Identification of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Isozymes in Plant Tissues.

Superoxide and hydrogen peroxide are reactive oxygen species (ROS) involved in the oxidation of multiple biological molecules and the signaling processes during plant growth and stress response. Thus, control of ROS is fundamental for cell survival and development, with superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1, SOD) being one of the main enzymes involved. Different isoforms of SOD catalyze the dismutation of superoxide (O2.-) to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and oxygen (O2), such as Mn-SODs, Cu,Zn-SODs, and Fe-SODs. Using non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) combined with a specific staining method for SOD activity, the protocol describes the identification of different SOD isozymes, based on their differential inhibition by KCN and H2O2, in different organs and plant species such as pea (Pisum sativum L.) leaves and pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) fruits.

Detection of Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX) Activity in Plant Tissues: Using Non-denaturing PAGE and Spectrophotometric Assay.

At the cellular level, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), due to different abiotic or biotic stress, causes oxidative stress that induces an imbalance in the metabolism. Among the different H2O2-scavenging enzymatic antioxidants, ascorbate peroxidase (APX) is a heme-peroxidase that plays an important role in the ascorbate-glutathione pathway using ascorbate to reduce H2O2 to water. Using non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) in combination with a spectrophotometric assay for APX activity, the protocol allows identifying diverse APX isozymes present in different organs and plant species.

Acute Exercise Promptly Normalizes Myocardial Myosin Heavy-Chain Isoform mRNA Composition in Diabetic Rats: Implications for Diabetic Cardiomyopathy.

Background and Objectives: The acute effects of exercise on the myosin heavy-chain (MHC) isoform mRNA expression and the upstream transcription factors in diabetic and non-diabetic hearts remain unexplored. We aimed to determine the acute effect of a single exercise session on the expression of left ventricular MHC, MHC-α and MHC-ß, and thyroid receptor (TR), TR-α1 and TR-ß, isoform mRNA in diabetic and non-diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to four groups: non-diabetic control (CS), diabetic exercise (DIEX), sedentary diabetic (DIS), and non-diabetic exercise (CEX). Diabetes was induced via streptozotocin injection (55 mg/kg). DIEX and CEX rats performed an exercise session (60 min at 50 m/min and 0% grade) 6-7 weeks after diabetes induction. Results: MHC-α mRNA was lower in DIS (p = 0.03) and not different in DIEX (p = 0.1) relative to CS. DIS showed higher MHC-ß mRNA than the non-diabetic rats, CS and CEX (p = 0.02 and p = 0.009, respectively). MHC-ß mRNA in DIEX was normalized to non-diabetic levels in CS (p = 0.3). TR-α1 was higher in DIS and not different in DIEX relative to CS and CEX (p = 0.03 and p = 1.0, respectively). In CEX, exercise did not change MHC-α, MHC-ß, and TR-α1 relative to CS (p = 1.0). TR-ß was not different between groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, exercise appears to acutely normalize the myocardial MHC and TR isoform mRNA expression only in the diabetic heart. These responses may induce therapeutic mechanisms other than changing the MHC isoform composition.

mRNA Levels of Aromatase, 5α-Reductase Isozymes, and Prostate Cancer-Related Genes in Plucked Hair from Young Men with Androgenic Alopecia.

Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is the most prevalent type of progressive hair loss and has psychological repercussions. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of current pharmacological treatments remains limited, in part because the molecular basis of the disease has not been fully elucidated. Our group previously highlighted the important roles of aromatase and 5α-reductase (5α-R) in alopecia in young women with female pattern hair loss. Additionally, an association has been proposed between AGA and prostate cancer (PCa), suggesting that genes implicated in PCa would also be involved in AGA. A low-invasive, sensitive, and precise method was used to determine mRNA levels of aromatase, 5α-R isozymes, and 84 PCa-related genes in samples of plucked hair from young men with AGA and controls. Samples were obtained with a trichogram from the vertex scalp, and mRNA levels were quantified using real-time RT-PCR. The men with AGA had significantly higher 5α-R2 mRNA levels in comparison to controls; interestingly, some of them also showed markedly elevated mRNA levels of 5α-R1 or 5α-R3 or of both, which may explain the varied response to 5α-R inhibitor treatments. The men with AGA also showed significant changes versus controls in 6 out of the 84 genes implicated in PCa. This study contributes greater knowledge of the molecular bases of AGA, facilitating early selection of the most appropriate pharmacological therapy and opening the way to novel treatments.

