Melatonin does not affect the black pigment migration in the crab Neohelice granulata

AbstractN-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine or melatonin is a multifunctional molecule. The main physiological function, at least in vertebrates, is to transduce to the animal the photoperiodic information and regulate rhythmic parameters. But studies have also observed the action of this molecule on pigment migration in ectothermic vertebrates. Thus the aim of this paper was to investigate in vivo and in vitro the influence of melatonin on the pigment migration in melanophores of the crab Neohelice granulate. Injections of melatonin (2 × 10−9 moles · crab−1) at 07:00 h or 19:00 h did not affect (p > 0.05) the circadian pigment migration of the melanophores in constant darkness. Additionally no significant pigment migration (p > 0.05) was verified in normal and eyestalkless crabs injected with melatonin (10−10–10−7 moles · crab−1) during the day or night. In the in vitro assay, the response of melanophores to the pigment-dispersing hormone in eyestalkless crabs injected with melatonin (2 × 10−9 moles · crab−1) 1 and 12 hours before the observations did not differ (p > 0.05) from the control group (injected with physiological solution). These results suggest that melatonin does not act as a signaling factor for pigment dispersion or aggregation in the melanophores of N. Granulate.

Download Full-text

3-Pentylcatechol, a Non-Allergenic Urushiol Derivative, Displays Anti-Helicobacter pylori Activity In Vivo

Pharmaceuticals ◽

10.3390/ph13110384 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (11) ◽

pp. 384

Author(s):

Hang Yeon Jeong ◽

Tae Ho Lee ◽

Ju Gyeong Kim ◽

Sueun Lee ◽

Changjong Moon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Helicobacter Pylori ◽

Triple Therapy ◽

Inflammatory Cells ◽

Control Group ◽

Vitro Assay ◽

Low Concentrations ◽

H Pylori ◽

Stomach Mucous Membrane

We previously reported that 3-pentylcatechol (PC), a synthetic non-allergenic urushiol derivative, inhibited the growth of Helicobacter pylori in an in vitro assay using nutrient agar and broth. In this study, we aimed to investigate the in vivo antimicrobial activity of PC against H. pylori growing in the stomach mucous membrane. Four-week-old male C57BL/6 mice (n = 4) were orally inoculated with H. pylori Sydney Strain-1 (SS-1) for 8 weeks. Thereafter, the mice received PC (1, 5, and 15 mg/kg) and triple therapy (omeprazole, 0.7 mg/kg; metronidazole, 16.7 mg/kg; clarithromycin, 16.7 mg/kg, reference groups) once daily for 10 days. Infiltration of inflammatory cells in gastric tissue was greater in the H. pylori-infected group compared with the control group and lower in both the triple therapy- and PC-treated groups. In addition, upregulation of cytokine mRNA was reversed after infection, upon administration of triple therapy and PC. Interestingly, PC was more effective than triple therapy at all doses, even at 1/15th the dose of triple therapy. In addition, PC demonstrated synergism with triple therapy, even at low concentrations. The results suggest that PC may be more effective against H. pylori than established antibiotics.

Download Full-text

GH002: A Novel and Potent Agents for Elevating HDL-Cholesterol

Advanced Materials Research ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.340.337 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 340 ◽

pp. 337-343

Author(s):

Guo Lei

Keyword(s):

Hepg2 Cells ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Hdl Cholesterol ◽

