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22 pages, 15036 KB  
Article
Integrated Metabolomics and Molecular Docking Reveal Spatial and Developmental Variations in Flavor and Bioactive Constituents of Lonicera japonica Flos
by Weiran Feng, Zongshuo Li, Xi Dai, Yanxia Shu, Chao Yu, Yanwen Wu and Weidong Li
Foods 2026, 15(10), 1619; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15101619 - 7 May 2026
Viewed by 245
Abstract
Lonicera japonica Thunb. possesses significant potential for applications in beverages and functional foods. Nevertheless, most studies focus on the overall quality of flower buds, with limited comparisons across different developmental stages and distinct floral parts. This study systematically investigated changes in volatile flavor [...] Read more.
Lonicera japonica Thunb. possesses significant potential for applications in beverages and functional foods. Nevertheless, most studies focus on the overall quality of flower buds, with limited comparisons across different developmental stages and distinct floral parts. This study systematically investigated changes in volatile flavor compounds and non-volatile bioactive constituents in whole flowers, calyxes, corollas, and reproductive organs before and after flowering. An integrated approach combining metabolomics profiling, entropy weight analysis, correlation network analysis, and molecular docking was employed to evaluate their potential in functional food development. The level of 3-decyn-2-ol increased markedly after flowering, with an approximately 14-fold increase in reproductive organs. Phenolic acids were highly enriched in the calyx, reaching up to 12-fold higher than in other parts. Flavonoids predominated in the corolla at levels 1.5–3-fold higher than in other tissues. Following flowering, the overall levels of phenolic acids and flavonoids decreased, while total sugars, reducing sugars, and polysaccharides increased by approximately 59%, 98%, and 35%, respectively. These results suggest that open flowers may exhibit enhanced potential for functional food applications. Entropy weight analysis indicated that the calyx contributed most to the integrated evaluation of flavor and functional attributes. Correlation network analysis identified chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, rutin, luteoloside, loganic acid, and secologanoside as key constituents, which showed potential interactions with inflammation- and immunity-related targets in molecular docking. These findings suggest that although medicinal use decreased after flowering, the edible value of L. japonica may increase, providing a basis for its rational utilization in functional food development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Flavor Chemistry and Sensory Properties Analysis)
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18 pages, 6469 KB  
Article
A Short-Term High-Sugar Diet Induces Glucose Intolerance, Visceral Adipose Tissue Inflammation, and Exacerbates Experimental Allergic Asthma
by Mateus C. Casaro, Vanessa de Souza, Eduardo Mendes, Juliana Carvalho Pereira, Fernando A. Oliveira and Caroline M. Ferreira
Nutrients 2026, 18(9), 1475; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18091475 - 6 May 2026
Viewed by 653
Abstract
Background: Diets composed of various components have been shown to influence inflammatory diseases such as asthma. While most studies have focused on fiber-rich diets to investigate their effects on the immune system and, consequently, on asthma, little is known about the impact of [...] Read more.
Background: Diets composed of various components have been shown to influence inflammatory diseases such as asthma. While most studies have focused on fiber-rich diets to investigate their effects on the immune system and, consequently, on asthma, little is known about the impact of sugar-rich diets, particularly when such diets are consumed over short periods of time. Methods: To investigate the short-term effects of a sugar-rich diet on allergic airway inflammation, A/J mice were fed either a standard diet or a sugar-enriched diet and subsequently sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin or PBS. Airway inflammation was assessed by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cell analysis, including eosinophil counts and cytokine levels (IL-4, TNF-α, IL-33), and by lung histology (H&E for inflammatory infiltrate and PAS for mucus). Serum IgE levels were also measured. In addition, glucose tolerance, visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue mass, and inflammatory markers in visceral adipose tissue were evaluated. Results: Short-term consumption of a sugar-rich diet induced glucose intolerance and expansion of adipose tissue, particularly visceral fat, independent of ovalbumin sensitization. Gonadal adipose tissue analysis revealed a shift toward M1 macrophage polarization, characterized by elevated TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, increased leptin levels, and reduced adiponectin. In OVA-sensitized mice, the sugar-rich diet significantly exacerbated eosinophil infiltration in BAL, increased IL-4, TNF-α, and IL-33, and enhanced PAS-positive mucus accumulation and inflammatory infiltrates in the lung. Moreover, total serum IgE was significantly higher in allergic mice fed the sugar-rich diet compared with allergic mice on the standard diet. Importantly, in non-sensitized mice fed the sugar-rich diet, no pulmonary inflammation was detected by BAL, demonstrating that HSD alone does not induce asthma but amplifies allergic responses when sensitization is present. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that short-term consumption of a sugar-rich diet is sufficient to exacerbate, but not initiate, allergic pulmonary inflammation. From a translational perspective, reducing dietary sugar intake may represent a valuable adjuvant strategy in the management of allergic asthma. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Dietary Management in Chronic Inflammation)
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26 pages, 1451 KB  
Systematic Review
Adipocyte Size, Overweight, and Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and the Impact of Weight Loss: A Systematic Review
by Kuat P. Oshakbayev, Altay N. Nabiyev, Aigul K. Durmanova, Gani M. Kuttymuratov, Timur S. Suleimenov, Nurzhan A. Bikhanov, Alisher S. Idrissov, Guldana Zh. Bazheneyeva, Kenzhekyz Manekenova, Ainur R. Akilzhanova and Bibazhar A. Dukenbayeva
Nutrients 2026, 18(9), 1382; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18091382 - 28 Apr 2026
Viewed by 880
Abstract
Background: The impact of overweight and adipocyte size on the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains unclear. Aim: We studied (1) the relationship between the state of adipocytes and/or overweight/obesity, the development of T2DM and its clinical and laboratory features; and [...] Read more.
