Data demonstrating the anti-oxidant role of hemopexin in the heart

The data presented in this article are related to the research article entitled Hemopexin counteracts systolic dysfunction induced by heme-driven oxidative stress (G. Ingoglia, C. M. Sag, N. Rex, L. De Franceschi, F. Vinchi, J. Cimino, S. Petrillo, S. Wagner, K. Kreitmeier, L. Silengo, F. Altruda, L. S. Maier, E. Hirsch, A. Ghigo and E. Tolosano, 2017) [1]. Data show that heme induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in primary cardiomyocytes. H9c2 myoblastic cells treated with heme bound to human Hemopexin (Hx) are protected from heme accumulation and oxidative stress. Similarly, the heme-driven oxidative response is reduced in primary cardiomyocytes treated with Hx-heme compared to heme alone. Our in vivo data show that mouse models of hemolytic disorders, β-thalassemic mice and phenylhydrazine-treated mice, have low serum Hx associated to enhanced expression of heme- and oxidative stress responsive genes in the heart. Hx-/- mice do not show signs of heart fibrosis or overt inflammation. For interpretation and discussion of these data, refer to the research article referenced above. Keywords: Heme, Hemopexin, Heart, Oxidative stres

Morphological investigations on carbon black particles by atomic force microscopy

Abstract The atomic force microscope (AFM) can profile surfaces similar to the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) at resolutions down to the atomic level. To investigate carbon-black particles and subsequently styrene-butadiene-rubber, filled with carbon black, a STM was modified to run as an AFM. An optical detection system is used to measure the deflection of the cantilever. Atomic resolution was achieved by forces in the order of 5·10−8 N on mica with the AFM. Structural investigations of carbon-black particles of different dimensions with the AFM agree with the data of the manufacturer. The model of the microstructure of such particles, built up of 1–3 nm large, tilted domains of graphite structures, could be confirmed. This surface roughness is probably an important parameter for the strengthening mechanism of carbon black in elastomers.</jats:p