Inhibition of metabolic disorders in vivo and in vitro by main constituent of Coreopsis tinctoria / 中草药·英文版

Objective: To investigate the effects of the ethyl acetate extract of Coreopsis tinctoria (EAEC) on insulin resistance (IR) in rats fed a high-fat diet. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were fed a HFD (60% fat) supplemented with EAEC for 8 weeks. The administration of EAEC to the rats with HFD-induced insulin resistance reduced hyperglycemia, plasma levels of insulin, and steatosis in the liver. Metabolomic study was used to analyze the metabolic levels of the high glucose-treated cells, control cells and marein-treated cells. Results: High glucose and high fat conditions caused a significant increase in blood glucose, insulin, serum TC, TG and LDL-C levels, leading to abnormal IR in rats. However, treatment with EAEC protects against HFD-induced IR by improving the fasting serum glucose homeostasis and lipid homeostasis. The high glucose conditions significantly decreased glycogen synthesis and increased PEPCK, G6Pase and Krebs cycle-related enzyme protein levels, leading to an abnormal metabolic state in HepG2 cells. However, treatment with marein improved IR by increasing glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis and by downregulating PEPCK and G6Pase protein levels. The statistical analysis of the HPLC/MS data demonstrated that marein could restore the normal metabolic state. Conclusion: The results revealed that EAEC ameliorates IR in rats, and marein has the potential to improve IR by ameliorating glucose metabolism disorders.

Changes in energetic metabolism of Biomphalaria glabrata (Mollusca, Planorbidae) in response to exogenous calcium / Alterações no metabolismo energético de Biomphalaria glabrata em resposta ao cálcio exógeno

Abstract Calcium is considered an essential element for the metabolism of aquatic snail Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818), intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907 in Brazil, and represents a limiting factor to its distribution and adaptation to the environment. This study investigated the effect of different concentrations of exogenous CaCO3 on the energetic metabolism of B. glabrata for better understanding the physiological interference of chemical elements dissolved in the environment with the physiology of this species. Sixty-day-old snails were distributed into six groups, five exposed to different concentrations of CaCO3 (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg/L) and a control group. The exposure to CaCO3 was assessed over time, with analysis of 15 snails of each group in the following intervals: 1, 14, 21 or 30 days for hemolymph extraction. Concentrations of calcium and glucose in the hemolymph were determined by commercial kits, and organic acids were extracted using an ion exchange column and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Concentration of calcium in the hemolymph showed no significant difference (p>0.05) from the control group and between the concentrations tested. Concentration of glucose decreased (p<0.05) in the treatments of exposure to 20 and 40 mg/L and increased when exposed to 80 and 100 mg/L CaCO3 compared to control and to other concentrations tested over 30 days. The organic acids pyruvate, oxaloacetate, citrate, succinate, fumarate, beta-hydroxybutyrate and lactate presented increased concentrations, while propionate and acetoacetate, decreased concentrations, when exposed to CaCO3 compared to control. Considering the influence of different periods of exposure to CaCO3, on the 14th day, there were stronger alterations in the metabolism of B. glabrata. In conclusion, exposure to CaCO3 reduced the concentration of glucose, which is metabolized into pyruvate, the final product of glycolysis, and also influenced the energetic metabolism pathways, indicating an aerobic or partially anaerobic functioning.

Resumo O cálcio é considerado um elemento essencial no metabolismo do molusco aquático Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818), principal hospedeiro intermediário de Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907 no Brasil e, tem sido descrito como um fator limitante na distribuição e adaptação desse molusco no ambiente. O presente trabalho avaliou o efeito de diferentes concentrações de carbonato de cálcio (CaCO3) exógeno ao metabolismo energético de B. glabrata, a fim de subsidiar uma melhor compreensão da interferência de elementos químicos dissolvidos no meio aquático na fisiologia destes moluscos. Foram utilizados moluscos com sessenta dias de vida, distribuídos em seis grupos, cinco expostos a diferentes concentrações de CaCO3 (20, 40, 60, 80 e 100mg/L) e um controle. A exposição ao CaCO3 foi avaliada em função do tempo, sendo retirados 15 moluscos de cada grupo nos seguintes intervalos: 1, 14, 21 ou 30 dias para extração da hemolinfa. As concentrações de cálcio e glicose na hemolinfa foram determinadas usando-se kits comercial e os ácidos orgânicos foram extraídos por meio da coluna de troca iônica e analisados através cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. Os resultados demonstraram que a concentração de cálcio na hemolinfa não apresentou diferença significativa (p>0,05) em relação ao controle e nas concentrações testadas. A concentração de glicose diminuiu (p<0,05) nas exposições a 20 mg e 40 mg/L e aumentou nas exposições a 80 mg e 100 mg/L de CaCO3 em relação ao controle e demais concentrações testadas ao longo de 30 dias. Os ácidos orgânicos piruvato, oxaloaceato, citrato, succinato, fumarato, β-hidroxibutirato e lactato tiveram suas concentrações aumentadas, enqunato, propionato e acetoacetato tiveram suas concentrações diminuídas na exposição ao CaCO3 comparada ao controle. Quanto a influência dos diferentes períodos de exposição ao CaCO3, aos 14 dias, as alterações no metabolismo de B. glabrata foram mais expressivas. Conclui-se que as exposições ao CaCO3 influenciaram na redução de glicose, sendo esta metabolizada a piruvato, produto final da glicólise e alteraram as vias de metabolismo energético, indicando um funcionamento aeróbio ou parcialmente anaeróbio.

