RESUMO
Copper homeostasis is a fundamental process in organisms, characterised by unique pathways that have evolved to meet specific needs while preserving core resistance mechanisms. While these systems are well-documented in model bacteria, information on copper resistance in species adapted to cold environments is scarce. This study investigates the potential genes related to copper homeostasis in the genome of Bizionia argentinensis (JUB59-T), a psychrotolerant bacterium isolated from Antarctic seawater. We identified several genes encoding proteins analogous to those crucial for copper homeostasis, including three sequences of copper-transport P1B-type ATPases. One of these, referred to as BaCopA1, was chosen for cloning and expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. BaCopA1 was successfully integrated into yeast membranes and subsequently extracted with detergent. The purified BaCopA1 demonstrated the ability to catalyse ATP hydrolysis at low temperatures. Structural models of various BaCopA1 conformations were generated and compared with mesophilic and thermophilic homologous structures. The significant conservation of critical residues and structural similarity among these proteins suggest a shared reaction mechanism for copper transport. This study is the first to report a psychrotolerant P1B-ATPase that has been expressed and purified in a functional form.
Assuntos
Temperatura Baixa , Cobre , Cobre/metabolismo , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genética , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/enzimologia , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolismo , Proteínas de Bactérias/genética , Proteínas de Bactérias/metabolismo , Proteínas de Bactérias/química , Regiões Antárticas , Adenosina Trifosfatases/genética , Adenosina Trifosfatases/metabolismo , Genoma Bacteriano/genética , Água do Mar/microbiologia , ATPases Transportadoras de Cobre/genética , ATPases Transportadoras de Cobre/metabolismo , ATPases Transportadoras de Cobre/química , Sulfolobaceae/genética , Sulfolobaceae/metabolismo , Sulfolobaceae/enzimologiaRESUMO
Alginate is a major extra polymeric substance in the biofilm formed by mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is the main proven perpetrator of lung infections in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis. Alginate lyases are very important in the treatment of cystic fibrosis. This study evaluated the role of standalone and in conjugation, effect of alginate lyase of SG4 + isolated from Paenibacillus lautus in enhancing in vitro bactericidal activity of gentamicin and amikacin on mucoid P. aeruginosa. Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) alginate lyase SG4 + production was optimized in shake flask and there 8.49-fold enhancement in enzyme production. In fermenter, maximum growth (10.15 mg/ml) and alginate lyase (1.46 International Units) production, 1.71-fold was increased using Central Composite Design (CCD). Further, fermentation time was reduced from 48 to 20 h. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report in which CCD was used for fermenter studies to optimize alginate lyase production. The Km and Vmax of purified enzyme were found to be 2.7 mg/ml and 0.84 mol/ml-min, respectively. The half-life (t 1/2) of purified alginate lyase SG4 + at 37 °C was 180 min. Alginate lyase SG4 + in combination with gentamicin and amikacin eradiated 48.4- 52.3% and 58- 64.6%, alginate biofilm formed by P. aeruginosa strains, respectively. The study proves that alginate lyase SG4 + has excellent exopolysaccharide disintegrating ability and may be useful in development of potent therapeutic agent to treat P. aeruginosa biofilms.
Assuntos
Antibacterianos , Biofilmes , Paenibacillus , Polissacarídeo-Liases , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Pseudomonas aeruginosa/efeitos dos fármacos , Pseudomonas aeruginosa/enzimologia , Pseudomonas aeruginosa/genética , Biofilmes/efeitos dos fármacos , Biofilmes/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Polissacarídeo-Liases/metabolismo , Polissacarídeo-Liases/genética , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Paenibacillus/genética , Paenibacillus/enzimologia , Paenibacillus/efeitos dos fármacos , Gentamicinas/farmacologia , Amicacina/farmacologia , Fermentação , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Proteínas de Bactérias/metabolismo , Proteínas de Bactérias/genética , Alginatos/metabolismoRESUMO
Studies reported that continuous application of glyphosate can cause disturbance in aquatic/terrestrial environments. As such, the objective of this study is to discuss the risk of exposure to the herbicide in drinking water and to assess the oxidative stress in the consumers rural populations of Casimiro de Abreu/ RJ and Paraguaçu/ MG, Brazil. For this, water samples (n=69) were analysed from the home of volunteers, by FMOC derivatizing- LC-FLD method. The oxidative stress was analysed determining lipid peroxidation (MAD) and defense enzymes (SOD and CAT) in serum samples from rural population (n=42) compared to urban residents (n= 42). Results of the analysis from drinking water, despite the low and moderate risk, by the hazard quotient (HQ), revealed that the population is environmentally exposed to the glyphosate. The relevant findings showed that is important to implement monitoring/ biomonitoring programs to prevent pollution and toxic effects in the rural populations.
