Gossypol detoxification in the rumen and Helicoverpa armigera larvae: A review

A carrier-free ultrasound-responsive polyphenol nanonetworks with enhanced sonodynamic-immunotherapy for synergistic therapy of breast cancer

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is an efficient non-invasive strategy for treating breast cancer. However, the therapeutic efficacy of SDT is greatly limited by various defense mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment, particularly the overexpression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). In this study, based on drug self-delivery systems, a carrier-free ultrasound-responsive polyphenol nanonetwork (GTC) was developed to enhance SDT by inhibiting Bcl-2. A one-pot method, involving the interaction of the polyphenolic Bcl-2 inhibitor gossypol (GOS), transferrin, and the sonosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6), was used to synthesize the GTC. The GTC was efficiently internalized by MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells through specific binding to transferrin receptors, and no external carriers were needed. After cellular internalization, GOS increased the lethality of Ce6-mediated SDT by reducing the expression of the Bcl-2 protein, which caused multiple toxic effects. RNA-seq analysis confirmed the transcriptomic alterations in oxidative stress and apoptotic pathways induced by the GTC nanosystem. In vivo studies revealed that GOS-assisted SDT not only eliminated tumors through sonodynamic effects and triggered immunogenic cell death but also enhanced sono-immunotherapy, thus effectively suppressing distant tumors and metastasis. This study might provide insights into carrier-free nanomedicines for SDT-based synergistic tumor therapy.

Genomics and metabolic responses reveal the effect of Candida tropicalis ZD-3 on the degradation of Gossypol

Cottonseed meal is widely used as an alternative source of protein in the animal feed industry. However, the presence of toxic gossypol limits its use in livestock production. In order to reduce gossypol toxicity, microbial degradation is generally considered to be an environmentally friendly and cost-effective strategy. Candida tropicalis ZD-3 has demonstrated the ability to degrade gossypol. Nevertheless, the genome of gossypol-induced C. tropicalis ZD-3 has not been fully sequenced, and its comprehensive metabolic profile remains unexplored. In this study, the degradation rate of gossypol by ZD-3 reached 88.5 %, as determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The characteristic peaks of amides were changed after gossypol treatment by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Genomic correlation results showed that gene function annotation revealed 64 protein-coding genes potentially involved in gossypol catabolism, primarily encoding aldehyde dehydrogenase, aldehyde reductase, and glutathione peroxidase. Metabolomic analysis indicated that gossypol activated ABC transporters and amino acid synthesis pathways, such as histidine, lysine, and arginine biosynthesis. These pathways provided substantial energy for C. tropicalis ZD-3 cells to cope with external stress, promoted the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and formed a complex regulatory network for gossypol tolerance and degradation. This study marks the first revelation of gossypol metabolism in C. tropicalis, laying a foundation for further research on gossypol degradation and detoxification.

Research progress on cottonseed meal as a protein source in pig nutrition: An updated review

At a global level, the supply of protein sources is insufficient to support the current magnitude of pig production. Moreover, given the exorbitant expense of conventional protein feed options like soybean meal and fish meal, it becomes imperative to promptly explore alternative sources of protein feed for the sustainable advancement of the pig industry. Cottonseed meal, a by-product from the extraction of cottonseed oil, exhibits significant potential as a protein source for pig feed owing to its high protein content, high yield, low cost, well-balanced amino acid composition, and sufficient accessibility. However, cottonseed meal possesses several anti-nutritional factors, especially gossypol, which adversely affect growth and reproductive performance, resulting in the limited utilization of cottonseed meal in pig feed. To maximize the benefits of cottonseed meal and promote its application in pig production, it is imperative to acquire comprehensive knowledge regarding its nutritional value and current utilization. In this review, we initially presented a summary of the nutritional values of cottonseed meal, primary anti-nutritional factors, and effective approaches for improving its utilization as a protein source feed. Subsequently, we comprehensively summarized the latest research progress of cottonseed meal application in pig nutrition over the past decade. The outcome of this review serves as a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the research and application of cottonseed meal in pig nutrition and promotes the reduction of soybean meal utilization in the pig industry.

