Search Results (25)

Nanoplastics (NPs) can cross cellular membranes and affect cellular performance. This study aims to determine the effects of polystyrene NPs (PS-NPs, 44 nm) on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) exposed for 14 days to 100 μg/L PS-NPs. The results show that biometric indicators (weight, length, Fulton’s condition factor, and hepatosomatic index) were not affected after the experimental exposures. No significant effects were observed on white blood cell count, red blood cell count, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, or platelets compared to the control group. However, there was a significant decrease in hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit values, and mean corpuscular cell volume in fish exposed to PS-NPs. There were no significant effects on plasmatic cholesterol, triglyceride, alkaline phosphatase, or aspartate aminotransferase levels. The histological anatomy of both the gills and the intestine revealed no obvious signs of cellular damage, excessive mucous, or inflammation in the PS-NP group. The expression of transcripts related to lipid metabolism (pparα, pparβ), growth and development (igf1), detoxification (bche), and oxidative stress (sod, gpx1) were significantly downregulated in animals exposed to PS-NPs, indicating a slight impairment in lipid homeostasis and antioxidant response. Full article

The multitude of processes in which the liver participates makes it vulnerable to many serious diseases, which can lead to chronic organ failure. Modern medicine bases the treatment of end-stage liver failure on liver transplantation. To ensure the proper functioning of the transplanted liver, a balance of cellular and immunological processes and appropriate concentrations of many different factors are necessary, including, among others, fibroblast growth factors (FGFs). Over the last several years, studies have focused on some FGF growth factors, i.e., FGF19 and FGF21. These two growth factors belong to the FGF19 subfamily, and we concentrate on these two factors in our work. These factors diffuse away from the site of secretion into the blood, acting as hormones. FGF19 is a growth factor with a high therapeutic potential, involved in the homeostasis of bile acids necessary to maintain the proper function of the transplanted liver. FGF21, in turn, plays an important role in regulating lipid and glucose homeostasis. This study aimed to evaluate changes in the concentration of growth factors FGF19 and FGF21 in the plasma of 84 patients before, 24 h, and 2 weeks after liver transplantation (ELISA test was used). Additionally, the correlations of the basic laboratory parameters—alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin and hemoglobin (Hb)—with FGF19 and FGF21 were determined. Our studies noted statistically significant changes in FGF19 and FGF21 concentrations before, 24 h, and 2 weeks after liver transplantation. The highest values for FGF19 before liver transplantation and the lowest values 24 h after this surgery were observed for FGF21; the highest concentrations were observed the day after liver transplantation, and the lowest were observed immediately before surgery. Observations of increases and decreases in the concentration of the examined factors at individual time points (before and after transplantation) allow us to suspect that FGF19 has an adaptive and protective function toward the transplanted liver. At the same time, FGF21 may affect the regenerative mechanisms of the damaged organ. Full article

Studying the blood cell morphology of marine mammals provides an opportunity to elucidate the physiological mechanisms of adaptive changes associated with the aquatic habitat that occur at the cellular level, as well as adaptations to changing environmental conditions and under various physiological and pathological processes. The Baikal seal [Pusa sibirica (family Phocidae)] is endemic to the freshwater Lake Baikal, but comprehensive hematology data are not available. We studied the morphological features of blood cells of twelve clinically normal, adult Baikal seals (n = 6 males, n = 6 females) from two oceanariums under professional care for eight years. The morphology of mature and immature erythrocytes and inclusions are described. The blood of Baikal seals is characterized by the presence of erythrocytes with a size of 8.2 ± 0.6 µm; Howell–Jolly bodies were rarely observed, the number of reticulocytes ranged from 4.1 to 93.1 × 10⁹/L, and nucleated erythrocytes were absent. The morphological features of neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, and platelets were described. Inter-individual and sex differences in the counts of basophils, platelets, red blood cells, and levels of hemoglobin, the mean corpuscular volume, and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were statistically observed. The results could be useful for Baikal seal veterinary care, immune response research, and comparative studies with other pinnipeds. Full article

