Plant-endophyte synergism has been demonstrated to play a key role in the phytoremediation of contaminated water and soil. Phytoalexins, a type of chemical component in the plant apoplast, can be produced by plants in response to stimulation by endophytes. Phytoalexins may have distinct effects on the nutritional and metabolic functions of endophytes; however, direct evidence is not available to prove the effect of phytoalexins on the hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOC)-degradation activity of endophytes. In this paper, three different types of phytoalexins, coumarin, resveratrol and rutin, were selected to study their effect on the removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by an endophytic bacterium Methylobacterium extorquens C1. The effects of the three phytoalexins on bacterial sorption and intracellular enzymatic activities were tested to further analyze the mechanism by which the phytoalexins affect the PAH degradation performance of M. extorquens C1. The results showed that the removal rate of PAHs by M. extorquens C1 increased in the presence of low levels of the three phytoalexins. The most effective concentrations of coumarin, resveratrol and rutin were 0.20, 0.15, and 0.25 mg/L, respectively, and the removal rate of PAHs was increased by approximately 18.3–35.0%. At the optimal concentrations, the three phytoalexins significantly promoted the sorption of PAHs by M. extorquens C1, and also enhanced the activities of catechol dioxygenases and dehydrogenase of M. extorquens C1. The positive effect of phytoalexins on both bacterial sorption and intracellular enzymatic activities promotes the overall removal of PAHs from endophytes. These results may deepen our understanding of plant-microbe cooperative mechanisms in the degradation of organic pollutants and provide a new approach for chemically enhanced bioremediation in the future.

An emerging stress of pesticides in plant and soil is closely watched as it affects crop antioxidant systems, nutritional quality, and flavor. Although selenium (Se) can enhance the resistance of plants, the protective mechanism of nanoselenium is still not known under the long-term pesticide stress in tea trees. In this study, we investigated the potential effects of foliar application of nanoselenium for a two-year field experiment on tea plants under pesticide-induced oxidative stress. Compared to control, nano-Se (10 mg/L) markedly enhanced the protein, soluble sugar, carotenoid, tea polyphenols, and catechins contents. High levels of theanine, glutamic acid, proline, and arginine were found to be induced most likely by adjusting the GS-GOGAT cycle. Se-supplementation may promote tea leaves’ secondary metabolism, thus increasing the accumulation of total phenols and flavonoids (apigenin, kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin, and rutin). It also minimized the accumulation of malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide anion by activating the antioxidants enzymes including in the AsA-GSH cycle. Selenium-rich tea also showed better fragrance and flavor. In summary, nano-Se can ameliorate the nutrients quality and abiotic stresses resistance of crops.

Insect pollinators, critical for both agricultural output and the ecosystem, are declining at an alarming levels partly due to human-made chemicals. Majority of environmental chemicals hamper the endocrine function and studies on the same in insects remain neglected. Here, we report a Drosophila-based ex vivo assay system that employs a reproductive tissue from transgenic males carrying a reporter gene (lacZ) downstream of ecdysone receptor response element (EcRE) and permits the evaluation of chemical-mediated activity modulation of all three isoforms of ecdysone receptor, which are critical for male fertility. We show agonistic [plasticizers, cypermethrin, atrazine, methyl parathion, imidacloprid, cadmium chloride, mercuric chloride or 3-(4-methylbenzylidene) camphor] or antagonistic (apigenin, tributyltin chloride) effects or lack of effect thereof (rutin hydrate, dichlorvos, lead acetate, parabens) for seven different classes of environmental chemicals on ecdysone receptor activity reflecting the specificity and sensitivity of the developed ex vivo assay. Exposure to a few of these chemicals in vivo hampers the fertility of Drosophila males, thus linking the observed endocrine disruption to a quantifiable reproductive phenotype. The developed ex vivo assay offers a quick Drosophila-based screening tool for throughput monitoring of environmental chemicals for their ability to hamper the endocrine function of insect pollinators and other invertebrates.

Due to the public and environmental health impact of cyanotoxins, investigations have been focused on finding environmental friendly algaecides from aquatic plants. The present study had the objective to evaluate the population control and physiological response of Microcystis aeruginosa (Kützing) Kützing (strain BCCUSP232) exposed to Pistia stratiotes L. extracts. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of P. stratiotes at different concentrations (10, 25, and 50 mg L⁻¹) were submitted to M. aeruginosa and reduced significantly (p<0.05) the cyanobacterium cell density. The ethanolic extract presented the greatest growth inhibition of the strain at the highest concentration. During exposure to P. stratiotes extracts, intracellular hydrogen peroxide levels, malondialdehyde content, and antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase) activities increased in M. aeruginosa, while total protein concentration decreased when compared to the control group. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities presented a sharp decline, suggesting superoxide radical and peroxide accumulation. This implied that SOD was a target for bioactive substance(s) from aqueous and ethanolic extracts of P. stratiotes. Phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed that the ethanolic extract presented 93.36 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per gram dry weight (g⁻¹ DW) total polyphenols and 217.33 mg rutin equivalent (RE) per gram dry weight total flavonoids, and for the aqueous extract, 5.19 mg GAE g⁻¹ DW total polyphenols and 11.02 mg RE g⁻¹ DW total flavonoids were detected. Gas chromatography (GC)/mass spectrometry (MS) analyses of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts presented palmitic acid ethyl ester as major allelochemical. In view of these results, it can be concluded that P. stratiotes showed potential in controlling M. aeruginosa populations.

