Heat shock proteins: modifying factors in physiological stress responses and acquired thermotolerance

Antibodies to Heat Shock Proteins 90α and 90β in Psoriasis

One of many hypotheses of psoriasis pathogenesis supposes an overexpression of heat shock proteins (Hsps) in different skin layers and systemic immunologic response to them. Hsp90 is one of the most abundant chaperone in eukaryotic cells. The number of studies concerning the role of Hsp90 and anti-Hsp90 antibodies in etiopathogenesis of various diseases is also constantly expanding. Still, there are not many reports concerning potential involvement of this Hsp family or anti-Hsp90 immunization in pathomechanism of psoriasis. The aim of the study was the estimation of anti-Hsp90α and anti-Hsp90β IgG antibodies in the sera of the psoriatic patients at different phases of disease activity in comparison to the sera of healthy individuals. The study material consisted of sera from psoriasis patients (n = 80) in active phase and in the remission phase and healthy individuals (n = 80). Concentrations of anti-Hsp90α and anti-Hsp90β IgG antibodies were determined using ELISA technique. In the patients with psoriasis (both in the active phase of the disease and in the remission phase) concentrations of anti-Hsp90α antibodies were significantly higher than in healthy individuals and they correlated positively with psoriasis area severity index values. The mean concentrations of anti-Hsp90β antibodies in the psoriatic patients and healthy controls were comparable. The obtained results indicate an existence of increased immunological response to Hsp90α in psoriasis. It may suggest the role of the extracellular form of this chaperone and/or anti-Hsp90α antibodies in etiopathogenesis of this dermatosis. The inhibition of Hsp90α may represent a novel therapeutic approach to treat psoriasis.

A Hot Water Extract of Sideritis scardica Prolongs Life Span and Enhances Heat Shock Resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans

Sideritis scardica is a Lamiaceae plant that is endemic to the alpine zone of the Balkan Peninsula. The tea of S. scardica has been handed down as a “tea of longevity” in the Rhodope region of Bulgaria for an unknown amount of time. In this study, we prepared a hot water extract of S. scardica (SHWE) and examined its effects on both life span and stress response in living tissue using Caenorhabditis elegans and its transgenic mutants. The life span of wild-type N2 worms was prolonged by approximately 15% at the SHWE concentration of 5 µg/mL and approximately 22% at the SHWE concentration of 50 µg/mL, as compared with the control group. The effect of SHWE on the expression of heat shock protein 16.2 (HSP-16.2) under heat stress was investigated using TJ375 worms, a transgenic mutant of C. elegans. In the TJ375 worms pretreated with SHWE, the fluorescence intensity of green fluorescent protein fluorescence, which indicates the expression of HSP-16.2, was significantly increased. In the assay using TJ356 worms, the worms pretreated with SHWE did not show the translocation of DAF-16, a forkhead transcription factor class O homolog, from the cytoplasm to nucleus under heat stress. Additionally, under heat stress, the pretreatment of SHWE improved the survival rate of GR1307 worms, a knockout mutant of daf-16. These results indicate that SHWE enhances HSP-16.2 expression through a stress-response pathway (eg, HSF-1 pathway) other than the DAF-16 pathway, resulting in a prolonged life span of C. elegans under heat stress.

Heat shock protein 90 relieves heat stress damage of myocardial cells by regulating Akt and PKM2 signaling in vivo

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is associated with resisting heat-stress injury to the heart, particularly in myocardial mitochondria. However, the mechanism underlying this effect remains unclear. The present study was based on the high expression of Hsp90 during heat stress (HS) and involved inducing higher expression of Hsp90 using aspirin in mouse hearts. Higher Hsp90 levels inhibited HS-induced myocardial damage and apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction, by stimulating Akt (protein kinase B) activation and PKM2 (pyruvate kinase M2) signaling, and subsequently increasing mitochondrial Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) levels and its phosphorylation. Functional inhibition of Hsp90 using geldanamycin verified that reducing the association of Hsp90 with Akt and PKM2 caused the functional decline of phosphorylated (p)-Akt and PKM2 that initiate Bcl-2 to move into mitochondria, where it is phosphorylated. Protection by Hsp90 was weakened by blocking Akt activation using Triciribine, which could not be recovered by normal initiation of the PKM2 pathway. Furthermore, increased Hsp70 levels induced by Akt activation in myocardial cells may flow into the blood to resist heat stress. The results provided in vivo mechanistic evidence that in myocardial cells, Hsp90 resists heat stress via separate activation of the Akt-Bcl-2 and PKM2-Bcl-2 signaling pathways, which contribute toward preserving cardiac function and mitochondrial homeostasis.

Effects of thermal manipulation of eggs on the response of jejunal mucosae to posthatch chronic heat stress in broiler chickens

In this study, the aim was to investigate effects of chronic heat stress (CHS) on the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-8, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]), toll-like receptors (TLR2 and TLR4), heat shock proteins (Hsp70, heat shock transcription factor [HSF]-1, and HSF3) and antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, NADPH oxidase, and superoxide-dismutase) in the jejunal mucosae of broiler chickens subjected to thermal manipulation (TM) during embryogenesis. TM was carried out at 39°C and 65% relative humidity (RH) for 18 h daily from embryonic days 10 to 18. Control group was incubated at 37.8°C and 56% RH. CHS was induced by raising the temperature to 35°C for 7 D throughout posthatch days 28 to 35. On post-hatch-day 28 (day zero of CHS) and after 1, 3, 5, and 7 D of CHS, the jejunal mucosae were collected from both groups to evaluate the mRNA levels by real-time reverse transcription-PCR analysis. On day zero of CHS, the mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes, TLRs, HSF3, IL-1β, and TNF-α were not significantly different between TM and control groups, while the levels of IL-6, IL-8, and HSF1 were lower and the level of Hsp70 was higher in TM. However, during CHS, the mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes, IL-1β, TNF-α, TLR4, and HSF1 were significantly lower in TM than in controls, while the levels of TLR2 and IL-8 were significantly higher in TM than in controls. In addition, TM led to significant increase of mRNA levels of IL-6 and HSF3 after 1 D and Hsp70 after 3 D of CHS and to significant decrease of mRNA levels of IL-6 after 3 and 5 D, HSF3 after 7 D, and Hsp70 after 5 D of CHS. Results of this study suggest that TM led to altered posthatch antioxidant, immunological, and Hsp response to CHS in the jejunal mucosae of broiler chickens, probably indicating that TM may mitigate the adverse effects of CHS.

Summer season induced changes in quantitative expression patterns of different heat shock response genes in Salem black goats

Research efforts of elucidating the molecular mechanisms governing heat shock response which imparts thermo-tolerance ability to indigenous breeds are very scanty. Therefore, a study was conducted with the primary objective to determine the impact of heat stress on the expression pattern of different heat shock response genes in the hepatic tissues of indigenous Salem Black goat. The study was conducted for a period of 45 days in twelve 1-year-old female Salem Black breed goats. The animals were randomly allocated into two groups of six animals each, C (n = 6; Salem Black control) and HS (n = 6; Salem Black heat stress). The C animals were maintained in the shed in comfort condition while HS animals were exposed outside to summer heat stress between 10:00 h to 16:00 h during experimental period. The animals were slaughtered at the end of study and their liver samples were collected for assessing the different heat shock response genes. Based on the results obtained from the study it was established that the heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), HSP90, super oxide dismutase (SOD), nitrous oxide synthase 1 (NOS1) genes were significantly (P < 0.05) down regulated. However, heat stress did not influence the expression pattern of heat shock factor-1 (HSF1) gene. The lower level of expression of all heat shock response genes may be due to less magnitude of heat stress in the study to induce cellular stress response in Salem Black goats.

The Physiology of Heat Tolerance in Small Endotherms

Understanding the heat tolerances of small mammals and birds has taken on new urgency with the advent of climate change. Here, we review heat tolerance limits, pathways of evaporative heat dissipation that permit the defense of body temperature during heat exposure, and mechanisms operating at tissue, cellular, and molecular levels.

