VDAC1 regulates neuronal cell loss after retinal trauma injury by a mitochondria-independent pathway.

The voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) was first described as a mitochondrial porin that mediates the flux of metabolites and ions, thereby integrating both cell survival and death signals. In the nervous system, the functional roles of VDAC1 remain poorly understood. Herein, the rat retina was employed to study VDAC1.

Copper in tumors and the use of copper-based compounds in cancer treatment.

Copper homeostasis is strictly regulated by protein transporters and chaperones, to allow its correct distribution and avoid uncontrolled redox reactions. Several studies address copper as involved in cancer development and spreading (epithelial to mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis). However, being endogenous and displaying a tremendous potential to generate free radicals, copper is a perfect candidate, once opportunely complexed, to be used as a drug in cancer therapy with low adverse effects.

Protective effects of neocuproine copper chelator against oxidative damage in NSC34 cells.

In this work, we aim to provide evidence for the protective effect of a copper chelator, neocuproine (NeoCu), against the oxidative stress in NSC34 cells, which inhibits biomolecule oxidation and cell death. Results obtained with the comet assay allowed to determine the increase in oxidized purines and pyrimidines by HO exposure, and their changes after the addition of NeoCu. We also observed a higher ATP7b activity in nuclei and a higher Cu concentration inside the cells, proving that the NeoCu acts directly in DNA to promote cell recovery in oxidative stress conditions, also observed in Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) detection assay by Flow Cytometry.

Oral exposure to methylmercury modifies the prostatic microenvironment in adult rats.

Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental pollutant that is highly toxic to the central nervous system. As its effects on male reproductive system are poorly understood, this study was carried out to analyse the effects of MeHg on the rat prostate. To evaluate the MeHg toxicity on ventral prostate, three groups of adult male Wistar rats received oral doses of 0.

Persistent impairment of testicular histology and sperm motility in adult rats treated with Cisplatin at peri-puberty.

Cisplatin is one of the most widely used and effective chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of several human malignancies. This study evaluated the effects of peri-pubertal cisplatin administration on several reproductive end-points and the reversibility of these effects in adulthood. Peri-pubertal Wistar male rats (45 days old) were divided into two groups: control (saline 0.

Association between the effect of spontaneous contrast in the thoracic aorta and recent ischemic stroke determined by transesophageal echocardiography.

Objective: To assess the independent association between the presence of spontaneous echo contrast in the aorta and recent stroke events.

Methods: Two hundred and twenty-four individuals with a diagnosis of recent stroke and 85 control individuals who were examined due to various present/suspected heart diseases were studied through transesophageal echocardiography. The effects of spontaneous contrast in the aorta and the presence of other potential sources of cardiac embolism associated with them were researched and a questionnaire was completed about patients' clinical risk factors at the time of examination.