Reduced Iron Content Research Articles

Vaccine response was higher in formula-fed infants compared to breastfed but not affected by lactoferrin or iron in a randomised controlled trial.

To examine how reduced iron content and added bovine lactoferrin in infant formula affect the antibody response following routine immunisation. In this randomised controlled trial, 180 Swedish formula-fed infants received, from 6 weeks to 6 months of age, a 2 mg/L iron formula with (n = 72) or without (n = 72) bovine lactoferrin, or a control formula with 8 mg/L iron and no lactoferrin (n = 36). Another 72 infants were recruited as a breastfed reference. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), diphtheria and tetanus were assessed at four, six and 12 months of age. With an equal gender distribution, 180 + 72 term infants were included with a mean age of 7.0 ± 0.7 weeks. At 12 months, infants fed low iron formula showed a significantly higher geometric mean Hib IgG (1.40 μg/mL [1.07-1.83]) compared to the control formula infants (0.67 μg/mL [0.42-1.07]). For all three vaccines, breastfed infants had significantly lower IgG levels at six and 12 months of age. Except for higher Hib IgG levels at 12 months in infants fed low iron formula, the interventions did not affect vaccine IgG response. Unexpectedly, breastfed infants had significantly lower vaccine IgG levels compared to formula-fed infants.

Astrocyte-derived lactoferrin inhibits neuronal ferroptosis by reducing iron content and GPX4 degradation in APP/PS1 transgenic mice

Increased astrocytic lactoferrin (Lf) expression was observed in the brains of elderly individuals and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Our previous study revealed that astrocytic Lf overexpression improved cognitive capacity by facilitating Lf secretion to neurons to inhibit β-amyloid protein (Aβ) production in APP/PS1 mice. Here, we further discovered that astrocytic Lf overexpression inhibited neuronal loss by decreasing iron accumulation and increasing glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression in neurons within APP/PS1 mice. Furthermore, human Lf (hLf) treatment inhibited ammonium ferric citrate (FAC)-induced ferroptosis by chelating intracellular iron. Additionally, machine learning analysis uncovered a correlation between Lf and GPX4. hLf treatment boosted low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) internalization and facilitated its interaction with heat shock cognate 70 (HSC70), thereby inhibiting HSC70 binds to GPX4, and eventually attenuating GPX4 degradation and FAC-induced ferroptosis. Overall, astrocytic Lf overexpression inhibited neuronal ferroptosis through two pathways: reducing intracellular iron accumulation and promoting GPX4 expression via inhibiting chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA)-mediated GPX4 degradation. Hence, upregulating astrocytic Lf expression is a promising strategy for combating AD.

The factors determining motivation of blood plasma donorship, including conditions of COVID-19 pandemic

The article analyzes publications considering motivation of plasma donors by factors related to ethical and socio-economic aspects. Their detailed analysis and systematical consideration in the work contributes into more effective informing of new potential donors, improving recruitment and retention of donors. The detailed analysis established among causes of negative beliefs and negative experiences regarding donorship such factors as increased risk of infectious diseases, decreased vitality, vaso-vagal reactions and reduced iron content. It is demonstrated that experienced plasma donors try to maintain practice of donorship in conditions of intensive life activity, often applying flexible approach to frequency of plasma donation. Their knowledge about contribution that their donation makes is key factor in continuing donation. However, the COVID-19 pandemic developed additional obstacles to donorship due to state preventive measures and increased personal health risks. In order to develop donorship policy during pandemic in the future, it is important to study changes in motivation of donors during pandemic.

Effectiveness of Varying Eggshell and Zeolite Thickness in Reducing Iron Content of Well Water in Jebugan, Klaten

Effectiveness of Varying Eggshell and Zeolite Thickness in Reducing Iron Content of Well Water in Jebugan, Klaten

Intravenous calcitriol administration improves the liver redox status and attenuates ferroptosis in mice with high-fat diet-induced obesity complicated with sepsis

