Ceruloplasmin and what it might do

Organic Trace Elements Improve the Eggshell Quality via Eggshell Formation Regulation during the Late Phase of the Laying Cycle

The quality of eggshells is critical to the egg production industry. The addition of trace elements has been shown to be involved in eggshell formation. Organic trace elements have been found to have higher biological availability than inorganic trace elements. However, the effects of organic trace elements additive doses on eggshell quality during the laying period of commercial laying hens required further investigation. This experiment aims to explore the potential mechanisms of different doses of organic trace elements replacing inorganic elements to remodel the eggshell quality of egg-laying hens during the laying period. A total of 360 healthy hens (Lohmann Pink, 45-week-old) were randomly divided into four treatments, with six replications per treatment and 15 birds per replication. The dietary treatments included a basal diet supplemented with inorganic iron, copper, zinc and manganese at commercial levels (CON), a basal diet supplemented with organic iron, copper, zinc and manganese at 20% commercial levels (LOT), a basal diet supplemented with organic iron, copper, zinc and manganese at 30% commercial levels (MOT), and a basal diet supplemented with organic iron, copper, zinc and manganese at 40% commercial levels (HOT). The trial lasted for 8 weeks. The results of the experiment showed that the replacement of organic trace elements did not significantly affect the production performance of laying hens (p > 0.05). Compared with inorganic trace elements, the MOT and HOT groups improved the structure of the eggshells, enhanced the hardness and thickness of the eggshells, increased the Haugh unit of the eggs, reduced the proportion of the mammillary layer in the eggshell, and increased the proportion of the palisade layer (p < 0.05). In addition, the MOT and HOT groups also increased the enzyme activity related to carbonate transport in the blood, the expression of uterine shell gland-related genes (CA2, OC116, and OCX32), and the calcium and phosphorus content in the eggshells (p < 0.05). We also found that the MOT group effectively reduced element discharge in the feces and enhanced the transportation of iron (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 30-40% organic micronutrients were able to improve eggshell quality in aged laying hens by modulating the activity of serum carbonate transport-related enzymes and the expression of eggshell deposition-related genes.

Copper homeostasis in chronic kidney disease and its crosstalk with ferroptosis

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a global public health problem with high morbidity and mortality. Renal fibrosis can lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, there is still no effective treatment to prevent or delay the progression of CKD into ESRD. Therefore, exploring the pathogenesis of CKD is essential for preventing and treating CKD. There are a variety of trace elements in the human body that interact with each other within a complex regulatory network. Iron and copper are both vital trace elements in the body. They are critical for maintaining bodily functions, and the dysregulation of their metabolism can cause many diseases, including kidney disease. Ferroptosis is a new form of cell death characterized by iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. Studies have shown that ferroptosis is closely related to kidney disease. However, the role of abnormal copper metabolism in kidney disease and its relationship with ferroptosis remains unclear. Here, our current knowledge regarding copper metabolism, its regulatory mechanism, and the role of abnormal copper metabolism in kidney diseases is summarized. In addition, we discuss the relationship between abnormal copper metabolism and ferroptosis to explore the possible pathogenesis and provide a potential therapeutic target for CKD.

Influence of Molybdenum and Organic Sources of Copper and Sulfur on the Performance, Carcass Traits, Blood Mineral Concentration, and Ceruloplasmin Activity in Lambs

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of molybdenum (Mo) and organic and inorganic sources of copper (Cu) and sulfur (S) on the performance, carcass traits, and blood concentration of these minerals in lambs. Forty male non-castrated crossbred Dorper x Santa Inês lambs (20 ± 1.2 kg of body weight and 90 ± 2 d of age) were randomly allocated into one of the ten following treatments: (T0) control, basal diet; (T1) Mo; (T2) inorganic Cu and inorganic S; (T3) inorganic Cu and organic S; (T4) organic Cu and inorganic S; (T5) organic Cu and organic S; (T6) Mo plus inorganic Cu and inorganic S; (T7) Mo plus inorganic Cu and organic S; (T8) Mo plus organic Cu and inorganic S; and (T9) Mo plus organic Cu and organic S. Regardless of the source, Mo, Cu, and S were added at levels of 10 mg, 10 mg, and 2000mg/kg DM, respectively. The mineral supplements (Mo, Cu, and S) were added into the total mixed ration (TMR) by mixing them apart with the mineral and vitamin premix and then put into the TMR. The animals were kept in individual pens and received a total mixed ration for 84 days. Body weight and blood sampling was performed every 28 days. All animals were slaughtered after 84 days, and carcass traits were evaluated. Although organic sources of Cu and S added to Mo supplementation had increased the ADG throughout the study, this effect did not reflect in the heavier final BW outcomes for this treatment. In addition, no effect of these treatments was observed on the carcass traits. The serum Cu concentration was higher for the T0 group compared to the other groups; otherwise, Mo reduced the serum Cu concentration compared to the other groups. Considering the interaction among the minerals and their sources at 84 d of study, organic sources of Cu and S treatment and Mo associated with inorganic sources of Cu plus organic S treatment had an increased serum Cu concentration compared to other groups. Regardless of time, organic sources of Cu and S increased serum S concentration. At 84 days after enrollment, serum Mo concentration was lower for the control group compared to the other groups. Further, Mo supplementation increased its blood concentration compared to the control group throughout the study. The control group had the highest ceruloplasmin activity compared to the other groups; otherwise, at 84 d of the study, either Mo or inorganic S supplementation reduced ceruloplasmin activity. Serum ceruloplasmin activity was higher when Cu supplementation, regardless of source, was associated with organic S. However, at d 84 of the study, inorganic Cu associated to organic S supplements increased serum ceruloplasmin activity. In this current study, it was not possible to identify a pattern in the variables studied, however, further studies are needed to confirm that organic sources of Cu and S interacted alone without a defined pattern.

Ferroptosis As a Mechanism for Health Effects of Essential Trace Elements and Potentially Toxic Trace Elements

Ferroptosis is a unique form of programmed cell death driven by iron-dependent phospholipid peroxidation that was proposed in recent years. It plays an important role in processes of various trace element-related diseases and is regulated by redox homeostasis and various cellular metabolic pathways (iron, amino acids, lipids, sugars), as well as disease-related signaling pathways. Some limited pioneering studies have demonstrated ferroptosis as a mechanism for the health effects of essential trace elements and potentially toxic trace elements, with crosstalk among them. The aim of this review is to bring together research articles and identify key direct and indirect evidence regarding essential trace elements (iron, selenium, zinc, copper, chromium, manganese) and potentially toxic trace elements (arsenic, aluminum, mercury) and their possible roles in ferroptosis. Our review may help determine future research priorities and opportunities.

Iron in Alzheimer's Disease: From Physiology to Disease Disabilities

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a key role in the neurodegeneration processes. Increased oxidative stress damages lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids in brain tissue, and it is tied to the loss of biometal homeostasis. For this reason, attention has been focused on transition metals involved in several biochemical reactions producing ROS. Even though a bulk of evidence has uncovered the role of metals in the generation of the toxic pathways at the base of Alzheimer's disease (AD), this matter has been sidelined by the advent of the Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis. However, the link between metals and AD has been investigated in the last two decades, focusing on their local accumulation in brain areas known to be critical for AD. Recent evidence revealed a relation between iron and AD, particularly in relation to its capacity to increase the risk of the disease through ferroptosis. In this review, we briefly summarize the major points characterizing the function of iron in our body and highlight why, even though it is essential for our life, we have to monitor its dysfunction, particularly if we want to control our risk of AD.

