Increased Stress Resistance Research Articles

Microbial Consortia versus Single-Strain Inoculants: An Advantage in PGPM-Assisted Tomato Production?

The use of biostimulants with plant growth-promoting properties, but without significant input of nutrients, is discussed as a strategy to increase stress resistance and nutrient use efficiency of crops. However, limited reproducibility under real production conditions remains a major challenge. The use of combination products based on microbial and non-microbial biostimulants or microbial consortia, with the aim to exploit complementary or synergistic interactions and increase the flexibility of responses under different environmental conditions, is discussed as a potential strategy to overcome this problem. This study aimed at comparing the efficiency of selected microbial single-strain inoculants with proven plant-growth promoting potential versus consortium products under real production conditions in large-scale tomato cultivation systems, exposed to different environmental challenges. In a protected greenhouse production system at Timisoara, Romania, with composted cow manure, guano, hair-, and feather-meals as major fertilizers, different fungal and bacterial single-strain inoculants, as well as microbial consortium products, showed very similar beneficial responses. Nursery performance, fruit setting, fruit size distribution, seasonal yield share, and cumulative yield (39–84% as compared to the control) were significantly improved over two growing periods. By contrast, superior performance of the microbial consortia products (MCPs) was recorded under more challenging environmental conditions in an open-field drip-fertigated tomato production system in the Negev desert, Israel with mineral fertilization on a high pH (7.9), low fertility, and sandy soil. This was reflected by improved phosphate (P) acquisition, a stimulation of vegetative shoot biomass production and increased final fruit yield under conditions of limited P supply. Moreover, MCP inoculation was associated with selective changes of the rhizosphere-bacterial community structure particularly with respect to Sphingobacteriia and Flavobacteria, reported as salinity indicators and drought stress protectants. Phosphate limitation reduced the diversity of bacterial populations at the root surface (rhizoplane) and this effect was reverted by MCP inoculation, reflecting the improved P status of the plants. The results support the hypothesis that the use of microbial consortia can increase the efficiency and reproducibility of BS-assisted strategies for crop production, particularly under challenging environmental conditions.

Spectroscopy and SEM imaging reveal endosymbiont-dependent components changes in germinating kernel through direct and indirect coleorhiza-fungus interactions under stress

In the present study, FTIR spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging was introduced as a non-destructive, sensitive-reliable tool for assessing the tripartite kernel-fungal endophyte environment interaction. Composition of coleorhizae of Triticum durum was studied under ambient and drought stress conditions. The OH-stretch IR absorption spectrum suggests that the water-deficit was possibly improved or moderated by kernel’s endophytic partner. The OH-stretch frequency pattern coincides with other (growth and stress) related molecular changes. Analysis of lipid (3100–2800 cm−1) and protein (1700–1550 cm−1) regions seems to demonstrate that drought has a positive impact on lipids. The fungal endosymbiont direct contact with kernel during germination had highest effect on both lipid and protein (Amide I and II) groups, indicating an increased stress resistance in inoculated kernel. Compared to the indirect kernel-fungus interaction and to non-treated kernels (control), direct interaction produced highest effect on lipids. Among treatments, the fingerprint region (1800–800 cm−1) and SEM images indicated an important shift in glucose oligosaccharides, possibly linked to coleorhiza-polymer layer disappearance. Acquired differentiation in coleorhiza composition of T. durum, between ambient and drought conditions, suggests that FTIR spectroscopy could be a promising tool for studying endosymbiont-plant interactions within a changing environment.

Metformin prolongs lifespan through remodeling the energy distribution strategy in silkworm, Bombyx mori.

Metformin is a hypoglycemic agent used clinically in the treatment of type 2 diabetics. In addition, metformin is being investigated as a potential geroprotector. Here, we investigated the effects of metformin silkworm lifespan and the underlying molecular pathways involved. We found that metformin prolonged the lifespan of the male silkworm without reducing body weight, which suggests metformin can increase lifespan through remodeling of the animal’s energy distribution strategy. Consistent with that idea, metformin reduced silk production and thus the energy devoted to that process. Metformin also increased fasting tolerance and levels of the antioxidant glutathione, and also activated an adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase-p53-forkhead box class O signaling pathway in silkworm. These results suggest that activity in this pathway may contribute to metformin-induced lifespan extension in silkworm by increasing stress resistance and antioxidative capacity while reducing energy output for silk product. The results also show that the silkworm is a potential useful animal model for evaluating the effects of small molecules with potential clinical utility.

