Effect of the three-dimensional organization of liver cells on the biogenesis of the γ-glutamyltransferase fraction pattern

Context Four gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) fractions with different molecular weights (big-, medium-, small- and free-GGT) are detectable in human plasma. Objective Verify if liver cells can release all four GGT fractions and if the spatial cell organization influences their release. Methods Hepatoma (HepG2) and melanoma (Me665/2/60) cells were cultured as monolayers or spheroids. GGT released in culture media was analysed by gel-filtration chromatography. Results HepG2 and Me665/2/60 monolayers released the b-GGT fraction, while significative levels of s-GGT and f-GGT were detectable only in media of HepG2-spheroids. Bile acids alone or in combination with papain promoted the conversion of b-GGT in s-GGT or f-GGT, respectively. Conclusions GGT is usually released as b-GGT, while s-GGT and f-GGT are likely to be produced in the liver extracellular environment by the combined action of bile acids and proteases.     

Polarization of human donor corneas

To investigate the de-orientation effect of DSAEK grafts by observing the cross patterns and polarization power of human donor corneas using a polarizing device (Lumaxis^®). Forty human donor corneas were placed in small petri-plates with epithelial side facing up. Polarizing power (arbitrary unit) and crosses were monitored and recorded by the software. The tissue was marked at ‘Superior’ position to ensure that the base and the polarizer are in alignment with each other after the cut. The anterior lamellar cut was performed using microkeratome. The lenticule was placed back in the same position as marked to mimic the alignment. The tissue was further rotated by 45° ensuring that the base of the cornea and the polarizer were in alignment. The polarization power and ‘crosses’ were identified at each step. The average of forty corneas from pre-cut to post-45° angular change showed statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in terms of polarizing power. The cross-shaped pattern deformed and lost the sharpness towards 45° angle. However, multiple variances in terms of ‘cross-patterns’ were observed throughout the study. Lumaxis^® was able to determine the worst quality tissue in terms of polarization (no black zone and crosses). Despite the quality of cross pattern which can be used as an additional objective parameter to evaluate the optical properties of the corneal tissue, this preliminary study needs to be further justified in terms of clinical relevance whether polarization changes with oriented or de-oriented grafts have any effects and consequences on the visual acuity.     

S-Adenosyl-l-methionine Modulates CO and NO? Binding to the Human H2S-generating Enzyme Cystathionine β-Synthase

Cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) is a key enzyme in human (patho)physiology with a central role in hydrogen sulfide metabolism. The enzyme is composed of a pyridoxal 5′-phosphate-binding catalytic domain, flanked by the following two domains: a heme-binding N-terminal domain and a regulatory C-terminal domain binding S-adenosyl-l-methionine (AdoMet). CO or NO^• binding at the ferrous heme negatively modulates the enzyme activity. Conversely, AdoMet binding stimulates CBS activity. Here, we provide experimental evidence for a functional communication between the two domains. We report that AdoMet binding significantly enhances CBS inhibition by CO. Consistently, we observed increased affinity (∼5-fold) and faster association (∼10-fold) of CO to the ferrous heme at physiological AdoMet concentrations. NO^• binding to reduced CBS was also enhanced by AdoMet, although to a lesser extent (∼2-fold higher affinity) as compared with CO. Importantly, CO and NO^• binding was unchanged by AdoMet in a truncated form of CBS lacking the C-terminal regulatory domain. These unprecedented observations demonstrate that CBS activation by AdoMet puzzlingly sensitizes the enzyme toward inhibition by exogenous ligands, like CO and NO^•. This further supports the notion that CBS regulation is a complex process, involving the concerted action of multiple physiologically relevant effectors.     

Effect of grazing on the population of Matteuccia struthiopteris at the southern limit of its distribution in Europe

We investigated the impact of deer on an isolated marginal population of Matteuccia struthiopteris and on its plant community in the northern Apennines, where in recent decades the species has decreased dramatically. Our experiment was based on a 6‐year before and after control impact (BACI) design, comparing plots with deer grazing and plots where deer were excluded. Exclusion of grazing interacted with years, increasing the size of existing plants and favoring production of sporophylls. The yearly sequence of increase and decline of ramets and sterile leaves followed the same pattern in the two treatments. This indicated that their annual variation in growth depended on the sequence of more and less favorable years. Few and short plants were associated with grazing, whereas tall plants, shrubs, and tree regeneration were associated with fenced plots. The few plants to persist and dominate on heavily grazed areas were Oxalis acetosella and Cardamine species, while the genus Rubus and tree saplings were grazing‐sensitive species in this forest. Tall herbaceous species increased in size in the fenced areas, however, M. struthiopteris drew more advantage in terms of growth of leaves, showing greater cover than other species. Thus, deer grazing is becoming a threat for the survival of M. struthiopteris in southern Europe where it is already threatened in the long term by climate change.     

Biochemical and ecophysiological responses to manganese stress by ectomycorrhizal fungus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pisolithus tinctorius</Emphasis> and in association with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus grandis</Emphasis>

At relatively low concentrations, the element manganese (Mn) is essential for plant metabolism, especially for photosynthesis and as an enzyme antioxidant cofactor. However, industrial and agricultural activities have greatly increased Mn concentrations, and thereby contamination, in soils. We tested whether and how growth of Pisolithus tinctorius is influenced by Mn and glucose and compare the activities of oxidative stress enzymes as biochemical markers of Mn stress. We also compared nutrient accumulation, ecophysiology, and biochemical responses in Eucalyptus grandis which had been colonized by the ectomycorrhizal Pisolithus tinctorius with those which had not, when both were exposed to increasing Mn concentrations. In vitro experiments comprised six concentrations of Mn in three concentrations of glucose. In vivo experiments used plants colonized by Pisolithus tinctorius, or not colonized, grown with three concentrations of Mn (0, 200, and 1000 μM). We found that fungal growth and glucose concentration were correlated, but these were not influenced by Mn levels in the medium. The anti-oxidative enzymes catalase and glutathione S-transferase were both activated when the fungus was exposed to Mn. Also, mycorrhizal plants grew more and faster than non-mycorrhizal plants, whatever Mn exposure. Photosynthesis rate, intrinsic water use efficiency, and carboxylation efficiency were all inversely correlated with Mn concentration. Thus, we originally show that the ectomycorrhizal fungus provides protection for its host plants against varying and potentially toxic concentrations of Mn.