Search Results (31,741)

Tricholoma terreum, a mushroom rich in bioactive compounds, exhibits notable antioxidant and anticancer properties. Despite its traditional use, its effects on breast cancer metabolism remain underexplored. Here, we conducted comprehensive phytochemical and volatile organic compound profiling of T. terreum extracts and evaluated their cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Using SPME–GC–MS and HPLC, we identified a complex chemical matrix dominated by organic acids (acetic acid, 43.85%) and nitrogen-containing heterocyclics (2-acetylpyridine, 15.19%), alongside significant phenolic acids such as gallic acid and syringic acid. Biological assays indicated that the ethanol extract showed notable cytotoxic effects, reducing MCF-7 cell viability to 3.64% after 72 h, while higher viability was preserved in healthy CCD-1072sk fibroblast cells. Using cell viability assays, flow cytometry, and gene expression analysis, we found that ethanol extracts selectively reduced cancer cell viability, induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest (71.92%), and promoted apoptosis. Mechanistically, treatment downregulated key nucleotide biosynthesis genes (DHFR, TK1) and the glycolytic enzyme gene (ENO1), while upregulating the oxidative stress response gene SLC7A11 (18.32-fold), suggesting disruption of cancer metabolic pathways. These findings reveal a metabolic reprogramming effect of T. terreum extracts, highlighting their potential as metabolism-targeted agents in breast cancer therapy. Further studies are warranted to validate these effects in vivo and isolate active constituents. Full article

Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are common environmental pollutants. Our previous population study revealed a significant positive association between Pb and Cd exposure and the micronuclei frequency among lead smelting workers. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, human lymphoblastoid TK6 cells were used to investigate the genotoxicity and its mechanisms induced by individual or combined exposure to Pb and Cd. Our results showed that Pb and Cd exposure, alone or in combination, triggered oxidative stress, as evidenced by reduced antioxidant enzyme activity (GSH, SOD and CAT) and increased content of ROS and GSSG. Both metals induced pronounced DNA damage, as shown by elevated Tail DNA% in the Comet assay and γ-H2AX fluorescence intensity. Furthermore, Pb and/or Cd exposure caused inhibition of the DNA repair proteins, including BRCA1, CtIP, RAD52, and XRCC2, indicating impaired DNA repair capacity; and upregulated Bax expression and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and Caspase-3 with downregulation of Bcl-2. Notably, Pb and Cd co-exposure produced an antagonistic effect, modulating oxidative stress indicators, cell-cycle arrest, DNA damage markers, DNA repair and apoptosis-related proteins. These findings demonstrate that Pb and Cd induce oxidative stress, DNA damage, inhibition of DNA repair, and apoptosis in TK6 cells. Our study provides new insights into the mechanisms of heavy metal combined exposure–induced genotoxicity and identifies potential molecular targets for intervention. Full article

The necrotrophic pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum compromises the physiological and anatomical integrity of cotton, leading to substantial economic losses due to rapid tissue necrosis, stem blight, boll rot, and leaf wilting. In this context, the use of endophytic microorganisms emerges as a promising strategy for the biocontrol of white mold. This study tested the hypothesis that endophytic fungal strains isolated from the roots of Butia purpurascens, a palm tree endemic to the Cerrado biome, could mitigate disease symptoms in Gossypium hirsutum L. To evaluate this, cotton plants were subjected to biotic stress imposed by S. sclerotiorum to assess the effectiveness of seven fungal strains in attenuating disease. The impact of the pathogen was monitored through growth variables, gas exchange, leaf temperature, chlorophyll a fluorescence, antioxidant enzyme activity, proline and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and the incidence of rot in petioles, leaves, and flower buds. Overall, inoculation with endophytic fungi significantly alleviated the effects of the phytopathogen, promoting vegetative growth and optimizing physiological performance. Treated plants exhibited alleviated stress in primary photochemistry, reduced non-photochemical energy dissipation, and stable carbon fixation. Additionally, efficient modulation of the antioxidant system and preservation of anatomical structures were observed, minimizing the severe symptoms of white mold. Notably, the non-pathogenic strains BP10EF (Gibberella moniliformis), BP16EF (Penicillium purpurogenum), and BP33EF (Hamigera insecticola) acted as potent physiological modulators, yielding responses similar to those of healthy plants. These results highlight the biotechnological potential of these endophytic strains, which can be explored as both growth promoters and resistance inducers in cotton against white mold. Full article

