Peptide-peptide interactions are crucial in the living cell as they lead to the formation of the numerous types of complexes. In this study, synthetic peptides containing 11 of cysteines (α-domain of metallothionein (MT)) and sialic acid binding region (130-loop of hemagglutinin (HA)) were employed. The aim of the experiment was studying the interactions between MT and HA-derived peptides. For this purpose, fragments were tagged with cysteines at C-terminal part to serve as ligand sites for PbS and CuS quantum dots (QDs), and therefore these conjugates can be traced and quantified during wide spectrum of methods. As a platform for interaction, γ-Fe2O3 paramagnetic particles modified with tetraethyl orthosilicate and (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (hydrodynamic diameter 30-40 nm) were utilized and MT/HA interactions were examined using multi-instrumental approach including electrochemistry, electrophoretic methods, and MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. It was found that peptides enter mutual creation of complexes, which are based on some of nonbonded interactions. The higher willingness to interact was observed in MT-derived peptides toward immobilized HA. Finally, we designed and manufactured flow-through electrochemical 3D printed device (reservoir volume 150 μL) and utilized it for automated analysis of the HA/MT metal labels. Under the optimal conditions, (deposition time and flow rate 80 s and 1.6 mL/min for CuS and 120 s and 1.6 mL/min PbS, respectively), the results of peptide-conjugated QDs were comparable with atomic absorption spectrometry.
Arsenic compounds belong to the most controversial agents concerning human health. Arsenic (As) is considered as a top environmental element influencing human health due to its adverse effects including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and reproductive or developmental problems. Despite the proven mutagenic, teratogenic and carcinogenic effects, the arsenic compounds are used for centuries to treat infectious diseases. In our work, we focused on studying of interactions of As(III) and/or As(V) with DNA. Interactions between arsenic ions and DNA were monitored by UV/vis spectrophotometry by measuring absorption and fluorescence spectra, atomic absorption spectrometry, electrochemical measurements (square wave voltammetry) and agarose gel electrophoresis. Using these methods, we observed a stable structure of DNA with As(III) within the concentration range 0.4-6.25 μg mL(-1). Higher As(III) concentration caused degradation of DNA. However, similar effects were not observed for As(V).
- MeSH
- arsen škodlivé účinky terapeutické užití MeSH
- DNA chemie účinky léků genetika MeSH
- fragmentace DNA účinky léků MeSH
- infekční nemoci farmakoterapie patologie MeSH
- ionty chemie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- metalothionein chemie genetika MeSH
- protinádorové látky chemie terapeutické užití MeSH
- spektrofotometrie atomová MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
Metallomics is an area that studies the interactions of metal ions with proteins and other biomolecules and their function in living organisms. Metallothioneins (MTs) belong to a large family of metalloproteins in this field. As it is known, the presence of Cd2+ ions causes higher expression of MTs. Therefore we focused on determination of MT and Cd content in liver from chicken embryos (model organism) by electrochemistry and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) after the exposure of chicken embryos to different concentrations of Cd(NO3)2. We also determined the spatial distribution of MT in chicken liver tissue slices by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-TOF MSI) and evaluated the toxicity of Cd(NO3)2 to chicken embryos. Finally, we attempted to find the correlation between 2D MSI maps of MT and concentration of MT in chicken liver.
- MeSH
- elektrochemické techniky MeSH
- játra * chirurgie metabolismus účinky léků MeSH
- kadmium * metabolismus toxicita MeSH
- kuřecí embryo MeSH
- metalothionein * chemie metabolismus MeSH
- organokovové sloučeniny toxicita MeSH
- spektrofotometrie atomová MeSH
- spektrometrie hmotnostní - ionizace laserem za účasti matrice MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- kuřecí embryo MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
Quantum dots (QDs) are small semiconductor nanoparticles with great optical properties. Their behaviour enables the usage of QDs in in vitro and in vivo experiments and they are promising tools in disease treatment and targeted therapy. The limitation of their usage is the toxicity. Quantum dots consist of different metals, which have various effects on the health. To decrease their toxicity, different surface coatings are used. The effect of QDs on the organism can be tested on chicken embryos. Chicken embryos represent great model for QDs toxicity studies, because there is no need of any permission for the work with embryos and the experiments are low cost and fast.
This paper describes the role of zinc in the natural environment. The attention is focused on natural and anthropogenic sources in the environment. The effect of zinc on the human organism, in particular its biochemical and physiological functions are described. The lack or excess of zinc and its impact on human health is also discussed. Part of this work summarizes the most commonly used methods for the detection of zinc.
- MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- zinek * analýza metabolismus nedostatek škodlivé účinky MeSH
- životní prostředí MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
The aim of this study was to summarize findings about the role of cadmium in the environment. The study includes information about the properties and effects of cadmium on the environment, transport between the different components of the environment and describes natural and anthropogenic sources of cadmium. Furthermore, this work describes the effect of cadmium on the human body and shows its toxicity. The methods of cadmium determination are also summarized in the scope of this work.
This study deals with the role of lead in the environment. It summarizes information about properties of lead and deals with lead intakes into the environment, anthropogenic or natural, and it follows transport of lead between individual components of the environment. Part of this thesis is given to the accumulation of lead into organisms. It points out the toxicity of lead and its effect to human organism. The last chapter summarizes the analytic methods that are commonly used for lead determination.
- Klíčová slova
- bioalumulace,
- MeSH
- látky znečišťující životní prostředí * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- olovo * analýza metabolismus škodlivé účinky MeSH
- otrava olovem MeSH
- znečištění životního prostředí MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
