Analysis of Plasma Proteins Involved in Inflammation, Immune Response/Complement System, and Blood Coagulation upon Admission of COVID-19 Patients to Hospital May Help to Predict the Prognosis of the Disease.

The development of new approaches allowing for the early assessment of COVID-19 cases that are likely to become critical and the discovery of new therapeutic targets are urgently required. In this prospective cohort study, we performed proteomic and laboratory profiling of plasma from 163 COVID-19 patients admitted to Bauru State Hospital (Brazil) between 4 May 2020 and 4 July 2020. Plasma samples were collected upon admission for routine laboratory analyses and shotgun quantitative label-free proteomics. Based on the course of the disease, the patients were divided into three groups: (a) mild (n = 76) and (b) severe (n = 56) symptoms, whose patients were discharged without or with admission to an intensive care unit (ICU), respectively, and (c) critical (n = 31), a group consisting of patients who died after admission to an ICU. Based on our data, potential therapies for COVID-19 should target proteins involved in inflammation, the immune response and complement system, and blood coagulation. Other proteins that could potentially be employed in therapies against COVID-19 but that so far have not been associated with the disease are CD5L, VDBP, A1BG, C4BPA, PGLYRP2, SERPINC1, and APOH. Targeting these proteins' pathways might constitute potential new therapies or biomarkers of prognosis of the disease.

A reversed phase ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-data independent mass spectrometry method for the rapid identification of mycobacterial lipids.

A rapid reversed-phase ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry based mycobacterial lipidomics approach is described. This method enables the separation of various lipid classes including lipids specific to mycobacterial, such as methoxy mycolic acid and α-mycolic acid. Lipid separation occurs during a relatively short runtime of 14 min on a charged surface hybrid C18 column. A high-resolution quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometer and a data independent acquisition mode allowed for the simultaneous acquisition of the full scan and collision induced dissociation fragmentation. The proposed method provides lipid detection results equivalent to or better than existing methods, but with a faster throughput and an overall higher sensitivity. The reversed-phase ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry method was shown to obtain structural information for lipids extracted from Mycobacterium smegmatis, but the method is applicable to the analysis of lipids from various bacterial and mammalian cell lines.

New Insights into the Mechanism of Action of the Cyclopalladated Complex (CP2) in Leishmania: Calcium Dysregulation, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Cell Death.

The current treatment of leishmaniasis is based on a few drugs that present several drawbacks, such as high toxicity, difficult administration route, and low efficacy. These disadvantages raise the necessity to develop novel antileishmanial compounds allied with a comprehensive understanding of their mechanisms of action. Here, we elucidate the probable mechanism of action of the antileishmanial binuclear cyclopalladated complex [Pd(dmba)(µ-N3)]2 (CP2) in Leishmania amazonensis. CP2 causes oxidative stress in the parasite, resulting in disruption of mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis, cell cycle arrest at the S-phase, increasing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and overexpression of stress-related and cell detoxification proteins, and collapsing the Leishmania mitochondrial membrane potential, and promotes apoptotic-like features in promastigotes, leading to necrosis, or directs programmed cell death (PCD)-committed cells toward necrotic-like destruction. Moreover, CP2 reduces the parasite load in both liver and spleen in Leishmania infantum-infected hamsters when treated for 15 days with 1.5 mg/kg body weight/day CP2, expanding its potential application in addition to the already known effectiveness on cutaneous leishmaniasis for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis, showing the broad spectrum of action of this cyclopalladated complex. The data presented here bring new insights into the CP2 molecular mechanisms of action, assisting the promotion of its rational modification to improve both safety and efficacy.

Outer Membrane Vesicle-Mediated Codelivery of the Antifungal HSAF Metabolites and Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenase in the Predatory Lysobacter enzymogenes.

