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CellBio, 2016, 5, 1-13
Published Online March 2016 in SciRes. http://www.scirp.org/journal/cellbio
http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/cellbio.2016.51001
How to cite this paper: Girin, S.V., Savinova, I.V., Antonenko, I.V. and Naumenko, N.V. (2016) The Effect of Ultra Low Con-
centrations of Some Biologically Active Substances on the Aerobic Respiration. CellBio, 5, 1-13.
http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/cellbio.2016.51001
The Effect of Ultra Low Concentrations of
Some Biologically Active Substances on
the Aerobic Respiration
Sergii V. Girin, Iryna V. Savinova, Iryna V. Antonenko, Natalia V. Naumenko
Cascade-Medical Reference Laboratory UBI, Glevakha, Ukraine
Received 17 February 2016; accepted 28 March 2016; published 31 March 2016
Copyright © 2016 by authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc.
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY).
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Abstract
For today it is known, that primary and secondary disorders of the aerobic respiration, which are
based on mitochondrial deficiency, lead to a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations and diseases.
Therefore, the question about effective correction of various types of energy exchange disorders
remains topical. Thus, the aim of our work was the study effect of the complex of biologically ac-
tive substances (BAS) in ultra low concentrations on the activity of key enzymes of aerobic energy
metabolism succinate dehydrogenase (EC 1.3.99.1) (SQR) and mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate
dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.99.5) (GPD2). The human lymphocytes assays were tested in vitro (22 do-
nors). In negative control lymphocytes, cell culture normal saline solution was added. Normal sa-
line solution with NaN3 was added in positive control lymphocytes cell culture. Experimental cell
culture contained NaN3 and BAS. Our investigations had been revealed increase SQR activity in the
experimental cell culture as compared with positive control culture throughout the time of expe-
riment (measurements were carried out at 4, 24, 48, 72 h of incubation). The SQR activity of expe-
rimental cell culture and negative control lymphocytes cell culture was equal up to 24 h of expe-
riment. It showed neutralization of NaN3 inhibitory effect (during 24 h) due to BAS influence. Ac-
tivity of base glycerophosphate shunt ferment GPD2 of experimental lymphocyte cell culture was
not different from GPD2 index in the negative control, but was lower than GPD2 activity in the
positive control. It also indicated neutralization NaN3 inhibitory effect due to BAS influence. So we
had found that extremely low concentrations of selected BAS with their complex impact on human
lymphocytes in vitro could effectively neutralize the inhibitory effect of NaN3 on processes of aero-
bic energy metabolism link.
Keywords
Energy Metabolism, Ultralow Concentrations, Succinate Dehydrogenase, Glycerol-3-Phosphate
Dehydrogenase
S. Girin et al.
2
1. Introduction
A key link of metabolism of any living system is an energy exchange. Both at the level of the whole organism,
and at the level of an individual cell, the energy exchange is a grandiose complex process, which is regulated by
multiplex and the subtlest manner and is organized in space and time.
Certainly the most important part of the energy metabolism is aerobic respiration. Due to this step energy ex-
change, organism receives most of the energy required for its life. Naturally, that practically any defects in the
link of aerobic energy metabolism lead to significant structural and functional impairment, starting from the
cellular level and ending with the whole organism. Currently, there are three type disorders of aerobic respira-
tion: primary—a consequence of innate nDNA and mtDNA defects, disturbances caused by somatic mutations
nDNA and mtDNA, and the so-called “energy-deficient diathesis” [1] [2].
