scholarly journals Neuroprotective action of aspirin on Paraquat intoxication in on Drosophila melanogaster

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. e30710414179
Author(s):  
Mayslla Keylla Brito do Carmo ◽  
Mayara Oliveira Vidotto Figueiredo ◽  
Joyce Marinho de Souza ◽  
Anderson Oliveira Souza ◽  
Carlos Antonio Couto Lima

Acetylsalicylic acid or aspirin is the most widely used drug globally for its anti-inflammatory characteristics, although little is known about its actions on the central nervous system (CNS). We investigated aspirin's potential neuroprotective effects against paraquat-induced neurotoxicity (PQ) in the present study. Adult male wild-type flies were exposed to a diet containing PQ (3 mM) and/or aspirin (1 μM; 5 μM; 10 μM). Flies fed with PQ reduced locomotion and increased mortality. PQ-induced neurotoxicity has also been associated with a marked decrease in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and lipid peroxidation. Co-exposure to aspirin (5 μM) increased survival, improved motor performance, increased AChE activity, and decreased lipid peroxidation. Our results suggest aspirin's neuroprotective effects, probably due to its lysosomal action and antioxidant characteristics. Thus, we demonstrate that the Drosophila melanogaster model can elucidate basic aspirin mechanisms to assist the evaluations carried out in higher animals to minimize the neurodegenerative effects caused by diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vibha Dwivedi ◽  
Subhash C. Lakhotia

AbstractEthnopharmacological relevanceAmalaki Rasayana (AR) is a common Ayurvedic herbal formulation of Phyllanthus emblica fruits and other ingredients and is used for general good health and healthy aging. We earlier reported it to improve life history traits and to suppress neurodegeneration as well as induced apoptosis in Drosophila.Aim of the studyTo examine effects of dietary AR supplement on cell stress responses in Drosophila melanogaster.Materials and methodsLarvae/flies, reared on normal food or on that supplemented with 0.5% (w/v) AR, were exposed to crowding, thermal or oxidative stress and examined for survival, stress tolerance and levels of lipid peroxides, SOD and HSPs.ResultsWild type larvae/flies reared on AR supplemented food survived the various cell stresses much better than those reared on normal food. AR-fed mutant park13 or DJ-1βDelta93 (Parkinson’s disease model) larvae, however, showed only partial or no protection, respectively, against paraquat-induced oxidative stress, indicating essentiality of DJ-1β for AR mediated oxidative stress tolerance. AR feeding reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation even in aged (35 day old) wild type flies while enhancing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. We show for the first time that while Hsp70 or Hsp83 expression under normal or stress conditions was not differentially affected by AR feeding, Hsp27 levels were elevated in AR fed wild type control as well as heat shocked larvae. Therefore, besides the known anti-oxidant activity of Phyllanthus emblica fruits, dietary AR also enhances cellular levels of Hsp27.ConclusionIn the context of the reported “anti-aging” and “healthy-aging” effects of AR, the present in vivo study on a model organisms shows that AR feeding significantly improves tolerance to a variety of cell stresses through reduced ROS and lipid peroxidation and enhanced SOD activity and Hsp27. Such improved cellular defences following dietary AR provide better homeostasis and thereby improve the life-span and quality of organism’s life.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ganiyu Oboh ◽  
Opeyemi Babatunde Ogunsuyi ◽  
Olatunde Isaac Awonyemi ◽  
Victor Ayomide Atoki

Metal-induced toxicity in fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) is one of the established models for studying neurotoxicity and neurodegenerative diseases. Phytochemicals, especially alkaloids, have been reported to exhibit neuroprotection. Here, we assessed the protective effect of alkaloid extract from African Jointfir (Gnetum africanum) leaf on manganese- (Mn-) induced toxicity in wild type fruit fly. Flies were exposed to 10 mM Mn, the alkaloid extract and cotreatment of Mn plus extract, respectively. The survival rate and locomotor performance of the flies were assessed 5 days posttreatment, at which point the flies were homogenized and assayed for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, nitric oxide (NO), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Results showed that the extract significantly reverted Mn-induced reduction in the survival rate and locomotor performance of the flies. Furthermore, the extract counteracted the Mn-induced elevation in AChE activity, NO, and ROS levels. The alkaloid extract of the African Jointfir leaf may hence be a source of useful phytochemicals for the development of novel therapies for the management of neurodegeneration.