Lysobacter are new biocontrol agents known for their prolific production of lytic enzymes and bioactive metabolites. L. enzymogenes is a predator of fungi and produces several structurally distinct antimicrobial compounds, such as the antifungal HSAF (heat stable antifungal factor) and analogs. The mechanism by which L. enzymogenes interacts with fungal prey is not well understood. Here, we found that the production of HSAF and analogs in L. enzymogenes OH11 was significantly induced in media supplemented with ground fungal mycelia or chitin. In the OH11 genome, we identified a gene (LeLPMO10A) that was annotated to encode a chitin-binding protein. The stimulation of HSAF and analogs by chitin was diminished when LeLPMO10A was deleted. We expressed the gene in E. coli and demonstrated that purified LeLPMO10A oxidatively cleaved chitin into oligomeric products, including 1,5 δ-lactones and aldonic acids. The results revealed that LeLPMO10A encodes a lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase, which has not been reported in Lysobacter. The metabolite analysis, antifungal assay, and proteomic analysis showed that the antifungal compounds and the chitin-cleaving LeLPMO10A are colocalized in outer membrane vesicles. The enzymatic products that resulted from in vitro LeLPMO10A-cleaved chitin also significantly induced HSAF and analogs in OH11. Scanning electron microscopic analysis indicated that spherical vesicles were formed outside of OH11 cells, and fewer OH11 cells were observed to attach to fungal hyphae when LeLPMO10A was deleted. Together, the study revealed a previously uncharacterized synergistic strategy utilized by the predatory Lysobacter during interaction with fungal prey.

Proteomic analysis and antibacterial resistance mechanisms of Salmonella Enteritidis submitted to the inhibitory effect of Origanum vulgare essential oil, thymol and carvacrol.

Biological properties of natural products are an important research target and essential oils (EO) from aromatic plants with antimicrobial properties are well documented. However, their uses are limited, and the mechanisms underlying their antibacterial activity are still not well known. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the antibacterial activities of Origanum vulgare EO, thymol and carvacrol against Salmonella Enteritidis ATCC 13076 strain, particularly regarding the bacterial proteic profile, enzymatic activities and DNA synthesis. Bacterial expressed proteins were evaluated using an untreated assay control and treatments with sublethal concentrations of oregano EO, carvacrol and thymol. The same protein extracts were also assayed for oxidative stress and energy metabolism enzyme activities, as well as effect on DNA synthesis. Protein expression outcomes revealed by 2D-SDS-PAGE, from antimicrobial actions, showed a stress response with differential expressions of chaperones and cellular protein synthesis mediated by the bacterial signaling system. In addition, Salmonella used a similar mechanism in defense against oxidative stress, for its survival. Thus, the antibacterial inhibitory activity of EO was preferentially associated with the presence of thymol and there was interference in protein regulation as well as DNA synthesis affected by these compounds. SIGNIFICANCE: Antimicrobial activity of essential oils (EO) is already known. In this way, the understanding of how this activity occurs is a fundamental part to provide the practical and rational use of these substances. In the current scenario, where the emergence of resistant bacteria or even multiresistant bacteria against conventional antimicrobials, the search for alternatives becomes essential, since the discovery of new inhibitory substances does not occur at the same speed. The anti-Salmonella action allied to the knowledge about the biological processes affected by O. vulgare EO contribute to these bioactive compounds being effectively used as agents in the safety and shelf life of food in a future product, packaging or process where the antibacterial activity is safe and best used.

Metabolomics Analyses from Tissues in Parkinson's Disease.

Metabolomics has been successfully applied to study neurological and neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease for (1) the identification of potential biomarkers of onset and disease progression; (2) the identification of novel mechanisms of disease progression; and (3) the assessment of treatment prognosis and outcome. Reproducible and efficient extraction of metabolites is imperative to the success of any metabolomics investigation. Unlike other omics techniques, the composition of the metabolome can be negatively impacted by the preparation, processing, and handling of these samples. The proper choice of data collection, preprocessing, and processing protocols is similarly important to the design of an effective metabolomics experiment. Likewise, the correct application of univariate and multivariate statistical methods is essential for providing biologically relevant insights. In this chapter, we have outlined a detailed metabolomics workflow that addresses all of these issues. A step-by-step protocol from the preparation of neuronal cells and metabolomic tissue samples to their metabolic analyses using nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, and chemometrics is presented.

Analysis of Polymorphisms in Genes Differentially Expressed in the Enamel of Mice with Different Genetic Susceptibilities to Dental Fluorosis.

