Search Results (156)

Arthrospira platensis extract is incorporated into sunscreen formulations for its beneficial and UV-protective properties on cultured human cells. However, its effects have not yet been assessed on non-target organisms such as endosymbiotic microalgae in coral tissue. To evaluate its effects, we investigated the photophysiology of the cultured dinoflagellate Cladocopium goreaui using PAM fluorometry (RLC, OJIP) after a 5-day exposure to different extract concentrations. Our results show that, through a hormetic effect, A. platensis enhances the performance index (Pi_Abs) at 0.018 mg L⁻¹ by increasing the number of active reaction centers (RC/ABS) and improving electron transfer efficiency (φEo, ψEo) along the electron transport chain. Conversely, beyond 108.8 mg L⁻¹, negative impacts appear on PSII, increasing the apparent antenna size (ABS/RC) and impairing the oxygen-evolving complex (K-peak), ultimately reducing the maximum relative electron transport rate (rETR_m). This relative toxicity, obtained only for the highest concentrations, supports its potential incorporation into cosmetic formulations. This study contributes to improving the ecotoxicity assessment of cosmetic products on non-target organisms. Full article

Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE), a component of the blood–retinal barrier, plays a pivotal role in maintaining retinal homeostasis and visual function. Dysfunction of the RPE is an early event that triggers photoreceptor death, in Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), a multifactorial disorder primarily caused by an imbalance between endogenous antioxidant defenses and reactive oxygen species production. Our in vitro study investigated the hormetic effects of curcumin in human RPE cells (ARPE-19), focusing on its capability to modulate two enzymes related to the onset of AMD: Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a NAD+-dependent deacetylase enzyme involved in cellular metabolism, aging, and stress response, and caspase-3, a crucial enzyme in programmed cell death. Curcumin exhibited classic hormetic doseresponses, with low concentrations (5–10 μM) providing cytoprotection while at high doses (≥20 μM) inducing toxicity. Under moderate oxidative stress, acetylated p53 was significantly reduced, indicating SIRT1 activation; curcumin 10 μM restored basal SIRT1 activity, while 5 µM did not. Both concentrations significantly decreased cleaved caspase-3 levels, demonstrating the anti-apoptotic effects of curcumin. Our results reveal curcumin’s hormetic mechanisms of RPE protection and emphasize the critical importance of dose optimization within the hormetic window for AMD therapeutic development. Full article

The widespread use of rare earth elements (REEs) in agriculture, particularly Lanthanum (La), raises concerns about their ecological impact on non-target organisms. We investigated the direct and indirect effects of La on the insect pest Spodoptera littoralis and its host plant, Brassica rapa. Direct exposure to La-supplemented diets reduced larval growth, survival, and egg production. Interestingly, a transgenerational effect was observed, where larvae from La-exposed parents exhibited increased resilience, showing no performance reduction on the same diets. Indirectly, La accumulation in plants mediated a hormetic response in herbivores, increasing larval weight at low concentrations but reducing it at high concentrations, while modulating their oxidative stress and detoxification gene expression. From the plant perspective, La exposure amplified herbivory-induced calcium signalling and altered the expression of key genes related to calcium and reactive oxygen species pathways. These findings reveal the complex ecological risks of La accumulation in agroecosystems, affecting both plants and insects directly and through novel transgenerational effects. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pulmonaria officinalis L., commonly known as lungwort, is a medicinal plant traditionally used for respiratory ailments, but its biological activities have not yet been sufficiently researched. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and dose-dependent genotoxic/antigenotoxic properties of a 70% ethanolic extract. Methods: Quantification of polyphenols and GC–MS analysis were performed in order to chemically characterize the extract. Antioxidant activity was evaluated through DPPH, PFRAP, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and ferrous ion chelating assay (FIC). MTT and alkaline comet assay were used for investigation of cytotoxicity and geno/antigenotoxicity on normal fetal fibroblast cells (MRC-5). Results: The chemical analysis of the extract showed that the extract is rich in polyphenolics and that phytol is the most abundant compound, accompanied by terpenoids, fatty acids, alcohols, polyketides, and alkaloids. In addition, notable antioxidant capacity was detected in all tests applied. The extract reduced cell viability only at the highest concentration tested (33.7%). Furthermore, a dual dose-dependent effect was recorded since the genotoxic effect of the tested extract was observed at higher concentrations, while non-genotoxic concentrations showed protective effects against oxidative damage of DNA. Namely, pretreatment with lungwort extract reduced the DNA damage induced by H₂O₂, with the highest protective effect at the lowest tested concentration, indicating a hormetic mode of action. Conclusions: These results provide a solid foundation for future research into this medicinal plant, with the aim of its potential therapeutic use in the prevention of diseases associated with oxidative stress. Full article

