Search Results (2,776)

Lactylation, a recently identified post-translational modification (PTM) triggered by excessive lactate accumulation, has emerged as a crucial regulator linking metabolic reprogramming to pathological processes in liver diseases. In hepatic contexts, aberrant lactylation contributes to a range of pathological processes, including inflammation, dysregulation of lipid metabolism, angiogenesis, and fibrosis. Importantly, lactylation has been shown to impact tumor growth, metastasis, and therapy resistance by modulating oncogene expression, metabolic adaptation, stemness, angiogenesis, and altering the tumor microenvironment (TME). This review synthesizes current knowledge on the biochemical mechanisms of lactylation, encompassing both enzymatic and non-enzymatic pathways, and its roles in specific liver diseases. From a therapeutic perspective, targeting lactate availability and transport, as well as the enzymes regulating lactylation, has demonstrated promise in preclinical models. Additionally, combinatorial approaches and natural compounds have shown efficacy in disrupting lactylation-driven pathways, providing insights into future research directions for hepatic diseases. Although the emerging role of lactylation is gaining attention, its spatiotemporal dynamics and potential for clinical translation are not yet well comprehended. This review aims to synthesize the multifaceted roles of lactylation, thereby bridging mechanistic insights with actionable therapeutic strategies for liver diseases. Full article

The escalating challenge of resistance to insecticides among agricultural and public health pests poses a significant threat to global food security and vector-borne disease control. This review synthesizes current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning resistance, including well-characterized pathways such as target-site mutations affecting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs), and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, and metabolic detoxification mediated by cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs), esterases, and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). Emerging resistance mechanisms are also explored, including protein sequestration by odorant-binding proteins and post-transcriptional regulation via non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Focused case studies on Aedes aegypti and Spodoptera frugiperda illustrate the complex interplay of genetic and biochemical adaptations driving resistance. In Ae. aegypti, voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSCs) mutations (V410L, V1016I, F1534C) combined with metabolic enzyme amplification confer resistance to pyrethroids, accompanied by notable fitness costs and ecological impacts on vector populations. In S. frugiperda, multiple resistance mechanisms, including overexpression of cytochrome P450 genes (e.g., CYP6AE43, CYP321A8), target-site mutations in ryanodine receptors (e.g., I4790K), and behavioral avoidance, have rapidly evolved across global populations, undermining the efficacy of diamide, organophosphate, and pyrethroid insecticides. The review further evaluates integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, emphasizing the role of biopesticides, biological control agents, including entomopathogenic fungi and parasitoids, and molecular diagnostics for resistance management. Taken together, this analysis underscores the urgent need for continuous molecular surveillance, the development of resistance-breaking technologies, and the implementation of sustainable, multifaceted interventions to safeguard the long-term efficacy of insecticides in both agricultural and public health contexts. Full article

Ozone pollution is a significant public health problem due to its association with chronic diseases. This study examines the effects of repeated exposure to low doses of ozone on intestinal barrier function in rats. Seventy-two male Wistar rats were divided into six groups. The control group was exposed to normal air, while the ozone groups received a dose of 0.25 ppm for four hours daily for periods of 7, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days, respectively. After treatment, the duodenum, jejunum, and colon were removed and analyzed by biochemical assays, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and histological techniques. The results indicated an increase in oxidized lipids and structural alterations in the duodenum and jejunum after 7 days of ozone exposure. The result showed changes in haptoglobin, IL-1β, and IL-6. In addition, increased immunoreactivity varied according to intestinal structure and the duration of ozone exposure in the duodenum, jejunum, and colon. In conclusion: Ozone exposure causes an increase in proinflammatory cytokines that leads to a loss of regulation of the immune response in the duodenum, jejunum, and colon of rats, as well as structural changes that alter the intestinal barrier and perpetuate a state of chronic inflammation characteristic of inflammatory bowel diseases. Full article

