Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zahra Niavarani, Daniel Breite, Andrea Prager, Isabell Thomas, Mathias Kuehnert, Bernd Abel, Roger Glaeser, Agnes Schulze
Summary: Composite microfiltration polyethersulfone membranes with molecularly imprinted particles (MIPs) were developed for efficient and selective adsorption of 17β-estradiol from water. The membranes exhibited significant adsorption loading and high selectivity for 17β-estradiol, even in the presence of other micropollutants. The membranes also showed excellent reusability and a maximum adsorption capacity more than 200 times higher than commercial nanofiltration.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jun-Seong Ahn, Chang-Hyun Jang
Summary: An LC-based aptasensor has been developed to detect 17 beta-estradiol (E2) at picomolar levels by utilizing competitive reactions and interfacial events. The aptasensor changes the optical response of liquid crystals (LCs) through electrostatic interactions with a cationic surfactant (CTAB) and the aptamer. The conformational change of the aptamer due to binding with E2 weakens the electrostatic attraction, resulting in a dark optical image. The E2 sensor showed a detection limit of 3.1 pM in TBS and 6.8 pM in human urine, demonstrating high sensitivity and selectivity without the need for complex analysis equipment.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jasmine Fusi, Maria Cristina Veronesi, Alberto Prandi, Monica Probo, Massimo Faustini, Tanja Peric
Summary: This study investigated the changes in sexual hormones in dogs during puberty using hair and nail samples to analyze the concentrations of testosterone (T), 17 beta-estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P4). Traditional methods using blood samples are not suitable for long-term studies, but hair and nails have been identified as suitable retrospective biological specimens. The results showed significant increases in T levels in male dogs and E2 levels at puberty and P4 levels after puberty in female dogs. Hair and nail T and nail P4 concentrations could differentiate between male and female dogs at specific sampling times. This study demonstrates the usefulness of hair and nails as biological specimens for studying the changes in T, E2, and P4 during the peripubertal period in dogs.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jasmine Fusi, Tanja Peric, Monica Probo, Roberta Bucci, Massimo Faustini, Maria Cristina Veronesi
Summary: This study aimed to verify the feasibility of using fur, claws, and dewclaws to measure 17-beta-estradiol and testosterone concentrations in postpubertal cats during the breeding season. Both fur and claws were shown to be suitable for measuring sexual hormones, and the levels of these hormones could be distinguished between male and female cats using these materials.
Article
Microbiology
Ze Wang, Mingming Chen, Na Liu, Yongkang Zhao, Jintao Ru, Chuanyu Qin, Tingdi Zhang
Summary: In this study, the metabolic mechanisms of testosterone and 17β-estradiol were compared by transcriptome analysis in C. testosteroni JLU460ET for the first time. The results showed that both substrates induced similar upregulated genes, but the induction level was higher for testosterone. A 100 kb steroid-degrading gene cluster and its associated genes were also revealed by transcriptome analysis.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Carsten Uhd Nielsen, Maria Pedersen, Stefanie Muller, Thea Kaestel, Maria Bjerg, Nithiya Ulaganathan, Salli Nielsen, Krestine Lundgaard Carlsen, Martha Kampp Nohr, Rene Holm
Summary: The study found that 17-alpha-ethinyl-estradiol and 17-beta-estradiol can inhibit the intestinal absorption of proline and taurine mediated by PAT1 without major effects on other solute carriers; this inhibition can reduce the maximal uptake capacity of PAT1 and potentially affect the absorption of PAT1 substrates in vivo.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Marie-Jose Boueid, Oceane El-Hage, Michael Schumacher, Cindy Degerny, Marcel Tawk
Summary: This article summarizes the research on the regulatory signals of estrogens in the nervous system, focusing on the importance of estrogen receptors in neural development. Estrogens play a fundamental role in the development of the central and peripheral nervous systems, making the study of estrogen receptors in neural function an increasingly important area of research. Zebrafish, with its conserved structure of estrogen receptors and response to estrogens, provides an interesting model for dissecting the role of estrogens in the nervous system.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yudong Yin, Li Sun, Lixin Sheng, Liqiong Zhang, Jingjing Liu, Xiaoan Wen, Weibin Mo, Quande Wang, Keguang Cheng
Summary: To discover more effective and less toxic drugs in anti-tumor field, the backbone structure of 17/?-estradiol was modified and 11 target compounds were synthesized. Compounds 5 and 10 showed better anti-tumor activity and higher selectivity, inducing apoptosis in MCF-7 cells and binding to estradiol receptor alpha. They also upregulated the expression of apoptosis-related factors and downregulated anti-apoptotic factors, indicating the induction of cell death through both endogenous and exogenous pathways.
