Transcriptome analysis unveils the mechanisms of lipid metabolism response to grayanotoxin I stress in Spodoptera litura.

Background: Spodoptera litura (tobacco caterpillar, S. litura) is a pest of great economic importance due to being a polyphagous and world-distributed agricultural pest. However, agricultural practices involving chemical pesticides have caused resistance, resurgence, and residue problems, highlighting the need for new, environmentally friendly methods to control the spread of S. litura. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the gut poisoning of grayanotoxin I, an active compound found in Pieris japonica, on S. litura, and to explore the underlying mechanisms of these effects. Methods: S. litura was cultivated in a laboratory setting, and their survival rate, growth and development, and pupation time were recorded after grayanotoxin I treatment. RNA-Seq was utilized to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted to determine the functions of these DEGs. ELISA was employed to analyze the levels of lipase, 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (HOAD), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). Hematoxylin and Eosin (H & E) staining was used to detect the development of the fat body. Results: Grayanotoxin I treatment significantly suppressed the survival rate, growth and development, and pupation of S. litura. RNA-Seq analysis revealed 285 DEGs after grayanotoxin I exposure, with over 16 genes related to lipid metabolism. These 285 DEGs were enriched in the categories of cuticle development, larvae longevity, fat digestion and absorption. Grayanotoxin I treatment also inhibited the levels of FFA, lipase, and HOAD in the hemolymph of S. litura. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that grayanotoxin I inhibited the growth and development of S. litura. The mechanisms might, at least partly, be related to the interference of lipid synthesis, lipolysis, and fat body development. These findings provide valuable insights into a new, environmentally-friendly plant-derived insecticide, grayanotoxin I, to control the spread of S. litura.

Application of enzymes for targeted removal of biofilm and fouling from fouling-release surfaces in marine environments: A review.

Biofouling causes adverse issues in underwater structures including ship hulls, aquaculture cages, fishnets, petroleum pipelines, sensors, and other equipment. Marine constructions and vessels frequently are using coatings with antifouling properties. During the previous ten years, several alternative strategies have been used to combat the biofilm and biofouling that have developed on different abiotic or biotic surfaces. Enzymes have frequently been suggested as a cost-effective, substitute, eco-friendly, for conventional antifouling and antibiofilm substances. The destruction of sticky biopolymers, biofilm matrix disorder, bacterial signal interference, and the creation of biocide or inhibitors are among the catalytic reactions of enzymes that really can successfully prevent the formation of biofilms. In this review we presented enzymes that have antifouling and antibiofilm properties in the marine environment like α-amylase, protease, lysozymes, glycoside hydrolase, aminopeptidases, oxidase, haloperoxidase and lipases. We also overviewed the function, benefits and challenges of enzymes in removing biofouling. The reports suggest enzymes are good candidates for marine environment. According to the findings of a review of studies in this field, none of the enzymes were able to inhibit the development of biofilm by a site marine microbial community when used alone and we suggest using other enzymes or a mixture of enzymes for antifouling and antibiofilm purposes in the sea environment.

Digestive enzyme activity and macromolecule content in the hemolymph of differentially adapted Lymantria dispar L. populations after short-term increases in ambient temperature.

Global, unpredictable temperature increases have strong effects on all organisms, especially insects. Elucidating the effects of short-term temperature increases on midgut digestive enzymes (α-glucosidase, lipase, trypsin, and leucine aminopeptidase - LAP) and metabolic macromolecules in the hemolymph (proteins, lipids, and trehalose) of phytophagous pest larvae of Lymantria dispar is important for general considerations of insect adaptation to a warming climate and potential pest control options. We also wanted to determine whether the different adaptations of L. dispar populations to environmental pollution might affect their ability to cope with heat stress using larvae from the undisturbed, Kosmaj forest and disturbed, Lipovica forest. Heat treatments at 28 °C increased α-glucosidase activity in both larval populations, inhibited LAP activity in larvae from the polluted forest, and had no significant effect on trypsin and lipase activities, regardless of larval origin. The concentration of proteins, lipids, and trehalose in the hemolymph of larvae from the disturbed forest increased, whereas the population from the undisturbed forest showed only an increase in proteins and lipids after the heat treatments. Larval mass was also increased in larvae from the undisturbed forest. Our results suggest a higher sensitivity of digestive enzymes and metabolism to short-term heat stress in L. dispar populations adapted to pollution in their forest habitat, although climate warming is not beneficial even for populations from unpolluted forests. The digestive and metabolic processes of L. dispar larvae are substantially affected by sublethal short-term increases in ambient temperature.

