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Scientific Reports May 2024The human microbiome contains genetic information that regulates metabolic processes in response to host health and disease. While acidic vaginal pH is maintained in...
The human microbiome contains genetic information that regulates metabolic processes in response to host health and disease. While acidic vaginal pH is maintained in normal conditions, the pH level increases in infectious vaginitis. We propose that this change in the vaginal environment triggers the biosynthesis of anti-vaginitis metabolites. Gene expression levels of Chryseobacterium gleum, a vaginal symbiotic bacterium, were found to be affected by pH changes. The distinctive difference in the metabolic profiles between two C. gleum cultures incubated under acidic and neutral pH conditions was suggested to be an anti-vaginitis molecule, which was identified as phenylacetic acid (PAA) by spectroscopic data analysis. The antimicrobial activity of PAA was evaluated in vitro, showing greater toxicity toward Gardnerella vaginalis and Candida albicans, two major vaginal pathogens, relative to commensal Lactobacillus spp. The activation of myeloperoxidase, prostaglandin E, and nuclear factor-κB, and the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 were reduced by an intravaginal administration of PAA in the vaginitis mouse model. In addition, PAA displayed the downregulation of mast cell activation. Therefore, PAA was suggested to be a messenger molecule that mediates interactions between the human microbiome and vaginal health.
Topics: Female; Animals; Phenylacetates; Vagina; Mice; Humans; Chryseobacterium; Candida albicans; Symbiosis; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Gardnerella vaginalis; Disease Models, Animal; Vaginitis
PubMed: 38806600
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62947-7 -
Bioresource Technology Jul 2024This study explored a direct feeding of expanded polystyrene as the sole diet for breeding Tenebrio molitor larvae. Temperature and relative humidity were manipulated to...
This study explored a direct feeding of expanded polystyrene as the sole diet for breeding Tenebrio molitor larvae. Temperature and relative humidity were manipulated to evaluate polystyrene biodegradation efficiency, survival rate, and formation of micro-polystyrene residue. Efficient conditions were at temperature of 25 °C with a humidity of 65 ± 5 %. Comparative metabolomic and metabolic-metabolic network analyses was performed for visualizing detailed pathway. Possibility of forming 4 (p)-hydroxyphenylacetic acid from phenylacetic acid with further conversion to 4-methylphenol, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, and 4-hydroxybenzoate could be seen as a side chain route for further biodegrading process. Key species identified in the gut of T. molitor larvae included Citrobacter sp., Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella aerogenes, and Klebsiella oxytoca. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detected only under an anaerobic condition whereas Acinetobacter sp. was present only under an aerobic condition. These results demonstrate the potential to decrease micro-polystyrene by optimizing breeding conditions and biodegradation process of polystyrene.
Topics: Animals; Tenebrio; Polystyrenes; Biodegradation, Environmental; Larva; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Bacteria
PubMed: 38801953
DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130895 -
Journal of Pharmacological and... 2024Receptor occupancy is an indicator of antipsychotic efficacy and safety. It is desirable to simultaneously determine the occupancy of multiple brain receptors as an...
Development of simultaneous determination of dopamine 2, histamine 1, and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor occupancies by antipsychotics using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.
Receptor occupancy is an indicator of antipsychotic efficacy and safety. It is desirable to simultaneously determine the occupancy of multiple brain receptors as an indicator of the efficacy and central side effects of antipsychotics because many of these drugs have binding affinities for various receptors, such as dopamine 2 (D), histamine 1 (H), and muscarinic acetylcholine (mACh) receptors. The purpose of this study was to develop a method for the simultaneous measurement of multiple receptor occupancies in the brain by the simultaneous quantification of unlabeled tracer levels using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Rats were pre-administered with a vehicle, displacer, or olanzapine, and mixed solutions of raclopride, doxepin, and 3-quinuclidinyl benzilate (3-QNB) were administered (3, 10, and 30 μg/kg). The brain tissue and plasma tracer concentrations were quantified 45 min later using LC-MS/MS, and the binding potential was calculated. The highest binding potential was observed at 3 μg/kg raclopride, 10 μg/kg doxepin, and 30 μg/kg 3-QNB. Tracer-specific binding at these optimal tracer doses in the cerebral cortex was markedly reduced by pre-administration of displacers. D, H and mACh receptor occupancy by olanzapine increased in a dose-dependent manner, reaching 70-95%, 19-43%, and 12-45%, respectively, at an olanzapine dose range of 3-10 mg/kg. These results suggest that simultaneous determination of in vivo D, H, and mACh receptor occupancy is possible using LC-MS/MS.
