Phenylpropanoids and their metabolites are the major compounds responsible for blood-cell protection against oxidative stress after administration of Lippia citriodora in rats

Lippia citriodora (lemon verbena) has been widely used in folk medicine for its pharmacological properties. Verbascoside, the most abundant compound in this plant, has protective effects associated mostly with its strong antioxidant activity. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of L. citriodora extract intake on the antioxidant response of blood cells and to correlate this response with the phenolic metabolites found in plasma. For this purpose, firstly the L. citriodora extract was characterized and its radical scavenging activity was measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Then, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GRed) activities were determined in lymphocytes, erythrocytes, and neutrophils isolated from rats after acute intake of L. citriodora. Phenolic metabolites were analyzed in the same plasma samples by HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in neutrophils, which has been proposed as a marker for inflammatory vascular damage, was also determined. After L. citriodora administration, the antioxidant enzymes activities significantly accelerated (p<0.05) while MPO activity subsided, indicating that the extract protects blood cells against oxidative damage and shows potential anti-inflammatory and antiatherogenic activities. The main compounds found in plasma were verbascoside and isoverbascoside at a concentration of 80±10 and 57±4 ng/ml, respectively. Five other metabolites derived from verbascoside and isoverbascoside were also found in plasma, namely hydroxytyrosol, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, ferulic acid glucuronide, and homoprotocatechuic acid, together with another eight phenolic compounds. Therefore, the phenylpropanoids verbascoside and isoverbascoside, as well as their metabolites, seem to be the responsible for the above-mentioned effects, although the post-transcriptional activation mechanism of blood-cell antioxidant enzymes by these compounds needs further investigation.

Lemna minor exposed to fluoranthene: growth, biochemical, physiological and histochemical changes

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) represent one of the major groups of organic contaminants in the aquatic environment. Duckweed (Lemna minor L.) is a common aquatic plant widely used in phytotoxicity tests for xenobiotic substances. The goal of this study was to assess the growth and the physiological, biochemical and histochemical changes in duckweed exposed for 4 and 10 days to fluoranthene (FLT, 0.1 and 1 mgL(-1)). Nonsignificant changes in number of plants, biomass production, leaf area size, content of chlorophylls a and b and carotenoids and parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence recorded after 4 and 10 days of exposure to FLT were in contrast with considerable changes at biochemical and histochemical levels. Higher occurrence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by an exposure to FLT after 10 days as compared to control (hydrogen peroxide elevated by 13% in the 0.1 mgL(-1) and by 41% in the 1 mgL(-1) FLT; superoxide anion radical by 52% and 115% respectively) reflected in an increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase by 3% in both treatments, catalase by 9% and 1% respectively, ascorbate peroxidase by 21% and 5% respectively, guaiacol peroxidase by 12% in the 0.1 mgL(-1) FLT). Even the content of antioxidant compounds like ascorbate (by 20% in the 1 mgL(-1) FLT) or total thiols (reduced forms by 15% in the 0.1 mgL(-1) and 8% in the 1 mgL(-1) FLT, oxidized forms by 36% in the 0.1 mgL(-1) FLT) increased. Increased amount of ROS was followed by an increase in malondialdehyde content (by 33% in the 0.1 mgL(-1) and 79% in the 1 mgL(-1) FLT). Whereas in plants treated by the 0.1 mgL(-1) FLT the contents of total proteins and phenols increased by 15% and 25%, respectively, the 1 mgL(-1) FLT caused decrease of their contents by 32% and 7%. Microscopic observations of duckweed roots also confirmed the presence of ROS and related histochemical changes at the cellular and tissue levels. The assessment of phytotoxicity of organic pollutant in duckweed based only on the evaluation of growth parameters could not fully cover the irreversible changes already running at the level of biochemical processes.

Ozone fumigation results in accelerated growth and persistent changes in the antioxidant system of Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata f. alba

The growth response and antioxidant capacity of Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. alba plants treated with 70ppb of ozone was examined. Four week old cabbage seedlings were fumigated with O3 for 3 days before being transplanted into the growing field. The effect of O3 treatment was determined directly after fumigation and over the course of field cultivation. Plants subjected to O3 treatment had an increased diameter of rosettes and number of leaves after 3 and 7 weeks in agriculture, respectively. In addition, the vast majority of fumigated plants reached marketable quality faster than control plants, indicating a positive role of episodes of increased O3 concentrations during vegetation on growth and yielding. Our analysis revealed that by fumigating juvenile white cabbage plants with moderate doses of O3 the activity of catalases (CAT) and peroxidases was elevated. The activity of the examined enzymes was not affected directly after fumigation, but it increased after several weeks in the experimental field. Increased CAT activity was accompanied by changes in 2 out of the 3 CAT genes CAT1 and CAT2, where CAT2 seemed to be responsible for the induced CAT activity. The biosynthesis of low-molecular stress protectants - tocopherols and the glucosinolate (GLS) sinigrin was transiently affected by ozone. γ-Tocopherol (γ-toc) content significantly increased directly after fumigation, but after 3 weeks of vegetation in the field its concentration reached values similar to control. The biosynthesis of α-tocopherol (α-toc) and sinigrin seemed to be upregulated in fumigated plants. However, the response was delayed; no differences were registered directly after treatment, but 3 weeks after transplanting the concentration of sinigrin and α-toc was elevated.

