ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIBIOFILM ACTIVITIES OF BIOGENIC SELENIUM NANOPARTICLES: A CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ALTERNATIVE STRATEGY AGAINST THE ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE CONCERN

Bacterial biofilms are microbial communities embedded in a highly hydrated exopolymer (EPS) matrix and can exist on different biotic and abiotic surfaces. The presence of these protective EPS matrix allows biofilms to survive in harsh environmental conditions and to resist to antiobiotic action, representing a challenge for the common antimicrobial therapy. Recently, a wide range of nanoparticles (i.e. silver, gold, iron oxide) have been intensively studied as antimicrobial agents including their use against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. In the present study the physiochemical characteristics of biogenically produced Selenium Nanoparticles were evaluated along with their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity

In vivo and in vitro data supporting the involvement of oxidative stress in aging-related and metabolic diseases

Background: Oxidative stress (OxS) is caused by the derangement of the balance between production of oxidants, mainly represented by reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the antioxidant’s ability to detoxify them. The consequent biomolecular oxidative damage tends to accumulate in aged biological systems and it is widely believed to act as main trigger of aging- and metabolism- related diseases such as late onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD), postmenopausal osteoporosis (PO) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). The involvement of OxS in these pathologies has been nicely demonstrated in vitro and animal models. In contrast, the data from human studies are scarce and highly controversial. Similar controversies feature the body of population-based studies on the effects of antioxidant supplements or dietary interventions on OxS and related diseases. Objectives: To address these issues we have conducted three research projects with the following aims: Project 1: to evaluate a possible cross-sectional and/or longitudinal association between systemic markers of oxidative stress and the most common dementia-related diseases (Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia). Projects 2: to evaluate a possible involvement of OxS in the development of PO. Project 3: to evaluate in vitro the effects of flavonoids, in particular (-)-epicatechin (EC) and its metabolites (ECM), on the regulation of expression and activity of NADPH oxidase in hepatic cells (HepG2) treated with palmitate (Pal). Material and methods: Project 1: The patients enrolled (n=476 subjects) were divided, in accordance to the diagnosis of dementia, in: 105 late onset Alzheimer disease (LOAD), 54 vascular dementia (VaD), 199 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is consider as an intermediate state between normal aging and dementia, and 118 healthy controls. Among the MCI patients, a subgroup of 111 patients were follow-up for an average of 2 years (2.0 ± 0.6 years). The serum markers of OxS assessed in each subjects were: hydroperoxides (HY), advance oxidation protein products (AOPP), total antioxidant power (TAP), residual antioxidant power (RAP), uric acid (UA), and thiols (TH) Project 2: 290 women (age spanning from 21 to 65 years) were enrolled and divided in different groups according to menopausal status (reproductive age, peri- and post-menopause). In these women, serum markers of OxS (HY, AOPP, 8-isoprostane-F2-iso, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine-8-OH-dg, TAP, RAP, UA and TH) and serum bone markers (Bone-specific Alkaline Phosphatase-BAP and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collage-CTX-1) were assessed. Furthermore the areal bone density at lumbar spine, hip and total body by was assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanner. Project 3: HepG2 cells were incubated for 24 h with Pal (0.25 mM), in the absence/presence of EC (0.25-1 μM) and ECM (1 μM). By Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR) and western blot, mRNA and protein expression levels of NADPH oxidase subunits (NOX3, p22phox, p47phox) were assessed. Moreover, protein expression levels of insulin resistance pathway (IKK and JNK) were assessed by western blot as well. NADPH oxidase activity and cell oxidants were measured respectively with chemiluminescence assay and oxidant-sensitive probe 5-(and-6)-carboxy-2,7 dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCF). Lipid accumulation was assessed by Red Oil O staining. Results: Project 1: Analysis of covariance showed that an oxidative derangement (high HY and/ low antioxidants) were present in MCI, LOAD and, though less pronounced in VaD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, compared with controls, high levels (over median value) of serum hydroperoxides were independently associated with an increase in the likelihood of having MCI (Odd Ratio: 2.59, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.08-6.21) or LOAD (OR: 4.09, 95%CI: 1.36-11.81). Moreover, low levels of residual antioxidant power were associated with increased risk of having MCI (OR: 3.97, 95% CI: 1.62- 9.72), but not LOAD (OR: 2.31, 95%CI: 0.83-6.63). No differences in either of these two OxS markers were found by comparing MCI patients who converted (n = 29) or not converted (n = 82) to LOAD. Project 2: Pearson’s correlation showed that increased serum levels of a lipid peroxidation marker, HY, were negatively and independently associated with decreased bone mineral density (BMD) in total body (r=-0.192, p<0.05), lumbar spine (r=-0.282, p<0.01) and total hip (r=-0.282, p<0.05), as well as with increased bone resorption rate (r=0.233, p<0.05), as assessed by the serum concentration of CTX-1. Importantly, multiple regression analysis revealed that HY is a determinant and independent factor for the association between lumbar spine BMD and CTX-1 levels. Project 3: Data obtained in vitro showed that Pal increases the production of oxidants in HepG2 through an up-regulation of protein levels and mRNA expression of NOX3. Pal was able to “mimic” an insulin resistance condition through an up-regulation of JNK and IKK expression. Moreover, our results demonstrated that EC and ECM decrease the activity of NADPH oxidase and the ROS production; furthermore, both EC and ECM decreased the expression of JNK and IKK, improving the insulin resistance condition. The Oil Red O staining showed that EC and ECM cannot significantly prevent Pal-induced lipid accumulation. Conclusion: Systemic OxS might be a significant feature of LOAD, PO and MetS. Moreover, our results suggest that rich-flavonoids food consumption may be an important way of prevention of age- and metabolism-related diseases. Abbreviations: OxS, oxidative stress; MCI, mild cognitive impairment; LOAD, late onset Alzheimer’s disease; VaD, vascular dementia; HY, hydroperoxides; AOPP, advanced oxidation protein products; TAP, total antioxidant power; RAP, residual antioxidant power; UA, uric acid; TH, thiol; BMD, bone mineral density; OR, Odds Ratio; EC, (-)-epicatechin; ECM, (-)-epicatechin metabolites; Pal, palmitate

