Blood Plasma Levels Research Articles

Interactions Between Toxic Metals and Serum Micronutrient Level in Auto-mechanics in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria: a Pilot study.

Auto-mechanics who often work without safety measures are vulnerable to the harmful effects of toxic metals like lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd). These toxic metals exert their deleterious effect by interacting with the micronutrients at their primary site of action. This study aimed to investigate the effects of toxic metal exposure on serum micronutrient levels of auto-mechanics in Nigeria. This case-control study involves 60 participants aged 18 to 45years. The control group consists of 30 healthy male staff of University College Hospital Ibadan, Nigeria. The test group consists of 30 male auto-mechanics recruited from their workshops in the Bodija and Olodo areas of Ibadan, Nigeria. Blood lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), plasma iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca) were quantified by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) method. Results show that systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) and plasma levels of Pb and Cd were significantly higher in the auto-mechanic group when compared with control, while there were significantly lower levels of micronutrients: Fe, Zn, Mn, and Se when compared with control (p < 0.05). The plasma levels of Ca and Mg were not statistically different in the two groups. Also, there was a significant negative relationship between Cd and Zn (r = - 0.38, p = 0.001), a weak positive relationship (r = 0.46, p = 0.001) between Pb and SBP, and a weak non-significant negative relationship between Pb and Se (r = 0.4, p = 0.11) in the auto-mechanics. The chronic exposure to Pb and Cd in auto-mechanics is associated with elevated blood pressure and reduced micronutrients levels which can impact negatively on their health.

Comprehensive Qualitative Drug Screening in Emergency Toxicology Using an Automated LC-MSn System:Simultaneous Quantification of Relevant Drugs and Metabolites in Blood Plasma.

Rapid and comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analytical procedures are crucial in 24/7 emergency toxicology (ET) to support diagnosis and treatment of acute intoxications and to monitor their progression and efficacy of detoxification strategies. This study aimed to develop the simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of 62 drugs, as well as seven active metabolites in human blood plasma using an automated liquid chromatography (LC)-linear ion trap mass spectrometry (MS) screening system. Sample preparation was conducted by liquid-liquid extraction, and plasma concentrations were determined using an electronically stored 5-point calibration. Validation was performed according to international guidelines and recommendations for ET including selectivity, carry-over, accuracy, precision, and matrix effects. Finally, applicability was evaluated using case samples and proficiency tests. The method demonstrated selectivity for all analytes, with no significant carry-over or matrix effects. Accuracy and precision recommended for ET could be fulfilled for all tested analytes, except for 10 analytes. Patient plasma samples were analyzed and compared with results obtained by reference LC-tandem MS or gas chromatography-MS methods. Furthermore, the applicability of the method could be demonstrated. It provides a fast, robust, and reliable blood plasma screening for 69 analytes and an additional quantification of 59 analytes relevant in ET. The use of an electronically stored 5-point calibration and a simplified "push and print solution" allows for straightforward assessment of blood plasma levels of the analytes.

Correlation Between Indoxyl Sulfate in Chronic Kidney Disease and Olfactory Dysfunction.

Olfactory dysfunction is prevalent among individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), with prevalence escalating alongside disease severity. The uremic toxin we observed in this study is Indoxyl sulfate (IS), a potent uremic toxin that markedly accumulates in the plasma of patients with chronic insufficiency. Olfactory damage may occur in the setting of neuronal damage due to renal failure. 27 patients, a total sample in this study with diagnosed chronic kidney disease within stage 5 on regular hemodialysis, were examined for indoxyl sulfate levels in blood plasma and then examined for their olfactory function using the Sniffin' Sticks test. A correlation analysis was conducted between indoxyl sulfate levels and olfactory function test results in patients with CKD. The Pearson correlation test revealed a strong, significant negative correlation between indoxyl sulfate levels and olfactory function (r = -0.613; p = 0.001). Additionally, correlations were found between indoxyl sulfate levels and each component of olfactory function: threshold value (r = -0.408; p = 0.035), discrimination (r = -0.807; p = 0.001), and identification (r = -0.703; p = 0.001). Olfactory function is compromised in individuals with chronic renal disease and correlates with the level of accumulation of the uremic toxin indoxyl sulfate.