Hydroxylated polymethoxyflavones reduce the activity of pancreatic lipase, inhibit adipogenesis and enhance lipolysis in 3T3-L1 mouse embryonic fibroblast cells.

Hydroxylated polymethoxyflavones (HPMFs) have been shown to possess various anti-disease effects, including against obesity. This study investigates the anti-obesity effects of HPMFs in further detail, aiming to gain understanding of their mechanism of action in this context. The current study demonstrates that two HPMFs; 3'-hydroxy-5,7,4',5'-tetramethoxyflavone (3'OH-TetMF) and 4'-hydroxy-5,7,3',5'-tetramethoxyflavone (4'OH-TetMF) possess anti-obesity effects. They both significantly reduced pancreatic lipase activity in a competitive manner as demonstrated by molecular docking and kinetic studies. In cell studies, it was revealed that both of the HPMFs suppress differentiation of 3T3-L1 mouse embryonic fibroblast cells during the early stages of adipogenesis. They also reduced expression of key adipogenic and lipogenic marker genes, namely peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α and ß (C/EBP α and ß), adipocyte binding protein 2 (aP2), fatty acid synthase (FASN), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBF 1). They also enhanced the expression of cell cycle genes, i.e., cyclin D1 (CCND1) and C-Myc, and reduced cyclin A2 expression. When further investigated, it was also observed that these HPMFs accelerate lipid breakdown (lipolysis) and enhance lipolytic genes expression. Moreover, they also reduced the secretion of proteins (adipokines), including pro-inflammatory cytokines, from mature adipocytes. Taken together, this study concludes that these HPMFs have anti-obesity effects, which are worthy of further investigation.

Characterization of Potential Virulence, Resistance to Antibiotics and Heavy Metals, and Biofilm-Forming Capabilities of Soil Lignocellulolytic Bacteria.

Soil bacteria participate in self-immobilization processes for survival, persistence, and production of virulence factors in some niches or hosts through their capacities for autoaggregation, cell surface hydrophobicity, biofilm formation, and antibiotic and heavy metal resistance. This study investigated potential virulence, antibiotic and heavy metal resistance, solvent adhesion, and biofilm-forming capabilities of six cellulolytic bacteria isolated from soil samples: Paenarthrobacter sp. MKAL1, Hymenobacter sp. MKAL2, Mycobacterium sp. MKAL3, Stenotrophomonas sp. MKAL4, Chryseobacterium sp. MKAL5, and Bacillus sp. MKAL6. Strains were subjected to phenotypic methods, including heavy metal and antibiotic susceptibility and virulence factors (protease, lipase, capsule production, autoaggregation, hydrophobicity, and biofilm formation). The effect of ciprofloxacin was also investigated on bacterial susceptibility over time, cell membrane, and biofilm formation. Strains MKAL2, MKAL5, and MKAL6 exhibited protease and lipase activities, while only MKAL6 produced capsules. All strains were capable of aggregating, forming biofilm, and adhering to solvents. Strains tolerated high amounts of chromium, lead, zinc, nickel, and manganese and were resistant to lincomycin. Ciprofloxacin exhibited bactericidal activity against these strains. Although the phenotypic evaluation of virulence factors of bacteria can indicate their pathogenic nature, an in-depth genetic study of virulence, antibiotic and heavy metal resistance genes is required.