Mitohormesis in muscle cells: a morphological, molecular, and proteomic approach

Low-level oxidative stress induces an adaptive response commonly defined as hormesis; this type of stress is often related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) originating from the mitochondrial respiratory chain (mitochondrial hormesis or mitohormesis). The accumulation of transient low doses of ROS either through chronic physical activity or caloric restriction influences signaling from the mitochondrial compartment to the cell, reduces glucose metabolism, induces mitochondrial metabolism, increases stress resistance and ultimately, increases lifespan. Mitochondrial formation of presumably harmful levels (chronic and/or excessive) of ROS within skeletal muscle has been observed in insulin resistance of obese subjects, type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as in impaired muscle function associated with normal aging. Advances in mitochondrial bioimaging combined with mitochondrial biochemistry and proteome research have broadened our knowledge of specific cellular signaling and other related functions of the mitochondrial behavior. In this review, we describe mitochondrial remodeling in response to different degrees of oxidative insults induced in vitro in myocytes and in vivo in skeletal muscle, focusing on the potential application of a combined morphological and biochemical approach. The use of such technologies could yield benefits for our overall understanding of physiology for biotechnological research related to drug design, physical activity prescription and significant lifestyle changes.

Підвищення стресостійкості в системі тренінгу спортивних коней

The studies to improve the training system and preparation of horses for competitions, taking into account the stress stability factor in order to more objective assessment of the working qualities of horses and conducting a better selection in breeding; enhancement of sport results of Ukrainian riders at National and International competitions have been conducted in this work. A set of measures was developed to increase the stress resistance during demonstrations and competitions, aimed at gradually adapting horses to stressors. For conducting experiments, 10 horses of the jumping group of Dergachi Children and Youth Equestrian Sport School, who had the experience of participating in the competition to overcome obstacles, were selected. Research of the types of HND of horses was carried out according to the methodical recommendations of VNIII horse breeding. Sport performance was assessed by the following indicators: average number of penalty points per start; % of starts without penalty points; % of starts with prize places; % of starts who were the fastest, but with a penalty points; % of disqualification. We have formed two equivalent groups of horses – control and experimental, with five horses in each, based on the results of the participation of horses in competitions, taking into account the types of higher nervous activity and sex-age indicators. A set of measures for increasing stress resistance was introduced into the training system of horses of the experimental group from the beginning of the preparatory period in December 2016. Studies have shown that the most advanced in show jumping are horses with a strong balanced mobile higher nervous activity. Horses of a strong balanced inert type of higher nervous activity are suitable for competing with beginners and as hobby-class horses. Horses of a strong unbalanced type of higher nervous activity have an untapped athletic potential, but they need a training system designed not only to develop their physical qualities but also to increase their stress resistance in competition. The results of the conducted researches allow to recommend the application of the developed complex of measures in the system of training horses of a strong balanced inert and severe unbalanced types of higher nervous activity; that will allow the best selection of the best animals in breeding by the main selection criterion – ability to work and to receive more competitive horses for participation in National and International competitions for classical equestrian sport, which will increase the level of implementation of horses, price indices and the economic efficiency of the work of breeding farms in general.

Analysis of drosophila stress resistance at pharmacological inhibition of prostaglandins metabolism

