Immunomodulatory effect of selenosemicarbazides and selenium inorganic compounds, distribution in organs after selenium supplementation

Antioxidant properties of selenium producing a protective barrier against free radicals play an important role in numerous metabolic and immunologic processes associated with oxidation- reduction reactions which take place during intracellular digestion of phagocyted bacteria. The aim of our study was to examine the properties of an organic compound of selenium, 4-(o-tolilo)- selenosemicarbazide of p-chlorobenzoic acid in terms of its retention in organs, effect on erythropoesis and phagocytic abilities of neutrophiles as well as antioxidant properties in neutrophiles tested with NBT test. This compound as well as inorganic sodium selenate was given to Swiss mice at the dose of 10^–3 g Se/kg for the period of 10 days. The concentrations of selenium in livers of mice treated with sodium selenate and selenosemicarbazide were found to be higher than in controls (18,7 g lg^–1 and 23.2 g lg^–1 vs. 12 g lg^–1, respectively). Analysis of blood cells count has shown a significant decrease in neutrophile levels in both groups treated with selenium. The influence of selenium compounds on phagocytosis and especially NBT test has been determined (3.8% of positive cells in the controls vs. 2.2% and 0.9% in the groups treated with sodium selenate and selenosemicarbazide, respectively). Our preliminary investigations suggest that selenosemicarbazides are biologically active compounds and can modify neutrophile functions.     

Adaptive changes in fatty acid compositions of whitefish Coregonus lavaretus L. tissue lipids induced by anthropogenic factors]

Adaptive processes in the body of whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus L.) caused by anthropogenic effects on aquatic systems were studied. It was demonstrated that the content of fatty acid acyls correlated with the water pollution level. The role of a decrease in the content of arachidonic acid in fish reproduction under adverse conditions is discussed. It is underlined that the quantitative alterations in the gonad and liver fatty acid patterns are unidirectional. A compensatory character of the changes discovered is hypothesized.     

Expression of DNase gamma during Fas-independent apoptotic DNA fragmentation in rodent hepatocytes

Endonuclease-induced DNA fragmentation is a hallmark of apoptosis. DNase gamma (DNase ) was recently identified as one of the endonucleases responsible for apoptotic DNA fragmentation. In this study, immunohistochemistry for DNase was performed on paraffin sections of rodent liver in well-defined models of hepatocyte apoptosis induced by Fas antibody (Fas) or cycloheximide (CHX), and necrosis induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). DNase immunoreactivity was compared with TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) reactivity. Our results showed TUNEL reactivity in both apoptotic and necrotic hepatocytes. DNase immunoreactivity was not detected during LPS-induced or CCl₄-induced hepatocyte necrosis. In contrast, it was evident during CHX-induced, but not Fas-induced, apoptotic DNA fragmentation. These findings suggest that DNase plays an important role in Fas-independent apoptotic DNA fragmentation in hepatocytes.     

Age-related features of cataractogenesis in salmon fry. 3. Age-related dynamics of liver lipid composition during cataractogenesis

When studying the cataract pathogenesis in salmon fry, we found changes in the content of individual; phospholipid fractions and fatty acid composition in the liver of diseased and healthy fish. The age-related changes correlated with the increased antioxidant activity and decreased liver content of malondialdehyde.     

Age-related characteristics of cataractogenesis in salmon fry. II. Biochemical characteristics of eye lens during cataractogenesis

We studied biochemical features of the lipid and phospholipid composition and patter of fatty acid spectra in lenses of one and two year old salmons bearing cataracts. The lipid complex of lenses of diseased fish underwent significant changes. Cataractogenesis was accompanied by enhanced free radical oxidation and accumulation of malone dialdehyde in lenses of salmons of various age. The intensification of oxidative processes was synchronized with the decreased level of antioxidant protection (reduced glutathione, vitamins A and E). The activity of Ca(2+)-dependent proteolytic enzymes in lenses was determined and its decrease in the case of cataract was shown.     

Quantitative detection of methylated SOCS-1, a tumor suppressor gene, by a modified protocol of quantitative real time methylation-specific PCR using SYBR green and its use in early gastric cancer detection

Although methylation-specific PCR (MSP) is a sensitive technique in the detection of DNA hypermethylation, it is not quantitative. Here we described a modified PCR protocol to quantify methylated SOCS-1 gene by real time MSP using SYBR green, which involves an additional PCR step after the 72 degrees C extension step. This modified protocol is also useful in the quantitative detection of methylated SOCS-1 gene in serum samples of gastric cancer patients.     

(4-Piperidinylphenyl)aminoethyl amides as a novel class of non-covalent cathepsin K inhibitors

A series of (4-piperidinylphenyl)aminoethyl amides based on dipeptide anilines were synthesized and tested against cathepsin K, cathepsin L and cathepsin B. These new non-covalent inhibitors exhibited single-digit nM inhibition of the cysteine proteases. Compounds 3 and 7 demonstrated potency in both mouse and human osteoclast resorption assays.     

Proteomics approach to identifying ATP-covalently modified proteins

This study aims to investigate functionally similar proteins based on their capacity to remain bound to ATP under stringent resolving conditions. Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and capillary liquid chromatography on-line mass spectrometry, we have identified several mammalian and E. coli proteins that appear to covalently bind ATP. To validate this approach, we obtained commercially purified forms of proteins identified from two-dimensional protein maps and tested their capacity to bind alpha 32P phosphate labeled ATP. This proteomics approach provides an initial screening method of identifying functionally similar proteins for further scrutiny by a more traditional analysis.