Rumen Microbiota Transplantation Alleviates Gossypol Diet-Induced Reproductive, Liver, and Intestinal Damage in Male Mice

Ruminants exhibit stronger tolerance to gossypol, an anti-nutritional factor, compared to monogastric animals. We transplanted Hu sheep rumen microbiota into male mice to investigate the role of rumen microbiota in animal gossypol tolerance. Thirty specific-pathogen-free (SPF) male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups: normal diet (CK group), gossypol diet (FG group), and rumen microbiota transplantation (FMT group, gossypol diet). The pathological changes in the liver and small intestine of the mice, the organ coefficient, and sperm parameters were analyzed. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in the blood and lactate dihydrogen-X (LDH-X) levels in the testicular tissue were also measured. The results showed that body weight, feed intake, sperm concentration, sperm motility, and LDH-X levels in the FMT group increased (p < 0.05) compared with the FG group, while the enzyme activities of ALT, AST, and AST/ALT decreased (p < 0.05). In the FMT group, the injury to liver cells was alleviated, the structure of the small intestine was intact, and the villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (V/C) were higher than those in the FG group (p < 0.05). And there were no differences in various organ coefficients and sperm deformity rates among the three groups (p > 0.05), but compared with the FG group, mice in the FMT group showed tendencies closer to those in the CK group. Rumen microbiota transplantation relieved the reproductive toxicity and liver damage induced by gossypol in male mice and improved the tolerance of recipient animals to gossypol. Additionally, rumen microbes improved the intestinal structural integrity of recipients.

Effective Degradation of Free Gossypol in Defatted Cottonseed Meal by Bacterial Laccases: Performance and Toxicity Analysis

Cottonseed meal (CSM) is the major by-product of the cottonseed oil extraction process with high protein content. However, the presence of free gossypol (FG) in CSM severely restricts its utilization in the food and animal feed industries. The development of a biological strategy for the effective removal of FG in CSM has become an urgent need. In this study, three bacterial laccases including CotA from Bacillus licheniformis, CueO from Escherichia coli, and LcLac from Loigolactobacillus coryniformis were heterologously expressed and investigated for their FG degradation ability. The results showed that CotA laccase displayed the highest FG-degrading capacity among the three laccases, achieving 100% FG degradation at 37 °C and pH 7.0 in 1 h without the addition of a redox mediator. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo studies confirmed that the hepatotoxicity of FG was effectively eliminated after oxidative degradation by CotA laccase. Furthermore, the addition of CotA laccase could achieve 87% to 98% FG degradation in defatted CSM within 2 h. In conclusion, CotA laccase can be developed as an effective biocatalyst for the detoxification of FG in CSM.

The rumen-derived Lact. mucosae LLK-XR1 exhibited greater free gossypol degradation capacity during solid-state fermentation of cottonseed meal and probiotic potential

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to isolate the rumen-derived bacteria with the ability to degrade free gossypol (FG), and to evaluate the probiotic potential in vitro for ensuring safe utilization.

METHODS

The strains were anaerobically isolated from fresh rumen fluid of sheep with long-term fed cottonseed meal (CSM) with the screening agar medium containing gossypol as the sole carbon source. Afterwards, the isolated strain incubated with CSM was subjected to the determination of the FG degradation and in vitro evaluation of probiotic characteristics.

