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Biomeditsinskaia Khimiia Jun 2024The free radical and cytokine statuses of the cornea during its thermal burn and the possibility of its correction by lactoferrin have been studied in Soviet Chinchilla...
The free radical and cytokine statuses of the cornea during its thermal burn and the possibility of its correction by lactoferrin have been studied in Soviet Chinchilla rabbits. The development of a corneal thermal burn was accompanied by the development of oxidative stress (increased levels of TBA-reactive substances and carbonyl derivatives of proteins, decreased activity of SOD and GPx enzymes) and a pronounced inflammatory reaction with increased levels of TNF-1α, IL-10, TGF-1β. The use of lactoferrin had a pronounced therapeutic effect, which was manifested by accelerated healing, prevention of the development of complications (corneal perforations), a decrease in the severity of oxidative stress, an increase in the concentrations of TNF-1α (in the early stages), IL-10 (in the later stages), TGF-1β (throughout the experiment). At the same time, by the end of regeneration more severe corneal opacification was recognized compared to the control group. This may be associated with an increased level of anti-inflammatory cytokines, especially TGF-1β.
Topics: Animals; Lactoferrin; Rabbits; Cornea; Oxidative Stress; Cytokines; Eye Burns; Male; Free Radicals; Corneal Injuries; Disease Models, Animal
PubMed: 38940206
DOI: 10.18097/PBMC20247003168 -
Gut Microbes 2024The microbiota significantly impacts digestive epithelium functionality, especially in nutrient processing. Given the importance of iron for both the host and the...
The microbiota significantly impacts digestive epithelium functionality, especially in nutrient processing. Given the importance of iron for both the host and the microbiota, we hypothesized that host-microbiota interactions fluctuate with dietary iron levels. We compared germ-free (GF) and conventional mice (SPF) fed iron-containing (65 mg/Kg) or iron-depleted (<6 mg/Kg) diets. The efficacy of iron privation was validated by iron blood parameters. Ferritin and Dmt1, which represent cellular iron storage and transport respectively, were studied in tissues where they are abundant: the duodenum, liver and lung. When the mice were fed an iron-rich diet, the microbiota increased blood hemoglobin and hepcidin and the intestinal ferritin levels, suggesting that the microbiota helps iron storage. When iron was limiting, the microbiota inhibited the expression of the intestinal Dmt1 transporter, likely via the pathway triggered by Hif-2α. The microbiota assists the host in storing intestinal iron when it is abundant and competes with the host by inhibiting Dmt1 in conditions of iron scarcity. Comparison between duodenum, liver and lung indicates organ-specific responses to microbiota and iron availability. Iron depletion induced temporal changes in microbiota composition and activity, reduced α-diversity of microbiota, and led to becoming particularly more abundant after 60 days of privation. By inoculating GF mice with a simplified bacterial mixture, we show that the iron-depleted host favors the gut fitness of .
Topics: Animals; Mice; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Iron, Dietary; Cation Transport Proteins; Liver; Duodenum; Hepcidins; Ferritins; Germ-Free Life; Host Microbial Interactions; Lung; Iron; Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors; Bacteria; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Hemoglobins; Male
PubMed: 38935764
DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2361660 -
Viruses Jun 2024Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) presents a significant threat to the global swine industry. The development of highly effective subunit...
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) presents a significant threat to the global swine industry. The development of highly effective subunit nanovaccines is a promising strategy for preventing PRRSV variant infections. In this study, two different types of ferritin (Ft) nanovaccines targeting the major glycoprotein GP5, named GP5m-Ft and (Bp-IVp)-Ft, were constructed and evaluated as vaccine candidates for PRRSV. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) demonstrated that both purified GP5m-Ft and (Bp-IVp)-Ft proteins could self-assemble into nanospheres. A comparison of the immunogenicity of GP5m-Ft and (Bp-IVp)-Ft with an inactivated PRRSV vaccine in BALB/c mice revealed that mice immunized with GP5m-Ft exhibited the highest ELISA antibody levels, neutralizing antibody titers, the lymphocyte proliferation index, and IFN-γ levels. Furthermore, vaccination with the GP5m-Ft nanoparticle effectively protected piglets against a highly pathogenic PRRSV challenge. These findings suggest that GP5m-Ft is a promising vaccine candidate for controlling PRRS.