For today it is known, that primary disorders of the aerobic respiration, which are based on mitochondrial de-
ficiency, lead to a wide spectrum of nosological form. All of them first of all are dependent on violation aerobic
respiration, as well as the degree of involvement in pathologic process of various tissues and organs. Mitochon-
drial medicine deals with issues of manifestation, prevention, epidemiology, diagnostic and therapy of mito-
chondrial diseases [3]-[6]. The clinical signs of mitochondrial failure are depend on type of aerobic respiration
disturbance [2] [7]. Thus, disturbance of aerobic link of energy exchange in nervous tissue can be realized in a
wide range of clinical signs from low tolerance to physical activity to severe encephalopathy, with the defeat of
the cardiovascular system from moderate cardiac arrhythmia to cardiomyopathies. The violation of aerobic level
of energy of nervous tissue can be implemented in a wide range of clinical signs low tolerance to physical load
and to severe encephalopathy, with the defeat of the cardiovascular system from mild cardiac arrhythmia to car-
diomyopathies. Aerobic respiration disorders, caused by somatic mutations in DNA and mtDNA, as well as
“energy deficiency diathesis” have less serious consequences for the organism (secondary disorder). However,
according to [7], the incidence of these disorders of aerobic energy exchange among children is about of 15% -
20%. It is important to note that with the age, this figure increases significantly and what its actual value is un-
known. Thus, a significant part of the population has more or less pronounced energy deficit, and as a result, it
needs effective and complex metabolic therapy, especially energotropic.
In the arsenal of doctors, there are several drugs able to activate specific inhibited reactions of energy ex-
change [8] [9]. However, some of them have low effectiveness while others have higher or lower toxicity.
That’s why it is not possible to use them for a long time. So the question about effective correction of various
types of energy exchange disorders remains topical [10]. Research activities on homeopathy in recent years, at
physical, chemical and biological levels with acceptable scientific norms and approach have paved the way for
more rigorous research, particularly at the molecular level to understand the physicochemical nature and me-
chanism of action of ultra-high dilutions [11]-[13]. This is the main reason which leads to significant increase of
preclinical and clinical trials of remedies which contain active substances in ultra low doses [14]-[16]. The
perspective of this remedies’ usage is determined by their safety, efficiency, better tolerability, almost total side
effects absence and many other advantages [12] [16]. Unfortunately, nowadays of the number of remedies, pro-
viding influence on the energy metabolism and containing active substances in ultra low doses is insufficient.
Moreover, their mechanism of action is still unclear. There is still an open question: how can such a small con-
centration cause changes in the intracellular energy exchange?
Therefore, the aim of our work was the study effect of the complex of biologically active substances (BAS) in
ultra low concentrations on the activity of key enzymes of aerobic energy metabolism succinate dehydrogenase
(SQR) and mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPD2).
2. Experimental Part
2.1. Materials
RPMI-1640 medium, Dulbecco’s phosphate buffered saline (PBS), Histopaque-1077 Hybri-Max®, Fetal Bovine
Serum (FBS), L-glutamine, penicillin-streptomycin, α-glycerol phosphate disodium salt hydrate, sodium
succinate dibasic hexahydrate, potassium phosphate monobasic, sodium phosphate dibasic dihydrate and sodium
hydroxide (Sigma-Aldrich Co., U.S.A.), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (Fluka Analytical, Switzer-
land), Janus green B, sodium azide, acetone and hydrochloric asid (Merck KGaA, Germany), trypan blue stain
(Gibco® by Life Technologis, U.S.A.), p-nitrotetrazolium violet (RPC “Sinbias”, Ukraine), consumables for cell
S. Girin et al.
3
culture, cytochemistry, etc. (Sarstedt AG&Co, Germany), tubes for blood sampling Venosafe® (Terumo Medical
Corporation, Japan). Investigated complex of BASes (complex preparations Coenzyme Compositum®, Ubichi-
non Compositum®) in ultra low concentrations (“Heel”, Germany).
