Sample records for nadph-diaphorase stained myenteric

  1. Nitric Oxide Synthase and Neuronal NADPH Diaphorase are Identical in Brain and Peripheral Tissues

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dawson, Ted M.; Bredt, David S.; Fotuhi, Majid; Hwang, Paul M.; Snyder, Solomon H.

    1991-09-01

    NADPH diaphorase staining neurons, uniquely resistant to toxic insults and neurodegenerative disorders, have been colocalized with neurons in the brain and peripheral tissue containing nitric oxide synthase (EC 1.14.23.-), which generates nitric oxide (NO), a recently identified neuronal messenger molecule. In the corpus striatum and cerebral cortex, NO synthase immunoreactivity and NADPH diaphorase staining are colocalized in medium to large aspiny neurons. These same neurons colocalize with somatostatin and neuropeptide Y immunoreactivity. NO synthase immunoreactivity and NADPH diaphorase staining are colocalized in the pedunculopontine nucleus with choline acetyltransferase-containing cells and are also colocalized in amacrine cells of the inner nuclear layer and ganglion cells of the retina, myenteric plexus neurons of the intestine, and ganglion cells of the adrenal medulla. Transfection of human kidney cells with NO synthase cDNA elicits NADPH diaphorase staining. The ratio of NO synthase to NADPH diaphorase staining in the transfected cells is the same as in neurons, indicating that NO synthase fully accounts for observed NADPH staining. The identity of neuronal NO synthase and NADPH diaphorase suggests a role for NO in modulating neurotoxicity.

  2. Topographical distribution and morphology of NADPH-diaphorase-stained neurons in the human claustrum

    PubMed Central

    Hinova-Palova, Dimka V.; Edelstein, Lawrence; Landzhov, Boycho; Minkov, Minko; Malinova, Lina; Hristov, Stanislav; Denaro, Frank J.; Alexandrov, Alexandar; Kiriakova, Teodora; Brainova, Ilina; Paloff, Adrian; Ovtscharoff, Wladimir

    2014-01-01

    We studied the topographical distribution and morphological characteristics of NADPH-diaphorase-positive neurons and fibers in the human claustrum. These neurons were seen to be heterogeneously distributed throughout the claustrum. Taking into account the size and shape of stained perikarya as well as dendritic and axonal characteristics, Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPHd)-positive neurons were categorized by diameter into three types: large, medium and small. Large neurons ranged from 25 to 35 μm in diameter and typically displayed elliptical or multipolar cell bodies. Medium neurons ranged from 20 to 25 μm in diameter and displayed multipolar, bipolar and irregular cell bodies. Small neurons ranged from 14 to 20 μm in diameter and most often displayed oval or elliptical cell bodies. Based on dendritic characteristics, these neurons were divided into spiny and aspiny subtypes. Our findings reveal two populations of NADPHd-positive neurons in the human claustrum—one comprised of large and medium cells consistent with a projection neuron phenotype, the other represented by small cells resembling the interneuron phenotype as defined by previous Golgi impregnation studies. PMID:24904317

  3. NADPH-diaphorase activity and NO synthase expression in the olfactory epithelium of the bovine.

    PubMed

    Wenisch, S; Arnhold, S

    2010-06-01

    NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d) staining of the bovine olfactory epithelium was compared with the immunohistochemical localization of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), soluble guanylyl cyclase, and cGMP (cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate). Out of the three isoforms, only the inducible NOS (NOS-II) was found at the epithelial surface correlating with the strong labelling for NADPH-d. In contrast, light diaphorase staining associated with deeper epithelial regions did not coincide with any NOS immunoreactivity. As there is overlapping expression of NOS-II, soluble guanylyl cyclase and cGMP at the luminal surface morphologically occupied by dendritic knobs of olfactory receptor neurons and microvillar endings of supporting cells, the nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP pathway is likely to be involved in modulating the odour signals during olfactory transduction.

  4. NO nerves in a tapeworm. NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry in adult Hymenolepis diminuta.

    PubMed

    Gustafsson, M K; Lindholm, A M; Terenina, N B; Reuter, M

    1996-12-01

    The free radical nitric oxide (NO), which is synthesized by nitric oxide synthase (NOS), has recently been discovered to function as a neuronal messenger. The presence of NOS was detected in the nervous system of adult Hymenolepis diminuta with NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d) histochemistry. The NADPH-d histochemical reaction is regarded as a selective marker for NOS in neuronal tissue. NADPH-d staining was observed in nerve fibres in the main and minor nerve cords and the transverse ring commissures, and in cell bodies in the brain commissure, along the main nerve cords, in the suckers and the rostellar sac. NADPH-d staining was also observed in the wall of the internal seminal vesicle and the genital atrium. The pattern of NADPH-d staining was compared with that of the 5-HT immunoreactive nervous elements. The NADPH-d staining reaction and the 5-HT immunoreactivity occur in separate sets of neurons. This is the first time the NADPH-d reaction has been demonstrated in the nervous system of a flatworm, indicating that NOS is present and that NO can be produced at this level of evolution.

  5. Human sperm NADH and NADPH diaphorase cytochemistry: correlation with sperm motility.

    PubMed

    Zini, A; O'Bryan, M K; Israel, L; Schlegel, P N

    1998-03-01

    We have examined the correlation between the retention of residual sperm cytoplasm and sperm motility in semen from men presenting for infertility evaluation. Semen samples (n = 12) were obtained from nonazoospermic men presenting for infertility evaluation at our institution. Samples were fractionated into high-, intermediate-, and low-density subpopulations by Percoll gradients in order to examine the correlation between the retention of residual sperm cytoplasm and sperm motility. Residual sperm cytoplasm retention was detected by cytochemical staining of sperm for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)- or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-dependent diaphorase activity. The different sperm subpopulations (low, intermediate, and high density) had significantly different percentages of sperm with droplet retention (analysis of variance, P < 0.05). Using either NADH or NADPH diaphorase staining as a marker of the cytoplasmic space, a significant negative correlation was observed between the percentage of sperm with residual cytoplasmic droplets and the percentage of motile sperm (r = -0.58 and -0.61, respectively, P < 0.05). Assessment of residual sperm cytoplasm retention is a simple diagnostic test. Although this test is of unproven value in the management of infertile men, this and other studies suggest that it may provide useful data on sperm function.

  6. Quantitative changes of nitrergic neurons during postnatal development of chicken myenteric plexus*

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Ping; Gandahi, Jameel Ahmed; Zhang, Qian; Zhang, Lin-li; Bian, Xun-guang; Wu, Li; Liu, Yi; Chen, Qiu-sheng

    2013-01-01

    Objective: Information regarding the development of the enteric nervous system (ENS) is important for understanding the functional abnormalities of the gut. Because fertilized chicken eggs provide easy access to embryos, chicken models have been widely used to study embryonic development of myenteric plexus; however, no study has been focused on the postnatal period. The aim of this study was to perform a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the nitrergic neurons in the myenteric plexus of developing chickens in the postnatal period. Methods: Whole-mount preparations of the myenteric plexus were made in 7-d, 15-d, and 40-d old (adult) chickens of either sex (n=15). The myenteric plexus was studied after nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-d) histochemistry using light microscopy, digital photography, and Image-Pro Plus 6.0 software. The numbers of positively stained neurons and ganglia were counted in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum, and colon in the different age groups. Data were expressed as mean±standard deviation (SD), and statistical analysis was performed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. Results: The positively stained neurons showed various morphologies and staining intensities, and formed bead-shaped and U-shaped arrangements in the myenteric plexus. The densities of neurons and ganglia increased with age. However, the number of positive neurons per ganglion increased. The number of NADPH-d-positive neurons was highest in the colon, followed by the ileum, the jejunum, the duodenum, and the caeca in all age groups. Conclusions: Developmental changes in the myenteric plexus of chickens continue in the postnatal period, indicating that the maturation process of the gastrointestinal function is gradual. In addition, no significant difference is happening among different intestinal segments during postnatal development, suggesting that the function of different intestinal segments had been determined after

  7. Axotomy increases NADPH-diaphorase activity in the dorsal root ganglia and lumbar spinal cord of the turtle Trachemys dorbigni.

    PubMed

    Partata, W A; Krepsky, A M; Marques, M; Achaval, M

    1999-04-01

    Seven days after transection of the sciatic nerve NADPH-diaphorase activity increased in the small and medium neurons of the dorsal root ganglia of the turtle. However, this increase was observed only in medium neurons for up to 90 days. At this time a bilateral increase of NADPH-diaphorase staining was observed in all areas and neuronal types of the dorsal horn, and in positive motoneurons in the lumbar spinal cord, ipsilateral to the lesion. A similar increase was also demonstrable in spinal glial and endothelial cells. These findings are discussed in relation to the role of nitric oxide in hyperalgesia and neuronal regeneration or degeneration.

  8. NADPH-diaphorase activity and neurovascular coupling in the rat cerebral cortex.

    PubMed

    Vlasenko, O V; Maisky, V A; Maznychenko, A V; Pilyavskii, A I

    2008-01-01

    The distribution of NADPH-diaphorase-reactive (NADPH-dr) neurons and neuronal processes in the cerebral cortex and basal forebrain and their association with parenchymal vessels were studied in normal adult rats using NADPH-d histochemical protocol. The intensely stained cortical interneurons and reactive subcortically originating afferents, and stained microvessels were examined through a light microscope at law (x250) and high (x630) magnifications. NADPH-dr interneurons were concentrated in layers 2-6 of the M1 and M2 areas. However, clear predominance in their concentration (14 +/- 0.8 P < 0.05 per section) was found in layer 6. A mean number of labeled neurons in auditory (AuV), granular and agranular (GI, AIP) areas of the insular cortex was calculated to reach 12.3 +/- 0.7, 18.5 +/- 1.0 and 23.3 +/- 1.7 units per section, respectively (P < 0.05). The distinct apposition of labelled neurons to intracortical vessels was found in the M1, M2. The order of frequency of neurovascular coupling in different zones of the cerebral cortex was as following sequence: AuV (31.2%, n = 1040) > GI (18.0%, n = 640) > S1 (13.3%, n = 720) > M1 (6.3%, n = 1360). A large number of structural associations between labeled cells and vessels in the temporal and insular cortex indicate that NADPH-d-reactive interneurons can contribute to regulation of the cerebral regional blood flow in these areas.

  9. Coexistence of calbindin D-28k and NADPH-diaphorase in vagal and glossopharyngeal sensory neurons of the rat.

    PubMed

    Ichikawa, H; Helke, C J

    1996-10-07

    The presence and coexistence of calbindin D-28k-immunoreactivity (ir) and nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-diaphorase activity (a marker of neurons that are presumed to convert L-arginine to L-citrulline and nitric oxide) were examined in the glossopharyngeal and vagal sensory ganglia (jugular, petrosal and nodose ganglia) of the rat. Calbindin D-28k-ir nerve cells were found in moderate and large numbers in the petrosal and nodose ganglia, respectively. Some calbindin D-28k-ir nerve cells were also observed in the jugular ganglion. NADPH-diaphorase positive nerve cells were localized to the jugular and nodose ganglia and were rare in the petrosal ganglion. A considerable portion (33-51%) of the NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons in these ganglia colocalized calbindin D-28k-ir. The presence and colocalization of calbindin D-28k-ir and NADPH-diaphorase activity in neurotransmitter-identified subpopulations of visceral sensory neurons were also studied. In all three ganglia, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-ir was present in many NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons, a subset of which also contained calbindin D-28k-ir. In the nodose ganglion, many (42%) of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-ir neurons also contained NADPH diaphorase activity but did not contain calbindin D-28k-ir. These data are consistent with a potential co-operative role for calbindin D-28k and NADPH-diaphorase in the functions of a subpopulation of vagal and glossopharyngeal sensory neurons.

  10. Localization of nitric oxide synthase and NADPH-diaphorase in guinea pig and human cochleae.

    PubMed

    Ruan, R S; Leong, S K; Yeoh, K H

    1997-01-01

    The distributions of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-d) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in mammalian cochlea were studied at light and electron microscope levels by NADPH-d histochemistry and brain NOS (bNOS) immunohistochemistry. The cochleae from 15 albino guinea pigs were perilymphatically fixed with 2% periodate-lysine-paraformaldehyde, decalcified in 10% EDTA and processed for light and electron microscopy after NADPH-d or NOS staining in frozen and vibratome sections respectively. One human cochlea was available for light microscope examination of NADPH-d or bNOS stained sections. Light microscope results revealed that type I neurons and nerve fibers of the spiral ganglion cells were labeled by bNOS immunohistochemistry as well as NADPH-d histochemistry in both guinea pig and human cochleae. At subcellular level, NADPH-d reaction product was localized in the mitochondria of the neuronal cytoplasm and axoplasm and in the cytoplasm of the vascular endothelium. The immunoreaction products of bNOS were evenly distributed in the neuronal cytoplasm and axoplasm. Myelinated and unmyelinated fibers in the intraganglionic spiral bundle and the inner spiral and inner radial fibers below the inner hair cells were labeled for bNOS. The nerve endings below the outer hair cells were not stained. NOS immunoreaction product was also found in the outer hair cells, Schwann cells of myelinated nerve fibers, Deiter's cells, pillar cells and the tympanic lamina cells. No difference was found in the staining pattern of both NADPH-d and NOS reaction products between human and guinea pig cochleae at the light microscope level. The results suggest that NO plays an important role in the maintenance of auditory function in the mammal.

  11. NADPH-diaphorase activity increases during estrous phase in the bed nucleus of the accessory olfactory tract in the female rat.

    PubMed

    Collado, Paloma; Guillamón, Antonio; Pinos, Helena; Pérez-Izquierdo, M Angeles; García-Falgueras, Alicia; Carrillo, Beatriz; Rodríguez, Cilia; Panzica, GianCarlo

    2003-09-05

    We investigated the presence of nitric oxide in the bed nucleus of the accessory olfactory tract (BAOT) in males, diestrous females and estrous females using NADPH-diaphorase. Our results demonstrate a significant increase in the density of the medium-stained cells in the estrous female rats suggesting that during estrous a specific subpopulation of nitrinergic cells are activated in the BAOT. This might be related to the physiological and behavioral changes that occurs in estrous.

  12. NADPH-Diaphorase Colocalizes with GPER and Is Modulated by the GPER Agonist G1 in the Supraoptic and Paraventricular Nuclei of Ovariectomized Female Rats.

    PubMed

    Grassi, Daniela; Lagunas, Natalia; Pinos, Helena; Panzica, GianCarlo; Garcia-Segura, Luis Miguel; Collado, Paloma

    2017-01-01

    Nitric oxide is produced in the brain by the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and carries out a wide range of functions by acting as a neurotransmitter-like molecule. Gonadal hormones are involved in the regulation of the brain nitrergic system. We have previously demonstrated that estradiol, via classical estrogen receptors (ERs), regulates NOS activity in the supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei of the hypothalamus, acting through both ERα and ERβ. Magnocellular and parvocellular neurons in the SON and PVN also express the G protein-coupled ER (GPER). In this study, we have assessed whether GPER is also involved in the regulation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-diaphorase in the SON and PVN. Adult female ovariectomized rats were treated with G1, a selective GPER agonist, or with G1 in combination with G15, a selective GPER antagonist. G1 treatment decreased NADPH-diaphorase expression in the SON and in all PVN subnuclei. The treatment with G1 + G15 effectively rescued the G1-dependent decrease in NADPH-diaphorase expression in both brain regions. In addition, the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, one of the kinases involved in the GPER-dependent intracellular signaling pathway and in NOS phosphorylation, was assessed in the same brain nuclei. Treatment with G1 significantly decreased the number of p-ERK 1/2-positive cells in the SON and PVN, while the treatment with G1 + G15 significantly recovered its number to control values. These findings suggest that the activation of GPER in the SON and PVN inhibits the phosphorylation of ERK 1/2, which induces a decrease in NADPH-diaphorase expression. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  13. [Localization of NADPH-diaphorase in the brain of the shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus].

    PubMed

    Kotsiuba, E P

    2005-01-01

    The presence and localization of NADPH-diaphorase in the cerebral ganglion of the shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus was investigated with histochemical and electron histochemical methods. The reactivity of this enzyme was found in the deutrocerebrum, mainly in neuropils of olfactory lobes, the lateral antennular neuropil, a laterodorsal group of cells, and in the oculomotor nerve nucleus. Ultrastructural localization of the enzyme was detected in neurons on the perinuclear membrane, and in membranes of endoplasmic reticulum, in mitochondria and cytosol. The enzyme was found in axons of the antennular nerve, and in terminals of receptor axons in the glomerulus. The obtained data testify to participation of NO in perception and processing of the olfactory information.

  14. Detection and comparison of nitric oxide in clinically healthy horses and those with naturally acquired strangulating large colon volvulus

    PubMed Central

    2005-01-01

    Abstract The objective of the study was to determine whether nitric oxide (NO) is present in clinically healthy horses (control) under basal conditions, and if it increases secondary to naturally acquired strangulating large colon volvulus (affected). Eleven affected horses and 10 controls were studied. Jugular venous blood, abdominal fluid, and urine were collected. The NO concentrations were standardized to the creatinine concentration in the respective samples. A biopsy specimen collected from the large colon pelvic flexure at surgery was divided into subsections for processing for inducible nitric synthase (iNOS) and nitrotyrosine (NT) immunohistochemical staining and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) diaphorase histochemical staining. There were no significant differences in plasma, abdominal fluid, or urine NO concentrations between affected and control horses. There was a significant decrease in submucosal arteriolar and venular endothelium, submucosal plexus, mucosal leukocyte, mucosal and musclaris vasculature, and myenteric plexus NADPH diaphorase staining in affected versus control horses. There was a significant increase in iNOS staining in mucosal leukocytes and vasculature in affected versus control horses. Other than a greater number of positively stained mucosal leukocytes in affected horses, there were no significant differences between affected and control horses for NT staining. The presence of NADPH diaphorase staining in the endothelium and submucosal neurons suggests endothelial and neuronal NOS are present under basal conditions in the large colon of horses. Increased iNOS and NT staining in mucosal leukocytes of affected horses suggests involvement of the NO pathway in large colon volvulus. The reasons for the lack of a significant difference in plasma, abdominal fluid, and urine NO concentrations between affected and control horses are unknown. PMID:15971674

  15. The distribution of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d) in the medulla oblongata, spinal cord, cranial and spinal nerves of frog, Microhyla ornata.

    PubMed

    Jadhao, Arun G; Biswas, Saikat P; Bhoyar, Rahul C; Pinelli, Claudia

    2017-04-01

    Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d) enzymatic activity has been reported in few amphibian species. In this study, we report its unusual localization in the medulla oblongata, spinal cord, cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and ganglions of the frog, Microhyla ornata. In the rhombencephalon, at the level of facial and vagus nerves, the NADPH-d labeling was noted in the nucleus of the abducent and facial nerves, dorsal nucleus of the vestibulocochlear nerve, the nucleus of hypoglossus nerve, dorsal and lateral column nucleus, the nucleus of the solitary tract, the dorsal field of spinal grey, the lateral and medial motor fields of spinal grey and radix ventralis and dorsalis (2-10). Many ependymal cells around the lining of the fourth ventricle, both facial and vagus nerves and dorsal root ganglion, were intensely labeled with NADPH-d. Most strikingly the NADPH-d activity was seen in small and large sized motoneurons in both medial and lateral motor neuron columns on the right and left sides of the brain. This is the largest stained group observed from the caudal rhombencephalon up to the level of radix dorsalis 10 in the spinal cord. The neurons were either oval or elongated in shape with long processes and showed significant variation in the nuclear and cellular diameter. A massive NADPH-d activity in the medulla oblongata, spinal cord, and spinal nerves implied an important role of this enzyme in the neuronal signaling as well as in the modulation of motor functions in the peripheral nervous systems of the amphibians. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Diaphorase Coupling Protocols for Red-Shifting Dehydrogenase Assays

    PubMed Central

    Davis, Mindy I.; Shen, Min; Simeonov, Anton

    2016-01-01

    Abstract Dehydrogenases are an important target for the development of cancer therapeutics. Dehydrogenases either produce or consume NAD(P)H, which is fluorescent but at a wavelength where many compounds found in chemical libraries are also fluorescent. By coupling dehydrogenases to diaphorase, which utilizes NAD(P)H to produce the fluorescent molecule resorufin from resazurin, the assay can be red-shifted into a spectral region that reduces interference from compound libraries. Dehydrogenases that produce NAD(P)H, such as isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), can be read in kinetic mode. Dehydrogenases that consume NAD(P)H, such as mutant IDH1 R132H, can be read in endpoint mode. Here, we report protocols for robust and miniaturized 1,536-well assays for WT IDH1 and IDH1 R132H coupled to diaphorase, and the counterassays used to further detect compound interference with the coupling reagents. This coupling technique is applicable to dehydrogenases that either produce or consume NAD(P)H, and the examples provided here can act as guidelines for the development of high-throughput screens against this enzyme class. PMID:27078681

  17. Myenteric denervation differentially reduces enteroendocrine serotonin cell population in rats during postnatal development.

    PubMed

    Hernandes, Luzmarina; Fernandes, Marilda da Cruz; Pereira, Lucieni Cristina Marques da Silva; Freitas, Priscila de; Gama, Patrícia; Alvares, Eliana Parisi

    2006-05-01

    The enteric nervous and enteroendocrine systems regulate different processes in the small intestine. Ablation of myenteric plexus with benzalkonium chloride (BAC) stimulates epithelial cell proliferation, whereas endocrine serotonin cells may inhibit the process. To evaluate the connection between the systems and the influence of myenteric plexus on serotoninergic cells in rats during postnatal development, the ileal plexus was partially removed with BAC. Rats were treated at 13 or 21 days and sacrificed after 15 days. The cell bodies of myenteric neurons were stained by beta NADH-diaphorase to detect the extension of denervation. The number of enteroendocrine cells in the ileum was estimated in crypts and villi in paraffin sections immunostained for serotonin. The number of neurons was reduced by 27.6 and 45% in rats treated on the 13th and 21st days, respectively. We tried to establish a correlation of denervation and the serotonin population according to the age of treatment. We observed a reduction of immunolabelled cells in the crypts of rats treated at 13 days, whereas this effect was seen in the villi of rats denervated at 21 days. These results suggest that the enteric nervous system might control the enteroendocrine cell population and this complex mechanism could be correlated to changes in cell proliferation.

  18. Correlation of enteric NADPH-d positive cell counts with the duration of incubation period in NADPH-d histochemistry.

    PubMed

    Cserni, Tamas; O' Donnel, Annemarie; Paran, Sri; Puri, Prem

    2009-03-01

    Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d) staining can be used in the enteric nervous system to determine nitrergic neuronal counts, critical in motility disorders such as intestinal neuronal dysplasia and hypoganglionosis. The reported incubation periods of specimens with NADPH-d staining solution has varied from 2 to 24 h. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of the incubation period on the overall NADPH-d positive cell counts in porcine rectal submucosal plexus. The submucosal plexus of rectal specimens from 12-week-old pigs (n = 5) were studied. Conventional frozen sections were used to identify nitrergic neurons while whole-mount preparations were used to quantify the effect of prolonged duration of incubation on positively identified ganglion cells with NADPH-d histochemistry. The same submucosal ganglia on the conventional sections, and a minimum of 12 ganglia per whole-mount preparation specimen were photographed sequentially at 2, 6, and 24 h and used to count the number of nitrergic cells per ganglion. The same staining solution was used throughout the experiment. Results were analysed using a one-way ANOVA test. Prolonged incubation with the staining solution revealed new NADPH-d positive cells in the ganglia on the conventional sections. The total number of neurons counted in the 12 adjacent ganglia in the whole-mount specimens was 180 +/- 55, the mean neuronal cell per ganglion was 15 +/- 8 after 2 h of incubation. This increased to 357 +/- 17, and to 29 +/- 12 after 6 h (p < 0.05). A further increase was observed of 515 +/- 19 and 43 +/- 17 after 24 h (p < 0.05). When the photomicrographs were retrospectively analysed, not even the outline of the neuronal cells that stained with prolonged incubation was evident at the earlier time points. NADPH-d positive cell counts increase in proportion to the duration of incubation in NADPH-d histochemistry. Comparative studies attempting to quantify nitrergic cell counts in

  19. Study of DT-diaphorase in pigment-producing cells.

    PubMed

    Smit, N P; Hoogduijn, M J; Riley, P A; Pavel, S

    1999-11-01

    DT-diaphorase is an FAD-containing enzyme capable of a two-electron reduction of ortho- and paraquinones. Nicotinamide coenzymes (NADH + H+ and NADPH + H+) serve as hydrogen sources in these reactions. The role of DT-diaphorase has been thoroughly investigated in situations when the enzyme is able to reduce exogenous and endogenous quinones, hence protecting the cells against these reactive intermediates. The enzyme has also been studied in connection with its ability to activate some quinoid cytostatics. It is surprising that DT-diaphorase has never been investigated in pigment-producing cells that are known to generate considerable amounts of ortho-quinones. Using a spectrophotometric method we could readily measure the activity of DT-diaphorase in epidermis and various cultured pigment cells. The melanocytes isolated from dark skin showed generally higher DT-diaphorase activity than those from fair skin samples. Also, darkly pigmented congenital naevus cells exhibited higher activity of this enzyme. The most striking was the high DT-diaphorase activity in melanoma cell cultures. In these cells DT-diaphorase activity could be induced by incubation of the cells with 4-hydroxyanisole. A similar effect was seen when a catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor (3-(3,4-dihydroxy-5-nitrobenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione (OR-462) was utilised. The induction was inhibited by cyclohexidine.

  20. Expression of the P2X2 receptor in different classes of ileum myenteric neurons in the female obese ob/ob mouse

    PubMed Central

    Mizuno, Márcia Sanae; Crisma, Amanda Rabello; Borelli, Primavera; Castelucci, Patricia

    2012-01-01

    cell body profile area (μm²) of nNOS-IR, ChAT-IR and CalR-IR neurons was increased by 34%, 20% and 55%, respectively, in the OG compared to controls. Staining for NADH diaphorase activity is widely used to detect alterations in the enteric nervous system; however, our qualitative examination of NADH-diaphorase positive neurons in the myenteric ganglia revealed an overall similarity between the two groups. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate increases in P2X2R expression and alterations in nNOS, ChAT and CalR IR in ileal myenteric neurons of female ob/ob mice compared to wild-type controls. PMID:23002338

  1. [NADPH-diaphorase activity in digestive system of gastropod molluscs Achatina fulica and Littorina littorea].

    PubMed

    Zaĭtseva, O V; Kuznetsova, T V; Markosova, T G

    2009-01-01

    Localization and peculiarities of NO-ergic elements were studied for he first time throughout the entire length of digestive tract of the marine gastropod mollusc Achatina fulica (Prosobranchia) and the terrestrial molusc Littorina littorea (Pulmonata) by using histochemical method of detection of NADPH-diaphorase (NADPHd). NO-ergic cells and fibers were revealed in all parts of the mollusc digestive tract beginning from pharynx. An intensive NADPHd activity was found in many intraepithelial cells of the open type and in their processes in intra- and subepithelial nerve plexuses, single subepithelial neurons, granular connective tissue cells, and numerous nerve fibers among muscle elements of he digestive tract wall as well as in nerves innervating the tract. NADPHd was also present in receptor cells of he oral area and in the central A. fulica ganglia participating in innervation of the digestive tract. The digestive tract NO-ergic system ofA. fulica has a more complex organization that that of L. littorea. In the A. fulica pharynx, stomach, and midgut, directly beneath epithelium, there is revealed a complex system of glomerular structures formed by thin NADPHd-positive nerve fibers coming from the side of epithelium. More superficially under the main groups of muscle elements, small agglomerations of NADPHd-positive neurons are seen, which could be considered as primitive, non-formed microganglia. Peculiarities of distribution and a possible functional role of NO-ergic elements in the digestive tract of molluscs are discussed as compared with other invertebrate and vertebrate animals.

  2. The human amygdaloid complex: a cytologic and histochemical atlas using Nissl, myelin, acetylcholinesterase and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase staining.

    PubMed

    Sims, K S; Williams, R S

    1990-01-01

    We examined the distribution of acetylcholinesterase and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase enzyme activity in the human amygdala using histochemical techniques. Both methods revealed compartments of higher or lower enzyme activity, in cells or neuropil, which corresponded to the nuclear subdivisions of the amygdala as defined with classical Nissl and myelin methods. The boundaries between the histochemical compartments were usually so sharp that the identification of these nuclear subdivisions was enhanced. There was also variation of staining intensity within many of the nuclear subdivisions, such as the lateral and central nuclei, anterior amygdaloid area and the intercalated groups. This histochemical difference corresponded to more subtle differences in Nissl and myelin staining patterns, and suggests further structural subdivisions of potential functional significance. We present a revised scheme of anatomical parcellation of the human amygdala based upon serial analysis with all four techniques. Our expectation is that this will allow the delineation of a clearer homology between the cytoarchitectonic subdivisions of the human amygdala and those of experimental animals.

  3. Toxoplasma gondii causes death and plastic alteration in the jejunal myenteric plexus

    PubMed Central

    Araújo, Eduardo José de Almeida; Zaniolo, Larissa Marchi; Vicentino, Suellen Laís; Góis, Marcelo Biondaro; Zanoni, Jacqueline Nelisis; da Silva, Aristeu Vieira; Sant’Ana, Débora de Mello Gonçales

    2015-01-01

    AIM: To assess the effects of ME-49 Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) strain infection on the myenteric plexus and external muscle of the jejunum in rats. METHODS: Thirty rats were distributed into two groups: the control group (CG) (n = 15) received 1 mL of saline solution orally, and the infected group (IG) (n = 15) inoculated with 1 mL of saline solution containing 500 oocysts of M-49 T. gondii strain orally. After 36 d of infection, the rats were euthanized. Infection with T. gondii was confirmed by blood samples collected from all rats at the beginning and end of the experiment. The jejunum of five animals was removed and submitted to routine histological processing (paraffin) for analysis of external muscle thickness. The remaining jejunum from the others animals was used to analyze the general population and the NADH-diaphorase, VIPergic and nitrergic subpopulations of myenteric neurons; and the enteric glial cells (S100-IR). RESULTS: Serological analysis showed that animals from the IG were infected with the parasite. Hypertrophy affecting jejunal muscle thickness was observed in the IG rats (77.02 ± 42.71) in relation to the CG (51.40 ± 12.34), P < 0.05. In addition, 31.2% of the total number of myenteric neurons died (CG: 39839.3 ± 5362.3; IG: 26766.6 ± 2177.6; P < 0.05); hyperplasia of nitrergic myenteric neurons was observed (CG: 7959.0 ± 1290.4; IG: 10893.0 ± 1156.3; P < 0.05); general hypertrophy of the cell body in the remaining myenteric neurons was noted [CG: 232.5 (187.2-286.0); IG: 248.2 (204.4-293.0); P < 0.05]; hypertrophy of the smallest varicosities containing VIP neurotransmitter was seen (CG: 0.46 ± 0.10; IG: 0.80 ± 0.16; P < 0.05) and a reduction of 25.3% in enteric glia cells (CG: 12.64 ± 1.27; IG: 10.09 ± 2.10; P < 0.05) was observed in the infected rats. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that infection with oocysts of ME-49 T. gondii strain caused quantitative and plastic alterations in the myenteric plexus of the jejunum in rats. PMID

  4. The effect of functional groups on reduction and activation of quinone bioreductive agents by DT-diaphorase.

    PubMed

    Fourie, Jeanne; Oleschuk, Curtis J; Guziec, Frank; Guziec, Lynn; Fiterman, Derek J; Monterrosa, Cielo; Begleiter, Asher

    2002-02-01

    Bioreductive antitumor agents are an important class of anticancer drugs that include the clinically used drug, mitomycin C, and new agents such as EO9 and tirapazamine that have recently been tested in clinical trials. These agents require activation by reductive enzymes such as DT-diaphorase or NADPH:cytochrome P450 reductase. A major focus for improving cancer chemotherapy has been to increase the selectivity and targeting of antitumor drugs to tumor cells. Bioreductive antitumor agents are ideally suited to improving tumor selectivity by an enzyme-directed approach to tumor targeting. However, none of the bioreductive agents developed to date has been specific for activation by a single reductive enzyme. This is in part due to a lack of knowledge about structural factors that confer selectivity for activation by reductive enzymes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of specific functional groups to modify reduction and activation of quinone bioreductive agents by DT-diaphorase. We used a series of model benzoquinone mustard (BM) bioreductive agents and compared the parent compound BM to MBM, which has a strong electron-donating methoxy group, MeBM, which has a weaker electron-donating methyl group, CBM, which has an electron-withdrawing chloro group, and PBM and its structural isomer, meta-PBM (m-PBM), which both have sterically bulky benzene rings attached to the quinone moiety. We determined the rate of reduction of these agents by purified human DT-diaphorase under hypoxic and aerobic conditions. We also measured the cytotoxic activity of these agents in human tumor cell lines with and without the DT-diaphorase inhibitor, dicoumarol. Under hypoxic conditions in vitro, the t(1/2) values for reduction of the analogs by purified DT-diaphorase were 4, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 21 min for BM, MeBM, CBM, MBM, PBM and m-PBM, respectively. Under aerobic conditions the rank order of redox cycling after two-electron reduction by DT-diaphorase was MBM > Me

  5. Moderate physical exercise protects myenteric metabolically more active neurons in mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi.

    PubMed

    Moreira, Neide Martins; de Moraes, Solange Marta Franzói; Dalálio, M M O; Gomes, Mônica Lúcia; Sant'ana, D M G; de Araújo, Silvana Marques

    2014-02-01

    Trypanosoma cruzi causes neuronal myenteric depopulation compromising intestinal function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of moderate physical exercise on NADH diaphorase (NADH-d)-positive neurons in the myenteric plexus and intestinal wall of the colon in mice infected with T. cruzi. Forty 30-day-old male Swiss mice were divided into the following groups: trained infected (TI), sedentary infected (SI), trained control (TC), and sedentary control. The TC and TI groups were subjected to a moderate physical exercise program on a treadmill for 8 weeks. Three days after finishing physical exercise, the TI and SI groups were intraperitoneally inoculated with 1,300 blood trypomastigotes of the Y strain of Trypanosoma cruzi. Parasitemia was evaluated from days 4 to 61 after inoculation. On day 75 of infection, myenteric neurons in the colon were quantified (NADH-d), and inflammatory foci were counted. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) levels were evaluated in plasma. The results were compared using analysis of variance and the Kruskal-Wallis test at a 5 % significance level. Moderate physical exercise reduced the parasite peak on day 8 of infection (p = 0.0132) and total parasitemia (p = 0.0307). It also prevented neuronal depopulation (p < 0.01), caused hypertrophy of these cells (p < 0.05), prevented the formation of inflammatory foci (p < 0.01), and increased the synthesis of TNF-α (p < 0.01) and TGF-β (p > 0.05). These results reinforce the therapeutic benefits of moderate physical exercise for T. cruzi infection.

  6. Monoclonal L-citrulline immunostaining reveals nitric oxide-producing vestibular neurons

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Holstein, G. R.; Friedrich, V. L. Jr; Martinelli, G. P.

    2001-01-01

    Nitric oxide is an unstable free radical that serves as a novel messenger molecule in the central nervous system (CNS). In order to understand the interplay between classic and novel chemical communication systems in vestibular pathways, the staining obtained using a monoclonal antibody directed against L-citrulline was compared with the labeling observed using more traditional markers for the presence of nitric oxide. Brainstem tissue from adult rats was processed for immunocytochemistry employing a monoclonal antibody directed against L-citrulline, a polyclonal antiserum against neuronal nitric oxide synthase, and/or NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry. Our findings demonstrate that L-citrulline can be fixed in situ by vascular perfusion, and can be visualized in fixed CNS tissue sections by immunocytochemistry. Further, the same vestibular regions and cell types are labeled by NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry, by the neuronal nitric oxide synthase antiserum, and by our anti-L-citrulline antibody. Clusters of L-citrulline-immunoreactive neurons are present in subregions of the vestibular nuclei, including the caudal portion of the inferior vestibular nucleus, the magnocellular portion of the medial vestibular nucleus, and the large cells in the ventral tier of the lateral vestibular nucleus. NADPH-diaphorase histochemical staining of these neurons clearly demonstrated their multipolar, fusiform and globular somata and long varicose dendritic processes. These results provide support for the suggestion that nitric oxide serves key roles in both vestibulo-autonomic and vestibulo-spinal pathways.

  7. Architectonic subdivisions of the amygdalar complex of a primitive marsupial (Didelphis aurita).

    PubMed

    Rocha-Rego, V; Canteras, N S; Anomal, R F; Volchan, E; Franca, J G

    2008-05-15

    The architecture of the amygdaloid complex of a marsupial, the opossum Didelphis aurita, was analyzed using classical stains like Nissl staining and myelin (Gallyas) staining, and enzyme histochemistry for acetylcholinesterase and NADPH-diaphorase. Most of the subdivisions of the amygdaloid complex described in eutherian mammals were identified in the opossum brain. NADPH-diaphorase revealed reactivity in the neuropil of nearly all amygdaloid subdivisions with different intensities, allowing the identification of the medial and lateral subdivisions of the cortical posterior nucleus and the lateral subdivision of the lateral nucleus. The lateral, central, basolateral and basomedial nuclei exhibited acetylcholinesterase positivity, which provided a useful chemoarchitectural criterion for the identification of the anterior basolateral nucleus. Myelin stain allowed the identification of the medial subdivision of the lateral nucleus, and resulted in intense staining of the medial subdivisions of the central nucleus. The medial, posterior, and cortical nuclei, as well as the amygdalopiriform area did not exhibit positivity for myelin staining. On the basis of cyto- and chemoarchitectural criteria, the present study highlights that the opossum amygdaloid complex shares similarities with that of other species, thus supporting the idea that the organization of the amygdala is part of a basic plan conserved through mammalian evolution.

  8. Influence of long-term hyper-gravity on the reactivity of succinic acid dehydrogenase and NADPH-diaphorase in the central nervous system of fish: a histochemical study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anken, R. H.; Rahmann, H.

    In the course of a densitometric evaluation, the histochemically demonstrated reactivity of succinic acid dehydrogenase (SDH) and of NADPH-diaphorase (NADPHD) was determined in different brain nuclei of two teleost fish (cichlid fish Oreochromis mossambicus, swordtail fish Xiphophorus helleri), which had been kept under 3g hyper-gravity for 8 days. SDH was chosen since it is a rate limiting enzyme of the Krebs cycle and therefore it is regarded as a marker for metabolic and neuronal activity. NADPHD reactivity reflects the activity of nitric oxide synthase. Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous intercellular messenger that has been suggested to play a major role in several different in vivo models of neuronal plasticity including learning. Within particular vestibulum-connected brain centers, significant effects of hyper-gravity were obtained, e.g., in the magnocellular nucleus, a primary vestibular relay ganglion of the brain stem octavolateralis area, in the superior rectus subdivision of the oculomotoric nucleus and within cerebellar eurydendroid cells, which in teleosts possibly resemble the deep cerebellar nucleus of higher vertebrates. Non-vestibulum related nuclei did not respond to hypergravity in a significant way. The effect of hyper-gravity found was much less distinct in adult animals as compared to the circumstances seen in larval fish (Anken et al., Adv. Space Res. 17, 1996), possibly due to a development correlated loss of neuronal plasticity.

  9. [Jejunal myenteric denervation induced by benzalkonium chloride].

    PubMed

    Ramalho, F S; Santos, G C; Ramalho, L N; Kajiwara, J K; Zucoloto, S

    1994-01-01

    The effects of benzalkonium chloride (BAC) on the number of myenteric neurons, muscle thickness and external perimeter after acute (until 10 days after BAC application) and chronic (30 and 60 days after BAC application) denervation of the proximal jejunum were determined in rats. There was a significant reduction in the number of myenteric neurons of all segments treated with BAC. The extent of denervation varied along the time, and it was reduced in the denervated segments of the chronic group in comparison with the acute group. This may be due to the neuroplasticity phenomenon appearing during the chronic phase. Myenteric denervation increased the thickness of the propria muscle layer, especially in the longitudinal muscle layer, suggesting a higher sensitivity of this layer to myenteric denervation.

  10. Distribution of the P2X2 receptor and chemical coding in ileal enteric neurons of obese male mice (ob/ob)

    PubMed Central

    Mizuno, Márcia Sanae; Crisma, Amanda Rabello; Borelli, Primavera; Schäfer, Bárbara Tavares; Silveira, Mariana Póvoa; Castelucci, Patricia

    2014-01-01

    AIM: To investigate the colocalization, density and profile of neuronal areas of enteric neurons in the ileum of male obese mice. METHODS: The small intestinal samples of male mice in an obese group (OG) (C57BL/6J ob/ob) and a control group (CG) (+/+) were used. The tissues were analyzed using a double immunostaining technique for immunoreactivity (ir) of the P2X2 receptor, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), choline acetyl transferase (ChAT) and calretinin (Calr). Also, we investigated the density and profile of neuronal areas of the NOS-, ChAT- and Calr-ir neurons in the myenteric plexus. Myenteric neurons were labeled using an NADH-diaphorase histochemical staining method. RESULTS: The analysis demonstrated that the P2X2 receptor was expressed in the cytoplasm and in the nuclear and cytoplasmic membranes only in the CG. Neuronal density values (neuron/cm2) decreased 31% (CG: 6579 ± 837; OG: 4556 ± 407) and 16.5% (CG: 7796 ± 528; OG: 6513 ± 610) in the NOS-ir and calretinin-ir neurons in the OG, respectively (P < 0.05). Density of ChAT-ir (CG: 6200 ± 310; OG: 8125 ± 749) neurons significantly increased 31% in the OG (P < 0.05). Neuron size studies demonstrated that NOS, ChAT, and Calr-ir neurons did not differ significantly between the CG and OG groups. The examination of NADH-diaphorase-positive myenteric neurons revealed an overall similarity between the OG and CG. CONCLUSION: Obesity may exert its effects by promoting a decrease in P2X2 receptor expression and modifications in the density of the NOS-ir, ChAT-ir and CalR-ir myenteric neurons. PMID:25320527

  11. Individual sympathetic postganglionic neurons coinnervate myenteric ganglia and smooth muscle layers in the gastrointestinal tract of the rat.

    PubMed

    Walter, Gary C; Phillips, Robert J; McAdams, Jennifer L; Powley, Terry L

    2016-09-01

    A full description of the terminal architecture of sympathetic axons innervating the gastrointestinal (GI) tract has not been available. To label sympathetic fibers projecting to the gut muscle wall, dextran biotin was injected into the celiac and superior mesenteric ganglia (CSMG) of rats. Nine days postinjection, animals were euthanized and stomachs and small intestines were processed as whole mounts (submucosa and mucosa removed) to examine CSMG efferent terminals. Myenteric neurons were counterstained with Cuprolinic Blue; catecholaminergic axons were stained immunohistochemically for tyrosine hydroxylase. Essentially all dextran-labeled axons (135 of 136 sampled) were tyrosine hydroxylase-positive. Complete postganglionic arbors (n = 154) in the muscle wall were digitized and analyzed morphometrically. Individual sympathetic axons formed complex arbors of varicose neurites within myenteric ganglia/primary plexus and, concomitantly, long rectilinear arrays of neurites within circular muscle/secondary plexus or longitudinal muscle/tertiary plexus. Very few CSMG neurons projected exclusively (i.e., ∼100% of an arbor's varicose branches) to myenteric plexus (∼2%) or smooth muscle (∼14%). With less stringent inclusion criteria (i.e., ≥85% of an axon's varicose branches), larger minorities of neurons projected predominantly to either myenteric plexus (∼13%) or smooth muscle (∼27%). The majority (i.e., ∼60%) of all individual CSMG postganglionics formed mixed, heterotypic arbors that coinnervated extensively (>15% of their varicose branches per target) both myenteric ganglia and smooth muscle. The fact that ∼87% of all sympathetics projected either extensively or even predominantly to smooth muscle, while simultaneously contacting myenteric plexus, is consistent with the view that these neurons control GI muscle directly, if not exclusively. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:2577-2603, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  12. Recordings from human myenteric neurons using voltage-sensitive dyes.

    PubMed

    Vignali, Sheila; Peter, Nadine; Ceyhan, Güralp; Demir, Ihsan Ekin; Zeller, Florian; Senseman, David; Michel, Klaus; Schemann, Michael

    2010-10-15

    Voltage-sensitive dye (VSD) imaging became a powerful tool to detect neural activity in the enteric nervous system, including its routine use in submucous neurons in freshly dissected human tissue. However, VSD imaging of human myenteric neurons remained a challenge because of limited visibility of the ganglia and dye accessibility. We describe a protocol to apply VSD for recordings of human myenteric neurons in freshly dissected tissue and myenteric neurons in primary cultures. VSD imaging of guinea-pig myenteric neurons was used for reference. Electrical stimulation of interganglionic fiber tracts and exogenous application of nicotine or elevated KCl solution was used to evoke action potentials. Bath application of the VSDs Annine-6Plus, Di-4-ANEPPS, Di-8-ANEPPQ, Di-4-ANEPPDHQ or Di-8-ANEPPS revealed no neural signals in human tissue although most of these VSD worked in guinea-pig tissue. Unlike methylene blue and FM1-43, 4-Di-2-ASP did not influence spike discharge and was used in human tissue to visualize myenteric ganglia as a prerequisite for targeted intraganglionic VSD application. Of all VSDs, only intraganglionic injection of Di-8-ANEPPS by a volume controlled injector revealed neuronal signals in human tissue. Signal-to-noise ratio increased by addition of dipicrylamine to Di-8-ANEPPS (0.98±0.16 vs. 2.4±0.62). Establishing VSD imaging in primary cultures of human myenteric neurons led to a further improvement of signal-to-noise ratio. This allowed us to routinely record spike discharge after nicotine application. The described protocol enabled reliable VSD recordings from human myenteric neurons but may also be relevant for the use of other fluorescent dyes in human tissues. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Fine structure and synaptology of the nitrergic neurons in medial septum of the rat brain.

    PubMed

    Halasy, Katalin; Szőke, Balázs; Janzsó, Gergely

    2017-03-01

    The nitrergic neuron population and certain aspects of their connectivity (peptidergic inputs, co-localization with GABA, synaptic target distribution) were studied in the medial septum of the rat brain. The histochemical localization of NADPH diaphorase and immunohistochemical identification of nNOS at light and electron microscopic level was applied. Double-labeling experiments with galanin and leucine enkephalin, moreover the postembedding GABA immunogold staining was also carried out. NADPH diaphorase- and nNOS-immunopositive neurons could be identified inside the borders of medial septum. Out of their peptidergic inputs galanin- and leucine enkephaline-immunopositive varicose fibers were found in close apposition with nNOS-immunopositive neurons. Based on fine structural characteristics (large indented nucleus, thin cytoplasmic rim, lack of axosomatic synapses) the nitrergic neurons are suggested to be identical with the septal cholinergic nerve cells. Their boutons established asymmetrical synapses mainly on dendritic shafts and spines, some of which were also nNOS-immunopositive. A lower amount of nNOS-immunopositive boutons of presumably extrinsic origin were found to be GABAergic.

  14. Influence of age-related changes in nitric oxide synthase-expressing neurons in the rat supraoptic nucleus on inhibition of salivary secretion.

    PubMed

    Tanaka, Takehiko; Tamada, Yoshitaka; Suwa, Fumihiko

    2008-02-01

    Age-related inhibition of salivary secretion has been demonstrated in rats, and the nitric oxide (NO) present in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and the medial septal area has been reported to play an inhibitory role in the regulation of salivary secretion. In the present study, we investigated the age-related changes occurring in the NO synthase (NOS)-expressing neurons in the SON, which is related to the production of NO, and discussed the interrelation between the age-related changes in the NOS-expressing neurons and the age-related inhibition of salivary secretion. Nissl staining and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-d) histochemistry were performed for young adult and aged rats. Quantitative analysis was also performed using the Nissl-stained and NADPH-d-positive neurons. Although the numbers of the Nissl-stained neurons did not change, significant age-related increases were detected in cell number, cell size and reactive density of the NADPH-d-positive neurons. Therefore, the production of NO in the SON neurons increased with age. We concluded that the age-related increase in the NO in the SON might be a factor that contributes to the age-related inhibition of salivary secretion.

  15. Overexpression of VMAT-2 and DT-diaphorase protects substantia nigra-derived cells against aminochrome neurotoxicity

    PubMed Central

    Muñoz, Patricia; Paris, Irmgard; Sanders, Laurie H.; Greenamyre, J. Timothy; Segura-Aguilar, Juan

    2013-01-01

    We tested the hypothesis that both VMAT-2 and DT-diaphorase are an important cellular defense against aminochrome-dependent neurotoxicity during dopamine oxidation. A cell line with VMAT-2 and DT-diaphorase over-expressed was created. The transfection of RCSN-3 cells with a bicistronic plasmid coding for VMAT-2 fused with GFP-IRES-DT-diaphorase cDNA induced a significant increase in protein expression of VMAT-2 (7-fold; P<0.001) and DT-diaphorase (9-fold; P<0.001), accompanied by a 4- and 5.5-fold significant increase in transport and enzyme activity, respectively. Studies with synaptic vesicles from rat substantia nigra revealed that VMAT-2 uptake of 3H-aminochrome 6.3 ± 0.4nmol/min/mg was similar to dopamine uptake 6.2 ± 0.3 nmol/min/mg that which were dependent on ATP. Interestingly, aminochrome uptake was inhibited by 2 μM lobeline but not reserpine (1 and 10 μM). Incubation of cells overexpressing VMAT-2 and DT-diaphorase with 20 μM aminochrome resulted in (i) a significant decrease in cell death (6-fold, P<0.001); (ii) normal ultra structure determined by transmission electron microscopy contrasting with a significant increase of autophagosome and a dramatic remodeling of the mitochondrial inner membrane in wild type cells; (iii) normal level of ATP (256 ± 11 μM) contrasting with a significant decrease in wild type cells (121 ± 11 μM, P<0.001); and (iv) a significant decrease in DNA laddering (21 ± 8 pixels, P<0.001) cells in comparison with wild type cells treated with 20 μM aminochrome (269 ± 9). These results support our hypothesis that VMAT-2 and DT-diaphorase are an important defense system against aminochrome formed during dopamine oxidation. PMID:22483869

  16. Therapeutic potential of Mucuna pruriens (Linn.) on ageing induced damage in dorsal nerve of the penis and its implication on erectile function: an experimental study using albino rats.

    PubMed

    Seppan, Prakash; Muhammed, Ibrahim; Mohanraj, Karthik Ganesh; Lakshmanan, Ganesh; Premavathy, Dinesh; Muthu, Sakthi Jothi; Wungmarong Shimray, Khayinmi; Sathyanathan, Sathya Bharathy

    2018-02-15

    To study the effect of ethanolic seed extract of Mucuna pruriens on damaged dorsal nerve of the penis (DNP) in aged rat in relation to penile erection. The rats were divided into four groups Young (3 months), Aged (24 - 28 months), Aged + M. pruriens, and Young + M. pruriens (200 mg/kg b.w/60 days) and were subjected to the hypophysial - gonadal axis, nerve conduction velocity (NCV), and penile reflex. DNP sections were stained with nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NaDPH) diaphorase, androgen receptor (AR), and osmium tetroxide. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) staining, electron microscopy(EM) and histometric analyses were done. Significant disturbance in hypophysial - gonadal axis was noted in aged rat. With reduced number of myelinated fibers, diameter, vacuolization, indentation of the myelin sheath, and degeneration. nNOS and its cofactor (NaDPH diaphorase) were reduced in aged rat DNP. NCV was slow in aged rats and concomitant poor penile reflex was also noted. AR showed reduced expression in aged rat DNP when compared to young and control groups. TUNEL positive cells were increased in aged rat DNP. These pathological changes were remarkably reduced or recovered in M. pruriens treated aged rats. The results indicate a multi-factorial therapeutic activity in penile innervations towards sustaining the penile erection in the presence of the extract in aged rats and justifying the claim of traditional usage.

  17. Expression and Significance of Neuroligins in Myenteric Cells of Cajal in Hirschsprung's Disease

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Jian; Mou, Yaru; Zhang, Qiangye; Zhang, Fan; Yang, Hongchao; Zhang, Wentong; Li, Aiwu

    2013-01-01

    Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and significance of neuroligins in myenteric cells of Cajal (ICC-MY) in Hirschsprung’s disease (HSCR). Methods Longitudinal muscle with adherent myenteric plexus (LMMP) from surgical excision waste colon of HSCR children were prepared by peeling off the mucous layer, sub-mucosal layer and circular muscle. Neuroligins, c-Kit (c-Kit-immunoreactivity representing ICC) and their relationship were assessed by double labeling immunofluorescence staining. ICC-MY were dissociated and cultured from LMMP by enzymolysis method, and were purified and analyzed using a combination of magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) and flow cytometry (FCM). Western-blot analysis was applied to compare and evaluate the expression levels of neuroligins in ICC-MY which were dissociated from different segments of HSCR (ganglionic colonic segment, transitional colonic segment and aganglionic colonic segment). Results Neuroligins and c-Kit were expressed on the same cells (ICC-MY); ICC-MY were dissociated, cultured and purified. For HSCR, neuroligins were expressed significantly in ICC-MY from ganglionic colonic segments, moderately in those from transitional colonic segments and down-regulated significantly in those from aganglionic colonic segments. Conclusions Neuroligins were expressed in ICC-MY of human beings, and the expression varies from different segments of HSCR. This abnormal expression might play an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease through affecting the synaptic function of ICC-MY. PMID:23840625

  18. Activation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in cerebellum of chronic hepatic encephalopathy rats is associated with up-regulation of NADPH-producing pathway.

    PubMed

    Singh, Santosh; Trigun, Surendra K

    2010-09-01

    Cerebellum-associated functions get affected during mild hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) in patients with chronic liver failure (CLF). Involvement of nitrosative and antioxidant factors in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatic encephalopathy is an evolving concept and needs to be defined in a true CLF animal model. This article describes profiles of NADPH-dependent neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and those of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase (GR) vis-a-vis regulation of NADPH-producing pathway in the cerebellum of CLF rats induced by administration of thioacetamide (100 mg kg⁻¹ b.w., i.p.) up to 10 days and confirming MHE on Morris water maze tests. Significant increases in the expression of nNOS protein and nitric oxide (NOx) level coincided with a similar increment in NADPH-diaphorase activity in the cerebellum of CLF rats. Glutathione peroxidase and GR utilize NADPH to regenerate reduced glutathione (GSH) in the cells. Both these enzymes and GSH level were found to be static and thus suggested efficient turnover of GSH in the cerebellum of MHE rats. Relative levels of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) vs. phosphofructokinase 2 (PFK2) determine the rate of pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) responsible to synthesize NADPH. The cerebellum of CLF rats showed overactivation of G6PD with a significant decline in the expression of PFK2 and thus suggested activation of PPP in the cerebellum during MHE. It is concluded that concordant activations of PPP and nNOS in cerebellum of MHE rats could be associated with the implication of NOx in the pathogenesis of MHE.

  19. Immortalisation of a human diploid fibroblast cell strain: a DT-diaphorase paradox.

    PubMed Central

    Kuehl, B. L.; Brezden, C. B.; Traver, R. D.; Siegel, D.; Ross, D.; Renzing, J.; Rauth, A. M.

    1996-01-01

    Transfection of a normal human diploid fibroblast cell strain, GM38, with a simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen containing plasmid, yielded an immortal cell line, G38-8X, which had a similar sensitivity as the parental cell strain to the quinone-containing chemotherapeutic agent mitomycin C (MMC), under both aerobic and hypoxic exposure conditions. The activity level of DT-diaphorase was similar in both the parental GM38 and G38-8X cells. Although DT-diaphorase could be detected by Western blot analysis, using two mouse anti-human monoclonal antibodies, in GM38 cells, it was not detected in the G38-8X cells. G38-8X cells have a slightly increased P450R activity (2-fold), and have elevated P-glycoprotein levels compared with the parental GM38 cell strain. The immortal G38-8X cell line is 2-fold more resistant to ionising radiation than the parental GM38 cell strain (D10 approximately 5 Gy). Although these SV40 large T antigen immortalised human diploid fibroblasts behaved similarly to their parental cell strain in terms of MMC sensitivity and DT-diaphorase activity, careful characterisation revealed that these cells had enhanced P-glycoprotein activity and had a decreased sensitivity to ionising radiation. Images Figure 3 PMID:8763839

  20. No reduction with ageing of the number of myenteric neurons in benzalkonium chloride treated rats.

    PubMed

    Garcia, S B; Demarzo, M M P; Vinhadeli, W S; Llorach-Velludo, M A; Zoteli, J; Herrero, C F P S; Zucoloto, S

    2002-10-04

    The number of myenteric neurons may be reduced by topical serosal application of benzalkonium chloride (BAC). We studied the effects of ageing in the population of neurons that survive after the application of BAC. Ten treated and ten control animals were killed at intervals of 2, 6, 12 and 18 months after the surgery. We performed myenteric neurons counting in serially cut histological preparations of the descending colon. The control animals revealed a continuous loss of myenteric neurons number with increasing of age. Interestingly, contrary to control animals, the BAC-treated rats presented no neuron loss with ageing at any experimental time. The reasons for their survival with ageing could be related to a neuroplasticity phenomenon.

  1. Calcimimetic R568 inhibits tetrodotoxin-sensitive colonic electrolyte secretion and reduces c-fos expression in myenteric neurons.

    PubMed

    Sun, Xiangrong; Tang, Lieqi; Winesett, Steven; Chang, Wenhan; Cheng, Sam Xianjun

    2018-02-01

    Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is expressed on neurons of both submucosal and myenteric plexuses of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and the CaSR agonist R568 inhibited Cl - secretion in intestine. The purpose of this study was to localize the primary site of action of R568 in the ENS and to explore how CaSR regulates secretion through the ENS. Two preparations of rat proximal and distal colon were used. The full-thickness preparation contained both the submucosal and myenteric plexuses, whereas for the "stripped" preparation the myenteric plexus with the muscle layers was removed. Both preparations were mounted onto Ussing chambers and Cl - secretory responses were compared by measuring changes in short circuit current (I sc ). Two tissue-specific CaSR knockouts (i.e., neuron-specific vs. enterocyte-specific) were generated to compare the effect of R568 on expression of c-fos protein in myenteric neurons by immunocytochemistry. In full-thickness colons, tetrodotoxin (TTX) inhibited I sc , both in proximal and distal colons. A nearly identical inhibition was produced by R568. However, in stripped preparations, while the effect of TTX on I sc largely remained, the effect of R568 was nearly completely eliminated. In keeping with this, R568 reduced c-fos protein expression only in myenteric neurons of wild type mice and mutant mice that contained CaSR in neurons (i.e., villin Cre/Casr flox/flox mice), but not in myenteric neurons of nestin Cre/Casr flox/flox mice in which neuronal cell CaSR was eliminated. These results indicate that R568 exerts its anti-secretory effects predominantly via CaSR-mediated inhibition of neuronal activity in the myenteric plexus. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  2. Nitric oxide regulation of colonic epithelial ion transport: a novel role for enteric glia in the myenteric plexus

    PubMed Central

    MacEachern, Sarah J; Patel, Bhavik A; McKay, Derek M; Sharkey, Keith A

    2011-01-01

    Abstract Enteric glia are increasingly recognized as important in the regulation of a variety of gastrointestinal functions. Here we tested the hypothesis that nicotinic signalling in the myenteric plexus results in the release of nitric oxide (NO) from neurons and enteric glia to modulate epithelial ion transport. Ion transport was assessed using full-thickness or muscle-stripped segments of mouse colon mounted in Ussing chambers. The cell-permeant NO-sensitive dye DAR-4M AM and amperometry were utilized to identify the cellular sites of NO production within the myenteric plexus and the contributions from specific NOS isoforms. Nicotinic receptors were localized using immunohistochemistry. Nicotinic cholinergic stimulation of colonic segments resulted in NO-dependent changes in epithelial active electrogenic ion transport that were TTX sensitive and significantly altered in the absence of the myenteric plexus. Nicotinic stimulation of the myenteric plexus resulted in NO production and release from neurons and enteric glia, which was completely blocked in the presence of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) I and NOS II inhibitors. Using the NO scavenger 2-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (PTIO), neuronal and enteric glial components of NO production were demonstrated. Nicotinic receptors were identified on enteric neurons, which express NOS I, and enteric glia, which express NOS II. These data identify a unique pathway in the mouse colon whereby nicotinic cholinergic signalling in myenteric ganglia mobilizes NO from NOS II in enteric glia, which in coordinated activity with neurons in the myenteric plexus modulates epithelial ion transport, a key component of homeostasis and innate immunity. PMID:21558161

  3. Birthdating of myenteric neuron subtypes in the small intestine of the mouse.

    PubMed

    Bergner, Annette J; Stamp, Lincon A; Gonsalvez, David G; Allison, Margaret B; Olson, David P; Myers, Martin G; Anderson, Colin R; Young, Heather M

    2014-02-15

    There are many different types of enteric neurons. Previous studies have identified the time at which some enteric neuron subtypes are born (exit the cell cycle) in the mouse, but the birthdates of some major enteric neuron subtypes are still incompletely characterized or unknown. We combined 5-ethynynl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) labeling with antibody markers that identify myenteric neuron subtypes to determine when neuron subtypes are born in the mouse small intestine. We found that different neurochemical classes of enteric neuron differed in their birthdates; serotonin neurons were born first with peak cell cycle exit at E11.5, followed by neurofilament-M neurons, calcitonin gene-related peptide neurons (peak cell cycle exit for both at embryonic day [E]12.5-E13.5), tyrosine hydroxylase neurons (E15.5), nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1) neurons (E15.5), and calretinin neurons (postnatal day [P]0). The vast majority of myenteric neurons had exited the cell cycle by P10. We did not observe any EdU+/NOS1+ myenteric neurons in the small intestine of adult mice following EdU injection at E10.5 or E11.5, which was unexpected, as previous studies have shown that NOS1 neurons are present in E11.5 mice. Studies using the proliferation marker Ki67 revealed that very few NOS1 neurons in the E11.5 and E12.5 gut were proliferating. However, Cre-lox-based genetic fate-mapping revealed a small subpopulation of myenteric neurons that appears to express NOS1 only transiently. Together, our results confirm a relationship between enteric neuron subtype and birthdate, and suggest that some enteric neurons exhibit neurochemical phenotypes during development that are different from their mature phenotype. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  4. Myenteric plexitis: A frequent feature in patients undergoing surgery for colonic diverticular disease.

    PubMed

    Bassotti, Gabrio; Villanacci, Vincenzo; Sidoni, Angelo; Nascimbeni, Riccardo; Dore, Maria P; Binda, Gian A; Bandelloni, Roberto; Salemme, Marianna; Del Sordo, Rachele; Cadei, Moris; Manca, Alessandra; Bernardini, Nunzia; Maurer, Christoph A; Cathomas, Gieri

    2015-12-01

    Diverticular disease of the colon is frequent in clinical practice, and a large number of patients each year undergo surgical procedures worldwide for their symptoms. Thus, there is a need for better knowledge of the basic pathophysiologic mechanisms of this disease entity. Because patients with colonic diverticular disease have been shown to display abnormalities of the enteric nervous system, we assessed the frequency of myenteric plexitis (i.e. the infiltration of myenteric ganglions by inflammatory cells) in patients undergoing surgery for this condition. We analyzed archival resection samples from the proximal resection margins of 165 patients undergoing left hemicolectomy (60 emergency and 105 elective surgeries) for colonic diverticulitis, by histology and immunochemistry. Overall, plexitis was present in almost 40% of patients. It was subdivided into an eosinophilic (48%) and a lymphocytic (52%) subtype. Plexitis was more frequent in younger patients; and it was more frequent in those undergoing emergency surgery (50%), compared to elective (28%) surgery (p = 0.007). All the severe cases of plexitis displayed the lymphocytic subtype. In conclusion, myenteric plexitis is frequent in patients with colonic diverticular disease needing surgery, and it might be implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease.

  5. Neuroprotective effects of metallothionein against rotenone-induced myenteric neurodegeneration in parkinsonian mice.

    PubMed

    Murakami, Shinki; Miyazaki, Ikuko; Sogawa, Norio; Miyoshi, Ko; Asanuma, Masato

    2014-10-01

    Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease with motor symptoms as well as non-motor symptoms that precede the onset of motor symptoms. Mitochondrial complex I inhibitor, rotenone, has been widely used to reproduce PD pathology in the central nervous system (CNS) and enteric nervous system (ENS). We reported previously that metallothioneins (MTs) released from astrocytes can protect dopaminergic neurons against oxidative stress. The present study examined the changes in MT expression by chronic systemic rotenone administration in the striatum and colonic myenteric plexus of C57BL mice. In addition, we investigated the effects of MT depletion on rotenone-induced neurodegeneration in CNS and ENS using MT-1 and MT-2 knockout (MT KO) mice, or using primary cultured neurons from MT KO mice. In normal C57BL mice, subcutaneous administration of rotenone for 6 weeks caused neurodegeneration, increased MT expression with astrocytes activation in the striatum and myenteric plexus. MT KO mice showed more severe myenteric neuronal damage by rotenone administration after 4 weeks than wild-type mice, accompanied by reduced astroglial activation. In primary cultured mesencephalic neurons from MT KO mice, rotenone exposure induced neurotoxicity in dopaminergic neurons, which was complemented by addition of recombinant protein. The present results suggest that MT seems to provide protection against neurodegeneration in ENS of rotenone-induced PD model mice.

  6. Neovascularization in an arterio-venous loop-containing tissue engineering chamber: role of NADPH oxidase

    PubMed Central

    Jiang, F; Zhang, G; Hashimoto, I; Kumar, B S; Bortolotto, S; Morrison, W A; Dusting, G J

    2008-01-01

    Using an in vivo arterio-venous loop-containing tissue-engineering chamber, we have created a variety of vascularized tissue blocks, including functional myocardium. The viability of the transplanted cells is limited by the rate of neovascularization in the chamber. A Nox2-containing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase is thought to have a critical role in ischaemic angiogenesis. In this study we investigated whether NADPH oxidase is involved in the neovascularization process in the tissue-engineering chamber. New blood vessels originating from the venous and the arterial ends of the loop could be identified after 3 days, and the vessel density (by lectin staining) peaked after 7 days and was maintained for at least 14 days. This was accompanied by granulation tissue formation and concomitant increase in the mRNA level of Nox4 NADPH oxidase. Although the total level of Nox2 mRNA in the chamber tissue decreased from day 3 to day 7, immunohistochemistry identified a strong expression of Nox2 in the endothelial cells of the new vessels. In human microvascular endothelial cells, the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin reduced NADPH oxidase activity and inhibited the angiogenic responses in vitro. Local treatment with the NADPH oxidase inhibitors apocynin or gp91ds-tat peptide significantly suppressed the vessel growth in the chamber. In conclusion, NADPH oxidase-dependent redox signalling is important for neovascularization in this novel tissue-engineering chamber in vivo, and boosting this signalling might be a new approach to extending vascularization and tissue growth. PMID:19012731

  7. Myenteric plexitis: A frequent feature in patients undergoing surgery for colonic diverticular disease

    PubMed Central

    Villanacci, Vincenzo; Sidoni, Angelo; Nascimbeni, Riccardo; Dore, Maria P; Binda, Gian A; Bandelloni, Roberto; Salemme, Marianna; Del Sordo, Rachele; Cadei, Moris; Manca, Alessandra; Bernardini, Nunzia; Maurer, Christoph A; Cathomas, Gieri

    2015-01-01

    Background Diverticular disease of the colon is frequent in clinical practice, and a large number of patients each year undergo surgical procedures worldwide for their symptoms. Thus, there is a need for better knowledge of the basic pathophysiologic mechanisms of this disease entity. Objectives Because patients with colonic diverticular disease have been shown to display abnormalities of the enteric nervous system, we assessed the frequency of myenteric plexitis (i.e. the infiltration of myenteric ganglions by inflammatory cells) in patients undergoing surgery for this condition. Methods We analyzed archival resection samples from the proximal resection margins of 165 patients undergoing left hemicolectomy (60 emergency and 105 elective surgeries) for colonic diverticulitis, by histology and immunochemistry. Results Overall, plexitis was present in almost 40% of patients. It was subdivided into an eosinophilic (48%) and a lymphocytic (52%) subtype. Plexitis was more frequent in younger patients; and it was more frequent in those undergoing emergency surgery (50%), compared to elective (28%) surgery (p = 0.007). All the severe cases of plexitis displayed the lymphocytic subtype. Conclusions In conclusion, myenteric plexitis is frequent in patients with colonic diverticular disease needing surgery, and it might be implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. PMID:26668745

  8. A Hidden Transhydrogen Activity of a FMN-Bound Diaphorase under Anaerobic Conditions

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-05-04

    RESEARCH ARTICLE A Hidden Transhydrogen Activity of a FMN- Bound Diaphorase under Anaerobic Conditions John Collins1, Ting Zhang1, Scott Huston1... metabolic pathways for facilitating the electron transfer from one molecule to another in redox reactions. Transhy- drogenase plays an important role in...March 2, 2016 Accepted: April 20, 2016 Published: May 4, 2016 Copyright: © 2016 Collins et al. This is an open access article distributed under the

  9. Postnatal development of the myenteric plexus in cat stomach.

    PubMed

    Lolova, I; Itsev, D

    1983-01-01

    The postnatal development of the myenteric plexus in cat stomach has been studied at birth, on the 14th, 30th, 45th and 180th postnatal days, using light- and electronmicroscopic methods. In newborn kittens the main network of the Auerbach plexus is well formed, but the myenteric ganglia are composed of nerve cells with different maturity and a scarce neuropile. During the first two postnatal weeks the dimensions of the ganglia increase owing to the increase of the nerve bodies and the rising number of glials cells and intercellular fibres. This is accompanied by a potentiation of the AChE-activity, mainly in the nerve cell bodies and to a lesser extent in the neuropile. Impregnation reveals different in calibre and form nerve fibres and terminals. Different ultrastructural types of neurones are identified on the 14th day. Later development is expressed in the formation of large compact ganglia and thick connecting strands. The number of AChE-positive fibres in the neuropile increases. Owing to the increase in the cell organelles and their more advanced maturity, it is possible to define the ultrastructural type of an ever increasing number of neurones.

  10. Effects of oxaliplatin on mouse myenteric neurons and colonic motility

    PubMed Central

    Wafai, Linah; Taher, Mohammadali; Jovanovska, Valentina; Bornstein, Joel C.; Dass, Crispin R.; Nurgali, Kulmira

    2013-01-01

    Oxaliplatin, an anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agent used for the treatment of colorectal cancer, commonly causes gastrointestinal side-effects such as constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. Damage to enteric neurons may underlie some of these gastrointestinal side-effects, as the enteric nervous system (ENS) controls functions of the bowel. In this study, neuronal loss and changes to the structure and immunoreactivity of myenteric neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) neurons were examined in colonic segments from mice following exposure to oxaliplatin ex vivo and following repeated intraperitoneal injections of oxaliplatin over 3 weeks in vivo, using immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy. Significant morphological alterations and increases in the proportion of NOS-immunoreactive (IR) neurons were associated with both short-term oxaliplatin exposure and long-term oxaliplatin administration, confirming that oxaliplatin causes changes to the myenteric neurons. Long-term oxaliplatin administration induced substantial neuronal loss that was correlated with a reduction in both the frequency and propagation speed of colonic migrating motor complexes (CMMCs) in vitro. Similar changes probably produce some symptoms experienced by patients undergoing oxaliplatin treatment. PMID:23486839

  11. Impaired Expression of Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase in the Gracile Nucleus Is Involved in Neuropathic Changes in Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats with and without 2,5-Hexanedione Intoxication

    PubMed Central

    Ma, Sheng-Xing; Peterson, Richard G.; Magee, Edward M.; Lee, Paul; Lee, Wai-Nang Paul; Li, Xi-Yan

    2015-01-01

    These studies examined the influence of 2,5-hexanedione (2,5-HD) intoxication on expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the brainstem nuclei in Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) vs. lean control (LC) rats. Functional neuropathic changes were also investigated following axonal damage and impaired axonal transport induced by the treatment. Animals were intoxicated by i.p. injection of 2,5-HD plus unilateral administration of 2,5-HD over the sciatic nerve. The mechanical thresholds and withdrawal latencies to heat and cold stimuli on the foot were measured at baseline and after intoxication. The medulla sections were examined by nNOS immunohistochemistry and NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry at the end of the treatments. The mechanical thresholds and withdrawal latencies were significantly decreased while nNOS immunostained neurons and NADPH-diaphorase positive cells were selectively reduced in the gracile nucleus at baseline in ZDF vs. LC rats. NADPH-diaphorase reactivity and nNOS positive neurons were increased in the ipsilateral gracile nucleus in LC rats following 2,5-HD intoxication, but its up-regulation was attenuated in ZDF rats. These results suggest that diabetic and chemical intoxication-induced nNOS expression is selectively reduced in the gracile nucleus in ZDF rats. Impaired axonal damage-induced nNOS expression in the gracile nucleus is involved in neuropathic pathophysiology in type II diabetic rats. PMID:26519861

  12. Interrupted reperfusion reduces the activation of NADPH oxidase after cerebral I/R injury.

    PubMed

    Shen, Jia; Bai, Xiao-Yin; Qin, Yuan; Jin, Wei-Wei; Zhou, Jing-Yin; Zhou, Ji-Ping; Yan, Ying-Gang; Wang, Qiong; Bruce, Iain C; Chen, Jiang-Hua; Xia, Qiang

    2011-06-15

    Interrupted reperfusion reduces ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. This study was designed to determine whether NADPH oxidase participates in the neural protection against global I/R injury after interrupted reperfusion. Mice were randomly divided into five groups: sham (sham-operated), I/R (20-min global I/R), RR (I/R+interrupted reperfusion), Apo (I/R+apocynin administration), and RR+Apo. Behavioral tests (pole test, beam walking, and Morris water maze) and Nissl staining were undertaken in all five groups; superoxide levels, expression of gp91(phox) and p47(phox), p47(phox) translocation, and Rac1 activation were measured in the sham, I/R, and RR groups. The motor coordination, bradykinesia, and spatial learning and memory, as well as the neuron survival rates, were better in the RR, Apo, and RR+Apo groups than in the I/R group. The NADPH oxidase-dependent superoxide levels, p47(phox) and gp91(phox) expression, p47(phox) translocation, and Rac1 activation were lower in the RR group than in the I/R group. In conclusion, the neural protective effect of interrupted reperfusion is at least partly mediated by decreasing the expression and assembly of NADPH oxidase and the levels of NADPH oxidase-derived superoxide. The most striking reduction Rac1-GTP in the RR group suggests that interrupted reperfusion also acts on the activation of assembled NADPH oxidase by reducing the availability of Rac1-GTP. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Inhibition of the NADPH oxidase regulates HO-1 expression in chronic myeloid leukemia

    PubMed Central

    Singh, Melissa M.; Irwin, Mary E.; Gao, Yin; Ban, Kechen; Shi, Ping; Arlinghaus, Ralph B.; Amin, Hesham M.; Chandra, Joya

    2011-01-01

    Background Patients with blast crisis phase chronic myelogeneous leukemia (CML) have poor response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors designed to inhibit the BCR-ABL1 oncogene. Recent work has shown that heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) expression is increased in BCR-ABL1 expressing cells and that inhibition of HO-1 in CML leads to reduced cellular growth suggesting HO-1 may be a plausible target for therapy. Here we sought to clarify the mechanism of HO-1 overexpression and the role of the NADPH oxidase as a contributor to this mechanism in CML. Methods HO-1 expression was evaluated in CML bone marrow specimens from patients in various stages of disease, in a transplant based model for CML and in CML cell lines. Chemical and genetic inhibition of the NADPH oxidase was carried out in CML cells. Results Blast crisis CML patient specimens displayed higher levels of HO-1 staining than chronic or accelerated phase. HO-1 upregulation in BCR-ABL1 expressing cells was suppressed by diphenyliodonium (DPI), a chemical inhibitor of the NADPH oxidase. Targeting the NADPH oxidase through RNAi to Rac1, a dominant negative Rac1 construct or an inhibitor of Rac1 activity also blunted HO-1 protein expression. Moreover, inhibition of the NADPH oxidase by RNAi directed towards p47phox similarly abrogated HO-1 levels. Conclusion BCR-ABL1 expression upregulates HO-1, a survival factor for CML cells. This upregulation is more pronounced in blast crisis CML relative to early stage disease and is mediated by the NADPH oxidase components Rac1 and p47phox. Expression of p47phox is increased in BCR-ABL1 expressing cells. PMID:22139798

  14. Zinc deficiency during growth: influence on renal function and morphology.

    PubMed

    Tomat, Analía Lorena; Costa, María Angeles; Girgulsky, Luciana Carolina; Veiras, Luciana; Weisstaub, Adriana Ruth; Inserra, Felipe; Balaszczuk, Ana María; Arranz, Cristina Teresa

    2007-03-13

    This study was designed to investigate the effects of moderate zinc deficiency during growth on renal morphology and function in adult life. Weaned male Wistar rats were divided into two groups and fed either a moderately zinc-deficient diet (zinc: 8 mg/kg, n=12) or a control diet (zinc: 30 mg/kg, n=12) for 60 days. We evaluated: renal parameters, NADPH-diaphorase and nitric oxide synthase activity in kidney, renal morphology and apoptotic cells in renal cortex. Zinc-deficient rats showed a decrease in glomerular filtration rate and no changes in sodium and potassium urinary excretion. Zinc deficiency decreased NADPH diaphorase activity in glomeruli and tubular segment of nephrons, and reduced activity of nitric oxide synthase in the renal medulla and cortex, showing that zinc plays an important role in preservation of the renal nitric oxide system. A reduction in nephron number, glomerular capillary area and number of glomerular nuclei in cortical and juxtamedullary areas was observed in zinc deficient kidneys. Sirius red staining and immunostaining for alpha-smooth muscle-actin and collagen III showed no signs of fibrosis in the renal cortex and medulla. An increase in the number of apoptotic cells in distal tubules and cortical collecting ducts neighboring glomeruli and, to a lesser extent, in the glomeruli was observed in zinc deficient rats. The major finding of our study is the emergence of moderate zinc deficiency during growth as a potential nutritional factor related to abnormalities in renal morphology and function that facilitates the development of cardiovascular and renal diseases in adult life.

  15. A mediator-adapted diaphorase variant for a glucose dehydrogenase-diaphorase biocatalytic system.

    PubMed

    Sugiyama, Taiki; Goto, Yoshio; Matsumoto, Ryuhei; Sakai, Hideki; Tokita, Yuichi; Hatazawa, Tsuyonobu

    2010-10-15

    Biofuel cell is an energy conversion device of the next generation which enables use of safer and higher energy-density fuels such as glucose. We have been developing a biofuel cell that comprises the three enzymes: glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) and diaphorase (DI) on anode, and bilirubin oxidase (BOD) on cathode. In this work, we have developed a DI variant suitable for our biofuel cell by using directed molecular evolution method. A gene library of DI variants was constructed by using error-prone PCR and the variant proteins were expressed in an Escherichia coli system. 8000 isolated variants have been screened with activity against 2-amino-1,4-naphthoquinone (ANQ), and 10 of them have been qualified which were then purified and examined their activities against ANQ. A highest activity was observed in G122D variant of which glycine residue at position 122 is substituted to aspartate. Enzymatic kinetic analyses show that KM for ANQ in G122D is 1/3 of that in wild type (G122D: 356 μM, wild type: 1.08 mM), whereas kcat and KM for NADH is almost the same, clearly showing that G122D mutation has given DI an improvement in enzymatic activity at lower ANQ concentration. The effect of this mutation was considered electrochemically in solution and in immobilized layer. The results show that G122D variant DI gave a higher current at lower ANQ concentration in solution, as well as in immobilized condition where GDH is co-immobilized within. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. The timing and location of GDNF expression determines enteric nervous system structure and function

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Hongtao; Hughes, Inna; Planer, William; Parsadanian, Alexander; Grider, John R.; Vohra, Bhupinder P.S.; Keller-Peck, Cynthia; Heuckeroth, Robert O.

    2010-01-01

    Ret signaling is critical for formation of the enteric nervous system (ENS) because Ret activation promotes ENS precursor survival, proliferation, and migration and provides trophic support for mature enteric neurons. While these roles are well established, we now provide evidence that increasing levels of the Ret ligand GDNF in mice causes alterations in ENS structure and function that are critically dependent on the time and location of increased GDNF availability. This is demonstrated using two different strains of transgenic mice and by injecting newborn mice with GDNF. Furthermore, because different subclasses of ENS precursors withdraw from the cell cycle at different times during development, increases in GDNF at specific times alter the ratio of neuronal subclasses in the mature ENS. In addition, we confirm that esophageal neurons are GDNF responsive and demonstrate that the location of GDNF production influences neuronal process projection for NADPH diaphorase expressing, but not acetylcholinesterase, choline acetyltransferase, or tryptophan hydroxylase expressing small bowel myenteric neurons. We further demonstrate that changes in GDNF availability influence intestinal function in vitro and in vivo. Thus, changes in GDNF expression can create a wide variety of alterations in ENS structure and function and may in part contribute to human motility disorders. PMID:20107080

  17. The timing and location of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor expression determine enteric nervous system structure and function.

    PubMed

    Wang, Hongtao; Hughes, Inna; Planer, William; Parsadanian, Alexander; Grider, John R; Vohra, Bhupinder P S; Keller-Peck, Cynthia; Heuckeroth, Robert O

    2010-01-27

    Ret signaling is critical for formation of the enteric nervous system (ENS) because Ret activation promotes ENS precursor survival, proliferation, and migration and provides trophic support for mature enteric neurons. Although these roles are well established, we now provide evidence that increasing levels of the Ret ligand glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in mice causes alterations in ENS structure and function that are critically dependent on the time and location of increased GDNF availability. This is demonstrated using two different strains of transgenic mice and by injecting newborn mice with GDNF. Furthermore, because different subclasses of ENS precursors withdraw from the cell cycle at different times during development, increases in GDNF at specific times alter the ratio of neuronal subclasses in the mature ENS. In addition, we confirm that esophageal neurons are GDNF responsive and demonstrate that the location of GDNF production influences neuronal process projection for NADPH diaphorase-expressing, but not acetylcholinesterase-, choline acetyltransferase-, or tryptophan hydroxylase-expressing, small bowel myenteric neurons. We further demonstrate that changes in GDNF availability influence intestinal function in vitro and in vivo. Thus, changes in GDNF expression can create a wide variety of alterations in ENS structure and function and may in part contribute to human motility disorders.

  18. Western diet induces colonic nitrergic myenteric neuropathy and dysmotility in mice via saturated fatty acid- and lipopolysaccharide-induced TLR4 signalling.

    PubMed

    Reichardt, François; Chassaing, Benoit; Nezami, Behtash Ghazi; Li, Ge; Tabatabavakili, Sahar; Mwangi, Simon; Uppal, Karan; Liang, Bill; Vijay-Kumar, Matam; Jones, Dean; Gewirtz, Andrew T; Srinivasan, Shanthi

    2017-03-01

    A high-fat diet (60% kcal from fat) is associated with motility disorders inducing constipation and loss of nitrergic myenteric neurons in the proximal colon. Gut microbiota dysbiosis, which occurs in response to HFD, contributes to endotoxaemia. High levels of lipopolysaccharide lead to apoptosis in cultured myenteric neurons that express Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Consumption of a Western diet (WD) (35% kcal from fat) for 6 weeks leads to gut microbiota dysbiosis associated with altered bacterial metabolites and increased levels of plasma free fatty acids. These disorders precede the nitrergic myenteric cell loss observed in the proximal colon. Mice lacking TLR4 did not exhibit WD-induced myenteric cell loss and dysmotility. Lipopolysaccharide-induced in vitro enteric neurodegeneration requires the presence of palmitate and may be a result of enhanced NO production. The present study highlights the critical role of plasma saturated free fatty acids that are abundant in the WD with respect to driving enteric neuropathy and colonic dysmotility. The consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) is associated with myenteric neurodegeneration, which in turn is associated with delayed colonic transit and constipation. We examined the hypothesis that an inherent increase in plasma free fatty acids (FFA) in the HFD together with an HFD-induced alteration in gut microbiota contributes to the pathophysiology of these disorders. C57BL/6 mice were fed a Western diet (WD) (35% kcal from fat enriched in palmitate) or a purified regular diet (16.9% kcal from fat) for 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks. Gut microbiota dysbiosis was investigated by fecal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) measurement and metabolomics (linear trap quadrupole-Fourier transform mass spectrometer) analysis. Plasma FFA and LPS levels were assessed, in addition to colonic and ileal nitrergic myenteric neuron quantifications and motility. Compared to regular diet-fed control mice, WD-fed mice gained significantly more weight

  19. The role of colonic mast cells and myenteric plexitis in patients with diverticular disease.

    PubMed

    Bassotti, Gabrio; Villanacci, Vincenzo; Nascimbeni, Riccardo; Antonelli, Elisabetta; Cadei, Moris; Manenti, Stefania; Lorenzi, Luisa; Titi, Amin; Salerni, Bruno

    2013-02-01

    Gut mast cells represent an important cell population involved in intestinal homeostasis and inflammatory processes. However, their possible role has not to date been investigated in colonic diverticular disease. This study aims to evaluate colonic mast cells in patients undergoing surgery for diverticular disease. Surgical resection samples from 27 patients undergoing surgery for diverticular disease (12 emergency procedures for severe disease and 15 elective procedures) were evaluated. The number of mast cells was assessed in the various layers by means of a specific antibody (tryptase) and compared with those evaluated in ten controls. In patients with mast cells degranulation, double immunohistochemistry, also assessing nerve fibres, was carried out. In addition, the presence of myenteric plexitis was sought. Compared with controls, the number of mast cells in diverticular patients was significantly increased, both as an overall figure and in the various layers of the large bowel. In patients in whom mast cells degranulation was present, these were always closed to nerve fibres. No differences were found between the two subgroups of patients with respect to the number and distribution of mast cells; however, all patients undergoing emergency surgery (but none of those undergoing elective procedures) had myenteric plexitis, represented by lymphocytic infiltration in 67 % and eosinophilic infiltration in 33 % of cases. Patients with diverticular disease display an increase of mast cells in the large bowel. The presence of myenteric plexitis in those with complicated, severe disease, suggest that this could represent a histopathologic marker of more aggressive disease.