Topics: Animals; Porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus; Ferritins; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Swine; Mice; Antibodies, Viral; Antibodies, Neutralizing; Nanoparticles; Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome; Viral Vaccines; Viral Envelope Proteins; Female; Interferon-gamma; Nanovaccines
PubMed: 38932282
DOI: 10.3390/v16060991 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Sarcopenia is an age-related condition characterized by progressive loss of muscle mass, strength, and function. The occurrence of sarcopenia has a huge impact on...
BACKGROUND
Sarcopenia is an age-related condition characterized by progressive loss of muscle mass, strength, and function. The occurrence of sarcopenia has a huge impact on physical, psychological, and social health. Therefore, the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia is becoming an important public health issue.
METHOD
35 six-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups, one of which served as a control group, while the rest of the groups were constructed as a model of sarcopenia by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose. The intervention with lactoferrin, creatine, and their mixtures, respectively, was carried out through gavage for 8 weeks. Muscle function was assessed based on their endurance, hanging time, and grip strength. The muscle tissues were weighed to assess the changes in mass, and the muscle RNA was extracted for myogenic factor expression and transcriptome sequencing to speculate on the potential mechanism of action by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis.
RESULT
The muscle mass (lean mass, GAS index), and muscle function (endurance, hanging time, and grip strength) decreased, and the size and structure of myofiber was smaller in the model group compared to the control group. The intervention with lactoferrin and creatine, either alone or combination, improved muscle mass and function, restored muscle tissue, and increased the expression of myogenic regulators. The combined group demonstrated the most significant improvement in these indexes. The RNA-seq results revealed enrichment in the longevity-regulated pathway, MAPK pathway, focal adhesion, and ECM-receptor interaction pathway in the intervention group. The intervention group may influence muscle function by affecting the proliferation, differentiation, senescence of skeletal muscle cell, and contraction of muscle fiber. The combined group also enriched the mTOR-S6K/4E-BPs signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and energy metabolism-related pathways, including Apelin signaling, insulin resistance pathway, and adipocytokine signaling pathway, which affect energy metabolism in muscle.
CONCLUSIONS
Lactoferrin and creatine, either alone or in combination, were found to inhibit the progression of sarcopenia by influencing the number and cross-sectional area of muscle fibers and muscle protein synthesis. The combined intervention appears to exert a more significant effect on energy metabolism.
Topics: Animals; Lactoferrin; Male; Sarcopenia; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Creatine; Disease Models, Animal; Muscle, Skeletal; Mice; Muscle Strength; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 38931310
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121958 -
Nutrients Jun 2024The prevalence of allergic diseases has dramatically increased among children in recent decades. These conditions significantly impact the quality of life of allergic... (Review)
Review
The prevalence of allergic diseases has dramatically increased among children in recent decades. These conditions significantly impact the quality of life of allergic children and their families. Lactoferrin, a multifunctional glycoprotein found in various biological fluids, is emerging as a promising immunomodulatory agent that can potentially alleviate allergic diseases in children. Lactoferrin's multifaceted properties make it a compelling candidate for managing these conditions. Firstly, lactoferrin exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, which can mitigate the chronic inflammation characteristic of allergic diseases. Secondly, its iron-binding capabilities may help regulate the iron balance in allergic children, potentially influencing the severity of their symptoms. Lactoferrin also demonstrates antimicrobial properties, making it beneficial in preventing secondary infections often associated with respiratory allergies. Furthermore, its ability to modulate the immune response and regulate inflammatory pathways suggests its potential as an immune-balancing agent. This review of the current literature emphasises the need for further research to elucidate the precise roles of lactoferrin in allergic diseases. Harnessing the immunomodulatory potential of lactoferrin could provide a novel add-on approach to managing allergic diseases in children, offering hope for improved outcomes and an enhanced quality of life for paediatric patients and their families. As lactoferrin continues to capture the attention of researchers, its properties and diverse applications make it an intriguing subject of study with a rich history and a promising future.
