Ameliorative potential role of Rosmarinus officinalis extract on toxicity induced by etoposide in male albino rats

Abstract The present work was showed to assess the effect of administration of rosemary extract on etoposide-induced toxicity, injury and proliferation in male rats were investigated. Forty male albino rats were arranged into four equal groups. 1st group, control; 2nd group, etoposide; 3rd group, co-treated rosemary & etoposide; 4th group, rosemary alone. In comparison to the control group, etoposide administration resulted in a significant increase in serum ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, total protein, and gamma GT. In contrast; a significant decrease in albumin level in etoposide group as compared to G1. G3 revealed a significant decrease in AST, ALT, ALP, total protein and total bilirubin levels and a significant rise in albumin level when compared with G2. Serum levels of urea, creatinine, potassium ions, and chloride ions significantly increased; while sodium ions were significantly decreased in G2 when compared with G1. Also, there was an increase of MDA level for etoposide treated group with corresponding control rats. However, there was a remarkable significant decrease in SOD, GPX and CAT levels in G2 as compared to G1. There was a significant increase in serum hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and Nitric oxide (NO) levels in group treated with etoposide when compared to control group. It was noticeable that administrated by rosemary alone either with etoposide had not any effect on the levels of H2O2 and Nitric oxide. Serum level of T3 and T4 was significantly increased in etoposide-administered rats in comparison with G1. The administration of rosemary, either alone or with etoposide, increased the serum levels of T3 and T4 significantly when compared to control rats. The gene expression analysis showed significant downregulation of hepatic SOD and GPx in (G2) when compared with (G1). The treatment with rosemary extract produced significant upregulation of the antioxidant enzymes mRNA SOD and GPx. MDA gene was increased in (G2) when contrasted with (G1). Treatment of the etoposide- induced rats with rosemary extract delivered significant decrease in MDA gene expression when compared with etoposide group. Rats treated with etoposide showed significant decline in hepatic Nrf2 protein expression, when compared with G1. While, supplementation of Etoposide- administered rats with the rosemary produced a significant elevation in hepatic Nrf2 protein levels. Additionally, the liver histological structure displayed noticeable degeneration and cellular infiltration in liver cells. It is possible to infer that rosemary has a potential role and that it should be researched as a natural component for etoposide-induced toxicity protection.

Association of genetic polymorphism of glutathione S-transferases with colorectal cancer susceptibility in snuff (Naswar) addicts

Abstract The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between polymorphisms in detoxifying (GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1) genes and their association with colorectal cancer (CRC) in tobacco addicts of Pashtun ethnicity. Polymorphisms in the selected genes were genotyped in a case-control study consisting of 100 histologically confirmed male CRC patients and 100 birth-year and gender-matched healthy controls using the PCR−RFLP method. The GSTM1 null, and GSTT1 null genotypes were significantly contributed to the risk of CRC in the cases (OR= 3.131, 95% CI: 1.451−6.758, P = 0.004, and OR= 3.541, 95% CI: 1.716−7.306, P = 0.001, respectively), whereas the association observed for GSTP1 Val/Val (1.139, 95% CI: 0.356−3.644, P = 0.826) did not show statistical significance. The combined GSTM1 null and GSTT1 null showed a 41-fold increased risk (95% CI: 4.945−351.950, P = 0.001), while, the combined GSTM1 null and GSTP1 Ile/Val or Val/Val variant genotypes exhibited about 3-fold (95% CI: 1.196−7.414, P = 0.019) increased risk to CRC. Similarly, the combined GSTT1 null and GSTP1 Ile/Val or Val/Val variant genotypes showed about a 3-fold (95% CI: 1.285−8.101, P = 0.013) increased risk of CRC. In the combination of three GST genotypes, the GSTM1 null, GSTT1 null, and GSTP1 Ile/Val or Val/Val variant genotypes demonstrated a more than a 22-fold (95% CI: 2.441−212.106, P = 0.006) increased risk of CRC. Our findings suggest that GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphism and its combination with GSTP1 may be associated with CRC susceptibility in the Naswar addicted Pashtun population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Effectiveness of thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics in advanced chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Thiazide diuretics are first-line drugs for the treatment of hypertension, but hypertension treatment guidelines have systematically discouraged their use in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). For the first time, a systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis were performed to assess the effectiveness of thiazides and thiazide-like diuretics to treat hypertension in patients with stages 3b, 4, and 5 CKD.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

A systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis that included a literature search using the following databases were performed: MEDLINE through PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) through the Cochrane Library, Embase, and ISI - Web of Science (all databases). Prospective studies that evaluated the effectiveness of thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics in individuals with a GFR < 45 mL/min/1.73 m² were included.

RESULTS

Five clinical trials, totaling 214 participants, were included, and the mean GFR ranged from 13.0 ± 5.9 mL/min/1.73 m² to 26.8 ± 8.8 mL/min/1.73 m². There was evidence of a reduction in mean blood pressure and in GFR, as well as in fractional sodium excretion and fractional chloride excretion.

CONCLUSION

Thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics seem to maintain their effectiveness in lowering blood pressure in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. These findings should spur new prospective randomized trials and spark discussions, particularly about upcoming hypertension guidelines.

Design, biological evaluation, and molecular modelling insights of cupressic acid derivatives as promising anti-inflammatory agents

The major labdanes in the oleogum resin of Araucaria heterophylla (Salisb.) Franco, 13-epi-cupressic acid (1) and acetyl-13-epi-cupressic acid (2) were used to prepare seven new (3-9), along with one known (10) derivatives. RAW264.7 cells were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the derivatives (1-10) via measuring the level of COX-2 expression and IL-6. Pre-treated RAW264.7 cells with 1-10 (except for derivative 7) at 25 µM for 24h exhibited downregulation of COX-2 expression in response to LPS stimulation. Moreover, pre-treatment with compounds 1, 2, or 3 significantly attenuated the LPS-stimulated IL-6 level in RAW264.7 cells (p < 0.05). A docking study was conducted against phospholipase A2 (PLA2), a crucial enzyme in initiating the inflammatory cascade. The significant structural features of compounds (1-10) as PLA2 inhibitors included the carbonyl group at C-4 (free or substituted) and the hydrophobic diterpenoid skeleton. This study suggested 13-epi-cupressic acid as a scaffold for new anti-inflammatory agents.

Protective effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on sepsis via the AMPK/mTOR pathway

CONTEXT

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response caused by infection, with high morbidity and mortality. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) have reported biological activities.

