Abstract Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of mortality globally, driven by the infectious pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) . A novel DNA methyltransferase (DNA MTase), encoded by the Rv1509 gene and involved in TB pathogenesis, has been identified as a promising therapeutic target of anti-TB drugs. The present research employs an in silico approach to identify potential inhibitors of the Rv1509 -encoded DNA MTase using a computational drug design pipeline. A multi-stage virtual screening of ZINC natural compounds was conducted against Rv1509 . These phytomolecules were retrieved from the ZINC database, following computationally intensive docking and analysis of Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) properties, top hits with a docking score ≤ -8.0 kcal/mol and favourable predicted pharmacokinetic profiles were prioritized. Subsequently, molecular dynamics simulations (MD) and principal component analysis (PCA) were employed to corroborate these hits. Of these, ZINC00338392, ZINC01662782, ZINC04104877, and ZINC96316367 ligands exhibited hydrogen bond formation with functional residue of DNA MTase, indicating biological relevance of binding. MD analysis revealed stable protein–ligand complexes during a 200 ns simulation. These computational analyses suggest that natural compounds bind with high predicted affinity to the active site of the Rv1509 -encoded DNA MTase, warranting future experimental validation of their potential as novel leads for anti-TB drug development.
Abstract Oat ( Avena sativa L.), a significant cereal crop, is increasingly challenged by climate change induced abiotic stresses particularly low temperature and waterlogging. These stresses frequently occur sequentially or concurrently in temperate production regions as oat cultivation expands toward higher latitudes. Although these stresses differ in their primary causes, they share common physiological consequences, including disrupted cellular homeostasis, oxidative stress, and extensive structural remodeling, highlighting the need for an integrated understanding of oat adaptation. Under low-temperature stress, oats exhibit relatively poor freezing tolerance owing to limited structural flexibility and less efficient activation of calcium-dependent and CBF/DREB1-mediated signaling pathways, resulting in greater susceptibility to freezing injury. In contrast, oats perform well under waterlogged conditions. In contrast, oats display relatively high tolerance to waterlogging through anatomical plasticity, including aerenchyma formation and adventitious root development, which maintain oxygen diffusion and root function under hypoxia via coordinated regulation by ethylene, ROS, and hormonal signaling. Emerging evidence further suggests potential cross-talk between low-temperature and waterlogging responses through overlapping regulatory networks involving ROS, hormonal signaling, calcium-dependent signaling, and cell wall remodeling. This review synthesizes current knowledge of oat adaptation to low-temperature and waterlogging stress from integrated anatomical and physiological perspectives, incorporating recent advances in microscopy-based studies. By linking tissue architecture with physiological regulation, it provides a comprehensive framework for understanding stress adaptation and identifying future strategies for improving climate resilience in oat.
Abstract Background dTDP-rhamnose is synthesized by four genes ( rfbBDAC ) in Escherichia coli . While reconfiguring this operon could potentially enhance biosynthetic yields, precisely quantifying intracellular dTDP-rhamnose levels remains technically challenging. In this study, we employed plant glycosyltransferases ( AtUGT89C1 and AtUGT78D1 ) as sensitive metabolic reporters, utilizing the production of flavonoid rhamnosides as a proxy to accurately assess the metabolic flux of the rfb gene cluster. By systematically reorganizing the rfb operon through gene rearrangement and the introduction of intergenic promoters, we identified the optimal genetic configuration for maximized dTDP-rhamnose biosynthesis. Results E. coli was successfully engineered for high-titer production of rhamnosylated flavonoids using AtUGT89C1 and AtUGT78D1 as metabolic reporters. We demonstrated that the spatial arrangement and transcriptional control of the rfb genes are as critical as enzyme selection. Our optimized pA- rfbBD - rfbAC construct—featuring a dual-promoter system inspired by a natural 58-bp intergenic gap—significantly outperformed the native operon, yielding 81.9 mg/L of genistein 7- O -rhamnoside and 241.1 mg/L of quercetin 3- O -rhamnoside. Conclusions A key finding is that the rate-limiting step of the rfb pathway is context-dependent, shifting between rfbC and rfbB depending on the gene configuration. While unbalanced constructs (e.g., pA- rfbDCBA ) showed dramatic improvements upon individual gene supplementation, the optimized pA- rfbBD - rfbAC configuration reached a state of metabolic harmony where further overexpression yielded diminishing returns. Our results suggest that maintaining a “modular operon” structure is superior to complete fragmentation or reversal. This work provides a strategic template for optimizing complex nucleotide-sugar pathways by leveraging natural genomic cues to bypass metabolic bottlenecks.