Assuntos
Água Potável , Glicina , Glifosato , Herbicidas , Estresse Oxidativo , População Rural , Poluentes Químicos da Água , Glicina/análogos & derivados , Glicina/toxicidade , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Brasil , Poluentes Químicos da Água/toxicidade , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análise , Humanos , Água Potável/análise , Água Potável/química , Herbicidas/toxicidade , Adulto , Masculino , Feminino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Catalase/sangue , Superóxido Dismutase/metabolismo , Superóxido Dismutase/sangue , Exposição Ambiental/análise , Exposição Ambiental/efeitos adversos , Peroxidação de Lipídeos/efeitos dos fármacos , Adulto Jovem , IdosoRESUMO
Under laboratory conditions, the toxicological effects of pesticides tend to be less variable and realistic than under field conditions, limiting their usefulness in environmental risk assessment. In the current study, the earthworm Eisenia fetida was selected as a bioindicator for assessing glyphosate toxic effects in two different trials to solve this dilemma. In Trial 1, the worms were exposed for 7 and 14 days to concentrations of a commercial glyphosate formulation (1 to 500 mg a.i. kg-1) currently used in the field. In Trial 2, the worms were kept in nine soils collected from different plots with crops for 14 days of exposure. In both experiments, glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities and contents of lipid peroxidation (LPO) were evaluated. In T1, the glyphosate formulation produced a 40% inhibition of AChE activity and a significant increase in GST, SOD, CAT, and GPx activities and LPO contents in E. fetida on day 7. In T2, higher concentrations of glyphosate were detected in the soils of soybean, papaya, and corn (0.92, 0.87, and 0.85 mg kg-1), which induced a positive correlation between the levels of glyphosate residues with GST, SOD, CAT, GPx, and LPO and a negative correlation with AChE. These findings indicate that crop soils polluted with glyphosate elicited higher oxidative stress than under laboratory conditions, confirmed by IBRv2, PCA, and AHC analyses.
Assuntos
Glutationa Transferase , Glicina , Glifosato , Oligoquetos , Poluentes do Solo , Solo , Animais , Oligoquetos/efeitos dos fármacos , Glicina/análogos & derivados , Glicina/toxicidade , Poluentes do Solo/toxicidade , Solo/química , Glutationa Transferase/metabolismo , México , Catalase/metabolismo , Acetilcolinesterase/metabolismo , Glutationa Peroxidase/metabolismo , Superóxido Dismutase/metabolismo , Produtos Agrícolas , Herbicidas/toxicidade , Peroxidação de Lipídeos/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
Exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) and consumption of cafeteria (CAF) diet, which are widespread in Western society, seem to be associated with endometrial hyperplasia (EH). Here, we aimed to evaluate the effects of a subchronic low dose of GBH added to the CAF diet on the rat uterus. Female Wistar rats were fed from postnatal day (PND)21 until PND240 with chow (control) or CAF diet. Since PND140, rats also received GBH (2 mg of glyphosate/kg/day) or water through food, yielding four experimental groups: control, CAF, GBH, and CAF+GBH. On PND240, CAF and CAF+GBH animals showed an increased adiposity index. With respect to the control group, no changes in the serum levels of 17ß-estradiol and progesterone were found. However, progesterone levels were higher in the CAF+GBH group than in the CAF and GBH groups. In the uterus, both studied factors alone and in combination induced morphological and molecular changes associated with EH. Furthermore, the addition of GBH provoked an increased thickness of subepithelial stroma in rats fed with the CAF diet. As a consequence of GBH exposure, CAF+GBH rats exhibited an increased density of abnormal gland area, considered preneoplastic lesions, as well as a reduced PTEN and p27 expression, both tumor suppressor molecules that inhibit cell proliferation, with respect to control rats. These results indicate that the addition of GBH exacerbates the CAF effects on uterine lesions and that the PTEN/p27 signaling pathway seems to be involved. Further studies focusing on the interaction between unhealthy diets and environmental chemicals should be encouraged to better understand uterine pathologies.
