Application of Raman spectroscopy for the determination of proteins denaturation and amino acids decomposition temperature.

Raman spectroscopy was employed to study the thermal denaturation of three different proteins, bovine serum albumin (BSA), lysozyme, ovalbumin; and the decomposition temperature of three amino acids, l-glutamine, l-cysteine, and l-alanine, all of them as lyophilized powders. All the Raman bands observed in the spectra obtained were recorded and analyzed at preset heating temperatures. The results obtained for either protein denaturation temperature TD and amino acid decomposition temperatures TM-dc, were compared with those measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The DSC and Raman results were additionally corroborated with a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for the case of proteins. This exercise indicated almost complete coincidence in the determination of these transition temperatures between the three techniques, evidencing the applicability of Raman spectroscopy in the study of denaturation and decomposition temperatures of proteins and amino acids.

Determination of the denaturation temperature of the Spike protein S1 of SARS-CoV-2 (2019 nCoV) by Raman spectroscopy.

In the present work the temperature response of the constitutive S1 segment of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein (GPS) has been studied. The intensity of the Raman bands remained almost constant before reaching a temperature of 133 °C. At this temperature a significant reduction of peak intensities was observed. Above 144 °C the spectra ceased to show any recognizable feature as that of the GPS S1, indicating that it had transformed after the denaturation process that it was subjected. The GPS S1 change is irreversible. Hence, Raman Spectroscopy (RS) provides a precision method to determine the denaturation temperature (TD) of dry powder GPS S1. The ability of RS was calibrated through the reproduction of TD of other well studied proteins as well as those of the decomposition temperature of some amino acids (AA). Through this study we established a TD of 139 ± 3 °C for powder GPS S1 of SARS-CoV-2.

Silencing of the transcriptional factor ZEB1 alters the steroidogenic pathway, and increases the concentration of testosterone and DHT in DU145 cells.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common type of male malignancy worldwide. The transcription factor zinc finger E­box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is associated with epithelial­mesenchymal transition and is also involved in regulation of androgen receptor (AR) expression, the main ligands of which are testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). These androgens are synthesized through the steroidogenic pathway within the prostate, and their synthesis is altered in PCa. The present study aimed to determine the ZEB1­induced alterations in androgen synthesis and AR expression in the DU145 PCa cell line. Reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and immunocytochemistry were used to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels, and cellular localization of steroidogenic pathway enzymes in the DU145 cell line in response to ZEB1 silencing. Furthermore, the concentrations of testosterone and DHT were detected in cell culture medium using ELISA. ZEB1­silenced cells exhibited an increase in testosterone and DHT production, an increase in AR expression and an alteration in the steroidogenic pathway. In particular, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and 5α­reductase 2 expression levels were decreased, whereas cytochrome P450 family 17 subfamily A member 1, 5α­reductase 1, aldo­keto reductase family 1 member D1 and aldo­keto reductase family 1 member C2 expression levels were increased. In conclusion, the present study provided novel information regarding the regulation of intratumoral androgen production in PCa, which is relevant for the progression of the disease to a castration­resistant form.

Proapoptotic effect of endocannabinoids in prostate cancer cells.

