Search Results (7,521)

This study assessed the impact of cocrystal essential oil (CEO) inclusion on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, and antioxidant status in weaned piglets. Ninety-six weaned piglets were assigned to four groups (n = 8, three piglets per pen). The piglets in the four groups were fed basal diets added with 0, 120, 180, or 240 mg/kg of CEO, respectively, over a 28-day trial period. Results showed that during weeks 1–2, piglets in the 240 mg/kg CEO group exhibited a lower diarrhea rate and diarrhea index compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In weeks 3–4, the 180 and 240 mg/kg CEO groups demonstrated a reduced diarrhea rate and diarrhea index compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Relative to the control group, the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter was elevated in piglets fed diets added with 120, 180, or 240 mg/kg CEO at both day 14 and day 28 (p < 0.05). Additionally, the ATTD of crude protein was elevated in the 120 mg/kg CEO group at day 14 and in the 180 mg/kg CEO group at day 28 (p < 0.05). Regarding intestinal morphology, supplementation with 180 or 240 mg/kg CEO increased jejunal villus height (VH) and the villus height to crypt depth (VH/CD) ratio compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, 240 mg/kg CEO supplementation augmented the ileal VH/CD ratio relative to the control group (p < 0.05). For antioxidant status, 180 mg/kg CEO supplementation elevated serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in piglets relative to the control group (p < 0.05). Importantly, no differences were found between the 180 mg/kg and 240 mg/kg CEO groups across all measured parameters (p > 0.05). In conclusion, dietary inclusion with 180 mg/kg CEO is recommended for weaned piglets, given its comprehensive benefits in alleviating diarrhea, improving nutrient digestibility, enhancing intestinal morphology, and bolstering antioxidant status. Full article

Background/Objectives: In this study, we investigated the effect on antioxidant defenses of a tomato extract obtained by supercritical CO₂ extraction (sCO₂TE), evaluating whether this green extraction method preserves biological activity compared to a conventional tomato extract (CTE) and focusing on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) regulation, Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation modulation. Methods: Human glioblastoma astrocytoma U-373 cells were pre-treated with sCO₂TE or conventional tomato extract (CTE) and subsequently exposed to sodium arsenite (AsNaO₂) to induce oxidative stress, or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to trigger inflammatory signaling. Cell viability was assessed by Trypan Blue and MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide]; cell toxicity by propidium iodide staining. Intracellular ROS and lipid peroxidation were measured by flow cytometry. Gene expression of NRF2, SOD1 and GPX1 was analyzed by qRT-PCR, NRF2 activation and modulation of ERK1/2 (Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2) and NF-κB (Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) were evaluated by Western blot. Results: Pre-treatment with sCO₂TE significantly reduced AsNaO₂-induced ROS production and lipid peroxidation, showing a stronger effect compared to CTE. sCO₂TE enhanced the expression of NRF2 phosphorylation and its downstream targets SOD1 and GPX1, particularly under oxidative stress conditions. In addition, sCO₂TE attenuated LPS-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and NF-κB p65, suggesting anti-inflammatory activity. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that sCO₂TE preserves the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of tomato-derived bioactives. The comparable efficacy of sCO₂TE and CTE supports the use of sCO₂ as a sustainable and solvent-free extraction method for the development of nutraceutical formulations targeting oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Full article

Low-light (LL) stress is a major abiotic limiting factor in protected cherry tomato production, adversely affecting vegetative growth, inducing oxidative damage, and disrupting fruit sugar metabolism. To clarify the regulatory role of exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) in mitigating LL stress, we examined the effects of varying ABA concentrations on plant growth, antioxidant capacity, and fruit sugar metabolism in cherry tomatoes under low-light conditions. A two-factor randomized complete block design, with two light regimes—normal light (NL, 100% natural sunlight) and low light (LL, 25% natural sunlight)—and three ABA concentrations (CK: 0 mg·L⁻¹, T1: 10 mg·L⁻¹, T2: 20 mg·L⁻¹). Fruits were sampled at three typical ripening stages (green mature, breaker, and red ripe) to evaluate vegetative and reproductive physiological responses. The results showed that exogenous ABA application effectively suppressed LL-induced excessive stem elongation and alleviated LL-caused reductions in stem diameter and biomass accumulation. ABA treatment significantly increased peroxidase (POD) activity and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) accumulation, thereby relieving LL-triggered oxidative damage. In addition, ABA regulated key sugar-metabolizing enzymes (soluble acid invertase (SAI), sucrose synthase (SS), sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), and amylase (Amy)) and the transcript levels of related functional genes (HXK1, SPS, SS, AI), thereby mediating stage-dependent fruit sugar metabolism under LL stress. In conclusion, exogenous ABA effectively modulates vegetative growth, antioxidant homeostasis, and stage-specific fruit sugar metabolism, ultimately alleviating low-light stress damage in cherry tomato. Among the tested treatments, 20 mg·L⁻¹ ABA exhibited the most pronounced mitigation effects, which can be recommended as an optimal foliar application concentration for cherry tomato cultivation in low-light protected facilities. Full article

