Apolipoprotein E polymorphism in Southern Iran: E4 allele in the lowest reported amounts

Background: Apolipoprotein E (apoE) with three major alleles E2, E3 and E4 is one of the critical genes in lipid metabolism. Common apoE alleles are in association with an increase in risk for central nervous and cardiovascular diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, hyperlipoproteinemia and stroke. ApoE3 is known as the most frequent allele in all populations, while association of apoE gene polymorphism with reported diseases have mostly been related to other two major alleles especially apoE4. Objective: To determine of apoE alleles frequencies in Southern Iran and comparison of those frequencies with other populations. Methods: DNA was extracted from the whole blood of 198 healthy unrelated candidates from population of Fars Province, Southern Iran, for apoE genotyping who were checked up by a physician. The frequencies of apoE alleles were compared with other populations by χ² test. Results: The frequencies of E2, E3 and E4 were 0.063, 0.886 and 0.051 respectively. These values were similar to those reported from populations of Kuwait, Oman, Lebanon, India, Turkey, Greece, Spain, Sardinia Islands of Italy and two Iranian populations but were different from South of Italy and Caucasians in other Europe regions, American, American-Indian, African, East Asian and Saudi populations (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The frequency of E4 allele as a genetic risk factor for some multifactorial diseases in the population of Southern Iran is in the lowest reported amounts in the world. Iranian population has Caucasoid origin but differs from some Caucasian populations in Europe and America. The results of present study are in agreement with the historical evidences which show admixture of Iranian population with other populations and some studies based on genetic polymorphisms in the population of Southern Iran.     

Towards identifying Brassica proteins involved in mediating resistance to Leptosphaeria maculans: a proteomics-based approach

To better understand the pathogen-stress response of Brassica species against the ubiquitous hemi-biotroph fungus Leptosphaeria maculans, we conducted a comparative proteomic analysis between blackleg-susceptible Brassica napus and blackleg-resistant Brassica carinata following pathogen inoculation. We examined temporal changes (6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h) in protein profiles of both species subjected to pathogen-challenge using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. A total of 64 proteins were found to be significantly affected by the pathogen in the two species, out of which 51 protein spots were identified using tandem mass spectrometry. The proteins identified included antioxidant enzymes, photosynthetic and metabolic enzymes, and those involved in protein processing and signaling. Specifically, we observed that in the tolerant B. carinata, enzymes involved in the detoxification of free radicals increased in response to the pathogen whereas no such increase was observed in the susceptible B. napus. The expression of genes encoding four selected proteins was validated using quantitative real-time PCR and an additional one by Western blotting. Our findings are discussed with respect to tolerance or susceptibility of these species to the pathogen.     

Using hydrothermal time concept to describe sesame (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sesamum indicum</Emphasis> L.) seed germination response to temperature and water potential

To quantify both temperature (T) and water potential (ψ) effects on sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seed germination (SG) and also to determine the cardinal T _s for this plant, a laboratory experiment was carried out using hydrothermal time model (HTT). For this purpose, four sesame cultivars (‘Asbomahalleh’, ‘Darab’, ‘Dashtestan’ and ‘Yellowhite’) were germinated at seven constant T _s (20, 25, 30, 35, 37, 39 and 43 °C) at each of the following ψ _s (0, ? 0.12, ? 0.24 and ? 0.36 MPa; provided by PEG 8000). Germination rate (GR) and germination percentage (GP) significantly influenced by ψ, T and their interactions in all cultivars (P ≤ 0.01). There was no significant difference, based on the confidence intervals of the model coefficients, between cultivars, so an average of cardinal T _s was 14.7, 35.4 and 47.2 °C for the minimum (T _b), optimum (T _o) and maximum (T _c) T _s, respectively, in the control condition (0 MPa). Hydrotime values in all cultivars decreased when T was increased to T _o and then remained constant at T _s > T _o (15 MPa h^?1). An average value of ψ _b(50) was estimated to be ? 1.23 MPa at T _s ≤ T _o and then increased linearly (0.1041 MPa°Ch^?1, the slope of the relationship between ψ _b(50) and supra-optimal T _s) with T when T _s increased above T _o and finally reached to zero at T _c. The T _b and T _o values were not influenced by ψ, but T _c value decreased (from 47.2 for zero to 43.5 °C for ? 0.36 MPa) at supra-optimal T _s as a result of the effect of ψ on GR. Based on our findings, this model (as a predictive tool) and or the estimated parameter values in this study can easily be used in sesame SG simulation models to quantitatively characterize the physiological status of sesame seed populations at different T _s and ψ _s.     

