The significance of cervical discopathy diagnosis in patients with mastalgia

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study was to explore the involvement of cervical discopathy in the development of non-cyclic mastalgia by employing cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 407 patients were included in the study. Individualized management plans were developed for each patient. Pathological findings in MRI results were assessed by specialists in physical therapy and neurosurgery, and appropriate treatment was administered. Visual assessments of patients were conducted. The Analog Scale (VAS) scoring system was used at the initial presentation, and patients were evaluated at 1 and 3 months following the treatment.

RESULTS

In the MRI examinations of the patients included in the study, simultaneous cervical disc protrusion was observed in 29% (n: 124) of those with annular bulging. Comparing the VAS scores of patients before treatment, at the 1st and at the 3rd month showed a significant decrease in mastalgia pain (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnosis of cervical discopathy holds significant importance in the treatment of mastalgia patients. Therefore, clinicians should keep the cervical spine in mind as a potential contributing factor to mastalgia.

Exploring the combined anti-cancer effects of sodium butyrate and celastrol in glioblastoma cell lines: a novel therapeutic approach

Glioblastoma, a highly aggressive and lethal brain cancer, lacks effective treatment options and has a poor prognosis. In our study, we explored the potential anti-cancer effects of sodium butyrate (SB) and celastrol (CEL) in two glioblastoma cell lines. SB, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, and CEL, derived from the tripterygium wilfordii plant, act as mTOR and proteasome inhibitors. Both can cross the blood-brain barrier, and they exhibit chemo- and radiosensitive properties in various cancer models. GB cell lines LN-405 and T98G were treated with SB and CEL. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay and IC50 values were obtained. Gene expression of DNA repair, apoptosis, and autophagy-related genes was analyzed by RT-PCR. Cell cycle distribution was determined using flow cytometry. Viability assays using MTT assay revealed IC50 values of 26 mM and 22.7 mM for SB and 6.77 μM, and 9.11 μM for CEL in LN-405 and T98G cells, respectively. Furthermore, we examined the expression levels of DNA repair genes (MGMT, MLH-1, MSH-2, MSH-6), apoptosis genes (caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9), and an autophagy gene (ATG-6) using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, flow cytometry analysis revealed alterations in cell cycle distribution following treatment with SB, CEL and their combination. These findings indicate that SB and CEL may act through multiple mechanisms, including DNA repair inhibition, apoptosis induction, and autophagy modulation, to exert their anti-cancer effects in glioblastoma cells. This is the first study providing novel insights into the potential therapeutic effects of SB and CEL in glioblastoma.

Adipose delivered stem cells protect liver after ischemia-reperfusion injury by controlling autophagy

OBJECTIVE

Ischemia-reperfusion(I/R) injury is an unavoidable side effect of liver surgery and transplantation. A potentially useful tool for cellular therapy and tissue engineering is adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs).The process of autophagy is used by the cell to break down inappropriate molecules.The study's goal was to examine the impact of ADSCs on the autophagic pathway after rat hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty male rats used in our study were divided into control, ADSC, ischemia, I/R, and I/R+ ADSC groups (n = 6). Liver tissues were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and histological changes were evaluated with Suzuki scoring. Immunoexpressions of transforming growth factor (TGF-β) and autophagy markers LC3B, p62 were analyzed using the immunohistochemical method.

RESULTS

As a result of histological evaluation the ischemia and I/R groups displayed sinusoid congestion, vacuolization, and necrosis in liver tissues. We showed that the immunostaining of LC3B and TGF- β were elevated, and p62 decreased in the rat liver from ischemia and I/R groups when compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

ADSCs reduced the excessive level of autophagy and structural damage to hepatocytes and the pathological alterations in the liver after ıschemia-reperfusion injury.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of oxytocin and enalapril in the prevention of epidural fibrosis developed after laminectomy in rats

INTRODUCTION

Except for methylprednisolone, there is no current low-cost and low-side-effect drug/barrier method to prevent epidural fibrosis after spine surgery. However, the use of methylprednisolone has led to substantial controversy because of its serious side effects on wound healing. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of enalapril and oxytocin on preventing the development of epidural fibrosis in a rat laminectomy model.

