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Keywords = superoxide anion scavenging activity

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16 pages, 1313 KiB  
Article
Mycorrhizas Promote Total Flavonoid Levels in Trifoliate Orange by Accelerating the Flavonoid Biosynthetic Pathway to Reduce Oxidative Damage Under Drought
by Lei Liu and Hong-Na Mu
Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 910; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080910 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Flavonoids serve as crucial plant antioxidants in drought tolerance, yet their antioxidant regulatory mechanisms within mycorrhizal plants remain unclear. In this study, using a two-factor design, trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.) seedlings in the four-to-five-leaf stage were either inoculated with Funneliformis [...] Read more.
Flavonoids serve as crucial plant antioxidants in drought tolerance, yet their antioxidant regulatory mechanisms within mycorrhizal plants remain unclear. In this study, using a two-factor design, trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.) seedlings in the four-to-five-leaf stage were either inoculated with Funneliformis mosseae or not, and subjected to well-watered (70–75% of field maximum water-holding capacity) or drought stress (50–55% field maximum water-holding capacity) conditions for 10 weeks. Plant growth performance, photosynthetic physiology, leaf flavonoid content and their antioxidant capacity, reactive oxygen species levels, and activities and gene expression of key flavonoid biosynthesis enzymes were analyzed. Although drought stress significantly reduced root colonization and soil hyphal length, inoculation with F. mosseae consistently enhanced the biomass of leaves, stems, and roots, as well as root surface area and diameter, irrespective of soil moisture. Despite drought suppressing photosynthesis in mycorrhizal plants, F. mosseae substantially improved photosynthetic capacity (measured via gas exchange) and optimized photochemical efficiency (assessed by chlorophyll fluorescence) while reducing non-photochemical quenching (heat dissipation). Inoculation with F. mosseae elevated the total flavonoid content in leaves by 46.67% (well-watered) and 14.04% (drought), accompanied by significantly enhanced activities of key synthases such as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), 4-coumarate:coA ligase (4CL), and cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H), with increases ranging from 16.90 to 117.42% under drought. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that both mycorrhization and drought upregulated the expression of PtPAL1, PtCHI, and Pt4CL genes, with soil moisture critically modulating mycorrhizal regulatory effects. In vitro assays showed that flavonoid extracts scavenged radicals at rates of 30.07–41.60% in hydroxyl radical (•OH), 71.89–78.06% in superoxide radical anion (O2•−), and 49.97–74.75% in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Mycorrhizal symbiosis enhanced the antioxidant capacity of flavonoids, resulting in higher scavenging rates of •OH (19.07%), O2•− (5.00%), and DPPH (31.81%) under drought. Inoculated plants displayed reduced hydrogen peroxide (19.77%), O2•− (23.90%), and malondialdehyde (17.36%) levels. This study concludes that mycorrhizae promote the level of total flavonoids in trifoliate orange by accelerating the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, hence reducing oxidative damage under drought. Full article
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26 pages, 2221 KiB  
Article
Effects of ε-Poly-L-Lysine/Chitosan Composite Coating on the Storage Quality, Reactive Oxygen Species Metabolism, and Membrane Lipid Metabolism of Tremella fuciformis
by Junzheng Sun, Yingying Wei, Longxiang Li, Mengjie Yang, Yusha Liu, Qiting Li, Shaoxiong Zhou, Chunmei Lai, Junchen Chen and Pufu Lai
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7497; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157497 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Viewed by 53
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a composite coating composed of 150 mg/L ε-Poly-L-lysine (ε-PL) and 5 g/L chitosan (CTS) in extending the shelf life and maintaining the postharvest quality of fresh Tremella fuciformis. Freshly harvested T. fuciformis were treated [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a composite coating composed of 150 mg/L ε-Poly-L-lysine (ε-PL) and 5 g/L chitosan (CTS) in extending the shelf life and maintaining the postharvest quality of fresh Tremella fuciformis. Freshly harvested T. fuciformis were treated by surface spraying, with distilled water serving as the control. The effects of the coating on storage quality, physicochemical properties, reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, and