Quantitative and structural changes of blood platelet cytoskeleton proteins in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Epidemiological studies show that cardiovascular events related to platelet hyperactivity remain the leading causes of death among multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Quantitative or structural changes of platelet cytoskeleton alter their morphology and function. Here, we demonstrated, for the first time, the structural changes in MS platelets that may be related to their hyperactivity. MS platelets were found to form large aggregates compared to control platelets. In contrast to the control, the images of overactivated, irregularly shaped MS platelets show changes in the cytoskeleton architecture, fragmented microtubule rings. Furthermore, MS platelets have long and numerous pseudopodia rich in actin filaments. We showed that MS platelets and megakaryocytes, overexpress ß1-tubulin and ß-actin mRNAs and proteins and have altered post-translational modification patterns. Moreover, we identified two previously undisclosed mutations in the gene encoding ß1-tubulin in MS. We propose that the demonstrated structural changes of platelet cytoskeleton enhance their ability to adhere, aggregate, and degranulate fueling the risk of adverse cardiovascular events in MS.

The Combined Effect of ZnO and CeO2 Nanoparticles on Pisum sativum L.: A Photosynthesis and Nutrients Uptake Study.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are emerging pollutants that are likely to occur in the contemporary environment. So far, their combined effects on terrestrial plants have not been thoroughly investigated. Obviously, this subject is a challenge for modern ecotoxicology. In this study, Pisum sativum L. plants were exposed to either CeO2 NPs or ZnO NPs alone, or mixtures of these nano-oxides (at two concentrations: 100 and 200 mg/L). The plants were cultivated in hydroponic system for twelve days. The combined effect of NPs was proved by 1D ANOVA augmented by Tukey's post hoc test at p = 0.95. It affected all major plant growth and photosynthesis parameters. Additionally, HR-CS AAS and ICP-OES were used to determine concentrations of Cu, Mn, Fe, Mg, Ca, K, Zn, and Ce in roots and shoots. Treatment of the pea plants with the NPs, either alone or in combination affected the homeostasis of these metals in the plants. CeO2 NPs stimulated the photosynthesis rate, while ZnO NPs prompted stomatal and biochemical limitations. In the mixed ZnO and CeO2 treatments, the latter effects were decreased by CeO2 NPs. These results indicate that free radicals scavenging properties of CeO2 NPs mitigate the toxicity symptoms induced in the plants by ZnO NPs.

Effects of exogenous compound sprays on cherry cracking: skin properties and gene expression.

BACKGROUND: Cherry fruit cracking is a costly problem for cherry growers. The effect of repeated sprayings (gibberellic acid - GA3 ; abscisic acid - ABA; salicylic acid - SA; glycine betaine - GB, and Ascophyllum nodosum - AN) combined with CaCl2 , on 'Sweetheart' cherry fruit-cracking characteristics was investigated. Cracking was quantified in terms of cracking incidence, crack morphology, confocal scanning laser microscopy, cuticular wax content, cell-wall modification, and cuticular wax gene expression. RESULTS: All spray treatments reduced cracking compared with an untreated control (H2 O), with fewer cheek cracks. The least cracking incidence was observed for ABA + CaCl2 - and GB + CaCl2 -treated fruits, indicating an added benefit compared to spraying with CaCl2 alone. In addition, GB + CaCl2 -treated fruits showed higher fruit diameter. ABA + CaCl2 and GB + CaCl2 sprays showed higher wax content and higher cuticle and epidermal thickness compared with the control, including increased expression of wax synthase (ABA + CaCl2 ) and expansin 1 (GB + CaCl2 ). CONCLUSION: In general, factors that improve the cuticle thickness appear to be important at the fruit-coloring stage. At the fruit-ripening stage, larger cell sizes of the epidermis, hypodermis, and parenchyma cells lower cracking incidence, indicating the importance of flexibility and elasticity of the epidermis. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of PEGylation on the biological properties of cationic carbosilane dendronized gold nanoparticles.

Heterofunctionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were obtained in a one pot reaction of gold precursor with cationic carbosilane dendrons (first to third generations, 1-3G) and (polyethylene)glycol (PEG) ligands in the presence of a reducing agent. The final dendron/PEG proportion on AuNPs depends on the initial dendron/PEG ratio (3/1, 1/1, 1/3) and dendron generation. AuNPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV-VIS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and zeta potential (ZP). Several assays have been carried out to determine the relevance of PEG/dendron ratio and dendron generation in the biomedical properties of PEGylated AuNPs and the results have been compared with those obtained for non-PEGylated AuNPs. Finally, analyses of PEG recognition by anti-PEG antibodies were carried out. In general, haemolysis, platelet aggregation and toxicity were reduced after PEGylation of AuNPs, the effect being dependent on dendron generation and dendron/PEG ratio. Dendron generation determines the exposure of PEG ligand and the interaction of this ligand with AuNPs environment. On the other hand, increasing PEG proportion diminishes toxicity but also favors interaction with antibodies.

Regeneration of Phaseolus vulgaris from epicotyls and hypocotyls via direct organogenesis.

The tissue culture of Phaseolus vulgaris has always been considered difficult. Its regenerative capacity and response to culture conditions are highly genotype-dependent and hamper the application of genetic engineering. The objective of this study was to develop a repeatable technique for organogenic bud induction from selected explants of the common bean. Epicotyls and hypocotyls of six cultivars were investigated to determine the effect of the genotype, and four variants of two basal media (Murashige-Skoog and Gamborg) were tested. The composition of these medium variants was based on the published data suggesting the most universal medium compounds that show the advantage of being applicable to different cultivars. As a result, the common bean epicotyls showed undisputed regeneration superiority over the hypocotyls. Moreover, a well-known observation was confirmed, namely that common bean regeneration is cultivar-specific or at least specific to the cluster of related cultivars. However, efficient regeneration was achieved most often when the epicotyls were incubated on the MS or B5 media amended with AgNO3 and BAP. Additionally, the positive synergistic influence of activated charcoal and silver nitrate on bud formation was demonstrated. The highest values of the epicotyl in vitro response for the common bean cultivars could be presented as follows: Czerwona (70.00%) > Goldpantera (58.89%) and Ibiza (58.89%) > Plus (55.56%) > Laponia (50.56%) > Zlota Saxa (46.11%).

Silver nanoparticles: a mechanism of action on moulds.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in all branches of industry. However, their mechanisms of action towards moulds have not been studied yet. Thus we conducted this study in which we have used laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LDI-ToF-MS) analysis to determine metabolomic changes, and microscopic analysis (transmission electron microscopy, fluorescent microscopy) to observe changes in mould cells. The AgNP treatment caused the downregulation of 162 (15 ppm) and 284 (62 ppm), and 19 (15 ppm) and 29 (62 ppm) metabolites of Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chrysogenum, respectively. All influenced features were below m/z 600 (mass-to-charge ratio). We have observed silver ions and their clusters (Ag, Ag2, and Ag3) accumulated in the mould mycelium. As well as, mono-silver ion adducts with nucleotide derivatives (Coenzyme A), amino acids (phenylglycine), peptides (LeuSerAlaLeuGlu) and lipids (fatty acids, diacylglycerophosphoglycerols, monoglicerides and glycerophospholipids). The ultrastructure analysis revealed many sever alterations due to the action of AgNPs, such us shortening and condensation of hyphae, ultrastructural reorganisation, cell plasmolysis, increased vacuolisation, numerous membranous structures, collapsed cytoplasm, accumulation of lipid material, condensed mitochondria, disintegration of organelles, nuclear deformation, condensation and fragmentation of chromatin, creation of apoptotic bodies, as well as a new inside cell wall in P. chrysogenum.

Analysis of Triticum aestivum seedling response to the excess of zinc.

The effects of 50 and 300 mg L(-1) Zn(2+) (50 Zn and 300 Zn) were investigated in Triticum aestivum (cv. Zura) grown hydroponically for 7 days. Although wheat treated with 50 Zn took up relatively high amount of the metal (8,943 and 1,503 mg kg(-1) DW in roots and shoots, respectively), none of the morphological and cytological parameters were changed. After 300 Zn, the metal concentration increased to 32,205 and 5,553 mg kg(-1) DW in roots and shoots, respectively. It was connected with the depletion of shoot and root growth, their fresh and dry weight, water content and mitotic index of root meristematic cells. Microelement contents (Cu, Mn and Fe) after 50 Zn were changed only in roots, while 300 Zn disturbed ion balance in whole plants. The most evident ultrastructural alterations of root meristematic cells caused by both tested Zn(2+) doses included increased vacuolization, accumulation of granular deposits inside vacuoles and cell wall thickening. The effect of 300 Zn on root cell ultrastructure was greater that of 50 Zn. The majority of mitochondria had condensed matrix and swollen cristae, plastids contained plastoglobuli, nucleoli were ring-shaped, thinned down cytoplasm with lipid droplets and swollen endoplasmic reticulum cisternae appeared. In mesophyll cells, 50 Zn caused slight reorganization of chloroplast thylakoids and formation of condensed mitochondria. Three hundred Zn triggered more extensive, but not degenerative, changes: plasmolysis of some cells; chloroplasts with protrusions, changed thylakoid organisation and often large starch grains; irregular, condensed mitochondria. The results indicate that T. aestivum cv. Zura is relatively tolerant to Zn stress.

