FT-IR spectroscopic analysis of rainbow trout liver exposed to nonylphenol

Lipid metabolism analysis providing insights into nonylphenol multi-toxicity mechanism

Nonylphenol (NP), a widely recognized endocrine disruptor, exhibits lipophobic properties that drive its accumulation in adipose tissue, leading to various physiological disruptions. Using Caenorhabditis elegans, this study investigated the effects of NP exposure on lipid homeostasis and physiological indicators. NP exposure increased lipid storage, hindered reproduction and growth, and altered phospholipid composition. Transcriptional analysis revealed NP's promotion of lipogenesis and inhibition of lipolysis. Metabolites related to lipid metabolism like citrate, amino acids, and neurotransmitters, along with lipids, collectively influenced physiological processes. This work elucidates the complex link between lipid metabolism disturbances and NP-induced physiological disruptions, enhancing our understanding of NP's multifaceted toxicity.

Interaction of heavy metals in Drosophila melanogaster larvae: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and single-cell electrophoresis study

The present study evaluates the Murraya Koenigii (CuLE) and Tinospora Crispa (TiSE) antimutagenic effect and the impact of industrial soil and solid waste leachate on Drosophila larvae. Larvae were exposed to leachate prepared at different pH (7, 4.93, 2.88) and treated with TiSE and CuLE at different concentration (4 g/L and 6 g/L) mixed with standard Drosophila medium. Emphasis was given to the binding interaction of heavy metals with proteins in Drosophila. The change in structure and molecular composition in Drosophila by leachate containing heavy metals induced toxicity has been studied by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Results from the study demonstrated that CuLE/TiSE administration restored the level of oxidative stress as evidenced by an enhanced antioxidant system and a decrease in lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation. The amide I and amide II bands spectral shifting revealed the binding interaction. The shift in the peak of PO2- asymmetric stretching might be due to compositional changes in nucleic acids. Single-cell electrophoresis was performed to detect the DNA damage which also proved to be ameliorated by administration of CuLE/TiSE. The result concludes that CuLE/TiSE may have great potential in the protection of Drosophila larvae from leachate induced oxidative stress through antioxidant and antimutagenic mechanisms this might help to cope with environmental toxicants.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Evaluation of the hydrogen-rich water alleviation potential on mercury toxicity in earthworms using ATR-FTIR and LC-ESI-MS/MS spectroscopy

The toxic effects of mercury in earthworms and the potential alleviation effect of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) using ATR-FTIR and LC-MS analysis methods were investigated. Different concentrations of mercury chloride (H1: 5 µg/mL, H2: 10 µg/mL, H3: 20 µg/mL, H4: 40 µg/mL, and C1: control) and mercury chloride prepared in hydrogen-rich water (H5: 5 µg/mL, H6: 10 µg/mL, H7: 20 µg/mL, H8: 40 µg/mL, and C2: control) were injected into earthworms. The changes and reductions in some bands representing proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides (3280 cm^-1, 2922 cm^-1, 2855 cm^-1, 1170 cm^-1, and 1047 cm^-1) showed that protective effects could occur in groups prepared with hydrogen-rich water. In the FTIR results, it was found that these bands in the H3 group were more affected and decreased by the influence of mercury on earthworms than the H7 group prepared with hydrogen. LC-MS analysis showed that the changes in some ions of the highest dose groups (H4 and H8) were different, and mercury caused oxidative DNA damage in earthworms. When the high-level application groups of mercury, i.e., H4 and H8 were compared with the controls, the ion exchange ([M + H] + ; m/z 283.1) representing the 8-Oxo-dG level in earthworms was higher in the H4 group than the H8 group. This reveals that HRW exhibited the potential ability to alleviate the toxic effects of mercury; however, a longer period of HRW treatment may be necessary to distinguish an obvious effect. The ATR-FTIR spectroscopy provided a rapid and precise method for monitoring the changes in biological tissues caused by a toxic compound at the molecular level.

The removal of antibiotic resistant bacteria and genes and inhibition of the horizontal gene transfer by contrastive research on sulfidated nanoscale zerovalent iron activating peroxymonosulfate or peroxydisulfate

Antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and the antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) dissemination via plasmid-mediated conjugation have attracted considerable attentions. In this research, sulfidated nanoscale zerovalent iron (S-nZVI)/peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and S-nZVI/peroxydisulfate (PDS) process were investigated to inactivate ARB (Escherichia coli DH5α with RP4 plasmid, Pseudomonas. HLS-6 contains sul1 and intI1 on genome DNA sequence). S-nZVI/PMS system showed higher efficiency than S-nZVI/PDS on ARB inactivation. Thus, the optimal condition 28 mg/L S-nZVI coupled with 153.7 mg/L (0.5 mM) PMS was applied to remove both intracellular ARGs (iARGs) and ARB. The oxidative damage of ARB cell was systemically studied by cell viability, intracellular Mg²⁺ levels, the changes of extracellular and internal structure, integrity of cell walls and membranes and enzymatic activities. S-nZVI/PMS effectively inactivated ARB (~7.32 log) within 15 min. These effects were greatly higher than those achieved individually. Moreover, removal efficiencies of iARGs sul1, intI1 and tetA were 1.52, 1.79 and 1.56 log, respectively. These results revealed that S-nZVI and PMS have a synergistic effect against ARB and iARGs. The regrowth assays illustrated that the ARB were effectively inactivated. By verifying the inhibitory impacts of S-nZVI/PMS treatment on conjugation transfer, this work highlights a promising alternative technique for inhibiting the horizontal gene transfer.

