Biochemical Stress Indicators Research Articles

Effects of Virtual Reality-Based Relaxation Techniques on Psychological, Physiological, and Biochemical Stress Indicators.

Various relaxation techniques could benefit from merging with virtual reality (VR) technologies, as these technologies are easily applicable, involving, and user-friendly. To date, it is unclear which relaxation technique using biofeedback combined with VR technology is the most effective. The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of brief VR-based biofeedback-assisted relaxation techniques including electroencephalographic biofeedback, mindfulness-based biofeedback, galvanic skin response biofeedback, and respiratory biofeedback. Forty-three healthy volunteers (age 34.7 ± 7.2 years), comprising 28 (65%) women and 15 (35%) men, were enrolled in the study. All the participants were exposed to four distinct relaxation sessions according to a computer-generated random sequence. The efficacy of relaxation methods was evaluated by examining psychological, physiological, and biochemical stress indicators. All VR-based relaxation techniques reduced salivary steroid hormone (i.e., cortisol, cortisone, and total glucocorticoid) levels and increased galvanic skin response values. Similarly, all interventions led to a significantly reduced subjectively perceived psychological strain level. Three out of the four interventions (i.e., electroencephalographic, respiratory, and galvanic skin response-based biofeedback relaxation sessions) resulted in a decreased self-reported fatigue level. We suggest that newly developed VR-based relaxations techniques are potential tools for stress reduction and might be particularly suitable for individuals who are not capable of adhering to a strict and time-consuming stress management intervention schedule.

Choline Chloride Mediates Salinity Tolerance in Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) by Improving Growth, Oxidative Defense, and Secondary Metabolism.

Choline chloride (CC) application enhanced the tolerance of cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) against salinity stress. The aim of the study was to determine the protective role of CC on plant growth, photosynthesis, and biochemical indicators of oxidative stress. The seeds of BR-99 (tolerant) and BR-2017 (sensitive) were surface sterilized and sown in plastic pots containing river sandy soil. The design of the experiments was completely randomized with 4 replicates per treatment. Three weeks after germination, salinity (150 mM) was imposed. Then plants were sprayed with different concentrations of CC (3, 5, and 10 mM), while normal plants were sprayed with distilled water. Salinity decreased growth attributes, relative water contents, photosynthetic attributes, total soluble proteins, total free amino acids, phenolic, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, proline, and glycine betaine and increased the levels of oxidative stress indicators. However, the application of CC (particularly 5 mM) improved growth attributes, photosynthetic pigments, and activities of antioxidant compounds by reducing the levels of H2O2, malondialdehyde in salt-stressed plants in both cluster bean varieties. BR-99 variety showed more tolerance to salinity stress than that of BR-2017 in the form of greater oxidative defense and osmotic adjustment and clear from greater plant dry masses. Thus, our results showed that the application of CC (5 mM) is an efficient strategy for field use in the areas, where salt stress soils limit agriculture production.

Selenium-enriched Bifidobacterium longum DD98 attenuates irinotecan-induced intestinal and hepatic toxicity in vitro and in vivo

Irinotecan (CPT-11) is a camptothecin chemotherapy drug largely used in treating cancers. However, its strong adverse effects, such as gastrointestinal and hepatic toxicities, tend to reduce the patients’ life qualities and to limit the clinical use of CPT-11. The protective roles of selenium (Se) and probiotics against CPT-11-induced toxicity have been widely reported. However, the application of Se-enriched probiotics in the adjuvant therapy of CPT-11 has not been well explored. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the in-vitro and in-vivo effects of Se-enriched Bifidobacterium longum DD98 (Se-B. longum DD98) as a chemotherapy preventive agent on alleviating intestinal and hepatic toxicities induced by CPT-11 chemotherapy. The results showed that Se-B. longum DD98 positively regulated the aberrant cell viability and oxidative stress induced by CPT-11 both in human normal liver (L-02) and rat small intestinal epithelial (IEC-6) cell lines. In vivo experiment revealed that Se-B. longum DD98 significantly attenuated intestinal and hepatic toxicities by ameliorating symptoms such as body weight loss and diarrhea, and by improving the biochemical indicators of hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress. Furthermore, we discovered that the protective effects of Se-B. longum DD98 based largely upon decreasing the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 and enhancing the expression of tight-junction proteins occludin and ZO-1, as well as restoring the composition and diversity of gut microbiota. Results suggested that Se-B. longum DD98 effectively protected livers and intestines against the CPT-11-induced damages, and therefore, could be considered as a promising adjuvant therapeutic agent with CPT-11 for the cancer treatment.

