Effect of latent iron deficiency on GABA and glutamate neuroreceptors in rat brain

Eight weeks of latent iron deficiency in weaned female rats of Sprague Dawley strain maintained on experimental low-iron diet (18–20 mg/kg) did not significantly change the gross body, weight and tissue weights of brain and liver. Packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin concentration remained unaltered. However, non-heme iron content in liver and brain decreased significantly (p<0.001). The activities of glutamate dehydrogenase, glutamic acid decarboxylase, and GABA-transaminase (GABA-T) in brain decreased by 15%, 11.4% and 25.7% respectively. However, this decrease was not statistically significant. Binding of³H Muscimol at pH 7.5 and 1 mg protein/assay increased by 143% (p<0.001) in synaptic vesicular membranes from iron-deficient rats as compared to the controls.³H glutamate binding to the synaptic vesicles was also carried out under similar condition. However, the L-glutamate binding was reduced by 63% in the vesicular membranes of iron deficient animals. These studies indicate that iron plays important functional role in both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors.     

Effect of latent iron deficiency on gaba and glutamate neuroreceptors in rat brain

Eight weeks of latent iron deficiency in weaned female rats of Sprague Dawley strain maintained on experimental low-iron diet (18–20 mg/Kg) did not significantly change the gross body weight and tissue weights of brain and liver. Packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin concentration remained unaltered. However, non-heme iron content in liver and brain decreased significantly (P<0.001). The activities of glutamate dehydrogenase, glutamic acid decarboxylase, and GABA-transaminase (GABA-T) in brain decreased by 15%, 11.4% and 25.7% respectively. However, this decrease was not statistically significant. Binding of³H Muscimol at pH 7.5 and 1 mg protein/assay increased by 143% (P<0.001) in synaptic vesicular membranes from iron-deficient rats as compared to the controls.³H glutamate binding to the synaptic vesicles was also carried out under similar condition. However, the L-glutamate binding was reduced by 63% in the vesicular membranes of iron deficient animals. These studies in dicate that iron plays an important functional role in both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors.     

Scientific evaluation of some Ayurvedic preparations for correction of iron deficiency and anemia

A number of preparations are available in Ayurved for treatment of anemia and iron deficiency. This study was designed to evaluate efficacy of some of them. Six most commonly used Ayurvedic iron containing preparations (Navayasa Curna, Punarnavadi Mandura, Dhatri Lauha, Pradarantaka Lauha, Sarva-Juara-Hara Lauha and Vrihat Yakrdari Lauha) were given in a dose of 250 mg b.d. for 30 days to six groups of iron deficient anemic patients; each group consisting of 20 patients. A control group was given Allopathic preparation—Irex-12, (containing—ferrous fumarate, vitamin C, folic acid and vitamin B₁₂); 1 capsule daily for 30 days for comparison. All hematological and iron parameters were determined before and after completion of treatment. The results showed that there was statistically significant rise (p<0.001) in all of them—Hb, PCV, TRBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC and plasma iron, percent saturation and plasma ferritin. Total iron binding capacity decreased significantly (p<0.001). The response of most of Ayurvedic preparations was better than Allopathic preparation and there was no side effect as observed with iron salts The Hb regeneration rate was 0.10 g/dl/day for Allopathic preparation; while it was above this value for all Ayurvedic preparations exceptPradarantaka Lauha which was least effective.Sarva-Juara-Hara Lauha was the drug of choice as Hb regeneration with it was highest 0.16 g/dl/day. Upon analysis of Ayurvedic drugs, these results were found to be consistent and correlated with iron content of the preparation.     

Iron deficiency anaemia: Effect on congnitive development in children: A review

Iron deficiency evolves slowly through several stages. Early iron deficiency caused a depletion in iron stores as shown by a reduction in the levels of hepatic non-heme iron in the new born of iron deficient mothers. Of particular importance is the effect on central nervous system, which leads to the defects in the cognition and learning processes in humans. Evidence is strong that in many under developed countries iron deficiency is the main cause of anaemia and supplementation under trial conditions may prevent some defects of iron deficiency but not all.     

