A signal-amplified electrochemical immunosensor for aflatoxin B1 determination in rice

A sensitive and simple electrochemical immunosensor based on enzymatic silver deposition amplification was constructed for the detection of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) in rice. The immunosensor was based on an indirect competitive format between free AFB₁ and aflatoxin B₁-bovine serum albumin (AFB₁-BSA) conjugate immobilized on the electrode surface for binding to a fixed amount of anti-AFB₁ antibody. Then the alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-labeled anti-mouse immunoglobulin G (IgG) secondary antibody was bound to the electrode surface through reaction with primary antibody. Finally, ALP catalyzed the substrate, ascorbic acid 2-phosphate, into ascorbic acid that reduced silver ions in solution to metal silver deposited onto the electrode surface. Linear sweep voltammetry was carried out to quantify the metal silver, which indirectly reflected the amount of the analyte. The experimental parameters, such as the dilution ratio of antibody and the concentration of AFB₁-BSA conjugate, have been evaluated and optimized. At the optimal conditions, the working range of the electrochemical immunosensor was from 0.1 to 10 ng/ml with a detection limit of 0.06 ng/ml. Good recoveries were obtained for the detection of spiked rice samples. So, the proposed method in this article could find a good use for screening AFB₁ in real samples.     

Naturally occurring chlorophyll derivatives inhibit aflatoxin B1-DNA adduct formation in hepatoma cells

The inhibitory effects of four chlorophyll derivatives (chlorophyllide [Chlide] a and b and pheophorbide [Pho] a and b) on aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁)-DNA adduct formation, and on the modulation of hepatic glutathione S-transferase (GST) were evaluated in murine hepatoma (Hepa-1) cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that pretreatment with Chlide or Pho significantly reduced the formation of AFB₁-DNA adducts, and that Pho was the most potent inhibitor. However, wash-out prior to adding AFB₁ totally eliminated inhibition by Childe and partially eliminated inhibition by Pho, indicating that the inhibitory effect of Chlide, and to some extent Pho, was mediated through direct trapping of AFB₁. Furthermore, spectrophotometric analysis showed that Pho treatment could increase GST activity in Hepa-1 cells. These observations indicate that the chlorophyll derivatives studied may attenuate AFB₁-induced DNA damage in the Hepa-1 cell by direct trapping of AFB₁. Pho provided additional protection not only by direct trapping, but also by increasing GST activity against hepatic AFB₁ metabolites.     

丁酸梭菌发酵培养基的优化及发酵产物对黄曲霉毒素B1的降解

【背景】丁酸梭菌是专性厌氧的新一代芽孢益生菌,耐热、耐酸、抗逆性强,极具应用价值和开发前景。【目的】优化丁酸梭菌发酵培养基并初步研究其发酵液对黄曲霉菌的抑制作用和降解黄曲霉毒素B₁ (aflatoxin B₁, AFB₁)的能力。【方法】利用响应面法对发酵培养基进行优化,采用牛津杯法对丁酸梭菌发酵液抑制黄曲霉菌生长进行研究,并通过酶联免疫法测定发酵液对AFB₁的降解能力。【结果】优化后的发酵培养基为：葡萄糖18.1g/L,大豆蛋白胨29.7g/L,磷酸氢二钾3.8 g/L,氯化钠2.0 g/L,乙酸钠4.0 g/L,结晶硫酸镁1.2 g/L,L-半胱氨酸盐酸盐0.3 g/L。优化后的丁酸梭菌生物量由8.99×10⁸个/mL提高至2.28×10⁹个/mL,是优化前的2.54倍。丁酸梭菌发酵液对致病真菌黄曲霉菌的抑菌效果十分显著,其上清液经浓缩后对AFB₁降解72h的降解率达到68.65%,初步分析表明上清液中对AFB₁     

Processing of glutathionylcobalamin by a bovine B12 trafficking chaperone bCblC involved in intracellular B12 metabolism

Glutathionylcobalamin (GSCbl) is a biologically relevant vitamin B₁₂ derivative and contains glutathione as the upper axial ligand thought formation of a cobalt-sulfur bond. GSCbl has been shown to be an effective precursor of enzyme cofactors, however processing of the cobalamin in intracellular B₁₂ metabolism has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we discovered that bCblC, a bovine B₁₂ trafficking chaperone, catalyzes elimination of the glutathione ligand from GSCbl by using the reduced form of glutathione (GSH). Deglutathionylation products are base-off cob(II)alamin and glutathione disulfide, which are generated stoichiometrically to GSH. Although cob(I)alamin was not detected due to its instability, deglutathionylation is likely analogous to dealkylation of alkylcobalamins, which uses the thiolate of GSH for nucleophilic displacement. The catalytic turnover number for the deglutathionylation of GSCbl is ?1.62 ± 0.13 min⁻¹, which is, at least, an order of magnitude higher than that for elimination of upper axial ligands from other cobalamins. Considering the prevalence of GSH at millimolar concentrations in cells, our results explain the previous finding that GSCbl is more effective than other cobalamins for synthesis of enzyme cofactors.     

