Betaine Concentrations Research Articles

Treatment of heavy petroleum hydrocarbons polluted soil leachates by ultrafiltration and oxidation for surfactant recovery

Surfactant technology can improve the remediation of soils polluted by semivolatile hydrophobic contaminants, like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), by enhancing their solubility in water. However, the recovery of surfactant from soil-leachates is critical for the economic feasibility of this treatment technology. To tackle this issue, ultrafiltration (UF) and its combination with permanganate, is reported for the selective recovery of surfactant from wastewater contaminated by a complex mixture of heavy hydrocarbons mainly composed of PAHs. The overall performance of the process including the successive steps of contaminant mobilization in leachates and surfactant recovery from wastewater was investigated at lab- and field-scales, considering aged mixtures of pollutants in pure liquid phase and trapped in soil. Surfactant loss during contaminant extraction, separation and affecting factors including surfactant concentration and nature (anionc, zwitterionic and non-ionic), hydrocarbon concentration were studied. Regardless of the nature of surfactant and concentrations, wastewater were effectively treated using UF, with hydrocarbon removals higher than 90%, but with strong variations in surfactant recovery. Surfactant adsorption occurred with a deleterious effect on surfactant recovery and permeate flux, stressing the interest of hydrophilic membranes. Hydrophilic zwitterionic surfactants were adsorbed moderately to the contaminated interfaces and to the UF-membrane. Lauryl betaine concentration between 0.15 and 0.5% (w/w) was found to be optimal for the overall process of contaminants mobilization and surfactant recovery by UF. Surfactant recovery and permeate flux were improved by 5-times and 20%, respectively, through the preferential removal of the emulsified hydrocarbons using small amounts of permanganate as a selective precipitant.

Effects of supplemental betaine to semen extenders on semen quality in boars.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the use of supplemental betaine in commercially available semen extenders. In experiment 1 (Exp1), semen was collected from six mature boars once weekly for 6 wk (3 wk in summer and 3 wk in winter) and diluted into a commercial extender with the following betaine concentrations: 0, 51, 102, and 205 mM. Semen samples were analyzed on the day of collection (D0) and after 72 h of storage (D3). In experiment 2 (Exp2), semen was collected from four mature boars for 3 wk and was diluted into three commercially available semen extenders (short term, ST; long term with bovine serum albumin, BSA; and long term without BSA, LT), with and without supplemental betaine (0 and 70 mM), and analyzed on D0 and D3. Semen was analyzed using computer-assisted sperm assessment (Ceros II, IMV) and morphology using phase contrast microscopy. In Exp1, total motility on D0 was less for 0 mM than that for 102 mM (P = 0.038) and was substantially reduced for 205 mM compared with 102 mM (P < 0.001). Supplementation with 205 mM betaine resulted in a significant reduction in the percentage of morphologically normal sperm (P < 0.001). In Exp2, 70 mM betaine reduced the total motility compared with 0 mM (P = 0.010) but did not impact percentage of normal sperm (P = 0.942). The use of supplemental betaine may partially alleviate the dilution effect on sperm, though boar genetics may impact its efficacy. Further research is needed to make a definitive conclusion.

Increased urinary osmolyte excretion indicates chronic kidney disease severity and progression rate.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a recognized global health problem. While some CKD patients remain stable after initial diagnosis, others can rapidly progress towards end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This makes biomarkers capable of detecting progressive forms of CKD extremely valuable, especially in non-invasive biofluids such as urine. Screening for metabolite markers using non-targeted metabolomic techniques like nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is increasingly applied to CKD research. A cohort of CKD patients (n = 227) with estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) ranging from 9.4-130 mL/min/1.73 m2 was evaluated and urine metabolite profiles were characterized in relation to declining eGFR. Nested in this cohort, a retrospective subset (n = 57) was investigated for prognostic metabolite markers of CKD progression, independent of baseline eGFR. A transcriptomic analysis of murine models of renal failure was performed to validate selected metabolomic findings. General linear modeling revealed 11 urinary metabolites with significant associations to reduced eGFR. Linear modelling specifically showed that increased urine concentrations of betaine (P < 0.05) and myo-inositol (P < 0.05) are significant prognostic markers of CKD progression. Renal organic osmolytes, betaine and myo-inositol play a critical role in protecting renal cells from hyperosmotic stress. Kidney tissue transcriptomics of murine preclinical experimentation identified decreased expression of Slc6a12 and Slc5a11 mRNA in renal tissue consistent with defective tubular transport of these osmolytes. Imbalances in renal osmolyte regulation lead to increased renal cell damage and thus more progressive forms of CKD. Increases in renal osmolytes in urine could provide clinical diagnostic and prognostic information on CKD outcomes.