membrane lipid metabolism were evaluated during storage at (25 ± 1) °C. The results showed that the ε-PL/CTS composite coating significantly retarded quality deterioration, as evidenced by reduced weight loss, maintained whiteness and color, and higher retention of soluble sugars, soluble solids, and soluble proteins. The coating also effectively limited water migration and loss. Mechanistically, the coated T. fuciformis exhibited enhanced antioxidant capacity, characterized by increased superoxide anion (O2) resistance capacity, higher activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, APX), and elevated levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants (AsA, GSH). This led to a significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, alongside improved DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power. Furthermore, the ε-PL/CTS coating preserved cell membrane integrity by inhibiting the activities of lipid-degrading enzymes (lipase, LOX, PLD), maintaining higher levels of key phospholipids (phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine), delaying phosphatidic acid accumulation, and consequently reducing cell membrane permeability. In conclusion, the ε-PL/CTS composite coating effectively extends the shelf life and maintains the quality of postharvest T. fuciformis by modulating ROS metabolism and preserving membrane lipid homeostasis. This study provides a theoretical basis and a practical approach for the quality control of fresh T. fuciformis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)
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22 pages, 3176 KiB  
Article
Maresin 2, a Specialized Pro-Resolution Lipid Mediator, Reduces Pain and Inflammation Induced by Bothrops jararaca Venom in Mice
by Kassyo L. S. Dantas, Beatriz H. S. Bianchini, Matheus D. V. da Silva, Maiara Piva, Joice M. da Cunha, Janaina M. Zanoveli, Fernanda C. Cardoso, Fabiana T. M. C. Vicentini, Camila R. Ferraz, Patricia B. Clissa, Rubia Casagrande and Waldiceu A. Verri
Toxins 2025, 17(8), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins17080367 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 319
Abstract
The venom of Bothrops jararaca (BjV) induces intense and prolonged pain, which is not alleviated by antivenom, along with hemorrhage and inflammation. In this study, we investigated the effects of the specialized pro-resolving lipid mediator (SPM) maresin 2 (MaR2) in a murine model [...] Read more.
The venom of Bothrops jararaca (BjV) induces intense and prolonged pain, which is not alleviated by antivenom, along with hemorrhage and inflammation. In this study, we investigated the effects of the specialized pro-resolving lipid mediator (SPM) maresin 2 (MaR2) in a murine model of BjV-evoked pain and inflammation. Mice received a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of MaR2 30 min before the intraplantar BjV injection. MaR2 treatment significantly attenuated mechanical (electronic aesthesiometer) and thermal (hot plate) hyperalgesia in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, MaR2 restored the balance for the hind-paw static weight distribution. When BjV (0.01, 0.1, and 1 μg) stimulus was administered intraperitoneally, pre-treatment with MaR2 (0.3, 1, or 3 ng) ameliorated mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, MaR2 (3 ng) effectively reduced the levels of myeloperoxidase activity and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and superoxide anion (O2•−) production induced by intraplantar injection of BjV while enhancing total antioxidant levels (ABTS scavenging). For the peritonitis model induced by BjV, MaR2 pretreatment decreased leukocyte recruitment, hemorrhage, nitric oxide (NO), and O2•− generation and gp91phox and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression. In conclusion, this study presents the first evidence that MaR2 effectively mitigated BjV-induced pain, hemorrhage, and inflammation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Venoms)
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17 pages, 13984 KiB  
Article
Isolation and Purification of Novel Antioxidant Peptides from Mussel (Mytilus edulis) Prepared by Marine Bacillus velezensis Z-1 Protease
by Jing Lu, Pujing Shi, Yutian Cao, Bingxin Shi, Huilin Shen, Shuai Zhao, Yuchen Gao, Huibing Chi, Lei Wang and Yawei Shi
Mar. Drugs 2025, 23(8), 294; https://doi.org/10.3390/md23080294 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 267
Abstract
Mussels are nutrient-rich but perishable, resulting in substantial resource loss. A protease-producing strain (Bacillus velezensis Z-1, Mytilus edulis) isolated from marine sludge was used to hydrolyze mussels, producing Y-1, a hydrolysate with antioxidant activity. In this study, ultrafiltration, gel chromatography, and [...] Read more.