Background: The impact of overweight and adipocyte size on the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains unclear. Aim: We studied (1) the relationship between the state of adipocytes and/or overweight/obesity, the development of T2DM and its clinical and laboratory features; and (2) weight loss effect on glycemic level, endogenous hyperinsulinism (HI), insulin resistance (IR), and T2DM. Methods: We designed a systematic review by searching Web of Science, EBSCO, Scopus/ Science-Direct, Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane, and Wolter Kluwer for articles published in 26 years (2000–2026). The study was based on a systematic review of 3853 articles published worldwide. Results: In total, 142 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. As overweight increases, the size of adipose tissue, adipocytes, and cell radius increase. The increase in cell size overloads intracellular transport and internal organs. The development of IR is a conformational change in cellular receptors caused by an excessive increase in cell size. The increase in cell size with overweight gradually leads to hyperglycemia and HI with the development of IR and T2DM. Any targeted intentional weight loss in patients with T2DM improves metabolic and cardiovascular health, reduces blood pressure and blood sugar, and decreases HI, IR, and T2DM. Conclusions: IR is a protective response of cells that prevents oversaturation and overflow. Overweight is an independent risk factor for the development of HI, IR, and T2DM. Targeted weight loss leads to the cure of HI, IR and T2DM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Diabetes)
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17 pages, 1631 KB  
Article
In Vitro and Ex Vivo Evaluation of a Multi-Target Combination of Plant Extracts and Policosanols: Effects in Mitigating Heart Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
by Lucia Recinella, Giorgia Bray, Angelica Pia Centulio, Davide Ciaramellano, Annalisa Chiavaroli, Gianluca Genovesi, Giustino Orlando, Alessandra Acquaviva, Valentina Citi, Serena Veschi, Anna Piro, Alessandro Cama, Alma Martelli, Vincenzo Calderone, Luigi Brunetti and Sheila Leone
Foods 2026, 15(9), 1500; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15091500 - 25 Apr 2026
Viewed by 379
Abstract
Heart inflammation and oxidative stress are pivotal pathological drivers in the pathophysiology of various cardiovascular diseases. The present study aims to investigate the beneficial effects induced by extracts derived from edible plants, such as Olea europaea, and sugar cane on heart health. [...] Read more.