The Role of Hyperthermia in the Multidisciplinary Treatment of Malignant Tumors

Hyperthermia is often used in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer treatment. Recently, immunotherapy has become a popular research area, breaking exciting new ground with concurrent immunotherapy and hyperthermia. Much evidence has demonstrated the effectiveness of multidisciplinary synergistic therapy, and the underlying mechanism has been gradually explored. In this review, we focus on the mechanism of various cancer treatments in the current literature and recent advances in hyperthermia. Additionally, we review clinical studies of hyperthermia combined with other therapies in the previous 10 years and propose future prospects for hyperthermia in multidisciplinary synergistic therapy.

The Evolving Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy

Purpose

To review the current therapeutic options for the management of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) and examine the evidence for integration of laser and pharmacotherapy.

Methods

A review of the PubMed database was performed using the search terms diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, neovascularization, laser photocoagulation, intravitreal injection, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vitrectomy, pars plana vitreous surgery, antiangiogenic therapy. With additional cross-referencing, this yielded 835 publications of which 301 were selected based on content and relevance.

Results

Many recent studies have evaluated the pharmacological, laser and surgical therapeutic strategies for the treatment and prevention of DR and DME. Several newer diagnostic systems such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), microperimetry, and multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) are also assisting in further refinements in the staging and classification of DR and DME. Pharmacological therapies for both DR and DME include both systemic and ocular agents. Systemic agents that promote intensive glycemic control, control of dyslipidemia and antagonists of the renin-angiotensin system demonstrate beneficial effects for both DR and DME. Ocular therapies include anti-VEGF agents, corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Laser therapy, both as panretinal and focal or grid applications continue to be employed in management of DR and DME. Refinements in laser devices have yielded more tissue-sparing (subthreshold) modes in which many of the benefits of conventional continuous wave (CW) lasers can be obtained without the adverse side effects. Recent attempts to lessen the burden of anti-VEGF injections by integrating laser therapy have met with mixed results. Increasingly, vitreoretinal surgical techniques are employed for less advanced stages of DR and DME. The development and use of smaller gauge instrumentation and advanced anesthesia agents have been associated with a trend toward earlier surgical intervention for diabetic retinopathy. Several novel drug delivery strategies are currently being examined with the goal of decreasing the therapeutic burden of monthly intravitreal injections. These fall into one of the five categories: non-biodegradable polymeric drug delivery systems, biodegradable polymeric drug delivery systems, nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, ocular injection devices and with sustained release refillable devices. At present, there remains no one single strategy for the management of the particular stages of DR and DME as there are many options that have not been rigorously tested through large, randomized, controlled clinical trials.

Conclusion

Pharmacotherapy, both ocular and systemic, will be the primary mode of intervention in the management of DR and DME in many cases when cost and treatment burden are less constrained. Conventional laser therapy has become a secondary intervention in these instances, but remains a first-line option when cost and treatment burden are more constrained. Results with subthreshold laser appear promising but will require more rigorous study to establish its role as adjunctive therapy. Evidence to support an optimal integration of the various treatment options is lacking. Central to the widespread adoption of any therapeutic regimen for DR and DME is substantiation of safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness by a body of sound clinical trials.

Heat shock protein 70 levels and post-harvest survival of eastern oysters following sublethal heat shock in the laboratory or conditioning in the field

A major problem of storing and shipping eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) from the Northern Gulf of Mexico in summer and early fall is their elevated mortality. A study was therefore conducted to determine whether heat shocking the oysters or conditioning them to aerial exposure prior to harvest could reduce their mortality during cold storage. Increasing the levels of stress proteins in bivalves has been shown to reduce their mortality when exposed to additional stressors. In this study, the levels of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) proteins and cumulative mortality during cold storage, out of water, of market-sized oysters were measured, in summer, following (1) sublethal heat shocks (41 °C, 1 h) in the laboratory or (2) 3 weeks to 6 weeks of daily exposures to air (0 h, ~ 10 h, or ~ 18 h) in the field. In total, four heat shock and two aerial exposure studies were done. Consistently, heat shocks or 6 weeks of daily aerial exposures increased HSP70 levels in oysters but did not reduce their mortality during cold storage. Three weeks of daily aerial exposure did not increase HSP70 levels and only marginally reduced mortality; a significant reduction in cumulative mortality occurred in one of the aerial exposure studies after 7 days of cold storage (0 h [26%], ~ 18 h [8%]). In conclusion, upregulation of HSP70 proteins or aerial exposure during grow-out was not an effective tool in reducing the mortality of oysters harvested in summer and held in cold storage.

Genome-wide expression analysis of the heat stress response in dermal fibroblasts of Tharparkar (zebu) and Karan-Fries (zebu × taurine) cattle

The present study sought to evaluate mRNA expression profiles in the cultured dermal fibroblasts of Tharparkar (zebu) and Karan-Fries (zebu, Tharparkar × taurine, Holstein Friesian) cattle in response to heat stress. Bioinformatics' analysis identified temperature-regulated biological processes and pathways. Biological processes overrepresented among the earliest genes induced by temperature stress include regulation of stress responses, protein repair, metabolism, protein transport, cell division, and apoptosis. The present microarray platform contains 51,338 synthesized oligonucleotide probes corresponding to at least 36,713 unigenes. A total of 11,183 and 8126 transcripts were differentially expressed with a fold change of ≥ 2 in Tharparkar and Karan-Fries cattle, respectively. Randomly selected real-time validation showed 83.33% correlation with microarray data. Functional annotation and pathway study of the differentially expressed transcripts or genes (DEGs) reveal that upregulated genes significantly (P < 0.05) affect protein processing and NOD-like receptor pathways (NLRs), while downregulated genes were significantly (P < 0.05) found to be associated with cell cycle, metabolism, and protein transport. Gene expression changes include activation of heat shock factors (HSFs), increased expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs), and apoptosis, while decreasing protein synthesis and another metabolism. These findings provide insights into the underlying mechanism of the physiology of heat stress in Tharparkar and Karan-Fries cattle. Understanding the biology and mechanisms of heat stress is critical to developing approaches to ameliorate current production issues for improving animal performance and agriculture economics in tropical climatic conditions. In conclusion, the present study indicates that heat stress differentially affects the expression of the significant number of genes associated with stress response, metabolism, apoptosis, and protein transport in dermal fibroblasts of Tharparkar and Karan-Fries cattle.

Heat Induces Oxidative Stress: Reproductive Organ Weights and Serum Metabolite Profile, Testes Structure, and Function Impairment in Male Cavy (Cavia porcellus)

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of heat that induces oxidative stress on reproduction organ weight and serum biochemical, testes structure, and function in male guinea pig (Cavia porcellus). Forty-eight male guinea pigs with an average weight of 330.56 ± 23.62 g, aged 3–4 months, were distributed into four groups of 12 animals each. One group (control) was maintained to ambient temperature (20–25°C), while other groups (Groups 2–4) were exposed daily for 6 h, to 32 ± 1°C, 39±1°C, and 46 ± 1°C, respectively. All animals were sacrificed after 60 days' exposure and their reproductive characteristics values were determined. Results revealed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) of the weight of testes, epididymis, vas deferens, and accessory glands in cavies exposed to the highest temperature investigated (46 ± 1°C), compared to the control animals. There was a significant (p < 0.05) reduction of serum testosterone and LH levels in all heat stress-exposed groups (≥46 ± 1°C) when compared to the control group. Heat stress significantly (p < 0.05) decreased sperm mobility, sperm count, and testicular antioxidant enzymes, while increasing testicular malondialdehyde content. However, the serum level of HSP-40 increased in the animals exposed to 39 ± 1°C and decreased when the cavies were exposed to 46 ± 1°C. In conclusion, exposure to heat-induced oxidative stress results in impairment of reproduction organ weight and serum biochemical, testes structure, and function in male cavies.

