Profile of pterostilbene-induced redox homeostasis modulation in cardiac myoblasts and heart tissue

This study was designed to investigate the effect of pterostilbene (PTS) on cardiac oxidative stress in vitro, as this is a simple and promising methodology to study cardiac disease. Cardiac myoblasts (H9c2 cells) and homogenised cardiac tissue were incubated with the PTS and cyclodextrin (PTS?+?HPβCD) complex for 1 and 24 h, respectively, at concentrations of 50 μM for the cells and 25 and 50 μM for cardiac tissue. The PTS?+?HPβCD complex was used to increase the solubility of PTS in water. After the pretreatment period, cardiomyoblasts were challenged with hydrogen peroxide (6.67 μM) for 10?min, while cardiac tissue was submitted to a hydroxyl radical generator system (30?min). Cellular viability, oxidative stress biomarkers (e.g. total reactive oxygen species (ROS), carbonyl assay and lipoperoxidation) and the antioxidant response (e.g. sulfhydryl and the antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) were evaluated. In cardiomyoblasts, the PTS?+?HPβCD complex (50 μM) increased cellular viability. Moreover, the PTS?+?HPβCD complex also significantly increased sulfhydryl levels in the cells submitted to an oxidative challenge. In cardiac tissue, lipid peroxidation, carbonyls and ROS levels were significantly increased in the groups submitted to oxidative damage, while the PTS?+?HPβCD complex significantly reduced ROS levels in these groups. In addition, the PTS?+?HPβCD complex also provoked increased catalase activity in both experimental protocols. These data suggest that the PTS?+?HPβCD complex may play a cardioprotective role through a reduction of ROS levels associated with an improved antioxidant response.     

Impact of plant growth regulators spray on fruit quantity and quality of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivars grown under plastic tunnels

The study aims to investigate the effect of foliar spray with three plant growth regulators (PGRs) p-Chlorophenoxyacetic acid (CPA) at 20 and 40 ppm; Gibberellic acid (GA3) at 20 and 30 ppm, 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) at 10 and 20 ppm on the response of fruit set, yield, and fruit quality of some hot pepper cultivars (Chillina, Parbirian, Shampion, and Hyffa) grown in sandy soil under plastic tunnels as compared to the control. Spraying Chillina cultivar GA3 at 30 ppm significantly increased the number of fruits/ plant and fruit set (%), yield/plant, and total yield/fad. In addition, the contents of TSS and Vit C, furthermore, maximum capsaicin content were observed in chili fruits in both seasons. However, the interaction between Chillina cultivar and spraying with GA3 at 20 ppm ranked second in yield and quality. The interaction between Parbirian cultivars and spraying with GA3 at 20 or 30 ppm increased the number of flowers/plants in both seasons. On the other hand, the interaction between Shampion cultivar and spraying with tap water (control) gave the lowest values of the number of flowers/ plants, the number of fruits/ plant and fruit set (%), yield, and its components, and fruit quality in both seasons.     

Gibberellin biosynthesis and signalling during development of the strawberry receptacle

The enlargement of receptacle cells during strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) fruit development is a critical factor determining fruit size, with the increase in cell expansion being one of the most important physiological processes regulated by the phytohormone gibberellin (GA). Here, we studied the role of GA during strawberry fruit development by analyzing the endogenous content of bioactive GAs and the expression of key components of GA signalling and metabolism. Bioactive GA(1) , GA(3) and GA(4) were monitored during fruit development, with the content of GA(4) being extremely high in the receptacle, peaking at the white stage of development. ?Genes with high homology to genes encoding GA pathway components, including receptors (FaGID1(GIBBERELLIN-INSENSITIVE DWARF1)b and FaGID1c), DELLA (FaRGA(REPRESSOR OF GA) and FaGAI(GA-INSENSITIVE)), and enzymes involved in GA biosynthesis (FaGA3ox) and catabolism (FaGA2ox), were identified, and their expression in different tissues and developmental stages of strawberry fruit was studied in detail. The expression of all of these genes showed a stage-specific pattern during fruit development and was highest in the receptacle. FaGID1c bound GA in vitro, interacted with FaRGA in vitro and in vivo, and increased GA responses when ectopically expressed in Arabidopsis. This study thus reveals key elements of GA responses in strawberry and points to a critical role for GA in the development of the receptacle.     

