Reactive oxygen species mediate lethality induced by far-UV inEscherichia colicells

Probiotics and Paraprobiotics: Effects on Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis and Their Consequent Potential in Neuropsychiatric Therapy

Neuropsychiatric disorders are clinical conditions that affect cognitive function and emotional stability, often resulting from damage or disease in the central nervous system (CNS). These disorders are a worldwide concern, impacting approximately 12.5% of the global population. The gut microbiota has been linked to neurological development and function, implicating its involvement in neuropsychiatric conditions. Due to their interaction with gut microbial communities, probiotics offer a natural alternative to traditional treatments such as therapeutic drugs and interventions for alleviating neuropsychiatric symptoms. Introduced by Metchnikoff in the early 1900s, probiotics are live microorganisms that provide various health benefits, including improved digestion, enhanced sleep quality, and reduced mental problems. However, concerns about their safety, particularly in immunocompromised patients, warrant further investigation; this has led to the concept of "paraprobiotics", inactivated forms of beneficial microorganisms that offer a safer alternative. This review begins by exploring different methods of inactivation, each targeting specific cellular components like DNA or proteins. The choice of inactivation method is crucial, as the health benefits may vary depending on the conditions employed for inactivation. The subsequent sections focus on the potential mechanisms of action and specific applications of probiotics and paraprobiotics in neuropsychiatric therapy. Probiotics and paraprobiotics interact with gut microbes, modulating the gut microbial composition and alleviating gut dysbiosis. The resulting neuropsychiatric benefits primarily stem from the gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication channel involving various pathways discussed in the review. While further research is needed, probiotics and paraprobiotics are promising therapeutic agents for the management of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Manipulation of Oxidative Stress Responses by Non-Thermal Plasma to Treat Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection and Disease

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a contagious pathogen with a large global footprint, due to its ability to cause lifelong infection in patients. Current antiviral therapies are effective in limiting viral replication in the epithelial cells to alleviate clinical symptoms, but ineffective in eliminating latent viral reservoirs in neurons. Much of HSV-1 pathogenesis is dependent on its ability to manipulate oxidative stress responses to craft a cellular environment that favors HSV-1 replication. However, to maintain redox homeostasis and to promote antiviral immune responses, the infected cell can upregulate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) while having a tight control on antioxidant concentrations to prevent cellular damage. Non-thermal plasma (NTP), which we propose as a potential therapy alternative directed against HSV-1 infection, is a means to deliver RONS that affect redox homeostasis in the infected cell. This review emphasizes how NTP can be an effective therapy for HSV-1 infections through the direct antiviral activity of RONS and via immunomodulatory changes in the infected cells that will stimulate anti-HSV-1 adaptive immune responses. Overall, NTP application can control HSV-1 replication and address the challenges of latency by decreasing the size of the viral reservoir in the nervous system.

Free radical biology in neurological manifestations: mechanisms to therapeutics interventions

Recent advancements and growing attention about free radicals (ROS) and redox signaling enable the scientific fraternity to consider their involvement in the pathophysiology of inflammatory diseases, metabolic disorders, and neurological defects. Free radicals increase the concentration of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in the biological system through different endogenous sources and thus increased the overall oxidative stress. An increase in oxidative stress causes cell death through different signaling mechanisms such as mitochondrial impairment, cell-cycle arrest, DNA damage response, inflammation, negative regulation of protein, and lipid peroxidation. Thus, an appropriate balance between free radicals and antioxidants becomes crucial to maintain physiological function. Since the 1brain requires high oxygen for its functioning, it is highly vulnerable to free radical generation and enhanced ROS in the brain adversely affects axonal regeneration and synaptic plasticity, which results in neuronal cell death. In addition, increased ROS in the brain alters various signaling pathways such as apoptosis, autophagy, inflammation and microglial activation, DNA damage response, and cell-cycle arrest, leading to memory and learning defects. Mounting evidence suggests the potential involvement of micro-RNAs, circular-RNAs, natural and dietary compounds, synthetic inhibitors, and heat-shock proteins as therapeutic agents to combat neurological diseases. Herein, we explain the mechanism of free radical generation and its role in mitochondrial, protein, and lipid peroxidation biology. Further, we discuss the negative role of free radicals in synaptic plasticity and axonal regeneration through the modulation of various signaling molecules and also in the involvement of free radicals in various neurological diseases and their potential therapeutic approaches. The primary cause of free radical generation is drug overdosing, industrial air pollution, toxic heavy metals, ionizing radiation, smoking, alcohol, pesticides, and ultraviolet radiation. Excessive generation of free radicals inside the cell R1Q1 increases reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which causes oxidative damage. An increase in oxidative damage alters different cellular pathways and processes such as mitochondrial impairment, DNA damage response, cell cycle arrest, and inflammatory response, leading to pathogenesis and progression of neurodegenerative disease other neurological defects.