Genes expressed during amelogenesis are candidates to increase the risk of dental fluorosis (DF). Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the association between polymorphisms in enamel development genes and susceptibility to DF in mice. Mice of both sexes, representing strains 129P3/J (n = 20; resistant to DF) and A/J (n = 20; susceptible to DF), were divided into 2 groups. Each strain received a diet with a low concentration of fluoride (F) and drinking water containing 0 or 50 mg/L of F for 6 weeks. Clinical evaluation and analysis of Vickers enamel microhardness of the incisors were performed. Livers were collected for genomic DNA extraction. Seventeen genetic polymorphisms in Amelx, Ambn, Ambn, Col14a1, Col1a1, Col5a2, Enam, Fam20a, Fam83h, Foxo1, Klk4, Mmp20, Serpinf1, Serpinh1, Smad3, Tuft1, and Wdr72 were genotyped by real-time PCR using Taqman chemistry. Overrepresentation of alleles and genotypes in DF was evaluated using the χ2 test with an alpha of 5%. The clinical aspects of the enamel and the surface enamel microhardness confirmed the DF condition. In the polymorphisms rs29569969, rs13482592, and rs13480057 in Ambn, Col14a1, and Mmp20, respectively, genotype and allele distributions were statistically significantly different between A/J and 129P3/J strains (p < 0.05). In conclusion, polymorphisms in Ambn, Col14a1, and Mmp20 are associated with the susceptibility to DF.

Inferring putative virulence factors for Pythium insidiosum by proteomic approach.

Pythium insidiosum is the etiologic agent of pythiosis, a life-threatening disease that affects human and animals, has difficult diagnosis, and therapy. Studies on protein characterization of P. insidiosum are scarce, so we aimed to determine the protein profile of P. insidiosum by mass spectrometry and bioinformatics strategies targeting in proteins that may act as putative virulence factors. Therefore, an extraction protocol was standardized to obtain the total proteins of P. insidiosum. By the analysis of Image Master 2D Platinum software, it was found that 186 spots ranging between 12 and 89 KDa and isoelectric point from 4 to 7. By the analysis of 2D-SDS-PAGE it was possible to visualize and excise 103 spots, which were hydrolyzed with trypsin and submitted to mass spectrometry, resulting in the identification of 36 different proteins. Three of them were classified as proteins supposedly related to virulence factors due to its functions, such as glucan 1,3-beta glucosidase, Heat shock protein (Hsp) 70 and enolase. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the virulence factors of this medically important oomycete, as well as to subsidize new studies on diagnosis and therapeutic approaches.

Mercury Exposure: Protein Biomarkers of Mercury Exposure in Jaraqui Fish from the Amazon Region.

This study presents data on the extraction and characterization of proteins associated with mercury in the muscle and liver tissues of jaraqui (Semaprochilodus spp.) from the Madeira River in the Brazilian Amazon. Protein fractionation was carried out by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2D-PAGE). Mercury determination in tissues, pellets, and protein spots was performed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Proteins in the spots that showed mercury were characterized by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). The highest mercury concentrations were found in liver tissues and pellets (426 ± 6 and 277 ± 4 µg kg-1), followed by muscle tissues and pellets (132 ± 4 and 86 ± 1 µg kg-1, respectively). Mercury quantification in the protein spots allowed us to propose stoichiometric ratios in the range of 1-4 mercury atoms per molecule of protein in the protein spots. The proteins characterized in the analysis by ESI-MS/MS were keratin, type II cytoskeletal 8, parvalbumin beta, parvalbumin-2, ubiquitin-40S ribosomal S27a, 39S ribosomal protein L36 mitochondrial, hemoglobin subunit beta, and hemoglobin subunit beta-A/B. The results suggest that proteins such as ubiquitin-40S ribosomal protein S27a, which have specific domains, possibly zinc finger, can be used as biomarkers of mercury, whereas mercury and zinc present characteristics of soft acids.

Oxidative Biochemistry Disbalance and Changes on Proteomic Profile in Salivary Glands of Rats Induced by Chronic Exposure to Methylmercury.

Methylmercury (MeHg) is one of the most toxic mercury species, which can cause many systemic damages, but little is known about its effect in the salivary glands. This study aimed to analyze the mercury levels, oxidative stress, and proteomic profile in parotid, submandibular, and sublingual salivary glands of rats, after chronic MeHg intoxication. Two groups of twenty male Wistar rats (90 days of age) were used on the experiment. MeHg group was intoxicated by intragastric gavage with MeHg at a dose of 0.04 mg/kg/day for 60 days, while the control group received only oil. After the period of intoxication, the glands were collected for evaluation of total mercury levels, proteomic profile, and oxidative balance by analyzing the antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (ACAP), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and nitrite levels. Our results have showed that mercury levels were significant in all three glands compared to the respective control. It also showed lower levels of ACAP, as well as higher LPO and nitrite levels. The proteomic profile presented impairments on structural components of cytoskeleton, metabolic pathways, and oxidative biochemistry. Thus, the exposure to MeHg was able to generate oxidative stress that could be associated with changes in the proteomic profile of salivary glands.

