Examining ozone susceptibility in the genus Musa (bananas).

Touriga Franca grapevines were grown in Open-Top Chamber (OTC) and in outside plot (Exterior) for 3 years (2004–2006) to investigate the impact of these structures on climatic conditions and, consequently, on physiological and yield attributes. In general, CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance, carbohydrate concentration, maximum bulk modulus of elasticity, palisade parenchyma thickness, leaf mass per unit area and values of red/far-red ratio transmitted by leaves were lower, whereas intrinsic water use efficiency, SPAD-readings and osmotic potential at full turgor were higher in OTC leaves. However, OTC did not affect leaf water potential, maximum PSII photochemical efficiency, stomatal density and soluble proteins concentration. Also, there were no significant differences in C, P, Ca and Fe between treatments. Meanwhile, N and Mg were higher, whereas K concentration was lower in OTC leaves. The environmental conditions inside OTC provided a significant reduction in yield and Ravaz index of 2004, mainly due to a decrease in clusters weight. Regarding the vegetative growth parameters, OTC did not influence the pruning weight, but in 2006 the weight/shoot was significantly lower in OTC vines. In conclusion, the use OTC facility to study the impact of CO2 enrichment was very expedite, but the extrapolation of results to the open-field environment must be prudent due to the OTC effect.

Consumption of flavonoid-rich foods and increased plasma antioxidant capacity in humans: Cause, consequence, or epiphenomenon?

Conducting studies that assist in the evaluation of agroecosystems is essential for advancing biodiverse and sustainable agriculture. This study aimed to assess the impact of intercropping on the photosynthetic activity of Arabica coffee plants. The experiment was conducted in the municipality of Alegre, Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil. Three coffee cropping systems were studied: Arabica coffee monoculture; Arabica coffee intercropped with Nanicon variety banana; and Arabica coffee intercropped with Nanicon variety banana and Juçara palm. The Arabica coffee variety used was Catuaí Vermelho IAC 44, planted in 1991, with a spacing of 3.0 m between rows and 2.0 m between holes, accommodating two plants per hole. In 2010, coffee trees underwent mid-height pruning (low-cutting pruning), and the Nanicon bananas were planted between rows with a spacing of 5.0 x 3.0 m. Three years later, palm seedlings were planted in the same rows as the banana plants, with a spacing of 5 x 3 m. Five experimental units were randomly selected for each cropping system. The evaluated variables included chlorophyll indexes (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and chlorophyll a/b ratio) and gas exchange parameters (net CO2 assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, transpiration, intrinsic water use efficiency, instantaneous water use efficiency, and carboxylation efficiency). Regarding chlorophyll indexes, differences were observed only in chlorophyll b, with monoculture coffee displaying the highest values. In terms of gas exchange, intercropped coffee exhibited lower values of intrinsic and instantaneous water use efficiency, and higher values of stomatal conductance and transpiration. The highest net assimilation rate values were observed in coffee with banana intercropping, while the highest water use efficiency was found in coffee in monoculture. In summary, monoculture coffee showed the highest values for most of the variables related to photosynthetic activity, followed by Arabica coffee intercropped with banana, which stood out for achieving the highest net assimilation rate.

Leaf ecophysiological and metabolic response in Quercus pyrenaica Willd seedlings to moderate drought under enriched CO2 atmosphere

Although coffee has antioxidant capacity, it is not known which of its bioactive compounds is responsible for it, nor has it been analyzed in experimental cerebral infarction. We studied the effect one of its compounds, 3-caffeoylquinic acid (3-CQA), at doses of 4, 25 and 100 μg on plasma antioxidant capacity and plasma polyphenol content, measuring the differences before and after inducing a cerebral infarction in an experimental rat model. We compared them with 3-caffeoylquinic-free controls. The increase in total antioxidant capacity was only higher than in controls in 3-CQA treated animals with the highest dose. This increase in antioxidant capacity was not due to an increase in polyphenols. No differences between the experimental and control group were found regarding polyphenol content and cerebral infarction volume. In conclusion, this increase in antioxidant capacity in the group that received the highest dose of 3-CQA was not able to reduce experimental cerebral infarction.

