2024

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12 pages, 1421 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gene and Protein Expression of Placental Nutrient-Stress Sensor Proteins in Fetal Growth Restriction

by Elizabeth Morgan, Grace Chung, Seokwon Jo, Briana Clifton, Sarah A. Wernimont and Emilyn U. Alejandro

Stresses 2024, 4(2), 308-319; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses4020019 - 16 Apr 2024

Viewed by 659

Abstract

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) and low birth weight increase the risk of non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart failure in adulthood. Placental insufficiency is widely considered a major contributor to FGR. Two crucial placental proteins involved in nutrient and stress [...] Read more.

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) and low birth weight increase the risk of non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart failure in adulthood. Placental insufficiency is widely considered a major contributor to FGR. Two crucial placental proteins involved in nutrient and stress sensing—O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase—play roles in post-translational protein modification and protein translation, influencing cellular growth and metabolism in response to maternal stress, hypoxia, and nutritional status in the placenta. In our study, we examined the gene and protein profiles of OGT and mTOR in FGR and control placentae, comparing those appropriate for gestational age (AGA), while also considering potential confounding effects of fetal sex and delivery mode. Our findings revealed no significant differences in gene expression, protein levels, or activity of OGT, OGA, mTOR, or their associated markers between female AGA and FGR cesarean placentae, nor between female AGA and male AGA cesarean placentae. Additionally, the mode of delivery in female AGA placentae did not affect the levels or activity of these proteins. Overall, our study did not observe significant differences in nutrient sensor protein expression after stratifying by FGR, sex, and delivery mode. Nevertheless, these unbiased results provide a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities of placental gene expression involving OGT and mTOR. Full article

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15 pages, 606 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of a Phytogenic Feed Additive on Redox Status, Blood Haematology, and Piglet Mortality in Primiparous Sows

by Vasileios G. Papatsiros, Georgios I. Papakonstantinou, Eleni Katsogiannou, Dimitrios A. Gougoulis, Nikolaos Voulgarakis, Konstantinos Petrotos, Sofia Braimaki, Dimitrios A. Galamatis, Amr El-Sayed and Labrini V. Athanasiou

Stresses 2024, 4(2), 293-307; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses4020018 - 12 Apr 2024

Viewed by 370

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a polyphenolic phytogenic feed additive (PFA) based on plant extracts, such as Embelia officinalis, Ocimum sanctum and nut fibre, on the redox status, haematological parameters, and piglet mortality in sows. A total of 64 [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a polyphenolic phytogenic feed additive (PFA) based on plant extracts, such as Embelia officinalis, Ocimum sanctum and nut fibre, on the redox status, haematological parameters, and piglet mortality in sows. A total of 64 primiparous sows were divided into two groups: T1-control group: regular gestation (GF) and lactation feed (LF), T2 group: regular GF and LF supplemented with a PFA (10 g daily) for 14 days before and 7 days after the farrowing. Blood samples were collected 0–3 h after farrowing. Haematological parameters (Packed Cell Volume/PCV, White Blood Cells/WBC, Platelets/PLTs) were counted in blood smears. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyls (CARBS) levels were determined in sow plasma. The performance and reproductive parameters of sows at farrowing and weaning days were recorded. The mean numbers of PCV and PLT counts in the T2 group were higher in comparison to the T1 group (p = 0.041, p = 0.033, respectively). In contrast, the mean numbers of WBC and neutrophils were almost significantly higher in the T2 group (p = 0.051). The mean number of stillborn piglets was significantly higher in the T1 group (2.12) compared to the T2 group (1.03). The mean number of alive piglets 24 h after farrowing and the mean number of the weaned piglets were significantly higher in group T2 (13.9 vs. 15.4 and 12.6 vs. 14.3). Sows in group T2 had significantly more backfat at weaning than the sows in group T1 (13.3 vs. 12.7). The mean levels of CARBS (nmol/mL) and TBARS (μmol/L) in group T1 (24.8 and 18.7) were significantly higher in comparison to group T2 (18.3 and 14.9). In conclusion, the use of a polyphenolic PFA in sows has beneficial effects on their welfare and performance due to its antioxidative effects. Furthermore, PFAs appear to exert antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, and protective effects on PLTs, WBCs, and RBCs, respectively. Full article