Regulation of oxidative stress and somatostatin, cholecystokinin, apelin gene expressions by ghrelin in stomach of newborn diabetic rats

The aim of the study was to determine whether ghrelin treatment has a protective effect on gene expression and biochemical changes in the stomach of newborn streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. In this study, four groups of Wistar rats were used: control, ghrelin control, diabetic and diabetic+ghrelin. The rats were sacrificed after four weeks of treatment for diabetes. The gene expressions of: somatostatin, cholecystokinin, apelin and the altered active caspase-3, active caspase-8, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, were investigated in the pyloric region of the stomach and antioxidant parameters were measured in all the stomach. Although ghrelin treatment to diabetic rats lowered the stomach lipid peroxidation levels, the stomach glutathione levels were increased. Exogenous ghrelin caused an increased activities of stomach catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase in diabetic rats. Numbers of somatostatin, cholecystokinin and proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunoreactive cells decreased in the diabetic+ghrelin group compared to the diabetic group. Apelin mRNA expressions were remarkably less in the diabetic+ghrelin rats than in diabetic rats. The results may indicate that ghrelin treatment has a protective effect to some extent on the diabetic rats. This protection is possibly accomplished through the antioxidant activity of ghrelin observed in type 2 diabetes. Consequently exogenous ghrelin may be a candidate for therapeutic treatment of diabetes.

Health risk from As contaminated fish consumption by population living around River Chenab, Pakistan

We analyzed six edible fish species (Securicola gora; Cirrhinus reba; Rita rita; Sperata sarvari; Culpisoma naziri and Labeo kalbasu) to evaluation As contamination. These species were caught from the River Chenab of Pakistan. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of arsenic (As) and the antioxidant response in the muscle, liver and gills. The sampling sites were divided into agricultural, industrial and urban land uses. Although, the highest concentration of As, and the antioxidant activity was found in the liver, but the muscles also had a high concentration of As than that of gills. The range of As detected in these tissues was in the following order: Liver (0.009-3.95μgg(-1))>muscles (0.006-3.5μgg(-1))>gills (0.002-2.96μgg(-1)). Furthermore, the R. rita showed the highest concentration of As (2.18μgg(-1)) followed by S. sarvari (1.98μgg(-1)). The median concentrations of As, in the liver and muscles were also above the FAO/WHO, EPA permissible limits. The LPO activity was significantly related to As, which showed a possibility of cell membrane damage in these species. The human health risk assessment revealed that higher than normal concentration of As in muscle was particularly hazardous for the younger population.

Development of a self-report physical function instrument for disability assessment: item pool construction and factor analysis

OBJECTIVES

To build a comprehensive item pool representing work-relevant physical functioning and to test the factor structure of the item pool. These developmental steps represent initial outcomes of a broader project to develop instruments for the assessment of function within the context of Social Security Administration (SSA) disability programs.

DESIGN

Comprehensive literature review; gap analysis; item generation with expert panel input; stakeholder interviews; cognitive interviews; cross-sectional survey administration; and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to assess item pool structure.

SETTING

In-person and semistructured interviews and Internet and telephone surveys.

PARTICIPANTS

Sample of SSA claimants (n=1017) and a normative sample of adults from the U.S. general population (n=999).

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Model fit statistics.

RESULTS

The final item pool consisted of 139 items. Within the claimant sample, 58.7% were white; 31.8% were black; 46.6% were women; and the mean age was 49.7 years. Initial factor analyses revealed a 4-factor solution, which included more items and allowed separate characterization of: (1) changing and maintaining body position, (2) whole body mobility, (3) upper body function, and (4) upper extremity fine motor. The final 4-factor model included 91 items. Confirmatory factor analyses for the 4-factor models for the claimant and the normative samples demonstrated very good fit. Fit statistics for claimant and normative samples, respectively, were: Comparative Fit Index=.93 and .98; Tucker-Lewis Index=.92 and .98; and root mean square error approximation=.05 and .04.

CONCLUSIONS

The factor structure of the physical function item pool closely resembled the hypothesized content model. The 4 scales relevant to work activities offer promise for providing reliable information about claimant physical functioning relevant to work disability.

