Search Results (1,659)

Saline–alkaline water resources are globally widespread, and their rational development offers significant potential to alleviate freshwater scarcity. Saline–alkaline water aquaculture farming not only affects fish growth and survival but also impairs reproductive and developmental functions. Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), an economically important fish, has demonstrated excellent high tolerance to such environments, in order to investigate the effects of alkaline water aquaculture environments on its growth performance, sex hormone levels, gonadal development, and molecular adaptation mechanisms. In this study, largemouth bass were chronically exposed to freshwater (0.55 mmol/L), low alkalinity (10 mmol/L), or high alkalinity (25 mmol/L) and cultured for 80 days. Alkalinity exposure more severely impacted the growth rate of females. High alkalinity significantly increased the hepatosomatic index and decreased the gonadosomatic index in both sexes; moreover, it induced oxidative stress in both sexes, evidenced by reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) levels and elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Furthermore, the levels of sex hormones Serum estradiol (E2), 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), and testosterone were significantly reduced, accompanied by either an elevated ratio of primary oocytes and follicular atresia, or by reduced spermatogenesis. Apoptotic signals appeared in gonadal interstitial cells, with upregulated expression of genes P53, Bax, Casp3, and Casp8. Ultrastructural damage included fewer mitochondria and cristae blurring, further indicating tissue damage causing dysfunction. Transcriptome results showed that oxidative stress damage and energy metabolism imbalance caused by carbonate alkalinity were key to the delayed gonadal development, which was mainly manifested in enrichment of the ECM–receptor interaction and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways in females exposed to low alkalinity, and the GnRH secretion and chemokine signaling pathways in males. Glycosphingolipid biosynthesis and Ferroptosis pathway were enriched in females exposed to high alkalinity, and the Cortisol synthesis and secretion pathway were enriched in males. Overall, high-alkalinity exposure significantly delayed gonadal development in both sexes of largemouth bass, leading to reproductive impairment. Full article

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is highly sensitive to water deficit, particularly during the vegetative phase, when morphological and metabolic plasticity support continued growth and photosynthetic efficiency. We applied eleven water regimes, from full irrigation (W100) to total water withholding (W0), to plants grown under controlled conditions. After 14 days, we quantified morphophysiological, biochemical, leaf optical, gas exchange, and chlorophyll a fluorescence traits. Drought induces significant reductions in leaf area, biomass, pigment pools, and photosynthetic rates (A, g_s, ΦPSII) while increasing the levels of oxidative stress markers (electrolyte leakage, ROS) and proline accumulation. OJIP transients and JIP test metrics revealed reduced electron-transport efficiency and increased energy dissipation for many parameters under severe stress. Principal component analysis (PCA) clearly separated those treatments. PC1 captured growth and water status variation, whereas PC2 reflected photoprotective adjustments. These data show that progressive drought limits carbon assimilation via coordinated diffusive and biochemical constraints and that the accumulation of proline, phenolics, and lignin is associated with osmotic adjustment, antioxidant buffering, and cell wall reinforcement under stress. The combined use of hyperspectral sensors, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, and multivariate analyses for phenotyping offers a rapid, nondestructive diagnostic tool for assessing drought severity and the possibility of selecting drought-resistant genotypes and phenotypes in a changing stress environment. Full article

Due to the increasing interest in probiotic components to improve quality of life, this study aimed to investigate the bioactive potential of a paraprobiotic derived from a selected strain of probiotic lactic acid bacteria (Lacticaseibacillus paracasei MIUG BL80) on Saccharomyces cerevisiae MIUG D129, used as a cellular model organism. The paraprobiotics (inactivated cells) were obtained through a combination of ultrasonic and conventional heat treatments. It was observed that adding more than 10 % of the paraprobiotic suspension to the cultivation medium of yeast had a positive influence on the metabolic activity of the starter culture (S. cerevisiae). The specific growth rate increased from 0.227 in the control sample to 0.507 in the sample with 15% paraprobiotic supplementation (S3), while the generation time decreased from 4.403 h to 1.972 h. This suggests that adding probiotics to the cultivation medium enhances the metabolic performance of S. cerevisiae cells. Additionally, an improvement in yeast cell viability during wet biomass storage (from 48 h to 14 days at 4 °C) was observed. Full article

