The antioxidant activities of seasonings used in Asian cooking. Powerful antioxidant activity of dark soy sauce revealed using the ABTS assay

Scavenging of the ABTS (2,2′-azinobis[3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate])-derived nitrogen-centred radical cation (ABTS^?+) was used to compare the total antioxidant activities of several seasonings used in Asian cooking. The results were expressed as Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). The TEAC activities of dark soy sauces were found to be exceptionally high. In evaluating the TEAC of commercial products, attention must be paid to the addition of preservatives by manufacturers to the seasonings tested. Sodium benzoate (a preservative added to several seasonings) did not react significantly with ABTS^?+, but the sulphite content of certain white wines may have led to an over-estimation of their TEAC.     

Glycinebetaine-induced modulation of antioxidant enzymes activities and ion accumulation in two wheat cultivars differing in salt tolerance

Modulation of water relations, activities of antioxidant enzymes and ion accumulation was assessed in the plants of two wheat cultivars S-24 (salt tolerant) and MH-97 (moderately salt sensitive) subjected to saline conditions and glycinebetaine (GB) applied foliarly. Different levels of GB, i.e., 0 (unsprayed), 50 and 100 mM (in 0.10% Tween-20 solution) were applied to the wheat plants at the vegetative growth stage. Leaf water potential, leaf osmotic potential and turgor potential were decreased due to salt stress. Salt stress increased the Na⁺ and Cl⁻ accumulation coupled with a decrease in K⁺ and Ca²⁺ in the leaves and roots of both cultivars thereby decreasing tissue K⁺/Na⁺ and Ca²⁺/Na⁺ ratios. Furthermore, salt stress decreased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), whereas it increased the activities of catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) in both wheat cultivars. However, accumulation of GB in the leaves of both wheat cultivars was consistently increased with an increase in concentration of exogenous GB application under both non-saline and saline conditions. Accumulation of Na⁺ was decreased with an increase in K⁺ accumulation upon a consistent increase in GB accumulation under salt stress conditions thereby resulting in better K⁺/Na⁺ and Ca²⁺/Na⁺ ratios in the leaves and roots. High accumulation of GB and K⁺ mainly contributed to osmotic adjustment, which is one of the factors known to be responsible for improving growth and yield under salt stress. The activities of all antioxidant enzymes, SOD, CAT and POD were enhanced by GB application in cv. MH-97 under saline conditions, whereas all these except SOD were reduced in cv. S-24. It is likely that both applied GB and intrinsic SOD scavenged ROS in the tolerant cultivar thereby resulting into low activities of CAT and POD enzymes under salt stress. In conclusion, the adverse effects of salt stress on wheat can be alleviated by the exogenous application of 100 mM GB by modulating activities of antioxidant enzymes and changes in water relations and ion homeostasis. Furthermore, effectiveness of GB application on regulation of activities of antioxidant enzymes was found to be cultivar-specific.     

Relative membrane permeability and activities of some antioxidant enzymes as the key determinants of salt tolerance in canola (Brassica napus L.)

In order to determine whether cell membrane permeability, activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POX) and K⁺ vs. Na⁺ selectivity could be used as effective selection criteria for salt tolerance in canola (Brassica napus L.) four lines, Dunkled, CON-III, Rainbow and Cyclone were subjected to non-saline (control) or saline (150 mM NaCl) conditions for 30 d in hydroponics. Cultivar Dunkled was the highest and cv. Cyclone the lowest, whereas both CON-III and Rainbow the intermediate in shoot and root masses. Relative membrane permeability (RMP) was recorded to be the lowest in salt-tolerant Dunkled, whereas the reverse was true in salt-sensitive Cyclone. RMP was found to be associated with the activities of antioxidant enzymes, SOD, CAT and POX determined in the present study, the activities of these enzymes being highest in cv. Dunkled and lowest in cv. Cyclone, whereas intermediate in the other two lines. Since the lines did not differ significantly for shoot K⁺/Na⁺ ratios and shoot K⁺ vs. Na⁺ selectivity, these traits did not prove to be good indicators of salt tolerance in the canola lines examined. Overall relative cell membrane permeability and activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and POX) proved to be very effective in discriminating the canola cultivars for salt tolerance.     