Geological and Geochemical Setting of Natural Hydrocarbon Emissions in Italy

none3Hydrocarbons are contained in underground geological formations where they can slowly migrate under the action of tectonic activity. For this reason spontaneous hydrocarbon emissions may be detected on earth’s surface and they have historically attracted man’s attention, even often being the subject of health or religious cults. In nearly the whole of all Italy the various levels of interest aroused by hydrocarbons in local populations and in economic and industrial structure are recognizable in the historical and archeological documentation. During 19th and 20th centuries many hydrocarbon emissions were recorded and described but unfortunately over past few decades they have been erased by roads and towns building Scientific literature has only recently turned its attention to the databases of gas or oil natural emissions, while a possible loss of knowledge of geosites related to hydrocarbons has occurred. In recent years, some authors have recovered information about the occurrence and chemical composition of gaseous hydrocarbons bubbling in mud volcanoes. Present-day scientific literature has devoted its attention to hydrocarbon spontaneous emissions but part of the flowing methane and oil emissions have not been completely listed. A recovery attempt of the available historical and recent information on natural hydrocarbon emissions has been carried out, comparing them with the updated findings on the geological features of Italy. Surface hydrocarbon occurrences are represented by gas seeps, oil seeps and mud volcanoes. At times gas seeps are accompanied by cold or warm water springs due to gas interaction with less deep groundwater circulation paths. Mud volcanoes are mainly related to areas of tectonic compression characterized by thick sedimentary sequences. Their occurrence is limited to the continental Apenninic chain and Sicily. Some hydrocarbon seeps, sinkholes and mud volcanoes have been reported offshore within a few kilometers of the coast and their origin has been seen to be similar to continental hydrocarbon emissions. The mapping of most important gas emissions shows that the hydrocarbon domain is chiefly located in the core of the raised Apennine belt immediately behind the chain front at the boundary of and its related Plio-Quaternary foredeep, whereas CO2 emissions are located in the Apennine backdeep area. The geographic distribution of important gas accumulations in Italy does not show a highly significant correlation between surface seepages and the exploited reservoirs and it could also suggest the existence of other still unknown deep reservoirs or their small remnants difficult to be checked up. The majority of the hydrocarbon wells is characterized by biogenic gases, while thermogenic methane is predominant in surface seeping, confirming the sealed condition of most of the biogenic reservoirs and that they still have not experienced the complete evolution of organic matter towards the thermogenic terms induced by pressure and temperature.the study is permanently available at : http://www.intechopen.com/articles/show/title/geological-and-geochemical-setting-of-natural-hydrocarbon-emissions-in-italy . It was submitted to a referees check (Website: http://www.intechopen.com/) The electronic form allows the study to be immediately known and read out all over the world. This is the first complete review for the natural seeps in the entire Italy over the last fourty years, thus it will surely be usefull as a general overview for students and researcher of this specific topic.openMartinelli G.; Cremonini S.; Samonati E.Martinelli G.; Cremonini S.; Samonati E

