.3% and 11.3%, respectively. However, there was no observable effect on seed germination rates. Except for the peroxidase (POD) activity in the 150 mg/L group, all antioxidant enzyme activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were higher in the treated root tips than in the control group. Both transcriptome and metabolomic analysis profiles showed 2075 and 4635 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the high- and low-concentration groups, respectively, and 1961 metabolites under each treatment. PVC NPs predominantly influenced seedling growth by interfering with plant hormone signaling pathways and phenylpropanoid production. Notably, the reported toxicity was more evident at lower concentrations. This can be accounted for by the plant’s “growth-defense trade-off” strategy and the manner in which nanoparticles aggregate. By clarifying how PVC NPs coordinately regulate plant stress responses via hormone signaling and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways, this research offers a scientific basis for assessing environmental concerns related to nanoplastics in agricultural systems. Full article

Based on the limited hepatic hydroxylation efficiency of dietary VD3 in teleosts and the superior bioavailability of its metabolite, 25(OH)D3, this study investigated the regulatory mechanisms of dietary 25(OH)D3 supplementation in yellow catfish—an economically significant species lacking prior nutritional data on this metabolite. A total of 360 fish were divided into three groups—control (basal diet), VD3 (2500 IU/kg VD3), and 25(OH)D3 (2500 IU/kg 25(OH)D3)—and fed for 8 weeks. Compared to the control, both supplemented groups showed elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), catalase (CAT), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) activities, alongside reduced malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels. The 25(OH)D3 group exhibited higher T-AOC and CAT activities and lower TNF-α than the VD3 group. Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses identified 65 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) and 3515 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Enrichment analysis indicated that the DEMs (e.g., indole compounds, organic acids, aldosterone, L-kynurenine) and DEGs (pgd, mthfr, nsdhl, nox5, prdx2, mpx, itih2, itih3, eprs1) that were highly and significantly expressed in the 25(OH)D3 group were primarily associated with antioxidant defense and inflammatory responses. Dietary 25(OH)D3 was more effective than VD3 in promoting antioxidant capacity and modulating inflammation in yellow catfish. Full article

Objectives: Light intensity is a critical environmental factor regulating plant growth, development, and stress adaptation. However, the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying light responses in Aconitum kusnezoffii, a valuable alpine medicinal plant, remain poorly understood. This study aimed to elucidate the adaptive strategies of A. kusnezoffii under different light intensities through integrated physiological and transcriptomic analyses. Methods: Two-year-old A. kusnezoffii plants were exposed to three controlled light regimes (790, 620, and 450 lx). Leaf anatomical traits were assessed via histological sectioning and microscopic imaging. Antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, POD, and SOD), membrane lipid peroxidation (MDA content), osmoregulatory substances, and carbon metabolites were quantified using standard biochemical assays. Transcriptomic profiling was conducted using Illumina RNA-seq, with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified through DESeq2 and functionally annotated via GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Results: Moderate light (620 lx) promoted optimal leaf structure by enhancing palisade tissue development and epidermal thickening, while reducing membrane lipid peroxidation. Antioxidant defense capacity was elevated through higher CAT, POD, and SOD activities, alongside increased accumulation of soluble proteins, sugars, and starch. Transcriptomic analysis revealed DEGs enriched in photosynthesis, monoterpenoid biosynthesis, hormone signaling, and glutathione metabolism pathways. Key positive regulators (PHY and HY5) were upregulated, whereas negative regulators (COP1 and PIFs) were suppressed, collectively facilitating chloroplast development and photomorphogenesis. Trend analysis indicated a “down–up” gene expression pattern, with early suppression of stress-responsive genes followed by activation of photosynthetic and metabolic processes. Conclusions: A. kusnezoffii employs a coordinated, multi-level adaptation strategy under moderate light (620 lx), integrating leaf structural optimization, enhanced antioxidant defense, and dynamic transcriptomic reprogramming to maintain energy balance, redox homeostasis, and photomorphogenic flexibility. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for optimizing artificial cultivation and light management of alpine medicinal plants. Full article

Air pollution acts as a pervasive oxidative stressor, disrupting global crop production and ecosystem health through the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Hazardous pollutants impair critical physiological processes—photosynthesis, respiration, and nutrient uptake—triggering oxidative damage and yield losses. This review synthesizes current knowledge on plant defense mechanisms, emphasizing the integration of enzymatic (SOD, POD, CAT, APX, GPX, GR) and non-enzymatic (polyphenols, glutathione, ascorbate, phytochelatins) antioxidant systems to scavenge ROS and maintain redox homeostasis. We highlight the pivotal roles of transcription factors (MYB, WRKY, NAC) in orchestrating stress-responsive gene networks, alongside MAPK and phytohormone signaling (salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, ethylene), in mitigating oxidative stress. Secondary metabolites (flavonoids, lignin, terpenoids) are examined as biochemical shields against ROS and pollutant toxicity, with evidence from transcriptomic and metabolomic studies revealing their biosynthetic regulation. Furthermore, we explore biotechnological strategies to enhance antioxidant capacity, including overexpression of ROS-scavenging genes (e.g., TaCAT3) and engineering of phenolic pathways. By addressing gaps in understanding combined stress responses, this review provides a roadmap for developing resilient crops through antioxidant-focused interventions, ensuring sustainability in polluted 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

