An Evaluation of Zebrafish, an Emerging Model Analyzing the Effects of Toxicants on Cognitive and Neuromuscular Function.

An emerging alternative to conventional animal models in toxicology research is the zebrafish. Their accelerated development, regenerative capacity, transparent physical appearance, ability to be genetically manipulated, and ease of housing and care make them feasible and efficient experimental models. Nonetheless, their most esteemed asset is their 70% (+) genetic similarity with the human genome, which allows the model to be used in a variety of clinically relevant studies.

Synergistic effects of exercise and catalase overexpression on gut microbiome.

Exercise influences metabolic parameters in part by modulating redox stress and as recently suggested, by affecting the gut microbiome. However, whether excess endogenous antioxidant potentiates or interferes with the beneficial effects of exercise on the gut microbiome is not known. A comparison of the gut microbiome of C57Bl6 (C57/WT) mice to the 'stress-less' catalase overexpressing mice models ([Tg(CAT) ] and Bob-Cat), that were either exercised or remained sedentary, showed differences in both alpha and beta diversity.

Omega 3 rich diet modulates energy metabolism via GPR120-Nrf2 crosstalk in a novel antioxidant mouse model.

With obesity rates reaching epidemic proportions, more studies concentrated on reducing the risk and treating this epidemic are vital. Redox stress is an important metabolic regulator involved in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Oxygen and nitrogen-derived free radicals alter glucose and lipid homeostasis in key metabolic tissues, leading to increases in risk of developing metabolic syndrome.

Catalase overexpression modulates metabolic parameters in a new 'stress-less' leptin-deficient mouse model.

Oxidative stress plays a key role in obesity by modifying the function of important biological molecules, thus altering obesogenic pathways such as glucose and lipid signaling. Catalase, is an important endogenous antioxidant enzyme that catabolizes hydrogen peroxide produced by the dismutation of superoxide. Recent studies have shown knockdown of catalase exacerbates insulin resistance and leads to obesity.

Mitochondrial redox status as a target for cardiovascular disease.

Mitochondria are major players in cellular energetics, oxidative stress and programmed cell death. Mitochondrial dynamics regulate and integrate these functions. Mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in cardiac hypertrophy, hypertension and myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Copper-catalyzed synthesis of enantioenriched tetraarylethanes.

Herein we report the asymmetric synthesis of 1,2-dipyridyl-1,2-diarylethanes via an unusual Cu(I)-catalyzed dimerization reaction. Subjection of a variety of enantioenriched substituted 2-pyridyl alcohols to a one-pot protocol generates the desired products in good yields and diastereoselectivities and with ee's up to >99%.