Inhibition of inflammatory processes in the model organisms using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be an effective geroprotective method. The mechanisms of NSAIDs action in insects have not been studied enough. It is assumed that they are similar to those in mammals and are based on the inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2, which leads to a decrease in the synthesis of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are central signaling molecules for mediated coordinated cellular immunity of insects and control the imago eclosion, egg production and oogenesis of Drosophila. Obviously, signaling pathways exist where the role of prostaglandins has not yet been shown. In our work, the resistance to starvation of Drosophila melanogaster of wild type stock Canton-S under pharmacological inhibition of prostaglandin metabolism at different stages of ontogenesis was analyzed. In the experiments, nimesulide was used in three different concentrations – 0.1, 0.05, and 0.025 mg/ml. The results of the experiments have shown, that the development of larvae in the medium containing NSAID nimesulide leads to a decrease in resistance to stress factor – starvation on average by 19.2% in females and by 7.4% in males. Resistance to starvation of the most stress-resistant (10% of individuals with the longest life span) females decreases during the development of larvae in the medium containing nimesulide in concentrations 0.1 and 0.05 mg/ml. The consumption of nimesulide by imago at a concentration of 0.025 mg/ml during the first days of life increases stress resistance and life span at starvation in females by 12.4% and in males in all variants of the experiment on average by 17.8%. Under the same experimental conditions, life span during starvation increased in the most stress-resistant females Canton-S. Thus, pharmacological inhibition of prostaglandin metabolism leads to an increase of resistance to starvation if virgin adults are exposed to nimesulide during the first day after eclosion, and stress resistance decreases if nimesulide is consumed by larvae. This is obviously, due to that somatic tissues of the adult flies are almost entirely composed of postmitotic cells, while intensive processes of cell division are characteristic of growing larvae. The data obtained indicate that the action of nimesulide on postmitotic imago cells promotes transition of cells to increased stress tolerance, while the impact on actively dividing cells of larvae leads to a decrease in the resistance of the adults.

Developing Positive Time Perspective and Reducing the Level of Hopelessness in Primary Prevention of Suicidal Behavior Among Adolescents

The issue of legitimacy and moral side of suicides in terms of history has been under consideration since ancient times. At present, suicide is considered as an acute problems of modern times. The article contains statistic data of adolescent suicides in Russia. It examines the most common foreign prophylactic programs. It highlights a block of protective factors and the factors prompting the suicide. It reveals an idea of necessity of increasing stress resistance in order to rationalize possible suicidal thoughts. It offers a scheme of four-stage process of developing suicidal thoughts and a cognitive scheme of primary prevention of suicidal behavior which based on forming a favorable type of the time perspective for adolescents. The article also emphasizes the most important moments of prophylactic work with adolescents based on use of special video materials: basic stages, criteria of selecting effective films. It gives a definition of the similar method of work - «a film prophylaxis». It shows the decrease of severe and moderate hopelessness level among the students involved in the initial testing of the film prophylaxis method.

Salvia hispanica L. (chia) seeds oil extracts reduce lipid accumulation and produce stress resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans

BackgroundSalvia hispanica seeds have been commonly used by people that seek healthy habits through natural foods to reduce cholesterol and triacylglycerides levels, however, the evidences that support this assumption are still scarce in literature. Here, we aimed to evaluate the lipid lowering effects of chia by using Caenorhabditis elegans as animal model, a nematode that has proven its usefulness for lipid metabolism studies.MethodsWe prepared hexane (HE) and Bligh-Dyer (BDE) extracts, evaluated and compared their safety, antioxidant potential and their lipid-lowering activity in the worms.ResultsThe characterization of both extracts demonstrated that there were no differences in their lipid composition; however, BDE depicted better antioxidant potential. Both extracts reduced worm’s survival from 2%, and reproduction was reduced following treatment with both extracts, though a more notable effect was observed in HE-treated worms. In addition, the non-toxic concentration of both extracts (1%) increased stress resistance against paraquat toxicity in an antidote paradigm. Notably, this same concentration of both extracts reduced lipid accumulation in obese worms, which was not caused by food deprivation.ConclusionsTaken together, our data demonstrate that both extraction methods from chia seeds result in oils that are rich in mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which may modulate lipid accumulation and provide antioxidant resistance in C. elegans.