Comparative analysis of RBC membrane fatty acids, proteins and glycophorin in patients with heterozygous beta thalassemia and iron deficiency anemia

Membrane lipid and protein composition was compared in erythrocytes from iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and heterozygous beta thalassemia patients. The study was planned to correlate the influence of iron deficiency with the intrinsic defect of the heterozygous condition on the membrane structural integrity as well as to investigate whether there are differences in membrane changes between the two conditions. Results indicate high levels of saturated fatty acids and low unsaturated fatty acids in both disorders although arachidonic acid and the unsaturation index were lower in heterozygous thalassemia than IDA. Nevertheless, neither of the conditions provoked any alterations in membrane protein or glycophorin suggesting alterations in the lipid moiety only. Present findings indicate that irrespective to the etiology, both, iron deficiency and the heterozygous condition show a common pattern of lipid derangement, which may in turn result in increased membrane rigidity and decreased cellular deformability.     

酸解法测定氧化铁皮中全铁含量

通过酸溶的方法,将样品完全溶解,在盐酸条件下,用氯化亚锡还原大部分铁,再用三氯化钛还原全部的二价铁,以二苯胺磺酸钠作为指示剂,用重铬酸钾标准溶液滴定全铁含量,通过选择磷硫混酸,并在高温条件下分解样品,极大的提高了样品分解速度,缩短样品检测周期,利用三氯化钛还原,避免了氯化高汞带来的环境污染,及人体伤害等,与其他方法比较,本法操作简单,检测周期短,检测结果更加准确可靠。     

Role of oxidative stress while controlling iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy - Indian scenario

Iron Deficiency anemia ranks 9^th among 26 diseases with highest burden. Asia bears 71% of this global burden. Adverse maternal and birth outcome associated with hemoglobin status renders the issue worth attention. Indian scenario has worsened over the period despite continuous international and national efforts. This indicates some lacunae in the approach and strategies applied. Various reports state that even with maximum effort to increase outreach and monitoring for adherence to Iron schedule, consumer’s compliance remains abysmally low. Recent studies has pointed out biological basis of side effects (gastrointestinal complains and systemic events) as raised oxidative stress for which iron is the key catalyst. Up till now the only target of research has been to raise hemoglobin of pregnant women above 11gm/dl. With the reports of pregnancy specific morbidities i.e. hemorrhage and septicemia with low hemoglobin, eclampsia, small for gestation age, gestational diabetes with higher ranges of hemoglobin, alarm is raised to define optimum range. Use of oxidative stress as biochemical marker with different doses and schedules has been defined because India lack information for its own population upon oxidative stress status when iron is supplemented as per current guidelines. Studies done in India and abroad have defined that too much and too less, both may raise oxidative stress and studies of this sort may provide biochemical scale for optimization. This review therefore has evaluated currently available Indian research and reports to understand the need of future research area. Important findings from other countries have been incorporated for comparison.     

Potential application of a knowledgebase of iron metabolism of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans as an alternative platform

BackgroundAcidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is a facultative anaerobe that depends on ferrous ion oxidation as well as reduced sulfur oxidation to obtain energy and is widely applied in metallurgy, environmental protection, and soil remediation. With the accumulation of experimental data, metabolic mechanisms, kinetic models, and several databases have been established. However, scattered data are not conducive to understanding A. ferrooxidans that necessitates updated information informed by systems biology.ResultsHere, we constructed a knowledgebase of iron metabolism of A. ferrooxidans (KIMAf) system by integrating public databases and reviewing the literature, including the database of bioleaching substrates (DBS), the database of bioleaching metallic ion-related proteins (MIRP), the A. ferrooxidans bioinformation database (Af-info), and the database for dynamics model of bioleaching (DDMB). The DBS and MIRP incorporate common bioleaching substrates and metal ion-related proteins. Af-info and DDMB integrate nucleotide, gene, protein, and kinetic model information. Statistical analysis was performed to elucidate the distribution of isolated A. ferrooxidans strains, evolutionary and metabolic advances, and the development of bioleaching models.ConclusionsThis comprehensive system provides researchers with a platform of available iron metabolism-related resources of A. ferrooxidans and facilitates its application.How to citeZhou Z, Ma W, Liu Y, et al. Potential application of a knowledgebase of iron metabolism of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans as an alternative platform. Electron J Biotechnol 2021;51; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2021.04.003     

