Role of renin-angiotensin system/angiotensin converting enzyme-2 mechanism and enhanced COVID-19 susceptibility in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is a disease that caused a global pandemic and is caused by infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus.It has affected over 768 million people worldwide,resulting in approx-imately 6900000 deaths.High-risk groups,identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,include individuals with conditions like type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),obesity,chronic lung disease,serious heart conditions,and chronic kidney disease.Research indicates that those with T2DM face a hei-ghtened susceptibility to COVID-19 and increased mortality compared to non-diabetic individuals.Examining the renin-angiotensin system(RAS),a vital regulator of blood pressure and pulmonary stability,reveals the significance of the angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE)and ACE2 enzymes.ACE converts angiotensin-I to the vasoconstrictor angiotensin-II,while ACE2 counters this by converting angiotensin-II to angiotensin 1-7,a vasodilator.Reduced ACE2 exp-ression,common in diabetes,intensifies RAS activity,contributing to conditions like inflammation and fibrosis.Although ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers can be therapeutically beneficial by increasing ACE2 levels,concerns arise regarding the potential elevation of ACE2 receptors on cell membranes,potentially facilitating COVID-19 entry.This review explored the role of the RAS/ACE2 mechanism in amplifying severe acute respiratory syndrome cor-onavirus 2 infection and associated complications in T2DM.Potential treatment strategies,including recombinant human ACE2 therapy,broad-spectrum antiviral drugs,and epigenetic signature detection,are discussed as promising avenues in the battle against this pandemic.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 alleviates liver fibrosis through the renin-angiotensin system

The present letter to the editor is related to the study titled‘Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 improves liver fibrosis in mice by regulating autophagy of hepatic stellate cells’.Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 can alleviate liver fibrosis by regulating autophagy of hepatic stellate cells and affecting the renin-angiotensin system.

Response of Bacterial Community and Enzyme Activity of Greenhouse Tomato under Different Irrigation Systems

The micro-sprinkler irrigation mulched(MSM)has been suggested as a novel water-saving approach in con-trolled environment agriculture.However,the effects of microbial community structure and enzyme activity in the rhizosphere soil on crop growth under MSM remain unclear.This study conducted a randomized experimen-tal design using greenhouse tomatoes to investigate changes in bacterial community structure and enzyme activity in rhizosphere soil under different irrigation frequencies(F)and amounts(I)of MSM.Thefindings revealed that with the increase of F or I,The total count of soil bacteria in tomatoesfirst rose and then fell in terms of Opera-tional Taxonomic Units(OTUs)classification.Compared to other F,the most abundance of nitrogen and phos-phorus metabolism genes and enzyme activities were observed with a 5-day F.Moreover,the diversity of soil bacterial community structure initially rose before eventually declining with the increase of the I.Applying 1.00 Epan(cumulative evaporation of a 20 cm standard pan)under MSM helped boost the abundance of nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism functional genes in soil bacteria,ensuring higher enzyme activities related to nitro-gen,carbon,and phosphorus metabolism in the rhizosphere soil of tomatoes.Tomatoes’yield initially rose before eventually declining with the increase in F or I,whereas I had a more significant effect on yield.A 1.00%increase in I yielded a minimum of 39.24%increase in tomato yield.The study showed a positive correlation between soil bacterial community,soil enzyme activity,and greenhouse tomato yield under MSM.Considering the results comprehensively,the combined irrigation mode of F of 5 d and I of 1.00 Epan was recommended for greenhouse tomatoes under MSM.This conclusion provides theoretical support for water-saving practices and yield improve-ment in facility agriculture,especially tomato cultivation.

Conjugated microporous polymers-scaffolded enzyme cascade systems with enhanced catalytic activity

Enhancing catalytic activity of multi-enzyme in vitro through substrate channeling effect is promis-ing yet challenging.Herein,conjugated microporous polymers(CMPs)-scaffolded integrated en-zyme cascade systems(I-ECSs)are constructed through co-entrapping glucose oxidase(GOx)and horseradish peroxidase(HRP),in which hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2)) is the intermediate product.The interplay of low-resistance mass transfer pathway and appropriate pore wall-H_(2)O_(2) interactions facilitates the directed transfer of H_(2)O_(2),resulting in 2.4-fold and 5.0-fold elevation in catalytic activ-ity compared to free ECSs and separated ECSs,respectively.The substrate channeling effect could be regulated by altering the mass ratio of GOx to HRP.Besides,I-ECSs demonstrate excellent stabili-ties in harsh environments and multiple recycling.