Effects of heat stress on ovarian development and the expression of HSP genes in mice

Heat stress reduces oocyte competence, thereby causing lower fertility in animals. Chronic and acute heat stresses cause extensive morphological damage in animals, but few reports have focused on the effects of chronic and acute heat stresses on ovarian function and heat shock protein (HSP) gene expression during ovarian injury. In this study, we subjected female mice to chronic and acute heat stresses; we then calculated the ovary index, examined ovary microstructure, and measured the expression of multiple HSP family genes. Chronic heat stress reduced whole-body and ovarian growth but had little effect on the ovarian index; acute heat stress did not alter whole-body or ovarian weight. Both chronic and acute heat stresses impaired ovary function by causing the dysfunction of granular cells. Small HSP genes increased rapidly after heat treatment, and members of the HSP40, HSP70, and HSP90 families were co-expressed to function in the regulation of the heat stress response. We suggest that the HSP chaperone machinery may regulate the response to heat stress in the mouse ovary.

Consequences of HSF knockdown on gene expression during the heat shock response in Tigriopus californicus

Although the existence of a cellular heat shock response is nearly universal, its relationship to organismal thermal tolerance is not completely understood. Many of the genes involved are known to be regulated by the highly conserved heat shock transcription factor-1 (HSF-1), yet the regulatory network is not fully characterized. Here, we investigated the role of HSF-1 in gene expression following thermal stress using knockdown of HSF-1 by RNA interference in the intertidal copepod Tigriopus californicus We observed some evidence for decreased transcription of heat shock protein genes following knockdown, supporting the widely acknowledged role of HSF-1 in the heat shock response. However, the majority of differentially expressed genes between the control and HSF-1 knockdown groups were upregulated, suggesting that HSF-1 normally functions to repress their expression. Differential expression observed in genes related to chitin and cuticle formation lends support to previous findings that these processes are highly regulated following heat stress. We performed a genome scan and identified a set of 396 genes associated with canonical heat shock elements. RNA-seq data did not find those genes to be more highly represented in our HSF-1 knockdown treatment, indicating that requirements for binding and interaction of HSF-1 with a given gene are not simply predicted by the presence of HSF-1 binding sites. Further study of the pathways implicated by these results and future comparisons among populations of T. californicus may help us understand the role and importance of HSF-1 in the heat shock response and, more broadly, in organismal thermal tolerance.

Dietary cobalt supplementation improves growth and body composition and induces the expression of growth and stress response genes in Tor putitora

A 90-day randomized feeding experiment was performed to assess the effects of dietary cobalt (Co) supplementation on the growth performance, muscle composition, status of iron and manganese in the muscle as well as the expression of growth-related genes in the muscle (myoblast determination protein 1 homolog (MyoD) and myogenin) and the stress-related gene heat shock protein 70 KDa (Hsp-70) in the liver of mahseer (Tor putitora). Feeding trial was conducted in triplicate under controlled semi-static conditions, and graded levels of dietary cobalt (0.5-3 mg/kg) were fed to six groups of advanced fry of T. putitora. The results obtained indicated a curvilinear relationship of dietary Co levels with body crude protein content and weight gain (%). A positive correlation was observed with up to 2 mg Co/kg diet. However, a decreasing trend was found with values over 2 mg Co/kg diet. The expression of muscle growth biomarkers MyoD and myogenin showed a similar response, upregulation up to 2 mg Co/kg diet and decreased expression at 3 mg Co/kg diet. Indeed, the highest dietary Co supplementation increased the expression of Hsp-70, a key gene expressed in response to stress. Moreover, the muscle content of iron and manganese showed an inverse relationship with the dietary Co supplementation. Our findings suggest that 2 mg/kg Co dietary supplementation stimulates myogenesis and optimize muscle growth and body composition, while higher levels enhanced the expression of stress response genes and impaired growth of T. putitora.

The Influence of Heat Acclimation and Hypohydration on Post-Weight-Loss Exercise Performance

PURPOSE

To examine the influence of fluid intake on heat acclimation and the subsequent effects on exercise performance following acute hypohydration.

METHODS

Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups, either able to consume water ad libitum (n = 10; age 23 [3] y, height 1.81 [0.09] m, body mass 87 [13] kg; HAW) or not allowed fluid (n = 10; age 26 [5] y, height 1.76 [0.05] m, body mass 79 [10] kg; HANW) throughout 12 × 1.5-h passive heat-acclimation sessions. Experimental trials were completed on 2 occasions before (2 baseline trials) and 1 following the heat-acclimation sessions. These sessions involved 3 h of passive heating (45°C, 38% relative humidity) to induce hypohydration followed by 3 h of ad libitum food and fluid intake after which participants performed a repeat sled-push test to assess physical performance. Urine and blood samples were collected before, immediately, and 3 h following hypohydration to assess hydration status. Mood was also assessed at the same time points.

RESULTS

No meaningful differences in physiological or performance variables were observed between HANW and HAW at any time point. Using pooled data, mean sprint speed was significantly (P < .001) faster following heat acclimation (4.6 [0.7] s compared with 5.1 [0.8] s). Furthermore, heat acclimation appeared to improve mood following hypohydration.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that passive heat-acclimation protocols may be effective at improving short-duration repeat-effort performance following acute hypohydration.

Tolerance of Novel Toxins through Generalized Mechanisms: Simulating Gradual Host Shifts of Butterflies

Organisms encounter a wide range of toxic compounds in their environments, from chemicals that serve anticonsumption or anticompetition functions to pollutants and pesticides. Although we understand many detoxification mechanisms that allow organisms to consume toxins typical of their diet, we know little about why organisms vary in their ability to tolerate entirely novel toxins. We tested whether variation in generalized stress responses, such as antioxidant pathways, may underlie variation in reactions to novel toxins and, if so, their associated costs. We used an artificial diet to present cabbage white butterfly caterpillars (Pieris rapae) with plant material containing toxins not experienced in their evolutionary history. Families that maintained high performance (e.g., high survival, fast development time, large body size) on diets containing one novel toxic plant also performed well when exposed to two other novel toxic plants, consistent with a generalized response. Variation in constitutive (but not induced) expression of genes involved in oxidative stress responses was positively related to performance on the novel diets. While we did not detect reproductive trade-offs of this generalized response, there was a tendency to have less melanin investment in the wings, consistent with the role of melanin in oxidative stress responses. Taken together, our results support the hypothesis that variation in generalized stress responses, such as genes involved in oxidative stress responses, may explain the variation in tolerance to entirely novel toxins and may facilitate colonization of novel hosts and environments.

Heat shock protein 70 (HmHsp70) from Hypsizygus marmoreus confers thermotolerance to tobacco

The 70-kD heat shock proteins (Hsp70s) have been proved to be important for stress tolerance and protein folding and unfolding in almost all organisms. However, the functions of Hsp70s in mushroom are not well understood. In the present study, a hsp70 gene from Hypsizygus marmoreus, hmhsp70, was cloned and transferred to tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) to evaluate its function in thermotolerance. Sequence alignments and phylogenetic analysis revealed that HmHsp70 may be located in the mitochondria region. qPCR analysis revealed that the transcription level of hmhsp70 in H. marmoreus mycelia increased after heat shock treatment in high temperature (42 °C) compared with untreated mycelia (at 25 °C). Transgenic tobaccos expressing hmhsp70 gene showed enhanced resistance to lethal temperature compared with the wild type (WT) plants. Nearly 30% of the transgenic tobaccos survived after treated at a high temperature (50 °C and 52 °C for 4 h); however, almost all the WT tobaccos died after treated at 50 °C and no WT tobacco survived after heat shock at 52 °C. This study firstly showed the function of a hsp70 gene from H. marmoreus.

Sous-vided Restructured Goat Steaks: Process Optimized by Thermal Inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes and Their Quality Characteristics

The thermal-death times of Listeria monocytogenes were determined in inoculated restructured goat steak at 60°C, 65°C, and 70°C of sous-vide temperatures. D-values of L. monocytogenes in inoculated restructured goat steak ranged from 7.27 min at 60°C to 0.46 min at 70°C. Times need to yield at least a 6 log reduction of L. monocytogenes at their temperatures for this product were 47, 12, and 3 min, respectively. After sous-vide, all microbial counts in non-inoculated samples were not detectable, except the aerobic and anaerobic mesophilie and lactic acid bacteria counts were lower than 2 Log CFU/g. For sous-vided and grilled sous-vided samples, sous-vide loss and surface shrinkage were the lowest in samples sous-vided at 60°C for 47 min (p<0.05). These samples demonstrated the lowest CIE L*, shear force, hardness, gumminess and chewiness and the highest CIE a* and hue angle (p<0.05). Therefore, sous-vide at 60°C for 47 min provided convenient ready-to-cook restructured goat steak for microbiology safety and optimization of physicochemical quality.

