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Khadka G, Shetty KG, Annamalai T, Tse-Dinh YC, Jayachandran K. Characterization and antimicrobial activity of endophytic fungi from medicinal plant Agave americana. Lett Appl Microbiol 2024; 77:ovae025. [PMID: 38467396 DOI: 10.1093/lambio/ovae025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Endophytic microorganisms associated with medicinal plants are of particular interest as they are a potential source of new bioactive chemicals effective against novel emerging and drug-resistant pathogens. Agave americana is a tropical medicinal plant with antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties. We studied the biodiversity of fungal endophytes of A. americana and their antimicrobial production potential. Isolated endophytic fungi were classified into 32 morphotypes (15 from stem and 17 from leaf) based on their cultural and morphological characteristics. Among the fungal crude extracts tested, 82% of isolates from the leaves and 80% of the isolates from the stem showed antibacterial activity against the bacterial strains (Escherichia coli ATTC 25902, Staphylococcus aureus ATTC 14775, and Bacillus subtilis NRRL 5109) tested. Extracts from four fungal isolates from leaves showed antifungal activity against at least one of the fungal strains (Candida albicans ATTC 10231 and Aspergillus fumigatus NRRL 5109) tested. Crude extracts of seven fungal isolates showed a zone of inhibition of more than 11 mm at 10 mgml-1 against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria tested. Penicillium, Colletotrichum, Curvularia, Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes, and Pleurotus are the main endophytes responsible for bioactive potential. These results indicate that A. americana harbors endophytes capable of producing antimicrobial metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganesh Khadka
- Agroecology Program, Earth and Environment Department, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States
| | - Kateel G Shetty
- Agroecology Program, Earth and Environment Department, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States
| | - Thirunavukkarasu Annamalai
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States
| | - Yuk-Ching Tse-Dinh
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States
| | - Krish Jayachandran
- Agroecology Program, Earth and Environment Department, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States
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Nilén G, Larsson M, Hyötyläinen T, Keiter SH. A complex mixture of polycyclic aromatic compounds causes embryotoxic, behavioral, and molecular effects in zebrafish larvae (Danio rerio), and in vitro bioassays. Sci Total Environ 2024; 906:167307. [PMID: 37804991 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) are prevalent in the environment, typically found in complex mixtures and high concentrations. Our understanding of the effects of PACs, excluding the 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16 PAHs), remains limited. Zebrafish embryos and in vitro bioassays were utilized to investigate the embryotoxic, behavioral, and molecular effects of a soil sample from a former gasworks site in Sweden. Additionally, targeted chemical analysis was conducted to analyze 87 PACs in the soil, fish, water, and plate material. CALUX® assays were used to assess the activation of aryl hydrocarbon and estrogen receptors, as well as the inhibition of the androgen receptor. Larval behavior was measured by analyzing activity during light and darkness and in response to mechanical stimulation. Furthermore, qPCR analyses were performed on a subset of 36 genes associated with specific adverse outcomes, and the total lipid content in the larvae was measured. Exposure to the sample resulted in embryotoxic effects (LC50 = 0.480 mg dry matter soil/mL water). The mixture also induced hyperactivity in darkness and hypoactivity in light and in response to the mechanical stimulus. qPCR analysis revealed differential regulation of 15 genes, including downregulation of opn1sw1 (eye pigmentation) and upregulation of fpgs (heart failure). The sample caused significant responses in three bioassays (ERα-, DR-, and PAH-CALUX), and the exposed larvae exhibited elevated lipid levels. Chemical analysis identified benzo[a]pyrene as the predominant compound in the soil and approximately half of the total PAC concentration was attributed to the 16 PAHs. This study highlights the value of combining in vitro and in vivo methods with chemical analysis to assess toxic mechanisms at specific targets and to elucidate the possible interactions between various pathways in an organism. It also enhances our understanding of the risks associated with environmental mixtures of PACs and their distribution during toxicity testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Nilén
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, S-701 82 Örebro, Sweden.
| | - Maria Larsson
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, S-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Tuulia Hyötyläinen
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, S-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Steffen H Keiter
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, S-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
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Wu PS, Liu HY, Wong TH, Lin JT, Hu FR, Lin MH. Comparative Proteomics Reveals Prolonged Corneal Preservation Impaired Ocular Surface Immunity Accompanied by Fibrosis in Human Stroma. J Proteome Res 2023; 22:3730-3741. [PMID: 37976471 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Cornea transplantation is one of the most commonly performed allotransplantations worldwide. Prolonged storage of donor corneas leads to decreased endothelial cell viability, severe stromal edema, and opacification, significantly compromising the success rate of corneal transplantation. Corneal stroma, which constitutes the majority of the cornea, plays a crucial role in maintaining its shape and transparency. In this study, we conducted proteomic analysis of corneal stroma preserved in Optisol-GS medium at 4 °C for 7 or 14 days to investigate molecular changes during storage. Among 1923 identified proteins, 1634 were quantifiable and 387 were significantly regulated with longer preservation. Compared to stroma preserved for 7 days, proteins involved in ocular surface immunomodulation were largely downregulated while proteins associated with extracellular matrix reorganization and fibrosis were upregulated in those preserved for 14 days. The increase in extracellular matrix structural proteins together with upregulation of growth factor signaling implies the occurrence of stromal fibrosis, which may compromise tissue clarity and cause vision impairments. This study is the first to provide insights into how storage duration affects corneal stroma from a proteomic perspective. Our findings may contribute to future research efforts aimed at developing long-term preservation techniques and improving the quality of preserved corneas, thus maximizing their clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Shan Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100233, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yu Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100233, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Hsuan Wong
- Department of Microbiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100233, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Ti Lin
- Department of Microbiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100233, Taiwan
| | - Fung-Rong Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100233, Taiwan
| | - Miao-Hsia Lin
- Department of Microbiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100233, Taiwan
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Eissa AH, Abdel-Tawab AM, Hamed ESAE, El-Ablack FZ, Ayyad SEN. New Cytotoxic Monoalkyl Glycerol Ether from the Red Sea Soft Coral Nephthea mollis. Chem Biodivers 2023; 20:e202301208. [PMID: 37775474 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202301208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
A new monoalkyl glycerol ether, 3-(n-henicosyloxy)propane-1,2-diol (1), was isolated from the CH2 Cl2 /MeOH crude extract of the Red Sea soft coral Nephthea mollis. Additionally, three known related analogs were identified: chimyl alcohol (2), batyl alcohol (3), and 3-(icosyloxy)propane-1,2-diol (4). The chemical structure of 3-(n-henicosyloxy)propane-1,2-diol was determined using advanced spectroscopic analyses, including 1D, 2D Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Electron Ionization mass spectra (EI-MS), and High-Resolution Electron Spray Ionization mass spectra (HR-ESI-MS) analyses. Furthermore, the identification of chimyl alcohol, batyl alcohol and 3-(icosyloxy)propane-1,2-diol was achieved by studying their EI mass fragmentation analyses and comparing their mass data with those previously reported in the literature. The cytotoxic activity of the Nephthea mollis crude extract and 3-(n-henicosyloxy)propane-1,2-diol was evaluated against five human cancer cell lines: HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma), MCF-7 (breast carcinoma), NCI-1299 (lung carcinoma), HeLa (cervical cancer cell), and HT-29 (colon adenocarcinoma). Moreover, 3-(n-henicosyloxy)propane-1,2-diol revealed moderate cytotoxicity against the HeLa cell lines with an IC50 value of 24.1 μM, while showing inactivity against the remaining cell lines (IC50 >100 μM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed H Eissa
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, New Damietta, 34517, Egypt
| | - Asmaa M Abdel-Tawab
- Marine Biotechnology and Natural Products Laboratory, National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF), Cairo, 11516, Egypt
| | - El Sayed A E Hamed
- Invertebrate Aquaculture laboratory, National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF), Cairo, 11516, Egypt
| | - Fawzia Z El-Ablack
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, New Damietta, 34517, Egypt
| | - Seif-Eldin N Ayyad
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, New Damietta, 34517, Egypt
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Aminian A, Motamedian E. Investigating ethanol production using the Zymomonas mobilis crude extract. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1165. [PMID: 36670195 PMCID: PMC9860009 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28396-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-free systems have become valuable investigating tools for metabolic engineering research due to their easy access to metabolism without the interference of the membrane. Therefore, we applied Zymomonas mobilis cell-free system to investigate whether ethanol production is controlled by the genes of the metabolic pathway or is limited by cofactors. Initially, different glucose concentrations were added to the extract to determine the crude extract's capability to produce ethanol. Then, we investigated the genes of the metabolic pathway to find the limiting step in the ethanol production pathway. Next, to identify the bottleneck gene, a systemic approach was applied based on the integration of gene expression data on a cell-free metabolic model. ZMO1696 was determined as the bottleneck gene and an activator for its enzyme was added to the extract to experimentally assess its effect on ethanol production. Then the effect of NAD+ addition at the high concentration of glucose (1 M) was evaluated, which indicates no improvement in efficiency. Finally, the imbalance ratio of ADP/ATP was found as the controlling factor by measuring ATP levels in the extract. Furthermore, sodium gluconate as a carbon source was utilized to investigate the expansion of substrate consumption by the extract. 100% of the maximum theoretical yield was obtained at 0.01 M of sodium gluconate while it cannot be consumed by Z. mobilis. This research demonstrated the challenges and advantages of using Z. mobilis crude extract for overproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Aminian
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box 14115-143, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Motamedian
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box 14115-143, Tehran, Iran.
