Acute Toxicity Assessment of Orally Administered Microplastic Particles in Adult Male Wistar Rats

While the effects of chronic exposure to microplastic particles (MPs) are extensively studied, the outcomes of a single treatment have received relatively less attention. To investigate MPs’ potential acute toxicity, including their impact on general health status (victual consumption, sensorimotor deficits, and clinical toxicity signs) and serum biochemical parameters (markers of organ/tissue function and oxidative stress indicators), we administered thoroughly characterized MPs (1.4, 35, or 125 mg/kg), generated from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, to adult male Wistar rats via oral gavage. The MPs’ short-term effects were assessed with well-established tests and methods. The results point to the absence of sensorimotor deficits and clinical toxicity signs, while levels of markers of liver, heart, and kidney function were altered in all MP groups. Decreased victual consumption and increased levels of oxidative stress indicators were evident following treatment with the two higher MP doses. Presented data indicate that examined MPs are able to initiate the development of local changes in tissues and organs within a short time frame, potentially leading to their damage and dysfunction. This study may increase the awareness of the detrimental effects of plastic contamination, as even a single exposure to MPs may provoke adverse health outcomes

Neuroprotective progesterone potential

Poremećena moždana cirkulacija, koja je karakteristična za starenje i mnoga cerebrovaskularna i/ili neurodegenerativna oboljenja, povezuje se sa prooksidativnim i proapoptotskim promenama mnogobrojnih biomolekula, uključujući lipide, proteine i DNK, i narušavanjem strukture i funkcije ćelija prečeone moždane kore (PFC) i hipokampusa (HIPP). Do sada je testiran efekat brojnih jedinjenja da bi se ublažile posledice narušenog protoka krvi kroz moždano tkivo, ali adekvatna terapija još uvek nije dostupna. Ipak, kao jedan od mogućih terapeutika, izdvaja se steroidni hormon, progesteron (pregn-4-en-3,20-dion, P4), za kojeg je pokazano da ispoljava zaštitne efekte u mnogim životinjskim eksperimentalnim modelima kojima se oponašaju pojedini aspekti poremećaja strukture i funkcije moždanih ćelija primećeni kod starijih ljudi i obolelih od cerebrovaskularnih i/ili neurodegenerativnih bolesti. Stoga, fokus ovog rada je pružanje mogućnosti boljeg razumevanja molekulskih mehanizama delovanja P4 u mozgu u fiziološkom stanju, kao i terapijskog potencijala koji iskazuje u animalnim modelima cerebrovaskularnih i neurodegenerativnih bolesti, sa posebnim osvrtom na trajnu moždanu hipoperfuziju (MH) gde pokazuje regionalno-specifično dejstvo. Iako se P4, za sada, u humanoj populaciji pokazao kao neadekvatan terapeutik u lečenju patološkog stanja povezanog sa poremećenom moždanom cirkulacijom, dodatne kliničke studije bi obezbedile saznanja o efektu ovog potentnog neurosteroida kod obolelih od drugih cerebrovaskularnih i/ili neurodegenerativnih bolesti, dok bi u slučaju ohrabrujućih rezultata, P4 terapija mogla znatno olakšati kvalitet života obolelih.Disturbed cerebral circulation, characteristic for aging and many cerebrovascular and/or neurodegenerative diseases, is associated with prooxidative and proapoptotic changes of various biomolecules, including lipids, proteins and DNA, and with compromised cell structure and function in prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HIPP). Numerous compounds, until today, have been tested to alleviate the outcomes of impaired blood flow through brain tissue, but adequate therapy is not yet available. However, one of the possible therapeutics is singled out, the steroid hormone, progesterone (pregn-4-en-3,20-dione, P4), which has been shown to exert protective effects in many animal experimental models that mimic certain aspects of brain structural and functional changes observed in the elderly and those suffering from cerebrovascular and/or neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, this paper is focused on providing a better understanding of physiological P4-mediated brain molecular mechanisms, as well as its therapeutic potential in animal models of cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases with the emphasis on permanent cerebral hypoperfusion (CH) where the regional-specific response is observed. Although P4 is shown as inadequate for treating a pathological condition associated with disturbed cerebral circulation, additional clinical studies would provide insights into the potential therapeutic capacity of this potent neurosteroid in other cerebrovascular and/or neurodegenerative diseases and conditions. In the case of encouraging results, P4 therapy could significantly improve the quality of patients’ life

Results of investigating the macroinvertebrate community of the Danube River on the sector upstream from the Iron Gate (km 1083-1071)

