Cell Biochemistry and Function via MedWorm.com

Proton leak modulation in testicular mitochondria affects reactive oxygen species production and lipid peroxidation

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Mitochondrial proton leak can account for almost 20% of oxygen consumption and it is generally accepted that this process contributes to basal metabolism. In order to clarify the role of basal proton leak in testicular mitochondria, we performed a comparative study with kidney and liver mitochondrial fractions. Proton leak stimulated by linoleic acid and inhibited by guanosine diphosphate (GDP) was detected, in a manner that was correlated with protein levels for uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) in the three fractions. Modulation of proton leak had an effect on reactive oxygen species production as well as on lipid peroxidation, and this effect was also tissue-dependent. However, a possible role for the adenine nucleotide transporter (ANT) in testicular mitochondria proton leak could not be exc...

New volatile anesthetic, desflurane, reduces vitamin E level in blood of operative patients via oxidative stress

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, we observed that desflurane produced oxidative stress by decreasing [alpha]-tocopherol levels. Use of vitamin E may be possible to reduce the oxidative effect of desflurane. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Cell Biochemistry and Function)

Vascular redox imbalance in rats submitted to chronic exercise

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Exercise training has been used for treatment/prevention of many cardiovascular diseases, but the mechanisms need to be clarified. Thus, our aim was to compare oxidative stress parameters between rats submitted to a swimming training and sedentary rats (control). Twelve male rats were divided into two groups: control and exercise training. The exercise training had daily 1 h swimming sessions for 8 weeks and a load (5% of its body mass) was placed in rat's tail. Thereafter the animals were killed, aorta and heart were surgically removed and blood was collected. Body mass gain, thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), carbonyl content, total reactive antioxidant potential (TRAP), total antioxidant reactivity (TAR), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and catalase (CAT) activity were ev...

Pluripotent plasticity of stem cells and liver repopulation

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Different types of stem cells have a role in liver regeneration or fibrous repair during and after several liver diseases. Otherwise, the origin of hepatic and/or extra-hepatic stem cells in reactive liver repopulation is under controversy. The ability of the human body to self-repair and replace the cells and tissues of some organs is often evident. It has been estimated that complete renewal of liver tissue takes place in about a year. Replacement of lost liver tissues is accomplished by proliferation of mature hepatocytes, hepatic oval stem cells differentiation, and sinusoidal cells as support. Hepatic oval cells display a distinct phenotype and have been shown to be a bipotential progenitor of two types of epithelial cells found in the liver, hepatocytes, and bile ductular cells. In g...

Erythropoietin induces nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 expression in SH-SY5Y cells

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Erythropoietin (Epo) exerts neuroprotective, glioprotective, and vascular protective effects in the nervous system. However, the mechanisms of the cytoprotective effect of Epo have not been fully clarified. Here, we investigated whether Epo affects the transcription and activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which is a key transcription factor of the cellular anti-oxidant defense system, and mRNA expression of its target genes including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Epo was added to SH-SY5Y cells at 1 U mL-1 and cultures were incubated for 24 h and then mRNA expression of Nrf2 target genes were analyzed with real-time PCR. SH-SY5Y cells were incubated with Epo at different time points and the nuclear and cytoplasmic levels of Nrf2 protein expression were examined by W...

Preventive role of PD-1 on MPTP-induced dopamine depletion in mice

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study was designed to investigate the effect of PD-1 extract in the Parkinson's model of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) lesioned mice. The MPTP administration caused the dopamine neuron loss in the striatum and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), which was demonstrated by a depletion of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). In addition, a reduction of bcl-2 expression with elevation of bax expression, caspase-3 activation, and release of cytochrome c into cytosol in dopaminergic neurons of SNpc were noted. Oral administration of PD-1 extract (50 and 100 mg kg-1) attenuated the MPTP-induced depletion of TH proteins in the striatum and SNpc and prevented the apoptotic effects. These results indicate that PD-1 extract is able to protect dopaminergic neurons from MPTP-induced...

The pharmacological role of nucleotidases in snake venoms

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Several hydrolytic enzymes of snake venom have evolved to interfere in various physiological processes, which are well defined. However, hydrolytic enzymes such as nucleotidases (5[prime]nucleotidase, ATPase, and ADPase) are less studied and their pharmacological role in venoms is not clearly defined. Very few studies have shown the pharmacological importance of these endogenous purine release related enzymes in venoms. The near-ubiquitous distribution of these enzymes in venoms, suggests a significant role for these enzymes in envenomation. It is suggested that their major function is in the generation of purines (mainly adenosine) - a multitoxin. Therefore, it appears that these enzymes play a central role in liberating adenosine and through the action of adenosine help in prey immobiliz...

Erratum

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

John D. Currey, Paul D. Baxter and Jonathan W. Pitchford (2009) Significance and importance: some common misapprehensions about statistics. Cell Biochemistry & Function 2009; 27: 499-502. DOI: (Source: Cell Biochemistry and Function)

Regulation of cardiovascular cell function by hydrogen sulfide (H2S)

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Since the discovery of endogenously-produced hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in various tissues, there has been an explosion of interest in H2S as a biological mediator alongside other gaseous mediators, nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. The identification of enzyme-regulated H2S synthetic pathways in the cardiovascular system has led to a number of studies examining specific regulatory actions of H2S. We review evidence showing that endogenously-generated and exogenously-administered H2S exerts a wide range of actions in vascular and myocardial cells including vasodilator/vasoconstrictor effects via modification of the smooth muscle tone, induction of apoptosis and anti-proliferative responses in the smooth muscle cells, angiogenic actions, effects relevant to inflammation and shock, and cytoprote...

Erythroid 5-aminolevulinate synthase mediates the upregulation of membrane band 3 protein expression by iron

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we investigated the effect of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) mediated silencing of eALAS on the expression of band 3 protein induced by iron. By real-time RT-PCR and Western blot we showed that at mRNA and protein level iron-induced expression of band 3 protein was lower in eALAS-shRNA transfected K562 cells than in control cells. Of note, the lowest expression was detected in K562 cells cultured in iron deficiency condition (p < 0.01). Thus either iron deficiency or depletion of eALAS could suppress the expression of erythroid band 3 protein. These results demonstrated for the first time that iron and the iron-regulatory system regulate the expression of the erythrocyte membrane proteins. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Cell Biochemistry and Function)

Different neuronal Na+/K+-ATPase isoforms are involved in diverse signaling pathways

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Inhibition of rat neuronal Na+/K+-ATPase [alpha]3 isoform at low (100 nM) ouabain concentration led to activation of MAP kinase cascade via PKC and PIP3 kinase. In contrast to ouabain-sensitive [alpha]3 isoform of Na+/K+-ATPase, an ouabain-resistant [alpha]1 isoform (inhibition with 1 mM of ouabain) of Na+/K+-ATPase regulates MAP kinase via Src kinase dependent reactions. Using of Annexin V-FITC apoptotic test to determine the cells with early apoptotic features allows to conclude that [alpha]3 isoform stimulates and [alpha]1 suppresses apoptotic process in cerebellum neurons. These data are the first demonstration showing participation of ouabain-resistant ([alpha]1) and ouabain-sensitive ([alpha]3) Na+/K+-ATPase isoforms in diverse signaling pathways in neuronal cells. Copyright © 2010 ...

Thiol redox status critically influences mitochondrial response to thyroid hormone-induced hepatic oxidative injury: A temporal analysis

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The objective of the present study was to investigate temporal regulation of mitochondrial glutathione and protein-bound thiol redox status in hyperthyroid liver. Mitochondria were isolated from control and hyperthyroid rat liver tissues at different time intervals, i.e., 24, 72, and 120 h following treatment, and sub-fractionated into sub-mitochondrial particles (SMPs) and matrix fractions. Increased prooxidant levels were indicative of oxidative stress in hyperthyroid mitochondria. Sensitivity to membrane lipid peroxidation (LPx) was maximal after 24 h, which subsided with time. Oxidative damage to proteins was evident as high carbonylation after 72 h; thiol residue damage was an early phenomenon. Reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG) pools of mitochondria were progressively de...

Soybean and sunflower oil-induced insulin resistance correlates with impaired GLUT4 protein expression and translocation specifically in white adipose tissue

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Free fatty acids are known for playing a crucial role in the development of insulin resistance. High fat intake is known for impairing insulin sensitivity; however, the effect of vegetable-oil injections have never been investigated. The present study investigated the effects of daily subcutaneous injections (100 µL) of soybean (SB) and sunflower (SF) oils, during 7 days. Both treated groups developed insulin resistance as assessed by insulin tolerance test. The mechanism underlying the SB- and SF-induced insulin resistance was shown to involve GLUT4. In SB- and SF-treated animals, the GLUT4 protein expression was reduced [sim]20% and 10 min after an acute in vivo stimulus with insulin, the plasma membrane GLUT4 content was [sim]60% lower in white adipose tissue (WAT). No effects were obs...

