The Open Biochemistry Journal[JOURNAL]
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130 papers
A Functional Role for the Monomethylated Gln-51 and Lys-53 Residues of the 49GGQTK53 Motif of eL42 from Human 80S Ribosomes.
Eustache S, Créchet JB, Bouceba T … +7 more , Nakayama JI, Tanaka M, Suzuki M, Woisard A, Tuffery P, Baouz S, Hountondji C
Open Biochem J · 2017 · PMID 28567122 · Full text
BACKGROUND: We have previously demonstrated that the eukaryote-specific ribosomal protein eL42 of the human 80S ribosome contains seven monomethylated residues, among which are the Gln-51 and Lys-53 residues contained in...
BACKGROUND: We have previously demonstrated that the eukaryote-specific ribosomal protein eL42 of the human 80S ribosome contains seven monomethylated residues, among which are the Gln-51 and Lys-53 residues contained in the 47GFGGQTK53 sequence conserved in all eukaryotic 80S ribosomes. This sequence contains the methylated and universally conserved GGQ motif common for all class-1 translation termination factors responsible for stop codon recognition and for triggering the hydrolysis of the P site-bound peptidyl-tRNA. We have also recently reported a model of ribosomal ternary eL42-tRNA-eRF1 complex where specific regions of all three macromolecules (the comparably flexible GGQ domains of eRF1 and eL42 and the CCA-arm of tRNA) are involved in interactions. METHOD: Here, we have studied the interactions between recombinant eL42 and eRF1 proteins and the tRNA substrate by means of the Biacore assay, using the wild-type eL42 protein, the eL42-Δ(GGQTK) mutant (the eL42 protein whose GGQTK motif has been deleted), the single Q51E and K53Q mutants (eL42-Q51E and eL42-K53Q, respectively), as well as the double Q51A/K53A mutant (eL42-Q51A/K53A). RESULTS: Our results show that the monomethylated Gln-51 and Lys-53 residues contained in the 47GFGGQTK53 sequence of eL42 and the monomethylated GGQ motif of eRF1 represents the sites of interaction between these two proteins through hydrophobic contacts between methyl groups. We also demonstrate that the interactions between eL42 and tRNA or 28S rRNA are characterized by strong binding affinities ( values in the nanomolar or picomolar range, respectively) which argue for specific interactions. Strong interactions between eL42 and tRNA are likely to be responsible for the decrease in the poly(U)-dependent poly(Phe) synthesis activity of human 80S or 70S ribosomes in the presence of added human recombinant eL42. It is proposed that the decrease of the activity of the ribosome is caused by the sequestration of the substrate Phe-tRNA by the added eL42 protein. CONCLUSION: Interactions between the monomethylated Gln-51 and Lys-53 residues of the 49GGQTK53 motif of the human eL42 protein and the methylated GGQ motif of eRF1 are likely to play a functional role on translating human 80S ribosomes.
Identification of Cysteine Ubiquitylation Sites on the Sec23A Protein of the COPII Complex Required for Vesicle Formation from the ER.
Amodio G, Margarucci L, Moltedo O … +2 more , Casapullo A, Remondelli P
Open Biochem J · 2017 · PMID 28553408 · Full text
BACKGROUND: COPII is a multiprotein complex that surrounds carrier vesicles budding from the Endoplasmic Reticulum and allows the recruitment of secretory proteins. The Sec23a protein plays a crucial role in the regulati...