Aluminum-induced programmed cell death promoted by AhSAG, a senescence-associated gene in Arachis hypoganea L

Programmed cell death (PCD) is a foundational cellular process in plant development and elimination of damaged cells under environmental stresses. In this study, Al induced PCD in two peanut (Arachis hypoganea L.) cultivars Zhonghua 2 (Al-sensitive) and 99-1507 (Al-tolerant) using DNA ladder, TUNEL detection and electron microscopy. The concentration of Al-induced PCD was lower in Zhonghua 2 than in 99-1507. AhSAG, a senescence-associated gene was isolated from cDNA library of Al-stressed peanut with PCD. Open reading frame (ORF) of AhSAG was 474bp, encoding a SAG protein composed of 157 amino acids. Compared to the control and the antisense transgenic tobacco plants, the fast development and blossom of the sense transgenic plants happened to promote senescence. The ability of Al tolerance in sense transgenic tobacco was lower than in antisense transgenic tobacco according to root elongation and Al content analysis. The expression of AhSAG-GFP was higher in sense transgenic tobacco than in antisense transgenic tobacco. Altogether, these results indicated that there was a negative relationship between Al-induced PCD and Al-resistance in peanut, and the AhSAG could induce or promote the occurrence of PCD in plants.

Reactive oxygen species mediate Cr(VI)-induced carcinogenesis through PI3K/AKT-dependent activation of GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling

Cr(VI) compounds are known human carcinogens that primarily target the lungs. Cr(VI) produces reactive oxygen species (ROS), but the exact effects of ROS on the signaling molecules involved in Cr(VI)-induced carcinogenesis have not been extensively studied. Chronic exposure of human bronchial epithelial cells to Cr(VI) at nanomolar concentrations (10-100nM) for 3months not only induced cell transformation, but also increased the potential of these cells to invade and migrate. Injection of Cr(VI)-stimulated cells into nude mice resulted in the formation of tumors. Chronic exposure to Cr(VI) increased levels of intracellular ROS and antiapoptotic proteins. Transfection with catalase or superoxide dismutase (SOD) prevented Cr(VI)-mediated increases in colony formation, cell invasion, migration, and xenograft tumors. While chronic Cr(VI) exposure led to activation of signaling cascades involving PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin and PI3K/AKT/mTOR, transfection with catalase or SOD markedly inhibited Cr(VI)-mediated activation of these signaling proteins. Inhibitors specific for AKT or β-catenin almost completely suppressed the Cr(VI)-mediated increase in total and active β-catenin proteins and colony formation. In particular, Cr(VI) suppressed autophagy of epithelial cells under nutrition deprivation. Furthermore, there was a marked induction of AKT, GSK-3β, β-catenin, mTOR, and carcinogenic markers in tumor tissues formed in mice after injection with Cr(VI)-stimulated cells. Collectively, our findings suggest that ROS is a key mediator of Cr(VI)-induced carcinogenesis through the activation of PI3K/AKT-dependent GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling and the promotion of cell survival mechanisms via the inhibition of apoptosis and autophagy.

Divergences in morphological changes and antioxidant responses in salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive rice seedlings after salt stress

Salinization plays a primary role in soil degradation and reduced agricultural productivity. We observed that salt stress reversed photosynthesis and reactive oxygen scavenging responses in leaves or roots of two rice cultivars, a salt-tolerant cultivar Pokkali and a salt-sensitive cultivar IR-29. Salt treatment (100 mM NaCl) on IR-29 decreased the maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) and the photochemical quenching coefficient (qP), thereby inhibiting photosynthetic activity. By contrast, the salt treatment on Pokkali had the converse effect on Fv/Fm and qP, while increasing the nonphotochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ), thereby favoring photosynthetic activity. Notably, chloroplast or root cells in Pokkali maintained their ultrastructures largely intact under the salt stress, but, IR-29 showed severe disintegration of existing grana stacks, increase of plastoglobuli, and swelling of thylakoidal membranes in addition to collapsed vascular region in adventitious roots. Pokkali is known to have higher hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-scavenging enzyme activities in non-treated seedlings, including ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, and peroxidase activities. However, these enzymatic activities were induced to a greater extent in IR-29 by the salt stress. While the level of endogenous H2O2 was lower in Pokkali than in IR-29, it was reversed upon the salt treatment. Nevertheless, the decreased amount of H2O2 in IR-29 upon the salt stress didn't result in a high scavenging activity of total cell extracts for H2O2, as well as O2(·-) and (·)OH species. The present study suggests that the tolerance to the moderate salinity in Pokkali derives largely from the constitutively maintained antioxidant enzymatic activities as well as the induced antioxidant enzyme system.