Protective effects of antioxidant combination against D-galactosamine-induced kidney injury in rats

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, it seems reasonable to conclude that the treatment of the antioxidant combination has a protective effect on D-GaIN-induced kidney injury of rats. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Cell Biochemistry and Function)

Effects of ammonia and allopurinol on rat hippocampal NMDA receptors

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Ammonia is considered to be the main agent responsible for hepatic encephalopathy which progressively leads to altered mental status. N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) is an ionotropic glutamate receptor, which is involved in synaptogenesis, memory and neurotoxicity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ammonia intoxication and allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor, on NMDA receptor subunits, NR2A and NR2B, in the hippocampus of rats. Thirty-six male rats were divided into three groups (n = 12/group) as follows: (1)control group (phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution); (2)ammonia group (ammonium acetate, 2.5 mmol/kg), (3)ammonia + allopurinol group (ammonium acetate, 2.5 mmol/kg, allopurinol, 50 mg/kg). Each rat received intraperitoneal injection for 28 days. Weste...

Iron metabolism markers and haptoglobin phenotypes in susceptibility to HSV-1 or/and HSV-2 lesion relapses

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Different haptoglobin (Hp) phenotypes play a role in several pathologic processes including infectious diseases. In order to evaluate the role of iron storage and metabolism in susceptibility to herpetic manifestations, we studied the frequency of the Hp phenotypes and iron metabolism in patients affected by H. Simplex virus 1 or 2 (HSV-1 or HSV-2), compared with controls. Hp phenotype and iron metabolism were determined in 100 patients with recurrent HSV-1 or HSV-2 manifestations during the relapses, and in 110 healthy subjects. The frequencies of the three Hp phenotypes in the patient group compared to the control group were 18% versus 14.5% p = NS for Hp 1.1, 25% versus 40% p = 0.03 for Hp 2.2 and 57% versus 45.5% p = NS for Hp 2.1. All iron metabolism parameters tested showed significa...

Bacoside A downregulates matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in DEN-induced hepatocellular carcinoma

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Cancer metastasis is a complex multi-step process, responsible for a majority of cancer-related deaths by affecting the critical organs and causing complications in therapies. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a multi-factorial disease and is the third most common cause of cancer related mortality worldwide. Clinical and experimental studies have shown that MMP-2 and MMP-9 are involved in tumor invasion and metastases and their elevated expression has been associated with poor prognosis. Our recent studies showed a strong anti-oxidant and hepatoprotective effects of bacoside A (BA) against carcinogen. Nevertheless the effect of BA on the activities and expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 during hepatocellular carcinoma is not yet recognized. Therefore, the present study was designed to assess the same...

The actions of fisetin on glucose metabolism in the rat liver

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Fisetin is a flavonoid dietary ingredient found in the smoke tree (Cotinus coggyria) and in several fruits and vegetables. The effects of fisetin on glucose metabolism in the isolated perfused rat liver and some glucose-regulating enzymatic activities were investigated. Fisetin inhibited glucose, lactate, and pyruvate release from endogenous glycogen. Maximal inhibitions of glycogenolysis (49%) and glycolysis (59%) were obtained with the concentration of 200 µM. The glycogenolytic effects of glucagon and dinitrophenol were suppressed by fisetin 300 µM. No significant changes in the cellular contents of AMP, ADP, and ATP were found. Fisetin increased the cellular content of glucose 6-phosphate and inhibited the glucose 6-phosphatase activity. Gluconeogenesis from lactate and pyruvate or f...

Decrease of adenosine deaminase activity and increase of the lipid peroxidation after acute methotrexate treatment in young rats: protective effects of grape seed extract

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The methotrexate (MTX) is an anti-folate used to treat cancer and some inflammatory diseases. The efficacy of MTX is often limited by its severe toxicity. The present study was undertaken to determine whether Grape seed (Cabernet Sauvignon) extract (GSE) could ameliorate the MTX-induced oxidative injury and the effect on adenosine deaminase activity (ADA) in rats. The rats were pretreated with 50 mg/kg of GSE, i.p., prior to MTX administration (10 mg/kg, i.p.) with a second dose given 4 h and a third dose 16 h after MTX administration. Biochemical parameters were investigated 48 h after the last MTX administration. The administration of MTX increased thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) levels in hippocampus, kidney and liver, whereas induced a significant decreased in the ADA acti...

The effects of Nigella sativa on bile duct ligation induced-liver injury in rats

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Nigella sativa (NS) has been shown to have antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities in different conditions. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of NS on cholestatic liver injury in rats. Thirty rats were recruited in the study as follows: Group 1, Bile duct ligation (BDL) (n = 10); Group 2, BDL plus NS (n = 10); and Group 3, Sham (n = 10). Bile duct ligated group received 0.2 mL kg-1 dose of NS intraperitoneally daily throughout 14 days. Liver damage and cholestasis were determined by the biochemical and the pathologic examination. Data showed a decrease in gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities of the NS treated rats when compared with BDL ...

Dose-dependent actions of curcumin in experimentally induced myocardial necrosis: a biochemical, histopathological, and electron microscopic evidence

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Curcumin, an active component of turmeric, is a well-known antioxidant due to its reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging property. However, some in vitro studies have suggested that curcumin induces generation of ROS at higher doses and thus exerts pro-oxidant effect. We demonstrate, for the first time, the dose-dependent effects of curcumin in isoprenaline-induced model of myocardial necrosis in rats. The animals were assigned to control, isoprenaline and three curcumin treatment groups. Curcumin (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) and vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide) were administrated orally for 15 days and isoprenaline (85 mg/kg, s.c.) was given to curcumin treated and isoprenaline group on 13th and 14th day, respectively. Thereafter, on 15th day, the animals were sacrificed for biochemical analys...

Protein disulfide isomerase chaperone ERP-57 decreases plasma membrane expression of the human GnRH receptor

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Retention of misfolded proteins by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a quality control mechanism involving the participation of endogenous chaperones such as calnexin (CANX). CANX interacts with and restricts plasma membrane expression (PME) of the gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR), a G protein-coupled receptor. CANX also interacts with ERP-57 a thiol oxidoreductase chaperone present in the ER. CANX along with ERP-57 promotes the formation of disulfide bond bridges in nascent proteins. The human GnRH receptor (hGnRHR) is stabilized by two disulfide bond bridges (C14-C200 and C114-C196), that, when broken, lead to a decrease in receptor expression at the plasma membrane. To determine if the presence of chaperones CANX and ERP-57 exerts an influence over membrane routing and se...

The inhibitory effects of rosiglitazone on cardiac hypertrophy through modulating the renin-angiotensin system in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Cardiac hypertrophy is not only an adaptational state before heart failure but also is an independent risk factor for ischemia, arrhythmia, and sudden death. However, the direct effects of hypercholesterolemia on the myocardium and mechanisms are not completely understood. It has been demonstrated that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-[gamma] (PPAR[gamma]) ligand agonists attenuate cardiac hypertrophy through anti-inflammatory effects. The present study investigated the effects of PPAR[gamma] agonists on hypercholesterolemia-dependent, renin-angiotensin-system-related cardiac hypertrophy. The findings showed that left ventricular hypertrophy, eminent cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and lipid deposits in myocardium were observed in the rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet for 6 months, whi...

The novel ruthenium - [gamma]-linolenic complex [Ru2(aGLA)4Cl] inhibits C6 rat glioma cell proliferation and induces changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, increased reactive oxygen species generation and apoptosis in vitro

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The present study reports the synthesis of a novel compound with the formula [Ru2(aGLA)4Cl] according to elemental analyses data, referred to as Ru2GLA. The electronic spectra of Ru2GLA is typical of a mixed valent diruthenium(II,III) carboxylate. Ru2GLA was synthesized with the aim of combining and possibly improving the anti-tumour properties of the two active components ruthenium and [gamma]-linolenic acid (GLA). The properties of Ru2GLA were tested in C6 rat glioma cells by analysing cell number, viability, lipid droplet formation, apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species. Ru2GLA inhibited cell proliferation in a time and concentration dependent manner. Nile Red staining suggested that Ru2GLA enters the cells and ICP-AES elemental...

