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Search Results (211)

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15 pages, 4805 KiB  
Article
Postharvest 2,4-Epibrassinolide Treatment Delays Senescence and Increases Chilling Tolerance in Flat Peach
by Bin Xu, Haixin Sun, Xuena Rang, Yanan Ren, Ting Zhang, Yaoyao Zhao and Yuquan Duan
Agronomy 2025, 15(8), 1835; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15081835 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 238
Abstract
Chilling injury (CI) frequently occurs in postharvest flat peach fruit during cold storage, leading to quality deterioration and a reduced shelf life. Therefore, investigating the key factors involved in alleviating CI and developing effective preservatives are vital scientific issues for the industry. 2,4-Epibrassinolide [...] Read more.
Chilling injury (CI) frequently occurs in postharvest flat peach fruit during cold storage, leading to quality deterioration and a reduced shelf life. Therefore, investigating the key factors involved in alleviating CI and developing effective preservatives are vital scientific issues for the industry. 2,4-Epibrassinolide (EBR) is a crucial endogenous hormone involved in plant response to both biological and environmental stressors. At present, most studies focus on the mechanisms of mitigating CI using a single concentration of EBR treatment, while few studies focus on the effects varying EBR concentrations have on CI. The purpose of this research is to explore the effects of varying concentrations of EBR on the postharvest quality and cold resistance of peach fruit, thereby establishing a basis for refining a technical framework of environmentally sustainable strategies to mitigate postharvest CI. The results show that EBR treatment effectively inhibits the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) by maintaining the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), thereby delaying the internal browning process of postharvest peaches. In addition, EBR treatment reduced the consumption of total phenolics by inhibiting the activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL). Experimental results identify that 5 μmol L−1 EBR treatment emerged as the most effective concentration for maintaining core postharvest quality attributes. It significantly delayed the decrease in firmness, reduced weight loss, effectively inhibited the production of H2O2 and O2·, particularly during the early storage period, strongly restrained the activity of PAL, and maintained lower rot rates and internal browning indexes. While the 15 μmol L−1 EBR treatment enhanced antioxidant activity, increased total phenolic content at certain stages, and maintained higher soluble solids and acid content, its effects on key physical quality parameters, like firmness and weight loss, were less pronounced compared to the 5 μmol L−1 treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)
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19 pages, 3430 KiB  
Article
2,4-Epibrassinolide Mitigates Cd Stress by Enhancing Chloroplast Structural Remodeling and Chlorophyll Metabolism in Vigna angularis Leaves
by Suyu Chen, Zihan Tang, Jialin Hou, Jie Gao, Xin Li, Yuxian Zhang and Qiang Zhao
Biology 2025, 14(6), 674; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14060674 - 10 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1277
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a highly hazardous heavy metal that has an extensive impact throughout the world. 2,4-Epibrassinolide (BR) is an endogenous hormone that can enhance plant tolerance to various abiotic stresses. Herein, Vigna angularis cultivar “Zhen Zhuhong” was grown hydroponically and treated with [...] Read more.
Cadmium (Cd) is a highly hazardous heavy metal that has an extensive impact throughout the world. 2,4-Epibrassinolide (BR) is an endogenous hormone that can enhance plant tolerance to various abiotic stresses. Herein, Vigna angularis cultivar “Zhen Zhuhong” was grown hydroponically and treated with 0, 1, and 2 mg·L−1 cadmium chloride (CdCl2) at the V1 stage, and foliar sprayed with or without 1 μM BR solution to analyze the effects of BR treatment on the physiology of Vigna angularis seedling leaves under Cd stress. BR treatment significantly alleviated the growth inhibition induced by Cd stress, which was associated with an increase in the plant height (11.15–17.83%), leaf area (35.59–56.72%), leaf dry weight (45.57–50.65%), and above-ground dry weight (50.86–55.17%). In addition, BR treatment induced significant reductions in Cd accumulation across different tissues of V. angularis, with decreases of 20.38–35.93% in leaves, 21.24–32.74% in stems, and 15.38–16.00% in petioles. Compared with the Cd treatment, BR treatment significantly enhanced the activities of peroxidase (5.02–13.22%), ascorbate peroxidase (27.13–70.28%), catalase (20.46–32.30%), and superoxide dismutase (16.54–21.81%), and increased the ascorbic acid content (27.55–45.52%), which contributed to a reduction in the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, cellular membrane damage, and cytoplasmic exosmosis. RNA-seq and real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR analyses revealed that the BR treatment under Cd stress significantly upregulated the expression of genes involved in chlorophyll biosynthesis, transformation, and degradation, thereby enhancing the chlorophyll cycle. Furthermore, the BR treatment significantly increased the number of grana lamellae in the mesophyll cells, which enhanced the biosynthesis of chloroplasts. The increase in the chlorophyll content improved the capture of light energy, electron transport in photosynthesis, and the biosynthesis and metabolism of carbohydrates in the leaves of V. angularis under Cd stress. Full article
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14 pages, 8085 KiB  
Article
Methionine Antagonizes Liver and Kidney Antioxidant Function Damage in Heat-Stressed Rex Rabbits
by Shu Li, Xiaosong Wang, Gongyan Liu, Lei Liu and Fuchang Li
Animals 2025, 15(8), 1148; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15081148 - 16 Apr 2025
Viewed by 644
Abstract
Heat stress triggers systemic oxidative stress that compromises physiological homeostasis. This study evaluated methionine’s effects on hepatic and renal antioxidant capacity in heat-stressed Rex rabbits. Rabbits were divided into five groups (30 replicates/group): control (20–25 °C, basal diet), heat stress (HS, 30–34 °C, [...] Read more.