RESULTS

The target strain labeled Lact. mucosae LLK-XR1 [Accession number: OQ652016.1] was obtained, and its growth on MRS Liquid medium exhibited degradation efficiency of FG up to 69.5% which was significantly greater than its growth on Man-Rogosa-Sharpe medium with glucose free for 24 h (p < 0.01). Meanwhile, LLK-XR1 showed 40.652% degradation rate of FG for unautoclaved, non-pulverized, and no additional nutrients supplementation CSM. Furthermore, LLK-XR1 presented good survivability at pH 3.0 (above 88.6%), and 0.3% bile (78.5%). LLK-XR1 showed sensitivity to broad-spectrum antibiotics except Sulfamethoxazole, Ciprofloxacin and Gentamycin and significantly inhibited E. coli CICC 10,899, Staph. aureus CICC 21,600, and Salmonella. Typhimurium CICC 21,483. LLK-XR1 demonstrated good cell surface hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation ability.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, this study for the first time noted that rumen-originated Lact. mucosae LLK-XR1 with probiotic properties exhibited substantial FG degradation capacity when it was applied to the solid-state fermentation of CSM.

Effects of crude protease produced by Bacillus subtilis (MAFIC Y7) on growth performance, immune indices, and anti-inflammatory responses of broilers fed soybean meal- or cottonseed meal-based diets

A strain of Bacillus subtilis (MAFIC Y7) was isolated from the intestine of Tibetan pigs and was able to express high protease activity. The aim of this study was to characterize the proteases produced by MAFIC Y7, and to investigate the effects of protease addition on growth performance, ileal amino acid digestibility, and serum immunoglobulin and immune factors of broilers fed SBM-based diets, or on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and intestinal morphology of broilers fed CSM-based diets. B. subtilis (MAFIC Y7) expressed protease showed its optimal enzyme activity at 50 °C and pH 7.0. The coated crude enzyme (CCE) showed greater stability at pH 3.0 than its uncoated counterpart. Experiment 1 was conducted with six diets based on three levels of crude protein (CP)-CPlow, CPmedium, and CPhigh-with or without CCE. In CPlow, CCE increased gain:feed (G:F) (days 1 to 21, days 1 to 42) by 8%, 3%, respectively, and enhanced apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of crude protein and lysine (on day 42) by 8.8%, 4.6%, respectively, compared with diets containing no CCE (P < 0.05). CCE increased G:F from days 1 to 21 from 0.63 to 0.68, improved G:F and average daily gain (ADG) during days 1 to 42, and enhanced AID of crude protein, lysine, cysteine, and isoleucine on day 42 compared with the unsupplemented treatments (in CPmedium, P < 0.05). CCE increased serum IgA (on day 21), serum IgA and IgG and increased serum IL-10 (on day 42), but decreased serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α; on day 21), and serum IL-8 and TNF-α (on day 42) compared with unsupplemented treatments. At CPhigh, CCE decreased serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α (on day 21), and IL-8 and TNF-α (on day 42) compared with unsupplemented treatments (in CPhigh, P < 0.05). In experiment 2, CSM-based diets with two lysine-to-protein ratios (5.2% or 5.5%) with or without CCE. In the high Lys diet (5.5% Lys:protein), CCE increased ADG and G:F, increased carcass, but decreased abdominal fat compared with the unsupplemented treatment (P < 0.05). In the 5.2% Lys:protein dietary treatment, CCE improved duodenal villus height compared with the unsupplemented treatment (P < 0.05). Supplementation of protease produced by MAFIC Y7 was associated with lower inflammatory responses in SBM diets (CPmedium or CPhigh) and improved ADG in broilers fed CPmedium or CPhigh. The proteases improved ADG and the efficiency of CSM use when the ratio of Lys to protein was 5.5%.

