Biology-Basel最新文献

This Special Issue includes studies originating from various countries around the globe and covers diverse types and mechanisms of microbial beneficial functions for plant life [...].

Riociguat is a soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) activator that increases the levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP is known to play a key role in regulating kidney function. This research sought to investigate the possible protective effects of riociguat on the kidneys in the context of chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD was induced in male Wistar rats through adenine administration. A total of 24 rats were allocated into four groups and administered treatments over a period of 35 days. Group 1 received a normal diet and a vehicle (carboxymethylcellulose (0.5%)), serving as the control. Group 2 received adenine (0.25% w/w) in the feed and a vehicle. Groups 3 and 4 received adenine in the feed (0.25% w/w) plus riociguat (3 mg/kg/day) and riociguat (10 mg/kg/day), respectively. Adenine administration significantly elevated systolic blood pressure, plasma creatinine, urea, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). Furthermore, adenine reduced creatinine clearance and increased the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio and urinary N-Acetyl-β-D-Glucosaminidase (NAG). Histopathologically, adenine caused renal tubular necrosis and fibrosis. Furthermore, adenine elevated the plasma concentration of interleukins (IL-1β and IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Adenine significantly increased renal malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Treatment with riociguat attenuated adenine-induced hypertension, improved kidney function, and ameliorated histopathological changes. Riociguat also reduced kidney injury markers, inflammation, and renal oxidative stress. The renoprotective effect of riociguat is probably due to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. This indicates that riociguat may have the potential to slow the progression of kidney damage in chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Leishmania amazonensis, a cause of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Brazil, is a neglected disease with toxic and inconsistently effective treatments. The parasite's survival depends on managing oxidative stress, making redox-regulating enzymes potential therapeutic targets. Geopropolis, a resinous product from native stingless bees, shows promising antiparasitic effects. This study aims to evaluate the anti-L. amazonensis activity of geopropolis produced by Melipona bicolor, M. marginara, M. mondury, and M. quadrifasciata (two samples), targeting enzymes responsible for the parasite's redox balance. Ethanol extracts of geopropolis produced by each bee (BCRL, MRGT, MNDY, MNDA(1), and MNDA(2), respectively) were analyzed for total phenolics and flavonoids. Promastigotes and axenic amastigotes were treated with various extract concentrations, and parasite viability was assessed using the resazurin reduction method. Cytotoxicity was tested on peritoneal macrophages, RAW 264.7, VERO cell lines (MTT assay), and erythrocytes (hemolysis assay). Additionally, mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, the inhibition of recombinant arginase, and autophagic activity were also evaluated in treated parasites. MRGT showed the highest levels of phenolics (762 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (345 mg QE/g). MDRY was more effective against promastigote and axenic amastigote forms (IC₅₀ = 168 and 19.7 µg/mL, respectively). MRGT showed lower cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7 and VERO (CC₅₀ = 654 µg/mL and 981 µg/mL, respectively). Erythrocytes exhibited reduced sensitivity to MNDA(2) (HC₅₀ = 710 µg/mL). The activity of dehydrogenases and LiARG was reduced by treating the parasites with the extracts following the induction of ROS and autophagic activity. These results highlight geopropolis extracts as a source of substances with anti-L. amazonensis activity capable of inducing oxidative stress on the parasite.

The habit of smoking in its various forms represents a significant public health concern due to its wide range of pathological effects, included the oral cavity. In recent years, alternatives to traditional cigarettes, such as heated tobacco products and electronic cigarettes, have gained popularity and are often marketed as potentially less harmful options. This study seeks to evaluate and compare the morphometric characteristics of oral mucosal capillaries in individuals who consume combusted tobacco, heated tobacco, vaporized liquid, and non-smokers. Using videocapillaroscopy, we assessed both parametric and non-parametric data from 60 patients, divided into four groups according to their smoking habits. The analysis revealed significant differences in capillary morphology among the groups. Users of combusted tobacco exhibited pronounced reductions in capillary diameter, alongside increased tortuosity and the presence of microaneurysms. These alterations are indicative of chronic inflammation and vasoconstriction, likely driven by exposure to nicotine and the high temperatures associated with combustion. Conversely, users of heated tobacco and vaporized liquid exhibited comparatively fewer vascular abnormalities, although angiogenic effects attributable to nicotine were still observable. These findings suggest that alternative tobacco products may have a comparatively lesser impact on the oral microcirculation when compared to traditional smoking. However, the potential long-term effects of these products remain unclear. Further longitudinal research is required to fully understand the risks associated with prolonged use of heated tobacco and electronic cigarettes.

The study of Reticulitermes chinensis offers valuable insights into insect aging and longevity, focusing on telomere biology and simple sequence repeats (SSRs). Telomeres, the protective cap at chromosome ends, are often linked to cellular aging and lifespan. Through transcriptomic analysis using the RepeatExplorer tool, a total of 10,740 SSR loci were identified, encompassing di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, and hexa-nucleotide motifs. Among these, tri-nucleotide repeats were the most prevalent (2702), with prominent motifs including AC/GT (21.91%), AAG/CTT (8.49%), and AGC/CTG (8.2%). The identified SSRs serve as valuable genetic markers for taxonomy, phylogenetic, and population genetics. A telomeric sequence array featuring the TTAGG repeat motif was also discovered, with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) confirming its localization at chromosome ends. Telomere lengths R. chinensis ranged from tens to hundreds of kilobases but showed no significant correlation with lifespan differences among termite castes. All castes had the same telomere length. This finding suggests that R. chinensis may possess a unique telomere maintenance mechanism, decoupling telomere length from aging and challenging the conventional view that shorter telomeres are indicative aging. It is hypothesized that telomerase activity plays a critical role in preserving telomere integrity in this species. These findings underscore the complexity and evolutionary adaptations of telomere biology in social insects. Moreover, the variation and organization of SSRs in R. chinensis provide a rich genetic resource for genome mapping, evolutionary research, and population genetics. This study sheds light on telomere dynamics and genetic diversity in termites, opening new pathways for research in evolutionary biology and the molecular mechanisms of aging.

