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.

Extracellular vesicles and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in COVID-19 disease

Extracellular vesicles(EVs)are membranous vesicular structures released from almost all eukaryotic cell types under different physiological or pathological conditions.Growing evidence demonstrates that EVs can serve as mediators of intercellular communication between donor and recipient cells or microorganism-infected and noninfected cells.Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)disease is caused by infection of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)of host cells in the respiratory system and various extra-pulmonary tissue/organs,resulting in complications of multiple organ systems.As the cell surface receptor,angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)mediates cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the host cells in patients with COVID-19.Recent studies have found that ACE2 can be released with EVs,which have been shown to interfere with the entry of the virus into host cells and thus may be involved in COVID-19 pathophysiology.In addition,ACE2,neprilysin(NEP),and thimet oligopeptidase(TOP)are the key enzymes that regulate angiotensin metabolism by converting angiotensin II or angiotensin I to angiotensin 1-7,the latter of which has protective effects in counterbalancing the harmful effects of angiotensin II in COVID-19 disease.This review summarizes the recent research progress regarding EV-associated ACE2,NEP,and TOP and the perspectives of their potential involvement in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 disease.

The Effect of Soil Enzymes and Polysaccharides Secreted by the Roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge under Drought,High Temperature,and Nitrogen and Phosphorus Deficits

Root exudates serve as crucial mediators for information exchange between plants and soil,and are an important evolutionary mechanism for plants’adaptation to environmental changes.In this study,15 different abiotic stress models were established using various stress factors,including drought(D),high temperature(T),nitrogen deficiency(N),phosphorus deficiency(P),and their combinations.We investigated their effects on the seedling growth of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge and the activities of Solid-Urease(S-UE),Solid-Nitrite Reductase(S-NiR),Solid-Nitrate Reductase(S-NR),Solid-Phosphotransferase(S-PT),and Solid-Catalase(S-CAT),as well as the contents of polysaccharides in the culture medium.The results showed that the growth of S.miltiorrhiza was inhibited under 15 stress conditions.Among them,13 stress conditions increased the root-shoot ratio.These 15 stress conditions significantly reduced the activity of S-NR,two combinations significantly improved the activity of S-NIR,they were synergistic stresses of high temperature and nitrogen deficiency(TN),and synergistic stresses of drought and nitrogen deficiency(DN)(p<0.05).The activity of S-UE was significantly improved under N,D,T,synergistic stresses of drought and high temperature(DT),DN,synergistic stresses of drought and phosphorus deficiency(DP),and synergistic stresses of high temperature,nitrogen,and phosphorus deficiency(TNP)stress conditions(p<0.05).Most stress combinations reduced the activity of S-PT,but D and T significantly improved it.(p<0.05).The N,DN,and TN stress conditions significantly reduced S-CAT activity.The P,DT,and synergistic stresses of drought,high temperature,and phosphorus deficiency(DTP)significantly decreased the total polysaccharide content of the soil(p<0.05).The research suggested that abiotic stress hindered the growth of S.miltiorrhiza and altered the behavior of root secretion.Roots regulated the secretion of several substances in response to various abiotic stresses,including soil nitrogen cycle enzymes,phosphorus transport-related enzymes,and antioxidant enzymes.In conclusion,plants regulate the utilization of rhizosphere substances in response to abiotic stresses by modulating the exudation of soil enzymes and polysaccharides by the root system.At the same time,soil carbon sequestration was affected by the adverse environment,which restricted the input of organic matter into the soil.

The Identification of Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase(PAL)Genes from Pinus yunnanensis and an Analysis of Enzyme Activity in vitro

Phenylalanine ammonia lyase(PAL)is the rate-limiting and pivotal enzyme of the general phenylpropanoid path-way,but few reports have been found on PAL genes in Pinus yunnanensis.In the present study,three PAL genes were cloned and identified from P.yunnanensis seedlings for thefirst time,namely,PyPAL-1,PyPAL-2,and PyPAL-3.Our results indicated that the open-reading frames of PyPAL genes were 2184,2157,and 2385 bp.Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that PyPALs have high homology with other known PAL genes in other plants.In vitro enzymatic analysis showed that all three PyPAL recombinant proteins could catalyze the deamination of L-phenylalanine to form trans-cinnamic acid,but only PAL1 and PAL2 can catalyze the conversion of L-tyrosine toρ-coumaric acid.Three PyPAL genes were expressed in different tissues in 1-year-old P.yunnanensis,and such genes had different expression patterns.This study lays a foundation for further understanding of the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in P.yunnanensis.