BACKGROUND: COPII is a multiprotein complex that surrounds carrier vesicles budding from the Endoplasmic Reticulum and allows the recruitment of secretory proteins. The Sec23a protein plays a crucial role in the regulation of the dynamics of COPII formation ensuring the proper function of the secretory pathway. OBJECTIVE: Since few evidences suggest that ubiquitylation could have a role in the COPII regulation, the present study was aimed to establish whether the Sec23a component of the vesicular envelope COPII could be ubiquitylated. METHOD: Sec23a ubiquitylation was revealed by co-immunoprecipitation experiments. Recombinant Sec23a was gel-purified and analyzed by mass spectrometry subjected to trypsin proteolysis. Signature peptides were identified by the presence of Gly-Gly remnants from the C-terminus of the ubiquitin attached to the amino acid residues of the substrate. Recombinant Sec23a proteins bearing mutations in the ubiquitylation sites were used to evaluate the effect of ubiquitylation in the formation of COPII. RESULTS: We identified two cysteine ubiquitylation sites showed at position 432 and 449 of the Sec23a protein sequence. Interestingly, we revealed that the amino acid residues of Sec23a joined to ubiquitin were cysteine instead of the conventional lysine residues. This unconventional ubiquitylation consists of the addition of one single ubiquitin moiety that is not required for Sec23a degradation. Immunofluorescence results showed that Sec23a ubiquitylation might influence COPII formation by modulating Sec23a interaction with the ER membrane. Presumably, this regulation could occur throughout continual ubiquitylation/de-ubiquityliation cycles. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest a novel regulatory mechanism for the Sec23a function that could be crucial in several pathophysiological events known to alter COPII recycling.
Socioeconomic Deprivation as Measured by the Index of Multiple Deprivation and Its Association with Low Sex Hormone Binding Globulin in Women.
Heald A, Laing I, McLernon DJ … +4 more , Donn R, Hartland AJ, Fryer AA, Livingston M
Open Biochem J · 2017 · PMID 28458728 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) is a marker of insulin resistance. Given established links between BMI and socioeconomic disadvantage, we investigated how SHBG varies by index of multiple deprivation (IMD)...
OBJECTIVE: Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) is a marker of insulin resistance. Given established links between BMI and socioeconomic disadvantage, we investigated how SHBG varies by index of multiple deprivation (IMD). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Using laboratory data from a Midlands UK population of mixed ethnicity, we examined the relation between blood concentrations of SHBG and IMD in 1160 women aged between 17 and 71 years. Women with a serum SHBG >250 nmol/L were excluded. RESULTS: Mean age was 28.7 (95% confidence interval (CI) 28.2-29.1) years. 48.2% of women were of Caucasian origin, 15.5% of Southern Asian ethnicity and 2.6% were of African or other origin (33.7% were of unknown origin). SHBG increased with age (Spearman's ρ=0.195; p<0.001). A higher proportion of women of South Asian origin other ethnic groups had an SHBG <30 nmol/L (OR 1.93 (95% CI 1.37-2.71)). SHBG level was lower in individuals with greater socioeconomic disadvantage as measured by IMD (Spearman's ρ= -0.09; p=0.004 for SHBG IMD). In multivariate logistic regression, IMD women in the quartiles 2-5 (higher socioeconomic disadvantage) were more likely to have an SHBG <30 nmol/L (compatible with significant insulin resistance) quartile 1 (odds ratio (OR) 1.71 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17-2.53), adjusted for age (OR=0.97 (95% CI 0.95-0.98)) and ethnicity (for South Asian ethnicity OR=2.00 (95% CI 1.42-2.81) the rest). CONCLUSION: Lower SHBG levels in women are associated with a higher level of socioeconomic disadvantage. Given the known association between lower SHBG and higher plasma glucose, our findings suggest a link between socioeconomic disadvantage and future risk of type 2 diabetes.
Purification, Characterization and Comparison between Two New L-asparaginases from PG03 and PG04.
Rahimzadeh M, Poodat M, Javadpour S … +2 more , Qeshmi FI, Shamsipour F
Open Biochem J · 2016 · PMID 27999622 · Full text
BACKGROUND: L-asparaginase has been used as a chemotherapeutic agent in treatment of lymphoblastic leukemia. In the present investigation, sp. PG03 and sp. PG04 were studied. METHODS: L- asparaginases were produced usi...
BACKGROUND: L-asparaginase has been used as a chemotherapeutic agent in treatment of lymphoblastic leukemia. In the present investigation, sp. PG03 and sp. PG04 were studied. METHODS: L- asparaginases were produced using different culture media and were purified using ion exchange chromatography. RESULTS: Maximum productivity was obtained when asparagine was used as the nitrogen source at pH 7 and 48 h after cultivation. New intracellular L-asparaginases showed an apparent molecular weight of 25 kDa and 30 kDa by SDS-PAGE respectively. These enzymes were active in a wide pH range (3-9) with maximum activity at pH 6 for PG03 and pH 7 for PG04 L-asparaginase. PG03 enzyme was optimally active at 37 ˚C and PG04 maximum activity was observed at 40˚C. Kinetic parameters and of both enzymes were studied using L-asparagine as the substrate. Thermal inactivation studies of PG03 and PG04 L-asparaginase exhibited t of 69.3 min and 34.6 min in 37 ˚C respectively. Also T and ∆G of inactivation were measured for both enzymes. CONCLUSION: The results revealed that both enzymes had appropriate characteristics and thus could be a potential candidate for medical applications.