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Paulino MG, Rossi PA, Venturini FP, Tavares D, Sakuragui MM, Moraes G, Terezan AP, Fernandes JB, Giani A, Fernandes MN. Liver dysfunction and energy storage mobilization in traíra, Hoplias malabaricus (Teleostei, Erythrinidae) induced by subchronic exposure to toxic cyanobacterial crude extract. Environ Toxicol 2022; 37:2683-2691. [PMID: 35920046 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microcystins (MC) are hepatotoxic for organisms. Liver MC accumulation and structural change are intensely studied, but the functional hepatic enzymes and energy metabolism have received little attention. This study investigated the liver and hepatocyte structures and the activity of key hepatic functional enzymes with emphasis on energetic metabolism changes after subchronic fish exposure to cyanobacterial crude extract (CE) containing MC. The Neotropical erythrinid fish, Hoplias malabaricus, were exposed intraperitoneally to CE containing 100 μg MC-LR eq kg-1 for 30 days and, thereafter, the plasma, liver, and white muscle was sampled for analyses. Liver tissue lost cellular structure organization showing round hepatocytes, hyperemia, and biliary duct obstruction. At the ultrastructural level, the mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum exhibited disorganization. Direct and total bilirubin increased in plasma. In the liver, the activity of acid phosphatase (ACP) increased, and the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) decreased; AST increased in plasma. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were unchanged in the liver, muscle, and plasma. Glycogen stores and the energetic metabolites as glucose, lactate, and pyruvate decrease in the liver; pyruvate decreased in plasma and lactate decreased in muscle. Ammonia levels increased and protein concentration decreased in plasma. CE alters liver morphology by causing hepatocyte intracellular disorder, obstructive cholestasis, and dysfunction in the activity of key liver enzymes. The increasing energy demand implies glucose mobilization and metabolic adjustments maintaining protein preservation and lipid recruitment to supply the needs for detoxification allowing fish survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Gustavo Paulino
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
- Integrated Sciences Center, Federal University of Tocantins, Araguaína, TO, Brazil
| | - Priscila Adriana Rossi
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Driele Tavares
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Gilberto Moraes
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Terezan
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Alessandra Giani
- Department of Botany, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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7
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Abstract
The cell membrane is a complex mixture of lipids, proteins, and other components. By forming dynamic lipid domains, different membrane molecules can selectively interact with each other to control cell signaling. Herein, we report several new types of lipid-DNA conjugates, termed as "DNA zippers", which can be used to measure cell membrane dynamic interactions and the formation of lipid domains. Dependent on the choice of lipid moieties, cholesterol- and sphingomyelin-conjugated DNA zippers specifically locate in and detect membrane lipid-ordered domains, while in contrast, a tocopherol-DNA zipper can be applied for the selective imaging of lipid-disordered phases. These versatile and programmable probes can be further engineered into membrane competition assays to simultaneously detect multiple types of membrane dynamic interactions. These DNA zipper probes can be broadly used to study the correlation between lipid domains and various cellular processes, such as the epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahsan Ausaf Ali
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
| | - Yousef Bagheri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
| | - Qian Tian
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
| | - Mingxu You
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
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Oshima N, Saito M, Niino M, Hiraishi Y, Ueki K, Okoshi K, Hakamatsuka T, Hada N. Elucidation of Chemical Interactions between Crude Drugs Using Quantitative Thin-Layer Chromatography Analysis. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27030593. [PMID: 35163854 PMCID: PMC8839786 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
To elucidate the interactions between crude drugs in Kampo medicines (traditional Japanese medicines), it is important to determine the content of the constituents in a cost-effective and simple manner. In this study, we quantified the constituents in crude drug extracts using thin-layer chromatography (TLC), an inexpensive and simple analytical method, to elucidate the chemical interactions between crude drugs. We focused on five crude drugs, for which quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods are stipulated in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia XVIII (JP XVIII) and compared the analytical data of HPLC and TLC, confirming that the TLC results corresponded with the HPLC data and satisfied the criteria of JP XVIII. (Z)-ligustilide, a major constituent in Japanese Angelica Root, for which a method of quantification has not been stipulated in JP XVIII, was also quantitatively analyzed using HPLC and TLC. Furthermore, Japanese Angelica Root was combined with 26 crude drugs to observe the variation in the (Z)-ligustilide content from each combination by TLC. The results revealed that combinations with Phellodendron Bark, Citrus Unshiu Peel, Scutellaria Root, Coptis Rhizome, Gardenia Fruit, and Peony Root increased the (Z)-ligustilide content. Quantifying the constituents in crude drug extracts using the inexpensive and simple TLC method can contribute to elucidating interactions between crude drugs in Kampo medicines, as proposed by the herbal-pair theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naohiro Oshima
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba 278-8510, Japan; (M.S.); (M.N.); (Y.H.); (K.U.); (K.O.)
- Correspondence: (N.O.); (N.H.); Tel.: +81-4-7121-3612 (N.H.)
| | - Maho Saito
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba 278-8510, Japan; (M.S.); (M.N.); (Y.H.); (K.U.); (K.O.)
| | - Mina Niino
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba 278-8510, Japan; (M.S.); (M.N.); (Y.H.); (K.U.); (K.O.)
| | - Yuki Hiraishi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba 278-8510, Japan; (M.S.); (M.N.); (Y.H.); (K.U.); (K.O.)
| | - Kana Ueki
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba 278-8510, Japan; (M.S.); (M.N.); (Y.H.); (K.U.); (K.O.)
| | - Kazuki Okoshi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba 278-8510, Japan; (M.S.); (M.N.); (Y.H.); (K.U.); (K.O.)
| | - Takashi Hakamatsuka
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Narcotics, National Institute of Health Science, Kawasaki 210-9501, Japan;
| | - Noriyasu Hada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba 278-8510, Japan; (M.S.); (M.N.); (Y.H.); (K.U.); (K.O.)
- Correspondence: (N.O.); (N.H.); Tel.: +81-4-7121-3612 (N.H.)
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Aneloi Noli Z, Aliyyanti P, Mansyurdin. Study the Effect of P. minor Seaweed Crude Extract as a Biostimulant on Soybean. Pak J Biol Sci 2022; 25:23-28. [PMID: 35001572 DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2022.23.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
<b>Background and Objective:</b> Seaweed biostimulants are often used in agriculture because of their benefits in increasing growth, production and quality of plants and are safe for the environment. <i>Padina minor</i> is one of the potential seaweeds that contains high macro and micronutrients and has also been shown to increase the vegetative growth of several plants. This study aims to determine the effect of <i>P. minor</i> seaweed extract in various concentrations and frequencies as a biostimulant on the growth and production of soybean plants. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> <i>Padina minor</i> extract was applied to soybean plants with several concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40%) at three different application times. Where 1 application (2 weeks after planting), 2 applications (2 and 4 weeks after planting) and 3 applications (2, 4 and 5 weeks after planting). <b>Results:</b> <i>Padina minor</i> extract with a concentration of 40% with 1 application was able to increase plant height and shorten soybean harvest life. While the <i>P. minor</i> extract with a concentration of 40% with two and three applications was able to increase the gross and dry weight of plants, the number of pods, gross and dry mass of whole seeds. <b>Conclusion:</b> <i>Padina minor</i> seaweed extract with a concentration of 40% was able to increase the growth and production of soybean plants.
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Klein DC. Two-Dimensional Thin Layer Chromatography of Melatonin and Related Compounds. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2550:3-6. [PMID: 36180670 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2593-4_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional thin layer chromatography has been used by workers in the field to separate radiolabeled serotonin derivatives from complex mixtures of culture media and homogenates of glands. The compounds resolved include N-acetylserotonin, melatonin, hydroxytryptophol, methoxytryptophol, hydroxyindole acetic acid, and methoxyindole acetic acid. The method requires either radiolabeled tryptophan or serotonin, if an investigator wants to study conversion. It is also useful in the chemical synthesis of serotonin metabolites because it is relatively fast. It pointed to the enzyme that converts serotonin to N-acetylserotonin as being key in controlling the nocturnal increase in vertebrate melatonin production. This enzyme, arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (E.C. 2.3.1.87), has been the focus of hundreds of papers which probed its biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, neural regulation, development, evolution, and genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Klein
- Section on Neuroendocrinology, Intramural Research Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Jasim AS, Abass BA, Al-Rubayae IM. Effect of the Crude Extract of Coprophilous Fungi on Some Bacterial Species Isolated from Cases of Mastitis. Arch Razi Inst 2021; 76:1333-1341. [PMID: 35355757 PMCID: PMC8934090 DOI: 10.22092/ari.2021.356366.1832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Coprophilous fungi are a large group of fungi mostly found in herbivore dung and have an exclusive life cycle. This group of fungi produces many important metabolites which can be consumed in medicine or agriculture. The present study aimed to investigate the antibacterial effects of these fungi on bacterial mastitis. A total of 50 dung samples were collected from four herbivores (cows, buffalos, sheep, and camels) from different areas of Basra. The moist chamber method was used for each sample to establish a fungal fruiting body and detect the type of the fungi. The coprophilous fungi included Aspergillus sp. (A. niger, A. fumigatus, A. flavus, A. terrus), Chaetomium sp., Sordaria sp., and Podospora sp. which belong to the Ascomycetes class. PCR test was performed using the ITS region for confirmatory detection of species. The highest and the lowest number of isolated species was associated with cow dung and camel dung, respectively. The antimicrobial property of three different partitioned extracts (petroleum ether [F1], ethanol [F2], and water [F3]) prepared from some fungal mycelia was evaluated in vitro. All fractions were tested to detect antimicrobial activity using the disc diffusion assay against five pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus Enterobacter, Proteus mirabilis, and E. coli. which is isolated from bovine mastitis. Data revealed that all fractions could inhibit the tested bacteria. However, inhibitory activity was found to be dependent on (6i) the used fungal strains; (ii) the extracted solvent; and (iii) the tested bacteria. In general, the petroleum ether extracts (F1) derived from all fungi displayed the highest inhibitory activity against the testing bacteria. In conclusion, the present study concluded that the extracts prepared from the fungal mycelia contain bioactive compounds with antibacterial properties. This study was first conducted in Iraq and further studies are required to develop new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Jasim
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Basra, Basrah, Iraq
| | - B A Abass
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Basra, Basrah, Iraq
| | - I M Al-Rubayae
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Basra, Basrah, Iraq
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Steitz I, Paxton RJ, Schulz S, Ayasse M. Chemical Variation among Castes, Female Life Stages and Populations of the Facultative Eusocial Sweat Bee Halictus rubicundus (Hymenoptera: Halictidae). J Chem Ecol 2021; 47:406-419. [PMID: 33788128 PMCID: PMC8116247 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-021-01267-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In eusocial insects, chemical communication is crucial for mediating many aspects of social activities, especially the regulation of reproduction. Though queen signals are known to decrease ovarian activation of workers in highly eusocial species, little is known about their evolution. In contrast, some primitively eusocial species are thought to control worker reproduction through physical aggression by the queen rather than via pheromones, suggesting the evolutionary establishment of chemical signals with more derived sociality. However, studies supporting this hypothesis are largely missing. Socially polymorphic halictid bees, such as Halictus rubicundus, with social and solitary populations in both Europe and North America, offer excellent opportunities to illuminate the evolution of caste-specific signals. Here we compared the chemical profiles of social and solitary populations from both continents and tested whether (i) population or social level affect chemical dissimilarity and whether (ii) caste-specific patterns reflect a conserved queen signal. Our results demonstrate unique odor profiles of European and North American populations, mainly due to different isomers of n-alkenes and macrocyclic lactones; chemical differences may be indicative of phylogeographic drift in odor profiles. We also found common compounds overproduced in queens compared to workers in both populations, indicating a potential conserved queen signal. However, North American populations have a lower caste-specific chemical dissimilarity than European populations which raises the question if both use different mechanisms of regulating reproductive division of labor. Therefore, our study gives new insights into the evolution of eusocial behavior and the role of chemical communication in the inhibition of reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Steitz
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Robert J Paxton
- General Zoology, Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Departement of Life Sciences, Institute of Organic Chemistry, TU Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Manfred Ayasse
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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13
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Scortichini S, Boarelli MC, Silvi S, Fiorini D. Development and validation of a GC-FID method for the analysis of short chain fatty acids in rat and human faeces and in fermentation fluids. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2020; 1143:121972. [PMID: 32193004 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2020.121972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are gut microbiota metabolites recognized for their beneficial effects on the host organism. In this study, a simple and rapid sample preparation method combined to SCFAs analysis by direct injection and gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detection (GC-FID), for the determination and quantification of eight SCFAs (acetic, propionic, i-butyric, butyric, i-valeric, valeric, i-caproic and caproic acids) in rat, mice and human faeces and in fermentation fluids samples, has been developed and validated. The method consists of extraction of the SCFAs by ethyl ether after acidification of the samples. The effect of the number of extractions has been assessed in order to optimize the procedure and to obtain a satisfactory yield for all the analyzed SCFAs. The increase of the extracted analytes quantity was significant passing from 1 to 2 and from 2 to 3 extractions (P < 0.05), while no significant differences were found performing 3, 4 or 5 extractions (P > 0.05). The SCFAs extracted are directly analyzed by GC-FID without derivatization and separated on a polyethylene glycol nitroterephthalic acid modified coated capillary column, with a chromatographic run time of 13 min. The proposed method showed good sensitivity, with limits of quantifications in the range 0.14-0.48 µM for SCFAs from propionic to caproic acids and 2.12 µM for acetic acid; recovery was between 80.8 and 108.8% and intraday and interday repeatability in the range 0.6-5.0% of precision (RSD, %) The optimized method is suitable for the quantitative analysis of SCFAs in real samples of rat, mouse and human faeces and in fermentation fluids, and it can be applied also to very small amount of faecal sample (20 mg).