Efficacy of myrrh extract against Eimeria labbeana-like experimental infection in Columba livia domestica: in vivo study

BackgroundThe Protozoan pathogen Eimeria is a significant issue in poultry production. Scientists are concerned with finding alternative strategies due to the spread of resistance against the commonly employed coccidiostats. This study examined how well myrrh extract (MyE) protected domesticated pigeons from an experimental Eimeria labbeana-like infection.MethodsFemale pigeons were divided into six groups (5 pigeons/group): Group1: control pigeon group, Group2: Non-infected and treated pigeon group with MyE (500 mg/kg). Group3: Infected and non-treated pigeon group, Group4: Infected and treated pigeon group with MyE (250 mg/kg), Group5: Infected and treated pigeon group with MyE (500 mg/kg), Group6: Infected and treated pigeon group with amprolium (1 g/L of H2O). Oral infection with 3 × 104 sporulated E. labbeana-like oocysts was used to inoculate groups (3–6). Three days after infection, groups (4–6) received daily treatment with MyE and amprolium for five days. Oocyst output was assessed on day 8 post-infection. After sacrificing the pigeons, the small intestine and blood were collected from each pigeon and processed for histological, biochemical, and oxidative damage examinations.ResultsThis study looked into the overall phenolic and flavonoid contents and MyE’s antioxidant activity. According to the data, the best dose of MyE was 500 mg/kg, which significantly decreased the output of oocysts produced (2.090 × 105 ± 1.04 × 104 oocysts/g.feces). This result has been linked to a -2.51% decrease in the pigeon’s body weight gain. The morphometric characteristics of freshly unsporulated and sporulated oocysts were obtained, and pigeons treated with MyE significantly decreased size. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in both the number and size of the developmental stages of E. labbeana-like (i.e. meronts, gamonts, and developing oocysts) in the intestinal tissue among the MyE-treated group. MyE facilitates the disruption of intestinal homeostasis caused by E. labbeana-like infection, specifically concerning carbohydrates and proteins. Concurrent with the state of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), the antioxidant activity of MyE reduced the blood plasma levels of trace elements (Fe, Cu, Cr, Zn, and Ni).ConclusionOur findings suggest that MyE could be a useful antioxidant source and a replacement for coccidiostats in preventing and treating avian coccidiosis.

EFFECT OF MELATONIN ON PLASMA PYRUVATE LEVELS IN ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS UNDER DIFFERENT PHOTOPERIODS

Some studies suggest that melatonin exerts a stimulating effect by reducing lactate dehydrogenase activity and shifting the balance of redox enzymes towards the predominance of the Krebs cycle, thereby favoring aerobic processes that are more efficient for cellular energy production. Therefore, an in-depth investigation of this effect of melatonin is warranted. The aim of this experimental study was to examine the impact of melatonin on the levels of pyruvic acid in the plasma of rats under physiological conditions and in alloxan-induced diabetes, with a focus on hypo- and hyperfunction of the pineal gland. Methods. The study was conducted on 50 sexually mature male outbred white rats weighing 0.18–0.20 kg. Photoperiodic changes were simulated over a one-week period, with the following conditions: 1) natural light/dark cycle from March 19 to 25, 2024, averaging 12:12 hours; 2) artificial 12:12 light/dark cycle (light from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with illumination at 500 lux); 3) constant light (500 lux) for 24 hours; 4) constant darkness for 24 hours. Alloxan diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of a 5% alloxan monohydrate solution at a dose of 170 mg/kg. Fasting glucose levels were measured using the One Touch Ultra Easy device (Johnson &amp; Johnson, USA). The rats were divided into four groups based on lighting conditions: 1) intact rats; 2) a control group, receiving daily intraperitoneal melatonin injections (10 mg/kg) at 8 a.m. for one week (Sigma, USA); 3) rats with diabetes mellitus; 4) rats with diabetes mellitus, receiving melatonin injections (10 mg/kg) starting on the 5th day post-alloxan for one week. Animals were euthanized by decapitation under light ether anesthesia on the 12th day of the experiment. Pyruvate levels in blood plasma were measured using standard methods. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 10 (StatSoft Inc.). Results. It is known that the presence of hyperglycemia under the conditions of diabetes intensifies the processes of free radical oxidation. According to the data obtained by us, in diabetic rats, a high level of glucose is accompanied by an increase in pyruvate in blood serum. This happens due to dysregulation of aerobic processes in the conditions of a decrease in insulin. In this case, pyruvate turns into lactate, creating conditions for the development of lactic acidosis. Staying under conditions of dark deprivation (light 24 hours) for a week led to a 15% increase in serum glucose and pyruvate levels in blood serum compared to intact animals. A similar situation was observed in a group of diabetic animals. Under conditions of round-the-clock lighting in diabetic animals, the indicators of glucose and pyruvate content increased even in comparison with the indicators of diabetic animals under equinox conditions and were on average 22% higher. However, exposure to light deprivation (24 hours of darkness) for a week led to a 10% decrease in glucose content and a 13% increase in pyruvate content when compared to intact animals. This happens due to the activation of the processes of aerobic oxidation of glucose under the conditions of an increase in melatonin. In diabetic rats, fasting pyruvate and glucose indicators under conditions of 24-hour darkness were negated by smaller deviations when compared with a group of diabetic animals that were under conditions of the equinox. It has been established that a short daytime photoperiod (8 hours of light: 16 hours of darkness) is characterized by an increase in melatonin secretion. Under these conditions, the indicators of antioxidant protection and the immune system improved in experimental animals. In addition, pinealectomized rats are characterized by reduced activity of glutathione peroxidase in tissues due to the absence of melatonin. The introduction of melatonin led to a decrease in glucose content in diabetic rats (under conditions of darkness - to normalization). The content of pyruvate in the blood serum of diabetic animals regardless of lighting conditions under the influence of melatonin injections did not differ from the control indicators under equinox conditions. The ability of melatonin to improve glucose uptake through glucose transporters has been investigated. In addition, there are data on melatonin as an activator of pyruvate dehydrogenase. It has been realised that melatonin has possibility to inhibit the activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase and activate the pyruvate dehydrogenase thereby allowing the transformation of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA and sending glucose for oxidation in the mitochondria. Conclusion. Therefore, under both normal and diabetic conditions, melatonin enhances the efficiency of aerobic glucose oxidation pathways.