In the early stages, prostate cancer is androgen­ dependent; therefore, medical castration has shown significant results during the initial stages of this pathology. Despite this early effect, advanced prostate cancer is resilient to such treatment. Recent evidence shows that derivatives of Cannabis sativa and its analogs may exert a protective effect against different types of oncologic pathologies. The purpose of the present study was to detect the presence of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) on cancer cells with a prostatic origin and to evaluate the effect of the in vitro use of synthetic analogs. In order to do this, we used a commercial cell line and primary cultures derived from prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. The presence of the CB1 and CB2 receptors was determined by immunohistochemistry where we showed a higher expression of these receptors in later stages of the disease (samples with a high Gleason score). Later, treatments were conducted using anandamide, 2-arachidonoyl glycerol and a synthetic analog of anandamide, methanandamide. Using the MTT assay, we proved that the treatments produced a cell growth inhibitory effect on all the different prostate cancer cultures. This effect was demonstrated to be dose-dependent. The use of a specific CB1 receptor blocker (SR141716) confirmed that this effect was produced primarily from the activation of the CB1 receptor. In order to understand the MTT assay results, we determined cell cycle distribution by flow cytometry, which showed no variation at the different cell cycle stages in all the cultures after treatment. Treatment with endocannabinoids resulted in an increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells as determined by Annexin V assays and caused an increase in the levels of activated caspase-3 and a reduction in the levels of Bcl-2 confirming that the reduction in cell viability noted in the MTT assay was caused by the activation of the apoptotic pathway. Finally, we observed that endocannabinoid treatment activated the Erk pathway and at the same time, produced a decrease in the activation levels of the Akt pathway. Based on these results, we suggest that endocannabinoids may be a beneficial option for the treatment of prostate cancer that has become nonresponsive to common therapies.

Testosterone production and spermatogenic damage induced byorganophosphorate pesticides

Parathion is an organophosphorate pesticide amply used in agriculture. Many alterations induced by organophosphorate pesticides have been described, such as: cytogenetic alterations in germinal cells, oligozoospermia and teratozoospermia in the mouse. The effect of Parathion, both pure (PP) and commercial (PC), on mouse interstitial cell testosterone production was evaluated in vivo and in vitro. Male mice were intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of 1/3 LD50 of Parathion, both PP and PC. The animals were sacrificed at 1, 8 and 40 days post injection to evaluate the impact of disrupting testosterone production on spermatogonia, spermatocytes and elongated spermatids. The plasma testosterone was assayed by standard radioimmunoanalysis. The same method was used to assay testosterone in the culture medium of interstitial cells obtained from the control and Parathion treated animals at the same time intervals. Sperm count, sperm teratozoospermia and tubular blockage were analyzed for an appraisal of spermatogenesis. Increase in the teratozoospermia and tubular blockage was detected in the PP and PC group at 8 and 40 days post injection. Plasma testosterone levels drop significantly at 8 days and recovered slowly at 40 days only in PP animals as detected in vivo, implying interference of testicular steroidogenesis due to the toxicant. Recuperation of normality occurs at long time intervals. In conclusion, Parathion disturbs the synthesis of testosterone in mice affecting qualitatively the spermatogenesis.(AU)

Testosterone production and spermatogenic damage induced byorganophosphorate pesticides

Parathion is an organophosphorate pesticide amply used in agriculture. Many alterations induced by organophosphorate pesticides have been described, such as: cytogenetic alterations in germinal cells, oligozoospermia and teratozoospermia in the mouse. The effect of Parathion, both pure (PP) and commercial (PC), on mouse interstitial cell testosterone production was evaluated in vivo and in vitro. Male mice were intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of 1/3 LD50 of Parathion, both PP and PC. The animals were sacrificed at 1, 8 and 40 days post injection to evaluate the impact of disrupting testosterone production on spermatogonia, spermatocytes and elongated spermatids. The plasma testosterone was assayed by standard radioimmunoanalysis. The same method was used to assay testosterone in the culture medium of interstitial cells obtained from the control and Parathion treated animals at the same time intervals. Sperm count, sperm teratozoospermia and tubular blockage were analyzed for an appraisal of spermatogenesis. Increase in the teratozoospermia and tubular blockage was detected in the PP and PC group at 8 and 40 days post injection. Plasma testosterone levels drop significantly at 8 days and recovered slowly at 40 days only in PP animals as detected in vivo, implying interference of testicular steroidogenesis due to the toxicant. Recuperation of normality occurs at long time intervals. In conclusion, Parathion disturbs the synthesis of testosterone in mice affecting qualitatively the spermatogenesis.

Testosterone production and spermatogenic damage induced by organophosphorate pesticides.

