Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aleksandra Mitric, Immacolata Castellano
Summary: GGT is an enzyme located on the outer membrane of the cells and plays a key role in regulating glutathione metabolism. It is upregulated in inflammatory conditions and various human tumors, and is involved in physiological disorders related to oxidative stress. This review focuses on the structure and function of human GGT, and discusses its potential as a target for drugs to alleviate oxidative stress-related diseases. The development of new GGT inhibitors and their potential clinical use is also discussed. GGT is considered a potential moonlighting protein due to its pleiotropic activities and evolved functions.
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Takehiro Ito, Naoko Ohkama-Ohtsu
Summary: GSH is an essential thiol for plants, but its degradation has not been fully elucidated, limiting our understanding of plant life. Recent studies have shown that GSH is degraded by cytosolic enzymes or after conjugation with other molecules. This highlights the need to reassess previous assumptions and provide a novel overview of the plant GSH degradation pathway. This review aims to summarize current understanding of GSH/glutathione conjugate degradation and lay a foundation for future studies.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Nao Sukeda, Hidetsugu Fujigaki, Tatsuya Ando, Honomi Ando, Yasuko Yamamoto, Kuniaki Saito
Summary: Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic drug used for treating malignant tumors, but nephrotoxicity is a dose-limiting factor. The study identified 2',4',6'-trihydroxyacetophenone (THA) as an inhibitor of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. THA pretreatment can effectively alleviate cisplatin-induced kidney damage.
MOLECULAR CANCER THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Eshita Sharma, Milan Kumar Lal, Arvind Gulati, Ashu Gulati
Summary: An extracellular gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) from Bacillus altitudinis IHB B1644 was purified using ion-exchange chromatography, and it was composed of two subunits of 40 and 22 kDa determined by SDS-PAGE. The enzyme showed optimal activity at pH 9 and 37 degrees C, and it was stable in a pH range of 5-10 and below 50 degrees C. The enzyme exhibited highest affinity for L-methionine and serine or threonine and tryptophan residues were found to be essential for its activity. The production of L-theanine was optimized by a one-variable-at-a-time approach with a conversion rate of 60-65%.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hironobu Nishijima, Matthew J. Zunitch, Masafumi Yoshida, Kenji Kondo, Tatsuya Yamasoba, James E. Schwob, Eric H. Holbrook
Summary: This study identified two fluorescence probes that can rapidly detect and evaluate the entire extent of mice OE. These probes can be used to monitor OE degeneration and the regenerative response to therapeutic interventions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yohei Kondo, Yutaro Saito, Abdelazim Elsayed Elhelaly, Fuminori Hyodo, Tatsuya Nishihara, Marino Itoda, Hiroshi Nonaka, Masayuki Matsuo, Shinsuke Sando
Summary: Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) is an emerging method for acquiring metabolic and physiological information in vivo. The development of a deuterated probe, gamma-Glu-[1-C-13]Gly-d(2), has been shown to extend the lifetime of hyperpolarized signals. By evaluating enzymatic conversion and magnetic properties, this study confirms the effectiveness of gamma-Glu-[1-C-13]Gly as a DNP NMR molecular probe for detecting GGT activity in serum.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jingxin Fu, Likang Lu, Manzhen Li, Yaoyao Guo, Meihua Han, Yifei Guo, Xiangtao Wang
Summary: A novel nanoparticle drug delivery system was developed for the targeted treatment of GGT-positive cervical cancer, which achieved good tumor accumulation and improved anti-tumor efficacy through GGT-triggered charge reversal.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Paul N. Brennan, John F. Dillon, Elliot B. Tapper
Summary: Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase plays important roles in antioxidant defense, xenobiotic metabolism, and prediction of mortality across various diseases. It is sensitive for diagnosing liver injury but lacks specificity, and has been widely used for monitoring and research purposes.
