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Oxidative damage is accrual of molecular deterioration from reactive oxygen species (ROS) while decrease in generation of ROS is related with free radical scavenging enzymes. Boerhaavia diffusa L. (Nyctaginaceae) derived novel molecule Boeravinone B (BOB) possesses a variety of pharmacological activities, yet their anti-aging potential has not been explored. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the mechanism of BOB mediated oxidative stress resistance and lifespan extension in Caenorhabditis elegans. The results showed that the BOB significantly extends the lifespan of C. elegans with its anti-oxidative potential via reducing accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). BOB was found to recover the shortened lifespan of oxidative stress prone mutants mev-1 and gas-1 (14.75 and 16.11%, respectively). Additionally, this finding supported by the reduced ROS levels seen in BOB treated worms. Further, the effective concentration of BOB (25 μM) significantly enhanced the expressions of target genes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD-3), glutathione-S-transferase (GST-4) and heat shock protein (HSP-16.2) fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP), and it does so by modulating the stress-related signaling pathways (SEK-1) and transcription factors (SKN-1/Nrf and DAF-16/Foxo). Moreover, BOB exposure (25 μM) caused significant changes of age-dependent biomarkers such as pharyngeal pumping, body bend, locomotor activity and lipofuscin accumulation were also showed that BOB retards the aging. Overall, the findings highlight the antioxidant supplement triggering pharmaceutical potential of BOB which may serve as a new future perspective for healthy aging or delayed onset of oxidative related diseases., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Cholinergic function is compromised in plethora of neurodegenerative disorders especially Alzheimer's disease. Increasing acetylcholine (ACh) levels has been the mainstay in majority of the therapeutic regimens, accepted for management of disease. The present study investigates the efficacy of 5-Desmethylnobiletin (DN), a polymethoxyflavone in augmenting cholinergic function using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. The studies revealed significant elevation in cholinergic transmission mediated through increased levels of ACh and activity of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR). Further investigation into the mechanistic aspects indicated that DN enhanced cholinergic function through down modulation of acetylcholinesterase activity at enzyme and transcript level along with upregulation of non alpha subunit, unc-29 which could be linked with enhanced nAChR activity as evident from levamisole assay. Additionally, studies on antioxidant properties, implicated significant potential of DN in curtailing ROS, both in vivo and in vitro. Our studies present DN as a phytomolecule with novel biological activities which could be exploited and researched upon for therapeutic avenues in terms of cholinergic function and antioxidant potential., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Understanding the component traits determining salt stress tolerance is a major breeding target in wheat. The lack of genetic resources suited to salt-affected regions and the complexity of the traits involved impede progress in breeding salt-tolerant wheat varieties. This study was conducted with four bread wheats, namely (Triticum aestivum) Kharchia-65 (K-65), BT-Schomburgk (BTS), HD-2687, and HD-3298. Treatments were imposed on plants with varying electrical conductivity (control, 5 dS m−1, 10 dS m−1, and 15 dS m−1) with a combination of three different salts NaCl, CaCl2·2H2O, and Na2SO4. We evaluated variations in root system architecture, canopy temperature (depicted as a thermal image), reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, and leaf stomatal density in response to incremental doses of salt stress in a hydroponic experiment. As the plants were sampled after short-term exposure to stress (within 3 weeks of stress imposition), the plants were expected to be in a quiescent state. Due to the osmotic effect, the growth of the plants was compromised, and the associated decrease in stomatal conductance increased the canopy temperature. ROS accumulation and antioxidant enzyme activity did not follow a definite pattern. The antioxidant system's tolerance to ROS comes into action much later in the tolerance mechanism. That could probably be the reason behind the varied response in ROS accumulation and antioxidant enzymes after short-term exposure to salt stress. Thermal images could effectively differentiate between salt-tolerant (K65) and sensitive (HD2687) genotypes. The