Nutritional status,essential oil changes and water-use efficiency of rose geranium in response to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and water deficiency stress

Stress induced by water deficit is considered to be a global problem and one of the most important factors limiting crop production in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Application of certain microorganisms, including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), is considered to be an effective and sustainable strategy to mitigate the problem. A pot experiment was conducted in the field (from Feb. to Sep. in 2013–2014 in Isfahan, Iran) to assess the effectiveness of AMF inoculation on changes in biomass, essential oils, nutrient uptake and water-use efficiency of rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.) experiencing stress induced by a deficit of water. The experiment was planned as a factorial experiment, using a completely randomized design, with two factors, including four AMF inoculation (non-mycorrhizal, Rhizophagus intraradices and Funneliformis mosseae inoculated, and the combination of both species) and three irrigation levels including well-watered (WW), moderate water deficiency (MWD) and severe water deficiency (SWD). The results indicated the occurrence of an adverse effect of water deficit on plant total biomass; however, AMF inoculation positively increased plant biomass compared to the non-inoculated ones under three irrigation levels. MWD condition resulted in higher essential oil (EO) content (12.4 %), water-use efficiency (WUE) (29.5 %) and glomalin-related soil proteins (GRSP) (19.1 %) in the plants compared to WW condition. Furthermore, all AMF inoculation improved EO content by at least 12 k%. The results also showed that severe water deficiency adversely affected the uptake of most nutrients by plants especially in non-inoculated plants. The results also revealed that, although EO production was under the control of irrigation regime, nutrient uptake was critically dependent on an association with mycorrhizae. Notwithstanding the fact that rose geranium can tolerate moderate drought stress, the high responsiveness of rose geranium to AMF under water deficiency stress confirms the key role of AMF in facilitating the production of this valuable crop in harsh environments. Dual infection of rose geranium with two AMF species could also synergistically affect biomass, essential oil content and mineral elements absorption.     

Reconstructing subsistence practices: taphonomic constraints and the interpretation of wild plant remains at aceramic Neolithic Chogha Golan,Iran

In this paper we discuss the plant-based subsistence economy during the formation of archaeological horizons (AH) II and I at the aceramic Neolithic site of Chogha Golan, Iran. The deposits date to between 9,800 and 9,600 cal bp. In order to reconstruct subsistence practices and their development reliably, we conducted a taphonomic analysis to identify factors that influenced the composition of the archaeobotanical assemblage. The flotation samples derive from two excavation areas in the centre of the tell, the deep sounding and area A. Using correspondence analysis, we link the biased composition of the plant remains from AH I to their relatively poor preservation. Two different sampling strategies applied in excavation area A also affected the composition of the samples. In contrast, we did not find compositional differences among the samples from AH II of both excavation areas. Our results emphasize the need for taphonomic analyses prior to interpreting the taxonomic composition of charred archaeobotanical assemblages. Considering these results, we discuss the subsistence economy of Chogha Golan. Domestic emmer wheat was cultivated from AH II onwards. Wild barley, Aegilops sp., lentils, peas and various vetches may have been cultivated as well. This spectrum of typical Neolithic food plants was supplemented by a high diversity of other potential wild food resources, including medium and small-seeded grasses, Pistacia, Bolboschoenus glaucus, Malva and Brassicaceae. A compilation of ethnobotanical data, mainly from the Near and Middle East, represents the basis for assessing the potential uses of the wild plants.     

Effect of organic solvents on stability and activity of two related alcohol dehydrogenases: a comparative study.

A comparative study was performed regarding the catalytic activity and stability of two related enzymes (thermophilic alcohol dehydrogenase from Thermoanaerobacter brockii and its mesophilic counterpart from yeast) in the presence of a number of miscible and immiscible organic solvents. The study was performed in view of the practical usefulness of organic solvents for alcohol dehydrogenases which have been shown to catalyse a variety of industrially-important dehydrogenation reactions. A number of organic solvents of different physicochemical characteristics were used and substantial stabilization was achieved. The non-polar solvents utilized showed the ability to enhance thermal stability of both proteins. Protection against thermal denaturation was especially pronounced by n-dodecane, the solvent with the highest logP used in the present study. Dimethylformamide and dioxane, employed as two miscible organic solvents, showed the ability to cause substrate inhibition and changes in protein conformation as indicated by kinetic and fluorescence studies. A higher resistance of the thermophilic protein to the deleterious effect of pyridine and thermostabilization of the mesophilic enzyme by non-polar solvents are especially emphasized. Combined differences in protein structure and nature of organic solvents are suggested to explain the differences in stability and catalytic activity observed in the present investigation.     

