Intestinal ischemia-induced changes in the activity of NADPH-d and energy metabolism enzymes in rat myenteric and splanchnic plexus

The changes in the activity of NADPH-d and energy metabolism enzymes, lactate dehydrogenase (LDG) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDG), in the neurons of splanchnic and myenteric plexus (SP and MP, respectively), induced by 1-h-long ischemization of a part of the small intestine, were studied using cytophotometric technique; the measurements were performed under conditions when synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) was either blocked or activated. The activity of NADPH-d, SDG, and LDG in MP neurons was shown to be enhanced by ischemia. In SP neurons, the LDG activity increased, while the NADPH-d and SDG activities did not change. The blockade of NO synthesis with nitro-L-arginine methyl ester was followed by a decrease in the NADPH-d level in SP and MP neurons, but was maintained at a level lower than the control one during ischemia. Administration of L-arginine, the NO precursor, increased NADPH-d activity in MP and SP neurons, while at ischemization of the intestine this activity remained at a level higher than in the control. It is concluded that NO-ergic mechanisms (mostly at the MP level) are significantly involved in regulation of the functions of the small intestine in ischemia.     

Modulation of energy metabolism of lymphocytes in children by natural physical factors]

The aim of this work is exploration of natural physical factors influencing change of age-dependent energy exchange parameters (e.g. activity of SDG) in healthy and premature children. 35 healthy and 35 premature children were investigated over 11 years from early antenatal and postnatal period. Cytochemical investigations were carried out 1-2 time a year until 6 years of age. Solar activity, geomagnetic excitability, air temperature and atmospheric pressure and its diurnal variation on index represented environmental factors. It is suggested that quiet magnetic field might be a predictor of higher level of SDG activity and vice versa. Higher activity of magnetic field leads to displacement of maximum-age of SDG activity to an earlier age. Lymphocytes react to magnetic storm in a phasic manner. Other physical environmental factors might have reciprocal effect so that some of them could negate the effect of others. If intrauterine development took place in a year of higher solar activity, early-development results. However, later development is characterized by lower level of SDG activity. On premature children, as well as in healthy subjects, the more influencing factors on energetic age-dependent parameters are geomagnetic field and variation of atmospheric SDG activity in healthy children is within normal range (and has a training effect), while in premature children depression of hydrogenase in the end stage.     

Occurrence and activity of human intestinal bacteria involved in the conversion of dietary lignans

The human intestinal microbiota is necessary for the production of enterolignans from the dietary lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG). However, little is known about the bacteria that contribute to SDG conversion. Therefore, we aimed at describing the occurrence and activity of SDG metabolising bacteria. The data showed differences in conversion efficiency between SDG deglycosylating species, but SDG was completely deglycosylated within 20 h by five of six strains. The strain Clostridium sp. SDG-Mt85-3Db showed the highest initial rate of SDG deglycosylation. Furthermore, we found that Bacteroides distasonis and B. fragilis made up 0.5% and 3.3% of total faecal bacteria, respectively. However, Clostridium sp. SDG-Mt85-3Db was detected within the dominant microbiota of only two out of 20 faecal samples. Bacteria involved in the demethylation step of SDG conversion also demethylated a variety of compounds other than SDG. In particular, Peptostreptococcus productus demethylated the lignans pinoresinol, lariciresinol and matairesinol. Finally, Eggerthella lenta catalysed the reduction of pinoresinol and lariciresinol to secoisolariciresinol.     

Various neurochemical aspects of the action of the tetrapeptide tuftsin on limbic system structures (histochemical and biochemical study)

Tetrapeptide tuftsin action on the activity of succinate dehydrogenase (SDG), malate dehydrogenase (MDG) and monoamine-oxidase (MAO) in microstructures of the neocortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus (supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei, retrochiasmic zone) has been investigated by means of histochemical methods. Simultaneously, pyruvate-, malate-, glutamate-, alfaketoglutamate-, succinate- and lactate-dehydrogenase activity in the neocortex and in the structures of the limbic system has been studied biochemically. SDG and MDG activity increases in neurons and glycocytes of all the hypothalamic formations mentioned. Changes in the activity of dehydrogenases in the hippocampus and neocortex under the same stimulation are less pronounced. MAO activity also increases in the nerve terminals converging on the bodies and dendrites of hypothalamic neurons and in the preterminal fibers of the neocortex, Tuftsin increases oxidative-reducing processes in various structures of the brain, but at the same time it possesses a predominant influence on the limbic system structures.     

