Changes in Noradrenergic Synthesis and Dopamine Beta-Hydroxylase Activity in Response to Oxidative Stress after Iron-induced Brain Injury.

Noradrenaline (NA) levels are altered during the first hours and several days after cortical injury. NA modulates motor functional recovery. The present study investigated whether iron-induced cortical injury modulated noradrenergic synthesis and dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity in response to oxidative stress in the brain cortex, pons and cerebellum of the rat. Seventy-eight rats were divided into two groups: (a) the sham group, which received an intracortical injection of a vehicle solution; and (b) the injured group, which received an intracortical injection of ferrous chloride. Motor deficits were evaluated for 20 days post-injury. On the 3rd and 20th days, the rats were euthanized to measure oxidative stress indicators (reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG)) and catecholamines (NA, dopamine (DA)), plus DBH mRNA and protein levels. Our results showed that iron-induced brain cortex injury increased noradrenergic synthesis and DBH activity in the brain cortex, pons and cerebellum at 3 days post-injury, predominantly on the ipsilateral side to the injury, in response to oxidative stress. A compensatory increase in contralateral noradrenergic activity was observed, but without changes in the DBH mRNA and protein levels in the cerebellum and pons. In conclusion, iron-induced cortical injury increased the noradrenergic response in the brain cortex, pons and cerebellum, particularly on the ipsilateral side, accompanied by a compensatory response on the contralateral side. The oxidative stress was countered by antioxidant activity, which favored functional recovery following motor deficits.

Heme metabolism in Strigomonas culicis: Implications of H2O2 resistance induction and symbiont elimination.

Monoxenous trypanosomatid Strigomonas culicis harbors an endosymbiotic bacterium, which enables the protozoa to survive without heme supplementation. The impact of H2O2 resistance and symbiont elimination on intracellular heme and Fe2+ availability was analyzed through a comparison of WT strain with both WT H2O2-resistant (WTR) and aposymbiotic (Apo) protozoa. The relative quantification of the heme biosynthetic pathway through label-free parallel reaction monitoring targeted mass spectrometry revealed that H2O2 resistance does not influence the abundance of tryptic peptides. However, the Apo strain showed increased coproporphyrinogen III oxidase and ferrochelatase levels. A putative ferrous iron transporter, homologous to LIT1 and TcIT from Leishmania major and Trypanosoma cruzi, was identified for the first time. Label-free parallel reaction monitoring targeted mass spectrometry also showed that S. culicis Iron Transporter (ScIT) increased 1.6- and 16.4-fold in WTR and Apo strains compared to WT. Accordingly, antibody-mediated blockage of ScIT decreased by 28.0% and 40.0% intracellular Fe2+concentration in both WTR and Apo strains, whereas no effect was detected in WT. In a heme-depleted medium, adding 10 µM hemin decreased ScIT transcript levels in Apo, whereas 10 µM PPIX, the substrate of ferrochelatase, increased intracellular Fe2+ concentration and ferric iron reduction. Overall, the data suggest mechanisms dependent on de novo heme synthesis (and its substrates) in the Apo strain to overcome reduced heme availability. Given the importance of heme and Fe2+ as cofactors in metabolic pathways, including oxidative phosphorylation and antioxidant systems, this study provides novel mechanistic insights associated with H2O2 resistance in S. culicis.

Fractionation and leaching of Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn from smelter residues of an old environmental liability in Argentina.

An integrated chemical and mineralogical characterization approach was applied to smelter wastes collected from 50-year-old dump sites in Argentina. Characterization included pseudo-total element concentrations, acid generation/neutralization potential, sequential extractions, pH-dependent leaching kinetics, and mineralogical analysis of all residues. These analyses provided detailed information on the reactivity of the minerals in the waste material and associated metal release. Cadmium and Zn were the elements of greatest environmental concern due to their high mobility. On average, the release of Zn and Cd in pH-dependent leaching essays reached 17.6% (up to 5.24 mg g-1) and 52.7% (up to 0.02 mg g-1) of the pseudo-total content, respectively. Moreover, Cd and Zn were also the metals that showed the higher proportions of labile fractions associated to the adsorbed and exchangeable fraction (60-92% for Cd and 19-38% for Zn). Since Cd and Zn concentrations in the residue are not high enough to form their own minerals, a large proportion of these elements would be weakly adsorbed on Fe oxyhydroxides. In contrast, the low release of Cu, Pb and Fe would be associated with these elements being incorporated into the crystalline structure of insoluble or very poorly soluble minerals. Lead is incorporated into plumbojarosite and anglesite. Copper was mainly in association with Fe oxyhydroxides and may also have been incorporated into the plumbojarosite structure. The latter could act as a sink especially for Pb under the acidic conditions of the smelter residue. Despite the elevated concentrations of Pb observed in the residue, it showed a very low mobility (≈0.1%), indicating that it is mostly stabilized. Nevertheless, the smelter residue is a continuous source of metals requiring remediation.

