Multifunctional Cerium Oxide Nanozyme for Synergistic Dry Eye Disease Therapy.

Dry eye disease (DED) is a chronic multifactorial ocular surface disease mainly caused by the instability of tear film, characterized by a series of ocular discomforts and even visual disorders. Oxidative stress has been recognized as an upstream factor in DED development. Diquafosol sodium (DQS) is an agonist of the P2Y2 receptor to restore the integrity/stability of the tear film. With the ability to alternate between Ce3+ and Ce4+, cerium oxide nanozymes could scavenge overexpressed reactive oxygen species (ROS). Hence, a DQS-loaded cerium oxide nanozyme was designed to boost the synergistic treatment of DED. Cerium oxide with branched polyethylenimine-graft-poly(ethylene glycol) as nucleating agent and dispersant was fabricated followed with DQS immobilization via a dynamic phenylborate ester bond, obtaining the DQS-loaded cerium oxide nanozyme (defined as Ce@PBD). Because of the ability to mimic the cascade processes of superoxide dismutase and catalase, Ce@PBD could scavenge excessive accumulated ROS, showing strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Meanwhile, the P2Y2 receptors in the conjunctival cells could be stimulated by DQS in Ce@PBD, which can relieve the incompleteness and instability of the tear film. The animal experiments demonstrated that Ce@PBD significantly restored the defect of the corneal epithelium and increased the number of goblet cells, with the promotion of tear secretion, which was the best among commercial DQS ophthalmic solutions.

New flavanone and other constituents from erythrina senegalensis A. DC. (fabaceae).

The chemical investigation of the methanol trunk bark extract of Erythrina senegalensis led to the isolation of a new flavanone, 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3',5'-bis(3-methylbutadienyl)flavanone (trivially named senegalensisnone) (1), together with seven known compounds, abyssinone-V-4'-O-methyl ether (2), abyssinone V (3), Calopocarpin (4), genistein (5) mixture of stigmasterol (6) and ß-sitosterol (7) and ß-sitosterol-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (8). The structures of the isolates were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic and spectrometric analyses (1D and 2D NMR, ESI-MS) and by comparison with previously reported data. The absolute configuration of 1 was deduced based on comparison of its experimental CD with that of similar compound. All the compounds were tested for their antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities. Compound 4 displayed weak antibacterial activity against Salmonella enteritidis with MIC value of 62.5 µg/mL. All the isolates were found to be inactive as antioxidant agents in the DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays.

The impact of aerobic exercise timing on BMAL1 protein expression and antioxidant responses in skeletal muscle of mice.

It is well known that the adaptations of muscular antioxidant system to aerobic exercise depend on the frequency, intensity, duration, type of the exercise. Nonetheless, the timing of aerobic exercise, related to circadian rhythms or biological clock, may also affect the antioxidant defense system, but its impact remains uncertain. Bain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (BMAL1) is the core orchestrator of molecular clock, which can maintain cellular redox homeostasis by directly controlling the transcriptional activity of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2). So, our research objective was to evaluate the impacts of aerobic exercise training at various time points of the day on BMAL1 and NRF2-mediated antioxidant system in skeletal muscle. C57BL/6J mice were assigned to the control group, the group exercising at Zeitgeber Time 12 (ZT12), and the group exercising at ZT24. Control mice were not intervened, while ZT12 and ZT24 mice were trained for four weeks at the early and late time point of their active phase, respectively. We observed that the skeletal muscle of ZT12 mice exhibited higher total antioxidant capacity and lower reactive oxygen species compared to ZT24 mice. Furthermore, ZT12 mice improved the colocalization of BMAL1 with nucleus, the protein expression of BMAL1, NRF2, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1, heme oxygenase 1, glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit and glutathione reductase in comparison to those of ZT24 mice. In conclusion, the 4-week aerobic training performed at ZT12 is more effective for enhancing NRF2-mediated antioxidant responses of skeletal muscle, which may be attributed to the specific activation of BMAL1.

