Search Results (2,369)

Macrobrachium nipponense represents a commercial decapod species that predominantly inhabits freshwater ecosystems or environments with low salinity. However, the species exhibits normal survival and reproductive capacity in natural aquatic habitats with salinity levels up to 10 parts per thousand (ppt). The present study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying salinity acclimation in M. nipponense by investigating alterations in oxidative stress, morphological adaptations, and hepatopancreatic gene expression profiles following exposure to a salinity level of 10 ppt. The present study demonstrates that glutathione peroxidase and Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase play critical roles in mitigating oxidative stress induced by elevated salinity in M. nipponense. Furthermore, histological analysis revealed distinct pathological alterations in the hepatopancreas of M. nipponense following 7-day salinity exposure, including basement-membrane disruption, luminal expansion, vacuolization, and a marked reduction in storage cells. Transcriptomic profiling of M. nipponense hepatopancreas suggested coordinated activation of both immune (lysosome and protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum pathways) and energy (pyruvate metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and citrate cycle) metabolic processes during salinity acclimation in M. nipponense. Quantitative real-time PCR validation confirmed the reliability of RNA-seq data. This study provides molecular insights into the salinity adaptation mechanisms in M. nipponense, offering potential applications for improving cultivation practices in brackish water environments. Full article

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), a widely utilised brominated flame retardant, demonstrates toxicological effects in aquatic organisms. Tea polyphenols (TPs), natural compounds found in tea leaves, exhibit both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The kidney is one of the major metabolic organs in common carp and serves as a target organ for toxic substances. This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of TPs in mitigating TBBPA-induced nephrotoxicity in common carp. Common carp were exposed to 0.5 mg/L TBBPA in water and/or fed a diet supplemented with 1 g/kg TPs for 14 days. In vitro, primary renal cells were treated with 60 μM TBBPA and/or 2.5 μg/L TPs for 24 h. Methods included histopathology, TUNEL assay for apoptosis, ROS detection, and molecular analyses. Antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) were quantified using ELISA kits. Results showed that TBBPA induced oxidative stress, and activated the ROS-PI3K/AKT-NF-κB pathway, thereby resulting in inflammatory responses. TBBPA upregulated apoptosis-related genes (Caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2) and induced apoptosis. TBBPA upregulated the expression of RIPK3/MLKL, thereby exacerbating necroptosis. TPs intervention significantly mitigated these effects by reducing ROS, suppressing NF-κB activation, and restoring antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT). Moreover, TPs attenuated apoptosis and necrosis in the carp kidney, thereby enhancing the survival ability and immunity of common carp. Full article

Background/Objectives: Vitex agnus-castus has been traditionally used to treat hormonal disorders, and recent evidence suggests its potential anticancer properties. However, its effects on gastric cancer remain unclear. Methods: This study examined the cytotoxic, apoptotic, and anti-metastatic effects of hydroalcoholic Vitex agnus-castus seed extract in gastric cancer cells. Antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS) and total phenolic and flavonoid contents were analyzed. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay in HGC27, MKN45, and AGS gastric cancer cell lines and CCD-1072Sk fibroblasts. Apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and cell cycle changes were evaluated via Annexin V-FITC/PI, Rhodamine 123, and PI staining, respectively. RT-qPCR and gene enrichment analyses were conducted to investigate the molecular mechanisms. Apoptosis-related protein expression was analyzed through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The extract exhibited high antioxidant activity and a significant phenolic content. It reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner in gastric cancer cells, while exerting low toxicity in fibroblasts. It significantly increased apoptosis, induced G0/G1-phase cell cycle arrest, upregulated pro-apoptotic genes (CASP3, CASP7, TP53, BCL2L11), and downregulated anti-apoptotic genes (XIAP, NOL3). Gene enrichment analysis highlighted pathways like apoptosis, necrosis, and cysteine endopeptidase activity. The extract also disrupted MMP, inhibited migration and spheroid formation, suppressed EMT markers (SNAIL, SLUG, TWIST1, N-CADHERIN), and upregulated E-CADHERIN. The expression of Caspase 3 and Bax proteins increased and Bcl2 protein decreased. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Vitex agnus-castus seed extract exerts strong anticancer effects in gastric cancer cells by promoting apoptosis, reducing proliferation, and inhibiting migration. Further studies are warranted to explore its clinical relevance. Full article

