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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic disorder that includes non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis without or with moderate inflammation and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), characterized by necroinflammation and a more rapid progression of fibrosis. It is the primary pathological basis for hepatocellular carcinoma. With its prevalence escalating annually, NAFLD has emerged as a global health epidemic, presenting a significant hazard to public health worldwide. Existing studies have shown that physical activity and exercise training have a positive effect on NAFLD. However, the extent to which exercise improves NAFLD depends on the type, intensity, and duration. Therefore, the type of exercise that has the best effect on improving NAFLD remains to be explored. To date, the most valuable discussions involve aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Exercise intervenes in the pathological process of NAFLD by regulating physiological changes in cells through multiple signaling pathways. The review aims to summarize the signaling pathways affected by two different exercise types associated with the onset and progression of NAFLD. It provides a new basis for improving and managing NAFLD in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endogenous molecules, such as heat shock proteins (HSP), can function as danger signals when released into the extracellular environment in response to cell stress, where they elicit an immune response such as cytokine secretion. There has also been some suggestion that contamination of exogenous HSPs with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) may be responsible for these effects. This study investigates the effects of exogenous HSPA1A and HSPB1 on the activation of immune cells and the resulting secretion of cytokines, which are involved in inflammatory responses. To address whether exogenous HSPs can directly activate cytokine secretion, naïve U937 cells, differentiated U937 cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were treated with either exogenously applied HSPA1A or HSPB1 and then secreted IL‐1β, TNF‐α and IL‐10 were measured by ELISA. Both HSPs were able to induce a dose‐dependent increase in IL‐10 secretion from naïve U937 cells and dose‐dependent IL‐1β, TNF‐α and IL‐10 secretion were also observed in differentiated U937 cells and PBMCs. We also observed that CD14 affects the secretion levels of IL‐1β, TNF‐α and IL‐10 from cells in response to exogenous HSP treatment. In addition, HSPA1A and HSPB1 were shown to interact with CD14, CD36 and CD11b extracellular receptor proteins. Several approaches used in this study indicate that HSP‐induced cytokine secretion is largely independent of any contaminating LPS in the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Precise and early diagnosis of neonatal asphyxia may improve outcomes. Recent studies aim to identify diagnostic biomarkers in neonates at risk for brain damage. The current study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic value of new biomarkers for neonatal asphyxia. Materials & Methods This prospective study was conducted with an available sampling of infants upper 35 weeks of gestational age, including neonates with asphyxia (case group) and healthy controls, 2014-2022, in Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran. Data collection was performed utilizing a researcher-made questionnaire, including maternal and neonatal characteristics, as well as clinical and laboratory evaluation. Serum umbilical cord levels of interleukin-6 (IL6), interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β), pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), and heat shock protein-70 (HSP70), as well as nucleated red blood cells count (NRBC), were determined. Data were analyzed by t-test, Chi-square, receiver operating characteristic (ROC), and regression models. Results The differences in variables IL6, IL1β, PAB, NRBC/100WBC, and HSP70 were statistically significant between the two groups (in all cases, P<0.0001). In the diagnosis of asphyxia, the most sensitive marker (89%) was IL1β more than 2.39 pg/ml and HSP 70 upper than 0.23 ng/ml, while IL6 was higher than 9pg/ml, determined as the most specific marker (85%). Furthermore, a combination of HSP + PAB and IL6 + lL1b + PAB + NRBC/100WBC possesses the prediction power of 93.2% and 87.3%, respectively, for diagnosing asphyxia. Conclusion According to data analysis, the combination of new biochemical markers (NRBC count, IL6, IL1β, PAB, and HSP 70) could be a reliable marker for diagnosing infants with asphyxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a controllable, simple method with few side effects, near-infrared (NIR) light-based photothermal therapy (PTT) has been proven an effective cancer therapeutic approach. However, PTT-induced inflammation is a potential negative factor. And the overexpressed heat shock proteins (HSPs) by cancer cells can protect them from hyperthermia during PTT. In this work, small-size Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene nanosheets with high photothermal conversion efficiency in the region of NIR, high cargo loading capability and good free radical scavenging capability were chosen for cancer PTT and anti-inflammation. And (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) was applied to form EGCG/Fe metal-polyphenol nanodots on the nanosheets. EGCG being released in acid cancer cells could reduce the expression of HSPs and could be used for anti-inflammation. As a result, the complex nanosheets named MXene@EGCG could achieve enhanced cancer PTT and be anti-inflammatory. Both in vitro and in vivo studies proved the good photothermal ability of MXene@EGCG and demonstrated that it could inhibit the expression of HSPs in tumor cells and relieve PTT-induced inflammation. Therefore, the nanosheets show good results in tumor ablation with a low level of inflammation, which provides another possibility for cancer therapy. Photothermal therapy (PTT)-induced inflammation plays an essential role in some important stages of tumor development and is unfavorable for cancer treatment. And hyperthermia leads to the overexpression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in cancer cells, which limits the therapeutic effect of PTT. Therefore, we coated small-size Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene nanosheets with (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)/Fe metal-polyphenol nanodots and named them as MXene@EGCG. This system shows a good photothermal conversion efficiency at 808 nm. And it can release EGCG in cancer cells to inhibit the expression of HSPs, thus achieving an enhanced cancer PTT. Both MXene and EGCG can also diminish the PTT-trigged inflammation. Both in vitro and in vivo studies prove the good anti-cancer PTT effect and anti-inflammation capability of MXene@EGCG. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Precise and early diagnosis of neonatal asphyxia may improve outcomes. Recent studies aim to identify diagnostic biomarkers in neonates at risk for brain damage. The current study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic value of new biomarkers for neonatal asphyxia. Materials & Methods This prospective study was conducted with an available sampling of infants upper 35 weeks of gestational age, including neonates with asphyxia (case group) and healthy controls, 2014-2022, in Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran. Data collection was performed utilizing a researcher-made questionnaire, including maternal and neonatal characteristics, as well as clinical and laboratory evaluation. Serum umbilical cord levels of interleukin-6 (IL6), interleukin-1-beta (IL- 1β), pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), and heat shock protein-70 (HSP70), as well as nucleated red blood cells count (NRBC), were determined. Data were analyzed by t-test, Chi-square, receiver operating characteristic (ROC), and regression models. Results The differences in variables IL6, IL1β, PAB, NRBC/100WBC, and HSP70 were statistically significant between the two groups (in all cases, P<0.0001). In the diagnosis of asphyxia, the most sensitive marker (89%) was IL1β more than 2.39 pg/ml and HSP 70 upper than 0.23 ng/ml, while IL6 was higher than 9pg/ml, determined as the most specific marker (85%). Furthermore, a combination of HSP + PAB and IL6 + lL1b + PAB + NRBC/100WBC possesses the prediction power of 93.2% and 87.3%, respectively, for diagnosing asphyxia. Conclusion According to data analysis, the combination of new biochemical markers (NRBC count, IL6, IL1β, PAB, and HSP 70) could be a reliable marker for diagnosing infants with asphyxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plutella xylostella is one of the most destructive pests for cruciferous vegetables, and is adaptability to different environmental stressors. However, we still know little about the molecular mechanisms of how P. xylostella adapt to thermal stress. Here, the comparative transcriptome analysis was conducted from the samples of control (27 °C, CK) and heat treatment (40 °C, 40 T) P. xylostella. The results showed 1253 genes were differentially expressed, with 624 and 629 genes up- and down-regulated respectively. The annotation analysis demonstrated that "Energy production and