Microbial-host-isozyme: unveiling a new era in microbiome-host interaction.

Wang K. et al. introduced the concept of Microbial-Host isozymes (MHIs) and highlighted their role in mediating microbiota-host interactions. They identified bacterial-derived DPP4 as an isoenzyme affecting glucose tolerance and showed that host DPP4 inhibitors may not effectively target bacterial DPP4. They developed an MHI screen system, identifying 71 MHIs in healthy gut microbiota. Among them, DPP4 isozymes degrade GLP-1, explaining variable responses to sitagliptin. This breakthrough opens new avenues for metabolic disorder treatment. However, the complex nature of gut symbiotic bacteria requires further research to understand MHI mechanisms, regulatory roles, and interactions with the host. Precise interventions in gut microbiota offer personalized approaches to metabolic diseases.

Emerging Roles of Phospholipase C Beta Isozymes as Potential Biomarkers in Cardiac Disorders.

Phospholipase C (PLC) enzymes represent crucial participants in the plasma membrane of mammalian cells, including the cardiac sarcolemmal (SL) membrane of cardiomyocytes. They are responsible for the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2) into 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) and inositol (1,4,5) trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3), both essential lipid mediators. These second messengers regulate the intracellular calcium (Ca2+) concentration, which activates signal transduction cascades involved in the regulation of cardiomyocyte activity. Of note, emerging evidence suggests that changes in cardiomyocytes' phospholipid profiles are associated with an increased occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, but the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the significant impact of PLC on the cardiovascular system, encompassing both physiological and pathological conditions. Specifically, it focuses on the relevance of PLCß isoforms as potential cardiac biomarkers, due to their implications for pathological disorders, such as cardiac hypertrophy, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. Gaining a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying PLCß activation and regulation is crucial for unraveling the complex signaling networks involved in healthy and diseased myocardium. Ultimately, this knowledge holds significant promise for advancing the development of potential therapeutic strategies that can effectively target and address cardiac disorders by focusing on the PLCß subfamily.

Active-phase Plasma Alkaline Phosphatase Isozyme Activity Is a Sensitive Biomarker for Excessive Fructose Intake.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Excessive fructose intake reportedly leads to the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In our previous study, we reported that plasma activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) isozymes were markedly changed in rats with excessive fructose intake-induced hepatomegaly. In this study, we examined ALP isozyme activity prior to the occurrence of hepatomegaly, and investigated the effect of the timing of sample collection, to explore its potential as a biomarker. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After 1-week intake of a 63% high-fructose diet (HFrD), blood samples were collected from male rats during sleep or active phases to analyze biochemical parameters. RESULTS: Body and liver weights were similar between the HFrD and control diet groups, indicating that hepatomegaly due to excessive fructose intake had not occurred. The triglyceride levels and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) activity were significantly elevated to similar degrees at both time points. HFrD intake significantly increased liver-type ALP (L-ALP) activity, stimulating it by 12.7% at the sleep phase and by 124.3% at the active phase. HFrD consumption also significantly decreased intestinal-type ALP (I-ALP) at the active phase, but only showed a decreasing trend during the sleep phase. CONCLUSION: Measurements of plasma ALP isozyme and GLDH activity, and triglyceride levels are effective early biomarkers of impending NAFLD caused by excessive fructose intake. L-ALP and I-ALP activities during the active phase are particularly sensitive for detection of excessive fructose intake before the occurrence of NAFLD.

