Mitochondrial physiology

As the knowledge base and importance of mitochondrial physiology to evolution, health and disease expands, the necessity for harmonizing the terminology concerning mitochondrial respiratory states and rates has become increasingly apparent. The chemiosmotic theory establishes the mechanism of energy transformation and coupling in oxidative phosphorylation. The unifying concept of the protonmotive force provides the framework for developing a consistent theoretical foundation of mitochondrial physiology and bioenergetics. We follow the latest SI guidelines and those of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) on terminology in physical chemistry, extended by considerations of open systems and thermodynamics of irreversible processes. The concept-driven constructive terminology incorporates the meaning of each quantity and aligns concepts and symbols with the nomenclature of classical bioenergetics. We endeavour to provide a balanced view of mitochondrial respiratory control and a critical discussion on reporting data of mitochondrial respiration in terms of metabolic flows and fluxes. Uniform standards for evaluation of respiratory states and rates will ultimately contribute to reproducibility between laboratories and thus support the development of data repositories of mitochondrial respiratory function in species, tissues, and cells. Clarity of concept and consistency of nomenclature facilitate effective transdisciplinary communication, education, and ultimately further discovery

Mitochondrial physiology

As the knowledge base and importance of mitochondrial physiology to evolution, health and disease expands, the necessity for harmonizing the terminology concerning mitochondrial respiratory states and rates has become increasingly apparent. The chemiosmotic theory establishes the mechanism of energy transformation and coupling in oxidative phosphorylation. The unifying concept of the protonmotive force provides the framework for developing a consistent theoretical foundation of mitochondrial physiology and bioenergetics. We follow the latest SI guidelines and those of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) on terminology in physical chemistry, extended by considerations of open systems and thermodynamics of irreversible processes. The concept-driven constructive terminology incorporates the meaning of each quantity and aligns concepts and symbols with the nomenclature of classical bioenergetics. We endeavour to provide a balanced view of mitochondrial respiratory control and a critical discussion on reporting data of mitochondrial respiration in terms of metabolic flows and fluxes. Uniform standards for evaluation of respiratory states and rates will ultimately contribute to reproducibility between laboratories and thus support the development of data repositories of mitochondrial respiratory function in species, tissues, and cells. Clarity of concept and consistency of nomenclature facilitate effective transdisciplinary communication, education, and ultimately further discovery

Quercetin and Male Fertility: A Literature Review

Background: Infertility causes social and psychological distress and has negative economic effects on healthcare systems. Infertility is the incapability to conceive after at least 12 months of unprotected regular sexual intercourse. Finding the impacts of herbal antioxidants can result in new visions for enhancing male fertility. Quercetin belongs to the bioflavonoids family, and many nutritionists, scientists, and researchers have investigated its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties in their studies.Methods: In this review, the authors summarized the protecting role of quercetin against oxidative damage and toxic metals stimulating male infertility by searching in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase via the keywords “male infertility”, “quercetin”, “male fertility”, “oxidative stress”, “toxic metals”, “environmental contaminants”, and “heavy metals” without language or date restrictions.Results: Due to insufficient antioxidant defenses and inadequate cell repair systems, spermatozoa are predominantly susceptible to oxidative stress and toxic agents, especially heavy metals. Reactive oxygen species mediate several other cellular mechanisms, such as apoptosis. Previous research has highlighted quercetin and polyphenols’ positive and negative impact on male fertility.Conclusion: Quercetin exerts its beneficial functions through its antioxidant capacity by scavenging ROS and chelating toxic heavy metals and other environmental contaminants; thus, it can prevent male infertility

Paleoparasitological Evidence of Pinworm (\u3ci\u3eEnterobius vermicularis\u3c/i\u3e) Infection in a Female Adolescent Residing in Ancient Tehran (Iran) 7000 Years Ago

Background: The Molavi street archeological site south of Tehran, Iran accidentally provided a unique opportunity for paleoparasitological studies in Iran. A female skeleton was unearthed and evaluated to be 7,000 years old. Soil samples were collected around the pelvic and sacrum bones. Findings: Careful microscopic investigation of rehydrated soil samples revealed the presence of one Enterobius vermicularis egg attached to the skeleton sacral region. Conclusion: The present finding likely represents the oldest evidence of a human pinworm infection in Asia