Redox Level Research Articles

Exogenous NOS inhibitor 7-NI influence ADMA production and improve redox status in plasma of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Introduction NO inhibition can influence blood pressure regulation and increase hypertension. Asymmetric dimethylarginine ADMA, is an analogue of L-arginine and its elevation inhibits NO synthesis, impairs endothelial function and is risk marker of cardiovascular diseases. In hypertension also reactive oxygen metabolites influence changes in signalisation and cell damages. In our study we focus on changes in ADMA level and oxidative stress in NO sythase inhibitors (L-NAME and 7-nitroindazole) treatment. Materials and Methods Spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) were chronically treated (up to 6 weeks) by L-NAME (50mg/kg) or 7NI (10mg/kg) and were comparing with control group. HPLC method withfluorescence detection has beenused to simultaneously analyse the levels of L-arginineand methylated stereoisomers: ADMA and SDMA. Plasma samples underwent solid-phase extraction followed by derivatization. Data acquisitions were achieved either using a classical standard method from calibration curve of an internal standard N-monomethyl-L-arginine- MMA (method 1) or using the method of several standard addition from linear regression extrapolation (method 2). Redox status has been determined by comparision of TTL vs. ROM level in plasma. Reactive oxygen metabolites – dROMsassay (Diacron, Grosseto, Italy) is a spectrophotometric method for determination of the hydroperoxides concetration reacting with a chromogenic substrate to develop a colored derivative. Total thiols levels -TTL assay (RelAssay, Gaziantep, Turkey) is based on the ability of free thiol groups to develop a colored complex when reacted with 5,5-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB). The color intensity is directly related to the thiol groups which are not affected by oxidation. ROM and TTL plasma biomarkers were measured on a clinical autoanalyzerUnicelDxC 800 (Beckman-Coulter, Woerden, the Netherlands). Results and discussion Effects of the two potential exogenous NO-inhibitors: L-NAME and 7-NI, were compared. ADMA level, ROS and TTL have not been changed in the L-NAME group comparing to control SHR. Hovewer the administration of 7-NI markedly decreased the ADMA over-production in plasma (7NI 0,0630±0,012 µM vs Control 0,208± 0,033µM) and also increased and improve TTL/ROM redox level comparing to L-NAME group. It has been observed that 7-NI exogenous NO-inhibitor can correlated levels of ADMA, ROM and TTL in plasma of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

High Selenium Yeast mitigates aluminum-induced cerebral inflammation by increasing oxidative stress and blocking NO production.

High Selenium Yeast (SeY) serves many important roles with respect to the maintenance of normal nervous system functioning. Studies have reported the nerve inflammation induced by Aluminum (Al) was associated with the increase of mortality. However, in-depth studies are required to verify the hypothesized neuro-protective efficacy of SeY against Al-induced cerebral damage through modulation of the inflammatory response. Here, mice were treated with SeY (0.1mg/kg) and/or Al (10mg/kg) by oral gavage for 28days. Inflammation was assessed by histopathological examination and expression of biomarkers for inflammation. Furthermore, the oxidation-reduction levels and the NO production were assessed using diagnostic kits and RT-PCR. The data indicated that SeY significantly protected cerebrum against Al-induced pathological changes, in addition to the disordered expression of biomarkers of inflammation, the imbalance of oxidation-reduction, and the increase of NO production. Therefore, the chemoprotective potential of SeY against Al-induced cerebral inflammation via restore the levels of oxidation-reduction and the generation of NO was demonstrated.