Exploring the molecular basis of resistance to Botrytis cinerea in chickpea genotypes through biochemical and morphological markers.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important pulse crop around the globe and a valuable source of protein in the human diet. However, it is highly susceptible to various plant pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses, which can cause significant damage from the seedling phase until harvest, leading to reduced yields and affecting its production. Botrytis cinerea can cause significant damage to chickpea crops, especially under high humidity and moisture conditions. This fungus can cause grey mould disease, which can lead to wilting, stem and pod rot, and reduced yields. Chickpea plants have developed specific barriers to counteract the harmful effects of this fungus. These barriers include biochemical and structural defences. In this study, the defence responses against B. cinerea were measured by the quantification of biochemical metabolites such as antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA), proline, glutathione (GSH), H2O2, ascorbic acid (AA) and total phenol in the leaf samples of chickpea genotypes (one accession of wild Cicer species, viz. Cicer pinnatifidum188 identified with high level of resistance to Botrytis grey mould (BGM) and a cultivar, Cicer arietinumPBG5 susceptible to BGM grown in the greenhouse). Seedlings of both the genotypes were inoculated with (1 × 104 spore mL-1) inoculum of isolate 24, race 510 of B. cinerea and samples were collected after 1, 3, 5, and 7 days post-inoculation (dpi). The enhanced enzymatic activity was observed in the pathogen-inoculated leaf samples as compared to uninoculated (healthy control). Among inoculated genotypes, the resistant one exhibited a significant change in enzymatic activity, total phenolic content, MDA, proline, GSH, H2O2, and AA, compared to the susceptible genotype. The study also examined the isozyme pattern of antioxidant enzymes at various stages of B. cinerea inoculation. Results from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed that BGM had a more significant impact on susceptible genotypes compared to resistant ones when compared to the control (un-inoculated). In addition, SEM and FTIR spectroscopy analyses confirmed the greater severity of BGM on susceptible genotypes compared to their resistant counterparts. Our results suggest the role of antioxidant enzymes and other metabolites as defence tools and biochemical markers to understand compatible and non-compatible plant-pathogen interactions better. The present investigation will assist future plant breeding programs aimed at developing resistant varieties.

PKCζ activation promotes maturation of cord blood T cells towards a Th1 IFN-γ propensity.

A significant number of babies present transiently with low protein kinase C zeta (PKCζ) levels in cord blood T cells (CBTC), associated with reduced ability to transition from a neonatal Th2 to a mature Th1 cytokine bias, leading to a higher risk of developing allergic sensitisation, compared to neonates whose T cells have 'normal' PKCζ levels. However, the importance of PKCζ signalling in regulating their differentiation from a Th2 to a Th1 cytokine phenotype propensity remains undefined. To define the role of PKCζ signalling in the regulation of CBTC differentiation from a Th2 to a Th1cytokine phenotype we have developed a neonatal T cell maturation model which enables the cells to develop to CD45RA- /CD45RO+ T cells while maintaining the Th2 immature cytokine bias, despite having normal levels of PKCζ. The immature cells were treated with phytohaemagglutinin, but in addition with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), an agonist which does not activate PKCζ. This was compared to development in CBTC in which the cells were transfected to express constitutively active PKCζ. The lack of PKCζ activation by PMA was monitored by western blot for phospho-PKCζ and translocation from cell cytosol to the membrane by confocal microscopy. The findings demonstrate that PMA fails to activate PKCζ in CBTC. The data show that CBTC matured under the influence of the PKC stimulator, PMA, maintain a Th2 cytokine bias, characterised by robust IL-4 and minimal interferon gamma production (IFN-γ), and lack of expression of transcriptional factor, T-bet. This was also reflected in the production of a range of other Th2/Th1 cytokines. Interestingly, introduction of a constitutively active PKCζ mutant into CBTC promoted development towards a Th1 profile with high IFN-γ production. The findings demonstrate that PKCζ signalling is essential for the immature neonatal T cells to transition from a Th2 to a Th1 cytokine production bias.

Genes cloning, sequencing and function identification of recombinant polyphenol oxidase isozymes for production of monomeric theaflavins from Camellia sinensis.