Effects of Inoculation with Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria on the Physiology,Biochemistry,and Expression of Genes Related to the Protective Enzyme System of Fritillaria taipaiensis P.Y.Li

Fritillaria taipaiensis P.Y.Li is a widely used medicinal herb in treating pulmonary diseases.In recent years,its wild resources have become scarce,and the demand for efficient artificial cultivation has significantly increased.This article is the first to apply phosphate solubilizing bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere soil of F.taipaiensis P.Y.Li to the cultivation process of F.taipaiensis P.Y.Li.The aim is to identify suitable reference strains for the artificial cultivation and industrial development of F.taipaiensis P.Y.Li by examining the effects of various phosphate solubilizing bacteria and their combinations on photosynthesis,physiological and biochemical properties,and gene expression related to the protective enzyme system in F.taipaiensis P.Y.Li.The experiment,conducted in pots at room temperature,included a control group(CK)and groups inoculated with inorganic phosphorussolubilizing bacteria:W1(Bacillus cereus),W2(Serratia plymuthica),W12(Bacillus cereus and Serratia plymuthica),and groups inoculated with organophosphorus-solubilizing bacteria:Y1(Bacillus cereus),Y2(Bacillus cereus),Y12(Bacillus cereus and Bacillus cereus),totaling seven groups.Compared to CK,most growth indices in the bacterial addition groups showed significant differences,with W12 achieving the highest values in all indices except the leaf area index.The content of photosynthetic pigments,photosynthetic parameters,and osmoregulatory substances increased variably in each bacterial treatment group.W12 exhibited the highest content of chlorophyll a and soluble protein,while W1 had the highest free proline content.The activities of peroxidase(POD),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and catalase(CAT)in all inoculated groups were higher than in CK,with significant changes in SOD and CAT activities.The malondialdehyde(MDA)content in all inoculated groups was lower than in CK,with Y12 being the lowest,at approximately 30%of CK.Gene expression corresponding to these three enzymes also increased variably,with POD expression in Y2 being the highest at 2.73 times that of CK.SOD and CAT expression in Y12 were the highest,at 1.84 and 4.39 times that of CK,respectively.These results indicate that inoculating phosphate solubilizing bacteria can enhance the growth of F.taipaiensis P.Y.Li,with the mixed inoculation groups W12 and Y12 demonstrating superior effects.This lays a theoretical foundation for selecting bacterial fertilizers in the cultivation process of F.taipaiensis P.Y.Li.

Effects of Relative Soil Water Content on Antioxidant Enzyme System in Malus sieversii(Lebed.) Roem

By pot experiment under artificially simulated water stress conditions, soluble protein content, MDA content and SOD, POD, CAT and APX activities in Malus sieversfi leaves were determined to reveal the response mechanism of M. sieversii to changes of relative soil water content. According to the results, with the decrease of relative soil water content, MDA content in M. sieversii leaves increased by mem- brane lipid peroxidation. Cells resist water stress-induced membrane lipid peroxidation and clear the increased reactive oxygen species by improving soluble protein content and SOD, POD, CAT and APX activities. However, various enzymes were involved in the response to water stress under different moisture conditions. In addition, the results indicated that M. sieversii had a good adaptability to higher relative soil water contents.

Effect of TYLCV Infection on Leaf Anatomical Structure and Protective Enzyme System of Tomato

[Objective] The aim was to study the effect of tomato yellow leaf curl virus （TYLCV） infection on leaf anatomical structure and protective enzyme system of tomato. [Method] The anatomical structure of infected and healthy leaves of tomato were observed and compared by using paraffin section method. The activity changes of SOD, POD and CAT in the infected leaves of tomato were determined. [ Result] The results revealed that there were some differences in anatomical structure between healthy and infected leaves. Some cells of infected leaves were damaged so that the leaves curled and became yellow, which affected the normal function of organs. Compared with control, enzyme activities in the tomato plants infected by TYLCV were enhanced at the early periods and higher than that in control, then started to decline at the middle and late periods but lower than that in control.[ Conclusion] After infection by TYLCV, the leaf anatomical structure of tomato was changed greatly and the protective enzyme system was damaged severely, and affected the normal physJological metabolic functions of tissues and organs in tomato in further.