Vasopressin but Not Oxytocin Responds to Birth Stress in Infants.

ContextBirth triggers a large fetal neuroendocrine response, which is more pronounced in infants born vaginally than in those born by elective cesarean section (ECS). The two related peptides arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) play an essential role in peripheral and central stress adaptation and have a shared receptor mediating their function. Elevated cord blood levels of AVP and its surrogate marker copeptin, the C-terminal part of AVP prohormone, have been found after vaginal delivery (VD) as compared to ECS, while release of OT in response to birth is controversial. Moreover, AVP, copeptin and OT have not yet been measured simultaneously at birth.ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that AVP but not OT levels are increased in infants arterial umbilical cord blood in response to birth stress and to characterize AVP secretion in direct comparison with plasma copeptin.MethodsIn a prospective single-center cross-sectional study, we recruited healthy women with a singleton pregnancy and more than 36 completed weeks of gestation delivering via VD or ECS (cesarean without prior uterine contractions or rupture of membranes). Arterial umbilical cord blood samples were collected directly after birth, centrifuged immediately and plasma samples were frozen. Concentrations of AVP and OT were determined by radioimmunoassay and that of copeptin by ultrasensitive immunofluorescence assay.ResultsA total of 53 arterial umbilical cord blood samples were collected, n = 29 from VD and n = 24 from ECS. Ten venous blood samples from pregnant women without stress were collected as controls. AVP and copeptin concentrations were significantly higher in the VD group than in the ECS group (both p < 0.001), median (range) AVP 4.78 (2.38–8.66) vs. 2.38 (1.79–3.88) (pmol/L), copeptin 1692 (72.1–4094) vs. 5.78 (3.14–17.97), respectively, (pmol/L). In contrast, there was no difference in OT concentrations (pmol/L) between VD and ECS, 6.00 (2.71–7.69) vs. 6.14 (4.26–9.93), respectively. AVP and copeptin concentrations were closely related (Rs = 0.700, p < 0.001) while OT did not show any correlation to either AVP or copeptin. In linear regression models, vaginal delivery and biochemical stress indicators, base deficit and pH, were independent predictors for both AVP and copeptin. OT was not linked to base deficit or pH.ConclusionVaginal birth causes a profound secretion of AVP and copeptin in infants. Whereas AVP indicates acute stress events, copeptin provides information on cumulative stress events over a longer period. In contrast, fetal OT is unaffected by birth stress. Thus, AVP signaling but not OT mediates birth stress response in infants. This unique hormonal activation in early life may impact neurobehavioral development in whole life.

Phenol Content and Antioxidant Capacity of Selected Ethnic Plant Foods: Alleviation of Experimental Depression.