Abstract Oxidative stress is a key contributor to myoblast injury and disrupts musculoskeletal homeostasis by impairing muscle differentiation. Paeoniflorin, a bioactive monoterpene glycoside derived from medicinal plants, e.g., Paeonia lactiflora , has demonstrated diverse pharmacological activities. This study explored paeoniflorin’s capacity to alleviate oxidative stress–induced damage in skeletal muscle precursor cells. C2C12 murine myoblasts were preincubated with noncytotoxic concentrations of paeoniflorin before hydrogen peroxide exposure to establish an oxidative stress model. Paeoniflorin significantly improved cell viability under oxidative conditions and reduced DNA damage, as demonstrated by decreased comet tail formation and γH2AX protein accumulation. It also attenuated apoptotic cell death by limiting caspase activation and preventing mitochondrial dysfunction, including cytochrome c release into the cytosol. Mechanistically, paeoniflorin suppressed intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels while enhancing activation of the redox-sensitive transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream target heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Importantly, inhibition of HO-1 activity using zinc protoporphyrin significantly diminished paeoniflorin’s antioxidative and cytoprotective effects, as evidenced by restored ROS accumulation, mitochondrial disruption, DNA damage, and apoptosis. Collectively, these findings indicate that paeoniflorin enhances resistance to oxidative stress in myoblasts through Nrf2/HO-1 pathway activation, thereby preserving genomic stability and mitochondrial function. These results support a potential role for paeoniflorin in maintaining muscle cell homeostasis under oxidative stress.
Abstract Persimmon ( Diospyros kaki ) leaves are a valuable resource for medicinal, beverage, and cosmetics industries, with flavonoids and tannins as key bioactive constituents. This study evaluated how seasonality, genotype, geographic origin, and cultivation conditions influence their accumulation in leaves from four genotypes across three South Korean regions, grown under greenhouse and open-field conditions. Persimmon leaf extracts were profiled by HPLC–DAD for nine flavonoid-related peaks, alongside polymeric (PTC) and nonpolymeric tannin (nonPTC) quantification. Flavonoid-related peaks and tannin indices varied across sampling months and showed inverse associations with climatic parameters, with the highest levels observed in May, October, and April for flavonoid-related peaks, PTC, and nonPTC, respectively. Cultivation-condition effects were limited at the individual peak level, although specific variables showed significant responses and August-to-October changes suggested cultivation-associated temporal responsiveness in summed flavonoid-related peaks and tannin fractions. Genotype and geographic origin showed limited effects on most selected features, except for nonPTC. Overall, this study provides useful information for optimizing harvest timing and improving standardization strategies for persimmon leaf raw materials.
