Zinc,Manganese, Calcium,Copper, and Cadmium Level in Scalp Hair Samples of Schizophrenic Patients

The purpose of the study was to determine the concentration of trace elements present in scalp hair sample of schizophrenic patients and to find out the relationship between trace elements level and nutritional status or socioeconomic factors. The study was conducted among 30 schizophrenic male patients and 30 healthy male volunteers. Patients were recruited from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University by random sampling. Hair trace element concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy and analyzed by independent t test, Pearson’s correlation analysis, regression analysis, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Mn, Zn, Ca, Cu, and Cd concentrations of schizophrenic patients were 3.8 ± 2.31 μg/gm, 171.6 ± 59.04 μg/gm, 396.23 ± 157.83 μg/gm, 15.40 ± 5.68 μg/gm, and 1.14 ± 0.89 μg/gm of hair sample, while those of control subjects were 4.4 ± 2.32 μg/gm, 199.16 ± 27.85 μg/gm, 620.9 ± 181.55 μg/gm, 12.23 ± 4.56 μg/gm, and 0.47 ± 0.32 μg/gm of hair sample, respectively. The hair concentration of Zn and Ca decreased significantly (p = 0.024; p = 0.000, respectively) and the concentration of Cu and Cd increased significantly (p = 0.021; p = 0.000, respectively) in schizophrenic patients while the concentration of Mn (p = 0.321) remain unchanged. Socioeconomic data reveals that most of the patients were poor, middle-aged and divorced. Mean body mass indices (BMIs) of the control group (22.26 ± 1.91 kg/m²) and the patient group (20.42 ± 3.16 kg/m²) were within the normal range (18.5−25.0 kg/m²). Pearson’s correlation analysis suggested that only Ca concentration of patients had a significant positive correlation with the BMI (r = 0.597; p = 0.000) which was further justified from the regression analysis (R ² = 44%; t = 3.59; p = 0.002) and one-way ANOVA test (F = 3.62; p = 0.015). A significant decrease in the hair concentration of Zn and Ca as well as a significant increase in the hair concentration of Cu and Cd in schizophrenic patients than that of its control group was observed which may provide prognostic tool for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. However, further work with larger population is suggested to examine the exact correlation between trace element level and the degree of disorder.     

Serum Levels of Cu,Se, and Zn in Adult Rural/Urban Residents in Ghana: Paradigm Shift?

Deficiencies in Cu, Se, and Zn impair one or more biochemical functions, and excess are associated with toxicity. Baseline studies on the Ghanaian population are scanty. The study was undertaken to determine whether significant rural/urban differences in the serum levels of Cu, Se, and Zn did exist. Forty males/60 females from rural and 50 males/50 females from urban Ghanaian communities were sampled. Serum Cu, Se, and Zn were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Cu level for rural and urban subjects was 997 ± 333 and 979 ± 290 μg/L, respectively (p = 0.68). However, Cu levels were significantly higher in the rural females (1,063 ± 367 μg/L) than the rural males (898 ± 249 μg/L; p = 0.0085). Se levels for rural/urban subjects were 97 ± 36 and 87 ± 31 μg/L, respectively (p = 0.03). Zn levels in the rural/urban subjects were 312 ± 218 and 150 ± 102 μg/L, respectively (p = 0.002). Additionally, Zn was significantly higher in rural females (428 ± 204 μg/L) than the urban females (166 ± 103 μg/L; p = 0.0002). Finally, Zn was significantly higher in rural females (428 ± 204 μg/L) than males (172 ± 116 μg/L; p = 0.0028). In conclusion, Cu, Se, and Zn were higher in the rural group compared to the urban group, and the generally low Zn levels were confirmed in another cohort follow-up study.     