Cyclaniliprole is a novel third-generation anthranilic diamide insecticide which has broad-spectrum efficacy against various pests, including aphids. Rhopalosiphum padi and Schizaphis graminum are the two primary aphid species that infest wheat crops. This investigation evaluates cyclaniliprole’s acute toxicity and sublethal and transgenerational effects on both aphid species. The acute toxicity assessment revealed obvious insecticidal activity, with 24 h LC₅₀ values of 38.56 mg/L for R. padi and 33.71 mg/L for S. graminum. Sublethal exposure (LC₁₅ and LC₃₅ in R. padi; LC₃₅ in S. graminum) significantly reduced adult longevity and fecundity in the F₀ generation. In the F₁ generation, cyclaniliprole at LC₃₅ significantly reduced the fourth nymph stage in R. padi, whereas at LC₁₅, it shortened the third nymph stage duration in S. graminum compared to the control. Sublethal concentrations (LC₁₅ and LC₃₅) of cyclaniliprole significantly reduced age-stage-specific survival rate (s_xj), age-specific survival rate (l_x), age-specific maternity (l_xm_x), and age-stage life expectancy (e_xj) in the F₁ generation of R. padi, while only LC₃₅ decreased l_x, l_xm_x, and e_xj in S. graminum. Additionally, LC₃₅ significantly reduced the net reproductive rate (R₀) in the F₁ generation of R. padi compared to the control. These findings suggest that cyclaniliprole exhibit notable acute toxicity against both aphid species and that sublethal concentrations adversely affected the F₀ generation, with no observed hormetic effects in the F₁ generations of R. padi and S. graminum. The findings offer valuable insights for assessing the comprehensive insecticidal potential of cyclaniliprole. Full article

The purpose of this article is to examine a previously unrecognized role for the vasopressin–oxytocin (VP-OT) system in mammalian “stress-response hormesis.” The current review adds hormesis to the long list of beneficial effects of OT. Hormesis, a biphasic adaptive response to low-level stressors, is introduced here to contextualize the dynamic roles of oxytocin and vasopressin. As with hormesis, the properties of the VP-OT system are context-, time-, and dose-sensitive. Here we suggest that one key to understanding hormesis is the fact that VP and OT and their receptors function as an integrated system. The VP-OT system is capable of changing and adapting to challenges over time, including challenges necessary for survival, reproduction and sociality. Prior research suggests that many beneficial effects of OT are most apparent only following stressful experiences, possibly reflecting interactions with VP, its receptors and other components of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. The release of OT is documented following various kinds of hormetic experiences such as birth, vigorous exercise, ischemic events and the ingestion of emetics, including psychedelics. The phasic or cyclic modulation of VP and related “stress” hormones, accompanied or followed by the release of OT, creates conditions that conform to the core principles of hormesis. This concept is reviewed here in the context of other hormones including corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and urocortin, as well as cytokines. In general, VP and classic “stress hormones” support an active response, helping to quickly mobilize body systems. OT interacts with all of these, and may subsequently re-establish homeostasis and precondition the organism to deal with future stressors. However, the individual history of an organism, including epigenetic modifications of classical stress hormones such as VP, can moderate the effects of OT. Oxytocin’s effects also help to explain the important role of sociality in mammalian resilience and longevity. A hormetic perspective, focusing on a dynamic VP-OT system, offers new insights into emotional and physical disorders, especially those associated with the management of chronic stress, and helps us to understand the healing power of social behavior and perceived safety. Full article