Blood Trace Element Status in Camels: A Review

Trace minerals play an important role in animal health and productivity. They are involved also in many physiological activities, and their deficiency causes a variety of pathological problems and metabolic defects, reducing consequently the animal productivity. The demand for animal products in semi-arid areas is rapidly increasing, and the supply is still below the required level, partially due to low animal productivity. Camels (Camelus dromedarius and Camelus bactrianus) are considered one of the main sources of healthy, high-quality meat and milk for human consumption within most of the countries in the semi-arid regions. Despite their efficient adaptation to their environment, camels can suffer from the growth retardation of newborns, low feed efficiency, anemia, poor fertility, poor reproduction and many other metabolic disorders. It is well known that trace mineral deficiencies and trace mineral toxicities can influence camels' production and reproductive efficiency, as well as many aspects of their growth and metabolism. Evaluating the trace minerals status of camels and their variability is an obvious step toward improving camels' productivity and health. Thus, the present article reviews the data regarding the status of trace minerals (copper, zinc, iron, selenium, manganese, cobalt, iodine, fluorine, molybdenum, sulfur, bromide and nickel) in camel blood and their physiological variability, with a focus on their deficiency and toxicity effects.

A role for ceruloplasmin in the control of human glioblastoma cell responses to radiation

Background

Glioblastoma (GB) is the most common and most aggressive malignant brain tumor. In understanding its resistance to conventional treatments, iron metabolism and related pathways may represent a novel avenue. As for many cancer cells, GB cell growth is dependent on iron, which is tightly involved in red-ox reactions related to radiotherapy effectiveness. From new observations indicating an impact of RX radiations on the expression of ceruloplasmin (CP), an important regulator of iron metabolism, the aim of the present work was to study the functional effects of constitutive expression of CP within GB lines in response to beam radiation depending on the oxygen status (21% O₂ versus 3% O₂).

Methods and results

After analysis of radiation responses (Hoechst staining, LDH release, Caspase 3 activation) in U251-MG and U87-MG human GB cell lines, described as radiosensitive and radioresistant respectively, the expression of 9 iron partners (TFR1, DMT1, FTH1, FTL, MFRN1, MFRN2, FXN, FPN1, CP) were tested by RTqPCR and western blots at 3 and 8 days following 4 Gy irradiation. Among those, only CP was significantly downregulated, both at transcript and protein levels in the two lines, with however, a weaker effect in the U87-MG, observable at 3% O₂. To investigate specific role of CP in GB radioresistance, U251-MG and U87-MG cells were modified genetically to obtain CP depleted and overexpressing cells, respectively. Manipulation of CP expression in GB lines demonstrated impact both on cell survival and on activation of DNA repair/damage machinery (γH2AX); specifically high levels of CP led to increased production of reactive oxygen species, as shown by elevated levels of superoxide anion, SOD1 synthesis and cellular Fe2 + .

Conclusions

Taken together, these in vitro results indicate for the first time that CP plays a positive role in the efficiency of radiotherapy on GB cells.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09808-6.

A Novel Non-Invasive Approach Based on Serum Ceruloplasmin for Identifying Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Patients in the Non-Diabetic Population

Background and Aim

Few non-invasive models were established to identify patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Liver biopsy remains the gold standard in the clinic. Decreased serum ceruloplasmin (CP) is reported in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to develop a non-invasive model incorporating CP for identifying NASH from NAFLD without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

A total of 138 biopsy-proven patients with NAFLD without T2DM were enrolled. The CP ratio was calculated for standardization as the CP value divided by the lower limit of normal. The clinical, anthropometric, biochemical, and histological parameters were compared between the low and high CP ratio groups divided by the median value. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to develop a model for identifying NASH in patients with NAFLD.

Results

The medians of the high (n = 69) and low (n = 69) CP ratio groups were 1.43 (1.28–1.61) and 1.03 (0.94–1.12), respectively. A comparison of the two groups showed that the severity of steatosis, hepatocellular ballooning, inflammation activity, fibrosis, and liver iron deposition decreased along with the CP ratio (p &lt; 0.05). The median CP ratio of patients with NASH was significantly lower than those with NAFL [1.15 (1.01–1.41) vs. 1.33 (1.24–1.54), p = 0.001]. A novel model which consists of the CP ratio, BMI, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was developed. The AUCs of the model in discriminating NASH from NAFLD was 0.796 (0.694–0.899) and 0.849 (0.713–0.984) in the training and validation groups, and 0.836 (0.659–1.000), 0.833 (0.705–0.962), and 0.821 (0.612–1.000) in patients with normal serum alanine aminotransferase, AST, and both levels, respectively.

Conclusions

Decreased CP ratio is associated with more severe histological activity, a diagnosis of NASH, and hepatic iron deposition among patients with NAFLD without T2DM. The CP ratio model could be served as a non-invasive approach to identifying patients with NASH, which might reduce the need for liver biopsy.

The (Bio)Chemistry of Non-Transferrin-Bound Iron

In healthy individuals, virtually all blood plasma iron is bound by transferrin. However, in several diseases and clinical conditions, hazardous non-transferrin-bound iron (NTBI) species occur. NTBI represents a potentially toxic iron form, being a direct cause of oxidative stress in the circulating compartment and tissue iron loading. The accumulation of these species can cause cellular damage in several organs, namely, the liver, spleen, and heart. Despite its pathophysiological relevance, the chemical nature of NTBI remains elusive. This has precluded its use as a clinical biochemical marker and the development of targeted therapies. Herein, we make a critical assessment of the current knowledge of NTBI speciation. The currently accepted hypotheses suggest that NTBI is mostly iron bound to citric acid and iron bound to serum albumin, but the chemistry of this system remains fuzzy. We explore the complex chemistry of iron complexation by citric acid and its implications towards NTBI reactivity. Further, the ability of albumin to bind iron is revised and the role of protein post-translational modifications on iron binding is discussed. The characterization of the NTBI species structure may be the starting point for the development of a standardized analytical assay, the better understanding of these species’ reactivity or the identification of NTBI uptake mechanisms by different cell types, and finally, to the development of new therapies.

Do glutathione and copper interact to modify Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis?

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder first described in 1906 that is currently estimated to impact ∼40 million people worldwide. Extensive research activities have led to a wealth of information on the pathogenesis, hallmarks, and risk factors of AD; however, therapeutic options remain extremely limited. The large number of pathogenic factors that have been reported to potentially contribute to AD include copper dyshomeostasis as well as increased oxidative stress, which is related to alterations to molecular antioxidants like glutathione (GSH). While the individual roles of GSH and copper in AD have been studied by many research groups, their interactions have received relatively little attention, although they appear to interact and affect each other's regulation. Existing knowledge on how GSH-copper interactions may affect AD is sparse and lacks focus. This review first highlights the most relevant individual roles that GSH and copper play in physiology and AD, and then collects and assesses research concerning their interactions, in an effort to provide a more accessible and understandable picture of the role of GSH, copper, and their interactions in AD.

