Internal charge transfer in cytochrome c oxidase at a limited proton supply: Proton pumping ceases at high pH

Background

In the membrane-bound enzyme cytochrome c oxidase, electron transfer from cytochrome c to O₂ is linked to proton uptake from solution to form H₂O, resulting in a charge separation across the membrane. In addition, the reaction drives pumping of protons across the membrane.

Methods

In this study we have measured voltage changes as a function of pH during reaction of the four-electron reduced cytochrome c oxidase from Rhodobacter sphaeroides with O₂. These electrogenic events were measured across membranes containing purified enzyme reconstituted into lipid vesicles.

Results

The results show that the pH dependence of voltage changes (primarily associated with proton transfer) during O₂ reduction does not match that of the previously studied absorbance changes (primarily associated with electron transfer). Furthermore, the voltage changes decrease with increasing pH.

Conclusions

The data indicate that cytochrome c oxidase does not pump protons at high pH (10.5) (or protons are taken from the “wrong” side of the membrane) and that at this pH the net proton-uptake stoichiometry is ∼ 1/2 of that at pH 8. Furthermore, the results provide a basis for interpretation of results from studies of mutant forms of the enzyme.

General significance

These results provide new insights into the function of cytochrome c oxidase.     

Histological and functional renal alterations caused by Bothrops alternatus snake venom: Expression and activity of Na/K-ATPase

Background

Acute renal failure is a serious complication of human envenoming by Bothrops snakes. The ion pump Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase has an important role in renal tubule function, where it modulates sodium reabsorption and homeostasis of the extracellular compartment. Here, we investigated the morphological and functional renal alterations and changes in Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase expression and activity in rats injected with Bothrops alternatus snake venom.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were injected with venom (0.8 mg/kg, i.v.) and renal function was assessed 6, 24, 48 and 72 h and 7 days post-venom. The rats were then killed and renal Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity was assayed based on phosphate release from ATP; gene and protein expressions were assessed by real time PCR and immunofluorescence microscopy, respectively.

Results

Venom caused lobulation of the capillary tufts, dilation of Bowman's capsular space, F-actin disruption in Bowman's capsule and renal tubule brush border, and deposition of collagen around glomeruli and proximal tubules that persisted seven days after envenoming. Enhanced sodium and potassium excretion, reduced proximal sodium reabsorption, and proteinuria were observed 6 h post-venom, followed by a transient decrease in the glomerular filtration rate. Gene and protein expressions of the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase α₁ subunit were increased 6 h post-venom, whereas Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity increased 6 h and 24 h post-venom.

Conclusions

Bothrops alternatus venom caused marked morphological and functional renal alterations with enhanced Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase expression and activity in the early phase of renal damage.

General significance

Enhanced Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity in the early hours after envenoming may attenuate the renal dysfunction associated with venom-induced damage.     

Heme-iron utilization by Leptospira interrogans requires a heme oxygenase and a plastidic-type ferredoxin-NADP reductase

Background

Heme oxygenase catalyzes the conversion of heme to iron, carbon monoxide and biliverdin employing oxygen and reducing equivalents. This enzyme is essential for heme-iron utilization and contributes to virulence in Leptospira interrogans.

Methods

A phylogenetic analysis was performed using heme oxygenases sequences from different organisms including saprophytic and pathogenic Leptospira species. L. interrogans heme oxygenase (LepHO) was cloned, overexpressed and purified. The structural and enzymatic properties of LepHO were analyzed by UV–vis spectrophotometry and ¹H NMR. Heme-degrading activity, ferrous iron release and biliverdin production were studied with different redox partners.

Results

A plastidic type, high efficiently ferredoxin-NADP⁺ reductase (LepFNR) provides the electrons for heme turnover by heme oxygenase in L. interrogans. This catalytic reaction does not require a ferredoxin. Moreover, LepFNR drives the heme degradation to completeness producing free iron and α-biliverdin as the final products. The phylogenetic divergence between heme oxygenases from saprophytic and pathogenic species supports the functional role of this enzyme in L. interrogans pathogenesis.

Conclusions

Heme-iron scavenging by LepHO in L. interrogans requires only LepFNR as redox partner. Thus, we report a new substrate of ferredoxin-NADP⁺ reductases different to ferredoxin and flavodoxin, the only recognized protein substrates of this flavoenzyme to date. The results presented here uncover a fundamental step of heme degradation in L. interrogans.