Compatible osmolytes modulate mitochondrial function in a marine osmoconformer Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg, 1793)

Salinity is an important environmental factor affecting physiology of marine organisms. Osmoconformers such as marine mollusks maintain metabolic function despite changes of the osmolarity and composition of the cytosol during salinity shifts. Currently, metabolic responses to the salinity-induced changes of the intracellular milieu are not well understood. We studied the effects of osmolarity (450 vs. 900 mOsm) and compatible osmolytes (70–590 mM of taurine or betaine) on isolated gill mitochondria of a marine osmoconformer, the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas. Physiological concentrations of taurine enhanced mitochondrial ATP synthesis and electron transport system (ETS) capacity, increased mitochondrial coupling and stimulated the forward flux through the Complex I. Notably, the stimulatory effects of taurine were more pronounced at 900 mOsm compared to 450 mOsm. In contrast, betaine proportionally increased the rates of the mitochondrial proton leak, oxidative phosphorylation and ETS flux (with no net effect on the mitochondrial coupling) and suppressed the activity of cytochrome c oxidase in oyster mitochondria. However, the effective concentration of betaine (590 mM) was higher than typically found in bivalves, and thus betaine is not likely to affect oyster mitochondria under the physiological conditions in vivo. Our findings indicate that taurine may support the mitochondrial bioenergetics during hyperosmotic stress in oysters. Compatibility of taurine with the metabolic functions and its beneficial effects on mitochondria may have contributed to its broad distribution as an osmolyte in marine osmoconformers and might explain the earlier reports of the positive effects of taurine supplementation on energy metabolism of other organisms, including mammals.

A feasible and practical 1H NMR analytical method for the quality control and quantification of bioactive principles in Lycii Fructus

Lycii Fructus, a solanaceous drug, is widely used as functional foods and in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Samples collected from different regions of China have been found to be not identical in chemical compositions which might affect the biological activities. Although many chromatographic and spectrometric methods have been reported to determine the concentration of betaine and other bioactive amino acids, disturbance resulted from other polar substances with low UV-absorbance and expensive mass facilities reduced the applicability of these techniques. In the present study, the strong cation exchange solid phase extraction procedure incorporated with 1H NMR was successfully developed as a rapid and reliable method that can simultaneously determine betaine, citric acid, threonine, alanine, and proline in various Lycii Fructus. In addition, ERETIC 2 method based on PULCON principle was also applied and compared with conventional method. This feasible and practical method offers a very powerful tool for the quality control of commercial Lycii Fructus from different sources.

Choline Protects Against Intestinal Failure-Associated Liver Disease in Parenteral Nutrition-Fed Immature Rats.

Deficiency of choline, a required nutrient, is related to intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD). Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of choline supplementation on IFALD and the underlying mechanisms. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (4 weeks old) were fed AIN-93G chow and administered intravenous 0.9% saline (control), parenteral nutrition (PN), or PN plus intravenous choline (600 mg/kg) for 7 days. We evaluated body weight, hepatic histology, biochemical indicators, triglycerides, oxidative status, methylation levels of peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) gene promoter, expression of PPARα and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1), and levels of choline metabolites. The PN + choline group exhibited improved body weight compared with the PN group. PN impaired hepatic function, increased hepatic triglycerides, induced dyslipidemia, enhanced reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, and reduced total antioxidant capacity. The PN group had higher pathologic scores than the control group. These results were prevented by choline administration. Compared with the control group, PN increased PPARα promoter methylation and hepatic betaine concentration, reduced hepatic choline and phosphatidylcholine (PC) levels, decreased plasma choline and betaine concentrations, and downregulated PPARα and CPT1 mRNA and protein expression. Choline supplementation elevated hepatic choline and PC levels and enhanced plasma choline, betaine, and PC concentrations but reduced hepatic betaine level, reversed PPARα promoter hypermethylation, and upregulated PPARα and CPT1 mRNA and protein expression in PN-fed rats, compared with rats receiving PN alone. Choline addition to PN may prevent IFALD by reducing oxidative stress, enhancing hepatic fat export, and promoting fatty acid catabolism in immature rats receiving PN.

