Isoform-resolved genome annotation enables mapping of tissue-specific betalain regulation in amaranth.

Betalains are coloring pigments produced in some families of the order Caryophyllales, where they replace anthocyanins as coloring pigments. While the betalain pathway itself is well studied, the tissue-specific regulation of the pathway remains mostly unknown. We enhance the high-quality Amaranthus hypochondriacus reference genome and produce a substantially more complete genome annotation, incorporating isoform details. We annotate betalain and anthocyanin pathway genes along with their regulators in amaranth and map the genetic control and tissue-specific regulation of the betalain pathway. Our improved genome annotation allowed us to identify causal mutations that lead to a knock-out of red betacyanins in natural accessions of amaranth. We reveal the tissue-specific regulation of flower color via a previously uncharacterized MYB transcription factor, AhMYB2. Downregulation of AhMYB2 in the flower leads to reduced expression of key betalain enzyme genes and loss of red flower color. Our improved amaranth reference genome represents the most complete genome of amaranth to date and is a valuable resource for betalain and amaranth research. High similarity of the flower betalain regulator AhMYB2 to anthocyanin regulators and a partially conserved interaction motif support the co-option of anthocyanin regulators for the betalain pathway as a possible reason for the mutual exclusiveness of the two pigments.

Effects of Different Proportions of Amaranthus hypochondriacus Stem and Leaf Powder Inclusions on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, and Blood Biochemical Parameters of Broilers.

This experiment aimed to study the effects of different proportions of Amaranthus hypochondriacus stem and leaf powder (AHSL) on the growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, meat quality, and blood biochemical parameters of broilers from day 1 to day 42. The experiment utilized a single-factor experimental design, with a total of 216 one-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) randomly assigned to three dietary treatment groups (eight replicate cages of nine birds per cage). The dietary treatments included a control diet, a 3% AHSL diet and a 6% AHSL diet for days 0-21. Then, the 3% and 6% AHSL diets were changed to 5% and 10% AHSL for days 22-42. The results showed that the inclusion levels of AHSL did not affect growth performance, carcass traits, or meat quality on days 21 and 42 (p > 0.05). However, the inclusion levels of AHSL decreased the apparent nutrient digestibility (AND) of dry matter (DM) (p ˂ 0.001) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (p ˂ 0.001) and increased the serum concentration of phosphorus (p ˂ 0.001) on day 21. On day 42, the inclusion levels of AHSL decreased the AND of DM (p = 0.025) and NDF content (p ˂ 0.001), but increased the AND of crude protein (CP) (p = 0.004). In particular, the diet containing 10% AHSL significantly increased the serum enzyme activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p = 0.046) and the serum concentration of total protein (TP) (p ˂ 0.001) on day 42. Overall, AHSL can be used as a new and effective feed ingredient in broiler diets. It can replace part of the corn-soybean meal diet without any adverse effects, which is beneficial for conserving feed resources. Additionally, AHSL can be included at a level of up to 10% during the broiler growth period.

Comparative transcriptomics reveals the role of altered energy metabolism in the establishment of single-cell C4 photosynthesis in Bienertia sinuspersici.

Single-cell C4 photosynthesis (SCC4) in terrestrial plants without Kranz anatomy involves three steps: initial CO2 fixation in the cytosol, CO2 release in mitochondria, and a second CO2 fixation in central chloroplasts. Here, we investigated how the large number of mechanisms underlying these processes, which occur in three different compartments, are orchestrated in a coordinated manner to establish the C4 pathway in Bienertia sinuspersici, a SCC4 plant. Leaves were subjected to transcriptome analysis at three different developmental stages. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that SCC4 cycle genes are coexpressed with genes regulating cyclic electron flow and amino/organic acid metabolism, two key processes required for the production of energy molecules in C3 plants. Comparative gene expression profiling of B. sinuspersici and three other species (Suaeda aralocaspica, Amaranthus hypochondriacus, and Arabidopsis thaliana) showed that the direction of metabolic flux was determined via an alteration in energy supply in peripheral chloroplasts and mitochondria via regulation of gene expression in the direction of the C4 cycle. Based on these results, we propose that the redox homeostasis of energy molecules via energy metabolism regulation is key to the establishment of the SCC4 pathway in B. sinuspersici.

