title: Effect of Cadmium Stress on Non-enzymatic Antioxidant and Nitric Oxide Levels in Two Varieties of Maize (Zea mays).
abstract: Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic heavy metals that inhibit physiological processes of plants. Hence, the present study sought to investigate the effect of cadmium-contaminated seeds from two varieties of maize (Zea mays) on non-enzymatic antioxidant and nitric oxide levels. Seeds of yellow and white maize were exposed to different concentrations of Cd (0, 1, 3 and 5 ppm) for two weeks. The results from this study revealed that both varieties of maize bio-accumulate Cd in leaves in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, Cd exposure caused a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in total phenolic, GSH and nitric oxide (NO) levels at the highest concentration tested when compared with control. Therefore, the observed decrease in NO and endogenous antioxidant status by Cd treatment in maize plants could suggest some possible mechanism of action for Cd-induced oxidative stress and counteracting effect of the plants against Cd toxicity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Sciences, Biochemistry Unit, Afe Babalola University, Private Mail Bag 5454, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. ajakinyemi2010@yahoo.co.uk.
authors.forename: Ayodele Jacob
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Akinyemi
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Sciences, Chemistry Unit, Afe Babalola University, Private Mail Bag 5454, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Oluwabamise Lekan
authors.initials: OL
authors.lastname: Faboya
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Sciences, Biochemistry Unit, Afe Babalola University, Private Mail Bag 5454, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Israel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Olayide
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Biochemistry, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Opeyemi Ayodeji
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Faboya
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Sciences, Chemistry Unit, Afe Babalola University, Private Mail Bag 5454, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Tosin
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ijabadeniyi
mesh_terms: D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism*; D002104:Cadmium / Q000633:toxicity*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000187:drug effects; D012639:Seeds; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000502:physiology*; D003313:Zea mays / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D002104:Cadmium; D009569:Nitric Oxide
keywords: Antioxidant; Cadmium; Nitric oxide; Oxidative stress; Zea mays