Ultra-Fast Mass Spectrometry in Plant Biochemistry: Response of Winter Wheat Proteomics to Pre-Sowing Treatment with Iron Compounds

In recent years, ultrafast liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry methods have been extensively developed for the use in proteome profiling in biochemical studies. These methods are intended for express monitoring of cell response to biotic stimuli and elucidation of correlation of molecular changes with biological processes and phenotypical changes. New technologies, including the use of nanomaterials, are actively introduced to increase agricultural production. However, this requires complex approbation of new fertilizers and investigation of mechanisms underlying the biotic effects on the germination, growth, and development of plants. The aim of this work was to adapt the method of ultrafast chromatography/mass spectrometry for rapid quantitative profiling of molecular changes in 7-day-old wheat seedlings in response to pre-sowing seed treatment with iron compounds. The used method allows to analyze up to 200 samples per day; its practical value lies in the possibility of express proteomic diagnostics of the biotic action of new treatments, including those intended for agricultural needs. Changes in the regulation of photosynthesis, biosynthesis of chlorophyll and porphyrin- and tetrapyrrole-containing compounds, glycolysis (in shoot tissues), and polysaccharide metabolism (in root tissues) were shown after seed treatment with suspensions containing film-forming polymers (PEG 400, Na-CMC, Na2-EDTA), iron (II, III) nanoparticles, or iron (II) sulfate. Observations at the protein levels were consistent with the results of morphometry, superoxide dismutase activity assay, and microelement analysis of 3-day-old germinated seeds and shoots and roots of 7-day-old seedlings. A characteristic molecular signature involving proteins participating in the regulation of photosynthesis and glycolytic process was suggested as a potential marker of the biotic effects of seed treatment with iron compounds, which will be confirmed in further studies.

New insights into the cellular responses to iron nanoparticles in Capsicum annuum

In this study, the anatomical and ultrastructural responses of Capsicum annuum to iron nanoparticles (Fe NPs) were determined. The results showed that the bio-effects of Fe NPs on plants could be positive or negative, depending on the additive concentrations. Low concentrations of Fe NPs were found to promote plant growth. Light and electron microscope analyses showed that the Fe NPs promoted plant growth by altering the leaf organization, and increasing the chloroplast number and grana stacking, as well as regulating the development of vascular bundles. Meanwhile, it was found that the Fe NPs could be absorbed in the roots, and then transported to the central cylinder in bio-available forms, where they were translocated and utilized by the leaves and stems. In contrast, high concentrations of Fe NPs appeared to be harmful to the plants, and the majority of Fe NPs were aggregated into cell walls and transported via the apoplastic pathway in the roots, which may potentially block the transfer of iron nutrients. Taken together, the aforementioned data showed that the rational use of Fe NPs could alleviate iron deficiency, and Fe NPs could be an ideal supply for Fe²⁺ ions fertilizers in agriculture.

[Copper-induced change in the ESR signal of hemoglobin nitrosyl complexes in wound by the action of copper nanoparticles]

The results concerning changes in the ESR signal of hemoglobin nitrosyl complexes in wound tissues in the course of healing by the action of ointments with copper nanoparticles (patent N2460532, Russia) are presented. It is shown that the wound healing process modified by the influence of copper nanoparticles demonstrates the increase in the ESR signal amplitude for :hemoglobin nitrosyl complexes as compared with controls (the ointment base without nanoparticles). Planimetric measurements of wound area through reparation course indicate an active process of wound healing for injuries treated with copper nanoparticles in the ointment, resulting in lessening half-reparation time up to 5.0 times as compared with controls (treatment with the ointment base). The paper discusses the role of copper nanoparticles, NO and their potential synergistic effect on the skin wound regeneration.

[The influence of physical-chemical characteristics of surface modified copper nanoparticles on E. coli cell population growth suppression and on electrostatic properties of their membranes]

The biological activity of copper nanoparticles, able to suppress growth of E. coli cells population under contact interactions, was explored. Three types of samples with oxide layers of various sizes, thickness and composition were used in experiments. It was found out, that an increase in electron density on the external membrane of E. coli correlated with copper nanoparticles suppression capability and with lower activation energy of electron transfer on bacteria. The analysis of experimental data helps to correct conditions for obtaining nanoparticles with certain properties of their surface oxide layers. The character of temperature dependence of electron density reveals the electron type of conductivity in contact area of E. coli and nanoparticles. These results help to find approach to understanding the nature of toxic influence of copper nanoparticles on E. coli cells under contact interaction.