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the signaling pathways through which ω-3 PUFAs protect against sepsis-induced multiorgan failure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Septic Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model was established by the cecum ligation perforation (CLP) method. Rats were divided into control, sham, model, parenteral ω-3 PUFAs (0.5 g/kg) treatment, ω-3 PUFAs (0.5 g/kg) + AMPK inhibitor Compound C (30 mg/kg) treatment, and ω-3 PUFAs (0.5 g/kg) + mTOR activator MHY1485 (10 mg/kg) treatment groups. The serum inflammatory cytokines were measured using ELISA. Organ damage-related markers cTnI, CK, CK-MB, Cr, BUN, ALT, and AST were measured using an automated chemical analyzer. The AMPK/mTOR pathway in liver, kidney, and myocardial tissues was detected using western blot and qRT-PCR methods.

RESULTS

CLP treatment enhanced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and multi-organ related markers, along with increased p-AMPK/AMPK ratio (from 0.47 to 0.87) and decreased p-mTOR/mTOR ratio (from 0.33 to 0.12) in rats. The inflammation response and multi-organ injury induced by CLP treatment could be partially counteracted by 0.5 g/kg parenteral ω-3 PUFA treatment. The activated AMPK/mTOR pathway in CLP-induced rats was further promoted. Finally, Compound C and MHY1485 could reverse the effects of parenteral ω-3 PUFA treatment on sepsis rats.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

ω-3 PUFAs ameliorated sepsis development by activating the AMPK/mTOR pathway, serving as a potent therapeutic agent for sepsis. Further in vivo studies may validate potential clinical use.

Reduced hydrogen sulfide production contributes to adrenal insufficiency induced by hypoxia via modulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Objective: Adrenocortical responsiveness is critical for maintaining glucocorticoids production and homeostasis during stress. We sought to investigate adrenocortical responsiveness during hypoxia in mice and the mechanisms responsible for the regulation of adrenal responsiveness.Methods: (1) Adult male WT mice were randomly divided into four groups: normoxia, hypoxia (24h), hypoxia (72h), hypoxia (72h) + GYY4137(hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) donor, 133mmol/kg/day); (2) WT mice were randomly divided into four groups: sham, adrenalectomy (ADX), sham+hypoxia, ADX+hypoxia; (3) Cse^-/- mice were randomly divided into two groups: Cse^-/-, Cse^-/- +GYY4137.Results: The circulatory level of corticosteroid induced by ACTH stimulation was significantly reduced in the mice with hypoxia compared with control mice. The mortality rate induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) increased during hypoxia. Cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) expression was significantly reduced in adrenal glands during hypoxia. GYY4137 treatment significantly increased adrenal responsiveness and attenuated NLRP3 inflammasome activation in mice treated by hypoxia and Cse^-/- mice. Furthermore, The sulfhydrated level of PSMA7 in adrenal gland was decreased in the mice with hypoxia and Cse^-/- mice. PSMA7 was S-sulfhydrated at cysteine 70. Blockage of S-sulfhydration of PSMA7 increased NLRP3 expression in adrenocortical cells.Conclusion: Reduced H₂S production mediated hypo-adrenocortical responsiveness and NLRP3 inflammasome activation via PAMA7 S-sulfhydration during hypoxia.

Synthesis and biological assessment of indole derivatives containing penta-heterocycles scaffold as novel anticancer agents towards A549 and K562 cells

Herein, a new series of 2-chloro-N-(5-(2-oxoindolin-3-yl)-4H-pyrazol-3-yl) acetamide derivatives containing 1,3,4-thiadiazole (10a-i) and 4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-amine (11a-r) moiety was designed, synthesised as novel anticancer agents. The antiproliferative activity values indicated that compound 10 b stood as the most potent derivative with IC₅₀ values of 12.0 nM and 10 nM against A549 and K562 cells, respectively. Mechanism investigation and docking studies of 10 b indicated that it possessed good apoptosis characteristic and dose-dependent growth arrest of A549 and K562 cells, blocked cell cycle into G2/M phase. Interestingly, 10 b suppressed the growth of A549 and K562 cells via modulation of EGFR and p53-MDM2 mediated pathway.

Polymorphisms in gene UGT1A1 modify the association of prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with congenital heart diseases risk

INTRODUCTION

Prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is a risk factor for the occurrence of congenital heart diseases (CHDs). Genetic susceptibility to PAHs metabolism may modify the exposure-risk relationship. The role of uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) genetic polymorphisms for modulating the impacts of prenatal PAHs exposure on the risk of CHDs remains to be discovered.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate whether maternal UGT1A1 genetic polymorphisms are associated with fetal susceptibility to CHDs and to assess whether the risk is modified by maternal PAHs exposure.

METHODS

Maternal urinary biomarker of PAHs exposure was determined in 357 pregnant women with CHDs fetuses and 270 controls (pregnant women carrying fetuses without major congenital malformations). Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene-glucuronide (1-OHPG) concentration, a sensitive biomarker for PAHs exposure, was measured using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Maternal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in UGT1A1, including rs3755319, rs887829, rs4148323, rs6742078, and rs6717546, were genotyped using an improved multiplex ligation detection reaction (iMLDR) technique. Unconditional logistic regression was performed to determine the impacts of UGT1A1 polymorphisms on the risks of CHDs and their subtypes. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) was used to analyze the gene-gene and gene-PAHs exposure interactions.

RESULTS

None of the selected UGT1A1 polymorphisms was independently associated with the risk of CHDs. The interaction between SNP rs4148323 and PAHs exposure was observed to be associated with CHDs (p< .05). Pregnant women with high-level PAHs exposure and rs4148323 had an increased risk of carrying CHDs fetuses (GA-AA vs. GG: aOR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.06-3.79). Moreover, the joint effect of rs4148323 and PAHs exposure was found to be significantly associated with risks of septal defects, conotruncal heart defects, and right-sided obstructive malformations.

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal genetic variations of UGT1A1 rs4148323 may modify the association between prenatal PAHs exposure and CHDs risk. This finding needs to be further confirmed in a larger-scale study.

Flavonoids mitigation of typical food thermal processing contaminants: Potential mechanisms and analytical strategies

Due to unique chemical structure, flavonoids are secondary metabolites with numerous biological activities. Thermal processing of food usually produces some chemical contaminants, which cause an adverse effect on food quality and nutrition. Therefore, it is vital to reduce these contaminants in food processing. In this study, current researches around the inhibitory effect of flavonoids on acrylamide, furans, α-dicarbonyl compounds and heterocyclic amines (HAs) were summarized. It has been shown that flavonoids inhibited the formation of these contaminants to varying degrees in chemical or food models. The mechanism was mainly associated with natural chemical structure and partly with antioxidant activity of flavonoids. Additionally, methods and tools of analyzing interactions between flavonoids and contaminants were discussed. In summary, this review demonstrated potential mechanisms and analytical strategies of flavonoids in food thermal processing, providing new insight of flavonoids applying on the food engineering.