Effects of two kinds of transgenic poplar on protective enzymes system in the midgut of larvae of American white moth

The leaves of Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) transgenic poplar (Populus nigra L.) and CpTI (Cowpea trypsin inhibitor) transgenic poplar ((P. tomentosa×P. bolleana)×P. Tomentosa) were taken to feed the 4th-5th-instar larvae of American white moth (Hyphantria cunea (Drury)) for determination of the activities of the protective enzyme system inside larvae’s body. The physiological and biochemical effects of the transgenic poplars on the larvae were studied. The results showed that the two kinds of transgenic poplars had similar effects on the protective enzyme system in the midgut of larvae. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase in midgut of the larvae increased gradually, reached the highest value at a certain time, and then decreased suddenly. For the larvae that were fed with the leaves of Bt transgenic poplar, the peak value of superoxide dismutase and catalase presented at the time of 24-h feeding, while the peak of peroxidase took place at the time of 12-h feeding. The activities of these protective enzymes for the larvae that were fed with leaves of CpTI transgenic poplar peaked 12 h later than that of those fed with leaves of Bt transgenic poplar. The comparison of activities of the protective enzymes was also carried out between the larvae with different levels of intoxication. It was found that the activities of protective enzyme of the seriously intoxicant larvae were higher than that of the lightly intoxicant larvae. This difference was more obvious in the group treated with CpTI transgenic poplar.

Effect of Botryosphaeria berengeriana f.sp.piricola and Biocontrol Bacteria on the System of Antioxidant Enzymes in Pears

[Objective] The aim was to understand defense mechanism of pear after inoculated Botryosphaeria berengeriana f. sp. piricolan and mechanism of antioxidant enzymes of biocontrol bacteria. [Method] Pears were treated by Botryosphaeria berengeriana f. sp. piricolan and bio control bacteria, and the change of antioxidant enzymes were determined. [Result] The biocontrol bacteria had little effect on MDA;the content of MDA treated by B. berengeriana reached high peak in 48 h, was 10.22nmol/g which was 1.86 times of CK; the content of MDA treated by B. berengeriana and biocontrol bacteria reached high peak in 24 h, was 8.92 nmol/g which was1.62 times of CK. The content of SOD treated by biocontrol bacteria reached high peak in 48 h, was 126.69 U/[g（FW）·min] which was 1.54 times of CK; the contents of SOD treated by B. berengeriana as well as B. berengeriana and biocontrol bacteria reached high peak in 24 h, were 122.10 and 135.32 U/[g（FW）·min] which were 1.48 and 1.65 times of CK respectively; the contents of POD on biocontrol bacteria treatment, B. ana treatment as well as B. berengeriana and biocontrol bacteria treatment reached high peak in 24 h, were 385.34, 342.50 and 290.00 U/[g（FW）·min] which were 1.83, 1.62 and 1.38 times of CK respectively. The contents of CAT on biocontrol bacteria treatment, B. rengeriana treatment as well as B. berengeriana and biocontrol bacteria treatment reached high peak in 6 h, were 133.33,114.17 and 113.35 U/[g（FW）·min] which were 1.33, 1.14 and 1.13 times of CK respectively. The biocontrol bacteria had little difference in CK; the content of PPO of B. berengeriana treatment reached high peak in 12 h, was 81.86 U/[g（FW）·min]which was 1.76 times of CK; B. berengeriana and biocontrol bacteria treatment reached high peak in 24 h, was 70.00 U/[g（FW）·min] which was 1.50 times of CK.[Conclusion] B. berengeriana and biocontrol bacteria had more effect on MDA; both B. berengeriana and biocontrol bacteria could increase the excitation of SOD enzyme activity; both B. berengeriana and biocontrol bacteria could increase the excitation of POD enzyme activity; both B. berengeriana and biocontrol bacteria could increase the excitation of CAT enzyme activity; using biocontrol bacteria alone had not obvious effect on PPO, B. berengeriana could increase the excitation of PPO enzyme activity.