Engineered Lipids for Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging in Steatotic Hepatocytes.

Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in steatotic cells pose a problem due to their potential to cause oxidative stress and cellular damage. Delivering engineered phospholipids to intracellular lipid droplets in steatotic hepatic cells, using the cell's inherent intracellular lipid transport mechanisms are investigated. Initially, it is shown that tail-labeled fluorescent lipids assembled into liposomes are able to be transported to intracellular lipid droplets in steatotic HepG2 cells and HHL-5 cells. Further, an antioxidant, an EUK salen-manganese derivative, which has superoxide dismutase-like and catalase-like activity, is covalently conjugated to the tail of a phospholipid and formulated as liposomes for administration. Steatotic HepG2 cells and HHL-5 cells incubated with these antioxidant liposomes have lower intracellular ROS levels compared to untreated controls and non-covalently formulated antioxidants. This first proof-of-concept study illustrates an alternative strategy to equip native organelles in mammalian cells with engineered enzyme activity.

Optimization of enzymatic production of anti-skin aging biopeptides from white sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench] grain.

Recently, kafirins from white sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench] grain have shown promise as a source of biopeptides with anti-skin aging effects (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and inhibition of photoaging-associated enzymes). This study employed response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the extraction and enzymatic hydrolysis of kafirins (KAF) for the production of peptides with anti-skin aging properties. The optimization of conditions (reaction time and enzyme/substrate ratio) for liquefaction with α-amylase and hydrolysis of KAF with alcalase was performed using 32 complete factorial designs. Subsequently, ultrafiltered peptide extracts were obtained with molecular weights of 1-3 kDa (KAF-UF3) and lower than 1 kDa (KAF-UF1), which mainly contain hydrophobic amino acids (proline, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, and valine) and peptide fractions with molecular weights of 0.69, 1.14, and 1.87 kDa. Consequently, the peptide extracts protected immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) from ultraviolet B radiation (UVB)-induced damage by preventing the decrease and/or restoring the activity of antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)]. Furthermore, KAF-UF3 and KAF-UF1 inhibited (20-29%) elastase and collagenase overactivity in UVB-exposed murine fibroblasts (3T3 cells). Thus, KAF-UF3 and KAF-UF1 exhibited behavior similar to that observed with glutathione (GSH), suggesting their potential as functional peptide ingredients in skincare products.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Potential of Green Synthesized Iron Zinc Oxide (Fe0.25-ZnO) Nanoparticles of the Elaeagnus angustifolia.

Research interest in examining Elaeagnus angustifolia's potential as a source of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents has grown as a result of the plant's endorsement as a rich source of bioactive chemicals with promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.  In this study, zinc oxide (Fe0.25-ZnO) bimetallic nanoparticles (E.ang-Fe0.25-ZnO NPs) were synthesized using an aqueous extract of Elaeagnus angustifolia. Synthesized Fe0.25-ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR and XRD. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities were investigated in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages using RT-PCR and ELISA techniques for antioxidant- and inflammation-related genes. The concentration of 39.6µg/ml of E.ang-Fe0.25-ZnO NPs demonstrated a significant anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing the mRNA levels of TNF-α and IL-6 by 88.3%±1.9 and 93.6%±0.1, respectively, compared to LPS-stimulated cells.  This was confirmed by the significant reduction of TNF-α and IL-6 secretion levels from 95.2 and 495.6 pg/ml in LPS-stimulated cells to 5.6 and 26.5 pg/ml in E.ang-Fe0.25-ZnO treated group. In addition, E.ang-Fe0.25-ZnO NPs nanoparticles treatment significantly enhanced the expression of antioxidant-related genes, SOD and CAT. Together, our results proved that phyto-mediated Fe0.25-ZnO nanoparticles using Elaeagnus angustifolia have great potential in biomedical applications such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

The investigation of selected bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties of Crataegus monogyna L.

