Effects Of Stress Research Articles

Assessment of biochemical biomarkers and environmental stress indicators in some freshwater fish

The mechanism by which an organism can adapt to subtle environmental changes is predicated on modifications to biochemical processes within the cellular metabolism in response to such changes. Changes in these processes have the potential to induce alterations in cellular structures and tissue organization, as well as establish a causal link between fluctuations in these parameters and stressors exposure. This investigation's main goal and innovation is to evaluate the environmental stress indicators in the aquatic ecosystem of Lake Qarun. Pesticide residues in freshwater fish should be the primary focus of evaluation of environmental stressor concentrations, since they serve as bioindicators at different times and places on a spatiotemporal scale. A thorough analysis of suggestive biochemical biomarker reactions should also be conducted. The effects of environmental stressors, specifically pesticide contamination in Qarun Lake, have been observed and investigated in relation to two fish species: Solea aejabtiaca and Oreochronis niloticus. The results of a hazard assessment conducted at six sampling sites using spatio-temporal data revealed elevated mean values for the pesticides, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), organochlorines, organophosphates, and pyrethroids that were detected. A multi biomarker approach facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of stress responses induced by exposure to pollutants. As a result, the activities of the biochemical biomarkers CYP-450, GST, GSH, and LDH in the blood and liver of fish samples were found to be notably elevated. The suitability of the identified variables for biomonitoring of aquatic pollution was validated, and the data unveiled variations in sensitivity among species, implying that Nile tilapia could potentially function as a bioindicator with high sensitivity. The findings were correlated with the concentrations of detrimental organochlorines, organophosphorus, and pyrethroids in the muscles and gills. The data indicates that pollutants linked to agricultural wastes, runoff, and municipal effluent may be discharged into the lake ecosystem. Consequently, to safeguard the environment, it is essential to enforce and implement policies, acts, and regulations that already exist. Assessing the effects of additional environmental stressors on aquatic ecosystems is another way in which biomarker screening with an integrative approach improves our comprehension of how toxicants impact various levels of biological organization and is particularly useful in realistic environmental exposure scenarios.

Oxidative protein damage negatively affects protein-protein interaction: The case of KRAS-cRAF

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play crucial roles in cellular signaling, transmitting signals from the cell surface to its interior. One of the most important signaling cascades is the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway. This pathway is initiated by various upstream signaling reactions, including receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) activation, and it controls many biological functions like cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Once RAS is activated, it binds RAF and relays the signal to downstream proteins. The RAS-binding domain (RBD) in RAF protein plays a crucial role in this process, facilitating the RAS-ERK pathway signaling.In this study, we explored the effect of oxidative stress induced by UV radiation on the KRAS-RBD interaction. Using the Split Intein-Mediated Protein Ligation (SIMPL) method, we assessed the impact of different UV doses on KRAS-RBD interactions and observed a disruption of this interaction at higher doses. UV-treated samples exhibited high levels of protein carbonylation, as detected by Oxime Blot and mass spectrometry (MS) analysis, indicating oxidative damage. The MS results provided detailed insights into specific carbonylation modifications on the KRAS protein.Our study demonstrates that protein oxidation and carbonylation can disrupt protein-protein interactions, specifically the KRAS/c-RAF interaction. These findings highlight the impact of oxidative stress on signaling pathways, such as those triggered by UV irradiation. A deeper understanding of these molecular changes may aid in developing therapies targeting diseases linked to oxidative stress, including cancer.

Effects of Water-Deficit Stress on the Growth and Physiological Characteristics of Chloranthus spicatus Seedlings

Effects of Water-Deficit Stress on the Growth and Physiological Characteristics of Chloranthus spicatus Seedlings

Maternal stress and the early embryonic microenvironment: investigating long-term cortisol effects on bovine oviductal epithelial cells using air–liquid interface culture