Mussels are nutrient-rich but perishable, resulting in substantial resource loss. A protease-producing strain (Bacillus velezensis Z-1, Mytilus edulis) isolated from marine sludge was used to hydrolyze mussels, producing Y-1, a hydrolysate with antioxidant activity. In this study, ultrafiltration, gel chromatography, and LC-MS/MS were employed to isolate and identify bioactive peptides from the hydrolysate. The results revealed that the hydrolysate exhibited antioxidant activity, pancreatic cholesterol esterase inhibitory activity, pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Molecular docking using AutoDock Tools 1.5.6 was performed to analyze the interactions of peptides with CD38 and Keap1, leading to the identification of five potentially bioactive peptides: VPPFY, IMLFP, LPFLF, FLPF, and FPRIM. These peptides formed hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with CD38 and Keap1, demonstrating strong DPPH radical scavenging and superoxide anion radical scavenging capacities. This study highlights the multifunctional bioactive potential of these peptides, offering insights into their therapeutic applications. The findings provide a novel approach for the effective utilization of mussel resources and highlight their potential application value in the development of functional foods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Marine Pharmacology)
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25 pages, 689 KiB  
Article
Bioactive Properties and Phenolic Profile of Bioaccessible and Bioavailable Fractions of Red Radish Microgreens After In Vitro Digestion
by Dorota Sosnowska, Małgorzata Zakłos-Szyda, Dominika Kajszczak and Anna Podsędek
Molecules 2025, 30(14), 2976; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30142976 - 15 Jul 2025
Viewed by 217
Abstract
The health-promoting activity of radish microgreens after consumption depends on their bioaccessibility and bioavailability. In this study, we compared the composition of phenolic compounds, their cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory activities in cell lines, and antioxidant properties of the undigested radish microgreens with their fractions [...] Read more.
The health-promoting activity of radish microgreens after consumption depends on their bioaccessibility and bioavailability. In this study, we compared the composition of phenolic compounds, their cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory activities in cell lines, and antioxidant properties of the undigested radish microgreens with their fractions obtained after simulated in vitro digestion in the stomach, as well as in the small and large intestine. The results have demonstrated higher levels of total phenolics (by 70.35%) and total hydroxycinnamic acids (3.5 times increase), an increase in scavenging efficiency toward ABTS•+ and superoxide anion radicals, and an increase in the reduction potential (FRAP method) in the gastric bioaccessible fraction. In contrast, small intestinal digestion negatively affected phenolic content (a reduction of 53.30–75.63%), except for total hydroxycinnamic acids (3-fold increase). Incubation of the non-bioavailable fraction with bacterial enzymes led to further degradation. Undigested microgreens had no negative impact on Caco-2, HT-29, and SH-SY5Y cells’ metabolism at 0.05–2 mg/mL, while all digested samples at 1 mg/mL revealed their cytotoxic potential. All samples used at a non-cytotoxic concentration showed protective activity against H2O2 and corticosterone-induced oxidative stress generation as well as reduced proinflammatory cytokines production. Overall, radish microgreens may exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities when consumed. Full article
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24 pages, 5180 KiB  
Article
Resolvin D2 Reduces UVB Skin Pathology by Targeting Cytokines, Oxidative Stress, and NF-κB Activation
by Ingrid C. Pinto, Priscila Saito, Camilla C. A. Rodrigues, Renata M. Martinez, Cristina P. B. Melo, Maiara Piva, Clovis M. Kumagai, David L. Vale, Telma Saraiva-Santos, Allan J. C. Bussmann, Marcela M. Baracat, Sandra R. Georgetti, Fabiana T. M. C. Vicentini, Waldiceu A. Verri and Rubia Casagrande
Antioxidants 2025, 14(7), 830; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14070830 - 6 Jul 2025
Viewed by 598
Abstract
UVB skin pathology is initiated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), differentiating this condition from other inflammatory diseases involving first the immune cell activation by danger or pathogen molecular patterns followed by oxidative stress. Resolvin D2 (RvD2) has been found to reduce inflammation in [...] Read more.