General significance

Our findings contribute to understand the heme-iron utilization pathway in Leptospira. Since iron is required for pathogen survival and infectivity, heme degradation pathway may be relevant for therapeutic applications.     

The sedimentation properties of ferritins. New insights and analysis of methods of nanoparticle preparation

Background

Ferritin exhibits complex behavior in the ultracentrifuge due to variability in iron core size among molecules. A comprehensive study was undertaken to develop procedures for obtaining more uniform cores and assessing their homogeneity.

Methods

Analytical ultracentrifugation was used to measure the mineral core size distributions obtained by adding iron under high- and low-flux conditions to horse spleen (apoHoSF) and human H-chain (apoHuHF) apoferritins.

Results

More uniform core sizes are obtained with the homopolymer human H-chain ferritin than with the heteropolymer horse spleen HoSF protein in which subpopulations of HoSF molecules with varying iron content are observed. A binomial probability distribution of H- and L-subunits among protein shells qualitatively accounts for the observed subpopulations. The addition of Fe²⁺ to apoHuHF produces iron core particle size diameters from 3.8 ± 0.3 to 6.2 ± 0.3 nm. Diameters from 3.4 ± 0.6 to 6.5 ± 0.6 nm are obtained with natural HoSF after sucrose gradient fractionation. The change in the sedimentation coefficient as iron accumulates in ferritin suggests that the protein shell contracts ∼ 10% to a more compact structure, a finding consistent with published electron micrographs. The physicochemical parameters for apoHoSF (15%/85% H/L subunits) are M = 484,120 g/mol, ν? = 0.735 mL/g, s_20,w = 17.0 S and D_20,w = 3.21 × 10⁻⁷ cm²/s; and for apoHuHF M = 506,266 g/mol, ν? = 0.724 mL/g, s_20,w = 18.3 S and D_20,w = 3.18 × 10⁻⁷ cm²/s.

Significance

The methods presented here should prove useful in the synthesis of size controlled nanoparticles of other minerals.     

Evidence for ΔpH surface component (ΔpH) of proton motive force in ATP synthesis of mitochondria

Background

One of the central debates in membrane bioenergetics is whether proton-dependent energy coupling mechanisms are mediated exclusively by protonic transmembrane electrochemical potentials, as delocalized pmf, ΔµH⁺, or by more localized membrane surface proton pathways, as interfacial pmf, ΔµH^S.

Methods

We measure ?pH^S in rat liver mitoplasts energized by respiration or ATP hydrolysis by inserting pH sensitive fluorescein-phosphatidyl-ethanolamine(F-PE) into mitoplast surface.

Results

In the presence of rotenone and Ap5A, succinate oxidation induces a bi-phasic interfacial protonation on the mitoplast membranes, a fast phase followed by a slow one, and an interfacial pH decrease of 0.5 to 0.9 pH units of mitoplast with no simultaneous pH changes in the bulk. Antimycin A, other inhibitors or uncouplers of mitochondrial respiration prevent the decrease of mitoplast ?pH^S, supporting that ΔµH^S is dependent and controlled by energization of mitoplast membranes. A quantitative assay of ATP synthesis coupled with ?pH^S of mitoplasts oxidizing succinate with malonate titration shows a parallel correlation between ATP synthesis, State 4 respiration and ?pH^S, but not with ?Ψ_E.

General Significance

Our data substantiate ?pH^S as the primary energy source of pmf for mitochondrial ATP synthesis. Evidence and discussion concerning the relative importance and interplay of ?pH^S and ?Ψ_E in mitochondrial bioenergetics are also presented.     

Characterization of ecto-ATPase activity in the surface of LLC-PK1 cells and its modulation by ischemic conditions

Background

The concentration of extracellular nucleotides is regulated by enzymes that have their catalytic site facing the extracellular space, the so-called ecto-enzymes.

Methods

We used LLC-PK1 cells, a well-characterized porcine renal proximal tubule cell line, to biochemically characterize ecto-ATPase activity in the luminal surface. The [γ-³²P]Pi released after reaction was measured in aliquots of the supernatant by liquid scintillation.