Interrelation of Glycemic Status and Neuropsychiatric Disturbances in Farmers with Organophosphorus Pesticide Toxicity.
Jamal F, Haque QS, Singh S
Open Biochem J · 2016 · PMID 27688820 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Diverse group of agro-chemicals are indiscriminately sprayed by the farmers for pest control to enhance crop yield. About 25 million agricultural workers in the developing world suffer from at least one episo...
BACKGROUND: Diverse group of agro-chemicals are indiscriminately sprayed by the farmers for pest control to enhance crop yield. About 25 million agricultural workers in the developing world suffer from at least one episode of poisoning each year, mainly by anticholinesterase- like organophosphates (OPs). OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed to establish the OP toxicity in 187 occupationally exposed pesticide sprayers of mango plantation in rural Malihabad, Lucknow, in terms of neuro-cognitive impairment, mental health status, clinical symptoms, diabetes, and hematological factors. METHOD: The exposed group was compared to 187 pesticides-unexposed normal healthy persons engaged in normal usual agricultural work (age, sex and education corresponding to age group of selected subject group) from Rural Malihabad, Lucknow (India). Neuro-cognitive impairment was measured using the Subjective Neurocognition Inventory and mental health status using the General Health questionnaire-28. The subjects were also tested for biochemical and enzymatic parameters. RESULTS: The exposed farmers showed alterations in enzymatic and clinical parameters. While the rates of anxiety / insomnia and severe depression were also significantly higher in the pesticide sprayers, disorders affecting psychomotor speed, selective attention, divided attention, verbal memory, nonverbal memory, prospective memory, spatial functioning, and initiative/energy were all lower in the sprayers. Pesticide sprayers showed a number of clinical symptoms like eczema, saliva secretion, fatigue, headache, sweating, abdominal pain, nausea, superior distal muscle weakness, inferior distal muscle weakness, hand tingling and etc. which all significantly correlated with the number of working years. CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that farmers who work with OPs are prone to neuro-psychological disorders and diabetes.
On Correlation Effect of the Van-der-Waals and Intramolecular Forces for the Nucleotide Chain - Metallic Nanoparticles - Carbon Nanotube Binding.
Khusenov MA, Dushanov EB, Kholmurodov KhT … +2 more , Zaki MM, Sweilam NH
Open Biochem J · 2016 · PMID 27099634 · Full text
BACKGROUND: The tertiary system of nucleotide chain (NC) - gold nanoparticles (NPs) - carbon nanotube (CNT) represents a great interest in the modern research and application of the bio-nano-technologies. The application...
