Predicting the bioactive compounds of Lentinula edodes and elucidating its interaction with genes associated to obesity through network pharmacology and in-vitro cell-based assay

Mushrooms are traditionally used for various medicinal purposes in traditional oriental medicine. The Japanese and Chinese are familiar with the medicinal macro fungus Lentinula edodes (Shiitake mushroom). This study aims to evaluate the role of chemical compounds from L. edodes using network pharmacology and in-vitro studies for management of Obesity. Bioactive compounds in extracts of L. edodes were identified by GC-MS analysis. Compounds were later screened for their drug-like property by Lipinski's rule. In addition, public databases (SEA, STP, Omim and DisGenet) were searched to identify genes associated with selected molecules and obesity, as well as genes that overlap obesity target genes with genes related to L. edodes. Additionally, analysis was performed using Enrichr KG to predict the disease targets of L. edodes. Finally, network was constructed between the overlapping genes and bioactive molecules using Rstudio. Further in-vitro studies were carried out using 3T3-L1 cell line. The genes related to the selected compounds and obesity were identified and overlapped. The disease targets of L. edodes was predicted by enrichment analysis and was found to be linked to obesity. Furthermore, the hub gene was found to be fatty acid amide hydrolase, and the key bioactive compound was hexadecanoic acid methyl ester. The in-vitro cell culture studies confirmed the inhibition of adipogenesis in mushroom extract-treated 3T3-L1 cells and the augmentation of adiponectin. The study suggests that the hub gene fatty acid amide hydrolase might alleviate obesity by inhibiting arachidonoyl ethanolamide signaling, which would enhance the action of fatty acid amide hydrolase and limit appetite in L. edodes extract.

Mitigation of the Deleterious Effect of Heavy Metals on the Conformational Stability of Ubiquitin through Osmoprotectants

The Ubiquitin-Proteasome System (UPS) is important in protein homeostasis and is involved in many cell processes. UPS's wide range of regulatory activities is based on the unique and diverse signals transmitted through all-encompassing processes. Cells need a fully functional UPP to cope with oxidative stress, so cellular redox status modulates ubiquitin activity. However, these protein quality control systems are compromised under adverse conditions such as heavy metal stress, resulting in pathological conditions. Heavy metals disrupt the physiological action of sensitive proteins by forming complexes with side-chain functional groups or by dislocating critical metal ions in metalloproteins. In addition, perturbation in the structure of Ubiquitin may affect the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. In this study, it has been investigated the effects of heavy metals likewise chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and mercury chloride (HgCl2) on the conformational stability of Ubiquitin as well as overcome their hazardous effect, the interaction of osmo-protectants such as Sesamol, gallic acid, Glycine, and ascorbic acid have also been explored in the study. The near and far UV-circular dichroism measurements deduced the secondary and tertiary structural changes. The size of the Ubiquitin before and after exposure to heavy metals was measured by DLS (dynamic light scattering). Docking research was also used to investigate the interaction of Ubiquitin with various heavy metals. Near and far UV-circular dichroism (CD) measurements revealed that mercury, chromium, and cadmium disrupt Ubiquitin's secondary and tertiary structure. The effect of chromium, even at low concentrations, was significantly deleterious compared to cadmium and mercury chloride. Ubiquitin's far-UV circular dichroism spectra subjected to heavy metals were recorded in several osmo-protectants, such as ascorbic acid, Glycine, gallic acid, and Sesamol, which offset the adverse effects of heavy metals. DLS studies revealed a noteworthy change in the hydrodynamic radius of Ubiquitin in the presence of heavy metals. Docking analysis revealed a significant binding affinity of mercury and cadmium ions with Ubiquitin. This study can infer the heavy metals' disruption of Ubiquitin's secondary and tertiary structure. Osmo-protectants produced by animal cells are more effective against heavy metals than plant antioxidants.