MATERIALS

Under sedation anesthesia, T9, T10, and T11 laminectomy was performed on 24 Wistar Albino male rats. The animals were then separated into four groups; Sham group (only laminectomy was performed; n = 6), MP group (laminectomy was performed and 10 mg/kg/day methylprednisolone was administered intraperitoneally (ip) for 14 days; n = 6), ELP group (laminectomy was performed and 0.75 mg/kg/day enalapril was administered ip for 14 days; n = 6), OXT group (laminectomy was performed and 160 µg/kg/day oxytocin was administered ip for 14 days; n = 6). Four weeks after the laminectomy, all the rats were euthanised, and the spines were removed for histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical examinations.

RESULTS

Histopathological examinations revealed that the degree of epidural fibrosis (X²=14.316, p = 0.003), collagen density (X²=16.050, p = 0.001), and fibroblast density (X²=17.500, p = 0.001) was higher in the Sham group and lower in the MP, ELP, and OXT groups. Immunohistochemical examinations showed that collagen type 1 immunoreactivity was higher in the Sham group and lower in the MP, ELP, and OXT groups (F = 54.950, p < 0.001). The highest level of α-smooth muscle actin immunoreactivity was seen in the Sham and OXT groups, and the lowest was in the MP and ELP groups (F = 33.357, p < 0.001). Biochemical analysis revealed that tissue levels of TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-6, CTGF, caspase-3, p-AMPK, pmTOR, and mTOR/pmTOR were higher in the Sham group and lower in MP, ELP, and OXT groups (p < 0.05). The GSH/GSSG levels were lower in the Sham group and higher in the other three groups (X²=21.600, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The study results showed that enalapril and oxytocin, which are known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and autophagy-related regenerative properties, could reduce the development of epidural fibrosis after laminectomy in rats.

The immunoexpression of valosin-containing protein and small VCP-interacting protein in rat ovaries

Numerous cellular processes are controlled by the ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated degradation pathway, involve the 97-kDa valosin-containing protein (p97/VCP). Small p97/VCP-interacting protein (SVIP) was first discovered as one of the novel androgen-responsive genes as well as one of the many cofactors controlling p97/VCP. The aim of the study was to investigate localization and immunoexpression of p97/VCP and SVIP in rat ovarian tissue. The histomorphological examination of rat ovarian tissue was performed by using haematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Using the immunohistochemical technique, cellular location and expression of p97/VCP and SVIP in rat ovarian tissue were examined. The nuclear and cytoplasmic immunoexpression of p97/VCP and SVIP was observed in the different stages of ovarian follicles and corpus luteum in the rat ovaries. The immunolocalization of SVIP and VCP in the rat ovaries suggest that they may be involved in the oogenesis. Further studies should be performed about the function of the VCP and SVIP in the female reproductive tract.

Investigation of therapeutic effects of calcium dobesilate in cerebral hypoxia/ reperfusion injury in rats

OBJECTIVES

Cerebral stroke is a serious clinical condition in which oxidative stress, inflammation, necrosis, apoptosis, and autophagy play important roles in its pathogenesis. This study investigated the neuroprotective and healing effects of calcium dobesilate (CD) on cerebral hypoxia/reperfusion injury in rats.

METHODS

Forty Wistar albino male rats, each weighing 300-350 g, were separated into the Control group (no surgery and no pharmacological agent was administered); Sham-A group (only surgery was performed); DBL-A group (surgery was performed and CD 100 mg/kg/day was administered intraperitoneally for 3 days); Sham-C group (only surgery was performed); and DBL-C group (surgery was performed and 100 mg/kg/day CD was administered intraperitoneally for 10 days). Under sedation anesthesia, the bilateral common carotid arteries of all rats except the Control group were clipped for 30 min. After 4 h, the CD was given to the relevant groups, and then, all subjects were euthanized at scheduled times. The brain of each animal was removed for histopathological (hematoxylin and eosin staining), immunohistochemical (beclin-1, anti-MHC class II and anti-CD-68 staining), and biochemical (TNF, IL-1β, IL-6, caspase-3, GSH/GSSG, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, LC3II/LC3I, and beclin-1 levels) evaluations.