Antimicrobial Effect of UVC Light-Emitting Diodes against Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Their Application in Orange Juice Decontamination

ABSTRACT

UVC light-emitting diodes (UVC-LEDs) are a novel eco-friendly alternative source of UV light. This study evaluated the inactivation and membrane damage of spoilage yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae by UVC-LEDs and their application in orange juice pasteurization. The results demonstrated that the antimicrobial effect of UVC-LED treatment against S. cerevisiae was enhanced by increased radiation dose. When the dose of UVC-LED radiation was 1,420 mJ/cm2, the population of S. cerevisiae in yeast extract peptone dextrose broth was reduced by 4.86 log CFU/mL. Through scanning electron microscopy and fluorescent staining, the structure and function of plasma membrane was observed to be severely damaged by UVC-LED treatment. The inactivation efficacy of UVC-LEDs against S. cerevisiae in orange juice also increased with increasing radiation dose. Radiation at 1,420 mJ/cm2 greatly reduced S. cerevisiae in orange juice by 4.44 log CFU/mL and did not induce remarkable changes in pH, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and color parameters. However, the total phenolic content in orange juice was found to be significantly decreased by UVC-LEDs. These findings contribute to a better comprehension of UVC-LED inactivation and provide theoretical support for its potential application in fruit and vegetable juice processing.

HIGHLIGHTS

Silibinin protects Staphylococcus aureus from UVC-induced bactericide via enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species

ROS produced by silibinin suppresses UVC-inducedStaphylococcus aureuscell death.

In vitro Quality of Platelets with Low Plasma Carryover Treated with Ultraviolet C Light for Pathogen Inactivation

BACKGROUND

The THERAFLEX UV-Platelets system uses shortwave ultraviolet C light (UVC, 254 nm) to inactivate pathogens in platelet components. Plasma carryover influences pathogen inactivation and platelet quality following treatment. The plasma carryover in the standard platelets produced by our institution are below the intended specification (<30%).

METHODS

A pool and split study was carried out comparing untreated and UVC-treated platelets with <30% plasma carryover (n = 10 pairs). This data was compared to components that met specifications (>30% plasma). The platelets were tested over storage for in vitro quality.

RESULTS

Platelet metabolism was accelerated following UVC treatment, as demonstrated by increased glucose consumption and lactate production. UVC treatment caused increased externalization of phosphatidylserine on platelets and microparticles, activation of the GPIIb/IIIa receptor (PAC-1 binding), and reduced hypotonic shock response. Platelet function, as measured with thrombelastogram, was not affected by UVC treatment. Components with <30% plasma were similar to those meeting specification with the exception of enhanced glycolytic metabolism.

CONCLUSION

This in vitro analysis demonstrates that treatment of platelets with <30% plasma carryover with the THERAFLEX UV-Platelets system affects some aspects of platelet metabolism and activation, although in vitro platelet function was not negatively impacted. This study also provides evidence that the treatment specifications of plasma carryover could be extended to below 30%.

Regulation of System xc(-) by Pharmacological Manipulation of Cellular Thiols

The cystine/glutamate exchanger (system xc (-)) mediates the transport of cystine into the cell in exchange for glutamate. By releasing glutamate, system xc (-) can potentially cause excitotoxicity. However, through providing cystine to the cell, it regulates the levels of cellular glutathione (GSH), the main endogenous intracellular antioxidant, and may protect cells against oxidative stress. We tested two different compounds that deplete primary cortical cultures containing both neurons and astrocytes of intracellular GSH, L-buthionine-sulfoximine (L-BSO), and diethyl maleate (DEM). Both compounds caused significant concentration and time dependent decreases in intracellular GSH levels. However; DEM caused an increase in radiolabeled cystine uptake through system xc (-), while unexpectedly BSO caused a decrease in uptake. The compounds caused similar low levels of neurotoxicity, while only BSO caused an increase in oxidative stress. The mechanism of GSH depletion by these two compounds is different, DEM directly conjugates to GSH, while BSO inhibits γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase, a key enzyme in GSH synthesis. As would be expected from these mechanisms of action, DEM caused a decrease in intracellular cysteine, while BSO increased cysteine levels. The results suggest that negative feedback by intracellular cysteine is an important regulator of system xc (-) in this culture system.

Wavelength dependence of biological damage induced by UV radiation on bacteria

The biological effects of UV radiation of different wavelengths (UVA, UVB and UVC) were assessed in nine bacterial isolates displaying different UV sensitivities. Biological effects (survival and activity) and molecular markers of oxidative stress [DNA strand breakage (DSB), generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative damage to proteins and lipids, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase] were quantified and statistically analyzed in order to identify the major determinants of cell inactivation under the different spectral regions. Survival and activity followed a clear wavelength dependence, being highest under UVA and lowest under UVC. The generation of ROS, as well as protein and lipid oxidation, followed the same pattern. DNA damage (DSB) showed the inverse trend. Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that survival under UVA, UVB and UVC wavelengths was best explained by DSB, oxidative damage to lipids, and intracellular ROS levels, respectively.