2.2. Preparation of Primary Cultures of Human Lymphocytes
The object of the study were initial human lymphocytes, which are obtained from the blood of 20 adults, 10 men
and 10 women, aged 30 to 64 years, without obvious clinical symptoms of disease, serious chronic pathologies
and harmful habits. Blood sampling was carried out from the cubital vein into tubes with anticoagulant EDTA
(K2). Preparation of primary blood lymphocytes were performed using a sedimentation method [17] on the den-
sity gradient Histopaque-1077 Hybri-Max® (density 1.077 ± 0.001 g/ml). Before layering the blood on a density
gradient, it was diluted with sterile PBS without Ca2+ and Mg2+ of 1:1.25. Centrifugation was performed at 400 g
for 30 min. The mononuclear fraction of blood was washed three times with sterile PBS without Ca2+ and Mg2+.
The primary lymphocytes were separated from monocytes using adhesion of last on plastics. Mononuclear cells
were incubated in a Petri dish for 30 minutes. The cells in the lymphocyte fraction were counted and evaluated
viability in Goryaev chamber after trypan blue staining. Primary lymphocytes were cultured in PRMI-1640
which contained 100 ml of 5% FBS, 40 mM L-glutamine, 10,000 Units penicillin and 10 mg streptomycin. Cul-
tivation was carried out in sterile Petri dishes at 37˚C in an atmosphere which contained 5% CO2 and 95% hu-
midity.
2.3. Preparation of Cell Culture NaN3 and BAS Treated
Obtained pool of primary lymphocytes from one donor (1.5 ml suspension) was divided into three equal portions
of 0.5 ml which were added to 12 ml of the above medium and cultured as the negative control culture (K−),
positive control culture (K+) and experimental culture. At the expiration of the six-hour cultivation in the culture
of K+ and experimental culture of primary lymphocytes were added 0.5 ml of 448 mM solution of NaN3 in PBS
without Ca2+ and Mg2+, and 0.5 ml of PBS without Ca2+ and Mg2+ into culture K. After 24 hours of culturing,
from the moment of receiving primary lymphocytes, to the experimental culture of lymphocytes was added 1 ml
investigated complex of BAS diluted in a 0.9% solution of NaCl. Simultaneously, to the cultures K+ and K− was
added 0.9 ml 1% solution of NaCl. The final concentration of BAS in the respective cultures media of primary
lymphocytes was 3 × 106/ml, NaN3 16 mM (Table 1). This concentration of BAS substances are ultralow [18]. As
Table 1. Content of the complex biologically active substancesa.
Name of the substance The final concentration of
substances in the culture
medium (10−12 mol) Name of the substance
The final
concentration of
substances in the
culture medium
(10−12 mol)
Coenzym A
Ascorbic acid
Thiamine hydrochloride
Riboflavin sodium phosphate
Pyridoxine hydrochloride
Nicotinamide
Cis-aconitic acid
Сitriс acid
Fumaric acid
α-Ketoglutaric acid
Malic acid
Succinic acid
Barium oxalsuccinate
Sodium diethyl oxalacetate
Sodium pyruvate
Cysteine
Sulfur copy
0.47
223.11
113.20
106.89
191.18
321.75
2.05
1.86
3.08
2.45
2.66
3.03
0.01
170.06
3.25
294.68
11.25
Adenosintriphosphat-dinatrium
NAD
Magnesium hydrogen phosphate
Magnesium orotate dihydrate
Cerous oxalate
α-Lipoic acid
Ubidecarenone
Berberine
Lactic acid
Hydrochinon
Hexaketocyclohexane octahydrate
Antraqinone
Naphthoqinone
p-Benzoquinone
Acetylsalicylic acid
Histamine
Magnesium D-gluconate-dihydrate and other
0.01
0.55
236.88
96.39
0.55
173.28
0.01
40.43
396.43
0.32
0.01
0.01
0.02
0.03
0.01
0.01
0.01
aThis complex of biologically active substances in composition corresponds to the drug Ubiquinone compositum® and Coenzyme compositum® (Bi-
ologische Heilmittel Heel GmbH, Baden-Baden, Germany).
S. Girin et al.
4
a result it was formed K−, K+ and experimental cultures next compositions (Table 2).
