Rootstock effect on serotonin and nutritional quality of tomatoes produced under low temperature and light conditions

In this study, we explored the capacity of different tomato rootstocks to improve the nutritional value of tomatoes grown in a greenhouse during the winter–spring period under low temperature and light conditions. The results showed that relative to nongrafted plants, some grafted rootstocks either did not affect or had detrimental effects on the nutritional parameters measured. In addition, the amount of serotonin was significantly lower in tomatoes from all grafted rootstocks than in tomatoes from the nongrafted plants. Nevertheless, relative to the nongrafted plants, some grafted treatments increased total macroelements (by 1.16 times), total microelements (by 1.43 times), protein content (by 17%), free total and essential amino acids (by respectively 23% and 19%), total phenolic compounds (by 11%), vitamin C (by 13.8%), lycopene (by 48%), and also total hydrocinnamic acids (by 67%) and flavonoids (by 279%). As the grafted treatments did not increase the tomato yield, we hypothesize that these compounds accumulated in the tomatoes due to the lack of increased biomass, which prevented a dilution effect on the compounds of interest in the fruits.     

Sustained Release of Metformin via Red Blood Cell Accumulated Sulfenamide Prodrug

Metformin is a first-line antidiabetic drug to treat type 2 diabetes. It is rapidly eliminated from plasma but also accumulated into red blood cells (RBCs) from which it is slowly released back into plasma. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the amount of metformin in the RBCs could be increased by a sulfenamide prodrug approach, which could provide longer duration of metformin in systemic circulation. Pharmacokinetic properties of metformin and its cyclohexyl sulfenamide prodrug were evaluated in plasma and in whole blood after intravenous and oral administration in rats. Once the sulfenamide prodrug reached the bloodstream, it was rapidly and efficiently accumulated into the RBCs, where it was converted to metformin by free thiols. The RBC–whole blood ratio of metformin was increased approximately from 42% to 96% when metformin was administered intravenously as its sulfenamide prodrug, and the proportion of metformin in the RBCs was found to be concentration and time independent. Because metformin was slowly liberated into plasma, the prodrug showed a sustained-release pharmacokinetic profile and longer plasma half-life for metformin after oral administration. Therefore, this sulfenamide prodrug has great potential to improve metformin therapy as the daily doses could be reduced.     

Evaluation of the protective efficacy of four newly identified surface proteins of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is the causative agent of animal erysipelas and human erysipeloid. Bacterial surface proteins are promising vaccine candidates. We recently identified 3 E. rhusiopathiae surface proteins (GAPDH, HP0728, and HP1472) and characterized their roles as virulence factors. However, their efficacy as protective antigens is still unknown. The N-terminal region of a previously identified surface protein, CbpB (CbpB-N), is speculated to be a protective antigen, but this needs to be verified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective efficacy of GAPDH, HP0728, HP1472, and CbpB-N. Immunization with recombinant GAPDH provided complete protection in a mouse model, recombinant CbpB-N provided partial protection, while recombinant HP0728 and HP1472 provided no protection. Recombinant GAPDH also provided good protection in a pig model. GAPDH antiserum exhibited significant blood bactericidal activity against E. rhusiopathiae. In conclusion, GAPDH and CbpB-N were found to be protective antigens of E. rhusiopathiae, and GAPDH is a promising vaccine candidate.