Dendrimers complexed with HIV-1 peptides interact with liposomes and lipid monolayers.

AIMS: We have investigated the effect of surface charge of model lipid membranes on their interactions with dendriplexes formed by HIV-derived peptides and 2 types of positively charged carbosilane dendrimers (CBD). METHODS: Interaction of dendriplexes with lipid membranes was measured by fluorescence anisotropy, dynamic light scattering and Langmuir-Blodgett techniques. The morphology of the complexes was examined by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: All dendriplexes independent of the type of peptide interacted with model lipid membranes. Negatively charged vesicles composed of a mixture of DMPC/DPPG interacted more strongly, and it was accompanied by an increase in anisotropy of the fluorescent probe localized in polar domain of lipid bilayers. There was also an increase in surface pressure of the lipid monolayers. Mixing negatively charged liposomes with dendriplexes increased liposome size and made their surface charges more positive. CONCLUSIONS: HIV-peptide/dendrimer complexes interact with model lipid membranes depending on their surface charge. Carbosilane dendrimers can be useful as non-viral carriers for delivering HIV-peptides into cells.

Physiological and antioxidant responses of two accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana in different light and temperature conditions.

During their lifetime, plants need to adapt to a changing environment, including light and temperature. To understand how these factors influence plant growth, we investigated the physiological and antioxidant responses of two Arabidopsis accessions, Shahdara (Sha) from the Shahdara valley (Tajikistan, Central Asia) in a mountainous area and Lovvik-5 (Lov-5) from northern Sweden to different light and temperature conditions. These accessions originate from different latitudes and have different life strategies, both of which are known to be influenced by light and temperature. We showed that both accessions grew better in high-light and at a lower temperature (16°C) than in low light and at 23°C. Interestingly, Sha had a lower chlorophyll content but more efficient non-photochemical quenching than Lov-5. Sha, also showed a higher expression of vitamin E biosynthetic genes. We did not observe any difference in the antioxidant prenyllipid level under these conditions. Our results suggest that the mechanisms that keep the plastoquinone (PQ)-pool in more oxidized state could play a role in the adaptation of these accessions to their local climatic conditions.

Effect of functionalized and non-functionalized nanodiamond on the morphology and activities of antioxidant enzymes of lung epithelial cells (A549).

The development of nanotechnology opens up new ways for biomedical applications of unmodified and modified diamond nanoparticles which are one of the most popular nanomaterials used in biology, biotechnology, medicine, cosmetics and engineering. They have been applied as diagnostic and therapeutic agents because they can be targeted to and localized in cells causing apoptosis and necrosis. The problem of biocompatibility of nanodiamonds at higher concentrations is thus of primary importance. The first step in the modification of DNPs is usually the introduction of hydrogen groups, which can bind other functional groups. The basic method to introduce -OH groups onto nanoparticles is the Fenton reaction. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of unmodified nanodiamond particles and nanoparticles modified by introduction of -OH groups and etoposide onto their surface reaction on human non-small lung cancer cells. A549 cells were incubated with 2-100µg/ml nanopowders and at 0.6-24µg/ml etoposide in the DMEM medium. We observed a decrease of cells viability and generation of reactive oxygen/ nitrogen species in the cells after incubation, estimated by oxidation of H2DCF-DA and DAF-FM-DA. Modified detonation nanoparticles affected also the cellular content of glutathione and activities of main antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase and catalase). The results of TEM microscopy show changes in cell morphology. These data demonstrate that modified nanoparticles induce oxidative stress in the target cells.

Intracellular transport of nanodiamond particles in human endothelial and epithelial cells.

