Unraveling the intrinsic and photodynamic effects of aluminum chloride phthalocyanine on bioenergetics and oxidative state in rat liver mitochondria.

Previous research has revealed that mitochondria are an important target for photodynamic therapy (PDT), which might be employed as a therapeutic approach for several malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we investigated both intrinsic toxicity and photodynamic effects of the photosensitizer (PS) aluminum chloride phthalocyanine (AlClPc) on mitochondrial functions. Several aspects of mitochondrial bioenergetics, structure, and oxidative state were investigated in the isolated mitochondria obtained from rat liver by differential centrifugation.

The harmful acute effects of clomipramine in the rat liver: Impairments in mitochondrial bioenergetics.

Clomipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, has been linked to a few cases of acute hepatotoxicity. It is also recognized as a compound that hinders the functioning of mitochondria. Hence, the effects of clomipramine on mitochondria should endanger processes that are somewhat connected to energy metabolism in the liver.

Toluidine blue O directly and photodynamically impairs the bioenergetics of liver mitochondria: a potential mechanism of hepatotoxicity.

Toluidine blue O (TBO) is a phenothiazine dye that, due to its photochemical characteristics and high affinity for biomembranes, has been revealed as a new photosensitizer (PS) option for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT). This points to a possible association with membranous organelles like mitochondrion. Therefore, here we investigated its effects on mitochondrial bioenergetic functions both in the dark and under photostimulation.

The metabolic and toxic acute effects of phloretin in the rat liver.

The current study sought to evaluate the acute effects of phloretin (PH) on metabolic pathways involved in the maintenance of glycemia, specifically gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, in the perfused rat liver. The acute effects of PH on energy metabolism and toxicity parameters in isolated hepatocytes and mitochondria, as well as its effects on the activity of a few key enzymes, were also evaluated. PH inhibited gluconeogenesis from different substrates, stimulated glycogenolysis and glycolysis, and altered oxygen consumption.

Resveratrol exerts beneficial effects on the growth and metabolism of Lactuca sativa L.

In order to assist sustainable agriculture, new strategies and methods are being used based on the utilization of new natural molecules. These natural compounds can be used as potential natural crop protectors and growth promoters, and the elucidation of their modes/mechanisms of action can represent a big step towards cleaner agriculture free of agrochemicals. In the present paper, the mechanisms underlying the effects of exogenous resveratrol (R), a natural phytoalexin found in plants, on Lactuca sativa metabolism were investigated through physiological and metabolomic approaches.

The Steroid Saponin Protodioscin Modulates Root Morphology Altering Auxin Homeostasis, Transport and Distribution.

To date, synthetic herbicides are the main tools used for weed control, with consequent damage to both the environment and human health. In this respect, searching for new natural molecules and understanding their mode of action could represent an alternative strategy or support to traditional management methods for sustainable agriculture. Protodioscin is a natural molecule belonging to the class of steroid saponins, mainly produced by monocotyledons.

Kinetic mechanisms by which nickel alters the calcium (Ca) transport in intact rat liver.

In the present work, the multiple-indicator dilution (MID) technique was used to investigate the kinetic mechanisms by which nickel (Ni) affects the calcium (Ca) transport in intact rat liver. Ca and extra- and intracellular space indicators were injected in livers perfused with 1 mM Ni, and the outflow profiles were analyzed by a mathematical model. For comparative purposes, the effects of norepinephrine were measured.

The photodynamic and intrinsic effects of Azure B on mitochondrial bioenergetics and the consequences of its intrinsic effects on hepatic energy metabolism.

Background: The present study aimed to characterize the intrinsic and photodynamic effects of azure B (AB) on mitochondrial bioenergetics, as well as the consequences of its intrinsic effects on hepatic energy metabolism.

Methods: Two experimental systems were utilized: (a) isolated rat liver mitochondria and (b) isolated perfused rat liver.