Diadema setosum is an economically important species in tropical and subtropical waters. To determine the optimal salinity for D. setosum aquaculture, we examined six salinity levels (20, 24, 28, 32, 36, and 40) during winter and spring, assessing their effects on survival, growth, and eco-physiological parameters of juvenile D. setosum. Results showed that (1) in winter, the survival rate of juvenile D. setosum was highest at salinities of 28–36, with 100% survival at salinities of 32–36. During spring, all salinity groups reached 100% survival. (2) Juveniles exhibited optimal growth performances at salinities of 32–36 across all seasons, and negative growth occurred at lower salinities (20–24) during winter. (3) The juveniles exhibited higher oxygen consumption rate and ammonium excretion rate with an atomic O:N ratio > 25 at salinities of 32–36, indicating that carbon-based substrates were the primary catabolic substrate. Under salinity stress (<24 or >40), the O:N ratio declined significantly, reflecting that proteins were the main metabolic substrate. (4) Fecal excretion was higher in winter than in spring, possibly due to size and digestive efficiency differences. Studies confirmed that salinity and temperature exert significantly combined effects on D. setosum, with an optimal salinity range of 32–36. This work provides valuable insights for the breeding and aquaculture of this species. Full article

Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) are extensively used worldwide, raising concerns about their potential effect on non-target aquatic ecosystems. This study investigated the short-term physiological effects of a commercially available GBH on the seagrass Zostera marina under controlled mesocosm conditions. Z. marina individuals were exposed to three concentrations of glyphosate (0.165, 51, and 5100 mg L⁻¹) for 4 days, and the impacts on photosynthetic performance, growth rate, photosynthetic pigments content and energy metabolism were assessed. Exposure to 5100 mg L⁻¹ of glyphosate caused rapid water acidification and complete plant mortality within 24 h. Exposure to 51 mg L⁻¹ of glyphosate significantly impaired photosynthetic efficiency and foliar growth rate. Energy availability, photosynthesis and photosynthetic pigments content were highly disrupted at both higher concentrations. Exposure to 0.165 mg L⁻¹ of glyphosate decreased the foliar chlorophyll a/b ratio. These findings show that Z. marina can potentially be threatened by the presence of GBHs even at lower concentrations and underscore the necessity for monitoring herbicide pollution in coastal waters to protect seagrass habitats and associated ecosystems. Further research is needed to assess long-term effects and the role of herbicide formulations in mediating toxicity. Full article

This study investigated the effects of light intensity regulation on yield and energy efficiency during potato pre-basic seed propagation in plant factories. Using virus-free ‘Favorita’ potato seedlings as experimental material, gradient light intensities (200, 300, and 400 μmol·m²·s⁻¹) were applied at four developmental stages: the seedling stage (SS), tuber formation stage (TFS), tuber growth stage (TGS), and harvest stage (HS), to explore the physiological mechanisms of stage-specific light intensity regulation and energy utilization efficiency. The results revealed that: (1) The per-plant tuber yield of the high yield group reached 72.91 g (T59 treatment), representing a 25% increase compared to the medium yield group and a 168% increase compared to the low yield group. Additionally, the high yield group exhibited superior leaf area, photosynthetic rate, and accumulation of sucrose and starch. (2) The impact of light intensity on tuber development exhibited stage specificity: low light intensity (200 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹) during TFS promoted early tuber initiation, while a high light intensity (400 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹) enhanced tuber formation efficiency. Increasing the light intensity during TGS facilitated the accumulation of sucrose and starch in tubers. (3) Energy use efficiency (EUE) increased significantly with yield, with the high yield group reaching 3.2 g MJ⁻¹, representing 52% and 88% improvements over the medium yield (2.1 g MJ⁻¹) and low yield (1.7 g MJ⁻¹) groups, respectively. A “stage-specific precision light supplementation” strategy was proposed, involving moderate light reduction (200 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹) during TFS and light enhancement (300 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹) during TGS to coordinate source-sink relationships and optimize carbohydrate metabolism. This study provides a theoretical basis for efficient potato production in plant factories. Full article