The oviduct epithelium is the initial maternal contact site for embryos after fertilization, offering the microenvironment before implantation. This early gestation period is particularly sensitive to stress, which can cause reduced fertility and reproductive disorders in mammals. Nevertheless, the local impact of elevated stress hormones on the oviduct epithelium has received limited attention to date, except for a few reports on polyovulatory species like mice and pigs. In this study, we focused on the effects of chronic maternal stress on cattle, given its association with infertility issues in this monoovulatory species. Bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOEC) differentiated at the air–liquid interface (ALI) were stimulated with 250 nmol/L cortisol for 1 or 3 weeks. Subsequently, they were assessed for morphology, bioelectrical properties, and gene expression related to oviduct function, glucocorticoid pathway, cortisol metabolism, inflammation, and apoptosis. Results revealed adverse effects of cortisol on epithelium structure, featured by deciliation, vacuole formation, and multilayering. Additionally, cortisol exposure led to an increase in transepithelial potential difference, downregulated mRNA expression of the major glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1), upregulated the expression of cortisol-responsive genes (FKBP5, TSC22D3), and significant downregulation of oviductal glycoprotein 1 (OVGP1) and steroid receptors PGR and ESR1. The systematic comparison to a similar experiment previously performed by us in porcine oviduct epithelial cells, indicated that bovine cultures were more susceptible to elevated cortisol levels than porcine. The distinct responses between both species are likely linked to their divergence in the cortisol-induced expression changes of HSD11B2, an enzyme controlling the cellular capacity to metabolise cortisol. These findings provide insights into the species-specific reactions and reproductive consequences triggered by maternal stress.

Nanoindentation creep response of Ti–6Al–4V ELI alloy manufactured via laser powder bed fusion

The anisotropic creep response in both the XY and XZ planes of Ti–6Al–4V ELI manufactured by powder bed fusion (PBF) was examined under nanoindentation creep loading at room temperature, ranging from nm to μm scales. The stress exponent values of 4.06–4.30, rationalised through threshold stress, indicate that the creep behaviour is primarily dominated by dislocation gliding. Creep displacement results show that the anisotropic creep behaviour in the XY and XZ planes of the as-built, and heat treatment enhances the creep resistance of the XZ plane, while there is no significant difference in creep displacement between the as-built and heat-treated XY planes. Due to the higher dislocation density and compressive residual stress in the XY plane compared to the XZ plane, the creep resistance is higher in the XY plane for the as-built. It is highlighted that compressive residual stress is more relieved in the XY plane than in the XZ plane through heat treatment. The heat treatment results in improved creep resistance due to the formation of the Widmanstätten structure and β precipitates, which can impede dislocation movement under creep loading. The combination of residual stress and microstructural effects leads to anisotropic creep behaviour, suggesting that the anisotropy is inherited from the additive manufacturing process at micron scales.

BL-918 Alleviates Early Brain Injury in Rats After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Promoting Mitophagy Through the ULK1/PINK1/Parkin Pathway

Background and purposeOxidative stress plays a critical role in early brain injury (EBI) following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The small molecule ULK1 agonist, BL-918, demonstrated neuroprotective effects in other central nervous system diseases; however, its role in SAH has not yet been explored. This study aimed to evaluate whether BL-918 could provide neuroprotective effects in rats following SAH. MethodsAn SAH model was established in Sprague-Dawley rats using endovascular perforation. BL-918 was administered intraperitoneally after SAH, while the ULK1 inhibitor SBI was given intraperitoneally prior to SAH modeling. PINK1 siRNA was administered into the lateral ventricle before SAH induction. The neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of BL-918 were assessed through SAH grading, brain water content measurement, blood-brain barrier permeability, neurobehavioral tests, Western blot, immunofluorescence, TUNEL staining, DHE staining, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). ResultsAfter SAH, the expression levels of p-ULK1, PINK1, Parkin, and LC3Ⅱ increased, peaking at 24 hours post-SAH. BL-918 treatment improved neurological function in rats, reduced brain water content and blood-brain barrier permeability, and exhibited anti-oxidative stress and anti-apoptotic effects. Western blot analysis revealed that BL-918 increased the expression of p-ULK1, PINK1, Parkin, LC3Ⅱ, Bcl-xl, and Bcl-2 while inhibiting the expression of Bax and Cleaved Caspase-3. Oxidative stress-related indicators showed that BL-918 alleviated oxidative stress. Immunofluorescence and TEM results demonstrated that BL-918 promoted mitophagy and preserved mitochondrial morphology. Furthermore, the positive effects of BL-918 were reversed by SBI and PINK1 siRNA, respectively. ConclusionBL-918 promoted mitophagy through the ULK1/PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway, reduced oxidative stress following SAH, and improved both short-term and long-term neurological impairments. Thus, BL-918 treatment may offer a novel therapeutic approach for patients with SAH.