鲍姆桑黄孔菌子实体HPLC指纹图谱及抗氧化活性谱效关系

本研究对38个不同批次和菌龄的椴木栽培鲍姆桑黄孔菌Sanghuangporus baumii子实体醇提物进行了高效液相色谱（HPLC）分析,建立了S. baumii醇提物HPLC指纹图谱,提取得到27个共有峰信息（P1-P27）;同时,对38个样品醇提取的Trolox等价抗氧化能力（TEAC）进行分析,基于正交偏最小二乘（OPLS）回归建立了抗氧化活性预测模型,潜变量数为3,交互验证所得累积模型预测参数（Q²）为0.803,变量累积解释指标（R²X）和（R²Y）分别为0.574和0.954,相关系数平方（R²）为0.954,经验证模型可以获得良好的预测效果,可以准确反映谱峰与活性之间相关关系;利用模型变量投影重要性（VIP）指标筛选得到14个共有峰对抗氧化活性具有显著贡献。研究获得的鲍姆桑黄孔菌抗氧化谱效关系模型为桑黄原料活性的预测提供了有效的方法,可辅助指导鲍姆桑黄孔菌活性化合物的分离纯化,也为鲍姆桑黄孔菌栽培子实体的品质控制提供了技术手段。     

The effect of the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) in plasma on the formation of 4-aminobiphenylhaemoglobin adducts in smokers

Smokers are exposed to a number of carcinogenic compounds including aromatic amines such as 4-aminobiphenyl. Antioxidants are thought to be involved in the defence against the damaging effect of such carcinogens. Recently it has been shown that plasma antioxidant status in smokers is diminished compared with non-smokers. In this study we investigated in 40 smokers whether the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) in plasma could be quantitatively related to exposure to cigarette smoke. The biomarkers 4-aminobiphenylhaemoglobin (4-ABP-Hb) adduct and cotinine were determined as indices of cigarette smoke exposure. A correlation between 4-ABP-Hb adduct levels and plasma cotinine levels was found for the whole population studied, who smoked 4-70 cigarettes per day (n = 40, r² = 0.12, p = 0.03). A significant inverse relationship was found between TEAC and 4-ABP-Hb levels (n = 40, r² = 0.17, p = 0.008). Multiple regression analysis showed a strong relationship between 4-ABP-Hb levels and plasma TEAC and cotinine levels (n = 40, r² =0.29, p = 0.002). These findings provide strong evidence that the 4- ABP-Hb adduct represents a valuable biomarker of (internal) exposure to tobacco smoke, and also that the formation of this marker is dependent on the plasma antioxidant status. The multiple regression analysis results show that the measure of effect (4-ABP-Hb adduct formation) is largely determined by dose (cotinine) and protection (TEAC).     

Simultaneous detection of the antioxidant and pro-oxidant activity of dietary polyphenolics in a peroxidase system

The ability to reduce the peroxidase (myeloglobin/H₂O₂)-generated ABTS_•+ [2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation] has been used to rank the antioxidant activity of various agents including dietary flavonoids and chalcones. Surprisingly, we found that in the presence of catalytic concentrations of the phenol B-ring containing flavonoids, apigenin, naringenin and the chalcone phloretin, the formation of the ABTS_•+ was initially increased. The enhanced formation of the ABTS_•+ was attributed to the peroxidase/H₂O₂ mediated generation of polyphenolic phenoxyl radicals that were able to co-oxidize ABTS. The relative ABTS_•+ generating ability of these dietary polyphenolics correlated with their ability to co-oxidize NADH to the NAD* radical with the resultant generation of superoxide. This pro-oxidant activity was not observed for either luteolin or eriodyctiol, which are B-ring catecholic analogues of apigenin and naringenin, respectively, suggesting that these antioxidants are incapable of the transition metal-independent generation of reactive oxygen species. This pro-oxidant activity of the polyphenolics therefore needs to be taken into account when quantifying antioxidant activity.     

