Role Of MT Research Articles

An Investigation of Mindfulness Training As a Self-Care Strategy for Trauma Counsellors

ABSTRACT Trauma counselors are vulnerable to negative impacts such as secondary traumatic stress and vicarious traumatization. This study investigated Mindfulness Training as a self-care strategy for counselors in South Africa, examining the effect of MT on negative and positive secondary trauma impacts (STI), and employing a quasi-experimental embedded mixed methods research model to investigate the impact of MT and areas of greatest post-intervention change. The study compared pre- and posttest scores across an MT intervention group and an active control group. A mixed Between-Within Subjects ANOVA was tested for mean differences between the two independent groups, while simultaneously subjecting participants to repeated measures, to establish whether mean changes in the outcome scores on the dependent variables from pretest to posttest differed significantly for individuals over time within the groups. Results indicated that MT was effective in reducing negative STI and in increasing trait mindfulness. Benefits were sustained three months post-intervention. MT was associated with variable rates of change on each outcome measure. The evidence supports the role of MT in reducing negative STIs in trauma counselors.

Milk thistle protects against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease induced by dietary thermally oxidized tallow

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic condition caused by several factors including thermally oxidized tallow. Various strategies have been considered to ameliorate NAFLD. However, the role of milk thistle (MT) in ameliorating NAFLD caused by thermally oxidized tallow has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of milk thistle to protect rabbits from the toxicity of oxidized tallow (OT). The rabbits were given OT and an extract of MT. The composition of MT was analyzed using HPLC-DAD, and tallow samples were studied using GC-MS. The study also examined liver histology, antioxidant levels, liver-related inflammatory markers, and serum lipid profile. The results showed that the major components of the MT extract were silybin B, formononetin-glucuronic acid, proanthocyanidin B1, silychristin B, silydianin, and isosilybin A. The group given OT showed elevated lipid profiles, lower antioxidant status, higher levels of hepatic inflammatory markers, and lower levels of anti-inflammatory markers. This group also had higher fat storage in the liver compared to the control or treatment groups. However, when MT was supplemented, the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, and TNF-α) and antioxidant status (CAT, SOD, GSH-Px, GSH, and TBARS) of the liver returned to normal. This suggests that MT extract is an excellent source of hepatoprotective compounds. It protects the liver by increasing antioxidant enzymes, decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increasing anti-inflammatory markers.

Differential Adsorption of Dissolved Organic Matter and Phosphorus on Clay Mineral in Water-Sediment System.

Lake sediments connection to the biogeochemical cycling of phosphorus (P) and carbon (C) influences streamwater quality. However, it is unclear whether and how the type of sediment controls P and C cycling in water. Here, the adsorption behavior of montmorillonite (Mt) with different interlayer cations (Na+, Ca2+, or Fe3+) on dissolved organic matter (DOM) and P was investigated to understand the role of Mt in regulating the organic carbon-to-phosphate (OC/P) ratio within freshwater systems. The adsorption capacity of Fe-Mt for P was 3.2-fold higher than that of Ca-Mt, while it was 1/3 lower for DOM. This dissimilarity in adsorption led to an increased OC/P in Fe-Mt-dominated water and a decreased OC/P in Ca-Mt-dominated water. Moreover, an in situ atomic force microscope and high-resolution mass spectrometry revealed molecular fractionation mechanisms and adsorptive processes. It was observed that DOM inhibited the nucleation and crystallization processes of P on the Mt surface, and P affected the binding energy of DOM on Mt through competitive adsorption, thereby governing the interfacial P/DOM dynamics on Mt substrates at a molecular level. These findings have important implications for water quality management, by highlighting the role of clay minerals as nutrient sinks and providing new strategies for controlling P and C dynamics in freshwater systems.

