Investigation of Antioxidant Enzyme Activity and Oxidative Stress Indicators in Spinach from Different Habitats of Khuzestan
Subject Areas : ChemE Jafari 1 , M Kolahi 2 * , R Azadi 3 * , E Mohajel Kazemi 4
1 - 1. MSe of Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
2 -
3 - Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Department of Chemistry
4 - دانشگاه تبریز
Keywords: Spinach, Antioxidant enzymes, Oxidative stress, Hydrogen peroxide, Catalase, Superoxide dismutase.,
Abstract :
Introduction: Environmental stresses such as salinity and temperature fluctuations significantly impact plant metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the activity of antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress markers in spinach (Spinacia oleracea) collected from various habitats in Khuzestan Province, Iran.
Materials and Methods: Samples were collected from Hamidiyeh, Abadan, Ramhormoz, Shoosh, Shadegan, and Dezful. The enzymatic activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione reductase (GR) were measured. Additionally, oxidative stress indicators, including hydrogen peroxide, carbonylated protein content, total thiol levels, and proline content, were evaluated.
Results: The findings demonstrated that H₂O₂ levels significantly increased in the Hamidiyeh samples compared to Shoosh (1.86 µmol/g FW). Proline accumulation in Hamidiyeh samples was higher than in Dezful (0.58 µmol/g FW), indicating osmotic adaptation. The highest carbonylated protein content was observed in Ramhormoz samples. The highest and lowest CAT enzyme activities were recorded in Hamidiyeh and Dezful samples, respectively. SOD activity in Hamidiyeh samples showed a significant increase compared to Dezful (1.54 ± 0.14 U/mg protein). Significant variations in GPX and GR activities, as well as GSH and GSSG levels, were observed, highlighting the role of these enzymes in the plant's response to environmental conditions. Furthermore, ABTS radical scavenging activity increased by 56%, which correlated with the enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes.
Conclusion: This study revealed that environmental and geographical conditions influence the production and accumulation of phytochemical compounds in spinach grown in different regions. It appears that varying environmental factors modulate plant defense mechanisms, thereby enhancing plant tolerance to oxidative stress. The present study demonstrated that the diverse environmental conditions in Khuzestan significantly impact the antioxidant defense system of spinach. This information can be utilized for selecting suitable cultivation areas and optimizing the quality of this valuable plant.
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