variation in Na+/K+ ratio also suggested a genotypic variation in salt tolerance. The genotypes of K-65 maintained a better root system, while HD2687 showed severe reduction in root biomass and other root traits under salt stress. The PCA data also point out genotypic variation in lateral and main root traits in response to different salt stress levels. For salt tolerance in wheat, the main contributing root traits were total root length, total surface area, total root volume, tips, and other main, lateral root traits. The idea of differential control of RSA dynamics is novel and can be further explored to understand natural variation in salt stress tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The various herbal remedies have been used in Ayurveda which symbolizes traditional medicine system since ancient times. The increasing popularity of herbal medicines has prompted us toward the development of natural therapeutics for preventing neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) in living organisms. This study focused on a flavonoid compound 5,7-dihydroxy-4-methoxyflavone (DMF) also known as acacetin which is a major constituent of Premna odorata (L.) plant. This bioactive flavonoid exhibits several medicinal properties such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-carcinogenic. Objective: The aim is to determine the protective effects of DMF against amyloid beta (Aβ)-induced toxicity and oxidative stress in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model of AD. Materials and Methods: The therapeutic potential of DMF treatments (5, 25, and 50 μM) was investigated to counteract Aβ paralysis and oxidative stress through paralysis assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection, protein carbonylation, aldicarb assay, and mRNA quantification using transgenic C. elegans model of AD. Results: The present study reports that DMF effectively delayed Aβ-induced paralysis, attenuated ROS level reduced protein carbonylation and conferred aldicarb resistance. In addition, DMF was also found to up-regulate the expression of stress modulating (sod-1, sod-2, sod-3, ctl-1, hsp-16.2, and gst-4), acetylcholine transporter(unc-17), regulator of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (unc-50), and choline acetyltransferase (cha-1) related genes. Conclusion: These findings suggest DMF may provide protection against Aβ toxicity and oxidative stress due to its antioxidant activity. Therefore, the bioactive flavonoid DMF may provide invaluable medicinal and health benefits which can delay the onset of age-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shatavarin IV (SIV), a steroidal saponin, is a major bioactive phytomolecule present in roots of Asparagus racemosus (Liliaceae) known for its anticancer activity. Age-associated neurodegenerative Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterised by alpha-synuclein aggregation in dopaminergic neuron resulting in neurodegeneration. The invention of bioactive molecules that delay aging and age-associated disorders endorses development of natural phytomolecule as a therapeutic agent for curing age-related diseases. Therefore, the present study for the first time explores the potential of SIV against aging and Parkinsonism utilising Caenorhabditis elegans model system. SIV significantly attenuated oxidative stress in terms of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as oxidative damage including protein carbonylation and also promotes longevity. SIV also significantly increased the mRNA expression of stress responsive genes namely sod-1, sod-2, sod-3, gst-4, gst-7 and ctl-2 suggesting its anti-oxidant property that might be contributed in the modulation of oxidative stress and promoting lifespan. Additionally, SIV improved PD symptoms by reducing the alpha-synuclein aggregation, lipid accumulation and enhancing dopamine level. Altogether, present findings indicate that SIV possibly utilising ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal system and attenuating oxidative stress by up-regulating PD-associated genes pdr-1, ubc-12 and pink-1. Therefore, this study is a forward step in exploring the anti-aging and anti-Parkinsonism potential of bioactive compound SIV in C. elegans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The progression in lifespan has been associated with elevated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress level which contributes to development of age related disorders. The discovery of lifespan modulating phytomolecules may promote development of natural therapies against age related afflictions. Acacetin (5,7-dihydroxy-4-methoxyflavone), is a naturally occurring flavonoid known to possess therapeutic properties. To this end, the present study evaluates effect of acacetin (AC) on