Morphological Changes In Erythrocytes Research Articles

Response and recovery of Nile tilapia exposed to diesel oil – Behavioral, hemato-biochemical and morphological changes of erythrocytes

Pollution caused by petroleum oil in several manners is becoming a threat to aquatic ecosystem. Hence, we carried out an experiment to investigate how diesel oil affects biota behavior, physiological attributes and how they recover by using Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) as a model organism. Nile tilapia of two different treatment groups were exposed to 0.1 mL/L and 0.5 mL/L diesel oil for 7 days. Then both groups were kept in completely diesel oil-free water for 14 days. A control group was maintained throughout the experimental period. We examined the behavioral attributes, hemato-biochemical parameters: hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC) and glucose (Glu), and morphological changes of erythrocytes after diesel exposure and at the end of recovery phase. Our results revealed that there were abnormalities in behavior and significant changes in Hb, RBC, WBC and Glu level in both of the treatment group after 7 days of exposure. Frequencies of erythrocytic cellular abnormalities (ECAs), for example, twin, spindle, elongated, tear drop and erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (ENAs) like notch nuclei, karyopyknosis, nuclear bud and nuclear bridge were prominent in both groups. However, the amount of anomalies was higher in most if not all the cases in 0.5 mL/L treatment group. Nile tilapia of both groups were quick to recover but the 0.1 mL/L group showed profound recovery than the 0.5 mL/L group. However, in the cases of ECAs and ENAs, recovery of the 0.5 mL/L group was insignificant. Hence, our experimental study concluded that the higher the exposure to diesel oil, higher incidences of major health problems are recorded, seriously piercing the healing system of Nile tilapia.

THE IMPACT OF TWO ANTICOAGULANTS ON ERYTHROCYTES MORPHOLOGY IN DIFFERENT VERTEBRATE SPECIES

In this study, we aimed to highlight the influence of anticoagulants on erythrocyte morphometry in different vertebrate species. Anticoagulants are a category of substances that inhibit blood clotting through various mechanisms. Due to this property, they are used to collect blood samples for a wide range of laboratory tests. The literature mentions that the use of anticoagulants produces morphological changes of erythrocytes, thus influencing results. Blood samples were collected from three warm-blooded vertebrate species (horse, rabbit, and chicken) and one lower vertebrate species with nucleated erythrocytes (fish) in vacutainers with Heparin and EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), in a normal concentration and a double concentration. At the time of harvesting, control smears were performed. In order to be able to compare the effects produced by anticoagulants on the morphology of erythrocytes, they were evaluated morphometrically at intervals of 3, 6, and 24 hrs. after harvest. The following features were evaluated using the Toup View software: length, width, surface and perimeter of erythrocytes for species with anucleated erythrocytes. The same characteristics were evaluated in the nucleus for species with nucleated erythrocytes. The data obtained were processed with statistical programs to highlight changes in erythrocyte morphology produced by anticoagulants.

Acetochlor Affects Bighead Carp (Aristichthys Nobilis) by Producing Oxidative Stress, Lowering Tissue Proteins, and Inducing Genotoxicity.

Acetochlor is persistently used in the agroproduction sector to control broadleaf weeds. Due to frequent and continuous applications, this herbicide can reach nearby water bodies and may induce deleterious changes in aquatic life. Therefore, investigation of harmful impacts of different environmental pollutants, including herbicides, is vital to knowing the mechanisms of toxicity and devising control strategies. The current experiment included bighead carp (n = 80) to estimate adverse impacts. Fish were randomly placed in 4 different experimental groups (T0-T3) and were treated for 36 days with acetochlor at 0, 300, 400, and 500 μg/L. Fresh blood without any anticoagulant was obtained and processed for nuclear and morphological changes in erythrocytes. At the same time, various visceral organs, including the gills, liver, brain, and kidneys, were removed and processed on days 12, 24, and 36 to determine oxidative stress and various antioxidant biomarkers. Comet assays revealed significantly increased DNA damage in isolated cells of the liver, kidneys, brain, and gills of treated fish. We recorded increased morphological and nuclear changes (P ≤ 0.05) in the erythrocyte of treated fish. The results on oxidative stress showed a higher quantity of oxidative biomarkers and a significantly (P ≤ 0.05) low concentration of cellular proteins in the gills, liver, brain, and kidneys of treated fish compared to unexposed fish. Our research findings concluded that acetochlor renders oxidative stress in bighead carp.