Relationships Between Respiratory Function Disorders and Serum Copper Levels in Copper Mineworkers

The aim of this study was to investigate the respiratory function disorders that could be related to dust exposure during the production of copper mine in copper mineworkers (CMWs). The study included 75 male CMWs (mean age, 32.0 ± 7.1 years, 58.6% smokers) and 75 male age- and smoking status-matched healthy control subjects. Serum Cu level was significantly higher in the CMW group (0.80 ± 0.62 μg/ml) than the control group (0.60 ± 0.39 μg/ml) (p = 0.017). Significant negative correlations were found between serum Cu level and forced expiratory volume in first second (r = −0.600; p < 0.001) and between serum Cu level and forced vital capacity (r = −0.593; p = <0.001) in CMWs. Serum Cu level was significantly higher in the restrictive type pulmonary function disorders group (1.36 ± 0.62 μg/ml) than obstructive type (0.90 ± 0.55 μg/ml) and normal pulmonary function pattern group (0.53 ± 0.43 μg/ml) (p < 0.001). Patients with radiological parenchymal abnormalities had significantly higher serum copper levels than those without abnormalities (1.53 ± 0.52 vs. 0.71 ± 0.52 μg/ml, respectively; p = 0.002). In conclusion, result of the study has shown a negative association between pulmonary functions disorders and radiological abnormalities and serum Cu levels in CMWs.     

Comparison of metabolite levels in callus of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tecoma stans</Emphasis> (L.) Juss. ex Kunth. cultured in photoperiod and darkness

Tecoma stans is a tropical plant from the Americas. Antioxidant activity and both phenolic compound and flavonoid total content were determined for callus tissue of T. stans cultured in either a set photoperiod or in darkness. Callus lines from three explant types (hypocotyls, stem, and leaf) were established on B5 culture medium supplemented with 0.5 μM 2,4-D and 5.0 μM kinetin. While leaf-derived callus grew slower under a 16-h photoperiod (specific growth rate, μ = 0.179 d⁻¹, t _D = 3.9 d) than in darkness (μ = 0.236 d⁻¹, t _D = 2.9 d), it accumulated the highest amount (p < 0.05) of both phenolics (86.6 ± 0.01 mg gallic acid equivalents/g) and flavonoids (339.6 ± 0.06 mg catechin equivalents/g). Similarly, antioxidant activity was significantly higher (p < 0.05) when callus was cultured in period light than when grown in extended darkness. Antioxidant activity measured with a 2,20-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS)-based assay was 350.5 ± 15.8 mmol Trolox/g extract for callus cultured under a defined photoperiod compared to 129.1 ± 7.5 mmol Trolox/g extract from callus cultured in darkness. Content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids was in agreement with a better antioxidant power (EC₅₀ = 450 μg extract/mg 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and antiradical efficiency. Results of the present study show that calli of T. stans are a source of compounds with antioxidant activity that is favored by culture under a set photoperiod.     

Plasma Leptin,Plasma Zinc,and Plasma Copper Are Associated in Elite Female and Male Judo Athletes

The purpose of this study was to compare plasma leptin, plasma zinc, and plasma copper levels and their relationship in trained female and male judo athletes (n = 10 women; n = 8 men). Blood samples were obtained 24 h after training to measure plasma zinc, copper, and leptin levels. Subjects presented similar values to age (22 ± 2 years old), body mass index (24 ± 1 kg/m²), plasma zinc (17.2 ± 2 μmol/L), copper (12.5 ± 2 μmol/L), and leptin (5.6 ± 1.3 μg/L). However, height, total body mass, lean mass, fat mass, and sum of ten-skinfold thickness were higher in male than female. Plasma leptin was associated with sum of ten skinfolds in male (r = 0.91; p < 0.001) and female athletes (r = 0.84; p < 0.003). Plasma zinc was associated with leptin in males (r = 0.82; p < 0.05) while copper was associated with plasma leptin in females (r = 0.66; p < 0.05). Our results suggest that young judo athletes lost sex-related differences in leptin levels. Plasma zinc, plasma copper, and energy homeostasis may be involved in regulation of plasma leptin.     