Genetics ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 143 (3) ◽  
pp. 1339-1347
Author(s):  
Alfred M Handler ◽  
Sheilachu P Gomez

Abstract Function of the Drosophila melanogaster hobo transposon in tephritid species was tested in transient embryonic excision assays. Wild-type and mutant strains of Anastrepha suspensa, Bactrocera dorsalis, B. cucurbitae, Ceratitis capitata, and Toxotrypana curvicauda all supported hobo excision or deletion both in the presence and absence of co-injected hobo transposase, indicating a permissive state for hobo mobility and the existence of endogenous systems capable of mobilizing hobo. In several strains hobo helper reduced excision. Excision depended on hobo sequences in the indicator plasmid, though almost all excisions were imprecise and the mobilizing systems appear mechanistically different from hobo. hobe-related sequences were identified in all species except T. curvicauda. Parsimony analysis yielded a subgroup including the B. cucurbitae and C. capitata sequences along with hobo and Hermes, and a separate, more divergent subgroup including the A. suspensa and B. dorsalis sequences. All of the sequences exist as multiple genomic elements, and a deleted form of the B. cucurbitae element exists in B. dorsalis. The hobo-related sequences are probably members of the hAT transposon family with some evolving from distant ancestor elements, while others may have originated from more recent horizontal transfers.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Mani Iyer Prasanth ◽  
James Michael Brimson ◽  
Dicson Sheeja Malar ◽  
Anchalee Prasansuklab ◽  
Tewin Tencomnao

BACKGROUND: Streblus asper Lour., has been reported to have anti-aging and neuroprotective efficacies in vitro. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the anti-aging, anti-photoaging and neuroprotective efficacies of S. asper in Caenorhabditis elegans. METHODS: C. elegans (wild type and gene specific mutants) were treated with S. asper extract and analyzed for lifespan and other health benefits through physiological assays, fluorescence microscopy, qPCR and Western blot. RESULTS: The plant extract was found to increase the lifespan, reduce the accumulation of lipofuscin and modulate the expression of candidate genes. It could extend the lifespan of both daf-16 and daf-2 mutants whereas the pmk-1 mutant showed no effect. The activation of skn-1 was observed in skn-1::GFP transgenic strain and in qPCR expression. Further, the extract can extend the lifespan of UV-A exposed nematodes along with reducing ROS levels. Additionally, the extract also extends lifespan and reduces paralysis in Aβ transgenic strain, apart from reducing Aβ expression. CONCLUSIONS: S. asper was able to extend the lifespan and healthspan of C. elegans which was independent of DAF-16 pathway but dependent on SKN-1 and MAPK which could play a vital role in eliciting the anti-aging, anti-photoaging and neuroprotective effects, as the extract could impart oxidative stress resistance and neuroprotection.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biz R. Turnell ◽  
Luisa Kumpitsch ◽  
Klaus Reinhardt

AbstractSperm aging is accelerated by the buildup of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause oxidative damage to various cellular components. Aging can be slowed by limiting the production of mitochondrial ROS and by increasing the production of antioxidants, both of which can be generated in the sperm cell itself or in the surrounding somatic tissues of the male and female reproductive tracts. However, few studies have compared the separate contributions of ROS production and ROS scavenging to sperm aging, or to cellular aging in general. We measured reproductive fitness in two lines of Drosophila melanogaster genetically engineered to (1) produce fewer ROS via expression of alternative oxidase (AOX), an alternative respiratory pathway; or (2) scavenge fewer ROS due to a loss-of-function mutation in the antioxidant gene dj-1β. Wild-type females mated to AOX males had increased fecundity and longer fertility durations, consistent with slower aging in AOX sperm. Contrary to expectations, fitness was not reduced in wild-type females mated to dj-1β males. Fecundity and fertility duration were increased in AOX and decreased in dj-1β females, indicating that female ROS levels may affect aging rates in stored sperm and/or eggs. Finally, we found evidence that accelerated aging in dj-1β sperm may have selected for more frequent mating. Our results help to clarify the relative roles of ROS production and ROS scavenging in the male and female reproductive systems.