Valued for furniture, crafts, and medicine, Dalbergia odorifera T. C. Chen confronts critically depleted wild populations and slow cultivation growth, necessitating precision nutrient formulation to overcome physiological constraints. Using a ‘3414’ regression design with four levels of N, P, and K, this study identified phosphorus (P) as the most influential nutrient in regulating growth (P > N > K). Maximal growth enhancement occurred under T7 (N2P3K2), with height and basal diameter increments increasing by 239% and 128% versus controls (p < 0.05). Both traits exhibited progressive gains with rising P but unimodal responses to N and K, initially increasing then declining. T7 boosted total biomass by 50% (p < 0.05) with stem-biased partitioning (stem > root > leaf; 52%, 26%, 22%). Photosynthetic capacity increased significantly under T7 (p < 0.05), driven by P-mediated chlorophyll gains (Chla + 70%; Chlb + 75%) and an 82% higher net photosynthetic rate. Metabolic shifts revealed peak soluble sugar in T7 (+139%) and soluble protein in T9 (+226%) (p < 0.05), associated primarily with P and K availability, respectively. Correlation networks revealed significant associations among structural growth, photosynthesis, and metabolism. Principal component analysis established T7 as optimal, defining a “medium-N, high-P medium-K” precision fertilization protocol. These findings elucidate a phosphorus-centered regulatory mechanism governing growth in D. odorifera, providing a scientific foundation for efficient cultivation. Full article

This research assessed the efficacy of glutamate (Glu) supplementation to feed in counteracting growth restriction and intestinal stress-induced injury in juvenile groupers (Epinephelus coioides; initial weight 15.11 ± 0.03 g). The study comprised five isonitrogenous and iso-lipidic diets: a fish-meal-based (FM) diet, a soya-meal-based (SBM) diet, and SBM diets containing varying Glu levels of 1.0% (G-1), 2.0% (G-2), or 3.0% (G-3). The trial employed a randomized design with five treatment groups. Each group was housed in triplicate aquariums and received assigned diets for 56 consecutive days. Supplementation with Glu resulted in dose-dependent enhancements in weight gain, specific growth rate, serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, intestinal superoxide dismutase activity, digestive enzyme activity (trypsin, lipase, amylase), amino acid metabolic enzyme activity (glutaminase, GLS; glutamine synthetase), and intestinal mRNA levels of GLS, IL-10, and TGF-β1. Maximal values of the G-3 diet were restored to the levels of the FM diet (p > 0.05). Serum total cholesterol, intestinal total antioxidant capacity, and catalase activity followed a similar increasing trend with Glu level, attaining maxima in diet G-3, yet these values remained markedly lower than those of the FM diet (p < 0.05). Conversely, intestinal malondialdehyde content and mRNA levels of genes IL-8, IL-12, IL-1β, and TNF-α exhibited a significant dose-dependent decrease, reaching minimal levels in diet G-3 that were restored to the levels of the FM diet (p > 0.05). The results above demonstrate that Glu addition enhances nutritional status and intestinal structural integrity by augmenting antioxidant and digestive capacity and mitigating inflammatory responses, consequently enhancing growth performance and intestinal health. Full article

The effects of varying dietary metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) levels, along with their interactive effects, on the apparent nutrient metabolism, development of digestive organs, intestinal morphology, and microbiota composition in Jingyuan chickens during the growing phase were evaluated. A total of 540 seven-week-old male Jingyuan chickens were randomly assigned to nine groups, with six replicates per group and 10 chickens per replicate. The trial lasted for 11 weeks. A 3 × 3 factorial design was adopted, comprising three levels of ME, namely, low (11.28 MJ/kg, LE group), medium (11.70 MJ/kg, ME group), and high (12.12 MJ/kg, HE group) and three levels of CP, namely, low (14.00%, LP group), medium (15.50%, MP group), and high (17.00%, HP group). The levels of ME and CP, along with their interactions, had significant effects on the average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), apparent metabolizable rate of CP, gizzard weight, duodenal lengths, jejunal villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD), and muscle layer thickness (MLT) (p < 0.05). The combination of medium level ME (11.70 MJ/kg) and medium level CP (15.50%) (MEMP group) exhibited the best performance, with the highest ADG and the lowest FCR (p < 0.05). Moreover, this group showed significantly higher duodenal length, jejunal CD, VH/CD and MLT compared with the other groups (p < 0.05). Dietary ME and CP levels greatly influenced cecal microbiota composition. Chickens in the MEMP group exhibited an increased abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae, Syntrophomonadaceae, Akkermansia, and Clostridia_vadinBB60_group, and there was an obvious decrease in the relative abundance of Desulfobacterota (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that dietary ME and CP levels, along with their interactions, could significantly influence the growth performance, apparent nutrient metabolism, and intestinal development of Jingyuan chickens during the growing phase. Dietary ME and CP levels modulated the cecal microbiota composition, potentially inhibiting the abundance of harmful bacteria Desulfobacterota, while enriching the abundance of beneficial bacteria, thereby enhancing gut development and nutrient absorption. The combination of medium-level ME and CP (11.70 MJ/kg ME, 15.50% CP) demonstrated the most favorable outcomes in our study. Full article