Protein growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) plays crucial roles in cellular processes, including differentiation and development; however, its clinical relevance in breast cancer patients is poorly understood. We enrolled 68 breast cancer patients who underwent surgery at our hospital and assessed the expression of GDF11 in tumorous, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and non-tumorous tissues using immunohistochemical staining, with interpretation based on histochemical scoring (H-score). Our results indicated higher GDF11 expressions in DCIS and normal tissues compared to tumorous tissues. In addition, the GDF11 H-score was lower in the patients with a tumor size ≥ 2 cm, pathologic T3 + T4 stages, AJCC III-IV stages, Ki67 ≥ 14% status, HER2-negative, and specific molecular tumor subtypes. Notably, the patients with triple-negative breast cancer exhibited a loss of GDF11 expression. Spearman correlation analysis revealed associations between GDF11 expression and various clinicopathological characteristics, including tumor size, stage, Ki67, and molecular subtypes. Furthermore, GDF11 expression was positively correlated with mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and negatively correlated with neutrophil count, as well as standard deviation and coefficient of variation of red cell distribution width. These findings suggest that a decreased GDF11 expression may play a role in breast cancer pathogenesis. Full article

Candida albicans is a major human pathogenic fungus that is distinguished by its capability to switch from a yeast to a hyphal morphology under different conditions. Here, we analyze the cellular effects of high concentrations of the iron chelator bathophenanthroline disulfonate (BPS). BPS inhibits cellular growth by withholding iron, but when iron chelation is overcome by the addition of hemoglobin as an iron source, the cells resume growth as hyphae. The BPS hyphal induction pathway was characterized by identifying the hyphal-specific transcription factors that it requires and by a forward genetic screen for mutants that fail to form hyphae in BPS using a transposon library generated in a haploid strain. Among the mutants identified are the DYRK1-like kinase Yak1 and Orf19.384, a homolog of the DYRK1-associated protein WDR68/DCAF7. Orf19.384 nuclear localization depends on Yak1, similar to their mammalian counterparts. We identified the hyphal suppressor transcription factor Sfl1 as a candidate target of Yak1-Orf19.384 and show that Sfl1 modification is similarly affected in the yak1 and orf19.384 mutant strains. These results suggest that DYRK1/Yak1 and WDR68/Orf19.384 represent a conserved protein pair that regulates cell differentiation from fungi to animals. Full article

Glutathione (GSH) is a ubiquitous tripeptide that is biosynthesized in situ at high concentrations (1–5 mM) and involved in the regulation of cellular homeostasis via multiple mechanisms. The main known action of GSH is its antioxidant capacity, which aids in maintaining the redox cycle of cells. To this end, GSH peroxidases contribute to the scavenging of various forms of ROS and RNS. A generally underestimated mechanism of action of GSH is its direct nucleophilic interaction with electrophilic compounds yielding thioether GSH S-conjugates. Many compounds, including xenobiotics (such as NAPQI, simvastatin, cisplatin, and barbital) and intrinsic compounds (such as menadione, leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and dopamine), form covalent adducts with GSH leading mainly to their detoxification. In the present article, we wish to present the key role and significance of GSH in cellular redox biology. This includes an update on the formation of GSH-S conjugates or GSH adducts with emphasis given to the mechanism of reaction, the dependence on GST (GSH S-transferase), where this conjugation occurs in tissues, and its significance. The uncovering of the GSH adducts’ formation enhances our knowledge of the human metabolome. GSH–hematin adducts were recently shown to have been formed spontaneously in multiples isomers at hemolysates, leading to structural destabilization of the endogenous toxin, hematin (free heme), which is derived from the released hemoglobin. Moreover, hemin (the form of oxidized heme) has been found to act through the Kelch-like ECH associated protein 1 (Keap1)–nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway as an epigenetic modulator of GSH metabolism. Last but not least, the implications of the genetic defects in GSH metabolism, recorded in hemolytic syndromes, cancer and other pathologies, are presented and discussed under the framework of conceptualizing that GSH S-conjugates could be regarded as signatures of the cellular metabolism in the diseased state. Full article