conversion", "Protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum", "Peroxisome" and "Tyrosine metabolism" pathways were significantly enriched. Additionally, we found the expression levels of heat shock protein genes (Hsps), cuticle related genes and mitochondrial genes were significantly up-regulated in 40 T insects, suggesting their vital roles in improving adaption to heat stress. Importantly, the SOD activity and MDA content of P. xylostella were both identified to be increased under high temperature stress, indicating the elevated antioxidant reactions might be involved in response to heat stress. In conclusion, the present study offered us an overview of gene expression changes after 40 °C treatments, and found some critical pathways and genes of P. xylostella might play the critical roles in resisting heat stress. [Display omitted] • The comparative transcriptome analysis were conducted from control (27 °C) and 40 °C treatments in Plutella xylostella. • A large number of DEGs were identified after heat exposure in P. xylostella. • Some specific enriched pathways and genes were involved in heat adaption of P. xylostella. • The elevated antioxidant reactions might be involved in response to heat stress of P. xylostella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Agronomica Sinica is the property of Crop Science Society of China and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology / Yingyong Shengtai Xuebao is the property of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

High temperatures and drought present significant abiotic challenges that can limit the survival of many arthropods, including wolf spiders, which are ectothermic and play a crucial role in controlling pest populations. However, the impact of these stress factors on the microbiota of spiders remains poorly understood. In this study, we utilized 16 S rRNA gene sequencing to explore the diversity and composition of bacterial communities within Pardosa pseudoannulata under conditions of high temperature and drought stress. We found that Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria were the predominant bacterial phyla present. Analyses of alpha diversity indicated an increase in bacterial diversity under combined stress conditions, as reflected by various diversity indices such as Ace, Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson. Furthermore, co-occurrence network analysis highlighted intricate interactions among the microbial taxa (e.g., Enterobacter , Chitinophaga , and Eubacterium), revealing the adaptive complexity of the spider's microbiome to environmental stress. Functional prediction analysis suggested that combined stress conditions might enhance key metabolic pathways, particularly those related to oxidative phosphorylation and amino acid metabolism. Using Random Forest analysis, we determined that changes in three heat shock proteins were largely attributed to variations in bacterial communities, with Firmicutes being notably influential. Collectively, this in-depth analysis offers novel insights into the responses of microbial communities within spider microbiomes to combined abiotic stresses, providing valuable information for understanding extreme climate impacts and informing ecological management strategies. • Identified key bacterial communities in spiders facing heat and drought stress. • High temperatures and drought increased bacterial diversity in spiders. • Network analysis revealed complex interactions among microbial taxa. • Heat and drought stress induced activation of heat-responsive proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim was to investigate whether hyperthermia before exercise protects against exercise-induced skeletal muscle damage. Two hyperthermia protocols were evaluated. In the first, male ICR mice were exposed to 30 min of whole-body heat in an environmental chamber at an ambient temperature of 42 °C. Heat-exposed and non-heat-exposed mice subsequently completed 60 min of downhill running on a treadmill, 24 h after exposure. Heat exposure significantly increased HSP70 and HSP25 content in the soleus muscle compared to controls. Plasma creatine kinase, muscle β-glucuronidase, and histochemical (hematoxylin and eosin stain) analysis demonstrated that muscle damage was lower in the heatexposed mice than in the non-heat-exposed mice. In the second, the effect of regional heating of the legs, by microwave diathermy, on the prevention of exercise-induced muscle damage was evaluated in male Wistar rats. Microwave-treated and nonmicrowave- treated rats again completed the running protocol 24 h after exposure. Microwave diathermy increased the muscle temperature to 40 °C, significantly increased HSP70 and HSP25 content in the soleus muscle, and significantly attenuated exercise-induced muscle damage. Therefore, hyperthermia before exercise increases skeletal muscle HSPs and attenuates the risk of exercise-induced muscle injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic wound is a serious medical issue due to its high prevalence and complications; hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is also considered in comprehensive treatment. Clinical trials, including large meta-analyses bring inconsistent results about HBOT efficacy. This review is summarizing the possible effect of HBOT on the healing of chronic wound models at the cellular level. HBOT undoubtedly escalates the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen radicals (ROS and RNS), which underlie both the therapeutic and toxic effects of HBOT on certain tissues. HBOT paradoxically elevates the concentration of Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) 1 by diverting the HIF-1 degradation to pathways that are independent of the oxygen concentration. Elevated HIF-1 stimulates the production of different growth factors, boosting the healing process. HBOT supports synthesis of Heat shock proteins (HSP), which are serving as chaperones of HIF-1. HBOT has antimicrobial effect, increases the effectiveness of some antibiotics, stimulates fibroblasts growth, collagen synthesis and suppresses the activity of proteolytic enzymes like matrix metalloproteinases. All effects of HBOT were investigated on cell cultures and animal models, the limitation of their translation is discussed at the end of this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eye is regarded as an immune privileged site. Since the presence of a vasculature would impair vision, the vasculature of the eye is located outside of the central light path. As a result, many regions of the eye evolved mechanisms to deliver immune cells to sites of dysgenesis, injury, or in response to the many age-related pathologies. While the purpose of these immune responses is reparative or protective, cytokines released by immune cells compromise visual acuity by inducing inflammation and fibrosis. The response to traumatic or pathological injury is distinct in different regions of the eye. Age-related diseases impact both the anterior and posterior segment and lead to reduced quality of life and blindness. Here we focus attention on the role that inflammation and fibrosis play in the progression of age-related pathologies of the cornea and the lens as well as in glaucoma, the formation of epiretinal membranes, and in proliferative vitreoretinopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early detection and staging of atrial fibrillation (AF) is of importance for clinical management. Serum (bio)markers, such as heat shock proteins (HSP), may enable AF staging and identify patients at risk for AF recurrence and postoperative AF (PoAF).Objective: This study evaluates the relation between serum and atrial tissue HSP levels, stages of AF, AF recurrence after treatment, and PoAF from patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery.Methods: Patients without (control) and with paroxysmal, persistent (PerAF), or longstanding persistent (LSPerAF) AF were included. HSPB1, HSPA1, HSPB7, and HSPD1 levels were measured in serum obtained prior to and post intervention. HSPB1, HSPA1, HSPA5, HSPD1, HSPB5, and pHSF1 levels were measured in left and/or right atrial appendages (respectively, LAA and RAA).Results: In RAA, HSPA5 levels were significantly lower in LSPerAF and HSPD1 levels significantly higher in PerAF patients compared to controls. In RAA of controls who developed PoAF, HSPA1 and HSPA5 levels were significantly higher compared to those without PoAF. Also, HSPB1 RAA levels were lower and HSPA5 LAA levels higher in patients undergoing arrhythmia surgery who developed AF recurrence within 1 week after surgery compared to patients who did not.Conclusion: HSPA5 RAA and HSPD1 RAA and LAA levels are altered in persistent stages of AF. RAA HSPA1 and HSPA5 levels associate with development of PoAF. Additionally, HSPB1 RAA and HSPA5 LAA levels can predict AF recurrence in patients who underwent arrhythmia surgery. Nevertheless, HSP levels in serum cannot discriminate AF stages from controls, nor predict PoAF or AF recurrence after treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although some serum biomarkers are elevated in both Kawasaki disease (KD) and infections, these conditions have not been compared by individual or combined biomarkers. The aim of this study, undertaken between January 2016 and May 2018 in a large teaching hospital, was to compare the serum concentration of cytokines, metalloproteinases (MMP) and