ОЦЕНКА ХИРУРГИЧЕСКОЙ КОРРЕКЦИИ ДЕГЕНЕРАТИВНОГО ПОЯСНИЧНО-КРЕСТЦОВОГО СТЕНОЗА НА ОСНОВЕ ЭРИТРОЦИТАРНОЙ СОСТАВЛЯЮЩЕЙ У СОБАК

Degenerative lumbosacral stenosis is a common cause of lumbosacral disease in dogs of medium to large breeds. However, decompressive surgery is considered the primary technique for reducing cauda equina and nerve root compression in dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis. The study of the dynamics of the erythrocyte component remains the main indicator of control over the postoperative period during surgical interventions in dogs and deserves their careful analysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the structural characteristics of erythrocytes during the postoperative period. In this article, an assessment was made of changes in hematological parameters and erythrocyte morphology during the postoperative period. Conducting surgical neurological intervention in the lumbosacral region, with strict observance of aseptic and antiseptic requirements and precise implementation of the method of surgical access and reception, ensures the physiological functioning of the erythrocyte link without causing destructive processes during the postoperative period and the presented surgical method can serve as the basis for performing neurological surgical interventions.

Evaluating the effects of anticoagulant rodenticide bromadiolone in Wistar rats co-exposed to vitamin K: impact on blood-liver axis and brain oxidative status.

The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of vitamin K relate to protection against detrimental effects of bromadiolone. Wistar rats (n = 30) were divided in three groups (n = 10): control group and two groups treated with bromadiolone (0.12mg/kg) and bromadiolone + vitamin K (0.12mg/kg + 100mg/kg) over the period of four days. The main findings in the bromadiolone-exposed rats, such as damaged hepatocytes, high levels of globulin, total proteins and lymphocytes, and altered albumin/globulin ratio, collectively indicate an acute inflammatory process. Morphological changes in erythrocytes include microcytosis, hypochromia, hyperchromia, hemolysis, stomatocytosis, and spherocytosis. Significantly low values of RBC, Hct, and hemoglobin concentrations indicate impairments of the hematopoietic pathway causing combined anemia. The selected dose of bromadiolone caused a non-significant increase of catalase activity and a significant increase of the total protein content in brain tissue homogenates. Vitamin K supplementation reduced many of the harmful effects of bromadiolone. The cytoprotective role of vitamin K was proved to be of great importance for the preservation of structural changes on the membranes of hepatocytes and erythrocytes, in addition to the known role in the treatment of coagulopathies. The results of the study suggest valuable properties of vitamin K in the prevention and treatment of various types of anemia caused by bromadiolone toxicity. Future research is necessary to determine the adequate dose and treatment duration with vitamin K in disorders caused by the cumulative action of bromadiolone and possibly other pesticides.

In vitro effect of high glucose concentrations on erythrocyte morphology assessed by scanning electron microscopy

AimsTo evaluate the in vitro effect of different glucose concentrations and the time series in erythrocyte cell viability and morphology parameters. MethodsDifferent glucose concentrations were assessed, from a normal physiological glucose concentration (5 mM) to a diabetes scenario (100 mM). Cell viability was obtained by the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. The erythrocyte morphology (diameter, height, and axial ratio) was assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). ResultsA significant decrease in cell viability was observed in erythrocytes with higher glucose concentration (100 mM). There was also a significant increase in the cells’ diameter and height exposed to 100 mM, vs. those cultured with 5, 20, and 45 mM glucose, but only at 24 and 48 h. When comparing the same glucose concentration by a time series, it was observed that erythrocytes from the culture with 45 and 100 mM of glucose had a significant continuous decrease (approximately -0.40 μm) in diameter and height (24, 48, and 72 h), but there was no difference in the axial ratio observed. ConclusionContinuous exposure to high glucose concentrations in diabetes models produced less cell viability and changes in erythrocyte morphology (larger and scrambled cells), which in vivo might impact in microvascular complications.