This article describes the antioxidant capacity (AC) and total phenol content (TPC) of selected ethnic plant foods and their therapeutic uses in alleviating experimental stress-induced depression in rat model. Antioxidant capacity was determined by radical scavenging activity and TPC was estimated by Folin-Ciocalteau method. Depression was induced by chemical stressor- reserpine. Alleviation of depression by the ethnic foods was evaluated by behavioral changes in Forced Swim Test (FST) and Tail Suspension Test (TST), and by analysis of oxidative stress marker Malondialdehyde (MDA), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and change of weight of adrenal gland and brain. Antioxidant capacity was determined by IC50 value, which was ranged from 74.814 µg/ml to 411.895 µg/ml. The lowest IC50 value indicates the strongest antioxidant activity. Hence, the strongest AC was found in Gondhovatali followed by Sabarang and Titbegun. TPC ranged from 85.5 ± 5.51 to 650 ± 2.75 mgGAE/100g. Jaamalu was found to have the highest TPC value followed by Gondhovatali, Titbegun and Khudemanik. The difference among experimental and control groups was found to be significant in the weight of adrenal gland and brain. Biochemical stress indicators (MDA, FBG) and behavioral tests (TST, FST) showed significant differences among plant extract fed groups compared to that of depressed control group, but was found to be almost similar to antidepressant clomipramine treated and baseline control groups. The data indicated that the selected ethnic plant foods containing higher TPC and lower IC50 values significantly alleviated depression symptoms in the rats.

Effect of zinc-containing systems on Spirulina platensis bioaccumulation capacity and biochemical composition.

Cyanobacteria Spirulina platensis due to its high biosorption and bioaccumulation capacity toward metal ions can be considered as an excellent candidate for environmental bioremediation. The effect of Zn and in different combinations on the accumulation capacity of Spirulina platensis biomass and its biochemical composition was investigated. Four Zn-containing systems with a different combination of metal ions (Zn; Zn/Cu/Sr; Zn/Cu/Ni; Zn/Cu/Sr/Ba) and different metal concentrations were modeled. Studied systems were introduced in the cultivation medium on the fifth day of biomass grow and experiments were performed in three variants, which differed by metal ions concentrations. Metal uptake by biomass was traced using neutron activation analysis. Spirulina platensis showed a high accumulation capacity for all metal ions present in the analyzed system. Because the metals were added at the beginning of the stationary growth phase, the contact with the biomass was only 24 h, even at the highest metal concentration in the systems, the accumulation of Spirulina platensis biomass was reduced by no more than 11.2%. Spirulina platensis biomass grown in a mono-metallic system expressed two biochemical indicators of stress: decrease of phycobiliprotein content and increase of malondialdehyde content. In biomass grown in the presence of Zn-containing multi-metallic systems, three indicators of stress were expressed: decrease of protein content, reduction of phycobiliprotein content, and increase of malondialdehyde content. Spirulina platensis biomass can be considered as an effective accumulator for the treatment of zinc-containing industrial effluents.

A Review of Biophysiological and Biochemical Indicators of Stress for Connected and Preventive Healthcare.

Stress is a known contributor to several life-threatening medical conditions and a risk factor for triggering acute cardiovascular events, as well as a root cause of several social problems. The burden of stress is increasing globally and, with that, is the interest in developing effective stress-monitoring solutions for preventive and connected health, particularly with the help of wearable sensing technologies. The recent development of miniaturized and flexible biosensors has enabled the development of connected wearable solutions to monitor stress and intervene in time to prevent the progression of stress-induced medical conditions. This paper presents a review of the literature on different physiological and chemical indicators of stress, which are commonly used for quantitative assessment of stress, and the associated sensing technologies.

МОРФОЛОГИЧЕСКИЙ И ФИЗИОЛОГО‑БИОХИМИЧЕСКИЙ ОТВЕТ РАСТЕНИЙ НА ОБРАБОТКУ УГЛЕВОДОРОДОКИСЛЯЮЩИМИ БАКТЕРИЯМИ НА ФОНЕ НЕФТЯНОГО ЗАГРЯЗНЕНИЯ