Effects of desert plant communities on soil enzyme activities and soil organic carbon in the proluvial fan in the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountain in Ningxia,China

It is of great significance to study the effects of desert plants on soil enzyme activities and soil organic carbon(SOC)for maintaining the stability of the desert ecosystem.In this study,we studied the responses of soil enzyme activities and SOC fractions(particulate organic carbon(POC)and mineral-associated organic carbon(MAOC))to five typical desert plant communities(Convolvulus tragacanthoides,Ephedra rhytidosperma,Stipa breviflora,Stipa tianschanica var.gobica,and Salsola laricifolia communities)in the proluvial fan in the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountain in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region,China.We recorded the plant community information mainly including the plant coverage and herb and shrub species,and obtained the aboveground biomass and plant species diversity through sample surveys in late July 2023.Soil samples were also collected at depths of 0–10 cm(topsoil)and 10–20 cm(subsoil)to determine the soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activities.The results showed that the plant coverage and aboveground biomass of S.laricifolia community were significantly higher than those of C.tragacanthoides,S.breviflora,and S.tianschanica var.gobica communities(P<0.05).Soil enzyme activities varied among different plant communities.In the topsoil,the enzyme activities of alkaline phosphatase(ALP)andβ-1,4-glucosidas(βG)were significantly higher in E.rhytidosperma and S.tianschanica var.gobica communities than in other plant communities(P<0.05).The topsoil had higher POC and MAOC contents than the subsoil.Specifically,the content of POC in the topsoil was 18.17%–42.73%higher than that in the subsoil.The structural equation model(SEM)indicated that plant species diversity,soil pH,and soil water content(SWC)were the main factors influencing POC and MAOC.The soil pH inhibited the formation of POC and promoted the formation of MAOC.Conversely,SWC stimulated POC production and hindered MAOC formation.Our study aimed to gain insight into the effects of desert plant communities on soil enzyme activities and SOC fractions,as well as the drivers of SOC fractions in the proluvial fan in the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountain and other desert ecosystems.

Sensitivity of Commercial Enzyme Inhibition Colorimetric Pesticide Residue Rapid Test Kit to a Variety of Pesticides

[Objectives]To fully understand the quality of commercial enzyme inhibition-colorimetric pesticide residue rapid detection kits,so that they can play a greater role in the detection and supervision of agricultural products.[Methods]The sensitivity of 28 kinds of pesticides was determined by using the commercially available enzyme inhibition colorimetric rapid detection kit with Hendu brand.[Results]There was a significant difference in the sensitivity of the kit to each pesticide,and the kit was more sensitive to dichlorvos among the 28 pesticides tested.The sensitivity to methyl isosalifos,dimethoate,isocarbophos,fenthion and phorate was poor,and the sensitivity to quinalphos was different between 3.0 and 2.5 mL.[Conclusions]The large difference of the sensitivity of the enzyme inhibition-colorimetric rapid detection kit for pesticide residues to different kits is a reason for the false positive and false negative test results of the kit,which needs to be considered by relevant personnel.

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.

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.

Double enzyme mimetic activities of multifunctional Ag nanoparticle-decorated Co_(3)V_(2)O_(8)hollow hexagonal prismatic pencils for application in colorimetric sensors and disinfection