Plasma Metabolites From Choline Pathway and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in the PREDIMED (Prevention With Mediterranean Diet) Study.

BackgroundThe relationship between plasma concentrations of betaine and choline metabolism and major cardiovascular disease (CVD) end points remains unclear. We have evaluated the association between metabolites from the choline pathway and risk of incident CVD and the potential modifying effect of Mediterranean diet interventions.Methods and ResultsWe designed a case‐cohort study nested within the PREDIMED (Prevention With Mediterranean Diet) trial, including 229 incident CVD cases and 751 randomly selected participants at baseline, followed up for 4.8 years. We used liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry to measure, at baseline and at 1 year of follow‐up, plasma concentrations of 5 metabolites in the choline pathway: trimethylamine N‐oxide, betaine, choline, phosphocholine, and α‐glycerophosphocholine. We have calculated a choline metabolite score using a weighted sum of these 5 metabolites. We used weighted Cox regression models to estimate CVD risk. The multivariable hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) per 1‐SD increase in choline and α‐glycerophosphocholine metabolites were 1.24 (1.05–1.46) and 1.24 (1.03–1.50), respectively. The baseline betaine/choline ratio was inversely associated with CVD. The baseline choline metabolite score was associated with a 2.21‐fold higher risk of CVD across extreme quartiles (95% confidence interval, 1.36–3.59; P<0.001 for trend) and a 2.27‐fold higher risk of stroke (95% confidence interval, 1.24–4.16; P<0.001 for trend). Participants in the higher quartiles of the score who were randomly assigned to the control group had a higher risk of CVD compared with participants in the lower quartile and assigned to the Mediterranean diet groups (P=0.05 for interaction). No significant associations were observed for 1‐year changes in individual plasma metabolites and CVD.ConclusionsA metabolite score combining plasma metabolites from the choline pathway was associated with an increased risk of CVD in a Mediterranean population at high cardiovascular risk.Clinical Trial Registration URL: http://www.controlled-trials.com. Unique identifier: ISRCTN35739639.

Red beet and betaine as ingredients in diets of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): effects on growth performance, nutrient retention and flesh quality

ABSTRACTThe objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of different concentrations of dietary red beet and betaine on the growth performance and fish flesh quality of rainbow trout. Therefore, a control diet was compared with four diets in which two levels of red beet (14% and 28%) and betaine (0.9% and 1.63%) were incorporated in combination. The study was set up with an average body weight of 69 ± 2.2 g and finished when fish reached commercial weight (175–250 g) after 105 d. The impact of the diets was studied based on the growth performance, biometric indexes, proximal composition, protein and fat retention efficiencies and apparent nutrient digestibility by fish reared on a recirculation system. Further estimates were the effect of red beet and betaine on the flesh proximate composition and quality of the final product (water activity, colour, texture, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and sensory characteristics). Results showed that inclusion of 14% red beet and 0.9% betaine did not affect growth, nutritive or biometric parameters and nutrient retention when compared with the control diet. However, higher levels of red beet and betaine had negative effects on growth and nutritive parameters. The tested ingredients enhanced quality parameters regardless of the concentration used. After feeding the red beet and betaine, fish flesh showed lower water activity and better textural and colour properties than the control and also a dose-dependent effect on lipid oxidation was observed.

Impact of Glycine Betaine on Salinity Tolerance of Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) under In Vitro Condition