Results

This activity was linear with time up to 20 min of reaction and stimulated by divalent metals. The ecto-ATPase activity measured in the presence of 5 mM MgCl₂ was (1) optimum at pH 8, (2) insensitive to different inhibitors of intracellular ATPases, (3) inhibited by 1 mM suramin, an inhibitor of ecto-ATPases, (4) sensitive to high concentrations of sodium azide (NaN₃) and (5) also able to hydrolyze ADP in the extracellular medium. The ATP:ADP hydrolysis ratio calculated was 4:1. The ecto-ADPase activity was also inhibited by suramin and NaN₃. The dose–response of ATP revealed a hyperbolic profile with maximal velocity of 25.2 ± 1.2 nmol Pi x mg^− 1 x min^− 1 and K_0.5 of 0.07 ± 0.01 mM. When cells were submitted to ischemia, the E-NTPDase activity was reduced with time, achieving 71% inhibition at 60 min of ischemia.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the ecto-ATPase activity of LLC-PK1 cells has the characteristics of a type 3 E-NTPDase which is inhibited by ischemia.

General Significance

This could represent an important pathophysiologic mechanism that explains the increase in ATP concentration in the extracellular milieu in the proximal tubule during ischemia.     

Addressing the use of PDIF-CN2 molecules in the development of n-type organic field-effect transistors for biosensing applications

Background

There is no doubt that future discoveries in the field of biochemistry will depend on the implementation of novel biosensing techniques, able to record biophysiological events with minimal biological interference. In this respect, organic electronics may represent an important new tool for the analysis of structures ranging from single molecules up to cellular events. Specifically, organic field-effect transistors (OFET) are potentially powerful devices for the real-time detection/transduction of bio-signals. Despite this interest, up to date, the experimental data useful to support the development of OFET-based biosensors are still few and, in particular, n-type (electron-transporting) devices, being fundamental to develop highly-performing circuits, have been scarcely investigated.

Methods

Here, films of N,N′-1H,1H-perfluorobutyldicyanoperylene-carboxydi-imide (PDIF-CN₂) molecules, a recently-introduced and very promising n-type semiconductor, have been evaporated on glass and silicon dioxide substrates to test the biocompatibility of this compound and its capability to stay electrically-active even in liquid environments.

Results

We found that PDIF-CN₂ transistors can work steadily in water for several hours. Biocompatibility tests, based on in-vitro cell cultivation, remark the need to functionalize the PDIF-CN₂ hydrophobic surface by extra-coating layers (i.e. poly-l-lysine) to favor the growth of confluent cellular populations.

Conclusions

Our experimental data demonstrate that PDIF-CN₂ compound is an interesting organic semiconductor to develop electronic devices to be used in the biological field.

General significance

This work contributes to define a possible strategy for the fabrication of low-cost and flexible biosensors, based on complex organic complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) circuitry including both p- (hole-transporting) and n-type transistors. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Organic Bioelectronics—Novel Applications in Biomedicine.     

The role of calpain in an in vivo model of oxidative stress-induced retinal ganglion cell damage

Purpose

In this study, we set out to establish an in vivo animal model of oxidative stress in the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and determine whether there is a link between oxidative stress in the RGCs and the activation of calpain, a major part of the apoptotic pathway.

Materials and methods

Oxidative stress was induced in the RGCs of C57BL/6 mice by the intravitreal administration of 2,2′-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH, 30 mM, 2 μl). Control eyes were injected with 2 μl of vehicle. Surviving Fluorogold (FG)-labeled RGCs were then counted in retinal flat mounts. Double staining with CellROX and Annexin V was performed to investigate the co-localization of free radical generation and apoptosis. An immunoblot assay was used both to indirectly evaluate calpain activation in the AAPH-treated eyes by confirming α-fodrin cleavage, and also to evaluate the effect of SNJ-1945 (a specific calpain inhibitor: 4% w/v, 100 mg/kg, intraperitoneal administration) in these eyes.

Results

Intravitreal administration of AAPH led to a significant decrease in FG-labeled RGCs 7 days after treatment (control: 3806.7 ± 575.2 RGCs/mm², AAPH: 3156.1 ± 371.2 RGCs/mm², P < 0.01). CellROX and Annexin V signals were co-localized in the FG-labeled RGCs 24 h after AAPH injection. An immunoblot assay revealed a cleaved α-fodrin band that increased significantly 24 h after AAPH administration. Intraperitoneally administered SNJ-1945 prevented the cleavage of α-fodrin and had a neuroprotective effect against AAPH-induced RGC death (AAPH: 3354.0 ± 226.9 RGCs/mm², AAPH+SNJ-1945: 3717.1 ± 614.6 RGCs/mm², P < 0.01).

Conclusion

AAPH administration was an effective model of oxidative stress in the RGCs, showing that oxidative stress directly activated the calpain pathway and induced RGC death. Furthermore, inhibition of the calpain pathway protected the RGCs after AAPH administration.     

