Diabetic nephropathy is a major cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal failure worldwide. Dapagliflozin Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor is a new class of diabetic ...medications prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The current study investigates the possible impact of dapagliflozin (DAPA) on inflammations, apoptosis, angiogenesis and fibrosis in early-stage diabetic nephropathy using a rat model of type 2 diabetes.
Rats were divided into five groups, group1: normal vehicle group, group 2: diabetic group, group 3: diabetic+ DAPA (0.75 mg/kg), group 4: diabetic+DAPA (1.5 mg/kg), group 5: diabetic+DAPA (3 mg/kg). At the end of the study, Blood glucose level was measured. Serum insulin, BUN, and SCr were measured. Insulin resistance was determined using the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. Renal tissue homogenization was done for assessment of inflammatory markers TNF-α, PEDF, and PTX-3, In addition to apoptosis markers BCL-2 and BAX. Histopathological examinations were done for tubular renal cells and immunohistochemical examination for fibrosis marker α-SMA and angiogenic factor VEGF.
Treatments with dapagliflozin showed improvements in histopathological examinations, inflammatory and apoptotic markers compared to diabetic vehicles in a dose-dependent manner.
Thus, dapagliflozin may have renoprotective effects, which be promising in diabetic patients suffered from nephropathy.
Due to industrialization and expansion of nanotechnology, ecosystem contamination by nanoparticles is likely. Overall, nanoparticles accumulate in environmental matrices and induce phytotoxicity, ...however future climate (elevated CO2 (eCO2)) may affect the distribution of nanoparticles in ecosystems and alter their impact on plants. In the current study, nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO-NPs) with an average diameter of 54 nm were synthesized by chemical pericipitation method using Triton X-100 and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-VIS spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). We have investigated the impact of NiO-NPs at a concentration of 120 mg kg−1 soil, selected based on the results of a preliminary experiment, on accumulation of Ni ions in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and how that could influence plant growth, photosynthesis and redox homeostasis under two CO2 scenarios, ambient (aCO2, 400 ppm) and eCO2 (620 ppm). NiO-NPs alone reduced whole plant growth, inhibited photosynthesis and increased the levels of antioxidants. However, improved defense system was not enough to lessen photorespiration induced H2O2 accumulation and oxidative damage (lipid and protein oxidation). Interestingly, eCO2 significantly mitigated the phytotoxicity of NiO-NPs. Although, eCO2 did not affect Ni accumulation and translocation in wheat, it promoted photosynthesis and inhibited photorespiration, resulting in reduced ROS production. Moreover, it further improved the antioxidant defense system and maintained ASC/DHA and GSH/GSSG redox balances. Organ specific responses to NiO-NPs and/or eCO2 were indicated and confirmed by cluster analysis. Overall, we suggest that wheat plants will be more tolerant to NiO-NPs stress under future climate CO2.
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•NiO-NPs alone induced severe growth retardation and oxidative damage in wheat.•eCO2 did not affect accumulation of Ni in wheat, but antagonized its phytotoxicity.•eCO2 promoted photosynthesis and mitigated growth reduction induced by NiO-NPs.•eCO2 reduced ROS induced cellular damage and maintained redox homeostasis.•ROS content were reduced both at the production and detoxification level.
Decolorization of the Mordant red 73 (MR73) azo dye in water was investigated in laboratory-scale experiments using UV/H(2)O(2) and photo-Fenton treatments. Photodegradation experiments were carried ...out in a stirred batch photoreactor equipped with a low-pressure mercury lamp as UV source at 254 nm. The effect of operating parameters such as pH, H(2)O(2)(,) dye and the presence of inorganic salts (NaNO(3), NaCl and Na(2)CO(3)) were also investigated. The results indicated that complete dye decolorization was obtained in less than 60 min under optimum conditions. Furthermore, results showed that dye degradation was dependent upon pH, H(2)O(2) and initial dye concentration. The presence of chloride ion led to large decreases in the photodegradation rate of MR73 while both nitrate and carbonate ions have a slight effect. The photo-Fenton treatment, in the presence of Fe powder as a source of Fe(2+) ions, was highly efficient and resulted in 99% decolorization of the dye in 15 min. Mineralization of MR73 dye was investigated by determining chemical oxygen demand (COD). In a 3h photoperiod "65%" of the dye was mineralized by the H(2)O(2)/UV process, while the photo-Fenton treatment was more efficient producing 85% mineralization over the same 3-h period.