RESULTS

It was observed that CD could reduce necrosis and mitigate polarization of microglia to the M1 phenotype, autophagy, free oxygen radicals, protein carbonylation, lipid peroxidation, IL-1β, IL6, TNF, caspase-3, beclin-1, and LC3II/LC3I levels in acute and chronic periods of hypoxia/reperfusion injury.

CONCLUSION

From these results, it was observed that CD treatment could reduce neuronal necrosis and create anti-inflammatory, anti-edema, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-autophagic effects in hypoxia/reperfusion injury in rats.

Evaluation of the therapeutic effects of calcium dobesilate in sciatic nerve crush injury in rats

INTRODUCTION

Proinflammatory cytokines released from nerve endings and surrounding injured tissue after nerve damage can prolong the inflammation process, delay nerve healing or result in poor quality nerve healing. In this case, due to the loss of function in the muscles innervated by the damaged nerve, the patient may have neurological and functional difficulties which may reduce the patient's quality of life and create an economic burden. Although the attempts of many pharmacological agents to heal crush injury of peripheral nerves have been recorded in literature, a drug that can provide adequate recovery of the crushed nerve and can be applied in daily life has not been defined as yet. This study aimed to assess the effects of calcium dobesilate on sciatic nerve crush injury in a rat model.

METHODS

A total of 26 male Wistar albino rats were separated into four groups as follows: CONTROL group (healthy subjects, n=6); SHAM group (crush injury was created, n=6); MP group (after created crush injury, methylprednisolone was administered, n=7); and CAD group (after created crush injury, calcium dobesilate was administered, n=7). A crush injury was created, then the electrophysiological findings and sciatic nerve functional index (SFI) were recorded before euthanasia. After the euthanasia of all the rats, samples of the crushed nerve and gastrocnemius muscle were evaluated histopathologically, immunohistochemically, and biochemically.

RESULTS

Both pharmacological agents were histopathologically effective in axon regeneration and repair. Calcium dobesilate did not preserve total muscle mass but was seen to prevent atrophy microscopically. Immunohistochemistry and biochemistry results showed that calcium dobesilate and methylprednisolone had anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-autophagic activity in the crushed sciatic nerve. Neither calcium dobesilate nor methylprednisolone improved the nerve conductance level. SFI values obtained on day 30 from the CAD group were numerically closer to the values of the healthy animals but not at a statistically significant level.

CONCLUSION

The study results demonstrated that calcium dobesilate could suppress inflammatory processes and provide histopathological and functional improvements in the injured nerve in rats. Therefore, further clinical studies are recommended to investigate in detail the therapeutic effects of calcium dobesilate on peripheral nerve crush injury.

The effects of quercetin on wound healing in the human umbilical vein endothelial cells

BACKGROUND

A wound is an injury involving the disruption of external or internal skin integrity. Wound healing is a cascade of cellular and molecular process for tissue repairing after damage. Quercetin is a naturally flavonoid found in tea and berries that may have accelerate wound healing. The aim of the study was to investigate the possible effects of quercetin on wound healing at cellular level.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used in the present study. MTT analysis, scratch assay, vascular tube formation and the quantitative real time PCR were performed. Three most effective doses (10 nM, 20 nM and 320 nM) were used for the experiments. In the wound model created in these concentrations, the wound surface areas from the microscope images taken at 0th, 16th, 24th and 48th hours were calculated by using a computer program. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) levels were evaluated with the qRT-PCR technique.

RESULTS

The MTT assay demonstrated that quercetin has positive effects on cell viability. Quercetin stimulated the proliferation, migration and tube formation as well as closed the wound fracture in HUVECs. Additionally quercetin promoted wound healing by inducing the gene expression of VEGF and FGF in HUVECS.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, quercetin may serve as a potential bioactive substance that accelerates wound healing efficiently by modulating vasculogenezis and cells involved in healing.

Effects of regular whey protein consumption on rat thyroid functions

Background/aim

We aimed to investigate whether there was a significant difference in TSH, T3, T4 values and histopathologically evaluated thyroid tissues between rats that received ısole hydrolyzed whey protein (IHWP) at different doses regularly and rats fed with only standard feed.