Leucine Exerts Lifespan Extension and Improvement in Three Types of Stress Resistance (Thermotolerance, Anti-Oxidation and Anti-UV Irradiation) in <i>C. </i><i>e</i><i>legans</i>

Recent studies have found various compounds that can extend lifespan in different species. Amino acids as regulators in nutrition process and anti-aging have been investigated, but inconsistency existed in the literature in the context of lifespan-extending roles of some amino acids in C. elegans. In this paper, we measured the effects of individual branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs, leucine, valine and isoleucine) on lifespan in C. elegans. We found that 1000μM and 10000μM leucine could extend lifespan significantly coupled with increased stress resistance of thermotolerance, anti-oxidation and anti- UV irradiation. Furthermore, we used daf-2 and daf-16 mutants to explore the possible molecular mechanism of Leu-induced lifespan extension. Results suggested that the function of Leu on aging regulation is dependent on Insulin/IGF-1 (IIS) signaling. Our work confirmed that BCAAs play an important role in IIS signaling pathway to regulate aging and intake of such nutrients may also be good for healthspan in C. elegans.

Preoperative Protein or Methionine Restriction Preserves Wound Healing and Reduces Hyperglycemia

BackgroundDietary restriction (DR), defined as reduced nutrient intake without malnutrition, is associated with longevity extension, improved glucose metabolism, and increased stress resistance, but also poor wound healing. Short-term preoperative DR followed by a return to normal feeding after surgery results in improved surgical outcomes in preclinical models. However, the effect of preoperative DR on wound healing and perioperative glucose homeostasis is currently unknown. Here, we tested the effects of two different preoperative DR regimens—protein restriction (PR) and methionine restriction (MR)—on wound healing and perioperative glucose homeostasis using an established murine model of wound healing in both nondiabetic and diabetic mice. Materials and methodsSurgical outcomes were tested using the McFarlane flap in nondiabetic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Short-term dietary preconditioning included 1 wk of PR or MR diet (1-2 wk) versus an isocaloric complete diet before surgery; all mice were returned to a complete diet postoperatively. Outcome measures of flap wound recovery included skin viability and laser Doppler imaging of flap perfusion and assessment of CD45+ cell infiltration. Glucose homeostasis was assessed by glucose tolerance testing and by perioperative glucose levels in the diabetic cohort. ResultsNo significant differences were observed in percentage of viable skin, perfusion, or immune cell infiltration at 7-10 d after surgery in PR or MR mice compared with controls in healthy or diabetic mice. Preoperative glucose tolerance and postoperative glucose levels were however significantly improved by both PR and MR in diabetic mice. ConclusionsShort-term dietary preconditioning with PR or MR did not impair wound healing in nondiabetic or diabetic mice. However, both regimens reduced preoperative hyperglycemia in diabetic mice. Thus, brief preoperative dietary manipulations stand as strategies to potentially improve perioperative hyperglycemia with no deleterious effects on wound healing in mice.

BRCA1 and BARD1 mediate apoptotic resistance but not longevity upon mitochondrial stress in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Interventions that promote healthy aging are typically associated with increased stress resistance. Paradoxically, reducing the activity of core biological processes such as mitochondrial or insulin metabolism promotes the expression of adaptive responses, which in turn increase animal longevity and resistance to stress. In this study, we investigated the relation between the extended Caenorhabditis elegans lifespan elicited by reduction in mitochondrial functionality and resistance to genotoxic stress. We find that reducing mitochondrial activity during development confers germline resistance to DNA damage-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in a cell-non-autonomous manner. We identified the C. elegans homologs of the BRCA1/BARD1 tumor suppressor genes, brc-1/brd-1, as mediators of the anti-apoptotic effect but dispensable for lifespan extension upon mitochondrial stress. Unexpectedly, while reduced mitochondrial activity only in the soma was not sufficient to promote longevity, its reduction only in the germline or in germline-less strains still prolonged lifespan. Thus, in animals with partial reduction in mitochondrial functionality, the mechanisms activated during development to safeguard the germline against genotoxic stress are uncoupled from those required for somatic robustness and animal longevity.

Effect of Dietary Niacin Supplementation on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Hematology, and Lipoprotein Concentrations of Young Turkeys, Meleagris gallopavo.