UVB skin pathology is initiated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), differentiating this condition from other inflammatory diseases involving first the immune cell activation by danger or pathogen molecular patterns followed by oxidative stress. Resolvin D2 (RvD2) has been found to reduce inflammation in preclinical models. However, whether or not RvD2 reduces skin pathology caused by UVB irradiation is not yet known. Therefore, the efficacy of RvD2 on skin pathology triggered by UVB irradiation in female hairless mice was assessed. RvD2 (0.3, 1 or 3 ng/mouse, i.p.) was found to protect the skin against UVB inflammation, as observed in the reduction in edema (46%), myeloperoxidase activity (77%), metalloproteinase-9 activity (39%), recruitment of neutrophils/macrophages (lysozyme+ cells, 76%) and mast cells (106%), epidermal thickening (93%), sunburn cell formation (68%), collagen fiber breakdown (55%), and production of cytokines such as TNF-α (100%). Considering the relevance of oxidative stress to UVB irradiation skin pathologies, an important observation was that the skin antioxidant capacity was recovered by RvD2 according to the results that show the ferric reducing antioxidant power (68%), cationic radical scavenges (93%), catalase activity (74%), and the levels of reduced glutathione (48%). Oxidative damage was also attenuated, as observed in the reduction in superoxide anion production (69%) and lipid hydroperoxides (71%). The RvD2 mechanism involved the inhibition of NF-κB activation, as observed in the diminished degradation of IκBα (48%) coupled with a reduction in its downstream targets that are involved in inflammation and oxidative stress, such as COX-2 (66%) and gp91phox (77%) mRNA expression. In conclusion, RvD2 mitigates the inflammatory and oxidative pathologic skin aggression that is triggered by UVB. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants for Skin Health)
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16 pages, 2188 KiB  
Article
Tartary Buckwheat Peptides Prevent Oxidative Damage in Differentiated SOL8 Cells via a Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptosis Pathway
by Yifan Xu, Yawen Wang, Min Yang, Pengxiang Yuan, Weikang Xu, Tong Jiang and Jian Huang
Nutrients 2025, 17(13), 2204; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17132204 - 2 Jul 2025
Viewed by 476
Abstract
Background: Under oxidative stress conditions, the increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within cells disrupt the intracellular homeostasis. Tartary buckwheat peptides exert their effects by scavenging oxidative free radicals, such as superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide, thereby reducing oxidative damage within cells. [...] Read more.
Background: Under oxidative stress conditions, the increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within cells disrupt the intracellular homeostasis. Tartary buckwheat peptides exert their effects by scavenging oxidative free radicals, such as superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide, thereby reducing oxidative damage within cells. Meanwhile, these peptides safeguard mitochondria by maintaining the mitochondrial membrane potential, decreasing the production of mitochondrial oxygen free radicals, and regulating mitochondrial biogenesis and autophagy to preserve mitochondrial homeostasis. Through these mechanisms, Tartary buckwheat peptides restore the intracellular redox balance, sustain cellular energy metabolism and biosynthesis, and ensure normal cellular physiological functions, which is of great significance for cell survival and adaptation under oxidative stress conditions. Objectives: In this experiment, a classical cellular oxidative stress model was established. Indicators related to antioxidant capacity and mitochondrial membrane potential changes, as well as pathways associated with oxidative stress, were selected for detection. The aim was to elucidate the effects of Tartary buckwheat oligopeptides on the metabolism of cells in response to oxidative stress. Methods: In this study, we established an oxidative damage model of mouse skeletal muscle myoblast (SOL8) cells using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), investigated the pre-protective effects of Tartary buckwheat oligopeptides on H2O2-induced oxidative stress damage in SOL8 cells at the cellular level, and explored the possible mechanisms. The CCK-8 method is a colorimetric assay based on WST-8-[2-(2-methoxy-4-nitrophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2,4-disulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, monosodiumsalt], which is used to detect cell proliferation and cytotoxicity. Results: The value of CCK-8 showed that, when the cells were exposed to 0.01 mmol/L H2O2 for 1 h and 10 mg/mL Tartary buckwheat oligopeptides intervention for 48 h, these were the optimal conditions. Compared with the H2O2 group, the intervention group (KB/H2O2 group) showed that the production of ROS was significantly reduced (p < 0.001), the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was significantly decreased (p < 0.05), and the activity of catalase (CAT) was significantly increased (p < 0.01); the mitochondrial membrane potential in the KB/H2O2 group tended to return to the level of the control group, and they all showed dose-dependent effects. Compared with the H2O2 group, the mRNA expression of KEAP1 in the KB/H2O2 group decreased, while the mRNA expression of NRF2α, HO-1, nrf1, PGC-1, P62, and PINK increased. Conclusions: Therefore, Tartary buckwheat oligopeptides have a significant pre-protective effect on H2O2-induced SOL8 cells, possibly by enhancing the activity of superoxide dismutase, reducing ROS attack, balancing mitochondrial membrane potential, and maintaining intracellular homeostasis. Full article
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14 pages, 781 KiB  
Article
Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Prokupac Grape Pomace Extract: Implications for Redox Modulation in Honey Bee Cells
by Uroš Glavinić, Đura Nakarada, Jevrosima Stevanović, Uroš Gašić, Marko Ristanić, Miloš Mojović and Zoran Stanimirović
Antioxidants 2025, 14(6), 751; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14060751 - 18 Jun 2025
Viewed by 532
Abstract
There is a growing interest in using agri-food by-products and a demand for natural substances that might help maintain healthy honey bee colonies. We investigated a by-product of the wine industry, a grape pomace (GP) of the autochthonous Prokupac grape cultivar from Serbia. [...] Read more.