Since the catalytic activity of most nanozymes is still far lower than the corresponding natural enzymes,there is urgent need to discover novel highly efficient enzyme-like materials.In this work,Co_(3)V_(2)O_(8)with hollow hexagonal prismatic pencil structures were prepared as novel artificial enzyme mimics.They were then decorated by photo-depositing Ag nanoparticles(Ag NPs)on the surface to further improve its catalytic activities.The Ag NPs decorated Co_(3)V_(2)O_(8)(ACVPs)showed both excellent oxidase-and peroxidase-like catalytic activities.They can oxidize the colorless 3,3’,5,5’-tetramethylbenzidine rapidly to induce a blue change.The enhanced enzyme mimetic activities can be attributed to the surface plasma resonance(SPR)effect of Ag NPs as well as the synergistic catalytic effect between Ag NPs and Co_(3)V_(2)O_(8),accelerating electron transfer and promoting the catalytic process.ACVPs were applied in constructing a colorimetric sensor,validating the occurrence of the Fenton reaction,and disinfection,presenting favorable catalytic performance.The enzyme-like catalytic mechanism was studied,indicating the chief role of⋅O_(2)-radicals in the catalytic process.This work not only discovers a novel functional material with double enzyme mimetic activity but also provides a new insight into exploiting artificial enzyme mimics with highly efficient catalytic ability.

Screening for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease:Time to discard the emperor’s clothes of normal liver enzymes?

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)is the most prevalent chronic liver condition worldwide.Current liver enzyme-based screening methods have limitations that may missed diagnoses and treatment delays.Regarding Chen et al,the risk of developing MAFLD remains elevated even when alanine aminotransferase levels fall within the normal range.Therefore,there is an urgent need for advanced diagnostic techniques and updated algorithms to enhance the accuracy of MAFLD diagnosis and enable early intervention.This paper proposes two potential screening methods for identifying individuals who may be at risk of developing MAFLD:Lowering these thresholds and promoting the use of noninvasive liver fibrosis scores.

Microplastic Can Decrease Enzyme Activities and Microbes in Soil

An in vitro study was conducted to investigate the impacts of microplastics on enzyme activities and soil bacteria. The study included four different treatments of microplastics including a control. Different levels of microplastics were applied to the soil ranging from 0% to 5%, to assess the impacts of microplastics on soil enzymes and subsequent soil bacteria. After 30 days of incubation, the soil samples were collected and growth parameters of bacteria were assessed. Activities of β-glucosidase, urease and dehydrogenase enzymes were also determined. Our results showed that the presence of microplastics in the soil significantly reduced bacterial population together with bacterial strains. The activities of β-glucosidase, urease and dehydrogenase enzymes were reduced significantly to approximately 32%, 40% and 50% in microplastics treated soils respectively. Concentration of microplastic has a role to play towards this direction;the higher the concentration of microplastic the greater is the impact on enzymes and soil bacteria. The present study on the microbial soil health vis-à-vis microplastic application indicates that the material can have negative effect on the soil bacterial population of and thus ultimately may jeopardize soil health and crop production.

The Therapeutic Effect of Biling Weitong Granules Combined with Oryz-Aspergillus Enzyme and Pancreatin Tablet on Reflux Esophagitis with Functional Dyspepsia

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effect of Biling Weitong Granules combined with oryz-aspergillus enzyme and pancreatin tablets on patients with reflux esophagitis with functional dyspepsia.Methods:Sixty patients diagnosed with reflux esophagitis with functional dyspepsia who were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University between June 2020 and June 2023 were selected and divided into two groups:the control group and the observation group,each consisting of 30 cases.The control group received oryz-aspergillus enzyme and pancreatin tablets only,while the observation group received Biling Weitong Granules in addition to the tablets.The clinical efficacy,Chinese medicine syndrome points,esophageal kinetic indexes,gastrointestinal hormone levels,and therapeutic safety of both groups were evaluated.Results:The total efficiency of the observation group reached 93.33%,significantly higher than the 73.33%of the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,patients in the observation group exhibited significantly lower scores for Chinese medicine symptoms such as early satiety,belching,abdominal distension,abdominal pain,and loss of appetite compared to the control group(P<0.05).Furthermore,the observation group showed significantly higher upper esophageal sphincter pressure,lower esophageal sphincter pressure,and distal esophageal contraction scores compared to the control group(P<0.05).Additionally,levels of gastric motility hormone,vasoactive intestinal peptide,and gastrin were significantly higher in the observation group compared to the control group(P<0.05).Throughout the treatment period,there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups,indicating comparable safety of the two treatment modalities(P>0.05).Conclusion:The combination of Biling Weitong Granules with oryz-aspergillus enzyme and pancreatin tablets demonstrates significant efficacy in the treatment of reflux esophagitis with functional dyspepsia,with a better safety profile.This finding warrants further clinical promotion.