Glutathione and infection

Background

The tripeptide γ-glutamylcysteinylglycine or glutathione (GSH) has demonstrated protective abilities against the detrimental effects of oxidative stress within the human body, as well as protection against infection by exogenous microbial organisms.

Scope of review

In this review we describe how GSH works to modulate the behavior of many cells including the cells of the immune system, augmenting the innate and the adaptive immunity as well as conferring protection against microbial, viral and parasitic infections. This article unveils the direct antimicrobial effects of GSH in controlling Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) infection within macrophages. In addition, we summarize the effects of GSH in enhancing the functional activity of various immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells and T cells resulting in inhibition in the growth of M. tb inside monocytes and macrophages. Most importantly we correlate the decreased GSH levels previously observed in individuals with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) with an increase in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines which aid in the growth of M. tb.

Major conclusions

In conclusion, this review provides detailed information on the protective integral effects of GSH along with its therapeutic effects as they relate to the human immune system and health.

General significance

It is important to note that the increases in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines are not only detrimental to the host due to the sequel that follow such as fever and cachexia, but also due to the alteration in the functions of immune cells. The additional protective effects of GSH are evident after sequel that follows the depletion of this antioxidant. This is evident in a condition such as Cystic Fibrosis (CF) where an increased oxidant burden inhibits the clearance of the affecting organism and results in oxidant-induced anti-protease inhibition. GSH has a similar protective effect in protozoans as it does in human cells. Thus GSH is integral to the survival of some of the protozoans because some protozoans utilize the compound trypanothione [T(SH)₂] as their main antioxidant. T(SH)₂ in turn requires GSH for its production. Hence a decrease in the levels of GSH (by a known inhibitor such as buthionine sulfoximine [BSO] can have adverse effects of the protozoan parasites. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Cellular functions of glutathione.     

Inhibition of peroxisomal hydroxypyruvate reductase (HPR1) by tyrosine nitration

Background

Protein tyrosine nitration is a post-translational modification (PTM) mediated by nitric oxide-derived molecules. Peroxisomes are oxidative organelles in which the presence of nitric oxide (NO) has been reported.

Methods

We studied peroxisomal nitroproteome of pea leaves by high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and proteomic approaches.

Results

Proteomic analysis of peroxisomes from pea leaves detected a total of four nitro-tyrosine immunopositive proteins by using an antibody against nitrotyrosine. One of these proteins was found to be the NADH-dependent hydroxypyruvate reductase (HPR). The in vitro nitration of peroxisomal samples caused a 65% inhibition of HPR activity. Analysis of recombinant peroxisomal NADH-dependent HPR1 activity from Arabidopsis in the presence of H₂O₂, NO, GSH and peroxynitrite showed that the ONOO⁻ molecule caused the highest inhibition of activity (51% at 5 mM SIN-1), with 5 mM H₂O₂ having no inhibitory effect. Mass spectrometric analysis of the nitrated recombinant HPR1 enabled us to determine that, among the eleven tyrosine present in this enzyme, only Tyr-97, Tyr-108 and Tyr-198 were exclusively nitrated to 3-nitrotyrosine by peroxynitrite. Site-directed mutagenesis confirmed Tyr198 as the primary site of nitration responsible for the inhibition on the enzymatic activity by peroxynitrite.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that peroxisomal HPR is a target of peroxynitrite which provokes a loss of function.

General significance

This is the first report demonstrating the peroxisomal NADH-dependent HPR activity involved in the photorespiration pathway is regulated by tyrosine nitration, indicating that peroxisomal NO metabolism may contribute to the regulation of physiological processes under no-stress conditions.     

Protective effect of melatonin against transient global cerebral ischemia-induced neuronal cell damage via inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-9

Aims

Melatonin possesses various pharmacological effects including neuroprotective effects against brain ischemia. Post-ischemic increases in matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression and activity mainly contribute to neuronal damage by degradation of the extracellular matrix. This study was designed to examine whether melatonin has a neuroprotective effect and an influence on MMP-9 in transient global brain ischemia.

Main methods

Mice were subjected to 20 min of global brain ischemia and sacrificed 72 h later. Melatonin (30 mg/kg) was administered 30 min before and 2 h after ischemia as well as once daily until sacrifice.