Assuntos
Glicina , Glifosato , Herbicidas , Ratos Wistar , Útero , Animais , Feminino , Útero/efeitos dos fármacos , Útero/patologia , Útero/metabolismo , Herbicidas/toxicidade , Glicina/análogos & derivados , Ratos , Hiperplasia Endometrial/induzido quimicamente , Hiperplasia Endometrial/patologia , Hiperplasia Endometrial/metabolismo , Progesterona/sangue , Dieta , Estradiol/sangue , PTEN Fosfo-Hidrolase/metabolismo , PTEN Fosfo-Hidrolase/genéticaRESUMO
Los dispositivos intrauterinos de cobre son utilizados como métodos anticoncepcionales y es uno de los métodos más utilizados por su seguridad, reversibilidad y eficacia en la prevención de embarazos, que es superior al 97 %. Se presenta un caso de falla en la anticoncepción con dispositivos intrauterinos de cobre después de 5 años de uso en gestante de 26 años, que acudió al área de emergencias cursando con embarazo de 38 semanas y 4 días en periodo expulsivo; se obtuvo recién nacido a término sano. El periodo de alumbramiento patológico (prolongado) por presencia de dispositivo intrauterino de cobre en membranas ovulares(AU)
Copper intrauterine devices are used as contraceptive methods and are one of the most used methods due to their safety, reversibility and effectiveness in preventing pregnancy, which is greater than 97%. A case of failure in contraception with a copper intrauterine devices is presented after 5 years of use in a 26-year-old pregnant woman, who went to the emergency room with a pregnancy of 38 weeks and 4 days in the expulsive period; a healthy term newborn was obtained.The pathological (prolonged) delivery period due to the presence of copper intrauterine devices in ovular membranes(AU)
Assuntos
Humanos , Feminino , Gravidez , Adulto , Gravidez Prolongada , PartoRESUMO
The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects on biochemical parameters and organosomatic indices in the freshwater bivalve Diplodon chilensis exposed to a glyphosate-based formulation under direct and dietary exposures (4 mg a.p./L). After 1, 7, and 14 days of exposure, reduced glutathione (GSH) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels and the activities of glutathione-S- transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were evaluated in the gills and digestive gland. The hepatosomatic (HSI) and branchiosomatic (BSI) indices were also analyzed. Direct and dietary glyphosate-based formulation exposure altered the redox homeostasis in the gills and digestive gland throughout the experimental time, inducing the detoxification response (GST), the antioxidant defenses (SOD, CAT, GSH), and causing lipid peroxidation. After 14 days of exposure, the HSI and BSI increased significantly (43% and 157%, respectively) only in the bivalves under direct exposure. Greater changes in the biochemical parameters were induced by the dietary exposure than by the direct exposure. Furthermore, the gills presented an earlier response compared to the digestive gland. These results suggested that direct and dietary exposure to a glyphosate-based formulation induced oxidative stress in the gills and digestive glands of D. chilensis. Thus, the presence of glyphosate-based formulations in aquatic ecosystems could represent a risk for filter-feeding organisms like bivalves.
Assuntos
Bivalves , Poluentes Químicos da Água , Animais , Glifosato , Exposição Dietética , Ecossistema , Estresse Oxidativo , Catalase/metabolismo , Superóxido Dismutase/metabolismo , Peroxidação de Lipídeos , Brânquias/metabolismo , Glutationa Transferase/metabolismo , Poluentes Químicos da Água/metabolismo , Biomarcadores/metabolismoRESUMO
Hydrogel filaments were manufactured using wet spinning technique, incorporating variations in the concentrations of sodium alginate, gelatin, and calcium chloride (crosslinking agent). The combination of biopolymer concentrations was determined using design of experiments (DoE) approach. The resulting filaments were produced from the developed hydrogels. Tensile and vertical strength analyses of the filaments were conducted using an electromechanical extensor. Atomic force microscopy was employed to evaluate the roughness, viscoelasticity, retraction, and deflection of the hydrogels. By employing DoE, a total of seventeen different combinations of biopolymers and crosslinkers were generated to construct the hydrogels. The filaments exhibited variations in electromechanical traction (measured in kPa) and produced distinct stress peaks. Furthermore, diverse roughness values were observed among the tested materials, with the combinations featuring higher concentrations of sodium alginate displaying the highest Young's modulus. This study demonstrates that manipulating the concentrations of biopolymers and crosslinking agents can modulate the micro and nanomechanical properties of biopolymeric filaments.
