Search Results (1,040)

Background: The axillary microbiome is a major contributor to body malodor generation through bacterial metabolism of apocrine and eccrine secretions. Dysbiosis of this microbial community, particularly through overgrowth of odorigenic species such as Staphylococcus aureus, is associated with increased volatile compound production and local skin inflammation. Heat-treated postbiotics represent a promising class of cosmetic ingredients combining microbiological safety with retained bioactive properties. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the in vitro safety, molecular mechanisms, antipathogen and anti-inflammatory properties of heat-treated Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Skinbac™ SB06, and to assess the antiperspirant and deodorant efficacy of a deodorant spray formulation containing 1% SB06 in a controlled clinical study. Methods: In vitro studies assessed cytotoxicity (MTT/LDH assays), Aquaporin-3 (AQP3) expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, antipathogen activity against Staphylococcus aureus (AlamarBlue assay), cytokine modulation (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-23) in Normal Human Epidermal Keratinocytes (NHEK) and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs), and axillary microbiome compatibility against Corynebacterium striatum, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus hominis by viable plate count (CFU/mL). Clinically, a randomized split-body study (n = 20) evaluated antiperspirant effectiveness by gravimetric sweat collection and deodorant efficacy by expert olfactory panel (Likert 1–5) at 24 and 48 h. Results: In vitro testing confirmed the safety of SB06 (MTT and LDH, both non-significant vs. control). SB06 significantly increased AQP3 expression (+20%, p < 0.001) and significantly reduced ROS production (−48%, p < 0.05). Antipathogen testing showed significant reduction in S. aureus planktonic viability (−7%, p < 0.05). Microbiome compatibility testing on selected axillary-associated strains showed a differential compatibility profile, with the strongest inhibitory effect observed for C. striatum (13% residual viability at T24h, corresponding to 87% inhibition), near-complete preservation of S. epidermidis (92% residual viability at T48h), and a mild reduction in S. hominis (−15% at T48h). Cytokine modulation showed significant IL-8 and IL-23 reduction in NHEK (both p ≤ 0.05) and immunostimulatory activity in PBMCs. Clinically, SB06 reduced sweat production vs. placebo by −21.8% at T24 (p = 0.0009) and −10.0% at T48 (p = 0.0495), with significantly lower odor intensity at both timepoints (median score 3 vs. 4, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Heat-treated L. rhamnosus SB06 showed a multimodal in vitro profile including antipathogen, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and AQP3-upregulating activities, and was associated with statistically significant antiperspirant and deodorant effects in a randomized controlled split-body study. These findings are consistent with SB06 being a functional postbiotic ingredient with potential for deodorant and antiperspirant applications, pending confirmation in larger controlled studies. Full article

Plastic pollution has emerged as a major environmental concern due to its persistence and widespread accumulation in terrestrial ecosystems. The extensive utilization of plastics across a diverse range of products, from packaging to healthcare, construction, and transportation, poses a significant risk due to their enduring and non-biodegradable nature. Micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) derived either from the fragmentation of larger plastics or direct release are increasingly detected in agricultural soils, where they interact with plant systems. In addition, chronic exposure of MNPs alters soil structure, microbial diversity, and nutrient cycling, further impacting agroecosystem functioning. Plants have been shown to absorb MNPs mostly from contaminated soil and irrigated water through their root systems, allowing their subsequent translocation to aerial tissues. MNPs can enter plants through the aquaporins, apoplast pathways, crack entry modes, and leaf stomata, disrupting nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, and growth processes, ultimately affecting crop productivity and quality, while their accumulation in edible tissues raises concerns regarding food safety and trophic transfer. To address these challenges, it is crucial to have standard detection methods for identifying MNPs and to bridge the gap for further mitigation. This review further discussed effective mitigation strategies, including nanomaterial and phytohormone-based interventions under increasing plastic contamination. Full article

