Increase In Total Protein Content Research Articles

ЕФЕКТИВНІСТЬ ЛІКУВАННЯ СПОРТИВНИХ КОНЕЙ ЗА МІОКАРДІОДИСТРОФІЇ

Recent years are characterized by close attention to diseases, which are often a component of metabolic syndrome (MS). The pathogenetic multifacency of the MS and the clinical heterogeneity of the manifestations of the diseases give the problem of contemporary sound, provides formation of new perspectives on their course and the development of therapies. The promising direction of drug therapy is the use of metabolic drugs. Metabolic therapy has become one of the areas in the treatment of heart failure, therefore the compulsory component of treatment should be drugs that act to stabilize the myocardial metabolism, and the correction of hypoxia and its effects is important for the adaptation of tissues to work in conditions of reduced supply of oxygen. The basis of metabolic therapy is the protection of the myocardium from cardiotoxic action of catecholamines released during physical activity, as well as energy-saving correction of oxidation processes. The purpose of the work was to study the effectiveness of metabolic therapy in sport horses for myocardial dystrophy. In order to assess the influence of metabolic syndrome (MS) on myocardium and the analysis of the effectiveness of metabolic therapy, patients with myocardial dystrophy of horses were selected. According to the results of clinical studies and analysis of indicators of blood of sick horses was divided into two groups: the first included animals that were treated, the second - which were not treated. From the control group of horses of two animals at 8 and 9 days was excluded from research due to complications due to the development of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic therapy in sports horse patients with myocardial dystrophy contributed to the restoration of work capacity, normalization of the frequency of respiration and pulse, reduction of the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias, arrhythmias and valve regurgitation, restoration of hydration (reduction of total protein content) and renal function (reduction of urea and creatinine concentrations), normalization carbohydrate metabolism, restoration and stabilization of membranes of cardiomyocytes (reduction of lactate concentration and activity of AST, СK, СK-MB, LDH, LDH-1), and consequently jay complication and development of metabolic dysfunction. In animals of the control group, which were not treated, complications of myocardial dystrophy in the form of a metabolic syndrome developed, which were manifested by an increase in the percentage of animals with reduced capacity for work, tachypnea and tachycardia, an increase in the incidence of cardiac noise, arrhythmias and valve regurgitation, the development of dehydration (increase in total protein content), violation renal function (increased urea concentration and creatinine), development of cardiomyocyte cytolysis syndrome (increased lactate and ac activity of the AST, CК, СК-MB, LDH, LDH-1).

Clinicopathologic Features and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in 24 Cats With Histopathologically Confirmed Neurologic Feline Infectious Peritonitis.

BackgroundFeline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is the most common infectious central nervous system (CNS) disease in the cat and is invariably fatal. Improved means of antemortem diagnosis is required to facilitate clinical decision making. Information regarding the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of neurologic FIP currently is limited, resulting in the need for better descriptions to optimize its use as a diagnostic tool.ObjectiveTo describe the clinicopathologic features and MRI findings in cases of confirmed neurologic FIP.AnimalsTwenty‐four client‐owned cats with histopathologic confirmation of neurologic FIP.MethodsArchived records from 5 institutions were retrospectively reviewed to identify cases with confirmed neurologic FIP that had undergone antemortem MRI of the CNS. Signalment, clinicopathologic, MRI, and histopathologic findings were evaluated.ResultsThree distinct clinical syndromes were identified: T3‐L3 myelopathy (3), central vestibular syndrome (7), and multifocal CNS disease (14). Magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities were detected in all cases, including meningeal contrast enhancement (22), ependymal contrast enhancement (20), ventriculomegaly (20), syringomyelia (17), and foramen magnum herniation (14). Cerebrospinal fluid was analysed in 11 cases; all demonstrated a marked increase in total protein concentration and total nucleated cell count. All 24 cats were euthanized with a median survival time of 14 days (range, 2–115) from onset of clinical signs. Histopathologic analysis identified perivascular pyogranulomatous infiltrates, lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, or both affecting the leptomeninges (16), choroid plexuses (16), and periventricular parenchyma (13).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceMagnetic resonance imaging is a sensitive means of detecting neurologic FIP, particularly in combination with a compatible signalment, clinical presentation, and CSF analysis.

