Contaminant-induced endocrine and reproductive alterations in reptiles

2003 ◽  
Vol 75 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 2275-2286 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. J. Guillette ◽  
Taisen Iguchi
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Alligator Mississippiensis ◽  
Global Studies ◽  
Freshwater Turtles ◽  
Thyroid Morphology ◽  
Current Knowledge Base

Many chemicals introduced into the environment by humans adversely affect embryonic development and the functioning of the vertebrate reproductive system. It has been hypothesized that many developmental alterations are due to the endocrine-disruptive effects of various environmental contaminants. The endocrine system exhibits an organizational effect on the developing embryo, altering gene expression and dosing. Thus, a disruption of the normal hormonal signals can permanently modify the organization and future functioning of the reproductive and endocrine system. We have worked extensively with contaminant-exposed and reference populations of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) as well as performed a number of experimental studies exposing developing embryos to various persistent and nonpersistent pesticides. Using this species, we have described altered steroidogenesis, circulating hormone levels, and hepatic transformation of androgen and endocrine organ (gonad, thyroid) morphology in juvenile alligators living in polluted environments. Given the adverse observations reported to date, we recommend several important future needs: Further development of "receptor zoos" and other molecular tools that include key reptiles from various major ecosystems, in addition to freshwater ecosystems. Global studies extending the current knowledge base on crocodilians and freshwater turtles to comparable ecosystems on other continents, such as linked studies examining and extending current molecular to population level studies in Florida (USA) to tropical and temporate regions of Africa, Australia, and South America. Further studies of actual exposure, assimilation and excretion of contaminants by ectothermic vertebrates, especially reptiles that occupy high levels of the food chain.

scholarly journals Neuroendocrine Mechanisms of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Hypertension

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Zhou ◽  
John C. Longhurst
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Pharmacological Therapy ◽  
Ventrolateral Medulla ◽  
Adjunctive Treatment ◽  
Systemic Hypertension ◽  
Angiotensin System ◽  
Treatment Of Hypertension

Hypertension affects approximately 1 billion individuals worldwide. Pharmacological therapy has not been perfected and often is associated with adverse side effects. Acupuncture is used as an adjunctive treatment for a number of cardiovascular diseases like hypertension. It has long been established that the two major contributors to systemic hypertension are the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system and chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Recent evidence indicates that in some models of cardiovascular disease, blockade of AT1 receptors in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (rVLM) reduces sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure, suggesting that overactivity of the angiotensin system in this nucleus may play a role in the maintenance of hypertension. Our experimental studies have shown that electroacupuncture stimulation activates neurons in the arcuate nucleus, ventrolateral gray, and nucleus raphe to inhibit the neural activity in the rVLM in a model of visceral reflex stimulation-induced hypertension. This paper will discuss current knowledge of the effects of acupuncture on central nervous system and how they contribute to regulation of acupuncture on the endocrine system to provide a perspective on the future of treatment of hypertension with this ancient technique.

Amruthapala (Decalepis arayalpathra (J. Joseph and V. Chandras.) Venter): A Comprehensive Review on Diversity, Therapeutic Uses, and Valorization of Bioactive Constituents

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 376-389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonali Mishra ◽  
Nupur Srivastava ◽  
Velusamy Sundaresan ◽  
Karuna Shanker
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolite ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Critical Discussion ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Bioactive Constituents ◽  
Medicinal Uses ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Therapeutic Uses ◽  
Decalepis Arayalpathra