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a central phytohormone that orchestrates plant responses to abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures, while also influencing growth and development. The regulatory networks underpinning ABA-mediated stress tolerance have been the focus of intensive research, revealing sophisticated mechanisms of biosynthesis, signal transduction, and gene regulation. Recent advances in genetic, genomic, and biochemical approaches have illuminated the complexity of ABA’s interactions with other hormonal and environmental signaling pathways, providing a multidimensional understanding of plant adaptation. This review critically synthesizes current knowledge on ABA’s regulatory frameworks, identifies key gaps in our understanding, and discusses the potential integration of omics and emerging technologies to uncover new insights. By offering a comprehensive synthesis of recent findings, this paper aims to stimulate further research into the interplay of ABA with other signaling pathways, highlighting its translational potential for crop improvement under changing environmental conditions. Full article

Plants must contend with oxidative stress, a paradoxical phenomenon in which reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause cellular damage while also serving as key signaling molecules. Environmental stressors, such as drought, salinity, and temperature extremes, promote ROS accumulation, affecting plant growth and productivity. To maintain redox homeostasis, plants rely on antioxidant systems comprising enzymatic defenses, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase, and non-enzymatic molecules, including ascorbate, glutathione, flavonoids, and emerging compounds such as proline and nano-silicon. This review provides an integrated overview of antioxidant responses and their modulation through recent biotechnological advances, emphasizing the role of emerging technologies in advancing our understanding of redox regulation and translating molecular insights into stress-resilient phenotypes. Omics approaches have enabled the identification of redox-related genes, while genome editing tools, particularly those based on clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins, offer opportunities for precise functional manipulation. Artificial intelligence and systems biology are accelerating the discovery of regulatory modules and enabling predictive modeling of antioxidant networks. We also highlight the contribution of synthetic biology to the development of stress-responsive gene circuits and address current regulatory and ethical considerations. Overall, this review aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on molecular, biochemical, and technological strategies to enhance oxidative stress tolerance in plants, thereby contributing to sustainable agriculture and food security in a changing climate. Full article

Cardiac physiology and pathology have been extensively explored at the transcriptional level. Still, they are less understood at the translational level, including three major knowledge gaps: pathophysiological impact, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic implications of translational control in cardiac biology and heart disease. This review aims to provide a summary of the most recent key findings in this emerging field of translational control in heart health and disease, covering the physiological functions, disease pathogenesis, biochemical mechanisms, and development of potential RNA-based, translation-manipulating drugs. Translation of mRNA to protein is the final step in the central dogma for protein synthesis. Translation machinery includes a family of essential “housekeeping” factors and enzymes required for mRNA translation. These translation factors ensure the accurate processing of mRNA to protein according to the genetic code and maintain the optimal quality and quantity of cellular proteins for normal cardiac function. Translation factors also regulate the efficiency, speed, and fidelity of protein production and play a role in cardiac pathological remodeling under stress conditions. This review first introduces the techniques and methods used to study the translational regulation of gene expression in the cardiac system. We then summarize discoveries of a variety of pathophysiological functions and molecular mechanisms of translational control in cardiac health and disease, focusing on two primary symptoms, cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. In these sessions, we discuss the translational regulation directed by specific regulatory factors in cardiac physiology and how their genetic mutations, expression dysregulation, or functional alterations contribute to the etiology of heart disease. Notably, translational control exhibits extensive crosstalk with other processes, including transcriptional regulation, mitochondrial metabolism, and sarcomere homeostasis. Furthermore, recent findings have revealed the role of translational regulation in cardiomyocyte proliferation and heart regeneration, providing new approaches for creating regenerative medicine. Because transcript-specific translational regulation of both pathological and protective proteins occurs in heart disease, target-selective translation inhibitors and enhancers can be developed. These inhibitors and enhancers offer valuable insights into novel therapeutic targets and the development of RNA-based drugs for heart disease treatment. Full article