Complex protocol of cardiopulmonary bypass

Complex protocol of cardiopulmonary bypass

Protective Effect of Melatonin Against Malathion Induced Alterations in Antioxidant Defense System and Morphology of Erythrocytes in Wistar Rats

Malathion intoxication has been shown to produce oxidative stress due to the generation of free radicals and alter the antioxidant defense system in erythrocytes. Previous studies have shown the ameliorative role melatonin against oxidative stress induced by generation of free radicals. Present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of melatonin against malathion induced oxidative stress. For this purpose, male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control; Melatonin (10mg/Kg body weight) group; Malathion (250mg/Kg body weight) treated group; Malathion + Melatonin treated group. Animals were administered an acute dose of malathion orally. The result of this study shows that in vivo administration of malathion caused inhibition in AChE activity in erythrocytes. Malathion intoxication also significantly increased the oxidative damage as evidenced by increased level of LPO and GSH content. The Inhibition of GSH level and increased lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes was relieved in malathion + melatonin group. Enhanced activities of SOD, CAT, GR and GPx were observed in erythrocytes of malathion treated rats as compared to control group. Moreover, melatonin supplementation in malathion treated rats maintain normal level of antioxidant enzymes as compared to malathion treated rats which indicates that melatonin provide protection against malathion-induced oxidative stress in erythrocytes. No significant change in the membrane bound enzymes such as Na+/K+-ATPase, Mg2+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase was observed in malathion intoxicated rats. Findings of scanning electron micrographs of erythrocytes revealed that both the malathion treated and malathion+melatonin treated groups exhibited morphological changes in erythrocytes. However, concomitant melatonin supplementation normalized the morphological alterations in erythrocytes induced by malathion toxicity. In conclusion, melatonin supplementation may ameliorate malathion-induced oxidative imbalance by enhancing the glutathione level, reducing lipid peroxidation and normalizing antioxidant enzyme activities in erythrocytes.

Changes in electrophysical characteristics of red blood cells induced by gramicidin S

Background. The use of antimicrobial peptides is one of the possible ways to overcome the threatening rapid growth of resistance of microorganisms to traditional antibiotics. Of the particular role in this context is gramicidin S (GS), which is used for topical medical applications for over 70 years. An acute hemolytic side effect of GS on human cells prevents its systemic use. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of interaction of GS with biological membranes will enhance its bactericidal effect on the one hand, and reduce the negative side effects on human cells and thus expand the range of antibacterial peptides to combat infectious diseases caused by resistant microorganisms. Objectives. Study of the effect of different doses of the antimicrobial oligopeptide antibiotic GS on the morphological and electrophysical characteristics of human erythrocytes during in vitro incubation. Materials and methods. Morphological changes of erythrocytes of healthy donors after preliminary incubation with GS at concentrations 5–40 μg/ml were studied by flow cytometry using resistance pulse spectroscopy. Single-cell volume, erythrocyte volume distribution in the population was measured, and the electrical breakdown potential of the human erythrocyte plasma membrane was determined. Results. Incubation of human erythrocytes with sub-lytic concentrations of GS is accompanied by a redistribution of erythrocytes in this population by volume with an increased number of smaller erythrocytes with less resistance of the membrane to electrical breakdown. However, increasing the concentration of GS to 40 μg/ml leads to an increase in the proportion of cells of increased volume with increased resistance to electrical breakdown of the membrane. Possible mechanisms of morphological changes of erythrocytes under the action of GS are discussed. Conclusions. Incubation of erythrocytes with GS at concentrations 5–40 μg/ml is accompanied by a redistribution of cells by volume and changes in the resistance of their plasma membrane to electrical breakdown due to destabilizing membrane-tropic action of the peptide, microsimulation, or cytoskeleton rearrangement.

Bisphenol-A alters hematopoiesis through EGFR/ERK signaling to induce myeloblastic condition in zebrafish model

Experimental evidence from the etiology of cancer studies suggests that a correlation between Bisphenol-A (BPA) exposure and alterations in hematopoiesis leads to blood cancer. In our study zebrafish were used to assess the lethality, developmental effect, embryonic apoptosis and changes in transcription factor of hematopoiesis through EGFR/ERK signaling pathways in response to BPA. The in silico interaction of EGFR and BPA was analysed by molecular dynamic simulation. According to our results, BPA induced a significant lethal effect in hatching retardation, reduction in heart rate and teratogenic effects on zebrafish embryos and larvae at three different concentrations 100, 500 and 2500 μg/L. The mortality of adult zebrafish exposed to the acute toxicity of BPA from 5 to 30 mg/L concentrations was determined for 96 h. The peripheral blood cells and vital organs such as kidney, liver and spleen from BPA exposed fish showed predominantly abnormal myeloid blast cells along with severe morphological changes in erythrocytes at sublethal concentration 245 μg/L. The BPA showed the highest binding affinity to zebrafish EGFR with a docking score of −7.5 kcal/mol with an RMSD of 3.0 nm during MD simulation. We found that EGFR/ERK overexpression leads to induce hematopoietic cell proliferation and impaired differentiation, which enhances the myeloid repopulating activity and the accumulation of immature myeloblast cells. BPA also caused a corresponding increase in expression of hematopoietic transcription factor c-MYB and RUNX-1 leading to polychromasia, poikilocytosis, acanthocytes and anisocytosis and promoted myeloblastosis by inhibiting GATA-1 expression. These morphological changes often resulted in the prior condition of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Comprehensively, our data suggest that BPA can trigger the malignancy of AML cells by alteration of respective hematopoietic transcription factors via EGFR/ERK signaling in the zebrafish model.