Control Group ◽

Vitro Assay ◽

Cholesterol Levels ◽

Promoter Effects ◽

Positive Effect

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the positive effect of GH002 on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in vitro and in vivo. In vitro assay, effects of GH002 on apolipoprotein (apo) A-I was studied using stable-transfected HepG2 cells with recombinant vector including apoA-I promoter; Effects of GH002 on apoA-I, apoA-II and apoC-III production were determined using HepG2 cells. In vivo assay, Effects of GH002 on lipid profile were investigated in hyperlipidemic rats. The results showed that GH002 can effectively activate apoA-I promoter, enhance apoA-I and apoA-II secretion in vitro, whereas reduce apoC-III production significantly. Furthermore, after in vivo study that the hyperlipidemic rats were treated with GH002, HDL-cholesterol levels were increased significantly (P<0.01) at 2 weeks (100 mg/kg, 28.8%) and 3 weeks (30mg/kg, 19.8% and 100mg/kg, 36.4%, respectively) compared with control group. Triglyceride levels were reduced significantly at 2 and 3 weeks (19.5%, P<0.05 and 28.1%, P<0.01 respectively). Total cholesterol levels also were reduced at 3 weeks (19.1%, P<0.05) after 100mg/kg GH002 administration, but GH002 didn’t increase the ratio of liver/body weight compared with the control group at the end of the experiments. It is therefore reasonable to assume that GH002 is an effectively HDL-cholesterol enhancer by regulating apoA-I gene expression, consequently enhancing apoA-I, apoA-II secretion and reducing apoC-III production.

Download Full-text

Phytophthora Antagonism of Endophytic Bacteria Isolated from Roots of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.)

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy10020286 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 286 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Van Anh Ngo ◽

San-Lang Wang ◽

Van Bon Nguyen ◽

Chien Thang Doan ◽

Thi Ngoc Tran ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antifungal Activity ◽

Endophytic Bacteria ◽

Black Pepper ◽

Antagonistic Activity ◽

Piper Nigrum ◽

Control Group ◽

Vitro Assay ◽

16S Rna

In this study, 90 root samples were collected from 30 black pepper farms in three provinces in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. A total of 352 endophytic bacteria were isolated and their morphology described. An in vitro assay on the antifungal activity of these isolates was then conducted and 47 isolates were found to have antagonistic activity on Phytophthora fungi. The antifungal activity of the 47 isolates was evaluated in vivo by shoot assay. Among these 47 isolates, 6 were selected for further investigation. The six isolates were classified and identified by sequencing the 16S RNA gene and phylogeny. The results showed that all six endophytic bacteria belong to the following species of Bacillus genus: B. siamensis, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. velezenis, and B. methylotrophiycus. Enzymatic activity related to the antifungal activity of the six potent isolates was determined; it showed that they possessed high chitinase and protease activities. These isolates were applied for black pepper seedlings in greenhouse. The results showed three promising isolates: B. siamensis EB.CP6, B. velezensis EB.KN12, and B. methylotrophycus EB.KN13. Black pepper seedlings treated with the promising bacteria had the lowest rate of root disease (8.45–11.21%) and lower fatal rate (11.11–15.55%) compared to the control group (24.81% and 24.44%). In addition, the three promising isolates strongly affected the growth of the black pepper seedlings in greenhouse. The plant height, length of roots, and fresh biomass of the seedlings in the treated plots were higher than those in the control plots. Thus, the endophytic bacterial isolates have the potential to act as biocontrol agent for the sustainable production of black pepper.

Download Full-text

Rapid Inactivation of Infectious Pathogens by Chlorhexidine-Coated Gloves

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1086/646574 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 13 (8) ◽

pp. 463-471 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Shanta Modak ◽

Lester Sampath ◽

Harvey S.S. Miller ◽

Irving Millman

Keyword(s):