The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of low-protein amino acid-balanced (LPAB) diets supplemented with Astragalus polysaccharides (APSs) on the production performance, antioxidants, immunity, and biochemical index of laying hens in an elevated-temperature environment. Fifty-two-week-old Hy-Line Brown chickens (n = 768) were randomly divided into four groups, with eight replicates of 24 hens each. The control group was kept at 24 °C with a basal diet (CON), while the treatment groups were exposed to 32 °C and given the following diets: basal (HB), LPAB (HL), and LPAB with 0.5% APSs (HLA). Under heat stress, APSs increased the egg production rate and number of small white follicles, improved the yolk color, and lowered the feed conversion ratio. LPAB diets increased follicle-stimulating hormone, antioxidant enzyme activities, and anti-inflammatory cytokine activity and up-regulated related genes, whereas they reduced stress-related hormones, malondialdehyde concentrations, and triglyceride concentrations and down-regulated related genes. The addition of APSs enhanced immunoglobulin concentrations and cholesterol recovery and altered the expression of related genes. The study found that the adverse effects of high temperatures are directly related to oxidative stress. LAPB diets and APSs relatively alleviate these adverse effects. Therefore, the importance of feeding strategies such as LPAB diets and APSs for laying hens under heat stress conditions has been identified. Full article

Gastric ulcer (GU) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that impacts quality of life. Currently, several drugs are available for GU treatment, including proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole (OMP); however, their use is limited by numerous potential adverse effects. Glycyrrhizic acid (GLY), a natural anti-inflammatory agent, exhibits promising gastroprotective properties; however, its use is likewise limited by numerous potential adverse effects. This study aimed to synthesize GLY nanoparticles (GLY-NPs) to enhance their therapeutic potential and to comparatively evaluate their efficacy against OMP in an ethanol-induced GU in male Wistar rats. GLY-NPs were synthesized via a hydrothermal method and characterized using TEM, XRD, FTIR, and zeta potential analyses. In vivo, GLY-NPs significantly attenuated gastric mucosal damage compared to OMP, as evidenced by macroscopic and histopathological analyses. Biochemical assays revealed that GLY-NPs markedly improved antioxidant defenses by elevating SOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities while reducing MDA levels, surpassing the effects of OMP. Furthermore, GLY-NPs modulated inflammatory responses by downregulating p38 MAPK, NF-κB, and TNF-α expression, concomitant with upregulation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Mechanistic insights indicated that GLY-NPs favorably regulated key signaling pathways implicated in gastric mucosal protection, including suppression of the JAK2/STAT3 and TGF-β1/Smad3 pathways, alongside activation of the SIRT1/FOXO1/PGC-1α axis. In conclusion, these findings indicate that GLY-NPs offer higher gastroprotective effects relative to traditional OMP therapy through comprehensive modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and molecular signaling pathways. This study highlights GLY-NPs as a potent nanotherapeutic candidate for the effective management of GU. Full article

Drought stress significantly affects the yield and quality of agricultural crops. Plants have developed various adaptations to cope with drought stress. These adaptations involve the regulation of physiological and biochemical mechanisms regulated by many genes. Therefore, identification of cultivars with strong responses to drought stress will provide important contributions to breeding programs. In this study, Hayward and Matua kiwifruit cultivars were used and the plants were subjected to drought in vitro in nutrient media containing PEG 6000 (Polyethyleneglycol) at concentrations of 0, 1, 2, and 3%. The morphological parameters of the plants were examined during the culture period and WRKY TF was utilized to determine the molecular regulations induced by drought stress in plants. For this purpose, the expression levels of WRKY3, WRKY9, WRKY21, WRKY28, WRKY41, WRKY47, WRKY65 and WRKY71 genes were analyzed in leaf and root tissues of the cultivars. The findings showed that the plants in the 2% and 3% PEG media were significantly affected by drought stress, with a notably low root formation performance. The gene expression analysis revealed that the expression levels of genes in the leaf and root tissues of plants under drought conditions were higher compared to the control group. The data obtained from the analyses indicated that the Hayward and Matua cultivars exhibited strong responses to drought both morphologically and genetically. Full article