This work presents investigation of chemical composition and antioxidant activity of ethanolic extracts of leaves with flowers and berries prepared by ultrasound and Soxhlet extractions of Crataegus monogyna from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Total phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents were measured by spectrophotometric methods. The sample of leaves with flowers extracted by Soxhlet extraction was the richest in the content of total phenolic compounds (14.43 mg GAE/g DW) and total flavonoids (2.22 mg QE/g DW). Same extract showed the best antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 0.71 mg/mL for DPPH and 0.38 mg/mL for ABTS assay, as well as the highest content of gallic acid, caffeic acid, and hyperoside 0.04 mg GAE/g DW, 0.60 mg CA/g DW and 2.61 mg HYP/g DW, respectively, determined by HPLC-ED. Vitexin was not detected. The extract of berries obtained by ultrasound extraction had the highest amount of total anthocyanins (1.69 mg/100 g DW).

Mango peel extracts and mangiferin chromatographic Fourier-transform infrared correlation with antioxidant, antidiabetic, and advanced glycation end product inhibitory potentials using in silico modeling and in vitro assays.

Mangifera indica peels are a rich source of diverse flavonoids and xanthonoids; however, generally these are discarded. Computational studies revealed that mangiferin significantly interacts with amino acid residues of transcriptional regulators 1IK3, 3TOP, and 4f5S. The methanolic extract of Langra variety of mangoes contained the least phenol concentrations (22.6 ± 0.32 mg/gGAE [gallic acid equivalent]) compared to the chloroform (214.8 ± 0.12 mg/gGAE) and ethyl acetate fractions (195.6 ± 0.14 mg/gGAE). Similarly, the methanolic extract of Sindhri variety contained lower phenol concentrations (42.3 ± 0.13 mg/gRUE [relative utilization efficiency]) compared with the chloroform (85.6 ± 0.15 mg/gGAE) and ethyl acetate (76.1 ± 0.32 mg/gGAE) fractions. Langra extract exhibited significant α-glucosidase inhibition (IC50 0.06 mg/mL), whereas the ethyl acetate fraction was highly active (IC50 0.12 mg/mL) in Sindhri variety. Mangiferin exhibited significant inhibition (IC50 0.026 mg/mL). A moderate inhibition of 15-LOX was observed in all samples, whereas mangiferin was least active. In advanced glycation end product inhibition assay, the chloroform fraction of Langra variety exhibited significant inhibition in nonoxidative (IC50 64.4 µg/mL) and oxidative modes (IC50 54.7 µg/mL). It was concluded that both Langra and Sindhri peel extracts and fractions possess significant antidiabetic activities. The results suggest the potential use of peel waste in the management and complications of diabetes.

A concise review of the nutritional profiles, microbial dynamics, and health impacts of fermented mushrooms.

Mushrooms have garnered significant attention for their nutritional composition and potential health benefits, including antioxidant, antihypertensive, and cholesterol-lowering properties. This review explores the nutritional composition of edible mushrooms, including their high protein content, essential amino acids, low fat, cholesterol levels, and bioactive compounds with medicinal value. Moreover, the study analyzes the microbiology of mushroom fermentation, focusing on the diverse microbial ecosystem involved in the transformation of raw mushrooms and the preservation methods employed to extend their shelf life. Special emphasis is placed on lactic acid fermentation as a cost-effective and efficient preservation technique. It involves controlling the growth of lactic acid bacteria to enhance the microbial stability and nutritional quality of mushrooms. Furthermore, the bioactivities of fermented mushrooms are elucidated, which are antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-glycemic, immune modulatory, and other biological activities. The mechanisms underlying these bioactivities are explored, emphasizing the role of fermented mushrooms in suppressing free radicals, enhancing antioxidant defenses, and modulating immune responses. Overall, this review provides comprehensive insights into the nutritional composition, microbiology, bioactivities, and underlying mechanisms of fermented mushrooms, highlighting their potential as functional foods with significant health-promoting properties.

