scholarly journals Teratogenic and developmental toxic effects of etridiazole on zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bala Murali Krishna Vasamsetti ◽  
Nam-Seok Kim ◽  
Kyongmi Chon ◽  
Hong-Hyun Park
Keyword(s):  
Danio Rerio ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Skeletal Malformations ◽  
Somite Formation ◽  
Aquatic Vertebrates ◽  
Pericardial Edema ◽  
Eye Pigmentation ◽  
Median Effective Concentration ◽  
Morphological Deformities

AbstractEtridiazole (EDZ), a thiadiazole-containing toxic chemical, is widely used as a fungicide. Regular usage of EDZ may reach and contaminate water bodies, but its adverse effects on aquatic vertebrates have not been well studied. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the harmful effects of EDZ using zebrafish (ZF) (Danio rerio) embryos. ZF embryos were treated with 3.75, 7.5, 15, 30, and 60 mg/L of EDZ. Subsequently, mortality and developmental toxicities were quantified at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h post fertilization (hpf). The results showed that embryo mortality was concentration- and time-dependent. The median lethal concentration (LC50) of EDZ at 96-h was 25.58 ± 1.49 mg/L. Besides, EDZ induced a series of morphological deformities, including abnormal somite formation, abnormal eye pigmentation, abnormal tail morphology, tail kinks, skeletal malformations (lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis), and yolk sac edema in a concentration-dependent manner. Among the deformities, the most significant were reduced heartbeat and increased incidence of pericardial edema. The median effective concentration (EC50) of EDZ at 96-h was 17.93 ± 2.22 mg/L and the 96-h teratogenic index (TI) value was 1.52. Taken together, these results indicate that EDZ is a teratogen, and primarily affects the cardiovascular system of ZF.

scholarly journals Exposure to the natural alkaloid Berberine affects cardiovascular system morphogenesis and functionality during zebrafish development

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Martini ◽  
Cecilia Pucci ◽  
Chiara Gabellini ◽  
Mario Pellegrino ◽  
Massimiliano Andreazzoli
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular System ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
System Development ◽  
Developmental Toxicity ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Pericardial Edema ◽  
Pregnancy And Lactation ◽  
Cardiovascular Defects ◽  
Natural Alkaloid

Abstract The plant-derived natural alkaloid berberine displays therapeutic potential to treat several pathological conditions, including dyslipidemias, diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. However, data on berberine effects during embryonic development are scarce and in part controversial. In this study, using zebrafish embryos as vertebrate experimental model, we address the effects of berberine treatment on cardiovascular system development and functionality. Starting from the observation that berberine induces developmental toxicity and pericardial edema in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, we found that treated embryos display cardiac looping defects and, at later stages, present an abnormal heart characterized by a stretched morphology and atrial endocardial/myocardial detachment. Furthermore, berberine affected cardiac functionality of the embryos, promoting bradycardia and reducing the cardiac output, the atrial shortening fraction percentage and the atrial stroke volume. We also found that, during development, berberine interferes with the angiogenic process, without altering vascular permeability. These alterations are associated with increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor aa (vegfaa) mRNA, suggesting an important role for Vegfaa as mediator of berberine-induced cardiovascular defects. Altogether, these data indicate that berberine treatment during vertebrate development leads to an impairment of cardiovascular system morphogenesis and functionality, suggesting a note of caution in its use during pregnancy and lactation.

ANP relaxes bovine tracheal smooth muscle and increases cGMP

1989 ◽  
Vol 256 (3) ◽  
pp. C495-C500 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Ishii ◽  
F. Murad
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Inhibitory Concentration ◽  
Tracheal Smooth Muscle ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Tension Development ◽  
Cyclic Monophosphate ◽  
Ic50 Values ◽  
Median Effective Concentration ◽  
Atrial Natriuretic

