Oligosaccharide Binding Proteins from Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis Reveal a Preference for Host Glycans

Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis (B. infantis) is a common member of the infant intestinal microbiota, and it has been characterized by its foraging capacity for human milk oligosaccharides (HMO). Its genome sequence revealed an overabundance of the Family 1 of solute binding proteins (F1SBPs), part of ABC transporters and associated with the import of oligosaccharides. In this study we have used the Mammalian Glycan Array to determine the specific affinities of these proteins. This was correlated with binding protein expression induced by different prebiotics including HMO. Half of the F1SBPs in B. infantis were determined to bind mammalian oligosaccharides. Their affinities included different blood group structures and mucin oligosaccharides. Related to HMO, other proteins were specific for oligomers of lacto-N-biose (LNB) and polylactosamines with different degrees of fucosylation. Growth on HMO induced the expression of specific binding proteins that import HMO isomers, but also bind blood group and mucin oligosaccharides, suggesting coregulated transport mechanisms. The prebiotic inulin induced other family 1 binding proteins with affinity for intestinal glycans. Most of the host glycan F1SBPs in B. infantis do not have homologs in other bifidobacteria. Finally, some of these proteins were found to be adherent to intestinal epithelial cells in vitro. In conclusion, this study represents further evidence for the particular adaptations of B. infantis to the infant gut environment, and helps to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in this process

Systematic Investigation of Expression of G2/M Transition Genes Reveals CDC25 Alteration in Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas

Hungarian Resarch Fund (OTKA PD100648) National Development Agency (KTIA_AIK-2-2012-0010)

Modulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in isolated rat heart

Considering the limited data about the role of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDA-R) in cardiovascular system and heart, the aim of the present study was to examine the effects of NMDA and DL-homocysteine thiolacotne (DL-Hcy TLHC), alone and in combinations with glycine, memantine and ifenprodil, in the isolated rat heart. The hearts of Wistar albino rats were retrogradely perfused according to the Langendorff technique at a constant perfusion pressure. The experimental protocol for all experimental groups included the stabilization period, application of estimated substance in duration of 5 minutes, followed by wash-out period in duration of 10 minutes. Using sensor in the left ventricle we registered the next parameters of myocardial function: dp/dt max, dp/dt min, systolic and diastolic left ventricular pressure, and heart rate, and coronary flow (CF) was measured flowmetrically. In the coronary venous effluent spectrophotometrically were estimated following oxidative stress biomarkers: TBARS, NO2-, O2-, and H2O2. NMDA alone did not induce any change in any observed parameter, while DL-Hcy TLHC alone, as well as combined application of NMDA and DL-Hcy TLHC with glycine, induced reduction of most cardiodynamic parameters. Memantine and ifenprodil induced reduction of cardiodynamic parameters and coronary flow, as well as some oxidative stress biomarkers.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author

Effects of hyperbaric oxygenation on prosthetic rehabilitation of patients with unilateral lower limb amputation

Objective. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) has been widely used in people with diseases that cause limb amputation but studies that target patients who underwent amputation itself are rare. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of HBO on prosthetic rehabilitation in patients with unilateral lower limb amputation. Methods. The study included 60 patients with unilateral (left or right side) lower limb amputation, mean age 61.6 ± 11.5 years, of both genders. They were divided into two groups, the experimental group (with HBO) and the control group (usual care). Patients' functional skills after amputation were evaluated using the LCI test (Locomotor Capabilities Index) and with the classification of Narang and Pohjolainen. Results. Clinical characteristics of patients had relatively homogeneous distribution. After the therapy, a control measurement of both groups showed significantly higher values for LCI test (p <0.01) and lower values for Narang score (p <0.01). However, improvements were more prominent in the group of patients who underwent HBO therapy, therefore, these subjects in the control measurements were evaluated with a statistically significant lower Narang score (p <0.05) and had higher LCI score than the control group patients. Conclusion. HBO is a useful therapeutic measure in the rehabilitation of people with limb amputation who use prosthetic limbs

Acute effects of nandrolone decanoate on cardiodynamic parameters in isolated rat heart

