Surfactant protein A and D in the reproductive tract of stallion

The presence of surface-active material in the lung alveolus has been known for several decades as being essential for normal lung function. The host defense and controlling inflammatory processes of the lung are the major functions of SP-A and SP-D. SP-A and SP-D were originally demonstrated in alveolar type II cells, but recent studies have shown extrapulmonary expression of SP-A and SP-D indicating systemic roles of these proteins. Present study describes the presence of SP-A and SP-D in the stallion genital tract, prepuce, prostate, testis, and seminal vesicle using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. This paper presents the first evidence for the existence of SP-A and SP-D glycoproteins in the stallion genital tract. We examined genital system organs and tissues from stallion and were able to show that surfactant protein A and D reactive with surfactant-specific antibodies were present in the stallion genital tract tissues and organs. On the basis of results, it can be postulated that surfactant proteins in the stallion reproductive tract contribute to the immune surveillance and to active barrier defense mechanism.     

Living nanovesicles--chemical and physical survival strategies of primordial biosystems

Life on Earth and Mars could have started with self-assembled nanovesicles similar to the present nanobacteria (NB). To resist extreme environmental stress situations and periods of nutritional deprivation, nanovesicles would have had a chemical composition protected by a closed mineralized compartment, facilitating their development in a primordial soup, or other early wet environment. Their survivability would have been enhanced if they had mechanisms for metabolic communication, and an ability to collect primordially available energy forms. Here, we establish an irreducible model system for life formation starting with NB.     

Corneal protein nitration in experimental uveitis

Increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS-2) in inflammatory diseases like uveitis suggests that it contributes to the observed pathological state. The aim of this study was to evaluate corneal expression of NOS-2 and corneal protein nitration in a rat model of uveitis. A single injection of intravitreal lipopolysaccharide was used to induce uveitis. Corneal proteins were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and visualized by Coomassie blue staining. Expression of NOS-2 and nitrotyrosine (NO(2)Tyr) formation were determined via immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Total nitrate/nitrite levels in the vitreous were measured by spectral analysis via the Griess reagent. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed increased corneal NOS-2 and NO(2)Tyr immunoreactivity in rats with uveitis compared with controls. NOS-2 and NO(2)Tyr immunoreactivity was observed in and around basal cells in the corneal epithelium. Western blot analysis of corneal lysates showed multiple nitrated protein bands in uveitic rats. Spectrophotometric measurement of total nitrate/nitrite levels in the vitreous affirmed significantly increased levels of nitric oxide generation in uveitis (126 +/-2.63 microM/mg protein) compared with controls (65 +/-6.57 microM/mg protein). The presented data suggests that extensive formation of protein nitration and reactive nitrogen species in the cornea contributes to tissue destruction in uveitis. Hence, selective inhibition of NOS-2 may prevent long-term complications and lead to an improvement in the management of uveitis.     

Acute effects of static stretching and massage on flexibility and jumping performance

Objective:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of static stretching and the application of massage on flexibility and jump performance.Methods:Thirty-five athletes studying Physical Education at University (mean age 23.6±1.3 years, mean height 177.8±6.3 cm and mean weight 72.2±6.7 kg) performed one of three different warm-up protocols on non-consecutive days. Protocols included static stretching [SS], combined static stretching and massage [SSM], and neither stretching nor massage [CONT]. The athletes performed flexibility, countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) tests.Results:SS and SSM protocols demonstrated 12% (p<0.05) and 16% (p<0.05) respectively greater flexibility than the CONT protocol. SJ and CMJ performances were significantly decreased 10.4% (p<0.05) and 5.5% (p<0.05) respectively after the SS protocol. There was no significant difference between SSM and CONT protocol in terms of SJ and CMJ performance.Conclusion:This research indicates that whereas static stretching increases the flexibility it decreases the jumping performance of the athletes. On the other hand, the application of massage immediately following static stretching increases flexibility but does not reduce jumping performance. Considering the known negative acute effects of static stretching on performance, the application of massage is thought to be beneficial in alleviating such effects.