Diverse Functions of Plant Zinc-Induced Facilitator-like Transporter for Their Emerging Roles in Crop Trait Enhancement

The major facilitator superfamily (MFS) is a large and diverse group of secondary transporters found across all kingdoms of life. Zinc-induced facilitator-like (ZIFL) transporters are the MFS family members that function as exporters driven by the antiporter-dependent processes. The presence of multiple ZIFL transporters was shown in various plant species, as well as in bryophytes. However, only a few ZIFLs have been functionally characterized in plants, and their localization has been suggested to be either on tonoplast or at the plasma membrane. A subset of the plant ZIFLs were eventually characterized as transporters due to their specialized role in phytosiderophores efflux and auxin homeostasis, and they were also proven to impart tolerance to micronutrient deficiency. The emerging functions of ZIFL proteins highlight their role in addressing important traits in crop species. This review aims to provide insight into and discuss the importance of plant ZIFL in various tissue-specific functions. Furthermore, a spotlight is placed on their role in mobilizing essential micronutrients, including iron and zinc, from the rhizosphere to support plant survival. In conclusion, in this paper, we discuss the functional redundancy of ZIFL transporters to understand their roles in developing specific traits in crop.

Transcriptomics View over the Germination Landscape in Biofortified Rice

Hidden hunger, or micronutrient deficiency, is a worldwide problem. Several approaches are employed to alleviate its effects (e.g., promoting diet diversity, use of dietary supplements, chemical fortification of processed food), and among these, biofortification is considered as one of the most cost-effective and highly sustainable. Rice is one of the best targets for biofortification since it is a staple food for almost half of the world’s population as a high-energy source but with low nutritional value. Multiple biofortified rice lines have been produced during the past decades, while few studies also reported modifications in germination behavior (in terms of enhanced or decreased germination percentage or speed). It is important to underline that rapid, uniform germination, and seedling establishment are essential prerequisites for crop productivity. Combining the two traits, biofortified, highly-nutritious seeds with improved germination behavior can be envisaged as a highly-desired target for rice breeding. To this purpose, information gathered from transcriptomics studies can reveal useful insights to unveil the molecular players governing both traits. The present review aims to provide an overview of transcriptomics studies applied at the crossroad between biofortification and seed germination, pointing out potential candidates for trait pyramiding.

Milk Fortification with Vitamin A & D: A Need of the Hour in India

Micronutrient deficiency is caused by a diet deficient in important vitamins and minerals, and it continues to be a serious public health issue for many low- and middle-income countries' populations. Vitamin A and D deficiency is extremely common in India, affecting both young children and adults. With 146.3 million tonnes of milk produced annually, India is the world's largest producer, yet only around 9% of the milk is fortified with vitamins and minerals. Milk fortification is one of the treatments for vitamin deficiency. Milk is one of the most nutrient-dense foods available. In India, it is a staple dish that is consumed by people of all age groups. Regular consumption of fortified milk led to an 18% reduction in diarrhoea, a 26% reduction in pneumonia, 7% fewer days with a high fever, and 15% fewer days sick with severe sickness. Out of 416 LLPD produced, about 198.4 LLPD gets fortified currently in India, reaching about 121 million people. There is still a significant gap between production and fortification. Governments must take appropriate steps to improve milk fortification and make India a healthy country.

Optimization of Boron and Zinc on the Growth and Yield Parameters of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in Nalanda District

The field experiment was carried out to overcome the poor growth and yield of tomato due to imbalance use of fertilizer and micronutrient deficiency. The objective to conduct this experiment was soil application of micronutrients alongwith nitrogen, phosphorus and potash for growth and yield enhancement. The maximum 90.39 cm plant height,the heighest 14.38 number of branches,the maximum 29.50 number of fruits per plant, heighest fruir weight per plant 2.46 kg per plant with yield of 518.25 quintal per heactare in case of technology option three application of 120.80.80 kg N:P:K ha-1 alongwith 10kg zinc and 1 kg boron per hectare as basal dose in comparision to other treatments. The lowest 80.45 cm plant height, least number of branches per plant 8.13,lesser number of fruit per plant 24.13, least fruit weight 2.18 kgper plant with minimum yield of 450.50 quintal per hectare was recorded in control.