Results: AB interacted with mitochondria regardless of photostimulation, but its binding degree was reduced by mitochondrial energization.

Cadmium uncouples mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and induces oxidative cellular stress in soybean roots.

Cadmium (Cd) inhibits soybean root growth, but its exact mode of action is still not completely understood. We evaluated the effects of Cd on growth, mitochondrial respiration, lipid peroxidation, total phenols, glutathione, and activities of lipoxygenase (LOX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in soybean roots. In primary roots, Cd stimulated KCN-insensitive respiration and KCN-SHAM-insensitive respiration, indicating the involvement of the alternative oxidase (AOX) pathway, while it decreased KCN-sensitive respiration, suggesting an inhibition of the cytochrome oxidase pathway (COX).

Morphogenic responses and biochemical alterations induced by the cover crop Urochloa ruziziensis and its component protodioscin in weed species.

Urochloa ruziziensis, a cover plant used in no-till systems, can suppress weeds in the field through their chemical compounds, but the mode of action of these compounds is still unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of a saponin-rich butanolic extract from U. ruziziensis straw (BfUr) and one of its components, protodioscin on an eudicot Ipomoea grandifolia and a monocot Digitaria insularis weed.

The photosensitiser azure A disrupts mitochondrial bioenergetics through intrinsic and photodynamic effects.

Azure A (AA) is a cationic molecule of the class of phenothiazines that has been applied in vitro as a photosensitising agent in photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy. It is a di-demethylated analogue of methylene blue (MB), which has been demonstrated to be intrinsically and photodynamically highly active on mitochondrial bioenergetics. However, as far as we know, there are no studies about the photodynamic effects of AA on mammalian mitochondria.

Association between metabolic syndrome, hepatic steatosis, and testosterone deficiency: evidences from studies with men and rodents.

Testosterone is the predominant androgen in men and the lack of it can be a trigger to the development of the metabolic syndrome. Here we review the relationship between testosterone deficiency, metabolic syndrome, and hepatic steatosis reported by studies with men and rodents. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and testosterone deficiency is higher among older subjects.

The photodynamic and direct actions of methylene blue on mitochondrial energy metabolism: A balance of the useful and harmful effects of this photosensitizer.

According to the literature, methylene blue (MB) is a photosensitizer (PS) with a high affinity for mitochondria. Therefore, several studies have explored this feature to evaluate its photodynamic effects on the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway under normoxic conditions. We are aware only of limited reports regarding MB's photodynamic effects on mitochondrial energy metabolism, especially under hypoxic conditions.

Enhanced cytotoxicity of imidacloprid by biotransformation in isolated hepatocytes and perfused rat liver.

Imidacloprid (IMD) is a neonicotinoid insecticide widely used in crops, pets, and on farm animals for pest control, which can cause hepatotoxicity in animals and humans. In a previous study using isolated rat liver mitochondria, we observed that IMD inhibited the activity of FF-ATP synthase. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of IMD on rat isolated hepatocytes and perfused rat liver, besides the influence of its biotransformation on the toxicological potential.

Chemical Characterization and Phytotoxic Effects of the Aerial Parts of Ruzigrass (Urochloa ruziziensis).

Studies of the phytotoxic effects between plants can be a crucial tool in the discovery of innovative compounds with herbicide potential. In this sense, we can highlight ruzigrass (Urochloa ruziziensis), which is traditionally used in the crop rotation system in order to reduce weed emergence. The aim of this work was to characterize the secondary metabolites of ruzigrass and to evaluate its phytotoxic effects.

Differential Effects of Exogenous Resveratrol on the Growth and Energy Metabolism of and the Weed .

An increase in crop competitiveness relative to weed interference has the potential to reduce crop yield losses. In this study, the effects of phytoalexin resveratrol were examined in L. (corn) and in the weed species (Dammer) O'Donell (morning glory).