The impact of antidepressants on human neurodevelopment: Brain organoids as experimental tools

The use of antidepressants during pregnancy benefits the mother's well-being, but the effects of such substances on neurodevelopment remain poorly understood. Moreover, the consequences of early exposure to antidepressants may not be immediately apparent at birth. In utero exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has been related to developmental abnormalities, including a reduced white matter volume. Several reports have observed an increased incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) after prenatal exposure to SSRIs such as sertraline, the most widely prescribed SSRI. The advent of human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) methods and assays now offers appropriate tools to test the consequences of such compounds for neurodevelopment in vitro. In particular, hiPSCs can be used to generate cerebral organoids - self-organized structures that recapitulate the morphology and complex physiology of the developing human brain, overcoming the limitations found in 2D cell culture and experimental animal models for testing drug efficacy and side effects. For example, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and electrophysiological measurements on organoids can be used to evaluate the impact of antidepressants on the transcriptome and neuronal activity signatures in developing neurons. While the analysis of large-scale transcriptomic data depends on dimensionality reduction methods, electrophysiological recordings rely on temporal data series to discriminate statistical characteristics of neuronal activity, allowing for the rigorous analysis of the effects of antidepressants and other molecules that affect the developing nervous system, especially when applied in combination with relevant human cellular models such as brain organoids.

Bystanders or not? Microglia and lymphocytes in aging and stroke

As the average age of the world population increases, more people will face debilitating aging-associated conditions, including dementia and stroke. Not only does the incidence of these conditions increase with age, but the recovery afterward is often worse in older patients. Researchers and health professionals must unveil and understand the factors behind age-associated diseases to develop a therapy for older patients. Aging causes profound changes in the immune system including the activation of microglia in the brain. Activated microglia promote T lymphocyte transmigration leading to an increase in neuroinflammation, white matter damage, and cognitive impairment in both older humans and rodents. The presence of T and B lymphocytes is observed in the aged brain and correlates with worse stroke outcomes. Preclinical strategies in stroke target either microglia or the lymphocytes or the communications between them to promote functional recovery in aged subjects. In this review, we examine the role of the microglia and T and B lymphocytes in aging and how they contribute to cognitive impairment. Additionally, we provide an important update on the contribution of these cells and their interactions in preclinical aged stroke.

Nicotine's effect on cognition, a friend or foe?

Tobacco smoking is a preventable cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Smoking comes in form of absorption of many compounds, among which nicotine is the main psychoactive component of tobacco and its positive and negative reinforcement effects are proposed to be the key mechanism for the initiation and maintenance of smoking. Growing evidence suggests that the cognitive enhancement effects of nicotine may also contribute to the difficulty of quitting smoking, especially in individuals with psychiatric disorders. In this review, we first introduce the beneficial effect of nicotine on cognition including attention, short-term memory and long-term memory. We next summarize the beneficial effect of nicotine on cognition under pathological conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Schizophrenia, Stress-induced Anxiety, Depression, and drug-induced memory impairment. The possible mechanism underlying nicotine's effect is also explored. Finally, nicotine's detrimental effect on cognition is discussed, including in the prenatal and adolescent periods, and high-dose nicotine- and withdrawal-induced memory impairment is emphasized. Therefore, nicotine serves as both a friend and foe. Nicotine-derived compounds could be a promising strategy to alleviate neurological disease-associated cognitive deficit, however, due to nicotine's detrimental effect, continued educational programs and public awareness campaigns are needed to reduce tobacco use among pregnant women and smoking should be quitted even if it is e-cigarette, especially for the adolescents.

A review on the role of metabotropic glutamate receptors in neuroplasticity following psychostimulant use disorder

Psychostimulant Use Disorder (PUD) is a chronic relapsing disorder with high motivation for drug abuse. In addition to developing PUD, the use of psychostimulants is a growing public health concern because it is associated with several physical and mental health impairments. To date, there are no FDA-confirmed medicines for the treatment of psychostimulant abuse; therefore, clarification of the cellular and molecular alterations participating in PUD is crucial for developing beneficial medications. PUD causes extensive neuroadaptations in glutamatergic circuitry involved in reinforcement and reward processing. These adaptations include both transient and long-lasting changes in glutamate transmission and glutamate receptors, especially metabotropic glutamate receptors, that have been linked to developing and maintaining PUD. Here, we review the roles of all groups of mGluRs,including I,II, and III in synaptic plasticity within brain reward circuitry engaged by psychostimulants (cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, and nicotine). The review concentrates on investigations of psychostimulant-induced behavioral and neurological plasticity, with an ultimate goal to explore circuit and molecular targets with the potential to contribute to the treatment of PUD.

Corticotropin-releasing factor potentiates glutamatergic input and excitability of presympathetic neurons in the hypothalamus in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Hyperactivity of presympathetic neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) plays a key role in generating excess sympathetic output in hypertension. However, the mechanisms driving hyperactivity of PVN presympathetic neurons in hypertension are unclear. In this study, we determined the role of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the PVN in augmented glutamatergic input, neuronal excitability and sympathetic outflow in hypertension. The number of CRF or c-Fos immunoreactive neurons and CRF/c-Fos double-labeled neurons in the PVN was significantly greater in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) than in normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Blocking glutamatergic input reduced the CRF-potentiated excitability of spinally projecting PVN neurons. Furthermore, CRF knockdown via Crispr/Cas9 in the PVN decreased the frequencies of spontaneous firing and miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) in spinally projecting PVN neurons in SHRs. In addition, the mRNA and protein levels of CRFR1, but not CRFR2, in the PVN were significantly higher in SHRs than in WKY rats. Blocking CRFR1 with NBI-35965, but not blocking CRFR2 with Antisauvagine-30, reduced the frequencies of spontaneous firing and mEPSCs of spinally projecting PVN neurons in SHRs. Also, microinjection of NBI-35965 into the PVN significantly reduced arterial blood pressure (ABP) and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) in anesthetized SHRs, but not in WKY rats. However, microinjection of Antisauvagine-30 into the PVN had no effect on ABP or RSNA in WKY rats and SHRs. Our findings suggest that endogenous CRF in the PVN potentiates glutamatergic input and firing activity of PVN presympathetic neurons via CRFR1, resulting in augmented sympathetic outflow in hypertension.