Despite worldwide use of anabolic steroids in last decades, there are still contradictory informations about their acute influence on myocardium. The aim of this study was to examine the acute effects of nandrolone decanoate (ND) on cardiodynamics and coronary flow in isolated rat heart. The hearts of male Wistar albino rats (n=48, 12 per group, age 8 weeks, body mass 180–200 g) were excised and perfused according to Langendorff technique at gradually increased coronary perfusion pressures (40–120 cmH2O). After control sets of experiments, the hearts were perfused with ND in dose of 1 μM, 10 μM and 100 μM, successively. Using sensor placed in the left ventricle, we registered: maximum and minimum rate of pressure development in the left ventricle (dp/dt max and dp/dt min), systolic and diastolic left ventricular pressure (SLVP and DLVP) and heart rate (HR). Coronary flow (CF) was measured flowmetrically. The results clearly show the depression in cardiac function caused by higher doses of ND. The highest concentration of ND (100μM) induced most deleterious impact on the myocardial function and perfusion of the heart (coronary circulation), which could be of clinical significance.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author

EFFICENCY OF ATORVASTATIN AND SIMVASTATIN IN IMPROVING OF CARDIAC FUNCTION DURING THE DIFFERENT DEGREE OF HYPERHOMOCYSTEINEMIA

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of atorvastatin and simvastatin on myocardial contractility during the different degrees of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) in rats. Study was conducted on adult male Wistar albino rats (n = 90; 4 weeks old; 100 ± 15 g body mass) in which HHcy was achieved by dietary manipulation. Animals were exposed to pharmacology treatment with atorvastatin in dose of 3 mg/kg per day i.p. or simvastatin in dose of 5 mg/kg per day i.p. at the same time every day, according to equivalent therapeutic doses of these statins (10 mg atorvastatin = 20 mg simvastatin). After the dietary manipulation and pharmacological treatment and confirmation of HHcy, all animals were sacrificed, hearts were isolated, and cardiac function was tested according to the Langendorff technique. Size of recovery of maximum rate of left ventricular development (dp/dtmax), minimum rate of left ventricular development (dp/dtmin), systolic left ventricular development, diastolic left ventricular development, heart rate, and coronary flow at the 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 cmH2O coronary perfusion pressure were measured in state of physiological condition (homocysteine less than 15 μmol/L), mild HHcy, and moderate HHcy. Atorvastatin treatment significantly attenuated homocysteine-induced impairment of myocyte contractility and dominantly decreased dp/dtmax, dp/dtmin, and heart rate and induced greater changes in systolic left ventricular development compared with simvastatin. Treatment with atorvastatin seems able to revert systolic abnormalities and improve contractility during the different degrees of HHcy.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author

Changes in Athlete’s Redox State Induced by Habitual and Unaccustomed Exercise

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of sport-specific and nonspecific bouts of exercise on athletes’ redox state. Blood samples were collected from 14 handball players immediately before and after graded exercise test on the cycle ergometer and handball training. Levels of superoxide anion radical (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitrites (NO2-) as markers of nitric oxide, index of lipid peroxidation (TBARs), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity were determined. Exercise intensity was assessed by a system for heart rate (HR) monitoring. Average athletes’ HR was not significantly different between protocols, but protocols differed in total time and time and percentage of time that athletes spent in every HR zone. The laboratory exercise test induced a significant increase of H2O2 and TBARs as well as the decrease of the SOD and CAT activity, while after specific handball training, levels of NO2- were increased and SOD activity decreased. It seems that unaccustomed short intensive physical activity may induce oxidative stress in trained athletes, while sport-specific activity of longer duration and proper warm-up period may not. Further research should show whether the change of protocol testing and the implementation of various supplementations and manual methods can affect the redox equilibrium

Redox and apoptotic potential of novel ruthenium complexes in rat blood and heart

