Deuterium-Depleted Water Influence on the Isotope 2H/1H Regulation in Body and Individual Adaptation

Different Scenarios for the Origin and the Subsequent Succession of a Hypothetical Microbial Community in the Cloud Layer of Venus

The possible existence of a microbial community in the venusian clouds is one of the most intriguing hypotheses in modern astrobiology. Such a community must be characterized by a high survivability potential under severe environmental conditions, the most extreme of which are very low pH levels and water activity. Considering different scenarios for the origin of life and geological history of our planet, a few of these scenarios are discussed in the context of the origin of hypothetical microbial life within the venusian cloud layer. The existence of liquid water on the surface of ancient Venus is one of the key outstanding questions influencing this possibility. We link the inherent attributes of microbial life as we know it that favor the persistence of life in such an environment and review the possible scenarios of life's origin and its evolution under a strong greenhouse effect and loss of water on Venus. We also propose a roadmap and describe a novel methodological approach for astrobiological research in the framework of future missions to Venus with the intent to reveal whether life exists today on the planet.

Isotope effects on radical pair performance in cryptochrome: A new hypothesis for the evolution of animal migration: The quantum biology of migration

Mechanisms occurring at the atomic level are now known to drive processes essential for life, as revealed by quantum effects on biochemical reactions. Some macroscopic characteristics of organisms may thus show an atomic imprint, which may be transferred across organisms and affect their evolution. This possibility is considered here for the first time, with the aim of elucidating the appearance of an animal innovation with an unclear evolutionary origin: migratory behaviour. This trait may be mediated by a radical pair (RP) mechanism in the retinal flavoprotein cryptochrome, providing essential magnetic orientation for migration. Isotopes may affect the performance of quantum processes through their nuclear spin. Here, we consider a simple model and then apply the standard open quantum system approach to the spin dynamics of cryptochrome RP. We changed the spin quantum number (I) and g-factor of hydrogen and nitrogen isotopes to investigate their effect on RP's yield and magnetic sensitivity. Strong differences arose between isotopes with I = 1 and I = 1/2 in their contribution to cryptochrome magnetic sensitivity, particularly regarding Earth's magnetic field strengths (25-65 µT). In most cases, isotopic substitution improved RP's magnetic sensitivity. Migratory behaviour may thus have been favoured in animals with certain isotopic compositions of cryptochrome.

Synergistic anticancer effects of crocin combined with deuterium-depleted water on HT-29 cells

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world and the study of the role of nutrients in preventing or inhibiting the growth of this cancer is of interest to scientists. In this article, the synergistic effect of deuterium-depleted water(DDW) and crocin at specific concentrations on HT-29 cells was investigated. In this regard, HT-29 cells were grown in RPMI medium containing DDW, alone and in combination with crocin for 24, 48 and 72 h. Cell viability, cell cycle changes and antioxidant enzymes status were determined by MTT assay, flow cytometry and quantitative luminescence methods, respectively. The results of these analyses proved the cell growth inhibitory effect of deuterium alone and its synergistic effect in combination with crocin. The cell cycle analysis showed an increase in the number of cells in the G0 and G1 phases whereas there was a decrease in the number of cells in the S, G2 and M phases. The activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes also decreased compared to the control group that is a reason to increase Malonyl dialdehyde factor. The results suggested that a combination of DDW and crocin can open a new strategic approach in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.

Water as a sensor of weak impacts on biological systems

A characteristic feature of weak impacts is the non-monotonic response of living organisms and model biological systems to monotonically decreasing impacts. The qualitative similarity of the effects caused by the different acting factors makes one think about the common cause of the observed effects, which is water. A comprehensive analysis of the actual composition of water indicates that water under normal conditions is a multicomponent open non-equilibrium system. Nanobubbles that are always present in water play a significant role in the properties of dilute aqueous solutions. When collapsed, they can produce active oxygen and nitrogen species that have a strong effect on biological systems. Significant non-monotonic changes in electrical conductivity found in a series of sequentially diluted solutions subjected to vigorous shaking after each dilution convincingly demonstrate the presence of chemical changes in the composition of aqueous solutions explained by mechanochemical processes. Similar changes were observed in water samples prepared in the same manner with vigorous shaking and dilution without the addition of any chemical compounds. The long-term evolution of the conductivity of such solutions depends on the chemical structure of the solutes.