LIVER INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Syed Muhammad Usama, Fuyuki Inagaki, Hisataka Kobayashi, Martin J. Schnermann
Summary: A new class of fluorogenic probes, CyBams, based on the heptamethine cyanine scaffold, exhibit exceptional turn-ON ratios due to dual requirements for NIR emission. These probes have the potential to extend the reach of fluorogenic strategies to intact tissue and live animal imaging applications.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Sumeera Sidiq, Ravi Ranjan Kumar, Neelima D. Passi, D. K. Dhawan, Jaya Shukla, B. R. Mittal, Vijayta D. Chadha
Summary: The study demonstrated that [Tc-99m]Tc-GSH has a high radiochemical yield and good binding capability in HT 29 colon cancer cell line, while showing no toxicity to the cells. Both in vitro and in vivo results suggest that the radiocomplex has tumor delineating features and selectivity for colon tumor.
JOURNAL OF RADIOANALYTICAL AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hui Wang, Xiaoting Zhang, Ping Li, Fang Huang, Tiancong Xiu, Hongtong Wang, Wei Zhang, Wen Zhang, Bo Tang
Summary: Atherosclerosis, a disease driven by lipoproteins, lacks effective therapy for reversal. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a noninvasive and reliable early detection approach to prevent plaque formation.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Paige J. Kies, Neal D. Hammer
Summary: Sulfur metabolism must be coordinated between host and colonizing bacteria to meet cellular demands. The host environment provides a rich source of sulfur metabolites, which play crucial roles in important physiological processes. Pathogens and symbionts have evolved multiple mechanisms to exploit sulfur reservoirs. However, the diversity of sulfur sources and regulatory systems creates challenges for understanding bacterial sulfur metabolism in response to the host.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Weiting Liao, Yu Yang, Huazhen Yang, Yuanyuan Qu, Huan Song, Qiu Li
Summary: The study found a positive association between serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) level and pancreatic cancer risk. Each one standard deviation increase in GGT level was associated with a 14% higher risk of pancreatic cancer. The highest GGT group had a 1.68-fold increased risk compared to the lowest GGT group, and this association was observed in both men (GGT≥50.2 U/L) and women (GGT≥31.6 U/L).
Article
Biophysics
Kai Wang, Xu-Yang Chen, Bo Zhang, Ying Yue, Xiao-Lin Wen, Yang Yang, Yu-Shun Yang, Hai-Liang Zhu, Hong-Ji Liu, Ai-Guo Zhang
Summary: In this study, Near-infrared imaging and medicinal treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were achieved using the KYZ-GGT probe, which allowed for monitoring the GGT level. The KYZ-GGT probe showed stable imaging capability in cellular, xenograft, and induced HCC models.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Maria Salinas, Emilio Flores, Maite Lopez-Garrigos, Rosa Carbonell, Carlos Leiva-Salinas
Summary: The study indicates that the use of GGT levels as a screening test for liver function remains controversial. By implementing a DM intervention, the measurement of GGT redundantly requested with ALP in primary care was successfully reduced. Although the number of measured GGT increased slightly during the study period, it began to decrease in October 2019.
CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Luana M. Manosso, Anderson Camargo, Alcir L. Dafre, Ana Lucia S. Rodrigues
Summary: Vitamin E has been found to play a role in the prevention and/or treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) by modulating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. This narrative review presents evidence from clinical and preclinical studies showing the relationship between low vitamin E status and MDD symptoms. More research is needed to determine the efficacy of vitamin E for alleviating depressive symptoms.
NUTRITIONAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Anderson Camargo, Ana Clara N. C. Torra, Ana Paula Dalmagro, Ana Paula Valverde, Bruna R. Kouba, Daiane B. Fraga, Eloise C. Alves, Ana Lucia S. Rodrigues
Summary: Ketamine enhances resilience against stress-induced depressive-like behavior and has prophylactic effects against depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors. AZD6765, a low-trapping NMDA receptor antagonist, does not show the same prophylactic efficacy as ketamine. Ketamine prevents stress-induced depressive-like behavior and anxiety-related self-grooming alterations, possibly through its effect on 4E-BP1-related synaptic protein synthesis.