Immediately before adding of the investigated complex BAS in experimental culture of primary cells and 0.9%
NaCl solution to the control cultures and also after 4, 24, 48 and 72 hours after that, we obtained lymphocytes
suspensions. Last were obtained by triple washing from the culture medium by PBS without Ca2+ and Mg2+
(centrifugation at 1200 g for 10 minutes.). In lymphocytes, using cytochemical methods of analysis, were deter-
mined the activity of key enzymes of energy metabolism-succinate dehydrogenase (SQR; EC 1.3.99.1) and mi-
tochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPD2; EC 1.1.99.5) [19].
2.4. Preparation for Cytochemical Investigations
For carrying out cytochemical investigation we prepared smears of primary lymphocyte from suspensions ob-
tained at different stages of the experiment. For this, in 3 µl of primary lymphocytes suspension were added 2 µl
of authentic plasma. Received suspension mixture of primary lymphocytes and plasma authentic applied as
small drops on a microscope slide. Touching upon drops, using cut glass and putting it at an angle of 45˚, we
made smears.
Fixation of smears preceded air drying of them over 2 hours to reduce the solubility of cellular components.
Dried smears were fixed for 30 seconds in 60% aqueous acetone solution saturated with EDTA. 60% aqueous
solution of acetone saturated with EDTA were prepared by mixing 60 ml of acetone and 40 ml of water, then
added EDTA to the termination its dissolvng. Fixed smears were washed with distilled water and dried in air at
room temperature. Obtained smears were used to determine the activity of SQR and GPD2.
Incubation of lymphocytes to determine the succinate dehydrogenase. SQR activity was determined by cyto-
chemical method. Smears of primary lymphocytes were incubated at 37˚C for 1 h in the medium of the compo-
sition described in Table 3. If required the pH was adjusted with 0.1 N sodium hydroxide solution or 0.1 N hy-
drochloric acid solution to pH = 7.3. Received incubation medium was stored at 4˚C not longer than 2 weeks.
Incubation of lymphocytes for determining glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. As GPD2, SQR activity was
determined by cytochemical method. Smears primary lymphocytes were incubated at 37˚C for 1 h in the me-
dium of the composition described in Table 4. The incubation medium had a pH = 7.3. If necessary, the pH was
adjusted to the required value using 0.1 N sodium hydroxide solution or 0.1 N hydrochloric acid. Obtained in-
cubation medium was stored at 4˚C up to two weeks.
2.5. Preparation, Micro Copying, Quantification of Succinate Dehydrogenase and
Glycerol-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Activity
All smears that were incubated for determining the activity of SQR, and for determining the activity of GPD2,
Table 2. Ingredients of primary lymphocyte cultures used in the experiment.
Characteristics of the culture
Medium of
cultivation
(RPMI-1640, FBS,
L-glutamine,
penicillin and
streptomycin), ml
Suspension of
primary
lymphocyte
(3 × 106
cells/ml), ml
Solution of
NaN3,
(concentration
448 mM), ml
PBS,
ml
Complex of
biologically
active
substances, ml
Solution of
NaCl,
(0.9%), ml
Culture of negative control (K−)
Culture of positive control (K+)
Experimental cultures
12
12
12
0.5
0.5
0.5
-
0.5
0.5
0.5
-
-
-
-
1.0
1.0
1.0
-
Table 3. Incubation medium composition for determining SQR.
Component Quantity, ml Quantity, mg
1/15 М solution of potassium dihydrogen phosphate
1/15 М solution of sodium dihydrogen phosphate
EDTA
p-nitrotetrazolium violet
sodium succinate dibasic hexahydrate
8
32
-
-
-
-
-
11
11
340
S. Girin et al.
5
Table 4. Incubation medium composition for determining SQR.