Effect of Staphylococcus aureus infection on the heat stress protein 70 (HSP70) level in chicken embryo tissues

Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are components of physiological biocenosis of skin or mucous membranes in some animals’ genera but also they are dangerous opportunistic pathogens responsible for infections of various localization, course or manifestations. Proteins produced by these bacteria destroy tissues, leukocytes and cause haemolysis of erythrocytes. Host organisms respond by defence mechanisms. Production of heat stress proteins (HSPs) is one of defence responses of infected host organism. To evaluate infection and host defence mechanisms some animal models of experimental infection are reported. Use of chick embryo model allows demonstrating adequate differences in staphylococcal virulence depending on the strain genotype. The aim of the study was to examine the changes in heat shock protein HSP70 levels in chick embryo tissues after infection caused by S. aureus strains no. tu2, pa3, ch5, ch10, ch24, and ch25 isolated from chickens. The bacteria were injected directly into fluid of amnion cavity and incubated for 10 days. The mortality of particular chick embryos was reported and the tissues for further analysis were taken every day from day 13 to day 19. The levels of heat stress protein HSP70 were determined by dot-blot method. Results showed that the strains no. ch5, ch24, and ch25 were the most virulent. HSP70 levels increased in all groups of injected embryos at the same time the hatching process was started. The presented study showed that the infected chick embryos were characterized by higher HSP level from 12.3% up to 19.7% compared to the control group. The morphological analysis showed numerous erythrocytes with damaged cell membranes and morphological changes of erythrocytes. Changes in the level of HSP70 protein can be a useful indicator of infection caused by S. aureus bacteria. Additionally, chicken embryo is a helpful research model in studies of pathogenesis of diseases caused by bacteria.

Changes in juvenile sturgeon erythrocytes across age classes reflects evolutionary development

Erythrocytes are important for gas transport and exchange in animals and play an important role in maintaining normal functions of the body. The purpose of this study was to observe the changes in erythrocyte morphology during the development of juvenile sturgeon (Acipenser baeri ♀×Acipenser schrenckii ♂ hybrid F1) and to describe the relationship between erythrocyte morphology and development. We compared the erythrocyte morphology of juvenile sturgeon in three developmental stages. The results showed that the blood index of the sturgeon in different age classes was significantly different. The erythrocyte volume in the blood became smaller and the shape of erythrocytes changed from circular to elliptical. With the increase in age, the number of self-dividing erythrocytes, and the types and numbers of organelles in the erythrocytes, decreased. The results demonstrated that the morphology and the internal structure of erythrocytes develop to be more beneficial for gas transport reflecting the needs for juvenile sturgeon maintenance and environmental changes.

Cytoskeletal changes in Erythrocytes during storage in banked blood

Introduction: Erythrocytes have flexible, non-nucleated bi-concave shape with lipid bilayer cytoskeleton. Any alterations of erythrocyte shape make it susceptible to hemolysis. Blood for transfusion purpose is routinely stored in Citrate Phosphate Dextrose Adenine (CPDA-1) containing blood bags. During storage, blood undergoes an array of different morphological changes termed as “storage lesions” which makes it more fragile. This study was aimed to determine the structural and functional modifications in erythrocytes in CPDA-1 blood stored in local blood bank of KPK. Material & Methods: Blood from twenty healthy volunteer donors was taken and kept in CPDA-1 containing blood bags at Institute of Basic Medical Sciences (IBMS), Khyber Medical University (KMU). Hb-levels and Erythrocyte, Reticulocyte counts, Mechanical Fragility Index (MFI) and immunofluorescence staining for ankiyrin1 protein were performed on fresh blood samples. Samples for reticulocyte count was taken for 5 consecutive days while for the remaining parameters, blood was taken at 5 days interval till day 20th. The light and fluorescence micrographs were obtained accordingly and osmotic fragility tests were performed. Results: A significant mean reduction in erythrocyte counts and Hb-level was observed from day 0 to 20 (p=0.001), while MFI increased from day 0 to day 20 (12.88%±7.58 p=0.001). Reticulocyte count also decreased from day 0 up to day 5 (p=0.001). A weak association was observed between changes in MFI and erythrocyte morphology from day 0 to 20 (r=0.349), while the intensity and pattern of ankyrin1 protein expression appeared to change from day 10. Conclusion: Blood stored for a week has same properties as fresh blood, however, important structural alterations start to appear after the first week of storage and worsen with time. Therefore, to gain better transfusion results, blood stored for up to one week can safely be transfused.