Fluvoxamine alters the activity of energy metabolism enzymes in the brain

Objective: Several studies support the hypothesis that metabolism impairment is involved in the pathophysiology of depression and that some antidepressants act by modulating brain energy metabolism. Thus, we evaluated the activity of Krebs cycle enzymes, the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and creatine kinase in the brain of rats subjected to prolonged administration of fluvoxamine. Methods: Wistar rats received daily administration of fluvoxamine in saline (10, 30, and 60 mg/kg) for 14 days. Twelve hours after the last administration, rats were killed by decapitation and the prefrontal cortex, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and cerebellum were rapidly isolated. Results: The activities of citrate synthase, malate dehydrogenase, and complexes I, II-III, and IV were decreased after prolonged administration of fluvoxamine in rats. However, the activities of complex II, succinate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase were increased. Conclusions: Alterations in activity of energy metabolism enzymes were observed in most brain areas analyzed. Thus, we suggest that the decrease in citrate synthase, malate dehydrogenase, and complexes I, II-III, and IV can be related to adverse effects of pharmacotherapy, but long-term molecular adaptations cannot be ruled out. In addition, we demonstrated that these changes varied according to brain structure or biochemical analysis and were not dose-dependent. .

Enzyme expression in indica and japonica rice cultivars under saline stress / Expressão de enzimas em cultivares de arroz indica e japonica sob estresse salino

The southern State of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) is the main rice producer in Brazil with a 60% participation of the national production and 86% participation of the region. Rice culture irrigation system is done by flooding, which leads to soil salinization, a major environmental constraint to production since it alters the plants' metabolism exposed to this type of stress. The indica cultivar, widely used in RS, has a higher sensitivity to salinity when compared to that of the japonica cultivar in other physiological aspects. Current research analyzes enzymes expression involved in salt-subjected indica and japonica rice cultivars' respiration. Oryza sativa L. spp. japonica S.Kato (BRS Bojuru, IAS 12-9 Formosa and Goyakuman) and Oryza sativa L. spp. indica S. Kato (BRS Taim-7, BRS Atalanta and BRS Querencia) were the cultivars employed. Seedlings were transferred to 15 L basins containing 50% Hoagland nutrient solution increased by 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mM NaCl, and collected at 14, 28 and 42 days after transfer (DAT). Plant tissues were macerated and placed in eppendorf tubes with Scandálios extractor solution. Electrophoresis was performed in 7% of the polyacrylamide gels in vertical vats. Bands were revealed for the following enzymes systems: esterase, alcohol dehydrogenase, phosphoglucoisomerase, malate dehydrogenase, malic enzyme and alpha amylase. The enzymes expression was greater in subspecies japonica, with more intense bands in proportion to salinity increase. Results show that enzyme systems are involved in the salinity defense mechanisms in O. sativa spp. japonica cultivar.

O Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (RS) destaca-se como principal produtor de arroz, participando com 60% da produção nacional e 86% da regional. O sistema de irrigação da cultura é por inundação, que induz o solo à salinização, um dos maiores limitadores ambientais à produção, alterando o metabolismo da plantas expostas a este tipo de estresse. As cultivares indicas amplamente utilizadas no RS demonstram maior suscetibilidade à salinidade quando comparadas às japonicas em outros aspectos fisiológicos. O objetivo da pesquisa foi analisar a expressão de enzimas envolvidas na respiração de cultivares de arroz, indica e japonica, submetidas à salinidade. Foram utilizadas cultivares de Oryza sativa L. spp. japonica S. Kato (BRS Bojuru, IAS 12-9 Formosa e Goyakuman) e de Oryza sativa L. spp. indica S. Kato (BRS-7 Taim, BRS Querência e BRS Atalanta). As plântulas foram transferidas para bacias de 15 L, contendo solução nutritiva de Hoagland meia força acrescida de 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100 mM de NaCl. A coleta foi aos 14, 28 e 42 dias. Os tecidos vegetais foram macerados e colocados em tubos eppendorf com solução extratora de Scandálios. A eletroforese foi realizada em géis de poliacrilamida 7% em cubas eletroforéticas verticais. As bandas foram reveladas para os sistemas enzimáticos esterase, álcool desidrogenase, fosfoglico isomerase, malato desidrogenase, enzima málica e alfa amilase. A expressão das enzimas foi maior na subespécie japonica, com bandas mais intensas conforme o aumento da salinidade. Conclui-se que tais sistemas enzimáticos estejam envolvidos em mecanismos de tolerância ao estresse salino nas cultivares de O. sativa spp. japonica.

Fumarase Deficiency with Spastic Quadriplegia: A case report

Fumarase catalyzes the conversion of fumarate to malate in the Krebs cycle. Fumarase deficiency is a rare inborn error of metabolism and is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. It causes mitochondrial encephalomyopathy. The symptom is characterized by developmental delay and hypotonia. We report here a case of a 32-month-old child who was initially refered because of spastic quadriplegia, delayed development and poor feeding.

ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC LOCALIZATION OF SUCCINIC DEHYDROGENASE ACTIVITY OF THE TUMOR-LIKE GROWTH TISSUE IN GOLDFISH CARASSIUS AURTUS / 解剖学报

In the present study, electron microscopic and cytochemical localization of succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) of the tumor-like growth tissue in the Tiger-head goldfish (Carassius aurtus) were attempted. The SDH was demonstrated according to the modified method described by Kerpel-Fronius and Hajos (1968). The main results are as follows:When the goldfish were twenty-months old, there was not only a highly active positive reaction of SDH on the periphery of jejune vesicle, but also on the mitochondria, cristae and cytoplasm membrane in the cells of the hyperplasitic tissue. At the same time, there were much crystal formation because cell disintegration. When the Tiger-head goldfish were ten and thirty-months old, the active reaction of SDH was not so strong as in the corresponding positions of cytodeme as When it was twenty-months old. The crystal formation were lesser than the others. But the control groups displayed the negative reaction of SDH in the corresponding positions.