Influence of Therapy with Metformin on the Concentration of Certain Divalent Cations in Patients with Non-insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Research was performed on a group of 30 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), who never received antidiabetic medication before, and on a group of 17 healthy adults. The patients were administered treatment with metformin, 1,000 mg/day. Plasmatic and urinary concentration of magnesium have been measured, copper and zinc along with the concentrations of glucose, HDL, LDL, cholesterol, tryglicerides, HbA1c, and total erythrocyte magnesium, in advance and after 3 months of treatment. Data showed significant differences in the NIDDM group vs the control group: for plasma magnesium—1.95 ± 0.19 vs 2.20 ± 0.18 mg/dl, p < 0.001; urine magnesium—237.28 ± 34.51 vs 126.25 ± 38.22 mg/24 h, p < 0.001; erythrocyte magnesium—5.09 ± 0.63 vs 6.38 ± 0.75 mg/dl, p < 0.001; plasma zinc—67.56 ± 6.21 vs 98.41 ± 20.47 μg/dl, p < 0.001; urine zinc—1,347.54 ± 158.24 vs 851.65 ± 209.75 μg/24 h, p < 0.001; plasma copper—111.91 ± 20.98 vs 96.33 ± 8.56 μg/dl, p < 0.001; and urine copper—51.70 ± 23.79 vs 36.00 ± 11.70 μg/24 h, p < 0.05. Treatment with metformin for 3 months modified significant erythrocyte magnesium—5.75 ± 0.61 vs 5.09 ± 0.63 mg/dl, p < 0.001 and urine magnesium—198.27 ± 27.07 vs 237.28 ± 34.51 mg/24 h, p < 0.001, whereas it did not modify significant the plasmatic and urinary concentration of the other cations. The erythrocyte magnesium concentration was inversely correlated with HbA1c (r = −0.438, p = 0.015). The plasma level of copper was positively correlated with HbA1c (r = 0.517, p < 0.003), tryglicerides (r = 0.534, p < 0.003), and cholesterol (r = 0.440, p < 0.05), and the plasma level of zinc was inversely correlated with glycemia (r = −0.399, p = 0.029). Our data show a significant action of metformin therapy, by increasing the total intraerythrocyte magnesium concentration and decreasing the urinary magnesium elimination, positively correlated with the decrease of glycemia and HbA1c in NIDDM patients.     

Effects of Chromium(III) Picolinate on Cortisol and DHEAs Secretion in H295R Human Adrenocortical Cells

Dietary chromium(III) picolinate (CrPic) effects on circulating steroid hormones have been reported in various experimental animals. However, direct effects of CrPic on adrenocortical steroidogenesis are uncertain. Therefore, the objective was to determine the effects of CrPic on cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAs) secretion from H295R cells. In experiment 1, a 24-h exposure to CrPic (0 to 200 μM) had both linear (p < 0.001) and quadratic (p < 0.001) effects on cortisol secretion from forskolin-stimulated cells with the highest cortisol secretion at 0.1 μM of CrPic and the lowest at 200 μM of CrPic. In experiment 2, a 48-h exposure to CrPic (200 μM) decreased cortisol (p < 0.07) release from forskolin-stimulated cells during a 24-h collection period. In experiment 3, a 48-h exposure to CrPic (100 μM) decreased cortisol (p < 0.05) and DHEAs (p < 0.01) from forskolin-stimulated cells during a 24-h sampling period. In experiment 4, a 24-h exposure to forskolin followed by a 24-h exposure to both forskolin and CrPic (100 and 200 μM) decreased both cortisol and DHEAs secretion (p < 0.01). This study suggests that at high concentrations, CrPic inhibits aspects of steroidogenesis in agonist-stimulated adrenocortical cells.     