Responses of soil enzymes to long-term CO_2 enrichment in forest ecosystems of Changbai Mountains

A study was conducted to determine the responses of soil enzymes （invertase, polyphenol oxidase, catalase, and dehydrogenase） to long-term CO2 enrichment at the Research Station of Changbai Mountain Forest Ecosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences （42°24＇N, 128°28＇E; 738 m in elevation） in the northeast China during 1999-2006. Three treatments of the CO2 enrichment, designed as 500 μmol·mol-1 CO2 open-top chamber （OTC）, ambient control chamber and unchambered field （approx. 370 μmol·mol^-1CO2）, were conducted with Pinus koraiensis and Pinus sylvestriformis tree species. Soil sampling was made and analyzed separately in spring, summer and autumn in 2006 after the soil enzymes were exposed to elevated CO2 concentration （500 μmol·mol^-1） for eight growing seasons. Results showed that, at elevated CO2 concentration （500 μmol·mol^-1）, the activities of invertase （except for the summer samples of P. koraiensis） presented a remarkable decline in all growing seasons, while the activities of dehydrogenase had an increase but only part of the results was remarkable; the activities of polyphenol oxidase in P. sylvestriformis rhizosphere showed a remarkable decrease; the catalase activities increased in spring, while in turn were decline in other seasons. This study also revealed that the soil enzyme activities are significantly correlated with the tree species under the CO2 enhancement.

Changes of Proline Content,Activity,and Active Isoforms of Antioxidative Enzymes in Two Alfalfa Cultivars Under Salt Stress

The plants of two elfalfa （Medicago sativa L.） cultivars differing in salt tolerance were subjected to three salt treatments, 70, 140, and 210 mM NaCl for 7 days. Root, shoot, and leaf growths were inhibited by increased salt treatments in both cultivars, and at 140 and 210 mM salt treatments, Zhongmu 1 had significantly higher root, shoot, and leaf dry weights per plant than Deft. The malondialdehyde （MDA） accumulation in Deft was considerably greater than in Zhongmu 1, indicating a higher degree of lipid peroxidation at 140 and 210 mM salt treatments. The changes in the activity and active isoforms of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase （SOD, EC 1.15.1.1）, catalase （CAT, EC 1.11.1.6）, peroxidase （POD, EC 1.11.1.7）, and ascorbate peroxidase （APOX, EC 1.11,1.11）, accumulation of free proline, and rate of lipid peroxidation in leaves of two alfalfa cultivars were also investigated. After stress, the activity and active isoforms of antioxidative enzymes were altered and the extent of alteration varied between the cultivar Deft and Zhongmu 1. The proline accumulation in Deft was considerably greater than in Zhongmu 1 at 210 mM salt treatment. This indicated that proline accumulation may be the result, instead of the cause, of salt tolerance.

Changes of Antioxidative Enzymes and Lipid Peroxidation in Leaves and Roots of Waterlogging-Tolerant and Waterlogging-Sensitive Maize Genotypes at Seedling Stage

To better understand the physiological and biochemical mechanisms of waterlogging tolerance, waterlogging effects on lipid peroxidation and the activity of antioxidative enzymes were investigated in leaves and roots of two maize genotypes, HZ32 （waterlogging-tolerant） and K12 （waterlogging-sensitive）. Potted maize plants were waterlogged at the second leaf stage under glasshouse conditions. Leaves and roots were harvested 1 d before and 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 d after the start of waterlogging treatment. Through comparing the activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, ascorbate peroxidase （APX）, glutathione reductase （GR）, catalase （CAT） and guaiacol peroxidase （POD） between waterlogging-tolerant and waterloggingsensitive genotype, we deduced that CAT was the most important H2O2 scavenging enzyme in leaves, while APX seemed to play a key role in roots. POD, APX, GR and CAT activities in conjunction with SOD seem to play an essential protective role in the O2^- and H2O2 scavenging process. Lipid peroxidation was enhanced significantly only in K12 （P 〈 0.001） and there was no difference （P 〉 0.05） in HZ32 up to 6 d after waterlogging stress. These results indicated that oxidative stress may play an important role in waterlogging-stressed maize plants and that the greater protection of HZ32 leaves and roots from waterlogging-induced oxidative damage results, at least in part, through the maintenance of increased antioxidant enzyme activity.

