Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tanos Celmar Costa Franca, Jorge Alberto Valle da Silva, Marcelo Carneiro dos Santos, Samir Frontino de Almeida Cavalcante, Kamil Kuca
Summary: The Near Attack Conformation (NAC) approach emphasizes the importance of optimal conditions for substrate atom organization and positioning in enzyme-catalyzed reactions. This approach has been successfully applied to investigate the reactivation mechanism of acetylcholinesterase inhibited by nerve agents, providing a better understanding of this mechanism and consistent corroboration with experimental data. This article summarizes the achievements so far and outlines future perspectives.
CHEMICO-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Toxicology
Christina M. Post, Jason R. Myers, Bethany Winans, B. Paige Lawrence
Summary: Developmental exposure to an AHR-binding chemical can have lasting effects on the function of antiviral CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). Diminished DNA methylation, initiated by developmental AHR activation, contributes to reduced polyfunctionality and altered transcriptional program of CD8+ T cells. However, increasing DNA methylation restores function and boosts the number of virus-specific CD8+ T cells. These findings suggest that the deleterious consequences of developmental exposure to environmental chemicals are not permanent and could potentially be improved through interventions.
TOXICOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Philip T. Lange, Blossom Damania
Summary: EBV is a common pathogen that causes significant lymphoma burden worldwide. In the treatment of EBV-driven lymphoma, targeting the purinergic signaling pathway may be a promising immunotherapeutic target.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Congyi Zhao, Yaxu Zhao, Lianqi Wang, Ke Lu, Wei Guo, Xiong Lu, Faming Gao
Summary: A highly sensitive electrochemical acetylcholinesterase (AChE) biosensor based on three-dimensional alpha-Fe2O3 nanoflowers decorated with Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) and carbon nanotube (CNTs) was developed for the detection of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs). The alpha-Fe2O3 nanoflowers provided an excellent microenvironment for AChE loading and increased the contact specific surface area. The addition of AuNPs and CNTs further enhanced the conductivity of the nanocomposites. The biosensor exhibited a favorable linear relationship with the logarithm of the concentration of omethoate and showed good repeatability, stability, and practicality.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Gilnei Bruno da Silva, Daiane Manica, Alana Patricia da Silva, Greicy Cristine Kosvoski, Marceli Hanauer, Charles Elias Assmann, Julia Leao Batista Simoes, Micheli Mainardi Pillat, Jessica Dotto de Lara, Filomena Marafon, Amanda Gollo Bertollo, Maiqueli E. D. Mingoti, Jullye Gavioli, Gislaine Zilli Reus, Gabriela Goncalves de Oliveira, Zuleide Maria Ignacio, Margarete Dulce Bagatini
Summary: This study investigated the changes in purinergic signaling and immune response in COVID-19 patients. The results showed altered purinergic signaling in both moderate and severe cases, including increased ATP hydrolysis in platelets and PBMCs, as well as significantly elevated ADP and AMP hydrolysis. The study also observed increased expression of CD39 and CD73 in total leukocytes, along with higher extracellular ATP levels in both groups. Additionally, moderate and severe cases exhibited elevated levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17. These findings provide valuable insights into the changes in purinergic signaling and immune response in COVID-19, highlighting the therapeutic potential of the purinergic system as a target for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 disease.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR MEDICINE-JMM
(2022)
Article
Biology
Karine Masse, Surinder Bhamra, Christian Paroissin, Lilly Maneta-Peyret, Eric Boue-GrabotO, Elizabeth A. Jones
Summary: Enpp4 plays a crucial role in kidney development in Xenopus, with its overexpression leading to abnormalities in kidney tissues and occasional complete duplication. It is essential for the expression of pronephric markers and regulates the expression of RA, Notch, and Wnt pathway members during nephrogenesis.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Toxicology
Anja Kodila, Nina Franko, Marija Sollner Dolenc
Summary: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a known endocrine disruptor found in many consumer products. Due to safety concerns, industry has started using new BPA analogues, which have similar properties but are less studied. Some BPA analogues have been shown to cause endocrine disruption, with effects on various nuclear receptors. The European Food Safety Authority has reduced the tolerable daily intake of BPA, leading to a comprehensive review of the immunomodulatory activity of BPA analogues, which suggests that they can impact the immune system and contribute to immune-mediated conditions.