[Copper nanoparticles as modulators of apoptosis and structural changes in some organs]

The effect of repeated intramuscular injection into the organism of copper nanoparticles (CNP) with the diameter of 103 nm on the index of cell readiness to apoptosis and the structure of liver, spleen, kidney, as well as sensomotor cerebral cortex, was studied in 78 male Wistar rats. CNP were injected once per week for 12 weeks. The organs were studied using histological, immunohistochemical and morphometric methods. It was found that after the injections, CNP were distributed into organs and tissues of animals causing structural changes that were specific for eaach tissue. Toxicity of CNP in respect to microgliocytes was demonstrated at a dose of 2 mg/kg, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity--at 6 mg/kg. The increase of CNP load on the organism up to toxic threshold (maximum tolerated dose) resulted in the appearance of signs of dystrophy and tissue necrosis. The data obtained suggest the application of an index of cell readiness to apoptosis, as assessed by caspase 3 expression, as a criterion for evaluation of CNP injection safety.

[Wound healing potential of chitosan and its N-sulfosuccinoyl derivatives]

Comparative study of chitosan wound healing properties and its synthesized derivatives in MC-100 gel was carried out using the model of experimental full thickness skin wounds. It was determined that N-sulfosuccinoyl chitosan derivatives added into the gel in a concentration of 0.05% possess the higher wound healing activity in comparison with other chitosan derivatives and decrease the half-healing period of wounds 2-3 times in comparison with the control.

[Mechanism of the toxic action of copper nanoparticles on Escherichia coli bacteria]

Some features of contact interaction of Escherichia coli with Cu nanoparticles 75-100 nm in diameter have been studied. The analysis of variations in the amplitude of fluorescence of the negatively charged probe 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonate (ANS) in Gouy-Chapmen coordinates indicates an increase (in the absolute value) in the electrostatic potential of E. coli external membrane during the contact with Cu nanoparticles. The increase in the electrostatic potential correlates with the bacteriostatic influence on the growth of bacterial population. The calculations of tryptophan fluorescence quenching by iodide in the presence of Cu nanoparticles with the use of the Stern-Volmer equation revealed an increase in the constant of dynamic quenching and the availability of the fluorophore to suppressor.

[Regenerating activity and antibacterial effect of low-molecular-weight chitosan]

The antibacterial activity of two low-molecular-weight chitosans (LMWCs) was studied using two wound cultures: E. coli and St. albus. Both LMWCs exhibited antibacterial affect. The would-healing effect of methylcellulose gels comprising LMWCs (72 or 11 kDa) was studied. It was shown that wound-healing properties of gels depend on the molecular weight and concentration of LMWCs. The healing activity of LMWCs was assessed judging by the would half-closure time. The gels exhibiting the greatest healing rate contained 2% 72-kDa LMWC or 0.1% 11-kDa LMWC. The composition of the oligomeric fraction of the 11-kDa LMWC was studied by HPLC. It was shown that the oligomeric moiety of the 11-kDa LMWC represents a mixture of oligomers with a large admixture of monomers (30.82%).

[Clinical genealogy and genetic-mathematical study of families of probands with uterine cancer in the Chernovitsy Region]

Complex clinic-genealogical and genetic-mathematical investigation of 482 patients with uterus cancer from Chernovtsy region was carried out. It was proved that primary in the population is multifactoral origin of uterus cancer. Percentage of genetic component in general susceptibility to disease was 11.40 9.40. Recurrent risk of the malignant tumor in progeny has been estimated. Results of the investigation are the base for development and execution of uterus cancer precaution and segregated with it oncopathology in proband relatives.

[Changes in the activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, microsomal lipid peroxidation, and content of trace elements in organs and tissues following copper introduction]

Chronic application of various copper concentrations on the skin decreases endogenous levels of iron, zinc, and copper in the serum. Single introduction of disperse copper positively correlates with the level of the oxidation products and Fe/Zn ratio in the liver. Single introduction of ionic and electron-neutral copper induces phased changes in superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. Positive correlation between activities of these enzymes points to efficient control of O2-radicals, dismutation products, and hydroperoxides level by the antioxidant enzymes in animal tissues treated with copper.

[Corpus uteri cancer morbidity and a genetic-mathematical analysis of the proband's pedigrees]

Steady increase of the number of women that primary fell ill with uterus cancer has noted in Ukraine in 1980-1994. The clinic-genealogical analysis of the 262 families with uterus cancer patients of the Kiev region was made. Multifactorial type of heredity predominates. Share in general tendency to malignant tumors of the genetic component was 45.64 +/- 7.20 and of the environment factors was 54.36 +/- 7.20. Closest relatives of probands with the uterus cancer have to be subjected to systematic inspection.

