Invariant Natural Killer T Cell Agonist Modulates Experimental Focal and Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

A growing body of evidence demonstrates a correlation between Th2 cytokines and the development of focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Therefore, we hypothesized that GSL-1, a monoglycosylceramide from Sphingomonas ssp. with pro-Th1 activity on invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) lymphocytes, could counterbalance the Th2 profile and modulate glomerulosclerosis. Using an adriamycin(ADM)-based model of FSGS, we found that BALB/c mice presented albuminuria and glomerular degeneration in association with a Th2-like pro-fibrogenic profile; these mice also expressed a combination of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-17, TNF-α, and chemokines, such as RANTES and eotaxin. In addition, we observed a decrease in the mRNA levels of GD3 synthase, the enzyme responsible for GD3 metabolism, a glycolipid associated with podocyte physiology. GSL-1 treatment inhibited ADM-induced renal dysfunction and preserved kidney architecture, a phenomenon associated with the induction of a Th1-like response, increased levels of GD3 synthase transcripts and inhibition of pro-fibrotic transcripts and inflammatory cytokines. TGF-β analysis revealed increased levels of circulating protein and tissue transcripts in both ADM- and GSL-1-treated mice, suggesting that TGF-β could be associated with both FSGS pathology and iNKT-mediated immunosuppression; therefore, we analyzed the kidney expression of phosphorylated SMAD2/3 and SMAD7 proteins, molecules associated with the deleterious and protective effects of TGF-β, respectively. We found high levels of phosphoSMAD2/3 in ADM mice in contrast to the GSL-1 treated group in which SMAD7 expression increased. These data suggest that GSL-1 treatment modulates the downstream signaling of TGF-β through a renoprotective pathway. Finally, GSL-1 treatment at day 4, a period when proteinuria was already established, was still able to improve renal function, preserve renal structure and inhibit fibrogenic transcripts. In conclusion, our work demonstrates that the iNKT agonist GSL-1 modulates the pathogenesis of ADM-induced glomerulosclerosis and may provide an alternative approach to disease management

Effect of seaweed extract application on wine grape yield in Australia

Abstract Seaweed extracts are agricultural biostimulants that have been shown to increase the productivity of many crops. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a seaweed extract from the brown algae Durvillaea potatorum and Ascophyllum nodosum as a soil treatment on the yield of wine grapes grown in Australian production and climate conditions. This study used a series of seven field experiments (2012–2017), across five locations, in three Australian states and four cultivars, and analysed data using a linear mixed model approach. The analysis revealed that recurring soil applications of the seaweed extract significantly increased wine grape yield by an average of 14.7% across multiple growing years that experienced climate extremes. Partial budget analysis showed that the use of the seaweed extract increased profits depending on the grape cultivar. This study is the most extensive investigation of its type in Australian viticulture to understand the effect of a soil-applied seaweed extract on wine grape production

Effect of a Fortified Biostimulant Extract on Tomato Plant Productivity, Physiology, and Growing Media Properties

The pursuit of sustainable and productive agriculture demands the exploration of innovative approaches to improve plant productivity and soil health. The utilization of natural agricultural biostimulants, such as extracts from seaweed, fish, and humus, has gained prominence as an ecological strategy to achieve this goal. In this study we investigated the effectiveness of a fortified biostimulant extract (FBE), composed of extracts from seaweed, fish, and humus, on tomato plant physiology, productivity, and growing media properties, and estimated carbon emissions associated with tomato production. The FBE was applied to the growing media of tomato plants produced in a greenhouse, in experiments over two growing seasons. The productivity assessments demonstrated that the application of FBE significantly increased tomato fruit yield by 20% and relative marketable fruit yield by 27%, and reduced estimated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with production by 29%. FBE treatment improved plant shoot and root biomass, accelerated flower and fruit set initiation, and increased chlorophyll content in leaves, resulting in enhanced plant physiology and advanced development. FBE treatment positively influenced the availability of crucial nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron in the growing media. FBE promoted the growth of total active microbes in the growing media, particularly the fungal population, which plays an important role in nutrient cycling and health. These findings highlight the beneficial effects of the FBE due to enhanced plant productivity and growth, improved fertility, the promotion of beneficial plant and growing media interactions, and the reduction in estimated GHG emissions