Free flap tissue transfer represents the gold standard for extensive defect reconstruction, although malperfusion due to thrombosis remains the leading risk factor for flap failure. Recent studies indicate an increased immune response and platelet activation in connection with pathologic coagulation. The underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood, however. The presented study, therefore, aims to investigate if transfer-related ischemia alters intra-flap metabolism and electrolyte concentrations compared to central venous blood after free flap transfer in pigs to establish a novel experimental model. Free transfer of a myocutaneous gracilis flap to the axillary region was conducted in five juvenile male pigs. The flap artery was anastomosed to the axillary artery, and intra-flap venous blood was drained and transfused using a rubber-elastic fixed intravenous catheter. Blood gas analysis was performed to assess the effect of transfer time-induced ischemia on intra-flap electrolyte levels, acid–base balance, and hemoglobin concentrations compared to central venous blood. Time to flap reperfusion was 52 ± 10 min on average, resulting in a continuous pH drop (acidosis) in the flaps’ venous blood compared to the central venous system (p = 0.037). Potassium (p = 0.016), sodium (p = 0.003), and chloride (p = 0.007) concentrations were significantly increased, whereas bicarbonate (p = 0.016) and calcium (p = 0.008) significantly decreased within the flap. These observations demonstrate the induction of anaerobic glycolysis and electrolyte displacement resulting in acidosis and hence significant tissue damage already after a short ischemic period, thereby validating the novel animal model for investigating intra-flap metabolism and offering opportunities for exploring various (immuno-) thrombo-hemostatic issues in transplantation surgery. Full article

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a group of fluorinated, organic, man-made chemicals; they do not occur naturally in the environment. This study aimed to determine the profile and content of PFASs in the volunteers’ blood plasma and urine after the consumption of fermented red beetroot juice and then correlated it with the blood parameters. Over 42 days, 24 healthy volunteers ingested 200 mL/60 kg of body weight of fermented red beetroot juice. PFASs were analyzed using the micro-HPLC-MS/MS method. Five perfluoroalkyl substances were found in the volunteers’ body fluids. After consuming the juice, it was discovered that regarding the perfluorocarboxylic acids, a downward trend was observed, while regarding the perfluoroalkane sulfonates, and their plasma content showed a statistically significant upward trend. Analysis of the hematology parameters indicated that the intake of fermented red beetroot juice showed a significant decrease in mean corpuscular volume (MCV), platelets concentration, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR) at the significance level p < 0.01, and hematocrit (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the dietary intervention also indicated a significant (p < 0.01) increase in corpuscular/cellular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). In the case of blood biochemistry, no significant change was observed in the blood samples after the intake of the fermented beetroot juice. However, a decreasing tendency of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein concentration (LDL-C) was observed. Based on the presented results, there is a need to analyze and monitor health-promoting food regarding undesirable substances and their impact on consumer health. Full article

The liver has a huge impact on the functioning of our body and the preservation of homeostasis. It is exposed to many serious diseases, which may lead to the chronic failure of this organ, which is becoming a global health problem today. Currently, the final form of treatment in patients with end-stage (acute and chronic) organ failure is transplantation. The proper function of transplanted organs depends on many cellular processes and immune and individual factors. An enormous role in the process of acceptance or rejection of a transplanted organ is attributed to, among others, the activation of the complement system. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the concentration of selected biomarkers’ complement system activation (C3a, C5a, and sC5b-9 (terminal complement complex)) in the serum of patients before and after liver transplantation (24 h, two weeks). The study was conducted on a group of 100 patients undergoing liver transplantation. There were no complications during surgery and no transplant rejection in any of the patients. All patients were discharged home 2–3 weeks after the surgery. The levels of all analyzed components of the complement system were measured using the ELISA method. Additionally, the correlations of the basic laboratory parameters—C-reactive protein (CRP), hemoglobin (Hb), total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP), and albumin—with the parameters of the complement system (C3a, C5a, and sC5b-9) were determined. In our study, changes in the concentrations of all examined complement system components before and after liver transplantation were observed, with the lowest values before liver transplantation and the highest concentration two weeks after. The direct increase in components of the complement system (C3a, C5a, and sC5b-9) 24 h after transplantation likely affects liver damage after ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), while their increase two weeks after transplantation may contribute to transplant tolerance. Increasingly, attention is being paid to the role of C3a and CRP as biomarkers of damage and failure of various organs. From the point of view of liver transplantation, the most interesting correlation in our own research was found exactly between CRP and C3a, 24 h after the transplantation. This study shows that changes in complement activation biomarkers and the correlation with CRP in blood could be a prognostic signature of liver allograft survival or rejection. Full article