Background: Decalepis arayalpathra (J. Joseph and V. Chandras.) Venter is used primarily for nutrition besides its therapeutic values. Traditional preparations/formulations from its tuber are used as a vitalizer and blood purifier drink. The folklore medicinal uses cover inflammation, cough, wound healing, antipyretic, and digestive system management. A comprehensive review of the current understanding of the plant is required due to emerging concerns over its safety and efficacy. Objective: The systematic collection of the authentic information from different sources with the critical discussion is summarised in order to address various issues related to botanical identity, therapeutic medicine, nutritional usage, phytochemical, and pharmacological potentials of the D. arayalpathra. Current use of traditional systems of medicine can be used to expand future research opportunities. Materials and Methods: Available scripted information was collected manually, from peered review research papers and international databases viz. Science Direct, Google Scholar, SciFinder, Scopus, etc. The unpublished resources which were not available in database were collected through the classical books of ‘Ayurveda’ and ‘Siddha’ published in regional languages. The information from books, Ph.D. and MSc dissertations, conference papers and government reports were also collected. We thoroughly screened the scripted information of classical books, titles, abstracts, reports, and full-texts of the journals to establish the reliability of the content. Results: Tuber bearing vanilla like signature flavor is due to the presence of 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde (HMB). Among five other species, Decalepis arayalpathra (DA) has come under the ‘critically endangered’ category, due to over-exploitation for traditional, therapeutic and cool drink use. The experimental studies proved that it possesses gastro-protective, anti-tumor, and antiinflammatory activities. Some efforts were also made to develop better therapeutics by logical modifications in 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzaldehyde, which is a major secondary metabolite of D. arayalpathra. ‘Amruthapala’ offers the enormous opportunity to develop herbal drink with health benefits like gastro-protective, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. Results: The plant has the potential to generate the investigational new lead (IND) based on its major secondary metabolite i.e. 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzaldehyde. The present mini-review summarizes the current knowledge on Decalepis arayalpathra, covering its phytochemical diversity, biological potentials, strategies for its conservation, and intellectual property rights (IPR) status. Chemical Compounds: 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde (Pubchem CID: 69600), α-amyrin acetate (Pubchem CID: 293754), Magnificol (Pubchem CID: 44575983), β-sitosterol (Pubchem CID: 222284), 3-hydroxy-p-anisaldehyde (Pubchem CID: 12127), Naringenin (Pubchem CID: 932), Kaempferol (Pubchem CID: 5280863), Aromadendrin (Pubchem CID: 122850), 3-methoxy-1,2-cyclopentanedione (Pubchem CID: 61209), p-anisaldehyde (Pubchem CID: 31244), Menthyl acetate (Pubchem CID: 27867), Benzaldehyde (Pubchem CID: 240), p-cymene (Pubchem CID: 7463), Salicylaldehyde (Pubchem CID: 6998), 10-epi-γ-eudesmol (Pubchem CID: 6430754), α -amyrin (Pubchem CID: 225688), 3-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzaldehyde (Pubchem CID: 12127).

scholarly journals Regulatory T Cell-Enhancing Therapies to Treat Atherosclerosis

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 723
Author(s):  
Hafid Ait-Oufella ◽  
Jean-Rémi Lavillegrand ◽  
Alain Tedgui
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Coronary Patients ◽  
Cell Subpopulations ◽  
Atherosclerotic Process ◽  
T Cell Subpopulations ◽  
Disease Analysis

Experimental studies have provided strong evidence that chronic inflammation triggered by the sub-endothelial accumulation of cholesterol-rich lipoproteins in arteries is essential in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Recent clinical trials highlighting the efficacy of anti-inflammatory therapies in coronary patients have confirmed that this is also true in humans Monocytes/macrophages are central cells in the atherosclerotic process, but adaptive immunity, through B and T lymphocytes, as well as dendritic cells, also modulates the progression of the disease. Analysis of the role of different T cell subpopulations in murine models of atherosclerosis identified effector Th1 cells as proatherogenic, whereas regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been shown to protect against atherosclerosis. For these reasons, better understanding of how Tregs influence the atherosclerotic process is believed to provide novel Treg-targeted therapies to combat atherosclerosis. This review article summarizes current knowledge about the role of Tregs in atherosclerosis and discusses ways to enhance their function as novel immunomodulatory therapeutic approaches against cardiovascular disease.

scholarly journals Melatonin in Cancer Treatment: Current Knowledge and Future Opportunities

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (9) ◽  
pp. 2506
Author(s):  
Wamidh H. Talib ◽  
Ahmad Riyad Alsayed ◽  
Alaa Abuawad ◽  
Safa Daoud ◽  
Asma Ismail Mahmod
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Cell Proliferation Inhibition ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Solid Foundation