Antimalarial and antioxidant activities of novel artesunate-ellagic acid hybrid compound in vitro and in vivo.

Introduction: Emergence of drug resistant strains of Plasmodium species has necessitated the search for novel antimalarials with unique mechanisms of action. Synthesis of hybrid compounds has been one approach to tackling this challenge. In this study, the synthesis of artesunate-ellagic acid hybrid compound (EA31) from ellagic acid and artesunate and its evaluation for antimalarial and antioxidant activities using in vitro and in vivo models were carried out. Method: EA31 was synthesized from artesunate and ellagic acid. The activities of the hybrid compound against Plasmodium falciparum W2 and P. berghei NK65 were evaluated, and its antioxidant activities were also determined. Results: The results revealed that EA31 was more active against P. falciparum W2 (chloroquine resistant) clone and less cytotoxic to buffalo green monkey kidney cell line compared to artesunate. EA31 was also active against Plasmodium berghei NK65 in vivo. The results revealed inhibition of ß-hematin formation as one of the mechanisms of action of EA31. EA31 also exhibited antioxidant activities. Conclusion: The results revealed that EA31 may exert dual action of killing malaria parasite and mopping the reactive oxygen species that mediate the secondary complications of malaria.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of Caralluma fimbriata for antioxidant and diabetes management: a 28-day rat model study.

This study evaluated the anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic potential of Caralluma fimbriata (CF) in 28-days rat modelling trial. Diabetes is a chronic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels and insulin resistance and cause microvascular and macrovascular issues. Caralluma fimbriata was evaluated for its nutritional composition along with anti-oxidant potential of CF powder (CFP) and CF extract (CFE) using total phenolic contents (TPC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Furthermore, anti-diabetic potential was computed by dividing rats into four groups of 5 individuals each. Rats of Group I was non-diabetic and no supplementation was given while rats of group II were diabetic and no supplementation was given. While group III and group IV rats were diabetic and received CFP and CFE supplementation respectively. CF powder's TPC, and DPPH and FRAP activity were observed maximum at 44.17 ± 0.006 (µgFe/g) in water, 68.75 ± 0.49 (µgFe/g) in acetone and 800.81 ± 0.99 (µgFe/g) in hexane. Supplementation of CFP and CFE reduced blood glucose effectively i.e. (125.00 ± 4.04 and 121.00 ± 4.49 mg/dL, respectively). Moreover, the consumption of C. fimbriata can be helpful in the management of diabetes mellitus due to its glucose lowering potential, anorexic effects, anti-oxidant potential and α-amylase inhibition.

In Vitro Protective Effect of Pea-Derived Peptides (PPs) via the Keap1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway on Alpha-Gliadin-Sensitizing Peptide Induced Cacao-2 Cells.

SCOPE: Celiac disease (CD) is an allergic intestinal disease caused mainly by gliadin in wheat, which is widespread in the population and currently lacks effective treatment. α-Gliadin peptides cause cellular damage by substantially increasing cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study investigates the protective effect of 11 pea-derived peptides (PPs) on ɑ-gliadin peptide (P31-43) treated Caco-2 cells. Results show that cells treated with PP2, PP5, and PP6 peptides significantly reduce the cell mortality caused by P31-43. Three PPs significantly reduce the P31-43-induced decrease in ROS levels to control levels, and there is no difference between them and the vitamin C (Vc) group. The results in terms of antioxidant-related enzymes show that PPs significantly decrease superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), glutathione reductases (GR), and glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels, thus significantly enhancing the antioxidant level of cells. By studying the key proteins of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, it is found that PPs activate the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: The study finds that peptides from peas can effectively alleviate ɑ-gliadin peptide-induced cell damage. The discovery of these food-derived peptides provides novel potential solutions for the prevention and treatment of CD.