This study compared the effects of dietary Lactobacillus plantarum (Lpl) and selenium-enriched L. plantarum (Lpl_se) on the growth, hepatic antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microbiota of juvenile largemouth bass (initial weight 12.50 ± 0.81 g). Following a 58-day trial in an indoor rearing system, data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD test. Results showed that both Lpl and Lpl_se significantly improved growth versus the control (Weight Gain Rate: 379.82% and 387.18% vs. 326.56%; p < 0.05). Both supplements significantly elevated hepatic antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH) and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (p < 0.05). Notably, these macroscopic parameters showed no statistical differences between the two probiotic treatments. However, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed distinct metabolic strategies. While both treatments enriched intestinal Lactobacillus, Lpl_se uniquely upregulated energy-harvesting and synthetic pathways (glycolysis and lysine biosynthesis), corroborated by increased intestinal glycogen synthase activity. In conclusion, while selenium enrichment did not further improve macroscopic growth statistically, it differentially modulated the intestinal functional profile towards enhanced carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, presenting an alternative host nutrient assimilation strategy. Full article

To address cryodamage in Culter alburnus sperm, this study evaluated the effects of trehalose supplementation in a conventional cryomedium (D-15 + 10% ethylene glycol). Six experimental groups were established: fresh sperm (G1), a conventional cryomedium (G2), groups supplemented with 10, 100, or 200 mmol/L trehalose (G3–G5), and a control group with extender only (G6). The group with 100 mmol/L trehalose (G4) was associated with improved post-thaw motility parameters (activation rate, movement time, and lifespan) and higher antioxidant (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and energy metabolism (ATPase, succinate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase) enzyme activities. Ultrastructural damage in G4 included partial plasma membrane rupture and mitochondrial swelling, while G6 exhibited additional damage features including membrane disintegration, mitochondrial disruption, and flagellar fracture. Proteomic analysis revealed that, compared to G1, G4 exhibited higher abundance of proteins (e.g., Histone H2A, cytochrome c oxidase, profilin) involved in structural integrity and energy homeostasis, whereas G6 showed signatures of oxidative stress and metabolic dysfunction (lower abundance of NADH dehydrogenase and higher abundance of calcium-transporting ATPase and glutathione S-transferase). In conclusion, 100 mmol/L trehalose was associated with improved cryopreservation outcomes, and the proteins identified provide a basis for further investigation. This approach offers a framework for refining germplasm conservation strategies in aquaculture. Full article

Background/Objectives: The orchid Dendrobium devonianum Paxt., valued for its ornamental and medicinal properties, is widely used in horticulture, medicine, and food industries. Methods: This study investigated dynamic changes in aroma-active volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and associated gene expression in D. devonianum flowers across four developmental stages (bud, half bloom, full bloom, and aging) using headspace solid-phase microextraction, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and transcriptome analysis. Results: Floral VOCs, particularly volatile terpenoids and esters, were most abundant at full bloom. Among the 664 VOCs identified, α-hemelene, β-bisabolene, δ-naphthalene, perillyl alcohol, L-perillyl alcohol, terpinen-4-ol, 2-(4-methylphenyl)propan-2-ol, cis-3-hexenyl butyrate, and α-pinene were likely to contribute to floral scent. Terpene biosynthesis pathways played a pivotal role in floral fragrance formation. A comprehensive terpenoid biosynthesis pathway for D. devonianum floral scent was proposed, and eight genes encoding key regulatory enzymes were identified. Conclusions: These results provide new insights into terpenoid metabolism in Dendrobium and may guide future research on the utilization of floral scent. Full article