The gut microbiota is considered a rich source for potential novel probiotics. Enterococcus genus is a normal component of a healthy gut microbiota, suggesting its vital role. Nosocomial infections ...caused mainly by E. facalis and E. faecium have been attributed to the plasticity of the Enterococcus genomes. In this study, we assessed the probiotic and safety characteristics of two E. lactis strains isolated from the human gut microbiota using in-vitro and in silico approaches. Additionally, the safety of the E. lactis species was evaluated using comparative genomics analysis. The two E. lactis strains 10NA and 50NA showed resistance to bile salts and acid tolerance with antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, and Clostridioides difficile. For safety assays, the two strains did not display any type of hemolysis on blood agar, and the survival of Caco-2 cells was not significantly different (P-value > 0.05) compared to the control using cell free supernatants at 100% (v/v), 50% (v/v), 10% (v/v), and 5% (v/v) concentrations. Regarding antibiotic susceptibility, both strains were sensitive to vancomycin, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol. Comprehensive whole-genome analysis revealed no concerning associations between virulence or antibiotic resistance genes and any of the identified mobile genetic elements. Comparative genome analysis with closely related E. faecium species genomes revealed the distinctive genomic safety of the E. lactis species. Our two E. lactis strains showed promising probiotic properties in-vitro. Their genomes were devoid of any transferable antibiotic resistance genes. In silico comparative analysis confirmed the safety of the E. lactis species. These results suggest that E. lactis species could be a potential source for safer Enterococcus probiotic supplements.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a major constraint for crop production in acid soils. Therefore, looking for sustainable solutions to increase plant tolerance to Al toxicity is needed. Although several ...studies addressed the potential utilization of silica or silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SNPs) to ameliorate heavy metal phytotoxicity, the exact mechanisms underlying SNPs-induced stress tolerance are still unknown. The current study investigated how SNPs could mitigate Al toxicity in maize plants grown on acidic soil. The impact of Al alone or in combination with SNPs on Al accumulation and detoxification, plant growth, photosynthetic C assimilation and redox homeostasis has been investigated. Al accumulation in stressed-maize organs reduced their growth, decreased photosynthesis related parameters and increased production of reactive oxygen species, through induced NADPH oxidase and photorespiration activities, and cell damage. These effects were more pronounced in roots than in leaves. SNPs ameliorated Al toxicity at growth, physiological and oxidative damage levels. Co-application of SNPs significantly reduced the activities of the photorespiratory enzymes and NADPH oxidase. It stimulated the antioxidant defense systems at enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate and glutathione peroxidases) and non-enzymatic (ascorbate, glutathione, polyphenols, flavonoids, tocopherols, and FRAP) levels. Moreover, SNPs increased organic acids accumulation and metal detoxification (i.e. glutathione-S-transferase activity) in roots, as a protective mechanism against Al toxicity. The SNPs induced-protective mechanisms was dependent on the applied Al concentration and acted in organ-specific manner. Overall, the current study suggests the promising application of SNPs as an innovative approach to mitigate Al phytotoxicity in acidic soils and provides a comprehensive view of the cellular and biochemical mechanisms underlying this mitigation capacity.
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•Aluminum (Al) reduced the growth and photosynthesis and induced oxidative stress in maize plants.•Nano-SiO2 (SNPs) did not affect Al accumulation but mitigated its phytotoxicity.•SNPs induced organic acid exudation by roots and metal detoxification activity.•SNPs reduced ROS production and improved ROS scavenging systems.•Maize responses to Al and SNPs were in a dose- and organ-specific manner.
To evaluate clinical, interferon and imaging predictors of progression from 'At Risk' to autoimmune connective tissue diseases (AI-CTDs).