Obesity aggravates ferroptosis, and vitamin D (VD) may inhibit ferroptosis. We hypothesized that weight reduction and/or calcitriol administration have benefits against the sepsis-induced liver redox imbalance and ferroptosis in obese mice. Mice were fed a high-fat diet for 11 weeks, then half of the mice continued to consume the diet, while the other half were transferred to a low-energy diet for 5 weeks. After feeding the respective diets for 16 weeks, sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Septic mice were divided into four experimental groups: OS group, obese mice injected with saline; OD group, obese mice with calcitriol; WS group, weight-reduction mice with saline; and WD group, weight-reduction mice with calcitriol. Mice in the respective groups were euthanized at 12 or 24 h after CLP. Results showed that the OS group had the highest inflammatory mediators and lipid peroxide levels in the liver. Calcitriol treatment reduced iron content, enhanced the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio, upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, ferroptosis-suppressing protein 1, and solute carrier family 7 member 11 expression levels. Also, mitochondrion-associated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, and heme oxidase-1 expression levels increased in the late phase of sepsis. These results were not noted in the WS group. These findings suggest that calcitriol treatment elicits a more-balanced glutathione redox status, alleviates liver ferroptosis, and enhances mitochondrial biogenesis-associated gene expressions. Weight reduction alone had minimal influences on liver ferroptosis and mitochondrial biogenesis in obese mice with sepsis.

Tumor Cell Membrane-Encapsulated MLA Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Targeted Diagnosis and Radiosensitization Therapy of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common nonmelanoma skin cancer. Radiotherapy plays an integral role in treating SCC due to its characteristics, such as diminished intercellular adhesion, heightened cell migration and invasion capabilities, and immune evasion. These problems lead to inaccurate tumor boundary positioning and radiotherapy tolerance in SCC treatment. Thus, accurate localization and enhanced radiotherapy sensitivity are imperative for effective SCC treatment. To address the existing limitations in SCC therapy, we developed monoglyceride solid lipid nanoparticles (MG SLNs) and enveloped them with the A431 cell membrane (A431 CM) to create A431@MG. The characterization results showed that A431@MG was spherical. Furthermore, A431@MG had specific targeting for A431 cells. In A431 tumor-bearing mice, A431@MG demonstrated prolonged accumulation within tumors, ensuring precise boundary localization of SCC. We further advanced the approach by preparing MG SLNs encapsulating 5-aminolevulinic acid methyl ester (MLA) and desferrioxamine (DFO) with an A431 CM coating to yield A431@MG-MLA/DFO. Several studies have revealed that DFO effectively reduced iron content, impeding protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) biotransformation and promoting PpIX accumulation. Simultaneously, MLA was metabolized into PpIX upon cellular entry. During radiotherapy, the heightened PpIX levels enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, inducing DNA and mitochondrial damage and leading to cell apoptosis. In A431 tumor-bearing mice, the A431@MG-MLA/DFO group exhibited notable radiotherapy sensitization, displaying superior tumor growth inhibition. Combining A431@MG-MLA/DFO with radiotherapy significantly improved anticancer efficacy, highlighting its potential to serve as an integrated diagnostic and therapeutic strategy for SCC.

Amentoflavone attenuates homocysteine-induced neuronal ferroptosis-mediated inflammatory response: Involvement of the SLC7A11/GPX4 axis activation

Elevated homocysteine (Hcy) levels, referred to hyperhomocysteinemia, are associated with an increased risk of several neurological disorders. Ferroptosis and inflammation play a vital role in Hcy-induced neuronal dysfunction. Amentoflavone (AMF), an active natural biflavone compound, exhibits antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities. This study aimed to explore the potential effects of AMF on Hcy-induced neuronal injury, with a particular focus on the underlying mechanisms involving ferroptosis and inflammation. We assessed neuronal damage in HT22 cells by measuring cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and proliferation rates. Additionally, we evaluated oxidative stress markers including the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), MitoSOX, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH). Iron metabolism and ferroptosis-related gene expressions (Ptgs2, Tfr1, and Fth1) were quantified. TheSLC7A11/GPX4 axis was also detected. Our results showed that AMF treatment dramatically mitigated Hcy-induced neuronal injury by increasing cell viability, decreasing LDH release, and promoting cell proliferation. AMF treatment also reduced Hcy-induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, as evidenced by reduced ROS, MitoSOX, MMP, and MDA levels, along with an increased GSH content in HT22 cells. In addition, AMF treatment reduced iron content and ferroptosis-related gene mRNA levels. However, Erastin, a ferroptosis inducer, blocked these neuroprotective effects of AMF. Ferroptosis inhibitor Ferrostatin-1 also attenuated Hcy-induced ferroptosis. Moreover, both AMF and Ferrostatin-1 effectively mitigated Hcy-induced inflammation, which was again antagonized by Erastin. Mechanistically, AMF treatment enhanced SLC7A11/GPX4 axis in Hcy-treated HT22 cells. In conclusion, these findings suggest that AMF possesses neuroprotection against Hcy-induced injury primarily by inhibiting ferroptosis-mediated inflammation, partly through the activation of SLC7A11/GPX4 axis.