Bisphenol A induces hepatic triglyceride level in adult male rare minnow Gobiocypris rarus

Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor, exist in almost all waters. In the present study, we expose adult male Gobiocypris rarus rare minnow to 15 μg/L BPA to study the effect BPA on fish hepatic lipid metabolism. Following 1, 3 and 5 weeks exposure, the liver tissue of rare minnow was separated. The change of the hepatic morphology, hepatosomatic index, lipid composition and expression of lipid metabolism related genes were analyzed through paraffin section, oil red O staining, lipidomic analysis, and quantitative real-time PCR. BPA can cause significant hepatic lipid deposition in male rare minnow, leading to an increase in triglyceride (TG) level (1.84-22.87-fold), but it is also accompanied by a decrease in diglyceride level (1.67-4.78-fold). The expression of lipid metabolism related genes showed that BPA exposure can up-regulate TG synthesis related genes expression, and down-regulate TG degradation genes expression. Expression of TG transport related genes were also disrupted by BPA. It suggests that BPA can up-regulate rare minnow hepatic TG level through multi-path, and ultimately lead to lipid accumulation in the liver. The results of the present study enrich the mechanisms of environmental endocrine disruptors affecting lipid accumulation in fish.

Mid-infrared spectroscopic screening of metabolic alterations in stress-exposed gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)

Stress triggers a battery of physiological responses in fish, including the activation of metabolic pathways involved in energy production, which helps the animal to cope with the adverse situation. Prolonged exposure to stressful farming conditions may induce adverse effects at the whole-animal level, impairing welfare. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is a rapid biochemical fingerprinting technique, that, combined with chemometrics, was applied to disclose the metabolic alterations in the fish liver as a result of exposure to standard stressful practices in aquaculture. Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) adults exposed to different stressors were used as model species. Spectra were preprocessed before multivariate statistical analysis. Principal components analysis (PCA) was used for pattern recognition and identification of the most discriminatory wavenumbers. Key spectral features were selected and used for classification using the k-nearest neighbour (KNN) algorithm to evaluate whether the spectral changes allowed for the reliable discrimination between experimental groups. PCA loadings suggested that major variations in the hepatic infrared spectra responsible for the discrimination between the experimental groups were due to differences in the intensity of absorption bands associated with proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. This broad-range technique can thus be useful in an exploratory approach before any targeted analysis.

Intergenerational toxicity of nonylphenol ethoxylate (NP-9) in Caenorhabditis elegans

The ethoxylated isomers of nonylphenol (NPEs, NP-9) are one of the main active ingredients present in nonionic surfactants employed as herbicides, cosmetics, paints, plastics, disinfectants and detergents. These chemicals and their metabolites are commonly found in environmental matrices. The aim of this work was to evaluate the intergenerational toxicity of NP-9 in Caenorhabditis elegans. The lethality, length, width, locomotion and lifespan were investigated in the larval stage L4 of the wild strain N2. Transgenic green fluorescent protein (GFP) strains were employed to estimate changes in relative gene expression. RT-qPCR was utilized to measure mRNA expression for neurotoxicity-related genes (unc-30, unc-25, dop-3, dat-1, mgl-1, and eat-4). Data were obtained from parent worms (P0) and the first generation (F1). Lethality of the nematode was concentration-dependent, with 48 h-LC₅₀ values of 3215 and 1983 μM in P0 and F1, respectively. Non-lethal concentrations of NP-9 reduced locomotion. Lifespan was also decreased by the xenobiotic, but the negative effect was greater in P0 than in F1. Non-monotonic concentration-response curves were observed for body length and width in both generations. The gene expression profile in P0 was different from that registered in F1, although the expression of sod-4, hsp-70, gpx-6 and mtl-2 increased with the surfactant concentration in both generations. None of the tested genes followed a classical concentration-neurotoxicity relationship. In P0, dopamine presented an inverted-U curve, while GABA and glutamate displayed a bimodal type. However, in F1, inverted U-shaped curves were revealed for these genes. In summary, NP-9 induced intergenerational responses in C. elegans through mechanisms involving ROS, and alterations of the GABA, glutamate, and dopamine pathways.

Effect of gestational and lactational nonylphenol exposure on airway inflammation in ovalbumin-induced asthmatic rat pups

To investigate the effect of gestational and lactational nonylphenol (NP) exposure on airway inflammation in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic pups. Dams were gavaged with NP at dose levels of 25 mg/kg/day (low dose), 50 mg/kg/day (middle dose), 100 mg/kg/day (high dose) and groundnut oil alone (vehicle control) respectively from gestational day 7 to postnatal day 21. The results showed that the NP content in the lung tissues of pups in the 100 mg/kg NP group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P = 0.004). In the 100 mg/kg NP group, the infiltration of lymphocytes and eosinophils with thicken smooth muscle layer and inflammatory cells in the lumen were observed in the lung tissues of pups. Osmiophilic lamellar bodies were found in the cytoplasm of type II epithelial cells; mitochondria were clearly swollen. Compared with the control group, the levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) in BALF (P = 0.042) and ovalbumin-specific serum immunoglobulin E (OVA-sIgE) (P = 0.005) in the OVA group were significantly higher. 25 mg/kg NP-OVA co-exposure synergistically decreased nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) mRNA expression in the lung tissues of pups; Exposure to 50 mg/kg NP combined with OVA antagonized the increased expression of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) mRNA in the lung tissue. The combined exposure to 50 mg/kg NP and OVA synergistically increased HMGB1 protein expression in the lung tissues. 25 mg/kg NP-OVA co-exposure antagonized the increased nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) protein expression in the lung tissues. There was a positive correlation between NP content and HMGB1 protein expression in the lung tissue of asthmatic pups (r = 0.602, P < 0.001). In conclusion, gestational and lactational exposure to 100 mg/kg NP in maternal rats exacerbated airway inflammation in OVA-induced asthmatic pups, and there is an interactive effect between NP and OVA. When the perinatal rats were exposed to 100 mg/kg NP, the levels of HMGB1 and NF-κB in the lung tissues of OVA-induced asthmatic pups were increased.