Investigation of the effects of nanoplastic polyethylene terephthalate on environmental toxicology using model Drosophila melanogaster.

Plastic pollution has become a major environmental concern, and various plastic polymers are used daily. A study was conducted to examine the toxic effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nanoplastics (NPLs) on Drosophila melanogaster. We have successfully synthesized PET NPLs and characterized using DLS, Zeta potential, TEM, HRTEM, SAED, XRD, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy to gain crucial insights into the structure and properties. We fed PET NPLs to Drosophila to assess toxicity. ROS was quantified using DCFH-DA and NBT, and the nuclear degradation was checked by DAPI staining. Quantification of protein and activity of antioxidant enzymes like SOD, catalase depicted the adverse consequences of PET NPLs exposure. The dorsal side of the abdomens, eyes, and wings were also defective when phenotypically analyzed. These results substantiate the genotoxic and cytotoxic impact of nanoplastics. Notably, behavioral observations encompassing larval crawling and climbing of adults exhibit normal patterns, excluding the presence of neurotoxicity. Adult Drosophila showed decreased survivability, and fat accumulation enhanced body weight. These findings contribute to unraveling the intricate mechanisms underlying nanoplastic toxicity and emphasize its potential repercussions for organismal health and ecological equilibrium.

The ameliorating effects of cinnamic acid-based nanocomposite against salt stress in peppermint.

Nanoparticles (NPs) are important in regulating plant tolerance to salt stress. Peppermint is one of the most widely used aromatic plants, with a high sensitivity to salt stress. The present study investigated physiological and biochemical factors to understand better the behavior of cinnamic acid (CA) and cinnamic acid nanocomposite in salinity control in peppermint plants. The first factor was salt stress with different salt concentrations, including 0, 50, 100, and 150 mg/L, the second factor was 50 µM CA, and the third factor was 50 µM CA nanocomposite based on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-CA NC). Results showed that stress markers increased with increasing salinity levels. On the contrary, plants treated with salinity showed a decrease in physiological and photosynthetic parameters, while the application of CA and CMC CA NC increased these critical parameters. Under salinity, compared to the control, malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide contents decreased by 11.3% and 70.4%, respectively. Furthermore, CA and CMC-CA NC enhanced peppermint tolerance to salinity by increasing compatible solute content such as proline, free amino acids, protein content, and soluble carbohydrates, increasing antioxidant enzymes, and decreasing stress markers in plant tissues. Compared to the control, chlorophyll fluorescence and proline content increased by 1.1% and 172.1%, respectively. Salinity stress negatively affected all physiological and biochemical parameters, but CA and CMC-CA NC treatments improved them. We concluded that the nanocomposite, a biostimulant, significantly enhances mint tolerance under salinity conditions.

Extraction of kaempferol derivatives from Zygophyllum paulayanum and its diverse biological activities.

Zygophyllum paulayanum (Zygophyllaceae), is a plant commonly found in the desert region, well-known for its antioxidant, anticancer, wound healing, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, properties. In this present work, we have studied the extraction of kaempferol derivatives from Z. paulayanum which showed excellent biological activities. The whole plant (root, leaves and stem) was extracted using ethanol, hydrolysed with HCl, and studied for the identification of active molecules. Different techniques like TLC, HPLC, and LCMS have been used to identify and confirm the kaempferol aglycone flavonoid. A mass spectrometric method based on electrospray ionisation has confirmed the presence of kaempferol flavonoid. Apart from the hydrolysed extract, the unhydrolyzed extract was also tested for LCMS which confirms the presence of glycosides such as kaempferol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-7-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside, kaempferol 3-O-ß -rutinoside and kaempferol-3-o-rhamnoside. Both extracts of Z. paulayanum exhibited superior antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, phytoestrogenic and cytotoxic properties which might be due to the presence of kaempferol derivatives.