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Scortichini
- School of Science and Technology, Chemistry Division, University of Camerino, V. S. Agostino 1, I-62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Boarelli
- School of Science and Technology, Chemistry Division, University of Camerino, V. S. Agostino 1, I-62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Stefania Silvi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, V. S. Agostino 1, I-62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Dennis Fiorini
- School of Science and Technology, Chemistry Division, University of Camerino, V. S. Agostino 1, I-62032 Camerino, MC, Italy.
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14
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Kwan SH, Aziz NHKA, Ismail MN. Bioactive Proteins in Channa striata Promote Wound Healing through Angiogenesis and Cell Proliferation. Protein Pept Lett 2020; 27:48-59. [PMID: 31362651 PMCID: PMC6978642 DOI: 10.2174/0929866526666190730121711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Channa striata are speculated to contain bioactive proteins with the ability to enhancing wound healing. It is commonly consumed after surgery for a faster recovery of the wound. OBJECTIVE To identify the bioactive proteins and evaluate their ability in cell proliferation and angiogenesis promotion. MATERIAL AND METHODS Freeze-Dried Water Extracts (FDWE) and Spray-Dried Water Extracts (SDWE) of C. striata were tested with MTT assay using EA.hy926 endothelial cell line and ex-vivo aortic ring assay. Later the proteins were fractionated and analysed using an LC-QTOF mass spectrometer. The data generated were matched with human gene database for protein similarity and pathway identification. RESULTS Both samples have shown positive cell proliferation and pro-angiogenic activity. Four essential proteins/genes were identified, which are collagen type XI, actin 1, myosin light chain and myosin heavy chain. The pathways discovered that related to these proteins are integrin pathway, Slit-Robo signalling pathway and immune response C-C Chemokine Receptor-3 signalling pathway in eosinophils, which contribute towards wound healing mechanism. CONCLUSIONS The results presented have demonstrated that C. striata FDWE and SDWE protein fractions contain bioactive proteins that are highly similar to human proteins and thus could be involved in the wound healing process via specific biological pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohd Nazri Ismail
- Address correspondence to this author at the Analytical Biochemistry Research Centre, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, USM, Penang,
Malaysia; Tel: +604-6532694; E-mail:
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15
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Nyimanu D, Kuc RE, Williams TL, Bednarek M, Ambery P, Jermutus L, Maguire JJ, Davenport AP. Apelin-36-[L28A] and Apelin-36-[L28C(30kDa-PEG)] peptides that improve diet induced obesity are G protein biased ligands at the apelin receptor. Peptides 2019; 121:170139. [PMID: 31472173 PMCID: PMC6838674 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2019.170139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apelin signalling pathways have important cardiovascular and metabolic functions. Recently, apelin-36-[L28A] and apelin-36-[L28C(30kDa-PEG)], were reported to function independent of the apelin receptor in vivo to produce beneficial metabolic effects without modulating blood pressure. We aimed to show that these peptides bound to the apelin receptor and to further characterise their pharmacology in vitro at the human apelin receptor. METHODS [Pyr1]apelin-13 saturation binding experiments and competition binding experiments were performed in rat and human heart homogenates using [125I]apelin-13 (0.1 nM), and/or increasing concentrations of apelin-36, apelin-36-[L28A] and apelin-36-[L28C(30kDa-PEG)] (50pM-100μM). Apelin-36 and its analogues apelin-36-[F36A], apelin-36-[L28A], apelin-36-[L28C(30kDa-PEG)], apelin-36-[A28 A13] and [40kDa-PEG]-apelin-36 were tested in forskolin-induced cAMP inhibition and β-arrestin assays in CHO-K1 cells heterologously expressing the human apelin receptor. Bias signaling was quantified using the operational model for bias. RESULTS In both species, [Pyr1]apelin-13 had comparable subnanomolar affinity and the apelin receptor density was similar. Apelin-36, apelin-36-[L28A] and apelin-36-[L28C(30kDa-PEG)] competed for binding of [125I]apelin-13 with nanomolar affinities. Apelin-36-[L28A] and apelin-36-[L28C(30kDa-PEG)] inhibited forskolin-induced cAMP release, with nanomolar potencies but they were less potent compared to apelin-36 at recruiting β-arrestin. Bias analysis suggested that these peptides were G protein biased. Additionally, [40kDa-PEG]-apelin-36 and apelin-36-[F36A] retained nanomolar potencies in both cAMP and β-arrestin assays whilst apelin-36-[A13 A28] exhibited a similar profile to apelin-36-[L28C(30kDa-PEG)] in the β-arrestin assay but was more potent in the cAMP assay. CONCLUSIONS Apelin-36-[L28A] and apelin-36-[L28C(30kDa-PEG)] are G protein biased ligands of the apelin receptor, suggesting that the apelin receptor is an important therapeutic target in metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duuamene Nyimanu
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Level 6, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Rhoda E. Kuc
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Level 6, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Thomas L. Williams
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Level 6, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Maria Bednarek
- Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Philip Ambery
- Late-stage Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lutz Jermutus
- Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Janet J. Maguire
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Level 6, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Anthony P. Davenport
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Level 6, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- Corresponding authors.
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16
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Renaut S, Masse J, Norrie JP, Blal B, Hijri M. A commercial seaweed extract structured microbial communities associated with tomato and pepper roots and significantly increased crop yield. Microb Biotechnol 2019; 12:1346-1358. [PMID: 31452345 PMCID: PMC6801128 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Seaweeds have been used as a source of natural fertilizer and biostimulant in agriculture for centuries. However, their effects on soil and crop root microbiota remain unclear. Here, we used a commercially available Ascophyllum nodosum extract (ANE) to test its effect on bacterial and fungal communities of rhizospheric soils and roots of pepper and tomato plants in greenhouse trials. Two independent trials were conducted in a split-block design. We used amplicon sequencing targeting fungal ITS and bacterial 16S rRNA gene to determine microbial community structure changes. We find that productivity parameters of root, shoot and fruit biomass were positively and significantly influenced by the ANE amendment. In addition, a-diversity differed significantly between amended and control plants, but only in some of the experimental conditions. Species composition among sites (b-diversity) differed according to the amendment treatment in all four communities (fungal-root, fungal-soil, bacterial-root and bacterial-soil). Finally, we identified a number of candidate taxa most strongly correlated with crop yield increases. Further studies on isolation and characterization of these microbial taxa linked to the application of liquid seaweed extract may help to enhance crop yield in sustainable agro-ecosystems.