Could Heat Therapy Be an Effective Treatment for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases? A Narrative Review

Neurodegenerative diseases involve the progressive deterioration of structures within the central nervous system responsible for motor control, cognition, and autonomic function. Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are among the most common neurodegenerative disease and have an increasing prevalence over the age of 50. Central in the pathophysiology of these neurodegenerative diseases is the loss of protein homeostasis, resulting in misfolding and aggregation of damaged proteins. An element of the protein homeostasis network that prevents the dysregulation associated with neurodegeneration is the role of molecular chaperones. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are chaperones that regulate the aggregation and disaggregation of proteins in intracellular and extracellular spaces, and evidence supports their protective effect against protein aggregation common to neurodegenerative diseases. Consequently, upregulation of HSPs, such as HSP70, may be a target for therapeutic intervention for protection against neurodegeneration. A novel therapeutic intervention to increase the expression of HSP may be found in heat therapy and/or heat acclimation. In healthy populations, these interventions have been shown to increase HSP expression. Elevated HSP may have central therapeutic effects, preventing or reducing the toxicity of protein aggregation, and/or peripherally by enhancing neuromuscular function. Broader physiological responses to heat therapy have also been identified and include improvements in muscle function, cerebral blood flow, and markers of metabolic health. These outcomes may also have a significant benefit for people with neurodegenerative disease. While there is limited research into body warming in patient populations, regular passive heating (sauna bathing) has been associated with a reduced risk of developing neurodegenerative disease. Therefore, the emerging evidence is compelling and warrants further investigation of the potential benefits of heat acclimation and passive heat therapy for sufferers of neurodegenerative diseases.

Virulence factors of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis as therapeutic targets: a review

Paracoccidiodomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis caused by the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and Paracoccidioides lutzii. The disease requires long and complicated treatment. The aim of this review is to address the fungal virulence factors that could be the target of the development of new drugs for PCM treatment. Virulence factors favoring the process of fungal infection and pathogenicity are considered as a microbial attribute associated with host susceptibility. P. brasiliensis has some known virulence factors which are 43 kDa glycoprotein (gp 43) which is an important fungal antigen, 70 kDa glycoprotein (gp 70), the carbohydrates constituting the fungal cell wall α-1,3, glucan and β-1,3-glucan, cell adhesion molecules and the presence of melanin pigments. The discovery and development of drugs that interact with these factors, such as inhibitors of β-1,3-glucan, reduced synthesis of gp 43, inhibitors of melanin production, is of great importance for the treatment of PCM. The study of virulence factors favors the understanding of pathogen-host relationships, aiming to evaluate the possibility of developing new therapeutic targets and mechanisms that these molecules play in the infectious process, favoring the design of a more specific treatment for this disease.

Gypenosides Prevent H2O2-Induced Retinal Ganglion Cell Apoptosis by Concurrently Suppressing the Neuronal Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response

Our previous study demonstrated that gypenosides (Gp) exert protective effects on retinal nerve fibers and axons in a mouse model of experimental autoimmune optic neuritis. However, the therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. Thus, in this study, a model of oxidative damage in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) was established to investigate the protective effect of Gp, and its possible influence on oxidative stress in RGCs. Treatment of cells with H₂O₂ induced RGC injury owing to the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, the activities of antioxidative enzymes decreased and the expression of inflammatory factors increased, resulting in an increase in cellular apoptosis. Gp helped RGCs to become resistant to oxidation damage by directly reducing the amount of ROS in cells and exerting protective effects against H₂O₂-induced apoptosis. Treatment with Gp also reduced the generation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and increased nuclear respiratory factor 2 (Nrf-2) levels so as to increase the levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and glutathione peroxidase 1/2 (Gpx1/2), which can enhance antioxidation in RGCs. In conclusion, our data indicate that neuroprotection by Gp involves its antioxidation and anti-inflammation effects. Gp prevents apoptosis through a mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. This finding might provide novel insights into understanding the mechanism of the neuroprotective effects of gypenosides in the treatment of optic neuritis.

Impaired heat shock protein 72 expression in women with polycystic ovary syndrome following a supervised exercise programme

Induction of heat shock protein expression and the heat shock (stress) response are seen in exercise. This exercise-induced response is thought protective against cellular stress through the expression of heat shock proteins. The highly inducible heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) has been shown to be expressed in a number of stress-related conditions, but not investigated in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Twenty-one women (10 controls, 11 with PCOS) concluded an 8-week supervised, moderate-intensity exercise programme. Monocytes and lymphocytes were analysed by flow cytometry for HSP72 expression from blood samples prior to, mid-way and at the completion of the programme. The monocyte HSP72 expression showed an increase from baseline values through mid-way (p = 0.025), and at the completion of the programme (p = 0.011) only in the control group, the PCOS group showed no significant change. This pattern was similar for lymphocyte HSP72 expression where a significant increase was found at the completion of the programme (p = 0.01) only in the control group. The magnitude of increased HSP72 expression following completion of the programme was linked to baseline values only in the control group. In conclusion, increased HSP72 expression to exercise over an 8-week period was seen in control but not in PCOS women, suggesting that there is an impairment of HSP72 expression in response to exercise in these women.

Contrasting Responses of Lizards to Divergent Ecological Stressors Across Biological Levels of Organization

It is frequently hypothesized that animals employ a generalized "stress response," largely mediated by glucocorticoid (GC) hormones, such as corticosterone, to combat challenging environmental conditions. Under this hypothesis, diverse stressors are predicted to have concordant effects across biological levels of an organism. We tested the generalized stress response hypothesis in two complementary experiments with juvenile and adult male Eastern fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus). In both experiments, animals were exposed to diverse, ecologically-relevant, acute stressors (high temperature or red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta) and we examined their responses at three biological levels: behavioral; physiological (endocrine [plasma corticosterone and blood glucose concentrations] and innate immunity [complement and natural antibodies]); and cellular responses (gene expression of a panel of five heat-shock proteins in blood and liver) at 30 or 90 min post stress initiation. In both experiments, we observed large differences in the cellular response to the two stressors, which contrasts the similar behavioral and endocrine responses. In the adult experiment for which we had innate immune data, the stressors affected immune function independently, and they were correlated with CORT in opposing directions. Taken together, these results challenge the concept of a generalized stress response. Rather, the stress response was context specific, especially at the cellular level. Such context-specificity might explain why attempts to link GC hormones with life history and fitness have proved difficult. Our results emphasize the need for indicators at multiple biological levels and whole-organism examinations of stress.

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: Pathogenesis and Management

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a common retina disease and has a relative high recurrence rate, etiology, and pathogenesis of which remains largely ambiguous. The effects on the retina are usually self-limited, although some people are left with permanent vision loss due to progressive and irreversible photoreceptor damage or retinal pigment epithelium atrophy. There have been a number of interventions used in CSC, including, but not limited to, laser treatment, photodynamic therapy (PDT), intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents, and subthreshold lasers. It is not clear whether there is a clinically important benefit to treating acute CSC, which often resolves spontaneously as part of its natural history. Of the interventions studied to date, PDT and micropulse laser treatment appear the most promising. 

Dietary administration of PVC and PE microplastics produces histological damage, oxidative stress and immunoregulation in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.)