Quantitative phase imaging of erythrocyte in epilepsy patients.

The present study focuses on the quantitative phase imaging of erythrocytes with the aim to compare the morphological differences between epilepsy patients under antiepileptic treatment, who have no other disease which may affect the erythrocyte morphology, and the healthy control group. The white light diffraction phase microscopy (WDPM) has been used to obtain the interferogram of the erythrocyte surfaces. The continuous wavelet transform with Paul wavelet has been chosen to calculate the surface profiles from this interferogram image. For the determination of alteration in morphology, besides WDPM, erythrocyte surfaces have been investigated by light microscope and scanning electron microscope. In this way, it has been possible to see the difference in terms of precision and implementation between the most commonly used methods with regard to the quantitative phase imaging. Erythrocytes from all the samples have been examined and displayed in both two- and three-dimensional way. We have observed that erythrocytes of patients with effective antiepileptic blood levels were more affected in morphology than healthy subjects. When we compared the erythrocyte morphological changes of patients who received monotherapy or polytherapy, no difference was observed. In conclusion, antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) cause red blood cell (RBC) morphological changes and a combined usage of WDPM with Paul wavelet and light microscopy methods are very convenient for studying the erythrocyte morphologies on multiple patients.

Mechanism of CuSO4 cytotoxicity in goat erythrocytes after high-level in vitro exposure to isotonic media

Copper (Cu) is a common environmental pollutant in nature. Cu-poisoning can cause liver damage and erythrocytes hemolysis. To evaluate the effect of CuSO4 poisoning on the morphological and functional characteristics of goat red blood cells. Five 10–14-month-old goats were selected for jugular vein blood sampling to obtain erythrocytes, and then the erythrocytes were processed with different concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 μmol/L) of CuSO4 for 48 h, and 40 μmol/L doses CuSO4 incubated for different time (12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 h) to process erythrocytes. We observed the changes in erythrocyte morphology through scanning electron microscopy, and detected the antioxidant function and activities of three ATPases. Additionally, biological properties were examined from the perspectives of phospholipids and membrane protein components, permeability fragility, and fluidity in erythrocytes. We found that after CuSO4 treatment, the antioxidant capacity of erythrocytes decreased, which was manifested as increased MDA content and decreased CuZn-SOD and GSH-Px activities (p < 0.05). In addition, we also found that erythrocyte fluidity decreased, osmotic fragility increased, membrane phospholipid percentage and protein composition changes abnormally, and Na+/K+-ATPase, Mg2+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase activities decreased (p < 0.05). From the results, it can be concluded that CuSO4 exposure causes hemolysis of goat erythrocytes through oxidative stress to the structure and function of erythrocytes, showing a dose-time effect.

Application of atomic force microscopy to assess erythrocytes morphology in early stages of diabetes. A pilot study

The study aim was to assess the application of atomic force microscopy (AFM) to evaluate erythrocyte morphology in early stages of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and the association with biochemical, anthropometric, diet, and physical activity indicators.This was a pilot cross-sectional study with four groups: healthy individuals, people with prediabetes (PDG), metabolic syndrome (MSG), and diabetes mellitus group (DMG). Blood samples were obtained to assess the erythrocyte morphology and biochemical parameters. Anthropometrical measurements were taken. Besides, a diet and a physical activity questionnaire were applied.The evaluation of the erythrocyte morphology through the AFM showed quantitative and qualitative alterations in the cell's form and size. Compared to the healthy group, the PDG had a reduction in height (-0.80 μm, p < 0.05), and an increase in axial ratio (-0.09 μm, p < 0.05); the MSG had lower concave depth (-0.19 μm, p < 0.05); and the DMG had a decreased height (-0.46 μm, p < 0.05) and concave depth (-0.29 μm, p < 0.05), and higher axial ratio (+0.08 μm) and thickness (+0.32 μm, p < 0.05). The PDG vs. DMG had a statistically significant difference in concave depth (+0.23 μm, p < 0.05) and thickness (-0.26 μm, p < 0.05). The MSG was different than the DMG in variables like axial ratio (-0.05 μm) and thickness (-0.25 μm). Besides, higher values of age, HbA1c, triglycerides, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and physical inactivity were associated with altered erythrocyte morphology.AFM is a promising instrument to assess early but subtle changes in erythrocyte morphology (height, axial ratio, concave depth, thickness) before significant pathological conditions, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus. HbA1c might have a major effect in altered morphology, vs. metabolic parameters like high triglycerides, body mass index, waist, and physical inactivity.