Intensifying drought stress under global climate change poses a significant threat to woody plants, highlighting the critical need to identify key genes conferring drought tolerance. Here, we characterized PsnSAUR6, a Small Auxin Upregulated RNA (SAUR) family gene from poplar (Populus simonii × P. nigra) that is responsive to drought and abscisic acid (ABA). Overexpression of PsnSAUR6 in transgenic tobacco conferred superior drought tolerance, evidenced by increased biomass, enhanced root elongation, improved stomatal regulation, and favorable physiological responses, including higher proline content and peroxidase (POD) activity but lower malondialdehyde (MDA). Transcriptome analysis revealed that under water deficit, PsnSAUR6 suppressed the ABA negative regulator PP2C37 while upregulating key antioxidant defense-related transcription factors (ERF020, NAC83, MYB2) and the potassium transporter HAK5. Collectively, these findings establish PsnSAUR6 as a positive regulator in ABA-mediated drought adaptation, presenting it as a promising genetic target for enhancing the climate resilience of woody plants. Full article

Thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) is a life-threatening vascular disease lacking therapies that target underlying cell death pathways. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of lipid peroxidation-driven cell death, has emerged as a key mechanism in vascular remodeling. We investigated whether exogenous ketosis induced by ketone ester (KE) supplementation can suppress ferroptosis and prevent TAAD. TAAD was induced in C57BL/6 mice using β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN). A subset of these mice received KE [(R)-3-hydroxybutyl (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate, 20 g/L] in their drinking water starting on day 15 of the BAPN treatment. Human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) were treated with the GPX4 inhibitor Ras-Selective Lethal 3 (RSL3) and β-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB) to investigate ferroptotic markers, lipid peroxidation, and labile iron levels. KE supplementation significantly reduced TAAD incidence (69% → 43%) and improved survival rate (52% → 73%), while preserving aortic structure and reducing elastic fiber fragmentation. Transcriptomic analyses of human TAAD datasets (GSE153434 and GSE52093) and single-cell RNA sequencing data (GSE155468) revealed ferroptosis signatures characterized by decreased GPX4 and increased expression of iron metabolism genes. Mechanistically, KE suppressed BAPN-induced iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation in vivo. In HASMCs, β-OHB inhibited ferroptosis induced by GPX4 inhibition, decreasing lipid peroxidation and labile iron levels. KE restored GPX4 and SLC7A11 expression while suppressing HO-1 in vivo, with effects dependent on Nrf2 signaling in vitro. In summary, ketone ester supplementation protects against TAAD by inhibiting VSMC ferroptosis via GPX4 induction and HO-1 suppression, highlighting a potential therapeutic strategy for aortic disease. Full article

Chocolate spot, caused by the ascomycete fungus Botrytis fabae, is a devastating foliar disease and a major constraint on the quality and yield of faba beans (Vicia faba). Monoterpenes, such as carvone, cineole, and linalool, are often considered natural-identical alternatives to synthetic chemicals. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess the antifungal activity of some eco-friendly control agents (carvone, cineole, and linalool) against B. fabae, the causative agent of chocolate spot disease in faba beans, through growth inhibition assays in vitro. Furthermore, the efficacy of the tested monoterpenes for reducing the severity of chocolate spot disease in faba beans was evaluated under field conditions. Moreover, these eco-friendly control agents activate plant defense enzymes (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, polyphenol oxidase, and peroxidase) as a self-defense mechanism against pathogen attacks of faba bean plants were investigated. Moreover, the impact of the tested monoterpenes on growth and yield characters of faba bean was evaluated. The results indicated a significant decrease in B. fabae growth following a treatment with the tested compounds compared to untreated controls. In field trials, treated faba bean plants exhibited a notable reduction in disease severity. Additionally, the application of monoterpenes enhanced the activity of defense enzymes (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, polyphenol oxidase, and peroxidase), which are integral to plant defense mechanisms. Treatments also resulted in significant improvement growth and yield characters of faba bean. These findings suggest that the tested monoterpenes could serve as a control strategy for managing B. fabae, offering an environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional fungicides. Full article