Ruthenium(II) complexes offer the potential for lower toxicity compared with platinum(II) complexes. Our study aimed to compare cardiotoxicity of [Ru(Cl-tpy)(en)Cl][Cl], [Ru(Cl-tpy)(dach)Cl][Cl], [Ru(Cl-tpy)(bpy)Cl][Cl], cisplatin, and saline through assessment of redox status and relative expression of apoptosis-related genes. A total of 40 Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups. Ruthenium groups received a single dose of complexes intraperitoneally (4 mg/kg/week) for a 4-week period; cisplatin group received cisplatin (4 mg/kg/week) and control group received saline (4 mL/kg/week) in the same manner as ruthenium groups. In collected blood and heart tissue samples, spectrophotometric determination of oxidative stress biomarkers was performed. The relative expression of apoptosis-related genes (Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3) in hearts was examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Our results showed that systemic and cardiac pro-oxidative markers (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and nitrite) were significantly lower in ruthenium groups compared with cisplatin group, while concentrations of antioxidative parameters (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and oxidized glutathione) were significantly higher. Ruthenium administration led to significantly lower gene expression of Bax and caspase-3 compared with cisplatin-treated rats, while Bcl-2 remained unchanged. Applied ruthenium complexes have less pronounced potential for induction of oxidative stress-mediated cardiotoxicity compared with cisplatin. These findings may help for future studies that should clarify the mechanisms of cardiotoxicity of ruthenium-based metallodrugs.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author

Preconditioning with PDE1 Inhibitors and Moderate-Intensity Training Positively Affect Systemic Redox State of Rats

Taken into consideration that oxidative stress response after preconditioning with phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDEIs) and moderate physical activity has still not been clarified, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of PDEIs alone or in combination with physical activity, on systemic redox status. The study was carried out on 96 male Wistar albino rats classified into two groups. The first group included animals exposed only to pharmacological preconditioning (PreC) maneuver (sedentary control (CTRL, 1 ml/day saline, n=12), nicardipine (6 mg/kg/day of NIC, n=12), vinpocetine (10 mg/kg/day of VIN, n=12), and nimodipine (NIM 10 mg/kg/day of, n=12). The second included animals exposed to preconditioning with moderate-intensity training (MIT) on treadmill for 8 weeks. After 5 weeks from the start of training, the animals were divided into four subgroups depending on the medication to be used for pharmacological PreC: moderate-intensity training (MIT+ 1 ml/day saline, n=12), nicardipine (MIT+ 6 mg/kg/day of NIC, n=12), vinpocetine (MIT+ 10 mg/kg/day of VIN, n=12), and nimodipine (MIT+ 10 mg/kg/day of NIM, n=12). After three weeks of pharmacological preconditioning, the animals were sacrificed. The following oxidative stress parameters were measured spectrophotometrically: nitrites (NO2−), superoxide anion radical (O2−), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), index of lipid peroxidation (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH). Our results showed that PDE1 and MIT preconditioning decreased the release of prooxidants and improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes thus preventing systemic oxidative stress

THE EFFECTS OF SULFUR-CONTAINING COMPOUNDS ON REDOX STATUS IN HOMOCYSTEINE-TREATED RATS

There is growing interest in the activity of sulfur-containing compounds on redox balance in physiological and pathological conditions, considering that some of these compounds have not only antioxidative but also pro-oxidative activities. Aim of this study was to assess possible differences in the effects of various sulfur-containing compounds on redox balance of cardiovascular system in its physiological state and in the early onset of hyperhomocysteinemia. This experimental study divided Wistar albino rats into two groups: saline-treated (control) and DL-homocysteine-treated (experimental group). Rats from experimental group were subjected to subchronic subcutaneous administration of DL-homocysteine at dose of 0.45 μmol/g body weight twice a day for 2 weeks. At the end of this period, rats were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected to be analysed for homocysteine concentration and systemic oxidative stress. Isolated rat hearts were excised and attached to the Langendorff apparatus. To assess the effects of acute administration of L-methionine, L-cysteine, N-acetylcysteine, and sodium hydrogen sulfide, the hearts were perfused individually with each of the mentioned substances at same single dose of 0.5 mmol/l for 5 min. In collected samples of coronary venous effluent oxidative stress biomarkers were determined using spectrophotometry. Total homocysteine level was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group, and the effects of applied sulfur-containing compounds were significantly different in experimental and control groups. DL-homocysteine induced considerable changes in functioning of cardiovascular system even before an increase in plasma homocysteine values, and action of sulfur-containing compounds varied depending on the presence of homocysteine