scholarly journals Integrated Biomarker Response for Environmental Assessment Using the Gastropod Phorcus turbinatus along the Northern and the Northeastern Coasts of Tunisia

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 529
Author(s):  
Wafa Boulajfene ◽  
Montassar Lasram ◽  
Sabiha Zouari-Tlig
Keyword(s):  
Condition Factor ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Biological Response ◽  
Temporal Variations ◽  
Chemical Pollution ◽  
Glutathione S Transferase ◽  
Biological Responses ◽  
Biomarker Response ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
Bio Monitoring

This work aims to assess the spatial and temporal variations of four biomarkers activities and to integrate their biological responses in a battery using the gastropod Phorcus turbinatus. The monitoring was carried out during the period between April 2014 and January 2015 at six stations along the northern and the northeastern coasts of Tunisia. The Fulton condition factor was estimated and the activities of catalase, acetylcholinesterase and glutathione-S-transferase were evaluated by spectrophotometry. A multi-biomarker battery approach was used to assess ecosystems’ condition and to identify environmental impacts on the organisms. The results suggest that the enzymatic activities of CAT and GST depend especially on seasons. As for AChE activity, it was similar between seasons and stations. The values of the integrated biological response were maximal at Jarzouna in summer and at Sidi Daoued in winter, indicating the presence of severe stressors suffered by the organisms. This perturbation may be due to the enrichment of the waters by xenobiotics, namely polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, insecticides, phosphate wastes, PCBs and pesticides. Thus, P. turbinatus seems to be a good bioindicator of chemical pollution, constituting an adequate tool for a bio-monitoring program.

scholarly journals Integrated biomarker response index using a Neotropical fish to assess the water quality in agricultural areas

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 153-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Eduardo Delfino Vieira ◽  
Mayara da Silva Almeida ◽  
Bruno Ambrssio Galindo ◽  
Lindalva Pereira ◽  
Claudia Bueno dos Reis Martinez
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Activity ◽  
Forest Fragment ◽  
Dna Breaks ◽  
Glutathione S Transferase ◽  
Neotropical Fish ◽  
Integrated Biomarker Response ◽  
Biological Responses ◽  
Biomarker Response ◽  
Dna Strand ◽  
Agricultural Areas

Aquatic ecosystems in areas with intense agricultural activity are subject to pesticide contamination, which may compromise the health of the fish. In order to verify the quality of the water and the possible effects of pesticides on fish, a method that combines different biomarker responses into an index named "integrated biomarker response" (IBR) was applied using the biological alterations in the Neotropical fish Astyanax altiparanae. Fish were maintained in situ at five sites along a stream that runs in an agricultural area and in a stream within a forest fragment, considered a reference site. After seven days of exposure the following alterations were observed in fish confined at experimental sites: increased activity of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) and increase in the content of reduced glutathione (GSH) in liver and gills, reduction of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the brain and muscle, increase in the occurrence of DNA strand breaks and in the frequency of micronuclei (MN) and nuclear abnormalities (ENA) in erythrocytes. The IBR highlighted three sites as the most affected, as the animals confined at these sites showed greater variations in biological responses. The biomarkers most important for the IBR results were GST, AChE, DNA breaks and ENA.

scholarly journals Simultaneous Monitoring of Particle-Bound PAHs Inside a Low-Energy School Building and Outdoors over Two Weeks in France

Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 108
Author(s):  
Céline Liaud ◽  
Sarah Chouvenc ◽  
Stéphane Le Calvé
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Sampling Period ◽  
Temporal Variations ◽  
Ventilation Rate ◽  
Low Energy ◽  
Total Particle ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
Individual Pahs