The dual role of GoPGF reveals that the pigment glands are synthetic sites of gossypol in aerial parts of cotton

Gossypol and the related terpenoids are stored in the pigment gland to protect cotton plants from biotic stresses, but little is known about the synthetic sites of these metabolites. Here, we showed that GoPGF, a key gene regulating gland formation, was expressed in gland cells and roots. The chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) analysis demonstrated that GoPGF targets GhJUB1 to regulate gland morphogenesis. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) showed high accumulation of gossypol biosynthetic genes in gland cells. Moreover, integrated analysis of the ChIP-seq and RNA-seq data revealed that GoPGF binds to the promoter of several gossypol biosynthetic genes. The cotton callus overexpressing GoPGF had dramatically increased the gossypol levels, indicating that GoPGF can directly activate the biosynthesis of gossypol. In addition, the gopgf mutant analysis revealed the existence of both GoPGF-dependent and -independent regulation of gossypol production in cotton roots. Our study revealed that the pigment glands are synthetic sites of gossypol in aerial parts of cotton and that GoPGF plays a dual role in regulating gland morphogenesis and gossypol biosynthesis. The study provides new insights for exploring the complex relationship between glands and the metabolites they store in cotton and other plant species.

Biodegradation of Gossypol by Aspergillus terreus-YJ01

Gossypol, generally found in the roots, stems, leaves, and, especially, the seeds of cotton plants, is highly toxic to animals and humans, which inhibits the use of cotton stalks as a feed resource. Here, a promising fungal strain for biodegrading gossypol was successfully isolated from the soil of cotton stalk piles in Xinjiang Province, China, and identified as Aspergillus terreus-YJ01 with the analysis of ITS. Initial gossypol of 250 mg·L-1 could be removed by 97% within 96 h by YJ01, and initial gossypol of 150 mg·L-1 could also be catalyzed by 98% or 99% within 36 h by the intracellular or extracellular crude enzymes of YJ01. Sucrose and sodium nitrate were found to be the optimal carbon and nitrogen sources for the growth of YJ01, and the optimal initial pH and inoculum size for the growth of YJ01 were 6.0 and 1%, respectively. To further elucidate the mechanisms underlying gossypol biodegradation by YJ01, the draft genome of YJ01 was sequenced using Illumina HiSeq, which is 31,566,870 bp in length with a GC content of 52.27% and a total of 9737 genes. Eight genes and enzymes were predicted to be involved in gossypol biodegradation. Among them, phosphoglycerate kinase, citrate synthase, and other enzymes are related to the energy supply process. With sufficient energy, β-1, 4-endo-xylanase may achieve the purpose of biodegrading gossypol. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into both the basic research and the application of A. terreus-YJ01 in the biodegradation of gossypol in cotton stalks.

The plant specialized metabolite epicatechin- 3-gallate (EC3G) perturbs lipid metabolism and attenuates fat accumulation in pigeonpea pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera

Control of pod borer Helicoverpa armigera, a notorious polyphagous pest requires paramount attention with focus on environment-friendly management approaches. Overproduction of catechins (epigallocatechin-EGC and epicatechin-3-gallate-EC3G) in the pod borer-resistant pigeonpea wild relative, Cajanus platycarpus during continued herbivory prodded us to assess their underlying molecular effect on H. armigera. Significant reduction in larval and pupal growth parameters was observed when reared on artificial diet incorporated with 100 ppm EC3G vis a vis 100 ppm EGC and EGC + EC3G. Comparative RNAseq analyses of larvae that fed on normal and EC3G-incorporated diet revealed 62 differentially expressed genes dominated by detoxification and lipid metabolism. While lipase and fatty acid-binding protein 2-like were up-regulated, delta9-FADS-like involved in fatty acid synthesis was downregulated, indicating effect of EC3G on fat metabolism. Validation of RNAseq data by qPCR; midgut glutathione-S-transferase and esterase assays depicted increased lipolysis and reduced lipogenesis in EC3G-fed larvae. Additionally, differential accumulation of stearic acid and oleic acid in EC3G-fed and control larvae/adults ascertained perturbation in lipogenesis. Supported by modelling, molecular docking and simulations, we demonstrate the possible involvement of the insect adipokinetic hormone receptor (AKHR) in the EC3G-mediated response. The study demonstrates plant specialized metabolite EC3G as a potential candidate for H. armigera control.