Applications of seaweed extracts in agriculture: An Australian perspective

AbstractSociety depends on food production. However, agricultural productivity is greatly challenged by extreme climate events and volatility. Seaweed extracts (SWE) have a key role in food production and their use is central to improving agricultural productivity by increasing crop tolerance to stress, improving the efficiency of plant nutrient use, and by contributing to sustainable farm practices. The benefits of SWE to crops have previously been reviewed in the context of the northern hemisphere, but not since 2015 in Australia – specific to its crops and unique stressors. This review is focused on the scientific progress since 2015 and insights from Australian research related to: (i) SWE-stimulated plant responses, (ii) field research on SWE, (iii) optimising the use of SWE in agriculture. The review considers the effects of SWE (made from Durvillaea potatorum and Ascophyllum nodosum) in the field, across crops, seasons, regions, and farming systems in Australia, and research conducted in the laboratory under controlled conditions on model and crop plants at the molecular, cellular, and physiological levels. The results from the review highlight the role of SWE in plant priming responses in laboratory experiments and its association with improved plant tolerance in the field. The review discusses the field effects related to production and fruit quality. The uniqueness of the Australian research is the inclusion of the same SWE in laboratory and field research, and the characterisation of plant responses under challenged and un-challenged conditions. This information provides deeper insights into the actions of SWE and enables growers and agronomists to optimize their field application in Australian agriculture.</p

Applications of seaweed extracts in agriculture: An Australian perspective

Society depends on food production. However, agricultural productivity is greatly challenged by extreme climate events and volatility. Seaweed extracts (SWE) have a key role in food production and their use is central to improving agricultural productivity by increasing crop tolerance to stress, improving the efficiency of plant nutrient use, and by contributing to sustainable farm practices. The benefits of SWE to crops have previously been reviewed in the context of the northern hemisphere, but not since 2015 in Australia – specific to its crops and unique stressors. This review is focused on the scientific progress since 2015 and insights from Australian research related to: (i) SWE-stimulated plant responses, (ii) field research on SWE, (iii) optimising the use of SWE in agriculture. The review considers the effects of SWE (made from Durvillaea potatorum and Ascophyllum nodosum) in the field, across crops, seasons, regions, and farming systems in Australia, and research conducted in the laboratory under controlled conditions on model and crop plants at the molecular, cellular, and physiological levels. The results from the review highlight the role of SWE in plant priming responses in laboratory experiments and its association with improved plant tolerance in the field. The review discusses the field effects related to production and fruit quality. The uniqueness of the Australian research is the inclusion of the same SWE in laboratory and field research, and the characterisation of plant responses under challenged and un-challenged conditions. This information provides deeper insights into the actions of SWE and enables growers and agronomists to optimize their field application in Australian agriculture

Applications of seaweed extracts in Australian agriculture: past, present and future

A rapidly growing world population has highlighted the need to significantly increase food production in the context of a world with accelerating soil and water shortages as well as climatic stressors. This situation has generated new interest in the application of liquid seaweed extracts because of their potent plant growth-enhancing properties through metabolic benefits, triggering disease response pathways and increasing stress tolerance. The basis for these benefits is complex and poorly understood. Liquid seaweed extracts are complex and have been demonstrated to possess novel mechanisms for increasing crop productivity. The benefits of seaweed extracts to crops have previously been reviewed in the context of the northern hemisphere, but not in the context of Australia, its crops and unique stressors. This review considers the application of seaweed extracts in Australian agriculture by (i) introducing the history of the Australian liquid seaweed extract industry and (ii) focusing on evidence of Australian research related to seaweed extract composition, plant growth properties during plant establishment, pathogenic disease and new approaches to phenotyping the biological efficacy of seaweed extracts. This type of research is essential for future Australian agriculture to develop effective strategies for the use of liquid seaweed extracts