Hepatoprotective effects of Nigella sativa L and Urtica dioica L on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme systems and liver enzymes in carbon tetrachloride-treated rats

AIM： To investigate the effects of Nigella sativa 1 （NS） and Urtica dioica 1 （UD） on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme systems and liver enzymes in CCl4-treated rats. METHODS： Fifty-six healthy male Wistar albino rats were used in this study. The rats were randomly allotted into one of the four experimental groups： A （CCl4-only treated）, B （CCl4＋UD treated）, C （CCl4＋NS treated） and D （CCl4＋UD＋NS treated）, each containing 14 animals. All groups received CCl4 （0.8 mL/kg of body weight, sc, twice a week for 60 d）. In addition, B, C and D groups also received daily i.p. injections of 0.2 mL/kg NS or/and 2 mL/kg UD oils for 60 d. Group A, on the other hand, received only 2 mL/kg normal saline solution for 60 d. Blood samples for the biochemical analysis were taken by cardiac puncture from randomly chosen-seven rats in each treatment group at beginning and on the 60th d of the experiment. RESULTS： The CCl4 treatment for 60 d increased the lipid peroxidation and liver enzymes, and also decreased the antioxidant enzyme levels. NS or UD treatment （alone or combination） for 60 d decreased the elevated lipid peroxidation and liver enzyme levels and also increased the reduced antioxidant enzyme levels. The weight of rats decreased in group A, and increased in groups B, C and D. CONCLUSION： NS and UD decrease the lipid peroxidation and liver enzymes, and increase the antioxidant defense system activity in the CCl4-treated rats.

Microalgae(Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck)alleviates drought stress of broccoli plants by improving nutrient uptake,secondary metabolites,and antioxidative defense system

Microalgae,such as Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck(green algae),are beneficial microscopic organisms that may help plants to improve nutrient uptake,growth,and abiotic tolerance to stressors.The current study was performed to investigate the effectiveness of algae(Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck)foliar applications[1%,3%,or 5%(v/v)]on mitigation of drought stress in broccoli plants subjected to water deficit at 25%of field capacity.The results showed that the broccoli plants grown under drought stress alone exhibited severe disturbance in growth with considerable reductions in the shoot length,and fresh and dry weights,leaf area,relative water content,leaf water potential,and photosynthetic pigment contents and elevated levels of the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde in the leaves.Additionally,the foliar application of microalgae mitigated the detrimental effects of drought,leading to better growth performance(increase of 9%–132%)when compared with the drought-stressed plants that had not received an application of microalgae.Microalgae-mediated beneficial effects were particularly evident in the enhancement of the photosynthetic pigment contents,including chlorophyll-a(6%–60%),chlorophyll-b(19%–55%),and total carotenoids(26%–114%).Exogenous microalgae also contributed to the reduction of membrane damage,as proven by significantly decreased levels of malondialdehyde(10%–39%)in the leaves of the broccoli plants exposed to drought stress.The application of microalgae increased the total flavonoid and phenolic contents,and nutrition uptake.Furthermore,the activities of enzymatic antioxidants like ascorbate peroxidase,catalase,glutathione reductase,and superoxide dismutase increased in response to mediation,resulting in significant alleviation of drought-induced oxidative damage.The most effective application concentration of microalgae was determined as 5%.Overall investigations revealed that the foliar application of microalgae could be recommended as a sustainable strategy to improve the defense system of drought-stressed broccoli plants.