Heart inflammation and oxidative stress are pivotal pathological drivers in the pathophysiology of various cardiovascular diseases. The present study aims to investigate the beneficial effects induced by extracts derived from edible plants, such as Olea europaea, and sugar cane on heart health. In particular, we investigated the effects of a novel combination constituting Olea europaea, Scutellaria baicalensis, and policosanol extracts on heart, in in vitro and ex vivo models. Olea europaea, S. baicalensis, policosanol extracts and their combination prevented H2O2-induced reduction in H9c2 cell (immortalized myoblasts, isolated from rat heart tissue) viability. Moreover, pre-incubation with the combination significantly reduced H2O2-induced ROS levels in the same cells. Our present findings also showed that Olea europaea, S. baicalensis and policosanol extracts, as well as their combination, increased lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced catalase gene expression at all concentrations tested, in mouse heart specimens. In addition, we also observed that Olea europaea, S. baicalensis and policosanol extracts, as well as their combination, significantly inhibited LPS-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, nuclear factor-kB, and tumor necrosis factor-α gene expression, in the same experimental model. Interestingly, the combination was more effective at decreasing the mRNA levels of all pro-inflammatory markers investigated. Finally, the combination was also able to suppress LPS-induced B-type natriuretic peptide and cardiac troponin I gene expression ex vivo. In conclusion, these findings suggest that this plant-based combination could offer potential benefits for cardiovascular health and support overall heart function in humans. Full article
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19 pages, 6063 KB  
Article
Expression Characteristics of Gustatory Receptor Genes in Galeruca daurica (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and Adult Behavioral and Electrophysiological Responses to Host Metabolites
by Jing Gao, Jinwei Li, Haichao Wang, Jinghang Zhang, Xiaomin An, Yanyan Li, Jun Zhao, Baoping Pang and Ling Li
Insects 2026, 17(4), 442; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17040442 - 21 Apr 2026
Viewed by 349
Abstract
Galeruca daurica (Joannis) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is an oligophagous pest in which both adults and larvae prefer to feed on Allium forage grasses of the Liliaceae family. In this study, we identified gustatory receptor (GR) genes based on the transcriptome data of G. daurica [...] Read more.
Galeruca daurica (Joannis) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is an oligophagous pest in which both adults and larvae prefer to feed on Allium forage grasses of the Liliaceae family. In this study, we identified gustatory receptor (GR) genes based on the transcriptome data of G. daurica; analyzed the expression profiles of these GR genes across different larval instars and various tissues of male and female adults using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR); detected the electrophysiological responses of the mouthparts of male and female G. daurica adults to flavonoids and carbohydrates using single sensillum recording (SSR); and recorded the changes in food consumption of G. daurica adults after feeding on six host plant-derived metabolites. A total of 26 GR genes were identified from the transcriptome data of adult and larval of G. daurica. Phylogenetic analysis was performed to screen candidate functional gustatory receptor genes, including four sugar receptors (GdauGR7, GdauGR10, GdauGR14 and GdauGR28), seven bitter receptors (GdauGR11, GdauGR16~17, GdauGR22, GdauGR25~26 and GdauGR30), and two CO2 receptors (GdauGR15 and GdauGR20). Larval expression profiling of GdauGRs in G. daurica revealed that the relative expression levels of 17 genes exhibited dynamic changes during larval growth and development. GdauGRs were expressed to varying degrees in the antennae, mouthparts, brain, gut, and forelegs of adult G. daurica, with sex-specific differences. Notably, the expression levels of GdauGR4, GdauGR9 and GdauGR16 in the gut were extremely significantly higher than those in other tissues. In the SSR test, the six tested flavonoids and one carbohydrate were able to induce robust electrophysiological responses in the gustatory sensilla on the antennae and mouthparts of adult G. daurica at specific concentrations. In addition, the supplementation of several host-derived metabolites altered the food consumption of adult G. daurica. These findings lay a solid foundation for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying gustatory recognition and host adaptation in G. daurica. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Molecular Biology and Genomics)
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12 pages, 5893 KB  
Article
Multispectral Imaging Enables High-Throughput Detection of Feijoa Fruit Defects
by Anastasia Zolotukhina, Svetlana Batashova, Anastasia Guryleva, Natalia Platonova, Victoria Kunina and Alexander Machikhin
Horticulturae 2026, 12(4), 489; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12040489 - 16 Apr 2026
Viewed by 961
Abstract
Feijoa fruits are known for their pronounced post-harvest ripening. Phytopathogen-infected specimens pose a significant risk to storage stability and overall fruit quality. Early detection and removal of defective fruits during the initial storage stages are critical for maintaining market value and preventing the [...] Read more.
Feijoa fruits are known for their pronounced post-harvest ripening. Phytopathogen-infected specimens pose a significant risk to storage stability and overall fruit quality. Early detection and removal of defective fruits during the initial storage stages are critical for maintaining market value and preventing the spread of disease. In this study, we analyze how the multispectral reflectance properties of the feijoa surface change in response to various defects. ‘Superba’ cultivar fruits were selected, including healthy controls and samples exhibiting bruises, anthracnose, stink bug damage, tissue suberization, and gray mold. Biochemical analyses were conducted to measure the levels of organic acids, sugars, ascorbic acid, and total polyphenols. Multispectral imaging was performed with a 12-channel camera operating in the 400–1000 nm wavelength range. Results showed that the fruits affected by gray mold had the lowest concentrations of malic and citric acids but the highest levels of succinic acid. Fruits with anthracnose or insect damage exhibited the highest sugar content. Distinct differences in spectral reflectance were observed between healthy and affected areas of fruit. Based on these findings, an image processing algorithm for defective fruit detection was developed. Full article
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17 pages, 6000 KB  
Article
The Prospect of Combined Supplementation of Sugar and Creatine as a Core Formulation for Sports Drinks: The Perspectives of Athletic Performance and Stability
by Yue Zhang, Hui Liao, Song Zhu, Yanting Zhao, Fei Li, Xiang Li and Yue Li
Processes 2026, 14(8), 1196; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14081196 - 9 Apr 2026
Viewed by 582
Abstract
Compound sugars (Cs) and creatine (Cr) have the potential to enhance exercise endurance; however, the mechanisms underlying their effects and the stability of their formulations still require further investigation. This study investigated the effects of Cs and Cr supplementation on exercise performance in [...] Read more.