ARCHIVES OF TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sergio Pandolfi, Salvatore Chirumbolo, Giovanni Ricevuti, Luigi Valdenassi, Geir Bjorklund, Roman Lysiuk, Monica Daniela Dosa, Larysa Lenchyk, Serafino Fazio
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on mankind, especially in Italy. Through post-mortem autopsies, immune-thrombosis of the lungs was identified as the major pathogenesis of COVID-19. Early anti-inflammatory therapy may be effective in treating endothelial inflammation and immune-thrombosis caused by COVID-19.
BASIC & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Marta Vuerich, Na Wang, Ahmadreza Kalbasi, Jonathon J. Graham, Maria Serena Longhi
Summary: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by hypergammaglobulinemia, presence of serum autoantibodies, and histological features of interface hepatitis. Corticosteroids, azathioprine, and other immunosuppressants are the main therapeutic options, but withdrawal of immunosuppression may lead to disease relapse. Understanding the pathogenesis of AIH is crucial for developing more effective treatments.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Unni C. Nygaard, Emilie S. Ulriksen, Hege Hjertholm, Friederike Sonnet, Anette K. Bolling, Monica Andreassen, Trine Husoy, Hubert Dirven
Summary: This study investigated the associations between exposure to DEHP and DiNP phthalates and functional immune cell profiles. The results suggest that exposure to these phthalates may stimulate subsets of innate immune cells and suppress adaptive immune cell subsets. High-dimensional single cell analysis of human samples shows promise in answering toxicological questions regarding health effects of environmental exposures.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Almudena Crooke, Irene Martinez-Alberquilla, Maria Garcia-Montero, Laura Rico-del-Viejo, Javier Ruiz-Alcocer, David Madrid-Costa
Summary: Inflammatory process is crucial in frailty syndrome, and long-term contact lens wear can lead to changes in gene expression related to inflammation in middle-aged individuals. Clinical examination may not be effective in detecting inflammation in contact lens wearers.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
N. J. Carruthers, C. Guo, R. Gill, P. M. Stemmer, A. J. Rosenspire
Summary: Epidemiological studies have found a correlation between exposure to mercury and autoimmune disease, however, the mechanism is still unknown. This report focuses on how mercury intoxication affects phosphorylation of B cell proteins in antigen-non stimulated mouse splenic B cells. It was found that the effects were pleotropic and the B cell signaling pathway appeared to be most affected, possibly leading to systemic autoimmunity.
TOXICOLOGY AND APPLIED PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Elizabeth H. Zhong, Carola Ledderose, Paola De Andrade Mello, Keiichi Enjyoji, Justin Mark Lunderberg, Wolfgang Junger, Simon C. Robson
Summary: This study demonstrates the synergistic effects of ectoenzymes such as CD39 and CD73 in reducing inflammatory responses, suggesting that these bifunctional enzymes could serve as therapeutic agents in inflammatory diseases.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-CELL PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Balaraman Kalyanaraman
Summary: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is commonly used as an antioxidant and scavenger of reactive oxygen species in cancer biology and immuno-oncology. It is frequently employed in studies involving tumor cells, immune cells, and preclinical mouse xenografts. The use of fluorescent probes helps in detecting intracellular superoxide or hydrogen peroxide, which are important signaling molecules in tumor microenvironment. Understanding the mechanism of antioxidants is crucial for interpretation of results and further understanding of redox-regulated signaling in tumor biology.
Article
Neurosciences
Claire E. Stelly, Kasey S. Girven, Merridee J. Lefner, Kaitlyn M. Fonzi, Matthew J. Wanat
Summary: The study found regional differences in cue-evoked dopamine signals during training, but they did not reflect reward rate in the early training sessions. Pharmacological experiments showed that dopamine-sensitive conditioned responses emerged in the NAc core before the medial NAc shell.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Fernando Lopez Alvez, Natalia Pontes Bona, Nathalia Stark Pedra, Daniel Schuch da Silva, Wilson Joao Cunico, Francieli Moro Stefanello, Cinthia Melazzo de Andrade, Mayara Sandrielly Pereira Soares, Roselia Maria Spanevello
Summary: The study investigated the effect of DS27 on lipopolysaccharide-treated astrocytes. The findings showed that DS27 can reverse cellular damage induced by LPS and improve neuroinflammation.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bianca Fagan Bissacotti, Priscila Marquezan Copetti, Nathieli Bianchin Bottari, Samanta da Silva Gundel, Alencar Kolinski Machado, Michele Rorato Sagrillo, Aline Ferreira Ourique, Vera Maria Melchiors Morsch, Aleksandro Schafer da Silva
Summary: Curcumin is an active polyphenol substance with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and it has potential in protecting against brain diseases. However, its low bioavailability and difficulty in crossing the blood-brain barrier limit its use. This study aimed to determine safe concentrations and provide a basis for studying injuries in the central nervous system.