Glutathione increases the binding affinity of a bovine B12 trafficking chaperone bCblC for vitamin B12

Intracellular B₁₂ metabolism involves a B₁₂ trafficking chaperone CblC that is well conserved in mammals including human. The protein CblC is known to bind cyanocobalamin (CNCbl, vitamin B₁₂) inducing the base-off transition and convert it into an intermediate that can be used in enzyme cofactor synthesis. The binding affinity of human CblC for CNCbl was determined to be K_d = ≈6–16 μM, which is relatively low considering sub-micromolar B₁₂ concentrations (0.03–0.7 μM) in normal cells. In the current study, we discovered that the base-off transition of CNCbl upon binding to bCblC, a bovine homolog of human CblC, is facilitated in the presence of reduced form of glutathione (GSH). In addition, GSH dramatically increases the binding affinity for CNCbl lowering the K_d from 27.1 ± 0.2–0.24 ± 0.09 μM. The effect of GSH is due to conformational change of bCblC upon binding with GSH, which was indicated by limited proteolysis and urea-induced equilibrium denaturation of the protein. The results of this study suggest that GSH positively modulates bCblC by increasing the binding affinity for CNCbl, which would enhance functional efficiency of the protein.     

Towards the synthesis of light-stable coenzyme B12 analogs

The organometallic complex coenzyme B₁₂ (adenosyl cobalamin, AdoCbl) is not only an essential coenzyme in many biochemical reactions of most if not all living organisms but has lately been shown to play a crucial role in the regulation of B₁₂ related genes. As a consequence, coenzyme B₁₂ has been a target of intense research. However, the investigations of AdoCbl have often been hampered due to its high light-sensitivity leading to decomposition of the compound within a few seconds. Here, we describe a strategy to synthesize more light-stable coenzyme B₁₂ analogs, which show similar steric properties as adenosyl cobalamin. The synthesis, structural characterization as well as the pH dependent “base-on/base-off” behavior of cyanide bridged vitamin B₁₂ conjugates with either a cis-[(NH₃)₂Pt]²⁺ or an [enPt]²⁺ moiety, leading to cis-[(NH₃)₂PtCl-vitB₁₂]⁺ (1) and [enPtCl-vitB₁₂]⁺ (2) are reported. The subsequent reaction of cis-[(NH₃)₂PtCl-vitB₁₂]⁺ with the model nucleobase 9-methyladenine leads to the corresponding adduct, where the adenine moiety is coordinated to the Pt²⁺ center either via N1 or N7. This compound is light-stable and harbors the adenine moiety in the same distance of 5 Å above the corrin plane as present in the highly light-sensitive adenosyl cobalamin.     

Magnetic nanobead-based immunoassay for the simultaneous detection of aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A using upconversion nanoparticles as multicolor labels

A novel and sensitive immunoassay for the simultaneous detection of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in food samples was developed by using artificial antigen-modified magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as immunosensing probes and antibody functionalized upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) as signal probes. NaY_0.78F₄:Yb_0.2, Tm_0.02 and NaY_0.28F₄:Yb_0.7,Er_0.02 UCNPs were prepared and functionalized, respectively, with immobilized monoclonal anti-AFB₁ antibodies and anti-OTA antibodies as signal probes. Based on a competitive immunoassay format, the detection limit for both AFB₁ and OTA under optimal conditions was as low as 0.01 ng mL⁻¹, and the effective detection range was from 0.01 to 10 ng mL⁻¹. The proposed method was successfully applied to measure AFB₁ and OTA in naturally contaminated maize samples and compared to a commercially available ELISA method. The high sensitivity and selectivity of this method is due to the magnetic separation and concentration effect of the MNPs, the high sensitivity of the UCNPs, and the different emission lines of Yb/Tm and Yb/Er doped NaYF₄ UCNPs excited by 980 nm laser. Multicolor UCNPs have the potential to be used in other applications for detecting toxins in the field of food safety and other fields.     