Exposure to acute waterborne cadmium caused severe damage on lipid metabolism of freshwater fish, revealed by nuclear lipid droplet deposition in hepatocytes of rare minnow.

Cadmium (Cd) is a widely distributed aquatic toxic heavy metal with the potential to disrupt fish metabolism; however, more research is needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms. In the present study, rare minnows (Gobiocypris rarus) were used to detect the effects of cadmium on freshwater fish lipid metabolism and its underlying mechanism by histopathological observation, measurement of serum and liver biochemical indexes, and analysis of gene expression in terms of lipid oxidation, synthesis and transport. Here, severe damage, such as cytoplasmic lipid droplet (LD) accumulation, ectopic deposition of LDs, and the appearance of nuclear LDs (nLDs), was detected after exposure to 2.0 mg/L or higher concentrations (2.5 and 2.8 mg/L CdCl2) for 96 h. Other damage included abnormal increases in rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) lamellae in a fingerprint or concentric circle pattern and necrosis of hepatocytes, and which was observed in the livers of fish exposed to 2.0 mg/L CdCl2.. Both hepatic and serum lipids, such as triglycerides and total cholesterol, were significantly increased after exposure to 2.0 mg/L CdCl2, as was serum lipase (LPS). Hepatic lipase and lipoprotein lipase remained unchanged, in accordance with the unchanged hepatic mRNA transcripts of PPARɑ. Furthermore, the mRNA transcripts of both SCD and SQLE were significantly decreased. Moreover, hepatic and serum low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol showed significant changes, which were accompanied by a significant increase and decrease in hepatic APOAI and APOB100 mRNA levels, respectively. All the results indicate the presence of severe damage to hepatic lipid metabolism and that disrupted lipid transport may play a key role in the accumulation of hepatic LDs. In addition, the hepatic nLDs of nonmammalian vertebrates and their location across the nuclear envelope are intriguing, suggesting that large-size nLDs are a common marker for severe liver damage.

Impact of surface pre-reacted glass ionomer filler eluate on lipase gene expression in Candida albicans: An in vitro study.

Although a surface pre-reacted glass ionomer (S-PRG) exerts a suppressive effect on Candida albicans (C. albicans) activity and growth, its influence on the expression of the lipase gene (LIP) family including LIP1-LIP10, an indicator of clinical infection, has not yet been investigated. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the effect of S-PRG filler eluates on LIP expression in C. albicans using real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Candida albicans was treated with an S-PRG filler diluted at ratios of 1:32 and 1:64 for 24 h at 37°C. The diluted S-PRG filler eluates (1:32) suppressed lipase activity in C. albicans by downregulating LIP5 (0.54±0.25 relative to that of the control) and LIP8 (0.35±0.074) expression after 24 h, which corresponded with decreased lipase activity. At a dilution factor of 1:64, there was no significant difference in LIP expression. Thus, the S-PRG filler eluate has potential to suppress fungal activity by downregulating LIP expression.

Ferulic acid improves glucose homeostasis by modulation of key diabetogenic activities and restoration of pancreatic architecture in diabetic rats.

