X-rays irradiation maintains redox homeostasis and regulates energy metabolism of fresh figs (Ficus carica L. Siluhongyu)

Abstract

In this study, figs were irradiated with X-rays doses of 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 kGy and stored at 4 °C for 20 d to evaluate effects of X-ray on redox homeostasis and energy metabolism in figs. Non-irradiated figs were recorded as control group. Results indicated that 3.0 kGy X-rays delayed fig color discoloration by inhibiting the ΔE* values. The electrolyte leakage, MDA and O₂^-· levels of figs were significantly alleviated. Energy metabolism assay revealed that 3.0 kGy X-rays could significantly maintain higher activities of H⁺-ATPase, Ca²⁺-ATPase, SDH, CCO, G6PDH and 6PGDH of figs. 3.0 kGy X-rays also retained mitochondria membrane integrity of figs. Furthermore, 3.0 kGy X-rays resulted in 26.09 % higher NADK activity and 16.30 % lower NADH content than the control. The study proves that X-ray irradiation can be used as figs preservation means to maintain redox homeostasis and regulate energy metabolism, thus lengthening the shelf life of figs.

Keywords: Energy metabolism; Fig; Mitochondria integrity; Redox homeostasis; X-ray irradiation.