Age-related effects of DHEA on peripheral markers of oxidative stress

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Ageing is an inevitable biological process characterized by a general decline in various physiological functions. DHEA and DHEAS levels are maximal between the second and third life decades, then start to decline 2% per year, leaving a residual of 10-20% of the peak production by the eighth decade. Erythrocytes are exposed to frequent oxidative stress due to the oxygen radicals continuously generated by haemoglobin auto-oxidation. We investigated DHEA chronic (10 mg/kg, subcutaneously, for 5 weeks) effects over oxidative stress markers in erythrocytes of male Wistar rats of 3, 13 and 18 month-old. In the 13 month-old group, we found increased lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase and catalase activities when compared to the other age groups. DHEA p...

p63 and its isoforms as markers of rat oral mucosa epidermal stem cells in vitro

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Although techniques for purifying epidermal stem cells (ESCs) have been established, enriching a pure population of viable ESCs is still a challenging task. One approach toward enhancing the purity and viability of ESCs involves cell markers. While evidence suggests that p63 plays a role in maintaining the population of ESCs, whether p63 can function as a specific marker for ESCs is unclear. We isolated and cultured oral ESCs and illustrated the expression of p63 and its isoforms in rat oral mucosa tissues and stem cells before and after differentiation. Semi-reverse transcription PCR detected the TA, [Delta]N, [alpha] and [beta] isoforms when cells were cultured for 2 days, but only TA and [gamma] were detected after 14 days. We also found that p63 is expressed in basal and suprabasal epi...

Differential responses to oxidative stress and calcium influx on expression of the transforming growth factor-[beta] family in myoblasts and myotubes

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Changes in gene expression of TGF-[beta] family members and their receptors in response to treatment with H2O2 and a calcium ionophore, A23187, were examined in C2C12 myoblasts and myotubes. The expression of Myf5, an initial regulator of myogenesis, was increased by A23187, and H2O2 inhibited the up-regulation of Myf5. Treatment with H2O2 decreased the expression of MHC IIb, a protein component of the myofibrils, irrespective of the presence of A23187, suggesting an inhibitory role of oxidative stress for myogenesis. Expression of ligands and receptors for the TGF-[beta] family was modulated in response to H2O2 and A23187. Treatment with H2O2 decreased expression of TGF-[beta]3, BMP-4, ALK4, ALK5, and ActRIIB, and increased expression of inhibin [alpha] and inhibin [beta]A in either the m...

Apoptosis-inducing effects of Morinda citrifolia L. and doxorubicin on the Ehrlich ascites tumor in Balb-c mice

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Morinda citrifolia L. (Noni) is a herbal remedy with promising anti-cancer properties. However, its effects on various cancers are to be investigated to make a firm conclusion before implementing it into the clinical practice. Therefore, we investigated the cytotoxic potential of noni on Ehrlich ascites tumor grown in female Balb-c mice and also combined it with a potent anti-cancer agent, doxorubicin. One group received noni only (n = 8), another one doxorubicin (n = 8), and the other one noni + doxorubicin (n = 8) for 14 days after the inoculation of cells. The control group (n = 7) received 0.9% NaCl only. We found that short and long diameters of the tumor tissues were about 40-50% smaller, compared to those in control group. This anti-growth effect resulted from the induction of apopt...

Analysis of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) genetic polymorphisms and activities as risk factors for ischemic stroke in Turkish population

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we aimed to determine the importance of -107T/C, 192Q/R and 55L/M polymorphisms of PON1 gene and three PON1 activities (diazoxonase, paraoxonase, arylesterase) as risk factors for ischemic stroke.Study population was comprised of 172 unrelated adult Caucasian patients with acute hemispheric ischemic stroke and 105 symptom-free controls. Genotypes were attained by PCR followed by restriction enzyme digestion and phenotypes were determined by spectrophotometric assays.This is the first study analyzing diazoxonase activity as a risk factor for ischemic stroke. Nevertheless, diazoxonase, paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were almost the same in stroke patients and controls. The -107TT genotype was associated with a 1.97 times increased risk for stroke in elderly (age > 59)...

Effects of supplementation with free glutamine and the dipeptide alanyl-glutamine on parameters of muscle damage and inflammation in rats submitted to prolonged exercise

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we investigated the effect of the supplementation with the dipeptide L-alanyl-L-glutamine (DIP) and a solution containing L-glutamine and L-alanine on plasma levels markers of muscle damage and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and glutamine metabolism in rats submitted to prolonged exercise. Rats were submitted to sessions of swim training for 6 weeks. Twenty-one days prior to euthanasia, the animals were supplemented with DIP (n = 8) (1.5 g.kg-1), a solution of free L-glutamine (1 g.kg-1) and free L-alanine (0.61 g.kg-1) (G&A, n = 8) or water (control (CON), n = 8). Animals were killed at rest before (R), after prolonged exercise (PE - 2 h of exercise). Plasma concentrations of glutamine, glutamate, tumour necrosis factor-[alpha] (TNF-[alpha]), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) a...

Transcriptional regulation of IER3IP1 gene by tumor necrosis factor-[alpha] and Sp family proteins

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this report, we investigated the molecular mechanism by which the expression of IER3IP1 gene is regulated by cloning the 5[prime] flanking region of the human IER3IP1 gene for various promoter studies. Deletion analysis was used to identify the basal promoter activity retained at -298/-59 region and mutation analysis proved that Sp1 is a transcriptional activator of this gene expression. As an early response gene, IER3IP1 showed an increase in transcription in response to tumor necrosis factor [alpha] (TNF-[alpha]) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. This inducible response to TNF-[alpha] is mediated by the demonstration of nuclear factor [kappa]B (NF-[kappa]B) responsive element on IER3IP1 promoter sequence. From our results, we suggest that IER3IP1 gene is involved in TNF-[alpha]-me...

Increased resistance to hydrogen peroxide-induced cardiac contracture is associated with decreased myocardial oxidative stress in hypothyroid rats

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The purpose of this study was to determine whether decreased oxidative stress would increase the resistance to cardiac contracture induced by H2O2 in hypothyroid rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control and hypothyroid. Hypothyroidism was induced via thyroidectomy. Four weeks post surgery, blood samples were collected to perform thyroid hormone assessments, and excised hearts were perfused at a constant flow with or without H2O2 (1 mmol/L), being divided into two sub-groups: control, hypothyroid, control + H2O2, hypothyroid + H2O2. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) was evaluated by chemiluminescence (CL) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) methods, and protein oxidation by carbonyls assay in heart homogenates. Cardiac tissue was also screened for superoxide dismu...

Development and optimization of a cell-based assay for the selection of synthetic compounds that potentiate bone morphogenetic protein-2 activity

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we describe the development and optimization of a cell-based assay that is sensitive, reproducible, and reliable in identifying reagents that potentiate the effects of BMP-2 in inducing transdifferentiation of C2C12 myoblasts into the osteoblastic phenotype. The assay is based on a BMP-responsive Smad1-driven luciferase reporter gene. LIM mineralization protein-1 (LMP-1) is a novel intracellular LIM domain protein that has been shown by our group to enhance cellular responsiveness to BMP-2. Our previous report elucidated that the binding of LMP-1 with the WW2 domain in Smad ubiquitin regulatory factor-1 (Smurf1) rescues the osteogenic Smads from degradation. Here, using the optimized cell-based assay, we first evaluated the activity of the recombinantly prepared proteins, LM...

Ceramide induces endothelial cell senescence

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Ceramide has been proposed to be a mediator of replicative senescence. Our aim was to determine whether ceramide induces senescence in vascular endothelial cells. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured to different population doubling levels and ceramide levels were quantitated. The endogenous levels of ceramide increased 2.4-fold with senescence onset. Low passage cells were chronically treated with exogenous C6-ceramide. This treatment induced a senescent phenotype as measured by an inhibition of cell proliferation and DNA replication while increasing senescence-associated [beta]-galactosidase expression. This is the second cell type in which ceramide induces senescence, thus implicating ceramide as a general mediator of cellular senescence. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & S...

Integrating the cell stress response: a new view of molecular chaperones as immunological and physiological homeostatic regulators

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

The response of cells to stress was first documented in the 1960s and 1970s and the molecular nature of the families of proteins that subserve this vital response, the molecular chaperones, were identified and subjected to critical study in the period from the late 1980s. This resulted in the rapidly advancing new field of protein folding and its role in cellular function. Emerging at the same time, but initially largely ignored, were reports that molecular chaperones could be released by cells and exist on the outer plasma membrane or in the body fluids. These secreted molecular chaperones were found to have intercellular signalling functions. There is now a growing body of evidence to support the hypothesis that molecular chaperones have properties ascribed to the Roman god Janus, the go...

