Search Results (11,480)

Chronic diabetic wound remain difficult to heal because persistent inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired regeneration delay repair, while effective noninvasive options are limited. In this study, graphene-based far-infrared radiation (FIR) therapy was evaluated in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat full-thickness wound model, and mechanisms were examined in vivo and in vitro. Wound closure was quantified by serial imaging, whereas tissue remodeling and angiogenesis were assessed by H&E and Masson’s trichrome staining and CD34-based analyses. Transcriptomic responses were profiled by RNA sequencing with qRT-PCR validation, immune phenotypes were characterized by immunofluorescence, and high-glucose cell assays were performed. Re-epithelialization, collagen deposition, and neovascularization were quantified histologically. These datasets enabled integrated evaluation of inflammation, oxidative stress, and repair programs over time. Graphene FIR accelerated closure, reaching 83.9% healing by day 14 vs. 66.8% in untreated controls. Treatment was associated with downregulation of Cxcl2/Cxcl3, suppression of M1 polarization with enhanced M2 polarization, and reduced ROS accumulation. Consistently, NF-κB signaling was inhibited, supporting restoration of a pro-regenerative microenvironment. Collectively, graphene FIR represents a promising noninvasive strategy for diabetic wound repair via coordinated immunomodulatory and antioxidant actions. Full article

We conducted this experiment with the aim of investigating the effects of different noise levels from ventilation fans on the growth and slaughter performance, meat quality, blood parameters, and feeding behavior of geese from 21 to 70 days of age. A total of 108 male geese (21-day-old) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: a control group (no additional fan noise), low-noise treatment (65–75 dB), and high-noise treatment (85–95 dB). Each treatment included six replicates, with six geese per replicate. The results showed that neither ventilation fan noise level significantly affected growth performance, feeding behavior, slaughter performance, or major meat quality traits (p > 0.05). Compared with the control group, noise exposure significantly reduced circulating adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone concentrations (p < 0.05), and the low-noise group exhibited significantly reduced cortisol concentrations (p < 0.05), while the high-noise group had increased cortisol concentrations. Under noise exposure conditions, no statistically significant effects were observed on superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde concentration, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities compared with the control group (p > 0.05). Overall, prolonged noise stimulation (65–75 dB and 85–95 dB) alleviated stress responses in commercial geese aged 21–70 days, without negatively affecting their growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, or feeding behavior. Full article

6PPD-Quinone (6PPD-Q) is a tire derivative formed by the oxidation of N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD), a commonly used antioxidant and ozone stabilizer in rubber products, and has emerged as a significant environmental concern in recent years. It is widely present in the atmosphere, surface lakes, and soil. The primary routes of exposure to 6PPD-Q are the digestive tract and respiratory tract. Studies indicate that it is a major factor causing acute mortality in coastal coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). Reports indicate that 6PPD-Q exhibits greater chemical stability and stronger biological toxicity than 6PPD, demonstrating toxic effects across multiple species. 6PPD-Q has been detected in human urine samples, indicating a need for heightened attention to its potential health risks. 6PPD-Q exhibits multi-organ toxicity in organisms, including intestinal, hepatic, neurotoxic, and reproductive toxicity. Its potential toxic mechanisms are associated with oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, and it can disrupt amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and lipid metabolism while interfering with signal transduction pathways by binding to specific receptors. This paper reviews the environmental contamination of 6PPD-Q, explores its potential toxic effects on organisms and underlying mechanisms, analyzes gaps in the current research and future trends, and contributes to a better understanding of its environmental occurrence and biological hazards. Full article