In vitro high-content tissue models to address precision medicine challenges

The field of precision medicine allows for tailor-made treatments specific to a patient and thereby improve the efficiency and accuracy of disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment and at the same time would reduce the cost, redundant treatment, and side effects of current treatments. Here, the combination of organ-on-a-chip and bioprinting into engineering high-content in vitro tissue models is envisioned to address some precision medicine challenges. This strategy could be employed to tackle the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has made a significant impact and paradigm shift in our society. Nevertheless, despite that vaccines against COVID-19 have been successfully developed and vaccination programs are already being deployed worldwide, it will likely require some time before it is available to everyone. Furthermore, there are still some uncertainties and lack of a full understanding of the virus as demonstrated in the high number new mutations arising worldwide and reinfections of already vaccinated individuals. To this end, efficient diagnostic tools and treatments are still urgently needed. In this context, the convergence of bioprinting and organ-on-a-chip technologies, either used alone or in combination, could possibly function as a prominent tool in addressing the current pandemic. This could enable facile advances of important tools, diagnostics, and better physiologically representative in vitro models specific to individuals allowing for faster and more accurate screening of therapeutics evaluating their efficacy and toxicity. This review will cover such technological advances and highlight what is needed for the field to mature for tackling the various needs for current and future pandemics as well as their relevancy towards precision medicine.

Mitochondrial dysfunction rapidly modulates the abundance and thermal stability of cellular proteins

Cellular functionality relies on a well-balanced, but highly dynamic proteome. Dysfunction of mitochondrial protein import leads to the cytosolic accumulation of mitochondrial precursor proteins which compromise cellular proteostasis and trigger a mitoprotein-induced stress response. To dissect the effects of mitochondrial dysfunction on the cellular proteome as a whole, we developed pre-post thermal proteome profiling. This multiplexed time-resolved proteome-wide thermal stability profiling approach with isobaric peptide tags in combination with a pulsed SILAC labelling elucidated dynamic proteostasis changes in several dimensions: In addition to adaptations in protein abundance, we observed rapid modulations of the thermal stability of individual cellular proteins. Different functional groups of proteins showed characteristic response patterns and reacted with group-specific kinetics, allowing the identification of functional modules that are relevant for mitoprotein-induced stress. Thus, our new pre-post thermal proteome profiling approach uncovered a complex response network that orchestrates proteome homeostasis in eukaryotic cells by time-controlled adaptations of the abundance and the conformation of proteins.

The crosstalk between 5-HT(2A)R and mGluR2 in schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe brain disorder that usually produces a lifetime of disability. First generation or typical antipsychotics such as haloperidol and second generation or atypical antipsychotics such as clozapine and risperidone remain the current standard for schizophrenia treatment. In some patients with schizophrenia, antipsychotics produce complete remission of positive symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions. However, antipsychotic drugs are ineffective against cognitive deficits and indeed treated schizophrenia patients have small improvements or even deterioration in several cognitive domains. This underlines the need for novel and more efficient therapeutic targets for schizophrenia treatment. Serotonin and glutamate have been identified as key parts of two neurotransmitter systems involved in fundamental brain processes. Serotonin (or 5-hydroxytryptamine) 5-HT_2A receptor (5-HT_2AR) and metabotropic glutamate 2 receptor (mGluR2) are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that interact at epigenetic and functional levels. These two receptors can form GPCR heteromeric complexes through which their pharmacology, function and trafficking becomes affected. Here we review past and current research on the 5-HT_2AR-mGluR2 heterocomplex and its potential implication in schizophrenia and antipsychotic drug action. This article is part of the Special Issue on "The receptor-receptor interaction as a new target for therapy".

Pterosin sesquiterpenoids from Pteris laeta Wall. ex Ettingsh. protect cells from glutamate excitotoxicity by modulating mitochondrial signals

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Pteris (Pteridaceae) has been used as a traditional herb for a long time. In particular, Pteris laeta Wall. ex Ettingsh. has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat nervous system diseases and some pterosin sesquiterpenes from Pteris show neuroprotective activity, but their underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Therefore, to investigate the neuroprotective activity and working mechanism of pterosin sesquiterpenes from P. laeta Wall. ex Ettingsh. will provide a better understanding and guidance in using P. laeta Wall. ex Ettingsh. as a traditional Chinese medicine.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aim to develop effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases from pterosin sesquiterpenes by evaluating their neuroprotective activity and investigating their working mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Primary screening on the glutamate-induced excitotoxicity cell model was assessed by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay. Fluorescent-activated cell sorting (FACS) was used to analyze the activation level of glutamate receptors and mitochondria membrane potential after treatment. Transcriptomics and proteomics analysis was performed to identify possible targets of pterosin B. The key pathways were enriched by the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis through the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). The core targets were visualized by a protein-protein interaction network using STRING. The mRNA and protein expressions were evaluated using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) and western blot, respectively. Immunocytochemistry was performed to monitor mitochondrial and apoptotic proteins. Cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by ROS assay, and Ca²⁺ was stained with Fluo-4 AM to quantify intracellular Ca²⁺ levels.

RESULTS

We found pterosin B from Pteris laeta Wall. ex Ettingsh. showed significant neuroprotective activity against glutamate excitotoxicity, enhancing cell viability from 43.8% to 105% (p-value: <0.0001). We demonstrated that pterosin B worked on the downstream signaling pathways of glutamate excitotoxicity rather than directly blocking the activation of glutamate receptors. Pterosin B restored mitochondria membrane potentials, alleviated intracellular calcium overload from 107.4% to 95.47% (p-value: 0.0006), eliminated cellular ROS by 36.55% (p-value: 0.0143), and partially secured cells from LPS-induced inflammation by increasing cell survival from 46.75% to 58.5% (p-value: 0.0114). Notably, pterosin B enhanced the expression of nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) by 2.86-fold (p-value: 0.0006) and 4.24-fold (p-value: 0.0012), and down-regulated Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) expression by 2.5-fold (p-value: 0.0107), indicating that it possibly promotes mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy to maintain mitochondria quality control and homeostasis, and ultimately inhibits apoptotic cell death.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work revealed that pterosin B protected cells from glutamate excitotoxicity by targeting the downstream mitochondrial signals, making it a valuable candidate for developing potential therapeutic agents in treating neurodegenerative diseases.