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15 pages, 3013 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Toxicological and Pharmacological Evaluation of the Anacyclus pyrethrum Aqueous Extract: Implications for Medicinal and Therapeutic Applications

by Abdelmounaim Baslam, Rachida Aboufatima, Hamid Kabdy, Samia Boussaa, Abderrahman Chait and Marouane Baslam

Stresses 2024, 4(1), 79-93; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses4010005 - 09 Jan 2024

Viewed by 712

Abstract

Plants have long been valued for their medicinal and nutritional contributions to human life. Anacyclus pyrethrum, a member of the Asteraceae family, has attracted increasing attention as a source of natural products with diverse applications. In this study, we explored the toxicity [...] Read more.

Plants have long been valued for their medicinal and nutritional contributions to human life. Anacyclus pyrethrum, a member of the Asteraceae family, has attracted increasing attention as a source of natural products with diverse applications. In this study, we explored the toxicity and pharmacological properties of the aqueous extract of A. pyrethrum (AEAP). The acute toxicity study involved groups of mice subjected to oral administration of varying doses of AEAP, with immediate post-administration observations to detect any signs of toxicity or mortality. Comprehensive biochemical and hematological analyses encompassed assessments of renal function. The pharmacological profile was assessed by evaluating antinociceptive, anxiolytic, and antidepressant effects, which were measured using the hot plate test, elevated plus maze, open field test, and forced swim test, respectively. Different doses (100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg) were administered to rats via gavage for this assessment. The results revealed that the acute toxicity demonstrated the safety of AEAP at the tested doses, with no observed mortality or significant alterations. Moreover, it revealed that AEAP possesses an LD₅₀ value greater than 5000 mg/kg. The pharmacological properties of AEAP demonstrated anxiolytic and antidepressant activities at a dose of 200 mg/kg, while no antinociceptive effect was observed. These findings underscore the potential of A. pyrethrum as a natural source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic applications. Further research is needed to explore long-term and chronic effects for a comprehensive assessment. Full article

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2023

Jump to: 2024

10 pages, 312 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Stress Predictors in Vaquejada Horses Running with Different Interval Rest Periods

by Clarisse S. Coelho, Ticiane R. P. Sodré, Lara N. Sousa, Thadeu M. Silva, Joana Simões, Vinicius R. C. Souza, Renata F. Siqueira and Helio C. Manso Filho

Stresses 2023, 3(4), 858-867; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses3040058 - 13 Dec 2023

Viewed by 764

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the stress responses associated with vaquejada simulating tests (VSTs). Ten clinically healthy 8.9 ± 4.3-year-old Quarter horses, weighing 441.3 ± 25.0 kg, performed two VSTs five days apart. In the first VST (M1), animals ran [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to assess the stress responses associated with vaquejada simulating tests (VSTs). Ten clinically healthy 8.9 ± 4.3-year-old Quarter horses, weighing 441.3 ± 25.0 kg, performed two VSTs five days apart. In the first VST (M1), animals ran three times with a 5-min rest between races; and in the second (M2), they ran with a 15-min rest between races. Horses were examined before (T0) and immediately after the third run (T1) and at 4 h (T2) of recovery. Stress biomarkers included heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), cortisol, and white blood cell count. All variables were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey tests, considering p < 0.05. A significant reduction in cortisol was observed for pull (p = 0.0463) and helper (p = 0.0349) horses when they had a 15-min rest between races. The rMSSD and mean R-R values for helper horses were also significantly lower in M2. In conclusion, the 15-min rest interval proved to be better than the 5-min period for both categories of equine athletes used in vaquejada mainly for helper horses. A longer rest time between races allowed the organic recovery necessary for these animals to impose a greater applied physical effort load, which is a fact that guarantees good performance and well-being. Full article

11 pages, 921 KiB

Open AccessReview

Insulin Resistance Develops Due to an Imbalance in the Synthesis of Cyclic AMP and the Natural Cyclic AMP Antagonist Prostaglandylinositol Cyclic Phosphate (Cyclic PIP)

by Heinrich K. Wasner

Stresses 2023, 3(4), 762-772; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses3040052 - 17 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 757

Abstract

The reasons initiating insulin resistance are not identified. Various metabolic derailments have been characterized. These are the outcome and not the initiation of insulin resistance. In animal models of type 2 diabetes and hypertension, a decreased hormonal stimulation of the synthesis of the [...] Read more.