  20. Effects of Oxaliplatin Treatment on the Myenteric Plexus Innervation and Glia in the Murine Distal Colon.

    PubMed

    Stojanovska, Vanesa; McQuade, Rachel M; Miller, Sarah; Nurgali, Kulmira

    2018-05-01

    Oxaliplatin (platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent) is a first-line treatment of colorectal malignancies; its use associates with peripheral neuropathies and gastrointestinal side effects. These gastrointestinal dysfunctions might be due to toxic effects of oxaliplatin on the intestinal innervation and glia. Male Balb/c mice received intraperitoneal injections of sterile water or oxaliplatin (3 mg/kg/d) triweekly for 2 weeks. Colon tissues were collected for immunohistochemical assessment at day 14. The density of sensory, adrenergic, and cholinergic nerve fibers labeled with calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), respectively, was assessed within the myenteric plexus of the distal colon. The number and proportion of excitatory neurons immunoreactive (IR) against choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) were counted, and the density of glial subpopulations was determined by using antibodies specific for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and s100β protein. Oxaliplatin treatment induced significant reduction of sensory and adrenergic innervations, as well as the total number and proportion of ChAT-IR neurons, and GFAP-IR glia, but increased s100β expression within the myenteric plexus of the distal colon. Treatment with oxaliplatin significantly alters nerve fibers and glial cells in the colonic myenteric plexus, which could contribute to long-term gastrointestinal side effects following chemotherapeutic treatment.

  1. NADPH oxidase inhibitors: a patent review.

    PubMed

    Kim, Jung-Ae; Neupane, Ganesh Prasad; Lee, Eung Seok; Jeong, Byeong-Seon; Park, Byung Chul; Thapa, Pritam

    2011-08-01

    NADPH oxidases, a family of multi-subunit enzyme complexes, catalyze the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may contribute to the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases. In addition to the first NADPH oxidase found in phagocytes, four non-phagocytic NADPH oxidase isoforms have been identified, which all differ in their catalytic subunit (Nox1-5) and tissue distribution. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the patent literature on NADPH oxidase inhibitors, small molecule Nox inhibitors, peptides and siRNAs. Since each member of the NADPH oxidase family has great potential as a therapeutic target, several different compounds have been registered as NADPH oxidase inhibitors in the patent literature. As yet, none have gone through clinical trials, and some have not completed preclinical trials, including safety and specificity evaluation. Recently, small molecule pyrazolopyridine and triazolopyrimidine derivatives have been submitted as potent NADPH oxidase inhibitors and reported as first-in-class inhibitors for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and acute stroke, respectively. Further clinical efficacy and safety data are warranted to prove their actual clinical utility.

  2. Contrasting Influence of NADPH and a NADPH-Regenerating System on the Metabolism of Carbonyl-Containing Compounds in Hepatic Microsomes

    EPA Science Inventory

    Carbonyl containing xenobiotics may be susceptible to NADPH-dependent cytochrome P450 (P450) and carbonyl-reduction reactions. In vitro hepatic microsome assays are routinely supplied NADPH either by direct addition of NADPH or via an NADPH-regenerating system (NRS). In contrast ...

  3. Aqueous Extract of Agaricus blazei Murrill Prevents Age-Related Changes in the Myenteric Plexus of the Jejunum in Rats

    PubMed Central

    de Santi-Rampazzo, Ana Paula; Schoffen, João Paulo Ferreira; Cirilo, Carla Possani; Zapater, Mariana Cristina Vicente Umada; Vicentini, Fernando Augusto; Soares, Andréia Assunção; Peralta, Rosane Marina; Bracht, Adelar; Buttow, Nilza Cristina; Natali, Maria Raquel Marçal

    2015-01-01

    This study evaluated the effects of the supplementation with aqueous extract of Agaricus blazei Murrill (ABM) on biometric and blood parameters and quantitative morphology of the myenteric plexus and jejunal wall in aging Wistar rats. The animals were euthanized at 7 (C7), 12 (C12 and CA12), and 23 months of age (C23 and CA23). The CA12 and CA23 groups received a daily dose of ABM extract (26 mg/animal) via gavage, beginning at 7 months of age. A reduction in food intake was observed with aging, with increases in the Lee index, retroperitoneal fat, intestinal length, and levels of total cholesterol and total proteins. Aging led to a reduction of the total wall thickness, mucosa tunic, villus height, crypt depth, and number of goblet cells. In the myenteric plexus, aging quantitatively decreased the population of HuC/D+ neuronal and S100+ glial cells, with maintenance of the nNOS+ nitrergic subpopulation and increase in the cell body area of these populations. Supplementation with the ABM extract preserved the myenteric plexus in old animals, in which no differences were detected in the density and cell body profile of neurons and glial cells in the CA12 and CA23 groups, compared with C7 group. The supplementation with the aqueous extract of ABM efficiently maintained myenteric plexus homeostasis, which positively influenced the physiology and prevented the death of the neurons and glial cells. PMID:25960748

  4. The mesencephalic GCt-ICo complex and tonic immobility in pigeons (Columba livia): a c-Fos study.

    PubMed

    Melleu, Fernando Falkenburger; Lino-de-Oliveira, C; Marino-Neto, J

    2017-04-01

    Tonic immobility (TI) is a response to a predator attack, or other inescapable danger, characterized by immobility, analgesia and unresponsiveness to external stimuli. In mammals, the periaqueductal gray (PAG) and deep tectal regions control the expression of TI as well as other defensive behaviors. In birds, little is known about the mesencephalic circuitry involved in the control of TI. Here, adult pigeons (both sex, n = 4/group), randomly assigned to non-handled, handled or TI groups, were killed 90 min after manipulations and the brains processed for detection of c-Fos immunoreactive cells (c-Fos-ir, marker for neural activity) in the mesencephalic central gray (GCt) and the adjacent nucleus intercollicularis (ICo). The NADPH-diaphorase staining delineated the boundaries of the sub nuclei in the ICo-GCt complex. Compared to non-handled, TI (but not handling) induced c-Fos-ir in NADPH-diaphorase-rich and -poor regions. After TI, the number of c-Fos-ir increased in the caudal and intermediate areas of the ICo (but not in the GCt), throughout the rostrocaudal axis of the dorsal stratum griseum periventriculare (SGPd) of the optic tectum and in the n. mesencephalicus lateralis pars dorsalis (MLd), which is part of the ascending auditory pathway. These data suggest that inescapable threatening stimuli such as TI may recruit neurons in discrete areas of ICo-GCt complex, deep tectal layer and in ascending auditory circuits that may control the expression of defensive behaviors in pigeons. Additionally, data indicate that the contiguous deep tectal SCPd (but not GCt) in birds may be functionally comparable to the mammalian dorsal PAG.

  5. Renal response to L-arginine in diabetic rats. A possible link between nitric oxide system and aquaporin-2.

    PubMed

    Ortiz, María C; Albertoni Borghese, María F; Balonga, Sabrina E; Lavagna, Agustina; Filipuzzi, Ana L; Elesgaray, Rosana; Costa, María A; Majowicz, Mónica P

    2014-01-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate whether L-Arginine (L-Arg) supplementation modifies nitric oxide (NO) system and consequently aquaporin-2 (AQP2) expression in the renal outer medulla of streptozotocin-diabetic rats at an early time point after induction of diabetes. Male Wistar rats were divided in four groups: Control, Diabetic, Diabetic treated with L-Arginine and Control treated with L-Arginine. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity was estimated by [14C] L-citrulline production in homogenates of the renal outer medulla and by NADPH-diaphorase staining in renal outer medullary tubules. Western blot was used to detect the expression of AQP2 and NOS types I and III; real time PCR was used to quantify AQP2 mRNA. The expression of both NOS isoforms, NOS I and NOS III, was decreased in the renal outer medulla of diabetic rats and L-Arg failed to prevent these decreases. However, L-Arg improved NO production, NADPH-diaphorase activity in collecting ducts and other tubular structures, and NOS activity in renal homogenates from diabetic rats. AQP2 protein and mRNA were decreased in the renal outer medulla of diabetic rats and L-Arg administration prevented these decreases. These results suggest that the decreased NOS activity in collecting ducts of the renal outer medulla may cause, at least in part, the decreased expression of AQP2 in this model of diabetes and constitute additional evidence supporting a role for NO in contributing to renal water reabsorption through the modulation of AQP2 expression in this pathological condition. However, we cannot discard that another pathway different from NOS also exists that links L-Arg to AQP2 expression.

  6. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Vanderlaan, M.; Fong, S.; King, E.B.

    To improve identification of preneoplastic bladder cancer cells, we have studied two enzyme histochemical changes in bladder tumors induced in male Fisher 344 rats by the carcinogen N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)-nitrosamine. In early areas of focal nodular hyperplasia there was a dramatic increase in staining for NADH:menadione oxidoreductase (diaphorase) activity. In nonfocal areas as well, there were many individual cells with intense staining, while the controls were of uniform moderate staining. Large papillomas and carcinomas often showed heterogeneous staining, ..gamma..-Glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) was absent from normal urothelium and from all tumors except the most advanced carcinomas and large papillomas. In old, carcinogen-exposed animals, GGTmore » activity was seen in the luminal surface of tumors and in the interlesion urothelium. In newborn rats and in rats with regenerative hyperplasia following wounding of the urothelium, the diaphorase staining was less than that in the untreated adult. Our findings suggest that increased diaphorase activity may serve to identify early islands of carcinogen-induced, enzymatically altered bladder cells, while GGT will not.« less

  7. Attenuation of NADPH oxidase activation and glomerular filtration barrier remodeling with statin treatment.

    PubMed

    Whaley-Connell, Adam; Habibi, Javad; Nistala, Ravi; Cooper, Shawna A; Karuparthi, Poorna R; Hayden, Melvin R; Rehmer, Nathan; DeMarco, Vincent G; Andresen, Bradley T; Wei, Yongzhong; Ferrario, Carlos; Sowers, James R

    2008-02-01

    Activation of reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase by angiotensin II is integral to the formation of oxidative stress in the vasculature and the kidney. 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibition is associated with reductions of oxidative stress in the vasculature and kidney and associated decreases in albuminuria. Effects of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibition on oxidative stress in the kidney and filtration barrier integrity are poorly understood. To investigate, we used transgenic TG(mRen2)27 (Ren2) rats, which harbor the mouse renin transgene and renin-angiotensin system activation, and an immortalized murine podocyte cell line. We treated young, male Ren2 and Sprague-Dawley rats with rosuvastatin (20 mg/kg IP) or placebo for 21 days. Compared with controls, we observed increases in systolic blood pressure, albuminuria, renal NADPH oxidase activity, and 3-nitrotryosine staining, with reductions in the rosuvastatin-treated Ren2. Structural changes on light and transmission electron microscopy, consistent with periarteriolar fibrosis and podocyte foot-process effacement, were attenuated with statin treatment. Nephrin expression was diminished in the Ren2 kidney and trended to normalize with statin treatment. Angiotensin II-dependent increases in podocyte NADPH oxidase activity and subunit expression (NOX2, NOX4, Rac, and p22(phox)) and reactive oxygen species generation were decreased after in vitro statin treatment. These data support a role for increased NADPH oxidase activity and subunit expression with resultant reactive oxygen species formation in the kidney and podocyte. Furthermore, statin attenuation of NADPH oxidase activation and reactive oxygen species formation in the kidney/podocyte seems to play roles in the abrogation of oxidative stress-induced filtration barrier injury and consequent albuminuria.

  8. Method to Detect the Cellular Source of Over-Activated NADPH Oxidases Using NAD(P)H Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging.

    PubMed

    Bremer, Daniel; Leben, Ruth; Mothes, Ronja; Radbruch, Helena; Niesner, Raluca

    2017-04-03

    Fluorescence-lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) is a technique to generate images, in which the contrast is obtained by the excited-state lifetime of fluorescent molecules instead of their intensity and emission spectrum. The ubiquitous coenzymes NADH and NADPH, hereafter NAD(P)H, in cells show a short fluorescence lifetime ≈400 psec in the free-state and a longer fluorescence lifetime when bound to enzymes. The fluorescence lifetime of NAD(P)H in this state depends on the binding-site on the specific enzyme. In the case of NADPH bound to members of the NADPH oxidases family we measured a fluorescence lifetime of 3650 psec as compared to enzymes typically active in cells, in which case fluorescence lifetimes of ∼2000 psec are measured. Here we present a robust protocol based on NAD(P)H fluorescence lifetime imaging in isolated cells to distinguish between normally active enzymes and NADPH oxidases, mainly responsible for oxidative stress. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

  9. Histogenesis and prognostic value of myenteric spread in colorectal cancer: a Japanese multi-institutional study.

    PubMed

    Ueno, Hideki; Shirouzu, Kazuo; Shimazaki, Hideyuki; Kawachi, Hiroshi; Eishi, Yoshinobu; Ajioka, Yoichi; Okuno, Kiyotaka; Yamada, Kazutaka; Sato, Toshihiko; Kusumi, Takaya; Kushima, Ryoji; Ikegami, Masahiro; Kojima, Motohiro; Ochiai, Atsushi; Murata, Akihiko; Akagi, Yoshito; Nakamura, Takahiro; Sugihara, Kenichi

    2014-03-01

    The histogenesis of the pattern of cancer spread along Auerbach's plexus (myenteric spread: MS) remains unclear and its prognostic value in colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been thoroughly investigated. Pathology slides of 2845 pT2/pT3/pT4 CRCs stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) were reviewed at 10 institutions. MS was classified into 2 groups depending on whether it was accompanied by the finding of perineural invasion (PN) within the lesion. In addition, immunohistochemical staining (D2-40, S100, CD56, synaptophysin) was performed for serially sectioned specimens from 50 CRCs diagnosed as having PN-negative MS. MS was observed in 504 patients (17.7 %); 360 patients were classified as having PN-positive MS and 144 as having PN-negative MS. The 5-year disease-free survival rate of patients with MS was lower than that of patients without MS (63.3 vs 82.7 %, P < 0.0001); however, there was no significant difference in survival outcome according to the presence or absence of intralesion PN in MS. Multivariate analysis showed that the prognostic impact of MS was independent of conventional prognosticators including T and N stages, vascular invasion and extramural PN. In all the tumors having PN-negative MS, remnants of neural tissue were identified within or around cancer nests located at the leading edge of MS. MS is an important prognostic factor for CRC. This feature is the result of cancer development with replacement of Auerbach's plexus and can be classified as intramural PN. The clinical significance of "Pn1" in the UICC/AJCC TNM classification could be enhanced by individual assessment both intramurally and extramurally.

  10. Ulcerative colitis: ultrastructure of interstitial cells in myenteric plexus.

    PubMed

    Rumessen, J J; Vanderwinden, J-M; Horn, T

    2010-10-01

    Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are key regulatory cells in the gut. In the colon of patients with severe ulcerative colitis (UC), myenteric ICC had myoid ultrastructural features and were in close contact with nerve terminals. In all patients as opposed to controls, some ICC profiles showed degenerative changes, such as lipid droplets and irregular vacuoles. Nerve terminals often appeared swollen and empty. Glial cells, muscle cells, and fibroblast-like cells (FLC) showed no alterations. FLC enclosed macrophages (MLC), which were in close contact with naked axon terminals. The organization and cytological changes may be of pathophysiological significance in patients with UC.

  11. Contrasting influence of NADPH and a NADPH-regenerating system on the metabolism of carbonyl-containing compounds in hepatic microsomes.

    PubMed

    Mazur, Christopher S; Kenneke, John F; Goldsmith, Michael-Rock; Brown, Cather

    2009-09-01

    Carbonyl containing xenobiotics may be susceptible to NADPH-dependent cytochrome P450 (P450) and carbonyl-reduction reactions. In vitro hepatic microsome assays are routinely supplied NADPH either by direct addition of NADPH or via an NADPH-regenerating system (NRS). In contrast to oxidative P450 transformations, which occur on the periphery of a microsome vesicle, intraluminal carbonyl reduction depends on transport of cofactors across the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane into the lumen. Glucose 6-phosphate, a natural cofactor and component of the NRS matrix, is readily transported across the ER membrane and facilitates intraluminal NADPH production, whereas direct addition of NADPH has limited access to the lumen. In this study, we compared the effects of direct addition of NADPH and use of an NRS on the P450-mediated transformation of propiconazole and 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD1) carbonyl reduction of cortisone and the xenobiotic triadimefon in hepatic microsomes. Our results demonstrate that the use of NADPH rather than NRS can underestimate the kinetic rates of intraluminal carbonyl reduction, whereas P450-mediated transformations were unaffected. Therefore, in vitro depletion rates measured for a carbonyl-containing xenobiotic susceptible to both intraluminal carbonyl reduction and P450 processes may not be properly assessed with direct addition of NADPH. In addition, we used in silico predictions as follows: 1) to show that 11 beta-HSD1 carbonyl reduction was energetically more favorable than oxidative P450 transformation; and 2) to calculate chemical binding score and the distance between the carbonyl group and the hydride to be transferred by NADPH to identify other 11 beta-HSD1 substrates for which reaction kinetics may be underestimated by direct addition of NADPH.

  12. Characteristics of mucosally projecting myenteric neurones in the guinea-pig proximal colon

    PubMed Central

    Neunlist, Michel; Dobreva, Gisela; Schemann, Michael

    1999-01-01

    Using retrograde tracing with 1,1′-didodecyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI) in combination with electrophysiological and immunohistochemical techniques we determined the properties of the putative intrinsic primary afferent myenteric neurones with mucosal projections in the guinea-pig proximal colon. Eighty-four out of eighty-five DiI-labelled myenteric neurones were AH neurones with a late after-hyperpolarization. Thirty-three per cent of them exhibited atropine- and tetrodotoxin-resistant spontaneously occurring hyperpolarizing potentials (SHPs) during which the membrane resistance and excitability decreased. DiI-labelled AH neurones had multipolar Dogiel type II morphology, primarily of the dendritic type. Sixty-one per cent of the neurones were immunoreactive for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and calbindin (Calb) and 23% were ChAT positive but Calb negative. DiI-labelled neurones did not receive fast excitatory postsynaptic potentials but 94% (34/36) received slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials (sEPSPs). The neurokinin-3 (NK-3) agonist (MePhe7)-NKB but not the NK-1 agonist [(SAR9,Met(O2)11]-SP mimicked this response. The NK-3 receptor antagonist SR 142801 (1 μm) significantly decreased the amplitude and duration of the sEPSPs; the NK-1 receptor antagonist CP-99,994 (1 μm) was ineffective. Atropine (0.5 μm) increased the duration but not the amplitude of the sEPSPs. Microejection of 100 mM sodium butyrate onto the neurones induced in 90% of the DiI-labelled neurones a transient depolarization associated with an increased excitability. In neurones with SHPs sodium butyrate evoked, additionally, a late onset hyperpolarization. Perfusion of 0.1-10 mM sodium butyrate induced a dose-dependent increase in neuronal excitability. Sodium butyrate was ineffective when applied directly onto the mucosa. Mucosally projecting myenteric neurones of the colon are multipolar AH neurones with NK-3-mediated slow EPSPs and somal butyrate

  13. NADPH-generating systems in bacteria and archaea

    PubMed Central

    Spaans, Sebastiaan K.; Weusthuis, Ruud A.; van der Oost, John; Kengen, Servé W. M.

    2015-01-01

    Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) is an essential electron donor in all organisms. It provides the reducing power that drives numerous anabolic reactions, including those responsible for the biosynthesis of all major cell components and many products in biotechnology. The efficient synthesis of many of these products, however, is limited by the rate of NADPH regeneration. Hence, a thorough understanding of the reactions involved in the generation of NADPH is required to increase its turnover through rational strain improvement. Traditionally, the main engineering targets for increasing NADPH availability have included the dehydrogenase reactions of the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway and the isocitrate dehydrogenase step of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. However, the importance of alternative NADPH-generating reactions has recently become evident. In the current review, the major canonical and non-canonical reactions involved in the production and regeneration of NADPH in prokaryotes are described, and their key enzymes are discussed. In addition, an overview of how different enzymes have been applied to increase NADPH availability and thereby enhance productivity is provided. PMID:26284036

  14. Modular-extramodular organization in developing multisensory shell regions of the mouse inferior colliculus.

    PubMed

    Dillingham, Christopher H; Gay, Sean M; Behrooz, Roxana; Gabriele, Mark L

    2017-12-01

    The complex neuroanatomical connections of the inferior colliculus (IC) and its major subdivisions offer a juxtaposition of segregated processing streams with distinct organizational features. While the tonotopically layered central nucleus is well-documented, less is known about functional compartments in the neighboring lateral cortex (LCIC). In addition to a laminar framework, LCIC afferent-efferent patterns suggest a multimodal mosaic, consisting of a patchy modular network with surrounding extramodular domains. This study utilizes several neurochemical markers that reveal an emerging LCIC modular-extramodular microarchitecture. In newborn and post-hearing C57BL/6J and CBA/CaJ mice, histochemical and immunocytochemical stains were performed for acetylcholinesterase (AChE), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), cytochrome oxidase (CO), and calretinin (CR). Discontinuous layer 2 modules are positive for AChE, NADPH-d, GAD, and CO throughout the rostrocaudal LCIC. While not readily apparent at birth, discrete cell clusters emerge over the first postnatal week, yielding an identifiable modular network prior to hearing onset. Modular boundaries continue to become increasingly distinct with age, as surrounding extramodular fields remain largely negative for each marker. Alignment of modular markers in serial sections suggests each highlight the same periodic patchy network throughout the nascent LCIC. In contrast, CR patterns appear complementary, preferentially staining extramodular LCIC zones. Double-labeling experiments confirm that NADPH-d, the most consistent developmental modular marker, and CR label separate, nonoverlapping LCIC compartments. Determining how this emerging modularity may align with similar LCIC patch-matrix-like Eph/ephrin guidance patterns, and how each interface with, and potentially influence developing multimodal LCIC projection configurations is discussed. © 2017 Wiley

  15. Expression of nitric oxide synthase in the developing eye of Zebrafish Danio rerio

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Yongjun; Zhang, Shicui; Sawant, M. S.

    2004-12-01

    Expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the developing eye of zebrafish was studied by NADPH-diaphorase staining technique. NOS activity was first observed in the optic primordium and the lens placode at 5-somite stage, and remained basically unchanged up to the prim-5 stage. Upon hatching, NOS activity was nearly equally detected in the gangalion cell layer and the photoreceptor layer in the developing retina. However, it began declining in the inner plexiform layer and the inner nuclear layer at this stage. NOS activity disappeared in the lens although the anterior lens epithelium was strongly stained. Two days after hatching, NOS activity was still strong in the photoreceptor layer, but decreased markedly in the gangalion cell layer, the inner plexiform layer and the inner nuclear layer with the retinal patterning. These suggested that nitric oxide (NO), the product of NOS, is not only involved in the modulation of patterning and differentiation of the retinal cells but also in the regulation of proliferation, and differentiation of the lens fibrocytes.

  16. R-type Ca(2+) channels contribute to fast synaptic excitation and action potentials in subsets of myenteric neurons in the guinea pig intestine.

    PubMed

    Naidoo, V; Dai, X; Galligan, J J

    2010-12-01

    R-type Ca(2+) channels are expressed by myenteric neurons in the guinea pig ileum but the specific function of these channels is unknown. In the present study, we used intracellular electrophysiological techniques to determine the function of R-type Ca(2+) channels in myenteric neurons in the acutely isolated longitudinal musclemyenteric plexus. We used immunohistochemical methods to localize the Ca(V)2.3 subunit of the R-type Ca(2+) channel in myenteric neurons. We also studied the effects of the non-selective Ca(2+) channel antagonist, CdCl₂ (100 μmol L⁻¹), the R-type Ca(2+) channel blockers NiCl₂ (50 μmol L⁻¹) and SNX-482 (0.1 μmol L⁻¹), and the N-type Ca(2+) channel blocker x-conotoxin GVIA (CTX 0.1 μmol L⁻¹) on action potentials and fast and slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs and sEPSPs) in S and AH neurons in vitro. Ca(V)2.3 co-localized with calretinin and calbindin in myenteric neurons. NiCl₂ and SNX-482 reduced the duration and amplitude of action potentials in AH but not S neurons. NiCl₂ inhibited the afterhyperpolarization in AH neurons. x-conotoxin GVIA, but not NiCl₂, blocked sEPSPs in AH neurons. NiCl₂ and SNX-482 inhibited cholinergic, but not cholinergic/purinergic, fEPSPs in S neurons. These data show that R-type Ca(2+) channels contribute to action potentials, but not slow synaptic transmission, in AH neurons. R-type Ca(2+) channels contribute to release of acetylcholine as the mediator of fEPSPs in some S neurons. These data indicate that R-type Ca(2+) channels may be a target for drugs that selectively modulate activity of AH neurons or could alter fast synaptic excitation in specific pathways in the myenteric plexus.

  17. Renal Response to L-Arginine in Diabetic Rats. A Possible Link between Nitric Oxide System and Aquaporin-2

    PubMed Central

    Ortiz, María C.; Albertoni Borghese, María F.; Balonga, Sabrina E.; Lavagna, Agustina; Filipuzzi, Ana L.; Elesgaray, Rosana; Costa, María A.; Majowicz, Mónica P.

    2014-01-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate whether L-Arginine (L-Arg) supplementation modifies nitric oxide (NO) system and consequently aquaporin-2 (AQP2) expression in the renal outer medulla of streptozotocin-diabetic rats at an early time point after induction of diabetes. Male Wistar rats were divided in four groups: Control, Diabetic, Diabetic treated with L-Arginine and Control treated with L-Arginine. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity was estimated by [14C] L-citrulline production in homogenates of the renal outer medulla and by NADPH-diaphorase staining in renal outer medullary tubules. Western blot was used to detect the expression of AQP2 and NOS types I and III; real time PCR was used to quantify AQP2 mRNA. The expression of both NOS isoforms, NOS I and NOS III, was decreased in the renal outer medulla of diabetic rats and L-Arg failed to prevent these decreases. However, L-Arg improved NO production, NADPH-diaphorase activity in collecting ducts and other tubular structures, and NOS activity in renal homogenates from diabetic rats. AQP2 protein and mRNA were decreased in the renal outer medulla of diabetic rats and L-Arg administration prevented these decreases. These results suggest that the decreased NOS activity in collecting ducts of the renal outer medulla may cause, at least in part, the decreased expression of AQP2 in this model of diabetes and constitute additional evidence supporting a role for NO in contributing to renal water reabsorption through the modulation of AQP2 expression in this pathological condition. However, we cannot discard that another pathway different from NOS also exists that links L-Arg to AQP2 expression. PMID:25111608

  18. Quantitative flux analysis reveals folate-dependent NADPH production

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fan, Jing; Ye, Jiangbin; Kamphorst, Jurre J.; Shlomi, Tomer; Thompson, Craig B.; Rabinowitz, Joshua D.

    2014-06-01

    ATP is the dominant energy source in animals for mechanical and electrical work (for example, muscle contraction or neuronal firing). For chemical work, there is an equally important role for NADPH, which powers redox defence and reductive biosynthesis. The most direct route to produce NADPH from glucose is the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway, with malic enzyme sometimes also important. Although the relative contribution of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation to ATP production has been extensively analysed, similar analysis of NADPH metabolism has been lacking. Here we demonstrate the ability to directly track, by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, the passage of deuterium from labelled substrates into NADPH, and combine this approach with carbon labelling and mathematical modelling to measure NADPH fluxes. In proliferating cells, the largest contributor to cytosolic NADPH is the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway. Surprisingly, a nearly comparable contribution comes from serine-driven one-carbon metabolism, in which oxidation of methylene tetrahydrofolate to 10-formyl-tetrahydrofolate is coupled to reduction of NADP+ to NADPH. Moreover, tracing of mitochondrial one-carbon metabolism revealed complete oxidation of 10-formyl-tetrahydrofolate to make NADPH. As folate metabolism has not previously been considered an NADPH producer, confirmation of its functional significance was undertaken through knockdown of methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (MTHFD) genes. Depletion of either the cytosolic or mitochondrial MTHFD isozyme resulted in decreased cellular NADPH/NADP+ and reduced/oxidized glutathione ratios (GSH/GSSG) and increased cell sensitivity to oxidative stress. Thus, although the importance of folate metabolism for proliferating cells has been long recognized and attributed to its function of producing one-carbon units for nucleic acid synthesis, another crucial function of this pathway is generating reducing power.

  19. Role of neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthases in the guinea pig ileum myenteric plexus during in vitro ischemia and reperfusion.

    PubMed

    Giaroni, C; Marchet, S; Carpanese, E; Prandoni, V; Oldrini, R; Bartolini, B; Moro, E; Vigetti, D; Crema, F; Lecchini, S; Frigo, G

    2013-02-01

    Intestinal ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury leads to abnormalities in motility, namely delay of transit, caused by damage to myenteric neurons. Alterations of the nitrergic transmission may occur in these conditions. This study investigated whether an in vitro I/R injury may affect nitric oxide (NO) production from the myenteric plexus of the guinea pig ileum and which NO synthase (NOS) isoform is involved. The distribution of the neuronal (n) and inducible (i) NOS was determined by immunohistochemistry during 60 min of glucose/oxygen deprivation (in vitro ischemia) followed by 60 min of reperfusion. The protein and mRNA levels of nNOS and iNOS were investigated by Western-immunoblotting and real time RT-PCR, respectively. NO levels were quantified as nitrite/nitrate. After in vitro I/R the proportion of nNOS-expressing neurons and protein levels remained unchanged. nNOS mRNA levels increased 60 min after inducing ischemia and in the following 5 min of reperfusion. iNOS-immunoreactive neurons, protein and mRNA levels were up-regulated during the whole I/R period. A significant increase of nitrite/nitrate levels was observed in the first 5 min after inducing I/R and was significantly reduced by N(ω) -propyl-l-arginine and 1400 W, selective inhibitors of nNOS and iNOS, respectively. Our data demonstrate that both iNOS and nNOS represent sources for NO overproduction in ileal myenteric plexus during I/R, although iNOS undergoes more consistent changes suggesting a more relevant role for this isoform in the alterations occurring in myenteric neurons following I/R. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  20. Impaired insulin/IGF-1 is responsible for diabetic gastroparesis by damaging myenteric cholinergic neurones and interstitial cells of Cajal.

    PubMed

    Yang, Shu; Wu, Bo; Sun, Haimei; Sun, Tingyi; Han, Kai; Li, Dandan; Ji, Fengqing; Zhang, Guoquan; Zhou, Deshan

    2017-10-31

    Diabetic gastroparesis is a common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) that is characterized by decreased serum insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Despite the fact that insulin treatment not glycemic control potently accelerated gastric emptying in type 1 DM patients, the role of insulin/InsR and IGF-1/IGF-1R signaling in diabetic gastroparesis remains incompletely elucidated. In the present study, type 1 DM mice were established and treated with insulin or Voglibose for 8 weeks. The gastric emptying was delayed from DM week 4 when the gastric InsR and IGF-1R were declined. Meanwhile, the gastric choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) was significantly reduced and the myenteric cholinergic neurones and their fibers were significantly diminished. The production of stem cell factor (SCF) was dramatically repressed in the gastric smooth muscles in DM week 6. TWereafter, interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) were clearly lost and their networks were impaired in DM week 8. Significantly, compared with Voglibose, an 8-week treatment with insulin more efficiently delayed diabetic gastroparesis development by protecting the myenteric cholinergic neurones and ICC. In conclusion, diabetic gastroparesis was an aggressive process due to the successive damages of myenteric cholinergic neurones and ICC by impairing the insulin/InsR and IGF-1/IGF-1R signaling. Insulin therapy in the early stage may delay diabetic gastroparesis. © 2017 The Author(s).

  1. Targeting NADPH oxidases in vascular pharmacology

    PubMed Central

    Schramm, Agata; Matusik, Paweł; Osmenda, Grzegorz; Guzik, Tomasz J

    2012-01-01

    Oxidative stress is a molecular dysregulation in reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, which plays a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. It is characterized by a loss of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Large clinical trials such as HOPE and HPS have not shown a clinical benefit of antioxidant vitamin C or vitamin E treatment, putting into question the role of oxidative stress in cardiovascular disease. A change in the understanding of the molecular nature of oxidative stress has been driven by the results of these trials. Oxidative stress is no longer perceived as a simple imbalance between the production and scavenging of ROS, but as a dysfunction of enzymes involved in ROS production. NADPH oxidases are at the center of these events, underlying the dysfunction of other oxidases including eNOS uncoupling, xanthine oxidase and mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus NADPH oxidases are important therapeutic targets. Indeed, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) as well as drugs interfering with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibit NADPH oxidase activation and expression. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, AT1 receptor antagonists (sartans) and aliskiren, as well as spironolactone or eplerenone, have been discussed. Molecular aspects of NADPH oxidase regulation must be considered, while thinking about novel pharmacological targeting of this family of enzymes consisting of several homologs Nox1, Nox2, Nox3, Nox4 and Nox5 in humans. In order to properly design trials of antioxidant therapies, we must develop reliable techniques for the assessment of local and systemic oxidative stress. Classical antioxidants could be combined with novel oxidase inhibitors. In this review, we discuss NADPH oxidase inhibitors such as VAS2870, VAS3947, GK-136901, S17834 or plumbagin. Therefore, our efforts must focus on generating small molecular weight inhibitors of NADPH oxidases, allowing the

  2. Effects of NADPH oxidase inhibitor on diabetic nephropathy in OLETF rats: the role of reducing oxidative stress in its protective property.

    PubMed

    Nam, Soo Min; Lee, Mi Young; Koh, Jang Hyun; Park, Jun Ho; Shin, Jang Yel; Shin, Young Goo; Koh, Sang Baek; Lee, Eun Young; Chung, Choon Hee

    2009-02-01

    Diabetic nephropathy is the most serious complication in diabetes mellitus. Oxidative stress via nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway play critical roles in the development of diabetic nephropathy. We evaluated the effects of apocynin, NADPH oxidase inhibitor on diabetic nephropathy in a type 2 diabetic rat model. Sixteen Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats and 9 Long Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) were divided into the following three groups: LETO rats (n=9), control OLETF rats (n=7) and apocynin-treated OLETF rats (n=9). We examined body weights, plasma glucose levels, urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) and protein-creatinine ratio (PCR). At 50 weeks, experimental rats were sacrificed and their kidneys were extracted for hematoxylin eosin stain, immunohistochemical VEGF stain and VEGF mRNA real-time RT-PCR. To examine oxidative stress, we checked 24h urinary 8-OHdG (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine) and MDA (malondialdehyde). Urinary protein and albumin excretions were reduced after apocynin treatment, though apocynin could not significantly decrease serum glucose levels. There were improvements of glomerular and mesangial expansion in the apocynin-treated OLETF rats. Apocynin significantly decreased optical density of glomerular VEGF expression in immunohistochemical stain and reduced the concentration of 24h urinary 8-OHdG and MDA. From these results, it was suggested that apocynin may have the potential to protect against diabetic nephropathy via amelioration of oxidative stress.

  3. NADPH Oxidases in Vascular Pathology

    PubMed Central

    Konior, Anna; Schramm, Agata; Czesnikiewicz-Guzik, Marta

    2014-01-01

    Abstract Significance: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in vascular disease. While there are many possible sources of ROS, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases play a central role. They are a source of “kindling radicals,” which affect other enzymes, such as nitric oxide synthase endothelial nitric oxide synthase or xanthine oxidase. This is important, as risk factors for atherosclerosis (hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and smoking) regulate the expression and activity of NADPH oxidases in the vessel wall. Recent Advances: There are seven isoforms in mammals: Nox1, Nox2, Nox3, Nox4, Nox5, Duox1 and Duox2. Nox1, Nox2, Nox4, and Nox5 are expressed in endothelium, vascular smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, or perivascular adipocytes. Other homologues have not been found or are expressed at very low levels; their roles have not been established. Nox1/Nox2 promote the development of endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, and inflammation. Nox4 may have a role in protecting the vasculature during stress; however, when its activity is increased, it may be detrimental. Calcium-dependent Nox5 has been implicated in oxidative damage in human atherosclerosis. Critical Issues: NADPH oxidase-derived ROS play a role in vascular pathology as well as in the maintenance of normal physiological vascular function. We also discuss recently elucidated mechanisms such as the role of NADPH oxidases in vascular protection, vascular inflammation, pulmonary hypertension, tumor angiogenesis, and central nervous system regulation of vascular function and hypertension. Future Directions: Understanding the role of individual oxidases and interactions between homologues in vascular disease is critical for efficient pharmacological regulation of vascular NADPH oxidases in both the laboratory and clinical practice. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 20, 2794–2814. PMID:24180474

  4. Hyperglycaemia promotes human brain microvascular endothelial cell apoptosis via induction of protein kinase C-ßI and prooxidant enzyme NADPH oxidase.

    PubMed

    Shao, Beili; Bayraktutan, Ulvi

    2014-01-01

    Blood-brain barrier disruption represents a key feature in hyperglycaemia-aggravated cerebral damage after an ischaemic stroke. Although the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown, activation of protein kinase C (PKC) is thought to play a critical role. This study examined whether apoptosis of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) might contribute to hyperglycaemia-evoked barrier damage and assessed the specific role of PKC in this phenomenon. Treatments with hyperglycaemia (25 mM) or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA, a protein kinase C activator, 100 nM) significantly increased NADPH oxidase activity, O2 (•-) generation, proapoptotic protein Bax expression, TUNEL-positive staining and caspase-3/7 activities. Pharmacological inhibition of NADPH oxidase, PKC-a, PKC-ß or PKC-ßI via their specific inhibitors and neutralisation of O2 (•-) by a cell-permeable superoxide dismutase mimetic, MnTBAP normalised all the aforementioned increases induced by hyperglycaemia. Suppression of these PKC isoforms also negated the stimulatory effects of hyperglycaemia on the protein expression of NADPH oxidase membrane-bound components, Nox2 and p22-phox which determine the overall enzymatic activity. Silencing of PKC-ßI gene through use of specific siRNAs abolished the effects of both hyperglycaemia and PMA on endothelial cell NADPH oxidase activity, O2 (•-) production and apoptosis and consequently improved the integrity and function of an in vitro model of human cerebral barrier comprising HBMEC, astrocytes and pericytes. Hyperglycaemia-mediated apoptosis of HBMEC contributes to cerebral barrier dysfunction and is modulated by sequential activations of PKC-ßI and NADPH oxidase.

  5. Hyperglycaemia promotes human brain microvascular endothelial cell apoptosis via induction of protein kinase C-ßI and prooxidant enzyme NADPH oxidase

    PubMed Central

    Shao, Beili; Bayraktutan, Ulvi

    2014-01-01

    Blood–brain barrier disruption represents a key feature in hyperglycaemia-aggravated cerebral damage after an ischaemic stroke. Although the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown, activation of protein kinase C (PKC) is thought to play a critical role. This study examined whether apoptosis of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) might contribute to hyperglycaemia-evoked barrier damage and assessed the specific role of PKC in this phenomenon. Treatments with hyperglycaemia (25 mM) or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA, a protein kinase C activator, 100 nM) significantly increased NADPH oxidase activity, O2•- generation, proapoptotic protein Bax expression, TUNEL-positive staining and caspase-3/7 activities. Pharmacological inhibition of NADPH oxidase, PKC-a, PKC-ß or PKC-ßI via their specific inhibitors and neutralisation of O2•- by a cell-permeable superoxide dismutase mimetic, MnTBAP normalised all the aforementioned increases induced by hyperglycaemia. Suppression of these PKC isoforms also negated the stimulatory effects of hyperglycaemia on the protein expression of NADPH oxidase membrane-bound components, Nox2 and p22-phox which determine the overall enzymatic activity. Silencing of PKC-ßI gene through use of specific siRNAs abolished the effects of both hyperglycaemia and PMA on endothelial cell NADPH oxidase activity, O2•- production and apoptosis and consequently improved the integrity and function of an in vitro model of human cerebral barrier comprising HBMEC, astrocytes and pericytes. Hyperglycaemia-mediated apoptosis of HBMEC contributes to cerebral barrier dysfunction and is modulated by sequential activations of PKC-ßI and NADPH oxidase. PMID:24936444

  6. A novel domain of amino-Nogo-A protects HT22 cells exposed to oxygen glucose deprivation by inhibiting NADPH oxidase activity.

    PubMed

    Guo, Fan; Wang, Huiwen; Li, Liya; Zhou, Heng; Wei, Haidong; Jin, Weilin; Wang, Qiang; Xiong, Lize

    2013-04-01

    This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of the M9 region (residues 290-562) of amino-Nogo-A fused to the human immunodeficiency virus trans-activator TAT in an in vitro model of ischemia-reperfusion induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) in HT22 hippocampal neurons, and to investigate the role of NADPH oxidase in this protection. Transduction of TAT-M9 was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining and western blot. The biologic activity of TAT-M9 was assessed by its effects against OGD-induced HT22 cell damage, compared with a mutant M9 fusion protein or vehicle. Cellular viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release were assessed. Neuronal apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. The Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was determined by western blotting. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and NADPH oxidase activity were also measured in the presence or absence of an inhibitor or activator of NADPH oxidase. Our results confirmed the delivery of the protein into HT22 cells by immunofluorescence and western blot. Addition of 0.4 μmol/L TAT-M9 to the culture medium effectively improved neuronal cell viability and reduced LDH release induced by OGD. The fusion protein also protected HT22 cells from apoptosis, suppressed overexpression of Bax, and inhibited the reduction in Bcl-2 expression. Furthermore, TAT-M9, as well as apocynin, decreased NADPH oxidase activity and ROS content. The protective effects of the TAT-M9 were reversed by TBCA, an agonist of NADPH oxidase. In conclusion, TAT-M9 could be successfully transduced into HT22 cells, and protected HT22 cells against OGD damage by inhibiting NADPH oxidase-mediated oxidative stress. These findings suggest that the TAT-M9 protein may be an efficient therapeutic agent for neuroprotection.

  7. NADPH oxidases of the brain: distribution, regulation, and function.

    PubMed

    Infanger, David W; Sharma, Ram V; Davisson, Robin L

    2006-01-01

    The NADPH oxidase is a multi-subunit enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of molecular oxygen to form superoxide (O(2)(-)). While classically linked to the respiratory burst in neutrophils, recent evidence now shows that O(2)(-) (and associated reactive oxygen species, ROS) generated by NADPH oxidase in nonphagocytic cells serves myriad functions in health and disease. An entire new family of NADPH Oxidase (Nox) homologues has emerged, which vary widely in cell and tissue distribution, as well as in function and regulation. A major concept in redox signaling is that while NADPH oxidase-derived ROS are necessary for normal cellular function, excessive oxidative stress can contribute to pathological disease. This certainly is true in the central nervous system (CNS), where normal NADPH oxidase function appears to be required for processes such as neuronal signaling, memory, and central cardiovascular homeostasis, but overproduction of ROS contributes to neurotoxicity, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular diseases. Despite implications of NADPH oxidase in normal and pathological CNS processes, still relatively little is known about the mechanisms involved. This paper summarizes the evidence for NADPH oxidase distribution, regulation, and function in the CNS, emphasizing the diversity of Nox isoforms and their new and emerging role in neuro-cardiovascular function. In addition, perspectives for future research and novel therapeutic targets are offered.

  8. Mechanism of Lethal Interaction of Hazardous Chemicals at Subtoxic Doses

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-09-20

    Mehendale, H. M. Phenobarbital-induced cytosolic cytoprotective mechanisms that offset increases in NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase activity in menadione ...9. Utley, W. M. and Mehendale, H. M. Phenobarbital induced cytoprotective mechanisms in menadione metabolism: The role of glutathione reductase and...Mehendale, H. M. The contribution of DT-diaphorase in hepatocytes isolated from naive and phenobarbital preireaieu rats during menadione metabolism. FASEB J

  9. Evidence for a possible role for nitric oxide in the modulation of heart activity in Achatina fulica and Helix aspersa.

    PubMed

    White, A R; Curtis, S A; Walker, R J

    2004-02-01

    The effects of nitric oxide (NO) donors, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine, S-nitroso-l-glutathione, sodium nitroprusside and sodium nitrite were investigated on the activity of the isolated hearts of Achatina fulica and Helix aspersa. NO donors inhibited heart activity in a concentration-dependent manner. The only exception was sodium nitroprusside, which excited H. aspersa heart. The inhibitory effects of these NO donors were reduced by the NO scavenger, methylene blue, the guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, 1H-(1,2,4) Oxadiazolo(4,3-a)quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), and potentiated by 8-Br-cGMP and the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX). Acetylcholine also inhibited the heart activity, and this inhibition was reduced by methylene blue and ODQ. Positive NADPH-diaphorase staining was located in the outer pericardial layer of the heart of A. fulica. The present results provide evidence that NO may modulate the activity of gastropod hearts, and this modulation may modify the inhibitory action of acetylcholine on heart activity.

  10. Distribution and structure of efferent synapses in the chicken retina

    PubMed Central

    Lindstrom, SH; Nacsa, N; Blankenship, T; Fitzgerald, PG; Weller, C; Vaney, DI; Wilson, M

    2012-01-01

    The visual system of birds includes an efferent projection from a visual area, the isthmooptic nucleus in the midbrain, back to the retina. Using a combination of anterograde labeling of efferent fibers, reconstruction of dye-filled neurons, NADPH-diaphorase staining, and transmission electron microscopy we have examined the distribution of efferent fibers and their synaptic structures in the chicken retina. We show that efferent fibers terminate strictly within the ventral retina. In 2 completely mapped retinas, only 2 fibers from a total of 15,359 terminated in the dorsal retina. The major synapse made by each efferent fiber is with a single Efferent Target Amacrine Cell (TC). This synapse consists of 5-25 boutons of 2μm diameter, each with multiple active zones, pressed into the TC soma or synapsing with a basketwork of rudimentary TC dendrites in the inner nuclear layer (INL). This basketwork, which is sheathed by Muller cells processes, defines a private neuropil in the INL within which TCs were also seen to receive input from retinal neurons. In addition to the major synapse, efferent fibers typically produce several very thin processes that terminate nearby in single small boutons and for which the soma of a local amacrine cell is one of the likely postsynaptic partners. A minority of efferent fibers also give rise to a thicker process terminating in a strongly diaphorase positive ball about 5μm in diameter. PMID:19439107

  11. In vivo exposure of Dreissena polymorpha mussels to the quinones menadione and lawsone: menadione is more toxic to mussels than lawsone.

    PubMed

    Osman, A M; Rotteveel, S; den Besten, P J; van Noort, P C M

    2004-01-01

    The principal aim of this study was to assess whether the two quinones, menadione (2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone) and lawsone (2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone), elicit differential toxicity in mussels as has been reported for higher organisms. Therefore, the effects of short-term (48 h) and long-term (20 days) exposure of the two quinones at concentrations of 0.56 and 1 mg l(-1) to zebra mussels, Dreissena polymorpha, under laboratory conditions were studied. After the short-term exposure, the specific activities of the two-electron quinone oxidoreductase (DT-diaphorase) and the one-electron catalysing quinone reductases NADPH-cytochrome c reductase and NADH-cytochrome c reductase were determined in the gills and the rest of the soft tissues (soft mussel tissues minus the gills) of both treated and control mussels. At the higher concentrations of menadione and lawsone used, a significant reduction of the activity of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase in the gills and in the rest of the soft mussel tissues (by 33-34% and 31-43%, respectively) was observed. The activities of DT-diaphorase and NADH-cytochrome c reductase were not significantly affected. Interestingly, DT-diaphorase was observed in the gills, an organ requiring protection against antioxidants. Furthermore, a single-cell electrophoretic assay (comet assay) performed with gill cells to assess DNA damage by the quinones did not show any significant difference between the treated and the control organisms. This indicates that the formation of reactive species by the quinone metabolism in vivo in the mussels was possibly suppressed through the concerted action of DT-diaphorase and antioxidant enzymes. The results of in vitro experiments with gill extracts confirmed the protective role of DT-diaphorase. The rate of the two-electron quinone reduction was found to be five times that of the one-electron quinone reduction. The results of the long-term exposure unambiguously demonstrated that in mussels menadione, unlike in

  12. Current status of NADPH oxidase research in cardiovascular pharmacology.

    PubMed

    Rodiño-Janeiro, Bruno K; Paradela-Dobarro, Beatriz; Castiñeiras-Landeira, María Isabel; Raposeiras-Roubín, Sergio; González-Juanatey, José R; Alvarez, Ezequiel

    2013-01-01

    The implications of reactive oxygen species in cardiovascular disease have been known for some decades. Rationally, therapeutic antioxidant strategies combating oxidative stress have been developed, but the results of clinical trials have not been as good as expected. Therefore, to move forward in the design of new therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular disease based on prevention of production of reactive oxygen species, steps must be taken on two fronts, ie, comprehension of reduction-oxidation signaling pathways and the pathophysiologic roles of reactive oxygen species, and development of new, less toxic, and more selective nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase inhibitors, to clarify both the role of each NADPH oxidase isoform and their utility in clinical practice. In this review, we analyze the value of NADPH oxidase as a therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease and the old and new pharmacologic agents or strategies to prevent NADPH oxidase activity. Some inhibitors and different direct or indirect approaches are available. Regarding direct NADPH oxidase inhibition, the specificity of NADPH oxidase is the focus of current investigations, whereas the chemical structure-activity relationship studies of known inhibitors have provided pharmacophore models with which to search for new molecules. From a general point of view, small-molecule inhibitors are preferred because of their hydrosolubility and oral bioavailability. However, other possibilities are not closed, with peptide inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies against NADPH oxidase isoforms continuing to be under investigation as well as the ongoing search for naturally occurring compounds. Likewise, some different approaches include inhibition of assembly of the NADPH oxidase complex, subcellular translocation, post-transductional modifications, calcium entry/release, electron transfer, and genetic expression. High-throughput screens for any of these activities could provide new

  13. Current status of NADPH oxidase research in cardiovascular pharmacology

    PubMed Central

    Rodiño-Janeiro, Bruno K; Paradela-Dobarro, Beatriz; Castiñeiras-Landeira, María Isabel; Raposeiras-Roubín, Sergio; González-Juanatey, José R; Álvarez, Ezequiel

    2013-01-01

    The implications of reactive oxygen species in cardiovascular disease have been known for some decades. Rationally, therapeutic antioxidant strategies combating oxidative stress have been developed, but the results of clinical trials have not been as good as expected. Therefore, to move forward in the design of new therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular disease based on prevention of production of reactive oxygen species, steps must be taken on two fronts, ie, comprehension of reduction-oxidation signaling pathways and the pathophysiologic roles of reactive oxygen species, and development of new, less toxic, and more selective nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase inhibitors, to clarify both the role of each NADPH oxidase isoform and their utility in clinical practice. In this review, we analyze the value of NADPH oxidase as a therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease and the old and new pharmacologic agents or strategies to prevent NADPH oxidase activity. Some inhibitors and different direct or indirect approaches are available. Regarding direct NADPH oxidase inhibition, the specificity of NADPH oxidase is the focus of current investigations, whereas the chemical structure-activity relationship studies of known inhibitors have provided pharmacophore models with which to search for new molecules. From a general point of view, small-molecule inhibitors are preferred because of their hydrosolubility and oral bioavailability. However, other possibilities are not closed, with peptide inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies against NADPH oxidase isoforms continuing to be under investigation as well as the ongoing search for naturally occurring compounds. Likewise, some different approaches include inhibition of assembly of the NADPH oxidase complex, subcellular translocation, post-transductional modifications, calcium entry/release, electron transfer, and genetic expression. High-throughput screens for any of these activities could provide new

  14. Inhibition of Human Vascular NADPH Oxidase by Apocynin Derived Oligophenols

    PubMed Central

    Mora-Pale, Mauricio; Weïwer, Michel; Yu, Jingjing; Linhardt, Robert J.; Dordick, Jonathan S.

    2009-01-01

    Enzymatic oxidation of apocynin, which may mimic in vivo metabolism, affords a large number of oligomers (apocynin oxidation products, AOP) that inhibit vascular NADPH oxidase. In vitro studies of NADPH oxidase activity were performed to identify active inhibitors, resulting in a trimer hydroxylated quinone (IIIHyQ) that inhibited NADPH oxidase with an IC50 = 31 nM. Apocynin itself possessed minimal inhibitory activity. NADPH oxidase is believed to be inhibited through prevention of the interaction between two NADPH oxidase subunits, p47phox and p22phox. To that end, while apocynin was unable to block the interaction of his-tagged p47phox with a surface immobilized biotinalyted p22phox peptide, the IIIHyQ product strongly interfered with this interaction (apparent IC50 = 1.6 μM). These results provide evidence that peroxidase-catalyzed AOP, which consist of oligomeric phenols and quinones, inhibit critical interactions that are involved in the assembly and activation of human vascular NADPH oxidase. PMID:19523836

  15. ROS mediated selection for increased NADPH availability in Escherichia coli.

    PubMed

    Reynolds, Thomas S; Courtney, Colleen M; Erickson, Keesha E; Wolfe, Lisa M; Chatterjee, Anushree; Nagpal, Prashant; Gill, Ryan T

    2017-11-01

    The economical production of chemicals and fuels by microbial processes remains an intense area of interest in biotechnology. A key limitation in such efforts concerns the availability of key co-factors, in this case NADPH, required for target pathways. Many of the strategies pursued for increasing NADPH availability in Escherichia coli involve manipulations to the central metabolism, which can create redox imbalances and overall growth defects. In this study we used a reactive oxygen species based selection to search for novel methods of increasing NADPH availability. We report a loss of function mutation in the gene hdfR appears to increase NADPH availability in E. coli. Additionally, we show this excess NADPH can be used to improve the production of 3HP in E. coli. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  16. Effect of fumonisin-containing diet on the myenteric plexus of the jejunum in rats.

    PubMed

    Sousa, Fernando Carlos; Schamber, Christiano Rodrigues; Amorin, Sandra Sheila Seron; Natali, Maria Raquel Marçal

    2014-10-01

    Fumonisins are mycotoxins that naturally occur as contaminants in grains that are destined for animal and human consumption. These mycotoxins cause hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, carcinogenic, teratogenic, immunotoxic, and neurotoxic effects in different intensities based on dose, time of exposure, and animal species. In the present study, male Wistar rats were fed between postnatal days 21 and 63 with diets that contained fumonisins B1+B2 at concentrations of 1 and 3mg/kg. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of fumonisins on food intake, growth, weight gain, serum activity of the alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes, and quantitative and morphometric parameters of myenteric neurons in the jejunum that are immunoreactive to HuC/D protein and neuronal nitric oxide synthase enzyme (nNOS). Diets that contained fumonisins did not significantly alter food intake or body and blood parameters. We did not observe significant differences in the neuronal density and proportion of nitrergic neurons but found a significant reduction of cell body areas in both neuronal populations. This study is the first to report the effects of fumonisins in the enteric nervous system. The possible mechanisms by which fumonisins impair neuronal development and the use of the enteric nervous system as a tool for the study of the neurotoxic effects of fumonisins are discussed. In conclusion, fumonisin-containing food negatively affected the growth of myenteric neurons. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Exploiting algal NADPH oxidase for biophotovoltaic energy

    DOE PAGES

    Anderson, Alexander; Laohavisit, Anuphon; Blaby, Ian K.; ...

    2015-01-29

    Photosynthetic microbes exhibit light-dependent electron export across the cell membrane, which can generate electricity in biological photovoltaic (BPV) devices. How electrons are exported remains to be determined; the identification of mechanisms would help selection or generation of photosynthetic microbes capable of enhanced electrical output. We show that plasma membrane NADPH oxidase activity is a significant component of light-dependent generation of electricity by the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. NADPH oxidases export electrons across the plasma membrane to form superoxide anion from oxygen. The C. reinhardtii mutant lacking the NADPH oxidase encoded by RBO1 is impaired in both extracellular superoxide anionmore » production and current generation in a BPV device. Complementation with the wild-type gene restores both capacities, demonstrating the role of the enzyme in electron export. Monitoring light-dependent extracellular superoxide production with a colorimetric assay is shown to be an effective way of screening for electrogenic potential of candidate algal strains. Furthermore, the results show that algal NADPH oxidases are important for superoxide anion production and open avenues for optimizing the biological component of these devices.« less

  18. NADPH oxidases: novel therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases.

    PubMed

    Gao, Hui-Ming; Zhou, Hui; Hong, Jau-Shyong

    2012-06-01

    Oxidative stress is a key pathologic factor in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases (AD, PD). The failure of free-radical-scavenging antioxidants in clinical trials pinpoints an urgent need to identify and to block major sources of oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases. As a major superoxide-producing enzyme complex in activated phagocytes, phagocyte NADPH oxidase (PHOX) is essential for host defense. However, recent preclinical evidence has underscored a pivotal role of overactivated PHOX in chronic neuroinflammation and progressive neurodegeneration. Deficiency in PHOX subunits mitigates neuronal damage induced by diverse insults/stresses relevant to neurodegenerative diseases. More importantly, suppression of PHOX activity correlates with reduced neuronal impairment in models of neurodegenerative diseases. The discovery of PHOX and non-phagocyte NADPH oxidases in astroglia and neurons further reinforces the crucial role of NADPH oxidases in oxidative stress-mediated chronic neurodegeneration. Thus, proper modulation of NADPH oxidase activity might hold therapeutic potential for currently incurable neurodegenerative diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  19. Changes in the nitric oxide system in the shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus (Crustacea, Decapoda) CNS induced by a nociceptive stimulus.

    PubMed

    Dyuizen, Inessa V; Kotsyuba, Elena P; Lamash, Nina E

    2012-08-01

    Using NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d) histochemistry, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting, we characterized the nitric oxide (NO)-producing neurons in the brain and thoracic ganglion of a shore crab subjected to a nociceptive chemical stimulus. Formalin injection into the cheliped evoked specific nociceptive behavior and neurochemical responses in the brain and thoracic ganglion of experimental animals. Within 5-10 min of injury, the NADPH-d activity increased mainly in the neuropils of the olfactory lobes and the lateral antenna I neuropil on the side of injury. Later, the noxious-induced expression of NADPH-d and iNOS was detected in neurons of the brain, as well as in segmental motoneurons and interneurons of the thoracic ganglion. Western blotting analysis showed that an iNOS antiserum recognized a band at 120 kDa, in agreement with the expected molecular mass of the protein. The increase in nitrergic activity induced by nociceptive stimulation suggests that the NO signaling system may modulate nociceptive behavior in crabs.

  20. Crystal structures and atomic model of NADPH oxidase.

    PubMed

    Magnani, Francesca; Nenci, Simone; Millana Fananas, Elisa; Ceccon, Marta; Romero, Elvira; Fraaije, Marco W; Mattevi, Andrea

    2017-06-27

    NADPH oxidases (NOXs) are the only enzymes exclusively dedicated to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Dysregulation of these polytopic membrane proteins impacts the redox signaling cascades that control cell proliferation and death. We describe the atomic crystal structures of the catalytic flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)- and heme-binding domains of Cylindrospermum stagnale NOX5. The two domains form the core subunit that is common to all seven members of the NOX family. The domain structures were then docked in silico to provide a generic model for the NOX family. A linear arrangement of cofactors (NADPH, FAD, and two membrane-embedded heme moieties) injects electrons from the intracellular side across the membrane to a specific oxygen-binding cavity on the extracytoplasmic side. The overall spatial organization of critical interactions is revealed between the intracellular loops on the transmembrane domain and the NADPH-oxidizing dehydrogenase domain. In particular, the C terminus functions as a toggle switch, which affects access of the NADPH substrate to the enzyme. The essence of this mechanistic model is that the regulatory cues conformationally gate NADPH-binding, implicitly providing a handle for activating/deactivating the very first step in the redox chain. Such insight provides a framework to the discovery of much needed drugs that selectively target the distinct members of the NOX family and interfere with ROS signaling.

  1. Encephalitis, proventricular and ventricular myositis, and myenteric ganglioneuritis in an umbrella cockatoo.

    PubMed

    Joyner, K L; Kock, N; Styles, D

    1989-01-01

    Myenteric ganglioneuritis and encephalomyelitis were diagnosed in an umbrella cockatoo. The cockatoo exhibited clinical signs that were milder than those associated with this syndrome, such as anorexia, muscle wasting, regurgitation, depression, and changes in fecal consistency. The gross lesions also differed from earlier reports in that only the duodenum and proximal jejunum were grossly dilated. Normally the proventriculus and ventriculus are dilated without visible intestinal changes. The histopathological lesions, however, such as perivascular cuffs in the brain stem and muscular mass of the ventriculus and proventriculus, were similar to earlier reports. A virus was suspected, although transmission and isolation of a virus has not occurred in other reports and was not attempted in this case.

  2. NADPH OXIDASE: STRUCTURE AND ACTIVATION MECHANISMS (REVIEW). NOTE I.

    PubMed

    Filip-Ciubotaru, Florina; Manciuc, Carmen; Stoleriu, Gabriela; Foia, Liliana

    2016-01-01

    NADPH oxidase (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase), with its generically termed NOX isoforms, is the major source of ROS (reactive oxigen species) in biological systems. ROS are small oxygen-derived molecules with an important role in various biological processes (physiological or pathological). If under physiological conditions some processes are beneficial and necessary for life, under pathophysiological conditions they are noxious, harmful. NADPH oxidases are present in phagocytes and in a wide variety of nonphagocytic cells. The enzyme generates superoxide by transferring electrons from NADPH inside the cell across the membrane and coupling them to molecular oxygen to produce superoxide anion, a reactive free-radical. Structurally, NADPH oxidase is a multicomponent enzyme which includes two integral membrane proteins, glycoprotein gp9 1 Phox and adaptor protein p22(phox), which together form the heterodimeric flavocytochrome b558 that constitutes the core of the enzyme. During the resting state, the multidomain regulatory subunits p40P(phox), p47(phox), p67(Phox) are located in the cytosol organized as a complex. The activation of phagocytic NADPH oxidase occurs through a complex series of protein interactions.

  3. Thermodynamic and NMR analyses of NADPH binding to lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Qin, Shubin; Shimamoto, Shigeru; Maruno, Takahiro

    2015-12-04

    Lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS) is one of the most abundant proteins in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with dual functions as a prostaglandin D{sub 2} (PGD{sub 2}) synthase and a transporter of lipophilic ligands. Recent studies revealed that L-PGDS plays important roles in protecting against various neuronal diseases induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the molecular mechanisms of such protective actions of L-PGDS remain unknown. In this study, we conducted thermodynamic and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses, and demonstrated that L-PGDS binds to nicotinamide coenzymes, including NADPH, NADP{sup +}, and NADH. Although a hydrophilic ligand is not common formore » L-PGDS, these ligands, especially NADPH showed specific interaction with L-PGDS at the upper pocket of its ligand-binding cavity with an unusually bifurcated shape. The binding affinity of L-PGDS for NADPH was comparable to that previously reported for NADPH oxidases and NADPH in vitro. These results suggested that L-PGDS potentially attenuates the activities of NADPH oxidases through interaction with NADPH. Given that NADPH is the substrate for NADPH oxidases that play key roles in neuronal cell death by generating excessive ROS, these results imply a novel linkage between L-PGDS and ROS. - Highlights: • Interactions of L-PGDS with nicotinamide coenzymes were studied by ITC and NMR. • The binding affinity of L-PGDS was strongest to NADPH among nicotinamide coenzymes. • NADPH binds to the upper part of L-PGDS ligand-binding cavity. • L-PGDS binds to both lipophilic and hydrophilic ligands. • This study implies a novel linkage between L-PGDS and reactive oxygen species.« less

  4. Innervation pattern of the preocular human central retinal artery.

    PubMed

    Bergua, Antonio; Kapsreiter, Markus; Neuhuber, Winfried L; Reitsamer, Herbert A; Schrödl, Falk

    2013-05-01

    The central retinal artery (CRA) is the main vessel for inner retinal oxygen and nutrition supply. While the intraocular branches lack autonomic innervation, the innervation pattern of the extra-ocular part of this vessel along its course within the optic nerve is poorly investigated. This part however is essential for maintenance of retinal blood supply, in physiological and pathological conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was the characterization of the autonomic innervation of the preocular CRA in humans with morphological methods. Meeting the Declaration of Helsinki, eyes of body or cornea donors were processed for single or double immunohistochemistry against tyrosine hydroxilase (TH), dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH), choline acetyl-transferase (ChAT), vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), and cytochemistry for NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d). For documentation, light-, fluorescence-, and confocal laser-scanning microscopy were used. TH and DBH immunoreactive nerve fibres were detected in the CRA vessel wall, although a distinct perivascular plexus was missing. Further, nerve fibres immunoreactive for ChAT and VAChT were found, while CGRP, SP, and VIP were not detected. NADPH-d staining revealed scattered nerve fibres in the adventitia of the CRA and in close vicinity; however, nNOS-immunostaining could not confirm this finding. The CRA receives adrenergic and cholinergic innervations, indicating sympathetic and parasympathetic components, respectively. Remarkably, a peptidergic primary afferent innervation was missing. Since clinical results suggest an autoregulation of intraretinal vessels, further studies are needed to clarify the impact of CRA innervation for retinal perfusion. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. [Oxygen and the superoxide anion. Modulation of NADPH oxidase?].

    PubMed

    Delbosc, S; Cristol, J P; Descomps, B; Chénard, J; Sirois, P

    2001-01-01

    Oxidative stress which results from an imbalance between oxidant production and antioxidant defense mechanisms can promote modifications of lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. This review focuses on the different pathways leading to Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production in particular on NADPH oxidase activation. This enzyme is localized in numerous cells including phagocytes and vascular cells and composed of membrane and cytosolic sub-units. The activation of the NADPH oxidase is largely involved in inflammation associated diseases such as asthma, Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and aging associated diseases such as atherosclerosis and neurodeneratives diseases. The modulation of NADPH oxidase could be a way to limit or prevent the development of these diseases.

  6. NADPH Oxidase Activation Contributes to Heavy Ion Irradiation–Induced Cell Death

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Yupei; Liu, Qing; Zhao, Weiping; Zhou, Xin; Miao, Guoying; Sun, Chao

    2017-01-01

    Increased oxidative stress plays an important role in heavy ion radiation–induced cell death. The mechanism involved in the generation of elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) is not fully illustrated. Here we show that NADPH oxidase activation is closely related to heavy ion radiation–induced cell death via excessive ROS generation. Cell death and cellular ROS can be greatly reduced in irradiated cancer cells with the preincubation of diphenyleneiodium, an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase. Most of the NADPH oxidase (NOX) family proteins (NOX1, NOX2, NOX3, NOX4, and NOX5) showed increased expression after heavy ion irradiation. Meanwhile, the cytoplasmic subunit p47phox was translocated to the cell membrane and localized with NOX2 to form reactive NADPH oxidase. Our data suggest for the first time that ROS generation, as mediated by NADPH oxidase activation, could be an important contributor to heavy ion irradiation–induced cell death. PMID:28473742

  7. The voltage dependence of NADPH oxidase reveals why phagocytes need proton channels

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    DeCoursey, Thomas E.; Morgan, Deri; Cherny, Vladimir V.

    2003-04-01

    The enzyme NADPH oxidase in phagocytes is important in the body's defence against microbes: it produces superoxide anions (O2-, precursors to bactericidal reactive oxygen species). Electrons move from intracellular NADPH, across a chain comprising FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide) and two haems, to reduce extracellular O2 to O2-. NADPH oxidase is electrogenic, generating electron current (Ie) that is measurable under voltage-clamp conditions. Here we report the complete current-voltage relationship of NADPH oxidase, the first such measurement of a plasma membrane electron transporter. We find that Ie is voltage-independent from -100mV to >0mV, but is steeply inhibited by further depolarization, and is abolished at about +190mV. It was proposed that H+ efflux mediated by voltage-gated proton channels compensates Ie, because Zn2+ and Cd2+ inhibit both H+ currents and O2- production. Here we show that COS-7 cells transfected with four NADPH oxidase components, but lacking H+ channels, produce O2- in the presence of Zn2+ concentrations that inhibit O2- production in neutrophils and eosinophils. Zn2+ does not inhibit NADPH oxidase directly, but through effects on H+ channels. H+ channels optimize NADPH oxidase function by preventing membrane depolarization to inhibitory voltages.

  8. Macrophage NADPH oxidase flavocytochrome B localizes to the plasma membrane and Rab11-positive recycling endosomes.

    PubMed

    Casbon, Amy-Jo; Allen, Lee-Ann H; Dunn, Kenneth W; Dinauer, Mary C

    2009-02-15

    Flavocytochrome b(558), the catalytic core of the phagocytic NADPH oxidase, mediates the transfer of electrons from NADPH to molecular oxygen to generate superoxide for host defense. Flavocytochrome b is a membrane heterodimer consisting of a large subunit gp91(phox) (NOX2) and a smaller subunit, p22(phox). Although in neutrophils flavocytochrome b has been shown to localize to the plasma membrane and specific granules, little is known about its distribution in macrophages. Using immunofluorescent staining and live cell imaging of fluorescently tagged gp91(phox) and p22(phox), we demonstrate in a Chinese hamster ovary cell model system and in RAW 264.7 and primary murine bone marrow-derived macrophages that flavocytochrome b is found in the Rab11-positive recycling endocytic compartment, as well as in Rab5-positive early endosomes and plasma membrane. Additionally, we show that unassembled p22(phox) and gp91(phox) subunits localize to the endoplasmic reticulum, which redistribute to the cell surface and endosomal compartments following heterodimer formation. These studies show for the first time that flavocytochrome b localizes to intracellular compartments in macrophages that recycle to the plasma membrane, which may act as a reservoir to deliver flavocytochrome b to the cell surface and phagosome membranes.

  9. Spatiotemporal alterations of cortical network activity by selective loss of NOS-expressing interneurons.

    PubMed

    Shlosberg, Dan; Buskila, Yossi; Abu-Ghanem, Yasmin; Amitai, Yael

    2012-01-01

    Deciphering the role of GABAergic neurons in large neuronal networks such as the neocortex forms a particularly complex task as they comprise a highly diverse population. The neuronal isoform of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) is expressed in the neocortex by specific subsets of GABAergic neurons. These neurons can be identified in live brain slices by the nitric oxide (NO) fluorescent indicator diaminofluorescein-2 diacetate (DAF-2DA). However, this indicator was found to be highly toxic to the stained neurons. We used this feature to induce acute phototoxic damage to NO-producing neurons in cortical slices, and measured subsequent alterations in parameters of cellular and network activity. Neocortical slices were briefly incubated in DAF-2DA and then illuminated through the 4× objective. Histochemistry for NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d), a marker for nNOS activity, revealed elimination of staining in the illuminated areas following treatment. Whole cell recordings from several neuronal types before, during, and after illumination confirmed the selective damage to non-fast-spiking (FS) interneurons. Treated slices displayed mild disinhibition. The reversal potential of compound synaptic events on pyramidal neurons became more positive, and their decay time constant was elongated, substantiating the removal of an inhibitory conductance. The horizontal decay of local field potentials (LFPs) was significantly reduced at distances of 300-400 μm from the stimulation, but not when inhibition was non-selectively weakened with the GABA(A) blocker picrotoxin. Finally, whereas the depression of LFPs along short trains of 40 Hz stimuli was linearly reduced with distance or initial amplitude in control slices, this ordered relationship was disrupted in DAF-treated slices. These results reveal that NO-producing interneurons in the neocortex convey lateral inhibition to neighboring columns, and shape the spatiotemporal dynamics of the network's activity.

  10. Protein-bound NAD(P)H Lifetime is Sensitive to Multiple Fates of Glucose Carbon.

    PubMed

    Sharick, Joe T; Favreau, Peter F; Gillette, Amani A; Sdao, Sophia M; Merrins, Matthew J; Skala, Melissa C

    2018-04-03

    While NAD(P)H fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) can detect changes in flux through the TCA cycle and electron transport chain (ETC), it remains unclear whether NAD(P)H FLIM is sensitive to other potential fates of glucose. Glucose carbon can be diverted from mitochondria by the pentose phosphate pathway (via glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, G6PDH), lactate production (via lactate dehydrogenase, LDH), and rejection of carbon from the TCA cycle (via pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, PDK), all of which can be upregulated in cancer cells. Here, we demonstrate that multiphoton NAD(P)H FLIM can be used to quantify the relative concentrations of recombinant LDH and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) in solution. In multiple epithelial cell lines, NAD(P)H FLIM was also sensitive to inhibition of LDH and PDK, as well as the directionality of LDH in cells forced to use pyruvate versus lactate as fuel sources. Among the parameters measurable by FLIM, only the lifetime of protein-bound NAD(P)H (τ 2 ) was sensitive to these changes, in contrast to the optical redox ratio, mean NAD(P)H lifetime, free NAD(P)H lifetime, or the relative amount of free and protein-bound NAD(P)H. NAD(P)H τ 2 offers the ability to non-invasively quantify diversions of carbon away from the TCA cycle/ETC, which may support mechanisms of drug resistance.

  11. CYTOCHEMICAL LOCALIZATION OF TWO GLYCOLYTIC DEHYDROGENASES IN WHITE SKELETAL MUSCLE

    PubMed Central

    Fahimi, H. Dariush; Karnovsky, Morris J.

    1966-01-01

    The cytochemical localization, by conventional methods, of lactate and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenases is limited, firstly, by the solubility of these enzymes in aqueous media and, secondly, by the dependence of the final electron flow from reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide (NADH) to the tetrazolium on tissue diaphorase activity: localization is therefore that of the diaphorase, which in rabbit adductor magnus is mitochondrial. NADH has been found to have great affinity to bind in the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and, therefore, if it is generated freely in the incubation media containing 2,2',5,5'-tetra-p-nitrophenyl-3,3'-(3,3'-dimethoxy-4,4'-phenylene)-ditetrazolium chloride (TNBT) and N-methyl phenazonium methyl sulfate (PMS), it can bind there and cause a false staining. Since such a production of NADH can readily occur in the incubation media for glycolytic dehydrogenases due to diffusion of these soluble enzymes from tissue sections, the prevention of enzyme solubilization is extremely important. Fixation in formaldehyde prevented such enzyme diffusion, while at the same time sufficient activity persisted to allow for adequate staining. The incubation media contained PMS, so that the staining system was largely independent of tissue diaphorase activity. Application of these methods to adductor magnus of rabbit revealed by light microscopy, for both enzymes, a fine network which was shown by electron microscopy to represent staining of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Mitochondria also reacted. These findings add further support for the notion that the sarcoplasmic reticulum is probably involved in glycolytic activity. PMID:4288329

  12. Orofacial inflammatory pain affects the expression of MT1 and NADPH-d in rat caudal spinal trigeminal nucleus and trigeminal ganglion

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Fang; He, Hongwen; Fan, Wenguo; Liu, Yongliang; Zhou, Hongyu; Cheng, Bin

    2013-01-01

    Very little is known about the role of melatonin in the trigeminal system, including the function of melatonin receptor 1. In the present study, adult rats were injected with formaldehyde into the right vibrissae pad to establish a model of orofacial inflammatory pain. The distribution of melatonin receptor 1 and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase in the caudal spinal trigeminal nucleus and trigeminal ganglion was determined with immunohistochemistry and histochemistry. The results show that there are significant differences in melatonin receptor 1 expression and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase expression in the trigeminal ganglia and caudal spinal nucleus during the early stage of orofacial inflammatory pain. Our findings suggest that when melatonin receptor 1 expression in the caudal spinal nucleus is significantly reduced, melatonin's regulatory effect on pain is attenuated. PMID:25206619

  13. NADPH oxidase mediates depressive behavior induced by chronic stress in mice.

    PubMed

    Seo, Ji-Seon; Park, Jin-Young; Choi, Juli; Kim, Tae-Kyung; Shin, Joo-Hyun; Lee, Ja-Kyeong; Han, Pyung-Lim

    2012-07-11

    Stress is a potent risk factor for depression, yet the underlying mechanism is not clearly understood. In the present study, we explored the mechanism of development and maintenance of depression in a stress-induced animal model. Mice restrained for 2 h daily for 14 d showed distinct depressive behavior, and the altered behavior persisted for >3 months in the absence of intervention. Acute restraint induced a surge of oxidative stress in the brain, and stress-induced oxidative stress progressively increased with repetition of stress. In vitro, the stress hormone glucocorticoid generated superoxide via upregulation of NADPH oxidase. Consistently, repeated restraints increased the expression of the key subunits of NADPH oxidase, p47phox and p67phox, in the brain. Moreover, stressed brains markedly upregulated the expression of p47phox to weak restress evoked in the poststress period, and this molecular response was reminiscent of amplified ROS surge to restress. Pharmacological inhibition of NADPH oxidase by the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin during the stress or poststress period completely blocked depressive behavior. Consistently, heterozygous p47phox knock-out mice (p47phox(+/-)) or molecular inhibition of p47phox with Lenti shRNA-p47phox in the hippocampus suppressed depressive behavior. These results suggest that repeated stress promotes depressive behavior through the upregulation of NADPH oxidase and the resultant metabolic oxidative stress, and that the inhibition of NADPH oxidase provides beneficial antidepression effects.

  14. Ultra-fast HPM detectors improve NAD(P)H FLIM

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Becker, Wolfgang; Wetzker, Cornelia; Benda, Aleš

    2018-02-01

    Metabolic imaging by NAD(P)H FLIM requires the decay functions in the individual pixels to be resolved into the decay components of bound and unbound NAD(P)H. Metabolic information is contained in the lifetime and relative amplitudes of the components. The separation of the decay components and the accuracy of the amplitudes and lifetimes improves substantially by using ultra-fast HPM-100-06 and HPM-100-07 hybrid detectors. The IRF width in combination with the Becker & Hickl SPC-150N and SPC-150NX TCSPC modules is less than 20 ps. An IRF this fast does not interfere with the fluorescence decay. The usual deconvolution process in the data analysis then virtually becomes a simple curve fitting, and the parameters of the NAD(P)H decay components are obtained at unprecedented accuracy.

  15. Modified Field's staining--a rapid stain for Trichomonas vaginalis.

    PubMed

    Afzan, M Yusuf; Sivanandam, S; Kumar, G Suresh

    2010-10-01

    Trichomonas vaginalis, a flagellate protozoan parasite commonly found in the human genitourinary tract, is transmitted primarily by sexual intercourse. Diagnosis is usually by in vitro culture method and staining with Giemsa stain. There are laboratories that use Gram stain as well. We compared the use of modified Field's (MF), Giemsa, and Gram stains on 2 axenic and xenic isolates of T. vaginalis, respectively. Three smears from every sediment of spun cultures of all 4 isolates were stained, respectively, with each of the stains. We showed that MF staining, apart from being a rapid stain (20 s), confers sharper staining contrast, which differentiates the nucleus and the cytoplasm of the organism when compared to Giemsa and Gram staining especially on parasites from spiked urine samples. The alternative staining procedure offers in a diagnostic setting a rapid stain that can easily visualize the parasite with sharp contrasting characteristics between organelles especially the nucleus and cytoplasm. Vacuoles are more clearly visible in parasites stained with MF than when stained with Giemsa. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide provokes acetylcholine release from the myenteric plexus

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kusunoki, M.; Tsai, L.H.; Taniyama, K.

    1986-07-01

    Effects of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) on the release of acetylcholine (ACh) from longitudinal muscle strips with myenteric plexus (LM) preparations were examined in the guinea pig small intestine. VIP (10 to 10 W M) induced a concentration-dependent contraction of LM preparation. The VIP-induced contractions seem to be related to three components, the scopolamine-sensitive, the scopolamine-insensitive, the tetrodotoxin-sensitive, and the tetrodotoxin-insensitive contractions. VIP (10 to 10 W M) induced a concentration-dependent increase in the release of (TH)ACh from LM preparations preloaded with (TH)choline. The VIP-evoked (TH)ACh release was inhibited by removal of CaS from the perfusion medium and by treatmentmore » with tetrodotoxin but not by scopolamine and hexamethonium. The spontaneous and VIP-evoked (TH)ACh release was not affected by phentolamine, propranolol, methysergide, diphenhydramine, cimetidine, bicuculline, or (D-ProS, D-Trp/sup 7,9/)substance P. The result demonstrates that VIP induces contractions of longitudinal smooth muscle directly and indirectly by the stimulation of both cholinergic neurons and noncholinergic excitatory neurons.« less

  17. Differential staining of bacteria: gram stain.

    PubMed

    Moyes, Rita B; Reynolds, Jackie; Breakwell, Donald P

    2009-11-01

    In 1884, Hans Christian Gram, a Danish doctor, developed a differential staining technique that is still the cornerstone of bacterial identification and taxonomic division. This multistep, sequential staining protocol separates bacteria into four groups based on cell morphology and cell wall structure: Gram-positive cocci, Gram-negative cocci, Gram-positive rods, and Gram-negative rods. The Gram stain is useful for assessing bacterial contamination of tissue culture samples or for examining the Gram stain status and morphological features of bacteria isolated from mixed or isolated bacterial cultures. (c) 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

  18. Effects of co-administration of dietary sodium arsenite and an NADPH oxidase inhibitor on the rat bladder epithelium.

    PubMed

    Suzuki, Shugo; Arnold, Lora L; Pennington, Karen L; Kakiuchi-Kiyota, Satoko; Cohen, Samuel M

    2009-06-30

    Arsenite (As(III)), an inorganic arsenical, is a known human carcinogen, inducing tumors of the skin, urinary bladder and lung. It is metabolized to organic methylated arsenicals. Oxidative stress has been suggested as a mechanism for arsenic-induced carcinogenesis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can be important factors for carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase is known to produce intracellular ROS, therefore, we investigated the ability of apocynin (acetovanillone), an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, to inhibit the cytotoxicity and regenerative cell proliferation of arsenic in vitro and in vivo. Apocynin had similar effects in reducing the cytotoxicity of As(III) and dimethylarsinous acid (DMA(III)) in rat urothelial cells in vitro. When tested at the same concentrations as apocynin, other antioxidants, such as l-ascorbate and N-acetylcysteine, did not inhibit As(III)-induced cytotoxicity but they were more effective at inhibiting DMA(III)-induced cytotoxicity compared with apocynin. In vivo, female rats were treated for 3 weeks with 100ppm As(III). Immunohistochemical staining for 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) showed that apocynin reduced oxidative stress partially induced by As(III) treatment on rat urothelium, and significantly reduced the cytotoxicity of superficial cells detected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). However, based on the incidence of simple hyperplasia and the bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling index, apocynin did not inhibit As(III)-induced urothelial cell proliferation. These data suggest that the NADPH oxidase inhibitor, apocynin, may have the ability to partially inhibit arsenic-induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity of the rat bladder epithelium in vitro and in vivo. However, apocynin did not inhibit the regenerative cell proliferation induced by arsenite in a short-term study.

  19. NADH/NADPH bi-cofactor-utilizing and thermoactive ketol-acid reductoisomerase from Sulfolobus acidocaldarius.

    PubMed

    Chen, Chin-Yu; Ko, Tzu-Ping; Lin, Kuan-Fu; Lin, Bo-Lin; Huang, Chun-Hsiang; Chiang, Cheng-Hung; Horng, Jia-Cherng

    2018-05-08

    Ketol-acid reductoisomerase (KARI) is a bifunctional enzyme in the second step of branched-chain amino acids biosynthetic pathway. Most KARIs prefer NADPH as a cofactor. However, KARI with a preference for NADH is desirable in industrial applications including anaerobic fermentation for the production of branched-chain amino acids or biofuels. Here, we characterize a thermoacidophilic archaeal Sac-KARI from Sulfolobus acidocaldarius and present its crystal structure at a 1.75-Å resolution. By comparison with other holo-KARI structures, one sulphate ion is observed in each binding site for the 2'-phosphate of NADPH, implicating its NADPH preference. Sac-KARI has very high affinity for NADPH and NADH, with K M values of 0.4 μM for NADPH and 6.0 μM for NADH, suggesting that both are good cofactors at low concentrations although NADPH is favoured over NADH. Furthermore, Sac-KARI can catalyze 2(S)-acetolactate (2S-AL) with either cofactor from 25 to 60 °C, but the enzyme has higher activity by using NADPH. In addition, the catalytic activity of Sac-KARI increases significantly with elevated temperatures and reaches an optimum at 60 °C. Bi-cofactor utilization and the thermoactivity of Sac-KARI make it a potential candidate for use in metabolic engineering or industrial applications under anaerobic or harsh conditions.

  20. NADPH as a potential intrinsic probe for tumour margin estimation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stewart, Hazel; Hupp, Ted R.; Birch, David J. S.

    2018-03-01

    The fluorescent properties of the reduced coenzyme NADH and its phosphorylated derivative (NADPH) have been explored in order to assess their potential as an intrinsic probe for cancer surgery. NADPH production is increased in cancer cells to quench reactive oxygen species and meet higher demands for biosynthesis, and has attractive fluorescent properties such as emission towards the visible part of the spectrum and a relatively long fluorescence lifetime upon binding to enzymes ( 1 - 6.5 ns) that helps discriminate against other endogenous species. Different environmental effects on NAD(P)H fluorescence are reported here, including an increase in lifetime upon oxygen removal, an ability to retain its fluorescent properties in a complex medium (a silica phantom) and its fluorescence lifetime also being distinguishable in a cell environment. In addition, the development of a miniaturized liquid light guide filter-based timecorrelated single photon counting fluorescence lifetime system is reported as a step towards time-resolved visual imaging in cancer surgery. This system has been demonstrated as being capable of accurately measuring NAD(P)H fluorescence lifetimes in both simple solvent and cellular environments.