Dynamic Acclimation to High Light in Arabidopsis thaliana Involves Widespread Reengineering of the Leaf Proteome.

Leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana transferred from low to high light increase their capacity for photosynthesis, a process of dynamic acclimation. A mutant, gpt2, lacking a chloroplast glucose-6-phosphate/phosphate translocator, is deficient in its ability to acclimate to increased light. Here, we have used a label-free proteomics approach, to perform relative quantitation of 1993 proteins from Arabidopsis wild type and gpt2 leaves exposed to increased light. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD006598. Acclimation to light is shown to involve increases in electron transport and carbon metabolism but no change in the abundance of photosynthetic reaction centers. The gpt2 mutant shows a similar increase in total protein content to wild type but differences in the extent of change of certain proteins, including in the relative abundance of the cytochrome b6f complex and plastocyanin, the thylakoid ATPase and selected Benson-Calvin cycle enzymes. Changes in leaf metabolite content as plants acclimate can be explained by changes in the abundance of enzymes involved in metabolism, which were reduced in gpt2 in some cases. Plants of gpt2 invest more in stress-related proteins, suggesting that their reduced ability to acclimate photosynthetic capacity results in increased stress.

Canine rheumatoid arthritis characterized by hyperprolactinemia

The senile female dog suffering from rheumatoid arthritis was clinically and clinicopathologically examined. The articular lesions localized in the elbows, stifles, and the carpal and tarsal joints. The dog with clinical signs of arthritis developed draining nodular lesions in the involved joints. The affected joints became swollen, and then serous exudates were observed in their ulcerative lesions. In addition, the dog developed leaks of milk (lactorrhea) in response to suckling stimuli. There were no abnormal values in hematological and blood coagulation profiles. Serum biochemical examinations showed an increase in total protein concentrations. Serum protein electrophoresis confirmed a prominent decrease in albumin and moderate increases in β1, β2 and γ-globurin. The serum prolactin concentration was apparently higher than that of normal dogs. This affected dog had raised rheumatoid factors and immune complexes. Both antinuclear antibodies and direct Coombs test were positive and serum complement titers and anti DNA antibodies were increased in this dog. In conclusion, the present results revealed that lactorrhea characterized by hyperprolactinemia and autoimmunological profiles was one of important clinical predictors associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

Sodium 2-(4-amino-(5-(furan-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole-3-ylthio)acetate, synthesis, study of biochemical indicators of blood serum cows in its use

Introduction. Heterocyclic system of 1,2,4-triazole is interesting and has a popularity among scientists around the world every year. Most attention today is attracted to the compounds formed by a combination of 1,2,4-triazole and various structural residues of an aliphatic, aromatic, heterocyclic nature. Recent publications on the study of physical, chemical and biological properties of 1,2,4-triazole substituted prove the obvious relevance of the search for potential pharmacologically active molecules is among the water-soluble derivatives of 1,2,4-triazole. It should be noted that 1,2,4-triazole derivatives are successfully used in veterinary practice as original domestic drugs.The aim of our work was to synthesize the sodium 2-(4-amino-(5-(furan-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole-3-ylthio) acetate for which we decided to provide a comparative screening studies on determination of some biochemical parameters of cows blood serum and determine the possibility of its further implementation.Materials and methods of research. As the starting compound for the synthesis it was used a 2-(4-amino-(5-(furan-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio) acetic acid. The obtained compound is an individual white crystalline substance, which is soluble in water but insoluble in organic solvents.Results and discussion. At the first day of administration of sodium 2-(4-amino-(5-(furan-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole-3-ylthio) acetate in experimental animals it was recorded significant increase in total protein content of the serum, γ-globulin, reduction of enzyme activity of lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase.On the third day it was marked increase in total protein, γ-globulin, and decrease of activity of LDH and LF. On the seventh day in the experimental animals was recorded increase of total protein and γ-globulins. Decreased activity of LDH and exercise therapy.Conclusions. First we synthesized sodium 2-(4-amino-(5-(furan-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio) acetate whose structure is confirmed by complex physical and chemical analysis methods. According to the results of the experiment revealed that intramuscular administration of 1 % aqueous solution of sodium 2-(4-amino-(5-(furan-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole-3-ylthio) acetate cows enhances total protein, γ-globulin, reduce LDH activity in cow blood serum and LF. Thus, this salt is a perspective in future implementation and can be recommended as a compound which has antioxidant, hepatoprotective, immunomodulating activity by increasing the basic biochemical indicators.