Material & methods

Total 24 rats were randomly divided into three groups with 8 rats in each group. First group were fed with standard feed for 12 weeks. Second group were given standard feed + daily 0.3 g/kg IHWP and rats in the third group standard feed + 0.5 g/kg IHWP for 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected from all rats before and after IHWP administration. All rats were then sacrificed, and thyroid tissues were histopathologically examined.

Results

Interfollicular connective tissue areas and TSH (0.35–4.90 µIU/L) were higher in the control group compared to 3 cc IHWP and 5 cc IHWP groups, while thyroid hormone T4 (0.7–1.48 ng/dL), and thyroid hormone synthesis parameters including intrafollicular colloid amount, follicular diameter, and epithelial height were significantly higher in 3 cc and 5 cc IHWP groups compared to the control.

Conclusion

We think that regular daily use of IHWP may increase the synthesis of thyroid hormone due to its high amino acid content.

Identification of Schizosaccharomyces pombe ird Mutants Resistant to Glucose Suppression and Oxidative Stress

Glucose is both the favourite carbon and energy source and acts as a hormone that plays a regulating role in many biological processes. Calorie restriction extends the lifespan in many organisms, including Schizosaccharomyces pombe, while uptake of high glucose leads to undesired results, such as diabetes and aging. In this study, sequence analysis of Schizosaccharomyces pombe ird5 and ird11 mutants was performed using next-generation sequencing techniques and a total of 20 different mutations were detected. ird11 is resistant to oxidative stress without calorie restriction, whereas ird5 displays an adaptive response against oxidative stress. We selected nine candidate mutations located in the non-coding (6) and coding (3) region among a total of 20 different mutations. The nine candidate mutations, which are thought to be responsible for ird5 and ird11 mutant phenotypes, were investigated via forward and backward mutations by using various cloning techniques. The results of this study provide report-like information that will contribute to understanding the relationship between glucose sensing/ signalling and oxidative stress response components.

A 192-heme electron transfer network in the hydrazine dehydrogenase complex

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) is a major process in the biogeochemical nitrogen cycle in which nitrite and ammonium are converted to dinitrogen gas and water through the highly reactive intermediate hydrazine. So far, it is unknown how anammox organisms convert the toxic hydrazine into nitrogen and harvest the extremely low potential electrons (-750 mV) released in this process. We report the crystal structure and cryo electron microscopy structures of the responsible enzyme, hydrazine dehydrogenase, which is a 1.7 MDa multiprotein complex containing an extended electron transfer network of 192 heme groups spanning the entire complex. This unique molecular arrangement suggests a way in which the protein stores and releases the electrons obtained from hydrazine conversion, the final step in the globally important anammox process.

Investigation of the Effect of Alemtuzumab in an Experimental Spinal Cord Trauma Model in Rats

OBJECTIVE

Spinal cord injuries generate the most negative response to medical treatment among all general body injuries. This important morbidity is thought to be caused by a complex secondary damage mechanism. In the present study, we examined the neuroprotective effects of alemtuzumab in a spinal cord trauma model.

METHODS

We divided 24 Long-Evans male rats into 4 groups (n = 6 per group). Laminectomy was performed at T5-T8 in all groups. Trauma was applied using the Yasargil temporary aneurysm clip for 60 seconds at these spinal cord levels in all groups, except for group 1. Next, 1 mg/kg of alemtuzumab was administered to each rat in groups 3 and 4. A functional evaluation was performed on days 1, 3, and 5 in groups 1, 2, and 4, and the rats were then sacrificed. The rats in group 3 were sacrificed on the third postoperative day to observe the early effects of alemtuzumab. The biochemical examination findings of malondialdehyde and glutathione in plasma and tissue samples and histopathological findings of the spinal cord were evaluated and compared by statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The inflammatory findings in the trauma group were not seen in either group treated with alemtuzumab. The clinical motor examination and inclined plane test results were also significantly better in these groups.

CONCLUSION

Our results have shown that alemtuzumab might prevent spinal cord injury after trauma and is a histopathologically and biochemically strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective agent.

