Toxicology, Biochemical and Molecular Analysis of Lutein in Co-Exposure to NaCl in the Allium cepa Model
摘要
Salinity stress is one of the main abiotic factors that negatively impact plant growth and productivity. Continuous exposure to NaCl leads to the accumulation of ions such as sodium (Na⁺), chloride (Cl⁻), and sulfate (SO₄2⁻) in plant cells, impairing nutrient absorption and causing cellular and tissue damage. Therefore, it is necessary to find alternatives to mitigate the harmful effects of salinity stress in plants. This study aimed to evaluate the biochemical and morphological changes in Allium cepa exposed to different treatments of NaCl and lutein, both individually and in combination. Seeds (120) were germinated in Petri dishes containing NaCl (50 mM/mL) and lutein (256 μg/mL and 512 μg/mL) solutions, at pH 7.1. Then, the conductivity, the germination rate, and the biochemical and molecular analyses were performed. Combination of 256 μg/mL lutein with 50 mM/mL NaCl demonstrated potential to reduce salinity-induced oxidative stress, suggesting the use of lutein as an effective mitigator against salt stress damage. Lutein showed a binding affinity of -7.19 kcal/mol with the onion target protein. These findings indicate that lutein may enhance plant resistance to adverse conditions, promoting greater survival and development. Further studies in other plant models are recommended to validate the use of lutein as a protective agent for agricultural management in saline soils.