Quantitative histoenzymological characteristics of the myocardium in sudden cardiac death

Enzymes in the human myocardium following sudden death were examined for activity in a quantitative histoenzymological study, these were NAD-dependent dehadrogenases of succinate (SDG), lactate (LDG), beta-hydroxybutyrate (beta-HOBDG), alpha-glycerophosphate (alpha-GPDG), alcohol (ADG), glucoso-6-phosphate (G-6-PDG), and NAD-diaphorase (NADse), and catalase. Autopsies were performed within 3 h after death. beta-HOBDG and LDG were found to show an increase in activity in the cardiomyocytes of sudden death subjects with coronary heart disease without apparent changes. In the myocardium from death subjects with coronary heart disease and large postinfarct cardiosclerosis, the activity of the enzymes was directly related to the severity of myocardial hypertrophy and signs of chronic heart failure. As myocardial hypertrophy developed, the enzyme activity increased; when there appeared signs of chronic heart failure it decreased. The myocardium from sudden death subjects with alcoholic cardiomyopathy showed diminished redox enzyme activity and higher activity of the enzyme utilizing alcohol (ADG and catalase). The findings suggest that changes in the enzyme activity in the myocardium are of various type and depend on previous cardiac abnormalities.     

Secoisolariciresinol Diglucoside Abrogates Oxidative Stress-Induced Damage in Cardiac Iron Overload Condition

Cardiac iron overload is directly associated with cardiac dysfunction and can ultimately lead to heart failure. This study examined the effect of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), a component of flaxseed, on iron overload induced cardiac damage by evaluating oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Cells were incubated with 50 μ5M iron for 24 hours and/or a 24 hour pre-treatment of 500 μ M SDG. Cardiac iron overload resulted in increased oxidative stress and gene expression of the inflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-10 and interferon γ, as well as matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9. Increased apoptosis was evident by increased active caspase 3/7 activity and increased protein expression of Forkhead box O3a, caspase 3 and Bax. Cardiac iron overload also resulted in increased protein expression of p70S6 Kinase 1 and decreased expression of AMP-activated protein kinase. Pre-treatment with SDG abrogated the iron-induced increases in oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis, as well as the increased p70S6 Kinase 1 and decreased AMP-activated protein kinase expression. The decrease in superoxide dismutase activity by iron treatment was prevented by pre-treatment with SDG in the presence of iron. Based on these findings we conclude that SDG was cytoprotective in an in vitro model of iron overload induced redox-inflammatory damage, suggesting a novel potential role for SDG in cardiac iron overload.     

Oxidative stress as a mechanism of diabetes in diabetic BB prone rats: Effect of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG)

Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) isolated from flaxseed has antioxidant activity and has been shown to prevent hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis. An investigation was made of the effects of SDG on the development of diabetes in diabetic prone BioBreeding rats (BBdp rats), a model of human type I diabetes [insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)] to determine if this type of diabetes is due to oxidative stress and if SDG can prevent the incidence of diabetes. The rats were divided into three groups: Group I, BioBreeding normal rats (BBn rats) (n = 10); group II, BBdp untreated (n = 11); and group III, BBdp treated with SDG 22 mg/kg body wt, orally) (n = 14). Oxidative stress was determined by measuring lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) an index of level of reactive oxygen species in blood and pancreas; and pancreatic chemiluminescence (Pancreatic-CL), a measure of antioxidant reserve. Incidence of diabetes was 72.7% in untreated and 21.4% in SDG-treated group as determined by glycosuria and hyperglycemia. SDG prevented the development of diabetes by approximately 71%. Development of diabetes was associated with an increase in serum and pancreatic MDA and a decrease in antioxidant reserve. Prevention in development of diabetes by SDG was associated with a decrease in serum and pancreatic-MDA and an increase in antioxidant reserve. These results suggest that IDDM is mediated through oxidative stress and that SDG prevents the development of diabetes.     