Worldwide, plastic waste is increasingly being discharged into the oceans, where it breaks down into smaller particles. Of these particles, the ingestion of microplastics (MPs; particles smaller than 5 mm) have been documented in some aquatic animals, including fish, whose health and welfare suffer as a consequence. However, their precise effects are not completely understood. To shed light on this issue, European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) specimens were fed diets containing 0 (control), 100 or 500 mg polyvinylchloride (PVC) or polyethylene (PE) MPs kg^-1 diet for three weeks, after which samples of liver, intestine, skin mucus and head kidney (HK) were obtained. A histological study of the liver and intestine revealed important alterations in the fish fed the MP diets, compared with control fish. At a functional level, PE-MPs, but not PVC-MPs, decreased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, suggesting a certain level of oxidative stress. As regards immunity, the intake of PVC-MPs increased the phagocytic and respiratory burst activities of HK leucocytes whilst the intake of PE-MPs increased skin mucus immunoglobulin M levels and the respiratory burst activity of leucocytes. The results suggest that the short-medium term intake of PVC- or PE-MPs by fish slightly depresses their immunity and produces oxidative stress. However, based on the histological alterations found, it seems that longer exposure times might lead to irreversible damage that could compromise fish health and welfare.

Prospects of HSP70 as a genetic marker for thermo-tolerance and immuno-modulation in animals under climate change scenario

Heat stress induced by long periods of high ambient temperature decreases animal productivity, leading to heavy economic losses. This devastating situation for livestock production is even becoming worse under the present climate change scenario. Strategies focused to breed animals with better thermo-tolerance and climatic resilience are keenly sought these days to mitigate impacts of heat stress especially in high input livestock production systems. The 70-kDa heat shock proteins (HSP70) are a protein family known for its potential role in thermo-tolerance and widely considered as cellular thermometers. HSP70 function as molecular chaperons and have major roles in cellular thermotolerance, apoptosis, immune-modulation and heat stress. Expression of HSP70 is controlled by various factors such as, intracellular pH, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP), protein kinase C and intracellular free calcium, etc. Over expression of HSP70 has been observed under oxidative stress leading to scavenging of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and protection of pulmonary endothelial barrier against bacterial toxins. Polymorphisms in flanking and promoter regions in HSP70 gene have shown association with heat tolerance, weaning weight, milk production, fertility and disease susceptibility in livestock. This review provides insight into pivotal roles of HSP70 which make it an ideal candidate genetic marker for selection of animals with better climate resilience, immune response and superior performance.

A proteomic-based approach to study underlying molecular responses of the small intestine of Wistar rats to genetically modified corn (MON810)

A genetically modified (GM) commercial corn variety, MON810, resistant to European corn borer, has been shown to be non-toxic to mammals in a number of rodent feeding studies carried out in accordance with OECD Guidelines. Insect resistance results from expression of the Cry1Ab gene encoding an insecticidal Bt protein that causes lysis and cell death in susceptible insect larvae by binding to midgut epithelial cells, which is a key determinant of Cry toxin species specificity. Whilst whole animal studies are still recognised as the 'gold standard' for safety assessment, they only provide indirect evidence for changes at the cellular/organ/tissue level. In contrast, omics-based technologies enable mechanistic understanding of toxicological or nutritional events at the cellular/receptor level. To address this important knowledge-gap and to gain insights into the underlying molecular responses in rat to MON810, differential gene expression in the epithelial cells of the small intestine of rats fed formulated diets containing MON810, its near isogenic line, two conventional corn varieties, and a commercial (Purina™) corn-based control diet were investigated using comparative proteomic profiling. Pairwise and five-way comparisons showed that the majority of proteins that were differentially expressed in the small intestine epithelial cells in response to consumption of the different diets in both 7-day and 28-day studies were related to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and protein biosynthesis. Irrespective of the diet, a limited number of stress-related proteins were shown to be differentially expressed. However these stress-related proteins differed between diets. No adverse clinical or behavioural effects, or biomarkers of adverse health, were observed in rats fed GM corn compared to the other corn diets. These findings suggest that MON810 has negligible effects on the small intestine of rats at the cellular level compared with the well-documented toxicity observed in susceptible insects.

Thermoregulation in the Aging Population and Practical Strategies to Overcome a Warmer Tomorrow

As global temperatures continue to rise, improving thermal tolerance in the aged population is crucial to counteract age-associated impairments in thermoregulatory function. Impairments in reflex cutaneous vasodilation and sweating response can augment the vulnerability of older adults to heat-related injuries following exposure to heat stress. Mechanisms underlying a compromised cutaneous vasodilation are suggested to include reduced sympathetic neural drive, diminished cholinergic co-transmitter contribution, and altered second messenger signaling events. On the other hand, impairments in sweating response are ascribed to reduced sweat gland cholinergic sensitivity and altered cyclooxygenase and nitric oxide signaling. Several practical mitigation strategies such as exercise, passive heating, and behavioral adaptations are proposed as means to overcome heat stress and improve thermal tolerance in the aged. Aerobic exercise training is shown to be amongst the most effective ways to enhance thermoregulatory function. However, in elderly with limited exercise capability due to chronic diseases and mobility issues, passive heating can serve as a functional alternative as it has been shown to confer similar benefits to that of exercise training. Supplementary to exercise training and passive heating, behavioral adaptations can be applied to further enhance the heat-preparedness of the aged.

A Bioinformatic Approach for the Identification of Molecular Determinants of Resistance/Sensitivity to Cancer Thermotherapy

Application of heat above 43°C and up to 47°C, the so-called “thermal ablation” range, leads to tumor cell destruction either by apoptosis or by necrosis. However, tumor cells have developed mechanisms of defense that render them thermoresistant. Of importance, the in situ application of heat for the treatment of localized solid tumors can also prime specific antitumor immunity. Herein, a bioinformatic approach was employed for the identification of molecular determinants implicated in thermoresistance and immunogenic cell death (ICD). To this end, both literature-derived (text mining) and microarray gene expression profile data were processed, followed by functional enrichment analysis. Two important functional gene modules were detected in hyperthermia resistance and ICD, the former including members of the heat shock protein (HSP) family of molecular chaperones and the latter including immune-related molecules, respectively. Of note, the molecules HSP90AA1 and HSPA4 were found common between thermoresistance and damage signaling molecules (damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs)) and ICD. In addition, the prognostic potential of HSP90AA1 and HSPA4 overexpression for cancer patients' overall survival was investigated. The results of this study could constitute the basis for the strategic development of more efficient and personalized therapeutic strategies against cancer by means of thermotherapy, by taking into consideration the genetic profile of each patient.

Genome-wide identification and characterization of heat shock protein family 70 provides insight into its divergent functions on immune response and development of Paralichthys olivaceus

Flatfish undergo extreme morphological development and settle to a benthic in the adult stage, and are likely to be more susceptible to environmental stress. Heat shock proteins 70 (hsp70) are involved in embryonic development and stress response in metazoan animals. However, the evolutionary history and functions of hsp70 in flatfish are poorly understood. Here, we identified 15 hsp70 genes in the genome of Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus), a flatfish endemic to northwestern Pacific Ocean. Gene structure and motifs of the Japanese flounder hsp70 were conserved, and there were few structure variants compared to other fish species. We constructed a maximum likelihood tree to understand the evolutionary relationship of the hsp70 genes among surveyed fish. Selection pressure analysis suggested that four genes, hspa4l, hspa9, hspa13, and hyou1, showed signs of positive selection. We then extracted transcriptome data on the Japanese flounder with Edwardsiella tarda to induce stress, and found that hspa9, hspa12b, hspa4l, hspa13, and hyou1 were highly expressed, likely to protect cells from stress. Interestingly, expression patterns of hsp70 genes were divergent in different developmental stages of the Japanese flounder. We found that at least one hsp70 gene was always highly expressed at various stages of embryonic development of the Japanese flounder, thereby indicating that hsp70 genes were constitutively expressed in the Japanese flounder. Our findings provide basic and useful resources to better understand hsp70 genes in flatfish.

Cellular Stress-Modulating Drugs Can Potentially Be Identified by in Silico Screening with Connectivity Map (CMap)

Accompanied by increased life span, aging-associated diseases, such as metabolic diseases and cancers, have become serious health threats. Recent studies have documented that aging-associated diseases are caused by prolonged cellular stresses such as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, mitochondrial stress, and oxidative stress. Thus, ameliorating cellular stresses could be an effective approach to treat aging-associated diseases and, more importantly, to prevent such diseases from happening. However, cellular stresses and their molecular responses within the cell are typically mediated by a variety of factors encompassing different signaling pathways. Therefore, a target-based drug discovery method currently being used widely (reverse pharmacology) may not be adequate to uncover novel drugs targeting cellular stresses and related diseases. The connectivity map (CMap) is an online pharmacogenomic database cataloging gene expression data from cultured cells treated individually with various chemicals, including a variety of phytochemicals. Moreover, by querying through CMap, researchers may screen registered chemicals in silico and obtain the likelihood of drugs showing a similar gene expression profile with desired and chemopreventive conditions. Thus, CMap is an effective genome-based tool to discover novel chemopreventive drugs.