Development of a computer-adaptive physical function instrument for Social Security Administration disability determination

OBJECTIVES

To develop and test an instrument to assess physical function for Social Security Administration (SSA) disability programs, the SSA-Physical Function (SSA-PF) instrument. Item response theory (IRT) analyses were used to (1) create a calibrated item bank for each of the factors identified in prior factor analyses, (2) assess the fit of the items within each scale, (3) develop separate computer-adaptive testing (CAT) instruments for each scale, and (4) conduct initial psychometric testing.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional data collection; IRT analyses; CAT simulation.

SETTING

Telephone and Internet survey.

PARTICIPANTS

Two samples: SSA claimants (n=1017) and adults from the U.S. general population (n=999).

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Model fit statistics, correlation, and reliability coefficients.

RESULTS

IRT analyses resulted in 5 unidimensional SSA-PF scales: Changing & Maintaining Body Position, Whole Body Mobility, Upper Body Function, Upper Extremity Fine Motor, and Wheelchair Mobility for a total of 102 items. High CAT accuracy was demonstrated by strong correlations between simulated CAT scores and those from the full item banks. On comparing the simulated CATs with the full item banks, very little loss of reliability or precision was noted, except at the lower and upper ranges of each scale. No difference in response patterns by age or sex was noted. The distributions of claimant scores were shifted to the lower end of each scale compared with those of a sample of U.S. adults.

CONCLUSIONS

The SSA-PF instrument contributes important new methodology for measuring the physical function of adults applying to the SSA disability programs. Initial evaluation revealed that the SSA-PF instrument achieved considerable breadth of coverage in each content domain and demonstrated noteworthy psychometric properties.

Kaurane diterpenes from Sideritis spp. exert a cytoprotective effect against oxidative injury that is associated with modulation of the Nrf2 system

Kaurane diterpenes have been shown to possess antioxidant properties. As a part of our ongoing studies on the identification of biologically active diterpenes from Sideritis spp., we have previously isolated and structurally elucidated the major kaurane diterpenes foliol, linearol and sidol, in a previous study from the aerial parts of Sideritis linearifolia and Sideritis leucantha. We have now examined the ability of these compounds to protect PC12 cells in an H2O2-induced oxidative stress model. Linearol and sidol (5 and 10 μM, 24 h) significantly attenuated loss of mitochondrial function (MTT assay) and membrane integrity (LDH assay) and morphological changes associated with H2O2-mediated cytotoxicity. Moreover, pretreatments with linearol and sidol effectively reduced intracellular ROS production, decreased MDA levels (lipid peroxidation product) and restored GSH/GSSG ratio. Furthermore, analysis of the effect of diterpenes on antioxidant enzymes showed that linearol and sidol induced the upregulation and protein expression of the main antioxidant enzymes CAT, SOD, GPx, GR and HO-1. Considering molecular mechanisms for maintaining cellular redox homeostasis by linearol and sidol, it would appear that the Nrf2 transcription factor seems to be involved. These results indicate that linearol and sidol are potential cytoprotective compounds, through antioxidant mechanisms, under H2O2-induced oxidative stress.

Irrigation with industrial wastewater activates antioxidant system and osmoprotectant accumulation in lettuce, turnip and tomato plants

We focused on the impact of industrial wastes on the water quality of the El-Amia drain in Egypt and the effect of irrigation with industrial wastewater on the growth, cell membranes, photosynthetic pigment content, the antioxidant system and selected osmoprotectants (proline, total amino nitrogen and soluble sugars) in three crop plants: turnip, tomato and lettuce. Furthermore, the present work focused on the analysis of the heavy metal content and its accumulation in the studied plants. For this purpose, water samples were collected 1, 10 and 19 km from the beginning of the drain and used for irrigation, with fresh water as a control. We found that industrial wastewater contained significant amounts of heavy metals (Cd, Ni and Co) warranted a pollution problem as their amounts exceed the maximum recommended concentrations according to FAO guidelines for trace metals in irrigation water. The three crop plants accumulate significant amounts of heavy metals in their shoots and roots and showed a significant decrease in leaf area, fresh weight and dry weight of shoots and roots, accompanied by a marked reduction in photosynthetic pigment content and damage to cell membranes, as indicated by increased electrolyte leakage and a lower membrane stability index. Significant increases in the activities of antioxidant enzymes and in the glutathione, proline, soluble sugar and total amino nitrogen content in response to irrigation with wastewater may be defense mechanisms induced in response to heavy metal stress.