Comparative Clinical Study on Magnesium Absorption and Side Effects After Oral Intake of Microencapsulated Magnesium (MAGSHAPETM Microcapsules) Versus Other Magnesium Sources

Background/Objectives: Magnesium (Mg)-based food supplements contribute to the maintenance of adequate levels of Mg that are essential for overall health and well-being. The aim of this double-blind, randomized, cross-over clinical study was to assess the plasma Mg levels in volunteers following the oral administration of a magnesium-based nutraceutical ingredient, MAGSHAPETM microcapsules (Mg-MS), in comparison to other commonly used magnesium sources, including the following: Mg Oxide (MgO), Mg Citrate (Mg-C), and Mg bisglycinate (Mg-BG). Methods: A total of 40 healthy women and men were put on a low-Mg diet for 7 days, and after 8 h of fasting, a blood sample was taken from a digital puncture before (0 h) and 1 h, 4 h, and 6 h after the oral intake of each product. Results: Our results showed that the blood plasma levels of Mg increased significantly at all tested time-points after the oral intake of Mg-MS, while the blood plasma levels of Mg increased significantly only after 1 and 4 h of the oral intake of MgO and Mg-C, respectively. However, no significant increase in Mg levels was observed upon the intake of Mg-BG. Interestingly, the Mg-MS microencapsulation technology was observed to enable a sustained increase in plasma Mg levels over the duration of this study, i.e., 1, 4, and 6 h after oral intake. A direct comparison of the increase in plasma Mg levels over the 6 h period revealed that the Mg-MS microencapsulation technology significantly increased Mg bioavailability compared to the non-microencapsulated MgO. Our study also showed that, compared to the other Mg sources tested, the Mg-MS microencapsulation technology reduced adverse side effects commonly associated with Mg supplementation, specifically with regard to increased intestinal motility and sensations of gastric heaviness following oral administration. Conclusions: Altogether, this clinical study introduced MAGSHAPETM microcapsules as a bioavailable and well-tolerated alternative to existing Mg-based ingredients used in food supplements.

Increased Levels of hsa-miR-199a-3p and hsa-miR-382-5p in Maternal and Neonatal Blood Plasma in the Case of Placenta Accreta Spectrum.

Despite the increasing number of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) cases in recent years, its impact on neonatal outcomes and respiratory morbidity, as well as the underlying pathogenetic mechanism, has not yet been extensively studied. Moreover, no study has yet demonstrated the effectiveness of antenatal corticosteroid therapy (CT) for the prevention of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in newborns of mothers with PAS at the molecular level. In this regard, microRNA (miRNA) profiling by small RNA deep sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR was performed on 160 blood plasma samples from preterm infants (gestational age: 33-36 weeks) and their mothers who had been diagnosed with or without PAS depending on the timing of the antenatal RDS prophylaxis. A significant increase in hsa-miR-199a-3p and hsa-miR-382-5p levels was observed in the blood plasma of the newborns from mothers with PAS compared to the control group. A clear trend toward the normalization of hsa-miR-199a-3p and hsa-miR-382-5p levels in the neonatal blood plasma of the PAS groups was observed when CT was administered within 14 days before delivery, but not beyond 14 days. Direct correlations were found among the hsa-miR-382-5p level in neonatal blood plasma and the hsa-miR-199a-3p level in the same sample (r = 0.49; p < 0.001), the oxygen requirements in the NICU (r = 0.41; p = 0.001), the duration of the NICU stay (r = 0.31; p = 0.019), and the severity of the newborn's condition based on the NEOMOD scale (r = 0.36; p = 0.005). Logistic regression models based on the maternal plasma levels of hsa-miR-199a-3p and hsa-miR-382-5p predicted the need for cardiotonic therapy, invasive mechanical ventilation, or high-frequency oscillatory ventilation in newborns during the early neonatal period, with a sensitivity of 95-100%. According to the literary data, these miRNAs regulate fetal organogenesis via IGF-1, the formation of proper lung tissue architecture, surfactant synthesis in alveolar cells, and vascular tone.