TSC2/Rheb signaling mediates ERK-dependent regulation of mTORC1 activity in C2C12 myoblasts.

The enhanced rate of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle cells results in a net increase in total protein content that leads to skeletal muscle growth/hypertrophy. The mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)‐dependent regulation of the activity of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and subsequent protein synthesis has been suggested as a regulatory mechanism; however, the exact molecular processes underlying such a regulation are poorly defined. The purpose of this study was to investigate regulatory mechanisms involved in the MEK/ERK‐dependent pathway leading to mTORC1 activation in skeletal muscle cells. Treatment with phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate (PMA), a potent agonist of protein kinase C (PKC) and its downstream effector in the MEK/ERK‐dependent pathway, resulted in the activation of mTORC1 signaling and phosphorylation of the upstream regulator tuberous sclerosis 2 (TSC2) in C2C12 myoblasts. PMA‐induced activation of mTORC1 signaling was partially prevented by treatment with U0126 (a selective inhibitor of MEK1/2) or BIX‐02189 (a selective inhibitor of MEK5) and completely blocked with BIM‐I (a selective inhibitor of upstream PKC). TSC2 phosphorylation at Ser664 (an ERK‐dependent phosphorylation site) was prevented with U0126, and BIM‐I treatment blocked PMA‐induced phosphorylation of TSC2 at multiple residues (Ser664, Ser939, and Thr1462). Overexpression of Ras homolog enriched in brain (Rheb), a downstream target of TSC2, and an mTORC1 activator, was sufficient to activate mTORC1 signaling. We also identified that PMA‐induced activation of mTORC1 signaling was significantly inhibited in the absence of Rheb with siRNA knockdown. These observations demonstrate that the PKC/MEK/ERK‐dependent activation of mTORC1 is mediated through TSC2 phosphorylation and its downstream target Rheb in C2C12 myoblasts.

Biofortification of rice with the essential amino acid lysine: molecular characterization, nutritional evaluation, and field performance.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.), a major staple crop worldwide, has limited levels of the essential amino acid lysine. We previously produced engineered rice with increased lysine content by expressing bacterial aspartate kinase and dihydrodipicolinate synthase and inhibiting rice lysine ketoglutarate reductase/saccharopine dehydrogenase activity. However, the grain quality, field performance, and integration patterns of the transgenes in these lysine-enriched lines remain unclear. In the present study, we selected several elite transgenic lines with endosperm-specific or constitutive regulation of the above key enzymes but lacking the selectable marker gene. All target transgenes were integrated into the intragenic region in the rice genome. Two pyramid transgenic lines (High Free Lysine; HFL1 and HFL2) with free lysine levels in seeds up to 25-fold that of wild type were obtained via a combination of the above two transgenic events. We observed a dramatic increase in total free amino acids and a slight increase in total protein content in both pyramid lines. Moreover, the general physicochemical properties were improved in pyramid transgenic rice, but the starch composition was not affected. Field trials indicated that the growth of HFL transgenic rice was normal, except for a slight difference in plant height and grain colour. Taken together, these findings will be useful for the potential commercialization of high-lysine transgenic rice.