Biomarker-based assessment of the muscle maintenance and energy status of anurans from an extremely seasonal semi-arid environment, the Brazilian Caatinga

Strongly seasonal environments pose challenges for performance and survival of animals, especially when resource abundance seasonally fluctuates. We investigated the seasonal variation of key metabolic biomarkers in the muscles of males from three species (Rhinella jimi, R. granulosa and Pleurodema diplolister) of anurans from the drastically seasonal Brazilian semi-arid area, Caatinga. We examined the expression of proteins regulating energy turnover (AMP-activated protein kinase [AMPK] and protein kinase B [AKT]), protein synthesis and homeostasis (total and phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2α [eIF2α and p-eIF2α] and chaperone proteins [HSP 60, 70, and 90]) in muscles predominantly related to reproduction and locomotion. Cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity was also assessed as an index of the muscle aerobic capacity. The expression pattern of metabolic biomarkers indicates that the maintenance of muscular function is regulated in a species-specific manner during the drastic seasonal variation. Rhinella jimi and R. granulosa that remain active during the drought appear to maintain muscles through more energy expensive pathways including elevated protein synthesis, while the aestivating P. diplolister employs energy conservation strategy suppressing protein synthesis, decreasing chaperone expression and increasing expression of AMPK. Two (P. diplolister and R. granulosa) of the three studied species activate cell survival pathways during the drought likely to prevent muscle atrophy, and all three studied species maintain the muscle aerobic capacity throughout the year, despite the resource limitation. These strategies are important considering the unpredictability of the reproductive event and high demand on muscular activity during the reproductive season in these amphibians. SUMMARY STATEMENT: We studied seasonal variation of key metabolic biomarkers in the muscles of anurans that experience drastic variation in environmental conditions and differ in seasonal activity patterns.

Comparative proteomics of stenotopic caddisfly Crunoecia irrorata identifies acclimation strategies to warming

Species' ecological preferences are often deduced from habitat characteristics thought to represent more or less optimal conditions for physiological functioning. Evolution has led to stenotopic and eurytopic species, the former having decreased niche breadths and lower tolerances to environmental variability. Species inhabiting freshwater springs are often described as being stenotopic specialists, adapted to the stable thermal conditions found in these habitats. Whether due to past local adaptation these species have evolved or have lost intra-generational adaptive mechanisms to cope with increasing thermal variability has, to our knowledge, never been investigated. By studying how the proteome of a stenotopic species changes as a result of increasing temperatures, we investigate if the absence or attenuation of molecular mechanisms is indicative of local adaptation to freshwater springs. An understanding of compensatory mechanisms is especially relevant as spring specialists will experience thermal conditions beyond their physiological limits due to climate change. In this study, the stenotopic species Crunoecia irrorata (Trichoptera: Lepidostomatidae, Curtis 1834) was acclimated to 10, 15 and 20°C for 168 hr. We constructed a homology-based database and via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based shotgun proteomics identified 1,358 proteins. Differentially abundant proteins and protein norms of reaction revealed candidate proteins and molecular mechanisms facilitating compensatory responses such as trehalose metabolism, tracheal system alteration and heat-shock protein regulation. A species-specific understanding of compensatory physiologies challenges the characterization of species as having narrow tolerances to environmental variability if that characterization is based on occurrences and habitat characteristics alone.

Alpha lipoic acid supplementation ameliorates the wrath of simulated tropical heat and humidity stress in male Murrah buffaloes

A supplement which ameliorates temperature-humidity menace in food producing livestock is a prerequisite to develop climate smart agricultural packages. A study was conducted to investigate the heat stress ameliorative efficacy of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) in male Murrah water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Eighteen animals (293.61 ± 4.66Kg Bwt) were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 6); NHSC (non-heat-stressed control), HS (heat-stressed) and HSLA (heat-stressed-supplemented with ALA@32 mg/kg Bwt orally) based on the temperature humidity index (THI) and ALA supplementation. HS and HSLA were exposed to simulated heat challenge in a climatically controlled chamber (40 °C) for 21 consecutive days, 6 h daily. Physiological responses viz. Respiration rate (RR), Pulse rate (PR) and Rectal temperature (RT) were recorded daily before and after heat exposure. Blood samples were collected at the end of heat exposure on days 1, 6, 11, 16, and 21 and on day 28 (7th day post exposure which is considered as recovery) for peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) separation, followed by RNA and Protein extraction for Real time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis respectively, of heat shock proteins (HSPs). Two-way repeated measure ANOVA was performed between groups at different experimental periods. RR (post exposure) in HS and HSLA was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than NHSC from day 1 onwards but HSLA varied significantly from the HS 8th day onwards. Post exposure RT and PR in both HS and HSLA varied (P < 0.05) from NHSC throughout the study; but between HS and HSLA, RT significantly varied on initial 2 days and last 6 days (from days 16 to 21). HSP70 mRNA expression significantly up regulated in high THI groups with respect to the low THI group throughout the experimental period. During chronic stress (days 16 and 21) HSP70 significantly (P < 0.05) increased in HS but not in HSLA (P > 0.05) with respect to NHSC. ALA supplementation up-regulates and sustains (P < 0.05) the expression of HSP90 in HSLA in comparison to the HS and NHSC. HSP105 expression was significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05) in HS on days 16 and 21 (during long-term exposure) but only on day 21 (P < 0.05) in HSLA. HSP70, HSP90, and HSP105 protein expression dynamics were akin to the mRNA transcript data between the study groups. In conclusion, supplementing ALA ameliorates the deleterious effect of heat stress as reflected by improved physiological and cellular responses. ALA supplementation improved cellular antioxidant status and sustained otherwise easily decaying heat shock responses which concertedly hasten the baton change from a limited window of thermo tolerance to long run acclimatization.

cDNA Library for Mining Functional Genes in Sedum alfredii Hance Related to Cadmium Tolerance and Characterization of the Roles of a Novel SaCTP2 Gene in Enhancing Cadmium Hyperaccumulation

Heavy metal contamination presents serious threats to living organisms. Functional genes related to cadmium (Cd) hypertolerance or hyperaccumulation must be explored to enhance phytoremediation. Sedum alfredii Hance is a Zn/Cd cohyperaccumulator exhibiting abundant genes associated with Cd hypertolerance. Here, we developed a method for screening genes related to Cd tolerance by expressing a cDNA-library for S. alfredii Hance. Yeast functional complementation validated 42 of 48 full-length genes involved in Cd tolerance, and the majority of them were strongly induced in roots and exhibited diverse expression profiles across tissues. Coexpression network analysis suggested that 15 hub genes were connected with genes involved in metabolic processes, response to stimuli, and metal transporter and antioxidant activity. The functions of a novel SaCTP2 gene were validated by heterologous expression in Arabidopsis, responsible for retarding chlorophyll content decrease, maintaining membrane integrity, promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger activities, and reducing ROS levels. Our findings suggest a highly complex network of genes related to Cd hypertolerance in S. alfredii Hance, accomplished via the antioxidant system, defense genes induction, and the calcium signaling pathway. The proposed cDNA-library method is an effective approach for mining candidate genes associated with Cd hypertolerance to develop genetically engineered plants for use in phytoremediation.