The emergence of new super-insulated buildings to reduce energy consumption can lead to a degradation of the indoor air quality. While some studies were carried out to assess the air quality in these super-insulated buildings, they were usually focused on the measurement of gas phase pollutants such as carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds. This work reports the first measurements of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with particles as a function of time and particle size in a low-energy building. The airborne particles were collected indoors and outdoors over three to four days of sampling using two three-stage cascade impactors allowing to sample simultaneously particles with aerodynamic diameter Dae > 10 µm, 2.5 µm < Dae < 10 µm, 1 µm < Dae < 2.5 µm, and Dae < 1 µm. The 16 US-EPA priority PAHs were then extracted and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to fluorescence detection. The resulting total particle concentrations were low, in the ranges 3.73 to 9.66 and 0.60 to 8.83 µg m-3 for indoors and outdoors, respectively. Thirteen PAHs were always detected in all the samples. The total PAH concentrations varied between 290 and 415 pg m−3 depending on the particle size, the environment (indoors or outdoors) and the sampling period considered. More interestingly, the temporal variations of individual PAHs highlighted that high molecular weight PAHs were mainly associated to the finest particles and some of them exhibited similar temporal behaviors, suggesting a common emission source. The indoor-to-outdoor concentration ratios of individual PAH were usually found close to or less than 1, except during the event combining rainy conditions and limited indoor ventilation rate.

scholarly journals Mediation of interleukin-11-dependent biological responses by a soluble form of the interleukin-11 receptor

1996 ◽  
Vol 318 (2) ◽  
pp. 489-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia KAROW ◽  
Keith R. HUDSON ◽  
Mark A. HALL ◽  
Ann B. VERNALLIS ◽  
Jacky A. TAYLOR ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Effects ◽  
Biological Response ◽  
Cytoplasmic Domain ◽  
Soluble Form ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Biological Responses ◽  
Interleukin 11 ◽  
Biological Actions ◽  
In Cells

Interleukin-11 (IL-11) is a polyfunctional cytokine whose biological actions require a specific IL-11 receptor (IL-11R) and the transmembrane transducer gp130. Here we report the production of a soluble form of the murine IL-11R and demonstrate that it interacts with IL-11 ligand with high affinity. The affinity of IL-11 alone for gp130 is below the level of detection, but a complex of IL-11 and soluble IL-11R interacts with gp130 with high affinity. The addition of soluble IL-11R potentiates the effects of exogenous IL-11 in cells that are normally responsive to IL-11. A biological response to IL-11 can be reconstituted in BAF cells transfected with gp130 by addition of IL-11 and soluble IL-11R. These findings show that the cytoplasmic domain of the IL-11R is not required for the biological effects of IL-11 and that a complex of IL-11 and IL-11R mediates signalling by association with gp130.

Assessment of the pyrogenic pollution of the soil-plant system on the base of geochemical markers for a local model of transport pressure

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-86
Author(s):  
A.P. Khaustov ◽  
◽  
M.M. Redina ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Traffic ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Forest Park ◽  
Plant System ◽  
Local Pollution ◽  
Sources Of Pollution ◽  
Functional Zones ◽  
Integral Characteristics ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
Geochemical Markers

The choice of informative indicators for local estimates of the transport pressure on urban soil-plant systems is a serious problem of preserving green spaces. The spatial variations of the characteristics of the flows of marker compounds (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) acting as geochemical markers), the integral characteristics of the toxicity of soil pollutants, roots and aerial parts of plants TEQ, as well as the values of indicator ratios based on the concentrations of PAHs in the media are considered. The object of local research is the RUDN University campus (Moscow, Russia) with an adjacent forest park area. The territory is located in the zone of influence of heavy traffic flows and is experiencing an intense load from emissions. The state of the territory is monitored at 33 points according to a unique monitoring program. Pollution indicators showed different informativeness for constructing transport pressure models. Various modes of pollution in 3 functional zones of the territory are revealed; the zones of influence of the main sources of pollution are justified. The indicator ratios confirmed the leading source of pollution –pyrogenic emissions of transport, but they are to varying degrees sensitive to the activity of local pollution sources. Priority routes of PAH intake and accumulation in the components of the soil and plant system were identified. For the first time, a correlation between a number of ratios and indicators of polyarene contamination toxicity (TEQ) was established.

scholarly journals Individual multi-locus heterozygosity is associated with lower morning plasma cortisol concentrations

2013 ◽  
Vol 169 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lina Zgaga ◽  
Veronique Vitart ◽  
Caroline Hayward ◽  
Darko Kastelan ◽  
Ozren Polašek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Microsatellite Markers ◽  
Psychological Stress ◽  
Plasma Cortisol ◽  
Allostatic Load ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Biological Response ◽  
Biological Responses ◽  
Likert Score ◽  
Morning Cortisol