TfR1 mediated iron metabolism dysfunction as a potential therapeutic target for osteoarthritis.

Transferrin receptor-1 (TfR1) plays important roles in controlling cellular iron levels, but its role in OA pathology is unknown. Herein we aim to investigate the role of TfR1 in OA progression and its underlying mechanisms. TfR1 expression in cartilage during OA development were examined both in vivo and in vitro. Then IL-1β was used to induce chondrocytes degeneration in vitro and TfR1 siRNA was used for observing the effect of TfR1 in modulating iron homeostasis, mitochondrial function and degrading enzymes expression. Also the inhibitor of TfR1 was exploited to analyze the protective effect of TfR1 inhibition in vivo. TfR1 is elevated in OA cartilage and contributes to OA inflammation condition. Excess iron not only results in oxidative stress damage and sensitizes chondrocytes to ferroptosis, but also triggers c-GAS/STING-mediated inflammation by promoting mitochondrial destruction and the release of mtDNA. Silencing TfR1 using TfR1 siRNA not only reduced iron content in chondrocytes and inhibited oxidative stress, but also facilitated the mitophagy process and suppressed mtDNA/cGAS/STING-mediated inflammation. Importantly, we also found that Ferstatin II, a novel and selective TfR1 inhibitor, could substantially suppress TfR1 activity both in vivo and in vitro and ameliorated cartilage degeneration. Our work demonstrates that TfR1 mediated iron influx plays important roles in chondrocytes degeneration and OA pathogenesis, suggesting that maintaining iron homeostasis through the targeting of TfR1 may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of OA.

Endogenous Microbacteria Can Contribute to Ovarian Carcinogenesis by Reducing Iron Concentration in Cysts: A Pilot Study.

Among epithelial ovarian cancer, clear cell carcinoma is common for chemo-resistance and high mortality. This cancer arises from benign ovarian endometrioma (OE), which is a high oxidative stress environment due to the cystic retention of menstrual blood produced during menstruation and the "iron" liberated from the cyst. There has been strong evidence that the iron concentration in OE decreases when they become cancerous. A decrease in iron concentration is a necessary condition for the formation of cancer. However, the mechanism of carcinogenesis is not yet clear. In the current study, the bacterial flora in endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC), including clear cell carcinoma, and their origin, OE, were investigated using next-generation sequencing. The Shannon index in the genus level was significantly higher in EAOC than in OE fluids. Among several bacterial flora that were more abundant than benign chocolate cysts, a number of bacterial species that correlate very well with iron concentrations in the cysts were identified. These bacterial species are likely to be associated with decreased iron concentrations and cancer development.

Effect of heat-stable biocatalytic remediation cocktail (HBRC) on selected heavy metals present in crude oil-polluted soil

This study investigated the effect of a heat-stable biocatalytic remediation cocktail (HBRC) on selected heavy metals present in crude oil-polluted soil. The soil sample was collected from Agbura Community, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Heat-stable biocatalytic remediation cocktail (HBRC) also called garbage enzyme (GE) was produced from three substances; water, fruits skin (orange, pineapple, plantain, watermelon and banana peels) and brown sugar in a ratio of 10: 3: 1, and were allowed to ferment for 90 days. The soil sample was divided into six Groups (1 - 6). Groups 1 and 2 served as control; (unpolluted) and (polluted but not treated soil) while Groups 3 to 6 were given different treatments. The samples were prepared and selected heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Zn and Co) concentrations were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). After treatment of the crude oil-polluted soil with the HBRC for 180, there were significant reductions in Fe, Cu, Zn and Co were observed in Groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 when compared to Groups 1 and 2. The highest iron concentration reduction was observed in Group 3 (76.58%). Similarly, the highest Cu concentration reduction was seen in Group 5 (73.55%). Also, the highest Zn concentration reduction was observed in Group 6 (86.30%) while Co highest concentration reduction was seen in Group 5 (86.56%). Hence, the result reveals that HBRC can be used as a remediation cocktail for heavy metals.