Enhanced wedelolactone content in in vitro-raised genetically uniform Wedelia chinensis under the influence of CuSO4

In the present study, we addressed the imperative for potent anticancer agents through Wedelia chinensis, a medicinal plant abundant in the robust antihepatotoxic and antitumor compound wedelolactone. Hindrances in conventional propagation methods due to cross-pollination and habitat degradation prompted us to pioneer in vitro rapid multiplication using plant tissue culture. Optimal outcomes were attained employing Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) (0.5 mg/L) and Kinetin (KN) (5.0 mg/L), yielding 97.67% shoot regeneration and 81.67% rooting from nodal explants. Transplanted plantlets exhibited a 92% survival rate. We established a wedelolactone extraction protocol using toluene:ethyl acetate:formic acid (5:4:1) for High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis, trailblazing wedelolactone quantification and 2C DNA analysis in W. chinensis via flow cytometry. Experiments under heavy metal stress with CuSO4 unveiled physiological responses, with peak wedelolactone content [193.90 μg/g dry weight (dw)] in vitro at 75 μM CuSO4, surpassing in vivo levels (89.95 μg/g dw) by 116%. By pioneering successful in vitro rapid multiplication and enhanced wedelolactone content, we bridge a critical gap in the conservation and production of this medicinal plant. Our findings not only offer a sustainable means of propagation but also present a viable strategy for elevating the yield of potent bioactive molecules like wedelolactone, holding immense promise for the development of novel therapeutic interventions and addressing the pressing healthcare challenges of our time.

PD-1 and PD-L1: architects of immune symphony and immunotherapy breakthroughs in cancer treatment

PD-1 (Programmed Cell Death Protein-1) and PD-L1 (Programmed Cell Death Ligand-1) play a crucial role in regulating the immune system and preventing autoimmunity. Cancer cells can manipulate this system, allowing them to escape immune detection and promote tumor growth. Therapies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway have transformed cancer treatment and have demonstrated significant effectiveness against various cancer types. This study delves into the structure and signaling dynamics of PD-1 and its ligands PD-L1/PD-L2, the diverse PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and their efficacy, and the resistance observed in some patients. Furthermore, this study explored the challenges associated with the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor treatment approach. Recent advancements in the combination of immunotherapy with chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical procedures to enhance patient outcomes have also been highlighted. Overall, this study offers an in-depth overview of the significance of PD-1/PD-L1 in cancer immunotherapy and its future implications in oncology.

Inhibition of miR-214 expression by small molecules alleviates head and neck cancer metastasis by targeting ALCAM/TFAP2 signaling

Predominantly, head and neck cancer (HNC) is considered a regional disease and develops in the nasal cavity, oral cavity, tongue, pharynx, and larynx. In the advanced stage, the HNC spread into distant organs. By the time head and neck cancer diagnosed, the estimated metastasis is occurred in 10-40% cases. The most important vital organs affected by distant metastasis are the lungs, bones, and liver. Despite several advancements in chemotherapies, no significant changes are observed as 5-year survival rate remains the same. Therefore, it is crucial to decipher molecular mechanisms contributing to the metastatic dissemination of head and neck cancer. Here, we tested a novel ALCAM/TFAP2 signaling by targeting multidisciplinary miR-214 expression in head and cancer cells. Our results revealed that HNC cell lines (CAL27, SCC-9, SCC-4, and SCC-25) exhibit higher expression of miR-214 compared with normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells. Higher expression of miR-214 drives the invasive potential of these cell lines. Down-regulation of miR-214 in CAL27 and SCC-9 cells either using an anti-miR-214 inhibitor (50nM) or a small molecule of green tea (EGCG) inhibited cell invasion. Treating CAL27 and SCC-9 cells with EGCG also reduces ALCAM expression, a key activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule, potentially blocking mesenchymal phenotype. Dietary administration of EGCG significantly inhibits distant metastasis of SCC-9 cells into the lungs, liver, and kidneys. Our results also demonstrate that the reduction of miR-214 expression influences in vitro cell movement and extravasation, as evident by reduced CD31 expression, a neovascularization marker. Together, these studies suggest that identifying bioactive molecules that can inhibit distant metastasis regulated by the miRNAs may provide potent interventional approaches and a better understanding of the complex functions of miRNAs and their therapeutic targets for clinical application.

Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), an Active Phenolic Compound of Green Tea, Inhibits Tumor Growth of Head and Neck Cancer Cells by Targeting DNA Hypermethylation

Head and neck cancers are among the deadliest cancers, ranked sixth globally in rates of high mortality and poor patient prognoses. The prevalence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is associated with smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Despite several advances in diagnostic and interventional methods, the morbidity of subjects with HNSCC has remained unchanged over the last 30 years. Epigenetic alterations, such as DNA hypermethylation, are commonly associated with several cancers, including HNSCC. Thus, epigenetic changes are considered promising therapeutic targets for chemoprevention. Here, we investigated the effect of EGCG on DNA hypermethylation and the growth of HNSCC. First, we assessed the expression levels of global DNA methylation in HNSCC cells (FaDu and SCC-1) and observed enhanced methylation levels compared with normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE). Treatment of EGCG to HNSCC cells significantly inhibited global DNA hypermethylation by up to 70–80% after 6 days. Inhibition of DNA hypermethylation in HNSCC cells was confirmed by the conversion of 5-methylcytosine (5-mc) into 5-hydroxy methylcytosine (5hmC). DNA methyltransferases regulate DNA methylation. Next, we checked the effect of EGCG on the expression levels of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and DNMT activity. Treatment of EGCG to HNSCC cells significantly reduced DNMT activity to 60% in SCC-1 and 80% in FaDu cells. The protein levels of DNMT3a and DNMT3b were downregulated in both cell lines after EGCG treatment. EGCG treatment to HNSCC cells reactivated tumor suppressors and caused decreased cell proliferation. Our in vivo study demonstrated that administration of EGCG (0.5%, w/w) as a supplement within an AIN76A diet resulted in inhibition of tumor growth in FaDu xenografts in nude mice (80%; p < 0.01) compared with non-EGCG-treated controls. The growth inhibitory effect of dietary EGCG on the HNSCC xenograft tumors was associated with the inhibition of DNMTs and reactivation of silenced tumor suppressors. Together, our study provides evidence that EGCG acts as a DNA demethylating agent and can reactivate epigenetically silenced tumor suppressors to inhibit the growth of HNSCC cells.

Differentially deregulated microRNAs contribute to ultraviolet radiation-induced photocarcinogenesis through immunomodulation: An-analysis of microRNAs expression profiling

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNA molecules (18-25 nucleotides) that regulate several fundamental biological processes. Emerging evidence has shown more than 1500 miRNAs functions in the cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, immune response, DNA damage, and epigenetics alterations. miRNAs are bidirectionally in nature and act as a tumor suppressor and as an oncogene through crosstalk between tumor cells and immune cells. Although the roles of miRNAs in several cancers are well studied, little is known about ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation-induced skin cancer. Here, we performed a comprehensive screening of 1281 miRNAs in tumor tissues and compared their expression with normal skin. Our results demonstrate that the expression levels of 587 miRNAs were altered in tumor tissues compared to their expression in normal skin. The expression of 337 miRNAs was upregulated from 1.5-12 folds, while the expression of 250 miRNAs was downregulated up to 1.5-10 folds in tumors. Further, intraperitoneal injection of a mimic of down-regulated miR-15b (30nM) and an inhibitor of upregulated miR-133a (20nM) protect UVB-induced suppression of contact hypersensitivity (CHS) response. In conclusion, we identified a network of altered miRNAs in tumors that can serve as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets to manage photocarcinogenesis effectively.

Cervical joint positioning error and its association with cervical spine mechanics among undergraduate students

A cross sectional analytical study was conducted from September 26 to December 28 2018 at Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University Islamabad with 111 undergraduate students aged 17-26 years as participants. The aim of the study was to establish the normative values of cervical joint positioning error (CJPE) and its association with cervical spine mechanics. Neck discomfort was measured using the neck portion of the "student specific Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire" (ssCMDQ) and CJPE was measured via cervico-cephalic relocation test using a goniometer. Non-parametric tests of significance were used because the data was not normally distributed in terms of normality testing. Normative values of CJPE were noted to be highest in flexion (9o±9o), rotation towards left (9o±6o) and right (8o±7o), extension (6o±8o), and lastly lateral flexion towards left (5o±7o) and right (5o±5o). Higher CJPE in all movements was observed among females; however, no significant statistical differences were observed (p>0.05). In terms of correlation, important trends included significantly positive correlation of neck discomfort with CJPE in extension, and of CJPE in lateral flexion towards the left with CJPE in lateral flexion towards the right and flexion (p<0.05).