Melatonin as an Antioxidant Supplement in Athletes: A Literature Review of Current Evidence

PURPOSE: Melatonin (MT; N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is synthesized and released during the night in specialized pineal gland cells. Among its variety of physiological properties, recent research indicates that MT has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. The aim of this literature review was to summarize recent evidence that describes the effects of MT on the muscle function and preventive role of MT on exercise-induced muscle damage.METHODS: This review included previous research using the PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases.RESULTS: We discussed the molecular structure and biological function of MT and the potential role of this hormone in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory processes. These activities have been studied in relation to the protection of muscle function against oxidative damage. In addition, MT is reported to have positive effects on muscle damage, lipid metabolism, and inflammatory responses in well-trained athletes following exercise training. Moreover, the potential beneficial effects of melatonin and mechanisms related to performance were revealed through improved sleep quality, muscle damage, and antioxidant levels in trained athletes.CONCLUSIONS: Finally, this review suggested that possibilities of MT as a supplementation for athletes; however, further research is required to investigate the specific mechanisms involved, the dose and duration of use, and the beneficial and detrimental effects of MT on athletic performance.

ZnO-NPs alleviate aflatoxin B1-induced hepatoxicity in ducklings by promoting hepatic metallothionein expression

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mycotoxin widely present in animal feed and human food, posing a serious threat to animal and human health. This study was aim to illustrate the mechanism of the protective role of MT against AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity, as well as to explore the feasibility of enhancing the tolerance of poultry to AFB1 by upregulating the expression of hepatic MT. After being exposed to AFB1 (50 ng/kg) primary duckling hepatocytes, the cell viability, the antioxidant index (SOD and GPx) and the mRNA levels of MT downstream genes (PTGR, p53, TrxR, AR and Bcl-2) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased, while the intracellular formation of (AFBO)-DNA adduct content, apoptosis, and MDA content significantly (p < 0.05) increased. Interestingly, overexpression of MT in primary duckling hepatocytes markedly (p < 0.05) reversed the detrimental impact of AFB1 and increased the expression of MT downstream genes. HepG2 cells were applied to study the mechanism how MT works to relieve the hepatic toxicity of AFB1. The ZnO-NPs (20 μg/mL) + AFB1 (20 μg/mL) group significantly (p < 0.05) increased the cell viability, the expression of NRF2, NQO1 and SOD, and expression of MT and MTF-1, as well as significantly (p < 0.05) decreased LDH, ROS and apoptotic rate, comparing with the AFB1 group. While joint treatment with AFB1 and ZnO-NPs, the hepatic toxicity exerted by AFB1 alone was reversed, along with the translocation of MTF-1 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and upregulated its expression. Duckling trails were further carried out. A total number of 96 1-day-old healthy Cherry Valley commercial ducklings were randomly allocated according to a 2 by 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with the main factors including oral administration of AFB1 (0 vs. 40 μg/kg) and dietary supplementation of ZnO-NPs (0 vs. 60 mg/kg) for 7 days. It showed that AFB1 exposure caused body weight loss (p < 0.05), impaired liver structure and failure in hepatic function (activity of ALT, AST and concentration of TP and GLU) (p < 0.05), and decreases in antioxidant capacity(activity of SOD, CAT and concentration of GSH) (p < 0.05), along with the decrease in hepatic concentration of Zn, increase in expression of apoptosis-related genes and protein CAS3 and mRNA Bcl-2 expression (p < 0.05), and suppressed mRNA levels of antioxidant-related genes MT, SOD1, NRF2, and NQO1 (p < 0.05). In accordance with the cell test, dietary supplementation with ZnO-NPs mitigated the toxicity exerted by AFB1. In conclusion, ZnO-NPs has the protective effects against AFB1-induced hepatocyte injury by activating the expression of MTF-1 and the ectopic induction of MT expression, providing detailed information on the detoxification ability of MT on AFB1.

Interactive effects of exogenous melatonin and hydrogen sulfide in alleviating lead toxicity in safflower seedlings

Oxidative stress caused by heavy metals (HMs) has been considered as a big threat for the production of crop plants. Several emerging studies recommend that some signaling molecules could help mitigate the adverse effects of HMs. This study tested the interactive effects of H2S, and melatonin MT, on lead (Pb) homeostasis and Pb- induced oxidative injury in safflower seedlings. Seedlings from 21-day-old safflower plants were subjected to 50 μM PbNO3 individually and/or mixed with 100 μM MT and 100 μM NaHS, as H2S donor. The data showed that MT, NaHS, and especially MT+NaHS treatments were able to significantly reduce MDA and H2O2 content and lipoxygenase activity, indicating the important role of MT and H2S in alleviating oxidative stress generated by Pb toxicity. By prompting the activity of enzymes responsible for the ascorbate-glutathione cycle, MT- and NaHS ameliorated the oxidative stress caused by Pb on safflower seedlings. This indicates that H2S and MT can prevent oxidative stress by assisting the ascorbate-glutathione cycle. Based on phytochelatin (PC) analysis of safflower plants exposed to Pb stress, MT and NaHS seem to be able to reduce oxidative stress caused by Pb by stimulating metal-binding ligands metabolism. The results of our study suggest that even though H2S and MT alone might ameliorate Pb-induced toxicity in seedlings of safflower plants, their combined action could substantially ameliorate Pb toxicity by reducing Pb absorption and transmission, and reducing oxidative stress.