Reduction of ore losses on the footwall by improving ore breaking

When mining steep deposits of Kryvyi Rih iron ore basin (Ukraine), a significant part of the reserves is lost in the “triangle” of the footwall. Complete extraction of reserves requires increased costs for mining ore. At present, there are options for mining reserves from the “triangle” of the footwall. However, all the proposed options lead to an increase in the cost of mining or increased ore losses and the reduced iron content in the mined ore mass. To reduce the cost of mining, an option is proposed with concentrated charges to break ore located between the footwall and the caved massif. In order to improve indicators of reserve extraction from the “triangle” of the footwall in the massif, it is advisable to place inclined concentrated charges at an angle of 58 – 78 degrees. To reduce broken ore dilution with waste rocks on the boundary, it is advisable to create an overcompacted layer of the broken ore mass by reducing the calculated value of the line of least resistance by a factor of 0.5 – 0.75. Application of this method of mining reserves from the block increases the content of iron in the mined ore mass by 1.2%, reduces discounted costs for driving workings and for drilling and blasting. Thus, due to application of the bulk level caving system with improved ore breaking by the use of concentrated charges located in the “triangle” of the footwall, the expected economic effect of mining of 718.2 kt makes 5.20 k USD.

Improvement of the stoping technology in mining magnetite quartzite by underground methods

The ore deposits in Kryvyi Rih iron ore basin are mined using bulk ore and overlying rocks caving systems. These mining systems have a significant drawback, namely a 2 – 5% reduction in the iron content of the mined ore mass when mining rich ores and up to 15% when mining poor ores. Current technological solutions enable improvement of ore extraction values while increasing economic costs by 15 – 20%. Therefore, the present article proposes a technological solution that will improve extraction values for poor ores. The study conducted results in determining the optimal distance between drawpoints of the receiving level and substantiates location of additional workings in the footwall, which reduces ore losses and increases ore mass extraction values. The proposed technological solution will reduce ore losses by 10 – 15% of the standard losses and increase ore extraction values by 5 – 15%, while reducing iron content by 5 – 7% of the initial one. Thus, the study conducted proves that the use of an additional level located 30 – 35 m above the main receiving level allows reduction of ore losses from 27.39% to 21.19%, and the iron content in the extracted ore mass – by only 3% instead of 12%.

Fabrication and characterization of polyether sulfone membrane with cellulose additive of oil palm empty fruit bunches for reducing iron content in water

Fabrication of polymer-based membranes polyether sulfone (PES) which is hydrophobic which is easily experiences fouling and will a decrease in membrane performance with the addition of various organic additives from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) waste and dimethyl formamide (DMF) as solvents to look at the formation of Ultrafiltration membrane pores (UF). OPEFB additive concentration variations were 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% for each addition of 18% PES polymer. The manufacture of cellulose was alkalization, bleaching, and acid hydrolysis. The characteristics were carried out by the FTIR test to see the wavelength of OPEFB cellulose where at 1093.64 cm -1 there is a C-O functional group which proves the presence of cellulose in OPEFB, SEM, and porosity tests on the membrane. Membranes with polyether sulfone polymer are prepared by a phase inversion process. The results obtained by the flux values with variations in additive concentration and pressure variations of 0.5 %, 1%, and 1.5% obtained flux and rejection results (selectivity) using FeCl3.

Describing the effects of iron dyshomeostasis on cognitive function and dementia in UK Biobank

AbstractBackgroundIron dyshomeostasis is a feature of neurodegenerative disease. In circulating blood, changes in iron are associated with dementia disease phenotypes, while in brain tissue increased iron is associated with dementia progression. In UK Biobank, whole body imaging includes variables derived from the brain swMRI data which are indicative of iron in brain tissue. Complete blood counts per participant include hemoglobin concentration indicative of iron in oxygen transportation. Using the cognitive assessment and participants with all‐cause dementia we aimed to understand how measured changes in iron would affect dementia in a large UK‐based cohort.MethodUsing cross–sectional analysis at shared time points in UK Biobank data collection we compared both the iron phenotypes with cognitive measures. Firstly, the baseline values at the primary assessment centre visit where 478,082 participants were tested for cognitive function and red blood cell measures. Secondly, at Visit 2 (n = 5861), where brain imaging derived T2* measures and complete blood count (hemoglobin concentration) were captured alongside the repeated cognitive measures. Each linear regression model includes cognitive function (outcome) and iron measures (exposure) with correction for age and sex. Adjusted models include correction for education years, assessment centre and ethnicity.ResultWe found association between low hemoglobin and all‐cause dementia (beta = ‐0.125, p <0.001). This association was replicated with poorer cognitive function and low haemoglobin analysing cognitive function tests (including verbal and numerical reasoning and reaction time) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin, (p<0.05). Using quantile sets of hemoglobin concentration we found a non‐linear effect, whereby both high and low iron had a negative association on cognitive outcome (verbal reasoning ‐0.029,‐0.019, p’s = 0.002,0.049). Using MRI T2* we found associations between newer cognitive function tests, matrix pattern puzzles and symbol digit substitution (p <0.0001) as well as verbal reasoning (p = 0.015). These cognitive function measures were strongly associated with the T2* hippocampus region.ConclusionWe have shown an association between dementia and low hemoglobin concentration. We have demonstrated the complexities of this iron homeostasis relationship, showing how lower cognitive function is associated with both increased and reduced iron concentration in blood and how iron changes in brain effect different cognitive traits.

