The subdomain structure of human serum albumin in solution under different pH conditions studied by small angle X-ray scattering

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) was used to study structural characteristics of human serum albumin (HSA) in solution under different pH conditions. Guinier analysis of SAXS results yielded values of the molecular radius of gyration ranging from 26.7 Å to 34.5 Å for pH varying from 2.5 to 7.0. This suggests the existence of significant differences in the overall shape of the molecule at different pH. Molecular models based on subdomains with different spatial configurations were proposed. The distance distribution functions associated with these models were calculated and compared with those determined from the experimental SAXS intensity functions. The conclusion of this SAXS study is that the arrangement of molecular subdomains is clearly pH dependent; the molecule adopting more or less compact configuration for different pH conditions. The conclusions of this systematic study on the modification in molecular shape of HSA as a response to pH changes is consistent with those of previous investigations performed for particular pH conditions.

Protein phosphatase activities in the serum and saliva of healthy children

The purpose of this study was to investigate the activities of the total acid phosphatase (TAP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), low molecular weight protein tyrosine phosphatase (LMW-PTP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzymes, as well as the possible correlation in the serum and in unstimulated whole saliva of children. Enzymatic activities were measured in pairs of concurrently obtained serum and salivary samples from 32 children in good oral and systemic health (16 of each sex) with a median age of 6.4 ± 3.3 years (range 1.08 – 12.92 years). All collections were made between the hours of 08:00 – 10:00 a.m. We used p-nitrophenyl phosphate as the substrate in the enzymatic assay for TAP, TRAP and LMW-PTP, and thymolphthalein monophosphate as the substrate for ALP. The enzymatic activities of all the studied enzymes were higher in serum than in saliva. The mean of enzymatic activities of serum TAP, TRAP, LMW-PTP and ALP were 36.51 ± 8.21, 23.99 ± 5.73, 11.16 ± 5.65 and 76.50 ± 17.32 U/L, respectively, while the mean salivary TAP, TRAP, LMW-PTP and ALP enzymatic activities were 9.60 ± 5.04, 1.36 ± 0.87, 5.65 ± 3.07 and 4.08 ± 1.83 U/L in this order. The TRAP revealed a positive linear correlation between its activity in the serum and saliva (Spearman r = 0,4685, p < 0,05). We concluded that the salivary TRAP has a potential to be use as biomarkers of pathologies and states that modify its activity in the serum.

Daily intake of pasteurized orange juice decreases serum cholesterol, fasting glucose and diastolic blood pressure in adults

Previous studies have shown that fresh squeezed orange juice or juice from reconstituted concentrate can help prevent the development of atherosclerosis. Pasteurized orange juice presently represents the major orange juice available in the market, and because of this, it becomes necessary to determine the healthy benefits associated with this product. In this study we investigated the effect of regular consumption of pasteurized orange juice on the nutritional status, biochemical profile, and arterial blood pressure in healthy men and women. Men and women volunteered to consume pasteurized orange juice (500 mL·d–1 and 750 mL·d–1, respectively), for 8 weeks. Anthropometric, biochemical, hemodynamic, and dietary assessments were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the experimental period. Total cholesterol and LDL-C significantly decreased in both men and women after the consumption of orange juice, and an increase in HDL-C level was detected exclusively in women. Fasting glucose, diastolic blood pressure, and triglyceride levels dropped in men after the consumption of orange juice. Anthropometric variables did not change with orange juice consumption, only waist circumference decreased significantly in women. Consumption of orange juice increased the energy and carbohydrate intake for women; however, vitamin C and folate increased after the orange juice period for both men and women. Regular consumption of pasteurized orange juice by men (750 mL·d–1) and women (500 mL·d–1) reduced the risk of developing atherosclerosis, and increased the nutritional quality of their diets.

Serum myeloperoxidase level is Increased in heavy smokers

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Effect of oral infections on serum creatinine levels in diabetic rats