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver cancer, with poor survival rates in advanced stages due to late diagnosis, tumor heterogeneity, and therapy resistance. The tumor microenvironment (TME) in HCC has a crucial role in tumor progression, characterized by a complex interaction of immune cells, stromal components, and immunosuppressive signaling pathways. Chronic inflammation driven by viral infections, metabolic dysfunction, and alcohol consumption triggers an immunosuppressive TME, promoting immune evasion and tumor growth. Immune cell populations, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells, regulatory T cells, and tumor-associated macrophages, contribute to immunosuppression, while cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells exert anti-tumor effects. Recent advances in immunotherapy, mainly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting programmed death-ligand 1 and programmed cell death protein 1 and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4, have revolutionized HCC treatment, though response rates remain limited. Combined therapies using tyrosine kinase inhibitors, anti-angiogenic agents, and ICIs improve patient outcomes. This review discusses the immunological mechanisms contributing to HCC progression, the role of immune cell subsets in tumor evasion, and therapeutic interventions, from conventional treatments to advanced immunotherapies. Ongoing clinical trials, barriers to effective treatment, and future directions to enhance HCC management and patient survival will also be overviewed. Full article

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading global cause of morbidity and mortality, largely driven by atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory process involving lipids and immune cells. Although traditional lipid biomarkers such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) are well-established in CVD risk stratification, the interplay between cytokines, chemokines, growth factors (CCGFs), lipid metabolism, and hematological parameters in non-cardiac populations remains underexplored. We investigated associations between plasma cytokines and lipid-related biomarkers and their relationships with circulating blood cell counts in a cohort of 164 essentially healthy adults aged 18–44 years. CCGF profiling was performed using a proximity extension assay (PEA), and statistical correlations were adjusted for multiple testing using false discovery rate (FDR) correction. The CCGFs that were associated with HDL and apolipoprotein A1 all displayed negative associations. Several pro-inflammatory cytokines, including CCL3, IL-6, and TNFSF10, showed strong positive associations with triglycerides, remnants, non-HDL, and body mass index (BMI). Furthermore, triglycerides and remnants were consistently correlated with elevated leukocyte, neutrophil, and platelet counts. HGF and FGF-21, mainly considered as anti-inflammatory, were positively associated with BMI and negatively associated with HDL, which is compliant with a multitude of actions, depending on the local milieu and the cellular interplay. Our results support the existence of a complex immunometabolic network involving lipids, CCGFs, and blood cells, even in non-diseased individuals. The observed patterns underscore the importance of understanding the intricate cytokine–lipid–cell interactions that may occur in early pathophysiological processes and highlight their potential utility in refining cardiovascular risk assessment beyond traditional lipid metrics. Full article

Continuous planting results in a higher occurrence rate of oriental melon Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis (FOM), and treatment with Trichoderma can considerably alleviate the incidence of disease. However, the tripartite interaction mechanisms among T. harzianum–melon–rhizosphere microorganisms remain poorly understood in current research. Pot experiments elucidate the growth-promoting, antagonistic, and rhizosphere-regulating effects of T. harzianum on oriental melon. The experiment consisted of two treatments: (1) water control (CK), and (2) T. harzianum inoculation (MM) with three repetitions per treatment. Illumina high-throughput sequencing was employed to analyze the microbial community and associated metabolic pathways. Additionally, a comprehensive correlation analysis clarified how T. harzianum-modulated physiological factors regulate soil microbial communities to enhance melon resistance to FOM. T. harzianum inoculation significantly promoted plant growth, decreased the incidence rate of Fusarium wilt by 41.85%, and increased rhizosphere nitrate-N, pH, EC, and soil enzyme activity (e.g., sucrose and alkaline phosphatase). Notably, T. harzianum inoculation altered the rhizosphere microbial community’s relative abundance and structure, with the most striking changes in the fungal community. Principal coordinate analysis showed this fungal restructuring accounted for 44.9% of total community variation (37% from PCo1, 7.9% from PCo2). Soil-borne pathogens (e.g., Fusarium, Verticillium, Phytophthora) decreased in relative abundance with the inoculation of T. harzianum. Meanwhile, the microbial community shifted from a “fungal-dominated” to “bacterial-dominated” state: fungal proportion decreased by 9.47% (from 23.95% in CK to 14.48% in MM), while bacterial proportion increased by 9.47% (from 76.05% in CK to 85.52% in MM). Microbial abundance shifts primarily impacted amino acid and cofactor biosynthesis metabolic pathways. The application of T. harzianum modified the soil environment, restructuring microbial communities through these changes, which in turn regulated microbial metabolic pathways, creating a soil environment conducive to melon growth and thereby enhancing oriental melon resistance to FOM, while mitigating the obstacles of continuous cropping. Full article