Advancing glioblastoma treatment through iron metabolism: A focus on TfR1 and Ferroptosis innovations.

Glioblastoma (GBM) represents a formidable challenge in oncology, characterized by aggressive proliferation and poor prognosis. Iron metabolism plays a critical player in GBM progression, with dysregulated iron uptake and utilization contributing to tumor growth and therapeutic resistance. Iron's pivotal role in DNA synthesis, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis underscores its significance in GBM pathogenesis. Elevated expression of iron transporters, such as transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), highlights the tumor's reliance on iron for survival. Innovative treatment strategies targeting iron dysregulation hold promise for overcoming therapeutic challenges in GBM management. Approaches such as iron chelation therapies, induction of ferroptosis to nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems exploit iron-dependent vulnerabilities, offering avenues for enhance treatment efficacy and improve patient outcomes. As research advances, understanding the complexities of iron-mediated carcinogenesis provides a foundation for developing precision medicine approaches tailored to combat GBM effectively. This review explores the intricate relationship between iron metabolism and GBM, elucidating its multifaceted implications and therapeutic opportunities. By consolidating the latest insights into iron metabolism in GBM, this review underscores its potential as a therapeutic target for improving patient care in combination with the standard of care approach.

High ferritin is associated with liver and bone marrow iron accumulation: Effects of 1-year deferoxamine treatment in hemodialysis-associated iron overload.

BACKGROUND: Iron (Fe) supplementation is a critical component of anemia therapy for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, serum Fe, ferritin, and transferrin saturation, used to guide Fe replacement, are far from optimal, as they can be influenced by malnutrition and inflammation. Currently, there is a trend of increasing Fe supplementation to target high ferritin levels, although the long-term risk has been overlooked. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 28 patients with CKD on hemodialysis with high serum ferritin (> 1000 ng/ml) and tested the effects of 1-year deferoxamine treatment, accompanied by withdrawal of Fe administration, on laboratory parameters (Fe status, inflammatory and CKD-MBD markers), heart, liver, and iliac crest Fe deposition (quantitative magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]), and bone biopsy (histomorphometry and counting of the number of Fe positive cells in the bone marrow). RESULTS: MRI parameters showed that none of the patients had heart iron overload, but they all presented iron overload in the liver and bone marrow, which was confirmed by bone histology. After therapy, ferritin levels decreased, although neither hemoglobin levels nor erythropoietin dose was changed. A significant decrease in hepcidin and FGF-23 levels was observed. Fe accumulation was improved in the liver and bone marrow, reaching normal values only in the bone marrow. No significant changes in turnover, mineralization or volume were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that treatment with deferoxamine was safe and could improve Fe accumulation, as measured by MRI and histomorphometry. Whether MRI is considered a standard tool for investigating bone marrow Fe accumulation requires further investigation. Registry and the registration number of clinical trial: ReBEC (Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clinicos) under the identification RBR-3rnskcj available at: https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/pesquisador.

Dynamics of Fe, Mn, and potentially harmful elements under reducing conditions in iron ore tailings after dam collapse in the Doce River basin-Brazil: flooded and non-flooded rice cultivations.