There are increasing concerns on the rising cases of diabetes mellitus with type 2 diabetes (T2D) being of major interest as well as the cost of its treatment. Plant phenolic compounds are natural and potent antioxidants that have been widely reported for their antidiabetic activities properties, one of which is ferulic acid. The effect of ferulic acid (FA) on major diabetogenic activities and pancreatic architecture linked to T2D was investigated in T2D rats. T2D was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats using the fructose-streptozotocin model. Diabetic rats were treated with FA at 150 or 300 mg/kg bodyweight (bw). Normal control consisted of rats administered with food and water, while diabetic control consisted of untreated diabetic rats. Metformin was used as the standard drug. The rats were humanely sacrificed after 5 weeks of treatment. Their blood, liver, and pancreas were collected for analysis. Total glycogen content and carbohydrate metabolic enzymes activities were analyzed in the liver, while the pancreas and serum from blood were analyzed for oxidative stress biomarkers, purinergic and cholinergic enzyme activities, and amylase and lipase activities. The pancreatic tissue was further subjected to microscopic and histological examinations. FA caused a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in blood glucose level, with concomitant increase in serum insulin level. Treatment with FA also led to elevated levels of GSH, HDL-c, SOD, and catalase activities, while concomitantly suppressing malondialdehyde, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-c, NO, ALT, AST, creatinine, urea, and uric acid levels, acetylcholinesterase, ATPase, ENTPDase, 5'-nucleotidase, lipase, glycogen phosphorylase, glucose-6-phosphatase, and fructose-1,6-biphosphatase activities. Histology analysis revealed an intact pancreatic morphology in FA-treated diabetic rats. While transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed an intact pancreatic ultrastructure and increased number of insulin granules in ß-cells. Taken together, these results portray that the antidiabetic potentials of ferulic acid involves modulation of major diabetogenic activities and maintenance of the pancreatic ultrastructure architecture.

Evaluation of antioxidant capacity and digestive enzyme activities in Mytilus galloprovincialis exposed to nanoplastics under different patterns of hypoxia.

In the marine environment, plastic pollution may occur simultaneously with hypoxia. However, current ecological risk assessments of nanoplastics have rarely considered the impact of additional environmental factors, such as hypoxia. In this study, we investigated the effect of polystyrene nanospheres (PS-NPs) on the digestive performance (antioxidant system and digestive enzymes) of mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis under different patterns of hypoxia (normoxia, constant hypoxia, and fluctuating hypoxia). The result showed that PS-NPs caused oxidative damage in the digestive glands of mussels, while all patterns of hypoxia exacerbated this oxidative damage. Activities of four digestive enzymes (α-amylase, cellulase, trypsin, and lipase) were examined. Among these, the activity of the α-amylase was inhibited by PS-NPs, and the inhibition was aggravated by all the hypoxia patterns. The cellulase activity and trypsin activity was enhanced by PS-NPs, and the increase was further stimulated by hypoxia. Lipase activity was not affected by PS-NPs alone, but significant inhibition was detected after the coexposure to PS-NPs and hypoxia. Conclusively, the combined stress of hypoxia and nanoplastics can significantly affect the digestive performance of mussels and may alter the mussel nutrient uptake strategy. Our work has provided new insight into the ecological risk assessment of plastics under global climate change.

Selenium and vitamin B6 cosupplementation improves dyslipidemia and fatty liver syndrome by SIRT1/SREBP-1c pathway in hyperlipidemic Sprague-Dawley rats induced by high-fat diet.

Previously, our group found that the dietary trace mineral element selenium and vitamin B6 (VitB6) alone was involved in lipid metabolism. However, the effects of selenium combined with VitB6 on hyperlipidemia and lipid metabolism have not been reported until now. We hypothesized that selenium and VitB6 cosupplementation would alleviate the hyperlipidemic and hepatic dysfunction and with minimum side effects in a Sprague-Dawley rat model of hyperlipidemia induced by a high-fat diet. Our results showed that selenium combined with VitB6 could improve dyslipidemia and displayed better in vivo hypocholesterolemic abilities at early intervention. Moreover, cosupplementation reduced atherogenic indexes (atherogenic index and atherogenic index of plasm) and the ratio of ApoB/ApoA1. The liver function index aspartate aminotransferase in serum was reduced, as was and total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in liver. The intervention also increased the levels of ApoA1 in serum and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol of liver. In addition, the combination of selenium and VitB6 decreased liver lipid deposition and alleviated steatosis, reduced adipocyte size of white adipose tissue, increased the activities of hepatic lipase and total lipase and the hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) level, decreased the hepatic mRNA transcription of lipogenic and regulatory genes including Srebf1 and downstream fat synthesis-related enzymes (Acc and Fasn) and cholesterol synthesis speed limiting enzyme Hmgr, increased the mRNA abundance of Lcat and Cyp7a1, increased the protein expression of SIRT1 and PPARα, and up-regulated the protein expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c in the livers of hyperlipidemia rats. We first demonstrated that oral selenium and VitB6 cosupplementation exerted synergism in lowering blood and liver lipid profiles and antiatherosclerotic effects in hyperlipidemic rats by reducing endogenous cholesterol and lipid synthesis, enhancing the transport of cholesterol to hepatocytes and promoting fatty acid beta oxidation.