Component Quantity, ml Quantity, mg
1/15 М solution of potassium dihydrogen phosphate
1/15 М solution of sodium dihydrogen phosphate
EDTA
p-nitrotetrazolium violet
α-glycerol phosphate disodium salt hydrate
8
32
-
-
-
-
-
11
11
630
were washed with flowing water for 5 minutes and rinsed with distilled water. We carried out additional colora-
tion of lymphocyte nuclei by 0.5% Janus green B solution for 5 seconds to relieve identification of the lympho-
cytes. Smears were washed with running water for 5 minutes and rinsed with distilled water. Smears were dried
on the air. Cytochemical activity determination SQR and GPD2 based on the formation of formazan grains
(purple granules) of p-nitrotetrazolium violet, which acts as a hydrogen acceptor from substrates, that fave been
oxidated (sodium succinate dibasic hexahydrate for SQR and -glycerol phosphate disodium salt hydrate for
GPD2). To determine the activity of SQR and GPD2 used cytochemical basic principle-the activity of these en-
zymes in the respective incubated cell is proportional to the square of formazan grains in it. Area of formazan
grain was recorded using a light microscope AxioLab, A1 (Carl Zeiss, Germany) and camera AxioCam ERc5s
(Carl Zeiss, Germany). Each smear was analyzed by 34 lymphocytes. These images are processed by a computer
program UTHSCSA Image Tool, version 3.0 (The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio,
Texas, USA). In each lymphocyte area of formazan grains was measured. As a result, we received the sum of 34
cells from a smear in mm2. After this, we calculated the enzyme activity (SQR or GPD2), which numerically
differed by the average area of formazan grains in one cell. Activity was expressed in mm2/cell/hour.
2.6. Statistical Analysis
To estimate statistical significance of changes in the experimental samples, in comparison to the control, as K+
and K− used nonparametric sign test G. The critical level of significance for statistical criteria taken, so, that,
equals p < 0.05 [20].
3. Results
3.1. Approaches to Aerobic Chain Energy Exchange Status Assessment
One approach that provides the most objective picture of the state aerobic energy metabolism link are cyto-
chemical methods of research activity of its enzymes in lymphocytes in vitro. They makes possible to evaluate
the activity of enzymes in holistic cells, and mitochondrial enzymes, as in our case, in mitochondria, not de-
stroying it. Because of this, cytochemical research techniques are highly sensitive, specific, informative, but
most importantly the objectivity of the results [19]. That is why the cytochemical principle was chosen by us to
study activity of one of the key enzymes in aerobic respiration-SQR and GPD2.
In the experiment, for modeling of disorders in energy metabolism, six hours after obtaining of primary lym-
phocytes, in experimental culture and culture K+ NaN3 (final concentration of 16 mM) was added. As is well
known, this compound inhibits the complex IV work of the respiratory chain in mitochondria, which leads to
dysfunction of the whole cell energy metabolism.
3.2. SQR Activity Alteration in the Control and Experimental Lymphocytes’ Culture
In our research, at the initial stage of the experiment, after 18 hours of cultivation in the presence of NaN3, lym-
phocytes of the cultures K+ (Figure 1) and experimental culture (Figure 2), in time of determining the activity
of SQR, had a much smaller formazan grains area than the lymphocytes of culture K− (Figure 3). All this data
indicates about significant decreased activity of SQR, both in the experimental culture, and the culture K+. As
we can see in Figure 4 the average SQR activity in these cultures were 3.5 times less in comparison with the
activity of lymphocytes SQR K− (0 hours of cultivation in the presence of the investigated complex of BAS).
To identify the effect of the investigated complex of BAS on the energy exchange, this complex was added to
the experimental culture of lymphocytes that have been exposed NaN3. As a result, after only 4 hours of cultivation
S. Girin et al.
6
Figure 1. Cytochemical identification of SQR activity
in lymphocyte (positive control), after 18 hours of
NaN3 action. Example of a figure caption (figure cap-
tion).