Activity and thermal stability of the enzymes of energy support in the common frog

The activity and heat resistance of succinate dehydrogenase (SDG), Na, K-ATPase and Mg-ATPase of the grass frog (39 specimens) have been determined. No correlation was found between individual levels of heat resistance both of either enzyme examined and of the same enzyme but taken from different tissues (SDG of liver and muscles). The average level of heat resistance of SDG in liver is significantly higher than that in m. gastrocnemius. A statistically significant correlation was observed between individual levels of enzyme activity in the internal organs (SDG of liver, Na, K-ATPase and Mg-ATPase of kidney). The activity of SDG of muscles does not correlate with that of either partner.     

Correlations of the individual levels of the activity and heat resistance of energy-support enzymes in the lake frog

A study was made of the correlation between the levels of the activity and heat resistance of Na,K-ATPase, Mg-ATPase and succinate dehydrogenase (SDG) in Rana ridibunda. A correlation was observed between the activities of two ATPases, and between either of them and the activity of liver SDG. The correlation coefficient between the heat resistance levels was statistically significant only in SDG of liver and muscles. The question whether the criterion of T50% inactivation may be good for a comparative appraisal of the heat resistance of enzymes is under discussion.     

Role of bifidobacteria in the activation of the lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside

Lignans are ubiquitous plant polyphenols, which have relevant health properties being the major phytoestrogens occurring in Western diets. Secoisolariciresinol (SECO) is the major dietary lignan mostly found in plants as secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG). To exert biological activity, SDG requires being deglycosylated to SECO and transformed to enterodiol (ED) and enterolactone (EL) by the intestinal microbes. The involvement of bifidobacteria in the transformation of lignans glucosides has been investigated for the first time in this study. Twenty-eight strains were assayed for SDG and SECO activation. They all failed to transform SECO into reduced metabolites, excluding any role in ED and EL production. Ten Bifidobacterium cultures partially hydrolyzed SDG, giving both SECO and the monoglucoside with yields < 25%. When the cell-free extracts were assayed in SDG transformation, seven additional strains were active in the hydrolysis. Cellobiose induced β-glucosidase activity and caused the enhancement of both the rate of SDG hydrolysis and the final yield of SECO only in the strains capable of SDG bioconversion. The highest SDG conversion to SECO was achieved by Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum WC 401, which exhibited 75% yield in cellobiose-based medium after 48 h. These results indicate that SDG hydrolysis is not a common feature in Bifidobacterium genus, but selected probiotic strains can be combined to β-glucoside-based prebiotics to enhance the release of SECO, thus improving its bioavailability for absorption by colonic mucosa and/or the biotransformation to ED and EL by other intestinal microorganisms.     

Phylogeny of human intestinal bacteria that activate the dietary lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside

The human intestinal microbiota is essential for the conversion of the dietary lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) via secoisolariciresinol (SECO) to the enterolignans enterodiol (ED) and enterolactone (EL). However, knowledge of the species that catalyse the underlying reactions is scant. Therefore, we focused our attention on the identification of intestinal bacteria involved in the conversion of SDG. Strains of Bacteroides distasonis, Bacteroides fragilis, Bacteroides ovatus and Clostridium cocleatum, as well as the newly isolated strain Clostridium sp. SDG-Mt85-3Db, deglycosylated SDG. Demethylation of SECO was catalysed by strains of Butyribacterium methylotrophicum, Eubacterium callanderi, Eubacterium limosum and Peptostreptococcus productus. Dehydroxylation of SECO was catalysed by strains of Clostridium scindens and Eggerthella lenta. Finally, the newly isolated strain ED-Mt61/PYG-s6 catalysed the dehydrogenation of ED to EL. The results indicate that the activation of SDG involves phylogenetically diverse bacteria, most of which are members of the dominant human intestinal microbiota.     