Fungicides are compounds with potentially toxic effects on the human body, but the molecular mechanisms of their action have not yet been explained. The effect of cyprodinil on cell viability, apoptosis level, cell membrane function, cell morphology and expression of antioxidant enzyme genes in the A-375 and DLD-1 cell lines was examined. The cell lines were selected because they can be an excellent in vitro model of neoplastic changes occurring in the skin and large intestine after exposure to a fungicide. The fungicide selected for the study is commonly used in Poland to protect crops against fungi. Our results showed that the tested compound increased cell viability and proliferation, probably activated by mechanisms related to oxidative stress. Cyprodinil caused an increase in glutathione level (in A-375 by about 37% and in DLD-1 by about 28%) and oxidative stress enzymes activity, but not in apoptosis level. Its membrane interactions and its penetration into cells was concentration dependent. It is worth emphasizing that the novelty of our work lies in the use of non-traditional toxicological methods based on molecular analyses using human cell lines. This allowed us to demonstrate not only the toxicity of a single substance but also its behavior within cellular structures. Our findings suggest that cyprodinil may have tumor-promoting properties in skin and colorectal cancer cells. Full article

Flavonoids serve as crucial plant antioxidants in drought tolerance, yet their antioxidant regulatory mechanisms within mycorrhizal plants remain unclear. In this study, using a two-factor design, trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.) seedlings in the four-to-five-leaf stage were either inoculated with Funneliformis mosseae or not, and subjected to well-watered (70–75% of field maximum water-holding capacity) or drought stress (50–55% field maximum water-holding capacity) conditions for 10 weeks. Plant growth performance, photosynthetic physiology, leaf flavonoid content and their antioxidant capacity, reactive oxygen species levels, and activities and gene expression of key flavonoid biosynthesis enzymes were analyzed. Although drought stress significantly reduced root colonization and soil hyphal length, inoculation with F. mosseae consistently enhanced the biomass of leaves, stems, and roots, as well as root surface area and diameter, irrespective of soil moisture. Despite drought suppressing photosynthesis in mycorrhizal plants, F. mosseae substantially improved photosynthetic capacity (measured via gas exchange) and optimized photochemical efficiency (assessed by chlorophyll fluorescence) while reducing non-photochemical quenching (heat dissipation). Inoculation with F. mosseae elevated the total flavonoid content in leaves by 46.67% (well-watered) and 14.04% (drought), accompanied by significantly enhanced activities of key synthases such as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), 4-coumarate:coA ligase (4CL), and cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H), with increases ranging from 16.90 to 117.42% under drought. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that both mycorrhization and drought upregulated the expression of PtPAL1, PtCHI, and Pt4CL genes, with soil moisture critically modulating mycorrhizal regulatory effects. In vitro assays showed that flavonoid extracts scavenged radicals at rates of 30.07–41.60% in hydroxyl radical (•OH), 71.89–78.06% in superoxide radical anion (O₂^•−), and 49.97–74.75% in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Mycorrhizal symbiosis enhanced the antioxidant capacity of flavonoids, resulting in higher scavenging rates of •OH (19.07%), O₂^•− (5.00%), and DPPH (31.81%) under drought. Inoculated plants displayed reduced hydrogen peroxide (19.77%), O₂^•− (23.90%), and malondialdehyde (17.36%) levels. This study concludes that mycorrhizae promote the level of total flavonoids in trifoliate orange by accelerating the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, hence reducing oxidative damage under drought. Full article