Low Plasma Levels of Contactin-Associated Protein-Like 2 in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Links to Neural Development.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition of atypical neurodevelopment and is characterized by social communication problems and repetitive patterns of behavior. Early diagnosis and intervention are decisive for managing symptoms and improving outcomes. Contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2) protein is implicated in neural development and plays a role in brain connectivity and synapse formation. Genetic research has shown a possible link between CNTNAP2 and ASD. We aimed to discover the blood plasma levels of CNTNAP2 in children with ASD and explore the potential association between CNTNAP2 concentrations and ASD severity. This case-control study included children with ASD (n=40) and aged-matched healthy controls (n=40). Blood plasma levels of CNTNAP2 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The Children Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) were used to assess the severity of the ASD. Spearman correlation coefficient (r) was used to correlate the variables. Children with severe ASD had significantly lower CNTNAP2 levels (0.31 (0.14) ng/mL, p=0.003) compared to normal controls (0.47 (0.24) ng/mL). However, CNTNAP2 levels of children with mild autism (0.44(0.22), ng/mL, p=0.77) were not significantly different as compared to normal controls (0.47 (0.24) ng/mL). Furthermore, a significant difference was found between CNTNAP2 levels, by comparing themild and severe groups based on theCARS (p= 0.05). Furthermore, no significant correlation between CNTNAP2 levels, and severity scores (CARS and SRS), was obtained. However, a significant correlation between CNTNAP2 and age was observed. The low CNTNAP2 plasma level in children with ASD indicated that it might be involved in the pathophysiology of ASD. Nevertheless, these results should be interpreted with care till more studies are achieved using a larger population to decide whether the reduction in CNTNAP2 plasma level is a mere outcome of ASD or it plays a pathogenic role in the disease.

Therapeutic potential of green tea catechins on the development of Parkinson’s disease symptoms in a transgenic A53T mouse model

ABSTRACT Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of green tea catechins on the prevention of Parkinson's disease neurobehavioral symptoms and α-synuclein blood plasma concentration in a hemizygous transgenic A53T mouse model. Methods: Thirty 6-month-old male mice were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 10/group): control, low-dose, and high-dose, receiving green tea polyphenol (GTP) treatment in their drinking water at 0%, 0.5%, and 1.5%, respectively, over a 90-day period. The efficacy of ad libitum dosing was assessed by analyzing the bioaccumulation of tea catechins in urine samples collected from metabolic cages on days 0, 30, 60, and 90, using LC/Q-TOF analysis. PD-related behavioral impairments were measured with open field and rotarod performance tests on days 0, 45, and 90. On day 90, plasma α-synuclein levels were analyzed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to assess treatment effects. Results: Circulating tea catechin metabolites were detected in treated groups by day 30, with levels progressively increasing through day 90. By day 90, control mice exhibited significant deficits in rotarod performance, while both low- and high-dose groups maintained or improved their maximum time on the rotarod. Open field testing indicated reduced anxiety-related behavior in control mice compared to treated groups. ELISA analysis revealed significantly lower circulating α-synuclein levels in high-dose mice compared to controls. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that sustained administration of tea catechins significantly reduces circulating α-synuclein levels in blood plasma, improves motor coordination in a dose-dependent manner, and modulates anxiety-related behaviors in a PD mouse model.

HIV-1 viral decay in blood and semen in antiretroviral-naïve adults initiating dolutegravir/lamivudine versus bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide

Co-formulated dolutegravir and lamivudine (DTG/3TC) is recommended as the first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART); however, the data on the viral decay in seminal plasma (SP) and blood plasma (BP), as well as changes in inflammatory biomarkers in BP, remain limited among antiretroviral-naïve people with HIV (PWH) receiving DTG/3TC. A prospective observational cohort study was conducted to compare the impact of DTG/3TC vs. bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) on viral decay kinetics and changes in inflammatory biomarkers in antiretroviral-naïve PWH. Newly diagnosed PWH who initiated BIC/FTC/TAF (n=57) or DTG/3TC (n=43) were enrolled. BP and SP were collected at 0, 4, 12, 24, and 48 weeks after ART initiation. The primary endpoint was viral suppression of HIV-1 in BP and SP at week 48. Secondary endpoints included changes in HIV-1 DNA levels and inflammatory biomarkers over the 48-week follow-up. Overall, 96 (96.0%) PWH completed the 48-week follow-up (DTG/3TC, n=40; BIC/FTC/TAF, n=56). Viral suppression rates in BP and SP were comparable in the BIC/FTC/TAF and DTG/3TC groups in the per-protocol analyses at week 48 (BP, 96.4% vs. 100%, P=0.519; SP, 100% vs. 100%, P>0.999). Both regimens demonstrated similar effectiveness in reducing HIV-1 RNA levels in BP (3.0 vs. 3.1 log10 copies/mL) and SP (0.9 vs. 1.2 log10 copies/mL). There were no statistically significant differences in the reductions in HIV-1 DNA levels and changes in inflammatory biomarkers over the 48-week follow-up. These findings indicated comparable effectiveness of DTG/3TC vs. BIC/FTC/TAF in achieving viral suppression in BP and SP, and similar changes in inflammatory biomarkers in BP.

The Effects of Melon Superoxide Dismutase and Gliadin on Glutathione Reductase (GSH) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Levels in Blood Plasma and Vitreoretina in Diabetic Rat Model: A Literature Review

The Effects of Melon Superoxide Dismutase and Gliadin on Glutathione Reductase (GSH) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Levels in Blood Plasma and Vitreoretina in Diabetic Rat Model: A Literature Review

Regional and ethnic factors of obesity and diabetes mellitus in women of re-productive age in the Pribaikal region

Introduction. Overweight is currently one of the leading global medical problems. Overweight and obesity contribute significantly to the development of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorder and can also cause premature death. Obesity has a negative impact on reproductive function; almost a quarter of women of childbearing age are overweight and about a third of them are obese.Aim. To study the characteristics of carbohydrate metabolism, hormonal indicators, and clinical-metabolic profiles, as well as to assess the potential risk of developing diabetes mellitus in women of fertile age with overweight and obesity residing in the Baikal region.Materials and methods. The study involved 60 overweight and obese women of reproductive age in the Pribaikalye region, including 33 women of Russian nationality (group 1) and 27 women of Buryat nationality (group 2). Anthropo-metric, sociodemographic and behavioural criteria were analysed, as well as questionnaires using the FINDRISC Scale. General clinical analyses of blood and urine were performed, lipid profile parameters, glucose, insulin, creatinine, transaminases, estradiol, thyroid hormone, leptin levels in blood plasma were studied. In addition, an oral glucose tolerance test was performed and the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated.Results. In the group of Buryat women with lower body weight as compared to Russians, higher levels of leptin, HOMA- IR index, and larger waist circumference are observed. In Buryat women, low physical activity makes a significant contribution to the development of overweight and obesity, while for Russian women, excessive caloric intake is more important. In accordance with the results of the FINDRISC scale survey, the greatest contribution to the potential development of diabetes mellitus in the Russian group is body mass index (weight), and in the Buryat group, in addition to these indicators, waist circumference and reduced physical activity.Conclusions. The results of the study will be of great help in the development of pro-grammes for the prevention of diabetes and obesity, taking into account regional and ethnic differences among the population.

Effects of oxygen levels and temperature on growth and physiology of pikeperch juveniles cultured in a recirculating aquaculture system

This study aimed to understand how environmental factors, specifically water temperature and oxygen saturation, affect the growth performance and physiology of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) juveniles in recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs). Given the importance of optimising growth conditions in aquaculture to maximise efficiency, it aims to assess whether different combinations of oxygen levels and temperatures can enhance growth while maintaining the physiological health and welfare of the fish. The experimental design included the culturing pikeperch juveniles (22.7 ± 7.1 g) were exposed to hypoxia (78 ± 14%), normoxia (105 ± 12%), and hyperoxia (140 ± 18%) conditions for 72 days. This was conducted at two temperatures, 20 °C and 23 °C, each in a separate but identical RAS. The level of oxygen supply was controlled with micro bubble diffusers on the bottom of each tank. The hyperoxia at 23 °C positively affected total length, BW, specific growth rate, feed intake and feed conservation rate (FCR). The slowest growth and feed intake, along with the highest FCR, were observed in hypoxia at 20 °C. Fish reared under 23 °C exhibited significantly higher visceral-somatic index (3.54 ± 0.83 at 23 °C and 2.76 ± 0.73 at 20 °C) regardless of oxygen levels. It was primarily responsible for the observed growth difference (Final BW: 58.3 ± 18.8 g at 23 °C and 53.0 ± 18.3 g at 20 °C). The water temperature also affected haematocrit, haemoglobin, leucocyte count, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of the blood cells; the concentration of lymphocytes, neutrophile granulocyte bands and segments. Among biochemical markers, temperature affected cytoplasmic and mitochondrial enzymes, ammonia and triglyceride levels in blood plasma. Elevated antioxidant activity was observed in muscle, intestine and liver tissues. Oxygen levels demonstrated significant effects on growth, feed intake and conversion, the MCV of the blood cells, the concentration of the glucose, lactate and ammonia in blood plasma, and antioxidant biomarkers in the liver tissue. The analysis indicated a significant effect of oxygen on energy metabolism. The results showed hyperoxia under 23 °C create conditions for the highest growth and feed intake, high feed utilisation. There are, however, concerns about the physiological conditions and welfare of intensively cultured pikeperch juveniles, as higher feed intake led to increased visceral fat content in the body, elevated antioxidant activity in the liver, muscle and intestine tissues, morphology of blood cell, and energy metabolism.