Potentially harmful element (PHE) bioavailability is important to environmental contamination and must be checked under several soil conditions. This study aimed to assess Fe, Mn, and PHE uptake by rice (Oryza sativa) grown on flooded and non-flooded Fe tailings collected from the Doce River basin after its collapse in Brazil. After 65 days of sowing, shoots and roots were harvested to determine PHE concentrations. The mean concentrations of Mn in shoots and Fe in the roots of rice grown on the flooded tailings were 2140 mg kg-1 and 15,219 mg kg-1, respectively. Mn was extensively translocated from roots to shoots (translocation factor (TF) = 2). Conversely, Fe accumulated in roots (TF = 0.015) and caused morphological damage to this rice organ. The application of macro and micronutrients lessened Fe toxicity in the roots of rice cultivated on the flooded tailings. The flooding of tailings influenced more Fe accumulation than Mn accumulation by rice plants. The PHE Ag, As, Cd, Ni, Hg, Pb, and Sb exhibited low total concentrations (maximum of 9 mg kg-1 for Ni and a minimum of 0.2 mg kg-1 for Cd, Hg, and Sb), and it was not observed an increase in their availability under tailings flooding conditions.

Associations of oxidative stress markers with the prevalence of sarcopenia in the United States general population.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to examine the association of oxidative stress markers with sarcopenia in the general United States population under the age of 60. METHODS: We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2011‒2014 and performed Restricted Cubic Spline (RCS) plots, weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis to calculate ratio ratios and 95% Confidence Intervals, and subgroup analysis based on age, sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and body mass index stratification to determine the association of markers of oxidative stress with the prevalence of sarcopenia. RESULTS: The present analysis included a total of 8,782 participants. Firstly, the RCS plots showed a roughly L-shaped curve association of total bilirubin and serum iron with a prevalence of sarcopenia. Secondly, albumin was negatively and linearly associated with the risk of sarcopenia. Finally, with the increase in gamma-glutamyl transferase, the prevalence of sarcopenia showed a trend of first rising and then declining as a result of the iron increase. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated a nonlinear association between markers of oxidative stress and sarcopenia. The need to focus more on levels of oxidative stress in the body could provide better prevention strategies for sarcopenia.

The Ubiquity of the Reaction of the Labile Iron Pool That Attenuates Peroxynitrite-Dependent Oxidation Intracellularly.

Although the labile iron pool (LIP) biochemical identity remains a topic of debate, it serves as a universal homeostatically regulated and essential cellular iron source. The LIP plays crucial cellular roles, being the source of iron that is loaded into nascent apo-iron proteins, a process akin to protein post-translational modification, and implicated in the programmed cell death mechanism known as ferroptosis. The LIP is also recognized for its reactivity with chelators, nitric oxide, and peroxides. Our recent investigations in a macrophage cell line revealed a reaction of the LIP with the oxidant peroxynitrite. In contrast to the LIP's pro-oxidant interaction with hydrogen peroxide, this reaction is rapid and attenuates the peroxynitrite oxidative impact. In this study, we demonstrate the existence and antioxidant characteristic of the LIP and peroxynitrite reaction in various cell types. Beyond its potential role as a ubiquitous complementary or substitute protection system against peroxynitrite for cells, the LIP and peroxynitrite reaction may influence cellular iron homeostasis and ferroptosis by changing the LIP redox state and LIP binding properties and reactivity.

A new effect of intravenous iron treatment in pregnancy: contraction in nonstress test and timing of labor.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to elucidate the cause and results of contractions occurring in term pregnant women receiving intravenous iron therapy. METHODS: During 2019-2020, 136 pregnant women beyond 35 weeks of gestation, who received intravenous iron treatment due to iron deficiency anemia, were included through retrospective screening. Iron deficiency anemia was defined as having hemoglobin levels <10 g/dL and ferritin levels <15 ng/mL, and the pregnant women underwent nonstress test before and after treatment. RESULTS: The average treatment week for the pregnant women was 36.82±0.74, and the presence of regular contractions in post-treatment follow-up nonstress tests was 72.1% (n=98). The average week of birth was 38.48±1.60. Pregnant women with contractions who had previous cesarean were found to have a mean delivery week of 36.82±0.67, which was statistically significant earlier than for nulliparous and multiparous women (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia who were beyond 35 weeks, temporary regular contractions may be observed in the nonstress test following intravenous iron replacement. We think that this effect may lead to early term birth in pregnant women with a history of cesarean section. It needs to be confirmed by further prospective studies and animal studies.