Assuntos
Gelatina , Hidrogéis , Biopolímeros , Módulo de Elasticidade , AlginatosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Herbicides are the most used class of pesticides worldwide, and insect repellents are widely used globally. Yet, there is a dearth of studies characterizing the associations between these chemical groups and human neurobehavior. Experimental studies suggest that glyphosate and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) herbicides can affect neurobehavior and the cholinergic and glutamatergic pathways in the brain. We aim to assess whether herbicides and insect repellents are associated with neurobehavioral performance in adolescents. METHODS: We assessed 519 participants (11-17 years of age) living in agricultural communities in Ecuador. We quantified urinary concentrations of glyphosate, 2,4-D, and two N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) insect repellent metabolites [3-(diethylcarbamoyl)benzoic acid (DCBA) and 3-(ethylcarbamoyl)benzoic acid (ECBA)] using isotope-dilution mass spectrometry. We assessed neurobehavioral performance using 9 subtests across 5 domains (attention/inhibitory control, memory/learning, language, visuospatial processing, and social perception). We characterized the associations using generalized estimating equations and multiple imputation for metabolites below detection limits. Models were adjusted for demographic and anthropometric characteristics, urinary creatinine, and sexual maturation. Mediation by salivary cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone, 17ß-estradiol, and testosterone was assessed using structural equation modeling. RESULTS: The mean of each neurobehavioral domain score was between 7.0 and 8.7 [standard deviation (SD) range: 2.0-2.3]. Glyphosate was detected in 98.3% of participants, 2,4-D in 66.2%, DCBA in 63.3%, and ECBA in 33.4%. 2,4-D was negatively associated with all neurobehavioral domains, but statistically significant associations were observed with attention/inhibition [score difference per 50% higher metabolite concentration (ß)=-0.19 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.31, -0.07], language [ß=-0.12 (95% CI: -0.23, -0.01)], and memory/learning [ß=-0.11 (95% CI: -0.22, 0.01)]. Glyphosate had a statistically significant negative association only with social perception [ß=-0.08 (95% CI: -0.14, -0.01)]. DEET metabolites were not associated with neurobehavioral performance. Mediation by gender and adrenal hormones was not observed. CONCLUSION: This study describes worse neurobehavioral performance associated with herbicide exposures in adolescents, particularly with 2,4-D. Replication of these findings among other pediatric and adult populations is needed. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11383.
Assuntos
Herbicidas , Repelentes de Insetos , Adulto , Humanos , Criança , Adolescente , Repelentes de Insetos/urina , DEET/urina , Equador , Biomarcadores/urina , Ácido 2,4-Diclorofenoxiacético , Ácido Benzoico , GlifosatoRESUMO
This study aimed to analyze the physicochemical and histological properties of nanostructured hydroxyapatite and alginate composites produced at different temperatures with and without sintering and implanted in rabbit tibiae. Hydroxyapatite-alginate (HA) microspheres (425-600 µm) produced at 90 and 5 °C without (HA90 and HA5) or with sintering at 1000 °C (HA90S and HA5S) were characterized and applied to evaluate thein vitrodegradation; also were implanted in bone defects on rabbit's tibiae (n= 12). The animals were randomly divided into five groups (blood clot, HA90S, HA5S, HA90, and HA5) and euthanized after 7 and 28 d. X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared analysis of the non-sintered biomaterials showed a lower crystallinity than sintered materials, being more degradablein vitroandin vivo. However, the sinterization of HA5 led to the apatite phase's decomposition into tricalcium phosphate. Histomorphometric analysis showed the highest (p< 0.01) bone density in the blood clot group, similar bone levels among HA90S, HA90, and HA5, and significantly less bone in the HA5S. HA90 and HA5 groups presented higher degradation and homogeneous distribution of the new bone formation onto the surface of biomaterial fragments, compared to HA90S, presenting bone only around intact microspheres (p< 0.01). The elemental distribution (scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy andµXRF-SR analysis) of Ca, P, and Zn in the newly formed bone is similar to the cortical bone, indicating bone maturity at 28 d. The synthesized biomaterials are biocompatible and osteoconductive. The heat treatment directly influenced the material's behavior, where non-sintered HA90 and HA5 showed higher degradation, allowing a better distribution of the new bone onto the surface of the biomaterial fragments compared to HA90S presenting the same level of new bone, but only on the surface of the intact microspheres, potentially reducing the bone-biomaterial interface.