This study was conducted to identify the bioactive phytochemicals in Salvia officinalis essential oil, to determine the polyphenols in the aqueous extract (SOE), and to evaluate their protective role against cadmium (Cd)-induced oxidative damage and genotoxicity in rats. Six groups of female rats were treated orally for 2 weeks including the control group, CdCl₂-treated group, SOE-treated groups at low or high dose (100 and 200 mg/kg b.w), and CdCl₂ plus SOE-treated groups at the two doses. The GC-MS analysis identified 39 compounds; the main compounds were 9-octadecenamide, eucalyptol, palmitic acid, and oleic acid. However, the HPLC analysis showed 12 polyphenolic compounds and the majority were coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, coffeic acid, catechin, vanillin, gallic acid, ellagic acid, and rutin. In the biological study, rats received CdCl₂ displayed severe disturbances in liver and kidney indices alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), albumin (Alb), total protein (TP), total bilirubin (T. Bil), direct bilirubin (D. Bil), creatinine, uric acid, and urea, lipid profile, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and CEA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), gene expressions, DNA fragmentation, and histological alterations in the liver and kidney tissue. SOE showed a potent antioxidant and mitigated these alterations in serum and tissue. Moreover, the high dose succeeded to normalize most of the tested parameters and histological features. It could be concluded that S. officinalis is a promising source for bioactive compounds with therapeutic benefits against environmental toxicants.

Narcissus tazetta (Amaryllidaceae) is a medicinal plant widely used for cut flowers and potted ornamental plant in Tunisia flora. The current study evaluated the phenolic composition and antioxidant properties of its flower extracts and investigated its potential protective activity against cadmium chloride (CdCl₂)–induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Mice were divided into six groups of six each: group 1, serving as negative controls, received by intraperitoneal way only distilled water; group 2 received by intraperitoneal way CdCl₂ (0.16 mg/kg bw); groups 3 and 4 received CdCl₂ at the same dose of group 2 and 100 or 200 mg/kg bw of Narcissus tazetta flower extracts via oral route; groups 5 and 6, serving as positive controls, received only Narcissus tazetta flower extracts. Polyphenolic compounds of the extract were analyzed by colorimetric and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) methods. Total antioxidant activity and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging potential of the extract were estimated using colorimetric method. Results indicated that ethanolic flower extract contained high levels of total phenolic and flavonoid along with a strong total antioxidant and DPPH free radical scavenging activities. HPLC-MS analysis identified eight phenolic compounds, including rutin, kaempferol glycosides, and chlorogenic acids. The extract also exhibited marked hepatoprotective effects against CdCl₂ toxicity by reducing hepatic levels of malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, hydrogen peroxide, metallothioneins, and DNA degradation. Additionally, co-administration of Narcissus tazetta flower extracts lowered the plasma activities of transaminases, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, and lactate dehydrogenase and increased hepatic levels of reduced glutathione, nonprotein thiols, vitamin C, and catalase activity. The hepatoprotective effects of the extract were demonstrated by histopathological improvement of liver disorders. The current study provided ethnopharmacological application of Narcissus tazetta flower extracts against CdCl₂-induced oxidative stress, suggesting its chemoprevention role of its phenolic compounds as a natural antioxidant.

Deltamethrin is a type-II pyrethroid synthetic insecticide that is extensively used for controlling mosquitoes, flies, pests, and insects worldwide. This study was carried out to evaluate the likelihood protective effects of rutin, a natural antioxidant, against deltamethrin-induced liver and kidney toxicities in rats. Hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity were evaluated after the rats were treated orally with deltamethrin (1.28 mg/kg b.w.) alone or with rutin (25 and 50 mg/kg b.w.) for 30 days. Deltamethrin administration caused an increase in lipid peroxidation level and a decrease in activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH levels in the both tissues. Deltamethrin also increased serum ALT, AST, ALP, urea, and creatinine levels, while reduced nephrine levels in rats. In addition, deltamethrin increased the activation of inflammatory and apoptotic pathways by decreasing Bcl-2 and increasing TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-1β, p38α MAPK, COX-2, iNOS, beclin-1, Bax, and caspase-3 protein levels and/or activities. Furthermore, deltamethrin increased mRNA expression levels of PARP-1, VEGF, and immunohistochemical expressions of c-fos in the tissues. Rutin treatment significantly improved all examined parameters and restored the liver and kidney histopathological and immunohistochemical alterations. These findings demonstrate that rutin could be used to ameliorate hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in deltamethrin-induced rats.