The use of a wide variety of antioxidants has been advocated as a means to prevent, delay the progression of, or counteract the adverse consequences of sarcopenia, such as loss of muscle strength, muscle quantity/quality, and physical performance. However, these proposals do not always appear to be supported in the literature by a thorough understanding of the contribution of redox perturbations to the pathogenesis of sarcopenia, nor of the biochemical properties, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of different antioxidants. This review discusses these aspects, aiming to provide a rationale for the selection and use of antioxidants in sarcopenia. After providing a definition of sarcopenia in the context of frailty, we distinguish between oxidative eustress as a physiological response of muscle cells to mild stimulation, such as moderate exercise, mediating their capacity for adaptation and regeneration, and oxidative distress as a pathophysiological response to muscle cell damage and death. The role of oxidative damage to biological macromolecules, both direct and mediated by advanced lipid peroxidation end products and advanced glycation/glycoxidation end products, is examined in detail. Next, we discuss antioxidant defense mechanisms, both enzymatic and non-enzymatic, including redox-sensitive gene regulatory events presided over by nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, the master regulator of enzymatic antioxidants. The review then discusses criteria for a rational classification of non-enzymatic antioxidants. This is followed by a review of some of the main radical-trapping antioxidants, both phenolic and non-phenolic, whose characteristics are compared. Full article

Background and Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which is becoming increasingly common in contemporary society, is recognized for its considerable psychosocial impact on pregnant women throughout the perinatal phase. The purpose of this research was to explore the possible links between mental health status and dietary habits among pregnant women diagnosed with GDM, alongside examining how these factors correlate with clinical indicators like HbA1c measurements and the necessity for insulin therapy. Materials and Methods: The study included 82 pregnant participants, 37 with gestational diabetes mellitus and 45 without. Blood samples were collected from all participants for biochemical analysis, including fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, and HbA1c levels, which can be clinical indicators for the presence of gestational diabetes mellitus, and the need for insulin treatment was recorded. Then, participants completed a questionnaire collecting sociodemographic and clinical data as well as the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Salzburg Emotional Eating Scale (SEES), and REZZY Eating Disorders Scale (REZZY). Data were statistically analyzed. Results: A previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes was more frequent in the case group (18.9%) than in the control group (2.2%) (p = 0.020). OGTT positivity was detected in 56.8% of the case group, whereas all control participants had negative results (p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in psychological symptom scores or eating behavior assessments (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus were observed to score higher on measures of anxiety, depression, and emotional eating, particularly in response to negative emotions. These findings may indicate a potential association between gestational diabetes and psychological or behavioral factors related to metabolic regulation during pregnancy. Full article

Olive oil, a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, contains a saponifiable lipid fraction rich in oleic acid, and a non-saponifiable fraction composed of minor bioactive constituents such as squalene, vitamin E, oleuropein aglycone, hydroxytyrosol, oleocanthal, and oleacein, among other phenolic and triterpenic compounds. These components are well-documented for their cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective activities. This review explores the physiological relevance of olive oil lipids and their derivatives on cellular membranes and ion transport systems, by combining biochemical and electrophysiological insights. We discuss how oleic acid and its metabolites influence membrane lipid composition, modulate fluidity, and reorganize lipid rafts—key elements for the proper localization and function of ion channels. Additionally, we examine evidence showing that several olive oil components regulate ion channels such as TRP, potassium, calcium, and chloride channels, as well as other transporters, thereby influencing ionic homeostasis, oxidative balance, and signal transduction in excitable and non-excitable cells. By combining these findings, we propose a conceptual framework in which olive oil lipids and their derivatives act as multimodal regulators of bioelectrical signaling. By modulating cell membrane dynamics, these functional molecules help maintain cellular communication and homeostasis. This integrative view not only strengthens our understanding of olive oil’s health-promoting effects but also opens new avenues for targeting ion-regulatory mechanisms in metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases. Full article