Experimental models of chemically induced Parkinson's disease in zebrafish at the embryonic larval stage: a systematic review

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra that results in a decrease in dopamine levels, resulting in motor-type disturbances. Different vertebrate models, such as rodents and fish, have been used to study PD. In recent decades, Danio rerio (zebrafish) has emerged as a potential model for the investigation of neurodegenerative diseases due to its homology to the nervous system of humans. In this context, this systematic review aimed to identify publications that reported the utilization of neurotoxins as an experimental model of parkinsonism in zebrafish embryos and larvae. Ultimately, 56 articles were identified by searching three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar). Seventeen studies using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), 4 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), 24 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), 6 paraquat/diquat, 2 rotenone, and 6 articles using other types of unusual neurotoxins to induce PD were selected. Neurobehavioral function, such as motor activity, dopaminergic neuron markers, oxidative stress biomarkers, and other relevant parameters in the zebrafish embryo-larval model were examined. In summary, this review provides information to help researchers determine which chemical model is suitable to study experimental parkinsonism, according to the effects induced by neurotoxins in zebrafish embryos and larvae.

A highly selective and easily acquisitive near-infrared fluorescent probe for detection and imaging of hydrogen sulfide in cells

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) plays a substantial role as a messenger in the physiological and pathological processes of many diseases. Recently, the fluorescence probe of H₂S based on organic dye has attracted great attention. However, the emission of many probes is in the UV-vis region (400-600 nm), so it has the disadvantages of shallow tissue penetration and more vulnerable to spontaneous fluorescence interference. Although several H₂S probes have been developed that emit more than 650 nm, there is a complex structure difficult to synthesize or unstable in storage. Aimed at simply structural and easily synthesized H₂S fluorescent probes with emission wavelength more than 650 nm, a novel near-infrared (NIR) probe (NIR-H₂S) here was rationally designed with 4-(2-carboxyphenyl)-7-(diethylamino)-2-(4-hydroxystyryl)chromenylium (NIR-OH) as a fluorescent dye and 2,4-dinitrophenyl moiety as a recognition group. Addition of H₂S, the "turn-on" NIR fluorescence response at 736 nm of NIR-H₂S was displayed, accompanied by a visual colour change from purple to green when excited at 686 nm. As an easily acquisitive H₂S probe, NIR-H₂S has been successfully applied to cell imaging for H₂S detection with the advantages such as long fluorescence emission, low toxicity, high sensitivity and strong selectivity.

Toxicity and human health assessment of an alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) synthetic kerosene developed under an international agreement with Sweden

Alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) Synthetic Kerosene with Aromatics (SKA) fuels are produced by dehydration and refining of alcohol feed stocks. ATJ SKA fuel known as SB-8 was developed by Swedish Biofuels as a cooperative agreement between Sweden and AFRL/RQTF. SB-8 including standard additives was tested in a 90-day toxicity study with male and female Fischer 344 rats exposed to 0, 200, 700, or 2000 mg/m³ fuel in an aerosol/vapor mixture for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week. Aerosols represented 0.04 and 0.84% average fuel concentration in 700 or 2000 mg/m³ exposure groups. Examination of vaginal cytology and sperm parameters found no marked changes in reproductive health. Neurobehavioral effects were increased rearing activity (motor activity) and significantly decreased grooming (functional observational battery) in 2000 mg/m³ female rats. Hematological changes were limited to elevated platelet counts in 2000 mg/m³ exposed males. Minimal focal alveolar epithelial hyperplasia with increased number of alveolar macrophages was noted in some 2000 mg/m³ males and one female rat. Additional rats tested for genotoxicity by micronucleus (MN) formation did not detect bone marrow cell toxicity or alterations in number of MN; SB-8 was not clastogenic. Inhalation results were similar to effects reported for JP-8. Both JP-8 and SB fuels were moderately irritating under occlusive wrapped conditions but slightly irritating under semi-occlusion. Exposure to SB-8, alone or as 50:50 blend with petroleum-derived JP-8, is not likely to enhance adverse human health risks in the military workplace.

UV radiation and air pollution as drivers of major autoimmune conditions

Autoimmune diseases comprise a very heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by disruptive immune responses against self-antigens, chronic morbidity and increased mortality. The incidence and prevalence of major autoimmune conditions are particularly high in the western world, at northern latitudes, and in industrialized countries. This study will mainly focus on five major autoimmune conditions, namely type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune thyroid disorders. Epidemiological and experimental evidence suggests a protective role of sunlight exposure on the etiology of major autoimmune conditions mediated by the endogenous production of vitamin D and nitric oxide. A historical perspective shows how the rise of anthropogenic air pollutants is temporally associated with dramatic increases in incidence of these conditions. The scattering caused by ambient particulate matter and the presence of tropospheric ozone can reduce the endogenous production of vitamin D and nitric oxide, which are implicated in maintaining the immune homeostasis. Air pollutants have direct detrimental effects on the human body and are deemed responsible of an increasingly higher portion of the annual burden of human morbidity and mortality. Air pollution contributes in systemic inflammation, activates oxidative pathways, induces epigenetic alterations, and modulates the function and phenotype of dendritic cells, Tregs, and T-cells. In this review, we provide epidemiological and mechanistic insights regarding the role of UV-mediated effects in immunity and how anthropic-derived air pollution may affect major autoimmune conditions through direct and indirect mechanisms.

Meta-data analysis of kidney stone disease highlights ATP1A1 involvement in renal crystal formation

Nephrolithiasis is a complicated disease affected by various environmental and genetic factors. Crystal-cell adhesion is a critical initiation process during kidney stone formation. However, genes regulated by environmental and genetic factors in this process remain unclear. In the present study, we integrated the gene expression profile data and the whole-exome sequencing data of patients with calcium stones, and found that ATP1A1 might be a key susceptibility gene involved in calcium stone formation. The study showed that the T-allele of rs11540947 in the 5'-untranslated region of ATP1A1 was associated with a higher risk of nephrolithiasis and lower activity of a promoter of ATP1A1. Calcium oxalate crystal deposition decreased ATP1A1 expression in vitro and in vivo and was accompanied by the activation of the ATP1A1/Src/ROS/p38/JNK/NF-κB signaling pathway. However, the overexpression of ATP1A1 or treatment with pNaKtide, a specific inhibitor of the ATP1A1/Src complex, inhibited the ATP1A1/Src signal system and alleviated oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, apoptosis, crystal-cell adhesion, and stone formation. Moreover, the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine reversed ATP1A1 down-regulation induced by crystal deposition. In conclusion, this is the first study to show that ATP1A1, a gene modulated by environmental factors and genetic variations, plays an important role in renal crystal formation, suggesting that ATP1A1 may be a potential therapeutic target for treating calcium stones.