Figure 2. Cytochemical identification of SQR activity
in lymphocytes (experimental culture) after 18 hours of
NaN3 action before adding of the investigated complex
of biologically active substances.
Figure 3. Cytochemical identification of SQR activity
in lymphocyte culture (negative control) after 18 hours
of PBS action on it.
S. Girin et al.
7
activity of SQR in experimental lymphocyte culture increased lymphocyte activity to a level K−, thus signifi-
cantly exceeded the SQR activity of culture K+ by 2.6-times (Figure 4). In Figure 5, we see that the area of the
lymphocytes K− formazan granules and experimental cultures (Figure 6) is much larger than the area of these
granules in cultures K+ lymphocytes (Figure 7).
Figure 4. SQR activity of lymphocytes.
Figure 5. Cytochemical identification of SQR activity in lymphocyte
culture (negative control) after 24 hours of PBS action and after 4
hours of NaCl action.
Figure 6. Cytochemical identification of SQR activity in lympho-
cytes (experimental culture) after 24 hours of NaN3 action, after 4
hours action of the complex of biologically active substances.
S. Girin et al.
8
Figure 7. Cytochemical identification of SQR activity in lym-
phocyte culture (positive control) after 24 hours of NaN3 action
and after 4 hours of action NaCl.
A similar picture was also observed after 24-hour exposure to of the investigated complex of BAS. SQR ac-
tivity of lymphocytes in the experimental samples was at the level of lymphocytes K− SQR activity, thus exceeding
this index of cultures K+ by 2.5 times. However, as seen in Figure 4, we found tendency to reduced activity of
SQR in experimental culture of lymphocytes. Confirmation of this was the 48-hour exposure by the investigated
complex of BAS to cells. At this stage of the experiment the activity of SQR lymphocyte in experimental culture
was higher by 1.9 times than the corresponding figure in the energy metabolism of lymphocytes K+ and was 1.7
times lower than the activity of SQR K−. The final stage of the experiment (72-hour exposure to a complex of
BAS) was characterized by a further decreasing in the SQR activity of lymphocytes in experimental culture. It
was only 1.3 times higher than the SQR activity of K+ lymphocytes, but at the same time was 2.1 times lower
than the SQR activity of lymphocytes K− (Figure 4).
3.3. GPD2 Activity Alteration in the Control and Experimental Lymphocytes’ Culture
Changes in SQR activity were followed by no less significant dynamic activity of GPD2 Thus it is necessary to
note that NaN3 can substantially activate mitochondrial GPD2. At the initial stage of the experiment, after 18
hours of cultivation in the presence of NaN3, lymphocytes cultures K+ (Figure 8) and experimental culture
(Figure 9), when determined the activity of GPD2, have a larger area of the formazan crystals than K− lympho-
cytes culture (Figure 10). This indicates about increasing of GPD2 activity, both in the experimental culture,
and the culture of K+. In general, the activity of GPD2 in these lymphocyte cultures was higher by 2.2 times than
the activity of GPD2 K− lymphocytes (Figure 11).
After adding into the experimental lymphocytes culture of the investigated BAS in ultra low concentrations,
there was a significant inhibition of GPD2. As a result, after only 4 hours of cultivation, the activity of GPD2
lymphocytes in experimental culture decreased to the level of activity in lymphocytes K− and became lower by
1.6 times than activity of GPD2 culture K+ (Figure 11). These changes are clearly visible in Figures 12-14.
Even more significant changes in the activity of GPD2 lymphocytes were identified at the end of 24 hour cul-
tivation in the presence of ultra low concentrations of the experimental BAS. At this stage of the experiment, the
activity of GPD2 lymphocytes experimental culture was 2.2 times lower than in cultures K+ (Figure 11). The
tendency at reduced activity of GPD2 lymphocytes in experimental culture relatively the culture of K+ remained
and after 48-hour cultivation with experimental complex of BAS. The activity of lymphocytes GPD2 in experi-
mental culture was less than the corresponding index in K+ lymphocytes by 2.3 times, and in fact as active as
GPD2 in K− (Figure 11). 72-hour joint action on lymphocytes by ultra low concentrations of BAS has caused at
least a significant reduction in GPD2 activity of the experimental samples than the previous three stages of the
experiment. Thus the activity of lymphocytes GPD2 experimental culture was only 1.3 times lower than in sam-
ples K+ while not statistically different from the activity of lymphocytes culture GPD2 K− (Figure 11).