The Effect of 10 Hz Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of Posterior Parietal Cortex on Visual Attention

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) at frequencies lower than 5 Hz transiently inhibits the stimulated area. In healthy participants, such a protocol can induce a transient attentional bias to the visual hemifield ipsilateral to the stimulated hemisphere. This bias might be due to a relatively less active stimulated hemisphere and a relatively more active unstimulated hemisphere. In a previous study, Jin and Hilgetag (2008) tried to switch the attention bias from the hemifield ipsilateral to the hemifield contralateral to the stimulated hemisphere by applying high frequency rTMS. High frequency rTMS has been shown to excite, rather than inhibit, the stimulated brain area. However, the bias to the ipsilateral hemifield was still present. The participants’ performance decreased when stimuli were presented in the hemifield contralateral to the stimulation site. In the present study we tested if this unexpected result was related to the fact that participants were passively resting during stimulation rather than performing a task. Using a fully crossed factorial design, we compared the effects of high frequency rTMS applied during a visual detection task and high frequency rTMS during passive rest on the subsequent offline performance in the same detection task. Our results were mixed. After sham stimulation, performance was better after rest than after task. After active 10 Hz rTMS, participants’ performance was overall better after task than after rest. However, this effect did not reach statistical significance. The comparison of performance after rTMS with task and performance after sham stimulation with task showed that 10 Hz stimulation significantly improved performance in the whole visual field. Thus, although we found a trend to better performance after rTMS with task than after rTMS during rest, we could not reject the hypothesis that high frequency rTMS with task and high frequency rTMS during rest equally affect performance.     

Influence of static magnetic field on cadmium toxicity: Study of oxidative stress and DNA damage in rat tissues

In the present study, we investigated the effect of co-exposure to static magnetic field (SMF) and cadmium (Cd) on the biochemical parameters, antioxidant enzymes activity and DNA damage in rat tissues. Animals were treated with cadmium (CdCl₂, 40 mg/L, per os) in drinking water during 4 weeks. Cd treatment induced an increase of plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and transaminases levels. Moreover, Cd treatment increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-oxodGuo levels in rat tissues. However, the antioxidant enzymes activity such as the glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) were decreased in liver and kidney, while we noted a huge increase of hepatic and renal cadmium content. Interestingly, the combined effect of SMF (128mT, 1 h/day during 30 consecutive days) and Cd (40 mg/L, per os) decreased the GPx and CAT activities in liver compared to cadmium treated group. However, the association between SMF and Cd failed to alter transaminases, MDA and 8-oxodGuo concentration.

Cd treatment altered antioxidant enzymes and DNA in liver and kidney of rats. Moreover, SMF associated to Cd disrupt this antioxidant response in liver compared to Cd-treated rats.     

Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Potatoes Grown on Calcareous Soils of the Hamedan,Western Iran

This study was conducted to investigate heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils and their transfer in a soil-potato system. A total of 59 pairs of potato and soil samples, representing different locations were collected from Hamedan, western Iran and subjected to heavy metals analysis. Average concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were 1.2, 13.1, 161.4, 13.2, 3.2, 19.5, and 41.5 mg kg^?1 dry weight in potato tubers, respectively. A sequence of decreasing plant transfer factors values: Cd > Pb > Cu > Zn > Ni ≥ Mn > Fe was obtained. Furthermore, the health risk index (HRI) values were within the safe limit (<1) except for Cd and Pb. HRI values for Cd and Pb were higher than 1, indicating potential health risk, especially for children. The results indicated that daily intakes of Cd and Pb in potato in the study area may present a future hazard.     

High-level expression of an altered cDNA encoding human isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase in Escherichia coli

Isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase (IVD) catalyzes the conversion of isovaleryl-CoA to 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA in the leucine catabolism pathway. The cDNA encoding the mature human IVD polypeptide was cloned in a prokaryotic expression vector, but the level of expression in Escherichia coli was extremely low and attempts to purify the enzyme to homogeneity were unsuccessful. To enhance expression, the nucleotide sequence of 22 codons within the 111-bp region at the 5′-end of the cDNA was altered to accommodate E. coli codon usage without altering the amino-acid coding sequence. The altered IVD cDNA was synthesized by PCR, using a primer containing the desired modifications. Following overnight induction of the E. coli transformed with this cDNA, the enzyme was purified to homogeneity using diethylaminoethyl agarose and high-pressure ceramic hydroxyapatite resins. IVD activity was increased 165-fold in the crude extract of cells containing the modified cDNA, as compared to that containing the wild-type cDNA.