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MESH Headings
- Ascophyllum/chemistry
- Bacteria/classification
- Bacteria/drug effects
- Bacteria/genetics
- Capsicum/growth & development
- Capsicum/microbiology
- Cluster Analysis
- Complex Mixtures/isolation & purification
- Complex Mixtures/metabolism
- DNA, Bacterial/chemistry
- DNA, Bacterial/genetics
- DNA, Fungal/chemistry
- DNA, Fungal/genetics
- DNA, Ribosomal/chemistry
- DNA, Ribosomal/genetics
- DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/chemistry
- DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics
- Fungi/classification
- Fungi/drug effects
- Fungi/genetics
- Solanum lycopersicum/growth & development
- Solanum lycopersicum/microbiology
- Microbiota/drug effects
- Phylogeny
- RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
- Seaweed/chemistry
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Renaut
- Département de Sciences BiologiquesInstitut de Recherche en Biologie VégétaleUniversité de Montréal4101 Sherbrooke EstMontrealQCH1X 2B2Canada
- Quebec Centre for Biodiversity ScienceMontrealQCCanada
| | - Jacynthe Masse
- Département de Sciences BiologiquesInstitut de Recherche en Biologie VégétaleUniversité de Montréal4101 Sherbrooke EstMontrealQCH1X 2B2Canada
- Quebec Centre for Biodiversity ScienceMontrealQCCanada
| | | | - Bachar Blal
- Acadian Seaplants Ltd30 Brown AvenueDartmouthNSB3B 1X8Canada
| | - Mohamed Hijri
- Département de Sciences BiologiquesInstitut de Recherche en Biologie VégétaleUniversité de Montréal4101 Sherbrooke EstMontrealQCH1X 2B2Canada
- Quebec Centre for Biodiversity ScienceMontrealQCCanada
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17
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Caicedo NH, Davalos AF, Puente PA, Rodríguez AY, Caicedo PA. Antioxidant activity of exo-metabolites produced by Fusarium oxysporum: An endophytic fungus isolated from leaves of Otoba gracilipes. Microbiologyopen 2019; 8:e903. [PMID: 31297981 PMCID: PMC6813440 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tropical ecosystems hold an extremely diverse array of endophytic fungi, but their potential use still remains to be explored. In this study, we isolated an endophytic fungus from the leaves of Otoba gracilipes, a medicinal tree from a tropical rainforest in Colombia. Following isolation and cultivation, we evaluated its extracellular crude extract for antioxidant activity. Using traditional and molecular methods (ITS1, NL1 regions), the endophyte was identified as Fusarium oxysporum. Fresh spores from the fungal isolate were inoculated in liquid media (potato dextrose broth [PDB] and potato dextrose-yeast extract broth [PDYB]) and centrifuged for recovering extracellular polysaccharides from the exhausted medium after 30 days of cultivation. Crude extracts were recovered, purified, lyophilized, and evaluated for their ability to inactivate the free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The extracts obtained from PDB culture media had a 51.5% of scavenging effect on DPPH after 5 min of reaction compared with the extracts from PDBY (26.4%), which suggests a high antioxidant potential of these fungal extracts. Thus, our results suggest other fungi from tropical ecosystems should be explored as potential sources of novel enzymes and other metabolites with bioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson H. Caicedo
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Engineering FacultyUniversidad IcesiCaliColombia
| | - Andres F. Davalos
- Department of BiologyNatural Science FacultyUniversidad IcesiCaliColombia
| | - Paula A. Puente
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Natural Science FacusltyUniversidad IcesiCaliColombia
| | - Ana Y. Rodríguez
- Program of Medicine, Health SciencesUniversity UPTCTunjaColombia
| | - Paola A. Caicedo
- Department of BiologyNatural Science FacultyUniversidad IcesiCaliColombia
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Zhu TK, Du PP, Zeng LJ, Lü H, Zhao HM, Li YW, Mo CH, Cai QY. Variation in metabolism and degradation of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) by high- and low-DBP accumulating cultivars of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and crude enzyme extracts. Sci Total Environ 2019; 668:1117-1127. [PMID: 31018452 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.03.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Crops can take up and accumulate di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), an extensively used plasticizer with endocrine disrupting effect, which poses potential risk to human health. Our previous study found the genotype variation in accumulation of DBP by different cultivars of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Nevertheless, the effect of DBP metabolism in vivo on the accumulation variation among different plant cultivars remains unknown. In this study, metabolism variation of DBP by low (Fengyousimiao) and high (Peizataifeng) DBP-accumulating cultivars of rice and the key enzymes involving in DBP metabolism in rice plants were investigated using in vivo exposure of rice plants and in vitro exposure of root crude enzyme extracts. Both mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP) and phthalic acid (PA) were detected as DBP metabolites in all rice tissues (i.e., roots, stems, leaves) and crude enzyme extracts with MBP predominance. DBP metabolism occurred simultaneously when DBP uptake with the highest metabolism in roots in vivo. Degradation of DBP in root crude enzyme extracts fitted well with the first order kinetics (R2 = 0.49-0.76, P < 0.05). The activity of carboxylesterase (CXE) in root crude enzyme extracts was significantly positively correlated with DBP degradation rates. CXE played an important role in DBP metabolism of rice plants, confirming by the fact that triphenyl phosphate of CXE inhibitor could inhibit DBP metabolism of in vivo and in vitro exposure. This result was further confirmed by in vitro degradation of DBP with the commercial pure CXE. The crude enzyme solution from roots of Fengyousimiao with higher CXE activity had significantly higher DBP degradation rates than that of Peizataifeng. However, Fengyousimiao with lower tolerance to DBP stress and higher inhibition by triphenyl phosphate displayed lower DBP metabolism ability in vivo than Peizataifeng.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Kai Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Pei-Pei Du
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Li-Juan Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Huixiong Lü
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Hai-Ming Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yan-Wen Li
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Ce-Hui Mo
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Quan-Ying Cai
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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19
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Corona G, Coman MM, Guo Y, Hotchkiss S, Gill C, Yaqoob P, Spencer JPE, Rowland I. Effect of simulated gastrointestinal digestion and fermentation on polyphenolic content and bioactivity of brown seaweed phlorotannin-rich extracts. Mol Nutr Food Res 2017; 61. [PMID: 28718977 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201700223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE Unlike other classes of polyphenols, there is a lack of knowledge regarding brown seaweed phlorotannins and their bioactivity. We investigated the impact of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation on the bioactivity of a seaweed phlorotannin extract from Ascophyllum nodosum and its high molecular weight (HMW) and low molecular weight (LMW) fractions. METHODS AND RESULTS The highest phlorotannin and total polyphenol (TP) concentration was observed in the HMW fraction. Antioxidant capacity broadly followed phlorotannin and TP levels, with HMW having the highest activity. Both gastrointestinal digestion (GID) and colonic fermentation (CF) significantly affected phlorotannin and TP levels, and antioxidant capacity of the extract and fractions. Despite this, in HT-29 cells, all GID extracts significantly inhibit cell growth, whereas CF extracts effectively counteracted H2 O2 induced DNA damage. CONCLUSION Although phlorotannins, TP levels and antioxidant power of the extracts were strongly reduced after in vitro digestion and fermentation, their anti-genotoxic activity and cell growth inhibitory effect in colon HT-29 cells was maintained and enhanced. HMW was the most effective fraction, indicating that the high molecular weight phlorotannins potentially exert a stronger beneficial effect in the colon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Corona
- Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Roehampton, London, UK
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Maria Magdalena Coman
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, (MC), Italy
| | - Yuxuan Guo
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Sarah Hotchkiss
- CyberColloids Ltd. Carrigaline Industrial Estate, Carrigaline, County Cork, Northern Ireland
| | - Chris Gill
- Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
| | - Parveen Yaqoob
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Jeremy P E Spencer
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Ian Rowland
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
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20
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Itoh Y, Voskuhl RR. Cell specificity dictates similarities in gene expression in multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181349. [PMID: 28715462 PMCID: PMC5513529 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug repurposing is an efficient approach in new treatment development since it leverages previous work from one disease to another. While multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are all neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) and differ in many clinical and pathological aspects, it is possible that they may share some mechanistic features. We hypothesized that focusing on gene expression in a CNS cell type specific manner might uncover similarities between diseases that could be missed using whole tissue gene expression analyses. We found similarities and differences in gene expression in these three distinct diseases, depending upon cell type. Microglia genes were increased in all three diseases, and gene expression levels were correlated strongly among these three neurodegenerative diseases. In astrocytes and endothelia, upregulation and correlations were observed only between MS and PD, but not AD. Neuronal genes were down-regulated in all three diseases, but correlations of changes of individual genes between diseases were not strong. Oligodendrocyte showed gene expression changes that were not shared among the three diseases. Together these data suggest that treatments targeting microglia are most amenable to drug repurposing in MS, PD, and AD, while treatments targeting other CNS cells must be tailored to each disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichiro Itoh
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Rhonda R. Voskuhl
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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21
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Shilling PJ, Bumbak F, Scott DJ, Bathgate RAD, Gooley PR. Characterisation of a cell-free synthesised G-protein coupled receptor. Sci Rep 2017; 7:1094. [PMID: 28439124 PMCID: PMC5430785 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01227-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
G-protein coupled receptors are the largest family of integral membrane proteins found within the human genome. They function as receptors and modulators to a wide range of ligands and responses which are crucial for human health. GPCR study, specifically the investigation of structure and interaction to cognate ligands, is of high priority. Limitations for structural study can be traced in part, to obtaining suitable quantities of recombinant protein. We sought to address the limitations of traditional recombinant technologies by utilising an Escherichia coli based cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) approach for production of a thermostable neurotensin receptor 1 (en2NTS1). Initial results were promising, with a high amount (up to 2 mg/mL) of en2NTS1 produced, that had attained correct secondary structure. Meanwhile, concurrent experiments indicated that CFPS produced en2NTS1 showed non-competitive binding to the peptide ligand neurotensin8-13 when compared to E. coli produced en2NTS1. 1H-13C HMQC SOFAST NMR spectra were indicative of disrupted tertiary structure for CFPS produced 13CH3-methionine labelled en2NTS1. The results obtained, indicate CFPS produced en2NTS1 is not forming a discrete tertiary structure and that further development of the CFPS technique needs to be carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Shilling
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, 30 Flemington Road, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Fabian Bumbak
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, 30 Flemington Road, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, 30 Royal Parade, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel J Scott
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, 30 Royal Parade, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ross A D Bathgate
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, 30 Royal Parade, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul R Gooley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, 30 Flemington Road, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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22