Anthocyanin actions at the gastrointestinal tract: Relevance to their health benefits

Anthocyanins (AC) are flavonoids abundant in the human diet, which consumption has been associated to several health benefits, including the mitigation of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and neurological disorders. It is widely recognized that the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is not only central for food digestion but actively participates in the regulation of whole body physiology. Given that AC, and their metabolites reach high concentrations in the intestinal lumen after food consumption, their biological actions at the GI tract can in part explain their proposed local and systemic health benefits. In terms of mechanisms of action, AC have been found to: i) inhibit GI luminal enzymes that participate in the absorption of lipids and carbohydrates; ii) preserve intestinal barrier integrity and prevent endotoxemia, inflammation and oxidative stress; iii) sustain goblet cell number, immunological functions, and mucus production; iv) promote a healthy microbiota; v) be metabolized by the microbiota to AC metabolites which will be absorbed and have systemic effects; and vi) modulate the metabolism of GI-generated hormones. This review will summarize and discuss the latest information on AC actions at the GI tract and their relationship to overall health benefits.Fil: Oteiza, Patricia I.. University of California at Davis; Estados UnidosFil: Cremonini, Eleonora. University of California at Davis; Estados UnidosFil: Fraga, César Guillermo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad Medicina. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular; Argentin

(-)-Epicatechin improves insulin sensitivity in high fat diet-fed mice

Obesity constitutes a major public health concern, being frequently associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Evidence from studies in humans and experimental animals suggest that consumption of the flavan-3-ol (-)-epicatechin (EC) and of EC-rich foods may improve insulin sensitivity. To further understand the potential benefits of dietary EC consumption on insulin resistance, this study investigated the capacity of EC supplementation to prevent high fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistance in mice. To assess the underlying mechanisms, the effects of HFD and EC consumption on the activation of the insulin cascade and of its negative modulators were evaluated. HFD consumption for 15 w caused obesity and insulin resistance in C57BL/6J mice as evidenced by high fasted and fed plasma glucose and insulin levels, and impaired ITT and GTT tests. This was associated with alterations in the activation of components of the insulin-triggered signaling cascade (insulin receptor, IRS1, ERK1/2, Akt) in adipose and liver tissues. EC supplementation prevented/ameliorated all these parameters. EC acted improving insulin sensitivity in the HFD-fed mice in part through a downregulation of the inhibitory molecules JNK, IKK, PKC and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). Thus, the above results suggest that consumption of EC-rich foods could constitute a dietary strategy to mitigate obesity-associated insulin resistance.Fil: Cremonini, Eleonora. University of California at Davis; Estados UnidosFil: Bettaieb, Ahmed. University of California at Davis; Estados Unidos. University of Tennessee; Estados UnidosFil: Haj, Fawaz G.. University of California at Davis; Estados UnidosFil: Fraga, César Guillermo. University of California at Davis; Estados Unidos. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Química Analitica y Fisicoquímica. Cátedra de Fisicoquímica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular; ArgentinaFil: Oteiza, Patricia Isabel. University of California at Davis; Estados Unido