SERCA overexpression reduces reperfusion-mediated cardiac microvascular damage through inhibition of the calcium/MCU/mPTP/necroptosis signaling pathways

Endothelial cells lining the microvasculature are particularly vulnerable to the deleterious effects of cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, a susceptibility that is partially mediated by dysregulated intracellular calcium signals. Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) functions to recycle calcium from the cytosol back to the endoplasmic reticulum. The purpose of this study is to explore the roles and mechanisms of SERCA in protecting microcirculation against cardiac I/R injury. Our data showed that overexpression of SERCA significantly reduced I/R-induced luminal stenosis and vascular wall edema, possibly through normalization of the ratio between eNOS and ET-1. I/R-induced erythrocyte morphological changes in micro-vessels could be reversed by SERCA overexpression through transcriptional inhibition of the expression of adhesive factors. In addition, SERCA-sustained endothelial barrier integrity reduced the likelihood of inflammatory cells infiltrating the myocardium. Furthermore, we found that SERCA overexpression attenuated intracellular calcium overload, suppressed mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) expression, and prevented the abnormal opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores (mPTP) in I/R-treated cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs). Interestingly, the administration of calcium activator or MCU agonist induced endothelial necroptosis in vitro and thus abolished the microvascular protection afforded by SERCA in reperfused heart tissue in vivo. In conclusion, by using gene delivery strategies to specifically target SERCA in vitro and in vivo, we identify a potential novel pathway by which SERCA overexpression protects microcirculation against cardiac I/R injury in a manner dependent on the calcium/MCU/necroptosis pathway. These findings should be taken into consideration in the development of pharmacological strategies for therapeutic interventions against cardiac microvascular I/R injury.

Early morphological and apoptotic responses of bird erythrocytes to thermal stress

ABSTRACT Little is known about early indicators of heat stress in bird erythrocytes. We investigated the effects of elevated temperatures on the morphology and cellular responses of avian erythrocytes. Hen red blood cells were subjected to 22–45 °C temperatures for 1 h and 4 h, then stained and examined by light microscopy to assess morphological alterations. Cell viability, cytotoxicity and caspases 3 and 7 activity also were investigated. We found that short-term exposure of hen blood to 43–45 °C caused morphological alterations and increased the activity of pro-apoptotic caspases 3 and 7; hemolytic cells also were found. Reduction of erythrocytes may be a consequence of direct disruption of the cell membrane, although apoptotic disintegration also may occur. Because changes in erythrocyte morphology were rapid, they may be useful indicators of thermal stress in birds.

Evaluation of peripheral blood parameters in the population living near the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site

Discussed changes the peripheral blood of the population of different sex living near the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site are considered. As a result, morphological changes of erythrocytes and platelets were detected.

Blood compatible heteratom-doped carbon dots for bio-imaging of human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Carbon dots have unique advantages in biological applications owing to their excellent optical properties. However, the biosafety evaluation of carbon dots has limitations owing to cytotoxicity in vitro, and there is little pre-safety evaluation before in vivo and clinical applications. Whether the carbon dots are or not suitable for applications in vivo, evaluation analysis can be made based on hemolysis and changes in erythrocyte morphology. In this work, a green fluorescent N, S-doped carbon dots (N, S-CDs) were obtained by hydrothermal method, tobias acid, and m-phenylenediamine as precursors. N, S-CDs not only possessed excellent dispersibility, uniform particle size, high quantum yield (37.2%) and stable photoluminescence property but also retain their photostability and strong fluorescence intensity in the acid/alkaline solutions, different ionic strengths (NaCl) and under 365 nm UV illumination. Moreover, the N, S-CDs displayed low cytotoxicity and high cellular uptake efficiency in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and excellent blood compatibility to the erythrocyte. It is foreseeable that N, S-CDs could be further studied as a promising biological imaging agent in vivo.