Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry最新文献

{"title":"Effect of Lychee Peel and Seed Flour Consumption on the Anti/Pro-Oxidant System and Cardiomyocyte Contractile Function.","authors":"Priscila Murucci Coelho, Luísa Martins Simmer, Amanda Rangel Madureira, Suellem Torezani-Sales, Janete Corrêa Cardoso, Késsia Cristina Carvalho Santos, Rodrigo Rezende Kitagawa, Mateus Fregona Pezzin, André Soares Leopoldo, Ana Paula Lima-Leopoldo","doi":"10.33594/000000777","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33594/000000777","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aims: </strong>Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a high risk for developing cardiovascular diseases, with alterations in contractile function and calcium (Ca2+) handling. In addition, there is an increase of reactive oxygen species in T2DM, with the pathways of altered glucose metabolism, oxidative damage to pancreatic β-cells, and endothelial dysfunction being involved in this process. Studies have shown that both the extract and lychee peel and seed flour are rich in antioxidant phenolic compounds, which could be beneficial in preventing and/or reversing oxidative stress (OS) in obesity associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DMOb). However, the relationship between oxidative stress in T2DMOb and the involvement of lychee peel and seed flour is still not well understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of lychee peel and seed flour consumption on the anti/pro-oxidant system and cardiomyocyte contractile function in obese rats induced to T2DM.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Obesity in Wistar rats (n = 38) was induced by a high-fat diet and, later, they were induced to T2DM. The experimental protocol consisted of a total period of 17 weeks and was divided into four moments (Figure 1): 1) obesity induction (4 weeks); 2) maintenance of obesity (8 weeks); 3) induction of T2DM (12th week) in obese (Ob) rats and redistribution of groups; and 4) obesity and T2DM maintenance and treatments with lychee peel and seed flours (5 weeks). After 12 weeks, the Ob rats were randomized into T2DMOb (n = 8), T2DMOb treated with lychee peel flour (T2DMObPF, n = 10), and T2DMOb treated with lychee seed flour (T2DMObSF, n = 10). Analyzes of the nutritional and metabolic profiles, cardiac remodeling, and OS biomarkers were evaluated. Contractile function by isolated cardiomyocyte analysis and Ca2+ handling was determined.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Treatments with lychee peel and seed flour were not able to change body weight, adiposity, biochemical and cardiac morphological parameters, or OS biomarkers in relation to T2DMOb animals. Lychee treatments did not accentuate the elevation of fractional shortening visualized in T2DMOb. Regarding relaxation, the maximum rate of relaxation was higher in the T2DMOb group compared to the Ob group, but the lychee treatments did not promote positive alterations in this parameter. In addition, the time to 50% relaxation was also longer in the presence of T2DM (T2DMOb > Ob); the treatments with lychee peel flour favored a reduction in the time to 50% relaxation. T2DMOb rats presented an increase in diastolic Ca2+ in relation to the Ob group; the treatment with lychee seed flour reduced this parameter, despite not improving the time to 50% decay Ca2+ and, consequently, relaxation. Furthermore, the treatments with lychee peel and seed flour did not change the sensitivity of myofilaments to Ca2+ in T2DMOb animals.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The treatments with lychee peel and see","PeriodicalId":9845,"journal":{"name":"Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry","volume":"59 3","pages":"330-346"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144093044","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of Micronutrients and Macronutrients on NK Cells Immunity.","authors":"Thamer A Hamdan","doi":"10.33594/000000776","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33594/000000776","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes of the innate immune system. Along with their cardinal role in eliminating virally infected and cancerous cells, they are considered as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity. Nutrition is linked to the effective immune response, and it is known that nutrition is among the environmental factors that influence the immune function and physiology. The function of nutrients, which are dissected into micronutrients (e.g. vitamins and minerals) and macronutrients (e.g. fat, protein and carbohydrates), is to maintain the metabolism and energy which are prime to fuel NK cells. In this review, we are going to recapitulate the recent findings and available data regarding the effect of common micro and macronutrients` examples on the NK cells development and function to provide an insight into diet-immune system crosstalk.</p>","PeriodicalId":9845,"journal":{"name":"Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry","volume":"59 3","pages":"313-329"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144093010","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Negative Impact of Caloric Restriction on Atherosclerosis in Young ApoE/LDLr ^-/- Mice.","authors":"Renata B Kostogrys, Magdalena Franczyk-Żarów, Artur Gurgul, Igor Jasielczuk, Anna Żaczek, Magdalena Hubalewska-Mazgaj, Sabina Lichołai, Angelika Manterys, Iwona Wybrańska","doi":"10.33594/000000775","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33594/000000775","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aims: </strong>Caloric restriction (CR) has proven to be the most effective dietary intervention for reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) associated with obesity. Depending on the age of the mice the effect of caloric restriction was diverse. Therefore, the effect of CR on the development of atherosclerosis in young and adult ApoE/LDLr^-/- mice was evaluated.