Coronatine enhances drought tolerance via improving antioxidative capacity to maintaining higher photosynthetic performance in soybean

Coronatine (COR), a structural and functional mimic of jasmonates, is involved in a wide array of effects on plant development and defence responses. This study was conducted to explore the role of exogenously applied COR in alleviating the adversities of drought stress in soybean. COR treatment markedly increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes and proline content, and reduced the accumulation of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide under drought stress. Thus, COR-treated plants had higher leaf relative water content and lower electrolye leakage, which led to higher chlorophyll content, activities of RuBPCase and PEPCase, and net photosynthetic rate compared to control plants exposed to drought. COR also increased maximal efficiency of PS II photochemical reaction and photochemical quenching coefficient, but decreased non-photochemical quenching coefficient. These beneficial effects led to enhanced photosynthetic performance and the translocation of assimilated (14)C which promoted growth and accumulation of dry biomass in COR-treated soybean plants subjected to drought. Interestingly, COR application did not affect the growth and biomass accumulation under well-watered condition. These results suggested the involvement of COR on improving drought tolerance in soybean by modulating antioxidant systems and membrane stability to maintain higher photosynthetic performance.

Amendment in phosphorus levels moderate the chromium toxicity in Raphanus sativus L. as assayed by antioxidant enzymes activities

Chromium (Z=24), a d-block element, is a potent carcinogen, whereas phosphorus is an essential and limiting nutrient for the plant growth and development. This study undertakes the role of phosphorus in moderating the chromium toxicity in Raphanus sativus L., as both of them compete with each other during the uptake process. Two-factor complete randomized experiment (5 chromium × 5 phosphorus concentrations) was conducted for twenty eight days in green house. The individuals of R. sativus were grown in pots supplied with all essential nutrients. The toxic effects of chromium and the moderation of toxicity due to phosphorus amendment were determined as accumulation of chromium, nitrogen, phosphorus in root tissues and their effects were also examined in the changes in biomass, chlorophyll and antioxidant enzyme levels. Cr and N accumulation were almost doubled at the highest concentration of Cr supply, without any P amendment, whereas at the highest P concentration (125 mM), the accumulation was reduced to almost half. A significant reduction in toxic effects of Cr was determined as there was three-fold increase in total chlorophyll and biomass at the highest P amendment. Antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase and lipid peroxidation were analyzed at various levels of Cr each amended with five levels of P. It was observed that at highest level of P amendment, the reduction percentage in toxicity was 33, 44, 39 and 44, correspondingly. Conclusively, the phosphorus amendment moderates the toxicity caused by the supplied chromium in R. sativus. This finding can be utilized to develop a novel technology for the amelioration of chromium stressed fields.

Antioxidant and photosystem II responses contribute to explain the drought-heat contrasting tolerance of two forage legumes

Identification of metabolic targets of environmental stress factors is critical to improve the stress tolerance of plants. Studying the biochemical and physiological responses of plants with different capacities to deal with stress is a valid approach to reach this objective. Lotus corniculatus (lotus) and Trifolium pratense (clover) are legumes with contrasting summer stress tolerances. In stress conditions, which are defined as drought, heat or a combination of both, we found that differential biochemical responses of leaves explain these behaviours. Lotus and clover showed differences in water loss control, proline accumulation and antioxidant enzymatic capacity. Drought and/or heat stress induced a large accumulation of proline in the tolerant species (lotus), whereas heat stress did not cause proline accumulation in the sensitive species (clover). In lotus, Mn-SOD and Fe-SOD were induced by drought, but in clover, the SOD-isoform profile was not affected by stress. Moreover, lotus has more SOD-isoforms and a higher total SOD activity than clover. The functionality and electrophoretic profile of photosystem II (PSII) proteins under stress also exhibited differences between the two species. In lotus, PSII activity was drastically affected by combined stress and, interestingly, was correlated with D2 protein degradation. Possible implications of this event as an adaption mechanism in tolerant species are discussed. We conclude that the stress-tolerant capability of lotus is related to its ability to respond to oxidative damage and adaption of the photosynthetic machinery. This reveals that these two aspects should be included in the evaluation of the tolerance of species to stress conditions.

Scale refinement and initial evaluation of a behavioral health function measurement tool for work disability evaluation

OBJECTIVE

To use item response theory (IRT) data simulations to construct and perform initial psychometric testing of a newly developed instrument, the Social Security Administration Behavioral Health Function (SSA-BH) instrument, that aims to assess behavioral health functioning relevant to the context of work.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey followed by IRT calibration data simulations.

SETTING

Community.

PARTICIPANTS

Sample of individuals applying for Social Security Administration disability benefits: claimants (n=1015) and a normative comparative sample of U.S. adults (n=1000).

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

SSA-BH measurement instrument.

