Oxidative stress markers in patients with inborn errors of metabolism

Univ Fed Sao Paulo, UNIFESP EPM, Ctr Referencia Erros Inatos Metab, Dept Pediat, Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, UNIFESP EPM, Ctr Referencia Erros Inatos Metab, Dept Pediat, Sao Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

A complex iron-calcium cofactor catalyzing phosphotransfer chemistry

Alkaline phosphatases play a crucial role in phosphate acquisition by microorganisms.To expand our understanding of catalysis by this class of enzymes, we have determined thestructure of the widely occurring microbial alkaline phosphatase PhoX. The enzymecontains a complex active-site cofactor comprising two antiferromagnetically coupledferric iron ions (Fe3+), three calcium ions (Ca2+), and an oxo group bridging three of themetal ions. Notably, the main part of the cofactor resembles synthetic oxide-centeredtriangular metal complexes. Structures of PhoX-ligand complexes reveal how theactive-site metal ions bind substrate and implicate the cofactor oxo group in thecatalytic mechanism. The presence of iron in PhoX raises the possibility that ironbioavailability limits microbial phosphate acquisition.Fil: Yong, Shee Chien. University of Oxford; Reino UnidoFil: Roversi, Pietro. University of Oxford; Reino UnidoFil: Lillington, James E.D.. University of Oxford; Reino UnidoFil: Rodriguez, Fernanda Mariana. University of Oxford; Reino Unido. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Krehenbrink, Martin. University of Oxford; Reino UnidoFil: Zeldin, Oliver B.. University of Oxford; Reino UnidoFil: Garman, Elspeth F.. University of Oxford; Reino UnidoFil: Lea, Susan M.. University of Oxford; Reino UnidoFil: Berks, Ben C.. University of Oxford; Reino Unid

Reduced Plasma Angiotensin Ii Levels Are Reversed By Hydroxyurea Treatment In Mice With Sickle Cell Disease.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) pathogenesis leads to recurrent vaso-occlusive and hemolytic processes, causing numerous clinical complications including renal damage. As vasoconstrictive mechanisms may be enhanced in SCD, due to endothelial dysfunction and vasoactive protein production, we aimed to determine whether the expression of proteins of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) may be altered in an animal model of SCD. Plasma angiotensin II (Ang II) was measured in C57BL/6 (WT) mice and mice with SCD by ELISA, while quantitative PCR was used to compare the expressions of the genes encoding the angiotensin-II-receptors 1 and 2 (AT1R and AT2R) and the angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACE1 and ACE2) in the kidneys, hearts, livers and brains of mice. The effects of hydroxyurea (HU; 50-75mg/kg/day, 4weeks) treatment on these parameters were also determined. Plasma Ang II was significantly diminished in SCD mice, compared with WT mice, in association with decreased AT1R and ACE1 expressions in SCD mice kidneys. Treatment of SCD mice with HU reduced leukocyte and platelet counts and increased plasma Ang II to levels similar to those of WT mice. HU also increased AT1R and ACE2 gene expression in the kidney and heart. Results indicate an imbalanced RAS in an SCD mouse model; HU therapy may be able to restore some RAS parameters in these mice. Further investigations regarding Ang II production and the RAS in human SCD may be warranted, as such changes may reflect or contribute to renal damage and alterations in blood pressure.1177-1

Biological control of invasive stink bugs: review of global state and future prospects

Invasive stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) are responsible for high economic losses to agriculture on a global scale. The most important species, dating from recent to old invasions, include Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister), Halyomorpha halys (Stål), Piezodorus guildinii (Westwood), Nezara viridula (L.), and Murgantia histrionica (Hahn). Bagrada hilaris, H. halys, and N. viridula are now almost globally distributed. Biological control of these pests faces a complex set of challenges that must be addressed to maintain pest populations below the economic injury level. Several case studies of classical and conservation biological control of invasive stink bugs are reported here. The most common parasitoids in their geographical area of origin are egg parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae, Encyrtidae, and Eupelmidae). Additionally, native parasitoids of adult stink bugs (Diptera: Tachinidae) have in some cases adapted to the novel hosts in the invaded area and native predators are known to prey on the various instars. Improving the efficacy of biocontrol agents is possible through conservation biological control techniques and exploitation of their chemical ecology. Moreover, integration of biological control with other techniques, such as behavioural manipulation of adult stink bugs and plant resistance, may be a sustainable pest control method within organic farming and integrated pest management (IPM) programs. However, additional field studies are needed to verify the efficacy of these novel methods and transfer them from research to application

Structure of the TatC core of the twin-arginine protein transport system

International audienc