  1. Electrical behaviour of myenteric neurones in the gastric corpus of the guinea-pig.

    PubMed Central

    Schemann, M; Wood, J D

    1989-01-01

    1. Electrical behaviour of ganglion cells in the myenteric plexus of the guinea-pig stomach was investigated using intracellular recording methods. 2. Three subpopulations were identified and classified for convenience of discussion as gastric I, II and III neurones. Gastric I neurones were characterized by repetitive spike discharge during depolarizing current pulses and by higher input resistance than the other types. Gastric II neurones discharged one or two spikes only at the onset of long-lasting depolarizing current pulses. Gastric III neurones did not discharge spikes to depolarizing current pulses and had higher membrane potentials and lower input resistances than the other types. Non-stimulus evoked discharge ('spontaneous' discharge) did not occur in any of the neurones. 3. Resting membrane potentials were generated primarily by resting K+ conductance, but were smaller than the estimated K+ equilibrium potential. Analysis based on the constant field equation predicted lower K+ conductance in gastric I than in gastric III neurones. 4. Action potentials in gastric I and II neurones were suppressed or blocked by tetrodotoxin. Spikes that were broadened by tetraethylammonium appeared to have an inward component of Ca2+ current. 5. Hyperpolarizing after-potentials were associated with the spikes of both kinds of neurones. These after-potentials had much shorter duration (less than 300 ms) than the post-spike hyperpolarization of AH/type 2 intestinal neurones and unlike intestinal neurones there was no latency between the positive after-potential of the spike and the onset of the hyperpolarization. After-hyperpolarization in the gastric neurones was enhanced when the spikes were broadened by tetraethylammonium and was suppressed by removal of Ca2+ from the bathing solution. 6. Treatment with either tetraethylammonium or 4-aminopyridine enhanced excitability and induced 'spontaneously' occurring repetitive spike discharge. 7. The electrophysiological behaviour

  2. Prolonged high fat diet ingestion, obesity, and type 2 diabetes symptoms correlate with phenotypic plasticity in myenteric neurons and nerve damage in the mouse duodenum

    PubMed Central

    Stenkamp-Strahm, Chloe M.; Nyavor, Yvonne E. A.; Kappmeyer, Adam J.; Horton, Sarah; Gericke, Martin; Balemba, Onesmo B.

    2015-01-01

    Symptoms of diabetic gastrointestinal dysmotility indicate neuropathy of the enteric nervous system. Long-standing diabetic enteric neuropathy has not been fully characterized, however. We used prolonged high fat diet ingestion (20 weeks) in a mouse model to mimic human obese and type 2 diabetic conditions, and analyzed changes seen in neurons of the duodenal myenteric plexus. Ganglionic and neuronal size, number of neurons per ganglionic area, density indices of neuronal phenotypes (immunoreactive nerve cell bodies and varicosities per ganglion or tissue area) and nerve injury were measured. Findings were compared with results previously seen in mice fed the same diet for 8 weeks. Compared to mice fed standard chow, those on a prolonged high fat diet had smaller ganglionic and cell soma areas. Myenteric VIP- and ChAT-immunoreactive density indices were also reduced. Myenteric nerve fibers were markedly swollen and cytoskeletal protein networks were disrupted. The number of nNOS nerve cell bodies per ganglia was increased, contrary to the reduction previously seen after 8 weeks, but the density index of nNOS varicosities was reduced. Mice fed high fat and standard chow diets experienced an age-related reduction in total neurons, biasing towards neurons of sensory phenotype. Meanwhile ageing was associated with an increase in excitatory neuronal markers. Collectively, these results support a notion that nerve damage underlies diabetic symptoms of dysmotility, and reveals adaptive ENS responses to the prolonged ingestion of a high fat diet. This highlights a need to mechanistically study long-term diet-induced nerve damage and age-related impacts on the ENS. PMID:25722087

  3. NADPH Oxidase as a Therapeutic Target for Oxalate Induced Injury in Kidneys

    PubMed Central

    Peck, Ammon B.; Khan, Saeed R.

    2013-01-01

    A major role of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase family of enzymes is to catalyze the production of superoxides and other reactive oxygen species (ROS). These ROS, in turn, play a key role as messengers in cell signal transduction and cell cycling, but when they are produced in excess they can lead to oxidative stress (OS). Oxidative stress in the kidneys is now considered a major cause of renal injury and inflammation, giving rise to a variety of pathological disorders. In this review, we discuss the putative role of oxalate in producing oxidative stress via the production of reactive oxygen species by isoforms of NADPH oxidases expressed in different cellular locations of the kidneys. Most renal cells produce ROS, and recent data indicate a direct correlation between upregulated gene expressions of NADPH oxidase, ROS, and inflammation. Renal tissue expression of multiple NADPH oxidase isoforms most likely will impact the future use of different antioxidants and NADPH oxidase inhibitors to minimize OS and renal tissue injury in hyperoxaluria-induced kidney stone disease. PMID:23840917

  4. A comparison of free radical formation by quinone antitumour agents in MCF-7 cells and the role of NAD(P)H (quinone-acceptor) oxidoreductase (DT-diaphorase).

    PubMed

    Fisher, G R; Patterson, L H; Gutierrez, P L

    1993-09-01

    Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR/ESR) spin trapping studies with DMPO revealed that purified rat liver NAD(P)H (quinone-acceptor) oxidoreductase (QAO) mediated hydroxyl radical formation by a diverse range of quinone-based antitumour agents. However, when MCF-7 S9 cell fraction was the source of QAO, EPR studies distinguished four different interactions by these agents and QAO with respect to hydroxyl radical formation: (i) hydroxyl radical formation by diaziquone (AZQ), menadione, 1AQ; 1,5AQ and 1,8AQ was mediated entirely or partially by QAO in MCF-7 S9 fraction; (ii) hydroxyl radical formation by daunorubicin and Adriamycin was not mediated by QAO in MCF-7 S9 fraction; (iii) hydroxyl radical formation by mitomycin C was stimulated in MCF-7 S9 fraction when QAO was inhibited by dicumarol; (iv) no hydroxyl radical formation was detected for 1,4AQ or mitoxantrone in MCF-7 S9 fraction. This study shows that purified rat liver QAO can mediate hydroxyl radical formation by a variety of diverse quinone antitumour agents. However, QAO did not necessarily contribute to hydroxyl radical formation by these agents in MCF-7 S9 fraction and in the case of mitomycin C, QAO played a protective role against hydroxyl radical formation.

  5. Antioxidant Protection of NADPH-Depleted Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells Is Dependent on Supply of Reduced Glutathione.

    PubMed

    Kilanczyk, Ewa; Saraswat Ohri, Sujata; Whittemore, Scott R; Hetman, Michal

    2016-08-01

    The pentose phosphate pathway is the main source of NADPH, which by reducing oxidized glutathione, contributes to antioxidant defenses. Although oxidative stress plays a major role in white matter injury, significance of NADPH for oligodendrocyte survival has not been yet investigated. It is reported here that the NADPH antimetabolite 6-amino-NADP (6AN) was cytotoxic to cultured adult rat spinal cord oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) as well as OPC-derived oligodendrocytes. The 6AN-induced necrosis was preceded by increased production of superoxide, NADPH depletion, and lower supply of reduced glutathione. Moreover, survival of NADPH-depleted OPCs was improved by the antioxidant drug trolox. Such cells were also protected by physiological concentrations of the neurosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone (10(-8) M). The protection by dehydroepiandrosterone was associated with restoration of reduced glutathione, but not NADPH, and was sensitive to inhibition of glutathione synthesis. A similar protective mechanism was engaged by the cAMP activator forskolin or the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER/GPR30) ligand G1. Finally, treatment with the glutathione precursor N-acetyl cysteine reduced cytotoxicity of 6AN. Taken together, NADPH is critical for survival of OPCs by supporting their antioxidant defenses. Consequently, injury-associated inhibition of the pentose phosphate pathway may be detrimental for the myelination or remyelination potential of the white matter. Conversely, steroid hormones and cAMP activators may promote survival of NADPH-deprived OPCs by increasing a NADPH-independent supply of reduced glutathione. Therefore, maintenance of glutathione homeostasis appears as a critical effector mechanism for OPC protection against NADPH depletion and preservation of the regenerative potential of the injured white matter. © The Author(s) 2016.

  6. Cell-free NADPH oxidase activation assays: "in vitro veritas".

    PubMed

    Pick, Edgar

    2014-01-01

    The superoxide (O2 (∙-))-generating NADPH oxidase complex of phagocytes comprises a membrane-imbedded heterodimeric flavocytochrome, known as cytochrome b 558 (consisting of Nox2 and p22 (phox) ) and four cytosolic regulatory proteins, p47 (phox) , p67 (phox) , p40 (phox) , and the small GTPase Rac. Under physiological conditions, in the resting phagocyte, O2 (∙-) generation is initiated by engagement of membrane receptors by a variety of stimuli, followed by specific signal transduction sequences leading to the translocation of the cytosolic components to the membrane and their association with the cytochrome. A consequent conformational change in Nox2 initiates the electron "flow" along a redox gradient, from NADPH to oxygen, leading to the one-electron reduction of molecular oxygen to O2 (∙-). Methodological difficulties in the dissection of this complex mechanism led to the design "cell-free" systems (also known as "broken cells" or in vitro systems). In these, membrane receptor stimulation and all or part of the signal transduction sequence are missing, the accent being placed on the actual process of "NADPH oxidase assembly," thus on the formation of the complex between cytochrome b 558 and the cytosolic components and the resulting O2 (∙-) generation. Cell-free assays consist of a mixture of the individual components of the NADPH oxidase complex, derived from resting phagocytes or in the form of purified recombinant proteins, exposed in vitro to an activating agent (distinct from and unrelated to whole cell stimulants), in the presence of NADPH and oxygen. Activation is commonly quantified by measuring the primary product of the reaction, O2 (∙-), trapped immediately after its generation by an appropriate acceptor in a kinetic assay, permitting the calculation of the linear rate of O2 (∙-) production, but numerous variations exist, based on the assessment of reaction products or the consumption of substrates. Cell-free assays played a paramount

  7. In situ monitoring of myenteric neuron activity using acetylcholinesterase-modified AlGaN/GaN solution-gate field-effect transistors.

    PubMed

    Müntze, Gesche Mareike; Pouokam, Ervice; Steidle, Julia; Schäfer, Wladimir; Sasse, Alexander; Röth, Kai; Diener, Martin; Eickhoff, Martin

    2016-03-15

    The response characteristics of acetylcholinesterase-modified AlGaN/GaN solution-gate field-effect transistors (AcFETs) are quantitatively analyzed by means of a kinetic model. The characterization shows that the covalent enzyme immobilization process yields reproducible AcFET characteristics with a Michaelis constant KM of (122 ± 4) μM for the immobilized enzyme layer. The increase of KM by a factor of 2.4 during the first four measurement cycles is attributed to partial denaturation of the enzyme. The AcFETs were used to record the release of acetylcholine (ACh) by neuronal tissue cultivated on the gate area upon stimulation by rising the extracellular K(+) concentration. The neuronal tissue constituted of isolated myenteric neurons from four to 12 days old Wistar rats, or sections from the muscularis propria containing the myenteric plexus from adult rats. For both cases the AcFET response was demonstrated to be related to the activity of the immobilized acetylcholinesterase using the reversible acetylcholinesterase blocker donepezil. A concentration response curve of this blocking agent revealed a half maximal inhibitory concentration of 40 nM which is comparable to values measured by complementary in vitro methods. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. NADPH oxidases: new kids on the block.

    PubMed

    Geiszt, Miklós

    2006-07-15

    Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a pivotal role in many physiological processes including host defense, hormone biosynthesis, fertilization and cellular signaling. Altered production of ROS has been implicated in the development of immunodeficiency, hypothyroidism and cardiovascular pathologies. In the last few years, several enzymes were identified at the molecular level, which are now thought to be responsible for ROS production observed in diverse tissues. These enzymes show a high degree of homology to the phagocytic NADPH oxidase and are now designated the Nox family of NADPH oxidases. This review updates our knowledge on six new members of the Nox family: Nox1, Nox3, Nox4, Nox5, Duox1 and Duox2.

  9. Monocyte and macrophage-targeted NADPH oxidase mediates antifungal host defense and regulation of acute inflammation in mice

    PubMed Central

    Grimm, Melissa J.; Vethanayagam, R. Robert; Almyroudis, Nikolaos G.; Dennis, Carly G.; Khan, A. Nazmul H.; D’Auria, Anthony; Singel, Kelly L.; Davidson, Bruce A.; Knight, Paul R.; Blackwell, Timothy S.; Hohl, Tobias M.; Mansour, Michael K.; Vyas, Jatin M.; Röhm, Marc; Urban, Constantin F.; Kelkka, Tiina; Holmdahl, Rikard; Segal, Brahm H.

    2013-01-01

    Chronic granulomatous disease, an inherited disorder of the NADPH oxidase in which phagocytes are defective in the generation of superoxide anion and downstream reactive oxidant species, is characterized by severe bacterial and fungal infections and excessive inflammation. Although NADPH oxidase isoforms exist in several lineages, reactive oxidant generation is greatest in neutrophils, where NADPH oxidase has been deemed vital for pathogen killing. In contrast, the function and importance of NADPH oxidase in macrophages are less clear. Therefore, we evaluated susceptibility to pulmonary aspergillosis in globally NADPH oxidase-deficient mice versus transgenic mice with monocyte/macrophage-targeted NADPH oxidase activity. We found that the lethal inoculum was more than 100-fold greater in transgenic versus globally NADPH oxidase-deficient mice. Consistent with these in vivo results, NADPH oxidase in mouse alveolar macrophages limited germination of phagocytosed Aspergillus fumigatus spores. Finally, globally NADPH oxidase-deficient mice developed exuberant neutrophilic lung inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokine responses to zymosan, a fungal cell wall-derived product composed principally of particulate beta-glucans, whereas inflammation in transgenic and wildtype mice was mild and transient. Together, our studies identify a central role for monocyte/macrophage NADPH oxidase in controlling fungal infection and in limiting acute lung inflammation. PMID:23509361

  10. NADPH oxidase activation in neutrophils: Role of the Phosphorylation of its subunits.

    PubMed

    Belambri, Sahra A; Rolas, Loïc; Raad, Houssam; Hurtado-Nedelec, Margarita; Dang, Pham My-Chan; El-Benna, Jamel

    2018-05-14

    Neutrophils are key cells of innate immunity and during inflammation. Upon activation, they produce large amounts of superoxide anion (O 2 -. ) and ensuing reactive oxygen species (ROS) to kill phagocytized microbes. The enzyme responsible for O 2 -. production is called the phagocyte NADPH oxidase. This is a multicomponent enzyme system that becomes active after assembly of four cytosolic proteins (p47 phox , p67 phox , p40 phox and Rac2) with the transmembrane proteins (p22 phox and gp91 phox , which form the cytochrome b 558 ). gp91 phox represents the catalytic subunit of the NADPH oxidase and is also called NOX2. NADPH oxidase-derived ROS are essential for microbial killing and innate immunity; however, excessive ROS production induces tissue injury and prolonged inflammatory reactions that contribute to inflammatory diseases. Thus, NADPH oxidase activation must be tightly regulated in time and space in order to limit ROS production. NADPH oxidase activation is regulated by several processes such as phosphorylation of its components, exchange of GDP/GTP on Rac2 and binding of p47 phox and p40 phox to phospholipids. This review aims to provide new insights into the role of the phosphorylation of the NADPH oxidase components, i.e., gp91 phox , p22 phox , p47 phox , p67 phox and p40 phox , in the activation of this enzyme. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  11. Structural analysis of NADPH depleted bovine liver catalase and its inhibitor complexes

    PubMed Central

    Sugadev, Ragumani; Ponnuswamy, M.N.; Sekar, K.

    2011-01-01

    To study the functional role of NADPH during mammalian catalase inhibition, the X-ray crystal structures of NADPH-depleted bovine liver catalase and its inhibitor complexes, cyanide and azide, determined at 2.8Å resolution. From the complex structures it is observed that subunits with and without an inhibitor/catalytic water molecule are linked by N-terminal domain swapping. Comparing mammalian- and fungal- catalases, we speculate that NADPH-depleted mammalian catalases may function as a domain-swapped dimer of dimers, especially during inactivation by inhibitors like cyanide and azide. We further speculate that in mammalian catalases the N-terminal hinge-loop region and α-helix is the structural element that senses NADPH binding. Although the above arguments are speculative and need further verification, as a whole our studies have opened up a new possibility, viz. that mammalian catalase acts as a domain-swapped dimer of dimers, especially during inhibitor binding. To generalize this concept to the formation of the inactive state in mammalian catalases in the absence of tightly bound NADPH molecules needs further exploration. The present study adds one more intriguing fact to the existing mysteries of mammalian catalases. PMID:21968615

  12. Hexamethonium-induced augmentation of the electrical twitch response in the guinea-pig ileum longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus strip.

    PubMed

    Donnerer, Josef; Liebmann, Ingrid; Holzer-Petsche, Ulrike

    2014-08-08

    Longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus strips of the guinea-pig ileum were used to investigate the nature of the hexamethonium-induced augmentation of the twitch response. All preparations were set up in Tyrode solution and intermittent longitudinal twitch contractions were evoked by single pulse electrical field stimulation. Hexamethonium, a blocker of nicotinic ganglionic transmission, at 300 μmol/l and 1 mmol/l augmented the twitch contractions by 21% and 35%, respectively. First we tested for a possible nicotinic drive onto an inhibitory neuronal component to the longitudinal smooth muscle cells. However, guanethidine (5 μmol/l), naloxone (1 μmol/l), or l-NAME (300 μmol/l) were without effect on the hexamethonium-induced augmentation. The P2 purinoceptor antagonist pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2'-4'-disulphonic acid (PPADS), 25-100 μmol/l, without altering the control twitch responses, dose-dependently reduced the hexamethonium-induced augmentation; at 100 μmol/l a statistically significantly inhibition was observed. Based on these functional experiments we found no evidence that blocking nicotinic transmission removed a tonic adrenergic, opioidergic or nitrergic inhibitory input to the longitudinal muscle. However, we provide evidence for a hexamethonium-induced augmentation of the P2 purinergic input to cholinergic motoneurons of the guinea-pig ileum longitudinal muscle. The P2-nicotinic receptor interaction presents a novel modulatory mechanism to cholinergic myenteric motor neurons. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Enhancing biomass and ethanol production by increasing NADPH production in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.

    PubMed

    Choi, Yun-Nam; Park, Jong Moon

    2016-08-01

    This study demonstrates that increased NADPH production can improve biomass and ethanol production in cyanobacteria. We over-expressed the endogenous zwf gene, which encodes glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase of pentose phosphate pathway, in the model cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. zwf over-expression resulted in increased NADPH production, and promoted biomass production compared to the wild type in both autotrophic and mixotrophic conditions. Ethanol production pathway including NADPH-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase was also integrated with and without zwf over-expression. Excessive NADPH production by zwf over-expression could improve both biomass and ethanol production in the autotrophic conditions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Functional Assembly of Soluble and Membrane Recombinant Proteins of Mammalian NADPH Oxidase Complex.

    PubMed

    Souabni, Hajer; Ezzine, Aymen; Bizouarn, Tania; Baciou, Laura

    2017-01-01

    Activation of phagocyte cells from an innate immune system is associated with a massive consumption of molecular oxygen to generate highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) as microbial weapons. This is achieved by a multiprotein complex, the so-called NADPH oxidase. The activity of phagocyte NADPH oxidase relies on an assembly of more than five proteins, among them the membrane heterodimer named flavocytochrome b 558 (Cytb 558 ), constituted by the tight association of the gp91 phox (also named Nox2) and p22 phox proteins. The Cytb 558 is the membrane catalytic core of the NADPH oxidase complex, through which the reducing equivalent provided by NADPH is transferred via the associated prosthetic groups (one flavin and two hemes) to reduce dioxygen into superoxide anion. The other major proteins (p47 phox , p67 phox , p40 phox , Rac) requisite for the complex activity are cytosolic proteins. Thus, the NADPH oxidase functioning relies on a synergic multi-partner assembly that in vivo can be hardly studied at the molecular level due to the cell complexity. Thus, a cell-free assay method has been developed to study the NADPH oxidase activity that allows measuring and eventually quantifying the ROS generation based on optical techniques following reduction of cytochrome c. This setup is a valuable tool for the identification of protein interactions, of crucial components and additives for a functional enzyme. Recently, this method was improved by the engineering and the production of a complete recombinant NADPH oxidase complex using the combination of purified proteins expressed in bacterial and yeast host cells. The reconstitution into artificial membrane leads to a fully controllable system that permits fine functional studies.

  15. Targeting NADPH oxidase decreases oxidative stress in the transgenic sickle cell mouse penis.

    PubMed

    Musicki, Biljana; Liu, Tongyun; Sezen, Sena F; Burnett, Arthur L

    2012-08-01

    Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a state of chronic vasculopathy characterized by endothelial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress, but the sources and mechanisms responsible for reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the penis are unknown. We evaluated whether SCD activates NADPH oxidase, induces endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling, and decreases antioxidants in the SCD mouse penis. We further tested the hypothesis that targeting NADPH oxidase decreases oxidative stress in the SCD mouse penis. SCD transgenic (sickle) mice were used as an animal model of SCD. Hemizygous (hemi) mice served as controls. Mice received an NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin (10 mM in drinking water) or vehicle. Penes were excised at baseline for molecular studies. Markers of oxidative stress (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal [HNE]), sources of ROS (eNOS uncoupling and NADPH oxidase subunits p67(phox) , p47(phox) , and gp91(phox) ), and enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase [SOD]1, SOD2, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase-1 [GPx1]) were measured by Western blot in penes. Sources of ROS, oxidative stress, and enzymatic antioxidants in the SCD penis. Relative to hemi mice, SCD increased (P<0.05) protein expression of NADPH oxidase subunits p67(phox) , p47(phox) , and gp91(phox) , 4-HNE-modified proteins, induced eNOS uncoupling, and reduced Gpx1 expression in the penis. Apocynin treatment of sickle mice reversed (P<0.05) the abnormalities in protein expressions of p47(phox) , gp91(phox) (but not p67(phox) ) and 4-HNE, but only slightly (P>0.05) prevented eNOS uncoupling in the penis. Apocynin treatment of hemi mice did not affect any of these parameters. NADPH oxidase and eNOS uncoupling are sources of oxidative stress in the SCD penis; decreased GPx1 further contributes to oxidative stress. Inhibition of NADPH oxidase upregulation decreases oxidative stress, implying a major role for NADPH oxidase as a ROS source and a potential target for improving vascular function in

  16. Targeting NADPH Oxidase Decreases Oxidative Stress in the Transgenic Sickle Cell Mouse Penis

    PubMed Central

    Musicki, Biljana; Liu, Tongyun; Sezen, Sena F.; Burnett, Arthur L.

    2012-01-01

    Introduction Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a state of chronic vasculopathy characterized by endothelial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress, but the sources and mechanisms responsible for reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the penis are unknown. Aims We evaluated whether SCD activates NADPH oxidase, induces endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling, and decreases antioxidants in the SCD mouse penis. We further tested the hypothesis that targeting NADPH oxidase decreases oxidative stress in the SCD mouse penis. Methods SCD transgenic (sickle) mice were used as an animal model of SCD. Hemizygous (hemi) mice served as controls. Mice received an NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin (10 mM in drinking water) or vehicle. Penes were excised at baseline for molecular studies. Markers of oxidative stress (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal [HNE]), sources of ROS (eNOS uncoupling and NADPH oxidase subunits p67phox, p47phox, and gp91phox), and enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase [SOD]1, SOD2, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase-1 [GPx1]) were measured by Western blot in penes. Main Outcome Measures Sources of ROS, oxidative stress, and enzymatic antioxidants in the SCD penis. Results Relative to hemi mice, SCD increased (P < 0.05) protein expression of NADPH oxidase subunits p67phox, p47phox, and gp91phox, 4-HNE-modified proteins, induced eNOS uncoupling, and reduced Gpx1 expression in the penis. Apocynin treatment of sickle mice reversed (P < 0.05) the abnormalities in protein expressions of p47phox, gp91phox (but not p67phox) and 4-HNE, but only slightly (P > 0.05) prevented eNOS uncoupling in the penis. Apocynin treatment of hemi mice did not affect any of these parameters. Conclusion NADPH oxidase and eNOS uncoupling are sources of oxidative stress in the SCD penis; decreased GPx1 further contributes to oxidative stress. Inhibition of NADPH oxidase upregulation decreases oxidative stress, implying a major role for NADPH oxidase as a ROS source and a

  17. Dynamic single-cell NAD(P)H measurement reveals oscillatory metabolism throughout the E. coli cell division cycle.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Zheng; Milias-Argeitis, Andreas; Heinemann, Matthias

    2018-02-01

    Recent work has shown that metabolism between individual bacterial cells in an otherwise isogenetic population can be different. To investigate such heterogeneity, experimental methods to zoom into the metabolism of individual cells are required. To this end, the autofluoresence of the redox cofactors NADH and NADPH offers great potential for single-cell dynamic NAD(P)H measurements. However, NAD(P)H excitation requires UV light, which can cause cell damage. In this work, we developed a method for time-lapse NAD(P)H imaging in single E. coli cells. Our method combines a setup with reduced background emission, UV-enhanced microscopy equipment and optimized exposure settings, overall generating acceptable NAD(P)H signals from single cells, with minimal negative effect on cell growth. Through different experiments, in which we perturb E. coli's redox metabolism, we demonstrated that the acquired fluorescence signal indeed corresponds to NAD(P)H. Using this new method, for the first time, we report that intracellular NAD(P)H levels oscillate along the bacterial cell division cycle. The developed method for dynamic measurement of NAD(P)H in single bacterial cells will be an important tool to zoom into metabolism of individual cells.

  18. Anti-stress effects of human placenta extract: possible involvement of the oxidative stress system in rats.

    PubMed

    Park, Hyun-Jung; Shim, Hyun Soo; Lee, Sunyoung; Hahm, Dae Hyun; Lee, Hyejung; Oh, Chang Taek; Han, Hae Jung; Ji, Hyi Jeong; Shim, Insop

    2018-05-08

    Human placenta hydrolysate (hPH) has been utilized to improve menopausal, fatigue, liver function. Its high concentration of bioactive substances is known to produce including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities. However, its mechanisms of stress-induced depression remain unknown. The present study examined the effect of hPH on stress-induced depressive behaviors and biochemical parameters in rats. hPH (0.02 ml, 0.2 ml or 1 ml/rat) was injected intravenously 30 min before the daily stress session in male Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to repeated immobilization stress (4 h/day for 7 days). The depressive-like behaviors of all groups were measured by elevated plus maze (EPM) and forced swimming test (FST). After the behavior tests, brain samples of all groups were collected for the analysis of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d) staining. Treatment with hPH produced a significant decrease of immobility time in the FST compared to the controls. Additionally, hPH treatment elicited a slightly decreasing trend in anxiety behavior on the EPM. Furthermore, hPH increased the level of GPx protein in the hippocampus, and decreased the expression of NADPH-d in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). This study demonstrated that hPH has anti-stress effects via the regulation of nitric oxide (NO) synthase and antioxidant activity in the brain. These results suggest that hPH may be useful in the treatment of stress-related diseases such as chronic fatigue syndrome.

  19. Nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity in the nematode Trichinella britovi. Evidence for nitric oxide production by the parasite.

    PubMed

    Masetti, Massimo; Locci, Teresa; Cecchettini, Antonella; Lucchesi, Paolo; Magi, Marta; Malvaldi, Gino; Bruschi, Fabrizio

    2004-05-01

    Nitric oxide has been extensively studied as an effector molecule of the host immune response against both protozoa and helminths, but parasites can also produce this molecule, through the action of nitric oxide (NO) synthases or NO synthases-like enzymes. The aim of this study was to verify the possible production of NO by Trichinella britovi L(1) larvae and the enzymes involved in this process. The NO synthase immunoreactivity and putative nitric oxide synthase-activity was analysed using antibodies to mammalian NO synthase III and to nitrotyrosine with immunohistochemistry, gold immunocytochemistry and immunoblot analysis and NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry. Our results show that T. britovi L(1) larvae possess an enzymatic activity capable of producing NO. The localisation of this activity, according to the NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry, is both at the cuticular and the internal level. This localisation is confirmed by nitrotyrosine immunohistochemistry both under optical and electron microscopy. Using the NO synthase III antibody, a similar pattern of labelling was found: in particular, electron microscopy showed a localisation of this immunoreactivity in the cuticle and in the stichocytes, where only the alpha2 granules contained gold particles, mainly concentrated at their periphery. Four polypeptides reacting to the NO synthase III antibody are revealed by Western blotting. Their molecular weight ranged from 38 to 50 kDa. A significant reaction of the anti-nitrotyrosine antibody to polypeptides 95, 60, 48 and 39 kDa from the same sample suggested the presence of different nitrosylated proteins.

  20. Wallerian degeneration in C57BL/6J and A/J mice: differences in time course of neurofilament and myelin breakdown, macrophage recruitment and iNOS expression

    PubMed Central

    de la Hoz, Cristiane L R; Oliveira, Alexandre L R; de S Queiroz, Luciano; Langone, Francesco

    2003-01-01

    The lower regeneration potential reported for C57BL/6J mice strain after peripheral nerve lesion may result from alterations in crucial events during Wallerian degeneration. We analysed neurofilament and myelin breakdown, macrophage recruitment, NADPH-diaphorase reaction and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in transected sciatic nerves of C57BL/6J and A/J mice. The neurofilament volume density was lower in C57BL/6J strain mice at 1 and 3 days after lesion, and later equalled the density observed in A/J. C57BL/6J mice presented a high number of cells containing myelin debris, 3 and 5 days after the lesion. In both strains iNOS immunoreactivity was intense in macrophages and less evident in Schwann cells. However, a delay in macrophage recruitment and a lower percentage of iNOS-expressing macrophages on the third day were observed in C57BL/6J mice. NADPH-diaphorase reaction disclosed a similar pattern for both strains until the seventh day. However, at 5 days, cells with slender processes involving ellipsoid segments showed a well-defined cytoplasmic labelling in C57BL/6J whereas in A/J most of these cells exhibited a more granular and disperse labelling. We propose that these differences between A/J and C57BL/6J strains during Wallerian degeneration may be implicated in the lower regeneration potential observed in the latter. PMID:14686692

  1. Hypoglycemic neuronal death is triggered by glucose reperfusion and activation of neuronal NADPH oxidase

    PubMed Central

    Suh, Sang Won; Gum, Elizabeth T.; Hamby, Aaron M.; Chan, Pak H.; Swanson, Raymond A.

    2007-01-01

    Hypoglycemic coma and brain injury are potential complications of insulin therapy. Certain neurons in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex are uniquely vulnerable to hypoglycemic cell death, and oxidative stress is a key event in this cell death process. Here we show that hypoglycemia-induced oxidative stress and neuronal death are attributable primarily to the activation of neuronal NADPH oxidase during glucose reperfusion. Superoxide production and neuronal death were blocked by the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin in both cell culture and in vivo models of insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Superoxide production and neuronal death were also blocked in studies using mice or cultured neurons deficient in the p47phox subunit of NADPH oxidase. Chelation of zinc with calcium disodium EDTA blocked both the assembly of the neuronal NADPH oxidase complex and superoxide production. Inhibition of the hexose monophosphate shunt, which utilizes glucose to regenerate NADPH, also prevented superoxide formation and neuronal death, suggesting a mechanism linking glucose reperfusion to superoxide formation. Moreover, the degree of superoxide production and neuronal death increased with increasing glucose concentrations during the reperfusion period. These results suggest that high blood glucose concentrations following hypoglycemic coma can initiate neuronal death by a mechanism involving extracellular zinc release and activation of neuronal NADPH oxidase. PMID:17404617

  2. The Importance of NADPH Oxidases and Redox Signaling in Angiogenesis

    PubMed Central

    Prieto-Bermejo, Rodrigo; Hernández-Hernández, Angel

    2017-01-01

    Eukaryotic cells have to cope with the constant generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Although the excessive production of ROS might be deleterious for cell biology, there is a plethora of evidence showing that moderate levels of ROS are important for the control of cell signaling and gene expression. The family of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases (NADPH oxidases or Nox) has evolved to produce ROS in response to different signals; therefore, they fulfil a central role in the control of redox signaling. The role of NADPH oxidases in vascular physiology has been a field of intense study over the last two decades. In this review we will briefly analyze how ROS can regulate signaling and gene expression. We will address the implication of NADPH oxidases and redox signaling in angiogenesis, and finally, the therapeutic possibilities derived from this knowledge will be discussed. PMID:28505091

  3. Bioreduction with Efficient Recycling of NADPH by Coupled Permeabilized Microorganisms▿

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Wei; O'Connor, Kevin; Wang, Daniel I. C.; Li, Zhi

    2009-01-01

    The glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) from Bacillus subtilis BGSC 1A1 was cloned and functionally expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(pGDH1) and XL-1 Blue(pGDH1). Controlled permeabilization of recombinant E. coli BL21 and XL-1 Blue with EDTA-toluene under optimized conditions resulted in permeabilized cells with specific activities of 61 and 14 U/g (dry weight) of cells, respectively, for the conversion of NADP+ to NADPH upon oxidation of glucose. The permeabilized recombinant strains were more active than permeabilized B. subtilis BGSC 1A1, did not exhibit NADPH/NADH oxidase activity, and were useful for regeneration of both NADH and NADPH. Coupling of permeabilized cells of Bacillus pumilus Phe-C3 containing an NADPH-dependent ketoreductase and an E. coli recombinant expressing GDH as a novel biocatalytic system allowed enantioselective reduction of ethyl 3-keto-4,4,4-trifluorobutyrate with efficient recycling of NADPH; a total turnover number (TTN) of 4,200 mol/mol was obtained by using E. coli BL21(pGDH1) as the cofactor-regenerating microorganism with initial addition of 0.005 mM NADP+. The high TTN obtained is in the practical range for producing fine chemicals. Long-term stability of the permeabilized cell couple and a higher product concentration were demonstrated by 68 h of bioreduction of ethyl 3-keto-4,4,4-trifluorobutyrate with addition of 0.005 mM NADP+ three times; 50.5 mM (R)-ethyl 3-hydroxy-4,4,4-trifluorobutyrate was obtained with 95% enantiomeric excess, 84% conversion, and an overall TTN of 3,400 mol/mol. Our method results in practical synthesis of (R)-ethyl 3-hydroxy-4,4,4-trifluorobutyrate, and the principle described here is generally applicable to other microbial reductions with cofactor recycling. PMID:19047388

  4. NADPH Oxidase-Dependent Signaling in Endothelial Cells: Role in Physiology and Pathophysiology

    PubMed Central

    Ushio-Fukai, Masuko; Malik, Asrar B.

    2009-01-01

    Abstract Reactive oxygen species (ROS) including superoxide (O2·−) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are produced endogenously in response to cytokines, growth factors; G-protein coupled receptors, and shear stress in endothelial cells (ECs). ROS function as signaling molecules to mediate various biological responses such as gene expression, cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and senescence in ECs. Signal transduction activated by ROS, “oxidant signaling,” has received intense investigation. Excess amount of ROS contribute to various pathophysiologies, including endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The major source of ROS in EC is a NADPH oxidase. The prototype phagaocytic NADPH oxidase is composed of membrane-bound gp91phox and p22hox, as well as cytosolic subunits such as p47phox, p67phox and small GTPase Rac. In ECs, in addition to all the components of phagocytic NADPH oxidases, homologues of gp91phox (Nox2) including Nox1, Nox4, and Nox5 are expressed. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the emerging area of ROS derived from NADPH oxidase and oxidant signaling in ECs linked to physiological and pathophysiological functions. Understanding these mechanisms may provide insight into the NADPH oxidase and oxidant signaling components as potential therapeutic targets. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 11, 791–810. PMID:18783313

  5. Improvement of NADPH bioavailability in Escherichia coli through the use of phosphofructokinase deficient strains.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yipeng; San, Ka-Yiu; Bennett, George N

    2013-08-01

    NADPH-dependent reactions play important roles in production of industrially valuable compounds. In this study, we used phosphofructokinase (PFK)-deficient strains to direct fructose-6-phosphate to be oxidized through the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) to increase NADPH generation. pfkA or pfkB single deletion and double-deletion strains were tested for their ability to produce lycopene. Since lycopene biosynthesis requires many NADPH, levels of lycopene were compared in a set of isogenic strains, with the pfkA single deletion strain showing the highest lycopene yield. Using another NADPH-requiring process, a one-step reduction reaction of 2-chloroacrylate to 2-chloropropionic acid by 2-haloacrylate reductase, the pfkA pfkB double-deletion strain showed the highest yield of 2-chloropropionic acid product. The combined effect of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase overexpression or lactate dehydrogenase deletion with PFK deficiency on NADPH bioavailability was also studied. The results indicated that the flux distribution of fructose-6-phosphate between glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway determines the amount of NAPDH available for reductive biosynthesis.

  6. Activation-dependent descending reflex evacuation motority of anal canal in rat model.

    PubMed

    Radomirov, Radomir; Negrev, Negrin; Itzev, Dimitar Evlogiev; Stavreva, Galya

    2010-12-01

    The evacuative motor responses of the anal canal and recto-anal reflexes during defecation were studied in an isolated rat recto-anal model preparation using (i) partitioned organ bath, (ii) electrical stimulation, (iii) balloon distension and (iv) morphological techniques. Electrical field stimulation applied to the anal canal or to the distal part of the rectum elicited tetrodotoxin (10(-7) M)-sensitive frequency-dependent local or descending contractions of the anal canal and the local responses were bigger in amplitude (14.9 ± 1.35 mN) than the descending contractions (5.3 ± 0.7 mN at frequency of 5 Hz, p < 0.05). The balloon-induced distension of the distal rectum evoked descending responses of the anal canal consisting of a short contraction (1.50 ± 0.18 mN) followed by deep relaxation (3.12 ± 0.34 mN). In the presence of atropine (3 x 10(-7) M) the electrically-elicited (5 Hz) local or descending contractions of the anal canal were suppressed and a relaxation revealed. The initial contraction component of the distension-induced response was decreased while the relaxation was not changed. During atropine treatment, spantide (10(-7) M) lowered even more the contractile component of the anal canal response. NG-nitro-L-arginine (5 x 10(-4) M) enhanced the contraction, prevented the atropine-dependent relaxation of the electrically-elicited response and inhibited the distension-induced relaxation. L-Arginine (5 x 10(-4) M) suppressed the contraction and extended the relaxation. ChAT-, substance P- and NADPH-diaphorase-positive perikarya and nerve fibers were observed in myenteric ganglia of the anal canal. The results suggest activation-dependent descending reflex motority of the anal canal involving electrical stimulation-displayed cholinergic and tachykininergic and distension manifested nitrergic neuro-muscular communications.

  7. Reconstituted high-density lipoprotein suppresses leukocyte NADPH oxidase activation by disrupting lipid rafts.

    PubMed

    Peshavariya, Hitesh; Dusting, Gregory J; Di Bartolo, Belinda; Rye, Kerry-Anne; Barter, Philip J; Jiang, Fan

    2009-08-01

    Reconstituted discoidal high-density lipoprotein (rHDL) has potent vascular protective actions. Native HDL suppresses cellular generation of reactive oxygen species, whereas this antioxidant effect of rHDL is less clear. This study examined the effects of rHDL on NADPH oxidase, a major source of cellular superoxide generation, in both leukocytes and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Superoxide was measured with lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence. Expression of NADPH oxidase sub-units was determined by real-time PCR. Pre-treatment of HL-60 cells with rHDL (10 and 25 microM) for 1 h significantly reduced phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-stimulated superoxide production. Treatment with rHDL for up to 24 h did not change the mRNA expression of NADPH oxidase sub-units. In HL-60 cells, depletion of cholesterol from the plasma membrane by methyl-beta-cyclodextrin mimicked the effect of rHDL, whereas cholesterol repletion blunted the effects of rHDL. Treatment with rHDL induced disruption of the lipid raft structures and blunted PMA-induced redistribution of p47phox into lipid rafts. In contrast, treatment of endothelial cells with rHDL for up to 18 h had no effect on either basal or tumour necrosis factor-alpha-stimulated NADPH oxidase activity, but markedly suppressed the cytokine-induced expression of proinflammatory adhesion molecules. The results suggest that rHDL inhibits NADPH oxidase activation in leukocytes, probably by interrupting the assembly of NADPH oxidase sub-units at the lipid rafts. This effect may contribute to the vascular protective actions of rHDL against inflammation-mediated oxidative damage.

  8. Topography and chemoarchitecture of the striatum and pallidum in a monotreme, the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus).

    PubMed

    Ashwell, K W S

    2008-09-01

    The topography and chemoarchitecture of the striatum and pallidum in a monotreme, the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) have been studied using Nissl staining in conjunction with myelin staining, enzyme reactivity to acetylcholinesterase and NADPH diaphorase, and immunoreactivity to parvalbumin, calbindin, calretinin, tyrosine hydroxylase, neuropeptide Y, and neurofilament protein (SMI-32 antibody). All those components of the striatum and pallidum found in eutherian mammals could also be identified in the echidna's brain, with broad chemoarchitectural similarities to those regions in eutherian brains also apparent. There was a clear chemoarchitectural gradient visible with parvalbumin immunoreactivity of neurons and fibers, suggesting a subdivision of the echidna caudatoputamen into weakly reactive rostrodorsomedial and strongly reactive caudoventrolateral components. This may, in turn, relate to subdivision into associative versus sensorimotor CPu and reflect homology to the caudate and putamen of primates. Moreover, the chemoarchitecture of the echidna striatum suggested the presence of striosome-matrix architecture. The morphology of identified neuronal groups (i.e., parvalbumin, calbindin, and neuropeptide Y immunoreactive) in the echidna striatum and pallidum showed many similarities to those seen in eutherians, although the pattern of distribution of calbindin immunoreactive neurons was more uniform in the caudatoputamen of the echidna than in therians. These observations indicate that the same broad features of striatal and pallidal organization apply across all mammals and suggest that these common features may have arisen before the divergence of the monotreme and therian lineages.

  9. Cyto- and chemoarchitecture of the dorsal thalamus of the monotreme Tachyglossus aculeatus, the short beaked echidna.

    PubMed

    Ashwell, Ken W S; Paxinos, George

    2005-12-01

    We have examined the cyto- and chemoarchitecture of the dorsal thalamus of the short beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus), using Nissl and myelin staining, immunoreactivity for parvalbumin, calbindin, calretinin and non-phosphorylated neurofilament protein (SMI-32 antibody), and histochemistry for acetylcholinesterase and NADPH diaphorase. Immunohistochemical methods revealed many nuclear boundaries, which were difficult to discern with Nissl staining. Parvalbumin immunoreactive somata were concentrated in the ventral posterior, reticular, posterior, lateral and medial geniculate nuclei, while parvalbumin immunoreactivity of the neuropil was present throughout all but the midline nuclei. Large numbers of calbindin immunoreactive somata were also found within the midline thalamic nuclei, and thalamic sensory relay nuclei. Immunoreactivity for calretinin was found in many small somata within the lateral geniculate "a" nucleus, with other labelled somata found in the lateral geniculate "b" nucleus, ventral posterior medial and ventral posterior lateral nuclei. Immunoreactivity with the SMI-32 antibody was largely confined to somata and neuropil within the thalamocortical relay nuclei (ventral posterior medial and lateral nuclei, lateral and medial geniculate nuclei and the posterior thalamic nucleus). In broad terms there were many similarities between the thalamus of this monotreme and that of eutheria (e.g. disposition of somatosensory thalamus, complementarity of parvalbumin and calbindin immunoreactive structures), but there were some unique features of the thalamus of the echidna. These include the relatively small size of the thalamic reticular nucleus and the preponderance of calbindin immunoreactive neurons over parvalbumin immunoreactive neurons in the ventral posterior nucleus.

  10. Nanometer size diesel exhaust particles are selectively toxic to dopaminergic neurons: the role of microglia, phagocytosis, and NADPH oxidase.

    PubMed

    Block, M L; Wu, X; Pei, Z; Li, G; Wang, T; Qin, L; Wilson, B; Yang, J; Hong, J S; Veronesi, B

    2004-10-01

    The contributing role of environmental factors to the development of Parkinson's disease has become increasingly evident. We report that mesencephalic neuron-glia cultures treated with diesel exhaust particles (DEP; 0.22 microM) (5-50 microg/ml) resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in dopaminergic (DA) neurons, as determined by DA-uptake assay and tyrosine-hydroxylase immunocytochemistry (ICC). The selective toxicity of DEP for DA neurons was demonstrated by the lack of DEP effect on both GABA uptake and Neu-N immunoreactive cell number. The critical role of microglia was demonstrated by the failure of neuron-enriched cultures to exhibit DEP-induced DA neurotoxicity, where DEP-induced DA neuron death was reinstated with the addition of microglia to neuron-enriched cultures. OX-42 ICC staining of DEP treated neuron-glia cultures revealed changes in microglia morphology indicative of activation. Intracellular reactive oxygen species and superoxide were produced from enriched-microglia cultures in response to DEP. Neuron-glia cultures from NADPH oxidase deficient (PHOX-/-) mice were insensitive to DEP neurotoxicity when compared with control mice (PHOX+/+). Cytochalasin D inhibited DEP-induced superoxide production in enriched-microglia cultures, implying that DEP must be phagocytized by microglia to produce superoxide. Together, these in vitro data indicate that DEP selectively damages DA neurons through the phagocytic activation of microglial NADPH oxidase and consequent oxidative insult.

  11. NADPH Oxidase versus Mitochondria-Derived ROS in Glucose-Induced Apoptosis of Pericytes in Early Diabetic Retinopathy

    PubMed Central

    Mustapha, Nik M.; Tarr, Joanna M.; Kohner, Eva M.; Chibber, Rakesh

    2010-01-01

    Objectives. Using apocynin (inhibitor of NADPH oxidase), and Mitoquinol 10 nitrate (MitoQ; mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant), we addressed the importance of mitochondria versus NADPH oxidase-derived ROS in glucose-induced apoptosis of pericytes. Methods. NADPH oxidase was localised using Western blot analysis and cytochrome C reduction assay. Apoptosis was detected by measuring caspase-3 activity. Intracellular glucose concentration, ROS formation and Nε-(carboxymethyl) lysine (CML) content were measured using Amplex Red assay kit, dihydroethidium (DHE), and competitive immunoabsorbant enzyme-linked assay (ELISA), respectively. Results. NADPH oxidase was localised in the cytoplasm of pericytes suggesting ROS production within intracellular compartments. High glucose (25 mM) significantly increased apoptosis, intracellular glucose concentration, and CML content. Apoptosis was associated with increased gp91phox expression, activity of NADPH oxidase, and intracellular ROS production. Apocynin and not MitoQ significantly blunted the generation of ROS, formation of intracellular CML and apoptosis. Conclusions. NADPH oxidase and not mitochondria-derived ROS is responsible for the accelerated apoptosis of pericytes in diabetic retinopathy. PMID:20652059

  12. PKC delta and NADPH oxidase in retinoic acid-induced neuroblastoma cell differentiation.

    PubMed

    Nitti, Mariapaola; Furfaro, Anna Lisa; Cevasco, Claudia; Traverso, Nicola; Marinari, Umberto Maria; Pronzato, Maria Adelaide; Domenicotti, Cinzia

    2010-05-01

    The role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the regulation of signal transduction processes has been well established in many cell types and recently the fine tuning of redox signalling in neurons received increasing attention. With regard to this, the involvement of NADPH oxidase (NOX) in neuronal pathophysiology has been proposed but deserves more investigation. In the present study, we used SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells to analyse the role of NADPH oxidase in retinoic acid (RA)-induced differentiation, pointing out the involvement of protein kinase C (PKC) delta in the activation of NOX. Retinoic acid induces neuronal differentiation as revealed by the increased expression of MAP2, the decreased cell doubling rate, and the gain in neuronal morphological features and these events are accompanied by the increased expression level of PKC delta and p67(phox), one of the components of NADPH oxidase. Using DPI to inhibit NOX activity we show that retinoic acid acts through this enzyme to induce morphological changes linked to the differentiation. Moreover, using rottlerin to inhibit PKC delta or transfection experiments to overexpress it, we show that retinoic acid acts through this enzyme to induce MAP2 expression and to increase p67(phox) membrane translocation leading to NADPH oxidase activation. These findings identify the activation of PKC delta and NADPH oxidase as crucial steps in RA-induced neuroblastoma cell differentiation. 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Oscillatory shear stress stimulates endothelial production of O2- from p47phox-dependent NAD(P)H oxidases, leading to monocyte adhesion

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hwang, Jinah; Saha, Aniket; Boo, Yong Chool; Sorescu, George P.; McNally, J. Scott; Holland, Steven M.; Dikalov, Sergei; Giddens, Don P.; Griendling, Kathy K.; Harrison, David G.; hide

    2003-01-01

    Arterial regions exposed to oscillatory shear (OS) in branched arteries are lesion-prone sites of atherosclerosis, whereas those of laminar shear (LS) are relatively well protected. Here, we examined the hypothesis that OS and LS differentially regulate production of O2- from the endothelial NAD(P)H oxidase, which, in turn, is responsible for their opposite effects on a critical atherogenic event, monocyte adhesion. We used aortic endothelial cells obtained from C57BL/6 (MAE-C57) and p47phox-/- (MAE-p47-/-) mice, which lack a component of NAD(P)H oxidase. O2- production was determined by dihydroethidium staining and an electron spin resonance using an electron spin trap methoxycarbonyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-pyrrolidine. Chronic exposure (18 h) to an arterial level of OS (+/- 5 dynes/cm2) increased O2- (2-fold) and monocyte adhesion (3-fold) in MAE-C57 cells, whereas chronic LS (15 dynes/cm2, 18 h) significantly decreased both monocyte adhesion and O2- compared with static conditions. In contrast, neither LS nor OS were able to induce O2- production and monocyte adhesion to MAE-p47-/-. Treating MAE-C57 with a cell-permeable superoxide dismutase compound, polyethylene glycol-superoxide dismutase, also inhibited OS-induced monocyte adhesion. In addition, over-expressing p47phox in MAE-p47-/- restored OS-induced O2- production and monocyte adhesion. These results suggest that chronic exposure of endothelial cells to OS stimulates O2- and/or its derivatives produced from p47phox-dependent NAD(P)H oxidase, which, in turn, leads to monocyte adhesion, an early and critical atherogenic event.

  14. NADPH oxidases in the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis.

    PubMed

    Belmondo, Simone; Calcagno, Cristina; Genre, Andrea; Puppo, Alain; Pauly, Nicolas; Lanfranco, Luisa

    2016-01-01

    Plant NADPH oxidases are the major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that plays key roles as both signal and stressor in several plant processes, including defense responses against pathogens. ROS accumulation in root cells during arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) development has raised the interest in understanding how ROS-mediated defense programs are modulated during the establishment of this mutualistic interaction. We have recently analyzed the expression pattern of 5 NADPH oxidase (also called RBOH) encoding genes in Medicago truncatula, showing that only one of them (MtRbohE) is specifically upregulated in arbuscule-containing cells. In line with this result, RNAi silencing of MtRbohE generated a strong alteration in root colonization, with a significant reduction in the number of arbusculated cells. On this basis, we propose that MtRBOHE-mediated ROS production plays a crucial role in the intracellular accommodation of arbuscules.

  15. NADPH oxidases in the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis

    PubMed Central

    Belmondo, Simone; Calcagno, Cristina; Genre, Andrea; Puppo, Alain; Pauly, Nicolas; Lanfranco, Luisa

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT Plant NADPH oxidases are the major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that plays key roles as both signal and stressor in several plant processes, including defense responses against pathogens. ROS accumulation in root cells during arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) development has raised the interest in understanding how ROS-mediated defense programs are modulated during the establishment of this mutualistic interaction. We have recently analyzed the expression pattern of 5 NADPH oxidase (also called RBOH) encoding genes in Medicago truncatula, showing that only one of them (MtRbohE) is specifically upregulated in arbuscule-containing cells. In line with this result, RNAi silencing of MtRbohE generated a strong alteration in root colonization, with a significant reduction in the number of arbusculated cells. On this basis, we propose that MtRBOHE-mediated ROS production plays a crucial role in the intracellular accommodation of arbuscules. PMID:27018627

  16. Structure of Hordeum vulgare NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductase 2. Unwinding the reaction mechanism

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kirkensgaard, Kristine G.; Enzyme and Protein Chemistry, Department of Systems BioIogy, Technical University of Denmark; Hägglund, Per

    2009-09-01

    The first crystal structure of a cereal NTR, a protein involved in seed development and germination, has been determined. The structure is in a conformation that excludes NADPH binding and indicates that a domain reorientation facilitated by Trx binding precedes NADPH binding in the reaction mechanism. Thioredoxins (Trxs) are protein disulfide reductases that regulate the intracellular redox environment and are important for seed germination in plants. Trxs are in turn regulated by NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductases (NTRs), which provide reducing equivalents to Trx using NADPH to recycle Trxs to the active form. Here, the first crystal structure of a cereal NTR,more » HvNTR2 from Hordeum vulgare (barley), is presented, which is also the first structure of a monocot plant NTR. The structure was determined at 2.6 Å resolution and refined to an R{sub cryst} of 19.0% and an R{sub free} of 23.8%. The dimeric protein is structurally similar to the structures of AtNTR-B from Arabidopsis thaliana and other known low-molecular-weight NTRs. However, the relative position of the two NTR cofactor-binding domains, the FAD and the NADPH domains, is not the same. The NADPH domain is rotated by 25° and bent by a 38% closure relative to the FAD domain in comparison with AtNTR-B. The structure may represent an intermediate between the two conformations described previously: the flavin-oxidizing (FO) and the flavin-reducing (FR) conformations. Here, analysis of interdomain contacts as well as phylogenetic studies lead to the proposal of a new reaction scheme in which NTR–Trx interactions mediate the FO to FR transformation.« less

  17. Dual utilization of NADPH and NADH cofactors enhances xylitol production in engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

    PubMed

    Jo, Jung-Hyun; Oh, Sun-Young; Lee, Hyeun-Soo; Park, Yong-Cheol; Seo, Jin-Ho

    2015-12-01

    Xylitol, a natural sweetener, can be produced by hydrogenation of xylose in hemicelluloses. In microbial processes, utilization of only NADPH cofactor limited commercialization of xylitol biosynthesis. To overcome this drawback, Saccharomyces cerevisiae D452-2 was engineered to express two types of xylose reductase (XR) with either NADPH-dependence or NADH-preference. Engineered S. cerevisiae DWM expressing both the XRs exhibited higher xylitol productivity than the yeast strain expressing NADPH-dependent XR only (DWW) in both batch and glucose-limited fed-batch cultures. Furthermore, the coexpression of S. cerevisiae ZWF1 and ACS1 genes in the DWM strain increased intracellular concentrations of NADPH and NADH and improved maximum xylitol productivity by 17%, relative to that for the DWM strain. Finally, the optimized fed-batch fermentation of S. cerevisiae DWM-ZWF1-ACS1 resulted in 196.2 g/L xylitol concentration, 4.27 g/L h productivity and almost the theoretical yield. Expression of the two types of XR utilizing both NADPH and NADH is a promising strategy to meet the industrial demands for microbial xylitol production. Copyright © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  18. Histamine H2-receptors on guinea-pig ileum myenteric plexus neurons mediate the release of contractile agents

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Barker, L.A.; Ebersole, B.J.

    1982-04-01

    Dimaprit, a highly selective H2-agonist, caused a multiphasic contraction of guinea-pig ileal segments and ileal myenteric plexus-longitudinal muscle preparations. The initial phase was characterized by a twitch which reached a maximum in 15 to 30 sec and was followed by a partial relaxation. The later phase was variable and consisted of a series of twitch responses or of a slowly developing contracture which sometimes was accompanied by oscillatory changes in tension. dose-response curves were generated for the initial response; for isolated ileal segments the EC50 was 5.1 +/- 1.8 micrometers (mean +/- S.D., N . 7) and the Hill coefficientmore » was 1.1 +/- 0.2 and for longitudinal muscle strips the EC50 was 5.8 +/- 1.2 micrometer and the Hill coefficient was 1.2 +/- 0.1 (N . 7). Both the initial and secondary components of the contractile responses to dimaprit were prevented by 0.2 micron tetrodotoxin or 10 microns mefenamic acid and by the production of tachphylaxis to either substance P or serotonin. Scopolamine, 0.001 to 0.1 micron, insurmountably antagonized only the initial component of the response. Mepyramine (1.0 micrometer), hexamethonium (100 microns), bromolysergic acid (0.25 microns) and p-(imidazol-1-yl)phenyl (10 microns) were without effect on the response to dimaprit. The histamine H2-receptor antagonist, tiotidine, produced parallel dextral shifts in the dose-response curve for dimaprit. The apparent pA2 value for tiotidine was 7.65. The results suggest that dimaprit acts on H2-receptors located on myenteric plexus neurons to cause the release of contractile substances. The mediators of the contractile response are tentatively identified as acetylcholine, substance P, serotonin and a product(s) of the arachadonic acid cascade.« less

  19. Depletion of NADP(H) due to CD38 activation triggers endothelial dysfunction in the postischemic heart.

    PubMed

    Reyes, Levy A; Boslett, James; Varadharaj, Saradhadevi; De Pascali, Francesco; Hemann, Craig; Druhan, Lawrence J; Ambrosio, Giuseppe; El-Mahdy, Mohamed; Zweier, Jay L

    2015-09-15

    In the postischemic heart, coronary vasodilation is impaired due to loss of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) function. Although the eNOS cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is depleted, its repletion only partially restores eNOS-mediated coronary vasodilation, indicating that other critical factors trigger endothelial dysfunction. Therefore, studies were performed to characterize the unidentified factor(s) that trigger endothelial dysfunction in the postischemic heart. We observed that depletion of the eNOS substrate NADPH occurs in the postischemic heart with near total depletion from the endothelium, triggering impaired eNOS function and limiting BH4 rescue through NADPH-dependent salvage pathways. In isolated rat hearts subjected to 30 min of ischemia and reperfusion (I/R), depletion of the NADP(H) pool occurred and was most marked in the endothelium, with >85% depletion. Repletion of NADPH after I/R increased NOS-dependent coronary flow well above that with BH4 alone. With combined NADPH and BH4 repletion, full restoration of NOS-dependent coronary flow occurred. Profound endothelial NADPH depletion was identified to be due to marked activation of the NAD(P)ase-activity of CD38 and could be prevented by inhibition or specific knockdown of this protein. Depletion of the NADPH precursor, NADP(+), coincided with formation of 2'-phospho-ADP ribose, a CD38-derived signaling molecule. Inhibition of CD38 prevented NADP(H) depletion and preserved endothelium-dependent relaxation and NO generation with increased recovery of contractile function and decreased infarction in the postischemic heart. Thus, CD38 activation is an important cause of postischemic endothelial dysfunction and presents a novel therapeutic target for prevention of this dysfunction in unstable coronary syndromes.

  20. NADPH Oxidase Inhibition Improves Neurological Outcomes in Surgically-Induced Brain Injury

    PubMed Central

    Lo, Wendy; Bravo, Thomas; Jadhav, Vikram; Zhang, John H.; Tang, Jiping

    2007-01-01

    Neurosurgical procedures can result in brain injury by various means including direct trauma, hemorrhage, retractor stretch, and electrocautery. This surgically-induced brain injury (SBI) can cause post-operative complications such as brain edema. By creating a mouse model of SBI, we tested whether NADPH oxidase, an important reactive oxygen species producing enzyme, is involved in SBI using transgenic mice lacking gp91phox subunit of NADPH oxidase (gp91phox KO) and apocynin, a specific inhibitor of NADPH oxidase. Neurological function and brain edema were evaluated at 24 hours post-SBI in gp91phox KO and wild-type littermates grouped into SBI and sham-surgery groups. Alternatively, mice were grouped into vehicle- and apocynin-treated (5mg/kg, i.p. 30 minutes before SBI) groups. Oxidative stress indicated by lipid peroxidation (LPO) was measured at 3 and 24 hours post SBI. The gp91phox KO mice, but not the apocynin-treated mice showed significantly improved neurological scores. Brain edema was observed in both gp91phox KO and wild-type groups after SBI; however, there was no significant difference between these two groups. Brain edema was also not affected by apocynin-pretreatment. LPO levels were significantly higher in SBI group in both gp91phox KO and wild-type groups as compared to sham group. A trend, although without statistical significance, was noted towards attenuation of LPO in the gp91phox KO animals as compared to wild-type group. LPO levels were significantly attenuated at 3 hours post-SBI by apocynin pretreatment but not at 24 hours post-SBI. These results suggest that chronic and acute inhibition of NADPH oxidase activity does not reduce brain edema after SBI. Long-term inhibition of NADPH oxidase, however improves neurological functions after SBI. PMID:17317004

  1. Constitutive NADPH-dependent electron transferase activity of the Nox4 dehydrogenase domain.

    PubMed

    Nisimoto, Yukio; Jackson, Heather M; Ogawa, Hisamitsu; Kawahara, Tsukasa; Lambeth, J David

    2010-03-23

    NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) is constitutively active, while Nox2 requires the cytosolic regulatory subunits p47(phox) and p67(phox) and activated Rac with activation by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). This study was undertaken to identify the domain on Nox4 that confers constitutive activity. Lysates from Nox4-expressing cells exhibited constitutive NADPH- but not NADH-dependent hydrogen peroxide production with a K(m) for NADPH of 55 +/- 10 microM. The concentration of Nox4 in cell lysates was estimated using Western blotting and allowed calculation of a turnover of approximately 200 mol of H(2)O(2) min(-1) (mol of Nox4)(-1). A chimeric protein (Nox2/4) consisting of the Nox2 transmembrane (TM) domain and the Nox4 dehydrogenase (DH) domain showed H(2)O(2) production in the absence of cytosolic regulatory subunits. In contrast, chimera Nox4/2, consisting of the Nox4 TM and Nox2 DH domains, exhibited PMA-dependent activation that required coexpression of regulatory subunits. Nox DH domains from several Nox isoforms were purified and evaluated for their electron transferase activities. Nox1 DH, Nox2 DH, and Nox5 DH domains exhibited barely detectable activities toward artificial electron acceptors, while the Nox4 DH domain exhibited significant rates of reduction of cytochrome c (160 min(-1), largely superoxide dismutase-independent), ferricyanide (470 min(-1)), and other electron acceptors (artificial dyes and cytochrome b(5)). Rates were similar to those observed for H(2)O(2) production by the Nox4 holoenzyme in cell lysates. The activity required added FAD and was seen with NADPH but not NADH. These results indicate that the Nox4 DH domain exists in an intrinsically activated state and that electron transfer from NADPH to FAD is likely to be rate-limiting in the NADPH-dependent reduction of oxygen by holo-Nox4.

  2. NADPH oxidases as novel pharmacologic targets against influenza A virus infection.

    PubMed

    Vlahos, Ross; Selemidis, Stavros

    2014-12-01

    Influenza A viruses represent a major global health care challenge, with imminent pandemics, emerging antiviral resistance, and long lag times for vaccine development, raising a pressing need for novel pharmacologic strategies that ideally target the pathology irrespective of the infecting strain. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) pervade all facets of cell biology with both detrimental and protective properties. Indeed, there is compelling evidence that activation of the NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) isoform of the NADPH oxidase family of ROS-producing enzymes promotes lung oxidative stress, inflammation, injury, and dysfunction resulting from influenza A viruses of low to high pathogenicity, as well as impeding virus clearance. By contrast, the dual oxidase isoforms produce ROS that provide vital protective antiviral effects for the host. In this review, we propose that inhibitors of NOX2 are better alternatives than broad-spectrum antioxidant approaches for treatment of influenza pathologies, for which clinical efficacy may have been limited owing to poor bioavailability and inadvertent removal of beneficial ROS. Finally, we briefly describe the current suite of NADPH oxidase inhibitors and the molecular features of the NADPH oxidase enzymes that could be exploited by drug discovery for development of more specific and novel inhibitors to prevent or treat disease caused by influenza. Copyright © 2014 by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

  3. Resveratrol protects vascular endothelial cells from high glucose-induced apoptosis through inhibition of NADPH oxidase activation-driven oxidative stress.

    PubMed

    Chen, Feng; Qian, Li-Hua; Deng, Bo; Liu, Zhi-Min; Zhao, Ying; Le, Ying-Ying

    2013-09-01

    Hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress has been implicated in diabetic vascular complications in which NADPH oxidase is a major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol, which has vasoprotective effects in diabetic animal models and inhibits high glucose (HG)-induced oxidative stress in endothelial cells. We aimed to examine whether HG-induced NADPH oxidase activation and ROS production contribute to glucotoxicity to endothelial cells and the effect of resveratrol on glucotoxicity. Using a murine brain microvascular endothelial cell line bEnd3, we found that NADPH oxidase inhibitor (apocynin) and resveratrol both inhibited HG-induced endothelial cell apoptosis. HG-induced elevation of NADPH oxidase activity and production of ROS were inhibited by apocynin, suggesting that HG induces endothelial cell apoptosis through NADPH oxidase-mediated ROS production. Mechanistic studies revealed that HG upregulated NADPH oxidase subunit Nox1 but not Nox2, Nox4, and p22(phox) expression through NF-κB activation, which resulted in elevation of NADPH oxidase activity and consequent ROS production. Resveratrol prevented HG-induced endothelial cell apoptosis through inhibiting HG-induced NF-κB activation, NADPH oxidase activity elevation, and ROS production. HG induces endothelial cell apoptosis through NF-κB/NADPH oxidase/ROS pathway, which was inhibited by resveratrol. Our findings provide new potential therapeutic targets against brain vascular complications of diabetes. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  4. Regulation of superoxide anion production by NADPH oxidase in monocytes/macrophages: contributions to atherosclerosis.

    PubMed

    Cathcart, Martha K

    2004-01-01

    Monocyte extravasation into the vessel wall has been shown to be a critical step in the development of atherosclerosis. Upon activation, monocytes produce a burst of superoxide anion due to activation of the NADPH oxidase enzyme complex. Monocyte-derived superoxide anion contributes to oxidant stress in inflammatory sites, is required for monocyte-mediated LDL oxidation, and alters basic cell functions such as adhesion and proliferation. We hypothesize that monocyte-derived superoxide anion production contributes to atherosclerotic lesion formation. In this brief review, we summarize our current understanding of the signal transduction pathways regulating NADPH oxidase activation and related superoxide anion production in activated human monocytes. Novel pathways are identified that may serve as future targets for therapeutic intervention in this pathogenic process. The contributions of superoxide anion and NADPH oxidase to atherogenesis are discussed. Future experiments are needed to clarify the exact role of NADPH oxidase-derived superoxide anion in atherogenesis, particularly that derived from monocytes.

  5. Vascular and renal effects of dopamine during extracellular volume expansion: Role of nitric oxide pathway.

    PubMed

    Costa, María A; Elesgaray, Rosana; Loria, Analía; Balaszczuk, Ana María; Arranz, Cristina

    2006-02-28

    The aim of the study was to determine the possible role of NO-system activation in vascular and renal effects of the dopaminergic system and the probable interaction between both systems during acute volume expansion in rats. Expanded (10% bw) and non-expanded anaesthetized male Wistar rats were treated with haloperidol, a DA receptor antagonist (3 mg/kg bw, ip). Mean arterial pressure, diuresis, natriuresis, renal plasma flow, glomerular filtration rate, nitrites and nitrates excretion (NOx) were determined. NADPH diaphorase activity was measured using a histochemistry technique in kidney, aorta and renal arteries. NOS activity in kidney and aorta from expanded and non-expanded animals was determined with L-[U14C]-arginine substrate, in basal conditions and after DA (1 microM) administration. The hypotensive effect of L-arg and hypertension induced by L-NAME were not modified by haloperidol. This blocker reverted the increase in diuresis, natriuresis and RPF induced by L-arg in both groups. Dopaminergic blockade induced a decrease in NOx excretion and in NADPH-diaphorase activity in glomeruli, proximal tubule and medullar collecting duct and in endothelium and vascular smooth muscle of renal arteries. DA induced an increase in NOS activity in renal medulla and cortex in both groups, but no changes in the aorta were observed. Our results suggest that renal DA would be associated with the renal response induced by NO during extracellular volume expansion. NO-system activation would be one of the mechanisms involved in renal DA activity during saline load, but NO appears not to be involved in DA vascular effects.

  6. Restructuring of the dinucleotide-binding fold in an NADP(H) sensor protein

    PubMed Central

    Zheng, Xiaofeng; Dai, Xueyu; Zhao, Yanmei; Chen, Qiang; Lu, Fei; Yao, Deqiang; Yu, Quan; Liu, Xinping; Zhang, Chuanmao; Gu, Xiaocheng; Luo, Ming

    2007-01-01

    NAD(P) has long been known as an essential energy-carrying molecule in cells. Recent data, however, indicate that NAD(P) also plays critical signaling roles in regulating cellular functions. The crystal structure of a human protein, HSCARG, with functions previously unknown, has been determined to 2.4-Å resolution. The structure reveals that HSCARG can form an asymmetrical dimer with one subunit occupied by one NADP molecule and the other empty. Restructuring of its NAD(P)-binding Rossmann fold upon NADP binding changes an extended loop to an α-helix to restore the integrity of the Rossmann fold. The previously unobserved restructuring suggests that HSCARG may assume a resting state when the level of NADP(H) is normal within the cell. When the NADP(H) level passes a threshold, an extensive restructuring of HSCARG would result in the activation of its regulatory functions. Immunofluorescent imaging shows that HSCARG redistributes from being associated with intermediate filaments in the resting state to being dispersed in the nucleus and the cytoplasm. The structural change of HSCARG upon NADP(H) binding could be a new regulatory mechanism that responds only to a significant change of NADP(H) levels. One of the functions regulated by HSCARG may be argininosuccinate synthetase that is involved in NO synthesis. PMID:17496144

  7. Myeloperoxidase amplified high glucose-induced endothelial dysfunction in vasculature: Role of NADPH oxidase and hypochlorous acid.

    PubMed

    Tian, Rong; Ding, Yun; Peng, Yi-Yuan; Lu, Naihao

    2017-03-11

    Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), have emerged as important molecules in the pathogenesis of diabetic endothelial dysfunction. Additionally, neutrophils-derived myeloperoxidase (MPO) and MPO-catalyzed hypochlorous acid (HOCl) play important roles in the vascular injury. However, it is unknown whether MPO can use vascular-derived ROS to induce diabetic endothelial dysfunction. In the present study, we demonstrated that NADPH oxidase was the main source of ROS formation in high glucose-cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and played a critical role in high glucose-induced endothelial dysfunction such as cell apoptosis, loss of cell viability and reduction of nitric oxide (NO). However, the addition of MPO could amplify the high glucose-induced endothelial dysfunction which was inhibited by the presence of apocynin (NADPH oxidase inhibitor), catalase (H 2 O 2 scavenger), or methionine (HOCl scavenger), demonstrating the contribution of NADPH oxidase-H 2 O 2 -MPO-HOCl pathway in the MPO/high glucose-induced vascular injury. In high glucose-incubated rat aortas, MPO also exacerbated the NADPH oxidase-induced impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxation. Consistent with these in vitro data, in diabetic rat aortas, both MPO expresion and NADPH oxidase activity were increased while the endothelial function was simultaneously impaired. The results suggested that vascular-bound MPO could amplify high glucose-induced vascular injury in diabetes. MPO-NADPH oxidase-HOCl may represent an important pathogenic pathway in diabetic vascular diseases. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. The Intimate and Controversial Relationship between Voltage Gated Proton Channels and the Phagocyte NADPH Oxidase

    PubMed Central

    DeCoursey, Thomas E.

    2016-01-01

    Summary One of the most fascinating and exciting periods in my scientific career entailed dissecting the symbiotic relationship between two membrane transporters, the NADPH oxidase complex and voltage gated proton channels (HV1). By the time I entered this field, there had already been substantial progress toward understanding NADPH oxidase, but HV1 were known only to a tiny handful of cognoscenti around the world. Having identified the first proton currents in mammalian cells in 1991, I needed to find a clear function for these molecules if the work was to become fundable. The then-recent discoveries of Henderson, Chappell, and colleagues in 1987–1988 that led them to hypothesize interactions of both molecules during the respiratory burst of phagocytes provided an excellent opportunity. In a nutshell, both transporters function by moving electrical charge across the membrane: NADPH oxidase moves electrons and HV1 moves protons. The consequences of electrogenic NADPH oxidase activity on both membrane potential and pH strongly self-limit this enzyme. Fortunately, both consequences specifically activate HV1, and HV1 activity counteracts both consequences, a kind of yin-yang relationship. Notwithstanding a decade starting in 1995 when many believed the opposite, these are two separate molecules that function independently despite their being functionally interdependent in phagocytes. The relationship between NADPH oxidase and HV1 has become a paradigm that somewhat surprisingly has now extended well beyond the phagocyte NADPH oxidase -- an industrial strength producer of reactive oxygen species (ROS) -- to myriad other cells that produce orders of magnitude less ROS for signaling purposes. These cells with their seven NADPH oxidase (NOX) isoforms provide a vast realm of mechanistic obscurity that will occupy future studies for years to come. PMID:27558336

  9. The intimate and controversial relationship between voltage-gated proton channels and the phagocyte NADPH oxidase.

    PubMed

    DeCoursey, Thomas E

    2016-09-01

    One of the most fascinating and exciting periods in my scientific career entailed dissecting the symbiotic relationship between two membrane transporters, the Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate reduced form (NADPH) oxidase complex and voltage-gated proton channels (HV 1). By the time I entered this field, there had already been substantial progress toward understanding NADPH oxidase, but HV 1 were known only to a tiny handful of cognoscenti around the world. Having identified the first proton currents in mammalian cells in 1991, I needed to find a clear function for these molecules if the work was to become fundable. The then-recent discoveries of Henderson, Chappell, and colleagues in 1987-1988 that led them to hypothesize interactions of both molecules during the respiratory burst of phagocytes provided an excellent opportunity. In a nutshell, both transporters function by moving electrical charge across the membrane: NADPH oxidase moves electrons and HV 1 moves protons. The consequences of electrogenic NADPH oxidase activity on both membrane potential and pH strongly self-limit this enzyme. Fortunately, both consequences specifically activate HV 1, and HV 1 activity counteracts both consequences, a kind of yin-yang relationship. Notwithstanding a decade starting in 1995 when many believed the opposite, these are two separate molecules that function independently despite their being functionally interdependent in phagocytes. The relationship between NADPH oxidase and HV 1 has become a paradigm that somewhat surprisingly has now extended well beyond the phagocyte NADPH oxidase - an industrial strength producer of reactive oxygen species (ROS) - to myriad other cells that produce orders of magnitude less ROS for signaling purposes. These cells with their seven NADPH oxidase (NOX) isoforms provide a vast realm of mechanistic obscurity that will occupy future studies for years to come. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  10. A redox-mediated modulation of stem bolting in transgenic Nicotiana sylvestris differentially expressing the external mitochondrial NADPH dehydrogenase.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yun-Jun; Nunes-Nesi, Adriano; Wallström, Sabá V; Lager, Ida; Michalecka, Agnieszka M; Norberg, Fredrik E B; Widell, Susanne; Fredlund, Kenneth M; Fernie, Alisdair R; Rasmusson, Allan G

    2009-07-01

    Cytosolic NADPH can be directly oxidized by a calcium-dependent NADPH dehydrogenase, NDB1, present in the plant mitochondrial electron transport chain. However, little is known regarding the impact of modified cytosolic NADPH reduction levels on growth and metabolism. Nicotiana sylvestris plants overexpressing potato (Solanum tuberosum) NDB1 displayed early bolting, whereas sense suppression of the same gene led to delayed bolting, with consequential changes in flowering time. The phenotype was dependent on light irradiance but not linked to any change in biomass accumulation. Whereas the leaf NADPH/NADP(+) ratio was unaffected, the stem NADPH/NADP(+) ratio was altered following the genetic modification and strongly correlated with the bolting phenotype. Metabolic profiling of the stem showed that the NADP(H) change affected relatively few, albeit central, metabolites, including 2-oxoglutarate, glutamate, ascorbate, sugars, and hexose-phosphates. Consistent with the phenotype, the modified NDB1 level also affected the expression of putative floral meristem identity genes of the SQUAMOSA and LEAFY types. Further evidence for involvement of the NADPH redox in stem development was seen in the distinct decrease in the stem apex NADPH/NADP(+) ratio during bolting. Additionally, the potato NDB1 protein was specifically detected in mitochondria, and a survey of its abundance in major organs revealed that the highest levels are found in green stems. These results thus strongly suggest that NDB1 in the mitochondrial electron transport chain can, by modifying cell redox levels, specifically affect developmental processes.

  11. Endothelin-converting enzyme-1 regulates trafficking and signalling of the neurokinin 1 receptor in endosomes of myenteric neurones

    PubMed Central

    Pelayo, Juan-Carlos; Poole, Daniel P; Steinhoff, Martin; Cottrell, Graeme S; Bunnett, Nigel W

    2011-01-01

    Abstract Neuropeptide signalling at the plasma membrane is terminated by neuropeptide degradation by cell-surface peptidases, and by β-arrestin-dependent receptor desensitization and endocytosis. However, receptors continue to signal from endosomes by β-arrestin-dependent processes, and endosomal sorting mediates recycling and resensitization of plasma membrane signalling. The mechanisms that control signalling and trafficking of receptors in endosomes are poorly defined. We report a major role for endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1) in controlling substance P (SP) and the neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) in endosomes of myenteric neurones. ECE-1 mRNA and protein were expressed by myenteric neurones of rat and mouse intestine. SP (10 nm, 10 min) induced interaction of NK1R and β-arrestin at the plasma membrane, and the SP–NK1R–β-arrestin signalosome complex trafficked by a dynamin-mediated mechanism to ECE-1-containing early endosomes, where ECE-1 can degrade SP. After 120 min, NK1R recycled from endosomes to the plasma membrane. ECE-1 inhibitors (SM-19712, PD-069185) and the vacuolar H+ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin A1, which prevent endosomal SP degradation, suppressed NK1R recycling by >50%. Preincubation of neurones with SP (10 nm, 5 min) desensitized Ca2+ transients to a second SP challenge after 10 min, and SP signals resensitized after 60 min. SM-19712 inhibited NK1R resensitization by >90%. ECE-1 inhibitors also caused sustained SP-induced activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases, consistent with stabilization of the SP–NK1R–β-arrestin signalosome. By degrading SP and destabilizing endosomal signalosomes, ECE-1 has a dual role in controlling endocytic signalling and trafficking of the NK1R: promoting resensitization of G protein-mediated plasma membrane signalling, and terminating β-arrestin-mediated endosomal signalling. PMID:21878523

  12. Food restriction enhances oxidative status in aging rats with neuroprotective effects on myenteric neuron populations in the proximal colon.

    PubMed

    Schoffen, João Paulo Ferreira; Santi Rampazzo, Ana Paula; Cirilo, Carla Possani; Zapater, Mariana Cristina Umada; Vicentini, Fernando Augusto; Comar, Jurandir Fernando; Bracht, Adelar; Natali, Maria Raquel Marçal

    2014-03-01

    Food restriction may slow the aging process by increasing the levels of antioxidant defenses and reducing cell death. We evaluated the effects of food restriction on oxidative and nutritional status, myenteric cell populations, and the colonic muscle layer in aging rats. Wistar rats were distributed into control groups (7, 12, and 23months of age) and subjected to food restriction (50% of normal diet) beginning at 7months of age. The animals were sacrificed, and blood was collected to evaluate its components and markers of oxidative status, including thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, reduced glutathione, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity. The proximal colon was collected to evaluate HuC/D and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-positive and -negative myenteric neurons, S-100 glial cells, and the muscle layer. Age negatively affected oxidative status in the animals, which also increased the levels of total cholesterol, protein, and globulins and increased the thickness of the muscle layer. Aging also reduced the number and hypertrophied glial cell bodies, HuC/D neurons, and nNOS-negative and -positive neurons. An improvement was observed in oxidative status and the levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides with food restriction, which also provided neuroprotection of the intrinsic innervation. However, food restriction accentuated the loss of enteric glia and caused hypertrophy in the muscle layer at 23months. Food restriction improved oxidative and nutritional status in rats and protected HuC/D neurons and nNOS-negative and -positive neurons against neuronal loss. Nevertheless, food restriction caused morphoquantitative changes in glial cell populations, with possible interference with colonic neuromuscular control. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Ultrafine carbon particles promote rotenone-induced dopamine neuronal loss through activating microglial NADPH oxidase

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wang, Yinxi; Liu, Dan; Zhang, Huifeng

    Background: Atmospheric ultrafine particles (UFPs) and pesticide rotenone were considered as potential environmental risk factors for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, whether and how UFPs alone and in combination with rotenone affect the pathogenesis of PD remains largely unknown. Methods: Ultrafine carbon black (ufCB, a surrogate of UFPs) and rotenone were used individually or in combination to determine their roles in chronic dopaminergic (DA) loss in neuron-glia, and neuron-enriched, mix-glia cultures. Immunochemistry using antibody against tyrosine hydroxylase was performed to detect DA neuronal loss. Measurement of extracellular superoxide and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were performed to examine activation of NADPHmore » oxidase. Genetic deletion and pharmacological inhibition of NADPH oxidase and MAC-1 receptor in microglia were employed to examine their role in DA neuronal loss triggered by ufCB and rotenone. Results: In rodent midbrain neuron-glia cultures, ufCB and rotenone alone caused neuronal death in a dose-dependent manner. In particularly, ufCB at doses of 50 and 100 μg/cm{sup 2} induced significant loss of DA neurons. More importantly, nontoxic doses of ufCB (10 μg/cm{sup 2}) and rotenone (2 nM) induced synergistic toxicity to DA neurons. Microglial activation was essential in this process. Furthermore, superoxide production from microglial NADPH oxidase was critical in ufCB/rotenone-induced neurotoxicity. Studies in mix-glia cultures showed that ufCB treatment activated microglial NADPH oxidase to induce superoxide production. Firstly, ufCB enhanced the expression of NADPH oxidase subunits (gp91{sup phox}, p47{sup phox} and p40{sup phox}); secondly, ufCB was recognized by microglial surface MAC-1 receptor and consequently promoted rotenone-induced p47{sup phox} and p67{sup phox} translocation assembling active NADPH oxidase. Conclusion: ufCB and rotenone worked in synergy to activate NADPH oxidase in microglia, leading to

  14. Molecular mechanisms of hypertension: role of Nox family NADPH oxidases.

    PubMed

    Sedeek, Mona; Hébert, Richard L; Kennedy, Chris R; Burns, Kevin D; Touyz, Rhian M

    2009-03-01

    Molecular mechanisms contributing to the pathoetiology of hypertension are complex, involving many interacting systems such as signaling through G protein-coupled receptors, the renin-angiotensin system, vascular inflammation and remodeling, vascular senescence and aging and developmental programming, as highlighted in the current issue of the journal. Common to these systems is NADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS). This editorial highlights current concepts relating to the production of ROS in hypertension and focuses on the Nox family NADPH oxidases, major sources of free radicals in the cardiovascular and renal systems. ROS play a major role as intracellular signaling molecules to regulate normal biological cellular responses. In pathological conditions, loss of redox homeostasis contributes to vascular oxidative damage. Recent evidence indicates that specific enzymes, the Nox family of NADPH oxidases, have the sole function of generating ROS in a highly regulated fashion in physiological conditions, and that in disease states, hyperactivation of Noxes contributes to oxidative stress and consequent cardiovascular and renal injury. The Nox family comprises seven members, Nox1-Nox7. Nox1, Nox2 (gp91phox-containing NADPH oxidase), Nox4 and Nox5 have been identified in the cardiovascular-renal systems and have been implicated in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular and renal disease. Noxes, which are differentially regulated in hypertension, are major sources of cardiovascular and renal oxidative stress. This has evoked considerable interest because of the possibilities that therapies targeted against specific Nox isoforms to decrease ROS generation or to increase nitric oxide availability or both may be useful in minimizing vascular injury and renal dysfunction, and thereby prevent or regress target organ damage associated with hypertension.

  15. Crystal structure of conjugated polyketone reductase (CPR-C1) from Candida parapsilosis IFO 0708 complexed with NADPH.

    PubMed

    Qin, Hui-Min; Yamamura, Akihiro; Miyakawa, Takuya; Kataoka, Michihiko; Maruoka, Shintaro; Ohtsuka, Jun; Nagata, Koji; Shimizu, Sakayu; Tanokura, Masaru

    2013-11-01

    Conjugated polyketone reductase (CPR-C1) from Candida parapsilosis IFO 0708 is a member of the aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily and reduces ketopantoyl lactone to d-pantoyl lactone in a NADPH-dependent and stereospecific manner. We determined the crystal structure of CPR-C1.NADPH complex at 2.20 Å resolution. CPR-C1 adopted a triose-phosphate isomerase (TIM) barrel fold at the core of the structure in which Thr25 and Lys26 of the GXGTX motif bind uniquely to the adenosine 2'-phosphate group of NADPH. This finding provides a novel structural basis for NADPH binding of the AKR superfamily. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  16. Glucose regulates enzymatic sources of mitochondrial NADPH in skeletal muscle cells; a novel role for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.