Cell encapsulation within semipermeable membranes is a promising strategy for protecting transplanted cells from host immune responses, while permitting the diffusion of nutrients and therapeutic molecules. Although alginate-based microcapsules are commonly used, ionically crosslinked capsules often exhibit limited structural stability and tunability in terms of membrane permeability. In this study, we developed covalently stabilized microcapsules. Alginate microgel beads were first prepared as sacrificial templates and subsequently coated with phenol-modified chitosan and hyaluronic acid (Chitosan–Ph and HA-Ph) via layer-by-layer assembly. The multilayer membrane was then covalently stabilized through horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-mediated oxidative coupling of phenol groups, followed by liquefaction of the alginate core. The crosslinked microcapsules maintained structural integrity after liquefaction, while markedly reducing γ-globulin permeation under in vitro conditions and preserving β-cell viability and glucose responsiveness. The findings of this study demonstrate the feasibility of this system as an in vitro platform for stable cell encapsulation, with potential relevance to cell therapy. Full article

A two-year field experiment was conducted in Tengchong, Yunnan, to evaluate the effects of tobacco monoculture (TM) and maize relay intercropping with tobacco (TIM) on subsequent tobacco growth and the rhizosphere microenvironment. Results showed that TIM significantly increased plant height by 11.8% and maximum leaf length by 12.4% at the vigorous growth stage without reducing yield. Although leaf chloride content increased and the potassium-to-chloride ratio decreased, both remained within high-quality ranges. Relay-cropped silage maize yielded 4.86 t·hm⁻², adding 1.70 × 10⁴ CNY·hm⁻². TIM reduced nitrogen accumulation in aboveground tobacco and temporarily lowered soil organic matter and available potassium, while increasing acid phosphatase, peroxidase, and urease activities. Soil bacterial α-diversity increased, with enrichment of beneficial genera, including Candidatus Solibacter, Talaromyces, and Penicillium. Metabolomics identified 1043 metabolites, with upregulation of galactinol, N-acetyl-L-tryptophan, and 3-dehydroshikimic acid, enriched in cyanogenic amino acid and cysteine–methionine pathways. PLS-PM and Mantel analyses indicated that relay-cropped maize indirectly regulates nutrient availability via microbial and metabolic pathways. These results show that maize relay intercropping creates a soil “legacy effect,” shifting the system from direct nutrient competition to microbially mediated nutrient buffering. Full article

Glucose oxidase (GOD) is a natural enzyme with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties but its effects on sows remain insufficient. This study investigated the effects of dietary GOD supplementation during gestation on inflammatory response, antioxidant capacity, immune function, and gut microbiota of farrowing sows. Twenty-four primiparous sows were randomly assigned to two groups and fed a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with GOD (300 mg/kg diet) from gestation day 30 to farrowing. GOD supplementation significantly increased triglyceride, superoxide dismutase, and immunoglobulin M levels (p < 0.05), and significantly decreased alanine aminotransferase and interleukin-6 levels in serum (p < 0.05); significantly reduced placental interleukin-1β, malondialdehyde and tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations and NF-κB gene expression (p < 0.05), and elevated glutathione peroxidase activity and relative mRNA expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, GPX1 and SOD2 (p < 0.05). Moreover, GOD supplementation altered the fecal microbial community structure (p < 0.05), significantly reducing Clostridium, dgaA-11_gut_group, Bacteroides, and Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group abundance (p < 0.05), while enriching Lachnospira, unclassified_f_Erysipelotrichiaceae, and Anaerostipes (p < 0.05). Collectively, 300 mg/kg glucose oxidase supplementation during mid-to-late gestation improved the health status of farrowing sows by improving nutrient utilization, immune function and antioxidant capacity, and altering fecal microbial structure and relative abundances. Full article