Enteric innervation combined with proteomics for the evaluation of the effects of chronic fluoride exposure on the duodenum of rats.

Ingested fluoride (F) is absorbed mainly in the small intestine, which is controlled by the Enteric Nervous System (ENS). Although important intestinal symptomatology has been described after excessive F exposure, there have been no studies reporting the effects of F on the ENS. In this study, the effects of chronic F exposure were evaluated on the duodenums of rats through proteomic and morphological analyses. Concentrations of 0, 10, or 50 ppm of F were applied to the drinking water for 30 days. Immunofluorescence techniques were performed in the myenteric plexus of the duodenum to detect HuC/D, neuronal nitric oxide (nNOS), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP), and substance P (SP). The 50 ppm F group presented a significant decrease in the density of nNOS-IR neurons. Significant morphological alterations were also observed in HUC/D-IR and nNOS-IR neurons; VIP-IR, CGRP-IR, and SP-IR varicosities for both groups (10 and 50 ppm F). Proteomic analysis of the duodenum demonstrated alterations in the expression of several proteins, especially those related to important biological processes, such as protein polymerization, which helps to explain the downregulation of many proteins upon exposure to 50 ppm of F.

The proteomic profile of the acquired enamel pellicle according to its location in the dental arches.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the variation in the protein profile of the acquired enamel pellicle (AEP) formed in vivo according to its location in the dental arches. DESIGN: The AEP was formed for 120min in 9 volunteers. Pellicle formed at upper+lower anterior facial (ULAFa; teeth 13-23 and 33-43), upper anterior palatal (UAPa; teeth 13-23), lower anterior lingual (LALi; teeth 33-43), upper+lower posterior facial (ULPFa; teeth 14-17 24-27, 34-37 and 44-47), upper posterior palatal (UPPa; teeth 14-17 and 24-27) and lower posterior lingual (LPLi; teeth 34-37 and 44-47) regions were collected separately and processed for analysis by label-free LC-ESI-MS/MS. RESULTS: Three-hundred sixty three proteins were identified in total, twenty-five being common to all the locations, such as Protein S100-A8, Lysozyme C, Lactoferrin, Statherin, Ig alpha-2, ALB protein, Myeloperoxidase and SMR3B. Many proteins were found exclusively in the AEP collected from one of the regions (46-UAPa, 33-LALi, 59-ULAFa, 31-ULPFa, 44-LPLi and 39-UPPa). CONCLUSIONS: The protein composition of the AEP varied according to its location in the dental arches. These results provide important insights for understanding the differential protective roles of the AEP as a function of its location in the dental arches.

A proteomic approach to identify metalloproteins and metal-binding proteins in liver from diabetic rats.

Proteins play crucial roles in biological systems, thus studies comparing the protein pattern present in a healthy sample with an affected sample have been widely used for disease biomarker discovery. Although proteins containing metal ions constitute only a small proportion of the proteome, they are essential in a multitude of structural and functional processes. The correct association between metal ions and proteins is essential because this binding can significantly interfere with normal protein function. Employment of a metalloproteomic study of liver samples from diabetic rats permitted determination of the differential abundance of copper-, selenium-, zinc- and magnesium-associated proteins between diabetic, diabetic treatment with insulin and non-diabetic rats. Proteins were detected by ESI-MS/MS. Seventy-five different proteins were found with alterations in the metal ions of interest. The most prominent pathways affected under the diabetic model included: amino-acid metabolism and its derivates, glycogen storage, metabolism of carbohydrates, redox systems and glucose metabolism. Overall, the current methods employed yielded a greater understanding of metal binding and how type 1 diabetes and insulin treatment can modify some metal bonds in proteins, and therefore affect their mechanism of action and function.