In the field experiment, the effect of hydrocarbon-oxidizing auxin-producing bacteria Enterobacter sp. UOM 3 and Pseudomonas hunanensis IB C7 on some morphological and biochemical indicators of stress in barley plants was studied. Stress is caused by oil entering the soil. Throughout the experiment, the pollutant had an inhibitory effect on the length and weight of roots and shoots of barley plants, as well as on the size of leaves. Under such conditions, bacterialization by each of the strains caused an elongation of shoots, an increase in the wet weight of roots and shoots, and an increase in the leaf surface index compared to untreated plants in contaminated soil. In addition, the P. hunanensis IB C7 strain had a positive effect on root length. In the presence of oil, an increase in the ABA content in plants was found, to a greater extent in the roots than in the shoots. The use of bacteria reduced the amount of the hormone to values comparable to that in plants in clean soil. The level of chlorophyll in plants growing in the presence of oil was lower than in the control variant, but inoculation with microorganisms contributed to its increase. The minimum amount of flavonoids was found in control plants. In the presence of oil, the amount of flavonoids increased and was higher in the treated plants. Thus, it was found that bacterization reduces the negative consequences for barley plants caused by the ingress of oil into the soil. This was manifested in the improvement of some morphological characteristics of inoculated plants and was accompanied by a change in a number of their physiological and biochemical characteristics. Key words: oil pollution, barley plants, bacterization, Enterobacter sp., Pseudomonas hunanensis, abscisic acid, chlorophyll, flavonoids, nitrogen balance index.

Evaluation of Anticancer Activity of Satureja montana Supercritical and Spray-Dried Extracts on Ehrlich's Ascites Carcinoma Bearing Mice.

Satureja montana herbal species belongs to aromatic medicinal plants with a significant place in traditional medicine. However, products produced with conventional procedures do not meet the requirements of the modern market which include environmentally-safe processes that provide quality, safe, and standardized products. In this study, the antiproliferative activity of S. montana extracts obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide and solid–liquid extraction followed by spray drying was investigated using the in vivo model of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in mice. The impact of two concentrations of extracts on the growth of tumor and the redox status of malignant cells was monitored. It was determined that the extracts induced oxidative stress in the malignant cells which was confirmed by the changes in activity of biochemical indicators of oxidative stress. The posttreatment was not an efficient approach, while the extracts applied as pretreatment and treatment resulted in an increase in the xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity, a decrease in catalase (CAT) activity, and an increase in the intensity of lipid peroxidation (LPx). Furthermore, a decrease in the values of reduced glutathione (GSH) and an increase in glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) in EAC cells were recorded.

Effectiveness of Partial Sedation to Reduce Stress in Captured Mule Deer

ABSTRACTInformation garnered from the capture and handling of free‐ranging animals helps advance understanding of wildlife ecology and can aid in decisions on wildlife management. Unfortunately, animals may experience increased levels of stress, injuries, and death resulting from captures (e.g., exertional myopathy, trauma). Partial sedation is a technique proposed to alleviate stress in animals during capture, yet efficacy of partial sedation for reducing stress and promoting survival post‐capture remains unclear. We evaluated the effects of partial sedation on physiological, biochemical, and behavioral indicators of acute stress and probability of survival post‐capture for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) that were captured via helicopter net‐gunning in the eastern Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Wyoming, USA. We administered 10–30 mg of midazolam and 15 mg of azaperone intramuscularly (IM) to 32 mule deer in 2016 and 53 mule deer in 2017, and maintained a control group (captured but not sedated) of 38 mule deer in 2016 and 54 mule deer in 2017. To evaluate indicators of acute stress, we measured heart rate, blood‐oxygen saturation, body temperature, respiration rate, and levels of serum cortisol. We recorded number of kicks and vocalizations of deer during handling and evaluated behavior during release. We also measured levels of fecal glucocorticoids as an indicator of baseline stress. Midazolam and azaperone did not reduce physiological, biochemical, or behavioral indicators of acute stress or influence probability of survival post‐capture. Mule deer that were administered midazolam and azaperone, however, were more likely to hesitate, stumble or fall, and walk during release compared with individuals in the control group, which were more likely to trot, stot, or run without stumbling or falling. Our findings suggest that midazolam (10–30 mg IM) and azaperone (15 mg IM) may not yield physiological or demographic benefits for captured mule deer as previously assumed and may pose adverse effects that can complicate safety for captured animals, including drug‐induced lethargy. Although we failed to find efficacy of midazolam and azaperone as a method for reducing stress in captured mule deer, the efficacy of midazolam and azaperone or other combinations of partial sedatives in reducing stress may depend on the dose of tranquilizer, study animal, capture setting, and how stress is defined. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.