Topics: Lactoferrin; Humans; Child; Quality of Life; Hypersensitivity; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antioxidants
PubMed: 38931261
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121906 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Breast milk contains numerous factors that are involved in the maturation of the immune system and development of the gut microbiota in infants. These factors include...
Breast milk contains numerous factors that are involved in the maturation of the immune system and development of the gut microbiota in infants. These factors include transforming growth factor-β1 and 2, immunoglobin A, and lactoferrin. Breast milk factors may also affect epidermal differentiation and the stratum corneum (SC) barrier in infants, but no studies examining these associations over time during infancy have been reported. In this single-center exploratory study, we measured the molecular components of the SC using confocal Raman spectroscopy at 0, 1, 2, 6, and 12 months of age in 39 infants born at our hospital. Breast milk factor concentrations from their mothers' breast milk were determined. Correlation coefficients for the two datasets were estimated for each molecular component of the SC and breast milk factor at each age and SC depth. The results showed that breast milk factors and molecular components of the SC during infancy were partly correlated with infant age in months and SC depth, suggesting that breast milk factors influence the maturation of the SC components. These findings may improve understanding of the pathogenesis of skin diseases associated with skin barrier abnormalities.
Topics: Humans; Milk, Human; Infant; Female; Prospective Studies; Infant, Newborn; Male; Epidermis; Longitudinal Studies; Lactoferrin; Spectrum Analysis, Raman; Transforming Growth Factor beta1
PubMed: 38931252
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121897 -
Nutrients Jun 2024In the present study, we conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group comparison trial in which an extract of (CM) mycelium was administered to... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
In the present study, we conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group comparison trial in which an extract of (CM) mycelium was administered to long-distance runners for 16 weeks during the pre-season training period and blood test markers for anemia were investigated. The results indicated that the change rates of serum ferritin levels were moderately increased in the CM group ( = 11) but decreased in the placebo group ( = 11) during the study period, and the levels were significantly increased in the CM group compared with those in the placebo group at 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the test food intake ( < 0.05). Moreover, the change rates of hemoglobin and hematocrit were significantly increased in the CM group compared with those in the placebo group at 8 weeks after the test food intake ( < 0.05). These observations suggest that the intake of test food containing mycelium extract is expected to effectively maintain the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in long-distance runners, possibly via the suppression of the decrease in iron storage, which is reflected by serum ferritin, during pre-season training. Furthermore, the levels of creatine kinase were increased above the normal range in both the placebo and CM groups at registration. Interestingly, the creatine kinase levels were significantly decreased in the CM group compared with those in the placebo group at 16 weeks after the test food intake ( < 0.05). These results suggest that mycelium extract exhibits a protective action on the muscle damage observed in long-distance runners and may suppress muscle injury. Together, these observations suggest that mycelium extract exhibits an improving effect on the markers for not only anemia, but also muscle injury in long-distance runners during pre-season training.
Topics: Humans; Cordyceps; Double-Blind Method; Male; Mycelium; Biomarkers; Adult; Hemoglobins; Running; Hematocrit; Ferritins; Anemia; Creatine Kinase; Athletes
PubMed: 38931190
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121835 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The growth of , a member of the genus, which plays a crucial role in the bacterial microbiome of the gut, is significantly influenced by manganese ions. They can be...