Oxygen is vital for cellular energetics and metabolism in the human body. Blood transports oxygen to the tissues with hemoglobin in red blood cells playing a key role in the transportation of oxygen. To account for the Fåhraeus and Fåhraeus–Lindqvist effects, we use Haynes marginal zone concept, which subdivides each microvessel into a cell free layer surrounding a core region of uniform red blood cells concentration. The marginal zone concept is used to develop a steady state model for the transport of oxygen from blood to tissue where chemical reaction of oxygen occurs to produce energy. The approach is based on fundamentals of fluid flow and mass transfer in the two zones while accounting for the role of hemoglobin in the transport process and including mass transfer and chemical reaction in the tissue to produce energy using the Krogh cylinder concept. In contrast to transport modeling of solutes such as glucose, the present model includes the key role of hemoglobin in the transport of oxygen from blood to tissue. The model is analytical and provides analytical expressions for the oxygen level profiles in the blood cell free layer, the core zone, and the Krogh cylinder. The results are found to agree with published results in the literature for oxygen transport from blood in capillary size microvessel to its Krogh tissue cylinder. The model is not restricted to transport from capillaries and includes transport of oxygen from microvessels to tissue in general. Extensions of the model include further investigations in the case where changes in the blood microvessel or red blood cells occur due to pathological conditions. Full article

The hormone hepcidin plays an important role in intestinal iron absorption and cellular release. Cord blood hepcidin values reflect fetal hepcidin status, at least at the time of delivery, but are not available for the Belgian population. Therefore, we aimed (1) to provide the first data on cord blood hepcidin levels in a Belgian cohort and (2) to determine variables associated with cord blood hepcidin concentrations. A cross-sectional, observational study was performed at the University Hospital Leuven, Belgium. Cord blood samples were analyzed using a combination of weak cation exchange chromatography and time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation tests, and Mann–Whitney U tests were performed. In total, 61 nonhemolyzed cord blood samples were analyzed. The median hepcidin level was 17.6 μg/L (IQR: 18.1; min-max: 3.9–54.7). A moderate correlation was observed between cord blood hepcidin and cord blood ferritin (r = 0.493) and hemoglobin (r = −0.342). Cord blood hepcidin was also associated with mode of delivery (p = 0.01), with higher hepcidin levels for vaginal deliveries. Nonetheless, larger studies are needed to provide more evidence on the actual clinical value and benefit of cord blood hepcidin measurements. Full article