MICRONUTRIENT DEFICIENCY IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF INSULIN RESISTANCE AND WAYS TO CORRECT IT

The review discusses modern views on the pathogenesis of insulin resistance (IR), in particular the role of micronutrient deficiency. The spread of IR in various somatic pathologies indicates an adaptive IR value not only for glucose homeostasis disorders, but also for metabolism in the body as a whole. A promising area of therapy for IR and cardiovascular diseases closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS) is the use of modulators of products by the human body of endogenous regulatory factors based on omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The American Diabetic Association supports adherence to a Mediterranean diet enriched with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. A meta-analysis of 50 clinical, prospective and cross-examination studies has proven the positive protection effect of the Mediterranean diet on MS components. The development of IR can be associated with a deficiency of chromium and magnesium, and the additional intake of these trace elements with nutritional supplements reduces the severity of IR. Pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, IR, increased risk of MS and type 2 diabetes associated with hypomagnemia. It has been shown that the combination of oral food additives chromium (160 icg/day) and magnesium (200 mg/day) reduces IR more effectively than their use separately, which may be associated with increased induction and repression, respectively, the expression of glucose transporter 4 and glycogen-synthase kinase 3. Thus, micronutrients can be used in complex therapy of patients with IR and associated pathological conditions, such as excess body weight/obesity, type 2 diabetes and MS.

Nutritional Considerations for Para-Cycling Athletes: A Narrative Review

Para-cycling is a sport including athletes with different disabilities competing on the track and on the roads using bicycles, tandems, tricycles, and handbikes. Scientific literature in this special population is scarce, especially in the field of sports nutrition. This review summarizes the physiological aspects and demands of para-cycling. This information together with the existing literature on nutritional interventions in this population, helps to discuss the nutritional considerations. To date, only a limited amount of recommendations are available for this population. In most para-cycling athletes, a reduction in active muscle mass and consequently a reduction in resting energy expenditure occurs, except for visually impaired athletes. Furthermore, carbohydrate and protein intake and hydration, supplementation, heat, and weight loss need to be tailored to the disability-specific adaptations such as the reduced active muscle mass, neurogenic bladder, and bowel, a reduced metabolic cost during exercise, and a higher risk of micronutrient deficiency.

"Micronutrient Deficiency", A public health problem

not available CBMJ 2020 July: Vol. 09 No. 02 P: 01-02

Malnutrition in Obesity: Is It Possible?

<b><i>Background:</i></b> The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies malnutrition as the biggest threat to public health worldwide, and this condition is observed in 20–60% of hospitalized patients. Malnutrition is a state of the body in which due to insufficient supply or incorrect absorption of essential nutrients, the body composition changes and the body’s functions are impaired. Malnutrition is associated not only with reduced body mass index but also with obesity. <b><i>Summary:</i></b> Obesity is defined as a paradoxical state of malnutrition, which despite excessive energy consumption is associated with a shortage of individual microelements. Deficiency or lack of homeostasis of essential micronutrients can significantly affect daily performance, intellectual and emotional state, but also the physical state of the body. Food deficiency can also contribute to further weight gain or the development of other metabolic diseases. Micronutrient deficiency may include not only incorrect dietary choices and insufficient access to nutrient-rich foods but also changes in the absorption, distribution or excretion of nutrients, and altered micronutrient metabolism resulting from systemic inflammation caused by obesity. An effective therapy method recommended for people with morbid obesity is bariatric surgery aimed at both weight loss and improving quality of life. Unfortunately, the effects of these treatments are often medium- and long-term complications associated with micronutrient deficiency as a result of reduced consumption or absorption. Therefore, the use of bariatric surgery in patients with extreme obesity can affect the metabolism of microelements and increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies. <b><i>Key Messages:</i></b> Studies by many authors indicate a higher incidence of food deficiency among people with excessive body weight, than in people with normal body weight of the same age and same sex. Monitoring the concentration of minerals and vitamins in blood serum is a good practice in the treatment of obesity. The proper nutritional status of the body affects not only the state of health but also the effectiveness of therapy. The aim of the review was to present the issue of malnutrition in the context of obesity.

Assessment of Available Micronutrients Status in the Soils of Melur Block, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu, Using GIS and GPS Techniques

A soil resource inventory was conducted at village level in the Melur block of Madurai district, Tamil Nadu to assess the micronutrients status in the soils and to prepare fertility maps depicting the extent of soil micronutrient deficiency/sufficiency using GIS and GPS techniques. Soil samples were collected at revenue village wise along with geo coordinates and analysed for available micronutrients such as Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn by adopting standard procedures. Based on the nutrient status, the soils were grouped as deficient or sufficient using the critical limits. Per cent deficiency of micronutrients in Melur block was worked out and the thematic maps showing status of different available micronutrients were generated. The results indicated that, Fe and Zn deficiency is most prevalent in the soils of Melur block in Madurai district to an extent of more than 35 per cent, followed by Cu (1.1%) and Mn (10%).