Cadmium uptake and membrane transport in roots of hyperaccumulator Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.

Hyperaccumulator Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. has huge potential in the remediation of cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soils and is necessary to understand the mechanism of Cd uptake by the roots. In this study, the mechanism of Cd uptake into the root of A. hypochondriacus was investigated using the non-invasive micro-test technology (NMT) by analyzing the rate of Cd2+ fluxes at different regions of the root tip; also we assessed the impact of different channel blockers and inhibitors on the Cd accumulation in the roots, the real-time Cd2+ fluxes, and the distribution of Cd along the roots. The results showed that the Cd2+ influx was greater near the root tip (within 100 µm of the tip). All the inhibitors, ion-channel blockers, and metal cations had different degrees of inhibition on the absorption of Cd in the roots of A. hypochondriacus. The net Cd2+ flux in the roots was significantly decreased by the Ca2+ channel blockers lanthanum chloride (LaCl3) by up to 96% and verapamil by up to 93%; as for the K+ channel blocker tetraethylammonium (TEA), it also caused a 68%-reduction on the net Cd2+ flux in the roots. Therefore, we infer that the uptake by A. hypochondriacus roots is mainly through the Ca2+ channels. The Cd absorption mechanism appears to be related to the synthesis of plasma membrane P-type ATPase and phytochelatin (PC), which is reflected by the inhibition of Ca2+ upon addition of inorganic metal cations. In conclusion, access of Cd ions into the roots of A. hypochondriacus is achieved through various ion channels, with the most important being the Ca2+ channel. This study will further enhance the literature regarding Cd uptake and pathways of membrane transport in roots of Cd hyperaccumulators.

Antifungal Potency of Amaranth Leaf Extract: An In Vitro Study.

Plant diseases are a serious problem for agricultural crops, the food industry and human health. Significant efforts have been made in recent years to find natural products that could reduce the growth of plant pathogens and improve food quality. At present, there is an increased interest in plants as a source of biological active compounds that can protect crops from diseases. Important sources of these phytochemicals are lesser-known pseudocereals such as amaranth. The objective of this study was to determine the antifungal activity of leaf extracts of four amaranth species (A. cruentus, A. hypochondriacus × hybridus, A. retroflexus and A. hybridus). The antifungal potency of amaranth extracts was analyzed against selected strains of fungi. The results suggested that the antimicrobial properties of the tested extracts varied depending on the amaranth species and the fungal strain. The studied extracts inhibited the growth of Fusarium equiseti, Rhizoctonia solani, Trichoderma harzianum and Alternaria alternata. A lower inhibitory effect of the extracts was recorded against F. solani, while no inhibitory effect was observed against F. oxysporum and Colletotrichum coccodes.

Amaranth proteins and peptides: Biological properties and food uses.

Amaranthus grains have attracted great attention due to its attractive health benefits. The grains have processing properties (e.g., starch related properties) similar to those of common cereals. Amaranth grains are gluten free and protein is a significant component of these grains. Proteins of the grains have been used in various food applications such as formulations of edible films and emulsions for controlled release of bioactive compounds. The proteins have been hydrolyzed using different enzymes to produce peptides and hydrolysates, which showed a range of biological functions including anti-hypertensive and antioxidant activities among others. They have been formulated into staple foods including breads and pastas for improved nutritional quality. This review summarizes the recent advances of the last 5 years in understanding the biological functions and food applications of proteins, protein hydrolysates and peptides from the grains of different Amaranthus species. Limitations in the studies summarized are critically discussed with an aim to improve the efficiency in amaranth grain protein and peptide research.

Liposomes Loaded with Amaranth Unsaponifiable Matter and Soybean Lunasin Prevented Melanoma Tumor Development Overexpressing Caspase-3 in an In Vivo Model.

