Evaluation Of Reactive Oxygen Species Research Articles

Natural Clay-Modified Piezocatalytic Membrane for Efficient Removal of Coliform Bacteria from Wastewater.

In the modern era, water pollution, especially from industries, agricultural farms, and residential areas, is caused by the release of a large scale of heavy metals, organic pollutants, chemicals, etc., into the environment, posing a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems and nature. Moreover, untreated sewage waste discharged directly into nearby water bodies can cause various diseases to mankind due to the high load of fecal coliform bacteria. This work demonstrates the development of a biocompatible, cost-effective, highly robust, efficient, flexible, freestanding, and reusable membrane using naturally formed biocompatible kaolinite clay-doped poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) for effective piezodynamic destruction of coliform bacteria. In this study, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) have been used to evaluate the mechanical stimulus-responsive antibacterial efficacy of the nanocomposite membrane. The membrane can effectively eradicate nearly 99% viable E. coli and 97% E. faecalis within a span of 40 min under mechanical stimulation (soft ultrasound ∼15 kHz). To further understand the mechanism, an evaluation of reactive oxygen species and bacterial FESEM was performed. These studies revealed that bacterial cells suffered severe visible cell damage after 40 min of piezocatalysis, elucidating the fact that the synthesized membrane is capable of producing a superior piezodynamic antibacterial effect.

Water extract of moschus alleviates erastin-induced ferroptosis by regulating the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway in HT22 cells

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMoschus, first described in the Shennong's Classic of the Materia medicine, is a scarce and precious animal medicine. Modern pharmacological researches have suggested that Moschus has neuroprotective actions, and its mechanism is related to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptosis effects. Ferroptosis is one of the major pathologies of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is widely implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of AD. Although previous studies have suggested that Moschus possesses neuroprotective effect, whether Moschus could mitigate neuronal damages by inhibiting the onset of ferroptosis is unknown in model cells of AD. Aim of the studyThe aim of study was to explore the water extract of Moschus (WEM) on ferroptosis caused by erastin and the potential mechanism. Materials and methodsErastin was used to stimulate HT22 cells to form ferroptosis model to evaluate the anti-ferroptosis effect of WEM by cell counting kit-8 and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) tests. The malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) kits are used for detection of MDA and GSH levels, and 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate and C11 BODIPY 581/591 fluorescence probe are used for evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxide (LOOH) levels. And Western blot was used to test nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and ferroptosis associated proteins including glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), cystine/glutamate antiporter subunit (SLC7A11), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), ferroportin1 (FPN1), transferrin receptor (TFRC). In addition, the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 was applied to verify whether WEM prevents erastin-induced ferroptosis by activating the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. ResultsAfter WEM treatment, erastin-induced HT22 cell survival was significantly elevated, the accumulation of intracellular MDA, ROS, and LOOH were significantly reduced, the level of GSH and expressions of ferroptosis inhibitors GPX4 and SLC7A11 were significantly increased, and iron metabolism-related proteins TFRC, FPN1, and FTH1 were regulated. These effects of WEM are implemented by activating the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that WEM could perform neuroprotective effects by alleviating ferroptosis, verified that WEM treatment of AD can be mediated by the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway, and provided theoretical support for the application of WEM in the treatment of AD.

Embryotoxic Effects of Pesticides in Zebrafish (Danio rerio): Diflubenzuron, Pyriproxyfen, and Its Mixtures.