Influence of a Single Deuterium Substitution for Protium on the Frequency Generation of Different-Size Bubbles in IFNA17

The influence of a single 2H/1H replacement on the frequency generation of different-size bubbles in the human interferon alpha-17 gene (IFNA17) under various energies was studied by a developed algorithm and mathematical modeling without simplifications or averaging. This new approach showed the efficacy of researching DNA bubbles and open states both when all hydrogen bonds in nitrogenous base pairs are protium and after an 2H-substitution. After a single deuterium substitution under specific energies, it was demonstrated that the non-coding region of IFNA17 had a more significant regulatory role in bubble generation in the whole gene than the promoter had. It was revealed that a single deuterium substitution for protium has an influence on the frequency generation of DNA bubbles, which also depends on their size and is always higher for the smaller bubbles under the largest number of the studied energies. Wherein, compared to the natural condition under the same critical value of energy, the bigger raises of the bubble frequency occurrence (maximums) were found for 11-30 base pair (bp) bubbles (higher by 319%), 2-4 bp bubbles (higher by 300%), and 31 bp and over ones (higher by 220%); whereas the most significant reductions of the indicators (minimums) were observed for 11-30 bp bubbles (lower by 43%) and bubbles size over 30 bp (lower by 82%). In this study, we also analyzed the impact of several circumstances on the AT/GC ratio in the formation of DNA bubbles, both under natural conditions and after a single hydrogen isotope exchange. Moreover, based on the obtained data, substantial positive and inverse correlations were revealed between the AT/GC ratio and some factors (energy values, size of DNA bubbles). So, this modeling and variant of the modified algorithm, adapted for researching DNA bubbles, can be useful to study the regulation of replication and transcription in the genes under different isotopic substitutions in the nucleobases.

Study of the Magnesium Comenate Structure, Its Neuroprotective and Stress-Protective Activity

The crystal structure and the biological activity of a new coordination compound of magnesium ions with comenic acid, magnesium comenate, was characterized and studied. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the compound was investigated in detail using elemental X-ray fluorescent analysis, thermal analysis, IR-Fourier spectrometry, UV spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Based on experimental analytical data, the empirical formula of magnesium comenate [Mg(HCom)₂(H₂O)₆]·2H₂O was established. This complex compound crystallizes with eight water molecules, six of which are the hydration shell of the Mg²⁺ cation, and two more molecules bind the [Mg(H₂O)₆]²⁺ aquacation with ionized ligand molecules by intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The packing of molecules in the crystal lattice is stabilized by a branched system of hydrogen bonds with the participation of solvate water molecules and oxygen atoms of various functional groups of ionized ligand molecules. With regard to the biological activity of magnesium comenate, a neuroprotective, stress-protective, and antioxidant effect was established in in vitro and in vivo models. In in vitro experiments, magnesium comenate protected cerebellar neurons from the toxic effects of glutamate and contributed to the preservation of neurite growth parameters under oxidative stress caused by hydrogen peroxide. In animal studies, magnesium comenate had a stress-protective and antioxidant effect in models of immobilization-cold stress. Oral administration of magnesium comenate at a dose of 2 mg/kg of animal body weight for 3 days before stress exposure and for 3 days during the stress period led to a decrease in oxidative damage and normalization of the antioxidant system of brain tissues against the background of induced stress. The obtained results indicate the advisability of further studies of magnesium comenate as a compound potentially applicable in medicine for the pharmacological correction of conditions associated with oxidative and excitotoxic damage to nerve cells.

Influence of Single Deuterium Replacement on Frequency of Hydrogen Bond Dissociation in IFNA17 under the Highest Critical Energy Range

The effect of single substitutions of protium for deuterium in hydrogen bonds between pairs of nitrogenous bases on the open states occurrence probability at high critical breaking energies of these bonds has been studied. The study was carried out using numerical methods based on the angular mathematical model of DNA. The IFNA17 gene was divided into three approximately equal parts. A comparison of the open states occurrence probability in these parts of the gene was done. To improve the accuracy of the results, a special data processing algorithm was developed. The developed methods have shown their suitability for taking into account the occurrence of open states in the entire range of high critical energies. It has been established that single ²H/¹H substitutions in certain nitrogenous bases can be a mechanism for maintaining the vital activity of IFNA17 under critical conditions. In general, the developed method of the mathematical modeling provide unprecedented insight into the DNA behavior under the highest critical energy range, which greatly expands scientific understanding of nucleobases interaction.