Changes in the mRNA expression of osteoblast-related genes in response to [beta]3-adrenergic agonist in UMR106 cells

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, [beta]3-AR activation in rat osteoblasts induced alteration in the expression of osteoblast-related transcription factor genes as well as genes required for bone formation and resorption. The present results also suggest that, besides [beta]2-AR, [beta]3-AR is another AR subtype responsible for the sympathetic nervous system-induced bone remodeling. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Cell Biochemistry and Function)

Organ preservation solutions attenuate accumulation and nuclear translocation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1[alpha] in the hepatoma cell line HepG2

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, preservation solutions attenuate accumulation and nuclear translocation of the transcription factor HIF-1[alpha], and this property is seemingly related to their chemical composition (L-arginine, [alpha]-ketoglutarate). Thus, it appears feasible to design preservation solution specifically to modify HIF-1[alpha] accumulation and nuclear translocation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Cell Biochemistry and Function)

The effect of 5 days of aspartate and asparagine supplementation on glucose transport activity in rat muscle

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

The consumption of protein supplements containing amino acids is increasing around the world. Aspartate (Asp) and asparagine (Asn) are amino acids metabolized by skeletal muscle. This metabolism involves biochemical pathways that are involved in increasing Krebs cycle activity via anaplerotic reactions, resulting in higher glutamine concentrations. A connection between amino acid supplementation, glycogen concentration, and glucose uptake has been previously demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Asp and Asn supplementation on glucose uptake in rats using three different glycogen concentrations. The results indicate that Asp and Asn supplementation in rats with high glycogen concentrations (fed state) further increased the glycogen concentration in the muscle...

Rate of T alleles and TT genotype at MTHFR 677C->T locus or C alleles and CC genotype at MTHFR 1298A->C locus among healthy subjects in Turkey: impact on homocysteine and folic acid status and reference intervals

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This study was designed to determine the rate of MTHFR 677C->T and 1298A->C mutations, and their influence on serum folate, Hcy and vitamin B12 status and the reference intervals in 402 healthy Turkish adults. The rate of MTHFR 677C->T or 1298A->C mutations was 50.7% or 54.7%, respectively. The MTHFR 677C->T mutation-specific reference intervals for serum folate and tHcy were characterized by marked shifts in their upper limits. In homozygote subjects for MTHFR 677C->T serum folate concentration was lower and serum tHcy concentration was higher than those in the wild genotype; all subjects had lower serum folate and 54% of the subjects had higher tHcy concentrations than the cutoff values of [le]10 nmol/L and [ge]12 µmol/L, respectively. Serum vitamin B12 status was similar in all genotyp...

TNF-[alpha], a potent lipid metabolism regulator

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

As a multifunctional cytokine, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-[alpha]) exerts a series of biological actions in different cells, tissues, organs, and species and has been demonstrated to regulate and interfere with energy metabolism, especially lipid homeostasis. A large body of researches suggested that the effects of TNF-[alpha] on lipid metabolism mainly include five aspects: (1) suppresses free fatty acid (FFA) uptake and promotes lipogenesis; (2) induces lipolysis; (3) inhibits lipid-metabolism-related enzymes activity; (4) regulates cholesterol metabolism; (5) regulates other adipocyte-derived adipokines. The molecular mechanisms underlying these actions are complex and several signal transduction pathways might be involved. Regulation of metabolism-related gene expression at trans...

Effect of stress and stress hormones on the hormone (insulin) binding of Tetrahymena

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

The unicellular Tetrahymena pyriformis GL produce, store and secrete vertebrate-like hormones. In earlier experiments the effect of different stressors on the hormone levels of Tetrahymena was studied and an elevation of these was found. In the present experiments the hormone binding was investigated, using flow cytometric method. FITC-insulin binding was elevated after concentrated (5, 10, or 20 mg ml-1) NaCl or 0.01%, 0.1%, or 0.05% formaldehyde treatment, or after thermal stress (37°C). Serotonin given together with NaCl increased and together with formaldehyde decreased the binding. Histamine always decreased the binding and insulin was indifferent. Four hours after osmotic stress, hormone binding significantly decreased and this was not influenced by hormones. However, 4 h after form...

Mechanism of cell death by 5-aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic action and its enhancement by ferrochelatase inhibitors in human histiocytic lymphoma cell line U937

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) for tumors is based on the tumor-selective accumulation of a photosensitizer, protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), followed by irradiation with visible light. However, the molecular mechanism of cell death caused by PDT has not been fully elucidated. The 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-based photodynamic action (PDA) was dependent on the accumulation of PpIX, the level of which decreased rapidly by eliminating ALA from the incubation medium in human histiocytic lymphoma U937 cells. PDA induced apoptosis characterized by lipid peroxidation, increase in Bak and Bax/Bcl-xL, decrease in Bid, membrane depolarization, cytochrome c release, caspase-3 activation, phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization. PDT-induced cell death seemed to occur predominantly via apoptosis through distribu...

Effects of insulin replacement on cardiac apoptotic and survival pathways in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Increased myocyte apoptosis in diabetic hearts has been previously reported. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of insulin on cardiac apoptotic, hypertrophic, and survival pathways in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Forty-eight male Wistar rats at 8 weeks of age were randomly divided into control group (Control), STZ-induced (65 mg/kg STZ i.v.) Type 1-like diabetic rats (DM), and DM rats with 4 IU insulin replacement (DI) for 4 and 8 weeks, respectively. The levels of protein involved in cardiac apoptotic, hypertrophic, and survival pathways were measured by Western blotting. Cardiac mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathways, such as Bad, cytosolic cytochrome c, activated caspase 9 and 3, and calcineurin-nuclear factor activation transcription 3 (...

IgLON cell adhesion molecules regulate synaptogenesis in hippocampal neurons

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

IgLON cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily comprise of LAMP, neurotrimin (Ntm), OBCAM, and Kilon. In the present study, we performed the single and double transfection of IgLON gene constructs into hippocampal neurons in vitro and evaluated synaptic number. The quantitative analysis showed that the single over-expression of LAMP or OBCAM increased synaptic number, while the over-expression of Kilon reduced synaptic number and Ntm had no effects. The double over-expression of Kilon-Ntm, Kilon-OBCAM, LAMP-Ntm, and Ntm-OBCAM decreased synaptic number and that of Kilon-LAMP and LAMP-OBCAM had no effect. These results suggest that IgLON CAMs participate in regulating synapse formation in hippocampal neurons. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source...

Interaction of diphtheria toxin (fragment A) with actin

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

It was shown by gel filtration and viscosity measurements that N-terminal fragment (FA) of diphtheria toxin (DT) can interact with both G- and F-actin (filamentous actin). Elution profiles on Sephadex G-100 indicated the formation of a binary complex of fragment A (FA) with globular actin monomer (G-actin), which was inhibited by gelsolin. Deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) in turn appeared to interact with this complex. Tritiated FA was found to bind to F-actin stoichiometrically. This binding was inhibited again by gelsolin and G-actin, but not by DNase I. The binding of FA inhibited polymerization of G-actin and induced a time-dependent breakdown of F-actin under polymerization conditions. Inhibition of its ADP-ribosyltransferase activity did not have any effect on the interactions of FA wit...

A JNK inhibitor SP600125 induces defective cytokinesis and enlargement in P19 embryonal carcinoma cells

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

While analyzing the role of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) in neurogenesis in P19 embryonal carcinoma cells, we noticed that treatment with SP600125, a JNK inhibitor, increased the cell size markedly. SP600125-induced enlargement of P19 cells was time- and dose-dependent. The increased cell size in response to SP600125 was also detected in B6mt-1 embryonic stem cells. SP600125 treatment inhibited cell growth and increased DNA contents, indicating the inhibition of cell proliferation resulting from endoreduplication. Concurrently, the gene expression of p21, a regulator of G2/M arrest as well as G1 arrest, was increased in cells treated with SP600125. The increased cell size in response to SP600125 was detected even in P19 cells treated with colcemide, an inhibitor of cell cycle progressio...

Polymorphisms of DNA base-excision repair genes APE/Ref-1 and XRCC1 are not associated with the risk for Graves' disease

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Oxidative stress has been implicated in etiopathogenesis of Graves' disease (GD). Increased lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage have been found in GD patients. Oxidative DNA damage is mainly repaired by the base-excision repair (BER) pathway. Polymorphisms in DNA-repair genes have been associated with the increased risk of various diseases and could also be related to the etiology of GD. Therefore, we conducted a study including 197 patients with GD and age- and sex-matched 303 healthy subjects to examine the role of single-nucleotide polymorphisms of BER genes, APE/Ref-1 (codon 148) and XRCC1 (codons 194 and 399) as a risk factor for GD. These polymorphisms were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and melting curve analysis using LightCycler. No significant association was ob...