Effects of atrial natriuretic peptides (ANP) on the tension, content of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) and adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and activity of particulate and soluble forms of guanylate cyclase were examined in bovine tracheal smooth muscle. Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), atriopeptin II, and atriopeptin III were found to induce relaxation of tracheal smooth muscle precontracted with 5 x 10(-8) M carbachol (an approximate median effective concentration) in a concentration-dependent manner. However, atriopeptin I failed to induce significant relaxation of the muscle. Similar results were obtained when 3 x 10(-6) M histamine or 5 x 10(-7) M serotonin was used as the contracting agent. However, the relaxant effects of ANF, atriopeptin II, and atriopeptin III were much less when a higher concentration of carbachol or 30 mM K+ was used as the contractile agent. Maximally inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of ANF, atriopeptin II, and atriopeptin III for inhibition of muscle contraction induced by 5 x 10(-8) M carbachol ranged from 3.8 to 8.3 x 10(-9) M, indicating that these peptides have intermediate potency between isoproterenol (IC50, 2.0 x 10(-9) M) and sodium nitroprusside (IC50, 2.0 x 10(-8) M). Treatment of the muscle with 3 x 10(-7) M ANF slowed the rate of tension development of the muscle by 10(-7) M carbachol. Tissue levels of cAMP were not influenced by any of the atrial peptides at concentrations of 10(-9)-10(-6) M; however, cGMP levels were increased about five- to ninefold.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

scholarly journals Hemps, a novel EGF-like protein, plays a central role in ascidian metamorphosis

Development ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 126 (24) ◽  
pp. 5809-5818 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Eri ◽  
J.M. Arnold ◽  
V.F. Hinman ◽  
K.M. Green ◽  
M.K. Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Marine Invertebrates ◽  
Signal Sequence ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Secretion Signal ◽  
Terrestrial Arthropods ◽  
Aquatic Vertebrates ◽  
Epidermal Growth ◽  
Characteristic Features ◽  
Herdmania Curvata

All chordates share several characteristic features including a dorsal hollow neural tube, a notochord, a pharynx and an endostyle. Unlike other chordate taxa, ascidians have a biphasic life-history with two distinct body plans. During metamorphosis, the larval nerve cord and notochord degenerate and the pharyngeal gill slits and endostyle form. While ascidians, like other marine invertebrates, metamorphose in response to specific environmental cues, it remains unclear how these cues trigger metamorphosis. We have identified a novel gene (Hemps) which encodes a protein with a putative secretion signal sequence and four epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeats which is a key regulator of metamorphosis in the ascidian Herdmania curvata. Expression of Hemps increases markedly when the swimming tadpole larva becomes competent to undergo metamorphosis and then during the first 24 hours of metamorphosis. The Hemps protein is localised to the larval papillae and anterior epidermis of the larva in the region known to be required for metamorphosis. When the larva contacts an inductive cue the protein is released, spreading posteriorly and into the tunic as metamorphosis progresses. Metamorphosis is blocked by incubating larvae in anti-Hemps antibodies prior to the addition of the cue. Addition of recombinant Hemps protein to competent larvae induces metamorphosis in a concentration-dependent manner. A subgroup of genes are specifically induced during this process. These results demonstrate that the Hemps protein is a key regulator of ascidian metamorphosis and is distinct from previously described inducers of this process in terrestrial arthropods and aquatic vertebrates.

The Anti-Atherogenic Properties of Sesamin are Mediated via Improved Macrophage Cholesterol Efflux Through PPARγ1-LXRα and MAPK Signaling

2014 ◽  
Vol 84 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 79-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amin F. Majdalawieh ◽  
Hyo-Sung Ro
Keyword(s):  
Cholesterol Efflux ◽  
Transcriptional Activity ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Foam Cell ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Foam Cell Formation ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Macrophage Cholesterol Efflux