Long-term performance: strength and metal encapsulation in alkali-activated iron ore tailings.

Understanding the strength behavior and leaching characteristics of mining tailings stabilized with alkali-activated cements in the short, medium, and long term is crucial for the feasibility of material applications. In this context, this study assessed the stabilization/solidification of iron ore tailings (IOT) using alkali-activated binder (AAB) composed of sugarcane bagasse ash and eggshell lime at curing times of 7, 28, 60, 90, 180, and 365 days. Additionally, leaching tests were conducted, along with the examination of possible changes in the chemical and mineralogical composition resulting from exposure to acidic environments. Tests included unconfined compression strength (UCS), leaching, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy for the IOT-AAB mixtures. The highest increase in UCS was observed between 7 and 60 days, reaching 6.47 MPa, with minimal variation thereafter. The AAB-bonded IOT exhibited no metal toxicity over time. Elements Ba, Mn, Pb, and Zn present in IOT and ash were encapsulated in the cemented matrix, with complete encapsulation of all metals observed from 90 days of curing time. The mineralogy of the stabilized/solidified tailings showed no changes resulting from leaching tests. Characteristic bands associated with the presence of N-A-S-H gel were identified in both pre-leaching and post-leaching samples for all curing times analyzed. Exposure to acidic environments altered bands related to carbonate bonds formed in the IOT-AAB mixture.

Performance of V-Fe based catalysts on the oxidation of dibenzothiophenes.

To obtain fossil fuels with ultra-low S levels at friendly conditions, different V oxides formulations on alumina modified with Fe were characterized and selected to oxidize dibenzothiophene (DBT), 4-methyl DBT and 4,6-dimethyl DBT prevailing in diesel fuel. V-Fe based catalysts (5 or 10 wt% of V) were obtained by impregnation of ammonium metavanadate solutions on Fe-modified alumina, obtained by impregnation of Mohr salt on pseudoboehmite (2 wt% of Fe). The catalysts were calcined in air atmosphere, and after were partially reduced with H2 flux to obtain a mix of several oxidation states of V and Fe species, to evaluate the interaction of Fe in VOx/Al2O3 catalysts and determine its effect on the oxidation processes. The structural and optical properties, as well as surface species, were determined by SEM-EDS, TPR, XRD, Raman, ATR-FTIR, photoluminescence, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance, and XPS spectroscopy. The catalytic performance was evaluated in oxidative desulfurization (ODS) and photocatalytic ODS (PODS) processes. The experimental results showed the addition of Fe promoted the catalytic activity of both ODS and PODS reactions. ODS activities of V-Fe catalysts increase up to 7.5 times with respect to V catalysts without Fe, and the most active catalyst (V5Fer) presents a characteristic oxidation time of 50 min for 4,6-DMDBT. The PODS activity of V10Fec was like ODS activity, showing it is possible to oxidize the dibenzothiophenes under friendly conditions to obtain lower S levels. The promoting effect of Fe was due to the interaction of Fe2+ and Fe3+ with the catalytic support, favoring the distribution of surface V3+ and V4+ species. Additionally, Fe improved the optical properties of the catalysts since the bandgap energy decrease and low recombination rate of the electron-hole pair were observed. Therefore, V-Fe based catalysts are photocatalytically actives to be used in PODS processes.

Development of an artificial neural network (ANN) for the prediction of a pilot scale mobile wastewater treatment plant performance.

Productive activities such as pig farming are a fundamental part of the economy in Mexico. Unfortunately, because of this activity, large quantities of wastewater are generated that have a negative impact in the environment. This work shows an alternative for treating piggery wastewater based on advanced oxidation processes (Fenton and solar photo Fenton, SPF) that have been probed successfully in previous works. In the first stage, Fenton and SPF were carried out on a laboratory scale using a Taguchi L9-type experimental design. From the statistical analysis of this design, the operating parameters: pH, time, hydrogen peroxide concentration [H2O2], and iron ferrous concentration [Fe2+] that maximize the response variables: Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Organic Carbon (TOC), and color were chosen. From these, a cascade forward neural network was implemented to establish a correlation between data from the variables to the physicochemical parameters to be measure being that a great fit of the data was obtained having a correlation coefficient of 0.99 which permits to optimize the pollutant degradation and predict the removal efficiencies at pilot scale but with a projection to a future industrial scale. A relevant result, it was found that the optimal values for maximizing the removal of physicochemical parameters were pH = 3, time = 60 min, H2O2/COD = 1.5 mg L-1, and H2O2/Fe2+ = 2.5 mg L-1. With these conditions degradation percentages of 91.44%, 47.14%, and 97.89% for COD, TOC, and color were obtained from the Fenton process, while for SPF the degradation percentage increased moderately. From the ANN analysis, the possibility to establish an intelligent system that permits to predict multiple results from operational conditions has been achieved.