Phytochemical and biological activities of some Iranian medicinal plants

CONTEXT

Due to adverse effects of synthetic compounds, there is a growing interest in utilization of plant-derived natural products in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Iranian endemic medicinal plants widely used in traditional practice have attracted much attention as antibacterial and antioxidant agents.

OBJECTIVE

This review attempts to compile the accessible scientific research pertained to phytochemical compounds, antibacterial and antioxidant effects of essential oils obtained from some of the most widely used and distributed medicinal plants in Iran.

METHODS

This review has been compiled using references via reliable databases (Google Scholar, SID and Science Direct) from 2010 to 2020. This literature review was limited to references published in English and Persian languages.

RESULTS

Based on studies heretofore carried out, essential oils isolated from mentioned medicinal plants exhibited strong antioxidant activity which is attributed to their main phytochemical compounds; thymol, carvacrol, p-cymene and γ-terpinene. In addition, the antibacterial activities of essential oils of most plant species from Apiaceae and Asteraceae families were more susceptible against Gram-positive bacteria; Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus than Gram-negative bacteria; however, essential oils of other studied plant species manifested similar behaviours against both Gram-positive and -negative bacteria.

CONCLUSIONS

As there is rich ethnobotanical knowledge behind Iranian endemic medicinal plants, further scientific research is required to prove their safety and efficacy. This review revealed that there are numerous valuable medicinal plants adoptable in food and pharmaceutical industries in the near future.

Interaction between Heavy Water and Single-Strand DNA: A SERS Study

The structure and function of biological macromolecules change due to intermolecular deuterium bond formation or deuterium substitution with environmental D₂O. In this study, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was used to detect interaction sites between D₂O and ssDNA and their action mechanisms. SERS peaks of ssDNA changed with increasing D₂O proportions, and the site of action mainly involved A and G bases, whose number strengthened the interaction between sequences and D₂O and hence the SERS peak intensities. Fixing the number of A and G bases prevented changes in their positions from significantly altering the map. We also identified the interaction between ssDNA sequences that easily formed a G-quadruplex structure and D₂O. The amplitude of the SERS peak intensity change reflected the ssDNA structural stability and number of active sites. These findings are highly significant for exploring genetic exchanges and mutations and could be used to determine the stability and structural changes of biological macromolecules.

Reduction of Deuterium Level Supports Resistance of Neurons to Glucose Deprivation and Hypoxia: Study in Cultures of Neurons and on Animals

The effect of a reduced deuterium (D) content in the incubation medium on the survival of cultured neurons in vitro and under glucose deprivation was studied. In addition, we studied the effect of a decrease in the deuterium content in the rat brain on oxidative processes in the nervous tissue, its antioxidant protection, and training of rats in the T-shaped maze test under hypoxic conditions. For experiments with cultures of neurons, 7-8-day cultures of cerebellar neurons were used. Determination of the rate of neuronal death in cultures was carried out using propidium iodide. Acute hypoxia with hypercapnia was simulated in rats by placing them in sealed vessels with a capacity of 1 L. The effect on oxidative processes in brain tissues was assessed by changes in the level of free radical oxidation and malondialdehyde. The effect on the antioxidant system of the brain was assessed by the activity of catalase. The study in the T-maze was carried out in accordance with the generally accepted methodology, the skill of alternating right-sided and left-sided loops on positive reinforcement was developed. This work has shown that a decrease in the deuterium content in the incubation medium to a level of -357‱ has a neuroprotective effect, increasing the survival rate of cultured neurons under glucose deprivation. When exposed to hypoxia, a preliminary decrease in the deuterium content in the rat brain to -261‱ prevents the development of oxidative stress in their nervous tissue and preserves the learning ability of animals in the T-shaped maze test at the level of the control group. A similar protective effect during the modification of the 2H/1H internal environment of the body by the consumption of DDW can potentially be used for the prevention of pathological conditions associated with the development of oxidative stress with damage to the central nervous system.

