No description available.

Bacteroides fragilis strain Bf-1 produces an extracellular bacteriocin at the beginning of the stationary growth phase. Production is not inducible by either ultraviolet light or mitomycin C. The low molecular weight bacteriocin (MW estimates of 13 500 and 18 800 obtained from Sephadex G-100 chromatography and SDS-PAGE electrophoresis respecively) is stable between pH 7 - 9 and is inactivated on incubation with trypsin and pronase. An unusual feature of the Bf-1 bacteriocin is its apparent biphasic temperature stability: while the majority of the activity (97%) is destroyed by heating at 60ºC (t [subscript] 1/2 = 2.5 min at 60ºC), a small proportion (3%) is stable even after autoclaving at 121ºC for 15 min. The killing of sensitive cells occurs in 2 stages and the killing action is reversed by incubation with trypsin. The transition from stage I to stage II is dependent on the temperature of incubation and the growth state of sensitive cells. 2,4-Dinitrophenol prevents this transition. The Bf-1 bacteriocin has an unusual mode of action. It specifically inhibits RNA synthesis whilst having no effect on protein or DNA synthesis. No effect on intracellular ATP levels were observed. The heat-stable (3%) fraction had a similar biochemical effect. In vitro studies involving RNA polymerase indicated that the bacteriocin and the antibiotic rifampicin have similar effects on RNA synthesis. The bacteriocinogenic strain (Bf-1) is insensitive to its own bacteriocin both in vivo and in vitro, although this immunity is overcome in vitro by the addition of higher concentrations of the Bf-1 bacteriocin. The bacteriocinogenic strain (Bf-1) harbors a cryptic plasmid (or plasmids) which on a neutral sucrose gradient, sediments faster than the Col E1 marker plasmid DNA. Attempts to cure this strain of its bacteriocinogenic phenotype were unsuccessful.

Ferrate (molecular formula, FeVIO42-) has been studied increasingly since the 1970s as a disinfectant and coagulant for domestic wastewater and also as an oxidant for industrial wastewaters (Murmann and Roginson, 1974, Gilbert et al., 1978, Kazama, 1994, Jiang et al., 2002, and Sharmaet al., 2005). This research was performed to explore whether ferrate could possibly be used as chemical treatment for industrial wastewaters from plastic, chemical, dye, soap, and wood stain producing plants that contain 2, 4-Dinitrophenol (DNP). DNP is listed on the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List (CCL). This list includes compounds which are not currently regulated at the national level, but there is a growing concern for the harm they may cause to the environment. Therefore, the EPA prioritizes these compounds and conducts extensive research to determine if these compounds should be regulated (USEPA, 2005). The effects of Ferrate on DNP were evaluated during these experiments. The effect of various dosages of Ferrate and different pH values was monitored over 17 minutes using UV 254 to determine the extent of oxidation of 300 mg L-1 DNP. Removal of DNP at all pHs and dosages was noted, however, a pH of 4 and a molar ratio of 14: 1 (Ferrate to DNP) removed the highest percentage of DNP at 87.3. The by-products of the 3.5 and 14: 1 molar ratio of Ferrate to DNP reactions at a pH of 4 and their toxicity were determined by measuring biochemical oxygen demand 5 day (BOD5), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), chlorine residual and chemical oxygen demand (COD), and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. The BOD5 indicated toxicity, either from the residual chlorine or the organisms used for seeding not being acclimated to DNP and by-products. DOC of the 3.5 : 1 molar ratio was higher than calculated values indicating more ring breakage than was originally measured by UV 254. DOC of the 14: 1 molar ratio experiment was lower than calculated values, which indicated human error in measuring the DNP concentration. The chlorine residual was high for both experiments, 112 and 594 mg L-1, for the 3.5 and 14: 1 molar ratios, respectively. COD was unable to be measured due to chloride interference. The GC/MS data showed several chlorine-substituted benzene rings as well as carbon tetrachloride for the 3.5:1 molar ratio DNP experiments. The 14:1 GC/MS data indicated much more ring breakage with carbon tetrachloride, a substituted butane chain, many unknown straight chain chlorinated compounds and dichloro-pentane isomers as by-products.