Physicochemical Properties and Liposomal Formulations of Hydrolysate Fractions of Four Sea Cucumbers (Holothuroidea: Echinodermata) from the Northwestern Algerian Coast

To promote the nutritional and pharmacological values of four sea cucumber species (Holothuria poli, H. tubulosa, H. arguinensis, and H. sanctori), harvested from the Algerian coast, we aimed to study their proximate composition, fatty acid profile and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity. Their phospholipids were also used to elaborate nanoliposomes and to encapsulate peptides obtained from the same source. After the physico-chemical characterization of nanoliposomes and peptides, in vitro analyses were realized. The four holothurian species showed a high amount of protein (49.26-69.34%), and an impressive lipid profile of 27 fatty acids, mainly composed of polar fatty acids (91.16-93.85%), with a high polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content (50.90-71.80%), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (5.07-8.76%) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (4.86-7.25%). A high phospholipids amount was also found (55.20-69.85%), mainly composed of phosphatidylcholine (PC) (51.48-58.56%). Their peptide fractions exhibited a high ACE inhibitory activity (IC50 0.30 to 0.51 mg/mL). The results also showed that the nanoliposomes do not induce cytotoxicity and cell death in human MSCs and no perturbation of proliferation for all the times and the tested concentrations, as well as the combined nanoliposomes and hydrolysates (HTS) at a concentration of 0.1 mg/mL. All four sea cucumbers show potential as a new source for omega-3, omega-6, and bioactive peptides.

Studies on the Neuromodulatory Effects of Ginkgo biloba on Alterations in Lipid Composition and Membrane Integrity of Rat Brain Following Aluminium Neurotoxicity

Brain contains the highest lipid content involved in various structural and physiological activities such as structural development, neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, signal transduction and myelin sheath formation. Lipids bilayer is essential to maintain the structural integrity for the physiological functions of protein. Impairments in lipid metabolism and its composition can lead to the progression of various brain ailments such as neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Aluminium (Al), the potent neurotoxin has been linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD) like pathology. Al can bind to biomembrane and influence oligomerization and conformational changes of proteins by acting as cross-linkers. The present study evaluated the influence of Ginkgo biloba (GBE) on the lipid profile alterations induced by Al lactate in hippocampal and cortical regions using FTIR spectroscopy. Rats were exposed with 10 mg/kg b.w. (intraperitoneal) of Al lactate for 6 weeks. This was followed by a treatment protocol of GBE (100 mg/kg b.w.) both preexposure (2 weeks) and conjunctive (6 weeks) exposure. A self recovery group was also included, where Al withdrawal was done for 2 weeks post Al exposure. A significant decrease in peak areas of cholesterol, sphingolipids and phospholipids was observed in Al treated groups. Further, polyunsaturated fatty acids and membrane fluidity has also decreased, as revealed by olefinic and methyl asymmetric stretching bands. Al treatment significantly increased the fluorescence polarization, anisotropy and order parameter, which however were normalized following GBE supplementation. Results also showed that pretreatment with GBE provided more beneficial effects on the adverse changes following Al in membrane composition and behavioral outcome.

Determination of the dose-dependent toxic effects of mad honey on mouse liver using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy

Mad honey (MH) is obtained from Rhododendron plants, which are extensively grown in some regions of the world such as Europe, North America, Tropical Asia and Turkey. Although it has been known that MH induces adverse effects in the body due to grayanotoxin (GTX) in it, it is widely used for some medical purposes by the public. In this study, the effects of MH (25, 50 and 75 mg/kg) and GTX-III (0.01 mg/kg), which is the pure form of the most toxic type of the GTXs in MH, were investigated on the mouse liver at molecular level via Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. The results showed that 25 and 50 mg/kg of MH didn't cause any significant alterations in the liver tissue except a decrease in the glycogen amount. However, significant differences were observed between 75 mg/kg MH and GTX-III treated groups and control group. For example, the amounts of saturated lipids, nucleic acids and proteins increased in the 75 mg/kg MH and GTX-III treated groups. A decrease in the ratios of unsaturated/saturated lipid, CH₂/lipid and carbonyl/lipid and an increase in the ratio of CH₃/lipid were observed after the administration of 75 mg/kg MH and GTX-III, all of which may be a consequence of lipid peroxidation. Moreover, 75 mg/kg MH and GTX-III caused a decrease in the membrane order, an increase in the membrane fluidity and some important changes on the secondary structure of proteins indicating protein denaturation. In addition, Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) confirmed these findings. These results revealed that MH induces significant dose-dependent toxic effects in the structure and function of the liver tissue. This study also showed that ATR-FTIR spectroscopy provides a rapid and sensitive monitoring of the changes induced by a toxic compound on biological tissues at molecular level.

Toxicity impact of fenvalerate on the gill tissue of Oreochromis mossambicus with respect to biochemical changes utilizing FTIR and principal component analysis

The use of pesticides in agriculture can make their way into the earth and wash into the amphibian system causing ecological stress. This study aims to understand the changes occurring in gill tissues as a result of fenvalerate exposure using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The intensity ratio of the selected bands I1545/I1657, I2924/I2853, and I1045/I1545 measures changes in proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. Curve-fitting analysis was performed in the selected band region to analyze the quantitative changes of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. The band area ratio of CH3/asCH2+ sCH2 shows the absence of a long chain of fatty acids due to fenvalerate treatment. The band area ratio of asCH2/sCH2 increases for higher sublethal concentrations, which shows the lower disorder of lipid acyl chain flexibility. A decrease in lipids was found in lower sublethal concentrations. The secondary structure of proteins affirms β sheet development. Carbohydrate metabolism of gill tissues demonstrates a decrease in glycogen contents. A further decrease in glycogen content and an increase in lactic acid were observed when presented to a fenvalerate concentration. PCA plots indicate distinct variations among the biochemical parameters of the gill tissues. This study provides a quantitative examination of assessing pesticide toxicity in aquatic environments.