A cooperative knock-on mechanism underpins Ca2+-selective cation permeation in TRPV channels

The selective exchange of ions across cellular membranes is a vital biological process. Ca2+-mediated signaling is implicated in a broad array of physiological processes in cells, while elevated intracellular concentrations of Ca2+ are cytotoxic. Due to the significance of this cation, strict Ca2+ concentration gradients are maintained across the plasma and organelle membranes. Therefore, Ca2+ signaling relies on permeation through selective ion channels that control the flux of Ca2+ ions. A key family of Ca2+-permeable membrane channels is the polymodal signal-detecting transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels. TRP channels are activated by a wide variety of cues including temperature, small molecules, transmembrane voltage, and mechanical stimuli. While most members of this family permeate a broad range of cations non-selectively, TRPV5 and TRPV6 are unique due to their strong Ca2+ selectivity. Here, we address the question of how some members of the TRPV subfamily show a high degree of Ca2+ selectivity while others conduct a wider spectrum of cations. We present results from all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of ion permeation through two Ca2+-selective and two non-selective TRPV channels. Using a new method to quantify permeation cooperativity based on mutual information, we show that Ca2+-selective TRPV channel permeation occurs by a three-binding site knock-on mechanism, whereas a two-binding site knock-on mechanism is observed in non-selective TRPV channels. Each of the ion binding sites involved displayed greater affinity for Ca2+ over Na+. As such, our results suggest that coupling to an extra binding site in the Ca2+-selective TRPV channels underpins their increased selectivity for Ca2+ over Na+ ions. Furthermore, analysis of all available TRPV channel structures shows that the selectivity filter entrance region is wider for the non-selective TRPV channels, slightly destabilizing ion binding at this site, which is likely to underlie mechanistic decoupling.

Hazard and health risk assessment of exposure to pharmaceutical active compounds via toxicological evaluation by zebrafish

The uncontrolled or continuous release of effluents from wastewater treatment plants leads to the omnipresence of pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs) in the aquatic media. Today, this is a confirmed problem becoming a main subject of twin public and scientific concerns. However, still little information is available about the long-term impacts of these PhACs on aquatic organisms. In this review, efforts were made to reveal correlation between the occurrence in the environment, ecotoxicological and health risks of different PhACs via toxicological evaluation by zebrafish (Danio rerio). This animal model served as a bioindicator for any health impacts after the exposure to these contaminants and to better understand the responses in relation to human diseases. This review paper focused on the calculation of Risk Quotients (RQs) of 34 PhACs based on environmental and ecotoxicological data available in the literature and prediction from the ECOSAR V2.2 software. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on the risk assessment of PhACs by the two different methods as mentioned above. RQs showed greater difference in potential environmental risks of the PhACs. These differences in risk values underline the importance of environmental and experimental factors in exposure conditions and the interpretation of RQ values. While the results showed high risk to Danio rerio of the majority of PhACs, risk qualification of the others varied between moderate to insignifiant. Further research is needed to assess pharmaceutical hazards when present in wastewater before discharge and monitor the effectiveness of treatment processes. The recent new advances in the morphological assessment of toxicant-exposed zebrafish larvae for the determination of test compounds effects on the developmental endpoints were also discussed. This review emphasizes the need for strict regulations on the release of PhACs into environmental media in order to minimize their toxicity to aquatic organisms.

A highly sensitive fluorescence immunochromatography strip for thiacloprid in fruits and vegetables using recombinant antibodies

Thiacloprid (TCL) is a neonicotinoid insecticide. Its widespread use has led to high levels of residue in fruits and vegetables. Hence, it is important to detect TCL rapidly, accurately, and sensitively in fruits and vegetables. Recombinant antibodies (rAbs) can be synthesized rapidly with little batch-to-batch variation. In this study, recombinant single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody and full-length recombinant antibody against TCL were produced using three different expression systems (E. coli, yeast, and mammalian cell). The results of SDS-PAGE and non - competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) indicated that the full-length rAb exhibited promising characteristics, and the IC₅₀ value of indirect competitive ELISA (ic-ELISA) was 2.63 μg L^-1. However, recombinant scFv antibody had little affinity for the antigen. To understand antibody recognition, the three-dimensional (3D) model of the variable fragment (Fv) was built via homologous modeling. The interaction between Fv and TCL was analyzed via molecular docking and the results of molecular docking showed that VAL-158, ALA-211, PHE-220, TRP-218, TRP-49, and ILE-100 were mainly responsible for antibody recognition. In addition, a time-resolved fluorescent microsphere-immunochromatographic test strip (TRFM-ICTS) was developed with a linear range and limit of detection of 0.01-10 ng mL^-1 and 0.003 ng mL^-1 within 15 min under optimal conditions. The IC₅₀ value was 4.268 ng mL^-1, and the recovery ranged between 79.4% and 118.6%, which was consistent with HPLC-MS. The TRFM-ICTS has great advantages in sensitivity and applicability.

Mechanosensitive channel Piezo1 is an essential regulator in cell cycle progression of optic nerve head astrocytes

Optic nerve head (ONH) astrocytes provide structural and metabolic support to neuronal axons in developmental, physiological, and pathological progression. Mechanosensitive properties of astrocytes allow them to sense and respond to mechanical cues from the local environment. We confirmed that ONH astrocytes express the mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 in vivo. By manipulating Piezo1 knockdown or overexpression in vitro, we found that Piezo1 is necessary but insufficient for ONH astrocyte proliferation. Loss of Piezo1 can lead to cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase, a possible mechanism involving decreased yes-associated protein (YAP) nuclear localization and downregulation of YAP-target cell cycle-associated factors, including cyclin D1 and c-Myc. Gene ontology enrichment analysis of differential expression genes from RNA-seq data indicates that the absence of Piezo1 affects biological processes involving cell division. Our results demonstrate that Piezo1 is an essential regulator in cell cycle progression in ONH astrocytes.

