Showing papers on "Nitrite published in 2015"

Complete nitrification by Nitrospira bacteria

Abstract: Nitrification, the oxidation of ammonia via nitrite to nitrate, has always been considered to be a two-step process catalysed by chemolithoautotrophic microorganisms oxidizing either ammonia or nitrite. No known nitrifier carries out both steps, although complete nitrification should be energetically advantageous. This functional separation has puzzled microbiologists for a century. Here we report on the discovery and cultivation of a completely nitrifying bacterium from the genus Nitrospira, a globally distributed group of nitrite oxidizers. The genome of this chemolithoautotrophic organism encodes the pathways both for ammonia and nitrite oxidation, which are concomitantly activated during growth by ammonia oxidation to nitrate. Genes affiliated with the phylogenetically distinct ammonia monooxygenase and hydroxylamine dehydrogenase genes of Nitrospira are present in many environments and were retrieved on Nitrospira-contigs in new metagenomes from engineered systems. These findings fundamentally change our picture of nitrification and point to completely nitrifying Nitrospira as key components of nitrogen-cycling microbial communities.

Comparison of Oxidation Kinetics of Nitrite-Oxidizing Bacteria: Nitrite Availability as a Key Factor in Niche Differentiation

Abstract: Nitrification has an immense impact on nitrogen cycling in natural ecosystems and in wastewater treatment plants. Mathematical models function as tools to capture the complexity of these biological systems, but kinetic parameters especially of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) are lacking because of a limited number of pure cultures until recently. In this study, we compared the nitrite oxidation kinetics of six pure cultures and one enrichment culture representing three genera of NOB (Nitrobacter, Nitrospira, Nitrotoga). With half-saturation constants (Km) between 9 and 27 μM nitrite, Nitrospira bacteria are adapted to live under significant substrate limitation. Nitrobacter showed a wide range of lower substrate affinities, with Km values between 49 and 544 μM nitrite. However, the advantage of Nitrobacter emerged under excess nitrite supply, sustaining high maximum specific activities (Vmax) of 64 to 164 μmol nitrite/mg protein/h, contrary to the lower activities of Nitrospira of 18 to 48 μmol nitrite/mg protein/h. The Vmax (26 μmol nitrite/mg protein/h) and Km (58 μM nitrite) of "Candidatus Nitrotoga arctica" measured at a low temperature of 17°C suggest that Nitrotoga can advantageously compete with other NOB, especially in cold habitats. The kinetic parameters determined represent improved basis values for nitrifying models and will support predictions of community structure and nitrification rates in natural and engineered ecosystems.

Nitrate reduction to nitrite, nitric oxide and ammonia by gut bacteria under physiological conditions.

Abstract: The biological nitrogen cycle involves step-wise reduction of nitrogen oxides to ammonium salts and oxidation of ammonia back to nitrites and nitrates by plants and bacteria. Neither process has been thought to have relevance to mammalian physiology; however in recent years the salivary bacterial reduction of nitrate to nitrite has been recognized as an important metabolic conversion in humans. Several enteric bacteria have also shown the ability of catalytic reduction of nitrate to ammonia via nitrite during dissimilatory respiration; however, the importance of this pathway in bacterial species colonizing the human intestine has been little studied. We measured nitrite, nitric oxide (NO) and ammonia formation in cultures of Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species grown at different sodium nitrate concentrations and oxygen levels. We found that the presence of 5 mM nitrate provided a growth benefit and induced both nitrite and ammonia generation in E.coli and L.plantarum bacteria grown at oxygen concentrations compatible with the content in the gastrointestinal tract. Nitrite and ammonia accumulated in the growth medium when at least 2.5 mM nitrate was present. Time-course curves suggest that nitrate is first converted to nitrite and subsequently to ammonia. Strains of L.rhamnosus, L.acidophilus and B.longum infantis grown with nitrate produced minor changes in nitrite or ammonia levels in the cultures. However, when supplied with exogenous nitrite, NO gas was readily produced independently of added nitrate. Bacterial production of lactic acid causes medium acidification that in turn generates NO by non-enzymatic nitrite reduction. In contrast, nitrite was converted to NO by E.coli cultures even at neutral pH. We suggest that the bacterial nitrate reduction to ammonia, as well as the related NO formation in the gut, could be an important aspect of the overall mammalian nitrate/nitrite/NO metabolism and is yet another way in which the microbiome links diet and health.