Control Group ◽

Vitro Assay ◽

Live Virus ◽

Dermal Irritation ◽

B Virus ◽

Immunodeficiency Virus ◽

Rapid Destruction ◽

Risk Of Exposure

AbstractObjective:Gloves containing chlorhexidine gluconate in an instant-release matrix on their inner surface (CHG gloves) were tested to determine their ability to rapidly inactivate infectious pathogens that may permeate or leak through the latex surface.Design:CHG gloves were exposed for 1 to 10 minutes to blood or media containing infectious pathogens (e.g., bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses) as well as to lymphocytes and macrophages that are known to be the primary carriers of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Inactivation of pathogens was determined either by in vitro assay or in vivo infectivity. Stressed control and CHG glove fingers were submerged in a viral pool (retrovirus or bacteriophage) and after a set time, the glove interiors were checked for presence of permeated viz-ions.Results:CHG gloves rapidly inactivate all the pathogens tested including retrovirus and hepatitis B virus (90% to 100%). In the stressed glove fingers, live virus was detected in 26% of the control group but not in any of the CHG group.Conclusions:The use of CHG gloves may reduce the risk of exposure to infectious fluidborne pathogens should the integrity of the latex barrier be compromised by overt failure or by permeation of viruses. Rapid destruction of lymphocytes and macrophages may facilitate inactivation of HIV associated with these cells. Tests have shown that CHG coating does not alter physical properties of the glove, and, furthermore, CHG gloves do not show potential for dermal irritation or sensitization.

Download Full-text

Effect of Chestnut Tannins and Short Chain Fatty Acids as Anti-Microbials and as Feeding Supplements in Broilers Rearing and Meat Quality

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani9090659 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. 659 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Federica Mannelli ◽

Sara Minieri ◽

Giovanni Tosi ◽

Giulia Secci ◽

Matteo Daghio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Meat Quality ◽

Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽

Control Group ◽

Poultry Production ◽

Vitro Assay ◽

Promising Alternative ◽

Chain Fatty Acids

Chestnut tannins (CT) and saturated short medium chain fatty acids (SMCFA) are valid alternatives to contrast the growth of pathogens in poultry rearing, representing a valid alternative to antibiotics. However, the effect of their blends has never been tested. Two blends of CT extract and Sn1-monoglycerides of SMCFA (SN1) were tested in vitro against the proliferation of Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella typhymurium, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter jejuni. The tested concentrations were: 3.0 g/kg of CT; 3.0 g/kg of SN1; 2.0 g/kg of CT and 1.0 g/kg of SN1; 1.0 g/kg of CT and 2.0 g/kg of SN1. Furthermore, their effect on broiler performances and meat quality was evaluated in vivo: one-hundred Ross 308 male birds were fed a basal diet with no supplement (control group) or supplemented with CT or SN1 or their blends at the same concentration used in the in vitro trial. The in vitro assay confirmed the effectiveness of the CT and SN1 mixtures in reducing the growth of the tested bacteria while the in vivo trial showed that broiler performances, animal welfare and meat quality were not negatively affected by the blends, which could be a promising alternative in replacing antibiotics in poultry production.

Download Full-text

Moringa oleifera Leaves’ Extract Enhances Nonspecific Immune Responses, Resistance against Vibrio alginolyticus, and Growth in Whiteleg Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani12010042 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 42

Author(s):

Zaenal Abidin ◽

Huai-Ting Huang ◽

Zhen-Hao Liao ◽

Bo-Ying Chen ◽

Yu-Sheng Wu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune Responses ◽

Growth Performance ◽

Control Group ◽

Superoxide Anion Production ◽

Vitro Assay ◽

Immune Related Gene ◽

Anion Production ◽

Whiteleg Shrimp

Moringa is widely known as a plant with high medicinal properties. Therefore, moringa has a high potential for use as an immunostimulant in shrimp. This study investigated the effect of a moringa water extract on the immune response, resistance against V. alginolyticus, and growth performance of whiteleg shrimp. To perform the in vitro assay, hemocytes were incubated with different concentrations of the moringa extract. Furthermore, the moringa extract was incorporated at 0 (control), 1.25 g (ME1.25), 2.5 g (ME2.5), and 5.0 g (ME5.0) per kg of diet for the in vivo assay. During the rearing period, immune responses, namely the total hemocyte count (THC), phenoloxidase (PO) activity, phagocytosis activity, superoxide anion production, and immune-related gene expression were examined on days 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Growth performance was measured 60 days after the feeding period. Furthermore, the shrimp were challenged with V. alginolyticus after being fed for different feeding durations. The results of the in vitro assay revealed that 100–250 ppm of the moringa extract enhanced the PO activity, phagocytic rate (PR), and superoxide anion production. The findings of the in vivo assay demonstrated that the THC, PO activity, PR, and immune-related gene expression, including alpha-2-macroglobulin, prophenoloxidase II, penaeidin2, penaeidin3, anti-lipopolysaccharide factor, crustin, lysozyme, superoxide dismutase, and clotting protein, were higher in the group of ME.25 and ME5.0 than in the control and ME1.25 at several time points. Growth performance was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the ME2.5 group compared to the control group. Furthermore, the dietary ME2.5 resulted in a higher survival rate compared to that of the control group after challenging with V. alginolyticus, especially at ME2.5 administered for 4 and 7 days. This study indicated that the incorporation of the moringa extract at 2.5 g per kg of diet enhanced the immune response, the growth performance of the whiteleg shrimp, and the resistance against V. alginolyticus infection.