CHEMICO-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sara T. Granados, Ramon Latorre, Yolima P. Torres
Summary: BK channels are composed of alpha and beta subunits, with changes in membrane cholesterol content affecting channel activation and the modulatory effect of E2 on channel activity.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jesus Pablo Garcia-Cambero, Cristina Corpa, Miguel Angel Lucena, Paloma Mendez, Pilar Sierra, David Galan-Madruga, Sonia Aguayo
Summary: This study analyzed and monitored DCF, E2, and EE2 in the Manzanares River in Madrid, Spain. It found that while E2 and EE2 levels were within reported ranges, DCF levels were higher. Zebrafish embryos exposed to the river water showed lethal and sublethal effects, but these were not primarily attributed to the levels of DCF, E2, and EE2 present in the river.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Huamei Yue, Huan Ye, Rui Ruan, Hao Du, Qiwei Wei, Chuangju Li
Summary: This study reveals the positive feedback regulation of Smad signaling by estradiol in the ovaries of endangered sturgeon species Acipenser dabyanus, and also identifies the widespread expression of R-smad signaling factors in multiple tissues.
AQUACULTURE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Chang Gyun Park, Chang Seon Ryu, Baeckkyoung Sung, Andreas Manz, Hyunjoon Kong, Young Jun Kim
Summary: In recent years, there have been efforts to develop in vitro platforms that mimic fish livers in order to better understand the effects of toxicants on aquatic vertebrates. Fish liver cell lines have emerged as a promising culture system in these platforms, as they complement existing in vitro tools and adhere to the 3Rs principles of animal testing. However, monolayer cell lines have shown lower transcriptional and physiological responses to toxic chemicals compared to freshly isolated primary cells. To overcome this challenge, a three-dimensional (3D) spheroid-based in vitro platform was utilized, which showed enhanced regulation of liver cells compared to monolayer cells. This platform was examined using the zebrafish liver (ZFL) cell line as a model system, and the 3D ZFL spheroids demonstrated increased synthesis of vitellogenin (Vtg) when treated with estrogenic chemicals. Transcriptome sequencing analysis confirmed that the 3D ZFL spheroids had greater transcriptional regulation of genes related to reproductive toxicological response and liver functions compared to monolayer cells. These findings contribute to the development of novel 3D in vitro platforms for screening harmful chemicals and improving understanding of liver toxicity mechanisms.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Zahra Hajializadeh, Mohammad Khaksari
Summary: Cardiac hypertrophy (CH) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, leading to heart failure. Sex differences in CH may be caused by sex hormones or their receptors, with the incidence increasing in postmenopausal women due to the decrease in female sex hormone 17-beta estradiol (E2). E2 and its receptors inhibit CH, while Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) plays a crucial role in biological processes and has a protective effect against CH.