3-Phenylpropan-1-Amine Enhanced Susceptibility of Serratia marcescens to Ofloxacin by Occluding Quorum Sensing.

Serratia marcescens (S. marcescens) is an environmental bacterium that causes infections with high morbidity and mortality. Notably, infections caused by multidrug-resistant S. marcescens have become a global public health issue. Therefore, the discovery of promising compounds to reduce the virulence of pathogens and restore antibiotic activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria is critical. Quorum sensing (QS) regulates virulence factors and biofilm formation of microorganisms to increase their pathogenicity and is, therefore, an important factor in the formation of multidrug resistance. In this study, we found that 3-phenylpropan-1-amine (3-PPA) inhibited S. marcescens NJ01 biofilm formation and virulence factors, including prodigiosin, protease, lipase, hemolysin, and swimming. The combination of 3-PPA (50.0 µg/mL) and ofloxacin (0.2 µg/mL) enhanced S. marcescens NJ01 sensitivity to ofloxacin. Based on crystalline violet staining, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), 3-PPA (50.0 µg/mL) reduced S. marcescens NJ01 biofilm formation by 48%. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) showed that 3-PPA regulated the expression of virulence- and biofilm-related genes fimA, fimC, bsmB, pigP, flhC, flhD, and sodB. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) indicated that 3-PPA affected intracellular metabolites of S. marcescens NJ01, leading to reduce metabolic activity. These results suggested that 3-PPA inhibits the pathogenicity of S. marcescens NJ01 by occluding QS. Thus, 3-PPA is feasible as an ofloxacin adjuvant to overcome multidrug-resistant S. marcescens and improve the treatment of intractable infections. IMPORTANCE Multidrug-resistant bacteria have become a major threat to global public health, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. Bacterial virulence factors and biofilms, which are regulated by quorum sensing (QS), are the primary causes of multidrug resistance. In this study, 3-PPA reduced virulence factors and eliminated biofilm formation by inhibiting QS in S. marcescens NJ01 bacteria, without affecting bacterial growth, thus restoring sensitivity to ofloxacin. Thus, the discovery of compounds that can restore antibiotic activity against bacteria is a promising strategy to mitigate multidrug resistance in pathogens.

Zwitterionic meso-silica/polypeptide hybrid nanoparticles for efficient azithromycin delivery and photodynamic therapy for synergistic treatment of drug-resistant bacterial infection.

The treatment of drug-resistant bacterial infections attributed to the overuse of antibiotics still remains a serious challenge globally. Herein, zwitterionic charge switchable meso-silica/polypeptide hybrid nanoparticles (MSPNs) were prepared for the synergistic chemo-photodynamic therapy in the treatment of drug-resistant bacterial infections. Subsequently, azithromycin (AZT) and methylene blue (MB) were loaded in the MSPNs to form the combined chemo-photodynamic therapeutic nanoparticles (MSPNs-AZT/MB) for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Remarkably, the as-prepared MSPNs-AZT/MB exhibited a negative surface charge of -5.2 mV at physiological pH while switching into positive surface charge of 24.7 mv in an acidic environment, leading to enhanced binding with bacterial surface. The lipase-triggered AZT release up to 77.9 % was achieved, and the loaded MB demonstrated efficient singlet oxygen (1O2) generation for photodynamic therapy. The in vitro experimental results displayed an excellent antibacterial effect against MRSA in both planktonic and biofilm phenotypes. Additionally, the as-prepared MSPNs-AZT/MB exhibited synergistic and enhanced antibacterial infection effect up to 94 % comparing to monotherapy in a mice model. Considering the above advantages, the as-prepared combined chemo-photodynamic therapeutic nanoparticles showed promising biocompatibility and clinical potential for the efficient therapy of drug-resistant bacteria.