Assuntos
Durapatita , Trombose , Animais , Coelhos , Durapatita/química , Síncrotrons , Materiais Biocompatíveis/química , Cerâmica , Alginatos/químicaRESUMO
Objetivo: Analizar el efecto sobre el peso corporal de la anticoncepción hormonal continua mediante implante sub-dérmico liberador de etonogestrel (ENG) en mujeres en edad reproductiva atendidas en la consulta de planificación familiar de un hospital venezolano. Métodos: Investigación comparativa, con diseño cuasi experimental, de casos y controles, a etiqueta abierta, y prospectivo; con una muestra intencionada de 60 mujeres separadas para recibir bien sea un implante subdérmico (Implanon NXT®; casos) o un dispositivo intrauterino (DIU) de cobre (T de cobre; controles). Se evaluaron el peso corporal e índice de masa corporal antes y posterior de doce meses del uso del contraceptivo; así como las características demográficas de las usuarias, efectos adversos y efectividad anticonceptiva de cada método. Resultados: Luego de un año con el implante de ENG no se encontraron variaciones significativas respecto a las mediciones iniciales del peso corporal (61,21±8,30 vs. 61,23±9,50, p>0,5) e IMC (25,23±3.89 vs. 25,26 ±4,30; p>0,05); contrariamente, a lo observado entre las usuarias del DIU donde tanto el peso corporal como el IMC tuvieron un aumento significativo (P<0,05). Asimismo, la mayoría de las usuarias se mantuvieron en el mismo rango de peso donde se encontraban al iniciar el método (p<0,001); mientras que la ganancia ponderal fue mayor entre las usuarias del DIU (1,530±2,04 vs. 3,700±3,02; p<0,05). Conclusiones: El implante de ENG no produce aumento del peso corporal luego de 12 meses de uso, con mínimos efectos adversos y alta efectividad contraceptiva.
Aim: To analyse the effect on body weight of continuous hormonal contraception by releasing subdermal implant etonogestrel (ENG) in women of reproductive age treated in the family planning consultation of a Venezuelan hospital. Methods: Comparative and applied research, with quasiexperimental, case-control, open label and prospective design, with an intentional sample of 60 women separated to receive the contraceptive implant (Implanon NXT®; cases) or a cooper intrauterine device (IUD) (Cooper T; controls) was carried out. Body weight and body mass index were evaluated before and after 12 months of contraceptive use; as well as demographic characteristics of users, side effects, and contraceptive effectiveness of each method. Results: After one year with the ENG implant, no significant variations were found with respect to initial measurements of body weight (61.21±8.30 vs. 61.23±9.50, p>0.5) and BMI (25.23±3.89 vs 25.26±4.30; p>0.05); on the contrary, to what was observed among IUD users where both body weight and BMI had a significant increase (P<0.05). Likewise, most users remained in the same weight range as when starting the method (p<0.001); while weight gain was greater among IUD users (1,530±2.04 vs. 3,700±3.02; p<0.05). Conclusions: The ENG implant does not produce an increase in body weight after 12 months of use, with minimal adverse effects and high contraceptive efficacy.
RESUMO
The aim of the present study was to determine e whether a single acute 96 hr exposure of a glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) to Nile tilapia fingerlings affected growth performance during the first 90 days of culture. This association was considered as GBH increases serotoninergic activity that affect fish anorexically. Although these findings were based upon chronic investigations, this study was designed to examine whether a single, acute, but excessive concentration GBH might impair growth performance in fish. In parallel, fish were also exposed to fluoxetine (FLU), a drug that selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin in brain synapses, leading to increased serotoninergic activity. Data demonstrated a decreased growth performance in fingerlings exposed to GBH or FLU compared to unexposed fingerlings. In fact, FLU-exposed fingerlings exhibited lower average weight and length, diminished weight gain, which resulted in lower final biomass. GBH-exposed fish, despite displaying a lower mean body weight, exhibited a biomass similar to biomass on controls. These body weight differences were noted after 30-60- and 90-day growth period in clean water. In an aquaculture context, these observed changes may be considered harmful to the production or economic performance of large-scale farming as currently practiced in tilapia farming.