Compound sugars (Cs) and creatine (Cr) have the potential to enhance exercise endurance; however, the mechanisms underlying their effects and the stability of their formulations still require further investigation. This study investigated the effects of Cs and Cr supplementation on exercise performance in C57BL/6 mice, as well as the processing properties of Cs and Cr powder. The exhaustion time, serum fatigue indices, creatine contents, the morphology of muscle tissue in mice were determined. The results demonstrated that combined supplementation of sugar and creatine (Cs-Cr, Cs 6.2 mg/g + Cr 1.0 mg/g) could significantly increase exhaustion time and forelimb grip strength and reduce the levels of lactate and blood urea nitrogen by 22.3% and 25.86%, respectively. In addition, Cs-Cr supplementation increased muscle mass and muscle fiber density in exercise-trained mice and thus alleviated muscle damage caused by exercise. However, Cs-Cr powder exhibits poor stability during processing. Xanthan gum and locust bean gum (m/m = 6:4) has been demonstrated to increase the stability and viscosity of Cs-Cr beverages. Moreover, the addition of 1.5% CaSiO3 also reduced the caking of the powder and increased the stability of the product. This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of Cs-Cr in a functional solid beverage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Process Engineering)
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18 pages, 21969 KB  
Article
Single-Section Sequential MALDI-MSI Reveals Metabolic and N-Glycan Remodeling During Malignant Transformation in Hepatocellular Adenoma
by Jianfeng Xu, Jian Sui, Da Xu, Xiaoxue Zhou, Youhong Hu, Jie Yuan, Jia Liu and Lu Lu
Metabolites 2026, 16(4), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo16040217 - 26 Mar 2026
Viewed by 776
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Malignant transformation of hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) represents a clinically significant yet incompletely understood process. Although the pathological and clinical characteristics of HCA have been extensively described, its spatial molecular heterogeneity and spatially organized molecular variation at the tissue level remain insufficiently characterized. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Malignant transformation of hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) represents a clinically significant yet incompletely understood process. Although the pathological and clinical characteristics of HCA have been extensively described, its spatial molecular heterogeneity and spatially organized molecular variation at the tissue level remain insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to establish a spatially integrated multi-omics workflow and to delineate spatially organized molecular variation across histologically defined regions from adenoma to carcinoma. Methods: A sequential dual-layer matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) workflow was developed to acquire small-molecule metabolomic and N-glycan spatial data from the same formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue section. Four rare HCA specimens containing focal carcinoma transformation were included in this study. Pixel-level clustering, region-based co-localization analysis, and diffusion pseudotime modeling were applied to characterize spatial metabolic and N-glycan patterns across normal liver tissue (NL), hepatocellular adenoma (HCA), and carcinoma-transformed regions within adenoma (HCA-HCC). Results: Small-molecule MSI revealed spatial metabolic stratification within HCA, with variation observed in nucleotide-related, lipid-related, sulfur-related, and sugar nucleotide–associated metabolites. Pseudotime analysis revealed a spatial ordering of samples across NL, HCA, and HCA-HCC regions, showing differences in antioxidant-associated metabolites, lipid-related features, and bile acid-related metabolites across regions. N-glycan MSI identified independent glycosylation niches, with increasing structural complexity and enrichment of highly branched glycans in carcinoma-transformed regions. Integration of metabolomic and glycomic data suggested spatially associated patterns between metabolite features and glycan structures across regions. Conclusions: This study provides spatially resolved evidence of spatially organized patterns of molecular variation across histologically defined regions of HCA. The identified metabolic and N-glycan gradients provide insights into spatial molecular organization during malignant transformation of hepatocellular adenoma. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Endocrinology and Clinical Metabolic Research)
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17 pages, 1479 KB  
Article
The Effects of Light Quality on Growth and Physiological Responses of Aquilaria crassna Tissue-Cultured Plantlets
by Xiangyang Li, Bing Hu, Zhaoli Chen and Bingshan Zeng
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 394; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030394 - 22 Mar 2026
Viewed by 360