The Ferroxidase Hephaestin in Lung Cancer: Pathological Significance and Prognostic Value

Hephaestin (HEPH) belongs to a group of exocytoplasmic ferroxidases which contribute to cellular iron homeostasis by favouring its export. Down-regulation of HEPH expression, possibly by stimulating cell proliferation due to an increase in iron availability, has shown to correlate with poor survival in breast cancer. The lung is particularly sensitive to iron-induced oxidative stress, given the high oxygen tension present, however, HEPH distribution in lung cancer and its influence on prognosis have not been investigated yet. In this study we explored the prognostic value of HEPH and its expression pattern in the most prevalent histotypes of lung cancers, namely lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma. In silico analyses, based on UALCAN, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and Kaplan–Meier plotter bioinformatics, revealed a significant correlation between higher levels of HEPH expression and favorable prognosis, in both cancer histotypes. Moreover, TIMER web platform showed a statistically significant association between HEPH expression and cell elements belonging to the tumor microenvironment identified as endothelial cells and a subpopulation of cancer-associated fibroblasts, further confirmed by double immunohistochemical labeling with cell type specific markers. Taken together, these data shed a light on the complex mechanisms of local iron handling lung cancer can exploit to support tumorigenesis.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Oxidative Stress in Cannabis Dependence

INTRODUCTION

Neurotrophin levels and oxidative stress markers such as ceruloplasmin and free thiols have been shown to contribute to pathophysiology in several psychiatric disorders.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim is to evaluate whether those markers are altered in cannabis dependence.

METHODS

Forty-five cannabis-dependent patients diagnosed according to the DSM-IV criteria and 45 healthy controls matched according to sex, age, BMI, and smoking status were enrolled. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ceruloplasmin, lipid hydroperoxide, and total free thiols were measured in both groups. Those who had psychiatric comorbidities were excluded before sampling.

RESULTS

We found significantly increased BDNF, ceruloplasmin, and lipid hydroperoxide, and decreased free thiol levels in patients with cannabis dependence. There is also a positive correlation between BDNF and lipid hydroperoxide (n = r = 0.472, p < 0.001) and a negative correlation between BDNF and total thiols (n = r = -0.412, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased BDNF might be a sign of impaired neuronal plasticity that is crucial for memory formation and adaptive response to drug addiction. Neuronal plasticity in the ventral tegmental area dopaminergic neurons was implied to play a role in substance addiction disorders, and these adaptations can be secondary to oxidative stress. Our findings, including increased lipid hydroperoxide, ceruloplasmin, and decreased free thiols, might support this hypothesis. In conclusion, cannabis dependency alters BDNF levels and increases oxidative stress.

Role of a Tyrosine Radical in Human Ceruloplasmin Catalysis

Multicopper oxidases (MCOs) are a large family of diverse enzymes found in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes that couple one-electron oxidations of various substrates to the four-electron reduction of O₂ to H₂O, functioning through a set of metallocofactors consisting of one type 1 copper (T1 Cu) and one trinuclear copper cluster (TNC). Human serum ceruloplasmin (Cp) is a unique member of MCOs composed of six cupredoxin domains and harbors six Cu ions arranged as three T1 Cu and one TNC. The native substrate of Cp is Fe²⁺. It is an essential ferroxidase critical for iron homeostasis and is closely associated with metal-mediated diseases and metal neurotoxicity. In human serum, Cp operates under substrate-limiting low [Fe²⁺] but high [O₂] conditions, implying the possible involvement of partially reduced intermediates in Cp catalysis. In this work, we studied for the first time Cp reactivities at defined partially reduced states and discovered a tyrosine radical weakly magnetically coupled to the native intermediate (NI) of the TNC via a hydrogen bond. Our results lead to a new hypothesis that human iron transport is regulated as the paired transfer of iron from ferroportin to Cp to transferrin, and the tyrosine residue in Cp acts as a gate to avoid reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation when Fe²⁺ delivery is dysregulated.

Acute phase protein expressions in secretory and cistern lining epithelium tissues of the dairy cattle mammary gland during chronic mastitis caused by staphylococci

Background

Mastitis is the most common disease in dairy cattle and the costliest for the dairy farming industry, as it lowers milk yield and quality. Mastitis occurs as a result of interactions between microorganisms and the individual genetic predispositions of each animal. Thus, it is important to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these interactions. Elucidating the immune response mechanisms can determine which genetic background makes an animal highly resistant to mastitis. We analyzed the innate immune responses of dairy cows naturally infected with coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS; N = 8) or coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS; N = 7), causing persistent mastitis (after several failed treatments) vs. infection-free (i.e., healthy [H]; N = 8) dairy cows. The expressions of the acute phase protein genes serum amyloid A3 (SAA3), haptoglobin (HP), ceruloplasmin (CP) genes in the tissues most exposed to pathogens— mammary gland cistern lining epithelial cells (CLECs) and mammary epithelial cells (MECs)—were analyzed.

Results

We found constitutive and extrahepatic expressions of the studied genes in both tissue types. HP expression in the MECs of the CoPS-infected group was higher than in the H group (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, higher SAA3 expression in the CoPS and CoNS groups than in the H group (p = 0.06 and 0.08, respectively) was found. No differences between SAA3 and HP in CLECs were revealed, regardless of the pathogen type. However, higher expression of CP (p ≤ 0.05) in the CoPS group than in the H group was noted.

Conclusions

The expressions of selected acute phase proteins were similar between CLECs and MECs, which means that CLECs are not only a mechanical barrier but are also responsible for the biological immune response. Our findings agree with the results of other authors describing the immunological response of MECs during chronic mastitis, but the results for CLECs are novel.

Genetic Disorders Associated with Metal Metabolism

Genetic disorders associated with metal metabolism form a large group of disorders and mostly result from defects in the proteins/enzymes involved in nutrient metabolism and energy production. These defects can affect different metabolic pathways and cause mild to severe disorders related to metal metabolism. Some disorders have moderate to severe clinical consequences. In severe cases, these elements accumulate in different tissues and organs, particularly the brain. As they are toxic and interfere with normal biological functions, the severity of the disorder increases. However, the human body requires a very small amount of these elements, and a deficiency of or increase in these elements can cause different genetic disorders to occur. Some of the metals discussed in the present review are copper, iron, manganese, zinc, and selenium. These elements may play a key role in the pathology and physiology of the nervous system.

Serum Proteomic Analysis Reveals Vitamin D-Binding Protein (VDBP) as a Potential Biomarker for Low Bone Mineral Density in Mexican Postmenopausal Women

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease mainly affecting women over 50 years old and it represents a serious public health problem because of the high socioeconomic burden. This disease is characterized by deterioration of bone microarchitecture, low bone mineral density (BMD), and increased risk of fragility fractures. This study aimed to identify serum useful proteins as biomarkers for the diagnosis and/or prognosis of osteoporosis and fracture risk. We collected 446 serum samples from postmenopausal women aged ≥45 years old. Based on the BMD measurement, we classified the participants into three groups: osteoporotic, osteopenic, and normal. In an initial discovery stage, we conducted a proteomic approach using two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE). The peptides into the spots of interest were identified through matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF/TOF). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to validate the proteins of interest. We identified 27 spots of interest when comparing low BMD versus normal BMD postmenopausal women. Based on their relevance in bone metabolism, we analyzed three proteins: ceruloplasmin (CP), gelsolin (GSN), and vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP). Our results demonstrated that low serum VDBP levels correlate with low BMD (osteopenic and osteoporotic). Therefore, VDBP could be considered as a novel, potential, and non-invasive biomarker for the early detection of osteoporosis.