The growth performance, nutrient digestibility, hematology, serum chemistry, and lipoprotein concentrations of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) poults fed diets supplemented with high or recommended concentrations of niacin were investigated in this study. A total of 120 four-week-old turkey poults were randomly divided into three treatment groups with five replicates of eight birds in each group. The poult diets were supplemented with 0.0, 60, and 180 mg/kg niacin in the three treatments, termed control, recommended niacin supplementation (RNS), and high niacin supplementation (HNS), respectively. The study lasted for four weeks. The results showed that the HNS treatment reduced the feed intake and increased the body weight gain of poults. The apparent, nitrogen-corrected, and true metabolizable energy contents were the highest in the HNS-group turkey poults (P<0.05). The red and white blood cell counts and hemoglobin concentration of the turkeys improved with increasing niacin supplementation (P<0.01). The serum constituents, including the serum protein and globulin, were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the uric acid and creatinine contents were significantly reduced in the HNS-group turkeys. Similarly, the HNS-group turkeys exhibited significantly reduced alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) contents, while the RNS-group turkeys had the least aspartate aminotransferase (AST) content. In addition, the HNS-group turkeys had the least serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride, and total cholesterol concentrations and the highest serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P<0.01) concentrations. In conclusion, the supplementation of 180 mg/kg niacin in the diet reduced the feed intake and serum ALT, ALP, LDL, triglyceride, and cholesterol contents and increased the body weight gain, metabolizable energy, and HDL concentration in turkeys. This study showed that niacin supplementation could reduce the fat content without compromising the body weight gain and increase stress resistance in turkey poults.

Resistance to Stress Can Be Experimentally Dissociated From Longevity

On the basis of multiple experiments demonstrating that high resistance to stress is associated with long lifespan, it has been proposed that stress resistance is a key determinant of longevity. However, the extent to which high resistance to stress is necessary or sufficient for long life is currently unclear. In this work, we use a genetic approach to disrupt different stress response pathways and examine the resulting effect on the longevity of the long-lived insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) receptor mutant daf-2. Although mutation of the heat shock factor gene hsf-1, deletion of sod genes, deletion of the p38 MAPK kinase gene pmk-1, or deletion of the transcription factor gene egl-27 all resulted in decreased resistance to at least one form of stress and decreased lifespan, the magnitude of change in stress resistance did not correspond to the magnitude of change in lifespan. In addition, we found that deletion of the glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase genes gpdh-1 and gpdh-2 or deletion of the DAF-16 cofactor gene nhl-1 also results in decreased resistance to at least one form of stress but increases lifespan. Overall, our results suggest that while increased stress resistance is associated with longevity, stress resistance, and lifespan can be experimentally dissociated.

Abstract 200: Engineering Evolution: Tetraploidization of Human Cardiac Stem Cells to Enhance Functional Activity

Introduction: Reparative and regenerative capacity is consistently observed in lower vertebrate species, but translational implementation has failed to yield comparable results in the clinical setting. Cardiac stem cells (CSC) isolated from rodent or swine heart possess capacity for tetraploidization resulting in 4n chromatin content associated with override of cell cycle arrest and senescence, but comparable tetraploid CSC are not present in human samples. Furthermore, diploid:tetraploid CSC ratio in rodent myocardium increases following infarction injury suggesting ploidy is a dynamic cellular condition influencing response to pathologic damage. Since polyploidization correlates with enhanced regenerative throughout evolution, ploidy differences raise provocative questions regarding translational applicability of experimental studies of myocardial regeneration. Hypothesis: Mononuclear chromatin duplication in human stem cells improves functional capabilities by inhibiting cellular senescence and increasing stress resistance. Methods and Results: Tetraploidy was artificially induced in human CSCs, ESCs and MSCs from multiple patient samples by transient exposure to demecolcine that blocks mitotic spindle formation and chromosome segregation. Mononuclear tetraploid content confirmed by karyotype analysis was consistently induced in hCSCs and hEPCs, unlike hMSCs which underwent apoptosis. Mononuclear tetraploid content in hCSCs and hEPCs was stable for continued multiple passages demonstrated by flow cytometry with proliferation rates equivalent to the parent diploid line. Stress induction through hydrogen peroxide demonstrate tetraploid hCSCs respond equivalent or better than parental lines measured through apoptosis and necrosis. Double strand DNA breaks in tetraploid hCSCs were reduced by half compared to the parental line, measured by gamma H2AX per total DNA. Conclusion: Tetraploid content induction in human CSCs and EPCs enhances functional activity by increased resistance to stress and inhibition of senescence without promoting oncogenic transformation. Ongoing studies focus upon potential of tetraploid hCSCs to exert enhanced capabilities for mediating myocardial repair and regeneration.