Key findings

Hippocampal pyramidal cell damage after ischemia was significantly decreased by melatonin. As observed by zymography, melatonin inhibited the increase of MMP-9 activity after ischemia. In the brain sections, the increased gelatinase activity was mainly observed in the hippocampus after ischemia and melatonin also reduced gelatinase activity. The laminin and NeuN expression levels were reduced in the hippocampal CA1 and CA2 regions after ischemia, and melatonin reduced laminin degradation and neuronal loss. A TUNEL assay demonstrated that there were TUNEL-positive cells in the hippocampus and the number of TUNEL-positive cells was significantly decreased by melatonin. There was no difference in the ischemia-induced hippocampal neuronal damage between the vehicle- and melatonin-treated groups of MMP-9 knock-out mice.

Significance

These data demonstrate that melatonin suppressed the occurrence of neuronal injury, which might be partly due to its inhibitory effects on MMP-9 in addition to its anti-oxidative effects. MMP-9 may be an important key target of melatonin in neuroprotection against global ischemia.     

Calcium binding studies of peptides of human phospholipid scramblases 1 to 4 suggest that scramblases are new class of calcium binding proteins in the cell

Background

Phospholipid scramblases are a group of four homologous proteins conserved from C. elegans to human. In human, two members of the scramblase family, hPLSCR1 and hPLSCR3 are known to bring about Ca²⁺ dependent translocation of phosphatidylserine and cardiolipin respectively during apoptotic processes. However, affinities of Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ binding to human scramblases and conformational changes taking place in them remains unknown.

Methods

In the present study, we analyzed the Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ binding to the calcium binding motifs of hPLSCR1–4 and hPLSCR1 by spectroscopic methods and isothermal titration calorimetry.

Results

The results in this study show that (i) affinities of the peptides are in the order hPLSCR1  > hPLSCR3 > hPLSCR2 > hPLSCR4 for Ca²⁺ and in the order hPLSCR1 > hPLSCR2 > hPLSCR3 > hPLSCR4 for Mg²⁺, (ii) binding of ions brings about conformational change in the secondary structure of the peptides. The affinity of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ binding to protein hPLSCR1 was similar to that of the peptide I. A sequence comparison shows the existence of scramblase-like motifs among other protein families.

Conclusions

Based on the above results, we hypothesize that the Ca²⁺ binding motif of hPLSCR1 is a novel type of Ca²⁺ binding motif.

General significance

Our findings will be relevant in understanding the calcium dependent scrambling activity of hPLSCRs and their biological function.     

Inorganic phosphate uptake in unicellular eukaryotes

Background

Inorganic phosphate (P_i) is an essential nutrient for all organisms. The route of P_i utilization begins with P_i transport across the plasma membrane.

Scope of review

Here, we analyzed the gene sequences and compared the biochemical profiles, including kinetic and modulator parameters, of P_i transporters in unicellular eukaryotes. The objective of this review is to evaluate the recent findings regarding P_i uptake mechanisms in microorganisms, such as the fungi Neurospora crassa and Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the parasite protozoans Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma rangeli, Leishmania infantum and Plasmodium falciparum.

Major conclusion

P_i uptake is the key step of P_i homeostasis and in the subsequent signaling event in eukaryotic microorganisms.

General significance

Biochemical and structural studies are important for clarifying mechanisms of P_i homeostasis, as well as P_i sensor and downstream pathways, and raise possibilities for future studies in this field.     

Xyloglucan xyloglucosyl transferases from barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) bind oligomeric and polymeric xyloglucan molecules in their acceptor binding sites

Background

Xyloglucan xyloglucosyl transferases (EC 2.4.1.207), known as xyloglucan endotransglycosylases (XETs) use a disproportionation reaction mechanism and modulate molecular masses of xyloglucans. However, it is not known precisely how these size modulations and transfer reactions occur with polymeric acceptor substrates.

Methods

cDNAs encoding three barley HvXETs were expressed in Pichia pastoris and reaction mechanism and molecular properties of HvXETs were investigated.

Results

Significant differences in catalytic efficiencies (k_cat·K_m⁻¹) were observed and these values were 0.01, 0.02 and 0.2 s⁻¹·mg⁻¹·ml for HvXET3, HvXET4 and HvXET6, respectively, using tamarind xyloglucan as a donor substrate. HPLC analyses of the reaction mixtures showed that HvXET6 followed a stochastic reaction mechanism with fluorescently or radioactively labelled tamarind xyloglucans and xyloglucan-derived oligosaccharides. The analyses from two successive reaction cycles revealed that HvXET6 could increase or decrease molecular masses of xyloglucans. In the first reaction cycle equilibrium was reached under limiting donor substrate concentrations, while xyloglucan mass modulations occurred during the second reaction cycle and depended on the molecular masses of incoming acceptors. Deglycosylation experiments indicated that occupancy of a singular N-glycosylation site was required for activity of HvXET6. Experiments with organic solvents demonstrated that HvXET6 tolerated DMSO, glycerol, methanol and 1,4-butanediol in 20% (v/v) concentrations.