BACKGROUND: The tertiary system of nucleotide chain (NC) - gold nanoparticles (NPs) - carbon nanotube (CNT) represents a great interest in the modern research and application of the bio-nano-technologies. The application aspects include, for example, the development of electronic mobile diagnostic facilities, nanorobotic design for a drug delivery inside living cell, and so on. The small NC chain represents an important stage in the understanding of the interaction mechanism of a full DNA or RNA molecule with NP and CNT. In this regard, one has to mention the development of the DNA-CNT devices for the purposes of diagnostic applications in the chemical or drug delivery. METHODS: For the NC-NP-CNT system, we have built up a series of the molecular dynamics (MD) models with different NC-NP configurations and performed their MD analysis. The entire system (the NC chain, gold NPs and CNT) was allowed to interact with each other by the only VdW forces. The Lennard-Jones short-ranged interaction was assumed between the NC, NP and CNT. For the CNT a many body Tersoff potential having a quantum-chemistry nature was used. So far, the so-called hybrid MD approach was realized, where the quantum-chemistry potential in combination with a classical trajectory calculation applied . RESULTS: The peculiarities of the NC-NP interaction and bond formation inside of a CNT matrix were investigated along with the structural and dynamical behavior. The correlation effects between the weak Van der Waals (VdW) forces and intramolecular vibrations were enlighten for the molecular system consisting of a small nucleotide chain (NC), gold nanoparticles (NPs) and carbon nanotube (CNT) using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation method. CONCLUSION: The NC intermolecular motions were estimated from MD data thereby building the distance distributions, the angular and dihedral (torsional) bond energy graphs versus simulation time at different temperatures from T=100 K up to 300 K. The MD simulation results have shown that depending on the relative NC-NP position a different scenario of bonding between the NC-NP, within CNT matrix, is possible. We have observed the possibilities of formation of weak, strong and intermediate bonds between the NP-NC, which are overestimated by a presence of CNT matrix as confined environment. The NC chain can form with a particular gold atom a close contact, while with another under the same positional and temperature conditions the weak resultant bonding formation might be possible. We estimated the fluctuations in the NP-NC bonding processes for a single gold atomic case (models 1-3, NC-1NP-CNT), for the two (model 4-6, NC-2NP-CNT) and three (model 7, NC-3NP-CNT) gold particle ones. Thus, a concurrent effect between the NC intramolecular vibrations and a weak VdW interaction between the NC and gold NP were studied in detail.
Are Molecular Vibration Patterns of Cell Structural Elements Used for Intracellular Signalling?
Jaross W
Open Biochem J · 2016 · PMID 27073582 · Full text
BACKGROUND: To date the manner in which information reaches the nucleus on that part within the three-dimensional structure where specific restorative processes of structural components of the cell are required is unknow...
BACKGROUND: To date the manner in which information reaches the nucleus on that part within the three-dimensional structure where specific restorative processes of structural components of the cell are required is unknown. The soluble signalling molecules generated in the course of destructive and restorative processes communicate only as needed. HYPOTHESIS: All molecules show temperature-dependent molecular vibration creating a radiation in the infrared region. Each molecule species has in its turn a specific frequency pattern under given specific conditions. Changes in their structural composition result in modified frequency patterns of the molecules in question. The main structural elements of the cell membrane, of the endoplasmic reticulum, of the Golgi apparatus, and of the different microsomes representing the great variety of polar lipids show characteristic frequency patterns with peaks in the region characterised by low water absorption. These structural elements are very dynamic, mainly caused by the creation of signal molecules and transport containers. By means of the characteristic radiation, the area where repair or substitution services are needed could be identified; this spatial information complements the signalling of the soluble signal molecules. Based on their resonance properties receptors located on the outer leaflet of the nuclear envelope should be able to read typical frequencies and pass them into the nucleus. Clearly this physical signalling must be blocked by the cell membrane to obviate the flow of information into adjacent cells. CONCLUSION: If the hypothesis can be proved experimentally, it should be possible to identify and verify characteristic infrared frequency patterns. The application of these signal frequencies onto cells would open entirely new possibilities in medicine and all biological disciplines specifically to influence cell growth and metabolism. Similar to this intracellular system, an extracellular signalling system with many new therapeutic options has to be discussed.
Available Instruments for Analyzing Molecular Dynamics Trajectories.
Likhachev IV, Balabaev NK, Galzitskaya OV
Open Biochem J · 2016 · PMID 27053964 · Full text
Molecular dynamics trajectories are the result of molecular dynamics simulations. Trajectories are sequential snapshots of simulated molecular system which represents atomic coordinates at specific time periods. Based on...
Molecular dynamics trajectories are the result of molecular dynamics simulations. Trajectories are sequential snapshots of simulated molecular system which represents atomic coordinates at specific time periods. Based on the definition, in a text format trajectory files are characterized by their simplicity and uselessness. To obtain information from such files, special programs and information processing techniques are applied: from molecular dynamics animation to finding characteristics along the trajectory (versus time). In this review, we describe different programs for processing molecular dynamics trajectories. The performance of these programs, usefulness for analyses of molecular dynamics trajectories, strong and weak aspects are discussed.
Self-Organisation, Thermotropic and Lyotropic Properties of Glycolipids Related to their Biological Implications.