Examination of the swimming capabilities of fish is increasingly being considered as an effective method for determining sublethal toxicity. Acute toxicant exposure is known to cause decreases in swim performance in fish but less is known about how developmental exposure can cause persistent effects that hinder swimming. In addition, little is known about how triglyceride levels fluctuate during fish swimming upon both acute and developmental exposure to toxicant. In this thesis, two studies, one acute and one developmental, were carried out using two different toxicants in order to address these issues.<p> In order to examine acute effects, adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to ethanol vehicle or increasing concentrations of 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), a mitochondrial electron transport chain uncoupler, for a 24 h period. Following exposure, fish were placed in a swim tunnel for critical swimming speed (Ucrit) determination and swim motion analysis. Whole body triglyceride levels were then determined. Ucrit was decreased in a concentration dependent manner in both the 6 mg/L and 12 mg/L DNP exposure groups, with 6 mg/L DNP being considered sublethal and 12 mg/L approaching the LC50. A decrease in tail beat frequency was observed and is likely the main cause for the decrease in Ucrit in the DNP exposure groups. Triglyceride levels were elevated in a concentration dependent manner in the DNP exposure groups. This increase in triglyceride stores may be due to a behavioral adaption limiting swimming capabilities or due to a direct toxic action of DNP on lipid catabolism.<p> The second study examined whether developmental 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) exposure would cause persistent toxic effects. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to dimethyl sulfoxide control or increasing concentrations of TCDD between 2-4 days post fertilization (dpf). At 5 dpf, cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) activity was determined. Fish were raised to 90 dpf with mortalities and deformities being recorded at 5 dpf, 10 dpf, and 90 dpf. At 90 dpf, fish were placed in swim tunnel and Ucrit , swimming motion, and aerobic scope (oxygen consumption rate during exercise minus oxygen consumption rate during rest) were determined. Following swimming, some fish were used for whole body triglyceride analysis while others were used for histological examination. Ucrit was shown to be decreased in the two highest sublethal TCDD exposure groups (0.1 and 1 ng/L) but not in the lowest TCDD exposure group (0.01 ng/L). The exact cause of the decrease in Ucrit is not known, but may be linked to the observed decrease in dorsal aorta diameter, an inability to mobilize triglyceride stores, behavioral adaptations limiting swimming, decreased body length, or a combination of these factors. This TCDD related defect in swimming ability is not due to any increases in gross deformity or mortality rates, nor does it appear that CYP1A induction is required to mediate the toxic effects. Thus, it appears that examination of swim performance may serve as an effective measure of both sublethal acute and developmental toxicities.

Examination of the swimming capabilities of fish is increasingly being considered as an effective method for determining sublethal toxicity. Acute toxicant exposure is known to cause decreases in swim performance in fish but less is known about how developmental exposure can cause persistent effects that hinder swimming. In addition, little is known about how triglyceride levels fluctuate during fish swimming upon both acute and developmental exposure to toxicant. In this thesis, two studies, one acute and one developmental, were carried out using two different toxicants in order to address these issues.<p> In order to examine acute effects, adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to ethanol vehicle or increasing concentrations of 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), a mitochondrial electron transport chain uncoupler, for a 24 h period. Following exposure, fish were placed in a swim tunnel for critical swimming speed (Ucrit) determination and swim motion analysis. Whole body triglyceride levels were then determined. Ucrit was decreased in a concentration dependent manner in both the 6 mg/L and 12 mg/L DNP exposure groups, with 6 mg/L DNP being considered sublethal and 12 mg/L approaching the LC50. A decrease in tail beat frequency was observed and is likely the main cause for the decrease in Ucrit in the DNP exposure groups. Triglyceride levels were elevated in a concentration dependent manner in the DNP exposure groups. This increase in triglyceride stores may be due to a behavioral adaption limiting swimming capabilities or due to a direct toxic action of DNP on lipid catabolism.<p> The second study examined whether developmental 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) exposure would cause persistent toxic effects. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to dimethyl sulfoxide control or increasing concentrations of TCDD between 2-4 days post fertilization (dpf). At 5 dpf, cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) activity was determined. Fish were raised to 90 dpf with mortalities and deformities being recorded at 5 dpf, 10 dpf, and 90 dpf. At 90 dpf, fish were placed in swim tunnel and Ucrit , swimming motion, and aerobic scope (oxygen consumption rate during exercise minus oxygen consumption rate during rest) were determined. Following swimming, some fish were used for whole body triglyceride analysis while others were used for histological examination. Ucrit was shown to be decreased in the two highest sublethal TCDD exposure groups (0.1 and 1 ng/L) but not in the lowest TCDD exposure group (0.01 ng/L). The exact cause of the decrease in Ucrit is not known, but may be linked to the observed decrease in dorsal aorta diameter, an inability to mobilize triglyceride stores, behavioral adaptations limiting swimming, decreased body length, or a combination of these factors. This TCDD related defect in swimming ability is not due to any increases in gross deformity or mortality rates, nor does it appear that CYP1A induction is required to mediate the toxic effects. Thus, it appears that examination of swim performance may serve as an effective measure of both sublethal acute and developmental toxicities.