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of Aloysia gratissima leaves essential oil: An in vivo study

Background and aimAloysia gratissima is used in popular medicine as an analgesic and sedative. However, studies on its biological activities are still scarce. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect of A. gratissima leaves essential oil (OAG) in mice. Experimental procedureThe OAG was obtained by hydrodistillation and its composition was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The sesquiterpenes pinocamphone, β-pinene, and guaiol were the major constituents of OAG. The effect of OAG (1, 10, and 30 mg/kg, p.o.) was assessed by pre-treating male mice 1h before the formalin assay, carrageenan-induced peritonitis test, or the paw edema induced by arachidonic acid (AA). The acute toxicity of OAG (2000 mg/kg, p.o.) was also investigated. Results and conclusionThe minimum effective dose of OAG in the formalin test was 1 mg/kg. This dose did not affect the locomotor activity of mice. The OAG decreased the number of leukocytes/mm³ in the peritoneal exudate of mice and reduced paw edema 45 min after the arachidonic acid injection. OAG treatment elicited a reduction in NPSH levels in the paw tissue and increased NPSH levels in mice blood plasma and did not cause mice mortality. The OAG is devoid of acute toxicity and shows anti-inflammatory activity, which can be related to the presence of pinocamphone, guaiol, and β-pinene and is mediated, at least in part, by mechanisms that involve the participation of NPSH.

Intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) as biomarker of ischemic damage in experimentally induced 12-h small bowel obstruction.

Laboratory tests have low diagnostic specificity for strangulated intestinal obstruction. The diagnostic potential of the intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) expressed in the tips of the intestinal villi continues to be explored. The number of white blood cells, blood plasma levels of L-lactate, C-reactive protein (CRP) and I-FABP were measured in rats with experimentally induced 12-h strangulated and non-strangulated intestinal obstruction. The results of the laboratory tests were compared with the changes in the morphology of the intestinal wall. The studied diagnostic markers, except for CRP, were elevated by 12-h L-lactate and I-FABP concentrations were significantly higher in the strangulated obstruction group than in other groups. L-lactate (cutoff value: 3.01mmol/L) had 86.1% sensitivity and 66.7% specificity for strangulated obstruction (AUC 0.815, p < 0.001). I-FABP levels above 5.432ng/ml indicated strangulated obstruction with 83.33% sensitivity and 88.9% specificity (AUC 0.906, p < 0.001). Villi destruction was observed at 2h in the strangulated obstruction group. I-FABP levels peaked at 4h and plateaued at 12h. Functional changes were observed in the non-strangulated group; they were accompanied by a significant increase in I-FABP concentrations that lasted until 12h. Compared with traditional diagnostic markers of strangulated intestinal obstruction, I-FABP demonstrated higher accuracy in the first 12h, although its concentrations reached the plateau already at 4h and did not increase thereafter. The functional changes in small bowel wall in non-strangulated obstruction were accompanied by continuous increase in I-FABP concentrations up to 12h, which may have influenced the diagnostic accuracy of the marker.

Expression of Osteopontin and Gremlin 1 Proteins in Cardiomyocytes in Ischemic Heart Failure.