The present work cites results of investigating aquatic macroinvertebrates of the Danube River on the sector upstream from the Iron Gate (KM 1083-1071). The investigated part is interesting from the hydrobiological standpoint above all due to differences of faunal composition in relation to higher sections that could be expected in view of differences in overall characteristics of the river. A rich macroinvertebrate community (84 taxa) was observed. The diversity of taxa is primarily a result of habitat diversity within the given stretch. Oligochaeta and Mollusca were the principal components

Results of investigating the macroinvertebrate community of the Danube River on the sector upstream from the Iron Gate (km 1083-1071)

The present work cites results of investigating aquatic macroinvertebrates of the Danube River on the sector upstream from the Iron Gate (KM 1083-1071). The investigated part is interesting from the hydrobiological standpoint above all due to differences of faunal composition in relation to higher sections that could be expected in view of differences in overall characteristics of the river. A rich macroinvertebrate community (84 taxa) was observed. The diversity of taxa is primarily a result of habitat diversity within the given stretch. Oligochaeta and Mollusca were the principal components.Cilj rada je da se prikažu rezultati istraživanja vodenih makroinvertebrata u sektoru uzvodno od Đerdapa (1083-1071 km). Istraživano područje interesantno je za hidrobiološka istraživanja, pre svega, zbog promena u strukturi faune u odnosu na gornji deo toka, što je i očekivano ako se uzmu u obzir promene opštih karakteristika reke u sektoru. Zabeleženo je raznovrsno naselje makroinvertebrata (84 taksona). Raznovrsnost faune posledica je, pre svega, diverziteta staništa u okviru istraživanog područja. Grupe Oligochaeta i Mollusca bile su najznačajnije komponente proučavane zajednice makro invertebrata.Part of the material originated from the Joint Danube Survey, a national progra

Trophic relations between macroinvertebrates in the Vlasina river (Serbia)

The aim of the study presented was to define trophic relationships within the benthic community according to functional feeding groups (FFG) in the Vlasina River (Southeast Serbia), with an attempt to use those results to describe the watercourse. In an investigation performed during 1996, a total of 125 macrozoobenthic taxa were identified, 95 of which were included in FFG analyses. Although the investigated part of the river, in its physical and chemical characteristics, as well as characteristics of the benthofauna, generally corresponds to what could be expected, certain variations of faunal composition were observed along the river. Two groups of sites were separated by FFG analysis - sites on the upper section of the river and on a tributary (the Gradska River) comprised one group, while the remaining sites made up the other.Cilj nam je da ovim radom prikažemo trofičke odnose u zajednici makroinvertebrata prema funkcionalnim grupama u ishrani (FGI) u reci Vlasini (jugo-istočna Srbija) i te rezultate upotrebimo za opisivanje vodotoka. U okviru istraživanja obavljenih tokom 1996. godine, od ukupno 125 identifikovanih taksona makrozoobentosa, 95 taksona korišćeno je u FGI analizi. Iako istraživani deo reke, sa njegovim fizičkim i hemijskim karaktristikama, kao i karakteristikama bentofaune uopšte, odgovara srednjem toku reka, istraživane su fine promene u distribuciji bentofaune duž toka. Izdvojile su se dve grupe lokaliteta prema FFG analizi - grupisali su se lokaliteti gornjeg sektora reke kao i pritoka Gradska reka, dok su ostali lokaliteti formirali drugu grupu.nul

Increased Adenovirus Type 5 Mediated Transgene Expression Due to RhoB Down-regulation

Adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) is a non-enveloped DNA virus frequently used as a gene transfer vector. Efficient Ad5 cell entry depends on the availability of its primary receptor, coxsackie and adenovirus receptor, which is responsible for attachment, and integrins, secondary receptors responsible for adenovirus internalization via clathrin-mediated endocytosis. However, efficacious adenovirus-mediated transgene expression also depends on successful trafficking of Ad5 particles to the nucleus of the target cell. It has been shown that changes occurring in tumor cells during development of resistance to anticancer drugs can be beneficial for adenovirus mediated transgene expression. In this study, using a study model consisting of a parental cell line, human laryngeal carcinoma HEp2 cells, and a cisplatin-resistant clone CK2, we investigated the cause of increased Ad5-mediated transgene expression in CK2 as compared to HEp2 cells. We show that the primary cause of increased Ad5- mediated transgene expression in CK2 cells is not modulation of receptors on the cell surface or change in Ad5wt attachment and/or internalization, but is rather the consequence of decreased RhoB expression. We show that RhoB plays an important role in Ad5 post-internalization events and more particularly in Ad5 intracellular trafficking. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing changed Ad5 trafficking pattern between cells expressing different amount of RhoB, indicating the role of RhoB in Ad5 intracellular trafficking

Prolonged zaleplon treatment enhance GABAergic and glutamatergic signaling in the hippocampus of male Wistar rats