A prospective observational study was conducted in At-Risk of ...AI-CTD (defined as antinuclear antibody (ANA) positive; ≤1 clinical systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) criterion; symptom duration <12 months and treatment-naïve). Bloods and skin biopsy (non-lesional) were analysed for two interferon-stimulated gene expression scores previously described (IFN-Score-A and IFN-Score-B). Forty-nine healthy controls (HCs) and 114 SLE were used as negative and positive controls. Musculoskeletal ultrasound was performed. Progression was defined by meeting classification criteria for AI-CTDs at 12 months.
118 individuals with 12-month follow-up were included. Of these, 19/118 (16%) progressed to AI-CTD (SLE=14, primary Sjogren's=5). At baseline, both IFN scores differed among At-Risk, HCs and SLE groups (p<0.001) and both were elevated in At-Risk who progressed to AI-CTD at 12 months versus non-progressors, to a greater extent for IFN-Score-B (fold difference (95% CI) 3.22 (1.74 to 5.95), p<0.001) than IFN-Score-A (2.94 (1.14 to 7.54); p=0.018). Progressors did not have significantly greater baseline clinical characteristics or ultrasound findings. Fold difference between At-Risk and HCs for IFN-Score-A was markedly greater in skin than blood. In multivariable logistic regression, only family history of autoimmune rheumatic disease, OR 8.2 (95% CI 1.58 to 42.53) and IFN-Score-B, 3.79 (1.50-9.58) increased the odds of progression.
A two-factor interferon score and family history predict progression from ANA positivity to AI-CTD. These interferon scores may allow stratification of individuals At-Risk of AI-CTD permitting early intervention for disease prevention and avoid irreversible organ damage.
Future climate CO2 (eCO2) and contamination with nano-sized heavy metals (HM-NPs) represent concurrent challenges threatening plants. The interaction between eCO2 and HM-NPs is rarely investigated, ...and no study has addressed their synchronous impact on the metabolism of the multifunctional stress-related metabolites, such as sugars and amino acids. Moreover, the characteristic responses of C3 and C4 plant systems to the concurrent impact of eCO2 and HM-NPs are poorly understood. Herein, we have assessed the impact of eCO2 (620 ppm) and/or HgO-NPs (100 mg/Kg soil) on growth, physiology and metabolism of sugars and amino acids, particularly proline, in C3 (wheat) and C4 (maize) plant systems. Under Hg-free conditions, eCO2 treatment markedly improved the growth and photosynthesis and induced sugars levels and metabolism (glucose, fructose, sucrose, starch, sucrose P synthase and starch synthase) in wheat (C3) only. In contrast, HgO-NPs induced the uptake, accumulation and translocation of Hg in wheat and to less extend in maize plants. Particularly in wheat, this induced significant decreases in growth and photosynthesis and increases in photorespiration, dark respiration and levels of tricarboxylic acid cycle organic acids. Interestingly, the co-application of eCO2 reduced the accumulation of Hg and recovered the HgO-NPs-induced effects on growth and metabolism in both plants. At stress defense level, HgO-NPs induced the accumulation of sucrose and proline, more in maize, via upregulation of sucrose P synthase, ornithine amino transferase, ∆1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) synthetase and P5C reductase. The co-existence of eCO2 favored reduced sucrose biosynthesis and induced proline catabolism, which provide high energy to resume plant growth. Overall, despite the difference in their response to eCO2 under normal conditions, eCO2 induced similar metabolic events in C3 and C4 plants under stressful conditions, which trigger stress recovery.
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•Under HgO-NPs free conditions, the biofertilization impact of eCO2 is only evident in wheat (C3).•HgO-NPs increased Hg uptake, accumulation and translocation in the tested plants.•Maize plants (C4) were more tolerant to HgO-NPs toxicity than wheat.•HgO-NPs induced the accumulation of sucrose and proline, more in maize.•Coexistence of eCO2 with HgO-NPs reduced sucrose biosynthesis and induced proline catabolism in both plants.