Changes of glycogen content in liver, skeletal muscle, and heart from fasted rats

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Glycogen content of white and red skeletal muscles, cardiac muscle, and liver was investigated in conditions where changes in plasma levels of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) occur. The experiments were performed in fed and 12 and 48 h-fasted rats. The animals were also submitted to swimming for 10 and 30 min. Glycogen content was also investigated in both pharmacologically induced low plasma NEFA levels fasted rats and pharmacologically induced high plasma NEFA levels fed rats. The participation of Akt and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) in the changes observed was investigated. Plasma levels of NEFA, glucose, and insulin were determined in all conditions. Fasting increased plasma NEFA levels and reduced glycogen content in the liver and skeletal muscles. However, an increase of glyc...

Characterization and comparison of adipose tissue-derived cells from human subcutaneous and omental adipose tissues

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Different fat depots contribute differently to disease and function. These differences may be due to the regional variation in cell types and inherent properties of fat cell progenitors. To address the differences of cell types in the adipose tissue from different depots, the phenotypes of freshly isolated adipose tissue-derived cells (ATDCs) from subcutaneous (SC) and omental (OM) adipose tissues were compared using flow cytometry. Our results showed that CD31-CD34+CD45-CD90-CD105-CD146+ population, containing vascular smooth muscle cells and pericytes, was specifically defined in the SC adipose tissue while no such population was observed in OM adipose tissue. On the other hand, CD31-CD34+CD45-CD90-CD105-CD146- population, which is an undefined cell population, were found solely in OM ad...

Chronic exercise decreases cytokine production in healthy rat skeletal muscle

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, exercise training induced decreased cytokine protein expression in the skeletal muscle. These data show that in healthy rats, 8-week moderate-intensity aerobic training down regulates skeletal muscle production of cytokines involved in the onset, maintenance and regulation of inflammation, and that the response is heterogeneous according to fibre composition. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Cell Biochemistry and Function)

Biological markers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and evaluation of in vitro effect of CSF on PC12 cell line viability in Alzheimer's disease

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

The definite diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is based on post mortem pathological examination. To date, there is no laboratory test that can discriminate AD patients from healthy individuals. In the perspective of recent knowledge, there are three cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers which have the highest sensitivity and specificity: A[beta]1-40, A[beta]1-42, and p-tau. In the present study, 15 'Probable Alzheimer's Disease' (PAD) patients and 15 control subjects were included. PAD patients were selected from the patients of Dokuz Eylül University Neurology Department Dementia outpatient clinic and control subjects were selected from the patients who were undergone epidural anesthesia because of any surgical operation. The concentrations of Ab1-40, Ab1-42, and p-tau in CSF were quanti...

Up-regulation of the tight-junction protein ZO-1 by substance P and IGF-1 in A431 cells

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

The formation of a barrier by tight junctions is important in epithelia of various tissues. Substance P (SP) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 synergistically promote barrier function in the corneal epithelium. We have now examined the effects of SP and IGF-1 on expression of the tight-junction protein zonula occludens (ZO)-1 in A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cells. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunoblot analyses revealed that SP and IGF-1 increased the amounts of ZO-1 mRNA and protein in these cells in a concentration-dependent manner, with neither SP nor IGF-1 alone having such an effect. The SP- and IGF-1-induced up-regulation of ZO-1 was accompanied by phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and both of these effects were b...

Vitamin C and E combination modulates oxidative stress induced by X-ray in blood of smoker and nonsmoker radiology technicians

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

X-ray radiation is detrimental to human cells and may lead to development of life-threatening diseases. Cigarette smoke contains about 500 chemicals that include organic and oxidant compounds whereas vitamin C and E (VCE) have scavenger effects on the compounds. We investigated effects of VCE administration on X-ray-induced oxidative toxicity in blood of smoker and nonsmoker X-ray technicians.Twenty technicians and 30 healthy age-matched subjects control were used in the study. Ten of the X-ray technicians and 15 of the control were smokers. Blood samples were taken from the control. Oral vitamin C (500 mg) and vitamin E (150 mg) were daily supplemented to the smoker and nonsmoker X-ray technicians for 5 weeks. Blood samples were taken from the X-ray technicians after and before 5 weeks. P...

Effects of [beta]-carotene on antioxidant status in rats with chronic alcohol consumption

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This study examined the effects of [beta]-carotene on antioxidant status in rats with chronic alcohol consumption. At the beginning of experiment (week 0), according to both the plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities, rats (n = 24) were divided into 3 groups and fed with a standard diet (group C), a diet containing ethanol (group E), or a diet containing ethanol and [beta]-carotene (group E+B). After 10 weeks, plasma AST and ALT, fat accumulation in the liver, antioxidant enzyme activities in erythrocytes and the liver, malondialdehyde (MDA), and [alpha]-tocopherol and retinol in plasma and hepatic samples were analyzed. The chronic alcohol diet significantly increased AST and ALT levels in plasma, and these changes were prevented by supplemen...

Ketogenesis evaluation in perfused liver of diabetic rats submitted to short-term insulin-induced hypoglycemia

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Ketogenesis, inferred by the production of acetoacetate plus ß-hydroxybutyrate, in isolated perfused livers from 24-h fasted diabetic rats submitted to short-term insulin-induced hypoglycemia (IIH) was investigated. For this purpose, alloxan-diabetic rats that received intraperitoneal regular insulin (IIH group) or saline (COG group) injection were compared. An additional group of diabetic rats which received oral glucose (gavage) (100 mg kg-1) 15 min after insulin administration (IIH + glucose group) was included. The studies were performed 30 min after insulin (1.0 U kg-1) or saline injection. The ketogenesis before octanoate infusion was diminished (p < 0.05) in livers from rats which received insulin (COG vs. IIH group) or insulin plus glucose (COG vs. IIH + glucose group). However, t...

HERC1 polymorphisms: population-specific variations in haplotype composition

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Human HERC1 is one of six HERC proteins and may play an important role in intracellular membrane trafficking. The human HERC1 gene is suggested to have been affected by local positive selection. To assess the global frequency distributions of coding and non-coding single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the HERC1 gene, we developed a new simultaneous genotyping method for four SNPs, and applied this method to investigate 1213 individuals from 12 global populations. The results confirmed remarked differences in the allele and haplotype frequencies between East Asian and non-East Asian populations. One of the three common haplotypes observed was found to be characteristic of East Asians, who showed a relatively uniform distribution of haplotypes. Information on haplotypes would be useful f...

Human insulin A-chain peptide analog(s) with in vitro biological activity

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

In a previous study, we showed that a synthetic human insulin 1-chain analog, named analog (3) was capable of mimicking in vitro effects of native insulin, including stimulation of cell proliferation, glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis. Here, we have synthesized three new analogs (6, 9, 12) of the human A-chain, bearing or not their N- or C-terminal residue, to determine the structural features which are responsible for their biological properties. In vitro experiments clearly demonstrated that the N-terminal part of the peptides is required for the biological activity of the molecules, suggesting its crucial role in the mechanism underlying the cellular effect. Our findings may help to better understand the mechanism of interaction between insulin and its receptor. In addition, the pre...

Pulmonary antioxidant defences and protein damage during the ageing process of both sexes

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

The free radical theory holds that the senescence is caused by oxidative damage that results from an imbalance between reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) and antioxidant defences. Hence, it plays an important role in the field of gerontology. We evaluated, in male and female rats, the activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total superoxide dismutase (tSOD), as well as oxidative protein damage in pulmonary tissue at 3, 6, 12, and 20 months of age. The results show an increase in the activities of all antioxidant enzymes at 12 months of age in female rats, suggesting an association with the reproductive life cycle. Protein damage in female pulmonary tissues did not change significantly throughout the ageing process. In male rats, the ...

Determination of the lactate threshold and maximal blood lactate steady state intensity in aged rats

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

The reliability of the lactate threshold (LT) determined in aged rats and its validity to identify an exercise intensity corresponding to the maximal blood lactate steady state (MLSS) were analyzed. Eighteen male aged Wistar rats ([sim]365 days) were submitted to two incremental swimming tests until exhaustion, consisting of an initial load corresponding to 1% of body mass (BM) and increments of 1% BM at each 3-min with blood lactate ([lac]) measurements. The LT was determined by visual inspection (LTV) as well by applying a polynomial function on the [lac]/workload ratio (LTP) by considering the vertices of the curve. For the MLSS, twelve animals were submitted, on different days, to 3-4 exercise sessions of 30-min with workload corresponding to 4, 5 or 6% BM. The MLSS was considered the ...