Strategies in a metallophyte species to cope with manganese excess.

The effect of exposure to high Mn concentration was studied in a metallophyte species, Erica andevalensis, using hydroponic cultures with a range of Mn concentrations (0.06, 100, 300, 500, and 700mgL-1). At harvest, biomass production, element uptake, and biochemical indicators of metal stress (leaf pigments, organic acids, amino acids, phenols, and activities of catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase) were determined in leaves and roots. Increasing Mn concentrations led to a decrease in biomass accumulation, and tip leaves chlorosis was the only toxicity symptom detected. In a similar way, photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls a and b, and carotenoids) were affected by high Mn levels. Among organic acids, malate and oxalate contents in roots showed a significant increase at the highest Mn concentration, while in leaves, Mn led to an increasing trend in citrate and malate contents. An increase of Mn also induced an increase in superoxide dismutase activity in roots and catalase activity in leaves. As well, significant changes in free amino acids were induced by Mn concentrations higher than 300mgL-1, especially in roots. No significant changes in phenolic compounds were observed in the leaves, but root phenolics were significantly increased by increasing Mn concentrations in treatments. When Fe supply was increased 10 and 20 times (7-14mgFeL-1 as Fe-EDDHA) in the nutrient solutions at the highest Mn concentration (700mgMnL-1), it led to significant increases in photosynthetic pigments and biomass accumulation. Manganese was mostly accumulated in the roots, and the species was essentially a Mn excluder. However, considering the high leaf Mn concentration recorded without toxicity symptoms, E. andevalensis might be rated as a Mn-tolerant species.

Exogenously applied selenium (Se) mitigates the impact of salt stress in Setaria italica L. and Panicum miliaceum L.

This study is about mitigation of salt stress in Setaria italica L. and Panicum miliaceum L. by selenium (Se) which is a micronutrient beneficial for plant growth and development, but its role in combating salt stress in millets has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of exogenously applied selenium (Se) on the biochemical stress indicators in both the crops grown under different salt treatments (50 mM–200 mM NaCl). The results indicated that salinity increase the antioxidant enzyme activities viz., superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, guaiacol peroxidase and glutathione reductase, which were amplified in both the genotypes by Se application. The effect on antioxidative enzymes was more prominent in case of S. italica L. Furthermore, salt stress-triggered hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production and Se supplementation lowers it down. The osmolyte concentrations (total soluble sugar, proline, glutathione and glycine betaine) increased under salinity however they were further increased upon Se treatment. The results suggest that there is a Se-mediated alleviation of salt stress in millets (S. italica L. and P. miliaceum L.) which is mostly related to stimulation of the plant’s antioxidative defence system.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi mitigate Fe deficiency symptoms in sorghum through phytosiderophore-mediated Fe mobilization and restoration of redox status.