Zearalenone (ZEN) is a common mycotoxin that can cause toxic damage to the testes of male animals. Although existing studies have demonstrated that lycopene (LYC) can antagonize the toxicity of zearalenone (ZEN), how LYC alleviates ZEN-induced testicular damage in chickens by affecting oxidative stress (OS), necroptosis, and inflammatory pathways remains unclear. This study established a chicken testicular toxicity model. Seventy-five 7-day-old male chickens were randomly divided into three groups: the control group (basal diet), the ZEN group (basal diet + 0.5 mg/kg ZEN), and the ZEN-LYC group (basal diet + 0.5 mg/kg ZEN + 5 mg/kg LYC). After 60 days of feeding, euthanasia was performed on all chickens. Samples of testicular tissue and blood were obtained to undergo subsequent experimental analysis. Histological observations revealed that the addition of LYC could alleviate testicular tissue damage resulting from ZEN. LYC markedly attenuated the rising trend of MDA, H₂O₂, and ROS levels caused by ZEN, while simultaneously enhancing the activities of CAT, GSH-PX, and T-AOC. LYC supplementation markedly alleviated the reduction in Caspase-8, IL-10, and TGF-β expression caused by ZEN in chicken testicular tissues, and effectively inhibited the ZEN-induced overexpression of RIPK1, RIPK3, MLKL, FADD, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6. Furthermore, immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that LYC could significantly attenuate the ZEN-triggered increasing trend of MLKL and IL-1β fluorescence intensity. Altogether, LYC played a significant protective role in mitigating ZEN-induced inflammation and toxic damage in chicken testes by inhibiting the necroptosis pathway mediated by oxidative stress.
Oenothera biennis (evening primrose) young shoots are consumed as edible greens and possess a phenolic-rich composition distinct from the seed oil, yet their bioactive constituents and biological functions remain insufficiently characterized. Here, we evaluated an ethanol extract of young shoots and leaves for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities using bioactivity-guided chromatographic fractionation. The extract was separated into ten time-resolved fractions (OB01–OB10) and analyzed using UPLC–PDA–QTOF/MS. Relatively late-eluting fractions increased antioxidant response element-luciferase activity and reduced intracellular ROS levels in HT22 neuronal cells, while suppressing nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. Chemical profiling identified ellagic acid derivatives and quercetin/kaempferol glucuronides as the principal bioactive constituents. Isolated compounds, including 3-methylellagic acid and quercetin 3-O-glucuronide, exhibited antioxidant and NO-modulating activities consistent with those observed in their parent fractions. These findings demonstrate that phenolic constituents enriched in specific chromatographic regions contribute to the biological properties of O. biennis young shoots, providing a biochemical basis for their use as functional food ingredients.
Abstract Untargeted metabolomics has been increasingly applied in safety assessments of genetically modified (GM) maize. In this study, we propose a stepwise workflow that integrates untargeted UPLC-qTOFMS and targeted GC-TOFMS-based metabolite profiling with multivariate statistics for equivalence assessment of maize samples ( n = 3, biological replicates). Using this workflow, 179 metabolites were identified, and principal component analysis revealed no substantial variation between GM lines and their parental lines. Nine biomarkers associated with genetic background were selected based on three statistical criteria: variable importance in projection (VIP) > 1.3, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) > 0.9, and log 2 fold change (log 2 FC) > 1.5. These biomarkers, including seven fatty acids and two phenolic compounds, were validated through correlation analysis ( r > 0.6208, p < 0.0012) and hierarchical clustering, which supported their biological relevance. This integrative workflow not only demonstrates metabolic equivalence between the GM lines and their parental lines but also establishes a practical platform for the discovery of biomarkers associated with genetic background. Despite limited monoculture samples, this study provides a cornerstone for future large-scale, multiculture GM crop evaluations using the proposed workflow.
Abstract Biochar has been widely recognized as a soil amendment capable of improving soil quality and enhancing carbon sequestration. In South Korea, the interaction between biochar application rate and contrasting initial soil chemical conditions remains insufficiently understood. This study evaluated the agronomic and soil carbon sequestration to pepper residue biochar under different soil pH conditions (Soil A: pH 5.8; Soil B: pH 6.8) in a field cultivation of Chinese cabbage. The biochar was prepared from pepper residue through pyrolysis at 400 °C for 2 h. Treatments included no fertilizer, inorganic fertilizer (N-P 2 O 5 -K 2 O = 32.0-7.8-19.8 kg 10a -1 ), and biochar applied at 100, 200, 300, and 500 kg 10a -1 combined with inorganic fertilizer. In Soil A, soil organic carbon stock increased with increasing biochar rate, reaching 36.8 t C ha -1 at 500 kg 10 a -1 . In contrast, in Soil B, SOC stock increased up to 33.8 t C ha -1 at 300 kg 10 a -1 but showed limited gains at higher rates. Crop yield peaked at 300 kg 10 a -1 in Soil A (6,403 kg 10 a -1 ) and at 200 kg 10 a -1 in Soil B (4,200 kg 10 a -1 ). The results demonstrate that biochar efficiency in crop productivity and carbon accumulation is strongly influenced by initial soil chemical properties rather than application rate alone. When both crop productivity and soil carbon accumulation are considered, 200–300 kg 10 a -1 provides a balanced management strategy under the conditions examined. This study highlights the importance of soil-specific optimization of biochar application for sustainable agricultural carbon management.