Melatonin is a pleotropic molecule with numerous biological activities. Epidemiological and experimental studies have documented that melatonin could inhibit different types of cancer in vitro and in vivo. Results showed the involvement of melatonin in different anticancer mechanisms including apoptosis induction, cell proliferation inhibition, reduction in tumor growth and metastases, reduction in the side effects associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, decreasing drug resistance in cancer therapy, and augmentation of the therapeutic effects of conventional anticancer therapies. Clinical trials revealed that melatonin is an effective adjuvant drug to all conventional therapies. This review summarized melatonin biosynthesis, availability from natural sources, metabolism, bioavailability, anticancer mechanisms of melatonin, its use in clinical trials, and pharmaceutical formulation. Studies discussed in this review will provide a solid foundation for researchers and physicians to design and develop new therapies to treat and prevent cancer using melatonin.

scholarly journals The Neuroinflammatory Role of Pericytes in Epilepsy

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 759
Author(s):  
Gaku Yamanaka ◽  
Fuyuko Takata ◽  
Yasufumi Kataoka ◽  
Kanako Kanou ◽  
Shinichiro Morichi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Proinflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Cell Damage ◽  
Neurovascular Unit ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Intractable Epilepsy ◽  
In Vivo Studies

Pericytes are a component of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) neurovascular unit, in which they play a crucial role in BBB integrity and are also implicated in neuroinflammation. The association between pericytes, BBB dysfunction, and the pathophysiology of epilepsy has been investigated, and links between epilepsy and pericytes have been identified. Here, we review current knowledge about the role of pericytes in epilepsy. Clinical evidence has shown an accumulation of pericytes with altered morphology in the cerebral vascular territories of patients with intractable epilepsy. In vitro, proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, TNFα, and IL-6, cause morphological changes in human-derived pericytes, where IL-6 leads to cell damage. Experimental studies using epileptic animal models have shown that cerebrovascular pericytes undergo redistribution and remodeling, potentially contributing to BBB permeability. These series of pericyte-related modifications are promoted by proinflammatory cytokines, of which the most pronounced alterations are caused by IL-1β, a cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Furthermore, the pericyte-glial scarring process in leaky capillaries was detected in the hippocampus during seizure progression. In addition, pericytes respond more sensitively to proinflammatory cytokines than microglia and can also activate microglia. Thus, pericytes may function as sensors of the inflammatory response. Finally, both in vitro and in vivo studies have highlighted the potential of pericytes as a therapeutic target for seizure disorders.

scholarly journals Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4790
Author(s):  
Marcia P. Jimenez ◽  
Nicole V. DeVille ◽  
Elise G. Elliott ◽  
Jessica E. Schiff ◽  
Grete E. Wilt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Green Space ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Long Term Effects

There is extensive empirical literature on the association between exposure to nature and health. In this narrative review, we discuss the strength of evidence from recent (i.e., the last decade) experimental and observational studies on nature exposure and health, highlighting research on children and youth where possible. We found evidence for associations between nature exposure and improved cognitive function, brain activity, blood pressure, mental health, physical activity, and sleep. Results from experimental studies provide evidence of protective effects of exposure to natural environments on mental health outcomes and cognitive function. Cross-sectional observational studies provide evidence of positive associations between nature exposure and increased levels of physical activity and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, and longitudinal observational studies are beginning to assess long-term effects of nature exposure on depression, anxiety, cognitive function, and chronic disease. Limitations of current knowledge include inconsistent measures of exposure to nature, the impacts of the type and quality of green space, and health effects of duration and frequency of exposure. Future directions include incorporation of more rigorous study designs, investigation of the underlying mechanisms of the association between green space and health, advancement of exposure assessment, and evaluation of sensitive periods in the early life-course.

scholarly journals Factors Influencing the Private Involvement in Urban Rail Public-Private Partnership Projects in China

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongjian Ke ◽  
Weiya Hao ◽  
Huiping Ding ◽  
Yingying Wang
Keyword(s):  
Influencing Factors ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Risk Allocation ◽  
Financial Model ◽  
Urban Rail ◽  
Current Knowledge Base ◽  
Private Investors ◽  
Fiscal Pressure