TpMRK regulates cell division of Tetrahymena in response to oxidative stress

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

TpMRK was identified as a stress-responsive mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK)-related kinase and has been shown to play a critical role in the stress signalling in Tetrahymena cells. Here, we found that the mRNA expression of TpMRK was correlated with cell division of Tetrahymena with decreased expression occurring in cells prior to entering synchronous cell division induced by heat treatment. Notably, cell division was delayed with a lower division index of 40% after exposure to hydrogen peroxide while 85% of cells underwent cell division synchronously at 75 min after heat treatment without the oxidative exposure. Furthermore, inactivation of TpMRK signalling by p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 or MEK inhibitor PD 98059 partially derepressed cell division induced by hydrogen peroxide. Ou...

The relationship between cell membrane damage and lipid peroxidation under the condition of hypoxia-reoxygenation: analysis of the mechanism using antioxidants and electron transport inhibitors

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

We consecutively observed lipid peroxidation and cell membrane damage under the condition of hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) in cells and analyzed their mechanisms by using electron transport inhibitors and an antioxidant. In H/R experiments, lipid peroxidation and cell membrane damage were observed during the hypoxia phase. In the reoxygenation phase, lipid peroxidation stopped, while cell membrane damage did not. An antioxidant, n-acetylcystein (NAC), and potassium cyanide (KCN) inhibited lipid peroxidation and cell membrane damage, while rotenone did not inhibit either of them. Although antimycin A did not inhibit lipid peroxidation, it inhibited cell membrane damage during the hypoxia phase but not during the reoxygenation phase. These results suggested that lipid peroxidation can affect c...

ICAT as a potential enhancer of monocytic differentiation: implications from the comparative proteome analysis of the HL60 cell line stimulated by all-trans retinoic acid and NSC67657

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

A novel sterol mesylate compound (NSC67657) was recently identified and reported by National Cancer Institute that could efficiently induce the differentiation of HL60 cells into monocytes in vitro and in vivo. The expression of many proteins would have been changed during the differentiation process, and some proteins may have played key roles in the differentiation of HL60 cell line induced by this drug. Therefore, we treated HL60 cells with NSC67657 and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) to identify the differentially expressed proteins and determine their functions in cellular differentiation. Of the 45 differentially expressed protein spots investigated, 24 were either elevated or decreased in both the monocytic and granulocytic differentiating HL60 cells, 8 showed significant changes onl...

Effect of Terminalia chebula aqueous extract on oxidative stress and antioxidant status in the liver and kidney of young and aged rats

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

We evaluated the preventive effects of Terminalia chebula (T. chebula) aqueous extract on oxidative and antioxidative status in liver and kidney of aged rats compared to young albino rats. The concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), lipofuscin (LF), protein carbonyls (PCO), activities of xantione oxidase (XO), manganese-superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), levels of glutathione (GSH), vitamin C and vitamin E were used as biomarkers. In the liver and kidney of aged animals, enhanced oxidative stress was accompanied by compromised antioxidant defences. Administration of aqueous extract of T. cheubla effectively modulated oxidative stress and enha...

Pulsatilla decoction and its active ingredients inhibit secretion of NO, ET-1, TNF-[alpha], and IL-1[alpha] in LPS-induced rat intestinal microvascular endothelial cells

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Thu, 28 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

To investigate the pharmacological mechanism of the traditional Chinese medicine, Pulsatilla decoction (PD), the levels of nitric oxide (NO), endothelin-1 (ET-1), tumor necrosis factor-[alpha] (TNF-[alpha]), and interleukin-1[alpha] (IL-1[alpha]) secreted by cultured rat intestinal microvascular endothelial cells (RIMECs) were determined after treatment with PD and its seven active ingredients, namely anemoside B4, anemonin, berberine, jatrorrhizine, palmatine, aesculin, and esculetin. RIMECs were challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 1 µg ml-1 for 3 h and then treated with PD at 1, 5, and 10 mg ml-1 and its seven ingredients at 1, 5, and 10 µg ml-1 for 21 h, respectively. The results revealed that PD, anemonin, berberine, and esculetin inhibited the production of NO; PD, anemonin,...

Antioxidant enzymes and melatonin levels in patients with bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease during stable and exacerbation periods

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Wed, 27 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, we observed that oxidative stress in the exacerbation period of patients with BA and COPD increased whereas the antioxidant enzymes and melatonin values reduced. The episodes of BA or COPD might be associated with elevated levels of oxidative stress. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Cell Biochemistry and Function)

Genotyping of five single nucleotide polymorphisms in the OCA2 and HERC2 genes associated with blue-brown eye color in the Japanese population

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 26 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Human eye color is a polymorphic phenotype influenced by multiple genes. It has recently been reported that three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within intron 1 of the OCA2 gene (rs7495174, rs4778241, rs4778138) and two SNPs in intron 86 (rs12913832) and the 3[prime] UTR region (rs1129038) of the HERC2 gene - located in the upstream of the OCA2 locus - have a high statistical association with human eye color. The present study is the first to examine in detail the genotype and haplotype frequencies for these five SNPs in an Asian (Japanese) population (n = 523) comprising solely brown-eyed individuals. Comparison of the genotype and haplotype distributions in Japanese with those in African and European subjects revealed significant differences between Japanese and other populations...

Age associated high level of major vault protein is p53 dependent

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 26 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

In this study, designed to elucidate the regulation of MVP in young and senescent HDFs, we examined the levels of transcriptional factors for the MVP gene, which revealed that among the putative transcriptional factors, p53 decreased only in young HDFs, but not in senescent HDFs in response to H2O2 treatment in the same mode as the expression of MVP. Moreover, the phosphorylation status of p53 increased only in senescent HDFs but not in young HDFs in response to H2O2 treatment. Therefore, we tested the possibility of MVP regulation by p53 status. MVP is upregulated in p53 over-expressing young HDFs, while MVP is downregulated in p53-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA)-transfected senescent HDFs, which suggests that the expression of MVP would be p53 dependent. Furthermore, using chromat...

TSH induces co-localization of TSH receptor and Na/K-ATPase in human erythrocytes

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Fri, 22 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

In conclusion our results are compatible with the existence, in erythrocytes, of a functional TSHR that interacts with Na/K-ATPase after TSH treatment, thus suggesting a novel cell signalling pathway, potentially active in local circulatory control. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Cell Biochemistry and Function)

Are nociceptin(1-13)NH2 and its structural analogue [ORN9]nociceptin(1-13)NH2 able to affect brain antioxidant status in control and kainic acid-treated rats?

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Fri, 08 May 2009 02:02:28 +0100

In-vivo effects of nociceptin (N/OFQ(1-13)NH2) on the levels of lipid peroxidation and cell enzyme (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase) and non-enzyme (glutathione) antioxidants in brain of control and kainic acid-treated rats were studied. N/OFQ(1-13)NH2 effects were compared with those of its structural analogue [Orn9]N/OFQ(1-13)NH2. Kainic acid (25 µg, i.c.v) increased the lipid peroxidation (4 and 24 h after kainic acid treatment) and decreased the glutathione level (1 h after kainic acid injection). We failed to find, any changes in antioxidant enzyme activities, independently of the time of kainic acid treatment. At the background of kainic acid-effects, N/OFQ(1-13)NH2 and [Orn9] N/OFQ(1-13)NH2, injected 30 min before kainic acid, had no effects o...

Association of a new intronic polymorphism of the SOD2 gene (G1677T) with cancer

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

There is growing evidence of the correlation between cancer and reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially superoxide. Low expression levels of the Mn-superoxide dismutase (SOD2) enzyme have been reported in cancer patients. Genetic variation in the regulatory regions of the SOD2 gene may increase the risk of cancer. We identified a genetic variation (G1677T, rs2Y758Y339) in the vicinity of the enhancer region located in intron 2 of the SOD2 gene that creates a potential glucocorticoid responsive element, and developed an assay to screen DNA samples of 220 individuals (73 control, 59 prostate cancer survival individuals and 88 lung cancer biopsies). There were no significant differences in the genotype frequency distribution among prostate, lung cancer and control (p = 0.074 and 0.057, resp...

Characterization of pharmacogenetically relevant CYP2D6 and ABCB1 gene polymorphisms in a Portuguese population sample

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

In this study the frequency of the pharmacologically relevant CYP2D6*3, *4, *5, *6 allelic variants and gene duplication, and ABCB1 C1236T and C3435T gene polymorphisms and their haplotypes was determined in a population sample of 100 Portuguese healthy subjects. CYP2D6 allele frequencies were 1.4% (*3), 13.3% (*4), 2.8% (*5), 1.8% (*6) and 6.1% (gene duplication), with 5% of the individuals classified as PM and 8.4% as UM. The frequencies obtained for the non-functional alleles and for the CYP2D6 gene duplication are in agreement with other South European populations, and reinforce the previously suggested south/north gradient of CYP2D6 duplications. Allelic frequencies for the ABCB1 polymorphisms were 52% (3435C) and 54% (1236C) and the most common haplotype (1236C-3435C) occurred with a...