Isolation and Characterization of Electrochemically Active Subsurface Delftia and Azonexus Species.

Continental subsurface environments can present significant energetic challenges to the resident microorganisms. While these environments are geologically diverse, potentially allowing energy harvesting by microorganisms that catalyze redox reactions, many of the abundant electron donors and acceptors are insoluble and therefore not directly bioavailable. Extracellular electron transfer (EET) is a metabolic strategy that microorganisms can deploy to meet the challenges of interacting with redox-active surfaces. Though mechanistically characterized in a few metal-reducing bacteria, the role, extent, and diversity of EET in subsurface ecosystems remains unclear. Since this process can be mimicked on electrode surfaces, it opens the door to electrochemical techniques to enrich for and quantify the activities of environmental microorganisms in situ. Here, we report the electrochemical enrichment of microorganisms from a deep fractured-rock aquifer in Death Valley, CA, USA. In experiments performed in mesocosms containing a synthetic medium based on aquifer chemistry, four working electrodes (WEs) were poised at different redox potentials (272, 373, 472, 572 mV vs. SHE) to serve as electron acceptors, resulting in anodic currents coupled to the oxidation of acetate during enrichment. The anodes were dominated by Betaproteobacteria from the families Comamonadaceae and Rhodocyclaceae. A representative of each dominant family was subsequently isolated from electrode-associated biomass. The EET abilities of the isolated Delftia strain (designated WE1-13) and Azonexus strain (designated WE2-4) were confirmed in electrochemical reactors using WEs poised at 522 mV vs. SHE. The rise in anodic current upon inoculation was correlated with a modest increase in total protein content. Both genera have been previously observed in mixed communities of microbial fuel cell enrichments, but this is the first direct measurement of their electrochemical activity. While alternate metabolisms (e.g., nitrate reduction) by these organisms were previously known, our observations suggest that additional ‘hidden’ interactions with external electron acceptors are also possible. Electrochemical approaches are well positioned to dissect such extracellular interactions that may be prevalent in the subsurface.

Effect of Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide on Functional State of Hepatocytes in Rats During Restraint Stress.

We studied the effect of delta sleep-inducing peptide (40, 120, and 360 μg/kg intraperitoneally, 1 h before the experiment) on free radical oxidation in the liver, aminotransferase activity, and total serum protein content in male Wistar rats during restraint stress. Treatment with the peptide in a dose of 40 μg/kg increased catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and malonic dialdehyde (MDA) concentration in the liver homogenate of animals subjected to acute stress. No significant changes were found after administration of this peptide in other doses. Under conditions of chronic stress, the peptide in a dose of 40 μg/kg caused the most pronounced effect. Catalase and SOD activities and MDA concentration decreased, while aminotransferase activity and protein content remained unchanged under these conditions. Administration of the peptide in a dose of 120 μg/kg was accompanied by a decrease in SOD activity and MDA concentration, increase in total protein content, and reduction of AST activity. Increasing the peptide dose to 360 μg/kg abolished its effects.

Mutualistic fungal endophytes produce phytohormones and organic acids that promote japonica rice plant growth under prolonged heat stress.

This study identifies the potential role in heat-stress mitigation of phytohormones and other secondary metabolites produced by the endophytic fungus Paecilomyces formosus LWL1 in japonica rice cultivar Dongjin. The japonica rice was grown in controlled chamber conditions with and without P. formosus LWL1 under no stress (NS) and prolonged heat stress (HS) conditions. Endophytic association under NS and HS conditions significantly improved plant growth attributes, such as plant height, fresh weight, dry weight, and chlorophyll content. Furthermore, P. formosus LWL1 protected the rice plants from HS compared with controls, indicated by the lower endogenous level of stress-signaling compounds such as abscisic acid (25.71%) and jasmonic acid (34.57%) and the increase in total protein content (18.76%-33.22%). Such fungal endophytes may be helpful for sustainable crop production under high environmental temperatures.