Impact of plant growth regulators spray on fruit quantity and quality of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivars grown under plastic tunnels

The study aims to investigate the effect of foliar spray with three plant growth regulators (PGRs) p-Chlorophenoxyacetic acid (CPA) at 20 and 40 ppm; Gibberellic acid (GA3) at 20 and 30 ppm, 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) at 10 and 20 ppm on the response of fruit set, yield, and fruit quality of some hot pepper cultivars (Chillina, Parbirian, Shampion, and Hyffa) grown in sandy soil under plastic tunnels as compared to the control. Spraying Chillina cultivar GA3 at 30 ppm significantly increased the number of fruits/ plant and fruit set (%), yield/plant, and total yield/fad. In addition, the contents of TSS and Vit C, furthermore, maximum capsaicin content were observed in chili fruits in both seasons. However, the interaction between Chillina cultivar and spraying with GA3 at 20 ppm ranked second in yield and quality. The interaction between Parbirian cultivars and spraying with GA3 at 20 or 30 ppm increased the number of flowers/plants in both seasons. On the other hand, the interaction between Shampion cultivar and spraying with tap water (control) gave the lowest values of the number of flowers/ plants, the number of fruits/ plant and fruit set (%), yield, and its components, and fruit quality in both seasons.     

COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF GIBBERELLIN AND INDOLE COMPOUNDS ON THE INDUCTION OF PARTHENOCARPY IN SEXUALLY INCOMPATIBLE PERESKIA ACULEATA

Sachar , R. C. (U. Delhi, India.) Comparative effects of gibberellin and indole compounds on the induction of parthenocarpy in sexually incompatible Pereskia aculeata. Amer. Jour. Bot. 49(9): 913–917. Illus. 1962.—The effects of indoleacetic acid (IAA), indolebutyric acid (IBA), gibberellin (G) and gibberellic acid (GA) were studied on the fruit growth of the sexually incompatible Pereskia. Under natural conditions, this plant did not produce any fruits and seeds, and the flowers abscised a week after anthesis. IAA (50–500 ppm) delayed the formation of an abscission layer by another 2 weeks, but it was ineffective in inducing parthenocarpy. IBA (50–500 ppm) induced fruit-set in only 15% of the flowers. Best response was achieved by G (100–500 ppm), or GA (100–500 ppm), which gave 100% fruit-set. The effect of GA in inducing parthenocarpy was not inhibited when used in conjunction with IAA. Maximum size of the fruits was obtained with 2 sprayings of GA, and subsequent sprays were of no consequence. Further, fruit size was the largest when GA or G was sprayed at anthesis, or on old flower buds, but it was much less when the chemicals were sprayed on young flower buds. There was no stimulation of the growth of ovules; instead, a translucent mucilaginous placental tissue developed within the cavity of the fruit wall. Attempts were made to culture ovules and the placental tissue on artificial nutrient medium, but without success.     

Effect of phytohormones on pectate lyase activity in ripening Musa acuminata.

A differential activity peak of pectate lyase (PEL) was observed during ripening of banana fruits (Musa acuminata Harichhal) receiving different hormone treatments. Exposure of fruits to 25 ppm ethylene for 24 h, as well as dipping of M. acuminata fruits in 1 mM 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) for 4 h, hastened fruit ripening. Both PEL activity peak and climacteric peak were observed on the 4th and 10th days of treatment with ethylene and 2,4-D, respectively, compared to the 16th day in control fruits. Gibberellic acid (GA) treatment retarded fruit ripening and both PEL activity and climacteric peaks were observed on the 19th day. Treatment of fruits with ethylene or 2,4-D also advanced the appearance of a polygalacturonase (PG) peak and GA delayed its appearance, but the activity peaks always appeared in post-climacteric fruits, in contrast to PEL activity peaks coinciding with the respiratory peaks.     