Retraction

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: Cell Biochemistry and Function)

Note from the Editor

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: Cell Biochemistry and Function)

Over-expression of SUMO-1 induces the up-regulation of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1 isoform B1 (hnRNP A2/B1 isoform B1) and uracil DNA glycosylase (UDG) in hepG2 cells

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

In this report, we have found that PIASx[alpha], PIASx[beta], and PIASy are highly expressed in liver as well as testis by tissue distribution studies. We thus aimed to identify any SUMO-1 related proteins in liver cancer cells by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Two up-regulated proteins, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1 isoform B1 (hnRNP A2/B1 isoform B1) and uracil DNA glycosylase (UDG), have been identified in the EGFP-SUMO-1 over-expressing HepG2 cells. The up-regulation is suggested to be mediated via changes at the translational level or protection from degradation by western blotting and RT-PCR. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Cell Biochemistry and Function)

Parathyroid hormone inhibits phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) ERK1/2 through inhibition of c-Raf and activation of MKP-1 in osteoblastic cells

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) ERK1/2 contributes to PTH regulation of osteoblast growth and apoptosis. We investigated the mechanisms by which PTH inhibits ERK1/2 activity in osteoblastic UMR 106-01 cells. Treatment with PTH significantly inhibited phosphorylated ERK1/2 between 5 and 60 min. Transient transfection of cells with a cDNA encoding MAPK phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) resulted in 30-40% inhibition of pERK1/2; however MKP-1 protein levels were only significantly stimulated by PTH after 30 mins, suggesting another mechanism for the early phase of pERK1/2 inhibition. The active upstream kinase c-Raf phosphorylation at serine 338 (ser338) was significantly inhibited by PTH treatment within 5 min and transfection of the cells with constitutiv...

Low concentration of lipopolysaccharide acts on MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts and induces proliferation via the COX-2-independent NF[kappa]B pathway

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

The translocations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from the gut and its effects on bone healing are usually of clinical interest during bone fracture. As already widely stuided, Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a key enzyme for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, which induces the nuclear factor kappa B (NF[kappa]B) activation and is beneficial to fracture healing. In order to know their roles in skeletal regeneration, mouse MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts were treated with NF[kappa]B inhibitor BAY 11-7082 and sc791 (a selective COX-2 inhibitor), in the presence of LPS. Interestingly, LPS could induce osteoblasts proliferation through increasing NF[kappa]B activation and translocation. This induction was not related to COX-2 expression, suggesting that LPS-induced NF[kappa]B activiation is independent of COX-...

Growth factors and glucose homeostasis in diabetic rats: effects of exercise training

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

To investigate the alterations of glucose homeostasis and variables of the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) growth system in sedentary and trained diabetic (TD) rats, Wistar rats were divided into sedentary control (SC), trained control (TC), sedentary diabetic (SD), and TD groups. Diabetes was induced by Alloxan (35 mg kg-1 b.w.). Training program consisted of swimming 5 days week-1, 1 h day-1, during 8 weeks. Rats were sacrificed and blood was collected for determinations of serum glucose, insulin, growth hormone (GH), IGF-1, and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3). Muscle and liver were removed to evaluate glycogen content. Cerebellum was extracted to determinate IGF-1 content. Diabetes decreased serum GH, IGF-1, IGFBP-3, liver glycogen, and cerebellum IGF-1 peptide content in baseline ...

Antioxidant effect of diphenyl diselenide on oxidative stress caused by acute physical exercise in skeletal muscle and lungs of mice

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

This study was designed to examine if diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2, an organoselenium compound, attenuates oxidative stress caused by acute physical exercise in skeletal muscle and lungs of mice. Swiss mice were pre-treated with (PhSe)2 (5 mg kg-1 day-1) for 7 days. At the 7th day, the animals were submitted to acute physical exercise which consisted of continuous swimming for 20 min. The animals were euthanized 1 and 24 h after the exercise test. The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), non-protein thiols (NPSH) and ascorbic acid and the activity of catalase (CAT) were measured in the lungs and skeletal muscle of mice. Glycogen content was determined in the skeletal muscle of mice. Parameters in plasma (urea and creatinine) were determined. The results demonstrated an in...

Increased glycated calmodulin in the submandibular salivary glands of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Non-enzymatic glycosylation, a post translational protein modification may be implicated in the diabetes complications. Calmodulin is an important calcium binding protein that complexed with Ca2+ may be implicated in salivary gland secretory process. Glycated calmodulin has shown to be less effective in binding calcium. The aim of this study was to determine whether the concentration of glycated-calmodulin may be elevated in the submandibular salivary glands of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of spreptozotocin, and hyperglycemia was confirmed 72 h after injection using a glucosimeter. Thirty days after the induction of diabetes, submandibular salivary glands were used for the analysis of glycated and non-glycated calmodulin, using ...

An investigation of the relationship between SULT1A1 Arg213His polymorphism and lung cancer susceptibility in a Turkish population

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Human sulfotransferase 1A1 (SULT1A1), the most expressed isoform of the phenol SULT1 subfamily, is an important member of sulfotransferase superfamily. A transition, G to A at position 638, in SULT1A1 gene, results in Arg213His change. This single nucleotide polymorphism reduces the activity and thermostability of SULT1A1 enzyme. Thus, in the present study the relationship between SULT1A1 Arg213His polymorphism and lung cancer was investigated. One hundred and six case and 271 control samples were studied using PCR-RFLP. There was no significant difference in genotype and allele distribution between lung cancer and control populations (p = 0.07; p = 0.06, respectively). Compared with the SULT1A1*1/SULT1A1*1 genotype the variant SULT1A1 genotype (SULT1A1*1/SULT1A1*2 or SULT1A1*2/SULT1A1*2) ...

In vitro effects of 2-methoxyestradiol on cell numbers, morphology, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis induction in oesophageal carcinoma cells

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

The influence of 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME) was investigated on cell numbers, morphology, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis induction in an oesophageal carcinoma cell line (WHCO3). Dose-dependent studies (1 × 10-9M-1 × 10-6M) revealed that 2-ME significantly reduced cell numbers to 60% in WHCO3 after 72 h of exposure at a concentration of 1 × 10-6M compared to vehicle-treated cells. Morphological studies entailing light-, fluorescent-, as well as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed 2-ME's antimitotic effects. These results indicated hallmarks of apoptosis including cell shrinkage, hypercondensation of chromatin, cell membrane blebbing, and apoptotic bodies in treated cells. Flow cytometric analyses demonstrated an increase in the G2/M-phase after 2-ME exposure; thus prev...

Proliferation- and migration-enhancing effects of ginseng and ginsenoside Rg1 through IGF-I- and FGF-2-signaling pathways on RSC96 Schwann cells

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the proliferation- and migration-enhancing effects of ginseng and its component, ginsenoside (Rg1) on RSC96 Schwann cells. We investigated the molecular signaling pathways, which include: (1) survival signaling, IGFs-IGFIR-Akt-Bcl2 and proliferative signaling, cell cycle factors and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, (2) migrating and anti-scar signaling, FGF-2-uPA-MMPs.We treated RSC96 cells with different concentrations (100, 200, 300, 400, 500 µg ml-1) of ginseng and its constituent, Rg1 (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 µg ml-1). We observed a proliferative effect in a dose-dependent manner by PCNA western blotting assay, MTT assay, and wound healing test. Furthermore, we also found in the results of western blotting assay, ginseng and Rg1 ...

Levels of lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, and antioxidant vitamins in plasma of patients with fibromyalgia

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

The etiology of fibromyalgia is not clearly understood. In recent years, a few studies have investigated the possible role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the etiology and pathogenesis of fibromyalgia. The aim of this study was to investigate plasma antioxidant vitamins, lipid peroxidation (LP), and nitric oxide (NO) levels in patients with fibromyalgia and controls. The study was performed on the blood plasma of 30 female patients and 30 age-matched controls. After a fast of 12 h, blood samples were taken, and plasma samples were obtained for measurement of vitamins A, C, E, and [beta]-carotene concentrations and levels of LP and NO. Concentrations of vitamins A (p < 0.01) and E (p < 0.001) were significantly lower in patients with fibromyalgia than in controls, and LP levels were sig...