RESULTS

IRT analyses supported the unidimensionality of 4 SSA-BH scales: mood and emotions (35 items), self-efficacy (23 items), social interactions (6 items), and behavioral control (15 items). All SSA-BH scales demonstrated strong psychometric properties including reliability, accuracy, and breadth of coverage. High correlations of the simulated 5- or 10-item computer adaptive tests with the full item bank indicated robust ability of the computer adaptive testing approach to comprehensively characterize behavioral health function along 4 distinct dimensions.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial testing and evaluation of the SSA-BH instrument demonstrated good accuracy, reliability, and content coverage along all 4 scales. Behavioral function profiles of Social Security Administration claimants were generated and compared with age- and sex-matched norms along 4 scales: mood and emotions, behavioral control, social interactions, and self-efficacy. Using the computer adaptive test-based approach offers the ability to collect standardized, comprehensive functional information about claimants in an efficient way, which may prove useful in the context of the Social Security Administration's work disability programs.

Biochemical and physiological responses of oil palm to bud rot caused by Phytophthora palmivora

In recent years, global consumption of palm oil has increased significantly, reaching almost 43 million tons in 2010. The sustainability of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) cultivation has been compromised because of the bud rot disease whose initial symptoms are caused by Phytophthora palmivora. There was a significant incidence of the disease, from an initial stage 1 of the disease to the highest stage 5, that affected photosynthetic parameters, content of pigments, sugars, polyamines, enzymatic antioxidant activities, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL, EC 4.3.1.5) and β-(1,3) glucanase (β-Gluc, EC 3.2.1.39). In healthy palms photosynthesis was 13.29 μmol CO2 m(-2) s(-1) in average, while in stage 5 the average photosynthesis was around 3.66 μmol CO2 m(-2) s(-1). Additionally, total chlorophyll was reduced by half at the last stage of the disease. On the contrary, the contents of putrescine, spermine and spermidine increased three, nine and twelve times with respect to stage 5, respectively. Antioxidant enzyme activities, as well as the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and β-(1,3) glucanase showed an increase as the severity of the disease increased, with the latter increasing from 0.71 EAU in healthy palms to 2.60 EAU in plants at stage 5 of the disease. The peroxidase (POD, EC 1.11.1.7) enzymatic activity and the content of spermidine were the most sensitive indicators of disease.

Mass spectrometry techniques in the survey of steroid metabolites as potential disease biomarkers: a review

Mass spectrometric approaches have been fundamental to the identification of metabolites associated with steroid hormones, yet this topic has not been reviewed in depth in recent years. To this end, and given the increasing relevance of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) studies on steroid hormones and their metabolites, the present review addresses this subject. This review provides a timely summary of the use of various mass spectrometry-based analytical techniques during the evaluation of steroidal biomarkers in a range of human disease settings. The sensitivity and specificity of these technologies are clearly providing valuable new insights into breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. We aim to contribute to an enhanced understanding of steroid metabolism and how it can be profiled by LC-MS techniques.

Characteristics of a COPD population categorised using the GOLD framework by health status and exacerbations

GOLD proposed a COPD assessment framework focussed on symptoms measured by the COPD Assessment Test™ (CAT) or the mMRC and on exacerbation risk based on poor lung function (FEV1 <50%) or a history of ≥2 exacerbations in the previous year. This analysis examined the characteristics of COPD patients recruited from routine clinical settings and classified using the GOLD framework. 1041 European COPD patients (38.5% from primary care) from the Adelphi Respiratory Disease Specific Programme with information on CAT, mMRC, spirometry and exacerbation history in the previous year were analysed. Their mean age was 64.9 ± 9.9 years and mean FEV1 was 62.5 ± 17.8% predicted; 80% were in GOLD 2 spirometric grade or milder. CAT and mMRC cut points identified different groups of patients; using CAT, the composition was: Group A 9.3%, Group B 48.5%, Group C 0.7% and Group D 41.5%. 80% were classified as high risk based on exacerbation history and 25% of patients in a low risk category (GOLD A and B) had 1 exacerbation in the previous year. The incidence of diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia rose with worsening GOLD group (all p < 0.0001); diabetes GOLD A 4%, GOLD B 16%, GOLD D 29%; hypertension GOLD A 38%, GOLD B 55%, GOLD D 65%; hyperlipidaemia GOLD A 13%, GOLD B 30%, GOLD D 37%. In patients seen in routine clinical settings, 25% of GOLD low risk patients had one exacerbation per year and the incidence of cardio-vascular and metabolic diseases increases with worsening GOLD group.

