Pomegranate inhibits neuroinflammation and amyloidogenesis in IL-1β stimulated SK-N-SH cells

Purpose: Pomegranate fruit, Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae) and its constituents have been shown to inhibit inflammation. In this study we aimed to assess the effects of freeze-dried pomegranate (PWE) on PGE2 production in IL-1β stimulated SK-N-SH cells. Methods: An enzyme immuno assay (EIA) was used to measure prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production from supernatants of IL-1β stimulated SK-N-SH cells. Expression of COX-2, phospho-IκB and phospho-IKK proteins were evaluated, while NF-κB reporter gene assay was carried out in TNFα-stimulated HEK293 cells to determine the effect of PWE on NF-κB transactivation. Levels of BACE-1 and Aβ in SK-N-SH cells stimulated with IL-1β were measured with an in cell ELISA. Results: PWE (25-200 µg/ml) dose dependently reduced COX-2 dependent PGE2 production in SK-N-SH cells stimulated with IL-1β. Phosphorylation of IκB and IKK were significantly (p<0.001) inhibited by PWE (50- 200 µg/ml). Our studies also show that PWE (50-200 µg/ml) significantly (p<0.01) inhibited NF-κB transactivation in TNFα-stimulated HEK293 cells. Furthermore PWE inhibited BACE-1 and Aβ expression in SK-N-SH cells treated with IL-1β. Conclusions: Taken together, our study demonstrates that pomegranate inhibits inflammation, as well as amyloidogenesis in IL-1β-stimulated SK-N-SH cells. We propose that pomegranate is a potential nutritional strategy in slowing the progression of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease

Analysis of Bacteria Found in Ball Pits Located in Clinical Settings

Ball pits are often used in rehabilitation clinics by physical therapists and other rehabilitation professionals for various reasons. Previous research has shown that many seemingly inconspicuous objects in hospital settings can be fomites, or nonliving disease-carrying agents, that are particularly dangerous in hospitals due to a high density of immunocompromised individuals. We sought to find out how much bacteria can be carried in ball pits and if any of the bacteria found could be potential opportunistic pathogens. We also wanted to know whether the material that the balls were made from had an effect on either of the variables. We collected samples from the pit itself and a number of balls within the pit. Samples from balls made from both foam material and plastic were obtained. Surfaces were swabbed with sterile swabs for 30 seconds, then sealed and brought back to the UNG Biology Department for analysis. Samples were plated on tryptic soy agar (TSA) and incubated at 33 ̊C for 24 hours. Plates were then removed, examined, counted, and individual colonies were identified using the Biolog GEN III Bacterial Identification System. Opportunistic pathogens such as Streptococcus sobrinus, Bacillus mojavensis/subtilis, Mycobacterium novocastrense, Staphylococcus aureus, and Aerococcus viridans were identified

Ultrastructural changes, phenolics localization and heavy metals distribution in the leaf of Vaccinium myrtillus L. exposed to chromium in environment-preliminary observations

Leaves of Vaccinium myrtillus L. were collected from the forest site influenced by emission, containing chromium compounds in high amounts, from the chemical industry “Alwernia", located 20 km west of Krakow (Poland). As the control area the forest 10 km west of studied site was chosen. Three compartments of the leaf were distinguished: surface, when with together with embedded elements were removed by procedure of dipping in almost boiling water [1], inside the tissue but free ions, by extraction in 20% ethanol +1% acetic acid [2]; bound ions, which could be removed only by analysis of `leftover tissues'. Chromium and other element (Cu, Zn. Fe) levels were analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry, in each of studied leaf compartments-to establish their possible interactions and localisation. Transmission Electron Microscopy revealed disturbances in cell organelle structures. Additionally with the histochemical method we localised phenolic compounds in the cell, considering their involvement in heavy metals detoxification