A New biological proxy for deep-sea paleo-oxygen: Pores of epifaunal benthic foraminifera

The negative consequences of fossil fuel burning for the oceans will likely include warming, acidification and deoxygenation, yet predicting future deoxygenation is difficult. Sensitive proxies for oxygen concentrations in ancient deep-ocean bottom-waters are needed to learn from patterns of marine deoxygenation during global warming conditions in the geological past. Understanding of past oxygenation effects related to climate change will better inform us about future patterns of deoxygenation. Here we describe a new, quantitative biological proxy for determining ocean paleo-oxygen concentrations: the surface area of pores (used for gas exchange) in the tests of deep-sea benthic foraminifera collected alive from 22 locations (water depths: 400 to 4100 m) at oxygen levels ranging from ~ 2 to ~ 277 μmol/l. This new proxy is based on species that are widely distributed geographically, bathymetrically and chronologically, and therefore should have broad applications. Our calibration demonstrates a strong, negative logarithmic correlation between bottom-water oxygen concentrations and pore surface area, indicating that pore surface area of fossil epifaunal benthic foraminifera can be used to reconstruct past changes in deep ocean oxygen and redox levels.

Crystal structure and functional characterization of selenocysteine-containing glutathione peroxidase 4 suggests an alternative mechanism of peroxide reduction

Glutathione peroxidases (GPX) are anti-oxidative enzymes that reduce organic and inorganic hydroperoxides to the corresponding alcohols at the expense of reduced glutathione. The human genome involves eight GPX genes and five of them encode for selenocysteine-containing enzymes. Among the human GPX-isoforms, GPX4 is unique since it is capable of reducing complex hydroperoxy ester lipids such as hydroperoxy phospholipids and hydroperoxy cholesterolesters. Using a number of genetically modified mouse strains the biological role of GPX4 has comprehensively characterized but the molecular enzymology is less well explored. This lack of knowledge is partly related to the fact that mammalian selenoproteins are not high-level expressed in conventional overexpression systems. To explore the structural and functional properties of human GPX4 we expressed this selenoprotein in a cysteine-auxotrophic E. coli strain using a semi-chemical expression strategy. The recombinant enzyme was purified in mg amounts from the bacterial lysate to electrophoretic homogeneity and characterized with respect to its protein-chemical and enzymatic properties. Its crystal structure was solved at 1.3 Å resolution and the X-ray data indicated a monomeric protein, which contains the catalytic selenium at the redox level of the seleninic acid. These data suggest an alternative reaction mechanism involving three different redox states (selenol, selenenic acid, seleninic acid) of the catalytically active selenocysteine.

Absolute Energy Levels of Liquid Water.

We determine the ionization potential (IP) and the electron affinity (EA) of liquid water together with the absolute redox level of the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) by combining advanced electronic-structure calculations, ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, thermodynamic integration, and potential alignment at the water-vacuum interface. The calculated SHE level lies at 4.56 eV below the vacuum level, close to the experimental reference of 4.44 eV inferred by Trasatti. The band edges are determined through a hybrid functional designed to reproduce the band gap achieved with highly accurate GW calculations. Our analysis yields IP = 9.7 eV and EA = 0.8 eV, consistent with both photoemission spectra of liquid water and thermodynamical data for the hydrated electron.

Theoretical study of the influence of surface effects on GaN-based chemical sensors

This paper presents the results of the theoretical study of various factors affecting the charging mechanism and characteristics of the Ga2O3/GaN/AlGaN based ion sensitive field effect transistor (ISFET). The relaxed atomic coordinates of electrolytes and water molecules at the α-gallium oxide (0 0 1) surface are used to calculate the interfacial properties of gallium nitride based ion selective field effect transistors. The hydration radius of electrolytes along with the distance of the first and the second layer of water on the surface are used to derive the equilibrium reaction rates of the protonation/deprotonation of surface sites and adsorption/desorption of ions to the second layer. The Triple Layer Model (TLM) is used to obtain the redistribution of electrolytes when they are exposed to the surface of the solid. Single site binding, TLM, Poisson-Boltzmann and Schrodinger equations are solved self-consistently to obtain the potential distribution across the device and electrolyte, accumulated charge at the surface and the density of electrons in the channel. Sensitivity of the device is affected by the thickness of the surface oxide on the GaN-cap layer. These results indicate that the inclusion of a thin layer of oxide at the surface of the GaN-based chemical sensor accounts for the surface chemistry, equilibrium reaction rates, and the relative surface conduction-band offset with the redox levels of electrolyte. The calculated values for the surface acidity, oxide/GaN-cap barrier height and the corresponding electron density in the channel as a function of the thickness of the AlGaN barrier, the GaN-cap and the surface oxide layer, distribution of electric fields within the device, and the Nernstian-slope of various structures, were compared with the literature for validation and were in close proximity of the experimental value. This model can be used to further refine GaN- based sensors for a range of applications.