There is a growing interest in using agri-food by-products and a demand for natural substances that might help maintain healthy honey bee colonies. We investigated a by-product of the wine industry, a grape pomace (GP) of the autochthonous Prokupac grape cultivar from Serbia. A hydroethanolic extract (50% (w/v) ethanol) of GP (Prokupac GP extract) obtained by the pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) method was subjected to qualitative profiling of phenolic composition by liquid chromatography with OrbiTrap Exploris 120 mass spectrometer. Then, the extracts’ antioxidant and redox-modulatory activities were evaluated through Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Finally, the extract’s potential to modulate cellular redox status was evaluated using cultured AmE-711 honey bee cells. The results show that the Prokupac GP extract contains a wide array of flavonoids, anthocyanins, stilbenes, and their various conjugated derivatives and that anthocyanins, particularly malvidin-based compounds, dominate. EPR measurements showed strong scavenging activity against superoxide anion (O2•−) and hydroxyl radicals (OH), with inhibition efficiencies of 84.37% and 81.81%, respectively, while activity against the DPPH radical was lower (17.75%). In the cell-based assay, the Prokupac GP extract consistently provided strong antioxidant protection and modulated the cellular response to oxidative stress by over 14%. In conclusion, while the Prokupac GP extract demonstrated antioxidant properties and the ability to modulate cellular responses to oxidative stress, in vivo studies on honey bees are required to confirm its efficacy and safety for potential use in beekeeping practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural and Synthetic Antioxidants)
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23 pages, 1943 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Characterization, Physicochemical Properties, and Antioxidant Activities of Chitosan-Encapsulated Green Tea Extract Microsphere Resin
by Lina Yu, Siyu Feng, Yu Song, Jie Bi, Yuan Gao, Luhui Wang, Chen Jiang and Mingqing Wang
Polymers 2025, 17(12), 1633; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17121633 - 12 Jun 2025
Viewed by 452
Abstract
Chitosan, a naturally occurring alkaline polysaccharide with excellent biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and renewability, has the ability to undergo cross-linking reactions with polyphenolic compounds. In this study, chitosan-encapsulated green tea extract microsphere resin (CS-GTEMR) was successfully prepared using chitosan and green tea extract via reversed-phase [...] Read more.
Chitosan, a naturally occurring alkaline polysaccharide with excellent biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and renewability, has the ability to undergo cross-linking reactions with polyphenolic compounds. In this study, chitosan-encapsulated green tea extract microsphere resin (CS-GTEMR) was successfully prepared using chitosan and green tea extract via reversed-phase suspension cross-linking polymerization. The structural characterization of CS-GTEMR was conducted using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Additionally, its physical properties, swelling behavior, polyphenol content, and antioxidant activities were investigated. The results indicate that CS-GTEMR consists of reddish-brown microspheres with a smooth surface and dense pores. The study found that the total content of polyphenolic compounds encapsulated in CS-GTEMR was 50.485 ± 0.840 μg/g. The characteristic absorption peak of phenolic hydroxyl groups appeared in the FTIR spectrum, suggesting that the polyphenolic compounds had been successfully encapsulated within the CS-GTEMR. The equilibrium swelling ratio of CS-GTEMR was determined to be 229.7%, indicating their suitability for use in solutions with a pH range of 1–13. In simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, the release rates of polyphenolic compounds from CS-GTEMR were 24.934% and 3.375%, respectively, indicating that CS-GTEMR can exert a sustained-release effect on polyphenolic compounds. CS-GTEMR demonstrated antioxidant activities such as scavenging DPPH radicals, superoxide anion radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and hydrogen peroxide, as well as exhibiting iron-reducing and molybdenum-reducing powers. With its high mechanical strength, acid resistance, and organic solvent resistance, CS-GTEMR can protect polyphenolic compounds from damage. Therefore, CS-GTEMR can be utilized as a natural antioxidant or preventive agent in food, expanding the application scope of green tea extracts. Full article
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13 pages, 2720 KiB  
Article
Peanut 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid Dioxygenase Enhances Salt and Drought Stress Tolerance by Regulating ROS Homeostasis
by Wenlin Wang, Mo Zhou, Shaohui Xu, Zhong Huang, Xiaobei Li, Cai Zhou, Siming Wang, Kaiyuan Zhang, Lixian Qiao and Yanyan Tang
Plants 2025, 14(12), 1741; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14121741 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 401
Abstract
Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), a vital oilseed and cash crop, faces yield limitations due to abiotic stresses. The 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED) enzyme, a key enzyme in abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis regulating plant development and stress responses, remains mechanistically uncharacterized in [...] Read more.
Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), a vital oilseed and cash crop, faces yield limitations due to abiotic stresses. The 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED) enzyme, a key enzyme in abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis regulating plant development and stress responses, remains mechanistically uncharacterized in peanut abiotic stress tolerance. In this study, we isolated a novel gene, AhNCED4, from the salt-tolerant mutant M24. The expression of AhNCED4 was strongly induced by NaCl, PEG6000, and ABA in peanut huayu20. Overexpression of AhNCED4 enhanced salt and drought tolerance in Arabidopsis. Transgenic overexpression of AhNCED4 improved salt and stress resistance through upregulated ROS-scavenging genes superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) with elevated enzymatic activities while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide anion (O2−), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation compared to wild-type plants. Further research showed that the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of transgenic lines were significantly increased, while light damage was significantly reduced. These findings establish AhNCED4 as a critical regulator of stress adaptation and an excellent candidate gene for resistance breeding in peanut. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology and Metabolism)
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18 pages, 3579 KiB  
Article
Screening and Characterization of Marine Bacillus atrophaeus G4 Protease and Its Application in the Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Sheep (Ovis aries) Placenta for the Preparation of Antioxidant Peptides
by Wei Wang, Guoqing Peng, Jingjing Sun, Chengcheng Jiang, Jianhua Hao and Xiu Zhang
Molecules 2025, 30(10), 2217; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30102217 - 20 May 2025
Viewed by 398
Abstract
Proteolytic enzymes, which play a crucial role in peptide bond cleavage, are widely applied in various industries. In this study, protease-producing bacteria were isolated and characterized from marine sediments collected from the Yellow Sea, China. Comprehensive screening and 16S rDNA sequencing identified a [...] Read more.
Proteolytic enzymes, which play a crucial role in peptide bond cleavage, are widely applied in various industries. In this study, protease-producing bacteria were isolated and characterized from marine sediments collected from the Yellow Sea, China. Comprehensive screening and 16S rDNA sequencing identified a promising G4 strain as Bacillus atrophaeus. Following meticulous optimization of fermentation conditions and medium composition via response surface methodology, protease production using strain G4 was significantly enhanced by 64%, achieving a yield of 3258 U/mL. The G4 protease exhibited optimal activity at 50 °C and pH 7.5, demonstrating moderate thermal stability with 52% residual activity after 30-min incubation at 50 °C—characteristics typical of an alkaline protease. Notably, the enzyme retained over 79% activity across a broad pH range (6–11) and exhibited excellent salt tolerance, maintaining over 50% activity in a saturated NaCl solution. Inhibition by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, a serine protease inhibitor, confirmed its classification as a serine protease. The enzyme’s potential in generating bioactive peptides was further demonstrated through hydrolysis of sheep (Ovis aries) placenta, resulting in a hydrolysate with notable antioxidant properties. The hydrolysate exhibited a 64% superoxide anion scavenging activity, surpassing that of reduced glutathione. These findings expand the current understanding of Bacillus atrophaeus G4 proteases and provide a foundation for innovative sheep placenta utilization with potential industrial applications. Full article
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20 pages, 3325 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn Flower Water Extract on In Vitro Anti-Acne Activity
by Zibing Zhao, Aohuan Zhang, Liya Song, Congfen He and Huaming He
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(5), 316; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47050316 - 28 Apr 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 769
Abstract
Background: Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn is a deciduous tree with saponins as the main active ingredients and has been utilized in medicine and cosmetic industries. Currently, the investigations of S. mukorossi mainly focus on the pericarp and seed kernel parts, while other parts [...] Read more.
