scholarly journals Haemosporidian infections affect antioxidant defences in great tits Parus major but are not related to exposure to aerial pollutants

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
DANIELA DE ANGELI DUTRA ◽  
PATRÍCIA SILVEIRA ◽  
JAIME ALBINO RAMOS ◽  
JOSÉ PAULO SOUSA ◽  
ÉRIKA MARTINS BRAGA ◽  
...  

SUMMARY Haemosporidian parasites are widespread in avian species and modulate their ecology, behaviour, life-history and fitness. The prevalence of these vector-transmitted parasites varies with host intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as host resistance and behaviour, and habitat-related characteristics. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of avian haemosporidians in great tit Parus major populations inhabiting two areas with different degrees of exposure to aerial emissions from pulp mills, to assess if this type of pollution impacted parasite prevalence. We also compared the physiological condition of infected and uninfected individuals. Haemosporidian infection prevalence was high (58%), varied seasonally, but was not associated with air pollution exposure. Fledged birds presented higher infection rates than nestlings and infected fledged birds had higher levels of blood glutathione peroxidase activity. These results allow us to infer that infection by blood parasites may activate antioxidant defences, possibly to protect the organism from the negative oxidative stress side-effects of immune activation against parasites. Because oxidative stress is one of the mechanisms responsible for ageing and senescence and may affect fitness, the relationship between parasitism and oxidative stress markers should be further investigated through studies that include experimental manipulation of infection in model organisms.

Author(s):  
Metti K. Gari ◽  
Paul Lemke ◽  
Kelly H. Lu ◽  
Elizabeth D. Laudadio ◽  
Austin H. Henke ◽  
...  

Lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2), an example of nanoscale transition metal oxide and a widely commercialized cathode material in lithium ion batteries, has been shown to induce oxidative stress and generate intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in model organisms.


Lung ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Cazzola ◽  
Paola Rogliani ◽  
Sundeep Santosh Salvi ◽  
Josuel Ora ◽  
Maria Gabriella Matera

AbstractThere is a possible role for oxidative stress, a state characterized by an altered balance between the production of free radicals or reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defences, in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the genesis of which is quite complex. Excessive oxidative stress could be responsible for the alveolar damage, thrombosis, and red blood cell dysregulation observed in COVID-19. Apparently, deficiency of glutathione (GSH), a low-molecular-weight thiol that is the most important non-enzymatic antioxidant molecule and has the potential to keep the cytokine storm in check, is a plausible explanation for the severe manifestations and death in COVID-19 patients. Thiol drugs, which are considered mucolytic, also possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They exhibit antibacterial activity against a variety of medically important bacteria and may be an effective strategy against influenza virus infection. The importance of oxidative stress during COVID-19 and the various pharmacological characteristics of thiol-based drugs suggest a possible role of thiols in the treatment of COVID-19. Oral and intravenous GSH, as well as GSH precursors such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC), or drugs containing the thiol moiety (erdosteine) may represent a novel therapeutic approach to block NF-kB and address the cytokine storm syndrome and respiratory distress observed in COVID-19 pneumonia patients


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Iria Folgueira ◽  
Jesús Lamas ◽  
Ana Paula de Felipe ◽  
Rosa Ana Sueiro ◽  
José Manuel Leiro

Abstract Philasterides dicentrarchi is a free-living microaerophilic scuticociliate that can become a facultative parasite and cause a serious parasitic disease in farmed fish. Both the free-living and parasitic forms of this scuticociliate are exposed to oxidative stress associated with environmental factors and the host immune system. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by the host are neutralized by the ciliate by means of antioxidant defences. In this study we aimed to identify metalloenzymes with superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity capable of inactivating the superoxide anion (•O2−) generated during induction of oxidative stress. P. dicentrarchi possesses the three characteristic types of SOD isoenzymes in eukaryotes: copper/zinc-SOD, manganese-SOD and iron-SOD. The Cu/Zn-SOD isoenzymes comprise three types of homodimeric proteins (CSD1-3) of molecular weight (MW) 34–44 kDa and with very different AA sequences. All Cu/Zn-SODs are sensitive to NaCN, located in the cytosol and in the alveolar sacs, and one of them (CSD2) is extracellular. Mn- and Fe-SOD transcripts encode homodimeric proteins (MSD and FSD, respectively) in their native state: a) MSD (MW 50 kDa) is insensitive to H2O2 and NaN3 and is located in the mitochondria; and b) FSD (MW 60 kDa) is sensitive to H2O2, NaN3 and the polyphenol trans-resveratrol and is located extracellularly. Expression of SOD isoenzymes increases when •O2− is induced by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, and the increase is proportional to the dose of energy applied, indicating that these enzymes are actively involved in cellular protection against oxidative stress.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nayana Gunathilaka ◽  
Dimuthu Niroshana ◽  
Deepika Amarasinghe ◽  
Lahiru Udayanga