Assuntos
Ciclídeos , Herbicidas , Animais , Herbicidas/toxicidade , Fluoxetina/toxicidade , Peso Corporal , GlifosatoRESUMO
This study investigated the microstructure, rheological properties, and sensory characteristics of butters produced with free and encapsulated xylooligosaccharides (XOS). Four formulations of butter were processed: BCONT: 0 % w/w XOS (control); BXOS: 20% w/w free XOS; BXOS-ALG: 20% w/w XOS microencapsulated with alginate (XOS-alginate ratio of 3:1 w/w); and BXOS-GEL: 20% w/w XOS microencapsulated with alginate-gelatin (XOS-alginate-gelatin ratio of 3:1:1.5 w/w). The microparticles showed a bimodal distribution, low size and low span values, demonstrating physical stability to be included in emulsions. The XOS-ALG presented surface weighted mean diameter (D3.2) of 90.24 µm, volume-weighted mean diameter (D4.3) of 131.8 µm, and Span of 2.14. In contrast, the XOS-GEL presented D3.2 of 82.80 µm, D4.3 of 141.0 µm, and a Span of 2.46. Products with XOS were characterized by higher creaminess, sweet taste, and lower salty taste than the control. However, the addition form significantly impacted the other evaluated parameters. The utilization of XOS in a free form (BXOS) resulted in smaller droplet sizes (1.26 µm) than encapsulated XOS and control (XOS-ALG = 1.32 µm / XOS-GEL = 1.58 µm, / BCONT = 1.59 µm), and changes in the rheological parameters (higher values of shear stress, viscosity, consistency index, rigidity (J0), and Newtonian viscosity (ηN) and lower elasticity (τ)). Furthermore, it changed the color parameters (more yellow and dark color, lower L* and higher b* values). On the other hand, the utilization of micropaticles of XOS (BXOS-ALG and BXOS-GEL) kept shear stress, viscosity, consistency index, rigidity (J0), and elasticity (τ) more similar to control. The products had a less intense yellow color (lower b* values) and was perceived with more consistency and butter taste. However, the presence of particles was perceived by consumers. The results suggest that consumers were more attentive to reporting flavor-related attributes than texture. In conclusion, adding microparticles of XOS could improve butter's rheological and sensory properties. In conclusion, adding microparticles of XOS could improve butter's rheological and sensory properties.
Assuntos
Alginatos , Gelatina , ElasticidadeRESUMO
Studies have indicated that glyphosate induces endocrine disruption and may adversely affect the male reproductive system. However, evidence of its effects on ovarian function is poorly understood so far, making further studies necessary on the mechanisms of the glyphosate toxicity in the female reproductive system. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of a subacute exposure (28 days) to the glyphosate-based formulation Roundup® (1.05, 10.5 and 105 µg/kg b.w. of glyphosate) on steroidogenesis, oxidative stress, systems involved in cell redox control and histopathological parameters in rat ovaries. Hence we quantify plasma estradiol and progesterone by chemiluminescence; non-protein thiol levels, TBARS, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity by spectrophotometry; gene expression of steroidogenic enzymes and redox systems by real-time PCR; and ovarian follicles by optical microscopy. Our results demonstrated that oral exposure increased progesterone levels and the mRNA expression of 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Histopathological analysis revealed a decrease in the number of primary follicles and an increase in the number of corpus luteum in rats exposed to Roundup®. An imbalance of the oxidative status was also evidenced by decreasing the catalase activity at all groups exposed to the herbicide. Increased lipid peroxidation and gene expression of glutarredoxin and decreased of glutathione reductase were also observed. Our results indicate that Roundup® causes endocrine disruption of hormones related to female fertility and reproduction and changes the oxidative status by altering antioxidant activity, inducing lipid peroxidation, as well as changing the gene expression of the glutathione-glutarredoxin system in rat ovaries.
Assuntos
Herbicidas , Ovário , Ratos , Masculino , Feminino , Animais , Progesterona , Catalase/genética , Catalase/metabolismo , Herbicidas/toxicidade , Glutarredoxinas/farmacologia , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Glutationa/metabolismo , Estradiol/farmacologia , Expressão Gênica , GlifosatoRESUMO
Declining bee populations diminish pollination services, damaging plant and agricultural biodiversity. One of the causes of this decline is the use of pesticides. Pesticides with glyphosate as the main active ingredient are among the most used pesticides worldwide, being the most used in Brazil. This study determined the 24 and 48 h LD50 (median lethal dose) of the herbicide's glyphosate-based formulation by ingestion, identified sublethal doses, and investigated its effects on the locomotion and behavior of Tetragonisca angustula workers. The LD50 found indicates that a glyphosate-based formulation is highly toxic to T. angustula. The doses applied, including concentrations found in nature, caused death, motor changes (decreased speed and tremors), excessive self-cleaning, and disorientation (return to light and stop). Although we did not test for pollination effects, we can infer from our results that this formulation can negatively affect the pollination activity of T. angustula. Evaluation of the toxicity and sublethal effects of pesticides on bees contributes to a better understanding of their harmful effects on hives and allows for the development of strategies to reduce these impacts.