    PubMed

    Mailloux, Ryan J; Harper, Mary-Ellen

    2010-07-01

    Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADPH) is a functionally important metabolite required to support numerous cellular processes. However, despite the identification of numerous NADPH-producing enzymes, the mechanisms underlying how the organellar pools of NADPH are maintained remain elusive. Here, we have identified glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) as an important source of NADPH in mitochondria. Activity analysis, submitochondrial fractionation, fluorescence microscopy, and protease sensitivity assays revealed that G6PDH is localized to the mitochondrial matrix. 6-ANAM, a specific G6PDH inhibitor, depleted mitochondrial NADPH pools and increased oxidative stress revealing the importance of G6PDH in NADPH maintenance. We also show that glucose availability and differences in metabolic state modulate the enzymatic sources of NADPH in mitochondria. Indeed, cells cultured in high glucose (HG) not only adopted a glycolytic phenotype but also relied heavily on matrix-associated G6PDH as a source of NADPH. In contrast, cells exposed to low-glucose (LG) concentrations, which displayed increased oxygen consumption, mitochondrial metabolic efficiency, and decreased glycolysis, relied predominantly on isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) as the principal NADPH-producing enzyme in the mitochondria. Culturing glycolytic cells in LG for 48 h decreased G6PDH and increased ICDH protein levels in the mitochondria, further pointing to the regulatory role of glucose. 2-Deoxyglucose treatment also prevented the increase of mitochondrial G6PDH in response to HG. The role of glucose in regulating enzymatic sources of mitochondrial NADPH pool maintenance was confirmed using human myotubes from obese adults with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (post-T2DM). Myotubes from post-T2DM participants failed to increase mitochondrial G6PDH in response to HG in contrast to mitochondria in myotubes from control participants (non-T2DM). Hence, we not only identified a matrix

  17. Involvement of NADPH oxidases in alkali burn-induced corneal injury.

    PubMed

    Gu, Xue-Jun; Liu, Xian; Chen, Ying-Ying; Zhao, Yao; Xu, Man; Han, Xiao-Jian; Liu, Qiu-Ping; Yi, Jing-Lin; Li, Jing-Ming

    2016-07-01

    Chemical burns are a major cause of corneal injury. Oxidative stress, inflammatory responses and neovascularization after the chemical burn aggravate corneal damage, and lead to loss of vision. Although NADPH oxidases (Noxs) play a crucial role in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the role of Noxs in chemical burn-induced corneal injury remains to be elucidated. In the present study, the transcription and expression of Noxs in corneas were examined by RT-qPCR, western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining. It was found that alkali burns markedly upregulated the transcription and expression of Nox2 and Nox4 in human or mouse corneas. The inhibition of Noxs by diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) or apocynin (Apo) effectively attenuated alkali burn-induced ROS production and decreased 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) protein levels in the corneas. In addition, Noxs/CD11b double‑immunofluorescence staining indicated that Nox2 and Nox4 were partially co-localized with CD11b. DPI or Apo prevented the infiltration of CD11b-positive inflammatory cells, and inhibited the transcription of inflammatory cytokines following alkali burn-induced corneal injury. In our mouse model of alkali burn-induced corneal injury, corneal neovascularization (CNV) occurred on day 3, and it affected 50% of the whole area of the cornea on day 7, and on day 14, CNV coverage of the cornea reached maximum levels. DPI or Apo effectively attenuated alkali burn‑induced CNV and decreased the mRNA levels of angiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptors and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Taken together, our data indicate that Noxs play a role in alkali burn-induced corneal injury by regulating oxidative stress, inflammatory responses and CNV, and we thus suggest that Noxs are a potential therapeutic target in the future treatment of chemical-induced corneal injury.

  18. Development of a stain shade guide to aid the measurement of extrinsic dental stain.

    PubMed

    Gadhia, K; Shah, R; Swaminathan, D; Wetton, S; Moran, J

    2006-05-01

    Accurate and reproducible assessment of extrinsic staining is pivotal to determining efficacy of some tooth whitening oral hygiene products. The aim of this study was: (1) to produce a stain shade guide to aid the in vitro and in vivo stain assessment (2) to assess intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility of stain assessment using the stain shade guide. Using chlorhexidine and tea, perspex and acrylic teeth specimens were stained. The amount of staining on the perspex was measured with a spectrophotometer and the values obtained were assigned to the stained acrylic teeth, which were made into a stain guide. Using clinical photographs and a group of 10 volunteers, stain area and intensity were assessed using the stain guide and the recognized Lobene stain index by two examiners. The degree of intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility for these measurements were assessed using Cohen's kappa statistics. For both the clinical examination and use of photographs, intra-examiner reproducibility for stain intensity was improved when using the stain guide compared with the Lobene Index. Similarly, when assessing inter-examiner reproducibility, stain intensity kappa values were greater using the stain guide (kappa = 0.82) compared with the Lobene Index (kappa = 0.57). The findings of this study would suggest that the use of the stain guide could be of importance in the assessment of extrinsic dental stain.

  19. The minimal carcinoma triple stain is superior to commercially available multiplex immunohistochemical stains: breast triple stain and LC/DC breast cocktail.

    PubMed

    Ginter, Paula S; Varma, Sonal; Liu, Yi-Fang; Shin, Sandra J

    2015-12-01

    The Minimal Carcinoma (MC) Triple Stain is a tri-chromogen multiplex immunostain (CK7, p63, and E-cadherin) helpful in classifying morphologically ambiguous and/or small carcinomas as either ductal or lobular and/or in situ or invasive. We compared the utility of this stain with two commercially available duplex/multiplex immunostains: Breast Triple Stain (BTS) (Clarient, Aliso Viejo, CA; CK5, p63, and CK8/18) and LC/DC Breast Cocktail (LCDC) (Biocare, Concord, CA; E-cadherin and p120). Ninety-seven mammary carcinomas stained with the MC Triple Stain, BTS, and LCDC were compared. The MC Triple Stain, LCDC, and BTS were diagnostic in 90 (93%) of 97, 82 (85%) of 97, and 85 (88%) of 97 of cases, respectively. All stains showed decreased diagnostic utility due to variability in tissue integrity, quality of the staining, and/or ease of interpretation. In cases where all immunostains were interpretable, the MC Triple Stain yielded the most information. When technically sufficient, all three immunostains demonstrated relative strengths and weaknesses in their ability to provide diagnostic information with the highest consistency and ease of use. Many cases stained with LCDC were technically insufficient due to a suboptimal staining protocol provided by the company. Overall, the MC Triple Stain outperformed BTS and LCDC by more consistently providing more diagnostic information. The MC Triple Stain is a viable alternative to other multiplex immunostains in evaluating small foci of carcinoma, particularly when both the histologic type and extent of disease (in situ vs invasive) require clarification. Copyright© by the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

  20. Evolution of NADPH Oxidase Inhibitors: Selectivity and Mechanisms for Target Engagement.

    PubMed

    Altenhöfer, Sebastian; Radermacher, Kim A; Kleikers, Pamela W M; Wingler, Kirstin; Schmidt, Harald H H W

    2015-08-10

    Oxidative stress, an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production versus consumption, may be involved in the pathogenesis of different diseases. The only known enzymes solely dedicated to ROS generation are nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases with their catalytic subunits (NOX). After the clinical failure of most antioxidant trials, NOX inhibitors are the most promising therapeutic option for diseases associated with oxidative stress. Historical NADPH oxidase inhibitors, apocynin and diphenylene iodonium, are un-specific and not isoform selective. Novel NOX inhibitors stemming from rational drug discovery approaches, for example, GKT137831, ML171, and VAS2870, show improved specificity for NADPH oxidases and moderate NOX isoform selectivity. Along with NOX2 docking sequence (NOX2ds)-tat, a peptide-based inhibitor, the use of these novel small molecules in animal models has provided preliminary in vivo evidence for a pathophysiological role of specific NOX isoforms. Here, we discuss whether novel NOX inhibitors enable reliable validation of NOX isoforms' pathological roles and whether this knowledge supports translation into pharmacological applications. Modern NOX inhibitors have increased the evidence for pathophysiological roles of NADPH oxidases. However, in comparison to knockout mouse models, NOX inhibitors have limited isoform selectivity. Thus, their use does not enable clear statements on the involvement of individual NOX isoforms in a given disease. The development of isoform-selective NOX inhibitors and biologicals will enable reliable validation of specific NOX isoforms in disease models other than the mouse. Finally, GKT137831, the first NOX inhibitor in clinical development, is poised to provide proof of principle for the clinical potential of NOX inhibition.

  1. 13C-flux analysis reveals NADPH-balancing transhydrogenation cycles in stationary phase of nitrogen-starving Bacillus subtilis.

    PubMed

    Rühl, Martin; Le Coq, Dominique; Aymerich, Stéphane; Sauer, Uwe

    2012-08-10

    In their natural habitat, microorganisms are typically confronted with nutritional limitations that restrict growth and force them to persevere in a stationary phase. Despite the importance of this phase, little is known about the metabolic state(s) that sustains it. Here, we investigate metabolically active but non-growing Bacillus subtilis during nitrogen starvation. In the absence of biomass formation as the major NADPH sink, the intracellular flux distribution in these resting B. subtilis reveals a large apparent catabolic NADPH overproduction of 5.0 ± 0.6 mmol g(-1)h(-1) that was partly caused by high pentose phosphate pathway fluxes. Combining transcriptome analysis, stationary (13)C-flux analysis in metabolic deletion mutants, (2)H-labeling experiments, and kinetic flux profiling, we demonstrate that about half of the catabolic excess NADPH is oxidized by two transhydrogenation cycles, i.e. isoenzyme pairs of dehydrogenases with different cofactor specificities that operate in reverse directions. These transhydrogenation cycles were constituted by the combined activities of the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenases GapA/GapB and the malic enzymes MalS/YtsJ. At least an additional 6% of the overproduced NADPH is reoxidized by continuous cycling between ana- and catabolism of glutamate. Furthermore, in vitro enzyme data show that a not yet identified transhydrogenase could potentially reoxidize ∼20% of the overproduced NADPH. Overall, we demonstrate the interplay between several metabolic mechanisms that concertedly enable network-wide NADPH homeostasis under conditions of high catabolic NADPH production in the absence of cell growth in B. subtilis.

  2. 13C-flux Analysis Reveals NADPH-balancing Transhydrogenation Cycles in Stationary Phase of Nitrogen-starving Bacillus subtilis *

    PubMed Central

    Rühl, Martin; Le Coq, Dominique; Aymerich, Stéphane; Sauer, Uwe

    2012-01-01

    In their natural habitat, microorganisms are typically confronted with nutritional limitations that restrict growth and force them to persevere in a stationary phase. Despite the importance of this phase, little is known about the metabolic state(s) that sustains it. Here, we investigate metabolically active but non-growing Bacillus subtilis during nitrogen starvation. In the absence of biomass formation as the major NADPH sink, the intracellular flux distribution in these resting B. subtilis reveals a large apparent catabolic NADPH overproduction of 5.0 ± 0.6 mmol·g−1·h−1 that was partly caused by high pentose phosphate pathway fluxes. Combining transcriptome analysis, stationary 13C-flux analysis in metabolic deletion mutants, 2H-labeling experiments, and kinetic flux profiling, we demonstrate that about half of the catabolic excess NADPH is oxidized by two transhydrogenation cycles, i.e. isoenzyme pairs of dehydrogenases with different cofactor specificities that operate in reverse directions. These transhydrogenation cycles were constituted by the combined activities of the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenases GapA/GapB and the malic enzymes MalS/YtsJ. At least an additional 6% of the overproduced NADPH is reoxidized by continuous cycling between ana- and catabolism of glutamate. Furthermore, in vitro enzyme data show that a not yet identified transhydrogenase could potentially reoxidize ∼20% of the overproduced NADPH. Overall, we demonstrate the interplay between several metabolic mechanisms that concertedly enable network-wide NADPH homeostasis under conditions of high catabolic NADPH production in the absence of cell growth in B. subtilis. PMID:22740702

  3. Pleural fluid Gram stain

    MedlinePlus

    Gram stain of pleural fluid ... mixing it with a violet stain (called a Gram stain). A laboratory specialist uses a microscope to ... reveals an abnormal collection of pleural fluid. The Gram stain can help identify the bacteria that might ...

  4. Fluorescence labelling of NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase with the monobromomethyl derivative of syn-9,10-dioxabimane.

    PubMed Central

    Vogel, F; Lumper, L

    1983-01-01

    The kinetics of thiol-group alkylation in NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase during its inactivation by monobromobimane has been studied using the fluorimetric determination of S-bimane-L-cysteine by high-performance liquid chromatography. Loss of activity during the reaction of NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase with monobromobimane is caused by the alkylation of one single critical cysteine residue, which can be protected against thiol-specific reagents by NADP(H). The chemical stability of the bimane group allows the digestion of bimane-labelled NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase by CNBr. The critical cysteine residue could be located in a CNBr-cleaved peptide purified to homogeneity with Mr 10 500 +/- 1 000 and valine as N-terminus. Images Fig. 2. PMID:6414464

  5. Discriminative staining methods for the nervous system: luxol fast blue--periodic acid-Schiff--hematoxylin triple stain and subsidiary staining methods.

    PubMed

    Goto, N

    1987-09-01

    This paper describes a new series of staining methods which can discriminatively demonstrate every structure of the nervous system, including axons and capillaries, in animal and human materials. Methods described in this paper consist of one primary stain, luxol fast blue-periodic acid Schiff-hematoxylin (LPH) and six different subsidiary staining methods. The LPH triple stain can precisely differentiate the following structures: neurons (Nissl bodies, cytoplasm, nuclear membrane and nucleolus), various kinds of nuclei (glia, ependyma, endothelium, leucocyte, connective tissue, etc.), myelin sheaths, neuronal processes (axons and dendrites), reacted glial cell bodies (protoplasmic astrocytes, foamy cells, etc.), blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries), meninges, intervening connective tissue, erythrocytes, lipofuscin granules, amyloid bodies, and others. Subsidiary staining methods are also described briefly. Applications are discussed in the context of staining technology and neuromorphological research.

  6. NADPH-dependent coenzyme Q reductase is the main enzyme responsible for the reduction of non-mitochondrial CoQ in cells.

    PubMed

    Takahashi, Takayuki; Okuno, Masaaki; Okamoto, Tadashi; Kishi, Takeo

    2008-01-01

    We purified an NADPH-dependent coenzyme Q reductase (NADPH-CoQ reductase) in rat liver cytosol and compared its enzymatic properties with those of the other CoQ10 reductases such as NADPH: quinone acceptor oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), lipoamide dehydrogenase, thioredoxine reductase and glutathione reductase. NADPH-CoQ reductase was the only enzyme that preferred NADPH to NADH as an electron donor and was also different from the other CoQ10 reductases in the sensitivities to its inhibitors and stimulators. Especially, Zn2+ was the most powerful inhibitor for NADPH-CoQ reductase, but CoQ10 reduction by the other CoQ10 reductases could not be inhibited by Zn2+. Furthermore, the reduction of the CoQ9 incorporated into HeLa cells was also inhibited by Zn2+ in the presence of pyrithione, a zinc ionophore. Moreover, NQO1 gene silencing in HeLa cells by transfection of a small interfering RNA resulted in lowering of both the NQO1 protein level and the NQO1 activity by about 75%. However, this transfection did not affect the NADPH-CoQ reductase activity and the reduction of CoQ9 incorporated into the cells. These results suggest that the NADPH-CoQ reductase located in cytosol may be the main enzyme responsible for the reduction of non-mitochondrial CoQ in cells.

  7. Gram staining.

    PubMed

    Coico, Richard

    2005-10-01

    Named after Hans Christian Gram who developed the method in 1884, the Gram stain allows one to distinguish between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria on the basis of differential staining with a crystal violet-iodine complex and a safranin counterstain. The cell walls of Gram-positive organisms retain this complex after treatment with alcohol and appear purple, whereas gram-negative organisms decolorize following such treatment and appear pink. The method described here is useful for assessing bacterial contamination of tissue culture samples or for examining the Gram stain status and morphological features of bacteria isolated from mixed or isolated bacterial cultures.

  8. Gram staining.

    PubMed

    Coico, R

    2001-05-01

    Named after Hans Christian Gram who developed the method in 1884, the Gram stain allows one to distinguish between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria on the basis of differential staining with a crystal violet-iodine complex and a safranin counterstain. The cell walls of Gram-positive organisms retain this complex after treatment with alcohol and appear purple, whereas gram-negative organisms decolorize following such treatment and appear pink. The method described here is useful for assessing bacterial contamination of tissue culture samples or for examining the Gram stain status and morphological features of bacteria isolated from mixed or isolated bacterial cultures.

  9. Activation of NADPH oxidase mediates increased endoplasmic reticulum stress and left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction in rabbits.

    PubMed

    Li, Bao; Tian, Jing; Sun, Yi; Xu, Tao-Rui; Chi, Rui-Fang; Zhang, Xiao-Li; Hu, Xin-Ling; Zhang, Yue-An; Qin, Fu-Zhong; Zhang, Wei-Fang

    2015-05-01

    Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide 3-phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are increased after myocardial infarction (MI). In this study, we proposed to test whether activation of the NADPH oxidase in the remote non-infarcted myocardium mediates ER stress and left ventricular (LV) remodeling after MI. Rabbits with MI or sham operation were randomly assigned to orally receive an NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin or placebo for 30 days. The agents were administered beginning at 1 week after surgery. MI rabbits exhibited decreases in LV fractional shortening, LV ejection fraction and the first derivative of the LV pressure rise, which were abolished by apocynin treatment. NADPH oxidase Nox2 protein and mRNA expressions were increased in the remote non-infarcted myocardium after MI. Immunolabeling further revealed that Nox2 was increased in cardiac myocytes in the remote myocardium. The apocynin treatment prevented increases in the Nox2 expression, NADPH oxidase activity, oxidative stress, myocyte apoptosis and GRP78, CHOP and cleaved caspase 12 protein expression in the remote myocardium. The apocynin treatment also attenuated increases in myocyte diameter and cardiac fibrosis. In cultured H9C2 cardiomyocytes exposed to angiotensin II, an important stimulus for post-MI remodeling, Nox2 knockdown with siRNA significantly inhibited angiotensin II-induced NADPH oxidase activation, reactive oxygen species and GRP78 and CHOP protein expression. We conclude that NADPH oxidase inhibition attenuates increased ER stress in the remote non-infarcted myocardium and LV remodeling late after MI in rabbits. These findings suggest that the activation of NADPH oxidase in the remote non-infarcted myocardium mediates increased ER stress, contributing to myocyte apoptosis and LV remodeling after MI. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Molecular Insights of p47phox Phosphorylation Dynamics in the Regulation of NADPH Oxidase Activation and Superoxide Production*

    PubMed Central

    Meijles, Daniel N.; Fan, Lampson M.; Howlin, Brendan J.; Li, Jian-Mei

    2014-01-01

    Phagocyte superoxide production by a multicomponent NADPH oxidase is important in host defense against microbial invasion. However inappropriate NADPH oxidase activation causes inflammation. Endothelial cells express NADPH oxidase and endothelial oxidative stress due to prolonged NADPH oxidase activation predisposes many diseases. Discovering the mechanism of NADPH oxidase activation is essential for developing novel treatment of these diseases. The p47phox is a key regulatory subunit of NADPH oxidase; however, due to the lack of full protein structural information, the mechanistic insight of p47phox phosphorylation in NADPH oxidase activation remains incomplete. Based on crystal structures of three functional domains, we generated a computational structural model of the full p47phox protein. Using a combination of in silico phosphorylation, molecular dynamics simulation and protein/protein docking, we discovered that the C-terminal tail of p47phox is critical for stabilizing its autoinhibited structure. Ser-379 phosphorylation disrupts H-bonds that link the C-terminal tail to the autoinhibitory region (AIR) and the tandem Src homology 3 (SH3) domains, allowing the AIR to undergo phosphorylation to expose the SH3 pocket for p22phox binding. These findings were confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis and gene transfection of p47phox−/− coronary microvascular cells. Compared with wild-type p47phox cDNA transfected cells, the single mutation of S379A completely blocked p47phox membrane translocation, binding to p22phox and endothelial O2⨪ production in response to acute stimulation of PKC. p47phox C-terminal tail plays a key role in stabilizing intramolecular interactions at rest. Ser-379 phosphorylation is a molecular switch which initiates p47phox conformational changes and NADPH oxidase-dependent superoxide production by cells. PMID:24970888

  11. Oligo-carrageenan kappa increases NADPH, ascorbate and glutathione syntheses and TRR/TRX activities enhancing photosynthesis, basal metabolism, and growth in Eucalyptus trees.

    PubMed

    González, Alberto; Moenne, Fabiola; Gómez, Melissa; Sáez, Claudio A; Contreras, Rodrigo A; Moenne, Alejandra

    2014-01-01

    In order to analyze the effect of OC kappa in redox status, photosynthesis, basal metabolism and growth in Eucalyptus globulus, trees were treated with water (control), with OC kappa at 1 mg mL(-1), or treated with inhibitors of NAD(P)H, ascorbate (ASC), and glutathione (GSH) syntheses and thioredoxin reductase (TRR) activity, CHS-828, lycorine, buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), and auranofin, respectively, and with OC kappa, and cultivated for 4 months. Treatment with OC kappa induced an increase in NADPH, ASC, and GSH syntheses, TRR and thioredoxin (TRX) activities, photosynthesis, growth and activities of basal metabolism enzymes such as rubisco, glutamine synthetase (GlnS), adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate reductase (APR), involved in C, N, and S assimilation, respectively, Krebs cycle and purine/pyrimidine synthesis enzymes. Treatment with inhibitors and OC kappa showed that increases in ASC, GSH, and TRR/TRX enhanced NADPH synthesis, increases in NADPH and TRR/TRX enhanced ASC and GSH syntheses, and only the increase in NADPH enhanced TRR/TRX activities. In addition, the increase in NADPH, ASC, GSH, and TRR/TRX enhanced photosynthesis and growth. Moreover, the increase in NADPH, ASC and TRR/TRX enhanced activities of rubisco, Krebs cycle, and purine/pyrimidine synthesis enzymes, the increase in GSH, NADPH, and TRR/TRX enhanced APR activity, and the increase in NADPH and TRR/TRX enhanced GlnS activity. Thus, OC kappa increases NADPH, ASC, and GSH syntheses leading to a more reducing redox status, the increase in NADPH, ASC, GSH syntheses, and TRR/TRX activities are cross-talking events leading to activation of photosynthesis, basal metabolism, and growth in Eucalyptus trees.

  12. NAD(H) and NADP(H) Redox Couples and Cellular Energy Metabolism.

    PubMed

    Xiao, Wusheng; Wang, Rui-Sheng; Handy, Diane E; Loscalzo, Joseph

    2018-01-20

    The nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD + )/reduced NAD + (NADH) and NADP + /reduced NADP + (NADPH) redox couples are essential for maintaining cellular redox homeostasis and for modulating numerous biological events, including cellular metabolism. Deficiency or imbalance of these two redox couples has been associated with many pathological disorders. Recent Advances: Newly identified biosynthetic enzymes and newly developed genetically encoded biosensors enable us to understand better how cells maintain compartmentalized NAD(H) and NADP(H) pools. The concept of redox stress (oxidative and reductive stress) reflected by changes in NAD(H)/NADP(H) has increasingly gained attention. The emerging roles of NAD + -consuming proteins in regulating cellular redox and metabolic homeostasis are active research topics. The biosynthesis and distribution of cellular NAD(H) and NADP(H) are highly compartmentalized. It is critical to understand how cells maintain the steady levels of these redox couple pools to ensure their normal functions and simultaneously avoid inducing redox stress. In addition, it is essential to understand how NAD(H)- and NADP(H)-utilizing enzymes interact with other signaling pathways, such as those regulated by hypoxia-inducible factor, to maintain cellular redox homeostasis and energy metabolism. Additional studies are needed to investigate the inter-relationships among compartmentalized NAD(H)/NADP(H) pools and how these two dinucleotide redox couples collaboratively regulate cellular redox states and cellular metabolism under normal and pathological conditions. Furthermore, recent studies suggest the utility of using pharmacological interventions or nutrient-based bioactive NAD + precursors as therapeutic interventions for metabolic diseases. Thus, a better understanding of the cellular functions of NAD(H) and NADP(H) may facilitate efforts to address a host of pathological disorders effectively. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 28, 251-272.

  13. Does perineural invasion of the myenteric plexus have a key role in annular rectal invasion and digestive system symptoms of prostate carcinoma patients?

    PubMed

    Hashimoto, Hirotsugu; Kurata, Atsushi; Nashiro, Tamaki; Kuroda, Masahiko; Horiuchi, Hajime

    2015-12-01

    Prostate carcinoma is one of the most common cancers globally. It relatively rarely invades the rectum, accounting for only about 4% of resected cases. About half of these cases of rectal invasion show an annular rectal stricture pattern. It has been hypothesized that anatomical structures, namely Denonvilliers fascia, may play an important role in annular rectal involvement of prostate carcinoma. Here, we propose another hypothesis: the reason for annular rectal invasion by prostate carcinoma is its extension along the myenteric plexus (Auerbach's plexus). We illustrate this using a case presentation and description of the symptoms of such cases. From a review of the literature, autonomic digestive system symptoms of rectal invasion of prostatic carcinoma, such as diarrhea, tenesmus, or fecal incontinence is seen in about half of cases, coinciding with the frequency of annular rectal invasion. Thus, by modifying the long-established hypothesis, our suggestion that prostate carcinoma spreads along the myenteric plexus when cancer cells invade beyond the Denonvilliers fascia to the rectum could explain the cause and frequency not only of the annular rectal invasion but also the digestive system symptoms related to this disease. The prognosis of prostate carcinoma invading the rectum is very poor; however, this new hypothesis might shed light on the digestive system symptoms associated with prostate carcinoma and might lead to recognition and treatment of these cases at a relatively early stage of rectal invasion. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. General approach to reversing ketol-acid reductoisomerase cofactor dependence from NADPH to NADH

    DOE PAGES

    Brinkmann-Chen, Sabine; Flock, Tilman; Cahn, Jackson K. B.; ...

    2013-06-17

    To date, efforts to switch the cofactor specificity of oxidoreductases from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) have been made on a case-by-case basis with varying degrees of success. Here we present a straightforward recipe for altering the cofactor specificity of a class of NADPH-dependent oxidoreductases, the ketol-acid reductoisomerases (KARIs). Combining previous results for an engineered NADH-dependent variant of Escherichia coli KARI with available KARI crystal structures and a comprehensive KARI-sequence alignment, we identified key cofactor specificity determinants and used this information to construct five KARIs with reversed cofactor preference. Additional directed evolution generated two enzymesmore » having NADH-dependent catalytic efficiencies that are greater than the wild-type enzymes with NADPH. As a result, high-resolution structures of a wild-type/variant pair reveal the molecular basis of the cofactor switch.« less

  15. Improved NADPH supply for xylitol production by engineered Escherichia coli with glycolytic mutations.

    PubMed

    Chin, Jonathan W; Cirino, Patrick C

    2011-01-01

    Escherichia coli engineered to uptake xylose while metabolizing glucose was previously shown to produce high levels of xylitol from a mixture of glucose and xylose when expressing NADPH-dependent xylose reductase from Candida boidinii (CbXR) (Cirino et al., Biotechnol Bioeng. 2006;95:1167-1176). We then described the effects of deletions of key metabolic pathways (e.g., Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas and pentose phosphate pathway) and reactions (e.g., transhydrogenase and NADH dehydrogenase) on resting-cell xylitol yield (Y RPG: moles of xylitol produced per mole of glucose consumed) (Chin et al., Biotechnol Bioeng. 2009;102:209-220). These prior results demonstrated the importance of direct NADPH supply by NADP+-utilizing enzymes in central metabolism for driving heterologous NADPH-dependent reactions. This study describes strain modifications that improve coupling between glucose catabolism (oxidation) and xylose reduction using two fundamentally different strategies. We first examined the effects of deleting the phosphofructokinase (pfk) gene(s) on growth-uncoupled xylitol production and found that deleting both pfkA and sthA (encoding the E. coli-soluble transhydrogenase) improved the xylitol Y RPG from 3.4 ± 0.6 to 5.4 ± 0.4. The second strategy focused on coupling aerobic growth on glucose to xylitol production by deleting pgi (encoding phosphoglucose isomerase) and sthA. Impaired growth due to imbalanced NADPH metabolism (Sauer et al., J Biol Chem. 2004;279:6613-6619) was alleviated upon expressing CbXR, resulting in xylitol production similar to that of the growth-uncoupled precursor strains but with much less acetate secretion and more efficient utilization of glucose. Intracellular nicotinamide cofactor levels were also quantified, and the magnitude of the change in the NADPH/NADP+ ratio measured from cells consuming glucose in the absence vs. presence of xylose showed a strong correlation to the resulting Y RPG. Copyright © 2011 American Institute of Chemical

  16. Arrangement of the myenteric plexus throughout the gastrointestinal tract of the opossum.

    PubMed

    Christensen, J; Rick, G A; Robison, B A; Stiles, M J; Wix, M A

    1983-10-01

    Silver impregnation of the myenteric plexus of the opossum gut was used to find differences among various regions. In the esophagus, the plexus was sparse and ganglia were spaced irregularly, many being parafascicular. Ganglia were sparse in the striated-muscle region, but more frequent in the smooth-muscle region. In the stomach, uniformly spaced ganglia were large and intrafascicular; ganglia were larger in the distal stomach than in the proximal stomach. The proximal stomach contained thick fascicles, called shunt fascicles, radiating from the lesser to the greater curvatures and bypassing ganglia. A thick nerve bundle encircled the pylorus. In the small intestine, the regularly spaced ganglia were large and intrafascicular. In the cecum, they were small and intrafascicular. In the colon, they were large and intrafascicular. Shunt fascicles, like those of the proximal stomach, extended from the rectum into the distal colon. In the rectum, the plexus was sparse, and ganglia were small and distributed irregularly. Many ganglia were parafascicular. Unique knots of tangled fascicles were frequent in the rectum; these were called labyrinthine nodes. The least densely innervated regions of the gut are the lower esophageal sphincter and the rectum. Major differences in the anatomy of the plexus characterize the different regions of the gut.

  17. Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Plays a Vital Role in Regulation of Rice Seed Vigor via Altering NADPH Oxidase Activity

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Jian; Zhou, Jun; Xing, Da

    2012-01-01

    Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) has been reported to be important in normal plant growth and stress responses. In this study, it was verified that PI3K played a vital role in rice seed germination through regulating NADPH oxidase activity. Suppression of PI3K activity by inhibitors wortmannin or LY294002 could abate the reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, which resulted in disturbance to the seed germination. And then, the signal cascades that PI3K promoted the ROS liberation was also evaluated. Diphenylene iodonium (DPI), an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, suppressed most of ROS generation in rice seed germination, which suggested that NADPH oxidase was the main source of ROS in this process. Pharmacological experiment and RT-PCR demonstrated that PI3K promoted the expression of Os rboh9. Moreover, functional analysis by native PAGE and the measurement of the 2, 3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazo-lium-5- carboxanilide (XTT) formazan concentration both showed that PI3K promoted the activity of NADPH oxidase. Furthermore, the western blot analysis of OsRac-1 demonstrated that the translocation of Rac-1 from cytoplasm to plasma membrane, which was known as a key factor in the assembly of NADPH oxidase, was suppressed by treatment with PI3K inhibitors, resulting in the decreased activity of NADPH oxidase. Taken together, these data favored the novel conclusion that PI3K regulated NADPH oxidase activity through modulating the recruitment of Rac-1 to plasma membrane and accelerated the process of rice seed germination. PMID:22448275

  18. Selective Rac1 inhibition protects renal tubular epithelial cells from oxalate-induced NADPH oxidase-mediated oxidative cell injury

    PubMed Central

    Thamilselvan, Vijayalakshmi; Menon, Mani

    2013-01-01

    Oxalate-induced oxidative cell injury is one of the major mechanisms implicated in calcium oxalate nucleation, aggregation and growth of kidney stones. We previously demonstrated that oxalate-induced NADPH oxidase-derived free radicals play a significant role in renal injury. Since NADPH oxidase activation requires several regulatory proteins, the primary goal of this study was to characterize the role of Rac GTPase in oxalate-induced NADPH oxidase-mediated oxidative injury in renal epithelial cells. Our results show that oxalate significantly increased membrane translocation of Rac1 and NADPH oxidase activity of renal epithelial cells in a time-dependent manner. We found that NSC23766, a selective inhibitor of Rac1, blocked oxalate-induced membrane translocation of Rac1 and NADPH oxidase activity. In the absence of Rac1 inhibitor, oxalate exposure significantly increased hydrogen peroxide formation and LDH release in renal epithelial cells. In contrast, Rac1 inhibitor pretreatment, significantly decreased oxalate-induced hydrogen peroxide production and LDH release. Furthermore, PKC α and δ inhibitor, oxalate exposure did not increase Rac1 protein translocation, suggesting that PKC resides upstream from Rac1 in the pathway that regulates NADPH oxidase. In conclusion, our data demonstrate for the first time that Rac1-dependent activation of NADPH oxidase might be a crucial mechanism responsible for oxalate-induced oxidative renal cell injury. These findings suggest that Rac1 signaling plays a key role in oxalate-induced renal injury, and may serve as a potential therapeutic target to prevent calcium oxalate crystal deposition in stone formers and reduce recurrence. PMID:21814770

  19. Papanicolaou stain: Is it economical to switch to rapid, economical, acetic acid, papanicolaou stain?

    PubMed

    Dighe, Swati B; Ajit, Dulhan; Pathuthara, Saleem; Chinoy, Roshni

    2006-01-01

    To standardize an inexpensive and rapid Papanicolaou staining technique with limited ethanol usage. Smears from 200 patients were collected (2 per patient) and fixed in methanol. Half were subjected to conventional Papanicolaou and half to stain ing with rapid, economical, acetic acid Papanicolaou (REAP) stain. In REAP, pre-OG6 and post-OG6 and post-EA36 ethanol baths were replaced by 1% acetic acid and Scott's tap water with tap water. Hematoxylin was preheated to 60 degrees C. Final dehydration was with methanol. REAP smears were compared with Papanicolaou smears for optimal cytoplasmic and nuclear staining, stain preservation, cost and turnaround time. With the REAP method, cytoplasmic and nuclear staining was optimal in 181 and 192 cases, respectively. The staining time was considerably reduced, to 3 minutes, and the cost per smear was reduced to one fourth. The staining quality remained good in all the smears for > 2 years. REAP is a rapid, cost-effective alternative to Papanicolaou stain. Though low stain penetration in large cell clusters is a limitation, final interpretation was not compromised.

  20. Spatial expression of components of a calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRL) signalling system (CRL, calcitonin gene-related peptide, adrenomedullin, adrenomedullin-2/intermedin) in mouse and human heart valves.

    PubMed

    Pfeil, Uwe; Bharathala, Subhashini; Murtaza, Ghulam; Mermer, Petra; Papadakis, Tamara; Boening, Andreas; Kummer, Wolfgang

    2016-12-01

    Heart valves are highly organized structures determining the direction of blood flow through the heart. Smooth muscle cells within the valve are thought to play an active role during the heart cycle, rather than being just passive flaps. The mature heart valve is composed of extracellular matrix (ECM), various differentiations of valvular interstitial cells (VIC), smooth muscle cells and overlying endothelium. VIC are important for maintaining the structural integrity of the valve, thereby affecting valve function and ECM remodelling. Accumulating evidence suggests an important role of calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRL) signalling in preventing heart damage under several pathological conditions. Thus we investigate the existence of a putative CRL signalling system in mouse and human heart valves by real-time RT-PCR, laser-assisted microdissection, immunofluorescence and NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry. Mouse and human heart valves expressed mRNAs for the CRL ligands adrenomedullin (AM), adrenomedullin-2 (AM-2) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and for their receptor components, i.e., CRL and receptor-activity-modifying proteins 1-3. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed AM-, AM-2- and CRL-immunolabelling in endothelial cells and VIC, whereas CGRP immunoreactivity was restricted to nerve fibres and some endothelial cells. Nitric oxide synthase activity, as demonstrated by NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry, was shown mainly in valvular endothelial cells in mice, whereas in human aortic valves, VIC and smooth muscle cells were positive. Our results showed the presence of an intrinsic AM/AM-2/CGRP signalling system in murine and human heart valves with distinct cellular localization, suggesting its involvement in the regulation of valve stiffness and ECM production and turnover.

  1. NADPH Oxidase-Driven Phagocyte Recruitment Controls Candida albicans Filamentous Growth and Prevents Mortality

    PubMed Central

    Brothers, Kimberly M.; Gratacap, Remi L.; Barker, Sarah E.; Newman, Zachary R.; Norum, Ashley; Wheeler, Robert T.

    2013-01-01

    Candida albicans is a human commensal and clinically important fungal pathogen that grows as both yeast and hyphal forms during human, mouse and zebrafish infection. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by NADPH oxidases play diverse roles in immunity, including their long-appreciated function as microbicidal oxidants. Here we demonstrate a non-traditional mechanistic role of NADPH oxidase in promoting phagocyte chemotaxis and intracellular containment of fungi to limit filamentous growth. We exploit the transparent zebrafish model to show that failed NADPH oxidase-dependent phagocyte recruitment to C. albicans in the first four hours post-infection permits fungi to germinate extracellularly and kill the host. We combine chemical and genetic tools with high-resolution time-lapse microscopy to implicate both phagocyte oxidase and dual-specific oxidase in recruitment, suggesting that both myeloid and non-myeloid cells promote chemotaxis. We show that early non-invasive imaging provides a robust tool for prognosis, strongly connecting effective early immune response with survival. Finally, we demonstrate a new role of a key regulator of the yeast-to-hyphal switching program in phagocyte-mediated containment, suggesting that there are species-specific methods for modulation of NADPH oxidase-independent immune responses. These novel links between ROS-driven chemotaxis and fungal dimorphism expand our view of a key host defense mechanism and have important implications for pathogenesis. PMID:24098114

  2. Exercise training decreases NADPH oxidase activity and restores skeletal muscle mass in heart failure rats.

    PubMed

    Cunha, Telma F; Bechara, Luiz R G; Bacurau, Aline V N; Jannig, Paulo R; Voltarelli, Vanessa A; Dourado, Paulo M; Vasconcelos, Andrea R; Scavone, Cristóforo; Ferreira, Júlio C B; Brum, Patricia C

    2017-04-01

    We have recently demonstrated that NADPH oxidase hyperactivity, NF-κB activation, and increased p38 phosphorylation lead to atrophy of glycolytic muscle in heart failure (HF). Aerobic exercise training (AET) is an efficient strategy to counteract skeletal muscle atrophy in this syndrome. Therefore, we tested whether AET would regulate muscle redox balance and protein degradation by decreasing NADPH oxidase hyperactivity and reestablishing NF-κB signaling, p38 phosphorylation, and proteasome activity in plantaris muscle of myocardial infarcted-induced HF (MI) rats. Thirty-two male Wistar rats underwent MI or fictitious surgery (SHAM) and were randomly assigned into untrained (UNT) and trained (T; 8 wk of AET on treadmill) groups. AET prevented HF signals and skeletal muscle atrophy in MI-T, which showed an improved exercise tolerance, attenuated cardiac dysfunction and increased plantaris fiber cross-sectional area. To verify the role of inflammation and redox imbalance in triggering protein degradation, circulating TNF-α levels, NADPH oxidase profile, NF-κB signaling, p38 protein levels, and proteasome activity were assessed. MI-T showed a reduced TNF-α levels, NADPH oxidase activity, and Nox2 mRNA expression toward SHAM-UNT levels. The rescue of NADPH oxidase activity induced by AET in MI rats was paralleled by reducing nuclear binding activity of the NF-κB, p38 phosphorylation, atrogin-1, mRNA levels, and 26S chymotrypsin-like proteasome activity. Taken together our data provide evidence for AET improving plantaris redox homeostasis in HF associated with a decreased NADPH oxidase, redox-sensitive proteins activation, and proteasome hyperactivity further preventing atrophy. These data reinforce the role of AET as an efficient therapy for muscle wasting in HF. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates, for the first time, the contribution of aerobic exercise training (AET) in decreasing muscle NADPH oxidase activity associated with reduced reactive oxygen

  3. NADPH oxidase-mediated redox signaling promotes oxidative stress resistance and longevity through memo-1 in C. elegans

    PubMed Central

    Ewald, Collin Yvès; Hourihan, John M; Bland, Monet S; Obieglo, Carolin; Katic, Iskra; Moronetti Mazzeo, Lorenza E; Alcedo, Joy; Blackwell, T Keith; Hynes, Nancy E

    2017-01-01

    Transient increases in mitochondrially-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) activate an adaptive stress response to promote longevity. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases produce ROS locally in response to various stimuli, and thereby regulate many cellular processes, but their role in aging remains unexplored. Here, we identified the C. elegans orthologue of mammalian mediator of ErbB2-driven cell motility, MEMO-1, as a protein that inhibits BLI-3/NADPH oxidase. MEMO-1 is complexed with RHO-1/RhoA/GTPase and loss of memo-1 results in an enhanced interaction of RHO-1 with BLI-3/NADPH oxidase, thereby stimulating ROS production that signal via p38 MAP kinase to the transcription factor SKN-1/NRF1,2,3 to promote stress resistance and longevity. Either loss of memo-1 or increasing BLI-3/NADPH oxidase activity by overexpression is sufficient to increase lifespan. Together, these findings demonstrate that NADPH oxidase-induced redox signaling initiates a transcriptional response that protects the cell and organism, and can promote both stress resistance and longevity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.19493.001 PMID:28085666

  4. SIRPα controls the activity of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase by restricting the expression of gp91(phox).

    PubMed

    van Beek, Ellen M; Zarate, Julian Alvarez; van Bruggen, Robin; Schornagel, Karin; Tool, Anton T J; Matozaki, Takashi; Kraal, Georg; Roos, Dirk; van den Berg, Timo K

    2012-10-25

    The phagocyte NADPH oxidase mediates oxidative microbial killing in granulocytes and macrophages. However, because the reactive oxygen species produced by the NADPH oxidase can also be toxic to the host, it is essential to control its activity. Little is known about the endogenous mechanism(s) that limits NADPH oxidase activity. Here, we demonstrate that the myeloid-inhibitory receptor SIRPα acts as a negative regulator of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase. Phagocytes isolated from SIRPα mutant mice were shown to have an enhanced respiratory burst. Furthermore, overexpression of SIRPα in human myeloid cells prevented respiratory burst activation. The inhibitory effect required interactions between SIRPα and its natural ligand, CD47, as well as signaling through the SIRPα cytoplasmic immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs. Suppression of the respiratory burst by SIRPα was caused by a selective repression of gp91(phox) expression, the catalytic component of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase complex. Thus, SIRPα can limit gp91(phox) expression during myeloid development, thereby controlling the magnitude of the respiratory burst in phagocytes. Copyright © 2012 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Enhanced production of GDP-L-fucose by overexpression of NADPH regenerator in recombinant Escherichia coli.

    PubMed

    Lee, Won-Heong; Chin, Young-Wook; Han, Nam Soo; Kim, Myoung-Dong; Seo, Jin-Ho

    2011-08-01

    Biosynthesis of guanosine 5'-diphosphate-L-fucose (GDP-L-fucose) requires NADPH as a reducing cofactor. In this study, endogenous NADPH regenerating enzymes such as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), isocitrate dehydrogenase (Icd), and NADP(+)-dependent malate dehydrogenase (MaeB) were overexpressed to increase GDP-L-fucose production in recombinant Escherichia coli. The effects of overexpression of each NADPH regenerating enzyme on GDP-L-fucose production were investigated in a series of batch and fed-batch fermentations. Batch fermentations showed that overexpression of G6PDH was the most effective for GDP-L-fucose production. However, GDP-L-fucose production was not enhanced by overexpression of G6PDH in the glucose-limited fed-batch fermentation. Hence, a glucose feeding strategy was optimized to enhance GDP-L-fucose production. Fed-batch fermentation with a pH-stat feeding mode for sufficient supply of glucose significantly enhanced GDP-L-fucose production compared with glucose-limited fed-batch fermentation. A maximum GDP-L-fucose concentration of 235.2 ± 3.3 mg l(-1), corresponding to a 21% enhancement in the GDP-L-fucose production compared with the control strain overexpressing GDP-L-fucose biosynthetic enzymes only, was achieved in the pH-stat fed-batch fermentation of the recombinant E. coli overexpressing G6PDH. It was concluded that sufficient glucose supply and efficient NADPH regeneration are crucial for NADPH-dependent GDP-L-fucose production in recombinant E. coli.

  6. [Increasing reductant NADPH content via metabolic engineering of PHB synthesis pathway in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803].

    PubMed

    Xie, Juan; Zhou, Jie; Zhang, Haifeng; Li, Yin

    2011-07-01

    Cyanobacteria have become attractive hosts for renewable chemicals production. The low productivity, however, prevents it from industrial application. Reductant NAD(P)H availability is a chief hurdle for the production of reductive metabolites in microbes. To increase NADPH content in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, PHB synthase encoding gene phaC and phaE in Synechocystis was inactivated by replacing phaC&E genes with chloromycetin resistance cassette via homologous recombination. PCR analysis showed that mutant S.delta phaC&E with complete genome segregation was generated. The comparison between growth curves of S.wt and S.delta phaC&E indicated the knockout of phaC & phaE genes did not affect obviously the cell growth. Gas chromatography analysis showed that the accumulation of PHB in wild type was about 2.3% of the dry cell weight, whereas no PHB was detected in the mutant S.delta phaC&E. The data indicated that inactivation of PHB synthase gene phaC and phaE interrupted the synthesis of PHB. Further comparative study of wild type and mutant demonstrated that NADPH content in S.delta phaC&E was obviously increased. On the third day, the NADPH content in S.delta phaC&E was up to 1.85 fold higher than that in wild type. These results indicated that deleting PHB synthase gene phaC and phaE not only can block the synthesis of PHB, but also can save NADPH to contribute reductant sink in cyanobacteria. Hence, the engineered cyanobacterial strain S.delta phaC&E, in which carbon flux was redirected and NADPH was increased, will be a potential host strain for chemicals production in cyanobacteria.

  7. Pericardial fluid Gram stain

    MedlinePlus

    ... stain To use the sharing features on this page, please enable JavaScript. Pericardial fluid Gram stain is a method of staining a sample of fluid taken from the pericardium. This is the sac surrounding ...

  8. Gentamicin differentially alters cellular metabolism of cochlear hair cells as revealed by NAD(P)H fluorescence lifetime imaging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zholudeva, Lyandysha V.; Ward, Kristina G.; Nichols, Michael G.; Smith, Heather Jensen

    2015-05-01

    Aminoglycoside antibiotics are implicated as culprits of hearing loss in more than 120,000 individuals annually. Research has shown that the sensory cells, but not supporting cells, of the cochlea are readily damaged and/or lost after use of such antibiotics. High-frequency outer hair cells (OHCs) show a greater sensitivity to antibiotics than high- and low-frequency inner hair cells (IHCs). We hypothesize that variations in mitochondrial metabolism account for differences in susceptibility. Fluorescence lifetime microscopy was used to quantify changes in NAD(P)H in sensory and supporting cells from explanted murine cochleae exposed to mitochondrial uncouplers, inhibitors, and an ototoxic antibiotic, gentamicin (GM). Changes in metabolic state resulted in a redistribution of NAD(P)H between subcellular fluorescence lifetime pools. Supporting cells had a significantly longer lifetime than sensory cells. Pretreatment with GM increased NAD(P)H intensity in high-frequency sensory cells, as well as the NAD(P)H lifetime within IHCs. GM specifically increased NAD(P)H concentration in high-frequency OHCs, but not in IHCs or pillar cells. Variations in NAD(P)H intensity in response to mitochondrial toxins and GM were greatest in high-frequency OHCs. These results demonstrate that GM rapidly alters mitochondrial metabolism, differentially modulates cell metabolism, and provides evidence that GM-induced changes in metabolism are significant and greatest in high-frequency OHCs.

  9. Gentamicin differentially alters cellular metabolism of cochlear hair cells as revealed by NAD(P)H fluorescence lifetime imaging

    PubMed Central

    Zholudeva, Lyandysha V.; Ward, Kristina G.; Nichols, Michael G.; Smith, Heather Jensen

    2015-01-01

    Abstract. Aminoglycoside antibiotics are implicated as culprits of hearing loss in more than 120,000 individuals annually. Research has shown that the sensory cells, but not supporting cells, of the cochlea are readily damaged and/or lost after use of such antibiotics. High-frequency outer hair cells (OHCs) show a greater sensitivity to antibiotics than high- and low-frequency inner hair cells (IHCs). We hypothesize that variations in mitochondrial metabolism account for differences in susceptibility. Fluorescence lifetime microscopy was used to quantify changes in NAD(P)H in sensory and supporting cells from explanted murine cochleae exposed to mitochondrial uncouplers, inhibitors, and an ototoxic antibiotic, gentamicin (GM). Changes in metabolic state resulted in a redistribution of NAD(P)H between subcellular fluorescence lifetime pools. Supporting cells had a significantly longer lifetime than sensory cells. Pretreatment with GM increased NAD(P)H intensity in high-frequency sensory cells, as well as the NAD(P)H lifetime within IHCs. GM specifically increased NAD(P)H concentration in high-frequency OHCs, but not in IHCs or pillar cells. Variations in NAD(P)H intensity in response to mitochondrial toxins and GM were greatest in high-frequency OHCs. These results demonstrate that GM rapidly alters mitochondrial metabolism, differentially modulates cell metabolism, and provides evidence that GM-induced changes in metabolism are significant and greatest in high-frequency OHCs. PMID:25688541

  10. Coupling Drosophila melanogaster Cryptochrome Light Activation and Oxidation of the Kvβ Subunit Hyperkinetic NADPH Cofactor.

    PubMed

    Hong, Gongyi; Pachter, Ruth; Ritz, Thorsten

    2018-06-28

    Motivated by the observations on the involvement of light-induced processes in the Drosophila melanogaster cryptochrome (DmCry) in regulation of the neuronal firing rate, which is achieved by a redox-state change of its voltage-dependent K + channel Kvβ subunit hyperkinetic (Hk) reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) cofactor, we propose in this work two hypothetical pathways that may potentially enable such coupling. In the first pathway, triggered by blue-light-induced formation of a radical pair [FAD •- TRP •+ ] in DmCry, the hole (TRP •+ ) may hop to Hk, for example, through a tryptophan chain and oxidize NADPH, possibly leading to inhibition of the N-terminus inactivation in the K + channel. In a second possible pathway, DmCry's FAD •- is reoxidized by molecular oxygen, producing H 2 O 2 , which then diffuses to Hk and oxidizes NADPH. In this work, by applying a combination of quantum and empirical-based methods for free-energy calculations, we find that the oxidation of NADPH by TRP •+ or H 2 O 2 and the reoxidation of FAD •- by O 2 are thermodynamically feasible. Our results may have an implication in identifying a magnetic sensing signal transduction pathway, specifically upon Drosophila's Hk NADPH cofactor oxidation, with a subsequent inhibition of the K + channel N-terminus inactivation gate, permitting K + flux.

  11. Luna stain, an improved selective stain for detection of microsporidian spores in histologic sections.

    PubMed

    Peterson, Tracy S; Spitsbergen, Jan M; Feist, Stephen W; Kent, Michael L

    2011-06-16

    Microsporidia in histologic sections are most often diagnosed by observing spores in host tissues. Spores are easy to identify if they occur in large aggregates or xenomas when sections are stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). However, individual spores are not frequently detected in host tissues with conventional H&E staining, particularly if spores are scattered within the tissues, areas of inflammation, or small spores in nuclei (i.e. Nucleospora salmonis). Hence, a variety of selective stains that enhance visualization of spores is recommended. We discovered that the Luna stain, used to highlight eosinophils, red blood cells, and chitin in arthropods and other invertebrates, also stains spores of Pseudoloma neurophilia. We compared this stain to the Gram, Fite's acid fast, Giemsa, and H&E stains on 8 aquatic microsporidian organisms that were readily available in our 2 laboratories: Loma salmonae, Glugea anomala, Pseudoloma neurophilia, Pleistophora hyphessobryconis, Pleistophora vermiformis, Glugea sp., Steinhausia mytilovum, and an unidentified microsporidian from UK mitten crabs Eriocheir sinensis. Based on tinctorial properties and background staining, the Luna stain performed better for detection of 6 of the 8 microsporidia. Gram stain was superior for the 2 microsporidia from invertebrates: S. mytilovum and the unidentified microsporidian from E. sinensis.

  12. Purification and characterization of NADPH--cytochrome c reductase from the midgut of the southern armyworm (Spodoptera eridania).

    PubMed Central

    Crankshaw, D L; Hetnarski, K; Wilkinson, C F

    1979-01-01

    1. NADPH-cytochrome c reductase was solubilized with bromelain and purified about 400-fold from sucrose/pyrophosphate-washed microsomal fractions from southern armyworm (Spodoptera eridania) larval midguts. 2. The enzyme has a mol.wt. of 70 035 +/- 1300 and contained 2 mol of flavin/mol of enzyme consisting of almost equimolar amounts of FMN and FAD. 3. Aerobic titration of the enzyme with NADPH caused the formation of a stable half-reduced state at 0.5 mol of NADPH/mol of flavin. 4. Kinetic analysis showed that the reduction of cytochrome c proceeded by a Bi Bi Ping Pong mechanism. 5. Apparent Km values for NADPH and cytochrome c and Ki values for NADP+ and 2'-AMP were considerably higher for the insect reductase than for the mammalian liver enzyme. 6. These are discussed in relation to possible differences in the active sites of the enzymes. Images Fig. 3. PMID:117798

  13. Purification and characterization of NADPH--cytochrome c reductase from the midgut of the southern armyworm (Spodoptera eridania).

    PubMed

    Crankshaw, D L; Hetnarski, K; Wilkinson, C F

    1979-09-01

    1. NADPH-cytochrome c reductase was solubilized with bromelain and purified about 400-fold from sucrose/pyrophosphate-washed microsomal fractions from southern armyworm (Spodoptera eridania) larval midguts. 2. The enzyme has a mol.wt. of 70 035 +/- 1300 and contained 2 mol of flavin/mol of enzyme consisting of almost equimolar amounts of FMN and FAD. 3. Aerobic titration of the enzyme with NADPH caused the formation of a stable half-reduced state at 0.5 mol of NADPH/mol of flavin. 4. Kinetic analysis showed that the reduction of cytochrome c proceeded by a Bi Bi Ping Pong mechanism. 5. Apparent Km values for NADPH and cytochrome c and Ki values for NADP+ and 2'-AMP were considerably higher for the insect reductase than for the mammalian liver enzyme. 6. These are discussed in relation to possible differences in the active sites of the enzymes.

  14. Brassica juncea nitric oxide synthase like activity is stimulated by PKC activators and calcium suggesting modulation by PKC-like kinase.

    PubMed

    Talwar, Pooja Saigal; Gupta, Ravi; Maurya, Arun Kumar; Deswal, Renu

    2012-11-01

    Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule having varied physiological and regulatory roles in biological systems. The fact that nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is responsible for NO generation in animals, prompted major search for a similar enzyme in plants. Arginine dependent NOS like activity (BjNOSla) was detected in Brassica juncea seedlings using oxyhemoglobin and citrulline assays. BjNOSla showed 25% activation by NADPH (0.4 mM) and 40% by calcium (0.4 mM) but the activity was flavin mononucleotide (FMN), flavin dinucleotide (FAD) and calmodulin (CaM) independent. Pharmacological approach using mammalian NOS inhibitors, NBT (300 μM) and l-NAME (5 mM), showed significant inhibition (100% and 67% respectively) supporting that the BjNOSla operates via the oxidative pathway. Most of the BjNOSla activity (80%) was confined to shoot while root showed only 20% activity. Localization studies by NADPH-diaphorase and DAF-2DA staining showed the presence of BjNOSla in guard cells. Kinetic analysis showed positive cooperativity with calcium as reflected by a decreased K(m) (∼13%) and almost two fold increase in V(max). PMA (438 nM), a kinase activator, activated BjNOSla ∼1.9 fold while its inactive analog 4αPDD was ineffective. Calcium and PMA activated the enzyme to ∼3 folds. Interestingly, 1,2-DG6 (2.5 μM) and PS (1 μM) with calcium activated the enzyme activity to ∼7 fold. A significant inhibition of BjNOSla by PKC inhibitors-staurosporine (∼90%) and calphostin-C (∼40%), further supports involvement of PKC-like kinase. The activity was also enhanced by abiotic stress conditions (7-46%). All these findings suggest that BjNOSla generates NO via oxidative pathway and is probably regulated by phosphorylation. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  15. Absence of Proton Channels in COS-7 Cells Expressing Functional NADPH Oxidase Components

    PubMed Central

    Morgan, Deri; Cherny, Vladimir V.; Price, Marianne O.; Dinauer, Mary C.; DeCoursey, Thomas E.

    2002-01-01

    Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase is an enzyme of phagocytes that produces bactericidal superoxide anion (O2 −) via an electrogenic process. Proton efflux compensates for the charge movement across the cell membrane. The proton channel responsible for the H+ efflux was thought to be contained within the gp91phox subunit of NADPH oxidase, but recent data do not support this idea (DeCoursey, T.E., V.V. Cherny, D. Morgan, B.Z. Katz, and M.C. Dinauer. 2001. J. Biol. Chem. 276:36063–36066). In this study, we investigated electrophysiological properties and superoxide production of COS-7 cells transfected with all NADPH oxidase components required for enzyme function (COSphox). The 7D5 antibody, which detects an extracellular epitope of the gp91phox protein, labeled 96–98% of COSphox cells. NADPH oxidase was functional because COSphox (but not COSWT) cells stimulated by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or arachidonic acid (AA) produced superoxide anion. No proton currents were detected in either wild-type COS-7 cells (COSWT) or COSphox cells studied at pHo 7.0 and pHi 5.5 or 7.0. Anion currents that decayed at voltages positive to 40 mV were the only currents observed. PMA or AA did not elicit detectable H+ current in COSWT or COSphox cells. Therefore, gp91phox does not function as a proton channel in unstimulated cells or in activated cells with a demonstrably functional oxidase. PMID:12034764

  16. Increasing anaerobic acetate consumption and ethanol yields in Saccharomyces cerevisiae with NADPH-specific alcohol dehydrogenase.

    PubMed

    Henningsen, Brooks M; Hon, Shuen; Covalla, Sean F; Sonu, Carolina; Argyros, D Aaron; Barrett, Trisha F; Wiswall, Erin; Froehlich, Allan C; Zelle, Rintze M

    2015-12-01

    Saccharomyces cerevisiae has recently been engineered to use acetate, a primary inhibitor in lignocellulosic hydrolysates, as a cosubstrate during anaerobic ethanolic fermentation. However, the original metabolic pathway devised to convert acetate to ethanol uses NADH-specific acetylating acetaldehyde dehydrogenase and alcohol dehydrogenase and quickly becomes constrained by limited NADH availability, even when glycerol formation is abolished. We present alcohol dehydrogenase as a novel target for anaerobic redox engineering of S. cerevisiae. Introduction of an NADPH-specific alcohol dehydrogenase (NADPH-ADH) not only reduces the NADH demand of the acetate-to-ethanol pathway but also allows the cell to effectively exchange NADPH for NADH during sugar fermentation. Unlike NADH, NADPH can be freely generated under anoxic conditions, via the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway. We show that an industrial bioethanol strain engineered with the original pathway (expressing acetylating acetaldehyde dehydrogenase from Bifidobacterium adolescentis and with deletions of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase genes GPD1 and GPD2) consumed 1.9 g liter(-1) acetate during fermentation of 114 g liter(-1) glucose. Combined with a decrease in glycerol production from 4.0 to 0.1 g liter(-1), this increased the ethanol yield by 4% over that for the wild type. We provide evidence that acetate consumption in this strain is indeed limited by NADH availability. By introducing an NADPH-ADH from Entamoeba histolytica and with overexpression of ACS2 and ZWF1, we increased acetate consumption to 5.3 g liter(-1) and raised the ethanol yield to 7% above the wild-type level. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

  17. NADPH oxidase: an enzyme for multicellularity?

    PubMed

    Lalucque, Hervé; Silar, Philippe

    2003-01-01

    Multicellularity has evolved several times during the evolution of eukaryotes. One evolutionary pressure that permits multicellularity relates to the division of work, where one group of cells functions as nutrient providers and the other in specialized roles such as defence or reproduction. This requires signalling systems to ensure harmonious development of multicellular structures. Here, we show that NADPH oxidases are specifically present in organisms that differentiate multicellular structures during their life cycle and are absent from unicellular life forms. The biochemical properties of these enzymes make them ideal candidates for a role in intercellular signalling.

  18. Enhanced Purification of Recombinant Rat NADPH-P450 Reductase by Using a Hexahistidine-Tag.

    PubMed

    Park, Hyoung-Goo; Lim, Young-Ran; Han, Songhee; Jeong, Dabin; Kim, Donghak

    2017-05-28

    NADPH-P450 reductase (NPR) transfers electrons from NADPH to cytochrome P450 and heme oxygenase enzymes to support their catalytic activities. This protein is localized within the endoplasmic reticulum membrane and utilizes FMN, FAD, and NADPH as cofactors. Although NPR is essential toward enabling the biochemical and pharmacological analyses of P450 enzymes, its production as a recombinant purified protein requires a series of tedious efforts and a high cost due to the use of NADP + in the affinity chromatography process. In the present study, the rat NPR clone containing a 6× Histidine-tag (NPR-His) was constructed and heterologously expressed. The NPR-His protein was purified using Ni 2+ -affinity chromatography, and its functional features were characterized. A single band at 78 kDa was observed from SDS-PAGE and the purified protein displayed a maximum absorbance at 455 nm, indicating the presence of an oxidized flavin cofactor. Cytochrome c and nitroblue tetrazolium were reduced by purified NPR-His in an NADPH-dependent manner. The purified NPR-His successfully supported the catalytic activities of human P450 1A2 and 2A6 and fungal CYP52A21, yielding results similar to those obtained using conventional purified rat reductase. This study will facilitate the use of recombinant NPR-His protein in the various fields of P450 research.

  19. Absence of proton channels in COS-7 cells expressing functional NADPH oxidase components.

    PubMed

    Morgan, Deri; Cherny, Vladimir V; Price, Marianne O; Dinauer, Mary C; DeCoursey, Thomas E

    2002-06-01

    Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase is an enzyme of phagocytes that produces bactericidal superoxide anion (O(2)(-)) via an electrogenic process. Proton efflux compensates for the charge movement across the cell membrane. The proton channel responsible for the H(+) efflux was thought to be contained within the gp91(phox) subunit of NADPH oxidase, but recent data do not support this idea (DeCoursey, T.E., V.V. Cherny, D. Morgan, B.Z. Katz, and M.C. Dinauer. 2001. J. Biol. Chem. 276:36063-36066). In this study, we investigated electrophysiological properties and superoxide production of COS-7 cells transfected with all NADPH oxidase components required for enzyme function (COS(phox)). The 7D5 antibody, which detects an extracellular epitope of the gp91(phox) protein, labeled 96-98% of COS(phox) cells. NADPH oxidase was functional because COS(phox) (but not COS(WT)) cells stimulated by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or arachidonic acid (AA) produced superoxide anion. No proton currents were detected in either wild-type COS-7 cells (COS(WT)) or COS(phox) cells studied at pH(o) 7.0 and pH(i) 5.5 or 7.0. Anion currents that decayed at voltages positive to 40 mV were the only currents observed. PMA or AA did not elicit detectable H(+) current in COS(WT) or COS(phox) cells. Therefore, gp91(phox) does not function as a proton channel in unstimulated cells or in activated cells with a demonstrably functional oxidase.

  20. The Luna stain, an improved selective stain for detection of microsporidian spores in histologic sections

    PubMed Central

    Peterson, Tracy S.; Spitsbergen, Jan M.; Feist, Stephen W.; Kent, Michael L.

    2014-01-01

    Microsporidia in histologic sections are most often diagnosed by observing spores in host tissues. Spores are easy to identify if they occur in large aggregates or xenomas when sections are stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). However, individual spores are not frequently detected in host tissues with conventional H&E staining, particularly if spores are scattered within the tissues, areas of inflammation or small spores in nuclei (i.e., Nucleospora salmonis). Hence, a variety of selective stains that enhance visualization of spores are recommended. We discovered that the Luna stain, used to highlight eosinophils, red blood cells and chitin in arthropods and other invertebrates, also stains spores of Pseudoloma neurophilia. We compared this stain to the Gram, Fite’s acid fast, Giemsa, and H&E stains on eight aquatic microsporidian organisms that were readily available in our two laboratories: Loma salmonae, Glugea anomala, Pseudoloma neurophilia, Pleistophora hyphessobryconis, Pleistophora vermiformis, Glugea sp., Steinhausia mytilovum and an unidentified microsporidian from E. sinensis, UK. Based on tinctorial properties and background staining, the Luna stain performed better for detection of 6 of the 8 microsporidia. Gram stain was superior for the two microsporidia from invertebrates, Steinhausia mytilovum and the unidentified microsporidian from E. sinensis. PMID:21848126

  1. NADPH oxidase activity and reactive oxygen species production in brain and kidney of adult male hypertensive Ren-2 transgenic rats.

    PubMed

    Vokurková, M; Rauchová, H; Řezáčová, L; Vaněčková, I; Zicha, J

    2015-01-01

    Hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) play an important role in brain control of blood pressure (BP). One of the important mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension is the elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by nicotine adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. The aim of our present study was to investigate NADPH oxidase-mediated superoxide (O(2)(-)) production and to search for the signs of lipid peroxidation in hypothalamus and medulla oblongata as well as in renal medulla and cortex of hypertensive male rats transgenic for the murine Ren-2 renin gene (Ren-2 TGR) and their age-matched normotensive controls - Hannover Sprague Dawley rats (HanSD). We found no difference in the activity of NADPH oxidase measured as a lucigenin-mediated O(2)(-) production in the hypothalamus and medulla oblongata. However, we observed significantly elevated NADPH oxidase in both renal cortex and medulla of Ren-2 TGR compared with HanSD. Losartan (LOS) treatment (10 mg/kg body weight/day) for 2 months (Ren-2 TGR+LOS) did not change NADPH oxidase-dependent O(2)(-) production in the kidney. We detected significantly elevated indirect markers of lipid peroxidation measured as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in Ren-2 TGR, while they were significantly decreased in Ren-2 TGR+LOS. In conclusion, the present study shows increased NADPH oxidase activities in renal cortex and medulla with significantly increased TBARS in renal cortex. No significant changes of NADPH oxidase and markers of lipid peroxidation were detected in the studied brain regions.

  2. Port-wine stain

    MedlinePlus

    ... Laser therapy is most successful in removing port-wine stains. It is the only method that can destroy the tiny blood vessels in the skin without causing much damage to the skin. The exact type ... on the person's age, skin type, and particular port-wine stain.

  3. Precerebellar and vestibular nuclei of the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus).

    PubMed

    Ashwell, K W S; Paxinos, G; Watson, C R R

    2007-09-01

    The monotremes are a unique group of living mammals, which diverged from the line leading to placental mammals at least 125 million years ago. We have examined the organization of pontine, inferior olivary, lateral reticular and vestibular nuclei in the brainstem of the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) to determine if the cyto- and chemoarchitecture of these nuclei are similar to that in placental mammals and marsupials. We have used Nissl staining in conjunction with enzyme-histochemistry for acetylcholinesterase, cytochrome oxidase and NADPH diaphorase as well as immunohistochemistry for non-phosphorylated neurofilament protein (SMI-32 antibody) and calcium binding proteins (parvalbumin, calbindin, calretinin). Homologies could be established between the arch shaped inferior olivary complex of the echidna and the principal, dorsal and medial accessory subdivisions of the therian inferior olivary complex. The pontine nuclei of the echidna included basilar and reticulotegmental components with similar cyto- and chemarchitectural features to therians and there were magnocellular and subtrigeminal components of the lateral reticular nucleus, also as seen in therians. Subdivisions and chemoarchitecture of the vestibular complex of the echidna were both similar to that region in rodents. In all three precerebellar nuclear groups studied and in the vestibular nucleus organization, the cyto- and chemoarchitecture of the echidna was very similar to that seen in therian mammals and no "primitive" or "reptilian" features were evident.

  4. Rosuvastatin prevents angiotensin II-induced vascular changes by inhibition of NAD(P)H oxidase and COX-1

    PubMed Central

    Colucci, Rocchina; Fornai, Matteo; Duranti, Emiliano; Antonioli, Luca; Rugani, Ilaria; Aydinoglu, Fatma; Ippolito, Chiara; Segnani, Cristina; Bernardini, Nunzia; Taddei, Stefano; Blandizzi, Corrado; Virdis, Agostino

    2013-01-01

    Background and Purpose NAD(P)H oxidase and COX-1 participate in vascular damage induced by angiotensin II. We investigated the effect of rosuvastatin on endothelial dysfunction, vascular remodelling, changes in extracellular matrix components and mechanical properties of small mesenteric arteries from angiotensin II-infused rats. Experimental Approach Male rats received angiotensin II (120 ng·kg−1·min−1, subcutaneously) for 14 days with or without rosuvastatin (10 mg·kg−1·day−1, oral gavage) or vehicle. Vascular functions and morphological parameters were assessed by pressurized myography. Key Results In angiotensin II-infused rats, ACh-induced relaxation was attenuated compared with controls, less sensitive to L-NAME, enhanced by SC-560 (COX-1 inhibitor) or SQ-29548 (prostanoid TP receptor antagonist), and normalized by the antioxidant ascorbic acid or NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors. After rosuvastatin, relaxations to ACh were normalized, fully sensitive to L-NAME, and no longer affected by SC-560, SQ-29548 or NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors. Angiotensin II enhanced intravascular superoxide generation, eutrophic remodelling, collagen and fibronectin depositions, and decreased elastin content, resulting in increased vessel stiffness. All these changes were prevented by rosuvastatin. Angiotensin II increased phosphorylation of NAD(P)H oxidase subunit p47phox and its binding to subunit p67phox, effects inhibited by rosuvastatin. Rosuvastatin down-regulated vascular Nox4/NAD(P)H isoform and COX-1 expression, attenuated the vascular release of 6-keto-PGF1α, and enhanced copper/zinc-superoxide dismutase expression. Conclusion and Implications Rosuvastatin prevents angiotensin II-induced alterations in resistance arteries in terms of function, structure, mechanics and composition. These effects depend on restoration of NO availability, prevention of NAD(P)H oxidase-derived oxidant excess, reversal of COX-1 induction and its prostanoid production, and stimulation of

  5. Structure of conjugated polyketone reductase from Candida parapsilosis IFO 0708 reveals conformational changes for substrate recognition upon NADPH binding.

    PubMed

    Qin, Hui-Min; Yamamura, Akihiro; Miyakawa, Takuya; Kataoka, Michihiko; Nagai, Takahiro; Kitamura, Nahoko; Urano, Nobuyuki; Maruoka, Shintaro; Ohtsuka, Jun; Nagata, Koji; Shimizu, Sakayu; Tanokura, Masaru

    2014-01-01

    Conjugated polyketone reductase C2 (CPR-C2) from Candida parapsilosis IFO 0708, identified as a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-dependent ketopantoyl lactone reductase, belongs to the aldo-keto reductase superfamily. This enzyme reduces ketopantoyl lactone to D-pantoyl lactone in a strictly stereospecific manner. To elucidate the structural basis of the substrate specificity, we determined the crystal structures of the apo CPR-C2 and CPR-C2/NADPH complex at 1.70 and 1.80 Å resolutions, respectively. CPR-C2 adopted a triose-phosphate isomerase barrel fold at the core of the structure. Binding with the cofactor NADPH induced conformational changes in which Thr27 and Lys28 moved 15 and 5.0 Å, respectively, in the close vicinity of the adenosine 2'-phosphate group of NADPH to form hydrogen bonds. Based on the comparison of the CPR-C2/NADPH structure with 3-α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and mutation analyses, we constructed substrate binding models with ketopantoyl lactone, which provided insight into the substrate specificity by the cofactor-induced structure. The results will be useful for the rational design of CPR-C2 mutants targeted for use in the industrial manufacture of ketopantoyl lactone.

  6. Phosphatidic acid as a second messenger in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Effects on activation of NADPH oxidase.

    PubMed Central

    Agwu, D E; McPhail, L C; Sozzani, S; Bass, D A; McCall, C E

    1991-01-01

    Receptor-mediated agonists, such as FMLP, induce an early, phospholipase D (PLD)-mediated accumulation of phosphatidic acid (PA) which may play a role in the activation of NADPH oxidase in human PMN. We have determined the effect of changes in PA production on O2 consumption in intact PMN and the level of NADPH oxidase activity measured in a cell-free assay. Pretreatment of cells with various concentrations of propranolol enhanced (less than or equal to 200 microM) or inhibited (greater than 300 microM) PLD-induced production of PA (mass and radiolabel) in a manner that correlated with enhancement or inhibition of O2 consumption in PMN stimulated with 1 microM FMLP in the absence of cytochalasin B. The concentration-dependent effects of propranolol on FMLP-induced NADPH oxidase activation was confirmed by direct assay of the enzyme in subcellular fractions. In PA extracted from cells pretreated with 200 microM propranolol before stimulation with 1 microM FMLP, phospholipase A1 (PLA1)-digestion for 90 min, followed by quantitation of residual PA, showed that a minimum of 44% of PA in control (undigested) sample was diacyl-PA; alkylacyl-PA remained undigested by PLA1. Propranolol was also observed to have a concentration-dependent enhancement of mass of 1,2-DG formed in PMN stimulated with FMLP. DG levels reached a maximum at 300 microM propranolol and remained unchanged up to 500 microM propranolol. However, in contrast to PA levels, the level of DG produced did not correlate with NADPH oxidase activation. Exogenously added didecanoyl-PA activated NADPH oxidase in a concentration-dependent manner (1-300 microM) in a reconstitution assay using membrane and cytosolic fractions from unstimulated PMN. In addition, PA synergized with SDS for oxidase activation. Taken together, these results indicate that PA plays a second messenger role in the activation of NADPH oxidase in human PMN and that regulation of phospholipase D is a key step in the activation pathway. Images

  7. Methods for chromosome-specific staining

    DOEpatents

    Gray, J.W.; Pinkel, D.

    1995-09-05

    Methods and compositions for chromosome-specific staining are provided. Compositions comprise heterogeneous mixtures of labeled nucleic acid fragments having substantially complementary base sequences to unique sequence regions of the chromosomal DNA for which their associated staining reagent is specific. Methods include ways for making the chromosome-specific staining compositions of the invention, and methods for applying the staining compositions to chromosomes. 3 figs.

  8. Methods for chromosome-specific staining

    DOEpatents

    Gray, Joe W.; Pinkel, Daniel

    1995-01-01

    Methods and compositions for chromosome-specific staining are provided. Compositions comprise heterogenous mixtures of labeled nucleic acid fragments having substantially complementary base sequences to unique sequence regions of the chromosomal DNA for which their associated staining reagent is specific. Methods include methods for making the chromosome-specific staining compositions of the invention, and methods for applying the staining compositions to chromosomes.

  9. Purification and Partial Characterization of Two Soluble NAD(P)H Dehydrogenases from Arum maculatum Mitochondria 1

    PubMed Central

    Chauveau, Michèle; Lance, Claude

    1991-01-01

    Two enzyme systems carrying out the oxidation of NAD(P)H in the presence of various electron acceptors have been isolated and partially characterized from the supernatant of frozen-thawed mitochondria from Arum maculatum spadices. The two systems contain flavoproteins and differ by their ability to oxidize NADH or NADPH, optimum pH and pI values, sensitivity to Ca2+ and EGTA, denaturation by 4 molar urea, molecular mass, and number of subunits. These properties, together with methodological considerations, are compatible with the location of these enzyme activities on the outer surface of the inner mitochondrial membrane, and support the hypothesis of the existence of two separate dehydrogenases responsible for the mitochondrial oxidation of cytosolic NADH and NADPH. Images Figure 1 Figure 3 Figure 7 PMID:16668075

  10. Conformational Changes of NADPH-Cytochrome P450 Oxidoreductase Are Essential for Catalysis and Cofactor Binding*

    PubMed Central

    Xia, Chuanwu; Hamdane, Djemel; Shen, Anna L.; Choi, Vivian; Kasper, Charles B.; Pearl, Naw May; Zhang, Haoming; Im, Sang-Choul; Waskell, Lucy; Kim, Jung-Ja P.

    2011-01-01

    The crystal structure of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CYPOR) implies that a large domain movement is essential for electron transfer from NADPH via FAD and FMN to its redox partners. To test this hypothesis, a disulfide bond was engineered between residues Asp147 and Arg514 in the FMN and FAD domains, respectively. The cross-linked form of this mutant protein, designated 147CC514, exhibited a significant decrease in the rate of interflavin electron transfer and large (≥90%) decreases in rates of electron transfer to its redox partners, cytochrome c and cytochrome P450 2B4. Reduction of the disulfide bond restored the ability of the mutant to reduce its redox partners, demonstrating that a conformational change is essential for CYPOR function. The crystal structures of the mutant without and with NADP+ revealed that the two flavin domains are joined by a disulfide linkage and that the relative orientations of the two flavin rings are twisted ∼20° compared with the wild type, decreasing the surface contact area between the two flavin rings. Comparison of the structures without and with NADP+ shows movement of the Gly631–Asn635 loop. In the NADP+-free structure, the loop adopts a conformation that sterically hinders NADP(H) binding. The structure with NADP+ shows movement of the Gly631–Asn635 loop to a position that permits NADP(H) binding. Furthermore, comparison of these mutant and wild type structures strongly suggests that the Gly631–Asn635 loop movement controls NADPH binding and NADP+ release; this loop movement in turn facilitates the flavin domain movement, allowing electron transfer from FMN to the CYPOR redox partners. PMID:21345800

  11. A LED-based method for monitoring NAD(P)H and FAD fluorescence in cell cultures and brain slices.

    PubMed

    Rösner, Jörg; Liotta, Agustin; Schmitz, Dietmar; Heinemann, Uwe; Kovács, Richard

    2013-01-30

    Nicotinamide- and flavine-adenine-dinucleotides (NAD(P)H and FADH₂) are electron carriers involved in cellular energy metabolism and in a multitude of enzymatic processes. As reduced NAD(P)H and oxidised FAD molecules are fluorescent, changes in tissue auto-fluorescence provide valuable information on the cellular redox state and energy metabolism. Since fluorescence excitation, by mercury arc lamps (HBO) is inherently coupled to photo-bleaching and photo-toxicity, microfluorimetric monitoring of energy metabolism might benefit from the replacement of HBO lamps by light emitting diodes (LEDs). Here we describe a LED-based custom-built setup for monitoring NAD(P)H and FAD fluorescence at the level of single cells (HEK293) and of brain slices. We compared NAD(P)H bleaching characteristics with two light sources (HBO lamp and LED) as well as sensitivity and signal to noise ratio of three different detector types (multi-pixel photon counter (MPPC), photomultiplier tube (PMT) and photodiode). LED excitation resulted in reduced photo-bleaching at the same fluorescence output in comparison to excitation with the HBO lamp. Transiently increasing LED power resulted in reversible bleaching of NAD(P)H fluorescence. Recovery kinetics were dependent on metabolic substrates indicating coupling of NAD(P)H fluorescence to metabolism. Electrical stimulation of brain slices induced biphasic redox changes, as indicated by NAD(P)H/FAD fluorescence transients. Increasing the gain of PMT and decreasing the LED power resulted in similar sensitivity as obtained with the MPPC and the photodiode, without worsening the signal to noise ratio. In conclusion, replacement of HBO lamp with LED might improve conventional PMT based microfluorimetry of tissue auto-fluorescence. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Intracellular NADPH Levels Affect the Oligomeric State of the Glucose 6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase

    PubMed Central

    Tramonti, Angela; Lanini, Claudio; Cialfi, Samantha; De Biase, Daniela; Falcone, Claudio

    2012-01-01

    In the yeast Kluyveromyces lactis, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) is detected as two differently migrating forms on native polyacrylamide gels. The pivotal metabolic role of G6PDH in K. lactis led us to investigate the mechanism controlling the two activities in respiratory and fermentative mutant strains. An extensive analysis of these mutants showed that the NAD+(H)/NADP+(H)-dependent cytosolic alcohol (ADH) and aldehyde (ALD) dehydrogenase balance affects the expression of the G6PDH activity pattern. Under fermentative/ethanol growth conditions, the concomitant activation of ADH and ALD activities led to cytosolic accumulation of NADPH, triggering an alteration in the oligomeric state of the G6PDH caused by displacement/release of the structural NADP+ bound to each subunit of the enzyme. The new oligomeric G6PDH form with faster-migrating properties increases as a consequence of intracellular redox unbalance/NADPH accumulation, which inhibits G6PDH activity in vivo. The appearance of a new G6PDH-specific activity band, following incubation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and human cellular extracts with NADP+, also suggests that a regulatory mechanism of this activity through NADPH accumulation is highly conserved among eukaryotes. PMID:23064253

  13. Automated single-slide staining system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mills, S. M.; Wilkins, J. R.

    1974-01-01

    Apparatus developed to Gram-stain single slides automatically is flexible enough to accommodate other types of staining procedures. Method frees operator and eliminates necessity for subjective evaluations as to length of staining or decolorizing time.

  14. Gram staining with an automatic machine.

    PubMed

    Felek, S; Arslan, A

    1999-01-01

    This study was undertaken to develop a new Gram-staining machine controlled by a micro-controller and to investigate the quality of slides that were stained in the machine. The machine was designed and produced by the authors. It uses standard 220 V AC. Staining, washing, and drying periods are controlled by a timer built in the micro-controller. A software was made that contains a certain algorithm and time intervals for the staining mode. One-hundred and forty smears were prepared from Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria sp., blood culture, trypticase soy broth, direct pus and sputum smears for comparison studies. Half of the slides in each group were stained with the machine, the other half by hand and then examined by four different microbiologists. Machine-stained slides had a higher clarity and less debris than the hand-stained slides (p < 0.05). In hand-stained slides, some Gram-positive organisms showed poor Gram-positive staining features (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we suggest that Gram staining with the automatic machine increases the staining quality and helps to decrease the work load in a busy diagnostic laboratory.

  15. BLOOD VESSELS IN GANGLIA IN HUMAN ESOPHAGUS MIGHT EXPLAIN THE HIGHER FREQUENCY OF MEGAESOPHAGUS COMPARED WITH MEGACOLON

    PubMed Central

    Adad, Sheila Jorge; Etchebehere, Renata Margarida; Jammal, Alessandro Adad

    2014-01-01

    This study aimed to determine the existence of blood vessels within ganglia of the myenteric plexus of the human esophagus and colon. At necropsy, 15 stillborns, newborns and children up to two years of age, with no gastrointestinal disorders, were examined. Rings of the esophagus and colon were analyzed and then fixed in formalin and processed for paraffin. Histological sections were stained by hematoxylin-eosin, Giemsa and immunohistochemistry for the characterization of endothelial cells, using antibodies for anti-factor VIII and CD31. Blood vessels were identified within the ganglia of the myenteric plexus of the esophagus, and no blood vessels were found in any ganglia of the colon. It was concluded that the ganglia of the myenteric plexus of the esophagus are vascularized, while the ganglia of the colon are avascular. Vascularization within the esophageal ganglia could facilitate the entrance of infectious agents, as well as the development of inflammatory responses (ganglionitis) and denervation, as found in Chagas disease and idiopathic achalasia. This could explain the higher frequency of megaesophagus compared with megacolon. PMID:25351549

  16. Measurements of the contact force from myenteric contractions on a solid bolus.

    PubMed

    Terry, Benjamin S; Schoen, Jonathan A; Rentschler, Mark E

    2013-03-01

    The development of robotic capsule endoscopes (RCEs) is one avenue presently investigated by multiple research groups to minimize invasiveness and enhance outcomes of enteroscopic procedures. Understanding the biomechanical response of the small bowel to RCEs is needed for design optimization of these devices. In previous work, the authors developed, characterized, and tested the migrating motor complex force sensor (MFS), a novel sensor for quantifying the contact forces per unit of axial length exerted by the myenteron on a solid bolus. This work is a continuation, in which the MFS is used to quantify the contractile strength in the small intestine proximal, middle, and distal regions of five live porcine models. The MFSs are surgically implanted in a generally anesthetized animal, and force data from 5 min of dwell time are analyzed. The mean myenteric contact force from all porcine models and locations within the bowel is 1.9 ± 1.0 N cm(-1). Examining the results based on the small bowel region shows a statistically significant strengthening trend in the contractile force from proximal to middle to distal with mean forces of 1.2 ± 0.5, 1.9 ± 0.9, and 2.3 ± 1.0 N cm(-1), respectively (mean ± one standard deviation). Quantification of the contact force against a solid bolus provides developers of RCEs with a valuable, experimentally derived parameter of the intraluminal environment.

