Search results for "LIPIDS"

MTHFR 677C → T genotype modulates the effect of a 5-year supplementation with B-vitamins on homocysteine concentration: The SU.FOL.OM3 randomized con…

2018

Aims To study how MTHFR 677C→T genotype modulates the effect of supplementation with B-vitamins on total homocysteine (tHcy) and B-vitamin concentrations. Methods 2381 patients with a personal history of cardiovascular disease were randomly assigned to one of four groups: 1) B-vitamins alone (560 μg of 5-methyl-THF, 3 mg of vitamin B6 and 20 μg of vitamin B12), 2) n-3 fatty acids alone (600 mg of EPA and DHA in a 2:1 ratio), 3) B-vitamins and n-3 fatty acids, and 4) placebo. Participants were followed up for 4.7 years. At baseline and annually thereafter, biological parameters were assessed. Multivariate and linear mixed models were fit to study the interaction between B-vitamins and MTHFR …

Circulating plasmalogens in patients with primary open angle glaucoma

2011

Purpose: Neuronal tissues such as the retina contain high amounts of particular phospholipids named “ether-lipids”. Since abnormal blood levels of ether-lipids have been associated with several neurological disorders, we wanted to check whether ether-lipid levels were modified and associated with the severity of POAG. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 41 healthy subjects and 64 POAG patients. Following lipid extraction from erythrocytes, total phospholipids including ether-lipids were isolated using silica cartridges. The fatty acid profile of phospholipids was determined using capillary column gas chromatography (GC). The individual molecular species of phospholipids and ether-lip…

11,12-EET Stimulates the Association of BK Channel α and β1 Subunits in Mitochondria to Induce Pulmonary Vasoconstriction

2012

In the systemic circulation, 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (11,12-EET) elicits nitric oxide (NO)- and prostacyclin-independent vascular relaxation, partially through the activation of large conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium (BK) channels. However, in the lung 11,12-EET contributes to hypoxia-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction. Since pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells also express BK channels, we assessed the consequences of BKβ(1) subunit deletion on pulmonary responsiveness to 11,12-EET as well as to acute hypoxia. In buffer-perfused mouse lungs, hypoxia increased pulmonary artery pressure and this was significantly enhanced in the presence of NO synthase (NOS) and cyclooxygenase (…

2013

Perlecan is a heparan sulfate proteoglycan assembled into the vascular basement membranes (BMs) during vasculogenesis. In the present study we have investigated vessel formation in mice, teratomas and embryoid bodies (EBs) in the absence of perlecan. We found that perlecan was dispensable for blood vessel formation and maturation until embryonic day (E) 12.5. At later stages of development 40% of mutant embryos showed dilated microvessels in brain and skin, which ruptured and led to severe bleedings. Surprisingly, teratomas derived from perlecan-null ES cells showed efficient contribution of perlecan-deficient endothelial cells to an apparently normal tumor vasculature. However, in perlecan…

Synthesis and characterisation of N-glycosyl amines from the reaction between 4,6-O-benzylidene-D-glucopyranose and substituted aromatic amines and a…

2001

Twelve N-glycosyl amines were synthesised using 4,6-O–benzylidene-D-glucopyranose and different substituted aromatic amines, including some diamines that resulted in bis-glycosyl amines. Another set of six N–glycosyl amines was synthesised using different hexoses and pentoses and 2–(o–aminophenyl)benzimidazole. All compounds were isolated as solid products and purified, their elemental compositions were established, and these were characterised by NMR (1H and 13C), UV–Vis, and FTIR spectroscopy, by FAB mass spectrometry (molecular-ion peaks gave molecular weights), and by their optical rotations. While the protected saccharide, 4,6-O-benzylidene-D-glucopyranose, exists as a mixture of β and…

Flashing lights affect the photophysiology and expression of carotenoid and lipid synthesis genes in Nannochloropsis gaditana

2022

Nannochloropsis gaditana is a promising microalga for biotechnology. One of the strategies to stimulate its full potential in metabolite production is exposure to flashing lights. Here, we report how N. gaditana adapts to different flashing light regimes (5, 50, and 500 Hz) by changing its cellular physiology and the relative expression of genes related to critical cellular functions. We analyzed the differential mRNA abundance of genes related to photosynthesis, nitrogen assimilation and biosynthesis of chlorophyll, carotenoids, lipids, fatty acids and starch. Analysis of photosynthetic efficiency and high mRNA abundance of photoprotection genes supported the inference that excess excitati…

Insights on recent advances in lipid metabolism and related disorders.

2004

The Effect of Secretion on Lipids and their Distribution in Barley Aleurone Protoplasts

1988

Barley aleurone protoplasts, when exposed to Ga3 and Ca2+ synthesize and secrete the hydrolytic enzyme α -amylase (Bush et al., 1986). At the same time, protoplasts undergo important structural changes which reflect the elaboration of the membrane system involved in protein synthesis and secretion. The mobilization of lipid reserves may be a preliminar step which would provide energy as well as several components for the synthesis of membrane lipids.

Effects in cigarette smoke stimulated bronchial epithelial cells of a corticosteroid entrapped into nanostructured lipid carriers

2014

Background Nanomedicine studies have showed a great potential for drug delivery into the lung. In this manuscript nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) containing Fluticasone propionate (FP) were prepared and their biocompatibility and effects in a human bronchial epithelial cell line (16-HBE) stimulated with cigarette smoke extracts (CSE) were tested. Results Biocompatibility studies showed that the NLC did not induce cell necrosis or apoptosis. Moreover, it was confirmed that CSE increased intracellular ROS production and TLR4 expression in bronchial epithelial cells and that FP-loaded NLC were more effective than free drug in modulating these processes. Finally, the nanoparticles increased…

Biotechnology of Rhodococcus for the production of valuable compounds

2020

Abstract Bacteria belonging to Rhodococcus genus represent ideal candidates for microbial biotechnology applications because of their metabolic versatility, ability to degrade a wide range of organic compounds, and resistance to various stress conditions, such as metal toxicity, desiccation, and high concentration of organic solvents. Rhodococcus spp. strains have also peculiar biosynthetic activities that contribute to their strong persistence in harsh and contaminated environments and provide them a competitive advantage over other microorganisms. This review is focused on the metabolic features of Rhodococcus genus and their potential use in biotechnology strategies for the production o…