Free radical scavenging behavior of folic acid: evidence for possible antioxidant activity

The free radical scavenging properties and possible antioxidant activity of folic acid are reported. Pulse radiolysis technique is employed to study the one-electron oxidation of folic acid in homogeneous aqueous solution. The radicals used for this study are CCl₃O₂^•, N₃^•, SO₄^•−, Br₂^•−, √OH, and O^•−. All these radicals react with folic acid under ambient condition at an almost diffusion-controlled rate producing two types of transients. The first transient absorption maximum is around 430 nm, which decays, and a simultaneous growth at around 390 nm is observed. Considering the chemical structure of folic acid, the absorption maximum at 430 nm has been assigned to a phenoxyl radical. The latter one is proposed to be a delocalized molecular radical. A permanent product has been observed in the oxidation of folic acid with CCl₃O₂^• and N₃^• radicals, with a broad absorption band around 370–400 nm. The bimolecular rate constants for all the radical-induced oxidation reactions of folic acid have been measured. Folic acid is seen to scavenge these radicals very efficiently. In the reaction of thiyl radicals with folic acid, it has been observed that folic acid can not only scavenge thiyl radicals but can also repair these thiols at physiological pH. While carrying out the lipid peroxidation study, in spite of the fact that folic acid is considerably soluble in water, we observed a significant inhibition property in microsomal lipid peroxidation. A suitable mechanism for oxidation of folic acid and repair of thiyl radicals by folic acid has been proposed.     

高浓度镉、锌及其复合作用对烟草抗氧化系统的影响

采用水培方法,研究高浓度镉(0.1 mmol·L^-1 Cd²⁺)、锌(0.15 mmol·L^-1 Zn²⁺)及其复合作用(0.1 mmol·L^-1 Cd²⁺+0.15 mmol·L^-1Zn²⁺)对烟草种子的萌发率、幼苗叶片活性氧(ROS)水平、抗氧化物浓度、抗氧化酶活性及膜脂过氧化程度的影响.结果表明: 单因子条件下,与对照相比,高浓度镉、锌处理烟草种子萌发率降低;叶片超氧自由基(O₂^-· )产生速率与过氧化氢(H₂O₂)含量升高;过氧化氢酶(CAT)、抗坏血酸过氧化物酶(APX)、脱氢抗化血酸还原酶(DHAR)、单脱氢抗坏血酸还原酶(MDAR)和谷胱甘肽还原酶(GR)活性升高;谷胱甘肽(GSH)含量及其与氧化型谷胱甘肽比值(GSH/GSSG)下降;丙二醛(MDA)含量升高.与镉、锌单因子处理相比,镉、锌复合处理的烟草种子萌发率显著升高;O₂^-· 产生速率、H₂O₂和MDA含量降低;CAT、APX、MDAR活性在处理末期升高.镉、锌胁迫对烟草可造成生理水平上的损伤,且毒性效应随着处理时间的延长而增强.镉、锌复合作用可缓解镉、锌单因子胁迫对烟草幼苗的毒害.     

Measurement of relative antioxidant activityof compounds: a methodological note

Abstract

The relativeThe relative activities of some hydrogen-donating antioxidants were assessed by comparing their activities with that of Trolox (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, TEAC) for scavenging the ABTS radical cation (ABTS^?+) generated in the aqueous phase. We have verified, however, that TEAC values may change with the concentration of compounds and with the measuring times used. Not withstanding, TEAC values do not differ significantly if the compounds have kinetic curves of ABTS^?+ formation similar to that of Trolox. This is the case with ascorbic acid, whose TEAC values, determined by using five concentrations at three different measuring times, are very close. For the flavonoids studied (catechin, rutin, naringenin and silibinin) which have kinetic curves of ABTS^?+ formation different from that of Trolox, the TEAC values decrease with increasing concentrations of the compounds for each measuring time, and increase with increasing measuring times for each concentration. In the present study, we conclude that, in order to evaluate relative antioxidant activities of compounds by the ABTS assay, it is essential to perform kinetic studies to assess scavenging of ABTS^?+ by these compounds. Therefore, when the TEAC values of compounds are determined for more than one measuring time, we may be sure that all the antioxidant potential of compounds is being considered and whether or not it is possible to establish a hierarchy for their antioxidant activities.     

