Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Developmentally Regulated Production of meso- Zeaxanthin in Chicken Retinal Pigment Epithelium/ Choroid and Retina

PURPOSE. meso-Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid that is rarely encountered in nature outside of the vertebrate eye. It is not a constituent of a normal human diet, yet this carotenoid comprises onethird of the primate macular pigment. In the current study, we undertook a systematic approach to biochemically characterize the production of meso-zeaxanthin in the vertebrate eye. METHODS. Fertilized White Leghorn chicken eggs were analyzed for the presence of carotenoids during development. Yolk, liver, brain, serum, retina, and RPE/choroid were isolated, and carotenoids were extracted. The samples were analyzed on C-30 or chiral HPLC columns to determine the carotenoid composition. RESULTS. Lutein and zeaxanthin were found in all studied nonocular tissues, but no mesozeaxanthin was ever detected. Among the ocular tissues, the presence of meso-zeaxanthin was consistently observed starting at embryonic day 17 (E17) in the RPE/choroid, several days before its consistent detection in the retina. If RPE/choroid of an embryo was devoid of mesozeaxanthin, the corresponding retina was always negative as well. CONCLUSIONS. This is the first report of developmentally regulated synthesis of mesozeaxanthin in a vertebrate system. Our observations suggest that the RPE/choroid is the primary site of meso-zeaxanthin synthesis. Identification of meso-zeaxanthin isomerase enzyme in the developing chicken embryo will facilitate our ability to determine the biochemical mechanisms responsible for production of this unique carotenoid in other higher vertebrates, such as humans

Fiber optic-based biosensor for detecting viral hepatitis

170 p.Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of the liver that can present serious complications ranging from partial liver damage to liver cancer, and even death of the individual. Early diagnosis of this disease condition has been established as vital to prevent irreversible liver damage and to save life in patients. It has been well established that Hepatitis B virus infection causes cardinal serological changes in blood, which include the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis envelop antigen (HBeAg) and decrease in the serum protein content. It is therefore important to detect the levels of serological factors such as Hepatitis B surface antigen, Hepatitis B envelop antigen and serum proteins in the blood so that a more accurate and indicative measurement of the disease condition can be obtained when integrated together.DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (MAE

Protein-Flavonoid Interaction Studies by a Taylor Dispersion Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) Technique: A Novel Method to Assess Biomolecular Interactions

Flavonoids are common polyphenolic compounds widely distributed in fruits and vegetables. These pigments have important pharmacological relevance because emerging research suggests possible anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties as well other beneficial health effects. These compounds are relatively hydrophobic molecules, suggesting the role of blood transport proteins in their delivery to tissues. In this study, we assess the binding interactions of four flavonoids (kaempferol, luteolin, quercetin, and resveratrol) with human serum albumin (HSA), the most abundant protein in the blood, and with glutathione S-transferase pi isoform-1 (GSTP1), an enzyme with well-characterized hydrophobic binding sites that plays an important role in detoxification of xenobiotics with reduced glutathione, using a novel Taylor dispersion surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique. For the first time, HSA sites revealed a high-affinity binding site for flavonoid interactions. Out of the four flavonoids that we examined, quercetin and kaempferol showed the strongest equilibrium binding affinities (KD) of 63 ± 0.03 nM and 37 ± 0.07 nM, respectively. GSTP1 displayed lower affinities in the micromolar range towards all of the flavonoids tested. The interactions of flavonoids with HSA and GSTP1 were studied successfully using this novel SPR assay method. The new method is compatible with both kinetic and equilibrium analyses

Protein-Flavonoid Interaction Studies by a Taylor Dispersion Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) Technique: A Novel Method to Assess Biomolecular Interactions

Flavonoids are common polyphenolic compounds widely distributed in fruits and vegetables. These pigments have important pharmacological relevance because emerging research suggests possible anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties as well other beneficial health effects. These compounds are relatively hydrophobic molecules, suggesting the role of blood transport proteins in their delivery to tissues. In this study, we assess the binding interactions of four flavonoids (kaempferol, luteolin, quercetin, and resveratrol) with human serum albumin (HSA), the most abundant protein in the blood, and with glutathione S-transferase pi isoform-1 (GSTP1), an enzyme with well-characterized hydrophobic binding sites that plays an important role in detoxification of xenobiotics with reduced glutathione, using a novel Taylor dispersion surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique. For the first time, HSA sites revealed a high-affinity binding site for flavonoid interactions. Out of the four flavonoids that we examined, quercetin and kaempferol showed the strongest equilibrium binding affinities (KD) of 63 ± 0.03 nM and 37 ± 0.07 nM, respectively. GSTP1 displayed lower affinities in the micromolar range towards all of the flavonoids tested. The interactions of flavonoids with HSA and GSTP1 were studied successfully using this novel SPR assay method. The new method is compatible with both kinetic and equilibrium analyses

Lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin: The basic and clinical science underlying carotenoid-based nutritional interventions against ocular disease

Pušenje je štetna navika raširena među svim slojevima pučanstva. Smatra se rizičnim čimbenikom za zdravlje koji dovodi do prijevremenog umiranja. Duhanski dim sadrži više od četiri tisuće sastojaka koji djelujući podražajno, toksično, kancerogeno i psihoaktivno remete funkcije pojedinih organa. Ne postoji ni jedan organ ili organski sustav koji nije zahvaćen štetnim učincima pušenja. U ovom radu opisano je djelovanje duhanskog dima na krvožilni, dišni i probavni sustav. Također su spomenute i opasnosti pasivnog pušenja. Naglašena je važnost zdravstvenog odgoja te su razrađene metode zdravstvenog odgoja kojima se ovisnicima o pušenju nastoji promijeniti štetno zdravstveno ponašanje. Posebno je naglašena važnost medicinske sestre koja svojim znanjem i osobnim primjerom ima veliki utjecaj na smanjenje uporabe duhana kod pojedinca i zajednice. Opisan je pristup medicinske sestre kod određenih skupina kao što su trudnice, djeca i mladi te starije osobe.Smoking is a harmful habit widespread among all sections of the population. It is considered a risk factor for health leading to premature death. Tobacco smoke contains more than four thousand ingredients that have an irritant, toxic, carcinogenic and psychoactive effect on the functions of individual organs. There is no organ or organ system that is not affected by the harmful effects of smoking. This paper describes the effect of tobacco smoke on the circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems. The dangers of secondhand smoke were also mentioned. The importance of health education is emphasized and methods of health education that seek to change addictive behaviors are elaborated. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of the nurse, who with her knowledge and personal example has a great influence on reducing the use of tobacco in individuals and in the community. The approach of the nurse to specific groups such as pregnant women, children and young people and the elderly is described