DRUG AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Bernardo de Moraes Meine, Thais Scolari Franceschi, Natalia Pontes Bona, Luiza Spohr, Nathalia Stark Pedra, Roselia Maria Spanevello, Mayara Sandrielly Soares de Aguiar, Francieli Moro Stefanello
Summary: This study investigated the effects of chronic administration of methionine and its metabolite methionine sulfoxide on oxidative damage in the brain, liver, and kidney of young mice. The results showed that these substances increased reactive oxygen species and lipoperoxidation levels, while reducing antioxidant enzyme activities. Furthermore, they also affected the liver and kidney functions. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of hypermethioninemia.
METABOLIC BRAIN DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Gilnei Bruno da Silva, Milena Ayumi Yamauchi, Margarete Dulce Bagatini
Summary: Oxidative stress is related to the pathogenesis of several immunological diseases, including HT. This article hypothesizes possible mechanisms linking oxidative stress to autoimmunity and discusses therapeutic proposals for HT.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Felipe Tecchio Borsoi, Beatriz da Silva Rosa Bonadiman, Filomena Marafon, Doralice Lobato de Oliveira Fischer, Margarete Dulce Bagatini, Aniela Pinto Kempka
Summary: This study investigated the phytochemical composition, cytotoxic potential, antitumoral activity, and inhibitory effect on alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase of extracts from seeds and pulp of Pitanga fruits. The extracts contained salicylic acid, protocatechuic acid, gallic acid, and myricitrin, with ellagic acid and p-coumaric acid additionally found in the pulp extract. The seed extract showed antitumoral activity against melanoma-type tumor cells and inhibited alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. Pitanga extracts exhibit biological activities.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Roberta Eduarda Grolli, Amanda Gollo Bertollo, Joao Paulo Behenck, Laura de Araujo Borba, Marcos Eduardo Plissari, Silvio Jose Batista Soares, Aline Manica, Larissa da Silva Joaquim, Fabricia Petronilho, Joao Quevedo, Margarete Dulce Bagatini, Gislaine Zilli Reus, Zuleide Maria Ignacio
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of chronic mild stress on depressive-like behaviors, oxidative stress, and inflammation in rats, as well as the possible antidepressant, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of quetiapine. The results showed that chronic stress increased depressive-like behaviors, while quetiapine significantly reduced these behaviors. Chronic stress also increased MPO activity and IL-6 levels in the serum of rats, which were both significantly reduced by quetiapine.
NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERGS ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luiza Spohr, Mayara Sandrielly Soares de Aguiar, Natalia Pontes Bona, Karina Pereira Luduvico, Amalia Goncalves Alves, William Borges Domingues, Eduardo Bierhals Blodorn, Cristiani Folharini Bortolatto, Cesar Augusto Bruning, Vinicius Farias Campos, Francieli Moro Stefanello, Roselia Maria Spanevello
Summary: This study found that blueberry extract improved depression-like behavior and attenuated neurochemical and molecular changes in the brains of mice challenged with LPS.
NEUROCHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Graciela M. Heidrich, Vinicius M. Neves, Naiara Stefanello, Vanessa V. Miron, Thauan F. Lopes, Sindy R. Krzyzaniak, Paola de A. Mello, Maria Rosa C. Schetinger, Dirce Pozebon, Valderi L. Dressler
Summary: Adult Wistar rats were exposed to lanthanum oxide nanoparticles (La(2)O(3)NPs) at different doses. Histological analysis revealed that higher doses of La2O3-NPs caused hepatic lesions in rats. However, the La2O3-NPs did not affect body weight, organ weight, and blood serum parameters. Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) were found in the kidneys of rats treated with high dose of La2O3-NPs. Lanthanum was detected in organs but not in the blood.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Analytical
Valderi Luiz Dressler
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gilnei Bruno da Silva, Daiane Manica, Alana Patricia da Silva, Filomena Marafon, Marcelo Moreno, Margarete Dulce Bagatini
Summary: This study aimed to explore the effect of the phenolic compound rosmarinic acid (RA) on human metastatic melanoma cells. The results showed that RA significantly reduces melanoma cell viability and migration, with no cytotoxic effect on non-tumoral cells. Moreover, RA decreases intracellular and extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and increases antioxidant defenders. The study also found that RA modulates apoptosis-related gene expression. Overall, RA may have potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of metastatic melanoma.
CHEMICO-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Taiane de Azevedo Cardoso, Ritele H. Silva, Jessica L. Fernandes, Camila O. Arent, Graziela Amboni, Laura A. Borba, Alex Paulo Z. Padilha, Maria Eduarda M. Botelho, Amanda L. Maciel, Tatiana Barichello, Rodrigo Morales, Silvia Jose B. Soares, Margarete D. Bagatini, Claudia Dallagnol, Marta Elisa Brighenti, Zuleide Maria Ignacio, Joao Quevedo, Luciane B. Ceretta, Gislaine Z. Reus
Summary: This study investigates the influence of COVID-19 infection on mental health and finds that individuals with COVID-19 show greater severity of depressive symptoms, higher levels of stress, and greater C-reactive protein (CRP) than those without COVID-19. There is a positive correlation between stress and severity of anxiety, depression, and insomnia in individuals with or without COVID-19. CRP levels are associated with the severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms, as well as stress levels, in individuals with COVID-19.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Amanda Gollo Bertollo, Georgia de Carvalho Braga, Paula Teresinha Tonin, Adriana Remiao Luzardo, Margarete Dulce Bagatini, Zuleide Maria Ignacio
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has had severe impacts, including symptoms, hospitalizations, deaths, and stress caused by fear of the disease, social uncertainties, restriction measures, and social isolation. The stress from social isolation has negatively affected mental health, worsening existing conditions and triggering neuropsychiatric symptoms in vulnerable individuals.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
R. O. Leite, P. O. de Souza, C. B. Haas, F. da Silveira, K. R. Mohr, A. P. S. Bertoni, M. S. Soares, J. H. Azambuja, M. Dal Pra, L. L. P. da Cruz, N. E. Gelsleichter, K. Begnini, G. Hasko, M. R. Wink, R. M. Spanevello, E. Braganhol
Summary: Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated inflammatory response to infection. Purinergic signaling, mediated by purines such as ATP and adenosine, plays a crucial role in the immune and inflammatory responses during sepsis. Sepsis disrupts the balance of ATP and adenosine levels, leading to dysregulation of immune responses. The measurement of serum levels and activities of purinergic pathway markers may serve as potential biomarkers for sepsis diagnosis and treatment.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Gustavo Rossato Bitencourt, Fabio Andrei Duarte, Valderi Luiz Dressler, Rodrigo Cordeiro Bolzan, Erico Marlon de Moraes Flores, Paola Azevedo Mello
Summary: A single method was developed for the determination of As and Hg in dietary supplements using CVG-MIP OES and MSIS. The optimized MSIS setup improved the detection limit for As and Hg, making it suitable for the limit set by the United States Pharmacopeia.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL ATOMIC SPECTROMETRY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Natalia Pontes Bona, Mayara Sandrielly Soares de Aguiar, Luiza Spohr, Nathalia Stark Pedra, Francieli da Silva dos Santos, Juliane Torchelsen Saraiva, Fernando Lopez Alvez, Bernardo de Moraes Meine, Vania Recart, Ingrid Vicente Farias, Caroline Flach Ortmann, Roselia Maria Spanevello, Flavio Henrique Reginatto, Francieli Moro Stefanello
Summary: The extract and enriched flavonoid fraction from Cecropia pachystachya demonstrate neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in a model of LPS-induced neuroinflammation, making them potential therapeutic targets for managing neurodegenerative diseases.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)