Heat stress triggers systemic oxidative stress that compromises physiological homeostasis. This study evaluated methionine’s effects on hepatic and renal antioxidant capacity in heat-stressed Rex rabbits. Rabbits were divided into five groups (30 replicates/group): control (20–25 °C, basal diet), heat stress (HS, 30–34 °C, basal diet), and HS +0.15%, 0.3%, or 0.45% methionine-supplemented groups. After 21 days, serum, skin, liver, and kidney samples were analyzed for biochemical parameters, oxidative stress markers, and gene expression. Results showed that 0.15–0.3% methionine supplementation under heat stress increased methionine apparent digestibility and suppressed amino acid catabolism; decreased serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels; reduced skin malondialdehyde (MDA) and elevated (MSRA) activity; attenuated hepatic central venous congestion and renal tubular vacuolization; enhanced hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities (0.3% group); and modulated antioxidant gene expression via Nrf2/HO-1 and Nrf2/NQO1 pathways. Pathological analysis confirmed reduced fibrosis and cellular damage in liver/kidney tissues. Optimal methionine supplementation (0.3%) effectively mitigated heat-induced oxidative organ damage by enhancing endogenous antioxidant defenses and regulating redox-sensitive signaling pathways. These findings provide a nutritional strategy for alleviating heat stress-related metabolic disorders in rabbits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Amino Acids Nutrition and Health in Farm Animals)
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14 pages, 1279 KiB  
Article
Green Tea Intake Reduces High-Fat Diet-Induced Sensory Neuropathy in Mice by Upregulating the Antioxidant Defense System in the Spinal Cord
by Gessica Sabrina de Assis Silva, Thalita da Cruz Monteiro Santana, Ana Carolina Lucchese Velozo, Ana Paula Azevêdo Macêdo, Mariane dos Santos Gonçalves, Ricardo David Couto, Milena Botelho Pereira Soares, Max Denisson Maurício Viana and Cristiane Flora Villarreal
Antioxidants 2025, 14(4), 452; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14040452 - 10 Apr 2025
Viewed by 764
Abstract
One of the most common complications of obesity is peripheral nerve damage, which progresses to sensory neuropathy. Green tea (GT) intake has been associated with weight loss and metabolic biomarkers modulation due to its antioxidant properties. The present work characterized the effects of [...] Read more.