Zaleplon, a member of Z-drugs, is a pyrazolopyrimidine hypnotic with sedative, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant properties. Zaleplon is approved for the short-term management of insomnia since acting as positive γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor allosteric modulator increases efficacy of inhibition on brain excitability. Importantly, for the proper functioning of the brain a balance between inhibitory (i.e., GABAergic) and excitatory (i.e., glutamatergic) system must be accomplished. This may be fulfilled by control of presynaptic elements (synthesis or degradation of glutamate and GABA neurotransmitters, their compartmentation, releasing and recycling) and regulation of expression and function of glutamate and GABA receptors. Hence, we aimed to investigate effects of prolonged zaleplon treatment on the expression of proteins involved in the gabaergic and glutamatergic signalization in the hippocampus of adult male Wistar rats. Five-day intraperitoneal administration increased level of components of GABAergic signalization (glutamate decarboxylase 67-GAD67, vesicular GABA transporter-VGAT and α1 subunit of GABA receptor-GABAAα1). This was accompanied by increased level of glutamatergic components (vesicular glutamate transporter 1-vGlut1 and subunits of glutamate N-Methyl-d-aspartate receptor-NMDAR, namely NR1, NR2A, NR2B), which clearly indicate maintenance of balance between main inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters. Given the importance of equilibrium of these systems for neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity and cognitive functions, as well as its involvement in the mood, feeding behavior, reproductive functions, pain sensitivity, aging, etc., the current and prospective pharmaceuticals increasingly rely on GABA/glutamate balancePoster Session: Bran Stimulation & Signalling, Phase Separation and Open Dat

Prolonged zaleplon treatment enhance GABAergic and glutamatergic signaling in the hippocampus of male Wistar rats

Zaleplon, a member of Z-drugs, is a pyrazolopyrimidine hypnotic with sedative, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant properties. Zaleplon is approved for the short-term management of insomnia since acting as positive γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor allosteric modulator increases efficacy of inhibition on brain excitability. Importantly, for the proper functioning of the brain a balance between inhibitory (i.e., GABAergic) and excitatory (i.e., glutamatergic) system must be accomplished. This may be fulfilled by control of presynaptic elements (synthesis or degradation of glutamate and GABA neurotransmitters, their compartmentation, releasing and recycling) and regulation of expression and function of glutamate and GABA receptors. Hence, we aimed to investigate effects of prolonged zaleplon treatment on the expression of proteins involved in the gabaergic and glutamatergic signalization in the hippocampus of adult male Wistar rats. Five-day intraperitoneal administration increased level of components of GABAergic signalization (glutamate decarboxylase 67-GAD67, vesicular GABA transporter-VGAT and α1 subunit of GABA receptor-GABAAα1). This was accompanied by increased level of glutamatergic components (vesicular glutamate transporter 1-vGlut1 and subunits of glutamate N-Methyl-d-aspartate receptor-NMDAR, namely NR1, NR2A, NR2B), which clearly indicate maintenance of balance between main inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters. Given the importance of equilibrium of these systems for neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity and cognitive functions, as well as its involvement in the mood, feeding behavior, reproductive functions, pain sensitivity, aging, etc., the current and prospective pharmaceuticals increasingly rely on GABA/glutamate balancePoster Session: Bran Stimulation & Signalling, Phase Separation and Open Dat

Results of investigating the macroinvertebrate community of the Danube River on the sector upstream from the Iron Gate (km 1083-1071)

The present work cites results of investigating aquatic macroinvertebrates of the Danube River on the sector upstream from the Iron Gate (KM 1083-1071). The investigated part is interesting from the hydrobiological standpoint above all due to differences of faunal composition in relation to higher sections that could be expected in view of differences in overall characteristics of the river. A rich macroinvertebrate community (84 taxa) was observed. The diversity of taxa is primarily a result of habitat diversity within the given stretch. Oligochaeta and Mollusca were the principal components.Cilj rada je da se prikažu rezultati istraživanja vodenih makroinvertebrata u sektoru uzvodno od Đerdapa (1083-1071 km). Istraživano područje interesantno je za hidrobiološka istraživanja, pre svega, zbog promena u strukturi faune u odnosu na gornji deo toka, što je i očekivano ako se uzmu u obzir promene opštih karakteristika reke u sektoru. Zabeleženo je raznovrsno naselje makroinvertebrata (84 taksona). Raznovrsnost faune posledica je, pre svega, diverziteta staništa u okviru istraživanog područja. Grupe Oligochaeta i Mollusca bile su najznačajnije komponente proučavane zajednice makro invertebrata.Part of the material originated from the Joint Danube Survey, a national progra