lifespan, stress and neurotoxicity for the first time by using well-established free living, multicellularCaenorhabditis elegansmodel system. The 25 μM dose of AC significantly prolonged the mean lifespan of worms by 27.31% in comparison to untreated control and other tested doses of AC. Additionally, AC enhanced stress resistance against oxidative and thermal stress in worms. Furthermore, AC attenuated age related intracellular ROS level, aggregation of age pigment lipofuscin and increased the mean survival in stress hypersensitivemev-1mutant by 40.5%. AC supplementation also reduced the alpha synuclein aggregation in transgenic worm model of Parkinson’s disease. The enhanced stress resistance, lifespan and alleviation of age related pathology can be attributed to increment in stress modulatory enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) level. Altogether the results suggest AC exposure maintains stress level, health span and extends mean lifespan ofC. elegans. The longevity promoting and neuromodulatory effects of AC are mediated by up regulation of the stress response genessod-3andgst-4. The present finding gives new insights of natural remedies and their future prospects in developing therapeutic interventions for managing age related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell, commonly known as Brahmi is an important medicinal plant traditionally used as memory enhancer and antiepileptic agent. Objective: The present study investigated antioxidant and stress resistance potentials of B. monnieri aqueous extract (BMW) using Caenorhabditis elegans animal model system. Materials and Methods: The antioxidant activity of the BMW was measured using in vitro (DPPH, reducing power and total polyphenol content) and in vivo (DCF-DA assay) assays. The antistress potential of BMW (0.1, 0.01, and 0.001 mg/ml) was evaluated through thermal stress (37°C) and oxidative stress (10 mM paraquat) using C. elegans. Quantification of the HSP-16.2 level was done using CL2070 transgenic worms. Results: Present study reveals that BMW possess in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities. BMW significantly enhanced stress tolerance and increased the mean lifespan of worms during thermal and oxidative stress, although it did not extend lifespan at 20°C and attenuated age dependent decline in physiological behaviors. Moreover, it was shown that BMW was able to up-regulate expression of stress associated gene hsp-16.2, which significantly (P < 0.001) extends the mean lifespan of worms under stress conditions. Conclusion: The study strongly suggests that BMW acts as an antistressor and potent reactive oxygen species scavenger which enhances the survival of the worms in different stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress causes oxidative bursts damaging the organelles and nascent proteins. Plants have inherited antioxidant defense system to neutralize the effect of reactive oxygen species. Superoxide dismutase provides first line of defense against the HS by regulating the accumulation of peroxide radicals inside the cells. Here, we report identification and cloning of putative manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) gene of ~733 nt from wheat cv. HD2985 through de novo assembly. The gene was observed to localize on Chr 6D with a mitochondrial targeting peptide sequence and iron/manganese domain. We predicted 147 homologs of Mn-SOD in eukaryotes with diverse speciation nodes. A recombinant Mn-SOD protein of ~25.5 kDa was purified through heterologous expression system. Kinetics assay of recombinant protein showed optimum pH of 8.0, optimum temperature of 35 °C and K m and V max values of 1.51 μM and 9.45 U/mg proteins, respectively. Maximum expression and activity of Mn-SOD was observed in leaves from Raj3765, as compared to stem and spike during milky-ripe stage under differential HS. In gel activity assay showed the appearance of all the three isoforms of SOD in thermotolerant cv. under HS. Mn-SOD, being active at pivotal position, can be also used as potential biochemical marker in wheat breeding program. • Cloned putative Mn-SOD of ~733 nt from wheat cv. HD2985 through de novo assembly. • Predicted 147 homologs of Mn-SOD in eukaryotes with diverse speciation nodes. • Recombinant Mn-SOD protein of ~25.5 kDa was purified from E. coli. • Kinetics of recombinant protein showed optimum pH, temperature, K m and V max of 8.0, 35 °C, 1.51 μM and 9.45 U/mg proteins. • Mn-SOD was observed to be potential biochemical marker for wheat breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ageing is a progressive deterioration in functional and structural well-being of the body, accompanied with age-associated neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease. PD is marked with motor function