The Taklamakan Desert is an extreme environment supporting a unique and diverse microbial community with significant potential for exploration. Strain TRM70308^T, isolated from desert soil, shares 98.43% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Streptomyces alkaliterrae OF1^T. Polyphasic taxonomy confirmed TRM70308^T as a novel species, named Streptomyces xanthus. Genomic analysis revealed that only one of the strain's 25 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) formed a cluster of gene families (CGFs) within the MIBiG database, emphasizing its genomics uniqueness. LC-MS/MS and Feature-Based Molecular Networking (FBMN) identified 33 metabolites across various categories, including alkaloids, saponins, benzoic acids, and benzofurans, most of which remain uncharacterized. Further chemical investigation led to the isolation of one novel compound, aconicarpyrazine C, and four known compounds: thiolutin, dibutyl phthalate, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, and N-acetyltryptamine. Thiolutin exhibited strong activity against five local fungal pathogens that cause plant diseases, with a production yield of 270 mg/L. These results establish a foundation for pilot-scale thiolutin production and its potential development as an antifungal agent for agricultural applications. Our findings highlight deserts as a valuable source of novel actinomycetes and bioactive natural products with immense potential for future research and development.

Healthcare-associated infections pose a significant global health challenge, negatively impacting patient outcomes and burdening healthcare systems. A major contributing factor to healthcare-associated infections is the formation of biofilms, structured microbial communities encased in a self-produced extracellular polymeric substance matrix. Biofilms are critical in disease etiology and antibiotic resistance, complicating treatment and infection control efforts. Their inherent resistance mechanisms enable them to withstand antibiotic therapies, leading to recurrent infections and increased morbidity. This review explores the development of biofilms and their dual roles in health and disease. It highlights the structural and protective functions of the EPS matrix, which shields microbial populations from immune responses and antimicrobial agents. Key molecular mechanisms of biofilm resistance, including restricted antibiotic penetration, persister cell dormancy, and genetic adaptations, are identified as significant barriers to effective management. Biofilms are implicated in various clinical contexts, including chronic wounds, medical device-associated infections, oral health complications, and surgical site infections. Their prevalence in hospital environments exacerbates infection control challenges and underscores the urgent need for innovative preventive and therapeutic strategies. This review evaluates cutting-edge approaches such as DNase-mediated biofilm disruption, RNAIII-inhibiting peptides, DNABII proteins, bacteriophage therapies, antimicrobial peptides, nanoparticle-based solutions, antimicrobial coatings, and antimicrobial lock therapies. It also examines critical challenges associated with biofilm-related healthcare-associated infections, including diagnostic difficulties, disinfectant resistance, and economic implications. This review emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach and underscores the importance of understanding biofilm dynamics, their role in disease pathogenesis, and the advancements in therapeutic strategies to combat biofilm-associated infections effectively in clinical settings. These insights aim to enhance treatment outcomes and reduce the burden of biofilm-related diseases.

Background: Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are linked to the development of oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and impaired insulin secretion. Adverse early life conditions, such as exposure to AGEs and their precursors, may lead offspring to the development of metabolic dysfunction in adulthood. Nonetheless, the early impact in offspring metabolism by maternal intake of AGEs precursors during lactation is not known.

Objective: Investigate early life metabolism of the offspring whose breastfeeding dams were orally exposed to AGEs precursor.

Methods: Breastfeeding Wistar rats were daily treated with the glycation precursor methylglyoxal (MG-60 mg/kg of bodyweight) by gavage or saline 0.9% control (CO) until weaning. In vivo glycemic homeostasis in male offspring was assessed, followed by euthanasia for tissue sample collection for ex vivo assessments.

Results: At weaning, MG offspring presented decreased bodyweight (p < 0.05), perigonadal (p < 0.01) and retroperitoneal (p < 0.01) fat. MG offspring presented decreased glucose tolerance (p < 0.05), lower basal insulinemia (p < 0.001), reduced high-glucose static insulin secretion (p < 0.05), and reduced pancreatic islet area (p < 0.05). Accordingly, MG offspring pancreas showed lower GSH and SOD activity (p < 0.05; p < 0.001, respectively) and increased MPO (p < 0.05) activity.

Conclusions: The consumption of AGE precursors by breastfeeding dams impaired offspring pancreatic function and glycemic homeostasis early in life.

Epilepsy, a brain condition causing recurrent seizures, can disrupt various body functions, including urination. This study explored how alternate-day fasting (ADF), a type of intermittent fasting, a diet involving one day of eating and fasting, subsequently affects urinary system health in epileptic rats. Using a genetic rat model of epilepsy, we examined bladder and kidney function through tissue analysis, biochemical tests, and physiological assessments, focusing on differences between males and females. The results showed that epilepsy causes significant urinary system damage linked to inflammation and oxidative stress. However, ADF reduces this damage by lowering inflammation and restoring antioxidant balance. Male rats exhibited more oxidative damage, while female rats responded better to ADF, likely due to hormonal differences. These findings suggest ADF as a potential, cost-effective dietary approach to protect against urinary complications in epilepsy and similar conditions. Understanding these effects may lead to improved treatments for both genders and a better quality of life for people with chronic diseases.