Logic "AND Gate Circuit" Based Mussel Inspired Polydopamine Nanocomposite as Bioactive Antioxidant for Management of Oxidative Stress and Neurogenesis in Traumatic Brain Injury.

In the intricate landscape of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), the management of TBI remains a challenging task due to the extremely complex pathophysiological conditions and excessive release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the injury site and the limited regenerative capacities of the central nervous system (CNS). Existing pharmaceutical interventions are limited in their ability to efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and expeditiously target areas of brain inflammation. In response to these challenges herein, we designed novel mussel inspired polydopamine (PDA)-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (PDA-AMSNs) with excellent antioxidative ability to deliver a new potential therapeutic GSK-3ß inhibitor lead small molecule abbreviated as Neuro Chemical Modulator (NCM) at the TBI site using a neuroprotective peptide hydrogel (PANAP). PDA-AMSNs loaded with NCM (i.e., PDA-AMSN-D) into the matrix of PANAP were injected into the damaged area in an in vivo cryogenic brain injury model (CBI). This approach is specifically built while keeping the logic AND gate circuit as the primary focus. Where NCM and PDA-AMSNs act as two input signals and neurological functional recovery as a single output. Therapeutically, PDA-AMSN-D significantly decreased infarct volume, enhanced neurogenesis, rejuvenated BBB senescence, and accelerated neurological function recovery in a CBI.

Design, Synthesis of 3-(Aryl)-1-(2-p-tolylthiazol-4-yl)prop-2-en-1-ones as Alpha(α)-Amylase Inhibitors.

α-Amylase inhibition is vital in controlling diabetic complications. Herein, we have synthesized a hybrid scaffold based on thiazole-chalcone to access α-amylase inhbition. The proposed structures were verified with spectroscopic techniques (UV-vis, FT-IR, 1H-, 13C-NMR, and elemental analysis). The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their α-amylase and antioxidant potential. In vitro hemolytic assay was performed to test biocompatibility of all compounds. Among tested compounds, 4c (IC50= 3.8 µM), 4g (IC50= 14.5 µM), and 4f (IC50= 17.1 µM) were found excellent α-amylase inhibitors. However, none of the tested compounds exhibited significant antioxidant activity. All compounds showed less lysis than Triton X-100, but compounds 4f and 4h had the least lysis at all tested concentrations and were found to be safe for human erythrocytes. Molecular docking study was performed to evaluate the binding interactions of ligands with human pancreatic α-amylase (HPA). The binding score -8.09 to -8.507 kcal/mol revealed strong binding interactions in the ligand-protein complex. The docking results supplemented the observed α-amylase inhibition and hence augment the scaffold to serve as leads for the antidiabetic drug development.

Pesticide butachlor exposure perturbs gut microbial homeostasis.

Agricultural production relies heavily on the use of pesticides, which may accumulate in soil and water, posing a significant threat to the global ecological environment and biological health. Butachlor is a commonly used herbicide and environmental pollutant, which has been linked to liver and kidney damage, as well as neurological abnormalities. However, the potential impact of butachlor exposure on the gut microbiota remains understudied. Thus, our aim was to investigate the potential negative effects of butachlor exposure on host health and gut microbiota. Our results demonstrated that butachlor exposure significantly reduced the host antioxidant capacity, as evidenced by decreased levels of T-AOC, SOD, and GSH-Px, and increased levels of MDA. Serum biochemical analysis also revealed a significant increase in AST and ALT levels during butachlor exposure. Microbial analysis showed that butachlor exposure significantly reduced the abundance and diversity of gut microbiota. Furthermore, butachlor exposure also significantly altered the gut microbial composition. In conclusion, our findings indicate that butachlor exposure can have detrimental health effects, including dysregulation of antioxidant enzymes, abnormalities in transaminases, and hepatointestinal damage. Furthermore, it disrupts the gut microbial homeostasis by altering microbial composition and reducing diversity and abundance. In the context of the increasingly serious use of pesticides, this study will help provide impetus for standardizing the application of pesticides and reducing environmental pollution.