Introduction: Biallelic pathogenic variants in DNAJC30 cause an autosomal recessive form of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHONAR1), traditionally considered a mitochondrially transmitted disorder. The phenotypic spectrum of diseases linked to DNAJC30 includes isolated optic neuropathy, Leigh syndrome spectrum (LSS), and atypical LHON-plus. Case description: Here, we report a 13-year-old boy presenting symptoms of area postrema syndrome (APS), with recurrent vomiting, vertigo, nystagmus, and subacute visual deterioration with central scotoma. Ophthalmological examination revealed bilateral papilledema with telangiectatic vessels, while visual evoked potentials demonstrated severe bilateral optic pathway dysfunction. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed T2/FLAIR hyperintense lesions involving the area postrema and enhancement of the optic nerves, strongly suggesting seronegative neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Extensive immunological and cerebrospinal fluid studies, including anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) and anti-MOG antibodies, were negative. High-dose corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulins resulted in only transient and incomplete improvement, followed by further visual decline. Additionally, laboratory tests detected elevated lactate plasma levels. Hence, whole-exome sequencing was performed, which identified a homozygous pathogenic DNAJC30 c.152A>G, p.(Tyr51Cys) variant, associated with LHONAR1. After initiation of idebenone therapy, the patient showed significant improvement in visual function, normalization of lactate levels, and complete resolution of the brainstem lesions on follow-up MRI. Conclusions: This case further expands the neuro-ophthalmic spectrum associated with DNAJC30 variants and suggests that DNAJC30-related disease may closely mimic seronegative NMOSD. We highlight that early genetic diagnosis is essential, as recognition of this mitochondrial etiology enables targeted therapy and may substantially improve clinical outcomes. Full article

The protective effect of Compound terminalia chebula extract (HL) against colonic injury induced by Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) infection in neonatal piglets remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the mitigating effects of HL on PEDV-induced colonic injury and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Eighteen 7-day-old Duroc × Landrace × Large White piglets (2.58 ± 0.05 kg) were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 6/group): CON (blank control), PEDV (infected), and HL + PEDV (HL-supplemented + infected). The 11-day trial included 3 days of acclimatization (days 0–3) and an 8-day experimental period (days 4–11). HL (10 mg/kg BW) was orally administered daily to the HL + PEDV group. On day 8, PEDV and HL + PEDV groups were challenged with 3 mL PEDV (3 × 10⁶ TCID₅₀/mL), while CON received Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM). All piglets were euthanized on day 11 for colonic tissue collection. Results indicated that PEDV infection induced colonic injury, manifested by a significant increase in crypt depth and disruption of intestinal homeostasis. This was evidenced by impaired barrier integrity (upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-7 gene [MMP7] and matrix metalloproteinase 13 gene [MMP13], mucus disorganization (elevation of mucin 5AC gene [MUC5AC]), oxidative stress (reduced catalase [CAT] activity and increased malondialdehyde [MDA] levels in serum and colon), and inflammation (upregulation of regenerative islet-derived protein 3γ gene [REG3G], S100 calcium-binding protein A8/A9 gene [S100A8/A9], and interleukin-1β gene [IL-1β]). Additionally, PEDV impaired colonic ion transport by downregulating calcium channel genes (Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel Subfamily V Member 6 gene [TRPV6], Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel Subfamily M Member 6 gene [TRPM6]). Notably, HL supplementation effectively reversed these adverse effects. HL restored colonic morphology, increased CAT activity, reduced MDA accumulation, and suppressed inflammatory gene expression. Furthermore, HL modulated the expression of genes involved in water and ion transport upregulating Aquaporin 7 gene (AQP7), Chloride Channel Accessory 4 gene (CLCA4), Sodium-Hydrogen Exchanger 3 gene (NHE3), Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 6 (TRPV6), and Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 6 gene (TRPM6) and significantly inhibited PEDV replication, as indicated by the downregulation of the transcription levels of PEDV membranegene (M), nucleocapsid gene (N), and spike gene (S). Taken together, HL alleviates PEDV-triggered colonic tissue damage in suckling piglets via improving colonic antioxidant capacity, mitigating inflammatory response, partially regulating intestinal barrier and ion/water transport-related genes, and downregulating the transcription of PEDV structural genes at molecular and histological levels. Full article