Elodea nuttallii is a significant submerged macrophyte utilized in shrimp and crab aquaculture, yet it exhibits low thermotolerance. This study investigated the physiological responses and transcriptomic characteristics of E. nuttallii under high-temperature stress (HTS). The results indicated that HTS significantly reduced the absolute growth rate (AGR) and photosynthetic efficiency of E. nuttallii while concurrently elevating antioxidant enzyme activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and concentrations of osmotic adjustment compounds. Furthermore, the apical segments of E. nuttallii demonstrated greater sensitivity to HTS compared to the middle segments. Under exposure to 35 °C and 40 °C, antioxidant enzyme activities, MDA content, and osmotic adjustment compound levels were significantly higher in the apical segments than in the middle segments. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 7526 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the apical segments at 35 °C, a number substantially exceeding that observed in the middle segments. Enrichment analysis of DEGs revealed significant upregulation of key metabolic regulators under HTS, including carbohydrate metabolism genes (HXK, FRK) and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis enzymes (4CL, COMT). This transcriptional reprogramming demonstrates E. nuttallii’s adaptive strategy of modulating carbon allocation and phenolic compound synthesis to mitigate thermal damage. Our findings not only elucidate novel thermotolerance mechanisms in aquatic plants but also provide candidate genetic targets (HXK, 4CL) for molecular breeding of heat-resilient cultivars through transcriptomic screening. 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

Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) are highly sensitive to cold, but grafting onto cold-tolerant rootstocks can enhance their low-temperature resilience. This study investigates the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which exogenous vitamin C (Vc) mitigates cold stress in grafted cucumber seedlings. Using cucumber ‘Chiyu 505’ as the scion and pumpkin ‘Chuangfan No.1’ as the rootstock, seedlings were grafted using the whip grafting method. In the third true leaf expansion stage, seedlings were foliar sprayed with Vc at concentrations of 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg L⁻¹. Three days after initial spraying, seedlings were subjected to cold stress (8 °C) for 3 days, with continued spraying. After that, morphological and physiological parameters were assessed. Results showed that 150 mg L⁻¹ Vc treatment was most impactive, significantly reducing the cold damage index while increasing the root-to-shoot ratio, root vitality, chlorophyll content, and activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT). Moreover, this treatment enhanced levels of soluble sugars, soluble proteins, and proline compared to control. However, 200 mg L⁻¹ treatment elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) content, indicating potential oxidative stress. For transcriptomic analysis, leaves from the 150 mg L⁻¹ Vc and CK treatments were sampled at 0, 1, 2, and 3 days of cold stress. Differential gene expression revealed that genes associated with photosynthesis (LHCA1), stress signal transduction (MYC2-1, MYC2-2, WRKY22, WRKY2), and antioxidant defense (SOD-1, SOD-2) were initially up-regulated and subsequently down-regulated, as validated by qRT-PCR. Overall, we found that the application of 150 mg L⁻¹ Vc enhanced cold tolerance in grafted cucumber seedlings by modulating gene expression networks related to photosynthesis, stress response, and the antioxidant defense system. This study provides a way for developing Vc biostimulants to enhance cold tolerance in grafted cucumbers, improving sustainable cultivation in low-temperature regions. Full article

Aluminum (Al) stress is an important factor that inhibits crop growth in acidic soils and poses a threat to pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) production. In this study, we investigated the effect of endophyte (endophyte) strain J01 of blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum) on the growth, development, and transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of pumpkin under aluminum stress. The results showed that the blueberry endophyte strain J01 significantly increased the root length of pumpkin under aluminum stress, promoted the growth of lateral roots, and increased root vigor; strain J01 reduced the content of MDA and the relative conductivity in the root system; strain J01 enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the root system but inhibited ascorbate peroxidase activity. Transcriptome analysis further revealed that strain J01 significantly regulated the expression of key genes associated with aluminum tolerance, including the upregulation of transporter protein genes (aluminum-activated malate transporter and aquaporin), affecting the gene expression levels of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase) and cell wall modification genes (xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase and pectin methylesterase). This study provides a theoretical basis and practical guidance for using microbial resources to improve aluminum tolerance in cucurbit crops. Full article