Computational 3D Models of Fe2+/3+-Aß1-42 Complexes Associated with Alzheimer's Disease.

The interaction between iron and amyloid-beta (Aß) peptides has received significant attention in Alzheimer's disease (AD) research due to its potential implications in developing this pathology. However, the coordination preferences of iron and Aß1-42 have not been thoroughly investigated or remain unknown. This study employs a computational protocol that combines homology modeling techniques with quantum mechanics (DTF-xTB) calculations to build and evaluate several 3D models of Fe2+/3+-Aß1-42. Our results reveal well-defined complexes for both the metal and peptide moieties, and we discuss the molecular interactions stabilizing these complexes by elucidating the coordinating environments and binding preferences. These proposed models offer valuable insights into the role of iron in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology.

The transcriptional regulator Fur modulates the expression of uge, a gene essential for the core lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis in Klebsiella pneumoniae.

BACKGROUND: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative pathogen that has become a threat to public health worldwide due to the emergence of hypervirulent and multidrug-resistant strains. Cell-surface components, such as polysaccharide capsules, fimbriae, and lipopolysaccharides (LPS), are among the major virulence factors for K. pneumoniae. One of the genes involved in LPS biosynthesis is the uge gene, which encodes the uridine diphosphate galacturonate 4-epimerase enzyme. Although essential for the LPS formation in K. pneumoniae, little is known about the mechanisms that regulate the expression of uge. Ferric uptake regulator (Fur) is an iron-responsive transcription factor that modulates the expression of capsular and fimbrial genes, but its role in LPS expression has not yet been identified. This work aimed to investigate the role of the Fur regulator in the expression of the K. pneumoniae uge gene and to determine whether the production of LPS by K. pneumoniae is modulated by the iron levels available to the bacterium. RESULTS: Using bioinformatic analyses, a Fur-binding site was identified on the promoter region of the uge gene; this binding site was validated experimentally through Fur Titration Assay (FURTA) and DNA Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) techniques. RT-qPCR analyses were used to evaluate the expression of uge according to the iron levels available to the bacterium. The iron-rich condition led to a down-regulation of uge, while the iron-restricted condition resulted in up-regulation. In addition, LPS was extracted and quantified on K. pneumoniae cells subjected to iron-replete and iron-limited conditions. The iron-limited condition increased the amount of LPS produced by K. pneumoniae. Finally, the expression levels of uge and the amount of the LPS were evaluated on a K. pneumoniae strain mutant for the fur gene. Compared to the wild-type, the strain with the fur gene knocked out presented a lower LPS amount and an unchanged expression of uge, regardless of the iron levels. CONCLUSIONS: Here, we show that iron deprivation led the K. pneumoniae cells to produce higher amount of LPS and that the Fur regulator modulates the expression of uge, a gene essential for LPS biosynthesis. Thus, our results indicate that iron availability modulates the LPS biosynthesis in K. pneumoniae through a Fur-dependent mechanism.

FeCo@hydrochar nanocomposites as efficient peroxymonosulfate activator for organic pollutant degradation.

Sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs) are renowned for their exceptional capacity to degrade refractory organic pollutants due to their wide applicability, cost-effectiveness, and swift mineralization and oxidation rates. The primary sources of radicals in AOPs are persulfate (PS) and peroxymonosulfate (PMS) ions, sparking significant interest in their mechanistic and catalytic aspects. To develop a novel nanocatalyst for SR-AOPs, particularly for PMS activation, we synthesized carbon-coated FeCo nanoparticles (NPs) using solvothermal methods based on the polyol approach. Various synthesis conditions were investigated, and the NPs were thoroughly characterized regarding their structure, morphology, magnetic properties, and catalytic efficiency. The FeCo phase was primarily obtained at [OH-] / [Metal] = 26 and [Fe] / [Co] = 2 ratios. Moreover, as the [Fe]/[Co] ratio increased, the degree of xylose carbonization to form a carbon coating (hydrochar) on the NPs also increased. The NPs exhibited a spherical morphology with agglomerates of varying sizes. Vibrating-sample magnetometer analysis (VSM) indicated that a higher proportion of iron resulted in NPs with higher saturation magnetization (up to 167.8 emu g-1), attributed to a larger proportion of FeCo bcc phase in the nanocomposite. The best catalytic conditions for degrading 100 ppm Rhodamine B (RhB) included 0.05 g L-1 of NPs, 2 mM PMS, pH 7.0, and a 20-min reaction at 25 °C. Notably, singlet oxygen was the predominant specie formed in the experiments in the SR-AOP, followed by sulfate and hydroxyl radicals. The catalyst could be reused for up to five cycles, retaining over 98% RhB degradation, albeit with increased metal leaching. Even in the first use, dissolved Fe and Co concentrations were 0.8 ± 0.3 and 4.0 ± 0.5 mg L-1, respectively. The FeCo catalyst proved to be effective in dye degradation and offers the potential for further refinement to minimize Co2+ leaching.

Efficient electrochemical advanced degradation of Red CL and Red WB dyes from the tanning industry using a boron-doped diamond anode.

Electrochemical oxidation (EO), electro-Fenton (EF), and photoelectro-Fenton (PEF) with a BDD anode have been comparatively assessed to remediate solutions of Red CL and/or Red WB azo dyes from real raw water. For the EO process in 50 mM Na2SO4 at pH 3.0, the main oxidant was the heterogeneous •OH generated at the anode, whereas in EF and PEF, the cathodic production of H2O2 and the addition of 0.50 mM Fe2+ catalyst additionally originated homogeneous •OH that enhanced the oxidation of organics. In PEF, the solution was illuminated with a 6 W UVA light. An almost total discoloration was always found operating with a 1:1 mixture of 200 mg L-1 of both dyes in 60 min, whose efficiency increased in the order of EO < EF < PEF. The HPLC analysis of the dye mixture treated by PEF disclosed that its degradation process agreed with its discoloration. A high 74% of COD was reduced due to the oxidative action of hydroxyl radicals and the photolysis of final Fe(III)-carboxylate species with UVA irradiation. The process was accompanied by an energy consumption of 0.76 kWh (g COD)-1, a value similar to the energy consumed by the applied UVA light.

Iron incorporation in red blood cells of pediatric sickle cell anemia: a stable isotope pilot investigation.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is marked by hypoxia, inflammation, and secondary iron overload (IO), which potentially modulate hepcidin, the pivotal hormone governing iron homeostasis. The aim was to evaluate the iron incorporation in red blood cells (RBC) in SCA pediatric patients, considering the presence or absence of IO. SUBJECTS/METHODS: SCA children (n = 12; SCAtotal) ingested an oral stable iron isotope (57Fe) and iron incorporation in RBC was measured after 14 days. Patients with ≥1000 ng/mL serum ferritin were considered to present IO (SCAio+; n = 4) while the others were classified as being without IO (SCAio-; n = 8). Liver iron concentration (LIC) was determined by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) T2* method. RESULTS: The SCAio+ group had lower iron incorporation (mean ± SD: 0.166 ± 0.04 mg; 3.33 ± 0.757%) than SCAio- patients (0.746 ± 0.303 mg; 14.9 ± 6.05%) (p = 0.024). Hepcidin was not different between groups. Iron incorporation was inversely associated with serum ferritin level (SCAtotal group: r = -0.775, p = 0.041; SCAio- group: r = -0.982; p = 0.018) and sickle hemoglobin (HbS) presented positive correlation with iron incorporation (r = 0.991; p = 0.009) in SCAio- group. LIC was positively associated with ferritin (SCAtotal: r = 0.921; p = 0.026) and C reactive protein (SCAio+: r = 0.999; p = 0.020). CONCLUSION: SCAio+ group had lower iron incorporation in RBC than SCAio- group, suggesting that they may not need to reduce their intake of iron-rich food, as usually recommended. Conversely, a high percentage of HbS may indirectly exacerbate hypoxia and seems to increase iron incorporation in RBC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered at www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br . Identifier RBR-4b7v8pt.