Liver proteome of mice with different genetic susceptibilities to the effects of fluoride.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated the differential pattern of protein expression in the liver of these mice to provide insights on why they have different responses to F. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Weanling male A/J and 129P3/J mice (n=10 from each strain) were pared and housed in metabolic cages with ad libitum access to low-F food and deionized water for 42 days. Liver proteome profiles were examined using nLC-MS/MS. Protein function was classified by GO biological process (Cluego v2.0.7 + Clupedia v1.0.8) and protein-protein interaction network was constructed (PSICQUIC, Cytoscape). RESULTS: Most proteins with fold change were increased in A/J mice. The functional category with the highest percentage of altered genes was oxidation-reduction process (20%). Subnetwork analysis revealed that proteins with fold change interacted with Disks large homolog 4 and Calcium-activated potassium channel subunit alpha-1. A/J mice had an increase in proteins related to energy flux and oxidative stress. CONCLUSION: This could be a possible explanation for the high susceptibility of these mice to the effects of F, since the exposure also induces oxidative stress.

Liver proteome of mice with different genetic susceptibilities to the effects of fluoride

ABSTRACT A/J and 129P3/J mice strains have been widely studied over the last few years because they respond quite differently to fluoride (F) exposure. 129P3/J mice are remarkably resistant to the development of dental fluorosis, despite excreting less F in urine and having higher circulating F levels. These two strains also present different characteristics regardless of F exposure. Objective In this study, we investigated the differential pattern of protein expression in the liver of these mice to provide insights on why they have different responses to F. Material and Methods Weanling male A/J and 129P3/J mice (n=10 from each strain) were pared and housed in metabolic cages with ad libitum access to low-F food and deionized water for 42 days. Liver proteome profiles were examined using nLC-MS/MS. Protein function was classified by GO biological process (Cluego v2.0.7 + Clupedia v1.0.8) and protein-protein interaction network was constructed (PSICQUIC, Cytoscape). Results Most proteins with fold change were increased in A/J mice. The functional category with the highest percentage of altered genes was oxidation-reduction process (20%). Subnetwork analysis revealed that proteins with fold change interacted with Disks large homolog 4 and Calcium-activated potassium channel subunit alpha-1. A/J mice had an increase in proteins related to energy flux and oxidative stress. Conclusion This could be a possible explanation for the high susceptibility of these mice to the effects of F, since the exposure also induces oxidative stress.

Enamel crystals of mice susceptible or resistant to dental fluorosis: an AFM study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the overall apatite crystals profile in the enamel matrix of mice susceptible (A/J strain) or resistant (129P3/J strain) to dental fluorosis through analyses by atomic force microscopy (AFM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Samples from the enamel matrix in the early stages of secretion and maturation were obtained from the incisors of mice from both strains. All detectable traces of matrix protein were removed from the samples by a sequential extraction procedure. The purified crystals (n=13 per strain) were analyzed qualitatively in the AFM. Surface roughness profile (Ra) was measured. RESULTS: The mean (±SD) Ra of the crystals of A/J strain (0.58±0.15 nm) was lower than the one found for the 129P3/J strain (0.66±0.21 nm) but the difference did not reach statistical significance (t=1.187, p=0.247). Crystals of the 129P3/J strain (70.42±6.79 nm) were found to be significantly narrower (t=4.013, p=0.0013) than the same parameter measured for the A/J strain (90.42±15.86 nm). CONCLUSION: enamel crystals of the 129P3/J strain are narrower, which is indicative of slower crystal growth and could interfere in the occurrence of dental fluorosis.

Enamel crystals of mice susceptible or resistant to dental fluorosis: an AFM study

Objective: This study aimed to assess the overall apatite crystals profile in the enamel matrix of mice susceptible (A/J strain) or resistant (129P3/J strain) to dental fluorosis through analyses by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Material and Methods: Samples from the enamel matrix in the early stages of secretion and maturation were obtained from the incisors of mice from both strains. All detectable traces of matrix protein were removed from the samples by a sequential extraction procedure. The purified crystals (n=13 per strain) were analyzed qualitatively in the AFM. Surface roughness profile (Ra) was measured. Results: The mean (±SD) Ra of the crystals of A/J strain (0.58±0.15 nm) was lower than the one found for the 129P3/J strain (0.66±0.21 nm) but the difference did not reach statistical significance (t=1.187, p=0.247). Crystals of the 129P3/J strain (70.42±6.79 nm) were found to be significantly narrower (t=4.013, p=0.0013) than the same parameter measured for the A/J strain (90.42±15.86 nm). Conclusion: enamel crystals of the 129P3/J strain are narrower, which is indicative of slower crystal growth and could interfere in the occurrence of dental fluorosis. .