Garidel P, Kaconis Y, Heinbockel L … +5 more , Wulf M, Gerber S, Munk A, Vill V, Brandenburg K
Open Biochem J · 2015 · PMID 26464591 · Full text
Glycolipids are amphiphilic molecules which bear an oligo- or polysaccharide as hydrophilic head group and hydrocarbon chains in varying numbers and lengths as hydrophobic part. They play an important role in life scienc...
Glycolipids are amphiphilic molecules which bear an oligo- or polysaccharide as hydrophilic head group and hydrocarbon chains in varying numbers and lengths as hydrophobic part. They play an important role in life science as well as in material science. Their biological and physiological functions are quite diverse, ranging from mediators of cell-cell recognition processes, constituents of membrane domains or as membrane-forming units. Glycolipids form an exceptional class of liquid-crystal mesophases due to the fact that their self-organisation obeys more complex rules as compared to classical monophilic liquid-crystals. Like other amphiphiles, the supra-molecular structures formed by glycolipids are driven by their chemical structure; however, the details of this process are still hardly understood. Based on the synthesis of specific glycolipids with a clearly defined chemical structure, e.g., type and length of the sugar head group, acyl chain linkage, substitution pattern, hydrocarbon chain lengths and saturation, combined with a profound physico-chemical characterisation of the formed mesophases, the principles of the organisation in different aggregate structures of the glycolipids can be obtained. The importance of the observed and formed phases and their properties are discussed with respect to their biological and physiological relevance. The presented data describe briefly the strategies used for the synthesis of the used glycolipids. The main focus, however, lies on the thermotropic as well as lyotropic characterisation of the self-organised structures and formed phases based on physico-chemical and biophysical methods linked to their potential biological implications and relevance.
The Optimization of Soluble PTEN Expression in Escherichia coli.
Hu Y, An Y, Fang N … +4 more , Li Y, Jin H, Nazarali A, Ji S
Open Biochem J · 2015 · PMID 26464590 · Full text
As a vital tumor suppressor, PTEN (Phosphatase and tension homolog deleted on chromosome 10) is involved in inherited syndromes, and is among the most frequently inactivated tumor suppressor gene in sporadic cancers. PTE...
As a vital tumor suppressor, PTEN (Phosphatase and tension homolog deleted on chromosome 10) is involved in inherited syndromes, and is among the most frequently inactivated tumor suppressor gene in sporadic cancers. PTEN loss-of-function widely occurs in human cancers via a variety of mechanisms, including genetic alterations and posttranslational modification. These suggest PTEN has a role of functional importance in a variety of cancers. In the present study, we constructed a prokaryotic expression vector that efficiently expresses GST-PTEN (the target protein in which PTEN is fused with glutathione S-transferase tag) in E. coli. We found that the target protein was partially soluble although major portions of the protein remained in the inclusion bodies. Furthermore, we explored the optimal induction temperature, isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) concentration and induction time in a series of experiments. Expression level analysis indicated that PTEN reached its peak level at 36(○)C for 8 h with 1.5625mM IPTG, while solubility analysis revealed the optimal induction temperature was at 20(○)C, the optimal IPTG concentration was 0.1µM and the optimal induction time was up to 8 h. Taken together, we provide an optimal induction condition for expressing soluble fusion protein of PTEN in E. coli, facilitating further analysis of PTEN's biological function in vitro.
Genetic Polymorphism of Cytochrome p450 (2C9) Enzyme in Iranian Baluch Ethnic Group.
Tabari MG, Naseri F, Ataby MA … +1 more , Marjani A
Open Biochem J · 2015 · PMID 26464589 · Full text
The aim of the present study is to assess and compare the frequencies of the cytochrome P450 CYP2C9 variations in the Baluch ethnic group (n=110) with other ethnic groups. The allele frequencies of CYP2C9*1, CYP2C9*2 and...
The aim of the present study is to assess and compare the frequencies of the cytochrome P450 CYP2C9 variations in the Baluch ethnic group (n=110) with other ethnic groups. The allele frequencies of CYP2C9*1, CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 were 80.90%, 11.82% and 7.27%, respectively. 70.90%, 11.82%, 8.18%, 4.55%, 2.73% and 1.82% of subjects were with CYP2C9*1/*1, CYP2C9*1/*2, CYP2C9*1/*3, CYP2C9*2/*2, CYP2C9*2/*3 and CYP2C9*3/*3 genotypes, respectively. Different mutants may effect on prediction of drug dose requirements in different ethnic groups. Thus, CYP2C9 variants to be determined for findings high risk groups use optimal dosage of drugs metabolized by this polymorphic enzyme.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) and Prostate Volume: Better Predictor of Prostate Cancer for Bosnian and Herzegovina Men.