Diflubenzuron (DFB) and pyriproxyfen (PPF) are larvicides used in crops to control insect plagues. However, these pesticides are known to impact non-target organisms like fish and mammals. Here, we aimed at assessing the embryotoxicity of purified DFB, PPF, and their mixtures in a non-target organism-zebrafish. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to different concentrations for 120 h: 0.025, 0.125, 0.25, 1.25, 2.5, and 10 mg/L of purified PPF and purified DFB, while we used 0.025 mg/L PPF + 10 mg/L DFB (Mix A), 0.125 mg/L PPF + 10 mg/L DFB (Mix B), and 0.25 mg/L PPF + 10 mg/L DFB (Mix C) for the mixtures of PPF + DFB. We observed mortality, teratogenicity, and cardiotoxicity. For the neurotoxicity tests and evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the brain, embryos were exposed for 120 h to 0.379 and 0.754 mg/L of PPF and 0.025 and 0.125 mg/L of DFB. We established the LC50 for PPF as 3.79 mg/L, while the LC50 for DFB was not determinable. Survival and hatching were affected by PPF concentrations above 0.125 mg/L, DFB concentrations above 1.25 mg/L, and the lower pesticide mixtures. PPF exposure and mixtures induced different types of malformations, while a higher number of malformations were observed for the mixtures, suggesting a potentiating effect. Pesticides diminished avoidance responses and increased the levels of ROS across all concentrations, indicating neurotoxicity. Our findings underscore the detrimental impact of PPF and DFB exposure, spanning from biochemistry to morphology. There is a critical need to reconsider the global use of these pesticides and transition to more ecologically friendly forms of pest control, raising an alarm regarding repercussions on human and animal health and well-being.

Urolithin B inhibits proliferation and migration and promotes apoptosis and necrosis by inducing G2/M arrest and targeting MMP-2/-9 expression in osteosarcoma cells.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most prevalent primary bone cancer, with a high morbidity and mortality rate. Over the past decades, therapeutic approaches have not considerably improved patients' survival rates, and further research is required to find efficient treatments for OS. Data from several studies have shown that urolithin B (UB), the intestinal metabolite of polyphenolic ellagitannins, is emerging as a new class of anticancer compounds, yet its effect on OS cancer cells remains elusive. Herein, we investigated UB's antimetastatic, antiproliferative, and apoptotic effects on the MG-63 OS cell line. Cell viability assay, annexin V/propidium iodide staining, cell cycle arrest analysis, determination of the gene expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, Bax, Bcl-2, and p53 messenger RNA (mRNA), evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and migration, and MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein expression assessments were performed. UB caused late apoptosis, necrosis, G2/M arrest, and ROS generation in MG-63 cells. It increased the mRNA expression of the p53 tumor suppressor and Bax proapoptotic genes. UB also inhibited the migration and metastatic behavior of MG-63 OS cells by downregulating mRNA and MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein expression. In general, although further in vivo investigations are warranted, the current results showed that UB might be utilized as a potential novel natural compound for OS therapy due to its nontoxic, antiproliferative, and antimetastatic nature.

Evaluation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Generated on the Surface of Copper Using Chemiluminesence

Evaluation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Generated on the Surface of Copper Using Chemiluminesence

Metformin Acutely Mitigates Oxidative Stress in Human Atrial Tissue: A Pilot Study in Overweight Non-Diabetic Cardiac Patients.

Metformin, the first-line drug in type 2 diabetes mellitus, elicits cardiovascular protection also in obese patients via pleiotropic effects, among which the anti-oxidant is one of the most investigated. The aim of the present study was to assess whether metformin can acutely mitigate oxidative stress in atrial tissue harvested from overweight non-diabetic patients. Right atrial appendage samples were harvested during open-heart surgery and used for the evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by means of confocal microscopy (superoxide anion) and spectrophotometry (hydrogen peroxide). Experiments were performed after acute incubation with metformin (10 µM) in the presence vs. absence of angiotensin II (AII, 100 nM), lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 μg/mL), and high glucose (Gluc, 400 mg/dL). Stimulation with AII, LPS, and high Gluc increased ROS production. The magnitude of oxidative stress correlated with several echocardiographic parameters. Metformin applied in the lowest therapeutic concentration (10 µM) was able to decrease ROS generation in stimulated but also non-stimulated atrial samples. In conclusion, in a pilot group of overweight non-diabetic cardiac patients, acute incubation with metformin at a clinically relevant dose alleviated oxidative stress both in basal conditions and conditions that mimicked the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, acute inflammation, and uncontrolled hyperglycemia.