低钾胁迫对不同基因型杂交水稻氮代谢的影响

通过在低钾胁迫下对杂交水稻耐低钾基因型威优３５及不耐低钾基因型汕优６号的比较研究,表明低钾胁迫会显著增加不耐低钾基因型植株地上部分的氮含量和叶片总游离氨基本酸含量,降低籽粒粗蛋白含量,显著影响叶片脯氨酸含量的变化;而对耐低钾基因型的影响较小。低钾胁迫还引起两基因型其它主要游离氨基酸的不同变化,籽粒产量也有明显差异,说明耐低钾基因型水稻在氮代谢方面具有特异性。     

Impact of Chronic Lead Exposure on Selected Biological Markers

Lead poisoning remains a major problem in India due to the lack of awareness of its ill effects among the clinical community. Blood lead, δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) and zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) concentrations are widely used as biomarkers for lead toxicity The present study was designed to determine the impact of chronic lead exposure on selected biological markers. A total of 250 subjects, of both sexes, ranging in age from 20 to 70 years, were recruited. On the basis of BLLs, the subjects were categorized into four groups: Group A (BLL: 0–10 μg/dl), Group B (BLL: 10–20 μg/dl). Group C (BLL: 20–30 μg/dl) and Group D (BLL: 30–40 μg/dl) having BLLs of 3.60 ± 2.71 μg/dl, 15.21 ± 2.65 μg/dl, 26.82 ± 2.53 μg/dl and 36.38 ± 2.83 μg/dl, respectively. Significant changes in biological markers due to elevated BLLs were noted. The relation of BLL and biological markers to demographic characteristics such as sex, habits, diet and substances abuse (smoking effect) were also studied in the present investigation. Males, urban population, non-vegetarians, and smokers had higher blood lead levels. δ-ALAD activity was found to be significantly lower with increased BLL (P < 0.001), while the ZPP level was significantly higher with increased BLL (P < 0.001). Further, BLL showed a negative correlation with δ-ALAD (r = −0.425, P < 0.001, N = 250) and a positive correlations with ZPP (r = 0.669, P < 0.001, N = 250). Chronic lead exposure affects the prooxidant-antioxidant equilibrium leading to cellular oxidative stress.     

Effect of antimalarials treatment on rat liver lysosomal function—Anin vivo study

Effects of treatmentin vivo with the antimalarials:chloroquine (CQ), primaquine (PQ) and quinine(Q) on lysosomal enzymes and lysosomal membrane integrity were examined. Treatment with the three antimalarials showed an apparent increase in the membrane stability. CQ treatment resulted in increase in both the ‘free’ and ‘total’ activities of all the enzymes i.e. acid phosphatase, RNase II, DNase II and cathepsin D. PQ treatment lowered the ‘free’ and ‘total’ activities of acid phosphatase and cathepsin D, but the DNase II activities increased. Treatment with Q resulted in increased ‘free’ and ‘total’ activities of RNase II and DNase II. While ‘free’ activities of acid phosphatase and cathepsin D were low; the ‘total’ activities increased significantly. Our results suggest that a generalized increase in free nucleases activities following prolonged treatment with antimalarials may lead to cell damage and/or necrosis.     

Impact of iodine deficiency on thyroid function in pregnant African women — A possible factor in the genesis of ‘small for dates’ babies

The effect of iodine deficiency (ID) on thyroid function in African women during pregnancy and postnatal period was examined, for which very limited information is available. Serum T₄, T₃, TSH, TBG, thyroxine binding capacity (TBK), free thyroxine index (FT₄I=T₄/TBK) and T₄/TBG were determined by ELISA technique in 32 pregnant women (resident of Plateau state, Nigeria- an ID zone) through pregnancy upto term delivery, and in 5 women up to 6 weeks post delivery. Urinary iodide level was measured at delivery to determine the degree of iodine deficiency. Results were matched with a non pregnant control comprising 44 subjects. 5555 birth weights (BW) of term babies in the region were analysed to determine the prevalence of ‘small for dates’ (SFD) babies in the population. Results show that the level of serum FT₄I was elevated very significantly at late gestation (P<.001) but the women were not hyperthyroid, suggesting a marked disturbance in binding of T₄ with TBG during pregnancy. Five women with SFD babies were found in ‘compensated hypothyroid state’ and showed a significant depression (p<.01) in serum T₄/TBG, T₄, FT₄I and T₃ levels to a low normal range, with a concurrent significant rise (p.<.001) in TSH level (above normal range) throughout pregnancy. Incidence of SFD babies was higher (p.<.001) in ID zone (Bassa 15.2%) compared to control zone (Jos 9.8%). It is concluded that a state of maternal ‘subclinical (compensated) hypothyroidism’ during pregnancy possibly plays an important role in the aetiopathogenesis of SFD babies in Africans. A normal reference range for thyroid parameters at various stages of pregnancy in healthy African women is established for the first time.     

