Research on apoptotic mechanism and related pathways involved in postmortem grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) muscle

Effects of Metamifop on Defense Systems in Monopterus albus

The effects of herbicides on non-target organisms in paddy fields have become a popular research topic. As a widely used herbicide, it is necessary to explore the potential toxicity of metamifop in non-target organisms, especially aquatic animals, in co-culture mode. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of metamifop (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 mg/L) on the defense system (antioxidation, immunity, and apoptosis) in Monopterus albus. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and protein carbonylation (PCO) increased significantly (p < 0.05) with the increasing metamifop concentration, resulting in oxidative damage. In the antioxidant system, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the 0.2 mg/L treatment group compared with the control group, and decreased in 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 mg/L treatment groups. Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with the increasing metamifop concentration. In the immune system, white cell number (WCN) increased significantly (p < 0.05) in 0.2 mg/L treatment group, and then decreased with the increase in metamifop concentration. Compared with control group, acid phosphatase (ACP) activity not only increased significantly (p < 0.05) in 0.2 mg/L treatment group, but also decreased significantly (p < 0.05) compared with the increase in metamifop concentration. However, in all treatment groups, alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity was significantly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05). In the inflammatory response, TNF-α and IL-1β expression levels in the NF-κB signaling pathway decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with the increase in metamifop concentration, while IL-8 expression level in the same signaling pathway increased significantly (p < 0.05) in treatment groups. The expression levels of genes related to apoptosis showed that apoptosis was promoted after exposure to metamifop. The results of the present study show that metamifop induced oxidative damage via a high level of ROS production, and then inhibited or damaged the defense systems of M. albus.

Effects of mitochondria on postmortem meat quality: characteristic, isolation, energy metabolism, apoptosis and oxygen consumption

Meat quality holds significant importance for both consumers and meat producers. Various factors influence meat quality, and among them, mitochondria play a crucial role. Recent studies have indicated that mitochondria can sustain their functions and viability for a certain duration in postmortem muscles. Consequently, mitochondria have an impact on oxygen consumption, energy metabolism, and apoptotic processes, which in turn affect myoglobin levels, oxidative stress, meat tenderness, fat oxidation, and protein oxidation. Ultimately, these factors influence the color, tenderness, and flavor of meat. However, there is a dearth of comprehensive summaries addressing the effects of mitochondria on postmortem muscle physiology and meat quality. Therefore, this review aims to describe the characteristics of muscle mitochondria and their potential influence on muscle. Additionally, a suitable method for isolating mitochondria is presented. Lastly, the review emphasizes the regulation of oxygen consumption, energy metabolism, and apoptosis by postmortem muscle mitochondria, and provides an overview of relevant research and recent advancements. The ultimate objective of this review is to elucidate the underlying mechanisms through which mitochondria impact meat quality.

Dynamic changes in postmortem quality of mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio L.): Based on oxidation reaction and mitochondrial function properties

The dynamic changes in the postmortem quality of mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) were investigated. With extended postmortem time, conductivity, redness, lipid oxidation, and protein oxidation all increased, while lightness, whiteness, and freshness decreased. At 4 h postmortem, the pH value reached a minimum (6.58), while the centrifugal loss and hardness reached a maximum (17.13% and 2539 g). Additionally, variations in mitochondria-related parameters during apoptosis were studied. Within 72 h postmortem, the content of reactive oxygen species initially decreased and subsequently increased; furthermore, there was a significant increase in the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore, membrane fluidity, and swelling (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the cytosolic cytochrome c level decreased from 0.71 to 0.23, which indicated potential mitochondrial damage. Thus, mitochondrial dysfunction during postmortem aging can give rise to oxidation and the production of ammonia and amine compounds, which leads to flesh quality deterioration.

Cellular antioxidant mechanism of mannan-oligosaccharides involving in enhancing flesh quality in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

BACKGROUND

Deterioration of flesh quality has bad effects on consumer satisfaction. Therefore, effects of safe mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) on flesh quality of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) muscle were studied. A total of 540 healthy fish (215.85 ± 0.30 g) were randomly divided into six groups and fed six separate diets with graded levels of MOS (0, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 mg kg^-1 ) for 60 days. This study aimed at investigating the benefits of dietary MOS on flesh quality (fatty acids, amino acids and physicochemical properties) and the protection mechanism regarding antioxidant status.

RESULTS

Optimal MOS could improve tenderness (27.4%), pH (5.5%) while decreasing cooking loss (16.6%) to enhance flesh quality. Meanwhile, optimal MOS improved flavor inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP) of 11.8%, sweetness and umami-associated amino acid, healthy unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) of 14.9% and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) especially C20:5n-3 (15.8%) and C22:6n-3 (38.3%). Furthermore, the mechanism that MOS affected pH, tenderness and cooking loss could be partly explained by the reduced lactate, cathepsin and oxidation, respectively. The enhanced flesh quality was also associated with enhanced antioxidant ability concerning improving antioxidant enzymes activities and the corresponding transcriptional levels, which were regulated through NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling. Based on pH_24h , cooking loss, shear force and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, C22:6n-3), optimal MOS levels for grass carp were estimated to be 442.75, 539.53, 594.73 and 539.53 mg kg^-1 , respectively.

CONCLUSION

Dietary MOS is a promising alternative strategy to improve flesh quality of fish muscle. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Water-soluble Yb3+, Er3+ codoped NaYF4 nanoparticles induced SGC-7901 cell apoptosis through mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS-mediated ER stress

BACKGROUND

Nanoparticles are potential luminescent probes; among them, upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP) are currently being developed as fluorescent probes for biomedical applications. However, the molecular mechanisms of UCNP in human gastric cell lines remain poorly understood. Here, we aimed to examine UCNP cytotoxicity to SGC-7901 cells and explore its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

The effects of 50-400 μg/mL UCNP on human gastric adenocarcinoma (SGC-7901) cells were investigated. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), intracellular Ca²⁺ levels, and apoptosis. Activated caspase-3 and nine activities were measured; meanwhile, cytochrome C (Cyt C) in the cytosol and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), protein kinase B (Akt), phosphorylated-Akt (p-Akt), 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78), 94 kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP94), calpain-1, and calpain-2 protein levels were also detected.

RESULTS

UCNP inhibited the viability of SGC-7901 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner and increased the proportion of cell apoptosis. Exposure to UCNP enhanced the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, elevated the level of ROS, decreased ΔΨm, increased intracellular Ca²⁺ and Cyt C protein levels, decreased the levels of phosphorylated Akt, increased the activity of caspase-3 and caspase-9, and upregulated the protein expression of GRP-78, GRP-94, calpain-1 and calpain-2 in SGC-7901 cells.

CONCLUSION

UCNP induced SGC-7901 cell apoptosis by promoting mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS-mediated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, initiating the caspase-9/caspase-3 cascade.