As a novel membrane treatment technology, forward osmosis (FO) has become a research hotspot in the field of membrane technology owing to its advantages such as low energy consumption and low pollution. Nevertheless, this technology still faces notable limitations, including lower water flux than reverse osmosis (RO), difficult regeneration of draw solutions, limited commercial membrane types, and unavoidable reverse solute flux, which restrict its large-scale industrial application. This paper reviews the characteristics of forward osmosis membranes, the classification of draw solutions, the characteristics of membrane fouling, as well as the applications and development trends of forward osmosis technology. Common FO membranes include cellulose acetate (CA) membranes, thin-film composite (TFC) membranes fabricated by interfacial polymerization, and aquaporin (AQP)-based biomimetic membranes. According to the types of draw solutes, draw solutions can be classified into gaseous solutions, organic compound solutions, inorganic compound solutions, magnetic nanoparticle-based draw solutions, polymer gel draw solutions, etc. Since FO is operated without external hydraulic pressure, it exhibits lighter membrane fouling compared with pressure-driven membrane separation technologies. FO membrane fouling can be mainly divided into four categories according to fouling types: inorganic fouling, organic fouling, colloidal fouling, and biofouling. FO technology has a wide range of applications and plays an important role in seawater desalination, pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO) power generation, wastewater treatment and reuse, and the energy field. Notably, the reconcentration and regeneration of draw solutions remain major energy and economic limitations restricting the large-scale deployment of FO. As a promising treatment technology, with continuous technological advances in membrane materials and draw solutions, FO will play a significant role in the energy field, especially in lithium extraction from geothermal water, promoting the iteration of forward osmosis technology from a “water treatment technology” to a “core technology for energy and resource recovery”. Full article

Osmotic stress severely limits the growth and development of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) by reducing cellular water potential, disrupting redox homeostasis, and impairing physiological functions. Micro–nano bubble (MNB) treatment can increase dissolved oxygen in the root-zone solution and improve the root-zone environment, which may benefit root metabolic activity and stress adaptation. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not elucidated. To explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of how MNB-mediated root oxygenation alleviates osmotic stress in tomato, we have integrated the physiological and biochemical alterations, variable-pressure scanning electron microscopy (VP-SEM), and transcriptomic analysis (RNA-seq) under osmotic stress. The results revealed that MNBs significantly reduced PEG-induced wilting and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and relative electrical conductivity (REC). Indeed, MNBs also markedly upregulated the expression of root aquaporins PIP2.7 and PIP2.4, suppressed the expression of NCED1 in leaves, and increased levels of endogenous growth-promoting hormones, including IAA and GA₃, under osmotic stress. VP-SEM observations showed that MNB-treated plants exhibited a relatively more open stomatal appearance compared with PEG-treated plants. Together, these findings suggest that MNBs mitigate PEG-induced osmotic stress in tomato, potentially by improving the root-zone aeration environment and coordinating water transport-related gene expression, antioxidant defense, and hormonal balance. These results provide a promising physical approach and theoretical basis for improving tomato stress tolerance under osmotic stress. Full article

