SOD2 gene polymorphism and muscle damage markers in elite athletes.

Exercise-induced oxidative stress is a state that primarily occurs in athletes involved in high-intensity sports when pro-oxidants overwhelm the antioxidant defense system to oxidize proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. During exercise, oxidative stress is linked to muscle metabolism and muscle damage, because exercise increases free radical production. The T allele of the Ala16Val (rs4880 C/T) polymorphism in the mitochondrial superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) gene has been reported to reduce SOD2 efficiency against oxidative stress. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that the SOD2 TT genotype would be underrepresented in elite athletes involved in high-intensity sports and associated with increased values of muscle and liver damage biomarkers. The study involved 2664 Caucasian (2262 Russian and 402 Polish) athletes. SOD2 genotype and allele frequencies were compared to 917 controls. Muscle and liver damage markers [creatine kinase (CK), creatinine, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP)] were examined in serum from 1444 Russian athletes. The frequency of the SOD2 TT genotype (18.6%) was significantly lower in power/strength athletes (n = 524) compared to controls (25.0%, p = 0.0076) or athletes involved in low-intensity sports (n = 180; 33.9%, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the SOD2 T allele was significantly associated with increased activity of CK (females: p = 0.0144) and creatinine level (females: p = 0.0276; males: p = 0.0135) in athletes. Our data show that the SOD2 TT genotype might be unfavorable for high-intensity athletic events.

[Metabolic profiling for characteristics of Trichoderma from buried soils].

Previously, 135 strains of Trichoderma isolated from buried soils of Tatarstan have been identified as T. asperellum, T. viride, T. atroviride, T. harzianum, T. hamatum, T. citrinoviride and T. longibrachiatum. At this stage, the biochemical analysis of the strains was carried out using the Biolog system, which being a simple screening test enables rapid preparation of strains based on 95 substrates. We have revealed that each species has only a specific substrate utilisation profile. Biochemical analysis provides a large amount of information that can then be used for optimization of biotechnological processes, in particular, the selection of effective nutrient media.

[Anticancer properties of Trichoderma asperellum 302 from buried soils].

Melanoma is one of the most malignant tumors, which leaves no chance of survival in the case of the "bang". There are various ways to treat tumors, however, recently in the field of cancer research, there are studies in which fungal metabolites have been used as antitumor agents. In this study we examined the effect of the culture fluid of the fungus Trichoderma asperellum 302 on the growth and development of melanoma B 16. We have shown that these culture fluid has anticancer properties, causing destruction of tumor tissue. Obtained data open new possibilities and prospects for the use of active substances derived from fungi in the complex therapy of cancer.

[Changes in growth patterns and intracellular calcium concentrations in aspergillus awamori treated with amphotericin B].

Growth patterns and intracellular Ca2+ concentrations in the mutant strain Aspergillus awamori 66A, containing a recombinant aequorin gene were studied in the presence of a permeabilizing fungicidal agent amphotericin B. The cell response, i.e., changes in the growth and development of the fungus (initiation of spore germination, mycelial growth, and intensity ofsporulation) was dose-dependent. Low concentrations of amphotericin B (2.5 microM) stimulated spore germination: the number of germinating spores was 2-3 times higher than in the control (without the fungicide). At higher amphotericin concentrations (20 microM) spore germination was inhibited. Amphotericin B had a dose-dependent effect on mycelial growth and sporulation intensity on solid Vogel medium. Intracellular Ca2+ concentrations in the presence of amphotericin B were investigated using the luminescence of the photoprotein aequorin. High concentrations of amphotericin B (10 and 20 microM) were shown to cause an instantaneous increase in Ca2+ concentrations, compared to the control and lower amphotericin concentration (2.5 microM). Ca2+ concentrations remained elevated throughout the experiment and correlated with the inhibition of mycelial growth and development.

[Biological preparations with different mechanism of action for protecting potato against fungal diseases].

Mycological analysis throughout the vegetation period of potato (Solanum tuberosum) made it possible to study in detail the structure of micromycete community, to determine typical dominant (frequency, more than 60%), typical common (frequency, 30 to 60%), typical rare (frequency, 10 to 30%), and casual (frequency, less than 10%) species and to estimate changes in the microorganism community caused by plant protection preparations with different mechanisms of action. It was shown that, as a result of occurrence of resistant forms, synthetic preparations against fungal pathogens of potato (such as TMTD, Ridomil gold MC, and Cupricol) were only slightly more effective than biological preparations (Trichodermin and AgroChit), with the former considerably changing the natural saprophytic mycological community. An increase in the soil pool of Trichoderma harzianum as a result of application of a biological preparation based on this antagonistic fungus correlated with its effectiveness against the soil pathogen Fusarium sp., which causes root rots. A chitosan-based elicitor preparation more effectively suppressed the development of early (Alternaria sp. and Macrosporium sp.) and late (Phytophthora sp.) blights of leaves and had a weaker effect on the soil microflora.

[Influence of Bacillus intermedius RNAse on growth-stimulating and antagonistic characteristics of Trichoderma harzianum]. / Vliianie rnkazy Bacillus intermedius na roststimuliruiushchie i antagonisticheskie svor'stva Trichoderma harzianum.

Bacillus intermedius RNAase (with specific activity of 1,000,000 units per one mg of protein) at concentration of 1 x 10(-3) mg/ml was shown to increase antagonistic and growth-stimulating properties of Trichoderma harzianum. An application of trichodermin which was treated with an enzyme enhanced cucumber crop capacity by 15-18% in industrial conditions.