HEART FAILURE REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ibrahim Khan, Kamran Saeed, Min Gi Jo, Myeong Ok Kim
Summary: The study demonstrated that glutamate-induced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in rat brain could be alleviated by E2 through upregulating antioxidant pathways and deactivating stress kinases. Additionally, E2 also protected against synaptic loss and apoptotic neurodegeneration caused by glutamate exposure. Thus, E2 shows potential as a neuroprotective and neurotherapeutic agent in various neurodegenerative diseases.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Haibiao Lin, Dan Liu, Li Deng, Jun Yan, Liqiao Han, Min Zhan, Pengwei Zhang, Jianbing Wang, Min He, Qiaoxuan Zhang, Xianzhang Huang
Summary: We developed and evaluated two-level serum-based reference materials (RMs) for measuring 17 beta-estradiol (17 beta-E2). These RMs were extracted from the remaining serum samples after routine clinical tests, and were developed to improve clinical routine testing and provide traceable results. This paper discusses the development process of these RMs.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Chiara Salvesi, Stefania Silvi, Dennis Fiorini, Serena Scortichini, Gianni Sagratini, Francesco A. Palermo, Renato De Leone, Nadaniela Egidi, Lorella Fatone, Carlo Cifani, Amedeo Amedei, Francesca Scocchera, Mara Morici, Beatrice Gatto, Fausto Mannucci, Valerio Valeriani, Marco Malavasi, Sara Servili, Andrea Casula, Andrea Cresci, Ivano Corradetti, Francesco Carpi, Matteo Picciolini, Maria Magdalena Coman, Maria Cristina Verdenelli
Summary: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a probiotic diet on the well-being of healthy seniors in Italy. The results showed that the probiotic group had a higher level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HsCRP) and an increase in beneficial bacteria and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) compared to the placebo group. These findings indicate that a diet enriched with Synbio (R) can have a positive impact on the intestinal microbiota and promote healthy aging.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Carsten Krieg, Lukas M. Weber, Bruno Fosso, Marinella Marzano, Gary Hardiman, Monica M. Olcina, Enric Domingo, Sahar El Aidy, Khalil Mallah, Mark D. Robinson, Silvia Guglietta
Summary: The dysregulation of complement anaphylatoxin C3a receptor (C3aR) in subsets of patients with CRC affects immune responses, the development of CRC, and response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Downregulation of C3ar1 in human CRC promotes a tumor microenvironment characterized by the accumulation of innate and adaptive immune cells supporting antitumor immunity. Lack of C3a in the colon activates a microbiota-mediated proinflammatory program promoting the development of tumors responsive to ICB therapy.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alix McDaid, Eoghan M. Cunningham, Andrew Crump, Gary Hardiman, Gareth Arnott
Summary: Microplastics pose a threat to marine biodiversity, but their impact on animal cognition and behavior remains unclear. A study on common European hermit crabs found that females exposed to microplastics were more likely to choose high-quality shells compared to control females. Additionally, females exhibited longer initial contact and startle durations compared to males. The study highlights the importance of investigating the effects of microplastics and gender differences on behavior when under predatory threat.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Thomas Cahill, Willian Abraham da Silveira, Ludivine Renaud, Hao Wang, Tucker Williamson, Dongjun Chung, Sherine Chan, Ian Overton, Gary Hardiman
Summary: The development of innovative radio-protective countermeasures for long-term space travel, particularly aiming at manned mission to Mars, is becoming increasingly important. This study investigated the use of induced torpor in zebrafish as a model for studying the effects of radiation exposure. Transcriptomic and behavioural analyses revealed the effects of radiation on lipid metabolism, wound healing, immune response, and fibrogenic pathways, while induced torpor reduced metabolism and increased DNA repair pathways. Comparison with other hibernating animals and space-flown mice showed conserved responses and shared changes in gene expression.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Stefano Ratti, Matteo Zarantoniello, Giulia Chemello, Miriam Giammarino, Francesco Alessandro Palermo, Paolo Cocci, Gilberto Mosconi, Maria Vittoria Tignani, Giulia Pascon, Gloriana Cardinaletti, Deborah Pacetti, Ancuta Nartea, Giuliana Parisi, Paola Riolo, Alessia Belloni, Ike Olivotto
Summary: To promote sustainability in aquaculture, the black soldier fly is being considered as an alternative ingredient for aquafeed formulation. This study proposes the use of spirulina to enrich the biomass of black soldier fly prepupae in terms of fatty acids and antioxidants. The obtained prepupae meal was used as a replacer of unsustainable marine-derived ingredients in rainbow trout diets, with no negative effects on fish health and marketable characteristics.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paolo Cocci, Gilberto Mosconi, Francesco Alessandro Palermo
