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Melatonin alleviates lead-induced oxidative damage in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seedlings

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Abstract

Application of signaling molecules has gained immense importance in improving the phytoremediative capacity of plants. This study investigated the possible role of melatonin (MEL) as a signaling molecule in ameliorating lead (Pb)-induced oxidative injury in safflower seedlings. Pot grown 10-day-old safflower seedlings were exposed to 50 μM Pb (NO3)2 alone and in combination with different MEL concentrations (0–300 μM). Exposure to Pb, resulted in a severe oxidative stress, which was indicated by reducing biomass production and enhancing the level of oxidative stress markers (e.g. MDA and H2O2). Addition of exogenous MEL considerably decreased Pb uptake and its root-to-shoot translocation while, biomass production of roots, stems and leaves increased significantly. With MEL application a marked increase in reduced glutathione (GSH) content in leaves and roots was noted as compared with Pb treatment alone. In leaves the activity of enzymes involved in glyoxalase system increased markedly by adding MEL to Pb-sressed plants. In response to increasing MEL treatments, the phytochelatin content of leaves increased substantially in comparison with Pb treatment alone. These findings confirmed that MEL can alleviate Pb toxicity by reducing Pb uptake and its root-to-shoot translocation along with modulating different antioxidant systems. The results also showed that despite the insignificant effect of melatonin on the improvement of Pb phytoremediation potential, the application of this signaling molecule can improve the survival of safflower in Pb-contaminated soils by stimulating antioxidant defense mechanisms.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the funding of Research Council of the Shahr-e-Qods Branch of Islamic Azad University. Special acknowledgements are given to the editors and reviewers. Also we specially thank Dr. Sajjad Sedaghat, for invaluable facilities and support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

    Shahram Namdjoyan

  2. ACECR-Research Institute of Applied Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

    Ali Abolhasani Soorki

  3. Department of Statistic, Trade Planing Office, Trade Promotion Organization, Tehran, Iran

    Nazli Elyasi

  4. Department of Biology, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran

    Nader Kazemi

  5. Department of Biology, Lahijan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran

    Mehdi Simaei

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  1. Shahram Namdjoyan
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  2. Ali Abolhasani Soorki
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  3. Nazli Elyasi
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  4. Nader Kazemi
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  5. Mehdi Simaei
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Correspondence to Shahram Namdjoyan.

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Namdjoyan, S., Soorki, A.A., Elyasi, N. et al. Melatonin alleviates lead-induced oxidative damage in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seedlings. Ecotoxicology 29, 108–118 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-019-02136-9

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