Accumulation of arsenic in plant tissues poses a substantial threat to global crop yields. The use of plant growth-promoting bacterial strains to mitigate heavy metal toxicity has been illustrated ...before. However, its potential to reduce plant arsenic uptake and toxicity has not been investigated to date. Here, we describe the identification and characterization of a Nocardiopsis lucentensis strain isolated from heavy metal contaminated soil. Inoculation with this bioactive actinomycete strain decreased arsenic root and shoot bioaccumulation in both C3 and C4 crop species namely barley and maize. Upon arsenate treatment, N. lucentensis S5 stimulated root citric acid production and the plant’s innate detoxification capacity in a species-specific manner. In addition, this specific strain promoted biomass gain, despite substantial tissue arsenic levels. Detoxification (metallothionein, phytochelatin, glutathione-S-transferase levels) was upregulated in arsenate-exposed shoot and roots, and this response was further enhanced upon S5 supplementation, particularly in barley and maize roots. Compared to barley, maize plants were more tolerant to arsenate-induced oxidative stress (less H2O2 and lipid peroxidation levels). However, barley plants invested more in antioxidative capacity induction (ascorbate-glutathione turnover) to mitigate arsenic oxidative stress, which was strongly enhanced by S5. We quantify and mechanistically discuss the physiological and biochemical basis of N. lucentensis-mediated plant biomass recovery on arsenate polluted soils. Our findings substantiate the potential applicability of a bactoremediation strategy to mitigate arsenic-induced yield loss in crops.
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•Nocardiopsis lucentensis was isolated from heavy metal polluted soil.•Compared to barley (C3), maize (C4) plants were more tolerant to arsenate (As) toxicity.•N. lucentensis fully restored (barley) and even enhanced (maize) plant biomass production.•Maize relies on citric acid-mediated soil As retention, which is induced by N. lucentensis.•In contrast, barley plants invested more in As detoxification and oxidative stress mitigation.
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A niosomal formula of acemetacin was developed to improve its tumor targeting and radio-kinetic evaluation was performed using 131I. Niosomes were prepared by ether injection method ...and characterized for particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), entrapment efficiency (EE%) and in vitro drug release. Factors affecting radiolabeling with 131I were studied and optimized. Radio-kinetic evaluation was done for 131I-ACM optimum niosomal formula by intravenous (I.V) administration to solid tumor bearing mice and compared to I.V 131I-ACM solution as a control. The average droplet size, zeta potential and in vitro release after 24 h for the optimum formula were 315.23 ± 5.37 nm, −9.16 ± 2.91 and 76 %, respectively. The greatest labeling yield of 131I-ACM was 93.1 ± 1.1 %. Radio-kinetic evaluation showed a maximum tumor uptake of 5.431 %ID/g for 131I-ACM niosomal formula and 2.601 %ID/g for 131I-ACM solution at 60 min post I.V. injection. As a conclusion, niosomal formula increased tumor uptake of ACM by passive targeting of the nanosized niosomes. In addition, chemotherapeutic effect of ACM and radiotherapeutic effect of 131I were successfully combined in one treatment regimen using 131I-ACM niosomes which could be used as a hopeful dual anticancer therapy.
This study performed the preparation of inorganic CsSnI
2
Cl Lead-free perovskite material with a great optical behavior that qualifies these materials for photoelectrode application. CsSnI
2
Cl is ...prepared through the casting adding the perovskite solution on porous CuO that previously prepared under the combustion of Cu-foil. Through short heating, the CsSnI
2
Cl/CuO/Cu photoelectrode is prepared. This perovskite material is confirmed through the optical absorbance that has a great optical behavior with a band gap of 1.75 eV. The application of CsSnI
2
Cl/CuO/Cu for hydrogen generation is performed using red sea water as an electrolyte, in which the hydrogen generation rate is estimated using the produced current density (
J
ph
) value. This
J
ph
value is 20 mA/cm
2
under a metal halide lamp. Moreover, this photoelectrode is estimated under various wavelengths, in which the optimum
J
ph
(10.8 mA cm
−2
) is achieved at 340 nm, in which the incident photon to electron conversion efficiency is 33% at this wave lengths. This photoelectrode provides its qualified for hydrogen generation reaction under a wide optical range from 340 to 730 nm. Soon, our team is working on designing an electrochemical cell that can convert the red sea water into hydrogen gas directly.
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