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Eight-week-old and 20-week-old male mice received a control diet. Young mice were fed for eight weeks, whereas adult mice for 5 weeks. To assess whether individual housing influenced the tested parameters, control animals were housed in colony cages (AL) or individually (stressAL; sAL) and fed <i>ad libitum</i>. Individually housed caloric restriction (CR) mice received a 30% less diet compared to AL group.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The body weight of CR mice was significantly lower compared to the AL and sAL groups. TCh and LDL levels were significantly increased in young CR mice. No differences in adult animals were observed. TAG levels significantly decreased in both young and adult CR mice. CR induced atherosclerosis in young mice. The <i>FMO3</i> gene was upregulated in young animals. Microbiota composition changed. At the genus level, compared to the control, CR group exhibited a higher relative abundance of the <i>Enterococcus, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1</i> , <i>Rikenella</i> and a lower relative abundance of the <i>CAG_352</i> (P< 0.05) genera.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Caloric restriction exacerbated atherosclerosis in young ApoE/LDLr^-/- mice.</p>","PeriodicalId":9845,"journal":{"name":"Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry","volume":"59 3","pages":"297-312"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144093068","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dapagliflozin, An SGLT2 Inhibitor, Improves Endothelial Cell Energy Metabolism Through Enhanced Mitochondrial Respiration.","authors":"Iga Walczak, Alicja Braczko, Aleksandra Paterek, Filip Rolski, Krzysztof Urbanowicz, Maria Tarnawska, Roksana Knapczyk, Aleksandra Parzuchowska, Ryszard T Smoleński, Marcin Hellmann, Michał Mączewski, Barbara Kutryb-Zając","doi":"10.33594/000000772","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33594/000000772","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aims: </strong>Flozins (sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, SGLT2i) are a new class of antidiabetic drugs that reduce cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization rates in heart failure, regardless of type 2 diabetes status. Besides lowering glycemia by inhibiting renal glucose reabsorption, SGLT2 inhibitors may exert sodium-dependent hemodynamic effects and improve cardiomyocyte energy metabolism, substrate preference, and mitochondrial function. However, their impact on endothelial cells remains largely unknown. This study aimed to analyse the effects and mechanisms of SGLT2i on endothelial cell metabolism and function.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Mouse cardiac endothelial cells (H5V) were used to test the impact of dapagliflozin on endothelial cell metabolism and function in the presence of hypoxia-mimicking conditions. The concentration of intracellular nucleotides was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Mitochondrial and glycolytic activity were assessed using Seahorse XFp, while nitric oxide (NO) production was determined by 4-Amino-5-Methylamino-2',7'-Difluorofluorescein (DAF-FM) fluorescence staining. The effects of dapagliflozin treatment on endothelial NO synthesis were also analysed in patients with chronic heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction above 40% and C57Bl/6J mice.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Dapagliflozin augmented adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels and the ATP/ADP (adenosine diphosphate) ratio in cultured endothelial cells correlated to increased NO production. Dapagliflozin-treated endothelial cells produced ATP through both mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis. Interestingly, mitochondrial respiration was enhanced, while glycolysis was unaffected in endothelial cells after in vitro dapagliflozin treatment. In a murine model, dapagliflozin doubled the rate of coronary NO synthesis and tended to improve coronary capillary density. In humans with chronic heart failure, 3-month treatment with dapagliflozin revealed many metabolic effects, suggesting potential mechanisms related to nitric oxide homeostasis, mitochondrial function, and L-arginine metabolism.