The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of liposomes loaded with soybean lunasin and amaranth unsaponifiable matter (UM + LunLip) as a source of squalene in the prevention of melanoma skin cancer in an allograft mice model. Tumors were induced by transplanting melanoma B16-F10 cells into the mice. The most effective treatments were those including UM + LunLip, with no difference between the lunasin concentrations (15 or 30 mg/kg body weight); however, these treatments were statistically different from the tumor-bearing untreated control (G3) (p < 0.05). The groups treated with topical application showed significant inhibition (68%, p < 0.05) compared to G3. The groups treated with subcutaneous injections showed significant inhibition (up to 99%, p < 0.05) in G3. During tumor development, UM + LunLip treatments under-expressed Ki-67 (0.2-fold compared to G3), glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (0.1-fold compared to G3), and overexpressed caspase-3 (30-fold compared to G3). In addition, larger tumors showed larger necrotic areas (38% with respect to the total tumor) (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, the UM + LunLip treatment was effective when applied either subcutaneously or topically in the melanoma tumor-developing groups, as it slowed down cell proliferation and activated apoptosis.

Effects of Germination and Popping on the Anti-Nutritional Compounds and the Digestibility of Amaranthus hypochondriacus Seeds.

Amaranth seeds, although a valuable food in Mexico, contain anti-nutritional compounds that can affect food quality. As a part of this work, the proximate composition, fatty acid profile, protein digestibility, and the effect of germination and popping of Amaranthus hypochondriacus seeds was analyzed with the aim of eliminating anti-nutritional compounds. Untreated seeds comprised of 11.35-18.8% protein and 0.27-13.39% lipids, including omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids such as oleic, linoleic, linolenic, and arachidonic acid. The main minerals detected were Ca+2, K+1, and Mg+2. Nevertheless in vitro studies indicate that germination significantly improved digestibility, whereby treatments aimed at reducing anti-nutritional compounds decreased lectin concentration, while significantly increasing tannins and completely eliminating trypsins and saponins.

Effect of Chitosan Nanoparticles Incorporating Antioxidants from Salvia hispanica L. on the Amaranth Flour Films.

Research background: Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) flour produces films with excellent barrier properties against water vapor, allowing food preservation, but the mechanical properties are poor compared to synthetic films. One strategy to improve these properties is the incorporation of nanoparticles. The particles can also serve as a vehicle for the addition of antioxidant agents into the films. The objective of this work is to optimize the formulation for the preparation of amaranth flour films treated with antioxidant chia (Salvia hispanica L.) extract-loaded chitosan particles using response surface methodology (RSM). Experimental approach: Chitosan nanoparticles with the extract were synthesized by ionic gelation, and the films were made by the casting method. Three independent variables were assigned: amaranth flour (4-6%), glycerol (25-35%) and chitosan nanoparticles loaded with the chia extract (0-0.75%). We then evaluated the physical (thickness), mechanical (tensile strength, Young´s modulus and elongation), barrier (water vapor permeability, moisture and water solubility) and antioxidant properties of the films. The experimental results of the properties were analyzed using a Box-Behnken experimental design generating 15 runs with three replicates at the central point. Results and conclusions: Second and third order polynomial models were obtained from the ANOVA analysis of the evaluated responses, and high coefficients of determination were found (0.91-1.0). The water vapor permeability of the films was 0.82-2.39·10-7 (g·mm)/(Pa·s·m2), tensile strength was 0.33-1.63 MPa and antioxidant activity 2.24-5.65%. The variables had different effects on the films: glycerol negatively affected their properties, and the permeability values increased with increased amaranth flour content. The nanoparticles improved the mechanical, barrier and antioxidant properties of the films compared to the films without nanosystems. The optimal formulation was 4% amaranth flour, 25% glycerol and 0.36% chitosan nanoparticles. The optimized films had better mechanical (1.62 MPa) properties, a low water vapor permeability value (0.91·10-7 (g·mm)/(Pa·s·m2)) and moderate antioxidant activity (6.43%). Novelty and scientific contribution: The results show the effect of chitosan nanoparticles on the properties of amaranth flour films for the first time. The resulting equations are useful in the design of food packaging.