Regular Intake of Green Tea Polyphenols Suppresses the Development of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer through miR-29-Mediated Epigenetic Modifications

Previously, we and others have shown that the regular intake of green tea polyphenols (GTPs) reduces ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation-induced skin cancer by targeting multiple signaling pathways, including DNA damage, DNA repair, immunosuppression, and inflammation. Here, we determine the effect of GTPs on UVB-induced epigenetic changes, emphasizing DNA hypermethylation in UV-exposed skin and tumors and their association with miR-29, a key regulator of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). Skin cancer was induced in SKH-1 hairless mice following repeated exposures of UVB radiation (180 mJ/cm², three times/week, 24 weeks) with or without GTPs supplementation (0.2%) in drinking water. Regular intake of GTPs inhibited tumor growth by hindering the cascade of DNA hypermethylation events. GTPs supplementation significantly blocked UVB-induced DNA hypermethylation in the skin (up to 35%; p < 0.0001) and in tumors (up to 50%; p < 0.0001). Experimental results showed that the levels of DNA hypermethylation were higher in GTPs-treated mice than in the control group. The expressions of miR-29a, miR-29b, and miR-29c were markedly decreased in UV-induced skin tumors, and GTPs administration blocked UVB-induced miR-29s depletion. Furthermore, these observations were verified using the in vitro approach in human skin cancer cells (A431) followed by treatment with GTPs or mimics of miR-29c. Increased levels of miR-29 were observed in GTPs-treated A431 cells, resulting in increased TET activity and decreased DNA hypermethylation. In conclusion, UVB-mediated miR-29 depletion promotes DNA hypermethylation and leads to enhanced tumor growth by silencing tumor suppressors. Regular intake of GTPs rescued UVB-induced miR-29 depletion and prevented tumor growth by maintaining reduced DNA hypermethylation and activating tumor suppressors. Our observations suggest that miR-based strategies and regular consumption of GTPs could minimize the risk of UVB-induced skin cancers and contribute to better management of NMSCs.

Chemical Profiling of Chlorophytum comosum (Thunb.) Jaques by GC-MS/LC-ESIMS and its Antiproliferative Effects on Human Carcinoma Cell Lines

BACKGROUND

Chlorophytum comosum, popularly known as Spider Ivy, is used as a medicinal plant in traditional Chinese medicine, however, its detailed chemical composition and biological activity are yet unexplored.

OBJECTIVE

To carry out the phytochemical investigation on different parts of Chlorophytum comosum using GCMS/ LC-ESI-MS and evaluation of its antioxidant, hemolytic and antiproliferative potential on breast cancer (MCF-7), lung cancer (A549, H1299) and normal lung (L-132) cell lines.

METHODS

Chemical constituents from aqueous roots and leaves extracts were identified using LC-ESI-MS/GCMS. The identified compounds were annotated based on the match of mass spectra with the literature using NIST 14 and METLIN databases. Antioxidant activity was studied using DPPH, FRAP and TPC assays. The antiproliferative effects of ethanolic roots and leaves extracts of Chlorophytum comosum were measured by MTT assay on breast cancer (MCF-7), lung cancer (A549 & H1299) and normal lung (L-132) cell lines. The toxicity studies of the extracts were carried out using Hemolysis assay.

RESULTS

GC-MS analysis identified 34 metabolites in roots and 17 from leaves, while 17 compounds from roots and 7 from leaves were detected by LC-ESI-MS. Significant antiproliferative effects were observed on the A549 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ values ranging from 56.86 μg/ml to 68.68 μg/ml while no marked response was observed against normal cell line L-132.

CONCLUSION

Our study represents the first report on the detailed chemical composition and antiproliferative potential of Chlorophytum comosum against lung and breast cancer cell lines.