Topics: Animals; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Rats; Male; Antipsychotic Agents; Chromatography, Liquid; Receptors, Dopamine D2; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Receptors, Muscarinic; Receptors, Histamine H1; Olanzapine; Brain; Benzodiazepines; Raclopride; Doxepin; Quinuclidinyl Benzilate; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
PubMed: 38797366
DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2024.107518 -
Chemosphere Jul 2024In recent years, the concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and diclofenac (DCF) in water have frequently exceeded the standard; however, the toxic effects of these two...
In recent years, the concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and diclofenac (DCF) in water have frequently exceeded the standard; however, the toxic effects of these two pollutants on grass carp under single and combined exposure are unknown. In this study, the concentrations of pollutants in different tissues were detected, and the toxicities of the two pollutants to grass carp under different exposure conditions were compared based on growth traits, biochemical responses, gut microbiome, and transcriptomes. Based on these findings, the brain showed the lowest levels of Cd and DCF accumulation. Oxidative stress and pathological damage were observed in the brain and intestines. Changes in the structure and abundance of the gut microflora affect the synthesis of neurotransmitters, such as GABA and steroids. Differentially expressed genes in the brain were enriched in circadian rhythm functions. The expression of PER, CLOCK,1L-1β, 1L-17, and other genes are related to the abundance of Akkermansia, which indicates that the disorder of gut microflora will affect the normal circadian rhythm of the brain. All indices in the recovery group showed an increasing trend. Overall, the toxicity of Cd and DCF showed antagonism, and a single exposure had a stronger effect on gut microorganisms and circadian rhythm, which provided a scientific basis for exploring the comprehensive effects of different pollutants.
Topics: Animals; Carps; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Cadmium; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Diclofenac; Transcriptome; Oxidative Stress; Brain
PubMed: 38797211
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142428 -
International Journal of Biological... Jun 2024Metal-organic frameworks are emerging inorganic-organic hybrid materials that can be self-assembled from metal ions and organic ligands via coordination bonds. These...
Metal-organic frameworks are emerging inorganic-organic hybrid materials that can be self-assembled from metal ions and organic ligands via coordination bonds. These materials possess large specific surface area, tunable pore structure, abundant active center, diversity of functional groups as well as high mechanical and thermal stability which promote their applications in adsorption and catalysis studies. In this study, NH-MIL-53(Al/Zr) was prepared and embedded into sodium alginate gel spheres (NH-MIL-53(Al/Zr)-SA) and its adsorption properties towards TC and DCF in solution were investigated. According to XRD and FTIR analysis, the structure of the raw material was not changed after making the gel spheres. The maximum adsorption towards TC (pH =3) and DCF (pH =5) reached 98.5 mg·g and 192 mg·g, respectively. The process was consistent with Langmuir and Freundlich, suggesting that there was both monolayer and multilayer adsorption which infers the presence of physical adsorption (intra-particle diffusion) and non-homogeneous chemical adsorption. The thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption process was a spontaneous entropy increasing reaction. The regeneration rate of spent NH-MIL-53(Al/Zr)-SA could still reach 99.1 % after three cycles, indicating good regeneration performance. This study can provide a basis for the application of NH-MIL-53(Al/Zr)-SA in wastewater treatment.
Topics: Alginates; Adsorption; Diclofenac; Metal-Organic Frameworks; Tetracycline; Gels; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Thermodynamics; Water Purification; Kinetics; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Zirconium
PubMed: 38795565
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132637 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) May 2024: Stem cell-based regeneration strategies have shown therapeutic efficacy in various fields of regenerative medicine. These include bone healing after bone augmentation,...