Effect of zinc supplementation on the antioxidant, copper, and iron status of physically active adolescents

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, our study indicates that the use of 22 mg d-1 of supplemental zinc during 12 week in adolescent athletes did not affect growth, improved markers of antioxidant status but reduced plasma iron and copper. Therefore, it appears that the use of zinc supplementation by healthy adolescent athletes benefits their antioxidant capacity but impairs copper and iron nutritional status. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Cell Biochemistry and Function)

Erdosteine modulates radiocontrast-induced hepatotoxicity in rat

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

It has been suggested that reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays an important role in radio contrast media (RCM)-induced ischemia reperfusion tissue injury although antioxidants may have protective effects on the injury. We investigated the effects of erdosteine as an antioxidant agent on RCM-induced liver toxicity in rats by evaluation of lipid peroxidation (as TBARS), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) values and histological evaluation. Twenty-one rats were equally divided into three groups as follows: control, RCM, and RCM plus erdosteine. RCM was intraperitoneally administered for 1 day. Erdosteine was administered orally for 2 days after RCM administration. Liver samples were taken from the rats and they homogenized...

Effects of cholesterol and docosahexaenoic acid on cell viability and (Ca2+)i levels in acutely isolated mouse thymocytes

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

We investigated the effects of lipids on thymocyte function. The effects of application of cholesterol or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a C22, omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), on viability and intracellular calcium concentrations of acutely isolated mouse thymocytes were investigated using flow cytometry. Cholesterol (100 µM) caused significant cell death after 30-60 min whether or not calcium was present in the medium. Cell death was associated with an elevation of intracellular calcium whether or not calcium was present in the extracellular medium. However, the elevation of calcium concentration was not responsible for the cell death since calcium levels in the presence of ionomycin rose higher without significant cell death. DHA had similar actions but was more potent, ca...

Pre-steady state kinetics of ATP hydrolysis by Na,K-ATPase

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Fast reaction kinetics of ATP hydrolysis by Na,K-ATPase has been investigated by following absorption pattern of pH sensitive dye in stopped flow spectrophotometer. Distinct pre-steady state phase signal could be recorded with an initial decrease in acidity followed by increase in acidity. Average half time for H+ absorption and peak alkalinity was, respectively, 30 ms and 60 ms. Under optimal Na+ (120 mM) and K+ (30 mM) concentrations, magnitude of both H+ absorption and H+ release are found to be about 1.0 H+/ATPase molecule. H+ absorption and release decreased with decrease in Na+ concentration, H+ release was more affected. Both H+ absorption and H+ release are found to be independent of K+ concentration in the pre-steady state phase. No H+ absorption or release was observed following ...

Alteration of Ca2+-ATPase activity in the homogenate, plasma membrane and microsomes of the salivary glands of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Diabetes has been implicated in the dryness of the mouth, loss of taste sensation, sialosis, and other disorders of the oral cavity, by impairment of the salivary glands. The aim of the present study was to examine the plasma membrane, microsomal, and homogenate Ca2+-ATPase activity in the rat submandibular and parotid salivary glands of streptozotocin-induced diabetes. We have also examined the influence of the acidosis state on this parameter. Diabetes was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin and acidosis was induced by daily injection of NH4Cl. At 15 and 30 days after diabetes induction, the animals were euthanized and the submandibular and parotid salivary glands were removed and analyzed. Ca2+-ATPase (total, independent, and dependent) was determined in the homoge...

Calmodulin effects on steroids-regulated plasma membrane calcium pump activity

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

We examined the role of PMCA isoforms composition and CaM effect in regulation of Ca2+ uptake by estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), pregnenolone (PREG), and their sulfates in a concentration range from 10-9 to 10-6 M, using the membranes from rat cortical synaptosomes, differentiated PC12 cells, and human erythrocytes. In excitable membranes with full set of PMCAs steroids apparently increased Ca2+ uptake, although to a variable extent. In most of the cases, CaM decreased transport by 30-40% below controls. Erythrocyte PMCA was regulated by the steroids somewhat differently than excitable cells. CaM strongly increased the potency for Ca2+ extrusion in membranes incubated with 17-[beta]-estradiol and PREG. Our results indicated that steroids may sufficiently control cytoplasmic calci...

Impact of estradiol on insulin signaling in the rat heart

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

In this study we examine the impact of estradiol (E2) on insulin signaling in the rat heart. Ovariectomized female rats were treated with E2 6 h prior to analysis of basal protein and mRNA content of insulin signaling molecules, and additionally with insulin 30 min before the experiment to delineate E2 effects on phosphorylations and molecular associations relevant for insulin signaling. The results show that E2 decreased insulin receptor (IR) tyrosine phosphorylation, while it did not alter IR protein and mRNA content. E2 administration did not change IR substrate 1 (IRS-1) protein content and tyrosine phosphorylation, while decreased mRNA content and increased its association with the p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). E2 decreased protein and mRNA content of IR substra...

A preliminary study of human paraoxonase and PON 1 L/M55-PON 1 Q/R 192 polymorphisms in Turkish patients with coronary artery disease

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Paraoxonase 1 (PON 1) is a high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-associated enzyme with antioxidant function protecting low-density lipoprotein (LDL) from oxidation. PON 1 has two amino acid polymorphisms in coding region; L/M 55 and Q/R 192. These polymorphisms modulate paraoxonase activity of the enzyme. PON 1 activity decreases in coronary artery disease (CAD). In the present study, distribution of PON 1 L/M 55 and Q/R 192 polymorphisms and the effect of these polymorphisms on the activities of PON 1, and on the severity of CAD in 277 CAD (+) patient and 92 CAD (-) subjects were examined. PON 1 L/M 55 and Q/R 192 genotypes were determined by PCR, RFLP and agarose gel electrophoresis techniques. Genotype distributions and allele frequencies for PON 1 Q/R 192 polymorphism were not significantly ...

Regulation of inflammation in the adipose tissue in cancer cachexia: effect of exercise

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

The paraneoplastic syndrome of cachexia is considered a degenerative chronic inflammatory disease, being deeply related to the increase of pro-inflammatory factors, especially tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-[alpha]). It is known that the adipose tissue is affected by cachexia and contributing with the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors which reach the adjacent tissues and the circulation. The effect of pro-inflammatory factors is balanced by the effect of anti-inflammatory factors, such as interleukin 10 (IL-10). The IL-10/TNF-[alpha] ratio has been recently postulated as a marker for the assessment of the degree of inflammation, which correlates with disease-associated morbidity and mortality. In order to counteract inflammation in chronic disease, our group has currently adopted ch...

Leptin transport in the central nervous system

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Synthesized and released by the adipose tissue, leptin is the widely studied 167-amino acid hormonal protein product of the obesity gene. Originally leptin was defined in association with satiety and energy balance and claimed to be an anti-obesity factor that functioned via a feedback effect from adipocytes to hypothalamus. There is a growing body of evidence that emphasizes the importance of leptin in the regulation of food intake and body weight in animals and humans, alike. Other research findings point out that it plays a role in the regulation of the metabolism, sexual development, reproduction, hematopoiesis, immunity, gastrointestinal functions, sympathetic activation, and angiogenesis. The aim of this review is to evaluate the relation between leptin and the central nervous system...

Glucose deprivation increases nuclear DNA repair protein Ku and resistance to radiation induced oxidative stress in human cancer cells

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Recent studies have indicated that nutrient deprivation particularly glucose may play a major role in tumor cell tolerance to a generally oxidative stress environment in solid tumors. Here, we studied the impact of glucose deprivation on the response of human colon (HT29) and prostate (DU145) cancer cells to [gamma] radiation. A significant decrease in intracellular glucose level was observed in glucose deprived cells as measured by bioreductive assay. The survival of HT29 and DU145 were increased by 30 and 100% respectively when these cells were exposed to [gamma] radiation in the absence of glucose compared to that in the presence of glucose. In glucose depleted medium, glutathione (GSH), a free radical scavenger, content remained the same, and showed no correlation with the radiation re...

I405V and TaqIB polymorphisms of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein and their relation to serum lipid and lipoprotein levels in a Turkish population

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, our results indicate that I405V polymorphism may affect the HDL-C levels in Turkish population. The association of this polymorphism and HDL-C levels could be modified by other factors, such as gender and TG levels. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Cell Biochemistry and Function)

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 activities in human keloids, hypertrophic and atrophic scars: a pilot study

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

This study is the first to relate scar formation relationship in regard to gelatinase activation ratio in a keloid, hypertrophic and atrophic scar patient group which is chosen appropriate in age and sex. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Cell Biochemistry and Function)

Cell biochemistry and function and the integration of biomedical research (location, location, location)

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: Cell Biochemistry and Function)

Protective effect of aminoguanidine against oxidative stress and bladder injury in cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in rat