Soil salinization poses a significant constraint to agricultural productivity. However, certain plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) can mitigate salinity stress and enhance crop performance. In this study, a bacterial isolate, R-18, isolated from saline-alkali soil in Ningxia, China, was identified as Enterobacter bugandensis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolate was characterized for its morphological, biochemical, and plant growth-promoting traits and was evaluated for its potential to alleviate NaCl-induced stress in maize (Zea mays L.) under hydroponic conditions. Isolate R-18 exhibited halotolerance, surviving at NaCl concentrations ranging from 2.0% to 10.0%, and alkaliphilic adaptation, growing at pH 8.0–11.0. Biochemical assays confirmed it as a Gram-negative bacterium, displaying positive reactions in the Voges–Proskauer (V–P) tests, catalase activity, citrate utilization, fluorescent pigment production, starch hydrolysis, gelatin liquefaction, and ammonia production, while testing negative for the methyl red and cellulose hydrolysis. Notably, isolate R-18 demonstrated multiple plant growth-promoting attributes, including nitrogen fixation, phosphate and potassium solubilization, ACC deaminase activity, and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) biosynthesis. Under 100 mM NaCl stress, inoculation with isolate R-18 significantly enhanced maize growth, increasing plant height, stem dry weight, root fresh weight, and root dry weight by 20.64%, 47.06%, 34.52%, and 31.25%, respectively. Furthermore, isolate R-18 improved ion homeostasis by elevating the K⁺/Na⁺ ratio in maize tissues. Physiological analyses revealed increased chlorophyll and proline content, alongside reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating mitigated oxidative damage. Antioxidant enzyme activity was modulated, with decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities but increased catalase (CAT) activity. These findings demonstrated that Enterobacter bugandensis R-18 effectively alleviated NaCl-induced growth inhibition in maize by enhancing osmotic adjustment, reducing oxidative stress, and improving ion balance. Full article

The gut microbiota plays an essential role in the host’s metabolism. Its composition and structure depend on biological and environmental factors. This work was designed to identify the composition and structure of the wild and captive red grouper (Epinephelus morio) microbiota and make predictions regarding its metabolic functions. Our hypothesis stated that wild and captive individuals would share the most abundant taxonomic groups, forming a core microbiota, and individuals in captivity might have exclusive taxonomic groups. Metagenomic DNA was extracted from the intestinal contents of wild and captive individuals. The 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced using Illumina pair-end technology. QIIME2 pipeline was used for sequence analysis and alpha and beta diversity assessment. PICRUSt was used to infer metabolic functions. Twenty-nine phyla were identified; the most abundant were Pseudomonadota, Bacillota, Fusobacteriota, and Actinomycetota. The dominant genera were Photobacterium, Vibrio, Cetobacterium, and Escherichia-Shigella. The metabolic prediction analysis suggested that the Epinephelus morio gut microbiota is related to food digestion, the immune system, antioxidant enzymes, antibiotic resistance, and vitamin B12 transport. We concluded that the microbiota of E. morio established in captivity is sensitive to environmental changes such as water pollution, which can cause a decrease in diversity. Full article