One of the most common complications of obesity is peripheral nerve damage, which progresses to sensory neuropathy. Green tea (GT) intake has been associated with weight loss and metabolic biomarkers modulation due to its antioxidant properties. The present work characterized the effects of GT in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced neuropathy and investigated the mechanisms involved. C57BL/6J male mice were fed an HFD or control diet, associated with GT or vehicle intake for 16 weeks. Weight, blood glucose, and nociceptive thresholds were assessed. Morphological and morphometric analyses of the sciatic nerves were performed. Activation of the cellular antioxidant system in the spinal cord was assessed by real-time PCR. GT intake reduced weight gain, hyperglycemia, and the development of sensory neuropathy. Furthermore, in HFD-fed mice that consumed GT, the morphology of the sciatic nerve was preserved. RT-qPCR analysis showed that HFD-fed mice ingesting GT had higher spinal levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) mRNA compared to the HFD-fed mice ingesting vehicle, suggesting that the endogenous antioxidant system was more activated in response to GT consumption. In conclusion, the data suggest that GT intake reduces HFD-induced neuropathy, probably by upregulating antioxidant gene expression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Targeting Oxidative Stress to Manage Pain)
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24 pages, 2863 KiB  
Article
Soy Isoflavones Protects Against Stroke by Inhibiting Keap1/NQO1/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway: Network Pharmacology Analysis Combined with the Experimental Validation
by Huiming Xue, Zhen Feng, Chang Jin, Yue Zhang, Yongxing Ai, Jing Wang, Meizhu Zheng and Dongfang Shi
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(4), 548; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18040548 - 8 Apr 2025
Viewed by 967
Abstract
Objectives: Ischemic stroke is a severe neurological disorder with high morbidity, mortality, and disability rates, posing a substantial burden on patients, families, and healthcare systems. Soy isoflavone (SI), a naturally occurring phytoestrogen, has demonstrated promising neuroprotective effects. This study aimed to evaluate [...] Read more.
Objectives: Ischemic stroke is a severe neurological disorder with high morbidity, mortality, and disability rates, posing a substantial burden on patients, families, and healthcare systems. Soy isoflavone (SI), a naturally occurring phytoestrogen, has demonstrated promising neuroprotective effects. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-stroke efficacy of SI and elucidate its underlying mechanisms through integrated phytochemical profiling, network pharmacology, and both in vitro and in vivo experimental validation. Methods: Active constituents of SI were extracted via reflux and identified using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Network pharmacology was employed to predict therapeutic targets and signaling pathways. The neuroprotective effects of SI were first assessed in PC12 cells subjected to oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury in vitro. For in vivo evaluation, transient cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury was induced using the bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) model in adult male ICR rats (27.3 ± 1.8 g; 6–8 weeks old), obtained from the Shanghai Experimental Animal Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Forty-eight rats were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 12): sham, model (BCCAO), SI-treated (100 mg/kg, oral gavage for 5 days), and edaravone (EDA)-treated (10 mg/kg, i.p., positive control). All procedures were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Changchun Normal University (Approval No. 2024003, 13 March 2024) and conducted in accordance with the NIH guidelines and ARRIVE 2.0 reporting standards. Results: In vitro, SI significantly enhanced PC12 cell viability from 57.23 ± 2.88% to 80.76 ± 4.43% following OGD/R. It also reduced intracellular Ca2+ by 58.42%, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release by 37.67%, caspase-3 activity by 55.05%, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels by 74.13% (p < 0.05). A flow cytometry analysis revealed that OGD/R increased the apoptosis rate from 5.34% (control) to 30.85% (model group), which was significantly attenuated by SI treatment, especially in the 560 µg/mL group (20.00%), followed by the 140 and 280 µg/mL groups. In vivo, SI improved neurological scores from 8.3 ± 1.09 to 6.8 ± 1.68, reduced cerebral infarction volume by 18.49%, and alleviated brain edema by 10.42% (p < 0.05). SI also decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and LDH levels by 31.15% and 39.46%, respectively, while increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD) by 11.70%, catalase (CAT) by 26.09%, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) by 27.55% (p < 0.01). Scratch assay results showed that SI restored the impaired migratory ability of the OGD/R-treated PC12 cells, further supporting its role in cellular repair. A Western blot analysis demonstrated the upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and the downregulation of Kelch-like, ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) in the cerebral ischemia–reperfusion model. Conclusions: These findings indicate that soy isoflavone confers significant neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury by enhancing endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms, reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting apoptosis, and promoting cell migration. The protective effects are likely mediated through the activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway, supporting the therapeutic potential of SI in ischemic stroke treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacological Activities of Flavonoids and Their Analogues 2024)
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14 pages, 1873 KiB  
Article
Effects of Melatonin on H2O2-Induced Oxidative Damage of the Granulosa Cells in Hen Ovarian Follicles
by Sheng Wang, Yu Ou, Shengxiao Cao, Xue Sun, Ning Qin, Simushi Liswaniso and Rifu Xu
Genes 2025, 16(4), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16040362 - 22 Mar 2025
Viewed by 628
Abstract
Background: The egg-laying performance of hens is primarily regulated by ovarian follicle growth and development; these follicles are susceptible to oxidative damage caused by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxidative damage can lead to follicular atresia and impaired reproductive performance. Melatonin (MT), a [...] Read more.