Influence of Obesity on Serum Concentrations of Acute-Phase Proteins in Horses

Obesity in human and veterinary medicine is one of the most complex challenges within emerging diseases in the context of health. The problem of obesity in horses results in severe comorbidities; therefore, acute-phase proteins should be investigated for fluctuations increasing or decreasing by at least 25% in response to inflammation; these are candidates for future biomarkers and might provide new perspectives on early diagnosis and prognosis. Serum samples were analyzed in nine healthy animals (C) and nine obese animals (O). The proteins were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the concentrations determined by computerized densitometry; matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry/TOF mass spectrometry was performed to identify the proteins, and the results obtained were compared to the Equidae and Metazoa taxon protein database deposited in UNIPROT using the MASCOT application. Three proteins presented a difference between the groups; ceruloplasmin (Cp), α₁-antitrypsin (α₁-antitryp), and haptoglobin (Hp). The behavior of the Cp and Hp proteins was compatible with the available literature for obesity in other species. The α₁-antitryp protein was positively correlated with leptin, demonstrating the need for further investigations. The initial study of these proteins was important due to the lack of information available on the influence of obesity on inflammatory biomarkers in horses in Brazil; therefore, we sought to verify a possible association between overweight and changes in the studied variables.

Does Ceruloplasmin Defend Against Neurodegenerative Diseases?

Ceruloplasmin (CP) is the major copper transport protein in plasma, mainly produced by the liver. Glyco-sylphosphatidylinositol-linked CP (GPI-CP) is the predominant form expressed in astrocytes of the brain. A growing body of evidence has demonstrated that CP is an essential protein in the body with multiple functions such as regulating the home-ostasis of copper and iron ions, ferroxidase activity, oxidizing organic amines, and preventing the formation of free radicals. In addition, as an acute-phase protein, CP is induced during inflammation and infection. The fact that patients with genetic disorder aceruloplasminemia do not suffer from tissue copper deficiency, but rather from disruptions in iron metabolism shows essential roles of CP in iron metabolism rather than copper. Furthermore, abnormal metabolism of metal ions and ox-idative stress are found in other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Wilson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Brain iron accumulation and decreased activity of CP have been shown to be associated with neurodegeneration. We hypothesize that CP may play a protective role in neurodegenerative diseases. However, whether iron accumulation is a cause or a result of neurodegeneration remains unclear. Further research on molecular mechanisms is required before a con-sensus can be reached regarding a neuroprotective role for CP in neurodegeneration. This review article summarizes the main physiological functions of CP and the current knowledge of its role in neurodegenerative diseases.

Data-independent acquisition of the proteomics of spleens from chickens infected by avian leukosis virus

Immunosuppression caused by avian leukemia virus J subgroup (ALV-J) infection includes atrophy or regeneration disorders of the lymphoid organs, decreased immune response, and termination of B lymphocyte maturation process and inhibition of T-lymphocyte development. The regulatory mechanism of the related resistance genes and protein expression is not clear. While searching for a molecular marker for the immune response to ALV-J infection, we detected differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) of spleens from chicken infected by ALV-J at 15th day and 30th day by the data-independent acquisition technique. Approximately 220 DEPs from the spleens of chickens infected by ALV-J were detected. To find a relatively stable biomarker molecule, we summarized the DEPs at two timepoints and selected activating signal cointegrator 1 complex subunit 3 (ASCC3), TBC1 domain family member 2 (TBC1D2), MHC class II beta chain 1 (BLB2), ensconsin (MAP7), complement component 1 Q subcomponent B chain (C1QB), and Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) from both comparisons for protein interaction network analysis. ASCC3, BLB2, C1QB, and FSTL1 were potential biomarkers for the complex infection mechanism of ALV-J and the dynamic immune mechanism of the body.

Chloride Control of the Mechanism of Human Serum Ceruloplasmin (Cp) Catalysis

Unraveling the mechanism of ceruloplasmin (Cp) is fundamentally important toward understanding the pathogenesis of metal-mediated diseases and metal neurotoxicity. Here we report that Cl^-, the most abundant anion in blood plasma, is a key component of Cp catalysis. Based on detailed spectroscopic analyses, Cl^- preferentially interacts with the partially reduced trinuclear Cu cluster (TNC) in Cp under physiological conditions and shifts the electron equilibrium distribution among the two redox active type 1 (T1) Cu sites and the TNC. This shift in potential enables the intramolecular electron transfer (IET) from the T1 Cu to the native intermediate (NI) and accelerates the IET from the T1 Cu to the TNC, resulting in faster turnover in Cp catalysis.

Thiol/Disulphide Homeostasis, Ischemia Modified Albumin, and Ferroxidase as Oxidative Stress Markers in Women with Obesity with Insulin Resistance

Background

The purpose of the study was to determine oxidative stress-related plasma thiol/disulphide, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels and ferroxidase activity among women with obesity in insulin-resistant and non-insulin-resistant groups in comparison with an overweight group.

Methods

We compared plasma thiol/disulphide, IMA levels, and ferroxidase activity between the study groups. We analyzed plasma thiol/disulphide homeostasis with a newly developed automated measurement method; IMA with Albumin Cobalt Binding Test and ferroxidase (ceruloplasmin) levels with an automated, colourimetric method.

Results

There were no significant differences between insulin-resistant and non-insulin-resistant women with obesity in terms of plasma native thiol, total thiol, disulphide, disulphide/native thiol ratio, disulphide/total thiol or native thiol/total thiol values. Ferroxidase activity was higher in insulin-resistant than in non-insulin-resistant women with obesity and higher in the total women with obesity group than in the overweight subjects (p<0.001, and p=0.014, respectively). IMA was lower in the insulin-resistant group than in the non-insulin-resistant group and overweight groups (p=0.011, and p=0.042, respectively).

Conclusions

The significantly greater increase in ferroxidase activity in insulin-resistant subjects with obesity may reflect its role as a positive acute phase protein. These findings may be related to the pathogenesis of the disease. Changes in oxidative status occur in women with obesity, and partially in overweight subjects. The ferroxidase activity of ceruloplasmin plays a crucial role in iron homeostasis and lowers oxidative stress by reducing the detrimental effects of iron.

Switching on Endogenous Metal Binding Proteins in Parkinson's Disease

The formation of cytotoxic intracellular protein aggregates is a pathological signature of multiple neurodegenerative diseases. The principle aggregating protein in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and atypical Parkinson’s diseases is α-synuclein (α-syn), which occurs in neural cytoplasmic inclusions. Several factors have been found to trigger α-syn aggregation, including raised calcium, iron, and copper. Transcriptional inducers have been explored to upregulate expression of endogenous metal-binding proteins as a potential neuroprotective strategy. The vitamin-D analogue, calcipotriol, induced increased expression of the neuronal vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein, calbindin-D28k, and this significantly decreased the occurrence of α-syn aggregates in cells with transiently raised intracellular free Ca, thereby increasing viability. More recently, the induction of endogenous expression of the Zn and Cu binding protein, metallothionein, by the glucocorticoid analogue, dexamethasone, gave a specific reduction in Cu-dependent α-syn aggregates. Fe accumulation has long been associated with PD. Intracellularly, Fe is regulated by interactions between the Fe storage protein ferritin and Fe transporters, such as poly(C)-binding protein 1. Analysis of the transcriptional regulation of Fe binding proteins may reveal potential inducers that could modulate Fe homoeostasis in disease. The current review highlights recent studies that suggest that transcriptional inducers may have potential as novel mechanism-based drugs against metal overload in PD.