GA application induces alteration in sex ratio and cell death in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Jatropha curcas</Emphasis>

Jatropha curcas L. is a commercially important plant with biodiesel and medicinal potential. It is a monoecious plant with staminate and pistillate flowers in same inflorescence with number of staminate flowers being higher than pistillate ones resulting in very low fruit yield. Altering sex ratio to increase the number of female flowers would lead to better yield. Phytohormones are most important factors known to alter sex ratio in plants. The mechanism by which phytohormones alter sex ratio differs in different plant species. Among phytohormones, GA plays an important role in sex alteration. In this study, we report the effect of exogenous application of GA on sex modification in J. curcas. There was considerable increase in number of female flowers by application of GA. At lower concentrations (10 and 100 ppm), increase in number of female flowers and fruit yield was proportionate to the concentration of hormone used but at higher concentration (1,000 ppm) though there was an increase in number of female flowers, fruit yield decreased. This was due to an increased peduncle length and enhanced cell death as a consequence of endogenous release of hydrogen peroxide in response to increased GA, resulting in withering of fruits.     

香梨果实成熟衰老过程中4种内源激素的变化

以库尔勒香梨[白梨(PyrusbretschneideriRehd.)的变种]为材料,在果实生长发育、成熟衰老期间检测内源IAA、GA3、ABA、乙烯含量变化规律及其相互关系。结果表明果实发育初期IAA、GA3、ABA含量最高,有利于幼果坐果;CA3与ABA的比值变化对果实迅速膨大起关键作用;高浓度GA3对阻抑叶绿素分解起明显作用;果实成熟衰老期间,IAA含量与乙烯释放速率呈方向相同的变化;在此期间GA3含量变化与乙烯释放变化相反。     

Inactivation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms formed under high shear stress on various hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces by a continuous flow of ozonated water

Abstract

The inactivation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms grown on glass under high shear stress and exposed to a range of dissolved ozone concentrations (2, 5 and 7?ppm) at 10 and 20?min was investigated. The regression equation, log reduction (biofilm)?=?0.64?+?0.59×(C – 2)?+?0.33×(T – 10), described the dependence of biofilm inactivation on the dissolved ozone concentration (C, ppm) and contact time (T, min). The predicted D-values were 11.1, 5.7 and 2.2?min at 2, 5 and 7?ppm, respectively. Inactivation of biofilms grown on various surfaces was tested at a single dissolved ozone concentration of 5?ppm and a single exposure time of 20?min. Biofilms grown on plastic materials showed inactivation results similar to that of biofilms on glass, while biofilms grown on ceramics were statistically significantly more difficult to inactivate, suggesting the importance of utilizing non-porous materials in industrial and clinical settings.     

Differential Endocrine and Metabolic Effects of Testosterone Suppressive Agents in Transgender Women

Objective: Suppression of testosterone secretion and/or action in transgender women using cyproterone acetate (CPA), spironolactone, or gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GA) is achieved through various mechanisms. Our objective was to characterize possible differential effects of these compounds on metabolic and endocrine variables.Methods: We conducted a historic cohort study of transgender patients treated in a tertiary referral center. A longitudinal analysis of treatment naïve patients and a cross-sectional analysis of the whole cohort at the last visit was carried out.Results: Among 126 transgender women (75 treatment-naïve), CPA was the predominant androgen suppressive therapy (70%), followed by spironolactone (17.6%), and GA (10.2%). Among those who were treatment-naïve, the increase in serum prolactin levels over baseline was greater at 3 months following CPA initiation (mean change 397 ± 335 mIU/L) than following spironolactone (20.1 ± 87 mIU/L) or GA initiation (64.6 ± 268 mIU/L; P = .0002). Prolactin levels remained higher in the CPA-treated group throughout follow-up, irrespective of estradiol levels, which were similar between the groups. A worse metabolic profile was associated with treatment with CPA than with spironolactone or GA. In the CPA compared to the spironolactone and GA groups, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels were lower (47.1 ± 10.4, 54.4 ± 12.2, and 60.3 ± 13, respectively; P = .0076), while body mass index levels (24.3 ± 5, 21.7 ± 2.3, and 20.7 ± 3.1 kg/m²; P = .03), and systolic (117 ± 12.1, 109 ± 12.2, and 105 ± 13.3 mm Hg; P = .01) and diastolic (74 ± 9, 65.6 ± 5.5, and 65.4 ± 11 mm Hg; P = .0008) blood pressure levels were higher at the last visit.Conclusion: Treatment of transgender women with CPA was associated with hyperprolactinemia and a worse cardiovascular risk profile than treatment with spironolactone or GA.Abbreviations: BMI = body mass index; CPA = cyproterone acetate; E2 = estradiol; FSH = follicle-stimulating hormone; GA = gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues; LH = luteinizing hormone     