Abstract Acalypha australis has not been thoroughly investigated for its α-amylase inhibitory activity, particularly in studies that integrate bioactivity with quantitative phytochemical profiling. To address this gap, the present study simultaneously evaluated the radical scavenging activity and α-amylase inhibitory activity of A. australis extract (AAE) and contextualized its bioactivity through LC–MS/MS profiling and HPLC-based quantification. AAE exhibited concentration-dependent inhibitory effects, with IC50 values of 948 µg/mL (ABTS), 708 µg/mL (DPPH), and 23.77 µg/mL (α-amylase). LC-MS/MS analysis tentatively identified 27 compounds, predominantly phenolic acids, flavonoids, and ellagitannins. Six phenolic compounds were quantified through HPLC, with corilagin (2) as the major constituent, while comparatively lower levels of myricetin (6) were detected. Subsequent assays of the isolated constituents revealed that their bioactivities were not uniform, exhibiting distinct response patterns in both ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging systems, as well as in α-amylase inhibition. Although the crude extract exhibited stronger inhibitory activity than the individually tested compounds, this observation may reflect the contribution of multiple constituents, including unidentified components, rather than definitive synergistic interactions. These findings provide a biologically oriented chemical characterization of AAE and support its potential as a moderate in vitro α-amylase inhibitor.
Abstract The use of biodegradable plastics has increased steadily because of their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and processability. These materials are considered promising alternatives to conventional petroleum-derived plastics, which persist in the environment and cause serious pollution problems. Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), polylactic acid (PLA), and polybutylene succinate (PBS) are among the most widely used biodegradable polyesters. Their hydrolysable ester bonds make them susceptible to microbial and enzymatic attack. However, their degradation is often slow and incomplete under many environmental and experimental conditions, and degradation efficiency varies greatly depending on polymer structure, microbial strain, enzyme activity, temperature, medium composition, and exposure conditions. Recent studies therefore raise an important question: not simply whether these polyesters are biodegradable, but under which conditions their degradation becomes effective and how these condition-dependent processes can be connected to practical treatment and conversion routes. This review summarizes recent advances in the microbial and enzymatic degradation of PBAT, PLA, and PBS, with a focus on polymer features, common degradation mechanisms, degrading microorganisms and enzymatic hydrolysis, condition-dependent degradation, and remaining challenges for practical biodegradation. Future research should connect enzyme engineering for depolymerization with microbial metabolism of polymer-derived products, providing a more realistic framework for converting PBAT, PLA, and PBS into value-added compounds.