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between pulpal and/or periodontal disease and serum creatinine levels in a rat model of diabetes mellitus. Methods: Eighty male rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus, Wistar) were divided into the following 8 groups compris-ing 10 animals each: normal (G1), with pulpal disease (G2), with periodontal disease (G3), with both pulpal and periodontal disease (G4), diabetic (G5), diabetic with pulpal disease (G6), diabetic with periodontal disease (G7), and diabetic with both pulpal and periodontal disease (G8). Diabetes was induced by injecting streptozotocin, pul-pal disease were induced by exposing pulpal tissue to the oral environment, and periodontal disease was induced by periodontal ligature. After 30 days, blood was collected by cardiac puncture and the animals were killed. The maxillae were processed for histopathology. Serum creatinine levels were measured by the enzymatic method. The total assessed values were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). Results: Serum creatinine levels were significantly higher in diabetic rats than that in all normoglycemic rats (p < 0.05). The presence of pulpal and periodontal disease increased the serum creatinine levels in normoglycemic and diabetic rats, but there was no statistical difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: We found that the serum creatinine level was higher in diabetic rats and may be related to the pres-ence of oral infections. Clinical significance: Changes in serum creatinine level may be related to the presence of oral infections and diabetes.

Detection of serum antibodies to parainfluenza type 3 virus, respiratory syncytial virus, bovine viral diarrhea virus, and herpes virus type 1 in sheep in the region of Botucatu, São Paulo - Brazil

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Serum protein profile of hookworm infection in dogs

Hookworms are parasitic nematodes that cause anemia and intestinal infections in dogs, especially with large worm burdens. However, the serum protein profile of this parasitological disease is still poorly understood. The present study was design to evaluate 80 asymptomatic dogs (age; 8 months–2 years) to detect the presence of the hookworm thin-shelled, morulated eggs in faeces using faecal flotation and to evaluate the serum protein fractions determined by means of sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Forty dogs had an elevated quantity of eggs in faeces (+++) (PD) and 40 dogs were healthy (HD). Infected dogs showed significant increases for IgG estimated concentrations (PD 1.79±0.8 g/dL and HD 1.44±0.72 g/dL, p= 0.04), for ceruloplasmin estimated concentrations (PD 19±15 mg/dL and HD 5±3.5 mg/dL, p=0.0001), for alpha 1-acid glycoprotein estimated concentrations (PD 31.4±17.9 mg/dL and HD 13.5±12.1 mg/dL, p=0.0001) and for a non-identified protein of 23 kDa estimated concentrations (PD 641.5±194.9 mg/dL and HD 519.8± 197.9 mg/dL, p=0.007). Dogs with hookworm infection showed significant differences in the serum protein profile when compared to healthy animals.

Effects of primovaccination and booster vaccination on serum cortisol and humoral immune response in cattle

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of one or two doses of the anti-rabies vaccination on the serum concentration of cortisol and the humoral immune response in cattle as well as the correlation between serum cortisol concentrations and the titers of rabies-neutralizing antibodies. Nelore cattle were randomly assigned to one of three groups, which were vaccinated with one dose of rabies vaccine (group GVSR, N = 15), two doses of rabies vaccine (group GVR, N = 15) or were not vaccinated (group Gc, N = 15). A commercial liquid inactivated rabies vaccine was used. The stressors imposed on the cattle were vaccination, corral handling and the presence of people. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 30 and 60 post-vaccination. Serum cortisol concentrations were determined using a solid-phase radioimmunoassay, and rabies antibody titers were determined using a serum neutralization test with BHK21 cells (RFFIT). Both serum cortisol concentrations and antibody titers increased after the second (booster) vaccination (P < 0.05). In all the groups, the serum cortisol concentrations increased after the cattle were handled in the corral (P < 0.05). No correlation was observed between the serum cortisol concentrations and the antibody titers with any treatment or on any observation day. In conclusion, booster vaccination is indispensable for primovaccinated cattle in achieving high and protective levels of rabies antibodies. Although booster vaccination and frequent cattle handling in corrals are stressors, the response is not strong enough to cause immunosuppression in cattle.

Effects of selenium supplementation on serum cortisol in repeatedly handled cattle

This study evaluated the relationship between Se supplementation and serum cortisol in repeatedly handled cattle. Sixty Nellore calves were randomly distributed into four experimental groups, which were fed a mineral-protein mixture added with Se to achieve individual daily supplementation of 0 (Gc), 3.6 (G3.6), 5.4 (G5.4) and 6.4 (G6.4) mg Se. Stressful handling procedures and blood sampling were performed on days 0, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120. Serum cortisol increased until day 90 and decreased on day 120, irrespective of Se supplementation. This finding shows that cattle reached a stress state but adapted. Cortisol and Se levels were not markedly correlated. Serum Se increased over the course of the experiment in the supplemented groups. However, because serum Se decreased in Gc, it may have mobilized to form the selenoproteins needed to remove metabolic wastes from handling-related oxidative stress.