Plant-Derived Enzymes Producing Chiral Aroma Compounds and Potential Application

Aroma(volatile)compounds play important ecological functions in plants,and also contribute to the quality of plant-derived foods.Moreover,chiral aroma compounds affect their functions in plants and lead to different flavor quality properties.Formations of chiral aroma compounds are due to the presence of enzymes producing these compounds in plants,which are generally involved in the final biosynthetic step of the aroma compounds.Here,we review recent progress in research on the plant-derived enzymes producing chiral aroma compounds,and their changes in response to environmental factors.The chiral aroma enzymes that have been reported produce(R)-linalool,(S)-linalool,(R)-limonene,and(S)-limonene,etc.,and these enzymes are found in various plant species.We also discuss the origins of enantioselectivity in the plant-derived enzymes producing chiral aroma compounds and summarize the potential use of plants containing enzymes producing chiral aroma compounds for producing chiral flavors/fragrances.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 improves liver fibrosis in mice by regulating autophagy of hepatic stellate cells

BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is the common pathological process associated with the occurrence and development of various chronic liver diseases.At present,there is still a lack of effective prevention and treatment methods in clinical practice.Hepatic stellate cell(HSC)plays a key role in liver fibrogenesis.In recent years,the study of liver fibrosis targeting HSC autophagy has become a hot spot in this research field.Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)is a key negative regulator of reninangiotensin system,and its specific molecular mechanism on autophagy and liver fibrosis needs to be further explored.AIM To investigate the effect of ACE2 on hepatic fibrosis in mice by regulating HSC autophagy through the Adenosine monophosphate activates protein kinases(AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)pathway.METHODS Overexpression of ACE2 in a mouse liver fibrosis model was induced by injection of liver-specific recombinant adeno-associated virus ACE2 vector(rAAV2/8-ACE2).The degree of liver fibrosis was assessed by histopathological staining and the biomarkers in mouse serum were measured by Luminex multifactor analysis.The number of apoptotic HSCs was assessed by terminal deoxynucleoitidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL)and immunofluorescence staining.Transmission electron microscopy was used to identify the changes in the number of HSC autophagosomes.The effect of ACE2 overexpression on Wu Y et al.ACE2 improves liver fibrosis through autophagy WJG https://www.wjgnet.com 4976 September 7,2023 Volume 29 Issue 33 autophagy-related proteins was evaluated by multicolor immunofluorescence staining.The expression of autophagy-related indicators and AMPK pathway-related proteins was measured by western blotting.RESULTS A mouse model of liver fibrosis was successfully established after 8 wk of intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride(CCl4).rAAV2/8-ACE2 administration reduced collagen deposition and alleviated the degree of liver fibrosis in mice.The serum levels of platelet-derived growth factor,angiopoietin-2,vascular endothelial growth factor and angiotensin II were decreased,while the levels of interleukin(IL)-10 and angiotensin-(1-7)were increased in the rAAV2/8-ACE2 group.In addition,the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin,fibronectin,and CD31 was down-regulated in the rAAV2/8-ACE2 group.TUNEL and immunofluorescence staining showed that rAAV2/8-ACE2 injection increased HSC apoptosis.Moreover,rAAV2/8-ACE2 injection notably decreased the number of autophagosomes and the expression of autophagy-related proteins(LC3I,LC3II,Beclin-1),and affected the expression of AMPK pathway-related proteins(AMPK,p-AMPK,p-mTOR).CONCLUSION ACE2 overexpression can inhibit HSC activation and promote cell apoptosis by regulating HSC autophagy through the AMPK/mTOR pathway,thereby alleviating liver fibrosis and hepatic sinusoidal remodeling.