P-234 - Changes of ADMA production, homocysteine level and improvement of redox status in plasma of hypertensive animals in chronic treatment of 7-nitroindazole

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) can elevate inhibition of NO synthesis as a risk marker of cardiovascular diseases. Reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) inhibit elevated ADMA level and is connected with homocysteine (Hcy). In our study we focused on ADMA and Hcy level changes and ROM in plasma of young spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) in chronic treatment by NO-sythase inhibitors (L-NAME and 7-nitroindazole). HPLC method with fluorescence detection has been used to analyse the levels of ADMA. Detection of Hcy has been measured by UV absorbance 340 nm (Analytx, Slovakia). Reactive oxygen metabolites – dROMs assay and Total thiols levels -TTL assay and TTL vs. ROM level in plasma was detected by clinical autoanalyzer UnicelDxC 800 (Beckman-Coulter, Netherlands). ADMA level, Hcy level, ROM and TTL has not been changed in the L-NAME. In 7-NI group was observed markedly decrease the ADMA overproduction, which was correlated with Hcy level decrease and redox status of ROM in plasma. Changes among total TTL and ROM production (TTL/ROM) has been improved redox level in 7-NI group comparing to L-NAME. It has been observed that 7-NI can influence decrease of ADMA,=Hcy, ROS level and improved TTL/ROM in SHR.

Adaptation of Mge1 to oxidative stress by local unfolding and altered Interaction with mitochondrial Hsp70 and Mxr2

Perturbations in mitochondrial redox levels oxidize nucleotide exchanger Mge1, compromising its ability to bind to the Hsp70, while the Mxr2 enzyme reduces the oxidized Mge1. However, the effects of persistent oxidative stress on Mge1 structure and function are not known. In this study, we show that oxidation-induced selective and local structural adaptations cause the detachment of Mge1 from Hsp70. Notably, persistent oxidative stress causes monomeric Mge1 to aggregate and to generate amyloid-type particles. Mxr2 appears to protect Mge1 from oxidative stress induced aggregation. We conclude that the Mxr2-Mge1-Hsp70 protein triad is finely regulated through structural alterations of Mge1 mediated by redox levels.

A Thermodynamic Model for Redox-Dependent Binding of Carbon Monoxide at Site-Differentiated, High Spin Iron Clusters.

Binding of N2 and CO by the FeMo-cofactor of nitrogenase depends on the redox level of the cluster, but the extent to which pure redox chemistry perturbs the affinity of high spin iron clusters for π-acids is not well understood. Here, we report a series of site-differentiated iron clusters that reversibly bind CO in redox states FeII4 through FeIIFeIII3. One electron redox events result in small changes in the affinity for (at most ∼400-fold) and activation of CO (at most 28 cm-1 for νCO). The small influence of redox chemistry on the affinity of these high spin, valence-localized clusters for CO is in stark contrast to the large enhancements (105-1022 fold) in π-acid affinity reported for monometallic and low spin, bimetallic iron complexes, where redox chemistry occurs exclusively at the ligand binding site. While electron-loading at metal centers remote from the substrate binding site has minimal influence on the CO binding energetics (∼1 kcal·mol-1), it provides a conduit for CO binding at an FeIII center. Indeed, internal electron transfer from these remote sites accommodates binding of CO at an FeIII, with a small energetic penalty arising from redox reorganization (∼2.6 kcal·mol-1). The ease with which these clusters redistribute electrons in response to ligand binding highlights a potential pathway for coordination of N2 and CO by FeMoco, which may occur on an oxidized edge of the cofactor.