Graphene oxide links alterations of anti-viral signaling pathways with lipid metabolism via suppressing TLR3 in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), the main cells constructing blood vessels, are important in the regulation of the pathophysiology of vascular systems; however, relatively few studies have investigated the influence of nanomaterials (NMs) on VSMCs. In this study, we found that the interaction between graphene oxide and human VSMCs led to the cytotoxicity and morphological changes of cells. Because transcriptomic data suggested that graphene oxide decreased anti-viral signaling pathways via decreasing Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), we further verified that graphene oxide decreased interferon induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 1 (IFIT1) and the radical S-adenosyl methionine domain containing 2 (RSAD2), and TLR3-downstream genes involved in anti-viral responses. Due to the involvement of RSAD2 in lipid dysfunction, we also verified that graphene oxide disrupted lipid homeostasis and increased adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL). Adding TLR3 agonist polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly IC) partially increased TLR3-downstream protein interleukin-8 (IL-8) and some lipid classes, particularly lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE), in graphene oxide-exposed VSMCs. In mice receiving repeated intravenous injection of graphene oxide, significantly decreased TLR3, IFIT1 and RSAD2 but increased ATGL proteins were observed in aortas. We conclude that graphene oxide altered anti-viral signaling pathways and lipid metabolism via decreasing TLR3 in VSMCs.

Cigarette smoke toxin hydroquinone and misfolding pancreatic lipase variant cooperatively promote endoplasmic reticulum stress and cell death.

Mutation-induced protein misfolding of pancreatic secretory enzymes and consequent endoplasmic reticulum stress can cause chronic pancreatitis. A recent study revealed that cigarette smoke also increases the risk of the disease through endoplasmic reticulum stress. Here, we investigated the cumulative cellular effect of the G233E misfolding human pancreatic lipase variant and hydroquinone; a main toxic constituent of cigarette smoke, using mammalian cell lines. We found that hydroquinone reduces cell viability on a dose-dependent manner through programmed cell death, and diminishes lipase secretion without affecting its expression. Interestingly, hydroquinone decreased the viability more markedly in cells expressing the G233E lipase variant, than in cells producing wild-type lipase. The more substantial viability loss was due to increased endoplasmic reticulum stress, as demonstrated by elevated levels of X-box binding protein 1 mRNA splicing and immunoglobulin binding protein, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 and C/EBP homologous protein expression. Unresolved endoplasmic reticulum stress, and especially up-regulation of the pro-apoptotic transcription factor C/EBP homologous protein were likely responsible for the increased cell death. Our observations demonstrated that the combination of hydroquinone and misfolding pancreatic lipase variant promote increased levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress and cell death, which may predispose to chronic pancreatitis.

Enzymes in the time of COVID-19: An overview about the effects in the human body, enzyme market, and perspectives for new drugs.

