Cyclo(His-Pro) up-regulates heme oxygenase 1 via activation of Nrf2-ARE signalling

Paraquat (1,1'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium), a widely used non-selective herbicide, is a redox cycling agent with adverse effects on dopamine systems. Epidemiological data have shown that exposure to paraquat is one of the several risk factors for Parkinson's disease. We have already shown that cyclo(His-Pro), an endogenous cyclic dipeptide produced by the cleavage of the thyrotropin releasing hormone, has a cytoprotective effect through a mechanism involving Nrf2 activation that decreases production of reactive oxygen species and increases glutathione synthesis. Using primary neuronal cultures and PC12 cells as targets of paraquat neurotoxicity, we addressed whether and how cyclo(His-Pro) causes cellular protective response against paraquat-mediated cell death. We found that cyclo(His-Pro) attenuated reactive oxygen species production, and prevented glutathione depletion by up-regulating Nrf2 gene expression, triggering its nuclear accumulation and activating the expression of heme oxygenase1. These protective effects were abolished by RNA interference-mediated Nrf2 knock down whereas were unaffected by RNA interference-mediated Keap1 knock down. Inhibition of heme oxygenase activity decreased cyclo(His-Pro)-induced neuroprotection. These results suggest that cyclo(His-Pro), acting as a selective activator of the brain modulable Nrf2 pathway, may be a promising candidate as neuroprotective agent that act through induction of phase II genes.     

Increased demand for NAD+ relative to ATP drives aerobic glycolysis

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The chemical-transformation products of 1,6-dibromo-1,6-dideoxygalactitol and 1,2:5,6-dianhydrogalactitol in aqueous solution

After hydrolysis of 1,6-dibromo-1,6-dideoxygalactitol (1) and 1,2:5,6-dianhydrogalactitol (2), 11 compounds were isolated, three of them as tritylated derivatives. Their structures were established on the basis of chemical evidence and, for four compounds, by X-ray diffraction. The main product of the hydrolysis of 1 was 3,6-anhydro-1-bromo-1-deoxy-dl-galactitol; the end-products of the hydrolysis of 2 were 1,5-anhydro-dl-galactitol, 2,5-anhydro-dl-altritol, and galactitol.     

A general,fast, and sensitive micromethod for DNA determination: Application to rat and mouse liver,rat hepatoma,human leukocytes,chicken fibroblasts,and yeast cells

A fluorometric method using 3,5-diaminobenzoic acid for DNA determination in tissues, cultured cells, nucleated blood cells, and yeast cells is described. The method is general, simple, and rapid, and does not require prior DNA extraction, since tissue is directly solubilized in Triton X-100 and ammonia. The procedure is highly sensitive, and is able to measure rather accurately as little as 10 ng of DNA. It is applicable to all types of DNA structure. The DNA content determined in various tissues and cells was: 2.50 mg/g fresh rat liver, 3.32 mg/g rat diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatoma, 2.49 mg/g fresh mouse liver, 8.76 μg/10⁶ human leukocytes, 3.37 μg/10⁶ chicken fibroblasts, 2.97 μg/10⁸ haploid yeast cells, and 2.84 μg/10⁸ haploid yeast protoplasts.     

Upon the identity of Ephemera hispanica Navás, 1903 (Ephemeroptera: Ephemeridae)

Ephemera hispanica Navás, 1903 has been considered a doubtful species until recently. It is shown to be a long established synonym of E. vulgata Linnaeus, 1758.     

Somatic cell fusion of Trichoderma reesei resulting in new genetic combinations

Summary A selection method has been developed for the isolation of recombinant strains of Trichoderma reesei QM 9414. The method is based on somatic hybridization via anastomosis or protoplast fusion, and on the difference in growth rate of the resulting heterokaryons and synkaryons. The more intensive growth of the synkaryons as due to allelic complementation of adenine-requiring auxotrophic strains mutated in the adenylosuccinate synthetase gene. The synkaryons appeared is energetically growing spots in the heterokaryotic background. Stable diploids could not be isolated, which points to the transient nature of the diploid state in this species.     

Alga consumption of four dominant planktonic crustaceans in Lake Balaton (Hungary)

Between 1981–83 the gut contents ofDaphnia galeata, D. cucullata, Eudiaptomus gracilis, andCyclops vicinus were examined with light and scanning electron microscope to obtain information on the feeding of these species in Lake Balaton. The twoDaphnia species feed mainly on abioseston, and it is assumed that their primary nutrient source was organic matter adsorbed onto the surfaces of the abioseston granules plus bacteria and detritus.E. gracilis feeds on algae, showing a preference for green algae and diatoms.C. vicinus is also a prodigious consumer of algae in Lake Balaton, utilizing the whole size spectrum of phytoplankton. Concerning the trophic relationships between phytoplankton and zooplankton in Lake Balaton, that between diatoms and bothE. gracilis andC. vicinus is the most conspicouos. Convincing evidence for an extensive utilization of blue-green algae was not found. Though there is no firm evidence yet, it is likely that theDaphnia are dependent on organic matter adsorbed on the abioseston.     

Immunogold localization of photosynthetic fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase in pea leaf tissue

An enriched IgG serum fraction obtained from rabbits immunized against pea chloroplast fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) was used, coupled to colloidal gold (15 nanometer particles) goat anti-rabbit IgG, to analyze by electron microscopy the location of photosynthetic FBPase in pea (Pisum sativum L.) leaf ultrathin sections. In accordance with earlier biochemical studies on distribution of FBPase activity, the enzyme was visualized both in the stromal space and bound to the chloroplast membranes. Some gold particles also appear in the cytoplasm, which can be related to the presence in the cytosol of a high molecular weight precursor of this nuclear coded enzyme.