Effect of Bacillus mucilaginosus D4B1 on the structure and soil-conservation-related properties of montmorillonite

Bacillus mucilaginosus is one of the common soil bacteria and is widely used as a microbial fertilizer to release potassium from K-rich soil minerals. But few researchers have discussed possible effects that the bacteria may have on montmorillonite. This study investigated the effect of B. mucilaginosus strain on the capability of montmorillonite to retain water/cations. After 20days of interaction with B. mucilaginosus D4B1, the expansion ratios of montmorillonite samples decreased from 83.2% to 76.7%, and the cation exchange capacities (CEC) decreased from 80.8 mmol/100g to 67.8 mmol/100g, suggesting the durative interaction with the bacteria may reduce the capabilities of incorporating water molecules and nutrient into the interlayer space of montmorillonite. Morphological changes of discrete layers and etch pits were observed with scanning electron microscope (SEM). In the synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction (SR-XRD) profiles, the full-width at half maximum (FWHM) of 001 reflection increased to 0.24nm as compared to the abiotic sample (0.19nm), indicating a decreased structural order in bacteria-treated montmorillonite. Also, a new band at 1540cm−1 assigned to asymmetric stretching vibrations of carboxylate was detected by micro fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in bacteria-treated samples, suggesting the alteration in the mineral structure of montmorillonite was possibly triggered by the organic acids produced by bacteria. Moreover, in bacteria involved dispersion, a significant decrease of the pH value was coupled with a consecutive increase of total protein concentration, indicating the continuous activities of the bacteria during 20days of interaction. Above all, the decreased water-holding or cations-exchange capacity of montmorillonite was related to the partial alteration in the mineral structure of montmorillonite by B. mucilaginosus D4B1. Such a durable interaction on structural alteration of soil clays would have detrimental impact on long-term sustainability of soil resources.

Salivary flow rate and biochemical composition analysis in stimulated whole saliva of children with cystic fibrosis

ObjectiveIt is recognized that cystic fibrosis (CF) patients present a risk for oral diseases, since it affects exocrine glands, and the treatment consists of a carbohydrate-rich diet. Recognizing the protective function of saliva on maintaining oral health, the aim of the study was to evaluate salivary parameters in stimulated whole saliva from children with CF. MethodsA case-control study was conducted comparing stimulated whole saliva of healthy (n=28; control group) and CF children (n=21; experimental group). Salivary flow rate, initial pH, buffer capacity (total and in each range of pH), total protein and sialic acid (total, free, and conjugated) concentration, α-amylase and salivary peroxidase activities were evaluated. Data were compared by two-tailed Student t test (95% CI; p≤0.05). ResultsCF patients presented a significant reduction in salivary parameters compared with the control group (p≤0.05): salivary flow rate (36%), buffer capacity (pH range from 6.9 to 6.0), sialic acid concentration (total 75%, free 61%, and conjugated 83%); α-amylase and salivary peroxidase activities (55%). Additionally, a significant increase in total protein concentration (180%) of stimulated whole saliva from CF patients was verified compared with the control group (p≤0.05). ConclusionChildren with CF presented significant changes in salivary composition, including salivary flow rate, buffering capacity and protective proteins of the oral cavity, compared with children without CF.

Comparative Study on the Effect of Adding Transglutaminase to Cow’s Milk on the Properties of Low-Fat Gouda-Like Cheese