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a major inhibitory neurotransmitter, is used as a feed additive in aquaculture. However, its effects on muscle quality and lipid metabolism in fish remain understudied. Therefore, three diets supplemented with 0%, 0.01%, and 0.10% GABA were fed to juvenile Acanthopagrus latus (initial weight: 9.96 g) for 9 weeks, followed by analyses of growth performance, muscle quality indices, and hepatic lipid profiles. Fish fed 0.01% GABA showed the highest weight gain rate (p < 0.05). Their muscles exhibited improved muscle texture, higher levels of essential/non-essential and flavor amino acids, and a higher proportion of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), along with triglycerides and cardiolipin enriched in LC-PUFA chains (p < 0.05). Moreover, their livers demonstrated increased levels of triglycerides, phosphatidylethanolamine, and LC-PUFA, along with reduced levels of phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylserine (p < 0.05). These results suggest that 0.01% GABA supplementation improves growth performance, enhances flesh quality, and optimizes liver lipid profiles in A. latus. Full article

First-line treatment for localized prostate cancer (PCa) includes radical prostatectomy (RP) for high-risk disease. However, in many cases, patients experience biochemical recurrence (BCR), heralded by rising prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels in the serum. Our goal was to identify metabolic pathways that are disrupted in BCR to determine potential targets of therapy. We conducted metabolomic analysis in prostate tissue from the tumors of 74 patients who underwent prostatectomy as treatment for localized PCa and correlated levels of metabolites with clinical and non-clinical factors. Cholesterol and triglycerides were upregulated in Hispanic vs. non-Hispanic and in obese vs. non-obese individuals, respectively. Both lipids and non-lipids were altered with increasing Gleason grades and clinical stages. High post-RP PSA (>0.1 ng/mL) indicated recurrence (p = 0.0094) and correlated with alterations in 141 metabolites including 114 lipids and 26 non-lipid molecules. The largest increase with high post-RP PSA was in 2-hydroxyglutaric acid (2-HG), a product of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, that had previously been established as an oncometabolite in other cancers. 2-HG was highly selective and specific for high post-RP PSA (AUC = 0.8526; p = 0.0002) while Kaplan–Meier curves indicated that among patients who recurred, high 2-HG in the tumor reduced time-to-recurrence from 84 months (for those with low 2-HG) to 38 months (for those with high 2-HG). The addition of D2HG, an enantiomer of 2-HG, increased the growth rate of LNCaP and C4 cells, and also increased Akt and ERK phosphorylation. 2-HG is upregulated in PCa tumors from patients who experience high post-RP PSA indicative of recurrence. Future studies may target this metabolite to prevent recurrent disease. Full article

As a key tropical economic tree species, the girth of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) not only reflects its growth rate and timber yield but also determines tapping schedules and non-productive periods. This trait critically influences both the species’ economic value and latex production potential. Despite recent advances in genetic analyses of girth driven by genomic technologies, the number of identified key genes remains insufficient to support molecular breeding programs. This study focuses on 138 samples of rubber tree natural accessions, integrating phenotypic data analysis, population genetic structure analysis, and genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) to identify genetic loci and candidate genes associated with girth. Population stratification divides the tested accessions into four genetic groups: Groups Ⅰ and Ⅳ exhibit high genetic purity, while Groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ display hybrid characteristics. GWAS based on a mixed linear model detects 7 and 23 SNPs significantly associated with girth at p = 4.4 × 10⁻⁸ and p = 2.22 × 10⁻⁷, respectively. The most significant SNP is located at position 44994744 on chromosome CM021229.1. Under the highly significant association threshold, 27 candidate genes were identified, 4 of which are directly related to girth. Gene Ontology (GO) annotation of these 27 candidate genes reveals their primary involvement in metabolic regulation, signal transduction, and cell component construction. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis shows they are primarily enriched in the “aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis” and “glycolysis/gluconeogenesis” pathways. These findings provide significant theoretical support for genetic enhancement and mechanistic analysis of rubber tree growth traits. They reveal novel SNP markers and genes that complement existing genetic resources, refining breeding strategies for elite genotype selection and ultimately contributing to enhanced rubber production. Full article