Sarcopenia affects over 50 million individuals worldwide but lacks precision therapeutic strategies. The ADAMTSL3 rs4842838 (Val661Leu) variant may dysregulate TGF-β signaling and inflammatory responses in muscle wasting. This study aimed to establish an integrated computational-to-biological framework for identifying natural compounds (NCs) targeting inflammatory muscle wasting, using ADAMTSL3 rs4842838 (Val661Leu) variant-informed molecular docking and network pharmacology to prioritize candidate herbal extracts, which were subsequently validated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced C2C12 myotubes. Molecular docking of 25,000 NCs was performed against wild-type (WT) and mutant-type (MT) ADAMTSL3 Val661Leu structures. Compounds with binding energies ≤–9.5 kcal/mol were evaluated via network pharmacology. Biological validation used LPS-induced inflammatory muscle wasting in C2C12 myoblasts treated with gooseberry, licorice, and citrus peel extracts (1–125 µg/mL). Molecular clustering revealed superior performance for MT-selected NCs versus WT (silhouette score 0.75 vs. 0.63). MT-selected NCs required nitrogen-containing groups. Network pharmacology analysis identified licorice NCs targeting PDGFRB, AKT1, mTOR, and SOD1 pathways, while gooseberry NCs modulated matrix regulation via MMP3/MMP9. LPS treatment increased MMP3 expression by 51
As a disease of high mortality rate, acute lung injury (ALI) has been getting increased attention. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which plays an essential role in alleviating the pathological symptoms of ALI. There have few studies noted that the improvement effect of HO-1 on ALI may associated to NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. However, the roles of HO-1 in the process of NLRP3 inflammasome activation is remains unknown. This study investigated the mechanism that HO-1 blocking NLRP3 inflammasome in ALI. The sepsis model induced by LPS was used in C57BL6 mice, LPS triggered obviously pulmonary damage and edema formation, increased the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome component proteins and IL-1β, but those negative effects were reversed by the pretreatment of hemin. NOD-like receptor signaling pathway was down-regulated after hemin treatment through RNA-Seq. Meanwhile, hemin pretreatment exerted significantly inhibit effect on the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, and the component proteins of NLRP3 inflammasome were not influenced in immortalization of bone marrow-derived macrophages (iBMDMs). Moreover, the immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence experiments were indicated that HO-1 could bind to NLRP3, silencing HO-1 prevented the block effect of hemin on NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Our study suggested that hemin-inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation involved HO-1 bind to NLRP3 and alleviated ALI mice induced by LPS.
Accurate molecular authentication of edible pufferfish is essential for ensuring food safety and regulatory compliance. However, morphological similarity among Takifugu rubripes, T. chinensis, and T. pseudommus complicates their taxonomic distinction and labeling accuracy. This study investigated whether differential transcript expression contributes to the phenotypic variation underlying current classification ambiguity. Eight transcripts associated with large genomic deletions previously identified were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR in dorsal skin and anal fin tissues from six aquacultured T. rubripes specimens showing distinct anal fin coloration. Three transcripts (ENSTRUG30845, GPD2, and ENSTRUG28536) were significantly upregulated (1.3–2.8 fold) in individuals with mixed pink-and-black anal fins compared with those exhibiting uniformly pink fins. Enhanced expression of GPD2, a mitochondrial enzyme regulating redox balance, indicates that variation in pigmentation is associated with metabolic and post-transcriptional regulation rather than genomic divergence. The remaining transcripts showed no significant differential expression. These results suggest that phenotypic plasticity, driven by environmental and developmental modulation of transcript activity, underlies the observed morphological diversity.
Abstract Pinus koraiensis leaves (PKL) are phytochemically rich agricultural by-products that remain largely underutilized despite containing diverse bioactive constituents. Although our previous study demonstrated the anti-fatigue potential of PKL, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. This study investigated the anti-fatigue effects and mechanisms of a 50% ethanol extract of PKL and its marker compound lambertianic acid (LA) using integrated in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches. In H₂O₂-challenged C2C12 myotubes, PKL dose-dependently reduced intracellular ROS levels, suppressed NF-κB and IL-6 expression, and enhanced SOD activity, thereby preserving myotube morphology and mitochondrial integrity. LA exerted comparable protective effects. Mechanistically, these responses were associated with activation of the PI3K/NRF2/HO-1 antioxidant axis and upregulation of the SIRT1/PGC-1α/NRF1 mitochondrial biogenesis pathway. Network pharmacology analysis identified PI3K/Akt/mTOR as the central signaling hub, and molecular docking supported favorable binding of LA to an allosteric site on PI3K p110α. In a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced immunological fatigue mouse model, oral administration of PKL and LA significantly improved grip strength and forced-swimming endurance, restored antioxidant enzyme activities and energy metabolism markers, and upregulated mitochondrial biogenesis regulators (SIRT1, PGC-1α, TFAM) in skeletal muscle. Notably, PKL also restored LPS-suppressed PI3K complex expression (p85, p110α), consistent with the in vitro findings. Collectively, these findings provide mechanistic evidence that PKL and LA ameliorate fatigue through PI3K-mediated regulation of oxidative stress and mitochondrial biogenesis, supporting the valorization of PKL as a functional material for fatigue management.