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Kyne C, Jordon K, Filoti DI, Laue TM, Crowley PB. Protein charge determination and implications for interactions in cell extracts. Protein Sci 2017; 26:258-267. [PMID: 27813264 PMCID: PMC5275725 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Decades of dilute-solution studies have revealed the influence of charged residues on protein stability, solubility and stickiness. Similar characterizations are now required in physiological solutions to understand the effect of charge on protein behavior under native conditions. Toward this end, we used free boundary and native gel electrophoresis to explore the charge of cytochrome c in buffer and in Escherichia coli extracts. We find that the charge of cytochrome c was ∼2-fold lower than predicted from primary structure analysis. Cytochrome c charge was tuned by sulfate binding and was rendered anionic in E. coli extracts due to interactions with macroanions. Mutants in which three or four cationic residues were replaced with glutamate were charge-neutral and "inert" in extracts. A comparison of the interaction propensities of cytochrome c and the mutants emphasizes the role of negative charge in stabilizing physiological environments. Charge-charge repulsion and preferential hydration appear to prevent aggregation. The implications for molecular organization in vivo are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciara Kyne
- School of ChemistryNational University of IrelandGalway, University RoadGalwayIreland
| | - Kiara Jordon
- Spin Analytical468 Portland StreetBerwickMaine03901
| | - Dana I. Filoti
- Centre to Advance Macromolecular Interaction Sciences University of New HampshireDurhamNew Hampshire03824
| | - Thomas M. Laue
- Spin Analytical468 Portland StreetBerwickMaine03901
- Centre to Advance Macromolecular Interaction Sciences University of New HampshireDurhamNew Hampshire03824
| | - Peter B. Crowley
- School of ChemistryNational University of IrelandGalway, University RoadGalwayIreland
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Imran M, Arshad M, Negm F, Khalid A, Shaharoona B, Hussain S, Mahmood Nadeem S, Crowley DE. Yeast extract promotes decolorization of azo dyes by stimulating azoreductase activity in Shewanella sp. strain IFN4. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2016; 124:42-49. [PMID: 26454074 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2015.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Biological treatment of azo dyes commonly requires a combined anaerobic-aerobic process in which initial decolorization is achieved by reductive cleavage of azo bonds on the parent molecule. The present study was conducted to examine the relative importance of co-substrates for driving reductive decolorization of azo dyes by Shewanella sp. strain IFN4 using whole cells and enzyme assays. Results showed that the dye decolorization by strain IFN4 was faster in medium containing 1gL(-1) yeast extract (YE) as compared to nine other co-substrates. Moreover, only YE stimulated azoreductase activity (increased from 1.32 to 4.19U/mg protein). Increasing the level of YE up to 8gL(-)(1) resulted into 81% decolorization of the dye in 1h along with an increase in azoreductase activity up to 6.16U/mg protein. Among the components of YE, only riboflavin stimulated the decolorization process as well as enzyme activity. Moreover, strain IFN4 demonstrated flavin reductase activity, and a significant correlation (r(2)=0.98) between flavin reduction and dye reduction by this strain emphasized the involvement of flavin compounds in the decolorization process. The results of this study show that YE serves both as a source of reducing equivalents and an electron shuttle for catalyzing dye reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Imran
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside 92521, USA; Soil Science Division, Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Arshad
- Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
| | - Fayek Negm
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside 92521, USA
| | - Azeem Khalid
- Department of Environmental Sciences, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi 46300, Pakistan
| | - Baby Shaharoona
- Department of Soil, Water and Agricultural Engineering College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, 123, Oman
| | - Sabir Hussain
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Government College University, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
| | | | - David E Crowley
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside 92521, USA
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Ramada MHS, Steindorff AS, Bloch C, Ulhoa CJ. Secretome analysis of the mycoparasitic fungus Trichoderma harzianum ALL 42 cultivated in different media supplemented with Fusarium solani cell wall or glucose. Proteomics 2016; 16:477-90. [PMID: 26631988 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201400546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2015] [Revised: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2023]
Abstract
Trichoderma harzianum is a fungus well known for its potential as a biocontrol agent against many fungal phytopathogens. The aim of this study was to characterize the proteins secreted by T. harzianum ALL42 when its spores were inoculated and incubated for 48 h in culture media supplemented with glucose (GLU) or with cell walls from Fusarium solani (FSCW), a phytopathogen that causes severe losses in common bean and soy crops in Brazil, as well as other crop diseases around the world. Trichoderma harzianum was able to grow in Trichoderma Liquid Enzyme Production medium (TLE) and Minimal medium (MM) supplemented with FSCW and in TLE+GLU, but was unable to grow in MM+GLU medium. Protein quantification showed that TLE+FSCW and MM+FSCW had 45- and 30- fold, respectively, higher protein concentration on supernatant when compared to TLE+GLU, and this difference was observable on 2D gel electrophoresis (2DE). A total of 94 out of 105 proteins excised from 2DE maps were identified. The only protein observed in all three conditions was epl1. In the media supplemented with FSCW, different hydrolases such as chitinases, β-1,3-glucanases, glucoamylases, α-1,3-glucanases and proteases were identified, along with other proteins with no known functions in mycoparasitism, such as npp1 and cys. Trichoderma harzianum showed a complex and diverse arsenal of proteins that are secreted in response to the presence of FSCW, with novel proteins not previously described in mycoparasitic-related studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Henrique Soller Ramada
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Laboratório de Espectrometria de Massa, Embrapa-Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Parque Estação Biológica, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Andrei Stecca Steindorff
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Carlos Bloch
- Laboratório de Espectrometria de Massa, Embrapa-Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Parque Estação Biológica, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Cirano José Ulhoa
- Laboratório de Enzimologia, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Goiás (ICB), Goiânia, GO, Brazil
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Romero-Oliva CS, Contardo-Jara V, Pflugmacher S. Antioxidative response of the three macrophytes Ceratophyllum demersum, Egeria densa, and Hydrilla verticillata to a time dependent exposure of cell-free crude extracts containing three microcystins from cyanobacterial blooms of Lake Amatitlán, Guatemala. Aquat Toxicol 2015; 163:130-139. [PMID: 25889089 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2015.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Microcystins (MCs) produced by cyanobacteria in natural environments are a potential risk to the integrity of ecosystems. In this study, the effects of cyanobacterial cell-free crude extracts from a Microcystis aeruginosa bloom containing three MC-congeners MC-LR, -RR, and -YR at environmental relevant concentrations of 49.3±2.9, 49.8±5.9, and 6.9±3.8μg/L, respectively, were evaluated on Ceratophyllum demersum (L.), Egeria densa (Planch.), and Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.). Effects on photosynthetic pigments (total chlorophyll (chl), chl a, chl b, and carotenoids), enzymatic defense led by catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and glutathione reductase (GR), and biotransformation enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST) were measured after 1, 4, and 8h and after 1, 3, 7, and 14 days of exposure. Results show that in all exposed macrophytes, photosynthetic pigments were negatively affected. While chl a and total chl decreased with increasing exposure time, a parallel increase in chl b was observed after 8h. Concomitant increase of ∼5, 16, and 34% of antioxidant carotenoid concentration in exposed C. demersum, E. densa, and H. verticillata, respectively, was also displayed. Enzymatic antioxidant defense systems in all exposed macrophytes were initiated within the first hour of exposure. In exposed E. densa, highest values of CAT and GR activities were observed after 4 and 8h, respectively, while in exposed H. verticillata highest value of POD activity was observed after 8h. An early induction with a significant increase of biotransformation enzyme GST was observed in E. densa after 4h and in C. demersum and H. verticillata after 8h. These results are the first to show rapid induction of stress and further possible MC biotransformation (based on the activation of GST enzymatic activity included in MC metabolization during the biotransformation mechanism) in macrophytes exposed to crude extract containing a mixture of MCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Suseth Romero-Oliva
- Technische Universität Berlin, Department of Ecotoxicological Impact Research and Ecotoxicology, Ernst-Reuter-Platz 1, 10587 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Valeska Contardo-Jara
- Technische Universität Berlin, Department of Ecotoxicological Impact Research and Ecotoxicology, Ernst-Reuter-Platz 1, 10587 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Stephan Pflugmacher
- Technische Universität Berlin, Department of Ecotoxicological Impact Research and Ecotoxicology, Ernst-Reuter-Platz 1, 10587 Berlin, Germany.
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26
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Cheng J, Huang R, Yu T, Li T, Zhou J, Cen K. Biodiesel production from lipids in wet microalgae with microwave irradiation and bio-crude production from algal residue through hydrothermal liquefaction. Bioresour Technol 2014; 151:415-418. [PMID: 24183493 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2013.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2013] [Revised: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/10/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
A cogeneration process of biodiesel and bio-crude was proposed to make full use of wet microalgae biomass. High-grade biodiesel was first produced from lipids in wet microalgae through extraction and transesterification with microwave irradiation. Then, low-grade bio-crude was produced from proteins and carbohydrates in the algal residue through hydrothermal liquefaction. The total yield (40.19%) and the total energy recovery (67.73%) of the cogenerated biodiesel and bio-crude were almost equal to those of the bio-oil obtained from raw microalgae through direct hydrothermal liquefaction. Upon microwave irradiation, proteins were partially hydrolyzed and the hydrolysates were apt for deaminization under the hydrothermal condition of the algal residue. Hence, the total remaining nitrogen (16.02%) in the cogenerated biodiesel and bio-crude was lower than that (27.06%) in the bio-oil. The cogeneration process prevented lipids and proteins from reacting to produce low-grade amides and other long-chain nitrogen compounds during the direct hydrothermal liquefaction of microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
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Tomeia MC, Angeluccia DM, Daugulis AJ. The use of used automobile tyres in a partitioning bioreactor for the biodegradation of xenobiotic mixtures. Environ Technol 2014; 35:75-81. [PMID: 24600843 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2013.811529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Waste tyres were utilized as the sorption phase in a two-phase partitioning bioreactor (TPPB) for the biodegradation of a binary mixture of 2,4-dichlorophenol (DCP) and 4-nitrophenol (4NP). These compounds are extensively used in the chemical industry and are found in many industrial effluents. Although both compounds are toxic and are on the EPA list of priority pollutants, a higher inhibitory effect on microorganisms is exerted by DCP, and our experimental tests were focused on strategies to reduce its negative impact on microbial activity. Sorption/desorption tests for the DCP-4NP mixture were first performed to verify the related uptake/release rates by the tyres, which showed that the tyres had a higher capacity for DCP uptake and practically no affinity for 4NP. An acclimatized mixed culture was then utilized in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) operated in conventional and two-phase mode. For the binary DCP-4NP mixture a significant reduction in DCP toxicity, and a concomitant enhancement in substrate removal efficiency (up to 83%for DCP and approximate 100% for 4NP) were clearly seen for the TPPB operated with 10% and 15% v/v tyres, for influent concentrations up to 180 mg/L, with practically negligible biodegradation in the conventional single phase reactor. The long-term utilization of tyres was confirmed at an influent loading of 180 mg/L with a test performed over 20 work cycles showing an improvement of the removal performance for both compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Concetta Tomeia
- Water Research Institute, C.N.R., Via Salaria km 29.300, CP 10-00015 Monterotondo Stazione, Rome, Italy. Department of Chemical Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario Canada K7L 3N6.
| | - Domenica Mosca Angeluccia
- Water Research Institute, C.N.R., Via Salaria km 29.300, CP 10-00015 Monterotondo Stazione, Rome, Italy. Department of Chemical Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario Canada K7L 3N6
| | - Andrew J Daugulis
- Water Research Institute, C.N.R., Via Salaria km 29.300, CP 10-00015 Monterotondo Stazione, Rome, Italy. Department of Chemical Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario Canada K7L 3N6
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Abstract
Much of our understanding of the mechanism of splicing comes from the analysis of cell extracts able to carry out splicing complex formation and splicing reactions in vitro using exogenously added synthetic model pre-mRNA transcripts. This protocol describes the preparation of whole-cell extracts from the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These extracts can be used to dissect the biochemical steps of the splicing reaction and to determine the macromolecules, cofactors, and substrate features necessary for successful splicing.