Effect of smoking and refrigeration on lipid oxidation of Clupea harengus: A fish commonly consumed in Cameroon

Changes in lipids of herring (Clupea harengus) muscle during different smoking methods and 9 days of refrigeration at 4°C were investigated. The proximate analysis of raw herring revealed that the total lipid, the total protein content and the crude ash were 10.20%, 69.43%, and 19.42%, respectively. The results also indicated that during all processing free fatty acids (FFAs) and peroxide value (PV) increased, whereas iodine value (IV) and total triglycerides decreased. The change were more significantly (p < .05) during unbleached + hot smoking and refrigeration at more than 6 days. All these modification decrease the nutritional value of herring. Bleaching combined to smoking and refrigeration at <6 days had more desire effect on lipid oxidation of herring compared to other treatments. The fish obtained in these conditions are more suitable for feeding heath nutrition.

Study of SH-SY5Y Cancer Cell Response to Treatment with Polyphenol Extracts Using FT-IR Spectroscopy

Plant polyphenols are important components of human diet and a number of them are considered to possess chemo-preventive and therapeutic properties against cancer. They are recognized as naturally occurring antioxidants, but also as pro-oxidant, pro-apoptotic, or chromosomal aberrations inducers, depending on their concentration and/or the stage of cell-cycle of the cells with which they interact. For these reasons, particular interest is devoted to knowing the total effects of polyphenols on the cell cycle and metabolism. Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy thanks to its ability in analyzing cells at a molecular level can be particularly useful in investigating the biochemical changes induced in protein, nucleic acid, lipid, and carbohydrate content of cells by means of polyphenols administration. Spectroscopic analysis was performed on in vitro human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells that were exposed to different doses of a cherry derived polyphenol extract. The infrared spectra that were obtained from unexposed and exposed cells show significant differences that can be helpful in order to understand the cells-polyphenols interaction.

Squamous epithelium formation in the respiratory intestine of the bronze Corydoras Corydoras aeneus (Callichthyidae Teleostei)

Accessory respiratory organs in fish exhibit great diversity but share the presence of numerous capillaries covered by a simple squamous epithelium. The adoption of the intestine for respiratory function needs certain special modifications. In this study, we explored immunohistochemical and metabolic fingerprint features that could underlay this adaptation in bronze corydoras Corydoras aeneus. Immunohistochemical localization of the cytoplasmic domain of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in the respiratory part of intestine demonstrated a strong positive immunoreaction in epithelial cells and connective tissue. Fourier Transfer Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics discriminated between anterior and posterior region of intestine in terms of secondary structure of proteins and the abundance of p-cresol and other phenolics. The latter were reduced in the posterior part of intestine, indicating the cessation of digestive function in this region. It has been suggested that aquatic hypoxia via endocrine cells (hypoxia-sensitive) activate EGFR, which induce proliferation of squamous epithelial cells, thereby enabling gas diffusion in the posterior part of intestine. It seems that hypoxia and normoxia are opposed conditions adjusting the production of squamous epithelial cells in this intestine. The physiological role of EGFR in the respiratory intestine of bronze corydoras is of interest not only from an evolutionary aspect but also in terms of a potential model for observations process proliferation squamous epithelial cells. Future investigations on the molecular responses to different water oxygen levels in air-breathing bronze corydoras fish are required to clarify the mechanism responsible for squamous cell proliferation.

Subtle effects of environmental stress observed in the early life stages of the Common frog, Rana temporaria

Worldwide amphibian populations are declining due to habitat loss, disease and pollution. Vulnerability to environmental contaminants such as pesticides will be dependent on the species, the sensitivity of the ontogenic life stage and hence the timing of exposure and the exposure pathway. Herein we investigated the biochemical tissue 'fingerprint' in spawn and early-stage tadpoles of the Common frog, Rana temporaria, using attenuated total reflection-Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy with the objective of observing differences in the biochemical constituents of the respective amphibian tissues due to varying water quality in urban and agricultural ponds. Our results demonstrate that levels of stress (marked by biochemical constituents such as glycogen that are involved in compensatory metabolic mechanisms) can be observed in tadpoles present in the pond most impacted by pollution (nutrients and pesticides), but large annual variability masked any inter-site differences in the frog spawn. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy is capable of detecting differences in tadpoles that are present in selected ponds with different levels of environmental perturbation and thus serves as a rapid and cost effective tool in assessing stress-related effects of pollution in a vulnerable class of organism.

Bladder cancer diagnosis from bladder wash by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy as a novel test for tumor recurrence

This study proposes Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy as a more sensitive, rapid, non-destructive and operator-independent analytical diagnostic method for bladder cancer recurrence from bladder wash than other routinely used urine cytology and cystoscopy methods. A total of 136 patients were recruited. FTIR spectroscopic experiments were carried out as a blind study, the classification results of which were then compared with those of cytology and cystoscopy. Firstly, 71 samples (n = 37; bladder cancer and n = 34; control) were studied with transmittance FTIR spectroscopy. After achieving successful differentiation of the groups, to develop a more rapid diagnostic tool and check the reproducibility of the results, the work was continued with different samples (n = 65 as n = 44; bladder cancer and n = 21; control), using the reflection mode (ATR) of FTIR spectroscopy by a different operator. The results revealed significant alterations in moleculer content in the cancer group. Based on the spectral differences, using transmittance FTIR spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics, the diseased group was successfully differentiated from the control. When only carcinoma group was taken into consideration a sensitivity value of 100% was achieved. Similar results were also obtained by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. This study shows the power of infrared spectroscopy in the diagnosis of bladder cancer.

