Stress Biomarkers Research Articles

Easy-to-Engineer Flexible Nanoelectrode Sensor from an Inexpensive Overhead Projector Sheet for Sweat Neuropeptide-Y Detection.

In this paper, we report an inexpensive and easy-to-engineer flexible nanobiosensor electrode platform by exploring a nonconductive overhead projector (OHP) sheet for sweat Neuropeptide-Y (NPY) detection, a potential biomarker for stress, cardiovascular regulation, appetite, etc. We converted a nonconductive OHP sheet into a conductive nanobiosensor electrode platform with a hybrid polymerization method, which consists of interfacial polymerization of pyrrole and a template-free electropolymerization technique to decorate the electrode platform with poly(EDOT-COOH-co-EDOT-EG3) nanotubes. The selection of poly(EDOT-COOH) features an easy conjugation of NPY antibody (NPY-Ab) through EDC/Sulfo-NHS coupling chemistry, while poly(EDOT-EG3) is best known to reduce nonspecific binding of biomolecules. The antibody conjugation on the polymer surface was characterized by a quartz crystal microbalance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and chronoamperometry techniques. The OHP nanosensor platform exhibited the successful detection of NPY analyte through a chronoamperometry method in phosphate-buffered saline with a wide range of concentrations from 1 pg/mL to 1 μg/mL with a limit of detection of 0.68 pg/mL having good linearity (R2 = 0.9841). The sensor platform exhibited excellent stability, reproducibility, repeatability, and a shelf-life of 13 days. Furthermore, the sensor showed superior selectivity to a 100 pg/mL NPY analyte among other interfering compounds such as tumor necrosis factor α, cortisol, and Interleukin-6. The clinical practicality of the sensor was confirmed through the detection of 100 pg/mL NPY spiked artificial perspiration, highlighting the possibility of integrating the sensor platform to wearable healthcare applications.

Total Antioxidant Status in Critically Ill Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury and Secondary Organ Failure—A Systematic Review

Introduction: The available literature indicates that oxidant–antioxidant imbalance plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury and the subsequent secondary organ dysfunctions. However, there is a lack of studies summarizing the knowledge in this area, and no clear guidelines exist regarding the use of biomarkers of oxidative stress as diagnostics tools. Methods: The present work aims to provide a systematic review of the literature on the use of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assays in predicting the outcomes of traumatic brain injury (TBI). A literature search was conducted up to 1 September 2024, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines, using the PubMed and Scopus databases. Based on the inclusion criteria, 24 studies were used for the final review. Results: Promising data indicate that TAC assays are useful in predicting 30-day mortality and neurological outcomes. Moreover, they correlate with radiological findings on CT scans in brain injury and the clinical classifications of injuries, as well as the parameters of organ failure. Conclusions: Total antioxidant capacity assays can be used to assess the extent of brain damage and prognosticate general vital functions. Future experiments should include long-term randomized clinical trials on larger populations of TBI patients.

Assessment of Saliva Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Gingival Health Status in a Sample of High-Functioning Autistic Children in Erbil City

Assessment of Saliva Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Gingival Health Status in a Sample of High-Functioning Autistic Children in Erbil City

Stress biomarker detection with a grating-coupled surface plasmon resonance sensor

Stress biomarker detection with a grating-coupled surface plasmon resonance sensor

Selenium mitigates vanadium toxicity through enhanced nutrition, photosynthesis, and antioxidant defense in rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings.