Possible effects of melatonin against rat uterus exposure to bisphenol A during neonatal period

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of melatonin on rat uterine tissue against exposure with bisphenol A (BPA) in the neonatal period. Twenty-four female rats were divided into four groups, (n=6) per group. Group I was used as a control (sesame oil + ethanol), group II was injected daily with (100 mg/kg) BPA by subcutaneously (sc) daily postnatal days (PND 0-10), group III was injected daily with (10 mg/kg) melatonin by sc for 10 days (PND 20-30), and group IV was injected daily with (100 mg/kg) BPA (PND 0-10) and (10 mg/kg) melatonin (PND 20-30). All rats were sacrificed in the same day of metestrus cycle, approximately PND 70. Histological analyses, immunostaining of B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and cytochrome c and TUNEL assays were performed. According to our results, neonatal exposure to BPA accelerates onset of puberty, causes degenerative and morphometric changes on rat uterus, and increases apoptotic reaction rates. The immunoreactivity of Bcl-2 was decreased after BPA administration. In addition, immunoreactivity of Bcl-2 showed an increase after melatonin treatment. However, cytochrome c immunoreactivity was decreased after melatonin administration. Our results suggest that melatonin may have positive effects against BPA-induced degenerative changes on rat uterus.

Bacterial Electron Transfer Chains Primed by Proteomics

Electron transport phosphorylation is the central mechanism for most prokaryotic species to harvest energy released in the respiration of their substrates as ATP. Microorganisms have evolved incredible variations on this principle, most of these we perhaps do not know, considering that only a fraction of the microbial richness is known. Besides these variations, microbial species may show substantial versatility in using respiratory systems. In connection herewith, regulatory mechanisms control the expression of these respiratory enzyme systems and their assembly at the translational and posttranslational levels, to optimally accommodate changes in the supply of their energy substrates. Here, we present an overview of methods and techniques from the field of proteomics to explore bacterial electron transfer chains and their regulation at levels ranging from the whole organism down to the Ångstrom scales of protein structures. From the survey of the literature on this subject, it is concluded that proteomics, indeed, has substantially contributed to our comprehending of bacterial respiratory mechanisms, often in elegant combinations with genetic and biochemical approaches. However, we also note that advanced proteomics offers a wealth of opportunities, which have not been exploited at all, or at best underexploited in hypothesis-driving and hypothesis-driven research on bacterial bioenergetics. Examples obtained from the related area of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation research, where the application of advanced proteomics is more common, may illustrate these opportunities.

Pilot-scale evaluation of anammox-based mainstream nitrogen removal from municipal wastewater

Autotrophic nitrogen removal in the mainstream wastewater treatment process is suggested to be a prerequisite of energy autarkic wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). Whilst the application of anammox-related technologies in the side-stream is at present state of the art, the feasibility of this energy-efficient process at mainstream conditions is still under development. Lower operating temperature and ammonium concentration, together with required high nitrogen removal efficiency, represent the main challenges to face in order to reach this appealing new frontier of the wastewater treatment field. In this study, we report the evaluation of the process in a plug-flow granular sludge-based pilot-scale reactor (4 m3) continuously fed with the actual effluent of the A-stage of the WWTP of Dokhaven, Rotterdam. The one-stage partial nitritation-anammox system was operated for more than 10 months at 19±1°C. Observed average N-removal and ammonium conversion rates were comparable or higher than those of conventional N-removal systems, with 182±46 and 315±33 mg-N L(-1) d(-1), respectively. Biochemical oxygen demand was also oxidized in the system with an average removal efficiency of 90%. Heterotrophic biomass grew preferentially in flocs and was efficiently washed out of the system. Throughout the experimentation, the main bottleneck was the nitritation process that resulted in nitrite-limiting conditions for the anammox conversion. Anammox bacteria were able to grow under mainstream WWTP conditions and new granules were formed and efficiently retained in the system.