Heavy metal contamination associated with mining activities is a major source of abiotic stress for plants, strongly affecting plant physiology, growth and survival in contaminated environments. Due to their non-biodegradable nature and long-term bioavailability, heavy metals persist in soils affected by mining activities, exposing plants to chronic stress conditions that require the activation of coordinated cellular and molecular response mechanisms to limit toxicity and maintain internal homeostasis. This review synthesises and critically analyses current knowledge on the molecular and cellular mechanisms governing plant responses to heavy metal stress in mining-affected environments. Key processes involved in metal uptake and transport, redox imbalance and oxidative stress generation, antioxidant defence systems, and molecular detoxification mechanisms, including metal chelation, subcellular compartmentalisation, and gene expression regulation, are discussed. Particular attention is paid to cellular signalling pathways that mediate plant adaptation to prolonged exposure to complex metal mixtures. Emphasis is placed on integrating molecular-level knowledge with the specific context of mining sites, highlighting the limitations of extrapolating results obtained under controlled experimental conditions to naturally contaminated environments. This perspective integrates molecular mechanisms with the geochemical realities of mining sites, providing a solid basis for the development of effective phytoremediation strategies and the optimisation of plant species selection. Full article

The fungal pathogen Candida albicans coordinated metabolism, organelle homeostasis, and stress responses for adapting to diverse host environments and maintaining virulence. While transcriptional control of these processes has been extensively studied, the contribution of post-transcriptional regulation remains incompletely understood. Here, we identify the P-body component Lsm1 as a critical factor of metabolic adaptation, mitochondrial homeostasis, and pathogenicity in C. albicans. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that loss of Lsm1 causes global transcriptional imbalance, leading to dysfunction of amino acid metabolism, mitochondrial function, endocytic trafficking, and autophagy processes. This dysfunction is accompanied by diminished TORC1 activity. Due to the aberrant TORC1 regulation caused by loss of Lsm1, ATG mRNA stability and autophagy flux was impaired under nutrient-rich condition and nitrogen starvation condition. In this context, the lsm1Δ/Δ cells established an adaptive metabolic and redox state characterized by altered NAD⁺/NADH and NADP⁺/NADPH balance, and enhanced antioxidant capacity. Moreover, the lsm1Δ/Δ cells displayed the defects in hyphal development, biofilm formation, and host cell interaction, and exhibited the attenuated virulence in a murine infection model. Together, our findings revealed that Lsm1-mediated post-transcriptional regulation is associated with the maintenance of amino acid metabolism, mitochondrial function, and TORC1 activity to fungal virulence, revealing a potential therapeutic target for C. albicans infections. Full article

This review classifies plant-derived functional ingredients in pet food according to phytochemical groups and application forms, including direct oral supplementation and incorporation into complete diets. Polyphenols and plant extracts exert prominent antioxidant (singular), anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and microbiome-regulating effects. Microalgae and omega-3 sources support lipid metabolism, cardiovascular function, and skin integrity. Cannabinoids demonstrate dose-dependent responses in dogs, while cats generally tolerate long-term administration and exhibit notable benefits in chronic pain management. Combinations of botanical extracts with complementary bioactives and fermented botanical preparations exhibit multi-target functionality, with dogs showing pronounced biochemical and microbiome modulation, whereas cats display more behavioral and functional improvements. Phytochemicals operate through integrated multi-level regulation, including activation of antioxidant enzymes, modulation of inflammatory cytokines and T-lymphocyte ratios, microbial metabolic shifts toward short-chain fatty acid production, and regulation of lipid metabolism. Dogs demonstrate marked effects on hepatic function, reproductive resilience, microbiome diversity, CD4+/CD8+ balance, and cholesterol control. In contrast, cats show greater benefits in inflammation reduction, pain relief, intestinal integrity, and long-term safety. These species-specific responses underscore the importance of precision formulation and highlight the emergence of plant-based “pharma-pet nutrition” integrating nutritional and biochemical strategies for targeted health promotion. Full article

