Early induction of functional SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells associates with rapid viral clearance and mild disease in COVID-19 patients

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Purification, characterization, structural analysis and protein chemistry of a buffalo heart galectin-1

A soluble β-galactoside-binding lectin was purified by gel filtration chromatography from Bubalus bubalis heart. Its metal-independent nature, molecular weight of 14.5 kDa, preferential affinity for β-d-lactose, and 87–92% identity with carbohydrate recognition domain of previously reported galectin-1 confirmed its inclusion in galectin-1 subfamily. Stokes radii determination using gel filtration under reducing and non-reducing conditions revealed its homo-dimeric nature, further confirming its Gal-1 nomenclature. The purified lectin was found to be the most stable mammalian heart galectin purified till date, suggesting its preferential use in various recognition studies. Treatment of the purified lectin with oxidizing agent, thiol blocking reagents, denaturants, and detergents resulted in significant changes in UV–VIS, fluorescence, CD and FTIR spectra, which strongly emphasized the important aspect of regular secondary structure of galectins for the maintenance of their active conformation. Reduction of the activity of the purified lectin after oxidation by H₂O₂, with remarkable fluorescence quenching, may suggest potential role for galectin-1 in free radical-induced, oxidative stress-mediated cardiovascular disorders. The predictions of bioinformatics studies were found to be in accordance with the results obtained in wet lab.     

The effect of redox signaling on extracellular matrix changes in diabetic wounds leading to amputation

Introduction& Objectives: Redox signaling is a critical regulator in the process of wound healing. This signaling pathway can be effective in the development or healing of diabetic ulcers through the ECM.In this study, the structure of extracellular matrix investigated in relation to redox signaling in the tissue of patients with diabetic ulcers that lead to organ amputation.Materials and methodsThe case-control design on diabetic patients ulcers as case group and non-diabetic limb ischemia as control were used.Hematoxylin-eosin, trichrome, and elastin staining methods were used for pathological evaluations of ECM. MDA, total thiol, and SOD levels were measured using ELISA kits to assess the oxidative stress level. Also, NO level was measured by using ELISA kits in both groups. Expression levels of genes MMP2, MMP9, and HIF were detected using real-time PCR with SYBR-green assay.ResultsThe pathological results showed an increase in the thickness of collagen and elastin fibers. Lipids atrophy was visible in the tissue isolated from the diabetic wound group. The amount of MAD to evaluate the level of lipid oxidation in patients with diabetic Ulcer was significantly higher than the control group(p < 0.01). Thiol level was significantly lower in the diabetic ulcer group than in the control group(p < 0.0001). The expression of metalloproteinases 2 and 9 genes in the tissues isolated from diabetic ulcers was lower than the control group(p < 0.0001). While the expression of the HIF gene in this group was higher than the control group(p < 0.0001).ConclutionIn the diabetic wound, the HIF secretion due to hypoxic conditions is beneficial for matrix deposition and prevents protease activity, but if the hypoxia persists, it can lead to ECM deposition subsequently increases the tissue pressure, increases of the collagen I-to-collagen III ratio in collagen accumulation that due to more hypoxia , lipidsAtrophy and eventually amputation.