Cardiovascular diseases are key complications primarily associated with hyperthyroidism disorders. The present study sought to ameliorate hyperthyroidism-mediated cardiovascular inflammations and related oxidative stress paradigms in experimental rats using the broadly distributed green seaweed Ulva fasciata. Forty-eight adult male albino rats were recruited and randomly classified into six groups. Hyperthyroidism was stimulated using L-thyroxine sodium at a dose of 100 μg/kg i.p. for 3 weeks daily. Further, 200 mg/kg b.wt. concentration of the U. fasciata methanolic (U. fasciata-MeOH) extract was the recommended dose and administrated orally to the hyperthyroid rats. The standard commercial drug “propranolol hydrochloride” was also tested at a dose of 10 mg/kg i.p. to compare the findings obtained from the seaweed extract. A combined treatment with the U. fasciata-MeOH extract and propranolol hydrochloride was also assessed. Our results implied that the treatment of hyperthyroid rats with the U. fasciata-MeOH extract significantly reduced serum levels of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4, proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, MPO, and CRP), triglycerides and total cholesterol, as well as the cardiac biomarkers CK-MB, LDH, and troponin to thresholds close to those of the standard drug. In addition, levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) were significantly upregulated. Hyperthyroid rats only treated with propranolol hydrochloride, or with a combination of the drug and the seaweed extract, conferred the same observations. Histopathological architecture boosted our interesting findings where the myocardium tissues in hyperthyroid rats, administrated the U. fasciata-MeOH extract or/and propranolol hydrochloride, exhibited more or less a normal structure as the control, reflecting the potential cardiovascular recovery exerted by this seaweed extract. In vitro DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP antioxidant assays of the U. fasciata-MeOH extract showed an outstanding ROS-scavenging potential. HPLC analysis of the U. fasciata-MeOH extract unraveled an inestimable valuable array of phenolics (mainly p-coumaric, gallic, ferulic, chlorogenic, and syringic acids) and flavonoids (hesperidin, kaempferol, catechin, quercetin, and rutin). Conclusively, the seaweed U. fasciata is a profitable source of antioxidant polyphenolics characterized by having a pharmaceutical potential against hyperthyroidism-linked cardiovascular inflammations and oxidative stress patterns due to their substantial free radical quenching properties, and also via regulating the signalling pathways of the proinflammatory, lipid profile, and cardiac biomarkers.

The present study aimed to examine the ameliorative effects of morin and rutin on the reproductive toxicity induced by titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂NPs) in male rats. A total of seventy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups, each comprising ten rats. Nanoreprotoxicity was induced by treating rats with TiO₂NPs at a dosage of 300 mg/kg body weight for 30 days. Morin (30 mg/kg body weight) and rutin (100 mg/kg body weight) were co-administered with or without TiO₂NPs to rats either individually or combined. Only distilled water was administered to the control group. The results showed that TiO₂NPs enhanced oxidative stress, indicated by reduced levels of antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) in testicular tissues, and increased levels of the lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde (MDA). TiO₂NPs significantly reduced the levels of sex hormones (testosterone, FSH, and LH), reduced sperm motility, viability, and sperm cell count, and increased sperm abnormalities, in addition to damaging the testicular histological architecture. TiO₂NPs resulted in the downregulation of 17β-HSD and the upregulation of proapoptotic gene (Bax) transcripts in the testicular tissues. Conversely, morin and/or rutin had a protective effect on testicular tissue. They effectively counteracted TiO₂NP-induced oxidative damage and morphological injury in the testis by conserving the endogenous antioxidant mechanisms and scavenging free radicals. Thus, we suggest that morin and rutin could be used to alleviate the toxicity and oxidative damage associated with TiO₂NP intake.

We evaluated the influence of the oil-related environmental contaminant benzene (0, 10, 100, or 1000 ng/mL) alone and in combination with apigenin, daidzein, or rutin (10 μg/mL each) on viability; proliferation (accumulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen); apoptosis (accumulation of Bax); and release of progesterone (P), testosterone (T), and estradiol (E) in cultured porcine ovarian granulosa cells. Cell viability; proliferation; apoptosis; and release of P, T, and E have been analyzed by the trypan blue test, quantitative immunocytochemistry, and ELISA, respectively. Benzene did not affect apoptosis, but reduced ovarian cell viability and P and E release, and promoted proliferation and T output. Apigenin did not affect cell viability, but stimulated proliferation and T and E release, and inhibited apoptosis and P secretion. It prevented and reversed the action of benzene on proliferation and P and T release, and induced the inhibitory action of benzene on apoptosis. Daidzein promoted cell viability, proliferation, P release, but not apoptosis and T or E release. Daidzein induced the stimulatory effect of benzene on T, without modifying other effects. Rutin administered alone reduced cell viability and apoptosis, and promoted cell proliferation. Furthermore, rutin prevented and reversed the effect of benzene on proliferation and P and E release. These observations suggest the direct action of benzene and plant polyphenols on basic ovarian cell functions, and the ability of apigenin and rutin, but not of daidzein, to prevent benzene effects on the ovary.