Holotranscobalamins in B12 and non B12 requiring prokaryotes and eukaryotes

Transcobalamins, vitamin B₁₂ binding proteins, deliver B₁₂ to cell surface receptors which then permit B₁₂ to cross cell membranes for metabolic use. There is little documentation concerning B₁₂ binding proteins in bacteria and protists. We found that prokaryotes and eukaryotes requiring B₁₂, as well as those protists synthesizing B₁₂, also produce several transcobalamins for functionally transporting B₁₂ similar to humans.     

Enhancement of chemiluminescence for vitamin B12 analysis

In the current article, chemiluminescence (CL) from the vitamin B₁₂ and luminol reaction was studied under alkaline conditions to develop a sensitive analytical method for vitamin B₁₂ using the carbonate enhancement effect. The method was successfully applied to the determination of vitamin B₁₂ in vitamin B₁₂ tablets, multivitamin capsules, and vitamin B₁₂ injections. Experimental parameters were optimized, including luminol concentration, urea-hydrogen peroxide (urea-H₂O₂) concentration, effect of pH, and sequence of addition of reactants for obtaining maximum CL, which was not explored previously. The limit of detection was 5 pg/ml, and the linear range was 10 pg/ml to 1 μg/ml with a regression coefficient of R² = 0.9998. The importance of these experimental parameters and the carbonate enhancement effect is discussed based on the knowledge of the mechanism of oxidation of luminol and decomposition of urea-H₂O₂ in the presence of vitamin B₁₂. Extraction of vitamin B₁₂ was carried out, and the observed recovery was 97-99.2% with a relative standard deviation in the range of 0.30-1.09%. The results obtained were compared with those of the flame atomic absorption spectrometry method.     

Functional changes in rat liver tRNA following aflatoxin B1 administration

Administration of aflatoxin B₁ (3 mg/kg body wt) to rats leads to strong inhibition of the acceptor activity of liver tRNA as measured by charging with [¹⁴C]-chorella protein hydrolysate. The maximum inhibition occurs 2 h after treatment. At increasing intervals after treatment, the inhibition appears to be gradually relieved, till control values are restored by 72 h. The charging experiment using several [¹⁴C]-amino acids separately shows pronounced inhibition of acceptor activity of all tRNA species, although the degree of inhibition varies with individual species. Preliminary results seem to rule out the possibility of hypermethylation of tRNA or damage to the CCA terminus as probable causes. The resultant functional changes may be attributed to a covalent interaction of aflatoxin B₁-metabolite with tRNA.     

Vitamin B6 suppresses apoptosis of NM-1 bovine endothelial cells induced by homocysteine and copper

Hyperhomocysteinemia is an important risk factor for atherosclerosis. We previously reported that formation of early atherosclerosis in the rat aorta was associated with hyperhomocysteinemia and reduction of antioxidant activity caused by low concentration of vitamin B₆in vivo. In the present study, we examined effects of vitamin B₆ on apoptosis of bovine endothelial cells (NM-1 cells) treated with homocysteine and copper. Homocysteine and copper induced extracellular hydrogen peroxide, intracellular ROS and cellular lipid peroxide levels. Cell viability was reduced to 30% compared to that of control cells. On the other hand, pyridoxal treatment as well as EDTA treatment increased viability of NM-1 cells treated with homocysteine and copper to about 60%, and significantly decreased extracellular hydrogen peroxide, intracellular ROS and cellular lipid peroxide levels. The treatment of catalase recovered cell viability and reduced the level of extracellular hydrogen peroxide and intracellular ROS. Cell death by homocysteine and copper was confirmed to be due to apoptosis by evaluation of DNA fragmentation and by TUNEL assay. However, apoptosis of NM-1 cells induced by homocysteine and copper was due to a caspase-independent pathway as it was not inhibited by the caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-fmk. Apoptosis of NM-1 cells induced by homocysteine and copper accompanied with mitochondrial permeability but not cytochrome c release. These results suggest that pyridoxal treatment suppresses apoptosis of NM-1 cells induced by homocysteine and copper, most likely through antioxidant effects.     