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Gawor A, Wania F. Using quantitative structural property relationships, chemical fate models, and the chemical partitioning space to investigate the potential for long range transport and bioaccumulation of complex halogenated chemical mixtures. Environ Sci Process Impacts 2013; 15:1671-1684. [PMID: 23831855 DOI: 10.1039/c3em00098b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Some substances are mixtures of very large number of constituents which vary widely in their properties, and thus also in terms of their environmental fate and the hazard that they may pose to humans and the environment. Examples of such substances include industrial chemicals such as the chlorinated paraffins, technical pesticides such as toxaphene, and unintended combustion side products, such as mixed halogenated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans. Here we describe a simple graphical superposition method that could precede a more detailed hazard assessment for such substances. First, partitioning and degradation properties for each individual constituent of a mixture are estimated with high-throughput quantitative structure-property relationships. Placed in a chemical partitioning space, i.e. a coordinate system defined by two partitioning coefficients, the mixtures appear as 'clouds'. When model-derived hazard assessment metrics, such as the potential for bioaccumulation and long range transport, are superimposed on these clouds, the resulting maps identify the constituents with the highest value for a particular parameter and thus potentially the greatest hazard. The maps also indicate transparently how the potential for long range transport and bioaccumulation is dependent on structural attributes, such as chain length, and the degree and type of halogenation. In contrast to previous approaches, in which the mixture is represented by a single set of properties or those of a few selected constituents, the whole range of environmental fate behaviors displayed by the constituents of a mixture are being considered. The approach is illustrated with three sets of chemical substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anya Gawor
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences and Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1C 1A4
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Pirog TP, Shevchuk TA, Mashchenko OI, Parfeniuk SA, Iutinskaia GA. [Effect of growth factors and some microelements on biosurfactant synthesis of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus IMV B-7241]. Mikrobiol Z 2013; 75:18-26. [PMID: 24479309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The effect of yeast autolysate and microelements on synthesis of surface-active substances (SAS, biosurfactants) was investigated under cultivation of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus IMV B-7241 on various carbon substrates (n-hexadecane, ethanol, glycerol). The authors have shown a possibility to substitute the yeast autolysate and microelement mixture in the composition of ethanol- and n-hexadecane-containing media by copper sulfate (0.16 micromol/l) and iron sulfate (3.6 micromol/l), and in the medium with glycerol by 0.21 mmol/l of KCl, 38 micromol/l of zinc sulfate and 0.16 micromol/l of copper sulfate. Under such conditions of cultivation of the strain IMV B-7241 the SAS concentration exceeded that on the initial media, which contained the yeast autolysate and microelements, 1.2-1.6 times. The authors have also established the activating effect of low (0.01 mM) concentrations of Fe2+ on activity of the enzymes of biosynthesis of surface-active amino- (NADP-dependent glutamate dehydrogenase) and glycolipids (phosphoenolpyruvate(PhEP)-synthetase, PhEP-carboxykinase), as well as of anaplerotic reaction(PhEP-carboxylase). A necessity to introduce zinc cations into glycerol-containing medium is determined by their stimulating effect on activity of 4-dinitroso-N,N-dimethylaniline-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase--one of the enzymes of this substrate catabolism in A. calcoaceticus IMV B-7241.
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Bingol K, Zhang F, Bruschweiler-Li L, Brüschweiler R. Quantitative analysis of metabolic mixtures by two-dimensional 13C constant-time TOCSY NMR spectroscopy. Anal Chem 2013; 85:6414-20. [PMID: 23773204 PMCID: PMC4447502 DOI: 10.1021/ac400913m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
An increasing number of organisms can be fully (13)C-labeled, which has the advantage that their metabolomes can be studied by high-resolution two-dimensional (2D) NMR (13)C-(13)C constant-time (CT) total correlation spectroscopy (TOCSY) experiments. Individual metabolites can be identified via database searching or, in the case of novel compounds, through the reconstruction of their backbone-carbon topology. Determination of quantitative metabolite concentrations is another key task. Because strong peak overlaps in one-dimensional (1D) NMR spectra prevent straightforward quantification through 1D peak integrals, we demonstrate here the direct use of (13)C-(13)C CT-TOCSY spectra for metabolite quantification. This is accomplished through the quantum mechanical treatment of the TOCSY magnetization transfer at short and long-mixing times or by the use of analytical approximations, which are solely based on the knowledge of the carbon-backbone topologies. The methods are demonstrated for carbohydrate and amino acid mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerem Bingol
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32310
| | - Fengli Zhang
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32310
| | - Lei Bruschweiler-Li
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32310
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306
| | - Rafael Brüschweiler
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32310
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306
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Carr CK, Watkins AM, Wolf CJ, Abbott BD, Lau C, Gennings C. Testing for departures from additivity in mixtures of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). Toxicology 2013; 306:169-75. [PMID: 23470359 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2013.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2012] [Revised: 02/07/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
This study is a follow-up to a paper by Carr et al. that determined a design structure to optimally test for departures from additivity in a fixed ratio mixture of four perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) using an in vitro transiently-transfected COS-1 PPARα reporter model with a mixing ratio that is based on average serum levels in NHANES subjects. Availability of information regarding potential for additivity of PFAAs in mixtures is critically important for risk assessors who are concerned with the ability of the compounds to affect human health and impact ecological systems. It is clear that exposures are not to single compounds, but to mixtures of the PFAAs. This paper presents the results from the data collected using the design from Carr et al. along with subsequent analyses that were performed to classify the relationships among mixtures of PFAAs. A non-linear logistic additivity model was employed to predict relative luciferase units (RLU), an indicator of PPARα activation. The results indicated a less than additive relationship among the four PFAAs. To determine if the possible "antagonism" is from the competition among or between carboxylates and sulfonates, four different binary mixtures were also studied. There was a less than additive relationship in all four binary mixtures. These findings are generally similar to two other reports of interfering interactions between PFAAs in mixtures. The most conservative interpretation for our data would be an assumption of additivity (and lack of a greater than additive interaction), with a potential for antagonistic interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline K Carr
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0032, USA.
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Abstract
CONTEXT Insects are a large, unexplored and unexploited source of potentially useful compounds for modern medicine. The larvae of the housefly (Musca domestica) have been used to study immune-induced molecules because they can survive in pathogenic environments. OBJECTIVE The antiviral activity of a protein-enriched fraction (PEF) from the larvae of the housefly was evaluated in vitro and the possible antiviral mechanism was studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS PEF was isolated from the larvae of the housefly. The cytotoxicity of PEF was detected by the MTT assay. The in vitro antiviral activity of PEF against influenza virus was investigated. PEF was incubated with the virus and its target cells under various conditions, and its antiviral effects were examined by reduction in virus yield in cell cultures. Experiments with ribavirin were performed in parallel under the same conditions. RESULTS The results indicated that PEF had minimal cytotoxicity against MDCK cells and the CC₅₀ value was calculated to be 284.45 μg/ml. The antiviral results showed the loss of infectious capacity was more than two log (2) units in cell cultures compared with virus control. The effect of PEF was direct virucidal activity and the interference on the adsorption of cell and virus. The antiviral mechanism of PEF is different from ribavirin. CONCLUSION The results indicate that PEF showed strong antiviral activity against influenza virus at a very early stage of the interaction with virus particles or their entry into the cells. PEF has a great potential as a resource of healthy products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Furong Wang
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biochemical Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China.
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Ustiugova EA, Timofeeva AV, Stoianova LG, Netrusov AI, Katrukha GS. [Characteristics and identification of bacteriocins produced by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis 194-K]. Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol 2012; 48:618-625. [PMID: 23330388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis 194-K strain has been established to be able to produce two bacteriocins, one of which was identified as the known lantibiotic nisin A, and the other 194-D bacteriocin represents a polypeptide with a 2589-Da molecular mass and comprises 20 amino acid residues. Both bacteriocins were produced in varying proportions in all of the studied nutrient media, which support the growth of the producer. Depending on the cultivation medium, the nisin A content was 380- to 1123-fold lower in the 194-K stain culture fluid than that of the 194-D peptide. In comparision to to nisin A Bacteriocin 194-D possessed a wide range of antibacterial activity and suppressed the growth of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. An optimal medium for 194-D bacteriocin synthesis was shown to be a fermentation medium which contained yeast extract, casein hydrolysate, and potassium phosphate. The biosynthesis ofbacteriocin 194-D by the 194-K strain in these media occurred parallel to producer growth, and its maximal accumulation in the culture fluid was observed at 14-20 h of the strain's growth.