heat shock protein (HSP) between cases defined as children with Kawasaki disease (KD) and those with febrile infections (controls). Serum concentrations of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukins (IL 1beta, 6, and 8), heat shock proteins (HSP 60 and 70) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP 9) were measured on admission in 17 children under six years of age with a temperature >38.5 °C for ≥five days, and compared between the two groups. The median age was 25 months and the median duration of fever eight days. Seven children were diagnosed with KD and ten had a febrile infection. Only the serum concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-alpha were significantly higher in the former than in the latter group (P = 0.01 and 0.04 respectively). To differentiate between the two groups with the best sensitivity and specificity, the optimal cut-off value for IL-6 was 12.6 pg/mL, and for TNF-alpha 47.9 pg/mL. Their combined increase, however, outperformed their individual concentrations. The characteristic diagnostic "signature" of the combined elevation of IL-6 and TNF-alpha serum levels has the potential, in febrile children, to differentiate early KD from febrile infections, allowing the institution of appropriate therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease involving complex tripartite cross-interactions among bacterial, host and environment factors. Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are a protein family produced in response to stress conditions. Hsps protect cells under adverse circumstances such as infection, inflammation and disease. One of the causes of periodontal disease is thought to be an imbalance in the expression of Hsps and anti-Hsp antibodies. Hsps are classified according to their molecular weight, and one of the major ones is Hsp70. In the present study, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of anti-Hsp70 antibody in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from two gingival sulci in each of nine patients with chronic periodontitis (CP): one healthy control (HC) site with a probing pocket depth (PPD) of ≤3 mm and one CP site with a PPD of >5 mm. Anti-Hsp70 antibody levels in GCF were higher at HC sites than at CP sites. Moreover, the anti-Hsp70 antibody levels were found to increase after initial periodontal therapy at both HC and CP sites. These results suggest an association of anti-Hsp70 antibody with periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) is characterized by the transcriptional induction of mitochondrial chaperone and protease genes in response to impaired mitochondrial proteostasis and is regulated by ATF5 and CHOP in mammalian cells. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying the UPRmt are currently unclear. Here, we show that HSF1 is required for activation of mitochondrial chaperone genes, including HSP60, HSP10, and mtHSP70, in mouse embryonic fibroblasts during inhibition of matrix chaperone TRAP1, protease Lon, or electron transfer complex 1 activity. HSF1 bound constitutively to mitochondrial chaperone gene promoters, and we observed that its occupancy was remarkably enhanced at different levels during the UPRmt. Furthermore, HSF1 supported the maintenance of mitochondrial function under the same conditions. These results demonstrate that HSF1 is required for induction of mitochondrial chaperones during the UPRmt, and thus, it may be one of the guardians of mitochondrial function under conditions of impaired mitochondrial proteostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different doses of allergen lead to different T lymphocyte responses which partly explain the phenomenon of low or high dose tolerance. Dendritic cells (DC) are responsible for driving the T lymphocyte responses to a variety of exogenous stimuli, but the mechanisms are not completely understood. Elucidate the mechanisms of how DCs drive the differentiation of T lymphocytes in response to different doses of allergen. Groups of male BALB/c mice (n=4-5) were sensitized intraperitoneally with sham or different doses (low: 10 mg, high: 1000 mg) of Der P1 (house dust mite allergen). They were exposed daily to aerosolized Der p1 allergen for 7 consecutive days. Different concentrations of Der p1 solution were nebulized: sham, low dose (15 mg/mL), or high dose (1500 mg/mL). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was obtained from the lungs. Levels of IL-12 in BALF were measured. Lung tissue sections were then stained to detect the expression of Hsp70 by lung DCs. Lung DCs exposed to a higher sensitizing doses of Der p1 allergen tend to express significantly higher levels of Hsp70 and secrete higher levels of IL-12 in BALF. There was a significant positive correlation between the levels of Hsp70 expression by lung DCs with IL-12 levels in BALF (r=0.581). Higher exposure doses of allergen puts lung DCs under stressed condition thereby induced high expression of 'stress proteins' which may explain the mechanism of DCs drive the T lymphocyte response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although vitamin D deficiency is associated with several inflammatory conditions, there have been few studies on the effects of vitamin D supplementation on markers of oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of high-dose vitamin D supplementation on heat shock protein 27 antibody (anti-Hsp27) titers in adolescent girls. Methods: Five hundred and fifty adolescent girls received vitamin D3 at a dose of 50,000 IU/week for 9 weeks. Demographic, clinical and biochemical markers including serum fasting blood glucose (FBG), lipid profile and anti-Hsp27 titers as well as hematological parameters including white blood cell (WBC) count and red blood cell (RBC) distribution width (RDW) were determined in all the subjects at baseline and at the end of the study. Results: Serum vitamin D significantly increased from 6.4 (4.2–9.6) ng/mL to 35.6 (25.8–47.5) ng/mL (p < 0.001) following the intervention. Furthermore, serum anti-Hsp27 titers were significantly lower after the 9-week vitamin D administration period (0.22 [0.12–0.33] optical density [OD] vs. 0.19 [0.11–0.31] OD; p = 0.002). A significant correlation was found between serum anti-Hsp27 and RDW (r = 0.13, p = 0.037). The reduction in RDW values after intervention was particularly evident in subjects with the greatest increase in serum vitamin D levels. Conclusions: High-dose vitamin D supplementation was found to reduce antibody titers to Hsp27. Further randomized placebo-controlled trials are warranted to determine the long-term effect of vitamin D administration on the inflammatory process especially that associated with chronic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic low-grade inflammation is increasingly recognised in the aetiology of a range of chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, and may therefore serve as a promising target in their prevention or treatment. An acute inflammatory response can be induced by exercise; this is characterised by the acute increase in pro-inflammatory markers that subsequently stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory proteins. This may help explain the reduction in basal concentrations of pro-inflammatory markers following chronic exercise training. For sedentary populations, such as people with a disability, wheelchair users, or the elderly, the prevalence of chronic low-grade inflammation-related disease is further increased above that of individuals with a greater capacity to be physically active. Performing regular exercise with its proposed anti-inflammatory potential may not be feasible for these individuals due to a low physical capacity or other barriers to exercise. Therefore, alternatives to exercise that induce a transient acute inflammatory response may benefit their health. Manipulating body temperature may be such an alternative. Indeed, exercising in the heat results in a larger acute increase in inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6 and heat shock protein 72 when compared with exercising in thermoneutral conditions. Moreover, similar to exercise, passive elevation of body temperature can induce acute increases and chronic reductions in inflammatory markers and positively affect markers of glycaemic control. Here we discuss the potential benefits and mechanisms of active (i.e., exercise) and passive heating methods (e.g., hot water immersion, sauna therapy) to reduce chronic low-grade inflammation and improve metabolic health, with a focus on people who are restricted from being physically active. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are important chaperones that regulate the maintenance of healthy protein quality control in the cell. Impairment of HSPs is associated with aging-related neurodegenerative and cardiac diseases. Geranylgeranylacetone (GGA) is a compound well known to increase HSPs through activation of heat shock factor-1 (HSF1). GGA increases HSPs in various tissues, but whether GGA can increase HSP expression in human heart tissue is unknown.Objective: The purpose of this study was to test whether oral GGA treatment increases HSP expression in the atrial appendages of patients undergoing cardiac surgery.Methods: HSPB1, HSPA1, HSPD1, HSPA5, HSF1, and phosphorylated HSF1 levels were measured by western blot analysis in right and left atrial appendages (RAAs and LAAs, respectively) collected from patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) who were treated with placebo (n = 13) or GGA 400 mg/da(n = 13) 3 days before surgery. Myofilament fractions were isolated from LAAs to determine the levels of HSPB1 and HSPA1 present in these fractions.Results: GGA treatment significantly increased HSPB1 and HSPA1 expression levels in RAA and LAA compared to the placebo group, whereas HSF1, phosphorylated HSF1, HSPD1, and HSPA5 were unchanged. In addition, GGA treatment significantly enhanced HSPB1 levels at the myofilaments compared to placebo.Conclusion: Three days of GGA treatment is associated with higher HSPB1 and HSPA1 expression levels in RAA and LAA of patients undergoing CABG surgery and higher HSPB1 levels at the myofilaments. These findings pave the way to study the role of GGA as a protective compound against other cardiac diseases, including postoperative atrial fibrillation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver cancer is one of common types of cancer with poor prognosis and limited therapies. Heat shock proteins (HSP) are molecular chaperones that have important roles in tumorigenesis, and emerging as therapeutic targets. Artemisinin and rhein are natural agents from Artemisia annua L. and Rheum undulatum L., respectively. Both rhein and artemisinin have anticancer effects; however, the molecular targets of rhein remain to be identified. It is also unclear whether rhein can synergize with artemisinin derivatives to inhibit liver cancer. We aim to identify the targets of rhein in the treatment of hepatocarcinoma and determine the effects of combining rhein and artemisinin derivatives on liver cancer cells. The targets of rhein were detected by mass spectrometry and validated by rhein-proteins interaction assays. The effects of rhein on the chaperone activity of HSP72/HSC70/GRP78 were determined by luciferase refolding assays. Cell viability and apoptosis were determined by CCK8 and flow cytometry assays. For in vivo study, xenograft tumor models were established and treated with rhein and artesunate. Tumor growth was monitored regularly. Mass spectrometry analysis of rhein-binding proteins in HepG2 cells revealed that HSP72, HSC70 and GRP78 were more profoundly pulled down by rhein-crosslinked sepharose 4B beads compared to the control beads. Further experiments demonstrated that rhein directly interacted with HSP72/HSC70/GRP78 proteins, and inhibit their activity of refolding denatured luciferase. Meanwhile, rhein induced proteasomal degradation of HIF1α and β-catenin. Artesunate or dihydroartemisinin in combination with knockdown of both HSP72 and HSC70 significantly inhibited cell viability. The HSP70/HSC70/GRP78 inhibitors VER-155,008 and rhein phenocopied HSP72/HSC70 knockdown, synergizing with artesunate or dihydroartemisinin to inhibit hepatocarcinoma cell viability. Combinatorial treatment with rhein and artemisinin derivatives significantly induced hepatocarcinoma cell apoptosis, and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. The current study demonstrates that rhein is a novel HSP72/HSC70/GRP78 inhibitor that suppresses the chaperone activity of HSP70s. Dual inhibition of HSP72 and HSC70 can enhance the sensitivity of hepatocarcinoma cells to artemisinin derivatives. Combined treatment with artemisinin derivative and rhein significantly inhibits hepatocarcinoma. Artemisinin derivatives in combination with dual inhibition of HSP72 and HSC70 represents a new approach to improve cancer therapy. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) maintain cellular homeostasis under stress. HSP70 represents a major stress-inducible family member and has been identified as a druggable target in inherited cholesterol-sphingolipid storage diseases. We investigated if HSP70 modulates cholesterol accumulation in more common conditions related to atherogenesis. We studied the effects of recombinant HSP70 in cholesterol-laden primary macrophages from human blood donors and pharmacological HSP70 upregulation in high-cholesterol diet fed zebrafish. Recombinant HSP70 facilitated cholesterol removal from primary human macrophage foam cells. RNA sequencing revealed that HSP70 induced a robust transcriptional re-programming, including upregulation of key targets of liver X receptors (LXR), master regulators of whole-body cholesterol removal. Mechanistically, HSP70 interacted with the macrophage LXRalpha promoter, increased LXRalpha and its target mRNAs, and led to elevated levels of key proteins facilitating cholesterol efflux, including ATP-binding cassette transporters A1 and G1. Pharmacological augmentation of endogenous HSP70 in high-cholesterol diet fed zebrafish activated LXR and its target mRNAs and reduced cholesterol storage at the whole organism level. These data demonstrate that HSP70 exerts a cholesterol lowering effect in primary human cells and animals and uncover a nuclear action of HSP70 in mediating cross-talk between HSP and LXR transcriptional regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heat shock response mediated by transcription factor σ323 is a major stress response to cope with heat and other stresses in Escherichia coli. Although much attention has been paid to the role of highly conserved heat shock proteins such as chaperones and proteases in sustaining cellular protein homeostasis under stress, relatively little is known about the dynamic nature of underlying regulatory mechanisms. When cells are suddenly exposed to high temperature, synthesis of σ323 is rapidly induced by activated translation of rpoH mRNA, which encodes σ323, through disruption of mRNA secondary structure. The increased synthesis of σ323 is accompanied by stabilization of σ323, which is normally very unstable and rapidly degraded by the membrane-localized FtsH protease. It was recently found that σ323 must be localized to the inner membrane by the SRP-dependent pathway to work properly for regulation, but the roles played by membrane and other components of the cell remained unknown. Random transposon mutagenesis of the strongly deregulated I54N-σ323 mutant has now started to unravel the complex regulatory circuit, involving membrane protein(s), other cellular components or σ323-interfering polypeptides, for dynamic fine-tuning of σ323 activity that could be of vital importance for cell survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exposure to 30 daily whole body cryostimulation (WBC) on lipid metabolic parameters and serum HSP-70 concentration. The study involved 45 volunteers, homogeneous in terms of diet and daily physical activity. Blood samples were collected before and after the 10th, the 20th, and the 30th session and one month after the intervention. Total cholesterol, HDL, TG concentrations and Apolipoprotein A-I, ApoB and HSP-70 protein levels were determined in serum. Additionally, the LI (Lipid Index) and the LDL level were calculated. During exposure, positive changes in the lipid profile that included a decrease in the TCh, initiated after the 20th WBC session with a simultaneous decrease in TG and LDL levels, and an increase in the HDL concentration were observed. These changes were accompanied by a downward trend in the ApoB concentration and a decrease in the ApoB:ApoA-I ratio after 30 sessions. The nature of these changes persisted for a month after the exposure. The obtained results indicate metabolic benefits that result from prolonged exposure to cryogenic temperatures, confirming the postulate of using WBC in the regulation of lipid metabolism and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ticks and tick-borne diseases are major global health threats. During blood feeding, ticks insert their hypostomes into hosts and inject an array of anticoagulant molecules to maintain fluidity of the blood-meal. These anticoagulant molecules may provide insights into understanding the feeding biology of ticks and to develop vaccines against infestations. In Haemaphysalis flava , the heat shock cognate 70 (HSC70), a member of the heat shock protein (HSP) family, is differentially expressed in salivary glands at different levels of engorgement during blood feeding. However, its function in ticks is largely not known. The present study was designed to explore the possible effects of HSC70 on the plasma. The open reading frame (ORF) of HSC70 was expressed in a prokaryotic system, and recombinant HSC70 (rHSC70) was purified and characterized. The anticoagulation activity of rHSC70 was estimated by measuring prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT) and fibrinogen (FIB) with/without its inhibitor, VER155008. The results demonstrated that rHSC70 from H. flava extended TT (P < 0.001) and FIB clotting times (>300 s), but showed little effect on PT and APTT. Adding an inhibitor reversed anticlotting effects of rHSC70 on TT and FIB. These data indicate that rHSC70 is an anticoagulant agent, and the anticlotting activity likely attributes to the inhibition of thrombin and the transformation of fibrinogen into fibrin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Genistein was reported to adversely influence fetal development although this is yet to be fully understood as a mechanism. Methods: In this study, pregnant rats were divided into control (Cont.) and genistein force-fed (2-mg/kg and 4-mg/kg) groups. Each group was divided further into five subgroups: GD-0, GD-6, GD-13, GD-18, and GD-20 based on the terminal