Background: Foam cell formation resulting from disrupted macrophage cholesterol efflux, which is triggered by PPARγ1 and LXRα, is a hallmark of atherosclerosis. Sesamin and sesame oil exert anti-atherogenic effects in vivo. However, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying such effects are not fully understood. Aim: This study examines the potential effects of sesamin (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 μM) on PPARγ1 and LXRα expression and transcriptional activity as well as macrophage cholesterol efflux. Methods: PPARγ1 and LXRα expression and transcriptional activity are assessed by luciferase reporter assays. Macrophage cholesterol efflux is evaluated by ApoAI-specific cholesterol efflux assays. Results: The 50 μM, 75 μM, and 100 μM concentrations of sesamin up-regulated the expression of PPARγ1 (p< 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) and LXRα (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, 75 μM and 100 μM concentrations of sesamin led to 5.2-fold (p < 0.001) and 6.0-fold (p<0.001) increases in PPAR transcriptional activity and 3.9-fold (p< 0.001) and 4.2-fold (p < 0.001) increases in LXR transcriptional activity, respectively, in a concentration- and time-dependent manner via MAPK signaling. Consistently, 50 μM, 75 μM, and 100 μM concentrations of sesamin improved macrophage cholesterol efflux by 2.7-fold (p < 0.001), 4.2-fold (p < 0.001), and 4.2-fold (p < 0.001), respectively, via MAPK signaling. Conclusion: Our findings shed light on the molecular mechanism(s) underlying sesamin’s anti-atherogenic effects, which seem to be due, at least in part, to its ability to up-regulate PPARγ1 and LXRα expression and transcriptional activity, improving macrophage cholesterol efflux. We anticipate that sesamin may be used as a therapeutic agent for treating atherosclerosis.

Neutrophil Elastase Potentiates Cathepsin G-lnduced Platelet Activation

1992 ◽  
Vol 68 (05) ◽  
pp. 570-576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary A Selak
Keyword(s):  
Neutrophil Elastase ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Thromboxane A2 ◽  
Creatine Phosphate ◽  
Dense Granule ◽  
Cathepsin G ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
High Concentrations

SummaryWe have previously demonstrated that human neutrophil cathepsin G is a strong platelet agonist that binds to a specific receptor. This work describes the effect of neutrophil elastase on cathepsin G-induced platelet responses. While platelets were not activated by high concentrations of neutrophil elastase by itself, elastase enhanced aggregation, secretion and calcium mobilization induced by low concentrations of cathepsin G. Platelet aggregation and secretion were potentiated in a concentration-dependent manner by neutrophil elastase with maximal responses observable at 200 nM. Enhancement was observed when elastase was preincubated with platelets for time intervals of 10–60 s prior to addition of a low concentration of cathepsin G and required catalytically-active elastase since phenylmethanesulphonyl fluoride-inhibited enzyme failed to potentiate cell activation. Neutrophil elastase potentiation of platelet responses induced by low concentrations of cathepsin G was markedly inhibited by creatine phosphate/creatine phosphokinase and/or indomethacin, indicating that the synergism between elastase and cathepsin G required the participation of ADP and thromboxane A2. On the other hand, platelet responses were not attenuated by the PAF antagonist BN 52021, signifying that PAF-acether did not play a role in elastase potentiation. At higher concentrations porcine pancreatic elastase exhibits similar effects to neutrophil elastase, demonstrating that the effect of elastase was not unique to the neutrophil protease. While neutrophil elastase failed to alter the ability of cathepsin G to hydrolyze a synthetic chromogenic substrate, preincubation of platelets with elastase increased the apparent affinity of cathepsin G binding to platelets. In contrast to their effect on cathepsin G-induced platelet responses, neither neutrophil nor pancreatic elasatse potentiated aggregation or dense granule release initiated by ADP, PAF-acether, arachidonic acid or U46619, a thromboxane A2 mimetic. Moreover, unlike its effect on cathepsin G, neutrophil elastase inhibited thrombin-induced responses. The current observations demonstrate that elastase can potentiate platelet responses mediated by low concentrations of cathepsin G, suggesting that both enzymes may function synergistically to activate platelets under conditions where neutrophil degranulation occurs.