The rising pandemic caused by a coronavirus, resulted in a scientific quest to discover some effective treatments against its etiologic agent, the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This research represented a significant scientific landmark and resulted in many medical advances. However, efforts to understand the viral mechanism of action and how the human body machinery is subverted during the infection are still ongoing. Herein, we contributed to this field with this compilation of the roles of both viral and human enzymes in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this sense, this overview reports that proteases are vital for the infection to take place: from SARS-CoV-2 perspective, the main protease (Mpro ) and papain-like protease (PLpro ) are highlighted; from the human body, angiotensin-converting enzyme-2, transmembrane serine protease-2, and cathepsins (CatB/L) are pointed out. In addition, the influence of the virus on other enzymes is reported as the JAK/STAT pathway and the levels of lipase, enzymes from the cholesterol metabolism pathway, amylase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase are also be disturbed in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Finally, this paper discusses the importance of detailed enzymatic studies for future treatments against SARS-CoV-2, and how some issues related to the syndrome treatment can create opportunities in the biotechnological market of enzymes and the development of new drugs.

Paeoniflorin Can Improve Acute Lung Injury Caused by Severe Acute Pancreatitis through Nrf2/ARE Pathway.

Objective: To evaluate the potential therapeutic effect of paeoniflorin on acute lung injury induced by severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and to initially explore the possible protective mechanisms of paeoniflorin. Method: The SAP lung injury rat model was established by retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate to the cholangiopancreatic duct. H&E staining was used to detect pathological changes in rat lung tissue. W/D ratio method, serum amylase (AMY), and lipase activity were used to assess the degree of lung injury in rats. Oxidation indicators such as LDH, MDA, and SOD in lung tissue were measured. Levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). At the same time, Western blot was used to detect the expression of related proteins in the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. Results: In SAP rats, paeoniflorin treatment could significantly alleviate lung injury conditions such as pulmonary edema and inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissue and reduce serum amylase and lipase activities. Paeoniflorin can reduce the content of LDH and MDA in lung tissue and increase the content of SOD. In addition, ELISA results showed that paeoniflorin could inhibit the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in BALF and upregulate the levels of IL-10. Paeoniflorin could upregulate the expression of Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway proteins Cyt-Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1 in lung tissue of SAP rats. Conclusion: Paeoniflorin may improve acute lung injury in rats with severe pancreatitis by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress response. These effects may be related to activating the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.

Effect of exogenous lipase on subcutaneous adipose tissue in a porcine animal model.

BACKGROUND: Topical exogenous lipase has been approved for cosmetic use and has been used to mobilize fat from adipocytes. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of exogenous lipase in the subcutaneous adipose tissue. METHODS: Three different concentrations of exogenous lipase 1× (2 Units per ml), 5× (10 units per ml), and 10× (20 units per ml) were applied in a porcine model. Normal saline (NS) solution (as negative control) and phosphatidylcholine (as positive control) were also injected. Skin and subcutaneous tissue biopsies, up to the fascia, were obtained from each injection site on the 3rd day after injection. The number of cells per 20× field was counted as an indirect measurement of the size of the adipocytes. RESULTS: For 1× lipase, the number of cells per field was 47.80 (±7.63) versus 27.26 (±4.93), and 34.66 (±6.84) for NS, and phosphatidylcholine, respectively. For 5× lipase, the count was 36.06 (±4.74) versus 24.13 (±5.18), and 33.2 (±9.34). For 10× lipase, it was 40.06 (±4.35) versus 29.26 (±2.34) and 32.66 (±6.30) (p < .05 for all groups). CONCLUSIONS: A higher number of cells per field were observed in the lipase samples, inferring a decreased volume of adipocytes. No inflammation and/or loss of cell architecture were evidenced in the exogenous lipase groups.

Evaluation of the Impact of Esterases and Lipases from the Circulatory System against Substrates of Different Lipophilicity.