Modelling simultaneous anaerobic methane and ammonium removal in a granular sludge reactor

Anaerobic nitrogen removal technologies offer advantages in terms of energy and cost savings over conventional nitrification-denitrification systems. A mathematical model was constructed to evaluate the influence of process operation on the coexistence of nitrite dependent anaerobic methane oxidizing bacteria (n-damo) and anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria (anammox) in a single granule. The nitrite and methane affinity constants of n-damo bacteria were measured experimentally. The biomass yield of n-damo bacteria was derived from experimental data and a thermodynamic state analysis. Through simulations, it was found that the possible survival of n-damo besides anammox bacteria was sensitive to the nitrite/ammonium influent ratio. If ammonium was supplied in excess, n-damo bacteria were outcompeted. At low biomass concentration, n-damo bacteria lost the competition against anammox bacteria. When the biomass loading closely matched the biomass concentration needed for full nutrient removal, strong substrate competition occurred resulting in oscillating removal rates. The simulation results further reveal that smaller granules enabled higher simultaneous ammonium and methane removal efficiencies. The implementation of simultaneous anaerobic methane and ammonium removal will decrease greenhouse gas emissions, but an economic analysis showed that adding anaerobic methane removal to a partial nitritation/anammox process may increase the aeration costs with over 20%. Finally, some considerations were given regarding the practical implementation of the process.

Simultaneous partial nitritation and anammox at low temperature with granular sludge

Autotrophic nitrogen removal in the main stream appears as a prerequisite for the implementation of energy autarchic wastewater treatment plants. To investigate autotrophic nitrogen removal a lab-scale gas-lift sequencing batch reactor with granular sludge was operated for more than 500 days. The reactor was operated at temperatures between 20 and 10 °C on autotrophic medium with ammonium (60 and 160 mg-N L(-1)) as only nitrogen compound at an HRT of 0.23-0.3 d. The dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration was shown to be an effective control parameter for the suppression of the undesired nitratation process. DO control guaranteed the effective suppression of the nitratation both at 20 and 15 °C, allowing nitrogen removal rates of 0.4 g-NTot L(-1) d(-1) at nitrogen removal efficiencies of 85-75%. Prolonged operation at 10 °C caused a slow but unrestrainable decrease in anammox activity and process efficiency. This study represents a proof of concept for the application of the autotrophic nitrogen removal in a single reactor with granular sludge at main stream conditions.

Denitrification at pH 4 by a soil-derived Rhodanobacter-dominated community

Soil denitrification is a major source of nitrous oxide emission that causes ozone depletion and global warming. Low soil pH influences the relative amount of N₂O produced and consumed by denitrification. Furthermore, denitrification is strongly inhibited in pure cultures of denitrifying microorganisms below pH 5. Soils, however, have been shown to denitrify at pH values as low as pH 3. Here we used a continuous bioreactor to investigate the possibility of significant denitrification at low pH under controlled conditions with soil microorganisms and naturally available electron donors. Significant NO₃⁻ and N₂O reduction were observed for 3 months without the addition of any external electron donor. Batch incubations with the enriched biomass showed that low pH as well as low electron donor availability promoted the relative abundance of N₂O as denitrification end-product. Molecular analysis of the enriched biomass revealed that a Rhodanobacter-like bacterium dominated the community in 16S rRNA gene libraries as well as in FISH microscopy during the highest denitrification activity in the reactor. We conclude that denitrification at pH 4 with natural electron donors is possible and that a Rhodanobacter species may be one of the microorganisms involved in acidic denitrification in soils.

Global impact and application of the anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing (anammox) bacteria

In the anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) process, ammonia is oxidized with nitrite as primary electron acceptor under strictly anoxic conditions. The reaction is catalysed by a specialized group of planctomycete-like bacteria. These anammox bacteria use a complex reaction mechanism involving hydrazine as an intermediate. The reactions are assumed to be carried out in a unique prokaryotic organelle, the anammoxosome. This organelle is surrounded by ladderane lipids, which make the organelle nearly impermeable to hydrazine and protons. The localization of the major anammox protein, hydrazine oxidoreductase, was determined via immunogold labelling to be inside the anammoxosome. The anammox bacteria have been detected in many marine and freshwater ecosystems and were estimated to contribute up to 50% of oceanic nitrogen loss. Furthermore, the anammox process is currently implemented in water treatment for the low-cost removal of ammonia from high-strength waste streams. Recent findings suggested that the anammox bacteria may also use organic acids to convert nitrate and nitrite into dinitrogen gas when ammonia is in short supply.