gestational day (GD). On the respective terminal GD, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples and amniotic fluid were carefully collected and separated and placenta homogenates were prepared. These samples were evaluated for oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction. The weights of embryonic implant and placenta tissue were also recorded. Heat shock protein (Hsp) (60 and 90), corticosterone, and oxidative stress biomarkers were determined in all the samples. Results: Fetal and placental weights in all genistein-exposed groups were significantly decreased. A fluctuation in the level of the Hsp was recorded with a significant decrease recorded in Hsp90 level in the placenta and amniotic fluid towards GD-20 along with a concomitant increase in the corticosterone level in the amniotic fluid in all genistein groups compared to control. Maternal serum at GD-18 and GD -20 recorded a significant increase in antioxidant level (SOD, GSH, CAT) in all genistein-exposed groups. However, these antioxidants were significantly reduced in the placenta and the amniotic fluid compared to control. Conclusions: Genistein enhances the placenta function in attenuating the risk of oxidative stress in the amniotic fluid and deferentially suppressed inflammatory activities in the placenta during early gestation and towards late gestation period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cukurova Medical Journal / Çukurova Üniversitesi Tip Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Cukurova University, Faculty of Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Depression is characterized by the hyperaccumulation of glucocorticoids, such as corticosterone (CORT), which results in oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and nerve damage. Edible camellia oil (Camellia oleifera Abel.) and gac oil (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng) contain beneficial bioactive compounds, such as oleic acid, polyphenols, flavonoids, tocopherol, β-carotene, and lycopene, which have neuroprotective effects. However, the underlying mechanisms of camellia oil (CO) and gac oil (GO) in alleviating CORT-induced depressive-like effects are still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of CO and GO on CORT-induced damage in Neuro-2a cells. The results revealed that the upregulation of proapoptotic-associated proteins (Bax, cleaved caspase 9, cleaved caspase 3, cytochrome c), cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin-1β, reactive oxygen species, and malondialdehyde levels in CORT-stimulated Neuro-2a cells was significantly counteracted by CO and GO treatment, which enhanced the production of antiapoptotic Bcl-2, the antioxidative enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, heat shock proteins (HSP32, HSP 60, HSP 90), and glucocorticoid receptor (GR)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). These findings suggest that increasing daily CO and GO consumption may suppress CORT-induced depression. Neuroprotective mechanisms of camellia and gac oil on corticosterone-induced damage in Neuro-2a cells. [Display omitted] • High amounts of oleic acid are present in Camellia oil (CO) and Gac oil (GO). • CO and GO relieved CORT-induced cell death in Neuro-2a cells. • ROS and inflammatory mediators were repressed by CO and GO treatment. • CO and GO triggered the upregulation of HSPs and the downregulation of apoptosis. • CO and GO enhanced GR/BDNF/TrkB/ERK/CREB levels in CORT-stimulated Neuro-2a cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract HSP70/110s are a subgroup of heat shock proteins and play crucial roles in protein homeostasis. HSP70/110s can enhance cell survival in response to a multitude of stressful stimuli, of which the most studied one is heat stress. To perform a systematic study of HSP70/110s in sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus , 15 HSP70/110 genes, including 13 HSP70s and two HSP110s , were identified and characterized from the transcriptome and genome of sea cucumber. Moderate expansion and conserved structure were found by the phylogenetic and syntenic analysis. Differential expression patterns of HSP70/110s were observed in adult individuals during aestivation, with the comparison of juvenile individuals without aestivation in chronic heat stress. Tissue-specific expression profiles were found both in adult and juvenile individuals, which might indicate that the functional tissues (intestine and respiratory tree) could be restored to normal physiological activity prior to protecting and sporting tissues (body wall and muscle). Differential expression profiles were also observed between the adult and juvenile individuals, which was mainly due to the hypometabolism in aestivation. Taken together, tissue-specific pattern and individual-specific pattern were observed in the HSP70/110 expression profiles in sea cucumber during aestivation. These findings could provide early insight into the involvement of HSP70/110s in the aestivation of marine invertebrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In order to explore the function of heat shock proteins during thermal stress in rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae , four heat shock protein genes were cloned and characterized. These heat shock protein genes ( hsps ) were named as Sohsp70–1 , Sohsp70–2 , Sohsc70 , and Sohsp90 , respectively. These hsps showed high sequence conservation with the maximum identity with hsps of Tribolium castaneum and other insects. All the four genes showed the highest mRNA expression in pupal stage and the lowest levels in larval stage. The induced expression of the two Sohsp70s ( Sohsp70–1 and Sohsp70–2 ) were reached to the highest levels (15.59-fold and 12.66-fold) after 2 h of incubation at 37 °C, respectively. Expression of Sohsp90 not only was significantly elevated by heat stress but also by cold stress. Whereas, expression level of Sohsc70 was not induced either by heat or cold stress. Furthermore, for rapid heat hardening, the expression levels of Sohsp70–1 , Sohsp70–2 , Sohsc70 and Sohsp90 were observed as 2.57, 2.53, 3.33 and 2.33-fold higher than control, respectively; for rapid cold hardening, the expression levels of Sohsp70–1 , Sohsp70–2 , Sohsc70 and Sohsp90 were reported as 2.27, 3.02, 3.37 and 2.23-fold higher than control, respectively. Hence, our results revealed that the four Sohsps were associated with temperature adaption under rapid heat or cold hardening. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Four hsps genes ( Sohsp70–1 , Sohsp70–2 , Sohsc70 , and Sohsp90 ) were identified and characterized in S. oryzae. • Heat shock highly induced the Sohsps except Sohsc70 ; however, cold shock led to non- significant change. • The rapid heat or cold hardening resulted into induction of Sohsps and contributed to the thermotolerance of S.oryzae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) play a key role to maintain the solubility of cellular proteins under various stress conditions. Previous studies showed that Hsp17.7 from carrot ( Daucus carota L.) increased the amount of soluble proteins under the various stress of heat, lead (Pb), and arsenic (As). We studied the molecular chaperon function of the heterologously expressed Hsp17.7 in E. coli with the supplement of ATP. In the Hsp17.7 expressing cells, the ATP supplement under the stress of heat and Pb decreased the amount of soluble proteins, in which the expression level of carrot Hsp17.7 also decreased. The same ATP supplement under the stresses of As maintained the amount of soluble proteins, in which the expression level of Hsp17.7 was also maintained. Our results suggest that the decreased amount of soluble protein under the stress conditions of heat and Pb could be due to the decreased expression level of Hsp17.7 and the influence of ATP on the stressed Hsp17.7 transformed E. coli depends on the type of stress presented. Heterologously expressed Hsp17.7 was purified by affinity chromatography. Under heat stress, purified Hsp17.7 was stable, mostly remained in a soluble fraction, while citrate synthase, a control model substrate, was denatured into the pellet fraction. The ATP supplement under both normal and heat conditions denatured the Hsp17.7 protein into the pellet fraction. Our results suggest that the decreased molecular chaperone function under heat and Pb stress conditions with the ATP supplement could be due to the instability of Hsp17.7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voltage-gated Kv7.4 channels have been implicated in vascular smooth muscle cells' activity because they modulate basal arterial contractility, mediate responses to endogenous vasorelaxants, and are downregulated in several arterial beds in different models of hypertension. Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a key player in hypertension that affects the expression of several classes of ion channels. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Ang II on the expression and function of vascular Kv7.4. Western blot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed that in whole rat mesenteric artery, Ang II incubation for 1 to 7 hours decreased Kv7.4 protein expression without reducing transcript levels. Moreover, Ang II decreased XE991 (Kv7)-sensitive currents and attenuated membrane potential hyperpolarization and relaxation induced by the Kv7 activator ML213. Ang II also reduced Kv7.4 staining at the plasma membrane of vascular smooth muscle cells. Proteasome inhibition with MG132 prevented Ang II-induced decrease of Kv7.4 levels and counteracted the functional impairment of ML213-induced relaxation in myography experiments. Proximity ligation assays showed that Ang II impaired the interaction of Kv7.4 with the molecular chaperone HSP90 (heat shock protein 90), enhanced the interaction of Kv7.4 with the E3 ubiquitin ligase CHIP (C terminus of Hsp70-interacting protein), and increased Kv7.4 ubiquitination. Similar alterations were found in mesenteric vascular smooth muscle cells isolated from Ang II-infused mice. The effect of Ang II was emulated by 17-AAG (17-demethoxy-17-(2-propenylamino) geldanamycin) that inhibits HSP90 interactions with client proteins. These results show that Ang II downregulates Kv7.4 by altering protein stability through a decrease of its interaction with HSP90. This leads to the recruitment of CHIP and Kv7.4 ubiquitination and degradation via the proteasome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small heat shock proteins (sHsps) are ubiquitous molecular chaperones that consist of divergent N-terminal and conserved C-terminal regions containing an α-crystallin domain. We introduced the full-length and truncated N- or C-terminal polypeptides of carrot sHsp 17.7 (DcHsp17.7) into Escherichia coli and examined their possible functions in abiotic stress. All three polypeptides increased soluble protein levels and cell viability compared to those of the vector control in stressed E. coli . The heterologous expression of the truncated N-terminal region resulted in the highest levels of stress tolerance under heat, salt, osmotic pressure, and nanomaterial conditions, followed by the full-length DcHsp17.7 and C-terminal region of the protein. When exposed to cold stress, the transformed cell line expressing the full-length DcHsp17.7 showed the highest tolerance levels, followed by the truncated N- and C-terminal regions. Our results suggest that the N- and C-terminal regions of DcHsp17.7 can function independently to increase stress tolerance and that their functional mechanism may be complex, depending on the type of stress presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Some studies have shown the influence of Qigong on gene expression in different cells, but there is little data associated with the influence of this kind of therapy on genes expression in pheripheral monocellucar blood cells. Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the expression of genes associated with cellular stress response in peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PMBC) in healthy women. Materials and method. The experiment took place at the Japanese Martial Arts Centre “DOJO” in Stara Wieś, Poland, conducted over the course of a 4-day qigong training session. To evaluate the genes effect of this training, blood samples were taken before and after the training period. This experiment involved 20 healthy women (aged 56.2±9.01, body height 164.8±6.5 and mass 65.5±8.2). To determine the expression of HSF-1, HSPA1A, NF-kB, IL10 and CCL2 mRNA, 3 ml of venous blood was collected. The blood samples were placed in tubes allowing for separation (BD Vacutainer CPTTM) before and after the 4 days of qigong training. Isolated PMBC were used to determine gene expression using real-time qRT-PCR (quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction). Results. Significant decreases in NF-kB and CCL2 mRNA and increases in IL10, HSF1 and HSPA1A m-RNA were detected after 4 days of qigong training. The obtained findings suggest that qigong caused a reduction in the inflammatory and intensified anti-inflammatory gene expression, as well as a higher expression of HSF-1 and HSPA1A. Conclusion. The adaptive response to qigong training was similar to the adaptive response to physical activity and was detected through gene expression in PMBC. Furthermore, this kind of training is especially indicated for women because of their higher susceptibility to psychosocial stress when compared to men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex structural and biochemical processes take place in insect testis maturation, but the mechanisms by which functional proteins induce and regulate male fertility are unknown. Proteomics has been widely used to identify functional proteins involved in such complex physiological processes. In this study, we performed a label-free based quantitative proteomic analysis of developing testis of Bactrocera dorsalis with the aim of shedding light on spermatogenesis, sperm formation and also tissue development. A total of 1912 reliable proteins were identified, including 1589, 1705 and 1723 proteins in 1-, 5- and 9-d-old testis, respectively. Most of these proteins (76.68%) were identified by two to ten peptides, and the mean number of peptides was 7.46 with an average sequence coverage of 30.71%. Quantitative proteomic analysis showed that there were 141 and 111 proteins which were abundant in the 5- and 9-d-old testis, respectively. The Gene Ontology (GO) and Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG) analyses showed that many of these proteins function in cellular and metabolic processes, including binding and catalytic activities in molecular function analysis, and energy production, cell division, and cell motility in COG analysis. Potential functional proteins, such as heat shock proteins, glutathione S -transferase, transferrin, metalloproteinase and energy metabolism-related proteins, were found to be abundant in the intermediate and sexual maturity stages of testis. The findings in this study help us to better understand the molecular mechanisms behind testis development and spermatogenesis, which is essential for manipulating male fertility for ecological regulation and potential control of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) is a member of the heat shock protein 70 family that is present in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Although GRP78 acts as an ER chaperone against various stresses in vertebrates, little is known about its role in insects. Herein, we determined the complete sequence of grp78 cDNA from the invasive Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (MED) cryptic species which is a serious pest of numerous crop plants and examined transcriptional responses to thermal stress treatments and various dietary conditions using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The grp78 level was increased under the 0 °C and 40 °C treatments for 1 h, but not by the 10 °C or 30 °C treatments. In the experiment of sucrose solution ingestion, the grp78 level was increased proportional to the ingested sucrose amount. When whiteflies were reared with five different plant species (eggplant, paprika, pepper, water melon, and tomato) within the cage, the grp78 level varied according to the plant ingested. The grp78 level was the highest in whiteflies fed on eggplant and lowest in those fed on tomatoes. Overall, our results suggest that grp78 is responsive to strong thermal stress and to the change of sucrose in the diet. This study provides important insights for understanding the role of ER-specific GRP78 in thermal and nutritional physiology of insects at the molecular level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recombinant proteins are widely used in biopharmaceutical, biochemical, and agricultural industries. Escherichia coli is one of the most frequently used cell systems to produce recombinant proteins because it has various advantages over its eukaryotic counterparts. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in E. coli , which produce recombinant proteins, is essential to develop techniques to enhance production efficiency. This review discusses the strategies that utilize heat shock proteins (Hsps) to successfully produce recombinant proteins in E. coli. The effects of the co-expression and gene deletion of Hsps on the yield, solubility, specific activity, and localization of the recombinant proteins were reviewed to provide information for future studies and propose strategies to overcome the difficulties in producing recombinant proteins in a bacterial system. Furthermore, the possible uses of eukaryotic Hsps from archaea, plants, and animals as co-expression chaperones to compensate for the bacterial system were discussed. • The recombinant protein production can be improved by the co-expression of heat shock proteins (Hsps) in Escherichia coli. • The characteristics of the recombinant protein should be considered when selecting a co-expression Hsp partner. • The yield, solubility, and specific activity of recombinant proteins should be considered independently. • Co-expression of multiple Hsps, Hsp in-frame fusion, or Hsp gene deletion can be efficient strategies. • Heterologous Hsps from other organisms can further improve recombinant protein production in E. coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 96-h exposure experiment was conducted to elucidate the toxicity responses of the marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana upon exposure to different temperatures and copper (Cu) concentrations. Three Cu treatments (seawater control; 200 μg/L Cu, EC 50 for the yield at 25 °C; and 1000 μg/L Cu, EC 50 for growth inhibition at 25 °C) were conducted against four temperatures (10 °C, 15 °C, 25 °C and 30 °C). Growth rate and photosynthetic