During the recent years nanodiamonds have been the subject of interest as possible means of targeted delivery of anticancer substances. Detonation nanodiamonds are attractive candidates for intracellular studies due to their synthesis methods, low cost, good biocompatibility and facile surface functionalizability. Our previous study, in which we used nanoparticles obtained by different methods showed the significance of size and way of production of nanodiamonds in their cellular effects. The aim of this study was to check the ability of surface-modified detonation nanodiamonds to reach intracellular compartments without degradation of the surface-conjugated drug or fluorescent marker. In this study we examined the penetration HUVEC-ST and A549 cells by detonation nanodiamonds (grain size <20 nm) modified by adding to, employing four pharmacological inhibitors of endocytosis, using optical, confocal and transmission electron microscopy We discuss the possibilities, the challenges of studying the endocytic pathways involved in cellular uptake of nanoparticles. Our results suggest that fluorescent nanomaterials are very promising for monitoring the intracellular fate of nanodiamonds.

The effect of pre-incubation of Allium cepa L. roots in the ATH-rich extract on Pb uptake and localization.

The positive influence of anthocyanin (ATH) on toxic metal-treated plant material is well documented; however, it is still not explained if it is caused by changes in element absorption and distribution. Therefore, detailed analysis of the effect of the ATH-rich extract from red cabbage leaves on Pb uptake and localization at morphological, anatomical and ultrastructural level was the goal of this study. Two-day-old adventitious roots of Allium cepa L. (cv. Polanowska) were treated for 2 h with the aqueous solution of Pb(NO3)2 at the concentration of 100 µM with or without preliminary incubation in the anthocyanin-rich extract from Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata rubra leaves (250 µM, 3 h). The red cabbage extract did not change the total Pb uptake but it enhanced the translocation of accumulated metal from roots to shoots. Within the pretreated roots, more Pb was deposited in their basal part and definitely smaller amount of the metal was bound in the apoplast of the outer layers of cortex cells. The ultrastructural analysis (transmission electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis) revealed that the ATH-rich extract lowered the number of Pb deposits in intracellular spaces, cell wall and cytoplasm of root meristematic cells as well as in such organelles important to cell metabolism as mitochondria, plastids and nucleus. The Pb deposits were preferably localised in those vacuoles where ATH also occurred. This sequestration of Pb in vacuoles is probably responsible for reduction of metal cytotoxicity and consequently could lead to better plant growth.

Complexation of HIV derived peptides with carbosilane dendrimers.

Dendrimers have been proposed as new carriers for selected HIV-1 peptides. This paper reports on the complexation behaviour of the three HIV-derived-peptides: Gp160, NH-EIDNYTNTIYTLLEE-COOH; P24, NH-DTINEEAAEW-COOH and Nef, NHGMDDPEREVLEWRFDSRLAF-COOH with second generation cationic carbosilane dendrimers (CBD) branched with carbonsilicon bonds (CBD-CS) or oxygensilicon bonds (CBD-OS). Studies on the formation of complexes between HIV peptides and CBDs by fluorescence polarization, zeta-potential, electrophoresis and transmission electron microscopy have shown that both studied dendrimers form complexes with HIV peptides. At a molar ratio of (2.5-3):1 (dendrimer:peptide), the complexes formed were in the size range of 180-275 nm and with significant positive surface charge. The results suggest that interactions between dendrimers and HIV peptides have electrostatic nature due to the negative charge of peptides backbone and positive charge of dendrimer functional groups. Dendriplex stability depended on the type of studied dendrimers. Time of peptides release from the complexes ranged from 1 (CBD-OS) to ~36 (CBD-CS)h. Basing on the obtained results, we propose that the water-soluble cationic carbosilane dendrimers can be considered for delivery of HIV peptides to dendritic cells.

Changes in the nature of phenolic deposits after re-warming as a result of melatonin pre-sowing treatment of Vigna radiata seeds.

Changes in phenolics (PhC - phenolic compounds) measured as UV-absorbing compounds (UVAC) and their localization as well as growth, lipid peroxidation (TBARS level) and proline (Pro) level in three-day-old roots of seedlings (T(o) stage) obtained from hydroprimed (H) and hydroprimed with melatonin (H-MEL) seeds after 2 days of chilling (5°C) and 2 days of re-warming were examined. H and H-MEL resulted in inhibition of root growth under optimal conditions, but after re-warming, a positive effect of MEL was noted. The results also showed a positive MEL impact on TBARS level already after chilling and especially after re-warming. Exposure of Vigna radiata seedlings to chilling caused a significant increase in Pro level, especially in H-MEL roots, but after re-warming it drastically decreased. Under chilling stress, accumulation of UVAC also decreased. However, after re-warming it returned to the level observed in the roots grown constantly at 25°C. Even if after re-warming of V. radiata seedlings only slight accumulation of total PhC was observed, phenolic deposits accumulating in the vacuoles of H-MEL roots were completely different from those in the vacuoles of the control and H roots. H-MEL application to the seeds resulted in a significant increase in small granular composite materials, while in the control and H roots, large oval deposits prevailed. Taken together, it is probable that all of these differences were connected with positive effects of MEL on chilled V. radiata seedlings after re-warming.