Parathion is an organophosphorate pesticide amply used in agriculture. Many alterations induced by organophosphorate pesticides have been described, such as: cytogenetic alterations in germinal cells, oligozoospermia and teratozoospermia in the mouse. The effect of Parathion, both pure (PP) and commercial (PC), on mouse interstitial cell testosterone production was evaluated in vivo and in vitro. Male mice were intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of 1/3 LD50 of Parathion, both PP and PC. The animals were sacrificed at 1, 8 and 40 days post injection to evaluate the impact of disrupting testosterone production on spermatogonia, spermatocytes and elongated spermatids. The plasma testosterone was assayed by standard radioimmunoanalysis. The same method was used to assay testosterone in the culture medium of interstitial cells obtained from the control and Parathion treated animals at the same time intervals. Sperm count, sperm teratozoospermia and tubular blockage were analyzed for an appraisal of spermatogenesis. Increase in the teratozoospermia and tubular blockage was detected in the PP and PC group at 8 and 40 days post injection. Plasma testosterone levels drop significantly at 8 days and recovered slowly at 40 days only in PP animals as detected in vivo, implying interference of testicular steroidogenesis due to the toxicant. Recuperation of normality occurs at long time intervals. In conclusion, Parathion disturbs the synthesis of testosterone in mice affecting qualitatively the spermatogenesis

Syndecan-2 expression in colorectal cancer-derived HT-29 M6 epithelial cells induces a migratory phenotype.

Members of the heparan sulfate proteoglycan family, the syndecans have emerged as integrators of extracellular signals, such as ECM components or growth factors, that activate cytoplasmic signaling cascades and regulate cytoskeletal functions. Specifically, syndecan-2 has been implicated in various cellular processes, from differentiation to migration, including its participation in cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion. Here, we focused on the involvement of syndecan-2 in epithelial versus mesenchymal differentiation. Colorectal cancer-derived HT-29 M6 epithelial cells were stably transfected with full-length syndecan-2 cDNA, and the effect on cell morphology, adhesion, and mobility was evaluated. Characteristic features of migratory cells such as loss of intercellular contacts, flatter shape and multiple membrane projections were observed in syndecan-2 transfectants. Western blot analysis of the major component of epithelial adherens junctions, E-cadherin, revealed decreased expression levels. Furthermore, syndecan-2 induced stronger adhesion to collagen type I, specifically inhibited by heparin. This was correlated with an increased ability for migration, as demonstrated by wound healing experiments and transwell assays, without affecting their growth rate. These results indicate that syndecan-2 expression in mucus-secreting HT-29 M6 cells induces differentiation toward a migratory mesenchymal-like phenotype.

Detection of progesterone receptors in human spermatozoa and their correlation with morphological and functional properties.

In previous reports, it has been demonstrated that progesterone (P) stimulates capacitation, hyperactivation of human sperm motility and initiates the acrosome reaction (AR). This last effect has been related to the presence of non-genomic receptors for the steroid, localized on the sperm head plasma membrane. These receptors can be detected after treating spermatozoa with the non-permeable conjugate Progesterone - 3-(O-carboxymethyl) oxime: bovine serum albumin-fluorescein isothiocyanate (P-BSA-FITC). In the present study, the presence of progesterone receptors was determined in a selected sperm population with normal morphology and high progressive motility. In addition, other parameters such as the AR, hypo-osmotic swelling test, stability of chromatin and capacitating effect of P were evaluated. The percentage of P-BSA-FITC positive-spermatozoa present in the selected sperm population was higher than in total seminal spermatozoa. Furthermore, spermatozoa incubated with P showed a higher percentage motility and AR than did control spermatozoa. The HOS test indicated that membrane integrity of P-treated spermatozoa was not different to that found in the control sperm suspensions. Unexpectedly, the total sperm population treated with P showed a marked susceptibility to nuclear decondensation with reducing agents. According to these results, the selected sperm population of this study, able to respond to P, may be similar to that with good motility and normal morphology selected in the female reproductive tract, before fertilization.