Serum Copper,Zinc, and Magnesium Levels in Patients with Chronic Fluorosis

Although there are many studies on effect of fluoride on trace elements in experimental animals, few studies exist on serum trace elements levels in patients with endemic fluorosis. We aimed to determine the serum levels of trace elements including serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and serum levels of minerals including calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K) in patients with endemic fluorosis. The study group consisted of 30 patients with endemic fluorosis (17 females, 13 males, mean age 33.53 ± 9.85 years). An age, gender, and body mass index matched 30 healthy volunteers comprised control group (21 females, ten males with a mean age 33.93 ± 7.39 years). Urine fluoride levels of chronic fluorosis patients were significantly higher than that of control subjects as expected (1.92 ± 0.10 mg/l vs. 0.41 ± 0.09 mg/l, respectively; P < 0.001). Serum Cu levels (89.14 ± 16.77 μg/dL vs. 102.69 ± 25.04 μg/dL, respectively, P = 0.017), serum Zn levels (77.98 ± 20.58 μg/dL vs. 94.57 ± 35.87μg/dL, respectively, P = 0.032), and serum Mg levels (1.92 ± 0.18 mg/dL vs. 2.07 ± 0.31 mg/dL, respectively, p = 0.022) was significantly lower in chronic fluorosis patients than in controls. There were no statistically significant differences between the fluorosis group and control group with respect to serum levels of Na, K, Ca, and P. We concluded that chronic fluorosis is associated with reduced serum levels of Cu, Zn, and Mg.     

Treadmill exercise suppresses muscle cell apoptosis by increasing nerve growth factor levels and stimulating p-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation in the soleus of diabetic rats

We investigated the effects of treadmill exercise performed regularly for 6 weeks on the levels of nerve growth factor (NGF), tyrosine kinase A and p75 receptors, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K), mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) 1,2, cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and caspase-3 in the soleus of rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. Thirty-two male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into the following four groups: (1) normal control group (NCG; n = 8), (2) normal exercise group (NEG; n = 8), (3) diabetes control group (DCG; n = 8), and (4) diabetes exercise group (DEG; n = 8). Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55 mg/kg dissolved in 0.05 M citrate buffer, pH 4.5). Rats were subjected to treadmill exercise 5 days a week for 6 weeks. The protein level of NGF significantly increased in the NEG and DEG (p < 0.001), whereas the levels of tyrosine kinase A and p75 receptors significantly increased in the NEG (p < 0.001). The levels of t-PI3-K, p-PI3-K, and p-CREB, and the p-CREB/t-CREB ratio significantly increased in the NEG (p < 0.001, respectively). The p-PI3-K/t-PI3-K ratio significantly increased in the DEG (p < 0.001). The p-Erk1/t-Erk1 ratio significantly increased in the NEG (p < 0.001), whereas the p-Erk2/t-Erk2 ratio significantly decreased in the DCG and DEG (p < 0.001). The caspase-3 level significantly increased in the DCG compared with that in the DEG (p < 0.001). These results suggest that treadmill exercise increases NGF levels and accelerates p-PI3-K activation in order to suppress apoptotic cell death in the soleus muscle of diabetic rats.     

Impact of medium volume and oxygen concentration in the incubator on pericellular oxygen concentration and differentiation of murine chondrogenic cell culture

Previous studies have demonstrated that oxygen environment is an important determinate factor of cell phenotypes and differentiation, although factors which affect pericellular oxygen concentration (POC) in murine chondrogenic cell culture remain unidentified. Oxygen concentrations in vivo were measured in rabbit musculoskeletal tissues, which were by far hypoxic compared to 20% O₂ (ranging from 2.29 ± 1.16 to 4.36 ± 0.51%). Oxygen concentrations in murine chondrogenic cell (C3H10T1/2) culture medium were monitored in different oxygen concentrations (20% or 5%) in the incubator and in different medium volumes (3,700 or 7,400 μl) within 25-cm² flasks. Chondrogenic differentiation was assessed by glycosaminoglycan production with quantitative evaluation of Alcian blue staining in 12-well culture dishes. Expression of chondrogenic genes, aggrecan, and type II collagen α1, was examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Oxygen concentrations in medium decreased accordingly with the depth from medium surface, and POC at Day 6 was 18.99 ± 0.81% in 3,700-μl medium (1,480-μm depth) and 13.26 ± 0.23% in 7,400-μl medium (2,960-μm depth) at 20% O₂ in the incubator, which was 4.96 ± 0.08% (1,480-μm depth) and 2.83 ± 0.42% (2,960-μm depth) at 5% O₂, respectively. The differences of POC compared by medium volume were statistically significant (p = 0.0003 at 20% and p = 0.001 at 5%). Glycosaminoglycan production and aggrecan gene expression were most promoted when cultured in moderately low POC, 1,000 μl (2,960-μm depth) at 20% O₂ and 500 μl (1,480-μm depth) at 5% O₂ in 12-well culture dishes. We demonstrate that medium volume and oxygen concentration in the incubator affect not only POC but also chondrogenic differentiation.     