Sustainable management of iron (Fe) deficiency through the microbial association is highly desirable to ensure crop yield. This study elucidates whether and how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) ameliorate Fe deficiency symptoms in sorghum. AMF inoculation showed a significant improvement in plant biomass, chlorophyll score, Fv/Fm (quantum efficiency of photosystem II), and Pi_ABS (photosynthesis performance index), suggesting its potentiality to diminish Fe deficiency symptoms in sorghum. This AMF-driven prevention of Fe deficiency was further supported by the improvement of biochemical stress indicators, such as cell death, electrolyte leakage, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide anion. In this study, AMF showed a significant increase in phytosiderophore (PS) release as well as Fe and S concentrations in sorghum under Fe deficiency. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis demonstrated the consistent upregulation of SbDMAS2 (deoxymugineic acid synthase 2), SbNAS2 (nicotianamine synthase 2), and SbYS1 (Fe-phytosiderophore transporter yellow stripe) in roots due to AMF with Fe deficiency. It suggests that the enhancement of Fe due to AMF is related to the mobilization of Fe(III)-PS in the rhizosphere supported by the long-distance transport of Fe by SbYS1 transporter in sorghum. Our study further showed that the elevation of S mainly in the presence of AMF possibly enhances theS-containing antioxidant metabolites (Met, Cys, and GSH) as well as enzymes (CAT, SOD, and GR) to counteract H2O2 and O2- forthe restoration of redox status in Fe-deprived sorghum. Moreover, S possibly participates in Strategy II responses revealing its crucial role as a signaling molecule for Fe homeostasis in sorghum.

Cortisol, testosterone, and pain levels among patients undergoing McKenzie therapy and suboccipital relaxation

Sedentary lifestyle and the development of consumer electronics, often associated with a faulty posture, are widespread factors contributing to cervical spine dysfunction (CSD). The purpose of our study is to compare two methods of physical therapy of CSD: suboccipital relaxation and the McKenzie method. Their effect on perceived pain level and life quality was assessed using VAS and NDI scores. Serum levels of biochemical stress indicators like testosterone and cortisol were also evaluated. Eighty-six adult patients were divided into two groups: Group A and Group B. Group A included 42 patients treated using the McKenzie method. Group B consisted of 44 patients who underwent suboccipital relaxation. The therapy in both groups included three treatment sessions over a six-week period. Testosterone and cortisol levels were assessed using the ELISA technique. Pain evaluation was performed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The disability level was evaluated with the Neck Disability Index (NDI). In both groups, a similar improvement in VAS and NDI scores was observed. A distinct cortisol level decrease in patients subjected to the suboccipital relaxation was noticed, while the McKenzie method did not affect cortisolaemia significantly. We did not notice any difference in testosterone levels between the two groups. Both treatment methods contributed towards clinical improvement in our patients, represented by the drop in VAS and NDI scores. We also observed a biochemical improvement: decreased cortisol level in the group treated with suboccipital relaxation. Due to the important role of testosterone and cortisol in the pathogenesis of chronic pain, our study should be the pilot experience on their use as markers in CSD.

Assessing the effects of in vitro imposed water stress on pineapple growth in relation to biochemical stress indicators using polynomial regression analysis

Knowing the mechanisms that operate under water stress in commercial crops, particularly those that can affect productivity, such as phenolic or cell wall metabolism, is becoming increasingly important in a scenario of global climate change. However, our understanding of how to analyse statistically the relationships between these commonly used biochemical markers of water stress and growth in crops like pineapple, needs to be improved. In the present work, we have addressed the question of whether polynomial regression analysis can be used to describe the influence of selected plant metabolites (chlorophylls, carotenoids, phenolics and aldehydes) on shoot biomass, in response to a mannitol-induced water stress in temporary immersion bioreactors (TIBs). Polynomial regression analysis has been applied to investigate plant stress responses in many species but is very seldom used in in vitro screening studies. Here, the relationship between biochemical indicators (x; independent variable) and shoot growth (y; dependent variable) has been characterised, with y modelled as an nth degree polynomial in x. This statistical approach accommodated for the non-linear (curvilinear) relationships between variables, and the results showed that shoot biomass was negatively, and significantly correlated with soluble phenolics, cell wall-linked phenolics and other aldehydes (characterised by “High” R2 values).