S. Girin et al.
9
Figure 8. Cytochemical identification of GPD2 activity in
lymphocyte culture (positive control), after 18 hours of
NaN3 action on it.
Figure 9. Cytochemical identification of GPD2 activity in
lymphocytes (experimental culture) after 18 hours of
NaN3 action, before adding of the investigated complex of
biologically active substances.
Figure 10. Cytochemical identification of GPD2 activity
in lymphocyte culture (negative control), after 18 hours of
PBS action on it.
S. Girin et al.
10
Figure 11. GPD2 activity of lymphocytes.
Figure 12. Cytochemical identification of GPD2 activity in lym-
phocyte culture (positive control) after 24 hours of NaN3 action on
it, after 4 hours of NaCl action.
Figure 13. Cytochemical identification of GPD2 activity in lym-
phocyte (experimental culture) after 24 hours of NaN3 action on it,
after 4 hours of complex of biologically active substances action.
S. Girin et al.
11
Figure 14. Cytochemical identification of GPD2 activity in
lymphocyte culture (negative control) after 24 hours of PBS ac-
tion on it, after 4 hours of NaCl action.
4. Discussion
4.1. Certain Aspects of SDH and GPDH Functioning
As it is known, SQR and GPD2 catalyze some of the most important reactions of aerobic energy metabolism
link. Thus SQR in the citric acid cycle catalyzes the reversible oxidation of succinic acid to fumaric acid. The
electrons are transferred from the SQR directly to the respiratory chain complex II, and then on coenzyme Q,
which makes SQR a major enzymes of energy exchange. Mitochondrial GPD2 is the main component of the
glycerophosphate shuttle transfer mechanism of recovered equivalents from cytosol NADH to the mitochondrial
FAD [7].
4.2. Compensatory-Adaptive Response of SDH and GPDH to the NaN3 Influence
Conducted researches have allowed to reveal significant change in the activity of SQR and GPD2. At the initial
stage of the experiment, the inhibitory effect of NaN3 on aerobic respiration was realized through substantial
reduction of SQR activity with parallel activation of GPD2. These changes were observed in the K+ culture and
experimental culture after 18-hour cultivation with NaN3, before entering to the last of the experimental BAS.
Of course, such changes in the activity of enzymes in aerobic respiration were adaptive-compensatory response.
Reduced SQR activity in response to the impaired function of cytochrome C oxidase by azide undoubtedly wore
a compensatory character. It is known that the normal functioning of all the components of the respiratory chain
cannot be performed unless it is accompanied by phosphorylation of ADP. That is why, it is logical to inhibit
SQR in response to an impaired function of cytochrome C oxidase in the initial stage of the experiment (Figure
4). 0 hours of cultivation in the presence of the investigated complex of BAS. At the same time lack of ATP
synthesis in these conditions led to incorporation of cellular adaptation mechanisms—activate job glycerophos-
phate shunt, which was aimed on creating of the gradient of restored FAD, enough for resuming of the normal
respiratory chain functioning. This was expressed in the activation of mitochondrial function GPD2 (Figure 11).
0 hours of cultivation in the presence of the investigated complex of BAS.