Background: Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn is a deciduous tree with saponins as the main active ingredients and has been utilized in medicine and cosmetic industries. Currently, the investigations of S. mukorossi mainly focus on the pericarp and seed kernel parts, while other parts are yet to be studied and developed. This study aimed to investigate the anti-acne potential of S. mukorossi flower water extract (SMFW) by in vitro experiments. Methods and Results: The DPPH, ABTS, superoxide anion radical scavenging assay, and FRAP assay revealed the strong antioxidant activities of SMFW. The antibacterial activity of SMFW against Cutibacterium acnes has been evaluated with an inhibition diameter of 14.08 ± 0.63 mm. Furthermore, SMFW significantly inhibited the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-β) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated THP-1 macrophages. Transcriptome analysis showed that SMFW treatment reversed 448 LPS-upregulated DEGs and 349 LPS-downregulated DEGs, and KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that SMFW might exert its anti-inflammatory effect via NOD-like receptor and JAK-STAT signaling pathways. Conclusions: SMFW exhibited antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties in in vitro experiments. RNA-seq analysis indicated that SMFW may alleviate inflammation by regulating the NOD-like receptor and JAK-STAT signaling pathways. In summary, SMFW has shown potential for anti-acne efficacy and can be used as a natural raw material in cosmetics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Bioorganic Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry)
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14 pages, 1851 KiB  
Article
The Natural Anthraquinone Parietin Inactivates Candida tropicalis Biofilm by Photodynamic Mechanisms
by Juliana Marioni, Bianca C. Romero, Ma. Laura Mugas, Florencia Martinez, Tomas I. Gómez, Jesús M. N. Morales, Brenda S. Konigheim, Claudio D. Borsarelli and Susana C. Nuñez-Montoya
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(5), 548; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17050548 - 23 Apr 2025
Viewed by 590
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Parietin (PTN), a blue-light absorbing pigment from Teloschistes spp. lichens, exhibit photosensitizing properties via Type I (superoxide anion, O2•−) and Type II (singlet oxygen, 1O2) mechanisms, inactivating bacteria in vitro after photoexcitation. We evaluate the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Parietin (PTN), a blue-light absorbing pigment from Teloschistes spp. lichens, exhibit photosensitizing properties via Type I (superoxide anion, O2•−) and Type II (singlet oxygen, 1O2) mechanisms, inactivating bacteria in vitro after photoexcitation. We evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of PTN against Candida tropicalis biofilms under actinic irradiation, its role in O2•− and 1O2 production, and the cellular stress response. Methods: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of PTN was determined in C. tropicalis NCPF 3111 under dark and actinic light conditions. Biofilm susceptibility was assessed at MIC/2, MIC, MICx2, MICx4, and MICx6 in the same conditions, and viability was measured by colony-forming units. Photodynamic mechanisms were examined using Tiron (O2•− scavenger) or sodium azide (1O2 quencher). O2•− production was measured by the nitro-blue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction and nitric oxide (NO) generation by Griess assay. Total antioxidant capacity was studied by FRAP (Ferrous Reduction Antioxidant Potency) assay and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity by NBT assay. Results: Photoexcitation of PTN reduced C. tropicalis biofilm viability by four logs at MICx2. Sodium azide partially reversed the effect, whereas Tiron fully inhibited it, indicating the critical role of O2•−. PTN also increased O2•− and NO levels, enhancing SOD activity and FRAP. However, this antioxidant response was insufficient to prevent biofilm photoinactivation. Conclusions: Photoinactivation of C. tropicalis biofilms by PTN is primarily mediated by O2•−, with a minor contribution from 1O2 and an imbalance in NO levels. These findings suggest PTN is a promising photosensitizer for antifungal photodynamic therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products in Photodynamic Therapy)
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14 pages, 2074 KiB  
Article
Production and Characterization of Poly-γ-Glutamic Acid by Bacillus velezensis SDU
by Guangyao Guo, Han Wang, Huiyuan Jia, Haiping Ni, Shouying Xu, Cuiying Zhang, Youming Zhang, Yuxia Wu and Qiang Tu
Microorganisms 2025, 13(4), 917; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13040917 - 16 Apr 2025
Viewed by 636
Abstract
In this study, a Bacillus velezensis SDU strain capable of producing poly-γ-glutamate (γ-PGA) was newly identified from the rhizosphere soil of Baimiao taro. The strain is a glutamate-independent strain and can produce polyglutamic acid in a culture medium completely free of glutamate. The [...] Read more.