The role of Fpg protein in UVC-induced DNA lesions

We previously demonstrated that reactive oxygen species (ROS) could be involved in ultraviolet-C (UVC)-induced DNA damage in Escherichia coli cells. In the present study, we evaluated the involvement of the GO system proteins in the repair of the 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxoG, GO) lesion, which is ROS-induced oxidative damage. We first found that the mutant strain Δfur, which produces an accumulation of iron, and the cells treated with 2,2'-dipyridyl, a iron chelator, were both as resistant to UVC-induced lethality as the wild strain. The 8-oxoG could be mediated by singlet oxygen ((1)O(2)). The Fpg protein repaired this lesion when it was linked to C (cytosine), whereas the MutY protein repaired 8-oxoG when it was linked to A (adenine). The survival assay showed that the Fpg protein, but not the MutY protein, was important to UVC-induced lethality and interacted with the UvrA protein, a nucleotide excision repair (NER) protein involved in UVC repair. The GC-TA reversion assay in the mutant strains from the '8-oxoG-repair' GO system showed that UVC-induced mutagenesis in the fpg mutants, but not in the MutY strain. The transformation assay demonstrated that the Fpg protein is important in UVC repair. These results suggest that UVC could also cause indirect ROS-mediated DNA damage and the Fpg protein plays a predominant role in repairing this indirect damage.

Mutagenicity induced by UVC in Escherichia coli cells: reactive oxygen species involvement

We previously demonstrated that reactive oxygen species (ROS) could be involved in the DNA damage induced by ultraviolet-C (UVC). In this study, we evaluated singlet oxygen ((1)O(2)) involvement in UVC-induced mutagenesis in Escherichia coli cells. First, we found that treatment with sodium azide, an (1)O(2) chelator, protected cells against UVC-induced lethality. The survival assay showed that the fpg mutant was more resistant to UVC lethality than the wild-type strain. The rifampicin mutagenesis assay showed that UVC mutagenesis was inhibited five times more in cells treated with sodium azide, and stimulated 20% more fpg mutant. These results suggest that (1)O(2) plays a predominant role in UVC-induced mutagenesis. (1)O(2) generates a specific mutagenic lesion, 8-oxoG, which is repaired by Fpg protein. This lesion was measured by GC-TA reversion in the CC104 strain, its fpg mutant (BH540), and both CC104 and BH540 transformed with the plasmid pFPG (overexpression of Fpg protein). This assay showed that mutagenesis was induced 2.5-fold in the GC-TA strain and 7-fold in the fpg mutant, while the fpg mutant transformed with pFPG was similar to GC-TA strain. This suggests that UVC can also cause ROS-mediated mutagenesis and that the Fpg protein may be involved in this repair.

Adverse effect of organophosphate compounds, dichlorvos and chlorpyrifos in the reproductive tissues of transgenic Drosophila melanogaster: 70kDa heat shock protein as a marker of cellular damage

The study highlights the adverse effects of organophosphate compounds dichlorvos and chlorpyrifos on reproduction in Drosophila. Freshly eclosed first instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster transgenic for hsp70 (hsp70-lacZ) Bg(9) were fed on 0.015-150.0ppb dichlorvos and chlorpyrifos mixed food. Virgin flies eclosing from the normal and contaminated food were pair-mated to examine the effect of the test chemicals on reproduction of the exposed organisms. Expression of hsp70, sex peptide (SP or Acp70A), accessory gland protein (Acp36DE) and tissue damage was examined in reproductive organs of adult fly. Exposed organisms exhibited a dose-dependent significantly reduced reproductive outcome and males were found to be more sensitive than females. Hsp70 expression was restricted only within the testis lobes of male fly while it was not induced in the ovary of the female. In concurrence with absence of hsp70 expression in the accessory glands of male fly, tissue damage was evident in them. Acp70A and Acp36DE expression were found to be significantly downregulated at the higher concentrations of the test chemicals. The study suggests that (i) dichlorvos is more deleterious to fly reproduction compared to chlorpyrifos with an adverse effect on Acp70A and Acp36DE expression required to facilitate normal reproduction; (ii) hsp70 may be used as a marker of cellular damage against dichlorvos and chlorpyrifos in Drosophila.

Knockout of crtB or crtI gene blocks the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway in Deinococcus radiodurans R1 and influences its resistance to oxidative DNA-damaging agents due to change of free radicals scavenging ability

Deinococcus radiodurans R1, a red-pigmented strain of the extremely radioresistant genus Deinococcus, contains a major carotenoid namely deinoxanthin. The high resistance of this organism against the lethal actions of DNA-damaging agents including ionizing radiation and ultraviolet light (UV) has been widely reported. However, the possible antioxidant role of carotenoids in this strain has not been completely elucidated. In this study, we constructed two colorless mutants by knockout of crtB and crtI genes, respectively. Comparative analysis of the two colorless mutants and the wild type showed that the two colorless mutants were more sensitive to ionizing radiation, UV, and hydrogen peroxide, but not to mitomycin-C (MMC). With electron spin resonance (ESR) and spin trapping techniques, we observed that hydroxyl radical signals occurred in the suspensions of UV irradiated Deinococcus radiodurans cells and the intensity of signals was influenced by carotenoids levels. We further showed that the carotenoid extract from the wild type could obviously scavenge superoxide anions generated by the irradiated riboflavin/EDTA system. These results suggest that carotenoids in D. radiodurans R1 function as free radical scavengers to protect this organism against the deleterious effects of oxidative DNA-damaging agents.