Succinic acid treatment enhances energy metabolism and antioxidant biosynthesis in radish sprouts

Abstract

Succinic acid is a molecule with strong biological activity, whose primary role in eucaryotic cells is to participate in the Krebs cycle and maintain normal energy metabolism. In the present study, we aimed to test whether the application of succinic acid into radish sprout cultures would stimulate antioxidant production by improving the energy metabolism. Our results demonstrated that succinic acid enhanced mitochondrial activity by upregulating the expression of TCA enzymes and oxidative phosphorylation pathway. This leads to both increased biosynthesis of ATP and elevated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ROS generated subsequently activate cellular defense mechanism against oxidative stress, resulting in upregulated expression of antioxidant enzymes and enhanced biosynthesis of antioxidants. However, the effect of succinate on antioxidant levels was dependent on its concentration in the water. The highest concentration (10 mM) resulted in sprouts with the greatest levels of ascorbate and glutathione, whereas the lowest concentration (0.1 mM) stimulated the production of phenolic compounds.