[Effect of iron, zinc, and copper on lipid peroxidation in liver in vivo]

Changes in the levels of lipid peroxides, natural antioxidants (NA), iron, zinc and copper as well as the ability of the lipid substrate to oxidize in animal liver in the presence of iron, zinc and copper have been studied. It has been found that those metals increase the amplitude of natural fluctuations in iron, zinc and copper levels in the liver (by 5-30% in comparison with control). Within the first few hours following administration of iron and copper, the concentration of lipid peroxidation (LPO) products in animal livers increases, while the NA level and lipid oxidizeability decrease, in contrast. Zinc inhibits LPO in the liver within the first few hours following the injection. The changes in the content of NA, lipid oxidizeability and the level of LPO products in animal livers following iron, zinc and copper administration are phase-dependent. Data from regression analysis indicate a direct dependence (kcor = 0.98 at p < or = 0.05) between lipid oxidizeability and NA content in the liver following administration of iron, zinc and copper which, in turn, is suggestive of the lack of disturbances in the system of NA regulation

[The effect of a distant tumor on the DNA content in the epitheliocytes of the oral mucosa]

Patients with malignant melanomas and breast cancer (83 men and women) were examined. On the basis of study of the DNA contents in nuclei of epitheliocytes from the mucous oral cavity, index of their nuclei heterogeneity we have revealed disturbances in maturation and differentiation of cells. They were arranged to the spinous layer of the oral mucosa. The disturbances were caused by the tumour influence on the functional state of the mucosa.

[Reduction of voluntary alcohol consumption under the effects of prolonged-action zinc]

It was revealed that an involuntary rats' intoxication with 10% ethanol solution during 8 months caused a reduction of zinc content in the brain. A subcutaneous depot administration of highly dispersed zinc powder in a dose of 5 mg/kg reduced ethanol consumption under conditions of free choice for two weeks. This effect of the preparation was associated with normalization of zinc content and increase of a malondialdehyde level in the brain.

[The trace element composition of the organs and tissues of animals administered a highly dispersed powder and copper sulfate]

Changes in the content of microelements in blood, heart and liver after a single subcutaneous injection of aquatic suspension of highly dispersed powder and copper sulphate in different doses were investigated. Injection of highly dispersed powder and copper sulphate was shown increase phase fluctuations of copper, zinc and iron level in all organs under study. It was demonstrated that irrespective of the form and dose of injection copper does not break interrelation modus between zinc and copper, characteristic of the control and does not change zinc/copper ratio. Bioavailability of highly dispersed copper powder injected in organism at the dose 0.2 mg/kg was found to be somewhat higher than that of sulphate.

[Effect of a highly dispersed copper powder on superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in experimental myocardial infarct]

Administration of highly dispersed copper powder in a dose 0.2 mg/kg three days before modelled coronary-occlusion myocardial infarction caused transitory increase in activity of antioxidant enzymes--superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the necrotic zone of myocardium of rats, and also staunch increase in the activity of these enzymes in noninfarction region.

[Role of the lipid peroxidation system of Escherichia coli cells in maintaining their viability in air]

The study of 6 E. coli strains differing in their capacity for survival in the air has revealed that the physicochemical characteristics of lipids in microbial cells, such as antioxidizing activity, the concentration of peroxidation products, the content of lipids and their capacity for oxidation, are interrelated, which confirms the existence of the system regulating the peroxidation of lipids in prokaryotic cells, similar to the system regulating lipid peroxidation in eukaryotic cells. The capacity of cells for survival in the air has been shown to depend on the physicochemical state of lipids in cellular membranes.

[Relation of the stability of microbial cells in air to their phospholipid composition]

The phospholipid composition of 8 Escherichia coli strains differing in their capacity for survival in the air with a relative humidity of 30% has been studied. The study has revealed that, irrespective of the phase of growth and the nature of the culture medium, the capacity of E. coli cells for survival in the air is related to their phospholipid composition, this capacity being the higher, the greater the content of total phospholipids and cardiolipin and the lower the concentration of phosphatidyl glycerine.

[Distribution and changes in properties of ferromagnetic iron particles administered to the animal body]

The registration of ESR signals of organs and tissues in the wide range of temperatures permits to study properties and distribution of ferromagnetic particles in animal organisms. High dispersed powder (HDP) of iron (particle dimension--50-100 nm) was administered subcutaneously to mice in the doses 2 and 100 mg/kg weight of animals. One week after the administration HDP was accumulated in the animal organs under study. Two weeks after the treatment of mice with HDP in the dose of 2 mg/kg the ESR signals with g = 2.1 appeared in the animal tissues: liver, spleen, kidney, heart and lungs. Six weeks after the treatment the ESR signals of the studied tissues did not differ from those in control animals.

[31P-NMR study of the levels of phosphorus-containing metabolites in the mouse liver during administration of highly dispersed zinc powder]

The content of phosphor-containing metabolites as regards inorganic phosphate of tissues of the mouse liver after injection of zinc highly dispersed powder at the dose of 5 mg/kg has been established with quantitative calculation of 31P-NMR spectra. A decrease in the relative level of phosphor-containing metabolites in the liver regeneration on the first day after partial hepatectomy has been observed. It has been shown that the relative level of phosphor-containing metabolites after injection more decreased during the first two days after operation. The observed changes of P-compounds metabolites in the liver after injection of zinc highly dispersed powder are related to its stimulation effect on metabolism of sugar and phospholipids and on the cell respiratory process.