Exposure to chlorpyrifos during pregnancy differentially affects social behavior and GABA signaling elements in an APOE- and sex-dependent manner in a transgenic mouse model

The massive use of chlorpyrifos (CPF) has been associated with an increased prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders. Some previous studies have shown that prenatal, but not postnatal, CPF exposure causes social behavior deficits in mice depending on sex while others have found that in transgenic mice models carrying the human apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε3 and ε4 allele confer different vulnerabilities to either behavioral or metabolic disorders after CPF exposure. This study aims to evaluate, in both sexes, how prenatal CPF exposure and APOE genotype impact on social behavior and its relation to changes in GABAergic and glutamatergic systems. For this purpose, apoE3 and apoE4 transgenic mice were exposed through the diet to 0 or 1 mg/kg/day of CPF, between gestational day 12 and 18. A three-chamber test was used to assess social behavior on postnatal day (PND) 45. Then, mice were sacrificed, and hippocampal samples were analyzed to study the gene expression of GABAergic and glutamatergic elements. Results showed that prenatal exposure to CPF impaired social novelty preference and increased the expression of GABA-A α1 subunit in females of both genotypes. In addition, the expression of GAD1, the ionic cotransporter KCC2 and the GABA-A α2 and α5 subunits were increased in apoE3 mice, whereas CPF treatment only accentuated the expression of GAD1 and KCC2. Nevertheless, future research is needed to evaluate whether the influences detected in the GABAergic system are present and functionally relevant in adults and old mice.

Na(V)1.7 channels are expressed in the lower airways of the human respiratory tract

Na_V channels expression have been reported in upper airways and tracheal smooth muscle cells controlling the generation and propagation of action potentials in the respiratory tract sensory neurons, but information about the presence of these proteins in the bronchioalveolar structures in human lungs was missing. The main objective covered in this work was to determine whether the Na_V1.7 channels are expressed in lower airways, and to identify the cellular identities expressing these proteins. We detected high levels of the mRNA coding for Na_V1.7 channels in isolated lung fibroblasts obtained from both normal lungs, and fibrotic lungs of patients with respiratory diseases. The protein was detected with two different antibodies in the bronchioalveolar tissue, alveolar endothelium, and capillary endothelium, in normal and pathologic lungs. These evidences are useful in the dissection of molecular mechanisms of pulmonary pathologies, and lead to consider the Na_V1.7 channels as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of pulmonary diseases.

Hepatorenal Toxicity of Inorganic Arsenic in White Pekin Ducks and Its Amelioration by Using Ginger

The toxic metalloid arsenic is known to cause liver and kidney injury in many humans and animals. The goal of this paper was to exemplify the antagonism of ginger against arsenic (As)-induced hepato-renal toxicity. In addition, the pathways Nrf2/Keap1 and NF/κB were studied to reveal the molecular mechanism of the stress. One hundred twenty 7-day-old White Pekin ducks were randomly allocated into five groups, having 24 birds in each. Each group contained three replicates having 8 birds in each replicate and maintained for 90 days. The groups were as follows: T-1 [control-basal diet with normal water], T-2 [T1 + As at 28 ppm/L of water], T-3 [T2 + ginger powder at 100 mg/kg feed], T-4 [T2 + ginger powder at 300 mg/kg feed], and T-5 [T2 + ginger powder at 1 g/kg feed]. It was observed that there was a significant increase in oxidative parameters whereas a significant decrease in antioxidant parameters in hepato-renal tissues in T-2. The exposure to As not only decreased the mRNA expression of antioxidant parameters like Nrf2, SOD-1, CAT, GPX, and HO-1and anti-inflammatory markers like IL-4 and IL-10 but also increased the m-RNA expression of NF-κB, Keap-1 and pro-inflammatory markers like IL-2, Il-6, IL-18, IL-1β, and TNF-α. There was also an accumulation of As in hepatic and renal tissue, confirmed by residual analysis of these tissues. By correlating the above parameters, As at 28 ppm showed significant toxic effects, and ginger powder at 1 g/kg feed effectively counteracted the toxic effects of As in ducks.

Early 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone Administration Ameliorates Synaptic and Behavioral Deficits in the Young FXS Animal Model by Acting on BDNF-TrkB Pathway

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading inherited form of intellectual disability and the most common cause of autism spectrum disorders. FXS patients exhibit severe syndromic features and behavioral alterations, including anxiety, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and aggression, in addition to cognitive impairment and seizures. At present, there are no effective treatments or cures for FXS. Previously, we have found the divergence of BDNF-TrkB signaling trajectories is associated with spine defects in early postnatal developmental stages of Fmr1 KO mice. Here, young fragile X mice were intraperitoneal injection with 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF), a high affinity tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) agonist. 7,8-DHF ameliorated morphological abnormities in dendritic spine and synaptic structure and rescued synaptic and hippocampus-dependent cognitive dysfunction. These observed improvements of 7,8-DHF involved decreased protein levels of BDNF, p-TrkB^Y816, p-PLCγ, and p-CaMKII in the hippocampus. In addition, 7,8-DHF intervention in primary hippocampal neurons increased p-TrkB^Y816 and activated the PLCγ1-CaMKII signaling pathway, leading to improvement of neuronal morphology. This study is the first to account for early life synaptic impairments, neuronal morphological, and cognitive delays in FXS in response to the abnormal BDNF-TrkB pathway. Present studies provide novel evidences about the effective early intervention in FXS mice at developmental stages and a strategy to produce powerful impacts on neural development, synaptic plasticity, and behaviors.

Effect of budesonide on pulmonary activity of multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 assessed with PET imaging in rats

Multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1) is a highly abundant efflux transporter in the lungs, which protects cells from toxins and oxidative stress and has been implicated in the pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis. There is evidence from in vitro studies that the inhaled glucocorticoid budesonide can inhibit MRP1 activity. We used positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with 6-bromo-7-[¹¹C]methylpurine ([¹¹C]BMP), which is transformed in vivo into a radiolabeled MRP1 substrate, to assess whether intratracheally (i.t.) aerosolized budesonide affects pulmonary MRP1 activity in rats. Three groups of rats (n = 5-6 each) underwent dynamic PET scans of the lungs after i.t. aerosolization of either [¹¹C]BMP alone, or [¹¹C]BMP mixed with either budesonide (0.04 mg, corresponding to the maximum soluble dose) or the model MRP1 inhibitor MK571 (2 mg). From PET-measured radioactivity concentration-time curves, the rate constant describing radioactivity elimination from the right lung (k_E,lung) and the area under the curve (AUC_lung) were calculated from 0 to 5 min after start of the PET scan as measures of pulmonary MRP1 activity. Co-administration of MK571 resulted in a pronounced decrease in k_E,lung (25-fold, p < 0.0001) and an increase in AUC_lung (5.3-fold, p < 0.0001) when compared with vehicle-treated animals. In contrast, in budesonide-treated animals k_E,lung and AUC_lung were not significantly different from the vehicle group. Our results show that i.t. aerosolized budesonide at an approximately 5 times higher dose than the maximum clinical dose leads to no change in pulmonary MRP1 activity, suggesting a lack of an effect of inhaled budesonide treatment on the MRP1-mediated cellular detoxifying capacity of the lungs. However, the strong effect observed for MK571 raises the possibility for the occurrence of transporter-mediated drug-drug interactions at the pulmonary epithelium with inhaled medicines.