Tropospheric ozone (O3), a potent greenhouse gas and secondary air pollutant, stands out as a major photochemical pollutant, posing a considerable threat to plant life. Prolonged exposure to this gas triggers adverse changes in various plant parameters, hindering growth, and hastening senescence. This makes increasing ambient O3 concentrations an urgent environmental concern. An essential aspect of addressing this issue lies in comprehending the mechanisms underlying O3 resistance in plants, particularly for fostering sustainable urban greening in polluted environments. Certain indicative plant parameters, including morphological characteristics, and biochemical and antioxidant capacity, play pivotal roles in regulating the variation in O3 resistance. However, the specific contributions of each trait remain somewhat elusive and understudied. Moreover, O3 resistance exhibits significant variability within and across plant species, influenced by factors such as the timing of O3 exposure and the plant's developmental stage. The present study delves into the nuances of O3 sensitivity among four evergreen shrub species—Bougainvillea glabra, Buxus sempervirens, Duranta goldiana, and Ficus panda—that are commonly chosen for roadside plantations in Delhi. The selected species were exposed to elevated ozone concentrations, in a controlled fashion, in Open-Top Chambers (OTCs) for an entire growing season. The study examined changes in photosynthetic pigments (total chlorophyll, carotenoid), antioxidant capacity (ascorbic acid), and lipid peroxidation. The findings revealed significant discernible impacts of ozone fumigation alongside ambient air concentration. Compared to control samples (ambient air exposure conditions), under elevated ozone treatment, chlorophyll content and total carotenoid levels decreased substantially, while the ascorbic acid content and lipid peroxidation levels increased. Species that underwent the highest decrease in chlorophyll (C) content are the species that experienced the lowest increase in ascorbic acid (AA) levels, and vice versa (i.e., B. sempervirens [C-34.27%, AA+20.83%], D. goldiana [C-25%, AA+35.95%], F. panda [C-23.85%, AA+54.12%], and B. glabra [C-18%, AA+55.27%]). Based on the parametric changes observed in the considered species, it can be concluded that B. glabra is the most appropriate species (followed by F. panda) for systematic urban plantation in areas with high O3 concentrations as it exhibited the highest tolerance. This research contributes valuable insights for selecting suitable plant species in ozone-polluted areas, facilitating environmentally conscious decision-making for the establishment of resilient and sustainable urban green spaces.

The effects of single-season tropospheric ozone (O3) exposures on growth, leaf abscission, and biomass of trembling aspen (Populustremuloides Michx.) rooted cuttings and seedlings were studied. Plants were grown in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in open-top chambers with O3 exposures that ranged from 7 to 92 ppm-h. Depending on the genotype, total seasonal O3 exposure in the range of 50–92 ppm-h had negative impacts on stem, retained leaf, and root biomass accumulation and on diameter growth. Leaf abscission generally increased with increasing O3 exposure and was the principal cause of the decrease in leaf biomass of the O3-treated plants. Considerable genetic variation in O3 responses occurred, as shown by differences in sensitivities among clones and among seedlings. However, the responses to O3 of rooted cuttings and seedlings were similar when seedling means were compared with clonal means for leaf abscission, diameter growth, retained leaf biomass, and root biomass. Comparison of a single square-wave treatment (52 ppm-h) with 70 and 92 ppm-h episodic exposures suggested that the plant response to the square-wave exposure was similar to the response to the highest episodic exposure even though the 92 ppm-h episodic exposure was almost twice the square-wave exposure. Our results are consistent with previous studies that show that P. tremuloides is highly responsive to O3 exposure and this response has a strong genetic component.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from anthropogenic activities are the most significant drivers of climate change, which has both direct and indirect effects on crop production. The study was conducted during the kharif season for two years inside the Open Top Chamber (OTC) at the Genetic-H field of ICAR-Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI) to quantify the effect of elevated CO2 and temperature on water use efficiency of rice varieties. There were two different CO2 concentrations i.e. ambient (410 ppm) and elevated (550 ± 25 ppm) and also two different temperature levels i.e. ambient and elevated (+2.5-2.9°C). Results suggested that warming caused more accumulated GDD in rice and which negatively affected the duration of both the varieties. In elevated CO2 plus high temperature interaction treatment net photosynthesis rate was more than that of chamber control. Stomatal conductance and transpiration rate reduced with co-elevation of CO2 and temperature. Co-elevation of CO2 and temperature, has also improved WUE (both instantaneous and intrinsic) through enhanced carbon assimilation and reduced stomatal conductance, thus, reducing the amount of water lost through transpiration, eventually improving WUE of the crop.