Adsorption of ibuprofen from aqueous solution by modified date palm biochar: Performance, optimization, and life cycle assessment

In this study, date palm biochar (DP) was modified through acidification with HCl (DPA), alkali treatment with NaOH (DPB), chitosan (chitosan-DP), metal loading with Fe3O4 (DPI) and acidification and metal loading with HCl + Fe3O4 (DPAI) to enhance ibuprofen (IBP) adsorption from wastewater. Optimization was done using Box-Behnken model-based response surface methodology. DPAI showed the highest IBP adsorption capacity (72.2 mg/g) surpassing DPA (71.5 mg/g), DPB (67.8 mg/g), DPI (67.81 mg/g), DP (65.7 mg/g) and Chitosan-DP (61.32 mg/g) under optimal conditions (pH - 2, concentration - 150 mg/L, time - 20 h). This was due to improved pore structure and increased adsorption sites. However, life cycle assessment revealed that DPAI had the highest environmental impact out of all the modified biochars with a Cumulative Energy Demand (CED) of 143.22 MJ/kg and a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 10 kg CO2eq. Sensitivity analysis suggested that transitioning to renewable energy sources could reduce GHG by 37.4 % and CED by 22.1 %. Additionally, reducing iron content can mitigate 22.1 % of GHG and 8.1 % of CED for DPAI. Nonetheless, DPAI still demonstrated effective adsorption rates after 2 cycles of regeneration study.

Differences in iron balance observed with dietary cholic acid supplementation and marginal iron deficiency in rats.

We investigated whether a cholic acid (CA)-supplemented diet and marginal iron deficiency (MID) diet influence hepatic lipid accumulation and iron balance in rats for 2 weeks. The CA diet enhanced hepatic lipid accumulation and modulated iron metabolism such as enhancement of fecal iron excretion, reduction in iron absorption, and no alteration in plasma iron levels. The MID diet did not alter hepatic lipid concentrations with reduced iron concentration in the liver and plasma. In combination, influence of the CA supplementation on the hepatic iron concentration was opposite between iron-sufficient and MID conditions. In the liver, the CA diet enhanced lipocalin 2 expression, whereas the MID diet enhanced transferrin receptor 1 expression and reduced hepcidin expression. This study revealed an involvement of 12-hydroxylated bile acids in regulation of hepatic iron concentration under MID condition.

Retinal ferroptosis as a critical mechanism for the induction of retinochoroiditis during ocular toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a major infectious disease, affecting approximately one-third of the world's population; its main clinical manifestation, ocular toxoplasmosis (OT), is a severe sight-threatening disease. Nevertheless, the diagnosis of OT is based on clinical findings, which needs improvement, even with biochemical tests, such as polymerase chain reaction and antibody detections. Furthermore, the efficacy of OT-targeted treatment is limited; thus, additional measures for diagnosis and treatments are needed. Here, we for the first time report a significantly reduced iron concentration in the vitreous humor (VH) of human patients infected with OT. To obtain further insights into molecular mechanisms, we established a mouse model of T. gondii infection, in which intravitreally injected tracer 57Fe, was accumulated in the neurosensory retina. T. gondii-infected eyes showed increased lipid peroxidation, reduction of glutathione peroxidase-4 expression and mitochondrial deformity in the photoreceptor as cristae loss. These findings strongly suggest the involvement of ferroptotic process in the photoreceptor of OT. In addition, deferiprone, an FDA-approved iron chelator, reduced the iron uptake but also ameliorated toxoplasma-induced retinochoroiditis by reducing retinal inflammation. In conclusion, the iron levels in the VH could serve as diagnostic markers and iron chelators as potential treatments for OT.