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Ruhal R, Choudhury B. Use of an osmotically sensitive mutant of Propionibacterium freudenreichii subspp. shermanii for the simultaneous productions of organic acids and trehalose from biodiesel waste based crude glycerol. Bioresour Technol 2012; 109:131-139. [PMID: 22306074 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Revised: 01/01/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Recently suitability of crude glycerol for trehalose and propionic acid productions was reported using Propionibacterium freudenreichii subspp. shermanii and it was concluded that presence of KCl in crude glycerol was the probable reason for higher trehalose accumulation with crude glycerol medium. To further improve trehalose production, an osmotic sensitive mutant of this strain (non-viable in medium with 3% NaCl) with higher trehalose yield was isolated. In mutant, trehalose yields achieved with respect to biomass and substrate consumed (391 mg/g of biomass, 90 mg/g of substrate consumed) were three and four times higher, respectively as compared to parent strain when crude glycerol was used as a carbon source. Other major fermentation products obtained were propionic acid (0.42 g/g of substrate consumed) and lactic acid (0.3g/g of substrate consumed). It was also observed that in mutant higher activity of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase was probably responsible for higher trehalose accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Ruhal
- Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India
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Cheng S, Bois FY. A mechanistic modeling framework for predicting metabolic interactions in complex mixtures. Environ Health Perspect 2011; 119:1712-1718. [PMID: 21835728 PMCID: PMC3261979 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1103510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2011] [Accepted: 08/11/2011] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Computational modeling of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of chemicals is now theoretically able to describe metabolic interactions in realistic mixtures of tens to hundreds of substances. That framework awaits validation. OBJECTIVES Our objectives were to a) evaluate the conditions of application of such a framework, b) confront the predictions of a physiologically integrated model of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and m-xylene (BTEX) interactions with observed kinetics data on these substances in mixtures and, c) assess whether improving the mechanistic description has the potential to lead to better predictions of interactions. METHODS We developed three joint models of BTEX toxicokinetics and metabolism and calibrated them using Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations and single-substance exposure data. We then checked their predictive capabilities for metabolic interactions by comparison with mixture kinetic data. RESULTS The simplest joint model (BTEX interacting competitively for cytochrome P450 2E1 access) gives qualitatively correct and quantitatively acceptable predictions (with at most 50% deviations from the data). More complex models with two pathways or back-competition with metabolites have the potential to further improve predictions for BTEX mixtures. CONCLUSIONS A systems biology approach to large-scale prediction of metabolic interactions is advantageous on several counts and technically feasible. However, ways to obtain the required parameters need to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Cheng
- Bioengineering Department, Royallieu Research Center, Université de Technology de Compiègne, Compiègne Cedex, France
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Bennett H, Toll RB. Intramantle inking: a stress behavior in Octopus bimaculoides (Mollusca: Cephalopoda). J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci 2011; 50:943-945. [PMID: 22330791 PMCID: PMC3228935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2011] [Revised: 03/29/2011] [Accepted: 05/27/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Several Pacific 2-spot octopuses (Octopus bimaculoides) shipped from California and held in a recirculating seawater system at Illinois College exhibited an unusual postshipping stress behavior not previously documented in the literature. Ink, normally ejected into the surrounding seawater, was uncharacteristically retained in the mantle cavity. We describe the resulting behaviors, discuss successful resuscitation efforts, and briefly consider the possible role(s) that ink may have played in the death of one octopus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Bennett
- Department of Biology, Illinois College, Jacksonville, IL, USA.
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Abstract
One of today's greatest challenges in environmental toxicology is to understand effects of mixture toxicity, commonly referred to as cocktail effects, in humans and in wildlife. Biomarker responses in fish are routinely used to assess exposure of anthropogenic chemicals in the aquatic environment. However, little is known about how cocktail effects affect these biomarker responses. For this reason, there is an obvious risk for misinterpretation of biomarker-data and this can have profound negative effects on stakeholder's decisions and actions, as well as on legislations and remediation-plans initiated in order to reduce exposure to certain chemicals. Besides, chemical safety-levels are traditionally based on experiences from lab-studies with single chemicals, which is unfortunate as a chemical can be more toxic when it is mixed with other chemicals, because of the cocktail effect. This review focuses on pharmacokinetic interactions between different classes of pollutants on detoxification mechanisms and how that affects two commonly used biomarkers in the aquatic environment: (1) induction of cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) that is mediated via activation of the arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR), used to assess exposure to aromatic hydrocarbons; (2) induction of vitellogenin (VTG) that is mediated via activation of the estrogen receptor (ER), used to assess exposure to estrogenic chemicals. These responses can be either directly or indirectly affected by the presence of other classes of pollutants as a result of cocktail effects. For example, chemicals that inhibit the function of key metabolic enzymes and transporter pumps that are involved in elimination of AhR- and ER agonists, can result in bioaccumulation of aromatic hydrocarbons and estrogenic chemicals resulting in increased biomarker responses. This cocktail effect can lead to overestimation of the actual exposure pressure. On the contrary, induction of expression of key metabolic enzymes and transporter activities can result in increased elimination of AhR- and ER agonists that can lead to possible underestimation of the exposure. Another type of cocktail effect is inhibiting receptor cross-talk that may cause decreased biomarker responses that can also lead to underestimation of the actual exposure. To address the possible involvement of pharmacokinetic interactions including receptor cross-talks, we need to combine analyses on receptor signaling with studies on function of key biotransformation enzymes such as major catabolic CYP enzymes (e.g. CYP1-4) as well as efflux pumps (e.g. ATP-binding cassette transporter proteins). Besides, studies of inhibition of these enzymes and pumps activities pose a great potential to be used as future biomarkers as they are more clearly liked to adverse outcomes, compared to for example induction of CYP1A and VTG expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malin C Celander
- University of Gothenburg, Department of Zoology, Box 463, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Eibisch M, Zellmer S, Gebhardt R, Süss R, Fuchs B, Schiller J. Phosphatidylcholine dimers can be easily misinterpreted as cardiolipins in complex lipid mixtures: a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometric study of lipids from hepatocytes. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2011; 25:2619-2626. [PMID: 23657956 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.5161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2011] [Revised: 05/19/2011] [Accepted: 06/24/2011] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The liver is an important organ that is particularly involved in the lipid metabolism of the organism. Thus, high interest is nowadays focused on the lipid composition of the liver and particularly the liver parenchymal cells, the hepatocytes. Hepatocytes contain common phospholipids (PL) such as phosphatidylcholines, -ethanolamines and -inositols, for instance, that can be easily analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) even without previous separation of the PL mixture. However, in addition to common PL, hepatocytes possess also significant amounts of cardiolipin (CLP). The MS analysis of this PL is quite challenging because it (a) has a higher mass than common lipids and (b) possesses a higher negative charge. We will show here that caution is required if CLP is analyzed directly from the total lipid extract because PC dimers may be interpreted as cardiolipins if the positive ion MALDI mass spectra are analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Eibisch
- University of Leipzig, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Härtelstrasse 16-18, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany
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Zhou YY, Chen DZ, Zhu RY, Chen JM. Substrate interactions during the biodegradation of BTEX and THF mixtures by Pseudomonas oleovorans DT4. Bioresour Technol 2011; 102:6644-6649. [PMID: 21511464 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2011.03.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2011] [Revised: 03/22/2011] [Accepted: 03/23/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The efficient tetrahydrofuran (THF)-degrading bacterium, Pseudomonas oleovorans DT4 was used to investigate the substrate interactions during the aerobic biotransformation of THF and BTEX mixtures. Benzene and toluene could be utilized as growth substrates by DT4, whereas cometabolism of m-xylene, p-xylene and ethylbenzene occurred with THF. In binary mixtures, THF degradation was delayed by xylene, ethylbenzene, toluene and benzene in descending order of inhibitory effects. Conversely, benzene (or toluene) degradation was greatly enhanced by THF leading to a higher degradation rate of 39.68 mg/(h g dry weight) and a shorter complete degradation time about 21 h, possibly because THF acted as an "energy generator". Additionally, the induction experiments suggested that BTEX and THF degradation was initiated by independent and inducible enzymes. The transient intermediate hydroquinone was detected in benzene biodegradation with THF while catechol in the process without THF, suggesting that P. oleovorans DT4 possessed two distinguished benzene pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Yang Zhou
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
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Kasetsuwan N, Chatchatee P, Reinprayoon U. Efficacy of local conjunctival immunotherapy in allergic conjunctivitis. Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol 2010; 28:237-241. [PMID: 21337906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergic conjunctivitis was a chronic inflammatory disease, usually associated with rhinitis. Several modalities of treatment were available, but few studies mentioned of immunotherapy which might had benefits in chronic and severe cases. OBJECTIVE To evaluate efficacy and safety of local conjunctival immunotherapy (LCIT) using a mixed Dermatophagoides extracts for treatment of allergic conjunctivitis (AC) METHODS: A prospective, double-blind and randomized controlled trial (RCT) was performed on eighteen patients with positive skin prick test (SPT) reactions to house dust mites. They were randomized into 2 groups: 1) treated with LCIT and 2) treated with balanced salt solution (BSS) as a control for a 6-month period. Allergen extracts were prepared in eyedrops and given once daily in LCIT group. Efficacy was assessed by clinical scores and conjunctival provocation test (CPT). RESULTS At 6 months, the CPT scores for the LCIT group reached statistical significance compared to the control group (p = 0.038), but there were no statistically significant differences in signs (p = 0.591), symptoms (p = 0.885) and medication scores (p = 0.338) between both groups. Patients in LCIT group were able to tolerate the allergen without developing any serious adverse events. CONCLUSION LCIT treatment significantly reduced CPT scores which indicated that the patients were able to tolerate the antigen better than their counterparts. However, LCIT alone at short period did not alleviate symptoms and signs of allergic conjunctivitis from multiple allergens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngamjit Kasetsuwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
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Garriga T, Guilarte M, Luengo O, Guillén M, Labrador-Horrillo M, Fadeeva T, Sala A, Cardona V. Frozen fruit skin prick test for the diagnosis of fruit allergy. Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol 2010; 28:275-278. [PMID: 21337912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnosis of fruit sensitisation by skin prick test (SPT) is fast and easy to perform. Nevertheless, some fruit is not available throughout the year. Freezing aliquots of these fresh fruits to be defrosted would be a good solution to perform SPT at any time. OBJECTIVE To compare the reproducibility of SPT with Rosaceae and Cucurbitaceae frozen fruit with fresh and commercial fruit extracts. METHODS SPT with the following fruit were performed: apricot, cherry, strawberry, nectarine, Japanese medlar, peach, (peel and pulp), yellow and red plum, melon and watermelon. We compared fresh fruit, commercial extract and fruit which had been frozen at -18 degrees C. Results were read by planimetry (Inmunotek prick-film) after 15 minutes. RESULTS The study group comprised 48 patients (9 males, 39 females) with a mean age of 31, 6 +/- 2.0 years. Concordance of positive and negative results was extremely high and significant in all cases. Correlation between frozen fruit and commercial extract, frozen fruit and fresh and commercial extract and fresh fruit was statistically significant in all cases except for strawberry. CONCLUSIONS The use of frozen fruit is a valid method, as the performance of the SPT is similar to that of fresh fruit. This enables diagnostic procedures with seasonal fruit at any time of the year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Garriga
- Allergy Section, Internal Medicine Department, Vall d'Hebron Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Liang Y, Cui Y, Trushenski J, Blackburn JW. Converting crude glycerol derived from yellow grease to lipids through yeast fermentation. Bioresour Technol 2010; 101:7581-6. [PMID: 20478702 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2010.04.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2010] [Revised: 04/15/2010] [Accepted: 04/24/2010] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Cryptococcus curvatus, an oleaginous yeast was observed to grow on crude glycerol derived from yellow grease. When cultured in a one-stage fed-batch process wherein crude glycerol and nitrogen source were fed intermittently for 12 days, the final biomass density and lipid content were 31.2 g/l and 44.2%, respectively. When cultured in a two-stage fed-batch operation wherein crude glycerol was supplemented at different time points while nitrogen source addition was discontinued at the middle of the experiment, the biomass density was 32.9 g/l and the lipid content was 52% at the end of 12 days. Compared with other oil feedstocks for biodiesel production, lipid accumulated by C. curvatus grown on glycerol has high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acid, which makes it an excellent source for biodiesel use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanna Liang
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA.