Biospectroscopy reveals the effect of varying water quality on tadpole tissues of the common frog (Rana temporaria)

Amphibians are undergoing large population declines in many regions around the world. As environmental pollution from both agricultural and urban sources has been implicated in such declines, there is a need for a biomonitoring approach to study potential impacts on this vulnerable class of organism. This study assessed the use of infrared (IR) spectroscopy as a tool to detect changes in several tissues (liver, muscle, kidney, heart and skin) of late-stage common frog (Rana temporaria) tadpoles collected from ponds with differing water quality. Small differences in spectral signatures were revealed between a rural agricultural pond and an urban pond receiving wastewater and landfill run-off; these were limited to the liver and heart, although large differences in body size were apparent, surprisingly with tadpoles from the urban site larger than those from the rural site. Large differences in liver spectra were found between tadpoles from the pesticide and nutrient impacted pond compared to the rural agricultural pond, particularly in regions associated with lipids. Liver mass and hepatosomatic indices were found to be significantly increased in tadpoles from the site impacted by pesticides and trace organic chemicals, suggestive of exposure to environmental contamination. Significant alterations were also found in muscle tissue between tadpoles from these two ponds in regions associated with glycogen, potentially indicative of a stress response. This study highlights the use of IR spectroscopy, a low-cost, rapid and reagent-free technique in the biomonitoring of a class of organisms susceptible to environmental degradation.

Structural effects of simvastatin on liver rat [corrected] tissue: Fourier transform infrared and Raman microspectroscopic studies

Simvastatin is one of the most frequently prescribed statins because of its efficacy in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, reducing cardiovascular risk and related mortality. Determination of its side effects on different tissues is mandatory to improve safe use of this drug. In the present study, the effects of simvastatin on molecular composition and structure of healthy rat livers were investigated by Fourier transform infrared and Raman imaging. Simvastatin-treated groups received 50 mg/kg/day simvastatin for 30 days. The ratio of the area and/or intensity of the bands assigned to lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids were calculated to get information about the drug-induced changes in tissues. Loss of unsaturation, accumulation of end products of lipid peroxidation, and alterations in lipid-to-protein ratio were observed in the treated group. Protein secondary structure studies revealed significant decrease in α-helix and increase in random coil, while native β-sheet decreases and aggregated β-sheet increases in treated group implying simvastatin-induced protein denaturation. Moreover, groups were successfully discriminated using principal component analysis. Consequently, high-dose simvastatin treatment induces hepatic lipid peroxidation and changes in molecular content and protein secondary structure, implying the risk of liver disorders in drug therapy.

Olfactory bulbectomy-induced changes in phospholipids and protein profiles in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of rats. A preliminary study using a FTIR spectroscopy

BACKGROUND

Dysfunctions in neuronal proteins can lead to development of depression. Lipids determine the localization and function of proteins in the cell membrane and thereby regulate synaptic throughput in neurons. The aim of study was to examine changes in the phospholipid-protein balance in the olfactory bulbectomy (OB) model of depression in rats using a Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy.

METHODS

Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to the OB procedure and treated with amitriptyline (AMI, 10mg/kg). The FTIR measurements were performed in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.

RESULTS

The obtained results show a decrease in the phospholipids and protein fractions (as well as changes in their secondary structures) in both brain areas of bulbectomized rats. AMI treatment reduced phospholipids' and increased the proteins' brain level, yet did not affect the level of phospholipids or increase the proteins in OB rats. Second derivatives calculated from the FTIR spectra provided information that the proteins (but not phospholipids) in both structures of the OB_AMI rats were normalized after antidepressant treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings prove that the changes in the phospholipid-protein balance in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex may be related to depressive disorders, thus leading to the development of adverse changes in the molecules necessary for the correct functioning of the brain. Furthermore, these results suggest a stability of the structure changes/damage of phospholipids in depression, which are present in brain tissues even after effective pharmacotherapy. This study also shows that an infrared spectroscopy can be applied for monitoring changes in mood disorders.

FTIR imaging of structural changes in visceral and subcutaneous adiposity and brown to white adipocyte transdifferentiation

FTIR microspectroscopy coupled with UCP1 immunohistological staining enables the detection of obesity-related molecular alterations and transdifferentiations in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues in spontaneously obese mice lines.

Ionizing radiation induces structural and functional damage on the molecules of rat brain homogenate membranes: a Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic study

Humans can be exposed to ionizing radiation, due to various reasons, whose structural effects on biological membranes are not well defined. The current study aims to understand the ionizing radiation-induced structural and functional alterations in biomolecules of brain membranes using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy using rat animal models. For this purpose, 1000 cGy of ionizing radiation was specifically directed to the head of Sprague Dawley rats. The rats were decapitated after 24 h. The results revealed that the lipid-to-protein ratio decreased and that irradiation caused lipid peroxidation and increases in the amounts of olefinic =CH, carbonyl, and methylene groups of lipids. In addition, ionizing radiation induced a decrease in membrane fluidity, disordering of membrane lipids, strengthening of the hydrogen bonding of the phosphate groups of lipid head-groups, and weakening in the hydrogen bonding of the interfacial carbonyl groups of lipids. Radiation further caused significant decrements in the α-helix and turns, and significant increments in the β-sheet and random coil contents in the protein structure. Hierarchical cluster analyses, performed in the whole region (3030-1000 cm(-1)), lipid (3030-2800 cm(-1)), and protein (1700-1600 cm(-1)) regions separately, successfully differentiated the control and irradiated groups of rat brain membranes and showed that proteins in the membranes are affected more than lipids from the damages induced with ionizing radiation. As a result, the current study showed that FT-IR spectroscopy can be used successfully as a novel method to monitor radiation-induced alterations on biological membranes.