In the current industrial scenario, vanadium (V) as a metal is of great importance but poses a major threat to the ecosystem. In the present study, the effect of a toxic concentration of V, i.e., 10 µM in the soil on growth, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange characteristics, oxidative stress biomarkers, antioxidants machinery (enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants), ions uptake, proline metabolism, and V uptake in different parts of the plant was investigated with and without the exogenous application of selenium (Se) i.e., 5 µM in V-stressed rice (Oryza sativa L.). Our results depicted that V addition to the soil significantly (P < 0.05) decreased plant growth and biomass, gas exchange attributes, and minerals uptake by O. sativa as compared to the plants grown without the addition of V. However, V toxicity boosted the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by increasing the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), which is the indication of oxidative stress in O. sativa and was also manifested by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents to the membrane-bounded organelles. Although activities of various antioxidative enzymes like superoxidase dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and their gene expression Fe-SOD, POD, CAT, and APX and also non-enzymatic antioxidants like phenolic, flavonoid, and ascorbic acid, anthocyanin contents and also the proline metabolism i.e., proline, pyrroline5-carboxylate, pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase, and pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase were increased due to V stress. Although results also illustrated that the application of Se also decreased V toxicity in O. sativa seedlings by increasing antioxidant capacity and, thus, improved the plant growth and biomass, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange characteristics, and decreased oxidative stress in the O. sativa seedlings, compared to those plants which were not artificially supplied by Se. Research findings, therefore, suggested that the Se application can ameliorate V toxicity in O. sativa seedlings and result in improved plant growth and composition under metal stress as depicted by balanced exudation of nutrient effluxes. This study provides novel insights into the role of selenium in mitigating vanadium-induced oxidative stress in rice, thereby offering a promising approach to enhancing crop resilience in metal-contaminated soils and advancing sustainable agricultural practices.

Potential hazards of octinoxate (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate) exposure in the seagrass Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile: Experimental evidence

Interest has risen in recent years to assess the fate and impacts of organic ultraviolet (UV) filters in aquatic environments, after being recognized as contaminants of emerging concern. Octinoxate, also known as ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC), is among the widely used UV filters in sunscreen formulations. Its potential toxicological effects in aquatic biota have led to precautionary actions in some jurisdictions, such as restricting and even banning its presence in commercial sunscreens. However, research data is lacking for effective regulation of sunscreen ingredients in Mediterranean countries. Our study evaluated the response of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica to EHMC under a short-term experimental setup, recreating summer conditions in aquaria subjected to different environmentally relevant concentrations for the Mediterranean Sea (minimum: 30.57 ng L−1, intermediate: 710 ng L−1 and maximum: 1420 ng L−1) and a control (no addition). Negative responses were evidenced in the physiology of P. oceanica due to EHMC exposure, with decreased gross primary production rates, loss of leaf chlorophyll content and inhibition of the overall nitrogen fixation associated with the seagrass tissues. Elevated oxidative stress biomarkers in P. oceanica under EHMC addition (i.e., catalase activity, polyphenols concentrations and alkaline phosphatase activity in leaves) reflect the activation of antioxidant defenses to counteract oxidative damages possibly induced in cellular components by the presence of the contaminant. Our results may conservatively imply the high ecological risk imposed to P. oceanica by maximum concentrations of EHMC in Mediterranean coastal waters. Moreover, they contribute as experimental evidence of the potentially detrimental effects of sunscreen pollution in a keystone species, such as P. oceanica, which is the main structural component of a priority habitat for conservation in the Mediterranean Sea, currently affected by multiple stress factors leading to its recession in recent years.

Elevated serum growth differentiation factor 15 and decorin predict the fibrotic progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

Mitochondrial dysfunction with oxidative stress contributes to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) progression. We aimed to evaluate the fibrosis predictive efficacy of a novel non-invasive diagnostic panel using metabolic stress biomarkers. From a population-based general cohort, 144 subjects with MASLD were recruited in the development group and underwent magnetic resonance imaging-based liver examinations, anthropometric and laboratory tests. As an external validation group, 41 patients enrolled in a biopsy-evaluated MASLD cohort participated in this study. Liver fat content and stiffness were measured by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-proton density fat fraction and MR elastography (MRE), respectively. Serologic stress biomarkers were quantitated by ELISA. Multivariate regression showed that waist-to-height ratio, growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF15), γ-glutamyltransferase, decorin, and alkaline-phosphatase were independent predictors of hepatic fibrosis (rank-ordered by Wald). The area under receiver-operator characteristics curve [AUROC (95% CI)) of the metabolic stress index for fibrosis (MSI-F) was 0.912 (0.85‒0.98) and 0.977 (0.92‒1.00) in development and validation groups, respectively. MSI-F also had better diagnostic accuracy (82.6‒92.4%) than other fibrosis indices in the both study cohorts. MSI-F consistently differentiated fibrosis severities across cohorts of MRE-evaluated general population and biopsy-proven patients with MASLD, while other indices showed no or less discrimination. MSI-F, as a novel non-invasive index based on a stress-stimulated protective hormone GDF15 and decorin, effectively predicted hepatic fibrosis. Furthermore, MSI-F may serve as pre-screening tool to increase the population that could be excluded from further evaluation, reducing unnecessary invasive investigations more effectively than other indices.