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of red LED (RL), blue LED (BL), and white LED (WL) on the growth, physiological responses, and hormonal regulation of Aquilaria crassna tissue-cultured plantlets. Morphological assessment revealed that both RL and BL treatments reduced growth variation, with RL [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the effects of red LED (RL), blue LED (BL), and white LED (WL) on the growth, physiological responses, and hormonal regulation of Aquilaria crassna tissue-cultured plantlets. Morphological assessment revealed that both RL and BL treatments reduced growth variation, with RL significantly promoting shoot elongation and secondary root development. Compared to WL, RL also enhanced the rooting rate and aboveground biomass. Analysis of hormones and physiological indicators indicated that RL and BL treatments decreased abscisic acid (ABA), cytokinin (CTK), and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, while increasing indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA), soluble sugar levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, thereby altering hormone balance and antioxidant system stability. Correlation analysis revealed that light quality was significantly negatively correlated with ABA content, while root development was closely associated with hormonal balance and antioxidant capacity. A comprehensive evaluation using the entropy-weighted TOPSIS method ranked RL as the most favorable light condition for overall growth and development, with a closeness coefficient of 0.71. These findings provide a scientific basis for optimizing light quality management to improve the efficiency and quality of A. crassna tissue culture systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cultivation and Breeding of Woody Plants)
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19 pages, 3642 KB  
Article
Integrated Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analysis of Polysaccharide Biosynthesis in Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce Rhizomes of Different Growth Years and Growth Stages
by Manqing Wang, Sang Yang, Lang Zheng, Qiongying Xiang, Chenxi Liu and Fuliang Xiong
Molecules 2026, 31(6), 953; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31060953 - 12 Mar 2026
Viewed by 467
Abstract
Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce is a well-known traditional medicinal plant, with rhizomes as the principal medicinal tissue and polysaccharides as its key bioactive components. To conduct a systematic investigation of the polysaccharide biosynthetic pathway and screen key genes involved in the polysaccharide biosynthesis [...] Read more.
Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce is a well-known traditional medicinal plant, with rhizomes as the principal medicinal tissue and polysaccharides as its key bioactive components. To conduct a systematic investigation of the polysaccharide biosynthetic pathway and screen key genes involved in the polysaccharide biosynthesis of different growth years and growth stages in P. odoratum, this study performed transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses on P. odoratum rhizomes of different growth years and growth stages. This study revealed that most saccharides, which serve as precursors for polysaccharide biosynthesis in P. odoratum rhizomes, exhibited higher levels in two-year-old P. odoratum than in three-year-old. Co-expression analysis revealed that PosacA3 showed a high positive correlation with sucrose, D-fructose, and D-glucose, while PoGT16 exhibited a high negative correlation with sucrose, D-fructose, and D-glucose. PoGT6 and PoGT32 displayed a positive correlation with D-glucose and sucrose, respectively, suggesting that these genes may be key regulators involved in polysaccharide biosynthesis in P. odoratum. Compared with two-year-old and three-year-old P. odoratum rhizomes harvested in July and September from Shaodong City, Hunan Province, China, when steroidal saponins and soluble sugars are required as medicinal components, two-year-old P. odoratum can be harvested in July or September. When alkaloids and amino acids and derivatives are the core extraction targets, both two-year-old and three-year-old P. odoratum are recommended to be harvested in September. This study furnishes a theoretical reference for the rational harvesting and utilization of P. odoratum, and lays a foundation for further elucidating its polysaccharide biosynthetic mechanism. Full article
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21 pages, 7679 KB  
Article
Comprehensive Morpho-Physiological Responses Underlying Salt Tolerance at Different Time Points in Brassica napus Seedlings
by Maria Batool, Ali Mahmoud El-Badri, Lei Zheng, Chunyun Wang, Zongkai Wang, Muhammad Ikram, Maaz Ullah, Muhammad Ikram, Muhammad Waqas, Jie Kuai, Chunyu Zhang, Jinxiong Shen, Bo Wang and Guangsheng Zhou
Plants 2026, 15(4), 661; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15040661 - 22 Feb 2026
Viewed by 774
Abstract
Soil salinization is a major environmental hazard, hindering rapeseed development due to sodium ion (Na+) toxicity and ionic imbalances in plant cells. Understanding tolerance mechanisms and categorizing reliable physiochemical indicators is vital for enhancing rapeseed tolerance. Herein, we aimed to enhance [...] Read more.