: Stem cell-based regeneration strategies have shown therapeutic efficacy in various fields of regenerative medicine. These include bone healing after bone augmentation, often complicated by pain, which is managed by using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, information is limited about how NSAIDs affect the therapeutic potential of stem cells. : We investigated the effects of ibuprofen and diclofenac on the characteristics, morphology, and immunophenotype of human mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from the dental pulp () and cultured in vitro, as well as their effects on the expression of angiogenic growth factors ( and ) and selected genes in apoptosis signalling pathways (, , , , and 2). : Ibuprofen and diclofenac significantly reduced the viability of DPSCs, while the expression of mesenchymal stem cell surface markers was unaffected. Both ibuprofen and diclofenac treatment significantly upregulated the expression of , while the expression of remained unchanged. Ibuprofen significantly altered the expression of several apoptosis-related genes, including the upregulation of and , with decreased expression. BAK, CASP3, CASP9, and BCL2 expressions were significantly increased in the diclofenac-treated DPSCs, while no difference was demonstrated in BAX expression. : Our results suggest that concomitant use of the NSAIDs ibuprofen or diclofenac with stem cell therapy may negatively impact cell viability and alter the expression of apoptosis-related genes, affecting the efficacy of stem cell therapy.
Topics: Humans; Dental Pulp; Diclofenac; Apoptosis; Ibuprofen; Cell Survival; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Stem Cells; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Cells, Cultured
PubMed: 38792973
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60050787 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are commonly used in pharmaceutical applications as excellent solubilizers of active substances. This study investigated the tuning of...
Experimental and Machine-Learning-Assisted Design of Pharmaceutically Acceptable Deep Eutectic Solvents for the Solubility Improvement of Non-Selective COX Inhibitors Ibuprofen and Ketoprofen.
Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are commonly used in pharmaceutical applications as excellent solubilizers of active substances. This study investigated the tuning of ibuprofen and ketoprofen solubility utilizing DESs containing choline chloride or betaine as hydrogen bond acceptors and various polyols (ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, glycerol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-butanediol) as hydrogen bond donors. Experimental solubility data were collected for all DES systems. A machine learning model was developed using COSMO-RS molecular descriptors to predict solubility. All studied DESs exhibited a cosolvency effect, increasing drug solubility at modest concentrations of water. The model accurately predicted solubility for ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and related analogs (flurbiprofen, felbinac, phenylacetic acid, diphenylacetic acid). A machine learning approach utilizing COSMO-RS descriptors enables the rational design and solubility prediction of DES formulations for improved pharmaceutical applications.
Topics: Ketoprofen; Ibuprofen; Solubility; Machine Learning; Deep Eutectic Solvents; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; Hydrogen Bonding; Solvents
PubMed: 38792157
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29102296 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Chronic environmental exposure to toxic heavy metals, which often occurs as a mixture through occupational and industrial sources, has been implicated in various...
Chronic environmental exposure to toxic heavy metals, which often occurs as a mixture through occupational and industrial sources, has been implicated in various neurological disorders, including Parkinsonism. Vanadium pentoxide (VO) typically presents along with manganese (Mn), especially in welding rods and high-capacity batteries, including electric vehicle batteries; however, the neurotoxic effects of vanadium (V) and Mn co-exposure are largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the neurotoxic impact of MnCl, VO and MnCl-VO co-exposure in an animal model. C57BL/6 mice were intranasally administered either de-ionized water (vehicle), MnCl (252 µg) alone, VO (182 µg) alone, or a mixture of MnCl (252 µg) and VO (182 µg) three times a week for up to one month. Following exposure, we performed behavioral, neurochemical, and histological studies. Our results revealed dramatic decreases in olfactory bulb (OB) weight and levels of tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine, and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid in the treatment groups compared to the control group, with the Mn/V co-treatment group producing the most significant changes. Interestingly, increased levels of α-synuclein expression were observed in the substantia nigra (SN) of treated animals. Additionally, treatment groups exhibited locomotor deficits and olfactory dysfunction, with the co-treatment group producing the most severe deficits. The treatment groups exhibited increased levels of the oxidative stress marker 4-hydroxynonenal in the striatum and SN, as well as the upregulation of the pro-apoptotic protein PKCδ and accumulation of glomerular astroglia in the OB. The co-exposure of animals to Mn/V resulted in higher levels of these metals compared to other treatment groups. Taken together, our results suggest that co-exposure to Mn/V can adversely affect the olfactory and nigral systems. These results highlight the possible role of environmental metal mixtures in the etiology of Parkinsonism.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Manganese; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Vanadium; Manganese Compounds; Male; Olfactory Bulb; Dopamine; Vanadium Compounds; Oxidative Stress; Parkinsonian Disorders; alpha-Synuclein; Chlorides; Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase; Aldehydes; Substantia Nigra; Disease Models, Animal; 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid
PubMed: 38791326
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105285 -
BMC Microbiology May 2024Lignin is an intricate phenolic polymer found in plant cell walls that has tremendous potential for being converted into value-added products with the possibility of...