Relative importance of Na+ and Cl– in NaCl-induced antioxidant systems in roots of rice seedlings

The present study examined the response of antioxidant systems to NaCl stress and the relative importance of Na⁺ and Cl^– in NaCl-induced antioxidant systems in roots of rice seedlings. NaCl treatment caused an increase in the activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) in roots of rice seedlings, but had no effect on the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). There were detectable differences in APX and GR isoenzymes between control and NaCl-treated roots. Levels of activity for SOD and CAT isoenzymes did not change in NaCl-stressed roots compared with the control roots. NaCl treatment produced an increase in H₂O₂, ascorbate (AsA), dehydro-ascorbate (DHA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels. Treatment with 50 m M Na-gluconate (whose anion is not permeable to membrane) led to a similar Na⁺ level in roots to that with 100 m M NaCl. It was found that treatment with 50 m M Na-gluconate affected H₂O₂, AsA, and DHA levels, APX and GR activities, OsAPX and OsGR mRNA induction in the same way as 100 m M NaCl. These observed changes seem to be mediated by Na⁺ toxicity and not by Cl^– toxicity. On the other hand, it was found that NaCl, but not Na-gluconate and NaNO₃, caused an increase in GSH and GSSG levels, indicating that Cl^–, rather than Na⁺, is responsible for the NaCl-increased GSH and GSSG levels in roots of rice seedlings.     

Increased levels of superoxide in brains from old female rats

Hypertension, aging and a range of neurodegenerative diseases are associated with increased oxidative damage. The present study examined whether superoxide (O₂^•-) levels in brain are increased during aging in female rats, and the role of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and oestrogen in regulating O₂^•- levels.

Young adult (3 month) and old (11 month) female spontaneously hypertensive stroke prone rats (SHRSP) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) were studied. O₂^•- levels were measured in brain homogenates by lucigenin chemiluminescence and SOD expression by Western blotting. Ageing significantly increased brain O₂^•- levels in WKY (cortex +216%, hippocampus +320%, striatum +225%) and to a greater extent in SHRSP (cortex +540%, hippocampus +580%, striatum +533%). Older SHRSP showed a decline in cortical Cu/Zn SOD expression compared to young adult SHRSP. Oestrogen did not attenuate O₂^•- levels.

The results show a significant age-dependent increase in brain O₂^•- levels which is exaggerated in SHRSP. The excess cortical O₂^•- levels in the SHRSP may be associated with a down-regulation of Cu/Zn SOD but are not related to a decrease in oestrogen.     

In vitro study of the antioxidant properties of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs by chemiluminescence and electron spin resonance (ESR)

Objectives. To determine the antioxidant activities of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), we examined by chemiluminescence (CL) and electron spin resonance (ESR) their scavenging properties towards lipid peroxides, hypochlorous acid and peroxynitrite.

Methods. The antioxidant properties of nimesulide (NIM), 4-hydroxynimesulide (4-HONIM), aceclofenac (ACLO), 4-hydroxyaceclofenac (4-HOA-CLO), diclofenac (DICLO) and indomethacin (INDO) were tested on four different reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating systems: (I) phorbol-myristate acetate (PMA)-activated neutrophils, (II) Fe²⁺/ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation, (III) HOCl-induced light emission, (IV) the kinetics of ONOO^- decomposition followed by spectrophotometry. ROS production was monitored by luminol-enhanced CL or by ESR using two different spin traps.