Private investors have been encouraged to participate in the development and operation of urban rail projects in China through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), given the fact that subnational governments are suffering from urgent development demands and severe fiscal pressure. However, there is no formal assessment to determine the private involvement in a PPP project. This problem is particularly critical in the sector of urban rail, in which the huge investment cannot rely on the private sector alone. This study hence aimed to uncover and identify the influencing factors. Multiple research methods, including content analysis, case study and focus group discussion were adopted to achieve the research purpose. Seven types of influencing factors were identified, including project financial model, government fiscal commitment, risk allocation, public accountability, efficiency considerations, policy and regulations, and organisational marketing strategies. The findings add to the current knowledge base by uncovering the drivers behind private involvement in a PPP project. They are also beneficial for industry practitioners as a basis/checklist to determine the private involvement.

scholarly journals Algorithmic Methods to Infer the Evolutionary Trajectories in Cancer Progression

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulio Caravagna ◽  
Alex Graudenzi ◽  
DANIELE RAMAZZOTTI ◽  
Rebeca Sanz-Pamplona ◽  
Luca De Sano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Selective Advantage ◽  
Explanatory Models ◽  
Driver Mutations ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Progression Model ◽  
Colorectal Cancer Progression ◽  
Ngs Data

The genomic evolution inherent to cancer relates directly to a renewed focus on the voluminous next generation sequencing (NGS) data, and machine learning for the inference of explanatory models of how the (epi)genomic events are choreographed in cancer initiation and development. However, despite the increasing availability of multiple additional -omics data, this quest has been frustrated by various theoretical and technical hurdles, mostly stemming from the dramatic heterogeneity of the disease. In this paper, we build on our recent works on "selective advantage" relation among driver mutations in cancer progression and investigate its applicability to the modeling problem at the population level. Here, we introduce PiCnIc (Pipeline for Cancer Inference), a versatile, modular and customizable pipeline to extract ensemble-level progression models from cross-sectional sequenced cancer genomes. The pipeline has many translational implications as it combines state-of-the-art techniques for sample stratification, driver selection, identification of fitness-equivalent exclusive alterations and progression model inference. We demonstrate PiCnIc's ability to reproduce much of the current knowledge on colorectal cancer progression, as well as to suggest novel experimentally verifiable hypotheses.

scholarly journals A First Glimpse on Cold-Adapted PCB-Oxidizing Bacteria in Edmonson Point Lakes (Northern Victoria Land, Antarctica)

Water ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 109
Author(s):  
Maria Papale ◽  
Angelina Lo Giudice ◽  
Alessandro Ciro Rappazzo ◽  
Maurizio Azzaro ◽  
Carmen Rizzo
Keyword(s):  
Human Impacts ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Trophic Levels ◽  
Cold Adapted ◽  
Remote Areas ◽  
Victoria Land ◽  
Long Lifetime ◽  
Aroclor 1242 ◽  
Edmonson Point

Antarctic freshwater ecosystems are especially vulnerable to human impacts. Polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants that have a long lifetime in the environment. Despite their use having either been phased out or restricted, they are still found in nature, also in remote areas. Once in the environment, the fate of PCBs is strictly linked to bacteria which represent the first step in the transfer of toxic compounds to higher trophic levels. Data on PCB-oxidizing bacteria from polar areas are still scarce and fragmented. In this study, the occurrence of PCB-oxidizing cold-adapted bacteria was evaluated in water and sediment of four coastal lakes at Edmonson Point (Northern Victoria Land, Antarctica). After enrichment with biphenyl, 192 isolates were obtained with 57 of them that were able to grow in the presence of the PCB mixture Aroclor 1242, as the sole carbon source. The catabolic gene bphA, as a proxy for PCB degradation potential, was harbored by 37 isolates (out of 57), mainly affiliated to the genera Salinibacterium, Arthrobacter (among Actinobacteria) and Pusillimonas (among Betaproteobacteria). Obtained results enlarge our current knowledge on cold-adapted PCB-oxidizing bacteria and pose the basis for their potential application as a valuable eco-friendly tool for the recovery of PCB-contaminated cold sites.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document