Research on the evolution law and control technology of deviatoric stress in the surrounding rock of gob-side entry retaining

Gob-side entry retaining (GER) play a crucial role in enhancing coal recovery, improving roadway stress conditions, and ensuring safe and efficient mining operations. This study focuses on investigating the stability characteristics of surrounding rock using flexible formwork concrete (FFC) along the headgate of 3405 panel. According to the fracture pattern of roof, a mechanical model of GER was developed. This study derived expressions for the support resistance of the filling body and determined its optimal bearing capacity. A FLAC3D numerical model was employed to simulate the GER process, segmented into early, middle, and late stages. Simulation results demonstrate a progression in peak deviatoric stress and extent of plastic zones in the surrounding rock. This evolution includes an initial minor increase (early stage), followed by rapid escalation (middle stage), and eventual stabilization (late stage). The middle stage emerges as critical, characterized by pronounced mining-induced stress effects on the roof. During this phase, significant changes are observed in deviatoric stress curves, with plastic zones rapidly migrating deeper into the rock mass. Practical implementation of the findings revealed a maximum deformation of the filling body of only 198 mm, affirming the feasibility of employing FFC in GER. This research provides valuable insights into managing stability concerns in GER thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency in coal mining under similar conditions.

The Stress Effects of Mandibular Movements on the Temporomandibular Joint With Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the stress changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) after sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) with finite element analysis (FEA). 5 and 10mm mandibular setback and advancement were applied to models by using SSRO and a control model without osteotomy evaluated. The articular disc was modeled as superelastic, and the stresses on the articular fossa, disc, and condyle were evaluated. The stresses on the cartilage were 1.150 MPa on the 5mm advancement model and 1.506 MPa on the 10mm advancement model. The stresses on the disc were 11.56 MPa on the 5mm advancement model, 7.94 MPa on the 10mm advancement model and the amount were significantly higher than other models. The stress, especially in the cartilage, increased with the amount of advancement. In the setback models, the stresses on the condylar cartilage and the disc were higher than in the control model, and the stress in the condylar cartilage increased with the amount of setback. SSRO increases the stresses in the TMJ components and stresses increase depending on the amount of advancement and setback and may cause the development of joint problems.

Evaluating Heat Stress Effects on Growth in Tunisian Local Kids: Enhancing Breeding Strategies for Arid Environments

Evaluating Heat Stress Effects on Growth in Tunisian Local Kids: Enhancing Breeding Strategies for Arid Environments

Effect of stress and irradiation fluence on latent track formation in swift heavy ion irradiation: A case study on TiO2

Swift Heavy Ions (SHI) irradiation, characterized by high kinetic energy ions, induces significant material/structural modification, e.g., latent track. However, the intricate interaction among various physics, i.e., mechanical stress, phase transition, and heat transfer, has been ignored in the continuum-based approaches in favor of simplicity. Here, we developed a two-dimensional coupled phase-field inelastic-thermal spike (PF-iTS) model to investigate the effect of thermal cross-talk, elastic energy, and irradiation fluence on latent track formation and size. The results reveal a shift in the critical electronic stopping energy and a reduced track radius under mechanical stress. Additionally, the study demonstrates the impact of thermal cross-talk between incidents, i.e., simultaneous and delayed double ion impacts, showing potential track merging and variations in track morphology.

A Structural Equation Modelling Approach to Examine the Mediating Effect of Stress on Diet in Culturally Diverse Women of Childbearing Age

Background: Stress has been shown to be associated with poor nutrition among young women. However, studies around the topic have major limitations in their methodologies and the role of confounding factors within this association remains unclear in the literature. Objective: To investigate the associations between stress and dietary quality/patterns in a culturally diverse population of childbearing-aged women. Methods: A secondary analysis of data from two studies conducted in UK and Lebanon was performed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to explore the role of country context, socio-economic status, and physical variables. Participants were healthy women of childbearing age (n = 493). Variables measured were dietary intake, stress, physical activity, sociodemographic variables, and Body Mass Index. These were included in the SEM analysis to examine the mediating effect of stress. Results: The results showed that, among all variables, only country had a significant effect on dietary quality and patterns through the mediatory effect of stress. Participants from Lebanon were found to have higher stress levels compared to participants from the UK, and this contributed to a lower adherence to a Mediterranean diet. Conclusion: This study shows that for women of childbearing age, having a good diet quality/pattern is dependent on stress levels and country context.