Evaluation of reactive oxygen species and photocatalytic degradation of ethylene using β-Ag2MoO4/g-C3N4 composites

The photocatalytic degradation of ethylene is an efficient technology applied to the fruit ripening control. When photocatalytic reactions remove ethylene from the storage and transportation environment of fruits and vegetables, the respiration rate decreases, and the quality of food is preserved for a long time. It is well known that photocatalysis involves the photogeneration of electron-hole pairs (e−/h+) under light irradiation, separation, and migration of charges on the material surface, oxidation and reduction reactions involving electrons and holes pairs, and charge recombination on the catalyst surface. In this study, we report the syntheses, characterization, and evaluation of photocatalytic activity of the β-Ag2MoO4/g-C3N4 photocatalysts to degrade ethylene in the gas phase under UV-A irradiation. The effect of the β-Ag2MoO4:g-C3N4 ratio on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and increasing the electron/hole charge separation is evaluated in detail. Under UV-A illumination and the absence of water, superoxide radicals are most efficiently produced in hybrid samples containing a higher g-C3N4 percentage, but lower O2·− amount is formed in pure g-C3N4. The hybrid samples containing higher amounts of g-C3N4 are more efficient to degrade ethylene because of better e− and h+ charge separation and superoxide radicals’ formation, which participate in ethylene degradation.

17β-Estradiol Abrogates Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation after Cortical Stab Wound Injury.

Disruptions in brain energy metabolism, oxidative damage, and neuroinflammation are commonly seen in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Microglial activation is the hallmark of neuroinflammation. After brain injury, microglia also act as a double-edged sword with distinctive phenotypic changes. Therefore, therapeutic applications to potentiate microglia towards pro-inflammatory response following brain injury have become the focus of attention in recent years. Here, in the current study, we investigated the hypothesis that 17β-estradiol could rescue the mouse brain against apoptotic cell death and neurodegeneration by suppressing deleterious proinflammatory response probably by abrogating metabolic stress and oxidative damage after brain injury. Male C57BL/6N mice were used to establish a cortical stab wound injury (SWI) model. Immediately after brain injury, the mice were treated with 17β-estradiol (10 mg/kg, once every day via i.p. injection) for one week. Immunoblotting and immunohistochemical analysis was performed to examine the cortical and hippocampal brain regions. For the evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduced glutathione (GSH), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), we used specific kits. Our findings revealed that 17β-estradiol treatment significantly alleviated SWI-induced energy dyshomeostasis and oxidative stress by increasing the activity of phospho-AMPK (Thr172) and by regulating the expression of an antioxidant gene (Nrf2) and cytoprotective enzymes (HO-1 and GSH) to mitigate ROS. Importantly, 17β-estradiol treatment downregulated gliosis and proinflammatory markers (iNOS and CD64) while significantly augmenting an anti-inflammatory response as evidenced by the robust expression of TGF-β and IGF-1 after brain injury. The treatment with 17β-estradiol also reduced inflammatory mediators (Tnf-α, IL-1β, and COX-2) in the injured mouse. Moreover, 17β-estradiol administration rescued p53-associated apoptotic cell death in the SWI model by regulating the expression of Bcl-2 family proteins (Bax and Bcl-2) and caspase-3 activation. Finally, SWI + 17β-estradiol-treated mice illustrated reduced brain lesion volume and enhanced neurotrophic effect and the expression of synaptic proteins. These findings suggest that 17β-estradiol is an effective therapy against the brain secondary injury-induced pathological cascade following trauma, although further studies may be conducted to explore the exact mechanisms.