Theaflavins (TFs) are important quality compounds in black tea with a variety of biological activities. However, direct extraction of TFs from black tea is inefficient and costly. Therefore, we cloned two PPO isozymes from Huangjinya tea, termed HjyPPO1 and HjyPPO3. Both isozymes oxidized corresponding catechin substrates for the formation of four TFs (TF1, TF2A, TF2B, TF3), and the optimal catechol-type catechin to pyrogallol-type catechin oxidation rate of both isozymes was 1:2. In particular, the oxidation efficiency of HjyPPO3 was higher than that of HjyPPO1. The optimum pH and temperature of HjyPPO1 were 6.0 and 35 °C, respectively, while those of HjyPPO3 were 5.5 and 30 °C, respectively. Molecular docking simulation indicated that the unique residue of HjyPPO3 at Phe260 was more positive and formed a π-π stacked structure with His108 to stabilize the active region. In addition, the active catalytic cavity of HjyPPO3 was more conducive for substrate binding by extensive hydrogen bonding.

Analysis of Plant L-Cysteine Desulfhydrase (LCD) Isozymes by Non-denaturing Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a signaling molecule that achieves different regulatory functions in animal and plant cells. The cytosolic enzyme L-cysteine desulfhydrase (LCD; EC 4.4.1.28) catalyzes the conversion of cysteine (L-Cys) to pyruvate and ammonium with the concomitant generation of H2S, this enzyme being considered one of the main sources of H2S in higher plants. Using non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) in combination with a specific assay for LCD activity, the present protocol allows identifying diverse LCD isozymes present in different organs (roots, shoots, leaves, and fruits) and plant species including pea, garlic, Arabidopsis, and pepper.

Secretory Phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) Isozymes as Potential Targets in Tobacco Condensate- induced Colon Damage.

AIMS: To find out the role of secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) isozymes as potential targets in tobacco condensate-induced colon damage. BACKGROUND: The effects of cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) and the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and its isozymes in colon cells, which are still unclear and emerging, are studied. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to check the effect of CSC on cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide. Also, the effect of CSC on gene expression of different secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) was evaluated. Moreover, the impact of inhibition of sPLA2 on various cell properties i.e. cell viability, cell proliferation, membrane damage and free radicals' generation is also studied. METHODS: CSC-induced changes were evaluated in cell viability by MTT assay, followed by the evaluation of membrane modulation by flow cytometry, free radical generation by fluorescent dyes, PLA2 isoforms gene expression patterns and their suppression by small interfering RNA (siRNA) studied in HCT-15 male and HT-29 female colon cells. RESULTS: Our results demonstrate that HCT-15 and HT-29 cells treated with CSC significantly reduced the cell viability by 50% within 48 h and significantly enhanced the total reactive oxygen species (ROS) by 2 to 10-fold, and mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) and superoxide radicals (SOR) by 2-fold each. Treatment with CSC significantly unregulated secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) IID group and down-regulated IB and cytosolic phospholipase (cPLA2) IVA groups in HCT-15 cells without affecting them in HT-29 cells. Silencing the sPLA2 IID group results in an increase in cell viability and a decrease in ROS. Silencing the PLA2 IVA gene in the HCT-15 cells showed a reduced expression which had no impact on the CSC-induced cell proliferation, membrane damage and free radicals (ROS, mtROS, and SOR) generation. CONCLUSION: Therefore, identifying cell-specific sPLA2 isozymes seems to play a key role in controlling the ROSinduced damage by CSC and helps develop specific therapeutic strategies.

Biostimulation of tomato growth and biocontrol of Fusarium wilt disease using certain endophytic fungi.