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Abstract
Astrocytes are often referred to, and historically have been regarded as, support cells of the mammalian CNS. Work over the last decade suggests otherwise-that astrocytes may in fact play a more active role in higher neural processing than previously recognized. Because astrocytes can potentially serve as novel therapeutic targets, it is critical to understand how astrocytes execute their diverse supportive tasks while maintaining neuronal health. To that end, this review focuses on the supportive roles of astrocytes, a line of study relevant to essentially all acute and chronic neurological diseases, and critically re-evaluates our concepts of the functional properties of astrocytes and relates these functions and properties to the intricate morphology of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- grid.16416.340000000419369174Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Prochester Medical School, 601 Elmwood Avenue, 114642 Rochester, New York
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Serafim A, Bebianno MJ. Effect of a polymetallic mixture on metal accumulation and metallothionein response in the clam Ruditapes decussatus. Aquat Toxicol 2010; 99:370-378. [PMID: 20557954 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2010.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2010] [Revised: 05/20/2010] [Accepted: 05/24/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The toxic effects of metals are related to changes in natural physiological and biochemical processes in organisms, which are not easily detected. Marine invertebrates developed strategies to survive in the presence of toxic metal levels, by the removal of these compounds from the soluble fraction of the cell through different processes, including the synthesis of metallothionein (MT). To better understand the effect of Cd, Cu and Zn in MT response it is important to consider that in their natural environment these metals are normally mixed. The exposure to a metal mixture result in toxicological interactions that produce different biological responses when compared to the effects of a single metal exposure. The aim of this study was to assess metal accumulation and MT response in different tissues of the clam Ruditapes decussatus exposed to a mixture of sublethal Cd, Cu and Zn concentrations. Kinetic models were applied to determine metal uptake and loss to better predict and understand the detoxification mechanisms in this species. The kinetic model showed that the effect of this polymetallic exposure compared to a single exposure to these metals caused different metal uptake and loss rates in several tissues. Moreover, the exposure of R. decussatus to a polymetallic mixture caused an increase in MT induction compared to a single metal exposure. This is probably related to the interaction between the different metals and their different affinity to this protein. Metal interactions within aquatic organisms are very important in MT synthesis and the effect of polymetallic mixtures in the environment must be taken into account in field studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Serafim
- CIMA, Center of Marine and Environmental Resaearch, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
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Spurgeon DJ, Jones OAH, Dorne JLCM, Svendsen C, Swain S, Stürzenbaum SR. Systems toxicology approaches for understanding the joint effects of environmental chemical mixtures. Sci Total Environ 2010; 408:3725-3734. [PMID: 20231031 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.02.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2009] [Revised: 02/15/2010] [Accepted: 02/17/2010] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Environmental mixtures of chemicals constitute a prevalent issue in ecotoxicology and the development of new methods to reduce the uncertainties associated with their ecological risk assessment is a critical research need. Historically, a number of models have been explored to predict the potential combined effects of chemicals on species. These models, especially concentration addition and the independent action, have been applied to a number of mixtures. While often providing a good prediction of joint effect, there are cases where these models can have limitations: notably in cases where there are interactions for which they fail to adequately predict joint effects. To support the better mechanistic understanding of interactions in mixture toxicology a framework to support experimental studies to investigate the basis of observed interactions is proposed. The conceptual framework is derived from the extension of a three stage scheme which has previously been applied to understand chemical bioavailability. The framework considers that interactions in mixtures result from processes related to 1) the speciation, binding and transport of chemicals in the exposure medium (external exposure); 2) the adsorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of chemicals within the organisms (toxicokinetics); 3) associations governing the binding and toxicity of the chemical(s) at the target site (toxicodynamics). The current state of the art in (eco)toxicology in relation to investigation of the mechanisms of interactions between chemicals is discussed with particular emphasis towards the multi-disciplinary tools and techniques within environmental chemistry; toxicology; biochemistry and systems biology that can be used to address such effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Spurgeon
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Maclean Building, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, Oxon, OX10 8BB, UK.
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Chen LL, Zhang M, Zhang DH, Chen XL, Sun CY, Zhou BC, Zhang YZ. Purification and enzymatic characterization of two beta-endoxylanases from Trichoderma sp. K9301 and their actions in xylooligosaccharide production. Bioresour Technol 2009; 100:5230-5236. [PMID: 19527927 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2009.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2009] [Revised: 05/18/2009] [Accepted: 05/20/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Trichoderma sp. K9301 secreting endoxylanases with an activity of 2836 U/g (dry weight) was screened for XOs production. Two acidic beta-endoxylanases EX1 (30.1 kDa) and EX2 (20.1 kDa) were purified from crude extract of the strain K9301 in solid fermentation. Action modes of EX1 and EX2 towards XOs showed similar hydrolysis characters to endoxylanases belonging to glycosyl hydrolase family 10 and 11, respectively. EX1 exhibited better affinity but lower hydrolytic efficiency than EX2 to xylans from beechwood, birchwood, and oat-spelt. They had synergistic action on xylan hydrolysis. The optimum condition to prepare XOs from corncobs was obtained as 10 mg/ml corncob xylan incubated with 10 U/mg crude enzymes at 50 degrees C for 3 h. The yield of XOs reached 43.3%, and only a little amount of xylose (3.1%) was simultaneously produced, suggesting the good potential of strain K9301 in XOs production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei-Lei Chen
- The State Key Lab of Microbial Technology, Marine Biotechnology Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, PR China
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Hasar H. Simultaneous removal of organic matter and nitrogen compounds by combining a membrane bioreactor and a membrane biofilm reactor. Bioresour Technol 2009; 100:2699-2705. [PMID: 19186053 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2008.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2008] [Revised: 12/14/2008] [Accepted: 12/15/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen-based membrane biofilm reactors (MBfR) have been applied to the denitrification of nitrate-containing water and wastewater. Adding an aerobic membrane bioreactor (MBR) to a MBfR provides significant nitrification and organic oxidation because most wastewater also contains a significant concentration of organic material and ammonium nitrogen. This study describes experiments that investigate the removal of organic and nitrogenous compounds in the combined MBR/MBfR system. The experiments demonstrate that the MBR/MBfR combination successfully performs COD oxidation and nitrogen removal for organic and ammonium loads in the ranges of 1000-4300gCOD/m(3)-d and 200-230gN/m(3)-d, respectively. Total-nitrogen removal was controlled by nitrification in the MBR, because the MBfR denitrified all of the NO(3)(-) provided by the MBR. The nitrate flux in the MBfR was in the range of 4-8gN/m(2)-d for cases of almost complete denitrification (>99 %); the H(2) flux was varied from 1.4 to 2.8gH(2)/m(2)-d.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halil Hasar
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey.
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Baas J, Jager T, Kooijman SALM. A model to analyze effects of complex mixtures on survival. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2009; 72:669-76. [PMID: 18951631 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2008.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2008] [Revised: 07/30/2008] [Accepted: 09/07/2008] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
In ecotoxicology there is a growing interest in effects of mixtures. The aim of this research was to develop a biology-based model that describes effects of mixtures on survival in time. The model works from the individual compounds in the mixture. Such an approach requires parameters for each individual compound in the mixture. For narcotic compounds we underpinned theoretical relations between the toxic parameters and the logK(ow) with experimental data by analyzing almost 300 datasets from the open literature, allowing a vast reduction in effort in the assessment of effects of mixtures. To illustrate the use of the model we simulated the effect of a mixture of 14 PAHs on the survival of Pimephales promelas. The simulation showed that due to the combined effect of the compounds in the mixture effects can be seen at very low concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Baas
- Department of Theoretical Biology, Vrije Universiteit of Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Ren AZ, Gao YB, Wang W, Wang JL, Zhao NX. Influence of nitrogen fertilizer and endophyte infection on ecophysiological parameters and mineral element content of perennial ryegrass. J Integr Plant Biol 2009; 51:75-83. [PMID: 19166497 DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-7909.2008.00721.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
An experiment was designed to determine the effect of the fungal endophyte Neotyphodium lolii on the growth, physiological parameters and mineral element content of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perennel L.), when growing at two N supply levels. Endophyte infection had a significant positive effect on both shoot and root growth of ryegrass, but this difference was only significant in the high N supply treatment. At high N supply, endophyte-infected (EI) plants accumulated more soluble sugar in the sheath and the root than endophyte-free (EF) plants. Endophyte infection affected mineral element concentrations in the root more than in the shoot. We found a significant effect of endophyte infection on B, Mn and Mg in the root, but significant effect was only found on B in the shoot. EI plants tended to accumulate less B in the shoot at both N levels, but accumulated more B, Mn and Mg in the root at low N levels. The difference of growth parameters in different periods was significant. The content of soluble sugar and crude protein in the sheath were also dependent on the growth stages of both EI and EF plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Zhi Ren
- College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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