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infection is a serious issue in cattle management. The effects of GI parasites may vary with age, sex of cattle, nutritional condition, and severity of infection. Prevalence of GI parasites among cattle population in Gampaha District has not been studied and there is no published study available. A total of 45 farms rearing cattle were selected randomly in three areas, namely, Kelaniya, Ganemulla, and Welisara, under three Veterinary Surgeon Divisions (VSD) in Gampaha District (Mahara, Gampaha, and Welisara). Freshly voided cattle fecal samples were collected randomly from the selected farms during March 2017–December 2017. Out of 163 cattle and buffaloes examined, 13.39% (n=22) were positive for eggs of one or more species of GI parasites. The prevalence of parasitic infection was higher in buffaloes (31.25%, 5/16) as compared to that of cows (11.56%, 21/147), but the difference was not significant (P >0.05). Hookworms (Bunostomum spp.), whipworms (Trichuris spp.), digenetic trematodes (Paramphistomum spp.), cestodes (Moniezia spp.), and oocysts of protozoans (coccidians) were found during the study. The nontreated animals indicated the highest percentage of parasitic infections accounting for 46.67% (n= 14), followed by partially treated individuals (15.15%, n= 5). GI parasite prevalence in males was higher when compared to that of females, but the difference was nonsignificant (P >0.05). General Linear Modelling (GLM) revealed that the effect of treatment status was significantly associated with the prevalence of GI parasites. The calves and yearlings had the highest rate of GI parasitic infections. The highest infection rate was observed at Kelaniya, followed by Welisara. Future investigations are necessary to evaluate the economic impact of GI parasites in the study areas.


2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiane Sebaio ◽  
Érika Martins Braga ◽  
Felipe Branquinho ◽  
Alan Fecchio ◽  
Miguel Ângelo Marini

Parasites may lead bird species to extinction, affect host temporal and spatial population dynamics, alter community structure and alter individuals’ social status. We evaluated blood parasite prevalence and intensity according to bird families and species, among 925 birds that were caught in 2000 and 2001, in the Atlantic Forest in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. We applied Giemsa staining to thin blood smears, to detect blood parasites. The birds (n = 15.8%) in 11 families, were infected by at least one parasite genus, especially Muscicapidae (28.3%) and Conopophagidae (25%). Among the 146 infected birds, Plasmodium was detected in all bird families and had the highest prevalence (54.8%). Trypanosoma, Haemoproteus and microfilaria had lower prevalence rates (23.3, 23.3 and 2.1%, respectively). Birds caught during the rainy season were more infected than birds caught during the dry season. The overall low prevalence of blood parasites in birds is similar to the patterns found elsewhere in the Neotropical region.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1884-1891
Author(s):  
Nani Nasreldin ◽  
Rania M. Ewida ◽  
Hatem Hamdon ◽  
Yasser F. Elnaker

Background and Aim: Anaplasmosis and babesiosis are tick-borne diseases that threaten livestock production with subsequent considerable economic losses. This study was conducted to diagnose Anaplasma and Babesia infection using molecular techniques in imported Aberdeen Angus cattle imported from Uruguay to El-Kharga Oasis in New Valley, Egypt, and to investigate the effects of disease on some serum biochemical and oxidative stress parameters. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 31 cattle, 21 diseased and ten apparently normal, of varying ages and sex. The blood was used for the preparation of blood smears, polymerase chain reaction assay, and separation of serum for biochemical investigation. The experimental production farm at the Faculty of Agriculture, New Valley University, was infested with ticks and variable clinical manifestations during the period from December 2017 to March 2018. One calf died of a suspected blood parasite infection. Results: The blood film examination revealed infection by blood parasites in 21 samples. Anaplasma marginale and Babesia bovis were identified in 12 and 14 samples, respectively. A total of 14 samples were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to make these identifications. Biochemical parameters showed significantly elevated serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin (T. Bil), and urea in blood from parasite-infected female cattle and male calves compared with controls. Increased serum total protein, globulin, and creatinine were recorded only in infected female cattle. The blood glucose level was significantly decreased in infected female cattle and male calves compared with controls. Furthermore, albumin and albumin/globulin ratio was significantly reduced in the infected female cattle. Oxidative stress profiles of infected animals showed a significant increase in serum nitric oxide and malondialdehyde, and both total antioxidant capacity and reduced glutathione (GSH) were significantly reduced in comparison with control animals. Conclusion: The incidence of A. marginale and B. bovis infection is high in imported Aberdeen Angus cattle in New Valley Province. PCR methods provide a short-term assessment of disease. An extensive epidemiological survey, employing serology together with molecular genetic methods, monitoring of abundance and distribution of tick vectors, availability of vaccination programs, and tracking of animal transport is also needed for control of blood parasites.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 3172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefania Vernazza ◽  
Sara Tirendi ◽  
Anna Maria Bassi ◽  
Carlo Enrico Traverso ◽  
Sergio Claudio Saccà