Results. At 10 μM, ACLO, NIM, 4-HONIM, 4-HOA-CLO, and DICLO decreased luminol-enhanced CL generated by PMA-activated neutrophils. Inversely, INDO increased the luminol enhanced CL. Interestingly, hydroxylated metabolites were more potent antioxidants than the parent drugs. Furthermore, all drugs tested, excepted ACLO, lowered lipid peroxidation induced by Fe²⁺/ascorbate system. ACLO and DICLO, even at the highest concentration tested (100 μM), did not significantly lower HOCl induced CL, whereas the other drugs were potent scavengers. Finally, all the NSAIDS accelerated decomposition of ONOO^-, suggesting a potential capacity of the molecules to scavenge peroxynitrite.

Conclusion. The NSAIDs possess variable degrees of antioxidant activities, linked to their ability to react with HOCl, lipid peroxides or ONOO^-. These antioxidant activities could offer interesting targeted side-effects in the treatment of joint inflammatory diseases.     

Measurement of relative antioxidant activity of compounds: a methodological note

The relative activities of some hydrogen-donating antioxidants were assessed by comparing their activities with that of Trolox (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, TEAC) for scavenging the ABTS radical cation (ABTS.+) generated in the aqueous phase. We have verified, however, that TEAC values may change with the concentration of compounds and with the measuring times used. Not withstanding, TEAC values do not differ significantly if the compounds have kinetic curves of ABTS.+ formation similar to that of Trolox. This is the case with ascorbic acid, whose TEAC values, determined by using five concentrations at three different measuring times, are very close. For the flavonoids studied (catechin, rutin, naringenin and silibinin) which have kinetic curves of ABTS.+ formation different from that of Trolox, the TEAC values decrease with increasing concentrations of the compounds for each measuring time, and increase with increasing measuring times for each concentration. In the present study, we conclude that, in order to evaluate relative antioxidant activities of compounds by the ABTS assay, it is essential to perform kinetic studies to assess scavenging of ABTS.+ by these compounds. Therefore, when the TEAC values of compounds are determined for more than one measuring time, we may be sure that all the antioxidant potential of compounds is being considered and whether or not it is possible to establish a hierarchy for their antioxidant activities.     

砷对玉米生长、抗氧化系统及离子分布的影响

采用温室砂培试验,研究了不同浓度砷（As）处理对玉米郑单958幼苗生物量积累、光合色素含量、抗氧化系统、As及矿质离子吸收、分布的影响.结果表明：低浓度（＜2 mg·L^-1）的As刺激了玉米幼苗的生长,植株株高、主根长和生物量积累均显著增加;高浓度（＞4 mg·L^-1）As严重抑制了玉米幼苗生长.2 mg·L^-1As处理下,叶绿素a、叶绿素b和叶绿素a+b含量均达到峰值;随As处理浓度增加,叶绿素含量逐渐下降;电镜观察发现,10 mg·L^-1 As处理下,叶片叶绿体结构遭到破坏,类囊体膜溶解.根系3种抗氧化酶（SOD、POD、CAT）活性均随As浓度增加而增大;叶片3种抗氧化酶活性在8 mg·L^-1出现峰值,且对As处理的敏感性表现为POD>CAT>SOD.MDA、可溶性糖和可溶性蛋白含量与As浓度呈正相关.高浓度的As明显抑制了P、K、Ca、Fe等元素的吸收.根系对As胁迫的反应比地上部更为敏感,因此根系生长发育指标更适合作为植物As毒害的指示指标.     

In vitro interactions of thallium with components of the glutathione-dependent antioxidant defence system