Redox buffering and de-coupling of arsenic and iron in reducing aquifers across the Red River Delta, Vietnam, and conceptual model of de-coupling processes

Analysis of over 500 groundwater samples from throughout the Red River Delta indicates de-coupling of dissolved arsenic (As) and dissolved iron (Fe). Sorting of all data along the redox potentials suggests re-adsorption of As released initially from Mn(IV)-oxyhydroxides and later from Fe(III)-oxyhydroxides on remaining ferric phases at moderate redox levels. A gradually decreasing specific surface area available for re-adsorption of As probably plays a role as a consequence of limited reactivity of more crystalline phases such as goethite and hematite. At low redox levels, concentrations of Fe and phosphate decrease, but As concentrations keep increasing and most As is present as As(III) with limited adsorption affinity. Based on the results of speciation modeling, the water is supersaturated with respect to siderite and vivianite. A general conceptual model of As and Fe behavior is presented, suggesting that coupled behavior is possible in two geochemical "windows", i.e., 1: between saturation of remaining adsorption sites and the onset of siderite and vivianite precipitation, and 2: after the beginning of secondary sulfide phases precipitation and during methanogenesis. The de-coupling of As from Fe is common and has been observed at many sites around the world where As is released as a consequence of redox processes, e.g., in Bangladesh, West Bengal and Assam in India, the Mekong Delta in Cambodia and Vietnam, and Taiwan. The presented general conceptual model of de-coupling processes can be applied to the interpretation of As and Fe data, and, thus, it can help in the preparation of a site conceptual model which is a necessary prerequisite for reactive transport modeling.

Interaction of nitric oxide with the components of the plant mitochondrial electron transport chain.

Mitochondria are not only major sites for energy production but also participate in several alternative functions, among these generation of nitric oxide (NO), and its different impacts on this organelle, is receiving increasing attention. The inner mitochondrial membrane contains the chain of protein complexes, and electron transfer via oxidation of various organic acids and reducing equivalents leads to generation of a proton gradient that results in energy production. Recent evidence suggests that these complexes are sources and targets for NO. Complex I and rotenone-insensitive NAD(P)H dehydrogenases regulate hypoxic NO production, while complex I also participates in the formation of a supercomplex with complex III under hypoxia. Complex II is a target for NO which, by inhibiting Fe-S centres, regulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Complex III is one of the major sites for NO production, and the produced NO participates in the phytoglobin-NO cycle that leads to the maintenance of the redox level and limited energy production under hypoxia. Expression of the alternative oxidase (AOX) is induced by NO under various stress conditions, and evidence exists that AOX can regulate mitochondrial NO production. Complex IV is another major site for NO production, which can also be linked to ATP generation via the phytoglobin-NO cycle. Inhibition of complex IV by NO can prevent oxygen depletion at the frontier of anoxia. The NO production and action on various complexes play a major role in NO signalling and energy metabolism.

The Glycerate and Phosphorylated Pathways of Serine Synthesis in Plants: The Branches of Plant Glycolysis Linking Carbon and Nitrogen Metabolism.

Serine metabolism in plants has been studied mostly in relation to photorespiration where serine is formed from two molecules of glycine. However, two other pathways of serine formation operate in plants and represent the branches of glycolysis diverging at the level of 3-phosphoglyceric acid. One branch (the glycerate – serine pathway) is initiated in the cytosol and involves glycerate formation from 3-phosphoglycerate, while the other (the phosphorylated serine pathway) operates in plastids and forms phosphohydroxypyruvate as an intermediate. Serine formed in these pathways becomes a precursor of glycine, formate and glycolate accumulating in stress conditions. The pathways can be linked to GABA shunt via transamination reactions and via participation of the same reductase for both glyoxylate and succinic semialdehyde. In this review paper we present a hypothesis of the regulation of redox balance in stressed plant cells via participation of the reactions associated with glycerate and phosphorylated serine pathways. We consider these pathways as important processes linking carbon and nitrogen metabolism and maintaining cellular redox and energy levels in stress conditions.