A relevant role of osteopontin (OPN) and gremlin 1 (Grem1) in regulating cardiac tissue remodeling and formation of heart failure (HF) are documented, with the changes of OPN and Grem1 levels in blood plasma due to acute ischemia, ischemic heart disease-induced advanced HF or dilatative cardiomyopathy being the primary focus in most of these studies. However, knowledge on the early OPN and Grem1 proteins expression changes within cardiomyocytes during remodeling due to chronic ischemia remains insufficient. The aim of this study was to determine the OPN and Grem1 proteins expression changes in human cardiomyocytes at different stages of ischemic HF. A semi-quantitative immunohistochemical analysis was performed in 105 myocardial tissue samples obtained from the left cardiac ventricles. Increased OPN immunostaining intensity was already detected in the stage A HF group, compared to the control group (p < 0.001), and continued to increase in the stage B HF (p < 0.001), achieving the peak of immunostaining in the stages C/D HF group (p < 0.001). Similar data of Grem1 immunostaining intensity changes in cardiomyocytes were documented. Significantly positive correlations were detected between OPN, Grem1 expression in cardiomyocytes and their diameter as well as the length, in addition to positive correlation between OPN and Grem1 expression changes within cardiomyocytes. These novel findings suggest that OPN and Grem1 contribute significantly to reorganization of cellular geometry from the earliest stage of cardiomyocyte remodeling, providing new insights into the ischemic HF pathogenesis.

Differential inflammatory profiles in carriers of reciprocal 22q11.2 copy number variants

BackgroundGenetic copy number variants (CNVs; i.e., a deletion or duplication) at the 22q11.2 locus confer increased risk of neuropsychiatric disorders and immune dysfunction. Inflammatory profiles of 22q11.2 CNV carriers can shed light on gene-immune relationships that may be related to neuropsychiatric symptoms. However, little is known about inflammation and its relationship to clinical phenotypes in 22q11.2 CNV carriers. Here, we investigate differences in peripheral inflammatory markers in 22q11.2 CNV carriers and explore their relationship with psychosis risk symptoms and sleep disturbance. MethodsBlood samples and clinical assessments were collected from 22q11.2 deletion (22qDel) carriers (n=45), 22q11.2 duplication (22qDup) carriers (n=29), and typically developing (TD) control participants (n=92). Blood plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured using a MesoScale Discovery multiplex immunoassay. Plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Linear mixed effects models controlling for age, sex, and body mass index were used to: a) examine group differences in inflammatory markers between 22qDel, 22qDup, and TD controls, b) test differences in inflammatory markers between 22qDel carriers with psychosis risk symptoms (22qDelPS+) and those without (22qDelPS-), and c) conduct an exploratory analysis testing the effect of sleep disturbance on inflammation in 22qDel and 22qDup carriers. A false discovery rate correction was used to correct for multiple comparisons. Results22qDup carriers exhibited significantly elevated levels of IL-8 relative to TD controls (q<0.001) and marginally elevated IL-8 levels relative to 22qDel carriers (q=0.08). There were no other significant differences in inflammatory markers between the three groups (q>0.13). 22qDelPS+ exhibited increased levels of IL-8 relative to both 22qDelPS- (q=0.02) and TD controls (p=0.002). There were no relationships between sleep and inflammatory markers that survived FDR correction (q>0.14). ConclusionOur results suggest that CNVs at the 22q11.2 locus may have differential effects on inflammatory processes related to IL-8, a key mediator of inflammation produced by macrophages and microglia. Further, these IL-8-mediated inflammatory processes may be related to psychosis risk symptoms in 22qDel carriers. Additional research is required to understand the mechanisms contributing to these differential levels of IL-8 between 22q11.2 CNV carriers and IL-8’s association with psychosis risk.

Comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of balneotherapy and balneotherapy in combination with intravenous laser irradiation of blood at the period of spa treatment of patients with psoriasis