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi alleviate Fe-deficiency symptoms in sunflower by increasing iron uptake and its availability along with antioxidant defense

Iron (Fe)-deficiency causes chlorosis and growth inhibition in sunflower, an important commercial crop. This study examines whether and how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) ameliorate Fe-deficiency symptoms in Fe-deficiency sensitive sunflower plants. AMF supplementation showed a significant improvement in plant biomass, chlorophyll score, Fv/Fm (quantum efficiency of photosystem II), and Pi_ABS (photosynthesis performance index), suggesting its beneficial effect under Fe deficiency. This AM-driven amelioration of Fe deficiency was further supported by the improvement of biochemical stress indicators, such as cell death, electrolyte leakage, superoxide anion, and hydrogen peroxide. In this study, the AMF supplementations resulted in significant improvement in Fe as well as Zn concentrations in root and shoot of sunflower under Fe deficiency. One of the primary Strategy-I responses, ferric reductase activity along with the expression of its respective gene (HaFRO1), significantly increased in roots due to AMF ensuring Fe availability in the rhizosphere under Fe deficiency. Our qPCR analysis also showed a significant upregulation of HaIRT1, HaNramp1, and HaZIP1 in roots of sunflower in the presence of AMF, suggesting that Fe and Zn transporters are concurrently involved with AMF-mediated alleviation of Fe deficiency. Further, AMF accelerates the activities of CAT and SOD, predominantly in roots to protect sunflower plants from Fe-deficiency reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study unveils the mechanistic basis of AMF to limit Fe deficiency retardation in sunflower.

Velvet antler polypeptide prevents the disruption of hepatic tight junctions via inhibiting oxidative stress in cholestatic mice and liver cell lines.

The present study aims to examine the protective effects and mechanism of a velvet antler polypeptide (VAP) against lithocholic acid (LCA)-induced cholestatic liver injury in mice. A 7.0 kDa VAP was orally administered at doses of 10 and 20 mg kg-1 day-1. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of the liver showed that VAP7.0 reduced LCA-induced infiltration of inflammatory cells and areas of necrotic hepatocytes. In addition, VAP7.0 greatly reduced the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bile acid (TBA) and total bilirubin (TBIL) in LCA mouse serum and prolonged the survival time of mice with LCA. VAP7.0 reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased the superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in LCA mice. VAP7.0 also reduced OGG1 expression, which is a biochemical indicator of oxidative stress. Mechanistic analysis revealed that VAP7.0 significantly inhibited LCA-induced disruption of tight junction integrity, as determined by observing the morphology of the bile canaliculus, and this finding was confirmed by observation of the bile canalicular structure and tight junction proteins Occludin and ZO-1 expression. Moreover, we also found that VAP7.0 maintained the stability of hepatic paracellular permeability, as determined by Evans blue dye assays and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) tracer distribution through inhibiting the activation of the PI3K pathway in LCA mouse livers. In addition, VAP7.0 ameliorated H2O2-induced barrier dysfunction and tight junction disruption via inhibiting the PI3K activity in human HepG2 and SMMC7721 cells, which was confirmed by the PI3K activator 740Y-P. H2O2 disturbed the localization of the tight junction proteins ZO-1 and Occludin, resulting in the transfer of these proteins from the membrane to the cytoplasm of cells, whereas pretreatment of cells with VAP7.0 prevented the disruption of the localization of these proteins, as determined by immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis. These results demonstrate that VAP7.0 reduces liver injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and maintains the stability of hepatic tight junctions via suppressing the activation of the intracellular signaling molecule PI3K in LCA mice and hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Anti-inflammatory Mechanism of Ruzu Bitters on Diet-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Male Wistar Rats.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become notorious globally. Increasingly emerging evidence shows that NAFLD is strongly associated with inflammation, with proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) playing a vital role in its progression. In this work, an attempt was made to verify the anti-inflammatory activity of Ruzu herbal bitters (RHB), an antiobesity medicinal concoction, on NAFLD induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in albino Wistar rats. Twenty-five (25) rats were divided into five groups as follows: Group 1, the normal control, was maintained on standard rat chow and received normal saline (1 ml/kg body weight (BW)/day) for twelve weeks. The other groups were maintained on HFD for twelve weeks. Thereafter, groups 2–5 were treated with pioglitazone (4 mg/kg BW/day), RHB (0.6 ml/kg BW/day), normal saline (1 ml/kg BW/day), and fenofibrate (10 mg/kg BW/day), respectively. The animals were sacrificed after the experimental period. Biochemical indicators of oxidative stress and inflammation were assayed in the liver according to standard methods. The histological features of the liver were also compared to assess liver damage. RHB significantly (p < 0.05) reduced body weight and liver index, inhibited oxidative stress, boosted antioxidant enzymes by increasing the activity and level of SOD and GSH, reduced proinflammatory markers (IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α), and reversed histological alterations induced by NAFLD in rat liver. In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory activity of RHB in the prevention of NAFLD in rats has been confirmed.