Cigarette smoke is a major inducer of oxidative stress, promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and contributing to the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Heated tobacco products (HTP) and e-cigarettes are promoted as reduced-risk alternatives; however, their impact on cellular redox regulation remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of conventional cigarette smoke extract (CSE), HTP, and e-cigarette extracts on hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) permeability mediated by aquaporins (peroxiporins) and on the activity of key antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) in ATII-like cells. Eight aquaporins were detected at the mRNA level, and seven were confirmed at the protein level. CSE markedly inhibited H₂O₂ permeability across plasma, mitochondrial, and nuclear membranes. HTP extract impaired H₂O₂ transport across the plasma membrane and nuclear envelope, while mitochondrial permeability was preserved. Both CSE and HTP extract reduced superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. In contrast, e-cigarette extract exerted minimal effects on membrane H₂O₂ permeability and selectively decreased superoxide dismutase activity. Overall, our findings identify a graded pattern of oxidative toxicity (CSE > HTP > e-cigarette) and highlight peroxiporins as critical regulators of intracellular redox homeostasis. Although less harmful than cigarettes, alternative nicotine delivery systems are not biologically inert. Full article

Plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs), a subfamily of aquaporins (AQPs), play critical roles in various physiological processes in plants, including the transport of water and CO₂, regulation of stomatal movement, absorption of neutral molecules and nutrients, and H₂O₂ signaling. Nevertheless, the functions of PIP aquaporins in adventitious root formation in trees are still poorly understood. PtrPIP2:4 is specifically expressed in roots, and PtrPIP2:4 fused with GFP localizes to the plasma membrane. Overexpression of PtrPIP2:4 significantly accelerated adventitious root induction in poplar. Stem cuttings from overexpression lines exhibited more rapid rooting compared to wild-type (WT) plants, although the total number of adventitious roots did not differ significantly. Additionally, the number of lateral roots was markedly increased in PtrPIP2:4 overexpression lines. Comparative transcriptome analysis identified 4204 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between WT and PtrPIP2:4 overexpression plants. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that genes associated with auxin-related and flavonoid biosynthesis were significantly enriched. RT-qPCR results showed that the transcription levels of nine auxin-related genes (i.e., PtrARF, PtrIAA, PtrGH3 and PtrPIN) were significantly upregulated, while the transcription levels of five flavonoid synthesis genes (i.e., PtrDFR, PtrANS, PtrANR and PtrLAR) were also significantly upregulated. Previous studies have implicated these genes in adventitious root formation. Collectively, these findings reveal that PtrPIP2:4 accelerates adventitious root emergence, promotes adventitious root elongation, and increases lateral root number while the total number of adventitious roots exhibited no significant difference in poplar, suggesting its potential utility in improving tree propagation and breeding strategies. Full article

The molecular coordination between the central nervous system and peripheral organs is fundamental to euryhalinity. This study elucidates the distinct adaptive strategies of the brain and gills in the four-finger threadfin (Eleutheronema tetradactylum), an aquaculture species of growing importance, during long-term (30-day) acclimation to low salinity (5 versus 25 control). A profound dichotomy in tissue-specific plasticity was uncovered: while the brain maintained remarkable transcriptional stability with only 10 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), the gills underwent extensive remodeling with 702 DEGs. Gill DEGs were functionally enriched in ion transport and metabolic remodeling, highlighted by the significant upregulation of the Na⁺-Cl⁻ cotransporter (slc12a10) and the prolactin receptor (prlr), coupled with a profound downregulation (log₂FC = −5.97) of aquaporin-1 (aqp1). This indicates a concerted strategy to enhance ion uptake while minimizing water permeability. In contrast, the brain’s subtle response was dominated by the upregulation of key neuroendocrine hormones, including growth hormone (gh), prolactin (prl), and pro-opiomelanocortin (pomc). This suggests a top-down regulatory cascade. Integrative pathway analysis identified the PI3K-Akt and JAK-STAT signaling pathways as the primary conduits linking central hormonal signals to peripheral physiological adjustments. These results demonstrate that the euryhalinity of E. tetradactylum is achieved through a highly efficient strategy: a transcriptionally stable brain provides precise endocrine commands that orchestrate robust peripheral remodeling in the gills. This study deciphers the molecular basis of the brain–gill axis in osmoregulation and provides a rich repository of candidate genes for the genetic improvement of low salinity tolerance in aquaculture. Full article

