AIMS: Retinoids participate in multiple key processes in the human body e.g., vision, cell differentiation and embryonic development. There is growing evidence of the relationship between retinol, its active metabolite- all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) - and several pancreatic disorders. Although low levels of ATRA in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tissue have been reported, data on serum levels of ATRA in PDAC is still limited. The aim of our work was to determine serum concentrations of retinol and ATRA in patients with PDAC, type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), chronic pancreatitis (CHP) and healthy controls. METHODS: High performance liquid chromatography with UV detection (HPLC) was used to measure serum levels of retinol and ATRA in 246 patients with different stages of PDAC, T2DM, CHP and healthy controls. RESULTS: We found a significant decrease in the retinol concentration in PDAC (0.44+/-0.18 mg/L) compared to T2DM (0.65+/-0.19 mg/L, P<0.001), CHP (0.60+/-0.18 mg/L, P< 0.001) and healthy controls (0.61+/-0.15 mg/L, P<0.001), significant decrease of ATRA levels in PDAC (1.14+/-0.49 ug/L) compared to T2DM (1.37+/-0.56 ug/L, P<0.001) and healthy controls(1.43+/-0.55 ug/L, P<0.001). Differences between early stages (I+II) of PDAC and non-carcinoma groups were not significant. We describe correlations between retinol, prealbumin and transferrin, and correlation of ATRA and IGFBP-2. CONCLUSION: Significant decrease in retinol and ATRA levels in PDAC compared to T2DM, healthy individuals and/or CHP supports existing evidence of the role of retinoids in PDAC. However, neither ATRA nor retinol are suitable for detection of early PDAC. Correlation of ATRA levels and IGFBP-2 provides new information about a possible IGF and retinol relationship.
- Klíčová slova
- all-trans-retinoic-acid, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, type-2 diabetes mellitus, vitamin A,
- MeSH
- chronická pankreatitida * metabolismus krev MeSH
- diabetes mellitus 2. typu * metabolismus MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- duktální karcinom pankreatu metabolismus MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nádory slinivky břišní * metabolismus krev MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- studie případů a kontrol MeSH
- tretinoin * metabolismus krev MeSH
- vitamin A * krev metabolismus MeSH
- vysokoúčinná kapalinová chromatografie MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- tretinoin * MeSH
- vitamin A * MeSH
Hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCH) belong to the banned pesticides with short-time production and use during the last century. However, the consequences of this short period are still present as persistent environmental contamination. This study represents the large lab-scale experiment focused on the HCH accumulation and metabolism in selected wetland plants (Juncus effuses, Typha latifolia, Phragmites australis) and trees (Alnus glutinosa) after the exposure to the technical mix of HCH isomers (t-HCH) or δ-HCH at three different concentration. During the three-month exposure, morphological (biomass, height, relative chlorophyll content) and physiological (photosynthetic measurements - photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration and dark transpiration) parameters were measured to assess the HCH effect on plant's growth. The results showed that all selected plant species supported HCH removal from the soil. The total removal efficiency was lower for the t-HCH than for δ-HCH exposure, and the best results were provided by Alnus glutinosa tree. Also, no isomer preference was observed in plants exposed to t-HCH. Most HCH remained accumulated in the root biomass, and mainly α-HCH and δ-HCH were transported to the above-ground parts due to their physicochemical properties. Simultaneously, HCH uptake and metabolization to chlorobenzenes (CB) and chlorophenols (CP) occur. Non-targeted analysis showed that CP could be conjugated to glucose and malonyl in plant tissue, and secondary plant metabolism is affected positively and negatively after exposure to t-HCH depending on plant species and chemical concentration. Luteolin, quercetin and quercetin-3-O-glucoside found common to all species showed quantitative changes due to HCH. Nevertheless, most morphological and physiological parameters were adversely affected without statistical significance. This large-scale study provides information on the fate of HCH in the soil-plant system, the suitability of selected plants and their adaptation to chemical stress for use in the phytoremediation process.