Coric J, Mujic J, Kucukalic E … +1 more , Ler D
Open Biochem J · 2015 · PMID 26157519 · Full text
BACKGROUND: The serum prostate specific antigen for the early detection and screening for prostate cancer are very common used among physicians as the best screening tool for prostate cancer. The result of prostate speci...
BACKGROUND: The serum prostate specific antigen for the early detection and screening for prostate cancer are very common used among physicians as the best screening tool for prostate cancer. The result of prostate specific antigen levels discriminates whether or not a prostate biopsy should be performed. The lack of specificity is a limitation of PSA as tumor marker, increased PSA concentrations are found not only in patients with prostate cancer but also in patients with benign prostatic disease. The object of this study was to improve the specificity and sensitivity of prostatic cancer detection. We evaluated total PSA levels, free PSA levels and the prostate volume in asymptomatic patients which came for routine check without medical history of prostate cancer. METHODS: We received medical record of 90 patients between 50-60 years. Total and free PSA in serum was measured with the analyzer Architeckt i2000 SR. Prostate volume was determined by transrectal ultrasound. RESULTS: The ratio of total and free PSA levels to prostate volume was significantly (p < 0.001) between all three groups. It was observed that increased prostate volume correlates with increased level of total and free PSA in serum. CONCLUSION: Early studies have demonstrated the advantage of measuring prostate volume with PSA total and free levels in serum as a useful tool for early diagnosis of prostate cancer. Data from this study on 90 patients with total PSA in the range from 0,22-7,0 ng/ml confirmed the well known correlation. All three parameters total PSA, free PSA and prostate volume showed significant correlation and a useful tool in prediction of prostate cancer for Bosnia and Herzegovina men.
Phosphorylation on TRPV4 Serine 824 Regulates Interaction with STIM1.
Shin SH, Lee EJ, Chun J … +2 more , Hyun S, Kang SS
Open Biochem J · 2015 · PMID 25972993 · Full text
The TRPV4 cation channel, a member of the TRP vanilloid subfamily, is expressed in a broad range of tissues where it participates in the generation of a Ca2+ signal and/or depolarization of membrane potential. Here, we i...
The TRPV4 cation channel, a member of the TRP vanilloid subfamily, is expressed in a broad range of tissues where it participates in the generation of a Ca2+ signal and/or depolarization of membrane potential. Here, we identified stromal interaction molecule 1 precursor (STIM1) as an auxiliary protein of this epithelial Ca2+channel using confocal microscopy analysis and GST pull-down assay. The STIM1 protein associates specifically with the C-terminal tail of TRPV4 to form a complex. In previous reports, we demonstrated that the serine824 residue of TRPV4 is one of the target phosphorylation sites of serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1 (SGK1). In this report we further identified the role of serine 824 phosphorylation. The TRPV4 mutant S824D (not S824A) exhibited a diminished capacity to bind STIM1. Using GST pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation assays, we demonstrated that STIM1 is part of the TRPV4 protein complex. Our observations clearly suggest that the formation of a complex between TRPV4 and STIM1 and its plasma membrane localization are regulated through phosphorylation of serine824 of TRPV4, and that the STIM1-TRPV4 complex plays crucial roles in routing TRPV4 to the plasma membrane from the endoplasmic reticulum and in maintaining its function.
Biochemical and In-silico Studies on Pectin Methylesterase from G9 Variety of Musa acuminata for Delayed Ripening.
Verma C, R K S, Singh RB … +1 more , Mishra S
Open Biochem J · 2015 · PMID 25926894 · Full text
Ripening of fruit is a very important process but in some fruits early ripening leads to a great damage during long distance transportation. There are various biochemical changes taking place during the phase of ripening...