Alternatives to nitrite in processed meat: Up to date

Abstract: Nitrite has been used in different meat products mainly to maintain their microbial quality, flavor, and color and to prevent lipid oxidation. Since consumer demand for organic or natural meat products has increased due to the concerns of health risk of synthetic additives, the meat industry is currently focusing on the development of nitrite alternatives. This paper reviews the potential alternatives to replace nitrite salts that are used completely or partially in the manufacturing of meat products.

Nitrate and nitrite in the diet: How to assess their benefit and risk for human health

Abstract: Nitrate is a natural constituent of the human diet and an approved food additive. It can be partially converted to nitrogen monoxide, which induces vasodilation and thereby decreases blood pressure. This effect is associated with a reduced risk regarding cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Moreover, dietary nitrate has been associated with beneficial effects in patients with gastric ulcer, renal failure, or metabolic syndrome. Recent studies indicate that such beneficial health effects due to dietary nitrate may be achievable at intake levels resulting from the daily consumption of nitrate-rich vegetables. N-nitroso compounds are endogenously formed in humans. However, their relevance for human health has not been adequately explored up to now. Nitrate and nitrite are per se not carcinogenic, but under conditions that result in endogenous nitrosation, it cannot be excluded that ingested nitrate and nitrite may lead to an increased cancer risk and may probably be carcinogenic to humans. In this review, the known beneficial and detrimental health effects related to dietary nitrate/nitrite intake are described and the identified gaps in knowledge as well as the research needs required to perform a reliable benefit/risk assessment in terms of long-term human health consequences due to dietary nitrate/nitrite intake are presented.

The oral microbiome and nitric oxide homoeostasis

Abstract: The tiny radical nitric oxide (NO) participates in a vast number of physiological functions including vasodilation, nerve transmission, host defence and cellular energetics. Classically produced by a family of specific enzymes, NO synthases (NOSs), NO signals via reactions with other radicals or transition metals. An alternative pathway for the generation of NO is the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway in which the inorganic anions nitrate (NO(3)(-)) and nitrite (NO(2)(-)) are reduced to NO and other reactive nitrogen intermediates. Nitrate and nitrite are oxidation products from NOS-dependent NO generation but also constituents in our diet, mainly in leafy green vegetables. Irrespective of origin, active uptake of circulating nitrate in the salivary glands, excretion in saliva and subsequent reduction to nitrite by oral commensal bacteria are all necessary steps for further NO generation. This central role of the oral cavity in regulating NO generation from nitrate presents a new and intriguing aspect of the human microbiome in health and disease. In this review, we present recent advances in our understanding of the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway and specifically highlight the importance of the oral cavity as a hub for its function.

Effects of plant polyphenols and α-tocopherol on lipid oxidation, residual nitrites, biogenic amines, and N-nitrosamines formation during ripening and storage of dry-cured bacon

Abstract: Effects of plant polyphenols (green tea polyphenols (GTP) and grape seed extract (GSE)) and α-tocopherol on physicochemical parameters, lipid oxidation, residual nitrite, microbiological counts, biogenic amines, and N- nitrosamines were determined in bacons during dry-curing and storage. Results show that plant polyphenols and α-tocopherol significantly decreased pH, lipid oxidation (formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and residual nitrite content compared with control ( P N- nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) contents in dry-cured bacons were significantly affected by plant polyphenols or α-tocopherol ( P Enterobacteriaceae , and biogenic amines (putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, tyramine and spermine), as well as in inhibiting the NDMA formation ( P

Ammonium sorption and ammonia inhibition of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria explain contrasting soil N2O production.