Three batches of Gouda - like cheese were prepared from whole fat (3.5% fat), reduced fat (2.5% fat) and low fat milk (1.5% fat). Another three batches were similarly made with the addition of Transglutaminase (TGase) at a rate of 0.5 g/ liter (50 unit) of milk to study the effect of enzyme on the quality of Gouda - like cheese with three levels of fat content. The obtained results showed that addition of enzyme , markedly increased the moisture content of treated milk cheese as compared with the control. The highest moisture contents for fresh and ripened cheese were found in low- fat cheese treated with the enzyme. The addition of enzyme to cheese milk led to slight decrease in fat content of the fresh and ripened cheese, while an increase in total protein content was detected for all treatments. Reducing fat content (2.5 or 1.5%) of cheese milk reduced the ripening indices (WSN, NPN, PTA-SN and TVFA) of the resultant cheeses comparing with the control. On the other hand, addition of the TGase, markedly increased the values of all ripening indices including the whole milk cheese. The addition of TGase, showed slight effect on either decreasing the acidity or raising the pH values. Reducing fat content of cheese milk lowered the enumeration of viable total bacterial counts, lipolytic and proteolytic bacteria. The incorporation of TGase increased the three bacterial groups during the first month of ripening and continued for lipolytic and proteolytic bacteria up to the end of ripening period, while TC decreased after the first month. The addition of the TGase, highly improved the organoleptic properties of the three groups of cheese.

THE INFLUENCE OF HEXACYANOFERRATE (II) POTASSIUM-FERRIC (III) AS A RADIONUCLIDE SORBENT FED AT DIFFERENT DOSES ON CLINICAL, HEMATOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN RATS

A problem to be overcome under radioactive pollution of the territory is how to produce animal products, particularly milk and meat, of due sanitary and hygienic quality. It is well known that agrotechnologies and agromelioration are not enough for decreasing transition of 137Cs from fodder to milk and meat more than 2.0-2.5 times. However, sorbents such as ferrocene-containing preparations Ferrocene, Biphezh, boluses and briquettes of lickstones can be used. Officinal ferrocene and ferrocene-2 are successfully being applied in livestock on the territories polluted with radionuclides. A substantiation of the optimal doses of fine ferrocene fed to animals necessitates the examination of possible toxicity of the preparation as far as it can sorb essential nutrients and metabolites when entering the gastrointestinal tract. The influence of hexacyanoferrate (II) potassiumferric (III), the fine blue odorless water-, alcoholand ether-insolube powder with a particle diameter of 0.002 mm, was investigated on 3 month aged Wistar line rats of 250±20 g weigh. A daily intake of the preparation with feed was 11.6, 23.2 and 32.4 mg/kg during 30 days of the experiment. We studied the hemoglobin, erythrocytes and leukocytes levels, morphological variants of leukocytes, content of SH-groups, blood serum proteins and their fractions, malonic dialdehyde level, catalase and superoxide dismutase activity in the peripheral blood, the DNA synthesis and reparation, metallotionein content in spleen lymphocytes, cellularity and weight of liver, kidney and spleen. Also appetite and reactivity of animals were examined. It was shown that the optimal daily dose of preparation is 11.6 mg/kg. With the increase of the hexacyanoferrate (II) potassium-ferric (III) daily level up to 23.2 and 32.4 mg/kg the negative reactions were observed along with the development of defense and compensatory processes. Thus, in plasma of peripheral blood the increase of total protein content due to -, and -globulin levels was shown with the simultaneous decrease in albumin level. In spleen lymphocytes the cells amount reduction in the organ, activation of the DNA synthesis and reparation processes were registered compared to control. The differences in clinical haematological and physilogical indices between experimental and control groups were not discovered. It is supposed, that the revealed changes can be due not only to essential elements deficiency caused by their sorption in a gastrointestinal tract, but also by the intake of ferrum.

Comparative proteomic analysis of a Candida albicans DSE1 mutant under filamentous and non‐filamentous conditions