Effects of Heavy Isotopes (2H1 and 18O16) Depleted Water Con-Sumption on Physical Recovery and Metabolic and Immunological Parameters of Healthy Volunteers under Regular Fitness Load

Water depleted of heavy isotopes, such as ²H₁ and ¹⁸O₁₆ (HIDW), has shown numerous biological/health effects in vitro, in vivo, and in epidemiological studies. Major observations were related to cell growth/differentiation, immune/nervous system responses, endurance/adaptation, mitochondrial electron transfer, energy production, glucose metabolism, etc. No human studies to confirm physiological, metabolic, and immune responses to the consumption of HIDW have been performed. A placebo-controlled study on healthy volunteers (n = 50) under fitness load who consumed 1.5 L HIDW (58 ppm ²H and 1780 ppm ¹⁸O) or normal water for 60 days was carried out. Plasma content of ²H₁ and ¹⁸O₁₆, markers of energy, lipid, and glucose metabolism, anthropometric, cardio-vascular, oxidant/antioxidant, and immunological parameters were determined. Significant decrease in plasma heavy isotopes in the group consuming HIDW was observed in concomitance with an increase in ATP, insulin, and LDH, and diminished plasma lactate. Several anthropometric and cardio-vascular parameters were improved as compared to placebo group. Lipid markers demonstrated antiatherogenic effects, while oxidant/antioxidant parameters revealed HIDW-induced hormesis. Antibacterial/antiviral immunity was remarkably higher in HIDW versus placebo group. Conclusions: HIDW consumption by humans under fitness load could be a valid approach to improve their adaptation/recovery through several mechanisms.

Electrophysiological Activity and Survival Rate of Rats Nervous Tissue Cells Depends on D/H Isotopic Composition of Medium

The deuterium content modification in an organism has a neuroprotective effect during the hypoxia model, affecting anxiety, memory and stress resistance. The aim of this work was to elucidate the possible mechanisms of the medium D/H composition modification on nerve cells. We studied the effect of an incubation medium with a 50 ppm deuterium content compared to a medium with 150 ppm on: (1) the activity of Wistar rats' hippocampus CA1 field neurons, (2) the level of cultured cerebellar neuron death during glucose deprivation and temperature stress, (3) mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and the generation of reactive oxygen species in cultures of cerebellar neurons. The results of the analysis showed that the incubation of hippocampal sections in a medium with a 50 ppm deuterium reduced the amplitude of the pop-spike. The restoration of neuron activity was observed when sections were returned to the incubation medium with a 150 ppm deuterium content. An environment with a 50 ppm deuterium did not significantly affect the level of reactive oxygen species in neuron cultures, while MMP decreased by 16-20%. In experiments with glucose deprivation and temperature stress, the medium with 50 ppm increased the death of neurons. Thus, a short exposure of nerve cells in the medium with 50 ppm deuterium acts as an additional stressful factor, which is possibly associated with the violation of the cell energy balance. The decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential, which is known to be associated with ATP synthesis, indicates that this effect may be associated with the cell energy imbalance. The decrease in the activity of the CA1 field hippocampal neurons may reflect reversible adaptive changes in the operation of fast-reacting ion channels.

Sus Scrofa immune tissues as a new source of bioactive substances for skin wound healing

Influence of a new protein-peptide complex on promoting skin wound healing in male BALB/c mice was studied. Protein-peptide complex, extracted from Sus scrofa immune organs, was percutaneously administered using two methods: by lecithin gel-like liquid crystals and by liquid microemulsion. On the fifth day, wound closure in mice with a linear wound model become faster in group (less 2 days comparison to other ones), which was treated with lecithin liquid crystals carrying the protein-peptide complex. This promoting healing can be caused by resorption of bioactive high-molecular compounds the animal skin. In mice with the linear wound model, the tensile strength of the scars were respectively higher both in mice, treated using lecithin liquid crystals with protein-peptide complex, and in mice, treated using microemulsion containing protein-peptide complex, by 215.4% and 161.5% relative to the animals, which did not receive bioactive substances for wound treatment. It was associated with the regeneratory effects of tissue- and species-specific protein-peptide complexes, including α-thymosin Sus scrofa (C3VVV8_PIG, m/z 3802.8) and other factors, which were described as parts of the new extracted complex. This reveals that percutaneous administration of the complex reliably activates local regenerative processes in animals.