2021 ◽  
Vol 82 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sidra Perveen ◽  
Shalu Kumari ◽  
Himali Raj ◽  
Shahla Yasmin

Abstract Background Fluoride may induce oxidative stress and apoptosis. It may also lead to neurobehavioural defects including neuromuscular damage. The present study aimed to explore the effects of sub lethal concentrations of sodium fluoride (NaF) on the lifespan and climbing ability of Drosophila melanogaster. In total, 0.6 mg/L and 0.8 mg/L of NaF were selected as sublethal concentrations of NaF for the study. Lifespan was measured and climbing activity assay was performed. Results The study showed significant decrease in lifespan of flies treated with fluoride. With increasing age, significant reduction in climbing activity was observed in flies treated with sodium fluoride as compared to normal (control) flies. Flies treated with tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) and NaF showed increase in lifespan and climbing activity as compared to those treated with NaF only. Lipid peroxidation assay showed significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) values in the flies treated with NaF as compared to control. The MDA values decreased significantly in flies treated with tulsi mixed with NaF. Conclusions The results indicate that exposure to sub lethal concentration of NaF may cause oxidative stress and affect the lifespan and climbing activity of D. melanogaster. Tulsi extract may help in reducing the impact of oxidative stress and toxicity caused by NaF.


Genetics ◽  
1974 ◽  
Vol 76 (2) ◽  
pp. 289-299
Author(s):  
Margaret McCarron ◽  
William Gelbart ◽  
Arthur Chovnick

ABSTRACT A convenient method is described for the intracistronic mapping of genetic sites responsible for electrophoretic variation of a specific protein in Drosophila melanogaster. A number of wild-type isoalleles of the rosy locus have been isolated which are associated with the production of electrophoretically distinguishable xanthine dehydrogenases. Large-scale recombination experiments were carried out involving null enzyme mutants induced on electrophoretically distinct wild-type isoalleles, the genetic basis for which is followed as a nonselective marker in the cross. Additionally, a large-scale recombination experiment was carried out involving null enzyme rosy mutants induced on the same wild-type isoallele. Examination of the electrophoretic character of crossover and convertant products recovered from the latter experiment revealed that all exhibited the same parental electrophoretic character. In addition to documenting the stability of the xanthine dehydrogenase electrophoretic character, this observation argues against a special mutagenesis hypothesis to explain conversions resulting from allele recombination studies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Biz R. Turnell ◽  
Luisa Kumpitsch ◽  
Anne-Cécile Ribou ◽  
Klaus Reinhardt

Abstract Objective Sperm ageing has major evolutionary implications but has received comparatively little attention. Ageing in sperm and other cells is driven largely by oxidative damage from reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by the mitochondria. Rates of organismal ageing differ across species and are theorized to be linked to somatic ROS levels. However, it is unknown whether sperm ageing rates are correlated with organismal ageing rates. Here, we investigate this question by comparing sperm ROS production in four lines of Drosophila melanogaster that have previously been shown to differ in somatic mitochondrial ROS production, including two commonly used wild-type lines and two lines with genetic modifications standardly used in ageing research. Results Somatic ROS production was previously shown to be lower in wild-type Oregon-R than in wild-type Dahomey flies; decreased by the expression of alternative oxidase (AOX), a protein that shortens the electron transport chain; and increased by a loss-of-function mutation in dj-1β, a gene involved in ROS scavenging. Contrary to predictions, we found no differences among these four lines in the rate of sperm ROS production. We discuss the implications of our results, the limitations of our study, and possible directions for future research.


Genetics ◽  
1973 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 429-434
Author(s):  
J James Donady ◽  
R L Seecof ◽  
M A Fox

ABSTRACT Drosophila melanogaster embryos that lacked ribosomal DNA were obtained from appropriate crosses. Cells were taken from such embryos before overt differentiation took place and were cultured in vitro. These cells differentiated into neurons and myocytes with the same success as did wild-type controls. Therefore, ribosomal RNA synthesis is not necessary for the differentiation of neurons and myocytes in vitro.


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