The Mighty Mitochondria Are Unifying Organelles and Metabolic Hubs in Multiple Organs of Obesity, Insulin Resistance, Metabolic Syndrome, and Type 2 Diabetes: An Observational Ultrastructure Study.

Mitochondria (Mt) are essential cellular organelles for the production of energy and thermogenesis. Mt also serve a host of functions in addition to energy production, which include cell signaling, metabolism, cell death, and aging. Due to the central role of Mt in metabolism as metabolic hubs, there has been renewed interest in how Mt impact metabolic pathways and multiple pathologies. This review shares multiple observational ultrastructural findings in multiple cells and organs to depict aberrant mitochondrial (aMt) remodeling in pre-clinical rodent models. Further, it is intended to show how remodeling of Mt are associated with obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Specifically, Mt remodeling in hypertensive and insulin-resistant lean models (Ren2 rat models), lean mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, obesity models including diet-induced obesity, genetic leptin-deficient ob/ob, and leptin receptor-deficient db/db diabetic mice are examined. Indeed, aMt dysfunction and damage have been implicated in multiple pathogenic diseases. Manipulation of Mt such as the induction of Mt biogenesis coupled with improvement of mitophagy machinery may be helpful to remove leaky damaged aMt in order to prevent the complications associated with the generation of superoxide-derived reactive oxygen species and the subsequent reactive species interactome. A better understanding of Mt remodeling may help to unlock many of the mysteries in obesity, insulin resistance, MetS, T2DM, and the associated complications of diabetic end-organ disease.

The efficacy of manual therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review.

BackgroundManual therapy (MT) can be beneficial in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, evidence of the efficacy of MT for COPD is not clear. Therefore, we aimed to review the effects of MT, including Chuna, in people diagnosed with COPD.MethodsMEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), China National Knowledge Database (CNKI), KoreaMed, Korean Medical Database (KMbase), and Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS) were searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and crossover RCTs were included. The main inclusion criteria were COPD diagnosis (forced expiratory volume in the first second [FEV1]/forced vital capacity [FVC] < 0.70). The primary outcomes were lung function and exercise capacity. The secondary outcomes were symptoms, quality of life (QoL), and adverse event (AE)s. Studies reporting one or both of the primary outcomes were included. The Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Data synthesis and analysis were conducted according to the trial design.ResultsOf the 2564 searched articles, 13 studies were included. For the primary outcomes, the effect of MT on pulmonary function and exercise capacity in COPD was partly significant but could not be confirmed due to the limited number of studies included in the subgroups. For the secondary outcomes, no definitive evidence regarding the improvement of symptoms and QoL was found, and some minor adverse effects were reported.ConclusionsThere is insufficient evidence to support the role of MT in the management of COPD. High-quality studies are needed to thoroughly evaluate the effect of MT on COPD.

Melatonin Alleviates Hypoxia-Induced Apoptosis of Granulosa Cells by Reducing ROS and Activating MTNR1B-PKA-Caspase8/9 Pathway.

In mammalian ovaries, the avascular environment within follicular cavity is supposed to cause hypoxic status in granulosa cells (GCs), leading to apoptotic cell death accompanied by cumulative reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, MT), a broad-spectrum antioxidant that exists in porcine follicle fluid, was suggested to maintain GCs survival under stress conditions. In this study, using the established hypoxic model (1% O2) of cultured porcine GCs, we explored the effect of MT on GCs apoptosis. The results showed that MT restored cell viability and reduced the apoptosis of GCs during hypoxia exposure. In addition, GCs treated with MT exhibited decreased ROS levels and increased expression of antioxidant enzymes including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), and catalase (CAT) upon hypoxia incubation. Moreover, the hypoxia-induced expression of cleaved caspase 3, 8, and 9 was significantly inhibited after MT treatment. In contrast, blocking melatonin receptor 2 (MTNR1B) with a competitive antagonist 4-phenyl-2-propionamidotetralin (4P-PDOT) diminished the inhibitory effects of MT on caspase 3 activation. By detecting levels of protein kinase (PKA), a downstream kinase of MTNR1B, we further confirmed the involvement of MT–MTNR1B signaling in mediating GCs protection during hypoxia stress. Together, the present data provide mechanistic evidence suggesting the role of MT in defending GCs from hypoxia-induced apoptosis.