Induced reprogramming of oxidative stress responses in cucumber by Trichoderma asperellum (Iran 3062C) enhances defense against cucumber mosaic virus

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), with the widest host range among viruses, causes drastic yield losses in hosts. Due to the lack of appropriate and efficient control methods, development of new strategies to control CMV are necessary. The study of the host-pathogen-antagonist interaction from a biochemical and molecular perspective is of crucial importance for understanding the dynamics of infectious processes. Herein, we demonstrate the activity of the fungus Trichoderma asperellum (Iran 3062C) against CMV in cucumber plants. T. asperellum had the ability to control CMV infection in cucumber by inhibiting the virus, as assessed by the absence of the CMV amplification using Q-PCR. Molecular mechanisms underlying mediated resistance induced by T. asperellum were investigated by Q-PCR and the results confirmed that transcription levels of resistance-related genes (pr1, pal1, etr1, sod, rip and lox1), increased effectively in the presence of T. asperellum against CMV. Evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ROS scavenging enzymes (SOD, LOX1, POX, CAT) level showed significantly different increase in the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content in plants infected by CMV alone or in the presence of T. asperellum, confirming the involvement of ROS in plant defense responses. In conclusion, the Q-PCR and enzymatic assay results illustrated a significant increase in the JA/ET/SA related genes and enzymes, which suggested that T. asperellum (Iran 3062C) was able to induce systemic resistance against CMV, involving JA/ET/ SA signaling pathway.

Evaluation of antioxidant potential of Heliotropium bacciferum Forssk extract and wound healing activity of its topical formulation in rat

Wound healing is a dynamic process that occurs in the tissue under the skin. During this process, oxidative stress biomarkers are excessively produced, which finally lead to inflammation and cellular damage. In this study, efforts have been made to evaluate the antioxidant effect and wound healing activity topical formulation containing Heliotropium bacciferum Forssk extract. The in vitro antioxidant properties were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activities and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The herbal ointments (2.5% w/w and 5% w/w) were prepared from the hydroalcoholic extract of H. bacciferum Forssk and administrated on the induced wounds in Wistar rats. The chromatic assay, percentage of wound contraction, and histopathological studies were used for evaluating the wound healing activity. For the evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), catalase (CAT) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) levels were examined. The DPPH method showed tremendous radical scavenging activities at the corresponding concentrations with EC50 value of 80μg/mL. Topical application of the ointment (5% w/w) showed the highest wound contraction in comparison to the positive control (treated with CICALFATE™) and the control group (treated with normal saline). Similarly, the histological study of the group treated with the extract ointment (5% w/w) showed full collagen tissue deposition with a complete epidermal regeneration. The results of the assessment of GSH levels as well as CAT and SOD activities in the treated group (5% w/w) confirmed the scavenging property of the extract ointment. Our findings indicated the proper wound healing impact of the topical formulation of H. bacciferum Forssk due to its notable antioxidant capacity.

Hsp22 Inhibits Oxidative Stress-Induced Endplate Chondrocyte Apoptosis by Regulating Mitochondrial Pathway

Background:Facet joint degeneration (FJD), which is also called facet joint syndrome (FJS), has become one of the most commonly seen etiological factors for lumbago. Cartilage lesion triggered by lumbar facet joint (LFJ) degeneration might be related to mitochondrial impairment, but the its underlying mechanism remains unclear.Materials and methods:The endplate chondrocytes were induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to mimic the pathological conditions of oxidative stress. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used for the evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) level was assessed using ATP detection, along with the detection the expression of cytochrome C in mitochondria (mito-cyt c) and in cell cytoplasm (cyto-cyt c) and cleaved caspase 3 by Western blot analysis. TUNEL assay was conducted for the measurement of cell apoptosis in endplate chondrocytes. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to verify the expression of heat shock protein 22 (HSP22) and the transfection efficiency of HSP22 interference plasmid.Results:It was found that H2O2promoted the mitochondrial dysfunction, ROS generation and cell apoptosis in endplate chondrocytes. Moreover, HSP22 was down-regulated in H2O2-induced endplate chondrocytes, and interference of HSP22 decreased the ROS production, increased the ATP level and promoted the cell apoptosis, resulting in the enhanced impairment of endplate chondrocytes. Additionally, mitochondrial ROS inhibitor (Mito-TEMPO) ameliorated the injury effects of HSP22 silencing in the H2O2-induced endplate chondrocytes.Conclusion:In conclusion, HSP22 inhibits oxidative stress-induced endplate chondrocyte apoptosis by regulating mitochondrial pathway, possibly providing novel guidance direction for the treatment of LFJ degeneration.