Anthocyanins inhibit tumor necrosis alpha-induced loss of Caco-2 cell barrier integrity

An increased permeability of the intestinal barrier is proposed as a major event in the pathophysiology of conditions characterized by chronic gut inflammation. This study investigated the capacity of pure anthocyanins (AC), and berry and rice extracts containing different types and amounts of AC, to inhibit tumor necrosis alpha (TNFα)-induced permeabilization of Caco-2 cell monolayers. Caco-2 cells differentiated into intestinal epithelial cell monolayers were incubated in the absence/presence of TNFα, with or without the addition of AC or AC-rich plant extracts (ACRE). AC and ACRE inhibited TNFα-induced loss of monolayer permeability as assessed by changes in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and paracellular transport of FITC-dextran. In the range of concentrations tested (0.25–1 μM), O-glucosides of cyanidin, and delphinidin, but not those of malvidin, peonidin and petunidin protected the monolayer from TNFα-induced decrease of TEER and increase of FITC-dextran permeability. Cyanidin and delphinidin acted by mitigating TNFα-triggered activation of transcription factor NF-κB, and downstream phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC). The protective actions of the ACRE on TNFα-induced TEER increase was positively correlated with the sum of cyanidins and delphinidins (r2 = 0.83) content in the ACRE. However, no correlation was observed between TEER and ACRE total AC, malvidin, or peonidin content. Results support a particular capacity of cyanidins and delphinidins in the protection of the intestinal barrier against inflammation-induced permeabilization, in part through the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway.Fil: Cremonini, Eleonora. University of California at Davis; Estados UnidosFil: Mastaloudis, Angela. Nu Skin Enterprises; Estados UnidosFil: Hester, Shelly N.. Nu Skin Enterprises; Estados UnidosFil: Verstraeten, Sandra Viviana. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Química Biológica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Química y Físico-Química Biológicas "Prof. Alejandro C. Paladini". Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Química y Físico-Química Biológicas; ArgentinaFil: Anderson, Maureen. University of California at Davis; Estados UnidosFil: Wood, Steven M.. Nu Skin Enterprises; Estados UnidosFil: Waterhouse, Andrew L.. University of California at Davis; Estados UnidosFil: Fraga, César Guillermo. University of California at Davis; Estados Unidos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular; ArgentinaFil: Oteiza, Patricia Isabel. University of California at Davis; Estados Unidos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Anthocyanins protect the gastrointestinal tract from high fat diet-induced alterations in redox signaling, barrier integrity and dysbiosis.

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract can play a critical role in the development of pathologies associated with overeating, overweight and obesity. We previously observed that supplementation with anthocyanins (AC) (particularly glycosides of cyanidin and delphinidin) mitigated high fat diet (HFD)-induced development of obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and steatosis in C57BL/6J mice. This paper investigated whether these beneficial effects could be related to AC capacity to sustain intestinal monolayer integrity, prevent endotoxemia, and HFD-associated dysbiosis. The involvement of redox-related mechanisms were further investigated in Caco-2 cell monolayers. Consumption of a HFD for 14 weeks caused intestinal permeabilization and endotoxemia, which were associated with a decreased ileum expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins (occludin, ZO-1 and claudin-1), increased expression of NADPH oxidase (NOX1 and NOX4) and NOS2 and oxidative stress, and activation of redox sensitive signals (NF-κB and ERK1/2) that regulate TJ dynamics. AC supplementation mitigated all these events and increased GLP-2 levels, the intestinal hormone that upregulates TJ protein expression. AC also prevented, in vitro, tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced Caco-2 monolayer permeabilization, NOX1/4 upregulation, oxidative stress, and NF-κB and ERK activation. HFD-induced obesity in mice caused dysbiosis and affected the levels and secretion of MUC2, a mucin that participates in intestinal cell barrier protection and immune response. AC supplementation restored microbiota composition and MUC2 levels and distribution in HFD-fed mice. Thus, AC, particularly delphinidin and cyanidin, can preserve GI physiology in HFD-induced obesity in part through redox-regulated mechanisms. This can in part explain AC capacity to mitigate pathologies, i.e. insulin resistance and steatosis, associated with HFD-associated obesity