Summary: This study evaluated the accumulation patterns of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in common cuttlefish and explored their effects on gene expression and developmental processes. The results showed that PAH levels were higher in egg capsules compared to chorion membranes, and PAHs were also found in perivitellin fluid. Embryos with high PAH concentrations exhibited increased expression of homeobox genes, particularly ARX. The upregulation of homeobox genes may be related to the activation of AhR and ER signaling pathways by PAHs.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuxuan Liang, Xiaoyi Wei, Rui Ren, Xuebin Zhang, Xiyao Tang, Jinglan Yang, Xiaoqun Wei, Riming Huang, Gary Hardiman, Yuanming Sun, Hong Wang
Summary: This study investigates the anti-constipation effects of daylily from various perspectives including gastro-intestinal transit, defecation parameters, short-chain organic acids, gut microbiome, transcriptomes, and network pharmacology. The results indicate that dried daylily (DHC) intake promotes defecation frequency in mice and alters the composition of gut microbiota. Transcriptomics analysis reveals differentially expressed genes enriched in the olfactory transduction pathway. Integration of transcriptomes and network pharmacology identifies overlapping targets related to the anti-constipation effects of DHC.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Zachary Boswell, Jacopo Umberto Verga, James Mackle, Karen Guerrero-Vazquez, Olivier P. Thomas, James Cray, Bethany J. Wolf, Yeun-Mun Choo, Peter Croot, Mark Hamann, Gary Hardiman
Summary: The urgent need to control SARS-CoV-2 has led to a reassessment of methods for identifying and developing natural product inhibitors for highly virulent and rapidly emerging viruses. Currently, there are no approved broad-spectrum antivirals for beta-coronaviruses. Marine natural product small molecules have shown inhibitory activity against viral species. Molecular docking simulations, augmented by metaheuristic optimization and machine learning, can help generate hits from a virtual library to narrow down screens for novel targets against coronaviruses. In this review, we explore current insights and techniques for generating broad-spectrum antivirals against betacoronaviruses using in-silico optimization and machine learning.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2023)
Article
Water Resources
Jacopo U. Verga, Costanzo Padovano, Willian A. da Silveira, E. Starr Hazard, Anne P. Nugent, Christopher T. Elliott, Oliana Carnevali, Roberta Galeazzi, Gary Hardiman
Summary: This study explores the molecular interactions between Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and Estrogen Receptors (ERs) through molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Gene expression and pathway analysis reveal overlapping effects between AFB1 and synthetic estrogen ethinylestradiol (EE2). Protein-protein interaction network analysis shows the involvement of ER-mediated signaling pathways in the mechanism of action of aflatoxins.
EXPOSURE AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Thomas Cahill, Sherine Chan, Ian M. Overton, Gary Hardiman
Summary: The utilization of synthetic torpor for interplanetary travel is now considered feasible due to the protective effects of torpor-induced hypothermia against radiation and microgravity hazards. In a study using zebrafish, induced hypothermia and exposure to low-dose radiation resulted in an upregulation of inflammatory and immune responses, as well as a downregulation of DNA repair processes. Hypothermia also led to increased mitochondrial translation and downregulation of extracellular matrix and developmental genes.
Article
Microbiology
Chiara Salvesi, Stefania Silvi, Dennis Fiorini, Laura Alessandroni, Gianni Sagratini, Francesco Alessandro Palermo, Renato De Leone, Nadaniela Egidi, Carlo Cifani, Maria Vittoria Micioni Di Bonaventura, Amedeo Amedei, Elena Niccolai, Francesca Scocchera, Fausto Mannucci, Valerio Valeriani, Marco Malavasi, Sara Servili, Andrea Casula, Andrea Cresci, Ivano Corradetti, Maria Magdalena Coman, M. Cristina Verdenelli
Summary: The PROBIOSENIOR project investigated the effects of a six-month supplementation of probiotic functional foods and nutraceuticals on inflammatory markers and nutritional status in elderly volunteers. The results showed that the supplementation significantly decreased circulating levels of TNF-alpha, increased levels of IGF-1, and improved nutritional status. It also had a modulating effect on cytokine levels, reducing IL-6, IL-8, and MIP-1 alpha. Overall, the project demonstrated the potential of SYNBIO(R) supplementation in positively influencing nutrition and inflammation in the elderly.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Roisin Coyle, Matthew Service, Ursula Witte, Gary Hardiman, Jennifer McKinley
Summary: This research evaluates drag models for calculating the settling velocity of microplastics (mPs) and identifies three models that accurately predict their settling velocity. An explicit model is recommended for implementing in mP transport models. The study finds that the settling velocity of mPs does not significantly vary over time and depth, and it is independent of the initial particle velocity. These findings contribute to understanding the vertical transport of mPs in the ocean and their availability for uptake into the marine ecosystem.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rose M. Griffith, James W. E. Dickey, Hannah M. Williams, Jack V. Johnson, Gary Hardiman, Jaimie T. A. Dick