Metabolic and molecular basis for the salt and alkali responses of Suaeda corniculata

High salinity and alkalinity, two of the most widespread abiotic stressors which largely impact plant growth and development. Most researches focus on how plant cope with neutral salt stress, the underlying mechanism of plant response to alkali stress has not been systematically studied, and little information is available as reference. The halophyte Suaeda corniculata is an outstanding pasture with strong tolerance to salt and alkali stress. Here, the combined analysis of 1H NMR-based metabolomics, 2DE-based proteomics and physiological observation were performed, to demonstrate the comparison on metabolic and molecular network of S. corniculata responsive to salt and alkali stress. Our results showed that the alkali stress induced more severe effect on the plant growth than salt stress. The metabolomic and proteomic characteristics showed distinct regulation patterns in response to salt and alkali in S. corniculata. The evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging systems, as well as abundance patterns of salt and alkali-responsive proteins or metabolites indicated that the hyper activation of ROS scavenging system, including APX dependent AsA-GSH cycle and Prx/Trx pathway, played a major role in maintaining redox homeostasis to alleviate oxidative damage. In addition, the accumulation of glycine betaine mainly contributes to the re-establishment of osmotic homeostasis. Importantly, the high abundance of germin-like proteins and enzymes involved in fatty acid metabolism might positively contribute to the alkali tolerance of S. corniculata. Together, this study provides novel insights into the physiological and metabolic features in halophyte S. corniculata to salt and alkali stress, and this deepens our understanding of how halophytes reprogram the molecular activities to cope with salinity and alkalinity in soil.

Role of ascorbic acid in the regulation of epigenetic processes induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis in endothelial-committed oral stem cells

Periodontitis is a common inflammatory disease that affects the teeth-supporting tissue and causes bone and tooth loss. Moreover, in a worldwide population, periodontal disease is often associated with cardiovascular diseases. Emerging studies have reported that one of the major pathogens related to periodontitis is Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), which triggers the inflammatory intracellular cascade. Here, we hypothesized a possible protective effect of ascorbic acid (AA) in the restoration of the physiological molecular pathway after exposure to lipopolysaccharide derived from P. gingivalis (LPS-G). In particular, human gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hGMSCs) and endothelial-differentiated hGMSCs (e-hGMSCs) exposed to LPS-G showed upregulation of p300 and downregulation of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), proteins associated with DNA methylation and histone acetylation. The co-treatment of AA and LPS-G showed a physiological expression of p300 and DNMT1 in hGMSCs and e-hGMSCs. Moreover, the inflammatory process triggered by LPS-G was demonstrated by evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their intracellular localization. AA exposure re-established the physiological ROS levels. Despite the limitations of in vitro study, these findings collectively expand our knowledge regarding the molecular pathways involved in periodontal disease, and suggest the involvement of epigenetic modifications in the development of periodontitis.

Chemical oxidation of selenite to selenate: Evaluation of reactive oxygen species and O transfer pathways