The dormancy of lilies is an important physiological process involving vernalisation and the differentiation and maturation of flower buds. We have cloned an aquaporin, SbP1P1;2, from the Lilium ‘Siberia’. Subcellular localisation analysis indicates that it is a protein that is localised to the plasma membrane in Nicotiana benthamiana. VIGS-mediated transient silencing revealed that silencing the SbPIP1;2 gene inhibited the development of lily flower buds, while those in the control group differentiated earlier to the anther primordia stage. Notably, the ABA levels in the control group had dropped significantly by day 63, suggesting that dormancy ended earlier than in the treatment group. The test plants’ phenotype is characterised primarily by the fact that silencing the SbPIP1;2 gene inhibits both flower bud development and root growth. The dormancy-to-sleep transition phase (PS vs. TS) was also the period during which the largest number of differentially expressed genes was observed. KEGG enrichment analysis indicates that starch and sucrose metabolic pathways are most active from the onset to the completion of dormancy release and that significant differences occur in several key genes within these pathways. These include alpha-trehalose-phosphate synthase (TPS), sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), trehalase (TREH), fructokinase-1 (E2.7.1.1), beta-glucosidase (bglB), glycogen synthase (glgA), glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI), and ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase family members 1 and 3 (ENPP1/3). The discovery that aquaporins promote dormancy breaking in lilies is a highly successful case study for aquaporin research in flowers. Full article

Climate change has intensified the occurrence of combined abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, heat, and waterlogging, thereby threatening cereal productivity and global food security. Root systems play a central role in plant adaptation to these interacting stresses by regulating water uptake, ion balance, nutrient acquisition, and stress signaling. However, many previous studies have primarily focused on individual stress factors rather than integrated stress environments. This review synthesizes current knowledge regarding root-mediated adaptive mechanisms in cereal crops under combined abiotic stresses, with emphasis on barley (Hordeum vulgare), wheat (Triticum aestivum), and oats (Avena sativa). The review highlights how root system architecture, including root depth, branching density, and aerenchyma formation, contributes to stress resilience under interacting environmental conditions. Physiological and molecular mechanisms involving ion transporters, aquaporins, transcription factors, and auxin-regulated root plasticity are also discussed. In barley, deeper and steeper root systems improve water acquisition under combined drought and heat stress, while wheat genotypes carrying the HKT1;5 allele exhibit enhanced sodium exclusion under drought–salinity interactions. Oats respond to waterlogging and salinity through adventitious root formation and enhanced oxygen transport. Overall, this review emphasizes the importance of root-targeted approaches for improving cereal adaptation under increasingly complex multi-stress environments. Full article

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is notorious for its clinical unpredictability. While Aquaporin-1 (AQP1) is a major water channel in healthy kidneys, its specific role and regulatory mechanisms in ccRCC remain unclear. Using bioinformatics analysis of 610 TCGA-KIRC patients (RNA sequencing and DNA methylation), single-cell transcriptomics of 27,402 cells, and experimental validation (CCK-8, scratch, Transwell, and xenograft assays, with Western blotting, HE staining, and immunohistochemistry), we systematically characterized AQP1 expression, regulation, and function. AQP1 was significantly downregulated in ccRCC via promoter hypermethylation, with single-cell analysis confirming tumor cell-specific loss. Low AQP1 correlated with worse prognosis; multivariate Cox regression identified AQP1 as an independent protective factor (HR = 0.510, p < 0.001), and a prognostic nomogram showed good predictive accuracy for 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival. AQP1 overexpression suppressed proliferation, migration, invasion, and xenograft growth, accompanied by upregulation of TNF-α, TNFRSF1A, Bax, and Cleaved Caspase-3 and reduced Vimentin, suggesting activation of TNF-related pro-apoptotic signaling. AQP1 is epigenetically silenced in ccRCC and suppresses tumor growth via TNF-mediated apoptosis, establishing it as an independent prognostic biomarker and candidate therapeutic target. Full article