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study demonstrated the beneficial effect of dapagliflozin on endothelial cell metabolism and function. Regulation of endothelial cell bioenergetics may be an undervalued mechanism of SGLT2i to delay heart failure progression and support cardiac regeneration. These may accelerate endothelial-targeted strategies to support heart failure treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":9845,"journal":{"name":"Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry","volume":"59 2","pages":"235-251"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143978439","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ligament Cell Biology: Effect of Mechanical Loading.","authors":"Mikołaj Stańczak, Maciej Biały, Magdalena Hagner-Derengowska","doi":"10.33594/000000773","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33594/000000773","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ligaments are biomechanically specialized connective tissues that maintain joint stability and guide motion under complex loading conditions. At the cellular and molecular levels, ligament homeostasis is governed by fibroblast-like cells (ligamentocytes) embedded in an intricately organized ECM composed predominantly of type I collagen, with contributions from type III collagen, elastin, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins. These cells continuously sense and respond to mechanical stimuli-tension, compression, and shear-through mechanotransduction pathways involving integrins, focal adhesions, cytoskeletal remodeling, and mechanosensitive ion channels. Downstream signaling cascades, including MAPKs and PI3K/AKT, integrate biomechanical cues with growth factor and cytokine signaling to fine-tune gene expression, collagen fibrillogenesis, and ECM turnover. Distinct from tendons, ligaments must adapt to multidirectional loads, resulting in unique ECM compositions and cellular phenotypes. Appropriate mechanical loading maintains collagen alignment, promotes ECM integrity, and stabilizes the ligament cell phenotype. By contrast, insufficient or excessive load alters the molecular balance, triggering catabolic processes, inflammation, and disorganized ECM assembly. This delicate equilibrium also underlies the ligamentization observed in ACL graft remodeling, where controlled mechanical environments and molecular interventions accelerate the acquisition of ligamentous properties. Emerging insights into transcriptional and epigenetic regulation, growth factor-mediated cues, and cytokine-driven responses offer avenues to engineer ligament-like tissues and optimize recovery strategies. By leveraging molecular knowledge of cell-matrix interactions, growth factor profiles, and genetic/epigenetic modulators, clinicians and researchers can design tailored loading protocols, biomimetic scaffolds, and regenerative therapies. These approaches aim to restore ligament functionality, enhance graft integration, and prevent degenerative changes, ultimately improving patient outcomes in ligament injury repair and reconstruction.</p>","PeriodicalId":9845,"journal":{"name":"Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry","volume":"59 2","pages":"252-295"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143955301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Combined Effects of Toxic Metals and Oxidative Stress on the Development and Health of Sea Trout (Salmo Trutta L.).","authors":"Natalia Kurhaluk, Piotr Kamiński, Halina Tkaczenko","doi":"10.33594/000000771","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33594/000000771","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aims: </strong>Contaminants in the environment pose a considerable threat to biodiversity, ecological balance, and the health of both wildlife and humans, particularly through the transfer of these harmful substances via fish in the food chain.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study focused on the developmental stages of sea trout (<i>Salmo trutta</i> L.) in both riverine and Baltic Sea environments, with the aim of exploring how chemical element accumulation influences oxidative stress biomarkers in these species.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings revealed notable age- and tissue-specific patterns in the accumulation of chemical elements in sea trout. Specifically, higher levels of lead (Pb), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), and tin (Sn) were detected in the muscle tissues of adult trout, while cadmium (Cd) primarily accumulated in the gills, particularly in smolts. These results underscore the influence of both age and tissue type on the bioaccumulation of contaminants in the trout, highlighting how the accumulation of toxic elements contributes to increased oxidative stress in the fish. This oxidative stress, reflected by increased lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and carbonyl derivatives of oxidatively modified proteins, was closely related to the presence of contaminants such as Cd, Pb, As, Hg, and Sn. Gills, which are directly exposed to waterborne pollutants, exhibited significantly higher levels of oxidative damage compared to muscle tissue, consistent with the greater accumulation of metals in this organ. Despite higher total antioxidant status (TAS) in muscle tissue, both muscle and gill tissues of adult trout showed signs of considerable oxidative stress, indicating the cumulative effects of prolonged exposure to these contaminants.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study highlights the detrimental consequences of chemical element contamination on the health of trout, with a particular emphasis on oxidative damage, and calls for effective environmental management to protect aquatic species from the long-term effects of exposure to contaminants. Furthermore, the correlation and regression analysis conducted revealed significant patterns, demonstrating positive correlations between the accumulation of Cd, Pb, and As in the gills of adult trout, and between Pb and oxidative stress markers in smolts. Additionally, the analysis indicated that mercury contributes significantly to oxidative damage.