Effectiveness of a video lesson for the correct use in an emergency of the automated external defibrillator (AED)

Background and aim of the work: Every year around 275 thousand people in Europe and 420 thousand in the United States are affected by sudden cardiac arrest. Early electrical defibrillation before the arrival of emergency services can improve survival. Training the population to use the AED is essential. The training method currently in use is the BLSD course, which limits training to a population cohort and may not be enough to meet the requirements of the proposed Law no. 1839/2019. This study aims to verify the effectiveness of an online course that illustrates the practical use of the AED to a population of laypeople. Methods: An observational study was conducted to compare a lay population undergoing the view of a video spot and a cohort of people who had participated in BLSD Category A courses. The performances of the two groups were measured immediately after the course and 6 months later. Results: Overall, the video lesson reported positive results. Six months later the skills were partially retained. The cohort that followed the video lesson showed significant deterioration in the ability to correctly position the pads and in safety. Conclusions: Although improved through significant reinforcements, the video spot represents a valid alternative training method for spreading defibrillation with public access and could facilitate the culture of defibrillation as required by the new Italian law proposal

Inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa secreted virulence factors reduces lung inflammation in CF mice

Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung infection is a complex condition where opportunistic pathogens and defective immune system cooperate in developing a constant cycle of infection and inflammation. The major pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, secretes a multitude of virulence factors involved in host immune response and lung tissue damage. In this study, we examined the possible anti-inflammatory effects of molecules inhibiting P. aeruginosa virulence factors

Gestational zinc deficiency impairs brain astrogliogenesis in rats through multistep alterations of the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway

We previously showed that zinc (Zn) deficiency affects the STAT3 signaling pathway in part through redox-regulated mechanisms. Given that STAT3 is central to the process of astrogliogenesis, this study investigated the consequences of maternal marginal Zn deficiency on the developmental timing and key mechanisms of STAT3 activation, and its consequences on astrogliogenesis in the offspring. This work characterized the temporal profile of cortical STAT3 activation from the mid embryonic stage up to young adulthood in the offspring from dams fed a marginal Zn deficient diet (MZD) throughout gestation and until postnatal day (P) 2. All rats were fed a Zn sufficient diet (control) from P2 until P56. Maternal zinc deficiency disrupted cortical STAT3 activation at E19 and P2. This was accompanied by altered activation of JAK2 kinase due to changes in PTP1B phosphatase activity. The underlying mechanisms mediating the adverse impact of a decreased Zn availability on STAT3 activation in the offspring brain include: (i) impaired PTP1B degradation via the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway; (ii) tubulin oxidation, associated decreased interactions with STAT3 and consequent impaired nuclear translocation; and (iii) decreased nuclear STAT3 acetylation. Zn deficiency-associated decreased STAT3 activation adversely impacted astrogliogenesis, leading to a lower astrocyte number in the early postnatal and adult brain cortex. Thus, a decreased availability of Zn during early development can have a major and irreversible adverse effect on astrogliogenesis, in part via multistep alterations in the STAT3 pathway.Fil: Supasai, Suangsuda. University of California at Davis; Estados UnidosFil: Adamo, Ana María. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Química y Físico-Química Biológicas "Prof. Alejandro C. Paladini". Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Química y Físico-Química Biológicas; ArgentinaFil: Mathieu, Patricia Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Química y Físico-Química Biológicas "Prof. Alejandro C. Paladini". Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Química y Físico-Química Biológicas; ArgentinaFil: Marino, Regina C.. University of California at Davis; Estados UnidosFil: Hellmers, Adelaide C.. University of California at Davis; Estados UnidosFil: Cremonini, Eleonora. University of California at Davis; Estados UnidosFil: Oteiza, Patricia Isabel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Química y Físico-Química Biológicas "Prof. Alejandro C. Paladini". Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Química y Físico-Química Biológicas; Argentin