The viability to a wall shear stress and propagation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bifidobacterium longum</Emphasis> in the intensive membrane bioreactor

Bifidobacterium longum grew at 65 L pilot scale of the membrane bioreactor (MBR), externally fitted with ceramic membrane (0.7 m²). Cell mass at the MBR reached 22.18 g L⁻¹ as dry cell weight in 12 h, which is 8.44 times higher than cell mass attained at the vial culture. The growth rate in the vial culture was μ = 0.385 h⁻ and at the batch culture was μ = 1.13 h⁻ in the exponential period and μ = 0.31 h⁻¹ in the stationary period. In the fed-batch mode was μ = 1.102 h⁻¹ for 6 h with inoculation and declined to μ = 0.456 h⁻¹ with feeding of feed medium. The growth rate at the MBR was μ = 0.134 h⁻¹. The number of viable cells was 6.01 × 10¹² cfu L⁻¹ at the batch culture, but increased to 1.15 × 10¹⁴ cfu L⁻¹ at the MBR culture. The specific growth rate of viable cell number (colony-forming units per liter, per hour) improved by 6.01 times from the batch to the MBR culture. The wall shear stress mainly generated by the pump, and the membrane incorporated into the MBR was controlled during the cultivation at the MBR. The viability of B. longum declined to under 10% in the first 2 weeks of the 4-week stability test (40°C) as B. longum was exposed to over wall shear stress 713 Pa, but the viability improved to 30–40% in wall shear stress of 260 Pa or STR culture. The loss in the cell viability can be saved by managing with wall shear stress during the cultivation at the MBR.     

Content of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alternaria</Emphasis> mycotoxin tenuazonic acid in food commodities determined by a stable isotope dilution assay

The Alternaria mycotoxin tenuazonic acid (TA) was quantified in fruit juices (n = 50), cereals (n = 12) and spices (n = 38) using a recently developed stable isotope dilution assay (SIDA). [¹³ C₆,¹⁵ N]-TA was used as the internal standard. Method validation revealed low limits of detection (LODs) of 0.15 μg/kg (fruit juices), 1.0 μg/kg (cereals) and 17 μg/kg (spices). The respective limits of quantitation were about three times higher. Recovery was about 100% for all matrices. The precision (relative standard deviation of replicate analyses of naturally contaminated samples) was 4.2% (grape juice; 1.7 μg/kg), 3.5% (whole wheat flour; 36 μg/kg) and 0.9% (curry powder; 215 μg/kg). The median content of TA in the analyzed samples was 1.8 μg/kg (fruit juices), 16 μg/kg (cereals) and 500 μg/kg (spices). Positive samples amounted to 86% (fruit juices), 92% (cereals) and 87% (spices).     

AKR1C3 decreased CML sensitivity to Imatinib in bone marrow microenvironment via dysregulation of miR-379-5p