Scavenging peptides, antioxidant activity, and hypoglycemic activity of a germinated amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.) beverage fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum.

Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. is a pseudocereal with nutritional properties. Some bioactive peptides have been identified from amaranth protein isolates. The metabolic reactions developed during seed germination have produced different functional foods. The present research aimed to develop a non-dairy germinated amaranth-based functional beverage fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP) strain using Lacticaseibacillus casei Shirota (LCS) as control. The content of betalains (BT), total phenolic compounds (TFC), antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP), color changes, and scavenging bioactive peptides were determined. BT in the original base was significantly increased after fermentation by LP and LCS (from 1.276 ± 0.030 to 2.732 ± 0.196 and 1.904 ± 0.760 mg/100 ml, respectively). TFC increased after fermentation; however, no significant differences were found between the two strains (p > .05). The fermentation did not decrease the antioxidant content of the germinated amaranth base. However, a slight increase in the antioxidant capacity was found by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP in the beverage fermented by LP compared with the LCS one. Moreover, the peptidomic approach suggested 18 peptides with scavenging activity. Thus, a bioactive food product with antioxidant properties was obtained by germination of A. hypochondriacus and its subsequent fermentation by LP. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Non-dairy fermented beverages are novel carriers for probiotics and beneficial metabolites. This research evaluated the antioxidant and hypoglycemic activity of a fermented drink made with amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) and a potential probiotic strain (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum). The results led to conclude that it is possible to develop functional drinks with potential antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities and provide the biochemical basis for further research and development.

Amaranthus grain as a new ingredient in diets for dairy cows: productive, qualitative, and in vitro fermentation traits.

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, grain amaranths have attracted attention due to their valuable combination of nutritional traits, with higher protein and oil content than conventional cereals. Before they can be proposed as an unconventional ingredient in animal feed, many aspects still need to be investigated from field production to nutritive value. The present research aimed to study the agronomic traits, proximate composition, and digestibility/degradability, fatty acid profile, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content of two grain amaranth species, Amaranthus cruentus and Amaranthus hypochondriacus (for a total of six accessions), grown in a Mediterranean environment. RESULTS: Both species showed seed yields comparable to or higher than the traditional cereal crops in the same environment. On the whole, A. cruentus resulted in a higher seed production than A. hypochondriacus. Mexico and Montana accessions, both belonging to A. cruentus, showed the highest yield (3.73 t ha-1 , on average). Few differences emerged in nutritive value between species and accessions: the Illinois accession of A. cruentus showed the best performance in terms of in vitro degradability and gas production, but not for volatile fatty acid production; the fermentation kinetics was slowest in the Illinois accession and fastest in the Montana accession of A. cruentus and the India accession of A. hypochondriacus. CONCLUSION: From a health perspective, the Nebraska accession of A. hypochondriacus represents the best accession, with the lowest saturated fatty acid content and the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid content. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Amaranthus hypochondriacus seeds as a rich source of cysteine rich bioactive peptides.

Amaranthus hypochondriacus is a nutritious alternative grain native to Central and South America. Increased interest in the impact of A. hypochondriacus on the human body has driven characterization of bioactive secondary metabolites. The seeds are known to contain bioactive small molecules but little is known regarding endogenous peptides. Cysteine-rich peptides (CRPs) in foodstuffs are particularly relevant because they are stabilized by disulfide bonds enhancing resistance to digestion. Here, in silico predictions, proteomics, and simulated gastrointestinal digestions are leveraged to identify digestion resistant CRPs within A. hypochondriacus seeds. Thirteen in silico predicted CRPs were detected in a seed extract providing evidence for the translation of five CRP families. Mature forms of six CRPs were characterized via top-down proteomics revealing multiple post-translational modifications. All six peptides demonstrated resistance to simulated gastrointestinal digestion, suggesting that A. hypochondriacus CRPs may exhibit bioactivity after consumption and should be prioritized for further characterization.

Amaranth Seeds and Sprouts as Functional Ingredients for the Development of Dietary Fiber, Betalains, and Polyphenol-Enriched Minced Tilapia Meat Gels.