Hormonal changes during non-climacteric ripening in strawberry

In contrast to climacteric fruits, where ethylene is known to be pivotal, the regulation of ripening in non-climacteric fruits is not well understood. In the non-climacteric strawberry (Fragaria anannassa), auxin and abscisic acid (ABA) are thought to be important, but the roles of other hormones suggested to be involved in fruit development and ripening are not clear. Here changes in the levels of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), ABA, GA(1), and castasterone from anthesis to fully ripened fruit are reported. The levels of IAA and GA(1) rise early in fruit development before dropping to low levels prior to colour accumulation. Castasterone levels are highest at anthesis and drop to very low levels well before ripening commences, suggesting that brassinosteroids do not play an important role in ripening in strawberry. ABA levels are low at anthesis and gradually rise through development and ripening. The synthetic auxin, 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), can delay ripening, but the application of GA(3), the gibberellin biosythesis inhibitor paclobutrazol, and ABA had no significant effect. IAA and ABA levels are higher in the developing achenes than in the receptacle tissue and may be important for receptacle enlargement and ripening, and seed maturation, respectively. Contrary to a recent report, the biologically active GA(4) was not detected. The pattern of changes in the levels of the hormones are different from those reported in another well studied non-climateric fruit, grape, suggesting that a single consistent pattern of hormone changes does not occur in this group of fruit during ripening.     

Is there a way to protect human immune cells against nanocytotoxicity?

The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) prepared by chemical reduction with sodium hypophosphite as a reducing agent and sodium hexametaphosphate as a stabilising agent were highly cytotoxic against human cells (U-937 and HL-60). The aim of the study was to determine the impact of selected antioxidants: ascorbic acid (AA), gallic acid (GA), scavenger (trolox (TX)) and Ag⁺ chelator (N-acetylcysteine, NAC) on viability, modulation of inflammatory response and apoptosis index of cells treated by AgNPs. Selected protectants added individually or together affects the viability of cells treated by AgNPs (1?mg/L). The mixtures assuring the most efficient defense against AgNPs were: AgNPs?+?TX?+?AA, AgNPs?+?GA?+?AA, AgNPs?+?TX?+?GA?+?AA and AgNPs?+?TX?+?GA?+?AA?+?NAC which synergistically interact in the mixture. The greatest reduction in IL-6 and TNF-α levels was found for the mixture containing AgNPs?+?TX?+?GA?+?AA. Mixture of this composition exhibited also the strongest anti-apoptotic effect. Highly cytotoxic AgNPs may not damage human cells if cytoprotectants are present.     

BA、GA3和IAA对富士苹果果形形成的影响

以9年生富士苹果为材料,研究富士苹果形成过程中BA、GA,和IAA对果形、品质、内源激素含量的影响。结果表明：在花期喷GA,对富士苹果的坐果率影响效果最好,分别比清水对照和无处理对照提高49％和79．45％。BA100mg·L^-1GA3300mg·L^-1＋IAA20mg·L^-1对降低富士苹果偏斜率效果最好。在花期、花期＋幼果期和幼果期分别喷BA和在花期喷GA3可以提高果实中可溶性固形物的含量。花期喷IAA、BA、GA,和BA＋GA,＋IAA对内源激素IAA和GA3的含量均有促进作用,在整个生长季内不同处理下IAA、GA3含量均高于清水对照且差异明显;花期喷BA、GA3和BA＋GA3＋IAA对内源激素ZT含量有促进作用,尤其在果实幼果期和膨大期与清水对照相比效果明显;花期喷GA3和BA＋GA3＋IAA与清水对照相比内源激素ABA含量有明显降低,其中幼果期变化显著。     