Integration of 6-Thioguanine Functionalized Molybdenum-Copper Bimetallic Nanoclusters With Fluorescence Spectroscopy for the Sensitive Detection of Uric Acid in Biofluids.

In this paper, a single-step synthetic approach is presented for the development of bimetallic molybdenum-copper nanoclusters (Mo-CuNCs), shielded by a small molecule 6-thioguanine (6-TG). The Mo-CuNCs possessed a small size, high fluorescence, stable behavior, and good solubility in water. The 6-TG-Mo-CuNCs exhibit strong blue fluorescence emission at 410 nm after exciting at 330 nm as compared to its monometallic nanoclusters. Utilizing 6-TG-Mo-CuNCs superior biochemical stability, uric acid (UA) can be specifically detected as an oxidative stress biomarker using an inner filter effect mechanism. The probe demonstrated good sensing capability for detecting UA within the range of 0.09-5.00 μM and a detection limit of 0.237 μM. The method feasibility is further validated by quantifying UA in urine and plasma samples.

Assessing the effects of cadmium on antioxidant enzymes and histological structures in rainbow trout liver and kidney

Cadmium contamination in aquatic environments poses severe risks to aquatic organisms, particularly fish, where cadmium accumulation in tissues can lead to compromised organ functionality and reproductive issues. The present study aimed to assess the effects of cadmium (Cd) exposure on key biomarkers of oxidative stress, DNA damage, apoptosis, and enzyme activity in the liver and kidney tissues of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Specifically, the study measured 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels, caspase-3 activation, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and oxidative stress indicators (ONOO−, MDA, GSH, SOD, and CAT) following exposure to three Cd concentrations (1, 3, and 5 mg/L) over three time points (24, 48, and 96 h). Tissue samples were collected post-exposure, and the analysis revealed a significant decrease in MDA levels in both tissues. GSH concentrations declined with prolonged exposure, while SOD activity increased, indicating a response to oxidative stress, contrasted by a reduction in CAT activity. An initial increase in ONOO− levels was observed at 24 h, followed by a subsequent decrease at the 48 and 96 h marks. These results suggest that cadmium induces oxidative stress in the liver and kidney tissues of fish. Cadmium exposure also significantly elevated 8-OHdG levels, signaling DNA damage, and increased caspase-3 activity, indicative of apoptosis, across all doses and time points (p < 0.05). The histological examination of liver and kidney showed tissue injury. Additionally, a negative correlation between AChE activity and exposure duration was noted, with prolonged exposure resulting in substantial AChE inhibition. Given the role of AChE in behavior regulation, these findings underscore the importance of exploring time-dependent, tissue-specific changes in AChE activity to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying cadmium-induced behavioral abnormalities.