Conclusions

The two-phase experiments demonstrated that large xyloglucan molecules can bind in the acceptor sites of HvXETs.

General significance

The results characterise donor and acceptor binding sites in plant XET, report that HvXETs act on xyloglucan donor substrates adsorbed onto nanocrystals and that HvXETs tolerate the presence of organic solvents.     

Increased renal semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase activity and methylglyoxal levels in aristolochic acid-induced nephrotoxicity

Aims

Aristolochic acid (AA) nephrotoxicity is related to accumulation of methylglyoxal (MGO) and N^ε-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) in the mouse kidney. We studied the activity of renal semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO), a key enzyme involved in MGO generation, in AA-treated mice, and investigated nephroprotective effects produced by metformin, a MGO scavenger.

Methods

Mice were orally administered water or metformin for 15 days (12 or 24 mg kg^− 1 day^− 1), and injected AA (5 mg kg^− 1 day^− 1) intraperitoneally for 8 days starting on day 8. Renal function was studied, and histopathological examination, determination of renal SSAO activity, and measurement of MGO levels were performed.

Key findings

Compared to control mice, AA-injected mice showed significant renal damage and approximately 2.7-fold greater renal SSAO activity (p < 0.05). Further, compared to control treatment, administration of 12 mg/kg metformin inhibited formation of renal lesions, and significantly decreased renal MGO levels (37.33 ± 9.78 vs. 5.89 ± 2.64 μg/mg of protein, respectively, p < 0.01). In the AA-treated mice, metformin also inhibited the accumulation of CML in renal tubules, but did not affect SSAO activity.

Significance

This study is the first to show elevated renal SSAO activity in AA-treated mice, which could be involved in MGO accumulation. Moreover, MGO scavenging by metformin reduces AA nephrotoxicity. These findings suggest that reducing MGO accumulation produces nephroprotection, revealing new therapeutic strategies for the management. SSAO is a key enzyme involved in MGO generation, and consequently, inhibition of renal SSAO activity is worth investigating in AA nephrotoxicity and other renal pathologies further.     

Effects of melatonin administration on embryo implantation and offspring growth in mice under different schedules of photoperiodic exposure

Background

Embryo implantation is crucial for animal reproduction. Unsuccessful embryo implantation leads to pregnancy failure, especially in human-assisted conception. Environmental factors have a profound impact on embryo implantation. Because people are being exposed to more light at night, the influence of long-term light exposure on embryo implantation should be explored.

Methods

The effects of long photoperiodic exposure and melatonin on embryo implantation and offspring growth were examined. Long photoperiodic exposure (18:6 h light:dark) was selected to resemble light pollution. Melatonin (10^?2, 10^?3, 10^?4, 10^?5 M) was added to the drinking water of mice starting at Day 1 (vaginal plugs) until delivery.

Results

Melatonin treatment (10^?4,10^?5 M) significantly increased litter sizes compared to untreated controls (12.9 ± 0.40 and 12.2 ± 1.01 vs. 11.5 ± 0.43; P < 0.05). The most effective concentration of melatonin (10^?4 M) was selected for further investigation. No remarkable differences were found between melatonin-treated mice and controls in terms of the pups’ birth weights, weaning survival rates, and weaning weights. Long photoperiodic exposure significantly reduced the number of implantation sites in treated mice compared to controls (light/dark, 12/12 h), and melatonin rescued this negative effect. Mechanistic studies revealed that melatonin enhanced the serum 17β-estradiol (E₂) levels in the pregnant mice and upregulated the expression of the receptors MT1 and MT2 and p53 in uterine tissue. All of these factors may contribute to the beneficial effects of melatonin on embryo implantation in mice.

Conclusion

Melatonin treatment was associated with beneficial effects in pregnant mice, especially those subjected to long photoperiodic exposure. This was achieved by enhanced embryo implantation. At the molecular level, melatonin administration probably increases the E₂ level during pregnancy and upregulates p53 expression by activating MT1/2 in the uterus. All of the changes may improve the microenvironment of the uterus and, thus, the outcomes of pregnancy.