The growth of , a member of the genus, which plays a crucial role in the bacterial microbiome of the gut, is significantly influenced by manganese ions. They can be safely delivered to the intestines by exploiting the chelating abilities of lactoferrin. The aim of this work was to encapsulate lactoferrin saturated with manganese ions (MnLf) in a system based on the Eudragit RS polymer to protect protein from degradation and manganese release in the gastric environment. The entrapment efficiency was satisfactory, reaching about 95%, and most importantly, manganese ions were not released during microparticles (MPs) formation. The release profile of the protein from the freshly prepared MPs was sustained, with less than 15% of the protein released within the first hour. To achieve similar protein release efficiency, freeze-drying was carried out in the presence of 10% (/) mannitol as a cryoprotectant for MPs frozen at -20 °C. MPs with encapsulated MnLf exhibited prebiotic activity towards . More importantly, the presence of equivalent levels of manganese ions in free form in the medium, as well as chelating by lactoferrin encapsulated in MPs, had a similar impact on stimulating bacterial growth. This indicates that the bioavailability of manganese ions in our prepared system is very good.
Topics: Lactobacillus plantarum; Manganese; Lactoferrin; Probiotics; Ions; Freeze Drying
PubMed: 38930801
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122735 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Antibodies that can selectively remove rogue proteins in the brain are an obvious choice to treat neurodegenerative disorders (NDs), but after decades of efforts, only... (Review)
Review
Antibodies that can selectively remove rogue proteins in the brain are an obvious choice to treat neurodegenerative disorders (NDs), but after decades of efforts, only two antibodies to treat Alzheimer's disease are approved, dozens are in the testing phase, and one was withdrawn, and the other halted, likely due to efficacy issues. However, these outcomes should have been evident since these antibodies cannot enter the brain sufficiently due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) protectant. However, all products can be rejuvenated by binding them with transferrin, preferably as smaller fragments. This model can be tested quickly and at a low cost and should be applied to bapineuzumab, solanezumab, crenezumab, gantenerumab, aducanumab, lecanemab, donanemab, cinpanemab, and gantenerumab, and their fragments. This paper demonstrates that conjugating with transferrin does not alter the binding to brain proteins such as amyloid-β (Aβ) and α-synuclein. We also present a selection of conjugate designs that will allow cleavage upon entering the brain to prevent their exocytosis while keeping the fragments connected to enable optimal binding to proteins. The identified products can be readily tested and returned to patients with the lowest regulatory cost and delays. These engineered antibodies can be manufactured by recombinant engineering, preferably by mRNA technology, as a more affordable solution to meet the dire need to treat neurodegenerative disorders effectively.
Topics: Humans; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Protein Engineering; Transferrin; Blood-Brain Barrier; Amyloid beta-Peptides; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Animals; alpha-Synuclein; Alzheimer Disease; Brain
PubMed: 38928395
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126683 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder currently affecting the ageing population. Although the aetiology of PD has yet to be...
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder currently affecting the ageing population. Although the aetiology of PD has yet to be fully elucidated, environmental factors such as exposure to the naturally occurring neurotoxin rotenone has been associated with an increased risk of developing PD. Rotenone inhibits mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) complex I activity as well as induces dopaminergic neuronal death. The aim of the present study was to investigate the underlying mechanisms of rotenone-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in an in vitro SH-SY5Y neuronal cell model of PD and to assess the ability of pre-treatment with Coenzyme Q (CoQ) to ameliorate oxidative stress in this model. Spectrophotometric determination of the mitochondrial enzyme activities and fluorescence probe studies of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was assessed. Significant inhibition of MRC complex I and II-III activities was observed, together with a significant loss of neuronal viability, CoQ status, and ATP synthesis. Additionally, significant increases were observed in intracellular and mitochondrial ROS production. Remarkably, CoQ supplementation was found to reduce ROS formation. These results have indicated mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress in a rotenone-induced neuronal cell model of PD that was ameliorated by CoQ supplementation.
Topics: Ubiquinone; Rotenone; Mitochondria; Humans; Oxidative Stress; Reactive Oxygen Species; Neurons; Parkinson Disease; Cell Line, Tumor; Muscle Weakness; Cell Survival; Electron Transport Complex I; Ataxia; Mitochondrial Diseases
PubMed: 38928331
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126622