Grafting Enhances Copper Tolerance of Cucumber Through Regulating Nutrient Uptake and Antioxidative System

An experiment was carried out to determine plant growth, mineral uptake, lipid peroxidation, antioxidative enzymes, and antioxidant of cucumber plants （Cucumis sativus L. cv. Xintaimici） under copper stress, either ungrafted or grafted onto the rootstock （Cucurbitaficifolia）. Excess Cu inhibited growth, photosynthesis, and pigment synthesis of grafted and ungrafted cucumber seedlings and significantly increased accumulation of Cu in roots besides reducing mineral uptake. Cu concentration in roots of grafted cucumber plants was significantly higher than that of ungrafted plants and obviously lower in leaves. The accumulation of reactive oxygen species （ROS） significantly increased in cucumber leaves under Cu stress and resulted in lipid peroxidation, and the levels of ROS and lipid peroxidation were greatly decreased by grafting. Activities of protective enzymes （superoxide dismutase, SOD; peroxidase, POD; catalase, CAT; ascorbate peroxidase, APX; dehydroascorbate reductase, DHAR; glutathione reductase, GR） and the contents of ascorbate and glutathione in leaves of grafted plants were significantly higher than those of ungrafted plants under Cu stress. Better performance of grafted cucumber plants were attributed to the higher ability of Cu accumulation in their roots, better nutrient status, and the effective scavenging system of ROS.

Osmoprotectants and Antioxidative Enzymes as Screening Tools for Salinity Tolerance in Radish (Raphanus sativus)

The research addresses the identification of a screening methodology for salt stress tolerance in radish cultivars. In the first experiment, two different radish cultivars(long white and round red) were compared in their morphological and physiological responses to different salinity levels. Round red radish showed better morphological and physiological responses to incremental salinity in terms of yield and better adaptation of overall water relations. In the second experiment, the most tolerant genotype from the first experiment was used as a control against other seven round red radish genotypes ranked by their salinity tolerance according to morphological, physiological and biochemical indices. Salt stress did not significantly affect malondialdehyde(MDA) and hydrogen peroxide(H2O2) content, and ascorbate peroxidase(APX) activity in the studied cultivars. Nonetheless, the relatively salt tolerant cultivar SAXA2 showed higher ability to accumulate compatible solutes(e.g.proline and proteins) and maintain osmotic adjustment. In addition, cultivar SAXA2 also showed considerable increase in glutathione reductase(GR) activity. Our results supported that accumulation of proline and higher GR activity are associated with radish salt tolerance, whereas no relationship with salinity was observed in superoxide dismutase(SOD), MDA and H2O2 content.

Effects of High-Temperature Stress on Photosynthetic Characteristics and Antioxidant Enzyme System of Paeonia ostii

Paeonia ostii is an economically important oil crop,which has been widely cultivated in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China in recent years.Although P.ostii is highly adaptable to the environment,the prolonged high summer temperature in this region severely inhibits its growth,which adversely affects seed yield and quality.In this study,P.ostii plants were subjected to 20℃/15℃(day/night)and 40℃/35℃(day/night)temperatures for 15 days.The changes in physiological and biochemical indicators of P.ostii under high-temperature stress were initially investigated.The results showed that with the deepening of leaf etiolation,chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b concentration,carotenoid concentration,Soil Plant Analysis Development(SPAD)values and leaf relative water content decreased significantly,while both relative electrical conductivity(REC)and free proline concentration showed an upward trend.Meanwhile,the continuous accumulation of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in P.ostii plants,led to an increased activity of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase(SOD),peroxidase(POD),catalase(CAT)and ascorbate peroxidase(APX).Moreover,with the extension of the high-temperature treatment,the anatomical structures of P.ostii were destroyed,resulting in a decreased photochemical efficiency of the photosystem II(PSII)reaction center and photosynthesis was inhibited.Taken together,these results provide reference values for understanding the physiological response of P.ostii to hightemperature stress and establish a foundation for further research on the relevant underlying molecular mechanisms.

Nickel accumulation and its effect on biomass,protein content and antioxidative enzymes in roots and leaves of watercress(Nasturtium officinale R.Br.)