A permanent fish cell line (EPC) for genotoxicity testing of marine sediments with the comet assay

Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity were evaluated in an in vitro system with a permanent cell line Epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) derived from a skin tumour of carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). EPC cells were exposed to different concentrations of organic sediment extracts from the North Sea for 24 h. After incubation the cells were analysed for viability and DNA strand breaks with the comet assay or single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE). The results confirm the sensitivity of this assay. Out of 10 marine sediment samples from the North Sea, 9 showed a dose-dependent genotoxic effect. The EC₅₀ of sediment extracts ranged from 7 to 307 mg sediment dry weight/ml assay volume. Hepatic microsomal enzymes from dab (Limanda limanda L.) was proposed for enzymatic activation of benzo[a]pyrene (BAP) or sediment extracts, respectively. The suitability of this in vitro test system for assessing genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of marine sediment extracts on EPC cells could be demonstrated.     

Lessons in biology from patients with inborn errors of vitamin B12 metabolism

Background

Since 1975 cells lines from patients with suspected inborn errors of vitamin B₁₂ metabolism have been referred to our laboratory because of elevations of homocysteine, methylmalonic acid, or both.

Design

Cultured fibroblasts from patients were subjected to a battery of tests: incorporation of labelled propionate and methyltetrahydrofolate into cellular macromolecules, to test the functional integrity of methylmalonyl-CoA mutase and methionine synthase, respectively; uptake of labelled cyanocobalamin and synthesis of adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin; and, where applicable, complementation analysis.

Results

This approach has allowed for the discovery of novel steps in the cellular transport and metabolism of vitamin B₁₂, including those involving cellular uptake, the efflux of vitamin B₁₂ from lysosomes, and the synthesis of adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin. For all of these disorders, the responsible genes have been discovered.

Conclusion

The study of highly selected patients with suspected inborn errors of metabolism has consistently resulted in the discovery of previously unknown metabolic steps and has provided new lessons in biology.     

植物维生素B_6从头合成与代谢转换研究进展

维生素B6是一组可相互转换的吡啶衍生物的总称,包括吡哆醇、吡哆胺、吡哆醛、磷酸吡哆醇、磷酸吡哆胺和磷酸吡哆醛。其中,磷酸吡哆醛是140多种细胞酶的辅酶。至今发现两种VB6从头合成途径,DXP(1-脱氧-D-木酮糖-5-磷酸)依赖途径和DXP非依赖途径,前者仅存在于大肠杆菌和少量其他细菌,后者存在于其他所有VB6自养生物。除了VB6的从头合成,所有细胞生物体内还存在一条相似的补救途径,补救途径实现VB6各型的代谢转换。该文对近年来国内外有关植物VB6从头合成和代谢转换研究进展进行综述。     

Effects of fumonisin B1 alone and combined with deoxynivalenol or zearalenone on porcine granulosa cell proliferation and steroid production

Fumonisin B₁ (FB₁) is a Fusarium mycotoxin frequently occurring in corn in combination with deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone. The aim of this study was to determine if FB₁, alone and combined with DON or α-zearalenol (ZEA), zearalenone major active metabolite, can affect granulosa cell proliferation, steroid production, and gene expression in swine. Porcine granulosa cells were cultured for 2 days in serum-containing medium followed by 1 or 2 days in serum-free medium with or without added treatments. Fumonisin B₁ had inhibitory effects on granulosa cell proliferation. Deoxynivalenol strongly inhibited cell growth, and no significant difference was detected in combination with FB₁. α-Zearalenol showed a stimulatory effect on granulosa cell numbers even in combination with FB₁. Regarding steroid production, FB₁ increased progesterone production, and FB₁ had no effect on estradiol production. Deoxynivalenol strongly inhibited progesterone and estradiol production, and FB₁ had no significant effect on this response. α-Zearalenol increased progesterone production, and its combination with FB₁ produced additive effects. α-Zearalenol had no effect on estradiol production, whereas it decreased estradiol production when co-treated with FB₁. Fumonisin B₁ was found to decrease CYP11A1 messenger RNA abundance, and the stimulatory effect of FB₁ on progesterone production was found to be not dependent on 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase activity suggesting that FB₁ increases progesterone production through a different mechanism. The results show that these Fusarium mycotoxins can influence porcine granulosa cell proliferation and steroid production, thereby demonstrating their potential reproductive effects on swine.     

Is the expression of kinin B1 receptor related to intrahepatic vascular response?