Esterases and lipases can process amphiphilic esters used as drugs and prodrugs and impact their pharmacokinetics and biodistribution. These hydrolases can also process ester components of drug delivery systems (DDSs), thus triggering DDSs destabilization with premature cargo release. In this study we tested and optimized assays that allowed us to quantify and compare individual esterase contributions to the degradation of substrates of increased lipophilicity and to establish limitations in terms of substrates that can be processed by a specific esterase/lipase. We have studied the impact of carbonic anhydrase; phospholipases A1, A2, C and D; lipoprotein lipase; and standard lipase on the hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl acetate, 4-nitrophenyl palmitate, DGGR and POPC liposomes, drawing structure-property relationships. We found that the enzymatic activity of these proteins was highly dependent on the lipophilicity of the substrate used to assess them, as expected. The activity observed for classical esterases was diminished when lipophilicity of the substrate increased, while activity observed for lipases generally increased, following the interfacial activation model, and was highly dependent on the type of lipase and its structure. The assays developed allowed us to determine the most sensitive methods for quantifying enzymatic activity against substrates of particular types and lipophilicity.

An uncharacterized protein from the metagenome with no obvious homology to known lipases shows excellent alkaline lipase properties and potential applications in the detergent industry.

A novel lipase, Lip486, which has no obvious homology with known lipases, was discovered using functional metagenomics technology. Phylogenetic tree analysis suggested that the enzyme belongs to a new subfamily called lipolytic enzyme family II. To explore the enzymatic properties, lip486 was expressed heterologously and efficiently in Escherichia coli. The recombinant enzyme displayed the highest activity on the substrate p-nitrophenyl caprate with a carbon chain length of 10, and its optimum temperature and pH were 53 °C and 8.0, respectively. The recombinant Lip486 showed good activity and stability in strong alkaline and medium-low-temperature environments. The results of compatibility and soaking tests showed that the enzyme had good compatibility with 4 kinds of commercial detergents, and an appropriate soaking time could further improve the enzyme activity. Oil stain removal test results for a cotton cloth indicated that the washing performance of commercial laundry detergent supplemented with Lip486 was further improved. In addition, as one of the smallest lipases found to date, Lip486 also has the advantages of high yield, good stability and easy molecular modification. These characteristics reflect the good application prospects for Lip486 in the detergent and other industries in the future.

Bacterial Lipase Neutralized Toxicity of Lipopolysaccharide on Chicken Embryo Cardiac Tissue.

It has been shown that near all organs, especially the cardiovascular system, are affected by bacterial lipopolysaccharide via the activation of Toll-like receptor signaling pathways. Here, we tried to find the blunting effect of bacterial lipase on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cardiac tissue toxicity in chicken embryos. 7-day fertilized chicken eggs were divided randomly into different groups as follows; Control, Normal Saline, LPS (0.1, 0.5 and 1 mg/kbw), and LPS (0.1, 0.5 and 1 mg/kbw) plus 5 mg/ml Lipase. On day 17, the hearts were sampled. The expression of genes such as GATA4, NKX2.5, EGFR, TRIF, and NF-ƙB was monitored using real-time PCR analysis. Using western blotting, we measured NF-ƙB protein level. Total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, and Catalase activity were also studied. Microvascular density and anterior wall thickness were monitored in histological samples using H&E staining. High dose of LPS (1 mg/kbw) increased the expression of TRIF but not NF-ƙB compared to the control group (p < 0.05). We found a statistically significant reduction in groups that received LPS + Lipase compared to the control and LPS groups (p < 0.05). Western blotting revealed that the injection of Lipase could reduce LPS-induced NF-ƙB compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The expression of GATA4, NKx2.5, and EGFR was not altered in the LPS group, while the simultaneous application of LPS and Lipase significantly reduced GATA4, NKx2.5, and EGFR levels below the control (p < 0.05). We found non-significant differences in glutathione peroxidase, and Catalase activity in all groups (p > 0.05), while total antioxidant capacity was increased in groups that received LPS + Lipase. Anterior wall thickness was diminished in LPS groups and the use of both lipase and LPS returned near-to-control values (p < 0.05). Despite a slight increase in microvascular density, we found statistically non-significant differences in all groups (p > 0.05). Bacterial lipase reduces detrimental effects of LPS on chicken embryo heart induced via Toll-like receptor signaling pathway.