Association between plasma concentration of copper and gestational diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Emerging findings have raised concerns about significant associations between excessive copper (Cu) and abnormal glucose metabolism. Nevertheless, related researches on the relationship of Cu concentration and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are limited. The objective of this study was to determine whether plasma Cu concentration is associated with GDM.

METHODS

A case-control study of 248 cases of GDM and 248 age-, parity- and gestational age-matched controls was conducted in Wuhan, China between August 2012 and April 2015. Fasting blood samples of participants were collected at the time of GDM screening (≥24 weeks of gestation). Plasma Cu concentrations were detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The strength of the association of plasma Cu with GDM odds was evaluated by odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from conditional logistic regression. Partial Spearman or Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to estimate the interrelationship between plasma Cu and the risk factors of GDM.

RESULTS

Plasma Cu concentrations in the GDM group (mean ± SD: 1960.24 ± 391.98 μg/L) were higher than in the control group (mean ± SD: 1842.43 ± 387.09 μg/L) (P = 0.001). After adjustment for possible confounders, the ORs (95% CIs) of GDM across increasing quartiles of plasma Cu levels were 1.00 (referent), 1.79 (0.90-3.55), 2.72 (1.35-5.48) and 2.91 (1.48-5.75), respectively; the OR (95% CI) of GDM was 1.33 (1.06-1.67) for each standard deviation increment of plasma Cu. Moreover, Cu concentrations were positively associated with fasting plasma glucose, 1-h post-glucose load and 2-h post-glucose load (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicated a significantly increased odds of GDM in association with higher concentrations of plasma Cu. Prospective cohort studies in other populations are needed to confirm our findings.

Assessment of the State of the Natural Antioxidant Barrier of a Body in Patients Complaining about the Presence of Tinnitus

Background

Tinnitus is defined as a phantom auditory perception, i.e., sound experience despite the lack of acoustic stimuli in the environment. The aim of this study was to assess the state of the natural antioxidant barrier of a body in patients complaining about the presence of tinnitus.

Material and Methods

The study included a total of 51 patients aged from 20 to 62 years with diagnosed idiopathic tinnitus and 19 healthy subjects as a control group. All patients underwent the audiometric tone test, speech audiometry, distortion otoacoustic emission product testing, study of evoked auditory potentials of short latency, and biochemical analysis of venous blood concerning values of activity or concentration of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, S-transferase, glutathione reductase superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and ceruloplasmin as the selected parameters of oxidative stress.

Results

Disorders of the auditory pathway were not only limited to the cochlea but also covered its further episodes. Mean values of activity or concentration of the selected parameters of oxidative stress in the study and control groups showed reduced effectiveness of the body's natural antioxidant barrier.

Discussion

Patients complaining about the presence of tinnitus showed reduced effectiveness of the body's natural antioxidant barrier compared to the control group.

Conclusions

The main indication to undertake further research on the functioning of the antioxidant barrier in people suffering from ailments in the form of tinnitus is to determine a suitable therapy aimed at improving the quality of life of these patients, which might be the administration of antioxidant medications.

Integrated Proteome and Cytokine Profiles Reveal Ceruloplasmin Eliciting Liver Allograft Tolerance via Antioxidant Cascades

Acute rejection (AR) and spontaneous tolerance may occur after allograft orthotopic liver transplants (OLT) performed in certain combinations of donor and recipient rat strains, yet the underlying molecular cascades involved in these conditions remain poorly understood. Comprehensive analysis with proteomic tools revealed that ceruloplasmin was highly expressed during the tolerant period on day 63 post-OLT (POD 63) compared to the rejected samples on POD 14. Meanwhile, cytokine expression profiles implied that the inflammation was significantly stimulated in the AR subjects. Again, protein carbonylation was dramatically upregulated in the rejected subject within the tolerant group. Knockdown of ceruloplasmin would elicit more severe ROS damage, leading to cell death in the presence of H₂O₂, which induced Nrf2 cascade and the recovery of ceruloplasmin to mediate spontaneous tolerance. In summary, ceruloplasmin may contribute to amending the oxidative stress that eventually causes cell apoptosis and to maintaining the survival of hepatocytes in a drug-free tolerance OLT model.

Acute Phase Protein Levels as An Auxiliary Tool in Diagnosing Viral Diseases in Ruminants-A Review

We examined acute phase protein (APP) concentrations in viral infections of dairy ruminants and assessed the potential role of characteristic patterns of APP changes in auxiliary diagnosing viral diseases. All viruses reviewed are common causes of farm animal diseases. APPs are among the first agents of immunity, and their concentrations could be diagnostically relevant. In the most common ruminant viral diseases, elevated serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp) levels in blood serum have been observed. However, since these proteins are the main APPs in many viral infections, it is impossible to use their levels for diagnosing particular infections. Decreased Cp and albumin expression could help differentiate the bluetongue virus infection from other diseases. Lastly, analysis of SAA levels in blood serum and milk could be helpful in diagnosing small ruminant lentivirus infection. While promising, APP levels can only be considered as an auxiliary tool in diagnosing viral diseases in ruminants.

Copper and ceruloplasmin dyshomeostasis in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of multiple sclerosis subjects

Although many studies have been carried out in order to understand the implication of copper (Cu) in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS), the exact role that this metal plays in the disease is not still clear. Because of the lack of information in this subject, the present study compared the serum and cerebrospinal (CSF) levels of copper in MS patients in respect to a control group, matched for age and sex, finding a significant increase of metal concentrations, in both biological fluids of MS subjects. To confirm the possible impairment of Cu metabolism, we analyzed ceruloplasmin (Cp) level and activity, seeing as this protein is an established peripheral marker in diseases associated with Cu imbalance. By comparing these two parameters between control and MS subjects, we found an increase of Cp levels, associated with a decrease in Cp activity, in the second group. By analysing these data, free copper levels were calculated, significantly increased in serum of MS subjects; the increase in free copper could be one of the predisposing factors responsible for the Cu altered levels in CSF of MS patients. At the same time, this alteration could be attributable to the inability to incorporate Cu by Cp, probably due to the high oxidative environment found in serum of MS patients. Overall, all these copper alterations may play a role in MS pathogenesis.

The influence of radiotherapy on ceruloplasmin and transferrin in whole blood of breast cancer patients

Ceruloplasmin and transferrin are proteins which play a potential role in the process of breast cancer development. These molecules contain Cu2+ (ceruloplasmin) or Fe3+ ions (transferrin) and thus constitute paramagnetic centers, which can be studied using electron paramagnetic resonance method. The aim of the study was to determine how paramagnetic centers in whole blood of breast cancer patients change under the influence of radiation therapy. Samples of whole blood were taken from 17 women with breast cancer treated with radiotherapy. The measurements were carried out at 170 K using X-band electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer Bruker EMX-10. Two distinct EPR lines, derived from high-spin Fe3+ in transferrin and Cu2+ from ceruloplasmin, were revealed in all frozen samples. The amplitude and integrated intensity of the EPR signal from Cu2+ in ceruloplasmin significantly decreased in all patients after the delivery of the radiation fraction. When comparing the integral intensity of the signal from Fe3+ in transferrin, three different situations were identified which are patient specific: a significant increase, an insignificant change, or a significant decrease after the irradiation. A decreased level of Cu2+ from ceruloplasmin in patients after radiotherapy means a low level of ceruloplasmin in the plasma or an increased content of reduced Cu+ ions. Differences in the integrated intensity of the EPR signal from transferrin translate directly into the amount of bound iron. The observed changes could indicate how well the organism fights against cancer and how easily it adapts to the situation of biochemical stress.