  17. Ozone affects pollen viability and NAD(P)H oxidase release from Ambrosia artemisiifolia pollen.

    PubMed

    Pasqualini, Stefania; Tedeschini, Emma; Frenguelli, Giuseppe; Wopfner, Nicole; Ferreira, Fatima; D'Amato, Gennaro; Ederli, Luisa

    2011-10-01

    Air pollution is frequently proposed as a cause of the increased incidence of allergy in industrialised countries. We investigated the impact of ozone (O(3)) on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and allergen content of ragweed pollen (Ambrosia artemisiifolia). Pollen was exposed to acute O(3) fumigation, with analysis of pollen viability, ROS and nitric oxide (NO) content, activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAD[P]H) oxidase, and expression of major allergens. There was decreased pollen viability after O(3) fumigation, which indicates damage to the pollen membrane system, although the ROS and NO contents were not changed or were only slightly induced, respectively. Ozone exposure induced a significant enhancement of the ROS-generating enzyme NAD(P)H oxidase. The expression of the allergen Amb a 1 was not affected by O(3), determined from the mRNA levels of the major allergens. We conclude that O(3) can increase ragweed pollen allergenicity through stimulation of ROS-generating NAD(P)H oxidase. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Role of the Rho GTPase Rac in the activation of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase

    PubMed Central

    Pick, Edgar

    2014-01-01

    The superoxide-generating NADPH oxidase of phagocytes consists of the membrane-associated cytochrome b558 (a heterodimer of Nox2 and p22phox) and 4 cytosolic components: p47phox, p67phox, p40phox, and the small GTPase, Rac, in complex with RhoGDI. Superoxide is produced by the NADPH-driven reduction of molecular oxygen, via a redox gradient located in Nox2. Electron flow in Nox2 is initiated by interaction with cytosolic components, which translocate to the membrane, p67phox playing the central role. The participation of Rac is expressed in the following sequence: (1) Translocation of the RacGDP-RhoGDI complex to the membrane; (2) Dissociation of RacGDP from RhoGDI; (3) GDP to GTP exchange on Rac, mediated by a guanine nucleotide exchange factor; (4) Binding of RacGTP to p67phox; (5) Induction of a conformational change in p67phox, promoting interaction with Nox2. The particular involvement of Rac in NADPH oxidase assembly serves as a paradigm for signaling by Rho GTPases, in general. PMID:24598074

  19. Pharmacological inhibition of NADPH oxidase protects against cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity in mice by two step mechanism.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yimin; Luo, Xiao; Pan, Hao; Huang, Wei; Wang, Xueping; Wen, Huali; Shen, Kezhen; Jin, Baiye

    2015-09-01

    Cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity is primarily caused by ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) induced proximal tubular cell death. NADPH oxidase is major source of ROS production by cisplatin. Here, we reported that pharmacological inhibition of NADPH oxidase by acetovanillone (obtained from medicinal herb Picrorhiza kurroa) led to reduced cisplatin nephrotoxicity in mice. In this study we used various molecular biology and biochemistry methods a clinically relevant model of nephropathy, induced by an important chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin. Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity was evident by histological damage from loss of the tubular structure. The damage was also marked by the increase in blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, protein nitration as well as cell death markers such as caspase 3/7 activity and DNA fragmentation. Tubular cell death by cisplatin led to pro-inflammatory response by production of TNFα and IL1β followed by leukocyte/neutrophil infiltration which resulted in new wave of ROS involving more NADPH oxidases. Cisplatin-induced markers of kidney damage such as oxidative stress, cell death, inflammatory cytokine production and nephrotoxicity were attenuated by acetovanillone. In addition to that, acetovanillone enhanced cancer cell killing efficacy of cisplatin. Thus, pharmacological inhibition of NADPH oxidase can be protective for cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  20. Gram stain of tissue biopsy

    MedlinePlus

    ... biopsy To use the sharing features on this page, please enable JavaScript. Gram stain of tissue biopsy test involves using crystal violet stain to test a sample of tissue taken from a biopsy . The Gram stain method can ...

  1. Light Driven CO2 Fixation by Using Cyanobacterial Photosystem I and NADPH-Dependent Formate Dehydrogenase

    PubMed Central

    Ihara, Masaki; Kawano, Yusuke; Urano, Miho; Okabe, Ayako

    2013-01-01

    The ultimate goal of this research is to construct a new direct CO2 fixation system using photosystems in living algae. Here, we report light-driven formate production from CO2 by using cyanobacterial photosystem I (PS I). Formate, a chemical hydrogen carrier and important industrial material, can be produced from CO2 by using the reducing power and the catalytic function of formate dehydrogenase (FDH). We created a bacterial FDH mutant that experimentally switched the cofactor specificity from NADH to NADPH, and combined it with an in vitro-reconstituted cyanobacterial light-driven NADPH production system consisting of PS I, ferredoxin (Fd), and ferredoxin-NADP+-reductase (FNR). Consequently, light-dependent formate production under a CO2 atmosphere was successfully achieved. In addition, we introduced the NADPH-dependent FDH mutant into heterocysts of the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 and demonstrated an increased formate concentration in the cells. These results provide a new possibility for photo-biological CO2 fixation. PMID:23936519

  2. Light driven CO2 fixation by using cyanobacterial photosystem I and NADPH-dependent formate dehydrogenase.

    PubMed

    Ihara, Masaki; Kawano, Yusuke; Urano, Miho; Okabe, Ayako

    2013-01-01

    The ultimate goal of this research is to construct a new direct CO2 fixation system using photosystems in living algae. Here, we report light-driven formate production from CO2 by using cyanobacterial photosystem I (PS I). Formate, a chemical hydrogen carrier and important industrial material, can be produced from CO2 by using the reducing power and the catalytic function of formate dehydrogenase (FDH). We created a bacterial FDH mutant that experimentally switched the cofactor specificity from NADH to NADPH, and combined it with an in vitro-reconstituted cyanobacterial light-driven NADPH production system consisting of PS I, ferredoxin (Fd), and ferredoxin-NADP(+)-reductase (FNR). Consequently, light-dependent formate production under a CO2 atmosphere was successfully achieved. In addition, we introduced the NADPH-dependent FDH mutant into heterocysts of the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 and demonstrated an increased formate concentration in the cells. These results provide a new possibility for photo-biological CO2 fixation.

  3. Genetic Phagocyte NADPH Oxidase Deficiency Enhances Nonviable Candida albicans-Induced Inflammation in Mouse Lungs.

    PubMed

    Endo, Daiki; Fujimoto, Kenta; Hirose, Rika; Yamanaka, Hiroko; Homme, Mizuki; Ishibashi, Ken-Ichi; Miura, Noriko; Ohno, Naohito; Aratani, Yasuaki

    2017-02-01

    Patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) have mutated phagocyte NADPH oxidase, resulting in reduced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). While the mechanism underlying hyperinfection in CGD is well understood, the basis for inflammatory disorders that arise in the absence of evident infection has not been fully explained. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of phagocyte NADPH oxidase deficiency on lung inflammation induced by nonviable Candida albicans (nCA). Mice deficient in this enzyme (CGD mice) showed more severe neutrophilic pneumonia than nCA-treated wild-type mice, which exhibited significantly higher lung concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC). Neutralization of these proinflammatory mediators significantly reduced neutrophil infiltration. In vitro, production of IL-1β and TNF-α from neutrophils and that of KC from macrophages was enhanced in nCA-stimulated neutrophils from CGD mice. Expression of IL-1β mRNA was higher in the stimulated CGD neutrophils than in the stimulated wild-type cells, concomitant with upregulation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and its upstream regulator extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2. Pretreatment with an NADPH oxidase inhibitor significantly enhanced IL-1β production in the wild-type neutrophils stimulated with nCA. These results suggest that lack of ROS production because of NADPH oxidase deficiency results in the production of higher levels of proinflammatory mediators from neutrophils and macrophages, which may at least partly contribute to the exacerbation of nCA-induced lung inflammation in CGD mice.

  4. Relative importance of redox buffers GSH and NAD(P)H in age-related neurodegeneration and Alzheimer disease-like mouse neurons.

    PubMed

    Ghosh, Debolina; Levault, Kelsey R; Brewer, Gregory J

    2014-08-01

    Aging, a major risk factor in Alzheimer's disease (AD), is associated with an oxidative redox shift, decreased redox buffer protection, and increased free radical reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, probably linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. While NADH is the ultimate electron donor for many redox reactions, including oxidative phosphorylation, glutathione (GSH) is the major ROS detoxifying redox buffer in the cell. Here, we explored the relative importance of NADH and GSH to neurodegeneration in aging and AD neurons from nontransgenic and 3xTg-AD mice by inhibiting their synthesis to determine whether NADH can compensate for the GSH loss to maintain redox balance. Neurons stressed by either depleting NAD(P)H or GSH indicated that NADH redox control is upstream of GSH levels. Further, although depletion of NAD(P)H or GSH correlated linearly with neuron death, compared with GSH depletion, higher neurodegeneration was observed when NAD(P)H was extrapolated to zero, especially in old age, and in the 3xTg-AD neurons. We also observed an age-dependent loss of gene expression of key redox-dependent biosynthetic enzymes, NAMPT (nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase), and NNT (nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase). Moreover, age-related correlations between brain NNT or NAMPT gene expression and NADPH levels suggest that these genes contribute to the age-related declines in NAD(P)H. Our data indicate that in aging and more so in AD-like neurons, NAD(P)H redox control is upstream of GSH and an oxidative redox shift that promotes neurodegeneration. Thus, NAD(P)H generation may be a more efficacious therapeutic target upstream of GSH and ROS. © 2014 The Authors. Aging Cell published by the Anatomical Society and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  5. The crystal structure of NADPH:ferredoxin reductase from Azotobacter vinelandii.

    PubMed Central

    Sridhar Prasad, G.; Kresge, N.; Muhlberg, A. B.; Shaw, A.; Jung, Y. S.; Burgess, B. K.; Stout, C. D.

    1998-01-01

    NADPH:ferredoxin reductase (AvFPR) is involved in the response to oxidative stress in Azotobacter vinelandii. The crystal structure of AvFPR has been determined at 2.0 A resolution. The polypeptide fold is homologous with six other oxidoreductases whose structures have been solved including Escherichia coli flavodoxin reductase (EcFldR) and spinach, and Anabaena ferredoxin:NADP+ reductases (FNR). AvFPR is overall most homologous to EcFldR. The structure is comprised of a N-terminal six-stranded antiparallel beta-barrel domain, which binds FAD, and a C-terminal five-stranded parallel beta-sheet domain, which binds NADPH/NADP+ and has a classical nucleotide binding fold. The two domains associate to form a deep cleft where the NADPH and FAD binding sites are juxtaposed. The structure displays sequence conserved motifs in the region surrounding the two dinucleotide binding sites, which are characteristic of the homologous enzymes. The folded over conformation of FAD in AvFPR is similar to that in EcFldR due to stacking of Phe255 on the adenine ring of FAD, but it differs from that in the FNR enzymes, which lack a homologous aromatic residue. The structure of AvFPR displays three unique features in the environment of the bound FAD. Two features may affect the rate of reduction of FAD: the absence of an aromatic residue stacked on the isoalloxazine ring in the NADPH binding site; and the interaction of a carbonyl group with N10 of the flavin. Both of these features are due to the substitution of a conserved C-terminal tyrosine residue with alanine (Ala254) in AvFPR. An additional unique feature may affect the interaction of AvFPR with its redox partner ferredoxin I (FdI). This is the extension of the C-terminus by three residues relative to EcFldR and by four residues relative to FNR. The C-terminal residue, Lys258, interacts with the AMP phosphate of FAD. Consequently, both phosphate groups are paired with a basic group due to the simultaneous interaction of the FMN

  6. Putting vital stains in context.

    PubMed

    Efron, Nathan

    2013-07-01

    While vital staining remains a cornerstone in the diagnosis of ocular disease and contact lens complications, there are many misconceptions regarding the properties of commonly used dyes by eye-care practitioners and what is and what is not corneal staining after instillation of sodium fluorescein. Similarly, the proper use and diagnostic utility of rose Bengal and lissamine green B, the other two ophthalmic dyes commonly used for assessing ocular complications, have similarly remained unclear. Due to the limitations of vital stains for definitive diagnosis, concomitant signs and symptoms in addition to a complete patient history are required. Over the past decade, there have been many reports of a type of corneal staining--often referred to as solution-induced corneal staining (SICS)--that is observed with the use of multipurpose solutions in combination with soft lenses, more specifically silicone hydrogel lenses. Some authors believe that SICS is a sign of lens/solution incompatibility; however, new research shows that SICS may be neither a measure of lens/solution biocompatibility nor 'true' corneal staining, as that observed in pathological situations. A large component of SICS may be a benign phenomenon, known as preservative-associated transient hyperfluorescence (PATH). There is a lack of correlated signs and/or symptoms with SICS/PATH. Several properties of SICS/PATH, such as appearance and duration, differentiate it from pathological corneal staining. This paper reviews the properties of vital stains, their use and limitations in assessment of the ocular surface, the aetiology of corneal staining, characteristics of SICS/PATH that differentiate it from pathological corneal staining and what the SICS/PATH phenomenon means for contact lens-wearing patients. © 2012 The Author. Clinical and Experimental Optometry © 2012 Optometrists Association Australia.

  7. SIRT1 inhibits NADPH oxidase activation and protects endothelial function in the rat aorta: implications for vascular aging.

    PubMed

    Zarzuelo, María José; López-Sepúlveda, Rocío; Sánchez, Manuel; Romero, Miguel; Gómez-Guzmán, Manuel; Ungvary, Zoltan; Pérez-Vizcaíno, Francisco; Jiménez, Rosario; Duarte, Juan

    2013-05-01

    Vascular aging is characterized by up-regulation of NADPH oxidase, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. Previous studies demonstrate that the activity of the evolutionarily conserved NAD(+)-dependent deacetylase SIRT1 declines with age and that pharmacological activators of SIRT1 confer significant anti-aging cardiovascular effects. To determine whether dysregulation of SIRT1 promotes NADPH oxidase-dependent production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and impairs endothelial function we assessed the effects of three structurally different inhibitors of SIRT1 (nicotinamide, sirtinol, EX527) in aorta segments isolated from young Wistar rats. Inhibition of SIRT1 induced endothelial dysfunction, as shown by the significantly reduced relaxation to the endothelium-dependent vasodilators acetylcholine and the calcium ionophore A23187. Endothelial dysfunction induced by SIRT1 inhibition was prevented by treatment of the vessels with the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin or superoxide dismutase. Inhibition of SIRT1 significantly increased vascular superoxide production, enhanced NADPH oxidase activity, and mRNA expression of its subunits p22(phox) and NOX4, which were prevented by resveratrol. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) activation mimicked the effects of resveratrol while PPARα inhibition prevented the effects of this SIRT1 activator. SIRT1 co-precipitated with PPARα and nicotinamide increased the acetylation of the PPARα coactivator PGC-1α, which was suppressed by resveratrol. In conclusion, impaired activity of SIRT1 induces endothelial dysfunction and up-regulates NADPH oxidase-derived ROS production in the vascular wall, mimicking the vascular aging phenotype. Moreover, a new mechanism for controlling endothelial function after SIRT1 activation involves a decreased PGC-1α acetylation and the subsequent PPARα activation, resulting in both decreased NADPH oxidase-driven ROS production and NO inactivation. Copyright © 2013

  8. 'Ease of interpretation' of cytological smears stained with modified ultrafast papanicolaou stain: Interobserver agreement and reproducibility.

    PubMed

    Uthamalingam, Preithy; Sathish Kumar, Thabasum; Venus, Albina; Sekar, Preethi; Muthusamy, Rajeshwari K; Mehta, Sangita

    2018-04-01

    Since its inception in 1995, the Ultrafast Papanicoloau (UFPAP) cytological stain has undergone a number of modifications to suit the local availability of reagents and cost in different set ups. However, the reported results have been uniformly encouraging. We designed a study to investigate the inter-observer agreement in 'perceived ease of interpretation' of cytological smears stained with Modified Ultrafast Papanicoloau stain (MUFPAP). After a small pilot study, we prospectively stained air-dried fine needle aspirate smears (FNACs) and Body Fluid smears with the standardized MUFPAP stain. The MUFPAP stained slides were evaluated in tandem with other routine cytological stains as well as independently by two pathologists. Two rater kappa was used to determine the agreement. The study included 93 fluids and 34 FNACs. A vast majority of the cases stained with MUFPAP were rated 'better' than the routine stains in terms of 'overall ease of interpretation' with considerable agreement. The agreement tended to be better for FNACs than fluid specimens. Cases with malignant pathology demonstrated a perfect agreement (kappa = 1) between the raters in terms of 'overall ease of interpretation' (91.7% cases were rated 'very good' by each pathologist) when compared to cases with benign pathology (kappa = 0.52). Nuclear characteristics were appreciated with a better agreement than other parameters. Modified UFPAP stain appears to be quick, reliable, cost-effective alternative in cytology, especially for detecting malignant cells in smears with low cellularity. Its specific advantage is robust nuclear staining against a clear background. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  9. Peroxisomal plant metabolism - an update on nitric oxide, Ca2+ and the NADPH recycling network.

    PubMed

    Corpas, Francisco J; Barroso, Juan B

    2018-01-29

    Plant peroxisomes are recognized organelles that - with their capacity to generate greater amounts of H 2 O 2 than other subcellular compartments - have a remarkable oxidative metabolism. However, over the last 15 years, new information has shown that plant peroxisomes contain other important molecules and enzymes, including nitric oxide (NO), peroxynitrite, a NADPH-recycling system, Ca 2+ and lipid-derived signals, such as jasmonic acid (JA) and nitro-fatty acid (NO 2 -FA). This highlights the potential for complex interactions within the peroxisomal nitro-oxidative metabolism, which also affects the status of the cell and consequently its physiological processes. In this review, we provide an update on the peroxisomal interactions between all these molecules. Particular emphasis will be placed on the generation of the free-radical NO, which requires the presence of Ca 2+ , calmodulin and NADPH redox power. Peroxisomes possess several NADPH regeneration mechanisms, such as those mediated by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGDH) proteins, which are involved in the oxidative phase of the pentose phosphate pathway, as well as that mediated by NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH). The generated NADPH is also an essential cofactor across other peroxisomal pathways, including the antioxidant ascorbate-glutathione cycle and unsaturated fatty acid β-oxidation, the latter being a source of powerful signaling molecules such as JA and NO 2 -FA. © 2018. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

  10. Identification and Characterization of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum NADPH Oxidases▿†

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Hyo-jin; Chen, Changbin; Kabbage, Mehdi; Dickman, Martin B.

    2011-01-01

    Numerous studies have shown both the detrimental and beneficial effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in animals, plants, and fungi. These organisms utilize controlled generation of ROS for signaling, pathogenicity, and development. Here, we show that ROS are essential for the pathogenic development of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, an economically important fungal pathogen with a broad host range. Based on the organism's completed genome sequence, we identified two S. sclerotiorum NADPH oxidases (SsNox1 and SsNox2), which presumably are involved in ROS generation. RNA interference (RNAi) was used to examine the function of SsNox1 and SsNox2. Silencing of SsNox1 expression indicated a central role for this enzyme in both virulence and pathogenic (sclerotial) development, while inactivation of the SsNox2 gene resulted in limited sclerotial development, but the organism remained fully pathogenic. ΔSsnox1 strains had reduced ROS levels, were unable to develop sclerotia, and unexpectedly correlated with significantly reduced oxalate production. These results are in accordance with previous observations indicating that fungal NADPH oxidases are required for pathogenic development and are consistent with the importance of ROS regulation in the successful pathogenesis of S. sclerotiorum. PMID:21890677

  11. Mitochondrial NAD(P)H In vivo: Identifying Natural Indicators of Oxidative Phosphorylation in the (31)P Magnetic Resonance Spectrum.

    PubMed

    Conley, Kevin E; Ali, Amir S; Flores, Brandon; Jubrias, Sharon A; Shankland, Eric G

    2016-01-01

    Natural indicators provide intrinsic probes of metabolism, biogenesis and oxidative protection. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide metabolites (NAD(P)) are one class of indicators that have roles as co-factors in oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis, and anti-oxidant protection, as well as signaling in the mitochondrial biogenesis pathway. These many roles are made possible by the distinct redox states (NAD(P)(+) and NAD(P)H), which are compartmentalized between cytosol and mitochondria. Here we provide evidence for detection of NAD(P)(+) and NAD(P)H in separate mitochondrial and cytosol pools in vivo in human tissue by phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((31)P MRS). These NAD(P) pools are identified by chemical standards (NAD(+), NADP(+), and NADH) and by physiological tests. A unique resonance reflecting mitochondrial NAD(P)H is revealed by the changes elicited by elevation of mitochondrial oxidation. The decline of NAD(P)H with oxidation is matched by a stoichiometric rise in the NAD(P)(+) peak. This unique resonance also provides a measure of the improvement in mitochondrial oxidation that parallels the greater phosphorylation found after exercise training in these elderly subjects. The implication is that the dynamics of the mitochondrial NAD(P)H peak provides an intrinsic probe of the reversal of mitochondrial dysfunction in elderly muscle. Thus, non-invasive detection of NAD(P)(+) and NAD(P)H in cytosol vs. mitochondria yields natural indicators of redox compartmentalization and sensitive intrinsic probes of the improvement of mitochondrial function with an intervention in human tissues in vivo. These natural indicators hold the promise of providing mechanistic insight into metabolism and mitochondrial function in vivo in a range of tissues in health, disease and with treatment.

  12. Dual blockade of aldosterone and angiotensin II additively suppresses TGF-beta and NADPH oxidase in the hypertensive kidney.

    PubMed

    Onozato, Maristela Lika; Tojo, Akihiro; Kobayashi, Naohiko; Goto, Atsuo; Matsuoka, Hiroaki; Fujita, Toshiro

    2007-05-01

    Angiotensin II blockade and spironolactone effectively reduces proteinuria in humans. To clarify the mechanisms of the beneficial effect of blockade of both aldosterone and angiotensin II, we associated the aldosterone antagonist eplerenone to an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and examined the effect on renal transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta expression and oxidative stress by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase in the Dahl salt-sensitive rat with heart failure (DSHF). Dahl salt-resistant control rats and DSHF rats were fed with 8% NaCl diet and at 11 weeks the DSHF rats were treated with vehicle, eplerenone (Epl), trandolapril or a combination of both drugs for 7 weeks. DSHF rats showed increased NADPH oxidase and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) resulting in increased oxidative stress. ACEI and Epl reduced NADPH oxidase showing an additive effect in their combination; ACEI increased manganese SOD (MnSOD) and Epl increased MnSOD, copper-zinc SOD and catalase, resulting in the lowest levels of oxidative stress with the combination therapy. Glomerulosclerosis and proteinuria were increased in the DSHF rats, and Epl suppressed them more effectively than ACEI to levels not different from the combination of both, showing a positive correlation with NADPH oxidase expression and TGF-beta. Renal TGF-beta was specifically suppressed with Epl The association of Epl to ACEI is beneficial due to further reduction of NADPH oxidase and specific inhibition of TGF-beta resulting in improvement of renal damage.

  13. Fructose increases corticosterone production in association with NADPH metabolism alterations in rat epididymal white adipose tissue.

    PubMed

    Prince, Paula D; Santander, Yanina A; Gerez, Estefania M; Höcht, Christian; Polizio, Ariel H; Mayer, Marcos A; Taira, Carlos A; Fraga, Cesar G; Galleano, Monica; Carranza, Andrea

    2017-08-01

    Metabolic syndrome is an array of closely metabolic disorders that includes glucose intolerance/insulin resistance, central obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Fructose, a highly lipogenic sugar, has profound metabolic effects in adipose tissue, and has been associated with the etiopathology of many components of the metabolic syndrome. In adipocytes, the enzyme 11 β-HSD1 amplifies local glucocorticoid production, being a key player in the pathogenesis of central obesity and metabolic syndrome. 11 β-HSD1 reductase activity is dependent on NADPH, a cofactor generated by H6PD inside the endoplasmic reticulum. Our focus was to explore the effect of fructose overload on epididymal white adipose tissue (EWAT) machinery involved in glucocorticoid production and NADPH and oxidants metabolism. Male Sprague-Dawley rats fed with a fructose solution (10% (w/v) in tap water) during 9 weeks developed some characteristic features of metabolic syndrome, such as hypertriglyceridemia, and hypertension. In addition, high levels of plasma and EWAT corticosterone were detected. Activities and expressions of H6PD and 11 β-HSD1, NAPDH content, superoxide anion production, expression of NADPH oxidase 2 subunits, and indicators of oxidative metabolism were measured. Fructose overloaded rats showed an increased potential in oxidant production respect to control rats. In parallel, in EWAT from fructose overloaded rats we found higher expression/activity of H6PD and 11 β-HSD1, and NADPH/NADP + ratio. Our in vivo results support that fructose overload installs in EWAT conditions favoring glucocorticoid production through higher H6PD expression/activity supplying NADPH for enhanced 11 β-HSD1 expression/activity, becoming this tissue a potential extra-adrenal source of corticosterone under these experimental conditions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Atrial myocardial nox2 containing NADPH oxidase activity contribution to oxidative stress in mitral regurgitation: potential mechanism for atrial remodeling.

    PubMed

    Chang, Jen-Ping; Chen, Mien-Cheng; Liu, Wen-Hao; Yang, Cheng-Hsu; Chen, Chien-Jen; Chen, Yung-Lung; Pan, Kuo-Li; Tsai, Tzu-Hsien; Chang, Hsueh-Wen

    2011-01-01

    Oxidative stress is linked with several cardiovascular diseases. However, the NADPH oxidase activity in severe mitral regurgitation patients with and without atrial fibrillation has not yet been explored. This study involved 16 adult patients (eight patients with persistent atrial fibrillation and eight with sinus rhythm) with severe mitral and moderate-to-severe tricuspid regurgitation and five control patients without mitral and tricuspid disease. Atrial tissues of the right and left atrial appendages were obtained during surgery. Superoxide anion production was measured by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence, and the expression of nox2 containing NADPH oxidase mRNA was measured by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Additionally, immunohistochemical study was performed. NADPH-stimulated superoxide release was significantly higher than basal superoxide production from right [5671.9±3498.7 vs. 232.7±70.0 relative light units per second per milligram of protein (RLU s(-1) mg protein(-1)), P=.008) and left atrial homogenates (6475.1±1890.8 vs. 229.0±79.6 RLU s(-1) mg protein(-1), P=.008) in atrial fibrillation patients. The NADPH-stimulated superoxide release from right atrial homogenates was also significantly higher than basal superoxide production in sinus patients (6809.1±1327.1 vs. 244.2±65.5 RLU s(-1) mg protein(-1), P=.008). Additionally, there was a borderline significant correlation between NADPH-stimulated superoxide production from left atrial homogenates and left atrial sizes (r=0.683, P=.062) in atrial fibrillation patients. Membrane-bound nox2 containing NADPH oxidase mRNA expression was increased and was similar in both the atrial fibrillation patients and sinus patients. The NADPH-stimulated superoxide production in right atrial homogenates in control atrial samples was 1863.7±137.2 RLU s(-1) mg protein(-1). Immunohistochemical study demonstrated increased expression of nox2 in myocytes with moderate-to-severe myolysis and hypertrophy. Results of

  15. Transhydrogenase Promotes the Robustness and Evolvability of E. coli Deficient in NADPH Production

    PubMed Central

    Chou, Hsin-Hung; Marx, Christopher J.; Sauer, Uwe

    2015-01-01

    Metabolic networks revolve around few metabolites recognized by diverse enzymes and involved in myriad reactions. Though hub metabolites are considered as stepping stones to facilitate the evolutionary expansion of biochemical pathways, changes in their production or consumption often impair cellular physiology through their system-wide connections. How does metabolism endure perturbations brought immediately by pathway modification and restore hub homeostasis in the long run? To address this question we studied laboratory evolution of pathway-engineered Escherichia coli that underproduces the redox cofactor NADPH on glucose. Literature suggests multiple possibilities to restore NADPH homeostasis. Surprisingly, genetic dissection of isolates from our twelve evolved populations revealed merely two solutions: (1) modulating the expression of membrane-bound transhydrogenase (mTH) in every population; (2) simultaneously consuming glucose with acetate, an unfavored byproduct normally excreted during glucose catabolism, in two subpopulations. Notably, mTH displays broad phylogenetic distribution and has also played a predominant role in laboratory evolution of Methylobacterium extorquens deficient in NADPH production. Convergent evolution of two phylogenetically and metabolically distinct species suggests mTH as a conserved buffering mechanism that promotes the robustness and evolvability of metabolism. Moreover, adaptive diversification via evolving dual substrate consumption highlights the flexibility of physiological systems to exploit ecological opportunities. PMID:25715029

  16. Persistent activation of microglia and NADPH drive hippocampal dysfunction in experimental multiple sclerosis

    PubMed Central

    Di Filippo, Massimiliano; de Iure, Antonio; Giampà, Carmela; Chiasserini, Davide; Tozzi, Alessandro; Orvietani, Pier Luigi; Ghiglieri, Veronica; Tantucci, Michela; Durante, Valentina; Quiroga-Varela, Ana; Mancini, Andrea; Costa, Cinzia; Sarchielli, Paola; Fusco, Francesca Romana; Calabresi, Paolo

    2016-01-01

    Cognitive impairment is common in multiple sclerosis (MS). Unfortunately, the synaptic and molecular mechanisms underlying MS-associated cognitive dysfunction are largely unknown. We explored the presence and the underlying mechanism of cognitive and synaptic hippocampal dysfunction during the remission phase of experimental MS. Experiments were performed in a chronic-relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS, after the resolution of motor deficits. Immunohistochemistry and patch-clamp recordings were performed in the CA1 hippocampal area. The hole-board was utilized as cognitive/behavioural test. In the remission phase of experimental MS, hippocampal microglial cells showed signs of activation, CA1 hippocampal synapses presented an impaired long-term potentiation (LTP) and an alteration of spatial tests became evident. The activation of hippocampal microglia mediated synaptic and cognitive/behavioural alterations during EAE. Specifically, LTP blockade was found to be caused by the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-producing enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. We suggest that in the remission phase of experimental MS microglia remains activated, causing synaptic dysfunctions mediated by NADPH oxidase. Inhibition of microglial activation and NADPH oxidase may represent a promising strategy to prevent neuroplasticity impairment associated with active neuro-inflammation, with the aim to improve cognition and counteract MS disease progression. PMID:26887636

  17. NADPH oxidase-mediated generation of reactive oxygen species is critically required for survival of undifferentiated human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60.

    PubMed

    Dong, Jing-Mei; Zhao, Sheng-Guo; Huang, Guo-Yin; Liu, Qing

    2004-06-01

    Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH oxidase) mediated generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was originally identified as the powerful host defense machinery against microorganism in phagocytes. But recent reports indicated that some non-phagocytic cells also have the NADPH oxidase activity, and the ROS produced by it may act as cell signal molecule. But as far as today, whether the NADPH oxidase also plays similar role in phagocyte has not been paid much attention. Utilizing the undifferentiated HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells as a model, the aim of the present study was to determine whether NADPH oxidase plays a role on ROS generation in undifferentiated HL-60, and the ROS mediated by it was essential for cell's survival. For the first time, we verified that the release of ROS in undifferentiated HL-60 was significantly increased by the stimulation with Calcium ionophore or opsonized zymosan, which are known to trigger respiration burst in phagocytes by NADPH oxidase pathway. Diphenylene iodonium (DPI) or apocynin (APO), two inhibitors of NADPH oxidase, significantly suppressed the increasing of ROS caused by opsonized zymosan. Cell survival assay and fluorescence double dyeing with acridine orange and ethidium bromide showed that DPI and APO, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) concentration-dependently decreased the viability of undifferentiated HL-60 cells, whereas exogenous H2O2 can rescue the cells from death obviously. Our results suggested that the ROS, generated by NADPH oxidase play an essential role in the survival of undifferentiated HL-60 cells.

  18. Differential roles of NADPH oxidases in vascular physiology and pathophysiology

    PubMed Central

    Amanso, Angelica M.; Griendling, Kathy K.

    2012-01-01

    Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced by all vascular cells and regulate the major physiological functions of the vasculature. Production and removal of ROS are tightly controlled and occur in discrete subcellular locations, allowing for specific, compartmentalized signaling. Among the many sources of ROS in the vessel wall, NADPH oxidases are implicated in physiological functions such as control of vasomotor tone, regulation of extracellular matrix and phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells. They are involved in the response to injury, whether as an oxygen sensor during hypoxia, as a regulator of protein processing, as an angiogenic stimulus, or as a mechanism of wound healing. These enzymes have also been linked to processes leading to disease development, including migration, proliferation, hypertrophy, apoptosis and autophagy. As a result, NADPH oxidases participate in atherogenesis, systemic and pulmonary hypertension and diabetic vascular disease. The role of ROS in each of these processes and diseases is complex, and a more full understanding of the sources, targets, cell-specific responses and counterbalancing mechanisms is critical for the rational development of future therapeutics. PMID:22202108

  19. Cancer-associated Isocitrate Dehydrogenase Mutations Inactivate NADPH-dependent Reductive Carboxylation*

    PubMed Central

    Leonardi, Roberta; Subramanian, Chitra; Jackowski, Suzanne; Rock, Charles O.

    2012-01-01

    Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) is a reversible enzyme that catalyzes the NADP+-dependent oxidative decarboxylation of isocitrate (ICT) to α-ketoglutarate (αKG) and the NADPH/CO2-dependent reductive carboxylation of αKG to ICT. Reductive carboxylation by IDH1 was potently inhibited by NADP+ and, to a lesser extent, by ICT. IDH1 and IDH2 with cancer-associated mutations at the active site arginines were unable to carry out the reductive carboxylation of αKG. These mutants were also defective in ICT decarboxylation and converted αKG to 2-hydroxyglutarate using NADPH. These mutant proteins were thus defective in both of the normal reactions of IDH. Biochemical analysis of heterodimers between wild-type and mutant IDH1 subunits showed that the mutant subunit did not inactivate reductive carboxylation by the wild-type subunit. Cells expressing the mutant IDH are thus deficient in their capacity for reductive carboxylation and may be compromised in their ability to produce acetyl-CoA under hypoxia or when mitochondrial function is otherwise impaired. PMID:22442146

  20. Calcium mobilization and Rac1 activation are required for VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) stimulation of NADPH oxidase activity.

    PubMed Central

    Cook-Mills, Joan M; Johnson, Jacob D; Deem, Tracy L; Ochi, Atsuo; Wang, Lei; Zheng, Yi

    2004-01-01

    VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) plays an important role in the regulation of inflammation in atherosclerosis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease and transplantation. VCAM-1 activates endothelial cell NADPH oxidase, and this oxidase activity is required for VCAM-1-dependent lymphocyte migration. We reported previously that a mouse microvascular endothelial cell line promotes lymphocyte migration that is dependent on VCAM-1, but not on other known adhesion molecules. Here we have investigated the signalling mechanisms underlying VCAM-1 function. Lymphocyte binding to VCAM-1 on the endothelial cell surface activated an endothelial cell calcium flux that could be inhibited with anti-alpha4-integrin and mimicked by anti-VCAM-1-coated beads. VCAM-1 stimulation of calcium responses could be blocked by an inhibitor of intracellular calcium mobilization, a calcium channel inhibitor or a calcium chelator, resulting in the inhibition of NADPH oxidase activity. Addition of ionomycin overcame the calcium channel blocker suppression of VCAM-1-stimulated NADPH oxidase activity, but could not reverse the inhibitory effect imposed by intracellular calcium blockage, indicating that both intracellular and extracellular calcium mobilization are required for VCAM-1-mediated activation of NADPH oxidase. Furthermore, VCAM-1 specifically activated the Rho-family GTPase Rac1, and VCAM-1 activation of NADPH oxidase was blocked by a dominant negative Rac1. Thus VCAM-1 stimulates the mobilization of intracellular and extracellular calcium and Rac1 activity that are required for the activation of NADPH oxidase. PMID:14594451

  1. Regulation of NADPH-dependent Nitric Oxide and reactive oxygen species signalling in endothelial and melanoma cells by a photoactive NADPH analogue

    PubMed Central

    Rouaud, Florian; Romero-Perez, Miguel; Wang, Huan; Lobysheva, Irina; Ramassamy, Booma; Henry, Etienne; Tauc, Patrick; Giacchero, Damien; Boucher, Jean-Luc; Deprez, Eric; Rocchi, Stéphane; Slama-Schwok, Anny

    2014-01-01

    Nitric Oxide (NO) and Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are endogenous regulators of angiogenesis-related events as endothelial cell proliferation and survival, but NO/ROS defect or unbalance contribute to cancers. We recently designed a novel photoactive inhibitor of NO-Synthases (NOS) called NS1, which binds their NADPH site in vitro. Here, we show that NS1 inhibited NO formed in aortic rings. NS1-induced NO decrease led to an inhibition of angiogenesis in a model of VEGF-induced endothelial tubes formation. Beside this effect, NS1 reduced ROS levels in endothelial and melanoma A375 cells and in aorta. In metastatic melanoma cells, NS1 first induced a strong decrease of VEGF and blocked melanoma cell cycle at G2/M. NS1 decreased NOX4 and ROS levels that could lead to a specific proliferation arrest and cell death. In contrast, NS1 did not perturb melanocytes growth. Altogether, NS1 revealed a possible cross-talk between eNOS- and NOX4 –associated pathways in melanoma cells via VEGF, Erk and Akt modulation by NS1 that could be targeted to stop proliferation. NS1 thus constitutes a promising tool that modulates NO and redox stresses by targeting and directly inhibiting eNOS and, at least indirectly, NADPH oxidase(s), with great potential to control angiogenesis. PMID:25296975

  2. NADPH Oxidase Signaling Pathway Mediates Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Induced Inhibition of Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation.

    PubMed

    Qiao, Haowen; Zhou, Yu; Qin, Xingping; Cheng, Jing; He, Yun; Jiang, Yugang

    2018-01-01

    Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have blossomed into an effective approach with great potential for the treatment of liver fibrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying antifibrosis mechanisms by which the BMSC inhibit activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vivo and in vitro. To study the effect of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) on activated HSCs, we used HSCs and the coculture systems to evaluate the inhibition of activated HSCs from the aspects of the apoptosis of activated HSCs. In addition, activation of NADPH oxidase pathway and the changes in liver histopathology were tested by using the carbon tetrachloride- (CCl 4 -) induced liver fibrosis in mice. Introduction of hBM-MSCs significantly inhibited the proliferation of activated HSCs by inducing the apoptosis process of activated HSCs. The effect of hBM-MSCs reduced the signaling pathway of NADPH oxidase in activated HSCs. Besides, the signaling pathway of NADPH oxidase mediated hBM-MSC upregulation of the expression of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and downregulation of the expression of α 1(I) collagen and alpha-smooth muscle actin ( α -SMA) in activated HSCs. Moreover, the hBM-MSC-induced decrease in the signaling pathway of NADPH oxidase was accompanied by the decrease of the activated HSC number and liver fibrosis in a mouse model of CCl 4 -induced liver fibrosis. The hBM-MSCs act as a promising drug source against liver fibrosis development with respect to hepatopathy as a therapeutic target.

  3. The senescence-accelerated mouse prone-8 (SAM-P8) oxidative stress is associated with upregulation of renal NADPH oxidase system.

    PubMed

    Baltanás, Ana; Solesio, Maria E; Zalba, Guillermo; Galindo, María F; Fortuño, Ana; Jordán, Joaquín

    2013-12-01

    Herein, we investigate whether the NADPH oxidase might be playing a key role in the degree of oxidative stress in the senescence-accelerated mouse prone-8 (SAM-P8). To this end, the activity and expression of the NADPH oxidase, the ratio of glutathione and glutathione disulfides (GSH/GSSG), and the levels of malonyl dialdehyde (MDA) and nitrotyrosine (NT) were determined in renal tissue from SAM-P8 mice at the age of 1 and 6 months. The senescence-accelerated-resistant mouse (SAM-R1) was used as control. At the age of 1 month, NADPH oxidase activity and Nox2 protein expression were higher in SAM-P8 than in SAM-R1 mice. However, we found no differences in the GSH/GSSG ratio, MDA, NT, and Nox4 levels between both groups of animals. At the age of 6 months, SAM-R1 mice in comparison to SAM-P8 mice showed an increase in NADPH oxidase activity, which is associated with higher levels of NT and increased Nox4 and Nox2 expression levels. Furthermore, we found oxidative stress hallmarks including depletion in GSH/GSSG ratio and increase in MDA levels in the kidney of SAM-P8 mice. Finally, NADPH oxidase activity positively correlated with Nox2 expression in all the animals (r = 0.382, P < 0.05). Taken together, our data allow us to suggest that an increase in NADPH oxidase activity might be an early hallmark to predict future oxidative stress in renal tissue during the aging process that takes place in SAM-P8 mice.

  4. Mitochondrial Impairment May Increase Cellular NAD(P)H: Resazurin Oxidoreductase Activity, Perturbing the NAD(P)H-Based Viability Assays.

    PubMed

    Aleshin, Vasily A; Artiukhov, Artem V; Oppermann, Henry; Kazantsev, Alexey V; Lukashev, Nikolay V; Bunik, Victoria I

    2015-08-21

    Cellular NAD(P)H-dependent oxidoreductase activity with artificial dyes (NAD(P)H-OR) is an indicator of viability, as the cellular redox state is important for biosynthesis and antioxidant defense. However, high NAD(P)H due to impaired mitochondrial oxidation, known as reductive stress, should increase NAD(P)H-OR yet perturb viability. To better understand this complex behavior, we assayed NAD(P)H-OR with resazurin (Alamar Blue) in glioblastoma cell lines U87 and T98G, treated with inhibitors of central metabolism, oxythiamin, and phosphonate analogs of 2-oxo acids. Targeting the thiamin diphosphate (ThDP)-dependent enzymes, the inhibitors are known to decrease the NAD(P)H production in the pentose phosphate shuttle and/or upon mitochondrial oxidation of 2-oxo acids. Nevertheless, the inhibitors elevated NAD(P)H-OR with resazurin in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, suggesting impaired NAD(P)H oxidation rather than increased viability. In particular, inhibition of the ThDP-dependent enzymes affects metabolism of malate, which mediates mitochondrial oxidation of cytosolic NAD(P)H. We showed that oxythiamin not only inhibited mitochondrial 2-oxo acid dehydrogenases, but also induced cell-specific changes in glutamate and malate dehydrogenases and/or malic enzyme. As a result, inhibition of the 2-oxo acid dehydrogenases compromises mitochondrial metabolism, with the dysregulated electron fluxes leading to increases in cellular NAD(P)H-OR. Perturbed mitochondrial oxidation of NAD(P)H may thus complicate the NAD(P)H-based viability assay.

  5. Differential levels of metabolic activity in isolated versus confluent/partially confluent HeLa cells are analyzed by autofluorescent NAD(P)H using multi-photon FLIM microscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chandler, Andrea; Chandler, Aaron; Wallrabe, Horst; Periasamy, Ammasi

    2017-02-01

    NAD(P)H is a known biomarker for cellular metabolism; a higher ratio of enzyme-bound NAD(P)H to free/unbound NAD(P)H indicates an increase in metabolic activity. Free NADH has a shorter fluorescence lifetime (τ1), the bound version (τ2) a longer lifetime. FLIM's unique capability to establish inter alia the relative fractions of τ1 (a1%) and τ2 (a2%) in each pixel, determines the level of metabolic activity. The relative abundances of bound NAD(P)H were analyzed for single cells, confluent and partially confluent cells within 3 Fields-of-View (FoVs). A gradient of increasing a 2% levels of bound NAD(P)H from single, partially confluent to confluent cells was observed.

  6. NAD(P)H oxidase mediates the endothelial barrier dysfunction induced by TNF-alpha.

    PubMed

    Gertzberg, Nancy; Neumann, Paul; Rizzo, Victor; Johnson, Arnold

    2004-01-01

    We tested the hypothesis that the NAD(P)H oxidase-dependent generation of superoxide anion (O2-*) mediates tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF)-induced alterations in the permeability of pulmonary microvessel endothelial monolayers (PMEM). The permeability of PMEM was assessed by the clearance rate of Evans blue-labeled albumin. The NAD(P)H oxidase subcomponents p47phox and p22phox were assessed by immunofluorescent microscopy and Western blot. The reactive oxygen species O2-* was measured by the fluorescence of 6-carboxy-2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetatedi(acetoxymethyl ester), 5 (and 6)-chloromethyl-2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate-acetyl ester, and dihydroethidium. TNF treatment (50 ng/ml for 4.0 h) induced 1) p47phox translocation, 2) an increase in p22phox protein, 3) increased localization of p47phox with p22phox, 4) O2-* generation, and 5) increased permeability to albumin. p22phox antisense oligonucleotide prevented the TNF-induced effect on p22phox, p47phox, O2-*, and permeability. The scrambled nonsense oligonucleotide had no effect. The TNF-induced increase in O2-* and permeability to albumin was also prevented by the O2-* scavenger Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (100 U/ml). The results indicate that the activation of NAD(P)H oxidase, via the generation of O2-*, mediates TNF-induced barrier dysfunction in PMEM.

  7. Isolation and Characterization of a Soluble NADPH-Dependent Fe(III) Reductase from Geobacter sulfurreducens

    PubMed Central

    Kaufmann, Franz; Lovley, Derek R.

    2001-01-01

    NADPH is an intermediate in the oxidation of organic compounds coupled to Fe(III) reduction in Geobacter species, but Fe(III) reduction with NADPH as the electron donor has not been studied in these organisms. Crude extracts of Geobacter sulfurreducens catalyzed the NADPH-dependent reduction of Fe(III)-nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA). The responsible enzyme, which was recovered in the soluble protein fraction, was purified to apparent homogeneity in a four-step procedure. Its specific activity for Fe(III) reduction was 65 μmol · min−1 · mg−1. The soluble Fe(III) reductase was specific for NADPH and did not utilize NADH as an electron donor. Although the enzyme reduced several forms of Fe(III), Fe(III)-NTA was the preferred electron acceptor. The protein possessed methyl viologen:NADP+ oxidoreductase activity and catalyzed the reduction of NADP+ with reduced methyl viologen as electron donor at a rate of 385 U/mg. The enzyme consisted of two subunits with molecular masses of 87 and 78 kDa and had a native molecular mass of 320 kDa, as determined by gel filtration. The purified enzyme contained 28.9 mol of Fe, 17.4 mol of acid-labile sulfur, and 0.7 mol of flavin adenine dinucleotide per mol of protein. The genes encoding the two subunits were identified in the complete sequence of the G. sulfurreducens genome from the N-terminal amino acid sequences derived from the subunits of the purified protein. The sequences of the two subunits had about 30% amino acid identity to the respective subunits of the formate dehydrogenase from Moorella thermoacetica, but the soluble Fe(III) reductase did not possess formate dehydrogenase activity. This soluble Fe(III) reductase differs significantly from previously characterized dissimilatory and assimilatory Fe(III) reductases in its molecular composition and cofactor content. PMID:11443080

  8. Myenteric plexus is differentially affected by infection with distinct Trypanosoma cruzi strains in Beagle dogs.

    PubMed

    Nogueira-Paiva, Nívia Carolina; Fonseca, Kátia da Silva; Vieira, Paula Melo de Abreu; Diniz, Lívia Figueiredo; Caldas, Ivo Santana; Moura, Sandra Aparecida Lima de; Veloso, Vanja Maria; Guedes, Paulo Marcos da Matta; Tafuri, Washington Luiz; Bahia, Maria Terezinha; Carneiro, Cláudia Martins

    2014-02-01

    Chagasic megaoesophagus and megacolon are characterised by motor abnormalities related to enteric nervous system lesions and their development seems to be related to geographic distribution of distinct Trypanosoma cruzi subpopulations. Beagle dogs were infected with Y or Berenice-78 (Be-78) T. cruzi strains and necropsied during the acute or chronic phase of experimental disease for post mortem histopathological evaluation of the oesophagus and colon. Both strains infected the oesophagus and colon and caused an inflammatory response during the acute phase. In the chronic phase, inflammatory process was observed exclusively in the Be-78 infected animals, possibly due to a parasitism persistent only in this group. Myenteric denervation occurred during the acute phase of infection for both strains, but persisted chronically only in Be-78 infected animals. Glial cell involvement occurred earlier in animals infected with the Y strain, while animals infected with the Be-78 strain showed reduced glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactive area of enteric glial cells in the chronic phase. These results suggest that although both strains cause lesions in the digestive tract, the Y strain is associated with early control of the lesion, while the Be-78 strain results in progressive gut lesions in this model.

  9. NADPH oxidase inhibition reduces tubular sodium transport and improves kidney oxygenation in diabetes.

    PubMed

    Persson, Patrik; Hansell, Peter; Palm, Fredrik

    2012-06-15

    Sustained hyperglycemia is associated with increased oxidative stress resulting in decreased intrarenal oxygen tension (Po(2)) due to increased oxygen consumption (Qo(2)). Chronic blockade of the main superoxide radicals producing system, the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, normalizes Qo(2) by isolated proximal tubular cells (PTC) and reduces proteinuria in diabetes. The aim was to investigate the effects of acute NADPH oxidase inhibition on tubular Na(+) transport and kidney Po(2) in vivo. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal blood flow (RBF), filtration fraction (FF), Na(+) excretion, fractional Li(+) excretion, and intrarenal Po(2) was measured in control and streptozotocin-diabetic rats during baseline and after acute NADPH oxidase inhibition using apocynin. The effects on tubular transporters were investigated using freshly isolated PTC. GFR was increased in diabetics compared with controls (2.2 ± 0.3 vs. 1.4 ± 0.1 ml·min(-1)·kidney(-1)). RBF was similar in both groups, resulting in increased FF in diabetics. Po(2) was reduced in cortex and medulla in diabetic kidneys compared with controls (34.4 ± 0.7 vs. 42.5 ± 1.2 mmHg and 15.7 ± 1.2 vs. 25.5 ± 2.3 mmHg, respectively). Na(+) excretion was increased in diabetics compared with controls (24.0 ± 4.7 vs. 9.0 ± 2.0 μm·min(-1)·kidney(-1)). In controls, all parameters were unaffected. However, apocynin increased Na(+) excretion (+112%) and decreased fractional lithium reabsorption (-10%) in diabetics, resulting in improved cortical (+14%) and medullary (+28%) Po(2). Qo(2) was higher in PTC isolated from diabetic rats compared with control. Apocynin, dimethylamiloride, and ouabain reduced Qo(2), but the effects of combining apocynin with either dimethylamiloride or ouabain were not additive. In conclusion, NADPH oxidase inhibition reduces tubular Na(+) transport and improves intrarenal Po(2) in diabetes.

  10. Purification and Characterization of Ferredoxin-Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Reductase from a Nitrogen-Fixing Bacterium

    PubMed Central

    Yoch, Duane C.

    1973-01-01

    Evidence suggesting that Bacillus polymyxa has an active ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase (EC 1.6.99.4) was obtained when NADPH was found to provide reducing power for the nitrogenase of this organism; direct evidence was provided when it was shown that B. polymyxa extracts could substitute for the native ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase in the photochemical reduction of NADP+ by blue-green algal particles. The ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase was purified about 80-fold by a combination of high-speed centrifugation, ammonium sulfate fractionation, and chromatography on Sephadex G-100 and diethylaminoethyl-cellulose. The molecular weight was estimated by gel filtration to be 60,000. A small amount of the enzyme was further purified by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and shown to be a flavoprotein. The reductase was specific for NADPH in the ferredoxin-dependent reduction of cytochrome c and methyl viologen diaphorase reactions; furthermore, NADP+ was the acceptor of preference when the electron donor was photoreduced ferredoxin. The reductase also has an irreversible NADPH-NAD+ transhydrogenase (reduced-NADP:NAD oxidoreductase, EC 1.6.1.1) activity, the rate of which was proportional to the concentration of NAD (Km = 5.0 × 10−3M). The reductase catalyzed electron transfer from NADPH not only to B. polymyxa ferredoxin but also to the ferredoxins of Clostridium pasteurianum, Azotobacter vinelandii, and spinach chloroplasts, although less effectively. Rubredoxin from Clostridium acidi-urici and azotoflavin from A. vinelandii also accept electrons from the B. polymyxa reductase. The pH optima for the various reactions catalyzed by the B. polymyxa ferredoxin-NADP reductase are similar to those of the chloroplast reductase. NAD and acetyl-coenzyme A, which obligatorily activate NADPH- and NADH-ferredoxin reductases, respectively, in Clostridium kluyveri, have no effect on B. polymyxa reductase. PMID:4147648

  11. Changes in pH and NADPH regulate the DNA binding activity of neuronal PAS domain protein 2, a mammalian circadian transcription factor.

    PubMed

    Yoshii, Katsuhiro; Tajima, Fumihisa; Ishijima, Sumio; Sagami, Ikuko

    2015-01-20

    Neuronal PAS domain protein 2 (NPAS2) is a core clock transcription factor that forms a heterodimer with BMAL1 to bind the E-box in the promoter of clock genes and is regulated by various environmental stimuli such as heme, carbon monoxide, and NAD(P)H. In this study, we investigated the effects of pH and NADPH on the DNA binding activity of NPAS2. In an electrophoretic mobility shift (EMS) assay, the pH of the reaction mixture affected the DNA binding activity of the NPAS2/BMAL1 heterodimer but not that of the BMAL1/BMAL1 homodimer. A change in pH from 7.0 to 7.5 resulted in a 1.7-fold increase in activity in the absence of NADPH, and NADPH additively enhanced the activity up to 2.7-fold at pH 7.5. The experiments using truncated mutants revealed that N-terminal amino acids 1-61 of NPAS2 were sufficient to sense the change in both pH and NADPH. We further analyzed the kinetics of formation and DNA binding of the NPAS2/BMAL1 heterodimer at various pH values. In the absence of NADPH, a change in pH from 6.5 to 8.0 decreased the KD(app) value of the E-box from 125 to 22 nM, with an 8-fold increase in the maximal level of DNA binding for the NPAS2/BMAL1 heterodimer. The addition of NADPH resulted in a further decrease in KD(app) to 9 nM at pH 8.0. Furthermore, NPAS2-dependent transcriptional activity in a luciferase assay using NIH3T3 cells also increased with the pH of the culture medium. These results suggest that NPAS2 has a role as a pH and metabolite sensor in regulating circadian rhythms.

  12. Replacing Escherichia coli NAD-dependent glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) with a NADP-dependent enzyme from Clostridium acetobutylicum facilitates NADPH dependent pathways.

    PubMed

    Martínez, Irene; Zhu, Jiangfeng; Lin, Henry; Bennett, George N; San, Ka-Yiu

    2008-11-01

    Reactions requiring reducing equivalents, NAD(P)H, are of enormous importance for the synthesis of industrially valuable compounds such as carotenoids, polymers, antibiotics and chiral alcohols among others. The use of whole-cell biocatalysis can reduce process cost by acting as catalyst and cofactor regenerator at the same time; however, product yields might be limited by cofactor availability within the cell. Thus, our study focussed on the genetic manipulation of a whole-cell system by modifying metabolic pathways and enzymes to improve the overall production process. In the present work, we genetically engineered an Escherichia coli strain to increase NADPH availability to improve the productivity of products that require NADPH in its biosynthesis. The approach involved an alteration of the glycolysis step where glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (GAP) is oxidized to 1,3 bisphophoglycerate (1,3-BPG). This reaction is catalyzed by NAD-dependent endogenous glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) encoded by the gapA gene. We constructed a recombinant E. coli strain by replacing the native NAD-dependent gapA gene with a NADP-dependent GAPDH from Clostridium acetobutylicum, encoded by the gene gapC. The beauty of this approach is that the recombinant E. coli strain produces 2 mol of NADPH, instead of NADH, per mole of glucose consumed. Metabolic flux analysis showed that the flux through the pentose phosphate (PP) pathway, one of the main pathways that produce NADPH, was reduced significantly in the recombinant strain when compared to that of the parent strain. The effectiveness of the NADPH enhancing system was tested using the production of lycopene and epsilon-caprolactone as model systems using two different background strains. The recombinant strains, with increased NADPH availability, consistently showed significant higher productivity than the parent strains.

  13. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, NADPH, and cell survival.

    PubMed

    Stanton, Robert C

    2012-05-01

    Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is the rate-limiting enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway. Many scientists think that the roles and regulation of G6PD in physiology and pathophysiology have been well established as the enzyme was first identified 80 years ago. And that G6PD has been extensively studied especially with respect to G6PD deficiency and its association with hemolysis, and with respect to the role G6PD plays in lipid metabolism. But there has been a growing understanding of the central importance of G6PD to cellular physiology as it is a major source of NADPH that is required by many essential cellular systems including the antioxidant pathways, nitric oxide synthase, NADPH oxidase, cytochrome p450 system, and others. Indeed G6PD is essential for cell survival. It has also become evident that G6PD is highly regulated by many signals that affect transcription, post-translation, intracellular location, and interactions with other protein. Pathophysiologic roles for G6PD have also been identified in such disease processes as diabetes, aldosterone-induced endothelial dysfunction, cancer, and others. It is now clear that G6PD is under complex regulatory control and of central importance to many cellular processes. In this review the biochemistry, regulatory signals, physiologic roles, and pathophysiologic roles for G6PD that have been elucidated over the past 20 years are discussed. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  14. Micro-RNA 21 inhibition of SMAD7 enhances fibrogenesis via leptin-mediated NADPH oxidase in experimental and human nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

    PubMed

    Dattaroy, Diptadip; Pourhoseini, Sahar; Das, Suvarthi; Alhasson, Firas; Seth, Ratanesh Kumar; Nagarkatti, Mitzi; Michelotti, Gregory A; Diehl, Anna Mae; Chatterjee, Saurabh

    2015-02-15

    Hepatic fibrosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the common pathophysiological process resulting from chronic liver inflammation and oxidative stress. Although significant research has been carried out on the role of leptin-induced NADPH oxidase in fibrogenesis, the molecular mechanisms that connect the leptin-NADPH oxidase axis in upregulation of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling have been unclear. We aimed to investigate the role of leptin-mediated upregulation of NADPH oxidase and its subsequent induction of micro-RNA 21 (miR21) in fibrogenesis. Human NASH livers and a high-fat (60% kcal) diet-fed chronic mouse model, where hepatotoxin bromodichloromethane was used to induce NASH, were used for this study. To prove the role of the leptin-NADPH oxidase-miR21 axis, mice deficient in genes for leptin, p47phox, and miR21 were used. Results showed that wild-type mice and human livers with NASH had increased oxidative stress, increased p47phox expression, augmented NF-κB activation, and increased miR21 levels. These mice and human livers showed increased TGF-β, SMAD2/3-SMAD4 colocalizations in the nucleus, increased immunoreactivity against Col1α, and α-SMA with a concomitant decrease in protein levels of SMAD7. Mice that were deficient in leptin or p47phox had decreased activated NF-κB and miR21 levels, suggesting the role of leptin and NADPH oxidase in inducing NF-κB-mediated miR21 expression. Further miR21 knockout mice had decreased colocalization events of SMAD2/3-SMAD4 in the nucleus, increased SMAD7 levels, and decreased fibrogenesis. Taken together, the studies show the novel role of leptin-NADPH oxidase induction of miR21 as a key regulator of TGF-β signaling and fibrogenesis in experimental and human NASH. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

  15. NADPH Oxidase-Mediated ROS Production Determines Insulin's Action on the Retinal Microvasculature.

    PubMed

    Kida, Teruyo; Oku, Hidehiro; Horie, Taeko; Matsuo, Junko; Kobayashi, Takatoshi; Fukumoto, Masanori; Ikeda, Tsunehiko

    2015-10-01

    To determine whether insulin induces nitric oxide (NO) formation in retinal microvessels and to examine the effects of high glucose on the formation of NO. Freshly isolated rat retinal microvessels were incubated in normal (5.5 mM) or high (20 mM) glucose with or without insulin (100 nM). The levels of insulin-induced NO and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the retinal microvessels were determined semiquantitatively using fluorescent probes, 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate, and hydroethidine, respectively, and a laser scanning confocal microscope. The insulin-induced changes of NO in rat retinal endothelial cells and pericytes cultured at different glucose concentrations (5.5 and 25 mM) were determined using flow cytometry. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) protein levels were determined by Western blot analysis; intracellular levels of ROS were determined using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis of ethidium fluorescence; and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase RNA expression was quantified using real-time PCR. Exposure of microvessels to insulin under normal glucose conditions led to a significant increase in NO levels; however, this increase was significantly suppressed when the microvessels were incubated under high glucose conditions. Intracellular levels of ROS were significantly increased in both retinal microvessels and cultured microvascular cells under high glucose conditions. The expression of NOS and NADPH oxidase were significantly increased in endothelial cells and pericytes under high glucose conditions. The increased formation of NO by insulin and its suppression by high glucose conditions suggests that ROS production mediated by NADPH oxidase is important by insulin's effect on the retinal microvasculature.

  16. Structure and function of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase and nitric oxide synthase reductase domain

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Iyanagi, Takashi

    2005-12-09

    NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) and the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) reductase domains are members of the FAD-FMN family of proteins. The FAD accepts two reducing equivalents from NADPH (dehydrogenase flavin) and FMN acts as a one-electron carrier (flavodoxin-type flavin) for the transfer from NADPH to the heme protein, in which the FMNH {sup {center_dot}}/FMNH{sub 2} couple donates electrons to cytochrome P450 at constant oxidation-reduction potential. Although the interflavin electron transfer between FAD and FMN is not strictly regulated in CPR, electron transfer is activated in neuronal NOS reductase domain upon binding calmodulin (CaM), in which the CaM-bound activated form canmore » function by a similar mechanism to that of CPR. The oxygenated form and spin state of substrate-bound cytochrome P450 in perfused rat liver are also discussed in terms of stepwise one-electron transfer from CPR. This review provides a historical perspective of the microsomal mixed-function oxidases including CPR and P450. In addition, a new model for the redox-linked conformational changes during the catalytic cycle for both CPR and NOS reductase domain is also discussed.« less

  17. Mitochondrial Impairment May Increase Cellular NAD(P)H: Resazurin Oxidoreductase Activity, Perturbing the NAD(P)H-Based Viability Assays

    PubMed Central

    Aleshin, Vasily A.; Artiukhov, Artem V.; Oppermann, Henry; Kazantsev, Alexey V.; Lukashev, Nikolay V.; Bunik, Victoria I.

    2015-01-01

    Cellular NAD(P)H-dependent oxidoreductase activity with artificial dyes (NAD(P)H-OR) is an indicator of viability, as the cellular redox state is important for biosynthesis and antioxidant defense. However, high NAD(P)H due to impaired mitochondrial oxidation, known as reductive stress, should increase NAD(P)H-OR yet perturb viability. To better understand this complex behavior, we assayed NAD(P)H-OR with resazurin (Alamar Blue) in glioblastoma cell lines U87 and T98G, treated with inhibitors of central metabolism, oxythiamin, and phosphonate analogs of 2-oxo acids. Targeting the thiamin diphosphate (ThDP)-dependent enzymes, the inhibitors are known to decrease the NAD(P)H production in the pentose phosphate shuttle and/or upon mitochondrial oxidation of 2-oxo acids. Nevertheless, the inhibitors elevated NAD(P)H-OR with resazurin in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, suggesting impaired NAD(P)H oxidation rather than increased viability. In particular, inhibition of the ThDP-dependent enzymes affects metabolism of malate, which mediates mitochondrial oxidation of cytosolic NAD(P)H. We showed that oxythiamin not only inhibited mitochondrial 2-oxo acid dehydrogenases, but also induced cell-specific changes in glutamate and malate dehydrogenases and/or malic enzyme. As a result, inhibition of the 2-oxo acid dehydrogenases compromises mitochondrial metabolism, with the dysregulated electron fluxes leading to increases in cellular NAD(P)H-OR. Perturbed mitochondrial oxidation of NAD(P)H may thus complicate the NAD(P)H-based viability assay. PMID:26308058

  18. Safer staining method for acid fast bacilli.

    PubMed Central

    Ellis, R C; Zabrowarny, L A

    1993-01-01

    To develop a method for staining acid fast bacilli which excluded highly toxic phenol from the staining solution. A lipophilic agent, a liquid organic detergent, LOC High Studs, distributed by Amway, was substituted. The acid fast bacilli stained red; nuclei, cytoplasm, and cytoplasmic elements stained blue on a clear background. These results compare very favourably with acid fast bacilli stained by the traditional method. Detergents are efficient lipophilic agents and safer to handle than phenol. The method described here stains acid fast bacilli as efficiently as traditional carbol fuchsin methods. LOC High Suds is considerably cheaper than phenol. Images PMID:7687254

  19. Safer staining method for acid fast bacilli.

    PubMed

    Ellis, R C; Zabrowarny, L A

    1993-06-01

    To develop a method for staining acid fast bacilli which excluded highly toxic phenol from the staining solution. A lipophilic agent, a liquid organic detergent, LOC High Studs, distributed by Amway, was substituted. The acid fast bacilli stained red; nuclei, cytoplasm, and cytoplasmic elements stained blue on a clear background. These results compare very favourably with acid fast bacilli stained by the traditional method. Detergents are efficient lipophilic agents and safer to handle than phenol. The method described here stains acid fast bacilli as efficiently as traditional carbol fuchsin methods. LOC High Suds is considerably cheaper than phenol.

  20. NADPH oxidase contributes to coronary endothelial dysfunction in the failing heart.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Ping; Hou, Mingxiao; Li, Yunfang; Xu, Xin; Barsoum, Michel; Chen, Yingjie; Bache, Robert J

    2009-03-01

    Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by the failing heart can react with nitric oxide (NO), thereby decreasing NO bioavailability. This study tested the hypothesis that increased ROS generation contributes to coronary endothelial dysfunction in the failing heart. Congestive heart failure (CHF) was produced in six dogs by ventricular pacing at 240 beats/min for 4 wk. Studies were performed at rest and during treadmill exercise under control conditions and after treatment with the NADPH oxidase inhibitor and antioxidant apocynin (4 mg/kg iv). Apocynin caused no significant changes in heart rate, aortic pressure, left ventricular (LV) systolic pressure, LV end-diastolic pressure, or maximum rate of LV pressure increase at rest or during exercise in normal or CHF dogs. Apocynin caused no change in coronary blood flow (CBF) in normal dogs but increased CBF at rest and during exercise in animals with CHF (P < 0.05). Intracoronary ACh caused dose-dependent increases of CBF that were blunted in CHF. Apocynin had no effect on the response to ACh in normal dogs but augmented the response to ACh in CHF dogs (P < 0.05). The oxidative stress markers nitrotyrosine and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal were significantly greater in failing than in normal myocardium. Furthermore, coelenterazine chemiluminescence for O(2)(-) was more than twice normal in failing myocardium, and this difference was abolished by apocynin. Western blot analysis of myocardial lysates demonstrated that the p47(phox) and p22(phox) subunits of NADPH were significantly increased in the failing hearts, while real-time PCR demonstrated that Nox2 mRNA was significantly increased. The data indicate that increased ROS generation in the failing heart is associated with coronary endothelial dysfunction and suggest that NADPH oxidase may contribute to this abnormality.

  1. NADPH oxidase inhibitor, diphenyleneiodonium prevents necroptosis in HK-2 cells.

    PubMed

    Dong, Wei; Li, Zhilian; Chen, Yuanhan; Zhang, Li; Ye, Zhiming; Liang, Huaban; Li, Ruizhao; Xu, Lixia; Zhang, Bin; Liu, Shuangxin; Wang, Weidong; Li, Chunling; Luo, Jialun; Shi, Wei; Liang, Xinling

    2017-09-01

    The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of the NADPH oxidase inhibitor, diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) against necroptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells. A necroptosis model of HK-2 cells was established using tumor necrosis factor-α, benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone and antimycin A (collectively termed TZA), as in our previous research. The necroptosis inhibitor, necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) or the NADPH oxidase inhibitor, DPI were administered to the necroptosis model. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate in the different groups, and the manner of cell death was identified by flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was used to determine the levels of phosphorylation of receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP-3) and mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL), which are essential to necroptosis. The results revealed that TZA increased the percentages of propidium iodide-positive HK-2 cells from 1.22±0.69 to 8.98±0.73% (P<0.001), and augmented the phosphorylation of RIP-3 and MLKL. ROS levels were increased in the TZA group compared with the control group (27.74±1.60×10 4 vs. 18.51±1.10×10 4 , respectively; P<0.001), and could be inhibited by Nec-1 (TZA + Nec-1 group, 22.90±2.22×10 4 vs. TZA group, 27.74±1.60×10 4 ; P=0.01). DPI decreased ROS production (TZA + DPI group, 22.13±1.86×10 4 vs. TZA group, 27.74±1.60×10 4 ; P<0.001) and also reduced the proportions of necrosis in the necroptosis model (TZA + DPI group, 4.40±1.51% vs. TZA group, 8.98±0.73%; P<0.001). Phosphorylated RIP-3 and MLKL were also decreased by DPI treatment. The results indicate that ROS production increases in HK-2 cells undergoing necroptosis, and that the NADPH oxidase inhibitor, DPI may protect HK-2 cells from necroptosis via inhibition of ROS production.

  2. Reactive Oxygen Species and Inhibitors of Inflammatory Enzymes, NADPH Oxidase, and iNOS in Experimental Models of Parkinson's Disease

    PubMed Central

    Koppula, Sushruta; Kumar, Hemant; Kim, In Su; Choi, Dong-Kug

    2012-01-01

    Reactive oxygen species (ROSs) are emerging as important players in the etiology of neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease (PD). Out of several ROS-generating systems, the inflammatory enzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were believed to play major roles. Mounting evidence suggests that activation of NADPH oxidase and the expression of iNOS are directly linked to the generation of highly reactive ROS which affects various cellular components and preferentially damage midbrain dopaminergic neurons in PD. Therefore, appropriate management or inhibition of ROS generated by these enzymes may represent a therapeutic target to reduce neuronal degeneration seen in PD. Here, we have summarized recently developed agents and patents claimed as inhibitors of NADPH oxidase and iNOS enzymes in experimental models of PD. PMID:22577256

  3. Iron Stain on Wood

    Treesearch

    Mark Knaebe

    2013-01-01

    Iron stain, an unsightly blue–black or gray discoloration, can occur on nearly all woods. Oak, redwood, cypress, and cedar are particularly prone to iron stain because these woods contain large amounts of tannin-like extractives. The discoloration is caused by a chemical reaction between extractives in the wood and iron in steel products, such as nails, screws, and...

  4. Demonstration of lipofuscin and Nissl bodies in crystal violet stained sections using a fluorescence technique or pyronin Y stain.

    PubMed

    Terr, L I

    1986-09-01

    This paper presents two simple, reliable methods for identification of lipofuscin and Nissl bodies in the same section. One method shows that lipofuscin stained with crystal violet retains its ability to fluoresce and can be observed under the fluorescence microscope after the stain has faded. Fading is accompanied by a gradual increase in the intensity of the fluorescence and is complete in about 5 min. Exciting illumination from this part of the spectrum also substantially fades staining of other autofluorescing tissue elements, such as lipids. Nonfluorescing structures, such as Nissl bodies, remain stained. By changing from transillumination with tungsten light to epifluorescent illumination and vice versa, both types of structures--Nissl bodies and lipofuscin--can be identified in the same section. The second technique uses pyronin Y for staining Nissl bodies in preparations previously stained with crystal violet. Nissl bodies are stained pink but lipofuscin remains violet. Lipofuscin in these sections also remains autofluorescent after the crystal violet stain has faded under violet or near-UV light.

  5. Histological Stains: A Literature Review and Case Study

    PubMed Central

    Alturkistani, Hani A; Tashkandi, Faris M; Mohammedsaleh, Zuhair M

    2016-01-01

    The history of histology indicates that there have been significant changes in the techniques used for histological staining through chemical, molecular biology assays and immunological techniques, collectively referred to as histochemistry. Early histologists used the readily available chemicals to prepare tissues for microscopic studies; these laboratory chemicals were potassium dichromate, alcohol and the mercuric chloride to harden cellular tissues. Staining techniques used were carmine, silver nitrate, Giemsa, Trichrome Stains, Gram Stain and Hematoxylin among others. The purpose of this research was to assess past and current literature reviews, as well as case studies, with the aim of informing ways in which histological stains have been improved in the modern age. Results from the literature review has indicated that there has been an improvement in histopathology and histotechnology in stains used. There has been a rising need for efficient, accurate and less complex staining procedures. Many stain procedures are still in use today, and many others have been replaced with new immunostaining, molecular, non-culture and other advanced staining techniques. Some staining methods have been abandoned because the chemicals required have been medically proven to be toxic. The case studies indicated that in modern histology a combination of different stain techniques are used to enhance the effectiveness of the staining process. Currently, improved histological stains, have been modified and combined with other stains to improve their effectiveness. PMID:26493433

  6. Histological Stains: A Literature Review and Case Study.

    PubMed

    Alturkistani, Hani A; Tashkandi, Faris M; Mohammedsaleh, Zuhair M

    2015-06-25

    The history of histology indicates that there have been significant changes in the techniques used for histological staining through chemical, molecular biology assays and immunological techniques, collectively referred to as histochemistry. Early histologists used the readily available chemicals to prepare tissues for microscopic studies; these laboratory chemicals were potassium dichromate, alcohol and the mercuric chloride to harden cellular tissues. Staining techniques used were carmine, silver nitrate, Giemsa, Trichrome Stains, Gram Stain and Hematoxylin among others. The purpose of this research was to assess past and current literature reviews, as well as case studies, with the aim of informing ways in which histological stains have been improved in the modern age. Results from the literature review has indicated that there has been an improvement in histopathology and histotechnology in stains used. There has been a rising need for efficient, accurate and less complex staining procedures. Many stain procedures are still in use today, and many others have been replaced with new immunostaining, molecular, non-culture and other advanced staining techniques. Some staining methods have been abandoned because the chemicals required have been medically proven to be toxic. The case studies indicated that in modern histology a combination of different stain techniques are used to enhance the effectiveness of the staining process. Currently, improved histological stains, have been modified and combined with other stains to improve their effectiveness.

  7. The arachidonic acid-binding protein S100A8/A9 promotes NADPH oxidase activation by interaction with p67phox and Rac-2.

    PubMed

    Kerkhoff, Claus; Nacken, Wolfgang; Benedyk, Malgorzata; Dagher, Marie Claire; Sopalla, Claudia; Doussiere, Jacques

    2005-03-01

    The Ca2+- and arachidonic acid-binding S100A8/A9 protein complex was recently identified by in vitro studies as a novel partner of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase. The present study demonstrated its functional relevance by the impaired oxidase activity in neutrophil-like NB4 cells, after specific blockage of S100A9 expression, and bone marrow polymorphonuclear neutrophils from S100A9-/- mice. The impaired oxidase activation could also be mimicked in a cell-free system by pretreatment of neutrophil cytosol with an S100A9-specific antibody. Further analyses gave insights into the molecular mechanisms by which S100A8/A9 promoted NADPH oxidase activation. In vitro analysis of oxidase activation as well as protein-protein interaction studies revealed that S100A8 is the privileged interaction partner for the NADPH oxidase complex since it bound to p67phox and Rac, whereas S100A9 did interact with neither p67phox nor p47phox. Moreover, S100A8/A9 transferred the cofactor arachidonic acid to NADPH oxidase as shown by the impotence of a mutant S100A8/A9 complex unable to bind arachidonic acid to enhance NADPH oxidase activity. It is concluded that S100A8/A9 plays an important role in phagocyte NADPH oxidase activation.

  8. Elevated Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species and Cellular Redox Imbalance in Human NADPH-Oxidase-Deficient Phagocytes

    PubMed Central

    Sundqvist, Martina; Christenson, Karin; Björnsdottir, Halla; Osla, Veronica; Karlsson, Anna; Dahlgren, Claes; Speert, David P.; Fasth, Anders; Brown, Kelly L.; Bylund, Johan

    2017-01-01

    Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is caused by mutations in genes that encode the NADPH-oxidase and result in a failure of phagocytic cells to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) via this enzyme system. Patients with CGD are highly susceptible to infections and often suffer from inflammatory disorders; the latter occurs in the absence of infection and correlates with the spontaneous production of inflammatory cytokines. This clinical feature suggests that NADPH-oxidase-derived ROS are not required for, or may even suppress, inflammatory processes. Experimental evidence, however, implies that ROS are in fact required for inflammatory cytokine production. By using a myeloid cell line devoid of a functional NADPH-oxidase and primary CGD cells, we analyzed intracellular oxidants, signs of oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokine production. Herein, we demonstrate that phagocytes lacking a functional NADPH-oxidase, namely primary CGD phagocytes and a gp91phox-deficient cell line, display elevated levels of ROS derived from mitochondria. Accordingly, these cells, despite lacking the major source of cellular ROS, display clear signs of oxidative stress, including an induced expression of antioxidants and altered oxidation of cell surface thiols. These observed changes in redox state were not due to abnormalities in mitochondrial mass or membrane integrity. Finally, we demonstrate that increased mitochondrial ROS enhanced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, and induced production of IL8, findings that correlate with previous observations of increased MAPK activation and inflammatory cytokine production in CGD cells. Our data show that elevated baseline levels of mitochondria-derived oxidants lead to the counter-intuitive observation that CGD phagocytes are under oxidative stress and have enhanced MAPK signaling, which may contribute to the elevated basal production of inflammatory cytokines and the sterile inflammatory manifestations in CGD. PMID:29375548

  9. Ghost mycobacteria on Gram stain.

    PubMed Central

    Trifiro, S; Bourgault, A M; Lebel, F; René, P

    1990-01-01

    The Gram stain is a key tool in diagnostic microbiology. Its usefulness with respect to mycobacteria is undefined. The neutrality of mycobacteria other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis on Gram staining of various clinical specimens is described. Images PMID:1688872

  10. Gram Stain

    MedlinePlus

    ... Cancer Therapy Glucose Tests Gonorrhea Testing Gram Stain Growth Hormone Haptoglobin hCG Pregnancy hCG Tumor Marker HDL Cholesterol ... Semen Analysis Serotonin Serum Free Light Chains Sex Hormone Binding Globulin ... Transferrin Receptor Stool Culture Stool Elastase Strep ...

  11. Regiospecificity determinants of human heme oxygenase: differential NADPH- and ascorbate-dependent heme cleavage by the R183E mutant.

    PubMed

    Wang, Jinling; Lad, Latesh; Poulos, Thomas L; Ortiz de Montellano, Paul R

    2005-01-28

    The ability of the human heme oxygenase-1 (hHO-1) R183E mutant to oxidize heme in reactions supported by either NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase or ascorbic acid has been compared. The NADPH-dependent reaction, like that of wild-type hHO-1, yields exclusively biliverdin IXalpha. In contrast, the R183E mutant with ascorbic acid as the reductant produces biliverdin IXalpha (79 +/- 4%), IXdelta (19 +/- 3%), and a trace of IXbeta. In the presence of superoxide dismutase and catalase, the yield of biliverdin IXdelta is decreased to 8 +/- 1% with a corresponding increase in biliverdin IXalpha. Spectroscopic analysis of the NADPH-dependent reaction shows that the R183E ferric biliverdin complex accumulates, because reduction of the iron, which is required for sequential iron and biliverdin release, is impaired. Reversal of the charge at position 183 makes reduction of the iron more difficult. The crystal structure of the R183E mutant, determined in the ferric and ferrous-NO bound forms, shows that the heme primarily adopts the same orientation as in wild-type hHO-1. The structure of the Fe(II).NO complex suggests that an altered active site hydrogen bonding network supports catalysis in the R183E mutant. Furthermore, Arg-183 contributes to the regiospecificity of the wild-type enzyme, but its contribution is not critical. The results indicate that the ascorbate-dependent reaction is subject to a lower degree of regiochemical control than the NADPH-dependent reaction. Ascorbate may be able to reduce the R183E ferric and ferrous dioxygen complexes in active site conformations that cannot be reduced by NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase.

  12. Extra virgin olive oil rich in polyphenols modulates VEGF-induced angiogenic responses by preventing NADPH oxidase activity and expression.

    PubMed

    Calabriso, Nadia; Massaro, Marika; Scoditti, Egeria; D'Amore, Simona; Gnoni, Antonio; Pellegrino, Mariangela; Storelli, Carlo; De Caterina, Raffaele; Palasciano, Giuseppe; Carluccio, Maria Annunziata

    2016-02-01

    Previous studies have shown the antiinflammatory, antioxidant and antiangiogenic properties by pure olive oil polyphenols; however, the effects of olive oil phenolic fraction on the inflammatory angiogenesis are unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of the phenolic fraction (olive oil polyphenolic extract, OOPE) from extra virgin olive oil and related circulating metabolites on the VEGF-induced angiogenic responses and NADPH oxidase activity and expression in human cultured endothelial cells. We found that OOPE (1-10 μg/ml), at concentrations achievable nutritionally, significantly reduced, in a concentration-dependent manner, the VEGF-induced cell migration, invasiveness and tube-like structure formation through the inhibition of MMP-2 and MMP-9. OOPE significantly (P<0.05) reduced VEGF-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species by modulating NADPH oxidase activity, p47phox membrane translocation and the expression of Nox2 and Nox4. Moreover, the treatment of endothelial cells with serum obtained 4 h after acute intake of extra virgin olive oil, with high polyphenol content, decreased VEGF-induced NADPH oxidase activity and Nox4 expression, as well as, MMP-9 expression, as compared with fasting control serum. Overall, native polyphenols and serum metabolites of extra virgin olive oil rich in polyphenols are able to lower the VEGF-induced angiogenic responses by preventing endothelial NADPH oxidase activity and decreasing the expression of selective NADPH oxidase subunits. Our results provide an alternative mechanism by which the consumption of olive oil rich in polyphenols may account for a reduction of oxidative stress inflammatory-related sequelae associated with chronic degenerative diseases. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. NADPH Oxidase Contributes to Resistance against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans-Induced Periodontitis in Mice.

    PubMed

    Bast, Antje; Kubis, Helen; Holtfreter, Birte; Ribback, Silvia; Martin, Heiner; Schreiner, Helen C; Dominik, Malte J; Breitbach, Katrin; Dombrowski, Frank; Kocher, Thomas; Steinmetz, Ivo

    2017-02-01

    Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is a Gram-negative commensal bacterium of the oral cavity which has been associated with the pathogenesis of periodontitis with severe alveolar bone destruction. The role of host factors such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates in periodontal A. actinomycetemcomitans infection and progression to periodontitis is still ill-defined. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the role of NADPH oxidase and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in a murine model of A. actinomycetemcomitans-induced periodontitis. NADPH oxidase-deficient (gp91 phox knockout [KO]), iNOS-deficient (iNOS KO), and C57BL/6 wild-type mice were orally infected with A. actinomycetemcomitans and analyzed for bacterial colonization at various time points. Alveolar bone mineral density and alveolar bone volume were quantified by three-dimensional micro-computed tomography, and the degree of tissue inflammation was calculated by histological analyses. At 5 weeks after infection, A. actinomycetemcomitans persisted at significantly higher levels in the murine oral cavities of infected gp91 phox KO mice than in those of iNOS KO and C57BL/6 mice. Concomitantly, alveolar bone mineral density was significantly lower in all three infected groups than in uninfected controls, but with the highest loss of bone density in infected gp91 phox KO mice. Only infected gp91 phox KO mice revealed significant loss of alveolar bone volume and enhanced inflammatory cell infiltration, as well as an increased number of osteoclasts. Our results indicate that NADPH oxidase is important to control A. actinomycetemcomitans infection in the murine oral cavity and to prevent subsequent alveolar bone destruction and osteoclastogenesis. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

  14. NADPH Oxidase Contributes to Resistance against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans-Induced Periodontitis in Mice

    PubMed Central

    Bast, Antje; Kubis, Helen; Holtfreter, Birte; Ribback, Silvia; Martin, Heiner; Schreiner, Helen C.; Dominik, Malte J.; Breitbach, Katrin; Dombrowski, Frank; Kocher, Thomas

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is a Gram-negative commensal bacterium of the oral cavity which has been associated with the pathogenesis of periodontitis with severe alveolar bone destruction. The role of host factors such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates in periodontal A. actinomycetemcomitans infection and progression to periodontitis is still ill-defined. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the role of NADPH oxidase and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in a murine model of A. actinomycetemcomitans-induced periodontitis. NADPH oxidase-deficient (gp91phox knockout [KO]), iNOS-deficient (iNOS KO), and C57BL/6 wild-type mice were orally infected with A. actinomycetemcomitans and analyzed for bacterial colonization at various time points. Alveolar bone mineral density and alveolar bone volume were quantified by three-dimensional micro-computed tomography, and the degree of tissue inflammation was calculated by histological analyses. At 5 weeks after infection, A. actinomycetemcomitans persisted at significantly higher levels in the murine oral cavities of infected gp91phox KO mice than in those of iNOS KO and C57BL/6 mice. Concomitantly, alveolar bone mineral density was significantly lower in all three infected groups than in uninfected controls, but with the highest loss of bone density in infected gp91phox KO mice. Only infected gp91phox KO mice revealed significant loss of alveolar bone volume and enhanced inflammatory cell infiltration, as well as an increased number of osteoclasts. Our results indicate that NADPH oxidase is important to control A. actinomycetemcomitans infection in the murine oral cavity and to prevent subsequent alveolar bone destruction and osteoclastogenesis. PMID:27849181

  15. NADPH oxidase activation contributes to native low-density lipoprotein-induced proliferation of human aortic smooth muscle cells.

    PubMed

    Park, Il Hwan; Hwang, Hye Mi; Jeon, Byeong Hwa; Kwon, Hyung-Joo; Hoe, Kwang Lae; Kim, Young Myeong; Ryoo, Sungwoo

    2015-06-12

    Elevated plasma concentration of native low-density lipoprotein (nLDL) is associated with vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) activation and cardiovascular disease. We investigated the mechanisms of superoxide generation and its contribution to pathophysiological cell proliferation in response to nLDL stimulation. Lucigenin-induced chemiluminescence was used to measure nLDL-induced superoxide production in human aortic smooth muscle cells (hAoSMCs). Superoxide production was increased by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) and decreased by NADPH oxidase inhibitors in nLDL-stimulated hAoSMC and hAoSMC homogenates, as well as in prepared membrane fractions. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2), protein kinase C-θ (PKCθ) and protein kinase C-β (PKCβ) were phosphorylated and maximally activated within 3 min of nLDL stimulation. Phosphorylated Erk1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase, PKCθ and PKCβ stimulated interactions between p47phox and p22phox; these interactions were prevented by MEK and PKC inhibitors (PD98059 and calphostin C, respectively). These inhibitors decreased nLDL-dependent superoxide production and blocked translocation of p47phox to the membrane, as shown by epifluorescence imaging and cellular fractionation experiments. Proliferation assays showed that a small interfering RNA against p47phox, as well as superoxide scavenger and NADPH oxidase inhibitors, blocked nLDL-induced hAoSMC proliferation. The nLDL stimulation in deendothelialized aortic rings from C57BL/6J mice increased dihydroethidine fluorescence and induced p47phox translocation that was blocked by PD98059 or calphostin C. Isolated aortic SMCs from p47phox(-/-) mice (mAoSMCs) did not respond to nLDL stimulation. Furthermore, NADPH oxidase 1 (Nox1) was responsible for superoxide generation and cell proliferation in nLDL-stimulated hAoSMCs. These data demonstrated that NADPH oxidase activation contributed to cell proliferation in nLDL-stimulated hAoSMCs.