Metabolic fingerprinting of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) liver to track interactions between dietary factors and seasonal temperature variations

Farmed gilthead seabream is sometimes affected by a metabolic syndrome, known as the "winter disease", which has a significant economic impact in the Mediterranean region. It is caused, among other factors, by the thermal variations that occur during colder months and there are signs that an improved nutritional status can mitigate the effects of this thermal stress. For this reason, a trial was undertaken where we assessed the effect of two different diets on gilthead seabream physiology and nutritional state, through metabolic fingerprinting of hepatic tissue. For this trial, four groups of 25 adult gilthead seabream were reared for 8 months, being fed either with a control diet (CTRL, low-cost commercial formulation) or with a diet called "Winter Feed" (WF, high-cost improved formulation). Fish were sampled at two time-points (at the end of winter and at the end of spring), with liver tissue being taken for FT-IR spectroscopy. Results have shown that seasonal temperature variations constitute a metabolic challenge for gilthead seabream, with hepatic carbohydrate stores being consumed over the course of the inter-sampling period. Regarding the WF diet, results point towards a positive effect in terms of performance and improved nutritional status. This diet seems to have a mitigating effect on the deleterious impact of thermal shifts, confirming the hypothesis that nutritional factors can affect the capacity of gilthead seabream to cope with seasonal thermal variations and possibly contribute to prevent the onset of "winter disease".

Studies the alterations of biochemical and mineral contents in bone tissue of mus musculus due to aluminum toxicity and the protective action of desferrioxamine and deferiprone by FTIR, ICP-OES, SEM and XRD techniques

The present study has attempt to analyze the changes in the biochemical and mineral contents of aluminum intoxicated bone and determine the protective action of desferrioxamine (DFO) and deferiprone (DFP) by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques for four groups of animals such as control (Group I), aluminum intoxicated (Group II), Al+DFP (Group III) and Al+DFO+DFP (Group IV) treated groups respectively. The FTIR spectra of the aluminum intoxicated bone showed significant alteration in the biochemical constituents. The bands ratio at I1400/I877 significantly decreased from control to aluminum, but enhanced it by Al+DFP to Al+DFO+DFP treated bone tissue for treatments of 16 weeks. This result suggests that DFO and DFP are the carbonate inhibitor, recovered from chronic growth of bone diseases and pathologies. The alteration of proteins profile indicated by Amide I and Amide II, where peak area values decreased from control to aluminum respectively, but enhanced by treated with DFP (p.o.) and DFO+DFP (i.p.) respectively. The XRD analysis showed a decrease in crystallinity due to aluminum toxicity. Further, the Ca, Mg, and P contents of the aluminum exposed bone were less than those of the control group, and enhanced by treatments with DFO and DFP. The concentrations of trace elements were found by ICP-OES. Therefore, present study suggests that due to aluminum toxicity severe loss of bone minerals, decrease in the biochemical constituents and changes in the surface morphology.

Rapid and sensitive screening of 17β-estradiol estrogenicity using Fourier transform infrared imaging spectroscopy (FT-IRIS)

It is important to develop rapid and sensitive screening assays to assess the biological effects of emerging contaminants. In this contribution, the ability to determine the molecular level effects of 17β-estradiol on single MCF-7 cells using Fourier transform infrared imaging spectroscopy (FT-IRIS) was investigated. The use of FT-IRIS enabled subcellular imaging of the cells and determination of a dose dependent response in mucin concentration at 24 and 48 h of incubation. The 48 h increase in mucin was comparable to increases in cellular proliferation (Pearson R = 0.978). The EC50 values for the E-screen and FT-IRIS assays were 2.29 and 2.56 ppt, respectively, indicating that the molecular changes, which are observed at the single cell level using FT-IRIS, are reflective of physiological changes that are observed as the cell population responds to 17ß-estradiol. The FT-IRIS method, when combined with principal component analysis, enabled differentiation and grouping of cells exposed to varying concentrations of 17ß-estradiol. The FT-IRIS method shows potential to be used as a rapid and sensitive screening technique for the detection of biological responses to different emerging contaminants in relevant cells or tissues.

Infrared (IR) spectral markers of bronchial epithelia in victims of fatal burns

Changes in the infrared spectra of bronchial epithelia in victims of fatal burns were investigated. The mechanism of spectral changes on the basis of cellular morphological changes was considered. The ability of spectral parameters to diagnose fatal burns was assessed. Ten cases of fatal burns and 20 control cases were selected. Their lung tissues were removed, and sections were cut and mounted on glass and barium fluoride slides. Spectra of polarized bronchial epithelia were obtained by microscopy based on their morphological changes. In the spectra, 16 major absorbance bands were evaluated to determine their ability to act as positive markers for exposure to fire. Compared with the control group, the bronchial epithelia of the fatal burn victims showed three spectral results. (1) The absorbance of 16 major bands from the spectra of polarized bronchial epithelia in fatal burn victims significantly increased. (2) For the same cell number, the absorbance at 2850, 2920, 2959, and 3084 cm(-1) decreased. (3) The degree of increased or decreased absorbance of bands is related to the degree of polarization. These spectral results suggest that there is a vital reaction induced by the inhalation of hot fumes that includes an increase in the number of bronchial epithelia and a polarization effect. Overall, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) microspectroscopy was shown to be a convenient and reliable method to provide objective spectral markers to assist the diagnosis of fatal burns by simultaneously monitoring several specific parameters, although these observations have yet to be applied at forensic scenes.