Stomata and Xylem Vessels Traits Improved by Melatonin Application Contribute to Enhancing Salt Tolerance and Fatty Acid Composition of Brassica napus L. Plants

Salinity stress is a limiting factor for the growth and yield quality of rapeseed. The potentiality of melatonin (MT; 0, 25, 50, and 100 µM) application as a seed priming agent in mediating K+/Na+ homeostasis and preventing the salinity stress mediated oxidative damage and photosynthetic inhibition was studied in two rapeseed cultivars. We found that 50 µM MT treatment imparted a very prominent impact on growth, metabolism of antioxidants, photosynthesis, osmolytes, secondary metabolites, yield, and fatty acids composition. Days required for appearance of first flower and 50% flowering were decreased by MT application. Exogenous MT treatment effectively decreased the oxidative damage by significantly declining the generation of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide under saline and non-saline conditions, as reflected in lowered lipid peroxidation, heightened membrane stability, and up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and ascorbate peroxidase). Furthermore, MT application enhanced the chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, relative water content, K+/Na+ homeostasis, soluble sugars, and proline content. Moreover, MT application obviously improved the oil quality of rapeseed cultivars by reducing glucosinolates, saturated fatty acids (palmitic and arachidic acids), and enhancing unsaturated fatty acids (linolenic and oleic acids except erucic acid were reduced). Yield related-traits such as silique traits, seed yield per plant, 1000 seeds weight, seed oil content, and yield biomass traits were enhanced by MT application. The anatomical analysis of leaf and stem showed that stomatal and xylem vessels traits are associated with sodium chloride tolerance, yield, and seed fatty acid composition. These results suggest the supportive role of MT on the quality and quantity of rapeseed oil yield.

Perceptions of Machine Translation and Computer-Aided Translation by Professionals and the General Public

This article examines perceptions of MT and CAT among translation professionals and the general public by surveying 124 articles published in the professional journals of ITI Bulletin and MultiLingual and in the Chinese media between 2017 and 2019. Through framing analysis, the following frames about MT and CAT are identified: progress, quality, threat, limitation, cooperation, economic factors, and ethics. Through qualitative analysis of prominent frames, it is also found that attitudes vary between the professional journals and the media about the role of MT as related to human translators. While ITI Bulletin holds a generally conservative attitude, MultiLingual takes a more positive stance towards the applications of MT, and the Chinese media generally hype MT as a potential threat to HT but promote human-machine cooperation as the way out. This study also shows that the ethical and legal issues involving MT and CAT have not been addressed adequately.

Significance of the pineal gland hormone melatonin in maintaining the health of women of reproductive age (a review)