Trimucytin: A Collagen-Like Aggregating Inducer Isolated from Trimeresurus mucrosquamatus Snake Venom

1993 ◽  
Vol 69 (03) ◽  
pp. 286-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Che-Ming Teng ◽  
Feng-Nien Ko ◽  
Inn-Ho Tsai ◽  
Man-Ling Hung ◽  
Tur-Fu Huang
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Aggregation ◽  
Snake Venom ◽  
Inositol Phosphate ◽  
Shape Change ◽  
Platelet Activating Factor ◽  
Atp Release ◽  
Platelet Membrane ◽  
Thromboxane B2 ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner

SummaryTrimucytin is a potent platelet aggregation inducer isolated from Trimeresurus mucrosquamatus snake venom. Similar to collagen, trimucytin has a run of (Gly-Pro-X) repeats at the N-terminal amino acids sequence. It induced platelet aggregation, ATP release and thromboxane formation in rabbit platelets in a concentration-dependent manner. The aggregation was not due to released ADP since it was not suppressed by creatine phosphate/creatine phosphokinase. It was not either due to thromboxane A2 formation because indomethacin and BW755C did not have any effect on the aggregation even thromboxane B2 formation was completely abolished by indomethacin. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) was not involved in the aggregation since a PAF antagonist, kadsurenone, did not affect. However, RGD-containing peptide triflavin inhibited the aggregation, but not the release of ATP, of platelets induced by trimucytin. Indomethacin, mepacrine, prostaglandin E1 and tetracaine inhibited the thromboxane B2 formation of platelets caused by collagen and trimucytin. Forskolin and sodium nitroprusside inhibited both platelet aggregation and ATP release, but not the shape change induced by trimucytin. In quin-2 loaded platelets, the rise of intracellular calcium concentration caused by trimucytin was decreased by 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13 acetate, imipramine, TMB-8 and indomethacin. In the absence of extracellular calcium, both collagen and trimucytin caused no thromboxane B2 formation, but still induced ATP release which was completely blocked by R 59022. Inositol phosphate formation in platelets was markedly enhanced by trimucytin and collagen. MAB1988, an antibody against platelet membrane glycoprotein Ia, inhibited trimucytinand collagen-induced platelet aggregation and ATP release. However, trimucytin did not replace the binding of 125I-labeled MAB1988 to platelets. Platelets pre-exposed to trimucytin were resistant to the second challenge with trimucytin itself or collagen. It is concluded that trimucytin may activate collagen receptors on platelet membrane, and cause aggregation and release mainly through phospholipase C-phosphoinositide pathway.

Influence of Brain Gangliosides on the Formation and Properties of Supported Lipid Bilayers for Binding Kinetics Studies

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke Jordan ◽  
Nathan Wittenberg
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Bilayers ◽  
Binding Kinetics ◽  
Supported Lipid Bilayers ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Supported Lipid Bilayer ◽  
Head Groups ◽  
Lipid Diffusion ◽  
Kinetics Of ◽  
Brain Gangliosides

This is a comprehensive study of the effects of the four major brain gangliosides (GM1, GD1b, GD1a, and GT1b) on the adsorption and rupture of phospholipid vesicles on SiO2 surfaces for the formation of supported lipid bilayer (SLB) membranes. Using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) we show that gangliosides GD1a and GT1b significantly slow the SLB formation process, whereas GM1 and GD1b have smaller effects. This is likely due to the net ganglioside charge as well as the positions of acidic sugar groups on ganglioside glycan head groups. Data is included that shows calcium can accelerate the formation of ganglioside-rich SLBs. Using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) we also show that the presence of gangliosides significantly reduces lipid diffusion coefficients in SLBs in a concentration-dependent manner. Finally, using QCM-D and GD1a-rich SLB membranes we measure the binding kinetics of an anti-GD1a antibody that has similarities to a monoclonal antibody that is a hallmark of a variant of Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Enhancement of hydroxyl radical generation by phenols and their reaction intermediates during ozonation