PROGRESS IN NEURO-PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bruna R. Kouba, Anderson Camargo, Joana Gil-Mohapel, Ana Lucia S. Rodrigues
Summary: Major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders are common and disabling conditions. Symptoms of depression and anxiety often overlap, making diagnosis and treatment challenging. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of these disorders, and vitamin D has potential antidepressant and anxiolytic effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Anderson Camargo, Ana Lucia S. Rodrigues
Summary: This article reviews the recent findings on the ability of guanosine to produce rapid-acting antidepressant-like effects and provides an overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying its antidepressant actions. The neurobiological mechanisms underlying guanosine's ability to enhance the antidepressant effects elicited by ketamine are also discussed. This review opens new perspectives for the use of guanosine alone or in combination with ketamine for the management of treatment-resistant depression.
PHARMACOLOGY BIOCHEMISTRY AND BEHAVIOR
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristine De Paula Nascimento-Castro, Elisa C. Winkelmann-Duarte, Gianni Mancini, Priscilla Gomes Welter, Evelini Placido, Marcelo Farina, Joana Gil-Mohapel, Ana Lucia S. Rodrigues, Andreza Fabro de Bem, Patricia S. Brocardo
Summary: Huntington's disease is a genetic neurodegenerative disease that affects motor, psychiatric, and cognitive functions. Recent evidence suggests that the emotional and cognitive deficits observed in patients with HD might be associated with hippocampal dysfunction. In this study using a HD mouse model, researchers found that mice in the late symptomatic stage exhibited depressive-like behavior and cognitive deficits. Additionally, they observed degenerative changes in the hippocampal dentate gyrus, including the presence of dark neurons and structural alterations in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus.
Review
Psychiatry
Anna Julie de Mello, Morgana Moretti, Ana Lucia S. Rodrigues
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with an increased prevalence of mental health disorders, particularly anxiety and depression. The pandemic has caused stress due to factors such as fear of infection, social isolation, difficulty in adapting to new routines, misinformation, and economic impact. COVID-19 patients have elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the virus may invade the central nervous system, potentially leading to neuroinflammatory alterations.
WORLD JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anderson Camargo, Luis E. B. Bettio, Priscila B. Rosa, Julia M. Rosa, Glorister A. Alte, Ana Lucia S. Rodrigues
Summary: This study reveals the antidepressant-like effect of Guanosine and the modulation of A(1)R and A(2A)R in its antidepressant action. Guanosine interacts with A(1)R and A(2A)R at the adenosine binding site.
PURINERGIC SIGNALLING
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
German Josuet Lapo-Talledo, Jorge Andres Talledo-Delgado, Diego Portalanza, Ana Lucia S. Rodrigues, Aline Siteneski
Summary: Suicide rates and choice of suicide method have increased in Ecuador after natural disasters such as earthquakes and the COVID-19 confinement. Hanging accounted for the majority of suicide cases in the country. The province most severely affected by the 2016 earthquake saw an increased suicide rate.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Bruna R. Kouba, Ana Clara N. C. Torra, Anderson Camargo, Ana Lucia S. Rodrigues
Summary: Vitamin D-3 has shown antidepressant-like responses in mice, possibly through increasing BDNF levels and synaptic protein synthesis.
METABOLIC BRAIN DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anderson Camargo, Ana P. Dalmagro, Glorister A. Alte, Ana Lucia B. Zeni, Carla I. Tasca, Ana Lucia S. Rodrigues
Summary: This study investigated the antidepressant-like and neuroprotective effects of guanosine and ketamine in mice and found that both substances showed protective effects against glutamate-induced damage. The combination of guanosine and ketamine exhibited enhanced antidepressant-like effects and increased glutamine synthetase activity and GLT-1 levels. The findings suggest that guanosine has potential as a treatment for depression and should be further studied.
CHEMICO-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Vanesa Soto-Leon, Eva Diez-Rodriguez, Salvador Herrera-Perez, Juliana M. Rosa, Juan Aguilar, Antonio Hernando, Carlota Bravo-Sanchez, Veronica Lopez-Gonzalez, Yolanda Perez-Borrego, Sven Bestmann, Antonio Oliviero
Summary: This study investigated the effects of transcranial static magnetic field stimulation (tSMS) on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) function. It found that tSMS can transiently modulate DLPFC function, specifically affecting inhibitory control and response selection. These findings suggest the potential use of tSMS for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.