Gprc5a-knockout mouse lung epithelial cells predicts ceruloplasmin, lipocalin 2 and periostin as potential biomarkers at early stages of lung tumorigenesis

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death. As most of lung cancer patients were diagnosed with the advanced stage, early detection is considered as the most effective strategy to reduce high mortality. Thus, it is desirable to identify specific biomarkers at early stages of lung tumorigenesis. GPRC5A is a lung tumor suppressor gene. GPRC5A deficiency is linked to lung cancer development. We hyposthesized that, dysregulated gene expression that results from Gprc5a deficiency may provide potential biomarkers at early stages of lung tumorigenesis. By analysis of top 20 upregulated genes in mouse tracheal epithelial cells (MTEC) of Gprc5a knockout (KO) vs wild-type (WT), we found that ceruloplasmin, lipocalin-2, and periostin are not only upregulated in lung epithelial cells of Gprc5a-ko mice, but also expressed at high levels in lung tumor tissues of Gprc5a-ko mice. This suggests that increased expression of these genes is associated with lung tumorigenesis. Importantly, expression of ceruloplasmin, lipocalin-2, and periostin has also been found to be significantly increased, both at mRNA and protein levels, in the lung tissues from NSCLC patients, which is correlated with repressed GPRC5A. Thus, dysregulated ceruloplasmin, lipocalin-2, and periostin may be used as potential biomarkers at early stages of lung tumorigenesis.

3-Hydroxykynurenine and 3-Hydroxyanthranilic Acid Enhance the Toxicity Induced by Copper in Rat Astrocyte Culture

Copper is an integral component of various enzymes, necessary for mitochondrial respiration and other biological functions. Excess copper is related with neurodegenerative diseases as Alzheimer and is able to modify cellular redox environment, influencing its functions, signaling, and catabolic pathways. Tryptophan degradation through kynurenine pathway produces some metabolites with redox properties as 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) and 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3-HANA). The imbalance in their production is related with some neuropathologies, where the common factors are oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death. This study evaluated the effect of these kynurenines on the copper toxicity in astrocyte cultures. It assessed the CuSO₄ effect, alone and in combination with 3-HK or 3-HANA on MTT reduction, ROS production, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), GHS levels, and cell viability in primary cultured astrocytes. Also, the chelating copper effect of 3-HK and 3-HANA was evaluated. The results showed that CuSO4 decreased MTT reduction, MMP, and GSH levels while ROS production and cell death are increasing. Coincubation with 3-HK and 3-HANA enhances the toxic effect of copper in all the markers tested except in ROS production, which was abolished by these kynurenines. Data suggest that 3-HK and 3-HANA increased copper toxicity in an independent manner to ROS production.

Interaction of silver nanoparticles with metallothionein and ceruloplasmin: impact on metal substitution by Ag(i), corona formation and enzymatic activity

The release of Ag(i) from silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) unintentionally spread in the environment is suspected to impair some key biological functions. In comparison with AgNO₃, in-depth investigations were carried out into the interactions between citrate-coated AgNPs (20 nm) and two metalloproteins, intracellular metallothionein 1 (MT1) and plasmatic ceruloplasmin (Cp), both involved in metal homeostasis. These were chosen for their physiological relevance and the diversity of their various native metals bound because of thiol groups and/or their structural differences. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV-vis and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopies were used to study the effects of such intricate interactions on AgNP dissolution and proteins in terms of metal exchanges and structural modifications. The isolation of the different populations formed together with on-line quantifications of their metal content were performed by asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) linked to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). For the 2 proteins, Ag(i) dissolved from the AgNPs, substituted for the native metal, to different extents and with different types of dynamics for the corona formed: the MT1 rapidly surrounded the AgNPs with the transient reticulate corona thus promoting their dissolution associated with the metal substitution, whereas the Cp established a more stable layer around the AgNPs, with a limited substitution of Cu and a decrease in its ferroxidase activity. The accessibility and lability of the metal binding sites inside these proteins and their relative affinities for Ag(i) are discussed, taking into account the structural characteristics of the proteins.

The role of subcutaneous adipose tissue in supporting the copper balance in rats with a chronic deficiency in holo-ceruloplasmin

We have previously shown that (1) an acute deficiency in blood serum holo-ceruloplasmin (Cp) developed in rats that were fed fodder containing silver ions (Ag-fodder) for one month and (2) the deficiency in holo-Cp was compensated by non-hepatic holo-Cp synthesis in rats that were chronically fed Ag-fodder for 6 months (Ag-rats). The purpose of the present study is to identify the organ(s) that compensate for the hepatic holo-Cp deficiency in the circulation. This study was performed on rats that were fed Ag-fodder (40 mg Ag·kg^-1 body mass daily) for 6 months. The relative expression levels of the genes responsible for copper status were measured by RT-PCR. The in vitro synthesis and secretion of [¹⁴C]Cp were analyzed using a metabolic labeling approach. Oxidase activity was determined using a gel assay with o-dianisidine. Copper status and some hematological indexes were measured. Differential centrifugation, immunoblotting, immunoelectrophoresis, and atomic absorption spectrometry were included in the investigation. In the Ag-rats, silver accumulation was tissue-specific. Skeletal muscles and internal (IAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissues did not accumulate silver significantly. In SAT, the mRNAs for the soluble and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored ceruloplasmin isoforms were expressed, and their relative levels were increased two-fold in the Ag-rats. In parallel, the levels of the genes responsible for Cp metallation (Ctr1 and Atp7a/b) increased correspondingly. In the SAT of the Ag-rats, Cp oxidase activity was observed in the Golgi complex and plasma membrane. Moreover, full-length [¹⁴C]Cp polypeptides were released into the medium by slices of SAT. The possibilities that SAT is part of a system that controls the copper balance in mammals, and it plays a significant role in supporting copper homeostasis throughout the body are discussed.

Copper chelation and interleukin-6 proinflammatory cytokine effects on expression of different proteins involved in iron metabolism in HepG2 cell line

Background

In vertebrates, there is an intimate relationship between copper and iron homeostasis. Copper deficiency, which leads to a defect in ceruloplasmin enzymatic activity, has a strong effect on iron homeostasis resulting in cellular iron retention. Much is known about the mechanisms underlying cellular iron retention under “normal” conditions, however, less is known about the effect of copper deficiency during inflammation.

Results

We show that copper deficiency and the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 have different effects on the expression of proteins involved in iron and copper metabolism such as the soluble and glycosylphosphtidylinositol anchored forms of ceruloplasmin, hepcidin, ferroportin1, transferrin receptor1, divalent metal transporter1 and H-ferritin subunit. We demonstrate, using the human HepG2 cell line, that in addition to ceruloplasmin isoforms, copper deficiency affects other proteins, some posttranslationally and some at the transcriptional level. The addition of interleukin-6, moreover, has different effects on expression of ferroportin1 and ceruloplasmin, in which ferroportin1 is decreased while ceruloplasmin is increased. These effects are stronger when a copper chelating agent and IL-6 are used simultaneously.