</p>","PeriodicalId":9845,"journal":{"name":"Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry","volume":"59 2","pages":"208-234"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143967900","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Methylglyoxal Reshapes Hepatic and Adipose Tissue Metabolism and Increases Viability of Lymphocytes.","authors":"Naiara Cristina Lucredi, Lucas Paulo J Saavedra, Silvano Piovan, Emanuele P Lima, Mariane Aparecida F Godoy, Rogério Marchiosi, Verônica Elisa P Vicentini, Paulo Cezar F Mathias, Anacharis B Sá-Nakanishi, Lívia Bracht, Claudia C S Chini, Eduardo N Chini, Adelar Bracht, Jurandir F Comar","doi":"10.33594/000000770","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33594/000000770","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aims: </strong>Methylglyoxal (MG) is associated with the development of metabolic disorders that modify the hepatic energetic metabolism in different ways. However, not much is known about the effects of MG on energy metabolism in healthy liver cells. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of daily MG administration to Wistar rats on hepatic and fat tissue energetic metabolism.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Rats received MG intraperitoneally at doses of 100 or 200 mg/kg for seven consecutive days in acute approach or at a dose of 25 mg/kg for one month in the chronic approach. Metabolic pathways were measured in isolated perfused livers (glycogen catabolism, gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis) as well in adipose tissue. Activities and mRNA expressions of gluconeogenic enzymes were assessed in the liver and the viability of human lymphocytes were evaluated <i>in vitro</i>.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>MG displayed systemic inflammation and the metabolic changes were similar to those of widespread catabolic diseases. MG and advanced glycation end-products stimulated lymphocyte proliferation, and MG increased the hepatic interleukin-6 expression. Rats that received MG developed insulin resistance. Gluconeogenesis was diminished and glycolysis was stimulated in livers of rats that received MG. Two factors contribute to this outcome: a deficiency in mitochondrial energy supply and a much more significant downregulation of gluconeogenic enzymes. The adipose tissue metabolism was modified in a way that the AMPK-induced lipolysis was increased in the retroperitoneal fat, but not in the mesenteric fat. Ketogenesis was increased and triglycerides content was decreased in the liver.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>To what degree the modifications in hepatic metabolism found in MG-exposed rats can be translated to patients with a high-grade inflammation and cirrhosis is uncertain. However, it is unlikely that the strong catabolic state induced by MG would not contribute in some way to the hepatic dysfunction in advanced liver diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":9845,"journal":{"name":"Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry","volume":"59 2","pages":"174-207"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143955808","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"ACE2 Expression in the Kidneys of Pregnant and Postpartum Rats: Physiological and Pathological Significance During Pregnancy.","authors":"Yu Kikuta, Itsuro Kazama","doi":"10.33594/000000769","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33594/000000769","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aims: </strong>Pregnancy is associated with changes in renal hemodynamics, such as increases in renal blood flow and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a transmembrane glycoprotein involved in vasodilation, also acts as a receptor for the entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using rats on pregnancy day 16 and postpartum day 5, we examined the histopathological changes in rat kidneys during and after pregnancy. The expressional changes in renal angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and angiotensin (1-7) (Ang (1-7)) were examined, together with those of transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>examined, together with those of transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). Results: In pregnant rats, the renal arterioles and venules as well as the glomerular capillaries were markedly dilated, indicating renal vasodilation. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated increased ACE2 and Ang (1-7) expression within the proximal renal tubules during pregnancy, which then returned to the virgin levels in the postpartum period. Additionally, the proximal tubular expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 was similarly enhanced during pregnancy.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>As ACE2 and Ang (1-7) exert vasodilatory properties, they were considered responsible for renal vasodilation and the subsequent increase in GFR. Further, the similar distribution and enhanced expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the proximal renal tubules during pregnancy suggested their roles in the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) following COVID-19 in pregnancy. This study highlights the physiological and pathological significance of ACE2 during pregnancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":9845,"journal":{"name":"Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry","volume":"59 2","pages":"164-173"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143984897","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing Cellular Immunity Through Epitope Peptides of SARS-Cov-2 in Individuals with Specific HLA Allele.","authors":"Xinliang Huang, Yunyun Wu, Fangliu Yu, Bohan Dong, Zhu Yang","doi":"10.33594/000000768","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33594/000000768","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aims: </strong>This research explores the effectiveness of a new cytotoxic T-cell epitope peptide specific for HLA-A2402 in enhancing cellular immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infections. HLA molecules play a key role in presenting antigenic epitopes to T cells, with genetic polymorphisms resulting in varying immune responses among individuals. The study aimed to investigate whether loading this epitope peptide into dendritic cells (DCs) from HLA-A2402(+) individuals could improve immune responses.