In order to understand its response towards nickel stress, watercress （Nasturtium officinale R. Br.） was exposed to nickel （1-25 mg/L） for 1, 3, 5 and 7 days. The accumulation and translocation of nickel were determined and the influence of nickel on biomass, protein content and enzymatic antioxidants was examined for both roots and leaves. It was determined that N. o fficinale could accumulate appreciable amounts of Ni in both roots and leaves. Nickel accumulated particularly in the roots of plants. Biomass increased at low nickel concentrations but certain measurable change was not found at high concentrations. Under stress conditions the antioxidant enzymes were up-regulated compared to control. An increase in protein content and enzyme activities was observed at moderate exposure conditions followed by a decline at both roots and leaves. The maximum enzyme activities were observed at different exposure conditions. Our results showed that N. officinale had the capacity to overcome nickel-induced stress especially at moderate nickel exposure. Therefore, N. officinale may be used as a phytoremediator in moderately polluted aquatic ecosystems.

Wheat Straw Burial Improves Physiological Traits, Yield and Grain Quality of Rice by Regulating Antioxidant System and Nitrogen Assimilation Enzymes under Alternate Wetting and Drying Irrigation

Wheat straw burial has great potential to sustain rice production under alternate wetting and drying(AWD)irrigation.A field experiment was conducted with three wheat straw burial treatments,including without straw burial(NSB),with light straw burial of 300 kg/hm^(2)(LSB)and dense straw burial of 800 kg/hm^(2)(DSB),as well as three AWD regimes:alternate wetting/moderate drying(AWMD),alternate wetting/severe drying(AWSD)and alternate wetting/critical drying(AWCD).The rice growth and grain quality were higher in LSB and NSB than those in NSB under the same AWD regime.The AWMD×DSB treatment resulted in the highest yield,brown rice rate,milled rice rate,amylose content and protein content.Conversely,the AWCD×NSB treatment led to the lowest yield,brown rice rate,milled rice rate,amylose content and protein content.The active absorption area and nitrate reductase activity of roots were higher in the AWMD×DSB treatment than those in the AWCD×NSB treatment,as the former increased organic carbon and nitrogen contents in the rhizosphere,whereas the latter reduced their availability.Total soluble protein content and glutamine synthetase activity were greater in the AWMD×DSB treatment than those in the AWCD×NSB treatment.The activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were higher in the AWMD×DSB treatment compared with the AWCD×NSB treatment,leading to the amelioration of oxidative cell injury,as shown by a lower malonaldehyde level.This study suggested that farmers should implement AWMD irrigation after leaving the straw residues in the field,followed by deep tillage to improve soil quality and mitigate the drought stress cycles of AWD.This approach can improve rice growth and grain quality and alleviate the problems of disposal of straw residues and water scarcity for sustainable rice production.

Characteristics of heavy metals in soil of lead-zinc mining areas and changes of antioxidant enzyme systems in maize leaf under Pb stress

Pb,Cu,Cd,Zn content of soil in mining areas and abandoned land,flats of the Pijiang River and farmlands were inves-tigated.On this basis of soil heavy metal pollution,the changes of antioxidant enzyme system in maize(Qiandan 88)under different Pb concentrations(0,20,40,60,80,100,150,200,500,1000,2000,3000 mg/L)stress were studied.The results show that the content of Pb,Cu,Cd,and Zn in soil is the highest in mining areas and abandoned land,followed by flats of the Pijiang River>farmlands,and that the variation range of Pb,Cu,Cd in mining areas and abandoned land are 106.40-2564.72,14.83-490.88,22.57-712.77 mg/kg,respectively,which are higher than that of the other land use types.When maize is under stress of 20-500 mg/L Pb concentration,T-SOD activity of maize leaves increase with the increase of Pb concentration and the highest value is 50.21 U/mg prot,but under Pb concentration>1000 mg/L stress,T-SOD activity of maize leaves decrease gradually.The activity of POD decreases with the increases of Pb concentra-tion,and the lowest POD activity of leaves in maize with the value of 93.24 U/mg prot is appeared in Pb 1000 mg/L concentration treatment group.MDA content in leaves of maize increases with the increase of the Pb concentration and the highest value is 101.98 nmol/mg prot,then the content of MDA decreases gradually when the Pb concentration is more than 500 mg/L,which indicates that the membrane lipid peroxidation of maize leaves under high concentration of Pb stress is serious and leads to the cell damage.