Abstract Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni), with great potential as a natural sweeteners source, has a high content of sweeteners, which are up to 150 times sweeter than sugar, but virtually with no calories. Stevia also suitable to be cultivated in semiarid climates and coastal areas, which are characterized by the low quality of the irrigation water. Soil salinity occupies a prominent place among the soil problems that threaten the sustainability of agriculture over a vast area in the world. Glycine betaine is an osmoprotectant, that plays an important role and accumulates rapidly in many plants during salinity or drought stress. In order to evaluation of glycine betaine amending effects on salinity stress in stevia under in vitro condition, a factorial experiment was conducted in 2015. Four NaCl levels, including 0, 50, 75 and 100 mM, along with 0, 1, 12.5, 25 and 50 mM of glycine betaine concentrations were used in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. The results showed that salinity levels had significant reduction effects on plant height, root length, shoot fresh weight, number of leaf, total chlorophyll, rebaudioside A and stevioside of the stevia genotype. Due to increasing of glycine betaine, levels all the traits were increased. Owing to amending effect of glycine betaine, its high concentrations made less hazarding effects of salinity on the researched traits. The highest mean value of rebaudioside A (10.62rt) and stevioside (23.38rt) determined at 50 mM of glycine betaine with 0 mM of NaCl concentration.

Maternal Choline Supplementation Alters Fetal Growth Patterns in a Mouse Model of Placental Insufficiency

Impairments in placental development can adversely affect pregnancy outcomes. The bioactive nutrient choline may mitigate some of these impairments, as suggested by data in humans, animals, and human trophoblasts. Herein, we investigated the effects of maternal choline supplementation (MCS) on parameters of fetal growth in a Dlx3+/− (distal-less homeobox 3) mouse model of placental insufficiency. Dlx3+/− female mice were assigned to 1X (control), 2X, or 4X choline intake levels during gestation. Dams were sacrificed at embryonic days E10.5, 12.5, 15.5, and 18.5. At E10.5, placental weight, embryo weight, and placental efficiency were higher in 4X versus 1X choline. Higher concentrations of hepatic and placental betaine were detected in 4X versus 1X choline, and placental betaine was positively associated with embryo weight. Placental mRNA expression of Igf1 was downregulated by 4X (versus 1X) choline at E10.5. No differences in fetal growth parameters were detected at E12.5 and 15.5, whereas a small but significant reduction in fetal weight was detected at E18.5 in 4X versus 1X choline. MCS improved fetal growth during early pregnancy in the Dlx3+/− mice with the compensatory downregulation of Igf1 to slow growth as gestation progressed. Placental betaine may be responsible for the growth-promoting effects of choline.

New approaches for extraction and determination of betaine from Beta vulgaris samples by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Betaine is one of most studied biologically active compounds, due its role in the main biological processes. Although it may be found in several plants and roots, such as the Beta vulgaris family, present in typical diets, just a few analytical methods have been developed for its extraction from roots. A new, quick and effective procedure for the isolation and determination of betaine from two different varieties of B. vulgaris (red and gold) is presented. For betaine extraction, an accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) was coupled with solid-phase extraction. For betaine determination, a separation method based on hydrophilic interaction chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was optimized for a sensible detection of betaine by means of experimental design. Recoveries were about 93%, with RSD <5%, for both the matrices, without evidence of interfering species. The total content of betaine in extracts of various parts of plants (juice, peel, root) have been determined, obtaining concentrations in the range 3000–4000 mg/L for the juice and in the range 2–5 mg/g for the pulp and for the peel. The B. vulgaris gold species exhibited a higher concentration of betaine, compared to the red variety. Additionally, a micro extraction by packed sorbent technique and a modified quick, easy, cheap, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) procedure, were also tested and compared. Despite the lower recoveries of the latter, with respect to the ASE/SPE procedure (75–89%, RSD <1.5%), the ease of the method, which can be applied without the SPE purification procedure, can represent a positive improvement.Graphical abstractDetermination of betaine from Beta vulgaris samples.

Choline and its metabolites are differently associated with cardiometabolic risk factors, history of cardiovascular disease, and MRI-documented cerebrovascular disease in older adults ,