Single neurone responses to tactile stimulation of the heart in the snail,Helix pomatia L.

Summary The electrical activity of the heart nerve and of single neurons in the suboesophageal ganglia were recorded during tactile stimulation of the heart. 15 neurons were identified which responded to heart stimulation by inhibiting or accelerating activity. Cells influenced by heart afferents are scattered in the visceral and in the right and left parietal ganglia.In most of the cases both decrease and increase of cell activity are caused by synaptic potentials, in some cases, however, the neuron is assumed to have a sensory character.The activity of three neurons influenced by heart stimulation was conducted into the heart nerve. These cells are central neurons of a heart-CNS-heart reflex.Some of the neurons located in the right parietal and visceral ganglia have no connection with the mechanoreceptors of the heart. Since their spikes propagate into the heart nerve, they probably take part in the extracardial regulation of heart activity.One of the neurons located in the visceral ganglion (cell V12) sends its axon into the heart nerve. The response of this neuron to heart stimulation was an increase in activity and an inhibition of the heart rate. This is an inhibitory neuron of the extracardial heart regulatory system.     

A histochemical analysis of the enzymes of the enterocyte transport and bioenergetics in rat small intestine after vagotomy and dibunol administration

It was shown that the vagotomy leads to the elevation of the activity of alkaline phosphatase (AP) 7 days after the operation and to the decrease of its activity 30 days after the operation, and to the decrease of the activity of succinic dehydrogenase (SDG) 7 and 30 days after the operation. Introduction of dibunol leads to normalization of these disturbances of the activity of AP and SDG induced by vagotomy.     

The influence of rheologic properties of the blood on adaptive processes in the myocardium]

Changes in rheological properties of the blood were produced by intravenous injection of a high-molecular weight dextran and lysin-vasopressin. The animals were decapitated in one hour. Oxygen absorption by mitochondria of the heart in oxidation of 2.5-10 mM of the succinate increased by 90-120%, as compared to control. Stimulation of respiration by ADP was decreased 1.5-2 times. Simultaneous administration of the succinate and glutamic acid normalized the respiration and phosphorylation. A possibility of inhibition of succinic-dehydrogenase by the oxalo-acetic acid was suggested. Switching of respiration to succinic acid and limiting of the SDG activity can be considered as adaptive factors under conditions of changes in rheological properties of the blood, and are directed to the maintenance of cardiac activity, this being evidenced by the absence of changes in the ATP-asic activity and in the myosin content of the heart.     

The study of the growth of tylosin producer using differential centrifugation of mycelium in a sucrose density gradient

The mycelium of Streptomyces fradiae was fractionated by differential centrifugation in a sucrose density gradient (SDG) using various samples of the inoculation material and aliquots of the cultural broth taken in the course of tylosin production. The mode of mycelium distribution in SDG made it possible to select the most active inoculation material. The mycelium was redistributed from sucrose layers with a high density to those with a lower density in the course of fermentation. The fractions differed in the antibiotic activity but none of them had an activity higher than in the control centrifuged in 30% sucrose and washed off just like the fractions. Therefore, mycelium fractionation in SDG would not elevate its antibiotic activity. The paper presents the cytological characteristics of different fractions changing in the course of fermentation.     