The reaction of Lupinus angustifolius L. root meristematic cell nucleoli to lead.

The effect of 2-48 h treatment of Lupinus angustifolius L. roots with lead nitrate at the concentration of 10(-4) M on the nucleoli in meristematic cells was investigated. In the lead presence the number of ring-shaped as well as segregated nucleoli increased especially after 12-48 h of treatment, while spindle-shaped nucleoli appeared after 24 h and 48 h. Lead presence also increased the frequency of cells with silver-stained particles in the nucleus and the number of these particles especially from the 12th hour of treatment. It was accompanied by significant decline of nucleolar area. Analysis of these cells in transmission electron microscope confirmed the presence of ring-shaped and segregated nucleoli. Moreover, electron microscopy revealed compact structure nucleoli without granular component. Additionally, one to three oval-shaped fibrillar structures attached to nucleolus or lying free in the nucleoplasm were visible. The possible mechanism of lead toxicity to the nucleolus is briefly discussed.

The effects of the anthocyanin-rich extract from red cabbage leaves on Allium cepa L. root tip cell ultrastructure.

The effect of exogenously applied 250 µM anthocyanin-rich (ATH-rich) extract from red cabbage leaves on the ultrastructure of Allium cepa root meristematic cells was investigated. The tested extract slightly affected mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi apparatus and vacuoles. In the presence of ATH, 62% of mitochondria converted to condensed type. In addition swollen, circular ER cisternae were sporadically observed. In the ATH-treated roots, one third of Golgi structures was characterized by the reduced number of vesicles. Moreover in 54% of vacuoles, the electron-dense granular and circular material appeared. Additionally, in the cytoplasm, the presence of numerous multivesicular bodies (MVB) was noticed. The observed ultrastructural modifications of mitochondria, and presumably also ER, probably resulted from the ability of an ATH to affect mitochondrial respiratory activity. The other changes in A. cepa root meristematic cell ultrastructure were connected with the transport of exogenously applied ATH into vacuoles. It seems that they are transported from the plasmolemma to the vacuole by multivesicular bodies (MVB), and there trapped by anthocyanic vacuolar inclusions (AVIs). However, none of the observed ultrastructural changes seemed to disturb cell functions, therefore the ATH-rich extract from red cabbage leaves may be regarded as cell-friendly and can be safely used as a detoxifying agent against heavy metal poisoning, as it is more and more often postulated.

Effects of anthocyanin-rich extract from red cabbage leaves on meristematic cells of Allium cepa L. roots treated with heavy metals.

The incubation of Allium cepa L. roots in Pb(NO3)2, Cd(NO3)(2)x4H2O or Cr(NO3)(3)x9H2O solution at the concentration of 100 microM lowered the mitotic index (MI) value in meristem by 58%, 39%, 48%, respectively. The proportion of mitotic phases (mainly prophases and telophases) in MI value was also changed. Moreover, mitotic disturbances such as: c-metaphases, sticky and lagging chromosomes, chromosome bridges, binucleate cells, micronuclei, "budding" nuclei and nucleoli partly outside nuclei were induced in the presence of the tested heavy metals, most frequently after Pb treatment. Pre-incubation in the ATH-rich extract from red cabbage leaves caused 2.5%, 1.8% or 1.6% increase in MI value as compared to the meristematic cells of A. cepa L. roots treated only with Cd, Pb, or Cr, respectively. Additionally, the ATH-rich extract was responsible for changing phase index values towards the control level in the material incubated in Pb or Cd. Moreover, the total number of mitotic abnormalities induced by the tested metals was reduced due to the preincubation in the ATH-rich extract, most effectively in the roots treated with Cd (by 2/3) while by half in Cr presence. These data suggest a protective action of the ATH-rich extract from red cabbage leaves against heavy metal toxicity.