Changes in the activities of key enzymes and the abundance of functional genes involved in nitrogen transformation in rice rhizosphere soil under different aerated conditions

Soil microorganisms play important roles in nitrogen transformation. The aim of this study was to characterize changes in the activity of nitrogen transformation enzymes and the abundance of nitrogen function genes in rhizosphere soil aerated using three different methods(continuous flooding(CF), continuous flooding and aeration(CFA), and alternate wetting and drying(AWD)). The abundances of amoA ammonia-oxidizing archaea(AOA) and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria(AOB), nirS, nirK, and nifH genes, and the activities of urease, protease, ammonia oxidase, nitrate reductase, and nitrite reductase were measured at the tillering(S1), heading(S2), and ripening(S3) stages. We analyzed the relationships of the aforementioned microbial activity indices, in addition to soil microbial biomass carbon(MBC) and soil microbial biomass nitrogen(MBN), with the concentration of soil nitrate and ammonium nitrogen. The abundance of nitrogen function genes and the activities of nitrogen invertase in rice rhizosphere soil were higher at S2 compared with S1 and S3 in all treatments. AWD and CFA increased the abundance of amoA and nifH genes, and the activities of urease, protease, and ammonia oxidase, and decreased the abundance of nirS and nirK genes and the activities of nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase, with the effect of AWD being particularly strong. During the entire growth period, the mean abundances of the AOA amoA, AOB amoA, and nifH genes were 2.9, 5.8, and 3.0 higher in the AWD treatment than in the CF treatment, respectively, and the activities of urease, protease, and ammonia oxidase were 1.1, 0.5, and 0.7 higher in the AWD treatment than in the CF treatment, respectively. The abundances of the nirS and nirK genes, and the activities of nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase were 73.6, 84.8, 10.3 and 36.5% lower in the AWD treatment than in the CF treatment, respectively. The abundances of the AOA amoA, AOB amoA, and nifH genes were significantly and positively correlated with the activities of urease, protease, and ammonia oxidase, and the abundances of the nirS and nirK genes were significantly positively correlated with the activities of nitrate reductase. All the above indicators were positively correlated with soil MBC and MBN. In sum, microbial activity related to nitrogen transformation in rice rhizosphere soil was highest at S2. Aeration can effectively increase the activity of most nitrogen-converting microorganisms and MBN, and thus promote soil nitrogen transformation.

Electro-enzyme coupling systems for selective reduction of CO_(2)

To address the energy crisis and alleviate the rising level of CO_(2)in the atmosphere,various CO_(2)capture and utilization(CCU)technologies have been developed.The use of electro-enzyme coupling systems is a promising strategy for the sustainable production of fuels,chemicals and materials using CO_(2)as the feedstock.In this review,the recent progresses in the development of electro-enzyme coupling systems for the selective reduction of CO_(2)are systematically summarized.We first provide a brief background about the significance and challenges in the direct conversion of CO_(2)into value-added chemicals.Next,we describe the materials and strategies in the design of electrodes,as well as the common enzymes used in the electro-enzyme coupling systems.Then,we focus on the state-of-the-art routes for the electro-enzyme coupling conversion of CO_(2)into a variety of compounds(formate,CO,methanol,C≥2chemicals)by a single enzyme or multienzyme systems.The emerging approaches and materials used for the construction of electro-enzyme coupling systems to enhance the electron transfer efficiency and the catalytic activity/stability are highlighted.The main challenges and perspectives in the integration of enzymatic and electrochemical strategies are also discussed.

Deadwood affects the soil organic matter fractions and enzyme activity of soils in altitude gradient of temperate forests

The main objective of our study has been to determine the role of deadwood in the shaping of the amount of soil organic matter fractions in mountain forest soils.For this purpose,a climosequence approach comprising north(N)and south(S)exposure along the altitudinal gradient(600,800,1000 and 1200 m a.s.l.)was set up.By comparing the properties of decomposing deadwood and those of the soils located directly beneath the decaying wood we drew conclusions about the role of deadwood in the shaping of soil organic matter fractions and soil carbon storage in different climate conditions.The basic properties,enzymatic activity and fractions of soil organic matter(SOM)were determined in deadwood and affected directly by the components released from decaying wood.Heavily decomposed deadwood impacts soil organic matter stabilization more strongly than the less decayed deadwood and the light fraction of SOM is more sensitive to deadwood effects than the heavy fraction regardless of the location in the altitude gradient.Increase in SOM mineral-associated fraction C content is more pronounced in soils under the influence of deadwood located in lower locations of warmer exposure.Nutrients released from decaying wood stimulate the enzymatic activity of soils that are within the range of deadwood influence.