Effect of Antioxidants on Heavy Metals Induced Conformational Alteration of Cytochrome C and Myoglobin

BACKGROUND

The exposure to heavy metals due to unrestrained industrialization, pollution and non-degradability imposes a significant risk to human health. Proteins are prime targets of heavy metal stress, however, the underlying mechanisms and its impact on heme proteins is still not entirely clear.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the deleterious effect of heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium and mercury on conformation of two proteins namely, cytochrome c and myoglobin. The protective effect of glycine and ascorbic acid (animal origin), gallic acid and sesamol (plant origin) on heavy metal exposure was studied.

METHODS

Far- and near-UV Circular Dichroism (CD) measurements monitored the changes in secondary and tertiary structure. Absorption Soret spectroscopy study revealed changes in heme-protein interaction. Peroxidase activity has been assayed to measure the absorption of tetraguaiacol. The interaction of heme proteins with different heavy metals was done using docking study.

RESULTS

Far- and near-UV CD measurements reveal that heavy metals disrupt the secondary and tertiary structure of heme proteins. Antioxidants counteract the deleterious effect of heavy metals. Absorption spectroscopy revealed changes in the Soret region of these heme proteins. Changes in peroxidase activity was observed on addition of heavy metals and antioxidants. Molecular docking validated interaction of the heavy metals with proteins with a significant binding affinity (-2.3 kcal/- mol).

CONCLUSION

Heavy metals interfered and disrupted both the heme proteins and mercury showed the maximum deleterious effect, further, chromium showed detrimental effect at very small concentration. The antioxidants from animal origin exhibited better protective response than those from plant source.

Combination of podophyllotoxin and rutin modulate radiation-induced alterations of jejunal proteome in mice

Purpose: Gastrointestinal (GI) injuries post ionizing radiation (IR) becomes a crucial factor in survival. Thus, the current study was aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms behind IR produced GI proteome alterations and their amelioration by a safe radioprotective formulation candidate, G-003M (podophyllotoxin+rutin).Materials and method: C57BL/6 mice were administered with G-003M 1 h before 9 Gy whole body γ irradiation. 2DE-MS analysis was conducted to identify differential expression of jejunum proteins with fold change >1.5 (p < .05) at various time-points. Results: G-003M pre-administration decreased total number of differential proteins. It mediated protection to cytoskeleton, modulated stress, apoptosis and inflammatory proteins. Direct effect on eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4H (Eif4h), thioredoxin domain-containing protein 17 (Txndc17) and interferon-induced protein 35 (Ifi35) was observed. Bioinformatics depicted transcription factor-MYC, was also positively modulated by G-003M. Further, it also enhanced level of citrulline (ELISA analysis), and restored crypts and villi lengths (histological analysis) against severe damage caused by lethal irradiation.Conclusion: Current findings reveal that G-003M may be an efficient candidate in protecting key proteins of metabolic and biochemical pathways assisting in the rapid recovery of GI proteome. This fairly improved the chances of animal survival exposed to lethal doses of whole body radiation.

Phycoremediation of municipal wastewater by microalgae to produce biofuel

Municipal wastewater (WW), if not properly remediated, poses a threat to the environment and human health by carrying significant loads of nutrients and pathogens. These contaminants pollute rivers, lakes, and natural reservoirs where they cause eutrophication and pathogen-mediated diseases. However, the high nutrient content of WW makes it an ideal environment for remediation with microalgae that require high nutrient concentrations for growth and are not susceptible to toxins and pathogens. Given that an appropriate algal strain is used for remediation, the incurred biomass can be refined for the production of biofuel. Four microalgal species (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Chlorella sp., Parachlorella kessleri-I, and Nannochloropsis gaditana) were screened for efficient phycoremediation of municipal WW and potential use for biodiesel production. Among the four strains tested, P. kessleri-I showed the highest growth rate and biomass production in 100% WW. It efficiently removed all major nutrients with a removal rate of up to 98% for phosphate after 10 days of growth in 100% municipal WW collected from Delhi. The growth of P. kessleri-I in WW resulted in a 50% increase of biomass and a 115% increase of lipid yield in comparison to growth in control media. The Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), and fuel properties of lipids isolated from cells grown in WW complied with international standards. The present study provides evidence that the green alga P. kessleri-I effectively remediates municipal WW and can be used to produce biodiesel.