Download Full-text

In-vitro- und In-vivo-Wirkung von Schilddrüsenhormon auf das Wachstum von Neuroblastomzellen

Nuklearmedizin ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1629520 ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 29 (03) ◽

pp. 120-124

Author(s):

R. P. Baum ◽

E. Rohrbach ◽

G. Hör ◽

B. Kornhuber ◽

E. Busse

Keyword(s):

Cell Differentiation ◽

Neuroblastoma Cells ◽

Control Group ◽

Initial Value ◽

Initial Rise ◽

Biphasic Effect ◽

Contrast Microscopy ◽

Morphological Sign

The effect of triiodothyronine (T3) on the differentiation of cultured neuroblastoma (NB) cells was studied after 9 days of treatment with a dose of 10-4 M/106 cells per day. Using phase contrast microscopy, 30-50% of NB cells showed formation of neurites as a morphological sign of cellular differentiation. The initial rise of the mitosis rate was followed by a plateau. Changes in cyclic nucleotide content, in the triphosphates and in the activity of the enzyme ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) were assessed in 2 human and 2 murine cell lines to serve as biochemical parameters of the cell differentiation induced by T3. Whereas the cAMP level increased significantly (3 to 7 fold compared with its initial value), the cGMP value dropped to 30 to 50% of that of the control group. ATP and GTP increased about 200%, the ODC showed a decrease of about 50%. The present studies show a biphasic effect of T3 on neuroblastoma cells: the initial rise of mitotic activity is followed by increased cell differentiation starting from day 4 of the treatment.

Download Full-text

Protective Effect of Boswellic Resin Against Memory Loss and Alzheimer’s Induced by Aluminum Tetrachloride and D-Galactose (Experimental study in Mice)

Phytothérapie ◽

10.3166/phyto-2020-0222 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

K. Zerrouki ◽

N. Djebli ◽

L. Gadouche ◽

I. Erdogan Orhan ◽

F. SezerSenol Deniz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chemical Composition ◽

Protective Effect ◽

Cell Damage ◽

Memory Loss ◽

Control Group ◽

Total Extract ◽

Swiss Mice ◽

Octyl Acetate

Nowadays, because of the industrialization, a lot of contaminant were available ; the consequences of this availability are apparition of diseases including neurodegeneration. Neurodegenerative diseases of the human brain comprise a variety of disorders that affect an increasing percentage of the population. This study is based on the effect of the Boswellic resin, which is from a medicinal plant and known for its antioxidant effects on nerve cell damage. The objective of this work was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo effects of the Boswellic resin on anticholinesterase activity and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) induced by D-galactose and aluminum tetrachloride in Swiss mice. Chemical composition of the resin essential oil was identified by the CG-MS analysis. The antioxidant activity was also assessed by the DMPD and metal chelation methods. In order to understand the mechanism of memory improvement, the acetylcholinesterase, AChE, and butyrylcholinesterase, BChE, inhibitory assays were performed. In vivo part of the study was achieved on Swiss mice divided into four groups: control, AD model, treated AD, and treated control group. The identification of chemical composition by CG-MS reach the 89.67% of the total extract compounds presented some very important molecules (p-Cymene, n-Octyl acetate, α-Pinene…). The present study proves that Boswellic resin improves memory and learning in treated Alzheimer’s group, modulates the oxidative stress and be involved in the protective effect against amyloid deposition and neurodegeneration, and stimulates the immune system in mice’s brain.