CORRELATION OF OXIDATIVE STRESS MARKERS IN MULTIPLE BIOFLUIDS OF END-STAGE RENAL DISEASE PATIENTS

A study established that patients with ESRD have high oxidative stress levels that spike the progression of the disease and its complications. Knowledge about the levels of the Oxidative stress biomarkers in various biofluids including Urine, serum, and saliva can explain the oxidative condition and probable diagnostic accuracy of these markers in ESRD patients. A descriptive cross-sectional exploratory research design was used to perform a comparison of 50 ESRD patients with 50 healthy subjects. On demographic, clinical, and hematological parameters data were obtained. Blood MDA, 8-OHdG, and saliva TAC were determined as the indicators of oxidative stress. Multivariate analysis was conducted to compare the levels of these markers in the biofluids and probable neurological disorders, and the participants’ demographic and clinical data were evaluated. Demographic profiling revealed that ESRD patients’ mean BMI was 26.3 ± 3.9 kg/m², compared to controls 24.8 ± 3.4 km/m², p = 0.032; more of them being smokers’ p = 0.045. ESRD patient’s general hematologic profile showed that their mean hemoglobin level was 10.2 ± 1.5 g/dL and the mean hematocrit was 32.5 ± 4.3 % and the difference was significant when compared with the control group (p&lt;0.05). ESRD was associated with an increase in WMBC, percentage of neutrophils, and CRP level compared with the control group (p&lt;0.05). Acute phase marker study indicates that the MDA level was significantly higher in serum (5.6 ± 1.1 nmol/L) than in urine (3.2 ± 0.8 nmol/L) and saliva (2.8 ± 0.7 nmol/L, p=0.016). The levels of 8-OHdG were significantly higher in serum (10.3 ± 2.1 ng/mL) than in urine and saliva (p=0.027). Salivary TAC was the least suggesting reduced antioxidant defense (p&lt;0.05). The study revealed that ESRD patients have increased levels in the markers of oxidative stress in urine and serum samples, as well as saliva compared to healthy individuals. The studies have identified serum as the most representative biofluid for evaluating oxidative stress in ESRD and therefore assured the practical application of the results for the identification of the best candidates for early interventions.

Stress tests and biomarkers of resilience: Proceedings of the second state of resilience science conference.

The "Stress Tests and Biomarkers of Resilience" conference, hosted by the American Geriatrics Society and the National Institute on Aging, marks the second in a series aimed at advancing the field of resilience science. Held on March 4-5, 2024, in Bethesda, Maryland, this conference built upon the foundational work from the first conference, which focused on defining resilience across various domains-physical, cognitive, and psychosocial. This year's gathering centered around three factors: the biology that underlies resilient outcomes; the social, environmental, genetic, and psychosocial factors that impact that resilience biology; and the biomarker testing and imaging that predicts resilient outcomes for older adults. The presentations and discussions around these topics were underscored by considerations around the many impacts of social determinants of health on resiliency interventions, and by advances in the modern training and research methodologies that influence data collection and experiment design.

Susceptibility of Human Spermatozoa to Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles: Evaluation of DNA Damage and Biomarkers

Nowadays, developing countries have seen a reduction in male reproductive parameters, and it has been linked to the exposure of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which are able to mimic or disrupt steroid hormone actions. Also, nanoparticles have shown effects on the male reproductive system, in particular the use of TiO2-NPs in drugs, cosmetics, and food as pigment additives, and, thanks to their small size (1–100 nm), provide themselves the opportunity to be internalized by the body and pass the blood–testis barrier (BTB). Therefore, TiO2-NPs can act on spermatogenesis and spermatozoa. In this study, we carried out an in vitro assay on human spermatozoa to evaluate the effects of TiO2-NPs at the concentrations of 500, 250, 100, and 50 ppm. Exposure did not statistically alter sperm parameters (e.g., motility and viability) but induced damage to sperm DNA and the expression of biomarkers by spermatozoa. This immunofluorescence investigation showed a positivity for biomarkers of stress (HSP70 and MTs) on the connecting piece of spermatozoa and also for sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) biomarkers. The SHBG protein acts as a carrier of androgens and estrogens, regulating their bioavailability; therefore, its expression in the in vitro assay did not rule out the ability of TiO2-NPs to act as endocrine disruptors.

Toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastic and copper oxide nanoparticle in Artemiasalina: Single and combined effects on stress responses

Nanoparticles, such as copper oxide nanoparticle (CuO NP) and polystyrene nanoplastic (PSNP), are increasingly released into aquatic environments, and pose potential risks to aquatic animals such as brine shrimps. Understanding the toxicity of these nanoparticles, especially when combined, is very important to assess their environmental effects. Therefore, this work describes the toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastic (PSNP) and CuO nanoparticles (CuO NPs) for brine shrimp (Artemiasalina). The body length and stress biomarkers, including the activity of SOD, CAT, GST, Acid phosphatase, AChE, level of MDA and GSH, and expression of the hsp70 gene were quantified. The 48h-EC50 values for PSNP, CuO NPs, and their combination were determined as 1.024 and 5.089, and 0.512 mg L−1, respectively. The combined exposure groups showed the highest growth inhibition. This was associated with increased activity of SOD and GST, decreased activity of CAT, a significant decrease in the level of GSH, a significant increase in the MDA level, and expression of the hsp70 gene (P < 0.05). Moreover, an increased ACP and reduced AChE activity were observed in exposure groups. This study indicated that PSNP and CuO NPs have synergistic toxicity for A.salina, underscoring the importance of further investigation into their combined effect on aquatic animals.

On the effectiveness of virtual reality technology for relaxation of locomotive crew workers

Reducing the risks of occupational stress requires improving the methods of psychological support for employees of locomotive crews. Virtual reality technology offers restorative measures comparable to traditional techniques. The study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the impact of virtual reality technology on the basis of the analysis of the psycho-emotional state of employees of locomotive crews before and after rehabilitation measures; to evaluate the ratio of stress biomarkers before and after exposure to classical and technical techniques; to compare the effectiveness of psychological influence carried out by various methods. The scientists conducted a survey and diagnosis of the functional state of locomotive crew workers, followed by rehabilitation measures using various methods. The specialists performed a saliva analysis based on the concentration levels of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone. 120 people took part in the study, of which: 60 people according to the classical program and 60 people according to the virtual reality program, of which 15 people are at risk according to psychophysiological indicators. The session lasted 21 minutes. The average age of employees of locomotive crews participating in the study was 35.4 years. 88% of the subjects underwent functional state diagnostics and a full course of relaxation sessions in virtual reality. Of these, 73% have improved psychophysiological indicators: response accuracy, increased neuropsychiatric stability, and decreased anxiety levels. The authors noted calmness, improved mood and relief of muscle tension. 60% of the employees have completed a full course of rehabilitation measures using classical techniques. Of these, 70% have an improvement in their functional state according to certain parameters. There is a decrease in cortisol levels (unit of measurement — nanograms per milliliter) from 6.75 ng/ml to 6.28 ng/ml with a simultaneous increase in dehydroepiadrosterone levels (unit of measurement — micrograms per milliliter) from 0.53 mcg/100 ml to 1.77 mcg/100 ml, which corresponds to a decrease in the overall stress level. The analysis of the obtained results showed sufficient effectiveness of virtual methods comparable to classical approaches to relaxation. Immersive technologies more effectively activate natural compensatory mechanisms by expanding the individual regulatory capabilities of the nervous system. Scientists have identified areas for improving the latest methods of rehabilitation measures in order to correct the functional condition of locomotive crews. Limitations. The representativeness of the sample was ensured by the participation of 120 employees of locomotive crews in the study. The limitations are related to the gender homogeneity of the sample: only men are included, due to their professional status. Ethics. The study was performed in accordance with the rules of good clinical practice and the Helsinki Declaration of the World Medical Association, the conclusion of the ethics committee was not required.