BackgroundDrug resistance is an important cause of death for most patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The bone marrow microenvironment is believed to be mainly responsible for resistance to BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The mechanism involved, however, is still unclear.MethodsBioinformatic analysis from GEO database of AKR1C3 was utilized to identify the AKR1C3 expression in CML cells under bone marrow microenvironment. Western blot and qPCR were performed to detect the AKR1C3 expression in two CML cell lines K562 and KU812 cultured +/‐ bone microenvironment derived stromal cells. CCK-8, soft agar colony assay, and Annexin V/PI assay were performed to detect the sensitivity of CML cells (K562 and KU812) to Imatinib under a gain of or loss of function of AKR1C3 treatment. The CML murine model intravenous inoculated with K562-OE-vector and K562-OE-AKR1C3 cells were established to estimate the effect of AKR1C3 inhibitor Indomethacin on Imatinib resistance. The bioinformatic analysis of miRNA databases was used to predict the potential miRNAs targeting AKR1C3. And the luciferase assay was utilized to validate the target relationship between miR-379-5p and AKR1C3. And, the soft agar colony assay and Annexin V/PI were used to validate the effect of miR-379-5p in AKR1C3 induced Imatinib resistance.ResultsIn present study, we investigated AKR1C3 was highly expressed in CML under bone marrow microenvironment. AKR1C3 decreased Imatinib activity in K562 and KU812 cells, while inhibition of AKR1C3 could enhance Imatinib sensitivity in vitro study. Furthermore, murine model results showed combination use of AKR1C3 inhibitor Indomethacin effectively prolong mice survival, indicating that AKR1C3 is a promising target to enhance Imatinib treatment. Mechanically, AKR1C3 was found to be suppressed by miR-379-5p, which was down-expression in bone marrow microenvironment. Besides, we found miR-379-5p could bind AKR1C3 3’UTR but not degrade its mRNA level. Further, gain of miR-379-5p rescued the imatinib resistance induced by AKR1C3 overexpression in CML cells.ConclusionsAltogether, our study identifies a novel signaling regulation of miR-379-5p/AKR1C3/EKR axis in regulating IM resistance in CML cell, and provides a scientific base for exploring AKR1C3 as a biomarker in impeding IM resistance in CML.     

Isoprenaline increases the slopes of restitution trajectory in the conscious rabbit with ischemic heart failure

Roughly speaking, restitution is the dependence of recovery time of cardiac electrical activity on heart rate. Increased restitution slope is theorized to be predictive of sudden death after heart injury such as from coronary artery occlusion (ischemia). Adrenaline analogs are known to increase restitution slope in normal hearts, but their effects in failing hearts are unknown. Twenty-six rabbits underwent coronary ligation (n = 15) or sham surgery (n = 11) and implantation of a lead in the heart for recording electrocardiograms. Eight weeks later, unanesthetized rabbits were given 0.25–2.0 ml of 1 μmol/L isoprenaline intravenously, which increased heart rate. Heart rate was quantified by time between QRS peaks (RR) and heart activity duration by R to T peak time (QTp). Ligated rabbits (n = 6) had lower ejection fraction than sham rabbits (n = 7, p < 0.0001) indicative of heart failure, but similar baseline RR (269 ± 15 vs 292 ± 23 ms, p = 0.07), QTp (104 ± 17 vs 91 ± 9 ms, p = 0.1), and isoprenaline-induced minimum RR (204 ± 11 vs 208 ± 6 ms, p = 0.4). The trajectory of QTp vs TQ plots displayed hysteresis and regions of negative slope. The slope of the positive slope region was >1 in ligated rabbits (1.27 ± 0.66) and <1 in sham rabbits (0.35 ± 0.14, p = 0.004). The absolute value of the negative slope was greater in ligated rabbits (− 0.81 ± 0.52 vs − 0.35 ± 0.14, p = 0.04). Isoprenaline increased heart rate and slopes of restitution trajectory in failing hearts. The dynamics of restitution trajectory may hold clues for sudden death in heart failure patients.     

Stress-Induced Changes in Optical Properties,Pigment and Fatty Acid Content of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nannochloropsis</Emphasis> sp.: Implications for Non-destructive Assay of Total Fatty Acids

In order to develop a practical approach for fast and non-destructive assay of total fatty acid (TFA) and pigments in the biomass of the marine microalga Nannochloropsis sp. changes in TFA, chlorophyll, and carotenoid contents were monitored in parallel with the cell suspension absorbance. The experiments were conducted with the cultures grown under normal (complete nutrient f/2 medium at 75 μmol PAR photons/(m² s)) or stressful (nitrogen-lacking media at 350 μmol PAR photons/(m² s)) conditions. The reliable measurement of the cell suspension absorbance using a spectrophotometer without integrating sphere was achieved by deposition of cells on glass–fiber filters in the chlorophyll content range of 3–13 mg/L. Under stressful conditions, a 30–50% decline in biomass and chlorophyll, retention of carotenoids and a build-up of TFA (15–45 % of dry weight) were recorded. Spectral regions sensitive to widely ranging changes in carotenoid-to-chlorophyll ratio and correlated changes of TFA content were revealed. Employing the tight inter-correlation of stress-induced changes in lipid metabolism and rearrangement of the pigment apparatus, the spectral indices were constructed for non-destructive assessment of carotenoid-to-chlorophyll ratio (range 0.3–0.6; root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.03; r ² = 0.93) as well as TFA content of Nannochloropsis sp. biomass (range 5.0–45%; RMSE = 3.23 %; r ² = 0.89) in the broad band 400–550 nm normalized to that in chlorophyll absorption band (centered at 678 nm). The findings are discussed in the context of real-time monitoring of the TFA accumulation by Nannochloropsis cultures under stressful conditions.     