- Klíčová slova
- Hexachlorocyclohexane, metabolites, pesticides, phytoremediation, wetland,
- MeSH
- bioakumulace MeSH
- biodegradace MeSH
- hexachlorcyklohexan * analýza MeSH
- mokřady * MeSH
- půda MeSH
- rostliny metabolismus MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- delta-hexachlorocyclohexane MeSH Prohlížeč
- hexachlorcyklohexan * MeSH
- půda MeSH
Although the pesticide hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and its isomers have long been banned, their presence in the environment is still reported worldwide. In this study, we investigated the bioaccumulation potential of α, β, and δ hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers in black alder saplings (Alnus glutinosa) to assess their environmental impact. Each isomer, at a concentration of 50 mg/kg, was individually mixed with soil, and triplicate setups, including a control without HCH, were monitored for three months with access to water. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed the highest concentrations of HCH isomers in roots, decreasing towards branches and leaves, with δ-HCH exhibiting the highest uptake (roots-14.7 µg/g, trunk-7.2 µg/g, branches-1.53 µg/g, leaves-1.88 µg/g). Interestingly, α-HCH was detected in high concentrations in β-HCH polluted soil. Phytohormone analysis indicated altered cytokinin, jasmonate, abscisate, and gibberellin levels in A. glutinosa in response to HCH contamination. In addition, amplicon 16S rRNA sequencing was used to study the rhizosphere and soil microbial community. While rhizosphere microbial populations were generally similar in all HCH isomer samples, Pseudomonas spp. decreased across all HCH-amended samples, and Tomentella dominated in β-HCH and control rhizosphere samples but was lowest in δ-HCH samples.
- MeSH
- biodegradace MeSH
- hexachlorcyklohexan analýza MeSH
- látky znečišťující půdu * analýza MeSH
- olše * MeSH
- půda MeSH
- RNA ribozomální 16S genetika MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- beta-hexachlorocyclohexane MeSH Prohlížeč
- delta-hexachlorocyclohexane MeSH Prohlížeč
- hexachlorcyklohexan MeSH
- látky znečišťující půdu * MeSH
- půda MeSH
- RNA ribozomální 16S MeSH
The hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCH) are long-banned pesticides. Even though their use has been prohibited for decades, their presence in the environment is still reported worldwide. Wetland + is a registered trademark of the remedial treatment technology consisting of an aerobic sedimentary tank, a permeable reactive barrier, a biosorption system, and an aerobic wetland. This proven method combines a reductive treatment known from PRBs with the natural wetland self-cleaning processes. The average efficiency of the system is 96.8% for chlorobenzenes (ClB) and 81.7% for HCH, during the first 12 months of the system operation. The presence of the genes encoding enzymes involved in the degradation of the HCH compounds indicates that the removal of HCH and ClB occurs not only by chemical removal but also through aerobic and anaerobic combining biodegradation. Changes in abundance and the composition of the diatom community were found to be suitable indicators of the water quality and of the impact of the Wetland + operation on the water ecosystem. The system's annual operation exhibited a markedly higher number of diatom species in the closing profiles of the Ostrovský Creek, the Wetland + effluent recipient.
- MeSH
- biodegradace MeSH
- biodiverzita MeSH
- ekosystém * MeSH
- hexachlorcyklohexan * chemie metabolismus MeSH
- mokřady MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- hexachlorcyklohexan * MeSH
Bio-based plastics (BP) produced from renewable biomass resources, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polylactic acid (PLA) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), is currently increasing in terms of both products and applications. However, their biodegradability and environmental fate are not yet fully understood, especially in freshwaters. Here, we present the results of an in-situ study in a freshwater reservoir, where we submerged HDPE, PLA and PHBV microscale BP (mBP) in dialysis bags to enable exchange of small organic and inorganic molecules, including nutrients, with the surrounding water. After one and two months, the bacterial biofilm that formed on each mBP was characterised by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. After two-months, Oxalobacteraceae, Pedosphaeraceae, Flavobacteriaceae (Flavobacterium) and Chitinophagaceae (Ferruginibacter) had increased by up to four times. Both these and other common members (≥1 % relative total biomass) of the microbial community were similarly abundant on all mBP. Low-abundance (0.3-1 %) bacterial taxa, however, were significantly more diverse and differed on each mBP. Notably, some low-abundance families and genera increased on specific materials, e.g. Sphingomonadaceae on HDPE, Sphingobacteriaceae on PHBV, Gemmatimonas and Crenothrix on PLA. Overall, abundant bacteria were regarded as a pioneering community, while low-abundance bacteria were more diverse and preferred mBP types in the early stages of biofilm formation on mBP. It could be influenced by the environmental conditions, where nutrient levels and low temperatures might shape the low-abundance of attached bacterial communities than the plastic material itself.