PurposeInvestigate free radical production and antioxidant buffering in military pentathletes’ saliva after their performance of a standardized, running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST).MethodsSeven members of the Brazilian Navy pentathlon team were recruited to perform a running-based anaerobic test (~90 sec). The participants provided samples of saliva before and after the test that were analyzed for biomarkers of oxidative stress such as lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity and the quantity of two specific antioxidants, glutathione and uric acid.ResultsThe lipid peroxidation increased ~2 fold after RAST, despite an increase in total antioxidant capacity (46%). The concentration of reduced glutathione did not change, while the uric acid concentration increased by 65%.ConclusionsThe evaluation in saliva following a sprint test that lasted no more than 90 sec was sensitive enough to reveal changes in redox state.

Grafting is a horticultural technique that involves a healing process that requires grafted plants to develop physiological responses to overcome oxidative stress. In this study, oxidative damage, total antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzymatic activities were analysed in functional and non-functional tomato autografts for eight days after grafting, considering scion and rootstock tissues separately. The results showed that oxidative damage, measured as lipid peroxidation, was controlled, especially in functional grafts. Scion tissues showed significant increases in total antioxidant capacity and activities of key antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase and catalase. Non-functional grafts showed elevated levels of class III peroxidase, potentially related to defensive suberisation and lignification. Principal component analysis revealed that antioxidant activities correlated dynamically with grafting stages, highlighting their critical role in stress mitigation. These results suggest that an efficient and asymmetric antioxidant response is essential for successful graft healing in tomato plants. Furthermore, different patterns in non-functional grafts underline the importance of redox balance in determining graft success.

BackgroundDrugs are an important cause of liver injury. The use of natural remedies for the treatment of liver diseases has a long history and medicinal plants are still used all over the world for this purpose. For their medicinal and nutritional values, Berberis vulgaris, Crocus sativus and Ziziphus jujuba plants are of particular interest. In current study we aim to explore hepato-protective effects of three medicinal plants; C.sativus (petal and stigma), Z.jujuba and B.vulgaris in acute drug-induced hepatotoxicity and evaluation of their preventive effects in acetaminophen and rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity in rat.MethodsOne hundred thirty healthy male Wistar rats (200–220 g) were randomly assigned into 26 groups (n = 5). Different doses of Z.jujuba, C.sativus and B.vulgaris are used to treat acetaminophen and rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity. Serum level of liver enzymes alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase, total antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation measured using specific kits at the end of the experimental period. Furthermore, total phenol content; flavonoids and flavonol were also measured in each extract.ResultsTreatment with medicinal plants decreased liver enzyme levels and improved oxidative stress status in hepatotoxic rats. This effect was notable in case of C. sativus and Z. jujuba. It is noteworthy plants used effectively treated acetaminophen group in comparison with rifampicin group.ConclusionNormal levels of liver enzymes, an increase in total antioxidant capacity and a decrease in lipid peroxidation level uncovered hepato-protective effects of these plants. It seems antioxidant and hepato-protective effects of botanical extracts are basically linked with their phenol and flavonoid properties that neutralized oxidant agents. However, more studies required to implement our strategy.

Background: Stem cell transplantation after acute myocardial infarction is a new therapeutic strategy that has been claimed to restore heart function. Some studies have reported that the cardioprotective effects of crocin are related to the regulation of the antioxidant enzymes activity and cardiac biomarkers. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the combined treatment with mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue and crocin in the isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction model. Methods: Forty rats were randomly divided into the control, acute myocardial infarction, acute myocardial infarction plus cellular therapy, acute myocardial infarction plus cellular therapy and crocin, and the group receiving crocin. Cardiac damage biomarkers and oxidative stress indexes such as, Malondialdehyde (MDA) and TACrolimus (TAC) levels were evaluated in all the groups. Results: A significant elevation in serum concentrations of troponin T, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and alanine aminotransferase were observed as the primary indicators of cardiac injury in the ischemia model group when contrasted with the control rats. These findings correlated with a marked reduction in total antioxidant capacity and a significant rise in MDA levels in the group treated with Isoproterenol compared to the control group. The administration of mesenchymal stem cells in conjunction with crocin demonstrated improvements in cardiac biomarkers, which were associated with a decrease in MDA levels and an increase in total antioxidant capacity. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, antioxidant compounds along with cell therapy is suggested as an effective therapeutic strategy in ischemic heart damage. Cellular and molecular studies are necessary to identify the exact mechanism of effectiveness of this therapeutic strategy.

