Eicosanoids in human heart failure: pilot study of plasma epoxyeicosatrienoic and dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid levels.

Introduction: The role of eicosanoids, metabolites of arachidonic acid with cardio-renal activity, remains unclear in human heart failure (HF). Methods: We enrolled 50 patients with HF to measure plasma 14,15-EET and 14,15-DHET levels using commercial ELISA kits and compared them with 25 age- and sex-matched controls. Results: Both of the measured eicosanoids were significantly higher in the HF group: 14,15-EET (91.3 ±25.7 ng/ml vs. 64.95 ±35.4 ng/ml) and 14,15-DHET (10.58 ±2.06 ng/ml vs. 9.07 ±1.60 ng/ml), p for both < 0.001. Conclusions: We found that peripheral plasma eicosanoid (14,15-EET, 14,15-DHET) levels are raised in patients with HF compared to age- and sex-matched controls.

Composition and Biological Activity of Vitis vinifera Winter Cane Extract on Candida Biofilm.

Vitis vinifera canes are waste material of grapevine pruning and thus represent cheap source of high-value polyphenols. In view of the fact that resistance of many pathogenic microorganisms to antibiotics is a growing problem, the antimicrobial activity of plant polyphenols is studied as one of the possible approaches. We have investigated the total phenolic content, composition, antioxidant activity, and antifungal activity against Candida biofilm of an extract from winter canes and a commercially available extract from blue grapes. Light microscopy and confocal microscopy imaging as well as crystal violet staining were used to quantify and visualize the biofilm. We found a decrease in cell adhesion to the surface depending on the concentration of resveratrol in the cane extract. The biofilm formation was observed as metabolic activity of Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis and Candida krusei biofilm cells and the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentrations were determined. The highest inhibition of metabolic activity was observed in Candida albicans biofilm after treatment with the cane extract (30 mg/L) and blue grape extract (50 mg/L). The composition of cane extract was analyzed and found to be comparatively different from blue grape extract. In addition, the content of total phenolic groups in cane extract was three-times higher (12.75 gGA/L). The results showed that cane extract was more effective in preventing biofilm formation than blue grape extract and winter canes have proven to be a potential source of polyphenols for antimicrobial and antibiofilm treatment.

Regioisomeric and enantiomeric analysis of triacylglycerols.

A survey of useful methods for separation and identification of regioisomers and enantiomers of triacylglycerols. Gas chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, 13C NMR determination of regioisomers by enzymatic methods, and supercritical fluid chromatography are briefly surveyed, whereas a detailed description is given of the analysis of triacylglycerols by liquid chromatography, especially with silver ion (Ag+; argentation), and nonaqueous reversed phase liquid chromatography. Special attention is paid to chiral chromatography. Details of mass spectrometry of triacylglycerols are also described, especially the identification of important triacylglycerol ions such as [M + H-RCOOH]+ in atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectra.

Mitigation of Fe(0) nanoparticles toxicity to Trichosporon cutaneum by humic substances.

Zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) are a relatively new option for the treatment of contaminated soil and groundwater. However, because of their apparent toxicity, nZVI in high concentrations are known to interfere with many autochthonous microorganisms and, thus, impact their participation in the remediation process. The effect of two commercially available nZVI products, Nanofer 25 (non-stabilized) and Nanofer 25S (stabilized), was examined. Considerable toxicity to the soil yeast Trichosporon cutaneum was observed. Two chemically different humic substances (HSs) were studied as a possible protection agent that mitigates nZVI toxicity: oxidized oxyhumolite X6 and humic acid X3A. The effect of addition of HSs was studied in different phases of the experiment to establish the effect on cells and nZVI. SEM and TEM images revealed an ability of both types of nZVI and HSs to adsorb on surface of the cells. Changes in cell surface properties were also observed by zeta potential measurements. Our results indicate that HSs can act as an electrosteric barrier, which hinders mutual interaction between nZVI and treated cell. Thus, the application of HS seems to be a promising solution to mitigating the toxic action of nZVI.

Enhancing the lipid productivity of yeasts with trace concentrations of iron nanoparticles.

Oxidative stress induced by zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVIs) was used to improve lipid accumulation in various oleaginous and non-oleginous yeasts-Candida sp., Kluyveromyces polysporus, Rhodotorula glutinis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Torulospora delbrueckii, Trichosporon cutaneum, and Yarrowia lipolytica. The highest lipid yields occurred at 9-13 mg/L nZVIs. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the fatty acids. It showed an increasing abundance of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially essential linoleic acid, in the presence of nZVIs. Our results suggest that nZVIs can be used to improve not only lipid production by oleaginous microorganisms but also the nutritional value of biosynthesized unsaturated fatty acids.