Background. Psoriasis is one of the most common, chronic, recurrent dermatoses. To date, a sufficient pool of studies has been accumulated confirming the multifactorial genesis of psoriasis due to genetic and environmental factors. Aim. Сomparative assessment of the effect of different options for spa treatment (ST) balneotherapy and balneotherapy in combination with intravenous laser blood irradiation (ILBI) in patients with psoriasis vulgaris on the level of IL-6 and IL-17, dermatological and psycho-emotional status, assessment of quality of life. Methods. The comparative study involved 108 patients with psoriasis vulgaris, stationary stage (men — 57.4%, women — 42.6%; the average age was 36.2 [24.5; 47.9] years) who underwent spa treatment, which were subsequently divided into 2 groups: 52 patients who received balneotherapy along with the traditional complex of ST were included in the 1 group, 56 patients who received complex treatment were included in the 2 group. The effectiveness of ST was evaluated using the PASI index, the HARS and HDRS scale, the SF-36 questionnaire. The dynamics of IL-6 and IL-10 levels in blood plasma were evaluated. The total duration of the study was 6 months and 14 days: the treatment phase was 14 days and the follow-up phase was 3 and 6 months after the completion of ST. Results. After 14 days of ST in the group in which balneotherapy was performed in combination with IVBI, a statistically significant decrease in the PASI index was more pronounced compared to the group in which balneotherapy was performed (p). Balneotherapy did not have a pronounced effect on psychoemotional status. On the contrary, balneotherapy in combination with ILBI contributed to a statistically significant decrease in the final indicators on the HARS and HDRS scales. The decrease in IL-6 and IL-17 levels was statistically significant in both groups and there were no differences between them. The complex use of balneotherapy and ILBI in comparison with the group of balneotherapy was accompanied by a more pronounced improvement in QOL. The combined use of balneotherapy and ILBI in the follow-up phase showed a long-term positive effect: 6 months after the completion of ST, the number of patients who had clinical remission was statistically significantly higher compared to the group in which balneotherapy was performed (87.4 vs. 44.7%). Conclusion. The advantage of the combined use of balneotherapy and ILBI compared with balneotherapy in patients with psoriasis vulgaris on CL was shown. The complex use of balneotherapy and ILBI of significant indicators of inflammatory biomarkers, improvement of the dermatological and psycho-emotional state, quality of life parameters and good overpopulation. More pronounced effectiveness of the complex use of balneotherapy and ILBI compared to balneotherapy of the quality, diversity of pathophysiological mechanisms of psoriasis and the presence of several targets for pathogenetic therapy.

Luminescent carbon dots endowed with selective recognition of the carcinoid tumor biomarkers in biological fluids

Biomarkers are commonly used in both basic research and clinical practice as diagnostic tools. Particularly, cancer biomarkers can be applied to the early detection and diagnosis or screening the tumors. Of special note, malignant tumors can release serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT). In fact, 5-HT is an excellent biomarker for carcinoid tumors since its level in blood plasma is hardly affected by other parameters. Moreover, secretion of 5-HT gives rise to elevated levels of 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (HIAA), the major metabolite of 5-HT, in urine samples of the patients with carcinoid tumors. 5-HT and HIAA are regarded as eligible biomarkers, of which concentrations in blood plasma and urine samples can be utilized for prognosis, and early diagnosis of carcinoid syndrome. Here, we unveil the facile synthesis and characterization of new Tb(III)-doped carbon dots (CDs) in the present work. Strikingly, CDs exhibited superior features for sensing 5-HT and HIAA. It is of worth to note that the Tb(III)-doped CDs induce phosphorescent response to both 5-HT and HIAA in water. Limit of detections (LODs) for 5-HT and HIAA were found to be 0.44 nM and 0.49 nM, respectively. Remarkably, these are the lowest reported values for luminescent systems to date. Moreover, CDs were utilized as chemosensors for 5-HT and HIAA in simulated blood plasma and synthetic urine samples, respectively. To this purpose, extensive luminescence measurements were performed. Accordingly, the obtained results attested that CDs were promising chemosensors for the detection of both 5-HT and HIAA in simulated blood plasma and synthetic urine samples, respectively. Last but not least, we successfully demonstrate that Tb(III)-doped CDs can be used for the detection of 5-HT in artificial cerebrospinal fluid as well as in conditions mimicking the environment within secretory vesicles where 5-HT is stored. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of CDs which can induce remarkable phosphorescent response to 5-HT and HIAA in biological fluids.

Diabetes and Parkinson's Disease: Understanding Shared Molecular Mechanisms.

Aging is a major risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD). Genetic mutations account for a small percentage of cases and the majority appears to be sporadic, with yet unclear causes. However, various environmental factors have been linked to an increased risk of developing PD and, therefore, understanding the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors is crucial for developing effective disease-modifying therapies. Several studies identified a connection between type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and PD. T2DM is characterized by insulin resistance and failure of β-cells to compensate, leading to hyperglycemia and serious comorbidities. Both PD and T2DM share misregulated processes, including mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, altered proteostasis, protein aggregation, and misregulation of glucose metabolism. Chronic or recurring hyperglycemia is a T2DM hallmark and can lead to increased methylglyoxal (MGO) production, which is responsible for protein glycation. Glycation of alpha-synuclein (aSyn), a central player in PD pathogenesis, accelerates the deleterious aSyn effects. Interestingly, MGO blood plasma levels and aSyn glycation are significantly elevated in T2DM patients, suggesting a molecular mechanism underlying the T2DM - PD link. Compared to high constant glucose levels, glycemic variability (fluctuations in blood glucose levels), can be more detrimental for diabetic patients, causing oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial damage. Accordingly, it is imperative for future research to prioritize the exploration of glucose variability's influence on PD development and progression. This involves moving beyond the binary classification of patients as diabetic or non-diabetic, aiming to pave the way for the development of enhanced therapeutic interventions.