Download Full-text

Functional Characterization of the mazEF Toxin-Antitoxin System in the Pathogenic Bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms9051107 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 1107

Author(s):

Wonho Choi ◽

Yoshihiro Yamaguchi ◽

Ji-Young Park ◽

Sang-Hyun Park ◽

Hyeok-Won Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Agrobacterium Tumefaciens ◽

Physiological Function ◽

Functional Characterization ◽

Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽

In Vitro Assays ◽

Cell Growth Inhibition ◽

The Right

Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a pathogen of various plants which transfers its own DNA (T-DNA) to the host plants. It is used for producing genetically modified plants with this ability. To control T-DNA transfer to the right place, toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems of A. tumefaciens were used to control the target site of transfer without any unintentional targeting. Here, we describe a toxin-antitoxin system, Atu0939 (mazE-at) and Atu0940 (mazF-at), in the chromosome of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The toxin in the TA system has 33.3% identity and 45.5% similarity with MazF in Escherichia coli. The expression of MazF-at caused cell growth inhibition, while cells with MazF-at co-expressed with MazE-at grew normally. In vivo and in vitro assays revealed that MazF-at inhibited protein synthesis by decreasing the cellular mRNA stability. Moreover, the catalytic residue of MazF-at was determined to be the 24th glutamic acid using site-directed mutagenesis. From the results, we concluded that MazF-at is a type II toxin-antitoxin system and a ribosome-independent endoribonuclease. Here, we characterized a TA system in A. tumefaciens whose understanding might help to find its physiological function and to develop further applications.

Download Full-text

TNF-α Triggers RIP1/FADD/Caspase-8-Mediated Apoptosis of Astrocytes and RIP3/MLKL-Mediated Necroptosis of Neurons Induced by Angiostrongylus cantonensis Infection

Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology ◽

10.1007/s10571-021-01063-w ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Hongli Zhou ◽

Minyu Zhou ◽

Yue Hu ◽

Yanin Limpanon ◽

Yubin Ma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Death ◽

Enrichment Analysis ◽

Angiostrongylus Cantonensis ◽

Gene Set Enrichment Analysis ◽

Caspase 8 ◽

Cns Injury ◽

Vitro Assay ◽

Tnf Α

AbstractAngiostrongylus cantonensis (AC) can cause severe eosinophilic meningitis or encephalitis in non-permissive hosts accompanied by apoptosis and necroptosis of brain cells. However, the explicit underlying molecular basis of apoptosis and necroptosis upon AC infection has not yet been elucidated. To determine the specific pathways of apoptosis and necroptosis upon AC infection, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis for gene expression microarray (accession number: GSE159486) of mouse brain infected by AC revealed that TNF-α likely played a central role in the apoptosis and necroptosis in the context of AC infection, which was further confirmed via an in vivo rescue assay after treating with TNF-α inhibitor. The signalling axes involved in apoptosis and necroptosis were investigated via immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting. Immunofluorescence was used to identify the specific cells that underwent apoptosis or necroptosis. The results showed that TNF-α induced apoptosis of astrocytes through the RIP1/FADD/Caspase-8 axis and induced necroptosis of neurons by the RIP3/MLKL signalling pathway. In addition, in vitro assay revealed that TNF-α secretion by microglia increased upon LSA stimulation and caused necroptosis of neurons. The present study provided the first evidence that TNF-α was secreted by microglia stimulated by AC infection, which caused cell death via parallel pathways of astrocyte apoptosis (mediated by the RIP1/FADD/caspase-8 axis) and neuron necroptosis (driven by the RIP3/MLKL complex). Our research comprehensively elucidated the mechanism of cell death after AC infection and provided new insight into targeting TNF-α signalling as a therapeutic strategy for CNS injury.

Download Full-text