Concurrent Ultrafast Electron- and Hole-Transfer Dynamics in CsPbBr3 Perovskite and Quantum Dots.

Ultrafast charge-transfer (i.e., electron and hole) dynamics has been investigated between the cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3, CPB) perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) and cadmium selenide (CdSe) quantum dots (QDs) as a new composite material for photocatalytic and photovoltaic applications. The CPB NCs have been synthesized and characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern. The redox levels (i.e., conduction band (CB) and valence band (VB)) of the CPB NCs and CdSe QDs suggest the feasibility of photoexcited electron transfer from CPB NCs to CdSe QDs and photoexcited hole transfer from CdSe QDs to CPB NCs, and it has been confirmed by both steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopy. To investigate the electron- and hole-transfer dynamics in ultrafast time scale, we have performed femtosecond up-conversion and femtosecond transient absorption studies. The measured electron-transfer time from CPB NCs to CdSe QDs and hole-transfer time from CdSe QDs to CPB NCs were found to be 550 and 750 fs, respectively. Interestingly, the charge-transfer process found to be restricted in CPB/CdSe@CdS core-shell system where electron transfer from CPB NCs to core shell takes place, but the hole transfer from core shell to CPB NCs found to be restricted due to CdS shell making the process thermodynamically nonviable. Our observation has suggested that after the photoexcitation of CPB NCs/CdSe QDs composite system, a charge-separated state is formed where the electrons are localized in CB of CdSe QDs and holes are localized in VB of CPB NCs. This makes the composite system a better material for efficient light harvesting and photocatalytic material as compared to the individual ones.

PH-Dependent Catalytic Reaction Pathway for Water Splitting at the BiVO4–Water Interface from the Band Alignment

We align the band edges of BiVO4 at the interface with liquid water by combining advanced electronic-structure calculations, molecular dynamics simulations, and a computational hydrogen electrode. After accounting for spin–orbit coupling and thermal and nuclear quantum motions, we achieve good agreement with experiment, particularly with one-shot GW calculations and semiempirically tuned hybrid functionals. The pH-dependent mechanism of the water oxidation reaction is discussed in consideration of the pH at the point of zero charge, the pKa of adsorbed water molecules, and the redox levels of the rate-determining step of the reaction. The mechanism pertaining to acidic conditions is found to dominate over a large pH range. The kinetically more favorable oxidation of hydroxyl ions is favored only in highly alkaline conditions and could be hampered by corrosion processes. Advanced electronic-structure methods are shown to be instrumental in overcoming the erroneous physical picture achieved at the semilocal...

Cilostazol attenuates indices of liver damage induced by thioacetamide in albino rats through regulating inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic biomarkers

Even though cilostazol was assessed before in several models of atherosclerosis, so far its full systematic effect as a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic mediator in the protection of liver damage and complication has not been fully clarified, which is the target of this study. For that purpose, we examined the protective effect of cilostazol (10 and 5mg/kg, p.o. b.wt.) in an acute hepatic injury model by orally injecting it for 3 weeks prior to a single dose of TAA (300mg/kg, i.p) injection. Ursodeoxycholic acid was used as a standard drug (50mg/kg, p.o. b.wt.). After injection of thioacetamide by 48hr, rats were sacrificed. On the serum biochemical level, cilostazol ameliorated the thioacetamide consequence, where it presented a significant enhancement in the liver enzymes activities [Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) & Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)]. On the other hand, at the tissue level (Liver), it revealed a significant improvement in pro-inflammatory cytokines [Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), NF-κB (P65/P50 nucleus translocation), caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3 & C-reactive protein (CRP)], redox level [Reduced glutathione (GSH) & Malondialdehyde (MDA)], histopathological findings, Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis (expression of TNF-α and NF-κB mRNA levels), and immunohistochemical reaction (caspase-3 & TNF-α). Obviously, the high dose of cilostazol (10mg/kg, p.o. b.wt.) displayed a more pronounced effect than its lower one and nearly equal to ursodeoxycholic acid in the most of the parameters. These results give a new awareness into the hopeful molecular mechanisms by which cilostazol attenuates several factors participated in the progression of liver damage.