The mechanism by which ionic lanthanum (La3+) increases and subsequently decreases spontaneous transmitter release was investigated by recording miniature endplate potentials (MEPPs) at frog neuromuscular junctions. Addition of tetrodotoxin and Co2+ delayed the onset of MEPP frequency increase but did not otherwise prevent the response. Dinitrophenol substantially reduced but did not eliminate the increase, whereas 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid8-(diethylamino) octyl ester (TMB-8) completely abolished it. Thus, La3+ does not act by depolarizing the terminal or by substituting for Ca2+ at transmitter release sites. Instead, it appears to enter the terminal through Na+ channels and promote Ca2+ release from intracellular organelles. The profound depletion of transmitter with time may be due to the high turnover of transmitter coupled with the inhibition of metabolic processes by La3+.

Die mitochondriale Entkopplung ist ein effektiver Weg, um die Thermogenese und basale metabolische Rate einer Zelle anzuheben. Im Versuchsaufbau mit malignen Zellen führte dies zu einer Apoptose. 2,4-DNP als spezifischer Entkoppler der Atmungskette zeigte in diesem Zusammenhang mittels LDH-Analysen an HACAT-, PA1-, BT20 und MDA-MB 231- Zellen eine dosisabhängige Wirkung auf die Zellproliferation in allen verwendeten Zelllinien, unter den verwendeten Tumorzellen am eindrucksvollsten bei den Ovarialkarzinom Zellen. Allen Zellarten gemeinsam war dabei eine Wachstumshemmung abhängig von der Länge der Inkubationszeit. Die mikrokalorimetrischen Analysen wurden an HACAT-, BT20- und MDA-MB 231- Zellen durchgeführt. Eine höhere 2,4-DNP-Konzentration führte dabei ebenfalls zu einer gesteigerten Wärmefreisetzung, wobei eine positive Korrelation zwischen Einwirkdauer und Wärmefreisetzung bestand. Eine signifikante Zytotoxizität ließ sich bei hohen DNP-Konzentrationen und bei langer Inkubationszeit in den PA1- und MDA-MB 231- Zelllinien nachweisen. MDA-MB 231- Zellen reagierten dabei besonders sensibel. In der aktuellen Tumortherapie bietet die Kombination von Alterationen der mitochondrialen und glykolytischen Abläufen neben den gängigen Behandlungsoptionen einen vielversprechenden Therapieansatz (8, 28). Durch den Einsatz von mitochondrialen Entkopplern als Ergänzung zu den herkömmlichen Therapieschemata könnte effektiv in den metabolischen Stoffwechsel der Zellen eingegriffen und neben der Tumorzellproliferation auch die Regression positiv beeinflusst werden. Das Ziel wäre, eine kontrollierte Apoptose bei möglichst wenigen systemischen Nebenwirkungen auszulösen. Hierzu werden im Rahmen der optimalen Dosisfindung für den Einsatz von 2,4-DNP jedoch weitere Versuchsansätze mit Inkubationszeiten von mindestens 48h benötigt. / Mitochondrial uncoupling is an effective way to raise the thermogenesis and basal metabolic rate of a cell. In the experimental setup with malignant cells, this led to apoptosis. In this context 2,4-DNP as a specific uncoupler of the respiratory chain showed a dose-dependent effect on cell proliferation in all cell lines used by means of LDH analyses on HACAT, PA1, BT20 and MDA-MB 231 cells. Among the used tumor cells this effect was most impressively documented in ovarian carcinoma cells. Common to all cell types was a growth inhibition dependent on the length of the incubation period. Microcalorimetric analyses were performed on HACAT, BT20, and MDA-MB 231 cells. A higher 2,4-DNP concentration also resulted in increased heat release, with a positive correlation between exposure time and heat release. Significant cytotoxicity was detected at high DNP concentrations and with long incubation times in the PA1 and MDA-MB 231 cell lines. MDA-MB 231 cells reacted particularly sensitively. In current tumor therapy, the combination of alterations of mitochondrial and glycolytic pathways offers a promising therapeutic approach in addition to current treatment options (8, 28). The use of mitochondrial uncouplers as an adjunct to conventional therapeutic regimens could effectively interfere with cell metabolism and positively influence regression in addition to tumor cell proliferation. The goal would be to induce controlled apoptosis with as few systemic side effects as possible. For this, however, further experimental approaches with incubation times of at least 48h are needed in the context of optimal dose finding for the use of 2,4-DNP.