Increasing agricultural cultivation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Recently, the application of silicate minerals, such as basalt, has gained attention as a strategy to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from paddy soils. These minerals can enhance carbon sequestration through weathering reactions that consume atmospheric CO2 as they dissolve. This study investigates not only the weathering effects but also how basalt treatment influences microbial processes in paddy soils, ultimately affecting emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). With different concentrations of basalt powder, biotic and abiotic batch systems were constructed and gas emissions, cation dissolution, carbon turnover, and microbial communities were investigated. Microbial respiration led to an increase in CO2 and CH4 emissions, however, the gas emissions decreased with higher basalt concentrations. The release of cations such as Si, Ca, and Mg also had a potential role in reducing gas emissions through inorganic carbon trapping. Moreover, the lower dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations were measured under all of the batches, demonstrating the effects of microorganisms. By calculating the turnover of solid organic carbon (SOC) across gas, aqueous, and solid phases, the role of microorganisms in carbon flow was confirmed. Microbial community analysis showed that Methanobacterium decreased in proportion with increasing basalt content. It might be attributed to the thermodynamic suppression imposed by basalt-derived electron acceptors. These results indicate that basalt application can effectively reduce microbial greenhouse gas emissions and could potentially be applied to a variety of soil types beyond just paddy fields.
Abstract Dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy, characterized by excessive protein degradation and increased oxidative stress, represents a significant clinical challenge in patients undergoing long-term glucocorticoid therapy. Natural polyphenols have garnered increasing attention as promising therapeutic agents due to their antioxidant and anti-atrophic properties. This study investigated the protective effects of Aruncus dioicus leaf extract and its preparative fractions against dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy in differentiated C2C12 myotubes. A 70% ethanolic extract was fractionated using preparative HPLC into two distinct fractions, F1 and F2. Phytochemical analysis revealed that F2 exhibited the highest total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and strongest antioxidant capacity, as determined by both DPPH and ORAC assays, among all tested samples. Pretreatment with F2 significantly attenuated dexamethasone-induced myotube atrophy by preserving myotube diameter, reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and suppressing the upregulation of the muscle-specific ubiquitin ligases muscle atrophy F-box (MAFbx) and muscle RING finger 1 (MuRF1). UHPLC–Orbitrap MS/MS analysis demonstrated that F2 was enriched in flavonol glycosides and phenolic acids. These findings suggest that the F2 fraction of A. dioicus, which is rich in bioactive polyphenols, protects against dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy by suppressing oxidative stress and atrogene expression.