Palm oil mill effluent (POME) cultured marine microalgae as supplementary diet for rotifer culture

Malaysia is the world’s leading producer of palm oil products that contribute US$ 7.5 billion in export revenues. Like any other agro-based industries, it generates waste that could be utilized as a source of organic nutrients for microalgae culture. Present investigation delves upon Isochrysis sp. culture in POME modified medium and its utilization as a supplement to Nanochloropsis sp. in rotifer cultures. The culture conditions were optimized using a 1 L photobioreactor (Temp: 23°C, illumination: 180 ∼ 200 μmol photons m⁻²s⁻¹, n = 6) and scaled up to 10 L outdoor system (Temp: 26–29°C, illumination: 50 ∼ 180 μmol photons m⁻²s⁻¹, n = 3). Algal growth rate in photobioreactor (μ = 0.0363 h⁻¹) was 55% higher compared to outdoor culture (μ = 0.0163 h⁻¹), but biomass production was 1.3 times higher in outdoor culture (Outdoor = 91.7 mg m⁻²d⁻¹; Photobioreactor = 69 mg m⁻²d⁻¹). Outdoor culture produced 18% higher lipid; while total fatty acids (FA) was not significantly affected by the change in culture systems as both cultures yield almost similar concentrations of fatty acids per gram of sample (photobioreactor = 119.17 mg g⁻¹; outdoor culture = 104.50 mg g⁻¹); however, outdoor cultured Isochrysis sp. had 26% more polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Rotifers cultured in Isochrysis sp./ Nanochloropsis sp. (1:1, v/v) mixture gave similar growth rate as 100% Nanochoropsis sp. culture (μ = 0.40 d⁻¹), but had 45% higher counts of rotifers with eggs (t = 7, maximum). The Isochrysis sp. culture successfully lowered the nitrate (46%) and orthophosphate (83%) during outdoor culture.     

Effects of Environmental Lead Pollution, Smoking, and Smokeless Tobacco (Maras Powder) Use on Blood Lead Level

One hundred sixty-four adult male volunteers (29 controls [Group 1] and 135 combi drivers) enrolled in the study. The combi drivers were divided into three groups as nonusers of either Maras powder or cigarette (Group 2), smokers (Group 3), and users of Maras powder (Group 4). Blood lead levels (BLLs) were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. BLL was detected as 2.8 ± 2.3 μg/dL in Group 1 (n = 29); however, it was 3.5 ± 1.6 μg/dL in Group 2 (n = 33), 3.8 ± 2.4 μg/dL in Group 3 (n = 62), and 3.9 ± 2.4 μg/dL in Group 4 (n = 40). BLL in Group 1 was found significantly lower than other groups (p < 0.05). The use of cigarette or Maras powder by the drivers did not give rise to a marked difference on the BLLs (p > 0.05). BLL of (combi) drivers was detected to be significantly higher than nondrivers; however, it was still under the hazardous level of 10 μg/dL announced by WHO. Although there are publications reporting that usage of tobacco increases the level of lead in blood, both smoking and use of Maras powder did not affect BLL markedly in our study. Poster presented (the abstract section published in Congress Book) at the 7th Congress of Turkish Family Physicians, 23–26 May 2006, Cesme-IZMIR, Turkey.     