Trace elements in Foodstuffs from the Mediterranean Basin-Occurrence, Risk Assessment, Regulations, and Prevention strategies: A review

Trace elements (TEs) are chemical compounds that naturally occur in the earth's crust and in living organisms at low concentrations. Anthropogenic activities can significantly increase the level of TEs in the environment and finally enter the food chain. Toxic TEs like cadmium, lead, arsenic, and mercury have no positive role in a biological system and can cause harmful effects on human health. Ingestion of contaminated food is a typical route of TEs intake by humans. Recent data about the occurrence of TEs in food available in the Mediterranean countries are considered in this review. Analytical methods are also discussed. Furthermore, a discussion of existing international agency regulations will be given. The risk associated with the dietary intake of TEs was estimated by considering consumer exposure and threshold values such as Benchmark dose lower confidence limit and provisional tolerable weekly intake established by the European Food Safety Authority and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, respectively. Finally, several remediation approaches to minimize TE contamination in foodstuffs were discussed including chemical, biological, biotechnological, and nanotechnological methods. The results of this study proved the occurrence of TEs contamination at high levels in vegetables and fish from some Mediterranean countries. Lead and cadmium are more abundant in foodstuffs than other toxic trace elements. Geographical variations in TE contamination of food crops clearly appear, with a greater risk in developing countries. There is still a need for the regular monitoring of these toxic element levels in food items to ensure consumer protection.

Preparation of an HI-6-loaded brain-targeted liposomes based on the nasal delivery route and the evaluation of its reactivation of central toxic acetylcholinesterase

PURPOSE

Organophosphorus compounds (OPs) is a serious threat to human health and life safety, but because of the existence of blood-brain barrier, most of the therapeutic drugs cannot enter the center, reactivate centrally located toxic acetylcholinesterase (AChE), it is urgent to find an efficient treatment method.

METHODS

The c(RGDyK) cyclic peptide modified HI-6-loaded brain targeting liposomes [c(RGDyK)-PEG₂₀₀₀HI-6-lipo] were prepared by ammonium sulfate gradient method. The in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) model was established, and the function of the liposomes was evaluated. The animal model of DDVP poisoning was established, and the central toxic enzyme reactivation ability of c(RGDyK)-PEG₂₀₀₀HI-6-lipo by both the intravenous and nasal administration route was verified.

RESULTS

The HI-6-loaded liposomes with brain targeting function were successfully synthesized and prepared with high encapsulation efficiency (70.23 ± 2.18%), drug loading (2.86 ± 0.07)%, average particle size 242.9 nm (polydispersion index 0.149), and ζ potential -16.2 mV. Combined with the in vitro and in vivo studies, the c(RGDyK)-PEG₂₀₀₀HI-6-lipo has better ability to cross the BBB. In addition, compared with intravenous injection, nasal administration was proved to be more effective against organophosphorus poisoning, and the reactivation rate of brain acetylcholinesterase reached (26.19 ± 7.70)%.

CONCLUSION

The prepared c(RGDyK)-PEG₂₀₀₀HI-6-lipo has a better ability to cross BBB. Nasal administration, as a way to bypass the BBB and directly deliver drugs into the brain, effectively improves the bioavailability of HI-6 in the brain. This study holds promise by providing a non-invasive approach to deliver water-soluble oxime antidote into the brain and reactivate central acetylcholinesterase via the naso-brain route.

Real-time analysis of dynamic compartmentalized GSH redox shifts and H(2)O(2) availability in undifferentiated and differentiated cells

BACKGROUND

Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant, small biothiol antioxidant. GSH redox state (E_h) supports developmental processes, yet with disrupted GSH E_h, poor developmental outcomes may occur. The role of subcellular, compartmentalized redox environments in the context of redox regulation of differentiation is not well understood. Here, using the P19 neurogenesis model of cellular differentiation, kinetics of subcellular H₂O₂ availability and GSH E_h were evaluated following oxidant exposure.

METHODS

Stably transfected P19 cell lines expressing H₂O₂ availability or GSH E_h sensors, Orp1-roGFP or Grx1-roGFP, respectively, targeted to the cytosol, mitochondria, or nucleus were used. Dynamic, compartmentalized changes in H₂O₂ availability and GSH E_h were measured via spectrophotometric and confocal microscopy over 120 min following treatment with H₂O₂ (100 μM) in both differentiated and undifferentiated cells.

RESULTS

Generally, treated undifferentiated cells showed a greater degree and duration of both H₂O₂ availability and GSH E_h disruption than differentiated neurons. In treated undifferentiated cells, H₂O₂ availability was similar in all compartments. Interestingly, in treated undifferentiated cells, mitochondrial GSH E_h was most affected in both the initial oxidation and the rebound kinetics compared to other compartments. Pretreatment with an Nrf2 inducer prevented H₂O₂-induced effects in all compartments of undifferentiated cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Disruption of redox-sensitive developmental pathways is likely stage specific, where cells that are less differentiated and/or are actively differentiating are most affected.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Undifferentiated cells are more susceptible to oxidant-induced redox dysregulation but are protected by chemicals that induce Nrf2. This may preserve developmental programs and diminish the potential for poor developmental outcomes.

Pesticides at brain borders: Impact on the blood-brain barrier, neuroinflammation, and neurological risk trajectories

Pesticides are omnipresent, and they pose significant environmental and health risks. Translational studies indicate that acute exposure to high pesticide levels is detrimental, and prolonged contact with low concentrations of pesticides, as single and cocktail, could represent a risk factor for multi-organ pathophysiology, including the brain. Within this research template, we focus on pesticides' impact on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and neuroinflammation, physical and immunological borders for the homeostatic control of the central nervous system (CNS) neuronal networks. We examine the evidence supporting a link between pre- and postnatal pesticide exposure, neuroinflammatory responses, and time-depend vulnerability footprints in the brain. Because of the pathological influence of BBB damage and inflammation on neuronal transmission from early development, varying exposures to pesticides could represent a danger, perhaps accelerating adverse neurological trajectories during aging. Refining our understanding of how pesticides influence brain barriers and borders could enable the implementation of pesticide-specific regulatory measures directly relevant to environmental neuroethics, the exposome, and one-health frameworks.