THE CHANGE IN STRESS RESISTANCE OF THE STUDENTS WHEN APPLYING TRANSCRANIAL ELECTROSTIMULATION

Aim. To determine the transcranial electrostimulation effect on stress resistance of students, according to N.V. Kirsheva, N.V. Ryabchikova test. Materials and methods . 127 medical students (50 boys and 77 girls aged from 19 to 22) were observed. All the students were practically healthy. They were divided into the main group (78 people) and the comparison group (49 people). The students of the main group underwent transcranial electrostimulation (TES): 22 people got 2 sessions a week, 56 people got 5 sessions a week. The of stress resistance in the main group was determined according to N.V. Kirsheva, N.V. Ryabchikova test before and after TES. In the comparison group, the of stress resistance was determined the same way. TESs were conducted with the Transair-03 apparatus. The results of the study were determined for the normal distribution using the computer program STATISTIKA 6.0 and processed with parametric methods. Results. In the comparison group subjects had moderate and low levels of stress resistance. There were no significant changes in the levels of stress resistance in the initial state and a week later. After two TES sessions the number of students with of stress-resistance decreased by 3 people, and the number of students with of stress resistance increased by 3 people. There were no statistically significant differences in the of stress resistance. During five TES sessions the of stress resistance in 26 people increased from medium to high. Number of points after TES decreased by 10.3%, which indicated an increase in the of stress resistance. No gender differences were taken into account. The interpretation of the test results by NV. Kirsheva, N.V. Ryabchikova showed of stress resistance in 13 subjects at a above average, in 2 subjects. After 5 TES sessions, 15 subjects had higher than average level, 19 subjects had level, 7 subjects had very high level. Conclusion . Thus, there is a reliable increase in stress resistance in practically healthy medical students of both sex at the end of the academic year after 5 TES sessions a week. Subjects who had medium and levels of stress resistance before TES got of stress resistance after TESs, which also changed qualitatively: proper level increased and very level of stress resistance appeared.

Overexpression of CYB5R3 and NQO1, two NAD+ -producing enzymes, mimics aspects of caloric restriction.

SummaryCalorie restriction (CR) is one of the most robust means to improve health and survival in model organisms. CR imposes a metabolic program that leads to increased stress resistance and delayed onset of chronic diseases, including cancer. In rodents, CR induces the upregulation of two NADH‐dehydrogenases, namely NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1) and cytochrome b 5 reductase 3 (Cyb5r3), which provide electrons for energy metabolism. It has been proposed that this upregulation may be responsible for some of the beneficial effects of CR, and defects in their activity are linked to aging and several age‐associated diseases. However, it is unclear whether changes in metabolic homeostasis solely through upregulation of these NADH‐dehydrogenases have a positive impact on health and survival. We generated a mouse that overexpresses both metabolic enzymes leading to phenotypes that resemble aspects of CR including a modest increase in lifespan, greater physical performance, a decrease in chronic inflammation, and, importantly, protection against carcinogenesis, one of the main hallmarks of CR. Furthermore, these animals showed an enhancement of metabolic flexibility and a significant upregulation of the NAD +/sirtuin pathway. The results highlight the importance of these NAD + producers for the promotion of health and extended lifespan.

Stress resistance and lifespan enhanced by downregulation of antimicrobial peptide genes in the Imd pathway.