Soil salinization is a major environmental hazard, hindering rapeseed development due to sodium ion (Na+) toxicity and ionic imbalances in plant cells. Understanding tolerance mechanisms and categorizing reliable physiochemical indicators is vital for enhancing rapeseed tolerance. Herein, we aimed to enhance knowledge about the stress-responsive mechanism of ten rapeseed varieties (C71, C88, C91, C97, C123, C136, C196, C272, C280, and C320) exposed to five NaCl concentrations (0, 150, 200, 250, and 300 mM) through determining key factors related to salt tolerance at the seedling stage. Our results showed that salt stress significantly reduced seedling growth and biomass with increasing salt stress concentration in a similar pattern in all studied varieties, especially in sensitive seedlings. Furthermore, photosynthetic pigment, osmotic solutes, and MDA showed significant variations under salt treatment versus control in all studied varieties. Based on morpho-physiochemical trait analysis of ten rapeseed varieties, C71 and C272 were selected as tolerant and sensitive varieties to study stress responses during six weeks (weekly time points) in the leaf, petiole, stem, and root of seedlings under 250 mM NaCl. Current findings demonstrated superior osmotic adjustment of C71 through higher accumulation of total soluble sugars and protein, reflected in lower MDA levels, which contributed to maintaining cellular homeostasis and membrane integrity to improve resilience under salinity versus C272. Besides, total amino acid content was enhanced in C71 versus C272 seedlings, which was attributed to stress tolerance. In different tissues of C71 and C272, Na+ and K+ levels varied with increasing growing time, reaching the maximum increment at the 6th week under salt stress conditions. Moreover, Na+ initially accumulates in roots and enhances the K+ level in tolerant seedlings; besides, K+ was accumulated higher in the roots of tolerant seedlings, resulting in K+ homeostasis, thereby improving stress tolerance. Our results can be a great reference value for rapeseed plant breeders to develop salt-tolerant cultivars. Full article
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33 pages, 11497 KB  
Article
Nectary Structure and Nectar Secretion Characteristics Among Various Cultivars of Paeonia lactiflora
by Hui Cai, Wenjie Ma, Yingling Wan and Yan Liu
Plants 2026, 15(4), 580; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15040580 - 12 Feb 2026
Viewed by 816
Abstract
Background: Paeonia lactiflora Pall. produces substantial quantities of nectar during the bud stage. In the production of cut flowers, this nectar attracts contaminants that compromise the quality of the flowers. The current practice of rinsing flowers with clean water escalates production costs. Consequently, [...] Read more.
Background: Paeonia lactiflora Pall. produces substantial quantities of nectar during the bud stage. In the production of cut flowers, this nectar attracts contaminants that compromise the quality of the flowers. The current practice of rinsing flowers with clean water escalates production costs. Consequently, reducing nectar secretion during the bud stage has emerged as a significant technical challenge for the industry. Nonetheless, insufficient fundamental knowledge concerning the structure of P. lactiflora nectaries and the physiology of nectar secretion impedes the development of pertinent regulatory technologies. Methods: This study established a “nectar secretion index” to evaluate nectar production in various P. lactiflora cultivars. Nectar sugar concentration and composition were measured using a refractometer and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Observations of changes in nectary epidermal morphology and anatomical structure during nectar secretion were conducted using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. Key Results: The quantity of nectar secreted by various P. lactiflora cultivars can differ. The indices were not significantly correlated with flowering period, flower color, or flower type. At the peak of nectar secretion, the sugar concentration of nectar secretion by different cultivars’ flower buds varied. Sucrose is the primary sugar component in this nectar. Nectar is secreted along the basal margins of the bracts and sepals on the abaxial surface of all cultivars. Specialized raised stomata are located on the upper epidermis, through which nectar is secreted. In contrast, the epidermal stomata located outside nectar-secreting areas exhibit a normal morphology. Specialized stomata do not secrete nectar concurrently. The stomatal aperture and the percentage of nectar-secreting stomata at the secretion sites are significantly higher in high-nectar-producing cultivars than in low-nectar-producing cultivars. Anatomical observations of bract nectaries indicate that, irrespective of nectar production levels, specialized stomata are consistently located adjacent to vascular bundles. During the initial stage of nectar secretion, no starch was detected in the bract nectaries. In contrast, the stomata in non-secretory epidermal cells of bracts maintain a normal morphology, and calcium oxalate crystals were observed within the subepidermal tissues. Throughout the nectar secretion process, the content of photosynthetic pigments and the Fv/Fm ratio in the bracts and sepals of various cultivars correlated with nectar secretion volume. Conclusions: This study, informed by observations of numerous P. lactiflora cultivars, elucidates the structural characteristics of its nectaries and the nectar secretion properties of various cultivars during the bud stage. It confirms that these nectaries are classified as extrafloral nectaries, specifically structural nectaries consisting of specialized raised stomata and closely associated vascular bundles beneath them. No significant differences in nectary structure or location were noted among cultivars with differing nectar yields. However, both the aperture of nectary stomata and the percentage of nectar-secreting stomata exhibited a significant positive correlation with secretion levels. The intrinsic photosynthetic potential at the nectary sites varies significantly among cultivars. The nectar is not derived from stored cellular starch but likely originates simultaneously from both photosynthesis and phloem transport. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for the development of subsequent regulatory technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Horticultural Science and Ornamental Plants)
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26 pages, 2943 KB  
Article
Proteomic Analysis of Lotus-Derived NnAP2 Regulation of Soluble Sugar and Starch Content in Potato (Solanum tuberosum)
by Yuanrong Pan, Zhongyuan Lin, Lirong Xiang, Rebecca Njeri Damaris, Xiangying Wei and Dingding Cao
Plants 2026, 15(4), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15040566 - 11 Feb 2026
Viewed by 543
Abstract
The starch content of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) rhizomes is a key determinant of their taste and overall quality. In our previous work, a candidate transcription factor, NnAP2, was identified and its coding-region single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were significantly associated with rhizome [...] Read more.
The starch content of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) rhizomes is a key determinant of their taste and overall quality. In our previous work, a candidate transcription factor, NnAP2, was identified and its coding-region single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were significantly associated with rhizome enlargement and carbohydrate-related traits. Owing to limitations in stable genetic transformation systems in lotus, potato (Solanum tuberosum) was employed as a heterologous model to investigate the regulatory role of NnAP2 in starch and soluble sugar metabolism. Overexpression of two allelic variants of the NnAP2 transcription factor (CC and TT) in potato resulted in pronounced differences between CC- and TT-overexpressing lines (NnAP2CC-OE and NnAP2TT-OE) in microtuber carbohydrate composition and proteome dynamics, accompanied by divergence in transgene copy number and substantial variation in transgene expression levels among independent lines. Six months after planting transgenic lines NnAP2CC-OE and NnAP2TT-OE, the NnAP2CC-OE micro-tubers exhibited significantly higher starch content and lower soluble sugar levels compared with NnAP2TT-OE. To uncover the underlying molecular basis, profiling of proteoforms was conducted on leaves, stems and tubers of both genotypes through a label-free proteomic strategy. A total of 51,299 peptides matched to 7292 proteins. Principal component analysis demonstrated clear separation of treatment groups, indicating robust differential accumulation of proteoforms. In total, 1715 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified across tissues (fold change ≥ 1.5 or ≤0.67, p  <  0.05), of which 1516 (88.4%) were tissue-specific. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that in leaves, DEPs were enriched for amino sugar metabolism, protein transporter activity and cell-wall macromolecule modification; in stems, enrichment included response to biotic stimulus, defense response and transporter activity; in tubers, DEPs were strongly enriched for carbohydrate metabolic processes, starch and sucrose metabolism, the TCA cycle and nucleotide sugar biosynthesis. Key starch-biosynthetic enzymes (e.g., ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, UDP-glucose-4-epimerase) were up-regulated in NnAP2CC-OE tubers relative to NnAP2TT-OE, while soluble sugar synthesis pathways (e.g., trehalose-6-phosphate synthase) were down-regulated. Together, these data suggest that elevated NnAP2CC expression in transgenic potato is associated with allele-dependent shifts in central carbon allocation between starch and soluble sugar pathways, as revealed by comparative analyses between NnAP2CC-OE and NnAP2TT-OE. This study provides a comprehensive proteoform framework for allelic variation in an AP2 transcription factor involved in source–sink carbon partitioning and tuber starch accumulation in potato. Full article
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18 pages, 5948 KB  
Article
Root and Leaf-Specific Metabolic Responses of Ryegrass to Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Under Cadmium Stress
by Dapeng Jin, Lingyu Xin, Panpan Tu, Huiping Song, Yan Zou, Zhiwei Bian and Zhengjun Feng
J. Fungi 2026, 12(1), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12010074 - 19 Jan 2026
Viewed by 772
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) drastically inhibits plant growth and metabolism, whereas arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can enhance plant Cd tolerance through metabolic regulation. To clarify tissue-specific responses, we conducted a pot experiment combined with GC-MS to examine how AM fungi influence root and leaf metabolism [...] Read more.