Morphofunctional disturbances of human sperm after incubation with organophosphorate pesticides

The organophosphorate pesticides are highly toxic for insects and mammals, but their effects in the male reproductive tract are scarcely known. Many alterations induced by organophosphorate pesticides have been described, such as: cytogenetic alterations in germinal cells, oligozoospermia and teratozoospermia in the mouse. Parathion, the pesticide mostly utilized in Chilean agriculture, is rapidly metabolized to paraoxon, the active metabolite, in mammalian organisms. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of Parathion and paraoxon on different morphological and functional parameters of the sperm. Human spermatozoa were incubated with Parathion and paraoxon at different concentrations (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mM). Vitality (tripan blue and eosin tests), acrosome reaction (triple stain test), plasma membrane integrity (HOS-test), and chromatin stability (sodium thioglycolate test) were determined. The observations were done by optical microscopy at 1000x of magnification and three hundred sperms were evaluated for each treatment. The results indicated that Parathion and paraoxon increase the percent of sperm with acrosome reaction and also increase the percentage of sperm with chromatin decondensation in a dose-dependent manner. The vitality and plasma membrane integrity decrease significantly in a dose-dependent manner. The results suggest a direct action of Parathion and paraoxon on the different parameters studied. The morphofunctionality of sperm is altered significatively, suggesting that Parathion and paraoxon, thanks to their alkylating and electrophylic properties, could act on DNA and proteins respectively, to elicit these changes

Morphofunctional disturbances of human sperm after incubation with organophosphorate pesticides

The organophosphorate pesticides are highly toxic for insects and mammals, but their effects in the male reproductive tract are scarcely known. Many alterations induced by organophosphorate pesticides have been described, such as: cytogenetic alterations in germinal cells, oligozoospermia and teratozoospermia in the mouse. Parathion, the pesticide mostly utilized in Chilean agriculture, is rapidly metabolized to paraoxon, the active metabolite, in mammalian organisms. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of Parathion and paraoxon on different morphological and functional parameters of the sperm. Human spermatozoa were incubated with Parathion and paraoxon at different concentrations (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mM). Vitality (tripan blue and eosin tests), acrosome reaction (triple stain test), plasma membrane integrity (HOS-test), and chromatin stability (sodium thioglycolate test) were determined. The observations were done by optical microscopy at 1000x of magnification and three hundred sperms were evaluated for each treatment. The results indicated that Parathion and paraoxon increase the percent of sperm with acrosome reaction and also increase the percentage of sperm with chromatin decondensation in a dose-dependent manner. The vitality and plasma membrane integrity decrease significantly in a dose-dependent manner. The results suggest a direct action of Parathion and paraoxon on the different parameters studied. The morphofunctionality of sperm is altered significatively, suggesting that Parathion and paraoxon, thanks to their alkylating and electrophylic properties, could act on DNA and proteins respectively, to elicit these changes

Morphological alterations in mouse testis by a single dose of malathion.

Malathion((R)) is a widely used organophosphorate agropesticide. In spite of its low toxicity for mammalian cells, it provokes cytogenetic and genotoxic damage both in vivo and in vitro. The effect of Malathion was analyzed in CF-1 young adult male mice. Commercial Malathion (96.6% purity) was injected intraperitoneally in a single dose (250 mg/kg body weight corresponding to 1/12 LD50). Four, 14, 18, and 26 days after injection animals were sacrificed to study epididymal sperm (count and morphology), testicular histology (percentage of depleted seminiferous tubules), and ultrastructural alterations in the germinal epithelium. The effect of Malathion on different germinal cell populations was studied. Teratozoospermia was induced by Malathion at all times studied. Spermatozoa midpiece and flagella were the most affected and at day 18 we observed less alterations of the head. The sperm count at different time intervals was significatively increased compared to controls and there was a parallel increase in depletion of the seminiferous tubules. In conclusion, all germinal cell populations studied were affected by Malathion. Malathion has a teratogenic effect on mice spermatid differentiation, which compromises mostly the flagella, perhaps due to an alkylating effect that disturbs the normal assembling of tail structural protein components. Apparently, the pachytene spermatocyte stage may be relatively more resistant to the pesticide. The Sertoli cells were affected by the insecticide and their damage at an ultrastructural level is highly significant. Cytoplasmatic vacuolization probably revealed metabolic alteration of these cells.