Ameliorative effect of Sida cordifolia in rotenone induced oxidative stress model of Parkinson's disease

Present study focused on the evaluation of aqueous extract of Sida cordifolia (AESC), and its different fractions; hexane (HFSC), chloroform (CFSC) and aqueous (AFSC), against rotenone induced biochemical, neurochemical, histopathological and behavioral alterations in a rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD). An estimation of the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) along with superoxide anion generation (SAG) in different brain regions (cortex, midbrain and cerebellum) was carried out to assess biochemical changes. Behavioral evaluation tests (catalepsy, rearing behavior and posture instability) and neurochemical estimations (norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin level) along with histopathological evaluations of different brain regions were also performed. The varying doses (50, 100, 250mg/kg; p.o.) of different test treatments (AESC, HFSC, CFSC and AFSC) were co-administered along with rotenone (2mg/kg; s.c.), for a period of 35 days to rats of various groups and compared with rotenone per se (negative control) and l-deprenyl (positive control; 10mg/kg; p.o.) treated groups for the above mentioned parameters. The increase in catalepsy and posture instability along with decrease in rearing behavior observed due to rotenone treatment was significantly attenuated by co-treatment with varying doses of AESC and AFSC. Results of the histopathological studies of different brain regions of rats showed eosinophilic lesions in the mid brain region due to rotenone treatment. The eosinophilic lesions were significantly attenuated in co-treated groups of AESC-100mg/kg and AFSC-100mg/kg. Rotenone induced oxidative damage, revealed by increased level of TBARS, SAG and decreased level of GSH and CAT in mid brain region of rats, was attenuated by the co-treatment of AESC and AFSC. The rotenone induced decrease of dopamine level in the midbrain region of rats was also attenuated by co-treatment of AESC-100mg/kg and AFSC-100mg/kg. The maximum effect in all the above activities was observed in AFSC (100mg/kg) treated group, which was comparable to l-deprenyl treated group. The HFSC and CFSC co-treatment failed to show significant attenuation of rotenone induced damage. These results indicate the possible therapeutic potential of most polar fraction of AESC i.e. AFSC in PD by virtue of its antioxidative actions.

De novo galectin-3 expression influences the response of melanoma cells to isatin-Schiff base copper (II) complex-induced oxidative stimulus

Galectin-3, a ubiquitous member of the galectin family, has been shown to control cellular proliferation, adhesion, migration and apoptosis; thus, it has a role in tumor development and progression. Galectin-3 expression is both up- and down-regulated during melanoma progression. However, conflicting data regarding its roles in tumor biology prompted us to investigate if the presence of galectin-3 influences the response of melanoma cells to a novel metallodrug because metastatic melanoma acquires chemo resistance and is reported to be redox-sensitive. Previously, it was demonstrated that the complex [bis-(2-oxindol-3-yl-imino)-2-(2-aminoethyl) pyridine-N,N'] copper (II) perchlorate, herein referred to as [Cu(isaepy)], induces ROS formation and apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells through mitochondrial uncoupling and the activation of AMPK/p38/p53 signaling. Here, we used a model of vertical growth melanoma (TM1), in which GAL3 expression is lost during tumor progression. When de novo expressed, galectin-3 was found to be ubiquitously present in all subcellular compartments. Our results demonstrate that de novo galectin-3 expression impairs the cellular antioxidant system and renders TM1G3 cells more susceptible than GAL3-null TM1MNG3 cells to [Cu(isaepy)] treatment. This compound, in contrast with the redox inactive [dichloro (2-oxindol-3-yl-imino)-2-(2-aminoethyl) pyridine-N,N'] zinc (II), herein referred to as [Zn(isaepy)], leads to increased intracellular ROS accumulation, increased carbonyl stress, increased mitochondrial depolarization, decreased cell adhesion, increased p38 activation and apoptosis in TM1G3, compared with TM1MNG3. Cell death was shown to be dependent on a hydrogen peroxide-derived species and on the activation of p38. Because mitochondria are a target of both [Cu(isaepy)] and galectin-3, we propose that the presence of galectin-3 in this organelle favors increased ROS production, thereby inducing oxidative cellular damage and apoptotic death. Therefore, [Cu(isaepy)] may be envisaged as a possible anti-melanoma strategy, particularly for melanomas that express galectin-3.

Symptom burden and comorbidities impact the consistency of responses on patient-reported functional outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To assess the influence of symptom intensity, mood, and comorbidities on patient-clinician agreement and the consistency of responses to functional patient-reported outcomes (PROs).

DESIGN

Two data sources were used. The first, a cross-sectional database of patients with breast cancer who completed functional PROs and were administered the FIM, was used to examine whether average pain intensity (as measured with an 11-point numeric rating scale [NRS]) and Rand Mental Health inventory scores differed among those rating their functional independence as different than clinicians. The second, a longitudinal database of 311 adults with late-stage lung cancer who completed the Activity Measure for Post Acute Care Computer Adaptive Test (AM PAC CAT) with differences between their expected and actual responses as reflected in their AM PAC CAT SEs.

SETTING

Two tertiary medical centers.