Utilizing Nutritional and Polyphenolic Compounds in Underutilized Plant Seeds for Health Application

Plants represent a significant part of the human diet. Humans have utilized every part of plants for survival, and seeds are no exception. Seeds offer high protein, unsaturated fats, fibre, essential vitamins, and minerals for various food applications. They are also a promising reservoir of bioactive compounds, where various phytochemicals, such as polyphenolic compounds, capable of maintaining and improving well-being, are present in abundant quantities. Plants from Malvaceae and Cannabaceae families are known for their fibre-rich stems that benefit humankind by serving numerous purposes. For many centuries they have been exploited extensively for various commercial and industrial uses. Their seeds, which are often regarded as a by-product of fibre processing, have been scientifically discovered to have an essential role in combating hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, cancer, and oxidative stress. Maximizing the use of these agricultural wastes can be a promising approach to creating a more sustainable world, in accordance with the concept of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Rumen Fermentation and Microbiome Responses to Enzymatic Hydrolysate of Cottonseed Protein Supplementation in Continuous In Vitro Culture

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of enzymatic hydrolysate of cottonseed protein (ECP) on the kinetic of gas production, rumen fermentation characteristics, and microbial diversity in continuous in vitro culture with a single factorial design of supplementation with various concentrations of ECP or yeast culture. Treatments were control (without supplementation, CON), supplementation with 10 g/kg Diamond-V XP yeast culture of substrate (XP), and supplementation with 6, 12 and 18 g/kg ECP of substrate (ECP1, ECP2, ECP3), each incubated with 30 mL of buffered incubation fluids and 200 mg of fermentation substrate in graduated glass syringes fitted with plungers for 48 h. Compared with the CON treatment, supplementation of XP yeast culture increased the cumulative gas production at 12 and 24 h, the concentration of ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration at 24 and 36 h, the concentration of microbial protein (MCP) concentration at 24 and 48 h, the molar butyrate proportion at 12, 24, and 48 h, the molar valerate proportion at 48 h, and the ratio of non-glucogenic to glucogenic acids (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON treatment, the concentration of MCP and the molar propionate proportion at 12 h were higher in the ECP1 treatment (p < 0.05); the cumulative gas production at 2, 4, and 12 h, the concentration of NH3-N at 36 h and the molar valerate proportion at 48 h were higher in the ECP2 treatment (p < 0.05); the cumulative gas production at 2, 12, and 48 h, the concentration of NH3-N at 12 and 36 h, the concentration of MCP at 12, 36, and 48 h, the molar butyrate proportion at 12 and 48 h, and the molar valerate proportion at 48 h were higher in the ECP3 treatment (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON treatment, supplementation with XP yeast culture significantly altered the relative abundance of the phyla Firmicutes, Kiritimatiellaeota, and Proteobacteria, while supplementation with ECP had minimal effect on bacterial diversity. The prediction of bacterial functions showed that the main gene functions of rumen bacteria are associated with carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and membrane transport. The findings of this study suggest that ECP can be used as a superior feed ingredient for ruminants, the suitable level of ECP was 18 g/kg in vitro experiment.

Intestinal Microbiota Mediates Gossypol-Induced Intestinal Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis in Fish

Gossypol, the main antinutritional factor in cottonseed protein concentrate (CPC), could affect the growth conditions of fish, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, an 8-week feeding trial was carried out to investigate the effects of gossypol on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Three experimental diets were designed, including control diet (CON), control diet supplemented with 150 mg/kg gossypol (ML), and 300 mg/kg gossypol (MH). 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that gossypol significantly reduced the richness and diversity of the gut microbiota. Untargeted metabolite analysis revealed that most metabolites were down-regulated by gossypol, and riboflavin was the key metabolite with significant difference between CON-treated and gossypol-treated groups. Gossypol caused intestinal inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Through fecal bacteria transplantation experiments, we demonstrated that intestinal microbiota mediated gossypol-induced negative effects, suggesting that intestinal microbiota and its metabolite may account for the harmful effects of gossypol.