Biophysical evaluation of physiological effects of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) farming using FTIR spectroscopy

Sparus aurata is one of the two most important cultured fish species in the Mediterranean region. The present work investigates the effects of culturing in S. aurata liver tissue at the molecular level using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. FTIR spectroscopy revealed dramatic differences between the wild and aquacultured fish liver cells, which mainly indicated that the level of glycogen increased in the aquacultured samples and the protein/lipid ratio decreased by 42.29% indicating that triglycerides and cholesterol esters increased and the protein content decreased in the aquacultured samples. The 15.99% increase in the level of unsaturation indicated elevated lipid peroxidation. Structural/organisational changes in the nucleic acids along with increased transcriptional status of the liver tissue cells were observed in the cultured fish tissue. All these results indicated that culturing induces significant changes in fish physiology. In addition FTIR spectroscopy is a promising method to monitor the physiological changes in fish physiology.

Determination of aluminium induced metabolic changes in mice liver: a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study

In this study, we made a new approach to evaluate aluminium induced metabolic changes in liver tissue of mice using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis taking one step further in correlation with strong biochemical evidence. This finding reveals the alterations on the major biochemical constituents, such as lipids, proteins, nucleic acids and glycogen of the liver tissues of mice. The peak area value of amide A significantly decrease from 288.278±3.121 to 189.872±2.012 between control and aluminium treated liver tissue respectively. Amide I and amide II peak area value also decrease from 40.749±2.052 to 21.170±1.311 and 13.167±1.441 to 8.953±0.548 in aluminium treated liver tissue respectively. This result suggests an alteration in the protein profile. The absence of olefinicCH stretching band and CO stretching of triglycerides in aluminium treated liver suggests an altered lipid levels due to aluminium exposure. Significant shift in the peak position of glycogen may be the interruption of aluminium in the calcium metabolism and the reduced level of calcium. The overall findings exhibit that the liver metabolic program is altered through increasing the structural modification in proteins, triglycerides and quantitative alteration in proteins, lipids, and glycogen. All the above mentioned modifications were protected in desferrioxamine treated mice. Histopathological results also revealed impairment of aluminium induced alterations in liver tissue. The results of the FTIR study were found to be in agreement with biochemical studies and which demonstrate FTIR can be used successfully to indicate the molecular level changes.

Aluminium induced structural, metabolic alterations and protective effects of desferrioxamine in the brain tissue of mice: an FTIR study

In this study, we intended to made a new approach to evaluate aluminium induced metabolic changes in mice brain tissue using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results demonstrate that FTIR can successfully indicate the molecular changes that occur in all groups. The overall findings demonstrate the alterations on the major biochemical constituents, such as lipids, proteins and nucleic acids of the brain tissues of mice. The significant decrease in the area value of amide A peak and Olefinic = CH stretching band suggests an alteration in the protein profile and lipid levels due to aluminium exposure, respectively. The significant shift in the amide I and amide II protein peaks may indicate the progression of aluminium induced Alzheimer's disease. Further the administration of DFO significantly improved the level of protein and brought back the amide I and II peaks nearer to the control value. Histopathological results also revealed impairment of Aluminium induced alterations in brain tissue. The results of the FTIR study were found to be in agreement with biochemical studies.

Evidence of altered biochemical composition in the hearts of adult intrauterine growth-restricted rats

PURPOSE

Epidemiological studies clearly link intrauterine growth restriction with increased risk of cardiac disease in adulthood. The mechanisms leading to this increased risk are poorly understood; remodeling of the myocardium is implicated. The aim was to determine the effect of early life growth restriction on the biochemical composition of the left ventricular myocardium in adult rats.

METHODS

Wistar Kyoto dams were fed either a low protein diet (LPD; 8.7 % casein) or normal protein diet (NPD; 20 % casein) during pregnancy and lactation; from weaning, the offspring were fed normal rat chow. At 18 weeks of age, the biochemical composition of the hearts of NPD control (n = 9) and LPD intrauterine growth-restricted (n = 7) offspring was analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) micro-spectroscopy.

RESULTS

Body weights at postnatal day 4 were significantly lower and remained lower throughout the experimental period in the LPD offspring compared to controls. FTIR analysis of the infrared absorption spectra across the whole "fingerprint" region (1,800-950 cm(-1)) demonstrated wider variation in absorbance intensity in the LPD group compared to controls. In particular, there were marked differences detected in the protein (1,540 cm(-1)), lipid (1,455 and 1,388 cm(-1)), proteoglycan (1,228 cm(-1)) and carbohydrate (1,038 cm(-1)) bands, indicating increased lipid, proteoglycan and carbohydrate content in the growth-restricted myocardium.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, changes in the biochemical composition of the myocardium provide a likely mechanism for the increased vulnerability to cardiovascular disease in offspring that were growth restricted in early life.

Impacts of salinity and fish-exuded kairomone on the survival and macromolecular profile of Daphnia pulex

Global warming is already causing salinization of freshwater ecosystems located in semi-arid regions, including Turkey. Daphnids, which are important grazers on phytoplankton and a major food source for fish and invertebrates, are sensitive to not only changes in salinity levels, but also presence of predators. In this study, the interactive effect of salinity toxicity (abiotic factor) with predation pressure mimicked by the fish-exuded kairomone (biotic factor) and the effect of salt acclimation on daphnids were investigated. Impacts of these stressors on daphnid survival, life history and molecular profile were observed. The presence of the kairomone antagonistically alters the effect of salinity, as observed from the 24- and 48-h LC(50) values and survival results. Molecular findings provided solid evidence to this antagonism at even lower salt concentrations, for which antagonism was not evident with organismal data. Fish predation counterbalances the negative effect of salinity in terms of reserve energy density. Therefore, it is important to investigate multiple stressor effects in ecotoxicological bioassays complemented with molecular techniques. The single effect of increasing salinity resulted in increased mortality, decreased fecundity, and slower somatic growth in Daphnia, despite their acclimation to salinity. This insignificance of acclimation indicates that Daphnia do not have any physiological mechanisms to buffer the adverse effects of salinity, making it a very crucial factor. Salinity-induced reduction in population growth rate of freshwater keystone species Daphnia-despite acclimation-indicates that global warming-induced salinity may cascade through the food web and lead to dramatic environmental consequences in the structure of lake ecosystems.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in patients with beta thalassemia major: molecular analysis with attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study as a novel method