There is an increasing interest in the development of meat processed products enriched with antioxidant dietary fiber to augment the consumption of these health beneficial compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional, nutraceutical, and antioxidant potential, as well as the physicochemical properties of minced tilapia fillets (meat) gels with added amaranth seed or sprout flours (0%, 2%, 4%, 8%, and 10% w/w). Dietary fiber content was significantly increased with the addition of amaranth seed (1.25-1.75-fold) and sprout flours (1.99-3.21-fold). Tilapia gels with added 10% amaranth seed flour showed a high content of extractable dihydroxybenzoic acid and cinnamic acid, whereas the addition of 10% amaranth sprout flour provided a high and wide variety of bioactive compounds, mainly amaranthine and bound ferulic acid. The addition of amaranth seed and sprout flours increased hardness (1.01-1.73-fold) without affecting springiness, decreased luminosity (1.05-1.15-fold), and increased redness and yellowness. Therefore, amaranth seed and sprout flours could be used as functional ingredients for the development of fish products rich in bioactive compounds.

The cadmium decontamination and disposal of the harvested cadmium accumulator Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.

The heavy metal accumulated biomass after phytoremediation needs to be decontaminated before disposal. Liquid extraction is commonly used to remove and recycle toxic heavy metals from contaminated biomass. In this study, we examined the cadmium (Cd) removal efficiency using different chemical reagents (hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium) of the post-harvest Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. biomass. The purifications for the extracted liquids and ecological risk assessments for the extracted residues were also investigated. We have found that 77.8% of Cd in stems and 62.1% of Cd in leaves were removed by 0.25 M HCl after 24 h. In addition, K2CO3, KOH, and 4 Å molecular sieve could remove ≥89.0% of Cd in the extracted liquids. Finally, after we returned the extracted residues to the earthworm-incubated soil, the extracted biomass negatively affected the growth (weight loss ≥ 11.0%) and survival (mortality ≥ 33.3%) of Eisenia fetida. It should be noted that earthworms decreased soil available Cd concentrations from 0.14-0.05 mg kg-1 to 0.11-0.04 mg kg-1 and offset the negative effects of the Cd-contaminated biomass on soil microbes. Overall, given the cost of reagents, the Cd removal efficiency, and the ecological risks of the extracted biomass, using 0.25 M HCl for liquid extraction and K2CO3 for purification should be recommended. This work highlights the potential of liquid extraction for immediately and directly removing the Cd from fresh contaminated accumulator biomass and the resource cycling potential of the extracted liquids and biomass after purification.

New Mutant Amaranth Varieties as a Potential Source of Biologically Active Substances.

Amaranth species represent a diverse group of plants. Many of them are a rich source of secondary metabolites with many positive biological effects. Total phenolic, total flavonoid and rutin content, antioxidant activity against superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, FRAP (Ferric-reducing ability of plasma) assay and DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay were determined in ethanol extracts of dried leaves of the new Slovak amaranth varieties 'Pribina' and 'Zobor'. The amount of total phenolic substances ('Pribina' GAE 38.3 mg.g-1 DM and 'Zobor' GAE 26.1 mg.g-1 DM), content of total flavonoids ('Pribina' QE 26.5 mg.g-1 DM and 'Zobor' QE 20.3 mg.g-1 DM) and rutin ('Pribina' 50.8 mg.g-1 DM and 'Zobor' 15.2 mg.g-1 DM) were higher in the variety 'Pribina', compared to the variety 'Zobor'. A statistically higher antioxidant activity against superoxide radical (1.63%·mg-1g-1 DM), hydroxyl radical (3.20%.mg-1g-1 DM), FRAP assay (292.80 µmol.L-1·mg-1.g-1 DM) and DPPH (54.2 ± 1.78 µg.mL-1 DM) were detected in the 'Pribina' variety. Antiradical and antioxidant activities of both extracts showed high positive correlations in relation to the content of total phenolic substances, total flavonoids and rutin. Amaranth is an undemanding crop on specific environmental conditions and is resistant to abiotic and biotic stress.