BACKGROUND
Lignin is an intricate phenolic polymer found in plant cell walls that has tremendous potential for being converted into value-added products with the possibility of significantly increasing the economics of bio-refineries. Although lignin in nature is bio-degradable, its biocatalytic conversion is challenging due to its stable complex structure and recalcitrance. In this context, an understanding of strain's genomics, enzymes, and degradation pathways can provide a solution for breaking down lignin to unlock the full potential of lignin as a dominant valuable bioresource. A gammaproteobacterial strain AORB19 has been isolated previously from decomposed wood based on its high laccase production. This work then focused on the detailed genomic and functional characterization of this strain based on whole genome sequencing, the identification of lignin degradation products, and the strain's laccase production capabilities on various agro-industrial residues.
RESULTS
Lignin degrading bacterial strain AORB19 was identified as Serratia quinivorans based on whole genome sequencing and core genome phylogeny. The strain comprised a total of 123 annotated CAZyme genes, including ten cellulases, four hemicellulases, five predicted carbohydrate esterase genes, and eight lignin-degrading enzyme genes. Strain AORB19 was also found to possess genes associated with metabolic pathways such as the β-ketoadipate, gentisate, anthranilate, homogentisic, and phenylacetate CoA pathways. LC-UV analysis demonstrated the presence of p-hydroxybenzaldehyde and vanillin in the culture media which constitutes potent biosignatures indicating the strain's capability to degrade lignin. Finally, the study evaluated the laccase production of Serratia AORB19 grown with various industrial raw materials, with the highest activity detected on flax seed meal (257.71 U/L), followed by pea hull (230.11 U/L), canola meal (209.56 U/L), okara (187.67 U/L), and barley malt sprouts (169.27 U/L).
CONCLUSIONS
The whole genome analysis of Serratia quinivorans AORB19, elucidated a repertoire of genes, pathways and enzymes vital for lignin degradation that widens the understanding of ligninolytic metabolism among bacterial lignin degraders. The LC-UV analysis of the lignin degradation products coupled with the ability of S. quinivorans AORB19 to produce laccase on diverse agro-industrial residues underscores its versatility and its potential to contribute to the economic viability of bio-refineries.
Topics: Bacterial Proteins; Genome, Bacterial; Genomics; Laccase; Lignin; Phylogeny; Serratia; Whole Genome Sequencing
PubMed: 38789935
DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03331-3 -
International Journal of Biological... Jun 2024The present investigation was aimed to fabricate and optimize extended-release beads of diclofenac sodium based on an ion-cross-linked matrix of pectin (PTN) and taro...
Fabrication and optimization of extended-release beads of diclofenac sodium based on Ca cross-linked Taro (Colocasia esculenta) stolon polysaccharide and pectin by quality-by-design approach.
The present investigation was aimed to fabricate and optimize extended-release beads of diclofenac sodium based on an ion-cross-linked matrix of pectin (PTN) and taro (Colocasia esculenta) stolon polysaccharide (TSP) with 2 full factorial design. Total polysaccharide concentration (TPC), polysaccharide ratio (PR), and cross-linker concentration ([CaCl]) were taken as independent factors with two levels of each. Initially, TSP was extracted, purified, and characterized. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) showed drug-polymer compatibility. The study also revealed the significant positive effect of TSP on drug entrapment efficiency (DEE) and sustaining drug release. The response variables (DEE, cumulative % drug-release at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 10 h, release-constant, time for 50 % and 90 % drug release (T, T), release-similarity factor (f), and difference factor (f) were analyzed, and subsequently, independent fabrication variables were numerically optimized by Design-Expert software (Version-13; Stat-Ease Inc., Minneapolis). The optimized batch exhibited appreciable DEE of 88.5 % (± 2.2) and an extended-release profile with significantly higher T, T, and release-similarity factor (f) of 4.7 h, 11.4 h, and 71.6, respectively. Therefore, the study exhibited successful incorporation of the novel TSP as a potential alternative adjunct polysaccharide in the pectin-based ion-cross-linked inter-penetrating polymeric network for extended drug release.
Topics: Diclofenac; Pectins; Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Liberation; Colocasia; Drug Carriers; Polysaccharides; Calcium; Microspheres; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
PubMed: 38788875
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132606