The reasons initiating insulin resistance are not identified. Various metabolic derailments have been characterized. These are the outcome and not the initiation of insulin resistance. In animal models of type 2 diabetes and hypertension, a decreased hormonal stimulation of the synthesis of the cyclic AMP antagonist prostaglandylinositol cyclic phosphate (cyclic PIP) was determined. The resultant imbalance of the action of cyclic AMP and cyclic PIP shifts metabolic regulation to the dominance of catabolism and a decrease in imperative anabolism. This dominance develops gradually since the more cyclic AMP dominates, the more the synthesis of cyclic PIP will be inhibited. Vanishing actions of cyclic PIP are its 10-fold activation of glucose uptake in adipocytes, its inhibition of insulin release from pancreatic β-cells, its inhibition of PKA and its 7-fold activation of protein ser/thr phosphatase. Reduced synthesis of cyclic PIP results from (a) decreased substrate availability, (b) long-time elevated cyclic AMP levels resulting from stress overloads and (c) aging and the gradual decrease in the synthesis of hormones which likely maintain mechanisms that stimulate cyclic PIP synthesis. The need is to discover which hormones, such as growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, dehydroepiandrosterone, and testosterone, are involved in maintaining the stimulation of cyclic PIP synthesis. Full article

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14 pages, 4465 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Kaempferol Enhances Sperm Post-Thaw Survival by Its Cryoprotective and Antioxidant Behavior

by Štefan Baňas, Filip Benko, Michal Ďuračka, Norbert Lukáč and Eva Tvrdá

Stresses 2023, 3(4), 687-700; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses3040047 - 28 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 788

Abstract

This study examined the effects of three selected doses of kaempferol (KAE; 12.5, 25 or 50 μM) on bovine sperm motility and oxidative profile directly related to cold storage. We also elucidated the effect of KAE on the expression profiles of heat shock [...] Read more.

This study examined the effects of three selected doses of kaempferol (KAE; 12.5, 25 or 50 μM) on bovine sperm motility and oxidative profile directly related to cold storage. We also elucidated the effect of KAE on the expression profiles of heat shock proteins (HSPs) 70 and 90 as well as the pro-apoptotic BCL2-associated X (BAX) protein and the anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein. Frozen samples supplemented with KAE were compared with a native control (fresh spermatozoa) and a cryopreserved control, frozen in the absence of KAE. Our results demonstrate that the administration of all KAE doses led to a higher degree of sperm motility (p < 0.05) when compared with the cryopreserved control. The highest levels of protection of sperm DNA (p < 0.05), lipids (p < 0.05) and proteins (p < 0.05) were detected in samples exposed to 25 μM KAE when compared with samples frozen without KAE. Administration of 25 μM KAE led to a significant increase in HSP70 and HSP90 (p < 0.05) when compared with the unsupplemented frozen control. No significant differences were observed in the expression patterns of BAX; however, a significant up-regulation of Bcl-2 protein was observed in the frozen samples enriched with 25 μM KAE when compared with the cryopreserved control (p < 0.05). In summary, we may consider KAE as an effective agent in stabilizing the sperm membranes by preventing reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction in the mitochondria and subsequent oxidative damage to molecules critical for a proper sperm architecture and function. These protective properties of KAE may lead to higher post-thaw sperm activity and viability. Full article

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24 pages, 2257 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Regulatory Effects of GPR158 Overexpression in Trabecular Meshwork Cells of the Eye’s Aqueous Outflow Pathways

by Maria Fernanda Suarez, Tatsuo Itakura, Satyabrata Pany, Shinwu Jeong, Shravan K. Chintala, Michael B. Raizman, Steven Riesinger, Tsvetelina Lazarova, José Echenique, Horacio M. Serra, W. Daniel Stamer and M. Elizabeth Fini

Stresses 2023, 3(3), 629-652; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses3030044 - 01 Sep 2023

Viewed by 978

Abstract

Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), the major risk factor for glaucoma, is caused by decreased outflow through the trabecular meshwork (TM). The pathophysiology of ocular hypertension has been linked to stress pathways, including fibrosis, calcification and the unfolded protein response (UPR). In a pharmacogenomic [...] Read more.

Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), the major risk factor for glaucoma, is caused by decreased outflow through the trabecular meshwork (TM). The pathophysiology of ocular hypertension has been linked to stress pathways, including fibrosis, calcification and the unfolded protein response (UPR). In a pharmacogenomic screen, we previously identified the novel G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), GPR158, showed that expression is upregulated in TM cells by glucocorticoid stress hormones, and showed that overexpression protects against oxidative stress. We also found that loss of Gpr158 in knockout mice negates IOP reduction due to treatment with the catecholamine stress hormone, epinephrine. An increase in GPR158 would be expected to alter the activity of GPR158-regulated pathways. Here, we profiled gene expression changes due to GPR158 overexpression by microarray, then conducted pathway analysis. We identified five upstream stress regulators relevant to ocular hypertension: dexamethasone and TGFB1 (fibrosis), XBP1 and ATF4 (UPR), and TP53 (cell cycle arrest). Key genes in the first three pathways were downregulated by GPR158 overexpression, but not enough to inhibit dexamethasone-induced fibrosis or calcification in TM cells, and loss of Gpr158 in knockout mice only minimally protected against dexamethasone-induced ocular hypertension. Depending on dose, GPR158 overexpression down- or upregulated the TP53 pathway, suggesting the mechanism for previously observed effects on cell proliferation. A sixth upstream regulator we identified was a GPCR: the beta-adrenergic receptor ADRB1. Adrenergic receptors serve as targets for IOP-lowering drugs, including epinephrine. These data provide new information about pathways regulated by GPR158. Full article

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14 pages, 3366 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Paradigm of Well-Orchestrated Pharmacokinetic Properties of Curcuminoids Relative to Conventional Drugs for the Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 Receptors: An In Silico Approach

by Akhileshwar Kumar Srivastava, Divya Singh, Priya Yadav, Monika Singh, Sandeep Kumar Singh and Ajay Kumar

Stresses 2023, 3(3), 615-628; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses3030043 - 30 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 899

Abstract

To cure SARS-CoV-2 infection, the repurposing of conventional antiviral drugs is currently advocated by researchers, though their action is not very effective. The present study, based on in silico methods, was intended to increase the therapeutic potential of conventional drugs: hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), favipiravir [...] Read more.

To cure SARS-CoV-2 infection, the repurposing of conventional antiviral drugs is currently advocated by researchers, though their action is not very effective. The present study, based on in silico methods, was intended to increase the therapeutic potential of conventional drugs: hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), favipiravir (FAV), and remdesivir (REM) by using curcuminoids like curcumin (CUR), bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC), and demethoxycurcumin (DMC) as adjunct drugs against SARS-CoV-2 receptor proteins, namely main protease (Mpro) and the S1 receptor-binding domain (RBD). The curcuminoids exhibited similar pharmacokinetic properties to the conventional drugs. The webserver (ANCHOR) predicted greater protein stability for both receptors with a disordered score (<0.5). The molecular docking study showed that the binding energy was highest (−27.47 kcal/mol) for BDMC toward Mpro receptors, while the binding energy of CUR (−20.47 kcal/mol) and DMC (−20.58 kcal/mol) was lower than that of HCQ (−24.58 kcal/mol), FAV (−22.87 kcal/mol), and REM (−23.48 kcal/mol). In the case of S1-RBD, CUR had the highest binding energy (−38.84 kcal/mol) and the lowest was in FAV (−23.77 kcal/mol), whereas HCQ (−35.87 kcal/mol) and REM (−38.44 kcal/mol) had greater binding energy than BDMC (−28.07 kcal/mol) and DMC (−30.29 kcal/mol). Hence, this study envisages that these curcuminoids could be employed in combination therapy with conventional drugs to disrupt the stability of SARS-CoV-2 receptor proteins. Full article

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10 pages, 4410 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Surprising Effects of Rocking Motion on Leishmania tarentolae Behavior in Culture and Implications for Cell Stress

by Linda M. Ferrence, Akshata Gajula and Marjorie A. Jones

Stresses 2023, 3(3), 605-614; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses3030042 - 28 Aug 2023

Viewed by 834

Abstract

Leishmania are an understudied genus of parasitic protozoans causing significant health problems for people, particularly in tropical climates. To better understand the growth of Leishmania and potential drug sensitivity implications, the effects of motion on cells grown in vitro were probed. Using a [...] Read more.