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>DCs were sensitized with varying doses of the peptide (2-12 µg/mL), with optimal results observed at 8 µg/mL. T-cell responses, proliferation, differentiation, Th cytokine secretion, CTL function, and apoptotic response were compared among the HLA-A2402(+), HLA-A2402(-), PBS control, DC only, and epitope-only groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A significant enhancement in DC maturation, antigen presentation, T-cell activation, and proliferation was observed in the HLA-A2402(+) group compared to the HLA-A2402(-) control.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings suggest that HLA-A2402-restricted epitope peptides can enhance cellular immunity, offering potential for improving allele-specific SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and other molecular therapies, advancing precision medicine for infectious diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":9845,"journal":{"name":"Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry","volume":"59 2","pages":"148-163"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143978760","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microbial Desalination Cells: Sustainable Water Desalination Application and Wastewater Management.","authors":"Israa Mudher, Safaa A Ali","doi":"10.33594/000000767","DOIUrl":"10.33594/000000767","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background/aims: &lt;/strong&gt;Microbial desalination cells (MDCs) are bioelectrochemical systems using electroactive bacteria to generate energy simultaneously cleaning wastewater and desalinating water. This sustainable technology addresses pollution issues and water shortage using an environmentally friendly solution that aids in desalination as well as wastewater treatment. This research focuses on the effectiveness of microbial desalination cells (MDCs) in concurrently treating wastewater and removing salt from water. The study seeks to determine whether MDCs offer a viable, environmentally friendly method for purifying water while generating energy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;The MDC setup incorporated three distinct chambers: anode, desalination, and cathode. Wastewater samples were placed in the anode and cathode compartments, while the desalination chamber contained saline water. A digital multimeter was employed to regularly monitor and log the generated voltages. The microbial community was examined through 16S rRNA gene sequencing techniques. Organic matter elimination was quantified by measuring total organic carbon (TOC) levels. The MDC operated for 30 days continuously.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The microbial desalination cell (MDC) produced bioelectricity, effectively desalinated water, and broke down organic molecules during its 30-day running. This suggests that since the voltage generation peaked at 638 mV and then stabilized at 460 mV, the electrochemical activity has been constant. From 46.2 mS/cm to 10.1 mS/cm, the desalination chamber's electrical conductivity (EC) fell drastically, clearly removing the ions. A decline in sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration-from 29 mg/L to 7 mg/L-also proved a sign of effective desalination. Better organic degradation was shown by the cathode chamber reaching 99.9% while the anode chamber attained a total organic carbon (TOC) removal rate of 97.2%. Desalination mostly depends on selective ion exchange across cation and anion membranes; microbial biofilm adaptation helped in the slow development of voltage. These findings suggest that since they efficiently mix the processes of wastewater treatment, desalination, and power generation, MDCs are a reasonably sustainable technology. The Microbial Desalination Cell (MDC) effectively desalinated water and treated wastewater having a peak voltage of 638 mV and a drop in NaCl concentration from 29 mg/L to 7 mg/L. With TOC removal in the anode at 97.2% and the cathode at 99.9%, the system proved excellent in both desalination and organic matter degradation. Furthermore, found to be unique from NCBI-recognized species was the microbiome found in Iraqi municipal effluent.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;Microbial Desalination Cells (MDCs) have many advantages over conventional desalination techniques like reverse osmosis, including being able to cleanse wastewater and simultaneously generate renewable electricity with far reduced ","PeriodicalId":9845,"journal":{"name":"Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry","volume":"59 2","pages":"131-147"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143728834","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}