Effect of progesterone on acrosome reaction, hypoosmotic swelling test, and DNA stability in human spermatozoa.

The association between different sperm parameters, an in vitro effect of progesterone, has not been studied satisfactorily. In this article, the effect of progesterone on acrosome reaction (AR), plasma membrane integrity, and chromatin stability has been assessed in human spermatozoa with normal morphology and motility. Semen samples were obtained by masturbation from 25 patients. Two criteria of classification were utilized in this study: high motility group and normal morphology group incubated with progesterone. The effect of progesterone on AR, plasma membrane integrity, and chromatin stability in human spermatozoa with normal morphology and motility was realized. The results suggest that only the subpopulation of spermatozoa with normal morphology is able to undergo the progesterone-induced AR. It is possible that in the reproductive female tract it takes place a high selection of sperm with chromatin stability determined and optimal plasma membrane to undergo the AR prerequisite for the fecundation.

Morphofunctional disturbances of human sperm after incubation with organophosphorate pesticides.

The organophosphorate pesticides are highly toxic for insects and mammals, but their effects in the male reproductive tract are scarcely known. Many alterations induced by organophosphorate pesticides have been described, such as: cytogenetic alterations in germinal cells, oligozoospermia and teratozoospermia in the mouse. Parathion, the pesticide mostly utilized in Chilean agriculture, is rapidly metabolized to paraoxon, the active metabolite, in mammalian organisms. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of Parathion and paraoxon on different morphological and functional parameters of the sperm. Human spermatozoa were incubated with Parathion and paraoxon at different concentrations (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mM). Vitality (tripan blue and eosin tests), acrosome reaction (triple stain test), plasma membrane integrity (HOS-test), and chromatin stability (sodium thioglycolate test) were determined. The observations were done by optical microscopy at 1000x of magnification and three hundred sperms were evaluated for each treatment. The results indicated that Parathion and paraoxon increase the percent of sperm with acrosome reaction and also increase the percentage of sperm with chromatin decondensation in a dose-dependent manner. The vitality and plasma membrane integrity decrease significantly in a dose-dependent manner. The results suggest a direct action of Parathion and paraoxon on the different parameters studied. The morphofunctionality of sperm is altered significatively, suggesting that Parathion and paraoxon, thanks to their alkylating and electrophylic properties, could act on DNA and proteins respectively, to elicit these changes.

Morphofunctional disturbances of human sperm after incubation with organophosphorate pesticides.

The organophosphorate pesticides are highly toxic for insects and mammals, but their effects in the male reproductive tract are scarcely known. Many alterations induced by organophosphorate pesticides have been described, such as: cytogenetic alterations in germinal cells, oligozoospermia and teratozoospermia in the mouse. Parathion, the pesticide mostly utilized in Chilean agriculture, is rapidly metabolized to paraoxon, the active metabolite, in mammalian organisms. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of Parathion and paraoxon on different morphological and functional parameters of the sperm. Human spermatozoa were incubated with Parathion and paraoxon at different concentrations (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mM). Vitality (tripan blue and eosin tests), acrosome reaction (triple stain test), plasma membrane integrity (HOS-test), and chromatin stability (sodium thioglycolate test) were determined. The observations were done by optical microscopy at 1000x of magnification and three hundred sperms were evaluated for each treatment. The results indicated that Parathion and paraoxon increase the percent of sperm with acrosome reaction and also increase the percentage of sperm with chromatin decondensation in a dose-dependent manner. The vitality and plasma membrane integrity decrease significantly in a dose-dependent manner. The results suggest a direct action of Parathion and paraoxon on the different parameters studied. The morphofunctionality of sperm is altered significatively, suggesting that Parathion and paraoxon, thanks to their alkylating and electrophylic properties, could act on DNA and proteins respectively, to elicit these changes.