PARTICIPANTS

Data source #1, 163 women with stage IV breast cancer; data source #2, 311 adults with late-stage lung cancer.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Data source #1, FIM, pain NRS, Older Americans Resource Study activities of daily living subscale, Physical Function-10, Mental Health Inventory-17. Data source #2, AM PAC CAT and NRS symptom ratings.

RESULTS

Pain intensity was significantly higher when clinicians and patients disagreed regarding a patient's independence in the ability to transfer (NRS pain severity, 3.78 vs 2.40; P=.014), groom (3.71 vs 2.36, P=.009), bathe (3.76 vs 2.40, P=.016), and dress (3.09 vs 2.44, P=.034). The magnitude of AM PAC CAT SEs was significantly associated with the severity of participants' pain, dyspnea, and fatigue, as well as the presence of musculoskeletal disorders and coronary artery disease. Neither mood nor emotional distress was associated with clinician-patient agreement or AM PAC CAT SE.

CONCLUSIONS

Pain intensity is associated with disagreement between patients and clinicians about the patient's level of functioning. Moreover, physical symptoms (pain, dyspnea, fatigue) as well as specific medical comorbidities (musculoskeletal disorders, coronary artery disease), but not mood, are associated with inconsistency in patients' assessment of their functional abilities.

Does circadian rhythm disruption induced by light-at-night has beneficial effect of melatonin on sciatic nerve injury?

Melatonin stimulates peripheral nerve regeneration. However, the precise effect of Melatonin on nerve repair in dark period have not been clarified. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of melatonin on sciatic nerve injury after melatonin was given to rats in the morning or evening by means of combined analysis. This is the first study to investigate the influence of melatonin on sciatic nerve in cut injury two different times of the day. 60 adult female Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: control (Group 1), sham-operated (Group 2), sciatic nerve cut+melatonin treatment in light (Group 3), sciatic nerve cut+melatonin treatment in dark (Group 4). Melatonin was administered intraperitoneally at dose of 50 mg/kg/day for six weeks. Recovery of function was analyzed by structural (biochemical properties of the antioxidant levels and ultrastructural analysis) and functional analyses (Sciatic function index, pinch test). The data demonstrated beneficial effect of melatonin in light period. However significant beneficial effect of melatonin was detected on the recovery of the cut sciatic nerve in dark period. Melatonin treatment was unable to influence on the recovery of the cut sciatic nerve in dark period. This means that the effect of melatonin the recovery of the cut injured sciatic nerve depends on the time of treatment may be attributed to its circadian rhythm.

Antioxidant activity of penta-oligogalacturonide, isolated from haw pectin, suppresses triglyceride synthesis in mice fed with a high-fat diet

To expand application of hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida Bge) fruit, the antioxidant and anti-lipidemic effects of haw pectin penta-oligogalacturonide (HPPS) prepared from hawthorn fruit were investigated in vitro and in mice. HPPS exhibited concentration-dependent scavenging activities against superoxide anion, hydroxyl and DPPH radicals. Additionally, HPPS supplementation significantly enhanced the antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, increased the total antioxidant capacity and the levels of glutathione, but lowered the malondialdehyde content in the liver of high-fat fed mice. Furthermore, HPPS significantly decreased the TG levels, the activity and the mRNA and protein levels of glycerol 3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) and phosphatidate phosphohydrolase (PAP) in mice livers. Moreover, liver steatosis of mice associated with diffuse hepatocyte ballooning induced by a high-fat diet was markedly improved by a dose of 300 mg/kg HPPS-consumption. The results revealed that HPPS might be applicable as a dietary supplement for the prevention of fatty liver and oxidative damage.

Salicylic acid increases the contents of glutathione and ascorbate and temporally regulates the related gene expression in salt-stressed wheat seedlings

Exogenous salicylic acid (SA) significantly improved abiotic tolerance in higher plants, and ascorbate (ASA) and glutathione (GSH) play important roles in abiotic tolerance. In this study, SA (0.5mM) markedly increased the contents of ASA and GSH in SA-treated plants during salt stress (250mM NaCl). The transcript levels of the genes encoding ASA and GSH cycle enzymes were measured using quantitative real-time PCR. The results indicated that, during salt stress, exogenous SA significantly enhanced the transcripts of glutathione peroxidase (GPX1), phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (GPX2) and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) genes at 12h, glutathione reductase (GR) at 24h, 48h and 72h, glutathione-S-transferase 1 (GST1), 2 (GST2), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) and glutathione synthetase (GS) at the 48h and 72h after salt stress, respectively. The results implied that SA temporally regulated the transcript levels of the genes encoding ASA-GSH cycle enzymes, resulting in the increased contents of GSH and ASA and enhanced salt tolerance.