Effects of flaxseed<Emphasis Type="Italic">(Linum usitatissimum) chutney</Emphasis> on gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and micronuclei profile in azoxymethane treated rats

Antioxidant property of flaxseed chutney was evident by decreasing lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and predictor enzyme γ-glutamyl transpeptidase profile and micronuclei formation in azoxymethane treated rats. After 10 weeks, rats fed with either fiber-free basal diet or Antioxidant diet exhibited over sevenfold increase in γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity and nearly fourfold increase in micronuclei load in comparison to controls (p<0.001). A significant reduction in both γ-glutamyl transpeptidase level (52%) and micronuclei formation (47%) was observed in fiber-free basal diet/Antioxidant diet/flaxseed chutney diet fed rats. Relative to rats fed fiber-free basal diet, the profile of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and micronuclei load was not significantly altered.     

Role of ethanol on aluminum induced biochemical changes on rat brain

Aluminum and alcohol, both are well-accepted neurotoxin. The plausible mechanisms for their neurotoxicity are also common. Therefore, the effect of ethanol on aluminum induced biochemical changes in rat brain is being studied. In the present study, ethanol exposure significantly affected the aluminum and protein content of brain. The activities of acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase were also changed. Aluminum exposure, on the other hand, contributed significantly in the alterations of aluminum content, acid phosphatase acivity and aspartate aminotransferase activity. Though ethanol co-exposure significantly influenced the aluminum load of brain, the interactions of these two neurotoxins were found to be significant only in case of acid phosphatase activity of brain. Therefore, it can be suggested that general neurotoxicity produced by aluminum is not modified by ethanol. However, the aluminum load caused by aluminum exposure, may be influenced by ethanol co-exposure.     

持续有氧运动对血管细胞瘤激素调节效果分析

目的:探讨持续有氧代谢运动对侵袭性血管母细胞瘤的激素调节效果,以提高诊断水平及指导临床治疗。方法:以血管细胞瘤MRI影像与病理特征分析为参照依据,分析19例经手术病理治疗后的血管细胞瘤恢复情况,以持续有氧代谢运动对血管细胞瘤体内脑垂体激素调节为对象,建立有氧代谢与侵袭性血管细胞瘤脑垂体激素调节间的关系模型,证实血管母细胞瘤的MRI病理表现与有氧代谢运动间的关系。结果:小脑半球血管母细胞瘤14例,幕上血管母细胞瘤4例,混合型1例,经持续有氧代谢运动康复,肿瘤周围异常流空明显减少,肿瘤囊壁环形得到弱化。结论:持续有氧代谢运动通过激素调节,刺激血管母细胞瘤的恢复,血管母细胞瘤MRI影像表现稳定,瘤周刺激明显好转,MRI表现与刺激病理特性相关。     

Effect of oral ingestion of different forms of silver on tissue content of some essential elements in chicks

Silver is ingested in India in the form of varak, Ayurvedic bhasm and water contained in silver utensils, but nobody knows their effects. We have examined the effect of interaction of silver ingested in the form of varak (leaf), bhasm (ash) and water (colloidal solution) on some essential elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe and Zn) in blood, liver, spleen and kidneys of chicks. The results showed significant rise of silver in all the tissues and significant fall in copper in the blood. The greatest rise was obtained in blood silver by silver sol while it had the lowest amount of silver. Iron significantly increased in tissues but somewhat decreased in blood. Zinc content increased in all the tissues by leaf and ash but decreased by sol. No consistent pattern was seen in case of other elements.     