Introduction. Maintaining women's reproductive health is an important task that requires safe approaches based on the pathogenesis. More and more studies address the role of the pineal gland (epiphysis) hormone melatonin (МТ) in the functioning of the reproductive system, as well as the impact of МТ deficiency on the women’s health.Aim: to analyze and summarize the available literature about the role of the pineal gland hormone МТ in the pathogenesis of gynecological diseases in women of reproductive age (infertility, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, premenstrual syndrome), and also about the impact of МТ deficiency on the health of women working night shifts.Materials and methods. The relevant publications were searched in domestic (eLibrary, CyberLeninka.ru) and international (Pubmed, Cochrane Library) databases; we looked up the materials published in the recent 7 years. In our search, we prioritized the free access to full text articles. The selection of sources was limited to the period from 2012 to 2019.Results. МТ is involved in the development of follicles by causing the oocytes maturation, promoting the development of embryos, inhibiting the synthesis of steroids in the ovaries and, therefore, reducing the level of steroids in the blood. MT delays ovarian aging through a variety of mechanisms, including the antioxidant action, the maintenance of the due length of the telomere, the upregulated expression of the aging-related SIRT genes, and also the regulation of the ribosome functioning. As MT protects germ cells from oxidative stress, it is essential for normal ovulation, fertilization and further development of the embryo; this hormone has an impact on the duration of the woman's fertility and the onset of menopause. MT has a potential therapeutic effect on endometriosis. The oncostatic role of MT in hormone-dependent breast tumors has been described. Disruption of normal MT production during night shifts is associated with the risk of developing breast cancer in shift workers. MT deficiency leads to circadian desynchronosis and may cause both somatic disorders (metabolic syndrome, obesity, oncopathology) and neuroendocrine dysregulation of the female reproductive system.Conclusion. The variety of physiological functions of the pineal gland hormone MT emphasizes the pathogenetic role of its deficiency in many gynecological and somatic diseases. Of particular relevance is the increased risk of cardiovascular disorders, the development of metabolic syndrome and breast cancer in women who work night shifts. Therefore, it is important both to maintain normal endogenous level of MT and also use its therapeutic potential to maintain the health of women of reproductive age.

Ameliorative Role of Melatonin on CA1 of Hippocampus and Frontal Cortex in Induced Social Isolation in Adult Male Albino Rat

Abstract Background: Social Isolation (SI) which means absence or insufficient contact with others is a key factor in psychiatric disorders development, which might be necessary for effective psychological treatment as social rehabilitation. Social expe-rience during the infantile period affects brain function and behaviour in rodents, dogs and human. Aim of Study: The current study was designed to elucidate the neuroprotective role of MT on experimentally-induced SI on CA1of rat hippocampus and frontal cortex. Material and Methods: Twenty adult albino rats were divided into four groups, control, sham control, SI and SI + MT. The Body Weight (BW), Brain Weight (BrW) were determined. Brain sections were subjected to histological, morphometric, biochemical and statistical studies. Results: SI induced various histological changes in both hippocampus and frontal cortex in the form of degeneration and absent neurons. SI also caused a significant (sig) increase in area % of caspase 3 and TNF Immunoexpression (IE) were recorded. Sig decrease in the activity of Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity, Acetyle Choline Este-rase (ACHE), dopamine level as well ARC gene, and a sig increase in Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, FOS gene, sero-tonin and AB-42. Concomitant administration with MT im-proved sig the previously mentioned changes. Conclusion: SI might lead to various neurological degen-erations as indicated by the histological, morphometric, biochemical changes. These changes were ameliorated by concomitant administration with MT.

Reduced hepatic metallothionein expression in first trimester fetuses in response to intrauterine smoking exposure: a consequence of low maternal zinc levels?