Proteomic characterization of Tenacibaculum dicentrarchi under iron limitation reveals an upregulation of proteins related to iron oxidation and reduction metabolism, iron uptake systems and gliding motility.

A strategy for vaccine design involves identifying proteins that could be involved in pathogen-host interactions. The aim of this proteomic study was to determine how iron limitation affects the protein expression of Tenacibaculum dicentrarchi, with a primary focus on virulence factors and proteins associated with iron uptake. The proteomic analysis was carried out using two strains of T. dicentrarchi grown under normal (control) and iron-limited conditions, mimicking the host environment. Our findings revealed differences in the proteins expressed by the type strain CECT 7612T and the Chilean strain TdCh05 of T. dicentrarchi. Nonetheless, both share a common response to iron deprivation, with an increased expression of proteins associated with iron oxidation and reduction metabolism (e.g., SufA, YpmQ, SufD), siderophore transport (e.g., ExbD, TonB-dependent receptor, HbpA), heme compound biosynthesis, and iron transporters under iron limitation. Proteins involved in gliding motility, such as GldL and SprE, were also upregulated in both strains. A negative differential regulation of metabolic proteins, particularly those associated with amino acid biosynthesis, was observed under iron limitation, reflecting the impact of iron availability on bacterial metabolism. Additionally, the TdCh05 strain exhibited unique proteins associated with gliding motility machinery and phage infection control compared to the type strain. These groups of proteins have been identified as virulence factors within the Flavobacteriaceae family, including the genus Tenacibaculum. These results build upon our previous report on iron acquisition mechanisms and could lay the groundwork for future studies aimed at elucidating the role of some of the described proteins in the infectious process of tenacibaculosis, as well as in the development of potential vaccines.

Bioaccessibility of trace elements and Fe and Al endogenic nanoparticles in farmed insects: Pursuing quality sustainable food.

This study investigated the in vitro bioaccessibility of aluminum, copper, iron, manganese, lead, selenium, and zinc in three important species of farmed insects: the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), the house cricket (Acheta domesticus) and the migratory locust (Locusta migratoria). Results show that all three insect species constitute excellent sources of essential elements (Fe, Cu and Zn) for the human diet, contributing to the recommended dietary allowance, i.e., 10%, 50%, and 92%, respectively. A higher accumulation of Se (≥1.4 mg Se/kg) was observed with increasing exposure concentration in A. domesticus, showing the possibility of using insects as a supplements for this element. The presence of Al and Fe nanoparticles was confirmed in all three species using single particle-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy. The results also indicate that Fe bioaccessibility declines with increasing Fe-nanoparticle concentration. These findings contribute to increase the nutritional and toxicological insights of farmed insects.

Chemical composition and in vitro iron bioavailability of extruded and open-pan cooked germinated and ungerminated pearl whole millet "Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br."

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of extrusion and of open-pan cooking on whole germinated and non-germinated grains of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L. R. Br.), on its chemical-nutritional composition and in vitro iron bioavailability. The experimental design consisted of three flours: non-germination open-pan cooked millet flour (NGOPCMF), germination open-pan cooked millet flour (GOPCMF), and extrusion cooked millet flour (ECMF). The ECMF increased the carbohydrates, iron, manganese, diosmin, and cyanidin and decreased the total dietary fiber, resistant starch, lipids, and total vitamin E, in relation to NGOPCMF. The GOPCMF increased the lysine and vitamin C and decreased the phytate, lipids, total phenolic, total vitamin E, and riboflavin concentration, in relation to NGOPCMF. Furthermore, germinated cooked millet flour and extruded millet flour improved iron availability in vitro compared to non-germinated cooked millet flour. GOPCMF and ECMF generally preserved the chemical-nutritional composition of pearl millet and improved in vitro iron bioavailability; therefore, they are nutritionally equivalent and can be used to develop pearl millet-based products.