- Klíčová slova
- Abundant bacteria, HDPE, In-situ, Low-abundance bacteria, PHBV, PLA,
- MeSH
- Bacteria MeSH
- biofilmy MeSH
- dialýza ledvin MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mikroplasty * MeSH
- plastické hmoty * MeSH
- polyestery MeSH
- polyethylen MeSH
- RNA ribozomální 16S genetika MeSH
- sladká voda MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- beta-hydroxyvaleric acid MeSH Prohlížeč
- mikroplasty * MeSH
- plastické hmoty * MeSH
- polyestery MeSH
- polyethylen MeSH
- RNA ribozomální 16S MeSH
Hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) are persistent organochlorine pesticides with the adverse effects on human health and the environment. The effect of delta-isomer of hexachlorocyclohexane (δ-HCH) on germination, growth parameters and physiological parameters was studied in different Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. progeny of resistant genotypes to pathogen Phytophthora ×alni. Two experiments were performed: a short-term experiment to determine the effect of δ-HCH on total germination (GT), germination energy (GE), speed of germination (SG), shoot length and biomass of seedlings, and a long-term experiment devoted to remediation aspects. In addition, changes in the hormonal system of alders were monitored in both cases. Significant differences were found between the treated and control group in most of the evaluated characteristics. Also, the content of studied phytohormones differs between groups. Furthermore, the obtained results indicate genetically determined variability in response to δ-HCH. Of the six tested, the Březové and Tuřany progeny seem to be suitable candidates for phytoremediation because of the adaptation to stress conditions or high remediation efficiency. The rest of tested progeny seems to be unsuitable due to higher mortality, lower remediation efficiency and higher levels of stress hormones resulting in significant decrease in biomass and plant height. Moreover, results indicate the role of the plant as a remediation accelerator, probably through released exudates, and a positive effect on the soil microbiome as the presence of plants increased the remediation efficiency by 20.85 - 35.89%. The obtained research findings may be helpful in better understanding the processes involved in removing these pesticides from the soil. Further research should be focused on rhizosphere microbiome, mechanism of in-plant isomerization and metabolites identification.
- Klíčová slova
- Alnus glutinosa, HCH, Hexachlorocyclohexane, Pesticide, Phytophthora ×alni, Phytoremediation,
- MeSH
- genotyp MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- olše * MeSH
- pesticidy * MeSH
- Phytophthora * MeSH
- půda MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- delta-hexachlorocyclohexane MeSH Prohlížeč
- pesticidy * MeSH
- půda MeSH
To identify non-invasive biomarkers of non-metastatic pancreatic cancer (PC), the blood from 186 patients (PC n=28; DM-diabetes mellitus n=60; ChP-chronic pancreatitis n=47; healthy controls n=51) was analyzed for 58 candidate biomarkers. Their effectiveness to identify PC was compared with CA19-9. Panel defined by Random-forest (RF) analysis (CA19-9, AAT, IGFBP2, albumin, ALP, Reg3A, HSP27) outperforms CA19-9 in discrimination of PC from DM (AUC 0.92 vs. 0.82). Panel (S100A11, CA72-4, AAT, CA19-9, CB, MMP-7, S100P-s, Reg3A) is better in discrimination PC from ChP than CA19-9 (AUC 0.90 vs. 0.75). Panel (MMP-7, Reg3A, sICAM1, OPG, CB, ferritin) is better in discrimination PC from healthy controls than CA19-9 (AUC 0.89 vs. 0.78). Panel (CA19-9, S100P-pl, AAT, albumin, adiponectin, IGF-1, MMP7, S100A11) identifies PC among other groups better than CA19-9 (AUC 0.91 vs. 0.80). Panel defined by logistic regression analysis (prealbumin, IGFBP-2, DJ-1, MIC-1, CA72-4) discriminates PC from DM worse than CA19-9 (AUC 0.80 vs. 0.82). Panel (IGF-1, S100A11, Reg1alfa) outperforms CA19-9 in discrimination PC from ChP (AUC 0.76 vs. 0.75). Panel (IGF-2, S100A11, Reg3A) outperforms CA19-9 in discrimination PC from healthy controls (AUC 0.95 vs. 0.78). Panel (albumin, AAT, S100P-serum, CRP, CA19-9, TFF1, MMP-7) outperforms CA19-9 in identification PC among other groups (AUC 0.89 vs. 0.8). The combination of biomarkers identifies PC better than CA19-9 in most cases. S100A11, Reg3A, DJ-1 were to our knowledge identified for the first time as possible serum biomarkers of PC.