Candida albicans is a common opportunistic pathogen that causes a variety of diseases in immunocompromised hosts. In a pathogen, cell wall proteins are important virulence factors. We previously characterized Dse1 as a cell wall protein necessary for virulence and resistance to cell surface-disrupting agents, such as Calcofluor white, chitin deposition, proper adhesion and biofilm formation. In the absence of decomplexation, our objectives were to investigate differential proteomic expression of a DSE1 mutant strain compared to the wild-type strain. The strains were grown under filamentous and non-filamentous conditions. The extracted cell proteome was subjected to tryptic digest, followed by generation of peptide profiles using MALDI-TOF MS. Generated peptide profiles were analysed and unique peaks for each strain and growth condition mined against a Candida database, allowing protein identification. The DSE1 mutant was shown to lack the chitin biosynthesis protein Chs5, explaining the previously observed decrease in chitin biosynthesis. The wild-type strain expressed Pra1, involved in pH response and zinc acquisition, Atg15, a lipase involved in virulence, and Sod1, required for oxidative stress tolerance, in addition to proteins involved in protein biosynthesis, explaining the increase in total protein content observed compared to the mutants strain. The mutant, on the other hand, expressed glucoamylase 1, a cell wall glycoprotein involved in carbohydrate metabolism cell wall degradation and biofilm formation. As such, MALDI-TOF MS is a reliable technique in identifying mutant-specific protein expression in C. albicans.

The mycotoxin deoxynivalenol predisposes for the development of Clostridium perfringens-induced necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens.

Both mycotoxin contamination of feed and Clostridium perfringens-induced necrotic enteritis have an increasing global economic impact on poultry production. Especially the Fusarium mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) is a common feed contaminant. This study aimed at examining the predisposing effect of DON on the development of necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens. An experimental Clostridium perfringens infection study revealed that DON, at a contamination level of 3,000 to 4,000 µg/kg feed, increased the percentage of birds with subclinical necrotic enteritis from 20±2.6% to 47±3.0% (P<0.001). DON significantly reduced the transepithelial electrical resistance in duodenal segments (P<0.001) and decreased duodenal villus height (P = 0.014) indicating intestinal barrier disruption and intestinal epithelial damage, respectively. This may lead to an increased permeability of the intestinal epithelium and decreased absorption of dietary proteins. Protein analysis of duodenal content indeed showed that DON contamination resulted in a significant increase in total protein concentration (P = 0.023). Furthermore, DON had no effect on in vitro growth, alpha toxin production and netB toxin transcription of Clostridium perfringens. In conclusion, feed contamination with DON at concentrations below the European maximum guidance level of 5,000 µg/kg feed, is a predisposing factor for the development of necrotic enteritis in broilers. These results are associated with a negative effect of DON on the intestinal barrier function and increased intestinal protein availability, which may stimulate growth and toxin production of Clostridium perfringens.

Ultrastructural and biochemical analysis of the effects of alendronate on salivary glands of young rats

IntroductionThe bisphosphonates are drugs known by their antiresorptive potency and are widely prescribed for treating and preventing osteoporosis. In the past years the employment of this class of drugs had spread to other pathologies, and it is being prescribed to patients in a wide range of ages. Some adverse effects of bisphosphonate treatment have been highlighted recently, however, little is known about its potential side effects in salivary glands. MethodsNewborn rats received daily doses of 2.5mg/kg/day of sodium alendronate during 30 days. On the thirtieth day the animals were stimulated with pilocarpine and their parotid and submandibular glands were collected, fixed and embedded for histological and ultrastructural analysis. Some glands were collected for analysis of protein content and amylase activity. ResultsAt light microscopy, the alendronate-treated animals presented an accumulation of secretion granules in their cytoplasm, which was confirmed by the ultrastructural examination. Biochemical analysis revealed an increase in total protein content and decreased amylase levels of both glands in the alendronate-treated animals in relation to the control. ConclusionBased on the current findings, alendronate is probably interfering in secretory pathways of parotid and submandibular glands.