Diabetes is closely associated with increased oxidative stress, especially originating from the mitochondria. A mechanism to reduce increased mitochondria superoxide production is to reduce the mitochondria membrane potential by releasing protons across the mitochondria membrane. This phenomenon is referred to as mitochondria uncoupling since oxygen is consumed independently of ATP being produced and can be mediated by Uncoupling Proteins (UCPs). However, increased oxygen consumption is potentially detrimental for the kidney since it can cause tissue hypoxia. Therefore, this thesis aimed to investigate the role of mitochondria uncoupling for development of diabetic nephropathy.      UCP-2 was demonstrated to be the only isoform expressed in the kidney, and localized to tubular segments performing the majority of tubular electrolyte transport. Streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats increased UCP-2 protein expression and correlated to increased non-transport dependent oxygen consumption in isolated proximal tubular cells. These effects were prevented by intense insulin treatment to the diabetic animals demonstrating a pivotal role of hyperglycemia. Importantly, elevated UCP-2 protein expression increased mitochondria uncoupling in mitochondria isolated from diabetic kidneys. Mitochondria uncoupling and altered morphology was also evident in kidneys from db/db-mice, a model of type-2 diabetes, together with proteinuria and glomerular hyperfiltration which are both clinical manifestations of diabetic nephropathy. Treatment with the antioxidant coenzyme Q10 prevented mitochondria uncoupling as well as morphological and functional alterations in these kidneys. Acute knockdown of UCP-2 paradoxically increased mitochondria uncoupling in a mechanism involving the adenosine nucleotide transporter. Increased uncoupling via adenosine nucleotide transporter decreased mitochondria membrane potential and kidney oxidative stress but did not affect glomerular filtration rate, renal blood flow, total kidney oxygen consumption or intrarenal tissue oxygen tension.      The role of increased mitochondria oxygen consumption was investigated by administering the chemical uncoupler dinitrophenol to healthy rats. Importantly, increased mitochondria oxygen consumption resulted in kidney tissue hypoxia, proteinuria and increased staining of the tubular injury marker vimentin, demonstrating a crucial role of increased oxygen consumption per se and the resulting kidney tissue hypoxia for the development of nephropathy.      Taken together, the data presented in this thesis establishes an important role of mitochondria uncoupling for the development of diabetic nephropathy.