Drought stress severely limits plant growth and productivity, yet the molecular basis of drought tolerance and post-drought recovery remains incompletely understood in many forage legumes. Medicago ruthenica is a perennial legume native to arid and cold regions and exhibits strong drought resilience. Results: We integrated key physiological traits related to stomatal regulation, photosynthesis, osmotic adjustment and antioxidant defense with RNA-seq across four stages (well-watered control, CK; drought for 9 days, D9; drought for 12 days, D12; and rewatering for 4 days, RW). Drought triggered stage-dependent physiological shifts, and transcriptome profiling identified >3000 drought- and rewatering-responsive genes enriched in primary metabolism, redox homeostasis and hormone signaling. WGCNA highlighted two drought-associated modules (MEcyan and MEcoral1) and prioritized three hub transcription factors for functional validation: 861 (AP2/ERF), 22 (WRKY) and 89 (bZIP). Overexpression of each gene in tobacco improved drought tolerance, as indicated by enhanced growth/root traits, increased osmolyte accumulation and antioxidant enzyme activities, and reduced membrane damage. Conclusions: Together, these results provide an integrated view of drought stress response and recovery in M. ruthenica and identify 861, 22 and 89 as candidate regulatory genes for engineering drought resilience in legumes. Full article

(1) Background: The search for new polymodal antioxidants to correct oxidative stress of various origins and its consequences remains one of the most pressing and rapidly developing areas of biomedical research. (2) Methods: Hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical detection, induced luminescence assay, ELISA for 8-oxoguanine detection, animal survival, blood cell count, micronucleus test, and PCR were used. (3) Results: 2R,3R-trans-dihydroquercetin (DHQ) was shown to reduce the amount of hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals formed during water radiolysis, leading to reduced damage to biomolecules. DHQ is a radioprotector, most effective at a dose of 300 mg/kg administered 15 min before radiation exposure. The dose reduction factor is 1.22. DHQ administration reduces the severity of radiation-induced leukopenia and thrombopenia by protecting red bone marrow cells. The mechanism of DHQ’s radioprotective action is fundamentally different from that of classical stress response inducers and is based on the normalization of the target cell transcriptional profile, rather than its hyperstimulation. (4) Conclusions: DHQ’s ability to restore the expression of antioxidant defense, DNA repair, and apoptotic genes to physiological levels under radiation exposure allows it to be considered a promising pharmacological agent for the correction of radiation-induced damage to normal tissues. Full article

The antioxidant activity of Origanum vulgare L. and Mentha aquatica L. has been widely reported; however, interaction effects within and between different plant parts remain insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant behavior of methanolic extracts from leaves, flowers, and rhizomes of both species and to assess the nature of intraplant and interspecific interactions using combination analysis. Antioxidant activity was determined for individual extracts and their binary mixtures using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. Phytochemical analysis was performed by LC-MS/MS. In O. vulgare, all intraplant mixtures exhibited synergistic effects, suggesting complementary contributions of phenolic acids and flavonoids across plant organs. In contrast, M. aquatica showed more variable responses, with additive to antagonistic interactions, particularly in combinations involving rhizomes with lower phenolic content. Interspecific mixtures further demonstrated that interaction outcomes depended on the qualitative and quantitative composition of phytochemicals: leaf mixtures showed synergism, whereas flower and rhizomes mixtures tended toward antagonism. Comparable interaction trends were observed in both radical scavenging assays. These results indicate that antioxidant activity in plant mixtures is not simply additive but is strongly influenced by phytochemical composition and plant part, highlighting the importance of empirical testing when designing multicomponent plant-based antioxidant formulations. Full article

Saline–alkaline water constitutes a vital strategic non-traditional fishery resource in China, characterized by high pH values, elevated carbonate alkalinity, and complex ionic compositions. These extreme environmental conditions impose significant stress on aquatic animals, mainly by inducing ionic toxicity and disrupting acid–base regulatory mechanisms. Such disruptions subsequently lead to osmotic imbalance, metabolic dysregulation, and immunosuppression, thus restricting the survival and growth of aquatic species in aquaculture systems. Consequently, the sustainable development of the saline–alkaline aquaculture is imperative for enhancing production efficiency and promoting the utilization of marginal land and water resources. This review comprehensively summarizes the current status of saline–alkaline aquaculture and highlights the stress-inducing impacts of salinity, alkalinity, and specific ionic ratios on teleost fishes and crustaceans. It further explores key adaptive mechanisms, including osmoregulatory and ionoregulatory strategies, bioenergetic trade-offs related to oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion, coordinated antioxidant and innate immune responses, as well as recent findings from multi-omics research. This review aims to offer a scientific foundation for the selection and breeding of saline–alkaline-tolerant strains, the precise regulation of aquaculture water environments, and the development of ecological aquaculture models in saline–alkaline regions, thereby facilitating the sustainable utilization of saline–alkaline land and water resources. Full article