Assuntos
Praguicidas , Abelhas , Animais , Glicina/toxicidade , Locomoção , Biologia , GlifosatoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Swine production expanded in the last decades. Efforts have been made to improve meat production and to understand its relationship to pig gut microbiota. Copper (Cu) is a usual supplement to growth performance in animal production. Here, two performance studies were conducted to investigate the effects of three different sources of Cu on the microbiota of piglets. A total of 256 weaned piglets were randomly allocated into 4 treatments (10 replicates per treatment of 4 piglets per pen in Trial 1 and 8 replicates of 3 piglets per pen in Trial 2). Treatments included a control group (fed 10 mg/kg of Cu from CuSO4), a group fed at 160 mg/kg of Copper (II) sulfate (CuSO4) or tri-basic copper chloride (TBCC), and a group fed with Cu methionine hydroxy analogue chelated (Cu-MHAC) at 150, 80, and 50 mg/kg in Phases 1 (24-35 d), 2 (36-49 d), and 3 (50-70 d), respectively. At 70 d, the cecum luminal contents from one pig per pen were collected and polled for 16 S rRNA sequencing (V3/V4 regions). Parameters were analyzed in a completely randomized block design, in which each experiment was considered as a block. RESULTS: A total of 1337 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) were identified. Dominance and Simpson ecological metrics were statistically different between control and treated groups (P < 0.10) showing that different Cu sources altered the gut microbiota composition with the proliferation of some bacteria that improve gut health. A high abundance of Prevotella was observed in all treatments while other genera were enriched and differentially modulated, according to the Cu source and dosage. The supplementation with Cu-MHAC can modify a group of bacteria involved in feed efficiency (FE) and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) production (Clostridium XIVa, Desulfovibrio, and Megasphera). These bacteria are also important players in the activation of ghrelin and growth hormones that were previously reported to correlate with Cu-MHAC supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that some genera seem to be directly affected by the Cu source offered to the animals. TBCC and Cu-MHAC (even in low doses) can promote healthy modifications in the gut bacterial composition, being a promising source of supplementation for piglets.
Assuntos
Cobre , Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Animais , Ração Animal/análise , Ceco , Cobre/farmacologia , Sulfato de Cobre/farmacologia , Dieta/veterinária , Suplementos Nutricionais/análise , SuínosRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expulsion and continuation rates of the copper intrauterine device (IUD) inserted in the immediate postpartum period in a Brazilian public university hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present cohort study, we included women who received immediate postpartum IUD at vaginal delivery or cesarean s March 2018 to December 2019. Clinical data and the findings of transvaginal ultrasound (US) scans performed 6-weeks postpartum were collected. The expulsion and continuation rates were assessed 6-months postpartum using data from the electronic medical records or by telephone contact. The primary outcome was the proportion of IUDs expelled at 6 months. For the statistical analysis, we used the Student t-test, the Poisson distribution, and the Chi-squared test. RESULTS: There were 3,728 births in the period, and 352 IUD insertions were performed, totaling a rate of 9.4%. At 6 weeks postpartum, the IUD was properly positioned in 65.1% of the cases, in 10.8% there was partial expulsion, and in 8.5% it had been completely expelled. At 6 months postpartum, information was obtained from 234 women, 74.4% of whom used IUD, with an overall expulsion rate of 25.6%. The expulsion rate was higher after vaginal delivery when compared with cesarean section (68.4% versus 31.6% respectively; p = 0.031). There were no differences in terms of age, parity, gestational age, final body mass index, and newborn weight. CONCLUSION: Despite the low insertion rate of copper IUDs in the postpartum period and a higher expulsion rate, the rate of long-term continuation of intrauterine contraception was high, indicating that it is a useful intervention to prevent unwanted pregnancies and to reduce short-interval birth.