Does maternal smoking in early pregnancy affect metallothionein 1 and 2 (MT1 and MT2) mRNA and protein expression in first trimester placenta or embryonic/fetal liver? In the first trimester, MT protein expression is seen only in liver, where smoking is associated with a significantly reduced expression. Zinc homeostasis is altered by smoking. Smoking induces MT in the blood of smokers properly as a result of the cadmium binding capacities of MT. In term placenta MT is present and smoking induces gene and protein expression (MT2 in particular), but the MT presence and response to smoking have never been examined in first trimester placenta or embryonic/fetal tissues. Cross sectional study where the presence of MT mRNA and protein was examined at the time of the abortion. The material was collected with informed consent after surgical intervention and frozen immediately. For protein expression analysis, liver tissue originating from smoking exposed n = 10 and unexposed n = 12 pregnancies was used. For mRNA expression analyses, placental tissue originating from smokers n = 19 and non-smokers n = 23 and fetal liver tissue from smoking exposed n = 16 and smoking unexposed pregnancies n = 13, respectively, were used. Tissues were obtained from women who voluntarily and legally chose to terminate their pregnancy between gestational week 6 and 12. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression of MT, and real-time PCR was used to quantify the mRNA expression of MT2A and eight MT1 genes alongside the expression of key placental zinc transporters: zinc transporter protein-1 (ZNT1), Zrt-, Irt-related protein-8 and -14 (ZIP8 and ZIP14). A significant reduction in the protein expression of MT1/2 in liver tissue (P = 0.023) was found by western blot using antibodies detecting both MT forms. Overall, a similar tendency was observed on the mRNA level although not statistically significant. Protein expression was not present in placenta, but the mRNA regulation suggested a down regulation of MT as well. A suggested mechanism based on the known role of MT in zinc homeostasis could be that the findings reflect reduced levels of easily accessible zinc in the blood of pregnant smokers and hence a reduced MT response in smoking exposed fetal/embryonic tissues. Smoking was based on self-reports; however, our previous studies have shown high consistency regarding cotinine residues and smoking status. Passive smoking could interfere but was found mainly among smokers. The number of fetuses was limited, and other factors such as medication and alcohol might affect the findings. Information on alcohol was not consistently obtained, and we cannot exclude that it was more readily obtained from non-users. In the study, alcohol consumption was reported by a limited number (less than 1 out of 5) of women but with more smokers consuming alcohol. However, the alcohol consumption reported was typically limited to one or few times low doses. The interaction between alcohol and smoking is discussed in the paper. Notably we would have liked to measure zinc status to test our hypothesis, but maternal blood samples were not available. Zinc deficiency-in particular severe zinc deficiency-can affect pregnancy outcome and growth. Our findings indicate that zinc homeostasis is also affected in early pregnancy of smokers, and we know from pilot studies that even among women who want to keep their babies, the zinc status is low. Our findings support that zinc supplements should be considered in particular to women who smoke. We thank the Department of Biomedicine for providing laboratory facilities and laboratory technicians and the Lundbeck Foundation and Læge Sofus Carl Emil Friis og Hustru Olga Doris Friis Legat for financial support. The authors have no competing interests to declare. N/A.

Melatonin prevents sepsis-induced renal injury via the PINK1/Parkin1 signaling pathway

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine; MT) has been shown to have a protective effect against sepsis-induced renal injury, however, the mechanisms underlying the function of MT remain to be elucidated. Therefore, in the present study, the potential mechanisms underlying the preventive role of MT in sepsis-induced renal injury were investigated. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to detect the effect of MT on the reduction of renal tissue damage, and immunohistochemistry (IHC), ELISA and western blot analysis were performed to determine the influence of MT on the protein expression of PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1), nucleotide-oligomerization binding domain and leucine-rich repeat pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a C-terminal caspase recruitment domain (ASC1), interleukin (IL)-18, IL-1β, IL-6 and cleaved caspase-1. Finally, a TUNEL assay was used to compare the rate of apoptosis of renal tissues among the sham, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and CLP + MT groups. The extent of tissue damage in the CLP group was the highest and the extent of tissue damage in the sham group was the lowest. The IHC and western blot analysis showed that the sham group had the highest protein level of PINK1, whereas the CLP group had the lowest protein level of PINK1. By contrast, the sham group had the lowest protein level of NLRP, whereas the CLP group had the highest level of NLRP3. Furthermore, CLP treatment enhanced the protein expression of ASC1 and cleaved caspase-1, whereas the administration of MT reduced the protein expression of ASC1 and cleaved caspase-1 to a certain degree. Finally, the apoptotic rate was found to be the highest in the CLP group and the lowest in the sham group. Taken together, in evaluating the therapeutic effect of MT on sepsis-induced renal injury, the results of the present study showed that MT alleviated sepsis-induced renal injury by regulating the expression of PINK1, Parkin1, NLRP3, ASC and cleaved caspase-1 in rats.

PB1888 FEATURES OF CYSTEIN-RICH PROTEIN METALLOTHIONEIN FUNCTIONING IN CHRONIC B-LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA CELLS