Health of Family Members of Road Transport Workers: Evaluation of Perceived Stress and Family Effectiveness

The health of road transport workers is affected by working conditions and life. However, there is a lack of studies on the level of stress and health of the families of these workers. This study aimed to evaluate the perceived stress level and family effectiveness of family members of road transport workers. A quantitative study was carried out with the family members of road transport workers in the southern region of Brazil. For data collection, a sociodemographic form, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Evaluation of Family Effectiveness Strategies were used. The data were analyzed by simple frequency, Spearman correlation coefficient (ρ) (p < 0.05), and descriptive analysis from the perspective of Systemic Organization. The sample was composed of 49 family members of road transport workers. Perceived stress was higher in family members who had more than nine years of education (p = 0.0403). Family members who scored higher in Family Effectiveness scored high on the targets of Control (p = 0.0353) (Control aims to reduce anxiety and prevent and eliminate events that threaten family stability) and Growth (p = 0.0360) (represented by attitudes that promote new roles in response to critical situations experienced by families, which require re-adaptation processes and adjustments). The Control target was significant (p = 0.0353) in families that had more than three people. The Coherence dimension (concerning self-esteem, body image, personal identity, self-confidence, and sexual identity) presented positive significance (p = 0.0244) in families with health problems and whose income was less than USD 792.00 per month (p = 0.0072). The Individuation dimension (including functions and responsibilities, where talents are reinforced, as well as initiatives that allow for the incorporation of knowledge to assume behaviors against personal/family and environmental pressures), was significant (p = 0.0138) in families with incomes over USD 792.00. The Maintenance System (strategies for decision-making, problem negotiation, ritual and traditional roles, communication patterns, standards, financial management, and approaches to maintaining family harmony) presented positive significance (p = 0.0151) in families where drivers worked as intercity drivers, as did the Stability target (p = 0.0196) (concerning the continuity of routines, structure, organization, traditions, and values assumed by the family and transmitted from generation to generation, which promote unity and the development of values, attitudes, and beliefs). In conclusion, social factors, such as education, income, diseases, type of worker activity in road transport, and number of people in the family, influenced perceived stress and family effectiveness, which demonstrates the need to increase the promotion of health care for the families of road transport workers.

Combined Effects of Environmental Metals and Physiological Stress on Lipid Dysregulation

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading cause of mortality worldwide, influenced by genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. This study examines the relationship between heavy metal exposure, chronic physiological stress (allostatic load), and lipid profiles, which are markers of CVD risk, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018. Methods: We utilized structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore the associations between blood levels of lead, cadmium, allostatic load (AL), and lipid measures (low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides). The AL index was derived from cardiovascular, inflammatory, and metabolic biomarkers and categorized into quartiles to identify high-risk individuals, with an index out of 10 subsequently developed. Results: The SEM analysis revealed that both heavy metal exposure and allostatic load are significantly associated with lipid profiles. Higher levels of lead and cadmium were associated with increased LDL and triglycerides, while higher AL scores were linked to increased LDL and triglycerides and decreased HDL levels. Age was also a significant factor, showing positive correlations with LDL and triglycerides, and a negative correlation with HDL. Conclusions: This study underscores the multifactorial nature of CVD, highlighting the combined impact of environmental pollutants and physiological stress on lipid dysregulation. These findings suggest the need for integrated public health strategies that address both environmental exposures and chronic stress to mitigate cardiovascular risk. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and develop targeted interventions.

Acclimation during Embryogenesis Remodulates Telomerase Activity and Gene Expression in Baikal Whitefish Larvae, Mitigating the Effects of Acute Temperature Stress

Acclimation through the hormesis effect increases the plasticity of organisms, which has been shown for many ectothermic animals, including fish. We investigated the effect of temperature acclimation in Baikal whitefish Coregonus baicalensis (Dybowski, 1874). Telomere length, telomerase activity, and the expression of genes, whose products are involved in the regulation of telomere length and defense against reactive oxygen species, were selected to assess the state of the larvae. Acclimation and acute temperature stress (+12 °C) had no effect on telomere length, but altered telomerase activity (acclimation decreased it; stress increased it) and the levels of genes expression. Under stress, the expression of superoxide dismutase genes was increased in acclimated larvae and that of glutathione peroxidases in non-acclimated larvae, which may indicate lower reactive oxygen species formation and slower antioxidant responses in acclimated fish. The expression of some telomere-related genes was reduced under temperature stress, but the expression of the tzap and smg genes, whose products improve the control of telomere length by preventing them from lengthening or shortening, was increased in acclimated individuals. The data obtained indicate a positive effect of acclimation on the state of the Baikal whitefish larvae by remodulation of their telomerase activity and the transcriptional profile.