CLINICAL NEUROPHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Saadia Zahid, Alcir L. L. Dafre, Antonio Currais, Jingting Yu, David Schubert, Pamela Maher
Summary: CMS121 has shown potential as a therapeutic option for metabolic disorders by protecting db/db mice from metabolic defects, reducing liver inflammation, and improving kidney damage markers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Bruna R. Kouba, Anderson Camargo, Ana Lucia S. Rodrigues
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is primarily caused by neuroinflammation, as evidenced by the co-localization of amyloid-beta plaques with activated glial cells and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines. Current pharmacological treatments are challenging, hence compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are being explored as potential therapies. Vitamin D, due to its neuroprotective effects and high prevalence of deficiency, has emerged as a promising candidate. This review highlights the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin D, and its potential effects on the neuroinflammatory process in Alzheimer's disease.
METABOLIC BRAIN DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Claudia Miguel-Quesada, Marta Zaforas, Salvador Herrera-Perez, Justin Lines, Elena Fernandez-Lopez, Elena Alonso-Calvino, Maria Ardaya, Federico N. Soria, Alfonso Araque, Juan Aguilar, Juliana M. Rosa
Summary: In this study, the researchers observed and manipulated the activity of astrocytes to investigate their role in sensory information processing at both circuit and behavioral levels. They found that astrocytes are able to control the dynamic range of cortical network activity, optimizing its responsiveness to sensory inputs. This astrocytic modulation of sensory processing helps to set the detection threshold for tactile and thermal behavior responses. The researchers also discovered that astrocytes achieve this control by modulating inhibitory transmission to adjust the gain and sensitivity of responding networks.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Radwa H. Lutfy, Sherine Abdel Salam, Haitham S. Mohammed, Marwa M. Shakweer, Amina E. Essawy
Summary: Insufficient sleep is associated with impaired hypothalamic activity and declined attentional performance. This study found that near-infrared (NIR) laser therapy can alleviate the effects of sleep deprivation on the hypothalamus, enhance antioxidant status, suppress neuroinflammation, and regulate cellular activity.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Durmus Ali Aslanlar, Emin Fatih Visneci, Mehmet Oz, K. Esra Nurullahoglu Atalik
Summary: Mood disorders caused by chemotherapy have become more important as cancer patients' survival increases. This study used methotrexate to induce mood disorders in rats and found that treatment with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can alleviate anxiety and depression-like behaviors, increase antioxidant capacity, reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response, and regulate brain chemistry. The findings suggest that NAC treatment could be an effective strategy in revising the treatment for individuals suffering from chemotherapy-induced mood disorders.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Yunfan Zhang, Yunbin Zhang, Zhuangfei Chen, Ping Ren, Yu Fu
Summary: This study systematically investigated the effects of extremely low intensity HF-rTMS on cognition in mice and found that 40 Hz rTMS significantly impaired exploratory behavior and spatial memory at both 10 mT and 1 mT conditions. Additionally, 40 Hz stimulation had remarkably different effects on exploratory behavior depending on intensity, compared to 10 Hz stimulation.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Xuan Xuan, Guangling Zheng, Wenjia Zhu, Qionghua Sun, Yawei Zeng, Juan Du, Xusheng Huang
Summary: This study examines the functional characteristics of the cerebellum in individuals with sALS and their correlation with clinical data. The results show changes in both local and global functional connectivity in the cerebellum of sALS patients, suggesting a pathophysiological role of the cerebellum in sALS.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Mehdi Rezaei, Mohammad Mahdi Shariat Bagheri
Summary: This study examined the efficacy of tDCS for PTSD and related symptoms, as well as the factors that may predict response to tDCS. The results showed that tDCS had a positive effect in reducing symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and anhedonia. The severity of symptoms at baseline may also predict the response to tDCS.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Huimin Wu, Yiqun Guo, Yaoyao Zhang, Le Zhao, Cheng Guo