Supplementation of soft drinks with metallic ions reduces dissolution of bovine enamel.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of metallic ions to carbonated drinks on their erosive potential. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Powdered enamel was added to carbonated beverages (Coca-ColaTM or Sprite ZeroTM and shaken for 30 s. The samples were then immediately centrifuged and the supernatant removed. This procedure was repeated 5 times with the beverages containing Cu2+, Mg2+, Mn2+ or Zn2+ (1.25-60 mmol/L). For Coca-ColaTM, the concentration of each ion that exhibited the highest protection was also evaluated in combination with Fe2+. The phosphate or calcium released were analyzed spectrophotometrically. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test (p<0.05). RESULTS: For Coca-ColaTM, the best protective effect was observed for Zn2+ alone (10 mmol/L) or in combination (1 mmol/L) with other ions (12% and 27%, respectively, when compared with the control). Regarding Sprite ZeroTM, the best protective effect was observed for Cu2+ at 15 and 30 mmol/L, which decreased the dissolution by 22-23%. Zn2+ at 2.5 mmol/L also reduced the dissolution of powdered enamel by 8%. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the combination of metallic ions can be an alternative to reduce the erosive potential of Coca-ColaTM. Regarding Sprite ZeroTM, the addition of Cu2+ seems to be the best alternative.

Proteomic analysis of liver in rats chronically exposed to fluoride.

Fluoride (F) is a potent anti-cariogenic element, but when ingestion is excessive, systemic toxicity may be observed. This can occur as acute or chronic responses, depending on both the amount of F and the time of exposure. The present study identified the profile of protein expression possibly associated with F-induced chronic hepatotoxicity. Weanling male Wistar rats (three-weeks old) were divided into three groups and treated with drinking water containing 0, 5 or 50 mg/L F for 60 days (n=6/group). At this time point, serum and livers were collected for F analysis, which was done using the ion-sensitive electrode, after hexamethyldisiloxane-facilitated diffusion. Livers were also submitted to histological and proteomic analyses (2D-PAGE followed by LC-MS/MS). Western blotting was done for confirmation of the proteomic data A dose-response was observed in serum F levels. In the livers, F levels were significantly increased in the 50 mg/L F group compared to groups treated with 0 and 5 mg/L F. Liver morphometric analysis did not reveal alterations in the cellular structures and lipid droplets were present in all groups. Proteomic quantitative intensity analysis detected 33, 44, and 29 spots differentially expressed in the comparisons between control vs. 5 mg/L F, control vs. 50 mg/L F, and 5 mg/L vs. 50 mg/L F, respectively. From these, 92 proteins were successfully identified. In addition, 18, 1, and 5 protein spots were shown to be exclusive in control, 5, and 50 mg/L F, respectively. Most of proteins were related to metabolic process and pronounced alterations were seen for the high-F level group. In F-treated rats, changes in the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and GRP-78 expression may account for the F-induced toxicity in the liver. This can contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying hepatoxicity induced by F, by indicating key-proteins that should be better addressed in future studies.

Supplementation of soft drinks with metallic ions reduces dissolution of bovine enamel

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of metallic ions to carbonated drinks on their erosive potential. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Powdered enamel was added to carbonated beverages (Coca-ColaTM or Sprite ZeroTM and shaken for 30 s. The samples were then immediately centrifuged and the supernatant removed. This procedure was repeated 5 times with the beverages containing Cu2+, Mg2+, Mn2+ or Zn2+ (1.25-60 mmol/L). For Coca-ColaTM, the concentration of each ion that exhibited the highest protection was also evaluated in combination with Fe2+. The phosphate or calcium released were analyzed spectrophotometrically. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test (p<0.05). RESULTS: For Coca-ColaTM, the best protective effect was observed for Zn2+ alone (10 mmol/L) or in combination (1 mmol/L) with other ions (12% and 27%, respectively, when compared with the control). Regarding Sprite ZeroTM, the best protective effect was observed for Cu2+ at 15 and 30 mmol/L, which decreased the dissolution by 22-23%. Zn2+ at 2.5 mmol/L also reduced the dissolution of powdered enamel by 8%. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the combination of metallic ions can be an alternative to reduce the erosive potential of Coca-ColaTM. Regarding Sprite ZeroTM, the addition of Cu2+ seems to be the best alternative. .