The proliferation of telecommunication devices in recent decades has resulted in a substantial increase in exposure risk to manmade radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) for both animals and plants. The physiological effects of these exposures remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we measured and analyzed the chlorophyll fluorescence rise kinetics of lettuce plants in the presence of RF-EMFs and after a short drought treatment. The analysis of the fluorescence data was conducted using two different strategies: a conventional JIP test and a novel machine learning-assisted anomaly-detection approach. Our results suggest that exposure to RF-EMFs weakens the plant’s hormetic responses induced by drought treatment, both in terms of the response’s magnitude and its extent. These findings provide further evidence supporting the hypothesis that RF-EMFs interfere with plant stress responses. Full article

Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid (AA), functions as a pro-oxidant in cancer at high doses and exerts anticancer effects by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and selectively inducing damage to cancer cells. However, AA at low doses promotes cancer cell proliferation. The efficacy of high-dose AA therapy is frequently restricted by inadequate intracellular AA uptake, resulting from low expression of sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT2). In this study, we investigated whether valproic acid (VPA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, could circumvent this constraint by increasing the expression of SVCT2 in colorectal cancer cells, including HCT-116 and DLD-1 with low SVCT2 levels. We found that VPA increased SVCT2 expression in both cell lines. Co-treatment with AA and VPA increased the number of apoptotic cells and enhanced intracellular AA uptake via VPA-upregulated SVCT2, followed by increased ROS production in both cell lines. Furthermore, the combination increased the synergistic anticancer effects and suppressed the hormetic dose response of AA in both cell lines. In a xenograft mouse model, co-treatment decreased tumor size and increased the tumor growth inhibition ratio compared to treatment with AA or VPA alone. Accordingly, VPA treatment enhanced SVCT2 expression in colorectal cancer cells, suppressed the hormetic dose-response effect of AA, and improved the potential of high-dose AA therapy as an anticancer agent. Full article

Plant callus cultures are a sustainable alternative for producing bioactive secondary metabolites, but their low yields limit industrial applications. Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is rich in medicinally valuable compounds, yet conventional cultivation faces challenges. To address this, we use biofortified calcium phosphate nanoparticles, which refer to CaP-NPs that have been enriched with bioactive compounds via green synthesis using Jania rubens extract, thereby enhancing their functional properties as elicitors in carob callus. CaP-NPs were green-synthesized using Jania rubens extract and applied to 7-week-old callus cultures at 0, 25, 50, and 75 mg/L concentrations. At the optimal concentration (50 mg/L), CaP-NPs increased callus fresh weight by 23.9% and dry weight by 35.1%. At 50 mg/L CaP-NPs, phenolic content increased by 95.7%, flavonoids by 34.4%, tannins by 131.8%, and terpenoids by 211.9% compared to controls. Total antioxidant capacity rose by 76.2%, while oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) decreased by 34.8% and 14.1%, respectively. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of PAL (4-fold), CHI (3.15-fold), FLS (1.16-fold), MVK (8.3-fold), and TA (3.24-fold) at 50 mg/L CaP-NPs. Higher doses (75 mg/L) induced oxidative damage, demonstrating a hormetic threshold. These findings indicate that CaP-NPs effectively enhance secondary metabolite production in carob callus by modulating biosynthetic pathways and redox balance, offering a scalable, eco-friendly approach for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Full article

Plant polyphenols have emerged as potent bioactive molecules that can modulate key cellular pathways associated with aging and chronic disorders. The Mediterranean diet and the traditional Japanese style of life are rich in polyphenol-containing foods and beverages, and epidemiological evidence links these dietary patterns to increased longevity and reduced morbidity. This narrative review examines the chemical description of plant polyphenols, their mechanisms of action, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hormetic effects, and how supplementation or a diet rich in these compounds may provide further life extension. We discuss the major classes of polyphenols present in the Mediterranean dietary pattern (e.g., resveratrol and hydroxytyrosol) and in the Japanese diet (e.g., epigallocatechin gallate and soy isoflavones), comparing their biological behaviors and cooperative effects on metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative conditions. We also examine a few preclinical and clinical studies that explain the beneficial impact of these chemicals on aging-associated biomarkers. Furthermore, both dietary habits are characterized by low consumption of processed foods and sugary carbonated drinks and reduced utilization of deep-frying with linoleic acid-rich oils, a practice that reduces the formation of harmful lipid peroxidation products, notably 4-hydroxynonenal, known to be implicated in accelerating the aging process. The Mediterranean dietary pattern is also characterized by a low/moderate daily consumption of wine, mainly red wine. This work debates emerging evidence addressing issues of bioavailability, dosage optimization, and formulation technologies for polyphenol supplementation, also comparing differences and similarities with the vegan and vegetarian diets. We also explore how these chemicals could modulate epigenetic modifications that affect gene expression patterns pertinent to health and aging. In conclusion, we aim to show a consolidated framework for the comprehension of how plant polyphenols could be utilized in nutritional strategies for potentiating life expectancy while stimulating further research on nutraceutical development. Full article