Summary: Aggression can have serious consequences, but little is known about its personality and neurological origins in children. This study investigated the relationship between self-esteem, aggression, and brain structure in healthy children, and found that self-esteem was negatively associated with aggression. The study also revealed that increased cortical thickness in certain brain areas may be a potential mechanism linking low self-esteem to aggression in children.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Xinmei Deng, Kexin Chen, Xiaoming Chen, Lin Zhang, Mingping Lin, Xiaoqing Li, Qiufeng Gao
Summary: Parental involvement affects the relationship and communication between parents and adolescents. This study found that high parental involvement is associated with stronger brain-to-brain synchrony during shared positive emotional experiences, while low parental involvement is associated with stronger synchrony during shared negative emotional experiences.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Xin Deng, I. -Shuo Huang, Kourtlin Williams, Marcy L. Wainwright, Paul Zimba, Riccardo Mozzachiodi
Summary: Food deprivation can lead to neurological dysfunctions, including memory impairment. This study used Aplysia as an animal model to investigate the memory deficits caused by prolonged food deprivation. The results showed that 14 days of food deprivation decreased the level of 5-HT in the hemolymph, which contributed to the lack of sensitization and its cellular correlates. However, exogenous application of 5-HT partially induced sensitization in the food deprived animals.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Ihori Kobayashi, Patrick A. Forcelli
Summary: The study found that intervention with the dual orexin receptor antagonist suvorexant did not have the expected effects on extinction memory and sleep. Higher percentages of REM sleep were associated with poorer extinction memory recall and stronger fear responses. Additionally, the fear extinction training protocol used in this study did not lead to complete fear extinction.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Jiyan Xu, Xinlu Chen, Shuai Liu, Ziqi Wei, Minhui Xu, Linhao Jiang, Xue Han, Liangyu Peng, Xiaoping Gu, Tianjiao Xia
Summary: This study investigated the effects of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) on oxidative stress and cognitive function in postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) mice. The results showed that NMN pretreatment reduced oxidative stress damage and alleviated cognitive impairment in POCD mice.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Song Liu, Qiang Wu, Liyue Wang, Cong Xing, Junrui Guo, Baicao Li, Hongpeng Ma, Hao Zhong, Mi Zhou, Shibo Zhu, Rusen Zhu, Guangzhi Ning
Summary: In this study, a systematic assessment indicator was developed to objectively evaluate hindlimb motor function recovery in rats after thoracic contusion SCI. By screening CatWalk XT gait parameters and using exploratory factor analysis, 38 suitable parameters for assessing motor function were identified. A reliable Coordinated Function Index (CFI) was proposed based on these parameters and simplified for improved assessment efficacy.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Kyosuke Shiga, Shota Miyaguchi, Yasuto Inukai, Naofumi Otsuru, Hideaki Onishi
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) on microscale learning in implicit motor tasks. Contrary to expectations, the results showed that the stimulation protocol had no significant effects on microscale learning, revealing a novel aspect of microscale learning in implicit motor tasks.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Cahide Aslan, Rahime Aslankoc, Ozlem Ozmen, Buse Nur Suluk, Oguzhan Kavrik, Nurhan Gumral
Summary: This study examined the negative effects of high fructose corn syrup on prefrontal cortex damage in adolescent rats, as well as the protective role of vitamin D.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Matin Baghani, Arad Bolouri-Roudsari, Reyhaneh Askari, Abbas Haghparast
Summary: The study suggests that the orexinergic system in the dentate gyrus region of the brain may act as an endogenous pain control system and a potential target for treating stress-related disorders.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Sen Zhou, Yang Liu, Binbin Xue, Peigen Yuan
Summary: This study confirmed that low-dose Esketamine alleviates LPS-induced depressive symptoms by regulating the GSK-3 beta/NLRP3 pathway. Appropriate doses of Esketamine are essential for the treatment of depression in the clinical setting.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)