Background: The main approach to the hematological cancers treatment is an intensive chemotherapy. However, often its ineffectiveness could be result of the phenomenon of multiple drug resistance (MDR) – immunity of cancer cells to cytostatic drugs. The most important MDR pathways are increased drug efflux resulting in reduced its accumulation, activation of detoxification mechanisms in tumor cells, altered activities of certain enzymes and level of intracellular thiols such as metallothioneins or reduced glutathione which bind compounds toxic for cells. Study and comprehension of these mechanisms will enable the design of suitable techniques and procedures for malignant tumor treatment. Aims: To investigate the level of expression of cystein-rich proteins metallothioneins in lymphocytes of patients with chronic B-lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) and to find out their role in the maintenance of redox state under this pathological state. Methods: Lymphocytes were separated from the B-CLL patient's and healthy donor's peripheral blood by density gradient centrifugation on histopaque. Monoclonal antibodies UC1MT (Abcam), UIC2 (Immunotech), MRP1 (R&D) were used to evaluate MTs I-II types, ABCB1, ABCC1 expression, respectively. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was assessed using fluorescent probe CM-H2DCFDA (Invitrogen). All investigations were carried out on the FACScanto II (BD). Results: A significant reduction (1.5–2.0-fold) of the MT expression level in B-CLL lymphocytes in comparison to the last one in healthy donors was reveled, despite the proven role of this protein in the detoxification processes from drugs. Additionally a comparative evaluation of expression of the membrane protein-transporters ABC family associated with MDR – ABCB1/P-gp and ABCC1/MRP1 was conducted. Theirs significant rise was found in tested group of B-CLL patients. Moreover, the rise of the ABCC1/ABCB1 expression ratio in leukemia cells reveled under enhanced ROS level compare to normal cells. Summary/Conclusion: Thus, in B-CLL cells the role of MT in the maintaining of redox state (ROS sequestration) is decreased under the rise of ABCC1 function. It is clear that the potential of MT as the scavengers of ROS is not fully understood, but the present data show that this protein could be selected as a target for novel treatment strategies for patients with leukemia.

Melatonin-Mediated Regulation of Growth and Antioxidant Capacity in Salt-Tolerant Naked Oat under Salt Stress.

Melatonin (MT; N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a pleiotropic signaling molecule that has been demonstrated to play an important role in plant growth, development, and regulation of environmental stress responses. Studies have been conducted on the role of the exogenous application of MT in a few species, but the potential mechanisms of MT-mediated stress tolerance under salt stress are still largely unknown. In this study, naked oat seedlings under salt stress (150 mM NaCl) were pretreated with two different concentrations of MT (50 and 100 μM), and the effects of MT on the growth and antioxidant capacity of naked oat seedlings were analyzed to explore the regulatory effect of MT on salt tolerance. The results showed that pretreating with different concentrations of MT promoted the growth of seedlings in response to 150 mM NaCl. Different concentrations of MT reduced hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion, and malondialdehyde contents. The exogenous application of MT also increased superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxide activities. Chlorophyll content, leaf area, leaf volume, and proline increased in the leaves of naked oat seedlings under 150 mM NaCl stress. MT upregulated the expression levels of the lipid peroxidase genes lipoxygenase and peroxygenase, a chlorophyll biosynthase gene (ChlG), the mitogen-activated protein kinase genes Asmap1 and Aspk11, and the transcription factor genes (except DREB2), NAC, WRKY1, WRKY3, and MYB in salt-exposed MT-pretreated seedlings when compared with seedlings exposed to salt stress alone. These results demonstrate an important role of MT in the relief of salt stress and, therefore, provide a reference for managing salinity in naked oat.

Abstract A022: Role of metallothionein in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer

Abstract Metallothionein (MT) is a metal binding protein of low molecular weight. It is involved in metal homeostasis, cell differentiation, proliferation, and detoxification of heavy metals. Neoplastic transformation in prostate cancer is attributed to elevated levels of metallothionein. We studied the expression of MT in prostate tissues. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) of 35 prostate cancer patients was performed to evaluate the expression of MT and then correlated with the expression profiles of epithelial TRAIL (Tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis inducing ligand), stromal TRAIL, decoy receptors (DcR1 and DcR2), death receptors (DR4 and DR5), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and FLICE inhibitory protein (FLIP). We also correlated expression patterns of these proteins using Pearson correlation with clinical histopathologic factors and determined their influence on overall survival of patients. Elevated levels of MT were observed in cancer tissues as compared to benign controls. Expression levels of epithelial TRAIL, DcR1, DcR2, DR4, DR5, NF-κB, and FLIP were also enhanced in cancer tissue samples. Age at diagnosis was significantly associated with stage (R= -0.467, p=0.046), MT (R= -0.419, p=0.012), DcR1 (R= 0.355, p=0.036) and sTRAIL (R= 0.553, p= 0.001). NF-κB significantly correlated with DR5 expression (R= 0.408, p = 0.015) in tumor tissues. Better survival was observed in patients with MT negative expression (p=0.467). Elevated levels of MT in prostate cancer patients and its positive correlation with FLIP and DcR1 depict its role as an antiapoptotic moiety. Further exploration of the role of MT in prostate cancer pathogenesis could help in establishing MT as a potential therapeutic target. Citation Format: Sobia Hamid, Mariam Anees. Role of metallothionein in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Prostate Cancer: Advances in Basic, Translational, and Clinical Research; 2017 Dec 2-5; Orlando, Florida. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(16 Suppl):Abstract nr A022.