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are the main cellular components of the bone marrow, providing a supportive cellular microenvironment to maintain healthy hematopoiesis. β-thalassemia major (β-TM) is characterized by anemia that is caused by a genetic defect in hemoglobin synthesis and results in ineffective erythropoiesis (IE). The alterations in the microenvironment in thalassemic bone marrow during IE can cause changes in BM-MSCs. This study aimed to investigate global structural and compositional changes in BM-MSCs in β-TM that may provide a basis in understanding interactions of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs)-MSCs in such a pathological bone marrow microenvironment. Following characterization of morphological, immunophenotypical, and differentiation properties, the changes in healthy and thalassemic BM-MSCs before and after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) were examined by attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR). The significant increase in lipid, protein, glycogen, and nucleic acid contents in thalassemic BM-MSCs with respect to healthy BM-MSCs was attributed to enhanced cell proliferation and BM activity during IE. The significant decreases in the content of mentioned macromolecules in post-transplant group BM-MSCs versus pre-transplant BM-MSCs was interpreted as restoring effect of BMT therapy on IE and defective BM microenvironment. These alterations were also supported by ELISA results of erythropoietin (EPO) and growth differentiation factor (GDF15) in bone marrow plasma samples as a reflection of IE and by MTT proliferation assay on BM-MSCs. Based on these changes, sampling groups were discriminated by cluster analysis. These results provide information for the studies that concentrate on interactions between HSCs-MSCs in bone marrow.

Effects of 4-nonylphenol, fish predation and food availability on survival and life history traits of Daphnia magna straus

This study aimed to investigate the compound effect of environmentally relevant 4-nonylphenol (NP) concentrations and natural stressors-namely fish predation and food availability-on Daphnia magna, which were exposed to four NP concentrations (0, 1, 5 and 10 microg l(-1)) under optimum or low food concentrations (1.00 and 0.075 mg C l(-1), respectively) in water (un)conditioned by a fish predator (Alburnus alburnus). A(n) "environmentally relevant" and "no observable effect" concentration (NOEC) of NP (10 microg l(-1)) resulted in a significant reduction (P < 0.01**) in daphnids' survival when it was encountered concurrently with conditions of low food availability and presence of fish predation. The significance of the results lies in the observation that not only environmentally relevant concentrations of NP but also NP concentrations reported to have no observable effect on daphnids may in reality have unexpected critical effects on D. magna survival under conditions more parallel to natural ecosystems. The deterioration of the life-history traits-namely, NP-induced delay in the age at first reproduction (P < 0.001***) and fish kairomone-induced reduction in the size at first reproduction (P < 0.001***)-of the D. magna individuals is also crucial, as such alterations could significantly influence future generations and result in ultimate adverse effects at the community level because large-bodied daphnids are key-stone species in freshwater ecosystems. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of taking into account environmentally realistic conditions while investigating the effects of NOEC levels of toxicants on non-target aquatic species.

Distinguishing ovarian maturity of farmed white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy: a potential tool for caviar production management

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR, 4000-400 cm(-1)) was applied to blood plasma of farmed white sturgeon (N = 40) to differentiate and predict the stages of ovarian maturity. Spectral features of sex steroids (approximately 3000 cm(-1)) and vitellogenin (approximately 1080 cm(-1)) were identified. Clear segregation of maturity stages (previtellogenesis, vitellogenesis, postvitellogenesis, and follicular atresia) was achieved using principal component analysis (PCA). Progression of oocyte development in the late phase of vitellogenesis was also monitored using PCA based on changes in plasma concentrations of sex steroid and lipid content. The observed oocyte polarization index (PI, a measure of nuclear migration) was correlated with changes in plasma sex steroid levels revealed by FT-IR PCA results. A partial least squares (PLS) model predicted PI values within the range 0.12-0.40 (R = 0.95, SEP = 2.18%) from differences in spectral features. These results suggest that FT-IR may be a good tool for assessing ovarian maturity in farmed sturgeon and will reduce the need for the invasive ovarian biopsy required for PI determination.

Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic investigation of the postmortem metabolic process in rat and human kidney cortex

Attenuated total reflection (ATR) Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy has been applied to study the short and long term postmortem metabolic processes in rat and human kidney cortexes. The goals of this project were as follows: (1) to investigate the changes of ATR spectra in different rat and human tissues after death, (2) to explore the best mathematical model with different band absorption ratio changes to determine the postmortem interval (PMI), and (3) to establish a preliminary human postmortem ATR spectra database. There were three different types of metabolic changes after death based on the spectral results: (1) the intensities of some bands increased continuously (e.g., C-H stretching region), (2) the intensities of other bands decreased continuously (e.g., PO(2)(-) symmetric stretching), and (3) other bands remained relatively stable (e.g., C-OH bending, CO-O-C antisymmetric stretching). The band absorbance ratios for rats were found to display either a significant increase or decrease with increasing time after death. Of the absorbance ratios of the various bands investigated to find the best fit with the cubic model function in rats, the A(1652)/A(1396) ratio showed the strongest correlation (R(2) = 0.937). Comparison of the rat kidney cortex spectra with selected human postmortem cases showed similar postmortem metabolic changes. In conclusion, ATR FT-IR spectroscopy was shown to be a convenient and reliable method of determining short and long term postmortem intervals by simultaneously monitoring several specific parameters, although these observations have yet to be applied at forensic scenes by further field studies.