Carbapenems comprise a class of β-lactam antibiotics with broad-spectrum hydrolytic activity and are often reserved as last-line agents for the treatment of serious multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. Clinically important nosocomial MDR Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) include Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Carbapenem resistance among these organisms is predominantly mediated by the production of β-lactamases called carbapenemases, such as K. pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC), New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM), imipenemase (IMP), Verona integron-encoded metallo-β-lactamase (VIM), and selected oxacillinase (OXA)-type carbapenemases. These enzymes degrade carbapenems, significantly compromising their clinical efficacy. To address escalating antimicrobial resistance, novel next-generation β-lactamase inhibitors (BLIs), partnered with established β-lactams (BLs), have been approved or are currently under development to inhibit carbapenemase activity. The present narrative review aims to synthesize the most current information on the major carbapenemases and discusses recently approved and investigational BL/BLI combination therapies in terms of their mechanisms of action, spectrum of activity, gaps in coverage, and available clinical and in vitro evidence. Development of resistance to novel BL/BLI combinations is also examined. Comparative analysis of inhibitory spectra and microbiological coverage indicates a continued need for metallo-β-lactamase inhibitors with direct pan-inhibitory activity, pathogen-specific BL/BLI regimens for carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii, and carbapenemase-targeted agents effective in the context of non-enzymatic resistance mechanisms. Treatment-emergent resistance to novel BL/BLIs and limitations in activity profiles underscore the critical need for continued innovation in pipeline development, vigilant global and local surveillance of carbapenemase epidemiology, and robust antimicrobial stewardship strategies to aid in preserving the efficacy of the antibacterial drug armamentarium. Full article

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading global pathogen of acute lower respiratory tract infection, posing significant risks to infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised patients. Artemisia argyi Levl.et Vant Extract (AALE) and its active components have a variety of pharmacological effects, but their anti-RSV potential remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the anti-RSV activity of AALE and parthenolide and its underlying mechanisms. Methods: Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to determine the anti-RSV activities of AALE and parthenolide. Time-of-addition assay and phase of action analysis were used to explore the effect of drugs on the viral replication cycle. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRCR), immunofluorescence (IF) and Western blot (WB) were used to investigate the effects of AALE and parthenolide on RSV-F gene and protein and on RIG-I/TLR-3 pathway related molecules in vitro. In vivo antiviral efficacy was verified by hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining for lung histopathology, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) quantification of RSV-F, RIG-I, TLR-3, IRF3, IL-6, and IFN-β gene expression in lung tissues, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for serum IL-6 and IFN-β levels. Results: AALE exhibited the strongest anti-RSV activity among the extracts (SI = 27.6), while parthenolide was the most potent monomeric compound (SI = 8.19). In vitro, both AALE and parthenolide were effective in the co-treatment and post-treatment models, reducing RSV-F gene and F protein levels in infected cells. Furthermore, they alleviated RSV infection by regulating RIG-I and TLR-3 pathway-related genes and proteins. In vivo, AALE and parthenolide suppressed lung index and RSV proliferation, attenuated lung injury, and down-regulated RIG-I, TLR-3, IRF3, IL-6, and IFN-β expression in the lungs of RSV-infected mice. Conclusions: AALE and its component parthenolide can inhibit the invasion and replication of RSV, making it a potential candidate for the treatment of RSV-related diseases. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) contamination is widely recognized as a major risk factor affecting the security and quality of crop production. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a globally cultivated fruit that is susceptible to Cd stress. 24-Epibrassinolide (EBR), an active brassinosteroid, is essential for plant growth and abiotic stress responses. However, its protective role in watermelon under Cd stress remains unclear. This study elucidates the physiological and molecular processes underlying EBR-mediated alleviation of Cd toxicity in watermelon seedlings. The results showed that exogenous EBR application effectively mitigated Cd-induced growth inhibition through decreased Cd deposition, reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lowered membrane lipid peroxidation, and increased antioxidant capacity in watermelon leaves under Cd treatment. Transcriptome (RNA-Seq) analysis revealed that EBR triggered substantial reprogramming of gene expression patterns, identifying 530 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Cd + EBR co-treatment compared with Cd treatment alone, including 204 down-regulated genes and 326 up-regulated genes. These DEGs are vital for controlling several physiological processes, including phenylpropane metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, endoplasmic reticulum’s protein production, cell wall organization, and others. Further physiological assays confirmed that EBR increased the activities of PAL and 4CL, the core enzymes driving phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, leading to a significant accumulation of total phenols and flavonoids. Together, the above results give concrete proof of the powerful functions of 24-EBR, acting as an enhancer of plant performance under Cd stress by enhancing the antioxidant system and by activating the phenylpropanoid pathway and its derived metabolic networks. Full article