Psychophysical and neuroimaging responses to moving stimuli in a patient with the Riddoch phenomenon due to bilateral visual cortex lesions

Patients with injury to early visual cortex or its inputs can display the Riddoch phenomenon: preserved awareness for moving but not stationary stimuli. We provide a detailed case report of a patient with the Riddoch phenomenon, MC. MC has extensive bilateral lesions to occipitotemporal cortex that include most early visual cortex and complete blindness in visual field perimetry testing with static targets. Nevertheless, she shows a remarkably robust preserved ability to perceive motion, enabling her to navigate through cluttered environments and perform actions like catching moving balls. Comparisons of MC's structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data to a probabilistic atlas based on controls reveals that MC's lesions encompass the posterior, lateral, and ventral early visual cortex bilaterally (V1, V2, V3A/B, LO1/2, TO1/2, hV4 and VO1 in both hemispheres) as well as more extensive damage to right parietal (inferior parietal lobule) and left ventral occipitotemporal cortex (VO1, PHC1/2). She shows some sparing of anterior occipital cortex, which may account for her ability to see moving targets beyond ~15 degrees eccentricity during perimetry. Most strikingly, functional and structural MRI revealed robust and reliable spared functionality of the middle temporal motion complex (MT+) bilaterally. Moreover, consistent with her preserved ability to discriminate motion direction in psychophysical testing, MC also shows direction-selective adaptation in MT+. A variety of tests did not enable us to discern whether input to MT+ was driven by her spared anterior occipital cortex or subcortical inputs. Nevertheless, MC shows rich motion perception despite profoundly impaired static and form vision, combined with clear preservation of activation in MT+, thus supporting the role of MT+ in the Riddoch phenomenon.

The effects of replacing eggs with chicks on mesotocin, dopamine, and prolactin in the native Thai hen

The mesotocinergic (MTergic) and dopaminergic (DAergic) systems have been documented to play pivotal roles in maternal behaviors in native Thai chickens. In native Thai chickens, plasma prolactin (PRL) concentrations are associated with maternal behaviors, which are also controlled by the DAergic system. However, the role of MT in conjunction with the roles of DA and PRL on the neuroendocrine regulation of the transition from incubating to rearing behavior has never been studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association of MT, DA, and PRL during the transition from incubating to rearing behavior in native Thai hens. Using an immunohistochemistry technique, the numbers of MT-immunoreactive (-ir) and tyrosine hydroxylase-ir (TH-ir, a DA marker) neurons were compared between incubating hens (INC; n = 6) and hens for which the incubated eggs were replaced with 3 newly hatched chicks for 3 days after 6, 10, and 14 days of incubation (REC; n = 6). Plasma PRL concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results revealed that the numbers of MT-ir neurons within the nucleus supraopticus, pars ventralis (SOv), nucleus preopticus medialis (POM), and nucleus paraventricularis magnocellularis (PVN) increased in the REC hens when compared with those of the INC hens at 3 different time points (at days 9, 13, and 17). On the other hand, the number of TH-ir neurons in the nucleus intramedialis (nI) decreased in the REC13 and REC17 hens when compared with those of the INC hens. However, the number of TH-ir neurons in the nucleus mamillaris lateralis (ML) only decreased in the REC13 hens when compared with the INC13 hens. The decrease in the numbers of TH-ir neurons within the nI and ML is associated with the decrease in the levels of plasma PRL. This study suggests that the presence of either eggs or chicks is the key factor regulating the MTergic system within the SOv, POM, and PVN and the DAergic system within the nI and ML during the transition from incubating to rearing behavior in native Thai chickens. The results further indicate that these two systems play pivotal roles in the transition from incubating to rearing behavior in this equatorial species.