4.3. The Effect of Ultra Low Concentrations of BAS on Activity of SQR and GPD2
Adding to the experimental lymphocyte culture of the investigated complex BAS and their subsequent cultiva-
tion for 4 hours led to significant changes in the activity of SQR and GPD2. Thus in the experimental lympho-
cyte culture has been rapid increase of SQR activity on the background of simultaneous inhibition of GPD2
(Figure 4 and Figure 11). It is important to note that the activity of these enzymes in experimental culture were
at the level of relevant indicators of culture K−. This may indicate only one thing-4 hours of cultivating experi-
mental lymphocyte culture with the investigated complex of BAS stabilize the processes of aerobic respiration
in it to the normal level. Parameters of functioning of the second complex in respiratory chain and glycerophos-
S. Girin et al.
12
phate shuttling mechanism in the experimental culture corresponded to the index K− culture, which was not ex-
posed by NaN3, and investigated complex of BAS.
This pattern was preserved in the next phase of the experiment. 24-hour of experimental lymphocyte culture
cultivation with the investigated complex of BAS has led to stabilize SQR and GPD2 activity to the level K−. At
the same time, in spite of significant excess activity of SQR in experimental culture, SQR activity in the culture
K+ had tendency for the relative decline in the first (Figure 4). At the same time, we didn’t observed significant
increase in GPD2 activity. In contrast, in comparison with the preceding stage of the experiment, it has de-
creased relative to the GPD2 activity culture K+ (Figure 11). In this case, we can state the fact, that the investi-
gated BAS used in ultra low concentrations is able in 24 hours effectively stabilize the aerobic link of energy
exchange which has undergone the action of NaN3.
Several other changes SQR activity was identified by us in the 48-hour action on experimental lymphocytes
culture of the investigated complex BAS used in ultra low concentrations. Although, as in the previous stage of
the experiment, the activity of SQR experimental culture exceeded that index in culture K+, but it was signifi-
cantly lower than SQR activity of culture K− (Figure 4). This may indicate a gradually decreased effect of in-
vestigated BAS in the complex II of the mitochondria respiratory chain. At the same time, low activity glycero-
phosphate shunt indicates about significant effect of the BAS complex on the link of intracellular aerobic respi-
ration. Activity of GPD2 in experimental culture was at the level K− culture thus was significantly lower than in
culture to K+ (Figure 11). All this indicates about significant energotropic effect of ultra low concentrations of
the experimental BAS in the complex 48-hour operation.
At the final stage of the experiment (72-hour incubation of experimental culture with a complex of BAS) ob-
served similar changes in the activity of the investigated enzymes, as in the previous stage. SQR activity in ex-
perimental cultures exceeded this index in culture K+, but at the same time the SQR activity was lower than in
culture K− (Figure 4). On this background activity of GPD2 in experimental culture was lower than in cultures
K+ (Figure 11). All this indicates about continuing effect of ultra low concentrations of the experimental BAS
on the intracellular aerobic respiration link.
5. Conclusions
So carried out researches have allowed to reveal the growth of SQR activity in the experimental lymphocyte
culture relatively culture K+ during the entire experiment. At the same time, activity of the main of enzyme gly-
cerophosphate shuttle mechanism-mitochondrial GPD2 in the experimental lymphocytes culture is significantly
lower relative to the corresponding index in K+ culture. All of this suggests powerful energotropic effect of ultra
low concentrations of experimental BAS in the lymphocyte aerobic element of energy exchange. It is also im-
portant to note relative decreasing of this effect starting from 48-hour incubation of experimental culture with
the complex of BAS. This is evidenced by decreased activity of SQR in the experimental lymphocyte culture,
relative to the corresponding index culture K−.
So we have found that extremely low concentrations of selected BAS with their complex impact on human
lymphocytes in vitro, can effectively neutralize the inhibitory effect of NaN3 on processes of aerobic energy
metabolism link. Certainly, a hard research work should be done for understanding the mechanism of ultra low
doses action of different substances and the chosen BAS complex in particular. We hope that our research will
shed light on solving the fundamental question, namely how such ultra low doses substances can lead to signifi-
cant biochemical, physiological, immunologic and other effects.
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