Genetic variants of the IgA Fc receptor (FcαR, CD89) promoter in chronic hepatitis C patients

Fc receptor for IgA (FcαR, CD89) is capable of triggering IgA-mediated immune responses to pathogens and has been proposed to function in circulating IgA clearance. Because inheritable variations modifying individual immune responses or immunoglobulin catabolism may affect the chronicity of viral infection, we investigated whether promoter polymorphisms of the FcαR gene (FCAR) affect chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and its disease progression. The two −311T/C and −142T/C single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were studied by direct DNA sequencing in 177 Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Both −311CC and −142CC genotypes were more frequent in CHC patients (15.9 and 18.6%) compared with 210 healthy controls (5.7 and 10.0%) [p = 0.001, odds ratio (OR) = 3.10, 95% confidence interval CI) = 1.53–6.30 and p = 0.014, OR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.14–3.72, respectively], and were associated with infection with HCV genotype 2a/2b (p = 0.019 and p = 0.005, respectively). Conversely, −311CC and −142CC were decreased in 59 patients at advanced stages of disease as assessed on the basis of hepatic fibrosis markers such as decreased platelet count (PLT) ( < 150,000/μl) (5.1 and 8.5%) compared with 91 patients with normal PLT ( ≥ 150,000/μl) (24.2 and 26.4%) (p = 0.006 and p = 0.005, respectively). Moreover, among the patients with normal PLT (but not with decreased PLT), −311CC or −142CC was significantly associated with decreased serum IgA levels (p = 0.023 or p = 0.007, respectively). These results suggest that the FCAR promoter SNPs may be related to chronic HCV infection and disease progression in Japanese CHC, which might be explained by altered FcαR expression affecting IgA-mediated immune responses and/or IgA catabolism.     

Morphological and Genetic Characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Saimiri boliviensis</Emphasis>

The taxonomy of Saimiri is controversial because morphological characteristics, traditionally used for identification, are insufficient to distinguish species and subspecies. Genetic studies of specimens become relevant for captive management, especially considering their frequently unknown geographical origin. We analyzed phenotypic and genetic parameters in Saimiri spp. in Argentinean zoological gardens and biological stations to provide a more accurate taxonomic identification. We studied 27 males and 19 females of Saimiri spp. The cytogenetic analysis in mitotic metaphases corroborated a modal number of 2N = 44, XX/XY, and FN = 75 for males and FN = 76 for females. G- and C-bands, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and the pelage coloration pattern of all the specimens corresponded to Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis. We characterized for the first time the sperm cell morphology and morphometry (mean ± SE): total length: 71.39 ± 5.40 μm; head length: 5.71 ± 0.81 μm; head width: 3.76 ± 0.70 μm; acrosome length: 3.70 ± 0.82 μm; midpiece length: 12.20 ± 2.22 μm. Researchers can use the characterization of the sperm morphology as another parameter for taxonomic identification that, together with cytogenetic and molecular ones, would allow a more precise identification of individual Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis.     

Plasma Zinc,Copper, and Serum Thyroid Hormones and Insulin Levels After Zinc Supplementation Followed by Placebo in Competitive Athletes

Intense physical activity is associated with biological adaptations involving hormones and trace elements. Zinc supplementation may affect plasma copper concentration, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid hormones, insulin, and glucose homeostasis, but data in athletes are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate in competitive athletes (cyclists, n = 7, 32 ± 8 years) the effect of zinc supplementation (22 mg/day as zinc gluconate) during 30 days, and discontinuation using placebo (maltodextrin) during the following 30 days, on plasma zinc and copper concentrations, serum thyroid hormones, insulin and glucose levels, and HOMA2-IR. Compared to baseline, plasma zinc and Zn:Cu plasma ratio increased, but plasma copper decreased after zinc supplementation (day 30) and discontinuation (day 60) (p < 0.05). Zn supplementation and discontinuation had no effect on TSH, T3, and T4. Fasting serum insulin and HOMA2-IR increased (27% and 47%, respectively) on day 60 compared to baseline (p = 0.03), suggesting a delayed effect of zinc supplementation. Moreover, plasma zinc was positively associated with serum insulin (r = 0.87, p = 0.009) and HOMA2-IR (r = 0.81, p = 0.03) after zinc supplementation (day 30), indicating that supplemental zinc may impair glucose utilization in cyclists.