Ripening of fruit is a very important process but in some fruits early ripening leads to a great damage during long distance transportation. There are various biochemical changes taking place during the phase of ripening of fruit such as changes in respiration, aroma, flavor, ethylene production and activity of cell wall degrading enzymes. Some important cell wall degrading enzymes are Polygalacturonase (PG), Pectin methylesterase (PME), Pectin lyase, RGase. PME is known to act as a cell wall hydrolyzing enzyme, responsible for demethyl esterification of cell wall polygalacturonan. The present study includes the biochemical and molecular characterization of PME from Grand naine variety of Musa acuminata (banana). This study also deals with the in-silico study reflecting inhibition of PME activity in context to delayed ripening in banana. It mainly deals with the identification of a PME1 gene from Grand naine variety of banana. The expression of this gene is related with the process of ripening. The expression of PME1 gene was observed to be peaked on 3(rd) day in ethylene treated samples of banana but the activity in untreated samples called control was rather slow and then there was a sudden decrease in their activity in both treated as well as untreated samples. With the help of in-silico study, we observed that banana has maximum homology with carrot by using cross species analysis.The designed model has been reported to be of good quality on the basis of its verification and validation. The designed model was observed to be appropriate for docking. The information of binding sites of ligand provides new insights into the predictable functioning of relevant protein.
Evaluation of hemoglobin concentration in pregnancy and correlation with different altitude: a study from balochistan plateau of pakistan.
Umar Z, Rasool M, Asif M … +5 more , Karim S, Malik A, Mushtaq G, Kamal MA, Mansoor A
Open Biochem J · 2015 · PMID 25741391 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Anemia refers to a condition having low hemoglobin concentration. Anemia is considered a major risk factor for unfavorable pregnancy outcomes. This is the first study describing the pattern of hemoglobin conc...
BACKGROUND: Anemia refers to a condition having low hemoglobin concentration. Anemia is considered a major risk factor for unfavorable pregnancy outcomes. This is the first study describing the pattern of hemoglobin concentration during pregnancy and its relationship to areas of high and low altitudes in Balochistan (the largest of Pakistan's four provinces). The main objective of this study was to observe hemoglobin levels and prevalence of anemia among pregnant women living in the high or low altitude areas of Balochistan. METHODS: A randomized survey was conducted and blood samples were collected from 132 healthy full term pregnant women subjects and 110 unmarried females. The subjects of the current study were selected from two different areas of Balochistan (Quetta and Uthal). Hemoglobin levels of the subjects were analyzed on Microlab 300 by Merck kit. Dietary status of the subjects was assessed based on simplified associated food frequency questionnaire. The factors effecting hemoglobin in full term pregnancy at different altitudes were multi gravidity/parity (increased number of pregnancies/children), age, socio-economic and educational status. RESULTS: Anemia was highly prevalent in low-altitude region (68.33%). We found statistically significant difference in mean hemoglobin level at high-altitude region (11.81 ± 1.02) and low-altitude region (10.20 ± 1.28) in pregnant females of Balochistan plateau (P < 0.001). Higher maternal age (> 35 years) has shown significantly higher anemic frequency at both high (57.89%; p < 0.002) and low (41.46%; p = 0.067) altitudes. A balanced-diet that is rich in meat products has also shown significant correlation with reduced incidences of anemia among pregnant women at both altitudes. CONCLUSION: Hemoglobin concentration increases in the body with elevated altitudes and, thus, anemia was less frequent at high-altitude region. Factors affecting hemoglobin concentration in full term pregnancy at different altitudes included old maternal age, low body-mass index, education and diet.
Effect of Unripe Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) on Blood Glucose, Body Weight and Feed Intake of Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats.
M I, C O E, P N O … +1 more , N N
Open Biochem J · 2014 · PMID 25674161 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) on blood glucose (BG), feed intake (FI) and weight of streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Twenty...
OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) on blood glucose (BG), feed intake (FI) and weight of streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Twenty four male albino rats were used and were divided into 4 groups of 6 rats each. Group 1 (non-diabetic) and Group 2 (diabetic) received standard rat feed; Group 3 received unripe plantain incorporated feed (810 /kg body weight) and Group 4 received unripe plantain+ginger incorporated feed (710:100 g/kg body weight). The weights and FI of the rats were measured daily throughout the experimentation. RESULTS: Groups 3 and 4 rats had 159.52% and 71.83% decreases in BG but 24.91% and 35.32% decreases in weights compared with groups 1 and 2 rats that had 2.09% and 22.94% increases in BG with 13.42% increase and 45.36% decrease in weights respectively. The FI of the experimental rats did not differ significantly from each other (P>0.05) at the end of experimentation. The standard rat feed contained higher amounts of Ca but lower amounts of Mg and Fe compared with the unripe plantain and unripe plantain+ginger incorporated feeds. CONCLUSION: Combination of unripe plantain and ginger at the dose used in the management of diabetes was not very effective compared with unripe plantain alone.
GLP-1(28-36)amide, a Long Ignored Peptide Revisited.
Zhou B, Ji K, Peng A … +2 more , Yang X, Huang K
Open Biochem J · 2014 · PMID 25598850 · Full text
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which has been extensively applied for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is an incretin hormone that regulates glucose homeostasis. GLP-1(28-36)amide, a C-terminal nonapeptide (FI...
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which has been extensively applied for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is an incretin hormone that regulates glucose homeostasis. GLP-1(28-36)amide, a C-terminal nonapeptide (FIAWLVKGRamide) of GLP-1, is a major product derived from the cleavage of GLP-1 by the neutral endopeptidase (NEP). GLP-1(28-36)amide has long been regarded as a metabolically inactive byproduct, however, recent findings reveal that GLP-1(28-36)amide plays multiple novel roles in ameliorating hepatic metabolism, protecting β cells, improving glucose disposal and inhibiting weight gain. Here, we summarize the latest progress on the effects of GLP-1(28-36)amide with a focus on its roles in regulating the Wnt and mitochondrial-mediated signaling pathways.
Anticipatory role of high density lipoprotein and endothelial dysfunction: an overview.
Eren E, Yılmaz N, Aydin O … +1 more , Ellidağ HY
Open Biochem J · 2014 · PMID 25598849 · Full text
High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) has been witnessed to possess a range of different functions that contribute to its atheroprotective effects. These functions are: the promotion of macrophage cholesterol efflux, reverse ch...
High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) has been witnessed to possess a range of different functions that contribute to its atheroprotective effects. These functions are: the promotion of macrophage cholesterol efflux, reverse cholesterol transport, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, anti-apoptotic, pro-fibrinolytic and anti-oxidative functions. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is an HDL associated enzyme esterase/homocysteinethiolactonase that contributes to the anti-oxidant and anti-atherosclerotic capabilities of HDL. PON1 is directly involved in the etiopathogenesis of atherosclerosis through the modulation of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. The aim of this review is to summarize the role of HDL on endothelial homeostasis, and also to describe the recently characterized molecular pathways involved.
Metabolic syndrome in preeclampsia women in gorgan.
Rafeeinia A, Tabandeh A, Khajeniazi S … +1 more , Marjani A
Open Biochem J · 2014 · PMID 25553139 · Full text
The aim of study was to assess the metabolic syndrome in preeclampsia women. The study was performed on 50 women. The metabolic syndrome prevalence was 66%. Serum glucose, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol levels signific...
The aim of study was to assess the metabolic syndrome in preeclampsia women. The study was performed on 50 women. The metabolic syndrome prevalence was 66%. Serum glucose, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol levels significantly were increased and HDL- cholesterol level significantly was decreased in metabolic syndrome patients. These patients showed high prevalence of components of the syndrome. Our results show the importance of dyslipidemia in preeclampsia in overweight and obese women. Preeclampsia and cardiovascular disease are important problems for the health of women. It may be useful to give a treat to people with a high-normal blood pressure in early pregnancy.
The Effects of β-Glucan on Pig Growth and Immunity.
Vetvicka V, Vannucci L, Sima P
Open Biochem J · 2014 · PMID 25400711 · Full text
With increasing amounts of data showing significant immunostimulating effects of glucan, it is not surprising that attention is also focused on commercially farmed animals. Despite marked progress, development of more ef...
With increasing amounts of data showing significant immunostimulating effects of glucan, it is not surprising that attention is also focused on commercially farmed animals. Despite marked progress, development of more efficient uses of glucan in pig farming still needs substantial additional research.
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