Background: The egg-laying performance of hens is primarily regulated by ovarian follicle growth and development; these follicles are susceptible to oxidative damage caused by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxidative damage can lead to follicular atresia and impaired reproductive performance. Melatonin (MT), a known endogenous antioxidant, plays a role in regulating oxidative damage, but its precise mechanisms in mitigating H2O2-induced oxidative damage via mitophagy regulation in granulosa cells remain unclear. Methods: An in vitro oxidative damage model was established by determining the optimal H2O2 concentration using CCK-8 fluorescence quantification. The optimal MT concentration was identified through fluorescence quantification and catalase (CAT) activity assays. The protective effects of MT against H2O2-induced oxidative damage in follicular granulosa cells were investigated using flow cytometry, Western blotting, ELISA, and quantitative fluorescence analysis. Results: An in vitro oxidative damage model was established using H2O2-induced granulosa cells, characterized by P53 and LC3-II upregulation and LC3-I and BCL-2 downregulation. The optimal MT concentration for reducing cellular injury was determined. MT co-treatment enhanced CAT, GSH, and SOD activities, decreased LC3-II/LC3-I conversion, and increased P62 expression. Furthermore, MT reduced autophagic vesicle formation and restored mitochondrial membrane potential, demonstrating its protective effect against H2O2-induced oxidative damage. Conclusions: Melatonin alleviates H2O2-induced oxidative damage in chicken follicular granulosa cells by modulating antioxidant defense, autophagy, and mitochondrial function. These findings provide newer insights to our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying the alleviation of the H2O2-induced oxidative damage in granulosa cells during ovarian follicle development in chickens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)
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16 pages, 705 KiB  
Review
Involvement of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants in Modification of Cardiac Dysfunction Due to Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury
by Naranjan S. Dhalla, Petr Ostadal and Paramjit S. Tappia
Antioxidants 2025, 14(3), 340; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14030340 - 14 Mar 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1510
Abstract
Delayed reperfusion of the ischemic heart (I/R) is known to impair the recovery of cardiac function and produce a wide variety of myocardial defects, including ultrastructural damage, metabolic alterations, subcellular Ca2+-handling abnormalities, activation of proteases, and changes in cardiac gene expression. [...] Read more.
Delayed reperfusion of the ischemic heart (I/R) is known to impair the recovery of cardiac function and produce a wide variety of myocardial defects, including ultrastructural damage, metabolic alterations, subcellular Ca2+-handling abnormalities, activation of proteases, and changes in cardiac gene expression. Although I/R injury has been reported to induce the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inflammation, and intracellular Ca2+ overload, the generation of oxidative stress is considered to play a critical role in the development of cardiac dysfunction. Increases in the production of superoxide, hydroxyl radicals, and oxidants, such as hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorous acid, occur in hearts subjected to I/R injury. In fact, mitochondria are a major source of the excessive production of ROS in I/R hearts due to impairment in the electron transport system as well as activation of xanthine oxidase and NADPH oxidase. Nitric oxide synthase, mainly present in the endothelium, is also activated due to I/R injury, leading to the production of nitric oxide, which, upon combination with superoxide radicals, generates nitrosative stress. Alterations in cardiac function, sarcolemma, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-handling activities, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, and protease activation due to I/R injury are simulated upon exposing the heart to the oxyradical-generating system (xanthine plus xanthine oxidase) or H2O2. On the other hand, the activation of endogenous antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and the concentration of a transcription factor (Nrf2), which modulates the expression of various endogenous antioxidants, is depressed due to I/R injury in hearts. Furthermore, pretreatment of hearts with antioxidants such as catalase plus superoxide dismutase, N-acetylcysteine, and mercaptopropionylglycerine has been observed to attenuate I/R-induced subcellular Ca2+ handling and changes in Ca2+-regulatory activities; additionally, it has been found to depress protease activation and improve the recovery of cardiac function. These observations indicate that oxidative stress is intimately involved in the pathological effects of I/R injury and different antioxidants attenuate I/R-induced subcellular alterations and improve the recovery of cardiac function. Thus, we are faced with the task of developing safe and effective antioxidants as well as agents for upregulating the expression of endogenous antioxidants for the therapy of I/R injury. Full article
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20 pages, 13101 KiB  
Article
Dalbergia odorifera Trans-Nerolidol Protects Against Myocardial Ischemia via Downregulating Cytochrome- and Caspases-Signaling Pathways in Isoproterenol-Induced Rats
by Canhong Wang, Yulan Wu, Bao Gong, Xiangsheng Zhao, Hui Meng, Junyu Mou, Xiaoling Cheng, Yinfeng Tan and Jianhe Wei
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(5), 2251; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26052251 - 3 Mar 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 834
Abstract
Dalbergia odorifera is widely used to treat cardiovascular diseases. Our research group found that Dalbergia odorifera volatile oil has a good anti-myocardial ischemic effect, and its main pharmacodynamic components are trans-nerolol and its oxides. However, the exact mechanisms underlying this effect have not [...] Read more.