The effect of dietary supplementation of a Bacillus-based direct fed-microbial on Pekin duck subjected to heat stress challenge

Limited research investigating the use of direct-fed microbials (DFM) to mitigate the effects of heat stress in Pekin ducks exists. This study evaluated the use of a DFM at different inclusion rates. Treatments included commercial-type basal diet (CON), or CON supplemented with 125, 250, 500, or 750 ppm DFM. On d 21–35, ducks were subjected to a cyclic heat stress challenge for 12 h/d. Performance, gait scores, footpad lesions, complete cell blood counts, total plasma corticosterone concentrations, fear testing, bone health, litter quality, and gut health were measured. Body weight on d 35 was lower for CON (p < 0.05) than all other treatments. Feed conversion (d 15–35) was higher (p > 0.05) in CON than all other treatments. Total plasma corticosterone concentrations and heterophil to lymphocyte ratios were greater for CON (p < 0.05) compared to all other treatments, indicating lower stress susceptibility in DFM treatments. The CON had lower villus height (p < 0.05) than the 125 and 250 ppm DFM treatments. There was a quadratic response observed with 500 ppm as the peak in performance and stress measures indicating it may be the optimum. These results indicate that DFM supplementation during heat stress can improve duck performance and welfare.

Nighttime-specific differential gene expression in suprachiasmatic nucleus and habenula is associated with resilience to chronic social stress

The molecular mechanisms that link stress and biological rhythms still remain unclear. The habenula (Hb) is a key brain region involved in regulating diverse types of emotion-related behaviours while the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the body’s central clock. To investigate the effects of chronic social stress on transcription patterns, we performed gene expression analysis in the Hb and SCN of stress-naïve and stress-exposed mice. Our analysis revealed a large number of differentially expressed genes and enrichment of synaptic and cell signalling pathways between resilient and stress-naïve mice at zeitgeber 16 (ZT16) in both the Hb and SCN. This transcriptomic signature was nighttime-specific and observed only in stress-resilient mice. In contrast, there were relatively few differences between the stress-susceptible and stress-naïve groups across time points. Our results reinforce the functional link between circadian gene expression patterns and differential responses to stress, thereby highlighting the importance of temporal expression patterns in homoeostatic stress responses.

The Effect of Work Discipline, Motivation, and Work Stress on Employee Job Satisfaction

The Effect of Work Discipline, Motivation, and Work Stress on Employee Job Satisfaction

Promoting salutogenic pathways to health through complementary and integrative health approaches

Health restoration and disease prevention are important strategies to achieve health and well-being. This Perspective provides a conceptual overview of the key concepts of salutogenesis (health restoration), chronic stress, resilience, and emotional well-being, and describes how they are distinct and interrelated. We posit, and demonstrate through scientific evidence, that complementary and integrative health approaches, including mind and body interventions, can be used to mitigate the effects of chronic stress and promote salutogenic pathways. Our goal is to identify research gaps and opportunities and suggest ways to advance the knowledge base for mechanistic and clinical research in this field.

The effect of chronic predatory stress on the histostructure of the rat liver

One of the topical issues of modern circulatory physiology is the study of the peculiarities of the influence of chronic emotional stress on the histostructure of the liver.Aim: To study changes in the histostructure of the liver in the simulation of chronic predatory stress.Methodology and Research Methods. The study was conducted on 60 male Wistar rats weighing 220–370 g, divided into control and experimental groups of 30 rats each. Modeling of chronic predatory stress was performed according to the method of V.E. Zeilikman et al. (2021). Histological examination of the liver was performed in animals of the control and experimental groups. The preparations were stained with hematoxylin-eosin.Results. Under conditions of chronic predatory stress, stress-induced changes develop in the liver of rats. Transformation of hepatocytes occurs with the development of dystrophic changes, expansion and fullness of sinusoidal capillaries with compression of hepatic beams and destruction of hepatic lobules, a decrease in the parenchymal-stromal ratio. Foci of foamy accumulation of macrophages appear without signs of necrosis, single or group apoptotic hepatocytes. Necrotic foci are formed. The number of Kupffer cells and binucleated hepatocytes increases.Conclusion. With chronic predatory stress, the processes of dystrophy, necrosis and apoptosis of hepatocytes, signs of phagocytosis and regenerative processes, and decreased immune protection develop in the liver of rats.

Anti-Oxidative Stress and Immunosuppressive Effects of Ethanol Extract from Sacha Inchi Leaves in Mice with CFA-induced Rheumatoid Arthrit

Anti-Oxidative Stress and Immunosuppressive Effects of Ethanol Extract from Sacha Inchi Leaves in Mice with CFA-induced Rheumatoid Arthrit