Particulate organic carbon (POC) and mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC) are two operationally defined fractions frequently used in studies related to soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics. However, the changes and governing mechanisms of these fractions, particularly along a restoration chronosequence, remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated changes in SOC fractions, soil properties, and microbial communities across a restoration chronosequence (1, 5, 7, 13, and 20 years) of alpine meadows using a space-for-time substitution approach on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. We quantified the contributions of biotic and abiotic drivers using Spearman correlation analysis, linear regression and random forest analysis. The results revealed a unimodal pattern in SOC, POC, and MAOC contents, peaking at 7, 5, and 7 years, respectively, with no further increase thereafter. Restoration duration strongly shaped microbial community structure and observed species richness, but had no significant effect on Shannon index and Pielou index. Random forest analysis identified soil water content (SWC) and total nitrogen (TN) as the primary predictors of SOC. The microbial community composition dominated the variation in POC while enzyme activity was the key driver of MAOC. Our findings highlight that soil carbon accumulation during alpine meadow restoration is a nonlinear process with a temporal threshold, and POC and MAOC are regulated by distinct biotic and abiotic mechanisms. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding carbon sequestration mechanisms during alpine meadow restoration and developing sustainable grassland management strategies. Full article

Kynurenic acid (KYNA), a metabolite of the L-kynurenine pathway of L-tryptophan degradation, is an endogenous blocker of glutamate ionotropic excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptors and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). KYNA plays a significant role in various neuropsychiatric disorders and the aging process. Some researchers have suggested that KYNA may contribute to memory impairment. In this study, we examined the impact of L-kynurenine (a KYNA substrate) and the anti-dementia drugs D-cycloserine and Cerebrolysin on kynurenine aminotransferase (KAT) activity, an enzyme forming KYNA, in liver homogenates of Helix pomatia snails. Furthermore, a memory model was established using these snails, wherein tentacle shortening served as an indicator of learning activity. In vitro experiments on Helix pomatia demonstrated the significant impact of L-kynurenine and anti-dementia drugs on KYNA synthesis. KYNA levels increased significantly in the presence of L-kynurenine in liver homogenate. However, KYNA formation decreased when anti-dementia drugs, including Cerebrolysin or D-cycloserine, were administered to the snails’ liver homogenate. L-kynurenine has been shown to impair the learning process in vivo in snails, but an anti-dementia drug has been demonstrated to reverse this effect. Significant inhibition of tentacle lowering was observed in response to L-kynurenine treatment, which corresponded with elevated KYNA levels in the central nervous system. Administering D-cycloserine or Cerebrolysin alongside L-kynurenine reversed its effects. The Helix pomatia memory model is a valuable tool for studying learning and memory formation in various conditions and in the presence of different pharmacological agents. A drug or natural extract that blocks KYNA synthesis has the ability to increase tentacle lowering and could be considered an anti-dementia agent. Furthermore, this metabolite may also protect against aging and delay damage to the central nervous system related to memory. Full article