Effects of tissue-specific biomolecules on piglets after-weaning period

Background and Aim

Now-a-days antibiotics are the main tool for correcting the pathological conditions of pigs; unfortunately, antibiotics are a potential threat to the environment, as they lead to the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections. This study aimed to study the immunomodulatory encapsulated biomolecules on piglets in the post-weaning period.

Materials and Methods

An immunomodulator based on biomolecules obtained from animal raw materials included in alginate capsules to improve absorption has been developed. The study presents the results of a study on 25 weaned piglets (25-30 days old) which received biomolecules at a dose of 200 mg/piglet for 14 days, followed by 400 mg/piglet from days 15 to 28. Blood was taken from animals for analysis (biochemical, hematological, cytometric, and enzyme immunoassay) and the integral index of blood serum antimicrobial activity was determined.

Results

Experimental animals, whose initial weight was 1.6 times less than that of the control animals, were able to bridge this gap and, on the 28^th day, there were no differences in weight. Stimulation of the production of cytokines interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-4 was observed and the antimicrobial resistance of blood serum to Escherichia coli also increased. A positive effect on the metabolism of piglets was noted, which helped them adapt to a change in diet (from colostrum to solid food).

Conclusion

The results show that the immunomodulation at the dose of 150 mg/kg body weight has a great potential for improving weaned pigs.

Dependence of Biocatalysis on D/H Ratio: Possible Fundamental Differences for High-Level Biological Taxons

The kinetics of biological reactions depends on the deuterium/protium (D/H) ratio in water. In this work, we describe the kinetic model of biocatalytic reactions in living organisms depending on the D/H ratio. We show that a change in the lifetime or other characteristics of the vital activity of some organisms in response to a decrease or increase in the content of deuterium in the environment can be a sign of a difference in taxons. For animals-this is a curve with saturation according to the Gauss's principle, for plants-it is the Poisson dependence, for bacteria a weakly saturated curve with a slight reaction to the deuterium/protium ratio toward increasing deuterium. The biological activity of the aquatic environment with reduced, elevated, and natural concentrations of deuterium is considered. The results of the study are presented in different vital indicators of some taxons: the bacteria kingdom-the colony forming units (CFU) index (Escherichia coli); animals-the activation energy of the death of ciliates (Spirostomum ambiguum), embryogenesis of fish (Brachydanio rerio); plants-germination and accumulation of trace elements Callisia fragrans L., sprouting of gametophores and peptidomics of moss Physcomitrella patens. It was found that many organisms change their metabolism and activity, responding to both high and low concentrations of deuterium in water.

Inequality in the Frequency of the Open States Occurrence Depends on Single 2H/1H Replacement in DNA

In the present study, the effect of 2H/1H isotopic exchange in hydrogen bonds between nitrogenous base pairs on occurrence and open states zones dynamics is investigated. These processes are studied using mathematical modeling, taking into account the number of open states between base pairs. The calculations of the probability of occurrence of open states in different parts of the gene were done depending on the localization of the deuterium atom. The mathematical modeling study demonstrated significant inequality (dependent on single 2H/1H replacement in DNA) among three parts of the gene similar in length of the frequency of occurrence of the open states. In this paper, the new convenient approach of the analysis of the abnormal frequency of open states in different parts of the gene encoding interferon alpha 17 was presented, which took into account both rising and decreasing of them that allowed to make a prediction of the functional instability of the specific DNA regions. One advantage of the new algorithm is diminishing the number of both false positive and false negative results in data filtered by this approach compared to the pure fractile methods, such as deciles or quartiles.