  16. The ALD6 gene product is indispensable for providing NADPH in yeast cells lacking glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity.

    PubMed

    Grabowska, Dorota; Chelstowska, Anna

    2003-04-18

    Reducing equivalents in the form of NADPH are essential for many enzymatic steps involved in the biosynthesis of cellular macromolecules. An adequate level of NADPH is also required to protect cells against oxidative stress. The major enzymatic source of NADPH in the cell is the reaction catalyzed by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, the first enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway. Disruption of the ZWF1 gene, encoding glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, results in methionine auxotrophy and increased sensitivity to oxidizing agents. It is assumed that both phenotypes are due to an NADPH deficiency in the zwf1Delta strain. We used a Met(-) phenotype displayed by the zwf1Delta strain to look for multicopy suppressors of this deletion. We found that overexpression of the ALD6 gene coding for cytosolic acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, which utilizes NADP(+) as its cofactor, restores the Met(+) phenotype of the zwf1Delta strain. Another multicopy suppressor identified in our screen, the ZMS1 gene encoding a putative transcription factor, regulates the level of ALD6 expression. A strain bearing a double ZWF1 ALD6 gene disruption is not viable. Thus, our results indicate the reaction catalyzed by Ald6p as an important source of reducing equivalents in the yeast cells.

  17. Silver stain for electron microscopy

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Corbett, R. L.

    1972-01-01

    Ammoniacal silver stain used for light microscopy was adapted advantageously for use with very thin biological sections required for electron microscopy. Silver stain can be performed in short time, has more contrast, and is especially useful for low power electron microscopy.

  18. Centrifuge-operated specimen staining method and apparatus

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Feeback, Daniel L. (Inventor); Clarke, Mark S. F. (Inventor)

    1999-01-01

    A method of staining preselected, mounted specimens of either biological or nonbiological material enclosed within a staining chamber where the liquid staining reagents are applied and removed from the staining chamber using hypergravity as the propelling force. In the preferred embodiment, a spacecraft-operated centrifuge and method of diagnosing biological specimens while in orbit, characterized by hermetically sealing a shell assembly. The assembly contains slide stain apparatus with computer control therefor, the operative effect of which is to overcome microgravity, for example on board an International Space Station.

  19. Methods and compositions for chromosome-specific staining

    DOEpatents

    Gray, Joe W.; Pinkel, Daniel

    2003-07-22

    Methods and compositions for chromosome-specific staining are provided. Compositions comprise heterogenous mixtures of labeled nucleic acid fragments having substantially complementary base sequences to unique sequence regions of the chromosomal DNA for which their associated staining reagent is specific. Methods include methods for making the chromosome-specific staining compositions of the invention, and methods for applying the staining compositions to chromosomes.

  20. Trimethyltin-Induced Microglial Activation via NADPH Oxidase and MAPKs Pathway in BV-2 Microglial Cells.

    PubMed

    Kim, Da Jung; Kim, Yong Sik

    2015-01-01

    Trimethyltin (TMT) is known as a potent neurotoxicant that causes neuronal cell death and neuroinflammation, particularly in the hippocampus. Microglial activation is one of the prominent pathological features of TMT neurotoxicity. Nevertheless, it remains unclear how microglial activation occurs in TMT intoxication. In this study, we aimed to investigate the signaling pathways in TMT-induced microglial activation using BV-2 murine microglial cells. Our results revealed that TMT generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increases the expression of CD11b and nuclear factor-κB- (NF-κB-) mediated nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α in BV-2 cells. We also observed that NF-κB activation was controlled by p38 and JNK phosphorylation. Moreover, TMT-induced ROS generation occurred via nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase in BV-2 cells. Interestingly, treatment with the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin significantly suppressed p38 and JNK phosphorylation and NF-κB activation and ultimately the production of proinflammatory mediators upon TMT exposure. These findings indicate that NADPH oxidase-dependent ROS generation activated p38 and JNK mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which then stimulated NF-κB to release proinflammatory mediators in the TMT-treated BV-2 cells.

  1. Trimethyltin-Induced Microglial Activation via NADPH Oxidase and MAPKs Pathway in BV-2 Microglial Cells

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Da Jung; Kim, Yong Sik

    2015-01-01

    Trimethyltin (TMT) is known as a potent neurotoxicant that causes neuronal cell death and neuroinflammation, particularly in the hippocampus. Microglial activation is one of the prominent pathological features of TMT neurotoxicity. Nevertheless, it remains unclear how microglial activation occurs in TMT intoxication. In this study, we aimed to investigate the signaling pathways in TMT-induced microglial activation using BV-2 murine microglial cells. Our results revealed that TMT generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increases the expression of CD11b and nuclear factor-κB- (NF-κB-) mediated nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α in BV-2 cells. We also observed that NF-κB activation was controlled by p38 and JNK phosphorylation. Moreover, TMT-induced ROS generation occurred via nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase in BV-2 cells. Interestingly, treatment with the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin significantly suppressed p38 and JNK phosphorylation and NF-κB activation and ultimately the production of proinflammatory mediators upon TMT exposure. These findings indicate that NADPH oxidase-dependent ROS generation activated p38 and JNK mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which then stimulated NF-κB to release proinflammatory mediators in the TMT-treated BV-2 cells. PMID:26221064

  2. Nitrate transport is independent of NADH and NAD(P)H nitrate reductases in barley seedlings

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Warner, R. L.; Huffaker, R. C.

    1989-01-01

    Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) has NADH-specific and NAD(P)H-bispecific nitrate reductase isozymes. Four isogenic lines with different nitrate reductase isozyme combinations were used to determine the role of NADH and NAD(P)H nitrate reductases on nitrate transport and assimilation in barley seedlings. Both nitrate reductase isozymes were induced by nitrate and were required for maximum nitrate assimilation in barley seedlings. Genotypes lacking the NADH isozyme (Az12) or the NAD(P)H isozyme (Az70) assimilated 65 or 85%, respectively, as much nitrate as the wild type. Nitrate assimilation by genotype (Az12;Az70) which is deficient in both nitrate reductases, was only 13% of the wild type indicating that the NADH and NAD(P)H nitrate reductase isozymes are responsible for most of the nitrate reduction in barley seedlings. For all genotypes, nitrate assimilation rates in the dark were about 55% of the rates in light. Hypotheses that nitrate reductase has direct or indirect roles in nitrate uptake were not supported by this study. Induction of nitrate transporters and the kinetics of net nitrate uptake were the same for all four genotypes indicating that neither nitrate reductase isozyme has a direct role in nitrate uptake in barley seedlings.

  3. Comparison of methylene blue/gentian violet stain to Gram's stain for the rapid diagnosis of gonococcal urethritis in men.

    PubMed

    Taylor, Stephanie N; DiCarlo, Richard P; Martin, David H

    2011-11-01

    We compared a simple, one-step staining procedure using a mixture of methylene blue and gentian violet to Gram stain for the detection of gonococcal urethritis. The sensitivity and specificity of both Gram stain and methylene blue/gentian violet stain were 97.3% and 99.6%, respectively. There was a 100% correlation between the 2 methods.

  4. Indonesian herbal medicine prevents hypertension-induced left ventricular hypertrophy by diminishing NADPH oxidase-dependent oxidative stress.

    PubMed

    Sulistyowati, Erna; Hsu, Jong-Hau; Cheng, Yuan-Bin; Chang, Fang-Rong; Chen, Ying-Fu; Yeh, Jwu-Lai

    2017-10-17

    Indonesian herbal medicine Centella asiatica , Justicia gendarussa and Imperata cylindrica decoction (CJID) are known to be efficacious for hypertension. Oxidative stress plays an important role in hypertension-induced left ventricular hypertrophy (H-LVH). This study evaluated whether CJID inhibit cardiac remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) through mechanism of oxidative stress-related cardiac-NADPH oxidase (NOXs) pathway: NOX1, NOX2 and NOX4. Forty-weeks-old SHRs and normotensive-WKY rats, were both randomly divided into 2 groups: CJID and control. All rats were treated for 5 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) were measured. LV morphology, function and performance were assessed by histological staining and echocardiography. Serum and cardiac superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were assessed. Cardiac superoxide and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) productions, protein expressions of SOD2, SOD3, NOX1, NOX2 and NOX4 were also determined. We found that SBP and HR were significantly decreased in SHRs-treated group. Echocardiography showed that CJID significantly improved LV morphometry and function. CJID decreased MDA level, but increased SOD activity. Cardiac superoxide and H 2 O 2 generation were decreased in SHRs-treated group. CJID caused cardiac SODs expressions to be increased but NOXs expressions to be suppressed. In conclusion, CJID prevents H-LVH by reducing reactive oxygen species production via the NOXs-dependent pathway.

  5. Indonesian herbal medicine prevents hypertension-induced left ventricular hypertrophy by diminishing NADPH oxidase-dependent oxidative stress

    PubMed Central

    Sulistyowati, Erna; Hsu, Jong-Hau; Cheng, Yuan-Bin; Chang, Fang-Rong; Chen, Ying-Fu; Yeh, Jwu-Lai

    2017-01-01

    Indonesian herbal medicine Centella asiatica, Justicia gendarussa and Imperata cylindrica decoction (CJID) are known to be efficacious for hypertension. Oxidative stress plays an important role in hypertension-induced left ventricular hypertrophy (H-LVH). This study evaluated whether CJID inhibit cardiac remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) through mechanism of oxidative stress-related cardiac-NADPH oxidase (NOXs) pathway: NOX1, NOX2 and NOX4. Forty-weeks-old SHRs and normotensive-WKY rats, were both randomly divided into 2 groups: CJID and control. All rats were treated for 5 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) were measured. LV morphology, function and performance were assessed by histological staining and echocardiography. Serum and cardiac superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were assessed. Cardiac superoxide and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) productions, protein expressions of SOD2, SOD3, NOX1, NOX2 and NOX4 were also determined. We found that SBP and HR were significantly decreased in SHRs-treated group. Echocardiography showed that CJID significantly improved LV morphometry and function. CJID decreased MDA level, but increased SOD activity. Cardiac superoxide and H2O2 generation were decreased in SHRs-treated group. CJID caused cardiac SODs expressions to be increased but NOXs expressions to be suppressed. In conclusion, CJID prevents H-LVH by reducing reactive oxygen species production via the NOXs-dependent pathway. PMID:29156835

  6. Priming of the neutrophil NADPH oxidase activation: role of p47phox phosphorylation and NOX2 mobilization to the plasma membrane.

    PubMed

    El-Benna, Jamel; Dang, Pham My-Chan; Gougerot-Pocidalo, Marie-Anne

    2008-07-01

    Neutrophils play an essential role in host defense against microbial pathogens and in the inflammatory reaction. Upon activation, neutrophils produce superoxide anion (O*2), which generates other reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hydroxyl radical (OH*) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl), together with microbicidal peptides and proteases. The enzyme responsible for O2* production is called the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase or respiratory burst oxidase. This multicomponent enzyme system is composed of two trans-membrane proteins (p22phox and gp91phox/NOX2, which form the cytochrome b558), three cytosolic proteins (p47phox, p67phox, p40phox) and a GTPase (Rac1 or Rac2), which assemble at membrane sites upon cell activation. NADPH oxidase activation in phagocytes can be induced by a large number of soluble and particulate factors. Three major events accompany NAPDH oxidase activation: (1) protein phosphorylation, (2) GTPase activation, and (3) translocation of cytosolic components to the plasma membrane to form the active enzyme. Actually, the neutrophil NADPH oxidase exists in different states: resting, primed, activated, or inactivated. The resting state is found in circulating blood neutrophils. The primed state can be induced by neutrophil adhesion, pro-inflammatory cytokines, lipopolysaccharide, and other agents and has been characterized as a "ready to go" state, which results in a faster and higher response upon exposure to a second stimulus. The active state is found at the inflammatory or infection site. Activation is induced by the pathogen itself or by pathogen-derived formylated peptides and other agents. Finally, inactivation of NADPH oxidase is induced by anti-inflammatory agents to limit inflammation. Priming is a "double-edged sword" process as it contributes to a rapid and efficient elimination of the pathogens but can also induce the generation of large quantities of toxic ROS by hyperactivation of

  7. Inhibition of arsenic induced-rat liver injury by grape seed exact through suppression of NADPH oxidase and TGF-{beta}/Smad activation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Pan Xinjuan; Dai Yujie; Li Xing

    2011-08-01

    Chronic arsenic exposure induces oxidative damage to liver leading to liver fibrosis. We aimed to define the effect of grape seed extract (GSE), an antioxidant dietary supplement, on arsenic-induced liver injury. First, Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to a low level of arsenic in drinking water (30 ppm) with or without GSE (100 mg/kg, every other day by oral gavage) for 12 months and the effect of GSE on arsenic-induced hepatotoxicity was examined. The results from this study revealed that GSE co-treatment significantly attenuated arsenic-induced low antioxidant defense, oxidative damage, proinflammatory cytokines and fibrogenic genes. Moreover, GSE reduced arsenic-stimulated Smad2/3more » phosphorylation and protein levels of NADPH oxidase subunits (Nox2, Nox4 and p47phox). Next, we explored the molecular mechanisms underlying GSE inhibition of arsenic toxicity using cultured rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). From the in vitro study, we found that GSE dose-dependently reduced arsenic-stimulated ROS production and NADPH oxidase activities. Both NADPH oxidases flavoprotein inhibitor DPI and Nox4 siRNA blocked arsenic-induced ROS production, whereas Nox4 overexpression suppressed the inhibitory effects of GSE on arsenic-induced ROS production and NADPH oxidase activities, as well as expression of TGF-{beta}1, type I procollagen (Coll-I) and {alpha}-smooth muscle actin ({alpha}-SMA) mRNA. We also observed that GSE dose-dependently inhibited TGF-{beta}1-induced transactivation of the TGF-{beta}-induced smad response element p3TP-Lux, and that forced expression of Smad3 attenuated the inhibitory effects of GSE on TGF-{beta}1-induced mRNA expression of Coll-I and {alpha}-SMA. Collectively, GSE could be a potential dietary therapeutic agent for arsenic-induced liver injury through suppression of NADPH oxidase and TGF-{beta}/Smad activation. - Research Highlights: > GSE attenuated arsenic-induced low antioxidant defense, oxidative damage, proinflammatory cytokines

  8. Molecular Interface of S100A8 with Cytochrome b558 and NADPH Oxidase Activation

    PubMed Central

    Berthier, Sylvie; Hograindleur, Marc-André; Paclet, Marie-Hélène; Polack, Benoît; Morel, Françoise

    2012-01-01

    S100A8 and S100A9 are two calcium binding Myeloid Related Proteins, and important mediators of inflammatory diseases. They were recently introduced as partners for phagocyte NADPH oxidase regulation. However, the precise mechanism of their interaction remains elusive. We had for aim (i) to evaluate the impact of S100 proteins on NADPH oxidase activity; (ii) to characterize molecular interaction of either S100A8, S100A9, or S100A8/S100A9 heterocomplex with cytochrome b 558; and (iii) to determine the S100A8 consensus site involved in cytochrome b 558/S100 interface. Recombinant full length or S100A9-A8 truncated chimera proteins and ExoS-S100 fusion proteins were expressed in E. coli and in P. aeruginosa respectively. Our results showed that S100A8 is the functional partner for NADPH oxidase activation contrary to S100A9, however, the loading with calcium and a combination with phosphorylated S100A9 are essential in vivo. Endogenous S100A9 and S100A8 colocalize in differentiated and PMA stimulated PLB985 cells, with Nox2/gp91phox and p22phox. Recombinant S100A8, loaded with calcium and fused with the first 129 or 54 N-terminal amino acid residues of the P. aeruginosa ExoS toxin, induced a similar oxidase activation in vitro, to the one observed with S100A8 in the presence of S100A9 in vivo. This suggests that S100A8 is the essential component of the S100A9/S100A8 heterocomplex for oxidase activation. In this context, recombinant full-length rS100A9-A8 and rS100A9-A8 truncated 90 chimera proteins as opposed to rS100A9-A8 truncated 86 and rS100A9-A8 truncated 57 chimeras, activate the NADPH oxidase function of purified cytochrome b 558 suggesting that the C-terminal region of S100A8 is directly involved in the molecular interface with the hemoprotein. The data point to four strategic 87HEES90 amino acid residues of the S100A8 C-terminal sequence that are involved directly in the molecular interaction with cytochrome b558 and then in the phagocyte NADPH oxidase

  9. The NADPH oxidase Cpnox1 is required for full pathogenicity of the ergot fungus Claviceps purpurea.

    PubMed

    Giesbert, Sabine; Schürg, Timo; Scheele, Sandra; Tudzynski, Paul

    2008-05-01

    The role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in interactions between phytopathogenic fungi and their hosts is well established. An oxidative burst mainly caused by superoxide formation by membrane-associated NADPH oxidases is an essential element of plant defence reactions. Apart from primary effects, ROS play a major role as a second messenger in host response. Recently, NADPH oxidase (nox)-encoding genes have been identified in filamentous fungi. Functional analyses have shown that these fungal enzymes are involved in sexual differentiation, and there is growing evidence that they also affect developmental programmes involved in fungus-plant interactions. Here we show that in the biotrophic plant pathogen Claviceps purpurea deletion of the cpnox1 gene, probably encoding an NADPH oxidase, has impact on germination of conidia and pathogenicity: Deltacpnox1 mutants can penetrate the host epidermis, but they are impaired in colonization of the plant ovarian tissue. In the few cases where macroscopic signs of infection (honeydew) appear, they are extremely delayed and fully developed sclerotia have never been observed. C. purpurea Nox1 is important for the interaction with its host, probably by directly affecting pathogenic differentiation of the fungus.

  10. Pre-steady-state kinetic studies of redox reactions catalysed by Bacillus subtilis ferredoxin-NADP(+) oxidoreductase with NADP(+)/NADPH and ferredoxin.

    PubMed

    Seo, Daisuke; Soeta, Takahiro; Sakurai, Hidehiro; Sétif, Pierre; Sakurai, Takeshi

    2016-06-01

    Ferredoxin-NADP(+) oxidoreductase ([EC1.18.1.2], FNR) from Bacillus subtilis (BsFNR) is a homodimeric flavoprotein sharing structural homology with bacterial NADPH-thioredoxin reductase. Pre-steady-state kinetics of the reactions of BsFNR with NADP(+), NADPH, NADPD (deuterated form) and B. subtilis ferredoxin (BsFd) using stopped-flow spectrophotometry were studied. Mixing BsFNR with NADP(+) and NADPH yielded two types of charge-transfer (CT) complexes, oxidized FNR (FNR(ox))-NADPH and reduced FNR (FNR(red))-NADP(+), both having CT absorption bands centered at approximately 600n m. After mixing BsFNR(ox) with about a 10-fold molar excess of NADPH (forward reaction), BsFNR was almost completely reduced at equilibrium. When BsFNR(red) was mixed with NADP(+), the amount of BsFNR(ox) increased with increasing NADP(+) concentration, but BsFNR(red) remained as the major species at equilibrium even with about 50-fold molar excess NADP(+). In both directions, the hydride-transfer was the rate-determining step, where the forward direction rate constant (~500 s(-1)) was much higher than the reverse one (<10 s(-1)). Mixing BsFd(red) with BsFNR(ox) induced rapid formation of a neutral semiquinone form. This process was almost completed within 1 ms. Subsequently the neutral semiquinone form was reduced to the hydroquinone form with an apparent rate constant of 50 to 70 s(-1) at 10°C, which increased as BsFd(red) increased from 40 to 120 μM. The reduction rate of BsFNR(ox) by BsFd(red) was markedly decreased by premixing BsFNR(ox) with BsFd(ox), indicating that the dissociation of BsFd(ox) from BsFNR(sq) is rate-limiting in the reaction. The characteristics of the BsFNR reactions with NADP(+)/NADPH were compared with those of other types of FNRs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Structures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae D-arabinose dehydrogenase Ara1 and its complex with NADPH: implications for cofactor-assisted substrate recognition.

    PubMed

    Hu, Xiao-Qian; Guo, Peng-Chao; Ma, Jin-Di; Li, Wei-Fang

    2013-11-01

    The primary role of yeast Ara1, previously mis-annotated as a D-arabinose dehydrogenase, is to catalyze the reduction of a variety of toxic α,β-dicarbonyl compounds using NADPH as a cofactor at physiological pH levels. Here, crystal structures of Ara1 in apo and NADPH-complexed forms are presented at 2.10 and 2.00 Å resolution, respectively. Ara1 exists as a homodimer, each subunit of which adopts an (α/β)8-barrel structure and has a highly conserved cofactor-binding pocket. Structural comparison revealed that induced fit upon NADPH binding yielded an intact active-site pocket that recognizes the substrate. Moreover, the crystal structures combined with computational simulation defined an open substrate-binding site to accommodate various substrates that possess a dicarbonyl group.

  12. Selection and application of exterior stains for wood

    Treesearch

    R. Sam Williams; William C. Feist

    1999-01-01

    Exterior stains for wood protect the wood surface from sunlight and moisture. Because stains are formulated to penetrate the wood surface, they are not prone to crack or peel as can film-forming finishes, such as paints. This publication describes the properties of stains and wood, methods for applying stains, and the expected service life of stains.

  13. Compositions for chromosome-specific staining

    DOEpatents

    Gray, Joe W.; Pinkel, Daniel

    1998-01-01

    Methods and compositions for staining based upon nucleic acid sequence that employ nucleic acid probes are provided. Said methods produce staining patterns that can be tailored for specific cytogenetic analyses. Said probes are appropriate for in situ hybridization and stain both interphase and metaphase chromosomal material with reliable signals. The nucleic acid probes are typically of a complexity greater than 50 kb, the complexity depending upon the cytogenetic application. Methods are provided to disable the hybridization capacity of shared, high copy repetitive sequences and/or remove such sequences to provide for useful contrast. Still further methods are provided to produce chromosome-specific staining reagents which are made specific to the targeted chromosomal material, which can be one or more whole chromosomes, one or more regions on one or more chromosomes, subsets of chromosomes and/or the entire genome. Probes and test kits are provided for use in tumor cytogenetics, in the detection of disease related loci, in analysis of structural abnormalities, such as translocations, and for biological dosimetry. Further, methods and prenatal test kits are provided to stain targeted chromosomal material of fetal cells, including fetal cells obtained from maternal blood. Still further, the invention provides for automated means to detect and analyse chromosomal abnormalities.

  14. Compositions for chromosome-specific staining

    DOEpatents

    Gray, J.W.; Pinkel, D.

    1998-05-26

    Methods and compositions for staining based upon nucleic acid sequence that employ nucleic acid probes are provided. The methods produce staining patterns that can be tailored for specific cytogenetic analyses. The probes are appropriate for in situ hybridization and stain both interphase and metaphase chromosomal material with reliable signals. The nucleic acid probes are typically of a complexity greater than 50 kb, the complexity depending upon the cytogenetic application. Methods are provided to disable the hybridization capacity of shared, high copy repetitive sequences and/or remove such sequences to provide for useful contrast. Still further methods are provided to produce chromosome-specific staining reagents which are made specific to the targeted chromosomal material, which can be one or more whole chromosomes, one or more regions on one or more chromosomes, subsets of chromosomes and/or the entire genome. Probes and test kits are provided for use in tumor cytogenetics, in the detection of disease related loci, in analysis of structural abnormalities, such as translocations, and for biological dosimetry. Methods and prenatal test kits are provided to stain targeted chromosomal material of fetal cells, including fetal cells obtained from maternal blood. The invention provides for automated means to detect and analyze chromosomal abnormalities. 17 figs.

  15. Crystal violet stain as a selective stain for the assessment of mitotic figures in oral epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Jadhav, Kiran B; Ahmed Mujib, B R; Gupta, Nidhi

    2012-01-01

    Assessment of mitotic figures (MFs) is routinely practiced as prognostic indicator in oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), but identification of MFs poses a problem in terms of staining characteristics. To evaluate effectiveness of crystal violet stain for staining of MFs and its comparison with hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) stain. Study sample includes archival tissues embedded in paraffin blocks diagnosed as OED (n = 30) and OSCC (n = 30). The control group comprised of tissue specimen from oral mucosa of healthy volunteers (n = 30). Two serial sections of each tissue specimen were stained separately with H and E stain and 1% crystal violet stain. The stained sections were observed under microscope for identification and counting of MFs. Data obtained was statistically analyzed by using the Man-Whitney U test. A significant increase in number of MFs was observed in OED and OSCC in comparison with normal oral mucosa. There was a highly significant increase in number of MFs in crystal violet stained tissue sections when compared with H and E stain. Metaphase is the most commonly observed phase of mitosis in crystal violet stain when compared with H and E stain for all three groups. Crystal violet stain can be considered as selective stain for mitotic figures.

  16. Can Feulgen Stain be a Reliable Biomarker over PAP Stain for Estimation of Micronuclei Score?

    PubMed Central

    Prasad, Umesh Chandra; Chandolia, Betina; Manjunath, S M; Basu, Shiva; Verma, Silvie

    2016-01-01

    Introduction Malignant transformation of the Potentially Malignant Lesions (PML) in the oral cavity is associated with elevated mortality rate because of its aggressive and exceedingly invasive nature. Meticulous diagnosis and prompt therapy of PML may help prevent malignant conversion in oral lesions. Carcinogenic insult to oral cells results in chromosomal damage and formation of Micronuclei (Mn), before the development of clinical symptoms. Aim To determine the genotoxic effect of smoking and chewing tobacco on target tissue using Mn assay and to evaluate the prevalence of other nuclear anomalies associated with it and to determine the reliability of feulgen stain for Mn assay over Papaincolau (PAP) stain. Materials and Methods PAP and feulgen staining was done to study Mn in individuals who were having tobacco habits (smoking and chewing) without lesion (n=30), individuals who were having tobacco habit (smoking and chewing) with PML (n=30) and apparently healthy subjects (n=30). Data was analysed for statistical significance using SPSS 17.0 by Kruskal - Wallis Test and Bonferronii test. Results Tobacco habits in the form of smoking and chewing have mutagenic effects on human chromosomes which is indicated by increased frequency of Mn in oral exfoliative cells. The mean Mn frequency using feulgen stain was found to be 12.27 with lesion, 10.23 with without lesion and 3.87 in controls. Whereas, metanucleated analysis revealed no significant correlation with the formation of Mn. Non-specific DNA stain (PAP) showed high numbers of Mn cells in all the groups compared to feulgen. Statistically significant difference (p<0.0001) was observed when both the stains were compared for Mn numbers. Conclusion These findings indicate that the individuals having tobacco habits (smoking and chewing) with lesion have high number of Mn cells, thus supporting the assay to be used as a reliable biomarker to assess the genotoxic effect of tobacco in the oral mucosa. The reason for

  17. Differential staining of bacteria: acid fast stain.

    PubMed

    Reynolds, Jackie; Moyes, Rita B; Breakwell, Donald P

    2009-11-01

    Acid-fastness is an uncommon characteristic shared by the genera Mycobacterium (Section 10A) and Nocardia. Because of this feature, this stain is extremely helpful in identification of these bacteria. Although Gram positive, acid-fast bacteria do not take the crystal violet into the wall well, appearing very light purple rather than the deep purple of normal Gram-positive bacteria. (c) 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

  18. Antimalarial NADPH-Consuming Redox-Cyclers As Superior Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency Copycats.

    PubMed

    Bielitza, Max; Belorgey, Didier; Ehrhardt, Katharina; Johann, Laure; Lanfranchi, Don Antoine; Gallo, Valentina; Schwarzer, Evelin; Mohring, Franziska; Jortzik, Esther; Williams, David L; Becker, Katja; Arese, Paolo; Elhabiri, Mourad; Davioud-Charvet, Elisabeth

    2015-05-20

    Early phagocytosis of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)-deficient erythrocytes parasitized by Plasmodium falciparum were shown to protect G6PD-deficient populations from severe malaria. Here, we investigated the mechanism of a novel antimalarial series, namely 3-[substituted-benzyl]-menadiones, to understand whether these NADPH-consuming redox-cyclers, which induce oxidative stress, mimic the natural protection of G6PD deficiency. We demonstrated that the key benzoylmenadione metabolite of the lead compound acts as an efficient redox-cycler in NADPH-dependent methaemoglobin reduction, leading to the continuous formation of reactive oxygen species, ferrylhaemoglobin, and subsequent haemichrome precipitation. Structure-activity relationships evidenced that both drug metabolites and haemoglobin catabolites contribute to potentiate drug effects and inhibit parasite development. Disruption of redox homeostasis by the lead benzylmenadione was specifically induced in Plasmodium falciparum parasitized erythrocytes and not in non-infected cells, and was visualized via changes in the glutathione redox potential of living parasite cytosols. Furthermore, the redox-cycler shows additive and synergistic effects in combination with compounds affecting the NADPH flux in vivo. The lead benzylmenadione 1c is the first example of a novel redox-active agent that mimics the behavior of a falciparum parasite developing inside a G6PD-deficient red blood cell (RBC) giving rise to malaria protection, and it exerts specific additive effects that are inhibitory to parasite development, without harm for non-infected G6PD-sufficient or -deficient RBCs. This strategy offers an innovative perspective for the development of future antimalarial drugs for G6PD-sufficient and -deficient populations.

  19. Rorschach inkblot port-wine stain.

    PubMed

    Coots, N V; Elston, D M

    1997-01-01

    We present an infant born with bilaterally symmetric, anterior and posterior port-wine stains. These lesions presented a striking resemblance to Rorschach inkblots, a phenomenon not previously reported. A discussion of the case as well as a discussion of syndromes associated with port-wine stains is provided.

  20. Compact, Automated Centrifugal Slide-Staining System

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Feeback, Daniel L.; Clarke, Mark S. F.

    2004-01-01

    The Directional Acceleration Vector-Driven Displacement of Fluids (DAVD-DOF) system, under development at the time of reporting the information for this article, would be a relatively compact, automated, centrifugally actuated system for staining blood smears and other microbiological samples on glass microscope slides in either a microgravitational or a normal Earth gravitational environment. The DAVD-DOF concept is a successor to the centrifuge-operated slide stainer (COSS) concept, which was reported in Slide-Staining System for Microgravity or Gravity (MSC-22949), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 25, No. 1 (January, 2001), page 64. The COSS includes reservoirs and a staining chamber that contains a microscope slide to which a biological sample is affixed. The staining chamber is sequentially filled with and drained of staining and related liquids from the reservoirs by use of a weighted plunger to force liquid from one reservoir to another at a constant level of hypergravity maintained in a standard swing-bucket centrifuge. In the DAVD-DOF system, a staining chamber containing a sample would also be sequentially filled and emptied, but with important differences. Instead of a simple microscope slide, one would use a special microscope slide on which would be fabricated a network of very small reservoirs and narrow channels connected to a staining chamber (see figure). Unlike in the COSS, displacement of liquid would be effected by use of the weight of the liquid itself, rather than the weight of a plunger.

  1. Improved strategies for electrochemical 1,4-NAD(P)H2 regeneration: A new era of bioreactors for industrial biocatalysis.

    PubMed

    Morrison, Clifford S; Armiger, William B; Dodds, David R; Dordick, Jonathan S; Koffas, Mattheos A G

    Industrial enzymatic reactions requiring 1,4-NAD(P)H 2 to perform redox transformations often require convoluted coupled enzyme regeneration systems to regenerate 1,4-NAD(P)H 2 from NAD(P) and recycle the cofactor for as many turnovers as possible. Renewed interest in recycling the cofactor via electrochemical means is motivated by the low cost of performing electrochemical reactions, easy monitoring of the reaction progress, and straightforward product recovery. However, electrochemical cofactor regeneration methods invariably produce adventitious reduced cofactor side products which result in unproductive loss of input NAD(P). We review various literature strategies for mitigating adventitious product formation by electrochemical cofactor regeneration systems, and offer insight as to how a successful electrochemical bioreactor system could be constructed to engineer efficient 1,4-NAD(P)H 2 -dependent enzyme reactions of interest to the industrial biocatalysis community. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and NADPH redox regulates cardiac myocyte L-type calcium channel activity and myocardial contractile function.

    PubMed

    Rawat, Dhwajbahadur K; Hecker, Peter; Watanabe, Makino; Chettimada, Sukrutha; Levy, Richard J; Okada, Takao; Edwards, John G; Gupte, Sachin A

    2012-01-01

    We recently demonstrated that a 17-ketosteroid, epiandrosterone, attenuates L-type Ca(2+) currents (I(Ca-L)) in cardiac myocytes and inhibits myocardial contractility. Because 17-ketosteroids are known to inhibit glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), the rate-limiting enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway, and to reduce intracellular NADPH levels, we hypothesized that inhibition of G6PD could be a novel signaling mechanism which inhibit I(Ca-L) and, therefore, cardiac contractile function. We tested this idea by examining myocardial function in isolated hearts and Ca(2+) channel activity in isolated cardiac myocytes. Myocardial function was tested in Langendorff perfused hearts and I(Ca-L) were recorded in the whole-cell patch configuration by applying double pulses from a holding potential of -80 mV and then normalized to the peak amplitudes of control currents. 6-Aminonicotinamide, a competitive inhibitor of G6PD, increased pCO(2) and decreased pH. Additionally, 6-aminonicotinamide inhibited G6PD activity, reduced NADPH levels, attenuated peak I(Ca-L) amplitudes, and decreased left ventricular developed pressure and ±dp/dt. Finally, dialyzing NADPH into cells from the patch pipette solution attenuated the suppression of I(Ca-L) by 6-aminonicotinamide. Likewise, in G6PD-deficient mice, G6PD insufficiency in the heart decreased GSH-to-GSSG ratio, superoxide, cholesterol and acetyl CoA. In these mice, M-mode echocardiographic findings showed increased diastolic volume and end-diastolic diameter without changes in the fraction shortening. Taken together, these findings suggest that inhibiting G6PD activity and reducing NADPH levels alters metabolism and leads to inhibition of L-type Ca(2+) channel activity. Notably, this pathway may be involved in modulating myocardial contractility under physiological and pathophysiological conditions during which the pentose phosphate pathway-derived NADPH redox is modulated (e.g., ischemia-reperfusion and heart failure).

  3. Pyridine Nucleotide Complexes with Bacillus anthracis Coenzyme A-Disulfide Reductase: A Structural Analysis of Dual NAD(P)H Specificity

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wallen,J.; Paige, C.; Mallett, T.

    2008-01-01

    We have recently reported that CoASH is the major low-molecular weight thiol in Bacillus anthracis, and we have now characterized the kinetic and redox properties of the B. anthracis coenzyme A-disulfide reductase (CoADR, BACoADR) and determined the crystal structure at 2.30 Angstroms resolution. While the Staphylococcus aureus and Borrelia burgdorferi CoADRs exhibit strong preferences for NADPH and NADH, respectively, B. anthracis CoADR can use either pyridine nucleotide equally well. Sequence elements within the respective NAD(P)H-binding motifs correctly reflect the preferences for S. aureus and Bo. burgdorferi CoADRs, but leave questions as to how BACoADR can interact with both pyridine nucleotides.more » The structures of the NADH and NADPH complexes at ca. 2.3 Angstroms resolution reveal that a loop consisting of residues Glu180-Thr187 becomes ordered and changes conformation on NAD(P)H binding. NADH and NADPH interact with nearly identical conformations of this loop; the latter interaction, however, involves a novel binding mode in which the 2'-phosphate of NADPH points out toward solvent. In addition, the NAD(P)H-reduced BACoADR structures provide the first view of the reduced form (Cys42-SH/CoASH) of the Cys42-SSCoA redox center. The Cys42-SH side chain adopts a new conformation in which the conserved Tyr367'-OH and Tyr425'-OH interact with the nascent thiol(ate) on the flavin si-face. Kinetic data with Y367F, Y425F, and Y367, 425F BACoADR mutants indicate that Tyr425' is the primary proton donor in catalysis, with Tyr367' functioning as a cryptic alternate donor in the absence of Tyr425'.« less

  4. The comparison of pyrosequencing molecular Gram stain, culture, and conventional Gram stain for diagnosing orthopaedic infections.

    PubMed

    Kobayashi, Naomi; Bauer, Thomas W; Tuohy, Marion J; Lieberman, Isador H; Krebs, Viktor; Togawa, Daisuke; Fujishiro, Takaaki; Procop, Gary W

    2006-08-01

    We have developed a combined real-time PCR and pyrosequencing assay that successfully differentiated the vast majority of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria when bacterial isolates were tested. The purpose of this study was to evaluate this assay on clinical specimens obtained from orthopedic surgeries, and to prospectively compare the results of "molecular Gram stain" with culture and conventional direct Gram stain. Forty-five surgical specimens were obtained from patients who underwent orthopedic surgery procedures. The DNA was extracted and a set of broad-range PCR primers that targeted a part of the 16S rDNA gene was used for pan-bacterial PCR. The amplicons were submitted for pyrosequencing and the resulting molecular Gram stain characteristics were recorded. Culture and direct Gram staining were performed using standard methods for all cases. Surgical specimens were reviewed histologically for all cases that had a discrepancy between culture and molecular results. There was an 86.7% (39/45) agreement between the traditional and molecular methods. In 12/14 (85.7%) culture-proven cases of bacterial infection, molecular Gram stain characteristics were in agreement with the culture results, while the conventional Gram stain result was in agreement only for five cases (35.7%). In the 31 culture negative cases, 27 cases were also PCR negative, whereas 4 were PCR positive. Three of these were characterized as gram negative and one as gram positive by this molecular method. Molecular determination of the Gram stain characteristics of bacteria that cause orthopedic infections may be achieved, in most instances, by this method. Further studies are necessary to understand the clinical importance of PCR-positive/culture-negative results.

  5. Two NADPH oxidase isoforms are required for sexual reproduction and ascospore germination in the filamentous fungus Podospora anserina.

    PubMed

    Malagnac, Fabienne; Lalucque, Hervé; Lepère, Gersende; Silar, Philippe

    2004-11-01

    NADPH oxidases are enzymes that produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) using electrons derived from intracellular NADPH. In plants and mammals, ROS have been proposed to be second messengers that signal defence responses or cell proliferation. By inactivating PaNox1 and PaNox2, two genes encoding NADPH oxidases, we demonstrate the crucial role of these enzymes in the control of two key steps of the filamentous fungus Podospora anserina life cycle. PaNox1 mutants are impaired in the differentiation of fruiting bodies from their progenitor cells, and the deletion of the PaNox2 gene specifically blocks ascospore germination. Furthermore, we show that PaNox1 likely acts upstream of PaASK1, a MAPKKK previously implicated in stationary phase differentiation and cell degeneration. Using nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) and diaminobenzidine (DAB) assays, we detect a regulated secretion of both superoxide and peroxide during P. anserina vegetative growth. In addition, two oxidative bursts are shown to occur during fruiting body development and ascospore germination. Analysis of mutants establishes that PaNox1, PaNox2, and PaASK1, as well as a still unknown additional source of ROS, modulate these secretions. Altogether, our data point toward a role for NADPH oxidases in signalling fungal developmental transitions with respect to nutrient availability. These enzymes are conserved in other multicellular eukaryotes, suggesting that early eukaryotes were endowed with a redox network used for signalling purposes.

  6. Positive correlation between decreased cellular uptake, NADPH-glutathione reductase activity and adriamycin resistance in Ehrlich ascites tumor lines.

    PubMed

    Scheulen, M E; Hoensch, H; Kappus, H; Seeber, S; Schmidt, C G

    1987-01-01

    From a wild type strain of Ehrlich ascites tumor (EATWT) sublines resistant to daunorubicin (EATDNM), etoposide (EATETO), and cisplatinum (EATCIS) have been developed in vivo. Increase in survival and cure rate caused by adriamycin (doxorubicin) have been determined in female NMRI mice which were inoculated i.p. with EAT cells. Adriamycin concentrations causing 50% inhibition of 3H-thymidine (ICT) and 3H-uridine incorporation (ICU) and intracellular adriamycin steady-state concentrations (SSC) were measured in vitro. Adriamycin resistance increased and SSC decreased in the following sequence: EATWT - EATCIS - EATDNM - EATETO. When ICT and ICU were corrected for intracellular adriamycin concentrations in consideration of the different SSC (ICTc, ICUc), ICTc and ICUc still varied up to the 3.2 fold in EATCIS, EATDNM and EATETO in comparison to EATWT. Thus, in addition to different SSC other factors must be responsible for adriamycin resistance. Therefore, enzymes which may play a role in the cytotoxicity related to adriamycin metabolism (NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase, NADPH-glutathione reductase, NADP-glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase) were measured. In contrast to the other parameters determined, NADPH-glutathione reductase was significantly (p less than 0.01) increased up to the 3.2 fold parallel to adriamycin resistance as determined by increase in life span, cure rate, ICTc, and ICUc, respectively. It is concluded that high activities of NADPH-glutathione reductase may contribute to an increase in adriamycin resistance of malignant tumors.

  7. Unexpected function of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase in supporting hyperglycolysis in stimulated neutrophils: key role of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase.

    PubMed

    Baillet, Athan; Hograindleur, Marc-André; El Benna, Jamel; Grichine, Alexei; Berthier, Sylvie; Morel, Françoise; Paclet, Marie-Hélène

    2017-02-01

    The phagocyte NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2) is an enzymatic complex that is involved in innate immunity, notably via its capacity to produce toxic reactive oxygen species. Recently, a proteomic analysis of the constitutively active Nox2 complex, isolated from neutrophil fractions, highlighted the presence of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase (PFK-2). The purpose of this work was to study the relationship between PFK-2 and NADPH oxidase in neutrophils. Data have underlined a specific association of the active phosphorylated form of PFK-2 with Nox2 complex in stimulated neutrophils. In its active form, PFK-2 catalyzes the production of fructose-2,6-bisphosphate, which is the main allosteric activator of phosphofructo-1-kinase, the limiting enzyme in glycolysis. Pharmacologic inhibition of PFK-2 phosphorylation and cell depletion in PFK-2 by a small interfering RNA strategy led to a decrease in the glycolysis rate and a reduction in NADPH oxidase activity in stimulated cells. Surprisingly, alteration of Nox2 activity impacted the glycolysis rate, which indicated that Nox2 in neutrophils was not only required for reactive oxygen species production but was also involved in supporting the energetic metabolism increase that was induced by inflammatory conditions. PFK-2 seems to be a strategic element that links NADPH oxidase activation and glycolysis modulation, and, as such, is proposed as a potential therapeutic target in inflammatory diseases.-Baillet, A., Hograindleur, M.-A., El Benna, J., Grichine, A., Berthier, S., Morel, F., Paclet, M.-H. Unexpected function of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase in supporting hyperglycolysis in stimulated neutrophils: key role of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase. © FASEB.

  8. Sildenafil Promotes eNOS Activation and Inhibits NADPH Oxidase in the Transgenic Sickle Cell Mouse Penis

    PubMed Central

    Musicki, Biljana; Bivalacqua, Trinity J.; Champion, Hunter C.; Burnett, Arthur L.

    2014-01-01

    Introduction Sickle cell disease (SCD)-associated vasculopathy in the penis is characterized by aberrant nitric oxide and phosphodiesterase (PDE) 5 signaling, and by increased oxidative stress. Preliminary clinical trials show that continuous treatment with PDE5 inhibitor sildenafil unassociated with sexual activity decreases priapic activity in patients with SCD. However, the mechanism of its vasculoprotective effect in the penis remains unclear. Aims We evaluated whether continuous administration of PDE5 inhibitor sildenafil promotes eNOS function at posttranslational levels and decreases superoxide-producing enzyme NADPH oxidase activity in the sickle cell mouse penis. Methods SCD transgenic mice were used as an animal model of SCD. WT mice served as controls. Mice received treatment with the PDE5 inhibitor sildenafil (100 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 3 weeks. eNOS phosphorylation on Ser-1177 (positive regulatory site), eNOS interactions with heat-shock protein 90 (HSP90) (positive regulator), phosphorylated AKT (upstream mediator of eNOS phosphorylation on Ser-1177), an NADPH oxidase catalytic subunit gp91(phox), and a marker of oxidative stress (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal [HNE]) were measured by Western blot. Main Outcome Measures Effect of continuous sildenafil treatment on eNOS posttranslational activation, NADPH oxidase catalytic subunit, and oxidative stress in the penis of the sickle cell mouse. Results Continuous treatment with sildenafil reversed (P < 0.05) the abnormalities in protein expressions of P-eNOS (Ser-1177), eNOS/HSP90 interaction, P-AKT, protein expression of gp91(phox), and 4-HNE, in the sickle cell mouse penis. Sildenafil treatment of WT mice did not affect any of these parameters. Conclusion Our findings that sildenafil enhances eNOS activation and inhibits NADPH oxidase function in the sickle cell mouse penis offers a vasculoprotective molecular basis for the therapeutic effect of sildenafil in the penis in association with SCD. PMID:24251665

  9. Sildenafil promotes eNOS activation and inhibits NADPH oxidase in the transgenic sickle cell mouse penis.

    PubMed

    Musicki, Biljana; Bivalacqua, Trinity J; Champion, Hunter C; Burnett, Arthur L

    2014-02-01

    Sickle cell disease (SCD)-associated vasculopathy in the penis is characterized by aberrant nitric oxide and phosphodiesterase (PDE) 5 signaling, and by increased oxidative stress. Preliminary clinical trials show that continuous treatment with PDE5 inhibitor sildenafil unassociated with sexual activity decreases priapic activity in patients with SCD. However, the mechanism of its vasculoprotective effect in the penis remains unclear. We evaluated whether continuous administration of PDE5 inhibitor sildenafil promotes eNOS function at posttranslational levels and decreases superoxide-producing enzyme NADPH oxidase activity in the sickle cell mouse penis. SCD transgenic mice were used as an animal model of SCD. WT mice served as controls. Mice received treatment with the PDE5 inhibitor sildenafil (100 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 3 weeks. eNOS phosphorylation on Ser-1177 (positive regulatory site), eNOS interactions with heat-shock protein 90 (HSP90) (positive regulator), phosphorylated AKT (upstream mediator of eNOS phosphorylation on Ser-1177), an NADPH oxidase catalytic subunit gp91(phox), and a marker of oxidative stress (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal [HNE]) were measured by Western blot. Effect of continuous sildenafil treatment on eNOS posttranslational activation, NADPH oxidase catalytic subunit, and oxidative stress in the penis of the sickle cell mouse. Continuous treatment with sildenafil reversed (P < 0.05) the abnormalities in protein expressions of P-eNOS (Ser-1177), eNOS/HSP90 interaction, P-AKT, protein expression of gp91(phox), and 4-HNE, in the sickle cell mouse penis. Sildenafil treatment of WT mice did not affect any of these parameters. Our findings that sildenafil enhances eNOS activation and inhibits NADPH oxidase function in the sickle cell mouse penis offers a vasculoprotective molecular basis for the therapeutic effect of sildenafil in the penis in association with SCD. © 2013 International Society for Sexual Medicine.

  10. Functional expression and characterization of recombinant NADPH-P450 reductase from Malassezia globosa.

    PubMed

    Lee, Hwayoun; Park, Hyoung-Goo; Lim, Young-Ran; Lee, Im-Soon; Kim, Beom Joon; Seong, Cheul-Hun; Chun, Young-Jin; Kim, Donghak

    2012-01-01

    Malassezia globosa is a common pathogenic fungus that causes skin diseases including dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis in humans. Analysis of its genome identified a gene (MGL_1677) coding for a putative NADPH-P450 reductase (NPR) to support the fungal cytochrome P450 enzymes. The heterologously expressed recombinant M. globosa NPR protein was purified, and its functional features were characterized. The purified protein generated a single band on SDS-PAGE at 80.74 kDa and had an absorption maximum at 452 nm, indicating its possible function as an oxidized flavin cofactor. It evidenced NADPH-dependent reducing activity for cytochrome c or nitroblue tetrazolium. Human P450 1A2 and 2A6 were able to successfully catalyze the O-deethylation of 7- ethoxyresorufin and the 7-hydroxylation of coumarin, respectively, with the support of the purified NPR. These results demonstrate that purified NPR is an orthologous reductase protein that supports cytochrome P450 enzymes in M. globosa.

  11. Fluorescein-labeled β-Glucosidase as a Bacterial Stain

    PubMed Central

    Pital, Abe; Janowitz, Sheldon L.; Hudak, Charles E.; Lewis, Evelyn E.

    1967-01-01

    Fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled β-glucosidase was used as a simple staining reagent with selected gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. Staining in situ appeared to be dependent on the presence of accessible glycosidic-type linkages in the bacterial cell wall. Extensive wall damage or lysis did not occur when stained cells were suspended in washing and mounting solutions. The apparent specificity of labeled enzyme for wall substance was tested by blocking reactions, staining of isolated cell walls, and failure to stain substances lacking appropriate glycosidic linkages. Severe cell wall lesions were produced after prolonged contact with labeled enzyme, and this phenomenon may also be related to staining specificity. Gram-negative organisms and spores were poorly stained unless protected glycopeptide substrate was previously exposed by treatment of cells with thioglycolic acid or dilute alkaline sodium hypochlorite solution. A potential for staining tissues and cell lines may also exist. Some possible applications of labeled enzymes are briefly discussed. Images Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4 PMID:4169543

  12. Use of the gram stain in microbiology.

    PubMed

    Beveridge, T J

    2001-05-01

    The Gram stain differentiates bacteria into two fundamental varieties of cells. Bacteria that retain the initial crystal violet stain (purple) are said to be "gram-positive," whereas those that are decolorized and stain red with carbol fuchsin (or safranin) are said to be "gram-negative." This staining response is based on the chemical and structural makeup of the cell walls of both varieties of bacteria. Gram-positives have a thick, relatively impermeable wall that resists decolorization and is composed of peptidoglycan and secondary polymers. Gram-negatives have a thin peptidoglycan layer plus an overlying lipid-protein bilayer known as the outer membrane, which can be disrupted by decolorization. Some bacteria have walls of intermediate structure and, although they are officially classified as gram-positives because of their linage, they stain in a variable manner. One prokaryote domain, the Archaea, have such variability of wall structure that the Gram stain is not a useful differentiating tool.

  13. Diagnosing periprosthetic infection: false-positive intraoperative Gram stains.

    PubMed

    Oethinger, Margret; Warner, Debra K; Schindler, Susan A; Kobayashi, Hideo; Bauer, Thomas W

    2011-04-01

    Intraoperative Gram stains have a reported low sensitivity but high specificity when used to help diagnose periprosthetic infections. In early 2008, we recognized an unexpectedly high frequency of apparent false-positive Gram stains from revision arthroplasties. The purpose of this report is to describe the cause of these false-positive test results. We calculated the sensitivity and specificity of all intraoperative Gram stains submitted from revision arthroplasty cases during a 3-month interval using microbiologic cultures of the same samples as the gold standard. Methods of specimen harvesting, handling, transport, distribution, specimen processing including tissue grinding/macerating, Gram staining, and interpretation were studied. After a test modification, results of specimens were prospectively collected for a second 3-month interval, and the sensitivity and specificity of intraoperative Gram stains were calculated. The retrospective review of 269 Gram stains submitted from revision arthroplasties indicated historic sensitivity and specificity values of 23% and 92%, respectively. Systematic analysis of all steps of the procedure identified Gram-stained but nonviable bacteria in commercial broth reagents used as diluents for maceration of periprosthetic membranes before Gram staining and culture. Polymerase chain reaction and sequencing showed mixed bacterial DNA. Evaluation of 390 specimens after initiating standardized Millipore filtering of diluent fluid revealed a reduced number of positive Gram stains, yielding 9% sensitivity and 99% specificity. Clusters of false-positive Gram stains have been reported in other clinical conditions. They are apparently rare related to diagnosing periprosthetic infections but have severe consequences if used to guide treatment. Even occasional false-positive Gram stains should prompt review of laboratory methods. Our observations implicate dead bacteria in microbiologic reagents as potential sources of false-positive Gram

  14. Nitrate Transport Is Independent of NADH and NAD(P)H Nitrate Reductases in Barley Seedlings 1

    PubMed Central

    Warner, Robert L.; Huffaker, Ray C.

    1989-01-01

    Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) has NADH-specific and NAD(P)H-bispecific nitrate reductase isozymes. Four isogenic lines with different nitrate reductase isozyme combinations were used to determine the role of NADH and NAD(P)H nitrate reductases on nitrate transport and assimilation in barley seedlings. Both nitrate reductase isozymes were induced by nitrate and were required for maximum nitrate assimilation in barley seedlings. Genotypes lacking the NADH isozyme (Az12) or the NAD(P)H isozyme (Az70) assimilated 65 or 85%, respectively, as much nitrate as the wild type. Nitrate assimilation by genotype (Az12;Az70) which is deficient in both nitrate reductases, was only 13% of the wild type indicating that the NADH and NAD(P)H nitrate reductase isozymes are responsible for most of the nitrate reduction in barley seedlings. For all genotypes, nitrate assimilation rates in the dark were about 55% of the rates in light. Hypotheses that nitrate reductase has direct or indirect roles in nitrate uptake were not supported by this study. Induction of nitrate transporters and the kinetics of net nitrate uptake were the same for all four genotypes indicating that neither nitrate reductase isozyme has a direct role in nitrate uptake in barley seedlings. PMID:11537465

  15. Aureobasidium pullulans morphology: two adapted polysaccharide stains.

    PubMed

    Oller, Anna R

    2005-12-01

    Morphological stages of Aureobasidium pullulans were investigated utilizing different media ingredients and were visualized by bright-field microscopy. A polysaccharide stain was developed to stain chlamydospores, cell walls, hyphae, and conidia, since current staining techniques do not reveal subcellular details to identify fungi, especially those that exhibit polysaccharide secretions.

  16. Multicenter Assessment of Gram Stain Error Rates

    PubMed Central

    Balada-Llasat, Joan-Miquel; Harrington, Amanda; Cavagnolo, Robert

    2016-01-01

    Gram stains remain the cornerstone of diagnostic testing in the microbiology laboratory for the guidance of empirical treatment prior to availability of culture results. Incorrectly interpreted Gram stains may adversely impact patient care, and yet there are no comprehensive studies that have evaluated the reliability of the technique and there are no established standards for performance. In this study, clinical microbiology laboratories at four major tertiary medical care centers evaluated Gram stain error rates across all nonblood specimen types by using standardized criteria. The study focused on several factors that primarily contribute to errors in the process, including poor specimen quality, smear preparation, and interpretation of the smears. The number of specimens during the evaluation period ranged from 976 to 1,864 specimens per site, and there were a total of 6,115 specimens. Gram stain results were discrepant from culture for 5% of all specimens. Fifty-eight percent of discrepant results were specimens with no organisms reported on Gram stain but significant growth on culture, while 42% of discrepant results had reported organisms on Gram stain that were not recovered in culture. Upon review of available slides, 24% (63/263) of discrepant results were due to reader error, which varied significantly based on site (9% to 45%). The Gram stain error rate also varied between sites, ranging from 0.4% to 2.7%. The data demonstrate a significant variability between laboratories in Gram stain performance and affirm the need for ongoing quality assessment by laboratories. Standardized monitoring of Gram stains is an essential quality control tool for laboratories and is necessary for the establishment of a quality benchmark across laboratories. PMID:26888900

  17. Advanced oxidation protein products sensitized the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 via NADPH oxidase 1 and 4 to cause mechanical hyperalgesia.

    PubMed

    Ding, Ruoting; Jiang, Hui; Sun, Baihui; Wu, Xiaoliang; Li, Wei; Zhu, Siyuan; Liao, Congrui; Zhong, Zhaoming; Chen, Jianting

    2016-12-01

    Oxidative stress is a possible pathogenesis of hyperalgesia. Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), a new family of oxidized protein compounds, have been considered as a novel marker of oxidative stress. However, the role of AOPPs in the mechanism of hyperalgesia remains unknown. Our study aims to investigate whether AOPPs have an effect on hyperalgesia and the possible underlying mechanisms. To identify the AOPPs involved, we induced hyperalgesia in rats by injecting complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in hindpaw. The level of plasma AOPPs in CFA-induced rats was 1.6-fold in comparison with what in normal rats (P<0.05). After intravenous injection of AOPPs-modified rat serum albumin (AOPPs-RSA) in Sprague-Dawley rats, the paw mechanical thresholds, measured by the electronic von Frey system, significantly declined. Immunofluorescence staining indicated that AOPPs increased expressions of NADPH oxidase 1 (Nox1), NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4), transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) tissues. In-vitro studies were performed on primary DRG neurons which were obtained from both thoracic and lumbar DRG of rats. Results indicated that AOPPs triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in DRG neurons, which were significantly abolished by ROS scavenger N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) and small-interfering RNA (siRNA) silencing of Nox1 or Nox4. The expressions of Nox1, Nox4, TRPV1 and CGRP were significantly increased in AOPPs-induced DRG neurons. And relevant siRNA or inhibitors notably suppressed the expressions of these proteins and the calcium influxes in AOPPs-induced DRG neurons. In conclusion, AOPPs increased significantly in CFA-induced hyperalgesia rats and they activated Nox1/Nox4-ROS to sensitize TRPV1-dependent Ca2+ influx and CGRP release which led to inducing mechanical hyperalgesia. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Catalytic properties of the isolated diaphorase fragment of the NAD-reducing [NiFe]-hydrogenase from Ralstonia eutropha.

    PubMed

    Lauterbach, Lars; Idris, Zulkifli; Vincent, Kylie A; Lenz, Oliver

    2011-01-01

    The NAD+-reducing soluble hydrogenase (SH) from Ralstonia eutropha H16 catalyzes the H₂-driven reduction of NAD+, as well as reverse electron transfer from NADH to H+, in the presence of O₂. It comprises six subunits, HoxHYFUI₂, and incorporates a [NiFe] H+/H₂ cycling catalytic centre, two non-covalently bound flavin mononucleotide (FMN) groups and an iron-sulfur cluster relay for electron transfer. This study provides the first characterization of the diaphorase sub-complex made up of HoxF and HoxU. Sequence comparisons with the closely related peripheral subunits of Complex I in combination with UV/Vis spectroscopy and the quantification of the metal and FMN content revealed that HoxFU accommodates a [2Fe2S] cluster, FMN and a series of [4Fe4S] clusters. Protein film electrochemistry (PFE) experiments show clear electrocatalytic activity for both NAD+ reduction and NADH oxidation with minimal overpotential relative to the potential of the NAD+/NADH couple. Michaelis-Menten constants of 56 µM and 197 µM were determined for NADH and NAD+, respectively. Catalysis in both directions is product inhibited with K(I) values of around 0.2 mM. In PFE experiments, the electrocatalytic current was unaffected by O₂, however in aerobic solution assays, a moderate superoxide production rate of 54 nmol per mg of protein was observed, meaning that the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) observed for the native SH can be attributed mainly to HoxFU. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for aerobic functioning of the SH and possible control mechanism for the direction of catalysis.

  19. Automated single-slide staining device. [in clinical bacteriology

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wilkins, J. R.; Mills, S. M.

    1975-01-01

    An automatic single-slide Gram staining device is described. A timer-actuated solenoid controls the dispensing of gentian violet, Gram iodine solution, decolorizer, and 1% aqueous safranin in proper sequence and for the time required for optimum staining. The amount of stain or reagent delivered is controlled by means of stopcocks below each solenoid. Used stains and reagents can be flushed automatically or manually. Smears Gram stained automatically are equal in quality to those prepared manually. The time to complete one Gram cycle is 4.80 min.

  20. The pathogenesis of pseudoachalasia: a clinicopathologic study of 13 cases of a rare entity.

    PubMed

    Liu, Wendy; Fackler, William; Rice, Thomas W; Richter, Joel E; Achkar, Edgar; Goldblum, John R

    2002-06-01

    Pseudoachalasia is an esophageal motor disorder usually associated with malignancy that has clinical, radiographic, and manometric findings that are often indistinguishable from primary achalasia. There are few reports examining the histologic features of the associated neoplasms and their relationship with the esophageal myenteric plexus. We studied the clinical and pathologic features of 13 cases of pseudoachalasia seen at our institution between 1979 and 1999. Detailed clinical and radiographic data were obtained from medical records. In all cases available histologic material was reviewed to confirm the presence and type of associated neoplasm. When possible, the relationship of the neoplasm to the esophageal myenteric plexus was examined. In selected cases immunohistochemical stains were performed to further evaluate this relationship. All patients had clinical, radiographic, and manometric features similar to primary achalasia. The cohort included seven men and six women, age range 24-79 years (median 61 years). Associated neoplasms included esophageal adenocarcinoma arising in Barrett's esophagus (n = 1), adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (n = 7), metastatic renal cell carcinoma to the esophagogastric junction (n = 1), breast adenocarcinoma (n = 1), pulmonary small cell carcinoma (n = 1), pleural malignant mesothelioma (n = 1), and mediastinal fibrosis (n = 1). The mechanism of pseudoachalasia was consistent with neoplastic infiltration of the esophageal myenteric plexus in 11 cases. Neoplastic cells surrounded myenteric ganglion cells, which appeared normal in number and morphology. In the patient with pulmonary small cell carcinoma, there was no evidence of neoplastic infiltration of the esophagogastric junction, and anti-ANNA-1 antibody was detected, suggesting a paraneoplastic syndrome. Tissue obtained at the time of esophagomyotomy revealed lymphocytic myenteric inflammation and marked depletion of ganglion cells identical to that seen in

  1. Multicenter Assessment of Gram Stain Error Rates.

    PubMed

    Samuel, Linoj P; Balada-Llasat, Joan-Miquel; Harrington, Amanda; Cavagnolo, Robert

    2016-06-01

    Gram stains remain the cornerstone of diagnostic testing in the microbiology laboratory for the guidance of empirical treatment prior to availability of culture results. Incorrectly interpreted Gram stains may adversely impact patient care, and yet there are no comprehensive studies that have evaluated the reliability of the technique and there are no established standards for performance. In this study, clinical microbiology laboratories at four major tertiary medical care centers evaluated Gram stain error rates across all nonblood specimen types by using standardized criteria. The study focused on several factors that primarily contribute to errors in the process, including poor specimen quality, smear preparation, and interpretation of the smears. The number of specimens during the evaluation period ranged from 976 to 1,864 specimens per site, and there were a total of 6,115 specimens. Gram stain results were discrepant from culture for 5% of all specimens. Fifty-eight percent of discrepant results were specimens with no organisms reported on Gram stain but significant growth on culture, while 42% of discrepant results had reported organisms on Gram stain that were not recovered in culture. Upon review of available slides, 24% (63/263) of discrepant results were due to reader error, which varied significantly based on site (9% to 45%). The Gram stain error rate also varied between sites, ranging from 0.4% to 2.7%. The data demonstrate a significant variability between laboratories in Gram stain performance and affirm the need for ongoing quality assessment by laboratories. Standardized monitoring of Gram stains is an essential quality control tool for laboratories and is necessary for the establishment of a quality benchmark across laboratories. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

  2. Say goodbye to coffee stains

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Burak Eral, H.; van den Ende, Dirk; Mugele, Frieder

    2012-04-01

    Discussing ideas over a mug of coffee or tea is the lifeblood of science, but have you ever thought about the stains that can be inadvertently left behind? H Burak Eral, Dirk van den Ende and Frieder Mugele explain how these stains, which can be a major annoyance in some biology techniques, can be altered for the better using a technique called electrowetting.

  3. Deficiency of Rac1 Blocks NADPH Oxidase Activation, Inhibits Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, and Reduces Myocardial Remodeling in a Mouse Model of Type 1 Diabetes

    PubMed Central

    Li, Jianmin; Zhu, Huaqing; Shen, E; Wan, Li; Arnold, J. Malcolm O.; Peng, Tianqing

    2010-01-01

    OBJECTIVE Our recent study demonstrated that Rac1 and NADPH oxidase activation contributes to cardiomyocyte apoptosis in short-term diabetes. This study was undertaken to investigate if disruption of Rac1 and inhibition of NADPH oxidase would prevent myocardial remodeling in chronic diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Diabetes was induced by injection of streptozotocin in mice with cardiomyocyte-specific Rac1 knockout and their wild-type littermates. In a separate experiment, wild-type diabetic mice were treated with vehicle or apocynin in drinking water. Myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, inflammatory response, and myocardial function were investigated after 2 months of diabetes. Isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes were cultured and stimulated with high glucose. RESULTS In diabetic hearts, NADPH oxidase activation, its subunits' expression, and reactive oxygen species production were inhibited by Rac1 knockout or apocynin treatment. Myocardial collagen deposition and cardiomyocyte cross-sectional areas were significantly increased in diabetic mice, which were accompanied by elevated expression of pro-fibrotic genes and hypertrophic genes. Deficiency of Rac1 or apocynin administration reduced myocardial fibrosis and hypertrophy, resulting in improved myocardial function. These effects were associated with a normalization of ER stress markers' expression and inflammatory response in diabetic hearts. In cultured cardiomyocytes, high glucose–induced ER stress was inhibited by blocking Rac1 or NADPH oxidase. CONCLUSIONS Rac1 via NADPH oxidase activation induces myocardial remodeling and dysfunction in diabetic mice. The role of Rac1 signaling may be associated with ER stress and inflammation. Thus, targeting inhibition of Rac1 and NADPH oxidase may be a therapeutic approach for diabetic cardiomyopathy. PMID:20522592

  4. P2x7 Receptor-NADPH Oxidase-Axis Mediates Protein radical Formation And Kupffer Cell Activation in Carbon Tetrachloride-Mediated Steatohepatitis in Obese Mice

    PubMed Central

    Chatterjee, Saurabh; Rana, Ritu; Corbett, Jean; Kadiiska, Maria B.; Goldstein, Joyce; Mason, Ronald P.

    2012-01-01

    While some studies show that carbon tetrachloride-mediated metabolic oxidative stress exacerbates steatohepatitic-like lesions in obese mice, the redox mechanisms that trigger the innate immune system and accentuate the inflammatory cascade remain unclear. Here we have explored the role of the purinergic receptor P2X7-NADPH oxidase axis as a primary event in recognizing the heightened release of extracellular ATP from CCl4-treated hepatocytes and generating redoxmediated Kupffer cell activation in obese mice. We found that an underlying condition of obesity led to the formation of protein radicals and post-translational nitration, primarily in Kupffer cells, at 24 h post-CCl4 administration. The free radical-mediated oxidation of cellular macromolecules, which was NADPH oxidase- and P2X7 receptor-dependent, correlated well with the release of TNF- α and MCP-2 from Kupffer cells. The Kupffer cells in CCl4-treated mice exhibited increased expression of MHC Class II proteins and showed an activated phenotype. Increased expression of MHC Class II was inhibited by the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin , P2X7 receptor antagonist A438709 hydrochloride, and genetic deletions of the NADPH oxidase p47 phox subunit or the P2X7 receptor. The P2X7 receptor acted upstream of NADPH oxidase activation by up-regulating the expression of the p47 phox subunit and p47 phox binding to the membrane subunit, gp91 phox. We conclude that the P2X7 receptor is a primary mediator of oxidative stress-induced exacerbation of inflammatory liver injury in obese mice via NADPH oxidase-dependent mechanisms. PMID:22343416

  5. Regulation of the NADPH Oxidase RBOHD During Plant Immunity.

    PubMed

    Kadota, Yasuhiro; Shirasu, Ken; Zipfel, Cyril

    2015-08-01

    Pathogen recognition induces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by NADPH oxidases in both plants and animals. ROS have direct antimicrobial properties, but also serve as signaling molecules to activate further immune outputs. However, ROS production has to be tightly controlled to avoid detrimental effects on host cells, but yet must be produced in the right amount, at the right place and at the right time upon pathogen perception. Plant NADPH oxidases belong to the respiratory burst oxidase homolog (RBOH) family, which contains 10 members in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The perception of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) leads to a rapid, specific and strong production of ROS, which is dependent on RBOHD. RBOHD is mainly controlled by Ca(2+) via direct binding to EF-hand motifs and phosphorylation by Ca(2+)-dependent protein kinases. Recent studies have, however, revealed a critical role for a Ca(2+)-independent regulation of RBOHD. The plasma membrane-associated cytoplasmic kinase BIK1 (BOTRYTIS-INDUCED KINASE1), which is a direct substrate of the PRR complex, directly interacts with and phosphorylates RBOHD upon PAMP perception. Impairment of these phosphorylation events completely abolishes the function of RBOHD in immunity. These results suggest that RBOHD activity is tightly controlled by multilayered regulations. In this review, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms controlling RBOHD activation. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Japanese Society of Plant Physiologists. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  6. CGP stain: An inexpensive, odorless, rapid, sensitive, and in principle in vitro methylation-free Coomassie Brilliant Blue stain.

    PubMed

    Yasumitsu, Hidetaro; Ozeki, Yasuhiro; Kawsar, Sarkar M A; Toda, Tosifusa; Kanaly, Robert

    2010-11-01

    Coomassie Brilliant Blue (CBB) protein stains are inexpensive but detect proteins at only at microgram levels. Because of acetic acid and methanol, they cause skin irritation and reduce work motivation by malodor. Recent mass spectrometric (MS) analyses demonstrated that nanogram-sensitive colloidal CBB staining resulted in in vitro methylations of proteins. We propose a rapid, inexpensive, sensitive, odorless, less harsh, and in vitro methylation-free CBB stain. CGP uses three components: citric acid, CBB G-250, and polyvinylpyrrolidone. CGP detects proteins at 12ng within 45min, and because it is nonalcohol, in principle in vitro methylation would be eliminated. Indeed, MS analysis of CGP-stained bands confirmed a lack of methylation. 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Utility of Modified Ultrafast Papanicolaou Stain in Cytological Diagnosis

    PubMed Central

    Arakeri, Surekha Ulhas

    2017-01-01

    Introduction Need for minimal turnaround time for assessing Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) has encouraged innovations in staining techniques that require lesser staining time with unequivocal cell morphology. The standard protocol for conventional Papanicolaou (PAP) stain requires about 40 minutes. To overcome this, Ultrafast Papanicolaou (UFP) stain was introduced which reduces staining time to 90 seconds and also enhances the quality. However, reagents required for this were not easily available hence, Modified Ultrafast Papanicolaou (MUFP) stain was introduced subsequently. Aim To assess the efficacy of MUFP staining by comparing the quality of MUFP stain with conventional PAP stain. Materials and Methods FNAC procedure was performed by using 10 ml disposable syringe and 22-23 G needle. Total 131 FNAC cases were studied which were lymph node (30), thyroid (38), breast (22), skin and soft tissue (24), salivary gland (11) and visceral organs (6). Two smears were prepared and stained by MUFP and conventional PAP stain. Scores were given on four parameters: background of smears, overall staining pattern, cell morphology and nuclear staining. Quality Index (QI) was calculated from ratio of total score achieved to maximum score possible. Statistical analysis using chi square test was applied to each of the four parameters before obtaining the QI in both stains. Students t-test was applied to evaluate the efficacy of MUFP in comparison with conventional PAP stain. Results The QI of MUFP for thyroid, breast, lymph node, skin and soft tissue, salivary gland and visceral organs was 0.89, 0.85, 0.89, 0.83, 0.92, and 0.78 respectively. Compared to conventional PAP stain QI of MUFP smears was better in all except visceral organ cases and was statistically significant. MUFP showed clear red blood cell background, transparent cytoplasm and crisp nuclear features. Conclusion MUFP is fast, reliable and can be done with locally available reagents with unequivocal

  8. Utility of Modified Ultrafast Papanicolaou Stain in Cytological Diagnosis.

    PubMed

    Sinkar, Prachi; Arakeri, Surekha Ulhas

    2017-03-01

    Need for minimal turnaround time for assessing Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) has encouraged innovations in staining techniques that require lesser staining time with unequivocal cell morphology. The standard protocol for conventional Papanicolaou (PAP) stain requires about 40 minutes. To overcome this, Ultrafast Papanicolaou (UFP) stain was introduced which reduces staining time to 90 seconds and also enhances the quality. However, reagents required for this were not easily available hence, Modified Ultrafast Papanicolaou (MUFP) stain was introduced subsequently. To assess the efficacy of MUFP staining by comparing the quality of MUFP stain with conventional PAP stain. FNAC procedure was performed by using 10 ml disposable syringe and 22-23 G needle. Total 131 FNAC cases were studied which were lymph node (30), thyroid (38), breast (22), skin and soft tissue (24), salivary gland (11) and visceral organs (6). Two smears were prepared and stained by MUFP and conventional PAP stain. Scores were given on four parameters: background of smears, overall staining pattern, cell morphology and nuclear staining. Quality Index (QI) was calculated from ratio of total score achieved to maximum score possible. Statistical analysis using chi square test was applied to each of the four parameters before obtaining the QI in both stains. Students t-test was applied to evaluate the efficacy of MUFP in comparison with conventional PAP stain. The QI of MUFP for thyroid, breast, lymph node, skin and soft tissue, salivary gland and visceral organs was 0.89, 0.85, 0.89, 0.83, 0.92, and 0.78 respectively. Compared to conventional PAP stain QI of MUFP smears was better in all except visceral organ cases and was statistically significant. MUFP showed clear red blood cell background, transparent cytoplasm and crisp nuclear features. MUFP is fast, reliable and can be done with locally available reagents with unequivocal morphology which is the need of the hour for a cytopathology set-up.

  9. Biochemical and molecular characterization of an azoreductase from Staphylococcus aureus, a tetrameric NADPH-dependent flavoprotein

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Huizhong; Hopper, Sherryll L.; Cerniglia, Carl E.

    2018-01-01

    Azo dyes are a predominant class of colourants used in tattooing, cosmetics, foods and consumer products. A gene encoding NADPH-flavin azoreductase (Azo1) from the skin bacterium Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 was identified and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. RT-PCR results demonstrated that the azo1 gene was constitutively expressed at the mRNA level in S. aureus. Azo1 was found to be a tetramer with a native molecular mass of 85 kDa containing four non-covalently bound FMN. Azo1 requires NADPH, but not NADH, as an electron donor for its activity. The enzyme was resolved to dimeric apoprotein by removing the flavin prosthetic groups using hydrophobic-interaction chromatography. The dimeric apoprotein was reconstituted on-column and in free stage with FMN, resulting in the formation of a fully functional native-like tetrameric enzyme. The enzyme cleaved the model azo dye 2-[4-(dimethylamino)phenylazo]benzoic acid (Methyl Red) into N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine and 2-aminobenzoic acid. The apparent Km values for NADPH and Methyl Red substrates were 0·;074 and 0·057 mM, respectively. The apparent Vmax was 0·4 µM min−1 (mg protein)−1. Azo1 was also able to metabolize Orange II, Amaranth, Ponceau BS and Ponceau S azo dyes. Azo1 represents the first azoreductase to be identified and characterized from human skin microflora. PMID:15870453

  10. Blood culture gram stain, acridine orange stain and direct sensitivity-based antimicrobial therapy of bloodstream infection in patients with trauma.

    PubMed

    Behera, B; Mathur, P; Gupta, B

    2010-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to ascertain if the simple practice of Gram stain, acridine orange stain and direct sensitivity determination of positive blood culture bottles could be used to guide early and appropriate treatment in trauma patients with clinical suspicion of sepsis. The study also aimed to evaluate the error in interpreting antimicrobial sensitivity by direct method when compared to standard method and find out if specific antibiotic-organism combination had more discrepancies. Findings from consecutive episodes of blood stream infection at an Apex Trauma centre over a 12-month period are summarized. A total of 509 consecutive positive blood cultures were subjected to Gram staining. AO staining was done in BacT/ALERT-positive Gram-stain negative blood cultures. Direct sensitivity was performed from 369 blood culture broths, showing single type of growth in Gram and acridine orange staining. Results of direct sensitivity were compared to conventional sensitivity for errors. No 'very major' discrepancy was found in this study. About 5.2 and 1.8% minor error rates were noted in gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, respectively, while comparing the two methods. Most of the discrepancies in gram-negative bacteria were noted in beta lactam - beta lactamase inhibitor combinations. Direct sensitivity testing was not reliable for reporting of methicillin and vancomycin resistance in Staphylococci. Gram stain result together with direct sensitivity testing is required for optimizing initial antimicrobial therapy in trauma patients with clinical suspicion of sepsis. Gram staining and AO staining proved particularly helpful in the early detection of candidaemia.

  11. Port-Wine Stains

    MedlinePlus

    ... or surgery. Port-wine stains can also develop grape-like growths of small blood vessels called vascular ... another part of themselves — like their height or eye color. It's also important, emotionally, for kids to ...

  12. Protocol for vital dye staining of corneal endothelial cells.

    PubMed

    Park, Sunju; Fong, Alan G; Cho, Hyung; Zhang, Cheng; Gritz, David C; Mian, Gibran; Herzlich, Alexandra A; Gore, Patrick; Morganti, Ashley; Chuck, Roy S

    2012-12-01

    To describe a step-by-step methodology to establish a reproducible staining protocol for the evaluation of human corneal endothelial cells. Four procedures were performed to determine the best protocol. (1) To determine the optimal trypan blue staining method, goat corneas were stained with 4 dilutions of trypan blue (0.4%, 0.2%, 0.1%, and 0.05%) and 1% alizarin red. (2) To determine the optimal alizarin red staining method, goat corneas were stained with 2 dilutions of alizarin red (1% and 0.5%) and 0.2% trypan blue. (3) To ensure that trypan blue truly stains damaged cells, goat corneas were exposed to either 3% hydrogen peroxide or to balanced salt solution, and then stained with 0.2% trypan blue and 0.5% alizarin red. (4) Finally, fresh human corneal buttons were examined; 1 group was stained with 0.2% trypan blue and another group with 0.4% trypan blue. For the 4 procedures performed, the results are as follows: (1) trypan blue staining was not observed in any of the normal corneal samples; (2) 0.5% alizarin red demonstrated sharper cell borders than 1% alizarin red; (3) positive trypan blue staining was observed in the hydrogen peroxide exposed tissue in damaged areas; (4) 0.4% trypan blue showed more distinct positive staining than 0.2% trypan blue. We were able to determine the optimal vital dye staining conditions for human corneal endothelial cells using 0.4% trypan blue and 0.5% alizarin red.

  13. Gram staining apparatus for space station applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Molina, T. C.; Brown, H. D.; Irbe, R. M.; Pierson, D. L.

    1990-01-01

    A self-contained, portable Gram staining apparatus (GSA) has been developed for use in the microgravity environment on board the Space Station Freedom. Accuracy and reproducibility of this apparatus compared with the conventional Gram staining method were evaluated by using gram-negative and gram-positive controls and different species of bacteria grown in pure cultures. A subsequent study was designed to assess the performance of the GSA with actual specimens. A set of 60 human and environmental specimens was evaluated with the GSA and the conventional Gram staining procedure. Data obtained from these studies indicated that the GSA will provide the Gram staining capability needed for the microgravity environment of space.

  14. Oleic, Linoleic and Linolenic Acids Increase ROS Production by Fibroblasts via NADPH Oxidase Activation

    PubMed Central

    Hatanaka, Elaine; Dermargos, Alexandre; Hirata, Aparecida Emiko; Vinolo, Marco Aurélio Ramirez; Carpinelli, Angelo Rafael; Newsholme, Philip; Armelin, Hugo Aguirre; Curi, Rui

    2013-01-01

    The effect of oleic, linoleic and γ-linolenic acids on ROS production by 3T3 Swiss and Rat 1 fibroblasts was investigated. Using lucigenin-amplified chemiluminescence, a dose-dependent increase in extracellular superoxide levels was observed during the treatment of fibroblasts with oleic, linoleic and γ-linolenic acids. ROS production was dependent on the addition of β-NADH or NADPH to the medium. Diphenyleneiodonium inhibited the effect of oleic, linoleic and γ-linolenic acids on fibroblast superoxide release by 79%, 92% and 82%, respectively. Increased levels of p47phox phosphorylation due to fatty acid treatment were detected by Western blotting analyses of fibroblast proteins. Increased p47phox mRNA expression was observed using real-time PCR. The rank order for the fatty acid stimulation of the fibroblast oxidative burst was as follows: γ-linolenic > linoleic > oleic. In conclusion, oleic, linoleic and γ-linolenic acids stimulated ROS production via activation of the NADPH oxidase enzyme complex in fibroblasts. PMID:23579616

  15. Distribution of nitric oxide synthase and neuropeptide Y neurones during the development of the hippocampal formation in the rat.

    PubMed

    Moryś, Joanna M; Kowiański, Przemysław; Moryś, Janusz

    2002-01-01

    Nitric oxide (NO) is a short-lived radical, which modulates synaptic plasticity, neuronal oscillations and cerebral blood flow. NOS-containing neurones can be detected anatomically by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d) histochemistry or by NOS immunohistochemistry. Neuropeptide Y(NPY) is the most abundant peptide in the brain. NPY is connected with several vital functions, such as a feeding behaviour, sexual maturation, regulation of circadian rhythms, body temperature, blood pressure and neuroendocrine secretions. Neuropeptide Y also modulates anxiety-related disorders, limbic epileptic seizures as well as learning and memory processes. The study was performed on 45 Wistar rats of various ages (PO, P4, P7, P10, P14, P21, P30, P60, and P120; P--postnatal day). The free-floating sections were stained with standard immunohistochemistry methods. Thereafter the histological sections were studied using the confocal laser microscope equipped. For 3D reconstruction the image analysis program LaserSharp 2000v. 2.0 (Bio-Rad, UK) was used. We found that in the newborn rat both NOS- and NPY-immunoreactivity was weak. It had been increasing gradually until the 7th day of postnatal life, after that until P14 it was maintained on the similar level, and then the number of immunolabelled cells deceased. The developmental changes concerned cell morphology as well--until the 10th day of life the immunoreactive cells were immature, with round or oval bodies and had only a few fibres. From P14 the cells' morphology became similar to that in adult.

  16. The Contribution of Nicotinamide Nucleotide Transhydrogenase to Peroxide Detoxification Is Dependent on the Respiratory State and Counterbalanced by Other Sources of NADPH in Liver Mitochondria*

    PubMed Central

    Ronchi, Juliana Aparecida; Francisco, Annelise; Passos, Luiz Augusto Correa; Figueira, Tiago Rezende; Castilho, Roger Frigério

    2016-01-01

    The forward reaction of nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT) reduces NADP+ at the expense of NADH oxidation and H+ movement down the electrochemical potential across the inner mitochondrial membrane, establishing an NADPH/NADP+ ratio severalfold higher than the NADH/NAD+ ratio in the matrix. In turn, NADPH drives processes, such as peroxide detoxification and reductive biosynthesis. In this study, we generated a congenic mouse model carrying a mutated NntC57BL/6J allele from the C57BL/6J substrain. Suspensions of isolated mitochondria from Nnt+/+, Nnt+/−, and Nnt−/− mouse liver were biochemically evaluated and challenged with exogenous peroxide under different respiratory states. The respiratory substrates were also varied, and the participation of concurrent NADPH sources (i.e. isocitrate dehydrogenase-2, malic enzymes, and glutamate dehydrogenase) was assessed. The principal findings include the following: Nnt+/− and Nnt−/− exhibit ∼50% and absent NNT activity, respectively, but the activities of concurrent NADPH sources are unchanged. The lack of NNT activity in Nnt−/− mice impairs peroxide metabolism in intact mitochondria. The contribution of NNT to peroxide metabolism is decreased during ADP phosphorylation compared with the non-phosphorylating state; however, it is accompanied by increased contributions of concurrent NADPH sources, especially glutamate dehydrogenase. NNT makes a major contribution to peroxide metabolism during the blockage of mitochondrial electron transport. Interestingly, peroxide metabolism in the Nnt+/− mitochondria matched that in the Nnt+/+ mitochondria. Overall, this study demonstrates that the respiratory state and/or substrates that sustain energy metabolism markedly influence the relative contribution of NNT (i.e. varies between nearly 0 and 100%) to NADPH-dependent mitochondrial peroxide metabolism. PMID:27474736

  17. The Contribution of Nicotinamide Nucleotide Transhydrogenase to Peroxide Detoxification Is Dependent on the Respiratory State and Counterbalanced by Other Sources of NADPH in Liver Mitochondria.