BACKGROUND: Tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum L.) suffers from numerous fungal pathogens that cause damage to yeild production qualitatively and quantitatively. One of the most destructive disease of tomato is Fusarium wilt that caused by soil borne fungus called F. oxysporum. METHODS: In this study, the anti-Fusarium capabilities of the foliar application of fungal endophytes extracts have been investigated on tomato under Fusarium challenges. Antifungal assay, inhibition of conidial germination, disease severity, photosynthetic pigments, osmolytes, secondary metabolites, oxidative stress, peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidases (PPO) isozymes were tested for potential resistance of tomato growing under Fusarium infection. RESULTS: Ethyl acetate extracts of A. flavus MZ045563, A. fumigatus MZ045562 and A. nidulans MZ045561 exhibited antifungal activity toward F. oxysporum where inhibition zone diameters were 15, 12 and 20 mm, respectively. Moreover, extracts of all fungal isolates at concentration 7.5 mg/mL reduced conidia germination from 94.4 to 100%. Fusarium infection caused a destructive effects on tomato plant, high severity desiese index 84.37%, reduction in growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, and soluble protein. However, contents of proline, total phenol, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and antioxidant enzymes activity were increased in tomato plants grown under Fusarium wilt. Treatment of healthy or infected tomato plants by ethyl acetate fungal extracts showed improvements in morphological traits, photosynthetic pigments, osmolytes, total phenol and antioxidant enzymes activity. Besides, the harmful impacts of Fusarium wilt disease on tomato plants have also been reduced by lowering MDA and H2O2 levels. Also, treated tomato plants showed different responses in number and density of POD and PPO isozymes. CONCLUSION: It could be suggested that application of ethyl acetate extracts of tested fungal endophytes especially combination of A. flavus, A. nidulans and A. fumigatus could be commercially used as safe biostimulation of tomato plants as well as biofungicide against tomato Fusarium wilt disease.

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase, ZwfA, a Dual Cofactor-Specific Isozyme Is Predominantly Involved in the Glucose Metabolism of Pseudomonas bharatica CSV86T.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (Zwf) is an important enzyme in glucose metabolism via the Entner-Doudoroff pathway and the first enzyme in the oxidative pentose-phosphate pathway. It generates NAD(P)H during the conversion of glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) to 6-phosphogluconolactone, thus aiding in anabolic processes, energy yield, and oxidative stress responses. Pseudomonas bharatica CSV86T preferentially utilized aromatic compounds over glucose and exhibited a significantly lower growth rate on glucose (0.24 h-1) with a prolonged lag phase (~10 h). In strain CSV86T, glucose was metabolized via the intracellular phosphorylative route only because it lacked an oxidative (gluconate and 2-ketogluconate) route. The genome harbored three genes zwfA, zwfB, and zwfC encoding three Zwf isozymes. The present study aimed to understand gene arrangement, gene expression profiling, and molecular and kinetic properties of the purified enzymes to unveil their physiological significance in the strain CSV86T. The zwfA was found to be a part of the zwfA-pgl-eda operon, which was proximal to other glucose transport and metabolic clusters. The zwfB was found to be arranged as a gnd-zwfB operon, while zwfC was present independently. Among the three, zwfA was transcribed maximally, and the purified ZwfA displayed the highest catalytic efficiency, cooperativity with respect to G6P, and dual cofactor specificity. Isozymes ZwfB and ZwfC were NADP+-preferring and NADP+-specific, respectively. Among other functionally characterized Zwfs, ZwfA from strain CSV86T displayed poor catalytic efficiency and the further absence of oxidative routes of glucose metabolism reflected its lower growth rate on glucose compared to P. putida KT2440 and could be probable reasons for the unique carbon source utilization hierarchy. IMPORTANCE Pseudomonas bharatica CSV86T metabolizes glucose exclusively via the intracellular phosphorylative Entner-Doudoroff pathway leading the entire glucose flux through Zwf as the strain lacks oxidative routes. This may lead to limiting the concentration of downstream metabolic intermediates. The strain CSV86T possesses three isoforms of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, ZwfA, ZwfB, and ZwfC. The expression profile and kinetic properties of purified enzymes will help to understand glucose metabolism. Isozyme ZwfA dominated in terms of expression and displayed cooperativity with dual cofactor specificity. ZwfB preferred NADP+, and ZwfC was NADP+ specific, which may aid in redox cofactor balance. Such beneficial metabolic flexibility facilitated the regulation of metabolic pathways giving survival/fitness advantages in dynamic environments. Additionally, multiple genes allowed the distribution of function among these isoforms where the primary function was allocated to one of the isoforms.

The thiophene α-terthienylmethanol isolated from Tagetes minuta inhibits angiogenesis by targeting protein kinase C isozymes α and ß2.