水洞沟12号地点的古环境研究

水洞沟遗址12号地点(SDG12)是一处以细石叶技术为主的旧石器时代末期文化,其文化层埋藏于边沟河Ⅱ级阶地中上部。地层时代从距今4.7万年至1.1万年左右,文化层时代为距今约1.1万年,处于更新世与全新世的过渡时期,略经流水改造,为原地埋藏。孢粉组合特征显示在整个地层发育期内该地区是以麻黄属+藜科+霸王属+蒿属+禾本科组合为主的植被类型,为气候比较干旱-半干旱荒漠草原植被景观。在SDG12地点文化层堆积时期,气候相对暖湿,附近尚生长着沼生植物和榆、栎、桦等温带落叶阔叶乔木,为稀树荒漠草原环境。SDG12地点的古人类活动及古环境特征的分析对了解水洞沟文化的发展与传承有着重要的意义,同时也为中国北方细石叶文化研究提供了确切的地层和材料。     

Effect of adrenaline on the succinate dehydrogenase activity of peripheral blood lymphocytes of rats following exposure to ionizing radiation

In experiments with albino mongrel female rats, the influence of adrenaline on succinate dehydrogenase (SDG) activity in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of irradiated and intact animals has been investigated. Two minutes after the intraperitoneal administration of adrenaline (1 mg/kg) to intact rats SDG activity sharply rises and 3-4 min it drastically falls. In 6 to 8 min the second peak in the enzyme activity is registered. Twenty minutes after irradiation of rats in the cranio-caudal direction with a dose of 75 Gy delivered to head, the reaction to adrenaline, manifested by the rise in SDG activity, is absent.     

The onset of Late Paleolithic in North China: An integrative review of the Shuidonggou site complex,China

Shuidonggou (SDG) attracts scholars who are interested in Late Paleolithic of China, even east Asia, from generation to generation since 1923 when rich lithic artifacts and animal fossils were discovered at locality 1. During the past almost one century, many excavations have been conducted by different institutes at different localities of SDG. Numerous data has been obtained and tens of thousands of artifacts were yielded. The understanding of nature and context of SDG is increasing gradually with the repeated excavation and in-depth research. The present paper reviewed the formal excavations and achievements in SDG. Especially, a series investigations and excavations since 2002 have been emphasized. After this long-term fieldwork, the geographic range of SDG has extended far beyond the range suggested by previous findings. The presence of discrete cultural horizons at various SDG localities indicate repeated use and occupation of the area by early human groups between 50–10 kya with a gap in LGM. During the repeated occupations, diverse and complex behaviors including gathering various plants, heat treatment preparation for knapping, making ornaments, engraving were identified using different kinds of methods and techniques by scholars. Paleoenvironmental reconstruction based on pollen analysis suggests that late Pleistocene/early Holocene human utilization of the SDG area occurred primarily around 32–24 kya and 13–11 kya when climatic conditions were more favorable. Years of excavations and researches make progress with nature of SDG. However, the issues about Initial Upper Paleolithic assemblages in SDG, origin/disappearance of Levallois-like technology in China are still open to debate. Further excavation and research at SDG1 will clarify these issues.     

The Relevance of Circular Economy Practices to the Sustainable Development Goals

This paper identifies the extent to which circular economy (CE) practices are relevant for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The results of a literature review and a matching exercise to determine the relationship between CE practices and SDG targets show that CE practices, potentially, can contribute directly to achieving a significant number of SDG targets. The strongest relationships exist between CE practices and the targets of SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The paper also explores synergies that can be created through CE practices among several of the SDG targets. Furthermore, it identifies several potential trade‐offs between targets for decent work, safe working environments, human health and current CE practices relating to recycling of municipal waste, e‐waste and wastewater, and provides suggestions how these can be overcome. The paper concludes that CE practices can be applied as a “toolbox” and specific implementation approaches for achieving a sizeable number of SDG targets. Further empirical research is necessary to determine which specific types of partnerships and means of implementation are required to apply CE practices in the SDG context.     

Methods of selection, preparation and evaluation of the viability of small-intestinal fragments suitable for transplantation

In the experiment performed on cats, using histological, histochemical and impregnative techniques it has been stated that choose of the small intestine area, suitable for transplantation should be based on counting straight vessels ramified in it. In order to ensure viability of the small intestine fragment the method of its preliminary treatment is recommended, based on training blood vessels. For estimating viability of the transplant it is possible to ascertain SDG activity in neurons of the intramural nervous ganglia and estimate amount of secreting gobletlike cells in mucous membrane of the small intestine loop.