Induction of hyperpigmentation and heat shock protein 70 response to the toxicity of methomyl insecticide during the organ development of the Arabian toad, Bufo arabicus (Heyden,1827)

Methomyl (MET) is a carbamate insecticide which is used as a substitute for organophosphorus compounds to protect crops against insects. The present study aims to evaluate the cytoprotection response of pigment cells and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) after exposure to MET during the tadpole developmental stages of the Arabian toad, Bufo arabicus. Three developmental larval stages of the toad were selected and divided into two groups; Control and MET-exposed (MET-EX) tadpoles (10ppm). MET-EX tadpoles showed an increased number of pigment cells in the liver, kidney, anterior eye chamber, and skin tissues as compared to the control. The glycogen content in the developing liver and muscles (myotomes) of MET-EX tadpoles was decreased as compared to the control. In the MET-EX tadpoles, immunohistochemical staining showed an increase of HSP70 expression in the liver hepatocytes, the nucleated red blood cells (nRBC) in kidney glomeruli, the iridocorneal angle of anterior eye chamber, and the skin as compared to the control. The current study concluded that pigment cells and HSP70 represented a cytoprotecting response against MET insecticide during the organ development of B. arabicas tadpoles. Therefore, MET use should be regularly monitored in the environment to protect animals and human from exposure to this insecticide.

Response of lactating dairy cows fed different supplemental zinc sources with and without evaporative cooling to intramammary lipopolysaccharide infusion: intake, milk yield and composition, and hematologic profile1

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dietary supplemental Zn source and evaporative cooling on intake, milk yield and composition, and the rate of leukocyte migration into the mammary gland following intramammary lipopolysaccharide (LPS) infusion. Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 72) were assigned to one of four treatments with a 2×2 factorial arrangement including two sources of supplemental Zn: 75 mg/kg Zn hydroxychloride or 35 mg/kg Zn hydroxychloride + 40 mg/kg Zn-Met complex (ZMC) each with or without evaporative cooling. The cooling system was implemented by the use of fans and misters over the freestall and feeding areas. On day 34 of the experiment, cows (n = 16; days in milk = 263 ± 63 d) received an infusion of 10 μg of LPS, or a saline control, in the left or right rear quarters. Individual milk samples from both quarters were collected at -12, -4, 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and 168 h relative to infusion and analyzed for composition and bovine serum albumin. Rectal temperature and respiration rate were assessed and blood samples were collected at the same time points (with an additional sample at 3 h) for analyses of lactose and cortisol. Complete blood counts were performed on samples collected within the first 24 h post infusion. Intramammary LPS infusion reduced (P < 0.01) milk yield, DMI and feed efficiency regardless of dietary or cooling treatments. Non-cooled cows tended (P = 0.09) to have greater feed efficiency (=milk yield/DMI) at 1 d after infusion than those subjected to cooling. Intramammary LPS infusion dramatically increased (P < 0.01) milk somatic cell count (SCC) but treatments had no apparent impact on milk SCC. Compared with cooled cows, non-cooled cows had greater (P < 0.05) plasma lactose concentrations, but lower (P < 0.03) blood concentrations of neutrophils and lymphocytes at 3 h post infusion. This suggests a greater leukocyte migration into the mammary gland of heat-stressed cows. In conclusion, noncooled cows tended to maintain greater feed efficiency and appeared to have greater leukocyte migration into the mammary gland immediately after intramammary LPS infusion compared with cooled cows. Dietary supplemental Zn source had no impact on measures assessed after intramammary LPS infusion.

Extracorporeal resuscitation with carbon monoxide improves renal function by targeting inflammatory pathways in cardiac arrest in pigs

Deleterious consequences like acute kidney injury frequently occur upon successful resuscitation from cardiac arrest. Extracorporeal life support is increasingly used to overcome high cardiac arrest mortality. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an endogenous gasotransmitter, capable of reducing renal injury. In our study, we hypothesized that addition of CO to extracorporeal resuscitation hampers severity of renal injury in a porcine model of cardiac arrest. Hypoxic cardiac arrest was induced in pigs. Animals were resuscitated using a conventional [cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)], an extracorporeal (E-CPR), or a CO-assisted extracorporeal (CO-E-CPR) protocol. CO was applied using a membrane-controlled releasing system. Markers of renal injury were measured, and histopathological analyses were carried out. We investigated renal pathways involving inflammation as well as apoptotic cell death. No differences in serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) were detected after CO treatment compared with Sham animals (Sham 71 ± 7 and CO-E-CPR 95 ± 6 ng/mL), while NGAL was increased in CPR and E-CPR groups (CPR 135 ± 11 and E-CPR 124 ± 5 ng/mL; P < 0.05). Evidence for histopathological damage was abrogated after CO application. CO increased renal heat shock protein 70 expression and reduced inducible cyclooxygenase 2 (CPR: 60 ± 8; E-CPR 56 ± 8; CO-E-CPR 31 ± 3 µg/mL; P < 0.05). Caspase 3 activity was decreased (CPR 1,469 ± 276; E-CPR 1,670 ± 225; CO-E-CPR 755 ± 83 pg/mL; P < 0.05). Furthermore, we found a reduction in renal inflammatory signaling upon CO treatment. Our data demonstrate improved renal function by extracorporeal CO treatment in a porcine model of cardiac arrest. CO reduced proinflammatory and proapoptotic signaling, characterizing beneficial aspects of a novel treatment option to overcome high mortality.

A Missense Mutation of the HSPB7 Gene Associated with Heat Tolerance in Chinese Indicine Cattle

Simple Summary

A missense mutation (NC_037329.1: g.136054902 C > G: p. Ala69Gly) was identified in the heat shock protein family B (small) member 7 (HSPB7) gene in indicine cattle, which might be a candidate mutation associated with the heat tolerance. Here, Polymerase Chain Reaction and DNA sequencing methods were used to detect this mutation in 774 individuals belonging to 32 Chinese indigenous cattle breeds. The distribution of alleles of NC_037329.1: g.136054902 C > G displays significant geographical difference across native Chinese cattle breeds and cattle carrying allele G distributed in regions with higher mean annual temperature, relative humidity, and temperature humidity index. Our results demonstrate that the mutation of the HSPB7 gene in Chinese indicine cattle might be a candidate gene associated with the heat tolerance.

Abstract

The small heat shock proteins (HSPB) are expressed in response to heat stress, and the heat shock protein family B (small) member 7 (HSPB7) gene has been reported to play an important role in heat tolerance pathways. Only a missense mutation (NC_037329.1: g.136054902 C > G: p.Ala69Gly) was identified in the HSPB7 gene in indicine cattle, which might be a candidate mutation associated with the heat tolerance. Here, we explore the allele frequency of this mutation in 774 individuals belonging to 32 Chinese indigenous cattle breeds using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing methods. The distribution of alleles of NC_037329.1: g.136054902 C > G displays significant geographical difference across native Chinese cattle breeds that the allele C was dominant in northern cattle groups, while allele G was dominant in southern indicine cattle groups. Additionally, the association analysis indicated that the G allele was significantly associated with mean annual temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), and temperature humidity index (THI) (p < 0.01), suggesting that cattle carrying allele G were distributed in regions with higher T, RH, and THI. Our results demonstrate that the mutation of the HSPB7 gene in Chinese indicine cattle might be a candidate gene associated with the heat tolerance.

Determination of neuroinflammatory biomarkers in autistic and neurotypical Saudi children

To identify neuroinflammatory biomarkers in patients with various severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) increases the insight about the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of this neurodevelopmental disorder. The aim of the present study was to analyze the levels in plasma of TGFβ2, Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), and hematopoietic prostaglandin D2 synthase (H-PGDS) in Saudi ASD children and healthy age-matched neurotypical controls. Also, it was in the present study examined the correlation among these neuroinflammatory biomarkers and the sensory deficit exhibited by the ASD children. Blood samples from 38 Saudi children with ASD and 32 age-matched neurotypical controls were withdrawn after an overnight fast. For the blood taking 3 mL EDTA containing blood collection tubes was used. The samples were centrifuged for 20 min (4 °C; 3000×g) directly after the blood sampling. The harvested plasma was used for in vitro quantification of TGF-β2, HSP70, and H-PGDS by using the sandwich enzyme immunoassay. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and predictiveness curves showed that each of TGF-β2, HSP70 or H-PGDS alone could not be used as a predictive neuroinflammatory biomarker for ASD. However, when TGF-β2 and HSP70 were combined in one ROC curve, the AUC was increased to an appreciable value that makes them together robust predictors of variation between the ASD and neurotypical control groups. Overall, it was in the present study found significant differences for TGF-β2 and HSP70 when the ASD and neurotypical control groups were compared, independently of the sensory deficit level. In conclusion, the present study highlights the usefulness of TGF-β2, HSP70, and H-PGDS as diagnostic tools to differentiate between ASD and neurotypical control children, but not among subgroups of ASD children exhibiting different severity levels of sensory dysfunction. The presented data also suggest the effectiveness of ROC as a powerful statistical tool, which precisely can measure a combined effect of neuroinflammatory biomarkers intended for diagnostic purposes.