ObjectiveStress is implicated as a risk factor for numerous illnesses in humans, putatively in part mediated by biological responses to stress, such as elevated cortisol concentrations. The theory of genetic homoeostasis suggests that individual heterozygosity facilitates compensation for environmental stresses. We hypothesized that heterozygosity ameliorates the biological response to a given level of perceived stress, reflected in lower plasma cortisol concentrations.DesignWe examined the role of heterozygosity in the association between perceived psychological stress and morning cortisol concentrations in 854 individuals from the isolated island of Vis, Croatia.MethodsCortisol concentrations were measured in morning plasma samples. A total of 1184 autosomal microsatellite markers were genotyped and individual multi-locus heterozygosity (MLH) was calculated as the proportion of heterozygous markers. The General Health Questionnaire with 30 items (GHQ-30) was used to assess the degree of psychological distress.ResultsMean MLH was 34.85±0.45% (range: 31.97–36.22%). Psychological distress (GHQ Likert score >31) was more prevalent in women (37 vs 18% in men, P<0.0001), in less educated people (β=−0.35 per year in school, P<0.001) and in lower socio-economic classes (β=−3.59, P<0.0001). Cortisol concentrations were positively associated with psychological distress (β=2.20, P=0.01). In a regression model adjusted for age, BMI, education and GHQ-30 score, MLH was independently and inversely associated with morning plasma cortisol concentrations (P=0.005).ConclusionMore heterozygous individuals, as measured by microsatellite markers, had lower morning plasma cortisol concentrations for a given level of perceived psychological stress. This may be important, as higher cortisol concentrations may increase the allostatic load and be associated with a higher risk of stress-related illness.

scholarly journals Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in PM2.5 and PM2.5–10 in Urumqi, China: Temporal Variations, Health Risk, and Sources

Atmosphere ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suwubinuer Rekefu ◽  
Dilinuer Talifu ◽  
Bo Gao ◽  
Yusan Turap ◽  
Mailikezhati Maihemuti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Coal Combustion ◽  
Temporal Variations ◽  
Diagnostic Ratios ◽  
Positive Matrix ◽  
Increasing Trend ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
The Mean

PM2.5 and PM2.5–10 samples were simultaneously collected in Urumqi from January to December 2011, and 14 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined. The mean concentrations of total PAHs in PM2.5 and PM2.5–10 were 20.90~844.22 ng m−3 and 19.65~176.5 ng m−3 respectively, with the highest in winter and the lowest in summer. Above 80% of PAHs were enriched in PM2.5, which showed remarkable seasonal variations compared to coarse particles. High molecular weight (HMW) PAHs were predominant in PM2.5 (46.61~85.13%), whereas the proportions of lower molecular weight (LMW) and HMW PAHs in PM2.5–10 showed a decreasing and an increasing trend, respectively, from spring to winter. The estimated concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene equivalent carcinogenic potency (BaPeq) in PM2.5 (10.49~84.52 ng m−3) were higher than that of in PM2.5–10 (1.15~13.33 ng m−3) except in summer. The estimated value of inhalation cancer risk in PM2.5 and PM2.5–10 were 1.63 × 10−4~7.35 × 10−3 and 9.94 × 10−5~1.16 × 10−3, respectively, far exceeding the health-based guideline level of 10−4. Diagnostic ratios and positive matrix factorization results demonstrated that PAHs in PM2.5 and PM2.5–10 were from similar sources, such as coal combustion, biomass burning, coking, and petroleum combustion, respectively. Coal combustion was the most important source for PAHs both in PM2.5 and PM2.5–10, accounting for 54.20% and 50.29%, respectively.

scholarly journals TFEB activates Nrf2 by repressing its E3 ubiquitin ligase DCAF11 and promoting phosphorylation of p62

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jee-Yun Park ◽  
Sunhyo Kim ◽  
Hee Young Sohn ◽  
Young Ho Koh ◽  
Chulman Jo
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Ubiquitin Ligase ◽  
E3 Ubiquitin Ligase ◽  
Biological Response ◽  
Related Factor ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Nuclear Factor ◽  
Glutathione S Transferase ◽  
First Time ◽  
Cellular Stressors