Summary: There is limited understanding of the disruption of microplastic pollution to biological communities and the ecosystem services they provide. This study found that microplastics did not affect the feeding rate of Gammarus species at environmentally relevant concentrations, indicating sustainability of ecosystem services. However, at higher concentrations, the feeding rate of the native species was significantly reduced, while the invasive species remained unaffected.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Ruben Tovar, Marialuisa de Ceglia, Massimo Ubaldi, Miguel Rodriguez-Pozo, Laura Soverchia, Carlo Cifani, Gema Rojo, Ana Gavito, Laura Hernandez-Folgado, Nadine Jagerovic, Roberto Ciccocioppo, Elena Baixeras, Fernando Rodriguez de Fonseca, Juan Decara
Summary: Acylethanolamides (NAEs) are bioactive lipids derived from diet fatty acids that regulate important homeostatic functions. Linoleoylethanolamide (LEA), one of the most abundant NAEs, was found to be elevated in overweight individuals and correlated with circulating cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Treatment of obese rats with LEA resulted in weight loss, reduced levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, and inflammatory markers, as well as enhanced expression of genes related to lipid metabolism in the liver. Although LEA did not reverse liver steatosis, it showed potential as a nutrient supplement for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
Article
Oncology
Manjunath Siddappa, Shahid Hussain, Sajad A. Wani, Jason White, Hancong Tang, Jaimie S. Gray, Hedieh Jafari, Hsu-Chang Wu, Mark D. Long, Isra Elhussin, Balasubramanyam Karanam, Honghe Wang, Rebecca Morgan, Gary Hardiman, Isaacson B. Adelani, Solomon O. Rotimi, Adam R. Murphy, Larisa Nonn, Melissa B. Davis, Rick A. Kittles, Chanita Hughes Halbert, Lara E. Sucheston-Campbell, Clayton Yates, Moray J. Campbell
Summary: African American prostate cancer is associated with vitamin D3 deficiency, and VDR genomic actions play a significant role in this context. The study found that nonmalignant AA prostate cells exhibited the highest protein content in the VDR complex, and had increased chromatin accessibility and enhancer-enriched VDR cistrome in response to 1,25(OH)2D3. However, these VDR functions were disrupted in AA prostate cancer cells due to reduced expression of the chromatin remodeler BAZ1A. The clinical impact of VDR cistrome-transcriptome relationships was also demonstrated in African American patients with prostate cancer. Rating: 8/10.
CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Xiaomeng Li, Charles Brighton Ndandala, Qi Zhou, Chunyan Huang, Guangli Li, Huapu Chen
Summary: This study investigated the role of estrogen receptors (ERs) in vitellogenesis (Vtgs) regulation in pompano fish. The findings suggest that E2 may regulate the expression of different subtypes of vtg through ERs, displaying a compensatory expression effect on the regulation of ers and vtgs. This provides a theoretical basis for further research on reproductive endocrinology in pompano fish.
GENERAL AND COMPARATIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Norio Kansaku, Takeshi Ohkubo
Summary: Endocrine changes during bird reproduction, particularly the relationship between prolactin and incubation behavior, were investigated. The study monitored the physiological status and incubation behavior of Silkie hens over 1-2 years. The results showed that most mature hens exhibited incubation behavior multiple times, and there was a noticeable increase in nest occupancy 7-10 days before incubation onset. Protein analysis revealed that secreted prolactin during the reproductive cycle contains various isoforms, suggesting post-translational modifications like glycosylation and phosphorylation.
GENERAL AND COMPARATIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Minghui Li, Lina Sun, Linyan Zhou, Deshou Wang
Summary: This article summarizes the importance of the Nile tilapia as an excellent animal model for studying reproductive endocrinology in fish, with a focus on the crucial role of estrogen in female development.
GENERAL AND COMPARATIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Breanna N. Harris, Carolyn M. Bauer, James A. Carr, Caitlin R. Gabor, Jennifer L. Grindstaff, Caleigh Guoynes, Jennifer J. Heppner, Cris C. Ledon-Rettig, Patricia C. Lopes, Sharon E. Lynn, Carla B. Madelaire, Lorin A. Neuman-Lee, Maria G. Palacios, Paul Soto, Jennifer Terry
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on academics, particularly on those with minoritized identities or who were early career, caregivers, or had intersecting identities. The pandemic altered the impact factors of academia, including scholarly products, and affected the way individuals could respond. It is predicted that the pandemic will have long-term impacts on the population dynamics, composition, and landscape of the academic ecosystem. The number of journal submissions decreased, especially among women authors, and the pandemic heavily impacted women authors from Asia and the Middle East.
GENERAL AND COMPARATIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2024)