Mitochondrial Dysfunctions: A Red Thread across Neurodegenerative Diseases

Mitochondria play a central role in a plethora of processes related to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and genomic integrity. They contribute to preserving the optimal functioning of cells and protecting them from potential DNA damage which could result in mutations and disease. However, perturbations of the system due to senescence or environmental factors induce alterations of the physiological balance and lead to the impairment of mitochondrial functions. After the description of the crucial roles of mitochondria for cell survival and activity, the core of this review focuses on the "mitochondrial switch" which occurs at the onset of neuronal degeneration. We dissect the pathways related to mitochondrial dysfunctions which are shared among the most frequent or disabling neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Can mitochondrial dysfunctions (affecting their morphology and activities) represent the early event eliciting the shift towards pathological neurobiological processes? Can mitochondria represent a common target against neurodegeneration? We also review here the drugs that target mitochondria in neurodegenerative diseases.

Effect of the deuterium on efficiency and type of adipogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells in vitro

In this study, we performed an adipogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in vitro with different deuterium content (natural, low and high) in the culture medium during differentiation process with parallel analysis of the gene expression, metabolic activity and cell viability/toxicity. After ADSCs differentiation into adipocytes we have done the analysis of differentiation process efficiency and determined a type of resulting adipocytes (by morphology, gene expression, UCP1 protein detection and adipokine production analysis). We have found that high (5 × 10⁵ ppm) deuterium content significantly inhibit in vitro adipogenic differentiation of human ADSCs compared to the groups with natural (150 ppm) and low (30 ppm) deuterium content. Importantly, protocol of differentiation used in our study leads to white adipocytes development in groups with natural (control) and high deuterium content, whereas deuterium-depleted differentiation medium leads to brown-like (beige) adipocytes formation. We have also remarked the direct impact of deuterium on the cellular survival and metabolic activity. Interesting, in deuterium depleted-medium, the cells had normal survival rate and high metabolic activity, whereas the inhibitory effect of deuterated medium on ADSCs differentiation at least was partly associated with deuterium cytotoxicity and inhibitory effect on metabolic activity. The inhibitory effect of deuterium on metabolic activity and the subsequent decrease in the effectiveness of adipogenic differentiation is probably associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, deuterium could be considered as an element that affects the substance chirality. These findings may be the basis for the development of new approaches in the treatment of obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes through the regulation of adipose-derived stem cell differentiation and adipocyte functions.

Effect of Systemic Subnormal Deuterium Level on Metabolic Syndrome Related and other Blood Parameters in Humans: A Preliminary Study

The effects of deuterium depletion on the human organism have been, except for the antitumor action, seldom investigated by now and the available data are scarce. In oncological patients who also suffered from diabetes and were treated with deuterium-depleted water (DDW), an improvement of glucose metabolism was observed, and rat studies also proved the efficacy of DDW to reduce blood sugar level. In the present work, 30 volunteers with pre- or manifest diabetes were enrolled to a clinical study. The patients received 1.5 L of water with reduced deuterium content (104 ppm instead of 145 ppm, equivalent 12 mmol/L in human) daily for 90 days. The effects on fasting glucose and insulin level, on peripheral glucose disposal, and other metabolic parameters were investigated. Fasting insulin and glucose decreased, and insulin reaction on glucose load improved, in 15 subjects, while in the other 15 the changes were opposite. Peripheral glucose disposal was improved in 11 of the subjects. In the majority of the subjects, substantial increase of serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and significant decrease of serum Na+ concentration were also seen-the latter possibly due to activation of a Na+/H+ antiporter by the decreased intracellular deuterium level. The results support the possible beneficial role of DDW in disorders of glucose metabolism but leave questions open, requiring further studies.

Water Intake, Body Water Regulation and Health

The biological feedback provided by human water intake upon our physiology is grossly under-investigated [...].

Comparative Analysis of the Different Dyes' Potential to Assess Human Normal and Cancer Cell Viability In Vitro under Different D/H Ratios in a Culture Medium

In this study, using new approach (laser diffraction + biological dyes), we have demonstrated the decrease of cells viability in vitro in the deuterated growth medium, whereas in the deuterium-depleted medium, there was an increase of cell viability. We have also found that not all dyes are equally sensitive to the D/H ratios in the culture medium (system) as well as to the different cell types (cancer vs normal cells).