Background: Hypertension is consistently related to the development of ischemic heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. Oxidative stress has been associated with mechanisms of hypertension which could be nullified by antioxidants such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Aim and Objectives: The objectives of the study are as follows: (i) To estimate the impact of antioxidant therapy on antioxidant capacity in hypertensive patients; (ii) to measure serum levels of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in hypertensive patients before and after giving them antioxidant therapy for 45 days. Materials and Methods: Thirty randomly selected hypertensive patients were given Supradyn tablet once a day for 45 days. Ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), SOD, GR, GPx, and reduced Glutathione assays were measured before and after the intervention therapy. Results: Total antioxidant capacity as measured by serum FRAP in hypertensive patients before and after the therapy was increased significantly from 578.8 ± 60.85 to 592.1 ± 59.66 (μmol/L), respectively. The levels of SOD, GPx, GR, and Glutathione in hypertensive patients before giving antioxidant therapy were 1.6 ± 0.49 U/ml, 184.6 ± 17.1 μmol/L/min, 8.96 ± 1.15 μmol/L/min, and 8.03 ± 0.96 μmol/g of Hb, respectively. The same after giving them antioxidant therapy were 1.7 ± 0.46 U/ml, 182.4 ± 15.98 μmol/L/min, 8.83 ± 1.11 μmol/L/min, and 7.83 ± 0.94 μmol/g of Hb, respectively. The levels of GPx, GR, and Glutathione were significantly decreased after giving antioxidant therapy for 45 days while SOD level did not change significantly. Conclusion: Antioxidant therapies for 45 days led to a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity as shown by plasma FRAP levels and a significant decrease in serum levels of enzymatic antioxidants such as GPx, GR and Glutathione in hypertensive patients. However, serum levels of SOD did not show a significant change.

Histopathological lesions, oxidative stress and genotoxic effects in liver and kidneys following long term exposure of rabbits to diazinon and propoxur

IntroductionIn recent years, with the continuous expansion of aquaculture areas worldwide and the outbreak of diseases, the use of antibiotics and chemical drugs is limited. Plant polysaccharides have received widespread attention due to their multiple bioactivities. However, research on the combined use of plant polysaccharides and Bacillus coagulans is still insufficient. Therefore, this study focuses on the impact of B.coagulans-fermented polysaccharides on Macrobrachium nipponense.MethodsAn 8-week feeding trial was conducted with seven groups: the control group (CT) and the Bacillus coagulans group (N),Atractylodes macrocephala polysaccharides group (NB), Saposhnikovia divaricata polysaccharides group (NF), Mannose group (NG), Astragalus polysaccharides group (NH) and Yu ping feng polysaccharides group (NP).Results and discussionThe research results indicate that compared to the CT, the levels of AST and ALT were reduced in the group of N, NF and NG. The NF showed a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and total superoxide dismutase (SASC) levels. The NP had a significant increase in T-AOC and superoxide anion scavenging ability. The levels of total protein (TP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the group of NG, NB, and NP were significantly higher than those in the CT and N. Compared to the CT, the expression of Toll in the NP group, Myd88 and Dorsal in the NH group, and IMD and Relish in the NF and NP group were all significantly increased. Conversely, the expression of IMD in the NB and NG group and Relish in the NG group was significantly decreased. Additionally, the survival rate in the NP group was significantly higher than in other groups, and the NB group enhanced the weight gain of M.nipponense compared to the N. In summary, B.coagulans fermented with Yupingfeng polysaccharides and Astragalus polysaccharides can significantly enhance the antioxidant and immune capabilities of M.nipponense.