Metabolomics analysis reveal the molecular responses of high CO2 concentration improve resistance to Pb stress of Oryza sativa L. seedlings

Rice seedlings were exposed to two CO2 concentrations (400 ± 20 and 800 ± 20 μmol mol−1) and three PbNO3 concentrations (0, 50 and 100 µmol L−1) for 10 days to explore the regulatory mechanisms of elevated CO2 for Pb stress resistance. Electrical conductivity, MDA content, SOD, POD, CAT activities and metabolomics changes were studied. Results showed that: Pb stress damaged cell membrane system, electrical conductivity and MDA content increased 49.34 % and 73.27 %, respectively, and some antioxidant enzymes activities increased. Sugar, polyol, amino acid metabolism and fatty acid β-oxidation were all enhanced to improve osmotic adjustments, maintain cell membrane stability, supply energy, nitrogen assimilates and antioxidant capacity; Under composite treatments, cell membrane damage was reduced, activities of protective enzymes increased compared with only Pb stress, POD activity increased the most (49.14 %) under severe Pb composite treatment. High CO2 caused the enhance of cells antioxidant capacity, TCA cycle intermediate products contents and fatty acid desaturation under mild Pb stress. Many sugars, polyols and amino acids contents were increased as osmotic regulatory substances by high CO2 under severe Pb stress; Secondary metabolites played an important role under Pb stress and composite treatments. The object of this study is to provide a possible molecular mechanism of rice response to Pb stress under high CO2 in the future. [Display omitted] •Enhanced sugar, amino acid metabolism and fatty acid β-oxidation resisted Pb stress.•High CO2 enhanced TCA cycle and fatty acid desaturation to resisted mild Pb stress.•Osmotic regulatory substances were accumulated by high CO2 to resisted severe Pb stress.•Secondary metabolites played important role under Pb stress and composite treatments.