We investigated the hypothesis that thallium (Tl) interactions with the glutathione-dependent antioxidant defence system could contribute to the oxidative stress associated with Tl toxicity. Working in vitro with reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR) or glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in solution, we studied the effects of Tl⁺ and Tl³⁺ (1-25 μM) on: (a) the amount of free GSH, investigating whether the metal binds to GSH and/or oxidizes it; (b) the activity of the enzyme GR, that catalyzes GSH regeneration; and (c) the enzyme GPx, that reduces hydroperoxide at expense of GSH oxidation. We found that, while Tl⁺ had no effect on GSH concentration, Tl³⁺ oxidized it. Both cations inhibited the reduction of GSSG by GR and the diaphorase activity of this enzyme. In addition, Tl³⁺per se oxidized NADPH, the cofactor of GR. The effects of Tl on GPx activity depended on the metal charge: Tl⁺ inhibited GPx when cumene hydroperoxide (CuOOH) was the substrate, while Tl³⁺-mediated GPx inhibition occurred with both substrates. The present results show that Tl interacts with all the components of GSH/GSSG antioxidant defence system. Alterations of this protective pathway could be partially responsible for the oxidative stress associated with Tl toxicity.     

Broad-spectrum antioxidant peptides derived from His residue-containing sequences present in human paraoxonase 1

Hydroxyl or peroxyl radicals and hypochlorous acid (HOCl) are known to cause the oxidation of lipoproteins. Here, we examined Cu²⁺-binding property of paraoxonase 1 (PON1), and antioxidant actions of peptides, resembling His residue-containing sequences in PON1, against oxidations by Cu²⁺, peroxyl radicals or HOCl. When Cu²⁺-binding property of PON1 was examined spectrophotometrically, the maximal Cu²⁺ binding was achieved at 1:1 molar ratio of PON1: Cu²⁺. Additionally, Cu²⁺-catalyzed oxidative inactivation of PON1 was prevented by Ca²⁺-depleted PON1 at 1:1 ratio, but not diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC)-modified PON1, suggesting the participation of His residue in Cu²⁺-binding. When His-containing peptides were examined for antioxidant actions, those with either His residue at N-terminal position 2 or 3, or His-Pro sequence at C-terminal remarkably prevented Cu²⁺-mediated low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and PON1 inactivation. Especially, FHKALY, FHKY or NHP efficiently prevented Cu²⁺-induced LDL oxidation (24 h), indicating a tight binding of Cu²⁺ by peptides. In support of this, the peptide/Cu²⁺ complexes exhibited a superoxide-scavenging activity. Separately, in oxidations by 2,2'-azobis-2-amidinopropane hydrochloride or HOCl, the presence of Tyrosine (Tyr) or Cysteine (Cys) residue markedly enhanced antioxidant action of His-containing peptides. These results indicate that His-containing peptides with Tys or Cys residues correspond to broad spectrum antioxidants in oxidation models employing Cu²⁺, 2,2'-azobis-2-amidinopropane hydrochloride (AAPH) or HOCl.     

硒的价态与浓度对香橙幼苗生长和AsA-GSH循环的影响

以盆栽香橙为试材,分析不同施用浓度Se⁶⁺和Se⁴⁺对植株生长和抗坏血酸(AsA) -谷胱甘肽(GSH)循环的影响.结果表明: 两种价态硒均可促进香橙生长,主要表现在增加了叶面积、株高、鲜质量和干质量.施用Se⁶⁺显著提高了香橙硒含量,且硒主要分配在叶片;而施用Se⁴⁺虽能提高硒含量,但其含量远低于Se⁶⁺处理,且主要分配在根系.施硒提高了叶片叶绿素和过氧化氢(H₂O₂)含量,且Se⁶⁺处理高于Se⁴⁺处理.Se⁶⁺浓度≤2.0 mg·L^-1处理能提高谷胱甘肽还原酶(GR)与谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GPX)活性、GSH与氧化型谷胱甘肽(GSSG)量,Se⁶⁺浓度≥4.0 mg·L^-1处理降低GSH循环的物质和酶活性;而Se⁴⁺浓度≤ 2.0 mg·L^-1处理能提高脱氢抗坏血酸还原酶(DHAR)与抗坏血酸过氧化物酶(APX)活性,且具有较高的AsA/[AsA+脱氢抗坏血酸(DHA)]比值,Se⁴⁺浓度≥4.0 mg·L^-1 处理的GSH循环的物质和酶活性升高.综上,硒的不同价态和施用浓度对AsA-GSH循环相关物质含量和酶活性的影响不同.结合香橙生长指标和抗氧化水平,Se⁶⁺和Se⁴⁺的适宜浓度分别为2.0和4.0 mg·L^-1.     