Background: There is a potential role of choline in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease through its involvement in lipid and one-carbon metabolism.Objective: We evaluated the associations of plasma choline and choline-related compounds with cardiometabolic risk factors, history of cardiovascular disease, and cerebrovascular pathology.Design: A cross-sectional subset of the Nutrition, Aging, and Memory in Elders cohort who had undergone MRI of the brain (n = 296; mean ± SD age: 73 ± 8.1 y) was assessed. Plasma concentrations of free choline, betaine, and phosphatidylcholine were measured with the use of liquid-chromatography-stable-isotope dilution-multiple-reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry. A volumetric analysis of MRI was used to determine the cerebrovascular pathology (white-matter hyperintensities and small- and large-vessel infarcts). Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to examine relations of plasma measures with cardiometabolic risk factors, history of cardiovascular disease, and radiologic evidence of cerebrovascular pathology.Results: Higher concentrations of plasma choline were associated with an unfavorable cardiometabolic risk-factor profile [lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, higher total homocysteine, and higher body mass index (BMI)] and greater odds of large-vessel cerebral vascular disease or history of cardiovascular disease but lower odds of small-vessel cerebral vascular disease. Conversely, higher concentrations of plasma betaine were associated with a favorable cardiometabolic risk-factor profile [lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides] and lower odds of diabetes. Higher concentrations of plasma phosphatidylcholine were associated with characteristics of both a favorable cardiometabolic risk-factor profile (higher HDL cholesterol, lower BMI, lower C-reactive protein, lower waist circumference, and lower odds of hypertension and diabetes) and an unfavorable profile (higher LDL cholesterol and triglycerides).Conclusion: Choline and its metabolites have differential associations with cardiometabolic risk factors and subtypes of vascular disease, thereby suggesting differing roles in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and cerebral large-vessel disease compared with that of small-vessel disease.

Serum Trimethylamine N-oxide, Carnitine, Choline, and Betaine in Relation to Colorectal Cancer Risk in the Alpha Tocopherol, Beta Carotene Cancer Prevention Study.

Background: Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a choline-derived metabolite produced by gut microbiota, and its biomarker precursors have not been adequately evaluated in relation to colorectal cancer risk.Methods: We investigated the relationship between serum concentrations of TMAO and its biomarker precursors (choline, carnitine, and betaine) and incident colorectal cancer risk in a nested case-control study of male smokers in the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study. We measured biomarker concentrations in baseline fasting serum samples from 644 incident colorectal cancer cases and 644 controls using LC/MS-MS. Logistic regression models estimated the ORs and 95% confidence interval (CI) for colorectal cancer by quartile (Q) of serum TMAO, choline, carnitine, and betaine concentrations.Results: Men with higher serum choline at ATBC baseline had approximately 3-fold greater risk of developing colorectal cancer over the ensuing (median ± IQR) 14 ± 10 years (in fully adjusted models, Q4 vs. Q1, OR, 3.22; 95% CI, 2.24-4.61; Ptrend < 0.0001). The prognostic value of serum choline for prediction of incident colorectal cancer was similarly robust for proximal, distal, and rectal colon cancers (all P < 0.0001). The association between serum TMAO, carnitine, or betaine and colorectal cancer risk was not statistically significant (P = 0.25, 0.71, and 0.61, respectively).Conclusions: Higher serum choline concentration (but not TMAO, carnitine, or betaine) was associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer.Impact: Serum choline levels showed strong prognostic value for prediction of incident colorectal cancer risk across all anatomical subsites, suggesting a role of altered choline metabolism in colorectal cancer pathogenesis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(6); 945-52. ©2017 AACR.

Investigation of physiological components involved in low water conservation capacity of in vitro walnut plants

To obtain benefits of in vitro plant micropropagation, successful acclimatization to ex vitro atmosphere is always required. However, a huge number of in vitro-produced plants cannot survive during ex vitro acclimatization. This study aims to analyze the components that contribute to poor water conservation capacity of in vitro plants after exposure to ambient environment during ex vitro acclimation. Micropropagated shoots grown in vitro (in vitro plants) or after acclimation to greenhouse conditions (greenhouse plants) were microscopically and biochemically analyzed for differences in morphological and biochemical components. Furthermore, dynamic responses of leaves to ex vitro condition were gravimetrically analyzed during 1.5h desiccation. Compared with greenhouse plants, thinner leaves together with bigger stomata with larger pore area, higher stomatal and epidermal densities were observed in in vitro plants. Plants cultured in vitro kept very high transpiration rate despite of dramatic decrease in leaf RWC during desiccation. Contribution of stomata was more pronounced than the role of cuticule in leaf water loss. Higher concentrations of proline and glycine betaine were observed in the leaves of in vitro plants. Higher (less negative) osmotic potential (ψs) in the leaves of in vitro plants was concurrent with lower levels of potassium and calcium in their leaves. In conclusion, higher compatible solute level in the leaf of in vitro plant does not contribute to water conservation during ex vitro acclimation and low foliar ion levels in in vitro plants can be due to low transpiration rate in plants as a result of in vitro production.