Plasma Medical Oncology: Long-Term Results With Focus On Immunity Research

Background The morbidity and mortality of advanced-stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are still high, despite innovative advances in treatment1. Current research strategies pay a growing attention on cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP). Objective In this article, selected clinical results in CAP therapy of palliative HNSCC patients are presented. The current state of preclinical and clinical research on plasma medical oncology is summarized, with special regard to immunity aspects. Results A prospective observation study2 investigated the therapeutic effect of CAP treatment in locally advanced HNSCC (UICC IV) patients who failed to response to the standard treatment. In this palliative intended trial one third of the patients showed a remarkable partial tumor remission under CAP therapy. The patients could be confidently identified as a responder or non-responder to CAP treatment within the first two weeks after intervention. In the group of responder patients, the tumor surface decreased by 80% in size compared to the baseline. The effectiveness of CAP got lost after a long plateau phase. Both, the effectivity and the loss of effectivity can be interpreted by new immunological insights. Apart from the active components of plasma (e.g. ROS/RNS), that modify the redox level and the activation level of signaling pathways in cancer and immune cells, the regulation of immunogenic cells is a key component. Conclusion Plasma therapy has the ability to locally effect the immune system and to modify the tumor microenvironment- opening perspectives for improved therapeutic concepts.

Control of the maximal chlorophyll fluorescence yield by the Q<sub>B</sub> binding site

Differences in maximal yields of chlorophyll variable fluorescence (Fm) induced by single turnover (ST) and multiple turnover (MT) excitation are as great as 40%. Using mutants of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii we investigated potential mechanisms controlling Fm above and beyond the QA redox level. Fm was low when the QB binding site was occupied by PQ and high when the QB binding site was empty or occupied by a PSII herbicide. Furthermore, in mutants with impaired rates of plastoquinol reoxidation, Fm was reached rapidly during MT excitation. In PSII particles with no mobile PQ pool, Fm was virtually identical to that obtained in the presence of PSII herbicides. We have developed a model to account for the variations in maximal fluorescence yields based on the occupancy of the QB binding site. The model predicts that the variations in maximal fluorescence yields are caused by the capacity of secondary electron acceptors to reoxidize QA-.

Electrochemical Proton Reductions Catalyzed by the Simpler Hexacoordinate Iron Compounds as Functional Mimics of the Active Site in [FeFe] Hydrogenase

Ligand-substitution reaction of [(μ-S2C4N2H2)Fe2(CO)6] (1) generated a normal mono-substituted diiron dithiolate derivative [(μ-S2C4N2H2)Fe2(CO)5(PMe3)] (1P) and a simpler hexacoordinate mononuclear compound [(μ-S2C4N2H2)Fe([CO)2(PMe3)2] (2) via distinct reactivity pathways under identical conditions. 1P and 2 could act as the electrochemically functional mimics of the [2Fe] sub-cluster and the distal Fe moiety of the active site of [FeFe] hydrogenase. The electrochemical investigations showed that 2 catalyzed the production of hydrogen from weak acid (acetic acid, HOAc) via two catalytic processes with an initial metal-orbital based reduction. In contrast, the electrocatalytic reaction of 2 with stronger acid (trifluoroacetic acid, TFA) occurred via an initial ligand protonation, and proceeded through different pathways that involved distinct oxidation states of the catalyst. The most striking result obtained in this study was that the hydrogen formation by 2 from TFA occurred at a relatively low overpotential as small as −0.28 V. It could be rationalized by the exclusive employment of iron(II) and iron(I) redox levels in the catalytic cycle, which was consistent with the enzymatic process. The observations might shed light on some aspects of ways by which the model compounds catalyzed the reduction of protons.