Dalbergia odorifera is widely used to treat cardiovascular diseases. Our research group found that Dalbergia odorifera volatile oil has a good anti-myocardial ischemic effect, and its main pharmacodynamic components are trans-nerolol and its oxides. However, the exact mechanisms underlying this effect have not yet been elucidated. This study aimed to explore the potential myocardial protective effects of trans-nerolol and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Molecular docking was used to predict and visualize the possible mechanism of the anti-apoptotic myocardial protection by trans-nerolol. The myocardial protective effect of trans-nerolol was evaluated by observing pathological injury, myocardial enzyme levels, oxidation, antioxidant levels, and the expression of related proteins. Molecular docking results showed that trans-nerolol binds closely to cytochrome C (Cytc) and apoptosis-related proteins, suggesting that it may play a role in interacting with these target proteins. The results showed that pre-treatment with dose-dependent trans-nerolol significantly mitigated the myocardial histological damage; decreased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine kinase (CK), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels; reduced nitric oxide (NO) production, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and lipid peroxide (LPO); and increased the total antioxidant content (T-AOC), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities compared with the model group. In addition, dose-dependent trans-nerolol significantly increased the Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase levels. Moreover, trans-nerolol markedly reduced the endogenous and external apoptotic pathways; downregulated the protein expression of Cytc, apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (Apaf1), Fibroblast-associated (Fas), Cysteine-aspartate protease 3 (Caspase3), Cysteine-aspartate protease 8 (Caspase8), and Cysteine-aspartate protease 9 (Caspase9); and upregulated the expression of Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). These data indicate that trans-nerolol exerts protective effects against myocardial ischemia (MI), and its mechanism is associated with the suppression of the Cytc- and caspase-signaling pathways. Trans-nerolol has a therapeutic effect on MI, and its mechanism of action is related to its anti-apoptotic effect. These results suggest that Dalbergia odorifera has a potential role to be developed as an MI-promoting therapeutic agent. Full article
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43 pages, 6599 KiB  
Review
Morinda citrifolia L.: A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Effects, and Antioxidant Potential
by Silu Hou, Danyang Ma, Shaofeng Wu, Qiaoyue Hui and Zhihui Hao
Antioxidants 2025, 14(3), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14030295 - 28 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4589
Abstract
Morinda citrifolia L. (M. citrifolia), commonly referred to as noni, a Polynesian medicinal plant with over 2000 years of traditional use, has garnered global interest for its rich repertoire of antioxidant phytochemicals, including flavonoids (kaempferol, rutin), iridoids (aucubin, asperulosidic acid, deacetylasperulosidic [...] Read more.
Morinda citrifolia L. (M. citrifolia), commonly referred to as noni, a Polynesian medicinal plant with over 2000 years of traditional use, has garnered global interest for its rich repertoire of antioxidant phytochemicals, including flavonoids (kaempferol, rutin), iridoids (aucubin, asperulosidic acid, deacetylasperulosidic acid, asperuloside), polysaccharides (nonioside A), and coumarins (scopoletin). This comprehensive review synthesizes recent advances (2018–2023) on noni’s bioactive constituents, pharmacological properties, and molecular mechanisms, with a focus on its antioxidant potential. Systematic analyses reveal that noni-derived compounds exhibit potent free radical scavenging capacity (e.g., 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl/2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonicacid) (DPPH/ABTS) inhibition), upregulate endogenous antioxidant enzymes (Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx)), and modulate key pathways such as Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Nrf2/Keap1) and Nuclear Factor kappa-B (NF-κB). Notably, polysaccharides and iridoids demonstrate dual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects via gut microbiota regulation. This highlights the plant’s potential for innovation in the medical and pharmaceutical fields. However, it is also recognized that further research is needed to clarify its mechanisms of action and ensure its safety for widespread application. We emphasize the need for mechanistic studies to bridge traditional knowledge with modern applications, particularly in developing antioxidant-rich nutraceuticals and sustainable livestock feed additives. This review underscores noni’s role as a multi-target antioxidant agent and provides a roadmap for future research to optimize its health benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural and Synthetic Antioxidants)
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24 pages, 5714 KiB  
Article
Iron Overload-Related Oxidative Stress Leads to Hyperphosphorylation and Altered Anion Exchanger 1 (Band 3) Function in Erythrocytes from Subjects with β-Thalassemia Minor
by Sara Spinelli, Elisabetta Straface, Lucrezia Gambardella, Daniele Caruso, Silvia Dossena, Angela Marino, Rossana Morabito and Alessia Remigante
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(4), 1593; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26041593 - 13 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1151
Abstract
β-thalassemia, a hereditary hemoglobinopathy, is caused by reduced or absent synthesis of the β-globin chains of hemoglobin. Three clinical conditions are recognized: β-thalassemia major, β-thalassemia intermedia, and β-thalassemia minor (β-Thal+). This latter condition occurs when an individual inherits a mutated β-globin [...] Read more.