- MeSH
- antigen CA-19-9 MeSH
- chronická pankreatitida * diagnóza MeSH
- diferenciální diagnóza MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nádorové biomarkery MeSH
- nádory slinivky břišní * diagnóza patologie MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- antigen CA-19-9 MeSH
- nádorové biomarkery MeSH
The use of biological indicators of environmental quality is an alternative method of monitoring ecosystem pollution. Various groups of contaminants, including organic ones, can be measured in environmental samples. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have not yet been determined by the moss bag technique. This technique uses several moss species simultaneously in urban areas to select the best biomonitoring of these compounds, which are dangerous to humans and the environment. In this research, a gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was used for the determination of selected PAHs in three species of mosses: Pleurozium schreberi, Sphagnum fallax and Dicranum polysetum (active biomonitoring) and for comparison using an air filter reference method for atmospheric aerosol monitoring. The chlorophyll fluorescence of photosystem II (PSII) was also measured to assess changes in moss viability during the study. As a result of the study, the selective accumulation of selected PAHs by mosses was found, with Pleurozium schreberi being the best bioindicator-9 out of 13 PAHs compounds were determined in this species. The photosynthetic yield of photosystem (II) decreased by 81% during the exposure time. The relationship between PAHs concentrations in mosses and the total suspended particles (TSP) on the filter indicated the possibility of using this bioindicator to trace PAHs in urban areas and to apply the moss bag technique as a method supporting classical instrumental air monitoring.
- Klíčová slova
- bioindicator, moss bag technique, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons,
- MeSH
- aerosoly analýza MeSH
- atmosféra chemie MeSH
- biologický monitoring * MeSH
- Bryophyta chemie MeSH
- filtrace MeSH
- látky znečišťující vzduch analýza MeSH
- polycyklické aromatické uhlovodíky analýza MeSH
- shluková analýza MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- aerosoly MeSH
- látky znečišťující vzduch MeSH
- polycyklické aromatické uhlovodíky MeSH
Abiotic and biotic remediation of chlorinated ethenes (CEs) in groundwater from a real contaminated site was studied using biochar-based composites containing nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI/BC) and natural resident microbes/specific CE degraders supported by a whey addition. The material represented by the biochar matrix decorated by isolated iron nanoparticles or their aggregates, along with the added whey, was capable of a stepwise dechlorination of CEs. The tested materials (nZVI/BC and BC) were able to decrease the original TCE concentration by 99% in 30 days. Nevertheless, regarding the transformation products, it was clear that biotic as well as abiotic transformation mechanisms were involved in the transformation process when nonchlorinated volatiles (i.e., methane, ethane, ethene, and acetylene) were detected after the application of nZVI/BC and nZVI/BC with whey. The whey addition caused a massive increase in bacterial biomass in the groundwater samples (monitored by 16S rRNA sequencing and qPCR) that corresponded with the transformation of trichloro- and dichloro-CEs, and this process was accompanied by the formation of less chlorinated products. Moreover, the biostimulation step also eliminated the adverse effect caused by nZVI/BC (decrease in microbial biomass after nZVI/BC addition). The nZVI/BC material or its aging products, and probably together with vinyl chloride-respiring bacteria, were able to continue the further reductive dechlorination of dichlorinated CEs into nonhalogenated volatiles. Overall, the results of the present study demonstrate the potential, feasibility, and environmental safety of this nanobioremediation approach.
- Klíčová slova
- Biochar, Chlororespiration, Groundwater, Nano zero-valent iron, Nanobioremediation,
- MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu * MeSH
- dřevěné a živočišné uhlí MeSH
- podzemní voda * MeSH
- RNA ribozomální 16S genetika MeSH
- rozpouštědla MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- biochar MeSH Prohlížeč
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu * MeSH
- dřevěné a živočišné uhlí MeSH
- RNA ribozomální 16S MeSH
- rozpouštědla MeSH
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease. Fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) is a promising alternative treatment. METHODS: This multicenter, open-label, noninferiority trial randomized patients with active left-sided UC (Mayo score 4-10) equally to FMT or 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) enemas. FMT enemas were administered five times in the first week and then once weekly for 5 weeks. 5-ASA enemas were administered daily for 2 weeks and then every other day. The primary study endpoint was clinical remission, with a total Mayo score ≤2 at week 12 with no subscore >1. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients were screened; 45 were enrolled and randomized to FMT (n = 23) or 5-ASA (n = 22). Twenty-one FMT and 22 5-ASA patients completed at least the week 4 study visit and were included in the mITT analysis. Twelve FMT (57%) and eight 5-ASA patients achieved the primary study endpoint. FMT noninferiority with 10% margin was confirmed (95% CI: -7.6%, 48.9%). Adverse events occurred in 12 FMT (57%) and 13 5-ASA (59%) patients. Increased microbial diversity persisted 3 months after FMT. CONCLUSION: FMT is an effective treatment for left-sided UC and increased recipient microbiome diversity. Targeted microbiome modification may improve FMT efficacy. Further investigation is needed to guide donor and patient selection.
- Klíčová slova
- 5-aminosalicylic acid, fecal microbial transplantation, ulcerative colitis,
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