Gadolinium, a rare earth element, is increasingly released into the environment due to its widespread applications in medical imaging, industry, and agriculture. This review explores the dual role of gadolinium in plant systems, highlighting its potential benefits at subtoxic concentrations and detrimental effects at higher levels. At subtoxic doses, gadolinium can enhance plant growth, metabolism, and stress tolerance by promoting enzymatic activity and nutrient absorption. However, elevated concentrations induce oxidative stress, disrupt nutrient uptake, and impair photosynthesis, leading to cellular damage and reduced growth. The bioaccumulation of gadolinium in plant tissues raises concerns about its trophic transfer within food chains and its broader ecological impact. Current evidence suggests that previously regarded as stable and inert gadolinium complexes can degrade under environmental conditions, increasing their bioavailability and toxicity. Despite its potential for agricultural applications, including improving crop resilience, the ecological risks associated with gadolinium remain poorly understood. Addressing these risks requires coordinated efforts to optimize gadolinium usage, develop advanced waste management strategies, and enhance monitoring of its environmental presence. This review emphasizes the need for in-depth research on gadolinium interactions with plants and ecosystems to balance its industrial benefits with environmental sustainability. Full article

Lead (Pb) pollution poses a long-term threat to forest ecosystems, particularly in mountainous areas affected by atmospheric deposition. This study examined the physiological and biochemical responses of juvenile Pinus sylvestris L. and Picea abies (L.) H. Karst seedlings to low concentrations of lead nitrate during early development. Treatments simulated environmentally relevant Pb exposure and focused on pigment composition, oxidative stress markers, soluble protein and proline levels, and elemental content. Both species exhibited hormetic stimulation of photosynthetic pigments at lower Pb concentrations. In P. sylvestris, this effect declined at the highest dose, whereas P. abies maintained pigment levels, suggesting stronger regulatory control. Pb exposure reduced soluble proteins and induced species-specific alterations in MDA and proline levels. Correlation analysis revealed a well-integrated stress response in P. abies, while P. sylvestris showed a more fragmented pattern. Elemental analysis confirmed Pb accumulation primarily in roots, with higher levels in P. sylvestris. Both species experienced reduced root Mg, K, and Mn, indicating ionic imbalance due to Pb²⁺ interference. Zn content increased in P. sylvestris but decreased in P. abies, possibly reflecting differences in uptake regulation. These species-specific responses support the hypothesis that P. abies activates more effective defense mechanisms against Pb toxicity, while P. sylvestris exhibits a stronger physiological stress response. Full article

Chlorantraniliprole, serving as a substitute for traditional insecticide, has been widely utilized in controlling lepidopteran pests. Loxostege sticticalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is a polyphagous insect and poses a significant threat as a migratory insect. This study investigated the life history traits of a field-collected population in response to chlorantraniliprole exposure based on an age-stage, two-sex life table. After treating the third-instar larvae of L. sticticalis with three different doses of chlorantraniliprole, namely LC₁₀, LC₂₅, and LC₅₀, the survival, development, and fecundity of L. sticticalis were affected significantly in a dose-dependent manner. Chlorantraniliprole at doses of LC₁₀, LC₂₅, and LC₅₀ prolonged the average generation time (T) compared to the control group. The net reproductive rate (R₀) and intrinsic growth rate (r) were significantly higher in the LC₁₀ group but significantly lower in the LC₂₅ and LC₅₀ groups. Chlorantraniliprole used at a dose of LC₁₀ was shown to increase the finite growth rate (λ), while it decreased λ at doses of LC₂₅ and LC₅₀. These results suggested that chlorantraniliprole induces hormetic effects by enhancing fecundity and reproductive potential at lower sublethal concentration (LC₁₀), while reducing the reproductive output at higher doses (LC₂₅ and LC₅₀). Our results provide useful information for developing management strategies for L. sticticalis involving the use of chlorantraniliprole. Full article