β-thalassemia, a hereditary hemoglobinopathy, is caused by reduced or absent synthesis of the β-globin chains of hemoglobin. Three clinical conditions are recognized: β-thalassemia major, β-thalassemia intermedia, and β-thalassemia minor (β-Thal+). This latter condition occurs when an individual inherits a mutated β-globin gene from one parent. In erythrocytes from β-Thal+ subjects, the excess α-globin chains produce unstable α-tetramers, which can induce substantial oxidative stress leading to plasma membrane and cytoskeleton damage, as well as deranged cellular function. In the present study, we hypothesized that increased oxidative stress might lead to structural rearrangements in erythrocytes from β-Thal+ volunteers and functional alterations of ion transport proteins, including band 3 protein. The data obtained showed significant modifications of the cellular shape in erythrocytes from β-Thal+ subjects. In particular, a significantly increased number of elliptocytes was observed. Interestingly, iron overload, detected in erythrocytes from β-Thal+ subjects, provoked a significant production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), overactivation of the endogenous antioxidant enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase, and glutathione depletion, resulting in (a) increased lipid peroxidation, (b) protein sulfhydryl group (-SH) oxidation. Iron overload-related oxidative stress affected Na+/K+-ATPase activity, which in turn may have contributed to impaired β-Thal+ erythrocyte deformability. As a result, alterations in the distribution of cytoskeletal proteins, including α/β-spectrin, protein 4.1, and α-actin, in erythrocytes from β-Thal+ subjects have been detected. Significantly, oxidative stress was also associated with increased phosphorylation and altered band 3 ion transport activity, as well as increased oxidized hemoglobin, which led to abnormal clustering and redistribution of band 3 on the plasma membrane. Taken together, these findings contribute to elucidating potential oxidative stress-related perturbations of ion transporters and associated cytoskeletal proteins, which may affect erythrocyte and systemic homeostasis in β-Thal+ subjects. Full article
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28 pages, 1215 KiB  
Review
Crosstalk Between Antioxidants and Adipogenesis: Mechanistic Pathways and Their Roles in Metabolic Health
by Minghao Fu, Kyung-Sik Yoon, Joohun Ha, Insug Kang and Wonchae Choe
Antioxidants 2025, 14(2), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14020203 - 10 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1964
Abstract
The interplay between oxidative stress and adipogenesis is a critical factor in the development of obesity and its associated metabolic disorders. Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) disrupt key transcription factors such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα), impairing [...] Read more.