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) has long been an established modality of renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Despite the modality’s advantages, significant inter-individual variability exists in peritoneal membrane transport characteristics, ultrafiltration capacity, and long-term technique survival. While PD therapy-related factors, such as dialysis solution composition, peritonitis episodes, and duration of therapy, contribute to these outcomes, genetic factors also play important roles in peritoneal membrane biology. Genetic studies have identified polymorphisms in genes involved in angiogenesis, inflammation, fibrosis, and endothelial function that influence PD outcomes. Variants in genes such as vascular endothelial growth factor, interleukin-6, transforming growth factor-β1, angiotensin-converting enzyme, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and aquaporin-1 have all been reported to be associated with differences in peritoneal transport and susceptibility to membrane failure. These genetic discoveries provide significant insights into the pathways that lead to alterations in the PD membrane structure and function. This review article aims to explore current evidence on key genetic determinants of peritoneal membrane transport, inflammatory responses, and fibrotic transformation in PD, and to discuss their potential implications for personalised dialysis therapy and future research. Full article

The desalination of brackish and seawater has emerged as a critical strategy to address growing water scarcity in regions experiencing water stress, particularly within the context of sustainable water resource management. Among available technologies, forward osmosis (FO) has gained increasing attention due to its potential for lower energy consumption and reduced environmental impact compared to conventional desalination processes. In this study, commercial HFFO₂ (Aquaporin Inside) membrane from FO was used. A complete factorial design with three factors was used: feed solution concentration (1.5 and 3 g/L NaCl), draw solution concentration (15, 25, and 35 g/L NaCl), and feed solution flow rate (600 and 1000 mL/min) on the percentage of recovery and water flux. Tests showed that as the feed concentration decreases from 3 to 1.5 g/L of NaCl, water recovery improves by 23.6%. The results revealed that increasing the concentration of the draw solution from 15 to 25 g/L of NaCl increased water recovery by 22.2%. However, for a concentration variation of 25 to 35 g/L, this increase is insignificant at 0.92%. The results showed that, with a concentration of 1.5 g/L of NaCl, a feed flow rate of 1000 mL/min, and a concentration of 25 g/L of NaCl as the draw solution, a higher water recovery rate (95.4839%) was achieved. Similarly, average water flux values of 2.18, 2.43, and 2.68 $L{m}^{-2}{h}^{-1}$ were observed when using draw solutions of 15, 25, and 35 g/L of NaCl, respectively. In addition, increasing the FS flow rate slightly reduces water recovery (from 76.04% to 74.06%). Consequently, the forward osmosis process has proven to be effective, practical, viable, and environmentally friendly for water desalination, as well as being applicable to the treatment of wastewater with high electrical conductivity. Full article

The demand for naturally derived ingredients in cosmetics is constantly growing, with marine algae emerging as promising candidates due to their rich antioxidant and protective metabolites. Skin aging, driven by oxidative stress, impaired hydration, and weakening of the dermal–epidermal junction (DEJ), manifests as dryness, loss of elasticity, and reduced density. Conventional synthetic antioxidants raise safety concerns, highlighting the need for effective natural alternatives. Ecklonia cava, an edible brown seaweed abundant in phlorotannins, has been reported to possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, yet its effects on key molecular markers of hydration and DEJ integrity remain underexplored. In this study, we standardized an E. cava extract (ECE) and evaluated its antioxidant activity, gene regulatory effects, and clinical efficacy. ECE was standardized by measuring total polyphenols and flavonoids, evaluated by DPPH scavenging assay, and shown to upregulate DEJ-related genes, reinforcing dermal–epidermal cohesion. A randomized clinical trial further confirmed that topical application of ECE improved hydration, elasticity, and density compared with placebo, with benefits evident within weeks. Collectively, these findings establish ECE as a multifunctional cosmetic ingredient capable of protecting the skin while enhancing structural and functional aspects of skin health, supporting its potential application in anti-aging skincare. Full article