[Fatty acid composition of Escherichia coli cells and their viability in air]

Experiments on E. coli used as a model have revealed that fatty-acid composition is one of the characteristics which determine the viability of bacteria in the air. The viability of microbial cells in the air has been shown to increase with the increase of the pool of cyclopropane acids and the palmitic acid/palmitoleic acid ratio in the cells, irrespective of their genotype and the phase of their growth.

[Role of lipid antioxidizing activity in ensuring the viability of microbial cells in air]

The study made on various Escherichia coli strains used as experimental models has demonstrated that bacterial lipids possess pronounced antioxidizing activity playing an essential role in the viability of bacterial cells in the air. The content of natural antioxidants in E. coli lipids and their antiradical activity have been determined.

[Rate of enzymatic lipid peroxidation of mouse liver microsomes after the administration of a highly-dispersed iron powder]

It was found that the rate of the NaDPH-dependent lipid peroxidation in rat microsomes in vitro decreases 3 hours and increases 24, 48 and 72 hours after the injection of a highly dispersed iron powder (2 mg/kg). The number of readily oxidizable phospholipid fractions (phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol) was shown to decrease 3 hours and to increase 24 hours following the injection. A direct correlation was observed between the activity of the NADPH-dependent microsomal lipid peroxidation system and the level of natural antioxidants in the lipids.

[Effect of small dispersed iron powder on the physico-chemical properties of mouse liver lipids]

The changes in the number of natural antioxidants, antioxidative activity, lipid peroxidation products, composition and oxidizing capacity of mouse liver lipids induced by subcutaneous injection of small dispersed iron powder (2 mg/kg) were investigated. During the first 6 hours following the injection the number of natural antioxidants, the antioxidative activity and lipid-oxidizing capacity are decreased, while the number of lipid hydroperoxides is increased, i.e. Fe exerts prooxidant effects on the lipids. All the changes in the physico-chemical parameters of the lipids under study are phasic and time-consuming. A direct correlation between the changes in the oxidizing capacity of the lipids and the content of natural oxidants in the lipids induced by injections of small dispersed iron poweder was established.

[Role of microviscosity of the lipid phase of microsomal membranes in regulation of enzymatic activity of glucose-6-phosphatase under microsomal modifications in vivo and in vitro]

The changes in microviscosity of the lipid phase of microsomal membranes under microsomal modification in vivo and in vitro were studied. It was shown that in intact microsome lipids there occur five thermo-induced structural transitions within the temperature range of 5--50 degrees. Delipidation of microsomes results in a shift in structural transitions temperature. Based on the literary and own data it was assumed that the breaks on the Arrhenius plots for glucose-6-phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.9) activity are due to phase-structural changes of microsomal lipids.

[Role of lipids in regulation of microsomal glucose-6-phosphatase activity after modification of mcirosomes in vivo and in vitro. Effect of phospholipid effectors on the activity of glucose-6-phosphatase]

Modification of microsomal membranes in vivo and in vitro results in changes of the glucose-6-phosphate and inorganic pyrophosphate phosphohydrolase activities of liver microsomal glucose-6-phosphate phosphohydrolase (EC 3.1.3.9). It was demonstrated that the glucose-6-phosphate phosphohydrolase activity of glucose-6-phosphatase depends on the content of phosphatidylethanolamine in the microsomal membranes, whereas the inorganic pyrophosphate phosphohydrolase activity seems to be dependent on the phosphatidylserine content. It is assumed that the regulation of the corresponding enzyme activities by these phospholipids is performed by the same allosteric mechanism in vitro and in vivo.

[Free radical oxidation of biological membrane lipids. IV. iron salts in peroxidation catalysis of linoleic acid]

The validity of Nernst law for oxidative-reductive pair Fe3+:Fe2+ and absence of reproducible potential for pure solution of linoleic acid is shown. The value of Eo is calculated. It is found by comparing ORP values and spectrophotometrically measured concentrations of hydroperoxides that: 1) the rate of accumulation of hydroperoxides is determined by the initial concentration bivalent ferrum salt and seems not to depend on the kinetics of further change of ORP in the system; 2) during oxidation of linoleic acid the stationary concentration of Fe3+:Fe2+=40:1 is established which is independent of the initial concentration of ferrum ions; 3) ORP zone necessary for maximum rate of catalysis of free radical oxidation of linoleic acid in methanol lies in a more positive region than normal ORP of the pair Fe3+:Fe2+.