Phytoalexin

About: Phytoalexin is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 1161 publications have been published within this topic receiving 63405 citations. The topic is also known as: phytoalexins.

Inhibitory effect of (E)-1,2-di(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethene on 3T3-L1 adiopocyte differentiation.

Abstract: Resveratrol (trans-3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) is a phytoalexin found in diverse plant species, including grapes and peanuts. The antioxidant, anticancer, and cardioprotective properties of resveratrol have been well-characterized. The anti-obesity effect of resveratrol has also been demonstrated in previous studies. In this study, we evaluated the effects of a resveratrol analogue, (E)-1,2-di(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethene, on adipocyte differentiation using 3T3-L1 cells. According to our results, the tested analogue potently inhibits the differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocyte to a greater degree than resveratrol. Moreover, (E)-1,2-di(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethene strongly downregulated the expression of fatty acid metabolism-related proteins such as fatty acid synthase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. These results point to the potential of (E)-1,2-di(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethene as an obesity prevention agent.

Specific Recognition of a Fungal Oligopeptide Elicitor by Parsley Cells

Abstract: Cultured parsley (Petroselinum crispum) cells or protoplasts respond to treatment with a crude cell wall preparation from the soybean pathogen Phytophthora megasperma f.sp. glycinea (Pmg elicitor) with the transcriptional activation of the same set of defense-related genes as are activated in parsley leaves upon infection with fungal spores [1-4]. In contrast, local necrosis and callose apposition which were found to be early plant responses to fungal infection [5] were not stimulated in cultured cells by elicitor treatment. Proteinaceous components of the Pmg elicitor were identified as the elicitor-active substances [6]. A 42-kDa glycoprotein elicitor was purified from fungal culture filtrate [7] that was also present in hyphal cell walls of the fungus grown in planta [8]. Its heat-stabile elicitor activity was found to reside exclusively in the protein moiety [7]. While the elicitor activity was destroyed by digestion with trypsin or pronase E, it was almost completely retained after treatment with endoprotease Glu-C [9]. The fragments released from the 42-kDa glycoprotein by endoprotease Glu-C were separated by reverse-phase HPLC, individually tested for elicitor activity and sequenced by automated Edman degradation [10]. An oligopeptide consisting of 13 amino acids with the sequence, H2N-VWNQPVRGFKVYE-COOH (Pep-13) and several larger fragments that all contained Pep-13 were found to induce phytoalexin synthesis in parsley protoplasts. Pep-13 itself stimulated the same responses as the Pmg elicitor, namely defense gene activation, formation of phytoalexins, an oxidative burst, Ca2+ and H+ influx as well as an efflux of K+ and Cl-ions [10].

The Role of Resveratrol in Eye Diseases—A Review of the Literature

Abstract: Resveratrol (3,5,4′-trans-trihydroxystilbene) is a polyphenolic phytoalexin belonging to the stilbene family. It is commonly found in grape skins and seeds, as well as other plant-based foods. Oxidative stress and inflammation play a key role in the initiation and progression of age-related eye disorders (glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration) that lead to a progressive loss of vision and blindness. Even though the way resveratrol affects the human body and the course of many diseases is still the subject of ongoing scientific research, it has been shown that the broad spectrum of anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of resveratrol has a beneficial effect on eye tissues. In our research, we decided to analyze the current scientific literature on resveratrol, its possible mechanisms of action, and its therapeutic application in order to assess its effectiveness in eye diseases.

Inhibitory Effect of Resveratrol on Candida albicans Biofilm Formation.

Abstract: Candida albicans is the primary candidiasis-causing fungal pathogen in humans, and one of its most important virulence factors is the ability to form biofilms. Moreover, these biofilms are often resistant to antifungal agents, so there is a need to develop alternative elimination strategies and therapeutic agents for such infections. The antifungal activity of resveratrol, a phytoalexin polyphenolic compound, impairs the morphological transition of C. albicans under various hypha-inducing conditions and inhibits growth of the yeast-form and mycelia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of resveratrol against C. albicans biofilm formation. The developmental, sustained, and mature stages of biofilm formation were affected or inhibited by resveratrol. Exposure to resveratrol at the developmental stage inhibited growth of C. albicans in a dose-dependent manner. A >30% reduction was observed in sustained biofilm growth in the presence of 200 μg/ml resveratrol in comparison with in its absence. In terms of disruption of matured biofilm, 6.25-100 μg/ml resveratrol significantly reduced cell viability of C. albicans compared with in a control sample (p<0.05). The present results indicate that resveratrol has the potential to serve as an anti-Candida treatment and preventive tool which functions by inhibiting existing or under-forming C. albicans biofilms.

Phytoalexin Accumulation in Omithopus sativus as a Response to Elicitor Treatment

Abstract: An isoflavanoid derivative has been isolated as a phytoalexin from intact plants and cell suspension cultures of Ornithopus sativus after treatment with CuSO4, yeast elicitor, or a spore suspension of Colletotrichum trifolii. Based on its physical and spectroscopic properties the substance was identified as glabridin. After induction, the transient in crease in the content of this phytoalex in was preceded by a transient increase in the activities of PAL and CHS.