Conclusions

These results suggest that copper chelation has effects not only on ceruloplasmin but also on other proteins involved in iron metabolism, sometimes at the mRNA level and, in inflammatory conditions, the functions of ferroportin and ceruloplasmin may be independent.

Neurotoxicity of Copper

Copper is an essential trace metal that is required for several important biological processes, however, an excess of copper can be toxic to cells. Therefore, systemic and cellular copper homeostasis is tightly regulated, but dysregulation of copper homeostasis may occur in disease states, resulting either in copper deficiency or copper overload and toxicity. This chapter will give an overview on the biological roles of copper and of the mechanisms involved in copper uptake, storage, and distribution. In addition, we will describe potential mechanisms of the cellular toxicity of copper and copper oxide nanoparticles. Finally, we will summarize the current knowledge on the connection of copper toxicity with neurodegenerative diseases.

Effect of T-2 toxin-contaminated diet on common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

The T-2 toxin, a fungal metabolite produced by Fusarium molds, occurs in a range of agriculture products. Reduced availability of fish meal has led to increasing use of cereals as a source of protein in commercial aquaculture feeds, which has increased the potential for mycotoxin contamination. The purpose of this study was to investigate toxicity of T-2 toxin intake in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) using haematological, biochemical and immunological parameters and oxidative stress indices. In a four-week feeding trial, fish were fed a commercial diet with 5.3 mg/kg T-2 toxin added. Ingestion of contaminated diet did not lead to mortality of fish, probably due to lower feed intake. On the other hand, it significantly affected haematological variables such as haematocrit, haemoglobin, red blood cell counts leading to anemia and white blood cell counts leading to leukopenia due to lymphopenia. Plasma glucose concentration and alanine amino transferase activity showed a significant increase while triglycerides concentration decreased. Activity of ceruloplasmin was significantly decreased in plasma. Further, liver glutathione S-transferase activity was significantly increased and catalase activity decreased, in parallel with a significant increase in caudal kidney catalase activity and a decrease in glutathione peroxidase activity. Finally, lipid peroxidation (detected as malondialdehyde) was significantly increased in the liver and caudal kidney. Changes in non-specific immune response and cytokine levels in head kidney indicated immune system sensitivity to T-2 toxin. Overall, the results demonstrate that this feed-borne mycotoxin is able to induce anaemia and oxidative stress and cause changes in the immune response of common carp.

New silver nanoparticles induce apoptosis-like process in E. coli and interfere with mammalian copper metabolism

Silver nanoparticles (SNPs) are new functional materials that are widely used in biomedical and industrial technologies. Two main features that make SNPs valuable are their strong antibacterial effects and low toxicity to eukaryotes. In this study, SNPs were synthesized using a modified method of reducing the metal ions to their atomic state followed by crystallization. SNPs were characterized by UV/vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The SNPs were spherically shaped with an average linear dimension of 20 nm. In aqueous solution, the SNPs were beige-yellow in color, and they formed a black color in bacteria-rich growth media. The toxicity and bioavailability of the SNPs were tested using Escherichia coli cells and C57Bl/6 mice. Although the SNPs displayed bactericidal activity, an E. coli cell strain transformed with an expression plasmid carrying a human CTR1 ectodomain with three motives that bind Cu(II), Cu(I), and Ag(I) demonstrated increased resistance to treatment with SNPs. TEM showed that the SNPs were absorbed by the E. coli cell, and flow cytometry showed that the SNPs induced apoptosis-like death. In mice treated with SNPs (daily intraperitoneal injection of 10 μg SNPs/g body weight over 4 days), the ceruloplasmin (Cp) oxidase activity in the blood serum decreased. However, level of Cp gene expression, the relative contents of the Cp protein in the Golgi complex and in the serum did not change. Treatment with SNPs did not influence the activity of superoxide dismutase 1 in the liver and had no apparent toxic effects in mice. These findings expand the scope of application for the use of new SNPs. The data are discussed in a paradigm, in which the effects of SNPs are caused by the interference of silver ions with copper metabolism.

Oxidative stress and angiogenesis in primary hyperparathyroidism

Background

The inappropriate elevation of parathormone (PTH), which regulates the process of angiogenesis in parathyroid tissue, causes the changes of activity of enzymes responsible for the removal of free radicals. Parathyroidectomy (PTX) in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) lowers the level of PTH and leads to the reduction of risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality by normalization of the antioxidant status. Therefore, the aims of the study were to assess the activity of antioxidant enzymes and free radical reaction products in patients after parathyroidectomy, and to evaluate the correlation between the systemic oxidative stress and angiogenic parameters.

Materials and methods

Patients with PHPT treated surgically were enrolled into the study. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidative status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ceruloplasmin (CER), lipid hydroperoxides (LHP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured before and after parathyroidectomy. The immunohistological expression of angiogenic factors in parathyroid specimens was assessed by the BrightVision method from ImmunoLogic using murine monoclonal anti-human: anti-VEGF, anti-CD31 and anti-CD106 antibodies.

Results

The significant increase of TAC, CER, reduction of TOS, MDA, SOD, especially for cytoplasmic form, and significant decrease of OSI, LHP were observed after PTX. There was no significant correlation between changes of oxidative stress markers and angiogenic parameters: VEGF, CD-31, CD-106 in parathyroid tissue. The correlation level was low and medium.

Conclusions

Parathyroidectomy causes down-regulation of lipid peroxidation processes and leads to reduction of oxidative stress in patients with PHPT. The decrease in the OSI is the results of down-regulation of oxidative stress in the postoperative period. The change of the antioxidant status has no impact on angiogenesis processes in parathyroid tissue.

Circulating biomarkers of oxidative stress in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive condition characterized by airflow limitation associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles and gases, caused primarily by cigarette smoking. Increased oxidative burden plays an important role in the pathogenesis of COPD. There is a delicate balance between the toxicity of oxidants and the protective function of the intracellular and extracellular antioxidant defense systems, which is critically important for the maintenance of normal pulmonary functions. Several biomarkers of oxidative stress are available and have been evaluated in COPD. In this review, we summarize the main literature findings about circulating oxidative stress biomarkers, grouped according to their method of detection, measured in COPD subjects.

Impaired Thiol-Disulfide Balance in Acute Brucellosis

The objective of this study was to examine a novel profile: thiol-disulfide homeostasis in acute brucellosis. The study included 90 patients with acute brucellosis, and 27 healthy controls. Thiol-disulfide profile tests were analyzed by a recently developed method, and ceruloplasmin levels were determined. Native thiol levels were 256.72 ± 48.20 μmol/L in the acute brucellosis group and 461.13 ± 45.37 μmol/L in the healthy group, and total thiol levels were 298.58 ± 51.78 μmol/L in the acute brucellosis group and 504.83 ± 51.05 μmol/L in the healthy group (p < 0.001, for both). The disulfide/native thiol ratios and disulfide/total thiol ratios were significantly higher, and native thiol/total thiol ratios were significantly lower in patients with acute brucellosis than in the healthy controls (p < 0.001, for all ratios). There were either positive or negative relationships between ceruloplasmin levels and thiol-disulfide parameters. The thiol-disulfide homeostasis was impaired in acute brucellosis. The strong associations between thiol-disulfide parameters and a positive acute-phase reactant reflected the disruption of the balance between the antioxidant and oxidant systems. Since thiol groups act as anti-inflammatory mediators, the alteration in the thiol-disulfide homeostasis may be involved in brucellosis.