Cadmium (Cd) drastically inhibits plant growth and metabolism, whereas arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can enhance plant Cd tolerance through metabolic regulation. To clarify tissue-specific responses, we conducted a pot experiment combined with GC-MS to examine how AM fungi influence root and leaf metabolism of ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) under different Cd levels. Root and leaf metabolomes diverged substantially in composition and function. In total, 83 metabolites were identified in roots, mainly phenolics, amines, and sugars associated with carbon–nitrogen metabolism and stress-defense pathways, whereas 75 metabolites were identified in leaves, largely related to photosynthetic metabolism. Roots were more sensitive to Cd, showing significant metabolic alterations at Cd ≥ 5 mg·kg−1, including disruption of galactose metabolism, while leaves exhibited notable changes only at Cd ≥ 100 mg·kg−1, with suppression of citrate, L-aspartate, and starch and sucrose metabolism. AM fungi modulated plant metabolism more strongly under Cd stress. Specifically, AM fungi restored Cd-suppressed galactose and glyoxylate/dicarboxylate metabolism in roots, enhanced starch and sucrose metabolism and amino acid pathways in leaves, and increased stress-related amino acids and organic acids in both tissues. Overall, AM fungi substantially alleviated Cd-induced metabolic inhibition, particularly at Cd ≥ 50 mg·kg−1, providing mechanistic insight into AM-enhanced Cd tolerance and supporting the application of AM symbiosis in remediation of Cd-contaminated soils. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental and Ecological Interactions of Fungi)
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31 pages, 4403 KB  
Article
HPLC/GC–MS and Electronic Sensing Reveal Tissue-Wide Differences in Bioactive and Flavor Compound Distribution in Coffee Fruits Across Multiple Varieties
by Lu-Xia Ran, Xiao-Hua Dai, Er-Fang Ren, Jin-Hong Li, Lin Yan, Usman Rasheed and Gan-Lin Chen
Foods 2026, 15(2), 269; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15020269 - 12 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1168
Abstract
The quality of different coffee varieties varies, and the corresponding bioactive value of coffee processing byproducts is often overlooked. For that, we employed HPLC, GC-MS, and electronic sensory analyses to evaluate the key bioactive components, antioxidant potential, and flavor traits of green coffee [...] Read more.
The quality of different coffee varieties varies, and the corresponding bioactive value of coffee processing byproducts is often overlooked. For that, we employed HPLC, GC-MS, and electronic sensory analyses to evaluate the key bioactive components, antioxidant potential, and flavor traits of green coffee bean and coffee processing byproducts of seven coffee varieties. The results showed that green coffee beans (Oe+Ie) and exocarp (Ep) possessed strong antioxidant activity and high total phenolic content (TPC), caffeine and trigonelline content. Among the varieties, DR390 contained higher levels of total phenols, caffeine, and trigonelline, whereas DR402 was rich in caffeine and chlorogenic acid. In addition, RY3 exhibited higher TPC, total flavonoid content (TFC), caffeine, and chlorogenic acid. The parchment (Pc) layer was rich in soluble sugars (1.83–5.43%), while the silverskin (Sk) contained relatively high levels of chlorogenic acid (3.58–4.69 mg/g). Flavor analysis identified eleven classes of volatile compounds in green coffee bean (Oe+Ie) and byproducts (Ep, Pc, Sk), with esters, ketones, alcohols, and aldehydes being the most prevalent. Seven key aroma compounds, including methyl salicylate, phenethyl alcohol, nonanal, and benzaldehyde, were identified across the various structural tissues of coffee fruit. Distinct flavor profiles were observed among the coffee fruit parts: green coffee bean (Oe+Ie) was nutty; the Ep showed fruity and cocoa-like aromas; the Pc and Sk exhibited papery and nutty aromas, respectively. Varieties DR397, DR402, and RY3 exhibited pronounced aroma profiles. Comprehensive analysis showed that DR402 and RY3 had higher overall scores for bioactive and flavor components than other varieties in their groups. In summary, green coffee bean (Oe+Ie) exhibited strong antioxidant activity and high levels of bioactive compounds. Coffee byproducts, such as the Ep, hold potential for extracting natural antioxidants and bioactive compounds to develop specialty products or for other high-value utilization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Nutrition)
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