Cafeteria Diet Feeding in Young Rats Leads to Hepatic Steatosis and Increased Gluconeogenesis under Fatty Acids and Glucagon Influence.

Gluconeogenesis overstimulation due to hepatic insulin resistance is the best-known mechanism behind elevated glycemia in obese subjects with hepatic steatosis. This suggests that glucose production in fatty livers may differ from that of healthy livers, also in response to other gluconeogenic determinant factors, such as the type of substrate and modulators. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of these factors on hepatic gluconeogenesis in cafeteria diet-induced obese adult rats submitted to a cafeteria diet at a young age.

A Long-term Estrogen Deficiency in Ovariectomized Mice is Associated with Disturbances in Fatty Acid Oxidation and Oxidative Stress.

Objective:  The aim of this work was to evaluate the changes caused by estrogen deficiency in lipid metabolism.

Methods:  This study encompassed direct measurements of plasma biochemical analyses, liver lipid contents, and assessments of the mitochondrial β-oxidation capacity as well as an evaluation of the liver redox status in an animal model of estrogen deficiency.

Results:  When compared with control mice, the livers of ovariectomized (OVX) mice presented considerable accretions in their lipid contents, which were accompanied by increased levels of lipid peroxidation in liver homogenates and mitochondria from OVX groups and decreased reduced glutathione (GSH) contents.

Sex differences in the development of hepatic steatosis in cafeteria diet-induced obesity in young mice.

The present study was planned to improve our understanding about sex differences in the development of hepatic steatosis in cafeteria diet-induced obesity in young mice. Female (FCaf) and male (MCaf) mice fed a cafeteria diet had similar body weight gain and adiposity index, but FCaf had a more extensive steatosis than MCaf. FCaf livers exhibited a higher non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score, elevated lipid percentage area (+34%) in Sudan III staining and increased TG content (+25%) compared to MCaf.

The acute effects of citrus flavanones on the metabolism of glycogen and monosaccharides in the isolated perfused rat liver.

Citrus flavanones are often linked to their antihyperglycemic properties. This effect may be in part due to the inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis through different mechanisms. One of the possible mechanisms appears to be impairment of oxidative phosphorylation, which may also interfere with glycogen metabolism.

Improved oxygenation dramatically alters metabolism and gene expression in cultured primary mouse hepatocytes.

Primary hepatocyte culture is an important system for the study of liver functions. , hepatocytes have high oxidative metabolism. However, oxygen supply by means of diffusion in static cultures is much less than that by blood circulation .

The Activity of the Antioxidant Defense System of the Weed Species Senna obtusifolia L. and its Resistance to Allelochemical Stress.

Senna obtusifolia L., a common weed in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, is able to germinate under adverse environmental conditions, suggesting that this species has efficient stress-adaptation strategies. The aims of the present work were to examine the energy metabolism and the antioxidant defense system of the Senna obtusifolia L.

Bile acid receptor agonists INT747 and INT777 decrease oestrogen deficiency-related postmenopausal obesity and hepatic steatosis in mice.

Unlabelled: Menopause is often followed by obesity and, related to this, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Two bile acid (BA) receptors, farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and G-protein-coupled receptor TGR5, have emerged as putative therapeutic targets for obesity and NAFLD.

Aim Of This Study: to evaluate the efficacy of selective agonists INT747/obeticholic acid (FXR) and INT777 (TGR5) as novel treatments for the metabolic effects of oestrogen deficiency.

Vitex agnus-castus L. (Verbenaceae) Improves the Liver Lipid Metabolism and Redox State of Ovariectomized Rats.

Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) is a plant that has recently been used to treat the symptoms of menopause, by its actions on the central nervous system. However, little is known about its actions on disturbances in lipid metabolism and nonalcoholic fat liver disease (NAFLD), frequently associated with menopause. Ovariectomized (OVX) rats exhibit increased adiposity and NAFLD 13 weeks after ovary removal and were used as animal models of estrogen deficiency.