Aging is a degenerative process characterized by a decline in physiological functions and cellular activities. Environmental and pharmacological interventions affecting longevity pathways have been extensively studied in model organisms. This study investigated the effect of chronic mild intermittent hypoxia (4 mg O2/L) or mild mitochondrial uncoupling with three doses of 0 (control), 0.1, 1, and 5 μM of 2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP), on life history and gene expression in four clones of Daphnia magna. Interestingly, clones from intermittent ponds displayed better tolerance to hypoxia and DNP. Although neither treatments extended longevity, hypoxia increased fecundity and body size, and decreased food consumption and respiration rate. We uncovered 12 candidate genes that were differentially expressed in hypoxia-tolerant and sensitive clones in response to hypoxia. Unexpectedly, DNP increased fecundity and mitochondrial membrane potential without affecting food intake. This work opens up an opportunity for genomic determination of the potentially important phenotypes in a model organism.

Les mécanismes impliqués dans les adaptations du phénotype métabolique musculaire au cours de l’exercice physique restent imparfaitement connus. Nous nous sommes intéressés au concept d’hormèse mitochondriale qui se définit comme un stress métabolique activant les voies de signalisation menant à une activation mitochondriale.En première partie, nous avons validé l’utilisation d’un nouveau système de mesure des échanges gazeux chez le rat au cours de différents exercices sur tapis roulant, et démontré que pour une vitesse de course sous maximale, un exercice en descente sollicite le système cardiovasculaire de façon modérée sans altérer la fonction mitochondriale musculaire, ni augmenter la production de radicaux libres oxygénés.En deuxième partie, nous avons montré qu’un découplage mitochondrial provoqué par un traitement des rats au 2,3-dinitrophénol (DNP) pendant 3 semaines engendre des adaptations métaboliques menant à l’augmentation de la masse mitochondriale du muscle squelettique. Ces animaux ont une capacité à l’exercice diminuée, malgré une augmentation de leur VO2max.Pour finir, nous avons montré qu’un préconditionnement par l’exercice protège la mitochondrie musculaire squelettique des effets délétères de l’ischémie-reperfusion. L’exercice semble activer le métabolisme via un phénomène d’hormèse mitochondriale permettant la protection musculaire. En conclusion, cette thèse nous montre d’une part l’importance de la mitochondrie (aspect quantitatif mais surtout qualitatif) en terme de limitation à l’exercice, et d’autre part nous suggère que l'optimisation du fonctionnement mitochondrial pourrait être une bonne garantie pour pouvoir lutter efficacement contre les stress, notamment oxydatifs, auxquels l'organisme est soumis en (quasi)permanence. / The mechanisms regulating the metabolic phenotype adaptations in skeletal muscle during physical exercise is still unknown.We studied the mitochondrial hormesis phenomenon that could be defined as a metabolic stress activating the signaling pathways leading to a mitochondrial stimulation (mitochondrial biogenesis).In the first part, we validated the utilization of a new system determining the gas exchange in rat during a treadmill exhaustive exercise. We showed that a submaximal downhill exercise activate moderately the cardiovascular system, without mitochondrial functional impairments and without any augmentation of the systemic ROS production. In the second part, we showed that a mitochondrial uncoupling following a dinitrophenol treatment during 3 weeks in rats induced some metabolic adaptations leading to a higher mitochondrial mass in skeletal muscle. The exercise capacity of these animals is reduced whereas the maximal oxygen consumption is higher.In the last part, we showed that a preconditioning protocol with an acute exercise protected the skeletal muscle mitochondria from the deleterious effects of ischemia-reperfusion. This exercise seems to activate the muscular metabolism via a phenomenon of mitochondrial hormesis activation, allowing an efficient muscular protection.In conclusion, this thesis shows the importance of the mitochondria in terms of qualitative and quantitative aspects and shows the participation of this organelle in the exercise limitation. Moreover, these works suggest that the optimization of the mitochondrial function could be a good guarantee in order to efficiently fight against oxidative stress at the level of the whole organism.