Hematological parameters and changes in stress-induced functionalities of cellular enzymes have been recognized as valuable tools for monitoring fish health and determining the toxic effects of pesticides. The present study was conducted to evaluate the toxic effect of selected pesticides viz., Ekalux (EC-25%), Impala (EC-55%), and Neemstar (EC-15%) on freshwater catfish Mystus keletius. Fish were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations (mg/L) of the selected pesticide for a period of 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Hematological parameters viz., total erythrocyte (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Ht) packed cell volume values decreased with an increase in exposure time to pesticides, whereas the values for parameters viz., leucocytes (WBC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) increased significantly. A decrease in packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin values coupled with decreased and deformed erythrocytes as signs of anemia were also observed. The effect of pesticides on RBC content was 1.43 (million/mm³) on day 7 and reduced to 1.18 (million/mm³) on days 14 and 21. A similar trend was found for Impala on RBC, which had an initial value of 1.36 (million/mm³) on day 7 and reached a value of 1.10 (million/mm³) on day 28. In contrast, the value of Neemstar decreased from 1.59 (million/mm³) on day 7 in control to 1.02 (million/mm³) on day 28. Data indicates that the order of toxic effect of pesticides recorded a maximum for Impala followed by Ekalux and Neemstar in the selected fish model. Likewise, the overall pattern of pesticidal activity on cellular enzymes (GDH, MDH, and SDH) recorded a maximum toxic effect for Impala followed by Ekalux and Neemstar. Results indicate that Chlorpyrifos pesticide-Impala evoked maximum toxic effect on selected tissues compared to the other two pesticides tested. Statistical analysis of the summative data using two way ANOVA was statistically significant (p-value < 0.001). The differences in the hematological parameters analyzed are attributed to the physiological acclimatization of the fish to the local conditions, which influences the energy metabolism and consequently determines the health status of the fish. Overall, Impala exhibited the highest pesticidal activity on cellular enzyme, followed by Ekalux and Neemstar. Results suggest that natural pesticides may be preferable for rice field application in terms of environmental safety. Full article

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is an enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of heme, releasing equimolar amounts of carbon monoxide (CO), biliverdin (BV), and iron. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of HO-1 activity are conferred in part by the release of CO and BV and are extensively characterized. However, iron constitutes an important product of HO-1 activity involved in the regulation of several cellular biological processes. The macrophage-mediated recycling of heme molecules, in particular those contained in hemoglobin, constitutes the major mechanism through which living organisms acquire iron. This process is finely regulated by the activities of HO-1 and of the iron exporter protein ferroportin. The expression of both proteins can be induced or suppressed in response to pro- and anti-inflammatory stimuli in macrophages from different tissues, which alters the intracellular iron concentrations of these cells. As we discuss in this review article, changes in intracellular iron levels play important roles in the regulation of cellular oxidation reactions as well as in the transcriptional and translational regulation of the expression of proteins related to inflammation and immune responses, and therefore, iron metabolism represents a potential target for the development of novel therapeutic strategies focused on the modulation of immunity and inflammation. Full article

Background: Vitamin D has a steroid- and an anabolic-resembling chemical structure. Vitamin D is essential for many processes in the human body after hydroxylation. Aims of the Study: To investigate the impact of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D plasma concentrations on the blood parameters number of erythrocytes, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume. Methods: Serial assessments were done in 290 patients with multiple sclerosis and repeated after a mean interval of 245 days. A recommendation for vitamin D supplementation was given in case of a concentration lower than 20 ng/mL combined with a prescription of a formulation containing vitamin D but not vitamin K. Results: There was a fall of vitamin D in 119 subjects and a rise in 164, while no change appeared in 7 participants. When vitamin D values went down between both assessments moments, the computed increase of mean corpuscular haemoglobin was significantly lower compared with the rise of mean corpuscular haemoglobin associated with a vitamin D elevation. When vitamin D declined, the computed fall of mean corpuscular volume fall was significantly lower compared with the decrease of mean corpuscular volume, when vitamin D rose. Positive correlations were found between differences of vitamin D and mean corpuscular haemoglobin, respectively mean corpuscular volume. Inverse relations appeared between disparities of vitamin D and erythrocytes, respectively haematocrit. Conclusions: The elevation of vitamin D plasma levels provides enhanced preconditions for a better tissue oxygenation on a cellular level. Full article

We demonstrate a blood analysis routine by observing red blood cells through light and digital holographic microscopy in a microfluidic channel. With this setup a determination of red blood cell (RBC) concentration, the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and corpuscular hemoglobin concentration mean (CHCM) is feasible. Cell count variations in between measurements differed by 2.47% with a deviation of $-0.26\times {10}^6$ μL to the reference value obtained from the Siemens ADVIA 2120i. Measured MCV values varied by 2.25% and CHCM values by 3.78% compared to the reference ADVIA measurement. Our results suggest that the combination of optical analysis with microfluidics handling provides a promising new approach to red blood cell counts. Full article