Abstract: Ammonium sorption and ammonia inhibition of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria explain contrasting soil N 2 O production

Characterization of incubation experiments and development of an enrichment culture capable of ammonium oxidation under iron-reducing conditions

Abstract: . Incubation experiments were conducted using soil samples from a forested riparian wetland where we have previously observed anaerobic ammonium oxidation coupled to iron reduction. Production of both nitrite and ferrous iron was measured repeatedly during incubations when the soil slurry was supplied with either ferrihydrite or goethite and ammonium chloride. Significant changes in the microbial community were observed after 180 days of incubation as well as in a continuous flow membrane reactor, using 16S rRNA gene PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, 454 pyrosequencing, and real-time quantitative PCR analysis. We be Acidimicrobiaceae bacterium A6), belonging to the Acidimicrobiaceae family, whose closest cultivated relative is Ferrimicrobium acidiphilum (with 92% identity) and Acidimicrobium ferrooxidans (with 90% identity), might play a key role in this anaerobic biological process that uses ferric iron as an electron acceptor while oxidizing ammonium to nitrite. After ammonium was oxidized to nitrite, nitrogen loss proceeded via denitrification and/or anammox.

Evaluation of p-cymene, a natural antioxidant.

Abstract: Context: Several studies have demonstrated that essential oils and their major components have antioxidant activity. p-Cymene is a monoterpene and a major constituent of essential oils of various species of plants.Objective: This paper evaluated the antioxidant potential of p-cymene in the hippocampus of mice by determining the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), nitrite content, and activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD).Materials and methods: Swiss mice were intraperitoneally treated with 0.05% Tween 80 dissolved in 0.9% saline solution, ascorbic acid 250 mg/kg, and p-cymene at doses of 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg, respectively. After treatment, all groups were observed for 24 h, afterwards, the groups were euthanized for removal of the brain and dissection of the hippocampus.Results: The results of treatment with p-cymene were a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation and nitrite content at a dose of CYM 50: 65.54%, CYM 100: 73.29%, CYM 150: 89.83%, and C...

Simple synthesis of worm-like Au-Pd nanostructures supported on reduced graphene oxide for highly sensitive detection of nitrite

Abstract: In this work, we developed a simple wet-chemical method for fabrication of worm-like Au–Pd nanostructures uniformly supported on reduced graphene oxide (Au–Pd/rGO), only with the assistance of polyethylene glycol monooleyl ether (Brij-35) as a growth-directing agent, a stabilizing agent, and a mild reducing agent. The as-prepared nanocomposites showed improved analytical performance for nitrite detection, which was further explored to construct a nitrite sensor with fast response, wide linear range from 0.05 to 1000.0 μM, low detection limit of 0.02 μM ( S / N = 3), good reproducibility, and long-term stability.

Heteroatom-enriched and renewable banana-stem-derived porous carbon for the electrochemical determination of nitrite in various water samples

Abstract: For the first time, high-surface-area (approximately 1465 m(2) g(-1)), highly porous and heteroatom-enriched activated carbon (HAC) was prepared from banana stems (Musa paradisiaca, Family: Musaceae) at different carbonization temperatures of 700, 800 and 900 °C (HAC) using a simple and eco-friendly method. The amounts of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulfur in the HAC are 61.12, 2.567, 0.4315, and 0.349%, respectively. Using X-ray diffraction (XRD), CHNS elemental analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy, the prepared activated carbon appears amorphous and disordered in nature. Here, we used HAC for an electrochemical application of nitrite (NO2(-)) sensor to control the environmental pollution. In addition, HAC exhibits noteworthy performance for the highly sensitive determination of nitrite. The limit of detection (LODs) of the nitrite sensor at HAC-modified GCE is 0.07 μM. In addition, the proposed method was applied to determine nitrite in various water samples with acceptable results.