Soil salinity adversely affects crop growth and development, leading to reduced soil fertility and agricultural productivity. The indigenous salt-tolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), as a sustainable microbial resource, do not only promote growth and alleviate salt stress, but also improve the soil microecology of crops. The strain H5 isolated from saline-alkali soil in Bachu of Xinjiang was studied through whole-genome analysis, functional annotation, and plant growth-promoting, salt-tolerant trait gene analysis. Phylogenetic tree analysis and 16S rDNA sequencing confirmed its classification within the genus Halomonas. Functional annotation revealed that the H5 genome harbored multiple functional gene clusters associated with plant growth promotion and salt tolerance, which were critically involved in key biological processes such as bacterial survival, nutrient acquisition, environmental adaptation, and plant growth promotion. The pot experiment under moderate salt stress demonstrated that seed inoculation with Halomonas sp. H5 not only significantly improved the agronomic traits of tomato seedlings, but also increased plant antioxidant enzyme activities under salt stress. Additionally, soil analysis revealed H5 treatment significantly decreased the total salt (9.33%) and electrical conductivity (8.09%), while significantly improving organic matter content (11.19%) and total nitrogen content (10.81%), respectively (p < 0.05). Inoculation of strain H5 induced taxonomic and functional shifts in the rhizosphere microbial community, increasing the relative abundance of microorganisms associated with plant growth-promoting and carbon and nitrogen cycles, and reduced the relative abundance of the genera Alternaria (15.14%) and Fusarium (9.76%), which are closely related to tomato diseases (p < 0.05). Overall, this strain exhibits significant potential in alleviating abiotic stress, enhancing growth, improving disease resistance, and optimizing soil microecological conditions in tomato plants. These results provide a valuable microbial resource for saline soil remediation and utilization. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) toxicity destroys plant cells and affects plant growth and development. Due to its unique metallic properties, selenium (Se) has been shown to be effective in antioxidants, cellular immunity, and heavy metal detoxification. When Se and Cd are present together in plants, they antagonize. However, the mechanism of action of the two in the rice cell wall remains to be clarified. In this study, we analyzed the mechanism of Cd detoxification by rice (Oryza sativa L.) cellular polysaccharides mediated by Se, using the cell wall as an entry point. Proteomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed that “Glycosyl hydrolases family 17”, “O-methyltransferase”, and “Polygalacturonase” protein pathways were significantly expressed in the cell wall. The most abundant enzymes involved in polysaccharide biosynthesis were found, including bglB, otsB, HK, PFP, ADH1, and ALDH, which resulted in the synthetic pathway of polysaccharide formation in the rice cell wall. Finally, the essential genes/proteins, such as protein Os03g0170500, were identified. The study showed that Se inhibits Cd uptake and transport when Se (1 mg/kg) is low relative to Cd (3 mg/kg), has little inhibitory effect, and even promotes Cd (3 mg/kg) uptake when Se (5 mg/kg) is relatively high. Full article

The transition from conchocelis to conchosporangia in Pyropia haitanensis represents a pivotal stage in its life cycle. As a commercially vital red alga, P. haitanensis plays a dominant role in global nori production. The transition governing its sporulation efficiency is pivotal for aquaculture success, yet the underlying regulatory mechanisms, especially their integration with metabolic cues such as polyamines, remain poorly understood. This study uncovered a critical role for the polyamine spermine (SPM) in promoting conchosporangial formation, mediated through the signaling activity of superoxide anions (O₂·⁻). Treatment with SPM markedly elevated O₂·⁻ levels, an effect that was effectively inhibited by the NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyliodonium chloride (DPI), underscoring the role of O₂·⁻ as a key signaling molecule. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that SPM enhanced photosynthesis, carbon assimilation, and respiratory metabolism, while simultaneously activating antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT), to regulate hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) levels and maintain redox homeostasis. Furthermore, SPM upregulated genes associated with photosynthetic carbon fixation and the C₂ oxidative photorespiration pathway, supplying the energy and metabolic resources necessary for this developmental transition. These findings suggested that SPM orchestrated O₂·⁻ signaling, photosynthetic activity, and antioxidant defenses to facilitate the transition from conchocelis to conchosporangia in P. haitanensis. Full article

Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND), caused by the bacterium Vibrio parahaemolyticus, is a major threat to global shrimp aquaculture. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of phage therapy in Litopenaeus vannamei challenged with AHPND-causing Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Phage application at various concentrations significantly improved shrimp survival, with the 1 ppm group demonstrating the highest survival rate. Enzymatic assays revealed that phage-treated shrimp exhibited enhanced immune enzyme activities, including acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and lysozyme (LZM). In addition, antioxidant defenses such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) significantly improved, accompanied by reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Serum biochemical analyses demonstrated marked improvements in lipid metabolism, particularly reductions in triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), alongside higher levels of beneficial high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Transcriptomic analysis identified 2274 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), notably enriched in pathways involving fatty acid metabolism, peroxisome functions, lysosomes, and Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling. Specifically, phage treatment upregulated immune and metabolic regulatory genes, including Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MYD88), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), indicating activation of innate immunity and antioxidant defense pathways. These findings suggest that phage therapy induces protective immunometabolic adaptations beyond its direct antibacterial effects, thereby providing an ecologically sustainable alternative to antibiotics for managing bacterial diseases in shrimp aquaculture. Full article