Neuroprotective Effects of Exercise on the Morphology of Somatic Motoneurons Following the Death of Neighboring Motoneurons

Background. Motoneuron loss is a severe medical problem that can result in loss of motor control and eventually death. We have previously demonstrated that partial motoneuron loss can result in dendritic atrophy and functional deficits in nearby surviving motoneurons, and that treatment with androgens can be neuroprotective against this dendritic atrophy. Exercise has also been shown to be protective following a variety of neural injury models and, in some cases, is dependent on androgen action. Objective. In this study, we explored whether exercise shows the same neuroprotective effect on induced dendritic atrophy as that seen with androgen treatment. Methods. Motoneurons innervating the vastus medialis muscles of adult male rats were selectively killed by intramuscular injection of cholera toxin-conjugated saporin. Following saporin injections, some animals were allowed free access to a running wheel attached to their home cages. Four weeks later, motoneurons innervating the ipsilateral vastus lateralis muscle were labeled with cholera toxin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase, and dendritic arbors were reconstructed in 3 dimensions. Results. Dendritic arbor lengths of animals allowed to exercise were significantly longer than those not allowed to exercise. Conclusions. These findings indicate that exercise following neural injury exerts a protective effect on motoneuron dendrites comparable to that seen with exogenous androgen treatment.

Heat therapy improves glucose tolerance and adipose tissue insulin signaling in polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with high rates of obesity and metabolic dysfunction. Repeated passive heat exposure (termed heat therapy) is a novel lifestyle intervention for improving health in obese women with PCOS. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in metabolic function in obese women with PCOS following heat therapy. Eighteen age- and BMI-matched obese women with PCOS (age: 27 ± 1 yr, BMI: 41.3 ± 1.1 kg/m^-2) were assigned to heat therapy (HT) or time control (CON). HT participants underwent 30 one-hour hot tub sessions over 8-10 wk, while CON participants completed all testing but did not undergo heat therapy. Before (Pre), at the mid-point (Mid), and following (Post) 8-10 wk of heat therapy, metabolic health was assessed using a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test, a subcutaneous abdominal fat biopsy (Pre-Post only), and other blood markers relating to metabolic function. HT participants exhibited improved fasting glucose (Pre: 105 ± 3, Post: 89 ± 5mg/dl; P = 0.001), glucose area under the curve (AUC) (Pre: 18,698 ± 1,045, Post: 16,987 ± 1,017 mg·dl^-1·min^-1; P = 0.028) and insulin AUC (Pre: 126,924 ± 11,730, Post: 91,233 ± 14,429 IU l^-1·min^-1; P = 0.012). Adipocyte insulin signaling (p-AKT at Ser-473 with 1.2 nM insulin) increased in HT (Pre: 0.29 ± 0.14, Post: 0.93 ± 0.29 AU; P = 0.021). Additionally, serum testosterone declined in HT participants (Pre: 51 ± 7, Post: 34 ± 4 ng/dl; P = 0.033). No parameters changed over time in CON, and no change in BMI was observed in either group. HT substantially improved metabolic risk profile in obese women with PCOS. HT also reduced androgen excess and may improve PCOS symptomology.

Drought and heat stress-related proteins: an update about their functional relevance in imparting stress tolerance in agricultural crops

We describe here the recent developments about the involvement of diverse stress-related proteins in sensing, signaling, and defending the cells in plants in response to drought or/and heat stress. In the current era of global climate drift, plant growth and productivity are often limited by various environmental stresses, especially drought and heat. Adaptation to abiotic stress is a multigenic process involving maintenance of homeostasis for proper survival under adverse environment. It has been widely observed that a series of proteins respond to heat and drought conditions at both transcriptional and translational levels. The proteins are involved in various signaling events, act as key transcriptional activators and saviors of plants under extreme environments. A detailed insight about the functional aspects of diverse stress-responsive proteins may assist in unraveling various stress resilience mechanisms in plants. Furthermore, by identifying the metabolic proteins associated with drought and heat tolerance, tolerant varieties can be produced through transgenic/recombinant technologies. A large number of regulatory and functional stress-associated proteins are reported to participate in response to heat and drought stresses, such as protein kinases, phosphatases, transcription factors, and late embryogenesis abundant proteins, dehydrins, osmotins, and heat shock proteins, which may be similar or unique to stress treatments. Few studies have revealed that cellular response to combined drought and heat stresses is distinctive, compared to their individual treatments. In this review, we would mainly focus on the new developments about various stress sensors and receptors, transcription factors, chaperones, and stress-associated proteins involved in drought or/and heat stresses, and their possible role in augmenting stress tolerance in crops.

Ocean acidification at a coastal CO2 vent induces expression of stress-related transcripts and transposable elements in the sea anemone Anemonia viridis

Ocean acidification threatens to disrupt interactions between organisms throughout marine ecosystems. The diversity of reef-building organisms decreases as seawater CO₂ increases along natural gradients, yet soft-bodied animals, such as sea anemones, are often resilient. We sequenced the polyA-enriched transcriptome of adult sea anemone Anemonia viridis and its dinoflagellate symbiont sampled along a natural CO₂ gradient in Italy to assess stress levels in these organisms. We found that about 1.4% of the anemone transcripts, but only ~0.5% of the Symbiodinium sp. transcripts were differentially expressed. Processes enriched at high seawater CO₂ were mainly linked to cellular stress, including significant up-regulation of protective cellular functions and deregulation of metabolic pathways. Transposable elements were differentially expressed at high seawater CO₂, with an extreme up-regulation (> 100-fold) of the BEL-family of long terminal repeat retrotransposons. Seawater acidified by CO₂ generated a significant stress reaction in A. viridis, but no bleaching was observed and Symbiodinium sp. appeared to be less affected. These observed changes indicate the mechanisms by which A. viridis acclimate to survive chronic exposure to ocean acidification conditions. We conclude that many organisms that are common in acidified conditions may nevertheless incur costs due to hypercapnia and/or lowered carbonate saturation states.

The adaptogenic anti-ageing potential of resveratrol against heat stress-mediated liver injury in aged rats: Role of HSP70 and NF-kB signalling

Heat stress (HS) is a major international problem which has attracted a considerable attention due to its oxidative tissue effects and high morbidity and mortality rates, especially among elderly people. Discovering an effective antioxidant is pivotal for overcoming HS-induced injury. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate the hepatic protective effects of orally supplemented resveratrol (RES) against HS-mediated liver injury in young and old male Wistar albino rats. Compared to control rats, RES administered orally at a dose of 20 mg/kg BW for 21 successive days efficiently ameliorated HS-induced oxidative damage by significantly increasing (P ≤ 0.05) the level of reduced glutathione and glutathione peroxidase, and decreasing the levels of malondialdehyde and TNF-α in hepatic tissue of both young and aged rats. However, level of NF-κB was downregulated significantly in aged rats rather than young rats. Moreover, RES significantly decreased (P ≤ 0.05) the serum levels of aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase in both ages of rats compared to their corresponding HS-stressed rats. Furthermore, RES upregulated the immunohistochemical expression of caspase 3 and heat shock protein 70 in young and aged rats, however it was more pronounced in young one. In addition, RES administration moderately normalized (P ≤ 0.0001) the harmful effects of HS on the hepatic architecture of both young and aged rats. In conclusion, this study reveals for the first time that RES exerts promising hepato-ameliorative effects against HS-induced oxidative stress in the young and aged rats via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effect, as well as via its inhibitory effect against the NF-κB signalling in a cellular system.