    PubMed

    Ronchi, Juliana Aparecida; Francisco, Annelise; Passos, Luiz Augusto Correa; Figueira, Tiago Rezende; Castilho, Roger Frigério

    2016-09-16

    The forward reaction of nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT) reduces NADP(+) at the expense of NADH oxidation and H(+) movement down the electrochemical potential across the inner mitochondrial membrane, establishing an NADPH/NADP(+) ratio severalfold higher than the NADH/NAD(+) ratio in the matrix. In turn, NADPH drives processes, such as peroxide detoxification and reductive biosynthesis. In this study, we generated a congenic mouse model carrying a mutated Nnt(C57BL/6J) allele from the C57BL/6J substrain. Suspensions of isolated mitochondria from Nnt(+/+), Nnt(+/-), and Nnt(-/-) mouse liver were biochemically evaluated and challenged with exogenous peroxide under different respiratory states. The respiratory substrates were also varied, and the participation of concurrent NADPH sources (i.e. isocitrate dehydrogenase-2, malic enzymes, and glutamate dehydrogenase) was assessed. The principal findings include the following: Nnt(+/-) and Nnt(-/-) exhibit ∼50% and absent NNT activity, respectively, but the activities of concurrent NADPH sources are unchanged. The lack of NNT activity in Nnt(-/-) mice impairs peroxide metabolism in intact mitochondria. The contribution of NNT to peroxide metabolism is decreased during ADP phosphorylation compared with the non-phosphorylating state; however, it is accompanied by increased contributions of concurrent NADPH sources, especially glutamate dehydrogenase. NNT makes a major contribution to peroxide metabolism during the blockage of mitochondrial electron transport. Interestingly, peroxide metabolism in the Nnt(+/-) mitochondria matched that in the Nnt(+/+) mitochondria. Overall, this study demonstrates that the respiratory state and/or substrates that sustain energy metabolism markedly influence the relative contribution of NNT (i.e. varies between nearly 0 and 100%) to NADPH-dependent mitochondrial peroxide metabolism. © 2016 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  18. Comparison of staining of mitotic figures by haematoxylin and eosin-and crystal violet stains, in oral epithelial dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Ankle, Madhuri R; Kale, Alka D; Charantimath, Seema

    2007-01-01

    Mitosis of cells gives rise to tissue integrity. Defects during mitosis bring about abnormalities. Excessive proliferation of cells due to increased mitosis is one such outcome, which is the hallmark in precancer and cancer. The localization of proliferating cells or their precursors may not be obvious and easy. Establishing an easy way to distinguish these mitotic cells will help in grading and understanding their biological potential. Although immunohistochemistry is an advanced method in use, the cost and time factor makes it less feasible for many laboratories. Selective histochemical stains like toluidine blue, giemsa and crystal violet have been used in tissues including the developing brain, neural tissue and skin. 1) To compare the staining of mitotic cells in haematoxylin and eosin with that in crystal violet. 2) To compare the number of mitotic figures present in normal oral mucosa, epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma in crystal violet-stained sections with that in H and E-stained sections. Ten tissues of normal oral mucosa and 15 tissues each of oral epithelial dysplasia seen in tobacco-associated leukoplakia and squamous cell carcinoma were studied to evaluate the selectivity of 1% crystal violet for mitotic figures. The staining was compared with standard H and E staining. Statistical analysis was done using Mann-Whitney U test. A statistically significant increase in the mean mitotic count was observed in crystal violet-stained sections of epithelial dysplasia as compared to the H and E-stained sections (p=0.0327). A similar increase in the mitotic counts was noted in crystal violet-stained sections of oral squamous cell carcinoma as compared to the H and E-stained sections.(p=0.0443). No significant difference was found in the mitotic counts determined in dysplasia or carcinoma by either the crystal violet (p=0.4429) or the H and E-staining techniques (p=0.2717). One per cent crystal violet provides a definite advantage over the H

  19. Control of brown stain: in Eastern white pine

    Treesearch

    Robert E. Stutz; Peter Koch; Millard L. Oldham

    1961-01-01

    Degrade caused by brown stain and blue stain in eastern white pine was virtually eliminated by the use of sap stain chemicals and sodium azide. Combinations of buffered sodium azide with both sodium pentachlorophenate plus borax and buffered ethyl mercury phosphate were effective.

  20. Heterogeneous distribution of type I nitric oxide synthase in pulmonary vasculature of ovine fetus.

    PubMed

    Tzao, C; Nickerson, P A; Russell, J A; Noble, B K; Steinhorn, R H

    2000-11-01

    The nitric oxide/guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate pathway plays an essential role in mediating pulmonary vasodilation at birth. Small resistance arteries in the fetal lung are vessels of major significance in the regulation of pulmonary vascular tone. The present study is to determine that type I nitric oxide synthase (NOS-I) is present in ovine fetal pulmonary vasculature and that NOS-I is distributed heterogeneously in ovine fetal pulmonary circulation. We used reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-d) histochemistry and NOS-I immunohistochemistry to localize NOS-I in fetal sheep lungs and showed a colocalization for NADPH-d activity with NOS-I immunoreactivity. Strong NOS-I immunoreactivity was observed exclusively in the endothelium of the terminal bronchiole and respiratory bronchiole-associated arteries. As a comparison, adult sheep lung did not show positive immunoreactivity in the pulmonary endothelium. NOS-I was absent in the umbilical or systemic arteries from the ovine fetus, whereas abundant NOS-III immunoreactivity was present in these arteries. We conclude that NOS-I is present uniquely in the ovine fetal pulmonary circulation as opposed to the adult pulmonary or the fetal systemic circulation. NOS-I is distributed heterogeneously in the ovine pulmonary vasculature. We speculate that NOS-I plays an active role in the regulation of perinatal pulmonary circulation.

  1. Gram staining apparatus for space station applications.

    PubMed Central

    Molina, T C; Brown, H D; Irbe, R M; Pierson, D L

    1990-01-01

    A self-contained, portable Gram staining apparatus (GSA) has been developed for use in the microgravity environment on board the Space Station Freedom. Accuracy and reproducibility of this apparatus compared with the conventional Gram staining method were evaluated by using gram-negative and gram-positive controls and different species of bacteria grown in pure cultures. A subsequent study was designed to assess the performance of the GSA with actual specimens. A set of 60 human and environmental specimens was evaluated with the GSA and the conventional Gram staining procedure. Data obtained from these studies indicated that the GSA will provide the Gram staining capability needed for the microgravity environment of space. Images PMID:1690529

  2. Use of NAD(P)H fluorescence measurement for on-line monitoring of metabolic state of Azohydromonas australica in poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) production.

    PubMed

    Gahlawat, Geeta; Srivastava, Ashok K

    2013-02-01

    Culture fluorescence measurement is an indirect and non-invasive method of biomass estimation to assess the metabolic state of the microorganism in a fermentation process. In the present investigation, NAD(P)H fluorescence has been used for on-line in situ characterization of metabolic changes occurring during different phases of batch cultivation of Azohydromonas australica in growth associated poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) or PHB production. A linear correlation between biomass concentration and net NAD(P)H fluorescence was obtained during early log phase (3-12 h) and late log phase (24-39 h) of PHB fermentation. After 12 h (mid log phase) cultivation PHB accumulation shot up and a drop in culture fluorescence was observed which synchronously exhibited continuous utilization of NAD(P)H for the synthesis of biomass and PHB formation simultaneously. A decrease in the observed net fluorescence value was observed again towards the end of fermentation (at 39 h) which corresponded very well with the culture starvation and substrate depletion towards the end of cultivation inside the bioreactor. It was therefore concluded that NAD(P)H fluorescence measurements could be used for indication of the time of fresh nutrient (substrate) feed during substrate limitation to further enhance the PHB production.

  3. RhoA/ROCK downregulates FPR2-mediated NADPH oxidase activation in mouse bone marrow granulocytes.

    PubMed

    Filina, Julia V; Gabdoulkhakova, Aida G; Safronova, Valentina G

    2014-10-01

    Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) express the high and low affinity receptors to formylated peptides (mFPR1 and mFPR2 in mice, accordingly). RhoA/ROCK (Rho activated kinase) pathway is crucial for cell motility and oxidase activity regulated via FPRs. There are contradictory data on RhoA-mediated regulation of NADPH oxidase activity in phagocytes. We have shown divergent Rho GTPases signaling via mFPR1 and mFPR2 to NADPH oxidase in PMNs from inflammatory site. The present study was aimed to find out the role of RhoA/ROCK in the respiratory burst activated via mFPR1 and mFPR2 in the bone marrow PMNs. Different kinetics of RhoA activation were detected with 0.1μM fMLF and 1μM WKYMVM operating via mFPR1 and mFPR2, accordingly. RhoA was translocated in fMLF-activated cells towards the cell center and juxtamembrane space versus uniform allocation in the resting cells. Specific inhibition of RhoA by CT04, Rho inhibitor I, weakly depressed the respiratory burst induced via mFPR1, but significantly increased the one induced via mFPR2. Inhibition of ROCK, the main effector of RhoA, by Y27632 led to the same effect on the respiratory burst. Regulation of mFPR2-induced respiratory response by ROCK was impossible under the cytoskeleton disruption by cytochalasin D, whereas it persisted in the case of mFPR1 activation. Thus we suggest RhoA to be one of the regulatory and signal transduction components in the respiratory burst through FPRs in the mouse bone marrow PMNs. Both mFPR1 and mFPR2 binding with a ligand trigger the activation of RhoA. FPR1 signaling through RhoA/ROCK increases NADPH-oxidase activity. But in FPR2 action RhoA/ROCK together with cytoskeleton-linked systems down-regulates NADPH-oxidase. This mechanism could restrain the reactive oxygen species dependent damage of own tissues during the chemotaxis of PMNs and in the resting cells. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Bulbar conjunctival fluorescein staining in hydrogel contact lens wearers.

    PubMed

    Lakkis, C; Brennan, N A

    1996-07-01

    To evaluate the clinical usefulness of bulbar conjunctival staining in assessing hydrogel contact lens patients. Overall staining, as well as staining at five separate sites (limbal, nasal band, temporal band, superior, and inferior) was graded on an analog scale in 48 contact lens wearing subjects and 50 controls. The degree to which subjects experienced sensations of dryness, wateriness, itchiness, grittiness, and comfort was also assessed using analog scales. Some measure of conjunctival staining was noted in 98% of subjects, with contact lens wearers showing statistically significant greater staining than controls. Only 12% of controls showed staining of greater than grade 1 (equivalent), whereas 62% of contact lens wearers were above this level. Regression analysis showed that overall staining was a function of whether contact lenses were worn, the degree of dryness, and the amount of itchiness. Conjunctival fluorescein staining appears to serve some clinical usefulness as a composite indicator for certain factors and symptoms and, in addition, provides information which is unique for each individual.

  5. NADPH oxidase and redox status in amygdala, hippocampus and cortex of male Wistar rats in an animal model of post-traumatic stress disorder.

    PubMed

    Petrovic, Romana; Puskas, Laslo; Jevtic Dozudic, Gordana; Stojkovic, Tihomir; Velimirovic, Milica; Nikolic, Tatjana; Zivkovic, Milica; Djorovic, Djordje J; Nenadovic, Milutin; Petronijevic, Natasa

    2018-05-26

    Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly prevalent and impairing disorder. Oxidative stress is implicated in its pathogenesis. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase is an important source of free radicals. The aim of the study was to assess oxidative stress parameters, activities of respiratory chain enzymes, and the expression of NADPH oxidase subunits (gp91phox, p22phox, and p67phox) in the single prolonged stress (SPS) animal model of PTSD. Twenty-four (12 controls; 12 subjected to SPS), 9-week-old, male Wistar rats were used. SPS included physical restraint, forced swimming, and ether exposure. The rats were euthanized seven days later. Cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and thalamus were dissected. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), Complex I, and cytochrome C oxidase were measured using spectrophotometric methods, while the expression of NADPH oxidase subunits was determined by Western blot. Increased MDA and decreased GSH concentrations were found in the amygdala and hippocampus of the SPS rats. SOD activity was decreased in amygdala and GPx was decreased in hippocampus. Increased expression of the NADPH oxidase subunits was seen in amygdala, while mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme expression was unchanged both in amygdala and hippocampus. In the cortex concentrations of MDA and GSH were unchanged despite increased Complex I and decreased GPx, while in the thalamus no change of any parameter was noticed. We conclude that oxidative stress is present in hippocampus and amygdala seven days after the SPS procedure. NADPH oxidase seems to be a main source of free radicals in the amygdala.

  6. Crystal Structure of Perakine Reductase, Founding Member of a Novel Aldo-Keto Reductase (AKR) Subfamily That Undergoes Unique Conformational Changes during NADPH Binding*

    PubMed Central

    Sun, Lianli; Chen, Yixin; Rajendran, Chitra; Mueller, Uwe; Panjikar, Santosh; Wang, Meitian; Mindnich, Rebekka; Rosenthal, Cindy; Penning, Trevor M.; Stöckigt, Joachim

    2012-01-01

    Perakine reductase (PR) catalyzes the NADPH-dependent reduction of the aldehyde perakine to yield the alcohol raucaffrinoline in the biosynthetic pathway of ajmaline in Rauvolfia, a key step in indole alkaloid biosynthesis. Sequence alignment shows that PR is the founder of the new AKR13D subfamily and is designated AKR13D1. The x-ray structure of methylated His6-PR was solved to 2.31 Å. However, the active site of PR was blocked by the connected parts of the neighbor symmetric molecule in the crystal. To break the interactions and obtain the enzyme-ligand complexes, the A213W mutant was generated. The atomic structure of His6-PR-A213W complex with NADPH was determined at 1.77 Å. Overall, PR folds in an unusual α8/β6 barrel that has not been observed in any other AKR protein to date. NADPH binds in an extended pocket, but the nicotinamide riboside moiety is disordered. Upon NADPH binding, dramatic conformational changes and movements were observed: two additional β-strands in the C terminus become ordered to form one α-helix, and a movement of up to 24 Å occurs. This conformational change creates a large space that allows the binding of substrates of variable size for PR and enhances the enzyme activity; as a result cooperative kinetics are observed as NADPH is varied. As the founding member of the new AKR13D subfamily, PR also provides a structural template and model of cofactor binding for the AKR13 family. PMID:22334702

  7. A novel washing algorithm for underarm stain removal

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Acikgoz Tufan, H.; Gocek, I.; Sahin, U. K.; Erdem, I.

    2017-10-01

    After contacting with human sweat which comprise around 27% sebum, anti-perspirants comprising aluminium chloride or its compounds form a jel-like structure whose solubility in water is very poor. In daily use, this jel-like structure closes sweat pores and hinders wetting of skin by sweat. However, when in contact with garments, they form yellowish stains at the underarm of the garments. These stains are very hard to remove with regular machine washing. In this study, first of all, we focused on understanding and simulating such stain formation on the garments. Two alternative procedures are offered to form jel-like structures. On both procedures, commercially available spray or deo-stick type anti-perspirants, standard acidic and basic sweat solutions and artificial sebum are used to form jel-like structures, and they are applied on fabric in order to get hard stains. Secondly, after simulation of the stain on the fabric, we put our efforts on developing a washing algorithm specifically designed for removal of underarm stains. Eight alternative washing algorithms are offered with varying washing temperature, amounts of detergent, and pre-stain removal procedures. Better algorithm is selected by comparison of Tristimulus Y values after washing.

  8. 21 CFR 864.1850 - Dye and chemical solution stains.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Dye and chemical solution stains. 864.1850 Section... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES HEMATOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY DEVICES Biological Stains § 864.1850 Dye and chemical solution stains. (a) Identification. Dye and chemical solution stains for medical purposes are mixtures of...

  9. 21 CFR 864.1850 - Dye and chemical solution stains.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Dye and chemical solution stains. 864.1850 Section... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES HEMATOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY DEVICES Biological Stains § 864.1850 Dye and chemical solution stains. (a) Identification. Dye and chemical solution stains for medical purposes are mixtures of...

  10. 21 CFR 864.1850 - Dye and chemical solution stains.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Dye and chemical solution stains. 864.1850 Section... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES HEMATOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY DEVICES Biological Stains § 864.1850 Dye and chemical solution stains. (a) Identification. Dye and chemical solution stains for medical purposes are mixtures of...

  11. 21 CFR 864.1850 - Dye and chemical solution stains.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Dye and chemical solution stains. 864.1850 Section... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES HEMATOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY DEVICES Biological Stains § 864.1850 Dye and chemical solution stains. (a) Identification. Dye and chemical solution stains for medical purposes are mixtures of...

  12. 21 CFR 864.1850 - Dye and chemical solution stains.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Dye and chemical solution stains. 864.1850 Section... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES HEMATOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY DEVICES Biological Stains § 864.1850 Dye and chemical solution stains. (a) Identification. Dye and chemical solution stains for medical purposes are mixtures of...

  13. 7 CFR 28.442 - Middling Yellow Stained Color.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Middling Yellow Stained Color. 28.442 Section 28.442... Stained Color. Middling Yellow Stained Color is American Upland cotton which in color is deeper than Middling Tinged Color. [57 FR 34498, Aug. 5, 1992] below color grade cotton ...

  14. 7 CFR 28.442 - Middling Yellow Stained Color.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Middling Yellow Stained Color. 28.442 Section 28.442... Stained Color. Middling Yellow Stained Color is American Upland cotton which in color is deeper than Middling Tinged Color. [57 FR 34498, Aug. 5, 1992] below color grade cotton ...

  15. 7 CFR 28.442 - Middling Yellow Stained Color.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Middling Yellow Stained Color. 28.442 Section 28.442... Stained Color. Middling Yellow Stained Color is American Upland cotton which in color is deeper than Middling Tinged Color. [57 FR 34498, Aug. 5, 1992] below color grade cotton ...

  16. 7 CFR 28.442 - Middling Yellow Stained Color.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Middling Yellow Stained Color. 28.442 Section 28.442... Stained Color. Middling Yellow Stained Color is American Upland cotton which in color is deeper than Middling Tinged Color. [57 FR 34498, Aug. 5, 1992] below color grade cotton ...

  17. 7 CFR 28.442 - Middling Yellow Stained Color.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Middling Yellow Stained Color. 28.442 Section 28.442... Stained Color. Middling Yellow Stained Color is American Upland cotton which in color is deeper than Middling Tinged Color. [57 FR 34498, Aug. 5, 1992] below color grade cotton ...

  18. Short Nissl staining for incubated cryostat sections of the brain.

    PubMed

    Lindroos, O F

    1991-01-01

    Nissl stain often binds poorly to cryostat sections which have been incubated in solutions of radiolabeled ligands. Such incubation is used in receptor autoradiography of the brain when using the in vitro method. We have developed a rapid (16 min) modification of Nissl staining for sections that bind stain poorly, e.g., incubated sections. The method stains well sections which cannot be stained with other rapid Nissl staining methods.

  19. Constitutive NOS uncoupling and NADPH oxidase upregulation in the penis of type 2 diabetic men with erectile dysfunction

    PubMed Central

    Musicki, Biljana; Burnett, Arthur L.

    2016-01-01

    Erectile dysfunction (ED) associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) involves dysfunctional nitric oxide (NO) signaling and increased oxidative stress in the penis. However, the mechanisms of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) dysregulation, and the sources of oxidative stress, are not well defined, particularly at the human level. The objective of this study was to define whether uncoupled eNOS and nNOS, and NADPH oxidase upregulation, contribute to the pathogenesis of ED in T2DM men. Penile erectile tissue was obtained from 9 T2DM patients with ED who underwent penile prosthesis surgery for ED, and from 6 control patients without T2DM or ED who underwent penectomy for penile cancer. The dimer-to-monomer protein expression ratio, an indicator of uncoupling for both eNOS and nNOS, total protein expressions of eNOS and nNOS, as well as protein expressions of NADPH oxidase catalytic subunit gp91phox (an enzymatic source of oxidative stress) and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal [4-HNE] and nitrotyrosine (markers of oxidative stress) were measured by Western blot in this tissue. In the erectile tissue of T2DM men, eNOS and nNOS uncoupling and protein expressions of NADPH oxidase subunit gp91phox, 4-HNE- and nitrotyrosine-modified proteins were significantly (p<0.05) increased compared to control values. Total eNOS and nNOS protein expressions were not significantly different between the groups. In conclusion, mechanisms of T2DM-associated ED in the human penis may involve uncoupled eNOS and nNOS and NADPH oxidase upregulation. Our description of molecular factors contributing to the pathogenesis of T2DM-associated ED at the human level is relevant for advancing clinically therapeutic approaches to restore erectile function in T2DM patients. PMID:28076881

  20. Deciphering the role of NADPH oxidase in complex interactions between maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes and cereal aphids.

    PubMed

    Sytykiewicz, Hubert

    2016-07-22

    Plant NADPH oxidases (NOXs) encompass a group of membrane-bound enzymes participating in formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under physiological conditions as well as in response to environmental stressors. The purpose of the survey was to unveil the role of NADPH oxidase in pro-oxidative responses of maize (Zea mays L.) seedling leaves exposed to cereal aphids' infestation. The impact of apteral females of bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L.) and grain aphid (Sitobion avenae F.) feeding on expression levels of all four NADPH oxidase genes (rbohA, rbohB, rbohC, rbohD) and total activity of NOX enzyme in maize plants were investigated. In addition, inhibitory effect of diphenylene iodonium (DPI) pre-treatment on NOX activity and hydrogen peroxide content in aphid-stressed maize seedlings was studied. Leaf infestation biotests were accomplished on 14-day-old seedlings representing two aphid-resistant varieties (Ambrozja and Waza) and two aphid-susceptible ones (Tasty Sweet and Złota Karłowa). Insects' attack led to profound upregulation of rbohA and rbohD genes in tested host plants, lower elevations were noted in level of rbohB mRNA, whereas abundance of rbohC transcript was not significantly altered. It was uncovered aphid-induced enhancement of NOX activity in examined plants. Higher increases in expression of all investigated rboh genes and activity of NADPH oxidase occurred in tissues of more resistant maize cultivars than in susceptible ones. Furthermore, DPI treatment resulted in strong reduction of NOX activity and H2O2 accumulation in aphid-infested Z. mays plants, thus evidencing circumstantial role of the enzyme in insect-elicited ROS generation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Near-UV laser treatment of extrinsic dental enamel stains.

    PubMed

    Schoenly, J E; Seka, W; Featherstone, J D B; Rechmann, P

    2012-04-01

    The selective ablation of extrinsic dental enamel stains using a 400-nm laser is evaluated at several fluences for completely removing stains with minimal damage to the underlying enamel. A frequency-doubled Ti:sapphire laser (400-nm wavelength, 60-nanosecond pulse duration, 10-Hz repetition rate) was used to treat 10 extracted human teeth with extrinsic enamel staining. Each tooth was irradiated perpendicular to the surface in a back-and-forth motion over a 1-mm length using an ∼300-µm-diam 10th-order super-Gaussian beam with fluences ranging from 0.8 to 6.4 J/cm(2) . Laser triangulation determined stain depth and volume removed by measuring 3D surface images before and after irradiation. Scanning electron microscopy evaluated the surface roughness of enamel following stain removal. Fluorescence spectroscopy measured spectra of unbleached and photobleached stains in the spectral range of 600-800 nm. Extrinsic enamel stains are removed with laser fluences between 0.8 and 6.4 J/cm(2) . Stains removed on sound enamel leave behind a smooth enamel surface. Stain removal in areas with signs of earlier cariogenic acid attacks resulted in isolated and randomly located laser-induced, 50-µm-diam enamel pits. These pits contain 0.5-µm diam, smooth craters indicative of heat transfer from the stain to the enamel and subsequent melting and water droplet ejection. Ablation stalling of enamel stains is typically observed at low fluences (<3 J/cm(2) ) and is accompanied by a drastic reduction in porphyrin fluorescence from the Soret band. Laser ablation of extrinsic enamel stains at 400 nm is observed to be most efficient above 3 J/cm(2) with minimal damage to the underlying enamel. Unsound underlying enamel is also observed to be selectively removed after irradiation. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  2. Resveratrol prevents high glucose-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in renal tubular epithelial cells by inhibiting NADPH oxidase/ROS/ERK pathway.

    PubMed

    He, Ting; Guan, Xu; Wang, Song; Xiao, Tangli; Yang, Ke; Xu, Xinli; Wang, Junping; Zhao, Jinghong

    2015-02-15

    Resveratrol (RSV) is reported to have renoprotective activity against diabetic nephropathy, while the mechanisms underlying its function have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigate the effect and related mechanism of RSV against high glucose-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human tubular epithelial cells (HK-2). A typical EMT is induced by high glucose in HK-2 cells, accompanied by increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). RSV exhibits a strong ability to inhibit high glucose-induced EMT by decreasing intracellular ROS levels via down-regulation of NADPH oxidase subunits NOX1 and NOX4. The activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) is found to be involved in high glucose-induced EMT in HK-2 cells. RSV, like NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium, can block ERK1/2 activation induced by high glucose. Our results demonstrate that RSV is a potent agent against high glucose-induced EMT in renal tubular cells via inhibition of NADPH oxidase/ROS/ERK1/2 pathway. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Heterodimerization controls localization of Duox-DuoxA NADPH oxidases in airway cells.

    PubMed

    Luxen, Sylvia; Noack, Deborah; Frausto, Monika; Davanture, Suzel; Torbett, Bruce E; Knaus, Ulla G

    2009-04-15

    Duox NADPH oxidases generate hydrogen peroxide at the air-liquid interface of the respiratory tract and at apical membranes of thyroid follicular cells. Inactivating mutations of Duox2 have been linked to congenital hypothyroidism, and epigenetic silencing of Duox is frequently observed in lung cancer. To study Duox regulation by maturation factors in detail, its association with these factors, differential use of subunits and localization was analyzed in a lung cancer cell line and undifferentiated or polarized lung epithelial cells. We show here that Duox proteins form functional heterodimers with their respective DuoxA subunits, in close analogy to the phagocyte NADPH oxidase. Characterization of novel DuoxA1 isoforms and mispaired Duox-DuoxA complexes revealed that heterodimerization is a prerequisite for reactive oxygen species production. Functional Duox1 and Duox2 localize to the leading edge of migrating cells, augmenting motility and wound healing. DuoxA subunits are responsible for targeting functional oxidases to distinct cellular compartments in lung epithelial cells, including Duox2 expression in ciliated cells in an ex vivo differentiated lung epithelium. As these locations probably define signaling specificity of Duox1 versus Duox2, these findings will facilitate monitoring Duox isoform expression in lung disease, a first step for early screening procedures and rational drug development.

  4. Newer applications of the histological stain prepared from Pterocarpus santalinus.

    PubMed

    Sen Gupta, P C; Mukherjee, A K

    1981-03-01

    A histological stain prepared from the heartwood of Pterocarpus santalinus Linn. has been found to be an excellent nuclear stain for various cells of animal and plant origin. As an elastic tissue stain, the results are comparable to standard elastic tissue stains. The striations of voluntary muscle fibers are well shown. The Nissl granules and fibers of cranial nerves in the pons are visualized. When counterstained with light green, it differentially stains muscle and fibrous tissue. The stain can be used as counterstain with certain histochemical procedures with satisfactory results. The preparation and use of this versatile stain are described.

  5. Cytosolic NADPH Homeostasis in Glucose-starved Procyclic Trypanosoma brucei Relies on Malic Enzyme and the Pentose Phosphate Pathway Fed by Gluconeogenic Flux*

    PubMed Central

    Allmann, Stefan; Morand, Pauline; Ebikeme, Charles; Gales, Lara; Biran, Marc; Hubert, Jane; Brennand, Ana; Mazet, Muriel; Franconi, Jean-Michel; Michels, Paul A. M.; Portais, Jean-Charles; Boshart, Michael; Bringaud, Frédéric

    2013-01-01

    All living organisms depend on NADPH production to feed essential biosyntheses and for oxidative stress defense. Protozoan parasites such as the sleeping sickness pathogen Trypanosoma brucei adapt to different host environments, carbon sources, and oxidative stresses during their infectious life cycle. The procyclic stage develops in the midgut of the tsetse insect vector, where they rely on proline as carbon source, although they prefer glucose when grown in rich media. Here, we investigate the flexible and carbon source-dependent use of NADPH synthesis pathways in the cytosol of the procyclic stage. The T. brucei genome encodes two cytosolic NADPH-producing pathways, the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and the NADP-dependent malic enzyme (MEc). Reverse genetic blocking of those pathways and a specific inhibitor (dehydroepiandrosterone) of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase together established redundancy with respect to H2O2 stress management and parasite growth. Blocking both pathways resulted in ∼10-fold increase of susceptibility to H2O2 stress and cell death. Unexpectedly, the same pathway redundancy was observed in glucose-rich and glucose-depleted conditions, suggesting that gluconeogenesis can feed the PPP to provide NADPH. This was confirmed by (i) a lethal phenotype of RNAi-mediated depletion of glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (PGI) in the glucose-depleted Δmec/Δmec null background, (ii) an ∼10-fold increase of susceptibility to H2O2 stress observed for the Δmec/Δmec/RNAiPGI double mutant when compared with the single mutants, and (iii) the 13C enrichment of glycolytic and PPP intermediates from cells incubated with [U-13C]proline, in the absence of glucose. Gluconeogenesis-supported NADPH supply may also be important for nucleotide and glycoconjugate syntheses in the insect host. PMID:23665470

  6. Fuel-induced amplification of insulin secretion in mouse pancreatic islets exposed to a high sulfonylurea concentration: role of the NADPH/NADP+ ratio.

    PubMed

    Panten, U; Rustenbeck, I

    2008-01-01

    The aim of this study was to examine whether the cytosolic NADPH/NADP+ ratio of beta cells serves as an amplifying signal in fuel-induced insulin secretion and whether such a function is mediated by cytosolic alpha-ketoglutarate. Pancreatic islets and islet cells were isolated from albino mice by collagenase digestion. Insulin secretion of incubated or perifused islets was measured by ELISA. The NADPH and NADP+ content of incubated islets was determined by enzymatic cycling. The cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) in islets was measured by microfluorimetry and the activity of ATP-sensitive K+ channels in islet cells by patch-clamping. Both 30 mmol/l glucose and 10 mmol/l alpha-ketoisocaproate stimulated insulin secretion and elevated the NADPH/NADP+ ratio of islets preincubated in the absence of fuel. The increase in the NADPH/NADP+ ratio was abolished in the presence of 2.7 micromol/l glipizide (closing all ATP-sensitive K+ channels). However, alpha-ketoisocaproate, but not glucose, still stimulated insulin secretion. That glipizide did not inhibit alpha-ketoisocaproate-induced insulin secretion was not the result of elevated [Ca2+]c, as glucose caused a more marked [Ca2+]c increase. Insulin release triggered by glipizide alone was moderately amplified by dimethyl alpha-ketoglutarate (which is cleaved to produce cytosolic alpha-ketoglutarate), but there was no indication of a signal function of cytosolic alpha-ketoglutarate. The results strongly suggest that the NADPH/NADP+ ratio in the beta cell cytosol does not serve as an amplifying signal in fuel-induced insulin release. The study supports the view that amplification results from the intramitochondrial production of citrate by citrate synthase and from the associated export of citrate into the cytosol.

  7. Resveratrol promotes neuroprotection and attenuates oxidative and nitrosative stress in the small intestine in diabetic rats.

    PubMed

    Ferreira, Paulo Emilio Botura; Beraldi, Evandro José; Borges, Stephanie Carvalho; Natali, Maria Raquel Marçal; Buttow, Nilza Cristina

    2018-06-12

    Damages to the enteric nervous system caused by diabetes mellitus (DM) are frequently attributed to oxidative and nitrosative stress. We aimed to investigate the effect of Resveratrol (RSV) (10 mg/kg) on oxidative and nitrosative stress in the intestinal wall and morphoquantitative aspects of the myenteric plexus of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum in diabetic rats. Twenty-four rats were distributed into four groups (n = 6/group): control (C group), control treated with RSV (CR group), diabetic (D group), and diabetic treated with RSV (DR group) for 120 days. Immunohistochemical staining techniques for the general neuronal population, nitrergic and calretinin neuronal subpopulations, enteric glial cells and glial fibrillary acid protein were performed in the myenteric plexus. Furthermore, parameters of oxidative and nitrosative stress were analyzed in the intestinal wall. RSV attenuated oxidative and nitrosative stress and prevented neuronal loss and hypertrophy of the HuC/D-IR, nNOS-IR and CALR-IR neuronal subpopulations in the DR group compared with the D group (P < 0.05). In addition, RSV prevented the increase in glial fibrillary acid protein fluorescence in the DR group compared with the D (P < 0.05). These results suggest that RSV has antioxidant and neuroprotective effects in myenteric plexus in rats with experimental DM. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  8. Novel tumor-ablation device for liver tumors utilizing heat energy generated under an alternating magnetic field.

    PubMed

    Sato, Koichi; Watanabe, Yuji; Horiuchi, Atsushi; Yukumi, Shungo; Doi, Takashi; Yoshida, Motohira; Yamamoto, Yuji; Maehara, Tsunehiro; Naohara, Takashi; Kawachi, Kanji

    2008-07-01

    We have developed a novel tumor-ablation device for liver tumors utilizing heat energy induced by magnesium ferrite (MgFe(2)O(4)) particles under an alternating magnetic field (AMF) produced by electric currents. This novel device can repeatedly heat liver tumors at lower temperature than usual heating devices, such as radiofrequency ablation therapy, with slight infliction of pain. This study assesses its heating effect on rat liver tumors as local therapy. The small needle was manufactured from MgFe(2)O(4) particles by sintering at 1100 degrees C. After a MgFe(2)O(4) needle was inserted into liver tumors comprising of dRLh-84 cells, the tumors were heated for 30 min under an AMF. We examined cellular activity by using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) diaphorase staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated digoxigenin-dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and evaluated the effect of suppressing tumor growth by sequentially comparing the tumor diameter with that of the control group. The mean temperature of the heated tumors was 60.2 +/- 1.8 degrees C. The tumor cells were constricted, and chromatin of nuclei had shrunk immediately after heating. The heat-injury area that contained the tumors was negative for NADH diaphorase activity. After 3 days, the tumor cells in the heat-injury area became positive for TUNEL staining, which detects cell death. At 7 days, the mean tumor diameters were significantly smaller in the heating group than in the control group (6.15 +/- 0.47 mm vs 16.89 +/- 2.69 mm; P < 0.05). This device, utilizing heat energy induced by ferromagnetic metal under an AMF, appears useful as local thermotherapy for human liver cancer.

  9. Pilot study of radiofrequency ablation therapy without surgical excision for T1 breast cancer: evaluation with MRI and vacuum-assisted core needle biopsy and safety management.

    PubMed

    Yamamoto, Naohito; Fujimoto, Hiroshi; Nakamura, Rikiya; Arai, Manabu; Yoshii, Atsushi; Kaji, Sachiko; Itami, Makiko

    2011-01-01

    There is increasing demand for minimally invasive treatments for small breast cancer mainly because of the desire for better cosmetic results. Although radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an attractive approach as a local control method for small breast cancer, the problems of histological effectiveness and safety management remain. A total of 29 patients including one patient with bilateral breast cancer were enrolled in this study. The mean tumor size of 30 breasts was 12.8 mm (range 5-19 mm). Under general anesthesia, RFA was performed with a Cool-tip RF system (Valleylab, Boulder, CO, USA) after sentinel lymph node biopsy. Postoperative evaluation with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and vacuum-assisted core needle biopsy was done 3-4 weeks after RFA before radiotherapy. Ablated tumors were evaluated with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)-diaphorase staining. If needed, adjuvant chemo and/or endocrine therapy was performed. All patients except one completed one session of RFA. The mean temperature near the center of the tumors was 89.6°C (range 78-100°C). Postoperative MRI showed the ablated zone clearly in all patients. MRI revealed no hypervascularity of the tumors in the ablated zone. Evaluation with H&E staining of the tumors showed remarkable degenerative changes in only three patients. NADH-diaphorase staining showed no viable tumor tissue in 24 patients out of 26 examined. Three patients received small diameter grade 3 skin burns, two on the outside of the thigh from the grounding pad and one on the breast skin. One patient had a breast lesion like a chronic granulomatous mastitis resulting from overreaction of the ablated zone. RFA therapy appeared relevant and applicable for patients with small breast cancer. Because small skin burns were observed as adverse events, close attention should be paid in the course of the RFA procedure.

  10. Corneal and conjunctival epithelial staining in hydrogel contact lens wearers.

    PubMed

    Brautaset, Rune L; Nilsson, Maria; Leach, Norman; Miller, William L; Gire, Anisa; Quintero, Sam; Bergmanson, Jan P G

    2008-11-01

    The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of conjunctival and corneal epithelial staining in soft contact lens wearers and to see if staining could be associated with factors such as type of lens worn, wearing time, care system, age, and sex. The records of 338 adapted hydrogel contact lens wearers were examined retrospectively. Conjunctival staining was found to be present in 32.5% of the subjects and corneal staining was found to be present in 19.5% of subjects. None of the subjects had staining above grade 2 using the Cornea and Contact Lens Research Unit scale. Because of the low prevalence of staining, the low grading of staining found and the large variation in refractive power, lens type worn, wearing modality, and solution used statistical analysis for association between staining and different factors could only be performed for the association between sex and staining and between corneal and conjunctival staining. However, no statistical significant association could be demonstrated. Despite the low prevalence of staining the conjunctiva and cornea should be examined carefully in contact lens wearers and prospective wearers because the conjunctival and corneal epithelium serve as protective barriers for the underlying layers of the cornea and conjunctiva. To allow comparison of data obtained in different studies assessing corneal staining, it is recommended that clinicians develop and adopt a universal standard protocol for this measure.

  11. NADPH Oxidase Plays a Role on Ethanol-Induced Hypertension and Reactive Oxygen Species Generation in the Vasculature.

    PubMed

    Marchi, Katia Colombo; Ceron, Carla Speroni; Muniz, Jaqueline J; De Martinis, Bruno S; Tanus-Santos, José E; Tirapelli, Carlos Renato

    2016-09-01

    Investigate the role of NADPH oxidase on ethanol-induced hypertension and vascular oxidative stress. Male Wistar rats were treated with ethanol (20% v/v). Apocynin (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.) prevented ethanol-induced hypertension. The increased contractility of endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded aortic rings from ethanol-treated rats to phenylephrine was prevented by apocynin. Ethanol consumption increased superoxide anion (O2 (-)) generation and lipid peroxidation and apocynin prevented these responses. The decrease on plasma and vascular nitrate/nitrite (NOx) levels induced by ethanol was not prevented by apocynin. Treatment with ethanol did not affect aortic levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or reduced glutathione (GSH). Ethanol did not alter the activities of xanthine oxidase (XO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Ethanol increased the expression of Nox1, PKCδ, nNOS, SAPK/JNK and SOD2 in the rat aorta and apocynin prevented these responses. No difference on aortic expression of Nox2, Nox4, p47phox, Nox organizer 1 (Noxo1), eNOS and iNOS was detected after treatment with ethanol. Ethanol treatment did not alter the phosphorylation of SAPK/JNK, p38MAPK, c-Src, Rac1 or PKCδ. The major new finding of our study is that the increased vascular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by ethanol is related to increased vascular Nox1/NADPH oxidase expression. This mechanism is involved in vascular dysfunction and hypertension induced by ethanol. Additionally, we conclude that ethanol consumption induces the expression of different proteins that regulate vascular contraction and growth and that NADPH oxidase-derived ROS play a role in such response. The key findings of our study are that ethanol-induced hypertension is mediated by NADPH oxidase. Moreover, increased vascular Nox1 expression is related to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by ethanol. Finally, ROS induced by ethanol increase the

  12. NAD(P)H Oxidase Activity in the Small Intestine Is Predominantly Found in Enterocytes, Not Professional Phagocytes.

    PubMed

    Lindquist, Randall L; Bayat-Sarmadi, Jannike; Leben, Ruth; Niesner, Raluca; Hauser, Anja E

    2018-05-04

    The balance between various cellular subsets of the innate and adaptive immune system and microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract is carefully regulated to maintain tolerance to the normal flora and dietary antigens, while protecting against pathogens. The intestinal epithelial cells and the network of dendritic cells and macrophages in the lamina propria are crucial lines of defense that regulate this balance. The complex relationship between the myeloid compartment (dendritic cells and macrophages) and lymphocyte compartment (T cells and innate lymphoid cells), as well as the impact of the epithelial cell layer have been studied in depth in recent years, revealing that the regulatory and effector functions of both innate and adaptive immune compartments exhibit more plasticity than had been previously appreciated. However, little is known about the metabolic activity of these cellular compartments, which is the basic function underlying all other additional tasks the cells perform. Here we perform intravital NAD(P)H fluorescence lifetime imaging in the small intestine of fluorescent reporter mice to monitor the NAD(P)H-dependent metabolism of epithelial and myeloid cells. The majority of myeloid cells which comprise the surveilling network in the lamina propria have a low metabolic activity and remain resting even upon stimulation. Only a few myeloid cells, typically localized at the tip of the villi, are metabolically active and are able to activate NADPH oxidases upon stimulation, leading to an oxidative burst. In contrast, the epithelial cells are metabolically highly active and, although not considered professional phagocytes, are also able to activate NADPH oxidases, leading to massive production of reactive oxygen species. Whereas the oxidative burst in myeloid cells is mainly catalyzed by the NOX2 isotype, in epithelial cells other isotypes of the NADPH oxidases family are involved, especially NOX4. They are constitutively expressed by the epithelial

  13. [Histochemical stains for minerals by hematoxylin-lake method].

    PubMed

    Miyagawa, Makoto

    2013-04-01

    The present study was undertaken to establish the experimental animal model by histological staining methods for minerals. After intraperitoneal injections of minerals, precipitates deposited on the surface of the liver. Liver tissues were fixed in paraformaldehyde, embedded in paraffin and cut into thin sections which were used as minerals containing standard section. Several reagents for histological stains and spectrophotometry for minerals were applied in both test-tube experiments and stainings of tissue sections to test for minerals. Hematoxylin-lake was found of capable of staining minerals in tissue. A simple technique used was described for light microscopic detection of minerals.

  14. Neuropeptide-hydrolysing activities in synaptosomal fractions from dog ileum myenteric, deep muscular and submucous plexi. Their participation in neurotensin inactivation.

    PubMed

    Barelli, H; Ahmad, S; Kostka, P; Fox, J A; Daniel, E E; Vincent, J P; Checler, F

    1989-01-01

    The mapping of neuropeptidases in synaptosomal fractions prepared from dog ileum myenteric, deep muscular and submucous plexus was established by means of fluorigenic substrates and specific inhibitors. Endopeptidase 24.11, angiotensin-converting enzyme and aminopeptidases were found in all tissues, the highest amounts being recovered in the submucous preparation. Post-proline dipeptidyl aminopeptidase was obtained in high quantities whatever the tissue source while proline endopeptidase was detected in low amounts and pyroglutamyl-peptide hydrolase was never detectable. The above peptidases were examined for their putative participation in the inactivation of neurotensin by monitoring the effect of specific inhibitors on the formation of the metabolites of labeled neurotensin separated by HPLC. Endopeptidases 24.11, 24.15 and 24.16 were respectively responsible for the formation of neurotensin(1-11), neurotensin(1-8) and neurotensin(1-10) that are devoid of biological activity. The secondary attacks occurring on neurotensin degradation products were the following: cleavage of neurotensin(1-10) into neurotensin(1-8) by angiotensin-converting enzyme; conversion of neurotensin(9-13) into neurotensin(11-13) by post-proline dipeptidyl aminopeptidase; hydrolysis of neurotensin(11-13) into free tyrosine by aminopeptidase(s).

  15. Improved Whole-Blood-Staining Device

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sams, Clarence F.; Crucian, Brian; Paul, Bonnie; Melton, Shannon; Guess, Terry

    2012-01-01

    Dramatic improvements have been made in NASA s Whole Blood Staining Device (WBSD) since it was last described in "Whole-Blood-Staining Device," NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 23, No. 10 (October 1999), page 64. The new system has a longer shelf life, a simpler and more effective operational procedure, improved interface with instrumentation, and shorter processing time. More specifically, the improvements have targeted bag and locking clip materials, sampling ports, and air pocket prevention. The WBSD stains whole blood collected during spaceflight for subsequent flow cytometric analysis. In short, the main device stains white blood cells by use of monoclonal antibodies conjugated to various fluorochromes, followed by lysing and fixing of the cells by use of a commercial reagent that has been diluted according to NASA safety standards. This system is compact, robust, and does not require electric power, precise mixing, or precise incubation times. Figure 1 depicts the present improved version for staining applications, which is a poly(tetrafluoroethylene) bag with a Luer-lock port and plastic locking clips. An InterLink (or equivalent) intravenous- injection port screws into the Luer-lock port. The inflatable/collapsible nature of the bag facilitates loading and helps to minimize the amount of air trapped in the fully loaded bag. Some additional uses have been identified for the device beyond whole blood staining. The WBSD has been configured for functional assays that require culture of live cells by housing sterile culture media, mitogens, and fixatives prior to use [Figure 2(a)]. Simple injection of whole blood allows cell-stimulation culture to be performed in reduced gravity conditions, and product stabilization prior to storage, while protecting astronauts from liquid biohazardous materials. Also, the improved WBSD has reconstituted powdered injectable antibiotics by mixing them with diluent liquids [Figure 2(b)]. Although such mixing can readily be performed on

  16. Preferential inhibition of the plasma membrane NADH oxidase (NOX) activity by diphenyleneiodonium chloride with NADPH as donor

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Morre, D. James

    2002-01-01

    The cell-surface NADH oxidase (NOX) protein of plant and animal cells will utilize both NADH and NADPH as reduced electron donors for activity. The two activities are distinguished by a differential inhibition by the redox inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI). Using both plasma membranes and cells, activity with NADPH as donor was markedly inhibited by DPI at submicromolar concentrations, whereas with NADH as donor, DPI was much less effective or had no effect on the activity. The possibility of the inhibition being the result of two different enzymes was eliminated by the use of a recombinant NOX protein. The findings support the concept that NOX proteins serve as terminal oxidases for plasma membrane electron transport involving cytosolic reduced pyridine nucleotides as the natural electron donors and with molecular oxygen as the electron acceptor.

  17. Biotransformation of Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine Catalyzed by a NAD(P)H: Nitrate Oxidoreductase from Aspergillus niger

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2002-01-01

    Biotransformation of Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine Catalyzed by a NAD(P)H: Nitrate Oxidoreductase from Aspergillus niger B H A R A T B H U...reductase from Aspergillus niger catalyzed the biotransformation of RDX most effectively at pH 7.0 and 30 °C under anaerobic conditions using NADPH as...nitroreductase. We selected a nitrate reductase (EC 1.6.6.2) from a fungus Aspergillus niger to transform RDX under anaerobic condi- tions because nitrate

  18. Candida, fluorescent stain (image)

    MedlinePlus

    ... a fluorescent stain of Candida. Candida is a yeast (fungus) that causes mild disease, but in immunocompromised individuals it may cause life-threatening illness. (Image courtesy of the Centers for ...

  19. Automated single-slide staining device

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wilkins, J. R.; Mills, S. M. (Inventor)

    1977-01-01

    A simple apparatus and method is disclosed for making individual single Gram stains on bacteria inoculated slides to assist in classifying bacteria in the laboratory as Gram-positive or Gram-negative. The apparatus involves positioning a single inoculated slide in a stationary position and thereafter automatically and sequentially flooding the slide with increments of a primary stain, a mordant, a decolorizer, a counterstain and a wash solution in a sequential manner without the individual lab technician touching the slide and with minimum danger of contamination thereof from other slides.

  20. Multispectral image enhancement for H&E stained pathological tissue specimens

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bautista, Pinky A.; Abe, Tokiya; Yamaguchi, Masahiro; Ohyama, Nagaaki; Yagi, Yukako

    2008-03-01

    The presence of a liver disease such as cirrhosis can be determined by examining the proliferation of collagen fiber from a tissue slide stained with special stain such as the Masson's trichrome(MT) stain. Collagen fiber and smooth muscle, which are both stained the same in an H&E stained slide, are stained blue and pink respectively in an MT-stained slide. In this paper we show that with multispectral imaging the difference between collagen fiber and smooth muscle can be visualized even from an H&E stained image. In the method M KL bases are derived using the spectral data of those H&E stained tissue components which can be easily differentiated from each other, i.e. nucleus, cytoplasm, red blood cells, etc. and based on the spectral residual error of fiber weighting factors are determined to enhance spectral features at certain wavelengths. Results of our experiment demonstrate the capability of multispectral imaging and its advantage compared to the conventional RGB imaging systems to delineate tissue structures with subtle colorimetric difference.

  1. DNA comet Giemsa staining for conventional bright-field microscopy.

    PubMed

    Osipov, Andreyan; Arkhangelskaya, Ekaterina; Vinokurov, Alexei; Smetaninа, Nadezhda; Zhavoronkov, Alex; Klokov, Dmitry

    2014-04-10

    This study was undertaken to evaluate the compatibility of Giemsa staining protocol with the comet assay. We showed, for the first time, that DNA comets can be visualized and analyzed using Giemsa staining. We generated DNA damage dose response curves for human peripheral blood lymphocytes exposed to X-ray radiation using the comet assay with either SybrGreen I or Giemsa stain. The dose response curves were fitted by linear regressions (R2>0.977). The SybrGreen I results showed only ~1.2-fold higher slope coefficient (method sensitivity) compared to the Giemsa results. The unexpectedly high sensitivity of Giemsa staining for the comet assay is due to the Romanowsky-Giemsa effect, the stain photo-stability and the higher resolution of bright-field imaging compared to fluorescence imaging. Our results demonstrate that Giemsa staining can effectively be used for measuring DNA damage by the comet assay. The low cost and availability of Giemsa stain makes this method affordable for any low budget research and will facilitate new applications of the comet assay in biology and medicine.

  2. Tea polyphenols alleviate high fat and high glucose-induced endothelial hyperpermeability by attenuating ROS production via NADPH oxidase pathway.

    PubMed

    Zuo, Xuezhi; Tian, Chong; Zhao, Nana; Ren, Weiye; Meng, Yi; Jin, Xin; Zhang, Ying; Ding, Shibin; Ying, Chenjiang; Ye, Xiaolei

    2014-03-02

    Hyperglycemia-induced endothelial hyperpermeability is crucial to cardiovascular disorders and macro-vascular complications in diabetes mellitus. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of green tea polyphenols (GTPs) on endothelial hyperpermeability and the role of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) pathway. Male Wistar rats fed on a high fat diet (HF) were treated with GTPs (0, 0.8, 1.6, 3.2 g/L in drinking water) for 26 weeks. Bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) were treated with high glucose (HG, 33 mmol/L) and GTPs (0.0, 0.4, or 4 μg/mL) for 24 hours in vitro. The endothelial permeabilities in rat aorta and monolayer BAECs were measured by Evans blue injection method and efflux of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran, respectively. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in rat aorta and monolayer BAECs were measured by dihydroethidium (DHE) and 2', 7'-dichloro-fluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) fluorescent probe, respectively. Protein levels of NADPH oxidase subunits were determined by Western-blot. HF diet-fed increased the endothelial permeability and ROS levels in rat aorta while HG treatments increased the endothelial permeability and ROS levels in cultured BAECs. Co-treatment with GTPs alleviated those changes both in vivo and in vitro. In in vitro studies, GTPs treatments protected against the HG-induced over-expressions of p22phox and p67phox. Diphenylene iodonium chloride (DPI), an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase, alleviated the hyperpermeability induced by HG. GTPs could alleviate endothelial hyperpermeabilities in HF diet-fed rat aorta and in HG treated BAECs. The decrease of ROS production resulting from down-regulation of NADPH oxidase contributed to the alleviation of endothelial hyperpermeability.

  3. Structure-Preserving Color Normalization and Sparse Stain Separation for Histological Images.

    PubMed

    Vahadane, Abhishek; Peng, Tingying; Sethi, Amit; Albarqouni, Shadi; Wang, Lichao; Baust, Maximilian; Steiger, Katja; Schlitter, Anna Melissa; Esposito, Irene; Navab, Nassir

    2016-08-01

    Staining and scanning of tissue samples for microscopic examination is fraught with undesirable color variations arising from differences in raw materials and manufacturing techniques of stain vendors, staining protocols of labs, and color responses of digital scanners. When comparing tissue samples, color normalization and stain separation of the tissue images can be helpful for both pathologists and software. Techniques that are used for natural images fail to utilize structural properties of stained tissue samples and produce undesirable color distortions. The stain concentration cannot be negative. Tissue samples are stained with only a few stains and most tissue regions are characterized by at most one effective stain. We model these physical phenomena that define the tissue structure by first decomposing images in an unsupervised manner into stain density maps that are sparse and non-negative. For a given image, we combine its stain density maps with stain color basis of a pathologist-preferred target image, thus altering only its color while preserving its structure described by the maps. Stain density correlation with ground truth and preference by pathologists were higher for images normalized using our method when compared to other alternatives. We also propose a computationally faster extension of this technique for large whole-slide images that selects an appropriate patch sample instead of using the entire image to compute the stain color basis.

  4. Methods And Compositions For Chromosome-Specific Staining

    DOEpatents

    Gray, Joe W.; Pinkel, Daniel

    2003-08-19

    Methods and compositions for staining based upon nucleic acid sequence that employ nucleic acid probes are provided. Said methods produce staining patterns that can be tailored for specific cytogenetic analyses. Said probes are appropriate for in situ hybridization and stain both interphase and metaphase chromosomal material with reliable signals. The nucleic acid probes are typically of a complexity greater than 50 kb, the complexity depending upon the cytogenetic application. Methods are provided to disable the hybridization capacity of shared, high copy repetitive sequences and/or remove such sequences to provide for useful contrast. Still further methods are provided to produce chromosome-specific staining reagents which are made specific to the targeted chromosomal material, which can be one or more whole chromosomes, one or more regions on one or more chromosomes, subsets of chromosomes and/or the entire genome. Probes and test kits are provided for use in tumor cytogenetics, in the detection of disease related loci, in analysis of structural abnormalities, such as translocations, and for biological dosimetry. Further, methods and prenatal test kits are provided to stain targeted chromosomal material of fetal cells, including fetal cells obtained from maternal blood. Still further, the invention provides for automated means to detect and analyse chromosomal abnormalities.

  5. Using microabrasive material to remove fluorosis stains.

    PubMed

    Allen, Kenneth; Agosta, Claudine; Estafan, Denise

    2004-03-01

    Increased public access to fluoride has decreased the prevalence of caries and increased the prevalence of fluorosis staining. This article provides a case report involving a conservative method of removing fluorosis stain, as well as describes an in vitro test of the method. A healthy man sought treatment at New York University College of Dentistry for removal of severe, dark brown fluorosis staining on his anterior teeth. To remove the stain, the treating clinician used a microabrasive material, which leaves enamel intact, instead of a tooth-whitening agent, which requires removal of all affected enamel. To demonstrate that enamel structure is not disturbed by the microabrasive material, the authors performed a study using scanning electron microscopy, or SEM. They viewed enamel structure under SEM at x1,000 magnification. They viewed untreated microabraded enamel and compared it with enamel that had been treated for 20 seconds with 37 percent phosphoric acid. An etch pattern was not discernible on the tooth treated with the microabrasive material. The enamel prisms remained intact and the cores were not exposed. Microabrasion removes intrinsic fluorosis stain effectively while protecting enamel. In this case, an enamel shade of brown not in the range of any tooth color shade guide was reduced.

  6. The transcriptional regulator NtrC controls glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase expression and polyhydroxybutyrate synthesis through NADPH availability in Herbaspirillum seropedicae.

    PubMed

    Sacomboio, Euclides Nenga Manuel; Kim, Edson Yu Sin; Correa, Henrique Leonardo Ruchaud; Bonato, Paloma; Pedrosa, Fabio de Oliveira; de Souza, Emanuel Maltempi; Chubatsu, Leda Satie; Müller-Santos, Marcelo

    2017-10-19

    The NTR system is the major regulator of nitrogen metabolism in Bacteria. Despite its broad and well-known role in the assimilation, biosynthesis and recycling of nitrogenous molecules, little is known about its role in carbon metabolism. In this work, we present a new facet of the NTR system in the control of NADPH concentration and the biosynthesis of molecules dependent on reduced coenzyme in Herbaspirillum seropedicae SmR1. We demonstrated that a ntrC mutant strain accumulated high levels of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), reaching levels up to 2-fold higher than the parental strain. In the absence of NtrC, the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (encoded by zwf) increased by 2.8-fold, consequently leading to a 2.1-fold increase in the NADPH/NADP + ratio. A GFP fusion showed that expression of zwf is likewise controlled by NtrC. The increase in NADPH availability stimulated the production of polyhydroxybutyrate regardless the C/N ratio in the medium. The mutant ntrC was more resistant to H 2 O 2 exposure and controlled the propagation of ROS when facing the oxidative condition, a phenotype associated with the increase in PHB content.

  7. Interactions of NADPH oxidase, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and reactive oxygen species in mequindox-mediated aldosterone secretion in Wistar rats.

    PubMed

    Huang, Xian-Ju; Wang, Xu; Ihsan, Awais; Liu, Qin; Xue, Xi-Juan; Su, Shi-Jia; Yang, Chun-Hui; Zhou, Wen; Yuan, Zong-Hui

    2010-10-05

    High doses of mequindox (MEQ) are associated with oxidative stress and pathological toxicity in the kidney. In this study, we demonstrated long term effects of MEQ on intra- or extra-adrenal renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in vivo. RAAS plays a major role in aldosterone secretion. High doses of MEQ in the diet for 180 days in male rats led to inhibition of intra- and extra-adrenal RAAS, concident with down-regulation of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase (NAKA) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), the downstream of aldosterone action. Significant changes of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in kidney were also observed in the high doses (110, 275mg/kg) groups. The mRNA levels of most subunits of NADPH oxidase were significantly upregulated at low doses (25-110mg/kg) but the upregulation was diminished at higher doses in both kidney and adrenal gland, indicating a complicated and contradictory effect of MEQ on NADPH. These results highlight the complex interactions of drug metabolism, RAAS, NADPH oxidase and oxidative stress in response to MEQ-induced tissue toxicity and aldosterone secretion. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. The crystal structure of NAD(P)H oxidase from Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis: insights into the conversion of O2 into two water molecules by the flavoenzyme.

    PubMed

    Lountos, George T; Jiang, Rongrong; Wellborn, William B; Thaler, Tracey L; Bommarius, Andreas S; Orville, Allen M

    2006-08-15

    The FAD-dependent NAD(P)H oxidase from Lactobacillus sanfrancisensis (L.san-Nox2) catalyzes the oxidation of 2 equivalents of either NADH or NADPH and reduces 1 equivalent of O(2) to yield 2 equivalents of water. During steady-state turnover only 0.5% of the reducing equivalents are detected in solution as hydrogen peroxide, suggesting that it is not released from the enzyme after the oxidation of the first equivalent of NAD(P)H and reaction with O(2). Here we report the crystal structure of L.san-Nox2 to 1.8 A resolution. The enzyme crystallizes as a dimer with each monomer consisting of a FAD binding domain (residues 1-120), a NAD(P)H binding domain (residues 150-250), and a dimerization domain (residues 325-451). The electron density for the redox-active Cys42 residue located adjacent to the si-face FAD is consistent with oxidation to the sulfenic acid (Cys-SOH) state. The side chain of Cys42 is also observed in two conformations; in one the sulfenic acid is hydrogen bonded to His10 and in the other it hydrogen bonds with the FAD O2' atom. Surprisingly, the NAD(P)H binding domains each contain an ADP ligand as established by electron density maps and MALDI-TOF analysis of the ligands released from heat-denatured enzyme. The ADP ligand copurifies with the enzyme, and its presence does not inhibit enzyme activity. Consequently, we hypothesize that either NADPH or NADH substrates bind via a long channel that extends from the enzyme exterior and terminates at the FAD re-face. A homology model of the NADH oxidase from Lactococcus lactis (L.lac-Nox2) was also generated using the crystal structure of L.san-Nox2, which reveals several important similarities and differences between the two enzymes. HPLC analysis of ligands released from denatured L.lac-Nox2 indicates that it does not bind ADP, which correlates with the specificity of the enzyme for oxidation of NADH.

  9. NADPH oxidase is not an essential mediator of oxidative stress or liver injury in murine MCD diet-induced steatohepatitis.

    PubMed

    dela Peña, Aileen; Leclercq, Isabelle A; Williams, Jacqueline; Farrell, Geoffrey C

    2007-02-01

    Hepatic oxidative stress is a key feature of metabolic forms of steatohepatitis, but the sources of pro-oxidants are unclear. The NADPH oxidase complex is critical for ROS generation in inflammatory cells; loss of any one component (e.g., gp91phox) renders NADPH oxidase inactive. We tested whether activated inflammatory cells contribute to oxidant stress in steatohepatitis. gp91phox-/- and wildtype (wt) mice were fed a methionine and choline-deficient (MCD) diet. Serum ALT, hepatic triglycerides, histopathology, lipid peroxidation, activation of NF-kappaB, expression of NF-kappaB-regulated genes and macrophage chemokines were measured. After 10 days of MCD dietary feeding, gp91phox-/- and wt mice displayed equivalent hepatocellular injury. After 8 weeks, there were fewer activated macrophages in livers of gp91phox-/- mice than controls, despite similar mRNA levels for MCP and MIP chemokines, but fibrosis was similar. NF-kappaB activation and increased expression of ICAM-1, TNF-alpha and COX-2 mRNA were evident in both genotypes, but in gp91phox-/- mice, expression of these genes was confined to hepatocytes. A functional NADPH oxidase complex does not contribute importantly to oxidative stress in this model and therefore is not obligatory for induction or perpetuation of dietary steatohepatitis.

  10. The role of brassinosteroids in the regulation of the plasma membrane H+-ATPase and NADPH oxidase under cadmium stress.

    PubMed

    Jakubowska, Dagmara; Janicka, Małgorzata

    2017-11-01

    The present research aim was to define the role of brassinosteroids (BRs) in plant adaptation to cadmium stress. We observed a stimulating effect of exogenous BR on the activity of two plasma membrane enzymes which play a key role in plants adaptation to cadmium stress, H + -ATPase (EC 3.6.3.14) and NADPH oxidase (EC 1.6.3.1). Using anti-phosphothreonine antibody we showed that modification of PM H + -ATPase activity under BR action could result from phosphorylation of the enzyme protein. Also the relative expression of genes encoding both PM H + -ATPase and NADPH oxidase was affected by BR. To confirm the role of BR in the cadmium stimulating effect on activity of both studied plasma membrane enzymes, an assay in the presence of a BR biosynthesis inhibitor (propiconazole) was performed. Moreover, as a tool in our work we used commercially available plant mutants unable to BR biosynthesis or with dysfunctional BR signaling pathway, to further confirm participation of BR in plant adaptation to heavy metal stress. Presented results demonstrate some elements of the brassinosteroid-induced pathway activated under cadmium stress, wherein H + -ATPase and NADPH oxidase are key factors. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Purification and Characterization of Two Distinct NAD(P)H Dehydrogenases from Onion (Allium cepa L.) Root Plasma Membrane.

    PubMed Central

    Serrano, A.; Cordoba, F.; Gonzalez-Reyes, J. A.; Navas, P.; Villalba, J. M.

    1994-01-01

    Highly purified plasma membrane fractions were obtained from onion (Allium cepa L.) roots and used as a source for purification of redox proteins. Plasma membranes solubilized with Triton X-100 contained two distinct polypeptides showing NAD(P)H-dependent dehydrogenase activities. Dehydrogenase I was purified by gel filtration in Sephacryl S-300 HR, ion-exchange chromatography in DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B, and dye-ligand affinity chromatography in Blue-Sepharose CL-6B after biospecific elution with NADH. Dehydrogenase I consisted of a single polypeptide of about 27 kD and an isoelectric point of about 6. Dehydrogenase II was purified from the DEAE-unbound fraction by chromatography in Blue-Sepharose CL-6B and affinity elution with NADH. Dehydrogenase II consisted of a single polypeptide of about 31 kD and an isoelectric point of about 8. Purified dehydrogenase I oxidized both NADPH and NADH, although higher rates of electron transfer were obtained with NADPH. Maximal activity was achieved with NADPH as donor and juglone or coenzyme Q as acceptor. Dehydrogenase II was specific for NADH and exhibited maximal activity with ferricyanide. Optimal pH for both dehydrogenases was about 6. Dehydrogenase I was moderately inhibited by dicumarol, thenoyltrifluoroacetone, and the thiol reagent N-ethyl-maleimide. A strong inhibition of dehydrogenase II was obtained with dicumarol, thenoyltrifluoroacetone, and the thiol reagent p-hydroxymercuribenzoate. PMID:12232306

  12. Gram staining for the treatment of peritonsillar abscess.

    PubMed

    Takenaka, Yukinori; Takeda, Kazuya; Yoshii, Tadashi; Hashimoto, Michiko; Inohara, Hidenori

    2012-01-01

    Objective. To examine whether Gram staining can influence the choice of antibiotic for the treatment of peritonsillar abscess. Methods. Between 2005 and 2009, a total of 57 cases of peritonsillar abscess were analyzed with regard to cultured bacteria and Gram staining. Results. Only aerobes were cultured in 16% of cases, and only anaerobes were cultured in 51% of cases. Mixed growth of aerobes and anaerobes was observed in 21% of cases. The cultured bacteria were mainly aerobic Streptococcus, anaerobic Gram-positive cocci, and anaerobic Gram-negative rods. Phagocytosis of bacteria on Gram staining was observed in 9 cases. The bacteria cultured from these cases were aerobic Streptococcus, anaerobic Gram-positive cocci, and anaerobic Gram-negative rods. The sensitivity of Gram staining for the Gram-positive cocci and Gram-negative rods was 90% and 64%, respectively. The specificity of Gram staining for the Gram-positive cocci and Gram-negative rods was 62% and 76%, respectively. Most of the Gram-positive cocci were sensitive to penicillin, but some of anaerobic Gram-negative rods were resistant to penicillin. Conclusion. When Gram staining shows only Gram-positive cocci, penicillin is the treatment of choice. In other cases, antibiotics effective for the penicillin-resistant organisms should be used.

  13. 7 CFR 28.441 - Strict Middling Yellow Stained Color.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Strict Middling Yellow Stained Color. 28.441 Section... Strict Middling Yellow Stained Color. Strict Middling Yellow Stained Color is color which is deeper than that of Strict Middling Tinged Color. [57 FR 34498, Aug. 5, 1992] ...

  14. 7 CFR 28.441 - Strict Middling Yellow Stained Color.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Strict Middling Yellow Stained Color. 28.441 Section... Strict Middling Yellow Stained Color. Strict Middling Yellow Stained Color is color which is deeper than that of Strict Middling Tinged Color. [57 FR 34498, Aug. 5, 1992] ...

  15. 7 CFR 28.441 - Strict Middling Yellow Stained Color.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Strict Middling Yellow Stained Color. 28.441 Section... Strict Middling Yellow Stained Color. Strict Middling Yellow Stained Color is color which is deeper than that of Strict Middling Tinged Color. [57 FR 34498, Aug. 5, 1992] ...

  16. 7 CFR 28.441 - Strict Middling Yellow Stained Color.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Strict Middling Yellow Stained Color. 28.441 Section... Strict Middling Yellow Stained Color. Strict Middling Yellow Stained Color is color which is deeper than that of Strict Middling Tinged Color. [57 FR 34498, Aug. 5, 1992] ...

  17. 7 CFR 28.441 - Strict Middling Yellow Stained Color.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Strict Middling Yellow Stained Color. 28.441 Section... Strict Middling Yellow Stained Color. Strict Middling Yellow Stained Color is color which is deeper than that of Strict Middling Tinged Color. [57 FR 34498, Aug. 5, 1992] ...

  18. Post-staining electroblotting for efficient and reliable peptide blotting.

    PubMed

    Lee, Der-Yen; Chang, Geen-Dong

    2015-01-01

    Post-staining electroblotting has been previously described to transfer Coomassie blue-stained proteins from polyacrylamide gel onto polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membranes. Actually, stained peptides can also be efficiently and reliably transferred. Because of selective staining procedures for peptides and increased retention of stained peptides on the membrane, even peptides with molecular masses less than 2 kDa such as bacitracin and granuliberin R are transferred with satisfactory results. For comparison, post-staining electroblotting is about 16-fold more sensitive than the conventional electroblotting for visualization of insulin on the membrane. Therefore, the peptide blots become practicable and more accessible to further applications, e.g., blot overlay detection or immunoblotting analysis. In addition, the efficiency of peptide transfer is favorable for N-terminal sequence analysis. With this method, peptide blotting can be normalized for further analysis such as blot overlay assay, immunoblotting, and N-terminal sequencing for identification of peptide in crude or partially purified samples.

  19. Gram staining in the diagnosis of acute septic arthritis.

    PubMed

    Faraj, A A; Omonbude, O D; Godwin, P

    2002-10-01

    This study aimed at determining the sensitivity and specificity of Gram staining of synovial fluid as a diagnostic tool in acute septic arthritis. A retrospective study was made of 22 patients who had arthroscopic lavage following a provisional diagnosis of acute septic arthritis of the knee joint. Gram stains and cultures of the knee aspirates were compared with the clinical and laboratory parameters, to evaluate their usefulness in diagnosing acute arthritis. All patients who had septic arthritis had pain, swelling and limitation of movement. CRP was elevated in 90% of patients. The incidence of elevated white blood cell count was higher in the group of patients with a positive Gram stain study (60%) as compared to patients with a negative Gram stain study (33%). Gram staining sensitivity was 45%. Its specificity was however 100%. Gram staining is an unreliable tool in early decision making in patients requiring urgent surgical drainage and washout.

  20. Role of Ser-257 in the sliding mechanism of NADP(H) in the reaction catalyzed by the Aspergillus fumigatus flavin-dependent ornithine N5-monooxygenase SidA.

    PubMed

    Shirey, Carolyn; Badieyan, Somayesadat; Sobrado, Pablo

    2013-11-08

    SidA (siderophore A) is a flavin-dependent N-hydroxylating monooxygenase that is essential for virulence in Aspergillus fumigatus. SidA catalyzes the NADPH- and oxygen-dependent formation of N(5)-hydroxyornithine. In this reaction, NADPH reduces the flavin, and the resulting NADP(+) is the last product to be released. The presence of NADP(+) is essential for activity, as it is required for stabilization of the C4a-hydroperoxyflavin, which is the hydroxylating species. As part of our efforts to determine the molecular details of the role of NADP(H) in catalysis, we targeted Ser-257 for site-directed mutagenesis and performed extensive characterization of the S257A enzyme. Using a combination of steady-state and stopped-flow kinetic experiments, substrate analogs, and primary kinetic isotope effects, we show that the interaction between Ser-257 and NADP(H) is essential for stabilization of the C4a-hydroperoxyflavin. Molecular dynamics simulation results suggest that Ser-257 functions as a pivot point, allowing the nicotinamide of NADP(+) to slide into position for stabilization of the C4a-hydroperoxyflavin.

  1. A Versatile Giemsa Protocol for Permanent Nuclear Staining of Fungi

    Treesearch

    A. Dan Wilson

    1992-01-01

    A variety of cytological stains and staining procedures including Giemsa-HCL, acetic-or-cein, propionic-carmine, iron haema-toxylin, safranin O, aniline blue or trypan blue, toluidine blue and basic fuchsin or Feulgen stain have been used to investigate the nuclear condition of reproductive and somatic structures of fungi. Fluorescent stains such as acriflavin acridine...

  2. DISRUPTION OF THE SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE GENE FOR NADPH-CYTOCHROME P450-REDUCTASE CAUSES INCREASED SENSITIVITY TO KETOCONAZOLE

    EPA Science Inventory

    Strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae deleted in the NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase gene by transplacement are 200-fold more sensitive to ketoconazole, an inhibitor of the cytochrome P450 lanosterol 14-demethylase. Resistance is restored through complementation by the plasmid-born...

  3. Sputum stain for mycobacteria

    MedlinePlus

    ... results show that the stain is positive for: Mycobacterium tuberculosis Mycobacterium avium-intracellular Other mycobacteria or acid-fast bacteria Risks There are no risks, unless bronchoscopy is performed. Alternative Names Acid fast bacilli ... Sputum test References Hopewell ...

  4. Expression of NADPH Oxidase Isoform 1 (Nox1) in Human Placenta: Involvement in Preeclampsia

    PubMed Central

    Cui, X.-L.; Brockman, D.; Campos, B.; Myatt, L.

    2010-01-01

    Increased oxidative stress in the placenta has been associated with preeclampsia (PE), a clinical syndrome involving placental pathology. The enzymatic sources of reactive oxygen species in the human placenta are as yet unidentified. We hypothesized that NADPH oxidase is a main source of reactive oxygen species in the placenta and its expression may change in PE. Employing RTPCR, we have amplified a novel NADPH oxidase isoform Nox1 from human choriocarcinoma BeWo cells. Using polyclonal anti-peptide antiserum recognizing unique Nox1 peptide sequences, we identified by immunohistochemistry and cell fractionation that Nox1 protein localizes in the BeWo cell membrane structures. Immunohistochemistry of normal placental tissues showed that Nox1 was localized in syncytiotrophoblasts, in villous vascular endothelium, and in some stromal cells. At the immunohistochemical level Nox1 expression was significantly increased in syncytiotrophoblast and endothelial cells in placentas from patients with preeclampsia as compared to gestational age-matched controls. Western blot analysis of whole placental homogenate confirmed this increase. Our data suggests that increased Nox1 expression is associated with the increased oxidative stress found in these placentas. PMID:15993942

  5. NADPH Oxidase Deficiency: A Multisystem Approach

    PubMed Central

    Cicalese, Maria Pia; Delmonte, Ottavia; Migliavacca, Maddalena; Cirillo, Emilia; Violi, Francesco

    2017-01-01

    The immune system is a complex system able to recognize a wide variety of host agents, through different biological processes. For example, controlled changes in the redox state are able to start different pathways in immune cells and are involved in the killing of microbes. The generation and release of ROS in the form of an “oxidative burst” represent the pivotal mechanism by which phagocytic cells are able to destroy pathogens. On the other hand, impaired oxidative balance is also implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory complications, which may affect the function of many body systems. NADPH oxidase (NOX) plays a pivotal role in the production of ROS, and the defect of its different subunits leads to the development of chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). The defect of the different NOX subunits in CGD affects different organs. In this context, this review will be focused on the description of the effect of NOX2 deficiency in different body systems. Moreover, we will also focus our attention on the novel insight in the pathogenesis of immunodeficiency and inflammation-related manifestations and on the protective role of NOX2 deficiency against the development of atherosclerosis. PMID:29430280

  6. Western Blot of Stained Proteins from Dried Polyacrylamide Gels

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gruber, Claudia; Stan-Lotter, Helga

    1996-01-01

    Western blotting of proteins is customarily performed following their separation on polyacrylamide gels, either prior to staining (1) or, as recently reported, following staining (2). We describe here Western blotting with stained gels, which had been dried and some of which had been stored for years. This procedure permits immunological analysis of proteins, to which antisera may have become available only later, or where the application of newly developed sensitive detection methods is desired. Once rehydration of the gels is achieved, proteins can be-transferred to blotting membranes by any appropriate protocol. Proteins stained with Coomassie Blue have to be detected with a non-chromogenic method, such as the film-based enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL)2) procedure (3). Silver stained proteins, which transfer in the colorless form, may be visualized by any detection method, although, because of the usually very low amounts of proteins, detection by ECL is preferable. Blotting of stained proteins from rehydrated gels is as rapid and as quantitative as from freshly prepared gels, in contrast to blotting from wet stained gels, which requires extensive washing and results in low transfer efficiency (2). Together with a photographic record of the gel pattern, unambiguous identification of immunoreactive proteins from complex mixtures is possible. Some further applications of this work are discussed.

  7. [Usefulness of sputum Gram staining in community-acquired pneumonia].

    PubMed

    Sato, Tadashi; Aoshima, Masahiro; Ohmagari, Norio; Tada, Hiroshi; Chohnabayashi, Naohiko

    2002-07-01

    To evaluate the usefulness of sputum gram staining in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), we reviewed 144 cases requiring hospitalization in the last 4 years. The sensitivity was 75.5%, specificity 68.2%, positive predictive value 74.1%, negative predictive value 69.8%, positive likelihood ratio 2.37, negative likelihood ratio 0.36 and accuracy 72.2% in 97 cases. Both sputum gram staining and culture were performed. Concerning bacterial pneumonia (65 cases), we compared the Gram staining group (n = 33), which received initial antibiotic treatment, based on sputum gram staining with the Empiric group (n = 32) that received antibiotics empirically. The success rates of the initial antibiotic treatment were 87.9% vs. 78.1% (P = 0.473); mean hospitalization periods were 9.67 vs. 11.75 days (P = 0.053); and periods of intravenous therapy were 6.73 vs. 7.91 days (P = 0.044), respectively. As for initial treatment, penicillins were used in the Gram staining group more frequently (P < 0.01). We conclude that sputum gram staining is useful for the shortening of the treatment period and the appropriate selection of initial antibiotics in bacterial pneumonia. We believe, therefore, that sputum gram staining is indispensable as a diagnostic tool CAP.

  8. Improved method for combination of immunocytochemistry and Nissl staining.

    PubMed

    Kádár, Andrea; Wittmann, Gábor; Liposits, Zsolt; Fekete, Csaba

    2009-10-30

    Nissl staining is a widely used method to study morphology and pathology of neural tissue. After standard immunocytochemistry, the Nissl staining labels only the nucleus of neurons and the characteristic staining of the neuronal perikarya is absent or very weak. We hypothesized that the RNA degradation during the immunocytochemical treatment results in the loss of cytoplasmic staining with Nissl-dyes. To test this hypothesis, we used RNAse-free conditions for all steps of immunostaining. To further prevent the RNA-degradation by RNAse contaminations, the RNAse inhibitor heparin was added to all antibody-containing solutions. The efficiency of Nissl staining after standard and RNAse-free double-labeling immunocytochemistry was compared using antibodies against c-Fos and neuropeptide Y (NPY) on tissues of rats refed after 3 days of fasting. After standard immunocytochemistry, the Nissl-staining labeled the nuclei of neurons and only very faintly the cytoplasm of these cells. The RNAse-free treatment did not alter the distribution of immunoreaction signal, but preserved the staining of neuronal perikarya by the Nissl-dyes. In conclusion, the RNAse-free conditions during immunocytochemistry allow the labeling of neuronal perikarya by Nissl-dyes. The described method facilitates the mapping of immunocytochemical signals and makes possible the light microscopic examination of the innervation of neurons identified by their nuclear protein content.

  9. Counterion dye staining of proteins in one- and two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and tryptic gel digestion of stained protein for mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Cong, Wei-Tao; Wang, Xu; Hwang, Sun-Young; Jin, Li-Tai; Choi, Jung-Kap

    2012-01-01

    A fast and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry compatible protein staining method in one- and two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is described. It is based on the counterion dye staining method that employs oppositely charged two dyes, zincon and ethyl violet, to form an ion-pair complex. The protocol, including fixing, staining, and quick washing steps, can be completed in 1-1.5 h, depending upon gel thickness. It has the sensitivity comparable to the colloidal Coomassie Brilliant Blue G stain using phosphoric acid as a component of staining solution (4-8 ng). The counterion dye stain does not induce protein modifications that complicate interpretation of peptide mapping data from mass spectrometry. Considering the speed, sensitivity, and compatibility with mass spectrometry, the counterion dye stain may be more practical than any other dye-based protein stains for routine proteomic researches.

  10. Techniques for controlling variability in gram staining of obligate anaerobes.

    PubMed Central

    Johnson, M J; Thatcher, E; Cox, M E

    1995-01-01

    Identification of anaerobes recovered from clinical samples is complicated by the fact that certain gram-positive anaerobes routinely stain gram negative; Peptostreptococcus asaccharolyticus, Eubacterium plautii, Clostridium ramosum, Clostridium symbiosum, and Clostridium clostridiiforme are among the nonconformists with regard to conventional Gram-staining procedures. Accurate Gram staining of American Type Culture Collection strains of these anaerobic bacteria is possible by implementing fixing and staining techniques within a gloveless anaerobic chamber. Under anaerobic conditions, gram-positive staining occurred in all test organisms with "quick" fixing techniques with both absolute methanol and formalin. The results support the hypothesis that, when anaerobic bacteria are exposed to oxygen, a breakdown of the physical integrity of the cell wall occurs, introducing Gram stain variability in gram-positive anaerobes. PMID:7538512

  11. Stained-Glass Pastels

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Laird, Shirley

    2009-01-01

    The author has always liked the look of stained-glass windows. Usually the designs are simplified and the shapes are easier for younger students to draw. This technique seemed to be the perfect place for her fifth-graders to try their hand at color mixing. The smaller spaces and simple shapes were just what she needed for this group. Her students…

  12. An in vitro screening assay for dental stain cleaning.

    PubMed

    Wang, Changxiang; Lucas, Robert; Smith, Anthony J; Cooper, Paul R

    2017-01-09

    The present study aimed to develop an in vitro model for stain removal from natural enamel for the assessment and comparison of oral hygiene products. Bovine teeth (n = 8 per group) were ground/polished to provide flat enamel specimens and ferric-tannate deposits were precipitated onto the enamel surfaces. The ferric-tannate stained enamel specimens were brushed using an in vitro tooth-brushing simulator with slurries containing commercially available toothpaste products, dental abrasive particles, and sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) solutions of different concentrations. The colour of the enamel surfaces was measured using a spectrophotometer before and after stain application as well as after the brushing treatments. Differences in stain removal efficacy were found between the toothpastes categorised as whitening and non-whitening comprising of different types of dental abrasives (hydrated silica and alumina). A mean value of 27% for stain removal was detected for the three non-whitening toothpastes and 59% of stain removal was detected for the three whitening toothpastes after 1000 strokes. Compared with the slurry with Zeodent 113 abrasive alone, the addition of STP provided better performance for stain removal under the same brushing conditions (mean value of 62% for Zeodent 113 abrasive alone and 72% with the addition of 5% (w/w) STP after 1000 strokes). No difference was evident between the STP concentration of 5% (w/w) and 10% (w/w). The ferric-tannate/bovine enamel model reported here provides good stain retention, is rapidly and easily prepared, and is shown to be progressively and reproducibly sensitive to toothbrushing using different toothpastes and surfactant/chelating agent solutions. Importantly, it provides good discrimination between various oral hygiene products. The stain removal assay reported here has considerable potential to enable comparative assessments of different toothpaste types in terms of their cleaning capabilities.

  13. Nitric oxide system alteration at spinal cord as a result of perinatal asphyxia is involved in behavioral disabilities: hypothermia as preventive treatment.

    PubMed

    Dorfman, Verónica Berta; Rey-Funes, Manuel; Bayona, Julio César; López, Ester María; Coirini, Héctor; Loidl, César Fabián

    2009-04-01

    Perinatal asphyxia (PA) is able to induce sequelae such as spinal spasticity. Previously, we demonstrated hypothermia as a neuroprotective treatment against cell degeneration triggered by increased nitric oxide (NO) release. Because spinal motoneurons are implicated in spasticity, our aim was to analyze the involvement of NO system at cervical and lumbar motoneurons after PA as well as the application of hypothermia as treatment. PA was performed by immersion of both uterine horns containing full-term fetuses in a water bath at 37 degrees C for 19 or 20 min (PA19 or PA20) or at 15 degrees C for 20 min (hypothermia during PA-HYP). Some randomly chosen PA20 rats were immediately exposed for 5 min over grain ice (hypothermia after PA-HPA). Full-term vaginally delivered rats were used as control (CTL). We analyzed NO synthase (NOS) activity, expression and localization by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-d) reactivity, inducible and neuronal NOS (iNOS and nNOS) by immunohistochemistry, and protein nitrotyrosilation state. We observed an increased NOS activity at cervical spinal cord of 60-day-old PA20 rats, with increased NADPH-d, iNOS, and nitrotyrosine expression in cervical motoneurons and increased NADPH-d in neurons of layer X. Lumbar neurons were not altered. Hypothermia was able to maintain CTL values. Also, we observed decreased forelimb motor potency in the PA20 group, which could be attributed to changes at cervical motoneurons. This study shows that PA can induce spasticity produced by alterations in the NO system of the cervical spinal cord. Moreover, this situation can be prevented by perinatal hypothermia.

  14. Ethanol increases matrix metalloproteinase-12 expression via NADPH oxidase-dependent ROS production in macrophages

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kim, Mi Jin; Nepal, Saroj; Lee, Eung-Seok

    2013-11-15

    Matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12), an enzyme responsible for degradation of extracellular matrix, plays an important role in the progression of various diseases, including inflammation and fibrosis. Although most of those are pathogenic conditions induced by ethanol ingestion, the effect of ethanol on MMP-12 has not been explored. In the present study, we investigated the effect of ethanol on MMP-12 expression and its potential mechanisms in macrophages. Here, we demonstrated that ethanol treatment increased MMP-12 expression in primary murine peritoneal macrophages and RAW 264.7 macrophages at both mRNA and protein levels. Ethanol treatment also significantly increased the activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotidemore » (NADPH) oxidase and the expression of NADPH oxidase-2 (Nox2). Pretreatment with an anti-oxidant (N-acetyl cysteine) or a selective inhibitor of NADPH oxidase (diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI)) prevented ethanol-induced MMP-12 expression. Furthermore, knockdown of Nox2 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) prevented ethanol-induced ROS production and MMP-12 expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages, indicating a critical role for Nox2 in ethanol-induced intracellular ROS production and MMP-12 expression in macrophages. We also showed that ethanol-induced Nox2 expression was suppressed by transient transfection with dominant negative IκB-α plasmid or pretreatment with Bay 11-7082, a selective inhibitor of NF-κB, in RAW 264.7 macrophages. In addition, ethanol-induced Nox2 expression was also attenuated by treatment with a selective inhibitor of p38 MAPK, suggesting involvement of p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathway in ethanol-induced Nox2 expression. Taken together, these results demonstrate that ethanol treatment elicited increase in MMP-12 expression via increase in ROS production derived from Nox2 in macrophages. - Highlights: • Ethanol increases ROS production through up-regulation of Nox2 in macrophages. • Enhanced oxidative stress contributes to

  15. New insights into the roles of NADPH oxidases in sexual development and ascospore germination in Sordaria macrospora.