Background/Objectives: Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection disrupts intestinal homeostasis, causing dysbiosis, barrier dysfunction, and inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the protective efficacy and mechanisms of a novel probiotic, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron type strain ATCC 29148, isolated from goat feces, against E. coli O157:H7-induced colitis. Methods: This study assessed the protective potential of the probiotic strain Bacteroides thetaiotaomicronBT6 and BT7 in vitro for GI tolerance, adhesion, and no adverse effects were observed. For the in vivo experiment, male C57BL/6J mice were divided into groups treated with Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (BT6), PBS, E. coli O157:H7, or a combination. We employed integrated analyses including 16S rRNA gene sequencing, antioxidant status, cytokine profiling, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) measurement. Results: In vitro, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (BT6 and BT7) showed high gastrointestinal tolerance (71.89–93.22% survival). In vivo, it significantly mitigated infection-associated weight loss and disease activity (p < 0.05). Probiotic treatment enhanced barrier integrity, reduced colonic inflammation, and modulated systemic immune responses, notably increasing anti-inflammatory IL-10 while decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (p < 0.05). It also alleviated oxidative stress by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and elevating antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH) and ATP. Fecal SCFA profiling revealed increased propionic and butyric acid. 16S sequencing indicated that B. thetaiotaomicron (BT6) administration increased beneficial families (Lactobacillaceae, Muribaculaceae) and suppressed pathobionts. Conclusions: B. thetaiotaomicron (BT6) probiotic with potential for mitigating enteropathogenic infection, an effect mainly determined by its capacity to reestablish the intestinal epithelial barrier and enhance global host health, and modulating the inflammatory response Full article

Soil salinization has become a major global constraint threatening ecosystem stability and agricultural production. As a prominent salt-tolerant turfgrass, Paspalum vaginatum (seashore paspalum) serves as an excellent material for exploring salt tolerance mechanisms. In this study, PvHAK12, a high-affinity K⁺ transporter (HAK) family gene isolated from seashore paspalum, was functionally characterized. PvHAK12 encodes a 788 amino acid protein with 13 transmembrane domains, belonging to the plasma membrane-localized ion transporters. It exhibits high sequence conservation with other HAK transporters and is predominantly expressed in roots and stems, with distinct tissue- and time-specific induction under salt stress. Yeast complementation assays revealed that PvHAK12 has no obvious K⁺ transport capacity but may mediate Na⁺ transport. Overexpression of PvHAK12 in Arabidopsis thaliana significantly reduced salt tolerance at germination, seedling and rosette stages, as reflected by lower germination rate, fresh weight, survival rate, the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) value and chlorophyll content, accompanied by higher ion leakage. Under salt stress, transgenic plants accumulated more Na⁺ and less K⁺, leading to an elevated Na⁺/K⁺ ratio. Moreover, transgenic lines displayed weaker antioxidant enzyme activities and higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Transcript analysis further demonstrated that PvHAK12 overexpression suppressed the induction of multiple ion-transport and stress-responsive genes under salt conditions. These results indicate that PvHAK12 negatively regulates plant salt tolerance by disrupting ion homeostasis, antioxidant capacity and stress-related gene expression. Full article