MEK and ERK Kinase Inhibitors Increase Circulating Ceruloplasmin and Cause Green Serum in Rats

Inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated (MAPK/ERK) pathway is an attractive therapeutic approach for human cancer therapy. In the course of evaluating structurally distinct small molecule inhibitors that target mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) and ERK kinases in this pathway, we observed an unusual, dose-related increase in the incidence of green serum in preclinical safety studies in rats. Having ruled out changes in bilirubin metabolism, we demonstrated a 2- to 3-fold increase in serum ceruloplasmin levels, likely accounting for the observed green color. This was not associated with an increase in α-2-macroglobulin, the major acute phase protein in rats, indicating that ceruloplasmin levels increased independently of an inflammatory response. Elevated serum ceruloplasmin was also not correlated with changes in total hepatic copper, adverse clinical signs, or pathology findings indicative of copper toxicity, therefore discounting copper overload as the etiology. Both ERK and MEK inhibitors led to increased ceruloplasmin secretion in rat primary hepatocyte cultures in vitro, and this increase was associated with activation of the Forkhead box, class O1 (FOXO1) transcription factor. In conclusion, increased serum ceruloplasmin induced by MEK and ERK inhibition is due to increased synthesis by hepatocytes from FOXO1 activation and results in the nonadverse development of green serum in rats.

Possible Effects of Copper and Ceruloplasmin Levels on Auditory Event Potentials in Boys with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

INTRODUCTION

The aims of the present study were to investigate the relationship between levels of plasma copper (Cu) and ceruloplasmin (Cp) and amplitudes and latencies of P1, N2, and P3 in the parietal and frontal areas of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as to compare these Cu levels and event-related potentials (ERPs) indices in controls.

METHODS

Boys (n=41) with ADHD were divided into two subgroups according to a median split of plasma Cu and Cp levels, separately. ERP indices from the parietal and frontal regions were recorded in children with ADHD and 24 normal boys (control group) using an auditory oddball paradigm.

RESULTS

Parietal P3 latency was significantly longer, and parietal P3 amplitude, frontal P3 amplitude, and frontal N2 amplitudes were smaller in children with ADHD than in controls (all p values <0.017). Parietal P1 and frontal P1 latencies were significantly shorter in the higher Cu group than in the lower Cu group (both p values <0.017). Decreased latency of parietal P1 was dependent on plasma levels of Cu (p<0.05). Frontal N2 and parietal N2 amplitudes were significantly lower in the ADHD group with lower Cp levels than in the ADHD group with higher Cp levels (both p values <0.017). Decreased frontal N2 and parietal N2 amplitudes were dependent on plasma levels of Cp (both p values <0.05).

CONCLUSION

Plasma Cu and Cp levels may have an effect on ERPs in ADHD, thus indicating the existence of effects on information processing. Cu levels may have a negative effect on the neuronal encoding of sound, whereas Cp levels may have a positive effect on the processes of cognitive control, conflict monitoring, and stimulus discrimination in children with ADHD.

The neurotoxicity of iron, copper and cobalt in Parkinson's disease through ROS-mediated mechanisms

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease with gradual loss of dopaminergic neurons. Despite extensive research in the past decades, the etiology of PD remains elusive. Nevertheless, multiple lines of evidence suggest that oxidative stress is one of the common causes in the pathogenesis of PD. It has also been suggested that heavy metal-associated oxidative stress may be implicated in the etiology and pathogenesis of PD. Here we review the roles of redox metals, including iron, copper and cobalt, in PD. Iron is a highly reactive element and deregulation of iron homeostasis is accompanied by concomitant oxidation processes in PD. Copper is a key metal in cell division process, and it has been shown to have an important role in neurodegenerative diseases such as PD. Cobalt induces the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage in brain tissues.

iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic analysis reveals potential early diagnostic markers of clear-cell Renal cell carcinoma

Early detection is the key to improve the prognosis of kidney cancer. This study profiled and identified differentially expressed serum proteins in stage T1a renal cell carcinoma (RCC) using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ)-based mass spectrometry. A total amount of 99 serum samples including 29 patients with ccRCC, 24 patients with a benign kidney mass, 28 patients with another type of urological tumor (20 cases of transitional cell carcinoma and 8 cases of prostate cancer or a male genital tumor), and 18 healthy controls were subjected to iTRAQ-based mass spectrometry. ProteinPilot software was used to identify the differentially expressed serum proteins in RCC compared to the other three populations. Hierarchical clustering analysis according to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) RCC database was then performed as the cross-platform validation. Immunohistochemistry was performed to verify the expression of selected proteins in tissue samples from these subjects. iTRAQ identified 27 differentially expressed serum proteins in the RCC patients, and 11 of these proteins were cross validated in RCC tissues from the TCGA database. The expression of C1QC, C1QB, S100A8, S100A9, ceruplasmin, and lumican was verified and associated with the tumor stage and/or grade. There were 27 differentially expressed proteins in early-stage RCC identified by iTRAQ; among them, the expression of C1QC, C1QB, S100A8, S100A9, ceruplasmin, and lumican were associated with the tumor stage and/or grade. Further studies are needed to confirm these data for their use as biomarkers for the early detection of RCC.

Systemic redox imbalance in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

CONTEXT

Increased oxidative burden is found in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association of ceruloplasmin, albumin, bilirubin, transferrin, thiols and malondialdehyde (MDA) with stable COPD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Oxidative stress markers measured in 106 COPD patients and 45 healthy subjects were evaluated.

RESULTS

Higher ceruloplasmin and MDA, and lower albumin, transferrin and thiols in COPD patients were found. Ceruloplasmin was the strongest single predictor of COPD. The model combining ceruloplasmin, albumin and thiols improved their individual diagnostic performances.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnostic characteristics of ceruloplasmin, albumin, transferrin, thiols and MDA suggest their potential value as additional tools in disease diagnosis.

Evaluation of oxidative stress markers and intra-extracellular antioxidant activities in patients with endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to evaluate alterations in intracellular and extracellular antioxidant enzymes activities and serum oxidative stress markers in patients with endometriosis.

STUDY DESIGN

The current prospective study consisted of 31 female patients with endometriosis and 27 healthy controls. Serum total thiol, native thiol, disulphide, catalase, myeloperoxidase, and ceruloplasmin concentrations were measured. Laboratory and clinical data of all participants were recorded to compare the differences between the study and the control groups.

RESULTS

Serum native thiol and total thiol levels in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group [(p=0.009, p=0.03, respectively)]. Serum catalase levels are significantly higher in patients with endometriosis comparing to the control group (p=0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

The finding that significant differences in serum total thiol, native thiol, and catalase levels observed in endometriotic patients supports that oxidative stress carries weigh in the pathophysiological aspects of endometriosis. Also significantly low levels of extracellular antioxidants and significantly high levels of intracellular antioxidants in endometriotic patients may arise from differences of free radicals in endometriosis and the activity levels of endometriosis. These non-invasive serum markers might give us an opportunity to monitor the disease's progress during the treatment.