Effect of diet oils on lipid levels of the brain of rats

The effects of sunflower oil, olive oil, margarine, soybean oil and butter on cholesterol and triglyceride levels were investigated in the brain of rats. Rats were fed with a diet containing 15% of the oils for a period of 8 weeks. The rats were then decapitated, brain samples were removed, homogenized and cholesterol and TG levels were measured. Brain cholesterol and Triglycerides levels of all animals receiving different oils were significantly higher according to the contol except TG level of animals receiving margarine. Brain cholesterol levels of the vegetable oils were statistically higher than those receiving saturated oil. Thus, cholesterol level of the rats fed with olive oil group was significantly higher than that of the other groups but those receiving sunflower oil group and Triglycerides level of the animals receiving olive oil was significantly higher than that of the other groups except animal supplemented with soybean oil. Thus, it is concluded that brain lipid levels of rats are differently effected by various oils and mechanism of which needs to be investigated.     

长期施肥对农田黑土微生物群落的影响

研究不同磷肥处理农田黑土基本理化性质、磷脂脂肪酸、酸（碱）性磷酸酶、微生物量碳或氮等变化规律。结果表明,有机肥-化肥配施明显提高土壤有机质、总氮以及速效氮、磷、钾等养分含量,进而促进微生物量碳、微生物量碳/有机质比值、磷酸酶活力以及各菌群磷脂脂肪酸含量显著增加。长期氮磷钾配施土壤有机质活性严重退化、不利于土壤微生物生长,而单施磷肥或氮磷肥配施对微生物活力与结构影响较小。有机肥处理中单烯不饱和/饱和脂肪酸比值>1,远高于其他化肥处理,可用来指示有机质质量与可用性;而支链/单烯不饱和脂肪酸与单烯不饱和/饱和脂肪酸比值呈极显著负相关,表明G+菌对养分胁迫抗性强于G-菌。磷脂脂肪酸PCA表明,有机肥与化肥处理微生物群落结构显著不同。个别脂肪酸载荷值分析表明,真菌受无机肥施用影响显著;而G+菌更易受有机肥影响。     

Antioxidant Effect of Caffeic Acid on Oxytetracycline Induced Lipid Peroxidation in Albino Rats

Caffeic acid is a well-known phenolic compound widely present in plant kingdom. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective effect of caffeic acid (CA) against oxytetracycline (OXT) induced hepatotoxicity in male Albino Wistar rats. A total of 30 rats weighing 150–170 g were randomly divided into five groups of six rats in each group. Oral administration of OXT (200 mg/kg body weight/day) for 15 days produced hepatic damage as manifested by a significant increase in serum hepatic markers namely aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), bilirubin and increased plasma and hepatic lipid peroxidation indices (TBARS and hydroperoxide). The present finding shows that the levels of enzymatic antioxidants namely superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly decreased in OXT intoxicated rats. Upon oral administration of caffeic acid (40 mg/kg body weight/day) there were decreased hepatic marker activities, bilirubin and lipid peroxidation and increased enzymatic antioxidants in OXT + Caffeic acid group compared to Normal + OXT group(P < 0.05). Our study suggests that caffeic acid has antioxidant property and hepatoprotective ability against OXT induced toxicity.     

Effect ofCrataeva nurvala bark decoction on enzymatic changes in liver of normal and stone forming rats

The influence of Crataeva nurvala bark decoction was studied in calcium oxalate stone forming rats, in relation to oxalate metabolism in liver. The activities of the major oxalate synthesizing enzymes in liver namely, glycollate oxidase (GAO) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly increased in the calculogenic group. Bark decoction treatment lowered the liver GAO activity considerably. Transport ATPases (Na⁺, K⁺ and Ca²⁺-ATPases) and alkaline phosphatase were enhanced in rats fed calculi producing diet, while the activities of acid phosphatase, inorganic pyrophosphatase and aminotransferases were slightly reduced. Bark decoction administration produced a marginal decrease in Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase and increase in aspartate aminotransferase activities, without significantly altering other enzyme activities. The decrease in liver GAO activity seen during bark decoction treatment, with concomitant decrease in kidney oxalate level, may prove beneficial as a prophylactic measure in preventing stone recurrence.