Plasma Proteome Alterations of Laying Hens Subjected to Heat Stress and Fed a Diet Supplemented with Pequi Oil (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.): New Insights in the Identification of Heat Stress Biomarkers

Heat stress can disrupt the balance between the heat poultry release into the environment and the heat they generate. Pequi oil has antioxidant properties, which may mitigate the heat stress effects. This study aimed to investigate the response of laying hens to pequi oil supplementation under heat stress using a proteomic approach. A total of 96 Lohmann White laying hens with 26 weeks old were housed in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. They were housed in two climate chambers, thermal comfort temperature ± 24.04 °C with the relative humidity ± 66.35 and heat stress (HS) ± 31.26 °C with the relative humidity ± 60.62. They were fed two diets: a control diet (CON), basal diet (BD) without additives, and with Pequi oil (PO), BD + 0.6% PO. After 84 days, plasma samples were analyzed using Shotgun and LC-MS/MS. Proteins related to anti-inflammation, transport, and the immune system were differentially expressed in hens fed PO and CON under heat stress compared to those in thermoneutral environments. This helps protect against oxidative stress and may support the body’s ability to manage heat-induced damage, stabilizing protein expression under stress conditions. The ovotransferrin proteins, fibrinogen isoforms, apolipoprotein A-I, Proteasome activator subunit 4, Transthyretin, and the enzyme serine Peptidase Inhibitor_Kazal Type 5, which presented Upregulated (Up) equal to 1, present characteristics that may be crucial for enhancing the adaptive responses of hens to thermal stress, thereby increasing their tolerance and minimizing the negative effects of heat on egg production. The data presented in this manuscript provides new insights into the plasma proteome alterations of laying hens fed a diet supplemented with pequi oil during heat stress challenges.

The Val66Met variant of brain-derived neurotrophic factor is linked to reduced telomere length in a military population: a pilot study

In military populations, gene-environment interactions can influence performance and health outcomes. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a central nervous system protein that is important for neuronal function and synaptic plasticity. A BDNF single nucleotide polymorphism, rs6265, leads to an amino acid substitution of valine (Val) with methionine (Met) at codon 66 (Val66Met), which may influence an individual’s response to occupational stress, and predispose military members to psychological disorders. Telomere length (TL), a novel measure of biological aging, can be used as a biomarker of stress. Accordingly, telomere shortening may be a surrogate indicator of physiological weathering due to chronic disease and stressful life events. To increase our understanding about the potential effect of the Val66Met mutation on the human stress response, we evaluated the relationships between Val66Met, TL, and mental health symptoms in a military population. In this pilot study (N = 164), we observed an association between Val66Met and reduced TL (p = 0.048). There was no relationship between Val66Met and mental health symptoms. These results support the investigation of gene-environment interactions, and their potential influence on TL due to occupational stress such as military service.

Nanoconjugate Carrying pH-Responsive Transferrin Receptor-Targeted Hesperetin Triggers Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Death through Oxidative Attack and Assemblage of Pro-Apoptotic Proteins.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is recognized as a major aggressive subtype of breast cancer due to its expeditious worsening growth, extensive metastatic capability, and recalcitrance to standard current treatments. Hesperetin (HSP), a natural bioflavonoid from citrus fruits, demonstrates pronounced anticancer efficacy, but its hydrophobicity limits its clinical development. The present study reports the fabrication of a biocompatible and pH-responsive transferrin (TF) receptor-targeted HSP-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanobioconjugate (PLGA-HSP-TF NPs) and the exploration of its in vitro and in vivo antineoplastic potential. PLGA nanoparticles (NPs), PLGA-HSP NPs, and PLGA-HSP-TF NPs were synthesized and characterized by DLS, FTIR, FE-SEM, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The stability and in vitro release profile of nanoparticles were inspected, and anticancer efficacy was scrutinized in terms of in vitro cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and apoptosis biomarkers, and cell cycle arrest. In vivo tumor regression and host survival studies were executed in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell-bearing Swiss albino mice. The drug uptake of highly stable PLGA-HSP-TF NPs was accomplished effectively in MDA-MB-231 cells and showed the pH-dependent intracellular release of HSP, which generated excessive intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) that led to oxidative assault to the TNBC cells. This elevated ROS dropped the mitochondrial membrane potential and triggered apoptosis-mediated cell death by arresting the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase. Furthermore, PLGA-HSP-TF NPs unveiled significant in vivo Ehrlich ascites carcinoma regression and host survival compared to free HSP with minimum toxicity at a minimum dose of 20 mg/kg body weight. The study divulges that PLGA-HSP-TF NPs may be an astounding anticancer nanocandidate for aggressive triple-negative breast cancer therapy.