Ferrostatin-1 post-treatment attenuates acute kidney injury in mice by inhibiting ferritin production and regulating iron uptake-related proteins.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and serious medical condition with high morbidity and mortality. Recent research has highlighted ferroptosis, a novel form of programmed cell death, as a potential therapeutic target in mitigating renal tubular injury in AKI. Ferrostatin-1, a specific ferroptosis inhibitor, has been demonstrated to prevent renal injury through ferroptosis inhibition. Utilizing a murine AKI model, we investigated the effects of Ferrostatin-1 by administering it post-injury. Through high-throughput sequencing and pathological analysis, we focused on the critical role of ferroptosis-related pathways in the treatment. Ferrostatin-1 post-conditioning effectively mitigated oxidative damage and reduced iron content associated with AKI. Additionally, critical ferroptosis-related proteins, such as GPX4, SLC7A11, NRF2, and FTH1, exhibited increased expression levels. In vitro, Ferrostatin-1 treatment of HK-2 cells significantly diminished lipid peroxidation and iron accumulation. Furthermore, Ferrostatin-1 was found to downregulate the PI3K signalling pathway. Ferrostatin-1 acted as a potential ferroptosis inhibitor with the capacity to enhance antioxidant defences. This study suggests that Ferrostatin-1 could serve as a promising novel strategy for improving the treatment of AKI and promoting recovery from the condition.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Inhibits Neuronal Ferroptosis After Spinal Cord Injury in Mice.

Basic science study investigating the potential molecular mechanisms of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy in mice with spinal cord injury (SCI). We aimed to explore the intrinsic mechanisms of HBO for SCI through the lens of ferroptosis in the subacute phase. HBO has been observed to facilitate the restoration of neurological function subsequent to SCI. Ferroptosis is a distinct cellular death mechanism that can be distinguished from apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy. However, the precise relationship between these two phenomena remains poorly understood. We established an SCI model and employed a range of techniques, including behavioral assessments, electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR, Western blotting (WB), Glutathione (GSH) measurement, and iron assay, to investigate various aspects of HBO therapy on SCI in mice. These included analyzing mitochondrial morphology, neuronal count, GSH levels, iron levels, and the expression of genes (Acyl-CoA synthetase family member-2, Iron-responsive element-binding protein-2) and proteins (Glutathione peroxidase 4; system Xc-light chain) associated with ferroptosis. The study included three groups: Sham-operated, SCI, and HBO. Group comparisons were performed using one-way analysis of variance and one-way repeated measures analysis of variance, followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Statistical significance was set at a P < 0.05. Our findings revealed that HBO therapy significantly enhanced the recovery of lower limb motor function in mice following SCI in the subacute phase. This was accompanied by upregulated expression of GPX4 and system Xc-light chain proteins, elevated GSH levels, increased number of NeuN+ cells, decreased expression of the iron-responsive element-binding protein-2 gene, and reduced iron concentration. Our research suggests that HBO therapy has the potential to be an effective treatment for SCI in the subacute phase by mitigating ferroptosis.

Trace Element Contents in Maize following the Application of Organic Materials to Reduce the Potential Adverse Effects of Nitrogen.

The plants cultivated in loamy sand contained less iron, manganese, copper, cobalt, nickel, and zinc while containing more chromium, lead, and cadmium than in sand. This study was launched to use organic materials in the form of humic acids (HA) to reduce the potential negative effects of excessive nitrogen fertiliser (ammonium nitrate, urea, and urea and ammonium nitrate solution-UAN) application rates (160 mg N kg-1 soil) on the trace element contents in maize in two soils differing in granulometric composition. HA were applied into the soil three times during the maize vegetation: before the sowing, at the five-leaf unfolded stage, and at the intensive shoot growth stage. The HA doses amounted to 0, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 g kg-1 soil. Urea fertilisation increased the cadmium, lead, chromium, and nickel contents and reduced the iron content in maize on both soils. UAN contributed to an increased chromium content being higher than that caused by urea and to reduced iron content in the aboveground parts of maize, as compared to the objects with ammonium nitrate. In the series with ammonium nitrate, the highest dose of HA reduced the manganese, zinc, iron, and cobalt contents in maize on both soils. In the series with urea, however, their reducing effect on the copper and iron contents in maize on both soils was noted. The study also demonstrated a positive reduction in the contents of many other trace elements in maize under the influence of the application of HA (particularly, their highest dose). However, it only concerned one of the soils under study. The application of HA into the soil can be effective in reducing the trace element content in plants and can mitigate the adverse environmental impact of intensive agricultural production.