Abstract Antibiotics administered to livestock are excreted in large proportions into agricultural soils, where they can be taken up by crop plants. Among veterinary antibiotics, chlortetracycline (CTC) is particularly persistent and widely detected in agricultural environments. Despite growing concern over antibiotic residues in agriculture, little is known about the phytotoxic effects of CTC on leafy vegetables, including lettuce, or the mechanisms underlying their physiological response. In this study, the toxicological impact of CTC on lettuce seedlings was investigated through two sequential hydroponic experiments. In Experiment 1, seedlings were exposed to six concentrations of CTC (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 3, and 5 mg L⁻¹) for 21 days to evaluate dose-dependent growth and physiological responses. Concentrations above 0.5 mg L⁻¹ significantly reduced leaf number, shoot and root length, and fresh weight, accompanied by marked reductions in pigments. Notably, anthocyanin decreased by 88% at 5 mg L⁻¹ compared to control. Mineral uptake was also disrupted, with potassium and manganese contents reduced by 59.8% and 39.6%, respectively, at 5 mg L⁻¹. Based on the pronounced phytotoxicity observed at 5 mg L⁻¹, this concentration was selected for Experiment 2 to assess self-detoxification capacity. Seedlings were exposed to CTC for six days, followed by withdrawal until harvest. During exposure, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and antioxidant enzyme activities increased significantly in both shoots and roots, indicating oxidative stress and activation of defense mechanisms. For instance, ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity increased by 142.9% in shoots and 66.7% in roots relative to the control on Day 6. Following CTC withdrawal, residues and degradation product tetracycline of CTC remained detectable in plant tissues, while growth recovery was limited and oxidative stress persisted. Elevated MDA indicated ongoing lipid peroxidation, while antioxidant enzyme activities such as SOD and APX remained elevated but only partially effective, reflecting sustained yet insufficient defense responses. These findings provide new insights into CTC-induced phytotoxicity, accumulation, and degradation dynamics via hydroponic cultivation for lettuce. The results underscore potential risks for food safety and emphasize the importance of sustainable management strategies to mitigate antibiotic contamination in agroecosystems.
Abstract This study investigated the effects of chicken manure biochar (CMBC), produced via co-pyrolysis of chicken manure and woody biomass (80:20 w/w) at 400℃, on the growth, nitrogen use efficiency, and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions of kimchi cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) in upland soil. The experiment compared a control group, inorganic fertilizer (IF), and three CMBC application rates (3, 5, and 7 t ha⁻¹, referred to as CMBC3, CMBC5, and CMBC7, respectively). Post-harvest soil analysis revealed that CMBC application increased soil pH, organic matter, available phosphate, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) compared with the control and IF treatments, with these effects showing a dose-dependent pattern. While the IF treatment yielded the highest fresh weight (1,453 g plant− 1), CMBC7 showed significant growth improvement (1,244 g plant− 1) and achieved the highest head height (23.2 cm plant− 1). Notably, CMBC7 demonstrated superior nitrogen dynamics, reaching the highest agronomic efficiency (AE_N: 8.88 kg N ha− 1) and apparent recovery fraction (ARF_N: 26.0%), both of which surpassed the IF treatment. Furthermore, CMBC application significantly mitigated N2O emissions by 59.2% to 72.1% compared to the IF treatment. These results suggest that applying CMBC at 7 t ha− 1 is an effective strategy for enhancing soil fertility and nitrogen use efficiency while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions in intensive vegetable production systems.
Abstract Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) progression is accelerated by tubulointerstitial inflammation (TI), yet no therapies specifically target this pathogenic process. Xanthotoxol (XT), a natural furanocoumarin with demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in neuroinflammatory contexts, remains unexplored for its potential in DKD-associated TI. This study explored the pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms of XT on DKD-associated TI through experiments combined with bioinformatics technology. We found that TI was significantly exacerbated in models of DKD. In vitro experiments showed that XT dose-dependently inhibited the upregulation of inflammatory factors, including Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in human renal proximal tubule (HK-2) cells induced by high glucose (HG). Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses identified heat shock protein 90 kDa alpha beta 1 (HSP90αβ1) as a pivotal target of XT in this context. Subsequent mechanistic experiments confirmed the existence of a direct physical interaction between HSP90αβ1 and NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3). A high dose of XT was able to effectively inhibit the upregulation of HSP90αβ1 and NLRP3 expression and their interaction induced by HG. Furthermore, the use of the HSP90αβ1 activator tamoxifen eliminated the inhibitory effect of XT on the production of NLRP3 and downstream pro-inflammatory cytokines. In summary, our study is the first to demonstrate that XT may alleviate the DKD-associated TI by targeting the HSP90αβ1/NLRP3 signaling axis. These results indicate that XT is a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of DKD.