Liposomes Loaded with Unsaponifiable Matter from Amaranthus hypochondriacus as a Source of Squalene and Carrying Soybean Lunasin Inhibited Melanoma Cells.

Amaranthus hypochondriacus is a source of molecules with reported health benefits such as antioxidant activity and cancer prevention. The objective of this research was to optimize the conditions for preparing a liposome formulation using amaranth unsaponifiable matter as a source of squalene in order to minimize the particle size and to maximize the encapsulation efficiency of liposomes for carrying and delivering soybean lunasin into melanoma cell lines. Amaranth oil was extracted using supercritical dioxide carbon extraction (55.2 MPa pressure, 80 °C temperature, solvent (CO2)-to-feed (oil) ratio of 20). The extracted oil from amaranth was used to obtain the unsaponifiable enriched content of squalene, which was incorporated into liposomes. A Box-Behnken response surface methodology design was used to optimize the liposome formulation containing the unsaponifiable matter, once liposomes were optimized. Soybean lunasin was loaded into the liposomes and tested on A-375 and B16-F10 melanoma cells. The squalene concentration in the extracted oil was 36.64 ± 0.64 g/ 100 g of oil. The particle size in liposomes was between 115.8 and 163.1 nm; the squalene encapsulation efficiency ranged from 33.14% to 76.08%. The optimized liposome formulation contained 15.27 mg of phospholipids and 1.1 mg of unsaponifiable matter. Cell viability was affected by the liposome formulation with a half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) equivalent to 225 µM in B16-F10 and 215 µM in A-375. The liposomes formulated with lunasin achieved 82.14 ± 3.34% lunasin encapsulation efficiency and improved efficacy by decreasing lunasin IC50 by 31.81% in B16-F10 and by 41.89% in A-375 compared with unencapsulated lunasin.

[Effect of Cadmium Stress on Phytochelatins in Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. During Different Growth Periods].

Phytochelatins (PCs) can chelate heavy metal ions due to their large number of thiols and play an important role in heavy metal accumulation and detoxification. A. hypochondriacus K472, a cadmium (Cd) enriched plant, was selected as the research object. Six Cd treatment concentrations, namely 0 (CK), 10 (T1), 25 (T2), 50 (T3), 100 (T4), and 200 mg ·kg-1 (T5), were used to analyze the variation of PCs in different growth stages under different degrees of Cd stress and to explore the mechanism by which PCs chelate and detoxify Cd. The results showed that the plant height, root length, and biomass of K472 decreased significantly with increasing Cd concentration, and the range of decrease gradually became less pronounced with the growth and development of K472. K472 exhibited the maximum ability to enrich Cd during the middle vegetative growth period. The maximum concentration was 6695.35 mg, and the maximum bioconcentration factor was 6.3. In addition, with increasing Cd concentration, the Cd content of K472 roots, stems, and leaves was positively correlated with the concentration of PCs. PC3 had the strongest response to Cd stress in roots and stems, whereas PC2 responded to stress in leaves. For practical applications, harvesting K472 in the middle of vegetative growth is an optimal strategy for the remediation of Cd-contaminated soil.

Effects of Amaranthus hypochondriacus supplementation during gestation and lactation on the apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients, lactational feed intake, and litter performance in sows.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Amaranthus hypochondriacus (AH) inclusion in the diets of gestating and lactating sows on the lactational feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance of suckling piglets. During gestation, 40 multiparous Landrace sows were restrictively fed with either a control diet or a diet including 30% AH. Both diets had similar levels of digestible energy and crude protein, but the 30% AH diet had higher crude fibre levels than the control diet. After breeding, lactating sows were fed ad libitum with one of two isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets, either a control diet or a diet containing 10% AH. In gestating sows, AH supplementation was found to be associated with decreased digestibility of crude protein and dry matter (p < .001), resulting in lesser backfat depth (p < .001). However, in lactating sows, AH supplementation had little effect on digestibility and milk composition; moreover, it increased the feed intake (p < .001) and decreased backfat loss (p < .001) in sows. On the 21st day of lactation, suckling piglets in AH group showed significantly greater average daily gains (p < .001), and average body weight and litter weight significantly increased compared with sows fed the control diet. In conclusion, AH-supplementation increased lactational feed intake in sows and improved the growth performance of suckling piglets.