Leishmania are an understudied genus of parasitic protozoans causing significant health problems for people, particularly in tropical climates. To better understand the growth of Leishmania and potential drug sensitivity implications, the effects of motion on cells grown in vitro were probed. Using a stock Leishmania tarentolae cell culture, cells were placed in 10 mL of a Brain–Heart Infusion medium in either a non-moving (static) environment or on a flat platform of one of two lab rockers (set at a minimal speed) in a dark environment for 13 days. Also, the addition of 0.5 M of L-Proline was evaluated. Microscopy, cell clumping, cell viability, and secreted acid phosphatase (SAP) activity data were collected. Results show that a constant slow rocking motion changed cell growth, clumping behavior, and detectable SAP activity relative to the no-motion cultures, but this change was dependent on which rocker was used, indicating a complexity in the growth of these cells in culture. Thus, continuous motion affects the stresses placed on the cells during a growth curve under some conditions. The implications of this study lead to questions about the effects of motion on the efficacy of pharmaceutical testing in vitro. Further study of the effects of motion on Leishmania is important. Full article

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12 pages, 1579 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of Maternal Noise Exposure on Risk of Stillbirth and Oxidative Stress-Induced Neurobehavioral Changes in Offspring

by Archana Arjunan, Dhiraj Kumar Sah and Ravindran Rajan

Stresses 2023, 3(3), 529-540; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses3030037 - 12 Jul 2023

Viewed by 978

Abstract

Life does not start at birth but at conception. Embryonic development is a particularly difficult period in which genetic and environmental factors can interact to contribute to risk. In utero and early neonatal exposure to maternal stress are linked with psychiatric disorders, and [...] Read more.

Life does not start at birth but at conception. Embryonic development is a particularly difficult period in which genetic and environmental factors can interact to contribute to risk. In utero and early neonatal exposure to maternal stress are linked with psychiatric disorders, and the underlying mechanisms are currently being elucidated. This study examined novel relationships between maternal noise exposure causing oxidative-stress-induced neurobehavioral changes in cognition and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring. Pregnant Wistar albino rats were exposed to noise (100 dBA/4 h). There were three groups of pregnant rats exposed to noise during gestation, as well as a control group: early gestational stress (EGS), which occurs between the 1st and 10th days of pregnancy; late gestational stress (LGS), which occurs between the 11th day and the delivery day; and full-term gestational stress (FGS), which occurs during the entire pregnancy period. Maternal stress effects on the offspring were analyzed. This study observed that noise exposure becomes a psychosocial stressor in the prenatal period of motherhood. In the EGS and LGS groups, female rats showed continuous midterm abortion and stillbirth during noise exposure. The noise-exposed group exhibited significant changes in cognition, obsessive–compulsive behavior, fear, and anxiety. Corticosterone and oxidative stress markers increased, and the antioxidant level was significantly decreased in the noise-exposed group. Therefore, maternal noise exposure causes recurrent abortions and stillbirths, increases oxidative stress, and impairs the offspring’s neurodevelopment. Full article

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29 pages, 2009 KiB

Open AccessReview

Multifactorial Distress, the Warburg Effect, and Respiratory and pH Imbalance in Cancer Development

by Gabi Drochioiu

Stresses 2023, 3(2), 500-528; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses3020036 - 18 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1205

Abstract

Oncogenes are thought to play an important role in aberrant regulation of growth factors, which is believed to be an initiation event of carcinogenesis. However, recent genetic and pharmacological studies have shown that the Warburg effect (WE) is needed for tumour growth. It [...] Read more.

Oncogenes are thought to play an important role in aberrant regulation of growth factors, which is believed to be an initiation event of carcinogenesis. However, recent genetic and pharmacological studies have shown that the Warburg effect (WE) is needed for tumour growth. It refers to extensively studied aerobic glycolysis over the past decade, although its impact on cancer remains unclear. Meanwhile, a large body of evidence has indicated that oxidative stress (OS) is connected with the occurrence and progression of various forms of cancer. Psychosocial factors (PSF), such as chronic depression, sadness, stressful life experiences, stress-prone personality, and emotional distress or poor quality of life affect the immune system and contribute to cancer outcomes. Here, we examine the relationship between WE, OS, PSF, metal ions, other carcinogens, and the development of different cancers from the viewpoint of physiological and biochemical mechanisms. Full article

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