Modulatory effect of linoleic and oleic acid on cell proliferation and lipid metabolism gene expressions in primary bovine satellite cells

This study was performed to elucidate the effects of linoleic acid (LA), oleic acid (OA) and their combination (LA?+?OA) on cell proliferation, apoptosis, necrosis, and the lipid metabolism related gene expression in bovine satellite cells (BSCs), isolated from bovine muscles. Cell viability was significantly increased with the OA and LA treatment. Furthermore, LA?+?OA enhanced cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner (10 to 100?µM), whereas it lowered at 250?µM. In addition, a cell-cycle analysis showed that 100?µM of LA and OA markedly decreased the G0/G1 phase proportion (62.58% and 61.33%, respectively), compared to controls (68.02%), whereas the S-phase cells’ proportion was increased. The ratio of G2/M phase cells was not significantly different among the groups. Moreover, analyses with AO/EtBr staining showed that no apoptosis occurred. Necrosis were determined by flow cytometry using Annexin V-FITC/PI staining which revealed no early apoptosis in the cells pretreated with LA or OA, but occurred in the LA?+?OA group. We also analyzed the mRNA expression of lipid metabolizing genes such as peroxisome proliferator receptor alfa (PPARα), peroxisome proliferator receptor gamma (PPARγ), acyl-CoA oxidase (ACOX), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), carnitine palmitoyl transferase (CPT-1), and fatty-acid binding protein4 (FABP4), which were upregulated in LA or OA treated cells compared to the control group. In essence, LA and OA alone promote the cell proliferation without any apoptosis and necrosis, which might upregulate the lipid metabolism related gene expressions, and increase fatty-acid oxidation in the BSCs’ lipid metabolism.     

Synthesis of enamino-2-oxindoles via conjugate addition between α-azido ketones and 3-alkenyl oxindoles: Cytotoxicity evaluation and apoptosis inducing studies

A facile method for the construction of double bond between 3-ylidene oxindoles and α-azido ketones has been successfully accomplished with a mild base. This method features azido reduction with concomitant double bond formation to provide the new class of bioactive enamino-2-oxindoles. These new compounds were screened for their in vitro cytotoxic potential on selected human cancer cell lines such as colon, lung, breast, and cervical cancer cells. Among them, representative compounds 3a, 3h, 3k, 3p, 3w and 3x showed notable cytotoxicity profile with IC₅₀ values ranging from 1.40?±?0.10 to 28.7?±?0.36?µM. Compound 3k displayed most potent cytotoxicity against lung cancer (NCI-H460) cells with an IC₅₀ value of 1.40?±?0.10?µM. 3k also arrested the G2/M phase of the cell cycle and induced distinctive apoptotic features on lung cancer cells. The apoptosis induction is supported by various cellular assays such as AO/EB, DAPI, and DCFDA staining studies including clonogenic assay. Extent of apoptosis was also analyzed by Annexin binding and JC-1 staining. Moreover, this method is amenable for the generation of a library of new class of stable bioactive enamino-2-oxindoles.     

Exogenous hormone applications at pollination for in vitro and in vivo production of cotton interspecific hybrids

Interspecific hybridization of cotton (Gossypium) has been assisted by ovule and embryo culture. These culture methods were compared to exogenous hormone applications for efficient plant production from crosses between Upland cotton, G. hirsutum L., as the maternal parent, and various diploid and tetraploid wild species as the pollen donor. The best exogenous hormone treatment resulted in an average production of five seeds per boll and 4% boll abscission. Generally, exogenous hormones used with standard hybridization techniques were superior to in vitro methods, but for some crosses, embryo culture following hormone applications was warranted.Abbreviations GA gibberellic acid, >90% A₃ - NAA 1-naphthaleneacetic acid - NOA 2-naphthoxyacetic acid.