Bradykinin elicits an intrahepatic vascular response (IHVR) mediated by the constitutive B₂ receptor (B₂R). The biological effects of kinins may also be mediated by the inducible B₁ receptor (B₁R). Aim: To verify if the hepatic B₁R expression modulates IHVR to kinins. Method: We evaluated the ability of bradykinin and B₁R agonists to elicit an IHVR in normal rats and in those submitted to acute or chronic inflammatory stimuli, fibrosis, cirrhosis, or hepatic regeneration. Results: Bradykinin-induced IHVR was similar in all groups. B₁R agonists did not elicit in any of them either a hypertensive or a hypotensive response. B₁ receptor induction was observed in all experimental groups (Western blot), except for the acute inflammatory group. Conclusion: B₁R hepatic expression did not modulate IHVR to kinins.     

Mortality and reproductive effects of avermectin B1 fed to German cockroaches

Newly emerged adult female German cockroaches, Blattella germanica (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) fed avermectin B₁ at concentrations of 6.5 ppm and higher in the food exhibited high mortality at 10 days. Survivors of these dosages failed to reproduce. Lower dosages produced some mortality and inhibited mating and reproduction. Those individuals that did reproduce had normal-sized oothecae and the percent hatch was normal. The higher concentrations produced a marked inhibition of feeding which appeared to be related to toxicity rather than to unpalatability or repellency. When nymphs were fed avermectin B₁ for short periods, higher dosages were required to produce mortality. Young nymphs were the most susceptible. Feeding inhibition also occurred in these short-term studies, but the survivors reproduced normally as did the progeny from the females fed avermectin continuously. The possible use of avermectin B₁ in baits for cockroach control is discussed.

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Résumé Alimentées peu après la mue imaginale avec une nourriture contenant 6,5 ppm ou plus d'avermectine B₁, des femelles de B. germanica L. ont présenté une forte mortalité à 10 jours; les survivantes ne se sont pas reproduites. Des doses plus faibles ont provoqué quelque mortalité et quelque inhibition des accouplements et de la reproduction; les individus qui se sont reproduits avaient des oothèques de taille normale et le taux d'éclosion était correct. Les concentrations plus élevées ont provoqué une nette inhibition de l'alimentation, qui semblait être plus due à la toxicité qu'à la répulsion ou au goût. Quand des larves âgées ont été alimentées avec de l'avermectine B₁ pendant de brèves périodes, des doses plus élevées étaient nécessaires pour provoquer la mortalité. Les jeunes larves étaient les plus sensibles. Une inhibition de l'alimentation apparût dans ces études à court terme, mais les survivants se reproduisirent normalement, comme le firent les descendants des femelles alimentées continuellement avec de l'avermectine. La discussion porte sur l'utilisation éventuelle de l'avermectine B₁ dans des appâts pour lutter contre les blattes.

     

Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of the 11-hydroxythromboxane B2 anomers equilibrium

An improved reversed-phase HPLC method for the separation and detection of both hemiacetalic 11-hydroxy anomers of thromboxane B₂ (TXB₂) is described. Water-acetonitrile mixtures have served as mobile phases. By diminishing stepwise the temperature of the chromatographic system from 40 to 0°C, the UV-absorbance profile of TXB₂ changed from one broad peak to two clearly separated narrow peaks corresponding to the two anomers existing in equilibrium. Modification of the mobile phase pH from 1.6 to 6.9 (0°C) resulted in different concentration ratios of the anomers. The equilibrium constant and the Gibbs free energy were calculated. The intermediate open aldehyde form of TXB₂ is unstable and, therefore, cannot be observed either by HPLC or by ¹H NMR measurements.     

Vitamin B12 in neurology and ageing; Clinical and genetic aspects

The classic neurological and psychiatric features associated with vitamin B₁₂ deficiency have been well described and are the subject of many excellent review articles. The advent of sensitive diagnostic tests, including homocysteine and methylmalonic acid assays, has revealed a surprisingly high prevalence of a more subtle ‘subclinical’ form of B₁₂ deficiency, particularly within the elderly. This is often associated with cognitive impairment and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Metabolic evidence of B₁₂ deficiency is also reported in association with other neurodegenerative disorders including vascular dementia, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. These conditions are all associated with chronic neuro-inflammation and oxidative stress. It is possible that these clinical associations reflect compromised vitamin B₁₂ metabolism due to such stress. Physicians are also increasingly aware of considerable inter-individual variation in the clinical response to B₁₂ replacement therapy. Further research is needed to determine to what extent this is attributable to genetic determinants of vitamin B₁₂ absorption, distribution and cellular uptake.