1994-2004: 10 years of research on the anaerobic oxidation of ammonium

The obligately anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) reaction with nitrite as primary electron acceptor is catalysed by the planctomycete-like bacteria Brocadia anammoxidans, Kuenenia stuttgartiensis and Scalindua sorokinii. The anammox bacteria use a complex reaction mechanism involving hydrazine as an intermediate. They have a unique prokaryotic organelle, the anammoxosome, surrounded by ladderane lipids, which exclusively contains the hydrazine oxidoreductase as the major protein to combine nitrite and ammonia in a one-to-one fashion. In addition to the peculiar microbiology, anammox was shown to be very important in the oceanic nitrogen cycle, and proved to be a very good alternative for treatment of high-strength nitrogenous waste streams. With the assembly of the K. stuttgartiensis genome at Genoscope, Evry, France, the anammox reaction has entered the genomic and proteomic era, enabling the elucidation of many intriguing aspects of this fascinating microbial process.

Serum biochemical changes associated with cystic ovarian degeneration in pigs after atrazine treatment

Biochemical and histopathological parameters of the ovarian function were observed to assess the toxic effect of low dose of atrazine, an s-triazine herbicide, in female pigs (gilts) undergoing intensive breeding. Female pigs (cross-bred between Swedish and German landrace) received 2 mg atrazine kg-1 body wt. in feed daily during 19 days of the oestrous cycle. The last treatment day corresponded to day -3 of the onset of the next expected oestrus. Blood samples were collected 3 times daily at 3-h intervals on the first 5 post-treatment days. Serum 17 beta-oestradiol (17 beta-E) and progesterone (P) concentrations were determined. A significantly higher (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively) serum 17 beta-E concentration was recorded 48 and 24 h before the onset of the next expected oestrus in atrazine-treated pigs, as compared to intact pigs. The onset of the next expected oestrus failed to occur, but no other adverse clinical reactions associated with the treatment were recorded. Histopathological examination of the ovaries of treated pigs indicated multiple ovarian follicular cysts and persistence of corpus luteum. Biochemical and histopathological findings showed that subacute exposure of female pigs to low dose of atrazine prolonged their oestrous cycle.

Seasonal atrazine contamination of drinking water in pig-breeding farm surroundings in agricultural and industrial areas of Croatia

Atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine) a s-triazine herbicide, has been widely used in Croatian agriculture. Due to atrazine extensive use and its biodegradation in nature within at least one year (Klassen and Kodoum 1979), atrazine residues are found in ground, surface, drain and drinking water (Vidacek et al. 1994; Gojmerac et al. 1994). Groundwater downgradient from atrazine treated fields may show seasonal concentration peaks which could exceed the safe level (Wehtje et al. 1983). Therefore, the use of atrazine includes permanent control of its residues in water, particularly in relation to its use as a herbicidal chemical and groundwater contamination (Graham 1991). Furthermore, the presence of atrazine in the environment and its possible ingestion via the water, food and feed chain, may present a risk for the animal and human health. The analysis of atrazine residues in soil can be performed by either colorimetry or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (Vickrey et al. 1980), and in water, soil and food by immunoassay in comparison with HPLC or gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GS-MS) (Bushway et al. 1988; Bushway et al. 1989; Bushway et al. 1992; Thurman et al. 1990). We describe the use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for one-year seasonal monitoring of atrazine residues in drinking water from two differently situated pig-breeding farms (agricultural and industrial areas) in Croatia. Results obtained by ELISA were compared to those produced by HPLC.

Serum biochemical and histopathological changes related to the hepatic function in pigs following atrazine treatment

Biochemical and histopathological parameters of the hepatic function were used to quantify the hepatotoxic effects of atrazine in female pigs (gilts) undergoing intensive breeding. Female pigs (cross-bred Swedish and German landrace) received 2 mg atrazine kg-1 body wt. in feed daily during 19 days of the oestrous cycle. The last treatment day corresponded to day -3 of the onset of the next expected oestrus. Blood samples were collected three times daily at 3-h intervals on the first four post-treatment days. Serum activities of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) were determined. Serum activity of GGT was significantly increased throughout the four post-treatment days. In comparison with the control values, a slight but not significant decrease was observed in the serum activities of ALT, AST and AP. Histopathological examination of the liver of exposed pigs showed mild centrolobular parenchymatous degeneration. Interstitial connective tissue proliferation resulted in narrow and irregular bile canaliculi.