Background/Objectives: The exposome, encompassing all environmental influences on health, plays a pivotal role in oxidative stress-related diseases. Negative air ions (NAIs), generated via cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), have been proposed as potential modulators of oxidative resilience. This study aims to investigate the metabolic adaptations induced by prolonged exposure to an NAI-enriched environment in mice, focusing on its effects in oxidative stress markers and energy metabolism in liver and blood. Methods: Twenty male C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups: two experimental groups exposed to NAI-enriched air generated by an Air Cold Atmospheric Plasma–Nanoparticle Removal (aCAP-NR) device for either 18 days (short-term, ST) or 28 days (long-term, LT), and two control groups without exposure. Targeted metabolomics was performed in whole blood and liver using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS). Statistical and pathway analyses were conducted to assess metabolic alterations. Results: Metabolic profiling revealed significant shifts in oxidative stress-related pathways, including enhanced glutathione metabolism, reduced lipid peroxidation, and modulation of purine metabolism. Short-term exposure led to increased mitochondrial efficiency and energy homeostasis, while long-term exposure induced adaptive metabolic reprogramming, with higher inosine levels suggesting enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses. No adverse effects on systemic or hepatic health markers were observed. Conclusions: NAI exposure via aCAP-NR elicits a hormetic response, enhancing metabolic efficiency and resilience to oxidative stress. These findings suggest that controlled environmental enrichment with NAIs may serve as a novel non-invasive strategy for mitigating oxidative damage and improving metabolic health, as hormetic adaptative capacity and resilience to oxidative stress, warranting further translational research. Full article

(4Z,8Z)-Matricaria lactone (MAT) and (4Z)-lachnophyllum lactone (LAC) are natural acetylenic furanones with bioherbicidal potential. This study evaluates their possibilities and ecotoxicological impact on aquatic (Aliivibrio fischeri, Raphidocelis subcapitata, and Daphnia magna) and terrestrial (Caenorhabditis elegans, Lepidum sativum) model organisms. MAT exhibited rapid degradation, with 90% decomposition within 24 h and over 98% by day 16, while LAC was more stable, degrading by only 8.5% in 24 h and 67% by day 16. Despite its rapid breakdown, MAT exhibited higher acute toxicity to A. fischeri (EC₁₀ = 0.063 mg L⁻¹; EC₅₀ = 0.642 mg L⁻¹) compared to LAC (EC₁₀ = 0.524 mg L⁻¹; EC₅₀ = 8.078 mg L⁻¹). Toxicity patterns in R. subcapitata differed, with MAT promoting slightly higher growth compared to the control, suggesting hormetic effects (EC₁₀ = 3.417 mg L⁻¹; EC₅₀ = 4.520 mg L⁻¹), while LAC inhibited growth concentration (EC₁₀ = 0.304 mg L⁻¹; EC₅₀ = 9.880 mg L⁻¹). Both compounds immobilized D. magna, with LAC showing greater delayed toxicity (EC₅₀ = 1.728 mg L⁻¹ vs. MAT EC₅₀ = 2.239 mg L⁻¹). Furthermore, for L. sativum, there were no effects on the germination, but effects were observed in the lengths of the shoots (LAC EC₅₀ = 85.89 mg L⁻¹ vs. MAT EC₅₀ = 82.30 mg L⁻¹). In contrast, C. elegans showed no mortality, suggesting lower terrestrial toxicity. These findings suggest that MAT and LAC may pose risks to aquatic ecosystems through runoff or leaching, necessitating further studies on their degradation products, soil microbiota, and non-target terrestrial organisms. Comparative analyses with conventional herbicides highlight MAT and LAC as selective, lower-impact alternatives. Future research should focus on their effects on terrestrial organisms, the ecological safety of degradation products, and large-scale bioassays to ensure their sustainability in agriculture. Full article