Naturally occurring selenium is usually found in shales, mostly in the form of reduced selenides or elemental selenium metal. In contrast, downstream oxic waters and soils contain the oxidized forms of selenium as the oxyanions selenite (HSeO3−, SeO32−) and selenate (SeO42−). Whereas the oxidation of selenides to selenium oxyanions is possible in the presence of O2, the actual mechanisms of oxidation, and selenate formation in particular, are not fully understood. In this work, reactive oxygen species were evaluated for selenite oxidation within batch reactors at circumneutral pH. Complete selenite oxidation to selenate by ozone (O3) and hypochlorite (OCl−, as a positive control) occurred within minutes and seconds, respectively. Partial oxidation of selenite to selenate by hydrogen peroxide required two weeks reaction at 2 M H2O2. Hydroxyl radicals were generated by photocatalytic decomposition of H2O2 and oxidized selenite completely within six hours. Singlet oxygen, superoxide, and peroxynitrite were not observed to oxidize selenite. By using selenite and H2O with varying δ18O isotopic compositions in oxidation experiments, it was possible to infer the two different sources of O during selenate formation. Selenate inherits three O from selenite and is suggested to acquire the fourth O via O transfer from the oxidants studied here.

Synthesis, X-ray crystal structure, thermal behavior and evaluation as an in vitro cytotoxic agent of a tin(IV) complex containing dipicolinic acid

Coordination compound (dmapH)2[Sn(pydc)3]·2H2O (where pydc is pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate and dmapH is 4-dimethylaminopyridine) was prepared from the reaction between the proton-transfer compound, [dmapH]2[pydc2−] and SnCl4·5H2O metal salt. The structure was fully characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and distorted tricapped triangular prism geometry was realized for it. The thermal behavior of the complex was investigated by TGA-DTA analyses. Then, inhibitory effect of both the complex and its ligand was tested, using oxaliplatin as a standard, under MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) method, against U251 (a human glioblastoma), H1299 (a human non-small cell lung carcinoma), βTC (a mouse beta pancreatic), A431 (an epidermoid carcinoma) and HFF (a human foreskin fibroblast) cell lines. Potent and selective anti-proliferative effect of the complex (IC50 = 1 μM, MAE = 65.32%) and also intense decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was exhibited on A431 cells. Evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cited cells confirmed that apoptotic pathway may be a possible mode for the death of cells. In order to evaluate the cellular internalization potential of the complex, A431 cells were incubated with it at IC50 concentration. The recorded fluorescent images confirmed successful penetration of the complex.

Ingestion and effects of polystyrene nanoparticles in the silkworm Bombyx mori

Information on the occurrence and effects of nanoplastics in ecosystems worldwide currently represent one of the main challenges from the ecotoxicological point of view. This is particularly true for terrestrial environments, in which nanoplastics are released directly by human activities or derive from the fragmentation of larger plastic items incorrectly disposed. Since insects can represent a target for these emerging contaminants in land-based community, the aim of this study was the evaluation of ingestion of 0.5 μm polystyrene nanoplastics and their effects in silkworm (Bombyx mori) larvae, a useful and well-studied insect model. The ingestion of nanoplastics, the possible infiltration in the tissues and organ accumulation were checked by confocal microscopy, while we evaluated the effects due to the administered nanoplastics through a multi-tier approach based on insect development and behaviour assessment, as endpoints at organism level, and the measurements of some biochemical responses associated with the imbalance of the redox status (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione s-transferase, reactive oxygen species evaluation, lipid peroxidation) to investigate the cellular and molecular effects. We observed the presence of microplastics in the intestinal lumen, but also inside the larvae, specifically into the midgut epithelium, the Malpighian tubules and in the haemocytes. The behavioural observations revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increase of erratic movements and chemotaxis defects, potentially reflecting negative indirect effects on B. mori survival and fitness, while neither effect on insect development nor redox status imbalance were measured, with the exception of the significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of superoxide dismutase activity.

Paeonia lactiflora improves ovarian function and oocyte quality in aged female mice.