Comparative analysis of active period and oxidative stress of DDVP and ginger (Zingiber officinale) oil on Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella Hübner) infesting maize grain

BackgroundIndian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella) is a significant pest infesting stored grains, particularly maize. Over time, synthetic insecticides have been employed to control insect. The residual effects posed on non-target organisms have called for replacement of synthetic insecticides with botanicals. This study therefore aimed at comparing the insecticidal consistency and oxidative stress invoked by dichlorvos (DDVP) and the oil extract of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on Indian meal moth infesting maize. Disinfested maize grains were treated with DDVP and ginger oil extract separately. Adults P. interpunctella were introduced to the treated grains daily using complete replacement method. The percentage mortality was calculated daily for 10 d. Furthermore, the oxidative stress caused by DDVP and ginger oil extract on the moth was evaluated by measuring the level of some oxidative stress biomarkers such as glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) activity in the exposed insects.ResultsPreliminary results indicated that both DDVP and ginger oil extract exhibited insecticidal properties against Indian meal moth infesting maize. However, the insecticidal (active) period of ginger oil extract was found to be longer than that of DDVP. Nevertheless, DDVP provoked greater oxidative stress in the exposed moth.ConclusionsGinger oil extract and DDVP show potential for controlling Indian meal moth infestations in stored maize. Yet, ginger oil offers a longer-lasting effect on pest suppression and control. Consequently, it could be a replacement or synergistic insecticide with DDVP to provide ecofriendly insecticide application.

Exploring the Use of Grifola Frondosa in the Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration - A Proposed Methodology

Ergothioneine is a compound with demonstrated antioxidant properties that is found in high concentrations in the Grifola Frondosa mushroom. While the therapeutic effects of this substance have been investigated in various conditions related to oxidative stress, studies have not yet explored its role in preventing age-related macular degeneration. This is a progressive condition characterized by central vision loss due to reduction in the retinal pigment epithelium, for which oxidative damage is a significant risk factor. This study will explore whether administration of ergothioneine extract will reduce three major biomarkers of age-related oxidative stress. Ergothioniene will be administered to both wild-type and erythroid 2-related factor 2 knockout mice and compared to two corresponding control groups, for a total of four groups. Treatment will be administered at a dosage of 2 mg/kg body weight daily for 4 weeks. Quantitative autofluorescence, high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay techniques will be utilized to assess biomarkers. One-way analysis of variance will be used to determine statistical significance. This study intends to aid in the development of novel treatment compounds and encourage further explorations into the role of free radicals in various ophthalmological diseases.

Maternal Dietary Improvement or Leptin Supplementation During Suckling Mitigates the Long-Term Impact of Maternal Obesogenic Conditions on Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in the Offspring of Diet-Induced Obese Rats

This study investigates the impact of maternal nutrition during lactation on inflammation and oxidative stress in the offspring of diet-induced obese rats, along with the potential benefits of leptin supplementation during suckling. Dams were fed either a standard diet (SD), a western diet (WD) before and during gestation and lactation (WD-dams), or a WD switched to an SD during lactation (Rev-dams). Offspring were supplemented with leptin or vehicle during suckling and then fed an SD or WD until four months. Offspring of the Rev-dams exhibited improved metabolic indicators, including lower body weight, reduced plasma levels of TNF-alpha, a higher adiponectin/leptin (A/L) ratio, enhanced liver antioxidant defenses, and decreased inflammation markers in white adipose tissue (WAT) compared to WD-dams, with sex differences. Leptin supplementation further modulated these markers, reducing oxidative stress in liver and inflammation in WAT and liver (e.g., hepatic Tnfa expression decreased by 45% (males) and 41% (females) in the WD group on an SD), and improving the A/L ratio, with effects varying by maternal conditions and sex. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of maternal nutrition and leptin intake during suckling in shaping long-term metabolic and inflammatory health in offspring, offering strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of maternal obesity on future generations.