    PubMed

    Dirschnabel, Daniela Elisabeth; Nowrousian, Minou; Cano-Domínguez, Nallely; Aguirre, Jesus; Teichert, Ines; Kück, Ulrich

    2014-03-01

    NADPH oxidase (NOX)-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) act as signaling determinants that induce different cellular processes. To characterize NOX function during fungal development, we utilized the genetically tractable ascomycete Sordaria macrospora. Genome sequencing of a sterile mutant led us to identify the NADPH oxidase encoding nox1 as a gene required for fruiting body formation, regular hyphal growth, and hyphal fusion. These phenotypes are shared by nor1, lacking the NOX regulator NOR1. Further phenotypic analyses revealed a high correlation between increased ROS production and hyphal fusion deficiencies in nox1 and other sterile mutants. A genome-wide transcriptional profiling analysis of mycelia and isolated protoperithecia from wild type and nox1 revealed that nox1 inactivation affects the expression of genes related to cytoskeleton remodeling, hyphal fusion, metabolism, and mitochondrial respiration. Genetic analysis of nox2, lacking the NADPH oxidase 2 gene, nor1, and transcription factor deletion mutant ste12, revealed a strict melanin-dependent ascospore germination defect, indicating a common genetic pathway for these three genes. We report that gsa3, encoding a G-protein α-subunit, and sac1, encoding cAMP-generating adenylate cyclase, act in a separate pathway during the germination process. The finding that cAMP inhibits ascospore germination in a melanin-dependent manner supports a model in which cAMP inhibits NOX2 activity, thus suggesting a link between both pathways. Our results expand the current knowledge on the role of NOX enzymes in fungal development and provide a frame to define upstream and downstream components of the NOX signaling pathways in fungi.

  16. Port wine stain on a child's face (image)

    MedlinePlus

    Port wine stains are always present at birth. In an infant, they are flat, pink, vascular lesions. Common locations ... may be present anywhere on the body. Port wine stains may appear in association with other syndromes.

  17. Inadvertent trypan blue posterior capsule staining during cataract surgery.

    PubMed

    Burkholder, Bryn M; Srikumaran, Divya; Nanji, Afshan; Lee, Bryan; Weinberg, Robert S

    2013-04-01

    To report 5 cases of inadvertent posterior capsule staining with trypan blue during phacoemulsification. Retrospective, observational case series. Five cases of posterior capsule staining with trypan blue were identified from cataract surgeries performed at an academic institution. All 5 eyes underwent phacoemulsification with use of iris retractors. The surgical videos from each case were reviewed to better understand the mechanisms and risk factors for posterior capsule staining with trypan blue and techniques to avoid this complication. No eyes had clinical evidence of zonular pathology during their preoperative examination. Only 1 patient reported a possible childhood history of trauma to both eyes. One eye had uveitis, requiring posterior synechialysis. All 5 cases involved the use of iris retractors. No other intraoperative complications occurred, and the intraocular lens was successfully placed in the capsular bag in all cases. All eyes had resolution of posterior capsule staining by postoperative day 8. Inadvertent posterior capsule staining with trypan blue can occur in eyes that appear structurally normal. The use of iris retractors may facilitate posterior capsule staining by allowing the posterior flow of trypan blue under the iris and through the zonules to the posterior capsule. Surgeons should consider techniques to minimize the risk of posterior capsule staining, particularly in cases involving the use of iris retractors. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Improved method for combination of immunocytochemistry and Nissl staining

    PubMed Central

    Kádár, Andrea; Wittmann, Gábor; Liposits, Zsolt; Fekete, Csaba

    2009-01-01

    Nissl-staining is a widely used method to study morphology and pathology of neural tissue. After standard immunocytochemistry, the Nissl-staining labels only the nucleus of neurons and the characteristic staining of the neuronal perikarya is absent or very weak. We hypothesized that the RNA degradation during the immunocytochemical treatment results in the loss of cytoplasmic staining with Nissl-dyes. To test this hypothesis, we used RNAse-free conditions for all steps of immunostaining. To further prevent the RNA-degradation by RNAse contaminations, the RNAse inhibitor heparin was added to all antibody-containing solutions. The efficiency of Nissl-staining after standard and RNAse-free double-labeling immunocytochemistry was compared using antibodies against c-Fos and neuropeptide Y (NPY) on tissues of rats refed after three days of fasting. After standard immunocytochemistry, the Nissl-staining labeled the nuclei of neurons and only very faintly the cytoplasm of these cells. The RNAse-free treatment did not alter the distribution of immunoreaction signal, but preserved the staining of neuronal perikarya by the Nissl-dyes. In conclusion, the RNAse-free conditions during immunocytochemistry, allows the labeling of neuronal perikarya by Nissl-dyes. The described method facilitates the mapping of immunocytochemical signals and makes possible the light microscopic examination of the innervation of neurons identified by their nuclear protein content. PMID:19615409

  19. Role of NADPH Oxidase-4 in Human Endothelial Progenitor Cells

    PubMed Central

    Hakami, Nora Y.; Ranjan, Amaresh K.; Hardikar, Anandwardhan A.; Dusting, Greg J.; Peshavariya, Hitesh M.

    2017-01-01

    Introduction: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) display a unique ability to promote angiogenesis and restore endothelial function in injured blood vessels. NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4)-derived hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) serves as a signaling molecule and promotes endothelial cell proliferation and migration as well as protecting against cell death. However, the role of NOX4 in EPC function is not completely understood. Methods: EPCs were isolated from human saphenous vein and mammary artery discarded during bypass surgery. NOX4 gene and protein expression in EPCs were measured by real time-PCR and Western blot analysis respectively. NOX4 gene expression was inhibited using an adenoviral vector expressing human NOX4 shRNA (Ad-NOX4i). H2O2 production was measured by Amplex red assay. EPC migration was evaluated using a transwell migration assay. EPC proliferation and viability were measured using trypan blue counts. Results: Inhibition of NOX4 using Ad-NOX4i reduced Nox4 gene and protein expression as well as H2O2 formation in EPCs. Inhibition of NOX4-derived H2O2 decreased both proliferation and migration of EPCs. Interestingly, pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) decreased NOX4 expression and reduced survival of EPCs. However, the survival of EPCs was further diminished by TNF-α in NOX4-knockdown cells, suggesting that NOX4 has a protective role in EPCs. Conclusion: These findings suggest that NOX4-type NADPH oxidase is important for proliferation and migration functions of EPCs and protects against pro-inflammatory cytokine induced EPC death. These properties of NOX4 may facilitate the efficient function of EPCs which is vital for successful neovascularization. PMID:28386230

  20. An Unprecedented NADPH Domain Conformation in Lysine Monooxygenase NbtG Provides Insights into Uncoupling of Oxygen Consumption from Substrate Hydroxylation

    DOE PAGES

    Binda, Claudia; Robinson, Reeder M.; Martin del Campo, Julia S.; ...

    2015-03-23

    N-hydroxylating monooxygenases (NMOs) are involved in the biosynthesis of iron-chelating hydroxamate-containing siderophores that play a role in microbial virulence. These flavoenzymes catalyze the NADPH- and oxygen-dependent hydroxylation of amines, such as those found on the side chains of lysine and ornithine. In this work we report the biochemical and structural characterization of Nocardia farcinica Lys monooxygenase (NbtG), which has similar biochemical properties to mycobacterial homologs. NbtG is also active on D-Lys although it binds L-Lys with a higher affinity. Differently from the ornithine monooxygenases PvdA, SidA and KtzI, NbtG can use both NADH and NADPH and is highly uncoupled, producingmore » more superoxide and hydrogen peroxide than hydroxylated Lys. The crystal structure of NbtG solved at 2.4 Å resolution revealed an unexpected protein conformation with a 30° rotation of the NAD(P)H domain with respect to the FAD domain that precludes binding of the nicotinamide cofactor. This “occluded” structure may explain the biochemical properties of NbtG, specifically with regard to the substantial uncoupling and limited stabilization of the C4a-hydroperoxyflavin intermediate. We discuss the biological implications of these findings.« less

  1. Role of intrinsic nitrergic neurones on vagally mediated striated muscle contractions in the hamster oesophagus

    PubMed Central

    Izumi, Noriaki; Matsuyama, Hayato; Ko, Mifa; Shimizu, Yasutake; Takewaki, Tadashi

    2003-01-01

    Oesophageal peristalsis is controlled by vagal motor neurones, and intrinsic neurones have been identified in the striated muscle oesophagus. However, the effect(s) of intrinsic neurones on vagally mediated contractions of oesophageal striated muscles has not been defined. The present study was designed to investigate the role of intrinsic neurones on vagally evoked contractions of oesophageal striated muscles, using hamster oesophageal strips maintained in an organ bath. Stimulation (30 μs, 20 V) of the vagus nerve trunk produced twitch contractions. Piperine inhibited vagally evoked contractions, while capsaicin and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) abolished the inhibitory effect of piperine. The effect of L-NAME was reversed by subsequent addition of L-arginine, but not by D-arginine. L-NAME did not have any effect on the vagally mediated contractions and presumed 3H-ACh release. NONOate, a nitric oxide donor, and dibutyryl cyclic GMP inhibited twitch contractions. Inhibition of vagally evoked contractions by piperine and NONOate was fully reversed by ODQ, an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase. Immunohistochemical staining showed immunoreactivity for nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in nerve cell bodies and fibres in the myenteric plexus and the presence of choline acetyltransferase and NOS in the motor endplates. Only a few NOS-immunoreactive portions in the myenteric plexus showed vanilloid receptor 1 (VR1) immunoreactivity. Our results suggest that there is a local neural reflex that involves capsaicin-sensitive neurones, nitrergic myenteric neurones and vagal motor neurones. PMID:12813149

  2. Hypercholesterolemia-induced erectile dysfunction: endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling in the mouse penis by NAD(P)H oxidase

    PubMed Central

    Musicki, Biljana; Liu, Tongyun; Lagoda, Gwen A.; Strong, Travis D.; Sezen, Sena F.; Johnson, Justin M.; Burnett, Arthur L.

    2010-01-01

    INTRODUCTION Hypercholesterolemia induces erectile dysfunction (ED) mostly by increasing oxidative stress and impairing endothelial function in the penis, but the mechanisms regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the penis are not understood. AIMS We evaluated whether hypercholesterolemia activates nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAD[P]H) oxidase in the penis, providing an initial source of ROS to induce endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling and endothelial dysfunction resulting in ED. METHODS Low-density-lipoprotein receptor (LDLR)–null mice were fed Western diet for 4 weeks to induce early-stage hyperlipidemia. Wild type (WT) mice fed regular chow served as controls. Mice received NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor apocynin (10 mM in drinking water) or vehicle. Erectile function was assessed in response to cavernous nerve electrical stimulation. Markers of endothelial function (phospho [P]-vasodilator-stimulated-protein [VASP]-Ser-239), oxidative stress (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal [HNE]), sources of ROS (eNOS uncoupling and NAD[P]H oxidase subunits p67phox, p47phox, and gp91phox), P-eNOS-Ser-1177, and eNOS were measured by Western blot in penes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Molecular mechanisms of ROS generation and endothelial dysfunction in hypercholesterolemia-induced ED. RESULTS Erectile response was significantly (P<0.05) reduced in hypercholesterolemic LDLR-null mice compared to WT mice. Relative to WT mice, hypercholesterolemia increased (P<0.05) protein expressions of NAD(P)H oxidase subunits p67phox, p47phox and gp91phox, eNOS uncoupling, and 4-HNE-modified proteins, and reduced (P<0.05) P-VASP-Ser-239 expression in the penis. Apocynin treatment of LDLR-null mice preserved (P<0.05) maximal intracavernosal pressure, and reversed (P < 0.05) the abnormalities in protein expressions of gp67phox and gp47phox, 4-HNE, P-VASP-Ser-239, and eNOS uncoupling in the penis. Apocynin treatment of WT mice did not affect any of these parameters

  3. Factors influencing extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa staining of rat testes.

    PubMed

    Bassey, R B; Bakare, A A; Peter, A I; Oremosu, A A; Osinubi, A A

    2012-08-01

    Some plant extracts can be used in biology and medicine to reveal or identify cellular components and tissues. We investigated the effects of time and concentration on staining of histological sections of rat testes by an acidified extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa. An ethanolic extract of H. sabdariffa was diluted using 1% acetic acid in 70% ethanol to stain histological sections of testes at concentrations of 0.2, 0.1 and 0.05 g/ml for 5, 10, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min. The sections of testes were stained deep red. The staining efficiency of H. sabdariffa was greater at a high concentration and required less time to achieve optimal staining. H. sabdariffa is a strongly basic dye that can be used for various diagnostic purposes. Staining time and concentration must be considered to achieve optimal results.

  4. Efficacy test of a toothpaste in reducing extrinsic dental stain

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Agustanti, A.; Ramadhani, S. A.; Adiatman, M.; Rahardjo, A.; Callea, M.; Yavuz, I.; Maharani, D. A.

    2017-08-01

    This clinical trial compared the external dental stain reduction achieved by tested toothpaste versus placebo in adult patients. In this double-blind, parallel, randomised clinical trial, 45 female volunteers with a mean age of 20 years old were included. All study subjects front teeth were topically applicated with Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) to create external dental stains. Subjects were randomized into test (n=22) and control (n=23) groups. Toothpastes were used for two days to analyse the effects of removing external stains on the labial surfaces of all anterior teeth. VITA Easyshade Advance 4.0 was used to measure dental extrinsic stains changes. The analysis showed statistically significant efficacy of the tested toothpaste in reducing external dental stain caused by SDF, comparing to the placebo toothpaste, after one and two days of usage. The tested toothpaste was effective in reducing dental stain.

  5. Redox-mediated signal transduction by cardiovascular Nox NADPH oxidases.

    PubMed

    Brandes, Ralf P; Weissmann, Norbert; Schröder, Katrin

    2014-08-01

    The only known function of the Nox family of NADPH oxidases is the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Some Nox enzymes show high tissue-specific expression and the ROS locally produced are required for synthesis of hormones or tissue components. In the cardiovascular system, Nox enzymes are low abundant and function as redox-modulators. By reacting with thiols, nitric oxide (NO) or trace metals, Nox-derived ROS elicit a plethora of cellular responses required for physiological growth factor signaling and the induction and adaptation to pathological processes. The interactions of Nox-derived ROS with signaling elements in the cardiovascular system are highly diverse and will be detailed in this article, which is part of a Special Issue entitled "Redox Signalling in the Cardiovascular System". Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Utility of Gram staining for diagnosis of Malassezia folliculitis.

    PubMed

    Tu, Wei-Ting; Chin, Szu-Ying; Chou, Chia-Lun; Hsu, Che-Yuan; Chen, Yu-Tsung; Liu, Donald; Lee, Woan-Ruoh; Shih, Yi-Hsien

    2018-02-01

    Malassezia folliculitis (MalF) mimics acne vulgaris and bacterial folliculitis in clinical presentations. The role of Gram staining in rapid diagnosis of MalF has not been well studied. In our study, 32 patients were included to investigate the utility of Gram staining for MalF diagnosis. The final diagnoses of MalF were determined according to clinical presentation, pathological result and treatment response to antifungal agents. Our results show that the sensitivity and specificity of Gram staining are 84.6% and 100%, respectively. In conclusion, Gram staining is a rapid, non-invasive, sensitive and specific method for MalF diagnosis. © 2017 Japanese Dermatological Association.

  7. Moderate physical exercise reduces parasitaemia and protects colonic myenteric neurons in mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi

    PubMed Central

    Moreira, Neide M; Santos, Franciele d N; Toledo, Max Jean d O; Moraes, Solange M F d; Araujo, Eduardo J d A; Sant'Ana, Debora d M G; Araujo, Silvana M d

    2013-01-01

    This study evaluated the influence of moderate physical exercise on the myenteric neurons in the colonic intestinal wall of mice that had been infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Parasitology and immunological aspects of the mice were considered. Forty-day-old male Swiss mice were divided into four groups: Trained Infected (TI), Sedentary Infected (SI), Trained Control (TC), and Sedentary Control (SC). The TC and TI were subjected to a moderate physical exercise program on a treadmill for 8 weeks. Three days after finishing exercise, the TI and SI groups were inoculated with 1,300 blood trypomastigotes of the Y strain-T. cruzi. After 75 days of infection results were obtained. Kruskal-Wallis or Analyze of variance (Tukey post hoc test) at 5% level of significance was performed. Moderate physical exercise reduced both the parasite peak (day 8 of infection) and total parasitemia compared with the sedentary groups (P < 0.05). This activity also contributed to neuronal survival (P < 0.05). Exercise caused neuronal hypertrophy (P < 0.05) and an increase in the total thickness of the intestinal wall (P < 0.05). The TI group exhibited an increase in the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes (P > 0.05). In trained animals, the number of goblet cells was reduced compared with sedentary animals (P < 0.05). Physical exercise prevented the formation of inflammatory foci in the TI group (P < 0.05) and increased the synthesis of TNF-α (P < 0.05) and TGF-β (P > 0.05). The present results demonstrated the benefits of moderate physical exercise, and reaffirmed the possibility of that it may contribute to improving clinical treatment in Chagas' disease patients. PMID:24205797

  8. Intrapartum and perinatal results associated with different degrees of staining of meconium stained amniotic fluid.

    PubMed

    Rodríguez Fernández, Vanesa; Ramón Y Cajal, Carlos Nicolás López; Ortiz, Elena Marín; Naveira, Emilio Couceiro

    2018-05-01

    To determine the intrapartum and perinatal results associated with different degrees of staining of meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF). In a retrospective cohort study of all singleton deliveries over a period of one year (2015) in a tertiary hospital, we compared different degrees of MSAF (yellow, green and thick) to clear amniotic fluids, and analysed in each group maternal, intrapartum and neonatal variables as well as umbilical cord blood gas analysis. Of the 3590 deliveries included, 503 (14%) had MSAF. The incidence of MSAF rises with gestational age at delivery, reaching 20.7% in gestations above 41 weeks compared to 4.3% below 37 weeks. As the amniotic fluid staining progresses we found a higher proportion of intrapartum fevers (p < 0.001), pathological fetal heart rate patterns (p < 0.05), operative vaginal deliveries and cesarean sections (p < 0.001), as well as the need for advanced neonatal resuscitation (p < 0.001). There was also a correlation between MSAF and low Apgar scores at five minutes (p < 0.001) and fetal-neonatal mortality (p < 0.001) but there was not a higher proportion of neonatal intensive care admissions (p > 0.05). We have observed a similar distribution of umbilical artery pH ranges in all groups (p > 0.05). MSAF was associated with an increase in the rate of pathological fetal heart rate patterns, intrapartum fevers, operative vaginal and cesarean section deliveries, need for neonatal resuscitation, low Apgar scores and higher fetal-neonatal mortality. Moreover, we found that the risks increase as the staining and consistency of the amniotic fluid evolves so it should alert the obstetrician and paediatrician to the potential adverse outcomes. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Astragaloside IV prevents damage to human mesangial cells through the inhibition of the NADPH oxidase/ROS/Akt/NF‑κB pathway under high glucose conditions.

    PubMed

    Sun, Li; Li, Weiping; Li, Weizu; Xiong, Li; Li, Guiping; Ma, Rong

    2014-07-01

    Glomerular hypertrophy and hyperfiltration are the two major pathological characteristics of the early stages of diabetic nephropathy (DN), which are respectively related to mesangial cell (MC) proliferation and a decrease in calcium influx conducted by canonical transient receptor potential cation channel 6 (TRPC6). The marked increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by hyperglycemia is the main sponsor of multiple pathological pathways in DN. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase is an important source of ROS production in MCs. Astragaloside IV (AS‑IV) is an active ingredient of Radix Astragali which has a potent antioxidative effect. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether high glucose (HG)‑induced NADPH oxidase activation and ROS production contribute to MC proliferation and the downregulation of TRPC6 expression; we also wished to determine the effects of AS‑IV on MCs under HG conditions. Using a human glomerular mesangial cell line, we found that treatment with AS‑IV for 48 h markedly attenuated HG‑induced proliferation and the hypertrophy of MCs in a dose‑dependent manner. The intracellular ROS level was also markedly reduced following treatment with AS‑IV. In addition, the enhanced activity of NADPH oxidase and the expression level of NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) protein were decreased. Treatment with AS‑IV also inhibited the phosphorylation level of Akt and IκBα in the MCs. In addition, TRPC6 protein expression and the intracellular free calcium concentration were also markedly reduced following treatment with AS‑IV under HG conditions. These results suggest that AS‑IV inhibits HG‑induced mesangial cell proliferation and glomerular contractile dysfunction through the NADPH oxidase/ROS/Akt/nuclear factor‑κB (NF‑κB) pathway, providing a new perspective for the clinical treatment of DN.

  10. A benzoxazine derivative induces vascular endothelial cell apoptosis in the presence of fibroblast growth factor-2 by elevating NADPH oxidase activity and reactive oxygen species levels.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Jing; He, Qiuxia; Cheng, Yizhe; Zhao, Baoxiang; Zhang, Yun; Zhang, Shangli; Miao, Junying

    2009-09-01

    Previously, we found that 6,8-dichloro-2,3-dihydro-3-hydroxymethyl-1,4-benzoxazine (DBO) promoted apoptosis of human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) deprived of growth factors. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of DBO and its mechanism of action on angiogenesis and apoptosis of HUVECs in the presence of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), which promotes angiogenesis and inhibits apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. DBO significantly inhibited capillary-like tube formation by promoting apoptosis of HUVECs in the presence of FGF-2 in vitro. Furthermore, DBO elevated the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) and increased the activity of NADPH oxidase and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in promoting apoptosis under this condition. Moreover, when NADPH oxidase was inhibited by its specific inhibitor, dibenziodolium chloride (DPI), DBO could not elevate ROS and NO levels in HUVECs. The data suggest that DBO is a new modulator of apoptosis in vitro, and it might function by increasing the activity of NADPH oxidase and iNOS, subsequently elevating the levels of ROS and NO in HUVECs. The findings of this study provide a new small molecule for investigating the FGF-2/NADPH oxidase/iNOS signaling pathway in apoptosis.

  11. The use of a differential fluorescent staining method to detect bacteriuria.

    PubMed

    Ciancaglini, Ettore; Fazii, Paolo; Sforza, Giuseppe Riario

    2004-01-01

    This report describes a differential staining method which distinguishes gram-positive from gram-negative bacteria in fluorescence. Gram-positive bacteria appear yellow and gram-negative bacteria appear green. The method is based on two fluorochromes, one acting in the wavelength of red, i.e. the acridine orange, and another acting in the wavelength of green, i.e. the fluorescein, which together form a red/ green system. In this report we compared the accuracy of the differential fluorescent staining method and the Gram stain in screening for bacteriuria, as detected by conventional cultures. A total of 1487 urine samples were tested. 289 cultures were positive. 237 specimens grew a single organism at 10(5) and 10(4) CFU/ml. 224 smears were detected by the differential fluorescent staining method and 162 were detected by Gram stain. 1198 samples failed to grow organisms at 10(5) and 10(4) CFU/ml. 107 smears were falsely positive by the fluorescent staining procedure and 289 were falsely positive by the Gram stain. On the basis of the culture results, the sensitivity of the differential fluorescent staining method was 94.5% and that of the Gram stain 68.3%. The specificity of the fluorescent staining procedure was 91.6% and that of the Gram stain 75.8%. The positive predictive value and the negative predictive value of the fluorescent staining method were 67.6% and 98.8%, respectively. Those of the Gram stain were 35.9% and 92.3%, respectively. A wide range of microbiological and chemical techniques are available to identify bacteria in urine. This fluorescent staining method represents a simple, rapid, reliable method with low-running costs. The main advantage of this technique is that it enables the microbiologist to exclude the presence of bacteria in the urine within a short time after specimen receipt and to eliminate a large number of specimens for culture with significant cost saving. Another advantage of the method is that it allows to distinguish gram

  12. Protein Stains to Detect Antigen on Membranes.

    PubMed

    Dsouza, Anil; Scofield, R Hal

    2015-01-01

    Western blotting (protein blotting/electroblotting) is the gold standard in the analysis of complex protein mixtures. Electroblotting drives protein molecules from a polyacrylamide (or less commonly, of an agarose) gel to the surface of a binding membrane, thereby facilitating an increased availability of the sites with affinity for both general and specific protein reagents. The analysis of these complex protein mixtures is achieved by the detection of specific protein bands on a membrane, which in turn is made possible by the visualization of protein bands either by chemical staining or by reaction with an antibody of a conjugated ligand. Chemical methods employ staining with organic dyes, metal chelates, autoradiography, fluorescent dyes, complexing with silver, or prelabeling with fluorophores. All of these methods have differing sensitivities and quantitative determinations vary significantly. This review will describe the various protein staining methods applied to membranes after western blotting. "Detection" precedes and is a prerequisite to obtaining qualitative and quantitative data on the proteins in a sample, as much as to comparing the protein composition of different samples. "Detection" is often synonymous to staining, i.e., the reversible or irreversible binding by the proteins of a colored organic or inorganic chemical.

  13. Protein stains to detect antigen on membranes.

    PubMed

    D'souza, Anil; Scofield, R Hal

    2009-01-01

    Western blotting (protein blotting/electroblotting) is the gold standard in the analysis of complex protein mixtures. Electroblotting drives protein molecules from a polyacrylamide (or less commonly, of an agarose) gel to the surface of a binding membrane, thereby facilitating an increased availability of the sites with affinity for both general and specific protein reagents. The analysis of these complex protein mixtures is achieved by the detection of specific protein bands on a membrane, which in turn is made possible by the visualization of protein bands either by chemical staining or by reaction with an antibody of a conjugated ligand. Chemical methods employ staining with organic dyes, metal chelates, autoradiography, fluorescent dyes, complexing with silver, or prelabeling with fluorophores. All of these methods have differing sensitivities and quantitative determinations vary significantly. This review will describe the various protein staining methods applied to membranes after electrophoresis. "Detection" precedes and is a prerequisite to obtaining qualitative and quantitative data on the proteins in a sample, as much as to comparing the protein composition of different samples. Detection is often synonymous to staining, i.e., the reversible or irreversible binding by the proteins of a colored organic or inorganic chemical.

  14. IDH1 R132H Mutation Enhances Cell Migration by Activating AKT-mTOR Signaling Pathway, but Sensitizes Cells to 5-FU Treatment as NADPH and GSH Are Reduced.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Huixia; Zhang, Ye; Chen, Jianfeng; Qiu, Jiangdong; Huang, Keting; Wu, Mindan; Xia, Chunlin

    2017-01-01

    Mutations of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1 and IDH2) gene were recently discovered in vast majority of World Health Organization (WHO) grade II/III gliomas. This study is to understand the effects of IDH1 R132H mutation in gliomagenesis and to develop new strategies to treat glioma with IDH1 R132H mutation. Over expression of IDH1 R132H in U87MG cells was done by transfecting cells with IDH1 R132H plasmid. MTT assay, scratch repair assay and western blot were performed to study effects of IDH1 R132H mutation on cell proliferation, migration, regulating AKT-mTOR signaling pathway and cell death respectively. NADP+/NADPH and GSH quantification assays were performed to evaluate effects of IDH1 R132H mutation on the production of antioxidant NADPH and GSH. We found that over expression of IDH1 R132H mutation decreased cell proliferation consistent with previous reports; however, it increased cell migration and enhanced AKT-mTOR signaling pathway activation. Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1 also change the function of the enzymes and cause them to produce 2-hydroxyglutarate and not produce NADPH. We tested the level of NADPH and GSH and demonstrated that IDH1 R132H mutant stable cells had significantly low NADPH and GSH level compared to control or IDH1 wild type stable cells. The reduced antioxidants (NADPH and GSH) sensitized U87MG cells with IDH R132H mutant to 5-FU treatment. Our study highlights the important role of IHD1 R132H mutant in up- regulating AKT-mTOR signaling pathway and enhancing cell migration. Furthermore, we demonstrate that IDH1 R132H mutation affects cellular redox status and sensitizes gliomas cells with IDH1 R132H mutation to 5FU treatment.

  15. Detection Of Concrete Deterioration By Staining

    DOEpatents

    Guthrie, Jr., George D.; Carey, J. William

    1999-09-21

    A method using concentrated aqueous solutions of sodium cobaltinitrite and a rhodamine dye is described which can be used to identify concrete that contains gels formed by the alkali-silica reaction (ASR), and to identify degraded concrete which results in a porous or semi-permeable paste due to carbonation or leaching. These solutions present little health or environmental risk, are readily applied, and rapidly discriminate between two chemically distinct gels; K-rich, Na--K--Ca--Si gels are identified by yellow staining, and alkali-poor, Ca--Si gels are identified by pink staining.

  16. Acute Ethanol Intake Induces NAD(P)H Oxidase Activation and Rhoa Translocation in Resistance Arteries.

    PubMed

    Simplicio, Janaina A; Hipólito, Ulisses Vilela; Vale, Gabriel Tavares do; Callera, Glaucia Elena; Pereira, Camila André; Touyz, Rhian M; Tostes, Rita de Cássia; Tirapelli, Carlos R

    2016-11-01

    The mechanism underlying the vascular dysfunction induced by ethanol is not totally understood. Identification of biochemical/molecular mechanisms that could explain such effects is warranted. To investigate whether acute ethanol intake activates the vascular RhoA/Rho kinase pathway in resistance arteries and the role of NAD(P)H oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) on such response. We also evaluated the requirement of p47phox translocation for ethanol-induced NAD(P)H oxidase activation. Male Wistar rats were orally treated with ethanol (1g/kg, p.o. gavage) or water (control). Some rats were treated with vitamin C (250 mg/kg, p.o. gavage, 5 days) before administration of water or ethanol. The mesenteric arterial bed (MAB) was collected 30 min after ethanol administration. Vitamin C prevented ethanol-induced increase in superoxide anion (O2-) generation and lipoperoxidation in the MAB. Catalase and superoxide dismutase activities and the reduced glutathione, nitrate and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels were not affected by ethanol. Vitamin C and 4-methylpyrazole prevented the increase on O2- generation induced by ethanol in cultured MAB vascular smooth muscle cells. Ethanol had no effect on phosphorylation levels of protein kinase B (Akt) and eNOS (Ser1177 or Thr495 residues) or MAB vascular reactivity. Vitamin C prevented ethanol-induced increase in the membrane: cytosol fraction ratio of p47phox and RhoA expression in the rat MAB. Acute ethanol intake induces activation of the RhoA/Rho kinase pathway by a mechanism that involves ROS generation. In resistance arteries, ethanol activates NAD(P)H oxidase by inducing p47phox translocation by a redox-sensitive mechanism. O mecanismo da disfunção vascular induzido pelo consumo de etanol não é totalmente compreendido. Justifica-se, assim a identificação de mecanismos bioquímicos e moleculares que poderiam explicar tais efeitos. Investigar se a ingestão aguda de etanol ativa a via vascular RhoA/Rho quinase

  17. NecroX-7 prevents oxidative stress-induced cardiomyopathy by inhibition of NADPH oxidase activity in rats

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Park, Joonghoon; Park, Eok; Ahn, Bong-Hyun

    2012-08-15

    Oxidative stress is one of the causes of cardiomyopathy. In the present study, NecroXs, novel class of mitochondrial ROS/RNS scavengers, were evaluated for cardioprotection in in vitro and in vivo model, and the putative mechanism of the cardioprotection of NecroX-7 was investigated by global gene expression profiling and subsequent biochemical analysis. NecroX-7 prevented tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP)-induced death of H9C2 rat cardiomyocytes at EC{sub 50} = 0.057 μM. In doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiomyopathy in rats, NecroX-7 significantly reduced the plasma levels of creatine kinase (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) which were increased by DOX treatment (p < 0.05). Microarray analysis revealed thatmore » 21 genes differentially expressed in tBHP-treated H9C2 cells were involved in ‘Production of reactive oxygen species’ (p = 0.022), and they were resolved by concurrent NecroX-7 treatment. Gene-to-gene networking also identified that NecroX-7 relieved cell death through Ncf1/p47phox and Rac2 modulation. In subsequent biochemical analysis, NecroX-7 inhibited NADPH oxidase (NOX) activity by 53.3% (p < 0.001). These findings demonstrate that NecroX-7, in part, provides substantial protection of cardiomyopathy induced by tBHP or DOX via NOX-mediated cell death. -- Highlights: ► NecroX-7 prevented tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced in vitro cardiac cell death. ► NecroX-7 ameliorated doxorubicin-induced in vivo cardiomyopathy. ► NecroX-7 prevented oxidative stress and necrosis-enriched transcriptional changes. ► NecroX-7 effectively inhibited NADPH oxidase activation. ► Cardioprotection of Necro-7 was brought on by modulation of NADPH oxidase activity.« less

  18. News from the Biological Stain Commission No. 11.

    PubMed

    Lyon, H O; Horobin, R W

    2012-01-01

    The 11th issue of News from the Biological Stain Commission (BSC) provides our first impressions of the REACH and ECHA programs. We intend to give a more thorough account of what these important programs actually mean in later editions of News from the Biological Stain Commission. Under the heading of Regulatory Affairs, the Biological Stain Commission's International Affairs Committee presents information from the opening session of the meeting of the International Standards Organization ISO/TC 212 Clinical laboratory testing and in vitro diagnostic test systems held on 2-4 June 2010 in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

  19. A Novel Contrast Stain for the Rapid Diagnosis of Pityriasis Versicolor: A Comparison of Chicago Sky Blue 6B Stain, Potassium Hydroxide Mount and Culture.

    PubMed

    Lodha, Nikita; Poojary, Shital Amin

    2015-01-01

    The mycological study of pityriasis versicolor is usually done by potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount and culture. However, KOH mount lacks a color contrast and requires a trained eye to interpret, while culture is difficult to perform, time consuming and has low sensitivity. Chicago Sky Blue 6B (CSB) is a new contrast stain that highlights the fungal hyphae and spores, blue against a purplish background. This study was done to compare the utility of a novel contrast stain (CSB stain) with KOH mount and culture. Skin scrapings from the lesions of 100 clinically diagnosed cases of P. versicolor were subjected to (1) KOH mount and CSB stain for direct microscopic examination and (2) culture using Sabouraud's dextrose agar. The statistical analysis of CSB stain and culture was done using KOH mount as the reference method, as it is the most commonly performed and practical diagnostic test available for P. versicolor. An interrater reliability analysis using the Cohen's Kappa statistic was performed to determine consistency (agreement) among the different modalities. Direct microscopy with CSB stain, KOH mount and mycological culture showed positive results in 98 (98%), 92 (92%) and 56 (56%) patients, respectively. Using KOH mount as the reference method, CSB stain had a sensitivity of 100% which was significantly higher than culture (60.9%). Statistically significant fair agreement was found between CSB stain and KOH mount (94% with κ=0.38, P < 0.001). Negligible agreement was found between CSB stain and culture (66%, κ=0.199, P = 0.001) as well as between KOH mount and culture (64%, κ=0.051, P = 0.107). CSB staining of skin scrapings is the most sensitive method for the diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor. Due to the distinct contrast provided by CSB, it is easy to perform, rapid and qualitatively superior to KOH mount.

  20. Seizure activity results in calcium- and mitochondria-independent ROS production via NADPH and xanthine oxidase activation

    PubMed Central

    Kovac, S; Domijan, A-M; Walker, M C; Abramov, A Y

    2014-01-01

    Seizure activity has been proposed to result in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which then contribute to seizure-induced neuronal damage and eventually cell death. Although the mechanisms of seizure-induced ROS generation are unclear, mitochondria and cellular calcium overload have been proposed to have a crucial role. We aim to determine the sources of seizure-induced ROS and their contribution to seizure-induced cell death. Using live cell imaging techniques in glioneuronal cultures, we show that prolonged seizure-like activity increases ROS production in an NMDA receptor-dependent manner. Unexpectedly, however, mitochondria did not contribute to ROS production during seizure-like activity. ROS were generated primarily by NADPH oxidase and later by xanthine oxidase (XO) activity in a calcium-independent manner. This calcium-independent neuronal ROS production was accompanied by an increase in intracellular [Na+] through NMDA receptor activation. Inhibition of NADPH or XO markedly reduced seizure-like activity-induced neuronal apoptosis. These findings demonstrate a critical role for ROS in seizure-induced neuronal cell death and identify novel therapeutic targets. PMID:25275601

  1. Thioredoxin and NADPH-Dependent Thioredoxin Reductase C Regulation of Tetrapyrrole Biosynthesis.

    PubMed

    Da, Qingen; Wang, Peng; Wang, Menglong; Sun, Ting; Jin, Honglei; Liu, Bing; Wang, Jinfa; Grimm, Bernhard; Wang, Hong-Bin

    2017-10-01

    In chloroplasts, thioredoxin (TRX) isoforms and NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductase C (NTRC) act as redox regulatory factors involved in multiple plastid biogenesis and metabolic processes. To date, less is known about the functional coordination between TRXs and NTRC in chlorophyll biosynthesis. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential functions of TRX m and NTRC in the regulation of the tetrapyrrole biosynthesis (TBS) pathway. Silencing of three genes, TRX m1 , TRX m2 , and TRX m4 ( TRX ms ), led to pale-green leaves, a significantly reduced 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-synthesizing capacity, and reduced accumulation of chlorophyll and its metabolic intermediates in Arabidopsis ( Arabidopsis thaliana ). The contents of ALA dehydratase, protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase, the I subunit of Mg-chelatase, Mg-protoporphyrin IX methyltransferase (CHLM), and NADPH-protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase were decreased in triple TRX m- silenced seedlings compared with the wild type, although the transcript levels of the corresponding genes were not altered significantly. Protein-protein interaction analyses revealed a physical interaction between the TRX m isoforms and CHLM. 4-Acetoamido-4-maleimidylstilbene-2,2-disulfonate labeling showed the regulatory impact of TRX ms on the CHLM redox status. Since CHLM also is regulated by NTRC (Richter et al., 2013), we assessed the concurrent functions of TRX m and NTRC in the control of CHLM. Combined deficiencies of three TRX m isoforms and NTRC led to a cumulative decrease in leaf pigmentation, TBS intermediate contents, ALA synthesis rate, and CHLM activity. We discuss the coordinated roles of TRX m and NTRC in the redox control of CHLM stability with its corollary activity in the TBS pathway. © 2017 American Society of Plant Biologists. All Rights Reserved.

  2. Congruence between PM H+-ATPase and NADPH oxidase during root growth: a necessary probability.

    PubMed

    Majumdar, Arkajo; Kar, Rup Kumar

    2018-07-01

    Plasma membrane (PM) H + -ATPase and NADPH oxidase (NOX) are two key enzymes responsible for cell wall relaxation during elongation growth through apoplastic acidification and production of ˙OH radical via O 2 ˙ - , respectively. Our experiments revealed a putative feed-forward loop between these enzymes in growing roots of Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek seedlings. Thus, NOX activity was found to be dependent on proton gradient generated across PM by H + -ATPase as evident from pharmacological experiments using carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP; protonophore) and sodium ortho-vanadate (PM H + -ATPase inhibitor). Conversely, H + -ATPase activity retarded in response to different ROS scavengers [CuCl 2 , N, N' -dimethylthiourea (DMTU) and catalase] and NOX inhibitors [ZnCl 2 and diphenyleneiodonium (DPI)], while H 2 O 2 promoted PM H + -ATPase activity at lower concentrations. Repressing effects of Ca +2 antagonists (La +3 and EGTA) on the activity of both the enzymes indicate its possible mediation. Since, unlike animal NOX, the plant versions do not possess proton channel activity, harmonized functioning of PM H + -ATPase and NOX appears to be justified. Plasma membrane NADPH oxidase and H + -ATPase are functionally synchronized and they work cooperatively to maintain the membrane electrical balance while mediating plant cell growth through wall relaxation.

  3. Fluorescence decay kinetics and imaging of NAD(P)H and flavins as metabolic indicators

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schneckenburger, Herbert; Koenig, Karsten

    1992-07-01

    The intrinsic fluorescence of various cell cultures in the blue and green spectral range has been attributed mainly to hydrated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and flavin molecules. Their fluorescence decay curves were measured with subnanosecond resolution. The reduced coenzymes NADH and hydrated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate NADPH, both showed a biexponential decay pattern in solution with similar time constants, but different relative intensities of the two components. They could thus be distinguished from one another as well as from their oxidized forms. The NADPH fluorescence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was located within the cytoplasm and its organelles and was by about a factor of 4 higher for respiratory-deficient than for intact yeast strains. Intracellular flavin fluorescence showed a triexponential behavior--probably due to a superposition of protein-bound and free flavin molecules. The lifetime of the shortest component varied within the range of 0.20 to 0.50 ns between respiratory-deficient and intact yeast strains, and the relative intensity of this component was most pronounced for the intact strain DL1. Time- resolved fluorescence seems therefore to be an appropriate method of probe the function of the respiratory chain and--in the further step--to differentiate between various types of cells and tissues in medical diagnosis or environmental research.

  4. Methods of biological dosimetry employing chromosome-specific staining

    DOEpatents

    Gray, Joe W.; Pinkel, Daniel

    2000-01-01

    Methods and compositions for staining based upon nucleic acid sequence that employ nucleic acid probes are provided. Said methods produce staining patterns that can be tailored for specific cytogenetic analyses. Said probes are appropriate for in situ hybridization and stain both interphase and metaphase chromosomal material with reliable signals. The nucleic acid probes are typically of a complexity greater than 50 kb, the complexity depending upon the cytogenetic application. Methods are provided to disable the hybridization capacity of shared, high copy repetitive sequences and/or remove such sequences to provide for useful contrast. Still further methods are provided to produce chromosome-specific staining reagents which are made specific to the targeted chromosomal material, which can be one or more whole chromosomes, one or more regions on one or more chromosomes, subsets of chromosomes and/or the entire genome. Probes and test kits are provided for use in tumor cytogenetics, in the detection of disease related loci, in analysis of structural abnormalities, such as translocations, and for biological dosimetry. Further, methods and prenatal test kits are provided to stain targeted chromosomal material of fetal cells, including fetal cells obtained from maternal blood. Still further, the invention provides for automated means to detect and analyse chromosomal abnormalities.

  5. A useful single-solution polychrome stain for plant material...Brook Cyte-Chrome I.

    Treesearch

    Stanley L Krugman; Julia F. Littlefield

    1968-01-01

    Fresh and chemically fixed sectioned plant material can be quickly stained by applying a Brook Cyte Chrome I polychrome stain. Staining time averaged only about 10 minutes. And exact timing of staining and de-staining is not as critical as with most of the commonly used stains. The overall quality is comparable to that of the traditional stains.

  6. Thioredoxin-interacting Protein Mediates High Glucose-induced Reactive Oxygen Species Generation by Mitochondria and the NADPH Oxidase, Nox4, in Mesangial Cells*

    PubMed Central

    Shah, Anu; Xia, Ling; Goldberg, Howard; Lee, Ken W.; Quaggin, Susan E.; Fantus, I. George

    2013-01-01

    Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TxNIP) is up-regulated by high glucose and is associated with oxidative stress. It has been implicated in hyperglycemia-induced β-cell dysfunction and apoptosis. As high glucose and oxidative stress mediate diabetic nephropathy (DN), the contribution of TxNIP was investigated in renal mesangial cell reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and collagen synthesis. To determine the role of TxNIP, mouse mesangial cells (MC) cultured from wild-type C3H and TxNIP-deficient Hcb-19 mice were incubated in HG. Confocal microscopy was used to measure total and mitochondrial ROS production (DCF and MitoSOX) and collagen IV. Trx and NADPH oxidase activities were assayed and NADPH oxidase isoforms, Nox2 and Nox4, and antioxidant enzymes were determined by immunoblotting. C3H MC exposed to HG elicited a significant increase in cellular and mitochondrial ROS as well as Nox4 protein expression and NADPH oxidase activation, whereas Hcb-19 MC showed no response. Trx activity was attenuated by HG only in C3H MC. These defects in Hcb-19 MC were not due to increased antioxidant enzymes or scavenging of ROS, but associated with decreased ROS generation. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of TxNIP in Hcb-19 MC and TxNIP knockdown with siRNA in C3H confirmed the specific role of TxNIP. Collagen IV accumulation in HG was markedly reduced in Hcb-19 cells. TxNIP is a critical component of the HG-ROS signaling pathway, required for the induction of mitochondrial and total cell ROS and the NADPH oxidase isoform, Nox4. TxNIP is a potential target to prevent DN. PMID:23329835

  7. Nucleic acid stains as indicators of Giardia muris viability following cyst inactivation.

    PubMed

    Taghi-Kilani, R; Gyürék, L L; Millard, P J; Finch, G R; Belosevic, M

    1996-06-01

    A reliable viability assay for Giardia is required for the development of disinfection process design criteria and pathogen monitoring by water treatment utilities. Surveys of single-staining nucleic acid dyes (stain dead parasites only), and double-staining vital dye kits from Molecular Probes (stain live and dead parasites) were conducted to assess the viability of untreated, heat-killed, and chemically inactivated Giardia muris cysts. Nucleic acid staining results were compared to those of in vitro excystation and animal infectivity. Nucleic acid stain, designated as SYTO-9, was considered the best among the single-staining dyes for its ability to stain dead cysts brightly and its relatively slow decay rate of visible light emission following DNA binding. SYTO-9 staining was correlated to animal infectivity. A Live/Dead BacLight was found to be the better of 2 double-staining viability kits tested. Logarithmic survival ratios based on SYTO-9 and Live/Dead BacLight were compared to excystation and infectivity results for G. muris cysts exposed to ozone or free chlorine. The results indicate that SYTO-9 and Live/Dead BacLight staining is stable following treatment of cysts with chemical disinfectants.

  8. Nuclear staining with alum hematoxylin.

    PubMed

    Llewellyn, B D

    2009-08-01

    The hematoxylin and eosin stain is the most common method used in anatomic pathology, yet it is a method about which technologists ask numerous questions. Hematoxylin is a natural dye obtained from a tree originally found in Central America, and is easily converted into the dye hematein. This dye forms coordination compounds with mordant metals, such as aluminum, and the resulting lake attaches to cell nuclei. Regressive formulations contain a higher concentration of dye than progressive formulations and may also contain a lower concentration of mordant. The presence of an acid increases the life of the solution and in progressive solutions may also affect selectivity of staining. An appendix lists more than 60 hemalum formulations and the ratio of dye to mordant for each.

  9. Vitamin C prevents zidovudine-induced NAD(P)H oxidase activation and hypertension in the rat.

    PubMed

    Papparella, Italia; Ceolotto, Giulio; Berto, Laura; Cavalli, Maurizio; Bova, Sergio; Cargnelli, Gabriella; Ruga, Ezia; Milanesi, Ornella; Franco, Lorenzo; Mazzoni, Martina; Petrelli, Lucia; Nussdorfer, Gastone G; Semplicini, Andrea

    2007-01-15

    Cardiovascular risk is increased among HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy due to the development of hypertension and metabolic abnormalities. In this study, we investigated the effects of long-term treatment with zidovudine (AZT) and vitamin C, alone and in combination, on blood pressure and on the chain of events linking oxidative stress to cardiac damage in the rat. Six adult Wistar Kyoto rats received AZT (1 mg/ml) in the drinking water for 8 months, six vitamin C (10 g/kg of food) and AZT, six vitamin C alone, and six served as controls. AZT increased systolic blood pressure, expression of gp91(phox) and p47(phox) subunits of NAD(P)H oxidase, and protein kinase C (PKC) delta activation and reduced antioxidant power of plasma and cardiac homogenates. AZT also caused morphological alterations in cardiac myocyte mitochondria, indicative of functional damage. All of these effects were prevented by vitamin C. Chronic AZT administration increases blood pressure and promotes cardiovascular damage through a NAD(P)H oxidase-dependent mechanism that involves PKC delta. Vitamin C antagonizes these adverse effects of AZT in the cardiovascular system.

  10. Standardization of stain used for diagnosing erythrocytic inclusion body syndrome (EIBS)

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    1987-01-01

    Erythrocytic inclusion body syndrome (EIBS), a viral erythrocytic necrosis (VEN)-like disease, has been observed in several areas in the Northwest. This virus disease is clinically diagnosed by microscopic examination of blood smears for intracytoplasmic erythrocytic inclusion bodies. Fish biologists involved in EIBS diagnostic work have been using several types of hematological stains. It became apparent that standardization of the staining procedure was needed. Comparative tests were conducted on blood smears and kidney imprints with the following commonly used blood stains: (1) Leishman-Giesma, (2) Pinacyanol chloride, (3) Powell 's Giemsa, (4) Harleco's Giemsa, (5) Diff Quik differential stain, (6) Wright's.Pinacyanol chloride stain was found to be the most consistent. The following staining procedure is recommended.

  11. Sudan stain of fecal fat: new insight into an old test.

    PubMed

    Khouri, M R; Huang, G; Shiau, Y F

    1989-02-01

    The 72-h fecal fat determination is used as the gold standard to document the presence of steatorrhea. Although the Sudan stain for fecal fat is advocated as a sensitive screening test, a quantitative correlation between the 72-h fecal fat quantitation and the fecal Sudan stain is lacking. This study was designed to examine the staining properties of different classes of purified lipids in an experimentally defined artificial matrix, and to elucidate the reasons for the lack of quantitative correlation between these two tests. Our results indicate that the "neutral fat" stain without acidification or heating identifies triglyceride; and at an appropriate pH, the "neutral stain" also identifies fatty acid. The "split fat" stain with acidification and heating identifies both triglyceride and fatty acid. After acidification, fatty acid soaps are converted to the nonionized fatty acid. Thus, fatty acid soaps can be identified indirectly as fat droplets that are stained by the split fat stain. Although cholesterol is stained with Sudan stain after heating, upon cooling, cholesterol forms crystals of anhydrous cholesterol, making its staining pattern distinct. Neither the neutral fat nor the split fat stain can detect phospholipid or cholesteryl ester. The 72-h fecal fat determination is a measure of the total fatty acid content after a specimen is saponified. The resulting fatty acids are derived from a variety of endogenous and exogenous sources, including free fatty acids, soaps of fatty acids, triglycerides, cholesterol esters, and phospholipids. Therefore, the 72-h fecal fat quantitation does not differentiate between the primary sources of the measured fatty acid. It is concluded that the 72-h fecal fat determination is not specific for documenting triglyceride (fat) malabsorption. Until new methods are developed that specifically measure fecal triglyceride and fatty acid, the Sudan stain of fecal fat appears to be a more specific method for detecting the presence

  12. EFFECTS OF THE GRAM STAIN ON MICROSPHERES FROM THERMAL POLYAMINO ACIDS1

    PubMed Central

    Fox, Sidney W.; Yuyama, Shuhei

    1963-01-01

    Fox, Sidney W. (The Florida State University, Tallahassee) and Shuhei Yuyama. Effects of the Gram stain on microspheres from thermal polyamino acids. J. Bacteriol. 85:279–283. 1963.—Microspheres produced from acid proteinoid accept the Gram stain. The stain is negative, but microspheres produced from mixtures containing a sufficient proportion of lysine proteinoid stain positive. Microspheres produced from mixtures containing the appropriate proportions contain individuals which stain positive and others which stain negative. Images PMID:13959050

  13. Silencing of NADPH-Dependent Oxidoreductase Genes (yqhD and dkgA) in Furfural-Resistant Ethanologenic Escherichia coli▿

    PubMed Central

    Miller, E. N.; Jarboe, L. R.; Yomano, L. P.; York, S. W.; Shanmugam, K. T.; Ingram, L. O.

    2009-01-01

    Low concentrations of furfural are formed as a side product during the dilute acid hydrolysis of hemicellulose. Growth is inhibited by exposure to furfural but resumes after the complete reduction of furfural to the less toxic furfuryl alcohol. Growth-based selection was used to isolate a furfural-resistant mutant of ethanologenic Escherichia coli LY180, designated strain EMFR9. Based on mRNA expression levels in the parent and mutant in response to furfural challenge, genes encoding 12 oxidoreductases were found to vary by more than twofold (eight were higher in EMFR9; four were higher in the parent). All 12 genes were cloned. When expressed from plasmids, none of the eight genes in the first group increased furfural tolerance in the parent (LY180). Expression of three of the silenced genes (yqhD, dkgA, and yqfA) in EMFR9 was found to decrease furfural tolerance compared to that in the parent. Purified enzymes encoded by yqhD and dkgA were shown to have NADPH-dependent furfural reductase activity. Both exhibited low Km values for NADPH (8 μM and 23 μM, respectively), similar to those of biosynthetic reactions. Furfural reductase activity was not associated with yqfA. Deleting yqhD and dkgA in the parent (LY180) increased furfural tolerance, but not to the same extent observed in the mutant EMFR9. Together, these results suggest that the process of reducing furfural by using an enzyme with a low Km for NADPH rather than a direct inhibitory action is the primary cause for growth inhibition by low concentrations of furfural. PMID:19429550

  14. New Insights Into the Roles of NADPH Oxidases in Sexual Development and Ascospore Germination in Sordaria macrospora

    PubMed Central

    Dirschnabel, Daniela Elisabeth; Nowrousian, Minou; Cano-Domínguez, Nallely; Aguirre, Jesus; Teichert, Ines; Kück, Ulrich

    2014-01-01

    NADPH oxidase (NOX)-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) act as signaling determinants that induce different cellular processes. To characterize NOX function during fungal development, we utilized the genetically tractable ascomycete Sordaria macrospora. Genome sequencing of a sterile mutant led us to identify the NADPH oxidase encoding nox1 as a gene required for fruiting body formation, regular hyphal growth, and hyphal fusion. These phenotypes are shared by ∆nor1, lacking the NOX regulator NOR1. Further phenotypic analyses revealed a high correlation between increased ROS production and hyphal fusion deficiencies in ∆nox1 and other sterile mutants. A genome-wide transcriptional profiling analysis of mycelia and isolated protoperithecia from wild type and ∆nox1 revealed that nox1 inactivation affects the expression of genes related to cytoskeleton remodeling, hyphal fusion, metabolism, and mitochondrial respiration. Genetic analysis of ∆nox2, lacking the NADPH oxidase 2 gene, ∆nor1, and transcription factor deletion mutant ∆ste12, revealed a strict melanin-dependent ascospore germination defect, indicating a common genetic pathway for these three genes. We report that gsa3, encoding a G-protein α-subunit, and sac1, encoding cAMP-generating adenylate cyclase, act in a separate pathway during the germination process. The finding that cAMP inhibits ascospore germination in a melanin-dependent manner supports a model in which cAMP inhibits NOX2 activity, thus suggesting a link between both pathways. Our results expand the current knowledge on the role of NOX enzymes in fungal development and provide a frame to define upstream and downstream components of the NOX signaling pathways in fungi. PMID:24407906

  15. NADPH oxidase/ROS-dependent PYK2 activation is involved in TNF-α-induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in rat heart-derived H9c2 cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yang, Chuen-Mao, E-mail: chuenmao@mail.cgu.edu.tw; Heart Failure Center, Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Keelung, Keelung, Taiwan; Lee, I-Ta

    TNF-α plays a mediator role in the pathogenesis of chronic heart failure contributing to cardiac remodeling and peripheral vascular disturbances. The implication of TNF-α in inflammatory responses has been shown to be mediated through up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). However, the detailed mechanisms of TNF-α-induced MMP-9 expression in rat embryonic-heart derived H9c2 cells are largely not defined. We demonstrated that in H9c2 cells, TNF-α induced MMP-9 mRNA and protein expression associated with an increase in the secretion of pro-MMP-9. TNF-α-mediated responses were attenuated by pretreatment with the inhibitor of ROS (N-acetyl-L-cysteine, NAC), NADPH oxidase [apocynin (APO) or diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI)],more » MEK1/2 (U0126), p38 MAPK (SB202190), JNK1/2 (SP600125), NF-κB (Bay11-7082), or PYK2 (PF-431396) and transfection with siRNA of TNFR1, p47{sup phox}, p42, p38, JNK1, p65, or PYK2. Moreover, TNF-α markedly induced NADPH oxidase-derived ROS generation in these cells. TNF-α-enhanced p42/p44 MAPK, p38 MAPK, JNK1/2, and NF-κB (p65) phosphorylation and in vivo binding of p65 to the MMP-9 promoter were inhibited by U0126, SB202190, SP600125, NAC, DPI, or APO. In addition, TNF-α-mediated PYK2 phosphorylation was inhibited by NAC, DPI, or APO. PYK2 inhibition could reduce TNF-α-stimulated MAPKs and NF-κB activation. Thus, in H9c2 cells, we are the first to show that TNF-α-induced MMP-9 expression is mediated through a TNFR1/NADPH oxidase/ROS/PYK2/MAPKs/NF-κB cascade. We demonstrated that NADPH oxidase-derived ROS generation is involved in TNF-α-induced PYK2 activation in these cells. Understanding the regulation of MMP-9 expression and NADPH oxidase activation by TNF-α on H9c2 cells may provide potential therapeutic targets of chronic heart failure. - Highlights: • TNF-α induces MMP-9 secretion and expression via a TNFR1-dependent pathway. • TNF-α induces ROS/PYK2-dependent MMP-9 expression in H9c2 cells. • TNF

  16. A Dedicated Type II NADPH Dehydrogenase Performs the Penultimate Step in the Biosynthesis of Vitamin K1 in Synechocystis and Arabidopsis

    PubMed Central

    Fatihi, Abdelhak; Latimer, Scott; Schmollinger, Stefan; Block, Anna; Dussault, Patrick H.; Vermaas, Wim F.J.; Merchant, Sabeeha S.; Basset, Gilles J.

    2015-01-01

    Mutation of Arabidopsis thaliana NAD(P)H DEHYDROGENASE C1 (NDC1; At5g08740) results in the accumulation of demethylphylloquinone, a late biosynthetic intermediate of vitamin K1. Gene coexpression and phylogenomics analyses showed that conserved functional associations occur between vitamin K biosynthesis and NDC1 homologs throughout the prokaryotic and eukaryotic lineages. Deletion of Synechocystis ndbB, which encodes for one such homolog, resulted in the same defects as those observed in the cyanobacterial demethylnaphthoquinone methyltransferase knockout. Chemical modeling and assay of purified demethylnaphthoquinone methyltransferase demonstrated that, by virtue of the strong electrophilic nature of S-adenosyl-l-methionine, the transmethylation of the demethylated precursor of vitamin K is strictly dependent on the reduced form of its naphthoquinone ring. NDC1 was shown to catalyze such a prerequisite reduction by using NADPH and demethylphylloquinone as substrates and flavine adenine dinucleotide as a cofactor. NDC1 displayed Michaelis-Menten kinetics and was markedly inhibited by dicumarol, a competitive inhibitor of naphthoquinone oxidoreductases. These data demonstrate that the reduction of the demethylnaphthoquinone ring represents an authentic step in the biosynthetic pathway of vitamin K, that this reaction is enzymatically driven, and that a selection pressure is operating to retain type II NAD(P)H dehydrogenases in this process. PMID:26023160

  17. Chlorella Induces Stomatal Closure via NADPH Oxidase-Dependent ROS Production and Its Effects on Instantaneous Water Use Efficiency in Vicia faba

    PubMed Central

    Li, Yan; Xu, Shan-Shan; Gao, Jing; Pan, Sha; Wang, Gen-Xuan

    2014-01-01

    Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been established to participate in stomatal closure induced by live microbes and microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs). Chlorella as a beneficial microorganism can be expected to trigger stomatal closure via ROS production. Here, we reported that Chlorella induced stomatal closure in a dose-and time-dependent manner in epidermal peels of Vicia faba. Using pharmacological methods in this work, we found that the Chlorella-induced stomatal closure was almost completely abolished by a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenger, catalase (CAT), significantly suppressed by an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, diphenylene iodonium chloride (DPI), and slightly affected by a peroxidase inhibitor, salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM), suggesting that ROS production involved in Chlorella-induced stomatal closure is mainly mediated by DPI-sensitive NADPH oxidase. Additionally, Exogenous application of optimal concentrations of Chlorella suspension improved instantaneous water use efficiency (WUEi) in Vicia faba via a reduction in leaf transpiration rate (E) without a parallel reduction in net photosynthetic rate (Pn) assessed by gas-exchange measurements. The chlorophyll fluorescence and content analysis further demonstrated that short-term use of Chlorella did not influence plant photosynthetic reactions center. These results preliminarily reveal that Chlorella can trigger stomatal closure via NADPH oxidase-dependent ROS production in epidermal strips and improve WUEi in leave levels. PMID:24687099

  18. Chlorella induces stomatal closure via NADPH oxidase-dependent ROS production and its effects on instantaneous water use efficiency in Vicia faba.

    PubMed

    Li, Yan; Xu, Shan-Shan; Gao, Jing; Pan, Sha; Wang, Gen-Xuan

    2014-01-01

    Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been established to participate in stomatal closure induced by live microbes and microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs). Chlorella as a beneficial microorganism can be expected to trigger stomatal closure via ROS production. Here, we reported that Chlorella induced stomatal closure in a dose-and time-dependent manner in epidermal peels of Vicia faba. Using pharmacological methods in this work, we found that the Chlorella-induced stomatal closure was almost completely abolished by a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenger, catalase (CAT), significantly suppressed by an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, diphenylene iodonium chloride (DPI), and slightly affected by a peroxidase inhibitor, salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM), suggesting that ROS production involved in Chlorella-induced stomatal closure is mainly mediated by DPI-sensitive NADPH oxidase. Additionally, Exogenous application of optimal concentrations of Chlorella suspension improved instantaneous water use efficiency (WUEi) in Vicia faba via a reduction in leaf transpiration rate (E) without a parallel reduction in net photosynthetic rate (Pn) assessed by gas-exchange measurements. The chlorophyll fluorescence and content analysis further demonstrated that short-term use of Chlorella did not influence plant photosynthetic reactions center. These results preliminarily reveal that Chlorella can trigger stomatal closure via NADPH oxidase-dependent ROS production in epidermal strips and improve WUEi in leave levels.

  19. Negative Stains Containing Trehalose: Application to Tubular and Filamentous Structures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Harris, J. Robin; Gerber, Max; Gebauer, Wolfgang; Wernicke, Wolfgang; Markl, Jürgen

    1996-02-01

    Several examples are presented that show the successful application of uranyl acetate and ammonium molybdate negative staining in the presence of trehalose for TEM studies of filamentous and tubular structures. The principal benefit to be gained from the inclusion of trehalose stems from the considerably reduced flattening of the large tubular structures and the greater orientational freedom of single molecules due to an increased depth of the negative stain in the presence of trehalose. Trehalose is likely to provide considerable protection to protein molecules and their assemblies during the drying of negatively stained specimens. Some reduction in the excessive density imparted by uranyl acetate around large assemblies is also achieved. Nevertheless, in the presence of 1% (w/v) trehalose, it is desirable to increase the concentration of negative stain to 5% (w/v) for ammonium molybdate and to 4% for uranyl acetate to produce satisfactory image contrast. In general, the ammonium molybdate-trehalose negative stain is more satisfactory than the uranyl acetate-trehalose combination, because of the greater electron beam sensitivity of the uranyl negative stain. Reassembled taxol-stabilized pig brain microtubules, together with collagen fibrils, sperm tails, helical filaments, and reassociated hemocyanin (KLH2), all from the giant keyhole limpet Megathura crenulata, have been studied by negative staining in the presence of trehalose. In all cases satisfactory TEM imaging conditions were readily obtained on the specimens, as long as regions of excessively deep stain were avoided.

  20. Clinical utility of an automated instrument for gram staining single slides.

    PubMed

    Baron, Ellen Jo; Mix, Samantha; Moradi, Wais

    2010-06-01

    Gram stains of 87 different clinical samples were prepared by the laboratory's conventional methods (automated or manual) and by a new single-slide-type automated staining instrument, GG&B AGS-1000. Gram stains from either heat- or methanol-fixed slides stained with the new instrument were easy to interpret, and results were essentially the same as those from the methanol-fixed slides prepared as a part of the routine workflow. This instrument is well suited to a rapid-response laboratory where Gram stain requests are commonly received on a stat basis.

  1. Effects of short-duration electromagnetic radiation on early postnatal neurogenesis in rats: Fos and NADPH-d histochemical studies.

    PubMed

    Orendáčová, Judita; Orendáč, Martin; Mojžiš, Miroslav; Labun, Ján; Martončíková, Marcela; Saganová, Kamila; Lievajová, Kamila; Blaško, Juraj; Abdiová, Henrieta; Gálik, Ján; Račeková, Eniko

    2011-11-01

    The immediate effects of whole body electromagnetic radiation (EMR) were used to study postnatal neurogenesis in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and rostral migratory stream (RMS) of Wistar rats of both sexes. Newborn postnatal day 7 (P7) and young adult rats (P28) were exposed to pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMF) at a frequency of 2.45 GHz and mean power density of 2.8 mW/cm(2) for 2 h. Post-irradiation changes were studied using immunohistochemical localization of Fos and NADPH-d. We found that short-duration exposure induces increased Fos immunoreactivity selectively in cells of the SVZ of P7 and P28 rats. There were no Fos positive cells visible within the RMS of irradiated rats. These findings indicate that some differences exist in prerequisites of proliferating cells between the SVZ and RMS regardless of the age of the rats. Short-duration exposure also caused praecox maturation of NADPH-d positive cells within the RMS of P7 rats. The NADPH-d positive cells appeared several days earlier than in age-matched controls, and their number and morphology showed characteristics of adult rats. On the other hand, in the young adult P28 rats, EMR induced morphological signs typical of early postnatal age. These findings indicate that EMR causes age-related changes in the production of nitric oxide (NO), which may lead to different courses of the proliferation cascade in newborn and young adult neurogenesis. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  2. Evaluation of efficacy of 1% Crystal Violet & Nuclear Fast Red stain compared to Haematoxyline & Eosin stain for assessing mitotic figures in oral premalignant and malignant lesions.

    PubMed

    Motiwale, Gauri; Jaiswal, Shradha; Vikey, Ashok; Motiwale, Tejas; Bagulkar, Bhupesh; Bhat, Atul; Kapoor, Prakhar

    2016-07-01

    Various chromosomal arrangements in cells undergoing division are referred to as Mitotic figure (MF). The abnormal excess of mitotic figures is commonly seen in oral epithelial dysplasia (ED) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In present study, we compared the number of mitotic figures in normal oral mucosa, epithelial dysplasia & OSCC sections with haematoxyline & eosine (H&E) and 1%Crystal Violet & Nuclear Fast Red (CV&NFR) stain, also the efficacy of the CV&NFR stain as compared to H & E stain. We investigated the correlation between the number of mitotic figures & grades of OSCC. Study sample comprised of two serial sections of archival blocks of normal oral mucosa & diagnosed cases of epithelial dysplasia & OSCC. One slide stained with H& E & the other one with 1% CV & NFR. Mitotic figures were counted with the grid eyepiece. There was significant increase in number of MFs in oral ED and OSCC in comparison with normal oral mucosa. There was a highly significant increase in number of MFs in CV&NFR stained tissue sections when compared with H & E stain. Metaphase is the most commonly observed phase of mitosis. In summary, our study proposes the use of Crystal violet & Nuclear fast red stain as a selective stain for better contrast & easy identification MFs. © 2016 Old City Publishing, Inc.

  3. Chromosome-specific staining to detect genetic rearrangements

    DOEpatents

    Gray, Joe W.; Pinkel, Daniel; Tkachuk, Douglas; Westbrook, Carol

    2013-04-09

    Methods and compositions for staining based upon nucleic acid sequence that employ nucleic acid probes are provided. Said methods produce staining patterns that can be tailored for specific cytogenetic analyzes. Said probes are appropriate for in situ hybridization and stain both interphase and metaphase chromosomal material with reliable signals. The nucleic acid probes are typically of a complexity greater than 50 kb, the complexity depending upon the cytogenetic application. Methods and reagents are provided for the detection of genetic rearrangements. Probes and test kits are provided for use in detecting genetic rearrangements, particularly for use in tumor cytogenetics, in the detection of disease related loci, specifically cancer, such as chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and for biological dosimetry. Methods and reagents are described for cytogenetic research, for the differentiation of cytogenetically similar but genetically different diseases, and for many prognostic and diagnostic applications.

  4. "Stained Glass" Landscape Windows

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Vannata, Janine

    2008-01-01

    Both adults and children alike marvel at the grand vivid stained-glass windows created by American artist Louis Comfort Tiffany. Today he is commonly recognized as one of America's most influential designers and artists throughout the last nineteenth and early twentieth century. In the lesson described in this article, students created their own…

  5. Identification of NADPH oxidase family members associated with cold stress in strawberry.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yunting; Li, Yali; He, Yuwei; Hu, Wenjie; Zhang, Yong; Wang, Xiaorong; Tang, Haoru

    2018-04-01

    NADPH oxidase is encoded by a small gene family (Respiratory burst oxidase homologs, Rbohs ) and plays an important role in regulating various biological processes. However, little information about this gene family is currently available for strawberry. In this study, a total of seven Rboh genes were identified from strawberry through genomewide analysis. Gene structure analysis showed the number of exons ranged from 10 to 23, implying that this variation occurred in FvRboh genes by the insertion and distribution of introns; the order and approximate size of exons were relatively conserved. FvRbohC was predicted to localize to the thylakoid membrane of the chloroplast, while other members were computed to localize to the plasma membrane, indicating different functions. Amino acid sequence alignment, conserved domain, and motif analysis showed that all identified FvRbohs had typical features of plant Rbohs. Phylogenetic analysis of Rbohs from strawberry, grape, Arabidopsis, and rice suggested that the FvRbohs could be divided into five subgroups and showed a closer relationship with those from grape and Arabidopsis than those from rice. The expression patterns of FvRboh genes in root, stem, leaf, flower, and fruit revealed robust tissue specificity. The expression levels of FvRbohA and FvRbohD were quickly induced by cold stress, followed by an increase in NADPH oxidase activity, leading to O2- accumulation and triggering the antioxidant reaction by the transient increases in SOD activity. This suggested these two genes may be involved in cold stress and defense responses in strawberry.

  6. Gram stain of skin lesion

    MedlinePlus

    ... during the procedure. Considerations A skin or mucosal culture may be done along with this test. Other ... are examined by other tests or a viral culture. Alternative Names Skin lesion gram stain Images Viral ...

  7. Lignin staining ...a limited success in identifying koa growth rings

    Treesearch

    Herbert L. Wick

    1970-01-01

    Among the lignin stains tested in trying to identify growth rings in koa (Acacia koa Gray), phloroglucinol was the most effective. The light colored sapwood of mature trees stained readily, with growth rings apparent. But staining failed to emphasize rings in the dark colored heartwood. Growth rings were not apparent on samples from young fast...

  8. Molecular cloning and functional characterization of NADPH-dependent cytochrome P450 reductase from the green microalga Botryococcus braunii, B race.

    PubMed

    Tsou, Chung-Yau; Matsunaga, Shigeki; Okada, Shigeru

    2018-01-01

    The green microalga Botryococcus braunii of the B race accumulates various lipophilic compounds containing a 10,11-oxidosqualene epoxide moiety in addition to large amounts of triterpene hydrocarbons. While 2,3-squalene epoxidases have already been isolated and characterized from the alga, the enzyme that catalyzes the 10,11-epoxidation of squalene has remained elusive. In order to obtain a molecular tool to explore a 10,11-squalene epoxidase, cDNA cloning of an NADPH-dependent cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) that is required by both squalene epoxidases and cytochrome P450 enzymes was carried out. The isolated cDNA contained an open reading frame (1998 bp) that encoded for a protein with 665 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular weight of 71.46 kDa and a theoretical pI of 5.49. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence revealed the presence of conserved motifs, including FMN, FAD, and NADPH binding domains, which are typical of other CPRs and necessary for enzyme activity. By truncation of the N-terminal transmembrane anchor and addition of a 6× His-tag, BbCPR was heterologously produced in Escherichia coli and purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. The purified recombinant enzyme showed optimal reducing activity of cytochrome c at around a neutral pH at a temperature range of 30-37°C. For steady state kinetic parameters, the recombinant enzyme had a k m for cytochrome c and NADPH of 11.7±1.6 and 9.4±1.4 μM, and a k cat for cytochrome c and NADPH of 2.78±0.09 and 3.66±0.11 μmol/min/mg protein, respectively. This is the first study to perform the functional characterization of a CPR from eukaryotic microalgae. Copyright © 2017 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Advanced oxidation protein products induce inflammatory response in fibroblast-like synoviocytes through NADPH oxidase -dependent activation of NF-κB.

    PubMed

    Zheng, Shuai; Zhong, Zhao-Ming; Qin, Shuai; Chen, Guo-Xian; Wu, Qian; Zeng, Ji-Huan; Ye, Wen-Bin; Li, Wei; Yuan, Kai; Yao, Ling; Chen, Jian-Ting

    2013-01-01

    Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), a marker of oxidative stress, are prevalent in many kinds of disorders. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), mainly resulting from the dysfunction of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs), is related to oxidative stress. Although the increased levels of AOPPs in RA patients were reported, the effect of AOPPs on FLSs function still remains unclear. Therefore, our study aims to investigate whether AOPPs have an effect on the inflammatory response of FLSs in vitro. FLSs obtained from both knees of rats were treated with or without AOPPs-modified rat serum albumin (AOPPs-RSA) in vitro. The mRNA and protein expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin(IL)-1β, matrix metalloproteinases(MMP)-3, MMP-13 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was detected by fluorescent microscope and fluorescence microplate reader. Immunoprecipitation, Co-Immunoprecipitation and western blot were performed to examine the activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Exposure of FLSs to AOPPs upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, MMP-3, MMP-13 and VEGF in a concentration dependent manner. AOPPs treatment triggered ROS production in FLSs, which was significantly abolished by ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), NADPH oxidase inhibitors diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) and apocynin. Challenged AOPPs induced phosphorylation of p47(phox), triggered an interaction between p47(phox), p22(phox) and gp91(phox), and significantly upregulated expression of NADPH oxidase subunits p47(phox), p22(phox) and gp91(phox). IκB degradation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 induced by AOPPs were significantly blocked by SOD, NAC, DPI and apocynin. These data indicate that

  10. Reliability of a rapid hematology stain for sputum cytology*

    PubMed Central

    Gonçalves, Jéssica; Pizzichini, Emilio; Pizzichini, Marcia Margaret Menezes; Steidle, Leila John Marques; Rocha, Cristiane Cinara; Ferreira, Samira Cardoso; Zimmermann, Célia Tânia

    2014-01-01

    Objective: To determine the reliability of a rapid hematology stain for the cytological analysis of induced sputum samples. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study comparing the standard technique (May-Grünwald-Giemsa stain) with a rapid hematology stain (Diff-Quik). Of the 50 subjects included in the study, 21 had asthma, 19 had COPD, and 10 were healthy (controls). From the induced sputum samples collected, we prepared four slides: two were stained with May-Grünwald-Giemsa, and two were stained with Diff-Quik. The slides were read independently by two trained researchers blinded to the identification of the slides. The reliability for cell counting using the two techniques was evaluated by determining the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for intraobserver and interobserver agreement. Agreement in the identification of neutrophilic and eosinophilic sputum between the observers and between the stains was evaluated with kappa statistics. Results: In our comparison of the two staining techniques, the ICCs indicated almost perfect interobserver agreement for neutrophil, eosinophil, and macrophage counts (ICC: 0.98-1.00), as well as substantial agreement for lymphocyte counts (ICC: 0.76-0.83). Intraobserver agreement was almost perfect for neutrophil, eosinophil, and macrophage counts (ICC: 0.96-0.99), whereas it was moderate to substantial for lymphocyte counts (ICC = 0.65 and 0.75 for the two observers, respectively). Interobserver agreement for the identification of eosinophilic and neutrophilic sputum using the two techniques ranged from substantial to almost perfect (kappa range: 0.91-1.00). Conclusions: The use of Diff-Quik can be considered a reliable alternative for the processing of sputum samples. PMID:25029648

  11. A Novel Contrast Stain for the Rapid Diagnosis of Pityriasis Versicolor: A Comparison of Chicago Sky Blue 6B Stain, Potassium Hydroxide Mount and Culture

    PubMed Central

    Lodha, Nikita; Poojary, Shital Amin

    2015-01-01

    Background: The mycological study of pityriasis versicolor is usually done by potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount and culture. However, KOH mount lacks a color contrast and requires a trained eye to interpret, while culture is difficult to perform, time consuming and has low sensitivity. Chicago Sky Blue 6B (CSB) is a new contrast stain that highlights the fungal hyphae and spores, blue against a purplish background. Aims and Objectives: This study was done to compare the utility of a novel contrast stain (CSB stain) with KOH mount and culture. Materials and Methods: Skin scrapings from the lesions of 100 clinically diagnosed cases of P. versicolor were subjected to (1) KOH mount and CSB stain for direct microscopic examination and (2) culture using Sabouraud's dextrose agar. The statistical analysis of CSB stain and culture was done using KOH mount as the reference method, as it is the most commonly performed and practical diagnostic test available for P. versicolor. An interrater reliability analysis using the Cohen's Kappa statistic was performed to determine consistency (agreement) among the different modalities. Observations and Results: Direct microscopy with CSB stain, KOH mount and mycological culture showed positive results in 98 (98%), 92 (92%) and 56 (56%) patients, respectively. Using KOH mount as the reference method, CSB stain had a sensitivity of 100% which was significantly higher than culture (60.9%). Statistically significant fair agreement was found between CSB stain and KOH mount (94% with κ=0.38, P < 0.001). Negligible agreement was found between CSB stain and culture (66%, κ=0.199, P = 0.001) as well as between KOH mount and culture (64%, κ=0.051, P = 0.107). Conclusion: CSB staining of skin scrapings is the most sensitive method for the diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor. Due to the distinct contrast provided by CSB, it is easy to perform, rapid and qualitatively superior to KOH mount. PMID:26288400

  12. Unsupervised color normalisation for H and E stained histopathology image analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Celis, Raúl; Romero, Eduardo

    2015-12-01

    In histology, each dye component attempts to specifically characterise different microscopic structures. In the case of the Hematoxylin-Eosin (H&E) stain, universally used for routine examination, quantitative analysis may often require the inspection of different morphological signatures related mainly to nuclei patterns, but also to stroma distribution. Nevertheless, computer systems for automatic diagnosis are often fraught by color variations ranging from the capturing device to the laboratory specific staining protocol and stains. This paper presents a novel colour normalisation method for H&E stained histopathology images. This method is based upon the opponent process theory and blindly estimates the best color basis for the Hematoxylin and Eosin stains without relying on prior knowledge. Stain Normalisation and Color Separation are transversal to any Framework of Histopathology Image Analysis.

  13. COMPARISON OF PERMANENT STAINING METHODS FOR THE LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS OF TRICHOMONIASIS

    PubMed Central

    MENEZES, Camila Braz; MELLO, Mariana dos Santos; TASCA, Tiana

    2016-01-01

    Trichomonas vaginalis is the etiologic agent of trichomoniasis, the most common non-viral sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the world. The diagnosis is based on wet mount preparation and direct microscopy on fixed and stained clinical specimens. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of different fixing and staining techniques used in the detection of T. vaginalis in urine. The smears were fixed and submitted to different methods of permanent staining and then, the morphological aspects of the parasites were analyzed and compared. The Papanicolaou staining with ethanol as the fixative solution showed to be the best method of permanent staining. Our data suggest that staining techniques in association with wet mount examination of fresh specimens contribute to increase the sensitivity in the diagnosis of trichomoniasis. PMID:26910452

  14. Acetylcholinesterase and Nissl staining in the same histological section.

    PubMed

    Shipley, M T; Ennis, M; Behbehani, M M

    1989-12-18

    Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme histochemistry and Nissl staining are commonly utilized in neural architectonic studies. However, the opaque reaction deposit produced by the most commonly used AChE histochemical methods is not compatible with satisfactory Nissl staining. As a result, precise correlation of AChE and Nissl staining necessitates time-consuming comparisons of adjacent sections which may have differential shrinkage. Here, we have modified the Koelle-Friedenwald histochemical reaction for AChE by omitting the final intensification steps. The modified reaction yields a non-opaque reaction product that is selectively visualized by darkfield illumination. This non-intensified darkfield AChE (NIDA) reaction allows clear visualization of Nissl staining in the same histological section. This combined AChE-Nissl method greatly facilitates detailed correlation of enzyme and cytoarchitectonic organization.

  15. 7 CFR 3201.87 - Wood and concrete stains.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 15 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Wood and concrete stains. 3201.87 Section 3201.87... Designated Items § 3201.87 Wood and concrete stains. (a) Definition. Products that are designed to be applied as a finish for concrete and wood surfaces and that contain dyes or pigments to change the color...

  16. 7 CFR 3201.87 - Wood and concrete stains.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 15 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Wood and concrete stains. 3201.87 Section 3201.87... Designated Items § 3201.87 Wood and concrete stains. (a) Definition. Products that are designed to be applied as a finish for concrete and wood surfaces and that contain dyes or pigments to change the color...

  17. The Bacterial Endospore Stain on Schaeffer Fulton using Variation of Methylene Blue Solution

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Oktari, A.; Supriatin, Y.; Kamal, M.; Syafrullah, H.

    2017-02-01

    Endospores staining is the type of staining to recognize the presence spore in bacterial vegetative cells. The bacterial endospores need a staining which can penetrate wall thickness of spore bacteria. A method of endospores staining is Schaeffer Fulton method that used Malachite Green. It is an alkaline substance staining that can staining the spore bacteria. In this research, it have found the alternative staining that can replace Malachite Green solution in spore bacterial stain. The alternative staining used is Methylene Blue solution (0,5 %, 0,7%, and 1% concentration) with pH variation (10, 11, and 12), and varyous heating time (3, 4, and 5 minutes). The all treatments staining have been effect on bacterial spores staining results. The warming time greatly affect the dye to penetrate the walls of bacterial spores, this can be seen in the results with various concentration at pH 10, indicates that the not long warm-up time 3 and 4 minutes, bacterial spores are not stained, while in the longer heating time is 5 minutes bacterial spores stained. This is caused because the longer heating time can make the pores of spore wall is open so that can facilitate the dye to get into the bacterial spores.

  18. Moderate physical exercise reduces parasitaemia and protects colonic myenteric neurons in mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi.

    PubMed

    Moreira, Neide M; Santos, Franciele d N; Toledo, Max Jean d O; Moraes, Solange M F d; Araujo, Eduardo J d A; Sant'Ana, Debora d M G; Araujo, Silvana M d

    2013-12-01

    This study evaluated the influence of moderate physical exercise on the myenteric neurons in the colonic intestinal wall of mice that had been infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Parasitology and immunological aspects of the mice were considered. Forty-day-old male Swiss mice were divided into four groups: Trained Infected (TI), Sedentary Infected (SI), Trained Control (TC), and Sedentary Control (SC). The TC and TI were subjected to a moderate physical exercise program on a treadmill for 8 weeks. Three days after finishing exercise, the TI and SI groups were inoculated with 1,300 blood trypomastigotes of the Y strain-T. cruzi. After 75 days of infection results were obtained. Kruskal-Wallis or Analyze of variance (Tukey post hoc test) at 5% level of significance was performed. Moderate physical exercise reduced both the parasite peak (day 8 of infection) and total parasitemia compared with the sedentary groups (P < 0.05). This activity also contributed to neuronal survival (P < 0.05). Exercise caused neuronal hypertrophy (P < 0.05) and an increase in the total thickness of the intestinal wall (P < 0.05). The TI group exhibited an increase in the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes (P > 0.05). In trained animals, the number of goblet cells was reduced compared with sedentary animals (P < 0.05). Physical exercise prevented the formation of inflammatory foci in the TI group (P < 0.05) and increased the synthesis of TNF-α (P < 0.05) and TGF-β (P > 0.05). The present results demonstrated the benefits of moderate physical exercise, and reaffirmed the possibility of that it may contribute to improving clinical treatment in Chagas' disease patients. © 2013 The Authors. International Journal of Experimental Pathology © 2013 International Journal of Experimental Pathology.

  19. Detection of the multiphoton signals in stained tissue using nonlinear optical microscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zeng, Yaping; Xu, Jian; Kang, Deyong; Lin, Jiangbo; Chen, Jianxin

    2016-10-01

    Multiphoton microscopy (MPM) based on two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) and second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging, has become a powerful, important tool for tissue imaging at the molecular level. Recently, MPM is also used to image hematoxylin and eosin (H and E)-stained sections in cancer diagnostics. However, several studies have showed that the MPM images of tissue stained with H and E are significantly different from unstained tissue sections. Our aim was to detect of the multiphoton signals in stained tissue by using MPM. In this paper, MPM was used to image histological sections of esophageal invasive carcinoma tissues stained with H, E, H and E and fresh tissue. To detect of the multiphoton signals in stained tissue, the emission spectroscopic of tissue stained with H, E, H and E were obtained. For comparison, the fresh tissues were also investigated. Our results showed that the tissue stained with H, E, H and E could be detected by their TPEF signals. While the tissue stained with H and fresh tissue could be detected by their TPEF and SHG signals. In this work, we detect of the multiphoton signals in stained tissue. These findings will be useful for choosing suitable staining method so to improve the quality of MPM imaging in the future.

  20. Should gram stains have a role in diagnosing hip arthroplasty infections?

    PubMed

    Johnson, Aaron J; Zywiel, Michael G; Stroh, D Alex; Marker, David R; Mont, Michael A

    2010-09-01

    The utility of Gram stains in diagnosing periprosthetic infections following total hip arthroplasty has recently been questioned. Several studies report low sensitivity of the test, and its poor ability to either confirm or rule out infection in patients undergoing revision total hip arthroplasty. Despite this, many institutions including that of the senior author continue to perform Gram stains during revision total hip arthroplasty. We assessed the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values of Gram stains from surgical-site samplings taken from procedures on patients with both infected and aseptic revision total hip arthroplasties. A review was performed on patients who underwent revision total hip arthroplasty between 2000 and 2007. Eighty-two Gram stains were performed on patients who had infected total hip arthroplasties and underwent revision procedures. Additionally, of the 410 revision total hip arthroplasties performed on patients who were confirmed infection-free, 120 Gram stains were performed. Patients were diagnosed as infected using multiple criteria at the time of surgery. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy were calculated from these Gram stain results. The Gram stain demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of 9.8% and 100%, respectively. In this series, the Gram stain had a negative predictive value of 62%, a positive predictive value of 100%, and an accuracy of 63%. Gram stains obtained from surgical-site samples had poor sensitivity and poor negative predictive value. Based on these findings, as well as those of other authors, we believe that Gram stains should no longer be considered for diagnosing infections in revision total hip arthroplasty. Level III, diagnostic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.