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a vital exogenous auxin for the induction and proliferation of litchi embryogenic callus. At present, its molecular regulation mechanism remains unclear. In this study, transcriptome sequencing samples were selected based on different cell growth phenotypes observed in ‘Feizixiao’ litchi embryogenic callus cultured in liquid medium with or without 2,4-D. By integrating transcriptome profiling with weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we identified key genes and signaling pathways dynamically responsive to 2,4-D concentration changes. We identified 558 commonly differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 117 were up-regulated and 387 were down-regulated; functional enrichment analysis revealed significant enrichment in the “plant hormone signal transduction” and “phenylpropanoid biosynthesis” pathways. In the former pathway, genes such as AUX28, GH3.17, GH3.6, and ARR5 were up-regulated; in the latter, by comparison, β-glucosidase 47 and Peroxidase 61 exhibited increased expression levels induced by 2,4-D. Furthermore, among these DEGs, 57 transcription factors belonged to 24 families. Notably, VRN1, FEZ, and DOF5.4 were significantly and rapidly induced by 2,4-D. WGCNA results demonstrated a significant positive correlation between the yellow module and 2,4-D treatment. Small heat shock protein (sHSP) genes constituted the core hub genes in the yellow module. Through Venn analysis of DEGs and key modules, 38 cross-genes were identified, of which non-specific lipid-transfer protein-like genes (nsLTP) were found to be specifically up-regulated without 2,4-D. The transcription factors and genes identified work in synergy to ensure the formation and sustained proliferation of embryogenic callus by precisely regulating the dynamic balance of auxin and cytokinin within cells and maintaining the stability of cell structure. Our findings provide a crucial theoretical foundation for understanding the molecular mechanism of 2,4-D in regulating litchi embryogenic callus proliferation. Full article

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major cause of cancer-related death, and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy continues to limit durable disease control. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death driven by lipid peroxidation, has therefore emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy. However, models focused solely on glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) do not fully explain why CRC cells differ in their sensitivity to ferroptosis. In this review, we examine how ferroptosis in CRC is shaped by iron trafficking and selenium-dependent antioxidant defense. We first discuss the poly(rC)-binding proteins 1 and 2 (PCBP1/2)-nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4) axis, which regulates iron storage, trafficking, and ferritinophagy. We then review the AlkB homolog 8 (ALKBH8)-directed selenoprotein network, which supports the detoxification of lipid peroxides and maintenance of redox homeostasis. We next consider how these two systems intersect and how their interplay influences ferroptosis sensitivity. We also discuss why concurrent disruption of iron handling and selenium-dependent defense mechanisms may enhance therapeutic efficacy. Finally, we outline potential clinical applications, including combination strategies and biomarker development. Full article

Acid rain is a severe global environmental issue, and clarifying its impacts on litter decomposition and underlying mechanisms is critical for accurately forecasting future climate change. Litter consists of components (e.g., non-structural carbohydrates, lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose) with distinct decomposition resistance, but how acid rain affects these components to modulate overall litter decomposition across different decomposition stages remains unclear. Therefore, a microcosm experiment was conducted to determine decomposition rates of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) litter and its components based on litter mass loss under different simulated acid rain intensities (pH 4.5, moderate acid rain, MA; pH 3.0, severe acid rain, SA; and pH ≈ 7.0, tap water, CK) over two decomposition stages (0–5 months: initial decomposition stage; 6–16 months: late decomposition stage). Meanwhile, to analyze the factors influencing the litter decomposition rate, soil samples were collected at 5 and 16 months of decomposition for soil property analysis. Results showed that MA had no significant effect on litter decomposition in either stage. Conversely, SA led to a significant 43.7% increase in the litter decomposition rate in the initial decomposition stage, driven by its acid dissolution effect that accelerated the decomposition of cellulose and hemicellulose. However, SA significantly decreased the decomposition rate by 42.0% in the late decomposition stage by inhibiting the decomposition of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, which was due to the reduced activities of soil peroxidase and xylosidase under soil acidification. Notably, neither MA nor SA significantly affected the litter decomposition rate over the entire decomposition period (0–16 months). This study indicates that acid rain’s effect on litter decomposition depends on its intensity and decomposition stage, emphasizing the necessity of distinguishing litter components and decomposition stages to explore its underlying mechanisms and precisely predict global climate change. Full article

Gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea poses a severe threat to tomato production. In this study, physiological, biochemical, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses were integrated to characterize the dynamic responses of tomato ‘Ailsa Craig’ to B. cinerea infection. During B. cinerea infection, peroxidase (POD) activity showed a progressive increase, while catalase (CAT) activity was significantly upregulated at 24 hpi and remained stable through 48 hpi. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) contents showed a delayed response, increasing significantly only at 48 hpi, whereas SOD activity exhibited a biphasic pattern. Transcriptome and proteome profiling identified 5824 differentially expressed genes and 124 differentially expressed proteins. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted defense-related pathways, including plant–pathogen interaction, flavonoid biosynthesis, and inositol phosphate metabolism. Notably, the chlorophyll a/b-binding protein SlLhcb13 exhibited post-transcriptional upregulation despite transcriptional suppression. Functional validation demonstrated that overexpression of SlLhcb13 enhanced resistance, whereas silencing increased susceptibility. These findings identify SlLhcb13 as a positive regulator linking photosynthesis to immunity and provide new insights into the defense mechanisms of tomato. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary bile acids (BA) supplementation on serum antioxidant capacity, fecal fermentation characteristics, microbial diversity, and community composition in culled ewes. Twenty 5-year-old culled Hu ewes with similar body weights (42.95 ± 1.07 kg) were randomly allocated to two groups (n = 10 per group). The control group (CON) received a basal diet, while the treatment group (BA400) was fed the same basal diet supplemented with 400 mg/kg BA. Compared with the CON group, the BA400 group showed enhanced serum activities of total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, while also showing reduced concentrations of cortisol, malondialdehyde, and reactive oxygen species (p < 0.05). Fecal pH, ammonia nitrogen, total volatile fatty acids, and the concentrations and proportions of individual volatile fatty acids remained unaffected by BA supplementation (p > 0.05). Microbial analysis revealed that the BA400 group exhibited higher fecal bacterial richness and diversity than the CON group (p < 0.05). Analysis of similarities revealed significant differences between the CON and BA400 groups (R = 1.000, p = 0.007). Specifically, BA supplementation increased the relative abundances of beneficial taxa, including Verrucomicrobiota and Akkermansia, while decreasing potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Campylobacterota and Proteobacteria. These findings indicate that dietary BA supplementation improves serum antioxidant capacity and modulates fecal microbial diversity and community structure in culled ewes, suggesting that hindgut microbiota may contribute to the health benefits of BA supplementation in ruminant production. Full article

Background: Diarrhea in suckling calves is associated with impaired growth, oxidative stress, immune dysfunction, and intestinal microbial dysbiosis. This study evaluated the effects of compound yeast culture (CYC) supplementation on growth performance, fecal characteristics, antioxidant capacity, immune function, and gut microbiota in diarrheic Holstein calves. Thirty-six approximately 7-day-old calves were enrolled, including 12 healthy calves (CON) and 24 diarrheic calves randomly assigned to a diarrhea group (DIA) or a CYC-supplemented group (DIA-YC; 50 g/d for 30 days). The experimental period lasted 60 days. Results: Compared with the DIA group, calves in the DIA-YC group showed significantly higher average daily feed intake and average daily gain (ADG) during days 31–60 and across the entire period (p < 0.05), with a trend towards increased body weight. Fecal scores were significantly elevated in diarrheic calves during the early and mid-stages but were markedly reduced by CYC supplementation from days 7 to 30; no significant difference was observed between DIA-YC and CON during days 16–30 (p > 0.05). Diarrheic calves exhibited oxidative stress, characterized by decreased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and increased malondialdehyde (MDA). CYC supplementation significantly increased T-AOC, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, while reducing MDA levels (p < 0.05). Immune analysis showed higher serum IgG and IL-10 levels and lower TNF-α levels in the DIA-YC group, along with improved intestinal barrier indicators, including diamine oxidase (DAO) activity and endotoxin levels. Metagenomic analysis revealed that diarrhea reduced microbial richness and diversity and altered community structure, whereas CYC partially restored microbial diversity and increased beneficial genera such as Prevotella, Coprococcus, Ruminococcus, and Parabacteroides. Functional analysis indicated that CYC enhanced pathways related to immune regulation, energy metabolism, and antioxidant function. Conclusion: CYC supplementation alleviates oxidative stress and immune dysfunction by modulating gut microbiota, thereby improving growth performance and reducing diarrheal severity in calves. Full article