Background: Tumor angiogenesis is considered as a crucial pathologic feature of cancer with a key role in multidrug resistance (MDR). Adverse effects of the currently available drugs and the development of resistance to these remain as the hardest obstacles to defeat. Objetive: This work explores flora from Argentina as a source of new chemical entities with antiangiogenic activity. Methods: Tube formation assay using bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) was the experiment of choice to assess antiangiogenic activity. The effect of the pure compound in cell invasiveness was investigated through the trans-well migration assay. The inhibitory effect of the pure compound on VEGFR-2 and PKC isozymes α and ß2 activation was studied by molecular and massive dynamic simulations. Cytotoxicity on peripheral blood mononuclear cells and erythrocyte cells was evaluated by means of MTT and hemolysis assay, respectively. In silico prediction of pharmacological properties (ADME) and evaluation of drug-likeness features were performed using the SwissADME online tool. Results: Among the plants screened, T. minuta, showed an outstanding effect with an IC50 of 33.6 ± 3.4 µg/ml. Bio-guided isolation yielded the terthiophene α-terthienylmethanol as its active metabolite. This compound inhibited VEGF-induced tube formation with an IC50 of 2.7 ± 0.4 µM and significantly impaired the invasiveness of bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) as well as of the highly aggressive breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231, when tested at 10 µM. Direct VEGFR-2 and PKC inhibition were both explored by means of massive molecular dynamics simulations. The results obtained validated the inhibitory effect on protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes α and ß2 as the main mechanism underlying its antiangiogenic activity. α-terthienylmethanol showed no evidence of toxicity against peripheral blood mononuclear and erythrocyte cells. Conclusion: These findings support this thiophene as a promising antiangiogenic phytochemical to fight against several types of cancer mainly those with MDR phenotype.

Short-Term Mild Hypoxia Modulates Na,K-ATPase to Maintain Membrane Electrogenesis in Rat Skeletal Muscle.

The Na,K-ATPase plays an important role in adaptation to hypoxia. Prolonged hypoxia results in loss of skeletal muscle mass, structure, and performance. However, hypoxic preconditioning is known to protect against a variety of functional impairments. In this study, we tested the possibility of mild hypoxia to modulate the Na,K-ATPase and to improve skeletal muscle electrogenesis. The rats were subjected to simulated high-altitude (3000 m above sea level) hypobaric hypoxia (HH) for 3 h using a hypobaric chamber. Isolated diaphragm and soleus muscles were tested. In the diaphragm muscle, HH increased the α2 Na,K-ATPase isozyme electrogenic activity and stably hyperpolarized the extrajunctional membrane for 24 h. These changes were accompanied by a steady increase in the production of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances as well as a decrease in the serum level of endogenous ouabain, a specific ligand of the Na,K-ATPase. HH also increased the α2 Na,K-ATPase membrane abundance without changing its total protein content; the plasma membrane lipid-ordered phase did not change. In the soleus muscle, HH protected against disuse (hindlimb suspension) induced sarcolemmal depolarization. Considering that the Na,K-ATPase is critical for maintaining skeletal muscle electrogenesis and performance, these findings may have implications for countermeasures in disuse-induced pathology and hypoxic therapy.

Chromosomes in the African frog genus Tomopterna (Pyxicephalidae) and probing the origin of tetraploid Tomopterna tandyi.

Speciation by polyploidization has been documented to have independently occurred in 12 families of anuran amphibians. Tomopterna tandyi was described as a South African allotetraploid species of sand frogs in the family Pyxicephalidae. Recent taxonomic revisions and new species descriptions in the genus present problems with respect to the evolution of this tetraploid species. Chromosomes, mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences, isozymes, and male mating calls were examined for T. tandyi and for diploid species of Tomopterna. Mitochondrial sequences confirmed the diploid species, T. adiastola, to be the maternal ancestor that gave rise to the tetraploid about 5 mya. Nuclear sequences and isozymes reveal a complex reticulation of paternal ancestry that may be explained by occasional hybridization of T. tandyi with diploid species of Tompoterna at various times in sympatric populations. Interspecific diploid to tetraploid gene introgression is suspected to have also occurred in Australian and North American tetraploid species of frogs. Diploid to tetraploid introgression is facilitated through triploid hybrids that are more viable than diploid hybrids and produce unreduced triploid eggs.