Selected antibacterial factors in the saliva of diabetic patients

ObjectiveDiabetes mellitus leads to many systemic complications, including changes in the morphology, function of the salivary glands, and the composition of saliva. DesignThe study comprised a randomly selected 156 adults, of both genders, aged from 21 to 79, out of which patients with diabetes type 1 and 2, and healthy subjects forming two control age- and gender matched to the ill subjects. In unstimulated mixed saliva, total protein, peroxidase, myeloperoxidase and immunoglobulin A were measured as well as salivary flow rate. The periodontal condition was assessed with the use of GI, mSBI and PSR index. The obtained data were analysed with the use of U Mann–Whitney's test, Spearman's rang correlation and Chi-square test at a significant level of p<0.05 with use of Statistica 9.0 software. ResultsType 1 diabetics in comparison to healthy age and gender matched control group had a lower salivary flow rate (p<0.01), a higher content of total protein (p<0.01), myeloperoxidase (p<0.001) and immunoglobulin A (p<0.001). Similarly, type 2 diabetics in comparison to control subjects had a higher level of total protein concentration (p<0.01), myeloperoxidase (p<0.05) and immunoglobulin A (p<0.001). We also found worse periodontal condition. ConclusionWithin the limitation of the study it may be stated that diabetes type 1 and 2 can cause abnormalities in salivary glands function resulting in the diminishing of salivary flow rate and the increase in total protein content. Higher levels of myeloperoxidase and IgA in the saliva can be linked to worse periodontal condition in the diabetic patients.

Effects of copper exposure on the energy metabolism in juveniles of the marine clam Mesodesma mactroides

In freshwater osmoregulating mollusks, Cu can cause toxicity by inducing ionoregulatory disturbances. In mussels, it inhibits the activity of key enzymes involved in Na+ uptake and consequently induces ionic and osmotic disturbances. In snails, Cu induces disruption of the Ca2+ homeostasis leading to effects in shell deposition and snail growth. However, the mechanisms involved in Cu toxicity in osmoconforming sweater mollusks remain unclear. Recent findings from our laboratory have suggested that Cu toxicity in marine invertebrates can be associated with both ionic and respiratory disturbances. In the present study, metabolic changes induced by waterborne Cu exposure were evaluated in the osmoconforming clam Mesodesma mactroides, a bivalve species widely distributed along the South American sandy beaches. Juvenile clams were kept under control conditions (no Cu addition in the water) or acutely (96h) exposed to Cu (96-h LC10=150μgL−1) in artificial seawater (30ppt). ATP, protein, lipid, glycogen and glucose contents were analyzed in gills, digestive gland, pedal muscle and hemolymph. Dinucleotide (NAD+ and NADH) content was also analyzed in gills, digestive gland and pedal muscle while pyruvate and lactate content was determined in pedal muscle and hemolymph. In all tissues analyzed, Cu exposure did not affect ATP content and NAD+/NADH ratio, except in the hemolymph, where a decrease in ATP content was observed. These findings indicate that clam cells, except those from hemolymph, were able to maintain a constant level of free energy. A significant increase in total protein content was observed in the digestive gland, which could be a compensatory mechanism to counteract the higher level of protein oxidation previously observed in M. mactroides exposed to Cu under the same experimental conditions. Finally, reduced glucose content in the pedal muscle paralleled by increased lactate content in the pedal muscle and hemolymph was observed in Cu-exposed clams. Overall, these findings indicate that Cu exposure is leading to an increased reliance upon the anaerobic energy production to maintain the overall cellular ATP production in the clam M. mactroides.

Clinical oral and salivary parameters of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

To evaluate clinical oral and salivary parameters of individuals with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Clinical parameters and whole saliva were collected from children aged 6 to 12 years with JIA (n = 36) and from a healthy, matched control group (n = 36). The clinical and salivary parameters evaluated were the dental caries (decayed, missing, or filled teeth), gingival and simplified oral hygiene indices, salivary flow rate, pH, buffer capacity, total protein, and secretory immunoglobulin A concentrations. JIA individuals presented poorer oral hygiene (P ≤ .05) but no difference in the dental caries and gingival indices. JIA patients presented an increase in total protein concentration (86%) and buffer capacity in the range of pH 6.9 to 6.0 (10%) and a reduction in initial pH (6%), buffer capacity in the range of pH ≥ 7.0 (50%), and immunoglobulin A concentration (27%) (P ≤ .05). JIA is associated with poor oral hygiene and salivary changes, including reductions in immune factors and an altered profile of salivary buffer capacity.