In this study, a Bacillus velezensis SDU strain capable of producing poly-γ-glutamate (γ-PGA) was newly identified from the rhizosphere soil of Baimiao taro. The strain is a glutamate-independent strain and can produce polyglutamic acid in a culture medium completely free of glutamate. The hydrolyzed product of the polyglutamic acid produced is D-glutamic acid. The molecular weight of γ-PGA, estimated via the Mark–Houwink equation, was 1390 kDa. Furthermore, the molecular weight measured by Waters gel permeation chromatography with multi-angle laser light scattering (GPC–MALLS) was 1167 kDa. The production of γ-PGA and its antioxidant and tyrosine inhibition properties were investigated. The γ-PGA production reached 23.1 g/L, and the productivity was 0.77 g L−1 h−1. Specifically, γ-PGA exhibited superoxide anion (·O2) radical scavenging activity and tyrosinase inhibitory activity. This study introduces a promising strain and a highly efficient application method for γ-PGA, which can be broadly utilized in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. Full article
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26 pages, 1599 KiB  
Article
Biological Potential of Methanol Extracts from Plants of the Genus Spiraea Spreading in Russia
by Anastasia Orlova, Alena Soboleva, Elena Tsvetkova, Svetlana Silinskaia, Yana L. Esaulkova, Tatiana N. Veklich, Vladimir V. Zarubaev, Anna A. Khakulova, Ilya R. Akberdin, Semyon K. Kolmykov, Vera A. Kostikova and Andrej Frolov
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(8), 3587; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26083587 - 10 Apr 2025
Viewed by 726
Abstract
The genus Spiraea is well represented in the Russian flora. Several phytochemical and bioactivity studies, completed so far with several individual species of this genus, indicate young Spiraea shoots as a promising source of pharmaceutically and nutraceutically active natural products. Therefore, a broad-scale [...] Read more.
The genus Spiraea is well represented in the Russian flora. Several phytochemical and bioactivity studies, completed so far with several individual species of this genus, indicate young Spiraea shoots as a promising source of pharmaceutically and nutraceutically active natural products. Therefore, a broad-scale phytochemical analysis of shoot extracts from multiple Russian Spiraea species (i.e., profiling of secondary metabolites and assignment of their structures), complemented with comprehensive activity screening, might give access to valuable information on the structure–activity relationship (SAR) of their constituents. However, despite a lot of phytochemical and bioactivity information on individual species being available, these data are mostly fragmentary and do not allow for building a general picture, and in-depth comprehensive studies are still missing. Therefore, to fill this gap, here, we present a comprehensive metabolite profiling study accomplished with 15 of the most widely spread Russian Spiraea species, which was complemented with appropriate bioactivity screening of their first-year shoot alcoholic extracts. A chromatography–mass spectrometric (LC-MS) analysis revealed 33 major constituents of the shoot isolates, which were dominated by flavonoids (quercetin and kaempferol derivatives) and hydroxycinnamic acids (caffeic, ferulic, and coumaric acid derivatives). Their relative quantification indicated that most of the identified major components were distributed among all of the studied extracts with minimal overlap in their composition and relative abundance. The antioxidant activity screening revealed the high efficiency of all of the extracts as potential redox protectors, acting at the levels of radical scavenging (DPPH assay) and quenching cation radicals (TEAC assay) and superoxide anion radicals (NBT assay). Screening the antiviral and antimicrobial activity of the same extracts revealed significant antiviral activity at a concentration of 2 µg/mL, and high (MIC < 1 mg/mL) or moderate (1 mg/mL ≤ MIC ≤ 4 mg/mL) antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. The structures responsible for the manifestation of the studied types of activity were tentatively assigned using a bioinformatics-based strategy. This analysis revealed the most bioactive Spiraea species that might be promising for further in-depth phytochemical analysis and evaluations of their structure–activity relationships (SARs). In this context, we consider S. humilis, which simultaneously showed antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiviral activity; S. media, with marked antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic properties; S. ussuriensis, a strong antioxidant and cytotoxic species; and S. trilobata, with a combination of antioxidant and antiviral properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Metabolism and Natural Product Biosynthesis)
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