Influenza A viral nucleoprotein interacts with cytoskeleton scaffolding protein α-actinin-4 for viral replication

Influenza A virus (IAV), similar to other viruses, exploits the machinery of human host cells for its survival and replication. We identified α‐actinin‐4, a host cytoskeletal protein, as an interacting partner of IAV nucleoprotein (NP). We confirmed this interaction using co‐immunoprecipitation studies, first in a coupled in vitro transcription‐translation assay and then in cells either transiently co‐expressing the two proteins or infected with whole IAV. Importantly, the NP–actinin‐4 interaction was observed in several IAV subtypes, including the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus. Moreover, immunofluorescence studies revealed that both NP and actinin‐4 co‐localized largely around the nucleus and also in the cytoplasmic region of virus‐infected A549 cells. Silencing of actinin‐4 expression resulted in not only a significant decrease in NP, M2 and NS1 viral protein expression, but also a reduction of both NP mRNA and viral RNA levels, as well as viral titers, 24 h post‐infection with IAV, suggesting that actinin‐4 was critical for viral replication. Furthermore, actinin‐4 depletion reduced the amount of NP localized in the nucleus. Treatment of infected cells with wortmannin, a known inhibitor of actinin‐4, led to a decrease in NP mRNA levels and also caused the nuclear retention of NP, further strengthening our previous observations. Taken together, the results of the present study indicate that actinin‐4, a novel interacting partner of IAV NP, plays a crucial role in viral replication and this interaction may participate in nuclear localization of NP and/or viral ribonucleoproteins.

Structured digital abstract

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Glycine propionyl l-carnitine attenuates d-Galactosamine induced fulminant hepatic failure in wistar rats

Glycine propionyl l-carnitine (GPLC) is a propionyl ester of carnitine that includes an additional glycine component. The present study evaluated hepatoprotective effect of GPLC in d-Galactosamine (d-GalN) induced fulminant hepatic failure. Rats were intraperitonially administered d-GalN (700mg/kgBW). GPLC was given as a pre-treatment (35mg/kgBW/day) for 1month followed by a single dose of d-GalN on the 31st day. d-GalN administration resulted in increased mortality and serum ALT and AST activities. These increases were significantly attenuated by GPLC. d-GalN treatment increased hepatic lipid peroxidation and a decrease in reduced glutathione content was observed. GPLC pre-treatment significantly decreased lipid peroxidation and augmented the level of GSH. d-GalN increased the circulating level of TNF-α and ATM-Kinase and MAP-Kinase expression. GPLC supplementation inhibited the increase in serum TNF-α and ATM-Kinase and MAP-Kinase expression. d-GalN treatment increased the level of Bax and Caspase-3 m-RNA while as a decline was observed in Bcl2 m-RNA. GPLC prevented the increase in Caspase-3 and Bax m-RNA and at the same time augmented the expression of Bcl2 m-RNA. Our findings suggest that GPLC alleviates d-GalN induced liver injury by strengthening antioxidative defense system and reducing apoptotic signalling pathways.

Boron stabilizes peroxide mediated changes in the structure of heme proteins

Boron is reported in this study to stabilize the structure of heme proteins exposed to peroxides. The oxidized heme protein (15 microM) was treated with H(2)O(2) (10mM) in 1M glycine-NaOH buffer (pH 9.2) at 25 degrees C in absence/presence of boron, and characterized by visible absorption spectroscopy, gel exclusion chromatography, native PAGE, HPLC and DLS. Spectral analysis of exposed heme proteins revealed a decrease in absorbance in the Soret region, which was stabilized by boron. The native PAGE analysis of exposed heme proteins showed high molecular weight products; the band intensity was lesser in presence of boron. Further, elution profile of the exposed heme proteins on Sephadex G-200 column and HPLC revealed more than one peak (aggregate formation) when compared to the respective untreated proteins. DLS, which measures the hydrodynamic radius (R(H)), was used to ascertain whether the peaks correspond to monomer, dimer or aggregate forms. The R(H) of boron pretreated heme proteins was close to R(H) of the respective heme protein. Non-heme protein RNase did not show any change when exposed to peroxide. Taken together, results conclude that boron stabilizes the structure of heme proteins, which might be due to specific sites on heme proteins that can bind to borate ions.