The interplay between oxidative stress and adipogenesis is a critical factor in the development of obesity and its associated metabolic disorders. Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) disrupt key transcription factors such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα), impairing lipid metabolism, promoting adipocyte dysfunction, and exacerbating inflammation and insulin resistance. Antioxidants, classified as endogenous (e.g., glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) and exogenous (e.g., polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamins C and E), are pivotal in mitigating these effects by restoring redox balance and preserving adipocyte functionality. Endogenous antioxidants neutralize ROS and safeguard cellular structures; however, under heightened oxidative stress, these defenses are often insufficient, necessitating dietary supplementation. Exogenous antioxidants derived from plant-based sources, such as polyphenols and vitamins, act through direct ROS scavenging, upregulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, and modulation of key signaling pathways like nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and PPARγ, reducing lipid peroxidation, inflammation, and adipocyte dysfunction. Furthermore, they influence epigenetic regulation and transcriptional networks to restore adipocyte differentiation and limit lipid accumulation. Antioxidant-rich diets, including the Mediterranean diet, are strongly associated with improved metabolic health, reduced obesity rates, and enhanced insulin sensitivity. Advances in personalized antioxidant therapies, guided by biomarkers of oxidative stress and supported by novel delivery systems, present promising avenues for optimizing therapeutic interventions. This review, “Crosstalk Between Antioxidants and Adipogenesis: Mechanistic Pathways and Their Role in Metabolic Health”, highlights the mechanistic pathways by which antioxidants regulate oxidative stress and adipogenesis to enhance metabolic health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Antioxidants and Metabolic Diseases)
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17 pages, 2525 KiB  
Article
Effects of Dinoflagellate Toxins Okadaic Acid and Dinophysistoxin-1 and -2 on the Microcrustacean Artemia franciscana
by Federica Cavion, Silvio Sosa, Jane Kilcoyne, Alessandra D’Arelli, Cristina Ponti, Michela Carlin, Aurelia Tubaro and Marco Pelin
Toxins 2025, 17(2), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins17020080 - 10 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1033
Abstract
Harmful algal blooms are an expanding phenomenon negatively impacting human health, socio-economic welfare, and ecosystems. Such events increase the risk of marine organisms’ exposure to algal toxins with consequent ecological effects. In this frame, the objective of this study was to investigate the [...] Read more.
Harmful algal blooms are an expanding phenomenon negatively impacting human health, socio-economic welfare, and ecosystems. Such events increase the risk of marine organisms’ exposure to algal toxins with consequent ecological effects. In this frame, the objective of this study was to investigate the ecotoxicological potential of three globally distributed dinoflagellate toxins (okadaic acid, OA; dinophysistoxin-1, DTX-1; dinophysistoxin-2, DTX-2) using Artemia franciscana as a model organism of marine zooplankton. Each toxin (0.1–100 nM) was evaluated for its toxic effects in terms of cyst hatching, mortality of nauplii Instar I and adults, and biochemical responses related to oxidative stress. At the highest concentration (100 nM), these toxins significantly increased adults’ mortality starting from 24 h (DTX-1), 48 h (OA), or 72 h (DTX-2) exposures, DTX-1 being the most potent one, followed by OA and DTX-2. The quantitation of oxidative stress biomarkers in adults, i.e., reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and activity of three endogenous antioxidant defense enzymes (glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) showed that only DTX-2 significantly increased ROS production, whereas each toxin affected the antioxidant enzymes with a different activity profile. In general, the results indicate a negative impact of these toxins towards A. franciscana with potential consequences on the marine ecosystem. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Marine and Freshwater Toxins)
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18 pages, 4006 KiB  
Article
Effect of Exogenous γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) on the Growth, Photosynthetic Pigment, Antioxidant and GABA Metabolism of Festuca arundinacea (Tall Fescues) Under Cadmium Stress
by Wan Geng, Yangyang Zhang, Caihua Li, Guilong Song and Shengqing Shi
Plants 2025, 14(3), 383; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030383 - 27 Jan 2025
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Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), an endogenous amino acid widely found in living organisms, has important functions in plants such as regulating growth and development, maintaining carbon and nitrogen nutrient balance, and coping with adversity. In this study, we investigated the effects of exogenous 0.5 [...] Read more.
γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), an endogenous amino acid widely found in living organisms, has important functions in plants such as regulating growth and development, maintaining carbon and nitrogen nutrient balance, and coping with adversity. In this study, we investigated the effects of exogenous 0.5 mmol/L GABA on the growth, antioxidant metabolism, and GABA shunt metabolism of tall fescue under 20 μmol/L Cd stress, using tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) ‘Ruby II’ under hydroponics conditions. The results showed that (1) applying GABA for 3, 7, 11, and 15 d under Cd stress inhibited Cd transport from roots to leaves and promoted plant height, alleviating the effects of Cd stress on plant growth. (2) Exogenous 0.5 mmol/L GABA had an interesting regulatory effect on the activation of the antioxidant enzyme system induced by stress at different stages, which was accompanied by a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and alleviated the degree of cell membrane lipid peroxidation under cadmium stress. Specifically, peroxidase (POD) enzyme activity reactions initially responded on the 3rd and 7th days of stress, and the changes in catalase (CAT) enzyme activities concentrated on the 11th and 15th days of the later stage. Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzyme was active throughout the whole stress period in the roots. Multiple factorial analyses further proved that the antioxidant pathway strongly influenced the survival and growth of tall fescue under stress in the presence of GABA. (3) Application of exogenous GABA activated the branching pathway for GABA synthesis from Glu decarboxylation (GABA shunt) with a higher contribution in the leaves, which induced changes in glutamate content, and plants maintained a higher endogenous GABA content and signal to regulate the plant antioxidant system and reduce cell membrane damage, thus improving the tolerance of plants to Cd stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stress Biology of Turfgrass—2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 2421 KiB  
Article
Antioxidant Peptides from Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus L.): Chemical Analysis and Cytoprotective Functions on HepG2 and Caco-2 Cells
by Yu Quan, Lin Chen, Meiqi Fan, Xia Zhao and Jianxiong Hao
Foods 2025, 14(3), 349; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14030349 - 22 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1220
Abstract
Tiger nuts were enzymatically hydrolyzed by Alcalase and then separated and purified by ultrafiltration classification and Sephadex G-15 fractionation to obtain tiger nut peptides. Their chemical antioxidant activities and cytoprotective functions on HepG2 and Caco-2 cells were systematically evaluated in this study. The [...] Read more.
Tiger nuts were enzymatically hydrolyzed by Alcalase and then separated and purified by ultrafiltration classification and Sephadex G-15 fractionation to obtain tiger nut peptides. Their chemical antioxidant activities and cytoprotective functions on HepG2 and Caco-2 cells were systematically evaluated in this study. The tiger nut peptides (TNP) were found to perform excellent antioxidant activity supported by their chemical and cell antioxidant behaviors, amino acid composition, and morphological observation. Higher 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH• RSA, 64.05–124.07%) and ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP, 0.17–1.78 μmol/mL) were observed in the TNP with more hydrophobic amino acids (41.77 ± 1.36 g/100 g) compared with traditional soybean and peanut peptides. Furthermore, the peptides from tiger nut (TNP, TNP-4, T1, T2, T3) could effectively protect H2O2-induced HepG2 and Caco-2 cells from oxidative damage by enhancing endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities and reducing oxidative stress levels, especially the T3 peptides purified from the fraction less than 1 kDa molecular weight. The catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities significantly increased, and the contents of intracellular reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde decreased. This study highlights the potential of the peptides from tiger nuts as antioxidant ingredients for food applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods, and Novel Foods)
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17 pages, 2398 KiB  
Article
Proline Promotes Drought Tolerance in Maize
by Pirzada Khan, Ashraf M. M. Abdelbacki, Mohammed Albaqami, Rahmatullah Jan and Kyung-Min Kim
Biology 2025, 14(1), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14010041 - 7 Jan 2025
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2589
Abstract
Drought stress significantly affects maize (Zea mays L.) growth by disrupting vital physiological and biochemical processes. This study investigates the potential of proline supplementation to alleviate drought-induced stress in maize plants. The results show that proline supplementation enhanced shoot and root growth [...] Read more.
Drought stress significantly affects maize (Zea mays L.) growth by disrupting vital physiological and biochemical processes. This study investigates the potential of proline supplementation to alleviate drought-induced stress in maize plants. The results show that proline supplementation enhanced shoot and root growth under normal conditions and alleviated drought-induced reductions in growth parameters. Under drought stress, proline increased shoot length by 40%, root length by 36%, shoot fresh weight by 97%, root fresh weight by 247%, shoot dry weight by 77%, and root dry weight by 154% compared to the untreated plants. While drought stress induced electrolyte leakage and reduced the relative water content (RWC) and leaf area, proline treatment mitigated these effects by improving membrane stability, water retention, and chlorophyll content. Moreover, proline supplementation reduced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels by 38% and 67%, respectively, in the drought-stressed plants compared to the untreated controls. It also enhanced catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities by 14%, 69%, and 144%, respectively, under drought stress, indicating a strengthened antioxidative defense. Proline also increased the protein content and improved N, P, and K retention by 30%, 40%, and 28%, respectively, in the drought-stressed plants, supporting metabolic and osmotic balance. Additionally, proline improved endogenous proline and sugar levels, facilitating osmotic adjustment and providing energy reserves. These findings suggest that proline supplementation effectively enhances maize resilience under drought stress, improving growth, reducing oxidative stress, and enhancing osmoprotection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Science)
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