Deuterium-Depleted Water as Adjuvant Therapeutic Agent for Treatment of Diet-Induced Obesity in Rats

In this study, we present the potential application of deuterium-depleted water (DDW) for the prevention and adjuvant treatment of obesity in rats. We tested the hypothesis that DDW can alleviate diet-induced obesity (DIO) and its associated metabolic impairments. Rats fed a high-fat diet had an increased body weight index (BWI), glucose concentration, and level of certain proinflammatory cytokines; decreased levels of insulin in the serum; decreased tryptophan and serotonin in the brain, and a decreased concentration of some heavy metals in the liver. Drinking DDW at a concentration of 10 ppm deuterium/protium (D/H) ad libitum for 3 weeks restored the BWI, glucose (serum), tryptophan (brain), and serotonin (brain) levels and concentration of Zn in the liver in the DIO animals to those of the controls. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IFNγ) and anti-inflammatory TNFα were decreased in DIO rats, while anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-4, IL-10) levels remained at the control levels, which is indicative of a pathophysiological syndrome. In contrast, in groups of rats treated with DDW, a significant increase in anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-10) and proinflammatory cytokines (IFNγ) was observed. This finding indicates a reduction in systemic inflammation in obese animals treated with DDW. Similarly, the high-fat diet caused an increased level of oxidative stress products, which was accompanied by decreased activity of both superoxide dismutase and catalase, whereas the administration of DDW decreased the level of oxidative stress and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities.

Possible Mechanisms of Biological Effects Observed in Living Systems during 2H/1H Isotope Fractionation and Deuterium Interactions with Other Biogenic Isotopes

This article presents the original descriptions of some recent physics mechanisms (based on the thermodynamic, kinetic, and quantum tunnel effects) providing stable 2H/1H isotope fractionation, leading to the accumulation of particular isotopic forms in intra- or intercellular space, including the molecular effects of deuterium interaction with 18O/17O/16O, 15N/14N, 13C/12C, and other stable biogenic isotopes. These effects were observed mainly at the organelle (mitochondria) and cell levels. A new hypothesis for heavy nonradioactive isotope fractionation in living systems via neutron effect realization is discussed. The comparative analysis of some experimental studies results revealed the following observation: "Isotopic shock" is highly probable and is observed mostly when chemical bonds form between atoms with a summary odd number of neutrons (i.e., bonds with a non-compensated neutron, which correspond to the following equation: Nn - Np = 2k + 1, where k ϵ Z, k is the integer, Z is the set of non-negative integers, Nn is number of neutrons, and Np is number of protons of each individual atom, or in pair of isotopes with a chemical bond). Data on the efficacy and metabolic pathways of the therapy also considered 2H-modified drinking and diet for some diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Friedreich's ataxia, mitochondrial disorders, diabetes, cerebral hypoxia, Parkinson's disease, and brain cancer.

Neuroprotective effects of taurine and 3-hydroxypyridine derivatives in the intracerebral hemorrhage model in rats

Introduction: At present, the problem of pharmacological correction of free radical processess emerges full-blown. The aim of the study is an experimental study of the neuroprotective effect of taurine and 3-hydroxypyridine derivatives.

Materials and methods: The study was performed in Wistar rats. The neuroprotective effect of the substances was studied in the intracerebral hemorrhage model.

Results and discussion: The administration of the studied substances had a positive effect on the survival of the animals within the first day (50% of rats died in the control group, 30% – in the Mexidol- and Ethoxidol-treated groups, and 20% – in LKhT 3-17-treated group). Within the first day after the surgery, all rats with stroke had severe neurological disorders. However, by the 3rd day, the Ethoxidol- and LKhT 3-17-treated rats had a lower neurological deficit. By Day 14, all groups of animals treated with the test substances had a lower severity of post-stroke disorders than those in the control group, which was evident as a 1.5-time lower McGraw Stroke Index score. LKhT 3-17 substance showed the most pronounced neuroprotective effect.

Conclusions: The studied derivatives of taurine and 3-hydroxypyridine have a neuroprotective effect, which is manifested in the lower severity of neurological disorders,a more rapid reduction in the signs of neurodegeneration and accelerated hemorrhage processes.