Epsilon-poly-l-lysine (ε-PL) is a potent antimicrobial agent, but strategies to enhance its biosynthesis remain limited due to insufficient understanding of its physiological regulation. This study explores the interaction between Streptomyces albulus and heterogeneous microbial extracts, with a focus on actinomycete-derived signals. The S. gilvosporeus extract induces the highest ε-PL production (3.4 g/L), exceeding the control by 2.6-fold and outperforming B. cinerea by 1.8-fold. Multi-omics analyses combined with morphological and biochemical profiling reveal that the induced state is characterized by intensified central carbon flux, enhanced lipid turnover, elevated respiratory activity, and cofactor regeneration, alongside suppression of competing secondary pathways. Morphological alterations, including denser mycelial aggregation and compact colony structures, accompany these metabolic shifts. Compared to B. cinerea, S. gilvosporeus elicits more pronounced stress adaptation and metabolic reprogramming in S. albulus. These findings suggest that interspecies interactions can activate intrinsic aggression resistance mechanisms, thereby driving ε-PL biosynthesis through a previously unrecognized physiological route. Full article

Walnut (Juglans regia L.), an ecologically and economically important species, requires the elucidation of its salt stress response mechanisms for improved salt tolerance breeding. This study elucidates the physiological and molecular mechanisms through which exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) mitigates salt stress in walnut, providing novel strategies for salt-tolerant cultivar development. This integrated study combined physiological, biochemical, and multi-omics analyses to decipher how exogenous MeJA enhances ROS scavenging through the synergistic activation of phenylalanine (Phe), tryptophan (Trp), and α-linolenic acid pathways, establishing a multilevel antioxidant defense network. MeJA treatment effectively mitigated salt stress-induced oxidative damage, as demonstrated by a significant 16.83% reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) content, concurrent 11.60%, 10.73% and 22.25% increases in superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) activities, respectively, the elevation of osmoregulatory soluble sugars (SS), and 1.2- to 2.0-fold upregulation of key antioxidant enzyme genes (SOD, POD, APX, GPX, DHAR) and elevated osmoregulatory substances (soluble sugars, SS). Improved photosynthetic parameters (P_n, G_s) and chlorophyll fluorescence efficiency (F_v/F_m) collectively indicated reduced oxidative stress (improved by 7.97–23.71%). Joint metabolomic-transcriptomic analyses revealed MeJA-enhanced ROS scavenging via the coordinated regulation of Phe, Trp, and α-linolenic acid pathways. In summary, MeJA significantly enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging efficiency and comprehensive antioxidant capacity in walnut seedlings through the synergistic regulation of key metabolic pathways, effectively mitigating salt stress. These findings establish a crucial mechanistic foundation for understanding plant salt stress responses and advance the utilization of MeJA-mediated strategies for the genetic improvement of salinity tolerance in walnut. Future research should prioritize optimizing MeJA application protocols and functionally validating key regulatory genes for breeding applications. Full article

Research and innovation in metabolomics tools to measure metabolite accumulation within plants have led to important discoveries with respect to the improvement of plant stress tolerance, development, and crop yield. Traditional metabolomics analyses have commonly utilized gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, but these methods are often performed without regard for the spatial locations of metabolites within tissues. Methods for mass spectral imaging (MSI) have recently been developed to detect and spatially resolve metabolite accumulation and are rapidly being adopted on a wider scale. Since 2010, the number of publications incorporating mass spectral imaging has grown from approximately 80 articles to over 378 on a yearly basis, constituting an increase of at least 350% during this time frame. Spatially resolved metabolite accumulation data provides unique insights into the function and regulation of plant biochemical pathways. Mass spectral imaging is commonly paired with desorption ionization technologies, including matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) and desorption electrospray ionization (DESI), to generate accurate, spatially resolved metabolomics data from prepared tissue segments. Here, we describe the most recent advancements in sample preparation methods, mass spectral imaging technologies, and data processing tools that have been developed to address the limits of MSI technology. Additionally, we summarize recent applications of MSI technologies in plant metabolomics and discuss potential avenues for future research advancements within the plant biology community through the use of these technologies. Full article