Development of a novel nitrite electrochemical sensor by stepwise in situ formation of palladium and reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites

Abstract: In this paper, a novel and sensitive electrochemical nitrite sensor was prepared by in situ electroless deposition of Pd nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) stepwisely on a glassy carbon electrode. The deposition process was very fast and the amount of Pd/RGO deposited on the electrode was well controlled by the number of the deposition cycle. The fabrication process was monitored by UV-vis spectroscopy, and the as prepared composites were characterized by FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, XRD and SEM. The results confirmed the successful formation of Pd and the chemical reduction of graphene oxides. Moreover, the incorporation of Pd in between RGO sheets effectively prevented the agglomeration of RGO. The Pd/RGO modified electrode exhibited significant enhancement to the oxidation of nitrite with increased current response and reduced over-potential which was a result of the synergistic catalytic effect of RGO and Pd nanoparticles. The influence of various experimental parameters on the detection of nitrite was studied in detail. Under optimum conditions, the developed nitrite sensor had a linear response in the concentration range of 1–1000 μM and a detection limit of 0.23 μM. Additionally, the fabricated nitrite sensor showed excellent selectivity, reproducibility and stability.

Regulation of dissolved oxygen from accumulated nitrite during the heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification of Pseudomonas stutzeri T13.

Abstract: The nitrogen-removing characteristics of Pseudomonas stutzeri T13, a heterotrophic nitrifying-aerobic denitrifying bacterium, were investigated. The ammonium and nitrate removal of the bacterium was found to reach nearly 100 % at 15 h. However, the total nitrogen (TN) removal rate reached only about 23.47 % because of the dramatic accumulation of nitrite at a high dissolved oxygen (DO) level (160 rpm). The process of nitrite reduction was found to be the bottleneck for the efficiency of aerobic denitrification. Decreasing the shaking speed from 160 to 50 rpm to lower the DO concentration during cultivation was an effective method of improving nitrite utilization because nitrite removal increased from 62.37 to 100 %. The 99.21 % capability of simultaneous heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification with TN removal was achieved at a relatively low DO level (50 rpm).

NADPH Oxidase in the Renal Microvasculature Is a Primary Target for Blood Pressure–Lowering Effects by Inorganic Nitrate and Nitrite

Abstract: Renal oxidative stress and nitric oxide (NO) deficiency are key events in hypertension. Stimulation of a nitrate–nitrite–NO pathway with dietary nitrate reduces blood pressure, but the mechanisms or target organ are not clear. We investigated the hypothesis that inorganic nitrate and nitrite attenuate reactivity of renal microcirculation and blood pressure responses to angiotensin II (ANG II) by modulating nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity and NO bioavailability. Nitrite in the physiological range (10 −7 –10 −5 mol/L) dilated isolated perfused renal afferent arterioles, which were associated with increased NO. Contractions to ANG II (34%) and simultaneous NO synthase inhibition (56%) were attenuated by nitrite (18% and 26%). In a model of oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase-1 knockouts), abnormal ANG II–mediated arteriolar contractions (90%) were normalized by nitrite (44%). Mechanistically, effects of nitrite were abolished by NO scavenger and xanthine oxidase inhibitor, but only partially attenuated by inhibiting soluble guanylyl cyclase. Inhibition of NADPH oxidase with apocynin attenuated ANG II–induced contractility (35%) similar to that of nitrite. In the presence of nitrite, no further effect of apocynin was observed, suggesting NADPH oxidase as a possible target. In preglomerular vascular smooth muscle cells and kidney cortex, nitrite reduced both basal and ANG II–induced NADPH oxidase activity. These effects of nitrite were also abolished by xanthine oxidase inhibition. Moreover, supplementation with dietary nitrate (10 −2 mol/L) reduced renal NADPH oxidase activity and attenuated ANG II–mediated arteriolar contractions and hypertension (99±2–146±2 mm Hg) compared with placebo (100±3–168±3 mm Hg). In conclusion, these novel findings position NADPH oxidase in the renal microvasculature as a prime target for blood pressure–lowering effects of inorganic nitrate and nitrite.