In this study, the rank of multifaceted activity of catechin (C), epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) was addressed. Their antioxidant activity was determined by the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), whereas their ability to inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE), and formation of the advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) was performed in a model system to show their importance against hypertension, Alzheimer-type dementia, and diabetic’s complication, respectively. The order of the antioxidant potential of catechins in comparision to gallic acid (GA) was EGCG > ECG > EC > EGC ≈ C > GA, whereas the order of the ACE inhibitory activity was EGCG > ECG > EGC > EC > C, thus indicating the importance of the structure–activity relationship. The correlation between IC₅₀ for ACE inhibition of catechins and their antioxidant activity had the value r = −0.60. The order of the AChE enzyme inhibitory activity was EGCG ≈ EGC > ECG > EC > C, and the weak positive correlation between IC₅₀ and the first anodic peak potential (E_pa1) values was noted (r = 0.67). The ranking of the anti-AGE activities was EGCG ≈ ECG > EGC > EC > C, and a negative correlation between the inhibitory activity of catechins against AGE formation and their antioxidant activity was r = −0.82, whereas a positive correlation (r = 0.88) was noted between their first anodic peak potential (E_pa1) values. The provided results expand our knowledge on the multifaceted activity of catechins, indicating EGCG and ECG as the most active antioxidants against inhibition of ACE and AChE as well as towards AGE formation. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) pose a significant threat to soil ecosystems based on their small size and resistance to biodegradation. Soil organic carbon (SOC) in saline–alkaline ecosystems has significantly affected maintain the ecological balance. This paper aims to review the mechanisms underlying the influence of MPs on SOC in saline–alkaline soils combining bibliometric mapping (VOSviewer). The results revealed that: (1) MPs mainly enter the saline–alkaline soil through water irrigation, sewage sludge, and agricultural films. (2) The interaction between the salt ions in saline–alkaline soils and the negatively charged surface of MPs will intensify the dispersion of soil aggregates, resulting in a significant decline in soil structure stability and nutrient imbalance. (3) MPs and the high-salt environment of saline–alkaline soils form a synergistic stress, significantly reducing the activities of key enzymes such as catalase and dehydrogenase in the soil, and it selectively promotes the enrichment of salt-tolerant bacterial communities (such as Halomonas and Bacillus species). (4) Using biodegradable plastic materials, setting up ecological buffer zones and planting halophytic plants (in coastal saline–alkaline areas), adding windbreak and sand-fixing buffer zones (in inland desert-type saline–alkaline areas), promoting precise irrigation and fertilization technologies (in areas with uneven irrigation conditions), and emergency soil amendment treatment (for severely polluted and ecologically fragile saline–alkaline soils) were all effective measures to dealing with the MPs pollution in saline–alkaline soils. This review provides a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of MPs pollution and the sustainable use of saline–alkaline soils. Full article

Cocoa fermentation is a key post-harvest process that determines the chemical composition and functional quality of cocoa beans. This study evaluated the effect of enzyme-assisted fermentation, using bromelain and laccase, on the phenolic compounds, methylxanthines and antioxidant capacity of CCN-51 cocoa beans from northern Peru. Fresh cocoa beans were fermented in wooden boxes under ambient conditions with different enzymatic treatments based on a factorial design. Samples were collected at 0, 2, 4 and 6 days of fermentation to determine total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP), and the concentrations of theobromine, caffeine, catechin and epicatechin by UHPLC-MS. Significant changes in phenolic composition and antioxidant activity were observed during fermentation (p < 0.05), with higher values in enzyme-treated samples, particularly at day 4. Principal component analysis indicated that phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were the main variables responsible for sample differentiation. Response surface methodology showed that bromelain had the strongest influence on most responses. Optimization using a desirability function predicted an optimal enzymatic condition of 52.19 g of bromelain and 18 g of laccase per 5 kg of cocoa beans to maximize bioactive compounds. These findings highlight that enzyme-assisted fermentation is a promising strategy to enhance cocoa functional quality. Full article

The cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne, is a globally important pest of stored products, and prolonged fumigant use has accelerated resistance development. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are key phase II detoxification enzymes that mediate insect tolerance to xenobiotics. In this study, we identified nine GST genes (LsGSTs) in L. serricorne and classified them into four cytosolic classes, namely epsilon, delta, theta, and sigma, based on phylogenetic analysis. Most LsGSTs were predominantly expressed during larval stages, while LsGSTs7 showed peak expression in adults. Tissue-specific profiling revealed predominant expression in metabolically active organs, including the fat body, Malpighian tubules, and midgut. Inhibition of GST activity using diethyl maleate (DEM) significantly increased larval susceptibility to three emerging fumigants: ethyl formate, benzothiazole, and methyl isothiocyanate. Exposure to LC₃₀ and LC₅₀ concentrations of these fumigants induced up-regulation of multiple LsGSTs, highlighting fumigant-specific detoxification responses. RNA interference targeting nine fumigant-inducible LsGSTs markedly elevated mortality and decreased total GST activity under fumigant stress. Furthermore, recombinant LsGSTs6 protein effectively metabolized methyl isothiocyanate, confirming their direct role in fumigant detoxification. Collectively, these findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying GST-mediated tolerance in L. serricorne and identify specific GST isoenzymes as promising molecular targets for innovative resistance management strategies in stored-product pest control. Full article