Effects of Silicon Application on Wheat Growth and Some Physiological Characteristics under Different Levels and Sources of Salinity

ABSTRACTWe investigated the effects of silicon (Si) and the levels and sources of salinity on the growth and some physiological properties of wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. Chamran) in a sandy loam soil under greenhouse conditions. Treatments comprised four Si levels (8, 50, 100 and 150 mg kg−1 soil), four salinity levels (0.46, 4, 8 and 12 dS m−1) and two salinity sources (sodium chloride (NaCl) and four-salt combination). Salts combination included NaCl, sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), calcium chloride (CaCl2) and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) at a molar ratio of 4:2:2:1. The experiment was arranged as a completely randomized design in a factorial manner, with three replications. Increasing salinity level resulted in a significant decrease in shoot dry weight, chlorophyll content and catalase (CAT) activity, and it caused a marked increase in proline and glycine betaine (GB) concentrations and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity. The stimulating effect on GB accumulation and SOD activity was more intense in NaCl-treated plants. However, the source of salinity had no significant effect on shoot dry weight, chlorophyll and proline concentrations, and CAT activity. Si application enhanced all the above-mentioned parameters, except for proline. The suppressing effect of salinity on shoot dry weight, chlorophyll concentration and CAT activity was alleviated by Si supplementation. The stimulating effects of Si fertilization on shoot dry weight and chlorophyll concentration became more pronounced at higher salinity levels. It could be concluded that a decrease in soil osmotic potential, nutrient imbalance and increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) in salt-treated plants caused growth suppression, while Si supply decreased the deleterious effects of excess salt on wheat growth. Consequently, it appears that when wheat plants are to be grown in salt-affected soils, it is highly recommended to supply them with adequate available silicon (Si).

1H NMR and MVA metabolomic profiles of urines from piglets fed with boluses contaminated with a mixture of five mycotoxins

Metabolic profile of urine from piglets administered with single boluses contaminated with mycotoxin mixture (deoxynivalenol, aflatoxin B1, fumonisin B1, zearalenone, and ochratoxin A) were studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy and chemometrics (PCA, PLS-DA, and OPLS-DA). The mycotoxin levels were close to the established maximum and guidance levels for animal feed (2003/100/EC and 2006/576/EC). Urine samples were obtained from four groups of four piglets before (control, C) or within 24h (treated, T) after receiving a contaminated boluses with increasing doses of mycotoxins (boluses 1–4). For the two highest dose groups, the urines were collected also after one week of wash out (W). For the two lowest doses groups no significant differences between the C and T samples were observed. By contrast, for the two highest doses groups the T urines separated from the controls for a higher relative content of creatinine, p-cresol glucuronide and phenyl acetyl glycine and lower concentration of betaine and TMAO. Interestingly, a similar profile was found for both W and T urines suggesting, at least for the highest doses used, serious alteration after a single bolus of mycotoxin mixture.

Maternal choline status during pregnancy, but not that of betaine, is related to antenatal mental well-being: The growing up in Singapore toward healthy outcomes cohort.

Choline and betaine status have previously been associated with symptoms of depression. However, the relation of maternal plasma choline and betaine concentrations in pregnancy to peripartum maternal mood is unknown. Maternal plasma choline and betaine concentrations (μmol/L) were measured at 26-28 weeks gestation in the Growing Up in Singapore Toward healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) mother-offspring cohort. Participants completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EDPS) at 26-28 weeks gestation (n = 949) and at 3 months postnatal (n = 689): higher scores are indicative of more symptoms of anxiety and depression. Multivariate linear regression models were used to estimate the association of choline and betaine with ante- and postnatal mental well-being adjusting for covariates. Mean (SD) antenatal plasma choline and betaine concentrations were 9.2 μmol/L (1.6) and 13.1 μmol/L (2.7), respectively. Plasma choline concentrations were positively associated with antenatal depressive (β = .24 EPDS score [95% CI: 0.05-0.43] per μmol/L] and anxiety symptoms (β = .46 STAI-state score [95% CI: 0.03-0.88] per μmol/L) adjusting for covariates. Plasma betaine concentrations were not associated with antenatal depression or anxiety symptoms. No associations were observed between pregnancy choline or betaine and postnatal mental well-being. This study suggests that higher maternal plasma choline status during pregnancy is associated with more symptoms of antenatal depression and anxiety, whereas plasma betaine concentrations showed no associations. No associations were observed for postnatal mental well-being. Prospective studies are required to replicate these findings and further examine the direction of causality and possible biological mechanisms.