Detoxification of Fusarium-contaminated maize with sodium sulphite – in vivo efficacy with special emphasis on mycotoxin residues and piglet health

ABSTRACTA feeding experiment with piglets was performed to examine the efficacy of a wet preservation of Fusarium (FUS)-contaminated maize with sodium sulphite (SoS) based on deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) residue levels in urine, bile and liquor and health traits of piglets. For this purpose, 80 castrated male piglets (7.57 ± 0.92 kg BW) were assigned to four treatment groups: CON− (control diet, with 0.09 mg DON and <0.01 mg ZEN/kg diet), CON+ (diet CON−, wet-preserved with 5 g SoS/kg maize; containing 0.05 mg DON and <0.01 mg ZEN/kg diet), FUS− (diet with mycotoxin-contaminated maize; containing 5.36 mg DON and 0.29 mg ZEN/kg diet), and FUS+ (diet FUS−, wet-preserved with 5 g SoS/kg maize; resulting in 0.83 mg DON and 0.27 mg ZEN/kg diet). After 42 d, 40 piglets (n = 10 per group) were sampled. A clear reduction of DON levels by approximately 75% was detected in all specimens of pigs fed diet FUS+. ZEN was detected in all urine, bile and liquor samples, while their metabolites were only detectable in urine and bile. Additionally, their concentrations were not influenced by SoS treatment. Among the health-related traits, feeding of FUS diets increased the total counts of leukocytes and segmented neutrophil granulocytes irrespective of SoS treatment. SoS treatment increased the total blood protein content slightly with a similar numerical trend in albumin concentration. These effects occurred at an obviously lower level in FUS-fed groups. Moreover, SoS treatment recovered the reduction of NO production induced by feeding diet FUS− indicating an effect on the redox level. As this effect only occurred in group FUS+, it is obviously related to the adverse effects of the Fusarium toxins. In conclusion, treatment of FUS-contaminated maize with SoS decreased the inner exposure with DON as indicated by the lower DON levels in various piglet specimens. However, health-related traits did not consistently reflect this decreased exposure.

Sulfur-Use-Efficiency Evaluation in Brassica juncea Genotypes under Salinity Stress

This study aimed to evaluate the sulfur (S)-use-efficiency (SUE) in mustard (Brassica juncea L.) genotypes (Pusa Agrani, PM 25 Bj, PM 27 Bj, PM 28 Bj, Pusa Jagannath and Pusa Vijay) exposed to salinity (0, 50 and 100 mM NaCl). Biomarkers used for testing SUE were traits for photosynthesis, growth and oxidative stress and the levels of cystine and reduced glutathione (GSH), redox GSH/GSSG ratio and the activity of glutathione reductase (GR). Maximum significant reductions in photosynthetic traits such as photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 and Fv/Fm, and growth traits (plant dry mass and leaf area) were observed with 100 mM NaCl. The same salinity level significantly elevated oxidative stress traits in terms of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and H2O2 content. However, 100 mM NaCl-accrued decreases in photosynthetic, growth and oxidative traits were maximum in B. juncea genotype Pusa Agrani and the minimum in B. juncea, Pusa Vijay. In addition, B. juncea genotype Pusa Vijay and B. juncea genotype Pusa Agrani exhibited, respectively, the highest and the lowest SUE and the levels of cysteine, GSH and redox GSH/GSSG ratio and GR activity at both 50 and 100 mM NaCl.