As a global environmental problem, biological invasion poses a serious threat to natural ecosystems. To explore the influence mechanism of Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb on the growth and development of landscape plants, this study systematically analyzed the effects of extracts from different organs (stems, leaves, and roots) of A. philoxeroides on the seed germination and seedling growth of Zinnia elegans Jacq. by combining the Petri dish filter paper method with a pot experiment to reveal the potential mechanism of allelopathy. The results showed that the aqueous extract of A. philoxeroides inhibited the seed germination and seedling growth of Z. elegans. The high concentration (100 mg·mL⁻¹) of stem and leaf extracts significantly reduced the germination rate (by 99.10% and 90.65%) and seedling morphological parameters. The allelopathic inhibition increased with an increase in concentration, and the inhibitory effect of stem and leaf extracts was significantly stronger than that of root extracts. Aqueous extracts from the roots, stems, and leaves of A. philoxeroides at three concentrations (25, 50, and 100 mg·mL⁻¹) induced oxidative stress in seedlings, as evidenced by the elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) content and dysregulated activities of antioxidant enzymes. Specifically, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities exhibited a concentration-dependent trend of initial induction followed by subsequent inhibition, while root activity was significantly suppressed (p < 0.05), ultimately impairing seedling growth. The aqueous extracts of A. philoxeroides showed a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on the seed germination and seedling growth of Z. elegans. High concentrations of stem and leaf extracts exerted a significant inhibitory effect on seedling growth, and this growth suppression was attributed to the induction of oxidative stress by the extracts. This study elucidated the phytotoxicity degree and physiological response mechanisms underlying the biochemical allelopathy of A. philoxeroides on Z. elegans. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for the selection of horticultural plant cultivars resistant to allelopathic stress and the development of management strategies for invasive plants. Full article

Winter rapeseed (Brassica rapa L.) is an important crop for vegetable oil production in China. However, its productivity is frequently threatened by severe cold waves during winter. To investigate the role of the microtubule cytoskeleton in cold adaptation of winter rapeseed, a microtubule stabilizer paclitaxel (Tax) and a microtubule depolymerizer colchicine (Col) were sprayed on winter rapeseed and transgenic proBrAFP1 Arabidopsis, respectively. The mRNA levels of cold-induced genes, along with cell membrane stability, antioxidant enzyme activities, and hormone levels were assessed under cold stresses of 4 °C and −4 °C. The results showed that low temperature significantly activated the proBrAFP1 promoter activity and increased the mRNA levels of core cold signaling pathway genes, such as C-REPEAT BINDING FACTORS (CBFs), Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channel (CNGC), OPEN STOMATA 1 (OST1) and Inducer of CBF EXPRESSION 1 (ICE1). Notably, under low-temperature stress, exogenous application of the microtubule stabilizer Tax markedly suppressed proBrAFP1-driven reporter activity in transgenic Arabidopsis, with consistent inhibition observed across both stem and leaf tissues; meanwhile, the Tax application alleviated reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and mitigated membrane damage. In contrast, under the same low-temperature stress, the Col treatment exacerbated oxidative stress, enhanced lipid peroxidation, and elevated membrane damage. Collectively, these findings establish that microtubule regulators play indispensable roles in the cold stress response of winter rapeseed. It provides new insights into the mechanism by which plant microtubule cytoskeleton regulators mediate the cold response. Full article

Edible coatings (ECs) derived from natural biopolymers represent an effective preservation strategy for fruits and vegetables and a promising postharvest approach aligned with the increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices. These Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS)-based coatings, which are mainly polysaccharide-, protein-, and lipid-based, can extend shelf-life with minimal impact on texture, flavor, and nutritional value, reducing reliance on synthetic packaging and helping mitigate food loss and waste. Beyond acting as a physical barrier, ECs can significantly influence fruit and vegetable metabolism by modulating biochemical and molecular processes. This review focuses on these effects by summarizing evidence from conventional analytical methods, including targeted metabolite analyses, as well as omics-based approaches, primarily transcriptomics and metabolomics, which remain poorly explored in the current EC research literature. Furthermore, integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses are examined, as they offer a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying quality attributes, stress responses, and preservation outcomes. Collectively, this work offers detailed insights into coating-induced changes in metabolite profiles and gene expression in coated fruits and vegetables, including formulations derived from agri-food by-products and coatings enriched with bioactive compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. Overall, by addressing a current gap in the literature, it provides an integrative and innovative framework for interpreting coating performance at both applied and molecular levels, with potential relevance for the agri-food industry and for future research aimed at developing more sustainable, effective, and commodity-tailored postharvest technologies. Full article