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is a nutrient-dense cereal with high flavonoid content, yet the mechanisms regulating its secondary metabolite biosynthesis remain underexplored. Various exogenous stimuli can readily activate the enzymatic pathways and gene expression associated with flavonoid biosynthesis in plants, which are regulated by developmental cues. Research has established that methyl jasmonate (MeJA) application enhances secondary metabolite production in plant systems. This investigation examined MeJA’s influence on flavonoid accumulation and physiological responses in finger millet sprouts to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying MeJA-mediated flavonoid accumulation. The findings revealed that MeJA treatment significantly suppressed sprout elongation while enhancing the biosynthesis of total flavonoids and phenolic compounds. MeJA treatment triggered oxidative stress responses, with hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion concentrations increasing 1.84-fold and 1.70-fold compared to control levels at 4 days post-germination. Furthermore, the antioxidant defense mechanisms in finger millet were upregulated following treatment, resulting in significant enhancement of catalase and peroxidase enzymatic activities and corresponding transcript abundance. MeJA application augmented the activities of key phenylpropanoid pathway enzymes—phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H)—and upregulated their respective gene expression. At 4 days post-germination, EcPAL and EcC4H transcript levels were elevated 3.67-fold and 2.61-fold, respectively, compared to untreated controls. MeJA treatment significantly induced the expression of downstream structural genes and transcriptional regulators. This study provides a deeper understanding of the mechanism of flavonoid accumulation in foxtail millet induced by MeJA, and lays a foundation for exogenous conditions to promote flavonoid biosynthesis in plants. Full article

This study investigates the relationship between secondary metabolites and stress tolerance in moss species, with a specific emphasis on comparing Antarctic and Korean mosses. Analyses of total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) revealed that Antarctic mosses contain these compounds at significantly higher levels compared to the Korean mosses. These findings are consistent with greater antioxidant activities observed in Antarctic mosses through DPPH and ABTS^•+ radical scavenging assays. In this study, a total of 620 metabolites were identified from the moss samples. The results showed that Antarctic mosses exhibited a high number and diversity of compounds including terpenoids, flavonoids, lipids, and other classes. Additionally, Antarctic mosses had fewer lipids with carbon chain lengths below 18 and a higher content of unsaturated lipids, indicating adaptations to maintain membrane fluidity under cold stress. The phylogenetic relationships suggested a correlation between metabolite profiles and genetic adaptations between these species. This research highlights the complex biochemical strategies that mosses, particularly those in Antarctic regions, employ to adapt the environmental stressors. The high abundance of secondary metabolites in Antarctic mosses not only serves as a defense mechanism against oxidative stress but also suggests their potential applications in various biotechnological aspects. This study reveals new avenues for exploring the ecological roles and potential uses of these resilient plant species. Full article

Viticulture is vital to Italy’s agricultural sector, since it significantly contributes to the global wine industry. Microflora and microfauna are considered important factors for soil quality, improving grapevine growth, and promoting resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. This study examined the impact of selected Trichoderma strains (T. harzianum M10 and T. afroharzianum T22) and their secondary metabolite 6-pentyl-α-pyrone (6PP) on the soil microbiome, the metabolome, and physiological changes of grapevines. Before treatment application, low levels of plant-parasitic nematodes (Rotylenchulus spp., Xiphinema pachtaicum) were found in the soil, together with pathogens (Fusarium spp., Neonectria spp.) and beneficial microbes (Clonostachys rosea, Pseudomonas spp.). Metagenomic analysis revealed significant treatment impacts in the soil microbiome, with T22 and 6PP treatments increasing Proteobacteria abundance, while slight variations of fungal communities and no significant differences in nematofauna were found. Metabolomic analysis showed that treatments induced grapevines to produce antioxidant secondary metabolites able to boost plant defense against abiotic and biotic stresses and increase nutraceutical grapes’ value. Finally, T22 treatment increased the grapes’ winemaking value, raising their Brix grade. Our results demonstrate that microbial or metabolite-based treatments could affect the soil microbiome composition, grapevine health and resilience, and grapes’ oenological and nutraceutical properties. Full article