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the second leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Increasing evidence suggests oxidative damage and immune response defects are key factors contributing to glaucoma onset. Indeed, both the failure of the trabecular meshwork tissue in the conventional outflow pathway and the neuroinflammation process, which drives the neurodegeneration, seem to be linked to the age-related over-production of free radicals (i.e., mitochondrial dysfunction) and to oxidative stress-linked immunostimulatory signaling. Several previous studies have described a wide range of oxidative stress-related makers which are found in glaucomatous patients, including low levels of antioxidant defences, dysfunction/activation of glial cells, the activation of the NF-κB pathway and the up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and so on. However, the intraocular pressure is still currently the only risk factor modifiable by medication or glaucoma surgery. This present review aims to summarize the multiple cellular processes, which promote different risk factors in glaucoma including aging, oxidative stress, trabecular meshwork defects, glial activation response, neurodegenerative insults, and the altered regulation of immune response.


Parasitology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 146 (6) ◽  
pp. 814-820
Author(s):  
Nóra Ágh ◽  
Imre Sándor Piross ◽  
Gábor Majoros ◽  
Tibor Csörgő ◽  
Eszter Szöllősi

AbstractAvian malaria parasites can negatively affect many aspects of the life of the passerines. Though these parasites may strongly affect the health and thus migration patterns of the birds also during autumn, previous studies on avian malaria focused mainly on the spring migration and the breeding periods of the birds. We investigated whether the prevalence of blood parasites varies in relation to biometrical traits, body condition and arrival time in the European Robin (Erithacus rubecula) during autumn migration. We found no sex or age related differences in avian malaria prevalence and no relationship between infection status and body size or actual condition of the birds was found either. However, the timing of autumn migration differed marginally between infected and non-infected juveniles, so that parasitized individuals arrived later at the Hungarian stopover site. This is either because avian malaria infections adversely affect the migration timing or migration speed of the birds, or because later arriving individuals come from more distant populations with possibly higher blood parasite prevalence. The possible delay that parasites cause in the arrival time of the birds during autumn migration could affect the whole migratory strategy and the breeding success of the birds in the next season.


F1000Research ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 1459
Author(s):  
Shalem Raju Modi ◽  
Tarja Kokkola

GR24 is a synthetic strigolactone analog, demonstrated to regulate the development of plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. GR24 possesses anti-cancer and anti-apoptotic properties, enhances insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal myotubes, inhibits adipogenesis, decreases inflammation in adipocytes and macrophages and downregulates the expression of hepatic gluconeogenic enzymes. Transcription factor Nrf2 (Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2) is a master regulator of antioxidant response, regulating a multitude of genes involved in cellular stress responses and anti-inflammatory pathways, thus maintaining cellular redox homeostasis. Nrf2 activation reduces the deleterious effects of mitochondrial toxins and has multiple roles in promoting mitochondrial function and dynamics. We studied the role of GR24 on gene expression in rat L6 skeletal muscle cells which were differentiated into myotubes. The myotubes were treated with GR24 and analyzed by microarray gene expression profiling. GR24 upregulated the cytoprotective transcription factor Nrf2 and its target genes, activating antioxidant defences, suggesting that GR24 may protect skeletal muscle from the toxic effects of oxidative stress.


2013 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 197-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Navnath M. Pise ◽  
Dattatry K. Gaikwad ◽  
Tanaji G. Jagtap

Abstract -Oxidative stress and antioxidant defence systems were assessed in a marine red alga Porphyra vietnamensis Tanaka et Pham-Hoang Ho, from India. Lipid peroxidation (LPX) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were measured as oxidative stress markers. Antioxidant defences were measured as catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and ascorbic acid (AsA), in order to understand their dissimilarity with respect to environmental conditions (pollution levels) from selective locations along the central west coast of India. Levels of LPX, H2O2, CAT and GST were significantly higher in samples collected from Dona Paula than in samples from Malvan and Kunkeshwar, while a lower concentration of AsA was found in samples from Dona Paula. Heavy metals such as Cd, Pb and Hg in higher concentrations in these areas than in other sites were also observed. Variation of oxidative stress indices in response to the accumulation of heavy metals within P. vietnamensis could be used as molecular biomarkers for the assessment and monitoring of environmental quality in ecologically sensitive marine habitats.


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