responses showed a significant interacting thermal-chemical effect with strong synergistic responses observed at 30 °C treatments. Expression of heat shock protein ( hsp ) was positively modulated by increasing temperatures. Hsp 90 , hsp90–2 and sit1 (related to silica shell formation) were highly expressed at 30 °C under 1000 μg/L Cu, while the genes encoding light harvesting proteins ( 3HfcpA and 3HfcpB ) and silaffin precursor sil3 were significantly up-regulated at 15 °C under 200 μg/L Cu. Our results indicated an increase Cu toxicity to T. pseudonana under high temperature and Cu dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies exist to explore the potential photobiomodulation (PBM) effect of neodymium:yttrium–aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser irradiation using a flat-top handpiece delivery system. In this study, we explored the photobiomodulation effect of that laser, on Paramecium primaurelia . The parameters for the different study groups were: 0.50 W, 10 Hz, 100 msp, 30 J/cm 2 ; 0.75 W, 10 Hz, 100 msp, 45 J/cm 2 ; 1.00 W, 10 Hz, 100 msp, 60 J/cm 2 ; 1.25 W, 10 Hz, 100 msp, 75 J/cm 2 and 1.50 W, 10 Hz, 100 msp, 90 J/cm 2 . Our results suggest that only the parameter 0.5 W, 10 Hz, 100 msp, 30 J/cm 2 positively photobiomodulates the Paramecium cells inducing an increment in oxygen consumption, endogenous ATP synthesis and fission rate rhythm. Applying the laser energy with parameters of 1.25 W, 10 Hz, 100 msp, 75 J/cm 2 and 1.50 W, 10 Hz, 100 msp, 90 J/cm 2 , induce adverse effect on the Paramecium cells, which protect themselves through the increase in Heat Shock Protein-70 (HSP70). The data presented in our work support our assumption that, when using appropriate parameters of irradiation, the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser with flat-top handpiece could be a valuable aid for effective clinical application of PBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We bio-monitored the stress of oyster, Crassostrea gigas , for possible long term effects of thermal waste from a power plant. The expression level of its heat shock proteins (HSPs) was measured by real time-reverse transcript PCR along with their density and growth in the field. Oyster size varied in a distance dependent pattern. Physics modeling for evaluation of spreading of the thermal effluent revealed that station A is affected by the thermal effluents abundance, and the size of C . gigas showed a negative relationship with distance to the power plant. The abundance and size of C . gigas were smallest at station A, which was closest to the thermal effluent outlet. The kinetics of changes in the hsp70 and hsp90 mRNA levels in the mantle of C . gigas were also investigated. Regardless of the higher expression level of hsp70 mRNA than hsp90, both hsp70 and hsp90 mRNA levels were significantly higher at station A. The expression levels decreased inversely with distance from the thermal effluent outlet, with expression of hsp70 mRNA at station A being approximately 7-fold higher than at station B and 15-fold higher than at station C. Similarly, expression of hsp90 mRNA at station A was approximately 14-fold higher than at station B and 22-fold higher than at station C. The present findings provide new insights on biological correlation among the growth of individuals and population size and the molecular index in C . gigas following thermal effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Fever-induced mild heat stress plays an important role in cellular responses. The best-known heat shock response is heat shock protein (HSP) secretion. We investigated the effect of mild heat stress on serum HSP70 levels and a possible association between the immune system and these molecules by applying a mild heat stress model using a thermal water bath. Method Peripheral blood samples from 16 osteoarthritis (OA) patients who were treated with 39–40 °C thermo-mineral water immersion were examined. Samples were drawn before the first bath, after the first bath, and at the end of treatment. HSP70 levels and interferon-gamma (IFN)-γ responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were evaluated in plasma by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISPOT) assay, respectively. Results IFN-γ-secreting PBMC numbers were increased significantly in response to HSP70, purified protein derivative (PPD), and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation after the first bath, as compared to before bathing values (p = 0.005, p = 0.012, p = 0.021). HSP level in serum was also increased after the first bath, and decreased to near-baseline levels after treatment, however the differences were not significant. Conclusions The initial increase in HSP 70 and IFN-γ levels after the first bath and the final decrease at the end of serial baths suggest that the immune system adapts to the heat stress at the end of this intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decision whether endosomes enter the degradative or recycling pathway in mammalian cells is of fundamental importance for pathogen killing, and its malfunctioning has pathological consequences. We discovered that human p11 is a critical factor for this decision. The HscA protein present on the conidial surface of the human-pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus anchors p11 on conidia-containing phagosomes (PSs), excludes the PS maturation mediator Rab7, and triggers binding of exocytosis mediators Rab11 and Sec15. This reprogramming redirects PSs to the non-degradative pathway, allowing A. fumigatus to escape cells by outgrowth and expulsion as well as transfer of conidia between cells. The clinical relevance is supported by the identification of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the non-coding region of the S100A10 (p11) gene that affects mRNA and protein expression in response to A. fumigatus and is associated with protection against invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. These findings reveal the role of p11 in mediating fungal PS evasion. [Display omitted] • The human p11 protein is a regulatory node of phagosome maturation • The HscA protein of Aspergillus fumigatus anchors p11 on phagosomal membranes • p11 redirects phagosomes to the non-degradative pathway, allowing escape of conidia • A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the p11 gene is associated with susceptibility to invasive aspergillosis Jia et al. discover a mechanism allowing the human-pathogenic fungus A. fumigatus to escape intracellular killing by human cells. The authors identify the p11 protein as a regulatory node of phagosome maturation that is targeted by A. fumigatus. An SNP in the p11 gene is associated with invasive aspergillosis susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature has fundamental influences on the performance and distribution of insects. While considerable attention has been devoted to extreme conditions, particularly extreme cold conditions, few studies have investigated effects of mild cold conditions on insects. We examined the transcriptomic changes in mid-fourth instar larvae of both sexes reared at 10 °C and 25 °C to investigate sex-dependent responses of Plutella xylostella to mild cold stress. There were 624 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in females, the majority of which (n = 386) were down-regulated. In males 3239 genes were differentially expressed and the majority (n = 2341) were up-regulated. Only 280 DEGs were common to both sexes. In females, there were no DEGs encoding heat shock or cold shock proteins, but six of these DEGs were found in males. These differences suggest that females and males might adopt some different strategies to cope with cold stress and/or that they were affected by rearing under cold conditions to different degrees and in different ways. In addition, DEGs encoding antimicrobial peptides, cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, fatty acid-related enzymes, cuticle proteins, myofilament, and hormone-related proteins were found in both sexes under cold stress. The transcriptome study reveals unexpected sex-dependent thermal responses and provides new information of how an insect that does not diapause copes with low temperatures. [Display omitted] • Diamondback moths were stressed at 10 °C. • Cold reduced their fitness. • Transcriptomic changes differed across two sexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature fluctuations caused by climate change and global warming pose a great threat to various species. Most fish are particularly vulnerable to elevated temperatures. Understanding the mechanism of high-temperature tolerance in fish can be beneficial for proposing effective strategies to help fish cope with global warming. In this study, we systematically studied the effects of high temperature on Acipenser dabryanus , an ancient living fossil and flagship species of the Yangtze River, at the histological, biochemical, transcriptomic and metabolomic levels. Intestinal and liver tissues from the control groups (18 °C) and acute heat stress groups (30 °C) of A. dabryanus were sampled for histological observation and liver tissues were assessed for transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling. Histopathological analysis showed that the intestine and liver tissues were damaged after heat stress. The plasma cortisol content and the levels of oxidative