Metabolic enzyme inhibitory abilities, in vivo hypoglycemic ability of palmleaf raspberry fruits extracts and identification of hypoglycemic compounds

The unripe palmleaf raspberry,namely Fupenzi(FPZ),is an important medicinal and edible food.This study aims to evaluate the potential of FPZ extracts prepared with different approaches in attenuating hyperglycemia,gout,Alzheimer’s disease,and pigmentation,to obtain the enriching fraction and to identify the major active compounds.Results indicated that FPZ extracts showed weak activity against acetylcholinesterase,considerable ability against tyrosinase and xanthine oxidase,but excellent inhibition onα-glucosidase.Ultrasound-assisted 40%ethanol extract(40EUS)gave the highest phenolics content,and the bestα-glucosidase inhibition(IC_(50)=0.08μg/mL),which is 877-fold higher than that of positive control acarbose.The 40%ethanol eluting fraction of 40EUS showed the strongestα-glucosidase inhibition with the IC_(50) value of 37.79 ng/mL,it could also effectively attenuate the fasting blood glucose level and oral glucose tolerance of C57BL/6 mice.Twenty-six compounds were identified from 40%ethanol fraction by using HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS,hydrolysable tannins(including 11 ellagitannins and 4 gallotannins)were the major compounds,phenolic acids came to the second.Above results could provide important technical supporting for the further application and research of FPZ in health foods and drugs against diabetes.

Fat,oil,and grease as new feedstock towards bioelectrogenesis in microbial fuel cells:Microbial diversity,metabolic pathways,and key enzymes

Microbial fuel cells(MFCs)are a well-known technology used for bioelectricity production from the decomposition of organic waste via electroactive microbes.Fat,oil,and grease(FOG)as a new substrate in the anode and microalgae in the cathode were added to accelerate the electrogenesis.The effect of FOG concentrations(0.1%,0.5%,1%,and 1.5%)on the anode chamber was investigated.The FOG degradation,volatile fatty acid(VFAs)production,and soluble chemical oxygen demand along with voltage output kinetics were analyzed.Moreover,the microbial community analysis and active functional enzymes were also evaluated.The maximum power and current density were observed at 0.5%FOG which accounts for 96 mW m^(-2)(8-folds enhancement)and 560 mA m^(-2)(3.7-folds enhancement),respectively.The daily voltage output enhanced upto 2.3-folds with 77.08%coulombic efficiency under 0.5%FOG,which was the highest among all the reactors.The 0.5%FOG was degraded>85%,followed by a 1%FOG-loaded reactor.The chief enzymes inβ-oxidation and electrogenesis were acetyl-CoA C-acetyltransferase,riboflavin synthase,and riboflavin kinase.The identified enzymes symbolize the presence of Clostridium sp.(>15%)and Pseudomonas(>10%)which served as electrochemical active bacteria(EAB).The major metabolic pathways involved in electrogenesis and FOG degradation were fatty acid biosynthesis and glycerophospholipid metabolism.Utilization of lipidic-waste(such as FOG)in MFCs could be a potential approach for simultaneous biowaste utilization and bioenergy generation.

Combinatorial Enzyme Approach to Convert Wheat Insoluble Arabinoxylan to Bioactive Oligosaccharides

Combinatorial enzyme technology was applied for the conversion of wheat insoluble arabinoxylan to oligosaccharide structural variants. The digestive products were fractionated by Bio-Gel P4 column and screened for bioactivity. One fraction pool was observed to exhibit antimicrobial property resulting in the suppression of cell growth of the test organism ATCC 8739 E. coli. It has a MIC value of 1.5% (w/v, 35°C, 20 hr) and could be useful as a new source of prebiotics or preservatives. The present results further confirm the science and useful application of combinatorial enzyme approach.