Metabolomics reveals the "Invisible" detoxification mechanisms of Amaranthus hypochondriacus at three ages upon exposure to different levels of cadmium.

To decipher the Cd hyperaccumulation and tolerance mechanisms of plants and increase phytoremediation efficiency, in this study, the physiological effects induced by environmentally relevant concentrations (0, 25 and 200 mg/kg) of Cd were characterized in Amaranthus hypochondriacus (K472) at three growth stages using LC/MS-based metabolomics. Metabolomic analysis identified 31, 29 and 30 significantly differential metabolites (SDMs) in K472 exposed to Cd at the early, intermediate and late stages of vegetative growth, respectively. These SDMs are involved in nine metabolic pathways responsible for antioxidation, osmotic balance regulation, energy supplementation and the promotion of metabolites that participate in phytochelatin (PC) synthesis. K472 at the intermediate stage of vegetative growth had the strongest tolerance to Cd with the combined action of Ala, Asp and Glu metabolism, purine metabolism, Gly, Ser and Thr metabolism and Pro and Arg metabolism. Among these crucial metabolic biomarkers, purine metabolism could be the primary regulatory target for increasing the Cd absorption of K472 for the restoration of Cd-contaminated soil.

[Plant growth and Cd accumulation characteristics in different planting modes of maize and Amaranthus hypochondriacus.] / 玉米与籽粒苋不同种植模式下植物生长及Cd累积特征.

To achieve the goal of remediation while producing for farmland contaminated by Cd, maize and grain amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) were planted on farmland contaminated by Cd in five different intercropping modes, including alternating wide-narrow-row of maize and single-row grain amaranth intercropped between wide rows (T1), alternating wide-narrow-row of maize and double-row grain amaranth intercropped between wide rows (T2), equidistant double-row maize and single-row grain amaranth intercropped between rows (T3), equidistant double-row maize and double-row grain amaranth intercropped between rows (T4), maize and grain amaranth intercropped with equal four rows (T5), while maize (CK1) and grain amaranth (CK2) single planted as control to explore the effects of different intercropping modes on growth and Cd accumulation of crops and hyper-accumulation plants (A. hypochondriacus). The results showed that: 1) Compared with mono-culture (CK1), grain yield of maize per plant showed an increasing trend in intercropping modes. The grain yield of maize in T1 increased by 10.5%, while that in T4 and T5 decreased by 6.3% and 5.4% respectively, and that in T2 or T3 did not change compared with monoculture of maize. The aboveground biomass per plant and yield per unit area of grain amaranth decreased by 69.5%-95.7% and 83.9%-96.9% in intercropping modes respectively compared with monoculture (CK2). 2) The Cd content of maize grain showed an increasing trend in intercropping modes compared with monoculture (CK1). The Cd content of grain amaranth showed a decreasing trend in intercropping modes compared with monoculture (CK2). 3) Compared with monoculture (CK2), the enrichment coefficient, transport coefficient, and effective transport coefficient of grain amaranth all showed an increasing trend in intercropping modes, while the aboveground Cd extraction amount per plant and per unit area of grain amaranth decreased by 40.4%-86.7% and 70.4%-88.9% in intercropping modes, respectively. The total amount of Cd extraction per unit area of maize and grain amaranth in intercropping modes was significantly higher than that in monoculture of maize and lower than that in monoculture of grain amaranth. 4) The content of available Cd in maize rhizosphere soil and the content of total/available Cd in grain amaranth rhizosphere soil both showed an increasing trend in intercropping modes compared with monoculture of both crop, but it had no significant effect on non-rhizosphere soil. In this study, T1 was beneficial to increase maize grain yield, while T5 was beneficial to maximize the Cd extraction amount of grain amaranth.