Biological behaviors and longevity of ectothermic animals are remarkably influenced by ambient temperature. Development at 18°C significantly enhances the stress resistance of adult flies with more accumulation of nutrients (especially fat) in the body than development at 25°C. Gene expression analysis between the flies developed at 18°C and 25°C revealed that the Immune deficiency (Imd) pathway, including the downstream antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), is downregulated in the flies developed at 18°C. When hypomorphic imd mutant flies with reduced AMP expressions were developed at 25°C, they showed induced stress resistance with higher fat content in the body similar to the wild-type flies developed at 18°C. However, severe hypomorphic imd mutants could not enhance stress resistance due to the downregulation of another downstream JNK pathway that expresses stress tolerance genes. Interestingly, the downregulation of AMP genes, itself, extended lifespan with increased stress resistance. Especially, fat body-specific downregulation of Imd AMP genes exhibited a longer lifespan with higher heat resistance. The fat body is known to function in metabolic homeostasis, stress tolerance, growth, and longevity in Drosophila. Here, we provide the first evidence that mild downregulation of the Imd pathway with AMP genes increases fat content, stress resistance, and lifespan in adult flies.

Constituent and effects of polysaccharides isolated from Sophora moorcroftiana seeds on lifespan, reproduction, stress resistance, and antimicrobial capacity in Caenorhabditis elegans

Sophora moorcroftiana (S. moorcroftiana) is an endemic leguminous dwarf shrub in Tibet, China. Decoctions of the seeds have been used in Chinese folk medicine for dephlogistication, detoxication, and infectious diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the constituent and biological effects of polysaccharides from S. moorcroftiana seeds in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Polysaccharides from S. moorcroftiana seeds (SMpol) were extracted with 60% ethanol and constituent was analyzed by GC-MS. SMpol was composed of glucose, galactose and inositol in the molar ratio of 35.7 : 1.3 : 17.0. Synchronized worms were treated with SMpol and then lifespan, motility, reproduction, stress resistance and antimicrobial activity were examined. Compared with the control group, the lifespan was increased to the average of 27.3 days and the number of laying eggs showed a 1.3-fold increase in nematodes treated with SMpol (4 mg·mL−1). In SMpol (4 mg·mL−1) treated worms, there was a 1.1-fold increase in 24-h survival of acute heat stress and a 1.6-fold increase in 2-h survival of oxidative stress The colonization of the bacteria in the SMpol treated nematode was significantly lower than that of the untreated group by 68.3%. In vivo studies showed SMpol significantly extended the life span, improved reproduction, increased stress resistance and antimicrobial capacity of C. elegans. In conclusion, those results indicated that the polysaccharides from S. moorcroftiana seeds were involved in a variety of biological activities leading to its modulatory effects on C. elegans which may be developed as a natural supplement agent.

SELF-HYPNOSIS TO IMPROVE TEACHER STRESS MANAGEMENT SKILLS

Nowadays in conditions of economic instability and educational policy fragility, particularly in social conflict and crisis contexts, special attention is paid to the increasing teachers` stress resistance and prevention of their burnout. The aim of the research is to assess effectiveness of self-hypnosis in stress reduction. Material and methods: group of educational personnel were completing the questionnaires about stress level before and after self-hypnosis training during 3 months. Stress indicators were measured with the help of mobile app Samsung S Health and anxiety and mood scales. Regular self-hypnosis training and stress measurement during 3 months represent improvement of stress management skills in all participants. Among the most important results achieved in this experiment: decreased anxiety level, increased stress resistance and development of personal effectiveness skills. So self-hypnosis can be represented as cheap, effective, rapid and safe method of self-regulation in every day practice.

Transient Intracellular Acidification Regulates the Core Transcriptional Heat Shock Response

Cellular stress induces rapid expression of genes encoding molecular chaperones. Stress also triggers transient intracellular acidification which, by unknown mechanisms, is broadly associated with increased stress resistance in eukaryotes. Here, using budding yeast as a model, we discover that preventing cells from transiently acidifying during heat shock compromises induction of molecular chaperones and fitness. Both acidification and subsequent restoration of intracellular pH are required for robust chaperone induction, with pH recovery and chaperone production predicting resumption of division in single cells. Failure to acidify specifically suppresses genes regulated by the conserved heat shock transcription factor Hsf1, which is repressed by chaperones under non-stress conditions. The failure of heat to induce the heat shock response without concomitant acidification implicates pH-sensitive stress-sensing proteins in recruiting chaperone repressors to activate Hsf1 under physiological conditions. Our findings reveal a central, causal role for intracellular pH in the eukaryotic transcriptional stress response.