Although ovarian aging is a key cause of decreased ovarian function and oocyte quality, it remains a problem in infertility treatment. Therefore, this study is aimed to investigate whether Paeonia lactiflora (PL), a herb improves ovarian function and oocyte quality using aged female mice. C57BL/6 female mice aged 8 months were treated orally every day with PL of 26.5 mg/kg (n=7) and 53 mg/kg (n=7) of body weight for 4 weeks using an oral zoned needle. The control group (n=7) was treated with normal saline. Ovaries and serum were collected for the H&E stain and the evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, respectively. In the second experiment, female mice were orally administered with PL (26.5 mg/kg: n=12, 53 mg/kg: n=12, control: n=12) and then superovulated with PMSG and hCG, and mated with male mice. Zygotes were retrieved and cultured for 4 days. Ovaries were provided for examination of expressions of genes associated with angiogenesis (VEGF and visfatin), anti-aging (Sirt1 and Sirt2), and follicular development (c-Kit, BMP-15, and GDF-9). PL significantly increased numbers of surviving follicles (primordial, primary, secondary, and antral), numbers of zygotes retrieved, embryo development rate, and ovarian expression of VEGF, visfatin, c-Kit, BMP-15, and GDF-9 at both doses. However, ovarian expression of Sirt1 and Sirt2 was increased at 53.0 mg/kg of PL. ROS levels were not affected by PL. These results suggest that PL may possess beneficial effects regarding ovarian function and oocyte quality, possibly by activation of ovarian angiogenesis and follicular development.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by lymphocytes in rats treated with a common food additive E407a

This research deals with the evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in lymphocytes of rats orally exposed to a thickener and emulsifier E407a (semi-refined carrageenan). There is some evidence that E407a may be toxic and can induce intestinal inflammation. ROS generation in lymphocytes was assessed by flow cytometry using a dye 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA) in 8 rats treated with 140 mg of semi-refined carrageenan per kg of weight daily during two weeks and 8 control animals. A higher number of ROShigh viable lymphocytes were found in the group of animals exposed to E407a compared with controls. In addition, mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) in ROShigh lymphocytes was elevated, which is indicative of the intensification of ROS production by lymphocytes in response to E407a oral consumption.

The early developmental stages of gall-inducing insects define final gall structural and histochemical profiles: the case of Bystracoccus mataybae galls on Matayba guianensis

Gall morphotypes depend on continuous chemical and feeding stimuli of the gall inducer, which promotes specific structural and metabolic changes in plant tissues. The galling insect manipulates host-plant tissues and may stimulate the production of primary and secondary metabolites. The type of chemical arsenal and the storage site varies according to the developmental potentials of the host plant and the insect’s feeding habit. Here, we investigated whether the structural and histochemical profiles of the gall system Matayba guianensis Aubl. (Sapindaceae) – Bystracoccus mataybae (Eriococcidae) are dependent on the instars of the galling insect. Standard anatomical analyses were carried out, as well as histochemical evaluation of reactive oxygen species and primary and secondary metabolites. Structural changes induced by the first instar nymphs were detected on the stem, while deep changes induced by the second instar nymphs and adult females were detected in leaflet galls, indicating that the host-plant tissue can impose more limits on gall development and complexity than the stages of galling insect development. The compartmentalization of primary and secondary compounds is established during the early stages of development of the leaflet gall by the second instar nymphs. Despite deep structural differences between stem and leaflet galls, there were no significant changes in the establishment of the histochemical profiles.

Biological Responses of Onion-Shaped Carbon Nanoparticles.

Nanodiamonds are emerging as new nanoscale materials because of their chemical stability, excellent crystallinity, and unique optical properties. In this study, the structure of nanodiamonds was engineered to produce carbon nano-onion particles (CNOs) with multiple layers. Following a series of physicochemical characterizations of the CNOs, various evaluations for biological responses were conducted for potential biotechnological applications of the CNOs. The possibility of biological applications was first confirmed by assessment of toxicity to animal cells, evaluation of hemolysis reactions, and evaluation of reactive oxygen species. In addition, human immune cells were evaluated for any possible induction of an immune response by CNOs. Finally, the toxicity of CNOs to Escherichia coli present in the human colon was evaluated. CNOs have the chemical and physical properties to be a unique variety of carbon nanomaterials, and their toxicity to animal and human cells is sufficiently low that their biotechnological applications in the future are expected.