NMR-based Metabolomics Analysis of Liver from C57BL/6 Mouse Exposed to Ionizing Radiation.

The effects of ionizing radiation to human health are of great concern in the field of space exploration and for patients considering radiotherapy. However, to date, the effect of high-dose radiation on metabolism in the liver has not been clearly defined. In this study, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics combined with multivariate data analysis was applied to study the changes of metabolism in the liver of C57BL/6 mouse after whole-body gamma (3.0 and 7.8 Gy) or proton (3.0 Gy) irradiation. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal projection to latent structures analysis (OPLS) were used for classification and identification of potential biomarkers associated with exposure to gamma and proton radiation. The results show that the radiation exposed groups can be well separated from the control group. Where the same dose was received, the proton exposed group was nevertheless well separated from the gamma-exposed group, indicating that different radiation sources induce different alterations in the metabolic profile. Common among all high-dose gamma and proton exposed groups were the statistically decreased concentrations of choline, O-phosphocholine and trimethylamine N-oxide, while the concentrations of glutamine, glutathione, malate, creatinine, phosphate, betaine and 4-hydroxyphenylacetate were statistically and significantly elevated. Since these altered metabolites are associated with multiple biological pathways, the results suggest that radiation induces abnormality in multiple biological pathways. In particular, metabolites such as 4-hydroxyphenylacetate, betaine, glutamine, choline and trimethylamine N-oxide may be prediagnostic biomarkers candidates for ionizing exposure of the liver.

Effect of salinity stress on carbohydrate, lipid peroxidation and proline contents of two horse gram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc] varieties

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different concentrations (0, 40, 80 and 120mM) of salinity on horse gram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc] plants grown in pots. The two horse gram varieties PAIYUR-2 and CO-1 were used for the study. Sampling was done on 15th Days After Treatment (DAT) and 30th DAT from control and salinity treated plants. The response of the horse gram plants to salinity stress was analysed by estimating the levels of carbohydrates, starch, lipid peroxidation, proline and glycine betaine. Higher salinity markedly reduced sugar concentration in both horsegram varieties, while starch content showed reverse trend. Lipid peroxidation (estimated by MDA content) significantly increased under salinity in both varieties but the rate of increment was higher in CO-1. The concentration of proline and glycine betaine were also altered under salinity. From the results of this investigation, it may be concluded that plants of variety PAIYUR-2 have high adaptive potential under salinity when compared to variety CO-1.

Jasmonic acid alleviates negative impacts of cadmium stress by modifying osmolytes and antioxidants in faba bean (Vicia faba L.)

ABSTRACTWe examined the role of jasmonic acid (JA) in faba bean under cadmium (Cd) stress, which reduces the growth, biomass yield, leaf relative water content (LRWC) and pigment systems. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde [MDA]) levels increased by 2.78 and 2.24-fold, respectively, in plants under Cd stress, resulting in enhanced electrolyte leakage. Following foliar application to Cd-treated plants, JA restored growth, biomass yield, LRWC and pigment systems to appreciable levels and reduced levels of H2O2, MDA and electrolyte leakage. Proline and glycine betaine concentrations increased by 5.73 and 2.61-fold, respectively, in faba bean under Cd stress, with even higher concentrations observed following JA application to Cd-stressed plants. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase levels rose by 87.47%, 130.54%, 132.55% and 37.79%, respectively, with Cd toxicity, with further enhancement of antioxidant activities observed following foliar application of JA. Accumulation of Cd in roots, shoots and leaves was also minimized by external supplementation of JA. In conclusion, JA mitigates the negative impacts of Cd stress in faba bean plants by inhibiting the accumulation of Cd, H2O2 and MDA, and by enhancing osmolyte and antioxidant activities that reduce oxidative stress.