stress markers (catalase/glutathione reductase) and two aminotransferases (aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase) increased significantly in response to acute heat stress. Transcriptomic and metabolomic methods showed 6707 upregulated and 4189 downregulated genes and 64 upregulated and 78 downregulated metabolites in the heat stress group. Heat shock protein (HSP) genes showed striking changes in expression under heat stress, with 21 genes belonging to the HSP30, HSP40, HSP60, HSP70 and HSP90 families significantly upregulated by short-term heat stress. The majority of genes associated with ubiquitin and various immune-related pathways were also markedly upregulated in the heat stress group. In addition, the combined analysis of metabolites and gene profiles suggested an enhancement of amino acid metabolism and glycometabolism and the suppression of fatty acid metabolism during heat stress, which could be a potential energy conservation strategy for A. dabryanus. To the best of our knowledge, the present study represents the first attempt to reveal the mechanisms of heat stress responses in A. dabryanus, which can provide insights into improved cultivation of fish in response to global warming. [Display omitted] • Heat stress induced protective responses in the antioxidant system of Acipenser dabryanus. • HSP genes showed striking changes in expression under heat stress. • Genes involved in ubiquitin and various immune-related pathways were significantly upregulated by heat stress. • Heat stress caused an enhancement of amino acid metabolism and glycometabolism and a suppression of fatty acid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The human ether-a-go-go-related gene (HERG) encodes the α-subunit of rapidly activating delayed-rectifier potassium channels. Mutations in this gene cause long QT syndrome type 2 (LQT2). In most cases, mutations reduce the stability of the channel protein, which can be restored by heat shock (HS). Methods We identified the novel mutant A78T-HERG in a patient with LQT2. The purpose of the current study was to characterize this mutant protein and test whether HS and heat shock factors (HSFs) could stabilize the mutant protein. A78T-HERG and wild-type HERG (WT-HERG) were expressed in HEK293 cells and analyzed by immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and whole-cell patch clamping. Results When expressed in HEK293 cells, WT-HERG gave rise to immature and mature forms of the protein at 135 and 155 kDa, respectively. A78T-HERG gave rise only to the immature form, which was heavily ubiquitinated. The proteasome inhibitor MG132 increased the expression of immature A78T-HERG and increased both the immature and mature forms of WT-HERG. WT-HERG, but not A78T-HERG, was expressed on the plasma membrane. In whole-cell patch clamping experiments, depolarizing pulses evoked E4031-sensitive HERG channel currents in cells transfected with WT-HERG, but not in cells transfected with A78T-HERG. The A78V mutant, but not A78G mutant, remained in the immature form similarly to A78T. Maturation of the A78T-HERG protein was facilitated by HS, expression of HSF-1, or exposure to geranyl geranyl acetone. Conclusions A78T-HERG was characterized by protein instability and reduced expression on the plasma membrane. The stability of the mutant was partially restored by HSF-1, indicating that HSF-1 is a target for the treatment for LQT2 caused by the A78T mutation in HERG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the course of our taxonomic investigation of Helicobacter cinaedi , it was realized that the strains isolated from dogs, which have been identified as H. cinaedi , showed different biochemical traits than did the isolates obtained from humans. None of the three dog isolates could reduce nitrate to nitrite, whereas all of the human H. cinaedi isolates could do so. The dog isolates showed a strong positive alkaline phosphatase reaction and could grow at 42 °C, however the human isolates showed negative to very weak responses to those tests. The GyrA protein based phylogenetic analysis showed that the three isolates from dogs formed a slightly distinct cluster from the human isolate cluster. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA, gyrB , and hsp60 gene sequences further confirmed that the dog isolates differed from the human H. cinaedi isolate cluster. The whole-genome in silico DNA similarities of each isolate based on their full genome sequences revealed that the isolates from dogs shared more than 94.9% ANIb (average nucleotide identity based on BLAST), while 94.0% ANIb were found between the isolates from dogs and the humans, including the H. cinaedi type strain ATCC BAA-847 T (= CCUG 18818 T ). From these data, we propose a new species, ‘ H. canicola ’ sp. nov., for the isolates from dogs. The type strain is PAGU 1410 T (CCUG 33887 T = LMG 29580 T ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The HSPA6, one of the members of large family of HSP70, is significantly up-regulated and has been targeted as a biomarker of cellular stress in several studies. Herein, conditions were optimized to increase the yield of recombinant camel HSPA6 protein in its native state, primarily focusing on the optimization of upstream processing parameters that lead to an increase in the specific as well as volumetric yield of the protein. The results showed that the production of cHSPA6 was increased proportionally with increased incubation temperature up to 37 °C. Induction with 10 μM IPTG was sufficient to induce the expression of cHSPA6 which was 100 times less than normally used IPTG concentration. Furthermore, the results indicate that induction during early to late exponential phase produced relatively high levels of cHSPA6 in soluble form. In addition, 5 h of post-induction incubation was found to be optimal to produce folded cHSPA6 with higher specific and volumetric yield. Subsequently, highly pure and homogenous cHSPA6 preparation was obtained using metal affinity and size exclusion chromatography. Taken together, the results showed successful production of electrophoretically pure recombinant HSPA6 protein from Camelus dromedarius in Escherichia coli in milligram quantities from shake flask liquid culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Heat shock proteins (HSPs) work as “chaperones” to affect protein folding of newly synthesized or denatured proteins. HSP 27 plays an important role in coronary artery disease or renal disease as the result of oxidative stress. Although habitual smoking is well known to induce oxidative stress, there is no epidemiological evidence between plasma HSP 27 and renal dysfunction or smoking habits. Methods A total of 451 residents (167 men and 284 women, age 65.7 years) underwent a history and physical examination, and determination of blood chemistries, including plasma levels of HSP 27. HSP 27 levels were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Results Elevated HSP 27 levels were independently associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ( p < 0.001) and smoking habits ( p < 0.05). HSP 27 levels were significantly decreased stratified by groups of eGFR ( p < 0.001 for trend) by analysis of co-variance (ANCOVA) adjusted for age, sex, and smoking habits. HSP 27 levels were increased with more smoking of cigarettes. In particular, HSP 27 levels were increased in the heavy smokers (≥20 cigarettes/day) by ANCOVA adjusted for age, sex, and eGFR compared with non-smokers and light smokers ( p < 0.05 for trend). Conclusions The present study demonstrated that HSP 27 levels were strongly related to renal dysfunction and habitual smoking in a dose–response manner in a Japanese general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulsed electric fields (PEF) technology has been widely applied to inactivate spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms in food products because of its conspicuous advantages. However, the inevitable production of sub-lethally injured microorganisms limited its further application and development. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the PEF-induced inactivation and sublethal damage of microorganisms to enhance the bactericidal effect of PEF treatments. In our work, Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used as a model organism, and the lethal and sublethal injury of microorganisms induced by PEF was estimated using non-selective and selective media. We found that PEF treatment with 20 kV/cm intensity for 200 or 400 μs, or with 15 kV/cm intensity for 400 μs, caused more sub-lethally injured cells. The PEF with 55 °C treatment produced the highest inactivation rate and the lowest sublethal injury rate. Then two-dimensional electrophoresis with mass spectrometry analysis was conducted to analyze the protein differences of S. cerevisiae under different PEF treatments. Compared with the PEF treatment (20 kV/cm, 200 μs) alone, many proteins changed significantly after PEF combined with 55 °C mild heat treatment, including several heat shock proteins. Finally, the heat shock protein 104 (Hsp104) of S. cerevisiae was knocked out, which led to a decrease in sub-lethally injured cells and an increase in inactivation rate after PEF treatment. Our findings provide critical information for developing more effective PEF-based microbial inactivation approaches in food processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]