干旱条件下钙离子对一氧化氮诱导黄瓜不定根发生的影响

以黄瓜品种‘新春4号’为材料,研究干旱胁迫下一氧化氮(NO)和钙离子(Ca²⁺)处理下黄瓜的生根指标、内源Ca²⁺荧光强度以及抗氧化酶(超氧化物歧化酶SOD、过氧化氢酶CAT、抗坏血酸过氧化物酶APX)活性,分析干旱条件下黄瓜不定根发生过程中NO和Ca²⁺之间的关系.结果表明: 200 μmol·L^-1 氯化钙(CaCl₂)和0.05%聚乙二醇(PEG)共处理显著提高了干旱条件下黄瓜不定根的根长和根数;添加Ca²⁺螯合剂(EGTA)和通道抑制剂(BAPTA/AM)处理显著降低了干旱条件下NO诱导的不定根根数和根长.干旱条件下,NO和CaCl₂处理提高了黄瓜下胚轴内源Ca²⁺荧光强度;而NO清除剂(cPTIO)处理的Ca²⁺荧光强度显著低于NO处理.干旱条件下,NO和CaCl₂处理显著提高了黄瓜下胚轴抗氧化酶活性;而Ca²⁺抑制剂或螯合剂处理显著降低了NO诱导的抗氧化酶活性.由此可见,干旱条件下Ca²⁺参与了NO调控黄瓜抗氧化酶活性,缓解了干旱胁迫对不定根形成产生的伤害,进而促进了不定根的发生.     

硅对连作黄瓜幼苗光合特性和抗氧化酶活性的影响

以‘津研四号’黄瓜品种为试材,研究了叶面喷施不同浓度硅(Si)(0、1、2、3、4、5 mmol·L^-1)对连作黄瓜幼苗生长、光合特性和抗氧化酶活性的影响.结果表明: 在一定浓度(1～3 mmol·L^-1 Si)范围内,施Si可降低幼苗叶片电解质渗漏率(EL)和丙二醛(MDA)含量;提高叶绿素a(Chl a)、叶绿素b(Chl b)、类胡萝卜素(Car)和总叶绿素含量,叶片净光合速率(P_n)升高;超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)、抗坏血酸过氧化物酶(APX)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性均有所提高;黄瓜幼苗株高、茎粗、叶面积及干物质积累量增加.随施Si浓度的进一步增加(4～5 mmol·L^-1),叶片中EL和MDA含量升高,但仍低于对照;抗氧化酶活性和光合作用下降,幼苗生长受到显著抑制.说明外源Si可通过提高黄瓜幼苗叶片抗氧化酶活性来降低膜脂过氧化,通过增加光合作用来提高黄瓜幼苗长势,进而增强对连作障碍的抗性.以2 mmol·L^-1Si处理效果最好.     

菠萝叶片色泽、色素及抗氧化活性的关系

以菠萝22个栽培品种的叶片为实验材料,测定其5种色泽参数（L^*、a^*、b^*、c^*和h^*值）、5种色素（叶绿素、类胡萝卜素、花青苷、类黄酮和总酚）含量及3种抗氧化活性指标（ABTS、DPPH自由基和亚硝酸盐的清除能力）,并进行相关性分析。研究结果显示,色泽参数a^*和h^*值可以作为菠萝叶片指示色泽、主要色素含量和抗氧化活性变化的重要指标;菠萝叶片主要色素组成是叶绿素、类黄酮和总酚,且含有少量的花青苷,几乎不含类胡萝卜素。相关性分析结果显示,菠萝叶片类黄酮和总酚含量均与3种抗氧化活性指标极显著正相关,而叶绿素含量与其它指标相关性未达到显著水平,类黄酮和总酚是菠萝叶片抗氧化活性的主要功效成分。