Chronic Ouabain Prevents Radiation-Induced Reduction in the α2 Na,K-ATPase Function in the Rat Diaphragm Muscle.

The damaging effect of ionizing radiation (IR) on skeletal muscle Na,K-ATPase is an open field of research. Considering a therapeutic potential of ouabain, a specific ligand of the Na,K-ATPase, we tested its ability to protect against the IR-induced disturbances of Na,K-ATPase function in rat diaphragm muscle that co-expresses the α1 and α2 isozymes of this protein. Male Wistar rats (n = 26) were subjected to 6-day injections of vehicle (0.9% NaCl) or ouabain (1 µg/kg/day). On the fourth day of injections, rats were exposed to one-time total-body X-ray irradiation (10 Gy), or a sham irradiation. The isolated muscles were studied 72 h post-irradiation. IR decreased the electrogenic contribution of the α2 Na,K-ATPase without affecting its protein content, thereby causing sarcolemma depolarization. IR increased serum concentrations of ouabain, IL-6, and corticosterone, decreased lipid peroxidation, and changed cellular redox status. Chronic ouabain administration prevented IR-induced depolarization and loss of the α2 Na,K-ATPase electrogenic contribution without changing its protein content. This was accompanied with an elevation of ouabain concentration in circulation and with the lack of IR-induced suppression of lipid peroxidation. Given the crucial role of Na,K-ATPase in skeletal muscle performance, these findings may have therapeutic implications as countermeasures for IR-induced muscle pathology.

Biocontrol of early blight disease of eggplant using endophytic Aspergillus terreus: improving plant immunological, physiological and antifungal activities.

BACKGROUND: The eggplant suffers from many biotic stresses that cause severe damage to crop production. One of the most destructive eggplant pathogens is Alternaria solani, which causes early blight disease. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the role of fungal endophytes in protecting eggplant against early blight as well as in improving its growth performance. RESULTS: Endophytic Aspergillus terreus was isolated from Ocimum basilicum leaves and identified morphologically and genetically. In vitro, crude extract of endophytic A. terreus exhibited promising antifungal activity against A. solani where minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 1.25 mg/ml. Severity of the disease and rate of protection from the disease were recorded. Vegetative growth indices, physiological resistance signs (photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrates, proteins, phenols, proline, malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidant enzymes), and isozymes were estimated. Alternaria solani caused a highly disease severity (87.5%) and a noticeable decreasing in growth characteristics and photosynthetic pigments except for carotenoids. Also, infection with A. solani caused significant decreases in the contents of carbohydrate and protein by 29.94% and 10.52%, respectively. Infection with A. solani caused enhancement in phenolics (77.21%), free proline (30.56%), malondialdehyde (30.26%), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (125.47%), catalase (CAT) (125.93%), peroxidase (POD) (25.07%) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) (125.37%) compared to healthy plants. In contrast, the use of A. terreus on infected plants succeeded in recovering eggplants from the disease, as the disease severity was recorded (caused protection by 66.67%). Application of A. terreus either on healthy or infected eggplants showed several responses in number and density of peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) isozymes. CONCLUSION: It is necessary for us to address the remarkable improvement in the photosynthetic pigments, protein, carbohydrates, and enzymatic activity compared to infected control, which opens the way for more studies on the use of biocides as safe alternatives against fungal diseases.

Evaluation of the Therapeutic Potential of Histone Deacetylase 6 Inhibitors for Primary and Metastatic Uveal Melanoma.

Patients diagnosed with metastatic uveal melanoma (MUM) have a poor survival prognosis. Unfortunately for this rare disease, there is no known cure and suitable therapeutic options are limited. HDAC6 inhibitors (HDAC6i) are currently in clinical trials for other cancers and show potential beneficial effects against tumor cell survival in vitro and in vivo. In MUM cells, HDAC6i show an anti-proliferative effect in vitro and in preclinical xenograft models. The use of HDAC6 inhibitors as a treatment option for MUM should be explored further. Therefore, this review discusses (1) what is known about HDAC6i in MUM and (2) whether HDAC6 inhibitors offer a potential therapeutic option for MUM.