Interactive effects of salinity and inundation on native Spartina foliosa, invasive S. densiflora and their hybrid from San Francisco Estuary, California.

Sea level rise (SLR) associated with climate change is intensifying permanent submersion and salinity in salt marshes. In this scenario, hybridization between native and invasive species may result in hybrids having greater tolerance of abiotic stress factors than their parents. Thus, understanding the responses of native and invasive halophytes and their hybrids to interacting physiological stresses imposed by SLR is key to native species conservation. We analysed how salinity, inundation depth and their interaction impact the functional traits of native and invasive cordgrass species and their hybrid (genus Spartina; Poaceae). In a mesocosm experiment, we evaluated interactive stress effects of three inundation depths (4.5, 35.5 and 55 cm) and four aqueous salinities (0.5, 10, 20 and 40 ppt) on 27 functional traits of native Spartina foliosa, invasive S. densiflora and their hybrid S. densiflora × S. foliosa from San Francisco Estuary. The combined effect of salinity and inundation led to synergistic effects on leaf biochemical stress indicators. Spartina foliosa behaved as a stress-tolerant species, with high leaf sodium exudation rate and glycine betaine concentrations that also increased with stress. Spartina foliosa was less sensitive to salinity than S. densiflora and the hybrid but was highly growth-limited in response to increased inundation and salinity. Spartina densiflora was fast-growing in low-stress conditions and tolerated moderate interactive stresses. The hybrid produced more biomass, rhizome reserves and tillers than its parents, even under the most stressful conditions. Transgressivity improved the hybrid's capacity to deal with flooding stress more so than its response to increasing salinity. Based on our observations, we predict that established populations of both native and invasive cordgrasses will experience reduced vegetative and sexual fitness in response to SLR. In particular, the combined effects of high salinity and deep inundation may decrease floret production in S. densiflora, a key trait for the spread of its invasive populations. In contrast, the hybrid likely will be able to sustain its invasiveness under SLR based on its ability to maintain growth and biomass production under stressful conditions.

Comparison of two methods of cervical spine pain manual therapy using clinical and biochemical pain markers

Background. Sedentary lifestyle, often associated with faulty posture is a widespread facilitating factor for cervical spine dysfunction (CSD). Objective. The purpose of our study was to compare two methods of physical therapy for CSD: the McKenzie method and suboccipital relaxation. We investigated the effect of these methods on pain level perceived by patients and their physical fitness. The levels of biochemical stress indicators were assessed. Materials and methods. Eighty-six adult patients divided into two groups: A and B. Group A included 42 patients treated with the McKenzie method. Group B consisted of 44 patients, who underwent suboccipital relaxation. The treatment in both groups comprised 3 treatment sessions over a 6-week period. To assess salivary sIgA concentration, the ELISA technique was used. The alpha-amylase activity was determined using static method. Pain assessment was performed using the VAS scale. Disability level was evaluated with the NDI scale. Results. Significant decrease of VAS and NDI scores were observed in both groups. An increase of sIgA concentration was observed in both groups. No difference in amylase activity between the groups was observed, however, time and group effects the interaction was found to be significant. A significant correlation between both biochemical markers and VAS score was observed in group B and in the general population. Conclusions. Both therapies improve patient outcomes, however, at present we cannot indicate the advantage any method.