OBJETIVO: Avaliar as taxas de expulsão e continuação do dispositivo intrauterino (DIU) de cobre inserido no pós-parto imediato em um hospital universitário brasileiro. MATERIAIS E MéTODOS: Neste estudo de corte transversal, foram incluídas parturientes submetidas à inserção de DIU de cobre no pós-parto imediato entre março de 2018 e dezembro de 2019. Foram coletados dados clínicos e da ultrassonografia (US) transvaginal realizada após seis semanas. As taxas de expulsão e de continuação foram avaliadas após seis meses por meio de dados do prontuário ou por contato telefônico. O resultado principal foi a proporção de DIUs expelidos em seis meses. Para análise estatística, utilizaram-se o teste t de Student, a distribuição de Poisson, e o teste do Qui quadrado. RESULTADOS: Houve 3,728 nascimentos no período, e foram inseridos 352 DIUs, em uma taxa de 9,4%. Com 6 semanas, o DIU estava bem posicionado em 65,1% dos casos, em 10,8%, houve expulsão parcial, e, em 8,5%, fora totalmente expelido. Aos 6 meses de pós-parto, foram obtidas informações de 234 mulheres, 74,4% das quais usavam DIU, com uma taxa de expulsão geral de 25,6%. A taxa de expulsão foi maior após o parto vaginal do que após cesariana (68,4% versus 31,6%, respectivamente; p = 0,031). Não houve diferenças quanto à idade, paridade, idade gestacional, índice de massa corpórea final, e peso do recém-nascido. CONCLUSãO: Apesar da baixa taxa de inserção e alta taxa de expulsão, a taxa de continuação em longo prazo da contracepção intrauterina com DIU de cobre foi elevada, o que indica que se trata de intervenção útil para prevenir gestações indesejadas em curto intervalo de tempo.
Assuntos
Cesárea , Dispositivos Intrauterinos de Cobre , Gravidez , Recém-Nascido , Feminino , Humanos , Brasil , Estudos de Coortes , Período Pós-Parto , Hospitais PúblicosRESUMO
Most productive lands worldwide base their crop production on the use of glyphosate (GLY)-resistant plants, and consequently, widespread use of this herbicide has led to environmental issues that need to be solved. Soil bioremediation technologies based on degradation of GLY by microorganisms are strategies that have been considered useful to solve this environmental problem. Recently, a further step has been taken considering the use of bacteria that interact with plants, either alone or both bacteria and plant together, for the removal of GLY herbicide. Plant-interacting microorganisms with plant growth-promoting traits can also enhance plant growth and contribute to successful bioremediation strategies.
Assuntos
Herbicidas , Herbicidas/metabolismo , Biodegradação Ambiental , Glicina/metabolismo , Solo , GlifosatoRESUMO
Glyphosate is a herbicide widely used in food production that blocks the synthesis of aromatic amino acids in plants and in microorganisms and also induces the accumulation of the alarmone (p)ppGpp. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether glyphosate affects the resistance, tolerance or persistence of bacteria towards three different classes of antibiotics and the possible role of (p)ppGpp in this activity. Glyphosate did not affect the minimum inhibitory concentration of the tested antibiotics, but enhanced bacterial tolerance and/or persistence towards them. The upshift in ciprofloxacin and kanamycin tolerance was partially dependent on the presence of relA that promotes (p)ppGpp accumulation in response to glyphosate. Conversely, the strong increase in ampicillin tolerance caused by glyphosate was independent of relA. We conclude that by inducing aromatic amino acid starvation glyphosate contributes to the temporary increase in E. coli tolerance or persistence, but does not affect antibiotic resistance.
Assuntos
Escherichia coli , Guanosina Pentafosfato , Escherichia coli/genética , Resistência Microbiana a Medicamentos , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , GlifosatoRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To develop alginate nanoparticles functionalized with polysorbate 80 (P80) as miltefosine carriers for brain targeting in the oral treatment of cryptococcal meningitis. METHODS: Miltefosine-loaded alginate nanoparticles functionalized or not with P80 were produced by an emulsification/external gelation method and the physicochemical characteristics were determined. The haemolytic activity and cytotoxic and antifungal effects of nanoparticles were assessed in an in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). A murine model of disseminated cryptococcosis was used for testing the efficacy of oral treatment with the nanoparticles. In addition, serum biomarkers were measured for toxicity evaluation and the nanoparticle biodistribution was analysed. RESULTS: P80-functionalized nanoparticles had a mean size of â¼300 nm, a polydispersity index of â¼0.4 and zeta potential around -50 mV, and they promoted a sustained drug release. Both nanoparticles were effective in decreasing the infection process across the BBB model and reduced drug cytotoxicity and haemolysis. In in vivo cryptococcosis, the oral treatment with two doses of P80 nanoparticles reduced the fungal burden in the brain and lungs, while the non-functionalized nanoparticles reduced fungal amount only in the lungs, and the free miltefosine was not effective. In addition, the P80-functionalization improved the nanoparticle distribution in several organs, especially in the brain. Finally, treatment with nanoparticles did not cause any toxicity in animals. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the potential use of P80-functionalized alginate nanoparticles as miltefosine carriers for non-toxic and effective alternative oral treatment, enabling BBB translocation and reduction of fungal infection in the brain.