1998 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 147-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hideo Utsumi ◽  
Sang-Kuk Han ◽  
Kazuhiro Ichikawa
Keyword(s):  
Hydroxyl Radical ◽  
Hydroxyl Radicals ◽  
Spin Trapping ◽  
Active Species ◽  
Generation Rate ◽  
Peak Height Ratio ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Phenol Derivatives ◽  
Semiquinone Radicals

Generation of hydroxyl radicals, one of the major active species in ozonation of water was directly observed with a spin-trapping/electron spin resonance (ESR) technique using 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrrolineN-oxide (DMPO) as a spin-trapping reagent. Hydroxyl radical were trapped with DMPO as a stable radical, DMPO-OH. Eighty μM of ozone produced 1.08 X 10-6M of DMPO-OH, indicating that 1.4% of •OH is trapped with DMPO. Generation rate of DMPO-OH was determined by ESR/stopped-flow measurement. Phenol derivatives increased the amount and generation rate of DMPO-OH, indicating that phenol derivatives enhance •OH generation during ozonation of water. Ozonation of 2,3-, 2,5-, 2,6-dichlorophenol gave an ESR spectra of triplet lines whose peak height ratio were 1:2:1. ESR parameters of the triplet lines agreed with those of the corresponding dichloro-psemiquinone radical. Ozonation of 2,4,5- and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol gave the same spectra as those of 2,5- and 2,6-dichlorophenol, respectively, indicating that a chlorine group in p-position is substituted with a hydroxy group during ozonation. Amounts of the radical increased in an ozone-concentration dependent manner and were inhibited by addition of hydroxyl radical scavengers. These results suggest that p-semiquinone radicals are generated from the chlorophenols by hydroxyl radicals during ozonation. The p-semiquinone radicals were at least partly responsible for enhancements of DMPO-OH generation.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Lectin Exhibit Inhibition of ACE-I, α-amylase and α-glucosidase Activity

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 494-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sameer Suresh Bhagyawant ◽  
Dakshita Tanaji Narvekar ◽  
Neha Gupta ◽  
Amita Bhadkaria ◽  
Ajay Kumar Gautam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Effects ◽  
Exchange Chromatography ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Carbohydrate Binding ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Ic50 Values ◽  
Chickpea Lectin

Background: Diabetes and hypertension are the major health concern and alleged to be of epidemic proportions. This has made it a numero uno subject at various levels of investigation. Glucosidase inhibitor provides the reasonable option in treatment of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) as it specifically targets post prandial hyperglycemia. The Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) plays an important role in hypertension. Therefore, inhibition of ACE in treatment of elevated blood pressure attracts special interest of the scientific community. Chickpea is a food legume and seeds contain carbohydrate binding protein- a lectin. Some of the biological properties of this lectin hitherto been elucidated. Methods: Purified by ion exchange chromatography, chickpea lectin was tested for its in vitro antioxidant, ACE-I inhibitory and anti-diabetic characteristic. Results: Lectin shows a characteristic improvement over the synthetic drugs like acarbose (oral anti-diabetic drug) and captopril (standard antihypertensive drug) when, their IC50 values are compared. Lectin significantly inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase in a concentration dependent manner with IC50 values of 85.41 ± 1.21 ҝg/ml and 65.05 ± 1.2 µg/ml compared to acarbose having IC50 70.20 ± 0.47 value of µg/ml and 50.52 ± 1.01 µg/ml respectively. β-Carotene bleaching assay showed antioxidant activity of lectin (72.3%) to be as active as Butylated Hydroxylanisole (BHA). In addition, lectin demonstrated inhibition against ACE-I with IC50 value of 57.43 ± 1.20 µg/ml compared to captopril. Conclusion: Lectin demonstrated its antioxidant character, ACE-I inhibition and significantly inhibitory for α-glucosidase and α-amylase seems to qualify as an anti-hyperglycemic therapeutic molecule. The biological effects of chickpea lectin display potential for reducing the parameters of medically debilitating conditions. These characteristics however needs to be established under in vivo systems too viz. animals through to humans.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document