Essential oils are lipophilic secondary metabolites produced in various parts of aromatic plants and stored in specialized secretory structures. They play a vital role in plant defense, offering protection against microorganisms and herbivores. These oils are known for a wide range of biological activities, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, analgesic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. Given the increasing interest in natural alternatives to synthetic drugs, this review explored the therapeutic relevance of Pinus-derived essential oils as promising candidates in modern phytotherapy. Species of the genus Pinus have been widely investigated for their phytochemical composition and biological potential, with a focus on their medicinal and pharmaceutical applications. This review aimed to assess the biological properties of Pinus species commonly used in traditional medicine. In this paper, thorough insight into the chemical composition, as well as into the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of essential oils obtained from the different parts of Pinus species, was given. Although recognized for their antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacterial strains, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, the practical application of Pinus essential oils is often limited by their physicochemical instability and volatility. Therefore, this review highlighted the advances in formulation strategies, particularly encapsulation techniques, as the possible direction of future research concerning essential oils. Full article

The application of non-thermal (cold) plasmas is considered an environmentally friendly method that could affect plant metabolism and cellular development or can be used for the commercial production of natural products that cannot be chemically synthesized. In the present study, the non-embryogenic callus of iris (Iris reichenbachii Heuff.) was treated with a Radio Frequency (RF) plasma needle device using He as a working gas. We investigated short-term (up to seven days) and long-term (up to one year) changes on morphological, physiological and biochemical levels. An increased production of O₂⁻ and H₂O₂ was observed in the callus tissue after plasma treatment. The enzymes SOD and CAT represented the frontline in the antioxidant defense against reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced during the first hour of treatment, while POX was the leading antioxidant enzyme seven days after plasma treatment. Significant long-term morphological changes were observed in the calli due to the increased mitotic activity of the plant cells. In addition, three flavonoids (naringenin, apigenin and acacetin) and two isoflavonoids (irisolidone and irilone) were detected only in the plasma-treated tissue even one year after plasma treatment. The present study emphasizes the application of the plasma technique to promote meristematic activity and stimulate the production of specialized metabolites in iris calli. Full article

Traditional medicinal plants are valued for their therapeutic potential, yet the full spectrum of their bioactive compounds often remains underexplored. Recent advances in multiomics technologies, including metabolomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics, combined with in vitro culture systems and elicitor-based strategies, have revolutionized our ability to characterize and enhance the production of valuable secondary metabolites. This review synthesizes current findings on the integration of these approaches to help us understand phytochemical pathways optimising bioactive compound yields. We explore how metabolomic profiling links chemical diversity with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, how proteomic insights reveal regulatory mechanisms activated during elicitation, and how in vitro systems enable controlled manipulation of metabolic outputs. Both biotic and abiotic elicitors, such as methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid, are discussed as key triggers of phytochemical defense pathways. Further, we examine the potential of multiomics-informed metabolic engineering and synthetic biology to scale production and discover novel compounds. By aligning traditional ethnobotanical knowledge with modern biotechnology, this integrative framework offers a powerful avenue to unlock the pharmacological potential of medicinal plants for sustainable and innovative therapeutic development. Full article

Low-temperature stress serves as a critical abiotic stressor that severely restricts fish survival, biogeographic distribution, and aquaculture productivity. Pelteobagrus vachelli, an economically significant freshwater fish species, displays marked sensitivity to low-temperature stress; however, its molecular adaptive mechanisms remain poorly characterized. In this study, we systematically investigated hepatic and intestinal cold stress responses in P. vachelli through a 7-day acute low-temperature exposure trial (6 °C and 11 °C), integrating histopathological examination, physiological–biochemical assays, metabolomics, and 16S rRNA sequencing. Histopathological observations revealed pronounced hepatic vacuolar degeneration, nuclear dissolution, and enhanced inflammatory cell infiltration under low-temperature conditions. Concurrently, immune-related enzymatic activities—including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (APK)—were significantly elevated. Furthermore, substantial perturbations in antioxidant defense systems were detected, as indicated by altered superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, alongside malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation. Metabolomic profiling identified 539 differentially abundant metabolites, with pathway enrichment analysis highlighting marked alterations in FoxO signaling, amino acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, ABC transporter, and Purine metabolism. Gut microbiome sequencing demonstrated cold-induced structural dysbiosis within the intestinal microbiota. Correlation analyses revealed robust linkages between hepatic injury biomarkers/metabolites and specific intestinal microbial taxa. Collectively, this study delineates the interplay between hepatic metabolic reprogramming and gut microbiota dysbiosis during cold adaptation in P. vachelli, establishing a theoretical framework for developing gut–liver axis-targeted strategies to augment cold tolerance in aquatic species. Full article