Abstract Transcriptional factor EB (TFEB) and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) play crucial roles in the biological response against cellular stressors; however, their relationship has not yet been investigated. Here, we constructed human neuroglioma cell lines stably expressing TFEB. The expression of Nrf2-response genes, including heme oxygenase (HO)-1, glutathione-s-transferase-mu1 (GSTM1), and p62, was induced in the cell line, independent of oxidative stress. Of note, the protein level of Nrf2 was significantly increased, and its ubiquitinated fraction was reduced in stable cells compared to that in the control cells. Among E3 ubiquitin ligases known to be involved in the ubiquitination of Nrf2, DDB1 and Cullin4 associated factor 11 (DCAF11) was down-regulated at both protein and mRNA levels in stable cells, indicating that the repression of DCAF11 by TFEB may be mainly involved in the stabilization of Nrf2. In addition, the level of phosphorylated p62 at S349 was highly increased in stable cells compared to that in control cells, which could allow it to interfere with the association of Keap1 and Nrf2, thus stabilizing Nrf2. We suggest for the first time that TFEB could activate Nrf2 by increasing its stability under conditions devoid of oxidative stress.

scholarly journals Targeting of the Pilosebaceous Follicle by Liquid Crystal Nanocarriers: In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of the Entrapped Minoxidil

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 1127
Author(s):  
Massimo Fresta ◽  
Antonia Mancuso ◽  
Maria Chiara Cristiano ◽  
Konrad Urbanek ◽  
Felisa Cilurzo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Crystal ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Biological Response ◽  
Response Duration ◽  
Topical Administration ◽  
Active Compounds ◽  
Biological Responses ◽  
Negative Surface

The topical administration of active compounds represents an advantageous strategy to reach the various skin components as well as its appendages. Pilosebaceous follicles are skin appendages originating in the deeper skin layers. They are very difficult to target, and hence higher active dosages are generally required to achieve effective biological responses, thus favoring the rise of side effects. The aim of this work was to design a supramolecular colloidal carrier, i.e., a liquid crystal nanocarrier, for the selective delivery of active compounds into the pilosebaceous follicle. This nanocarrier showed mean sizes of ~80 nm, a good stability, a negative surface charge, and great safety properties. In vitro studies highlighted its ability to contain and release different substances and to successfully permeate the skin. Minoxidil was encapsulated in the nanocarriers and the in vivo biological effect was compared with a conventional dosage form. Minoxidil-loaded liquid crystal nanocarrier was able to selectively reach the pilosebaceous follicle, thus allowing an increased biological effectiveness of the delivered active in terms of biological response, duration of the biological effects, and reduction of collaterals. Our investigation showed that liquid crystal nanocarriers represent a promising device for the treatment of different pilosebaceous follicular impairments/diseases.

scholarly journals GSH Modification as a Marker for Plasma Source and Biological Response Comparison to Plasma Treatment

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 2025 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pietro Ranieri ◽  
Hager Mohamed ◽  
Brayden Myers ◽  
Leah Dobossy ◽  
Keely Beyries ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Time ◽  
Surface Display ◽  
Chemical Species ◽  
Biological Response ◽  
Cell Surface Display ◽  
Cellular Responses ◽  
Mitochondrial Activity ◽  
Plasma Parameters ◽  
Plasma Sources ◽  
Biological Responses

This study investigated the use of glutathione as a marker to establish a correlation between plasma parameters and the resultant liquid chemistry from two distinct sources to predefined biological outcomes. Two different plasma sources were operated at parameters that resulted in similar biological responses: cell viability, mitochondrial activity, and the cell surface display of calreticulin. Specific glutathione modifications appeared to be associated with biological responses elicited by plasma. These modifications were more pronounced with increased treatment time for the European Cooperation in Science and Technology Reference Microplasma Jet (COST-Jet) and increased frequency for the dielectric barrier discharge and were correlated with more potent biological responses. No correlations were found when cells or glutathione were exposed to exogenously added long-lived species alone. This implied that short-lived species and other plasma components were required for the induction of cellular responses, as well as glutathione modifications. These results showed that comparisons of medical plasma sources could not rely on measurements of long-lived chemical species; rather, modifications of biomolecules (such as glutathione) might be better predictors of cellular responses to plasma exposure.

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