Salt stress amelioration and nutrient strengthening in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) via biochar amendment and zinc fortification: seed priming versus foliar application.

Soil salinity is a major nutritional challenge with poor agriculture production characterized by high sodium (Na+) ions in the soil. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and biochar have received attention as a sustainable strategy to reduce biotic and abiotic stress. However, there is a lack of information regarding the incorporation of ZnO NPs with biochar to ameliorate the salinity stress (0, 50,100 mM). Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the potentials of ZnO NPs application (priming and foliar) alone and with a combination of biochar on the growth and nutrient availability of spinach plants under salinity stress. Results demonstrated that salinity stress at a higher rate (100 mM) showed maximum growth retardation by inducing oxidative stress, resulted in reduced photosynthetic rate and nutrient availability. ZnO NPs (priming and foliar) alone enhanced growth, chlorophyll contents and gas exchange parameters by improving the antioxidant enzymes activity of spinach under salinity stress. While, a significant and more pronounced effect was observed at combined treatments of ZnO NPs with biochar amendment. More importantly, ZnO NPs foliar application with biochar significantly reduced the Na+ contents in root 57.69%, and leaves 61.27% of spinach as compared to the respective control. Furthermore, higher nutrient contents were also found at the combined treatment of ZnO NPs foliar application with biochar. Overall, ZnO NPs combined application with biochar proved to be an efficient and sustainable strategy to alleviate salinity stress and improve crop nutritional quality under salinity stress. We inferred that ZnO NPs foliar application with a combination of biochar is more effectual in improving crop nutritional status and salinity mitigation than priming treatments with a combination of biochar.

The effects of Artemisia Sieberi, Achillea Fragrantissima, and Olea Europaea leaves on the performance and physiological parameters in heat-stressed broiler chickens.

High temperatures have detrimental effects on the performance and physiology of broiler chickens. Medicinal plants have various biological activities and may enhance the heat resistance of chickens during heat waves. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential roles of using specific local medicinal plants to alleviate the negative impacts of heat stress (HS) in broilers. In this study, 180 day-old chicks were used to investigate the effects of HS and dietary indigenous medicinal plants on growth performance, antioxidant biomarkers, and intestinal health. The chicks were assigned to six groups (18 pens with 10 chicks per pen) with three replicates each. In the first group, the chicks were kept under thermoneutral conditions (CON) and fed a basal diet. The other five groups were exposed to recurrent heat stress and fed a basal diet (T1, HS group) or supplemented with Artemisia Sieberi (1.25 g/kg of feed; T2), Achillea Fragrantissima (15 g/kg of feed; T3), Olea europaea (10 g/kg of feed; T4), and all the previous additives (all-in-one) combined at the same dose levels mentioned above (T5). At 21 days of age, the chicks from each group were exposed to two phases of heat stress: phase 1 from days 21 to 34 (34 ± 1°C) followed by phase 2 from days 35 to 39 (37 ± 1°C). The results indicate that HS significantly increased rectal temperature and respiration rate in broiler chickens. Feed intake and body weight gain were improved in all supplemented groups, while the feed conversion ratio was decreased in response to the dietary inclusion of medicinal plants. Additionally, glutathione peroxidase and immunoglobulin G levels were increased in the T3, T4, and T5 groups compared to the other groups. HS induced significant upregulated in the mRNA levels of heat shock protein 70 and interleukin-8, while the mRNA of occludin was decreased. The T3, T4, and T5 showed significantly decreased expression of hepatic HSP70 and ileum IL-8 genes and increased ileum mRNA occludin levels relative to the CON and T1 groups. In conclusion, supplementation with these plants enhances growth performance and maintains intestinal health sustaining the productivity of broiler chickens under HS conditions.