decline, progressive neurodegeneration due to aggregation of insoluble α-synuclein in the dopaminergic neuron. Here we investigated the effect of tambulin (3,5-dihydroxy-7,8-dimethoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl) chromen-4-one), a hydroxy substituted flavanol isolated from fruits of Zanthoxyllum armatum DC (Family-Rutaceae) for its longevity promoting and neuromodulatory activities using Caenorhabditis elegans model system. Our results show that tambulin treatment significantly enhance lifespan and stress tolerance in worms, along with mitigation of ageing biomarkers like lipofuscin and protein carbonyl. In line with the alleviated ROS levels, tambulin treatment led to upregulated mRNA expression of ROS scavenging genes viz., sod-1 , sod-3 , and ctl-2. Upregulation in daf-16 gene indicates the involvement of insulin signaling pathway in tambulin mediated longevity. Tambulin treatment exhibited curtailed PD manifestations in terms of reduced α-synuclein levels, lipid accumulation, improved locomotary behavior and dopamine levels. Altogether, our data suggest that tambulin mediated alleviation of PD manifestations possibly involved PD counter protective machinery as evident through upregulated mRNA expression of lagr-1 , ymel-1 , pdr-1 , ubc-12 , and lrk-1. Our studies present tambulin as a potential molecule for its properties against ageing and Parkinson's disease. Further studies are speculated to realize the mechanistic and pharmacological aspects of tambulin. Highlights • Tambulin enhances stress tolerance through modulation of ROS scavenging genes viz., sod-1 , sod-3 , and ctl-2. • Tambulin induced longevity shows the involvement of daf-16 mediated insulin signaling pathway. • Tambulin activates PD protective lagr-1 , ymel-1 , pdr-1 , ubc-12 , and lrk-1 genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial interference plays an imperative role in plant development and response to various stresses. However, its involvement in mitigation of oxidative stress generated by plant parasitic nematode in plants remains elusive. In the present investigation, the efficacy of microbe’s viz. , Chitiniphilus sp. MTN22 and Streptomyces sp. MTN14 single and in combinations was examined to mitigate oxidative stress generated by M. incognita in medicinal plant, Bacopa monnieri . Microbial combination with and without pathogen also enhanced the growth parameters along with secondary metabolites (bacoside) of B. monnieri than the pathogen inoculated control. The study showed that initially the production of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) was higher in dual microbes infected with pathogen which further declined over M. incognita inoculated control plants. Superoxide dismutase and free radical scavenging activity were also highest in the same treatment which was linearly related with least lipid peroxidation and root gall formation in B. monnieri under the biotic stress. Microscopic visualization of total reactive oxygen species (ROS), H 2 O 2 , superoxide radical and programmed cell death in host plant further extended our knowledge and corroborated well with the above findings. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy confirmed good microbial colonization on the host root surface around nematode penetration sites in plants treated with dual microbes under pathogenic stress. The findings offer novel insight into the mechanism adopted by the synergistic microbial strains in mitigating oxidative stress and simultaneously stimulating bacoside production under pathogenic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In modern times, there has been a major increase in the use of plants or herbal constituents for the prevention of age-related disorders. 4-Hydroxy-E-globularinin (4-HEG) is an iridoid and a major component of Premna integrifolia. This investigation represents a breakthrough in geriatrics by showing the longevity-promoting activity of 4-HEG in the animal model Caenorhabditis elegans. 4-HEG (20μM) enhanced the mean life span of worms by over 18.8% under normal culture conditions and also enhanced their survival under oxidative stress. The longevity-promoting activity was associated with reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and fat accumulation in the worms. Gene-specific mutant studies verified the role of ROS detoxification pathways and simultaneous nuclear translocation of DAF-16 in the 4-HEG-mediated effects. Quantitative real-time PCR estimations and observations of transcriptional reporters indicated that 4-HEG was able to upregulate stress-inducible genes, viz., hsp-16.2 and sod-3. Thus, 4-HEG may serve as a lead compound of plant origin for the development of important nutraceuticals superseding the aging process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]